1 . A famous magazine, Amusement Today, does a survey among park lovers every year both in the US and overseas, based on which, “Top 5 List of the Best Amusement Parks in the World” has come out as follows:
Disneyland, California
Disneyland is a theme park in Anaheim, California, the US. More than 515 million guests have traveled to this American landmark from around the world since the park first opened to guests on July 17, 1955. The park consists of many world-famous sections, such as Main Street, Adventure land, New Orleans Square, and so on.
Magic Kingdom, Disney World, Florida
Magic Kingdom is a theme park within the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando opened on October 1, 1971. It is the most famous theme park in Florida. The park’s design and attractions don’t make much difference from Disneyland Park in Anaheim.
EPCOT, Disney World, Florida
EPCOT is the second theme park built at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. The park opened on October 1, 1982, and was named EPCOT Center from 1982 to 1993. It was the largest Disney theme park in the world until 1998, when Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened.
DisneyMGM Studios, Florida
MGM’s streets are the home for some great moviethemed attractions with a history of less than 30 years. With the addition of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock and Roller Coaster, the park is now home to Disney World’s most thrilling rides.
Universal Studios, Florida
Go behind the scenes, beyond the screen and jump right into the action of your favorite movies at Universal Studios, the number one movie and TV theme park in the world.
1. Which of the following theme parks have similar attractions?A.Disneyland & Magic Kingdom. |
B.Disneyland & Universal Studios. |
C.EPCOT & DisneyMGM Studios. |
D.Magic Kingdom & Universal Studios. |
A.Magic Kingdom, Disney World, Florida. |
B.DisneyMGM Studios, Florida. |
C.EPCOT, Disney World, Florida. |
D.Disneyland, California. |
A.To attract tourists to these theme parks. |
B.To increase the sales of Amusement Today. |
C.To introduce world’s best amusement parks. |
D.To compare attractions in different theme parks. |
2 . Friends always ask why I, a middle-aged woman with no athletic (运动) talent (天赋), travel to perilous places — the jungles (丛林) of Thailand or Borneo, for example, where the water is often unsafe and the food risky; places with infectious diseases, poisonous snakes and the wildest animals.
I never know how to answer. Nine years ago I suffered a stroke (中风). To prevent another stroke, my doctors told me, I’d have to take dangerously high levels of blood thinner (血液稀释剂) for the rest of my life and any travel would be risky (冒险的).
I had to think about what was important to me: family, of course, and friends. But then what? No matter how many times I thought about it, I could not be happy without travel. Then I had to decide how I might manage the risk.
The first real test of my travel courage came nine months after my stroke when I joined my husband, Jack, on a business trip to China. After we’d toured the remains of a Tang dynasty temple on a high mountain, Jack wanted to ride down on a toboggan (长雪橇).
Before the stroke it would’ve seemed like fun. But now? I hesitated. My mental klaxon (高音喇叭) screamed warnings about the consequences of a cut, a fall, and a crash. Then, gaining confidence from who knew where, I lowered myself carefully into the toboggan, which marked my adventure (冒险) travel come back.
In the years since then, I’ve traveled about twenty-five percent of the time. Through it all, my lucks held out — no deadly falls, no car accidents or serious infections. For me, adventure travel is a risk worth taking. Travel broadens my world and keeps me connected to nature. What’s more, saying “yes” to travel keeps me connected to myself.
1. What does the underlined word “perilous” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?A.Energetic. | B.Dangerous. | C.Romantic | D.Famous. |
A.Do proper exercise. | B.Enjoy the rest of her life. |
C.Spend more time with her family | D.Keep away (远离) from traveling |
A.It was her last adventure. | B.She recovered (恢复) her courage (勇气) through it. |
C.She liked the beautiful scenery in China. | D.It was the most dangerous experience in her life. |
A.A business trip to China | B.Stroke, a dangerous disease |
C.How I overcame the fear of disease | D.Why I still travel to the wild |
3 . Central Park
Explore Central Park, one of the largest city parks in the world and one of the most famous symbols of New York. Let’s have a look at its main sights.
Central Park is New York’s largest city park and one of the biggest in the world, with an area of 843 acres (about 3.4km2). This park is home to man-made lakes, waterfalls, grass and wooded areas. You will also find the Central Park Zoo, among other attractions in this greenspace of New York.
Besides being the city’s primary green lungs, Central Park is also a favorite spot for many New Yorkers. It is perfect for sunbathing, going for walks, or doing any outdoor sports. Something that we found curious is seeing so many people running with their babies in prams (婴儿车).
On Foot or by BicycleTo get to know some of the wildest parts of Central Park we suggest walking. However, to get a general feel for the whole park, the best thing to do is hire a bicycle and enjoy the scenery.
If you decide to hire a bike, you will find lots of bike rental stores around Central Park that are not very expensive.
Open TimeFrom 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
From 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays.
PriceEntry to the Park is free. But if you visit some parts like Central Park Zoo, you need to buy a ticket.
TransportSubway: Line 5, 6, 7, A, B, C and D.
Bus: Line M1, M2, M3, M4 and M10.
Nearby placesMetropolitan Museum of Art (447 m)
Guggenheim Museum (564 m)
American Museum of Natural History (688 m)
Whitney Museum of American Art (1 km)
The Frick Collection (1.3 km)
1. What can we learn about the Central Park from the text?A.It is home to lakes and waterfalls. |
B.It is perfect for doing outdoor sports. |
C.It is the largest city park in the world. |
D.It is the most famous symbol of New York. |
A.Hiring a bicycle. | B.Entrance to Central Park. |
C.Visiting Central Park Zoo. | D.Going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. |
A.In a science report. | B.In a geography book. |
C.In a fashion magazine. | D.In a travel guide. |
4 . China Small Group Tours
◆Tour Route 1: 11 Days Private Beijing - Lhasa - Xi’an - Shanghai
Tour Highlights:
Must-see sights in China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors
Follow us on a Buddhist pilgrimage to Tibet & appreciate the profound culture
Have a leisurely walk or an exciting bicycle ride on the time-honored City Wall of Xi’an
View the soaring city skylines and feel the pulse of modern Shanghai
From $ 2, 459 per person
◆Tour Route 2: 11 Days Private Bejing - Xi’an - Chonqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai
Tour Highlights:
Must-see sights in China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Wariors
Try biking on the Ming Dynasty City Wall of Xi’ an, or tour by electric car
Enjoy the Three Gorges (三峡) scenery on Yangtze River & feel totally relaxed
From $ 1, 879 per person
◆Tour Route 3: 12 Days Private Bejing - Shanghai - Xi’an - Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin - Hong
Kong
Tour Highlights:
Must-see sights in China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors
Experience the Bund, classical garden, modern and old in contrast in Shanghai
Feel the lively atmosphere & explore busy markets freely in Hong Kong
Walk into a local family, learn to cook Chinese food & dine with the hosts in their home
From $ 2, 499 per person
◆Tour Route 4: 12 Days Private Bejing - Xi’an - Chengdu - Guilin - Shanghai
Tour Highlights:
Must-see sights in China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Giant Pandas
Come to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas to visit and observe the cute creature
Cruise on the meandering Li River & admire Guilin landscape
Walk into a local Chinese family, interact & dine with the hosts in their home
From $2, 079 per person
1. What do Tour Route 1 and Tour Route 2 have in common?A.They have cycling activities. |
B.They include a visit to Tibet. |
C.Visitors enjoy the Three Gorges scenery. |
D.Visitors pay the same amount of money. |
A.Tourists can travel by bike. |
B.Tourists can visit a huge dam. |
C.Tourists can dine with a family. |
D.It is the most expensive of the four. |
A.Tour Route 1. |
B.Tour Route 2. |
C.Tour Route 3. |
D.Tour Route 4. |
5 . We all have heard terrible stories about taking children out on holiday---everything from unfriendly hotels to boring activities. Luckily, this is not likely to be a problem here in Thailand. Now allow me to suggest some special activities to you.
Phuket Aquarium
This has to be an exciting visit for kids of any age. It provides different exhibitions and kids can learn a lot about Southeast Asian freshwater and wildlife. There, you will find a map which can take you to the door, or you can follow the signs to Cape Panwa. Call 0876933965 or go to www.phuketaquarium.org.
Sailing
Phuket Yacht Club offers a Junior Sailing Program on the first three Sundays of every month. To get there from Phuket City, you can follow the Chao Fa East road, turn left at the Aquarium sign and follow the Novotel Cape Panwa signs. If you drive please park your car on the roadside and walk down. Call 0852159185 or e-mail phuketyachtclub@gmail.com.
Phuket Zoo
It’s set in tropical gardens shaded by big trees. The zoo has a large number of workers who can speak several languages. They are happy to answer “why” questions of everyone. If you get hungry on the tour, there are different foods for you, but you must pay for them. For more information, go to www. phuketzoo. com.
Whitewater Rafting
As a small island, Phuket has no rivers, but after a two-hour drive, you can arrive at neighboring Phang Nga Province, where you can enjoy great fun. Go to the whitewater rafting link on www.phuket.net.
1. What can we learn about Phuket Aquarium?A.It offers visitors freshwater. |
B.It gives out maps of Cape Panwa. |
C.It teaches kids something about animals. |
D.It only provides exhibitions for small kids. |
A.every Sunday | B.the first three Sundays of every month |
C.any day they like | D.the fourth Sunday of every month |
A.like to ask visitors questions | B.come from different countries |
C.can cook different foods for visitors | D.can communicate with visitors well |
6 . The ancient Lake Baikal has a wealth of beautiful surprises. Nature aside, the region is also rich with culture — home to the Buddhists and the Buryat ethnic minority. Here are some more highlights.
Explore Olkhon Island
Absorbing your wilderness — conquering fantasies in hiking and camping wild on the dramatic cliffs and sandy bays of Olkhon, Lake Baikal’s largest, sparsely-inhabited island. Visit the Olkhon Island in an old Soviet army jeep to view the largest of the shaman ritual sites and spot some Baikal seals sunbathing on the rocks below.
Visit the Ivolginsky Datsan
The Ivolginsky Datsan is the largest and most important Buddhist center in Russia. As you walk around this complex of brightly-colored temple buildings and simple monastic (僧侣的) dwellings, keep a look out for white towers and trees decorated with colorful prayer flags. Spin the prayer wheels, admire the giant Buddha statue with the offerings of coins, colored silks and rice and listen to the chanting of the monks amid clouds of smoke.
Hike the Great Baikal Trail
The Great Baikal Trail project aims to eventually surround Baikal with a series of paths. You can currently hike through a pine forest between the villages of Listvyanka and Bolshiye Koty, or from the picture—perfect fishing village of Baikalskoye to the cold Lake Slyudyanskoye via a striking cliff edge path.
Dive in
Legend has it that Baikal’s waters have miraculous properties, a swim in which gives you five extra years of life. The best places to take a dip include the golden sandy beaches along the northern shore of Olkhon Island, where the water of Maloye Morye(Little Sea)is at its shallowest and warmest, and at the long pebble beach in Severobaikalsk.
Hit the hot springs
The land around Lake Baikal is alive with hot springs, particularly in the small spa town of Arshan, situated in the picturesque foothills of the snowpeaked Eastern Sayan Mountains. The town itself is shabby, but the 1920s Arshan Spa still has the power to cure all kinds of ills with the mildly sulphureous (硫磺的) mineral water, according to the local legend.
1. If you believe in Buddhism, which place will you most possibly visit?A.Olkhon Island. | B.The Ivolginsky Datsan. |
C.The Great Baikal Trail. | D.Arshan. |
A.You can drive an old Soviet army jeep around Olkhon Island. |
B.You can hike through all forests with the Great Baikal Trail project. |
C.The water near Olkhon Island is the deepest so visitors can dive safely. |
D.The medical benefits of the hot springs in Arshan have not been proven. |
A.In a medical magazine. | B.In a geography textbook. |
C.In a travelling brochure. | D.On a science website. |
7 . I had an opportunity to teach at a five-star hotel in Nevis, a small island in the Caribbean Sea. After that, my friend Clayton and I flew into Panama City for a surfing outing at a surfing camp in the bay of Chiriqui, whose tourism is booming. To get there, we had to take my tennis bags on and off several buses and boats. After eight hours of travel we finally arrived. The camp was perfect, and the accommodations were not bad. We had an unbelievable week there!
On our return trip, when we got to the bus station, we learned that our bus had been delayed for 2. 5 hours. The sun was beating down on us.
As we walked over to the shaded area, a couple of kids started throwing rocks at me. I opened a can of tennis balls. They stopped and took an interest in the balls. I had a special racket (球拍) with me. I had the strings cut out and replaced them with a net, which is prefect for hotel teaching. I got them to throw the balls into the net. They seemed to enjoy that. Then an older boy got interested, to whom I gave another racket to hit the ball into the net of the catching racket. I showed him how to position and hold the racket. Soon, their bus arrived, and they were on their way.
But families from across the street came over and wanted their 10-minute tennis lesson,too. The other passengers waiting for the bus each got a lesson. Eventually, restaurant workers next door and the bus terminal clerk invited me to give them a lesson, too. They learnt well and were having a great time. And so was I. In what seemed like no time, our bus arrived. Satisfied with what I did, I changed my shirt, and made it back to Panama City.
1. Which can describe the bay of Chiriqui?A.It develops depending on tourism. |
B.It is famous for its tennis camps. |
C.It offers cheap accommodations. |
D.It is far away from Panama City. |
A.To attract children. | B.To catch the rocks. |
C.To help him to teach. | D.To hit the balls back. |
A.Waiting for the bus. | B.Learning to play tennis. |
C.Fighting for the shaded area. | D.Playing games with each other. |
A.Embarrassed. | B.Confident. | C.Amazed. | D.Proud. |
8 . Six Best Places for ________ in Paris
Le Closerie des Lilas This restaurant/cafe/brasserie is a true literary location. On the terrace, F. Scott Fitzgerald apparently first revealed the manuscript for The Great Gatsby to Ernest Hemingway. This spot in Montparnasse was also frequented by Paul Verlaine, Max Jacob and Henry Miller, among others. 171 Boulevard du Montparnasse |
Les Deux Magots Located in Saint-Germain-des-Pres on the Left Bank, Les Deux Magotx gets a mention in Nabokov's novel Lolita. It was also frequented by such heavyweights as Albert Gamus, James Joyce, Bertolt Brecht and Ernest Hemingway. Even Julia Child liked the food enough to plant herself at one of its famed outdoor tables. Today, tables are occupied by tourists instead of typists, but it's worth paying a few euros for a coffee here. 6 Place Saint-Germain Des Pres |
Pere Lachaise Cemetery Perhaps the world's most famous resting place, Pere Lachaise is the home of Marcel Proust and Oscar Wilde, among scores of other famous people buried here. Singer and 'poet' Jim Morrison is, of course, famously six feet under in this verdant (郁郁葱葱的), ambient cemetery as well. 8 Boulevard de Menilmontant |
Polidor Ernest Hemingway, Paul Verlaine, James Joyce, Victor Hugo, Henry Miller, Arthur Rimbaud and Jack Kerouac all enjoyed classic French dishes like steak, beef Bourguignon, steak tartare, escargot, and foie gras at this sixth-arrondissement restaurant. In the 2011 Woody Allen film, Midnight in Paris, the protagonist meets Hemingway and Salvador Dali here. 41 Rue Monsieur Le Prince |
Bar Hemingway F. Scott Fitzgerald used to put 'em back at this fashionable and expensive bar in the Ritz. Musician Cole Porter would spend hours nursing cocktails at the bar and even composed a tune or two here. And, of course, the bar's namesake. Mr Ernest Hemingway, was a regular and even likened the drinking space to heaven. He also mentions the bar in The Sun Also Rises. 15 Place Vendome |
Shakespeare & Company Since 1951, this Left Bank bookshop has been a central meeting point for the city's English-language lovers of great literature. It's also attracted many legendary writers as well. Williams Burroughs, Anais Nin, James Baldwin, Henry Miller, Paul Auster, Martin Amis and Zadie Smith, among countless others, have shopped for books or participated in literary events here. 37 Rue de la Bucherie |
1. Your friend Jenny plans to go to Paris for travelling and she is a big fan of the famous movie director Woody Allen. Which place would you recommend that she visit?
A.171 Boulevard du Montparnasse | B.41 Rue Monsieur Le Prince |
C.8 Boulevard de Menilmontant | D.37 Rue de la Bucherie |
A.Pere Lachasise Cemetery | B.Les Deux Magots |
C.Bar Hemingway | D.Polidor |
A.Literature Lovers | B.Experienced Tourists |
C.Cuisine Enthusiasts | D.History Researchers |
9 . Win a week in England!
You still don’t know what to do this summer? Well, here’s your chance to win a one-week language course in Kent, England! Free4Fun and ETC (English Travel Connections) are giving away two trips to Rochester. This historic city is less than an hour’s drive from London and close to the sea resort of Herne Bay. It is also the home of one of England’s most famous writers, Charles Dickens. The town of Rochester is in Southeast England. Charles Dickens often wrote about it in his books. His home, Gad’s Hill, is there, too. A popular attraction is Rochester Castle, a large Norman fortress (堡垒). It was built in the 11th century and rebuilt during the 14th century. Other attractions are Rochester Cathedral, which was built during the 13th century, and Dickens Centre. It has got its name in honour of Dickens himself.
The trip to England includes:
* travel by train (via the Eurotunnel) to and from any railway station in Germany
* room and full board with a guest family for one week
* language course in small groups
* two trips to London
* large choice of sports and entertainment
* German-speaking advisors available 24 hours a day
Interested? All you have to do is to answer the following question:
When was Charles Dickens born?
So, take the chance and send your answer by 1 May to:
Free4Fun "Rochester"
Free4Fun, 24 Elphinstone Road, Hastings, 2FQ6VJ
fax: 089 / 85 763-103
e-mail: free4fun@netlight.com
The two winners will be contacted directly before 5 May. They will also be announced in the June issue of Free4Fun. Good luck!
For further information contact:
Phone: (03212) 144 43
Fax: (03212) 144 42
E-mail: info@etc. com
1. Rochester Cathedral was built in the________.A.1100s | B.1300s | C.1200s | D.1400s |
A.Enjoying sports and entertainment. | B.Learning the German language. |
C.Traveling by train with a guest family. | D.Working as a language advisor. |
A.the June issue of Free4fun | B.free4fun@netlight. com |
C.info@etc. com | D.ETC |
A.who know the birth date of Charles Dickens |
B.who are attracted by Rochester Castle |
C.who are contacted and announced by Free4Fun and ETC |
D.who know more about Charles Dickens’ works |
A.Italians | B.Europeans | C.Americans | D.Germans |
10 . 4 Popular Places to Go This Winter
Harbin, China
China Harbin’s winter is for the brave ones—the average temperature is 1.8°F- but those who brave the cold will be rewarded with experiencing one of the world’s largest winter festivals. 2021 marks the 37th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival (January-March), when massive frozen structures rise and are lit up, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
Lyon, France
Paris may be called The City of Light,but every December, light takes center stage in Lyon, France’s third-largest city. That’s when the annual Festival of Lights (around December 8) takes over, with light installations (装置)that transform the city’s streetscapes into modern works of art. The city is also home to two Christmas markets (one in La Croix-Rousse; the other at the Place Carnot; through December 25).
Lima, Peru
Peru’s capital Lima is home to the world’s highest number of cooking schools per person. Aside from its delicate dining, the city also has great cocktail bars where you can taste classic or contemporary takes on the Pisco Sour.Combine that with the oceanfront setting and temperatures in the 80s, and you’ll understand why Lima should no longer be ignored this winter.
Vermont, US
Winter in Vermont means skiing and snowboarding, Many resorts (度假胜地)have greatly upgraded their snowmaking abilities as part of a $15 million statewide program that replaced many outdated snow guns with new, low-energy models.These new machines will also improve the quality of snow surfaces and lengthen the season, meaning this will be one of the best winters for skiing and riding in Vermont in recent memory.
1. What similarities do the first two places have?A.They are decorated with lights. | B.They offer snow sculptures. |
C.They have three-day festivals. | D.They are extremely cold. |
A.Harbin. | B.Lyon. | C.Lima. | D.Vermont. |
A.Skiing and snowboarding. | B.A longer winter. |
C.Cooking schools. | D.Updated equipment. |