1 . When places are well-known and popular— historical and modern alike— we might take it for granted that they’ll be around forever. But sadly, many of the world’s best known and culturally significant landmarks are in trouble.

Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak

This mountain, one of the Seven Summits, proves that even giants can fall to climate change due to the vast amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. While the mountain itself, located in Tanzania, isn’t in danger at present, its iconic snow cap might disappear—and shockingly soon. Research found that the snow cap had lost 85% of the total area of its ice fields between 1912 and 2007, and the remaining ice could be history as early as 2030.

Machu Picchu

Located in southern Peru, Machu Picchu is the remains of a huge stone castle that was built during the 15th century. These unbelievable Incan ruins are widely considered one of the must-see spots in South America. However, the site has been a victim of over-tourism, seeing the harmful effects of the crowds it gets as they wear down the structures. In addition, the area surrounding Machu Picchu has seen rapid development of the cities, as well as mudslides and fires, in recent years, leading UNESCO to work for its protection.

Everglades National Park

This stunning Floridian wildlife reserve has sadly found itself fighting for its life in recent years. As ‘the largest subtropical wilderness reserve’ in North America, according to UNESCO, it’s been a beloved travel destination for American citizens for decades, but the damage of time and human activity have not been kind to it. Its survival first came into question after it was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1993. But it’s human influence that has become the primary threat, as water flow to the site has decreased and the impacts of pollution have increased, resulting in harmful algal blooms (赤潮). Its vast, diverse wildlife is more threatened than ever before.

1. Which problem does Mount Kilimanjaro face?

A．Global warming	B．City development.
C．Over-tourism	D．Ice pollution.

2. What do these three places have in common?

A．They are the impacts of pollution and mudslides.

B．They are destroyed severely due to over-tourism.

C．They are famous but affected by human activities.

D．They are considered as victims of global warming.

3. What is threatened by human activity in Everglades National Park?

A．Lack of popularity.	B．Hurricane Andrew.
C．Algal blooms.	D．Diverse wildlife.

2 . Can you imagine the bad guy Megatron (威震天) chatting non-stop about small household affairs with a human being? Well imagine no longer as Universal Studios Beijing’s newest “employee,” Megatron himself, has earned social media fame on Chinese platforms such as Sina Weibo and Douyin for doing just this.

Searches for videos featuring the giant Transformer have increased. as Chinese netizens enjoy seeing him joke and amuse visitors at Universal Studios Beijing. “It must be a comedian who was from some stand-up comedy club and took a part-time job at Universal Studios,” one Sina Weibo user commented, representing the voices of many others.

Visitors who have had the chance to enter the park have recorded many videos of their experience and recommending interesting sights to netizens, who have been eagerly waiting to try out the park for themselves.

“Why are you alone here? Where is your boyfriend? Why did he stand so far away? Does he refuse to tell others about your relationship?” Megatron says in one video clip as he talks with a young woman standing in front of him to take pictures.

The Megatron suit is actually quite complicated. The performer wears the mechanical armor(盔甲)and interacts with the outside world via a remote control with a voice-changing microphone, according to 36kr.com.

The popularity of Megatron online has made many people more interested in visiting the park. “When I visited the Universal Studios during the weekend, there was a huge line of visitors waiting to take photos and talk with Megatron in the Transformers section,” a Beijing father of a 3-year-old boy said.

Many people who are still waiting to get into the park have said that the robot will be their first stop. “He is so different from the bad guy image in the movie. He’s cute.” a university student who has been won over by Megatron’s charm noted.

1. What do we know about the Megatron in Universal Studio Beijing from the passage?

A．Tourists are scared of its bad guy image.

B．It is a part-time comedian from a stand-up comedy club.

C．People who didn’t visit the park don’t know about Megatron.

D．Its personalities are different from those in the movie Transformers.

2. Why is Megatron in Universal Studio Beijing so popular according to the text?

A．It likes talking with young women.

B．The Movie Transformers is of great popularity.

C．It is very entertaining and approachable to the visitors.

D．Its armor and voice are cool with full sense of technology.

3. Which word can NOT be used to describe Megatron according to the passage?

A．Humorous.

B．Enthusiastic.

C．Appreciative.

D．Delightful.

4. Where does this text most probably come from?

A．A science fiction.

B．A travelling column.

C．A movie magazine.

D．A TV interview.

3 . Bike Rental & Guided Tours

Welcome to Amsterdam, welcome to MacBike. You see much more from the seat of a bike! Cycling is the most economical, sustainable and fun way to explore the city, with its beautiful canals, parks, squares and countless lights. You can also bike along lovely landscapes outside of Amsterdam.

Why MacBike

MacBike has been around for almost 30 years and is the biggest bicycle rental company in Amsterdam. With over 2,500 bikes stored in our five rental shops at strategic locations, we make sure there is always a bike available for you. We offer the newest bicycles in a wide variety, including basic bikes with foot brake (刹车), bikes with hand brake and gears (排挡), bikes with child seats, and children’s bikes.

Prices

	Hand Brake, Three Gears	Foot Brake, No Gears
1 hour	€7.50	€5.00
3 hours	€11.00	€7.50
1 day (24 hours)	€14.75	€9.75
Each additional day	€8.00	€6.00

Guided City Tours

The 2.5-hour tour covers the Gooyer Windmill, the Skinny Bridge, the Rijksmuseum, Heineken Brewery and much more. The tour departs from Dam Square every hour on the hour, starting at 1:00 pm every day. You can buy your ticket in a MacBike shop or book online.

1. What is an advantage of MacBike?

A．It gives children a discount.	B．It offers many types of bikes.
C．It organizes free cycle tours.	D．It has over 2,500 rental shops.

2. How much do you pay for renting a bike with hand brake and three gears for two days?

A．€15.75.

B．€19.50.

C．€22.75.

D．€29.50.

3. Where does the guided city tour start?

A．The Gooyer, Windmill.	B．The Skinny Bridge.
C．Heineken Brewery.	D．Dam Square.

4 . Canadians have many natural wonders with enough lakes, mountains and rivers to explore fora lifetime. Here are some of the best waterfalls in Canada.

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls are the most famous waterfalls in Canada. They are actually made up of three different falls, with Horseshoe Falls being the only one located on the Canadian side. Different viewing choices are available including the Hornblower boat cruise(游船). In 2007, the base of the falls was referred to as “World’s End” in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, British Columbia

Bridal Veil Falls are located in the east of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and really do look like their name, with water gently pouring over smooth rock. An easy 15-minute walk to the falls takes you through rich leaves. Picnic tables are available, and there are lots of chances for viewing wild plants and animals along the way.

Takakkaw Falls
Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Takakkaw Falls are the second-highest waterfalls in Canada. After a drive up a wandering road, these falls are only a short hike from the parking lot. Even though the falls can be seen from far away, the wonderful up-close views, impressive sound and cold mist provide an awe-inspiring (使人敬畏的)sensory experience.

Virginia Falls
Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

Coming in at twice the height of Niagara Falls, Virginia Falls are located on the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories. Virginia Falls are also called “Nailicho”, which means “big river falling” in the South Slavey language. These falls are very much out-of-the-way, which means they receive only about 1,000 visitors every year.

1. What do we know about Niagara Falls?

A．They include four falls in total.	B．They appeared in a movie.
C．They can only be visited by boat.	D．They are the highest falls in Canada.

2. What can visitors do in Bridal Veil Falls?

A．Observe wildlife.	B．Make a camp.
C．Drive through the falls.	D．See powerful waterfalls.

3. Which falls are difficult to reach?

A．Niagara Falls.

B．Bridal Veil Falls.

C．Virginia Falls.

D．Takakkaw Falls.

5 . A couple has completed a tiring 4,500-mile bike ride around Europe in the shape of an enormous bicycle, in a creative attempt to promote sustainable travel.

Accompanied by their dog Zola, David Smith, 35, and Arianna Saraghi, 40, rode through seven countries to create the striking image, motivated by their desire to raise awareness about climate change. After completing their 7237-kilometer journey earlier this week, the pair said they had narrowly beaten the Guinness World Record for the largest GPS drawing made by any mode of transport.

They are also, unsurprisingly, confident that they have traced the biggest ever GPS bicycle, estimating that theirs is roughly 600 miles wide. “Being able to see it on^ the map is mainly a relief,” Ms Saraghi said after recounting the problems they had along the way.

They initially set off in the summer of 2019, armed with a computer-designed route which they had followed to avoid cycling through Paris’Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, they were forced to stop after Ms Saraghi sustained a knee injury.

The Anglo-Italian couple tried again that winter, before giving up because it was too cold to camp. The Covid-19 pandemic then delayed the trip’s completion by another two years. “We had so many obstacles. When we started this time we were thinking—what can go wrong this time? We felt we had let people down by not completing it, and our life felt kind of stuck. So we’re very happy,” Ms Saraghi said.

The pair said they want people who see the GPS image to consider cycling shorter journeys rather than choosing to drive. “Cycling is cheaper, it’s healthy, it’s fun, and it’s often pretty fast. Please give it a second and consider if there is an alternative to the car- there may not be, but often there is,” Mr Smith told The Independent. The 35-year-old added that they also hope politicians, who come across their GPS bicycle are motivated to improve cycling infrastructure (基础设施) to encourage the public to travel sustainably where possible.

1. What was the purpose of the couple’s bike ride?

A．To enjoy a journey with their dog.

B．To encourage green travel on bikes.

C．To give warnings on climate change.

D．To create a striking means of transport.

2. What does the couple think of their journey?

A．Long and comfortable.	B．Creative and inspiring.
C．Relaxing and relieving.	D．Challenging and profitable.

3. Why do the couple feel happy?

A．They successfully improved public facilities.

B．They let people down due to many obstacles.

C．They realized the dream of changing their life.

D．They finally meet the expectation of the public.

4. Which of the following would the couple agree with?

A．In many cases cycling can be an alternative to driving.

B．The GPS bicycle can inspire people to give up driving.

C．Better urban infrastructure prevents sustainable travel.

D．Cycling is cheaper, funnier and faster than driving a car.

6 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

As the morning sun went above the hills, Liu Dachun’s wife was guiding her cow through the wetland, while Lu’s daughter, a college art student, spotted the pair and     1    (pencil) a quick drawing.

Shiyanping, a traditional Tujia village, has 182 well-preserved buildings    2    (construct) in the typical wooden building style,     3     (most)built in the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 2013, the ancient architecture complex    4    (recognize) as one of the nation’s major historical and cultural sites.

In recent years, the village’s unique building complex, as well as other Tujia cultural activities, have attracted a stream of tourists. The village received more than 100,000 visits and achieved     5    income of about 5 million yuan from tourism in 2022.

Liu Dachun, a skilled farmer, is hard at work preparing for spring plowing (犁地). He has tried out the rice-fish farming system,     6     not only benefits the environment but also local residents. According to Wu, fish raised in rice fields are more popular among consumers as they are environmentally-friendly — the fish waste can add natural fertility (肥料)to the soil    7    hence promote rice output. Quan Xiping,another 59-year-old villager, was among the first in the village    8     (establish) a family-run hotel. Meanwhile, his son started an online specialty store, capitalizing on the rapid     9     (grow) of rural tourism in the area. His e-commerce business is working more efficiently due to the village’s    10     (rise) appeal.

7 . Boston is an excellent place for a family vacation. There are many different fun and educational activities that are sure to interest visitors of all ages.

Explore the New England Aquarium

Located on the waterfront on the north end of the city, the New England Aquarium draws visitors from around the northeast. This aquarium gives visitors the unique opportunity to pet sharks. The aquarium is home to many kinds of sea life, including dolphins, penguins and seals. With ticket prices at $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for children over the age of three, a visit to the aquarium is an affordable addition to any Boston family vacation.

Visit Fenway Park

Whether or not you are a Red Sox fan, a visit to Fenway Park is an absolute must for any Boston family vacation. Baseball is the great American pastime, so if the Red Sox are playing while you are in the city, then you and your family might want to consider getting tickets, buying some hot dogs, and watching one of the best sports displays in the world.

Play at the Boston Children’s Museum

If you have young children in your family, then a Boston family vacation wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon at the Boston Children’s Museum. It is one of the best children’s museums in the nation. It features many different themed rooms, including bubble rooms, construction rooms, a climbing area, and play spaces for little ones who are not yet walking.

Dine at Quincy Market

Quincy Market has long been thought of as the social center of the city of Boston. In fact, Quincy Market was the first public market in the entire Boston. At this marketplace you can shop in more than 100 stores and find the perfect souvenirs. It is also a great place to grab a quick and cheap lunch, dinner or snack.

1. What can you do at the New England Aquarium?

A．Buy souvenirs.	B．Play with sharks.
C．See polar bears.	D．Watch cartoons.

2. Which place will you go to if you go in for sports?

A．Fenway Park.	B．New England Aquarium.
C．Quincy Market.	D．Boston Children’s Museum.

3. What is the text aimed at?

A．Encouraging people to visit Boston for vacation.

B．Comparing some famous attractions in Boston.

C．Telling people what they can do in some places.

D．Recommending several places for a family vacation.

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

During China’s dynastic period, emperors planned the city of Beijing     1     arranged the residential areas according to social classes. The term “hutong”,     2     (original)meaning “water well” in Mongolian, appeared first during the Yuan Dynasty.

In the Ming Dynasty, the center was the Forbidden City,     3     (surround)in concentric(同心的)circles by the Inner City and Outer City. Citizens of higher social classes     4     (permit)to live closer to the center of the circles. The large siheyuan of these high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen often     5     (feature)beautifully carved and painted roof beams and pillars(柱子). The hutongs they formed were orderly, lined by     6     (space)homes and walled gardens. Farther from the center lived the commoners and laborers. Their siheyuan were far smaller in scale and     7     (simple)in design and decoration, and the hutongs were narrower.

Hutongs represent an important cultural element of the city of Beijing. Thanks to Beijing’s long history     8     capital of China, almost every hutong has its stories, and some are even associated with historic     9     (event). In contrast to the court life and upper-class culture represented by the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, the hutongs reflect     10     culture of grassroots Beijingers.

9 . 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.

10 . Top 5 Travel Destinations in China

★ Yunnan — a colorful wonderland

Yunnan is the most diverse (多种多样的) and colorful area in China. You can admire different views, such as snowcapped mountains, rainforests, highland lakes, historical sites and amazing minority villages. It is famous worldwide for the Old Town of Lijiang, which has a history of over 800 years.

★ Guilin — the place to go for classic Chinese countryside

“East to west, Guilin is best.” Guilin’s countryside scenery (风景) draws millions of tourists from near and far every year. Its unique limestone ( 石灰岩) scenery is known as “the most beautiful on earth”. The Li River is the most beautiful sight in Guilin, which attracts many photographers in spring and fall.

★ Chengdu — the city of cute giant pandas

Giant pandas are so cute that many travelers want to see these lovely animals. Though there are giant pandas in zoos in many places around China, the best place to see them is in Chengdu. Visitors can also take part in volunteer programs to take care of giant pandas.

★ Tibet — nothing but pure beauty

Tibet is an attractive destination for many tourists. It is best known for rich Tibetan culture, unique

Tibetan architectural structures, extremely large grasslands, herds (群) of sheep, blue skies, clear water and fresh air.

★Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is famous for its high peaks (山峰), clear rivers, thick forests and diverse plants and animals. It is a must-see scenic area in China. Many foreign travelers’ attention was attracted to it through the filming of the movie Avatar.

1. What is Yunnan famous for?

A．The Old Town of Lijiang.

B．The rich Tibetan culture.

C．The highland lakes.

D．The unique limestone scenery.

2. What can visitors enjoy in Guilin?

A．Exploring minority villages.

B．Seeing herds of sheep.

C．Climbing the high peaks.

D．Admiring countryside scenery.

3. Where should visitors go if they desire to see the cute and lovely animals?

A．Yunnan.

B．Guilin.

C．Chengdu.

D．Tibet.