1 . It’s perhaps the world’s most famous underwater attraction that remained in film and in legend: the Titanic. But now experts say the ocean liner, once a wonder of the high seas, is falling to pieces.

Capt. Alfred McLaren, the scientist who in July led the most recent expedition to the ship’s underwater grave, said his team saw clear signs of the accelerating damage of the wreck (残骸). There was damage likely caused by rust and sea life, and the captain’s cabin had collapsed.

“I was absolutely astonished,” McLaren said.

Worse still, the fallen mast (桅杆) that crushed the ship’s deck is believed by many to be the result of an unapproved salvage (打捞) operation. “It was almost depressing to see how quickly she was getting worse,” McLaren says. “I would be really surprised if there’s very much standing up from the bottom, two decades from now.”

Ed Kamuda, who runs the Titanic Historical Society in Springfield, Mass., says adventure tourists — who pay $36,000 each to visit the wreck — are also contributing to the destruction of it.

“This is something I expected. I just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly,” Kamuda said. “People are going down just as an ego trip to say ‘I was there.’ All this takes a fare on the ship.”

The Titanic has sat at the bottom of the Atlantic since it sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage on April 14, 1912. More than 1,500 people died that night. The ship came to rest at the bottom of the freezing North Atlantic, more than 2 miles beneath the waves. The wreck was discovered in 1985, and since then it has been repeatedly visited by treasure hunters.

But still some scientists say those divers, and other thrill seekers are not necessarily to blame for the Titanic’s current problems.

Capt. Craig McLean of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration went on an expedition to the Titanic in June as part of a government study that is monitoring the condition of the ship. He says it’s unclear what part of the damage is from Mother Nature and which is from human nature.

“It’s too early and there isn’t enough evidence to put our fingers on anything,” McLean said.

Regardless, most agree there’s little that can be done for this most famous of wrecks. And soon, the mighty Titanic could well be lost again.

1. McLaren expected that in twenty years _______.

A．Only a minor part of the wreck would remain as it is

B．The wreck would be getting worse at a faster speed

C．Only salvage operation with the purpose of research would be approved

D．The wreck would be completely destroyed by unapproved treasure hunters

2. What is the tourist’s purpose of visiting the wreck, according to Kamuda?

A．To contribute to the breaking down of the Titanic.	B．To help finance the preservation of the Titanic.
C．To satisfy their curiosity and adventurousness.	D．To better understand the history of the Titanic.

3. Craig McLean is one of the scientists who believe _______.

A．Visitors should not be prohibited from the Titanic and other famous wrecks

B．The influence of the thrill seekers on the wreck will finally be determined

C．The government should contribute more to the monitoring of the Titanic

D．The damage of the Titanic is not necessarily attributed to the adventure tourists

4. The author is most likely to agree that the future of the Titanic is _______.

A．promising

B．discouraging

C．controllable

D．vague

2 . 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。

Recently, Chinese social media platforms have been discussing about “Zibo barbecue”,    1     (name) after the city Zibo    2     industrial city in Shandong Province.

Not long ago, a group of college students documented their Zibo barbecue trip on Douyin and son the city’s    3     (taste) and affordable barbecue started to catch peoples’ eyes on the internet. Since then, mouth-watering images showing a typical Zibo-style barbecue     4     (dominate) Weibo and Xiaohongshu, gaining more than 113 million views. Must-go restaurant maps were drawn up, and barbecue-themed high-speed train services and special bus routes     5     (establish) to make the small city more accessible to tourists from all over the country.

The city’s other attractions, such as the Haidai building, a    6     (beautiful) designed bookstore, also gained     7     (popular) thanks to visitors who want to make the most of their Zibo trip. According to data from Meituan, accommodation bookings in Zibo have increased     8    800% compared to 2019.

Zibo is one of the Chinese cities     9     have become a tourist hotpot with the help of social media. Its sudden rise inspired the hashtag (话题标签) “I speak for the specialties of my hometown” on Weibo. Under the hashtag, netizen post about their cities’ unique dishes,    10     (hope) their hometown may be the next Zibo.

3 . Top 4 National Parks in the World

Nature’s beauty knows no bounds and there is no better way to spend a holiday than breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the scenery of some of the world’s most magnificent national parks. The following four national parks invite you to truly enjoy the great outdoors.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in the greenery of Croatia. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases 16 lakes connected by refreshing waterfalls. Make your way along the wooden pathways that wind through the park and witness the waterfalls up close. A feast for the senses, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a true delight for nature lovers and photographers.

Troodos National Forest Park, Cyprus

Cyprus’ hidden treasure, Troodos National Forest Park, invites you to marvel at majestic mountains and the rich vegetation. Home to Mount Olympus, the highest peak on the island, you can enjoy pine-scented forests and pretty villages. Wander across ancient Byzantine churches that are hidden away among the greenery and vegetation displays.

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Although Montenegro is often overlooked as a destination, Durmitor National Park is a must for a true Alpine experience. With rough roads, it is home to limestone peaks, thick pine forests and ancient lakes. Wild goats and cattle can always be seen eating grass beside the lakes. One of the deepest canyons (峡谷) in the world, the Tara River Canyon, is a highlight worth seeing. Here you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking and white-water rafting (皮划艇).

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Khao Sok National Park in Thailand promises an unforgettable experience where ancient rainforests meet unique wildlife. Walk through one of the oldest rainforests in the world, where you’ll be able to see a range of vegetation and animals. Keep a lookout for playful monkeys, mighty elephants and the tigers pacing back and forth.

1. Which scenery do visitors of Plitvice Lakes National Park mainly expect?

A．The green forest.	B．The waterfalls and lakes.
C．The wooden pathways.	D．The deep canyons.

2. What makes Troodos National Forest Park different from the other three national parks?

A．Its rich plants.	B．The highest peak.
C．A good place for hiking.	D．People living there.

3. What do Durmitor National Park and Khao Sok National Park have in common?

A．They are both suitable for outdoor sports.

B．They both have canyons.

C．They both have wild animals.

D．They are both in Asia.

4 . Mia, 12, is now on a year-long trip with her parents and three younger brothers. Far from their home in Quebec, Canada, the family rode horses in Mongolia, kayaked in Cambodia, camped in Namibia and flew in a hot air balloon in Turkey, looking to collect as many once-in-a-lifetime memories as they could.

The memories really matter because unless science makes a breakthrough soon, three of the children will become blind, likely in adulthood. They have been diagnosed with a disease that has no effective treatment and no specific timeline as it gradually robs them of their sight.

The diagnoses came in 2015. Despite the grief, the parents were surprised to find Mia, then 7, was calm about it. She announced that she would need to start keeping her bedroom especially neat, with everything in its place. “In the future, I’ll need to know where things are,” Mia said.

“She’s finding solutions on her own,” the parents told each other. “We need to follow her lead.” And so the idea of a yearlong trip was born, one that would show the kids the world, in person and at close range – while the kids could still see it. For the next two years, the parents saved money and researched places to visit. “How we adults see the world and how kids see the world are so different.” says the mother, Edith. “It would have to be less about temples and museums and more about whatever caught their eyes.”

By the time the trip began to wind down in early 2023, the family had traveled 52,000 miles and visited 18 countries. Mia grew taller and when entering adolescence, needed more independence. Her brothers became more confident and outgoing. The kids were very aware that they had learned a lot. “There’s a lot of suffering, a lot of poverty, but lots of good and interesting things too. We should be positive.” said Mia.

1. What’s the probable function of the first paragraph?

A．To lead in the story behind.

B．To arouse the readers’ interest.

C．To provide background information.

D．To inform readers of a wonderful trip.

2. What can be inferred about the parents from paragraph 3 and 4?

A．They are optimistic about the children’s disease.

B．They are surprised at their daughter’s creative ideas.

C．They are proud of their daughter’s courage to face difficulties.

D．They are open-minded enough to respect their children’s decision.

3. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．The details about the year-long journey.

B．The keen anticipation of Mia about the future.

C．The changes of the kids physically and mentally.

D．The impression Mia had of what she had experienced.

4. Which is the best title of the story?

A．Seeing is believing.

B．Making the most of the vision.

C．Man who travels far knows more.

D．The eyes are the window to the soul.

5 . Immersive Disney Animation Singapore

Since its world debut in Toronto in December 2022, Immersive Disney Animation has already drawn audiences across 13 North American cities and made an intercontinental splash in Tokyo. Now, this much-awaited journey is about to hit South East Asia for the first time on 18th November 2023 at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands!

HIGHLIGHTS

The doors open up to a stunning 360-degree environment that will transport you into the world of Disney’s storytelling. From classic hits to the latest blockbusters like Frozen, Encanto, Zootopia, and Big Hero 6, you can journey through iconic scenes and meet the timeless characters.

The experience goes beyond mere visual delights. There’ll be lots of interactive elements too, including floors that move with you as you explore the galleries, bubble snowfall, wristbands that light up in different colors, and more. Of course, children will be provided with protective gear when they are exploring with parents.

It is also a hands-on adventure that will ignite your creativity and deepen your understanding of the art of animation. Inside the gallery filled with rarely seen exhibits from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, you can discover animator’s character sketches and get to know some of the incredible animators behind Disney’s legacy. There is also an interactive drawing table to try your hand at drawing your own cartoon characters and make them move.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: From 18th Nov 2023 (Sat)

Opening hours:

Mon–Thu & Sun: 10 am – 10 pm

Fri-Sat: 10 am – 11:30pm

Duration: 90 minutes per slot (时间段)

Exhibition Time-Slots:

10 am; 11:30 am; lpm;2:30 pm;4 pm;5:30 pm;7 pm;8:30 pm

10 pm (Only applicable to Fridays and Saturdays)

Tickets: From $41

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW.

1. What can you experience in the Immersive Disney Animation Singapore?

A．Feasting your eyes on fantastic magic shows.

B．Interacting with Disney characters face to face.

C．Creating your own animated cartoon characters.

D．Enjoying a 90-minute newly-released Disney film.

2. What is a suitable time to go to Sands Theatre for the exhibition?

A．10 am, 19th Nov 2023.	B．11 am, 17th Nov 2023.
C．10 pm, 20th Nov 2023.	D．11 pm, 18th Nov 2023.

3. Where is this text most probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.	B．An official website.
C．A local newspaper.	D．An online shopping platform.

6 . 请根据原文故事内容在空格处填上合适的词(只限一个单词)，首字母已给出。

Exploring Peru’s Unique Tour Experiences

Peru offers a range of tour experiences that showcase its remarkable diversity.

The Amazon Rainforest Expedition

A short f    1     from Cusco provides access from the Andes to the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Afterward, a day-long boat journey leads to a    2     located amidst the forest. Over the next three days, travelers explore the rainforest alongside local guides, observing the u    3     plants and animals that call this place home.

Machu Picchu: A Historical Wonder

A four-day w    4     tour winds through the Andes Mountains, eventually arriving at the well-known city of Machu Picchu. Visitors have a day to explore this ancient city, known for its remarkable s    5     construction method. Here, stones were carefully shaped to ensure they fit together perfectly, so that no additional materials were needed.

Cusco: A Cultural Hub in the Andes

Cusco, once the Inca Empire’s c    6     from the 13th to the 16th century, offers a four-day exploration of its Spanish and local Indian culture. Visitors can stay in local hotels, visit museums, appreciate the city’s unique architecture, savor local cuisine, and explore local m    7    .

Lake Titicaca: A Tranquil Getaway

Travelers can enjoy the scenic countryside during a day-long journey along the new h    8     connecting Cusco to Lake Titicaca. Upon arrival, a boat ride transports visitors to one of the lake’s i    9     . Here, they can spend three days with local Uros families, residing in homes constructed from the p    10     that thrive in the lake’s clear waters.

7 . The Chubby Diaries creator is part of a community of larger-bodied travelers who are showing the world that they can do anything. Following them helps because you can be like, “Oh, this place works with larger bodies.”     1    .

Second plane seats and belt extenders

Southwest is one of the few airlines to offer plus-size passengers a free second seat. To ensure the extra space, Southwest recommends booking both seats beforehand, then making a request to get your money back.     2     Southwest states: “The armrest is the definitive gauge (测量仪) for a customer of size. If you’re unable to lower both armrests, you need a second seat.” Even if your frame fits between the lowered arms, you may still need a seat-belt extender.     3    .

Finding size inclusive trips

For Natalie Robinson, ziplining (压缩) in Costa Rica determined her bucket list. “Literally for the last 10 years, that’s all I talked about,” said the co-owner of Fat Girls Travel.     4    . Her fortunes changed completely on an August trip to Costa Rica, when a friend found an outfitter without weight restrictions. The guide said Robinson could dash through the rainforest as long as she could reach the starting point high in the tree tops.

    5    

When researching a trip, ask about weight restrictions as well as the availability of equipment that can accommodate your size. If you have concerns, bring your own equipment. Plus-size travelers emphasize the importance of being self-sufficient. Finding special clothes and equipment can be challenging in unfamiliar destinations.

A．Pack your own equipment

B．Find supportive travel groups and trips

C．Their extra efforts are paying off as they discover how to travel comfortably and confidently

D．Ziplining provides much convenience for those fat girls

E．Many airlines use the armrests to determine whether a passenger requires more space

F．Air-lines provide this extra piece of equipment free, and you can request it at the time of boarding

G．But ziplining generally has a weight limit, so she hadn’t been able to do it

8 . Fall is one of the absolute best times to go camping. Not only is the summer heat quickly fading from memory, but the landscapes are painted with vibrant colors as the leaves make their annual change from green to gold, crimson, and orange. If you’re planning a camping trip this autumn, we have some suggestions on where you should go, no matter which part of the country you live in.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Fall comes early to Acadia National Park, with the leaves beginning to change color in early September. Still, the park is one of the absolute best places to set up camp in the autumn, offering stunning views of the wonderful shades of nature that highlight the trees at that time of year. But, if you want to experience autumn in Maine at its finest, book a spot in the Blackwoods Campground.

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

The centerpiece attraction at Tennessee’s Fall Creek Falls State Park is its massive namesake waterfall, which plummets off a rock face 256 feet in the air. But, the park has amazing options for campers too, including more than 220 campsites spread out across five different areas in various parts of the 26,000 acre landscape. Summer lingers later in the Volunteer State, but autumn is no less spectacular once it arrives.

Carson National Forest, New Mexico

Home to New Mexico’s highest point—the 13,161-foot Mt. Wheeler—Carson National Forest offers visitors plenty of surprises. For example, in contrast to most of the rest of the state, the region isn’t a desert, which often catches first-time visitors off guard. The forest features a 16-mile long hiking trail and is home to elk, bear, cougar, big horn sheep, and other large creatures.

Gunnison National Forest, Colorado

With plenty of wild backcountry to explore, thousands of trails to wander, and some of the best fall colors found anywhere on the planet, Gunnison National Forest is a paradise for campers. The region has 56 designated campsite, allowing visitors to choose where to set up camp based on their favorite outdoor settings.

1. How long is the waterfall in the suggestions?

A．220 feet.

B．256 feet.

C．13161 feet.

D．26000 feet.

2. Which is the main reason why fall is a good camping time?

A．The scenery is colorful.

B．The summer is very hot.

C．The leaves are painted.

D．The landscapes are vertical.

3. Where should visitors go if they are interested in wildlife?

A．Acadia National Park, Maine.

B．Gunnison National Forest, Colorado.

C．Carson National Forest, New Mexico.

D．Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee.

9 . Grand Canyon National Park is consistently rated as one of the best national parks in the US and is one of those places that are crowded throughout the year. Camping in the Grand Canyon gives you a totally different feel. You’ll get more room, more silence and more time to enjoy the wide-open spaces. Why should you camp on the edge of the Grand Canyon? The night sky is beyond compare, not to mention the sunrise and sunset.

There is a beautiful unmarked trail (小路) nearby. It meanders (蜿蜒) through the trees and along the south edge of the canyon, with the most beautiful views of the Colorado River below. I made my way to the canyon edge for both sunrise and sunset every day. Both shows were spectacular, but sunsets were pretty crowded everywhere we went. Sunrise was a different story — perfectly quiet, except for the singing birds. I set my alarm for 4:20 am, left the kids sleeping in their tent, and made my way through the pack each morning. I’m sure there are lots of beautiful places to watch the sun come up on the edge, but my favourite was Moran Point, which provided a great view of both east and west. We were lucky enough to witness the full moon setting one morning while the sun bathed the canyon in its warm light.

The Grand Canyon is a magical but busy place. If you like your wilderness experience to be wild, consider visiting in the off-season, between October and April. The South Kaibab Trail offers wonderful views and relative silence for not much effort, but be sure to pack sunscreen, snacks and lots of water. Even meandering along the South Edge Trail from Grand Canyon Village will allow you to escape the groups of visitors.

1. Why do people camp on the edge of the Grand Canyon?

A．To save money.	B．To avoid the crowd.
C．To enjoy the fresh air.	D．To enjoy the beautiful night scene.

2. Why did the author like Moran Point?

A．It was where he enjoyed the sunsets.

B．He could listen to birds singing there.

C．It was a good place to see the sunrise.

D．He could see the full moon setting there.

3. When can people go to the Grand Canyon to experience more wildness?

A．In September.

B．In March.

C．In June.

D．In July.

4. What’s the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To share his experience of visiting the Grand Canyon.

B．To describe the beautiful scenes of the Grand Canyon.

C．To tell us where to camp in the Grand Canyon.

D．To advise us to visit the Grand Canyon.

10 . Tired of traditional sightseeing tour? Plan a literary tour of Britain to visit the places that shaped your favorite authors’ lives and inspired their stories. It’s a new way to get off the usual tourist routine.

Jane Austen

Though Bath proudly claims Jane Austen as a favorite resident due to its Georgian charm, Jane found true happiness in Chawton Cottage, where she published one of her most famous novels, Pride and Prejudice. Tourists can explore this historic cottage with guided tours.

William Wordsworth

If, like the 19th-century Romantic poet William Wordsworth, the sight of a field of golden daffodils (水仙花) has ever cheered your lonely hours, visit Dove Cottage in Grasmere. The well-known poem, Lonely as a Cloud, was penned when having a walk with Dorothy in the Lake District. The modest cottage, now owned by the Wordsworth Trust (信托基金), offers guided tours.

Agatha Christie

The UK’s “Queen of Crime”, Agatha Christie, was born in Torquay. Every year, the town celebrates the creator of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple with a festival that features talks, music shows and plays. When you visit the house, you can immerse yourself in the Christie mystery by exploring her collections and even booking a room on the top floor.

Charles Dickens

Born in Portsmouth, Dickens spent part of his childhood living near the Chatham Dockyards in Kent. Despite his time in London, Kent is the county most associated with the author of Oliver Twist and dozens of other familiar stories. He spent his final 14 years at Gads Hill Place in Gravesend, now a private school that can be visited in groups, by arrangement.

1. Which of the following works was written by William Wordsworth?

A．Pride and Prejudice.	B．Lonely as a Cloud.
C．Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.	D．Oliver Twist.

2. What is special about Agatha Christie’s house?

A．It’s owned and managed by a trust in Torquay.

B．It’s in a town that can be visited with guided tours.

C．Activities are held in recognition of Agatha Christie.

D．Tourists have special offer if they stay over for a night.

3. What do these above-mentioned places have in common?

A．They are similar to traditional ways of sightseeing.

B．They are most likely to attract literature enthusiasts.

C．They are the world’s most visited tourist attractions.

D．They are the best places to write great literature works.