1 . Would you take a trip if you couldn’t use your cellphone? A new tour company called Off the Grid is asking travellers to put their cellphones away and not even use them for photos. The company founder, Zach Beattie, is developing his business, using money he saved from a tech job at a mapping company. He’s hired guides for every trip but will help lead the first few himself.
The first trip is to Lisbon, Portugal, in July. It takes 7 to 10 days, with small groups of up to 16 people. Prices range from $1,500 to $1,650, including accommodations, meals and ground transportation. The plan includes at least three excursions (远足) and two social events, with an emphasis on unique experiences over bucket-list sightseeing. The tour also includes surfing lessons, yoga on the beach, a day of sailing and dinner with a local family.
“When you’re somewhere new, there’s a lot to see and a lot of cool and interesting people to meet,” Beattie said. “Your phone can distract (使分心) you.” The phone ban won’t be enforced quite as strictly as it seems at first glance. “We want it to be voluntary,” he said. “We’re not collecting phones and throwing them in a locked trunk. It’s held by you, but put in your pocket, and you state your intentions for the week, whether that’s checking your social media once or twice a day or a total blackout.”
Tour-goers also get a “dumbphone” without Internet access that’s loaded with numbers for group leaders and other participants, both for emergencies and to promote socializing. Participants may bring regular cameras, but Beattie is hiring a photographer for each tour so there will be plenty of photos to remember the trip. Once the trip is over, participants will have access to those photos for use in social media posts.
1. What can be learned about Zach Beattie?A.He set up his business at his own expense. |
B.He is always guiding every trip personally. |
C.He forbids tourists to take along cellphones. |
D.He used to earn his living in a tour company. |
A.The trip features sightseeing. |
B.Participants live in homestays. |
C.Air ticket is covered in the cost. |
D.Tourists experience water sports. |
A.Lock their phones in a trunk. |
B.Post their photos on social media. |
C.Free themselves from their phones. |
D.Shift their focus onto dumbphones. |
A.Take photos. | B.Access the Internet. |
C.Record the trip. | D.Contact group members. |
2 . Bikini Atoll, Micronesia
This was the main area of nuclear testing in the Pacific. There were 23 tests on this small island from 1946 to 1958.When you have flown in from Honolulu, you might be surprised at what you find. Despite its nuclear past, the area looks like an undestroyed place. Thanks to a recent rise in tourism, popular activities include diving and fishing off the beautiful coastline.
The Panama Canal Railway
The world’s first transcontinental (横贯大陆的) railway was built between 1850 and 1855. It not only connected two cities-Panama City and the port of Colon―but also two oceans―the Pacific and the Atlantic. The line had been in disrepair for many years until areas of land were cleared and a new track was laid over a period of 18 months. In July 2001 it was reopened, offering a 45-minute ride through a forested area.
Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
In 1971, this wildlife park attracted 12,000 visitors who wanted to see the biggest lion population in Africa. From 1983 to 1992 the park was turned into an environmental disaster area during the Mozambican Civil War. After the war, the number of large animals in the park had fallen by 95%. Now, buffalo (水牛) have been reintroduced and the park has received donations from businesspeople and pop stars. You won’t find cheetahs or rhinos back in the park yet, but the beautiful Mount Gorongosa (1,863m) is perfect for hikers.
Mount Elgon, Kenya
For years, border disagreements between Kenya and Uganda meant it was impossible to walk to this volcano. Now the situation has been eased, so this far corner of East Africa has reopened. Climbers can enjoy the fantastic view from the top of Mount Elgon (4,321m) but perhaps the most interesting feature is the caves. Some are over 60 m wide and run 200 m into the mountain.
1. What was Bikini Atoll used for in 1946?A.Studying volcanoes. | B.Carrying out tests. |
C.Encouraging tourism. | D.Developing the fishing industry. |
A.It was built in 2001. | B.It is now being damaged. |
C.It connected two oceans. | D.It is the world’s first railway. |
A.Go diving. | B.Watch buffalo. |
C.Explore war records. | D.Go deep into caves. |
3 . The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most diverse places in America, a wonderful place filled with people from all backgrounds. Each of them drew something different from their own experience. Their stories are the focus of Status Update, an exhibition of 14 projects offered by Dundon and former WIRED contributor Pete Brook. The show at SOMarts uses personal tales to show the Bay Area’s culture.
The Bay Area is a microcosm (缩影) of the national melting pot, a place where people of color comprise 58 percent of the overall population and are a majority in four of the region’s five countries, San Francisco in particular is the type of place where you can’ t walk down the street without hearing another language. Yet the change is not all for the better. The gap between rich and poor is widening at a frightening speed, and San Francisco is becoming less diverse as minorities escape from the city for more affordable communities elsewhere in the region.
Status Update reflects these changes and the challenges they bring. Joseph Rodriguez’s Faces of Foreclosure features quiet images of people like Ethel Gist, who lost her home in the East Bay suburb of Brentwood six years ago. Photographer Sam records Oakland resident Shannon and his efforts to provide for his daughter. And Laura Morton documents millennials (千禧一代 )hoping to make their way to the top in Silicon Valley in her series Wild West Tech.
Status Update starts a conversation about how the Bay Area is changing, and what people can do to build up a more just equitable (公正的) society. “I hope people walk away from this show with a little more respect for our neighbors and communities and the ways we depend on one another.” Dundon says. “we’re all out here together”
1. What are the artworks in Status Update mainly about?A.The real lives of people in the Bay Area. |
B.The beautiful construction of the Bay Area. |
C.The friendliness of people in the Bay Area. |
D.The technological development of the Bay Area. |
A.It is facing a rapid economic slowdown. |
B.The population has been falling in recent years. |
C.More and more local people tend to speak the same language. |
D.It is getting harder and harder for minorities to afford their lives. |
A.Sharing the successful experience of the Bay Area. |
B.Recording the diversity and change of the Bay Area. |
C.Introducing the long and rich history of the Bay Area. |
D.Showing the past, the present and the future of the Bay Area. |
A.They can know more about themselves. |
B.They can open their hearts to other people. |
C.They can respect the people around them. |
D.They can develop an interest in diverse cultures. |
4 . There is fierce debate about the best city and the most desirable county to settle down in Texas. No doubt Montgomery County is one of the state’s top competitors.
There are several thriving (蓬勃发展的) industries. Employment opportunities matter and Montgomery County has some thriving industries that are always looking for some new employees.
You’ll find nearby wildlife. You’re close to the Highlands, where you can see animal species,
It has the feel of a small town. When you move to Montgomery County, you’re very close to Houston. You can go shopping there or catch a Rockets or Astros game any time you like. At the same time, there’s a decidedly small- town feel to the place.
A.There’s absolutely amazing food. |
B.Conditions vary from school to school. |
C.You may get into the healthcare industries. |
D.There’s a new restaurant opening up in the county. |
E.The community is close-knit, and there are small-sized classes. |
F.The following are several reasons why it is such a pleasant place. |
G.You’re also surrounded by incredible natural beauty in Montgomery County. |
5 . Do you want to see majestic lions roaring, rare rhinos running and colorful birds flying? You’ll find this incredible display of nature in the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley.
First stop
Fly into Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. This great city is known for its fashion markets and beautiful art. And be sure to pick up some rich Kenyan coffee while you’re there! Then head for the countryside.
Plan your trip
The largest of the three lakes in the system, Lake Nakuru, is less than 175 kilometers from Nairobi. But Lakes Bogoria and Elementaita are equally worth a visit. You can stay at one of several choices of luxurious cabins in the valley. And if you sign up for a trip, be sure to put flamingos, the white and pink birds, at the top of your list.
Paradise
The Kenya Lake System is shallow and alkaline (碱性的). That means it supports vegetation such as green algae, a food source for many waterfowl. Hundreds of species of birds flourish here, using this area as a major breeding and nesting ground. Water buffalo, leopards, monkeys and the endangered Rothschild giraffe also make this area their home.
Other sights
Wildlife isn’t the only natural wonder in the Great Rift Valley. The valley marks a place where the earth is divided far below the surface. This rock separation below ground leads to noticeable features above ground. Walking around Lake Bogoria especially, you will see steam rising from hot springs.
Other activities include golfing, horseback riding and hiking. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, either. The river valley is far from city lights, so many visitors gaze at the stars shining above.
If you are ready for a wildlife experience, don’t hesitate!
1. Where can you buy fashionable gifts in Kenya?A.Nairobi. | B.Lake Nakuru. | C.Lake Bogoria. | D.Lake Elementaita. |
A.Living in a cabin. | B.Seeing flamingos. |
C.Visiting hot springs. | D.Gazing at shining stars. |
A.It has countless lakes worth visiting. | B.It’s an ideal place for wildlife to live. |
C.Its water is unsuitable for plant growth. | D.It’s famous for rich culture and history. |
6 . Are you looking at getting away from it all? Then look no further than the best beaches in the world!
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
Paradise(乐园)can be found at Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays in Australia. This is a group of islands just off the coast of Arlie Beach in Queensland and each one is absolutely breathtaking. You can only get to the Whitsundays by boat, making them all more special-it is just perfect 'in every sense of the word.
Anse Source d' Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
With sun-bleached huge stones on the shore, calm blue waters, brilliant white sands and palm trees on the beach, this beach in the middle of the Indian Ocean is straight from a fairy tale. It comes as no surprise that this is one of the most photographed beaches in the world!
Tulum Beach, Mexico
There aren’t many beaches around the world that can boast ancient ruins that date back to 564 AD on the cliffs above, but at Tulum Beach you get beauty with history. Not only are the Tulum ruins an amazing site within their own right, but the fact that the beach below is absolutely attractive really makes it a magical place to visit.
La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Spain
La Concha Beach was recently voted as Europe’s best beach and it’s easy to see why. With wonderful weather all year round and some simply expensive restaurants, this is a beach that has it all. Also, with the cute little Spanish town of San Sebastian framed in the background, you’re never far from the action, too.
1. What do we know about the Whitsundays?A.They’re accessible only by boat. | B.They’re connected with each other. |
C.They all lie on Arlie Beach. | D.They are the most popular destinations. |
A.It has fine weather. | B.It’s most appealing to magicians. |
C.It combines history and scenery. | D.It has the longest history in the world. |
A.Tulum Beach. | B.Anse Source d’ Argent. |
C.Whitehaven Beach. | D.La Concha Beach. |
7 . In England, there are а few сhаіnеd (用锁链栓住) lіbrаrіеѕ still hidden away in medieval (中世纪的) buildings. The following list is based on those libraries that are open to tourists.
Wells Cathedral Library, Somerset
The medieval library of Wells Cathedral was built in the mid-15th century. Most of the 2,800 volumes (书) in the collection today were got in the 16th to 18th centuries. The earliest book is a copy of Pliny’s Naturalis Historiae printed in 1472. The library also has a set of Aristotle’s works finished in 1497.
Phone: 44 (0)1749 674483
Cost: Guided tours cost £10 per person
Merton College Upper Library, Oxford
The oldest part of Merton College Library, known as the Upper Library, dates from 1373. Presently, one remade book chain is provided as an example of how the chained library might have looked. Although the original chains are gone, the library is a step back in time.
Phone: 44 (0)1865 276310
Cost: £5 per person; £3 for University members
Wimborne Minster Library, Dorset
The Chained Library of Wimborne Minster dates to the mid-17th century. After the Trigge Library of St Wulfram’s, it is one of the first public libraries in the UK. Many of the book chains survive at Wimborne.
Phone: 44 (0)1202 884753
Opening Times: Daily, 10:30 am-12:30 pm and 2 pm- 4 pm
Cost: Free
Hereford Cathedral Library, Hereford
The library of Hereford Cathedral has collected 229 medieval manuscripts (手稿) and 1,200 early printed books. A key attraction in the library is the famous medieval Mappa Mundi dating back to 1300. Hereford Cathedral has been named Autism Friendly and joined in Disabled Access Day, an event in the UK to celebrate accessibility across the country.
Phone: 44 (0)1432 374200
Opening Times: Monday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Cost: Grown-up, £6; Student, £5
1. How much will a student from Merton College spend on visiting Upper Library?A.£3. | B.£5. |
C.£6. | D.£10. |
A.Somerset. | B.Hereford. |
C.Dorset. | D.Oxford. |
A.It is friendly to the disabled. | B.It allows people to enter at 4 pm. |
C.It has the same price for everyone. | D.It successfully remade Mappa Mundi. |
8 . I’ve always wanted to travel ever since I was young.
What’s more, exploring the world builds incredible self-confidence. I’m able to accept and embrace my weaknesses more easily after traveling somewhere epic (壮丽的) and having time to reflect.
Travel forces me to return to nature and promote a deeper appreciation for the earth. I breathe fresh air in both clear lakes and green mountains.
Travel has made me a stronger person, and I couldn’t imagine my life without endless plane tickets and backpacks. Breaking my comfort zone strengthens my self-pride. It‘s a precious gift, the best one I can give myself. I feel like I have a deeper appreciation for the world now. I’m not as closed off or shallow, and consider myself very receptive to different opinions and ways of life.
A.We all have disadvantages. |
B.The fresh air fills my lungs. |
C.Travel has calmed my anxiety. |
D.Travel makes me a better person. |
E.Travel restores my faith in people. |
F.I want to make friends through travelling. |
G.The idea of travel lives inside my brain all the time. |
9 . The terraced rapeseed(油菜)flower hills of Jiangling, Wuyuan is well-known as one of the four “seas of flowers” in China, attracting thousands of plant-loving tourists to come and appreciate and photograph the vast and endless rapeseed flower fields.
“Rapeseed flowers are the messenger of spring,” said Bin Zhan, manager of Jiangxi Wuyuan Tourism, “Jiangling is the best place for a relaxing spring trip to enjoy the most visually impressive views of golden seas of rapeseed blossoms covering layered terrace fields”.
The rapeseed blossom in the terraced fields of Jiangling, located 45 kilometres to the northeast of Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, reached full bloom in the second week of March.
This year. Wuyuan restores ancient farming traditions and practices to give visitors an idea or the history ,culture and folk customs of the county by adding scarecrows(稻草人) in the rapeseed flower fields. The creative scarecrows of Wuyuan County are designed in the shapes of popular cartoon characters, Hui-style architecture and folk customs. They are placed in the rapeseed fields to provide more fun and interactions for visitors on flower viewing tours.
“As flower viewing is becoming more popular in recent years, Jiangling is seeing a growing number of returning visitors, especially professional photograph who come back every year for the dramatic rapeseed blossoms,” Zhan said. “The blossoms only last one to two months. April is the last chance to catch a flower-viewing tour this year.”
In addition to flower viewing, Wuyuan County is also home to the most well-protected ancient Hui-style architecture in China. As one of the most beautiful countryside villages in China, it attracts photographers from around the world every year to document not only the natural scenery, but also the unique farming culture and folk traditions.
1. Which is NOT one of the features of the rapeseed blossoms of Jiangling?A.The rapeseed fields cover a limited area. |
B.The rapeseed is planted on layered terraces. |
C.Rapeseed flowers blossom, at the beginning of spring. |
D.When the flowers blossom, the fields are like a golden sea. |
A.Folk customs. | B.Hui-style buildings. |
C.Creative scarecrows. | D.Models of popular cartoon characters. |
A.Returning visitors get discount when entering Jiangling. |
B.Visitors could catch the last flower viewing tour in May. |
C.It is in March and April that Jiangling has the most visitors. |
D.Not many professional photographers will go to see the blossoms. |
A.To introduce Wuyuan County as a tourist destination. |
B.To report how many people visited Jiangling this year. |
C.To introduce the history of rapeseed farming in Jiangling. |
D.To remind visitors the best viewing time for rapeseed blossoms. |
10 . Find Your Chicago Architecture Tour
Chicago is known around the world for its architecture. Whether you tour downtown or a neighborhood, our guides will tell you the stories behind the buildings.
Must-see Chicago
Must-see Chicago is a fast-paced, 90-minute tour to Chicago featuring(以…为特色) some of its most famous buildings, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and more! Get a brief overview of more than a dozen buildings—as well as Chicago landmarks like Millennium Park, the Loop and the Chicago River.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $ 26 public, free for CAC members
Architecture Highlights
Discover the exciting diversity(多样性) of Chicago architecture, which traces the city’s development from its founding through present day. We cover about 30 miles of Chicago design, passing through the Loop and the Gold Coast, as well as Hyde Park and other areas of the South Side. We’ll see two university campuses and several parks.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $ 55 public, free for CAC members
Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street, with views inside beautiful buildings from the 1890s〜1930s. The most memorable parts include the amazing interiors(内部) of the Palmer House Hotel and the Chicago Cultural Center.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 26 public, free for CAC members
Elevated Architecture: Downtown “L” Train
Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique view of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous “L” system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop. The city’s first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most wonderful features, the “L” offers impressive views of downtown.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $ 26 public, free for CAC members
1. Which tour can you choose if you want to see Millennium Park?A.Must-see Chicago. |
B.Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age |
C.Architecture Highlights. |
D.Elevated Architecture: Downtown “L” Train. |
A.$55 | B.$ 110 | C.$ 165 | D.$ 220 |
A.The Chicago River. | B.The Gold Coast. |
C.The elevated trains. | D.The Palmer House Hotel. |