1 . The Roman Colosseum is a giant amphitheater built two thousand years ago. Despite its age and an earthquake that knocked down its south side, most of the 150-some-foot building is still standing. Like many ancient Roman structures, parts of it were constructed using a specific type of concrete. Scientists and engineers have long suspected the key to these buildings’ strength is their use of this Roman concrete. But exactly how this strong concrete has contributed to the architecture’s durability (耐用) has been a mystery to researchers worldwide.
A team of interdisciplinary (跨学科的) researchers recently discovered a potential answer to why these ancient Roman buildings have been able to weather the test of time while many modern, concrete structures seem to collapse after a few decades. The answer: self-healing concrete. The material has three components: limestone. volcanic material and water. For years, architects and historians have guessed the volcanic material is what makes it strong — which it does. But it does not explain the material’s self-healing ability.
What the researchers found was that the self-healing properties might simply be a result of chemistry. The limestone in the concrete is likely the secret. When the ancient Romans made mortar (砂浆), they heated up the lime to turn it into a substance called “quicklime” — a very reactive chemical sibling to limestone. And, because they introduced water to the quickli me during mixing, the heat it produced set up a chemical foundation that could strengthen the concrete later. When tiny cracks start to form later, the quicklime stops them from becoming bigger. When it rains, the lime quickly fills the crack or reacts with the volcanic ash to“heal”the material.
For materials scientist Ainissa Ramirez, this new understanding of ancient Roman con crete is a welcome discovery. “This is one way that the material can be greener,” says Ramirez. “It’s sort of like a message in a bottle. The Romans made the material. We had to kind of figure out how they did it so that we can make better materials — and then in turn, attend to our environment better.”
1. Why is the Roman Colosseum mentioned in paragraph 1?| A．To show many wonderful ancient Roman structures. |
| B．To provide a clue for studying ancient Roman structures. |
| C．To disclose to the world the mystery of ancient Roman structures. |
| D．To start the introduction of the durability of ancient Roman structures. |
| A．Change. | B．Prove. | C．Stand. | D．Suffer |
| A．A material called quicklime. | B．A chemical foundation. |
| C．The volcanic material. | D．The water in the crack. |
| A．Roman concrete was made like a message in a bottle. |
| B．Roman concrete was aimed at protecting the environment. |
| C．Further study of Roman material will be carried out soon. |
| D．The way to make Roman material can be practical nowadays. |
2 . Welcome to “Cash Poor Points Rich”, a new travel blog dedicated to sharing experiences with credit card points and miles to help you get big travel, but for small spend.With the right planning and maximization of available resources, traveling as a college student may be easier than you think.
Chengdu, ChinaIf visiting a place with happy locals is a priority for you, there’s no better city to hit than Chengdu. It is home to pandas and spicy things. Moreover, the city’s abundance of cultural and historical sights, together with its laid back lifestyle, make Chengdu one of the most attractive and livable large cities too. Past travelers have spent, on average, ¥157 on meals and ¥43 on local transportation for one day.
Con Dao Island, VietnamTourism is picking up in Vietnam lately, where you can travel for about ¥100 per day if you play your cards right. Con Dao Island Nation Park, a group of dramatic tiny islands off the southern coast, is a great destination to see sea turtles and other wildlife while exploring the area on foot. Its thick jungle will give you a good chance to uncover a paradise (天堂) of your own.
Zakynthos Island, GreeceIf you’re looking for an affordable European summer beach vacation, consider Zakynthos Island. Food is cheap and mouthwatering. There are plenty of free things to do, although the favorite is spending time on the beautiful beaches edged by electric blue water. There are countless options for swimming in the appealing sea, along with charming villages and museums to explore.
New Orleans, U.S.New Orleans is an incredibly unique place in the U.S., full of fascinating history, absorbing culture, delicious food, and a constantly buzzing nightlife scene. There are actually a couple of hostels in and near the French Quarter that offer reasonable accommodation rates for students.
1. How much on average might be spent on meals and transportation in Chengdu per day?| A．¥43. | B．¥100. | C．¥157. | D．¥200. |
| A．Abundant cultures. | B．Free tourist attractions. |
| C．Impressive sea views. | D．Large museums. |
| A．The price of hostels is reasonable. | B．Hostels there are clean and modern. |
| C．It offers unique service for students. | D．It has the longest history in New Orleans. |
3 . While most parts of the country are blanketed in snow, here in San Diego you can take advantage of the warm sunshine and dive into the high life at a resort (度假胜地) pool. Many resorts offer pool day passes for families. You can enjoy the delicious lunch at the poolside.
Lows Coronado ResortHere you can relax at the poolside and take a dip. You’ll find heated pools and daily family-friendly poolside entertainment and activities. Enjoy a handmade cocktail (鸡尾酒) from your chair or in a cabin. Also on tap: free Wi-Fi and self-parking for up to 3 hours.
Hours: 10: 00 am~10: 00 pmAdmission: $25/adult; $10/child; free for kids under 3
4000 Coronado Bay Road
Monarch Beach Resort
Enjoy yourself in a pool at the paradise-like Monarch Beach Resort. Ocean views and sunny skies make an unbeatable background for a swim in two oceanfront heated pools. The day pass also includes access to the Athletic Club.
Hours: 9: 00 am-7: 00 pmAdmission: $50/adult; $28/child; free for kids under 3
1Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point
The Lafayette Hotel
The iconic swimming pool at the Lafayette Hotel has been attracting attention since it was designed in 1946. Go for a swim in this heated pool and enjoyed excellent services, which even appeal to Hollywood stars. They often relax at the poolside in this place.
Hours: 10: 00 am~7: 00 pmAdmission: $10/adult; $10/child; free for kids under 3
2223E1 Cajon Blvd
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Get away from your troubles and feel a world away in the pools while appreciating the Spanish-style architecture of the inn. There are two pools: one for individual adult and one for families, as well as a hot bub, poolside food , drink services, and a fitness center.
Hours: 6: 30 am~10: 00 pmAdmission: $25/ adult; $10/ child; free for kids under 3
17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive
1. What’s the advantage of resorts in San Diego over others in the country in winter?
| A．Delicious food there | B．White and thick snow |
| C．Available pool day passes | D．Fine weather and enjoyable life |
| A．Self-parking for 3 hours | B．Doing poolside activities. |
| C．Taking a dip comfortably. | D．Enjoying a handmade cocktail. |
| A．50 dollars | B．78 dollars | C．100 dollars | D．128 dollars |
| A．People being fond of seeing Hollywood movies. | B．People wanting to receive star treatment. |
| C．People hoping to get more attention. | D．People loving ancient architecture. |
| A．2223 El Cajon Blvd | B．4000 Coronado Bay Road. |
| C．17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive. | D．1 Monarch Beach Resort, Sana Point. |
4 . I’m interested in the Renaissance (文艺复兴), so I like visiting ancient Italian cities. Ferrara is called City of the Renaissance. When I learned about this city on the Internet, I decided to pay a visit to it.
The city has a certain charm, but I find it isn’t as great as other Italian cities like Verona, let alone Venice or Rome. The Michelin Green Guide gives it two stars, which is right.
I first visited the city centre. The Cathedral and Castello Estense are at the heart of the city. Both have striking appearances. I visited the Cathedral first. Castello Estense is also worth visiting, which owes its name to the powerful Este family. It was built with bricks and surrounded by a moat (护城河). At the lower levels, the history of the city and the Este family are told through displays, and in another part the ceilings are shown through mirrors on the ground.
In the north, we can appreciate the Renaissance extension of the town, with straight streets and monumental houses. The famous Palazzo dei Diamanti lies here. When I was visiting it, it started to rain, so after taking a few photos quickly, I cut my visit there short. It had been raining for a few days. When the rain ceased, I went to visit the historical centre and the Renaissance buildings.
After leaving there, I visited several other interesting places such as palaces and the narrow streets of the downtown. After four hours in Ferrara I left by train to Mantua. There I had a much better time.
1. Why did the author pay a visit to Ferrara?| A．Because it is related to the Renaissance. | B．Because it is full of charm. |
| C．Because it is a very famous city in Europe. | D．Because it is strongly recommended by a website. |
| A．Subjective. | B．Reasonable. | C．Unacceptable. | D．Unbelievable. |
| A．It came from the historical buildings. | B．It originated from the straight streets. |
| C．It was named after the powerful Este family. | D．It was connected to the surrounding moat. |
| A．The writer thought Ferrara was as great as Venice. |
| B．The writer visited Palazzo dei Diamanti for a long time. |
| C．The writer was much more satisfied with the tour in Mantua than in Ferrara. |
| D．The writer was disappointed with the visit to the Cathedral and Castello Estense. |
The best time to visit Toronto is typically in the spring (April and May) or during the fall (September to early November). At these times, you’ll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather for sightseeing as it is neither too hot nor too cold.
Getting AroundThe Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) makes it easy to get around the city via many buses, subway, and streetcars. Figuring out how to get where you want to go is easily done using the TTC’s convenient Trip Planner.
Travel TipWhile you may choose to base yourself near many of the city’s main landmarks, it’s also worth taking some time to explore some great neighborhoods that each offer their own unique charms, including colorful Kensington Market, the Junction, Leslieville, and Little India.
Things to DoGet a Dose of Art & Culture: The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum and showcases everything from art and archaeology to natural science in over 30 galleries. Or, stop by the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), one of the largest art museums in North America with a collection of more than 90,000 works of art.
Take in the Views From the CN Tower: High-speed elevators send visitors to the top of the tower in just 58 seconds for full views over the city. You can even try EdgeWalk to experience a hands-free walk around the main pod of the tower, 116 stories above the ground.
Spend a Day in the Distillery District: Explore the historic Distillery District to walk casually among Victorian-era buildings on pedestrian-only cobblestone streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
1. If a tourist travels to Toronto in October, what is he likely to find?| A．Free attractions. | B．Discounted hotels. |
| C．Extreme weather. | D．Crowded scenic spots. |
| A．Help people buy tickets. | B．Help tourists in urgent situations. |
| C．Guide people to their destinations. | D．Introduce scenic spots to tourists. |
| A．It is home to over 90,000 artworks. |
| B．It’s noted for its Victorian-era buildings. |
| C．It’s one of the largest museums in Canada. |
| D．Its displays range from art to natural science. |
| A．Little India. | B．EdgeWalk. | C．The Junction. | D．The Distillery District. |
| A．Planning Your Trip in Toronto |
| B．Some Hidden Truth about Toronto |
| C．The Main Tourist Attractions in Toronto |
| D．The Reasons for the Popularity of Toronto |
6 . 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. |
7 . In Birmingham, one school is offering its students an education that will change their lives. The unique program is called Build UP, which enables students to earn a high school certificate while working as paid apprentices (学徒) in construction work. As part of their training, they remodel (改造) old and abandoned houses in their neighborhood!
At any school, the burden on students can be heavy, and for those in poor areas, it is much heavier. “The kids that I’ve worked with during my entire career are all from disadvantaged groups with all the challenges that come with poverty,” said educator Mark Martin. So he founded Build UP in 2018 to offer students a different kind of education: real-world training.
As far as real-world issues are concerned, for low-income communities, one of the biggest needs is housing. That’s why Build UP made construction their main focus, offering a combination of regular and specialized classes. That way, instead of hearing the age-old question “When am I ever going to use this?” in a geometry class, their teachers are able to redirect students to a shop class (工艺课). There, students can connect the math theory to the building of a house.
The program hopes to draw in students who are likely to quit school by offering wages for their apprenticeships. Students receive $125 every two weeks when they start out as apprentices and can eventually work up to getting $200 every two weeks. Upon graduation, they have the opportunity to get an interest-free loan to purchase the remodeled homes.
So far, they have been doing a pretty amazing job. And now with the help of a loan company, the program has the opportunity to bring their model to communities everywhere! They plan to first add similar programs in nearby neighborhoods. After that, they hope to train others to start similar schools and expand their network of partners — particularly construction companies that can offer jobs to their students.
1. Why did Mark Martin found Build UP?| A．To help students from poor areas. |
| B．To lighten students’ academic burden. |
| C．To reconstruct and reuse unwanted houses. |
| D．To train students to build homes. |
| A．They teach knowledge of the bank loan. |
| B．They combine theory and practice. |
| C．They center on age-old unsolved questions. |
| D．They explain math principles in simple words. |
| A．Reach out to more students. |
| B．Offer students more job opportunities. |
| C．Found more similar schools themselves. |
| D．Get more funds from construction companies. |
| A．Build UP: A Solution to the Housing Problem |
| B．Build UP: A Breakthrough in the Construction Industry |
| C．Build UP: Changing Community Education for the Better |
| D．Build UP: Giving Students Power Through Home Building |
8 . The garden city was largely the invention of Ebenezer Howard (1850-1928). After an unsuccessful attempt to make a living as a farmer, he moved to Chicago, where he saw the reconstruction of the city after the disastrous fire of 1871. In those days, it was nicknamed “the Garden City”, almost certainly the source of Howard’s name for his later building plan of towns. Howard developed his design in the 1880s and 1890s, drawing on ideas popular at the time, but creating a unique combination of designs.
The nineteenth-century poor city was a terrible place, dirty and crowded; but it offered economic and social opportunities. At the same time, the British countryside was in fact equally unattractive: Though it promised fresh air and nature, it suffered from agricultural depression (萧条) and it offered neither enough work and wages, nor much social life. Howard’s idea was that a group of people should set up a company, borrowing money to establish a garden city in the depressed countryside; far enough from existing cities to make sure that the land was bought at the bottom price.
Garden cities would provide a central public open space, radial avenues and connecting industries. They would be surrounded by a much larger area of green belt, containing not merely farms but also some industrial institutions. As more and more people moved in, the garden city would reach its planned limit; then, another would be started a short distance away. Thus, over time, there would develop a vast planned house collection, extending almost without limit; within it, each garden city would offer a wide range of jobs and services, but each would also be connected to the others by a rapid transportation system, thus giving all the economic and social opportunities of a big city.
1. How did Howard get the name for his building plan of garden cities?| A．By using the nickname of the reconstructed Chicago. |
| B．Through his observation of the country life. |
| C．Through the combination of different ideas. |
| D．By taking other people’s advice. |
| A．Making comments on. | B．Giving an explanation of. |
| C．Giving a description of. | D．Making use of. |
| A．Each one would continue to become larger. |
| B．People would live and work in the same place. |
| C．Their number would continue to rise. |
| D．Each one would contain a certain type of business. |
| A．City and Countryside. | B．The Invention of the Garden City. |
| C．A New City in Chicago. | D．A Famous Garden City in England. |
9 . I started to worry when the golf car taking me, Steve, and our suitcases stopped in the middle of the Maine forest. A yurt (蒙古包) is a tent tall enough to stand in and wide enough to fit a big family. But I didn’t see it anywhere.
“You hike from here,” said the driver, pointing down a weedy (杂草丛生的) path. The woods were darkening, and Steve encouraged me to pick up the pace. My summer sandals (凉鞋) slipped on the wet leaves. Steve and I spent a good hour until we spotted the light of the yurt.
Steve skillfully lit a fire. We ate some sandwiches, had a few beers, and settled in for a good night’s sleep. But I couldn’t relax. I shook Steve awake. “The door to the yurt doesn’t lock,” I said. “What if a bear wanders into the camp?”
“Don’t worry. Moose (驼鹿) are a bigger problem here than bears,” he said.
“Well, what if someone decides to rob us? Or what if one of the locals wants to teach us a lesson?” “OK,” Steve said with a heavy sigh. He forcefully placed a chair under the door handle. “There, additional protection.” He smiled. “And even if someone gets through the door, you’ll have time to grab that book and use it as a weapon.” I laughed. Sleep moved in. We could enjoy our weekend.
When we “checked out” three mornings later. I was the first one up. That’s when I realized that the door opened ... out. The chair had been serving no purpose other than to keep me quiet.
“So,” I said, as we walked heavily back to meet the golf car. “How else have you been ‘handling’ me this weekend?”
He smiled. “Well. I decided not to tell Von about the snake that lived in the firewood.”
1. What can be learned from the first two paragraphs?| A．I was quite looking forward to the trip. | B．It was convenient to get to the yurt. |
| C．I felt nervous and anxious about the trip. | D．The golf car sent us directly to the yurt. |
| A．To make it safer to sleep inside. | B．To stop me from worrying. |
| C．To protect them from locals. | D．To have fun. |
| A．He was worried about moose and bears. |
| B．He might have some experience in sleeping in a yurt. |
| C．He put the snake in the firewood. |
| D．He had learned a lesson from the locals. |
| A．A Meaningful Trip to Yurt | B．The Importance of Getting Close to Nature |
| C．More to Know about Yurt | D．The Time I Survived a Yurt |
Every Thursday morning, just before the Museum opens to the public, Members are ivied to experience the newest exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum without the crowds. Member Morning Hours are held from 9 to 10 am. Members are also invited to bring guests. Timed Tickets are not required for entry.
The Balcony Lounge(酒廊) Service
The Balcony Lounge will be open for breakfast during Member Morning Hours. All Members can swing by for coffee and a cake for free after early morning exhibition viewing.
Entry for Member Morning Hours
Please enter at the 81st Street and Fifth Avenue entrance. Once inside, Members may go directly to the Museum galleries.
Health and Safety
To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all, the Museum is following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State, and New York City for increased health and safety procedures. Masks are required. A full list of the Museum’s health and safety guidelines is available online. Learn more here.
Member Pro Tip!
Your Membership card is your passport to the Museum! When you arrive at the Museum, present your Membership card at any Member desk on the ground floor at 81st Street.
For Membership questions, please contact us at membership@metrmuseum.org or call 212-731-1753(M-F, 10 am-5 pm EST).
1. When does the Museum most probably open to the public on Thursday mornings?| A．At 8:00 am | B．At 8:30 am. | C．At 9:30 am. | D．At 10:30 am. |
| A．Breakfast. | B．Lunch. | C．Afternoon tea. | D．Supper. |
| A．Advance booking is required. |
| B．Once entering the museum, members can visit any part of it. |
| C．Members without Membership card are not allowed to enter |
| D．Members are permitted to enter for exhibitions only during 9-10 am. |
