2 . Change can be unsettling. Good or bad, exciting or unexpected, there’s an undeniable anxiety that accompanies seeing our lives shift. Thankfully, nature reminds us that entering a new season in our lives is nothing to fear but something to enjoy.

What’s now known as “leaf-peeping” has become a highly profitable form of tourism in the United States. A research shows that across states in the eastern half of the country, fall foliage (叶子) tourism contributes more than $30 billion to local economies. And even though climate change has made int more difficult to predict when exactly foliage will peak, it hasn’t stopped people from trying to figure it out. Tourism leaders from the Smoky Mountains recently released their annual fall foliage prediction map which helps travelers plan out when they have the best chance to catch those beautiful autumn views.

Perhaps part of what makes the foliage so special is the belief that it’s temporary. Eventually, branches will become bare, and we’ll stop taking photos for social media. And as the seasons change and we feel that familiar longing for what was, trees will once again embrace (欣然接受) their evolution.

Even when they aren’t decorated with flashy fall colors and their internal systems slow down, trees are still supporting the ecosystem. Their fallen leaves are broken down by bacteria and fungi and provide the soil with nutrients the tree needs to grow. Insects take up shelter in their bark, eventually becoming food for other wildlife seeking a place to nest. Their strong roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion (侵蚀) from winter snowmelt.

Right now, trees around the country are already beginning to welcome their next chapter. During this time of the year, it feels like forests are just offering endless joy for free. And fall foliage is an everlasting reminder that the growth with changes is beautiful.

1. What does “leaf-peeping” refer to?

A．A form of tourism where people go to see fall foliage.

B．A measure taken by tourism leaders to protect trees.

C．A research about the effects of climate change on trees.

D．A method for predicting when fall foliage will peak.

2. Why do people find fall foliage so special?

A．It brings change to daily life.	B．It contributes to local economy.
C．It helps preserve ecosystems.	D．It lasts only for a short time.

3. What can we learn about trees in fall from paragraph 4?

A．They are easily damaged by bacteria.	B．They stop rooting due to cold weather.
C．They continue providing shelter for wildlife.	D．They play a role in reducing snowfall.

4. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?

A．Trees Supporting the Ecosystem	B．Lesson from Trees: Embracing Change
C．Fall Foliage Tourism in the US	D．Climate Changes in the Season of Fall

3 . 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。

Long ago in Ancient China, there was a mythical figure     1     (know) as Shennong. Not only did Shennong bring agriculture and the use of herbal medicine to China, but he also invented     2     (agriculture) tools and techniques, and the Chinese calendar with its 24 solar terms.

It is said that the home town of Shennong was a forest in Hubei Province, which today is called “Shennongjia”. This beautiful and diverse region covers     3     area of 3,253 square kilometers of north-west Hubei Province. It gives shelter to over 1000 species of medicinal plants, many of     4     are rare and unique to Shennongjia. Here mountain slopes     5     (cover) with trees and some of them grow up to 40 meters tall. In summer, pink and violet flowers lend splashes of color. These are some of     6     (it) most breathtaking landscapes. The magnificent Shennong Peak rises to 3,105 meters above sea level.

Banbiyan is famous for its stone forest, as well as its bamboo forests and grasslands that flood with     7     (flower). The stone forests of Fengjingya stand     8     a background of green mountains that reaches as far as the eye can see. When it rains, the tops of these mountains look like islands     9     (float) on a sea of clouds. Come to Shennongjia     10     (enjoy) its beauty and the legend.

4 . It’s getting close to midnight, and close to my destination—mile marker 133 on Alaska’s Glenn Highway, where I’m on the road to realize a lifelong dream. I’m going to see the northern lights.

I am Scott’s only customer tonight, but whether it’s one person or a bridal party from Japan, the professional photographer and videographer loves to come put here to witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows — and to share it with others. “I can’t tell you how much joy I get from seeing the smile on people’s faces. That’s worth it right there. That’s the reason why I do tours,” he says.

I emerge from the van into minus 6 degrees. A bazillion stars sparkle, and the Milky Way pours overhead. What looks like a gray stream of cloud arches low over the horizon. “That’s it!” says Scott. Really? That’s it? I spent 13 hours in planes and airports, and then drove 2.5 hours to see a gray belt? “Patience,” he says. “It will get better. Wait till 2 am. That’s usually the best time.”

Aurora (极光) tourism is combined with winter activities like ice fishing, snow machine rides, and hot springs. As aurora guides and scientists will tell you, there’s no guarantee of a sighting. But Fairbanks is a statistically good bet because of its northern location and freedom from coastal clouds, which can be a challenge for Anchorage. Travelers are recommended to put aside at least three nights to improve your chances of viewing, with the idea that you’ll be up much of the night each time.

Each time he wakes me and I step outside, it appears more glorious. At first, a fuzz the size of a honeydew floats along the horizon. Another time, a broad green line stretches across the sky, followed by a short tail. “Do you see the red?” Scott asks. He has me look through his camera. It can see more color than the naked eye. Finally, as if playing a visual symphonic tune, a giant line of phosphorous (发磷光的) green seems to swoop down to the treetops and dollop them with a curlicue swirl. I’m smiling inside and out. We can go now.

1. What makes Scott like to do aurora tourism?

A．The chance to take spectacular photos.	B．The happiness of tourists.
C．The party to enjoy the norther lights.	D．His lifelong dream.

2. What can we infer about the author from Paragraph 3?

A．She felt very angry.	B．She was quite thrilled.
C．She was a little disappointed.	D．She gradually lost her patience.

3. Why is Fairbanks an ideal place to enjoy the northern lights?

A．It offers visitors a guaranteed sighting.

B．It’s located in the Antarctic Circle.

C．It has winter activities for travelers.

D．It’s free from coastal cloudy weather.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．The beauty of aurora.	B．Scott’s camera.
C．The author’s departure.	D．The shapes of northern lights.

5 . While temperatures continue to climb, visitors are still coming to see Death Valley National Park on the California-Nevada border. The park is known as the hottest place on Earth. This past weekend, the temperatures climbed to 53.33℃. Most visitors at this time of year make it only a short distance to any area in the park before returning to the cool air in their vehicles.

Early information from the park service shows that across the nation’s 424 national parks, at least four people have died this year from heat-related causes. That includes a 65-year-old man from San Diego who was found dead at Death Valley earlier this month.

Death Valley National Park suggests visitors be careful and not have expectations of rescue. While park rangers (护林员) drive on park roads and can aid tourists in need, it is unsure that lost visitors will get help in time.

Physical activity can make the heat feel even worse and leave people exhausted. Alessia Dempster, who was visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland, said, “It’s very hot especially when there’s a gentle wind. You would think maybe that would give you some slight relief from the heat, but it just really does feel like an air blow dryer just going back in your face.”

Death Valley is a narrow area that is below sea level and surrounded by high mountains, the park service’s website says. The dry air and small plant coverage let sunlight heat up the park surface. The heat then becomes trapped in the valley.

Still, several areas in Death Valley continue to draw tourists. Badwater Basin, made up of salt flats, is considered the lowest point in all of North America. The 183-meter Ubehebe Crater dates back over 2,000 years. And Zabriskie Point is a great sunrise viewing spot.

Josh Miller, a visitor from Indianapolis who has been to 20 national parks so far, shared that feeling. “It’s hot, but the scenery is awesome,” he said.

1. What do most visitors do in Death Valley?

A．Cool themselves in time.	B．Do lots of physical exercises.
C．Stay away from park rangers.	D．Carry dryers with themselves.

2. Why does the author mention the 65-year-old man in paragraph 2?

A．To encourage the elderly to travel more.

B．To express admiration for mountain climbers.

C．To advise people to tour Death Valley more often.

D．To show the danger of traveling in Death Valley.

3. What does paragraph 5 mainly tell us about Death Valley?

A．Its covering area.	B．Its attractive spots.
C．The reason why it is so hot.	D．The service of its park’s website.

4. What can be inferred about Death Valley from the last two paragraphs?

A．It has a short history.	B．It is worth visiting.
C．It draws fewer and fewer tourists.	D．It is unsuitable for viewing sunrise.

6 . 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。

Rows of small cottages with    1    (beauty) courtyards come into sight when one sets foot on Xiaopan village, Pan’an county of Zhejiang province. They were developed on local villagers’empty houses and are now used as shared homestays(家庭住宿)    2    (develop) tourism in the village.

Tourists can pick fresh vegetables in    3    communal (公共的) garden, while meals    4    (serve) from a communal kitchen. The fresh air and unique environment have drawn many tourists to Pan’an for leisure.

Since many    5    (villager) have vacant rural houses, local authorities came up    6    the idea of shared homestays to help improve tourist experiences    7    increase farmer income.

To date, 32 rural households have joined the shared homestay program,    8    offers more than 130 rooms. In addition, the village infrastructure (基础设施)    9    (improve) over the years, and parks and cultural plazas (露天广场) have been built.

“We developed the village in harmony with nature,    10    (keep) a rural appearance,” says Kong Wanhen, an official with the village.

8 . Coming into the town of Santa Catarina Palopó, in the highlands of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, the first thing you notice is the bright colors. Most of the buildings along the main street are eye-catching, in deep, varied hues of blues and greens; interspersed with red and yellow to form complex patterns and designs.

Santa Catarina Palopó was once a sleepy town of 5,000 people, most of them indigenous (土著的) and dependent on agricultural work. As agriculture began to dry up here, decline for the town and poverty for many of its families came. To deal with poverty and stimulate economic growth through tourism, a small but mighty group of laborers, artisans, domestic workers and stay-at-home moms created the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó project.

The project was initially to paint all 850 homes and buildings in bright colors, in an effort to change the hillside town into a work of art.   “We wanted to paint the houses with colors and figures that represent the community,” says the project’s executive director Stephany Blanco.   “A range of designs were created so that families can choose designs for their house that are representative of the family.”

One of the most representative characteristics of the region is the blue huipil, a traditional blouse which has been worn prominently by local women since the 16th century. That deep sky blue was chosen as the primary color for the Pintando project, with secondary colors found in the sunsets and the nearby lake to make the design more attractive. As for the designs that would be used, they would also find inspiration in local culture, symbols such as volcanoes, flowers, Mayan-styled butterflies and the national bird of Guatemala.

Each week, local artists, community members and tourists pick up paintbrushes to make buildings colorful.   “At first, the idea of the project left many unsure about participating, but now you can see a considerable difference in the town,” Melissa Whitbeck said. “The color of the buildings is believed to improve the quality of life of the people. It uplifts the people’s mood and encourages them to be proud of where they come from.”

1. What problem did Santa Catarina Palopó face?

A．A labor shortage.	B．Poor economic conditions.
C．A rapid increase in population.	D．Outdated agricultural technology.

2. What is the project about?

A．Building art galleries in Guatemala.

B．Creating job opportunities for local artisans.

C．Developing local tourism by selling artworks.

D．Transforming the town into a cultural destination.

3. What is the inspiration of the primary color for the project?

A．The nearby lake.	B．Mayan-styled butterflies.
C．A type of traditional clothing.	D．The national bird of Guatemala.

4. What is Melissa’s attitude towards the project?

A．Positive.

B．Uncaring.

C．Ambiguous.

D．Disapproving.

10 . 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。

Nowadays, with the increasing variety of travel options, conventional group tours,     1     going to scenic spots and taking photos is a big thing, can no longer satisfy a person     2     (look) for a more personalized and differentiated travel experience and eager to find more information about every part of a city in a more immersive (沉浸式的) way.

City-walk, which is all about doing whatever you want in your own     3     (explore) of a city, can meet all these needs, and     4     (consider) the best way to rediscover a city.

Compared with     5     (tight) scheduled travel plans and picture-taking tours, city-walk focuses on the free, casual and spontaneous (心血来潮的) experience. It allows people to see     6     whole different side of a city, permitting them to experience urban life with no transportation other than     7     (one) legs and feet.

    8     a kind of slow-paced and low-carbon lifestyle, city-walk provides people with fresh new insights into the culture and landscape of a city as well as its beautiful natural scenery, and     9     (catch) the public’s eye on various social media platforms during the past months. The search for city-walk is reported     10     (be) on the increase and more people tend to share their city-walking experiences online.