1 . 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. |
2 . The United Kingdom is a land of natural beauty and history, with many of its finest attractions discovered through hiking. Now, dust off your boots, plan according to the following routes presented by a survey of senior hikers and an incredible experience will wait for you.
Wales Coastal Path
Wales is the only country in the world that has an official walking path covering its whole borders. The Wales Coastal Path is a footpath stretching 870 miles from Chester to Chepstow. Walking the whole thing might be demanding, but there are plenty of stretches that can be enjoyed over a day or two.
Southwest Coast Path
You need a fair amount of annual leave, a casual 52 days or so, to undertake this in one go. The route runs from Somerset all the way to Dorset, via rugged cliffs, cute fishing villages and surfing spots along the coastline. You can surely jump on to any point as you like, but you can't afford to miss all the pubs full of jokes and laughter on the way!
Coast to Coast Walk
This long-distance trail isn’t official, but popular in the country, taking hikers from the Irish Sea to the North Sea as it rolls into historic Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire. Following local footpaths, the route takes you through three UK National Parks: the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.
Cleveland Way
You’ll want nine days to folly complete this hike, which explores both the North York Moors and the county’s world-famous coastline. Just make sure you allow enough time to properly enjoy spots like Roseberry Topping hill and pick up a gentle afternoon walk at Whitby’s clifftop church.
1. Who will be more interested in the routes?| A．Explorers in the UK. | B．Hiking lovers. |
| C．Nature photographers. | D．Field researchers. |
| A．Fishing villages. | B．Surfing spots. |
| C．Local pubs. | D．National parks. |
| A．They include cliffs worth visiting. | B．They are official and demanding. |
| C．They run along the coast. | D．They can be completed in a month. |
3 . With the approaching of New Year, more and more visitors will come to China. Don’t know where you should go? Here are some places recommended for you.
Shanghai Expo Culture Park
The Shanghai Expo Culture Park will soon open its northern section to the public, in which the major attractions include a traditional garden that is similar in design to Shanghai’s famous Yuyuan Garden and a 400-meter avenue exhibiting the history of the area, while in the southern section lies a grand theater.
Macao Tower AJ Hackett Bungee Jump
The Macao Tower, 338 meters tall, is the world’s 10th highest tower, with a variety of activities, such as eating and entertainment. One of the activities which enjoy good fame is the bungee jump. The AJ Hackett Macao Tower Bungee Jump is 233 meters high, making it a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial (商业的) bungee jump in the world. Raise your arms and off you go!
Harbin’s Frozen World
For those who have never been to Harbin, there is an almost endless list of things to do. At Harbin Ice—Snow World, you can not only see the world—famous ice architecture, but also have great fun! You can have hotpot at the restaurants which are made of ice, enjoying the product of both ice and fire, go down the world’s longest ice slide (滑梯) and join in the popular Ice and Snow Electronic Music Festival to welcome 2024.
The winter is cold and the night is long, so why not go to the theatre? Harbin was listed by the United Nations as a “music city” in 2010. Harbin Grand Theater is where artistic souls defrost (化霜) a little to share their love of art.
1. Where should visitors go if they want to do extreme sports?| A．Shanghai Expo Culture Park. | B．The Macao Tower. |
| C．Shangha’s Yuyuan Garden. | D．Harbin Ice—Snow World. |
| A．Attend a famous music festival. | B．Play with both ice and fire. |
| C．Turn water into instant ice. | D．Learn to make ice architecture. |
| A．They have a high tower. | B．They have a long ice slide. |
| C．They have a grand theater. | D．They have traditional architecture. |
4 . The 14th National Games held in Xi’an has triggered great interest — not only in sports and fitness, but also in the host city itself. If you are planning a tour of Xi’an taking less than 3 days, you’ll want to hit all the following highlights.
The Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is not just China’s premier historical attraction but one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century, which was constructed by China’s First Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC). It is a collection of thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots (战车) in battle formation, showing the emperor’s armies in full splendor.
Ancient City Wall
Xi’an City Wall was built in the 14th century by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a military defense system. Now it is one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. The wall is now a landmark, dividing the city into inner and outer areas.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
One of China’s most famous Buddhist pagodas, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) for the study of Buddhist scriptures. One of the main functions of the pagoda was to store sutras (经文) brought to China from India by the famous monk and traveler Xuan Zang. It was built with layers of bricks and has a grand structure and appearance. It is exemplary of traditional Chinese architecture.
Shaanxi History Museum
The Shaanxi History Museum is home to over 370,000 precious relics unearthed in Shaanxi over the years. Its collections range from bronze wares to pottery figures, gold and silver wares and wall paintings from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) tombs. Among its precious collections, 18 pieces have been listed as national treasures.
1. Which of the following has the longest history?| A．The Terracotta Army. | B．Ancient City Wall. |
| C．Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. | D．Shaanxi History Museum. |
| A．Chariots discovered in Xi’an. | B．Sutras brought from India to China. |
| C．Relics unearthed in Shaanxi. | D．Wall paintings from the Qing Dynasty tombs. |
| A．They hold collections of antiques. | B．They are of historical and cultural value. |
| C．They represent the modern spirit of Xi’an. | D．They are examples of traditional Chinese architecture. |
5 . Looking for some fun Boston tours for teens that you’ll also enjoy? Here are some tours for you. Most of these tours actually deliver a lot of information about Boston’s history and the city’s culture along with the entertainment.
Whale Watching Tour
There’s the thrill of cruising away from Boston on a high-speed ship to whale-feeding grounds 30 miles east of Boston. Once you’re there, the real fun begins as whales, dolphins and other marine life appear right in front of you! Your teenagers will love this, and you will too!
Codzilla Tour
Speed, 360 degree turns, and loud 80’s rock music make it easy to see why this tour ranks high with teens. The crew’s (船员) jokes about pirates add to the fun. You’ll enjoy the tour through Boston Harbor. Plus, on a hot summer day, it’s a perfect way to relax.
Movie Mile Walking Tour
It is guided by local actors. You’ll see and visit many places you’ve seen on the screen, but even better, the guides will let you in on the filming secrets of movies and shows such as Blown Away, Good Will Hunting and Cheers. Your teens will love hearing about techniques behind the special effects and high-speed chases.
Chocolate Walking Tour
Let’s get to the point of why teens and adults love this walking tour through Beacon Hill and the North End: chocolate tastings! You’ll also love the attractive tour through Boston’s most charming historic neighborhoods led by a chocolate expert. Naturally, you’ll also hear a bit about Boston’s history: for example, did you know that chocolate shops were an important part of Colonial Boston? Just like in modern Boston!
1. What can you do when taking the Whale Watching Tour?| A．Enjoy rock music. | B．See a variety of sea creatures. |
| C．Feed some food to whales. | D．Learn something about pirates. |
| A．Movie Mile Walking Tour. | B．Whale Watching Tour. |
| C．Chocolate Walking Tour. | D．Codzilla Tour. |
| A．They can visit places on the screen. | B．They can go to chocolate shops. |
| C．They can meet a chocolate expert. | D．They can taste chocolate. |
6 . Discover all the great Sydney attractions. You’ll find many memorable things to do and fascinating museums to visit in Sydney, Australia.
Australian Museum
The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is well-known as the nation’s first museum. The AM has been transformed and visitors can now enjoy transformed spaces and updated facilities. Free general admission includes entry to all permanent exhibitions and Prehistoric Playground, which is open daily on Level 2 and features a variety of activities for children of all ages including a fossil lab and interactive dinosaur design station.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Explore five levels of art at one of Australia's most popular art museums, located within beautiful parklands overlooking Sydney Harbour, just 10 minutes’ walk from the city.
See an extensive collection of Australian art，including one of the largest galleries of aboriginal (土著的) art in the country, alongside Asian treasures and leading local and international contemporary art.
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia - MCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is Australia’s leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art from across Australia.
Located at Circular Quay, the MCA is housed in the former Maritime Services building, a fine example of late Art Deco architecture.
Australian National Maritime Museum
Located at the waterfront of Darling Harbour, the Maritime Museum is an indoor/outdoor attraction and great entertainment for the whole family. The museum has one of the largest and most diverse in-water fleets (舰队) in the world. The museum hosts six permanent galleries, an ever-changing program of temporary exhibitions, and a 3D cinema, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
1. What is Australian Museum famous for?| A．The lowest price. | B．Contemporary art. |
| C．Outdoor attractions. | D．The longest history. |
| A．Australian Museum. |
| B．Art Gallery of New South Wales. |
| C．Australian National Maritime Museum. |
| D．Museum of Contemporary Art Australia — MCA. |
| A．A 3D cinema. | B．A design station. |
| C．Local contemporary art. | D．Late Art Deco architecture. |
7 . My granddad often helped me make a tool to catch fish when I was young and we would spend hours along a river. It was lovely for both of us then. Many more of today’s grandparents have a growing sense of adventure. And a trend is catching on: skip-gen travel — grandparents taking fun-filled vacations with grand kids without their parents along.
A survey found that 83% of grandparents put travel with their grand kids as the number one thing when they retire. Skip-gen travel gets popular for good reason. Kids have their lives enriched and learn outside classrooms. This is also a time of talking and sharing ideas.
“How grandparents talk to children is different from how parents talk to them. Actually, I feel on a more equal footing with my grandchildren than I do with my own children,” Annie Collins, a travel architect and also part of the trend, says. “Kids away from their parents are more open to ideas and willing to express themselves. It’s not just kids gaining from traveling. Who gets the most out of this? You might think it’s them but it’s us.” According to a study by the Cleveland Clinic, grandparents who help watch and spend time with grand kids may actually live longer than their peers（同龄人）.
It’s also important to recognize that grandparents often have more time to travel. Unlike their children, who may still be in the pursuit of a personal career that offers limited time off, grandparents are often retired and likely have a different viewpoint on life, prioritizing experiences and family. So knowing the kids are in great hands, moms and dads will have a bit of time to themselves — some much-needed leisure time alone to rest and recharge their batteries.
However, skip-gen travel is not for every grandparent. After all, grandparents are worn out with years and not so energetic. They surely treasure the chance to form close ties with their grandchildren, but it’s wiser to say no when only the youth could enjoy themselves, for the travel should be a win for everyone involved.
1. Why does the author mention fishing experiences with his granddad?| A．To lead in the trend of skip-gen travel. | B．To share the pleasure in going fishing. |
| C．To stress the importance of family ties. | D．To show the growing interest in adventure. |
| A．Many parents are too strict with children. |
| B．Grandparents benefit more from skip-gen travel. |
| C．Spending time with grandparents is better for kids. |
| D．Children become mature when away from parents. |
| A．They enjoy the moment to relax. | B．They feel less anxious and stressed. |
| C．They miss their kids very much. | D．They look forward to their own trip. |
| A．Get kids involved in travel planning. | B．Strengthen the bond with grandchildren. |
| C．Reduce skip-gen travel appropriately. | D．Make decisions in both sides’ interests. |
8 . Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Zealand
Nature has shaped New Zealand with the beauty of a movie set. Few destinations(目的地)boast so many natural wonders packed into such a small area. Here are the best attractions travelers can explore.
Kaikoura, South Island
Birders, wildlife and seafood lovers will love the charming coasted village of Kaikoura. Between the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura offers excellent coastal hikes and popular whale watching tours. In addition to whales, passengers may spot fur seals, dolphins and a wide variety of birds.
Queenstown, South Island
Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital. Bungee jumping, jet boating, rock climbing, mountain biking and downhill skiing are just some of the thrilling things to do here. In addition to the adventure sports? Queenstown offers all the comforts, with first-class hotels, spas, restaurants, galleries and shops.
Bay of Islands, North Island
A three-hour drive north of Auckland, the beautiful Bay of Islands is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. There are more than 144 islands on the bay, making it a perfect place for sailing. Penguins, dolphins, and whales live in these waters, and the area is a popular sport-fishing spot. The towns in the area such as Russell, Opua and Paihia are great bases for exploring this scenic bay.
Rotorua, North Island
This is a land where the Earth speaks. Boiling mud pools, volcanic craters and steaming hot springs show the forces of New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes. Visitors can take a walking tour of these geothermal(地热的)wonders and bathe in the springs while visiting the interesting attractions to learn about the area’s rich Maori history and culture.
1. Where can visitors experience Extreme sports?| A．In Kaikoura. | B．In Queenstown. |
| C．At Bay of Islands. | D．In Rotorua. |
| A．It is suitable for fishing. |
| B．There are few islands there. |
| C．There are many military bases there. |
| D．It belongs to South Island of New Zealand. |
| A．It offers coastal hike tours. |
| B．It offers popular whale watching tours. |
| C．It is the best known for varieties of wildlife. |
| D．It is a good place to have a hot spring bath. |
9 . Museums in Baltimore
The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum contains 36,000 objects from around the world. Walking through the museum’s historic buildings, visitors encounter a stunning panorama of thousands of years of art, from romantic 17th-century images of French gardens to fascinating Ethiopian icons, ancient Roman sarcophagi (石棺), and peaceful images of the Buddha.
Tickets: $9.5. Free for children aged 7 and under.
Baltimore Museum of Industry
The Baltimore Museum of Industry celebrates the innovators, entrepreneurs and workers who promoted this port city into the industrial age. From garment making to airplane manufacturing, visitors to the museum will discover how their pioneering spirit built the region’s manufacturing might. Located in an 1860s oyster cannery on a five-acre waterfront campus, the BMI offers dynamic exhibitions and hands-on activities for guests of all ages.
Tickets: $15. Half price for children.
Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art is home to an internationally renowned collection of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art. It has 90,000 works of art—including the largest holding of works by Henri Matisse in the world. The BMA is now throughout the multi-year project so that visitors can enjoy its outstanding selection of European and American painting and sculpture from the 17th through 20th centuries.
Tickets: $10. Ten percent off if booked on the official website.
American Visionary Art Museum
The American Visionary Art Museum is the nation’s museum for self-taught, creative skills. Three historic buildings house wonders created by farmers, housewives, mechanics, the disabled, as well as the occasional neurosurgeon. From carved roots to embroidered rags, tattoos to toothpicks, ‘the visionary’ transforms dreams, loss, hopes, and ideals into powerful works of art.
Tickets: $9.5. Free for children aged 6 and under and museum members.
1. Which museum best suits people interested in contemporary French paintings?| A．The Walters Art Museum. | B．Baltimore Museum of Industry. |
| C．Baltimore Museum of Art. | D．American Visionary Art Museum. |
| A．It’s a place for memorial celebrations for the city. |
| B．It was built in a factory where food was canned. |
| C．It offers free exhibitions for guests of all ages. |
| D．It is now undergoing a multi-year project. |
| A．$19. | B．$23.5. | C．$27. | D．$28.5. |
10 . For years, airlines, touring companies, and tourism boards have used VR technology to market destinations to potential customers. Now, “the impact of COVID-19 may allow it to shake off its image of being a trick to attract public attention, says Ralph Hollister, a tourism analyst at Global Data and author of a report on the VR travel industry.
Virtual travel experiences are seeing a sudden rise in popularity. Still, there’s a big gap between using VR to “try before you buy” and treating virtual reality like the destination itself. Basically, the technology isn’t ready yet. 360-degree VR videos are usually experienced through a headset or an app. The headsets are expensive, heavy, and uncomfortable to wear for more than 30 minutes. The apps have none of these problems but simply aren’t as impressive.
Limited sensations are another problem. The videos focus on sounds and sights but can’t do much with smell, touch, or taste, and VR experiences tend to only be a few minutes long — hardly the equivalent (相等物) of a two-week vacation in Spain.
Erick Ramirez, a philosopher at Santa Clara University who studies VR, compares the future of virtual travel to a classic thought experiment: Imagine that you could connect yourself up to an “experience machine” and simply feel happy forever. Philosopher Robert Nozick, who developed the experiment, thinks nobody would want to be hooked up to (连接到) such a thing. Ramirez says “I do think that there are some kinds of tourist experiences where the value in them is in the doing, not just in the seeing and hearing, and it will be tough for VR to copy.”
If the technology becomes complex enough, those aiming to reduce our carbon footprint might prefer this form of escape. VR travel does bring parts of the world to people who are physically unable to visit certain landmarks. Most of all, it could help bring people to places that are otherwise inaccessible.
1. What did people think of VR technology before the outbreak of COVID-19?| A．It was too expensive. | B．It had little real worth. |
| C．It would be in wide use. | D．It was difficult to use. |
| A．The popularity of VR technology. |
| B．The applications of VR technology. |
| C．The production of 360-degree VR videos. |
| D．The disadvantages of 360-degree VR videos. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Worried. | C．Positive. | D．Uncaring. |
| A．People living in remote places. |
| B．People trying to escape from reality. |
| C．People travelling widely. |
| D．People caring about environment. |
