1 . After spending a term in Spain, I have been trying to work out which common impressions on Spain have some truth in them and which don't.
Spain is always warm and sunny. This is not true. The city I stayed in, which is in central Spain, often becomes colder than London in winter. However, the city receives little rain all year round and gets very hot in summer.
The Spanish love to have fun.
Spain is a fascinating country, in which you are sure to have lots of fun. I find that a lot of the common impressions on Spain hold some truth.
A.Spain is famous for its Flamenco. |
B.Here’s what I have discovered so far. |
C.But the country is not limited to them. |
D.I have seen a lot of evidence that this is true. |
E.The following are correct impressions on Spain. |
F.Southern Spain tends to be warmer than northern Spain. |
G.Northern Spain is colder in summer and also colder in winter. |
2 . Rainforests are home to a rich variety of medicinal plants, food, birds and animals. Can you believe that a single bush(灌木丛)in the Amazon may have more species of ants than the whole of Britain! About 480 varieties of trees may be found in just one hectare of rainforest.
Rainforests are the lungs of the planet-storing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and producing a significant amount of the world's oxygen. Rainforests have their own perfect system for ensuring their own survival; the tall trees make a canopy(树冠层)of branches and leaves which protect themselves, smaller plants, and the forest animals from heavy rain, intense dry heat from the sun and strong winds.
Amazingly, the trees grow in such a way that their leaves and branches, although close together, never actually touch those of another tree. Scientists think this is the plants' way to prevent the spread of any tree diseases and make life more difficult for leaf-eating insects like caterpillars. To survive in the forest, animals must climb, jump or fly across the gaps. The ground floor of the forest is not all tangled leaves and bushes, like in films, but is actually fairly clear. It is where dead leaves turn into food for the trees and other forest life.
They are not called rainforests for nothing! Rainforests can generate 75%of their own rain. At least 80 inches of rain a year is normal-and in some areas there may be as much as 430 inches of rain annually. This is real rain-your umbrella may protect you in a shower, but it won't keep you dry if there is a full rainstorm. In just two hours, streams can rise ten to twenty feet. The humidity(湿气)of large rainforests contributes to the formation of rainclouds that may travel to other countries in need of rain.
1. What can we learn about rainforests from the first paragraph?A.They produce oxygen. | B.They cover a vast area. |
C.They are well managed. | D.They are rich in wildlife. |
A.Heavy rains | B.Big trees. |
C.Small plants. | D.Forest animals. |
A.For more sunlight. | B.For more growing space. |
C.For self-protection. | D.For the detection of insects. |
A.Life-Giving Rainforests | B.The Law of the Jungle |
C.Animals in the Amazon | D.Weather in Rainforests |
3 . America's Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Spring
Washington, D.C.
Every spring, Washington, D.C.is blanketed in pink with cherry blossoms. To celebrate the event, come to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place from the last week in March to the second week in April. You can view the flowers or take part in festival events.
Charleston, South Carolina
No list of beautiful spring cities would be complete without mention of Charleston, South Carolina. Delight in hanging plants, cobblestone streets, and historical castles. And because of year-round pleasant temperatures, you might even hit a beach day in March or April.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
The North Cascades is home to everything from mountains to forests to grassland, and the scenery changes seasonally. In spring—the snow disappears to bring strong waterfalls, and wildflowers spot the land. Different areas will present totally unique plants, so give yourself a few days to take in the sights.
Central Park, New York
New York is the city that never sleeps, no matter what the season, but springtime is the best time to take a walk through Central Park. It is one of the most filmed locations in the world. A spring time promises walks past Victorian houses, a brief visit to ancient shops, and of course long walks by the lake.
1. Which is the best time to visit Washington, D.C.?A.March 15. | B.April 1. |
C.March 8. | D.April 28. |
A.cherry blossoms and various celebrations |
B.pleasant weather and historical castles |
C.strong waterfalls and wild flowers |
D.Victorian houses, old shops, and long walks |
A.Central Park, New York | B.North Cascades National Park |
C.Charleston | D.Washington, D.C. |
4 . Famous Modern Chinese Buildings
Beijing International Airport
The first place most visitors see when they arrive in China is Beijing International Airport. The airport was constructed in the 1950s. It has an indoor garden, a children’s playground, and over 70 food businesses in Terminal 3 alone.
Shanghai World Financial Center
Completed in 2008, SWFC took over 10 years to complete due to financial shortages and construction delays. Since its completion, it has won countless architectural awards.
Tourists are welcome at SWFC's viewing platform, which at 474 meters above ground is the worlds highest closed viewing platform.
The Water Cube
It was constructed for use during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Now visitors can express surprise at the architecture of the building. They can enjoy the indoor atmosphere as well.
Among the offerings of the Water Cube are a restaurant and bar, a shopping area, and Water World, a family water park
The Bird's Nest, Beijing
It was designed mainly for the 2008 Summer Olympics. It can hold up to 80,000 people and has been used for a winter theme park. Nowadays, its main income is as a tourist attraction. It draws more than 20,000 tourists every day.
National Center for the Performing Arts
It was completed in 2007. The building is surrounded by a man-made lake, requiring guests to enter via an underground hallway. It is home to an Opera Hall, Music Hall, and Theater.
1. Which of the following buildings was first constructed?A.Beijing International Airport. | B.Shanghai World Financial Center. |
C.The Water Cube. | D.The Birds Nest, Beijing. |
A.It needed more construction workers. | B.It was short of money. |
C.It added an extra viewing-platform. | D.It faced too much terrible weather. |
A.By renting the winter theme park. | B.By increasing its opening time. |
C.By charging tourists for admission fees. | D.By giving some live concerts. |
A.Enjoy sports events. | B.Play musical instruments. |
C.Attend science lectures. | D.Watch different performances. |