1 . After my family got comfortably settled in Hotel Ramada in Bangkok, we started exploring the city. After endless hours of shopping, it was finally time to go back.

This was when the trouble started. We forgot there are two Ramada hotels in the opposite directions. Absolutely unaware of this, we started searching for the way back. Google maps suggested us the shortest route, which was just 20 minutes away by walk.     1    

Bangkok felt different after sunset. Walking along the heavily-crowded roads with the dark-red sky felt beautiful. Lost in our talk, we didn’t realize that we passed onto the quieter part of the town.

    2     It was closed for redecoration. Unluckily, nobody around us then spoke English. Worse still, we stepped in a local tuk-tuk (三轮车), which took us to an unknown area for an enormous pay. We had no clue where we were, our mobile phones nearly out of power.

    3     He was a taxi driver. Recounting the day’s events proved to be a great conversation starter. We ended up talking through the way. He was so kind as to offer to drive us around for the rest of our stay.     4     For the next four days, from floating markets to the temples of Wat Pho, our trip wouldn’t have been so trouble-free without him.

Sometimes when things don’t go according to plan, I think about the stranger we met on the streets and how a tiny mistake on our part led to unexpected results.     5    

A．That was when our hero arrived.

B．Our thankfulness was beyond description.

C．We reached a completely different Hotel Ramada.

D．We set off into the city with little research on transport.

E．We decided not to waste our money but our time instead.

F．He then reminded us that our hotel was just a few blocks away

G．The trip rings as a reminder that every cloud has a silver lining.

3 . Ancient builders across the world created structures that are still standing today, thousands of years later. Roman builders built thick concrete sea barriers against waves. Mayan builders created great sculptures, and Chinese builders constructed walls against foreign enemies.

A growing number of scientists have been studying materials since a long time ago. They 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 bark, volcanic ash, rice and beer. These unexpected materials can have the ability to get stronger over time. Figuring out how to copy these features can have real impacts today. While some of our modern concrete has the strength to hold up very tall buildings and heavy structures, it cannot compete with the durability of these ancient materials.

Many scientists have turned to the Romans. Starting around 200 BC, the Roman Empire was building concrete structures that have stood the test of time. Even in places where seawater has been hitting structures for ages, you will find concrete basically the way it was when it was poured 2,000 years ago. They think they have found an important reason why some Roman concrete has held up structures for thousands of years. That the ancient materials have an unusual power to restore themselves and “cure” cracks when they form is the most shocking for them. Exactly how is not yet clear, but scientists are starting to find the reasons.

Today’s builders cannot just copy the ancient processes. Even though Roman concrete lasted a long time, it couldn’t hold up heavy buildings. Instead, researchers are trying to take some of the ancient materials and add them into modern mixes. People don’t need to make things last quite as long as the Romans did. If we add 50 or 100 years to concrete’s lifespan, we’ll surely require less pulling down, less maintenance and less material in the long run.

1. What were the mentioned Roman and Chinese buildings both used for?

A．Defence.	B．Travel.
C．Soldier training.	D．Seawater control.

2. Which word can best describe the ancient buildings?

A．Energy-efficient.

B．Long-lasting.

C．Delicate.

D．Flexible

3. What surprises the scientists most about the ancient building materials?

A．Their large cracks.	B．Their clear concrete.
C．Their internal structures.	D．Their self-repairing ability.

4. What is the author’s attitude to the future concrete?

A．Contradictory.

B．Expectant.

C．Doubtful.

D．Pessimistic.

5 . The Most Beautiful Seas in the World

Considering the most beautiful seas, it’s worth paying attention to the southern water bodies, although, without doubt, each sea is attractive and charming in its own way.

The most beautiful sea in the world-Coral Sea

If we consider the beauty of the seas, and not their coasts, then the first place should be given to the Coral Sea. The Coral Sea is a dangerous place for sailors, and at the same time one of the most beautiful places for diving and all this is due to the unique coral reefs that are home to a wide range of creatures.

The second place-Red Sea

The Red Sea is a truly magnificent place. It has rich fish stocks, a huge number of amazing creatures live in it, and the underwater world is exceptionally rich, which makes it one of the most attractive destinations for divers around the world.

The third place-Caribbean

This is the warmest exotic(异域风情的)place where not only the sea but also the plants on its coast please the eye. It’s located between North and South America, and on its shore there are a number of small countries. Many tourists come here, because rest here is inexpensive, and you can experience different cultural traditions.

The fourth place-Bali Sea

The Bali Sea is located in the Pacific Ocean. This is another paradise(天堂)for relaxation, receiving many tourists every season. The sea has a warm climate, creating ideal conditions for relaxing on the islands of Java, Sulawesi, Sumbawa and Madura.

1. Where should you go if you like diving and various sea creatures?

A．Red Sea and Bali Sea.	B．Caribbean and Bali Sea.
C．Coral Sea and Red Sea.	D．Coral Sea and Caribbean.

2. Why do many visitors come to the Caribbean?

A．To appreciate different cultures at a lower cost.

B．To take a close look at a number of wild plants.

C．To look for more corals and the best places to dive.

D．To relax on the islands of Java, Sulawesi and so on.

3. What makes Bali Sea a paradise?

A．Its coast.

B．Its islands.

C．Its tourists.

D．Its climate.