The world is changing rapidly. Here are four cities that have changed greatly over the past five years.
Budapest, Hungary
Back in the 1990s, Budapest was a mystery to many people outside Europe and tourists wouldn't have dreamed of visiting it. Now, Budapest has a booming tourism industry, and it has been called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The cheap accommodation, the surprisingly delicious fine dining scene, and the wonderful views of the Danube River simply can't be beaten.
Boise, Idaho
Surprised to see this up-and-coming city on this list? Actually, Boise is really making a name for itself. This city is known for its growing cooking scene. But not only that, it is also becoming a major ski destination. The mountains surrounding this city are unbelievable, and the ski resorts around Boise are one of the best kept secrets in America. It's worth checking out!
Medellin, Colombia
In the past, you might have heard about how dangerous Colombia was, but things are rapidly improving for this South American nation, and Colombian cities are changing for the better. Medellin is a new popular travel destination. This is the place to dance all night and see a whole new side of Colombia. And the prices are still low!
Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart is the capital of the Australian state of Tasmania, and it's also becoming a more popular city for tourists and new permanent residents alike. There are plenty of historic buildings still around, nice harbors where boats are docked, and lots of cute new cafes, art galleries and shops popping up. The scenery there is truly beautiful, with wildlife unlike anywhere else. Travelers should make their way over!
1. In which way has Budapest changed greatly over the past several years?| A．Its population has been increasing rapidly. |
| B．Its tourism industry has been developing greatly. |
| C．Its transport has become easier and more convenient. |
| D．It has become a mystery to many people outside Europe. |
| A．Boise, Idaho. | B．Budapest, Hungary. |
| C．Hobart, Tasmania. | D．Medellin, Colombia. |
| A．Its low and affordable prices. | B．Its important and vital location. |
| C．Its breathtaking natural scenery. | D．Its surprisingly delicious fine dining scene. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】My family and I had set out on a day trip from Shillong to Cherrapunji, a town known for being one of the wettest places on Earth. However, after we had been stuck in traffic for more than four hours, one of my sisters proposed going back to the city as a last attempt to save whatever remained of the day. A quick online search revealed other must-visit spots around Shillong. Most were familiar, but one caught our attention—Nartiang with its mysterious monoliths (独石碑). The photo showed tall stones piled together in a strange formation, appealing to us to explore further despite the lack of details provided.
That is how I found myself standing in the shadow of the huge monoliths of Nartiang, which is home to the thickest and largest collection in the region. Curious to uncover their history, I approached Maryo Symblai, a village elder I met later that day, who told me the story of the monoliths that has been orally passed down over generations. She said, “Back in the day, Nartiang didn’t have a bazaar (集市) and the nearest one was at Raliang. On one such bazaar, a giant named Mar Phalyngki was caught in heavy rain on his way back. He requested to borrow an umbrella from the Raliang chief’s youngest daughter, but she wanted to test his legendary strength instead. ‘Why don’t you go lift that huge stone in the bazaar and use it as an umbrella?’ she said dismissively. Emboldened by her challenge, he just did that, but before reaching Nartiang, he placed it in a forest when the rain had stopped.”
“There is a certain overlap of ancient story and memory in the case of the Nartiang monoliths. The locals’ account of how the place came to be is based on ancient stories or folk customs. But they also remember it because it served their ancestors as a weekly marketplace, a memorial, and a place for political gatherings. That is how oral history works. It mixes fact and fiction into collective memory”, said Dr Reeju Ray, a local writer.
Today, even though the traditional customs and more confirmed historical accounts offer some insight into the site, the mystery(奥秘)of the stone giants lasts.
1. Why did the author and his family come to visit the monoliths of Nartiang?| A．It was in their original trip plan. |
| B．They had to choose it as an alternative. |
| C．It was the only remaining place to visit. |
| D．An elder village r gave them the suggestion. |
| A．Threatened. | B．Moved. | C．Stimulated. | D．Frightened. |
| A．To info rm what the monoliths served as. |
| B．To illustrate how the mysterious story came into being. |
| C．To introduce the feature of Nartiang monoliths. |
| D．To deny the overlap of ancient story and memory. |
| A．A Trip to the Monoliths. | B．The Mystery of Shillong. |
| C．The Formation of the Monoliths. | D．A Disappointing Travel Experience. |
【推荐2】Sitting back in my seat, I can’t quite believe that I’m about to travel along the railway that many foreign experts claimed was “impossible”. The train has been racing along steadily since it left Xining. All this time, the song “Sky Railway” has been playing inside my head. The words “railways like massive dragons are winding among the mountains” seem particularly vivid as I travel across the “roof of the world”.
I was one of the people who came from all parts of China to work on this railway. Taking years to complete, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a record of all of our efforts to overcome the most difficult engineering challenges. How to protect the delicate ecosystem was among the top concerns.
The first landmark to catch my eye is the splendid Qingshuihe Bridge, the world’s longest bridge built over permafrost. Look! A group of Tibetan antelopes is moving under the bridge, with some stopping to eat grass at their leisure. Thirty-three passages have been built under the railway to allow the animals to move safely and freely in their natural habitat. Wild animals such as these Tibetan antelopes have now been using these passages for years. They seem totally unaware that we are speeding past at over 100 kilometers an hour.
To prevent damage to wetlands and grasslands, 675 bridges with a total length of about 160 kilometers were built between Golmud and Lhasa. We even moved 140,000 square meters of wetland to a new area in order to protect its distinct ecosystem.
The journey has been flying by, and before I know it, we have reached Tanggula Station. Located at over 5,000 meters above sea level, this is the highest railway station in the world. In locations such as this, the thin air, changeable weather and high levels of UV radiation presented perhaps the greatest challenge for railway workers. To make sure we stayed healthy, several oxygen-making stations were constructed. We were also able to enjoy regular breaks in lower areas.
As we pass Cuona Lake, I feel a sense of pride and achievement. Using thousands and thousands of sandbags, we built a twenty-kilometer wall along the lake to protect it from construction waste. Cuona Lake is so close to the railway that I want to reach out and touch its pale blue mirror-like surface. Water birds playing in the lake, and cattle and sheep wandering the grasslands bring the scenery to life.
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has been attracting people’s admiration for centuries. Now, thanks to our efforts, passengers from all over the country have been enjoying these magical landscapes. I am proud that we built our “impossible” railway, and did so with the care that the environment deserves. It truly is an extraordinary “Sky Railway”.
1. Which of the following is TRUE according to the first two paragraphs?| A．The song “Sky Railway” was played as background music in the train. |
| B．Ways of protecting the delicate ecosystem were taken into consideration. |
| C．Foreign experts were frightened to see dragons among the mountains. |
| D．The author kept the record of solving the toughest engineering problem. |
| A．without interruption | B．for entertainment |
| C．in their free time | D．without hurrying |
| A．Because it separated the habitats of birds and cattle. |
| B．Because it transformed construction waste into sand. |
| C．Because it kept Cuona lake from being polluted. |
| D．Because it connected Cuona lake and the railway. |
| A．Their efforts to build the railway and protect the ecosystem. |
| B．That he has made the railway extraordinary for tourists. |
| C．Passengers’ admiration for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. |
| D．The splendid landscapes along the Sky Railway. |
| A．To prove that humans can conquer nature. |
| B．To advertise the travel route along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. |
| C．To praise the workers’ efforts in building the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. |
| D．To highlight the amount of work required to build the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. |
【推荐3】Less than two months away from the Spring Festival, sales on travel websites start to hit a seasonal high. As the influence of Chinese New Year expands, international tourism also helps to introduce this indispensable cultural heritage to every corner of the world, which means in 2023, more Chinese people choose to spend their holidays overseas.
Big time for family trips
According to the statistics posted by Ctrip, one of the biggest platforms for travel products, the top 10 most visited countries by Chinese tourists will be Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United States, Malaysia, Philippines and Italy.
Over 70 percent of travelers decide to have a family vacation abroad. “The bookings on our website have risen 32 percent compared with the Spring Festival season last year. And the prices are 10 percent higher,” said Zou Qingling, outbound tourism manager of Lvmama. “Some of our packages to Europe or the US have already been fully booked.”
Flexible schedules favored
Though the holiday officially spans Feb. 4 to 10, many choose to leave their office in advance or postpone the return date. In this way, they will manage to avoid the crowds at the airports, and save a considerable sum on hotels and flight tickets.
If you haven’t planned anything yet, here is an important tip — leave before Jan. 31 or after Feb. 6. The most expensive time to travel is between Feb. 2 and 6, with an average of over 10,000 yuan per person.
Different places, same customs
Family trips pay special attention to tradition and customs, especially during the most conventional holiday in Chinese culture. Many people still believe that the Spring Festival is about family and the joy of reunion. To create a homey experience overseas, travel agencies design a variety of events including a New Year’s Eve dinner on the Nile, making dumplings at a Parisian castle, and a Chinese New Year gala at a five-star hotel in Amman. World-famous landmarks also receive a Spring Festival makeover. From Feb. 2 to Feb. 17, Universal Studios Hollywood will dress its cartoon characters in traditional Chinese costumes.
If you are one of those who want to celebrate the Spring Festival at home, enjoy your homecoming. But if you haven’t made up your mind for the moment, it’s never too late to try something new and plan a family trip abroad during the New Year.
1. To save money, your family is most likely to travel abroad between ________.| A．Feb. 1 and 5. | B．Feb. 2 and 6. | C．Feb. 5 and 10. | D．Feb. 7 and 11. |
| A．India has been rated among the top 10 most visited countries by Chinese. |
| B．It is impossible to reserve any package tour to the US from Lvmama now. |
| C．One will find the trip fairly cheap as long as avoiding it between Feb 2 and 6. |
| D．A Chinese family may experience a festival atmosphere abroad during the New Year. |
| A．To introduce the growing popularity of international tourism. |
| B．To give suggestions on appropriate time for traveling abroad. |
| C．To recommend making overseas tours in the Spring Festival. |
| D．To promote the role traveling plays in spreading Chinese culture. |
【推荐1】Go to college or university in Ontario, Canada
Come and learn the relevant information about Ontario’s 20 public universities, 24 colleges or 400+ registered private career colleges.
Admissions standards and what to offer
In most cases, you need a high school diploma to go to college or university in Ontario. If you are 19 or older without a diploma, you can still apply to most, if not all schools.
Colleges offer certificate programs, diplomas, and degrees. Universities offer under-graduate and graduate degrees and other professional programs. All programs vary in length and preconditions—the pre-work or qualifications you need to be eligible (符合条件) for a program.
Check a school’s website or contact them directly for specific information about admissions.
How to apply
The process depends on where you want to go to school and your personal situation. If you live in Ontario, anywhere else in Canada or abroad, you apply through 1 of 2 places:
Colleges: www.ontariocolleges.ca
Universities: www.ouac.on.ca (the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre)
You will need to apply directly through a school if you are:
● planning to study part time
● a mature student (generally of a certain age and away from formal education for some time)
● an international student
● applying for graduate studies (e.g., a Masters or Doctoral degree)
● planning to attend a private career college
Loans, grants (补助金), scholarships
Canada Student Loans, Grants and Scholarships are open to all Canadians.
Canadian citizen and Ontario resident for at least 12 months: you could be eligible for OSAP (the Ontario Student Assistance Program) and other financial aid programs.
Canadian students living outside of Ontario: you can apply for financial aid through your home province or territory.
International students: you can apply for scholarships offered through the federal (联邦的) government, community agencies and colleges and universities directly.
1. What do universities in Ontario offer students?| A．Honors degrees. | B．Associate degrees. |
| C．Certificate programs. | D．Professional programs. |
| A．Through community agencies. | B．Through their home governments. |
| C．Through other provinces in Canada. | D．Through the Ontario Student Assistance Program. |
| A．A scientific journal. | B．A research paper. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．An official website. |
【推荐2】Boys' Life Headliners
Thomas McWithey
Age: 19
Hometown: Yorktown, Virginia
Scout Rank: Eagle Scout (Troop 306, Yorktown)
Made Headlines: For being honored at the U. S. Department of the Interior with the 2018 George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, in which Thomas received the Youth Volunteer Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Thomas led his troop in the construction and installation of 15 bluebird nest boxes at the park, totaling more than 150 volunteer hours.
Chase Englehart
Age: 15
Hometown: Lafayette, California
Scout Rank: Star Scout (Troop 200, Lafayette)
Made Headlines: For winning the 2019 El Toro North American Championship in Kaneohe, Hawaii, in the junior division. Chase sails for the Richmond Yacht Club in Point Richmond, California. It was the first time in 22 years that a mainlander won the championship.
Hayes Etue
Age: 10
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Scout Rank: Bear Scout (Pack 555, Nashville)
Made Headlines: By placing third in his age bracket at the 2019 HEAT (Hendersonville Endurance Athletic Team) Kids Triathlon Junior Race. The race involved a 50-yard pool swim, 2‑mile bike ride and 1-mile run.
Dylan Powers
Age: 19
Hometown: Wrentham, Massachusetts
Scout Rank: Eagle Scout (Troop 13, Wrentham)
Made Headlines: For winning the Integrated Marketing Campaign — Service competition at the 2019 DECA International Career Development Conference, along with partner Anthony Bozza. DECA works with students to prepare for careers in marketing, finance and management.
Alina Morse
Age: 14
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Made Headlines: As the youngest chief executive officer to be named to the Inc. 5000 (America's most successful companies), as well as the youngest person to be featured on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. Alina has also spoken at the New York Stock Exchange, done a TED Talk and much more.
1. Who spent a lot of time serving as a volunteer?| A．Thomas McWithey. | B．Chase Englehart. | C．Dylan Powers. | D．Hayes Etue. |
| A．He specializes in marketing. | B．He swam, cycled and ran in the race. |
| C．He took part in a sailing competition. | D．He is the youngest winner of the competition. |
| A．Her great sailing skills. | B．Her high scores in the race. |
| C．Her business achievements. | D．Her contributions to the environment. |
【推荐3】Humor is important for both kids and adults. The ability to see the humor in an upsetting situation is a valuable skill. So, what should parents do to develop their kids’ sense of humor?
Start the laughter early.
The big smiles that come after parents play jokes with babies are helping the children grow and learn. Teach kids the importance of connections. That’s because being able to understand the funny parts of jokes actually requires children to make connections.
Help them see the funny in a difficult situation.
Keep their screen time to a minimum (最低限度).
Watching social media videos may feel like an easy way to share a funny moment, but it isn’t the best way for children.
If kids cross a line when trying out a joke, remind them that a joke isn’t funny if it causes pain to others. When the impact of humor is hurtful, the humor is not suitable. With parents’ help, children can learn to tell the difference between harmful humor and truly funny stuff.
| A．These tips can help. |
| B．Teach them when to tell jokes. |
| C．Parents can help kids figure those out. |
| D．Show them where the dividing lines are. |
| E．Families should do something funny together. |
| F．Outdoor activities are good choices for families. |
| G．When hard times happen, finding a reason to laugh can be hard. |
