1 . Wilderness Explorers Center Guide

Welcome to the Wilderness Explorers Center, your gateway to the adventure of nature's wonders! With engaging exhibits, wildlife sightseeing, and natural activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Discover Nature's Treasures

Don't miss the chance to explore our Nature Gift Shop, located near the entrance of the Wilderness Explorers Center. Here, you'll discover a delightful array of eco-friendly gifts, educational books, and unique handicrafts inspired by the natural world.

Enjoy at Forest Café

After a day of exploration, fuel your energy at the Forest Café. Indulge in a selection of delicious snacks, sandwiches, and beverages sourced from local ingredients. Whether you're craving a refreshing drink or a heart y meal, the Forest Café is the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Ensure the Accessibility

Ensuring that every visitor can fully enjoy their experience is our top priority. That's why we offer wheelchair and stroller rentals at the entrance, making it easy for everyone to explore our center comfortably. Our staff are also available to ensure that all guests feel welcome.

Support the Conservation

Join us in our mission to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. Your support plays a crucial role in our conservation efforts. Click our website here to learn more about how you can get involved, from donating to becoming a member of our conservation community. Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding the beauty of our planet.

1. Where can you buy a gift at Wilderness Explorers Center?

A．Near the tranquil pond.	B．At the Forest Café.
C．Near the main entrance.	D．Next to the educational exhibits.

2. What services are available for visitors with special needs?

A．Rental of wheelchairs and strollers.	B．Guided tours of the forest trails.
C．Access to wildlife viewing areas.	D．Participation in conservation workshops.

3. Where might the text be taken from?

A．A brochure.

B．A magazine.

C．A website.

D．A textbook.

2 . The round-up fundraising strategy was first introduced about 15 years ago. Why have round up for charity campaigns proven so successful? Katie Kelting, an associate professor of marketing at Saint Louis University, suggests that there’s some powerful psychology at work.

In 2018, Kelting and her colleagues enlisted the St. Louis Zoo in a field study. Instead of asking people for the usual $1 donation for a wild animal conservation effort, the zoo temporarily tried the round-up approach.     1     As Kelting explains, a lot of it has to do with the “pain” of parting with our hard-earned cash. The perceived pain is less in the consumer’s mind when that round-up request is presented.

    2    Humans, for instance, appear to have a fairly strong preference for round numbers, or figures ending with a zero. A 2013 study noted that at restaurants, many people prefer to leave tips that bring the final bill to a round number. “    3     People are better at and intuitively(直觉地) prefer to deal with round numbers,” Kelting says.

Arguably more important is that at cashier register charitable requests can change an ordinary purchase into a moral dilemma. It becomes an opportunity to signal to others that we care. In the case of the round-up request, it becomes something of a moral test.    4    

Kelting says that customers might also change their behavior and perceptions in public and private settings.    5    However, the same decision in front of a cashier—especially one who adds a verbal(口头的) request for the donation—is something different.

A．It’s like an effort-reduction strategy.

B．There are likely other factors in play.

C．In a private setting, it is easier to decline.

D．During the experiment fundraising jumped by 21%.

E．The round-up fundraising strategy has really taken off recently.

F．It’s such a low-cost ask that saying no starts to make us feel guilty.

G．Customers may become overwhelmed with the round-up fundraising.

3 . Ireland: The Emerald Isle

Travelling in the Republic of Ireland is like stepping into a vivid painting where lush green landscapes meet charming villages.

Dublin

Start exploring in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, which blends the old and new. The city is steeped in history, and you can enjoy its past at landmarks like Trinity College, founded in 1592. It’s home to the Book of Kells, a medieval (中世纪的) masterpiece. After that, take a walk around Dublin Castle, a symbol of Ireland’s historical power. Then head to The Temple Bar, with its cobblestone streets and lively pubs, to experience Dublin’s contemporary culture.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry, 1,179-kilometer circular route, showcases Ireland’s beauty. You’ll encounter green meadows, peaceful lakes and dramatic coastal cliffs. Each turn in the road reveals breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.

Cliffs of Moher

You can’t say you’ve been to Ireland if you haven’t checked out the Cliffs of Moher. These towering cliffs on the west coast rise from the Atlantic Ocean, reaching heights of over 200 meters. The sheer size of the cliffs and the roaring waves below create a fascinating and humbling experience.

Inishmore   

Take a ferry to Inishmore, one of the rugged Aran Islands. Upon your arrival, you will immediately notice the hard life of the local people. At first there was no soil on the island, so over the centuries, they made their own — from seaweed and sand. Now about 2,400 kilometers of rock walls spread around the land. Take a tour or ride a bike around the island. Then enjoy an Irish coffee before heading back to the mainland.

1. What can you probably see in the Ring of Kerry?

A．Some historical landmarks and old castles of Ireland.

B．A circular route with views of lakes, meadows and cliffs.

C．The special soil made from seaweed and sand by local people.

D．The towering cliffs on the west coast from the Atlantic Ocean.

2. What is the best way of traveling around on the island of Inishmore?

A．By plane.

B．By ferry.

C．By subway.

D．By bike.

3. What is the text?

A．A travel journal.	B．A research paper.
C．A travel brochure.	D．An autobiography.

4 . Every afternoon for the past 11 years, 83-year-old AI Merritt has been a reliable and cheery presence in his southeast Carlsbad neighbourhood, California.

His wife, Penny Merritt said her husband’s doctor suggested he get more exercise after he had some heart trouble about 12 years ago. When their son, Kevin brought a bike to his parents’ house, AI started to pedal around the local road and hills. At first, his rides were about five miles long, then 10 to 12 miles, and gradually the length of his outings grew due to all the social stops — from an hour to two hours.

Since 2010, Merritt has been on a personal pursuit to cycle the circumference (周长) of the earth — 24,901 miles without even leaving his own neighbourhood. As a result, over the years, he got to know many of his neighbours and send them message of love and kindness. Judy Keene, one of his neighbours, has been waving to Merritt on his daily rides for the past five years.

“He is so reliable, like clockwork. Every day I see him flying by on his bike. He is totally cheerful and takes time with everybody,” Keene said. “He inspires so many people and shows everyone how you can be in your 80s and still have a good time.”

It was not until October 24 that the old man finally realized his daily bicycle trips were as important to them as they were to him. At 3 p.m. that Sunday afternoon, nearly 200 people gathered near his home to surprise and congratulate him on the completion of his “round-the-world” adventure. As he pedaled down the hill towards his house, a roar erupted from the crowd waving international flags, hand-painted signs and Earth-shaped balloons. The outpouring of love stunned and overwhelmed Merritt.

“It’s just unbelievable. I couldn’t have imagined anything like this ever happening,” he said. Although Merritt has now accomplished his cycling goal, he has no plans to change the routine that has become the highlight of his daily life.

1. Why did old AI Merritt start to cycle?

A．He has always been an athletic person.

B．His son Kevin brought him a new bike.

C．He wanted to send love and kindness to others.

D．He was advised to work out for the sake of his health.

2. The underlined phrase “social stops” in the second paragraph probably means ________.

A．Merritt stopped to help those in need.

B．Merritt tried to help build stops for social use.

C．Merritt had interactions with his neighbours.

D．Merritt was stopped for some social reasons.

3. What can we learn about AI Merritt in the text?

A．His trips mattered more to his neighbours than to him.

B．He was warmly congratulated on his completion of the plan.

C．He will keep on cycling on a different route as he has planned.

D．He accomplished his goal of cycling 24,901 miles around the earth.

4. Which of the following can best describe AI Merritt?

A．Diligent and determined.	B．Optimistic and selfless.
C．Ambitious and romantic.	D．Kind and inspirational.

5 . Gear for Sleeping Outdoors

Whether you’re camping or backpacking, how can you increase the odds (n.机会) that you’ll sleep soundly in the outdoors? A good start is to have the right gear:

Sleeping bag: Choose a sleeping bag with a style and temperature rating (n.等级，级别) appropriate for your destination.

·Car camping bags are typically cut wider, offering homelike and more roll-around room but less efficiency for retaining body heat (not so good on extra-chilly nights).Some rectangular (adj.长方形的) styles can be unzipped (adj.未拉上拉链的) to use as a quilt on milder nights.

·Backpacking bags are mummy shaped for a closer, warmer fit, and are usually lighter in weight. Many are filled with goose or duck down, which compresses (v.压缩) more readily than synthetic( adj.合成的) fill.

Sleeping pad: There are three types of sleeping pads — self-inflating (adj.充气的), air and closed-cell foam (n.泡沫塑料). When car camping, weight is not an issue, so you can enjoy a thicker, wider pad or mattress for comfort. When backpacking, weight is crucial, so a super-lightweight air pad or closed-cell pad may be your first choice.

Pillows: Bring one from home or use a small foam or inflatable camp pillow. Some sleeping bags have a pocket to hold a pillow or folded up clothing, such as a down jacket or fleece sweater.

Eye mask and earplugs: Eye masks are especially helpful when camping in northern latitudes (n.纬度) in summer or in campgrounds with surrounding light. Earplugs block out noises ranging from your tent mate’s snoring to rustling sounds in the bushes.

1. Why do people choose car camping bags?

A．They have goose or duck down fill.

B．They are easy to carry in a car.

C．They are more comfortable.

D．They are good for retaining body weight.

2. What kind of sleeping pad can people choose when backpacking?

A．a wider pad.	B．Closed-cell pad.
C．a thicker pad.	D．Super-heavyweight air pad.

3. What do people use the earplugs for?

A．Blocking out noises from tent mate’s snoring.

B．Reducing noises from the wild animals.

C．Stopping the ambient light.

D．Protecting the ears from being hurt by the rustling sounds.

6 . The sound of my mother preparing breakfast fills the house — my morning alarm.

As I drag my body toward the kitchen, I’m greeted by my mother standing over the stove. She effortlessly cooks a dish that blends Western and Eastern styles, a beloved breakfast classic in our family. This is my grandmother’s recipe, which reflected her upbringing.

Since my grandmother’s passing, I’ve become more aware of my mother’s aging and her dedication (奉献) to cooking for us. She has cooked for her family for more than 30 years, dividing her time between three countries — Korea, Canada and Germany. When my parents visit us from Korea, they stay with us for several months. My mother helps around the house, showing her cooking skills to provide delicious meals for me, my partner and our kids. In alternating years, she and my dad will travel to Berlin to spend a couple of weeks with my sister and her partner.

According to Statista, most Canadians claim to spend between 31 and 60 minutes preparing an average weekday dinner for themselves and others in their household. Ten percent of respondents to the 2022 survey stated that they spend more than an hour preparing their evening meal. My mother belongs to that 10 percent.

Her cooking extends beyond the kitchen, starting with careful grocery shopping trips where she examines produce (农产品) and finds the best deals. She takes everyone’s preferences and needs into account. The meal she creates becomes a ritual (仪式), bringing the family together to connect and share. Helping her out in the kitchen demands a great deal of patience. Yet, I know it’s her way of expressing love.

As I chop the vegetables, she glances over and notices that my carrots are not equally sized. She pushes me aside to take over the task.

“Just do the dishes.”

1. What do we know about the author’s mother from the text?

A．She has three daughters

B．She has great cooking skills.

C．She lives with the author in Korea.

D．She invented the author’s beloved breakfast classic.

2. What’s the author’s purpose in mentioning statistics about meal preparation time?

A．To show her mother’s devotion.

B．To present a common issue.

C．To explain the reasons behind infrequent cooking.

D．To highlight the significance of home-cooked meals.

3. Why does the author say helping her mother in the kitchen requires patience?

A．Her mother is easily annoyed.	B．Her mother wants to teach her everything.
C．Her mother dislikes being disturbed.	D．Her mother expects perfection in cooking

4. Which would be the best title for the text?

A．Mother’s Love Needs to Be Responded to

B．Mother’s Recipe Is the Best in the World

C．Mother’s Kitchen Draws Us Closer Together

D．Mother’s Selflessness Inspires My Family

7 . Fascinating Facts about London’s Parks

Did you know that 47 percent of London consists of green space? Takeaway the private gardens and that leaves 37% of the capital’s green land given over to Royal Parks, gardens, and public green spaces. It’s the third greenest capital city in the world. Now let’s take a look at the most fascinating facts about London’s parks.

Handing out flowers in Green Park

Nobody is totally sure how Green Park got its name. There are a few different theories. One tale says that the name originates from the time of Charles Ⅱ. The King was walking through the park with his wife and courtiers when he picked a flower. Instead of handing it to Queen Catherine, he handed it to another woman that was said to be his mistress. Extremely angry, the Queen ordered that all the flowers in the park be dug out, leaving only grass.

Counting trees in the Royal Parks

When counted together, the Royal Parks contain over 170,000 trees, with the oldest being the 400-year-old chestnut trees in Greenwich Park. These are young trees, though, compared to London’s oldest tree—a great elm in High Barnet that is said to be over 2000 years old. London has more than 8 million trees: nearly as many as people there.

Underground secrets in Greenwich

Greenwich Park shows more fascinating features. Deep under the surface are buried a series of secret tunnels that are tall enough for a person to walk. It’s been claimed that the tunnels were built as secret escape routes for King Henry Ⅷ. Their real purpose is a little less exciting, and the tunnels were actually built as waterways to allow groundwater from the hillsides to escape.

Walking is the best way to explore London’s beautiful green spaces. We hope you enjoyed these fun facts.

1. How much do private gardens cover in London green space?

A．47 percent.

B．33 percent.

C．37 percent.

D．10 percent.

2. How did Green Park get its name according to the text?

A．The King Charles Ⅱ gave the park its name.

B．There were so many green trees in it.

C．Its flowers were removed and only grass was left.

D．The grass in the park was well protected by the Queen.

3. What will you see if you go to Greenwich Park?

A．The hillsides with waterways.	B．Tunnels under its surface.
C．The statue of King Henry Ⅷ.	D．The oldest tree of London.

8 . MyHeritage has announced the release of two new AI features which it promises will ‘revolutionise genealogy (系谱学)’ research, similar to how ChatGPT revolutionised searching the Internet.

The first feature, AI Record Finder^TM, is an interactive chatbot that helps family historians find relevant historical records about a person of interest within MyHeritage’s database of 20 billion records. This free-text chat tool enables users to talk to an intelligent assistant to find information about their ancestors, relatives, or other people who have passed away.

In addition to AI Record Finder^TM, MyHeritage has also introduced AI Biographer^TM, another innovative feature that automatically generates a narrative biography about an ancestor’s life using information from historical records that match the person. This creates a Wikipedia-like biography, which gives users a complete understanding of their ancestor’s life story.

These two new features are integrated, allowing MyHeritage users to create an AI Biography for their ancestors using the AI Record Finder^TM. With this integration, users can easily use a conversational AI to search for historical records. This makes it faster and easier to find information about their family members.

Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage, said of the new features, “We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of genealogy to reinvent the way people can discover their family history as we aim to reshape genealogy in the 21st century. Together, these advanced features strengthen MyHeritage’s position as the industry leader for innovative genealogy and continue our mission to make family history easier, more accessible, and more fun for everyone.” AI Record Finder^TM is a disruptive feature that simplifies the way people can find information about their ancestors by making the search easier. AI Biographert M turns a person’s life details into a fascinating story. Not all our ancestors were famous, but they all deserve to be remembered!

1. What is a typical feature of AI Record Finder^TM?

A．It updates MyHeritage’s database.	B．It generates a narrative biography.
C．It narrows down the target information.	D．It helps users interact with intelligent people.

2. Which of the following would Gilad Japhet probably agree with?

A．That AI genealogy promotes family history creation.

B．That the new AI-driven features give way to MyHeritage.

C．That MyHeritage spares no effort to advance genealogy.

D．That more will be done to strengthen MyHeritage’s position.

3. Which of the following can best replace the underlined word “disruptive” in the last paragraph?

A．Relevant.

B．Pioneering.

C．Disturbing.

D．Comprehensive.

4. What might be the best title for the text?

A．MyHeritage Leads in AI Genealogy

B．MyHeritage Promises to Revolutionise

C．AI Features: A New Era for Genealogy

D．AI Record Finder: Smart Search for Family Histories

9 . The 4 Best Museums to Visit in Boston

Boston is a city filled with history, which is one of the reasons it’s a great destination to visit. Exploring Boston’s museum scene will give you a taste for what this New England city is all about. Read on for the best in the city.

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum’s main purpose is to share science and technology research and innovation. There are all sorts of shows with inventions that will spark conversation around a variety of topics related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). Along with many hands-on experiments in the afternoon.

Hours: 10:00 a. m.-5:00 p. m. Self-guided tour tickets available for students and seniors ($5) and adults($10).

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts may be the most popular museum in Boston. Founded in 1870, the museum has grown over the years to now feature nearly 500, 000 works of art. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, along with art classes for those interested in improving their skills.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 10 a. m.-5 p. m.. Tickets: Adults-$25, Students-$23, Children-$10.

The Sports Museum

Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the TD Garden is The Sports Museum. It’s here that you’ll see a half-mile worth of exhibits and learn about the history of all the Boston sports teams and their championship titles over the years. (For more information, you may click here.)

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a. m.-5 p. m. and Sunday 11 a. m.-5 p. m. Tickets (same price for each tour): Kids 6 and under-FREE, Kids 7-18-$10, Adults-$15.

The Museum of Science

One of the most popular museum s in Boston, the Museum of Science has something for everyone with over 500 shows that are both educational and interactive. The museum has a big emphasis on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math), and you’ll see this brought to life through their exhibits throughout the year.

Hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 a. m.-5 p. m. and Friday 9 a. m.-9 p. m.

Tickets: Kids-$23, Adults -$28, Seniors -$24 for Exhibit Hall. Save $3 per ticket by purchasing Exhibit Hall tickets a day in advance online.

1. Where can a group go if they want to visit a museum with classes?

A．MIT Museum.	B．The Museum of Fine Arts.
C．The Sports Museum.	D．The Museum of Science.

2. What do MIT Museum and The Museum of Science have in common?

A．They open until 9 p. m.	B．They provide discounts online.
C．They offer chances to do experiments.	D．They are concerned with science.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.

B．A research paper.

C．A website page.

D．A course plan.

10 . The Great Smoky Mountain area is one of the most gorgeous vacation destinations in the USA. It would be no surprise if guests here book one of the amazing hotels.

Black Fox Hotel

Rooms at this lovely hotel come equipped with great amenities (便利设施) and feature s to make your stay as stress free as possible. Take a relaxing dip in the indoor swimming pool before heading back to your room. Guests will also enjoy taking advantage of the on-site restaurant and the fitness center.

Smoky Getaways Hotels

Smoky Getaways Hotels offer free parking, microwaves and fridges in all guest rooms! Each room comes equipped with a full kitchen and a grill — plus, they are pet friendly! Smoky Getaways Hotels are located close to Dollywood Amusement Park, so it is perfect for a family getaway.

The Resort at Governor’s Crossing

Here guests can enjoy a wide variety of exciting water park rides in both indoor and outdoor parks. From water basketball and water slides to a hot tub and a lazy river, utmost recreation and fun await at the indoor and outdoor pools, making it perfect for a family vacation.

Quality Inn Creekside

This hotel is sure to add comfort and convenience to your amazing trip. Guests will be able to enjoy a fun outdoor pool as well as amenities such as a mini-bar, a fitness center, and bicycles to rent. It is close to some amazing shopping centers and restaurants as well.

Browse through all of the hotels and the perfect one is just a click away!

1. Which hotel best suits pet lovers?

A．Black Fox Hotel.	B．Smoky Getaways Hotels.
C．Quality Inn Creekside.	D．The Resort at Governor’s Crossing.

2. What do Black Fox Hotel and Quality Inn Creekside have in common?

A．Both have restaurants within the hotels.

B．Both are close to the downtown shopping center.

C．People can work out in the fitness center of the hotel.

D．People can have easy access to swimming pool in the open air.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a travel brochure.

B．In a magazine.

C．On a newspaper.

D．On a website.