1 . This week sees the opening of the Venice Biennale, an 8-month-long festival of art and culture staged every other year. With the main event running from April 20 to November 24,2024, here's our pick of what to see if you head to Venice.

Willem de Kooning e l’Italia

One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Willem de Kooning is the subject of a major exhibition(展览) exploring his time in 1959 and 1969 and the impact it had on his works. The show will bring together around 75 works, making this the largest   presentation of the artist ever organized in Italy.

Rise of the Sunken Sun

This photography exhibition by Greenlandic artist Inuuteq Storch marks the first time that the Danish Pavilion has showcased both a major exhibition by an artist from Greenland and a presentation on photography. With over 200 images, Storch's project aims to tell the Greenlanders' history, not seen through the visitors' eyes, but through the Greenlanders' own.

The Rooted Nomad

This exhibition will examine the life and works of M. F. Husain, a modernist painter called “India’s Picasso”. Celebrating his talent as an artist, thinker and writer, the show exhibits his paintings, photographs, letters and parts from his films and poetry that shaped his vision of India as a richly layered cultural nation.

The Arch within the Arc

The exhibition in Italy of Houston-based artist Rick Lowe takes place at Palazzo Grimani, home to a large collection of 16th-century Greek and Roman sculpture(雕像). Inspired by the architecture of the Museo di Palazzo Grimani and the experience of moving through Venice and its waterways, the exhibition features new paintings by Rick Lowe that reflect his consideration of the arch(拱) in architecture.

1. What is Rise of the Sunken Sun intended for?

A．Showing Greenland's history.	B．Reflecting Storch's life in Italy.
C．Praising an admirable character.	D．Attracting visitors from Europe.

2. Who is regarded as“India's Picasso”?

A．Rick Lowe.

B．M. F. Husain.

C．Inuuteq Storch.

D．Willem de Kooning.

3. Which event will you go to if you want to see the paintings inspired by Venice?

A．The Rooted Nomad.	B．Rise of the Sunken Sun.
C．The Arch within the Arc.	D．Willem de Kooning e l’Italia.

2 . Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is the most popular attraction on TripAdvisor and it isn’t hard to understand why. This place is mind-blowing and unlike anything we’ve ever seen. If you have time for just one attraction in Singapore, then this should be it.

You can buy tickets at the gate but you can get a discount if you purchase them in advance through Klook or Get Your Guide.

Admission: SGD 30 (adults), SGD 18 (kids)

Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It offers fantastic views of the city from Asia’s largest observation wheel.

You can go on a standard flight but if you want something a little more memorable, then how about going on one that offers drinks like Singapore Slings or champagne?

You can buy tickets to the Singapore Flyer at the gate or in advance through Klook.

Cost: SGD 40 (adults), SGD 25 (kids)

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Gardens by the Bay is a fantastic place to appreciate Singapore’s greenery, but if you want to enjoy it in a more natural setting, then head on over to Singapore Botanic Gardens. It’s a 158-year-old tropical garden and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore.

Entrance to the gardens is free but you’ll need to pay SGD 15 fee to enter the National Orchid Garden. It’s a must so don’t miss it.

Admission: FREE

Marina Bay Sands Skypark

Marina Bay Sands is the most iconic hotel in Singapore. I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of its infinity pool on social media.

If you aren’t checked in at Marina Bay Sands, then the next best thing would be to head up to the Skypark observation deck on the 57th level to get some of the most breathtaking views of Singapore.

You can buy tickets at the gate but you may get a discount if you purchase them in advance through Klook.

Admission: SGD 26

1. Which will you give priority to if choosing only one attraction in Singapore?

A．Gardens by the Bay	B．Singapore Flyer
C．Singapore Botanic Gardens	D．Marina Bay Sands Skypark

2. What do Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands Skypark have in common?

A．You can get drinks for free.	B．You can get a discount if booking tickets in advance.
C．You may overlook the whole city.	D．You have to take a plane to the destinations.

3. What do you suppose Klook is?

A．A website.

B．A company.

C．A hotel.

D．A travel brochure.

3 .

CHINATOWN WALKING GUIDE
A Cultural Feast Get a quick insight into its culture and heritage religion and cuisine delights at Chinatown Heritage Centre, THK Temple (one of the nation’s oldest temples) and Chinatown Food Street. Then pick up some great ethnic souvenirs at Pagoda Street. Life in Chinatown As the descendants of the nation’s early immigrants, today’s Chinese still keep many of the traditions and practices of their ancestors. A unique blend of old and new awaits you at one of the nation’s oldest ethnic settlements.         Against a background of towering skyscrapers, you’ll see rows of carefully preserved historic shop houses from decades-old family-run businesses and family associations, to CD stores, spas and high-tech companies.
Souvenirs of Chinatown Lacquerware, woodcrafts and masks Chinese silk, calligraphy and seal carvings	The Routes Chinatown extends over a fairly large area, and so, a main route has been planned to help you capture the soul of Chinatown, while an extension offer a more in-depth perspective. PLACES OF INTEREST Main Route 1. The majestic 2. Chinatown Street Markets 3. Chinatown Heritage Centre 4. SM Temple 5. Chinatown Complex, Market and Food Centre 6. T Park 7. Tea Chapter Extension 1. Chinese Weekly Entertainment Club 2. FTC Museum
Best Time of Week to go Weekdays — set out early around 10 a. m. or later in the afternoon, when it’s cooler. Many places of interest close from 5 p. m., so don’t set off too late. Dress Code Most places of worship require modest dressing. Women are advised to wear long skirts or trousers and tops with sleeves

1. Tourists can enjoy cuisine delights and shopping at ______.

A．Tea chapter and family association

B．T Park and family-run businesses

C．Chinatown Food Street and Pagoda Street

D．Chinatown Street Markets and Pagoda Street

2. From the walking guide, an example of “a unique blend of old and new” is _______.

A．CD stores and skyscrapers

B．skyscrapers and shop houses

C．temples and family associations

D．spas and high-tech companies

3. Which one of the following statements is TRUE according to the advertisement?

A．Chinatown is ideal for visits 24 hours a day.

B．Women for places of worship are advised to wear shorts and long-sleeved blouse.

C．A local museum can be visited along the Main Route.

D．“A cultural feast” refers to sights and food of different ethnic groups in Chinatown.

4 . Four Best National Parks in the US

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most-visited national park. Crossing North Carolina and Tennessee, this park is known for its wildlife, waterfalls and fog-covered mountains. It’s worth visiting year-round for scenic views and outdoor activities like hiking, but the park really shines in autumn, when its trees put on a display of red, orange and gold leaves.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho

The world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, and in 2020, it recorded 3.8 million visits. Throughout its 2.2 million acres (英亩), visitors can find a range of unique attractions, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring, as well as waterfalls, lakes and wildlife.

Zion National Park, Utah

Utah is home to some of the country’s best national parks, including Arches, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands, but Utah’s first and most popular national park is Zion National Park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, climbing, biking and birding here.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Covering 415 mountainous square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park is the fourth most-visited. Here, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife from a safe distance, and explore the park’s many hiking trails. Rocky Mountain National Park also has a number of scenic drives for visitors who want to see the park’s forests, wildflower-covered grasslands, and more without leaving their cars.

1. When is the best time to admire leaves in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

A．Spring.

B．Summer.

C．Autumn.

D．Winter.

2. Which of the following is the world’s first national park?

A．Zion National Park.	B．Yellowstone National Park.
C．Rocky Mountain National Park.	D．Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

3. Where is Canyonlands National Park?

A．In Utah.	B．In Tennessee.
C．In Wyoming.	D．In Colorado.

5 . There’s nothing like graduating to make you want a celebratory vacation. So, where should you go once you graduate?

Iceland

With stunning bays, shooting geysers (间歇喷泉), natural hot springs and the northern lights — Iceland offers an otherworldly reset from your studies. A nature-first vacation, try and dedicate some time beyond the beautiful capital Reykjavik. You’ll need a large budget to chase waterfalls, sip pints and toast your graduation in Iceland, but you’ll look at the world entirely anew.

Florence, Italy

Florence offers a decadence (颓废) and youthfulness that is easier to access than in Rome or Naples, and its Renaissance beauty will fill your aching heart if you don’t want to leave university or college. Marvel at Botticelli’s masterpiece, the Birth of Venus, in the Uffizi and wander the expansive Boboli Gardens. Luxuriate with two-hour dinners on one of their many piazzas, climb to the top of the fabled Duomo to take in the rolling hills in the distance. There is so much to love about Florence, but like most major cities in Italy, it can be expensive, but it’s the price you pay to heal your heartache.

Greece

Few places have the same vacation appeal as Greece. With its hot, sunny climate and brilliant museums, especially the Acropolis Museum, the fantastic restaurants and endless island hopping opportunities, it’s hard to have a dull moment. Pro-tip: Don’t skip Athens. The birthplace of Western civilization and a paradise for thinkers, artists and scientists, come see the starting place for man’s greatest ideas.

Vietnam

Affordable, beautiful and warm, a graduation trip to Vietnam gets you out of your comfort zone. Get lost in a sea of mopeds in Hanoi and slurp pho on stools along the sidewalk. Head up to Halong Bay, where you can tour its limestone islands on a junk boat.

1. If we want to enjoy the beautiful northern lights, where should we go?

A．Iceland.

B．Florence.

C．Athens.

D．Vietnam.

2. What do Iceland and Florence have in common?

A．We can fill our aching heart.	B．There are many delicious piazzas.
C．Both need a large budget.	D．Both have a long and prosperous history.

3. Why should we not skip Athens if we have our vocation in Greece?

A．Because we appreciate many masters’ artworks.

B．Because we can visit many brilliant museums.

C．Because we will never have a dull moment.

D．Because Western civilization originates from here.

6 . Sentry Mead, Isle of Wight

Sentry Mead is an ideal destination with nine beautifully decorated bedrooms. The attention to detail is exceptional. Hence, each room enjoys its own uniqueness. And guests delight in features such as piles of books, homemade cupcakes, chocolates and a pillow menu. Dogs are welcomed and are allowed everywhere except the dining room. Besides walks and treats, there are blankets for them too.

The Halfway Bridge, West Sussex

The Halfway Bridge, a welcoming village pub-with-rooms, is oriented (指向的) towards rural life, famous for its delicious local and fresh food —their burgers are particularly popular. Rooms are in a single-story block behind the pub, and offer contemporary rural style. Dogs can stay in select rooms with garden access. Treats for four-legged friends are available in the lounge (大厅) and bar and there’s always a water bowl to hand.

The Falcondale, Wales

The Falcondale is a romantic destination. Stay in a valley-view room and enjoy the teapot. coffeepot and shortbread available in all rooms. Dogs not only enjoy the landscape, but can sit with you in part of the restaurant. There’s a luxury Canine Retreat package available. Bowls, blankets, towels, mess bags, leads, a torch and an outdoor tap are provided, as well as treats, a temperature-controlled dog bat h and a dog dining menu.

The Traddock, Austwick

The place to go for walking, especially if you choose to bring the dog with you. The Traddock is a welcome country house in the Yorkshire Dales national park. Homely and warm, rooms are decorated in comforting style but with a clear sense of luxury too. Locally sourced food always takes center stage. The personal welcome extends to four-legged friends who will love the many surrounding walks and the peaceful garden. After a day outdoors, they can relax in the lounge and bar.

1. What is special about Sentry Mead?

A．It welcomes dogs.	B．It is detail-focused.
C．It has luxury rooms.	D．It has fine decorations.

2. Why is the Canine Retreat package offered?

A．To have dogs examined.	B．To create a database of dogs.
C．To take good care of dogs.	D．To promote some dog food.

3. What do the hotels have in common?

A．They are dog-friendly.	B．They are in the downtown.
C．They have rural scenery.	D．They have dog shelters.

7 . In which city did the woman and John stay the longest?

A．Vienna.

B．Rome.

C．Paris.

8 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

To boost the city’s post-pandemic economic recovery, the government of Harbin has made special efforts to take advantage of the winter months to attract visitors from the south of the country. During     1     three-day New Year’s Day holiday from Dec 30 to Jan 1, the city received 3.05 million visits, with the income from tourism     2     (reach) 5.91 billion yuan, both historical records. It is worth mentioning that the city authorities have promptly and     3     (effective) addressed complaints of tourists. Harbin’s swift response     4     the complains gave people a good impression of the city.

As such, thanks to the snowball effect of social media, Harbin appears to have become the     5     (popular) tourist destination in the country in a short time, overshadowing Sanya, Hainan. That seems     6     (awaken) the long-sleeping     7     (proud) of the over 9 million residents in Harbin.

Over the past 20 years, Harbin’s population has contracted by about 2 million. Its withering (凋零的) economy is dominated by State-owned companies,     8     technology and management lag (滞后) behind the market demand. The reduction of oil and coal in nearby regions     9     (contribute) to its economy running out of steam as well. Once Harbin’s fast-gained appeal fades away, a major challenge facing the local government remains how to improve the city’s business environment to attract investment and boost the growth of private companies,     10     (breath) life back into its huge SOE system, and enhance its own performance.

9 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Who is the speaker?

A．An art teacher.

B．A tour guide.

C．An artist.

2. What does the center offer?

A．Daily videos.

B．Exhibitions of ancient art.

C．Painting courses.

3. On which level can listeners get something to eat?

A．Level 3.

B．Level 4.

C．Level 5.

4. What do we know about the gift shop?

A．It has a variety of books.

B．It is located on Level 2.

C．It is beside the reception desk.

10 . In 2024, the number of people fancying digital nomadism (游牧) has continued to rise. Here are the best places in the world for you to be a digital nomad.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua is a good destination when it comes to digital nomads in search of a place that integrates work and leisure. With connectivity and Internet speeds ideal for most remote tasks and a warm and sunny climate that starts in December, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy being outside. The town also offers a supportive community as well as plenty of co-working spaces and cafes.

Queenstown, New Zealand

As well as plenty of activities surrounded by stunning scenery, Queenstown offers high-speed Internet access and lots of co-working spaces. The weather in December is also perfect for exploring the landscapes via the likes of bungee jumping, hiking and even skiing. Plus, there’s a huge focus on local produce in Queenstown which makes the culinary (食物的) experience just as memorable.

Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara, an engaging choice for those in search of peace and natural beauty, is cool and dry in December, which means it has the perfect condition for working outdoors and exploring the Himalayan landscapes. There’s a growing community of digital nomads too — thanks to reliable Internet connections and an affordable way of life.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This Mexican coastal resort is a favorite with holidaymakers and digital nomads for its beaches, culture and affordable lifestyle. There’s a prosperous community of digital nomads in Playa del Carmen, fostered by numerous networking events, co-working spaces, and social gatherings. There’s also a great Internet connection! December is dry in Mexico which makes it an ideal time for beach activities. Plus, the diverse and lively nightlife is likely to only add to Playa del Carmen’s appeal.

1. Which of the following might be preferred by adventure seekers?

A．San Juan del Sur.	B．Queenstown.
C．Pokhara.	D．Playa del Carmen.

2. What could distinguish Playa del Carmen from other resorts?

A．Various seaside activities.	B．Distinctive local food.
C．Breathtaking landscapes.	D．Numerous co-working spaces.

3. What do these four resorts have in common?

A．They suit remote workers well.

B．They enjoy warm climate in December.

C．They guarantee visitors colorful nightlife.

D．They provide strong community support.