1 . Skiing in Switzerland: The Complete Guide

Switzerland, as the first place in Europe to develop winter tourism, has a long skiing tradition. A long ski season, excellent snow conditions, and large skiing areas make Switzerland a perfect destination for skiers from around the world.

Where to Ski as a Beginner

• Saas-Fee: You can find plenty of English-speaking ski schools in Saas-Fee and lots of bunny slopes(初学者滑雪道) on which to master your turns. The beginner ski area is separate, so you can practice without getting in the way of other skiers.

• Grindelwald: Grindelwald is a great choice for those looking for a kid-friendly skiing experience. There are plenty of ski schools and several bunny slopes, such as the Bodmi practice area, which is fit for children. Once you’re ready to head up the mountain, about 30 percent of Grindelwald’s runs are rated blue, meaning they’re on the easier side.

Summer Skiing

Zermatt is home to the Theodul Glacier(冰川) where it’s winter year-round. With 13 miles (21 kilometers) of runs, it’s the largest summer ski area in Europe and attracts professional skiers looking to train year-round. The glacier slopes here offer attractive views and allow skiers to get a close look at the Matterhorn.

Budget Travel Tips

• Avoid the busiest time of year: Visit during the start or end of the ski season. Accommodation and lift pass prices are often higher over the winter holidays.

• Prepare your own meals: By renting a small apartment or home with kitchen facilities, you can save on dining costs by cooking your own meals.

• Enjoy the snow without skiing every day: Ice skating, winter hiking, and just having a snowball fight are all more affordable ways to enjoy the Swiss winter landscape.

1. What makes Switzerland a perfect destination for skiers?

A．Its long skiing tradition.	B．its well-developed tourism.
C．Its unique natural conditions.	D．Its convenient location in Europe.

2. What do Saas-Fee and Grindelwald have in common?

A．Having many ski schools.	B．Offering kid-friendly slopes.
C．Separating skiers of different levels.	D．Giving skiers a close Matterhorn view.

3. What is recommended to save money during the trip?

A．Avoiding taking the lift.	B．Eating at local restaurants.
C．Heading to smaller skiing areas.	D．Choosing the skiing low season.

2 . Over the last century, engineers all over the world have spared no effort to achieve the unachievable in bridge design.

Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge

No bridge is as long as the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in the world. The 164.8-kilometre-long bridge built in 2011 in China serves as part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. The trip from Ningbo to Jiaxing that previously took 4.5 hours has been reduced to two, thanks to this bridge.

Rio-Niterói Bridge

Completed in 1974, the Rio-Niterói Bridge in Brazil is the second-longest bridge in all of Latin America connecting the cities of Rio and Niterói across the Guanabara Bay. The Rio-Niterói Bridge is technically known as a “box-girder (箱形梁)” bridge, made of special concrete. It receives an astonishing 140,000 (or more) vehicles per day.

Hartland Covered Bridge

The Hartland Covered Bridge is the world’s longest covered bridge. The 1,282-foot-long bridge was opened in 1901 and has been on Canada’s list of National Historic Sites since 1980. Although it was originally built without a roof, the bridge was capped with wooden materials during the repairs in 1921.

Jiaozhou Bay Bridge

The newly-built Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in China was named “world’s longest bridge over water” by Guinness Book of World Records in 2011, a title previously held by the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The dispute was settled when the title of “longest continuous bridge over water” was given to the causeway, with the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge receiving the title of “longest bridge over water”.

1. On which of the following can trains pass?

A．Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge.

B．Rio-Niterói Bridge.

C．Hartland Covered Bridge.

D．Jiaozhou Bay Bridge.

2. What is special about the Hartland Covered Bridge?

A．It is a busy bridge.	B．It was built in 1980.
C．It has a roof.	D．It is a wooden bridge.

3. Where can you find the longest bridge over water?

A．In America.

B．In Brazil.

C．In Canada.

D．In China.

3 . When you’re sitting in class or behind your desk waiting for the clock to strike a time when you can go home, it is natural that the mind can wander (漫游) a bit. It is common for your mind to wander to a vacation and even travel the world. What if there is a way that you can travel the world without having to pay any money?

A person that managed to make it around the world without spending much was Shantanu Starick. How did he trade off his service? Starick realized that as a photographer he had a service that people would usually be willing to pay money for, but he would instead offer his photography service to anyone who could provide him with food, shelter and transportation. Starick has been traveling for a surprising 30 months and has visited countries ranging from the United States to Ecuador.

In English-speaking countries, trading off service and communicating aren’t difficult for Starick. However, in more far areas where there isn’t an English-speaking person in sight it can be quite difficult. More than anything locals appreciate (欣赏) the effort behind trying to speak their language, even if you don’t exactly sound like a native speaker.

You can do it too!

Honestly, with a bit of confidence, drive and a skill you can trade, you’ll be able to do exactly the same as Starick.

Start thinking about what you can do to get around the world without paying money. With our social networks and the connectivity our world has, you can easily connect with and market yourself to people across the world without any effort.

1. What is the author’s purpose in writing the first paragraph?

A．To introduce the topic.	B．To describe students in class.
C．To give an example for the text.	D．To show people’s state of mind.

2. What does the underlined part “trade off” in paragraph 2 refer to?

A．Join.

B．Exchange.

C．Stop.

D．Improve.

3. In locals’ opinion, which of the following is the key for the traveler?

A．The skill to trade off.	B．The confidence to succeed.
C．The determination to travel.	D．The effort to speak the local language.

4. What do we know about Shantanu Starick?

A．He is a professional traveler.	B．He is too poor to afford the travels.
C．He has a skill to travel without paying money.	D．He doesn’t say other languages except English.

4 . San Francisco Fire Engine Tours

San Francisco Winery Tour

Running: February 1st through April 30th

This delicious tour goes through the city on its way to Treasure Island where we will stop at the famous Winery SF. Here you can enjoy 4 pours of some of the best wine San Francisco has to offer. (Included in tickets price)

Departing from the Cannery: Tour times upon request.

Duration(时长): 2 hours

Price: $90

Back to the Fifties Tour

Running: August 16th through August 31st

This tour transports you back in time to one of San Francisco’s most fantastic periods, the 1950s! Enjoy fun history as we take you through San Francisco for a free taste of ice cream.

Departing from the Cannery: 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $90

Spooky Halloween Tour

Running: October 10th through October 31st

Join us for a ride through the historical Presidio district. Authentic fire gear(服装) is provided for your warmth as our entertainers take you to some of the most thrilling parts of San Francisco.

Departing from the Cannery: 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Price: Available upon request

Holiday Lights Tour

Running: December 6th through December 23rd

This attractive tour takes you to some of San Francisco’s most cheerful holiday scenes. Authentic fire gear is provided for your warmth as you get into the holiday spirit.

Departing from the Cannery: 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Advance reservations required.

1. Which of the tours is available in March?

A．San Francisco Winery Tour.	B．Back to the Fifties Tour.
C．Spooky Halloween Tour.	D．Holiday Lights Tour.

2. What are tourists required to do to go on Holiday Lights Tour?

A．Take some drinks.	B．Set off early in the morning.
C．Wear warm clothes.	D．Make reservations in advance.

3. Where can you find this passage in a newspaper?

A．Travel

B．Fashion

C．Society

D．Economy

5 . Teenagers who travel around the world alone have been making headlines quite often. A young person alone in a dangerous situation attracts attention and supporters. Young sailors also attract various views. For example, Jessica Watson was asked by the government to call off her solo trip across the ocean, yet the Prime Minister (总理) called her “a hero for young Australians” when she returned.   It seems views are poles apart on the ability and independence of young people.

Some experts tell us that teenage brains are likely to make wrong judgments. But such ideas often do not apply to specific individuals (个体) . Between the ages of 14 and 18, teenagers differ greatly in their abilities. The amount of independence that each is allowed should be determined not simply by their ages but by discussion with the related, responsible adults. Some teens are certainly inexperienced and make childish mistakes, but the ones who attempt dangerous journeys normally do so by winning the confidence of hard-headed and experienced adult supporters.

But it’s also wrong to think that any 16-year-old can make a hit as Jessica Watson. Watson calls herself “a common girl who had a dream”. Her purpose is to encourage teenagers but this idea can have the opposite effect of making them feel not good enough because great achievements are beyond them. Should all teens have such wild dreams? Actually, individuals face different conditions that limit their dreams.

Teenagers who travel around the world alone should not be judged by preconceived (先入为主的) views about young people. Nor should young “common” teenagers feel pressure to long for extraordinary personal goals. In fact, I believe the example of solo sailing overstresses what an individual can do. The teenage years are when most of us “common” people learn that we can achieve great things in cooperation with others.

1. Why is Jessica Watson mentioned in the first paragraph?

A．To set a heroic example for teenagers.

B．To point out the public’s interest in young people.

C．To introduce different opinions on teenagers’ adventures.

D．To show the Prime Minister disagreed with the government.

2. What can determine the amount of teenagers’ independence?

A．Different journeys.	B．Brain development.
C．Communication with adults.	D．Confidence in themselves.

3. What does Watson mean by calling herself “a common girl who had a dream”?

A．She likes dangerous journeys.	B．Teenagers can make success.
C．She can accept she is common.	D．Teenagers should go travelling.

4. What’s the author’s attitude towards teenagers’ act of travelling alone?

A．Doubtful.

B．Supportive.

C．Uncaring.

D．Uncertain.

6 . Visit the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is an advocate for the plant world. We welcome all to learn about the importance of plants and plant science, and the joy of gardening.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
November 19 this year - January 16 next year
       The NYBG’s Holiday Train Show - a favorite holiday tradition - has been making memories for over 30 years! See model trains pass through a wonderful display of more than 190 replicas(复制品) of New York landmarks, each re-created from natural materials.
T.H. EVERETT: ALIFE IN PLANTS
January 17 next year - January 22 next year
       Through T.H. Everett’s extensive archive (档案) held by the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, we explore this influential man’s extraordinary career, from his modest beginnings in England and early training at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to his path to the New York Botanical Garden.
ADMISSION
       All visitors, including members, need tickets for entry to the Garden. Purchase at the Garden or reserve your tickets in advance online and display them on your mobile device for quicker entry.

Pricing	Public	Member
Adult	$15	Free
Senior (65+)	$7	Free
Student (with ID)	$7	Free
Child (2-12)	$4	Free
Child under 2	Free	Free

OPENING TIMES
January: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m.
February - March: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m.
April - September: 10:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.
October: 10:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
November - December: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m.
1. What can visitors to the NYBG do on January 17 next year?

A．Create replicas of New York landmarks.

B．Learn about T.H. Everett’s career life.

C．Take a sightseeing train to tour around the NYBG.

D．Watch a show held by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

2. What is the admission fee for an adult member with a 3-year-old non-member?

A．$4.

B．Free.

C．$15.

D．$19.

3. When is the NYBG open to visit?

A．January 10 at 5:00 p.m.	B．October 12 at 6:00 p.m.
C．March 4 at 4:00 p.m.	D．November 5 at 9:00 a.m.

7 . I live in Xizhou in Yunnan Province, on the historic Tea Horse Road. I have to admit that when I first heard that Paul Salopek was going to walk the entire globe on his own two feet, I was blown away. I couldn’t imagine that there could be such an unusual person in the world.

Last May, I met Paul. He told me that it was his first time in China. He talked to me with great excitement about the history, migrations, and discoveries in my region of China. He spoke of the Shu-Yandu Dao (the Southern Silk Road), the travels of the 17th-century Chinese explorer Xu Xiake, the Tea Horse Road and the early 20th-century American botanist Joseph Rock. He also talked of Xuanzang. Paul considered many of them heroes and in a sense Chinese pioneers of slow journalism.

I decided to accompany Paul on his walk toward Yunnan. On September 28, 2021, we set out. Our days were simple: walk, eat, sleep, and repeat. We woke up at sunrise, set off in high spirits, and rested at sunset, dragging ourselves into exhausted sleep.

We met many people on the road. Some were curious, surrounding us and watching us; some gave us directions; some invited us into their home to take a rest; some spoke of the charm of their hometown. We met many beautiful souls, simple souls and warm souls. We were walking with our minds.

Together, we were impressed by the biodiversity of the Gaoligong Mountains. As I walked on ancient paths through mountains, I seemed to hear the antique voices of past travelers urging me to be careful on the road.

Looking back on the more than 200 miles I walked with Paul, I came to a realization. Walking for its own sake, while healthy and admirable, is only a small part of the benefit of moving with our feet. A deeper reward is rediscovering the world around us, shortening the distance between each other, and sharing each other’s cultures.

1. How did the writer first respond to Paul’s travel plan?

A．Scared.	B．Puzzled.
C．Disappointed.	D．Surprised.

2. What can we learn about Paul Salopek from paragraph 2?

A．He was a western journalist.	B．He had a knowledge of China.
C．He came to China several times.	D．He was Joseph Rock’s acquaintance.

3. What does paragraph 4 tell us about the writer and Paul?

A．They honored the ancestors.	B．They set off in high spirits.
C．They satisfied the locals’ curiosity.	D．They built bonds with people.

4. What is the main purpose of the writer’s writing the text?

A．To share and reflect on a journey.	B．To suggest a new way of travel.
C．To advocate protection of biodiversity.	D．To introduce and promote Chinese culture.

8 . Philadelphia offers a ton of attractions that are suitable for people of every age and here are some family-friendly attractions.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park, one of the best urban beaches in America, is an outdoor heaven on the Delaware River water front. Visitors can relax in a hammock, play on the playgrounds, and play games like table tennis and giant chess. Don’t miss out on the park at night when colorful LED lights hanging from tree tops make the entire area bright.

Blue Cross River Rink

Offering ice skating in the winter and roller skating in the summer, Blue Cross River Rink creates a fun, outdoor experience for the whole family. Visitors can play on the nine-hole mini-golf course during the summer, and enjoy eats and drinks from the on-site (现场的) bar and restaurant all year round.

Sesame Place

Big Bird, Elmo and the other stars of Sesame Street come out and play at Sesame Place, the only theme park in the nation starring the popular TV show’s most lovable characters. A water park, interactive activities, parades, fireworks and shows add to the fun.

Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches

On summer days, uniformed and professional storytellers at 13 storytelling benches throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District entertain visitors with true, free, three-to-five minute   tales   about   the   colonial (殖民的) era as part of Once Upon a Nation. Children can pick up a Story Flag at any storytelling bench, and then collect a star from every storyteller on their journeys. Flags with all the stars can get free rides on the Parx Liberty Carousel at Franklin Square.

1. Who would most probably go to Spruce Street Harbor Park?

A．People who are fond of colorful lights.

B．People who want to have a relaxing day.

C．People who have a preference for skating.

D．People who are interested in water activities.

2. Which place would fans of Big Bird be interested in?

A．Sesame Place.

B．Blue Cross River Rink.

C．The Parx Liberty Carousel.

D．Spruce Street Harbor Park.

3. What can we know about Philadelphia Storytelling Benches?

A．It can be visited all year round.

B．It has educational significance.

C．It is available at a small charge.

D．It is aimed at serving the public.

9 . Whether you’re after a quiet beach holiday or an adventure-packed trip, with over 700 islands and 30 territories, the Caribbean offers many choices. Here we will provide practical tips to help you plan your dream Caribbean vacation.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit

Generally speaking, the Caribbean has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. Hurricanes are common during the summer months, so it’s advised to avoid travel during this season if possible. The best time to visit typically starts in November and runs through April. Be sure to check local weather forecasts before your trip.

Experiencing the Local Culture

The Caribbean is home to a variety of cultures. The local culture is a key part of the Caribbean experience, so make sure to soak up as much as you can. Visit museums and historical sites to get a deeper understanding of the local heritage, or explore local festivals for a display of music, dance, and art. Moreover, the people of the Caribbean are well known for their friendliness, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.

Planning Your Activities

Whether you’re into diving, hiking, shopping, or simply lying on the beach, you will be able to pick between endless activities. Besides, you can try your hand at deep-sea fishing, horseback riding, or even bungee jumping. If you’re looking for something more laid back, take a guided tour of the island’s botanical gardens or explorer its national parks. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to review safety guidelines and pack all the necessary equipment before your adventure.

In conclusion, the Caribbean offers a diverse travel experience that caters to different preferences and budgets. With careful planning and a bit of research, you can plan a vacation that is truly unforgettable. So don’t wait — start planning your dream Caribbean trip today!

1. Which month is the best time to visit the Caribbean?

A．July.

B．December.

C．August.

D．June.

2. What is known about the Caribbean experience?

A．Visitors can experience different cultures and activities.

B．Visitors can have the opportunity to play local music.

C．Visitors have to be concerned about the safety of accommodation.

D．Deep-sea fishing is not allowed for the reason of ocean protection.

3. Where is the passage most probably taken from?

A．A fashion magazine.	B．A shopping guide.
C．A geography textbook.	D．A travel brochure.