1 . Food festivals are a common occurrence in the UK and take place in all sorts of places and at all sorts of times. Whatever your taste, there’s a food festival to match — no matter how specialized.
1. Meatopia
This three-day, London-based festival takes place at the end of August and is a meat lover’s paradise. In addition to a range of legally sourced meat products, from juicy burgers to tender steaks, attendees can listen to live music, watch butchery demonstrations, and attend informal meat-based workshops.
2. The National Honey Show
If you have a sweet tooth, then it could be that the National Honey Show, which started in 1921 and is the largest event of its kind, is the place for you to be. This three-day event attracts many local entries who showcase their sweet golden honey, some of which is sold globally.
3. The Orange Sauce Festival
Have you heard about a festival that is devoted only to orange sauce? Held in Cumbria, this sweet, fragrant festival has been running for 3 years. What attracts people most is a competition to find the best homemade orange sauce. There are thousands of participants from over 30 different countries across the globe, bringing their local snacks to share here.
4. The Ginger and Spice Festival
If you’d prefer something with a little more kick to it, then you could attend The Ginger (姜) and Spice Festival held in Market Drayton. Unlike other food festivals, it celebrates its town’s historic connection to Robert Clive, who returned from India with ginger. Because of this, they specialize in baking gingerbread, but also sell a range of traditional spices from mild to hot.
1. What do Meatopia and the National Honey Show have in common?A.Both of them last for three days. | B.Both of them hold workshops. |
C.Both of them originated from London. | D.Both of them have a long history. |
A.The Meatopia. | B.The Ginger and Spice Festival. |
C.The National Honey Show. | D.The Orange Sauce Festival. |
A.It has something to do with a historic figure. |
B.The ginger used in the festival is from India. |
C.It sells spicy food. |
D.The food is cooked by Robert Clive. |
2 .
Over eight million people live in London and it has about 26 million visitors each year. So what can you see in three days? Here are some must-see places.
DAY 1
THE RIVER THAMES is the heart of the city. There are 104 bridges—London Bridge and Tower Bridge are the most famous. Cross the new Millennium Bridge on foot. It’s London’s first bridge in 100 years.
SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATER was built in 1997! (A) In the summer you can see plays there. (B) You can shout during a performance just like in Shakespeare’s time! (C) Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers in the world. (D)Take an umbrella—there’s no roof!
TATE MODERN is the world’s largest modern art gallery. Located in an old power station, it’s a fantastic place to visit. However, don’t miss the British Museum with its collection of over 8 million objects. Follow the museum’s three-hour guide of the highlights.
DAY 2
THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT and BIG BEN are London’s landmarks, so don’t forget your camera. You can go inside and watch the politicians in the two chambers (会议厅) — the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Big Ben, which has four faces, sits at the top of the clock tower in the Houses of the Parliament. So no matter where you stand, you can read the face of the clock.
The King’s or the Queen’s official London home is BUCKINGHAM PALACE. It’s got 775 rooms! About 50,000 guests a year come to parties and events-sorry, invitation only! But you can see the Changing of the Guard.
THE LONDON EYE is the world’s largest sightseeing wheel and the most popular UK tourist attraction with about 3.5 million visitors a year. You can often see distances of 40 kilometers.
DAY 3
London’s cathedral, ST PAUL’S is 108 meters tall and over 300 years old. The entrance ticket isn’t cheap, but the cathedral is impressive, and the dome has got amazing views. At 309 meters tall, the new Shard building is the second tallest building in Europe. You can’t miss it!
Where’s the best place to go when it’s sunny or to relax? One of London’s many large parks such as HYDE PARK, KENSINGTON GARDENS or REGENT’S PARK. There isn’t time for LONDON ZOO, but it’s in Regent’s Park.
The best place for shopping is CAMDEN MARKET. You can find vintage (优质的) clothes, jewelry, great food and all sorts of things. Or go to Harrod’s, the world-famous department store. It’s got over 330different departments and an unbelievable Food Hall.
1. When was Shakespeare’s Globe Theater built?A.In 1699. | B.In 1837. | C.In 1997. | D.In 2000. |
A.On the bank of the River Thames. | B.In an old power station. |
C.On Tower Bridge. | D.In Regent’s Park. |
A.Businessmen. | B.Scholars. | C.Police officers. | D.Politicians. |
A.The Millennium Bridge is the first bridge on the River Thames. |
B.You can only attend the King’s or the Queen’s parties with an invitation. |
C.St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is over 300 years old. |
D.For many people Camden Market is the best shopping place in London. |
A.In the summer you can see plays there. |
B.You can shout during a performance just like in Shakespeare’s time! |
C.Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers in the world. |
D.Take an umbrella—there’s no roof! |
3 . China is one of the world’s ancient civilizations and has the earliest outstanding bronze casting technology. Here we’ve created a list of 4 museums where you can gain an in-depth understanding of Chinese bronze.
Sanxingdui Museum
Address: Sanxingdui Ruin Site, 133 Xian Road, Guanghan, Deyang, Sichuan province
Hours: Comprehensive Gallery (the first exhibition hall): 8:30-18:00; Bronze Gallery (the second exhibition hall): 8:30-18:30. Last tickets sold at 17:00. Closed on the morning of Chinese New Year’s Eve
Ticket booking: 0838-5651526
General admission: Gallery ticket 80 yuan
Note: Children shorter than 1.2m (including 1.2m) can visit the gallery free of charge. The ticket must be used on the day it is sold and authorizes one visit to each gallery.
National Museum of China
Address: East side of Tian’anmen Square, Dongcheng district, Beijing
Hours: 8:30-17:00 (no entry after 16:30)
General admission: Free (passport required for entry), Closed Mondays (except for national holidays)
E-mail: webmaster@chnmuseum.cn
Shanghai Museum
Address: 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district, Shanghai
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (no entry after 16:00), Closed Mondays (except for national holidays)
E-mail: webmaster@shanghai-museum.org
General admission: free (a max of 8, 000 admitted daily)
Hunan Museum
Address: 50 Dongfeng Road, Changsha, Hunan province
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (no entry after 16:00), Closed Mondays (except for national holidays) and the eve of Chinese New Year
Tel: (+86-731) 8415833, 84475933
E-mail: web@hnmuseum.com
General admission: Free (passport required for entry)
1. Which museum should you choose for your family to visit next Monday?A.Sanxingdui Museum | B.Hunan Museum |
C.Shanghai Museum | D.National Museum of China |
A.They are all free of charge. | B.They all set a deadline for entry. |
C.They all lie in the south of China. | D.They can all be available through E-mail. |
A.Science | B.Today’s News | C.Entertainment | D.History and Culture |
4 . When you think of wildlife holidays in the UK, Scotland is probably the first destination(目的地) that comes to mind, with quite a few breathtaking natural sites that offer a wonderful base to watch wildlife.
The Trossachs National ParkIt was the first national park established in Scotland. The Loch Lomond at the center of the park is the largest body of freshwater in the UK. The largest land mammal (哺乳动物) in Britain, red deer can be found in the park. Keep an eye out as you pass through forests, woodlands and open hills.
The Isle of StaffaThe Isle of Staffa is famous for its dramatic rock formations, and for the cave known as “Fingal’s Cave”, Staffa provided inspiration to Felix Mendelssohn, the German musician. He visited in 1829 and, afterwards, composed his Hebrides Overture. The island is also famous for its adorable seabirds—puffins, which are known for their vibrant beaks (鸟喙) and big personalities.
The Cairngorms National ParkThe Cairngorms National Park is in northeast Scotland. With an area of 1,748 square miles, the park covers the Cairngorms range of mountains and surrounding hills, and is the largest national park in the UK as the second national park in Scotland. Over 25% of the UK’s endangered species make their home in the park’s ancient pine forests, among which you can find the red squirrel—the UK’s only native squirrel (松鼠) species.
1. Which of the following is connected with the creation of a piece of music?A.The Isle of Staffa. | B.The Trossachs National Park. |
C.The Loch Lomond. | D.The Caimgorms National Park. |
A.It is the second largest national park in Scotland. | B.It lies off the coast of northeast Scotland. |
C.It is the only place to find the red squirrel. | D.It supports a wide variety of rare animals. |
A.To give advice on how to spend holidays in Scotland. |
B.To raise awareness (意识)of endangered wildlife in Scotland. |
C.To introduce some places to see wildlife in Scotland. |
D.To compare some breathtaking destinations in Scotland. |
5 . With the approaching of New Year, more and more visitors will come to China. Don’t know where you should go? Here are some places recommended for you.
Shanghai Expo Culture Park
The Shanghai Expo Culture Park will soon open its northern section to the public, in which the major attractions include a traditional garden that is similar in design to Shanghai’s famous Yuyuan Garden and a 400-meter avenue exhibiting the history of the area, while in the southern section lies a grand theater.
Macao Tower AJ Hackett Bungee Jump
The Macao Tower, 338 meters tall, is the world’s 10th highest tower, with a variety of activities, such as eating and entertainment. One of the activities which enjoy good fame is the bungee jump. The AJ Hackett Macao Tower Bungee Jump is 233 meters high, making it a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial (商业的) bungee jump in the world. Raise your arms and off you go!
Harbin’s Frozen World
For those who have never been to Harbin, there is an almost endless list of things to do. At Harbin Ice—Snow World, you can not only see the world—famous ice architecture, but also have great fun! You can have hotpot at the restaurants which are made of ice, enjoying the product of both ice and fire, go down the world’s longest ice slide (滑梯) and join in the popular Ice and Snow Electronic Music Festival to welcome 2024.
The winter is cold and the night is long, so why not go to the theatre? Harbin was listed by the United Nations as a “music city” in 2010. Harbin Grand Theater is where artistic souls defrost (化霜) a little to share their love of art.
1. Where should visitors go if they want to do extreme sports?A.Shanghai Expo Culture Park. | B.The Macao Tower. |
C.Shangha’s Yuyuan Garden. | D.Harbin Ice—Snow World. |
A.Attend a famous music festival. | B.Play with both ice and fire. |
C.Turn water into instant ice. | D.Learn to make ice architecture. |
A.They have a high tower. | B.They have a long ice slide. |
C.They have a grand theater. | D.They have traditional architecture. |
6 . China’s most attractive museums
Beijing Minsheng Art MuseumOpening year: 2015
Art focus: Contemporary art
Right next to the capital’s art centre 798 Art District, Beijing Minsheng Art Museum took over a decommissioned (停止使用的) electronics factory, reopening after being redesigned by Chinese architect Zhu Pei. Funded by China Minsheng Bank, the museum has already hosted a lot of big-ticket exhibitions.
Power Station of ArtOpening year: 2012
Art Focus: Contemporary art
Fans of London’s Tate Modern will immediately spot the similarities with Shanghai’s Power Station of Art, a huge riverside box with a 165-metre chimney. It started life as the Nanshi Power Plant three decades ago before becoming the Pavilion of the Future at the 2010 Shanghai Expo. In 2012, it became China’s first state-owned contemporary art museum, with six floors of exhibition space.
Design SocietyOpening year: 2017
Art focus: Design
Design Society in Shenzhen serves as a showcase for local and international design, given serious standing by its partnership with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, probably the most famous design institution in the world. On show are 250 objects from the collection in London, telling how design represents a two-way exchange of ideas and culture.
Sifang Art MuseumOpening year: 2013
Art focus: Architecture, contemporary art
Positioned on a hillside in Laoshan National Forest Park in Nanjing, this private art museum is actually a group of diverse buildings, each designed by outstanding architects and artists. The centrepiece is a boxy gallery space protruding (突出) from the mountainside and seemingly súspendedin mid-air, designed by American architect Steven Holl.
1. What do the first two museums have in common?A.Both used to be factories. |
B.Both are state-owned art museums. |
C.Both are redesigned by Chinese architects. |
D.Both opened in the same year as the Shanghai Expo. |
A.Beijing Minsheng Art Museum. | B.Power Station of Art. |
C.Design Society. | D.Sifang Art Museum. |
A.Shanghai. | B.Beijing. | C.Shenzheng. | D.Nanjing. |
7 . The Buckhead area of Atlanta is filled with must-see attractions and things to do, including art galleries, museums, theaters, music venues, nightlife and parks.
Legoland Discovery Center
Legoland Discovery Center is located in the heart of Buckhead. It features a 4D Cinema, interactive rides, a Build & Test area for race cars and more. Check out Pirate Adventure Island where children and adults can build a sandcastle, create a treasure map and a pirate ship.
Atlanta History Center
For anyone strongly desiring to have a look into the past, the Atlanta History Center is the answer. You can easily spend an entire day here. Take an afternoon to stroll(漫步) through 33 acres of attractive gardens, award-winning exhibitions, and a number of historic houses. There is the historic Swan House and Smith Family Farm, both open for tours.
Chastain Memorial Park
Chastain Memorial Park is Atlanta’s largest city park. In addition to the park’s jogging paths, playgrounds, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course, and horse park, it is home to the Chastain Arts Center. Housed in early 20th-century historic buildings, the Center offers year-round programming and a gift shop of handmade items.
Buckhead Theatre
Buckhead Theatre features a variety of performances and events, including lectures, comedies, Broadway plays, concerts, and more. Numerous monitors broadcast whatever live concert is taking place and an expanded bar area greets fans on the lower level.
1. Which is the best place for parenting activities?A.Legoland Discovery Center. | B.Atlanta History Center. |
C.Chastain Memorial Park. | D.Buckhead Theatre. |
A.Experience racing cars. | B.Taste delicious foods. |
C.Join in sports activities. | D.Enjoy live concerts. |
A.Economy. | B.Sports. | C.Shopping. | D.Tourism. |
1. What did the man do last night?
A.He visited a friend. | B.He had an interview. | C.He fixed the radio. |
A.Interested. | B.Surprised. | C.Disappointed. |
A.The Great Wall. | B.The Forbidden City. | C.The Summer Palace. |
10 . Big Ben is not the name of a man. It is the name, of a huge (庞大的) clock in London. London is the capital of England. This clock has four faces. So, no matter where you stand, you can read the time on the face of Big Ben. Each face is the size of a double-decker (双层的) bus. The hands are about four meters long. It is about the size of two people standing on top of each other. If you go to London, you may want to visit the Houses of Parliament (国会大厦). There you will find Big Ben sits at the top of the clock tower (塔) in the Houses of Parliament. Maybe you will hear it as well as see it. The huge clock makes such a loud noise. “Ding dong, ding dong,” it goes every quarter of an hour.
The clock was named after a big man. He was Sir Benjamin Hali. This man did much building work in London many years ago.
1. Big Ben is ______.A.a double-decker bus | B.a huge clock |
C.the name of Ben | D.another name of London |
A.ten minutes | B.fifteen minutes |
C.thirty minutes | D.forty minutes |
A.at the top of the clock tower | B.in the Houses of Parliament |
C.on the four faces of the clock | D.under the clock tower |