1 . From Milan to Riyadh, these culture-packed cities offer creative experiences, whether through interesting street arts, innovative exhibitions or award-winning architectures.
Milan
Milan’s fashion heritage dates back to its days as an important trading center, when rich businessmen would bring luxurious clothes to the city and improve their bartering (以物易物) skills in its streets. The area’s fashion-forward reputation was later strengthened by design masters such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, all of whom grew their brands here.
Shanghai
Shanghai has a long history in the fields of art and architecture, and has long attracted creative professionals both domestically and internationally. But today, the integration of traditional temples into the surrounding modern metropolis (大都市) continues to attract tourists. Begin with a wander through the streets of the original Old City, taking in the 600-year-old City God Temple and the nine-bend Jiu Qu Qiao. Then, make for the Shanghai Museum, where more than a million artifacts — including ancient sculptures, china and calligraphy — are on display.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s architecture has been awarded many honors over the years, including UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2023. Today, many of the city’s most popular tour routes centre on these eye-catching aspects. The harbour-front Copenhagen Opera House presents a neo-futuristic style while the Black Diamond Royal Library and the Bicycle Bridge dot the skyline with their distinctive designs.
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s largest city Riyadh has actively positioned itself as a global destination for creative travellers and to this end, it has established the Riyadh Art initiative. The first public art project of its kind in the country, Riyadh Art aims to transform the city into a “gallery without walls” through public art installations, festivals and workshops.
1. What is Milan famous for?| A．Its festivals. | B．Its fashion products. | C．Its architecture. | D．Its modern art. |
| A．Copenhagen. | B．Shanghai. | C．Milan. | D．Riyadh. |
| A．It is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city. | B．It has a lot of galleries without walls. |
| C．It aims to attract creative visitors. | D．It plans to set up the Riyadh Art initiative. |
2 . High School Programs in Australia
Beautiful weather, friendly people and a widely varied landscape are just a few of the reasons you should choose to spend time in Australia as a high school student. Here are some programs you can choose from.
High School Exchange
Individuals studying for a semester or full year in Australia will usually live with a host family. This is a great opportunity for students to see what daily family life is like in Australia. Students learning English will see their language skills improve from communicating with their new friends and family, while those familiar with the language already can use this opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day life in Australia.
Youth Travel Tours
Travel tours for teens are a wonderful way for high school students to spend a short, concentrated amount of time abroad. Tours are usually for different themes such as cooking, adventure travel, or volunteerism. Students will have a fun, unique experience while incorporating educational components like environmental or cultural studies-and all without missing your normal coursework back home.
Summer Study Program
For students who only have the few months of summer break available, an advanced summer program is perfect. Just keep in mind, the summer of the northern hemisphere is actually the winter of Australia. Oftentimes these summer programs can be partnered with universities that will allow students to receive college credits.
1. What can High School Exchange offer?| A．A good command of what we learn at school. |
| B．A better understanding of Australian culture. |
| C．A wonderful way to communicate with famous teachers. |
| D．A precious chance to make friends from different countries. |
| A．Those who are interested in painting. |
| B．Those who are interested in cooking. |
| C．Those who like doing adventure sports. |
| D．Those who want to take a part-time job. |
| A．Summer Study Program. | B．Youth Travel Tours. |
| C．High School Exchange. | D．All of the programs. |
3 . English Class 101
Are you looking for the best online English course to help improve your language skills? I will introduce one to you.
English Class 101 is a website that has been built for people looking to improve their English skills. There are over 1,000 lessons on the website, which include different levels to meet your need.
All English learners can find a level to suit them, as its courses range (涵盖) from complete beginner (Al) to advanced (C2). You have to take a placement test so that you can find the right level and get proper lessons.
The site helps English language learners with thousands of video lessons, words learning tools, lesson notes, and discussions, which provides a practical approach (方法) to learning. The lessons take you by the hand and guide you through real English conversations. The teachers slow down and explain every word and phrase. Just imagine that you’ll finally understand every English word you hear.
You can even get one-on-one support from your very own teacher! Your personal teacher will provide corrections and answers by messenger. They will also make sure you follow your individual plan and assign (布置) homework on a daily basis.
Price: Level 1, $50 per month; Level 2, $80 per month; Level 3, $ 100 per month; Advanced, $200 per month.
1. What are you required to do to attend the course?| A．Prepare some notebooks. | B．Hand in an application. |
| C．Talk about it with parents. | D．Have a placement test. |
| A．A membership card. | B．An English dictionary. |
| C．Some prize money. | D．Personalized guidance. |
| A．$150. | B．$ 180. | C．$200. | D．$400. |
4 . Spending time outdoors has long been linked (联系) to better health. Gardening goes beyond just beautifying outdoor spaces—it can have a deep effect on our physical and mental (身心上的) health.
Gardening involves physical activity that works all the main muscle (肌肉) groups, which is helpful for overall health. “Activities such as digging, planting, weeding and harvesting require movement and can help to improve strength,” said Clayton, CEO of an online lawn care company. “Performing these activities regularly can help burn calories, and keep a healthy weight.”
Beyond burning calories and building muscle, lots of studies have shown that gardening can improve the immune system (免疫系统). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, and gardening is listed as a suitable activity. Doing garden work for that time each week can reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, spending time outdoors makes us get close to natural sunlight, which is important for vitamin D synth.
Gardening provides a chance for social connection, too. It can be a shared activity among family members, friends or neighbors, building relationships and a sense of belonging.
Gardening also offers cognitive (认知的) benefits. It excites the senses, improves focus and encourages problem-solving and creativity. It provides a chance to learn about plants, ecosystems and the environment, developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature.
1. What is Clayton’s attitude towards gardening?| A．Supportive. | B．Doubtful. | C．Unclear | D．Uncaring. |
| A．It improves focus. | B．It is a waste of time. |
| C．It can keep a body in shape. | D．It helps to reduce the risk of diseases. |
| A．It contributes to creativity. | B．It encourages problem-solving. |
| C．It builds relationships between people. | D．It improves people’s awareness of safety. |
| A．How to Start a Garden | B．Choose a Garden or Not |
| C．What Plants Grow Best in a Garden | D．Start Gardening and Get the Health Benefits |
5 . With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhongnanhai to its south, Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardenst (皇家花园) in China located in the center of Beijing.
Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called “Penglai”, “Yingzhou” and “Fangzhang”. Gods in those mountains had a kind of medicine which would help humans gain immortality (永生). Consequently, many emperors constantly sought those mountains. I For example, Emperor Qin Shihuang had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty did similar things.
It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hill layout near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai with Zhongnanhai is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.
Actually, Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) generally established the present scale and pattern. In 1925, it was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
It is enjoyable to walk around the various scenic areas in Beihai Park. There are many places to visit, including the Bai Ta, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, Yong’an Temple and so on. There is also a classy restaurant called Fangshan Restaurant where the Empress Cixi once dined.
1. Where is Beihai Park?| A．Near the ocean. | B．In the south of Zhongnanhai. |
| C．To the west side of Jingshan Park. | D．In the uptown area of Beijing City. |
| A．They loved to listen to stories. | B．They both pursued immortality. |
| C．They were mountain-climbing lovers. | D．They were the first emperor of their dynasties. |
| A．Less than 100 years old. | B．About 500 years old. |
| C．About 1, 000 years old. | D．Nearly 2, 000 years old. |
| A．A famous park. | B．Historical palaces. |
| C．An unforgettable legend. | D．Ancient architectural styles. |
6 . Useful Travel Apps
Traveladvisor
Every hotel, restaurant or tourist spot you wish to know about has likely been reviewed and rated here. These numerous, and at times very detailed, travellers’ experiences offer handy tips and help avoid common mistakes. Lists like “Top Things to Do In...” ensure that you don’t come back with any regrets.
Kayak
A comprehensive travel planner, this app lets you search for and book flight tickets, hotels and cars, and even assists in packing. Its predeparture to-do lists, tailored for general, business or romantic travel, ensure that all you need is your bag.
Tripit
If you’re forever searching for all the confirmation emails for your trips, download this app, which merges all your travel details into one itinerary. You can access it from several devices, and it syncs with your phone calendar, too.
Loungebuddy
This app advises on the facilities and entry policies for airport lounges across the world, so in one click you can get away from the crowds.
Travel Diary
Similar to sending postcards to yourself, this app lets you make diary entries with text and images. You can also export all your entries to a word document: raw material for the travelogue in the making.
1. If you’re not sure what to do in your travel destination, you’d better check ______ before you go there.| A．Traveladvisor | B．Kayak | C．Travel Diary | D．Tripit |
| A．Travel Diary. | B．Traveladvisor. | C．Tripit. | D．Loungebuddy. |
| A．Traveladvisor and Kayak. | B．Kayak and Tripit. |
| C．Tripit and Loungebuddy. | D．Loungebuddy and Travel Diary. |
7 . “It’s over! Thank goodness!”
School was over and I was tired. I sat at the front of the school bus.
Janie, the driver, always tries to break the uncomfortable atmosphere by talking. I try to listen politely, but usually I’m too busy thinking about my day. On this day, however, her talk was worth listening to.
“My father’s ill,” she said to no one in particular. I could see worry in her eyes. I had never seen her like this before. She always meets students with a smile.
With a sudden chance of interest, I asked, “What’s wrong with him?”
With her eyes wet and her voice unusual, she answered, “Heart trouble.” Her eyes lowered as she continued, “I’ve already lost my mum, so I don’t think I can stand losing him.” I couldn’t answer. My heart ached for her.
I sat on the seat thinking of the great pain my own mother was thrown into when her father died. I saw how hard it was, and still is, for her. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through that.
Suddenly I realized Janie wasn’t only a bus driver, which was just her job. She had a whole world of family and cares too.
I shouldn’t have been so selfish. I paid no attention to Janie because she was a bus driver. I had judged her by her job and brushed her off as unimportant.
I shouldn’t have been so selfish and self-centered. Understanding people is an art.
1. When the students get on the school bus, Janie usually ________.| A．listens to music | B．talks about her own worry |
| C．sits on her seat without words | D．meets them with a smile |
| A．her father’s death | B．her mother’s pain |
| C．the ache of her own heart | D．the pain of Janie’s parents |
| A．thought of Janie as nothing but a driver | B．made only a few friends in the school |
| C．hardly thought of herself | D．never listened to others |
| A．losing parents makes people sad and helpless |
| B．understanding the people around us takes time |
| C．we should learn to understand the people around us |
| D．it’s not right to judge the people around us by their clothes |
8 . China’s long history has seen many scientists making great contributions to the development of ancient China and even the world. We have selected several greatest scientists in ancient China and hope to help you learn more about Chinese science and technology.
Zhang Zhongjing (150-219) was a Chinese physician in Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). He founded medication principles and summarized the medicinal experience before his time. His famous work “ Shang Han Za Bing Lun ” had a major influence on the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Today, this great book was still considered very important in the practice of Chinese medicine.
Li Daoyuan (AD 427 or 469-527) was a great Chinese geographer during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). He wrote the famous work “ Commentary to the River Classic ” (Shui Jing Zhu). The book is a great work on the ancient geography of China and it sums up China’s geography and its surrounding areas before Northern Wei Dynasty.
Sun Simiao was an outstanding medical scientist in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). He was called “ China’s King of Medicine ” for his important contributions to Chinese traditional medicine. Sun authored two books — “Qian Jin Yao Fang” and “Qian Jin Yi Fang” that were both landmarks in Chinese medicine history.
Shen Kuo was a great Chinese scientist and politician of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). He compiled (汇编) an scientific work “Dream Pool Essays”, which involves a lot descriptions about the animals and plants in the country. Shen also first described the magnetic needle compass, which would be used for navigation (航行). His discovery of concept of true north towards the north pole was four hundred years earlier than Europe.
| A．encourage readers to learn from these great scientists |
| B．explain what contributes to the development of ancient China |
| C．broaden readers’ horizons on Chinese science and technology |
| D．introduce the great medical contributions Chinese scientists made |
| A．Zhang Zhongjing’s | B．Li Daoyuan’s | C．Sun Simiao’s | D．Shen Kuo’s |
| A．He was a Chinese physician in Han Dynasty. |
| B．He worked on the ancient geography of China. |
| C．He was regarded as “China’s King of Medicine”. |
| D．He described the animals and plants a lot in his work. |
9 . Tom was seven years old. He got some money from his mother every week. He
| A．sold | B．lent | C．bought | D．borrowed |
| A．so | B．or | C．but | D．if |
| A．will write | B．to write | C．write | D．writing |
| A．how many | B．how long | C．how often | D．how much |
| A．also | B．too | C．either | D．so |
| A．buy | B．give | C．write | D．look at |
| A．said to | B．spoke | C．answered | D．talked about |
| A．sad | B．pleased | C．worried | D．disappointed |
| A．money | B．time | C．things | D．notebook |
| A．ask | B．made | C．reply | D．know |
10 . Albert was mad about computer games. He could spend hours in front of the computer. When people encouraged him to leave the screen to have a normal life, he would respond u this is my window to the world. There is much more here than you realize.
Among all his games, he especially liked a rabbit-catching game. He was a real expert at it. He once even won the champion of an online rabbit-catching competition.
One day, as usual, as soon as he got home, he ran to his room to play computer games. But this time he found the computer was not there. Yet in its place there was a box, on which a card said, “Gift for Game Winner.” When he opened the box, he found a real rabbit in it. His parents then came in to tell him that they bought him the rabbit in place of the rabbit game because his computer was sent for repair.
Albert loved the little rabbit immediately. He liked playing with it and even gave it a name. He studied its diet and habits. Days later, he actually began to enjoy the company of the rabbit. And he also enjoyed sharing his stories and his growing knowledge about rabbits with his parents, friends and teachers.
Now, Albert is no longer mad about computer games. He prefers learning and discovering new things about animals. He also uses the computer to do that. When someone asks him why he stops playing computer games,he points to his pet and says, “This is my window to the world. There is more than you realize.”
1. Albert used to be ______.| A．mad with his parents | B．interested in rabbit stories |
| C．good at catching rabbits | D．crazy about computer games |
| A．They gave him a real rabbit as a gift. |
| B．They bought him a new rabbit game. |
| C．They replaced his computer with a box. |
| D．They told him to stop playing computer games. |
| A．He starts to like the shop that sold the rabbit. |
| B．He prefers discovering new things about animals. |
| C．He likes playing computer games with the rabbit. |
| D．He is no longer good at playing computer games. |
| A．His parents. | B．Computer games. |
| C．His pet rabbit. | D．Knowledge about nature. |
