1 . The Best Zoos in the World
Catching sight of your favorite animals up close can be an exciting experience. Many Zoos provide the opportunity for people to learn about the global environment and work to help protect critical species for generations to come.
San Diego Zoo-San Diego, California
The San Diego Zoo has long been considered one of the best zoos in the world. The zoo, which opened its doors in 1916, covers across 100 acres and is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Guests can take part in a number of educational programs.
Chester Zoo-England, U. K.
The Chester Zoo is yet another large space with a rich conservation program (and it happens to be the most-visited zoo in the U. K.). The zoo is home to more than 20,000 animals and works to educate every guest on not only their conservation programs but how individuals can take action.
Alaska Zoo-Anchorage, Alaska
The Alaska Zoo is one of the smaller ones to make this global list, but for a good reason. The Alaska Zoo specializes in local animals, including brown bears, bald eagles, moose, hawks, harbor seals, and more. It is a registered nonprofit (非营利组织) devoted to promoting the conservation of Arctic and sub-Arctic species.
Tiergarten Schönbrunn-Vienna, Austria
The Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna has the distinct honor of being the world’s oldest zoo. It also happens to be one of the best zoos in the world thanks to its various rare animal exhibits, along with its captive breeding program that’s helping to save dozens of at-risk species, and its rich species protection program in the wild.
1. What do San Diego Zoo and Chester Zoo have in common?| A．They are both free for tourists. | B．They are both located in Europe. |
| C．They both donate a part of tickets. | D．They both offer educational events. |
| A．It is the largest conservation space. |
| B．It is the smallest zoo all over the world. |
| C．It is one of the most-visited zoos in the U. S. |
| D．It is aimed at protecting some specific animals. |
| A．England, U. K. | B．Anchorage, Alaska. |
| C．Vienna, Austria. | D．San Diego, California. |
2 . Children’s Discovery Museum
General Information about Group Play
Pricing
Group Play $7/person
Scholarships
We offer scholarships to low-income schools and youth organizations, subject to availability. Participation in a post-visit survey is required.
Scholarships are for Group Play admission fees and/or transportation. Transportation invoices (发票) must be received within 60 days of your visit to guarantee the scholarship.
Group Size
We require one chaperone (监护人) per ten children. Failure to provide enough chaperones will result in an extra charge of $50 per absent adult.
Group Play is for groups of 10 or more with a limit of 35 people. For groups of 35 or more, please call to discuss options.
Hours
The Museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Group Play may be scheduled during any day or time the Museum is open.
Registration Policy
Registration must be made at least two weeks in advance.
Register online or fill out a Group Play Registration Form with multiple date and start time options.
Once the registration form is received and processed, we will send a confirmation email within two business days.
Guidelines
●Teachers and chaperones should model good behavior for the group and remain with students at all times.
●Children are not allowed unaccompanied in all areas of the Museum.
●Children should use the computer to search for exhibits.
●Use your indoor voice when at the Museum.
1. Who can be offered a scholarship?| A．High-income schools. | B．Transportation departments. |
| C．Chaperones. | D．Youth organizations. |
| A．9:00 am. | B．11:00 am. | C．5:00 pm. | D．8:00 pm. |
| A．Using the computer. | B．Talking loudly. |
| C．Borrowing the exhibits. | D．Exploring freely. |
3 . Four of the Best Ski Resorts (胜地) For the Holidays
Kitzbuhel, Austria
It’s known for the most prized but frightening downhill on the ski racing calendar. By day, you can enjoy 230 kilometers of runs over the Kitzbuhel Alps, and drop into numerous mountain huts to fill up on hearty Tyrolean classics such as dumplings and cheese spatzle.
Holidays hotel: The Tennerhof is a good place for you to stay.
Griesenauweg 26, 6370 Kitzbuhel, Austria; +43 535663181
Courmayeur, Italy
The historic town at the foot of Mont Blanc is a foodie (美食家) heaven with beautiful huts and mountain restaurants across its 41 kilometers of ski runs.
The atmospheric center around the Viale Monte Bianco is a mix of cozy cafes and designer shops, and is a perfect place to wander.
Holidays hotel: The Hotel Chalet Svizzero is a great option in a good location. Perfect for couples.
Strada Statale 26, 11, 11013 Courmayeur, Italy; +39 016584817
Val Thorens, France
A four-time winner of the “World’s Best Ski Resort” award, it combines high-class hospitality (好客) with more skiing than most can handle, at a starting altitude of 2,300 meters, stretching through the famous resorts of Les Menuires, Meribel and Courchevel.
Holidays hotel: The five-star Hotel Pashmina is a wonderful choice.
Place du Slalom, 73440, Val Thorens; +33 479000999
Wengen, Switzerland
Wengen, reached by rack railway, shares a ski area with Grindelwald — not the dark wizard from Harry Potter but the scenic village at the foot of the Eiger’s infamous North Face.
Just across the valley is the old village of Murren, home to Piz Gloria on the Schilthorn (2,971 meters), where the cable car station and revolving restaurant are familiar to James Bond fans as baddie Blofeld’s mountain-top hideaway in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Holidays hotel: The Maya Caprice is your best choice.
Schonegg 1333D, 3823 Wengen; +41 338560606
1. Which hotel is suitable for a couple skiing in Italy?| A．The Tennerhof. | B．The Hotel Chalet Svizzero. |
| C．Hotel Pashmina. | D．The Maya Caprice. |
| A．Kitzbuhel. | B．Courmayeur. | C．Val Thorens. | D．Wengen. |
| A．+43 535663181 | B．+39 016584817 |
| C．+33 479000999 | D．+41 338560606 |
Fuxian Lake is the
Our first destination was the top of the highest mountain
The beauty of nature can
After lunch, we went boating on the lake, where I saw many lotus flowers blossoming lively as if they were the most beautiful girls
When the sun was setting, we had some local
5 . Ancient builders across the world created structures (建筑物) that are still standing today, thousands of years later. Roman engineers built thick concrete barriers (混凝土屏障), for example. Mayan builders created structures to their gods, and Chinese builders raised walls against enemies.
But there are many recent structures that are already starting to fail. The concrete that makes up much of our modern world lasts around 50 to 100 years.
A growing number of scientists are breaking apart pieces of buildings and reading historical texts, hoping to learn how they have stood for thousands of years. The research has turned up a surprising list of materials that were mixed into old buildings. They include tree skins, volcanic ash, rice and even beer. These unexpected materials could have the ability to get stronger over time and “repair” cracks when they form.
Is ancient Roman concrete better? Many researchers have turned to the Romans. Starting around 200 BC, the Roman Empire was building concrete structures that have stood the test of time. Now, scientists think they have found an important reason why some Roman concrete has held up structures for thousands of years.
Admir Masic, an environmental engineer said this power comes from thick pieces of limestone (石灰石) throughout the Roman material that is not mixed in well. Researchers used to think these thick pieces were a sign that the Romans were not mixing up their materials well enough. Instead, the scientists found when cracks form, water enters the concrete. That water causes the leftover lime to create new chemical changes that can fill in the broken sections.
Finding out how to copy these features (特征) could have real influences today. Today’s builders cannot just copy the ancient processes. Even though Roman concrete lasted a long time, it could not hold up heavy buildings. “If we add 50 or 100 years to concrete’s lifetime,” Admir Masic said, “we will pull down less and require less material in the long run.”
1. Why are Mayan and Chinese builders mentioned in the first paragraph?| A．To present some facts. | B．To explain a rule. |
| C．To introduce places. | D．To make a comparison. |
| A．Replace broken parts. | B．Improve their style. |
| C．Learn about their history. | D．Study their materials. |
| A．They couldn’t mix up easily. | B．They created new chemicals in time. |
| C．They had an ability to repair themselves. | D．They would take in the nearby water. |
| A．By making the past serve the present. | B．By trying to find the ideas behind them. |
| C．By making use of them without any change. | D．By accepting the good and throwing the bad. |
6 . When visiting Athens, museums and ancient sites usually come first. However, there are several very interesting places to visit without spending money, such as parks and various attractions.
Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus Hill is one of the most important attractions in Athens. The view (风景) from Lycabettus Hill is wonderful, reaching down to the sea and the closest islands, which is certainly not to be missed. The parking lot is close to the Lycabettus Theater, where performances are held every summer.
Museum of Popular Instruments
The museum hosts a collection of about 1,200 Greek popular musical instruments which date from the 18th century. The collections are shown in four sections (部分) according to the material of the instruments, and visitors can also listen to the sound made by each type. Visitors can buy books, CDs and musical instruments at the museum shop.
National Garden of Athens
The National Garden of Athens, one of the most beautiful parts of this big city, was designed in 1836 by the German building designer Friedrich von Gaertner. Visitors to the garden can see an interesting variety of plants and trees, some ancient remains and statues of famous writers and scientists. Children can play in the specially designed playground or visit the children’s library, and adults can enjoy a coffee or a light lunch at the coffee shop.
Museum of the History of Greek Costume (服装)
In this small, attractive museum, visitors can see various sides of Greek Costume from the past. Visitors can also see the costumes which were worn in celebrated dance performances in many countries. Educational events are held for children of all ages, bringing them closer to this important tradition of Greece.
1. Where will popular music lovers prefer to go?| A．Lycabettus Hill. | B．Museum of Popular Instruments. |
| C．National Garden of Athens. | D．Museum of the History of Greek Costume. |
| A．Admire interesting collections. | B．Learn about Greek historical facts. |
| C．Talk with a building designer. | D．Get close to some writers’ statues. |
| A．They’re liked by all kids. | B．They have a festive air. |
| C．They’re free for visitors. | D．They hold performances. |
1. How much should a couple with a child aged four pay to visit The Beatles Story?
| A．£22.95. | B．£27.95. | C．£31.90. | D．£38.90. |
| A．It’s closed on weekends. | B．It’s open to the public for free. |
| C．It puts on a play every day. | D．It was designed and built in 2008. |
| A．Watch a football match. | B．Take a boat tour. |
| C．Find out about The Beatles. | D．Enjoy some coffee. |
8 . Longmen Grottoes
As one of the three most notable Buddhist sculptures in China, the Longmen Grottoes have approximately 1,400 caves with over 100,000 statues. The grottoes were first dug and carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Representing the high point of Chinese stone-carving, the Longmen Grottoes are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Opening hours: 8:00 a, m. — 5:00 p. m.(Feb. 1st to Mar. 31st); 7:30 a. m. — 5:30 p. m.(Apr. 1st to Oct. 7th)
Entry: 100 yuan/adult 30% off each teen
White Horse Temple
Originally established under Emperor Ming during the Eastern Han Dynasty, White Horse Temple is the first officially-built temple in China after the introduction of Buddhism. As the cradle of Chinese Buddhism, it holds a vast collection of Buddhist statues and classic sutras. The temple is also famous for interior architecture inspired by the Buddhist styles of Thailand, India and Burma.
Opening hours: 7:30 a. m. — 7:00 p. m.
Entry: 50 yuan/person
Millennium City Park
The Millennium City Park in Kaifeng is a large-scale historical and cultural theme park which copies scenes from the famous ancient painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. Visitors can watch folklore performances like those of the Song Dynasty and see reconstructions of grand imperial halls and gardens.
Opening hours: 8:30 a. m. — 6:00 p. m.(winter); 8:30 a. m. — 10:00 p.m.
Entry: 120 yuan/person(Mar. 1st to Nov. 30th); 90 yuan/person(Dec. 1st to Feb. 28/29th)
Kaifeng Prefecture
Kaifeng Prefecture was once the country’s political, economic and cultural center as well as one of the most booming cities in the world during the Northern Song Dynasty. Today, the rebuilt Kaifeng Prefecture is a scenic area built according to the architectural standards of the Song Dynasty. Visitors can read historical documents and watch performances.
Opening hours: 7:30 a. m. — 5:30 p. m.(winter); 7:00 a. m. — 7:00 p. m.
Entry: 60 yuan/person
1. How much will a parent with two teens have to pay to visit Longmen Grottoes?| A．100 yuan. | B．160 yuan. | C．240 yuan. | D．340 yuan. |
| A．Longmen Grottoes. | B．White Horse Temple. |
| C．Millennium City Park. | D．Kaifeng Prefecture. |
| A．They are tours about Chinese civilization. | B．Visitors can see ancient paintings. |
| C．They can be visited all year round. | D．The United Nations speak highly of them. |
| A．Three days. | B．Five days. | C．One week. |
Hangzhou is the capital and a
The West Lake,
The local dishes in Hangzhou
At night, the city has much to offer. Teahouses
