【推荐1】The Best of Alaska

Nothing evokes(唤起) Alaska like a whale exploding out of the water or an eagle pulling a silver fish from the river. Combine these images with high mountains, brilliant icebergs and wonderful meals and you really do have the Best of Alaska! Join us for an unforgettable 7-day excursion(远足) to the last frontier!

Highlights:

JUNEAU: Juneau, the state capital, is rich in culture and scenic beauty. It is here that we start and end our trip.

HAINES: Haines is a small community located along the fjords. The natural beauty and expansive wilderness found here have made Haines a premier center for adventure in Alaska.

ALASKA INDIAN ARTS: Alaska Indian Arts is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the preservation and continuation of traditional native craft and culture of the Northwest Native Tribes. We spend a few hours learning carving, native beading and culture from these master artists.

SKAGWAY: Skagway is famous for its role in the Klondike Gold Stampede over 100 years ago Today, it is a historic yet lively town, which still reflects its gold rush roots and contains colorful shops. In Skagway, we stop by the Klondike Gold Rush National Park Visitor’s Center and ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway.

CUSTAVUS: Gustavus is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. We’ll stay at a comfortable lodge here for two nights. This will be the base for both the whale-watching excursion and a full-day cruise in Glacier Bay.

DATES/PRICES: May 15, June 17, July 16, August 14.

7 days—$3,500, including lodging, all meals, excursions, guides, park fees, sales taxes, and transportation between Juneau, Skagway, Haines, and Gustavus. Not included: Alcohol, personal items, airfare to and from Juneau.

Contact:

mail: info@ alaskamountainguides.com

Call:800-766-3396

Write: Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School P.O. Box 1081, Haines AK 99827

1. According to the advertisement, those who participate in the excursion ________.

A．can contact Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School by email or fax

B．will spend one day experiencing the local culture at Alaska Indian Arts

C．are able to experience some adventurous activities in Haines

D．can get lots of traditional native artworks free of charge

2. Where can you feel the history of the local place?

A．At Juneau.	B．At Skagway.
C．At Haines.	D．At Gustavus.

3. You can watch a whale exploding out of the water at_______.

A．Glacier Bay National Park	B．the Klondike Gold Rush National Park
C．the Northwest Native Tribes	D．Yukon Route Railway

【推荐1】Birds have been observed to sleep while in flight for the first time ever. Because of some flights that can often last several days, weeks, or even longer, some sea birds have long been thought to be able to fall fully asleep while “on the wing”, though it was not proven.

Now researchers say they have evidence which shows birds can sleep in flight. Scientists from Max Planck Institute used a sample (抽样) of 15 adult female frigate birds to test the sleep patterns. Each bird had a small electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor (传感器) fitted to record changes in the animals brain activity as they flew for up to 10 days and over 3,000 kilometers.

The readings showed that during flight the birds could sleep using one hemisphere of the brain, or both together. It was known that frigate birds could sleep with one “half” of the brain, which allows them to keep one eye open and “connected” to the awake half.

According to the research, it is sleeping technique used by birds for finding directions. “Frigate birds sleep mostly while circling in rising air and keep the eye connected to the awake hemisphere facing the direction of flight, suggesting that they watch where they are going,” says the study.

Despite the ability to fall “fully” asleep, the birds were found to do it less in the air compared to on land. They slept “very little and less deeply” while in flight. This suggests that though it is possible, falling totally asleep is not very good during flight which will need the birds attention.

The researchers said the short sleep could be serving as “power naps” to keep the birds going until they return to land. Further study could help us understand why lack of sleep affects humans so badly.

1. What does the underlined phrase “on the wing” in Paragraph 1 mean?

A．Sleeping.

B．Flying.

C．Fighting.

D．Thinking.

2. Why did the researchers fit the frigate birds with EEG sensors?

A．To help the birds fly much longer.

B．To get some of the good samples.

C．To know about animals brain activity.

D．To make the birds find directions more easily.

3. How do the sleeping birds find the direction?

A．They sleep with their eyes open.

B．They have light sleep when flying.

C．They keep one eye connected to the awake part.

D．They pay special attention to the way they travel.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．Birds Can Sleep in Flight	B．A Study on Birds in Flight
C．Flying Birds Brain Activity	D．Sleep with Half of the Brain

【推荐2】Western conservation groups are seeking stricter laws to deal with trade in endangered wildlife, but Dr. Paul Jepson warns that this isn’t the best solution. He specially mentions the case of the Bali starling (八哥). Bringing in tougher laws created unexpected outcomes, which contributed to the bird’s extinction in the wild in 2006.

He said that the traditional law enforcement (执行) approach that prohibited ownership of the Bali starling in the 1980s and 1990s increased rather than reduced the demand for wild-caught Bali starlings. The bird has become a popular gift among the rich of Indonesia, who can gain more status by owning one.

Instead, a case-by-case analysis might be needed. Last year, he said, a bird association set up a network of breeders (饲养者) among the owners of Bali starling on the island of Java. By introducing a “crowd-breeding” model, it transformed the bird into a species whose price and source of supply were publicly known. This lessened the status of keeping such birds and thereby reduced their profitability to black market suppliers.

Another case was on Nusa Penida, an island southeast of Bali. A Balinese conservation group planned to release starlings on the island. Some tried to block the plan, saying the island was outside the birds’ native zone. Eventually, the Governor of Bali came up with a plan. The starlings were given to a local temple as a ceremonial offering before they were released. This gave the Bali starling status as a “sacred bird”, giving them protection under customary laws. Now the released starlings established a breeding population on Nusa Penida.

Dr. Jepson commented, “I do not want to condemn the international approach seeking tighter law enforcement, but this case study shows we should not oversimplify how we respond to the problem of the wildlife trade. There is a growing body of evidence that shows more different approaches are sometimes needed to fit with the local social and political realities. We should tailor solutions on more of a case-by-case basis.”

1. What might have sped up the wild Bali starling’s extinction in 2006?

A．The bad natural environment.

B．The side effect of strict protection laws.

C．The debate over the wildlife trade.

D．The popularity of the bird in the world.

2. Why was the “crowd-breeding” model introduced?

A．To make the Bali starling less profitable.

B．To cut off the supply to the black market.

C．To increase the demand for the Bali starling.

D．To block the strict laws passed by the government.

3. What can we learn from the case on Nusa Penida?

A．The starlings were protected as a result of stricter laws.

B．It is unwise to release starlings outside their native zone.

C．The starlings were endangered due to their reduced status.

D．Attaching spiritual value to the starlings helps protect them.

4. Which of the following will Dr. Jepson probably agree with?

A．Stricter enforcement is needed to protect biodiversity.

B．Those who seek tighter law enforcement should be blamed.

C．There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to the wildlife trade problem.

D．The problem of wildlife trade should be treated with determination.

【推荐2】Jerrie: My hope is that my grandchildren and the next generation will inherit (继承) some of the values that were so important to me. It is the best gift I could have given my family.

Jodi: The special book written by my mother is one of the most precious gifts I could ever receive, and I cannot even describe my feelings about this labor of love that she completed, with the help of the team at LifeBook.

Kelli: I want to say thank you for taking my grandma’s pictures, emails, and stories and turning them into this beautiful and professional book. It is such a work of art and something I will forever keep.

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1. What is the purpose of the first three paragraphs?

A．To show the importance of the book.

B．To spread Jerrie’s values across her family.

C．To introduce Jerrie’s autobiography to people.

D．To advertise and attract customers to Lifebook.

2. What can we learn from LifeBook^’s service?

A．LifeBook will take you on a tour.

B．There will be six people helping you.

C．There will be an interview on the phone.

D．LifeBook won’t provide free services for you.

3. What can you do if you are still confused after reading this text?

A．Send an email to LifeBook.

B．Talk to the planner anytime.

C．Visit the website of LifeBook.

D．Call 0800-999-2280 on Sunday.

【推荐3】Singapore Garden Festival(SGF) is the only show in the world to gather the world’s top award-winning garden and flowery designers under one roof. This “must-see” event will impress you with a wide range of displays and activities that have been planned specially for you. An experience of a lifetime awaits at the Singapore Garden Festival for you and your family. Mark your calendar today!

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

Worry that your child is bored? Sign him or her up for a guided tour in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. It will stimulate a sense of wonder in your child as it promises a unique discovery and provides interesting learning experiences in a garden setting. Let your child explore and play so that they will learn to take care of plants and the environment while you admire the exhibits with a peace of mind.

Far East Organization Children’s Garden

Your child can have a fun-filled day with interactive games, water play features and educational programs in an abundant natural setting at Far East Organization Children’s Garden! The play zone contains play such as a sway(摇摆)bridge and stepping springs, and the Fish Fountain with an interactive landscape of water tunnels and different fish-shaped sculpture.

Marine Cove Children’s Outdoor Playground

Come and bring your child to the 3500-square-metr e playground suitable for children of various ages! It is located next to the beach, offering users open spaces and a good view of the sea. Your child can also join in the fun at a play area with talking tubes, fun mirrors and a drum set! The playground also has play equipment for children who are physically-challenged to play together. This includes special needs equipment such as sensory play panels.

1. Why is Singapore Garden Festival a “must-see” event?

A．Because it is the only show to gather different roofs.

B．Because it is a grand awarding ceremony for designers.

C．Because it attracts flowery designers to the competition.

D．Because it brings together the world-class garden and flowery designs.

2. What can the children do in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden?

A．Have a good view of the sea.	B．Participate in interactive games.
C．Learn to look after the plants.	D．Know about ways to design parks.

3. Which of the following places suits disabled children most?

A．The Fish Fountain.

B．Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.

C．Far East Organization Children’s Garden.

D．Marine Cove Children’s Outdoor Playground.