1 . Family Vacations in Hawaii

Whether your interests are history, native cultures, hiking, water sports, or simply relaxing in the sun, Hawaii has abundant choices to keep you and your family entertained.

Waikiki Beach

This famous two-mile stretch of sand is home to scores of family-friendly beach hotels and all kinds of action-packed excitement. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for warm ocean water and golden beaches. Kids will enjoy walking along the beach, stopping for shaved ice or an ice cream and taking a dip in a safe area of the ocean.

Oahu’s North Shore

Some of the tallest ocean waves in the world are found at Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore coastline during the winter months. These crashing walls of water are born for surfing and offer one of the best free shows on the islands. The North Shore is home to world-class surf contests, attracting the world’s top surfers.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Nothing appeals to the whole family like Hawaiian past coming alive. Besides, the colorful costumes, lively songs, and traditional dances in the Pacific region are presented here. You’ll see customs of Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii all represented in Polynesian Cultural Center’s re-created island villages, which is decorated with palm trees and tropical gardens.

Waimea Canyon (峡谷) State Park

More than 3,500 feet deep, this landmark on Hawaii’s island of Kauai is the largest canyon in the Pacific. Unlike Grand Canyon, plentiful rain keeps Waimea Canyon and its surrounding area thick with vegetation (植被), and visitors are frequently treated to the sight of vivid rainbows. It offers a great canyon view and a covered picnic area.

1. What makes Oahu’s North Shore known to the world?

A．Its best free cultural shows.	B．Its family-friendly beach hotels.
C．Having the tallest coastline.	D．Being a perfect place for surfing.

2. Which place is most likely to attract those who are interested in history?

A．Waikiki Beach.	B．Oahu’s North Shore.
C．Polynesian Cultural Center.	D．Waimea Canyon State Park.

3. What is special about Waimea Canyon compared to Grand Canyon?

A．It has a covered picnic area.	B．It has a depth of over 3,500 feet.
C．It’s rich in plants and rainfall.	D．It owns a unique kind of vegetation.

2 . The Best Caves in The World

Hang Son Doong, Vietnam

Natural caves don’t come much larger than Hang Son Doong, close to the border between Laos and Vietnam. This cave possesses the largest cross-section of any known cave on the planet, a vast area that is difficult to describe. Supposedly, a Boeing 747 could fly through without damaging its wings, but that doesn’t really do justice to the vastness of Hang Son Doong. The stalactites (钟乳石) here are pretty massive too, with some reaching up to 80 metres.

Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

Glowworms (萤火虫) are there, as far as the eye can see. Okay, not literally, but the Waitomo Cave system on New Zealand’s North Island is best-known for the fluorescent fauna that light up the walls, giving it the not-particularly-creative but completely acceptable “Glowworm Caves” nickname. They are more accessible than other caves on this list, with rafting and adventure tours available to those looking for something a little more thrilling.

Mammoth Cave, the USA

If you have certain expectations from somewhere called “Mammoth Cave”, that is entirely understandable. Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the world’s longest known cave system, an incredible 420 miles of underground wonder. That’s twice as long as the next longest, by the way, although it isn’t unusual for the USA to go all out on such things.

Reed Flute (芦笛) Cave, China

Named after the reeds that grow outside, which are used to make flutes, obviously, the Reed Flute Cave’s walls are covered with inscriptions from centuries gone by—if evidence was needed that people have been paying attention to this place for a long old time. The inside part of the cave is also lit up by multicoloured lights, giving it a real otherworldly theme that adds weight to the nickname.

1. What is special about Hang Son Doong?

A．It was once a base of a factory.

B．It is the deepest cave in the world.

C．It has the highest stalactites in the world.

D．It owns the largest cross-section in the world.

2. Which of the following can be much easier to enter?

A．Hang Son Doong.	B．Waitomo Caves.
C．Mammoth Cave.	D．Reed Flute Cave.

3. Which country probably has the longest cave system in the world?

A．Vietnam.

B．New Zealand.

C．The USA.

D．China.

3 . Here are some fantastic parks in San Antonio.

Brackenridge Park

The park was first established in 1899 and has been popular with both locals and visitors ever since. Towering trees and peaceful riverbanks will greet guests along the park’s paths, and the facilities include playgrounds, museums, a miniature train, a Japanese tea garden, and one of the oldest golf courses in the city.

Friedrich Wilderness Park

In the park, you’ll find about 10 miles of paved(铺过的)and unpaved trails(路线), with a little something for everyone. From rocky climbs to deep canyons, and enchanting forests to open views, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. The area is nationally famous for birdwatching.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

The park is the state’s only one on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers quite a large area, so it’s best to make it a full-day or at least a half-day trip so you can be sure to cover everything. While the Alamo is a separate attraction, you will get to enjoy the architectural wonders of Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They’re all connected by a hike and bike trail, with plenty of stops along the way to picnic, climb trees, and refill water. Admission is free!

Eisenhower Park

Just a 20-to 30-minute drive from the city center, the park puts the best landscapes in the Texas Hill Country on full display, holding 6 miles of hiking trails, both paved and unpaved. Explore dried creek beds, look out over plunging canyons, and enjoy full views of San Antonio down below. You can also find playgrounds for the little ones, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.

1. What is Friedrich Wilderness Park well-known for?

A．Birdwatching.	B．Ancient buildings.
C．A Japanese tea garden.	D．Unpaved hiking paths.

2. Which park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A．Brackenridge Park.

B．Friedrich Wilderness Park.

C．San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

D．Eisenhower Park.

3. What are some of the features of Eisenhower Park?

A．Golf courses and bicycle trails.

B．Museums and no entrance fee.

C．Birdwatching and playgrounds.

D．Hiking trails and barbecue facilities.

5 . National parks are an excellent way to explore all the beauty that the world has to offer: whether it’s endangered species, erupting volcanoes and snowy mountains, or rainforests and lakes. Of the thousands of national parks that exist in the world, these are the ones that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Yorkshire Dales, United Kingdom

Contrary (相反) to the popular link of national parks with the wilderness, it is filled with winding valleys, hills and villages where over 24,000 people live and work. Visitors can walk through grassland, visit waterfalls or explore underground caves, but Yorkshire Dales is also home to several food shops, and the park hosts cheese festivals and farmers markets regularly, so it’s best to go hungry.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

It is a delight for those who like a bit of history mixed with the biodiversity of national parks. While it houses thousands of species of wildlife, there’s more to the national park than that.

Guilin and Lijiang River National Park, China

It is surrounded by striking natural beauty and can be explored by land. But the river national park, as the name suggests, is best explored through leisurely boat rides that take visitors through many ancient towns that come along the way of the river.

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Here’s a surprising fact: The whole of Vatnajökull National Park makes up 14% of Iceland’s territory! The park is usually open for hikes around the glaciers; boat rides through glacier lakes, and tours that take visitors through the park’s many ice caves, waterfalls, and icebergs. Vatnajökull is also where two of Iceland’s most active volcanoes are located.

1. What is recommended for a trip to Yorkshire Dales?

A．Recording local customs.

B．Skiing in the snowy mountains.

C．Going with an empty stomach.

D．Watching the eruption of volcanoes.

2. Which park is the best choice for observing diverse wildlife?

A．Yorkshire Dales.

B．Kakadu National Park.

C．Vatnajökull National Park.

D．Guilin and Lijiang River National Park.

3. What do the last two national parks have in common?

A．There are many ancient towns.

B．There are various ice caves inside.

C．They are aimed at protecting rivers.

D．They can be explored through boats.

6 . Arches（拱门）National Park

Why Go to Arches National Park

A trip to Arches National Park is like visiting another planet with thousands of natural sandstone arches, red rocks and amazing landscapes, as well as light that seems to change all the time. The way the shadows（阴影）pass through the arches makes the park particularly attractive for photographers.

Sitting 5 miles northwest of Moab, Utah, the park has 26 miles of scenic road and hikes for every level of fitness.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Arches National Park is from April to May and from September to October. In summer, temperatures can go beyond 100 degrees, making exploring the park very uncomfortable. In late summer, violent storms often cause flash floods, which can be quite dangerous. Winter is a good time for sightseeing, with fewer crowds, but occasional snow and ice can make the paths wet, smooth and therefore easy to fall on. However, the visitor center is open daily.

What to Eat

There are no restaurants or hotels in Arches National Park, so you need to bring your own food or plan to eat in neighboring Moab, Utah, about 5 miles from the park entrance. There are several picnic areas in the park, so plan ahead if you want to eat with Arches as the background.

Getting Around Arches National Park

The best way to get around Arches National Park is by car. There is no public transport inside Arches National Park. Visitors can also ride bikes in the park, but there are no bike lanes or shoulders, so this is more of an option for experienced cyclists.

1. What may visitors do at Arches National Park?

A．Have dinner in restaurants.	B．Take some photographs.
C．Learn about another planet.	D．Stay in the hotel for a few days.

2. What is a disadvantage of visiting the park in winter?

A．The risk of falling.	B．The danger of flash floods.
C．The crowds of tourists.	D．The shutdown of the visitor center.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A travel journal.	B．A geography book.
C．A tourism website.	D．An academic article.

7 . The World’s Most Amazing Caves

Humans have been drawn to caves for thousands of years. Here are four of the world’s biggest caves.

Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

Son Doong Cave in the remote(偏远的)forests of Vietnam holds the title of the largest cave in the world. Son Doong is a spreading network of tunnels and caves, the largest of which could contain an entire New York City block with 40-story buildings. Parts of the cave’s top have fallen down，creating vast skylights that allow life to grow to a height of hundreds of feet beneath the forest floor.

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, the United States

Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the longest cave system in the world, with 426 miles explored—and scientists guess another 600 miles have yet to be discovered based on measurements of air movement within the caves. Mammoth Cave has drawn visitors since the 1800s, and 10 miles of underground passages are accessible to tourists today.

Sac Actun. Mexico

The longest underwater cave system in the world, Sac Actun winds(蜿蜒)more than 215 miles under Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Adventurers can take a drop in the Sac Actun system through more than 248 cenotes(天然井)—the natural swimming pools that form when sinkholes connect the surface to the underwater caves.

Veryovkina Cave, Abkhazia, Georgia

Veryovkina Cave is the deepest cave in the world, spreading 1.4 miles beneath the surface. It takes professionals a week to make a round journey to Veryovkina Cave, They have to brave waterfalls, tight presses and sharp drops. But the payoff is excellent—Veryovkina

Cave’s end is a beautiful blue lake about 50 feet long and 25 feet wide surrounded by black black rocks.

1. What is special about Son Doong Cave?

A．It lies far away from the forests.	B．It has some tall plants growing.
C．It is the longest cave in Vietnam.	D．It is the highest cave in the world.

2. What do Mammoth Cave and Sac Actun have in common?

A．They end up with beautiful lakes.	B．They attract few adventurers.
C．They stay unexplored at present.	D．They have long cave systems.

3. How long may professionals spend passing through Veryovkina Cave?

A．Half a week.	B．Two weeks.
C．One week.	D．Over two weeks.

8 . Australia is a fantastic country that boasts a variety of breathtaking natural attractions and cultural hot spots. Here are some of the best tourist destinations to visit in Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world, located off the coast of Queensland. It is the world’s largest coral reef system, home to over 1,500 species of fish and hundreds of different types of coral. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem, or take a scenic flight above the reef for a bird’s eye view.

Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock is a large sandstone rock formation located in the heart of the Australian outback (内陆). It is sacred to native Australians, who have lived in the area for over 10,000 years. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and cultural significance of Ayers Rock, or hike around the base of the rock to see its impressive size up close.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 1973, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of modern architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the building’s history and design, or attend a performance in one of its many theaters.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal drive that stretches over 240 kilometers along the southern coast of Victoria. It offers stunning views of rough cliffs, primitive beaches, and towering rock formations like the twelve apostles (使徒). Visitors can stop at lookout points along the way, or take a helicopter ride for a truly unforgettable experience.

1. Where can people go to see diverse marine life?

A．Ayers Rock.	B．The Great Ocean Road.
C．Sydney Opera House.	D．The Great Barrier Reef.

2. What do we know about Ayers Rock?

A．Its landscape was made by hand.

B．It has a history of over 10,000 years.

C．Guided tours are available at Ayers Rock.

D．UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

3. What can impress a tourist on the Great Ocean Road?

A．Taking a flight above the road.	B．Attending a theater performance.
C．Driving along the coast.	D．Diving into the deep sea.

9 . Located to the north of Australia in Maritime Southeast Asia, the Lesser Sunda Islands involve several islands. The Lesser Sunda group of islands can be divided into two archipelagos(群岛)base on their geological origin.

1. Bali

Bali is one of the largest islands in the Lesser Sunda Islands group. Denpasar is the capital of this land and as of 2010, it has a population of 3,890,757 people. Balinese Hinduism is the religion of the majority on this island. Bali is famous across the world as a popular tourist destination, and tourism contributes to nearly 80% of the economy of Bali. The island is famous for its historical and religious places, cultural activities, and tropical beaches. The waters around the island are also rich in marine life.

2. Sumbawa

Located towards the middle of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands. The island is famous for sappanwood, a type of wood used in preparing sandalwood, honey, and a red dye. The island occupies an area of about 15,448 square km and houses a population of around 1.39 million. The volcanic island hosts volcanoes like the Mount Tambora which had a major eruption in 1815 that killed nearly 72,000 people. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in Sumbawa while tourism is in the emerging(新兴的)stage.

3. Sumba

Sumba is an Indonesian island that occupies an area of 11,153 square km in eastern Indonesia. The estimated population of the island is 755,849. Waingapu is the largest town on the island. The landscape of Sumba is dominated by low-lying limestone hills. The island has a rich diversity of flora and fauna(动植物)and is especially famous for its birdlife which features over 200 species of birds. The natural habitat of Sumba is, however, at threat due to clearance of forests for human activities. Waterfalls, beaches, coves, birdlife, etc., are some of the tourist attractions of Sumba.

4. Barat Daya Islands

Part of the Indonesian province of Maluku, the Barat Daya Islands include the Damar, Liran, Wetar, Romang, and Kisar islands. Wetar is the largest island in this island group. These islands are mostly barren(贫瘠的)and have little forest cover. These islands have only a few mammals and features species of both Asiana and Austronesian origin.

1. Which island is recommended for people interested in sea life?

A．Bali

B．Sumbawa

C．Sumba

D．Barat Daya Islands

2. Which of the following sentences is NOT true?

A．There is few woods in Barat Daya Islands.

B．Bali tourism is one of important industries.

C．The natural habitat of Sumba is under threat as a result of natural disasters.

D．Many people lost their lives due to volcanic eruption in Sumbawa.

3. In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Health

B．Science

C．Geography

D．Economics

10 . Over the past 5,000 years, China has given birth to a large number of cultural heritages, Among these are the beautiful porcelain wares (瓷器) produced in Jingdezhen in East China’s Jiangxi Province. Here we explore their development and importance in today’s society.

Jingdezhen is well-known around the world for Its porcelain, It has produced porcelain since the Five Dynasties (907 ~ 960). Jingdezhen in known as the “porcelain capital” for its different kinds of porcelain wares with rich and cool styles, Of all the products, blue and white porcelain is the most famous, Such unique porcelains with the fine style have been praised as “the Treasure of China”.

Starting in the Song Dynasty (906 ~ 1279), kiln (窑) appeared in every household in every village in Jingdezhen, which was key to the establishment of its porcelain tradition.

During the Yuan Dynasty (1271~ 1368), a new technique for blue and white porcelain was invented. During the Ming (1368~ 1644) and Qing (1644~1911) dynasties, techniques for mining, painting, and firing were advanced, bringing Jingdezhen’s porcelain craftsmanship (工艺) to a historic high. At that time, the establishment of the Zhushan Imperial Kiln and the growing porcelain market overseas accelerated the development of the industry, turning Jingdezhen into a major porcelain production center.

The Republic of China (1912~1949) saw the growth of porcelain industry as well as a rise in shops and traders, which helped increase ties between Jingdezhen and other areas in China and other countries, After the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949, the porcelain industry saw its development at high speed.

However, with the economic growth and the use of new technology over the last decades, the traditional porcelain production worsens. Although some traditional techniques have been preserved, a large part of them were lost. In 2006, Jingdezhen porcelain craftsmanship was listed as a national cultural heritage.

1. Why is the blue and white porcelain regarded as “the Treasure of China”?

A．For its producer.

B．For its timing.

C．For its weight.

D．For its style.

2. When did Jingdezhen’s porcelain craftsmanship reach a record high?

A．In the Five Dynasties.

B．In the Song Dynasty.

C．In the Yuan Dynasty.

D．In the Ming and Qing dynasties.

3. What does the underlined word “accelerated” in paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．Missed out.

B．Held back.

C．Sped up.

D．Mixed with.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．The Importance of Porcelain

B．The Porcelain in Jingdezhen

C．The Rise of Porcelain Industry

D．The Economic Growth in China