2 . Competing for a Trip to Soma Bay, Egypt

Soma Bay is a perfect place for sunny relaxation. If you take a trip there, you can also take part in the competition we organize.

The Destination

Lapped by the Red Sea on three sides and with views of sandy beaches and desert mountains, Soma Bay can attract nature lovers most, Spreading across almost 2,500 acres, the Egyptian tourist attraction has an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player, a golfing enthusiast, as well as the largest Thalasso spa in Africa. Kiteboarding, diving and horse riding are all on offer, too.

Of Soma Bay’s five accommodation options, a five-star hotel enjoys a fantastic location on the highest point of the Soma Bay peninsula. It has a number of guest rooms and suites with private balconies, as well as four on-site restaurants, You can enjoy beach-side pizza, take afternoon tea, or stop for a drink by the 18th hole. They are all offered by the hotel.

The Prize

With the official permission of Soma Bay, the winner can enjoy a four-night stay in a classic room at the five-star hotel on a half-price basis. The prize includes return economy class flight tickets with overhead cabin luggage from the UK to Hurghada International Airport up to the value of £650 per person, with direct routes available from cities including London, Manchester and Bristol, plus return airport transfers to Soma Bay (UK transfers aren’t included).

To Enter

Answer the following question online at natgeotv,com/uk/competitions:

ON WHICH SEA IS SOMA BAY LOCATED?

Competition closes on 31 October 2023.

The winner must be a UK adult resident, aged 18 or over.

1. What does the five-star hotel offer?

A．Games on a golf course.	B．Tickets for kiteboarding.
C．Something to eat and drink.	D．Accommodation on the beach.

2. What can the winner get?

A．A free stay in the perfect hotel.	B．A return airport transfer to the UK.
C．A possible direct flight ticket from Bristol.	D．A first class flight from the UK to Hurghada

3. What do we know about the competition?

A．It welcomes children.	B．It covers multiple questions.
C．It targets at Egyptian citizens.	D．It ends on the last day of October.

4 . There are plenty of exciting destinations with low prices. Let’s look at three of the best.

Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary. The city is famous for its cafés. There are several good ones to choose from, but you must try Gerbeaud. Finally, you can’t leave the city without visiting one of its amazing Turkish baths. Some of them date back to the 16th century. The Hotel Gellért has a wonderful complex open to the general public, and the Széchenyi Baths are the largest in Europe. The baths in the Városliget (the City Park), which you can enter from Heroes’ Square, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and another place you must see.

Bucharest

Once you are in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, you should visit Manuc’s Inn, which is a 19th-century caravanserai (商队客店). It’s located in the Lipscani District (the heart of the city), and it’s a journey back in time to when Bucharest was an important trading centre. It’s also a great place to have lunch and a drink. Classical architecture is everywhere, of course, and the Casa Presei Libere (The House of the Free Press) is a good example of this.

Sofia

From Bucharest, it’s only 300 kilometres to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Sofia is an ancient place, and parts of the city walls date back to the 7th century BCE and can still be seen. You should find time for the Boyana Church. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has amazing wall paintings dating back to 1259. You should also take a trip out of the city to explore the Vitosha, a wonderful place for skiing in winter.

So, we hope we’ve given you a few ideas of places to spend your holiday.

1. What can we learn about Manuc’s Inn?

A．It is far from Bucharest.

B．It is of superior quality.

C．It is a trading centre now.

D．It is of special historic interest.

2. What do Széchenyi Baths and Boyana Church have in common?

A．They are a good size.

B．They are only open to locals.

C．They are in Budapest’s City Park.

D．They are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

3. Where should you go if you are a ski lover?

A．Vitosha.

B．Gerbeaud.

C．Városliget.

D．Casa Presei Libere.

5 . 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。
Hi Mum and Dad!

Well, here we are in Cairo at last. This morning, we explored an old market area. It was very atmospheric and filled with lots of interesting things. I    1    (buy) a beautiful necklace for you. Mum—it looks just like one    2    Queen Cleopatra would have worn! Anyway, we’re going out to eat some more of Egypt’s national dish now.

6 . Here are some tours to ancient silk road explorers

Xi’an—Terracotta Warriors & City Wall

In the morning, uncover the underground army of Qin Shi Huang-the awesome Terracotta Warriors. Of course, you will be amazed by thousands of vivid clay statues in life-size and the hidden truth behind the eternal army.

In the afternoon, drive back to the city to visit the 600-year-old City Wall. Be sure to try the local specialties like roujiamo and yangrou paomo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Supper

Overnight: Xi’an

Xi’an—Jiayuguan

First, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is regarded as the symbol of Xi’an, and Hanyang Tomb, which shows the scenes of life in the Han Dynasty. After that, fly to Jiayuguan. On arrival, be picked up and transferred to your hotel by your local guide.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Jiayuguan

Kashgar

Start your tour of Kashgar with a visit to Idigar Mosque (清真寺), which is one of the largest mosques in China, and Abakh Khoja Tomb, which was built by the Khoja family who ruled the area over 300 years ago. Your last stop for today is Sunday Bazaar, a great place to wander around and watch locals buying and selling everything from household items to goats, camels, horses, hats, rolls of silk, spices, etc.

Overnight: Kashgar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Urumqi

Heavenly Lake is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in China, with lush (郁郁葱葱的) forest and snow-capped mountains surrounded. It is the best place near Urumqi to relax. Today, drive about two hours to the lake. You can I take a boat cruise on the lake, or simply walk around.

Overnight: Urumqi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

1. What shows the scenes of life in the Han Dynasty in Jiayuguan?

A．Hanyang Tomb.	B．Idigar Mosque.
C．The City Wall.	D．The Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

2. What is special about the tour in Kashgar?

A．You can visit places of interest.	B．You watch trades of the locals.
C．You will visit Heavenly Lake.	D．You see a snow-capped mountain.

3. Which tour allows you to have three meals there?

A．Kashgar.	B．Urumqi.
C．Xi’an-Jiayuguan.	D．Xi’an-Terracotta Warriors & City Wall.

7 . Travelling the world is something that leaves an impact on your being. Here is a list of inspiring destinations that are bound to change your life. Some completely influenced who I am today, and some are at the very top of my bucket list.

Kenya

The beautiful Maasai people are a symbol of family and love, and although some of their cultural traditions may not be accepted by everyone, their willingness to accept others and cherish the beauty of Kenya is truly hard to ignore.

Kenya’s incredible land showed me the importance of appreciating all living beings and helped me recognize that regardless of our species, we have far more similarities than differences. Visiting this country made me realize that living in harmony with wildlife is something that we all should fight for, no matter where we might be in the world.

Myanmar

Unlike so many other destination in Asia that have been crowded by tourists, this county’s historic appearance is still entirely existent. Ancient temples are scattered across the land, and the quiet, peaceful Buddhist approach to life is still very much common.

For many people, Myanmar is a destination that brought peace back into their lives. Due to its large Buddhist population. —almost 90% in fact—this country makes you appreciate all life on Earth like never before, while its untouched landscapes make you fall head over heels with the world.

Much like India, this is a diverse country where people live side by side in harmony, regardless of religions.

India

India is a place that teaches you so many important life lessons. A lot of people have asked me what it was about this country that made me change so much, and I honestly couldn’t tell you. It’s a true mixture of seeing various sights, being absorbed in the unique atmosphere, and learning about spirituality and many diverse religions.

1. What influence did visiting Kenya have on the author?

A．It let him accept their cultural traditions.

B．It brought peace back into his life.

C．It helped him appreciate all creatures.

D．It made him realize all species are so different.

2. What do Myanmar and India have in common?

A．The various religions.	B．The abundant wildlife.
C．The untouched scenery.	D．The crowded temples.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A news report.	B．A travel blog.
C．A science magazine.	D．A geography textbook.

8 . Did you ever think that it would be possible to travel the world in just seconds from the comfort of your own home? Well, thanks to new technologies, you can be anywhere with just a click. Check out some free virtual（虚拟的）trips!

Central Park

As one of the world's biggest attractions, Central Park is an area of natural beauty located in the very heart of Manhattan. In this tour, you'll be able to see the Strawberry Fields and"walk"through the park's grassland. If you're in the mood for attractive green leaves and plants, this tour will certainly suit you.

The wonders of Japan

Take a tour across this beautiful country with a 360-degree VR movie from the Japan National Tourism Organization. You'll be able to explore tradition and modernity all at once, and enjoy the mixture of fascinating cultural sites and the most beautiful natural spots.

The Grand Canyon

No wonder the Grand Canyon in Arizona is considered one of the world's treasures. The virtual tour, provided by the U. S. National Park Service, lets you discover ancient places within the canyon and seek them in an interactive way.

Everest

Experience what it feels like to climb the world's tallest mountain with Everest VR: a pair of Virtual Reality headphones especially made for this journey. Have you ever imagined experiencing a rock- climbing fall? Or just admiring the sunset from the top of the mountain? This journey will take you to places you never thought possible.

Are these trips just about moving from one point of the globe to another? Or perhaps they're really about being able to slow down, look around and appreciate the surroundings right before our very eyes. Therefore, let's mentally move away from our day-to-day routines and concerns, and get in touch with the natural world outdoors.

1. What's special about the 360-degree VR movie of Japan?

A．It mixes cultural sites and natural beauty.

B．It focuses more on modernity than tradition.

C．It is an adventurous journey across the country.

D．It mainly shows the Japan National Tourism Organization.

2. What can people do while viewing the Grand Canyon?

A．Visit the Strawberry Fields.

B．Enjoy modern cultural sites.

C．Experience a rock-climbing fall.

D．Explore some historical remains.

3. What should be prepared for the virtual journey to Everest?

A．A pair of special headphones.

B．A map of the mountain.

C．Enough lights.

D．Safety equipment.

9 . 美丽中国，美丽龙岩。龙岩是位于闽西的一座美丽的城市。假设你是龙岩一中的学生李华，请你以“美丽的龙岩”为话题，向你的英国笔友Harry介绍一下你美丽的家乡―龙岩。
要点包括：1.龙岩的概况：地理位置、历史、名人等；
2.龙岩人为了建设龙岩所付出的努力；
3.邀请Harry来龙岩。
注意：1.词数100左右；信的开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。
2.可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Harry,

Thanks for your last letter. You asked me about my hometown, and now let me tell you.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Best wishes!

Yours,

Li Hua

10 . 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。

Ecotourism is commonly regarded as low impact (影响) travel to undisturbed places. It is different from traditional tourism because it allows the traveler to become     1     (educate) about the areas - both in terms of geographical conditions and cultural characteristics, and often provides money for conservation and benefits the     2    (develop) of the local areas.

Ecotourism has     3    (it) origin with the environmental movement of the 1970s. It was not widely accepted as a travel concept     4     the late 1980s. During that time, increasing environmental awareness made it desirable.

Due to     5     growing popularity of environmentally-related and adventure travel, various types     6     trips are now being classified as ecotourism. Actually, a true eco-friendly trip must meet the following principles:

·Minimize the impact of     7    (visit) the place.

·Build respect for and awareness of the environment and cultural practices.

·Provide     8    (finance) aid and other benefits for local peoples.

·Make sure that the tourism provides experiences for both the visitors and the hosts.

Komodo National Park, officially recognized in 1980, is popular for ecotourism because of its unique biodiversity.    9    (activity) there range from whale watching to hiking (远足) and accommodations aim     10    (have) a low impact on the natural environment.