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 . Lost &Found
Recently, CTtransit changed the Lost &. Found policy and procedures. If you have lost an item on a CTtransit bus, you must first call Lost & Found and speak with a Customer Service Representative for your area. If CTtransit is in possession of your lost item, and you can confirm ownership, then you may schedule a time to get your item back.
If you have scheduled a time with Customer Service to get back your lost item, when you arrive at the facility gate, give your name to the security guard. You must have a photo ID available to show CTtransit Security or another form of valid ID to confirm your date of birth and address. The security guard will direct you to the pick-up location.
If you misplace something on the bus, there is a good chance that we will find it. Each day, operators pick up articles left on their buses and turn them in to the office. Lost items that are recovered are kept for 30 days. CTtransit is not responsible for items left on the buses.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER FOR LOST & FOUND
New Haven Area
2061State Street
Hamden, CT 06517-3834
203-624-0151
Phone number for the Hearing-Impaired (听障人士): 203-785-8960
Phone Center Hours: Monday to Saturday 6: 30 am to 6: 30 pm；Sunday/Holidays 7: 00 am to 6: 00 pm
Lost &Found: Monday to Friday 8: 30 am to 4: 30pm.
Hartford Area
100Leibert Road
Hartford, Connecticut CT 06120
860-525-9181
Phone number for the Hearing-Impaired：203-785-8960
Phone Center Hours: Monday to Saturday 6: 30 am to 9: 30 pm；Sunday/Holidays 7: 00 am to 7: 00 pm
Lost & Found: Monday to Friday 8: 30 am to 4: 30 pm.
Stamford Area
21 Elm Court
Stamford, CT06902
203-327-7433
Phone number for the Hearing-Impaired：203-327-2404
Phone Center Hours: Monday to Saturday 6: 30 am to 6: 30 pm
Lost &Found: Monday to Saturday 6: 30 am to 6: 30 pm.
1. Who will take you to the spot where you can get your lost items?| A．The security guard. | B．The operator. |
| C．The customer service representative. | D．The bus conductor. |
| A．At 6: 00 am on Saturday. | B．At 6: 40 am on Sunday. |
| C．At 9: 50 pm on Monday. | D．At 2: 30 pm on Christmas Day. |
| A．You can find it at 21 Elm Court. |
| B．A deaf man can call 203-327-7433. |
| C．It is open for five days a week. |
| D．Recovered lost items are kept for a fortnight. |
3 . When A33, a theater in Beijing, hosted a new stand-up comedy show（脱口秀), to the surprise of the organizers, nearly 250 people turned up and laughed together. Six years ago, that would have been unbelievable. Indeed, there were even cases of shows having more performers than viewers.
Wan Da, one of the performers, said, “Many people are worried about the future of stand-up comedy, a genre (类型) that is very popular in the U.S. after its introduction in China. Can it adapt itself here? But as the results show, there is no need to worry. We have survived and carried on some of the best American traditions.”
Programs such as Rock& Roast, a comedy talk show competition, which are thought to help people reduce their pressure, drive audiences to offline performances for a real laugh. “Generally, our audiences are in the 20-35 age group, but recently some older people are reported to go to the theatre,” said Song Qiyu, a performer and founder of Beijing Comedy Center.
Compared to traditional Chinese comedy performances, the stand-up comedy has a lower bar as it doesn't require years of professional training. This allows everyone to take part. Work experience and personal observations of life are the sources of their inspiration. Different lives and jobs make the performances varied, giving them unique individual colors.
Joe Wong, a humorist from Jilin province, whose performance in Washington, D.C. in 2010 attracted much attention across China's social media, is happy to see the development of the industry in China. However, he has a warning, too: There is huge space for the genre in China, but we should be careful of growing too fast as the market still needs good works.
In China, many fresh college graduates join. Through their efforts, the industry will improve its standards and popularity as well as influence.
1. What can we learn about the stand-up comedy from Paragraph 2?| A．It develops well in China. | B．It is created by Americans. |
| C．It faces an uncertain future. | D．It is very popular in Beijing. |
| A．They have a gift for talking. | B．It needs plenty of performers. |
| C．It needs no special backgrounds. | D．Most people have a sense of humor. |
| A．Learning from America. | B．Offering quality content. |
| C．Keeping creating works. | D．Employing fresh graduates. |
| A．The stand-up comedy: a rising industry | B．A33: a quickly growing comedy theatre |
| C．Why does the stand-up comedy get popular? | D．How does the stand-up comedy survive in China? |
4 . If you are currently learning English, 1 highly recommend you check out the apps below.
Quizlet
When learning English, you probably have to memorize a lot of words. If you want to grow your vocabulary as fast as possible, a flashcard app like Quizlet is a great shortcut. With Quizlet, you can create a set of flashcards with new English words you are trying to learn, and practice typing them out until you know them by heart. It's a simple concept, but it's highly effective.
Spotify
Spotify is not a language learning app. But chances are that you already use it or a similar app for listening to music or podcasts（播客）, and one of the effective ways to study is combining something you already use into your existing habits. If Spotify is already on your phone, you can subscribe to some podcasts for English learners or download playlists of songs for learning English, or make your own.
Beelinguapp
Beelinguapp makes reading in English as convenient as possible. It shows you a text in your own language with the English translation side-by-side. Texts are short enough so that you can really dig into every word. They cover topics from fairytales, to science, to current news articles. There's even a "karaoke" feature where you can read along to audio, which helps you match up the English pronunciation with the English spellings.
Tandem
Tandem is a language exchange app which connects learners from all over the world. It can help you find a native English speaker who is trying to learn your native language, so you can swap language skills. If you only have five minutes to spare, you can simply exchange messages with a native English speaker. If you have more time, you can have a longer, digital language exchange" by sharing voice notes, or using video chat. It's a great way to test your English skills out with real people.
1. What is Spotify intended to help people do?| A．Develop a good habit. | B．Listen to music or podcasts. |
| C．Learn a foreign language. | D．Memorize words with flashcards. |
| A．Learners can use their native language as a reference. |
| B．It's convenient for learners to translate voice notes. |
| C．It provides learners a chance to tell their own stories. |
| D．Learners can sing English songs along to the music. |
| A．Quizlet. | B．Spotify. | C．Beelinguapp. | D．Tandem. |
5 . Treasures from the Al Thani Collection
Location: The Meridian Gate (Wu men)
Dates: April 17，2018 through June 18，2018
The Al Thani Collection allows visitors to see cultural landscapes that have been lost in the depths of history. Artefacts from Egypt and Persia throw light on mysteries known to few. Different peoples have marked these relics with their own styles, which reflect the unique sources of each culture but strike the viewer with an equally powerful charm.
Exhibition Commemorating the 120th Anniversary of Zhang Boju’s Birth
Location: Hall of Martial Valor (Wuying dian)
Dates: April 3, 2018 through May 16，2018
The exhibition features traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy from state-owned museums. Divided into three sections, the exhibition displays artwork organized in order of time, which offers a comprehensive overview of Zhang Boju’s collection through this impressive gathering of the collector’s works.
Discovering the Hall of Mental Cultivation
Location: The Gate of Uprightness (Duan men)
Dates: April 3, 2018 through April 24, 2018
The exhibition allows visitors new ways to explore the history of the Forbidden City with a simple click and celebrates the 93 anniversary of the Palace Museum, established on October 10， 1925. Adding to the Museum’s new displays, this exhibition combines traditional Chinese culture and contemporary technologies.
Kulangsu Gallery of Foreign Artefacts from the Palace Museum Collection
Location: Kulangsu, Xiamen, Fujian Province
Dates: May 13, 2018 through June 24, 2018
The gallery is a major place for the Palace Museum to showcase its splendid collection of international art. Most of these works have been kept in the storehouse of the Museum and have never been shown to the public. Originally from Europe, East Asia, and North America, these international works date from the sixteenth to the twentieth century.
1. Which exhibition displays antiques from the Middle East?| A．Treasures from the A1 Thani Collection. |
| B．Exhibition Commemorating the 120th Anniversary of Zhang Boju’s Birth. |
| C．Discovering the Hall of Mental Cultivation. |
| D．Kulangsu Gallery of Foreign Artefacts from the Palace Museum Collection. |
| A．The Meridian Gate | B．Hall of Martial Valor |
| C．The Gate of the Uprightness | D．Kulangsu |
| A．It adopts complex technologies. | B．It honors the Forbidden City. |
| C．It combines diverse cultures. | D．It offers a digital experience. |
6 . Have you ever experienced any inconvenience caused by language barriers while traveling? Have you ever thought how awesome those language courses would be if they didn't cost so much money and require so much time?
Translaty is created to serve this purpose-without wasting your money and time on language courses, you can instantly become "fluent" in more than 40 languages with this genius device!
What is Translaty?
Translaty is a simple yet life-changing invention that helps you to overcome any obstacles caused by foreign languages, whether you are in business with an international client or sunbathing somewhere on a Spanish beach. This small but smart device is able to instantly recognize and translate over 40 different languages, making intercultural communication completely effortless!
What languages can I actually communicate in?
Translaty has more than 40 languages pre-installed, so you're able to use it the minute you get it! It provides fast and accurate two-way communication and allows you to install some other languages that might be missing.
What makes Translaty so special?
* It makes traveling easier-you'll forget language barriers and become "fluent" in 40+ languages.
* It helps you with business-strengthening your international business relationships. It's easier when you speak the same language.
* It assists you in daily life-allowing you to overcome language differences between you and your foreign friends.
* It's convenient and easy to use-the lightweight and simple design insures it's there when you need it the most.
* It offers highly accurate, two-way translations.
* Its high sounding and recording qualities insure there are almost no misunderstandings.
To sum up-get it while you can!
1. What can Translaty help users do?| A．Learn foreign languages well. | B．Better understand foreigners. |
| C．Build relationships with colleagues. | D．Spend less time learning a language. |
| A．It's reliable. | B．It's strong. | C．It's affordable. | D．It's secure. |
| A．To report. | B．To introduce. | C．To appeal. | D．To advertise. |
7 . Style and comfortable stays don’t come at too high a price for visitors in this selection of new hostels (旅社) across Europe. You can eat, sleep and meet without it costing the earth.
The Burgoyne Hostel
There are 11 bedrooms with views of mighty mountains, plus sitting rooms with fires. The 1783 bar and restaurant serves great food. Late August will see a mix of agricultural shows and the Richmond Walking, 18—26 September.
The Principal Hostel
This is a hotel with sweeping staircases and high ceilings—but isn’t locked to its past. There’s a luxurious indoor pool and a restaurant serving British cuisine. If you’re pressed for time, there’s an exit straight on to Platform 1 of York station at the back of the hotel.
The Wensleydale Hostel
Opened in 2019, this 17th-century inn is in a picturesque spot (风景如画的地方) in Yorkshire. It’s a labour of love for the owners Charles and Fiona Merchie who are bringing the place back to life room by room. Rented e-bikes can be delivered to the hotel. Fishing can also be arranged.
The Black Swan Hostel
Tommy Banks was the youngest British chef to win a Michelin star when he took over the kitchen inherited (继承) from his parents. What makes it unique is that it serves exceptionally good, hearty food made from produce grown in the pub’s own garden. Booking several months ahead for one of the nine bedrooms is necessary.
1. Which hostel is the easiest to approach if you’re in a hurry?| A．The Principal Hostel. | B．The Burgoyne Hostel. |
| C．The Wensleydale Hostel. | D．The Black Swan Hostel. |
| A．Ride e-bikes. | B．Go fishing. |
| C．Enjoy the view. | D．Attend festivals. |
| A．Booking in advance. | B．Homegrown food. |
| C．Insufficient rooms. | D．Inherited kitchen. |
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 . Wifi UltraBoost
Have you ever noticed how much slower your Internet gets during the peak hours of the day? Luckily, there's finally a solution! It takes only one simple device, Wifi UltraBoost, to put an end to this and many other annoying Internet problems!
How does it work?
Wifi UltraBoost spots your existing signal, improving its characteristics and then sends already expanded Wi-Fi through all the barriers it meets on its way—whether it's concrete walls or multiple floors. It also solves our main problem-Internet providers slowing down the speed — by preventing data usage reports from reaching Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the first place.
What are the main features of it?
• Works with any Internet router (路由器).
• Uses the frequency of 2. 4 GHz.
• Transfers rates of up to 300Mbps.
• Easy to set up.
What problems does it solve?
• Slow Internet connection.
• Weak Wi-Fi signals beyond 30 meters.
• Bad quality of video calls.
• Wi-Fi "dead spots" around your house.
• Thick walls that weaken the signal.
How to use it?
• Step 1: Get Wifi UltraBoost from the official website.
• Step 2: Plug Wifi UltraBoost into a socket (插座)and start the equipment.
• Step 3: Be amazed at your Wi-Fi speed!
Why get Wifi UltraBoost today?
Wifi UltraBoost brings noticeable results immediately after you plug it in. For a limited time, Wifi UltraBoost is available to you 60% cheaper (instead of $99. 99)! Order now and enjoy your improved Internet connection!
1. What is Wifi UltraBoost?| A．An application to transform networks. |
| B．An organization to limit Internet speed. |
| C．A piece of equipment to improve Wi-Fi. |
| D．A formal provider to offer Internet service. |
| A．Guarantee high-quality video calls. |
| B．Help Internet routers function normally. |
| C．Set up connection among Wi-Fi signals. |
| D．Save the electricity used to surf the Internet. |
| A．$ 99.99. | B．$59.99. | C．$ 69,99. | D．$ 39.99. |
10 . Where to eat and drink at museums
Museums, like department stores and airports, are now counting food among their attractions. The following museum restaurants would be worth a meal even if not surrounded by masterpieces. Most of them can be visited independently of the museums.
Met Breuer
Flora Bar
The food from a brief menu is anything but: refined, excellent and pleasantly served. It begins with breakfast when it pays to arrive before the famous cinnamon buns run out.
Open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays;
Dinner from 5: 30. p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 5: 30 p. m. to 9 p. m. Sundays (reservations, no museum admission required).
646-558-5383
Asia Society
Garden Court Café
Here Steamed Chinese Dumplings served in bamboo baskets share the menu with Indian samosas, Koran Japchae Glass Noodles and a Japanese bento box assortment. Wine and beer are served.
Open daily from l: 30 a.m. to 3 p.m., except Mondays (reservations, no museum admission required).
212-570-5202
EI Museo del Barrio
Side Park Café
Mexican street food, done with some refinement, is the order of the day.
Open from 8 a. m. Mondays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, until 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays through Tuesdays (no reservations, no museum admission required).
212-831-7272
Museum of Arts and Design
Robert
Crowd-pleasing food includes crab cakes, Wagyu beef sliders and duck breast.
Lunch: 11:30 a. m. to 2: 30 p. m. Mondays through Fridays;
Dinner: 5 p. m. to 11 p. m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Tuesdays (reservations, no museum admission required).
212-299-7730
1. How long does the lunch last at Flora Bar?| A．For 2 hours. | B．For 3 hours. |
| C．For 4 hours. | D．For 5 hours. |
| A．212-570-5202. | B．212-831-7272. |
| C．212-299-7730. | D．646-558-5383 |
| A．It is known for its delicious duck breast. |
| B．It requires advance reservations. |
| C．It offers museum-goers discounts. |
| D．It opens seven days a week. |
| A．Flora Bar. | B．Garden Court Cafe. |
| C．Side Park Cafe. | D．Robert. |
| A．At 10 a.m. Mondays. | B．At 11 a. m. Tuesdays. |
| C．At 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays. | D．At 10:30 p.m. Sundays |
