1 . Tourist Attractions of the Year

Berlin Wall Memorial’s East Side Gallery: Berlin, Germany

In Berlin, one of the few monuments to the Cold War is the Berlin Wall Memorial, featuring a gallery of 101 panels totaling around 4,300 feet. To learn more about the history, impact and significance of the Berlin Wall, consider a tour. The traveler-favorite Hotel Adlon Kempinsky has views of Brandenburg Gate, a Michelin-starred restaurant, spa and central location for exploring the city.

Grand Palace: Bangkok, Thailand

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, today’s ceremonial royal complex is a top attraction in Bangkok. Visitors to the Grand Palace must dress appropriately with both shoulders and knees covered and are asked to wear black or white out of respect for the late King Rama IX, who died in 2016. For a personalized experience, book a customized tour of the palace and Bangkok’s must-sees.

Mount Fuji: Shizuoka, Japan

Most visitors opt for a sighting from Tokyo’s sky-high observation decks. For a closer view, visit the Fuji Five Lakes region for its hot springs. Views from here are best in the early morning or late afternoon, between November and May.

Victoria Harbour: Hongkong, China

The most spectacular views of the city are from the water, whether seen on a cheap Star Ferry or during the world’s largest light and sound show, at 8 p.m. nightly, when skyscrapers erupt into seasonally themed lighting effects synchronized to music. For a room with stellar harbor views, check in to The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, which boasts four restaurants, a nightclub, an indoor pool and a full-service spa.

1. What is required of visitors to the Grand Palace in Bangkok?

A．Wearing formal clothes.	B．Joining a customized tour.
C．Being dressed in black or white.	D．Booking tickets online in advance.

2. Where can the visitors get the most spectacular views of Hong Kong?

A．From a room on the peak.	B．From a Star Ferry.
C．From Hotel Adlon Kempinsky.	D．From a sky-high observation deck.

3. Where does the passage most probably come from?

A．A scientific journal.	B．A travel brochure.
C．A commercial report.	D．A hotel website.

2 . South Korean government has tried everything to persuade women to have babies. Among their initiatives: sponsored housing for new couples, discounted after-childbirth care for new mothers, even a “baby payment” for each new born. Corporate South Korea is also getting in action, trying to delay a population crisis that could see the country’s workforce halve within 50 years.

“We will continue to do what we can as a company to solve the low-birth issue,” Lee Joong-keun, the chairman of Booyoung Group, a Seoul-based construction company, said this month after awarding a total $5.25 million to his employees for babies born since 2021. Other companies are offering payments, too. This development has come about as South Korea’s fertility rate (生育率) — the average number of children a woman has over her lifetime — has decreased to 0.78 in 2022. That means the population is aging rapidly. “The main reasons behind the falling birthrate are the financial burdens of child care and challenges of balancing work and family,” Lee said.

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol praised companies that came up with “tax benefits and other various support measures to boost child birth,” according to his spokes-woman. Despite aggressive efforts, South Korea’s fertility rate is on course to sink further to 0.65 by 2025. This is largely because of the stress put on women, who face fierce workplace discrimination if they want to pursue a career while having children, experts say. South Kore a ranked 105th out of 146 countries in gender equality last year, according to the Global Gender Gap Report.

Whether financial bonus can have a positive impact on fertility remains an unanswered question. “Cash payouts are not affordable nor sustainable options for many companies,” said Yoon In-jin, a sociology professor at Korea University. “More importantly, South Korea’s male-dominated corporate culture has to fundamentally change in favor of working women,” he said. “Korean women will start having more babies if they don’t have to sacrifice their career for it.” Nearly 50% South Korean companies punished workers using parental leave, especially on promotions, according to Labor Ministry statistics.

1. What population problem is South Korea very likely to face in the future?

A．Its fertility rate will continuously decline.	B．Its population will halve within 50 years.
C．There will only be the aged very soon.	D．New-born babies will make up 65% by 2025.

2. What is the author’s attitude towards the current money-awarding measure?

A．Supportive.

B．Critical.

C．Far-sighted.

D．Uncertain.

3. What does academic Yoon In-jin support to do in boosting fertility rate?

A．Provide equal career security to women as men are enjoying.

B．Improve South Korea’s global rank in gender equality.

C．Remove women’s financial burdens and home-work balancing challenges.

D．Offer couples with new born babies more tax benefits and other supports.

4. What’s the main idea of this passage?

A．The reasons why South Korean women are not having babies.

B．The policies South Kare a government applies to persuade women to have babies.

C．The measures corporate South Korea takes to promote birthrate.

D．The severe discrimination South Korean women are facing.

3 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Tianshui,     1     ancient Silk Road city in Gansu Province, became the latest place with a nationwide craze thanks to its iconic dish malatang, a local street dish     2    (feature)a mix of fresh vegetables and meat boiled in a hot, spicy soup. One restaurant owner in Tianshui noted that he has been serving at least 400 customers a day, some of     3     drive here from other provinces to experience this inviting dish firsthand. Based on data from Ctrip, a major Chinese online travel service platform, in the past month, there     4    (be)a significant increase in tourism in Tianshui. The overall number of travel orders has increased by over 20% compared to the same period last year,     5     hotel orders increasing by over 40%.

Local-produced ingredients such as Gangu chili, Qin’an peppercorns, and Dingxi potatoes are the secrets to the unique flavor and attractive appearance of Tianshui malatang. Gangu chili has a bright red color and a spicy fragrance with lingering sweetness. Potatoes     6    (grow)in Dingxi have a high starch content(淀粉含量), making hand-pulled noodles have a chewy texture. It is these authentic ingredients     7     lay the foundation for Tianshui malatang to stand out.

With the drive of the “malatang economy”, the export orders of Gansu local agriculture     8    (product)are also increasing. It seems that food has     9     (apparent)become a new hot spot for small Chinese cities to catch the spotlight on social media platforms. The Tianshui government is also seizing every opportunity     10    (promote)Tianshui development with a small bowl of malatang.

4 . English Summer Camp for Teens

Located on the campus of Columbia University in Manhattan, New York, our camp offers English learners between 14 and 17 years old from all over the world the chance to improve their English language skills. The camp also offers students many exciting activities and excursions（短途旅行）in New York. We have residential and day camp programs.

Dates and Prices
Dates: June 17-August 1
All arrivals and departures are on Sundays.
Minimum duration: 2 weeks
Application fee: $100
Package price (per week)	Residential camp: $2,080
	Day camp: $1,460

The program fee includes:
*20 lessons per week in the mornings;
*Residential accommodation in single rooms;
*All meals（Day camp prices include lunch only）;
*1 full-day excursion per week;
*3 half-day excursions per week;
*Afternoon and evening activity programs;
*Travel and medical insurance;
*Leaving certificate.
Full-board residential accommodation:

All students are accommodated in single rooms in the university residence that features wireless Internet, a fitness center, student’s laundry facilities and outdoor seating areas. Bathrooms are shared. We offer health y food choices, with plenty of varieties and special diet options.

The camp capacity is only 200 students and we get application s from over 40 different countries, thus the number of students coming from one country is limited.

We don’t have application deadlines. However, all enrollments are subject to space availability. We recommend that you reserve your place as far in advance as possible. Many parents and students are “early birds” and make their decision 6 to 8 months in advance.

1. What do we know about the students who take part in the camp?

A．They will take at least 60 lessons.

B．They will visit several cities in the USA.

C．They will be admitted to Columbia University.

D．They can make friends with peers from other countries.

2. How much will you pay in all if you choose Day. camp for 3 weeks?

A．$ 4, 380.

B．$ 4, 480.

C．$ 6, 240.

D．$ 6,340.

3. Why is the number of students coming from one country limited?

A．To keep a good international mixture.

B．To promote the camp among different countries.

C．To make sure every student gets the best service.

D．To open a door to students from developing countries.

5 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。

China is now pursuing high-quality development, which has been boosted by “new quality productive forces” and new innovations. This is not a bolt from the blue; instead, it has been conditioned by internal and external     1     (factor).

Internally, China is pursuing high-quality, innovation-driven development. From the 1980s to the 2010s, China’s GDP grew at     2     average rate of more than 9 percent per year. While the development of China’s agricultural and industrial sectors has reached     3     (high) levels, the development of the service sector has opened the door to grander achievements.

Externally, global tensions have motivated China     4     (focus) on high-quality development, particularly to become self-reliant in key sectors and attain strategic sovereignty.

From 2021 onwards, China     5     (conduct) the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives through the Year 2035,     6     focuses on innovation-driven development.

The previous five-year plans     7     (build) the base, the 14th Five-Year Plan has set eyes     8     new horizons because it is the first five-year plan after China achieved the goal of building a     9     (moderate) prosperous society in all respects.

China is aware of the importance of boosting domestic     10     (consume), and has taken measures to that end in order to balance the domestic and foreign aspects of development.

6 . Aurora Borealis (北极光), the Northern Lights, showcases beautiful green, pink, blue and violet colored lights dancing in the night sky. Here are some of the best places to see the northern lights around the world.

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø is right in the center of the Norwegian Arctic aurora zone, making it one of the best places to witness the Aurora Borealis annually. This city has wonderful northern light views from September to April. Travelers can stay in Thon Hotel Tromsø, a mid-range hotel that offers viewing spots on the roof deck.

Thon Hotel Tromsø rate: Starts at $11 per night

Best activity besides viewing the northern lights: Husky Tours

Orkney, Scotland

Orkney is 10 miles from the remote northern coast of Scotland and is one of the best locations to view the Aurora Borealis in the UK. Travelers can witness the northern lights between September and March during cold and dark evenings.

The Kirkwall Hotel: Starts at $86 per room per night

Other popular places in Orkney: Wideford Hill and Inganess Bay

Lapland, Finland

Lapland is another location within the Arctic Circle, in Finland’s northernmost part. Travelers can expect to see the Northern Lights from late August to April, about 200 times annually. One of the best bucket list (愿望清单) experiences is watching the light show from Santa’s Hotel Aurora.

Kakslauttane n Artic Resort Glass igloos: Starts at $484 per night

Santa’s Hotel Aurora: Starts at $121 per night

Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife, more popular for being North America’s Aurora Capital, sits at the center of the Aurora Oval, with beautiful northern light views from mid-November to early April. Aurora Village tours are also available for viewing the northern lights, with free pick-up from hotels around the area.

Aurora Village tour: Starts at $100 per person

Aurora Village Hotel package: Rates differ during fall and winter

1. Which of the four locations has the longest season of viewing the Northern Lights?

A．Tromsø.

B．Orkney.

C．Lapland.

D．Yellowknife.

2. What is the lowest price for renting two rooms for one night in the Kirkwall Hotel?

A．$ 172.

B．$ 200.

C．$ 222.

D．$ 242.

3. Where might this passage be taken from?

A．Science journal	B．Tour guide
C．Life magazine	D．Entertainment express

7 . As my husband and I saw someone publicizing the benefits of spending time outdoors, we were lost in thought. Noticing my daughter had _________ a little homebody, we knew we had to _________ sport into our routine. We were determined to make skiing a family activity. But we needed our daughter’s _________.

When we persuaded my daughter to join us, we _________ two days at an all-inclusive family ski resort aiming to minimize the _________ of skiing with kids and maximize the fun that came on the slopes.

“Well done! You’ve arrived as scheduled,” said our ski instructor as we reached the resort. It was negative nine degrees. It was _________ , but we got ready soon. I could _________ recognize my daughter because her face was wrapped in thick clothes like the others.

The resort took account of almost all the trouble we might have in skiing. Of the fifty-three runs, eight were greens labeled with _________ reading “Route For Beginners”. However, when our instructor _________ us to ski, our hopes of being a __________ skiing family were dashed (使破灭). “Ahh!” escaped our lips. She was __________ and said, “Sorry, I thought you were ready.” Then she went on to lead us down a gentler way. We still __________ many times. Everyone slid down the slope, but not without falls.

While the experience frightened us, it also __________ our dinnertime conversation. My daughter told us, “Although I had a hard time skiing, there is no __________ of happiness.” I responded, “Your father and I enjoyed ourselves, too.” The next day, we __________ there as beginner skiers, but we believed we would be certainly expert skiers.

1.

A．become

B．met

C．criticized

D．blamed

2.

A．persuade

B．introduce

C．divide

D．trick

3.

A．award

B．examination

C．common

D．involvement

4.

A．calculated

B．witnessed

C．booked

D．offered

5.

A．bother

B．moment

C．fine

D．profit

6.

A．overdue

B．aimless

C．freezing

D．mild

7.

A．apparently

B．barely

C．instantly

D．straightly

8.

A．signs

B．trees

C．materials

D．walls

9.

A．convinced

B．warned

C．guided

D．advised

10.

A．permanent

B．legal

C．polite

D．cool

11.

A．modest

B．apologetic

C．motivated

D．depressed

12.

A．fell

B．woke

C．asked

D．admitted

13.

A．delayed

B．discouraged

C．interrupted

D．inspired

14.

A．kind

B．answer

C．shortage

D．check

15.

A．spoke up

B．went back

C．broke down

D．set off

8 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. When will the visitors get to the London Eye tomorrow?

A．At 9:30 am.

B．At 10:10 am.

C．At 10:40 am.

2. How much will the visitors pay for their lunch?

A．About £10.

B．About £20.

C．About £30.

3. Where will the visitors go tomorrow afternoon?

A．Covent Garden.

B．The Science Museum.

C．The Piccadilly Theatre.

4. What will the visitors do after dinner?

A．Go shopping.

B．See a 3D film.

C．Enjoy a show.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What do we know about the accident?

A．It caused a man to die.

B．It occurred in the evening.

C．Two drivers were hurt.

2. What did the man think caused the accident?

A．Bad weather.

B．Careless driving.

C．Speeding.

3. When did the woman fall asleep again?

A．At 2:00 am.

B．At 4:00 am.

C．At 9:00 am.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Who are the speakers probably?

A．Friends.

B．Husband and wife.

C．Café owner and customer.

2. What makes the café special?

A．There are artworks from local artists shown there.

B．It sells artworks of professionals.

C．Their coffee is on sale.