【推荐2】The Best Zoos in the World

Catching sight of your favorite animals up close can be an exciting experience. Many Zoos provide the opportunity for people to learn about the global environment and work to help protect critical species for generations to come.

San Diego Zoo-San Diego, California

The San Diego Zoo has long been considered one of the best zoos in the world. The zoo, which opened its doors in 1916, covers across 100 acres and is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Guests can take part in a number of educational programs.

Chester Zoo-England, U. K.

The Chester Zoo is yet another large space with a rich conservation program (and it happens to be the most-visited zoo in the U. K.). The zoo is home to more than 20,000 animals and works to educate every guest on not only their conservation programs but how individuals can take action.

Alaska Zoo-Anchorage, Alaska

The Alaska Zoo is one of the smaller ones to make this global list, but for a good reason. The Alaska Zoo specializes in local animals, including brown bears, bald eagles, moose, hawks, harbor seals, and more. It is a registered nonprofit (非营利组织) devoted to promoting the conservation of Arctic and sub-Arctic species.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn-Vienna, Austria

The Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna has the distinct honor of being the world’s oldest zoo. It also happens to be one of the best zoos in the world thanks to its various rare animal exhibits, along with its captive breeding program that’s helping to save dozens of at-risk species, and its rich species protection program in the wild.

1. What do San Diego Zoo and Chester Zoo have in common?

A．They are both free for tourists.	B．They are both located in Europe.
C．They both donate a part of tickets.	D．They both offer educational events.

2. What is special about Alaska Zoo?

A．It is the largest conservation space.

B．It is the smallest zoo all over the world.

C．It is one of the most-visited zoos in the U. S.

D．It is aimed at protecting some specific animals.

3. Where should you go if you want to visit a zoo with a long history?

A．England, U. K.	B．Anchorage, Alaska.
C．Vienna, Austria.	D．San Diego, California.

【推荐3】Outdoor Science Field Trips!

1. Which trip caters for more age groups than all the others?

A．Habitat & Home	B．Only Rain Down the Drain
C．healthy earth healthy bodies	D．Rockin’and Recycling

2. What will you learn from Only Rain Down the Drain?

A．Information about weather.	B．Knowledge about water systems.
C．Grade specific science standards.	D．Stories about Sonoma County.

3. Which trip should you choose if you want to learn to forecast the weather?

A．Habitat & Home	B．Only Rain Down the Drain
C．Rockin’and Recycling	D．Weather or not

【推荐2】Great paintings evoke feelings of awe and wonder centuries after they were created. Often the inspiration for a masterpiece came from something very specific: a person the artist knew, a personal experience or a well-known story.

Mona Lisa

It is an oil painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. There has been much speculation about who the woman in the Mona Lisa is, due in part to her mysterious smile. Most scholars nowadays identify the woman as Lisa delGiocondo, the wife of a wealthy silk merchant. Her husband most likely commissioned the painting to celebrate the birth of their second son.

Whistler’s Mother

James Abbott McNeill Whistler originally planned to use a model for this painting and to have her standing. The model did not show up for the appointment, so he asked his mother to stand in. Since she found standing for so long uncomfortable, he changed plans and painted her sitting.

The Starry Night

Vincent van Gogh was a talented artist who struggled with mental health problems throughout his short life. Arguably his most famous painting, The Starry Night depicts a view from his window in an asylum where he stayed because of these mental health issues. Van Gogh painted 21 versions of this view but he may have been surprised to learn that it was the one destined for fame.

Portrait of Dr. Gachet

Van Gogh was eventually released from the asylum, so he needed a new place to stay. His brother connected him with Dr. Gachet, who took Van Gogh in. At first, the artist was skeptical of the doctor’s ability to help him because Dr. Gachet also struggled with mental illness. But just two days after expressing these doubts to his brother, Van Gogh wrote to his sister that he considered the doctor a true friend. Van Gogh ultimately painted Portrait of Dr. Gachet in honor of his friend.

1. Who is Lisa delGiocondo?

A．An unknown model.

B．A pregnant woman.

C．Leonardo Da Vinci’s wife.

D．The wife of a rich businessman.

2. What do The Starry Night and Portrait of Dr. Gachet have in common?

A．They are works by the same artist.

B．They are both about scenery.

C．They are in honor of friends.

D．They are pained at the asylum.

3. What is the text about?

A．World-famous artists.

B．Western painting styles.

C．Stories behind great paintings.

D．Painting process of masterpieces.

【推荐3】National parks like Yellowstone are popular destinations for both family vacations and adventure trips alike. But there are some places that simply don’t get the love that they deserve despite the fact that they are truly impressive.

Isle Royale National Park

Located in the heart of Lake Superior, Isle Royale requires a bit of work to reach, but it is well worth the effort. Access is permitted only via daily ferries, which is why larger parks like Yellowstone see more visitors in a day than Isle Royale sees in a year. Wildlife like wolves are frequently spotted by hikers along the park’s scenic trails.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Another island park, the Dry Tortugas can be found 68 miles to the southwest of the Florida Keys. Accessible only by boat or plane, this park is actually quite small, but it’s packed with history, abundant sea life, and amazing coral reefs. At the center of the park is Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry(砖石)structure in the Western Hemisphere.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Covering more than 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St Elias National Park is the largest in the entire U.S. system. Remote and mostly undeveloped, this is a park that demands more from its visitors, after all there are just two roads that lead into it. But in return, it gives them a special connection with nature that simply isn’t found anywhere else.

Big Bend National Park

Travelers looking for a truly wild experience should have Big Bend National Park on their bucket lists. Big Bend is well known for its whitewater rafting camping, and hiking although during the summer months it can be intensely warm, keeping many visitors away.

1. What is the main reason for fewer visitors to Isle Royale National Park?

A．The terrible work.	B．The dangerous wolves.
C．The remote location.	D．The inconvenient transport.

2. Which park will you visit if you are interested in history?

A．Big Bend National Park.	B．Isle Royale National Park.
C．Dry Tortugas National Park.	D．Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

3. How is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park different from the other three parks?

A．With its wide roads.	B．With its large area.
C．With its beautiful scenery.	D．With its special visitors