1 . A bridge is a structure constructed to connect two places without blocking the way beneath it. Below are four famous bridges in the world.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is in Venice, Italy, which was designed by Antonio Contino. The bridge’s construction was begun in 1600 and completed in 1603. The bridge was supposed to be the last view for prisoners, who would sigh at the beauty of Venice, before being taken to prison. That is why it is called the Bridge of Sighs.
Tsing Ma Bridge
The bridge is named after the two islands it connects-Ma Wan and Tsing Yi in Hong Kong. It has both a roadway and a railway and is the longest suspension bridge (悬索桥) with two decks. The bridge is 4518 feet long and 676 feet tall, which was designed by Mott MacDonald. The construction was begun in 1992 and completed in 1997.
Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge is situated in London, which is a combination of the drawbridge (开合桥) and suspension bridge. Designed by Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry, it was built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge stretches across the River Thames near the Tower of London. The drawbridge is drawn about 1,000 times a year.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge joins the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, whose chief designer was Jbseph Strauss. The bridge has been named the most beautiful and most photographed bridge in the world. It is 8,981 feet long, 746 feet tall and 90 feet wide. Construction of the bridge was begun in 1933 and completed in 1937. In 1987, the bridge was named a California historic landmark.
1. Which bridge has the longest history?| A．The Bridge of Sighs. | B．The Tsing Ma Bridge. |
| C．The Tower Bridge. | D．The Golden Gate Bridge. |
| A．It was named by its designer. | B．It was named by the government. |
| C．It got its name because of its length. | D．It got its name from the two islands it connected. |
| A．It links two oceans. |
| B．It is the longest bridge in the world. |
| C．It is a historic landmark in California. |
| D．It is a combination of the drawbridge and suspension bridge. |
2 . There’s a lot to see in Badlands National Park (BADL). Castle Trail: A Badlands National Park Favorite We’re kicking things off with the longest trail in the park-and it is an excellent one. This 5-mile journey takes you through the backcountry of Badlands, with the main destination being the incredible Castle Rock formation. Along the way, you’ll hike through grassland. And as always in the Badlands, watch out for snakes.
See Bison in Sage Creek Wilderness Area
Are you as crazy about wildlife? Sage Creek is for you. Located in Wall, SD, this is one of the largest areas of preserved mixed-grass prairie(草原) left in the United States. And it’s one of the best places for North American bison. But remember to always stay in your vehicle, and never get out to approach a bison. This is not only illegal, but can cost you your life.
Ascend the Amazing Saddle Pass Trail
Saddle Pass is a short trail, but one you won’t want to miss. One of the most photographed spots in Badlands National Park is also one of the coolest climbing experiences, hands down. Here, you’ll climb up the Badlands Wall itself into a view of the White River Valley. The trail gets its name from the shape of the prairie you’ll travel.
Badlands National Park’s Top Hike: Notch Trail
As the most popular hike in the Badlands, Notch Trail features a fantastic ladder climb and absolutely breath-taking views. This trail is worth the difficulty, but it is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights, and can be dangerous during or after heavy rains. The most Badlands injuries take place here, so be sure to practice safely.
1. What makes Sage Creek special?| A．Its longest trail. | B．Its large prairie. |
| C．Its unique scenery. | D．Its dangerous climbing. |
| A．Castle Trail. | B．Sage Creek. |
| C．Notch Trail. | D．Saddle Pass Trail. |
| A．Stay in the vehicle. | B．Take a raincoat. |
| C．Avoid getting injured. | D．Keep away from the ladder. |
3 . Highest Mountains in the World
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant(休眠的)volcano, is the highest mountain in Africa. Its summit is 5, 895 meters above sea level. Located in Tanzania, it is the largest free-standing mountain rise in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range. Kilimanjaro is made up of three volcanoes: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant and could possibly erupt again.
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in Asia and the highest mountain in the world. Its summit is 8, 848. 86 meters above sea level. It is located in the Himalaya Mountain Range on the border of Nepal and China. The Chinese name is Chomolungma, which means “Mother Goddess of the World”. The Nepali name is Sagarmatha, which has various meanings.
Denali
Denali is the highest mountain in North America. Its summit is 6, 193 meters above sea level. It is located in the USA, in the state of Alaska. “Denali” comes from Koyukon, a traditional native Alaskan language, and means “the tall one”. This name had been used for many generations and was used by early non-native researchers and naturalists. But in 1896, William A. Dickey, a prospector(探矿者), began calling Denali “Mount McKinley”, in honor of William McKinley, a presidential candidate at the time.
Mount Vinson
Mount Vinson is the highest mountain on Antarctica. Its summit is 5, 140 meters above sea level. It is located in the summit plateau of Vinson Massif, near the base of the Palmer Peninsula in western Antarctica. Mount Vinson is part of the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. It was spotted from the air by U. S. pilot Lincoln Ellsworth in 1935.
1. Why is Kibo the most dangerous one among the three volcanoes?| A．It is the highest of the three volcanoes. |
| B．It is covered with snow all through the year. |
| C．It is home to a great number of wild animals. |
| D．It is likely to erupt again sometimes in the future. |
| A．Mount Kilimanjaro. | B．Denali. |
| C．Mount Everest. | D．Mount Vinson. |
| A．An American. | B．An Australian. |
| C．A Frenchman. | D．A Japanese. |
4 . Wales is home to some of the UK's most beautiful drives.Narrow lanes criss-cross the land. meaning travel can be slow-but there's no need to rush.
The Coastal WayThis route(路线）covers the entire length of Cardigan Bay, and spoils travelers with its remote beaches and charming seaside towns.
Comb the sand for fossils,shells at Aberdaron Beach,and then hit the road,heading cast toward Porthmadog. Here you can hop on a heritage steam train, a relic of the region's mining history,to give Snowdonia's skyline your undivided attention.
The Cambrian WayThe Cambrian Way, which cuts north to south through the heart of Wales, is a fantastic place, thanks to its patchwork fields, dense forests and rolling, sheep-dotted hills.
The route becomes increasingly wild and rough as it weaves north into Powys. Spend the night in Rhayader, and you'll need plenty of energy for hiking or mountain biking along the trails.
The North Wales WaySpanning Wales' short but scenic north coast, this route offers road trippers a chance to encounter Welsh history, language and culture in a splendid setting.
Head west through the uncrowded Clwydian Hills until you reach Ruthin, a little town brimming with history,where you can see its restored castle, century-spanning museum and Victorian Ruthin Gaol. Border Country
Tracing the dotted line that separates England and Wales on a map,this border-hugging route will take you to some of Wales' most underrated sites slowly, if you stick to the narrow back roads.
Starting in the border town of Chepstow in Southeast Wales,make your way northward.You can top to admire the roofless ruins of Tintern Abbey and lesser known castes Skenfrith and Grosmont
1. Which route best suits people who enjoy mountain scenery?| A．The Coastal Way. |
| B．The Cambrian Way. |
| C．The North Wales Way |
| D．Border Country. |
| A．It enables travelers to visit a castle. |
| B．It is an area of scenic beauty. |
| C．It offers a glimpse into Welsh culture. |
| D．It is a crowd-free escape from big cities. |
| A．To introduce road trips in Wales. |
| B．To introduce the Welsh landscape. |
| C．To tell about Wales' history. |
| D．To advertise Wales 'tourism industry. |
5 . Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle, which started in the late 1300s. is the private residence of the Queen. It has remained a favourite residence for the Queen and her family during August and September.
Some 85,000 people visit Balmoral each year, and the estate maintains and restores footpaths throughout the property for visiting hikers.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. The castle was the inspiration for the Royal family’s surname.
William the Conqueror built the castle in 1080 and it has remained a royal palace for over 900 years. Windsor is the oldest royal home in Britain and, covering 13 acres, it’s the largest castle in the world that is still lived in.
Each year, the Order of the Garter ceremony is held at Windsor Castle, and the Queen occasionally hosts a “dine and sleeps”, for politicians and public figures.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Founded as a monastery (修道院）in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. It was also the home of many Scottish royals.
The Queen holds receptions, state functions, and investitures(授职仪式）within its walls, and each year during Holyrood Week Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip invite 8» 000 Scottish guests to the Garden Party.
St. James Palace
St. James’s Palace was built between 1531 and 1536 and was home of kings and queens of England for over 300 years. The palace was built by Henry VU on the site of the Hospital of St. James, Westminster. After the destruction by fire of the Palace of Whitehall in 1698, all monarchs until William W lived at St. James's for part of the time.
1. Where do the Queen and her family like to stay during the summer holiday period?| A．Windsor Castle. |
| B．Balmoral Castle. |
| C．The Palace of Holyroodhouse. |
| D．St. James Palace. |
| A．is visited by the largest number of tourists |
| B．is intended for officials |
| C．has the longest history |
| D．is the most beautiful |
| A．was rebuilt by Henry Ⅶ |
| B．was built on the site where a hospital used to be |
| C．was pulled down by King IV |
| D．was destroyed by fire |
6 . The US is blessed with many of national parks that are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
Sequoia National Park
◇ Date of Establishment : September 25 ,1890
◇ Total Area: 1,635. 19 km2
The place is home to the largest trees in the world. Hiking routes crossing the sequoia groves（红杉林）will take you near these huge trees. These awe-inspiring forests filled with towering trees are a sight to see.
Yosemite National Park
◇ Date of Establishment: October 1,1890
◇ Total Area: 3,028. 81 km2
Its main draw is the Yosemite Valley that looks beautiful with its jaw-dropping scenery. Between glacially（由于冰川作用）sculpted cliffs（悬崖）and the towering waterfalls stretching out of the side of the mountains, your eyes will be treated to many natural wonders. The place was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
Mount Rainier National Park
◇ Date of Establishment: March 2,1899
◇ Total Area: 956. 60 km2
Establishing this national park was the end of a long battle by environmentalists to preserve the unique forest and glacial landscape found here. Mount Rainier is an icy active volcano.
Crater Lake National Park
◇ Date of Establishment: May 22,1902
◇ Total Area: 741. 48 km2
Many visitors come to this park to see Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the US. The water appears in various shades of blue. It is surrounded by towering cliffs and sources its water from rain and snow. It sits in the middle of a dead volcano, so many spectacular volcanic formations can also be found here.
1. Which of the following is the oldest national park?| A．Sequoia National Park. | B．Yosemite National Park. |
| C．Crater Lake National Park. | D．Mount Rainier National Park. |
| A．Active volcanoes. | B．Glacial landscapes. |
| C．Towering waterfalls. | D．World Heritage sites. |
| A．It is the deepest lake in the world. | B．Its water comes from the underground. |
| C．It lies in the center of a dead volcano. | D．Its water presents various shades of colors. |
7 . Los Angeles is a relatively new and spreading city, which means there’s a big canvas (画布) for architects of many styles to put their 3D stamps on the city. For architecture fans, here are some must-see spots.
Watts Towers
Designed and constructed by Italian-born Simon Rodia over the course of three decades, the 17 towers—the tallest is 100 feet high—consist of metal and found objects such as broken glass, pottery chips (陶器碎片), seashells, etc. You can take a guided tour of this place, learning about the history of this attractive project. 1727 E. 107th St., LA.
Getty Center
Architect Richard Meier’s shining city on a hill took 16,000 tons of marble to build but today it’s a wonder, housing the Getty’s main art collection and offering unbelievable views of Los Angeles. 1200 Getty Center Dr., LA.
Sturges House
Frank Lloyd Wright designed nine different structures throughout Southern California. This was Wright’s first turn away from the textile (纺织) block buildings he’d been designing in California and toward stressing natural factors of the structure to mix with the natural surroundings. 449 N. Skyewiay Rd., LA.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Frank Gehry has lived in Los Angele s for decade s and hi s world has been se en throughout the city. This one, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, is his most luxurious (奢侈的) building in Southern California. You need not sit through a symphony performance to get a glance at the interior(内饰). The concert hall offers free self-guided audio tours recorded by actor John Litligow. 111 S. Grand Ave., LA.
1. Where should you go to visit Watts Towers?| A．1200 Getty Center Dr., LA. | B．1727 E. 107th St., LA. |
| C．449 N. S kyewiay Rd., LA. | D．111 S. Grand Ave., LA. |
| A．It is made up of 9 structures. | B．It is a textile block building. |
| C．It fits in well with its environment. | D．It is a luxurious building. |
| A．Simon Rodia. | B．Richard Meier. |
| C．John Lithgow. | D．Frank Gehry. |
