【推荐1】Many places around the world host marathons that aim to provide their runners with a special experience. If you’re planning to run a race，check out some of these beautiful marathon destinations.

Inca Trail Marathon

Are you up for a challenge? Hosted at Cusco, Peru, the Inca Trail Marathon is regarded as one of the most difficult marathons in the world. With Cusco’s rich history of being once the capital of the Inca Empire, participants can explore several ancient archeological sites. During the run, participants will get to see the surprising landscape of the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley.

Athens Marathon

Held in Greece, the Athens Marathon is perfect for those of you who are interested in history mythology (神话), and architecture. There are many tourist spots and historic sites to visit like the Parthenon and the Acropolis of Athens. During the race, audience will be cheering on the participants creating an atmosphere similar to the Olympics.

Big Sur International Marathon

Held at Carmel，California，the Big Sur International Marathon is known as the world’s largest rural marathon. Before the race，participants generally visit the world — famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (水族馆), which owns rich animals. The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another attraction stretching from 3,000-foot mountain ridges (山脉) to underwater canyons and rocky seaside cliffs.

Big Five Marathon

Located at Limpopo, South Africa, participants can explore and check out the wildlife of the African savannah. The marathon is held in one of the “Big Five” game reserves in Africa. There are no fences or rivers that separate the runners from the African wildlife. Make sure to keep your mind clear You might find an elephant or even find yourself running alongside giraffes.

1. What can participants do at the Inca Trail Marathon?

A．They can make the best performance.

B．They can enjoy ancient architecture.

C．They can learn about the Inca Empire.

D．They run through the Sacred Valley.

2. What do participants often do before the Big Sur International Marathon starts?

A．They go up 3,000-foot mountain ridges.

B．They see all kinds of sea creatures.

C．They visit underwater canyons.

D．They climb rocky seaside cliffs.

3. Which are you advised to take part in if you are interested in buildings?

A．The Athens Marathon.

B．The Inca Trail Marathon.

C．The Big Sur International Marathon.

D．The Big Five Marathon.

【推荐3】This summer has been a chance to appreciate nature and everything it offers up. It’s a perfect opportunity to take a look at some of the world’s unspoiled places that are beautiful because they have been left untouched and remember the importance of keeping their original appearance.

Bhutan

Officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, this little visited country is on the Himalayas’ eastern edge and known for its dramatic landscapes that range from subtropics to towering cliffs with wild flowing rivers, crystal blue lakes, snow capped peaks and glaciers, and jungles. There are no traffic lights in this country which, so far, has managed to escape the claws of mass tourism and keep its culture.

Rock Islands, Palau

The 445 uninhabited limestone islands were formed from volcanic activity. The islands have a huge diversity of plants, birds, and wildlife, alongside more than a dozen shark species. The area contains the highest concentration of marine lakes anywhere in the world. The only sign of human habitation is from 3100 BC.

Fiordland, New Zealand

One of the most dramatically amazing regions of New Zealand, Fiordland can be seen on foot, by air, or by water. The Milford Track is one of the most famous walks, with the 33m-long four-day journey taking travelers past the lakes, the tallest waterfall in the country, and glacier-carved valley views. Lake Monowai is a glassy, mirrorlike body of water surrounded by mountains and best explored by raft on a quiet day.

Namib Desert, Namibia

A coastal desert in the southern area of Africa, it is known for its burnt orange-golden sands. The Namib has been dry for at least 55 million years and possibly as many as 80 million. The name means “vast space”, and it stretches for more than 1200 miles along Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Incredibly, the temperatures colliding with cold currents create a fog belt that often envelops the desert.

1. If your friend is interested in sharks, which of the following can be recommended?

A．Bhutan.	B．Rock Islands, Palau.
C．Fiordland, New Zealand.	D．Namib Desert, Namibia.

2. What can we learn about the Namib Desert, Namibia?

A．It is located at the eastern edge of Africa.

B．It covers more than 1200 miles along Angola.

C．It is famous for its burnt orange-golden sands.

D．It was formed from volcanic activity 80 million years ago.

3. We can probably read the passage from ________.

A．a travel guide	B．a science website
C．a biology magazine	D．an environmental report

【推荐1】Welcome to Buckler’s Hard

Fun facts about Buckler’s Hard

A former ship-building village on the River Beaulieu in the New Forest. The setting is lovely, two rows of well-preserved red-brick workers’ cottages-separated by a lawn-lead down to the water’s edge where boats glide past. Attractions include a maritime (航海) museum telling the story of warships built for Nelson’s navy and other moments in seafaring history.

Costumed volunteers are on hand to answer questions and entertain children with, say, a game of coits or explain how families lived in the Shipwright’s Cottage. In summer hop on a boat for a cruise(漫游)up the river(extra charge).

Getting there

Take the M27, exit at junction 2 and follow the tourist signs towards nearby Beaulieu motor museum-from there Buckler’s Hard is signposted. The car park is an extra £6-£10. Train to Brockenhurst then taxi-or hire a bike and cycle the three miles through the New Forest.

Value for money?

Yes. The amount of time you take will likely depend on the weather. On a sunny day you could easily spend an afternoon for a reasonable £6.90 (adult), £4.70 (child 5-16) or £21 (family ticket for four).

Opening hours

10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day, except Christmas Day.

1. What can visitors do in Buckler’s Hard?

A．Volunteer in cruise boats.	B．Explore maritime history.
C．Play games with children.	D．Experience the country life.

2. How much would a couple with their 5-year-old twin sons pay for admission?

A．£13.80.

B．£18.50.

C．£21.

D．£ 23.20.

3. What do we learn about Buckler’s Hard from the text?

A．It offers free river cruises.	B．It is conveniently located.
C．It charges no parking fees.	D．It opens all the year round.

【推荐3】The need for new learning opportunities throughout life is recognized throughout society. An initial period of higher education is not always enough in times of rapid social, economic and technological changes. Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education is known worldwide as a leading provider of extended learning programs for personal and professional development.

Day and weekend events

More than 150 day and weekend courses are offered each year. These one or two-day classes on a single topic are designed to bring you the most up-to-date thinking on a wide range of subjects. You can discuss them with lecturers and speakers who are noted authorities in their field of research. Day-long events usually take place on a Saturday, between 9:45 am and 5:00 pm. Weekend events usually start on a Friday evening or Saturday and run until Sunday lunchtime.

For more information, visit https://www. ox.ac. uk/weekly-classes.

Online courses

Structured as weekly online meetings, our online courses take place in a virtual learning environment. Class sizes are kept small (usually 32 students, or 20 for creative writing)to maximize interaction between students and the tutor. Courses are normally 5-10 or 20 weeks in duration.

For more information, visit https:// www. ox. ac. uk/online-courses.

Professional development

Working with academic experts across the university, we offer around 200 professionally oriented courses in videos, from archaeology through medicine to zoology. They are popular among professional learners from over 120 countries and regions.

For more information, visit https:// www. ox. ac. uk/professional development.

Summer schools

Accredited and non-accredited summer courses of between one and four weeks’ duration for adult learners are held at Rewley House and at Oxford’s historic colleges. There are over 100 summer courses offered each year.

For more information, visit https:// www. ox. ac. uk/summerschools.
1. What programme offers a chance to have a face-to -face talk with top experts?

A．Online courses.	B．Day and weekend events.
C．Summer schools.	D．Professional development.

2. What is a feature of the department’s online courses?

A．They usually take place on weekends.

B．They aim to improve students’ writing skills.

C．They offer degree certificates to their students.

D．They have a limitation on the number of students.

3. Which website is useful for foreign students majoring in medicine?

A．https://www. ox.ac. uk/weekly-classes.

B．https:// www. ox. ac. uk/online-courses.

C．https:// www. ox. ac. uk/professional development

D．https:// www. ox. ac. uk/summerschools.