1 . How many times have you checked your tickets, money and passport before you set off? Well, maybe add a note about food hygiene(卫生), too, as there are lots of food-borne hazards(危害) to be mindful of when you travel.

Taking precautions doesn’t mean ignoring local food, culture and customs.     1     Food-and water-related illnesses can vary from a touch of mild traveller’s stomach to more serious infections.    2     You need to check up on the destinations to see if there are any common food-related issues you need to know about.

In countries with doubtful water quality, avoid ice and—if you have no other option—drink only unopened bottled water. Better still, take a reusable filtered (过滤) water bottle so that you can drink the local water safely and not add to the mountain of single-use plastic waste.    3     Avoid any raw meat, fish, shellfish or eggs if you have any doubts, including under-cooked foods or rare-cooked meats. When eating fruits and vegetables, they need to be thoroughly cooked, and avoid salads that may be washed with polluted water.    4    

If you’re being offered buffet food or shared plates, think about how long that food has been sitting in the heat. It doesn’t take long at all for bacteria to multiply at alarming rates on food, so where possible, choose refrigerated dishes or food that is piping hot.

    5     If the thought crosses your mind about whether something is safe to consume, it’s wise to assume it isn’t.

A．Avoiding them is all in the planning.

B．My guiding principle is: if in doubt, leave it out.

C．Wash your hands even more frequently than normal.

D．Don’t drink straight from fountains, hotel room taps, or streams.

E．Raw fruits with thick peels are okay if you prepare them yourself.

F．Trying local food is joyful, but it pays to know which dishes to avoid.

G．Instead, it means you can get enjoyment with minimum risk while travelling.

3 . Some beaches are perfect for relaxing, while others offer activities like hiking and water sports. Visit these beautiful beaches for an unforgettable vacation.

Cannon Beach

If your perfect beach vacation spot features postcard-worthy scenery and peace, look no further than Cannon Beach. In this Pacific Northwest town, you can even build a fire on the beach to relax beside while watching the sun set. When you need a break from the beach, grab a bike and head downtown to explore its art galleries, shops and restaurants.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

For a one-of-a-kind beach experience, head to Horseshoe Bay Beach on Bermuda’s South Shore. Known for its pink sand, this beach is a popular destination for families looking to play in the calm blue-green waters and build blush-colored sandcastles. Adventure seekers can also take part in the self-guided island bicycle tour or engage in exciting water sports.

Mohegan Bluffs

This beach is famous for its natural beauty. Upon arrival, pause to admire your surroundings and learn about its ties to the native people, their ancient traditions, and connection to the land, adding depth to your beach experience. Then, take the 141 steps down to the sand to sunbathe. After that, climb back up to visit the Southeast Light for an up-close view of its 18th-century lighthouse.

South Beach

This tropical district on Florida’s Atlantic Coast is world-renowned for its powdery white sand. Although technically part of the Miami Beach area, South Beach stands out due to its Art Deco architecture seen in everything from the beachfront lifeguard towers to the high-rise buildings along the famed Ocean Drive.

1. What similarity do Cannon Beach and Horseshoe Bay Beach share?

A．The chance to cycle around.	B．Their lively artistic scene.
C．The unique water sports.	D．Their distinctive sand color.

2. Who is most likely attracted to Mohegan Bluffs?

A．Those seeking water sports.	B．Fans of modern lighthouses.
C．Those interested in local culture.	D．Enthusiasts of mountain climbing.

3. What sets South Beach apart from the rest of the Miami Beach area?

A．Its beach sand.	B．Its architectural style.
C．Its ocean drive.	D．Its high-rise buildings.

4 . One of the most common questions I get from concerned gardeners is how to deal with climbing plants, like ivy. The thinking behind this is that climbers are a dragon brickwork and can cause structural damage to buildings. But when you actually look at the science, very few of these f cars are based on any evidence.

A 2020 study of a range of climbing plants on model brick buildings found that the shade cast by the plants’ leaves cooled the surface of the buildings in the summer by as much as 5.7℃, reducing the wide swings between day and night temperatures-a key driver of surface structural damage. It also lowered summer temperatures inside the buildings by up to 7.2℃, and was even projected to reduce heating bills by as much as 20 percent in the winter. Despite concerns that plant strap moisture (水分) against brickwork, leading to damp issues, the same trial showed ivy didn’t significantly raise moisture levels-rather, it helped stabilise them, minimising changes that could damage the buildings surfaces

It is worth bearing in mind that these results were from model buildings with new brickwork. What about well-used buildings? Well another study, this one from 2011, found that in five historical buildings, bare walls experienced average maximum temperatures 36 percent higher and minimum temperatures 15 percent lower compared with those coated in leaves.

The researchers concluded that the living protection provided by those climbing plants would “reduce the likelihood of frost and salt damage to the building materials, thus contributing to their conservation”. They also found that the leaves’ ability to trap pollution could reduce the damage to historical walls.

Imagine if there was a new material that could cool cities and cut energy bills, all while looking beautiful. Did I mention it was also self-cleaning and carbon negative? The truth is that we have had this amazing material all along, but rather than appreciating it we have spent huge amounts of time worrying about bow to tear it down.

1. What are gardeners commonly concerned about?

A．Poor quality of brickwork.	B．Weeds competing for space.
C．Damage caused by construction.	D．Potential dangers of climbing plants.

2. What do climbing plans mainly serve as according to the 2020 study?

A．A temperature adjuster.	B．A moisture tester.
C．A pollution monitor.	D．An air purifier.

3. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．Possible doubts about the findings.	B．Analysis of the experimental data.
C．Supporting evidence for the findings.	D．Explanation for the research process.

4. What is the author’s attitude toward climbing plants?

A．Unclear.

B．Dismissive.

C．Appreciative.

D．Tolerant.

5 . Things To Remember On Your First Solo Travel Adventure

If you’ve ever thought about just taking a trip yourself instead of waiting for someone to join you, you’re not alone.     1     However, do you count yourself among the many who have tried it? If you’re planning your own solo trip, here are four important things to keep in mind.

    2     Since you’re traveling solo, how you choose to explore it is entirely up to you. This is your chance to do whatever you want whenever you want because this time, you’re running the show.

Don’t be afraid to talk to random people. Though there is someone who poses a threat, it’s important to remember that not everyone is out to get you.     3    That’s because you’re a novelty, a person from another country who is visiting theirs. Therefore, instead of putting on your headphones or instantly seeing them as weirdos, use this spontaneous chat as a chance to meet the locals or get recommendations for things to do during your trip.

It’s okay to have bad days.     4     It happens and it’s completely okay to take some time to process whatever it is you’re feeling. Take yourself to a movie or spend the day dong something relaxing like writing in your journal or reading on the beach.

It’s okay to start small.     5     Start by doing a staycation in another part of town, spending a few days in a new locale a bus or train ride away. Just do whatever you’re comfortable with and see how it all feels for you.

A．You are the boss of your own adventure.

B．You need to make an unusual travel choice.

C．It’s no secret that solo travel is on the rise.

D．Sometimes things can go incredibly wrong.

E．People like you simply don’t know how to start.

F．Most of the time people are just curious and try to be friendly.

G．Remember, your first solo trip doesn’t have to be to a whole other continent.

6 . In Oceanside, a coastal suburb about 40 miles north of San Diego, the palm trees wave and the temperature is almost perfect. Teenagers watch surfers ride glassy waves. Every day it feels like the most perfect summer day. There is just one problem: The sand is disappearing.

While many visitors, and even lifelong Californians in the industrial state, might see wide areas of sand as part of the state’s natural beauty, the reality is that over decades, the coast has become a highly engineered wonder. Millions of cubic yards of sand dug from other parts has been added in the last century to build the postcard-worthy beach like the one in Santa Monica.

But a range of forces have shrunk beaches all along California’s coastline. California could lose as much as 75% of its beaches by 2100, given the sea level rise related to climate change. Over time, beach sand gets s wept up into the water. Some of it moves towards other beaches. Besides, dams and concrete canals have reduced the amount of river sediment (沉淀物) flowing downstream that could help fill beaches as a supplement (补充). If the shoreline were allowed to evolve without human intervention, the beaches could continue to exist as we know them. But in California, the development in many places along the coast has created a hard barrier, disturbing that natural evolution.

Over the years, local governments worked together on a few major sand supplement projects. But those, still, have proved to be fleeting solutions. “Everything we do is a short-term fix,” said Gary Griggers, a professor specializing in coastal science. In recent years, as the sand’s disappearance grew more extreme, longtime Oceanside residents formed an organization called Save Oceanside Sand. A beach town cannot exist without a beach. Leaders here launched some international design competitions, aiming at finding new ways of getting and keeping sand on the city’s beaches.

“It’s really a race. I think there’s absolutely nothing we can do to hold back the Pacific Ocean,” said Gairy Griggers.

1. What does the author mean by mentioning the engineered wonder?

A．Most visitors are engineers.	B．California is an industrial state.
C．It’s the perfect holiday vacation.	D．The beach is artificially maintained.

2. What is a reason for the crisis of beaches along California’s coastline?

A．Sand supplement has been added.	B．Sea level rise results in climate change.
C．Much river sediment is flowing downstream.	D．Human intervention blocks the natural evolution.

3. What does the underlined word “fleeting” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Efficient.

B．Temporary.

C．Sustainable.

D．Complex.

4. Which of the following was done to preserve Californian beaches?

A．Design contests were held.	B．Dams and canals were built.
C．Man-made beaches were expanded.	D．Sand-themed postcards were published.

7 . In modern life, stress has become an unwelcome companion for many. According to a survey conducted in 2023, 91 percent of adults reported experiencing high or extreme levels of stress.     1     One alternative gaining popularity is wellness tourism, praised as the fastest-growing sector in the travel industry.

The change of scenery and adventurous nature of an active holiday can lead to an overall change in the dominant chemicals in our brain, triggering releases of dopamine (多巴胺).     2     We often see dopamine travel as a complete distraction from everyday life, which promotes meaning or growth. Besides, such a form of travel has been proven to increase feelings of well-being, as well as increases in general activity level.     3     This is particularly present for outdoor trips such as mountaineering or skiing where a sense of accomplishment can lead to long lasting increases in self worth and confidence.

    4     Oliver Brendon, CEO of Attraction Tickets.com adds: “The dopamine travel trend is centered on immersing yourself in exciting landscapes, which is why the brightly-colored theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort make such popular destinations.”

For more mindful moments, surrounding yourself in nature can create a sense of adventure and escape unlike traditional wellness getaways.     5     Going sailing on the tranquil lazy river at Discovery Cove is another wise choice.

A．Consider choosing experiences like swimming with sea life.

B．Try riding the popular roller coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

C．These benefits have been reported as lasting up to a long post-holiday time.

D．This effect of certain holidays has coined a new travel trend — dopamine travel.

E．As we struggle with this stress, promoting our well-being has become most significant.

F．It’s evident that we are increasingly seeking comfort and refreshment in holiday experiences.

G．Just as other dopamine trends encourage bright colors, our environments also play a, vital role.

8 .

CHINATOWN WALKING GUIDE
A Cultural Feast Get a quick insight into its culture and heritage religion and cuisine delights at Chinatown Heritage Centre, THK Temple (one of the nation’s oldest temples) and Chinatown Food Street. Then pick up some great ethnic souvenirs at Pagoda Street. Life in Chinatown As the descendants of the nation’s early immigrants, today’s Chinese still keep many of the traditions and practices of their ancestors. A unique blend of old and new awaits you at one of the nation’s oldest ethnic settlements.         Against a background of towering skyscrapers, you’ll see rows of carefully preserved historic shop houses from decades-old family-run businesses and family associations, to CD stores, spas and high-tech companies.
Souvenirs of Chinatown Lacquerware, woodcrafts and masks Chinese silk, calligraphy and seal carvings	The Routes Chinatown extends over a fairly large area, and so, a main route has been planned to help you capture the soul of Chinatown, while an extension offer a more in-depth perspective. PLACES OF INTEREST Main Route 1. The majestic 2. Chinatown Street Markets 3. Chinatown Heritage Centre 4. SM Temple 5. Chinatown Complex, Market and Food Centre 6. T Park 7. Tea Chapter Extension 1. Chinese Weekly Entertainment Club 2. FTC Museum
Best Time of Week to go Weekdays — set out early around 10 a. m. or later in the afternoon, when it’s cooler. Many places of interest close from 5 p. m., so don’t set off too late. Dress Code Most places of worship require modest dressing. Women are advised to wear long skirts or trousers and tops with sleeves

1. Tourists can enjoy cuisine delights and shopping at ______.

A．Tea chapter and family association

B．T Park and family-run businesses

C．Chinatown Food Street and Pagoda Street

D．Chinatown Street Markets and Pagoda Street

2. From the walking guide, an example of “a unique blend of old and new” is _______.

A．CD stores and skyscrapers

B．skyscrapers and shop houses

C．temples and family associations

D．spas and high-tech companies

3. Which one of the following statements is TRUE according to the advertisement?

A．Chinatown is ideal for visits 24 hours a day.

B．Women for places of worship are advised to wear shorts and long-sleeved blouse.

C．A local museum can be visited along the Main Route.

D．“A cultural feast” refers to sights and food of different ethnic groups in Chinatown.

10 . 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.

2. What drove the author to go to Athens?

A．Meeting a commitment.	B．Exploring a unique landscape.
C．Receiving further education.	D．Escaping from the current life.

3. What does the underlined word “poetry” in paragraph 6 probably refer to?

A．Poems written by masters.	B．Peace and simplicity.
C．Spirit of craftsmanship.	D．Special sound in the street.

4. Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Friendship Lasts Forever	B．Travelling Shapes a Better Self
C．Pursuit of Happiness Never Stops	D．The Ordinary Makes Extraordinary