1 . I wanted the pleasure of being in Africa again. Feeling that the place was so large that it contained many untold tales and some hope and comedy and sweetness too, I aimed to reinsert myself in the bundy, as we used to call the bush, and to wander around. There I had lived and worked, happily, almost forty years ago, in the heart of the greenest continent.

In those old undramatic days of my school teaching in the bundu, folks lived their lives on bush paths at the end of unpaved roads of red clay, in villages of grass-roofed huts. They had a new national flag, they had just gotten the vote, some had bikes, many talked about buying their first pair of shoes. They were hopeful, and, so was I, a schoolteacher living near a settlement of mud-huts among trees and fields—children shouting at play; and women bent double—most with infants on their backs—hoeing(锄地) the corn beans; and the men sitting in the shade.

The Swahili word safari means “journey”, it has nothing to do with animals, someone “on safari” is just away and unobtainable and out of touch. Out of touch in Africa was where I wanted to be. The wish to disappear sends many travellers away. If you are thoroughly sick of being kept waiting at home or at work, travel is perfect: let other people wait for a change. Travel is a sort of revenge(报复) for having been put on hold, or having to leave messages on answering machines, not knowing your party’s extension, being kept waiting all your working life. But also being kept waiting is the human condition.

Travel in the African bush can also be a sort of revenge on mobile phones and email, on telephones and the daily paper, on the aspects of globalization that allow anyone who chooses to get their hands on you. I desired to be unobtainable. I was going to Africa for the best of reasons—in a spirit of discovery—simply to disappear, to light out, with a suggestion of I dare you to try to find me.

Home had become a routine, and routine made time pass quickly. I was a sitting duck in this predictable routine: people knew when to call me, they knew when I would be at my desk. I was in such regular touch that it was like having a job, a mode of life I hated. I was sick of being called up and asked for favors, hit up for money. You stick around too long and people begin to impose their own deadlines on you.

1. What did the writer expect from his journey?

A．To have a variety of enjoyable experiences.	B．To see how Africa had changed.
C．To see impressive scenery.	D．To meet some old friend.

2. Forty years ago, how did the writer feel about the future of the country where he was living?

A．Little was likely to change.	B．Things were likely to improve.
C．Women would do most of the work.	D．People’s expectations were too limited.

3. In Paragraph 3, what reason does the writer give for wanting to travel to Africa?

A．He wanted a change of activity.	B．He wanted people to be unable to contact him.
C．His health was suffering from staying at home.	D．He had been waiting to return to Africa for long.

4. The writer says “I was a sitting duck” in Paragraph 5 to show that _______.

A．he was boring	B．he was easy to find
C．he is fond of ducks	D．he was always lending money

2 . The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), located in the West Kowloon Cultural District of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was established on June 22 and is scheduled to open to the public on July 2. More than 40,000 tickets were sold or reserved within eight hours on the first day of public sale, and all free visits on Wednesdays in July were fully booked.

The HKPM, not only adds to cultural atmosphere in the city, but also provides a new site for local residents and visitors to learn about the development of Chinese civilization and culture. More than 900 pieces of treasures from the collection of the Palace Museum in Beijing will be put on display at the opening exhibitions. From paintings to ancient architectures, the exhibits span the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization, covering all categories of the collection of the Palace Museum, including 166 pieces of first-class cultural relics of the country. This will be the largest and highest-level cultural heritage exhibitions of the Palace Museum outside of the mainland since its establishment in 1925.

Prepare work for the exhibitions began in 2018, with the Palace Museum fielding a team of leading experts and scholars, associated with the manage team of the HKPM.

“It is a great thing to display the pieces of cultural relics in Hong Kong, which reflects the central government’s support to the development of Hong Kong’s cultural projects,” said Ng, adding that the exhibits from the Palace Museum will present a cultural feast to Hong Kong residents by telling them about the motherland’s long history and splendid culture.

“Promoting traditional Chinese culture is one of our important tasks,” said Betty Fung, chief executive officer of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. She said the HKPM will actively push ahead with the publicity of the motherland’s culture and history after its opening, enhancing Hong Kong residents’ cultural confidence in the country, especially among youths.

Fung said that the HKPM will actively enhance cooperation with international museums, telling the world the stories of China, including the stories of Hong Kong.

1. What can we infer from the first paragraph?

A．Hong Kong citizens can visit the museum freely.

B．Hong Kong Palace Museum is warmly welcomed.

C．Hong Kong citizens can enjoy the exhibition in June.

D．Hong Kong Palace Museum opens within eight hours per day.

2. What can a visitor enjoy in The Hong Kong Palace Museum?

A．900 pieces of first-class cultural relics.

B．The history of Hong Kong since 1925.

C．The development of international civilization.

D．All categories of the collection of the Palace Museum.

3. What is Betty Fung’s attitude towards the museum?

A．Favorable.

B．Disappointed.

C．Doubtful.

D．Puzzled.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．HKPM: Hong Kong’s Cultural Authority

B．HKPM: Cooperation with International Museums

C．HKPM: A New Cultural Landmark of Hong Kong

D．HKPM: Showcase of Hong Kong’s Cultural Relics

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。

The local government of Zibo issued two open letters to all citizens. The government extended its gratitude for the citizens’     1     (warm) and hospitality toward visitors coming to enjoy the city’s signature barbecue,     2     has recently become a hit across the country.

Since early March, Zibo local barbecue     3     (cause) a sensation online. But how did Zibo rise to fame? From July 2022 to February 2023, Zibo organized many trips to the city for university students. Despite reaching peak visitation numbers, there was no sense of panic. Instead, several supportive     4     (policy) were promptly introduced, such as establishing a “Golden Stove Award”, forming a barbecue association, creating a map of Zibo barbecue restaurants,     5     launching 21 dedicated tourist routes that go beyond just barbecue.

Zibo’s sudden boom in popularity also resulted     6     the post-pandemic tourism revival China has experienced. The city aims to restore     7     (it) tourism industry and ensure sustainable growth.     8     (achieve) this goal, it has created     9     welcoming environment with convenient services for young people, particularly university students. The city has also invited students from distinguished universities to visit Zibo for free,     10     (signal) its eagerness to attract talented young individuals.

5 . Do you want to see majestic lions roaring, rare rhinos running and colorful birds flying? You’ll find this incredible display of nature in the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley.

First stop

Fly into Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. This great city is known for its fashion markets and beautiful art. And be sure to pick up some rich Kenyan coffee while you’re there! Then head for the countryside.

Plan your trip

The largest of the three lakes in the system, Lake Nakuru, is less than 175 kilometers from Nairobi. But Lakes Bogoria and Elementaita are equally worth a visit. You can stay at one of several choices of luxurious cabins in the valley. And if you sign up for a trip, be sure to put flamingos, the white and pink birds, at the top of your list.

Paradise

The Kenya Lake System is shallow and alkaline (碱性的). That means it supports vegetation such as green algae, a food source for many waterfowl. Hundreds of species of birds flourish here, using this area as a major breeding and nesting ground. Water buffalo, leopards, monkeys and the endangered Rothschild giraffe also make this area their home.

Other sights

Wildlife isn’t the only natural wonder in the Great Rift Valley. The valley marks a place where the earth is divided far below the surface. This rock separation below ground leads to noticeable features above ground. Walking around Lake Bogoria especially, you will see steam rising from hot springs.

Other activities include golfing, horseback riding and hiking. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, either. The river valley is far from city lights, so many visitors gaze at the stars shining above.

If you are ready for a wildlife experience, don’t hesitate!

1. Where can you buy fashionable gifts in Kenya?

A．Nairobi.

B．Lake Nakuru.

C．Lake Bogoria.

D．Lake Elementaita.

2. Which should be the first choice on your travelling list?

A．Living in a cabin.	B．Seeing flamingos.
C．Visiting hot springs.	D．Gazing at shining stars.

3. What can we learn about the Kenya Lake System?

A．It has countless lakes worth visiting.	B．It’s an ideal place for wildlife to live.
C．Its water is unsuitable for plant growth.	D．It’s famous for rich culture and history.

7 . Benefiting from the 5,000 years history, many ancient cities exist in the vast land of China. Here are 4 ancient cities in China and each has their unique features.

Shangqiu Ancient City

●History: 4,000 years

●Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 in winter; 08:00-18:00 in summer

●Ticket Price: ¥70 per combo ticket (组合票)

Situated in the Yellow River Valley, Shangqiu area is considered the birthplace of Chinese civilization. The best time to visit it is around the Chinese New Year, when the grandest temple fair at Shangqiu is held to worship the God of Fire.

Ancient City of Pingyao

●History: 2,700 years

●Opening Hours: 08: 00-17:30

●Ticket Price: Free entry

It has no charming landscape, green mountains or clear waters. What is unique there is the well-pre served ancient city with a grand City Wall, traditional residences, time-honored shops, and even the previous government office.

Fenghuang Ancient Town

●History: 467 years

●Opening Hours: all day; 08: 00-17:30 for Tuo River day cruise;18:00-22:30 for night cruise

●Ticket Price: Free entry

Constructed in 1556, Fenghuang Ancient Town is another historical city in China known for ethnic diversity. Generations of Miao, Tujia and Han people live here, and it now accommodates28 ethnic groups in total.

Huizhou Ancient City

●History: 2,240 years

●Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00

●Ticket Price: ¥95 for one adult; ¥140 for one adult and one child; ¥230 for two adults and one child.

Huizhou Ancient City is famous for its unique architectural style since the old days. The Huizhou-style building is one of the most important architectural schools in China, using bricks, wood, and stones as the raw materials.

1. Which of the four towns has the longest history?

A．Shangqiu Ancient City.	B．Ancient City of Pingyao.
C．Huizhou Ancient City.	D．Fenghuang Ancient Town.

2. What do Ancient City of Pingyao and Fenghuang Ancient Town have in common?

A．Various ethnic minorities.	B．Free Admission.
C．Abundant natural beauty.	D．The same opening hours.

3. How much will a family of a couple and a child pay for Huizhou Ancient City?

A．¥95.

B．¥140.

C．¥230.

D．¥235.

8 . Jessica Nabongo longs to set foot in every nation. She started traveling at age four, along with her parents on family trips from Detroit, Michigan and completed her mission when she landed in the Seychelles, having visited 195 countries.     1     Along the way, she became a writer, photographer, and passionate advocate for inclusive and ethical(道德的) tourism .

Here she talks to us about her experience and tips for traveling better.

What inspires your adventures?

    2     I have a strong desire to see the differences and similarities in how people live everywhere in the world, even at home in the United States.

Did you ever experience any obstacles?

I don’t believe in failure.     3     Embarrassment isn’t a natural human personality, in my eyes－it comes from socialization. If I fell over in the middle of Grand Central Station, I’d laugh at myself. I firmly believe that every failure in your life is just an opportunity to learn.

    4    

My mother has always said “ humble(使谦逊) yourself.” I appreciate it because when you travel, depending on your passport, depending on your social class, depending on so many different things, you can go to places with a lot of ego（自我）, or you can humble yourself and know that everyone is equal.

What are some things people can do to travel more sustainably(可持续地)?

Single－use plastic is one of the biggest things harming Earth right now, so a lot of my focus is on that.     5     If you’ re in a restaurant and you don’ t have a big appetite, ask for a half portion. It’s about being a deliberate(慎重的) traveler, just taking that extra minute to think how I can have a lower impact on this place that I’ m in and on the planet in general.

A．But it’s not just about the country count.

B．I believe failure is the mother of success.

C．Curiosity－that’s what’s always inspired me.

D．What did you depend on during your travel?

E．And I don’t have the ability to be embarrassed.

F．What’s the best piece of advice you’ ve received?

G．But I also think it’s important to watch how much you waste.