1 . Mother Nature never fails to surprise us with something extraordinary and unusual from time to time. There will always be news about something completely different that will surely grab eyeballs.
Blood Falls (Antarctica)
As the name suggests, Blood Falls is a waterfall which shoots blood-red water into a river. The sight is a perfect backdrop for a horror film; mysterious and of course bloody. Previously, red algae (红藻) were believed to cause the water to change its colour and turn blood-red. Until 2017, the true origin of the so-called blood was revealed to be oxidized iron in saltwater.
Frozen Bubbles (Canada)
Impressive yet a dangerous sight, frozen bubbles (气泡) can be seen in winters at Abraham Lake in Canada. The phenomenon occurs when methane (甲烷) gas gets trapped underwater, freezes, and forms other-worldly visuals. Such a large amount of methane trapped is highly risky. So even a lit match nearby can cause a giant explosion.
Hidden Beach (Mexico)
Located only a few miles off Mexico’s coast, the hidden beach was caused by an explosion by the Mexican Government as part of target practice. The beach is now every lover’s dream destination. To get there, you must ride an hour-long boat. Once you land on the island, you have to travel through the waters to reach there.
Sky Mirror (Malaysia)
During the new moon and full moon periods, tourist can see a clear reflection of the sky in the waters of Sasaran Beach. This natural phenomenon occurs because the tides are the lowest during these days. The smooth sand and minimal water level create such an incredible sight. Also known as the “Mirror of the Sky”, this shallow water beach is an amazing place to click pictures and thus a perfect travel destination.
1. Why is the water shot by Blood Falls blood-red?A.Saltwater there contains oxidized iron. |
B.The waterfall has supernatural powers. |
C.Red algae causes the water to change its color. |
D.A film factory reddened the water for a horror scene. |
A.Admiring Blood Falls. | B.Exploring Frozen Bubbles. |
C.Boating along Hidden Beach. | D.Taking pictures against Sky Mirror. |
A.They can be accessible only by water. |
B.They attract millions of tourists across the world. |
C.The causes of their formation have been revealed. |
D.Tourists may enjoy a better travelling experience in winter. |
2 . Four of the Washington Monuments in the U.S.
Baltimore, Maryland
This monument was designed in 1815 by American architect Robert Mills, who would later go on to design Washington, D.C.’s monument. Construction began diat same year and was completed by 1829. The monument, an extremely large landmark column, stands 178 feet and 8inches high with 227 steps inside that lead to the structure’s balcony. Climb to the top and you’ll get an impressive view of Charm City.
New York, New York
A monument to George Washington can be found in New York City’s Union Square Park.That sculpture, which shows a seated Washington with his right arm outraised, is the oldest sculpture in the collection of New York City parks. Moneyed citizens of New York started trying to get a sculpture to the first president built in 1851, commissioning (委托) sculptor Henry Kirke Brown, who also did a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln for Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The statue was set up in the park in 1856.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Washington Monument, which shows Washington on a horse at the top of a sculpted fountain, was completed in 1897. The monument reflects how local people wanted Washington’s legacy to be understood at the time: On the top level sits Washington riding a horse,while the next level includes figures during his time, including a Native American man.The bottom level shows plants and animals from the country that Washington helped create.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This monument, built in 1885, stands near Marquette University. It features a standing Washington, aged 43, dressed as a Continental Army officer holding a sword. Like Philadelphia’s monument, the figures below Washington are symbolic. In this case, a woman and a child look up at him, symbolizing “history or education”.
1. Where can visitors see the oldest Washington Monument?A.In Philadelphia. | B.In New York. |
C.In Baltimore. | D.In Milwaukee. |
A.He was known for his horse sculptures. |
B.He worked in Marylannd between 1815 and 1829. |
C.He was one of the early Prospect Park designers. |
D.He made sculptures of both Washington and Lincoln. |
A.It consists of three levels with different features. |
B.It was a precious gift from Marquette University. |
C.It was designed by American architect Robert Mills. |
D.It stands 178 feet and 8 inches high with 227 steps inside. |
Antarctica Desert | Antarctica is a continent (大陆) of ice. There is hardly any rain in Antarctica, so the Antarctic Desert becomes the driest desert in the world. It is also the world’s largest desert by area. |
Sahara Desert | The Sahara Desert is the hottest of all the deserts on the earth. It covers most parts of North Africa and is similar in size to the land area of the USA. The word “sahara” in Arabic means “desert”. |
Arabian Desert | The Arabian Desert is in Asia on the Arabian peninsula. It covers almost the entire Arabian Peninsula. The sand here has a red-orange color and the surface of the Arabian Desert is covered mainly by sand hills, some gravel plains( 砾石平原) and rocky plains. |
Mojave Desert | The Mojave Desert is in the USA. It is the driest desert on the North American continent. Death Valley, one of the hottest areas in the world, is in the Mojave Desert. Mojave comes from the Spanish word for “beside the water”. |
A.The Arabian Desert. | B.The Sahara Desert. |
C.The Antarctica Desert. | D.The Mojave Desert. |
A.It is the hottest desert in the world. |
B.It is the largest desert in the world. |
C.It is the coldest desert in the world. |
D.It is the driest desert on the North American continent. |
A.Red. | B.Orange. | C.Red-yellow. | D.Red-orange. |
4 . Things to do in Miyakojima
Famous for its sunny beaches and natural wonders, Miyako Island welcomes many visitors during holidays.
Unique beaches
Yonaha Maehama Beach is the most famous beach in Miyakojima, where white sand stretches for seven kilometers. The ocean is colored in emerald blue, attracting visitors with its beauty.Compact Sunayama Beach, known for its arch-shaped rock, is accessed by walking through a narrow tunnel of trees.
Diverse and colorful fish
Snorkeling is a must-try in Miyakojima. Dense coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles and plenty of space to free dive to depths of 8 to 15 meters close to the shore are standout features.For beginners, Aragusuku and Shigira are a good choice but advanced snorkelers may see Imgyo Marine Garden, Waiwai Beach and Shimojishima as their ultimate spots.
The bridges
Irabu Bridge is the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. It connects Miyakojima and Irabujima,stretching for 3540m, drawing a gentle curve. The length of the bridge can also be read as“san go no shi ma,” meaning coral island in Japanese. Smaller bridges connect Irabu and Shimoji islands,giving visitors additional beach options. On Shimoji Island, there is a boardwalk around Tooriike,two dramatic marine ponds connected to each other and the sea by an underwater cave system.
Fresh island food
Delight your senses with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth Miyako beef, delicious Miyako soba (noodles served in soup), or fresh fruit. Okinawa prefecture boasts the highest mango yield in Japan,and Miyako Island’s warm subtropical climate is optimal for growing fresh, juicy mangoes. Ice cream with a pinch of salt known as “yuki shio (snow salt)”does more than simply keep you cool.
1. Where is this text probably taken from?A.A tour brochure. | B.A research paper. |
C.A geography book. | D.An academic article. |
A.Irabu Bridge. | B.Yonaha Maehama Beach. |
C.Imgyo Marine Garden. | D.Compact Sunayama Beach. |
A.Delicate cuisine. | B.Attractive scenery. |
C.Peaceful walking. | D.Ancient architecture. |
5 . Four Places Named After Scientists in Antarctica
There are many scientific breakthroughs made by women in Antarctic. Here are four landmarks in Antarctica and the female pioneers they’re named for.
Jones Terrace (梯田)
The ice-free terrace in eastern Antarctica’s Victoria Land bears Jones’ name. In 1969, geochemist Lois M. Jones led the first all-female research team from the U.S. to work in Antarctica. Jones and her team studied chemical weathering in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, an ice-free area of Antarctica. Through chemical analyses of rocks they had collected, Jones and her team discovered many geochemical characteristics of the valley’s ice-covered lakes.
Mount Fiennes
8,202-foot-high Mount Fiennes, located on Antarctica’s largest island — Alexander Island — is named for Ginny Fiennes. She established and maintained 80-foot-tall radio towers in the Antarctic. In 1985, Fiennes became the first female who was invited to join the Antarctic Club, a British supper club open to individuals who have spent extended time in the Antarctic region.
Francis Peak
The 3,727-foot-tall peak on Antarctica’s Adelaide Island is named after Dame Jane Francis, who is the first female director of the British Antarctic Survey, the national polar research institute of the UK. Her collection of fossils on Seymour Island helped conclude in a 2021 paper that Antarctica’s abundant plant fossils indicate the continent once had a much warmer climate than it currently does.
Peden Cliffs
Peden Cliffs near Antarctica’s Marie Byrd Land are proof of the labor of Irene Peden. She was the first American female scientist to both live and work in the Antarctic, where she used radio waves to study ice sheets. Peden and her team determined how very low frequency radio waves spread over long polar distances by measuring pathways in the ice. They also used varying radio wave frequencies to measure the thickness of Antarctica’s ice sheets.
1. Which place is named after a builder of radio towers in the Antarctic?A.Jones Terrace. | B.Mount Fiennes. |
C.Francis Peak. | D.Peden Cliffs. |
A.Lois M. Jones. | B.Ginny Fiennes. |
C.Dame Jane Francis. | D.Irene Peden. |
A.She could judge the thickness of Antarctica’s ice sheets. |
B.She discovered a lot of ice-covered lakes in the Antarctic. |
C.She was the first female American to explore the Antarctic. |
D.She correctly measured the spreading speed of radio waves. |
6 . National parks in Canada
Nahanni National Park
An adventure destination at the northern tip of the Earth and one of the first four Natural World Heritage Sites, the park covers an area of about 4,700 square kilometers. It is a vast, unexplored land, still preserving the original landscape of wilderness, mountains, canyons, and cliffs. There are countless roads in the world, but none of them reach there. You can only get into the park by small plane!
Best time: June to August.
Wood Buffalo National Park
As its name suggests, the park is a protected area for wood bison (美洲野牛). Thousands of wood bison live in the park, and many people come for them. It is the largest national park in Canada and the second largest in the world, with over 44,000 square kilometers of land bigger than Switzerland, where animals can play.
Best time: June to August.
Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park
Sambaa Deh Falls is a must visit! The rapids rolling between the rocks, the huge mist and the loud roar will take your breath away. Up the waterfall, there is also the beautiful Coral (珊瑚) Falls, and if Sambaa Deh Falls is a strong young man, Coral Falls is a beautiful young girl. Every year, a large number of coral fossils flow down the Coral Falls. Would you like to pick one up?
Best time: August and September.
Ivvavik National Park
Stretching from the British Mountains to the Arctic coast and ending with Alaska’s Brooks Range, Ivvavik National Park is a wonderful expanse of mountainous district. Plus! The park also contains many cultural sites of great significance to the aboriginal (土著的) people of the North. You can find answers to your aboriginal curiosity here.
Best time: March and April.
1. Which park can only be reached by air?A.Ivvavik National Park. | B.Wood Buffalo National Park. |
C.Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park. | D.Nahanni National Park. |
A.September. | B.June. | C.March. | D.January. |
A.Collect coral fossils. | B.Watch the wood bison. |
C.Experience aboriginal culture. | D.Enjoy the beauty by plane. |
7 . Temples have long served an important role since the early years of civilization. Whether you are seeking a sense of spiritual enlightenment or looking to learn more about a certain religion, these beautiful temples are worth a stop on your vacation.
Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, BhutanSituated on a steep cliff in Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the “Tiger’s Nest” earned its nickname from an 18th-century tale detailing Buddhist master Padmasambhava arriving to the site on a flying tiger. The journey to the cliffside is quite the challenge, requiring guests to climb two hours on a steep trail.
Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, JapanNeighboring the tallest waterfall and set against the lush trees of Nachi, Seiganto-ji dates back to the 4th century. Seiganto-ji is now the first stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, where individuals travel to 33 Buddhist temples throughout the Kansai region of Japan.
Man Mo Temple in Hong KongThis Buddhist and Taoist temple was built to honor the god of literature and the god of war, and the inscriptions found in the temple hall imply its construction may have taken place around 1847. It is still highly active and visited by local worshippers, so it’s asked that any visitor coming to the temple is prohibited from taking photos out of respect.
Kek Lok Si Temple, MalaysiaPenang is often touted(吹捧) for its sandy beaches and emerald blue waters, but it’s also home to the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. A melting pot of cultures, the temple’s architecture showcases Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles throughout its stunning seven stories. It’s estimated there are 10,000 statues of Buddha depicted throughout its main pagodas(宝塔).
1. If you hope to enjoy a sea view, which temple is the best choice?A.Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, Bhutan. | B.Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, Japan. |
C.Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong. | D.Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia. |
A.Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest temple in Malaysia. |
B.Paro Taktsang earned its nickname due to its unique location. |
C.Seiganto-ji is a time-honored temple with magnificent surroundings. |
D.Visitors tend to take photos to show their respect for Man Mo Temple. |
A.A travel journal. | B.A tourist brochure. |
C.A geography textbook. | D.An academic article. |
8 . For some people, nothing matches the beauty of Canada’s national parks. Supported by Parks Canada, these parks protect the country’s ecosystem.
Prince Edward Island National Park
Built in 1937, the park on the north shore of Prince Edward Island contains 10 square miles of red sandstone cliffs (悬崖), freshwater lakes, and Acadian forests. It is home to the endangered piping plover (笛鸻). Visitors to the park will be attracted by the enough wildlife found there— from the Atlantic white-sided dolphin to the snowshoe hare.
Vuntut National Park
Located in the northwest of Yukon Territory, the park is one of the most faraway national parks in Canada. The 4,345-square-mile park, which was built in 1995, has large wetlands in the south, known as Old Crow Flats, which are home to half a million birds and many kinds of other animals such as grizzly bears and muskrats.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, which was built in 1885, is famous for the clear waters of Lake Louise, the amazing glaciers (冰川) of Icefields Parkway, and the 11,850-foot-tall Mount Forbes. The town of Banff is also within the park, which hosts the Banff Mountain Film Festival and is home to many cultural museums.
Waterton Lakes National Park
The park has high mountains, thick forests, colorful grassland, impressive rivers, and clear lakes. Built in 1895, Waterton Lakes is home to the 9,547-foot-tall Mount Blakiston—a popular climbing spot and the highest point within the park. The park protects over 60 species of mammals and more than 250 species of birds.
1. Of the four national parks, which is the youngest?A.Banff National Park. | B.Vuntut National Park. |
C.Waterton Lakes National Park. | D.Prince Edward Island National Park. |
A.Those who are interested in culture. |
B.Those who want to protect the environment. |
C.Those who are studying the old town. |
D.Those who want to take an adventurous trip. |
A.To introduce Canada’s national parks. |
B.To praise the effort made by Parks Canada. |
C.To call on people to protect wild animals. |
D.To show the importance of national parks |
9 . 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. |
10 . Depths of our Earth hold great wonders. Below we explore four deepest places on Earth.
Veryovkina Cave, Georgia
Its entrance is located 2,285 meters above sea level. In 2018, scientists reached its bottom at 2,212 meters down. They squeezed through tiny openings to get from one cave to another. Rockfalls and floods waited secretly at every turn. Scientists could develop new medicines from microorganisms found in cave samples. Caves also record ancient life and past climates.
The Mariana Trench, the Pacific Ocean
The Mariana Trench, with the maximum depth of 11,034 meters, is the deepest part of Earth’s surface. Pressure there is intolerable, but creatures like sea cucumbers (海参) still exist. Scientists exploring it can gain deeper insights into how plates move and why earthquakes and volcanoes occur.
The Dead Sea, the Middle East
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on land at about 1,400 feet (about 400 meters) below sea level. It’s nearly ten times saltier than ocean water, so you literally can’t sink in the Dead Sea! Scientists think it could go dry in a few decades. Despite its name, the Dead Sea holds life. A few kinds of algae (藻类) and bacteria love its salty water.
Lake Baikal, Russia
At the depth of 1,642 meters, Lake Baikal is the deepest inland body of water. The Baikal seal is the only known seal that lives in this world’s deepest freshwater lake. Scientists study the lake not only for the solid stuff beneath it that records climate history but because it’s in a zone where a plate is splitting apart, causing earthquakes.
1. What do we know about Veryovkina Cave?A.It was discovered in 2018. | B.Its pressure is far from bearable. |
C.It is risky to explore. | D.Its samples are of little practical value. |
A.Georgia & Russia. | B.Russia & the Pacific Ocean. |
C.Georgia & the Pacific Ocean. | D.The Middle East & Russia. |
A.They have some sign of life. | B.They are over a thousand meters deep. |
C.They are results of climate change. | D.They are all below sea level. |