1 . It’s well-known that being in green spaces is good for physical and mental health.
“If you’re in a body of water, your internal state just becomes calm,” Dr Natalie Azar, NBC News medical contributor, told TODAY. “
Being near water gives people a consciousness of something greater than themselves. The sounds and movement of water can get people to focus their attention and this invites calm. “You don’t have to go to the coast to experience this wellbeing,” said Azar. “Any waterway will do, including lakes, rivers, canals or ponds.
A new study conducted by King’s College London has also proved that spending time near urban canals and rivers is linked to feeling happy and healthy, stressed a press release from the college. Moreover, it has found that urban waterways are superior to feelings of wellbeing than just being near the ocean.
“
The study has also found that there are continuous improvements to mental wellbeing for up to 24 hours after visiting urban waterways.
A.These results remain to be tested. |
B.Even a flowing fountain will work. |
C.This is good news for urban people. |
D.It’s something that I think we’ve all experienced. |
E.Our findings show that blue spaces are naturally calming. |
F.Canals and rivers contain not only water but also trees and other plants. |
G.Now scientists have discovered blue spaces are also connected to better mental health. |
2 . The Malaysian night market is based on a concept of open-air shopping where streel vendors (小贩) take over a designated street to set up stalls (货摊). The night market is the place where you can hang around the stalls, enjoy the smell of local foods and maybe pick up some items.
Each night market comprises a different combination of stalls.
The night markets are typically from 5 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. You can get anything from night markets, be it groceries, clothing, good local food, hot snacks, household items, fresh produce, and even the latest styles. By around 6 p.m., the market is in full swing as the first groups of people sweep in. For those who cook, there is stall upon stall selling fresh seafood, meat products, and a limitless variety of vegetables.
It is no secret that all-night markets share a common treasure — tasty street cuisine.
Some places are 24-hour markets, which are livelier at night when traders set up numerous stalls selling unusual local food, exotic tropical (热带的) fruits, cheap clothes, second-hand goods as well as fresh produce. The night market is truly an exciting experience and a feast for the eyes on a tropical night out. The atmosphere is almost festive.
A.Your curiosity will be satisfied here. |
B.There is so much to see, buy and eat. |
C.People would complain about the noises here. |
D.Noisy crowds are the hallmark of the night market. |
E.It would be a regret not to try on mouth-watering local dishes. |
F.New items are constantly being added on in line with current trends and market demand. |
G.Dried and preserved items such as dried beef and salted eggs are easily available here too. |
A.Don’t go to bed until after midnight. |
B.Ask her roommate not to make so much noise. |
C.Discuss the situation with the person in charge of the dorm. |
D.Send a letter to other residents to inform them of the problem. |
For Greek photographer George Doupas, Beijing is home now. During the past decade, he has been photographing the city, capturing its beauty
“This
With rich historical heritage, Beijing
Doupas is determined to continue with his career in China, hoping to serve as
“I call Beijing my home now,” he said, “I’ll keep sharing photos of China
5 . Are you fond of watching films? Does the colorful, natural, or spectacular scenery in the films attract you to travel to their locations? Although many films nowadays use many special effects, most scenes are captured in natural places, which can create lasting impressions on audiences. We have selected four beautiful film locations in China. Check them out!
Xixi National Wetland Park & If You Are the One
Lying in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province, less than 5 kilometers from West Lake, Xixi National Wetland Park covers a total area of 11.5 square kilometers. It has rich ecological resources, beautiful natural scenery, and profound culture. Rivers, ponds, and lakes make up over 70 percent of the park, which is China’s first national wetland park integrating (合并) urban, agricultural, and cultural wetlands.
Great Bamboo Sea of China & Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Great Bamboo Sea of China, commonly known as the Anji Bamboo Sea, is a national 4A-level tourism attraction dominated by Moso bamboo forests located in Anji county, Huzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province. It has been recognized as the largest ecological leisure and tourism area featuring bamboo culture in southeastern China.
Moso bamboo grows all over the mountains in the scenic area, creating a magnificent landscape. The largest bamboo stalk (茎), which has been exhibited at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center, has a diameter of 17 centimeters, with most stalks having a diameter of more than 10 centimeters.
Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Area & Let the Bullets Fly
Located to the southwest of the Pearl River Delta in South China’s Guangdong province, Kaiping Diaolou Cultural Tourism Area is a well-known scenic spot that also serves as a base for scientific education. The magnificent and distinctive gardens, traditional and simple folk houses, and the diaolou (a multi-story folk residence) complexly joined with Chinese and Western architectural forms are wonderfully integrated with the surrounding mountains and rivers, ponds, farms, and rice fields in the tourism area.
With a long history and profound cultural resources, Kaiping Diaolou was on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.
Wulong Karst Tourism Area & Curse of the Golden Flower
Wulong Karst Tourism Area, located in Chongqing’s Wulong district, has unique karst landscapes including three sections and also impresses visitors with distinctive folk customs of the Tujia, Miao, and Mulam ethnic groups.
The Three Natural Bridges in Wulong is a rare geological wonder of typical karst landforms and is home to three magnificent natural limestone arch bridges. They span the Yangshuihe Canyon in parallel and connect the mountains on both sides, forming an unusual landscape of “three bridges sandwiched by two pits”.
1. Who will be most interested in the places above according to the text?A.Cyclists and tourists. | B.Film fans and outdoor enthusiasts. |
C.Actors and geologists. | D.Educators and writers. |
A.It offers a well-known scenic spot. |
B.It provides wonderful Western architectural forms. |
C.It is a rare geological wonder of typical land-forms. |
D.It was on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007. |
A.They are open to special events. |
B.They enjoy convenient transportation. |
C.They offer unique and spectacular scenery. |
D.They are located in the same part of China. |
6 . Libraries are the temple for book lovers, the main source of knowledge and wisdom. Here are the biggest libraries in the world.
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress in the US is the biggest library in the world, whose collections are from all around the world. The library has a collection of 32 million cataloged books. It receives 22,000 copies per day from the publication produced in the US. Some of the major works stored in the library are Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence, the world’s most famous architectural designs and so on.
The British Library
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom. It is the second biggest library in the world. It holds 150 million items from different countries. It receives 8,000 copies per day from the publication produced in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its collection includes 14 million books. Every year over 3 million items are added to the library. The major highlights of the library collection are Diamond Sutra and Alice’s Adventures under Ground.
Library and Archives (档案馆) Canada (LAC)
Canada has the third biggest library in the world. The library holds 20 million books, 24 million photographs and a lot of digital works. Its collection includes The Proclamation of the Canadian Constitution Act, the British North America Act and many more precious works.
The New York Public Library (NYPL)
It is the fourth largest library in the world. It is the public library having 87 branches. The library has a collection of 53 million items. It also has four research libraries which are open to the general public. You can ask and discover about anything on the official website of NYPL.
1. Which of the following works is stored in the Library of Congress?A.The British North America Act. |
B.Alice’s Adventures under Ground. |
C.Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence. |
D.The Proclamation of the Canadian Constitution Act. |
A.About 22,000. | B.More than 8,000. |
C.About 14 million. | D.More than 3 million. |
A.Library and Archives Canada. | B.The Library of Congress. |
C.The New York Public Library. | D.The British Library. |
7 . The best restaurants for outdoor dining in Greater Boston
Beehive Restaurant (541 Tremont St., Boston)
If you want to have fun while you enjoy your meal, head to Beehive, where you get specialized brunch, cocktails, and live music with your patio(露台) dining.
“Great food and service, fun atmosphere in and out.”
—Esta E., Back Bay
Brighton Bodega (328 Washington St., Brighton) and Devlin’s Bistro & Bar (332 Washington St., Brighton)
Although these are two separate eateries, they share a patio space in Brighton. Visit Brighton Bodega for its Asian-inspired small plates and Devlin’s for the drinks menu. While you’re there, you may get to experience some live jazz.
“These sister restaurants share a lovely patio area with a good atmosphere and excellent food! I love the constantly changing and always creative Brighton Bodega menu, and the steady favorites menu of Devlin’s.”
—Wendy, Cambridge
Chart House (60 Long Wharf, Boston)
Chart House has served hungry customers in the Boston area for more than 60 years and continues to do so with its patio dining experience and “perfect views”.
“It is not in a too-crowded area. It’s not amidst cars and too many passers-by, so you can hear the water and the silence once in a while. There is parking at the back so I can drive in, dine, and drive out.”
—Lissa W., Uxbridge
Frenchie Wine Bistro (560 Tremont St., Boston)
Outdoor dining is becoming more popular in Boston, but there’s something about it that feels very European. especially at this South End spot. Sit out on the patio for its modern French menu and wide selection of wines.
“It’s just the best. Great views, food and drink, and THE BEST people watching!”
—Chris H., Boston
1. What do Beehive Restaurant and Brighton Bodega have in common?A.Both share one patio. | B.Both have great views. |
C.Both provide live music. | D.Both are in the same street. |
A.Chart House. | B.Devlin’s Bistro &Bar. |
C.Beehive Restaurant. | D.Frenchie Wine Bistro. |
A.It is in the south of America. |
B.It has a European flavor. |
C.It changes its menu frequently. |
D.It allows customers to drive in. |
8 . Travel has become increasingly inconvenient and sometimes impossible over the last couple of years. However, museums around the world are digitizing their collections, enabling people to tour the museums from afar.
The British Museum, London
The British Museum contains objects from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone, with three versions of a text that helped researchers learn to read ancient Egyptian. The Great Court’s ceiling, in the middle of the museum, is composed of 3212 pieces of glass, none of which are alike. The virtual tour of the museum offers a 360-degree view of the room, allowing visitors to look at every piece.
MASP, S ão Paulo
The first modern museum in Brazil, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo includes art from the 14th to the 20th centuries. The paintings, which are placed on glass panels, appear to be floating in mid-air. This setup, included in the virtual tour shows, makes the art appear almost magical.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
This Korean museum includes four branches in different cities and features works of art from Korea and around the world. The art includes a variety of media such as print, sculpture and photography. There are also online exhibitions such as “Artists in Their Times” which traces trends in Korean art since the late 1970s.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles County
This museum, with locations in two different places, features art going back to The Neolithic Period. Its virtual tour, accessible through Google Arts & Culture, offers views of more recent works, including some by van Gogh and Renoir. Another platform, Xplorlt, also features views of some of the museum’s outdoor spaces.
1. What can we learn about The British Museum?A.It is best known for the Rosetta Stone. | B.It tells the changes of ancient Egyptian. |
C.It is made up of several pieces of glass. | D.It houses exhibits from different countries. |
A.The British Museum. | B.MASP, São Paulo. |
C.National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. | D.The J. Paul Getty Museum. |
A.They have several branches. | B.They display their paintings in mid-air. |
C.They can be visited in your own home. | D.They are accessible on Google Arts & Culture. |
9 . China’s first Universal Studios theme park opened this month in Beijing. Made up of seven themed lands filled with 37 rides, it is the world’s fifth Universal Studios theme park. It has many of the popular attractions found at its counterparts in Singapore, Osaka, Los Angeles and Orlando. But there are some Universal firsts as well, including the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.
The park has many attractions and restaurants designed to reflect the country’s cultural heritage. Guests who have been to the other Universal parks and want to experience something fresh will be most excited about the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness. Attractions here include Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, the Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes and the Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior. And yes, it does feature a Mr. Ping’s Noodle House, modeled after the movie version, among the dining options.
Among the most popular attractions are the scream-inducing Decepticoaster inside the Transformers area, and all the Harry Potter rides. The Jurassic World Adventure and the Minions simulator rides also attract long lines.
Visitors to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can experience the globally popular Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride inside the towering Hogwarts Castle, as well as the Flight of the Hippogriff. Transformers Metrobase is where guests will experience the impressive outdoor Decepticoaster, while the Minion Land and Jurassic World Isla Nubar have plenty for the little ones.
1. What special experience will guests attain in the Kung Fu Panda Land?A.Chinese culture. | B.Thrilling rides. |
C.Delicate western desserts. | D.The noodles cooked by real Mr. Ping. |
A.Mr. Ping’s Noodle House. | B.Jurassic World Isla Nubar. |
C.Transformers Metrobase. | D.The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. |
A.To make a contrast with other theme parks. | B.To persuade tourists to visit the theme park. |
C.To enhance the reputation of the theme park. | D.To present a brief introduction of the theme park. |
A.Lifestyle. | B.Entertainment. | C.Culture. | D.Society. |
10 . Below is a list of the top and leading Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles.
Hoy’s Chinese Restaurant
The restaurant is a family-owned and operated business that has been offering tasty servings in every table. Their family is proud to serve everyone always something like that.
Products/Services: Dim Sum, Vegetarian Menu, Specialty, Seafood
Address: 7105 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone: (323)850-6637
Reviews: “They manage their high-level service and the highest level of the food they serve.”—Francis
Phoenix Chinese Cuisine
For more than five decades, it has served tens of thousands of consumers in Los Angeles. The restaurant will not be tired of inviting you to truly experience authentic and remarkable dining.
Products/Services: Seafood. Coconut, Rice Noodle, Chicken Wings
Address: 301 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 629-2812
Reviews: “Great place to go eat & the price is fair for the most part. It does get busy at times with all the online food orders.”—Julio
Dragon Chinese Restaurant
The Lees have cooked and served Chinese food for over 40 years, producing delicious Chinese cuisine that wasn’t accessible to the metropolis.
Products/Services: House Specialties, Appetizers, Beef, Seafood, Vegetables
Address: 8597 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Phone: (310) 657-7355
Reviews: “The restaurant is absolutely the tastiest place in the region.”—Tom
Little China Restaurant
It welcomes the customer as if in China, 6 days a week. For customers who do not have any time to go out, you can check out their menu online and order, for pickup and delivery.
Products/Services: Chicken, Pork, Vegetables, Noodle and Rice Dishes, Desserts
Address: 3535 Cahuenga Blvd w # 107, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Phone: (323) 969-8838
Reviews: “Wonderful restaurant, we came here after going to Universal Studios. The prices are super reasonable!”—James
1. If you want to order some seafood for delivery, you can call ________.A.(323) 850-6637 | B.(213) 629-2812 |
C.(310) 657-7355 | D.(323) 969-8838 |
A.The price is fairly low. | B.They are family-run. |
C.They provide vegetarian menu. | D.They are in operation for decades. |
A.Food. | B.Health. | C.Economy. | D.Entertainment. |