1 . Chile is famous for its many attractions. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to add “Mano del Desierto” or “Hand of the Desert” to your must-see list.
Standing 11 meters tall and made of iron and cement (水泥), this sculpture of a hand emerges from the sand in the Atacama Desert, which is known as the driest desert in the world outside of polar regions. The sculpture was created by Mario Irarrazabal in the early 1980s and was financed by a local nonprofit organization. The sculpture is not only impressive in terms of its design but also in the message it expresses. Many people believe that the hand represents the weakness and helplessness of human beings, as well as their strength and determination to overcome hardships. It is a reflection on the human condition and our relationship with nature.
If you’re interested in visiting the Hand of the Desert, take Route 26 or 28 from Antofagasta, a port city in northern Chile. The sculpture is located between mile markers 1309 and 1310 and can be reached from either direction. The desert’s flatness makes it easy to spot the sculpture from far away.
Visitors should take precautions (预防措施) before leaving, such as filling their gas tanks, packing plenty of water, and wearing sunscreen. They should also avoid driving too quickly, as many car accidents occur in the desert each year.
For those who are nervous about driving alone, working with an agency like Plan South America is a good choice. The founder of the agency, Harry Hastings, said that he always tries to join a visit to the sculpture with guests traveling to the desert, calling it an “important landmark” that is both culturally and visually significant.
1. What makes the Hand of the Desert a famous attraction?A.Its height and material. | B.Its location and. designer. |
C.Its building time and local support. | D.Its design and meaning. |
A.The sculpture can be reached very easily. |
B.The sculpture can be seen from far away. |
C.The sculpture is protected by the government. |
D.The sculpture attracts millions of visitors every year. |
A.He built the sculpture “Hand of the Desert”. |
B.He gave the financial support to the sculpture. |
C.He speaks highly of the sculpture. |
D.He likes driving alone to visit the sculpture. |
A.A science fiction. | B.A magazine. | C.A fairy tale. | D.A book review. |
2 . China’s famous museums include ancient buildings and world class modern museums with big collections. They are excellent places for sightseeing and learning about China.
Sanxingdui Museum
The museum is on the path less beaten by tourists, but it makes one of the top museums for the 3,400-year-old artworks. If you’re an ancient history fan, this place will attract you. If you love art, its style will surprise you a lot.
The Palace Museum
The museum is one of the largest old buildings kept in the country with a history of 600 years old. Built at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty between 1406 and 1420, it was the home of 24 rulers and their courts. It is one of the finest buildings in China and a good place to study Chinese history.
The Shanghai Museum
The big modern museum is popular with foreign tourists. It is probably the most modern museum with the focus on creative art displays about the history of the whole area. Located in People’s Square, the museum is most famous for its huge collection of china.
The Shaanxi History Museum
Since 14 historical dynasties founded their capitals and developed in Shaanxi Province, the museum may have the oldest treasure of all the museums in China. The artworks show the greatness of the museum, and the displays are modern and well laid out.
1. What do we know about the Palace Museum?A.The museum is one of the oldest buildings in China. |
B.The museum was built at the end of the Ming Dynasty. |
C.The museum was the home of 26 rulers and their courts. |
D.The museum is a good place to learn Chinese history. |
A.Sanxingdui Museum. | B.The Palace Museum. |
C.The Shanghai Museum. | D.The Shaanxi History Museum. |
A.A person who is fond of music. | B.A person who is into Chinese culture. |
C.A person who has passion for movies. | D.A person who is interested in sports. |
A.What they want to eat. |
B.When they need to go to sleep. |
C.Which scary movie they will watch. |
4 . A recent study from a team of South Korean researchers suggests that eating alone often may lead to poor eating habits and poor food choices. Specifically, the study found that men who ate alone more than twice a week had a greater risk of developing high blood pressure and other diseases.
For children, eating with their families is not only about preventing bad results—it is also about developing good ones.
In 2014, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) looked at data from nearly three-quarters of the world’s countries. Among its findings was the fact that students who shared a main meal with families were less likely to skip school(逃学). Children who eat a main meal with their families are also less likely to use drugs and alcohol(吸毒酗酒).
In the report, named “The Importance of Family Dinners”, researchers say that “teens who have frequent family dinners are more likely to say their parents know a lot about what’s going on in their lives”. They also say that when teens say they feel closer to their parents, they are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Another study from the University of Montreal found that children who ate with their families experience long-term physical and mental health benefits(好处). These children were physically in better shape and drank fewer sugary soft drinks. These children also seemed to have better social skills and they were less aggressive(好斗的).
Professor Linda Pagani says that mealtimes shared with parents “likely provide young children with first-hand social communication, discussions of social events and day-to-day matters”. She adds that they may likely help the child have better communication skills with others.
1. What is the main idea of the text?A.Advantages of eating with parents. | B.Benefits of eating alone. |
C.Ways of developing social skills. | D.Dangers of using drugs and alcohol. |
A.Abuse drugs and alcohol. | B.Drinking more sugary soft drinks. |
C.Get on well with their parents. | D.Be more socially active and aggressive. |
A.To introduce a famous person. |
B.To offer background information. |
C.To further explain the benefits of eating with parents. |
D.To show the disadvantage of eating with parents. |
A.A popular novel. | B.A travel magazine. |
C.A science report. | D.A biology book. |
5 . The Complete Guide to Alberta’s Icefields Parkway
Introduction
The 144-mile Icefields Parkway, or Highway 93, is one of Canada’s most scenic road trip routes and is a must for visitors to Alberta. It is popular among visitors, and has a lot of viewpoints where you can see glaciers (冰川), waterfalls, lakes, rivers, forests, and valleys. The parkway starts in the town of Jasper, in Jasper National Park, and travels south to near Lake Louise, in Banff National Park. Some travellers will go to the parkway from the southern end, though. The Icefields Parkway is open throughout the year, but most travellers will prefer to drive it in the warmer months.
Stops to Make Along the Way
Athabasca Falls: The 75-foot waterfalls are not exceptionally high, but they roar with a large volume of water, making them some of the most impressive falls in the Canadian Rockies.
Sunwapta Falls: Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, the Sunwapta Falls are divided into the upper and lower sections. The upper falls are easily accessible, but you need to hike a short distance to get to the lower falls. The lower falls are definitely worth the walk if you want to escape (逃离) the crowds in the summer. Sunwapta Falls are about 34 miles from Jasper.
Where to Get Supplies
If you’re spreading this road trip over more than one day, stock up on snacks in Jasper or Lake Louis and fill up your tank there, too. There are no major towns between Jasper and Lake Louise. In the summer, there are a few places to eat and stay along the way, but prices tend to be high because of the lack of competition and the area’s remoteness.
Want to go there to have fun? Please contact us for more information.
1. Why do many people go to the Icefields Parkway?A.It’s a famous scenery. | B.It has a long history. |
C.It’s 144-mile long. | D.It’s the famous road to Alberta. |
A.By boat. | B.By car. | C.By cable. | D.On foot. |
A.There are no towns along the way. | B.The food in Jasper is very expensive. |
C.There are no places to eat along the way. | D.The prices are not cheap for the remoteness. |
A.By taxi. | B.By bus. | C.On foot. |
7 . A bill to conserve endangered species was passed by the U.S. House in a 231-to-190 vote on Tuesday.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would create an annual fund of more than $1.3 billion, given to states, and territories for wildlife conservation on the ground. While threatened species have been recognized and protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1973, that law does not provide constant funding to actively maintain their numbers.
The effort comes as scientists and international organizations sound the alarm about accelerating species decline.
“Too many people don’t realize that about one-third of our wildlife is at increased risk of extinction,” said lead House sponsor Debbie Ding-ell, echoing (呼应) a recent study about climate change.
In the United States, there are more than 1,600 endangered or threatened species, but state agencies have identified more than 7 times that number in need of conservation assistance in their wildlife action plans.
“The bottom line is, when we save wildlife we save for ourselves,” said Collin O’ Mara, CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, which supports the bill. He said species loss threatens everything from the insects that pollinate (授粉) plants in the food chain, to sea life that helps to reduce damages to coastlines from storm.
The bill would improve a 1937 law, the Pittman-Robertson Act, which was passed in response to decreasing game and waterfowl species. That law allows states to tax hunting supplies to pay for wildlife and habitat restoration, but that money is not enough to do the same for non-game species.
The act would also invest more in conservation than the existing program for threatened non-game species, called the State Wildlife Grant Program, which awarded states a total of $56 million this year.
1. What do we know about the Endangered Species Act?A.It does not involve continuous funding. |
B.It was passed by the House this Tuesday. |
C.It has proved to be a failed Act. |
D.It ensured the population of all the species. |
A.Human behavior causes species to decline. |
B.People’s efforts matter a lot in conservation. |
C.People lack awareness of animal protection. |
D.The decline of species is beyond imagination. |
A.To indicate they are at risk of dying out. |
B.To illustrate how to protect them properly. |
C.To show they’re more important than others. |
D.To tell man and nature are an organic whole. |
A.Entertainment. | B.News. | C.Technology. | D.Health. |
8 . Marvelous Scenic Walks Near London
There are plenty of walking routes in London. If you fancy something a bit more rural, then the green and pleasant land has plenty to offer.
Goring Gap and the Thames PathIf you’re in the mood for a gentle rural walk, the Thames Path is far from boring. The 5-mile footpath follows the curve of the river, winding past wildflower meadows (草地).
Post-walk pub: Pangbourne’s seventeenth-century pub The Swan serves high-end dishes. Bag a table on the riverside or keep toasty by one of its open fires.
Box HillTo admire this spots rural views, first you’ve got to jump across 17 stepping stones and climb 272 steps to the top of Box Hill, where the path begins. The total distance is 6.8 miles.
Post-walk pub: The cavernous Tree on Box Hill has an attractive menu and huge beer garden, or sample a glass of Juniper Hill at Denbies Winerie.
A South Downs Ridge (山脊)If you’ve already done the classic Seven Sisters clifftop walk or can’t face all those hills, this is a long but lovely alternative. The route covering 14.3 miles snakes along a ridge and a river valley.
Post-walk pub: There are always 10 real beers at the old-school pub The Wellington.
Chess Valley in the ChilternsChess Valley in the Chiltern Hills isn’t home to any chess masters, but it used to produce a kind of water plant. This walk of 4.9 miles follows the river, winding through rolling meadows and woods.
Post-walk pub: The George & Dragon is a simple old coaching pub on the High Street with a log fire, real beers and giant burgers.
1. Which of the following walks covers the shortest distance?A.Box Hill. |
B.A South Downs Ridge. |
C.Chess Valley in the Chilterns. |
D.Goring Gap and the Thames Path. |
A.The pubs are pretty and old-fashioned. |
B.Visitors can relax at special pubs after walks. |
C.There are rivers winding through the meadows. |
D.The food served there is expensive and of high quality. |
A.A geography book. | B.A travel brochure. |
C.A fashion website. | D.A science magazine. |
Liu Ruying,
“Sometimes I was tired,“ she said. ”I had to balance my studies and other
When Liu got the news that her region would have a cultural exchange with other countries, she had the idea of
“I
10 . Asia is the birthplace of the world’s three ancient civilizations: ancient China, ancient India and Babylon. Each gave the world different architectural styles and global landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China. Taj Mahal of India.With the conclusion of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilization, let’s take a look at the architecture of Asian civilizations.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient defense project with the longest construction time and the largest workload put into a landmark, stretching out to a total length of more than 5,000 kilometers. Only when you have been to the Great Wall and witnessed its majesty can you truly say you have visited China.
Angkor Wat,Cambodia
The Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world,built on a site measuring 162.6 hectares. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman Ⅱ in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura(present-day Angkor),the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum(陵墓).
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra.It was commissioned in 1632 by Mughalemperor Shah to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being“the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”
Al-Khazneh, Jordan
Al-Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, is one of the most delicate temples in the ancient Arab Nabataean Kingdom city of Petra,Jordan. The 45-meter-high and 30-meter-wide building is a magnificent building with a pronounced Greek style. It is said to have been a place where pirates hid their treasure.
1. What is special about the Great Wall compared with the others in the article?A.It is the longest man-made project in the world. |
B.It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Site. |
C.It was used as a defense project in the ancient China. |
D.It used to be used as a religious/purpose in China |
A.The Angkor Wat. | B.The Taj Mahal. |
C.AI-Khazneh. | D.The Treasury |
A.The Great Wall. | B.The Angkor Wat. |
C.The Taj Mahal. | D.AI-Khazneh. |