1 . Jaw-dropping architecture isn’t new. We’re still fascinated by the Great Pyramid built 4,500 years ago! Read for more recent examples of innovative buildings constructed using modern technology.

Crooked House (Poland)

COMPLETED: 2004

With its curved (弯曲的) walls and roof, it is popular with photographers. However, staring at it for too long might make you dizzy! Inside is a typical mall and office building. A favorite feature is the Wall of Fame, with signatures from Polish celebrities (名人). It’s modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Cube Houses (Netherlands)

COMPLETED: 1984

The Cube Houses are a popular attraction, but they are also real houses that people live in! The furniture is tailor-made to fit the strange angles where the walls meet. Architect Piet Blom designed the homes based on the idea of “living as an urban roof,” with the housing above and the courtyards, shops, and even a chess museum below.

Wonder Works (US)

COMPLETED: 2006

Looking at the cracks in this building, you might think, is it about to collapse? But it’s all an illusion (幻觉). This indoor amusement park is actually pretty normal. The upside-down features are just for show. Inside are more than hands-on science exhibits and activities, including a laser-tag zone and a hurricane-force wind tunnel!

Guangzhou Opera House (China)

COMPLETED: 2010

It was designed by Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid. She said she let natural places inspire her buildings, such as this opera house on the Pearl River. She used latest construction and design methods to make her design a reality. GPS positioning and laser techniques helped shape the structure, which includes tons of steel and glass.

1. What makes Cube Houses different from the others in the list?

A．Its latest techniques.	B．Its residents inside.
C．Its famous signatures.	D．Its upside-down features.

2. Which building might best suit science majors?

A．Crooked House

B．Cube Houses

C．Wonder Works

D．Guangzhou Opera House

3. What is the purpose of this passage?

A．To introduce amazing architecture.	B．To advertise specifically-designed programs.
C．To inspire students to make innovations.	D．To urge people to protect historical buildings.

2 . 阅读短文, 在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

When they sat in a restaurant, a young man     1     (name) JeanPhilippe joined them. He told them something about the city and hoped they would stay a little     2     (long) to visit wonderful sights of the city.

On the train towards the province of Nova Scotia, the cousins dreamt     3     (happy) of the beautiful cobblestone streets, old brick buildings, and the red maple leaves of Montreal.

3 . Insider Flight Tips for Your Journey

Anyone can book a trip, but not everyone can plan an ultimate adventure that is affordable, accommodating and fun. At www. tripinsiders. org, we aim to provide you with the best insider secrets in the travel business. And on this website, we also offer a state-of-the-art travel comparison tool to make planning easier than ever. Here are some insider tips that we'd like to share with you about flights.

Look for Glitch (小故障) Fares

Online booking systems for airfare don’t come without a pricing mistake every once in a while. Follow deal-minded travel sites and blogs to learn about pricing mistakes that work in your favor. This is the most useful if you live near a major airport and have a flexible schedule.

Consider Alternate Airports

Some major cities have more than one airport, so make sure to check them all for the cheapest fares. For example, if you’re planning to visit the Bay Area of California, check for rates in both San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport.

Cross the Border by Land

Domestic flights are often cheaper than international ones, so if you live near a border and want to fly to a neighboring country, you can save by crossing the border by land and then catching a domestic flight. For example, Toronto residents may save by crossing the American border into Buffalo and then flying to another American city.

Use a Digital Luggage Scale

There’s nothing more frustrating than learning that your bag is too heavy to fly or that it’ll cost you extra when you arrive at the airport. Digital luggage scales are great for making sure that you’re not going over the baggage limit with your new souvenirs.

1. What is the main purpose of www.tripinsiders.org ?

A．To recommend travel websites.	B．To fund the travel business.
C．To advertise a travel agency.	D．To uncover travel business secrets.

2. What is advised for air travel?

A．Selecting airports.	B．Flying the border.
C．Carrying more baggage.	D．Having a fixed schedule.

3. What do the four tips have in common?

A．They cover all aspects of a trip.	B．They help travelers save money.
C．They merely apply to businessmen.	D．They are only for Toronto residents.

4 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Where will the speakers go first?

A．A shop.

B．A museum.

C．A restaurant.

2. What does the woman have no interest in?

A．Tasting Indian food.

B．Taking a walk.

C．Seeing unique animals.

3. Why won’t the speakers go shopping?

A．They don’t have enough money.

B．The shopping mall is a little far.

C．It will take them too much time.

4. How will the speakers go to the seashore?

A．By subway.

B．On foot.

C．By car.

5 . China’s tourism market showed a better-than-expected performance over the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which started on Feb. 10.

The latest figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed that traveler numbers as well as tourism-related income during the holiday reached record highs, thanks to people’s ever-stronger desire to travel, enough market supplies and good tourism policies.

The ministry said on Sunday that the domestic tourism market saw 474 million trips during the holiday, up 34.3 percent year-on-year. The number marked a 19 percent increase compared with the same holiday period in 2019. Domestic tourism-related income reached 632.69 billion yuan ($87.95 billion) during the holiday, a striking increase of 47.3 percent year-on-year and 7.7 percent growth from the same holiday period in 2019.

Xiao Peng, a researcher with travel portal (旅游网), Qunar, said that the longer holiday this year — it usually lasts seven days in other years — made tourism-focused trips a more popular choice among the Chinese.

Southern destinations with warmer climate or tropical views, such as Kunming, Yunnan province, and Sanya, Hainan province, remained top choices for tourists, according to travel agencies. Return-flight tickets in economy class departing Sanya were sold out early, leaving only tickets in business or first class.

Tuniu, another travel portal, said that destinations and museums with a rich cultural atmosphere or those highlighting cultural elements of the dragon were favored by travelers marking the beginning of the Year of the Dragon.

In addition, some northern destinations with snow and ice views also proved popular during the holiday. Among them, Harbin Ice-Snow World in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang received 329,000 visits from Feb 10 to Wednesday — the first five days of the holiday — with the traveler number marking a surge of 115 percent from the previous year, according to Harbin’s culture and tourism bureau.

Besides the prosperous domestic tourism, the home and abroad tourism market also delivered a surprisingly good performance during the holiday.

1. How is Paragraph 3 organized?

A．By listing data.	B．By giving examples.
C．By quoting sayings.	D．By analyzing the reasons.

2. What can we learn about the longer holiday from Xiao Peng?

A．It brought a rich cultural atmosphere.

B．It made warmer destinations top choices.

C．It attracted people to northern destinations.

D．It made tourism-focused trips more well-received.

3. What might the author write about following the last paragraph?

A．The travel to-and-from overseas.	B．Good tourism policies overseas.
C．Destinations with warmer climate.	D．Domestic tourism-related income.

4. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A history textbook.	B．A popular website.
C．A detective novel.	D．An academic article.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What mainly made the man hesitate to visit the White House?

A．Lack of interest.

B．The tight security.

C．The historical atmosphere.

2. How did the woman get the tour information?

A．From the website.

B．From the local paper.

C．From the travel guide.

3. Where are the speakers probably now?

A．In the White House.

B．In a dining hall.

C．At an airport.

4. What is the man like?

A．Serious.

B．Humorous.

C．Careful.

7 . Carillon Canal National Historic Site

The Carillon Canal, built on the Ottawa River for military purposes, was opened in 1833. Located 100 kilometres from Montreal and 130 kilometres from Ottawa, it is today a pleasure boating waterway.

Things to do

The Carillon Canal is fed by the water of the Ottawa River. The Canal opens a huge gate to enable boats to sail an impressive 20-metre drop in just 40 minutes!

Have a family picnic in beautiful scenery, then visit the old barracks (营房) which are now a museum. Curious to see a huge power station up close? Visits are free of charge.

Opening hours

The national historic site is open every day of the year from sun rise to 11 p. m.

Fees

Site access is free. Otherwise, there are fees for locking and overnight mooring(停泊).

When is the Canal the busiest?

From mid-June to the end of August, and especially during the following vacation periods and holidays:

·Fete Nationale du Quebec (June 24th).

·Canada Day (July 1st).

·Summer vacations.

·Labour Day(the first Monday of September).

·Thanksgiving.

What are the best times for sailing?

To avoid waiting lines, experience the Carillon Canal during the quieter periods, i. e. before June 24th, and later in early autumn, from Labour Day to mid-October. In this way, you’ll discover these wonderful places at your own pace, without pushing through the crowd that might have had the same idea as you, and you’ll gain the peace of mind to sail in complete relaxation!

1. What do we know about the Carillon Canal?

A．It was originally for educational purposes.

B．It is now visited by boaters for pleasure.

C．It enjoys a high reputation for its 20-metre drop.

D．It was formed naturally on the Ottawa River.

2. What can visitors enjoy in Carillon Canal National Historic Site for free?

A．Mooring overnight.	B．Staying overnight in old barracks.
C．Exploring a power station.	D．Passing through locks.

3. Which of the following is the best time to visit the Carillon Canal?

A．July 1st to July 24th.	B．October 24th to October 31st.
C．June 1st to June 24th.	D．August 24th to June 30th.

8 . FOOTLOOSE FUN

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year — and a number of similar events are taking place across the UK as the weather warms up.

BEST FOR ISLANDS

Isle of Wight Walking Festival

This festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, with an event in spring and another in autumn. Book onto the spring session to see the island’s natural world beginning to stir — guided walks take participants in search of red squirrels, passing through bluebell (风铃草) woods, wading the shallows on a seagrass harvesting project and exploring the steep, splendid scenery of West Wight. 11-19 May.

BEST FOR MOUNTAINS

Arran Mountain Festival

Anyone wishing to dip their toe into Scottish mountaineering should head to the Isle of Arran: not only are its hills said to represent the Highlands in mini size, but it also hosts the Arran Mountain Festival, with a programme of walks for multiple abilities. Head up Goatfell — the island’s highest point (874m) — or cross the A’Chir ridge, with vertical drops below. 17-20 May.

BEST FOR EASY WALKS

Suffolk Walking Festival

If the contours (等高线) of Wales, the English Lakes or the Scottish Highlands seem too hard, head to the more kindly slopes of Suffolk for this walking festival. Close to 60 guided walks explore this famously flat county, ranging from wanders beside the North Sea coast at mysterious Orford Ness to strolls amid the more picturesque landscapes of Dedham Vale. 11-26 May.

1. What makes Isle of Wight Walking Festival special?

A．Location.

B．Arrangement.

C．Bio-diversity.

D．Culture.

2. What do readers know about Arran Mountain Festival?

A．It offers some water sports.

B．It will last for more than a week.

C．It is famous for flat walking routes.

D．It’s friendly for hikers of various abilities.

3. Who is this passage mainly written for?

A．An extreme athlete willing to challenge himself.

B．A college researcher studying British geography.

C．A tourist thinking of a hiking experience in UK.

D．A businessman investing in UK’s tourist industry.

9 . It’s time to put your worries aside and pack your bags for some of the top most relaxing places for holidays for 2024.

Kos

Relaxing holidays in Kos are all about blending soft sand beaches, sparkling water, lush green interiors, and history hunting. The coast is perfect for long leisurely walks on the beach, sunbathing in the Greek sunshine, and wallowing in the warm water. History buffs are in for a treat with some of the best historic architecture in Greece. Kos is home to abundant Roman ruins and a 15th-century castle that is ideal for an afternoon of exploring.

Lanzarote

The vast untouched landscape has made Lanzarote one of the most popular holiday destinations because it is truly somewhere you can relax in peace, with nothing but soft sandy beaches and the ideal water for first-time ocean swimmers. Family holidays to Lanzarote are as accommodating as parents could wish for, offering a host of fantastic family-friendly fun for all ages.

Corfu

As the greenest of the Greek islands, you’re in for a treat with over two million olive trees, rolling green hills, and pine forests that blanket the island in emerald beauty. Finding the perfect mix of history hunting, nature exploration, and relaxation is all within reach on a luxury Corfu holiday. The old towns, harbours, and traditional hostels will have you relax and enjoy the best of the Greek islands in no time.

Rovinj

For a cultural holiday filled with exquisite architecture, national parks with untouched natural wonders, and long stretches of coastline, look no further than holidays in Rovinj. Located in the north of Croatia, Rovinj offers some of the best opportunities to explore the unique and moving culture. The town is home to narrow cobbled streets overlooking the ocean, with shops, galleries, and restaurants dotted throughout, bringing you the best of Croatia.

1. What can visitors do at Kos?

A．Visit art galleries.	B．Enjoy family-friendly fun.
C．Walk in national parks.	D．Admire historic architecture.

2. Which of the following is most suitable for parents with children?

A．Kos.	B．Lanzarote.
C．Corfu.	D．Rovinj.

3. What do the four destinations have in common?

A．They all have sea view.

B．They all have old castles.

C．They all belong to the same country.

D．They all have untouched landscape.

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. How long is the lecture about ants?

A．30 minutes.

B．45 minutes.

C．60 minutes.

2. Where is the documentary The Secret Life of Birds on show?

A．In Theater A.

B．In Theater B.

C．In Theater C.

3. What will the listeners do at 2: 30 p. m.?

A．Visit the Insect House.

B．Gather in the Exhibition Room.

C．See a film.

4. Who will host the event Encouraging Garden Wildlife?

A．David Crocker.

B．Monica Chaddha.

C．The speaker.