1 . The sister cities of Sapporo and Portland, in Japan and Oregon, US, share more than a cosmopolitan outlook: Both were frontier towns in the second half of the nineteenth century and then developed into important centers of city life and culture.

Founded in 1845, Portland became rich through serving as a shipping port and through its lumber business. Agriculture is also important to Portland, and the area has become known for the fine wines produced there.

In 1857, Japanese people arrived on the island of Hokkaido. Sapporo was settled as a farming community and later became a producer of beer and milk products. In the 1880s, it became a center for the export of coal. Sapporo also hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.

Portland became Sapporo’s first “sister city” in 1959. In 1986, the Sapporo Sister Cities Association was founded, and Sapporo went on to create ties to cities in Germany, China, and Russia. Portland also enlarged its family with other sister cities.

The deep tones of a huge bronze bell, a gift from Sapporo to Portland, resonate at certain times throughout the area near the Portland Convention Center. Another gift, an antique stone lantern in the form of a tower that arrived in 1963, was placed near the Upper Pond in Portland’s Japanese Garden on stones arranged in the shape of the island of Hokkaido.

1. It can be inferred from the passage that ______.

A．It is quite warm in winter in the city of Sapporo

B．Portland is famous for its locally produced wines

C．Sapporo became Portland’s first sister city in 1959

D．People in sister cities learn about each other’s cultures

2. Which is the correct order in which the events took place?
a. Sapporo was settled as a farming community.
b. Sapporo founded its Sister Cities Association.
c. Sapporo became Portland’s sister city.
d. Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics.

A．a-b-c-d.	B．c-a-d-b.
C．b-a-c-d.	D．a-c-d-b.

3. What is the main idea of this passage?

A．Sister-city relationships exist between many-great world cities.

B．Sapporo and Portland are famous cities of urban life and culture.

C．Sapporo and Portland are sister cities that have much in common.

D．Sapporo once gave a huge bronze bell to its sister city of Portland.

2 . Treasure Hunt Through Modern-Day Ruins

Urban exploration of abandoned man-made structures became popular in the 1990s when modern society was fast forwarding into the next century. Left behind were relics of human civilization. Far away from modernization, rusted in air, tangled in weeds and vines, ruins tell forgotten tales and sometimes become history in and of themselves.

Punch Buggy Scrapyard

MOAB, UTAH

Vintage car lovers won’t want to miss this huge car disposal yard, the impressive open-air TomTom’s Volkswagen graveyard-a father-and-son cooperation begun in 1961 with eight cars. From buses to Beetles to Karmann Ghias to Squarebacks, hundreds of cars, car windows, doors and tires form a rainbow colored fleet contrasting with the dry yellow ground.

Game of Thrones’ End

KUPARI, CROATIA

Six miles east of Dubrovnik, one of the main filming locations of the hit series Game of Thrones’ King’s Landing, is a bay of abandoned hotels that witnessed Croatia’s real power play. It was once a seaside resort for the military elite before the Yugoslav army destroyed it during the Croatian War in the 1990s. What exists today at the complex of former glory are overgrown weeds, graffiti and rusty remains.

Once Upon a Gold

ATHENS

Stadiums that once housed tears and sweat, cheers and boos during the 2004 Olympic games are now left for weeds. The beach volleyball arena, aquatics center and other venues were abandoned because of little local interest and lack of planning when the $15 billion grand building was being erected.

Twining Romance

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Nearly a century ago, Spanish sugarcane cutter José Paronella wanted to build a castle in the rainforest for his wife. The resulting wonderland-Paronella Park-with vines twining on stone pillars and moss peeping out from cracks has been open to the public since 1935. Its current owners are dedicated to “maintaining and preserving” the primitive beauty of this renowned carbon neutral tourist attraction with 7,500 flora and fauna (动植物).

1. Which place might interest a fan of TV series?

A．MOAB

B．KUPARI

C．ATHENS

D．QUEENSLAND

2. What caused the Olympic stadiums to be abandoned?

A．Lack of public awareness.

B．Overgrown weeds.

C．High construction cost.

D．Insufficient planning.

3. Which of the following statement is TRUE according to the passage?

A．Punch Buggy Scrapyard started with eighty different cars.

B．Competitions are still held in the venues of the 2004 Olympic games.

C．Game of Thrones’ End is a glorious theatre where plays were performed.

D．Paronella Park is preserved to present its original and natural beauty.

3 . For people who are planning a trip, a visit to a museum might not be the first thing they think of. After all, there are plenty of ways to appreciate the world’s civilization, gain exciting experiences and spend quality time with family and friends.     1    

Museums are where people learn something new, at every age! Are you interested in something specific?     2    . There, you will find yourself drawn in and inspired! Museums are a fantastic place to learn about a region’s history, scientific achievements, major cultural events, and of course, dinosaurs. They also design exhibitions related to visual arts, industrial innovations and anything that inspires an individual to learn about the past and create new paths to the future.

    3     They will surely be an exciting part of the educational experience with the main purpose to expose children to knowledge of various fields and expand their horizons. To achieve that, museums are working to create meaningful and engaging activities, interactive and knowledge-based.

Museums support tourism. They are tourism promoters in small towns and large cities. Museums aren’t a burden on tax revenue (税收) or a separate concern from other city projects.     4    Statistics show that museums support more than 726, 000 jobs in America.

Museums shape communities. They have activities and exhibitions through which visitors can learn about local history. Museums are places where a shared heritage is celebrated and a collective identity is formed. They provide an interesting public space where people meet and talk to each other.     5    

A．Museums bring out the best qualities in children.

B．Museums often deliver kids-centered exhibitions.

C．Instead, they generate funding and fuel employment.

D．Then, visit a local museum to learn about that subject.

E．Even shopping at the gift shop there is an opportunity for connection.

F．On the contrary, they consume a small percentage of city funds annually.

G．The fact, however, is that museums offer magical benefits in many ways.

4 . Whatever your interest is — Titanic, history, food, music or even Game of Thrones’ filming sites — one of the different tours on offer here in Belfast can satisfy you.

.GAME OF THRONES TOUR

A guided coach tour takes you to explore some of the exciting filming sites in the hit show. You can step into “Winterfell” and experience archery in a recreated film set in “Stark Family” costumes, or even meet some “Stark Family” members!

.TITANIC TOUR

Take the world’s only guided Titanic Boat tour to see the ever changing story of Belfast’s rich sea heritage and how the area has developed into a major tourist attraction. Exploring the Titanic story, the boat tour allows you to view the Titanic Quarter from the water. You also have a chance of seeing many seals living in Belfast.

.MUSIC TOUR

Take a bus journey through the heart of this rock and roll city. Sit back, relax, and enjoy music by way of amazing guitar players, from folk songs to rock and Hollywood soundtracks. Finish up at the wonderful Belfast Music show at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in the Cathedral Quarter.

.CITY TOUR

If you’re short on time but still want to get a general overview of the city, book a private guided taxi tour or a guided open top bus tour. It’s the best and quickest way to find out all about the city’s history and other places of interest.

1. Which tour is suitable for visitors with limited time in Belfast?

A．GAME OF THRONES TOUR.	B．TITANIC TOUR.
C．MUSIC TOUR.	D．CITY TOUR.

2. What can visitors do during the TITANIC TOUR?

A．Learn how to sail a boat.	B．See a large number of seals.
C．Appreciate the movie Titanic.	D．View the Titanic Quarter on land.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

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

5 . STEM

Innovative. Eye-opening. Inspiring.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math constantly reshape the communities we live in. Our STEM tours challenge students to develop imaginative solutions to global problems through critical thinking and creative expression.

Health Sciences in Great Britain

Paging the next generation of doctors, nurses, and health professionals — this tour through England and Scotland is for you. Trace the innovations that shaped Britain’s modern healthcare landscape, and participate in hands-on workshops to discover how real-life medical careers operate.

Robotics, Engineering, and the Future of Cities in Japan

Home to countless organizations specializing in robotics and engineering, Japan is at the forefront of innovation in sustainability and human mobility. From high-speed superconducting magnetic (磁悬浮) trains to ASIMO the robot, see how the future of cities is closer than you think in Japan. You can take a guided tour of Tokyo with a STEM expert before visiting other Japanese cities.

Agriculture in Ireland

Get your hands dirty as you experience the farm-to-table journey — an important part of life in Ireland — by visiting a variety of local farms around the country. Learn about organic and sustainable farming practices, the impact of climate change on traditional food production, and how each agricultural product requires specialized care.

Reef (礁) Regeneration and Conservation in Australia

As the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef is the foundation of Australia’s coastal ecosystems. And Townsville, which will serve as your base of operations for this tour, is a world-famous center for scientific reef research and conservation. Conduct a field survey with koalas and snorkel (潜水) alongside the Reef.

1. Which best suits those expecting a career in medicine?

A．The tour in Great Britain.	B．The tour in Japan.
C．The tour in Ireland.	D．The tour in Australia.

2. What does the tour in Ireland provide?

A．Healthcare workshops.	B．Robot programming classes.
C．Labor experience in the fields.	D．A field survey with sea lives.

3. Who is the text aimed at?

A．Artists.

B．Adventurers.

C．Volunteers.

D．Students.

6 . Italy has more must-see sights than you could squeeze into a lifetime. With so much to do and see, most visitors can’t wait to wander around, taking in everything. Fortunately, getting around this slender, boot-shaped country is easy, thanks to superb transport services. Here’s what you need to know about getting around in Italy.

Travel by train for the stunning views in Italy

Italy boasts an extensive rail network spanning the length of the country, meaning most major cities-including Rome, Florence, Naples, Bologna and Palermo-are connected by regular train services. Best of all, you can sit back and soak in the gorgeous scenery in between them.

Buses are the most inexpensive way to explore Italy

Though slower than trains, buses are a cheaper form of transport in Italy, and they provide access to smaller towns and villages not served by Italy’s rail network. Buses are run by private companies with a web of routes that stretches to most places of the country.

Getting around by car means maximum freedom

Having a private vehicle in Italy means you can travel at your own pace and visit regions with minimal public transport, which is particularly handy in the mountains. Parking can be hard to find in urban areas and local drivers have a reputation for being impatient and quick to use their horns.

Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside in Italy

Cycling is a great way to explore every comer of villages and backroads in the countryside. It’s very popular in northern Italy, including in the Alps and Dolomites, but less so in the south. Bikes are not allowed on motorways but they can be carried on some ferries, and on regional trains displaying the bicycle logo.

Click here to get more information about traveling in Italy.

1. Which means of transport can take visitors to most major cities?

A．Taking a train.	B．Taking a bus.
C．Driving a car.	D．Riding a bicycle.

2. What can travelers do by bike in Italy?

A．Cross cities in a convenient way.

B．Explore the countryside in depth.

C．Travel everywhere at their own pace.

D．Admire natural scenery with comfort.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A transport guide.

B．A travel website.

C．A geography textbook.

D．A tourism advertisement.

7 . Are you looking for some good places for you and your four-leg friend? Here are some for you.

Tahmoor Gorge (峡谷)

The number and quality of swimming holes in this valley immediately take us back to some of our favourite places in Kakadu national park. The only difference here is that you don’t need a four-wheel drive, so the best way togo to the gorge is walking. This pet-friendly walk follows the Bargo River through an open gorge that gradually drops to a deep gorge. It is a popular place for locals on weekends. The further you run into the gorge, the less people there are.

Sirius Cove, Mosman

Sirius Cove is one of many quietly beautiful places along the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach walking trail (路线). The deep, U-shaped bay, with a large grassy area, is popular with picnicking families and their dogs.

Kutti Beach, Vaucluse

We heard about it from a friend, but it is so hidden that it is not easy to find the entrance. Follow Wharf Road until it dead ends at the Vaucluse Amateur Sailing Club. Go right up to the building and look left. There is a very narrow set of stairs leading to the beach. Go down the steps and open the gate at the bottom. Follow the narrow road along the wall to the sand. The best bit? It’s dog-friendly.

MacKenzies Beach, Tamarama

From whale watching hot place MacKenzies Point, follow the sloped (斜的) road to MacKenzies Beach, a dog-friendly, short-time beach that only appears every couple of years when the right combination (结合) of wind and sand on the normal rocky reef. They say you aren’t a local until you’ve seen sand at MacKenzies.

1. What do we know about Tahmoor Gorge?

A．It’s a must to drive there.

B．It’s a popular place on weekdays.

C．It’s a good way to go there on foot.

D．It’s a popular place for foreign visitors.

2. Which is the most hidden place according to the author?

A．Tahmoor Gorge.	B．Kutti Beach, Vaucluse.
C．Sirius Cove, Mosman.	D．MacKenzies Beach, Tamarama.

3. What do the four places have in common?

A．They are beside the sea.

B．They are dog-friendly.

C．They are places where whales are seen.

D．They are open to the public only on weekends.

8 . Four Best Outdoor Winter Activities Around the Midwest

Don’t let winter freeze you out. When the outside ices over, Midwesterners should take advantage of it. Look through our list and find the season’s coolest activities.

Walk on (Not) Thin Ice, Wisconsin

Once you walk, the ice talks, or rather, sings. When you step onto a frozen lake (remember, the ice must be at least 4 inches thick), it responds with different sounds. Even in the stillness of winters, the lake reminds you it’s still here—and still alive.

Let It Go, Minnesota

To all Queen Elsa’s fans: Your palaces are waiting for you. Ice artists here have carved walk-through castles with underground passages, slides and frozen fountains looking like natural formations. At night, colorful LEDs light up the ice. Take a seat on an ice throne—the cold never bothers you anyway.

Sled(乘雪橇) like an Olympian, Muskegon, Michigan

Live out your Beijing 2022 fantasies at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. Three-time Olympian Frank Masley designed an 850-foot long track where green hands are accepted. Sleds can reach speeds of up to 30 mph on it. Come and enjoy this unique experience!

Fly a Kite, Clear Lake, Iowa

In the clear blue sky, a school of fish is streaming in the wind, tailed by a hungry, fierce dragon. Look up, and you’re floating in a fantasy world. Look down, and you realize you’re grounded—on solid ice. Clear Lake’s Color the Wind kite festival began about 20 years ago to brighten up dull winter days.

1. What do Activities 1 and 4 have in common?

A．They feature the beauty of winter.	B．They make the lake more attractive.
C．They are done on the ice.	D．They include a special festival.

2. Where can people enjoy ice sculptures(雕塑)?

A．In Minnesota.

B．In Wisconsin.

C．In lowa

D．In Michigan.

3. What can people do at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park?

A．Sled with an Olympian.	B．Design their own track.
C．Celebrate the Winter Olympics.	D．Try sledding with no experience.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What do we know about David?

A．He has just changed jobs.

B．He has taken a lot of fancy pictures.

C．He has been working hard recently.

2. What does Maggie really hope to do?

A．Make more money.

B．Have a nice holiday.

C．Travel to more new places.

3. What does Maggie want to do every morning on the island?

A．Swim in the sea.

B．Walk on the beach.

C．Enjoy the sea wind.

4. What will David buy this weekend?

A．Sun cream.

B．Swim shorts.

C．Towels.

10 . The bell rang. Jacob smiled and he was glad his math class was _______. He grabbed his lunch bag out of his backpack and looked inside. He blinked. Beside his usual lunch, there was an envelope. Jacob opened it and slid out a (n) _______. It was of a suitcase. Jacob _______ what it meant.

The next day at lunchtime Jacob opened his bag. A new envelope peeked out. Inside was a tiny toy _______. Now he was _______! When he got home, he asked his mother, “Are we taking a plane somewhere?” She just _______ at him, her eyes sparkling. “I guess it’s a mystery(谜)” was the only _______ she gave him.

Over the next few days, Jacob _______ more: a small American flag, a leaf from a palm tree and _______ a juicy orange. Then one day, when he finally got to open his lunch bag, there was ________ in it except for his usual lunch. His heart sank. Maybe he had been wrong after all. Maybe there was no trip. He was very ________.

Just before the end of the day, the school secretary handed Jacob a small box. “This is for you and ________ your mother outside.” He opened the box. A smile slid across his face. He ________ and pulled out a small black hat with two round mouse ears.

He hurried down to the main school doors where his mother and father were waiting, with suitcases. “We’re going to Disney World, right?” Jacob couldn’t contain his excitement. “Mystery ________,” laughed his mother. “Come on, we’re headed to the ________!”

1.

A．finished

B．organized

C．recommended

D．registered

2.

A．backpack

B．photograph

C．envelope

D．lunch

3.

A．recognized

B．requested

C．wondered

D．imagined

4.

A．bag

B．picture

C．suitcase

D．airplane

5.

A．awkward

B．amazed

C．content

D．curious

6.

A．laughed

B．rushed

C．smiled

D．shouted

7.

A．solution

B．answer

C．impression

D．strategy

8.

A．found

B．designed

C．compared

D．exchanged

9.

A．even

B．yet

C．still

D．again

10.

A．everything

B．nothing

C．anything

D．something

11.

A．impressed

B．frightened

C．stressed

D．confused

12.

A．meet

B．visit

C．call

D．challenge

13.

A．checked out

B．cleaned up

C．reached in

D．came along

14.

A．improved

B．explained

C．arranged

D．solved

15.

A．class

B．airport

C．home

D．school