1 . Food festivals are a common occurrence in the UK and take place in all sorts of places and at all sorts of times. Whatever your taste, there’s a food festival to match — no matter how specialized.
1. Meatopia
This three-day, London-based festival takes place at the end of August and is a meat lover’s paradise. In addition to a range of legally sourced meat products, from juicy burgers to tender steaks, attendees can listen to live music, watch butchery demonstrations, and attend informal meat-based workshops.
2. The National Honey Show
If you have a sweet tooth, then it could be that the National Honey Show, which started in 1921 and is the largest event of its kind, is the place for you to be. This three-day event attracts many local entries who showcase their sweet golden honey, some of which is sold globally.
3. The Orange Sauce Festival
Have you heard about a festival that is devoted only to orange sauce? Held in Cumbria, this sweet, fragrant festival has been running for 3 years. What attracts people most is a competition to find the best homemade orange sauce. There are thousands of participants from over 30 different countries across the globe, bringing their local snacks to share here.
4. The Ginger and Spice Festival
If you’d prefer something with a little more kick to it, then you could attend The Ginger (姜) and Spice Festival held in Market Drayton. Unlike other food festivals, it celebrates its town’s historic connection to Robert Clive, who returned from India with ginger. Because of this, they specialize in baking gingerbread, but also sell a range of traditional spices from mild to hot.
1. What do Meatopia and the National Honey Show have in common?| A．Both of them last for three days. | B．Both of them hold workshops. |
| C．Both of them originated from London. | D．Both of them have a long history. |
| A．The Meatopia. | B．The Ginger and Spice Festival. |
| C．The National Honey Show. | D．The Orange Sauce Festival. |
| A．It has something to do with a historic figure. |
| B．The ginger used in the festival is from India. |
| C．It sells spicy food. |
| D．The food is cooked by Robert Clive. |
2 . Travelling with friends can be an amazing experience where you could make lifelong memories or it could ruin your friendship.
Communicate and respect each other. Everyone has personal preferences when travelling— from getting the bed closest to the bathroom or sitting in the airplane’s window seat. But sometimes things don’t go as you like. In this case, share your requirements directly with your travel companions.
Don’t disappear. When travelling with a group — or even just one other person — you may want some alone time. That’s completely fine, but make sure your friends know where you are and have a way of contacting you.
Get off your phone. Of course, your friends will understand if you need to take a call from a family member, or in the event of a work emergency, but other than that, try to stay off your phone.
| A．Give each other some space. |
| B．Include at least one activity for everyone. |
| C．So it’s important to make sure you and your friend(s) are on the same page. |
| D．At the same time, listen to their concerns and be respectful of them. |
| E．Don’t respond to less important work contact or send messages frequently. |
| F．It’s especially true of travelling in foreign countries or unfamiliar places. |
| G．And remember that consideration and respect go a long way. |
3 . We know that St.Patrick’s Day festivities may include a little bit of drinking.But there are plenty of kid-safe St.Patrick’s Day events around metro Phoenix,too.Here are the lucky St.Patrick’s Day celebrations for kids.
3/17:Lucky St.Patrick’s Day Cupcakes
Kids can make their own treats at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix this St.Patrick’s Day.Children can make and decorate their cupcakes with rainbow candies and chocolate.To-go containers will also be provided.
Details:1 pm-3 pm,Friday,March 17.Children’s Museum of Phoenix,215 N.7th Street,Phoenix.$3 for members.$4 for non-members.602-253-0501.
3/17-19:Fountain O’ Green Artisan Market
This community festival will include sculptures,paintings,handcrafted jewelry and apparel(衣服) from selected local and regional artists,live music and dance performance throughout the weekend.There will also be a food court.
On Friday,colorful water will shoot from the town’s fountain at noon.Take the kids to see the annual tradition and picnic in the park.
Details:10 am-5 pm,Friday-Sunday,March 17-19.Avenue of the Fountains and Saguaro Boulevard,Fountain Hills.Free.480-488-2014.
3/17:St.Patrick’s Day Party at AZ Air Time
Kids above 12 years old can collect their free,green necklaces and jump for three hours,climb the rock climbing wall or dive into the giant hole of foam(泡沫).Jump socks will be required.
Details:8 pm-11 pm,Friday,March 17.AZ Air Time,13802 N.Scottsdale Road,Suite 145,Scottsdale.$15,saving $14.480-427-2000/480-427-2001.
1. Which telephone number can people call at if they want to make and decorate cupcakes?| A．480-427-2001. | B．480-488-2014. |
| C．480-427-2000. | D．602-253-0501. |
| A．If two children want to make treats,they have to pay $8. |
| B．In Fountain O’Green Artisan Market,you’ll find apparel from all local artists. |
| C．You can see colorful water shooting at noon on March 17. |
| D．Children will get free jump socks at AZ Air Time. |
| A．People addicted to alcohol. |
| B．Parents of younger children. |
| C．Organizers of festivals. |
| D．Educators and businessmen. |
| A．Textbook | B．Diary |
| C．Magazine | D．Science research |
4 . Do you like travelling? Do you want to travel with less money? OK, let me introduce something about couch surfers(沙发漫游)to you? They are travelers who spend the night in an Internet friend’s house. Let’s share some of their stories.
After spending the whole day traveling in Paris, I met Theo at the bus station. At his apartment I met his roommate Roger. Both of them were very friendly. They took me to a party the next day. I went back to Theo’s apartment on the back of his bicycle. Peter |
When I traveled in Vienna, I stayed with Artur, a college student. One day I forgot to turn off the tap after having a bath. The bathroom was full of water. However, Artur did not get angry with me. Henri |
I got off the bus at the wrong station, so I had to take a taxi to Judit’s apartment. Judit was a reporter and she was always busy. The next day we went shopping together and she bought a dress for a party. In the evening she went to the party and I stayed at the apartment alone. Lucy |
| A．To London. | B．To Paris. | C．To Vienna. | D．To Budapest. |
| A．got on the wrong bus | B．couldn’t find his partner |
| C．forgot to turn off the tap | D．did not know how to use the tap |
| A．By bike. | B．By taxi. | C．By train. | D．On foot, |
| A．Peter. | B．Judit. | C．Theo. | D．Lucy. |
5 . Gap Year Sailing Programs
A gap year spent sailing will show you more of the world than most people see in their whole lives. So hoist the anchor, throw off the bowlines, catch the following wind, and set sail on a voyage of discovery to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Where to Go
The beauty of a sailing gap year is that you don’t just visit a single place. These unique adventures can take you across oceans and whole regions to experience dozens of countries in a single gap year. Some programs combine several regions including the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, etc. while others stick to just one.
Costs
How much a sailing gap year costs varies greatly depending on the type of program and the length of the voyage. A program lasting a few weeks may cost S$ 5,000 or more. Months long adventures may be as much as $20.000, especially if they involve college credit or other coursework.
Visa
Visa requirements will vary depending on where your voyage takes you. Your program will inform you of which visas you’ll need. Make sure you obtain your visas well in advance.
Housing
Housing will consist of a berth (铺位) aboard your boat. Don’t expect anything fancy. You’ll likely have little more than a bed and a small storage locker in a two-or three-person cabin. Given the limited size of your living space, expect to stay close to your crewmates at all times with little real privacy.
Health & Safety
Living aboard a ship means that you can’t always count on having medical facilities (设施) nearby. You may be asked to provide a note from your doctor confirming that you are in good health before being accepted into your program. Most programs include medical emergency insurance as part of their fees. See what it covers and what it doesn’t when making your decisions.
1. What do the sailing programs provide for participants?| A．Journeys by land. |
| B．Chances to study abroad. |
| C．Courses of famous universities. |
| D．Opportunities to travel around the world. |
| A．Ask parents for advice. | B．Save as much as $ 20,000. |
| C．Obtain your proper visa. | D．Have a medical examination. |
| A．Tough. | B．Fancy. | C．Noisy. | D．Comfortable. |
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 . The “Mona Lisa” may maintain her famously mysterious smile because she benefits from one of Paris’ best-kept secrets: An underground cooling system that’s helped the Louvre Museum cope with the unbearable heat that has broken temperature records across Europe.
With a depth of up to 98 feet and 55 miles of pipes, the little-known “urban cold” network snakes unknowing beneath Parisians’ feet, which uses electricity generated by renewable sources, is the largest in Europe and runs around the clock with a deafening noise totally inaudible above ground.
Paris City Hall has now signed an ambitious contract to triple the size of the network by 2042 to 157 miles. It would make it the largest urban cooling system in the world.
Three of the 10 high-tech cooling sites lie on the Seine river. When the Seine’s water is cold enough, a machine captures it and uses it to cool the system’s water. The heat created as a byproduct is sent back into the Seine where it is absorbed. The chilled water is then pumped through the system’s pipes to its 730 Parisian clients.
Paris’ cooling sites all use renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels. French officials see this energy independence as particularly important given the threat of Russia cutting off energy supplies to Europe.
The merits of using a cooling system which uses renewable energy to operate are already being felt by sites that use them. The world’s most visited museum, the Louvre, has benefited from the network since the 1990s.
“It allows us to benefit from energy with a lower carbon footprint available all year round,” said Laurent Le Guedart, the Louvre’s Heritage Director. “The particularity of the Louvre Museum is that it needs to use iced-cold water to correctly conserve the artwork and to control the humidity.”
Le Guedart said that the system is a money-saver given the rising cost of energy linked to the Ukraine conflict. It operates notably in the State Room of the Pavillon Denon where the “Mona Lisa” lives. Perhaps it’s why beads of sweat have never trickled down the brow painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
1. Which is TRUE about the underground cooling system in Paris?| A．It is too deep to be heard. | B．It is the largest one in the world. |
| C．It uses electricity for free to cool air. | D．It makes Paris the coolest in Europe. |
| A．By capturing and absorbing heat from its clients. |
| B．By pumping the water from the Seine to its clients. |
| C．By changing the water in the system for that in the Seine. |
| D．By pumping the water cooled by the Seine through the system. |
| A．Attracting more people to see Mona Lisa. | B．Protecting its artwork from heat and humidity. |
| C．Getting rid of the threat of the Ukraine conflict. | D．Reducing carbon footprint with less money than before. |
| A．Why was smiling Mona Lisa painted? | B．Why does Paris keep the system a secret? |
| C．How many more sites will the system have? | D．What will the system be like in two decades? |
8 . Highest Mountains in the World
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant(休眠的)volcano, is the highest mountain in Africa. Its summit is 5, 895 meters above sea level. Located in Tanzania, it is the largest free-standing mountain rise in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range. Kilimanjaro is made up of three volcanoes: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant and could possibly erupt again.
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in Asia and the highest mountain in the world. Its summit is 8, 848. 86 meters above sea level. It is located in the Himalaya Mountain Range on the border of Nepal and China. The Chinese name is Chomolungma, which means “Mother Goddess of the World”. The Nepali name is Sagarmatha, which has various meanings.
Denali
Denali is the highest mountain in North America. Its summit is 6, 193 meters above sea level. It is located in the USA, in the state of Alaska. “Denali” comes from Koyukon, a traditional native Alaskan language, and means “the tall one”. This name had been used for many generations and was used by early non-native researchers and naturalists. But in 1896, William A. Dickey, a prospector(探矿者), began calling Denali “Mount McKinley”, in honor of William McKinley, a presidential candidate at the time.
Mount Vinson
Mount Vinson is the highest mountain on Antarctica. Its summit is 5, 140 meters above sea level. It is located in the summit plateau of Vinson Massif, near the base of the Palmer Peninsula in western Antarctica. Mount Vinson is part of the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. It was spotted from the air by U. S. pilot Lincoln Ellsworth in 1935.
1. Why is Kibo the most dangerous one among the three volcanoes?| A．It is the highest of the three volcanoes. |
| B．It is covered with snow all through the year. |
| C．It is home to a great number of wild animals. |
| D．It is likely to erupt again sometimes in the future. |
| A．Mount Kilimanjaro. | B．Denali. |
| C．Mount Everest. | D．Mount Vinson. |
| A．An American. | B．An Australian. |
| C．A Frenchman. | D．A Japanese. |
9 . It’s been a few years since my three-month trip across Europe, but it is by far one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. If you have decided to go on this kind of journey, I have put together a list of important things to share with you, based on my own experiences.
You might be thinking now that you won’t have time or the desire to talk to anyone back at home while you are on your great adventure. However, once you’ve been away for a week or two, you might start to change your idea and want to tell anything you see to them. So it’s always a good idea to have a phone card that works internationally, just in case.
Before you buy a phone card plan, make sure of checking the rates! You don’t want to come home with a $500 phone bill! In order to make sure I didn’t overspend on the phone, I purchased a few $50 prepaid phone cards before I left, and then used my minutes sparingly.
Memories are never as clear, years later, as you want them to be. Pictures are nice, but you may find yourself wondering, ”What was the name of that place?” Keep a diary so that you can record your daily activities, the names of people you met in a certain city, and exciting things you got to see or do.
If you don’t have enough money, you can choose to stay in hostels (招待所), which are by far the cheapest way in most of Europe. And you can also take a sleeping bag with you, which will make you have a better sleep, if you have room in your pack and you don’t mind the extra weight. But in my opinion, it might take up much room; you’d better not take one.
1. What might we do during our tour of Europe according to the second paragraph?| A．Become pretty homesick. |
| B．Waste time in remaking plans. |
| C．Spend time looking for phone cards. |
| D．Share our trip experiences with our families. |
| A．Gently. | B．Carefully. | C．Quickly. | D．Freely. |
| A．Book hostels in advance. | B．Early to bed,early to rise. |
| C．Take as few things as possible. | D．Make sure your items are well-packed. |
| A．How to prepare for a European trip. |
| B．How to have a good night’s sleep |
| C．How to keep a record of our journey. |
| D．How to save money on phone bills. |
10 . Cheap Travel Destinations for Winter Trips
·Charleston, South Carolina(Hotel Cost：$72.33，Round-Trip Flight：$303)
The charming city of Charleston is ripe for exploring even during the cooler winter months. Catch a show at the Charleston Stage Company or watch a performance from the Charleston Ballet. If it’s your first time visiting, take a carriage tour of the city to explore 25 to 30 blocks of the downtown area.
·Anchorage, Alaska(Hotel Cost：$43. 67，Round-Trip Flight：$577.50)
Walk on a glacier, see wildlife and explore attractive national parks for cheapness in Anchorage. The Chugach Mountains are easily accessible, just 20 minutes from the downtown area.
·Washington, D. C.(Hotel Cost：$150，Round-Trip Flight：$206.50)
Take a trip to the Lincoln Memorial, express respect and admiration to the soldiers that served in World War Ⅱat the National World War Ⅱ Memorial and discover other sites that honor American history—free of charge. Galleries, museums and historic neighborhoods are ripe for exploring even during the winter months.
·Savannah, Georgia(Hotel Cost：$49，Round-Trip Flight：$317.50)
Taking a self-guided tour of this southern city is one of the best ways to see famous landmarks and sites free of charge. Visit the 22 public squares and see the General Casimir Pulaski Monument. And don’t forget to get your picture taken at the same bus stop bench used in the movie Forrest Gump, in Chippewa Square.
1. Which place will you choose to go if you are interested in modern American history?| A．Savannah, Georgia. | B．Charleston, South Carolina. |
| C．Anchorage, Alaska. | D．Washington, D. C. |
| A．Travelers can often see wildlife in the parks. |
| B．Travelers can watch a performance of ballet. |
| C．Travelers have to take a self-guided tour to travel. |
| D．Travelers often take pictures at a bus stop bench. |
| A．newspaper | B．novel | C．web page | D．magazine |
