The Vikings, whose ancestors came from Scandinavia, were the first Europeans
Later a man, Biarni set sail from Iceland in search
In the year 1002, Leif, Eric the Red’s son, followed Biarni’s directions and sailed to
2 . 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 |
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. |
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. |
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. |
3 . Find Your Chicago Architecture Tour
Chicago is known around the world for its architecture. Whether you tour downtown or a neighborhood, our guides will tell you the stories behind the buildings.
Must-see Chicago
Must-see Chicago is a fast-paced, 90-minute tour to Chicago featuring(以…为特色) some of its most famous buildings, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and more! Get a brief overview of more than a dozen buildings—as well as Chicago landmarks like Millennium Park, the Loop and the Chicago River.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $ 26 public, free for CAC members
Architecture Highlights
Discover the exciting diversity(多样性) of Chicago architecture, which traces the city’s development from its founding through present day. We cover about 30 miles of Chicago design, passing through the Loop and the Gold Coast, as well as Hyde Park and other areas of the South Side. We’ll see two university campuses and several parks.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $ 55 public, free for CAC members
Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street, with views inside beautiful buildings from the 1890s〜1930s. The most memorable parts include the amazing interiors(内部) of the Palmer House Hotel and the Chicago Cultural Center.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 26 public, free for CAC members
Elevated Architecture: Downtown “L” Train
Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique view of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous “L” system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop. The city’s first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most wonderful features, the “L” offers impressive views of downtown.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 26 public, free for CAC members
1. Which tour can you choose if you want to see Millennium Park?A.Must-see Chicago. |
B.Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age |
C.Architecture Highlights. |
D.Elevated Architecture: Downtown “L” Train. |
A.$55 | B.$ 110 | C.$ 165 | D.$ 220 |
A.The Chicago River. | B.The Gold Coast. |
C.The elevated trains. | D.The Palmer House Hotel. |
4 . Barcelona’s famous Segrada Familia is finally set to get a building license to work on the still uncompleted church.
This UNESCO World Heritage basilica(长方形基督教堂),which is Barcelona’s most visited tourist attraction,began building in 1882 based on a design by architect Francisco Lozano. However,when he stepped down,architect Antoni Gaudi took over the design in 1883.The building won’t be finished until 2026—one hundred years after the architect was killed by a streetcar in the city. His body was buried in a room under the floor of the Sagrada Familia.
To get its paperwork rubber stamped,the church authorities have agreed to finally pay the government a 36 million fee for a building permit. Gaudi was told to get the paperwork processed,but the architect failed to do so—proceeding with construction. The money from the church’s permit will be used to upgrade transport links and beautify the area.
Gaudi played an active role in directing the construction of the Sagrada Familia until his death in 1926.He would often request that work be modified and adjusted until it was exactly what he had in mind. However, interpretation of the designs by present day architects is particularly challenging because of the nature of the existing designs.
Gaudi and his works have become symbols of Barcelona,the capital city of Catalonia,northeast Spain. The unfinished building is called a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and it is perhaps the most unique and mysterious building in the style ever constructed. The popularity of the site with tourists has helped fund the push to complete the church and pay for the paperwork.
1. What do we know about the Segrada Familia?A.It has been completely constructed. | B.It was first designed by Antoni Gaudi. |
C.It will get a building permit in 2026. | D.It began to be built 138 years ago. |
A.He wished to be buried in the church. | B.He is remembered as a great architect. |
C.He didn’t know a permit was necessary. | D.He is to blame for the unfinished church. |
A.Its unusual design style. | B.Its two famous architects. |
C.Its special building materials. | D.Its illegal construction paperwork. |
A.in the support of the government | B.by reducing construction costs |
C.with the aid of tourist income | D.through donations from architects |
5 . The United States has a vast network of National Parks spread all around the country. Here are some National Parks for you.
Arches National Park, Utah
More than 2,000 natural stone arches make Arches National Park a special place in Utah. Travelers from around the world come to see brilliant sunsets that light up the sky each night. Hikers and rock climbers will love the endless options for exploring, while more low-key visitors are sure to love the camping.
Acadia, Maine
Super close to Bar Harbor, one of Maine's most beloved tiny towns, Acadia National Park tops travel guides for the Vacation State. Before making your way to Mt. Desert island, dine on the country's most famous fish and lake advantage of the opportunity to go whale watching on the Atlantic Ocean. When visiting Acadia, set aside some time to hike and go boating.
Mount Rainier, Washington
We couldn't leave the park with you slowly moving ice off the list. Washington's Mount Rainier National Park, found southeast of Seattle, has 25 of them (along with the famous volcano) as its attention-catching sight. The National Park says it's "the snowiest place on earth where snow is measured regularly." If snowcapped peaks aren't your thing, plan to visit the park when the weather is warmer.
Great Sand Dunes (沙丘), Colorado
You probably imagine the Rocky Mountains when you think about Colorado, but did you know that the Centennial state is also home to the United States' largest sand dunes? See them for yourself at Great Sand Dunes National Park, where you can go sand boarding or "fat biking". Though June temperatures are said to be some of Southern Colorado's best, a warm winter day can be an equally enjoyable time to see the dunes.
1. What do Arches National Park and Acadia have in common?A.Tourists can hike in the parks. | B.They are located in tiny towns. |
C.Both of the parks offer sea food. | D.They offer free guide to travellers. |
A.Sunsets. | B.Whales. |
C.Ice. | D.Sands. |
A.Arches National Park, Utah | B.Acadia, Maine |
C.Mount Rainier, Washington | D.Great Sand Dunes, Colorado |
In Hebei Province lies a vast forest called Saihanba. This green Great Wall,
Saihanba is a combination of Chinese and Mongolian,
In fact 56 years ago there was only one tree left. But without that tree, there
Their doubt disappeared, however, when they found the 200-year-old tree, swaying alone in
After decades of hard work, three generations of the foresters have restored almost 80% of the original Saihanba forest. Recently, they were awarded the
1.悠久的历史和博大精深的文化;
2.众多的名城和名胜古迹;
3.可口的美食和便利的交通,如高铁和共享单车。
注意:1.词数100左右;
2.可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯;
3.开头和结尾已给出,不计入总词数。
参考词汇:博大精深的 broad and profound
Dear Mike,
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Yours,
Li Hua