1 . Must-See Destinations in 2024

Are you ready to explore the world in 2024? Whether you dream of sailing down famous European rivers or exploring unique places, our list of must-see destinations is here to inspire your travels.

Spain

Throw yourself into the rich culture and history of Spain. From the sunny beaches of Tenerife to the Moorish architecture (建筑物) of Andalucía, there’s so much to explore in this lively country. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage (遗产) city of La Laguna and become amazed at the beauty of Cordoba, Seville, and La Alhambra, or relax on a beach holiday to Majorca or Tenerife.

Montenegro

Despite its size, Montenegro has beautiful beaches, rich history, and a breathtaking channel. Experience the beauty of the Montenegrin coast — Dalmatia’s jewel (宝石) is the UNESCO World Heritage listed oasis of Dubrovnik, famously praised by Lord Bryon as The Pearl of the Adriatic.

Croatia

Discover the beauty that is Dubrovnik. Explore the 16th-century city’s defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. Sail along Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, where attractive villages and beautiful towns like Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč are just waiting to be explored...

South Africa

Explore the wonders of South Africa, from the Garden Route’s nature reserves to the thrill of a Safari drive in the Kariega Game Reserve. Discover the different plants and animals while searching for the “Big Five” on an unforgettable South Africa holiday.

With over 25 years of experience creating holidays for the curious, Travel Department ensures that your journey is in good hands. Plus as a trusted Reader’s Digest Travel partner, you can get special deals when you travel with them across lots of different 2024 holidays. If you want to know more information, please click here.

1. What do Spain and Montenegro have in common?

A．They are both praised by tourists.

B．They both have world heritage cities.

C．They are known for their architectures.

D．They both own beaches and rich history.

2. Which destination will attract people who are interested in creatures?

A．Spain.	B．South Africa.
C．Montenegro.	D．Croatia.

3. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A website.	B．A guidebook.
C．A novel.	D．A magazine.

4 . A skywell, or "tian jing", is a typical feature of a traditional home in China. ________ a northern Chinese courtyard, or “yuan zi”a skywell is smaller and less exposed to the outdoor environment. They are________ seen in homes dating to Ming and Qing dynasties, which were designed to________different generations of relatives.

Although a skywell's size and design vary from region to region, it is always rectangular and located in the Core of a house, either________by rooms on four sides or three sides plus a wall. Skywells were designed to cool buildings before air-conditioning existed. When wind blows above a skywell house, it can enter the indoor space through the opening. Because outdoor air is often cooler than indoor air, the ________breeze travels down the walls to the lower storeys and create air ________ by replacing warmer indoor air,   which rises and leaves through the opening.

The main purpose of a skywell is to allow in light, improve ventilation (通风) and ________ rainwater. In Huizhou, a skywell is small but tall, and the rooms around it can ________ sunlight on hot days, enabling the bottom of the skywell to stay cool. ________ hot air inside the house can rise and escape through the opening above the skywell, which“works just like a ________”

As a(n) ________ space between indoor life and the outdoor environment, a skywell acts as an effective heat buffer(缓冲)to shield residents from the hot air outside. But the largest part of skywell's cooling effect actually comes when there are bodies of water in the enclosure.

Evaporated water cools hot air, a process known as evaporative cooling which is ________ in Huizhou skywells. In the past, Huizhou families collected rainwater in their skywells because they believed this could safeguard and boost their wealth. Skywells therefore have channels around them to ________ rainwater coming from the roofs.

Though existing in China for hundreds of years, in recent times they have often been forgotten by people who prefer modern________. Over the past two decades, however, due to a ________ of traditional Chinese architecture, skywell buildings have been making a comeback.

1.

A．Parallel with

B．Different from

C．Close to

D．Symbolic of

2.

A．commonly

B．rarely

C．apparently

D．currently

3.

A．bind

B．gather

C．house

D．honor

4.

A．enclosed

B．separated

C．accompanied

D．replaced

5.

A．calming

B．refreshing

C．incoming

D．upcoming

6.

A．pollution

B．pressure

C．current

D．circulation

7.

A．promise

B．harvest

C．stop

D．process

8.

A．block out

B．bathe in

C．allow for

D．let out

9.

A．Nevertheless

B．Meanwhile

C．Similarly

D．Rather

10.

A．well

B．column

C．chimney

D．ceiling

11.

A．ideal

B．leisure

C．alternative

D．transition

12.

A．well-reflected

B．well-shaded

C．well-developed

D．well-organized

13.

A．collect

B．purify

C．drain

D．evaporate

14.

A．techniques

B．facilities

C．styles

D．inventions

15.

A．reunion

B．reminder

C．renewal

D．rearrangement

7 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Last summer, my friends and I went on a camping trip in the mountains. We were all excited about the adventure ahead, but little did we know what was in store for us.

We arrived at the campsite in the late afternoon. The sun was setting, and the sky was painted with hues of orange and pink. We set up our tents and started a fire to cook our dinner. As we sat around the fire, we planned our activities for the next day. We decided to go on a hike to see the nearby waterfall.

The next morning, we woke up early and set out on our hike. The trail was steep and narrow, but the scenery was breathtaking. We passed through the forests and crossed the streams. As we got higher, the air became colder and thinner. We had to stop frequently to catch our breath.

After a few hours of hiking, we finally reached the waterfall. It was amazing. The water fell down from a great height, and the mist created a rainbow. We sat down to catch our breath and take in the beauty of the waterfall.

But our adventure was far from over. As we were about to leave, we noticed dark clouds gathering overhead. It started raining heavily, and we realized that we had not brought any rain gear. We were completely soaked(湿透)and trembling in the cold. We decided to take shelter in a nearby cave until the rain stopped.

The cave was dark and damp, but it gave us a brief relief from the rain. We sat there for what seemed like hours, waiting for the rain to stop. But it only got worse. The thunder was so loud that it echoed through the cave, and the lightning was so bright that it lit up the cave like daylight.

注意：
1．续写词数应为150左右；
2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

We were scared and worried.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

That night, as we sat around the fire, we reflected on our adventure.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9 . I received the trip to Ireland as a surprise gift from my mother. Quickly I_________ my bags and showed up at the airport!

The moment I saw Ireland’s _________ from the airplane’s window, I sensed I was entering a world that was unlike anything I had _________ before. When I walked outside the airport and the soft wind hit me, I was extremely happy and_________.I left everything behind me.   It was a feeling I will remember _________ and will value for the rest of my life:

We rented a house for two weeks along the river Shannon. On quiet mornings, we _________ the sun on our skin, and breathed in the _________ scent of fresh flowers while birds _________ the new day with their morning song. We went to Emerald Isle and saw its green hills_________ with sheep and cattle; we walked around County Clare as if we were ____________,and made so many friends at the local restaurants; we stopped by a village____________ and relaxed with a glass of wine and local beer. The ____________ and welcoming environment made me feel at home.

As our plane took off for home, tears fell down my face. I found myself____________ Ireland. The landscapes, the food, the tradition and the people ____________ a feast for all of my senses. This was an____________ that I never could have imagined.

1.

A．threw

B．packed

C．sold

D．opened

2.

A．weather

B．people

C．species

D．landscape

3.

A．heard

B．tasted

C．experienced

D．intended

4.

A．excited

B．worried

C．calm

D．upset

5.

A．often

B．forever

C．likely

D．somehow

6.

A．felt

B．patted

C．kissed

D．removed

7.

A．special

B．terrible

C．sweet

D．tasty

8.

A．greeted

B．repeated

C．ensured

D．puzzled

9.

A．decorated

B．dotted

C．buried

D．crowded

10.

A．hunters

B．strangers

C．travelers

D．residents

11.

A．factory

B．pub

C．hospital

D．school

12.

A．distant

B．noisy

C．embarrassing

D．peaceful

13.

A．losing sight of

B．keeping tracking of

C．Flling in love with

D．getting in touch with

14.

A．created

B．designed

C．controlled

D．missed

15.

A．emotion

B．image

C．adventure

D．achievement

10 . 4 Best Hikes in the UK by Train

The following four best hikes in the UK by train are recommended to try.

Name of hike: Golden Cap on the Southwest Coast Path
The nearest train station: Axminster

The Golden Cap Estate is famous for being the tallest point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Following the Southwest Coast Path for about 7. 5km will take you along Charmouth Beach which is famous for the many fossils (化石) found there.

Name of hike: Aber Falls in the Snowdonia National Park
The nearest train station: Bangor

Aber Falls is an impressive 40m tall waterfall in the Snowdonia National Park. Following the 4km path through Aber Nature Reserve to reach the waterfall you will pass ancient woodlands. Additionally, you’ll be able to find a few smaller waterfalls on route.

Name of hike: Conic Hill in the Loch Lomond
The nearest train station: Balloch

The Conic Hill is one of the final parts on the West Highland Way route. After going through ancient woodlands, you’ll reach the impressive view of Loch Lomond and its many islands. Covering about 5. 5km, the path begins and ends in the small village of Balmaha.

Name of hike: Loch an Eilein in the Cairngorms National Park
The nearest train station: Aviemore

This 7.2 km walk passes Loch an Eilein and cuts through the endless ancient forest. The Loch is home to a small island and the beautiful Loch an Eilein Castle (城堡) which dates back to the 13th century. While walking, you can enjoy the sound of birdsong all around you.

1. Which place will you choose if you like natural heritage?

A．Aber Falls.	B．Golden Cap.
C．Conic Hill loop. .	D．Loch an Eilein loop.

2. Which station should you choose if visiting Aber Nature Reserve?

A．Axminster.	B．Bangor.
C．Balloch.	D．Aviemore.

3. What do Conic Hill and Loch an Eilein have in common?

A．Ancient forest.	B．Several islands.
C．Famous castles.	D．Beautiful birds.