1 . This is shaping up to be a big year for US theme parks — and we’re not just talking about Disney. From coast to coast, theme parks are opening exciting new rides for people.
Legoland New York Resort
Over Memorial Day weekend, Legoland opened its newest attraction: a Lego-themed water playground where families can play water, slide and beat the heat. There is also a nearby changing area so you can take off your wet swimsuit when you’re ready to head for the park’s land-based attractions.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Though the land has only one ride, Super Nintendo World has more than enough to keep you busy after you race to the finish. Throughout the land, there are interactive challenges where you can collect digital coins and try to secure a top score. You will also find all the souvenirs and clothing you need to complete your experience.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The Serengeti Flyer swing ride is currently the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind. You’ll rise rapidly above zebras, giraffes and other animals that reside in the park’s 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Because of its extreme nature, the ride has a 48-inch (英寸) minimum (最小的) height requirement.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s newest coaster (过山车) will have guests racing through the dark while attempting to escape a castle. DarKoaster is a fully indoor coaster with ride vehicles designed to look like snowmobiles. You’ll need them to travel through the strange snowstorm inside the castle.
1. What can visitors do at Legoland New York Resort?| A．Play water. | B．Collect digital coins. |
| C．Experience a snowstorm. | D．Take the world’s tallest ride. |
| A．Great love for animals. | B．Wearing special clothes. |
| C．The company of family. | D．Being at least 48 inches in height. |
| A．Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. | B．Busch Gardens Williamsburg. |
| C．Legoland New York Resort. | D．Universal Studios Hollywood. |
2 . Top Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations
Dude Ranch
If you have little cowboys and cowgirls at home, thrill them by visiting a dude ranch(度假牧场) on your next vacation. Your children can learn about nature, enjoy horse back riding, and gain an entirely new perspective. You can choose between programs that have you spending quality time with your kids, and programs that are for children only. This summer, experience the perfect combination of work and play, and enjoy the great outdoors at a dude ranch!
For more information, visit: www.Ranchweb.com
Six Flags Great Adventure
Review a classic vacation by visiting one of the most renowned theme park chains in the country. With locations all over the US, there’s sure to be a Six Flags near you. Take the whole family and be back at work on Monday. Escape the summer heat with countless water rides, or get excited with a thrill ride. Take your kids to have brunch with Bugs Bunny, or check out the new Safari Park, where you can interact with real animals.
For more information, visit:www.sixflags. com
Rosewell UFO Festival
Do you have sci-fi fans in your household? Encourage their interests and experience a special vacation at the annual Rosewell UFO Festival, held every year in early July. Come in costume if you wish, and join the parade. Attend lectures by famous authors and researchers, or watch up-and-coming bands perform. Even if you’re not a believer, you can still enjoy the artwork, music, and great celebration.
For more information, visit: www.roswellufofestival. com
Earthplace
Being green is not easy, but it can be fun if you visit the exhibits at Earthplace in Westport, Connecticut. This 62-acre wildlife reserve is committed to educating the public about the environment and promoting positive action to preserve nature. The exhibits provide hands-on features that make learning fun for your kids. After touring the exhibits, visit the garden and the playground, and enjoy the summer weather.
For more information, visit: www. earthplace. org
1. What do Dude Ranch and Six Flags Great Adventure have in common?| A．They are suitable for a family vacation. | B．They only provide programs for kids. |
| C．They allow people to have brunch. | D．They provide thrill rides. |
| A．Travel in space. | B．Act on the stage. |
| C．Watch bands perform. | D．Give lectures. |
| A．Dude Ranch. | B．Six Flags Great Adventure. |
| C．Rosewell UFO Festival. | D．Earthplace. |
3 . Four Great Persons
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(1756-1791)Born in Austria in 1756, Mozart was the son of a successful musician . He wrote his first piece of published music at five. Within the year, he began playing for the public, which included a tour of Europe where people admired the young boy’s talent. By the time he was a teenager, Mozart had written several operas. He wrote over 600 pieces of music in his lifetime.
Shirley Temple (1928-2014)Shirley Temple received her first acting chance at the age of three and starred in Carolina, her first film, at six. She quickly caught attention and by 1940, she had starred in 43 films, including Bright Eyes for which she won a special award for “Outstanding Personality”. As an adult, Temple became a US diplomat（外交官）for the United Nations.
Nkosi Johnson(1989-2001)South African Nkosi Johnson was born HIV-positive（携带艾滋病毒）. His story caught the media’s attention when his local public school refused to admit him because of his condition. Soon he traveled the world, telling his story wherever he could,encouraging other patients to speak out. Besides,he founded Nokie’s Haven,a safe place for HIV-positive mothers and their children.In 2005,he was award the International Children’s Peace Prize.
Alexandra Scott(1996-2004)Alexandra Scott had cancer before she celebrated her first birthday.At the age of four, she decided to raise money for other children going through the same thing.So she set up a lemonade stand（摊位）,which inspired others to start lemonade stands, too.They raised over$1 million before Scott died of cancer.Her family carries on her legacy(遗产) through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation,which has raised over $150 million.
1. Who changed his/her career path when he/she grew up?| A．Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. | B．Shirley Temple |
| C．Nkosi Johnson | D．Alexandar Scott |
| A．He got HIV-positive soon after he was born. |
| B．He caught wide attention for his disease. |
| C．He was once refused by schools for his illness. |
| D．He was awarded a prize for his high grades. |
| A．They became well-known at an early age. |
| B．They had a hard time when they were a child. |
| C．They behaved kindly to other people as a child. |
| D．They were hardworking when they were young. |
