【推荐1】It was a rainy day. I had no desire to drive up the winding mountain road to my daughter Carolyn's house. But she had insisted that I come to see something at the top of the mountain.

So here I was, although unwilling to make the two-hour journey through fog and rain. After lunch, my daughter requested me to drive her to Barage. After a ten-minute drive, we parked the car and got out. We walked along a path that was thick with old pine needles. Huge black green evergreens towered over us. Gradually the peace and silence of the place began to fill my mind. Then we turned a comer and stopped--and I gasped in amazement.

From the top of the mountain to the slopes and valleys, were rivers of daffodils(水仙) in full bloom. A sea of amazing colors, like a carpet before us. It looked as though the sun had tipped over and spilled gold down the mountainside. At the center hung a waterfall of purple hyacinths. Here and there were breathtaking tulips(郁金香).

A lot of questions filled my mind. Who created such beauty? Why? How?

As we approached the home that stood in the center of the property, we saw a sign that read, "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking". The first answer was:"One Woman--Two Hands, Two Feet, and Very Little Brain." The second was: "One at a Time." The third: "Started in 1958."

I was so moved by what we had seen. "She changed the world," I said, not getting over the shock, "one bulb (球茎) at a time. She started almost 40 years ago, probably just the beginning of an idea, but she kept at it."

"Imagine," I added, "if I had a vision and worked at it, just a little bit every day, what might I have accomplished?"

Carolyn looked sideways at me, smiling. "Start tomorrow," she said. "Better yet, start today."

1. Why did the author decide to visit her daughter?

A．She didn't want to disappoint her.	B．She missed her very much.
C．She must pick her up.	D．She had an urge to look at the sea of flowers.

2. What does the underlined word "hyacinths" probably refer to?

A．Famous waterfalls.	B．A kind of flower.
C．Mountain springs.	D．A name of a place.

3. What did the author learn from the sign?

A．Easier said than done.	B．Well begun, half done.
C．Little steps add up to big success.	D．Women can shake the world.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．An amazing trip to Barage.	B．A moving story of a mother's love.
C．A valuable lesson from a woman.	D．A special sign on the way home.

【推荐2】When you’re looking forward to taking a holiday in Egypt, you’re certainly not short of choices. The country has so many to see that you’ll probably not want to limit yourself to just one city.
Hurghada—A Water Sport Paradise
       With 250 hotels ranking from comfortable 3-star hotels up to 5-star accommodation, the main attraction of staying here is the activities in and on the warm waters. It has become an international center for water sports, allowing visitors to take part in surfing, sailing and deep-sea fishing. The waters are also home to a huge variety of coral and fish, making it a dream spot for diving. If all that isn’t enough, Hurghada is home to some of the world’s finest underwater gardens.
Luxor—An Open-air Museum of Ancient History
       For those with an interest in Egyptian history, Luxor is an excellent place to stay and is built upon the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. If you make this the base for your Egypt holiday, you’re basically staying in an open-air museum! The modern city of Luxor has the ruins of Karnak. Across the Nile lie many more monuments, temples and tombs including the Valley of Kings and the Queens. The Nile sailing is necessary for those with an interest in the country’s ancient history.
Cairo—The Capital City
       Finally, of course, there’s Cairo. It’s definitely a starting point for most of Egypt holidaymakers. Cairo offers an excellent mix of culture, art, cooking and sightseeing chances. With the famous pyramids, various temples and some fascinating museum, Cairo is a fantastic choice if you can come to the city.
1. Visitors flood to Hurghada mainly because it can offer them____________.

A．the funniest botanic gardens	B．choices of water activities
C．a brief history of Egypt	D．the mix of culture and art

2. Which of the following cities do most tourists visit first in Egypt?

A．Cairo

B．Luror

C．Thebes

D．Hurghada

3. This passage is most probably taken from____________.

A．a historical document	B．a science magazine
C．a travel guide	D．a book review

【推荐3】Things to do in Miyakojima

Famous for its sunny beaches and natural wonders, Miyako Island welcomes many visitors during holidays.

Unique beaches

Yonaha Maehama Beach is the most famous beach in Miyakojima, where white sand stretches for seven kilometers. The ocean is colored in emerald blue, attracting visitors with its beauty.Compact Sunayama Beach, known for its arch-shaped rock, is accessed by walking through a narrow tunnel of trees.

Diverse and colorful fish

Snorkeling is a must-try in Miyakojima. Dense coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles and plenty of space to free dive to depths of 8 to 15 meters close to the shore are standout features.For beginners, Aragusuku and Shigira are a good choice but advanced snorkelers may see Imgyo Marine Garden, Waiwai Beach and Shimojishima as their ultimate spots.

The bridges

Irabu Bridge is the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. It connects Miyakojima and Irabujima,stretching for 3540m, drawing a gentle curve. The length of the bridge can also be read as“san go no shi ma,” meaning coral island in Japanese. Smaller bridges connect Irabu and Shimoji islands,giving visitors additional beach options. On Shimoji Island, there is a boardwalk around Tooriike,two dramatic marine ponds connected to each other and the sea by an underwater cave system.

Fresh island food

Delight your senses with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth Miyako beef, delicious Miyako soba (noodles served in soup), or fresh fruit. Okinawa prefecture boasts the highest mango yield in Japan,and Miyako Island’s warm subtropical climate is optimal for growing fresh, juicy mangoes. Ice cream with a pinch of salt known as “yuki shio (snow salt)”does more than simply keep you cool.

1. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A tour brochure.	B．A research paper.
C．A geography book.	D．An academic article.

2. Which spot best suits people who want to try underwater activities?

A．Irabu Bridge.	B．Yonaha Maehama Beach.
C．Imgyo Marine Garden.	D．Compact Sunayama Beach.

3. Which is the least possible for you to enjoy in Miyakojima?

A．Delicate cuisine.	B．Attractive scenery.
C．Peaceful walking.	D．Ancient architecture.

【推荐1】Discovering Tasmania

The island of Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait. The island is a place of natural beauty and has more than 2,000 km of walking tracks and 18 national parks. If you go on a tour, you’ll discover a wild and beautiful place where the people are friendly and the food is delicious. If you don’t like walking, there are other tours you can choose from including a river cruise and cycling. You can also combine your tour with fishing, sailing or sunbathing on the beach.

One of the most incredible places to walk is along the Tarkine coast which is located in the north-west of Tasmania. It’s such a wild and remote area that you can easily complete your walk without seeing anyone apart from the members of your group and your two guides. The area contains the largest temperate rainforest in Australia which is home to more than 50 endangered species. It is also home to many Aboriginal Heritage Sites. Your guides will provide you with plenty of information about the area as you complete that part of your tour. During your tour, you’ll come across rivers, mountain ranges, spectacular waterfalls, wildlife and long wild beaches. It will be an experience you won’t easily forget.

Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:

You’re picked up from your hotel in the town of Launceston and driven to the Tarkine. You then complete a three-hour walk through the forest before arriving at your camp at Mystery Creek. There you will enjoy a delicious meal cooked by your guides.

Day 2:

After breakfast, you continue deeper into the rainforest, passing some of the tallest trees in the world as you go, and stopping for lunch and then camp in the evening.

Day 3:

The highlight of today’s hike is the Tarkine Falls, a beautiful 15-metre waterfall.

Day 4:

Today you can stay at the camp and bathe in the Tarkine Falls, or you can go for a day hike for more fantastic views of the forest.

Day 5:

After a last hike through the forest, you are picked up at about 4:00 p.m. and you arrive in Launceston at around 7:00 p.m.

The tour includes two professional guides, transport to and from the rainforest, all food while on the tours and all safety equipment. You should buy or hire recommended camping equipment including: backpacks, sleeping bags, sleep mats, head torches, rain coats and trousers.

1. A tourist to the island can ______.

A．cycle along the Tarkine coast and through the forest

B．buy or hire as much camping equipment as possible

C．go for a day trek for more fantastic views on Day 5

D．choose to make a sailing tour of the place for pleasure

2. From the passage we know that ______.

A．people will walk hours in all the five days during the tour

B．many species in danger are protected in the national parks

C．it takes about three hours to drive from Launceston to Tarkine

D．the tour provides guides, accommodation and safety equipment

【推荐2】Dynasty Exploration

6 Days Beijing-Xi’an

Full Itinerary (预定行程)

Day 1 Arrival in Beijing

Our guide will greet you at Beijing Capital Airport and take you to the reserved(已预定的) hotel.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation (住宿): Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel

Day 2 Beijing

In the morning, you’ll meet other members at the hotel. Here starts your exciting trip. First comes a walk across Tian’anmen Square. The Forbidden City is your next stop. After enjoying a healthy lunch, you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven. In the morning, you’ll enjoy the excellent Chinese Kung fu Show at a Red Theater.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast(西式自助早餐), A healthy lunch

Day 3 Beijing

Your guide will take you to visit the Badaling Great Wall first. Lunch is arranged on your own. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb. On the way back, you’ll visit the Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Day 4 Beijing-Xi’an

In the morning, you’ll travel around the Summer Palace Garden. Then enjoy the old Beijing culture by visiting Hutongs. After a healthy lunch, you’ll fly to Xi’an. There, the local guide will welcome you and take you to the hotel.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A healthy lunch

Accommodation: Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel

Day 5 Xi’an

Your visit today will start from the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Around noon, we’ll arrange a homely cooked healthy lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show will give you great enjoyment.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked healthy lunch

Day 6 Departure from Xi’an

The whole morning will be devoted to the City Wall and Shaanxi History Museum. And a healthy lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant. After that, you’ll head to the airport by yourself. For departure flight tickets, please feel free to contact us.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A healthy lunch

1. Where will the six-day trip get started?

A．On Tian’anmen Square.	B．At the Bird’s Nest Stadium.
C．At Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel.	D．At Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel.

2. What will visitors do on the morning of Day 3?

A．Enjoy a Chinese Kung fu Show.	B．Visit the Badaling Great Wall.
C．Take a walk along the Sacred Way.	D．Travel around the Summer Palace Garden.

3. When can visitors enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

A．On Day 2.

B．On Day 3.

C．On Day 5.

D．On Day 4.

【推荐3】Poet William Stafford once said that we are defined more by the detours(绕行路) in life than by the narrow road toward goals. I like this image. But it was quite by accident that I discovered the deep meaning of his words.

For years we made the long drive from our home in Seattle to my parents' home in Boise in nine hours. We traveled the way most people do: the fastest, shortest, easiest road, especially when I was alone with four noisy, restless kids who hate confinement(限制) and have strong opinions about everything.

Road trips felt risky, so I would drive fast, stopping only when I had to. We would stick to the freeways and arrive tired.

But then Banner, our lamb was born.He was rejected by his mama days before our planned trip to Boise.I had two choices:leave Banner with my husband,or take him with me.My husband made the decision for me.

That is how I found myself on the road with four kids, a baby lamb and nothing but my everlasting optimism to see me through. We took the country roads out of necessity. We had to stop every hour, let Banner shake out his legs and feed him. The kids chased him and one another. They'd get back in the car breathless and energized, smelling fresh from the cold air.

We explored side roads, catching grasshopper in waist-high grass. Even if we simply looked out of the car window, at baby pigs following their mother, or fish leaping out of the water, it was better than the best ride down the freeway. Here was life. And new horizons(见识).

We eventually arrived at my parents' doorstep astonishingly fresh and full of stories.

I grew brave with the trip back home and creative with my disciplining technique.

On an empty section of road, everyone started quarreling. I stopped the car, ordered all kids out and told them to meet me up ahead. I parked my car half a mile away and read my book in sweet silence.

Some road trips are by necessity fast and straight. But that trip with Banner opened our eyes to a world available to anyone adventurous enough to wander around and made me realize that a detour may uncover the best part of a journey-and the best part of yourself.

1. Why did the author use to take freeways to her parents' home?

A．It was less tiring.

B．It would be faster and safer.

C．Her kids would feel less confined.

D．She felt better with other drivers nearby.

2. The author stopped regularly on the country roads to     ________．

A．relax in the fresh air.

B．take a deep breath.

C．take care of the lamb.

D．let the kids play with Banner.

3. What does the author discover from the trip according to Paragraph 6?

A．Freeways are where beauty hides.

B．Getting close to nature adds to the joy of life.

C．Enjoying the beauty of nature benefits one's health.

D．One should follow side roads to watch wild animals.

4. Why did the author ask the kids to get out of the car on their way back home?

A．To give herself some time to read.

B．To order some food for them.

C．To play a game with them.

D．To let them cool down.

【推荐2】Art Adventures: Summer Camp

Date and Time: Monday, July 18-Friday, July 22, 10 am-4 pm

Location: The Met Fifth Avenue

Jump into a weeklong art adventure at The Met! From painting and sculpture to mixed media and more, participants explore, experiment, play, and create their own masterpieces with teaching artists. All art materials are included.

This is a drop-off program. Camp is limited to 21 children, and registration is required.

Fees: Members $550; non-members $650

Museum members get an early notice and can register before the general public. Members receive a 15% discount on all courses whenever they purchase a class. For membership assistance, email membership@metmuseum.org or call 212-570-3753.

Members priority registration begins on Tuesday, February 15, 10 am. Registration for non-members begins on Tuesday, February 22, 10 am. Space is limited and camp fills quickly. Registration closes on Friday, June 17, 5 pm, or when camp is full.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for information about camp, refunds (退款), late fees, and other policies. The museum reserves the right to cancel programs at any time due to insufficient enrollment (报名). In the event that we must cancel, we will issue a refund.

1. What is the best time for attending the summer camp?

A．18 Jul.

B．22 Jul.

C．15 Feb.

D．22 Feb.

2. What advantage are the members able to enjoy?

A．Having a half discount on all courses.	B．Getting a notice as the general public.
C．Having classes with the artists in person.	D．Registering a week before the non-members.

3. How can people get information about getting the money back?

A．Visit The met Fifth Avenue.	B．Ask the membership assistant.
C．Check Frequently Asked Questions.	D．Email membership@metmuseum. org.

【推荐3】ANCIENT CHINESE ART ON SHOW

The Richfield Museum of Fine Art is proud to present our new exhibition, “From Shang to Qing: Chinese Art Through the Ages.” Join us as we explore more than 3,000 years of wonderful art from the Middle Kingdom. From bronze bowls to ceramic vases, and jade sculptures to ink wash paintings, our goal is to display the Chinese artistic genius from ancient times.

The highlight of this exhibition is the painting Clearing After Snow on a Mountain Pass, one of the great works of Tang Yin(1470－1524). Born during the Ming Dynasty, Tang sought and failed to gain entry into the civil service, so he turned to painting instead. In time, he gained recognition as one of the greatest artists China has ever known. This painting, showing high mountains, trees, and houses covered in snow, was made with extraordinary skill. Though it is over 500 years old, it looks as fresh and full of life as the day it was created.

Also of primary note is a collection of nearly 100 bronze objects from the Shang Dynasty(1600 BCE－1046 BCE). While the artists who made these great works are not known, they showed great skill in creating these beautiful pieces. Some of the items on display are thought to have come from the collection of Emperor Qianlong(1711－1799), a great admirer of Shang Dynasty bronze.

Finally, we have many fine examples of Tang Dynasty (618－907) sculptures. Most of these are of Buddhist origin. Even though Buddhism entered China much earlier, it did not really begin to show expansion until the seventh century.

During this same period, trade along the Silk Road also boomed. Chinese sculpture thus found itself highly influenced by Buddhist art brought from India and Central Asia through the Silk Road. These works were intended to spread Buddhism and they are of exceptional beauty and quality. Looking at the faces of the figures in these sculptures, one sees the faces of the past. History is brought to life.

This is just a small taste of what is in store for you in this exhibition. We guarantee that “From Shang to Qing: Chinese Art Through the Ages” will transport you to another time with its amazing collection of works.

“From Shang to Qing: Chinese Art Through the Ages” will run until November 25.

Opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from Tuesday to Sunday (the museum is closed on Mondays). No one will be admitted into the exhibition after 4:30 p.m.

Admission: $10 for adults: $8 for students; $5 for children under 12; free for children under 5.

No photos or food and drink are allowed in the museum.

1. Which of the following is NOT true about the exhibition?

A．It covers a history of more than 3,000 years.

B．It only exhibits bronze bowls, ceramic vases and jade sculptures.

C．It displays the Chinese artistic genius from ancient times.

D．Its theme is “From Shang to Qing: Chinese Art Through the Ages”.

2. What can we learn about Tang Yin?

A．He gained entry into the civil service.

B．He was born in the Qing Dynasty.

C．He was recognized as one of the greatest artists.

D．His painting Clearing After Snow on a Mountain Pass was painted 400 years ago.

3. Sculptures of Tang Dynasty ________.

A．are imported from the West

B．were intended to spread Daoism

C．are of exceptional beauty and quality

D．are rarely shown in the public

4. If you pay a visit to the exhibition, you should   ________.

A．go to the museum on November 26

B．visit it on Monday

C．have lunch in the museum

D．visit it from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday