1 . With the beautiful snow-coated landscapes, winter reveals a different world of national parks with significantly fewer crowds. Here are some of the best national parks in the US for a winter getaway.
Acadia National Park, MaineBetween October and March, Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the east coast, offers hikers epic views of the first sunrise in the country. Because the roads are closed to motor vehicles during the winter, those who undertake the 3.5-mile hike from Park Loop Road are rewarded with a stunning view all to themselves. Snowmobiling in the park is another special experience for visitors.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington StateMount Rainier National Park in Washington State is one of the oldest national parks in the US and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts in winter. Unlike other snow-crowded resorts, this park allows visitors to heartily enjoy snowmobiling, sledding and snowshoeing. Its hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of Mount Rainier, and tasty local dishes.
Denali National Park, AlaskaWith its remote location and minimal light pollution, Denali National Park is an ideal place for photographers to capture the northern lights during the aurora (极光) season, between September and April. Visitors in this crowd-free park can spot wildlife such as wolves and black bears, which remain active in the winter.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New MexicoIn northern New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historical Park holds stone great houses, which were the largest buildings in North America until the mid-18th century. Accessible for most of the winter, the park can see fewer than 10 visitors a day in colder months. Photographers can capture landscapes amid the constellations (星群) by night.
1. What experience can visitors only have in Acadia National Park?| A．The longest hiking route. |
| B．The earliest sunrise in USA. |
| C．Snowshoeing and snowmobiling. |
| D．Comfortable accommodation. |
| A．Acadia National Park. |
| B．Mount Rainier National Park. |
| C．Denali National Park. |
| D．Chaco Culture National Historical Park. |
| A．Snow and ice activities. |
| B．A chance to meet wildlife. |
| C．Cultural heritage sites. |
| D．An escape from the crowds. |
2 . It’s Community Day again!
The event that Map le Estate residents are eagerly looking forward to is just around the corner! As usual, the Map le Residents’ Committee has planned a programme that is designed to promote community spirit. Maple Estate has been celebrating Community Day every month for more than a year. By now, we hope all our residents understand the importance of forming strong bonds with our neighbours. If you have just moved to our lovely estate and have not had the opportunity to know your neighbours, you can do so by joining at Community Day!
August Highlight: Map le Estate Chefs Call all residents who are keen to practice your cooking skills and let your neighbours sample your cooking! You will be the stars of the upcoming event! Visit www.maplerc.sg for more information and to register for this activity. Kitchen equipment and basic ingredients will be provided. You will receive a $50 shopping voucher that you can use to purchase other ingredients from MapleMart the day before the event. Remember to register before 21 July, 2024! We are sure everyone will enjoy the delicious dishes! Time: From 10 a.m.to 6 p.m,6 Aug.,2024 Place: Maple Community Club Entry: Flash your Maple Resident Card |
“My wife and I moved to Maple Estate when we got married. For a few months, we spent all our free time after work doing up our house. Even though we knew that our neighbours were friendly and would sometimes invite us for their gatherings, we were occupied with getting things ready. However, it wasn’t long before we grew curious about the Community Day celebrations. After we started attending them regularly, we met many neighbours. The first time we invited some of them over, we played games that helped us to get to know one another better!”
—Mr. Wang, a Maple Estate resident since 2022
1. What do the Community Day events aim to do?| A．To teach how to cook meals. | B．To develop community spirit. |
| C．To meet diverse needs of neighbours. | D．To make the community cleaner. |
| A．To sign up before 21 July , 2024. | B．To provide basic ingredients. |
| C．To use your own kitchen equipment. | D．To pay a registration fee of $50. |
| A．they spent all their time at work |
| B．they weren’t invited for the gatherings |
| C．they were busy beautifying their home |
| D．they lacked information about the community |
3 . Welcome to the California Science Center
Here is a guide to the California Science Center.
Accessibility Services & FacilitiesWe are committed to breaking down any barrier to access. If you have questions about accessibility, please call us at (213) 744-2019 or contact us online or stop by our Information Desk just inside the main entrance.
Sensory & Mobility ConsiderationsLight, noise and crowds vary widely throughout the building. Please feel free to bring your own noise-canceling headphones or other calming items. All spaces in the center are wheelchair accessible. All floors are accessible by elevator or stairs.
● Parking & RestroomsAccessible parking spaces are available on the three floors of the Science Center parking lot. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is $15 per vehicle.
All the restrooms here are wheelchair accessible. Private family style restrooms are available upon request, please see any Guest Services Host.
● Wheelchairs & Service AnimalsStandard manual wheelchairs are available for free at the Information Desk, used inside the California Science Center.
Service dogs trained to do work or perform specific tasks for a guest with a disability are welcome in all of the Science Center spaces. Emotional animals and pets are not permitted.
Language & Communication Considerations● Language Assistance
Our Bilingual (双语的) Guest Services and Education staff members wear buttons indicating languages in which they are fluent. In addition, the Information Desk offers maps in six different languages.
● Audio GuidesAudio guides in both English and Spanish are often available for special exhibits. For special exhibits with audio guides, transcripts are available at the entrance to the exhibit upon request.
Click here for more information about the center. We want every guest to participate equally in the excitement of experiencing science!
1. How many ways to inquire about accessibility in the California Science Center are mentioned?| A．3. | B．4. | C．5. | D．6. |
| A．It is unfriendly to the disabled. | B．Its parking spaces vary in price. |
| C．It offers multi-language service | D．It allows emotional pets to enter. |
| A．A web page. | B．A news report. |
| C．A science textbook. | D．An academic paper. |
4 . There are many podcasts (播客) that teach English and you can listen to them anytime. Here is a list of some of the best podcasts that you must see.
Learn English Podcast
This podcast has three levels.The first is for beginners, the second is for intermediates (中级学生) and the third is for upper intermediates. If a person wants to learn Business English,then episodes are also made for him.Every podcast is short but very informative. Worksheets and vocabulary tasks are also included.
Speaking Broadly
This podcast is made for advanced learners. Explained through discussion and interviews, each episode has non-native English speakers and every recording also has expert feedback. You will see some common mistakes made by English learners and you can improve your English by learning from those mistakes.
The English We Speak
This podcast airs one episode daily and every episode is only three to four minutes, which talks about phrases and idioms.There are two people in each episode who communicate with each other. Whatever level you are,you will find it rewarding
Elementary Podcast
This podcast is mainly for beginners and intermediate level learners. The length of a podcast is around 25 minutes but you can pause it anytime and continue whenever you want. The hosts of each episode are different.
1. Which podcast provides exercises going with it?| A．Learn English Podcast. | B．Speaking Broadly. |
| C．The English We Speak | D．Elementary Podcast. |
| A．It records just expert speakers. | B．It aims at beginners. |
| C．It presents some typical mistakes. | D．It provides feedback from listeners. |
| A．They have the same length. | B．They are both interactive. |
| C．They share the same contents. | D．They are suitable for beginners. |
5 . TV Shows the Whole Family Can Enjoy
The Baby-Sitters Club
The show is based on the book series written by Ann M, Martin.
The time for each episode (集) is about 30 minutes.
The Netflix Original series returns for its second season on October 11. The new season will see the Baby Sitters Club continue to expand their babysitting business and face the hardships that come with being teenagers.
Legends of the Hidden Temple
The show is based on the kids’ game show from the 1990s.
The time for each episode is an hour.
Though the new game show is aimed at adults, kids will also enjoy watching teams take on challenges to try to find the treasure within the ancient temple. Some of the challenges can be frightening for younger children, so this is perhaps best enjoyed by families with older kids.
Doogie Kameāloha, M. D.
The show is based on Doogie Howser, M, D. in 1989.
The time for each episode is about 30 minutes.
It stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Lahela “Doogie” Kameāloha, a medical school graduate who is trying to figure out how to manage being a doctor and a teenager at the same time.
Star Wars: Visions
Each episode of the show is about 15 to 20 minutes long.
This Disney series is made up of independent stories. That means viewers don’t need to watch anything in order. You can simply watch each story as you please without feeling like you have missed something. It was created by artists from all over the world.
1. Which show lasts the longest for each episode?| A．The Baby-Sitters Club. | B．Legends of the Hidden Temple. |
| C．Doogie Kameāloha, M. | D．D. Star Wars: Visions. |
| A．Balancing her different roles. | B．Catching up with others in studies. |
| C．Expanding her babysitting business. | D．Getting admitted to a medical school. |
| A．It is based on an old game show. | B．It talks about artists’ experiences. |
| C．It consists of independent stories. | D．It is set in a treasure-filled temple. |
6 . Four Shows to See
Falcons: The Art of the Hunt, National Museum of Asian Art
The trained accuracy of hunting falcons (猎鹰) has long been attractive to humans. As long ago as early 8th-century Syria, falcons were being trained to become skillful hunters for the royal courts. The fashion spread across the globe. A new show collects paintings and objects from ancient Egypt to China celebrating the hunting power of the birds. (Jan.15-July 17).
Iké Udé—Nollywood Portraits, National Museum of African Art
The success of Nigerias film industry has also meant the rise of charm and celebrity in what is called Nollywood. Enter Iké Udé to photograph the leading stars. The result reflects the changing nature of African identity in the 21st century. (Feb.5)
We Are Made of Stories, Smithsonian American Art Museum
This exhibition highlights some of the 93 works of art in the collection of Margaret Z. Robson, featuring the works of 48 major self-taught artists. The collection was gifted, the largest of its kind in two decades, and it expanded the museum’s extensive holdings of what was once referred to as folk art. (July 1)
Baseball: America’s Home Run, National Postal Museum
This show features hundreds of US and international stamps in memory of baseball’s finest players. First organized to mark the 150th anniversary of professional baseball, “Baseball: America’s Home Run” will feature some historic objects that have never appeared on public display. (April 9-September 25)
1. What can you enjoy in National Museum of Asian Art?| A．Strength of falcons. | B．Western paintings. |
| C．Lifestyle of common Syrians. | D．Nollywood films. |
| A．National Postal Museum. | B．National Museum of Asian Art. |
| C．National Museum of African Art. | D．Smithsonian American Art Museum. |
| A．It presents rare stamps. | B．It combines basketball and art. |
| C．It first exhibits some historic items. | D．It’s sponsored by famous baseball players. |
7 . Trying to book a holiday that will attract everyone in the family is so difficult. Check out the full guide to the best UK holiday parks below and it will give you a helping hand.
Yorkshire: Thornwick Bay Holiday Park
Activities include Segway rides, football and an all — weather Activity Barn that’s sure to be a hit (成功) with the kids, and the heated indoor pool with water slides never fails to be a hit either.
How much? Each night break starts from ￡179.55 for the whole family, based on a trip in July.
Dorset: Warmwell Holiday Park
Fancy a trip to the slopes (斜坡)? This award — winning resort near Weymouth has its own dry ski slope, and you’ll find skiing lessons, snowboarding as well as an indoor pool with a flume (水滑道) and a wave machine.
How much? Two-night break starts from ￡329 based on a trip in July.
Porthcawl: Trecco Bay Holiday Park
Kids will love the outdoor wet play area at Parkdean Resorts’ Trecco Bay Holiday Park. On-site attractions include an indoor pool with the pirate ship, adventure golf and a kids’ play area. In the evening there are discos and bingo.
How much? Three to four night breaks start from ￡305 based on a trip in July.
Hampshire: Sandy Balls Holiday Park
On the edge of the New Forest, this family-owned park allows you to get close to nature, with cycle trails, horse-riding, and then welcomes you back into the warmth with a pizza restaurant, indoor play facilities (设施), including a pool plus a spa.
How much? Camping tents usually start from ￡40 each night in August.
1. Which park might attract the family who enjoy music?| A．Porthcawl: Trecco Bay Holiday Park. |
| B．Hampshire: Sandy Balls Holiday Park. |
| C．Yorkshire: Thornwick Bay Holiday Park. |
| D．Dorset: Warmwell Holiday Park. |
| A．￡379.55. | B．￡610. | C．￡329. | D．￡1，151.5. |
| A．Skiing. | B．Playing football. |
| C．Horse-riding. | D．Swimming. |
8 . Look at the map of Spain and point at the center. You've located the country's capital and one of Europe's most beautiful cities: Madrid. This popular destination is considered a city of contrasts with its abundant historic sites, resting in the shadows of modern skyscrapers.
History
This city of over 3 million people is proud of Western Europe's largest royal palace, and some consider it to be Madrid's most beautiful building.
Inside the Royal Palace 2,800 rooms are decorated in glory with museum-quality furniture and artworks. Tourists can tour 50 of these large and splendid rooms.
Art
The Internationally respected Prado Museum is the largest and most impressive art gallery in Spain. Opened in 1819, it is filled with works of art that feature the world's most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings.
Shopping
Madrid has some of Europe's best shopping, and potential buyers love to look through the stores looking for bargains. But for 500 years, shoppers have gathered to an extremely large outdoor flea market known as the Rastro where they find everything from antiques to CDs.
Entertainment
No trip to Madrid is complete without seeing a performance of Spain's famous art form, flamenco. Every day, flamenco performers sing, dance or play the guitar in small cafes and grand theaters alike.
Food
Madrid has a wide variety of restaurants, but because the Spanish typically eat late at about 9 or 10 p.m., it's difficult to find good dinner food earlier. If you get hungry before then, the best solution is to try a tapas bar where light snacks are served. Be sure to try the jamon, a kind of dry-cured ham: Spain is famous for it.
1. What do we know about the Royal Palace in Madrid?| A．It has 50 rooms for visit. |
| B．It can hold 2, 800 people. |
| C．It's been visited by 3 million people. |
| D．It is thought to be the largest in Europe. |
| A．For discount. |
| B．For artworks. |
| C．To sell various goods. |
| D．To sell antiques and CDs. |
| A．Having dinner earlier. |
| B．Enjoying flamenco. |
| C．Visiting Prado Museum. |
| D．Drinking in a tapas bar. |
