1 . Floating Markets in Bangkok, Thailand
One might feel as though they are entering a different world upon visiting a Thai floating market. While some countries in Asia have their own floating markets, none compare to Thailand’s, and the special experience is one you cannot miss while visiting the country.
Long-tail boats, ancient and traditional houses, and shouting vendors (商贩) are the major elements of floating markets in Bangkok. They are excellent options for experiencing the unusual culture and life of Thailand. Here are the top 8 floating markets in Bangkok, where you can experience the chaotic and charming atmosphere.
| Name | Distance from Downtown Bangkok | Open Times | Features |
| Damnoen Saduak | 80 km (50 mi) | Every day from 7 a. m. to 5 p. m | Long-tail boat cruises, remote villages, plantations |
| Amphawa | 90 km (55mi) | 11 a. m. to 9.30 p. m., Friday to Sunday | Thai food, little wooden houses, temples |
| Wat Sai | 23 km (14 mi) | 8 a. m.— 6 p. m., Tuesday— Saturday | A mixture of Chinese culture and Thai culture |
| Taling Chan | 12 km (7 mi) | 8 a. m.— 6 p. m., Saturday— Sunday | Temples, massages (按摩) on boats, foot massages under trees |
| Bangkhla | 100km (60 mi) | 8 a. m.— 6 p. m., Saturday— Sunday | Remote countryside, charm, biking |
| Bang Nam Pheung | 20 km (12 mi) | 8: 30 a. m.— 5 p. m., Saturday— Sunday | Fruit, food, a nature sanctuary (避难所) |
| Bang Phli | 38 km (24 mi) | 11 a. m.— 5:30 p. m., Tuesday— Saturday | Oldest, historical buildings, temples |
| Khlong Lat Mayom | 21 km (13 mi) | 7 a. m.— 5 p. m., Saturday — Sunday | Food, fruit, boat noodles |
1. Which floating market only opens on weekends with the shortest opening hours?
| A．Taling Chan. | B．Bang Phli. |
| C．Bang Nam Pheung. | D．Khlong Lat Mayom. |
| A．Delicious Thai food. | B．Numerous temple buildings. |
| C．Various massage services. | D．The traditional countryside life. |
| A．It is influenced by Chinese cultural elements. |
| B．Its number of open days in a week is the largest. |
| C．It is the centre of cultural exchange around the world. |
| D．It is a must-see tourist destination for Chinese tourists. |
2 . Four Best Music Festivals Worth Attending This Year
Big Ears
When: March 21 — 24
Where: Knoxville, Tennessee
Named for the open-minded approach to listening it asks attendees to have, Big Ears regularly hosts contemporary classical music performances along with adventurous rock, jazz, metal and electronic music. For four days, Big Ears transforms the city into a paradise (天堂) for music of all kinds, taking over music halls, clubs and churches, all of which are centrally located and within walking distance.
Ultra Music Festival
When: March 22 — 24
Where: Miami, Florida
Considered as one of the best electric music events in the world, Ultra Music Festival features electronic dance music (EDM), techno and house music. Attendees are referred to as “Ultranauts” and come from around the globe to party in downtown Miami. This year’s line-up includes Calvin Harris, Afrojack, David Guetta and Zeds Dead.
Jazz & Heritage Festival
When: April 25 — May 5
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Held annually since 1970, Jazz Fest is also one of the biggest. Nearly half a million people show up to take in a massive bill of jazz, blues and rock music. While most festivals are content to book the same handful of reunited alt-rock (另类摇滚) bands making the rounds, Jazz Fest always takes pride in hall-of-fame headliners. This year’s line-up goes well beyond jazz with names like the Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Hozier and Earth, Wind & Fire.
SXSW
When: March 8 — 16
Where: Austin, Texas
The first SXSW was held in 1987 and since then the festival has grown both in terms of attendance — by some counts, 280,000 people attended the festival in 2019 — and in terms of influence: SXSW is Austin’s biggest profit-producing event and one of the most important gatherings on the nation’s entertainment calendar. The event is broken down into several parts, including SXSW Music, SXSW Film and SXSW Comedy.
1. What can you do at the festival of Big Ears?| A．Listen to various kinds of music. | B．Enjoy comedy shows every day. |
| C．Watch classical films in a church. | D．Explore a paradise for nature lovers. |
| A．Knoxville, Tennessee. | B．Miami, Florida. |
| C．New Orleans, Louisiana. | D．Austin, Texas. |
| A．Big Ears. | B．Ultra Music Festival. |
| C．Jazz &Heritage Festival. | D．SXSW. |
3 . Four Must-visit Campsites in Western Australia
Fair Harvest
Playing host to campers looking for a more environmentally-friendly stay, Fair Harvest has an outdoor kitchen made from wood harvested on site and a farm cafe where you can buy fresh produce and home cooked meals. Guests are free to wander in the gardens, go bushwalking in the private forest, or take a class in the on-site yoga (瑜伽) barn — the only campsite yoga studio in the area.
Lucky Bay
In 2017, a scientific study was carried out to discover which Australian beach had the whitest sand and Lucky Bay, in Cape. Le Grand National Park on the southern coast of Western Australia, emerged victorious. Up close, the beach is often frequented by kangaroos bounding at the sand’s edge. The Lucky Bay campground sits right behind the beach and is well-equipped with toilets, showers, barbecues and picnic tables-though campers do need to bring their own drinking water.
Rottnest Island
More commonly a day trip destination, Rottnest is a car-free island best explored by bike and ringed by glorious Indian Ocean beaches. There are options for luxurious glamping (豪华野营) at Discovery Parks Rottnest Island, but those looking for a more traditional camping experience should head instead to the Rottnest Island campground. Here, you’ll find bathroom blocks, a camp kitchen and barbecues, but the highlight is the site’s large population of quokkas, which are close relatives of the kangaroo.
Imintji
Located at the foothills of the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, Imintjii is a simple yet well-maintained campground that includes washing facilities, fire pits, barbecue shelters,outdoor seating and water taps. It’s a great base for visiting the dramatic landscapes of Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge. It’s also one of the few campsites in the world that are famous for their own art center, with works by local artists on sale.
1. What can campers do at Fair Harvest?| A．See kangaroos. | B．Buy home-cooked meals. |
| C．Admire the whitest sand. | D．Get works from local artists. |
| A．Walking. | B．Driving. | C．Taking a boat. | D．Riding a bike. |
| A．Imintji. | B．Lucky Bay. | C．Fair Harvest. | D．Rottnest Island. |
4 . One of the most popular therapists (治疗师) in University of Rochester (UR) smells like chips, pees outside, and doesn’t mind eating baby carrots off the ground. Sasha, a five-year-old golden dog, runs her practice out of a second-flour office in the Interfaith Chapel that she shares with her owner-Dr. Denise Yarbrough. During their office hours, which run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, on Mondays and Fridays, the messy puppy is likely to greet you with tail wags, happy “woof”, and even her two front paws lifting. It’s this patented charm that allows Sasha to meet the needs of a crowd of students who drop in to see UR’s first and most accessible therapy dog in residence.
But the path to her puppy Ph.D still called for three rounds of training. First was a two-week residential camp on the essentials — sit, stay, come, heel, ete. There her natural fondness for “people pleasing” revealed itself on her very first day! That training was followed by the eight- week Canine Good Citizen program, where she learned how to stay calm in crowds, to resist reacting to other dogs, and to be comfortable with Yarbrough leaving her side. A five-week therapy dog specific course was the last step in her journey. There she studied approaching people with mobility aids like wheelchairs, tolerating loud noises, and the importance of the “leave it!” command, among other things.
Sasha passed the therapy dog exams at nine months old but couldn’t get certificated until she was one year old. The pandemic postponed her on-campus arrival, but Yarbrough did eventually get to bring her to work, and students consequently fell in love, “I have this constant stream of students, and obviously this is meeting a need.” Yarbrough said. “This is the third year we’re doing this, and she does get a pretty steady stream of friends coming in on the days that she’s here.” Since then, Sasha’s role in the community has ballooned.
1. What do we know about Sasha from the first paragraph?| A．She works six hours every day. |
| B．She goes to the office as Dr.Yarbrough’s pet. |
| C．She attracts students with improper behaviour. |
| D．She works by actively interacting with students. |
| A．The resisting reaction. |
| B．Ability to aid the disabled. |
| C．Fondness for people pleasing. |
| D．Obeying the commands precisely. |
| A．The popularity of Sasha. |
| B．The expectation of Yarbrough. |
| C．The hardship of Sasha’s work. |
| D．The feedback of the community. |
| A．To present puppy training strategies. |
| B．To introduce a special campus therapist. |
| C．To launch an appeal for animal conservation. |
| D．To highlight the significance of pets’company. |
5 . DREAMING OF A NEW OFFICE?
Are you undisturbed by the chill of the Antarctic winds? Can you adapt to near-constant daylight, subzero temperatures and no flushing toilet (抽水马桶) or running water? Ready to take on the challenges of living and working in one of the most remote corners of the Earth? The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust invites passionate individuals to join our team at Base A on Goudier Island, Antarctica.
As a member of our elite team, you’ll manage a museum, post office, and gift shop as well as conducting penguin counts. You will live and work at Base A at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, which is about the size of a football pitch. Imagine waking to breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by curious penguins and the vast expanse of untouched wilderness. This is not just a job — it’s an expedition, a chance to make history while living among the impressive beauty of Antarctica.
Applicants must possess resilience, physical fitness, and environmental awareness. Training will begin in August, ahead of the working period from late October or November until March, 2025. Interview s and selection events will be conducted to ensure the best fit for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Join us in our mission to preserve Antarctica’s rich heritage and contribute to global conservation efforts. Apply by 25 April at jobs @ ukaht. Org and become part of an adventure that will leave you forever changed.
1. What’s the challenge of the advertised positions?| A．Extreme heat. | B．Total darkness. |
| C．Tough working conditions. | D．Drinking water shortage. |
| A．Counting penguins. | B．Maintaining a football field. |
| C．Opening a gift shop. | D．Appreciating the scenery. |
| A．5 months or so. | B．Less than 3 months. |
| C．About 13 weeks. | D．Around 7 months. |
6 . It’s easy to worry about your home when you’re away. “Is it safe?” “Did you remember to lock the door?” “Did you leave the lights on?” We’ve tested and reviewed the top systems to make securing your home simpler and less stressful.
The first you should consider when choosing a home security system is how long the monitoring record can be saved. Others to be considered include: Would you prefer to install the system by yourself or by a professional? What do you want to be able to do with your system? How much will you pay? These questions will help you determine which system is right for you.
Ring is a good DIY option, though it also offers professional installing.
It is built around a comprehensive, easy-to-use app and good-quality cameras. Apart from reliable self-monitoring option, additional functions like Neighhors Alerts are icing on the cake.
Vivint has much to recommend it, including greal outdoor cameras and easy-to-use apps. It also offers excellent professional installation by trained installers. What makes it stand out among the list is its entry sensors, proving accurate and reliable throughout our testing.
ADT has systems that are built around excellent indoor and outdoor cameras. It has smart lights, locks and voice assistant integrations. As an added bonus, the sound quality of recordings was among the sharpest and clearest of all of the systems we have tested.
SimpliSafe lives up to its branding by being one of the easiest home security systems to set up. It offers smart locks, lights, built-in Wi-Fi and its cameras are very solid and generally perform well. SmashSafe app will alert police if the equipment is damaged.
1. What is the primary consideration when you choose a home security system?| A．Shipping expenses | B．Product suppliers. |
| C．Record-saving duration. | D．Installation position. |
| A．Entry sensors. | B．Ouidoor cameras. |
| C．Built-in Wi-Fi. | D．Professional installers. |
| A．Ring. | B．Vivint. |
| C．ADT. | D．SimpliSafe. |
7 . Here are some favorite films and TV shows of 2023.
Better Things, Season 5
What Pamela Adlon and her special, Iovable, anxious, sensitive, humorous, weak, rude and brilliant colleagues managed to bring to these characters over five seasons was special. Few shows have made me feel emotions so deeply with every episode. Even fewer have felt truly aspirational, inviting me to dream of having a community as warm and welcoming as the one Sam has created and raised alongside her three children, her mother and the many friends who are basically family.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Mo
Mo Amo’s half hour comedy is a heartfelt family story with an incredible flavor. The fictional Mo’s endless struggles have led him into a dilemma, which makes him easily to various economic risks and the potential risks that may arise from his decisions. The center of the program is Amir’s sharp and compassionate performance, which is in line with both the elements of comedy and the child’s love for his mother’s homemade olive oil.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
The Last Movie Stars
Directed by Ethan Hawke, this thorough and thoughtful look at the lives of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman is not just biography; it perfectly illustrates the combination of heroes and art. Hawke’s assembly of contemporary actors to read from old interviews with Hollywood legends works brilliantly, and the result is impressive as well as deeply touching.
Genre: Biography, Documentary, Romance
1. Which of the following movie is a hero biography?| A．Better Things, Season 5. | B．Mo. |
| C．The Last Movie Stars. | D．None of them. |
| A．Both of them were delayed. |
| B．Both of their theme is friendship. |
| C．Both of them will make you laugh. |
| D．Both of them talk about artist’s life. |
| A．Films brochure. | B．Newspaper. |
| C．Science report. | D．Biology textbook. |
8 . To help you get out and explore, language leaning platform, Preply, has ranked Europe’s walkable cities.
Seville, Spain
Seville in Spain tops the list of Europe’s walkable cities. Visitors to this amazing Spanish city can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. With just 20 minutes of walking between these attractions, you can really make the most of your time here.
Venice, Italy
Venice is famous as a port city for walkers. There are endless attractive passages to explore, as well as plenty of extremely impressive bridges over the crossing canals. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the fantastic Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, Basilica and bell tower, all in only 1.3 miles.
Florence, Italy
Florence secures its place as a walkable city in Europe thanks to its wonderful display of attractions that can be explored on foot. In only 33 minutes, visitors can take in the brilliance of Florence’s top destinations. A 1.6-mile route covers the famous Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’ Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David.
Athens, Greece
Visitors to Athens can begin their journey at the Acropolis, climbing to discover the ancient Parthenon, which stands as evidence for the city’s ancient heritages (遗产). The National Archaeological Museum is also close by, housing a treasure trove (宝库) of artifacts that proudly display Greece’s impressive archaeological heritage.
1. What is special about Seville?| A．It is Europe’s most walkable city. | B．It is famous for impressive canals. |
| C．Ancient treasures are housed there. | D．There are some wonderful attractions. |
| A．Wander around Seville Cathedral. | B．Visit the Grand Canal. |
| C．Explore the Uffizi Gallery. | D．Climb the Acropolis. |
| A．Seville. | B．Venice. | C．Florence. | D．Athens. |
9 . Be a Junior Ranger (护林员) and Visit Grand Canyon National Park
“Explore. Learn. Protect.” The motto is recited by the junior rangers, all of whom take an oath (宣誓) to protect Grand Canyon National Park, and continue to learn about its nature and history, have fun journeying within, and tell others about their adventures. Here are some great programs to train juniors with nature conservation awareness.
Guided Rim Walk 10 am (1 Hour) Daily — Meet at Verkamp’s Visitor Center
Learn about the natural world on an-hour walk on a paved pathway along the canyon. Topics vary and may include: animals and plants adapting to changing seasons, man’s impact on nature, how nature inspires writers and poets, or local geology.
Ranger’s Choice 12: 30pm (30 Minutes) Daily — Meet at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Join us for a surprise program. Topics change daily. Come curious, leave inspired! Some of our recent Ranger talks have featured programs about: Geology, Wildlife, History, Grand Canyon’s Trails, and Astronomy, to name a few.
Geology Talk 2: 30 pm (30 Minutes) Weekly — Meet at Yavapai Geology Museum
Learn how Grand Canyon originated in this short introductory talk. Why is it so deep, wide, and grand? Why does it exist only here and nowhere else in the world? Consider walking from the start of Trail of Time following the program.
FAQs:
Do I need a permit to hike into Grand Canyon?
Permits are not required for day hikes, but you must obtain a backcountry permit if you plan on camping overnight.
Does it cost anything to enter Grand Canyon?
Yes, entrance fees to the park is $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, $20 per hiker or cyclist. There are no refunds due to the elements.
1. What is the aim of the programs according to the text?| A．To enrich hikers’ experience. | B．To develop spirit of adventure. |
| C．To train juniors to protect nature. | D．To put school subjects into practice. |
| A．Join in it once a week. | B．Pay the entrance fee $20. |
| C．Learn about nature poetry. | D．Apply for a backcountry permit. |
| A．At the Trail of Time. | B．At Verkamp’s Visitor Center. |
| C．At Yavapai Geology Museum. | D．At Grand Canyon Visitor Center. |
10 . Hummingbirds have long held a deep attraction among the public, whether being observed flying at amazing speed around bird feeders or admired as symbols of love and peace. On a practical level, hummingbirds eat hundreds of flying insects each day, and provide pollination (授粉) for reproduction of flowers and plants.
However, this important bird species is dropping in number worldwide. Holly Ernest, a University of Wyoming researcher, tried to find out the reasons as well as possible ways to protect hummingbirds in the future.
Hummingbirds are a group of birds with the second-highest number of species worldwide, ranking only behind flycatchers. Most species are found in South America and Central America. Now 191 hummingbird species are put on the red list of threatened species for falling population trends and 71 other hummingbird species with “unknown” trends as of July 2023, according to Ernest’s paper. Two Caribbean hummingbird species are listed as extinct, and other species likely are never identified to written science before their extinction, the paper says.
Despite several hummingbird species seen at feeders in North America during the summer, a wide range of threats has caused many hummingbird populations to drop, including climate change, wildfires, habitat pollution and loss.
“Climate change affects them in a number of ways that we know about and probably many more that we don’t,” Ernest says. “One example is a mismatch of migration (迁徙) timing with plant flowering that hummingbirds depend on. Some hummingbird species are generalists in that they get nectar (花蜜) from all flowers, but many are specialists, even to one or a few species of flowering plants. If those plants disappear, so do the hummingbirds. Air, land and water pollution is a problem in many ways, including the intersecting threat of large wildfires.”
However, there are some methods that can be useful in leading the best direction for the future protection of hummingbirds, the paper says.
1. Why do people admire hummingbirds according to the text?| A．They carry good wishes. | B．They can be raised easily. |
| C．They move in a funny way. | D．They draw flying insects. |
| A．Their migration journey. | B．Their rising population. |
| C．Their main food source. | D．Their tough situation. |
| A．Hilly lands. | B．Flowering plants. |
| C．Dead leaves. | D．High temperatures. |
| A．Approaches to finding directions. | B．Tips on where to watch hummingbirds. |
| C．Possible ways to save hummingbirds. | D．The purpose of the study led by Ernest. |
