1 . At 12, my father decided to take me on a trip to France. I had never been out of the country before, so I was very excited. My aunt, my father and I went around with my father showing us all the unbelievable sites in Paris. None of us spoke much French but we loved the city.
We had taken the subway all over the city and were congratulating ourselves on our mastering what is honestly an excellent subway design that is pretty easy to follow. We decided to visit Versailles by train. We chatted happily along the way until my father realized we were far into the French countryside and no one around spoke English.
We reached the end of the line and felt afraid when everyone finally left the train. An old man and his grandchild noticed us and came to help. He spoke no English, so in broken French we tried to explain. When he finally understood, this great man settled his grandson and showed us to the correct train and then boarded with us.
Later we knew the truth that there was a train transfer (转乘) and he didn’t want us to miss it. This kind man rode a train for an hour and a half out of his way to make sure that three Americans got where they wanted to be. He refused to let us pay for his ticket. He did it all with a gentle smile and patted our hands gently at the stop. Then in his quiet way, he boarded the train to return the way he had come.
What impressed me most was the man and his kindness during the amazing trip. Some Americans think the French are rude for some reason, but I always try to persuade them to change their minds with this very story.
1. What happened to the author and his family on the train?| A．They couldn’t understand the signs of the train. |
| B．They failed to get off the train at the right time. |
| C．They had different opinions about where to go first. |
| D．They found it hard to communicate with the French. |
| A．He paid for their train tickets. | B．He showed them the returning way. |
| C．He invited them to travel together. | D．He led them to their place. |
| A．Seeing is believing. | B．Being kind is a good manner. |
| C．Travelling enriches one’s life. | D．Helping others brings great pleasure. |
| A．To explain an unexpected problem. |
| B．To list the unbelievable sites in Paris. |
| C．To share an unforgettable foreign experience. |
| D．To show the importance of mastering a foreign language. |
2 . A Journey to the Yosemite Firefall
Each year, thousands of people are attracted to the Yosemite National Park in California for a chance of seeing —and photographing ——the unique “firefall”. The amazing “firefall” comes to life only when there is enough water from the melting（融化）snow to keep the Horsetail Fall flowing and when the light of the setting sun hits the waterfall at the right angle. It can only be seen for a short time in February on clear sunny days.
This year, the weather isn’t stopping the “firefall” from happening, but it is making the journey to see it more difficult.
“What would have been a 10-minute walk turned into a two-hour hike through deep snow,” photographer Ryan Fitzsimons said about his recent trip to see the phenomenon. “Our clothes were all wet by the time we got to a viewing site. But the heavy snow made the sight much more beautiful since the waterfall is much bigger this year.”
Another photographer Andy Heitz was making his first trip to see the “firefall”. He had to wait five hours in the extreme cold for his turn to take a picture.
“I got to the site at about 12:00 at noon. The place was already filled with hundreds of people waiting to see and photograph the ‘firefall’. I was so lucky that I shot a really wonderful burner! I was completely amazed with what I saw,” he said. “You know, only on a couple days of the year in February and when the sun sets down at the perfect angle to shine on Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall can we see the ‘Fire Fall’. I’ll never forget what I have seen.’’
The “firefall” should continue to be there from 20 to 24 February. But park officials said that there’s no guarantee（保证）that visitors will see it on any given day.
1. When might be the best time to take pictures of the “firefall”?| A．Early in the morning. | B．At noon. |
| C．Late in the afternoon. | D．At night. |
| A．There wouldn’t be enough snow. | B．It might be too cloudy. |
| C．The waterfall might not freeze. | D．The snow might melt too fast. |
| A．A worker in the kitchen. |
| B．The fire in the Yosemite National Park. |
| C．A part of a cooker or stove. |
| D．The unique Horsetail Fall in the setting sun. |
| A．To introduce an attraction. | B．To give suggestions for a trip. |
| C．To advertise a park in the US. | D．To explain what is a “firefall”. |
3 . You don't need to travel far away to write a travel diary. Your writing can start with a family vacation or a weekend getaway. All you need is a destination or a place of departure(出发)!
Write about what you imagine it will be. Sometimes when you travel, your destination is wildly different from what you expected. Maybe you expected the local food to be bad but it turned out to be delicious.
Add pictures to your journal.
Write about your trip after you leave. It is important to reflect on your travels, so you can have a new understanding.
| A．Ask a parent for help. |
| B．Get prepared for your travel journal. |
| C．Write as much as you can during your trip. |
| D．Use your journal to plan your trip properly. |
| E．Maybe you imagined the town to be smaller than it actually is. |
| F．Even though your journal is meant for writing, pictures are still worth a thousand words. |
| G．This is also a great way to learn about your-self and other people who you have travelled with. |
4 . There’s no better way to get to know someone than to travel with them. You see people at their best, and you see them at their worst. If your potential partner sounds like any of the following, maybe rethink that big trip.
The OCD Freak
They’ll have lists of places to visit and a route so full that you won’t have time to breathe. Don’t even try to mess with their timetable or you will face their burst of anger. They are sure to be angry if things don’t go exactly to plan.
The Tightwad
“Twenty bucks? Yeah, I don’t know.” You get a sinking feeling the first time you hear a sentence like that, when you realize your travel partner has short arms and long pocket. Different travelers have different budgets, sure—but there are also people out there who just seem allergic to spending money.
The Faffer
You watch them getting ready in the morning, and you estimate how long it will be before they’ll be set to go. You think they need to put their shoes on, they need to pack a few things in their bag—should be out the door in 10 minutes. And yet, half an hour later, you’re still there sitting on the bed while they wander about the room picking things up and putting them down again, remembering things they’ve forgotten, deciding to change their outfit.
The Whinger
This is the worst. Whingers seem determined to have a bad time when they travel, no matter where they go. They seem to be able to focus on the one thing that might not have gone smoothly and make a big deal out of it. A good travel experience is all about having the right attitude, and whingers definitely do not have it.
1. If you are going to travel with an OCD freak, you will probably ________.| A．visit all the places you want | B．need to make your own plan |
| C．hurry from one place to another | D．lose your temper at your partner |
| A．forget some important things | B．waste a lot of time packing things |
| C．have you waiting half an hour at most | D．be prepared for the trip in the morning |
| A．The OCD Freak | B．The Tightwad | C．The Faffer | D．The Whinger |
5 . In Singapore, art is more than what meets the eye. Galleries and museums here are not just places to be inspired, but also homes to distinctive souvenirs. Take home well-designed pieces that reflect your personality.
Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI)
41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236. ＋65 6336 3663.
Mon.－Fri. 10 am－7 pm; Sat. 9 am－6 pm
STPI is a space for experimentation of print and paper. Walk through the gallery and join other art lovers in developing an appreciation of print and paper art practice. STPI allows you to own a piece of the work produced by artists at the gallery workshops.
Red Dot Design Museum (RDDM)
11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940. ＋65 6514 0111.
Mon.－Thur. 10 am－8 pm; Fri.－Sun. 10 am－11 pm
From lighting to parasol (阳伞), the Red Dot Design Museum presents awardwinning products and design concepts from over 30 countries. Head to the Design Museum Shop, there are many interesting design objects and collections sourced from all over the world.
National Gallery Singapore (NGS)
1 St. Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957. ＋65 6271 7000.
Mon.－Thur., Sat.－Sun. 10 am－7 pm; Fri. 10 am－9 pm
NGS occupies two major landmarks — the former Supreme Court and City Hall — and features over 8,000 artworks, which is the largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art and culture. It is also a home to a host of international exhibitions that have inspired the world and will be remembered for years to come.
Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM)
23B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. ＋65 6337 3888.
Daily 10 am－7 pm
Fascinated by stamps? SPM features postage stamps dating all the way back from the 1830s. Enjoy this vibrant museum's indepth presentation of local and international postal history. Send Singaporeinspired postcards or collect miniature postboxes from Singapore and around the world. Charming souvenirs at the museum store will make creative decorations for your home or office.
1. Which number is available if you have any question on Red Dot Design Museum?| A．＋65 6336 3663. | B．＋65 6514 0111. |
| C．＋65 6271 7000. | D．＋65 6337 3888. |
| A．Singapore Tyler Print Institute. | B．Red Dot Design Museum. |
| C．National Gallery Singapore. | D．Singapore Philatelic Museum. |
| A．In a travel brochure. | B．In a report. |
| C．In a textbook. | D．In a novel. |
6 . Now many young people are traveling around the world on their own, not because they have no one to travel with, but because they prefer to go alone.
Kristina Wegscheider from California first traveled alone when she was at college and believes that it is something everyone should do at least once in their life. “It opens up your mind to things and pushes you out of your comfort zone.” Wegscheider has visited 46 countries covering all seven continents.
In foreign countries, with no one to help you read a map, look after you if you get ill, or lend you money if your wallet is stolen, it is challenging. This is what drives young people to travel alone. It is seen as character building and a chance to prove that they can make it on their own.
Chris Richardson decided to leave his sales job in Australia to go traveling last year. He set up a website, The Aussie Nomad, to document his adventures. He says he wished he had traveled alone earlier. “The people you meet, the places you visit, or the things you do, everything is up to you and it forces you to grow as a person.” said the 30-year-old man.
Richardson describes traveling alone like “a shot in the arm”, which “makes you a more confident person that is ready to deal with anything”. He said, “The feeling of having overcome something on my own is a major part of what drives me each day when I’m dealing with a difficult task. I walk around with my head up because I know deep down inside that nothing is impossible if you try.”
The great 19thcentury explorer John Muir once said. “Only by going alone in silence can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness.
1. Which of the following will Kristina Wegscheider agree with?| A．Traveling alone is a necessary experience for everyone. |
| B．It is more meaningful to travel in foreign countries. |
| C．It is comfortable to travel around without a friend. |
| D．Traveling abroad helps people to find new things. |
| A．you have to make things on your own. |
| B．it is hard for you to prove yourself to others. |
| C．you can only depend on yourself whatever happens. |
| D．it will finally build your character. |
| A．He started traveling alone at an early age. |
| B．He was once shot in the arm. |
| C．He used to work as a salesman. |
| D．His website will inspire others to travel alone. |
| A．Travel Abroad | B．Travel Alone |
| C．Travel Light | D．Travel Wide and Far |
7 . Japanese businessman Katsuo Inoue chose Italy for his summer vacation this year. He enjoyed the views of Florence and Rome-without ever leaving Japan.
Inoue and his wife “flew” to Italy on First Airlines, a company known for entertainment （娱乐），not transportation. The Tokyo-based new company entered the fast growing online tourism early this year as many countries have stopped accepting foreign tourists.
“I often go to other countries on business, but I haven't been to Italy,” Inoue said. "My impression was really good because I got a sense of actually seeing things there. First Airlines even gave us life jackets and oxygen masks（氧气罩）！”
The “passengers” on First Airlines sit in the first — or business-class areas of an airplane model. Workers serve meals and drinks as large screens show passing clouds and other views outside the airplane. The “travelers“ then receive glasses that provide virtual reality（虚拟现实 的）tours of places like Paris, New York, Hawaii and Rome.
The country's biggest airline, ANA Holdings, said that the numbers of passengers flying to foreign countries fell by 96 percent since June when Japan has stopped most travel in and out of the country. The International Air Transport Association （lAIA ） and The International Tourism Association （ITA） said last month that international travels wouldn't be able to recover until 2024. But they said the online travels have been growing very fast.
The president, Hiroaki Abe, said, “Since we started our online tour this year, our business has been increasing by 50 percent each month. Most of our customers usually travel to other countries every year and they can now experience some of that here when they are unable to go to the real attractions.”
1. What can we learn about First Airlines?| A．It provides transportation to tourists. |
| B．It is an Italy-based company. |
| C．It has been in business for many years. |
| D．It is a new online tourism company. |
| A．It is very cool. | B．It is boring. |
| C．It is dangerous. | D．It is frightening. |
| A．Customers can have more choices. |
| B．It is able to provide much better services. |
| C．It is much cheaper than the traditional travels. |
| D．People cannot actually travel around this year. |
| A．IATA. | B．ITA. |
| C．First Airlines. | D．ANA Holdings. |
8 . Popularly known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” Sanya in South China’s Hainan province is considered as one of the best diving resorts in the South Pacific Ocean.
The followings are the top five places for diving in the city.
Wuzhizhou Island
Regarded as the best place in Hainan province for underwater diving, it is one of the few islands in the world without rocks or pebbles.
The island covers an area of 1.48 square kilometers and is in an irregular butterfly shape. The sea around the island is clear and transparent, providing a visibility of 6 to 27 meters.
Yalong Bay
The underwater world at Yalong Bay is one of the earliest diving bases in Sanya.
It is thought as one of the best scenic spots in China to carry out undersea tourism, with the world's largest and most complete soft coral. Its beautiful blue water has a visibility of 7 to 9 meters.
Xidao Island
Xidao Island, the largest of a series of small islands in Sanya, is shaped like a turtle living in the tropical area.
Located 8 nautical miles off the coast, the island enjoys idyllic surroundings of rocky caves and an interior filled with palm trees. It also boasts crystal clear waters with a wide array of marine life and extensive coral reefs to explore.
Dadonghai Bay
Embraced by hills on three sides, it is a crescent-shaped bay located about 4 km southeast of the downtown area of Sanya.
It is also richly endowed by nature with vernal sunshine, soft breezes as well as fine sand. Though the water here is not as clear as that in Yalong Bay and Wuzhizhou Island, this diving spot is easier to get to.
Fenjiezhou Island
Nicknamed the Sleeping Beauty Island, it is a national 5A scenic area in Lingshui Li autonomous county.
The island boasts extremely clean beaches and rich marine ecological resources. It is the only site in the country that allows visitors to dive with dolphins.
1. Which diving resort looks like a turtle?| A．Wuzhizhou Island | B．Yalong Bay | C．Xidao Island | D．Dadonghai Island |
| A．They are very close to the coast. |
| B．They provided clear waters to dive in. |
| C．They are surrounded by hills and palm trees. |
| D．They have coral reefs and marine life to explore. |
| A．It is the best place in the world for underwater diving. |
| B．It is the most convenient for visitors to get to. |
| C．It is filled with the largest soft coral and clearest water. |
| D．It is the site permitting visitors to dive with dolphins. |
9 . Tips of travelling cheaply
Thinking about an overseas trip but concerning you might make a less worthy choice because you can’t afford to visit all the places on your wish list before you make your final decision?
Keep your needs to a minimum .People need fresh air, exercise, creative stimulation, companionship and self-esteem, etc.
Go slow. If you live in New York and want to take a two-week vacation to Africa, it will be very difficult to travel for free. Time is not money. Time is free. Instead of buying a place ticket, take a train or bus, or just hop on your bike and ride away from town.
Try to get your accommodation for free or next-to-nothing. Find kind souls around the world who agree to offer an extra bedroom, couch，or corner of the floor to travelers in exchange for the same kindness when they visit your town.
| A．Embrace the simple joy of travel. |
| B．The slower you travel, the less money you will spend. |
| C．Things like air and water are much cheaper once you get outside. |
| D．All of these things are simple to obtain and most of them are free. |
| E．Just because you 've little money doesn't mean you have to stay at home . |
| F．This scheme involves trading homes for an agreed–upon amount of time. |
| G．If you can do what needs to be done around the house, then you stay for free. |
10 . When you visit Kinderdijk, one of the most visited villages in the Netherlands, you step right into the middle of Dutch history.
Kinderdijk lies in the Alblasserwaard, where the Lek and Noord rivers meet together. Much of the village is near or even below sea level. Although there are canals and dykes (堤坝), the lowlands of the village are still at risk of flooding (洪灾). Among the most deadly floods was Saint Elisabeth’s flood in 1421, which killed thousands after the dykes broke in several places. To deal with this kind of problem, the Kinderdijk windmills (风车) were built around 1740 to move water from the lower areas to higher ground and into the river.
Nineteen of the 20 Kinderdijk windmills remain and were named a UNESCO World Heritage (遗产) Site in 1997. Of the 19 windmills, 16 still have millers who live inside and control the huge sails (翼板) in the wind. These windmills continue to help manage the Netherlands ongoing fight to stay above water.
For tourists, boat tours are offered along the canals and walkways lead from the visitor center to the windmills. Two windmills serve as museums, filled with old millers’ items and photos. You can climb up inside to see how the windmills work. The windmills also are working, so be prepared to feel the whole building shake when the sails turn in the wind.
Each year, about 500,000 people visit the Kinderdijk windmills and the buildings have become a must-see on any trip to the Netherlands. There are some windmills north of Amsterdam that “were built for tourists, but we’re a historical site where tourists come, so it’s the other way around,” says Kinderdijk communications manager Peter Paul Klapwijk. “Tourism is a good way to support our site.”
1. Why were the Kinderdijk windmills built around 1740?| A．To protect dykes. | B．To produce clean water. |
| C．To prevent floods. | D．To keep the sea level from rising. |
| A．Most of them are working as before. |
| B．Most of them have become museums. |
| C．Several of them have been sold to millers. |
| D．Several of them were destroyed long ago. |
| A．Fearful. | B．Worried. | C．Excited. | D．Surprised. |
| A．The history of Kinderdijk |
| B．A famous historical site |
| C．An amazing village of canals |
| D．The traditions of the Netherlands |
