1 . Out of London Tours
Stratford, Oxford, Christ Church and the Cotswolds with Lunch
Length of time
About 10 hours
Days of operation
April 2009 to March 2010 — Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
This tour starts at 8:45 am and finishes at around 6:30 pm
Description
*Oxford
Enjoy the magnificence of Oxford! Well-known for over 900 years as a centre of academic excellence. Follow in the footsteps of its famous students, from Bill Clinton to Lewis Carroll. Uncover the university town of Oxford at a leisurely and relaxing pace.
*Chirlst Church
Lights, camera, action! A treat for all Harry Potter fans — see where many scenes from the films have been shot! Wonder at the magnificence of Christ Church, including the Great Hall which Hogwarts Hall is based upon.
*Cotswolds
Discover the fascinating Cotswolds! Full of history and heritage (历史遗留物), the Cotswolds is a charming combination of breathtaking natural beauty, busy market towns and sleepy villages.
Lunch in the Cotswolds
Treat yourself in a traditional English pub (酒吧) and admire the charrn of this old wool town. The lunch will bc taken in the Cotswolds village of Burford.
*Stratford
Shakespcare's birthplace
A market town with a difference! Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, the half-wooded house, where the world's greatest writer was born, to gain a fascinating insight into his childhood.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Satisfy yourself with an eye-opening experience at the childhood home of William Shakespeare's wife! Wander around the half-wooded house and its eye-catching surroundings.
Price guide
Adult: £74.00
Child (3 — 18):£64.00
Senior citizen/ College student:£69.00
1. The Greens are planning to book the tour. They are Mr. and Mrs. Green, George Green, who is 15 years old, and Grandpa, who is 70 years of age. How much will they pay?| A．£ 296 | B．£ 286 | C．£ 281 | D．£ 276 |
| A．Cotswolds | B．Oxford | C．Stratford | D．Christ Church |
| A．You may eat in the Cotswolds village of Burford and then buy a woolen scarf. |
| B．You can book this tour as a Mother's Day gift for your mother in May 2010. |
| C．Shakespeare and his wife were born in the same town called Stratford. |
| D．Oxford University has a long history of more than 900 years. |
2 .
Wonders of Australia 22 days from only £6.245 per person
Days 2-5: Singapore Enjoy a city tour including Merlion Park, Marina Bay, and fabulous gardens. As an alternative, you may choose to stop in Dubai at no extra cost. Days 6-11: Melbourne Visit Victoria Markets and Federation Square. Perhaps take an optional excursion to explore Fairy Penguin Parade. Day 12-14: The Ghan Experience one of the world’s most impressive rail journeys. Covering 1,555 kilometres, we see the everchanging landscape as we journey north. Enjoy all inclusive Gold Service with on board meals included as are a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Day 15-17: Uluru (Ayers Rock) We enjoy a refreshing glass of sparkling wine and witness the changing colours as the sun sets. There is a chance to explore the rock in the morning, before visiting the impressive Olgas.
Day 22: Arrive UK We arrive at your chosen airport, bringing an end to our incredible adventure.
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| Book by 30th April 2024 and enjoy a twin room for a two-night stopover from only £29 per person (£48 for single occupancy). Stopover choices are Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, or Bali and include return transfers and four-star accommodation with breakfast. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For more details and full booking conditions, please request a brochure or visit www.distantjourneys.co.uk. Call FREE for a brochure 0800 141 3719. |
| A．Cairns and the Ghan |
| B．Uluru and Melbourne |
| C．Melbourne and the Ghan |
| D．Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef |
| A．You may be charged an extra £349 in total for daily breakfasts. |
| B．You will enjoy a day trip to Daintree Rainforest, a world heritage. |
| C．You may choose to stop in both Singapore and Dubai at no extra cost. |
| D．You will be offered a meal with drinks when heading north by train in the Ghan. |
| A．£17,791 | B．£18,822 | C．£18,841 | D．£19,572 |
| Gray Line Discover Brisbane and surrounds with Gray Line Brisbane. Their wide range of tours in air-conditioned coaches, combined with the guide’s expert knowledge, ensures a day to remember. |
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| Brisbane City Morning Tour (tour B481) Departs: daily 9:00 am. Returns:11:45 am. Discover this vibrant city with its charming architecture, colonial history and enjoy the sweeping views of the city and Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Cathedral Square: Parliament House Windmill-Anzac Square-City Hall-Chinatown Captain Cook and Story Bridge |
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| Brisbane Highlights with Koala Sanctuary Tour(tour B492) Departs: daily 1:15 pm Returns:5: 00 pm. Tour the highlights of Brisbane and travel to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary situated on the banks of the Brisbane River for a chance to get up close and personal with the animals. Queen Street Mall: Southbank: Anzac Square: Suncorp Stadium Brewery Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and presentation Mt Cootha Lookout |
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| Sunshine Coast and Noosa(tour B464) Departs: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday 8:45am Returns: 5:30 pm. The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its magnificent seaside, sophisticated lifestyle, dining experience and shopping. Also includes a visit to Underwater World and a drive through Eurmundi, famous for its historic buildings and scenic beauty. Noosa HeadsMooloolaba: Underwater World Ettamogah Pub |
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| Sunshine Coast and Montville (tour B410) Departs: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 8:45 am. Returns: 5:30 pm This tour takes you through the rich heritage of the spectacular Sunshine Coast hinterland with visits to Montville famous for its craft shops and restaurants, and Mooloolaba. home to Underwater world Ginger Factory: Superbee Montville Village Mooloolaba Price includes fully air-conditioned touring, entry fees and CBD hotel pickup. Child policy: under 4 years — free of charge, 4-14 years — as quoted above. Exclusion date:25/12/16(for other dates please check wit your consultant). |
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| A．Sunshine Coast and Montville Tour and Brisbane Highlights with Koala Sanctuary Tour. |
| B．Brisbane City Morning Tour and Brisbane Highlights with Koala Sanctuary Tour. |
| C．Brisbane City Morning Tour and Sunshine Coast and Noosa Tour. |
| D．Sunshine Coast and Noosa Tour and Sunshine Coast and Montville Tour. |
| A．Visitors may learn the colonial history of Brisbane River from Mooloolaba. |
| B．Visitors may have a close look at animals in Sunshine Coast and Noosa Tour. |
| C．If you want to visit Underwater World, you may choose Brisbane City Morning Tour. |
| D．If 2 adults and 2 children, aged 3 and 9, attend tour B410, they should pay $281. |
| A．Welcoming and humorous. | B．Warm and inviting. |
| C．Modest and initiative. | D．Casual and compulsory. |
4 . Ancient builders across the world created structures that are still standing today, thousands of years later. Yet the concrete that makes up much of our modern world has a lifespan of around 50 to 100 years. A growing number of scientists have been studying materials from long-ago eras, hoping to uncover how they’ve held up for millennia.
Many researchers have turned to the Romans for inspiration. Starting around 200 BCE, the architects of the Roman Empire were building impressive concrete structures that have stood the test of time. Even in harbors, where seawater has been battering structures for ages, you’ll find concrete basically the way it was when it was poured 2,000 years ago. Most modern concrete starts with Portland cement, a powder made by heating limestone and clay to super-high temperatures and crushing them. That cement is mixed with water to create a chemically reactive paste. Then, blocks of material like rock and gravel are added, and the cement paste mixes them into a concrete mass. According to records from ancient architects, the Roman process was similar. The ancient builders mixed materials like burnt limestone and volcanic sand with water and gravel, creating chemical reactions to stick everything together.
In a study published earlier this year, Admir Masic, a civil and environmental engineer, proposed that this power comes from blocks of lime that are scattered throughout the Roman material instead of being mixed in evenly. Researchers used to think these blocks were a sign that the Romans weren’t mixing up their materials well enough. Instead, after analyzing concrete samples from Privernum—an ancient city outside of Rome — the scientists found that the blocks could fuel the material’s “self-healing” abilities. When cracks form, water is able to flow into the concrete, Masic explained. That water activates the leftover lime, leading to new chemical reactions that can fill in the damaged sections.
The ancient architectures suggested using extracts from local chukum and jiote trees in the lime mix. When researchers tested out the recipe, they found the resulting plaster was especially durable against physical and chemical damage.
Studies have found all kinds of natural materials mixed into structures from long ago: fruit extracts, milk, cheese curd, beer, even dung and urine. The paste that holds together some of China’s most famous structures—including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City — includes traces of sticky rice.
“Some of these ancient builders might have just gotten lucky”, said Cecilia Pesce, a materials scientist at the University of Sheffield in England, “They’d throw just about anything into their mixes, as long as it was cheap and available.”
Today’s builders can’t just copy the ancient recipes. Even though Roman concrete lasted a longtime, it couldn’t hold up heavy loads: “You couldn’t build a modern skyscraper with Roman concrete,” Cecilia said. “It would collapse.” Instead, researchers are trying to take some of the ancient material’s specialties and add them into modern mixes.
1. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?| A．Lime blocks in Roman concrete indicate poor mixing of materials. |
| B．Ancient Roman concrete structures have witnessed a long history. |
| C．Modern builders are confused about the Roman method of construction. |
| D．The concrete used in modern structures has a lifespan of over 200 years. |
| A．The uniform mixing of lime in the concrete. |
| B．The use of extracts from chukum and jiote trees. |
| C．The addition of whatever was within reach in the mix. |
| D．The scattering of blocks of lime throughout the material. |
| A．ancient recipes were not well-documented |
| B．ancient materials were too expensive |
| C．ancient materials couldn’t hold up heavy loads |
| D．ancient builders used materials that are no longer available |
| A．To enhance the beauty of the structures. |
| B．To make the construction process more cost-effective. |
| C．To create structures that were resistant to chemical damage. |
| D．To follow ancient traditions without considering effectiveness. |
5 . It’s tipping towards sunset on a November afternoon and St Michael’s Mount shines on the horizon reflected in the high tide that surrounds this Comish island. As I set out along the coastal path from Penzance to Marazion, it’s a surreal view. The mount, with its collar of gold-dotted water, looks like it’s floating. The podcast I’m listening to is telling me that the mount is also surrounded by a underwater forest. This blue space was once green.
I start from behind Penzance’s railway station and the first installation is revealed just after the signal box-a trident of posts that look like sticks made by Poseidon (三叉戟) himself. Rooted in the landscape but separate from it, like other good sculpture trails, this one offers a deeper link to the landscape, a perspective that a walk alone can’t offer.
The accompanying podcast encourages listeners to follow in the footsteps of local poets, scientists and folklore experts, while a downloadable booklet suggests ways of drawing, cooking, and food hunting inspired by the forest. Until they appear on additional signs along the trail in the spring, both can be found on Newlyn Art Gallery’s website.
As I follow the trail I listen my way around the landscape hearing about its marine biodiversity, rising sea levels (again), Cornish language and pirating history.
The sticks range from driftwood benches to short posts and tall crooks. Some have metal chairs and picnic benches. Newly upgraded, the path is accessible to all. In the dusk, I’m joined on my walk by a tide of pushchairs, e-bikes, wheelchair users, runners, iovers and dog walkers.
I keep going and bob along the path ahead, and the industrial estates on my left give way to the Scots pines and rushes of the Marazion Marsh RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve. Eventually I dip down into Marazion along the beach, breathing the briny air swirling in over sea wrack (海藻).
As the tide is already in, it’s too late to visit St Michael’s Mount today, so I double back for a cuppa at the Hoxton Special, a cafe 10 minutes back along the path. Just beside it is the final cluster of posts. One of them is shaped like a chair, so I sink into it and watch the sun set over the bay.
1. What does the underlined word mean in Paragraph One mean?| A．realistic | B．false | C．dreamlike | D．imaginative |
| A．It was the first thing the author encountered after he set out on his journey. |
| B．It once belonged to the mythical character Poseidon, dominator of the sea. |
| C．It can hardly be spotted by visitors if they choose to walk along the trail. |
| D．It adds to the local landscape though not necessarily a part of it. |
| A．His journey progressed under the witness of the posts along the trail. |
| B．The author listened to podcast all the way on his journey and took the advice it offered. |
| C．Throughout his journey, the author was joined by various kinds of people and beautiful scenes. |
| D．The whole journey was naturally picturesque without traces of industry. |
| A．Journey of Wilderness | B．Magnificent Trails | C．Arty Walk | D．Coastal Road Trips |
The Puffing Billy Railway, located about 40 km east of Melbourne, was constructed in the early 1900s to open up remote areas. The present line between Belgrave and Gembrook travels through the forests and farmlands of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. Today, this non-profit Railway operates almost daily thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 900 dedicated volunteers. |
| General Information: People with disabilities – can be accommodated on most excursion trains, including a limited number of wheelchairs. Please phone to check availability. Easy access toilets are at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook. Refreshments and souvenirs – are available at most stations. Railway Tracks – standing and walking on the tracks is not permitted. Prams (婴儿车) – only folding or narrow type prams can be accommodated through the narrow carriage doors. Smoking – is not permitted on the train or under any roofed areas. Assistance Dogs certified by a registered authority – are the only dogs allowed on the train and must be kept on lead at all times. Alcohol – is not permitted on trains (except as provided in dining cars). Toilets – are located at each station. Parenting rooms are located at Belgrave, Lakeside & Gembrook. Photographs and videos – for personal use are permitted. Wedding photography and any use, re-use or reproduction for commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission. |
| Conditions: Concession fares (优惠票价) are available to Australian bearers of Health Care, Student, Seniors, Companion or Pensioner cards. (Exclude evening dining and events). Your signature may be required on day of travel for verification purposes. Children under 4 years, not occupying a seat, are carried FREE on excursion trains only, excluding special events and dining trains. Discounts are available for pre-booked group travel (20 or more) on a return journey, except on Sundays, public holidays and school holidays. All trains are steam-driven unless a diesel locomotive (柴油机车) is required in exceptional circumstances. First Class Travel return journeys are on appointed trains only. |
| A．international tourists in Australia |
| B．potential travelers of the steam trains |
| C．local residents in Dandenong Ranges |
| D．volunteers on the Puffing Billy Railway |
| A．prams | B．guide dogs | C．wheelchairs | D．alcohol |
| A．Taking photos is forbidden on most excursion trains. |
| B．Toilets for the disabled are not available at all stations. |
| C．Foreign visitors to Australia can also get concession fares. |
| D．One can get tickets at a lower price as long as he books in advance. |
7 . An Aurora (极光) Adventure in Norway
Beyond the cottage windows the world is white and still. Snow-covered mountains stretch to the sea. It’s only 2 p.m., but already the light is fading, bathing the scene in a mysterious blue.
We rented a riverside house in the tiny fishing village of Oldervik.
Exciting activities, such as dog sledding and reindeer adventures, are easy to arrange.
At Oldervik, it’s possible to catch the aurora anytime from September to April. The best time is from mid-November to mid-January, when the sun never appears. With cloudy skies we have no luck so far but on our last night, at the first sign of clouds clearing, we got into the car and hadn’t driven far when, with great excitement, we spotted a strange glowing arc (弧形) crossing the road like a milky rainbow.
And then it begins: beams of greeny-white light dance as if from spotlights on the ground. To the naked eye (肉眼), the lights are not the bright greens and blues cameras capture on long exposures, but it’s fascinating none the less. The temperature during this time has fallen to –10℃ but we don’t feel it as we lie on the ground, gazing up and never wanting to leave.
| A．Sleep is effortless in this quiet land. |
| B．So are northern light excursions. |
| C．There’s little light pollution here, but the night is cloudy and a little cold. |
| D．When we hike south along the river, the moon hangs above the peaks in the sky. |
| E．It’s the appeal of the Arctic winter that has brought me to the very north of Norway in January. |
| F．The stars are against the blackest of skies, with white mountains on both sides glowing under a small piece of the moon. |
8 . As Ginni Bazlinton reached Antarctica, she found herself greeted by a group of little Gentoo penguins (企鹅) longing to say hello. These gentle, lovely gatekeepers welcomed her and kick-started what was to be a trip Ginni would never forget.
Ever since her childhood, Ginni, now 71, has had a deep love for travel. Throughout her career (职业) as a professional dancer, she toured in the UK, but always longed to explore further. When she retired from dancing and her sons eventually flew the nest, she decided it was time to take the plunge.
After taking a degree at Chichester University in Related Arts, Ginni began to travel the world, eventually getting work teaching English in Japan and Chile. And it was in Chile she discovered she could get last-minute cheap deals on ships going to Antarctica from the islands off Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of the South American mainland. “I just decided I wanted to go,” she says. “I had no idea about what I’d find there and I wasn’t nervous, I just wanted to do it. And I wanted to do it alone as I always prefer it that way.”
In March 2008, Ginni boarded a ship with 48 passengers she’d never met before, to begin the journey towards Antarctica. “From seeing the wildlife to witnessing sunrises, the whole experience was amazing. Antarctica left an impression on me that no other place has,” Ginni says. “I remember the first time I saw a humpback whale; it just rose out of the water like some prehistoric creature and I thought it was smiling at us. You could still hear the operatic sounds it was making underwater.”
The realization that this is a precious land, to be respected by humans, was one of the biggest things that hit home to Ginni.
1. Which of the following best explains “take the plunge” underlined in paragraph 2?| A．Try challenging things. | B．Take a degree. |
| C．Bring back lost memories. | D．Stick to a promise. |
| A．Lovely penguins. | B．Beautiful scenery. |
| C．A discount fare. | D．A friend’s invitation. |
| A．It could be a home for her. | B．It should be easily accessible. |
| C．It should be well preserved. | D．It needs to be fully introduced. |
| A．A childhood dream. | B．An unforgettable experience. |
| C．Sailing around the world. | D．Meeting animals in Antarctica. |
| Gray Line Discover Brisbane and surrounds with Gray Line Brisbane. Their wide range of tours in air-conditioned coaches, combined with the guide’s expert knowledge, ensures a day to remember. |  | |||
| Brisbane City Morning Tour (tour B481) Departs: daily 9:00 am. Returns:11:45 am. | Adult | Concession | Child | |
$69 | $67 | $45 | ||
| Discover this vibrant city with its charming architecture, colonial history and enjoy the sweeping views of the city and Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. ·Cathedral Square·Parliament House·Windmill·Anzac Square·City Hall·Chinatown · Captain Cook and Story Bridge | ||||
| Brisbane Highlights with Koala Sanctuary (tour B492) Departs: daily 1:15pm. Returns: 5:00 pm. | Adult | Concession | Child | |
$76 | $74 | $54 | ||
| Tour the highlights of Brisbane and travel to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary situated on the banks of the Brisbane River for a chance to get up close and personal with the animals. ·Queen Street Mall·Southbank·Anzac Square·Suncorp Stadium·Brewery·Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and presentation·Mt Cootha Lookout | ||||
| Sunshine Coast and Noosa (tour B464) Departs: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday 8:45am Returns:5:30 pm. | Adult | Concession | Child | |
$111 | $106 | $72 | ||
| The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its magnificent seaside, sophisticated lifestyle, dining experience and shopping. Also includes a visit to Underwater World and a drive through Eumundi, famous for its historic buildings and scenic beauty. Noosa Heads·Mooloolaba·Underwater World·Ettamogah Pub | ||||
| Sunshine Coast and Montville (tour B410) Departs: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 8:45am. Returns:5:30 pm. | Adult | Concession | Child | |
$107 | $102 | $67 | ||
| This tour takes you through the rich heritage of the spectacular Sunshine Coast hinterland with visits to Montville famous for its craft shops and restaurants, and Mooloolaba. home to Underwater world·Ginger Factory·Superbee·Montville Village·Mooloolaba Price includes fully air-conditioned touring, entry fees and CBD hotel pickup. Child policy: under 4 years－ free of charge, 4-14 years－as quoted above. Exclusion date 25/12/16 (for other dates please check with your consultant). | ||||
| A．Sunshine Coast and Montville Tour and Brisbane Highlights with Koala Sanctuary Tour |
| B．Brisbane City Morning Tour and Brisbane Highlights with Koala Sanctuary Tour |
| C．Brisbane City Morning Tour and Sunshine Coast and Noosa Tour |
| D．Sunshine Coast and Noosa Tour and Sunshine Coast and Montville Tour |
| A．Visitors may learn the colonial history of Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. |
| B．Visitors may have a close look at animals in Sunshine Coast and Noosa Tour. |
| C．If you want to visit Underwater World, you may choose Brisbane City Morning Tour. |
| D．If 2 adults and 2 children, aged 3 and 9, attend tour B410, they should pay $281. |
| A．Welcoming and humorous. | B．Warm and inviting. |
| C．Modest and initiative. | D．Casual and compulsory. |
| About Old Faithful —The Most Famous Geyser (间歇性喷泉) in the World Discovered in 1870 by the Washburn Expedition, Old Faithful geyser was named for its frequent eruptions (喷发) — which number more than a million since Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872. When does Old Faithful erupt? Basic prediction of Old Faithful is dependent upon the duration of the previous eruption. During visitor center hours, geyser statistics and predictions are maintained by the naturalist staff. People speak of the average time between eruptions. This is misleading. The mathematical average between eruptions of Old Faithful is currently 74 minutes, but it doesn’t like to act average! Intervals can range from 60-110 minutes. Visitors can check for posted prediction times in most buildings in the Old Faithful area. How high does Old Faithful erupt and how long will it last? Old Faithful can vary in height from 100–180 feet with an average near 130–140 feet. This has been the historical range of its recorded height. Eruptions normally last between 1.5 to 5 minutes. I heard Old Faithful isn’t as faithful as it used to be. Is it slowing down? It depends on what you call faithful. The famous geyser currently erupts around 20 times a day and can be predicted with a 90 percent confidence rate within a 10 minute variation. Prior to the 1959 earthquake, Old Faithful erupted 21 times per day. That’s a significant decrease in activity for geologists tracking each eruption, but to visitors seeing one or two eruptions…it looks just fine. How many gallons of water are expelled during an eruption? It depends on the duration of the eruption. Scientists estimate that the amount ranges from 3,700 gallons (for a short duration of 1.5 minutes) to 8,400 gallons (for a longer duration of 4.5 minutes). How hot is the water in Old Faithful? During an eruption, the water temperature at the vent has been measured at 204°F (95.6°C). The steam temperature has been measured above 350°F! |
| A．13:06 | B．14:06 | C．15:06 | D．16:06 |
| A．The geyser’s name indicates that it always erupts regularly, 20 times a day, once every 74 minutes. |
| B．When it is erupting, people should keep a safe distance due to its freezing coldness. |
| C．Old Faithful is a well-known geyser which can expel at least 3700 gallons water each time. |
| D．To check the eruption time, visitors may refer to predictions on the posted timetables. |
| A．The Yellowstone official website. |
| B．Local travel pamphlets introducing Yellowstone. |
| C．A recently-issued guide book on Yellowstone. |
| D．A travel magazine column about Yellowstone. |
