1 . Last summer holiday, Aunt Emily took us to a safari park (野生动物园), not far from Liverpool.
I was very happy to go as I had never been to a safari park before. It’s a very interesting park, full of wild animals running freely.
When we got there, we bought our tickets and drove into the park. We were very excited at the thought of going to see the lions. But to get to the lions’ place we had to go through the monkeys’ land first. And that was an unforgettable experience because they climbed all over the car, ate apples and bananas, and threw all kinds of things at us. They seemed very unfriendly.
Anyway, we went on our way to the lions’ place where we had to lock ourselves in the car as we knew lions could be dangerous. A lion came up very close to us. Then it was on the bonnet (车盖). It looked calm but we felt terrified. Aunt Emily, who isn’t very brave, started to call for help. The kids started crying. Only my brother, George, stayed cool. I sounded the horn (喇叭) but nobody heard us.
In the end a guard arrived in his car, and the lion just got off our car and started smelling the guard’s hand as if nothing was the matter.
1. Which animal did the author want to see the most?A.The lions. | B.The elephants. | C.The monkeys. | D.All of them. |
A.Because the monkeys might steal things. | B.Because they were afraid of being robbed. |
C.Because the lions might be dangerous. | D.Because something was wrong with the car. |
A.Excited. | B.Bored. | C.Interested | D.Scared |
A.Aunt Emily. | B.George. | C.The guard. | D.The author. |
2 . The Junction Campground
The Junction Campground is a great spot for river-based camping along one of Australia’s best-known rivers, near Grafton. Paddling the beautiful Nymboida River is a great way to explore the rainforest-lined riverbanks and rocky cliffs of Nymboi-Binderay National Park.
Craigmhor Mountain Retreat
Set in 1, 000 acres of wilderness, Craigmhor is a perfect base for bush walking, mountain biking, fishing, and bird watching. Within easy driving distance of Sydney, Craigmhor is the ideal location for overseas visitors or urban people to experience the Australian bush.
The Stone Cottage
Said to be Albury’s oldest house, the Stone Cottage warmly welcomes visitors with its exposed stone walls and an open fireplace. Set well back from the street in a spacious enclosed garden (ideal for pets), the two-bedroom self-contained house is perfect for small families and couples.
Located behind the main home, the Stone Cottage’s Kitchen Cottage turns on the charm as much as the larger house. Private from the main house, the one-bedroom self-contained cottage has a veranda (游廊) which looks out over an established herb garden, ideal for couples.
Instead of asking guests to wake at a certain time for a prepared breakfast, guests of both cottages receive a selection of breakfast cuisines as they like, allowing sleep-ins and lazy mornings.
Pets are welcome.
Country Barn Retreat
Situated in a peaceful location and perfect for short stays, Elaine and John offer this amnazing self-contained two-bedroom Country Barn Retreat, overlooking rural views and surounded by lovely gardens.
Sleeping up to four adults in this comfortable cottage where you can relax by the cosy wood fire in winter.
Fully equipped kitchen. Lounge and dining area with air-conditioning and fans to keep it cool in summer. Pet friendly, however, you would need to make arrangements with Elaine or John first.
1. Where will you go if you’re a bird lover?A.The Stone Cottage. |
B.Craigmhor Mountain Retreat. |
C.The Junction Campground. |
D.Country Barn Retreat. |
A.It lacks an open fireplace. |
B.It’s building a herb garden. |
C.It has three bedrooms in all. |
D.It provides a well-prepared breakfast. |
A.Pets are allowed. |
B.Fires are forbidden. |
C.Both have a veranda. |
D.Both are near rivers. |
3 . 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. |
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. |
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. |
A.he was boring | B.he was easy to find |
C.he is fond of ducks | D.he was always lending money |
4 . 4 Most walkable cities in Europe
Seville, SpainSeville in Spain takes the top spot as Europe’s most walkable city, offering the shortest walking route between the top four tourist attractions.Visitors can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. After that, it’s only a short trip on foot to visit the beautiful Barrio Santa Cruz neighbourhood.
Venice, ItalyVenice is well-known as a heaven for pedestrians (行人), so it’s no surprise it ranks as the second best location for walkable city breaks. There are endless alleyways to explore, as well as plenty of beautiful bridges over the crisscrossing canals that the city is famous for. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the impressive Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, Basilica and bell tower, all in only 1.3 miles.
Porto, PortugalNestled along Portugal’s picturesque coast, Porto comes in third with its top attractions all covered by a 30-minute walking route. Meander along the Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro River, head to the Clérigos Church Bell Tower and enjoy a riverfront walking place along the Cais da Ribeira. The Stock Exchange Palace is also just a short walk away.
Florence, ItalyFlorence, Italy, secures its place as the fourth most walkable city in Europe thanks to its stunning attractions that can be seamlessly explored on foot. A 1.6 mile route covers the awe-inspiring Piazzale Michelangelo; the famous Uffizi Gallery; the Piazza del Duomo where you will be amazed at the magnificent Florence Cathedral; and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David.
1. How long is probably the walking route in Seville?A.1.1 miles. | B.1.3 meters. | C.1.6 meters. | D.1.8 meters. |
A.Seville. | B.Venice. | C.Porto. | D.Florence. |
A.To compare the four cities. |
B.To show the benefits of walking. |
C.To stress the importance of traveling. |
D.To attract visitors to walk in these cities. |
5 . 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. |
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. |
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. |
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 |
Long ago in Ancient China, there was a mythical figure
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
Banbiyan is famous for its stone forest, as well as its bamboo forests and grasslands that flood with
7 . There are hundreds of worthy destinations in the country catering to all tastes. At the top of that list is Chengdu, the perfect jumping-off point for those in search of a mix of stunning natural scenery, wildlife and some of most incredible food on the planet. In recent years the city has expanded its offerings, including a number of new projects tourists will want to experience.
It’s the happiest city in China.
If visiting a place with happy locals is a priority for you, there’s no better city to hit than Chengdu. It has been voted the happiest city in China for 12 continuous years by an annual survey conducted by Oriental Outlook.
It has got one most beautiful bookstore in China.
The new location in Dujiangyan is the second Zhongshuge bookstore in the provincial capital.
There’s a spectacular new massive airport.
One of the world’s most eye-catching new airports, Chengdu’s Tianfu International Airport is as modern as it gets. Beginning operations in 2021, Thantu Airport is the largest civil airport.
There’re plans to turn Chengdu into a “Western China Science City”. Travelers visiting the “Science City” can expect to see many examples of eco-conscious and new wave architecture created by some of the most famous firms in the world. Among these is the world’s first “Unicorn Island”, the country’s next high-tech unicorn. There will also be a low-carbon Future Science and Technology City.
A.The arts scene is taking off. |
B.It’s also a city focused on the future. |
C.There’s no harm in starting to dream about your next visit now. |
D.It’s expected to handle up to 60 million passengers per year by 2025. |
E.Its results combine big data, questionnaires, site visits and expert opinions. |
F.The first, which opened in 2017 in central Chengdu, is modeled after terrace fields. |
G.Whether you’re dreaming of business travel or just post-pandemic trip, here are some reasons. |
8 . Some of the best road trips are unplanned. You simply grab a few items, jump in a car and set off. However, this approach involves some risk.
Planning a road trip can be almost as fun as the trip itself. Some well-designed travel guides may be of great help.
Once you’ve figured out your plan roughly, fill in the details, and bear in mind that maps and satellite navigation systems are not always up to date.
Booking accommodation and having backup plans can make or break a trip, especially if you want to visit some remote byways with limited accommodation opportunities.
A.You may end up in a boring part of town. |
B.You can find this information online. |
C.When planning your route, consider what kinds of roads to take. |
D.Also, be sure to investigate fuel availability where you’re headed. |
E.It’s good to take an emergency phone with you. |
F.Research as much as possible and cross-reference your sources. |
G.A quick look through them can fuel your inspiration. |
9 . 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. |
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. |
A.Its covering area. | B.Its attractive spots. |
C.The reason why it is so hot. | D.The service of its park’s website. |
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. |
10 . Hello everyone! Meet my new friend Marco.He says Ciao! This means hello in his language. Marco traveled with me this month. When he showed me his country on the map, I was attracted by its shape. It looks like a high-heeled boot(高跟靴) in the Mediterranean Sea that’s kicking a strange-shaped ball. Can you find the name of this ball on the world map?
Marco told me that he loves cars and that his country is well-known for super-fast cars like Ferrari,Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Isn’t it cool? The people also love soccer here.They call it “Calcio.” He told me that they have won four World Cups. The most recent win was in 2006! When he shared this with me, he was very excited and full of pride.
We visited the country’s capital and I was amazed to find that it was more than 2500 years old! We walked around and soon it was time for dinner. Marco told me that people there eat pasta (意大利面食) at least once a day. The different sauces and toppings(酱汁和佐料)mean they never get bored of it. Also, they love including seasonal vegetables in their dinners. I couldn’t wait to enjoy the pizza and pasta with different toppings and sauces. The cappuccino and focaccia bread also made me happy. It’s no wonder that the world has adopted (采用) so much of their food! The people in this country celebrate many holidays and enjoy eating big meals with their family. The festive atmosphere (节日氛围) makes everyone happy.
I was lucky to travel to this country in March and enjoy the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, or La fiera del Libro per Ragazzi. It is held for four days every year. We also visited the Colosseum, Panthon, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which was really wonderful!Before I said goodbye to Marco, I made a promise to visit again. Can you guess the name of this country?
1. What did the author mention to describe Marco’s country in the first paragraph?A.Its shape. | B.Its population. | C.Its industries. | D.Its national sport. |
A.Sad. | B.Proud. | C.Worried. | D.Thankful. |
A.It is mixed with a lot of foreign food. | B.It has spread around the world. |
C.It makes Marco feel bored. | D.It is very simple. |
A.To show a friendship. | B.To celebrate a festival. |
C.To introduce a country. | D.To explain a cultural difference. |