2 . Amsterdam is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, famous for its beautiful canals, top art museums, cycling culture and so on. It is the capital city of the Netherlands and often referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of its expansive system of bridges and canals. Here are some of the key points to remember as you plan your trip to Amsterdam.

Must-See Attractions

Most visitors begin their Amsterdam adventure in the Old Centre, which is full of traditional architecture, shopping centers, and coffee shops. You’ll also want to check out Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter in the South District, which is great for shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market and having a picnic in the Vondelpark. The top museums to visit there are the Rijksmusuem, the Ann Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum.

If You Have Time

There are several other unique districts in Amsterdam, and you should try to explore as many of them as time allows. The Canal Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally built to attract wealthy home owners and is a center for celebrity spotting and nightlife today. The Plantage area has most of the city’s museums and the botanical gardens.

Money Saving Tips

●Unless you really want to see the tulips(郁金香) blooming, avoid booking between mid-March and mid-May. This is when hotel and flight prices rise.

●Look for accommodations in Amsterdam’s South District, where rates are generally cheaper than in the city center.

●Buy train tickets at the machine instead of the counter to save a bit of money.

●Instead of hiring a tour guide, hop on a canal boat. They’re inexpensive and will give you a unique point of view of the city.

Check out our homepage to view price comparisons for flights, hotels, and rental cars before you book.

1. What can be learned about Amsterdam from this passage?

A．The Van Gogh Museum lies in the South District.

B．The Canal Ring is a place to attract garden lovers.

C．The Old Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

D．Amsterdam is called the “Venice of the North” because of its location.

2. In order to save money in Amsterdam, you can ________.

A．arrange a guided tour	B．buy train tickets at the counter
C．reserve a hotel in the South District	D．book flights between mid-March and mid-May

3. Where is the passage most probably taken from?

A．A magazine.

B．An essay.

C．A report.

D．A website.

3 . The Silk Road is arguably the most famous long-distance trade route of the ancient world. This passage connected Europe in the West with China in the East, and allowed the exchange of goods, technology, and ideas between the two civilizations. Although merchants could make huge profits travelling the road, it was not without risk.

The main Silk Road started in Chang’an (known today as Xi’an), the early Han capital. Travelers commencing their journey from this city could take a northern route that would take them across China’s northwestern provinces. After this, they would face the Gobi Desert, arguably the greatest danger of the Silk Road.

The Gobi Desert, the largest desert in Asia, consists mainly of rocky, hard earth. This feature made it easier for traders to travel across, compared to sandy deserts like the neighboring Taklamakan Desert. Like other deserts, the Gobi Desert is dry and hot, and therefore the biggest challenge travelers faced was obtaining enough water for themselves as well as for their camels.

So, rest stops were created along the route, allowing travelers to rest, eat and drink. These places also promoted the exchange of goods, and even ideas, amongst the travelers who stopped there. Usually, the rest stops were placed within a day’s journey of each other. In this way, travelers could avoid spending too much time in the desert, which would make them targets for robbers, another danger of the Silk Road.

Once through the Gobi Desert, travelers would continue their journey into Iran, Turkey, and finally Europe. While this part of the journey may have been less dangerous, it is not entirely without its perils (风险).

1. The underlined word “it” in the first paragraph refers to _________.

A．making huge profits	B．traveling the Silk Road
C．exchanging goods and ideas	D．connecting different civilizations

2. Why was the Gobi Desert easier to cross than other deserts?

A．The desert’s surface was easier to walk on.

B．Camels for transportation were easier to find.

C．It was smaller and could be crossed in less time.

D．There were more natural water sources available.

3. What can we guess about the rest stops in the Gobi Desert?

A．Travelers were offered free accommodation.

B．They were located around the edges of the desert.

C．They were shared by travelers from different countries.

D．Exchanging goods and ideas there was entirely without risk.

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．The origins of the Silk Road.

B．The benefits of the Silk Road.

C．The difficulties faced by Silk Road travelers.

D．The cultural exchanges among Silk Road travelers.

4 . We talk about people being "color-blind” but very few of us are. Even those who describe themselves as color-blind are normally just color deficient (缺陷) Strongly color-blind person will sill be able to tell 20 different colors, compared to the 100 or so that normal-sighted people see.

Pingelap, a tiny island in the Pacific is a beautiful spot but one that has a genetic trouble. It is known as Color Blind Island because so many people who live on this remote island can only see in black and white.

Not being able to see in color is bad enough. But one islander, Herrol, who's a fisherman, also struggles in full sunlight because all he sees is a painful burnt-out image.“I find it difficult to go outside in the sun," he says, "because when it's sunny! cannot see to do my work."

But if being truly color blind is rare, why is it that around 10% of the population of Pingelap live in a totally black-and- white world?

Well, we know that in 1780 the population of Pingelap was almost wiped out by a tsunami. As few as 20 people survived, one of whom was the king. Ir's believed he had a genetic fault that that causes color-blindness and he passed this fault on to his many generations.

There is one advantage. Herrol can see well,really well, in the dark. So when it gets dark, Herrol and his friends get in their boats and hunt flying fish. They hang up flaming torches and the fish are attracted to the flames. "This type of fishing is fun," Herrol says, especially if we catch pens.So even though it's hard work we enjoy it."

1. What is Pingelap famous as?

A．A tiny island.	B．A color-blind island
C．A mentally troubled island.	D．A beautiful island.

2. What can we infer about Herrol?

A．He may stay at home when it's sunny.	B．He is interested in burnt-out images.
C．He likes taking photos very much.	D．He doesn't live in Pingelap any more.

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

A．The History of Pingelap	B．The Disadvantage of Herrol
C．The island of Color Blindness	D．The Advantage of Color Blindness.

5 . It is always said that China is the homeland of tea, which has a very long history of tea.     1     However, unlike the western custom of using a convenient teabag, Chinese go to a lot of effort and time to prepare good tea for their guests, using tea leaves, natural spring water and a special kettle etc. to create worldwide famous tea culture. Tea is not just a drinkable beverage(饮料), but also a taste of Chinese traditional culture and inheritance(继承) of spirit. Unsurprisingly, there are various tea leaves in China.     2    

➢Color

    3     Good green tea leaves have jade green with fresh vitality. Twisted pan green tea shows glossy gray green. If some of the tea leaves have dry, dark and brown colors, it means it is old tea. If the leaves have mixed, large contrast colors, it is believed that the tea is mixed with yellow leaves, old leaves and even old tea, which does not live up to the standard of good tea.

➢Flavor(味道)

New tea is extremely clear and transparent with strong aroma(芳香), while old tea is characterized by brown color and weak fragrance. Take green tea and black tea for example, new green tea tastes a little bitter first, and then the fresh sweet taste begins to surface gradually, leaving a long and memorable after taste in mouth.     4    

➢Place of origin

There is great gap of quality among various places of origin.     5     For example, it is well-known that Yunnan produces the best quality Pu'er tea and premium Oolong tea can be found within Fujian Province.

A．Every tea leaf has its own shape.

B．Some varieties are identified by tightness of the leaves.

C．It is always advised to select tea from its main producing areas.

D．While you’re selecting tea, you should pay attention to following aspects.

E．For foreigners in China, drinking tea may seem like simple refreshment(提神).

F．Generally, new tea leaves look fresh and pleasing, with light green or dark green.

G．On the contrary, if bitter taste takes the lead and fresh sweet taste subsides(减弱), it is black tea.

6 . Discover America —— California

San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf is a historic marketplace on the seafront with smart restaurants, shops and street performers. Visit Ghirardelli Square, home to the amazing Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, and Pier (码头) 39, a lively marketplace with shops, restaurants and music. From here you can take a boat trip round the Bay.

Golden Gate Bridge

Connecting San Francisco and Marin County, this is the largest suspension bridge (吊桥) in the world and one of the most famous California landmarks. As you cross the 4200-foot bridge below the famous orange towers, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Bay Area.

Venice Beach

This is where skateboarding started, so you must visit the famous skate park right on the beach. Also watch the bodybuilders at Muscle Beach Gym, which is where Arnold Schwarzenegger started his career.

Hollywood

You can stand in the footprints of Jonny Depp at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and then meet his wax model, along with Hugh Jackman, Lance Armstrong, and Brad and Angelina, all at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Discover how films are made at the working movie studio at Universal Studios Hollywood, where there are also exciting park rides and shows.

Los Angeles

Have you ever wanted to record yourself? Now you can at the fascinating Grammy Museum. You can also learn how to dance like Michael Jackson, and find out about the links between blues and rap.

Disneyland

One of the most magical places in the world, Disneyland Park has hundreds of rides such as Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn and Pirates of the Caribbean. A day in Disneyland is a day you will never forget!

1. At Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, tourists can ______________.

A．take exciting park rides

B．take a boat tour around the bay

C．have a good taste of delicious chocolate

D．enjoys a good view of the historic marketplace

2. Those who are fond of skateboarding won’t miss _____________.

A．Venice Beach	B．Fisherman’s Wharf
C．Disneyland Park	D．Muscle Beach Gym

3. Travellers go to Grammy Museum in Los Angleles to _____________.

A．enjoy the famous local ice cream

B．watch Arnold Schwarzenegger build his body

C．learn about the connection between blues and rap

D．have a look at the wax models of some famous people

7 . Ask people to name the world's tallest peak and anybody with sound general knowledge will name Mount Qomolangma. But quiz them on its exact __and many will be not sure.

In 1975, Chinese surveyors __ that Mount Qomolangma （Mount Everest） was 8848. 13 meters high. As __ improved, satellites, photoelectricity, radars and gravity measurement technologies were __ to get more exact figures. Of course, someone still had to carry __ to what is the world's rooftop.

In 2005, a Chinese team scaled Qomolangma and found that it was not as high as that, as they __ the height to be 8844. 43 meters. Scaling Qomolangma is no __ task. The average air temperature there is -29 degrees Celsius, even four degrees_____ than in Antarctica. The snow there is 4 —5 meters thick and hurricane-like __ blow all the time. Team members were training to __the extreme conditions.

In a nutshell, measuring the Qomolangma's height is a tall order, __ huge amounts of money and human resources, But it is worth the_____. Qomolangma is the perfect __ for observing crustal （地壳的）movements. And changes to the peak's height could __ whether the two plates are heading toward or away from each other.

Besides, the condition of snow and other natural materials at the top is an indicator of upcoming climate change on the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau. That's __ measuring the Qomolangma's height is so significant. Put to good use, it can benefit mankind.

1.

A．location

B．appearance

C．area

D．height

2.

A．determined

B．assumed

C．estimated

D．admitted

3.

A．condition

B．technology

C．society

D．economy

4.

A．employed

B．expected

C．approached

D．inspired

5.

A．weapons

B．vehicles

C．instruments

D．packages

6.

A．changed

B．calculated

C．extended

D．expanded

7.

A．glorious

B．easy

C．admirable

D．tough

8.

A．colder

B．hotter

C．higher

D．lower

9.

A．snows

B．rains

C．winds

D．snowflakes

10.

A．cope with

B．fight for

C．take on

D．carry out

11.

A．wasting

B．spending

C．overcoming

D．involving

12.

A．effort

B．loss

C．harvest

D．achievement

13.

A．channel

B．window

C．solution

D．entrance

14.

A．measure

B．foresee

C．indicate

D．expose

15.

A．where

B．how

C．why

D．whether

8 . In the Ituri rain forest in America live many different tribes (部落), one of _______ is Pygmy. Most of the Pygmies are not taller than four feet. They _______ only about eighty pounds each. In spite of their small size, they are the best _________ among all the jungle people. Even the great elephant can be _______ by them. They can shoot three or four arrows so _______ that often the last one leaves the bow _______ the first has hit its mark. If an arrow should miss its _________, the impatient Pygmy may become very angry, _________ his arrows and step on them.

Since they do not plant any crops, Pygmies are _______ moving around. They seldom sleep in one camp for more than a few days. In their camps there is no ____________ at all except some weapons (武器) such as spears (矛), bows, and arrows. There are ____________ cooking pots either. Food is eaten ____________ or smoked over a fire. So when the tribe moves to a new camp there is ____________ to carry except their weapons and babies too small to walk.

Pygmies can move on the trees almost as skillfully as ____________. Often they travel great distances through the branches without ____________ the ground.

One of the ____________ facts about the small men and women is their appetite (胃口). A Pygmy can ____________ sixty bananas at a single meal ______________ quantities of meat. After eating, they will ____________ on their hard earth bed and groan all night. But in the morning, they are ready to eat the same amount of food all over again.

In spite of the ____________ life, Pygmies are almost always good-natured and helpful. They seldom lie, steal or fight among themselves.

1.

A．them

B．those

C．that

D．which

2.

A．have

B．weigh

C．eat

D．carry

3.

A．players

B．farmers

C．workers

D．hunters

4.

A．frightened

B．beaten

C．caught

D．raised

5.

A．heavily

B．hurriedly

C．slowly

D．rapidly

6.

A．after

B．before

C．until

D．since

7.

A．animal

B．aim

C．eyes

D．sight

8.

A．got

B．put away

C．sell

D．break

9.

A．never

B．seldom

C．constantly

D．hardly

10.

A．furniture

B．things

C．tables

D．beds

11.

A．some

B．much

C．no

D．special

12.

A．uncooked

B．burnt

C．untouched

D．fried

13.

A．a lot

B．something

C．more

D．nothing

14.

A．birds

B．rabbits

C．monkeys

D．deer

15.

A．touching

B．feeling

C．falling

D．seeing

16.

A．interested

B．surprising

C．moving

D．known

17.

A．get up

B．take up

C．eat up

D．put up

18.

A．including

B．but

C．except

D．besides

19.

A．lie

B．lay

C．stay

D．kneel

20.

A．comfortable

B．unpleasant

C．hard

D．happy

9 . New England is the six northeastern states of the United States：Maine，New Hampshire，Vermont，Massachusetts，Rhode Island，and Connecticut. The six states were among the first colonies (殖民地) in America. The colonies were ruled by England，and this is how the area became known as New England. After the Revolutionary (革命的) War the colonies became states.

Many things are similar in the six New England states. For example，there are many stone walls, fishing villages and forests in these states. The houses and buildings are similar，too. People cut down trees from the forests to make space for their farms and villages.

They then used wood from the trees and stones from the field to build houses，schools, and churches. Even today, most of the houses in New England are made of wood.

There are big cities in New England，but there are also small cities and farms，especially in the northern part.There is much industry and business and New England is one of the most populous (人口稠密的) parts of the United States.It has many busy seaports on its long coast.There are always many tourists who enjoy the beautiful lakes，beaches，and mountains and who visit the historical places.

1. Why are the six states called New England?

A．They are now ruled by England.	B．They were once colonies of England.
C．There were people from England.	D．The states were near England.

2. What did they use to build their houses?

A．Stones and trees.	B．Rocks and wood.
C．Stones and wood.	D．Stones and forests.

3. Which is NOT true according to the passage?

A．There are six states in New England.

B．The states became known as New England after the Revolutionary War.

C．Many tourists come and enjoy themselves.

D．The six states have many similar things.

10 . 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.

2. Charleston is worth a visit in spring for________.

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

3. If Tom is interested in movies, he may visit_________ .

A．Central Park, New York	B．North Cascades National Park
C．Charleston	D．Washington, D.C.