1 . As Ginni Bazlinton reached Antarctica, she found herself greeted by a group of little Gentoo penguins (企鹅) longing to say hello. These gentle, lovely gatekeepers welcomed her and kick-started what was to be a trip Ginni would never forget.
Ever since her childhood, Ginni, now 71, has had a deep love for travel. Throughout her career (职业) as a professional dancer, she toured in the UK, but always longed to explore further. When she retired from dancing and her sons eventually flew the nest, she decided it was time to take the plunge.
After taking a degree at Chichester University in Related Arts, Ginni began to travel the world, eventually getting work teaching English in Japan and Chile. And it was in Chile she discovered she could get last-minute cheap deals on ships going to Antarctica from the islands off Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of the South American mainland. “I just decided I wanted to go,” she says. “I had no idea about what I’d find there and I wasn’t nervous, I just wanted to do it. And I wanted to do it alone as I always prefer it that way.”
In March 2008, Ginni boarded a ship with 48 passengers she’d never met before, to begin the journey towards Antarctica. “From seeing the wildlife to witnessing sunrises, the whole experience was amazing. Antarctica left an impression on me that no other place has,” Ginni says. “I remember the first time I saw a humpback whale; it just rose out of the water like some prehistoric creature and I thought it was smiling at us. You could still hear the operatic sounds it was making underwater.”
The realization that this is a precious land, to be respected by humans, was one of the biggest things that hit home to Ginni.
1. Which of the following best explains “take the plunge” underlined in paragraph 2?| A．Try challenging things. | B．Take a degree. |
| C．Bring back lost memories. | D．Stick to a promise. |
| A．Lovely penguins. | B．Beautiful scenery. |
| C．A discount fare. | D．A friend’s invitation. |
| A．It could be a home for her. | B．It should be easily accessible. |
| C．It should be well preserved. | D．It needs to be fully introduced. |
| A．A childhood dream. | B．An unforgettable experience. |
| C．Sailing around the world. | D．Meeting animals in Antarctica. |
2 . Sometime in the early 1960s, a significant thing happened in Sydney, Australia. The city discovered its harbor. Then, one after another, Sydney discovered lots of things that were just sort of there — broad parks, superb beaches, and a culturally diverse population. But it is the harbor that makes the city.
Andrew Reynolds, a cheerful fellow in his early 30s, pilots Sydney ferryboats for a living. I spent the whole morning shuttling back and forth across the harbor. After our third run Andrew shut down the engine, and we went our separate ways — he for a lunch break, I to explore the city.
“I’ll miss these old boats,” he said as we parted.
“How do you mean?” I asked.
“Oh, they’re replacing them with catamarans. Catamarans are faster, but they’re not so elegant, and they’re not fun to pilot. But that’s progress, I guess.”
Everywhere in Sydney these days, change and progress are the watchwords (口号), and traditions are increasingly rare. Shirley Fitzgerald, the city’s official historian, told me that in its rush to modernity in the 1970s, Sydney swept aside much of its past, including many of its finest buildings. “Sydney is confused about itself,” she said. “We can’t seem to make up our minds whether we want a modern city or a traditional one. It’s a conflict that we aren’t getting any better at resolving (解决).”
On the other hand, being young and old at the same time has its attractions. I considered this when I met a thoughtful young businessman named Anthony. “Many people say that we lack culture in this country,” he told me. “What people forget is that the Italians, when they came to Australia, brought 2000 years of their culture, the Greeks some 3000 years, and the Chinese more still. We’ve got a foundation built on ancient cultures but with a drive and dynamism of a young country. It’s a pretty hard combination to beat.”
He is right, but I can’t help wishing they would keep those old ferries.
1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?| A．Sydney’s striking architecture. | B．The cultural diversity of Sydney. |
| C．The key to Sydney’s development. | D．Sydney’s tourist attractions in the 1960s. |
| A．He goes to work by boat. | B．He looks forward to a new life. |
| C．He pilots catamarans well. | D．He is attached to the old ferries. |
| A．It is losing its traditions. | B．It should speed up its progress. |
| C．It should expand its population. | D．It is becoming more international. |
| A．A city can be young and old at the same time. |
| B．A city built on ancient cultures is more dynamic. |
| C．Modernity is usually achieved at the cost of elegance. |
| D．Compromise should be made between the local and the foreign. |
Ecotourism is commonly regarded as low impact (影响) travel to undisturbed places. It is different from traditional tourism because it allows the traveler to become
Ecotourism has
Due to
·Minimize the impact of
·Build respect for and awareness of the environment and cultural practices.
·Provide
·Make sure that the tourism provides experiences for both the visitors and the hosts.
Komodo National Park, officially recognized in 1980, is popular for ecotourism because of its unique biodiversity.
4 . A 23-year-old woman has achieved an unbelievable feat that many of us dream of -visiting every country on Earth.
Lexie Alford was born into a family of travel agents, which gave her the opportunity to
I also loved visiting Northern Pakistan, for the natural beauty of the mountains and kindness of the locals were astonishing,” Lexie Alford said. “The most pleasant surprise about travelling to all these misunderstood areas of the world was that the countries that I had the
“My
| A．remark | B．settle | C．tour | D．love |
| A．fund | B．quit | C．switch | D．register |
| A．powerful | B．ideal | C．developed | D．remaining |
| A．ranked | B．modified | C．followed | D．criticized |
| A．inspire | B．grill | C．understand | D．accompany |
| A．occasionally | B．simply | C．completely | D．temporarily |
| A．dream | B．button | C．family | D．observation |
| A．platform | B．agency | C．process | D．country |
| A．dull | B．official | C．natural | D．challenging |
| A．adult | B．youth | C．bosses | D．agents |
| A．most | B．least | C．greatest | D．worst |
| A．started with | B．showed off | C．ended up | D．searched for |
| A．advice | B．compromise | C．belief | D．information |
| A．save | B．appreciate | C．worsen | D．make |
| A．honor | B．career | C．time | D．assessment |
5 . I grew up in Michigan and have loved boats since I was young. I’d go out on my dad’s fishing boat, and every birthday I’d get a miniature boat with a viewing window. In Michigan, we’re
Three years ago, I
One weekend this year, I met a
We made sure to keep the paper safe. Before leaving the harbor, I posted a picture on my Facebook page and didn’t expect what followed.
The next morning, my phone
In autumn, Michele came to visit. She brought some of his writing and the handwriting matched. She
It now sits in a display case in my shop. That Facebook post now has 87,000
| A．surrounded | B．estimated | C．defended | D．integrated |
| A．even | B．somehow | C．merely | D．anyhow |
| A．exceptionally | B．entirely | C．gradually | D．successfully |
| A．call out | B．help with | C．help out | D．call up |
| A．history | B．significance | C．interest | D．entertainment |
| A．elegant | B．remote | C．reliable | D．potential |
| A．unfolded | B．opened | C．uncovered | D．exposed |
| A．presented | B．wrote | C．read | D．showed |
| A．poured out | B．blew up | C．broke out | D．set up |
| A．at first | B．above all | C．in turn | D．in return |
| A．stuffed | B．displayed | C．deserted | D．hid |
| A．spoke up | B．worked out | C．spoke out | D．worked up |
| A．insisted | B．convinced | C．appealed | D．anticipated |
| A．critics | B．fans | C．likes | D．inquiries |
| A．For | B．As | C．With | D．Alongside |
6 . In a lot of other states in America, warm sunny days mean lazy afternoons are spent on the beach. In Oregon, people pack hiking shoes with their bathing suits. Here are 3 incredible hikes for you.
Cascade Head Preserve
Distance: 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest Town: Lincoln City
Managed by the international nonprofit The Nature Conservancy, the Cascade Head Preserve is an excellent hike that typically marks the division between the north and central Oregon coast. There are upper and lower trailheads (小道的起点), with about 3.4 miles of trails between the two.
Cape Lookout
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Nearest Town: Tillamook
Of all the capes on the Oregon coast, Cape Lookout might be the most famous, projecting 1.5 miles into the ocean. Visitors can tackle the five-mile, round-trip hike to the tip of the cape where they can enjoy several incredible views over the Pacific Ocean. Separate trails lead down to South Beach and the Campground.
Clatsop Loop Hike
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Nearest Town: Cannon Beach
There are several trails that traverse (横越) Tillamook Head at Ecola State Park, but the Clatsop Loop Hike is known for its breathtaking Cliffside views and quiet forested paths. Take the seaside trail from Indian Beach to the Hikers Camp, then take the forested path back.
1. Which is the dividing line between the north and central Oregon coast?| A．Tillamook. | B．Cascade Head Preserve. |
| C．Cape Lookout. | D．Cannon Beach. |
| A．Go camping in the wild. | B．Go hiking through the forests. |
| C．Kill time on the beach. | D．Enjoy views over the ocean. |
| A．The vast forest. | B．The easy hikes. |
| C．The amazing views. | D．The quiet seaside. |
7 . Travelling can be a fun way to gain life experience, but what if you’re a student and don’t have enough money for a trip? Don’t worry. Here are some useful tips.
Save: This probably is the most important preparation for travelling. Cut expenses (花费) to fatten your wallet so you’ll have more choices about where to go and how to get there.
Plan ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your trip. Giving yourself several months to get ready can mean security and savings.
Do your homework: No matter where you go, research the places you will visit. Decide what to see. Travel books will provide information on the cheapest hotels and restaurants.
Plan sensibly: Write down how much you expect to spend on food and hotels. Stick to (坚持) your plan, or you may not have enough money to cover everything.
Travel in groups: Find someone who is interested in visiting the same places. By travelling with others you can share costs and experiences.
Work as you go: Need more money to support your trip? Look for work in the places you visit.
Go off the beaten path: Tourist cities may be expensive. You may want to rethink about your trip and go to a less known area. Smaller towns can have many interesting activities (活动) and sights.
Pack necessary things: The most important things to take are not always clothes. Remember to take along medicine in case you get sick and snacks in case you cannot find a cheap restaurant.
By planning sensibly, even students can enjoy their travel. Your travel experiences will be remembered for a lifetime.
1. Before your trip, the first thing you should do is________.| A．to make a plan of the route |
| B．to get information on the Internet |
| C．to save money by spending less |
| D．to buy tickets ahead of time |
| A．not to share costs with other people |
| B．not to go to well-known places |
| C．not to visit dangerous places |
| D．to buy anything you want to buy |
| A．you need more medicine than clothes |
| B．you should look for work all the way |
| C．you should remember to do your homework |
| D．you can gain valuable life experience |
| A．How to Plan Your Travel Wisely |
| B．Travel Can Be Great Fun |
| C．Different Kinds of Travel |
| D．How to Save Money |
8 . Up to now, UNESCO has granted official recognition to over 800 cultural sites that are thought to be specially significant to human history and culture. Among them are the following four.
The Taj Mahal
It was built between 1631 and 1648, known as a masterpiece of architecture. It took over 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to complete the project. In the early 17th century, an emperor named Shah Jahan ruled India. The emperor loved his wife Mumtaz so much that when she died, he built the Taj Mahal in her memory. The beautiful mausoleum (陵墓) was designed to look like what the emperor hoped would be Mumtaz’s home in the afterlife.
The Temple and Mansion of Confucius
Located in Qufu, Shandong Province, the temple is a memorial to Confucius, the Chinese great educator. On the grounds, there are more than 900 halls and rooms. But the building that people visit most is the Temple of Confucius. Originally built in 478 BC, the temple has been rebuilt many times. Besides the temple, visitors can enjoy the grounds outside, where there are more than 1,000 stone tablets (碑碣) and over 100, 000 tombs.
The Imperial Tombs of the Qing and Ming Dynasties
Built by several emperors between 1368 and 1915 in Beijing, Hubei, Hebei and Liaoning, the Imperial Tombs represent Chinese cultural and historical values that have been handed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. What makes them unique even among amazing buildings such as Angkor Wat (吴哥窟) and the Cologne Cathedral (科隆大教堂) is that they bring together architecture and philosophy.
The Terracotta Army
In 1974, while some Chinese farmers were digging a well, they accidentally found a tomb, where they found more than 8,000 statues. They were said to be made in the third century BC to guard the tomb of the Chinese Emperor Qinshihuang! More than 700,000 people worked for nearly 40 years to build this tomb! It is recognized as one of the greatest archaeological findings in the world.
1. ________ can be viewed as a labor of love.| A．The Temple and Mansion of Confucius | B．The Terracotta Army |
| C．The Imperial Tombs of the Qing and Ming Dynasties | D．The Taj Mahal |
| A．The Temple and Mansion of Confucius | B．The Terracotta Army. |
| C．The Imperial Tombs of the Qing and Ming Dynasties | D．The Taj Mahal |
| A．They are located in China. |
| B．They are World Cultural Heritage Sites. |
| C．They are archaeological wonders. |
| D．They were built in honor of a famous person. |
9 . 4 of the World’s Most Amazing Train Journeys
The Beijing to Lhasa Express, China
Start: Beijing End: Lhasa
Distance: 2,330 miles Duration（时长）: 40 hours
Connecting Beijing with Lhasa, the Z21 train transports its passengers from a modern city to a mysterious land. What’s unusual is that the train climbs nearly 16,400 it on its journey to the roof of the world: the Tibetan plateau, where it passes yaks, flying prayer flags and snow—covered mountains.
The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Start: Hanoi End: Ho Chi Minh City
Distance: 1,072 miles Duration: two days
Some railways run through historic cities, others run beside beautiful coastline and a few are famous for the colorful characters on board. The Reunification Express meets all these conditions. It travels over a thousand miles from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. There’s no better way of exploring all the glories in between.
The California Zephyr, USA
Start: Chicago End: San Francisco
Distance: 2,438 miles Duration: 52 hrs 40 mins
As for appreciating the breathtaking scenery of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. This journey travels nearly 2,500 miles across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way.
London to Fort William on the Caledonian Sleeper, UK
Start: London End: Fort William
Distance: 509 miles Duration: 13 hrs 30 mins
Starting from crowded central London to the dry and cold air and beautiful views of the Scottish Highlands through one overnight train journey is a perfect example of experiencing the romance（浪漫）of rail travel. It’s just a pity that the whole experience—from delicious foods and drinks to being taken into la-la land—feels like it’s over very quickly.
1. What makes The Beijing to Lhasa Express special?| A．It lasts the longest time. | B．It covers the longest distance. |
| C．It passes through national borders. | D．It runs on the highest rail line in the world. |
| A．The Beijing to Lhasa Express. |
| B．The Reunification Express. |
| C．The California Zephyr. |
| D．London to Fort William on the Caledonian Sleeper. |
| A．It’s often crowded. | B．It’s a relatively short journey. |
| C．It travels at the slowest speed. | D．It offers free meals to passengers. |
10 . Atlanta Street Art Bike Tour
You will see all the latest happenings in Atlanta, and the more you ride, the more you will enjoy the weather. You will be introduced to the art exhibits in Atlanta by a professional tour guide. The tour will last two and a half hours. You have to meet up with your guide 15 minutes early before the start of your activity.
Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting
If you’re planning a trip to the northeastern part of Georgia, you can go horseback riding. After the horseback ride, you will be treated to a picnic lunch featuring turkey, nuts, and seasonal greens from the organic farm. After lunch, you will be driven to the nearby winery (酿酒厂) for an afternoon of wine tasting. There are six different seasonal wines to try.
Lost in Time Escape Room
It will leave you in a dark place where you are not sure where you are going. You will have to solve puzzles and use your intelligence to get out within a given period of time. It is a great group activity, so you will also have to work with the group to gain enough information and get out in the end. This will be a perfect tour that can make you have a lot of fun.
Atlanta Christmas Lights Segway Tour
Check out all the holiday beauty in Atlanta on this one-hour Segway tour. Travel through the Centennial Olympic Park and Pemberton Place with your local, talented tour guide. Both locations are carefully decorated with the most beautiful Christmas decorations, so be sure to book your tour ahead of time, whether you are local or a visitor from out of town.
1. What do we know about Atlanta Street Art Bike Tour?| A．It offers visitors a lunch picnic for free. |
| B．It is aimed at protecting the environment. |
| C．It takes visitors a whole afternoon to finish it. |
| D．It makes visitors know what’s happened recently in Atlanta. |
| A．Attend art exhibitions with a tour guide. |
| B．Try to get out of a dark place using intelligence. |
| C．Enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations on a bike. |
| D．Visit a winery and have a taste of different wines. |
| A．Atlanta Street Art Bike Tour. | B．Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting. |
| C．Lost in Time Escape Room. | D．Atlanta Christmas Lights Segway Tour. |
