【推荐1】Budget Hotels (经济型酒店) in Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is one of the most central areas in London. There are many traditional-style small hotels. The hotels listed below are our picks of the best budget hotels in the area.

Arosfa Hotel

Arosfa Hotel lies on the corner of Torrington Place and Gower St. The Arosfa was once the home of the famous Pre-Raphaelite painter, Sir John Everett Millais. The hotel takes pride in the quality, cleanliness and value that they offer to their guests. For your comfort and safety, smoking inside the hotel is not allowed.

Address: 83 Gower St, London, WC1

Breakfast: English breakfast

Internet service: Free WiFi and two personal computers for guests

George Hotel

The George is a friendly and comfortable smoke-free hotel on a quiet street in North Bloomsbury. All rooms have a work desk and tea/coffee facilities are provided. It’s only a 10-minute walk from King’s Cross, St Pancras railway station and Euston railway station.

Address: 58-60 Cartwright Gds, London, WC1

Breakfast: English breakfast

Internet service: Free WiFi

Ridgemount Hotel

The Ridgemount is one of the cheapest hotels in the area. A friendly place and the standard rooms with shared bathrooms are provided for guests. You can speak Welsh or English with the hotel workers. They will be happy to provide useful advice on the area.

Address: 65-67 Gower St, London, WC1

Breakfast: English breakfast

Internet service: Free WiFi

Arran House Hotel

The Arran House is a popular family-run hotel. It’s a little more expensive than the other hotels in the area. Rooms with shared bathrooms are provided.

Address: 77-79 Gower St, London, WC1

Breakfast: English breakfast

Internet service: Free WiFi

1. What makes Arosfa Hotel different from the other three?

A．It is run by a family.	B．It provides free WiFi.
C．There is a smoking area.	D．It offers personal computers.

2. What do we know about George Hotel ?

A．It’s near some stations.	B．It doesn’t offer free breakfast.
C．Guests can smoke in the rooms.	D．It provides travel advice for tourists.

3. Which hotel should you choose if you want a cheap room with shared bathrooms?

A．Arosfa Hotel.	B．George Hotel.
C．Ridgemount Hotel.	D．Arran House Hotel.

【推荐2】With its subtle(微妙的)rules on tipping and not-so-subtle rules about carrying ID,Las Vegas is better enjoyed after a little research.This smart booklet will save you the bother.

Tipping Las Vegas runs on tips.You should hand a dollar bill to the waiting staff who get you a drink,and the doorman who whistles you up a taxi.Taxi drivers and restaurant waiting staff should get 15%-20%(most bills do not include service charge);tour guides $5-$10;and you're oven expected to leave S2-S5 a day at the end of your hotel stay for the housekeeping staff you may never actually meet. On the plus side, the customer service in Las Vegas is second to none:if you tip well for a round of drinks in a club，for instance, a good waiter will later pick you out of the crowd and pour your drinks while you're still sitting in the fourth row.	Getting around The airport is close to the centre.You can catch a shuttle to the major hotels for$11-$15,or get a quicker taxi for about $25.(Walking on the Strip is fun for people-watching, with elevated pedestrian walkways.A monorail runs from the MGM Grand to SLS with stops at: Bally's and Paris;the Flamingo; Harrah's and The LINQ;Las Vegas Convention Center and Westgate Vegas. A double-decker bus called the Deuce also runs all the way up the Strip to Fremont Street in the Downtown area.
Areas When you think of Las Vegas,you're thinking of the Strip:a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard,about four miles long,packed with hotels and casinos(娱乐场所)that extends from the Mandalay Bay hotel in the south to the SLS hotel in the north.There are two skyscraper hotels a little to the east,Palms and the Rio,and some smaller.cheaper ones to the west.The other great area for the visitor is Downtown.four miles north of the central Strip.Don't think you've seen Las Vegas without visiting it.	Health Especially in summer,make sure you stay well hydrated(含水的).All casinos and hotels are air-conditioned,sometimes heavily:consider carrying a jumper or jacket even during the summer.In the case of a medical emergency,call 911 or ask your hotel doorman for assistance.
	Other essentials Carry ID with proof of age (passport or driving licence) if you are going to a club;it will be checked no matter how old you! appear.

To find out more about holidays in Las Vegas, check out visitinglasvegas.com

1. Which of the following   is true of Las Vegas?

A．The Strip is one of its cultural symbols.

B．The age of club-goers is not necessarily to be checked

C．Visitors had better carry jumpers due to the rainy summer

D．Visitors can get an excellent customer service if they tip well.

2. There are       means of transport for visitors to choose from if they want to get around                    .

A．3	B．4
C．5	D．6

3. This smart booklet is meant to             .

A．tell visitors what they must know about the destination

B．help visitors learn about local customs and lifestyle

C．impress visitors with a cost-saving too

D．inspire more visitors to tour the city

【推荐1】In the UK, the best racecourses (赛马场) are in all corners of the country, which means that it is accessible for all fans of the sport to see the biggest stars. So, what are the four best racecourses in the UK?

Cheltenham

Nothing comes close to excitement levels when the Cheltenham Festival is approaching. It is the home of National Hunt racing, and every year millions of fans are glued to the horse racing on the track. It is the festival for the die-hard lovers of the sport, as the racing takes front and centre of the attention as the biggest prizes are handed out.

Aintree

The race that draws the viewers to the sport is the Grand National. The race is an essential part of British life, as everyone makes a habit of watching the race annually with friends and family. It is a perfect course for visitors too, as it is situated just a short distance outside of Liverpool. There is extra emphasis on fashion when attending Aintree.

Ascot

For lovers of flat racing (无障碍平地赛马), Ascot meetings are a must. The biggest of the season is Royal Ascot, which is one of the most fashionable race days on the calendar, as all visitors entering certain zones must be wearing a top hat. However, there is no better reason to get dressed up.

Newmarket

Newmarket is a hotbed full of racing fans, and is a must-visit for all lovers of the sport. It is the headquarters of flat racing, as the whole town is devoted to the sport. There are two racecourses, the July Course and the Rowley Mile. The final race day of the season takes place in October. Regardless of when you visit in the season, you will feast your eyes!

1. What is the highlight of Cheltenham Festival?

A．It offers grand awards.	B．It invites millions of fans.
C．It promotes the local tourism.	D．It attracts a lot of film stars.

2. What do Aintree and Ascot have in common?

A．They are team-centred.	B．They are for flat racing.
C．They are for royal family.	D．They are fashion-featured.

3. Which of the following is the passage probably taken from?

A．A play review.	B．A travel guide.
C．A fashion magazine.	D．A university newspaper.

【推荐2】EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA

HOT ATTRACTIONS

RIVERBANKS ZOO & GARDEN

It is home to more than 2,000 animals and one of the nation’s most beautiful botanical gardens. With more than 350 species from around the world, Riverbanks Zoo is one of the largest mid-sized zoos in the country.

Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily.

Admission: Adults(13-61) $19.95; Children(2-12) $16.95

EDVENTURE

The South’s largest children’s museum has 300 exhibits to inspire children to experience the joy of learning. Where else but EdVenture can children drive a real fire truck, anchor the news or visit another country?

Hours: Monday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: Members Free; Children and Adults $11.95

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM

The stories of South Carolina come alive through the exhibits and collections of the State Museum. Plus, a new 4D theater provides popular movies that excite all ages. Museum members are invited to night-sky observing on Tuesday nights!

Hours: Mon., Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tues.:10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sat.:10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun.: Noon-5 p.m.

Admission: Adults(13-61) $8.95; Children(3-12) $6.95

SALUDA SHOALS PARK

Saluda Shoals Park is a sensitive riverfront park that invites visitors to experience the treasures of the Saluda River through exceptional educational and cultural opportunities.

Fun-filled Family Activities Nightly! (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas night) Free for activities: apply with Holiday Lights admission ($20/car; $40/15-passenger vehicle; $60/bus).

1. How much should a young couple with a 4-year-old son pay to enjoy various plants and animals?

A．$24.85.	B．$20
C．$56.85.	D．$35.85.

2. Which attraction best suits a child interested in broadcasting news?

A．EdVenture.	B．The State Museum.
C．Saluda Shoals Park.	D．Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.

3. Which of the following is available to all tourists in the State Museum?

A．Having a fantastic visual feast at 1:00 p.m.

B．Visiting the exhibits on Sunday morning.

C．Enjoying free family activities every night.

D．Observing the amazing night sky on Friday nights.

【推荐1】I think that the most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen, Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention, and especially if it's given from the heart. When people are talking, there's no need to do anything but receive them. Just take them in. Listen to what they’re saying Care about it. Most times caring about it is even When we interrupt what someone is saying to let him know that we understand, we move the more important than understanding it.

When we interrupt what someone is saying to let him know that we understand, we move the focus of attention to ourselves. When we listen, he knows we care. Many people with cancer can talk about the relief of having someone just listen.

I have even leaned to respond to someone crying by just listening. In the old days I used to reach for the tissues(纸巾), until I realized that passing a person a tissue may be just another way to shut him down, to take him out of his experience of sadness and grief(悲痛，悲伤) Now I just listen. When they have cried all they need to cry, they find me there with them.

The simple thing has not been that easy to learn. It certainly went against everything I had been taught since I was very young. I thought people listened only because they were too timid to speak or did not know the answer. A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the well-intentioned(出于好心的) words.

1. When we communicate with others we had better_______.

A．listen more	B．understand more
C．speak more	D．look here and there

2. It is very difficult for us to learn to listen because_______.

A．we may know the answer.	B．we have an interesting topic.
C．parents teach us to speak.	D．it goes against what we have been taught.

3. What is probably the best title for this article?

A．Listening and talking	B．Listen, just listen
C．Listening is not easy to learn	D．How to comfort others

【推荐2】One in five women and one in eight men are becoming more tired and less productive, according to a new Australian study on mobile phone use.

Led by the Queensland University of Technology in Australia, researchers surveyed 709 mobile phone users across the country aged 18 to 83 and asked them a series of questions based on a similar study 13 years ago. Identifying a phenomenon "technoference (科技干扰)", researchers discovered a significant increase in people blaming their devices for losing sleep, becoming less productive and even getting more aches and pains".

According to the study's lead author Dr Oscar, the issue is so bad that 24 percent of women and 15 percent of men are now considered to be " problematic mobile phone users". "When we talk about technoference, we're referring to the everyday intrusions (侵入)and interruptions that people experience due to mobile phones and their usage," he said. "Our survey found technoference had increased among men and women. For example, self-reports relating to the loss of sleep and productivity showed that these negative outcomes had significantly increased during the last 13 years. This finding suggests that mobile phones are potentially increasingly affecting aspects of daytime functioning due to lack of sleep. "

Compared to a 2005 study, "technoference" issues for 18 to 24-year-old experienced a surprising 40. 9 percent rise, while those aged 25 to 29 also recorded a dramatic increase of 23. 5 percent.

Oscar said that with the number of smartphone users around the world expected to surpass 2. 5 billion before the end of this year, the problem of "technoference" could get even worse. "The speed and depth of smartphone take-up makes our population particularly vulnerable to some of the negative consequences of high mobile phone use." he said. "Rapid technological innovations have led to dramatic changes in today's mobile phone technology, which can improve the quality of life for phone users but also result in some negative outcomes. "

1. How are people affected by technoference according to the text?

A．It makes people addicted to communicating online.

B．It pushes people to work at a fast pace.

C．It causes people to sleep less at night.

D．It brings negative outcomes to people of all ages.

2. Which group are most influenced by smartphones?

A．Young women.	B．Young man
C．Children.	D．Seniors.

3. What does the underlined word "vulnerable" in paragraph 5 probably mean?

A．Widely spread.	B．Easily hurt.
C．Deeply devoted	D．Absolutely accustomed.

4. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．The increasing side effects of smartphones.

B．Ways to solve technoference problem.

C．Smartphones and people's happiness.

D．The popularity of smartphones.

【推荐3】Laptop computers are popular all over the world. People use them on trains and airplanes, in airports and hotels. These laptops connect people to their workplace. In the United States today, laptops also connect students to their classrooms.

Westlake College in Virginia will start a laptop computer program that allows students to do schoolwork anywhere they want. Within five years, each of the 1500 students at the college will receive a laptop. The laptops are part of a $10 million computer program at Westlake, a 110-year-old college. The students with laptops will also have access to the Internet. In addition, they will be able to use e-mail to “peak” with their teachers, their classmates, and their families. However, the most important part of the laptop program is that students will be able to use computers without going to computer labs. They can work with it at home, in a fast-food restaurant or under the trees—anywhere at all!

Because of the many changes in computer technology, laptop use in higher education, such as colleges and universities, is workable. As laptops become more powerful, they become more similar to desktop computers. In addition, the portable computers can connect students to not only the Internet, but also libraries and other resources. State higher-education officials are studying how laptops can help students. State officials are also testing laptop programs at other universities, too.

At Westlake College, more than 60 percent of the staff use computers. The laptops will allow all teachers to use computers in their lessons. As one Westlake teacher said, “Here we are in the middle of Virginia and we’re giving students a window on the world. They can see everything and do everything.”

1. The main purpose of the laptop program is to give each student a laptop to ________.

A．connect them to libraries	B．surf the Internet
C．work at home	D．use for their schoolwork

2. Which of the following is true about Westlake College?

A．It is an old college in America.	B．1500 students have laptops.
C．All teachers use computers.	D．Students there can do everything.

3. A window on the world in the last paragraph means that students can ________.

A．attend lectures on information technology

B．get information from around the world

C．travel around the world

D．have free laptops

4. What can we infer from the passage?

A．The program is successful.	B．We don’t know the result of the program yet.
C．The program is too expensive.	D．The program is not workable.