1 . Plan a Day of Leaf Peeping (观赏秋叶)

Autumn can be a great season to experience the outdoors with your friends and family. One popular activity is leaf peeping-spending time outdoors admiring the changing colors of the leaves.     1    .

Understand the science

Some trees have green leaves most of the year due to the chlorophyll (叶绿素) they use to absorb energy from the sun. As the day gets colder and shorter in the fall, the leaves get less sunlight, which causes the green to fade and reveal other colors.     2    . In the next spring, the trees grow new leaves.

Pick a destination

You can experience fall leaves in almost every state in the USA. Depending on where you live, you might want to plan to head out into the countryside or mountains to see the best leaves.    3    . With an adult’s help, map out your routes. And then identify scenic places where you can take a hike or set up a picnic to admire the changing leaves up close.

    4    

Once you have your destination set, it’s time to go further planning. You can visit the Internet to see when the leaves are expected to change colors at your planned destination. You’ll notice that leaves first start to change in more northern areas, then later in more southern areas.

Document your observations

When you head out to look at the fall landscape, keep a visual record of what you see. You can use a camera to take photos of some of your favorite sights. You can get creative, such as by lying on the ground and capturing the colorful leaves above you, or taking a close-up of an especially beautiful leaf.    5    .

A．Time your trip

B．Set the first destination

C．Let's start learning about leaves

D．Here is some practical advice for getting started

E．You may preserve the beauty of the fall forever through it

F．You may first talk to your parents about planning a day out

G．After the leaves change colors, they eventually fall to the ground

3 . Travelling seemed like falsehood to me. I grew tired of backpackers expressing too much praise about how petting a baby elephant in Thailand “transformed” them. Globe-traveling to me held no more promise than finding a few bills in the pocket of an old coat. I needed something deeper than an Eat, Play, Love moment.

One day, Vasilis, my Greek best friend, reminded me of our decade-old promise: after our final exams, I would visit his hometown in Athens. Maybe, it was time to make good on that promise.

I finally boarded the plane. Vasilis picked me up at the airport. I smiled, thinking how improbable this moment seemed all those years ago.

The decade-long wait proved to be well worth it. Every step through the ancient streets revealed new wonders. However, none of them truly mattered. What would forever alter my perception of travel was a chance encounter with a local.

Vasilis and I were wandering Athens when a special sound caught our attention — a rhythmic clinking disturbing the quietness of the residential street. Curiously, we followed the sound to a humble workshop. Inside, a welder (焊工) gave no mind to our presence behind him. He wore no flashy protective suit — this was just another day for him, another dance with fire and metal that had become second nature. Under the sunshade, his orange cat rested in the comforting warmth...

As the man continued welding, I felt a bit of envy. I envied his peace and contentment. I admired the simplicity he embodied. I imagined the welder happy, finding fulfillment in his craft (手艺) and returning to his loving family...The moment moved me to tears. Leaving the workshop, rain blending with tears, I realized how easily life’s poetry could pass unnoticed.

Home again in Montreal, I stop simply pursuing better things, better experiences and better people that are never grasped. I realize the real journey is inward — to appreciate life’s ordinary magic. That sure beats petting any baby elephant. I may not have returned home “transformed,” but I’ll always think of the welder and his cat.

1. Which aspect of travelling makes the author feel uneasy?

A．Shortage of adequate funds.	B．Discomfort in dietary habits.
C．Overstatement of travel’s effects.	D．Danger of petting baby animals.

2. What drove the author to go to Athens?

A．Meeting a commitment.	B．Exploring a unique landscape.
C．Receiving further education.	D．Escaping from the current life.

3. What does the underlined word “poetry” in paragraph 6 probably refer to?

A．Poems written by masters.	B．Peace and simplicity.
C．Spirit of craftsmanship.	D．Special sound in the street.

4. Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Friendship Lasts Forever	B．Travelling Shapes a Better Self
C．Pursuit of Happiness Never Stops	D．The Ordinary Makes Extraordinary

4 . North Rim to reopen on June 2 with limited services available

News Release Date: May 17, 2023
Contact: Joëlle Baird, 928-606-3154
Grand Canyon, Ariz

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open as scheduled, on June 2, with limited visitor services and water conservation measures due to a break in the North Rim water pipeline. A landslide from winter storms destroyed more than 300 feet of the North Rim water pipeline.

Visitor Services

The Grand Canyon Lodge will operate day-use services with limited food and beverage service beginning on June 2. No overnight accommodations will be available until at least July 23,2023.

The North Rim Campground, managed by the National Park Service, will operate as scheduled beginning on June 9 with potable drinking water and toilets available. The public laundry and shower facilities will not be open at least through July 23, 2023.

The North Rim Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Conservancy’s bookstore open as usual, 8 am to 6 pm daily, with a variety of ranger programs offered.

Visitors exploring the North Rim this summer should be self-sufficient and should bring adequate food and water for the day as services are limited and may be subject to change. Nearby, accommodating is available at the Kaibab Lodge and food services and fuel at the North Rim Country Store. Year-round accommodating, food services and fuel are located 45 miles north of the North Rim at Jacob Lake. As a result of substantial winter rockfall and landslides, trail (步道) repair work on the North Kaibab Trail continues. There is a trail closure in effect on the North Kaibab Trail and it will officially reopen on June 16, 2023.

1. Which was not affected and opens as usual?

A．The public laundry.	B．The Grand Canyon Lodge.
C．The North Kaibab Trail.	D．The North Rim Visitor Center.

2. What can we learn about the North Kaibab Trail from the text?

A．It offers food service.	B．It is around Jacob Lake.
C．It is under repair now.	D．It opens all the year around.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To warn visitors of the oncoming landslide.

B．To inform visitors of schedules of some attractions.

C．To appeal to more visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park.

D．To advertise the products of the Grand Canyon National Park.

5 . With the beautiful snow-coated landscapes, winter reveals a different world of national parks with significantly fewer crowds. Here are some of the best national parks in the US for a winter getaway.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Between October and March, Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the east coast, offers hikers epic views of the first sunrise in the country. Because the roads are closed to motor vehicles during the winter, those who undertake the 3.5-mile hike from Park Loop Road are rewarded with a stunning view all to themselves. Snowmobiling in the park is another special experience for visitors.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State is one of the oldest national parks in the US and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts in winter. Unlike other snow-crowded resorts, this park allows visitors to heartily enjoy snowmobiling, sledding and snowshoeing. Its hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of Mount Rainier, and tasty local dishes.

Denali National Park, Alaska

With its remote location and minimal light pollution, Denali National Park is an ideal place for photographers to capture the northern lights during the aurora (极光) season, between September and April. Visitors in this crowd-free park can spot wildlife such as wolves and black bears, which remain active in the winter.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

In northern New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historical Park holds stone great houses, which were the largest buildings in North America until the mid-18th century. Accessible for most of the winter, the park can see fewer than 10 visitors a day in colder months. Photographers can capture landscapes amid the constellations (星群) by night.

1. What experience can visitors only have in Acadia National Park?

A．The longest hiking route.

B．The earliest sunrise in USA.

C．Snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

D．Comfortable accommodation.

2. Where will photographers go if they want to shoot the northern lights?

A．Acadia National Park.

B．Mount Rainier National Park.

C．Denali National Park.

D．Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

3. What do all the four national parks have in common?

A．Snow and ice activities.

B．A chance to meet wildlife.

C．Cultural heritage sites.

D．An escape from the crowds.

6 . For foreign visitors, Morocco in Africa holds an immediate and enduring fascination. Here are some picks to visit.

The Anti-Atlas

In the mountain playground of the Anti-Atlas, travelers can exercise by trying new hiking routes and connect with locals who share their timeless valleys with generosity and warmth. Take some time to connect with the local people living in the region. A glimpse into their simple life and down-to-earth way of being is good for your heart.

Marrakesh

The “pink city” is one of Morocco’s must-sees—all your senses come to life here. Feel the city’s charm with the rosy colors of the media wall at sunset and the sweet smell of trees in season. For a touch of desert romance, the Agafay Desert and its luxury camping options are within easy reach of Marrakesh, pertect for a night under the stars.

The Sahara Desert

The drive to the Sahara Desert is long, but the emptiness of the Sahara Desert can bring a sense of remoteness that is rare to find these days. Visiting the Moroccan Sahara Desert is an opportunity to disconnect, empty your mind and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. The wild environment comes to life with a good guide, especially at might when the night sky free of light pollution is filled with stars.

Fez

As the oldest city and study center in Morocco, Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past where you will get lost making your way through workshops and market stalls. The fantastically preserved ancient ruins and the Kairaouine Library that is among the world’s oldest libraries are worth a visit.

1. What does the trip to the Anti-Atlas feature?

A．The foreign too a and drınk.

B．The enjoyment of the urban life.

C．The physical and spiritual experience.

D．The gift-sharing events in the mountain playground.

2. What can travelers do both in Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert?

A．Feel the city’s romance.

B．Enjoy the mountainous lifestyle.

C．Sec the scenery of plentiful valleys and runs.

D．Get the chance to spend starry nights outdoors.

3. Which is the best place for history lovers?

A．The Anti-Atlas.	B．Marrakesh.
C．The Sahara Desert.	D．Fez.

7 . Plan a day-trip to Little Switzerland for some wintertime fun

Jim Thorpe, about 30 miles from Allentown, will hold its annual Winter Fest from Thursday, Feb. 15, through Sunday, Feb. 18. The celebration will feature ice carvings, live entertainment, train rides, horse-drawn carriage rides and a luminaria walk through its downtown area.

In honor of an Olympic gold medalist, who is buried in a grave on North Street, the mountain town changed its name to Jim Thorpe in 1954. Whichever side you land on, Jim Thorpe — known for whitewater rafting, cycling and music festivals — is a unique destination any time of year, with winter bringing its own unique pleasures.

The festival features concerts, yoga and horse and buggy rides. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, will hold a Rush Experience tribute concert at 8 p. m. Friday. Tickets cost $ 24. On Saturday, an ELO and Jeff Lynne tribute concert will begin at 8 p. m. Tickets cost $ 37.

You can check out the yoga class at 10 a. m. Saturday with Stacey Valdez of Fairy Moon Yoga at 41 W. Broadway. Admission is $ 20. The class, suitable for all levels, is one hour and bring your own mat.

Also Saturday: various bands performing in Josiah White Park along with a live ice carving at 5 W. Broadway. The Jim Thorpe Trolley Company will offer trolley rides (weather permitting) on Saturday and Sunday. Or you can horse around on a carriage ride by Crystal View Carriage Company on Friday through Sunday. No reservations are being taken, so arrive early.

For something more scenic, catch a train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Thursday-Monday. Advanced tickets are highly recommended.

1. What do we know about the town Jim Thorpe?

A．It is located by the seaside.	B．It is named after an athlete.
C．It holds the festival twice a year.	D．It is a good tourist attraction only in winter.

2. How much will a couple pay for the concert if they are available on Friday?

A．$61.

B．$40.

C．$48.

D．$74.

3. What are people advised to do when attending the festival?

A．To ride a horse to wander around.	B．To book train tickets ahead of time.
C．To reserve seats in Josiah White Park.	D．To take a taxi for something more scenic.

8 . When it comes to cruise (游轮) travelling, there is truly something for everyone. See which one sounds right for you.

Wonder of the Seas

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean

Length: 1,188 feet

Width: 215 feet

Guest capacity: 7,084

A true wonder, the current biggest ship in the world delights guests every week with a feast of activities, shows, meals and memories. Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas has 16 guest decks, 2,204 crew members and 20 dining destinations — nine of which are free of charge. It features a dry slide that twists down 10 decks, surfing simulators and an ice skating rink.

The World Europa

Cruise line: MSC

Length: 1,093 feet

Width: 154 feet

Guest capacity: 6,762

The World Europa, which took to the sea for the first time in 2022, features some of the best rooms on a cruise ship, thanks to most cabins with a balcony. People looking for something a little less dramatic will enjoy six pools, five mini cinemas and three featured libraries at sea. You’ll never go hungry on this ship, given its 10 restaurants. including four main dining rooms and three buffets.

Arvia

Cruise line: P&O Cruses

Length: 1.130 feet

Width: 138 feet

Guest capacity: 6.685

Whether you want the sunshine of the Caribbean or the culture found in and around Mediterranean ports. Arvia is P&O’s largest cruise ship with 1,800 crew members, a three-screen cinema complex, a wide range of staterooms and four pools, including one with a swim-up bar, providing food and beverage. Whether you’re single or have children, serious rest and relaxation are definitely on the agenda.

Symphony of the Seas

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean

Length:1.188 feet

Width: 216 feet

Guest capacity: 6.680

Imagine you’re enjoying an all-inclusive experience on a big cruise ship. Symphony of the Seas offers many spectacular activities, including Broadway-style theater shows, surfing simulators and the 10-story dry slide. There’s also delicious food all over the ship. Guests rarely feel overcrowded because seven distinct areas carve up the ship into unique spaces to play, eat, wander, sleep and enjoy live entertainment.

1. Which probably provides the best ship rooms?

A．Wonder of the Seas.	B．The World Europa.
C．Arvia.	D．Symphony of the Seas.

2. Which ship is the best for a traveller enjoying personal space?

A．Wonder of the Seas.	B．The World Europa.
C．Arvia.	D．Symphony of the Seas.

3. What do the four ships have in common?

A．They provide free food service.	B．They have many pools.
C．They provide various activities.	D．They follow the same route.

9 . Some beaches are perfect for relaxing, while others offer activities like hiking and water sports. Visit these beautiful beaches for an unforgettable vacation.

Cannon Beach

If your perfect beach vacation spot features postcard-worthy scenery and peace, look no further than Cannon Beach. In this Pacific Northwest town, you can even build a fire on the beach to relax beside while watching the sun set. When you need a break from the beach, grab a bike and head downtown to explore its art galleries, shops and restaurants.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

For a one-of-a-kind beach experience, head to Horseshoe Bay Beach on Bermuda’s South Shore. Known for its pink sand, this beach is a popular destination for families looking to play in the calm blue-green waters and build blush-colored sandcastles. Adventure seekers can also take part in the self-guided island bicycle tour or engage in exciting water sports.

Mohegan Bluffs

This beach is famous for its natural beauty. Upon arrival, pause to admire your surroundings and learn about its ties to the native people, their ancient traditions, and connection to the land, adding depth to your beach experience. Then, take the 141 steps down to the sand to sunbathe. After that, climb back up to visit the Southeast Light for an up-close view of its 18th-century lighthouse.

South Beach

This tropical district on Florida’s Atlantic Coast is world-renowned for its powdery white sand. Although technically part of the Miami Beach area, South Beach stands out due to its Art Deco architecture seen in everything from the beachfront lifeguard towers to the high-rise buildings along the famed Ocean Drive.

1. What similarity do Cannon Beach and Horseshoe Bay Beach share?

A．The chance to cycle around.	B．Their lively artistic scene.
C．The unique water sports.	D．Their distinctive sand color.

2. Who is most likely attracted to Mohegan Bluffs?

A．Those seeking water sports.	B．Fans of modern lighthouses.
C．Those interested in local culture.	D．Enthusiasts of mountain climbing.

3. What sets South Beach apart from the rest of the Miami Beach area?

A．Its beach sand.	B．Its architectural style.
C．Its ocean drive.	D．Its high-rise buildings.

10 . National Parks: Made for You and Me

·While the term “national park” is associated with images of the American West, there are national park units in every. U. S. state and territory. Together they welcome about 300 million visitors each year and span some 85 million acres, almost 55 million of which are in Alaska.

·There are more than 400 sites in the National Park System, though that includes far more than what we traditionally think of as “parks”, such as parkways and rivers, Strictly speaking, there are 63 national parks (California has the most, with nine), but there are also national historic parks, national military parks, and other designations. A few are thoroughly unique. Among them: the White House.

·The National Park Service (NPS) oversees all 400+ of these sites. But rules about what you can and cannot do in national parks differ from site to site. Activities that are prohibited at national parks, such as hunting and fishing, are allowed on some national preserves. Many national parks allow the scattering of ashes (the Grand Canyon is a notable exception); though, like Hitchcock, you need to obtain NPS permission. The same goes for couples who wish to marry inside a national park.

·Additions to the National Park System generally require acts of Congress, but the president can name new national monuments. Of the 63 national parks, only one is named after a president: Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.

·It was another president who created the NPS in 1916; Woodrow Wilson Parks that predate (早于) the NPS include Yosemite in California and Mount Rainier in Washington. But Yellowstone, which turned 150 this year, was the world’s first national park. Today, more than 100 countries have national parks and preserves. The largest by area is in Greenland, though 97 percent of the Galapagos Islands is a national park.

1. Which state has the widest span of national parks in the USA?

A．California.

B．Alaska.

C．Washington.

D．North Dakota

2. Which of the following statements may be TRUE?

A．Rules about what you can and can’t do in different national parks vary.

B．All national parks prohibit hunting and fishing.

C．National parks don’t allow the scattering of ashes.

D．Couples can marry inside a national park.

3. National parks can be added to the National Park System ______.

A．after the approval of local residents

B．after the president names them

C．after the relevant acts of Congress are passed

D．after these parks meet some specific criteria

4. Which of the following is NOT a national park?

A．Yellowstone.

B．The White House.

C．The Grand Canyon.

D．Greenland.

5. Which of the following is the passage probably taken from?

A．An instruction book.

B．A university newspaper.

C．A magazine.

D．A student guide.