1 . Time and time again, I hear someone ask why anyone would want to keep an “ugly” building or a building that is dirty and clearly in need of work. I think you could say we preservationists (文物保护者) look at buildings through a different angle — an angle that can see the swan in the ugly duck, the story in the simple lines, the book behind the cover.
Take the Queen Emma Building for example. While people may remember that building being named as one of the ugliest buildings in town, the angle from which a preservationist will view the building is that it is uniquely constructed with an artistical brise-soleil (遮阳板) to block the sun. The designer used standard concrete bricks to form a decorative wall. Unfortunately, the brise-soleil was removed in 2011, making the building look like many of the contemporary buildings in town.
Sometimes people remember a beautiful site that was replaced by a “very unpleasant” piece of architecture and can’t get over their anger, even when that building becomes an important part of our story. This is particularly true in San Francisco where many preservationists themselves dislike anything newer, than the Victorian era. Yes, it was a tragedy that many failed to appreciate the Victorian buildings and let many get torn down several decades ago, but those losses also tell another important story. It tells the story of the 1950s and 1960s when there was hope for a more equal society with inexpensive housing for the working class. Should that history be wiped from our memories?
Preservation is not just about keeping pretty, well-kept buildings, but about conveying pars of our history — not just the history of huge events, but the story of how everyone used to go to a certain corner market. Our history cannot be told only in buildings that meet someone’s criteria of beauty; sometimes our history is painful, but no less important.
1. How do preservationists see buildings?| A．They focus on their value rather than appearance. |
| B．They pay great attention to ancient buildings. |
| C．They are devoted to repairing famous buildings. |
| D．They prefer ugly buildings to beautiful ones. |
| A．It’s confusing. | B．It’s pleasing. |
| C．It’s regrettable. | D．It’s unbelievable. |
| A．To wipe the history of the Victorian era. |
| B．To make land available for cheap housing. |
| C．To work off the deep anger of the working class. |
| D．To restore the architecture before the Victorian era. |
| A．To introduce some buildings with historical value. |
| B．To explain the reason why architects make ugly buildings. |
| C．To praise the work of preservationists. |
| D．To stress the importance of preserving ugly buildings. |
2 . While there are still a lot of unknowns about the coming year, one thing is certain: we need an escape. With a vaccine (疫苗) finally greenlighted, the future of travel is looking up, but what will be the safest trips to take while the world is still in continuous change? Think wide open spaces, small-group adventures and responsible tourism. Playing it safe doesn’t mean you can’t get outside your comfort zone and have a novel adventure next year, though. Here are the friendly escapes we’re dreaming of right now.
01 The Great American E-Bike Trip
California to Georgia
Consider a human-powered road trip with a long cycling adventure—made more accessible with some power from an electric assist bike. Discover the beautiful and bizarre (奇异的), from the Mojave country on an e-bike-friendly tour. TDA Global Cycling’s Great American Road Trip can be done in full, or broken down to a 10-day trip to explore one region.
02 Swim with Whale Sharks
Espíritu Santo Island, Mexico
Dubbed “The Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau, the Sea of Cortez is one of the best spots in the world to swim with whale sharks and sea lions. Located in Mexico’s least-populated state, Baja California Sur, this island has a natural protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of it. There are no hotels, but Todos Santos Eco Adventures offers a solar-powered luxury camp experience on the island, private-chef included.
03 Soak in the Natural Wonders
Hokkaido, Japan
While the world waits for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, consider Japan’s last-developed island as a refuge (庇护所) from the crowds. Rugged (崎岖的) and remote, Hokkaido is filled with unique natural wonders and adventures including trekking in untouched forests, fat biking on frozen lakes, soaking in onsens (温泉), or natural hot springs, and searching for the island’s rare red-crowned crane — the only place in Japan you can find the sacred bird.
04 See Kangaroo Island Bounce Back
Australia
Nearly a year after Australia’s bushfires destroyed over 200,000 hectares and killed billions of animals, new life is rising from the ashes. This 96-mile-long island is one of the best places to view Australia’s unique animals in the wild — kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and more. Support the recovery with regenerative (再生的) tourism, critical in reversing biodiversity loss. Swim with sea lions or sip some Jacob’s Creek local wine and watch the kangaroos bounce back.
1. What can you do on the E-Bike Trip from California to Georgia?| A．You can learn how to do recycling on the way. |
| B．You can complete the trip in small separate sections. |
| C．You can build up your strength with a human-powered bike. |
| D．You can improve your skills in handling an electric assist bike. |
| A．Animals on both islands are in danger of dying out. |
| B．They both offer solar-powered luxury camps on the sand. |
| C．Tourists can experience swimming with certain sea animals. |
| D．They are both natural protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| A．Visitors can find their quietness on the island. |
| B．People can skate on frozen lakes on the island. |
| C．Red-crowned cranes can only be found in Japan. |
| D．Hokkaido is a remote and least-developed refuge. |
| A．A long cycling adventure will be the safest trip to take in the future. |
| B．With appropriate medical measures the tourism industry will pick up. |
| C．Visitors should keep cautious about bushfires while visiting Australia. |
| D．Ecosystem has been disturbed since novel adventures became popular. |
| A．Science on a website. | B．Sports in a newspaper. |
| C．Environment in a book. | D．Travelling in a magazine. |
3 . Our guided tours here at Shakespeare’s Globe are an experience 400 years in the making.
Heaven to hell tour
Our unique heaven to hell tour experience offers Globe members the opportunity to discover the backstage world of Shakespeare’s Globe.
Join us in the heavenly attic (阁楼) towering above the theater before going down into the depths of “hell” underneath the stage to discover the secrets behind how our productions are staged. You’ll have the opportunity to visit our backstage stores and see props and costumes from the famous Globe productions before experiencing the thrill our actors feel when they step out onto the stage.
Twilight walking tour
Be transported back to a time of late-night cakes and ales (麦芽酒), midnight revels (狂欢) and demons, and the “Kingdom of Night” on our Twilight walking tour around the Bankside area and beyond.
Imagine city life without streetlights and visit the locations of Shakespeare’s own night-time adventures across the River Thames on the Northbank, including the original site of his candlelit Blackfriars playhouse.
Festive family tour
Celebrate the holiday season on a festive family tour of the magical Globe Theatre. Hear how Christmas was observed in Shakespeare’s time and the folk traditions that people practiced to welcome in winter.
This family-friendly guided tour will fascinate and warm even in the coldest of weather. But do still wrap up well- don’t forget our playhouse is outdoor!
Globe Theatre guided tour
Our world-famous Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse in which Shakespeare worked, and for which he wrote many of his most famous plays!
Our expert guide-storytellers will provide your group with a fascinating tour of the Globe Theatre auditorium (礼堂), colorful stories of the 1599 Globe Theatre, the reconstruction process in the 1990s.
Our guides will also bring the theater to life, exploring how the theater works today as an imaginative and experimental space for performance.
1. Which is an ideal tour for people who are fond of backstage stories of Shakespeare’s Globe?| A．Heaven to hell tour. | B．Twilight walking tour. |
| C．Festive family tour. | D．Globe Theatre guided tour. |
| A．On the River Thames. |
| B．Around Bankside area and beyond. |
| C．In Shakespeare hotel. |
| D．At Shakespeare’s Globe. |
| A．Go for a walk along the river. |
| B．Watch some plays on Christmas. |
| C．Explore how the theater works during the Christmas season. |
| D．Learn something about Christmas in Shakespeare’s time. |
| A．It shows what inspired Shakespeare to write his plays. |
| B．It is only available to Globe members. |
| C．Visitors can enjoy imaginative performance. |
| D．Visitors can hear the stories of the 1599 theatre. |
| A．Today’s Globe Theatre is a reconstructed work of the open-air playhouse. |
| B．The experience will also bring the theater to life. |
| C．You’ll have the opportunity to visit our stage stores and see our customers. |
| D．The experience will help us hear how Christmas was observed in Shakespeare’s time. |
4 . Sometimes, we need a little help and get back to a state of mindfulness when it comes to taking care of our physical and mental health. Wellness vacations are on the rise.
■ Ketanga FitnessWhen: April 6 — 10
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
What: Sweat it out surrounded by the red rocks of Arizona’s desert. P.E. Club owner Nedra
Lopez leads a mixture of high and low intensity workouts in the mornings and evenings. During breaks, guests will have plenty of time to explore the desert. After your last workout class, you can hit the town for dinner and drinks.
■ Rksolid Retreat
When: April 15 — 22
Where: Oahu, Hawaii
What: What better excuses to relax yourself in Hawaii than a retreat led by Barry’s Bootcamp star Rebecca Kennedy? During your week-long journey to Oahu, you’ll surf, climb waterfalls, and hike the Stairway to Heaven trail. In between all those workouts, Kennedy creates a special stretch and recovery class so you won’t skip a beat next day.
■ Wellness Immersion
When: August
Where: Amanbagh, India
What: The Amanbagh hotel offers 4-21 day programs focusing on immersion courses that focus on relieving stress from people’s body. Activities include hikes overlooking beautiful gorges, yoga and meditation sessions, and meals made with organic, locally harvested produce.
■ Mile High Run Club
When: August 18 — 28
Where: Reykjavik, Iceland
What: After landing in Reykjavik, runners can work towards their best time in the annual marathon, half marathon, or 10K. After a race, you’ll soothe your muscles in the geothermal Blue Lagoon spa and hit the ground running again with guided runs through Thorsmork National Park. Do we even have to mention Skaftafell’s crazy glacier views?
1. Which vacation will you choose if you want to visit desert?
| A．Rksolid Retreat. | B．Ketanga Fitness. |
| C．Wellness Immersion. | D．Mile High Run Club. |
| A．Go surfing. | B．Climb waterfalls. |
| C．Hike the Stairway to Heaven trail. | D．Attend a special stretch and recovery class. |
| A．enjoy a free hotel stay and service | B．visit Thorsmork National Park |
| C．taste food made by local organic produce | D．relax muscles in a geothermal spa |
| A．Men are the target vacationers. | B．They are combinations of wellness and scenery. |
| C．Courses and classes are arranged during them. | D．They are available all year round. |
| A．To promote marathon events. | B．To attract more tourists to America. |
| C．To advertise some P.E. clubs. | D．To introduce some wellness vacations. |
5 . Biking is an amazing family activity, but finding a route that can accommodate a wide-range of ages can be a challenge.
Lee McNeil and his family are crazy about biking. They have seven children, from 4 to 24 years old. When looking for a route, they look for enough protection from traffic, good surface condition, easy access and interesting views.
With that in mind, here are some great routes for biking with your whole family, as are suggested by McNeil.
Iron Horse Trail
This is the McNeil family’s favourite ride. The route is 26 miles and goes through the 2.1mile Snoqualmie Tunnel.
“Beautiful views, the thrill the tunnel, and places to stop and watch the rock climbers make it special,” McNeil said. “All our kids have taken their turn at braving the black tunnel bravely for the first time, which we celebrate it at the end of the ride.”
How to get there: If you prefer, check http://bit.ly/Mlt9y4 for more information.
Centennial Trail
The Centennial Trail runs for 23 miles from Snohomish to Bryant. The trail is wide and smooth, and is safe for kids as it is off the roads. A nice stop is Lake Cassidy east of Marysville. A dock on the lake is fun to explore. It also has picnic tables and washrooms for a convenient lunch time stop.
How to get there: The trail can be accessed from a number of trailheads. For a map, go to http://bit.ly/L5qCeY.
Cascade Trail
The Cascade Trail follows an abandoned Burlington Northern railroad grade for 23 miles between Sedro-Woolley and Concrete. Because it’s on a railroad grade, the slope is gentle and it makes for an easy family ride.
McNeil said it is a “beautiful ride up the Skagit Valley, with lots of places to watch wildlife along the river.”
How to get there: Go to http://bit.ly/PR4wOW to see a map showing the trail, parking areas and bus stops .
Other good choices
Snoqualmie Valley Trail: http://l.usa.gov/nWGWO
Guemes Island: http://bit.ly/LJ3RxL
Burke-Gilman Trail: http://l.usa.gov/s33li
1. We can learn from the passage that Lee McNeil ________.| A．has a large family |
| B．often travels with his family |
| C．teaches his children how to bike |
| D．spends lots of money on bike rides |
| A．Cascade Trail | B．Iron Horse Trail |
| C．Centennial Trail | D．Burke-Gilman Trail |
| A．see a small valley | B．go through a tunnel |
| C．have a picnic for lunch | D．watch the rock climbers |
| A．http://bit.ly/Mlt9y4 | B．http://bit.ly/LJ3RxL |
| C．http://bit.ly/L5qCeY | D．http://bit.ly/PR4wOW |
| A．ask people to learn from Lee McNeil |
| B．tell people how to make a family ride |
| C．introduce some routes for family rides |
| D．encourage more people to ride bikes |
6 . The Jishou Art Museum is located at the center of an old town in the city of Jishou. A river called Wanrong runs through the old town, adding a touch of serenity to the historical site. The architects decided to build the museum on top of the river in the shape of a bridge. By making the museum into a bridge, they hoped that people in Jishou would encounter art on their way to work, school, or shops, instead of only seeing it on a special trip.
Typical contemporary cultural institutions, such as museums and grand theaters, are treated as freestanding monuments, far away from the communities. The Jishou Art Museum, however, is integrated into the existing urban framework and well-connected with shops, restaurants, and small hotels, often with owners living upstairs.
Covered bridge (廊桥) has a long tradition in this mountainous region of China. It is used not only for crossing a river but also as a public space where travelers can rest and vendors (小贩) can set up stands. As a modern interpretation of this building type, the Jishou Art Museum has introduced art as a new addition to the covered bridge.
The art museum is composed of two bridges, one on the top of the other. The lower level is an open steel structure that looks like a roofed street for passersby and allows the flow of crowds; the upper level is a concrete arch with a small gallery inside. In between the two bridges is the art museum’s main hall for temporary exhibitions. The entrance hall, administrative office, souvenir shop, and tearoom are situated at either end of the bridge.
The Jishou Art Museum Project was initiated and supported by Huang Yongyu, a contemporary Chinese artist. The museum was completed in 2019 and had its grand opening in the summer of 2021.
1. Why was the art museum built in the shape of a bridge?| A．To help it stand on the river. | B．To reduce special trips to museums. |
| C．To make it the center of the old town. | D．To let people see art more conveniently. |
| A．It contains shops and hotels. | B．It is located in the city center. |
| C．It is a freestanding monument. | D．It is easily accessible from communities. |
| A．Its origin. | B．Its structure. | C．Its exhibitions. | D．Its significance. |
| A．History. | B．Science. | C．Architecture. | D．Entertainment. |
7 . In March 2020, when I stood alone in the middle of the main road to the Lake District, it felt like the end of the world. As a local farmer, I’ve grown used to the heavy traffic. But suddenly, everything changed. The lockdown brought quietness to the area, and I did feel a sense of relief to be done with the noise for a while.
Just off the main road is Matterdale, where I live with my family. We own a farm and our work focuses on tending farm animals. Like many who live in tourist attractions, we have been annoyed by some visitors. My farming would have been significantly easier without people parking in gateways, walking through the fields of lambs with loose dogs scaring them, or abandoning their tents along the river.
Despite my complaints, however, I would never reject visitors’ presence. I do understand their need for rest after months of urban life. In fact, I think I need them too. Of course, communities like ours rely on the income that tourism creates. But to me, there is something more personal. I once took my kids to the lake. Near the shore, we saw boys and girls playing together. A young dad was holding his kid’s hand as she tiptoed through the shallows. An elderly couple were sitting in the shade, admiring the view. I found myself content knowing that I was sharing this landscape with others.
As lockdown restrictions have relaxed and visitors started to come back, I wonder how we can coexist happily. For those who are reading this, I hope that my words can encourage you to respect the communities you visit, and understand the responsibilities that come with visiting those places. Our love can coexist, even if it sometimes makes life a little crowded.
1. What did the author think about the visitor-free Lake District?| A．Boring. | B．Peaceful. | C．Interesting. | D．Disappointing. |
| A．They polluted the water. | B．They scared his dogs away. |
| C．They caused damage to his farm. | D．They brought inconvenience to his work. |
| A．To earn more money. | B．To meet new people in his life. |
| C．To share the beauty of the land. | D．To let more people love his farm. |
| A．To advocate for responsible traveling. |
| B．To complain about tourism and travelers. |
| C．To suggest ways of supporting local communities. |
| D．To show the relationship between farmers and tourists. |
8 . Best Beaches in Connecticut
With its sandy beaches, nesting seabirds, and a number of seafood stands, Connecticut’s coastline is a hot spot for summer vacations that you shouldn’t miss.
Rocky Neck State Park
If you’re after a place to set up camp near the beach, head to Rocky Neck State Park. The park has the perfect combination of easy beach access, nature trails (小路), and activities to keep your children entertained. Its campground has been built to preserve the natural appeal of the park. With hardly any seaweed (海藻), this is also a great location for crabbing and fishing.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Characterized by soft sand and calming waves, Hommonasset Beach State Park is one of the state’s busiest parks. It’s the place to visit if you like your beach experience filled with fellow vacationers. Facilities in the park include Meigs Point Nature Center, an environmental education center which houses more than 50 species of wildlife from various habitats.
Calf Pasture & Shady Beach
Do you love the beach but find that you cannot sit still on the sand for more than five minutes? Well, Calf Pasture & Shady Beach is your beach destination. Here, you can spend the day by the water playing games like beach volleyball. For something more challenging, rent a kayak (独木舟) and get out on the water
Ocean Beach Park
Ocean Beach Park has plenty of entertainment for the little ones. There are water slides, a playground, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. These are the stuff of childhood summer vacation memories. The parking fee includes admission to the beach area, but the pool and attractions all cost extra.
1. What do Rocky Neck State Park and Ocean Beach Park share in common?| A．They are suitable for camping. | B．They require extra parking fees. |
| C．They allow fishing and crabbing. | D．They offer entertainment for kids. |
| A．It is a hot spot for summer vacations. | B．It allows you to meet fellow visitors. |
| C．It provides educational opportunities. | D．It contains various habitats for wildlife. |
| A．Rocky Neck State Park. | B．Hammonasset Beach State Park. |
| C．Calf Pasture & Shady Beach. | D．Ocean Beach Park. |
9 . What Is Your Next Destination?
Taste Tea in China
One of the oldest cultural landscapes in China is chosen to become one of the country’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2022. The Ancient Tea Plantations of Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er features about 1.13 million tea trees. Located in China’s Yunnan Province, the region was a sating point of the legendary Ancient Tea Horse Road. Many of the region’s tea plantations remain, as do the four local ethnic minority groups — the Blang, Dai, Hani, and Wa people — who preserve their own languages, customs, and festivals.
Dive Deep in Palau
When you arrive here, the stamp in your passport will include the Palau Pledge (誓约), which all visitors must sign, promising that “the only footprints I shall leave are those that will wash away.” The eco-pledge was drafted by and for the children of these remote western Pacific islands to help preserve Palau’s culture and environment from the negative impacts of tourism. Eighty percent of the nation’s waters is preserved as the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.
Run Wild in Australia
Green shoots of regeneration are appearing in Australia, of which some 72,000 square miles were, burned during the 2019-2020 bushfires, leading to the deaths of nearly three dozen people and more than a billion animals. Drive the Great Ocean Road, in Victoria’s Otways region, and then take a hike at Wildlife Wonders, an educational ancient forest and waterfalls. Wandering through bushes gives a chance to spot koalas unique to this ecosystem.
Go Green in Germany
Mining and steel production once dominated the crowded Ruhr Valley, in Germany’s western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Today, the region is repurposing previous industrial sites as parks and open air cultural spaces. The most famous is the UNESCO Word Heritage site of Zeche Zollverein, now home to an outdoor swimming pool, ice rink, and walking tails. You can rent a bike in Essen for a car-free Ruhr Valley trip along cycling routes.
1. What can visitors do in the Ancient Tea Plantations of Jingmai Mountain?| A．Ride horses on the ancient road. | B．Wander through bushes in parks. |
| C．Take bike trips along cycling routes. | D．Experience the cultures of the local minority groups. |
| A．To spread Palau’s culture. | B．To leave their footprints. |
| C．To protect the environment. | D．To explore the Pacific Ocean. |
| A．Both have experienced a second life. | B．Both won fame for rare animals. |
| C．Both are World Heritage sites. | D．Both used to focus on industry. |
I was traveling with my husband and three teenage sons, in the United States. We ordered our food at a fast-food place, and with my meal I also wanted a blueberry pie. My husband is the chatty one in the family and likes to socialize, so he started to a conversation about the place where blueberries grow with the girl. She answered, with some anxiety, “They grow on trees.”
The whole family’s jaws dropped! How could this girl not know where blueberries grow? We tried not to embarrass her, and just took the opportunity to teach her a little about how blueberries grow, on small shrubs on the ground. She seemed to appreciate learning something new. We can’t know all the same things, as you’ll see from the next thing I’m going to tell you.
In 2002 our family made a short trip to a coffee plantation. The road to the plantation was narrow filled with hairpin bends. I worried about hitting another car. We didn’t, lucky us! When we finally got to our destination, we learned a lot about the plantation and coffee production, but we didn’t see any coffee plants. Where were they? We decided to ask one of the people working there. “So where are the coffee plants? We can’t see them anywhere.”
She reached out her arm and caught a twig right next to us and explained, “This is the coffee plant and these little things will be coffee beans.” I looked around in embarrassment, as we were surrounded by coffee plants! She explained that coffee plants aren’t big and that they have to grow in the shade of other bigger plants. I appreciated her lesson.
We love our coffee, but I’m sure most of my countrymen would not be able to recognize a coffee plant among other tropical plants if asked. Our jaws can drop at different things, depending on geographical locations, at what we know and don’t know. Never take anything for granted!
1. What topic did the author’s husband discuss with the girl? (no more than 5 words)2. How do you understand the underlined part in Paragraph 2? (no more than 10 words)
3. How was the way to the coffee plantation ? (1 word)
4. What did the author learn from the worker? (no more than 15 words)
5. What inspiration do you get from the story? Please express it in your own words. (no more than 20 words)
