2 . All young people dream of travelling the world. They are excited and very eager to see new sights. However, they have little idea how they would really do it if given the chances. Because their knowledge of geography is quite limited, they seldom know much about the places they wish to visit or how they would get there.

Already hundreds of thousands of Chinese student tourists are visiting these places — Wuyi, Lhasa, Lijiang, Dali, Vientiane and Phnom Penh. Indeed, these students will soon be the most travelled generation in China’s long history. The World Tourist Organization predicts that a quarter of a century from now the number of Chinese tourists going abroad will be twenty times what it is today. The largest percentage of these tourists will visit Southeast Asia. Not all Chinese who travel abroad will be tourists, however. More and more youths are deciding to volunteer their skills in this region, much like their peers in the Peace Corps and VSO.

Critical thinking skills required include planning for a trip and solving problems after the trip has begun. The focus is on how to read an atlas (地图集) to make travel plans and how to find ways of travelling. An atlas offers a wealth of information about geography and is one way to increase students’ awareness of their global environment. The use of an atlas especially addresses the needs of students with different visual and spatial (空间的) learning styles.

1. The main idea of the first paragraph is __________.

A．all young people wish to travel around the world

B．all young people love travelling, however, their geographical knowledge is limited

C．all young people like to learn the knowledge of geography

D．all young people are aware of the places they are going to

2. What does the World Tourist Organization predict?

A．The number of Chinese tourists going abroad will be twenty times what it is today in about ten years.

B．The number of Chinese tourists going abroad will be twenty times what it is today in about twenty five years.

C．Students will soon be the most travelled generation in China’s long history.

D．Chinese people travel abroad to relax themselves.

3. One way to increase students’ awareness of their global environment is for them to __________.

A．watch TV	B．listen to radio news
C．plan a trip	D．read the maps

4. What can we infer (推断) from the passage?

A．Students know nothing about how to plan a trip.

B．Southeast Asia will be the most popular place in the world.

C．Young people will be crazy about Internet travelling.

D．When we are travelling, critical thinking skills are necessary.

3 . Ru Ling loves spending time in skywells. To her, these courtyards of old houses are the perfect place to be in on a hot and humid day. From 2014 to 2021, Ru lived in a century-old wood-framed home in the village of eastern China’s Anhui province. She moved there for a change of life after living and working in air-conditioned buildings for many years.

A skywell, or “tian jing”, is a typical feature of a traditional home in southern and eastern China. They are relatively common in historic residences in Sichuan, Jiangsu, Anhui and Jiangxi. In today’s rapidly urbanizing (城市化) China, fewer and fewer people live in skywell dwellings—air-conditioned flats in multi-storeyed buildings and tower blocks are the main forms of homes.

But a revival (复苏) of interest in traditional Chinese architecture is leading some of historic buildings with skywells to be restored for modern times. Meanwhile, as a government push has made low-carbon innovations in the building sector a trend, some architects are drawing inspiration from skywells and other traditional Chinese architectural features to help keep new buildings cooler.

Ancient “green wisdom” such as skywells continues to inspire today’s climate adaptive design and innovations in passive cooling, according to Wang Zhengfeng, a researcher at the Institute for Area Studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Passive cooling is a method that incorporates design and technology to cool a building without the use of power.

However, Wang points out some challenges for bringing skywells into modern designs. The mechanisms of courtyards facilitating natural lighting, ventilation and rain collection are well known, but applying these principles needs to be site-specific. Because traditional skywells had different shapes, sizes and features, adding skywells into modern buildings requires designers to be sensitive to their project’s context (环境) and situation, she explains. When asked about why skywells have appealed to modern Chinese people, Wang says that the courtyard is also designed to serve as a gathering space for families or communities. “Perhaps changes in the lifestyle could also lead to nostalgia among people living in concrete and glass forests.”

1. What is the purpose of the first paragragh?

A．To introduce Ru Ling’s love for skywells.

B．To inform readers of the benefits of skywells.

C．To lead in the topic of popularity of skywells.

D．To support the idea of living in skywells.

2. What is the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A．Features and importance of the historic residences.

B．Appreciation for traditional Chinese architecture.

C．Reasons for the comeback of traditional skywells.

D．Great efforts to restore the past glory of skywells.

3. The underlined word “incorporate” can be best replaced by ______.

A．combine

B．collect

C．invent

D．replace

4. What may influence the application of skywells in modern designs?

A．Lack of enough money and experience.	B．Dependence on natural surroundings.
C．People’s specific requirements.	D．The fast speed of urbanization.

4 . It seems every country has one major event on the annual calendar that claims to please all others. Here we’ve boiled down the options to the absolute top 4 events to add to your travel bucket list.

La Tomatina Buñol, Spain August

Tomato lovers get their fill on the last Wednesday of August as over 100,000kg of tomatoes are thrown, pressed and splattered (飞溅) in the town square. It’s the climax of a week-long celebration of Buñol’s patron saint, which leaves the town in a bright red smattering like a horror film scene. We don’t envy whoever has to clean up that mess!

Songkran Thailand April

A water fight on a national scale, Songkran in Thailand is the celebration of the Buddhist New Year. Wherever you are in Thailand — anywhere from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Krabi or Koh Samui — you can expect to get thoroughly wet with everything from water guns to elephant trunks being employed for the purpose.

Snow & Ice Festival Harbin, China January — February

Harbin is transformed into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures across the city, decorated with lights and lasers, drawing thousands of artists and art enthusiasts alike. And if that’s not enough to appeal to you, there’s also the Ice Lantern Art Fair, dog sledding to watch and our favourite, “winter swimming watching”.

Holi Festival India February — March

A rainbow of colour and Hindu traditions combine to create this celebration of love, springtime fun and good triumphing over evil. Kicking off with a night-time bonfire where people gather, sing and dance, the next day is a carnival of colours where everyone plays about throwing dye powder, shooting water guns and coloured water-filled balloons, uniting rich and poor, children and big kids at heart.

1. A visitor who will only be free in summer holiday can go to _________ to attend the festival.

A．Thailand

B．India

C．China

D．Spain

2. What do Songkran and Holi Festival have in common?

A．They are both in celebration of the New year.	B．They both include water battles.
C．They both provide a bonfire party.	D．They both involve casting color powder.

3. Where does the text probably come from?

A．A research plan.

B．A news report.

C．A travel magazine.

D．A book review.

5 . Family Vacations in Hawaii

Whether your interests are history, native cultures, hiking, water sports, or simply relaxing in the sun, Hawaii has abundant choices to keep you and your family entertained.

Waikiki Beach

This famous two-mile stretch of sand is home to scores of family-friendly beach hotels and all kinds of action-packed excitement. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for warm ocean water and golden beaches. Kids will enjoy walking along the beach, stopping for shaved ice or an ice cream and taking a dip in a safe area of the ocean.

Oahu’s North Shore

Some of the tallest ocean waves in the world are found at Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore coastline during the winter months. These crashing walls of water are born for surfing and offer one of the best free shows on the islands. The North Shore is home to world-class surf contests, attracting the world’s top surfers.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Nothing appeals to the whole family like Hawaiian past coming alive. Besides, the colorful costumes, lively songs, and traditional dances in the Pacific region are presented here. You’ll see customs of Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii all represented in Polynesian Cultural Center’s re-created island villages, which is decorated with palm trees and tropical gardens.

Waimea Canyon (峡谷) State Park

More than 3,500 feet deep, this landmark on Hawaii’s island of Kauai is the largest canyon in the Pacific. Unlike Grand Canyon, plentiful rain keeps Waimea Canyon and its surrounding area thick with vegetation (植被), and visitors are frequently treated to the sight of vivid rainbows. It offers a great canyon view and a covered picnic area.

1. What makes Oahu’s North Shore known to the world?

A．Its best free cultural shows.	B．Its family-friendly beach hotels.
C．Having the tallest coastline.	D．Being a perfect place for surfing.

2. Which place is most likely to attract those who are interested in history?

A．Waikiki Beach.	B．Oahu’s North Shore.
C．Polynesian Cultural Center.	D．Waimea Canyon State Park.

3. What is special about Waimea Canyon compared to Grand Canyon?

A．It has a covered picnic area.	B．It has a depth of over 3,500 feet.
C．It’s rich in plants and rainfall.	D．It owns a unique kind of vegetation.

6 . Harbin has witnessed a significant boom that has caused it to trend on social media this winter. By December 30, 2023, the city airport’s annual passenger throughput had gone beyond 3000 million. According to a new report, during the three-day New Year holiday, Harbin received 3.05 million tourists and made income of 5.91 billion yuan, both of which reached record highs.

Harbin, also known as China’s “ice city”, is famous for its ice and snow culture. For over 60 years, the city has had a tradition of holding an annual ice lantern exhibition, presenting the creativity and skill of its artists. Recently, the Ice and Snow World, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest ice and snow park, is just one of many attractions in the city. It features amazing ice and snow sculptures, including replicas(复制品) of famous landmarks, animals, and cartoon characters. In addition, visitors can also enjoy different kinds of snow sports, such as ice skating, ice fishing, and sledding.

Harbin spared no effort to show its sincerity and hospitality(热情好客) to tourists. At the Ice and Snow World, a lot of new experiences have been provided, such as hovercrafts and bicycles on ice, Ferris wheels, and hot air balloons. Tourists were welcomed with live performances at the airport, and dressing rooms were set up for them to change into warm clothing. Local residents supported by traveling during off-peak hours to reduce traffic and offering tourists free rides. For those unable to book hotels, the government opened the Provincial People’s Congress Service Center for low-cost stays.

“For individual travelers, a city’s infrastructure(基础设施) and public services form the foundation of tourism competitiveness. It is only when tourists feel the warmth of the city and the goodwill of its citizens that they blend into the lives of a travel destination,” said Dai Bin, president of China Tourism Academy.

1. What are the figures in the first paragraph mainly about?

A．The boom in Harbin’s tourism industry.

B．The popularity of Harbin’s new attractions.

C．The big investment in Harbin’s Ice and Snow World.

D．The local people’s great passion for the New Year holiday.

2. What do we know about the Ice and Snow World from Paragraph 2?

A．It is famous for its ice lantern exhibition.

B．It is the first ice and snow park in the world.

C．It offers various snow-centered activities for visitors.

D．It holds snow sculpture competitions for skilled artists.

3. What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．New sporting events in the Ice and Snow World.

B．The measures to ensure tourists’ safety in Harbin.

C．Kind residents’ support for relieving traffic pressure.

D．Harbin’s efforts to improve tourists’ travel experiences.

4. Where does this text probably come from?

A．A diary of cultural tours.	B．A news report on tourism.
C．An advertisement for scenic spots.	D．A review of newly emerging cities.

7 . The best UK hidden beaches for the perfect holiday

If you’re considering where to go at Easter or other holidays and searching for some family holiday ideas, why not make the most of your time off by planning a trip to one of Britain’s best beaches? Escape the bank holiday crowds, take a trip to one of these more secluded (僻静的) spots and make some wonderful memories on your own private piece of coastline.

Charming coves at Nanjizal Beach

Cornwall is known for having some of the best beaches in the UK. However, across peak times such as the Easter holidays, they can become overrun with holidaymakers.

Nanjizal Beach is usually very quiet, apart from those walkers who have made the hike on the coastal path from either Porthgwarra, Lands End or Sennen Cove. There are numerous coves to discover and the ruins of an old watermill too. If all of that walking has made you warm, it’s also a great spot for swimming, with inviting shallow waters.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic though, as not only will you want to spend some time soaking in the salty sea air, it’s also a long walk back to the car.

Beautiful beaches at Rhu Point

Rhu Point features white sands and crystal blue waters. It might make you think that you’re in the Caribbean, rather than the west coast of Scotland, a wonderfully remote beach. It is simply attractive at low tide, and offers beautiful views once you arrive at the sandy shore. The walk to get there is also just as pretty; if the day is clear, there are some wonderful views over to the Isle of Skye.

Apart from some great rock pools nestling within the rocky outcrops (露出地面的部分), you can also collect shells which are common on this shoreline. If you’re looking for an Easter holiday getaway on a remote beach in a beautiful part of the country, this is a wonderful option.

1. What makes Nanjizal Beach an appealing place during peak times?

A．Its easy accessibility to tourists.	B．A large number of coves and ruins to explore.
C．Its warm atmosphere due to large crowds.	D．The availability of various water sports.

2. What is one recommendation given to visitors planning a trip to Nanjizal Beach?

A．Bringing along a guidebook for cave exploration.

B．Carrying a picnic for the long walk back to the car.

C．Leaving early to avoid heavy traffic on the coastal path.

D．Reserving a parking spot in advance to avoid inconvenience.

3. What do Nanjizal Beach and Rhu Point have in common?

A．They are rich in shell.	B．They feature white sands.
C．They have absorbing waters.	D．They are similar to Caribbean beaches.

8 . Staff at the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden in south China’s Hainan Province were very busy during this summer holiday, as they were preoccupied with teaching children how to turn cocoa nuts into delicious chocolate. Through this hands-on approach, children gained an understanding of the cocoa plant itself and discovered the art of crafting their very own chocolate. Throughout the summer holiday period, the cocoa botanical garden was abuzz with activities, attracting an average of 3,000 visitors daily.

Similar to the cocoa botanical garden, various other locations across China are gaining popularity as destinations (目的地) for study tours.

In Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia, the Ulan Buhe Desert has hosted a group of enthusiastic young students as part of a summer study camp. The study trip begins with a 3km desert hike, during which the participants directly experienced the challenges of desertification control. Museums have become another popular destination for study tours. Nine museums in Suzhou introduced extended opening hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p. m.

A study tour provides students with practical learning opportunities that complement (补充) their theoretical knowledge gained through textbooks and classroom instruction. The selection of destinations and activities for study tours is frequently designed to coincide with the subjects covered in the curriculum (课程).

“The primary difference between study travel and other forms of tourism lies in its focusing on acquiring knowledge during the journey,” said Luo Shugang, director of the Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee of the National People’s Congress. In the past decade, the study tour has undergone rapid development, presenting huge potential among various parts of the tourism industry, he said.

Experts pointed out that a key factor behind this trend is that an increasing number of parents realize the significance of practical learning experiences for their children.

1. Why were staff at Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden busy during the summer holiday?

A．They were instructing children how to make chocolate.

B．They were conducting research on cocoa plants.

C．They were managing the botanical garden.

D．They were making chocolate for visitors.

2. What does the underlined part “coincide with” in paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．Give rise to.

B．Agree with.

C．Compete with.

D．Make room for.

3. What sets study tours apart from other forms of tourism?

A．The cost of the tour.	B．The time of the trip.
C．The destinations visited.	D．The approach to getting knowledge.

4. What leads to the increasing popularity of study tours?

A．Parents’ recognition of the importance of practical learning.

B．The availability of advanced educational technology.

C．The influence of social media on travel trends.

D．Government funding for educational trips.

10 . Last July, I visited Cambridge, a historical university town in England. It is well known that Cambridge University is one of the best universities in the world, but few people know its unique university system. The trip made me know more about the school. It turned out so different from what I had expected!

At Cambridge, there are 31 colleges. These colleges are places where students live, enjoy entertainment, study at libraries and use leisure equipment. Once you enter a college, it becomes your community. Each college is different in terms of places, equipment and atmosphere (氛围). This is why, when applying to Cambridge, applicants (申请人) take great care to choose the right college for themselves. Sometimes, it is just a matter of whether it “feels right” for you.

I also had the chance to visit their Museum of Classical Archaeology (考古学). For someone who is crazy about classics (经典), Cambridge is the perfect place to come and learn from their museums. Classics have been interesting me since I was a kid, and I have developed a deep love for Greek mythology (神话) in comic books. In most museums that Cambridge has, it is easy to find exhibits (展品) that enable you to gain knowledge in any area of interest. There is a museum for almost everything you can think of, including earth sciences, art and — of course — classics.

If you ever have the chance to visit Cambridge, I would suggest visiting their museums as part of your trip. Not only would you be able to immerse yourself in the studying atmosphere, but you could enjoy the wonderful exhibits each museum offers.

1. How did the writer learn more about Cambridge University according to the passage?

A．By reading books.	B．By visiting it.
C．By watching TV.	D．By surfing the Internet.

2. Why should applicants be careful about choosing the right college?

A．Students have different interests.	B．Not all colleges are open to them.
C．The colleges are similar to each other.	D．Each college is different in its own way.

3. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The writer’s deep interest in classics.

B．The great advantages of visiting Cambridge’s museums.

C．The large collection of exhibits in Cambridge’s museums.

D．The writer’s visit to the Museum of Classical Archaeology.

4. Which of the following words can be used to replace the underlined word “immerse” in the last paragraph?

A．Put.

B．Teach.

C．Value.

D．Dress.