2 . Relations between Architecture and Culture

A country is not only identified by its people and government, but also by its architecture.     1     For example, when one thinks of India, we think of the Tahj Mahal. The Egyptians are another amazing example. Their environment and culture produced the great pyramids. How do modern cultures produce and maintain such beautiful architecture?

Slovenians gained independence in 1991. The country is now economically the most progressive one. It is now helping to modernize the factories and by doing so has actually helped lower poverty rates. Generally, their world around them is modernizing.     2     Everyday life focuses in the squares, churches and the marketplace. These Slovenian towns have many well-preserved buildings with styles of architecture dating back from the 1100’s. Many churches such as Sticna Abbey and Podsreda Castle are magnificent examples of the Roman architecture.

    3     For centuries, homes have been made out of mud houses built along the main dirt road. The roof could be used for an oven, to hold chickens, or just as storage. Cairo, one of the larger cities, the older parts of it are still the heart of Egypt although built with Islamic and Coptic monuments.

Chinese architecture probably has the most cultural influence. Traditionally buildings were designed for its width, not its height. Every important building is guarded around a large wall to protect their assets. While ordinary dwellings are grey and dull, palaces and places of importance are quite colorful.     4     Each Chinese home has their entrance at the front and facing the east with a screen because it is believed that spirits travel straight and cannot go through screen.

Every culture can inspire a type of architecture that can range from landmarks to everyday homes. Religion and family seem to be the most common influences overall.     5    

A．Architecture is a product of cultural diversity.

B．The purpose of a south-facing entrance is to avoid north winds.

C．Through architecture it’s possible to judge many things about a culture.

D．However, the center of their town is ironically the older parts of the city.

E．Architecture is not always defined as large but simply a home sometimes.

F．Tradition and religion are the largest pieces to the Chinese culture and architecture.

G．Each culture is unique and the more we learn about them, the more we appreciate our surroundings.

3 . 阅读下面短文，根据所给情节进行续写，使之构成一个完整的故事。

Edun did not want to go on a hike. She especially did not want to go on a long hike in the mountains that led to a tiny cabin (小木屋) with no electricity and no running water. She wanted to stay home reading a book instead while wrapped in a warm blanket.

“Ready?” Mom asked cheerfully after breakfast. Edun looked out the window and only saw rain, lots of it. “We should go another day,” Edun suggested. “Maybe a hundred years from now.” She worried she would get tired on the hike. She worried about getting bored at the dark cabin. Mom said it was time to stop worrying and get into the car.

Edun’s brother, Will, was waiting in the garage, who wore a camera around his neck. Will was four years older than Edun and had climbed many more mountains. He’d started hiking when he was two and loved it.

Because it was raining, Edun had to wear her rain pants, her rain hat, her rain jacket, and her waterproof boots. Her jacket had a rough material on the inside. She didn’t like how it felt against her skin.

After about half an hour’s drive, they parked at a trailhead (登山口). The rain had stopped but the ground was still dripping wet. “We’ll be there by afternoon!” Mom promised. The afternoon sounded far away.

Will identified a bird sitting on a nearby branch—“Fox sparrow!”—then he raced down the trail and was soon out of sight.

Edun rested under a pine tree. “You can’t force me to walk,” Edun said. “You’re right,” said her mom smilingly, standing under the tree, too, “But you will never know what may lie ahead and amaze us.”

注意：
1.所续写短文的词数应为150左右；
2.应使用5个以上短文中标有下划线的关键词语；
3.续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好；
4.续写完成后，请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。
Paragraph 1:
Thinking Mom was right, Edun followed her down the trail.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:
Twenty minutes later, they saw the cabin.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

With the recent relaxation in travel restrictions, I found myself     1     (visit) Innsbruck, the capital city of the state of Tyrol in Western Austria.

The destination within snow-capped mountains is perfect for a short break. Even the approach     2     Innsbruck Airport by air is a breathtaking sight as the plane     3     (gentle) moves between the mountains on its journey to the runway.

The city is a     4     (combine) of modern architecture and historic buildings, serving both as a university town and a tourist center. Weaving my way through cobbled streets and well-designed buildings, I was impressed by this stunning city     5     was the Imperial capital 500 years ago, when the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I lived here, and it still lives up to     6     (it)royal connections today with the unique architecture.

I wandered round this small city,     7     (amaze)at the dramatic backdrop of the Nordkette mountain which offers skiing and hiking near the downtown. The Goldenes Dachl,       8     significant landmark in Innsbruck with its 2,657 golden copper tiles(瓦片)that shine in the sunlight, took my breath away.

Innsbruck     9     (steal) my heart with the stunning architecture, majestic mountains and friendly people. I couldn’t wait to return     10     (explore) more of this delightful European city.

5 . The Great Wall in China is one of the greatest wonders of the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Different sections of the Great Wall have distinctive landscapes, and in this flower-blooming season, which one would you prefer to take a tour of?

Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall is located in the northwest suburb of Beijing. It extends in all directions and therefore got its name as Badaling. Due to the strategic importance of Badaling, it was the place where the military fought in the past.

Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu Great Wall, 70 kilometers from urban Beijing, is known as the best part of the Great Wall. With a unique architectural style, it expresses the essence of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). The ancient architecture and the beauty of nature is blended into one harmonious whole, giving rise to Mutianyu’s reputation as having the most unique beauty anywhere along the ten-thousand-mile-long Great Wall.

Simatai Great Wall

For anyone intent on experiencing a section of the Great Wall that keeps a more antiquated air, the Great Wall at Simatai remains one of the best options. It is also the only section of the Great Wall that provides a night tour for tourists. It is said that since the Ming Dynasty, there has been a tradition that people holding palace lanterns visit this section.

Jiankou Great Wall

The Jiankou section is one of the most dangerous parts and mountain hikers usually call it “the wild Great Wall”. With a total length of 7,952 meters, the Jiankou Great Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty and was neglected, becoming damaged over time. It is much preferred by photographers due to its primitive appearance.

1. Which section of the Great Wall is the best option for architecture lovers?

A．Badaling Great Wall.	B．Mutianyu Great Wall.
C．Simatai Great Wall.	D．Jiankou Great Wall.

2. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A．The Badaling got its name due to its strategic importance.

B．The Mutianyu Great Wall covers a distance of 70 kilometers.

C．Tourists must hold palace lanterns to visit the Simatai Great Wall.

D．The Jiankou Great Wall’s original features have attracted photographers.

3. Where is the passage probably from?

A．A history textbook.	B．A research paper.
C．A travel brochure.	D．An architecture magazine.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Who are forbidden to enter the castle?

A．Very young children.

B．People with heart problem.

C．Anyone over eighty years old.

2. What should people do with their personal belongings?

A．Bring them.

B．Lock them up.

C．Hand them to the staff.

3. What are people asked to do at the end?

A．Follow the exit signs.

B．Help fasten the seat belts.

C．Hang the talking pictures.

9 . I would like to offer a concept of cities that goes against modern ones.     1     Such cities should be designed within the distance of a 15-minute walk or bike ride.

What do we need to create 15-minute cities? First, we should start asking questions that we have forgotten. We need to look hard at how to use our square meters. For instance, what is that space for? Who is using it and how? We should understand what resources we have and how they are used. Then we need to ask what services are available in the vicinity(周围地区). We also have to ask ourselves: How do we work?     2    

How do we get this done?     3     Mayor(市长)Anne Hidalgo has suggested a big bang of proximity(靠近), which includes, for example, a massive decentralization, developing new services for each of the districts --- a reduction of traffic by increasing bike lanes into spaces of leisure; new economic models to encourage local shops; building more green spaces; transforming existing infrastructure. That’s actually a golden rule for the 15-minute city: every square meter that’s already built should be used for different things.

    4     First, the rhythm of the city should follow humans, not cars. Second, each square meter should serve different purposes. Finally, neighborhoods should be designed so that we can live, work and thrive in them without having to constantly commute elsewhere.

It’s funny if you think of it: many modern cities are designed for saving time, and yet so much time is lost to commuting, sitting in traffic jams, driving to a mall.     5    

A．I call it the 15-minute city.

B．Citizens are actively involved in participation.

C．The 15-minute should have three key features.

D．The first city to adopt the 15-minute city idea is Paris.

E．Why is the place I live in here, and work is far away?

F．The 15-minute city idea answers the questions of saving time.

G．A different pace of life --- a 15-minute pace can be just impossible.

10 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

In Northwest China's Gansu Province     1     (lie) Zhangye National Geopark, which is blessed with a spectacular Danxia (red cloud) landform area     2     (cover) about 19 square miles. The Danxia landforms are     3     masterpiece of nature. The colorful mountain ridges are just like an overturned palette from heaven. Bands of fiery red, creamy orange, rich green and bright yellow streak across the mountain, forming     4     is known as the most beautiful rainbow mountain.

The incredible landscapes were created by sandstone and minerals piling on top of one another over the years due to tectonic plate movements. Wind, rain, and tine then carved the rock formations and rolling hills into     5     (vary) extraordinary shapes, including towers, pillars and valleys.

    6     (declare) a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010 and a national geopark in 2011, the landform has become a top tourist     7     (attract). The park features a series of boardwalks that allow visitors to walk around the colorful sandstone landscapes. There are viewing platforms     8    (special) designed, enabling tourists to get close to the hills and feast their eyes     9     the magnificent sights without damaging the fragile ecosystem. Shuttle bus service is available, making     10     easy for tourists to get around the park.