3 .

Iceland has so much to offer travelers, from the wild and dramatic landscape and the majestic waterfalls to the endless adventures to be had while hiking, biking, caving and exploring the natural wonders that fill the Island.
WHAT TO DO ·See the Northern Lights ·Tour the Golden Circle ·Try new food delights ·Horseback riding ·Whale watching ·Caving & hiking ·Explore Thorsmork	WHAT TO EAT Langostine/ Lobster soup/ Puffin/ Minke Whale/ Reindeer
	WHAT TO DRINK Brennevin/Local microbrews Wine is very expensive
WHEN TO GO	APRIL—MAY: The days are longer, so you’ll have more time to explore without the crowds and high-season prices.
	SEPTEMBER—NOVEMBER: Prices are lower and there are fewer travelers so it’s less crowded than during the summer months.
	JULY—AUGUST: You’ll experience long days, midnight sun, better weather and everything being more green and lush.
WHERE TO GO	Reykjavik is a small town, but is overflowing with things to do, from art museums, the impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church, walking street and harbor areas.
	Golden Circle route is filled with natural wonders like Gullfoss waterfall and glaciers. The most accessible area from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is a popular route.
	The coastline offers dramatic scenery, incredible hiking and picturesque red and black sand beaches. Many visitors choose to rent a car or join a tour group that circles the whole island.
TRANSPORTATION	From the airport, either rent a car or grab a seat on one of the tourist transfer buses that are waiting outside.
TIPS & INFO	·Credit cards are the accepted method of payment everywhere so cash isn’t needed. ·Tipping isn’t expected. ·Bring your own towel and slippers to the Blue Lagoon. ·The Northern Lights can’t be seen year round. They are best viewed during the cold months from midnight to 3 a.m. with a camera tripod. ·Make restaurant reservations well ahead of time.

1. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.	B．A research report.
C．A historical magazine.	D．An encyclopedia website.

2. Which route should art lovers choose?

A．Golden Circle.	B．Reykjavik.
C．The coastline	D．The Blue Lagoon.

3. What will tourists tend to do in Iceland?

A．Experience long days in December.

B．Pay more during the summer months.

C．Admire beautiful sunsets at midnight in October.

D．View the Northern Lights at midnight in January.

4. What can be learned about the visit to Iceland?

A．Tourists need to pay in cash.

B．Tourists shall offer tips for services.

C．Tourists can take a transfer bus for free.

D．Tourists should reserve a room in advance.

4 . Relations between Architecture and Culture

A country is not only identified by its people and government, but also by its architecture.     1     For example, when one thinks of India, we think of the Tahj Mahal. The Egyptians are another amazing example. Their environment and culture produced the great pyramids. How do modern cultures produce and maintain such beautiful architecture?

Slovenians gained independence in 1991. The country is now economically the most progressive one. It is now helping to modernize the factories and by doing so has actually helped lower poverty rates. Generally, their world around them is modernizing.     2     Everyday life focuses in the squares, churches and the marketplace. These Slovenian towns have many well-preserved buildings with styles of architecture dating back from the 1100’s. Many churches such as Sticna Abbey and Podsreda Castle are magnificent examples of the Roman architecture.

    3     For centuries, homes have been made out of mud houses built along the main dirt road. The roof could be used for an oven, to hold chickens, or just as storage. Cairo, one of the larger cities, the older parts of it are still the heart of Egypt although built with Islamic and Coptic monuments.

Chinese architecture probably has the most cultural influence. Traditionally buildings were designed for its width, not its height. Every important building is guarded around a large wall to protect their assets. While ordinary dwellings are grey and dull, palaces and places of importance are quite colorful.     4     Each Chinese home has their entrance at the front and facing the east with a screen because it is believed that spirits travel straight and cannot go through screen.

Every culture can inspire a type of architecture that can range from landmarks to everyday homes. Religion and family seem to be the most common influences overall.     5    

A．Architecture is a product of cultural diversity.

B．The purpose of a south-facing entrance is to avoid north winds.

C．Through architecture it’s possible to judge many things about a culture.

D．However, the center of their town is ironically the older parts of the city.

E．Architecture is not always defined as large but simply a home sometimes.

F．Tradition and religion are the largest pieces to the Chinese culture and architecture.

G．Each culture is unique and the more we learn about them, the more we appreciate our surroundings.

5 . Scandinavian architecture is a relatively new construct that drew public attention within the last century. It tends to include works associated with Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, and it is undoubtedly one of the more influential styles in modern times.

The Scandinavian design style is both simple and comfortable, modern and historic. Homebuildere influenced by this style are experts at mixing traditional vernacular (民间风俗的) styles with modern technology to create a space that is beautiful and aims to make your life better.

Before the early 20th century, much of Scandinavian architecture was vernacular in nature. Homes were built in a simple way using locally sourced materials and knowledge. However, it can be argued that this lack of formal architectural schooling promoted more craftsmanship and creativity as time went on. These vernacular builders were more concerned with function than form. An early example of this is the turf houses in Iceland, which were homes with green roofs that could keep the house in comfortable temperature throughout seasons in an affordable way.

The modern-day version of Scandinavian architecture grew out of this grassroots approach to building. Public buildings originally mixed Neoclassical elements with traditional building styles based on local practices. In the 1930s, the concept of Functionalism was introduced in Scandinavia. With its inspiration, architects wanted the buildings to be simple, but they also wanted them to be beneficial to people in some thoughtful way. For instance, the Paimio Sanatorium that was built in 1933 focused on maximizing quality air and light for tuberculosis (结核病)patients. So while modern architecture is all about simple, clean lines, Scandinavian architecture is that and also a style of building that thinks about tow public spaces and homes can be valuable to humankind.

1. What is a feature of Scandinavian architecture before the early 20th century?

A．Practical functions.	B．Professional design.
C．Creative appearance.	D．Recyclable materials.

2. What can we learn about the modern Scandinavian architecture?

A．Modern technology is the biggest advantage of it.

B．Architects of this style focus on both simplicity and comfort.

C．The concept of Functionalism was rejected by Scandinavian architects.

D．Its appearance is different from that of other styles of modern architecture.

3. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To attract tourists to visit Scandinavia.

B．To show respect to Scandinavian architects.

C．To introduce an architecture style from Europe.

D．To encourage more people to major in architecture.

6 . The Great Wall in China is one of the greatest wonders of the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Different sections of the Great Wall have distinctive landscapes, and in this flower-blooming season, which one would you prefer to take a tour of?

Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall is located in the northwest suburb of Beijing. It extends in all directions and therefore got its name as Badaling. Due to the strategic importance of Badaling, it was the place where the military fought in the past.

Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu Great Wall, 70 kilometers from urban Beijing, is known as the best part of the Great Wall. With a unique architectural style, it expresses the essence of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). The ancient architecture and the beauty of nature is blended into one harmonious whole, giving rise to Mutianyu’s reputation as having the most unique beauty anywhere along the ten-thousand-mile-long Great Wall.

Simatai Great Wall

For anyone intent on experiencing a section of the Great Wall that keeps a more antiquated air, the Great Wall at Simatai remains one of the best options. It is also the only section of the Great Wall that provides a night tour for tourists. It is said that since the Ming Dynasty, there has been a tradition that people holding palace lanterns visit this section.

Jiankou Great Wall

The Jiankou section is one of the most dangerous parts and mountain hikers usually call it “the wild Great Wall”. With a total length of 7,952 meters, the Jiankou Great Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty and was neglected, becoming damaged over time. It is much preferred by photographers due to its primitive appearance.

1. Which section of the Great Wall is the best option for architecture lovers?

A．Badaling Great Wall.	B．Mutianyu Great Wall.
C．Simatai Great Wall.	D．Jiankou Great Wall.

2. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A．The Badaling got its name due to its strategic importance.

B．The Mutianyu Great Wall covers a distance of 70 kilometers.

C．Tourists must hold palace lanterns to visit the Simatai Great Wall.

D．The Jiankou Great Wall’s original features have attracted photographers.

3. Where is the passage probably from?

A．A history textbook.	B．A research paper.
C．A travel brochure.	D．An architecture magazine.

8 . Whether you want to absorb yourself in luxury (奢华) or make memories that will last a lifetime, consider South Carolina for your next beach vacation!

Folly Beach

Sometimes called one of America last true beach towns, Folly Island is charming, with clothing shops and seafood restaurants of every kind along Center Street. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a surfer, cyclist, boater, you love fishing, or you’re interested in the island’s rich sea-wildlife, complex history, Folly Beach is a great place for culture too.

Hilton Head

Famous for its luxury accommodations, low country-beaches, and 30 world-class golf courses, and 300 tennis courts, Hilton Head was the first eco-planned destination in the United States. While Hilton Head is famous for its expensive offerings, there’s plenty of exploring for families and nature lovers.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is a great place for nature lovers. A vacation at Edisto beach includes adventure in the great outdoors. Hike, fish, and explore the beach. Edisto Beach provides affordable beach fun, like oceanfront and forest campsites.

Bull Island

Bull Island is known for its bird-life, with more than 293 species recorded there. Kids love spotting an American Bald Eagle. Naturalist-guided tours are great for all ages if observing black foxes is on your bucket list.

1. Which beach best suits those who are eager to get experience in various activities as well as local culture?

A．Folly Beach.

B．Hilton Head.

C．Edisto Beach.

D．Bull Island.

2. What is probably the major concern for tourists before going to Hilton Head?

A．Safety.

B．Cost.

C．Location.

D．Activities.

3. What might make people choose Bull Island rather than Edisto Beach?

A．Its sea-wildlife.

B．Its golf-course.

C．Its bird-life.

D．Its campsites.

9 . I would like to offer a concept of cities that goes against modern ones.     1     Such cities should be designed within the distance of a 15-minute walk or bike ride.

What do we need to create 15-minute cities? First, we should start asking questions that we have forgotten. We need to look hard at how to use our square meters. For instance, what is that space for? Who is using it and how? We should understand what resources we have and how they are used. Then we need to ask what services are available in the vicinity(周围地区). We also have to ask ourselves: How do we work?     2    

How do we get this done?     3     Mayor(市长)Anne Hidalgo has suggested a big bang of proximity(靠近), which includes, for example, a massive decentralization, developing new services for each of the districts --- a reduction of traffic by increasing bike lanes into spaces of leisure; new economic models to encourage local shops; building more green spaces; transforming existing infrastructure. That’s actually a golden rule for the 15-minute city: every square meter that’s already built should be used for different things.

    4     First, the rhythm of the city should follow humans, not cars. Second, each square meter should serve different purposes. Finally, neighborhoods should be designed so that we can live, work and thrive in them without having to constantly commute elsewhere.

It’s funny if you think of it: many modern cities are designed for saving time, and yet so much time is lost to commuting, sitting in traffic jams, driving to a mall.     5    

A．I call it the 15-minute city.

B．Citizens are actively involved in participation.

C．The 15-minute should have three key features.

D．The first city to adopt the 15-minute city idea is Paris.

E．Why is the place I live in here, and work is far away?

F．The 15-minute city idea answers the questions of saving time.

G．A different pace of life --- a 15-minute pace can be just impossible.

10 . It’s time to fasten your seat belt and hit the road for flight-free travel. We take the scenic routes along four of Europe’s finest road trips.

1. The National 7

Route: Paris — Saint Tropez

Distance: 600 miles

Journey from the City of Love to the French Riviera will lead you through the hometown of Coco Chanel. Pass through Burgundy, the Rhone valley and French Provencale countryside famous for their vineyards, before getting close to the golden shores of the Cote d’Azur. We recommend sparing yourselves at least one week to experience the trip you’re unlikely to forget.

2. The Grand Tour of Catalonia

Route: Barcelona — Barcelona

Distance: 1, 242 miles

The Grand Tour is a journey that presents the visitors with the art, history, landscape and rich culture of Catalonia. In the beating heart of Barcelona, come upon the artistic heritage of Caundi and Dali. Just a few of the highlights (最精彩的部分) along the route include Montserrat, Tarragona and Capde Creus Natural Park, to name just a few.

3. Road-Tripping along the Rhine

Route: Dusseldorf—Mainz

Distance: 146 miles

Enjoy a taste of German on a journey along the scenic banks of the Rhine Valley. Meet the impressive river side cities of Dusseldorf, Colone and Bonn and vast fields that are grown some of Germany’s finest wine producing grapes. We recommend allowing about one week to complete the journey at a leisurely pace.

4. The Grand Tour of Switzerland

Route: Zurich- Zurich

Distance: 1, 000 miles

The Grand Tour of Switzerland crosses five mountain passes, containing 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Best enjoy over two weeks. From the lowland of Lake Maggiore to the heights of the Furka Pass, this challenging voyage is only possible between the months of April and October. From mountain villages to cultural heritage, glaciers to historic castles, this route promises an incomparable concentration of all kinds of attractions.

1. Which route best suits art lovers?

A．The National 7.	B．The Grand Tour of Catalonia.
C．Road-Tripping along the Rhine.	D．The Grand Tour of Switzerland.

2. What can visitors see on both Route 1 and Route 3?

A．Valley views.	B．River side cities.
C．Golden shores.	D．Classic German towns.

3. Which of the following highlights Route 4?

A．Unique village life.	B．Rich cultural experiences.
C．Different mountain views.	D．Various types of attractions.

4. What is the main purpose of the passage?

A．To introduce scenic spots.	B．To share travel experiences.
C．To recommend travel routes.	D．To explain the reasons for travelling.