2 . Nature has inspired many of the most fascinating designs around us, including those in architecture. Today, architects continue to explore ways to capture the beauty of natural forms, to mimic the way nature works or even to make natural organisms part of a building.

Art Science Museum, Singapore

People whose interest is exploring the relationship between art and science will enjoy Singapore’s Art Science Museum. The building was designed to show the connection between nature and the modern city environment in which it sits. Shaped to resemble a lotus flower, it appears to float above the waterfront promenade and the water that surrounds it. Its roof collects rainwater and channels it 35 meters down to a waterfall in the centre of the space. The water is then recycled through the building’s plumbing system. The building so truly captures the beauty of natural forms.

The Eastgate Centre, Harare

Harare’s Eastgate Centre is a superb example of biomimicry. To use biomimicry is to create structures based on natural forms and processes. Zimbabwean architect Mick Pearce was inspired to create the Centre while watching a nature documentary. The insects built mounds covered in little holes designed to allow air to move freely in and out of the mounds. In a similar way, the Eastgate Centre has a “skin” covered in holes. During the day, warm air is drawn into the building through the holes, cooling as it reaches the middle of the building. At night, the heat absorbed by the wall during the day warms the cool air, creating a comfortable temperature inside. The design reduces the need for traditional air conditioning and heating systems, so the building uses less energy and costs less to run.

The Algae House, Hamburg

The world’s first algae-powered building is in Hamburg, Germany. The surface of the apartment building is covered in panels that contain algae. In bright sunshine, they grow faster and provide shade. The panels also capture heat from the sun and convert it into energy that powers the building. And that’s not all — the algae inside the panels can be harvested and used to produce fuel. The building therefore not only responds to its environment and uses less energy, but also reduces damage to the environment by generating its own renewable energy.

Creating building such as these enables us to live in closer harmony with our environment. To meet the needs of today while protecting the world of tomorrow may be a challenge, but even the simplest organisms can help teach us how to achieve this.

1. Which of the following is not the reason why architects continue to explore nature?

A．To imitate the way nature works.	B．To make nature part of architecture.
C．To make natural organisms alive.	D．To capture the beauty of nature.

2. How is the link between nature and city environment reflected?

A．From its roof that helps collect and recycle rainwater.

B．From its lotus flower shape floating on the water.

C．From its amazing waterfall in the center of the space.

D．From its attraction of visitors all over the world.

3. What makes the Eastgate Centre use less energy?

A．Termites constructing their nests.	B．Mounds covered in little holes.
C．Traditional air conditioning systems.	D．Its surface covered in holes

4. How can the Algae House reduce damage to the environment?

A．By using less energy.	B．By producing its own renewable energy.
C．By capturing heat from the sun.	D．By providing shade for people

5. In which magazine would you most likely find the passage?

A．Architecture Frontier.	B．Extraordinary Architects.
C．Natural World.	D．Living on Earth.

3 . Top Family Travel Destinations

Walt Disney World, Florida Walt Disney World is where the magic happens. There’s so much to explore. Visit Magic Kingdom for amazing rides including Space Mountain. Take a family picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Book a character meal and eat lunch with your children’s favorite characters. Tip: Visit Walt Disney World between March 2 and May 30 for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Williamsburg, Virginia Have fun and go on wild on all kinds of family adventures in Williamsburg, Virginia. Spend the day at Busch Gardens. Learn the chemistry of making glass at the Jamestown Glasshouse. Looking for an exciting rush? Try the Ape Treetop Adventure Course and fly over Williamsburg’s treetops.

Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii has a lot to offer to your family. Try a new water sport. Go diving and snorkeling and take pictures by the beautiful Manoa Falls. Then, take a private tour, visit the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and learn more about history at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Diamond Head State Monument and the Honolulu Museum of Art

Ocean City, Maryland Take this year’s summer vacation in Ocean City, Maryland. Spend quality time with your family listening to live music, playing mini golf, riding bikes together and joining in water sports. Looking for even more fun for the kids? Visit the Pirate Adventures of Ocean City, Baja Amusements, the Candy Kitchen and the Bahia Marina

1. What can people do in Walt Disney World?

A．To take an fantastic ride at Busch Gardens.

B．To attend a course at Williamsburg’s treetops.

C．To visit the Diamond Head State Monument.

D．To take photos in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

2. Where can we learn about making glass?

A．In Magic Kingdom.

B．In Baja Amusements.

C．At the Jamestown Glasshouse.

D．In the Honolulu Museum of Art.

3. What do Honolulu and Ocean City have in common?

A．Mini golf.	B．Water sports.
C．Bike riding.	D．Character meals.

4. Which of the following is true?

A．Ocean City is most pleasant and crowded during Christmas.

B．It is impossible to learn anything about history in Honolulu.

C．Williamsburg is a wonderful place for family adventure lovers.

D．March is the best time to visit the Walt Disney World.

5. In which part of a magazine can you find this passage?

A．Travel.	B．Sports.
C．Economy.	D．Literature.

4 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容或括号内单词的正确形式，并将答案填写在答题卡的相应位置上。

On October 23, 2018, President Xi Jinping announced the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

The HZMB,     1     (locate) at the waters of the Lingding Sea, is a huge sea-crossing project, linking Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland city of Zhuhai. As the world’s     2     (long) sea-based project, the 55-kilometre bridge is the result of five years of research and another nine years of building. It has been described as one of the seven     3     (wonder) of the modern world”.

The project     4     (make) up of several parts. It is designed with     5     service life of 120 years. It can withstand very strong winds. The bridge’s engineers had to consider many environmental factors     6     (protect) the     7     (surround) environment while building the bridge. Chinese white dolphins, an endangered species that lives in the area,     8     (be) a particular concern.

The HZMB will make     9     much more convenient to travel between the three areas it connects. It will bring people in Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong within a “one-hour living circle”,     10     is expected to attract more visitors. It will be a transport link as well as a social; economic, cultural, and tourism connection among the three areas.

5 . Sitting back in my seat, I can’t quite believe that I’m about to travel along the railway that many foreign experts claimed was “impossible”. The train has been racing along steadily since it left Xining. All this time, the song “Sky Railway” has been playing inside my head. The words “railways like massive dragons are winding among the mountains” seem particularly vivid as I travel across the “roof of the world”.

I was one of the people who came from all parts of China to work on this railway. Taking years to complete, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a record of all of our efforts to overcome the most difficult engineering challenges. How to protect the delicate ecosystem was among the top concerns.

The first landmark to catch my eye is the splendid Qingshuihe Bridge, the world’s longest bridge built over permafrost. Look! A group of Tibetan antelopes is moving under the bridge, with some stopping to eat grass at their leisure. Thirty-three passages have been built under the railway to allow the animals to move safely and freely in their natural habitat. Wild animals such as these Tibetan antelopes have now been using these passages for years. They seem totally unaware that we are speeding past at over 100 kilometers an hour.

To prevent damage to wetlands and grasslands, 675 bridges with a total length of about 160 kilometers were built between Golmud and Lhasa. We even moved 140,000 square meters of wetland to a new area in order to protect its distinct ecosystem.

The journey has been flying by, and before I know it, we have reached Tanggula Station. Located at over 5,000 meters above sea level, this is the highest railway station in the world. In locations such as this, the thin air, changeable weather and high levels of UV radiation presented perhaps the greatest challenge for railway workers. To make sure we stayed healthy, several oxygen-making stations were constructed. We were also able to enjoy regular breaks in lower areas.

As we pass Cuona Lake, I feel a sense of pride and achievement. Using thousands and thousands of sandbags, we built a twenty-kilometer wall along the lake to protect it from construction waste. Cuona Lake is so close to the railway that I want to reach out and touch its pale blue mirror-like surface. Water birds playing in the lake, and cattle and sheep wandering the grasslands bring the scenery to life.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has been attracting people’s admiration for centuries. Now, thanks to our efforts, passengers from all over the country have been enjoying these magical landscapes. I am proud that we built our “impossible” railway, and did so with the care that the environment deserves. It truly is an extraordinary “Sky Railway”.

1. Which of the following is TRUE according to the first two paragraphs?

A．The song “Sky Railway” was played as background music in the train.

B．Ways of protecting the delicate ecosystem were taken into consideration.

C．Foreign experts were frightened to see dragons among the mountains.

D．The author kept the record of solving the toughest engineering problem.

2. Which can best replace the underlined part in Paragraph 3?

A．without interruption	B．for entertainment
C．in their free time	D．without hurrying

3. Why was a 20-km wall built according to Paragraph 6?

A．Because it separated the habitats of birds and cattle.

B．Because it transformed construction waste into sand.

C．Because it kept Cuona lake from being polluted.

D．Because it connected Cuona lake and the railway.

4. What is the author proud of at the end of the passage?

A．Their efforts to build the railway and protect the ecosystem.

B．That he has made the railway extraordinary for tourists.

C．Passengers’ admiration for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

D．The splendid landscapes along the Sky Railway.

5. What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?

A．To prove that humans can conquer nature.

B．To advertise the travel route along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

C．To praise the workers’ efforts in building the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

D．To highlight the amount of work required to build the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

6 . When it comes to the UK, London likes to steal all the attention. Yes, yes, I know: it's a great city with lots of culture and sights to see. However, I think we all need a break sometimes from the chaos of the city. Specifically, a trip to one of the UK's national parks. A total of 15 areas in the UK are protected by the government. This allows everyone access to unblemished （洁净的）moors （旷野）, mountains, rivers and a home where wildlife can flourish.

In total, the national parks cover over 23,000 square kilometres, so where do you begin?

Dartmoor

A paradise for a picnic, Dartmoor in the south of England offers miles and miles of beautiful but lonely moorland. Climb over natural rock formations such as Haytor or hike for hours into the sunset with only wild ponies （矮种马）for company. Be mindful - they might look sweet, but those wanting to pet them may lose a finger .

Snowdonia

If you're after a challenge, head over to Snowdonia and climb the highest mountain in Wales. At 1,085 metres high, the views from Snowdon are spectacular. It will take you 5-6 hours to climb up and back down again. If a little mountain climbing isn't your scene, the mountain railway will have you there and back in half the lime.

Castles

In addition to Snowdon, Wales has over 10() castles spread throughout its three national parks. Some are broken mins, blending with the nature around them, while others have been restored to their original glory. Climb the towers of Caernarfon Castle and explore the exhibitions to learn about medieval life, or visit the ghostly ruins of Ragland Castle just south of the Brecon Beacons.

Ullswater

For those who feel more at home on the water, the Lake District has over 15 stunning (极美的) lakes. Ullswater is particularly beautiful and the perfect place for scenic boat trips, sailing or canoeing with friends. Swimming is also popular if you are able to brave the cold. Surrounding the lake are charming villages and countryside which can be explored by foot or on horseback.

the White Cliffs of Dover

In the South Downs you'll find one of Britain's most striking views: the White Cliffs of Dover. This is the first view of England you'11 see if arriving by ferry, as long as it's not foggy, of course. Stretching for miles between the blue sea and even bluer sides, the pure white cliffs feature in many wartime songs and films. Not convinced? Fear not, London is just over an hour away by train.

1. What is the writer's main purpose in writing the text?

A．To explore the UK's distinctive culture.

B．To inform readers of the attractions in London.

C．To recommend some of the UK's national parks.

D．To explain why national parks are popular in the UK

2. In Dartmoor, tourists can enjoy themselves by ________.
a. going hiking             b. riding wild ponies
c. having a picnic       d. climbing the highest mountain there

A．a, b

B．a, c

C．b. c

D．c, d

3. For those who are interested in medieval history, would be a good destination.

A．Snowdonia

B．Caernarfon Castle

C．Ullswater

D．the South Downs

4. To travel around villages in the Lake District, tourists can________.

A．take a train

B．take a ferry

C．ride a horse

D．go on a boat trip

7 . Castel dell’ Ovo is one of Naples’ most famous monuments. It offers sweeping views over the city and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

The Basics

The site on which Castel dell’ Ovo now stands has a long history, beginning as a settlement for Greek colonists(殖民地定居者). The current castle was built in the 15^th century, and today, the 19^th-century fishing village of Borgo Marinari, known for its excellent seafood restaurants and marina(游艇停靠区), sits at the base of the castle.

The Egg Castle

The origin of the castle’s name comes from a story about the Roman poet Virgil, who is said to have placed a magical egg in the foundations beneath where the castle now stands. As long as the egg stays well, Castel dell’ Ovo will remain standing.

Things to Know Before you Go

·Castel dell’ Ovo is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

·Admission to the castle and the museum is free.

·The inner halls of the castle are open to the public only during special events and exhibitions; the ramparts (城墙) and towers are always open.

·There is a lift from the ground floor to the ramparts, making the castle accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

Castel dell’ Ovo is located in the Bay of Naples just off the coastal road. Bus 151 from the train station and 140 from the port stop at Castel dell’ Ovo.

When to Get there

The castle is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 7 pm, and Sundays and holidays from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. The Prehistoric Museum is open only on weekends from 10 am to 1 pm. As Naples is one of Italy’s most visited cities, its sights can be very crowded in the high-season summer months. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and to take advantage of the best light for taking photos from the castle’s towers.

Book Online or Call +1(702)648-5873

1. Whose settlement did the site of Castel dell’ Ovo belong to ?

A．British colonists’.

B．French colonists’.

C．Greek colonists’.

D．German colonists’.

2. Which of the following correctly describes Castel dell’ Ovo?

A．It lies next to Mount Vesuvius.

B．It’s also named the Egg castle.

C．It was originally built in the 19th century.

D．It’s well-known for its seafood and marina.

3. Who are most probably interested in visiting Castel dell’ Ovo?

A．History lovers.

B．Sports lovers.

C．Literature lovers.

D．Astronomy lovers.

4. What should you know before you tour Castel dell’ Ovo?

A．The tickets have to be booked in advance.

B．Those with leg problems can not tour the ramparts.

C．It’s easily accessible by bus from the train station.

D．The towers can be visited only during special events.

5. When should you go to the Prehistoric Museum?

A．On Sundays from 8:30 to 13:30.

B．On holidays from9:00 to 13:30.

C．On weekdays from 8:30 to 19:00.

D．On weekends from 10:00 to 13:00.