1 . Tips for Cutting the Cost of Travel
Whether for pleasure or business reasons, it is normal for us to sometimes want to pack our bags, hit the road, and head to a new destination.
•
• Choose a cheaper means of transportation. While everyone likes to fly to their travel destination for ease and speed, flying isn’t the only transport option available. Depending on where you’re living and where you’re headed, you can always select public transport.
• Don’t use hotels.
• Use a travel credit card. When you apply for these cards, you can control opportunities like signing-up bonuses (红利), most of which are offered by airline credit cards.
| A．Surf the website for tickets |
| B．Save on airfare |
| C．If you’re a traveler looking to reduce the travel costs |
| D．While traveling is an exciting experience |
| E．These bonus points can help you increase a lot of miles |
| F．Staying at someone’s house can be cheaper than booking a hotel |
| G．So research what’s available and choose the best option for your budget |
2 . It is summer, and the living is comfortable. For many Americans, this is the season to travel. Why? Because school has finished; the weather is great, and most of all, we all deserve a break. When Americans want to take a break, they often head for their favourite vacation spot.
Throughout their history, Americans have been people on the move. Hundreds of years ago, the early immigrants had to travel to get to the New World. Once they arrived, they settled along the East Coast. But they weren’t content to stay there. Explorers and traders journeyed to the unknown western areas. Later, settlers moved west to develop these new regions. As a result of this westward migration, Americans eventually occupied the whole mainland — from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Even today, Americans seem unable to stay put. Research says that the average American moves every five years.
Besides their habit of changing living places, Americans are used to travelling. Some people often go out on business. Their jobs may require them to take frequent business trips. Most companies provide an annual vacation for their employees, and people often use that time to travel. Some people just visit friends or relatives in different states. Others go on weekend trips that don’t cost a lot of money. Those with more expensive tastes choose luxurious resorts and hotels.
Most Americans prefer to travel within their own nation’s borders. Why? For one thing, it’s cheaper than travelling abroad, and for another, there’s no language problem. What’s more, the vast American territory offers different kinds of tourist attractions. Nature lovers can enjoy beaches, mountains, lakes and a wealth of natural wonders. Major cities offer visitors a lot of urban delights. The convenience of modern freeways, railways and airplanes makes travel in America as easy as pie.
Many American vacations are as unique as the people who take them. Families often go on a journey with the kids. More and more family-friendly vacation resorts offer special programs for children. History lovers seek out famous historical sites and museums. Environmentalists prefer “green vacations”. These trips allow them to observe plants and animals closely without disturbing the balance of nature. Some people find sea cruises relaxing and refreshing. Others enjoy their trips by fishing, skiing or white-water rafting.
Americans aren’t the only people in the world who like travelling around. People all over the world enjoy visiting scenic spots in their own country and going abroad to travel. But in America, almost everybody is a tourist sometime.
1. This passage is mainly about________.| A．American immigrants in history |
| B．some famous resorts in America |
| C．Americans’ love for travelling |
| D．some special people in America |
| A．Americans are content to stay at the place where they are living now. |
| B．The American immigrants moved from the east to the western areas. |
| C．Americans are used to changing living places, but they don’t like travelling around. |
| D．Most Americans prefer to go abroad to travel. |
| A．Travelling abroad is more expensive. |
| B．People in America speak different languages. |
| C．The traffic in America is very convenient. |
| D．The vast American territory offers different kinds of tourist attractions. |
| A．Indifferent | B．Doubtful | C．Concerned | D．Uncaring |
3 . Some of the best road trips are unplanned. You simply grab a few items, jump in a car and set off. However, this approach involves some risk.
Planning a road trip can be almost as fun as the trip itself. Some well-designed travel guides may be of great help.
Once you’ve figured out your plan roughly, fill in the details, and bear in mind that maps and satellite navigation systems are not always up to date.
Booking accommodation and having backup plans can make or break a trip, especially if you want to visit some remote byways with limited accommodation opportunities.
| A．You may end up in a boring part of town. |
| B．You can find this information online. |
| C．When planning your route, consider what kinds of roads to take. |
| D．Also, be sure to investigate fuel availability where you’re headed. |
| E．It’s good to take an emergency phone with you. |
| F．Research as much as possible and cross-reference your sources. |
| G．A quick look through them can fuel your inspiration. |
4 . Want to experience Berlin’s Museum Island? Love to pack as many activities and as much sightseeing as possible into your trip? Then we recommend the Berlin Welcome Card—Berlin’s official tourist ticket, a godsend to your bank account !
Free city guidebook
It comes with a useful guide, a removable map of the city and its main public transport routes. The guide also includes suggested tours and helpful tips as you make your way across the city.
Discounts from many attractions
The Card has over 200 sights and attractions as discount partners with savings up to 50%. With the Card, you get to experience them at a special price. Book tickets for museums, boat trips & guided tours online in advance and secure your desired date and time. When booking, select the tickets marked with the BWC discount.
Free public transport
Berlin is divided into the fare zones A, B and C for which you will need an appropriate travel ticket to use the public transport service (bus & rail). Section A comprises the Berlin inner city up to and including the S-Bahn Ring. Section B is located outside the S-Bahn Ring up to the city limits. Section C is the area around Berlin, including the town of Potsdam, the Sachsenhausen Memorial Site and Berlin’s BER Airport.
The Berlin Welcome Card is available as follows:
Validity 1 adult + 3 children (6—14 years) | Berlin City Center AB | Berlin ABC |
48h | €25.00 | €30.00 |
72h | €35.00 | €40.00 |
72h + Museum Island | €53.00 | €56.00 |
4 Days | €43.00 | €47.00 |
5 Days | €48.00 | €52.00 |
| A．A German bank account. | B．A local travel agency. |
| C．A budget-friendly ticket. | D．A free city guidebook. |
| A．50% discount at Berlin’s highlights. | B．A map and a travel guide with useful tips. |
| C．Guarantee of availability of tickets and dates. | D．Free travel for up to 3 children under 15 with an adult. |
| A．€40.00. | B．€52.00. | C．€53.00. | D．€56.00. |
5 . Nashville TN
Welcome to your Music City vacation planning center, where you can make reservations for lodging, activities, dining and more! You can meet today’s hottest stars and country music legends at the Grand Ole Opry, cruise the Cumberland aboard the General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise or tour the sights!
Classic Music City Attractions
When one thinks of Music City, there are several attractions that immediately come to mind, namely the Grand Ole Opry, The General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise, and the Ryman Auditorium.
Some of the most amazing stars have taken the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Another historic venue in Music City is the Ryman Auditorium. As well as attending concerts and shows, visitors to the Ryman can take leisurely tours to learn all about the history of the performing center.
Architectural Wonders
As one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, it is no wonder that this city is home to some of the most impressive pieces of architecture. From landmarks to universities and everything in between, those who have a passion for history are sure to have an amazing time exploring these places.
Music City Art & Museums
For those who love art, the Frist Center is a must-have activity. This art museum features approximately 24, 000 sq ft filled with a variety of exhibitions and displays that are sure to impress. This non-profit center is open seven days a week and features rotating exhibits so there’s something new with each visit.
Shopping, Dining & More
Downtown is among the most popular areas of the city as it holds some of the greatest attractions and more.
East, the ever-growing region is a bustling(熙攘的) place to visit while in Music City! From an eclectic atmosphere to historic landmarks and more. From local delicious eats to breweries and shopping opportunities, this neighborhood is well worth a visit!
1. In Nashville TN, visitors can .
| A．have a chance to perform on the stage. |
| B．explore some impressive historic buildings. |
| C．meet some hot stars and pickup fiction stories. |
| D．go shopping in Downtown, the most popular area. |
| A．Live concerts can be enjoyed. |
| B．It is the largest museum in Nashville TN. |
| C．The center is accessible every day except on holidays. |
| D．Visitors can get different visiting experiences every time. |
| A．To introduce the city of Nashville TN. |
| B．To help people to tailor vacation plans. |
| C．To arouse visitors’ interest in music and art. |
| D．To remind visitors of protecting Nashville TN. |
6 . China is a country well worth visiting. The following tips may make your trip to China pleasant and satisfactory.
Which cities are preferable for tourists to visit on their first trip to China?
What you see depends on how long you can stay in China. Generally speaking, tourists should first visit cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an.
Beijing is a political and cultural centre that offers great scenic attractions like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Besides, foods such as Beijing roast duck and instant-boiled mutton have proved popular with tourists.
Shanghai, a shopping centre for best buys, is the largest city in China. Tourists will be satisfied with what the city supplies, from various snacks and cakes to handicrafts and textiles. Neighbouring Suzhou and Hangzhou are considered by Chinese to be “paradise on Earth”.
Xi’an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, was the capital of many dynasties in the Chinese history. The city is rich in tourism resources such as Great Wild Goose Pagoda and the Huaqing Hot Springs.
When is the best time for the trip?
China is a vast land with great contrasts in landscape and climate. Consequently, tourists may pay a visit anytime. Spring and autumn are supposed to be the best times to tour cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an.
If you dislike the cold, you can visit Kunming in south China, which is known for its year-round spring weather. A closer look takes you to the Stone Forest and the Dianchi Lake. If you rarely have a chance to see snow, Harbin is a best choice in January and February.
What is well worth purchasing in China?
China has won a worldwide reputation for handicrafts, silk, porcelain and textiles, all more reasonably priced and of greater variety than elsewhere in the world. Unique local creations are available in their own cities. If tourists are not able to reach these cities, most of these products can be purchased in the Friendship stores in big cities.
If you buy antique objects, be sure to get your receipts and an identification seal before you go through the Chinese customs.
1. Where is the passage most likely taken from?| A．A textbook. | B．A report. | C．A magazine. | D．An advertisement. |
| A．Mild climate. | B．Delicious food. | C．Breathtaking scenery. | D．Magnificent architecture. |
| A．In China tourists can buy silk at a lower price than elsewhere in the world. |
| B．Tourists have no alternative but to buy the souvenirs where they are made. |
| C．The unique products are bound to be bought in big cities’ Friendship stores. |
| D．Tourists must prove the purchase of ancient paintings is through legal means. |
Family activity/December 10, 2023
Free
Explore the winter in this exciting event, full of art, crafts and exploration. Experience an exciting journey, wandering through cold, beautiful landscapes, before returning to the warmth of light and color. We’ll look at scenes of winter from across the world in our collection, with the opportunity to create a wintery masterpiece to take home and display.
Out-of-hours tour: life and death in ancient Egypt
December 11, 2023-December 19, 2023
£ 33, £ 30 (Members), £16.50 (Ages 5-15), free for under 5 and disabled visitors’ assistant
Discover how people lived and died in ancient Egypt, and explore their hopes and aspirations for the afterlife. From painted coffins, statues and models of daily life, to spectacular wall paintings, investigate what tombs and burial goods tell us about the lives of ancient Egyptian people.
The world of Stonehenge
February 17, 2024-July 17, 2024
Tickets will go on sale in early December
Stonehenge is perhaps the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient stone circle, and its image is famous around the globe. This major exhibition is the first of its kind in the U.K. It will bring the story of Stonehenge into sharper focus, showing that rather than a shadowy age of mystery, Britain and Ireland of four millennia ago were places of big ideas, commerce and travel.
Around the world in a 70-minute tour
December 10, 2023-December 19, 2023
Adults and children aged 12+, £ 14
Explore some of the most famous objects on display at the Museum on this guided highlight tour. Follow our knowledgeable tour guide on a journey of discovery around the galleries. See the complex detail of the characterful Lewis Chessmen, marvel at the ancient texts on the world-famous Rosetta Stone and get closer to many more highlights from the collection.
1. If you’re interested in ancient British lives, you can choose ________.| A．Wintery world | B．Out-of-hours tour |
| C．The world of Stonehenge | D．Around the world in a 70-minute tour |
| A．£ 28. | B．£ 30. | C．£ 46.5. | D．£ 63. |
| A．In a travel leaflet. | B．In a science report. |
| C．In a fashion magazine. | D．In a history coursebook. |
8 . As for long-distance travel, there are some wonderful destinations that actually offer you great value for your money, especially for those who do not hope to empty their pockets after a holiday.
Tokyo, Japan
Food lovers should go to this busy city which has the lowest cost of eating out — you can even buy two evening meals (three dishes for each), with a bottle of wine, for just under ￡34. For sightseeing there are plenty of free museums and attractions, while tour bus ticket prices start from as little as ￡11.56.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s capital is second to none as the best value long-distance city. Although there isn’t a big difference in all prices compared to the other cities, it is accommodation that really makes it stand out. If you’re only stopping for a long weekend, then be sure to pay a visit to the breathtaking temples.
Beijing, China
The Chinese capital stands out with the total price of ￡337.49. If you only have one cultural day out during your stay, make it a trip to the Forbidden City. There are some beautiful buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the same time they’re home to priceless artificial objects from ancient Chinese emperors’ families.
Dubai, UAE
Although Dubai does have a reputation for being quite the splurge (挥霍) when it comes to holidays and if you’re going to enjoy shopping or experience the roller-coasters, it is in fact quite worth the money. The city also offers some cheaper prices across its museums, galleries and attractions as well as airport transfers.
1. What can you enjoy in Tokyo, Japan?| A．Free bus rides. |
| B．Eating out cheap. |
| C．Visiting galleries free. |
| D．Priceless man-made objects. |
| A．Tokyo. | B．Bangkok. |
| C．Beijing. | D．Dubai. |
| A．Dubai is not a good place for shopping. |
| B．Historical buildings spread everywhere in Dubai. |
| C．Being on vacation in Dubai costs tons of money. |
| D．The roller-coasters there are the best in the world. |
9 . What makes a work of architecture great? Most people would argue that aesthetics (美感) are the most important.
Constructed entirely of granite—a hard and tough stone, the library is durable. It can withstand environmental pollution. For example, it is resistant to acid rain. Moreover, its granite structure is stable so it’s more likely to survive an earthquake.
Finally, the library is beautiful, with aesthetically pleasing details both inside and out. The large windows are copper-framed (铜框的). The copper color provides an interesting contrast against the color of the granite structure and it will remain as the copper ages. Growth from the rooftop garden, which reaches down the sides of the building, adds to the aesthetics of the building.
Durability, functionality and beauty make the Rostonville Library a great structure. Architects who follow Vitruvius’s principles help to make the city more pleasant to live in.
| A．The library is also sustainable. |
| B．It is true that beauty is critical. |
| C．This is not the only concern of the architects. |
| D．The library was designed with functionality in mind. |
| E．It softens the lines of the structure and helps it to fit into its natural surroundings. |
| F．Plus，the library was built on the edge of the city park，surrounded by native plants. |
| G．Buildings that fulfill these criteria offer both peace of mind and beauty for their users. |
10 . Things to do in Miyakojima
Famous for its sunny beaches and natural wonders, Miyako Island welcomes many visitors during holidays.
Unique beaches
Yonaha Maehama Beach is the most famous beach in Miyakojima, where white sand stretches for seven kilometers. The ocean is colored in emerald blue, attracting visitors with its beauty.Compact Sunayama Beach, known for its arch-shaped rock, is accessed by walking through a narrow tunnel of trees.
Diverse and colorful fish
Snorkeling is a must-try in Miyakojima. Dense coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles and plenty of space to free dive to depths of 8 to 15 meters close to the shore are standout features.For beginners, Aragusuku and Shigira are a good choice but advanced snorkelers may see Imgyo Marine Garden, Waiwai Beach and Shimojishima as their ultimate spots.
The bridges
Irabu Bridge is the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. It connects Miyakojima and Irabujima,stretching for 3540m, drawing a gentle curve. The length of the bridge can also be read as“san go no shi ma,” meaning coral island in Japanese. Smaller bridges connect Irabu and Shimoji islands,giving visitors additional beach options. On Shimoji Island, there is a boardwalk around Tooriike,two dramatic marine ponds connected to each other and the sea by an underwater cave system.
Fresh island food
Delight your senses with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth Miyako beef, delicious Miyako soba (noodles served in soup), or fresh fruit. Okinawa prefecture boasts the highest mango yield in Japan,and Miyako Island’s warm subtropical climate is optimal for growing fresh, juicy mangoes. Ice cream with a pinch of salt known as “yuki shio (snow salt)”does more than simply keep you cool.
1. Where is this text probably taken from?| A．A tour brochure. | B．A research paper. |
| C．A geography book. | D．An academic article. |
| A．Irabu Bridge. | B．Yonaha Maehama Beach. |
| C．Imgyo Marine Garden. | D．Compact Sunayama Beach. |
| A．Delicate cuisine. | B．Attractive scenery. |
| C．Peaceful walking. | D．Ancient architecture. |
