1 . With enough money, it’s possible to do something unbelievable in Dubai and now you can add another to the list — walking on the moon. Recently, Canadian architectural company Moon World Resorts announced plans to construct a $5 billion resort (度假村) that looks like the moon in Dubai.
The project, named Moon Dubai, is meant to help visitors experience space tourism, which allows guests to find out what it is like to walk on the moon. The resort will be very luxurious and contemporary, with a lot of components inside that one would already know — for example, a wellness area, residential properties, restaurants, a convention center, and a spa, each with a lunar twist. It will also include a training platform for space agencies and astronauts.
Space tourism currently comes with a big price tag, and it’s a barrier to entry for most travelers. However, the moon resort experience will be significantly cheaper. A walk on the lunar surface of the moon resort is much more affordable at $500.
“Moon Dubai will significantly impact every aspect of the UAE’s economy, including tourism, transportation, commercial and residential real estate, infrastructure, financial services, aviation and space, energy, agriculture, technology and of course education,” says Michael R. Henderson, co-founder of Moon World Resorts. “It will be the largest and most successful modern-day tourism project in the MENA region, doubling annual tourism visitations to Dubai based on its global appeal, brand awareness and unique multiple integrated offerings.”
Whether the project will eventually take off is currently unknown. If the design can be successful, it will require a 12-month pre-development planning program and a 48-month building process. But the company’s plan is viable (可行的). Moreover, Henderson estimated that the moon resort could open in 2027.
1. What do we know about the moon resort from paragraph 2?| A．It is designed to help visitors experience space tourism. |
| B．It is a cheaper option for space tourism. |
| C．It serves as a platform for scientists to explore space. |
| D．It provides visitors with space classes taught by astronauts. |
| A．The features of the moon resort. | B．The key role of tourism in Dubai. |
| C．The economic value of Moon Dubai. | D．The purpose of carrying out Moon Dubai. |
| A．Test. | B．Design. | C．Operation. | D．Construction. |
| A．To introduce a tourism project in Dubai. |
| B．To encourage people to visit the moon resort. |
| C．To show the development of Dubai’s space industry. |
| D．To present the commercial success of Moon World Resorts. |
2 . Amazing Ancient Forests Around the World
A visit to one of these long-lived woodlands is an excellent experience. Here’s where to see some of the oldest forests on Earth.
The Takayna/Tarkine Forest Australia
Tasmania’s Takayna/Tarkine Forest gives an experience of what life on Earth looked like 300 million years ago. This rainforest in Australia is home to the second oldest living tree species on the planet: the amazing 3, 000-year-old Huon pines. To explore this fantastic area blanketed with trees, waterfalls, rivers, caves, hills and moorlands, book a tour with Tarkine Trails.
The Araucaria Forest Chile
The Chilean pine tree that spans (横跨) the country’s Lake District is thought to have developed its strange paintbrush shape to defend against dinosaurs during the Jurassic period. However, the forest is most attractive set against the backdrop of surprisingly blue lakes and snowcapped volcanoes in Conguillio National Park. Por those who want to take their time, campsites are available within the park and currently taking reservations (预定) .
The Yakushima Forest Japan
This forest was considered so beautiful by Japan’s 17th-century royalty (王室) that the landscape was recreated in a garden on the mainland, and in 1993, the Yakushima Forest was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once on the Yakushima Island, there is a range of accommodation options, including the expensive Sankara Hotel &Spa (from $750/night, expedia. com ) .
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest California
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to some of the oldest living trees on Earth. The most ancient among the protected forest’s bristlecone pines— which are characterized by their unusual-looking twisted forms-is Methuselah, a tree estimated to be 4, 841 years old. Grandview Campground ($5 per night, first come first serve) is the closest to the Bristlecone Pine Forest.
1. Which forest is the home of Huon pines?| A．The Araucaria Forest. | B．The Yakushima Forest. |
| C．The Takayna/Tarkine Forest. | D．The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. |
| A．It is set against snowcapped volcanoes. | B．It was recreated by Japan’s royalty. |
| C．It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. | D．It offers beautiful scenery. |
| A．Visitors can stay in expensive hotels. |
| B．Visitors can admire the oldest living trees. |
| C．Visitors can experience the Jurassic period. |
| D．Visitors can camp while enjoying the beauty of nature |
3 . Nahanni National Park Best time: between June and August.
An adventure destination at the northern tip of the Earth and one of the first World Natural Heritage Sites, the park covers an area of 4,700 square kilometers. It is a vast, unexplored land, still preserving the original landscape of wilderness, mountains, canyons, and cliffs. You can only get into the park by small plane!
Wood Buffalo National Park Best time: between January and March.
As its name suggests, the park is a protected area for wood bison. Thousands of wood bison (森林野牛) live in the park, and many people come for them. It is the largest national park in the area and the second largest in the world, with 44,807 square kilometers of land bigger than Switzerland, where animals can play.
Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park Best time: between August and September.
Sambaa Deh Falls is a must visit! The rapids rolling between the rocks, the huge mist and the loud roar (呼啸声) will take your breath away. Up the waterfall, there is also the beautiful Coral Falls, and if Sambaa Deh is a majestic young man, Coral Falls is a beautiful young girl. Every year, a large number of coral fossils flow down the Coral Falls. Would you like to pick one up?
Ivvavik National Park Best time: between July and August.
Stretching from the British Mountains to the Arctic coast and ending with Alaska’s Brooks Range, Ivvavik National Park is a stunning expanse of mountainous district. Plus! The park also contains many cultural sites of great significance to the Aboriginal (土著) people of the North. You can find answers to your aboriginal curiosity here.
1. Of the following parks, which park can only be reached by plane?| A．Nahanni National Park. | B．Ivvavik National Park. |
| C．Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park. | D．Wood Buffalo National Park. |
| A．January. | B．March. | C．June. | D．September. |
| A．They can enjoy the beauty of the wilderness. |
| B．They can collect coral fossils. |
| C．They can experience local culture. |
| D．They can watch the wood bison. |
4 . Bikini Atoll, Micronesia
This was the main area of nuclear testing in the Pacific. There were 23 tests on this small island from 1946 to 1958.When you have flown in from Honolulu, you might be surprised at what you find. Despite its nuclear past, the area looks like an undestroyed place. Thanks to a recent rise in tourism, popular activities include diving and fishing off the beautiful coastline.
The Panama Canal Railway
The world’s first transcontinental (横贯大陆的) railway was built between 1850 and 1855. It not only connected two cities-Panama City and the port of Colon―but also two oceans―the Pacific and the Atlantic. The line had been in disrepair for many years until areas of land were cleared and a new track was laid over a period of 18 months. In July 2001 it was reopened, offering a 45-minute ride through a forested area.
Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
In 1971, this wildlife park attracted 12,000 visitors who wanted to see the biggest lion population in Africa. From 1983 to 1992 the park was turned into an environmental disaster area during the Mozambican Civil War. After the war, the number of large animals in the park had fallen by 95%. Now, buffalo (水牛) have been reintroduced and the park has received donations from businesspeople and pop stars. You won’t find cheetahs or rhinos back in the park yet, but the beautiful Mount Gorongosa (1,863m) is perfect for hikers.
Mount Elgon, Kenya
For years, border disagreements between Kenya and Uganda meant it was impossible to walk to this volcano. Now the situation has been eased, so this far corner of East Africa has reopened. Climbers can enjoy the fantastic view from the top of Mount Elgon (4,321m) but perhaps the most interesting feature is the caves. Some are over 60 m wide and run 200 m into the mountain.
1. What was Bikini Atoll used for in 1946?| A．Studying volcanoes. | B．Carrying out tests. |
| C．Encouraging tourism. | D．Developing the fishing industry. |
| A．It was built in 2001. | B．It is now being damaged. |
| C．It connected two oceans. | D．It is the world’s first railway. |
| A．Go diving. | B．Watch buffalo. |
| C．Explore war records. | D．Go deep into caves. |
| Arriving in New York There are three airports in New York. When you arrive at one of them, you can take buses or taxis to any place in New York. | Eating Out There are many kinds of food in New York and you needn’t eat at McDonalds every day. There are good restaurants in Little Italy and Chinatown, for example. |
| Hotels There are lots of good hotels in New York. The best is The Plaza on Fifth Avenue but you don’t have to pay a lot to stay in the city. There are also lots of smaller hotels and the YMCA near Central Park is great for the young people. | Public Transport In New York, there’s a good bus and subway service. If you are planning to use the subway a lot, you should buy a subway ticket for the journey because it’s cheaper. But you don’t have to use public transport—there are lots of places you can go to on foot, such as the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue and Central Park. The New York taxis are a part of the city experience, so you should take at least one taxi during your visit! |
| Places to See Finally, there are a lot of places to see in New York-Times Square, the Statue of Liberty. And you shouldn’t go home without climbing the Statue of Liberty to enjoy the scenery of the city. | Shopping Shopping in New York is fun. There are big shops on Fifth Avenue. They are open seven days a week. But be careful when you look at the prices, because you have to pay a special 8% tax (税) on everything you buy in New York. |
1. “The Plaza” is the name of ________ in the passage.
| A．a hotel | B．a restaurant | C．a park | D．a McDonald shop |
| A．$20.16 | B．$21.6 | C．$20 | D．$28 |
| A．You can only take buses at airport. |
| B．You must stay in the best hotel. |
| C．You had better climb the Statue of Liberty. |
| D．You have to be disappointed by shopping. |
6 . An international design competition was held in 1955 for an art center to be built. There were 233 entries received from many countries. Danish architect Jorn Utzon won the competition with his unique design of shells that looked like sails on a boat.
The construction began on March 2, 1959 and was expected to be accomplished within 4 years. However, they quickly ran into trouble. The ground was not suitable to hold the weight of the building and huge concrete foundations (混凝土地基) had to be built. Mr Utzon had also made mistakes about how many columns (柱) would be needed to support the roof, thus making the concrete shells at the risk of falling down.
Mr Utzon figured out a new way to disperse the weight of the concrete by making each shell out of a part of a perfect globe. The 14 shells look like a single piece of concrete, but they are actually built across frames (框架) of concrete to hold them in place. They weigh as much as 15 tons each. The highest roof point of the building is 67 m above sea level — the same as a 22-storey high building.
This major correction saved the project but added one decade to the building time. The building consists mainly of two main halls, a number of smaller theaters, performance halls and other additional facilities. Both main halls are housed in relatively large sail-shaped structures, and the smaller performance halls are housed at the ground floor. In particular, the grand organ (风琴) in the concert hall is one of the world’s largest organs containing over 10,000 pipes.
The Sydney Opera House is a great success in the history of architecture. It is not only a world-famous performing arts center and the landmark of Sydney, but also recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world of the 20th century. In 2007, the Sydney Opera House was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
1. What was the difficulty when building Sydney Opera House?| A．Its columns were at the risk of falling down. |
| B．There was no satisfactory appearance design. |
| C．The foundation couldn’t support its huge weight. |
| D．No suitable site could be found for construction. |
| A．Put on. | B．Spread out. | C．Cut down. | D．Look into. |
| A．4 years. | B．6 years. | C．10 years. | D．14 years. |
| A．Its position. | B．Its history. | C．Its general shape. | D．Its inner structure. |
7 . Canada is a vast and diverse country that offers plenty of incredible tourist destinations. From wonderful natural landscapes to lively cities, Canada has something for every traveler. Here’s a guide to some of Canada’s top tourist destinations.
Banff National Park, AlbertaLocated in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking destination known for its turquoise (绿松石) lakes, snow-covered mountains, and plentiful wildlife. Explore the landmark-Lake Louise, hike to amazing viewpoints, and spend time in the natural hot springs.
Niagara Falls, OntarioNiagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous natural attractions. Witness the steep (陡峭的) power and beauty of the grand falls from various viewpoints. Take a boat tour, visit the Butterfly Conservatory, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Clifton Hill.
Toronto, OntarioAs Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers an impressive experience. Discover the famous CN Tower, explore the busy neighborhoods of Kensington Market and Distillery District, and visit world-class museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario.
Whistler, British ColumbiaWhistler is a well-known winter sports destination, famous for its world-class ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in the impressive mountain scenery.
1. What can visitors do in Banff National Park?| A．Go boating. | B．Go skiing. |
| C．Appreciate waterfalls. | D．Enjoy hot springs. |
| A．Banff National Park, Alberta. | B．Niagara Falls, Ontario. |
| C．Toronto, Ontario. | D．Whistler, British Columbia. |
| A．Tourism. | B．Culture. | C．Fashion. | D．Sport. |
8 . Whether you like history or simply learning something new, these four museums are worth paying a visit to.
Tenement Museum
Located in New York, the Tenement Museum showcases the stories of the immigrants and migrants (移民) who came to America between the 1860s and the 1980s. See how they pursued the “American dream.” Their determination and endless desire to carve out a better life not only reflects the depths of the human spirit, but also how America came to be the country it is today.
National Museum of the American Indian
Located in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of the American Indian contains one of the world’s largest collections of native artifacts (手工艺品), photographs and documents. Featuring both ongoing and temporary exhibits, the museum documents many ways American Indians integrated into American history and culture.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson features eight galleries filled with interactive exhibits that tell the stories of black Mississippians and their fight for equality from 1945 to 1976. You’ll hear the stories of Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer, and you’ll also hear about many men, women and children who fought to be recognized as equals. Artifacts include a “colored” entrance sign, the gun used to shoot Evers, a burned cross, and a button from the 1966 March Against Fear.
The National WWII Museum
In New Orleans’ No. 1 attraction, the National WWII Museum, visitors can see why World War II was fought, explore key moments such as D-Day and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and put themselves in the shoes of those who had to make difficult decisions during the war. You even can take a 4D journey through the war in “Beyond All Boundaries.”
1. Which museum best suits visitors interested in ongoing and temporary exhibits?| A．Tenement Museum. | B．National Museum of the American Indian. |
| C．Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. | D．The National WWII Museum. |
| A．He organized the1966 March Against Fear. |
| B．He joined the army and fought in World War II. |
| C．He laid down his own life in the fight for equality. |
| D．He immigrated to the US to pursue his American dream. |
| A．To recommend people to visit the museums. |
| B．To make a comparison of the four museums. |
| C．To remind readers never to forget our past history. |
| D．To share his own experiences in visiting the museums. |
9 . More than just shelter for weary travellers, these lodges (乡间小屋) double as a base for adventurers to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Puketui Forest Escape
Best for: Couples world
Enveloped in podocarp forest, Puketui feels a world away despite being a short drive from Taupō. Solar power keeps the lights on, water is sourced from a spring, heating is fed by a cosy, freestanding fireplace. Explore the forest via walking tracks, then walk to the house to stargaze. From NZ$399 (£208)a night B&B.
Awaroa Lodge
Best for: Wifi-free
Without wifi and phone or TV signal, you’ll have little to distract you at Awaroa Lodge. Available only by hiking or water taxi, the lodge produces its own power and grows organic food for the restaurant. It also protects the national park’s wetlands for the return of white herons (苍鹭) in 2020 after years of absence. From NZ$206(£108) a night.
Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
Best for: Wildlife spotting
Wilderness Lodge at Lake Moeraki is surrounded by coastal rainforest and guests can join lessons in kayaking, star-gaze and feed giant eels with recycled waste. The members at the lodge protect unique Tawaki penguins and run guide d penguin-watching tours from July to December. From NZ$450(£235), includes breakfast, dinner, and twice-daily guided activities.
Timber Trail lodge
Best for: Fresh forest air
Timber Trail Lodge, is fantastic for weary cyclists and hikers, with cosy lounges (休息室) flooded with natural light during the day and then lit by the glow of the fireplace by night. Nearly all power is solar, rainwater is harvested and profits are spent on trail conservation. From NZ$390 (£205) a night, with all meals.
1. How much will you pay for one-week stay in Awaroa Lodge?| A．£756. | B．£1442. | C．£1456. | D．£1435. |
| A．Puketui Forest Escape. | B．Awaroa Lodge. |
| C．Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. | D．Timber Trail lodge. |
| A．Water sports. | B．Organic food available. |
| C．Convenient transportation. | D．Green lifestyle. |
10 . Who says you have to stay indoors when the temperatures drop? Here are favourite places to explore this winter.
Athens, Greece
In Athens, every November temperatures stay around the mid-20s, so’ have a trip to the Parthenon and Acropolis. A full afternoon is also necessary for exploring the Museum of Cycladic Art and its exhibitions—recently it has hosted Picasso’s.
Edinburgh, UK
Yes, it’s probably going to be freezing cold. Hot coffee steams up in a pleasing, romantic fashion in cafes. People can take a few minutes’ walk from the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
For simple Scottish dishes there’s neighbourhood inn, the Little Chartroom. And the Sheep Heid Inn has been long enough to have served Mary Queen of Scots. In the eight bedrooms at the 18th century Rock House, each is a mixture of ancient details and current fashion.
Valletta, Malta
Flights from the UK to Malta’s capital are only around £30, making it one of the best destinations for a November trip. This tiny city has a temperature of 17 or so and has changed itself into a year-round city break with artistic cafes, hotels and newly opened galleries—Muza opened last year and houses the former National Gallery collection.
1. Which place has exhibited Picasso’s works lately?| A．Muza. | B．The Museum of Cycladic Art. |
| C．National Gallery. | D．Scottish National Portrait Gallery. |
| A．Athens. | B．Valletta | C．Huarz | D．Edinburgh. |
| A．It served the Queen of Scotland. | B．It has at least eight kinds of rooms. |
| C．It combines ancient and modern styles. | D．It offers Scottish local specialties. |
