2 . 阅读下面短文，根据题目要求用英语回答问题。

In the southern part of France, away from the charm of Paris and the scenic Riviera, lies Toulouse, often referred to as “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City.” Its nickname comes from the unique terra-cotta bricks used in many of its, buildings, giving the city a distinctive style.

Historically, Toulouse traces its roots back to the ancient times. It was originally established by the Celts in the 4th century BC and later became a significant Roman settlement. The city’s strategic position near the Germane River made it a well-known trading center in ancient Europe. By the Middle Ages, Toulouse had become a major center of trade due to its dye industry. This trade brought immense wealth to the region, and the city’s grand houses and public buildings from this era reflect is opulence (繁华).

However, Toulouse was not just a center for trade. Its history is marked with intellectual pursuits. By the 13th century, Université de Toulouse was established, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The institution attracted scholars from various parts of Europe.

In modern times, Toulouse is famous for its aerospace industry. Home to Airbus, one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturers, the city is a center point in global aviation. This modern achievement connects with Toulouse’s rich history, showcasing a combination of the old and the new.

One of the most significant landmarks in Toulouse is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an architectural marvel from the Romanesque period. The church stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance during the medieval (中世纪的) times. Another notable part is the Capitole de Toulouse, which houses the city hall and a grand opera building. Its facade, made with the characteristic pink bricks, showcases the essence (本质) of Toulouse.

Despite its historical significance and achievements, Toulouse often remains overshadowed by other French cities. Yet, those who went to this southern gem find themselves fond of its rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its inhabitants.

Visiting Toulouse offers an opportunity to step back in time while remaining firmly grounded in the present. It’s a city that embraces is past, cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism. In the European cities, Toulouse shines as a wonderful, yet irreplaceable one.

1. Why is Toulouse called “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City?”
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2. What are the reasons for Toulouse to become a center of trade in the history?
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3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin stands as a testament to the city’s intellectual significance during medieval time.
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4. In your opinion, which city in China is like Toulouse, which cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism? Why?
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3 . Amish Country is one of Ohio’s most beautiful places. In addition to good food and shopping, you can also learn about Amish history and experience their culture through Amish home tours and buggy rides.

a buggy ride

Amish Heartland Tours

If you would like to learn about Amish life and culture while enjoying a tour of the beauty of Amish country, Amish Heartland Tours can make it happen, offering buggy rides, custom bus tours, and special “Backroad” experiences with meals in the homes of the Amish people. You will learn about the day-to-day life of the Amish from experienced tour guides and the local people themselves.

Tours last between 1 to 3 hours depending on your choice of destination and activities.

Yoder’s Amish Home

If you or your school group would like to learn more about the life of the Amish, a trip to Yoder’s Amish Home might be perfect for you. With guided tours of the house, property, and so on, you’ll learn about the history and lifestyle of the Amish up close.

Pet the animals in the old barn, learn a little German and meet their Amish teacher in their one-room schoolhouse, take a ride in a real Amish buggy, and enjoy a sweet treat from their bakery! Tours are led by local guides and last about 40 minutes.

Troyer’s Amish Tours

Experience the Amish Country with a personalized, and custom touch. Troyer’s Amish Tours offers several tours including 2 and 3-hour experiences, dinner in Amish homes, as well as special events. All of the tours are tailor-made with advance notice.

For the most memorable experience, use their online contact forms to plan your visit in advance.

Amish Heritage Tours

Amish Heritage Tours offers seasonally themed tours including many of the best things to do in Amish Country, with one to multi-day experiences including pick-up from your hotel, dinner, shopping, area theatre, and museums.

Plan your visit online in advance. Their website offers sample itineraries for each tour to make your stay rewarding and unforgettable.

1. Which tour is intended for school children?

A．Amish Heartland Tours.	B．Yoder’s Amish Home.
C．Troyer’s Amish Tours.	D．Amish Heritage Tours.

2. What is special about Troyer’s Amish tour?

A．It presents seasonally themed tours.	B．It features real Amish buggy rides.
C．It provides a museum experience.	D．It meets individualized needs.

3. What is the purpose of this passage?

A．To promote tours.	B．To introduce travel services.
C．To highlight a lifestyle.	D．To celebrate the local culture.

6 . 阅读短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

    1     (sit) back in my seat, I can’t quite believe that I’m about to travel along the railway that many foreign experts claimed was “impossible”. The train     2     (race) along steadily since it left Xining. All this time, the song “Sky Railway” has been playing inside my head. The words “railways like massive dragons are winding among the mountains” seem     3     (particular) vivid as I travel across the “roof of the world”.

7 . 阅读短文，在空白处填入适当的内容或括号内单词的正确形式。

The train left Beijing Railway Station,     1     (make) its way to Hainan Island. I was 20 years old, but it was the first time that I had traveled so far. I     2     (long) for the adventure before I set out on it. Like many other college students, I wanted to make use of a summer vacation to see life away     3     my home and parents. It was a good beginning, and no matter what happened, I was determined to prove my ability to survive.

8 . 语法填空

    1     (locate) in the northeast of the Tibetan Highland, Qinghai Lake is usually No. 1 on “Most Beautiful Lakes in China” list. It has very different scenery in different seasons. In spring, the surrounding mountains and wetlands take on a fresh green look with     2    (colour) flowers and white snow. In summer and autumn, the lake     3     (decorate) with golden clothing, as thousands of hectares (公顷) of rape flowers spread out from Qinghai Lake’s shores. In winter, snow and ice cover the surface of the lake, and the lake becomes quiet.

9 . 阅读下面短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

Construction of the Tower of Pisa began in 1173     1     Pisa was a center of power and wealth. But work was stopped several times because of wars. The eight-story tower was not completed until the late 1200s. The tower itself is made of marble (大理石) and     2     (weigh) 16,000 tons. However, the leaning of the tower was not for its weights     3     for the soil underneath. The ground is     4     (soft) on one side than on the other. The south side has sunk 6.1 feet below ground level in the past centuries. The north side has sunk 12.3 feet!

10 . The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is responsible for evaluating and judging whether a place could be titled The World Heritage Site. The group chooses sites based on historical and cultural importance, as well as their beauty.

The World Heritage in Beijing

Constructed from 1406 to 1420, The Temple of Heaven is an imperial complex of religious buildings situated in the central area of Beijing. The Temple of Heaven was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and was described as a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design.

The Temple comprises three main groups of constructions: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, The Imperial Vault of Heaven and The Circular Mound Altar.

The World Heritage in Luoyang

Situated on the central plain of China, Luoyang is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization.

The Longmen Grottoes, south of the city, were excavated and carved from 493 AD to 1127 AD. It was listed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2000.The images were carved as outside rock reliefs and inside artificial caves. There are as many as 100,000 statues within the 2,345 caves. The area also has over sixty Buddhist pagodas.

The World Heritage in Wiltshire

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in England. It consists of a ring of standing stones, topped by connecting stones. The whole monument, now ruinous, is oriented towards the sunrise on the Summer Solstice.

Stonehenge is regarded as a British cultural icon. The site and its surroundings were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1986.

Archaeologists believe Stonehenge was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. It could have been a burial ground from its earliest beginnings.

1. What can we learn about Stonehenge?

A．Stonehenge is a symbol of British culture.

B．Stonehenge has a history of 3000 years.

C．Stonehenge consists of stones and wood.

D．Stonehenge is not oriented towards the sunrise.

2. According to the passage, we can learn that ________.

A．there are 100,000 caves in The Longmen Grottoes

B．The Temple of Heaven has three main groups of buildings

C．only one site in Luoyang is listed in The World Heritage Sites

D．the Temple of Heaven has been titled the World Heritage Site for 30 years

3. What do the three sites in the text have in common?

A．They have caves, halls and statues.

B．They are ancient imperial buildings.

C．They all have historical and cultural value.

D．They are connected with Buddhist culture.