1 . The Best Caves in The World

Hang Son Doong, Vietnam

Natural caves don’t come much larger than Hang Son Doong, close to the border between Laos and Vietnam. This cave possesses the largest cross-section of any known cave on the planet, a vast area that is difficult to describe. Supposedly, a Boeing 747 could fly through without damaging its wings, but that doesn’t really do justice to the vastness of Hang Son Doong. The stalactites (钟乳石) here are pretty massive too, with some reaching up to 80 metres.

Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

Glowworms (萤火虫) are there, as far as the eye can see. Okay, not literally, but the Waitomo Cave system on New Zealand’s North Island is best-known for the fluorescent fauna that light up the walls, giving it the not-particularly-creative but completely acceptable “Glowworm Caves” nickname. They are more accessible than other caves on this list, with rafting and adventure tours available to those looking for something a little more thrilling.

Mammoth Cave, the USA

If you have certain expectations from somewhere called “Mammoth Cave”, that is entirely understandable. Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the world’s longest known cave system, an incredible 420 miles of underground wonder. That’s twice as long as the next longest, by the way, although it isn’t unusual for the USA to go all out on such things.

Reed Flute (芦笛) Cave, China

Named after the reeds that grow outside, which are used to make flutes, obviously, the Reed Flute Cave’s walls are covered with inscriptions from centuries gone by—if evidence was needed that people have been paying attention to this place for a long old time. The inside part of the cave is also lit up by multicoloured lights, giving it a real otherworldly theme that adds weight to the nickname.

1. What is special about Hang Son Doong?

A．It was once a base of a factory.

B．It is the deepest cave in the world.

C．It has the highest stalactites in the world.

D．It owns the largest cross-section in the world.

2. Which of the following can be much easier to enter?

A．Hang Son Doong.	B．Waitomo Caves.
C．Mammoth Cave.	D．Reed Flute Cave.

3. Which country probably has the longest cave system in the world?

A．Vietnam.

B．New Zealand.

C．The USA.

D．China.

2 . National parks are an excellent way to explore all the beauty that the world has to offer: whether it’s endangered species, erupting volcanoes and snowy mountains, or rainforests and lakes. Of the thousands of national parks that exist in the world, these are the ones that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Yorkshire Dales, United Kingdom

Contrary (相反) to the popular link of national parks with the wilderness, it is filled with winding valleys, hills and villages where over 24,000 people live and work. Visitors can walk through grassland, visit waterfalls or explore underground caves, but Yorkshire Dales is also home to several food shops, and the park hosts cheese festivals and farmers markets regularly, so it’s best to go hungry.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

It is a delight for those who like a bit of history mixed with the biodiversity of national parks. While it houses thousands of species of wildlife, there’s more to the national park than that.

Guilin and Lijiang River National Park, China

It is surrounded by striking natural beauty and can be explored by land. But the river national park, as the name suggests, is best explored through leisurely boat rides that take visitors through many ancient towns that come along the way of the river.

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Here’s a surprising fact: The whole of Vatnajökull National Park makes up 14% of Iceland’s territory! The park is usually open for hikes around the glaciers; boat rides through glacier lakes, and tours that take visitors through the park’s many ice caves, waterfalls, and icebergs. Vatnajökull is also where two of Iceland’s most active volcanoes are located.

1. What is recommended for a trip to Yorkshire Dales?

A．Recording local customs.

B．Skiing in the snowy mountains.

C．Going with an empty stomach.

D．Watching the eruption of volcanoes.

2. Which park is the best choice for observing diverse wildlife?

A．Yorkshire Dales.

B．Kakadu National Park.

C．Vatnajökull National Park.

D．Guilin and Lijiang River National Park.

3. What do the last two national parks have in common?

A．There are many ancient towns.

B．There are various ice caves inside.

C．They are aimed at protecting rivers.

D．They can be explored through boats.

3 . Five Most Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the USA

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most beautiful places in the world. They represent a unique collection of landmarks, and the five parks in USA really deserve to be treated as such.

 Yellowstone National Park, USA

The world’s first national park sits on top of a volcanic hot spot and offers everything from great views to fun activities and wildlife sightings. Home to lush forests, hot springs, alpine rivers, geyers, and more, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the greatest parks in the USA.

 Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Thanks to the erosion from the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is among the best spectacles on the planet. Stretching almost 300 miles, this magnificent valley is almost a mile deep and the width varies between less than a half mile to almost 19 miles.

 Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite’s glacial landform secures its spot among the best parks in the USA. This amazing park is also typically recognized because of its huge sequoias (红杉) and granite cliffs. In addition, you’ll find all sorts of picture-worthy meadows, waterfalls, streams, mountains, and a variety of plants and animals.

 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, USA

A karst landscape defines Carlsbad Caverns National Park which houses more than 119 caves. Its two main standouts are the namesake Carlsbad Cavern and Lechuguilla Cave. Both are known for their natural beauty, reef formations, and geologic features, but Carlsbad Cavern is famous for having one of the largest limestone cave chambers in the country at 4,000 feet long while Lechuguilla Cave owes its fame to its rare speleothems, or secondary mineral deposits, that provide a natural laboratory to study biological and geological processes.

 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USA

Home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 in recognition of its outstanding natural values. The park is one of the biggest attractions in Hawaii as it offers visitors dramatic volcanic landscapes and glimpses of rare flora and fauna.

1. Which fame do Yellowstone National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park share?

A．Volcanoes.	B．Snow-covered landscapes.
C．Rare flora.	D．Home to lush forests.

2. What has shaped Grand Canyon’s landscape?

A．Caves	B．erosion
C．Rare plants.	D．Hot springs.

3. Which park showcases glacial landform?

A．Yellowstone National Park

B．Grand Canyon National Park

C．Yosemite National Park

D．Carlsbad Caverns National Park

4 . Jimmy Choi is a cyclist, and a world record holder for push-ups (俯卧撑). He also happens to be living with Parkinson's disease. He was diagnosed with the brain disorder in 2003, suffering from involuntary shaking and problems with walking and balancing. There is currently no cure. Jimmy has to quit the sports. Soon he commits himself to being a motivational speaker and advocating for people with the disease.

Jimmy often shares his struggles on social media, and in a recent video, he expressed his annoyance at the packaging of the pills he needs to take. It showed his shaking hand trying to get a tiny pill from the bottle. Jimmy wasn't the only one facing such a problem. Brian Alldridge, a videographer (电视录像制作人), saw his video and immediately decided to do something to help him and everyone else dealing with this problem. He sat down at his computer and taught himself 3D modeling software. Within two days, Brian designed a new medicine bottle that separates a single pill in a container.

Brian made his own video and offered his design free of charge to anyone with a 3D printer who would be willing to create a physical prototype (原型). “I expected maybe one or two people to message me when I couldn't guarantee that the device would actually work. Instead, thousands of people offered to print the thing the next day,” Brian said, feeling so surprised. “Even more told me that someone they knew could benefit from it.”

The online community took it from there, printing out many versions of Brian's design until they had a prototype to send to Jimmy. Jimmy was just surprised by their support, and he eagerly tested every version of it. The creators of the pill bottle now feel like there's nothing they can't do! “If you think of a way to improve the lives of others, there's most likely a way to make it happen.” Brian said.

1. What did Jimmy show in the recent video?

A．Poor packaging of his pills.	B．Bothering with reaching pills.
C．Design of a new medicine bottle.	D．Requirements for people with Parkinson.

2. What do we know about Jimmy in face of Parkinson's disease?

A．He feels upset about leaving sports.	B．He makes great efforts to recover.
C．He becomes devoted to a new career.	D．He lives in great pain from the disease.

3. Why did Brian feel surprised?

A．So many people responded to him.	B．The bottle worked better than expected.
C．His design benefited many patients.	D．Jimmy tried all versions of the bottle.

4. What do the creators think of the creation of the pill bottle?

A．There is nothing they can't accept.

B．There is nothing they can't imagine.

C．There is nothing they can't control.

D．There is nothing they can't achieve.

5 . If you’re planning to visit Japan, it is a good idea to understand some basic customs.

DON’T WALK AND CHEW GUM.

Americans are always in such a hurry that we grab lunch at the drive with one hand while holding onto the steering wheel with the other.

The Japanese don’t walk around while eating or drinking. This seems strange in a culture that like vending machines (自动售卖机). In fact, the Japanese will often get a snack or soda out of a vending machine and then stand there, next to the vending machine, until they’ve finished it.

SURGICAL MASKS

Seeing photos of people in Japan wearing surgical masks, you might wonder if surgical masks are just a fashion. Meanwhile, in America, we cough into the open air, and sneak out of restrooms without washing up.

In Japan, it’s not nice to share germs (细菌). If you’re sick and you must leave your home, you put a surgical mask because that’s polite. Surgical masks are also worn out of caution — if you travel in a packed train during flu season, it’s a good idea to do so.

THE MISUSE OF SOY SAUCE

You’re probably used to eating white rice with soy sauce (酱汁) all over it in American Asian restaurants, but don’t do it in Japan. Soy sauce in Japan is not meant for drowning out the subtle flavor of white rice.

About YOUR SHOES

Wearing shoe in the house is just not something people do in Japan. You should remove your shoes immediately after entering a Japanese home and also when entering most historic buildings.

1. The author is telling American tourists in Japan to ________.

A．drink while walking	B．eat while driving
C．eat food quickly	D．drink near the vending machine

2. The Japanese consider wearing a surgical mask as ________.

A．a fashion	B．a danger
C．good manners	D．a good idea

3. When you are visiting a Japanese home, you are advised to ___________.

A．get a snack	B．remove your shoes
C．put soy sauce over the rice	D．wear a mask