1 . When your home becomes a tourist attraction
Have you ever looked at a beautiful little news house in London and thought “It must be so amazing to live there?”
Alice Johnston is a longtime resident of Notting Hill, the London neighborhood famous for pastel-painted row houses and for being the setting of the movie of the same name. Johnston, a journalist, has complicated feelings about her Instagram-beloved neighborhood. She lives on Portobello Road, one of the capital’s most famous streets.
Once, she and a friend were walking his French bulldog when a tourist asked if they could “borrow” the pup for a quick photo. The friend and the dog agreed, the Instagrammer posed with the Frenchie in front of a bright blue door and then handed over five pounds as a thank you. In that story, everybody had a good time.
| A．And she has witnessed all kinds of crazy behavior committed in the pursuit of the perfect snapshot. |
| B．But there can be a darker side to living inside what some people think is a movie set. |
| C．“For us it’s a tremendous pleasure to be able to share the house and see so many people happy and excited about it.” |
| D．If so, you’re not the only one. |
| E．When private homes become tourist attractions, conflicts can occur. |
| F．When it comes to living in a much-photographed place, some people try to take the good with the bad. |
2 . Tips to Keep Your Personal Items Safe While Travelling
You might be surprised to hear that even in the limited space of an airplane, thefts still do occur. In a case reported, two men on board a flight were arrested after being suspected of stealing cash from fellow passengers’ mid-flight.
Keep your valuables such as cash, your ID and passport, and jewellery in a small bag that you can place under the seat in front of you. Rest your feet on your bag to make sure no one gets close to the bag.
| A．To ensure you get enough storage room, try to board the flight early. |
| B．Bring it with you whenever you leave your seat. |
| C．Thieves won’t spend too long on locked bags as it may draw attention to themselves. |
| D．Cases like this are known as in-flight, or mid-flight thefts. |
| E．Keep your cash or credit cards in different hiding places. |
| F．Make sure your bag is easily recognizable so thieves can’t just switch it out with a similar looking bag. |
3 . Mt. Everest is no longer an inaccessible giant. More than 4,000 people have stood on the world’s highest peak since 1953. Last year alone, more than 650 people made it to the top.
But as the crowds have grown, so too has the list of stories coming from the mountain: long lines over train, and conflict over the value of Sherpas.
For people who want a more drama-free climbing experience, the globe is filled with other peaks worth tackling.
There are literally 13 other mountains over 8,000 meters and some get virtually no attention. They are very challenging mountains that would be an equal feather in someone’s hat to climb with many routes still to be discovered, unlike Everest. Mountains taller than 8,000 meters (more than 26,000 feet) are rare and exceptionally challenging to climb, purely for the lack of oxygen at such height. Above 8,000 m, it becomes so difficult to breathers that climbers call it the “death zone.”
The Himalayas contain all 14 of the world’s 8,000 meter-plus peaks, which are among Nepal, China, India and Pakistan. Among those, Everest is not only the tallest. It’s also accessible by hiking for about a week and a half after flying into Lukla.
From there, the mountain is loaded with equipment, including a cell phone tower and Sherpas who fix ropes for Western climbers. That makes the climb far less technical than it otherwise would be.
Why Do People Keep Climbing Mt. Everest? “It’s certainly not the easiest climb because of the height,” said Alan Amette, a mountaineer and Everest blogger in Fort Collins, Colo. “I hate the word ‘easy’ for any 8,000-meter mountain. A better word is achievable. Everest is achievable.”
One emerging alternative to Everest is K2, the world’s second tallest mountain — at 8,611 m (28,251 feet) to Everest’s 8,848 m (29,029 feet). But for every four or so people who have summited K2, one person has died trying, Amette said, for a total of 300 successful climbs and 81 deaths.
On Everest, by comparison, the ratio of successes to deaths is about 24 to one with more than 6,000 summits and about 250 deaths. K2 is a “loose” mountain with lots of rock fall and avalanche (雪崩) activity, Amette said. Its main route also goes up the east side, making climbers get affected by incoming storms.
1. The term “Death Zone” is used to describe an area ________.| A．that is 8,000 meters high with the shortage of oxygen |
| B．where there is the highest rate of death in mountain-climbing |
| C．where climbers are unable to breathe |
| D．where breathers are very likely to die due to the height |
| A．They cover as many as four countries. |
| B．They contain ten peaks over 8,000 meters. |
| C．Everest is its tallest and easiest peak to climb. |
| D．Everest is its peak with good technical support. |
| A．more people died in mountain-climbing |
| B．more natural disasters occur due to its loose quality |
| C．there are more snow storms happening on average |
| D．storms are more unpredictable at the peak |
| A．Introduction to the exciting mountain climbing. |
| B．The awesome challenges of the tallest mountains. |
| C．Climbing the most challenging mountains in the world. |
| D．How to overcome difficulties as those brave mountaineers. |
4 . If you’re planning a visit to Universal Studios Japan, you’re in for a treat! To help you make the most of your time in the park, we’ve compiled a list of 5 USJ tips to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.
1. Buy your tickets in advance and arrive an hour early
The big thing you should know to start if visiting Universal Studios Japan anytime soon is that the park has been quietly opening around an hour before the published time. Since this early opening is unadvertised and unpublished, it could stop happening at any time.
2. Download the USJ app
If you want to check ride wait times, show schedules, the park map, and more, download the USJ app. With the app on your phone, you can time when to go on certain rides and know about current ride closures. Additionally, if you are lucky, you might also be able to receive digital timed- entry passes for free!
3. Purchase Universal Express Passes
A game-changing USJ tip is purchasing Universal Express Passes, so you can save time on queuing for rides and different attractions. This is especially useful for popular areas, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, as they have limited capacity.
4. Take advantage of the Single Rider lines
A USJ tip: Take the Single Rider lines! These tend to be shorter than regular lines as single riders are used to fill up each rollercoaster train. If you’re travelling alone or simply don’t mind riding with strangers, line up here, and get to your ride faster!
5. Visit during weekdays or off-peak seasons
If you find Express Passes too costly or want to avoid large crowds and long wait times, visit on weekdays or off-peak seasons! Another insider USJ tip is to visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The weekend will naturally have more people visiting, but what others don’t know is that local school trips are scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays!
Universal Studios Japan Ticket Prices 2023
| Ticket Type | Adult (12+) | Child (Ages 4—11) | Senior (65+) |
| 1-Day Studio Pass | ¥8,900 (weekdays) ¥9,800 | ¥5,400(weekdays) ¥6,300 | ¥7,600(weekdays) ¥8,500 |
| Twilight Pass (After 3 PM) | ¥5,900(weekdays) ¥6,200 | ¥3,500(weekdays) ¥3,700 | N/A |
| 1.5-Day Studio Pass | ¥13,400 | ¥8,600 | N/A |
| A．You can check the waiting time for the popular rides. |
| B．You can find a park map on the app. |
| C．You can check the show schedules on the app. |
| D．You can always receive digital timed-entry passes for free. |
① arrive an hour early before the official opening time on weekdays
② use the USJ app to book a ride whenever you want
③ purchase Universal Express Passes for the popular areas
④ take the Single Rider lines with your friends
| A．①③ | B．①②③ | C．①③④ | D．①②③④ |
| A．¥28500 | B．¥29600 | C．¥32000 | D．¥39200 |
The Best Way to See Singapore. See More for Less! | |
 | City Sightseeing $33/A, $23/C, FREE/T 24 hours of Unlimited Touring – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Duration: 1 day (unlimited rides) Attractions: Civic District, Orchard Road, Botanic Gardens, Little India, Chinatown & more along the City & Heritage routes. It is easy to enjoy Singapore with the City Sightseeing open-top touring system. Spot an interesting place or sight? Simply hop off and walk around and you can continue the tour later by hopping on the next bus. With one bus arriving every 20 minutes, the City Sightseeing system links you to major sights, attractions and hotels! * Guests Helpline: 6338 – 6877 |
 | DUCK $33/A, $23/C, $2/T Daily: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Duration: 60 minutes Ride the original DUCK! Hop on this amphibious (两栖的) craft for a sightseeing tour which covers both land and sea! * Free bus transfer; most popular tour; 1st and original DUCK; unique land & sea adventure. * For More Information, call 6338 – 6859. |
 | Night Sa fari $49/A, $33/C, FREE/T Tour Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Duration: 4 hours Observe the night activities of the 1,000 over nocturnal ( 夜间 活 动 的 ) animals in the Night Safari – the world’s first wildlife night park, for an adventure you’ll never forget. * Free & easy with 2-way bus transfer. * For More Information, call 6338 – 6826. |
 | Flyer $53/A, $37/C, Free/T Open Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Duration: 30 minutes Feast your eyes on Singapore’s magnificent cityscape from a height of 165 metres on the world’s largest observation wheel. Get your cameras ready as you experience a 360-degree panoramic (全景的) view of the city and the Marina Bay area. * Free bus transfer; free river transfer. * For More Information, call 6338 – 3311 |
A – adult, C – children (3-12), T – toddler (2 & below) | |
| A．6338 – 6859 | B．6338 – 6826 |
| C．6338 – 3311 | D．6338 – 6877 |
| A．City Sightseeing | B．DUCK |
| C．Night Safari | D．Flyer |
| A．$89 | B．$91 | C．$99 | D．$101 |
| A．City Sightseeing | B．DUCK |
| C．Night Safari | D．Flyer |
6 . Win
The winner can go to one of these amazing places.
You can go with three friends.
You will be away for five days.
You can go anytime in January.
Your starting point is London.
All expenses paid including: travel, accommodation and food.
Sights and the city!
Paris, France
From the Eiffel Tower to Disneyland, from cafés to art galleries — there’s something for everyone in this historic but modern city!
●Accommodation: apartment with cooking facilities
●Travel from London: 2.5 hours by train
●Average January temperature:-3℃
Shopping and shows!
New York, USA
From an unforgettable show with a backstage tour to some world-famous shops and a city that never sleeps — you’ll love it!
●Accommodation: apartment with cooking facilities
●Travel from London: 7 hours by plane
●Average January temperature: -3℃
Go and get lazy!
Goa, India
A complete break from the stress of everyday life. Relax with unspoilt beaches, delicious food and perfect sunshine.
●Accommodation: beach house with cooking facilities
●Travel from London: 8 hours by train
●Average January temperature: 32℃
Spanish Spa special!
Seville, Spain
Amazing spa break with unlimited health and beauty treatments, swimming pool, beautiful scenery and delicious food!
●Accommodation: 3-star hotel
●Travel from London: 3 hours by plane
●Average January temperature: 8℃
Something for everyone!
Dubai, UAE
You stay in a huge new hotel. You go shopping in a huge new shopping centre. You sunbathe on a huge new beach. What more could you want?
●Accommodation: 5-star hotel
●Travel from London: 7 hours by plane
●Average January temperature: 25℃
1. According to the passage, the winner of the competition must ________.| A．go travelling with his/her family | B．start his/her journey from London |
| C．go anytime other than January | D．pay for his/her own accommodation |
| A．Paris, France | B．New York, USA |
| C．Dubai, UAE | D．Goa, India |
| A．promote different international tourist destinations |
| B．introduce some major cities around the world |
| C．publicize the rules of the competition |
| D．appeal to more competitors |
7 . In the ancient walled city of Sana’a, mud skyscrapers rise high into the sky. The towering structures are built entirely out of earth and decorated with striking geometric patterns. The local mud architecture is so unique that the city has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“As an outstanding example of architecture reflecting the spatial characteristics of the early years, the city in its landscape has an extraordinary artistic and pictorial quality,” UNESCO writes in its description of Sana’a. “The buildings also demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship in the use of local materials and techniques.”
Even though the buildings in Sana’a are thousands of years old, they remain “terribly contemporary”, says Salma Samar Damliyi, co-founder of the Mud Brick Architecture Foundation. The ancient structures are still inhabited today and most remain private residences. Damliyi says it is easy to see why these mud buildings have not lost their appeal — they are well-insulated(绝缘的)，sustainable and extremely adaptable for modern use. “It is the architecture of the future,” says Damliyi.
Architects around the world are reviving (复兴) raw-earth construction as they seek to construct sustainable buildings that can resist extreme weather events such as flash floods and intense heat. Could this ancient form of architecture influence the design of our future homes?
The construction industry accounts for 38% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The building sector has an important role to play if the world is to meet the goal of reaching net zero by 2050. Concrete, a common modern construction material, has a huge carbon footprint. Replacing concrete with less polluting materials is critical to achieving our climate goals, scientists warn.
The ancient material, mud, could be the perfect sustainable alternative to concrete, according to Damliyi. Constructing with mud has a very low impact on the environment and the material itself is fully recyclable, she says. “If you want to pull down a wall or change the design, you can recycle all the materials.” An added bonus is that mud buildings are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This reduces the need for air conditioning units, which consume large amounts of electricity and contain refrigerants that comprise greenhouse gas emissions. Mud structures are also incredibly strong and resistant to extreme weather, such as heatwaves, floods and droughts, which scientists say will become more frequent and intense as temperatures continue to rise.
Therefore, people who wish to live in a modern, comfortable home should consider one made of mud. Overall, it makes for highly advanced as well as sustainable design.
1. According to the first two paragraphs, buildings in Sana’a are “unique” because ________ .| A．they are tall and tower over the entire city |
| B．their geometric patterns create artistic feelings |
| C．they are beautifully crafted with local resources |
| D．their fascinating history has attracted many tourists |
| A．They can reduce the chance of extreme weather events. |
| B．They can be ideal for sustainable future construction. |
| C．They might produce lots of greenhouse gas emissions. |
| D．They might cause substantial temperature changes. |
| A．mud might be an important solution to the climate crisis |
| B．the mud buildings in Sana’a are no longer suitable to live |
| C．rebuilding mud construction would take great efforts |
| D．mud becomes the favourite material of architects |
| A．The Historic Cities that Mark Human Civilization |
| B．The Construction Industry that Threatens Climate Goals |
| C．The Modern Architecture that Survives Extreme Weather |
| D．The Ancient Material that Makes for Future House Designs |
8 .
| Supersized activities for your little ones at Sentosa During the June Holidays | |
| Storytelling Comes Alive! Date: Every Wed-Sun at 11:30 am. 3:30 pm & 5:30 pm Venue: Images of Singapore Forecourt Admission: Free Enjoy SUPERSIZED activities for the entire family this June at our international award winning interactive event, Story Telling Comes Alive! This is where the story teller uses a giant storybook, puppetry and characters coming alive to bring the exciting and fun stories to life. | Boogie with Captain Palawan Date: Every Tuesdays to Fridays Time: 2:25 pm &4:15 pm Admission: Free Join in the boogie fun with Captain Palawan on the Beach! Bop to the rhythm and you may dance your way to some prizes! |
| Art Excursion at Sentosa Date: 8 & 15 June 2015 (Children) 22 June 2015 (Family) Time: 9 am - 5 pm Admission: $120 per child (SentosaPlayPass: $90 per child) $360 per family (SentosaPlayPass: $270 per family) Unleash your child’s creativity with the Art Excursion conducted by My Art Studio. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange creative ideas inspired by what they experience as they move through various stations in Sentosa. | Storytelling at Underwater World Singapore Date: 1-24 June 2015, every Sat& Sun Time: 11:45 am &3:15 pm Venue: Underwater World Singapore Admission: $20 per adult $10 per child (No admission charge for anyone with a SentosaPlayPass) Come and listen to storyteller, Denise Tan, as she shares stories about marine animals and marine conservation in the Living Fossils Hall filled with displays of ancient marine animals. |
SentosaPlayPass
1 pass, 1 price, MORE PLAY!
Play to your heart’s content with a day trip to Sentosa. Enjoy greater value at Sentosa with the SentosaPlayPass now!
Visit 16 attractions with one pass to enjoy more than 60% discount on admission charges!
Visit www.Sentosapass.com for more information.
Get your SentosaPlayPass at any Sentosa ticketing counters or selected TransitLink ticket offices.
Sentosa 40th Celebration
Simply spend a minimum of $40 in a single receipt and stand a chance to win attractive prizes! Visit www.Sentosa40.com or call James at 64321789
*Available during weekdays from 9-5pm at bugis, ChangiAirport, Chinatown, City Hall and Orchard stations. Somerset station is open from 9am-12(noon) on weekends.
1. John, who is a SentosaPlayPass holder, needn’t pay for the activities EXCEPT ______.
| A．Storytelling Comes Alive | B．Art Excursion at Sentosa |
| C．Boogie with Captain Palawan | D．Storytelling at Underwater World Singapore |
| A．Boogie with Captain Palawan is an activity that happens daily. |
| B．Denise Tan will share her stories at Images of Singapore Forecourt. |
| C．Storytelling Comes Alive is recognized globally for its engaging content. |
| D．You will win prizes if you spend at least $40 in a single receipt at Sentosa. |
| A．Bugis station | B．Somerset station |
| C．any TransitLink ticket office | D．any Sentosa ticketing office |
The Puffing Billy Railway, located about 40 km east of Melbourne, was constructed in the early 1900s to open up remote areas. The present line between Belgrave and Gembrook travels through the forests and farmlands of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. Today, this non-profit Railway operates almost daily thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 900 dedicated volunteers. |
| General Information: People with disabilities – can be accommodated on most excursion trains, including a limited number of wheelchairs. Please phone to check availability. Easy access toilets are at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook. Refreshments and souvenirs – are available at most stations. Railway Tracks – standing and walking on the tracks is not permitted. Prams (婴儿车) – only folding or narrow type prams can be accommodated through the narrow carriage doors. Smoking – is not permitted on the train or under any roofed areas. Assistance Dogs certified by a registered authority – are the only dogs allowed on the train and must be kept on lead at all times. Alcohol – is not permitted on trains (except as provided in dining cars). Toilets – are located at each station. Parenting rooms are located at Belgrave, Lakeside & Gembrook. Photographs and videos – for personal use are permitted. Wedding photography and any use, re-use or reproduction for commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission. |
| Conditions: Concession fares (优惠票价) are available to Australian bearers of Health Care, Student, Seniors, Companion or Pensioner cards. (Exclude evening dining and events). Your signature may be required on day of travel for verification purposes. Children under 4 years, not occupying a seat, are carried FREE on excursion trains only, excluding special events and dining trains. Discounts are available for pre-booked group travel (20 or more) on a return journey, except on Sundays, public holidays and school holidays. All trains are steam-driven unless a diesel locomotive (柴油机车) is required in exceptional circumstances. First Class Travel return journeys are on appointed trains only. |
| A．international tourists in Australia |
| B．potential travelers of the steam trains |
| C．local residents in Dandenong Ranges |
| D．volunteers on the Puffing Billy Railway |
| A．prams | B．guide dogs | C．wheelchairs | D．alcohol |
| A．Taking photos is forbidden on most excursion trains. |
| B．Toilets for the disabled are not available at all stations. |
| C．Foreign visitors to Australia can also get concession fares. |
| D．One can get tickets at a lower price as long as he books in advance. |
10 . About 20 minutes away from River Campus, one might
This odd artistic
The
These works of art were all designed and
| A．feel | B．hear | C．handle | D．touch |
| A．designs | B．history | C．background | D．plans |
| A．top | B．back | C．surface | D．outside |
| A．platform | B．room | C．architecture | D．sculpture |
| A．purchase | B．disappearance | C．creation | D．collapse |
| A．origin | B．course | C．journey | D．adventure |
| A．sharp | B．straight | C．round | D．square |
| A．back | B．blind | C．similar | D．access |
| A．easy | B．obvious | C．common | D．simple |
| A．puts forward | B．begins with | C．takes on | D．compared to |
| A．With the help of | B．In the front of | C．With regards to | D．In terms of |
| A．decorated | B．equipped | C．marked | D．filled |
| A．flower | B．branch | C．grass | D．leave |
| A．spread | B．bought | C．observed | D．made |
| A．expresses | B．concluded | C．carries | D．loads |
