1 . Here are some fantastic parks in San Antonio.

Brackenridge Park

The park was first established in 1899 and has been popular with both locals and visitors ever since. Towering trees and peaceful riverbanks will greet guests along the park’s paths, and the facilities include playgrounds, museums, a miniature train, a Japanese tea garden, and one of the oldest golf courses in the city.

Friedrich Wilderness Park

In the park, you’ll find about 10 miles of paved(铺过的)and unpaved trails(路线), with a little something for everyone. From rocky climbs to deep canyons, and enchanting forests to open views, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. The area is nationally famous for birdwatching.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

The park is the state’s only one on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers quite a large area, so it’s best to make it a full-day or at least a half-day trip so you can be sure to cover everything. While the Alamo is a separate attraction, you will get to enjoy the architectural wonders of Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They’re all connected by a hike and bike trail, with plenty of stops along the way to picnic, climb trees, and refill water. Admission is free!

Eisenhower Park

Just a 20-to 30-minute drive from the city center, the park puts the best landscapes in the Texas Hill Country on full display, holding 6 miles of hiking trails, both paved and unpaved. Explore dried creek beds, look out over plunging canyons, and enjoy full views of San Antonio down below. You can also find playgrounds for the little ones, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.

1. What is Friedrich Wilderness Park well-known for?

A．Birdwatching.	B．Ancient buildings.
C．A Japanese tea garden.	D．Unpaved hiking paths.

2. Which park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A．Brackenridge Park.

B．Friedrich Wilderness Park.

C．San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

D．Eisenhower Park.

3. What are some of the features of Eisenhower Park?

A．Golf courses and bicycle trails.

B．Museums and no entrance fee.

C．Birdwatching and playgrounds.

D．Hiking trails and barbecue facilities.

2 . National parks are an excellent way to explore all the beauty that the world has to offer: whether it’s endangered species, erupting volcanoes and snowy mountains, or rainforests and lakes. Of the thousands of national parks that exist in the world, these are the ones that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Yorkshire Dales, United Kingdom

Contrary (相反) to the popular link of national parks with the wilderness, it is filled with winding valleys, hills and villages where over 24,000 people live and work. Visitors can walk through grassland, visit waterfalls or explore underground caves, but Yorkshire Dales is also home to several food shops, and the park hosts cheese festivals and farmers markets regularly, so it’s best to go hungry.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

It is a delight for those who like a bit of history mixed with the biodiversity of national parks. While it houses thousands of species of wildlife, there’s more to the national park than that.

Guilin and Lijiang River National Park, China

It is surrounded by striking natural beauty and can be explored by land. But the river national park, as the name suggests, is best explored through leisurely boat rides that take visitors through many ancient towns that come along the way of the river.

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Here’s a surprising fact: The whole of Vatnajökull National Park makes up 14% of Iceland’s territory! The park is usually open for hikes around the glaciers; boat rides through glacier lakes, and tours that take visitors through the park’s many ice caves, waterfalls, and icebergs. Vatnajökull is also where two of Iceland’s most active volcanoes are located.

1. What is recommended for a trip to Yorkshire Dales?

A．Recording local customs.

B．Skiing in the snowy mountains.

C．Going with an empty stomach.

D．Watching the eruption of volcanoes.

2. Which park is the best choice for observing diverse wildlife?

A．Yorkshire Dales.

B．Kakadu National Park.

C．Vatnajökull National Park.

D．Guilin and Lijiang River National Park.

3. What do the last two national parks have in common?

A．There are many ancient towns.

B．There are various ice caves inside.

C．They are aimed at protecting rivers.

D．They can be explored through boats.

3 . With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhongnanhai to its south, Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardenst (皇家花园) in China located in the center of Beijing.

Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called “Penglai”, “Yingzhou” and “Fangzhang”. Gods in those mountains had a kind of medicine which would help humans gain immortality (永生). Consequently, many emperors constantly sought those mountains. I For example, Emperor Qin Shihuang had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty did similar things.

It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hill layout near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai with Zhongnanhai is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.

Actually, Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) generally established the present scale and pattern. In 1925, it was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

It is enjoyable to walk around the various scenic areas in Beihai Park. There are many places to visit, including the Bai Ta, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, Yong’an Temple and so on. There is also a classy restaurant called Fangshan Restaurant where the Empress Cixi once dined.

1. Where is Beihai Park?

A．Near the ocean.	B．In the south of Zhongnanhai.
C．To the west side of Jingshan Park.	D．In the uptown area of Beijing City.

2. What is the similarity between Emperor Qin Shihuang and Emperor Wudi of Han according to the text?

A．They loved to listen to stories.	B．They both pursued immortality.
C．They were mountain-climbing lovers.	D．They were the first emperor of their dynasties.

3. How old is Beihai Park?

A．Less than 100 years old.	B．About 500 years old.
C．About 1, 000 years old.	D．Nearly 2, 000 years old.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．A famous park.	B．Historical palaces.
C．An unforgettable legend.	D．Ancient architectural styles.

4 . Famous Attractions in the USA

Hawaii

Hawaii is the name of a state in the USA, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It has one of the most isolated population an the face of the Earth. This is because it is 3,857 km away from California and thousands of kilometers away from Japan and China. Hawaii was included as the 50th state of the USA, on August 21, 1959, and it is made up of 8 major islands. Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is located at the island of Oahu.

Grand Canyon

Situated in the Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona in the USA. The mile-high, multicolored rock walls and sandy slopes are enough to keep you lost in its natural beauty. Undoubtedly, the Grand Canyon is filled with powerful and inspiring landscapes, largely because of its big size.

Empire State Building

Standing tall in the New York City, the Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper. It is one of the prides of the United States. The building is a popular landmark of New York tourism and reflects the history and architecture of New York. It describes America’s industrial revolution and has played an important role in featuring American culture.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was a friendship gift from the people of France to the people of the USA, on the completion of 100 years of independence. It is a universal symbol of freedom. Located on the Liberty Island of New York, occupying 12 acres of land, it welcomes all those who come to New York as tourists and also welcomes the people who are returning to their native place.

1. What do we know about Hawaii?

A．It is made up of some islands.

B．It is named after a famous leader.

C．It is very far from the Pacific Ocean.

D．It is the least populated island on the Earth.

2. What can tourists do in the Grand Canyon?

A．Get close to nature.

B．Learn about art and culture.

C．Know about the history of America.

D．Appreciate the architecture of New York.

3. Which is usually said to be a symbol of freedom?

A．Hawaii.	B．Grand Canyon.
C．Empire State Building.	D．Statue of Liberty.

5 . Best Places to Visit in Canada

Vancouver

Even by North American standards, Vancouver is a young city (it was founded in 1886). But what it lacks in history is made up for by culture. The city’s high-fashion clothes shops and health-conscious (关注的) eating make it an attractive urban playground. Plus, its breath-taking mountains and beaches have been the setting for a group of popular television shows.

Québec City

The 2008 celebration of its 400th birthday made Québec City the focus of people’s attention again. Since then, travelers have flooded here to experience this UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage site’s charm for themselves. As the birthplace of New France, Québec City continues to support the culture of its motherland. And around every corner, a piece of Québec City’s rich heritage is waiting for discovery.

Montreal

There is only one word that really describes Montreal: multifaceted (多面性). This city represents the combination of the Old and New Worlds, with 18th-century structures integrating into a 21st-century skyline. Old-fashioned houses are now home to restaurants, Just when you thought you’d seen it all, a short elevator (电梯) ride exposes you to a huge consumer shopping center located several floors below ground level.

Toronto

Toronto is considered one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with more than half the population born outside of the city. With Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown and Chinatown all within city limits, travelers may feel as if they’ve seen more than a couple of countries after a visit to Toronto. The city is also home to one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world, the CN Tower, and the world’s largest underground shopping mall, PATH.

1. Which place attracts those who make TV shows?

A．Vancouver.

B．Montreal.

C．Quebec City.

D．Toronto.

2. What can we learn about Québec City?

A．It is home to the CN Tower.	B．It has a history of 150 years.
C．It has nothing to do with France.	D．It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. What do Montreal and Toronto have in common?

A．They attract lovers of healthy eating.	B．They feature a variety of unique animals.
C．They have underground shopping malls.	D．They provide visitors with mountain views.

6 . Here are just a few of the new attractions in some of our favourite places that we’re looking forward to visiting across the world.

A fairy tale (童话) first

The first stages of the H.C. Andersen House in Odense, Denmark — the hometown of the famous fairy tale writer — have opened. The museum offers a completely total experience of attractive indoor and outdoor spaces. The site will also soon be home to a kid’s space where more fairy tales will be brought to life. hcandersenshus.dk

A floating (漂浮的) flower garden

TeamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu, Tokyo, has shown a new Garden Area with two garden artworks. One of them invites you to get close to 13,000 live orchids (兰花). Visitors will find themselves walking through water and floating as they become one artwork with the flowers. planets.teamlab.art

Sunken (沉没的) city

Dubai landmarks haven’t just gone high, they’ve gone deep! The world’s deepest dive (潜水) pool, Deep Dive Dubai, is the latest record-breaking attraction. More than 60 metres deep, the too-cool pool includes an underwater sunken city for divers to explore on their own or with a guide. Whether you’ve never dived before or you’re an experienced diver, those aged 10 and over are welcomed. deepdivedubai.com

New York’s newest island

Park life just got a little more interesting in New York. Little Island @Pier55 is a human-built island park next to the Hudson River Park. The new public space is unlike any other in the Big Apple: visitors can take in views of the Hudson River and New York City, along with music, dance and other performances in its 687-seat theatre. littleisland.org

1. Which of the following websites may a flower lover visit?

A．hcandersenshus.dk.	B．planets.teamlab.art.
C．deepdivedubai.com.	D．littleisland.org.

2. What do we know about Deep Dive Dubai?

A．It has set a new record.	B．It is open to adults alone.
C．It is designed for new divers.	D．It doesn’t allow divers to explore by themselves.

3. What can visitors do in Little Island @Pier55?

A．Visit a museum.	B．Buy some artworks.
C．Enjoy performances.	D．Learn the history of New York.

7 . Here are top 4 destinations to start your new trip.

Ireland

If you’re looking for the right mixture of history, culture and nature, you’ll find it in Ireland. You can enjoy surprising views here. If you’re in the mood for a boat trip, consider giving it a try in the evening in Cork—it’s truly magical.

Italy

Italy has so many fascinating cities and places to visit, but it would be impossible to see them all in one go. A road trip could work, and Rome is a great place to start. You’re steeped in history throughout the city with the Pantheon and the Colosseum, as well as the historic and architectural gems in the Vatican City. Throw a coin into the Trevi di Fontana before you leave the city, which means you’ll return here one day.

Thailand

Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world, even before Leonardo DiCaprio made Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh, lamous in The Beach. Admittedly, the film does a great job of describing this beautiful island, yet green waters and white sands are pretty standards in this country.

United Arab Emirates

If you’re one of those people who love all luxurious (奢侈的) things, then a trip to Dubai is for you. With year-long sun and grand hotels, this is the place for endless shopping, cocktail drinking by a plush pool and sunbathing on an artificial beach—the Palm Islands. Head to the Golden Souk for a spot of jewellery (珠宝) shopping. If you’re feeling hungry, you can eat at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

1. What may one mean by throwing a coin into the Trevi di Fontana?

A．Getting more coins.	B．Expressing good will.
C．Coming back some day.	D．Wishing for good luck.

2. What is The Beach?

A．A magazine.	B．A website.
C．A newspaper.	D．A movie.

3. Which of the following has the highest building in the world?

A．Ireland.	B．United Arab Emirates.
C．Thailand.	D．Italy.

8 . Last summer holiday, Aunt Emily took us to a safari park (野生动物园), not far from Liverpool.

I was very happy to go as I had never been to a safari park before. It’s a very interesting park, full of wild animals running freely.

When we got there, we bought our tickets and drove into the park. We were very excited at the thought of going to see the lions. But to get to the lions’ place we had to go through the monkeys’ land first. And that was an unforgettable experience because they climbed all over the car, ate apples and bananas, and threw all kinds of things at us. They seemed very unfriendly.

Anyway, we went on our way to the lions’ place where we had to lock ourselves in the car as we knew lions could be dangerous. A lion came up very close to us. Then it was on the bonnet (车盖). It looked calm but we felt terrified. Aunt Emily, who isn’t very brave, started to call for help. The kids started crying. Only my brother, George, stayed cool. I sounded the horn (喇叭) but nobody heard us.

In the end a guard arrived in his car, and the lion just got off our car and started smelling the guard’s hand as if nothing was the matter.

1. Which animal did the author want to see the most?

A．The lions.

B．The elephants.

C．The monkeys.

D．All of them.

2. Why did they lock themselves in the car?

A．Because the monkeys might steal things.	B．Because they were afraid of being robbed.
C．Because the lions might be dangerous.	D．Because something was wrong with the car.

3. What does the underlined word “terrified” in Paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．Excited.

B．Bored.

C．Interested

D．Scared

4. Who stayed calm among the visitors when they met the lion?

A．Aunt Emily.

B．George.

C．The guard.

D．The author.