1 . Take A Scenic Ride On The World’s Steepest Railway For Passengers—If You Dare!

Originally built for mining in 1878, the Scenic Railway is now a tourist ride that can take your breath away! In the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, the former mining railway became a tourist attraction in 1945. It currently holds the Guinness World Records as the steepest passenger train with the steepest railway gradient (坡度).

The gradient of 52 degrees is comfortably viewed from inside an 84-seat, glass-enclosed carriage car. The passenger car travels along on a cable-driven system of rails as it navigates the steep terrain. During the tour, passengers will see the train travel through sandstone cliffs and a rock tunnel next to Orphan Rock.

Orphan Rock was once available for trail climbing. Following rock slides in the 1950s, the trail was partially closed. The trail access was completely closed in 1974 and never reopened due to potential risks.

On the Scenic Railway, you will see stunning views from a slightly different angle than Orphan Rock. The railway is open every day of the year, making the trip along the rails every ten minutes.

Sight-seeing passengers can ride the steepest railway up from the Jamison Valley or travel on the cable car. Either option affords incredible scenic views of the Blue Mountains. The glass roof in the passenger cars allows for a fantastic view from every seat on the train.

Just take a look for yourself!

1. Where might the Scenic Railway originally lead to?

A．A mine.

B．A village.

C．A mountain.

D．A valley.

2. What can be known about the trail access to Orphan Rock?

A．It is a rock tunnel.	B．It is out of use.
C．It is partially open.	D．It is a 10-minute trip.

3. What might be the Scenic Railway trip like?

A．Eco-friendly.

B．Absurd.

C．Demanding.

D．Adventurous.

3 . Red tourism in Shaoshan

For 17-year-old Luo Yaqian, a two-day trip to the former residence of Chairman Mao Zedong in Shaoshan, Hunan province, inspired her to work hard to realize her goal of going to a reputable university. During Luo’s trip, the students visited Mao’s former residence, his memorial hall and Mao Zedong Square. They also watched a movie and attended a lecture themed on Mao’s younger days.

Luo said she was deeply inspired by the late Chinese leader. “Mao decided at an early age to leave his hometown to make a difference with his life. I am also determined to work hard and achieve good results in the national college entrance exam to realize my dream.” she said.

In April, the authorities in Hunan launched a special study tour campaign for all primary and secondary school students to visit Shaoshan to make good use of the city’s “red tourism” resources. By the end of last month, more than 81,600 students had taken part in the study tours in 93 batches, local government figures show. The cost of these tours is covered by the government.

Li Qingshan, 65, and his wife, Sun Zhuyun, 63, visited Shaoshan early this month from Qingdao, Shandong province, as they feared there would be too many visitors during the 130th anniversary of Mao’s birth on Dec 26. It was Li’s second visit to Shaoshan, following one he made in the 1990s. “Shaoshan has definitely improved greatly over the years, and the local environment, roads and scenic spots are now much better.” he said.

Li, who served in the military in Shenyang, Liaoning province, for several years in the late 1970s, admires Mao’s skills as a military leader. “He was a true leader of the Chinese people, and dedicated himself to changing their destiny.” he said.

When the couple arrived in the square, it was already packed with visitors waiting their turn to bow three times in tribute to Mao. Some visitors paid for a two-man military-style escort to guide them to the foot of Mao’s statue. After Li and his wife bowed three times to the statue, they had tears in their eyes. Sun said: “People of my generation have lived through tough times, so we have deep feelings for Chairman Mao. He was a savior. Without him, we would not have been able to dream of living happy lives today.”

1. Which of the following statements is true?

A．Only students are allowed to visit Shaoshan.

B．It is Chairman Mao’s experience that makes Luo want to go to college.

C．College students don’t have to pay for themselves when they visit Shaoshan.

D．A variety of activities are arranged during the special study tour.

2. The underlined word escort can be replaced by ________.

A．bodyguard

B．companion

C．coach

D．official

3. The purpose of Li’s second visit to Shaoshan was to ________.

A．Pay a tribute to Chairman Mao’s leadership and contribution.

B．Show respect to the local government’s great efforts.

C．Show appreciation for the impressive improvements in Shaoshan.

D．Look back on the happy memories of their first visit in the 1990s.

4. Where does the text probably come from?

A．A novel.

B．A travel guide.

C．A newspaper.

D． An advertisement.

5 . 听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
1. What did David do on his most recent holiday?

A．He had a boat trip.

B．He took a balloon flight.

C．He climbed a mountain.

2. What is on David’s list?

A．Gifts he needed to buy.

B．Things he wished to do.

C．Dates he had to remember.

3. Where does the woman suggest David go for his next holiday?

A．Australia.

B．California.

C．The Amazon.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. When is the talk probably given?

A．In early July.

B．In the middle of August.

C．In early September.

2. Why did the speaker give the talk?

A．To report his travel plan to the UK.

B．To share his good memories about Jamaica.

C．To recommend a travel destination in the English class.

3. What interested the speaker at first in Jamaica?

A．The weather.

B．The tropical fruits.

C．The music.

4. How has the speaker tried to change his life?

A．By living in a different city.

B．By adjusting his attitude.

C．By looking out for himself.

7 . Best U. S. National Parks for 2023

Today, 63 national parks in the U. S. draw millions of visitors a year to witness jaw-dropping natural wonders. To determine the best national parks, we considered the opinions of both travel experts and recent visitors. Do you have a favorite park? Cast your vote below.

#1 Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is called the “Crown of the Continent” for its breathtaking beauty. A favorite spot among hikers, it features a variety of trails for all levels, ranging from the easy Trail of the Cedars to the challenging Grinnell Glacier. Besides, the park boasts numerous lakes and two mountain ranges, sheltering a variety of wildlife.

#2 Grand Canyon National Park

Measuring approximately 277 river miles in length, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep, this canyon is truly a natural wonder. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon always leaves its visitors impressed. But if you’re seeking an escape to Mother Nature, be prepared: The Grand Canyon can be very crowded.

#3 Yellowstone National Park

With dramatic peaks and pure lakes, Yellowstone National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Multicolored pools, hot springs, stretching meadows, and steaming geysers (间歇泉). While you cross its 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, geysers and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with residents like buffalo (水牛).

#4 Yosemite National Park

Enjoying extraordinary landscapes, Yosemite National Park features towering waterfalls, millennia-old sequoia trees (红杉树), striking cliffs and unique rock formations. Most tourist activities take place within the Yosemite Valley. Here you’ll find the park’s most famous landmarks—Half Dome and El Capitan—as well as excellent hiking trails.

1. What can you do in Yellowstone National Park?

A．Appreciate waterfalls.	B．Join wildlife preservation.
C．Camp at mountain peaks.	D．Swim in colorful pools.

2. Which park might appeal to wildlife enthusiasts?

A．Yosemite National Park and Glacier National Park.

B．Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

C．Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

D．Grand Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park.

3. Where can you probably find this passage?

A．In a research paper.	B．On a tourist website.
C．In an ecology journal.	D．In an instruction book.

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。

Walking in the hutongs (alleyways) of Beijing, if you see a residential compound (建筑群) with a courtyard enclosed by the surrounding houses and walls on the four sides,     1     is called a “Siheyuan” (quadrangle dwellings) .

The size of a Siheyuan was affected by the    2     (household) social status, which was reflected in the gate as well. Some gates were painted red, while others had door nails,     3    decorated with stone blocks and brass ring door knockers.

Facing inward toward the courtyard, the surrounding houses are mostly occupied by different members of a large family. The senior members usually live in the main house     4    the north, which has good lighting and temperature all year round, while the younger generations would live in other wings by     5     (senior). The whole Siheyuan forms a self-contained environment for the family, creating a     6     (harmony) atmosphere.

Influenced by urbanization and social changes, some courtyard houses     7       (pull) down, Siheyuan becomes a precious memory of the old Beijing city. And those courtyard houses preserved are often endowed with modern features. The houses     8     (maintain) the original layout, architects have renovated the house and added modern living equipment     9     (adapt) the traditional buildings for contemporary uses.

The design of the residential area of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Village was inspired by Siheyuan. The 20 apartment buildings, arranged in a special way that create s enclosed and open spaces,     10     (surround) six courtyards, which shows a perfect integration of the Olympic culture and the traditional Beijing culture.

9 . Rich in culture and rooted in tradition, winter in Budapest here not only feels like a fairytale, it looks like one, too. Here are four top things to do in Budapest during the winter.

● City Park Ice Rink (滑冰场)

Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink is by far the most famous skating destination in the region. Skaters flooded to the rink each winter between late November and mid February. First opened in 1870, this ice rink is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. It’s filled up with water during the summer months. It serves as a boating lake for tourists looking to bike around while bathing in the sun.

● Spas and thermal baths

Budapest is quite rightly nicknamed the “City of Spas”. The baths of here are astonishingly beautiful, which are famous for their relaxing and medicinal benefits Taking a dip in the famous baths during winter is an experience like no other. Jumping from one indoor pool to the outside bathing area is a memorable and pleasurable experience.

● Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House is closed for renovations (翻新). However, visitors can still see parts of it via (通过) guided tours. The Hungarian State Opera House, which was completed in 1884, remains exactly the same as that when it was constructed. Each year thousands of visitors arrived in Budapest to take in the sheer (十足的) beauty of the opera house, while the lucky ones are able to secure a ticket for a show.

● Andrassy Avenue and Fashion Street

Shopping in Budapest during winter is a magical experience. Andrassy Avenue and Fashion Street are two of its most popular tourist destinations at any time of year. Covered with thousands of lights, the tree-lined avenue comes to life during the winter months, offering up many attractions. The shops here are usually open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the winter months.

1. What does City Park Ice Rink act as in summer?

A．A relaxing pool.	B．A boating lake.
C．A thermal bath.	D．A fashion street.

2. What can visitors do in Hungarian State Opera House if they have a ticket?

A．Enjoy a show.	B．Take a swim.
C．Have a guided tour.	D．Perform an opera.

3. What brings life to the tree-lined avenue during the winter months?

A．Tourist center.

B．Opera house.

C．Lights.

D．Shops.