1 . 阅读下面短文，根据题目要求用英语回答问题。

In the southern part of France, away from the charm of Paris and the scenic Riviera, lies Toulouse, often referred to as “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City.” Its nickname comes from the unique terra-cotta bricks used in many of its, buildings, giving the city a distinctive style.

Historically, Toulouse traces its roots back to the ancient times. It was originally established by the Celts in the 4th century BC and later became a significant Roman settlement. The city’s strategic position near the Germane River made it a well-known trading center in ancient Europe. By the Middle Ages, Toulouse had become a major center of trade due to its dye industry. This trade brought immense wealth to the region, and the city’s grand houses and public buildings from this era reflect is opulence (繁华).

However, Toulouse was not just a center for trade. Its history is marked with intellectual pursuits. By the 13th century, Université de Toulouse was established, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The institution attracted scholars from various parts of Europe.

In modern times, Toulouse is famous for its aerospace industry. Home to Airbus, one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturers, the city is a center point in global aviation. This modern achievement connects with Toulouse’s rich history, showcasing a combination of the old and the new.

One of the most significant landmarks in Toulouse is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an architectural marvel from the Romanesque period. The church stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance during the medieval (中世纪的) times. Another notable part is the Capitole de Toulouse, which houses the city hall and a grand opera building. Its facade, made with the characteristic pink bricks, showcases the essence (本质) of Toulouse.

Despite its historical significance and achievements, Toulouse often remains overshadowed by other French cities. Yet, those who went to this southern gem find themselves fond of its rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its inhabitants.

Visiting Toulouse offers an opportunity to step back in time while remaining firmly grounded in the present. It’s a city that embraces is past, cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism. In the European cities, Toulouse shines as a wonderful, yet irreplaceable one.

1. Why is Toulouse called “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City?”
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2. What are the reasons for Toulouse to become a center of trade in the history?
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3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin stands as a testament to the city’s intellectual significance during medieval time.
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4. In your opinion, which city in China is like Toulouse, which cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism? Why?
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3 . Are you a fan of outdoor adventures? Do you enjoy scenic views to relax? Look no further, as the following destinations offer all that and more.

Athabasca Falls

Alberta, Canada

Water from the Canadian Rockies flows down into the waterfalls of Jasper National Park, creating a flow with wild energy. The falls are wheelchairs accessible, with a paved path taking admirers to a number of viewpoints. If visitors leave the path, they can explore both the upper and lower regions of the trail.

Akaka Falls Trail

Hakalau, Hawaii

A short half-mile hike is big on sights and low on hard activity. The well-kept ring like trail guide visitors around to see a number of waterfalls, including the 442-foot main attraction, and beautiful local flora (植物群) among the famous landscape. Though there are no hills to climb, there are a number of stairways to go.

Nugget Falls

Juneau, Alaska

Located in Tongass National Forest about 12 miles from Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier has produced Nugget Falls, a fan-like waterfall that leads into a lake. A series of short hikes allows for different views of the waterfall and icy surrounds, which are also known for frequent brown bear sightings.

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Valley, California

Yosemite National Park is one of the oldest national parks in America and home to the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. Hikers can reach it by taking a 1-mile trail from the lodge or the 7.2-mile round-trip Yosemite Falls Trail route. Late spring is best, with the highest water flow. In the winter, the temperatures dip below freezing. A park admission fee applies.

1. Where can visitors expect to see frequent brown bear sightings?

A．Athabasca Falls.

B．Akaka Falls Trail.

C．Nugget Falls.

D．Yosemite Falls.

2. Which season is best for visiting Yosemite Falls?

A．Winter.

B．Spring.

C．Summer.

D．Fall.

3. Where can this text probably be found?

A．In a travel magazine.

B．In a novel.

C．In a history book.

D．In a diary.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What did NASA call the area?

A．The Light of Venezuela.

B．The Lightning Capital of the World.

C．The Never-ending Storm of Catatumbo.

2. What causes so many storms in this area?

A．The warm ocean current.

B．The strong mountain winds.

C．The special geographical location.

3. How many local people get struck by the lightning every year?

A．About 12%.

B．About 30%.

C．About 70%.

4. What can we learn from the conversation?

A．The man is afraid of lightening very much.

B．The locals are surprisingly fearless of lighting.

C．About 12,000 American people get hit in their lifetime.

7 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park in Gansu is the best representative of China’s colorful Danxia landform. With a wide     1     (various) of landforms, this enormous park covers     2     area of 510 square kilometres.     3     (extend) along the northern part of Qilian Mountain in west China, it was said to be part of The Great Silk Road. At one time, Marco Polo arrived in China through this area.     4     (former) a provincial park and scenic area, it     5     (become) a national geopark in November 2011.

The site is characterized by amazing landforms, including     6     (drama) natural towers, deep valleys and impressive waterfalls. These landscapes have helped to conserve broad-leaved evergreen forests, and host many flowers and plants, about 400 of     7     are considered to be rare or     8     (threaten).

The most representative spots in the park such as the Seven-color Screen and the Colorful Sunset look like a rainbow hanging in the distance. However, scenes are totally different on the edge of the hills. The colors there turn into yellow and grey like shells in the sun. Scenes are even more breathtaking     9     sunrise and sunset when lights and shadows     10     (cast) on the hills paint this region with unique beauty.

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入 1 个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Located in Shaoxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Luzhen features typical     1     (tradition) black-and-white residences (住宅), arched stone bridges     2     beautiful water views, like many other water towns in the area. But it is unique, since the town is     3     (actual) a recreation of Luzhen, a fictional town found in the novels of Lu Xun, one of China’s most influential writers. He     4     (use) Luzhen as the location for many of the scenes in his novels, including “The True Story of Ah Q,” “Kong Yiji,” and “A Madman’s Diary.”

    5     (take) a boat across the Jianhu Lake, it’s easy to reach Luzhen while enjoying the picturesque scenery along     6     way.

The main street of Luzhen was built according to the descriptions in Lu Xun’s novels,     7     tourists can find the shops and restaurants mentioned in the books, and the buildings have been recreated to match the descriptions penned     8     Lu Xun.

There are also statues of the characters from Lu Xun’s novels, depicting (描绘) the classic scenes from the     9     (story). Observant visitors may also be lucky enough     10     (find) some of these characters come to life on the streets, behaving just as they did in the novels.

9 . Rainforests cover six percent of the earth’s surface. There are rainforests in many parts of the world, but the biggest forests are in South America, Africa and South East Asia. There aren't any rainforests in Europe or North America.

About 75% of all the types of animals come from rainforests.     1     There are many beautiful birds, insects and reptiles. Many of them live in the trees, over 30 meters from the ground. There are also thousands of different plants—and lots of them are tall trees! It is always hot in a rainforest and the ground is always wet.     2    

The rainforests are very important for us. We need them! The trees and other plants in the forest help to make the air that we breathe.     3     They give us wood, rubber, fruits and many of our medicines.

    4     For example, many years ago there was a large rainforest in Java. There were thousands of different plants and animals in the forest, but now there is nothing. People cut down the trees because they wanted to grow rice. They also wanted to grow rubber trees to make rubber. Many animals lived in the rainforest. Some of them went to other parts of Java, but many of them disappeared—forever.     5     The rainforests are in danger!

A．It is also very dark there.

B．They also help to control the weather.

C．They cut down the forest to make roads.

D．Many forest people try to save their forests.

E．Thousands and thousands of animals live in rainforests.

F．Unfortunately, in many places, the rainforests are in danger.

G．The same thing is happening now in many other parts of the world.

10 . 阅读短文，在空白处填入适当的内容或括号内单词的正确形式。

There is a place     1     (name) Dahailin (Huge Sea Forest) in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang Province. Deep in Dahailin is a magic al place,     2     it snows from October until March. There lies a small snowy village. In the snow, the old wooden     3     (house) look like white mushrooms (蘑菇). Bright red lanterns stand out upon the village’s white-washed background. The villagers there enjoy     4     (live) a free and pleasant life.