1 . Whether you feel like taking a road trip, or you just need some fun, you’ll enjoy this list of popular tourist attractions.
Alabama: Gulf Coast Beaches
If Alabama wasn’t the location for your next summer beach vacation, you may want to reconsider. There are 32 miles of white sands that have washed down from the Appalachian Mountains for thousands of years. That’s probably why over six million people visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches every year. Ten dollars per person.
Alaska: Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise
Alaska is the place to go for spotting breathtaking (令人惊叹的) wildlife. In fact, the number of visitors who travel to Alaska to see wildlife has increased 45 percent. The Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise will bring you up close to whales, sea lions, and sea birds. A five-hour trip that starts at noon and covers 55 miles of sea will be the best $98 you’ve ever spent.
Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park
Skip the beach and choose a new type of relaxation at Hot Springs National Park. It’s America’s oldest national and the smallest national park. There’s a no-booking policy, perfect for travelers rolling through. Doors open at 8 a.m., so get there early!
Connecticut: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is a must stop if you’re traveling nearby Yale University. It attracts plenty of people and has many collections including New England birds, dinosaurs, Greek and Roman antiquities, and even an Egyptian mummy. Adults pay $13 for entry, but if you want to visit for free, go on a Thursday.
Don’t miss the four best tourist attractions.1. Why do many people go to Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches?
| A．It has a good and convenient location. | B．It has a history of thousands of years. |
| C．It has tens of miles of white sands. | D．The Appalachian Mountains are beautiful. |
| A．Five hours before it opens. | B．Five hours after it opens. |
| C．Before 8 a.m. | D．Before twelve o’clock at noon. |
| A．Many people go there to see collections. | B．You needn’t pay for it on certain days. |
| C．It makes you not want to leave. | D．It’s very beautiful and attractive. |
2 . Make full use of your senses, discover hidden talents and enjoy a new interest at the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Learn the following lessons of the adult education programme. Our expert instructors offer virtual learning in different kinds of topics.
Beginning Watercolor
Wednesday 28 February
Watercolor is a fresh, beautiful way to express the beauty of a sunset or the reflection of trees and clouds on a pond. You will learn to make expressive marks, mix colors, and apply water mindfully to achieve the amazing effects watercolor offers.
Organic Vegetable Gardening Basics
Thursday 29 February
Learn the basic techniques and tools required to grow your own vegetables. Site selection, bed and soil preparation, seed sowing, transplanting, and harvesting techniques will be covered. You will receive a packet of seeds to grow at home.
Essence of Internal Martial Arts (武术)
Friday 22 March
Whether your goal is to improve your practical skills and your well-being, or you are simply interested in the internal martial arts, this class will provide a strong foundation (基础) for your practice. Instead of fixed forms, the class focuses more on the necessary rules and fundamental training. It provides a detailed study into effective ways of body use and a well organized way of building health while connecting the mind and body.
Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
Sunday 7 April
Are you interested in controlling insect pests (害虫) in your garden naturally? You can finish this by planting a variety of beautiful plants that attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. By learning about adult beneficial insects, their hungry larvae and their preferred plants, you can effectively reduce or remove pest populations.
1. What is the right time for attending Beginning Watercolor?| A．Wed. 28 Feb. | B．Thurs. 29 Feb. | C．Fri. 22 Mar. | D．Sun. 7 Apr. |
| A．Beginning Watercolor. | B．Organic Vegetable Gardening Basics. |
| C．Essence of Internal Martial Arts. | D．Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects. |
| A．They are virtual learning. | B．They are for children. |
| C．They are about body health. | D．They are designed to show instructors’ talents. |
3 . Paris, the capital of France, has some attractive bridges. These are four of the most beautiful bridges in Paris: some in iconic (标志性的) places you’ve seen in the movies, and others in quiet places that you’ll delight in discovering.
Pont des ArtsConnecting the Louvre Museum to the Institut de France, the Pont des Arts, first built by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804 and reconstructed in the 1970s, is a bridge only for people walking that is beloved by tourists and locals alike. In the spring and summer months, Parisians and visitors come here for lazy picnics overlooking the Seine.
Pont MarleThis lovely but little-known bridge is a gateway between the Marais district on the right bank and a natural island on the Seine River. The current stone structure dates to around 1670, following a fire on its wooden structure that destroyed much of the original bridge and the houses that once stood on it. It has remained much the same since the 18th century, making it one of Paris’ oldest bridges.
Pont Alexandre ⅢThe Pont Alexandre Ⅲ is probably the most attractive of Paris’ many bridges. Built between 1896 and 1900, it connects the des Invalides with the gardens of the Petit Palais. It’s after dark that you can best appreciate its delicate statues and other decorative elements.
Pont NeufFirst built in 1578 by King Henry Ⅲ, Pont Neuf has seen numerous reconstructions and changes over the centuries. But it conserves its Roman-inspired arch (拱形) structures. This is a lovely bridge that offers easy and picturesque access to the left and right bank. Have some ice cream, explore the lovely riverside paths and enjoy views of Notre Dame Cathedral.
1. What is special about the Pont des Arts?| A．It has been rebuilt many times. | B．It is one of Paris’ oldest bridges. |
| C．It is a bridge only for people walking. | D．It is the most attractive bridge in Paris. |
| A．Pont des Arts. | B．Pont Marie. |
| C． Pont Alexandre Ⅲ | D．Pont Neuf. |
| A．A guidebook. | B．A health magazine. |
| C．A news report. | D．A book review. |
4 . 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. |
5 . New York. London, Paris and other big cities are exciting places to live in. There are many interesting things to see and to do. You can go to different kinds of museums, plays and films. You can also go shopping to buy things from all over the world.
Bur there are serious problems in big cities, too. The cost of living is high, and there are too many people in some places of big cities. Every year, many people move to the cities because of the chances to find jobs, to study at good schools, and to receive good medical care. But sometimes these people cannot find work or a good place to live in. Also, too many people in a small space make it hard to keep the cities safe and clean.
Some people enjoy living in big cities, others do not. Before people move to a big city, they should think about the problems of living there.
1. In big cities people can___________.| A．go to different kinds of museums | B．see all kinds of plays and films |
| C．buy things from all over the world | D．A, B and C |
| A．Big cities are not safe and clean enough. | B．People can easily find a good ace to live in. |
| C．All people like to live in big cities. | D．No one likes to live in big cities. |
| A．to move to a big city |
| B．not to move to a big city |
| C．not to move to a big city without thinking about the problems |
| D．not to think too much about the problems before they move to a big city |
6 . An old man lived with his little grandson. Every day the old man got up early to read books.
One day the grandson asked, “Grandpa, I want to read books as you do. But I always forget what I read. What are the advantages of reading?”
The grandfather didn’t answer him, but said, “Take this little basket to the river and bring me back a basket of water.” The boy did as his grandpa said, but all the water leaked out before he got back home. The grandfather laughed and said, “You’ll have to walk faster next time.”
The next time the boy ran faster, but the basket was still empty before he returned home. The boy said, “See, Grandpa, it’s no use!”
“Is it no use?” the old man said. “Look at the basket.”
The boy looked at the basket and found that the basket was different. It was cleaner, inside and out.
“That’s what happens when you read books. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read them, you will be changed, inside and out.”
1. What did the old man do every day?| A．He carried water. | B．He wrote something. |
| C．He read books. | D．He did some chores. |
| A．was too busy to do it | B．got up late |
| C．he slept late | D．always forgot what he read |
| A．Twice. | B．Once. | C．Three times. | D．Four times. |
7 . Famous Attractions in the USA
Hawaii
Hawaii is the name of a state in the USA, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It has one of the most isolated population an the face of the Earth. This is because it is 3,857 km away from California and thousands of kilometers away from Japan and China. Hawaii was included as the 50th state of the USA, on August 21, 1959, and it is made up of 8 major islands. Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is located at the island of Oahu.
Grand Canyon
Situated in the Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona in the USA. The mile-high, multicolored rock walls and sandy slopes are enough to keep you lost in its natural beauty. Undoubtedly, the Grand Canyon is filled with powerful and inspiring landscapes, largely because of its big size.
Empire State Building
Standing tall in the New York City, the Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper. It is one of the prides of the United States. The building is a popular landmark of New York tourism and reflects the history and architecture of New York. It describes America’s industrial revolution and has played an important role in featuring American culture.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a friendship gift from the people of France to the people of the USA, on the completion of 100 years of independence. It is a universal symbol of freedom. Located on the Liberty Island of New York, occupying 12 acres of land, it welcomes all those who come to New York as tourists and also welcomes the people who are returning to their native place.
1. What do we know about Hawaii?| A．It is made up of some islands. |
| B．It is named after a famous leader. |
| C．It is very far from the Pacific Ocean. |
| D．It is the least populated island on the Earth. |
| A．Get close to nature. |
| B．Learn about art and culture. |
| C．Know about the history of America. |
| D．Appreciate the architecture of New York. |
| A．Hawaii. | B．Grand Canyon. |
| C．Empire State Building. | D．Statue of Liberty. |
8 . L. Bean Quad backpack
If you need a backpack that can carry large and small objects and is comfortable to wear, this is the backpack for you. The reasonable price and customers’ 100% satisfaction makes this a great buy any way you look at it. While it’s not the most beautiful backpack on the planet, it does look nice at first sight.
Kanken 15” backpack
This Kanken bag is a great choice for school kids of grade one to six or adults with narrow shoulders. Weighing under 450g, it’s easy and comfortable to carry this bag around. The simple design with a lot of eye-catching colors may have you fall in love with it at once.
Timbuk2 Command backpack
If you want to safely carry your laptop and look stylish, the Timbuk2 Command backpack is the one for you. The soft back is made for a comfortable wearing experience. The clean coloring and lines of the bag may make you more “grown-up”.
Amazon Basics backpack
With a lowest price among all these backpacks, the Amazon Basics backpack is a great choice for college students on a tight budget. There are tons of storage choices in this backpack, so it’s easy to forget exactly where you placed a certain object. It is a basic black backpack with a few designs and is never going to appear on a fashion T stage.
1. What makes L. Bean Quad backpack attractive?| A．The color and the design. |
| B．The style and the quality. |
| C．The cost and the public praise. |
| D．The lightweight and the simplicity. |
| A．Kanken 15” backpack. |
| B．L. Bean Quad backpack. |
| C．Amazon Basics backpack. |
| D．Timbuk2 Command backpack. |
| A．Fashion. | B．Price. | C．Comfort. | D．Storage. |
9 . When my teenaged son became seriously ill, terrible times for my family began. Our once-happy home became tense and depressed. My husband and I were exhausted under the great stress of caring for my son. It was as if we forgot how to communicate-we couldn’t have a simple conversation without a fighting. Our marriage was on the point of breaking up.
One evening, my son and I were talking about gifts. I recalled my first Valentine’s present from my husband, a kazoo. I was awkward when I received it because I couldn’t get it to make a sound although I am a professional saxophone player. However hard I tried, it just never worked. The kazoo eventually got packed away and forgotten. But my son was interested and insisted on seeing it. After some trouble, I found it.
“You couldn’t get a sound? What’s so hard about it?” my husband asked, amazed. He took the kazoo and blew. Nothing happened. Surprised, he tried again. Still there was no sound. Frustrated, he tried again, only to produce a funny sound like an angry bumblebee trapped in the mouth of a bear. We burst into laughter. My son took a turn to play the kazoo. He did no better than us, causing more laughing.
Seeing his face light up, we felt as if the darkness had lifted and a ray of sunshine was let in. It was the best ten minutes of the past couple of years. The mood stayed light for the rest of the evening. It didn’t solve anything. But this experience with the kazoo brought some change in our hearts that always reminds us that there are still things to laugh at and enjoy, and that we can still connect as a family.
1. What affected the relationship of the couple?| A．Quarrels between the couple over marriage. |
| B．Different values they shared towards everything. |
| C．Stress and chaos arising from their son’s serious illness. |
| D．Lack of money needed for their son’s medical treatment. |
| A．He had a love for playing the kazoo. | B．He meant to make his son delighted. |
| C．He wanted to ease a feeling of depression. | D．He didn’t think it that hard to play the kazoo. |
| A．My failure to get the kazoo to make a sound. |
| B．The involvement of my husband in playing the kazoo. |
| C．My memory about the Valentine’s present from my husband. |
| D．The failed but funny playing of the kazoo by my husband and son. |
| A．Every cloud has a silver lining. | B．Parents are the best teachers. |
| C．Music can cure the hurt souls. | D．Misfortunes test the true love. |
10 . There’s no doubt that football is the global sport. Though basketball, tennis, and other sports are popular too, nothing comes close to football. Being played in every country in the world, football provides dozens of superstars. The numbers are greater when compared to any other sport, and this drives the popularity of football up. Have you ever wondered when the sport started and became popular?
Football has its origin (起源) in China and has a history of more than 2,000 years. However, modern football originally appeared in Britain in the 19th century. Folk football matches had been played before in many cities and towns, but never on a professional level.
Football became a winter sport game played in different schools. The rules were carried out by each school, and this made it difficult for players to play an official game with each other. It all changed in 1849 at the University of Cambridge that invented a set of standard rules known as the Cambridge rules of football. From that moment, a new star sport was born.
By the early 20th century, football had spread all across Europe. In 1904, FIFA was set up. There are seven original members, including France, Denmark and Spain, FIFA became the governing body for many associations in Europe.
England’s international success improved the popularity of the sport in the country. The league (联赛) in Britain was set up in 1992. From the 1990s, it became a truly impressive piece of football organization, becoming the world’s top football league in the process.
Football is obviously the most popular sport in the world. It is impossible for any other sport to take its place, especially with leagues spending billions of pounds every year to stay in the focus.
1. What is the author’s purpose of writing paragraph 1?| A．To describe the level of football. |
| B．To introduce the topic of the text. |
| C．To debate the main idea of the text. |
| D．To introduce famous football leagues. |
| A．In China. | B．In France. |
| C．In Britain. | D．In Spain. |
| A．The rules always changed. |
| B．There were no common rules. |
| C．The season made players hard to win. |
| D．Officials made players misunderstand the rules. |
| A．By time order. | B．By space order. |
| C．By listing numbers. | D．By giving examples. |
