2 . Four Natural Wonders

Poás Volcano, Costa Rica

Sitting more than 2,707 metres above sea level, Poás Volcano has been active for hundreds of years. Visitors can still get up close and personal with it at the national park where it’s located (with a reservation).

Tips: Dress warm and bring an umbrella, as rainfall is common at the top of the mountain due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora

Mount Otemanu is the main attraction on Bora Bora, an island first made popular during World War I. The massive mountain, which stands 727 metres above the lagoon of Bora Bora, is now the perfect backdrop for dreamy Tahitian sunsets. A few of the luxury resorts on the island which offer great views of the mountain have become hot spots for honeymooners.

Grand Canyon, USA

Arizona has no shortage of impressive mountains and sweeping views, but the Grand Canyon is hands down one of the most diverse geological wonders in the state. Visitors have several options to experience the beauty here: adventure seekers can enjoy an aerial view from a helicopter ride through the canyons or go whitewater rafting down the Colourado River.

Cappadocia, Turkey

You may have seen fascinating photos of colourful hot air balloons against a magical landscape of rugged cliffs, valleys and towers carved into the rocks. It’s hard to believe this place is real but it is and it’s in Cappadocia! For a good position overlooking the landscape of this natural wonder, check out Uchisar Castle or ride during sunrise in a hot air balloon.

1. What will visitors do if they want to see Poás Volcano close by?

A．Notice weather changes.	B．Take an umbrella.
C．Put on warm clothes.	D．Book in advance.

2. Where will a newlywed couple likely go?

A．Poás Volcano.	B．Bora Bora.
C．Grand Canyon.	D．Cappadocia.

3. Which two places can be viewed from high above?

A．Poás Volcano and Mount Otemanu.	B．Poás Volcano and Grand Canyon.
C．Grand Canyon and Cappadocia.	D．Mount Otemanu and Cappadocia.

3 . On hearing the word vacation, most people react positively. Experienced travelers will argue that more important than where they go on vacation is who they go with.     1    

Family travel is special and creates lasting memories, but it can also have some challenges. For one, the success of a trip often depends on the relationships that the family members have with one another. If two brothers do not get along at home, the chances are that they will fight during a vacation.     2     If a family is traveling by air, purchasing plane tickets for everyone can be very expensive.

    3     Close friends often have similar personalities, so they generally get along with each other and fight less than family members might on a trip. Furthermore, if friends are close, even a terrible trip will not ruin the friendship.     4     All in all, traveling with friends can be a positive experience that results in a great vacation and, likely, a stronger friendship.

Finally, people can choose to travel alone. Solo travelers can be more flexible with transportation than those traveling in a large group.     5     And they also have better chances of getting a seat on buses or planes since they only need one. In addition, solo travelers are more likely to meet locals or other vacationers because they are more likely to want to talk with others.

A．They can change plans more easily.

B．Each person tends to cover his or her individual expenses.

C．Another potential problem of family travel is transportation.

D．Sightseeing and scheduling are not a problem for solo travelers.

E．In fact, friendships are often strengthened with the travel memories.

F．Traveling with friends can be an unforgettable experience for several reasons.

G．Vacations can be classified on the basis of who vacationers choose to travel with.

4 . Forget about “military-style travel” during which people tend to visit as many places as possible in the least amount of time. A more relaxed and leisurely alternative, such as “Citywalk”, is becoming the norm among urban youngsters.

Unlike military-style travel, Citywalk is about wandering around a city on foot, feeling the atmosphere and finding unusual things that even a resident of the city might not have noticed before. It can be a special event where people start a journey led by tour guides or simply explore the streets.

Such walks generally avoid famous scenic spots and shopping centers, and take you to places where you can have real interactions with the local people, eat at small but authentic restaurants, and gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the city.

Citywalkers have shared their carefully planned routes on social media platforms. Their posts usually include how long the walk is going to take, and interesting places and restaurants along the way. Some posts are more like a food tour.

Nan Xi, who recently moved from Beijing to Shanghai, said “I think Shanghai is a city perfect for Citywalk. There are big trees along the streets and shops selling different products, which is ideal for couples and friends to walk together and take photos.” After several Citywalk experiences, she signed up for a two-and-a-half-hour Citywalk priced at 88 yuan per person. A tour guide narrated the history of the buildings and streets along the way. “If it were me walking alone, I would simply find the streets artistic, but the tour that day helped me gain a better understanding of how Western culture blends in with the local culture in Shanghai,” she said. Another surprising benefit of the walk was that she has made friends with two of her fellow walkers.

Lin Yi, a manager for an online platform for self-guided tours, said Citywalk can help travelers learn about local culture and live as local people do, feeling the vibes of a city. People who participate in Citywalks usually have similar tastes, and can have in-depth discussions with each other, he said.

1. What is the main difference between military-style travel and Citywalk?

A．The transport.	B．The cost.
C．The purpose.	D．The destination.

2. What can we conclude about Citywalk in Shanghai according to Nan Xi?

A．It is a perfect place to run shops.

B．There are great things to do at weekends.

C．Ideal couples and friends often gather there.

D．It provides great experiences in many ways.

3. What can be inferred from Nan Xi’s two-and-a-half-hour Citywalk?

A．She thought it well worth a try.

B．She went on the tour without company.

C．She wouldn’t have found the artistic streets by herself.

D．She knew how Western culture differed from the local culture in Shanghai.

4. What is the main idea of the article?

A．Citywalk is a new trend in urban tourism.

B．Citywalk can help travelers make new friends.

C．Military-style travel is becoming more popular.

D．Travelers choose Citywalk over military style to follow suit.

7 . 听下面一段独白，根据你所听到的内容判断以下句子是否正确，正确选A，错误选B。
1. They are going to pay a visit to the local museum this Sunday by bus.
2. Comfortable shoes are recommended as they’ll walk long distances.
3. A notebook is needed to make some notes for further discussion shortly after the visit.
4. They can take pictures if they want to.
5. They are probably at the gate of the museum listening to the announcement.

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

As a student in Pakistan, it had always been my dream     1     (come) to China and immerse myself in its culture and events.In 2022, my dream finally came true. I arrived in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, to study at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

Chengdu, with its exquisite cuisine and rich history, attracted me from the moment I set foot in the city.     2     (situate) in the heart of Sichuan, Chengdu spreads out over the rich Chengdu Plain and is home to the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system. It owes its     3     (survive) to the mighty Minjiang River.

Over the past more than a year, I     4     (have) the incredible opportunity to explore this magnificent city and witness its significant events firsthand. During one vacation, I had the pleasure of     5     (visit) the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, an absolute must-see attraction in the city. This visit introduced me to     6     whole new world. The base serves     7     a place for public education and tourism, offering interactive activities that allow people to connect with these magnificent     8    (creature).

My journey in Chengdu has just begun. With each passing day, I become more thankful for many chances     9     invite me, promising to deepen     10     (I) understanding of China and create lifelong memories.

9 . 4 Transit Stations Worth Seeing

Transit stations are often a place to be passed through on the way to somewhere else. Here come some of the most amazing transit stations you must see when traveling.

Union Station (Toronto, Canada)

Even to the tired 21st-century eye, Toronto’s Union Station is still vast and magnificent in its cool ways. It used to witness a high time of train travel when passengers went out of their way to the station’s barbershop and even baths.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai, India)

The mighty Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus presents visitors with their first impression of Mumbai, yet it is not typical of Indian architecture. Its English architect toured Europe for inspiration. So this Italian Gothic architecture is greatly combined with traditional Indian domes and pointed arches to create a mixed style.

Grand Central Terminal (New York City, U.S.A.)

One of the famous sights at Grand Central is the clock made of Tiffany glass. Upon its completion, this formed the largest sculptural group in the world. As cars gained favor over the railways from 1950, the station fell into decline. However, since the 1980s, renovation projects have sought to preserve this extraordinary building.

Union Station (Los Angeles, U.S.A.)

The Los Angeles Union Station bears much architectural resemblance to the Christian missions. The station reflects the importance of the railway in the United States before the era of mass air travel. Today the building has become part of the city’s subway system. It also plays its role in everyday life in Hollywood.

1. Which transit station enjoys a mixture of two cultural styles?

A．Union Station (Toronto, Canada)

B．Union Station (Los Angeles, U.S.A.)

C．Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai, India)

D．Grand Central Terminal (New York City, U.S.A.)

2. What can we learn from the passage?

A．People can enjoy train travel now at the Union Station in Canada.

B．The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is typically an Indian architecture.

C．The popularity of vehicles led the Grand Central Terminal to decline.

D．The Union Station in the U.S.A. saw the growing popularity of air travel.

3. Who is the passage mainly intended for?

A．Travelers.

B．Designers.

C．Engineers.

D．Architects.

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What does the speaker most probably do?

A．She is a tour guide.

B．She is a teacher.

C．She is an organizer of the exhibition.

2. How much is the ticket to the castle?

A．£2.

B．£3.

C．£5.

3. What time will the bus leave on Saturday?

A．At 8:40 am.

B．At 8:50 am.

C．At 9:10 am.

4. What can the listeners learn from the special exhibition?

A．When the castle was built.

B．What ancient people wore.

C．How the cars were invented.