1 . There is a mountain of great ski opportunities not too far from Boston. Road-trip to one of these fantastic ski mountains this winter.

Blue Hills Ski Area

A ski day trip doesn’t get any easier than the Blue Hills Ski Area. It is the only snow sports facility in the metro area. Skiing and snowboarding are spread over its 60 skiable acres, 90% of which are equipped for snowmaking. The vertical drop is 309 feet and there are four lifts serving the 16 trails, most of which are for advanced skiers. There are lessons for kids and adults to help you get there.

Crochet Mountain Resort

It’s famous for signature “Midnight Madness” events and daily night skiing. It has an 875-foot vertical drop and 23 trails across 75 skiable acres. A great mountain for skiers, half its terrain is graded for intermediates with the rest being split between advanced and beginner terrain.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

It’s the only one of ski resorts to be 100% powered by renewable energy sources. Skiers will find a 1,150-foot vertical drop, 45 trails, 3 terrain parks and 9 lifts across 167 skiable acres. The whole family can take lessons, enjoy dining or buy a ticket and go for a ride on the 3,600-foot Mountain Coaster!

Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch has a 2,564-foot vertical drop, 78 trails, 5 terrain parks and 8 lifts spread across 1,000 skiable acres. Known as a full-service family-oriented resort, it offers plenty to do off mountain like ice skating, arts and crafts workshops and an indoor swimming pool!

1. Which ski resort mainly targets advanced skiers?

A．Blue Hills Ski Area.	B．Crochet Mountain Resort.
C．Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort.	D．Smugglers’ Notch.

2. What’s the highlight of Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort?

A．Its trails.	B．Its location.
C．Its vertical drop.	D．Its green concept.

3. What can skiers do in Smugglers’ Notch?

A．Have a swim.	B．Ski with world champions.
C．Enjoy stone sculptures.	D．Ride a roller coaster.

2 . Things To Remember On Your First Solo Travel Adventure

If you’ve ever thought about just taking a trip yourself instead of waiting for someone to join you, you’re not alone.     1     However, do you count yourself among the many who have tried it? If you’re planning your own solo trip, here are four important things to keep in mind.

    2     Since you’re traveling solo, how you choose to explore it is entirely up to you. This is your chance to do whatever you want whenever you want because this time, you’re running the show.

Don’t be afraid to talk to random people. Though there is someone who poses a threat, it’s important to remember that not everyone is out to get you.     3    That’s because you’re a novelty, a person from another country who is visiting theirs. Therefore, instead of putting on your headphones or instantly seeing them as weirdos, use this spontaneous chat as a chance to meet the locals or get recommendations for things to do during your trip.

It’s okay to have bad days.     4     It happens and it’s completely okay to take some time to process whatever it is you’re feeling. Take yourself to a movie or spend the day dong something relaxing like writing in your journal or reading on the beach.

It’s okay to start small.     5     Start by doing a staycation in another part of town, spending a few days in a new locale a bus or train ride away. Just do whatever you’re comfortable with and see how it all feels for you.

A．You are the boss of your own adventure.

B．You need to make an unusual travel choice.

C．It’s no secret that solo travel is on the rise.

D．Sometimes things can go incredibly wrong.

E．People like you simply don’t know how to start.

F．Most of the time people are just curious and try to be friendly.

G．Remember, your first solo trip doesn’t have to be to a whole other continent.

3 . 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.

4 . In Oceanside, a coastal suburb about 40 miles north of San Diego, the palm trees wave and the temperature is almost perfect. Teenagers watch surfers ride glassy waves. Every day it feels like the most perfect summer day. There is just one problem: The sand is disappearing.

While many visitors, and even lifelong Californians in the industrial state, might see wide areas of sand as part of the state’s natural beauty, the reality is that over decades, the coast has become a highly engineered wonder. Millions of cubic yards of sand dug from other parts has been added in the last century to build the postcard-worthy beach like the one in Santa Monica.

But a range of forces have shrunk beaches all along California’s coastline. California could lose as much as 75% of its beaches by 2100, given the sea level rise related to climate change. Over time, beach sand gets s wept up into the water. Some of it moves towards other beaches. Besides, dams and concrete canals have reduced the amount of river sediment (沉淀物) flowing downstream that could help fill beaches as a supplement (补充). If the shoreline were allowed to evolve without human intervention, the beaches could continue to exist as we know them. But in California, the development in many places along the coast has created a hard barrier, disturbing that natural evolution.

Over the years, local governments worked together on a few major sand supplement projects. But those, still, have proved to be fleeting solutions. “Everything we do is a short-term fix,” said Gary Griggers, a professor specializing in coastal science. In recent years, as the sand’s disappearance grew more extreme, longtime Oceanside residents formed an organization called Save Oceanside Sand. A beach town cannot exist without a beach. Leaders here launched some international design competitions, aiming at finding new ways of getting and keeping sand on the city’s beaches.

“It’s really a race. I think there’s absolutely nothing we can do to hold back the Pacific Ocean,” said Gairy Griggers.

1. What does the author mean by mentioning the engineered wonder?

A．Most visitors are engineers.	B．California is an industrial state.
C．It’s the perfect holiday vacation.	D．The beach is artificially maintained.

2. What is a reason for the crisis of beaches along California’s coastline?

A．Sand supplement has been added.	B．Sea level rise results in climate change.
C．Much river sediment is flowing downstream.	D．Human intervention blocks the natural evolution.

3. What does the underlined word “fleeting” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Efficient.

B．Temporary.

C．Sustainable.

D．Complex.

4. Which of the following was done to preserve Californian beaches?

A．Design contests were held.	B．Dams and canals were built.
C．Man-made beaches were expanded.	D．Sand-themed postcards were published.

5 . In modern life, stress has become an unwelcome companion for many. According to a survey conducted in 2023, 91 percent of adults reported experiencing high or extreme levels of stress.     1     One alternative gaining popularity is wellness tourism, praised as the fastest-growing sector in the travel industry.

The change of scenery and adventurous nature of an active holiday can lead to an overall change in the dominant chemicals in our brain, triggering releases of dopamine (多巴胺).     2     We often see dopamine travel as a complete distraction from everyday life, which promotes meaning or growth. Besides, such a form of travel has been proven to increase feelings of well-being, as well as increases in general activity level.     3     This is particularly present for outdoor trips such as mountaineering or skiing where a sense of accomplishment can lead to long lasting increases in self worth and confidence.

    4     Oliver Brendon, CEO of Attraction Tickets.com adds: “The dopamine travel trend is centered on immersing yourself in exciting landscapes, which is why the brightly-colored theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort make such popular destinations.”

For more mindful moments, surrounding yourself in nature can create a sense of adventure and escape unlike traditional wellness getaways.     5     Going sailing on the tranquil lazy river at Discovery Cove is another wise choice.

A．Consider choosing experiences like swimming with sea life.

B．Try riding the popular roller coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

C．These benefits have been reported as lasting up to a long post-holiday time.

D．This effect of certain holidays has coined a new travel trend — dopamine travel.

E．As we struggle with this stress, promoting our well-being has become most significant.

F．It’s evident that we are increasingly seeking comfort and refreshment in holiday experiences.

G．Just as other dopamine trends encourage bright colors, our environments also play a, vital role.

6 .

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.

7 . On hearing the word vacation, most people react positively. Experienced travelers will argue that more important than where they go on vacation is who they go with.     1    

Family travel is special and creates lasting memories, but it can also have some challenges. For one, the success of a trip often depends on the relationships that the family members have with one another. If two brothers do not get along at home, the chances are that they will fight during a vacation.     2     If a family is traveling by air, purchasing plane tickets for everyone can be very expensive.

    3     Close friends often have similar personalities, so they generally get along with each other and fight less than family members might on a trip. Furthermore, if friends are close, even a terrible trip will not ruin the friendship.     4     All in all, traveling with friends can be a positive experience that results in a great vacation and, likely, a stronger friendship.

Finally, people can choose to travel alone. Solo travelers can be more flexible with transportation than those traveling in a large group.     5     And they also have better chances of getting a seat on buses or planes since they only need one. In addition, solo travelers are more likely to meet locals or other vacationers because they are more likely to want to talk with others.

A．They can change plans more easily.

B．Each person tends to cover his or her individual expenses.

C．Another potential problem of family travel is transportation.

D．Sightseeing and scheduling are not a problem for solo travelers.

E．In fact, friendships are often strengthened with the travel memories.

F．Traveling with friends can be an unforgettable experience for several reasons.

G．Vacations can be classified on the basis of who vacationers choose to travel with.

8 . Four Wonderful Hotels in India

Vythiri Resort, Lakkidi, Kerala

Vythiri Resort has five tree houses, including the one that’s child-friendly and buried in the jungle. This 150-acre property is built around a stream, and the tree houses have been hand-made by local people using local materials. The resort has an Ayurvedic spa, a game room, a health club, and a big free parking lot.

The regular tree house for one night is CNY 1,300 for two adults and a free stay for your child. Breakfast is included in the fee.

Rainforest Resort, Kerala

If the thought of a bird’s eye view of Athirapally Falls, Kerala’s largest waterfall, appeals to you, then book yourself into the tree house at the Rainforest Resort, which hides in the Sholayar rainforest. The resort is set among seven acres of jungle. It’s not cheap, though. You can use free parking and free Internet.

A standard double room for one night is CNY1,920 with meals included for two adults and a child.

The Tree House Resort, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Situated around an hour’s drive from the city center, The Tree House Resort is the largest resort in the world of its kind. It’s located at Nature Farms in the Syari Valley. The tree houses are divided into many “nests”. Some even have tree trunks running through them. All are air-conditioned and have wireless Internet and satellite TV. Activities include jeep tours and nature walks.

A garden room for one night is CNY 820 for two adults and one child. However, breakfast is not included.

Tranquil Resort, Kolagappara, Kerala

Also located in Kerala’s Wayanad district, the Tranquil Resort is, in fact, a coffee plantation homestay. There are 13 walking trails (小路) there and more than 100 species of birds. The resort has a tree house and a 1,000-square-foot tree villa. The villa is apparently a bit expensive. The two are popular, so do book early online or by phone. Fresh coffee is served.

The prices of a tree house and a tree villa are respectively CNY 1,430 and CNY 2,100 per night. And for more than 2 guests, an additional fee of CNY 200 is required.

1. What do the above four hotels offer guests?

A．The free parking service.	B．A chance to get close to nature.
C．A taste of India’s traditional cuisine.	D．Interactive activities for parents and children.

2. What’s the disadvantage of The Tree House Resort?

A．It’s relatively small.	B．It’s unfriendly to kids.
C．It charges for breakfast.	D．It’s inconveniently located.

3. How much will a family of three pay for the villa at the Tranquil Resort for a night?

A．CNY 1,430.

B．CNY 1,630.

C．CNY 2,100.

D．CNY 2,300.

9 . The sun near the equator is never-ceasing, bearing down as I lead Elaine, a dark brown horse, through thick bushes. It’s been a long day on horseback. My legs ache and our camp signals across a ridge of ancient folding hills in the Lolldaiga Range of northern Kenya, a mosaic (马赛克) of twisted landscapes and communities.

Suddenly Elaine’s ears flick into alert, and the muscles of her body tense beneath me. Our guide Nicholus stretches out a lean arm toward a bush just meters away. My eyes focus, trying my best to see what the others already have: two amber balls glowing from a shadowed form. It’s a young lion, quick and strong, in the middle of the high grass.

A wild silence hangs between us.

Without the defensive hunting vehicle, I feel completely exposed. Peering into the bush, I’m suspended between wonder and terror, the distance between myself and the Savannah’s most notorious hunter unbelievably small. Usually, I’m the one tracking the lion, camera in hand. Now, the lion shifts in my consciousness from object to subject. I shift, too, strongly aware of the soft flesh of my own body.

Nicholus nods his head in the other direction, a safer distance away. He points to shallow holes in the dust. “Look, this is a big lion, and these are young ones, some cubs,” he says. “Probably a mother.” Pawprints marked the earth, each telling the story of more lions, moving in different directions.

It was time to go.

Horseback safaris are still the most immersive way to view wildlife in Kenya. To journey on horseback is to break down the walls — meant to protect, but also to separate us from the natural world. And as we’re absorbed in the thrill of the experience, we’re vividly reminded of the importance of protecting these wild spaces.

Out here your horse is your translator, responding to the low hiss of a leopard, the soft scent of an elephant herd, the cool morning breeze descending from Mount Kenya’s glacial peaks. Your job is to learn how to listen.

1. Which words can NOT describe my horseback journey?

A．Thrilling.

B．Tiring.

C．Breathtaking.

D．Boring.

2. What can we learn from paragraph 3 and 4?

A．I regretted not having driven a vehicle.

B．I felt extremely tense in case of lions’ attack.

C．There will be a big battle between lions and us.

D．It was out of my expectation to break into a lion’s world.

3. Why do people still love engaging horseback travelling in Kenya today?

A．Horses are much cheaper than vehicles.

B．Visitors will experience the wildlife anytime.

C．It is a safe and exciting way to enjoy the wildlife.

D．It offers a chance to reconsider the connection between humans and wildlife.

4. What does the author suggest in the last paragraph?

A．Find more animals to feed.	B．Ask your horse for translation.
C．Feel nature with your heart.	D．Listen to the sound of every animal.

10 . Costa Rica is home to everything from steamy rainforests and misty cloud forests. And there’s enough action to satisfy the most demanding thrill-seeker. Below, we look at the places you won’t want to miss.

La Fortuna

You can get up close to its lava-covered lower slopes by taking the Las Coladas trail, one of several unforgettable hikes around Volcán Arenal National Park, about 7km west of La Fortuna.

Around 7km east of La Fortuna, there’s horseback riding, mountain biking, along with kayaking on Lake Arenal. The region’s natural hot springs make the perfect place to ease weary muscles.

Monteverde

Monteverde’s mist-wreathed cloud forest reserves sit high on the country’s mountainous spine. It’s one of the world’s biodiversity hot spots, with a shocking diversity of plants and animals.

For a bird’s eye view of the forest, take a thrilling ride on a zipline(滑索), skimming the canopy at high speed—Sky Trek Monteverde has an automatic braking system, useful for kids and anxious adults.

The Nicoya Peninsula

Famed for its postcard-perfect beaches and sweet Pacific swells, Nicoya has something for wave riders of all levels. There’s wildlife too: Grande Beach is a nesting site for leatherback turtles from October to March.

Further south, the remote, jungle-backed town of Santa Teresa is now a hip hangout with cool cafes, sushi restaurants and designer boutiques.

1. Who are the targeted readers?

A．Scientists.

B．Travelers.

C．Researchers.

D．Guides.

2. What can people enjoy in both La Fortuna and Monteverde?

A．Outdoor activities.

B．Local snacks.

C．Wildlife watching.

D．Volcano views.

3. Where can you seek thrill in water?

A．La Fortuna and Monteverde.	B．La Fortuna and The Nicoya Peninsula.
C．The Nicoya Peninsula and Monteverde.	D．Santa Teresa and Volcán Arenal National Park.