1 . My best friend and I made our first trip to Ireland less than a year ago. I wasn’t very excited about it at the very beginning. But my uncle wanted me to go and offered to pay for my trip. Then I did. All of the words “magical, charming or memorable” don’t even touch what Ireland is. Our favorites were Kilkenny, Cobh, and Killarney. We did a self-drive tour, which was not as hard as people made it sound.

We stayed in a castle in Dublin for two days, where my ancestors came from. The town we thought we might be bored in was Kilkenny, but we loved every minute we were there. There were so many places to explore and the pictures we took were beautiful.

Our driver was so informative and entertaining that he knew just where to stop for the best photos. And seeing the little village of Cobh and knowing it was the last stop for the Titanic were so touching. We loved the visitor’s center there and the little shops. We never got any bad food there. It was so mouth-watering at every stop! And when we stayed in Westmeath and looked out for our window to see the Trim Castle and found some scenes from Brave Heart were filmed there, we were so impressed. Again, more beautiful pictures were taken in that tiny town.

We love the country, the people, the food, and the magic! We would go back very soon. I was so indebted to my uncle who had given me the chance to be here.

The one piece of advice I would offer is to bring your own washcloths. Only one of our hotels supplied them, because people there think they are not environmentally-friendly. I have no words to adequately describe our trip. Go, explore the small villages, eat and enjoy! I still look at my pictures and can’t believe I was actually there.

1. Which statement is NOT true according to the passage?   ________

A．The writer didn’t show great interest in visiting Ireland at first.

B．The trip was more exciting than they expected.

C．They had thought the self-drive tour was very easy.

D．It was the first time for the writer to visit Ireland.

2. How did the writer find Kilkenny? ________

A．It was not interesting at all.	B．It was also a wonderful place.
C．It needed to open up to visitors more.	D．It was not worth staying at for a long time.

3. What can be inferred from the passage? ________

A．Their driver helped a lot during the journey.	B．The Titanic was filmed in Cobh.
C．The writer knew nothing about Brave Heart.	D．The writer visited the Trim Castle alone.

4. What does the underlined word “indebted” most probably mean in Paragraph 5? ________

A．Angry.

B．Amazed.

C．Stressed.

D．Thankful.

2 . Over the centuries, the Khasis in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya have learned to live in harmony with the deep valleys and fast-flowing rivers at the foot of the Himalayas.

Here, even today, most of these villages do not have road access. A trip to the closest neighborhoods requires climbing down into valleys and crossing flooding rivers. It’s hardly surprising that the need for connectedness provided the first creative urge for the ancient experiments in building the living tree bridges.

The raw materials to build these bridges are rubber fig trees since they are strong and they put out roots in the air. First, an ideal location on the river is identified for the bridge, and then young rubber fig trees are planted on either side. After a wait of 10 to 15 years, the trees are old enough to put out roots in the air. In the early stages of growth, the new roots on both sides of the river are tied to each other. As the trees grow up, they add more roots to the network, which the local (本地的) people knit into a living tree bridge. In addition, the villagers stuff fallen leaves inside the gaps of the root network so they may provide nutrition for the bridge over the years.

Once I asked my tourist guide what happens to the bridges that are no longer in use. He smiled at me and said, “They’ll become a part of the forest, my friend.”

Walking on these living tree bridges, I tried to find a comparable experience. No, it did not feel like crossing a concrete bridge. No, it did not feel like climbing a tree, either. Instead, it felt like a fairy tale came to life.

And perhaps, in a way, that’s what it is. In a place where concrete bridges are unlikely to survive even a few decades because of earthquakes, landslides and floods, these bridges grow stronger with age. They do not require money to build, only time. They are breathing examples of life in the past that can help us create nature friendly lifestyles for the future.

1. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．The ideal trees for the living bridges.

B．The difficulty in building the bridges.

C．The creative way to construct the bridges.

D．The necessity of building the tree bridges.

2. What can we learn about the villages in Meghalaya from the text?

A．They remain in extreme poverty.

B．They are well-connected by roads.

C．They stay high up in the Himalayas.

D．They are threatened by natural disasters.

3. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．Ancient Experiments in Building Bridges

B．The Advantages of the Living Tree Bridges

C．The Khasis: the Most Creative People in India

D．Living Tree Bridges: Breathing Examples of Harmony

4. In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Science.	B．Travel.
C．Agriculture.	D．Advertisement.

3 . In life, do you choose to take the road everyone has taken, or do you choose the path that is best for you? It might be ________ to choose what everyone has done, especially if it seemed to work for them. But is that what truly ________ for you?

On a recent hiking ________, my partner and I decided to take a popular trail in the ________ direction. This was an old, well-traveled trail that people had been hiking and biking from A to Z for years. For our own reasons, we chose to travel from Z to A. Going backwards made more sense with my ________. The trip would take several days and going backwards ________ that I would end the trip closer to the airport for my flight home.

As my partner and I walked, everyone crossing our path had something to say, “You're going the wrong way. Are you lost? Are you returning ________ you forgot something? Are you crazy? The path occasionally crossed a ________. When it did, even passing cars beeped to ________ us in the “right” direction.

Why did people only see one way? Because that's what everyone does? Because that's how it's always been done? We even ________ to talk to a Danish woman who said, “We have a(n)       ________ in my country: when you go backwards to everyone else, it's because you're avoiding something.” I couldn't believe it. We were just enjoying connecting with nature, hiking the way that best ________ us. Had we gone the “wrong” way? No. At least, not for us.

I decided to ________ the path I chose. ________, we had an amazing experience. Choosing the “wrong” path was right for me. When your inner ________ tells you something is right (or wrong), listen to it. It's your instinct. It's speaking to you for a reason and it knows, better than anyone, what's best for you.

1.

A．anxious

B．normal

C．awkward

D．impressive

2.

A．designs

B．plans

C．works

D．prepares

3.

A．race

B．test

C．project

D．trip

4.

A．opposite

B．wrong

C．common

D．accessible

5.

A．emotion

B．target

C．schedule

D．request

6.

A．supposed

B．ensured

C．provided

D．permitted

7.

A．if

B．because

C．while

D．yet

8.

A．plain

B．valley

C．trail

D．highway

9.

A．point

B．inspire

C．protect

D．support

10.

A．expected

B．stopped

C．agreed

D．hesitated

11.

A．saying

B．point

C．myth

D．spell

12.

A．instructed

B．confused

C．offered

D．suited

13.

A．show off

B．think over

C．pick out

D．stick to

14.

A．Probably

B．Hopefully

C．Eventually

D．Knowingly

15.

A．desire

B．feeling

C．voice

D．reaction

4 . Nothing beats live music, but the venue makes a difference. When you're able to score tickets to an incredible concert in an incredible place, you won't forget the experience. Here are some of the coolest music venues from around the world. If you haven't been to any of these, you've got some traveling to do.

Red Rocks, Morrison, the United States

Red Rocks might be the most beautiful and famous venue in the United States. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks is a geologically formed natural stage. Its massive sandstone provides a perfect stage for jam bands. If you're into the blues and jazz, you'll have no trouble finding something in line with your interests.

Meet Factory, Prague, Czech Republic

Smallest venues on this list, Meet Factory is an art gallery, theater, and music venue. The venue only accommodates 1,000 people, so you won't see any huge names come through. Still, it's a great place to see up-and-coming local acts, and if you've got an eye for contemporary art, you'll love your time here.

Arena of NÎmes, NÎmes, France

Originally built around A. D. 70, the Arena of Nimes presents concertgoers with an interesting question: Should they enjoy the music, or marvel at the architecture? The Arena is, after all, one of the world's best-preserved Roman theaters. Many major touring acts plan stops at the Arena of Nimes, especially during the venue's annual festival.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most famous performing venues. I's also one of the most distinctive buildings in Sydney, thanks to the breathtaking design by Danish architect Utzon. It hosts about 40 events per week, so whether you're into jazz, rock, classical music, or opera, you'll find something to watch.

1. Where can you enjoy music in natural beauty?

A．At Red Rocks.

B．At Meet Factory.

C．At Arena of Nimes.

D．At Sydney Opera House.

2. What is special about Meet Factory?

A．It enjoys breathtaking scenery.	B．It hosts both musical and artistic events.
C．It is the largest venue of all.	D．It is famous for contemporary music.

3. What do the listed music venues have in common?

A．They have a long history.	B．They are built near the sea.
C．They accommodate thousands of people.	D．They are beautiful tourist attractions.

5 . Cheltonham, a famous spa town in England, has many terrific places for visitors home and abroad to visit. Here are several of them you can’t afford to miss.

■Pitville Park

Being the largest park in the town, Pitville Park was opened in 1825. It was designed by Richard Ware for the wealthy lawyer and banker Joseph Pitt. People can taste the historically medicinal waters of the Pump Room fountain and fish at a lake during fishing season.

■Sudelley Castle

This family-owned castle enjoys the fame of being the only castle in England to have a queen, Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VII, buried in the grounds.You’ll be able to view exhibitions, telling of some of the incredible events that occurred here in the past, and see some rare items.

■Cheltonham Festival

The Cheltonham Festival holds important events lasting four days in the horse racing calendar which is an annual feast of racing. On the last day, it features the Cheltonham Gold Cup Steeplechase. In 2020, this last day attracted 68,859 audience.The year of 2021 will see a televised festival due to the pandemic.

■Holst Birthplace Museum

Cheltonham features the birthplace of composer Gustav Holst. Visitors can have a taste of the Victorian life, like a Victorian kitchen and nursery. The museum also allows you into his music room, where he composed The Planets. You can even see the piano on which he composed his famous work.

1. What do we know about Pitville Park?

A．It was designed by Joseph Pitt.	B．It is the largest park in England.
C．It has a queen buried in the grounds.	D．It provides medicinal waters for visitors.

2. Which attraction is suitable for a horse race lover?

A．Pitville Park.	B．Sudelley Castle.
C．Cheltonham Festival.	D．Holst Birthplace Museum.

3. What can visitors do in Holst Birthplace Museum?

A．Appreciate The Planets.	B．Visit the music room.
C．Taste food in the kitchen.	D．Play the composer’s piano.

6 . SHARK CONSERVATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Take a two-week trip that you will never forget as a volunteer with sharks on a beautiful stretch of South Africa’s coastline. Head out to sea to witness one of the world’s most powerful (and most misunderstood) creatures on this inspiring project, enjoying watching them from both above and below water.

The DAY-BY-DAY schedule

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town on a Sunday. You will be collected from the airport and spend your first night in a guest house in the city centre.

Day 2: You will be collected bright and early from the guest house and taken down to the project. The drive takes about 90 minutes. You will receive a welcome and head out to sea to witness your first sharks!

Day 3+: Most days you will be out on the boat with the sharks, depending on weather. Help out with the full range of tasks on the boats, and in conservation initiatives on land too.

Last day: On the final day of your project you will be taken back to Cape Town for your onward travel.

The price is £829,including the voluntary work programme with accommodations,   airport transfers, one night in a guest house in Cape Town, breakfasts daily and lunches when on the boats. Your trip can be extended at a cost of £ 375 per week.

It is an amazing experience! Some volunteers planned to stay for 4 weeks, extended to 6 weeks and still didn’t want to come home. If you’d like to chat about this holiday or need help, we’re very happy to help.

Call us at 01273 823 700.

Email us at rosy@responsibletravel.com.

1. When will you really begin your shark watching trip?

A．On a Friday.	B．On a Saturday.
C．On a Sunday.	D．On a Monday.

2. What will you probably do on the third day if weather permits?

A．Sail on the ocean.

B．Return to Cape Town.

C．Buy some souvenirs.

D．Dive with sharks.

3. How much will you spend on a three-week shark conservation trip?

A．£ 375.

B．£ 750.

C．£ 829.

D．£ 1,204.

8 . THE NATIONAL GALLERY

Open time

Monday to Thursday:10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday until 9 p.m.

Weekends:9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Closed 24-26 December and 1 January

Book before you visit

Please book online and in advance. This is to help us manage the number of people in the Gallery, limit queuing and reduce contact.

Your space for art

The number of visitors to the Gallery has been reduced so you have more space to explore during your visit.

Ways to visit

To help us create a safe experience, all visitors, including our members, need to book a ticket. When you arrive at the Gallery, you will have a choice of three one-way art routes to explore.

Visiting guidelines

To help us keep the Gallery a safe and enjoyable place for everyone,please follow the guidelines below by:

●Wearing a face covering during your visit

●Not touching the paintings or other exhibits, and not crossing the barriers

●Consuming food and drink in designated areas only, not in rooms that contain paintings

●Following our NO SMOKING policy in any part of the building

●Following our NO PHOTOGRAPHY policy in exhibitions where a sign is displayed

●Sitting only on the seating provided

1. At which time is a ticket available if you are to explore the Gallery?

A．6 p.m. Friday, 10 September.

B．7 p.m. Thursday, 25 November.

C．1 p.m. Friday, 25 December.

D．2 p.m. Saturday, 1 January.

2. Visitors are required to book online in advance because________.

A．the Gallery hopes to sell more tickets

B．the Gallery wants to avoid visitors contacting

C．the Gallery aims to offer visitors a safe art journey

D．the Gallery intends to know visitors' preferred routes

3. Which of the following behaviors is suitable in the Gallery?

A．Wearing a face covering.

B．Eating in front of the painting.

C．Smoking inside the toilet.

D．Taking pictures as you like.

9 . Island life is one of those things you dream about. Here are four beautiful small islands to consider for your next vacation.

Washington Island, USA

Although with fewer than 700 residents, the island is home to Schoolhouse Beach, known for its clear water and smooth, rounded limestone rocks-one of only a handful of such beaches in North America. Tour the island on the Cherry Train, climb the lookout tower, or rent a bike and cycle the miles of empty roads. Retire for the night at the Hotel Washington & Studio, a landmark inn with a history of over 100 years.

Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda

There’s a good chance birds actually outnumber humans on the small island of Barbuda. Mostly undeveloped and completely unspoiled, the beaches are famous for silky white and pink sand, stretching as far as the eye can see. There’s only a handful of resorts and restaurants, mostly plain beach bars, but make sure to stop by Uncle Roddy’s, which serves up cold drinks and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever find.

Grand Manan Island, Canada

While you won’t find any palm trees here, Grand Manan still offers a relaxed pace. Connected to mainland New Brunswick by ferry, the small island is home to charming villages, and the Swallow Tail Lighthouse-the second-most photographed lighthouse in all of Atlantic Canada. Take a whale-watching cruise (巡游), surf on the Bay of Fundy (home to the highest tides in the world), or just sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Key West, USA

Located at the end of the famous Florida Keys, Key West has a fascinating history. Tennessee Williams is said to have written the first draft of A Streetcar Named Desire here. Ernest Hemingway spent many a night in the bars of Old Town, now a historic district filled by wood-frame buildings. Take in the island’s famous lighthouse, photograph some of the free-running chickens, then settle in for the daily Sunset Celebration on Mallory Square.

1. Where can visitors live in a famous century-old inn?

A．Key West, USA.

B．Grand Manan Island, Canada.

C．Washington Island, USA.

D．Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda.

2. What makes Barbuda obviously different from the other islands?

A．The wild and unexplored beaches.

B．The great number of bars and hotels.

C．Cold drinks and fresh food.

D．The chance to play on beautiful beaches.

3. What do Grand Manan Island and Key West have in common?

A．Travelers can watch whale shows.

B．Travelers can visit a famous lighthouse.

C．Travelers can see the highest tide in the world.

D．Travelers can find the village where Hemingway once lived.

10 . Travel of any kind can be expensive. Experienced RV（房车）travellers already know that there are savings to be found in travelling in an RV.    1    There are ways to make these travels more budget-friendly（省钱的）.

Research on the internet. Start by spending some time researching RV sites and campgrounds. You can search for sites by state and region（地区）. In addition，you can learn about the choices and facilities.    2    You can save some by determining how much you will spend ahead of time.

Cook your own food. Another great choice you have while RV travelling is having your kitchen.    3    Of course you can still enjoy eating out at local restaurants，but you can be much more budget-friendly. Not only do you save money by cooking by yourself，you can also take the opportunity to enjoy the local food on a farmers' market.

    4    Many activities that allow you to explore your destination are also free. Research some great places to hike. Many other activities sometimes do have a minimal fee. Museums will often have days with no entrance fees.    5    

A．Find low-cost or free activities.

B．Kitchen is always useful for your skills.

C．You can even read helpful guest reviews.

D．Make finding activities a family challenge.

E．However, traveling in an RV is still an expensive choice.

F．There you can enjoy all of the destinations you are eager to visit.

G．One of the biggest expenses while travelling is that of every meal.