1 . Dozens of sea turtles swim past as I dive. Suddenly a diver cuts me off. Then another. “Hey!” I think. “Watch where you’re going!” Then I realize: These aren’t divers. They are sea lions! The creatures blow bubbles at me and the group of 11 kids I’m on vocations with, hitting us slightly on our backs. To not bother them much, we tear ourselves away from the wonderland.

We take this trip to the Galapagos Islands, a group of tropical islands crossing the equator. Our hotel is a boat called the Eclipse that has a pool. Humans aren’t allowed to live on most of the islands. The only way people can experience the magic of this place and meet animals on all the islands is by “panga”. “Our small motorboat is more important than the Eclipse. It’s very safe,” says a local guide, Fielsch. Lack of human threat makes the animals friendly. “They don’t know enough to be scared of humans.” Our group experience that firsthand. When we return after our diving adventure, we find sea lions lying next to our backpacks! Walking along the sand, we see more wildlife: seals, red crabs, orcas.

The following morning, we reach Fernandina Island, known for its volcano. Flightless birds called cormorants build nests on the rocks. Nearby are Galapagos penguins. Averaging about 19 inches in height, they’re the second smallest species of penguin in the world. “The Galapagos are so curious,” says 12-year-old Harry. “You’ve got penguins living far from the frozen South Pole, and birds that don’t fly!”

As we ride back, six penguins stand like soldiers, seeming to say goodbye. It’s our last day; none of us wants to leave this place. We know this trip has been a milestone for us. A marked shift in our attitudes towards the natural world is underway. “The Galapagos Islands seem to break the world’s rules,” says Harry. “More than ever, I’m interested in saving the environment. These animals truly need our care,” his sister Hannah adds.

1. How does the author find the diving experience?

A．Attractive.	B．Disturbing.
C．Dangerous.	D．Valuable.

2. What’s the function of “panga”?

A．To protect people from danger.

B．To provide a shelter for local people.

C．To guide people in seeing the animals.

D．To transport people to each of the islands.

3. What’s special about Galapagos penguins?

A．They are not able to fly.

B．They remain hidden from view.

C．They live in a tropical climate.

D．They’re the smallest of their kind.

4. Why is the trip considered a milestone for the author’s group?

A．It expands their knowledge of the world.

B．It changes the way they think about nature.

C．It inspires them to protect the environment.

D．It enables them to interact with various wildlife.

2 . “Welcome to the U.S.A.! Major Credit cards accepted!”

By the millions they are coming no longer the tired, the poor, the wretched mass longing for a better living. These are the wealthy. “We don’t have a budget,” says a biologist from Brazil, as she walks with two companions through New York City’s South Street. “We just use our credit cards.”

The U.S. has long been one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but this year has been exceptional. First there was the World Cup, which drew thousands from every corner of the globe; then came the weakening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies. Now the U.S. still the world’s superpower, can also claim to be the world’s bargain electronics to fashion clothes to tennis rackets. Nobody undersells America. Bottom retail prices - anywhere from 30% to 70% lower than those in Europe and Asia - have attracted some 47 million visitors, who are expected to leave behind $79 billion in 1994.

That’s up from $74 billion the year before.

True, not everyone comes just for bargains. There remains an undeniable fascination in the rest of the world with all things American, nourished by Hollywood films and U.S. television series. But shopping in the U.S.A. is proving irresistible. Every week thousands arrive with empty suitcases ready to be filled; some even rent an additional hotel room to hold their purchases. The buying binge has become as important as watching Old Faithful Fountains erupt in Yellow Stone Park or sunbathing on a beach in Florida.

The U.S. has come at last to appreciate what other countries learned long ago: the pouring in of foreign tourists may not always be convenient, but it does put money in the bank. And with a trade deficit at about $130 billion and growing for the past 12 months, the U.S. needs all the deposits it can get. Compared with American tourists abroad, visitors to the U.S. stay longer and spend more money at each stop; an average of 12.2 nights and $1624 a traveler versus the Americans’ four nights and $298.

1. From what the Brazilian biologist says, we know that tourists like her ________.

A．are not good at planning their expenditure

B．simply don’t care how much they spend

C．are reluctant to carry cash with them

D．often spend more money than they can afford

2. The reason why 1994 was exceptional is that ________.

A．it witnessed a drop in the number of tourists to the U.S.

B．it saw an unusually large number of tourists to the U.S.

C．tourism was hardly affected by the weakening of the U.S. dollar that year

D．tourists came to the U.S. for sightseeing rather than for bargains that year

3. By saying “nobody undersells America” (Para.3), the author means that ________.

A．no other country underestimates the competitiveness of American products

B．nobody restrains the selling of American goods

C．nobody expects the Americans to cut the prices of their commodities

D．no other country sells at a lower price than America

4. From the passage we can conclude that the U.S. has come to realize ________.

A．the weakening if the U.S. dollar can result in trade deficits

B．tourism can make great contributions to its economy

C．the lower the retail prices, the greater the profits

D．visitors to the U.S. are wealthier than U.S. tourists abroad

3 . For those looking for a relief from the excitement of Myrtle Beach’s representative boardwalk and beachfront, this uniquely American city has plenty more to offer. Here are four fantastic places you won’t want to skip when you visit Myrtle Beach.

Atalaya Castle

Hidden away in Huntington Beach State Park is the beautiful Atalaya Castle. Built in the 1930s, this castle is an amazing example of Great Depression-era architecture. With a rich and varied history — it’s been a military camp, a studio, a state park and now a national landmark — there’s plenty to explore at this incredible estate, where you are sure to feel relaxed.

Brookgreen Gardens

Just across the road from Atalaya Castle lies Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve covering 9,100 acres. For a relaxing afternoon, take a walk among the towering oaks (橡树) and breathtaking fountains and view the sculptures from great artists like Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Located away in an historic fishing village, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a half-mile stretch of boardwalk that winds through scenic wetlands. It also features year-round live music and delicious options for waterfront dining, so it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing evening out.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park follows one mile of wooded coastline and features a nature path, top-class surf fishing, a fishing wharf (码头) with an ice cream shop and an unspoiled beach. And for those seeking to escape from the stress of urban life, this is the ideal camping place to sleep under the stars.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Myrtle Beach’s hidden treasures, or for a calendar of events.

1. Which place is best for music-loving tourists?

A．Atalaya Castle.	B．Brookgreen Gardens.
C．Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.	D．Myrtle Beach State Park.

2. What do the listed places have in common?

A．Scenic spots for natural beauty.

B．Typical attractions for history exploration.

C．Wonderful places for wildlife observation.

D．Hidden attractions for personal relaxation.

3. Where can you find this article?

A．On a website	B．In a magazine
C．In a newspaper	D．In a documentary

4 . Make the most of the pleasant weather and enjoy the best walk of the year with friends and family. Use your 2 for 1 Entry in some of our favorite landscape gardens for a memorable day out.

Painswick Rococo Garden

Find beauty and quietness at the UK's only complete surviving Rococo Garden. Discover fanciful garden flowers, woodland walks, and beautifully framed (镶框) views across the valley. Dogs on short leads are permitted and the shop offers a range of seasonal and local produce.

Book at rococogarden.org.uk.

Open: closed 1-25 March, open 26-31 March, 10 am-4 pm, last entry 2:30 pm.

Nymans Garden

Walk down Spring Walk packed with seasonal flowers and pleasant smells, and enjoy the hedge (树篱) topped with frost. Routes include those with plenty of level paths to follow around the garden. Dogs are welcome every day from 1:30 pm, with a festive treat provided.

Book at nationaltrust.org.uk/ nymans.

Open: daily except 24-25 March, 10 am-4 pm.

Ventnor Botanic Garden

Even in early spring, there are typically over 200 varieties of plants to be seen flowering as you explore the 27 acres. Enjoy access to the coastal path and routes accessible for wheelchairs, and then warm up with coffee milk in the cafe afterwards.

Book at botanic.co.uk.

Open: daily except 25 March, 9 am-4 pm.

Gibside Garden

Enjoy walking paths at this Georgian landscape garden, featuring plenty of wildlife. Follow the winding river and turning valley for fantastic views. up with hot chocolate and delicious biscuits in the second-hand bookshop.

Book at nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside.

Open: daily except 24 and 25 March, 10 am-4 pm.

1. What do Painswick Rococo Garden and Nymans Garden have in common?

A．Valley views.

B．Frosty flowers.

C．Seasonal produce.

D．Pet permission.

2. Which garden favors people with walking disability?

A．Painswick Rococo Garden.	B．Nymans Garden.
C．Ventnor Botanic Garden.	D．Gibside Garden.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a research paper.	B．In a travel brochure.
C．In a science magazine.	D．In a geography textbook.

5 . If you are seeking a nice vacation destination for your family, the country of Greece should be at the top of your list. Apart from being one of the most beautiful places on the earth, it is also home to some of the best food and wine that has ever been produced.     1    

Good accommodation is hard to find. Whether hotel or resort, chances are they’re all booked. Because of this, you better know when to book reservations.     2     Beaches are less crowded and deals are better. For the low on budget, you may choose the youth hostels in Santorini for an elegant view.

    3     In contrast to common belief, there are fewer vegetarian (素食者) choices than you might expect. The Greeks consume significantly more meat than the rest of the Mediterranean population. The majority of the restaurants provide meat-based dishes, and the food is unquestionably delicious.

Not all beaches are safe. Just like in any other country, not everything is as safe as it seems. Some of Greece’s beaches can be dangerous. Milos is home to some of the most beautiful but dangerous beaches in Greece.     4     To be more cautious, avoid such beaches whenever possible.

You’ll need cash.     5     This is because you will hardly find ATMs since they are mostly located at a distance, inaccessible, or even non-existent. It is recommended that you convert your money to Euros in advance as this is the currency you are going to be using.

A．Vegetarian options are limited.

B．Meat-based dishes are quite tasty.

C．Tsigrados, a beach from there, comes with a warning sign.

D．The best time is during low season and shoulder season.

E．Make sure you have adequate money before you fly to Greece.

F．You can book a room with a bird’s eye view of the fantastic beaches.

G．But there are a few things you should be aware of before travelling to Greece.

6 . Travel to Yunnan in the Four Seasons

Spring: March to May

Spring in Yunnan is warm with few rains, and the temperature changes quickly.

Average temperature: 6 – 20℃ (43 – 68℉)

Clothes: jackets , hoodies(连帽衫), long sleeves, jeans

Recommended tour destinations: The spring in Yunnan is the best time to visit blooming flowers and newly sprouted(发芽的）plants. Luoping, Dali and Lijiang are the most beautiful places in Yunnan during this time. You may go to Luoping for the seas of yellow rape flowers, and enjoy the cherry blossoms around Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake in Dali.

Summer: June to August

It’s not as hot as other places in China, and it’s often rainy. You may take an umbrella and raincoat with you.

Average temperature: 15 – 26℃ (59 – 79℉)

Clothes: T-shirts, short sleeves, thin pants…

Recommended tour destinations: In summer, you may appreciate lotus flowers in Puzhehei Scenic Area, stroll around Lijiang Ancient Town, visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Shuhe Ancient Town and Lugu Lake in Lijiang.

Autumn: September to November – BEST Months to Visit Yunnan

Both the temperature and the rainfall decrease in autumn. It’s cool and clear to go for pleasant trips.

Average temperature: 17 – 25℃ (63 – 77℉)

Clothes: T-shirts, jeans, basketball coat…

Recommended tour destinations: To see the most beautiful autumn leaves and flowers in Yunnan, you can go to Gudong Gingko Village in Tengchong, Stone Forest in Kunming and Potatso National Park in Shangri-La.

Winter: December to February

It’s sunny and dry usually with a lower temperature, even so it’s still warmer than the northern China. Lots of visitors go there to escape from bitter cold and consider it the best time to visit Yunnan China.

Average temperature: 8 – 19℃ (46 – 66℉)

Clothes: sweaters, overcoats, jackets, thick pants…

Recommended tour destinations: There are varied scenic spots and activities to do in winter. The world heritage Yuanyang Rice Terraces is fantastic with the glittering watering fields all over the mountains. Xishuangbanna houses the only tropical rainforest in China, which is also a popular winter destination.

1. What do we know about Spring in Yunnan?

A．It enjoys a significantly high temperature.

B．It rains quite a lot with changeable weather.

C．You may appreciate blooming flowers and newly sprouted plants at this time.

D．You may pack jackets ,short sleeves and thin pants in your luggage then.

2. Which of the following may the author agree with?

A．It is still hot and rains a lot in Autumn in Yunnan .

B．Summer in Li jiang is much the same as other places.

C．You may appreciate lotus flowers in Lijiang Ancient Town.

D．Stone Forest features beautiful autumn leaves and flowers.

3. Which place possesses the only tropical rainforest in China?

A．Luoping	B．Xishuangbanna
C．Lijiang	D．Kunming

7 . If you’re planning to visit Japan, it is a good idea to understand some basic customs.

DON’T WALK AND CHEW GUM.

Americans are always in such a hurry that we grab lunch at the drive with one hand while holding onto the steering wheel with the other.

The Japanese don’t walk around while eating or drinking. This seems strange in a culture that like vending machines (自动售卖机). In fact, the Japanese will often get a snack or soda out of a vending machine and then stand there, next to the vending machine, until they’ve finished it.

SURGICAL MASKS

Seeing photos of people in Japan wearing surgical masks, you might wonder if surgical masks are just a fashion. Meanwhile, in America, we cough into the open air, and sneak out of restrooms without washing up.

In Japan, it’s not nice to share germs (细菌). If you’re sick and you must leave your home, you put a surgical mask because that’s polite. Surgical masks are also worn out of caution — if you travel in a packed train during flu season, it’s a good idea to do so.

THE MISUSE OF SOY SAUCE

You’re probably used to eating white rice with soy sauce (酱汁) all over it in American Asian restaurants, but don’t do it in Japan. Soy sauce in Japan is not meant for drowning out the subtle flavor of white rice.

About YOUR SHOES

Wearing shoe in the house is just not something people do in Japan. You should remove your shoes immediately after entering a Japanese home and also when entering most historic buildings.

1. The author is telling American tourists in Japan to ________.

A．drink while walking	B．eat while driving
C．eat food quickly	D．drink near the vending machine

2. The Japanese consider wearing a surgical mask as ________.

A．a fashion	B．a danger
C．good manners	D．a good idea

3. When you are visiting a Japanese home, you are advised to ___________.

A．get a snack	B．remove your shoes
C．put soy sauce over the rice	D．wear a mask

8 . Tanzania Trip

Tanzania is a country in East Africa. The following is the information of a Tanzania trip.

Travel Plan:

Day 1: The trip starts in the city of Moshi. In Moshi, you can go to the markets, see historic buildings, and pick up gifts for your friends.

Day 2: Drive to the Serengeti National Park early in the morning. Serengeti National Park is a large national park. It has about 3,000,000 large animals. Most of these animals join in a seasonal migration (迁徙).

Day 3: Drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro. Have lunch at Visitor’s Center.

Day 4: Arrive at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is a huge area with mountains, forests and lakes.

Day 5: Drive from Ngorongoro to the Olduvai Gorge. At Olduvai Gorge, there’s a small museum at the visitor center. Travelers can get knowledge at the museum. Return to Moshi in the afternoon.

Price: $1,900

*What are included in the trip price:

Moshi — includes hotel stay, airport/town transfers (转移), and welcome dinner.

Local guides — local guides are all included in the trip price.

*What are Not included in the trip price.

Trip insurance (保险)   — We strongly advise travelers to buy trip insurance.

Restaurant food in town — We are happy to suggest good restaurants in town.

Tips — We suggest $2.5 to $3 for the local African waiters/waitresses, and another $5 to $10 for your American guide.

When you pack, we advise each person to bring only one suitcase. It’s a great idea to bring a small bag for items like a camera and a water bottle. For more information, please call 1-800-766-3396!

1. When can travelers see animals?

A．On Day 2.

B．On Day 3.

C．On Day 4.

D．On Day 5.

2. Which of the following is included in the $1,900?

A．Meals in town.	B．Trip insurance.
C．Tips for the American guide.	D．Welcome dinner.

3. What does the text suggest in the last paragraph?

A．Preparing enough clothing.	B．Packing as few as possible.
C．Sharing pictures with others.	D．Signing up for the trip by phone.

9 . 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。

Lijiang was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 for its historic town site, architecture and ancient water-supply system.

The Old Town of Lijiang,     1     (locate) in China’s Yunan province, is one of the last ancient towns that survive in China. Lying in     2     broad, fertile valley in the northwest of Yunan Province, Lijiang     3     (be) a commercial, cultural and political center of the Naxi (纳西族) people since Yuan Dynasty. Lijiang may leave an     4    (impress) on you for its beauty. The aging wooden buildings decorated with red lanterns and local musicians     5     (play) their old Naxi instruments in the time-worn streets show a lifestyle and culture that seem lost in time.

As UNESCO describes the village on its website, “The old Town of Lijiang,     6     is perfectly adapted to the uneven land form, has kept a historic townscape of high quality.” Its architecture is well known     7     combining the elements from several ancient cultures. Lijiang also possesses     8     we call the ancient water-supply system that still functions     9     (effective) today. However, with more and more tourists pouring in, it remains     10     (see) whether Lijiang can continue to keep its traditional lifestyle and culture.

10 . What to See In Harbin

Parks in Harbin: Snow Sculpture Expo on the Sun Island Park: massive and beautifully carved sculptures of snow. Ice Lantern Festival: where large ice buildings and statues constructed with lights inside that make them glow. Siberian Tiger Park: The park has several large caged areas where the tigers roam freely and live as they-would in their natural environment. We enter these caged areas in a specially designed van with large windows to get a look at these beautiful beasts. Live pheasants (雉) are let loose (if you pay) in order to show you the tigers' natural hunting skills.   

Russian Architecture: Blessed with grace and character, the city is famous for its unique, Russian-influenced architecture. Remnants (残存) from the days when Harbin was an important stop on the Russian Manchurian Railroad, the dome-shaped structures remind people of pre-revolutionary Russia. The strong Russian flavor continues to impact the city today due to new trade and tourism between Harbin and Russia.

The Central Avenue: Passers-by only street, a perfect remaining part of the busy international business activities at the turn of the 20th century. The 1.4-km long street is a worthy museum of European architectural styles, including Baroque and Byzantine facades, Jewish architectural wonders, little Russian bakeries, French fashion houses, American snack food outlets, and Japanese restaurants.   

Guogeli Avenue: Harbin's second biggest shopping district dotted with Russian buildings. A tram track is still preserved in the centre of the road. The street is named after Nikolay (Vasilyevich) Gogol (1809-1852); great Russian novelist, dramatist, satirist, founder of the so-called critical realism in Russian literature, best-known for his novel MERTVYE DUSHI I-II (1842, Dead Souls).   

Saint Sophia Church (built in 1903): The Orthodox church is a wonderful example of Russian Architecture. We only tour the outside of the church. The inside has been turned into some painters' market and is a big disappointment to all who visit it. You are welcome to venture into the church. Entrance fees are RMB20 per person.

1. From where does the author look at the tigers?

A．Through the windows of his house.	B．In the closed areas of tigers.
C．In the areas for walking.	D．In their natural environment.

2. Where can visitors see the most diverse styles of architecture?

A．At Ice Lantern Festival.	B．On the Russian Manchurian Railroad.
C．On The Central Avenue.	D．On Guogeli Avenue.

3. When walking in the city of Harbin, what can visitors still strongly feel?

A．The Russian flavor.	B．The influence of Guogeli's realism.
C．The damage to Saint Sophia Church.	D．The mixture of American and Japanese cultures.