1 . Care for a zoom-in observation of animals with no bars between you and the observed opposed to ordinary zoos? Where to have close-up encounters with some of the world’s most rare animals? We are revealing for you.
Right whales, Bay of Fundy, Canada
Northern right whales are on the brink of extinction, but survivors arrive in the Bay of Fundy each summer (May through October) to feed east of Grand Manan Island. They are recognized by a broad back and no dorsal fin, which distinguish them from other whales entering the bay.
Planning: Whale-watching tours operate out of Digby Neck peninsula on Nova Scotia and nearby islands, such as Brier Island, St. Andrews, Grand Manan Island, and Deer Island.
Grizzly bears, Alaska, USA
Grizzlies like salmon. In mid-July and again in mid-August, grizzlies make for Alaskan rivers to hook out the fish with their formidable claws. The bears gather in large numbers at rapids and pools, sometimes fighting for the best sites. Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, and Fish Creek, near Hyder, have viewing platforms.
Planning: Most fishing sites are accessed by chartered light aircraft and a hike. Hyder is off the Stewart-Cassiar Highway.
Monarch butterflies, Sierra Chincua, Mexico
Each fall, millions of North American monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles to the oyamel fir forests of the Transvolcanic Mountain Range, in the state of Michoacán. They flock intimately on tree trunks, bushes, and on the ground, fully showing their gregarious nature and occupy Sierra Chincua and four neighboring hills that make up the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
Planning: Chincua is one of two hills in the reserve open to the public from November through March.
Komodo dragons, Komodo Island, Indonesia
Landing on Komodo, you would feel like stepping back to a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, as park maps reported, “Here be dragons!” This mountainous volcanic island is home to the world’s largest living lizard – the Komodo dragon. Weighing 79 to 91kg, the Komodo dragon has a tail as long as its body. You can hike to a viewpoint at Banugulung and watch as park rangers feed food to the lizards, some of which are more than 10ft long.
Planning: Komodo is reached solely by boat from Bima (on eastern Sumbawa) or Labuan Bajo (on western Flores).
Wildebeest migration, Serengeti, Tanzania
Undoubtedly the world’s most spectacular wildlife sight is the annual wildebeest migration, when 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras and gazelles are on the move across the Serengeti plains. The animals are trekking to chase the clean water and fresh grass. Along the way, lions and hyenas stalk them, and crocodiles lie in wait.
Planning: The herds migrate across Tanzania from December through July, and then pass through the Masai Mara in Kenya in August and September.
1. In which place can a variety of types of animals be viewed?A.Alaska. | B.Sierra Chincua. | C.Komodo Island. | D.Serengeti. |
A.being able to climb | B.preferring group living |
C.migrating in huge numbers | D.moderate in temper |
A.Right whales are distinguished from other whales by unique appearance features. |
B.Viewing spots for grizzly bears can be reached through air and on foot. |
C.Komodo dragons are similar to dinosaurs in living period. |
D.Wildebeest herds travel to pursue favorable food conditions. |
2 . Picture it’s a beautiful day. You climb the steps of the tower and lie down in your room. You’re safely surrounded by stone walls, armed guards, and a moat(护城河). It’s great living in a castle!
Few people live in castles today, but these great structures have been around for a long time. They were very popular during the Middle Ages when royal(皇家) families built them to live in.
Today, most castles are non-residential. Instead, castles welcome thousands of tourists each year. If you want to see as many castles as possible, where should you go?
If castle-viewing is what you’re after, your first stop should be Germany. It has more of the structures than any other country. There are so many castles in Germany that the total number is not known. Some think it could be over 25,000! The European Castle Institute started recording German castles in 2018 to get an exact number. However, it expects to spend ten years completing its count.
Why does Germany have so many castles? Before Germany became one nation, it was made up of many tribes. Records dating back to 3,500 B. C. E. show that these tribes fought with each other.
They were also under constant threat from outside invaders(入侵者). German tribes built castles to protect themselves. Germany wasn’t alone. Castles popped up all over Europe to keep out both Vikings and Romans. Many castles still stand in France, Spain, and Great Britain today. Wales even has the highest number of castles per square mile.
Visiting German castles is a great way to learn about history and architecture. You can also learn a lot by visiting old buildings where you live!
1. How does the writer start the topic?A.By giving a detailed request. |
B.By offering an impressive example. |
C.By showing a beautiful natural picture. |
D.By introducing an attractive travelling scene. |
A.Wales has more castles than Germany |
B.It’s unlikely to record the exact number of German castles |
C.There are many tourists to visit castles in Europe per year. |
D.More and more people has began to study the architecture of castles. |
A.Travel Brochure. | B.Fashion Magazine. |
C.Architectural Design. | D.Classical Literature |
A.To advertise the unique accommodation |
B.To avoid battles both at home and abroad |
C.To attract more travelers all over the world. |
D.To present royal families’power and economic condition. |
Seated on cliffs above a river, Hongyadong is a house complex
Instead of having fun, some people now flock(蜂拥) to remote strawberry farms or bays to take
1. How long will the woman stay in England?
A.For the whole summer. | B.For a week. | C.For one day. |
A.Things there cost less. |
B.There are many tourist attractions. |
C.It is very quiet there. |
A.The train ticket to there costs about £30. |
B.Jackson knows the least about it. |
C.It is famous for its history. |
Situated at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, the Shandan Horse Ranch(马场)station is located in Shandan county in the city of Zhangye along the Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed railway line.
The expansion project of the station, where there were no passenger transport services before, started construction in March, 2021. A passenger terminal building covering an area of 1,080 square meters, two platforms and other facilities were built
Eight trains,
Yang Yifeng took the train eastward to Tianshui, Gansu, a trip of five and a half hours now.
“We used to take normal trains and then travel by bus from Tianshui to the horse ranch, with the journey lasting more than 10 hours. Now the trip is very
Shandan Horse Ranch,
In recent years, with great
Chen Jin, deputy head of Shandan county, said that with the opening of the station,
6 . 7-Day Tour from London to Edinburgh
A London guide will show you the city’s famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and Westminster Abbey. Then, in Edinburgh, you’ll tour the castle and see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. From the historical sights to the beautiful scenery, this guided tour of England and Scotland is a great way to experience everything Britain has to offer.
Starting at: $849 per person
9-Day Tour from Dublin to London
Your guided tour of Ireland and Britain begins in the capital city of Dublin. Enjoy seeing the “Fair City”, including the statue-lined O’Connell Street, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Your local guide will show you the famous sights, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. This guided tour of Ireland and Britain is a welcome escape with fewer crowds and lower costs than high-season tours.
Starting at: $1069 per person
7-Day Tour from London to Paris
Your guided vacation in London begins with a welcome dinner and a cruise on the Thames River to admire the Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll spend three nights in London to see the sites of this historic city—from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, and also St. Paul’s Cathedral. Then you’ll enjoy a 3-night stay in Paris. This includes sightseeing at the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, Champs-Elysees, and a Seine cruise. This guided tour of London and Paris is certain to be enjoyable with fewer crowds in the off-season!
Starting at: $1149 per person
1. How much would a couple pay for the 7-day tour from London to Edinburgh?A.$849. | B.$1149. | C.$1698. | D.$2138. |
A.Downing Street. | B.Trinity College. | C.The Thames River. | D.Concorde Square. |
A.They are all guided tours for visitors. |
B.People will spend the same amount of time. |
C.They all begin in the capital city of London. |
D.People can enjoy the same number of sights. |
7 . The world is changing rapidly. Here are four cities that have changed greatly over the past five years.
Budapest, Hungary
Back in the 1990s, Budapest was a mystery to many people outside Europe and tourists wouldn't have dreamed of visiting it. Now, Budapest has a booming tourism industry, and it has been called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The cheap accommodation, the surprisingly delicious fine dining scene, and the wonderful views of the Danube River simply can't be beaten.
Boise, Idaho
Surprised to see this up-and-coming city on this list? Actually, Boise is really making a name for itself. This city is known for its growing cooking scene. But not only that, it is also becoming a major ski destination. The mountains surrounding this city are unbelievable, and the ski resorts around Boise are one of the best kept secrets in America. It's worth checking out!
Medellin, Colombia
In the past, you might have heard about how dangerous Colombia was, but things are rapidly improving for this South American nation, and Colombian cities are changing for the better. Medellin is a new popular travel destination. This is the place to dance all night and see a whole new side of Colombia. And the prices are still low!
Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart is the capital of the Australian state of Tasmania, and it's also becoming a more popular city for tourists and new permanent residents alike. There are plenty of historic buildings still around, nice harbors where boats are docked, and lots of cute new cafes, art galleries and shops popping up. The scenery there is truly beautiful, with wildlife unlike anywhere else. Travelers should make their way over!
1. In which way has Budapest changed greatly over the past several years?A.Its population has been increasing rapidly. |
B.Its tourism industry has been developing greatly. |
C.Its transport has become easier and more convenient. |
D.It has become a mystery to many people outside Europe. |
A.Boise, Idaho. | B.Budapest, Hungary. |
C.Hobart, Tasmania. | D.Medellin, Colombia. |
A.Its low and affordable prices. | B.Its important and vital location. |
C.Its breathtaking natural scenery. | D.Its surprisingly delicious fine dining scene. |
8 . If you’ve ever travelled with other people, the chances are you’ve had to make compromises.When you want to get up early to watch the sunrise, for example, your friends may argue that getting enough sleep is more important.And when you want to try the different food, your friends might say it looks strange and push you to a Chinese restaurant instead.
This is probably why more people these days are choosing to travel alone.According to reports on holiday habits from the Association of British Travel Agents, the percentage of people in the UK who take trips alone has been increasing, from 6 percent in 2011, to 12 percent in 2017, and to 15 percent in 2018.Most of these people said they choose to travel alone because this allows them to “do what they want”.
In fact, travelling alone is only a part of a recent trend(趋势) of people wanting to take more time alone — or what’s called “me time”.“Imagine yourself as a full pot of water and everything else that asks for your attention is an empty glass.When you provide what is needed for them you are using up your own water supply,” editor Nicole Lyons wrote for the mental health social network Psych Central.“But how are you refilling your pot? This is where your ‘me time’ comes in.”
However, it’s still quite a common belief that those who do things alone are losers and they’re alone simply because they don’t have anybody to be with.But why can’t people just be enough for themselves?
The now Duchess of Sussex “Rachel Meghan Markle” once wrote on her blog in 2016 about how she enjoyed taking herself out to dinner and travelling alone.“It’s not easy.But it’s important, ”she wrote.You should face everything and encourage yourself to move forward when the feeling of loneliness and boredom sweeps through your body and mind, according to Markle.
1. What does the underlined phrase “make compromises” mean?A.Turn up. | B.Work hard. | C.Give in. | D.Take care. |
A.To save more money. | B.To enjoy their freedom. |
C.To calm themselves down. | D.To avoid troubling someone. |
A.To show the way of challenging yourself. |
B.To tell the importance of travelling alone. |
C.To prove the necessity of the sense of loneliness. |
D.To introduce the advantage of travelling. |
A.Me time:enjoy yourself alone | B.A new way of travelling abroad |
C.Travelling alone: a better way to relax | D.A standard of finding a partner in trips |
9 . The Best American National Parks to Visit for Christmas
The Christmas season can be stressful if you spend every moment cleaning, cooking, and hosting guests. Or the holidays can be a joyful celebration of beauty and peace if you plan an escape to one of America’s splendid national parks.
Yellowstone National Park
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Yellow stone, the country’s first national park, is your top choice. Your family can enjoy a quiet and private getaway(假日休闲地)at Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins. Sit by the fire with hot cocoa and look out at the vast wilderness all around you. Also you can photograph a bison and other wildlife on a winter photo safari.
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you really want to get away from it all over the holidays, plan a trip to a park less traveled in the winter. Rocky Mountain National Park is quiet and uncrowded, but the wildlife is still active. Seeing a moose(麋鹿)in its natural habitat is an experience you won’t forget. Sledding and skiing are also exciting possibilities.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park offers a fun holiday experience for families. Families can get on the Polar Express that runs from Arizona to the South Rim of the park through early January and enjoy a pleasant ride complete with hot chocolate and cookies. When you reach the “North Pole”, Santa Claus is waiting with a gift for each child. It’s the best way for your kids to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Virgin Islands National Park
If snow isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Virgin Islands National Park is perfect for you to escape winter. With white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and more than 800 subtropical plants, you will feel like you traveled outside the U.S. to a tropical area. Cinnamon Bay is a major spot for Christmastime visitors looking for water sports like sailing, diving, and snorkeling(浮潜).
1. In which park can you both see animals and go skiing?A.Yellow stone National Park. | B.Rocky Mountain National Park. |
C.Grand Canyon National Park. | D.Virgin Islands National Park. |
A.Art lovers. | B.Explorers. |
C.Outdoor photographers. | D.Families with children. |
A.Various water sports. | B.Beautiful train rides. |
C.The quiet environment. | D.The snow-covered landscape. |
10 . Is there a place that you have a strong desire to visit before you are too old to travel? If so, you’re in my shoes. The following places are where I desire to visit very much and most probably your best choices.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The region is famous for its amazing natural beauty. Many 5A scenic areas and geological(地质的)parks are located there. The park not only has natural wonders, such as strange looking peaks and a thick forest, but also rich animal and plant resources. Tourists can feel like stepping into a natural botanic(植物)garden and kingdom of animals. After visiting here, one will realize the great natural beauty of our world.
The Rainbow Mountains
These geographical(地理的)wonders look as if they were painted with a giant paintbrush. The bright colors stand obviously among the surrounding green plants. Wild as it is, these mountains are a part of our world in China’s Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. This wild variety of color does exist in the real world. No Photoshop is necessary for the natural beauty of these mountains.
Bora bora.
This place offers the chance to live like a native Polynesian. The clear open sky and the calm waters offer you the unique opportunity to observe how the native people lead a life nearby the sea. Many holiday centers are built here and offer different tours and experiences.
The Galapagos Islands.
The islands consist of 13 volcanic(火山的)islands and six smaller islands. Although known for Darwin’s visit, they’re more attractive than you might imagine. There are 900 species of animals found on these islands. 200 of these species are specific(特有的)to the Galapagos. Most travelers come to this lovely place for the specific wildlife here.
1. What can we infer about the four places from the text?A.They all consist of both man-made sights and natural scenery. |
B.They all enable visitors to experience the local people’s life. |
C.They all became well-known after some important visits. |
D.They are all on the author’s list of places to travel. |
A.See beautiful rainbows. | B.Take photos of colorful plants. |
C.Enjoy geographical wonders. | D.Paint pictures with giant paintbrushes. |
A.Various wildlife. | B.The volcanoes. | C.Darwin’s visit. | D.Dark green plants. |