Originally constructed around 256 BCE by the State of Qin
During the Warring States period, people who lived along the banks of the Min River
I have been in Taiyuan, the provincial capital of Shanxi, for two years since I
Over the two years, I found
My favorite sport is cycling and I find China is very cyclist-friendly because it is convenient
Taiyuan
3 . “I could see a huge flow (流动) of water, coming down fast from very high. I had no idea of shape, or situation, or anything. It was just so big.”
These are the words of the great English writer Charles Dickens. He wrote them when he was visiting Niagara Falls. This waterfall is on the border (边界) of the United States and Canada. It is one of the largest in the world, and the largest in North America.
Niagara Falls is on the Niagara River. The river divides just before the waterfall, and there are actually three waterfalls. On the American side are American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is mostly on the Canadian side. The name comes from its shape — like a horseshoe, in a half circle. Horseshoe Falls is the widest of the three.
People mainly know about Niagara Falls because of its size and natural beauty. However, the Niagara River is also an important source of electricity.
In the 1890s, the Westinghouse Electric Company built a large power system (电力系统) on the river. Many other companies also hoped to use the land for factories and power systems. However, around the same time, many people began to work to protect the natural area. Soon, the governments of the United States and Canada got involved with it. They protected the land around Niagara Falls. They made parks — green, natural areas. No one could buy this land for factories. For hundreds of years, millions of people have visited Niagara Falls to enjoy its beauty.
1. From Paragraph 1, we can know Charles Dickens was shocked by Niagara Falls’ __________.| A．speed | B．color |
| C．size | D．beauty |
| A．It has three waterfalls. |
| B．It’s on the Niagara River. |
| C．It’s on the border of two countries. |
| D．It’s the widest waterfall in the world. |
| A．shape | B．sound | C．history | D．location |
| A．The Niagara River is badly polluted. |
| B．There are no factories around Niagara Falls. |
| C．Visitors can learn how Niagara Falls produces electricity. |
| D．Many companies built power systems around Niagara Falls in the 1890s. |
4 . History of Alaska State
The existence of mankind in Alaska can be traced back to 16, 000 B.C. to 10, 000 B.C., when the Paleolithic(旧石器时代) families crossed the Bering Land Bridge and formed settlements in the western part of Alaska. At this point of time, Alaska was inhabited by the Inuit tribes(部落) and American Indians.
In the 18th century. the Russians began to regularly travel down to the Aleutian Islands, near the coastline of Alaska.
In some places, the Russian fur traders were able to establish very peaceful relations with the native tribes. However, in some places, the settlers and the tribes engaged in constant conflicts.
On October, 1867, the flag of the United States of America was raised for the first time in the history of Alaska. During the World War Il, three Aleutian Islands were occupied by the Japanese forces. Some of the villagers were taken to Japan as captives. The islands were regained by the United States forces in 1943.
Today, as a part of the United States of America, Alaska is considered to be one of the most beautiful states in the country.
| A．It is a favorite tourist destination. |
| B．The Russians never fully colonized Alaska. |
| C．Several expeditions were sent to claim the coasts. |
| D．The travelers were basically fur traders and hunters. |
| E．Even today, some of these tribes exist. |
| F．Britain started expanding its trade into the interiors of Alaska. |
| G．Fights were often seen between the Russians and the Aleut tribes. |
