1 . The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The country’s oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colors of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes. Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger’s perspective on the park and local people.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you’ll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop. The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country’s best views of a starry sky.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
A significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow. For those adventurous and daring, it is recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon’s wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Surprise! Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow. Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches. You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays. You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.
1. Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars?| A．Yellowstone National Park. | B．Joshua Tree National Park. |
| C．Grand Canyon National Park. | D．Virgin Islands National Park. |
| A．We can have a poor view of the South Rim there. | B．It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs. |
| C．There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter. | D．The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather. |
| A．Hiking. | B．Skiing. | C．Swimming. | D．Hunting. |
2 . New England holds some special museums. They are devoted largely or entirely to the work of just one person. And they are the artists’ birthplaces or onetime homes. Here are four examples of such museums.
Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum
The name Cyrus E. Dallin (1861-1944) might not be familiar, but several of the artist’s sculptures (雕塑) are, especially those related to Native Americans. A good example is his “Appeal to the Great Spirit” standing in front of the Museum of Fine Arts. Born in Utah, he lived in Arlington for the final four decades of his life. The museum is in the Jefferson Cutter House, an 1830 Greek styled building.
Norman Rockwell Museum
Rockwell (1894-1978) was America’s well-known artist. The museum, founded in 1969, moved into its present location, Robert A.M. Stern-designed building in 1993. Its 998 paintings and drawings are the largest single collection of Rockwell's artworks.
Kids 16 and under: free; adults: $20; the old: at a 10% discount (折扣)
Edward Gorey House
Edward Gorey (1925-2000) was an artist, but he was also an author and clothes designer. Gorey bought this 18th-century house in 1979 and lived there for the rest of his life. Edward Gorey House is also known as the Elephant House. Gorey had respect for animals. The activities of the house, from art education to exhibits, show Gorey's support of animal well-being.
Gibert Stuart Birthplace and Museum
Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828) is responsible for what may well be the most familiar work of any American artist, His drawing of George is the basis of the first president’s portrait (画像) on the dollar. Stuart painted more than a thousand portraits throughout his life.
1. What do we know about Cyrus E. Dallin?| A．He built the Jefferson Cutter House. |
| B．He lived in Arlington for half a century. |
| C．He was best known for his Greek styled sculptures. |
| D．He created famous works related to Native Americans. |
| A．$36. | B．$40. | C．$60. | D．$72. |
| A．Edward Gorey House. | B．Norman Rockwell Museum. |
| C．Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum. | D．Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum. |
3 . Parents are the closest people to you in the world. They love you just because you are you. And they would do anything for you.
Like a lot of middle school students, Zhuang Shuxia has her problem. She and her parents don’t get on well. “I really want to be my Daddy’s little girl. But he just doesn’t understand. He speaks to me but doesn’t listen to me, ” said Zhuang, a Junior 3 student in Hebei. Of course, lots of kids feel that way. But you and your parents will be much happier if you can be friends. Why don’t you take a walk and have a talk with your parents first? Here are some ways to have a good talk with them:
◆Find a good time to talk, like when you’re having dinner, going out for a walk or watching TV.
◆Tell them something you’re interested in, or ask them about their lives when they were young. They love to talk about it.
◆Listen to them carefully, and look at them in the eyes.
◆Be honest. Your parents will trust(信任)you more. And a trusting family is a happy family.
1. Who are the closest people to us according to the passage?| A．The people who love us. | B．The people who understand us. |
| C．Our father and mother. | D．All the family members. |
| A．her father doesn’t think she works hard enough |
| B．her father doesn’t like to speak to her |
| C．she really wants to be a big girl |
| D．she can’t get on well with her parents |
| A．Your parents love you just because you are such a good child. |
| B．Children and their parents will be happier if they make friends with each other. |
| C．It is a good time for children to talk with their parents when having dinner. |
| D．Children can win their parents’ trust if they are honest. |
Still Alice In this film, we can catch a glimpse of a family’s relationships, fears, concerns and struggles. Alice, the film’s main character, copes bravely with Alzheimer’s disease: she’s the perfect example of an iron-willed woman. Julianne Moore’s amazing performance adds extra charm to this character. Not surprisingly, Julianne Moore won the 2015 Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. |
Coco Before Chanel The movie is about a strong woman who was not afraid to defy(挑战)society and its conservative and old-fashioned morals. Some say it’s a dull and monotonous(老套的)movie, but it would be more accurate to say that it’s simply an unhurried one — a technique that makes it all the more fascinating. Audrey Tautou is graceful in the role of Chanel. |
Mona Lisa Smile This movie teaches you about dignity, courage and persistence, and the central theme is learning to have a mind of your own. Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts) is a recent UCLA graduate hired to teach art history at the famous all-female Wellesley College, in 1953. Determined to confront the outdated morals of society, Katherine inspires her traditional students including Betty and Joan to challenge the lives they are expected to lead. |
Elizabeth This is a wonderful film about Elizabeth I, who was faced with the difficult task of becoming a wise and strong monarch(君主). Cate Blanchett is amazing in the role of the queen—majestic, powerful, and strong-willed—who opens a “golden age” in the history of England. Suspense, passion, betrayal, adventure—all these things are combined in this thrilling and epic movie with perfect scenes, gorgeous costumes and shocking performances by the actors. |
| A．They’re strong-willed and brave. |
| B．They’re great professional women. |
| C．They suffer from serious illnesses. |
| D．They are always challenging traditional virtues. |
| A．is mainly set in Wellesley College |
| B．is especially popular with traditional students |
| C．is a film whose theme is learning to think independently |
| D．is a dull but unhurried movie |
| A．Julianne Moore | B．Audrey Tautou |
| C．Julia Roberts | D．Cate Blanchett |
5 . The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, just six months after the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics, will be held in a strict dosed loop to prevent infections.
Vaccination（接种疫苗）
•It will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure for China, in order to be allowed entry.
•Athletes and team officials may be exempted（豁免）for medical reasons only. Anyone not fully vaccinated will need to quarantine（检疫）for 21 days upon arrival in Beijing.
•The “My 2022” app will be needed to monitor and track your health for 14 days before your departure for China.
•A negative COVID-19 test result will be needed before your departure for China.
Closed loop（闭环控制）
•Within the closed loop system, all Games participants will only move between permitted destinations in dedicated Games transport.
•COVID-19 screenings will happen daily during the Games.
•Avoid crowds if possible.
Hygiene（卫生）
•Wear a face mask at all times, except when training, competing, eating, drinking, sleeping or when alone.
•Wash your hands regularly. Support athletes by clapping instead of singing or chanting.
•Get a test if you experience any symptoms.
1. What is required for the Games entry before coming to China?| A．Vaccination received immediately. |
| B．Quarantine required for 21 days. |
| C．The “My 2022” app to track health. |
| D．A positive COVID-19 test result. |
| A．Move anywhere by bus. | B．Support athletes by clapping. |
| C．Escape COVID-19 screenings. | D．Take off face masks at any time. |
| A．A science book. | B．An official website. |
| C．A fashion magazine. | D．An online course. |
6 . World Awareness Children’s Museum
Plan Your Trip
We’re so glad you’re coming to visit, wherever you are from! On-street parking is available for FREE on both sides of Warren St.
The World Awareness Children’s Museum is aimed to provide a safe and secure environment. For the protection of our visitors and their families, all children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older, and all adults should be accompanied by a child under the age of 18 years. Unaccompanied adults will be asked to present their ID during their visit. Thank you for your understanding.
Museum Closures
The Museum will be closed on the following dates to observe holidays or other events: Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve & New Year’s Day.
Come on! You can take a trip around the world without leaving the Museum! Experience music, fashion, toys, art, games and more from countries like China, Nigeria, Brazil & Japan!
School Year Hours
Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.---5 p.m.
Sundays: Noon---5 p.m.
Monday to Friday: 10 a.m.---3 p.m.
Daily Admission Rates
$5.00---Adults and children 3 and older
Children under 3 are free
Military Discount available 10%
Free Admission for Museum Members
Note:
Open to group tours or educational programs all year round (reservations required).
Already Reserved? Log In Here and Learn More!
For more information, click the Flash Presentation about our Museum(8.23MB).
1. What if an adult desires to visit the museum alone?| A．He will be protected. | B．Extra money should be paid. |
| C．His ID has to be checked. | D．He won’t be permitted to enter. |
| A．9 a.m. on Saturday. | B．2 p.m. on Sunday. |
| C．9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. | D．8:30 a.m. on Monday. |
| A．In a travel brochure. | B．On a TV program. |
| C．In an art magazine. | D．On a web page. |
7 . Some people learn a foreign language because they want to communicate with the local people. Some other people are just curious about foreign cultures. Whatever your reason may be，the best foreign language software around will certainly help you pick up the language in a few weeks. You will be able to speak fluently and understand the language clearly as well.
Tell Me More
This software is widely used in U. S. schools，and it is believed to be the best foreign language learning software around the world. It offers instructions for learning Arabic，Chinese，Dutch，English，French，German，Italian，Japanese and Spanish. However，the software does not come cheap as it costs around $250.
Talk Now
If you are looking for cheaper language learning software，then this is just the suitable choice for you. This software will cost you around $40，and even though it is not as useful as Tell Me More，it is still very good software for the purpose. The disadvantage is that there is a clear lack of interactive （相互作用的） activities for users so it does not result in fluency.
Instant Immersion
This software supplies learning material for up to 35 different languages，and it is widely considered as the best software for learning Spanish as well. It will cost you around $30，and this is a very reasonable price for such a piece of highly recommended and loved language learning software. The learning courses are highly interactive，and the ever present speech recognition feature ensures that you are getting the pronunciation right when you speak.
Kid Speak
This is a kind of foreign language translation software that you can make use of，and it will cost you around $30. So it is safe to say that the level of performance will be similar to that of Talk Now. This software is designed more for the use of children for is interesting videos.
1. In learning a language ________.| A．different people have different purposes |
| B．talking with the natives is quite necessary |
| C．understanding foreign cultures is very important |
| D．using software is the most effective way |
| A．It lacks language learning methods. |
| B．It costs much more than the others. |
| C．It offers no interactive activities. |
| D．It provides no interesting videos for children. |
| A．Tell Me More | B．Talk Now |
| C．Instant Immersion | D．Kid Speak |
8 . On the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), red tourism has gained popularity among tourists who flood in to visit historic sites with a modern revolutionary heritage.
Jinggangshan
This is one of the most crucial and splendid chapters of history of establishing Red China as well as a unique and wonderful ecosystem, which is covered with rich forest, rugged peaks and several memorials to the Red Army. The best time to visit is between April and October, with the most temperature timing April and May when the large azaleas (杜鹃花) bloom.
Open: 8:00-17:00 (Feb. 16-Nov. 15). 8:00-16:30 (Nov. 16-Feb. 15)
Xibaipo
It is an old revolutionary base where the leadership of the Communist Party of China was stationed, drawing up the blueprint for a new country. A memorial hall was built to honor the memory of this site. The lake and the hill here add brilliance and beauty to each other and form pleasant scenery.
Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 9:30-17:00 (Xibaipo Memorial Hall)
The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall
A new exhibition is held with updated display approaches, including phantom imaging (全息影像) and oil painting, which are used to improve visitors' experiences. The exhibition shows four stages of the CPC from its establishment to its achievements.
Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 8:30-18:00 (closed on Mondays)
Former Site of the Editorial Department of New Youth
New Youth started the New Culture Movement and spread the influence of the May Fourth Movement. The site was briefly based in Beijing but moved back to Shanghai in 1920 and also served as the office for the Communist Party of China Central Committee in the 1920s.
Open: Thursdays to Tuesdays 9:00 - 11:30, 13:30 - 16:30 (closed on Wednesdays)
1. Where would visitors learn more about the history of the Red Army?| A．Jinggangshan. |
| B．Xibaipo. |
| C．The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall. |
| D．Former Site of the Editorial Department of New Youth. |
| A．It focuses on Chinese achievements in art. |
| B．It mainly advertises the coming anniversary. |
| C．It applies modernized methods to the exhibition. |
| D．It briefly introduces the rise and fall of Nanhu. |
| A．At 1:00 p.m. on Mondays. | B．At 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. |
| C．At 2:00 p.m. on Fridays. | D．At 5:00 p.m on Sundays. |
9 . When life takes you away from home, take technology to help guide and entertain you. Apps can help make your trip easier and more fun. Travel apps are very helpful to guide you on your trip. Some apps help you plan your trip and others help you travel.
TripIt
TripIt is a helpful app to organize travel plans. Sign up for a free account at the TripIt website and download the app to have all of your travel plans handy in one place.
TripIt will create a travel plan that will be shown in the TripIt app on your phone. No need to hunt down emails when it is time to travel. Everything will be in one place, on the TripIt app.
TripIt is free but a paid version is available that has more functions.
Google Translate
When traveling outside your home country, you may need some language help. Google Translate is an app that can help you understand a language other than your native tongue.
The Google Translate app translates between 103 different languages. Copy text into the app to see a translation. You can also handwrite text onto the screen. Use your phone’s camera to see a translation of signs. Point the lens at words to see the translation on the phone’s screen. The app works even without an Internet connection.
Google Translate is available for free.
OpenTable
OpenTable is a restaurant reservation app to help users discover and make reservations at restaurants.Search by location, cooking, reviews and prices.
OpenTable includes 31,000 restaurants around the world. Check the app to find information and make reservations within the app.
OpenTable is available free for Android and iPhone and iPad.
1. How does the app “TripIt” benefit the users?| A．It provides jobs concerning travel. |
| B．It helps them plan their trip. |
| C．It helps them sort out emails about travel. |
| D．It helps them communicate better. |
| A．Read it to the phone. |
| B．Use the Google search engine. |
| C．Refer to an e-dictionary on the phone. |
| D．See it through the phone's camera. |
| A．Book food in advance. |
| B．Deliver food to a place quickly. |
| C．Buy raw materials to produce good dishes. |
| D．Cook food according to the recipes the app provides. |
10 . City's icons celebrate milestones
Happy birthday to these big apple attractions
150TH
The Met isn’t the only New York City institution celebrating an anniversary in 2020 - 2021.
130TH
April 2021 marks the 130th year of Carnegie Hall, the prestigious landmark that has delighted audiences with performers from around the world, including Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and Gustav Mahler.
125TH
Another NYC mainstay with a recent anniversary is the New York Public Library. Established in 1895, the main branch in midtown Manhattan, with its entrance famously flanked by lion statues named Patience and Fortitude, is a must-visit landmark that turned 125 in May 2020.
90TH
Almost a hundred years ago, competing skyscrapers shot into the atmosphere in a race to become the world's tallest building. At 1 ,046 feet, the Chrysler Building — which celebrated its 90th anniversary in May 2020 - was the first to hold the title, but only briefly.
90 TH
One year after the Chrysler Building was built, the Empire State Building was completed, topping off at 1,250 feet (or 1,454 if you count the antennae and spire) and remained the world's tallest building for a respectable 40 years. The iconic skyscraper — synonymous with the Big Apple itself — turns 90 in May 2021.
1. What is Carnegie Hall usually used for?| A．Reading. | B．Exhibition. | C．Performance. | D．Overlooking. |
| A．It was founded in 1895. |
| B．April 2021 marks its 125th year. |
| C．It has become the world's tallest building. |
| D．It was completed after the Chrysler Building was built. |
| A．The Met. |
| B．The Empire State Building. |
| C．The New York Public Library. |
| D．The Chrysler Building. |
