1 . Galapagos Islands: Paradise for Animals

A trip to the Galapagos Islands will be the journey of your lifetime. The Islands are a group of 12 volcanic islands and numerous islets and rocks, off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. The area of the islands is 3,086 square miles, consisting of 13 major islands, of which 5 are inhabited. The islands are hilly, rising to a height of 5,000 feet. Even though the Galapagos Islands were formed about 4 to 5 million years ago, volcanoes are still active.

The islands have been known by many different names, including the “Enchanted Islands” because of the way in which the strong and swift currents make navigation difficult. Legend has it that there are sea monsters living on the islands. They control the sea. The islands are also named Giant Land Tortoises for those giant tortoises that live there.

The Island s interesting volcanic geology, as well as its rich plants and animals have been admired and studied by numerous travelers, scientists, and naturelovers. Scientists are still faced with a mystery how such a large diversity of species could develop in a remote location like the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos has been called “a living museum and showcase of evolution”. The Islands are famous for their unique species, which are not found elsewhere. Best known are the huge tortoise and some species of lizards.The animals on the islands influenced British nature scientist Charles Darwin’ s ideas about evolution. He visited the islands in 1830. It was here that he made the major part of his observation that led to his theories on evolution and The Origin of Species. Many scientists have since carried out research on the islands.

The Galapagos Islands are ideal for adventure activities, whether your favorite adventures are snorkeling, kayaking, hiking or others, the Galapagos has activities for everyone.

I’m writing in response to your letter. I strongly recommend you to visit Hangzhou.   

Hangzhou,     1     (位于浙江省) , is the capital city of Zhejiang. The Italian Traveler Marco Polo once     2     (把它称作) a paradise on earth. There are a variety of     3     (标志性景点) in Hangzhou, such as the West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Qiandao Lake, the Qiantang River, which     4    (分布在杭州各地). Besides, walking in the street, you can     5    (偶遇) beauties everywhere, who are tall as well as elegant. If you are tired, you are to     6     (走进) a tea house to taste Longjing green tea. Last, remember to take some good hiking boots and a big backpack to put all your souvenirs in.

Yours,

Li Hua

I arrived in Australia in October     1    (visit) my friend. Australia,     2    (locate) to the south of the equator, is often informally referred to     3     “down under”. My first impressions of Australia have been all about food! Bakeries, fast-food joints, butcher shops, cafes and restaurants everywhere provide some of     4     premier food experiences in the world. I learned to play the local instrument, didgeridoo. I put my mouth on one end and blew while     5     (vibrate) my lips but failed. A     6     (skill) player can play for a long time by     7     (continual) breathing in through his nose while breathing out through his mouth and into the didgeridoo. After experiencing Australia, personally speaking,     8     I like most about Australia is the people     9     (they). Their friendliness and     10     (warm) made me feel at home whenever I went.