【推荐2】It takes a special person to travel with kids—a parent.Children have their own needs.Their idea of a vacation is more“adventurous”than a parent’s.They need constant inspiration and they can get as tired as they are tiring.

Make sure you have plenty of room while traveling

If you are driving，get a mini-van.Sure，you might be more of a“car”type，and you might have resisted buying a mini—van so far.But pick up a rental van for the vacation just to give the kids a little more room for fighting.

Accommodations along the way can be tricky.Usually it involves a crowded motel for just long enough to sleep，then back in the crowded car.This is not anybody’s idea of a home away from home.An accommodation alternative is to camp，but not everyone enjoys a good early morning wake-up wrestle with a bear as much as I do，so a motel might be required.

Make sure you have plenty of room when you“get there”

Assuming you are actually heading for a destination，make sure to have lots of room when you get there.This part is easy.But it requires thinking outside the box.Forget hotels，motels，and inns.Look for private rental homes.

Probably the biggest destination for families is Walt Disney World in Florida.Good news—Orlando，Kissimmee and the surrounding area is full of private vacation homes for rent.In Florida they call them vacation villas，and they offer all the space of home.

Be prepared for“children being children”events

Sometimes，stress hits you from behind when the unexpected happens.Like a cut or a scrape…or a child getting sick.Sharon Baillie told me that is why she tells all her villa rental guests where the first-aid case can be found，and exactly where to go for medical attention.This is particularly helpful for her many guests from abroad，who are unfamiliar with the US healthcare system.

Booking tickets to theme parks and making reservations for just about everything in advance makes the trip less stressful.Try having your children baby-sat.Hire a local baby-sitter once or twice.Vacation Home owners can set this up for you，and some hotels might be willing to，too.

1. Where does the author prefer to rest on the way to the destination?

A．In a camp.

B．In a mini-van.

C．At a motel.

D．In a car.

2. What does the underlined word“this”in the last paragraph refer to?

A．Booking tickets in advance.	B．Hiring a baby-sitter.
C．Making reservations ahead of time.	D．Looking for a tour guide.

3. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To introduce ways of travelling.

B．To advertise vacation homes for tourists.

C．To reduce the stress while traveling abroad.

D．To show how to travel comfortably with kids.

【推荐3】Summer Flicks: 6-9 p.m, NRG Plaza, Patriot Place, Foxborough. Take a lawn chair and see a free outdoor movie. Pre-show entertainment on the plaza. Movie begins at dusk. Today: “Angry Birds Movie.”

For information: 618-374-583

Original Easton Farmer’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., S-Curve on Depot Street near Shaw’s, Easton. Saturdays through Oct. 28. Lots of summer vegetables and berries, breads and other baked goods. For a full list of sellers and items for sale, check out the Original Easton Farmers Market on the town’s website.

For information: 617-698-5757

Making sterling silver jewelry: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Queset House, 51 Main St., North Easton. While there is no training, Easton resident and long-time silver jewelry maker Burt Lewis will help you get started with information on tools and equipment needed and more. No appointment needed.

For information: 508-238-2000

King Richard’s Faire: weekends, Sept. 2-Oct. 22, at 235 Main St., Carver. Open on Saturdays and Sundays as well as two holiday Mondays: Sept. 4 and Oct. 9. The New England Renaissance festival offers performers, artisans, games and rides, food and drink and more. Gates open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Admission: $16 for children ages 4-11; $32 each adult (age 12 and up).

For information: 508-866-5391

1. Where can you find some entertainment free of change?

A．In Summer Flicks.

B．In King Richard’s Faire.

C．In Making sterling silver jewelry.

D．In Original Easton Farmer’s Market.

2. Which number should you call if you are interested in handwork?

A．618-374-583	B．617-698-5757
C．508-238-2000	D．508-866-5391

3. How much should he pay if a teacher with two students aged 10 attends the King Richard’s Faire?

A．$48.

B．$64.

C．$80.

D．$96.

【推荐1】Dear Dad and Mom,

The time has come — I’m graduating, and I thank you both for all your help throughout these 15 years. I still remember when you used to say, “You can be whatever you want.” I’m so glad you are my parents, especially when I hear other kids say they don’t get on well with theirs. I’m glad that you support me when I decide to do anything. You always try to help, and that’s important to me.

Dad, I remember when you first took me fishing. I loved going even though I never caught anything. I also remember when you would get angry with me. I realize you were only trying to show me the right way. When I cried, you would always be there to try to cheer me up. That’s what I call a good, loving and caring dad. Sometimes you and Mom don’t agree with me, but you are there on my side in anything that I do, and that’s why I love you so much.

Mom, I enjoy going out with you and having our happy time every Friday night, and I hope that that never changes. I love telling you everything and the best part of you is that you listen. I’m glad we have a lot of fun together. You always give me your opinion and I listen. Thank you for bringing me up.

There may be many frustrations and setbacks on the road to the future, but the thought of your support and help fills my heart with strength. Dear Mom and Dad, I love you and I love our family. I hope and believe that we will be happy all the time.

Love always,

Alison

1. Alison writes the letter to show 　　　　 to her parents.

A．wishes

B．support

C．help

D．thanks

2. In Alison’s opinion, other kids of her age may 　　　　 their parents.

A．have problems with	B．get on well with
C．like to have a chat with	D．like to listen to

3. When might the father get angry with Alison?

A．When she didn’t accept him.	B．When she didn’t catch any fish.
C．When she didn’t do things in the right way.	D．When she didn’t agree with her parents.

4. What makes Alison and her mother become good friends?

A．Cheering up each other.	B．Listening to each other and having fun together.
C．Encouraging each other.	D．Going out together.

【推荐2】There are many amazing sites to visit in Europe. Here are some natural wonders on the European continent that can take your breath away.

Portugal: Algarve

Known for water in endless shades of green and blue, golden beaches and tiny bays, Portugal’s southern Algarve region is a paradise of sun, sea and sand. Whether you wander around the coastline, take a boat tour of the sea or sunbathe on the soft golden sand while the waves gently lap at the shore, you’re sure to feel like you’re in heaven.

Spain: Las Médulas

The historic mining site of Las Médulas in north-west Spain is a dramatic example of ancient Roman technology. The region was rich in gold mines where the Romans obtained gold using hydraulic power in the first century, leaving behind a transformed landscape still visible today. With its burnt orange peaks and abundant greenery, it’s a perfect mix of natural and man-made scenery.

Hungary and Slovakia: Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst

The Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst are located between Hungary and Slovakia and contain 712 caves which spread out over 55,800 hectares. The caves are made of limestone (石灰石) and have high humidity (湿度), so dripping water formed into stalactites (钟乳石) over millions of centuries, creating the decorations you can witness today.

Austria: Lake Hallstatt

Located between Salzburg and Graz, Hallstatt is a picturesque, 19th-century town in Austria’s Lake District, featuring cottages, salt mines and ice caves. Situated in a settlement that dates back to the early Iron Age, it is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in Europe.

1. What do visitors probably think of a tour of Algarve?

A．Cold.

B．Uninteresting.

C．Tiring.

D．Pleasant.

2. What can visitors do in Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst?

A．Learn about the process of gold mining.

B．Have a look at stalactites.

C．See the landscape of historic gold-mining sites.

D．Know how hydraulic power is used today.

3. Which country are travellers interested in salt mines likely to go to?

A．Austria.	B．Portugal.
C．Hungary and Slovakia.	D．Spain.

【推荐3】Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals and 150 species. But most of the animals in the zoo are in danger in their natural habitat. The zoo carries out the work of animal protection and takes part in European and international breeding (饲养) programs which help to make sure of the survival of these endangered species.

Our goals

To provide the best possible care for our animals.

To offer high-quality environmental education and research.

To organize activities and raise money for endangered species.

Lake side

The beautiful lake side is the first main area you will see in the zoo. The area contains picnic tables, a farm and the Visitors' Learning Centre. It is home to animals such as great white pelican, Colombian spider monkeys and Chilean flamingos.

Plants and garden

Native trees include hawthorn, rowan, silver birch, yew and ash: Plants are an important part of the zoo, as our animals depend on them for food and shelter. The animals also help the plants survive by spreading their seeds (种子).

Education

Our education team works to raise people's understanding of the natural environment, especially among young people.

Food and drinks

To make a day trip in the zoo, you can find food and drinks easily.

A child lunch bag costs £ 4.9 and includes a freshly made sandwich, a bag of chips and a bottle of juice.

An adult lunch bag costs £ 5.9 and includes a deep filled sandwich, a bag of chips, tea, coffee or a bottle of water. If you book a lunch bag online, you can get a 50% discount of every price.

1. What can we learn about Belfast Zoo?

A．It has the most animals in Belfast.

B．Animals in the lake side are dying out.

C．It takes an active part in animal protection.

D．It organizes many international breeding programs.

2. What can visitors do in Belfast Zoo?

A．Help train animals.

B．Watch animal performances.

C．Have a better understanding of nature.

D．Have a picnic in Visitors' Learning Centre.

3. What does Paragraph 4 mainly tell us?

A．Animals in Belfast Zoo only eat plants.

B．They depend on each other to survive.

C．All the plants need animals to spread their seeds.

D．Some plants are dangerous for animals sometimes.