1 . Travelling seemed like falsehood to me. I grew tired of backpackers expressing too much praise about how petting a baby elephant in Thailand “transformed” them. Globe-traveling to me held no more promise than finding a few bills in the pocket of an old coat. I needed something deeper than an Eat, Play, Love moment.
One day, Vasilis, my Greek best friend, reminded me of our decade-old promise: after our final exams, I would visit his hometown in Athens. Maybe, it was time to make good on that promise.
I finally boarded the plane. Vasilis picked me up at the airport. I smiled, thinking how improbable this moment seemed all those years ago.
The decade-long wait proved to be well worth it. Every step through the ancient streets revealed new wonders. However, none of them truly mattered. What would forever alter my perception of travel was a chance encounter with a local.
Vasilis and I were wandering Athens when a special sound caught our attention — a rhythmic clinking disturbing the quietness of the residential street. Curiously, we followed the sound to a humble workshop. Inside, a welder (焊工) gave no mind to our presence behind him. He wore no flashy protective suit — this was just another day for him, another dance with fire and metal that had become second nature. Under the sunshade, his orange cat rested in the comforting warmth...
As the man continued welding, I felt a bit of envy. I envied his peace and contentment. I admired the simplicity he embodied. I imagined the welder happy, finding fulfillment in his craft (手艺) and returning to his loving family...The moment moved me to tears. Leaving the workshop, rain blending with tears, I realized how easily life’s poetry could pass unnoticed.
Home again in Montreal, I stop simply pursuing better things, better experiences and better people that are never grasped. I realize the real journey is inward — to appreciate life’s ordinary magic. That sure beats petting any baby elephant. I may not have returned home “transformed,” but I’ll always think of the welder and his cat.
1. Which aspect of travelling makes the author feel uneasy?| A．Shortage of adequate funds. | B．Discomfort in dietary habits. |
| C．Overstatement of travel’s effects. | D．Danger of petting baby animals. |
| A．Meeting a commitment. | B．Exploring a unique landscape. |
| C．Receiving further education. | D．Escaping from the current life. |
| A．Poems written by masters. | B．Peace and simplicity. |
| C．Spirit of craftsmanship. | D．Special sound in the street. |
| A．Friendship Lasts Forever | B．Travelling Shapes a Better Self |
| C．Pursuit of Happiness Never Stops | D．The Ordinary Makes Extraordinary |
2 . From the deserts of Southern California to the forests of Alaska, the U. S. possesses a diversity (多样性) of nature. For most of her life, Joy Ryan never saw the scenery beyond her home state of Ohio. Then, when she was in her mid-eighties, her grandson Brad Ryan decided to take her on a journey to all of the U. S. National Parks, which took eight years to complete. At the age of 93, Grandma Joy has finally seen all 63 parks, ending her journey in the National Park of American Samoa.
“When I learned she had never seen the great wildernesses of America-deserts, mountains, oceans, I decided to intervene (干预) in some way,” Brad says. This idea inspired their first trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. However, once they were on the road, Brad realized that they could visit more parks that were nearby. Over the years, they managed to see all of the famous sights at Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, the Redwoods, and so on. But Brad values the time spent with his grandmother just as much as the amazing places they were able to visit.
Despite Grandma Joy’s older age, she was able to hike mountains. Brad regards her love for life as the key to her good health. She is grateful for each new day and is always excited for the next journey. Finally, their long journey across the U.S. came to an end with American Samoa.
“I am thankful every morning for giving me another day,” Grandma Joy shares. “And you’re your choice whether you’re going to have a rainy day or a sunny day. So, smile at everybody, and let everybody know you’re having a whale of a time.” While her tour of the U. S. has come to a close, she and her grandson are not done traveling. Next up, they have their sights set on Kenya.
1. Why did Brad decide to intervene in some way?| A．To celebrate Grandma Joy’s 93rd birthday. |
| B．To complete a task he promised Grandma Joy. |
| C．To enrich Grandma Joy’s travelling experiences. |
| D．To realize Grandma Joy’s dream of visiting parks. |
| A．Tough and challenging. | B．Tiring but educational. |
| C．Stressful but eye-opening. | D．Amazing and worthwhile. |
| A．Her grandson’s inspiration. | B．Her positive attitude. |
| C．Her regular exercise. | D．Her adventurous spirit. |
| A．Stay Curious, Stay Young | B．Never too Old to Hit the Road |
| C．Laughter, the Best Medicine | D．Travelling Contributes to Long Life |
3 . Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands are remote, rocky and endlessly fascinating. The wildlife encounters are quietly breathtaking and the scenery is amazing. The chance to experience this special region on an adventure voyage is both an advantage and an inspiration, and now also an opportunity to give back by getting involved in scientific research.
Citizen science — where you help scientists collect data that feeds into important research projects — gathers valuable data for making informed decisions about urgent issues like climate change and wildlife conservation. “It gave the trip more purpose.” is in the words of one citizen scientist.
Becoming a citizen scientist is simple. All of our polar voyage partners operate citizen science programmes on their ships. Fun, interactive and informative, they are completely voluntary and no prior scientific knowledge is required. It’s about sharing new discoveries and deepening your connection to the natural world with small groups of like-minded people.
On a typical citizen science programme, you will usually be invited to participate in at least one session on most days. A typical day might involve a seabird count at 14:00 and a cloud survey at 18:00. Or you might be photographing whales and noting their unique markings. In addition, a citizen science coordinator (协调员) will arrange short lectures.
Take two examples from Polar Latitudes (the first to offer citizen science projects in the polar regions), and their ship the Seaventure: citizen scientists studying cloud formations in Antarctica have provided a great deal of information about how global warming is deeply impacting climate change. Just a few readings taken during the course of each voyage have resulted in a wealth of data. Thousands of whale tail photos taken by citizen scientists, meanwhile, provided data that was crucial to the creation of a 20,000-sq-km slow-down zone to reduce ship strikes.
There are often multiple chances to collaborate (协作) on different projects during your voyage and on-board citizen science coordinators will keep you posted on the projects you can participate in each day.
1. What is an adventure voyage in Antarctica now special for?| A．The chance to contribute to scientific studies. |
| B．The opportunity to experience wildlife encounters. |
| C．The possibility of visiting remote and rocky regions. |
| D．The availability of interactive entertaining programmes. |
| A．By presenting short lectures on the ship. | B．By passing a basic scientific knowledge test. |
| C．By making a citizen scientific research plan. | D．By volunteering to attend a citizen science project. |
| A．Conducting field experiments. | B．Analyzing historical weather data. |
| C．Organizing book sharing meetings. | D．Assisting with animal conservation efforts. |
| A．They require broad scientific knowledge. |
| B．They make a great difference to scientific research. |
| C．They are available on every voyage in the Antarctic. |
| D．They mainly focus on global warming and its impact. |
4 . Zoo lights at the Houston Zoo
Welcome to our zoo—The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals to inspire action to save wildlife and is committed to being a leader in the global effort to save animals in the wild. We are home to over 6,000 animals for whom we provide the highest standard in animal care. Each year, we welcome over two million guests who come to experience our animals and ecosystems. Through their admission tickets or membership, we’ve been able to support 49 wildlife protection projects in 27 countries around the world. We are proud to be the second most-visited zoo in the US, and the most-attended cultural attraction in the region.
Houston’s favorite holiday lights experience is now back at the Houston Zoo! The beautiful zoo grounds are the perfect setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with your friends and family.
Our schedule● November 18, 2023—January 8, 2024;
● Closed on December 7, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day;
● 5:30pm.—10:30p.m., last entry at 9:30p.m.
Tickets
● $20 per adult; $10 per child.
● Children aged 2 and under are free.
● Save 20% per ticket when you book tickets through the Member Portal.
● Tickets are only available online and will not be sold on-site at the zoo. We do not offer refunds or exchanges.
Holiday favorites
●Experience the Holiday Grove with animal-themed lanterns and flowers under the great oak trees wrapped in winter lights.
● Take a photo in front of the towering 33-foot-tall color-changing holiday tree.
● Visit the Coca-Cola Polar Bear display as you enjoy your hot chocolate.
1. What do we know about the Houston Zoo?
| A．It is the second largest zoo in the US. |
| B．It is home to over 6,000 endangered animals. |
| C．It has been visited by two million guests in total. |
| D．It has devoted itself to the protection of wildlife worldwide. |
| A．5:00 p.m. | B．7:45 p.m. | C．9:45 p.m. | D．10:00 p.m. |
| A．$20. | B．$30. | C．$40. | D．$50. |
5 . China’s tourism market showed a better-than-expected performance over the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which started on Feb. 10.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed that traveler numbers as well as tourism-related income during the holiday reached record highs, thanks to people’s ever-stronger desire to travel, enough market supplies and good tourism policies.
The ministry said on Sunday that the domestic tourism market saw 474 million trips during the holiday, up 34.3 percent year-on-year. The number marked a 19 percent increase compared with the same holiday period in 2019. Domestic tourism-related income reached 632.69 billion yuan ($87.95 billion) during the holiday, a striking increase of 47.3 percent year-on-year and 7.7 percent growth from the same holiday period in 2019.
Xiao Peng, a researcher with travel portal (旅游网), Qunar, said that the longer holiday this year — it usually lasts seven days in other years — made tourism-focused trips a more popular choice among the Chinese.
Southern destinations with warmer climate or tropical views, such as Kunming, Yunnan province, and Sanya, Hainan province, remained top choices for tourists, according to travel agencies. Return-flight tickets in economy class departing Sanya were sold out early, leaving only tickets in business or first class.
Tuniu, another travel portal, said that destinations and museums with a rich cultural atmosphere or those highlighting cultural elements of the dragon were favored by travelers marking the beginning of the Year of the Dragon.
In addition, some northern destinations with snow and ice views also proved popular during the holiday. Among them, Harbin Ice-Snow World in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang received 329,000 visits from Feb 10 to Wednesday — the first five days of the holiday — with the traveler number marking a surge of 115 percent from the previous year, according to Harbin’s culture and tourism bureau.
Besides the prosperous domestic tourism, the home and abroad tourism market also delivered a surprisingly good performance during the holiday.
1. How is Paragraph 3 organized?| A．By listing data. | B．By giving examples. |
| C．By quoting sayings. | D．By analyzing the reasons. |
| A．It brought a rich cultural atmosphere. |
| B．It made warmer destinations top choices. |
| C．It attracted people to northern destinations. |
| D．It made tourism-focused trips more well-received. |
| A．The travel to-and-from overseas. | B．Good tourism policies overseas. |
| C．Destinations with warmer climate. | D．Domestic tourism-related income. |
| A．A history textbook. | B．A popular website. |
| C．A detective novel. | D．An academic article. |
6 . Exciting Exhibitions at the Children's Museum of Manhattan in 2024
Adventures with Dora and Diego (Ages: 3-6 years)
Take up thrilling animal rescue missions alongside Diego and his friends. From exploring caves to rescuing animals in the rainforest, children will learn fascinating facts about different species and their habitats. Through interactive experiences like building a Bear’s nest and following animal footprints, kids will develop problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latin American culture.
Inside Art (Ages: 4-10 years)
Get into the world of art with our Inside Art exhibition, where families can explore diverse artworks and engage with working artists. Celebrate art as a means of fostering healthy communities while contemplating themes of home and identity.
PlayWorks (Ages: birth years)
Prepare your little ones for school with PlayWorksTM, a hands-on learning experience designed to nurture their development. Through a blend of games and educational activities, children will build essential skills while adults can observe and support their unique learning styles. Meet Alphie, the talking dragon who helps children learn letters, and discover resources to enhance your child's language development.
Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City (Ages: 2-6 years)
Step into the Early Learning City and unleash your inner hero! Join Zip, Zap, and Zoom on exciting adventures throughout the city, where families can strengthen executive functions such as self-control and working memory. From exploring subways to enjoying music in the park, children will practice their "learning superpowers" while having fun with their grown-ups.
1. Which age group is the Adventures with Dora and Diego exhibition primarily designed for?| A．2-6 years | B．3-6 years | C．4-10 years | D．Birth years |
| A．Exploring animal habitats | B．Building problem-solving skills |
| C．Learning about Latin American culture | D．Engaging with working artists |
| A．To provide access to beautiful art |
| B．To prepare children for school |
| C．To celebrate cultural diversity |
| D．To promote physical activity |
7 . American Unique Buildings
The country’s full of awe—inspiring natural wonders, but those made by man (and woman) are equally impressive. The architect behind a design or the creation’s history or purpose are all elements that may prove particularly attractive. These following buildings are all well worth visiting.
Bradbury Building
Los Angeles
Glancing at the Bradbury Building, built in 1893, the oldest commercial building in L.A., you may say: “OK, it’s a 19th-century relic.” Step inside and you will be surprised by the light-filled Victorian court, a wonder of open—cage elevators, marble stairs, and splendid iron barriers. Its architectural history is debatable — Sumner Hunt’s designs seem to have been completed by George H. Wyman, who monitored the construction.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Miami
Built in 1916, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, formerly Villa Vizcaya, is the one-time winter home of businessman James Deering. On Biscayne Bay in the Coconut Grove neighborhood, the early 20th-century property features Italian Renaissance (文艺复兴) gardens, native woodlands, and a complex of historic outbuildings. The property designed by Paul Chalfin is today operated by Miami-Dade County.
Rogers Building
Orlando
The 132-year-old, Queen Anne-style structure, now housing an art gallery but a one-time home to cocktail-and-gaming clubs, was donated to the City of Orlando in 2018 earlier by Ford Kiene. The restriction that it must remain an arts and culture center for at least 20 years ensures public access for the near future.
Griffith Observatory
Los Angeles
It’s possible to see the stars at this destination that includes sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood sign, and has a planetarium (天文馆) to boot. It’s been a draw for its construction style sign its 1935 opening, with a $93 million expansion completed in 2006.
1. Which of the following places has the shortest history?| A．Bradbury Building. | B．Griffith Observatory. |
| C．Rogers Building. | D．Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. |
| A．It used to be an art gallery. | B．It was expanded in 1892. |
| C．It was once privately owned. | D．It has been a culture center for 20 years. |
| A．Business. | B．Travel. | C．Science. | D．Education. |
8 . The London Eye remains temporarily closed but we plan to reopen from 17th May. You can pre-book now. Further information can be found here.
What to Expect
The London Eye soars 443 feet into the sky and views stretching 25 miles every direction. Since opening in 2000, it has been used as a setting in countless films and is loved by Britons and visitors alike. This is the UK’s most popular visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year.
Each London Eye capsule (坐舱) holds up to 25 passengers comfortably. All capsules are fully air-conditioned and rotate (旋转) on a special device designed to keep everyone upright with a slow but progressive rotation. The full rotation lasts 30 minutes of an ever changing view of this lively city.
Opening Times
■ September to May 10:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m. daily
■ June 10:00 a.m. — 9:00 p.m. daily
■ July 10:00 a.m. — 9:30 p.m. daily
■ August 10:00 a.m. — 8:30 p.m. daily
■ Not open on Christmas Day or during maintenance period.
Ticket Prices
| Adult: January to March £ 15.00 April to December £ 15.50 | Child (5-15 years): January to March £ 7.50 April to December £ 7.75 | Child under 5 years: free |
| Senior (60 plus) : £ 12.00 |
Booking line
■ 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday
■ Telephone: 0870 5000 600
1. Which of the following does the London Eye ride offer?| A．A 30-minute fast rotation. | B．An insight into its long history. |
| C．An admission free of charge. | D．A 360° moving view of the city. |
| A．10:00 a.m. — 9:00 p.m. | B．10:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m. |
| C．10:00 a.m — 9:30 p.m. | D．10:00 a.m. — 8:30 p.m. |
| A．£ 30. | B．£ 31. | C．£ 37.5. | D．£ 38.75. |
9 . 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
10 . On many travelers’ lists of things to do before they die, you’ll find “See the northern lights” written down. Rightfully so these lights are one of nature’s most jaw-dropping views.
In Sweden, the northern lights usually appear from late March or early April. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of them is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear, dark with little to no moonlight, and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights and go to the countryside. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations.
Abisko National Park
Abisko Natinal Park is a main location. The scientifically confirmed “blue hole”, a piece of sky over the Tornetrask lake that usually remains clear despite cloudy weather nearby, gives Abisko its own microclimate (局部地区气候), which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjarvi
The village of Jukkasjarvi only has about 550 people. But don’t let the small population size fool you: Jukkasjarvi owns the world’s first ice hotel and is one of the best places to view the northern lights. The ice hotel organizes guided tours for guests to the Esrange Space Center. There you can eat at a camp outside and see the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis (北极光). Or why not try to get closer to the northern lights and watch them through an aeroplane window? The ice hotel arranges flights for the amazing northern lights experience.
Gallivare
You can drive a snowmobile to the mountain top in Gallivare for a private light show, or head a few kilometers to nearby villages to watch those lights shining across the dark winter sky. But remember if you do get the chance to see the northern lights in person, never whistle to them. According to ancient Sumi fairy, it brings you bad luck.
1. When are you likely to best enjoy the northern lights in Swede?| A．On cold winter nights with clear sky and a little moonlight. |
| B．On freezing winter nights in the rural area without moonlight or cloud. |
| C．On chilly winter nights in the city center with few lights and little cloud. |
| D．On winter nights when the sky is dark with little moonlight and no cloud. |
| A．It has up to 550 people. |
| B．It owns the world’s first hotel. |
| C．It is among the best places to view the northern lights. |
| D．You can eat at a camp inside and see the aurora borealis. |
| A．A science report. | B．An art magazine. | C．A travel guide. | D．A botanical book. |
