1 . This week, the French cruise (游船) operator shared a picture of the newest ship in its fleet, which is set to become the first passenger ship to sail to the North Pole. Alongside that distinction comes several other impressive firsts: Le Commandant Charcot will be the first passenger ship to use a satellite ice routing system, allowing the ship to sail along new ice pathways and be the first ship with built-in polar survival equipment for up to five days.

After a day of exploration on trips such as skiing, kayaking (皮艇运动), and, for the brave of heart, polar swimming, guests can enjoy the pleasure in French opulence (豪华), relaxing at the ship’s spa or drinking a glass of Veuve Cliquot on a private balcony before getting ready for evening dinners designed by French chef Alain Ducasse. Topping out at a maximum number of 245 guests per ship with service in all suites, the ship has a 1:1 guest/crew ratio (比例), one of the highest ratios among expedition ships today.

As it travels through fragile environments such as the North Pole and Antarctica, Le Commandant Charcot will be the first passenger ship to run entirely on natural gas, currently the most environmentally friendly sea fuel available.

Sound like a dream trip? Room rates vary by route, with suites for the geographic North Pole expeditions — set to launch in July 2022 — beginning at $40,000.

1. What is special about Le Commandant Charcot?

A．It will be the first to use satellite phones.

B．It will be the first ship equipped with polar survival equiment.

C．It will be the newest ship throughout the world.

D．It will be the first passenger ship to sail to the South Pole.

2. What can show a fellow’s bravery?

A．Skiing.

B．Kayaking.

C．Polar swimming.

D．Veuve Cliquot.

3. Why does Le Commandant Charcot use natural gas?

A．It’s much cheaper.	B．It’s convenient to get.
C．It’s more powerful.	D．It’s environmentally friendly.

2 . Along Florida’s Northern Gulf Coast, there’s a year-round coastal oasis with shining beaches, peaceful bay waters and scenic rivers and streams known as Franklin County.

Named “Florida’s Forgotten Coast” for its quiet, laid-back atmosphere, the scenic coastal communities of Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, Alligator Point and St. George Island are also perfect late winter getaway destinations.

Trip Ideas

Enjoy a mid-winter holiday that can include fishing, kayaking, swimming, diving, hiking or eating fresh Apalachicola Bay seafood. Over 80 percent of Franklin County’s 1,412 square kilometres are publicly owned, giving adventurers ample rivers, creeks and coastal shallows to explore. With over 40 camping areas and campgrounds that range from luxury waterfront RV parks to basic woods sites there are many boat launches and hiking opportunities in the county.

Take a relaxing sunset tour of Apalachicola’s historic waterfront aboard one of several adventure tour boats or charter an offshore trip in Carrabelle. Enjoy birdwatching and pet-friendly beaches on St. George Island.

There are many fun winter and early spring events along the Forgotten Coast including the annual St. George Island Chili Cookoff, Eastpoint Rib Cookoff, Carrabelle Riverfront Festival and Apalachicola’s Artwalk.

To Know

• The average winter temperatures along the coast hover around 16 Celsius.

• Off-season lodging (住宿) prices are generally lower and the beaches are less crowded than in the spring and summer.

Travel Planner

Download the Florida’s Forgotten Coast app and stay up to date on events, activities, lodging specials and getaway deals at: Floridasforgottencoast.com.

1. What can we know about Franklin County?

A．It contains over 80 campgrounds.

B．It is named as St. George Island.

C．It is famous for its leisurely atmosphere.

D．It’s a perfect summer getaway destination.

2. What can you do on St. George Island?

A．Have an offshore trip.	B．Take the dog for a walk.
C．Enjoy an awesome sunrise.	D．Take a relaxing sunset tour.

3. Where can you read this text?

A．On a travel website.	B．On a science report.
C．In an exhibition guide.	D．In a business newspaper.

3 . Norway: Wonders of the Arctic

Norway has some of the most beautiful natural experiences, home to the northern lights as well as a rich diversity of marine life in its fjord(峡湾) coastline.

HIGHLIGHTS

·Lectures by Helen Scales, Melanie Windridge and local experts

·Guided tour of Bergen

·Fjord boat cruise(乘船观光)

·Whale watching tour

·Aurora(极光) Borealis observatory stay

·Huski dog sled ride

ACCOMMODATION
Grand Terminus Hotel, Bergen

A 4-star hotel with a famous whiskey bar dating back to 1928 and recently restoration throughout. Located in the heart of Bergen and just a 10-minute walk to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf and 950 yards from the Fløibanen Funicular.

Hotel Clarion the Edge, Tromso

A contemporary stylish 4-star hotel overlooking Tromso Sound and the Arctic Cathedral that opened in 2014．It has great views of the harbour and is only 5-minutes’ walk from the Polaria Aquarium and the 19th-century wooden Tromso Cathedral.

Aurora Borealis Observatory, Senja Island

A purpose-built set of apartments where every room has extra-large windows facing the aurora. The staff have in-depth understanding of the aurora and will help you with photography. Bringing a tripod(三脚架) is highly recommended while travelling. You can also enjoy the aurora from an outdoor hot tub or in the loft-style restaurant set in a converted barn. The observatory is surrounded by lakes and forest which along with the snow, set an amazing background from which to stare at the aurora.

1. What might visitors do in Norway?

A．Train dogs.	B．Deliver speech.
C．Go sightseeing by boat.	D．Stay overnight in Bergen.

2. Which is close to the Polaria Aquarium?

A．Tromso Sound.	B．The Arctic Cathedral.
C．Hotel Clarion the Edge.	D．Grand Terminus Hotel.

3. What is advised to do while traveling?

A．Buy a map.

B．Carry a tripod.

C．Learn photography.

D．Fish in lakes.

4 . A Norwegian fjords (峡湾) adventure

An InterRail Norway pass (interrail.eu) allows three days of travel in any one month for £144. Double rooms in hotels in the fjord areas start from about £130, pension (guest house) from £60 to £100. There are more than 1,000 fjords in Norway where you get the best views. This is the case with the Sognefjord, which is the longest in the country and known as the “king of the fjords”.

Top tip

Norway is a natural playground. The best way to save money is to keep active. Bike hire (租), kayaking (皮划艇) trips and even guided walks are not especially expensive.

Do it yourself

You can fly direct to Oslo from London or Manchester. Ryanair (ryanair.com) is offering October returns from Manchester for £33. Travel from Oslo to Sogndal by Vy Express bus (vybuss.com); return tickets in September start at £78. There are also trains from Oslo to Flam, and while it is around twice as expensive as the bus, it is a famously scenic journey.

Perfect package

Newmark et Holidays (0333 060 5898; newmarketholidays.co.uk) has an eight-day holiday in the fjords of Western Norway, including Sognefjord, from £977 for October, including flights from Gatwick, and accommodation (住宿) at the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand.

1. What is the Sognefjord famous for?

A．Its length.

B．Its hotels.

C．Its history.

D．Its traffic.

2. What is the author’s advice?

A．Find a native guide.	B．Tour around by boat.
C．Travel there in summer.	D．Ride a bike to save money.

3. What does the author think of traveling from Oslo to Flam by train?

A．It’s very cheap.	B．It’s worth a try.
C．It’s not convenient.	D．It’s much too crowded.

5 . Last July, I visited Cambridge, a historical university town in England. It is well known that Cambridge University is one of the best universities in the world, but few people know its unique university system. The trip made me know more about the school. It turned out so different from what I had expected!

At Cambridge, there are 31 colleges. These colleges are places where students live, enjoy entertainment, study at libraries and use leisure equipment. Once you enter a college, it becomes your community. Each college is different in terms of places, equipment and atmosphere (氛围). This is why, when applying to Cambridge, applicants (申请人) take great care to choose the right college for themselves. Sometimes, it is just a matter of whether it “feels right” for you.

I also had the chance to visit their Museum of Classical Archaeology (考古学). For someone who is crazy about classics (经典), Cambridge is the perfect place to come and learn from their museums. Classics have been interesting me since I was a kid, and I have developed a deep love for Greek mythology (神话) in comic books. In most museums that Cambridge has, it is easy to find exhibits (展品) that enable you to gain knowledge in any area of interest. There is a museum for almost everything you can think of, including earth sciences, art and — of course — classics.

If you ever have the chance to visit Cambridge, I would suggest visiting their museums as part of your trip. Not only would you be able to immerse yourself in the studying atmosphere, but you could enjoy the wonderful exhibits each museum offers.

1. How did the writer learn more about Cambridge University according to the passage?

A．By reading books.	B．By visiting it.
C．By watching TV.	D．By surfing the Internet.

2. Why should applicants be careful about choosing the right college?

A．Students have different interests.	B．Not all colleges are open to them.
C．The colleges are similar to each other.	D．Each college is different in its own way.

3. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The writer’s deep interest in classics.

B．The great advantages of visiting Cambridge’s museums.

C．The large collection of exhibits in Cambridge’s museums.

D．The writer’s visit to the Museum of Classical Archaeology.

4. Which of the following words can be used to replace the underlined word “immerse” in the last paragraph?

A．Put.

B．Teach.

C．Value.

D．Dress.

6 .

Over eight million people live in London and it has about 26 million visitors each year. So what can you see in three days? Here are some must-see places.

DAY 1

THE RIVER THAMES is the heart of the city. There are 104 bridges—London Bridge and Tower Bridge are the most famous. Cross the new Millennium Bridge on foot. It’s London’s first bridge in 100 years.

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATER was built in 1997! (A) In the summer you can see plays there. (B) You can shout during a performance just like in Shakespeare’s time! (C) Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers in the world. (D)Take an umbrella—there’s no roof!

TATE MODERN is the world’s largest modern art gallery. Located in an old power station, it’s a fantastic place to visit. However, don’t miss the British Museum with its collection of over 8 million objects. Follow the museum’s three-hour guide of the highlights.

DAY 2

THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT and BIG BEN are London’s landmarks, so don’t forget your camera. You can go inside and watch the politicians in the two chambers (会议厅) — the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Big Ben, which has four faces, sits at the top of the clock tower in the Houses of the Parliament. So no matter where you stand, you can read the face of the clock.

The King’s or the Queen’s official London home is BUCKINGHAM PALACE. It’s got 775 rooms! About 50,000 guests a year come to parties and events-sorry, invitation only! But you can see the Changing of the Guard.

THE LONDON EYE is the world’s largest sightseeing wheel and the most popular UK tourist attraction with about 3.5 million visitors a year. You can often see distances of 40 kilometers.

DAY 3

London’s cathedral, ST PAUL’S is 108 meters tall and over 300 years old. The entrance ticket isn’t cheap, but the cathedral is impressive, and the dome has got amazing views. At 309 meters tall, the new Shard building is the second tallest building in Europe. You can’t miss it!

Where’s the best place to go when it’s sunny or to relax? One of London’s many large parks such as HYDE PARK, KENSINGTON GARDENS or REGENT’S PARK. There isn’t time for LONDON ZOO, but it’s in Regent’s Park.

The best place for shopping is CAMDEN MARKET. You can find vintage (优质的) clothes, jewelry, great food and all sorts of things. Or go to Harrod’s, the world-famous department store. It’s got over 330different departments and an unbelievable Food Hall.

1. When was Shakespeare’s Globe Theater built?

A．In 1699.

B．In 1837.

C．In 1997.

D．In 2000.

2. Where is Tate Modern located?

A．On the bank of the River Thames.	B．In an old power station.
C．On Tower Bridge.	D．In Regent’s Park.

3. What kind of people work in the Houses of Parliament?

A．Businessmen.

B．Scholars.

C．Police officers.

D．Politicians.

4. Which of the following statements IS NOT TRUE?

A．The Millennium Bridge is the first bridge on the River Thames.

B．You can only attend the King’s or the Queen’s parties with an invitation.

C．St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is over 300 years old.

D．For many people Camden Market is the best shopping place in London.

5. There are four sentences marked A, B, C and D in the passage. Please choose the one which is not closely related to the main idea of the section.

A．In the summer you can see plays there.

B．You can shout during a performance just like in Shakespeare’s time!

C．Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers in the world.

D．Take an umbrella—there’s no roof!

7 . The Historic Land of Maramure

The county of Maramures, located in the northern part of Romania, is famous for its traditional way of life that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

When to Go

May－June for wild flowers; July－September for hiking; September for harvest events like the Chestnut Festival (Baia Mare), Onion Festival (Asuaju de Sus), and Autumn in Chioar (Remetea Chioarului).

How to Get Around

Baia Mare is the region’s largest town and its transportation hub (交通枢纽). From Bucharest, the quickest choice is the 85­minute direct flight to Baia Mare International Airport. Rent a car at the airport to travel regionally, and walk, hike, or bike in villages and rural areas. The English­speaking staff at the Maramures Tourism Office in Baia Mare (open on weekdays) can provide biking, driving, and hiking routes, plus information about public transportation and bike rentals.

Where to Stay

Small, family­run guesthouses are located in many villages. Prices typically include breakfast or all meals. The Village Hotel in Breb has three guest rooms in the main house and three small houses, each restored or built using local materials.

Where to Eat or Drink

There’s a great restaurant offering traditional Maramures tastes beside the Casa Iurca de Calinesti Hotel, located next to Elie Wiesel’s birthplace in Sighetu Marmatiei. Weather permitting, sit in the courtyard and watch the chef roast a whole lamb or pig over the open fire.

What to Read before You Go

William Blacker’s memoir (回忆录) Along the Enchanted Way: A Story of Love and Life in Romania is an insightful look into the customs and cultural traditions of rural Transylvania and Maramures, where the author lived from 1996 to 2004.

1. What can we get from the Maramures Tourism Office in Baia Mare?

A．Car rental service.

B．Advice on hiking routes.

C．Training in driving on hill roads.

D．Bicycles available free of charge.

2. What do we know about the Casa Iurca de Calinesti Hotel?

A．It offers many traditional Maramures foods.

B．It used to be Elie Wiesel’s living place.

C．It is the best hotel in the area.

D．It is next to a nice restaurant.

3. What can we learn from Along the Enchanted Way：A Story of Love and Life in Romania?

A．The proper ways of behaving in Maramure

B．The major tourist attractions in Transylvania.

C．The love story of William Blacker and his wife.

D．The poor living conditions in Romanian mountain villages.

8 . Canberra, the capital of Australia, lies in the southeast of the country. From this city, it is about 290 kilometres to Sydney, and over twice the distance to Melbourne. The former faces the Pacific Ocean, and the latter is dose to the Bass Strait through which ships from Sydney can enter the Indian Ocean.

When the Federal Government of Australia was founded in 1901, no one knew where Australia’s capital would be. The two cities of Melbourne and Sydney both wanted the honour. Instead, the founding fathers chose a piece of land between the two cities for the new capital. The government would build a new city called Canberra as the country’s capital.

In 1911, the government invited world leading architects to enter designs for Canberra in a contest. An architect from Chicago named Walter Burley Griffin won this international competition for the design of the new city. Construction began in 1913 but was interrupted by World War I (1914 〜 1918). Twenty-four years later, the construction was finished, but the government moved to this new city ten years before it was completed.

At one time, almost everyone in Canberra worked for the government. However, the city today has become a centre of education and a favourite place for tourists. Now people can hold a government job, or they can work in business. They also make a living by teaching or meeting the needs of tourists.

People find life in Canberra relaxing and pleasant. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains where people can ski. There is a large man-made lake lined with beaches and parks in the centre of Canberra. Canberra is now Australia’s largest inland city. Many people living there come from other cities in Australia and other lands. Some come to Canberra to work, and others come here to escape from the busier way of life found in many other cities.

1. According to the passage, how far away is Sydney from Melbourne?

A．About 290 kilometres.

B．About 580 kilometres.

C．About 870 kilometres.

D．About 1160 kilometres.

2. What can we know about Canberra from this passage?

A．A lovely city to which no visitors can go only by sea.

B．A beautiful coastal city with beaches and parks.

C．The largest city and the education centre in Australia.

D．A pleasant place with many mountains and lakes.

3. What does the underlined word “honour” in Paragraph 2 refer to?

A．Being chosen as the capital city of Australia.

B．Building the city of Canberra.

C．Replacing Canberra as the capital city of Australia.

D．Offering funds to build the city of Canberra.

9 . Melbourne is where I grew up so it obviously means a lot to me. It’s a city that is constantly developing. Melbourne people, like all Australians, enjoy travelling and their increasing experience of other countries means local tastes have changed. The city has become much more cosmopolitan (世界性的). 

Someone told me that in Melbourne you can sample the cuisines of seventy-five different countries; I haven’t managed to eat my way through them all, but it’s a wonderful challenge. And besides the top-class restaurants, you mustn’t miss Melbourne’s café culture and wonderful beachside places at St Kilda.

If you enjoy your food, you will love exploring local produce markets. One I really like is the Queen Victoria Market on the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets, which sells a huge variety of fruit and vegetables.

My friend joined me for my most recent trip home. It was fun showing him all the familiar landmarks, but also going to places I’ve never been before. From Melbourne, we took the Great Ocean Road, a 150-mile highway that is a scenic delight. We passed through an area that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles, the Otways rainforest and Bells Beach along with resort (度假胜地) towns such as Torquay and Apollo Bay.

We’ve still got a pretty extensive “to do” list, including a trip to Queensland and the Barrier Reef. And although I’ve been to Hayman Island a couple of times, I’d like to get to know some of the more special resort islands that can be reached only by private boat or helicopter.

The flight to Australia is a long one but perfectly comfortable if you follow a routine like mine. I get on board and immediately change into my flight pyjamas (睡衣) — one day I’m going to work out how to accessorise them with fashion items, but until then I just look like someone wearing pyjamas!

I just love to travel. It’s an Aussie thing: as a people we are up for jumping on a plane and going off to explore. I can’t wait to see where I’ll go next.

1. What does the author think is “a wonderful challenge”?

A．Tasting all the foods of different countries in Melbourne.

B．Eating at all Melbourne’s top-class restaurants.

C．Travelling to other countries like an Australian.

D．Exploring Australia’s produce markets.

2. What could the author’s friend see when he took the Great Ocean Road?

A．Torquay and Hayman Island.

B．Bells Beach and Twelve Apostles.

C．The Barrier Reef and Otways rainforest.

D．Queen Victoria Market and Apollo Bay.

3. What does the author hope to do?

A．Find more rainforests.

B．Buy a private boat.

C．Go to Hayman Island again.

D．Journey to Queensland.

4. What does the author suggest doing when taking a long flight?

A．Wearing pyjamas.

B．Having fresh fruits.

C．Making fashion accessories.

D．Sleeping all the way through.

10 . What’s on at the London Canal Museum

While rules related to COVID-19 remain in place, there are no physical events in the London Canal Museum. The museum is now closed to visitors. Our programme of talks, on the first Thursday evening of each month, continues online and will remain online until we are able to resume (重新开始) talks in the museum and audiences are happy to come to them. Some of our talks are available to watch again on YouTube (youtube.com/canalmuseum). Usually the talks are also broadcast live on Facebook (facebook.com/canalmuseum).

Temporary Exhibitions (展览)

·Angel Canal Festival over the Years

This is an online exhibition of pictures that show the joy of the yearly festival over the years. Unhappily there was no festival in 2021. Enjoy some views of past festivals.

·Industrial Islington

This exhibition is online and also in the museum. It’s about the canal’s industrial past in the London Borough of Islington. The focus is on the industry but also the people who lived and worked and played beside the waterway. The date is yet to be decided.

·Virtual Tour of Hanwell Locks

Explore London’s longest flight from home.

Children’s Holiday Activities

Holiday activities for children will be put off until the winter holidays of 2022 and resumption will depend on government guidance in place at that time.

Tunnel Boat Trips

We hope to restart a limited programme of guided tunnel boat trips in November 2021 but this will only be possible once social distancing is no longer required.

1. What do we know about talks of the London Canal Museum?

A．They are being held online.

B．They are held every week.

C．They can all be watched again online.

D．They have been started again in the museum.

2. What can be learned about Angel Canal Festival in 2021?

A．It includes guided boat trips.

B．It needs to be booked online.

C．It has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

D．It has attracted a large number of visitors.

3. Which event should you choose if you want to explore the history of the canal?

A．Industrial Islington.

B．Virtual Tour of Hanwell Locks.

C．Children’s Holiday Activities.

D．Tunnel Boat Trips.