I was dirty, smelly, hungry and somewhere beneath all that, suntanned. It was the end of an Inter-Rail (欧洲旅游火车通票) holiday. My body couldn’t take any more punishment. My mind couldn’t deal with any more foreign timetables, currencies or languages.
“Never again,” I said, as I stepped onto home ground. I said exactly the same thing the following year. And the next. All I had to do was buy one train ticket and, because I was under twenty-five years old, I could spend a whole month going anywhere I wanted in Europe. Ordinary beds are never the same once you’ve learnt to sleep in the passage of a train, the rhythm rocking you into a deep sleep.
Carrying all your possessions on your back in a rucksack (背包) makes you have a very basic approach to travel, and encourages incredible wastefulness that can lead to burning socks that have become too anti-social, and getting rid of books when finished. On the other hand, this way of looking at life is entirely in the spirit of Inter-Rail, for common sense and reasoning can be thrown out of the window along with the paperback book and the socks. All it takes to achieve this carefree attitude is one of those tickets in your hand.
Any system that enables young people to travel through countries at a rate of more than one a day must be pretty social. On that first trip, my friends and I were at first unaware of the possibilities of this type of train ticket, thinking it was just an inexpensive way of getting to and from our chosen camp-site in southern France. But the idea of non-stop travel proved too attractive, for there was always just one more country over the border, always that little bit further to go. And what did the extra miles cost us? Nothing.
We were not completely uninterested in culture. But this was a first holiday without parents, as it was for most other Inter-Railers, and in organizing our own timetable we left out everything except the most available sights. This was the chance to escape the guided tour, an opportunity to do something different. I took great pride in the fact that, in many places, all I could be bothered to see was the view from the station. We were just there to get by, and to have good time doing so. In this we were no different from most of the other Inter-Railers with whom we shared passage floors, food and water, money and music.
The excitement of travel comes from the sudden reality of somewhere that was previously just a name. It is as if the city in which you arrive never actually existed until the train pulls in at the station and you are able to see it with your own tired eyes for the first time.
1. What does the writer mean by “this way of looking at life” in Paragraph 3?| A．Worrying about your clothes. | B．Throwing unwanted things away. |
| C．Behaving in an anti-social way. | D．Looking after your possessions. |
| A．To get to one place cheaply. | B．To meet other young people. |
| C．To see a lot of famous places. | D．To go on a tour of Europe. |
| A．he could see more interesting places | B．he could spend more time sightseeing |
| C．he could stay away from home longer | D．he could make his own decisions |
| A．A name. | B．The city. | C．The train. | D．The station. |
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【推荐1】Biscayne is not very far from the lights, noise and excitement of downtown Miami. But it has a very different atmosphere from the big city. Biscayne National Park was established as a national monument in 1968. It became a national park in 1980. That year, its size also increased. The park now covers more than 70,000 hectares.
If you enjoy water, Biscayne is the park for you. Ninety-five percent of the park is water. Many kinds of animals live in these waters. Some of them are threatened or endangered. You will find the huge, gentle West Indian manatee, the less gentle American crocodile, several kinds of sea turtles, and more than 500 species of fish.
Scientists say Human history at Biscayne begins more than 10,000 years ago. However, evidence of the area’s earliest people is mostly underwater now, as water levels have risen over time. Within the last 3,000 years, people began to settle in the area. Scientists continue to learn about these people by examining the big hills of shells they left behind. The shells contain other waste, too, including early tools and house wares.
European explorers began arriving in the area in the early 1500s. They brought with them diseases like smallpox and measles. Over time, these diseases killed huge numbers of natives. Early explorers arrived in the area on ships. The reefs and rough waters made it difficult for ship captains. Biscayne’s waters contain more than 50 shipwrecks. Scuba divers today can explore six of them.
Four ecosystems come together here, which is what makes the park so diverse. The blending ecosystems create “edge communities.” These edge communities support a huge amount of wildlife. The underwater diversity is what attracts most people to Biscayne National Park. Many visitors come here to scuba dive in Biscayne’s clear and warm waters.
1. What happened to Biscayne National Park in 1980?| A．It began to be set up as a national park. | B．It was built as a national monument. |
| C．It became much larger in area. | D．It covered more than 70,000 hectares. |
| A．learn about the sea animals | B．know how old the place is |
| C．learn when the earliest people arrived | D．learn about the life of the earliest people |
| A．on their voyage to Biscayne | B．by diseases brought by Europeans |
| C．in their fight against the Europeans | D．because of lack of proper food |
| A．Its ecosystems. | B．Its long history. |
| C．Its underwater activities. | D．Its endangered animals. |
【推荐2】These are the top experiences, tours, and activities, according to a new travel report. Add them to your list.
Venetian Lagoon
A half-day boat tour offers guests the chance to visit three of the most famous destinations in the Venetian Lagoon, from the master glassblowers of Murano to the beautiful Byzantine churches of Torcello to the splashy-hued houses along the rivers of Burano.
Tuscany
Beautiful hills, vineyards, unusual towns, and delicious food — it’s hard not to fall in love with Tuscany. Leave from Florence for a full-day guided sightseeing tour of the countryside. Enjoy lunch at a farm and excellent wine. Get an eyeful of ancient architecture in San Gimignano. Learn about the history of horse racing in Siena.
Rome
Rome has so many important places that it’s near impossible to pack them all into a single stay. The solution? A bus tour fits all the top attractions into a scenic and convenient two-hour ride, complete with on-board narration. Want to save even more valuable vacation time? Upgrade (升级) to VIP entrance tickets. You’ll also want to add these lesser-know secret treasures (宝藏) of Rome to your journey.
Empire State Building
There’s no shortage of activities in the Big Apple, but the Empire State Building remains at the top of the list. From the Art Deco-inspired hall to the 86th-floor observatory, which shows off breathtaking 360-degree landscape of the city, this landmark continues to thrill visitors and New Yorkers alike. So it should come as no surprise that express passes are such a hot thing.
1. Which place will you visit if you want to enjoy the attraction on the water?| A．Rome. | B．Tuscany. |
| C．Empire State Building. | D．Venetian Lagoon. |
| A．Climb some famous hills. |
| B．Take part in the horse race. |
| C．Appreciate the old buildings. |
| D．Learn about secret treasures. |
| A．It requires a safe express pass. |
| B．It has an amazing 86-floor hall. |
| C．It is short of all kinds of activities. |
| D．It shows the whole scene of the city. |
【推荐3】Tripadvisor, one of the world’s most popular travel sites, has recently announced that it will stop selling tickets to attractions that have captive(囚禁的) whales and dolphins. The ban(禁令) is a continuation of the company’s 2016 policy that banned sales of tickets to attractions where tourists come into physical contact with animals, like elephant rides.
“Whales and dolphins do not grow well in limited captive environments,” Dermot Halpin, a Tripadvisor spokesperson, said. “We believe the current generation of whales and dolphins in captivity should be the last, and we look forward to seeing the whole travel industry follow this position.”
The ban applies to all attractions and aquariums(水族馆) that employ whales and dolphins for public displays.
“Our aim is to stop future generations of whales and dolphins from being raised in captivity, and we hope to see them live freely in the wild,” Halpin said.
Not everyone liked the decision. Sea World, a top attraction in Florida, said the move ignored the needs and preferences of the general public. “I think Tripadvisor’s new decision was made in opinion rather than in science and research. It ignores the educational value of zoos and aquariums. Tripadvisor should trust its customers to make well-informed decisions,” said a Sea World spokesman. “Sea World always takes good care of all animals, including whales and dolphins. Sea World will continue to put more efforts in education and animal protection.”
Tripadvisor, which serves an average of about 490 million travelers a month, said the new policy will go into full effect by the end of the year.
1. What stopped dolphins and whales growing well according to Dermot Halpin?| A．Too limited space. | B．Unhealthy food. |
| C．Lots of public displays. | D．Too much training. |
| A．Stopping employing captive dolphins and whales. |
| B．Tourists coming into physical contact with animals. |
| C．Whales and dolphins living in captive environments. |
| D．The current generation of whales and dolphins in captivity. |
| A．In aquariums. | B．In protected areas. |
| C．In unpolluted oceans. | D．In the natural environment. |
| A．Puzzled. | B．Proud. |
| C．Unconcerned. | D．Disappointed. |
【推荐1】My teenage son Karl became withdrawn after his father died. As a single parent, I tried to do my best to talk to him. But the more I tried, the more he pulled away. When his report card arrived during his junior year, it said that he had been absent（缺席的） 95 times from classes and had six falling grades for the year. In this way he would never graduate. I sent him to the school adviser, and I even begged him. Nothing worked.
One night I felt so powerless that I asked God for help. “Please God, I can’t do anything more for my son. I’m at the end of my rope. I’m giving the whole thing up to you.”
I was at work when I got a phone call. A man introduced himself as the headmaster. “I want to talk to you about Karl’s absences.” Before he could say another word, I choked up（哽咽）and all my disappointment and sadness over Karl came pouring out into the ears of this stranger. “I love my son, but I just don’t know what to do. I’ve tried everything to get Karl to go back to school and nothing has worked. It’s out of my hands.” For a moment there was silence on the other end of the line. The headmaster seriously said, “Thank you for your time”, and hung up.
Karl's next report card showed a marked（显著的） improvement in his grades. Finally, he was even on the list of the best students at school. In his fourth year, I attended a parent –– teacher meeting with Karl. I noticed that his teachers were surprised because he had changed himself completely. On our way home, he said, “Mum, remember that call from the headmaster last year?” I nodded. “That was me. I thought I'd play a joke，but when I heard what you said, it really hit me how much I was hurting you. That’s when I knew I had to make you proud.”
1. Which of the following has the similar meaning as the underlined word “withdrawn” in the first paragraph?| A．Quiet and lonely | B．Relaxed and excited |
| C．Talkative and lively | D．Happy and easy-going |
| A．often went to school late | B．failed in all the exams |
| C．did a good job at school | D．didn’t do well at school |
| A．didn’t know what to do about her son |
| B．would drive her son away from the house |
| C．had no money to support the family |
| D．she would have to hang up |
| A．The headmaster. | B．The school adviser. |
| C．Karl himself. | D．The passage doesn’t tell us. |
| A．children in single – parent families always have mental problems |
| B．mother’s love plays an important role in teenagers’ life |
| C．parents should give their children as much help as possible |
| D．school education still works well without support from parents |
Robby tried and tried while I listened and encouraged him and gave him more instructions (指导). But he just did not have any inborn ability.
I only saw his mother from a distance. She always waved and smiled but never came in. Then one day Robby stopped coming to our lessons. I thought about calling him but I guessed he had decided to try something else.
I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen one piece of Mozart’s. Never had I heard a piece of Mozart’s played so well by someone at his age. When he finished, everyone was cheering.
I ran up and put my arms around Robby in joy. “I’ve never heard you play like that, Robby! How’d you do it?”
“Well, Miss Hondorf. Do you remember I told you my mom was sick? Actually she died this morning. She was born deaf so tonight was the first time she could hear me play. I wanted to make it special. I knew I could.” That night, Robby was the teacher and I was the student. He taught me so many important things about life.
1. Why did Robby stop coming to the piano lessons suddenly?
| A．He lost heart and believed that he would never make it. |
| B．His mother was too sick to send him to the piano lessons. |
| C．He thought his teacher disliked him. |
| D．His mother died and he didn’t need to play any longer. |
| A．The writer thought playing the piano shouldn’t start too late. |
| B．The writer thought that Robby had given up the piano lesson. |
| C．The writer taught Robby carefully although he hadn’t a gift for music. |
| D．No one else could play the piece of Mozart’s well. |
| A．the writer looked down upon Robby and disliked him |
| B．the writer thought Robby a bad advertisement for his teaching |
| C．with Robby present, the other children couldn’t play well |
| D．the writer couldn’t teach so many students at a time |
| A．The meaning of true love. |
| B．The meaning of giving up necessarily. |
| C．The meaning of being kind to teachers. |
| D．The meaning of believing in teachers. |
【推荐3】Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist Frank Wilczek has been honored with this year’s Templeton Prize. The award recognizes individuals whose life’s work brings together science and spirituality.
Wilczek is known for his research into the laws of nature. In a statement, the John Templeton Foundation said his work changes “our understanding of the forces that govern our universe.” It said he used physics to address “the great questions of meaning and purpose pondered by generations of religious thinkers.”
John Templeton created the prize in 1972. It is one of the most highly valued prizes at more than $1.3 million. Past winners include Jane Goodall, Mother Teresa and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Wilczek told The Associated Press, “It’s a company I’m very glad to join in.” He added, “It’s encouragement in a direction that I’ve really only taken up in a big way quite recently… which is thinking about not just what the world is and how it came to be this way but what we should do about it.”
Over a long career, Wilczek had many successes. He won the 2004 Nobel Prize along with David J. Gross, and H. David Politzer for their 1973 research explaining the unusual properties of the strong force. Wilczek is currently a physics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Arizona State University and Stockholm University. He is also the founding director of Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s T. D. Lee Institute. He has also written several books that are informed by science but look into spiritual and philosophical questions.
Heather Dill is the Templeton Foundation president. In a statement, she said, “Like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, he is a natural philosopher who unites a curiosity about the behavior of nature with a playful and profound philosophical mind.”
1. What is Frank Wilczek famous for?| A．His long-time efforts in philosophy. | B．His study in natural science. |
| C．His gains in the chemical awards. | D．His contribution in the field of art. |
| A．Governed strictly. | B．Designed seriously. |
| C．Considered carefully. | D．Abandoned completely. |
| A．His hobbies. | B．His advantages. |
| C．His expectations. | D．His achievements. |
| A．To advertise a book. |
| B．To introduce a great scientist. |
| C．To explain the difference of two prizes. |
| D．To stress the importance of science and philosophy. |
【推荐1】After being unemployed for a few years, I was looking for something to do in my spare time that would also help to increase my skills and confidence.
Having previously suffered from depression and anxiety, I knew a full-time job would be more of a long-term goal. When I was introduced to Volunteering Matters, I was particularly interested in the handyperson service. I was a bit nervous though as it was brand new to me. After chatting with the project coordinator, I signed up and went through some initial training, which was really relaxing and enjoyable.
In February, I took up the role as a handyperson organizer, which means it is my responsibility to speak to older people who require our service. After that, I assign the job request to the most appropriate volunteers, based on their location and skills. It usually takes about one hour per evening to complete my task.
Having done this role now for six months, I have learned a great deal and am very proud to be a part of this project. I have seen first-hand how important it is to help older people, who would really struggle without our service. I really feel that I am doing my bit to help others and give something back. It has helped me to believe in myself and I have learned some new skills, which I didn’t believe I could ever do, especially my communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
It’s great to be able to build a relationship with our clients and volunteers and it is also a lot of fun. My confidence has increased and I absolutely love my volunteer organizer role. Most recently, I have also been helping the project coordinator with administration tasks and publicity(宣传) work for the service, which means I am improving my IT knowledge as well. It means a lot that I have received help and support from Volunteering Matters. At the same time, I am helping the organization and its beneficiaries(受益者) too.
1. Why did the author turn to Volunteering Matters?| A．To meet new friends. |
| B．To make more money. |
| C．To make himself a better person. |
| D．To get rid of depression and anxiety. |
| A．a little tense | B．pleased |
| C．anxious | D．proud |
| A．what the author is supposed to do |
| B．the reason why the author volunteers |
| C．how this project benefits the author |
| D．why the author loves the volunteer organizer role |
| A．it is worthwhile to do voluntary work |
| B．the old are badly in need of volunteers |
| C．volunteering will leads to employment |
| D．being a volunteer requires IT knowledge |
【推荐2】Mary has struggled to find the right words to convey her thoughts and feelings ever since she was a child. She was often told that she was “too quiet” or “too shy”, and as she grew older, she became increasingly aware of her inability to articulate herself. It wasn’t that she didn’t have anything to say — far from it. Mary’s mind was constantly racing with ideas and observations, but no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t seem to get the words out.
“Mary, I need to talk to you,” Mr. Thompson, the boss of Mary’s new company, said one day, his voice serious. Mary’s heart sank. “Don’t worry,” Mr. Thompson said, noticing Mary’s nervousness. “It’s not that kind of conversation. I just wanted to talk to you about something that’s been on my mind lately.”
He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. “I’ve noticed that you’ve been struggling a bit lately. It seems like you’re having a tough time communicating with customers. I hear that you’re good at writing. So why not join our Advertising Department? Besides, I have another suggestion…”
Mary kept nodding, unable to find the words to express her gratitude.
Following Mr. Thompson’s suggestion, Mary joined in a writing competition. She had always been a talented writer, and she knew that she had the potential to create something truly special. So she set to work, pouring her heart and soul into her essay. The words started flowing, and Mary found herself writing with a newfound sense of purpose and achievement.
The judges of the competition were amazed by Mary’s essay, and they selected it as the winner. Mary was excited, and she was grateful to have finally found the right way to do a good job.
1. What does the underlined word “articulate” probably mean in Paragraph 1?| A．Encourage. | B．Teach. | C．Behave. | D．Express. |
| A．To offer her some help. | B．To give her a promotion. |
| C．To advise her to quit the job. | D．To tell her to mind her manners. |
| A．Embarrassed. | B．Confused. | C．Confident. | D．Nervous. |
| A．Actions speak louder than words. |
| B．Lose at sunrise and gain at sunset. |
| C．All things are easy that are done willingly. |
| D．Efforts can make up for lack of intelligence. |
【推荐3】Most people who ran the marathon last month spent days before resting up and days after recovering. But not Jacky Hunt-Broersma. In total, she ran 104 marathons in 104 days. If it’s confirmed by Guinness World Records, that would be a new world record. And she did it all with one leg and a prosthesis (假肢).
“Someone able-bodied had done it previously. I wanted to see if I could do it on a prosthetic leg and see what would happen,” she said. “I thought it would be a great way to inspire others to push their limits because I truly believe that we’re stronger than what we think. And I’ve been so pleasantly surprised that my body is held up, everything is held up and I’ve made it to 104.”
She actually did not pick up the sport until after she lost the lower part of her left leg in 2001 to a type of cancer called Ewing sarcoma. Runners using a prosthetic leg can’t use a regular one. They need a running blade (刀锋式跑步义肢). Hunt-Broersma has two, but she was only able to run with one because of the swelling she experienced in her left leg that made it impossible to connect to the other blade. But even with the pain that occurred, she has been able to put up with it and continued.
All together, Hunt-Broersma ran over 4, 385 kilometers. During that time she has had a lot of time to think and has learned a few things about herself. “It has taught me how strong one can be and how important absolute determination is. If you’re mentally strong, you can do anything,” she said. “And our bodies are just amazing...This whole journey was impressive and super hard, but it’s told me how strong I can be as a person and how far I can push myself.”
1. Why did Hunt-Broersma decide to run marathons?| A．She wanted to set a new record. |
| B．She intended to challenge herself. |
| C．She was driven by her interest. |
| D．She was inspired by people like her. |
| A．She didn’t get professional training. |
| B．She found it hard to keep her balance. |
| C．She suffered discomfort in her left leg. |
| D．She couldn’t use regular running blades. |
| A．Rome wasn’t built in a day. |
| B．Time works wonders. |
| C．A good beginning is half the battle. |
| D．Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. |
| A．Annoyed. | B．Concerned |
| C．Admiring. | D．Humorous. |
