内容包括：
1. 该地方的基本情况（如名称、地理位置等）
2. 该地方的特色（如文化、景点等）
3. 你对该地方的印象和感受。
注意：
1.词数不少于100；
2.可适当加入细节，使内容充实、行文连贯
A Beautiful Place in China
November 13th, 2023By Li Jin
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2 . Most of Florida is a flat peninsula (半岛) with water on three sides and houses built as close to the shoreline as possible. For one thing we are more frequently the target of hurricanes than any other state; for another, our geography makes us more easily to be hurt by rising seas.
A news story about climate change in Florida popped up. Historically, scientists believed mangroves (红树林) didn’t live farther north than Cedar Key, in the middle of Florida’s Big Bend. But that’s not the case anymore. Samantha Chapman, a biology professor who’s been studying how Florida’s mangroves have been migrating (迁移), found them up near the St Mary’s River, which forms the border between Florida and Georgia. It seems that they soon be marching through Georgia and becoming a thriving new component of coastal habitats.
But a coastal biologist named Blair Witherington took issue on the matter. The mangroves weren’t spreading into a new territory, he pointed out. They were entering areas that had been classified as saltmarsh (盐沼), where the landscape was dominated by cordgrass. Saltmarsh and mangrove create very different habitats that attract a very different set of animals. “When one community replaces the other, this diversity is lost,” Witherington remarked. Changing the animals’ habitat has the potential to influence the whole food chain, making a widespread difference.
What was driving this? “Mangroves can survive a short freeze, but not a prolonged, hard freeze. By combing through the weather records kept by the state’s orange juice industry, biologists have been able to document that Florida is having fewer prolonged hard freezes than it used to. Then the mangroves have adapted by expanding their range.” Samantha explained.
“They’ve adapted in another way, too. Not only are the mangroves spreading into areas that once were unfriendly to them, but they have also changed their life cycle to speed things up. Normally it takes them about 15 years of growth before they start making seeds. Now, as they get into these marshes, they’re producing seeds when they’ re only a couple of years old,” Samantha said.
The problem with having too many mangroves by the sea is that climate change may overwhelm them. A study by the US Geological Survey said sea level rise could wipe out mangroves all along the Florida coast. So, here’s the question we humans have to consider: Nature is finding ways to adapt to how we’ve changed the climate. What are we doing to adapt to it? Or at least slow it down?
1. What can we learn about the state of Florida?| A．It could be affected by high tides easily. |
| B．Its geography fuels shipbuilding industry. |
| C．Its houses are built in a high-lying but flat area. |
| D．It is often hit by tornadoes and suffers huge losses. |
| A．They migrate to warmer regions. |
| B．They are marching into a new habitat. |
| C．They form the border between Florida and Georgia. |
| D．They are introduced into Florida to prevent flooding. |
| A．Saltmarsh is fragile and requires urgent protection. |
| B．Florida includes a rich diversity of natural habitats. |
| C．The benefits of the mangroves outweigh their troubles. |
| D．Everything in the ecosystem is connected complicatedly. |
| A．What mangroves had to face in their habitats. |
| B．Whether mangroves had influence on other plants. |
| C．How mangroves adapted to the changing environment. |
| D．Why mangroves had a different life cycle in marshes. |
| A．Human beings are supposed to worship nature. |
| B．It is urgent to grow more mangroves along coastlines. |
| C．Measures against mangroves’ migration are far from enough. |
| D．What we should do to stop the climate change is still up in the air. |
3 . Bangkok’s Grand Palace is the busiest tourist stop in the city. People keep coming because the Grand Palace could arguably be called the birthplace of Bangkok
How to Get to the Grand Palace
Making your own way to the Grand Palace in Bangkok is more enjoyable and rewarding. Moving around by river taxi is inexpensive. Additionally, you’ll have a good excuse to see the Chao Phraya River up close. Going by boat won’t make you caught in traffic jams. It will let you see beautiful river scenery!
People staying in the Khao San Road area may choose to walk (around 20 — 25 minutes) to the Grand Palace.
Opening Hours
The Grand Palace is open seven days a week from 8:30 a. m. until 3:30 p. m. Occasionally, the Grand Palace does actually close for official visits and state functions. However, this is rare. Don’t believe any driver who states the Grand Palace is closed. If the statement of closure is too convincing, confirm it by calling: +6626235500 ext.3100.
Entrance Fees
Considering that temples in Thailand are often free, the 500 baht (around $16) per person entrance fee at the Grand Palace is relatively expensive. Thai nationals do not have to pay. An audio tour can be rented for an additional 200 baht. Besides, human guides are available for hire. Choose an official guide rather than accepting someone’s offer on the outside.
Dress Standards at the Grand Palace
To show enough respect, you shouldn’t wear sleeveless shirts in any temple or state building in Thailand. But unlike many of the other temples, dress standards are strictly required at the Grand Palace.
Men must wear long trousers, women must cover legs to just above the knee.
Don’t wear shirts with religious themes or symbols of death on them.
You may be told outside that flip-flops (人字拖鞋) are unacceptable footwear.
1. What do you know about the river taxi to the Grand Palace?| A．It is the only way to get to the Grand Palace |
| B．It is difficult for visitors to jump on and off it. |
| C．It is safe, clean and affordable for most visitors. |
| D．It allows visitors to avoid traffic jams and enjoy river scenery. |
| A．They’d better call to confirm the information. |
| B．They should call off their trips immediately. |
| C．They should wait until the Grand Palace reopens. |
| D．They should believe the statements and change the trips. |
| A．The Grand Palace provides an audio tour free. |
| B．Not all people need to buy tickets to the Grand Palace. |
| C．Guides outside the Grand Palace are more professional. |
| D．The locals always guide visitors voluntarily during the holiday season. |
| A．Mr Green, from the USA, wearing flip-flops and a T-shirt. |
| B．Alice, 16 years old, wearing a sleeveless shirt and a miniskirt. |
| C．Mark, wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and sports shoes. |
| D．John, wearing a hat and a shirt with religious symbols. |
| A．To encourage more people to visit Bangkok. |
| B．To introduce some palaces in Bangkok to readers. |
| C．To introduce some activities of the Grand Palace. |
| D．To provide guidance on visiting the Grand Palace. |
(1)该地方的基本情况(如名称、地理位置等)；
(2)该地方的特色(如文化、景点等)；
(3)你对该地方的印象和感受。
注意：(1)词数不少于100；
(2)可适当加入细节，使内容充实、行文连贯。
A Beautiful Place in China
March 19, 2021By Li Jin
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
（1）你推荐的城市（天津或北京选其一）；
（2）推荐的理由(不少于两条)；
（3）美好祝愿。
注意:（1）词数100左右；
（2）可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
（3）开头结尾已经给好，不计入总字数。
Dear James,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours sincerely,
Li Jin
6 . The Hope Diamond is one of the world’s most famous jewels. It was in the possession of a series of people: kings, bankers, rich women and thieves, before its arrival 60 years ago at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
As a rare blue diamond, it has a complex social history, to be sure. But, far more so is its geological history, researchers say in a new report. This is the first time anyone has come up with a fact-based study or model for how blue diamonds form.
The group looked at 42 blue diamonds, including one from South Africa that recently sold for $25 million in 2016. Researchers could tell where the stones were formed based on the very small minerals trapped inside.
Diamonds are a hard, clear form of pure carbon called a crystal (结晶). They form under extreme heat and pressure. Blue diamonds crystallize alongside water-bearing minerals that long ago were part of the floor of the sea. But these minerals were pushed deeper underground during the movement of the Earth’s plates.
Scientists already knew these diamonds received their blue color from the element boron (硼). The study says that boron had once been in ocean water but was eventually pushed into the seafloor rock. Over millions of years, the boron continued to move deep underground.
Many diamonds appear colorless. Often, however, they have some yellow color. Still others have a light brown, pink or green color. About 99 percent of all diamonds form somewhere between 150 to 200 kilometers underground, a far shallower birthplace than their blue relations. “These diamonds are among the deepest ever found,” Carnegie Institution for Science geochemist Steven Shirey said of the blue diamonds.
The public can see the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.
1. By saying the underlined part in Paragraph 2, the researchers mean the blue diamond ________.| A．was formed in extreme weather |
| B．has a very complex forming history |
| C．has a far-reaching influence in society |
| D．used to be very popular among rich people |
| A．By observing their colors. |
| B．By studying their structures. |
| C．By referring to where they were found. |
| D．By examining tiny substances in them. |
| A．The water. | B．Extreme heat and pressure. |
| C．A special matter. | D．The seafloor rock. |
| A．They contain several colors. |
| B．They form in much deeper underground. |
| C．They come into being in a different way. |
| D．They are found near the earth’s surface. |
| A．The social status of the Hope Diamond. |
| B．The discovery of the Hope Diamond. |
| C．The formation of the blue diamond. |
| D．The diversity of diamonds. |
7 . From early times, man has been interested in art. People have often worked together to collect and save the world's art treasures.
Fine art treasures from many countries are kept in an art museum called the Louvre (卢浮宫) in Paris, France. The works of art have been collected by the people of France over many centuries. It is the biggest art museum in the world.
The Louvre has not always been a museum. The first building was a fort (堡垒). In 1190, it was the king's castle with high walls and a round tower. It had a moat (护城河) to keep out the enemies.
Over the years, the number of buildings around the fort grew. By 1350, the fort was no longer needed and became a palace home for French kings and queens.During times of peace, new treasures were brought in. During days of war, many treasures were stolen, and the buildings were damaged.
When Francis Ⅰ became King of France in 1515, he brought in many artists from many countries. One of the artists was Leonardo da Vinci from Italy. He worked in Paris. Da Vinci's Mona Lisa is the best-known painting in the museum today.
In 1793, the Louvre became a public museum, just as it is now. It is a place where art treasures are kept for everyone to enjoy. Every year millions of people from all over the world come to the Louvre to see the master-pieces.
1. How long has the Louvre been a museum?| A．For over 800 years. |
| B．Since 1350. |
| C．Since 1515. |
| D．For over 200 years. |
| A．by the French people |
| B．by Francis |
| C．by Leonardo da Vinci |
| D．by people of the world |
| A．Da Vinci once stayed in France. |
| B．Mona Lisa is kept in the louvre. |
| C．The Louvre was once a church. |
| D．The Louvre is a place of interest to different people from all over the world. |
| A．In public museums the works of art will not be stolen. |
| B．In public museums the works of art will not be damaged. |
| C．In public museums artists can study the works of art. |
| D．In public museums everyone has a chance to enjoy the works of art. |
| A．A famous painting—Mona Lisa |
| B．A famous art museum—Louvre |
| C．A famous artist—Da Vinci |
| D．The great King—Francis |
| A．2,500 miles. |
| B．1,250 miles. |
| C．625 miles. |
9 . If you are travelling from one of London’s international airports to central London, don’t take taxi unless you are very rich! The minimum (最小的) fare from Heathrow, the airport nearest to central London, is about $25. If you are travelling in a group of four people and each of you has a lot of luggage, you may feel that it would be worth paying for a taxi.
If you simply want to cross London from one railway station to another or from a station to your hotel, then a taxi may be a good idea. Although taxis may seem quite expensive, they make life a lot easier if you have a lot of luggage, or if you are not confident about finding your way around the Underground system. Here are some useful facts about using taxis:
★ Licensed (有许可证的) taxis are large, and usually black, vehicles with a small white plate (牌照) on the back showing a license number and the words Hackney Carriages.
★ The best place to find a taxi is at a railway station. Follow the signs for taxi and you will find what is called a taxi rank (a place in the road where a taxi can stop). Another good place to find a taxi is near a large hotel.
★ If you are not at a station, you will have to stand in the street and wait for one to go past. Look for a taxi which has an orange light lit up over the driver’s window — this means that it is not being used by anyone else.
★ When the taxi is quite close, raise your arm and wave the driver down. The taxi should stop for you.
★ When you pay, it is usual to give the driver a tip of at least 10%.
1. What does the author say about the taxi in London?| A．It is hard to catch a taxi at the airport. |
| B．It is a good choice to cross London. |
| C．Its service is far from satisfactory. |
| D．Its fare is not very high. |
| A．They are small. |
| B．They are all orange. |
| C．They have red plates. |
| D．Their plates are on the back. |
| A．A bus stop. |
| B．A small hotel. |
| C．A large shopping centre. |
| D．A taxi rank near a railway station. |
| A．Whether its light is on. |
| B．Whether the driver is waving. |
| C．Whether it is a white licensed taxi. |
| D．Whether the taxi stops at the right place. |
| A．$2. | B．$3. |
| C．$4. | D．$5. |
10 . Let's pay a visit to some of the most amazing and unusual places in the world, from icy hotels to temples on the side of cliff.
Hotel de Glace—Canada
If you don't mind the cold, this igloo（冰屋）style hotel is certainly for you. Nearly everything, including bedding, is made of ice！This hotel is so well insulated（隔热的）that whatever the temperature outside is, the temperature inside never changes more than a few degrees. It's around 23 degrees to be exact. Since it is made of ice the hotel does have some dress requirements that can be found on their website. Arctic sleeping bags are provided for every guest, including children. For more information, visit the website: http://www. icehotelcanada. com.
The Tigers Nest Monastery--Bhutan
Built directly onto a cliff side, this ancient temple has claimed its spot since 1692. Rich in history, Tigers Nest is constructed around eight attractive caves on the mountainside. Most of the caves are easy to reach through the natural rock stairway. However, some are more difficult, and can only be reached by shaky rope bridges. Visit the website: http://www. bhutantouroperators. net/ taktsang-monastery. php for more information.
Dinosaur Provincial Park—Canada
Known to be one the greatest fossil locations in the world, Dinosaur Provincial Park has nearly 5000 specimens in all shapes and sizes. The park itself has a vast collection of fossils and a unique natural ecosystem. For more information, please visit http://tpr. Alberta. ca/ parks / dinosaur/index. aspx.
Leshan Giant Buddha--Sichuan China
The world's largest Buddha sits on the edge of two great rivers. Construction is believed to have started around the year 713, and at the time of this construction it was the tallest carved statue in the world. All 233 feet of the statue was carved from the surrounding cliffs and preserved in amazing condition. Even the 2008 earthquake was not enough to shake it. Its website http://yeschinatour. com/china-guides/china-attractions leshan-giant-buddha-leshan will provide you with more information.
1. Which of the following is NOT true about Hotel de Glace?| A．It lies in the Arctic. |
| B．Even the bedding is made of ice. |
| C．Every guest is provided with sleeping bags. |
| D．You can visit its website for dress requirements. |
| A．http://yeschinatour. com/china-guides/china-attractions leshan-giant-buddha-leshan |
| B．http://www. icehotelcanada. Com |
| C．http://tpr. alberta. Ca /parks /dinosaur/index. Aspx |
| D．http://www. bhutantouroperators. net/ taktsang - monastery. php |
| A．Leshan Giant Buddha--Sichuan China |
| B．Hotel de Glace--Canada |
| C．The Tigers Nest Monastery--Bhutan |
| D．Dinosaur Provincial Park--Canada |
| A．four different constructions in the world |
| B．some popular hotels in Canada |
| C．four unusual places in the world |
| D．all kinds of parks in Europe |
| A．politics | B．travel |
| C．education | D．environment |
