In August 2015, President Obama announced that North America’s highest mountain, Mount McKinley, would be renamed. Its new moniker (名字), Denali, was actually its original Aleut name, meaning “the high one”. The previous name, on the other hand, only dates back to 1896 — the year when it was named in honour of William McKinley (1843—1901), who was shortly to become President of the United States. Denali is of course not the only mountain with an interesting linguistic history, so let’s travel to Asia, and across Europe, to explore the naming of those continents’ most famous peaks and mountain ranges.
The Nepalese name Himalaya comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “Abode of Snow”, from hima for “snow” and ālaya for “abode”. In Buddhist sources, Himalaya is known by various names such as Himavā and Himavanta.
In 1856, Mount Everest was named after Sir George Everest (1790—1866), who was the superintendent (负责人) of the Trigonometrical Survey of India. Everest himself was initially displeased by the naming, since he feared that local inhabitants might not be able to pronounce it.
K2 stands for Karakoram 2, because it was the second peak to be surveyed in the Trigonometrical Survey in the Karakoram system. It was also formerly known as Mount Godwin Austen after Col. H. H. Godwin Austen, who first surveyed it. Another alternative name for the mountain is Chhogori.
Annapurna is a household Goddess for Hindus, who guarantees to her worshippers (崇拜者) that food will not fail. The name derives (源出) from a Sanskrit word meaning “one who gives nourishment”.
The Matterhorn’s name derives from the name of the nearby town of Zermatt, the second element of which is apparently Matte “meadow”, and Horn, “horn”. Horn is not an unusual element in German names of mountains with jutting (突出的) peaks. The mountain is called Mont Cervin in French and Monte Cervino in Italian, from the Italian adjective cervino “deer-like”, which conjures up (使想起) a deer’s antlers.
Ben Nevis is the Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic name Beinn Nibheis, which means “Mountain by the (River) Nevis”. The name of the river apparently derives from a Celtic root for “water”.
1. How many continents’ mountains are mentioned in the passage?| A．2 | B．3 | C．4 | D．5 |
| A．Nepalese | B．Abode of Snow | C．Alaya | D．Himavā |
| A．Everest was unhappy about the name of Mount Everest at first. |
| B．K2 was once called Col. H. H. Godwin. |
| C．Annapurna means “one who offers food”. |
| D．Matterhorn comes from the name of the nearby town of Zermatt. |
| A．color | B．a Sanskrit word |
| C．a person’s name | D．geographic name |
Scientists and city officials had supposed that Naples, one of Italy’s most populous cities, was far enough away that it would be safe from the volcano’s wrath. New evidence suggests that this might not be the case.
Researchers recently discovered 4000-year-old layers of ash and mud under present-day Naples. Just outside the city, they also uncovered abandoned villages, as well as human and animal skeletons. Most surprising of all, the researchers say, was the discovery of thousands of footprints from the same time period, pressed into layers of wet ash that had rained from the sky. The footprints show that thousands of people were fleeing to the northwest, away from the volcano, as it erupted.
Mount Vesuvius hasn’t had a major eruption since 1631, but it’s still very active. The discovery of the ancient ash layers, skeletons, and footprints is a warning that modern Naples, a city of 3 million people, isn’t safe from the volcano, scientists say. So, when the volcano begins to rumble again, Naples should have an emergency evacuation plan ready - just in case.
1. Which of the following is true with Mount Vesuvius?| A．It formed 2 ,500 years ago. |
| B．Its latest eruption occurred 2, 000 years ago. |
| C．It is an active, destructive volcano. |
| D．It is where the city Naples is located. |
| A．Path. | B．Heat. | C．Fear . | D．Eruption. |
| A．ancient layers of ash and mud |
| B．animal footprints |
| C．abandoned villages |
| D．human skeletons |
| A．City Pompeii has been rebuilt now. |
| B．City Naples isn’t suitable for living. |
| C．Mount Vesuvius will not erupt in a hundred years. |
| D．Mount Vesuvius is a potential danger to Naples. |
| A．introduce Mount Vesuvius |
| B．describe the city Naples |
| C．present new discoveries by researchers |
| D．propose a plan for escape |
Hilversum is a medium-sized city between the major cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht in the Gooi area of North Holland, the Netherlands. Unlike most of the Netherlands, Hilversum is actually in a hilly area with the soil mostly consisting of sand. Once called the Garden of Amsterdam, it still attracts travelers to come over to cycle and walk through the surrounding forests. They visit it for a relaxing day off from the urban madness. For Dutch people, Hilversum is all about textile (纺织) and media industries, and modern architecture.
In history, Hilversum was largely an agricultural area. Daily life was marked by farming, sheep raising and wool production. A railway link to Amsterdam in 1874 attracted rich traders from Amsterdam to Hilversum. They build themselves large villas (别墅) in the wooded surroundings of the town. One of the families moving in was the Brenninkmeijers, currently the wealthiest family of the Netherlands. They moved in after big success in the textile industry and aided a substantial textile industry in Hilversum. But the textile boom lasted only several decades. The last factory closed in the 1960s.
The change to a media economy started in 1920, when the Nederlandse Seintoestedllen Fabriek (NSF) established a radio factory in Hiversum. Most radio stations called in the large villas in the leafy areas of the town. Television gave another push to the local economy. Hilversum became the media capital of the Netherlands, and Dutch television stars moved into the leafy neighborhoods surrounding the town.
In the early 1900s, modern architcts W.M. Dudok and J. Duiker placed hundreds of remarkable buildings in Hilversum. These modern architectural masterpieces (杰作) are so many that Hilversum almost feels like an open air museum. Dudok alone shaped most 20th century Hilversum and approximately 75 buildings still bear his unique characters. His masterpiece, Hilversum Town Hall, was built in 1928-1931. It has wide international fame and is included in many architecture textbooks. The building has a remarkable shape and looks like a combination of “blocks”. Actually, one may start his journey of modern architecture by walking or biking the W.M. Dudok Architectural Route in Hilversum.
1. Hilversum is different from most of the Netherlands in that ______.
| A．it has a large population |
| B．it is cut off from big cities |
| C．it has many beautiful gardens |
| D．it is in a hilly area with sandy soil |
| A．Building a railway link to Amsterdam |
| B．Helping its textile industry to develop |
| C．Constructing large villas for the poor |
| D．Assisting its agricultural industry |
| A．a radio factory |
| B．the medial capital |
| C．a radio station |
| D．a TV station |
| A．It consists of approximately 75 buildings |
| B．It looks like an open air museum in the city |
| C．It is a classic example in architecture textbooks |
| D．It has shaped most of 20th century Hilvesum. |
4 . Sitting on the peaceful coast of the Calapagos Islands, Ecuador, watching the sun move quietly into the sea, you shouldn’t forget the Charles Darwin (1809-1882) arrived here in 1835. He stayed on the islands for five weeks, observing various animals. This finally inspired his famous work On the Origin of Species. You can certainly follow Darwin’s footsteps and enjoy a trip from four to seven days to the islands.
The islands are certainly a paradise (天堂) for wildlife, as there are no natural killers on the islands and the number of boats and visitors is under government control. Though you cannot walk freely as Darwin did about 200 years ago, each day is as impressive as it could be.
The most well-known animals of the Calapagos is the giant tortoise (巨型陆龟), which can be seen moving slowly around the highlands of Sanra Cruz, the second largest island in the archipelago (群岛). Some of these creatures are so old that they might have been seen in their youth by Darwin himself.
Despite strict control over activities and timing, your stay on the Galapagos will be remembered as a chain of incomparable pictures: diving with sea lions that swim and play within inches of you; feeling small sharks touch your feet as you swim; and, most magically, seeing a whale and her baby surface with a great breath of air.
Travelling between the islands and observing the wildlife that so inspired Darwin, you will feel as though you are getting a special view of an untouched world. At night you will sleep on board the ship, leaving the wildlife in complete occupation of the islands, which are as undisturbed now as they have been since the beginning of time.
1. What do we know about Darwin’s visit to the islands?| A．He studied different creatures on the islands. |
| B．He completed his famous book on the istands. |
| C．He was touched by the geography of the islands. |
| D．He was attracted by well-known animals of the islands. |
| A．Animals on the islands feed on grass. |
| B．Local government forbids killing wildlife. |
| C．People cannot visit the islands as they wish. |
| D．Tourists are not allowed to touch the animals. |
| A．the beautiful sea views |
| B．Darwin’s inspiring trip |
| C．a closer view of animals |
| D．various daring activities |
| A．A Unique Attraction for Wildlife Lovers |
| B．Calapagos as a Paradise for Adventurers |
| C．Charles Darwin as a Symbol of Calapagos |
| D．A Successful Example of Wildlife Protection |
After World War II, the population of most large American cities decreased; however, the population in many Sun Belt cities increased. Los Angeles and Houston are cities where population shifts(转移) to and from the city reflect the changing values of American society. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, city residents(居民) became wealthier. They had more children so they needed more space. They moved out of their apartments in the city to buy their own homes. They bought houses in the suburbs(郊区)。
Now things are changing. The children of the people who left the cities in the 1950s are now adults. Many, unlike their parents, want to live in the cities. They continue to move to Sun Belt cities and older ones of the Northeast and Midwest. Many young professionals are moving back into the city. They prefer the city to the suburbs because their jobs are there; or they just enjoy the excitement and possibilities that the city offers.
This population shift is bringing problems as well as benefits. Countless poor people must leave their apartments in the city because the owners want to sell the buildings or make apartments for sale instead of for rent. In the 1950s, many poor people did not have enough money to move to the suburbs; now many of these same people do not have enough money to stay in the cities.
Only a few years ago, people thought that the older American cities were dying. Some city residents now see a bright, new future. Others see only problems and conflicts. One thing is sure: many dying cities are alive again.
1. What does the author think of cities all over the world?
| A．They are alive. | B．They are hopeless. |
| C．They are similar. | D．They are different. |
| A．Because older American cities were dying. |
| B．Because they were richer and needed more space. |
| C．Because cities contained the worst parts of society. |
| D．Because they could hardly afford to live in the city. |
| A．are faced with housing problems | B．are forced to move to the suburbs |
| C．want to sell their buildings | D．need more money for daily expenses |
| A．American cities are changing for the worse |
| B．people have different views on American cities |
| C．many people are now moving from American cities |
| D．the population is decreasing in older American cities |
假定你是李华，你的美国朋友 Sarah打算暑期来北京旅游，来信询问改建后前门大街的情况。请你写封回信，简单介绍以下内容：
1. 简况：长800余米、600多年历史、300余家商铺；
2. 位置：天安门广场南面；
3. 交通：公共汽车17、69、59等路，地铁2号线；
4. 特色：步行街、当当车、茶馆、剧院等。
参考词汇：步行街 pedestrian street
当当车 trolley car
地铁 subway
注意：
1. 词数100左右；
2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3. 开头语已为你写好，请将完整的回信书写在答题卡上。
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for your letter asking about the rebuilt Qianmen Street. Here is something about it. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours, Lihua
7 . It’s only 4 hours flying time from Sydney, but a world away. What better place to rest than a country where the only place people hurry is on the football field and things are done in “Fiji time”?
Viti Levu — Great Fiji — is the largest island. Here you’ll find the capital Suva and the international airport at Nadi. Vatoa, on the other hand, is a tiny island in the farthest part of Fiji. Then there are 331 other islands, many of them with places to stay.
With less than a million people living on islands, you’ll never feel crowded. And with a climate (气候) that changes only for five degrees between seasons, there’s never a bad time to come.
From cities to villages, from mountains to beaches, from water sports to wooden artworks, Fiji can give you more adventures and special experiences than you could find almost anywhere in the world.
Whenever you come, wherever you go, you’re sure to see some unforgettable events, from war dances to religious (宗教的) songs, from market days to religious days. It’s not just staged for tourists; it’s still a part of everyday life in Fiji. And any one of us can enjoy Fiji’s spirit by being part of the traditional (传统的) sharing of yaqona — a drink made from the root of a Fiji plant.
So why not join us for the experience of a lifetime?
1. Where is the international airport of Fiji?| A．In Suva. | B．In Sydney. |
| C．On the island of Vatoa. | D．On the island of Viti Levu. |
| A．They invented “Fiji time” for visitors. |
| B．They stick to a traditional way of life. |
| C．They like to travel from place to place. |
| D．They love taking adventures abroad. |
| A．its comfortable hotels |
| B．its good weather all year round |
| C．its exciting football matches |
| D．its religious beliefs |
| A．In a personal diary. |
| B．In a science report. |
| C．In a travel magazine. |
| D．In a geography textbook. |
Rain forests slightly farther away from the equator remain just as warm,but they have a dry season of three months or more when little rain falls.Tree leaves fall during this dry season and new leaves grow when the wet season or monsoon(雨季) begins.Thus these areas are known as the “monsoon forest”.
Another type of rain forest grows on tropical mountains.It is often called the “cloud forest” because clouds often hang over the trees like fog.
The rain forest is the ideal place for the growth of many different trees.Most of them depend on animals to eat their fruits and spread their seeds.When the fruits are eaten,the seeds inside them go undamaged through animals’ stomachs and are passed out in their droppings.The seeds lying on the forest floor then grow into new trees.
1. The climate of the rain forests near the equator is _______.
| A．mild,wet and windy | B．hot,rainy and foggy |
| C．hot,wet and cloudy | D．warm,wet and sunny |
| A．tree leaves are green all the time in the monsoon forest |
| B．there is a dry season in the cloud forest on tropical mountains |
| C．clouds help the plants in the rain forest near the deserts to grow |
| D．the formation of climate in the rain forest has little to do with the trees |
| A．animals | B．droppings | C．fruits | D．winds |
| A．a travel guide | B．a story book |
| C．a technical report | D．a geography book |
