2 . Listen carefully. Don’t answer too quickly. At least, don’t say “yes” too soon. A friend might ask, “Want to take a hike?” You should say, “Where?” If he replies “The entire Appalachian Trail (阿巴拉契亚国家步道)”，take warning. Here’s why.

The trail is one of the longest marked footpaths in the world. It starts at Springer Mountain, Georgia. It winds (蜿蜒) along the top of the mountains. It goes through 14 states. It ends at Mount Katahdin, Maine. As the crow(乌鸦)flies, this is about 2,200 miles. But when walked, the trail is 2,600 miles. If you walk nonstop, it takes about six months to walk through the trail.

Most hikers begin from Springer Mountain. They start around April 1. This is why. The snow has probably melted (融化) in the south. But there may still be snow in the north. By the time they reach Maine, the snow will have been long gone. What’s the chance of making it nonstop? Here is the data. About 1,500 people try it each year. About 300 people make it. It is a great challenge.

Careful planning is necessary. There are problems to solve. The biggest one is the weight on one’s back. Too many hikers start out with too much. Wise ones don’t carry food. They send packages to post offices along the way. There are no campfires allowed. Some shelters are near the path. But the trail is crowded. It is hard to find space. A perfect tent is necessary. And it rains a lot. Great rain gear (用具) is needed. It should be light.

Benton MacKaye founded the trail. The first section of the trail was opened in 1923. It is cared for by volunteers in each state. Do you plan to go? Read lots of books by people who’ve done it.

1. What is the example of the crow in Paragraph 2 used to show?

A．The trail’s view.	B．The trail’s height.
C．The trail’s danger.	D．The trail’s distance.

2. What can we know about the Appalachian Trail?

A．Only about one fifth of the hikers succeed in hiking every year.

B．Most hikers spend a whole year hiking the trail.

C．It goes through 14 mountains in all.

D．It is about 2,200 miles long.

3. What does the author advise hikers to do?

A．Carry enough water and food.	B．Wear heavy and warm clothing.
C．Bring enough maps and equipment.	D．Send packages along the way ahead of time.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Advice on hiking	B．Dangers of hiking
C．Go hiking on the Appalachian Trail	D．Introduction of great mountains

3 . A remote hospital in an area of Bangladesh has been named the world’s best new building. The Friendship Hospital in Satkhira was announced winner of 2021’s impressive RIBA International Prize on Tuesday, with its architects (建筑师) praised for putting “care and humanity at the heart of its design”.

RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects), which organizes the award, praised the hospital’s design for fitting in with the surrounding countryside and creating an “uplifting and inviting experience for visitors, patients and healthcare professionals”.

Constructed from locally-made materials, the 80-bed hospital was built around a series of courtyards lined with shaded walkways, which encourages natural ventilation (通风) and rules out the need for air conditioning. And a canal cuts through the center of the site to separate inpatient and outpatient wings, helping with “micro climatic cooling” during hot Bangladesh summers. The architects also created a drainage (排水) system that channels rainwater into a storage tank for future use and prevents the courtyards from being flooded with water. Kashef Chowdhury, the lead architect, described honoring such a project from a little- known place as an important moment. “This may inspire more of us to devote limited resources and means to an architecture of care both for humanity and for nature,” he said in a press statement.

Held every two years, the prize honors buildings or structures that “demonstrate design excellence and social impact”. In a press release announcing the winner, RIBA noted that the Friendship Hospital was built in a “friendly environment”, where grain fields have been turned into sea-food farms due to rising sea levels.

“It is a demonstration of how beautiful architecture can be achieved through good design when working with a relatively limited budget,” the chairman said. “The hospital is a celebration of a building contributed to humans.”

1. Which of the following disagrees with the hospital’s design concept?

A．Caring for people.

B．Using local resources.

C．Adopting high technology.

D．Maintaining harmony with its environment.

2. What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about concerning the hospital?

A．The storage of rainwater.

B．The flood control measures.

C．The air conditioning system.

D．The sustainable design features.

3. How did Kashef sound in his press statement?

A．Encouraged.	B．Concerned.
C．Disappointed.	D．Relaxed.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．The Structure and System of Bangladesh Hospital

B．Bangladesh Hospital Named World's Best New Building

C．Kashef Chowdhury: The Designer of Bangladesh Hospital

D．The Royal Institute of British Architects Organized an Award

4 . The Nautilus expedition to the Cayman Islands

Hi! I’m Talita and this is my blog! Enjoy!

Day 1: August 15th

Wow! I can’t believe I’m actually here on Nautilus. I’m one of five very lucky students chosen to go on Nautilus’s four-day expedition (探险) to the Cayman Islands. We had a talk from the expedition leader Dr. Katy Croff Bell, about where we’re going and what we’ll be doing. Oh, and all the safety rules as well, of course!

Day 2: August 16th

What an amazing day! In the morning, we met Dr. Robert Ballard, who discovered the wreck (残骸) of the Titanic! After lunch, we had a tour around Nautilus. We looked at the labs, and we went up to the bridge — that’s where the captain of the ship works. I even got a chance to guide the ship! Later we learned about Hercules. This robot is sent deep into the sea to look for shipwrecks, to study the plants and animals, and to look at the rocks in an area.

Day 3: August 17th

This morning we appeared on the Nautilus Live website and talked to students around the world about our expedition. It was amazing — I feel like a real famous person now! The afternoon was NOT cool, however. There was a big storm, and we all felt very seasick!

Day 4: August 18th

This morning was beautiful, and the sea was peaceful. Perfect for a dive. Unfortunately, it was Hercules, not us, who got to go diving. In the afternoon, we arrived at Grand Cayman. Although I’m sad to leave the Nautilus team (especially Hercules), I’m excited to explore the islands and the waters!

1. How did Talita feel about taking part in Nautilus’s expedition to the Cayman Islands?

A．Surprised.

B．Excited.

C．Worried.

D．Doubtful.

2. What is the robot Hercules used for?

A．Giving diving shows.	B．Exploring the deep sea.
C．Helping with lab work.	D．Guiding tourists around the islands.

3. What did Talita do on Day 3?

A．She learned about the history of the Titanic.

B．She attended a speech from the expedition leader.

C．She shared her expedition with students worldwide.

D．She visited the place where the captain of Nautilus works.

5 . The Great Wall in China is one of the greatest wonders of the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Different sections of the Great Wall have distinctive landscapes, and in this flower-blooming season, which one would you prefer to take a tour of?

Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall is located in the northwest suburb of Beijing. It extends in all directions and therefore got its name as Badaling. Due to the strategic importance of Badaling, it was the place where the military fought in the past.

Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu Great Wall, 70 kilometers from urban Beijing, is known as the best part of the Great Wall. With a unique architectural style, it expresses the essence of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). The ancient architecture and the beauty of nature is blended into one harmonious whole, giving rise to Mutianyu’s reputation as having the most unique beauty anywhere along the ten-thousand-mile-long Great Wall.

Simatai Great Wall

For anyone intent on experiencing a section of the Great Wall that keeps a more antiquated air, the Great Wall at Simatai remains one of the best options. It is also the only section of the Great Wall that provides a night tour for tourists. It is said that since the Ming Dynasty, there has been a tradition that people holding palace lanterns visit this section.

Jiankou Great Wall

The Jiankou section is one of the most dangerous parts and mountain hikers usually call it “the wild Great Wall”. With a total length of 7,952 meters, the Jiankou Great Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty and was neglected, becoming damaged over time. It is much preferred by photographers due to its primitive appearance.

1. Which section of the Great Wall is the best option for architecture lovers?

A．Badaling Great Wall.	B．Mutianyu Great Wall.
C．Simatai Great Wall.	D．Jiankou Great Wall.

2. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A．The Badaling got its name due to its strategic importance.

B．The Mutianyu Great Wall covers a distance of 70 kilometers.

C．Tourists must hold palace lanterns to visit the Simatai Great Wall.

D．The Jiankou Great Wall’s original features have attracted photographers.

3. Where is the passage probably from?

A．A history textbook.	B．A research paper.
C．A travel brochure.	D．An architecture magazine.

6 . 上周末你的学校组织了一次爬山活动，请把这次经历作为日志记下来。日志应该包括下列要点：
1.出发的时间、地点和乘坐的交通工具；
2.爬山途中令你印象深刻的事情。
注意：词数不少于80词。
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7 . If you want to bring your cat along on a weekend break somewhere in the UK, where are the best places to go?

The Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel, Hitchin

The Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel offers home-cooked food and comfortable bedrooms. The historic country house is set in four acres of gardens, with scenic views across Hertfordshire’s countryside. Small pets are allowed, but make sure they are well-behaved. And they are not allowed on the beds. If they cause any extra damage or mess, like mud, then there will be an extra charge.

The Tiggers Cottage, Berkshire

The Tiggers is a beautiful, 180-year-old, black and white Tudor cottage located within a moment’s walk of pretty Bray High Street with lovely views over the gardens. Your cat will love the coal fireplace and the owner’s two pet dogs, Sambuca and Truffle, are always on hand to join you for a walk if your cat would rather enjoy the enclosed garden.

The Jack Russel Inn, Andover

The Jack Russell Inn welcomes all forms of four-legged friends. With natural beauty and wildlife in the surrounding areas, this lovely place also offers local food that celebrates great British produce. Not to mention the warm underfloor heating you and your cat will want to rest on.

The Roast Ox Inn, Wales

Located in Painscastle, Wales, this cat-friendly Inn offers wonderful sights of natural beauty, from rivers, forests and mountains, to nearby market towns. The hotel offers bedrooms with super-king sized beds, and a cat Michael, the owner’s pet, who is always on hand to welcome guests.

Click here to book a stay.

1. What do The Tiggers Cottage and The Roast Ox Inn have in common?

A．They both have a long history.

B．The large bedrooms are provided.

C．They are both near the market towns.

D．The owners’ pets are friendly to guests.

2. Which place offers a good heating system?

A．The Roast Ox Inn.	B．The Tiggers Cottage.
C．The Jack Russel Inn.	D．The Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel.

3. Where can readers find this text?

A．From a local magazine.	B．From a travel book.
C．From a newspaper.	D．From a webpage.

8 . Top Tokyo Unique Experiences

Tsukiji Fish Market Visit

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate, during this 4-hour sushi-making class and a visit to the outer Tsukiji fish market. Tour one of the world’s largest seafood markets with a guide as you learn how fish is caught, distributed and sold. Then turn your attention to sushi-making, learning to prepare nigiri sushi with the help of a sushi master. Finish your experience by enjoying your creations for lunch.

Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku

Seeking out the well-hidden back-path bars of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district is extremely tough for outsiders. But insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city deserve. You can easily access tiny bars with just a few seats if you are in a small group of no more than eight people. Among them, Izakaya bar boasts (以有……而自豪) its unique drinks and snacks, which help gain much reputation for it.

Musubi Home Cooking Class

Master the basics of home-cooked Japanese cuisine in a comfortable setting. Head to the instructor’s own home for hands-on cooking lessons and learn how to prepare a meal from scratch, with one main dish plus two sides. Choose from Japanese classics like deep-fried chicken or seaweed-wrapped sushi rolls, and partake in the time-honored art of cuisine in the capital—then dine on your home-prepared delicacies.

Asakusa Rickshaw Tour

Climb aboard a traditional Japanese rickshaw (人力车) for an unforgettable view of the Asakusa district in Tokyo. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to some of Tokyo’s many landmarks, districts and temples while clarifying the history behind them all. Enjoy scenic views of maple and cherry trees, gardens and skyscrapers. And also explore the traditional business streets, where goods of fine quality will make you too delighted to be homesick.

1. What can visitors do in both Tsukiji Fish Market Visit and Musubi Home Cooking Class?

A．Explore a local market.	B．Enjoy tasty self-made food.
C．Take a fish cooking lesson.	D．Experience a fisherman’s life.

2. What’s your best choice if you love shopping?

A．Tsukiji Fish Market Visit.	B．Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku.
C．Musubi Home Cooking Class.	D．Asakusa Rickshaw Tour.

3. Where does the text probably come from?

A．A business magazine.	B．A geographical journal.
C．A travel website.	D．A cuisine book.

9 . Most Famous Libraries in the World

Trinity College Library

Designed by Thomas Burgh, the library is the largest in Ireland. Construction on the Long Room, the library’s 65-meter-long main hall, began in 1712 and lasted 20 years. The original structure only had books on the lower level, but when the library’s shelves were filled in the 1850s, the ceiling was raised to accommodate even more books. Today the Long Room holds 200,000 of the library’s oldest books.

Stuttgart City Library

Opened in 2011, the German library is a splendid light-gray cube consisting of glass blocks designed by Eun Young Yi. Inside it, you’ll find an airy central room, above which sits a multi-story stepped reading room lined with bookshelves. The library towers over the nearby buildings.

Library of Parliament

Taking the form of a Victorian Gothic chapter house complete with 16 flying buttresses, the 1876 Library of Parliament is one of Canada’s prized architectural treasures — it’s on the ten-dollar bill. Architects Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones took inspiration from the British Museum Reading Room for the structure, lining the central hall with delicate wood shelves and wood carvings.

Rampur Raza Library

Founded in the late 18th century, the Indian library is home to a massive collection of Islamic and Asian texts and objects. The pink structure that houses the collection today was built in 1904 by Nawab Hamid Ali Khan as a mansion of Indo-European style, The Rampur Raza Library was later shifted to this grand building in 1957.

1. Of the following libraries, which is the oldest?

A．Trinity College Library.	B．Library of Parliament.
C．Stuttgart City Library.	D．Rampur Raza Library.

2. Who designed the library appearing on the ten-dollar bill?

A．Eun Young Yi.	B．Thomas Burgh.
C．Nawab Hamid Ali Khan.	D．Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones.

3. What do the four libraries have in common?

A．They house the rarest books.	B．They were unusually designed.
C．They were expanded as needed.	D．They overlook surrounding buildings.