1 . 4 Largest Art Museums in the World
Art museums offer the space to display a wide range of art, from sculptures to paintings. They are located all over the world. This article takes a look at the largest art museums by area.
The Louvre
The Louvre, located in Paris, is the largest art museum in the world. It is considered a historic monument. This building first served as a castle before becoming a royal residence. Under King Louis XIV, it was used to house two art academies. The Louvre Museum was opened with 537 paintings. Today, it is home to around 38, 000 pieces.
State Hermitage Museum
The State Hermitage Museum, located in St. Petersburg, Russia, is the second largest art museum in the world. It has a total area of 719, 480 square feet. This museum, one of the oldest in the world, is home to a collection of over 3, million pieces, including the largest painting collection in the world.
National Museum Of China
The third largest museum is the National Museum of China. Located along Tiananmen Square in Beijing, it covers an area of 700, 000 square feet. Its chief objective is to educate the public and promote the history and arts of China. The National Museum of China houses 1. 05 million pieces in its collection, including the heaviest piece of bronze ware—the 1, 836-pound Simuwu Ding.
Metropolitan Museum Of Art
The fourth largest museum in the world is the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which covers an area of 633, 100 square feet. Today, this museum is in a building that is 20 times larger than the original and located on the border of Central Park. It is home to more than 2 million pieces. Additionally, it is known for its large collection of musical instruments.
1. What can we know about The Louvre?| A．It was once a military base. |
| B．It has the largest collection of paintings. |
| C．Members of the royal family once lived there. |
| D．Students majoring in art can receive education there now. |
| A．Louvre. | B．State Hermitage Museum. |
| C．National Museum Of China. | D．Metropolitan Museum Of Art. |
| A．It is the oldest museum in the world. | B．It receives visitors most in the world. |
| C．It has the heaviest piece of bronze-ware. | D．It has a large collection of musical instruments. |
2 . Best Miami Hotels for Families
If you’re planning a visit to Miami with your family, consider a stay at one of these hotels.
InterContinental Miami
You can’t miss the InterContinental Miami, especially at night, when the 35-story building shines with interchanging neon colors. The hotel offers two restaurants as well as a rooftop bar (酒吧). The workers of the hotel pull out all the stops for its youngest guests, too. The InterContinental Miami is located by a stop for the Metromover, a free, small train that runs in the downtown and Brickell area.
Kimpton EPIC
Kimpton EPIC is one of the hottest hotels in Miami. Families can enjoy two restaurants and a reservable (可预定的) private dining room for events and celebrations, as well as Kimpton Kids , a kids’ program that provides kids activities in the fitness rooms, kids’ menus and more. The hotel has a full-service spa (休闲健身中心) and families have the choice to rent (租) bikes on a first come, first served basis. There are also two rooftop pools.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
There are 11 pools at Fontainebleau Miami Beach—11 pools! There’s also a beach just steps from the hotel, and kids can take part in FB Kids, a program that includes games and movie nights. When it’s time to enjoy a meal together, there are 12 restaurants at the hotel.
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
The Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay is an excellent choice for families cruising (乘船游览) out of the Port of Miami but is equally good for a long stay. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a restaurant with outdoor dining, and is pet-friendly. It is close to many attractions, including the American Airlines Arena, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performance Arts and South Beach.
1. What does Kimpton EPIC offer?| A．Great kids activities. |
| B．Three rooftop pools. |
| C．A program called FB Kids. |
| D．Free bike use for every guest. |
| A．Kimpton EPIC. |
| B．InterContinental Miami. |
| C．Fontainebleau Miami Beach. |
| D．Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. |
| A．It provides train rides. |
| B．It allows guests to take pets. |
| C．It offers a wide choice of pools. |
| D．It has a reservable private dining room. |
3 . Great design can make people happy. From the color of our walls to the sofa we sit on and the cup that holds our morning coffee, products can have a huge effect on the way we feel. Here are a few examples.
The red table (from £9,020)
The struggle to find a large extendable dining table in a finish (饰面) other than wood led the De Rosee Sa studio to design this statement piece. “This table is amazing and really different,” says Lucinda Chambers. “I love the high shine and it would be such a talking point in a room.”
The Pacific chair (around £1,900)
The rounded, oversized shapes of this chair by Patricia Urquiola are further strengthened by her use of soft upholstery (座套) including plush wool and luxurious velvet. “This piece looks graceful in style and would make a great side chair,” says Sarah Spiteri.
The Holi sofa (around £2,750)
Available in 60 colors, there is a true versatility (多功能性) to the Holi sofa. Its washed-linen material feels casual and comfortable—it is an excellent family piece. “It’s smart enough to work in a fashionable living room, and also friendly enough to sit in any other room of a house,” says Pip McCormac.
The headboard bed (from £1,289)
This eye-catching bed features an elegant winged headboard and is available in 100 different colors and materials with a wide range of leg choices. “It’s an affordable design that you could make your own with custom fabrics,” says Minnie Kemp.
1. Who designed the Pacific chair?| A．Lucinda Chambers. | B．Patricia Urquiola. |
| C．Sarah Spiteri. | D．Minnie Kemp. |
| A．It is an affordable piece. |
| B．It looks graceful in style. |
| C．It is suitable for any room. |
| D．It can be a talking point in a room. |
| A．The red table. | B．The Pacific chair. |
| C．The Holi sofa. | D．The headboard bed. |
4 . Weaving down a steep slope, snowboarder Zhang Xu skied gracefully to a stop in a shower of white powder—one of a new generation of Chinese people learning winter sports in new indoor facilities. “I fell in love with the sport,” said 25-year-old Zhang, who started coming to the Sunac Snow Centre in Chengdu in July, the same month it opened. “Skiing used to be a relatively small sport in China but now it’s more popular, and the credit for that is down to the Winter Olympics.”
The 2022 Beijing Winter Games have caused a rapid increase in construction of snow resorts(胜地); their numbers have rocketed nearly fourfold, fueled by demand from China’s middle class. Nearly 21 million people visited one last year, as the ability to spend more on leisure activities grows—average national income has increased four times over the last two decades.
In provinces such as southwestern Sichuan, known for its hot and humid summers, there are plenty of mountains but little snow, so the best way for locals to learn to ski is inside. “We are the first indoor ski resort in southwest China,” said Liu Jia, manager of the Sunac Snow Centre. At 80, 800 square meters, the snow park is the largest of its kind in the world—though one in Shanghai, scheduled to open in the next 18 months, could make that seem unimportant by comparison.
China has grand plans for this growing interest—it has previously said it wants to put 10 percent of the world’s most large number of people on skis ahead of the 2022 Games. That’s a figure so large that it would double the current global record of skiers.
1. Why was Zhang Xu mentioned at the first paragraph?| A．To encourage skiing. | B．To introduce the topic. |
| C．To provide an example. | D．To make a comparison. |
| A．The increasing population. | B．The competition to host Olympics. |
| C．The improvement of construction. | D．The ability to spend more on leisure activities. |
| A．The manager. | B．Sichuan province. |
| C．Sunac Snow Centre. | D．Ski resort in Shanghai. |
| A．The largest indoor ski resort in the world. | B．How to develop people’s interest in skiing. |
| C．The preparations for 2022 Beijing Winter Games. | D．Winter Olympics inspires skiing construction in China. |
| ▲ Allerton, Liverpool £590,000 A large-area lawn would look at home on a traditional red-brick campus. Six miles south of the University of Liverpool and the “knowledge quarter”, it is part of Allerton Priory, designed and built by Victorian gothic architect Alfred Waterhouse in the early 1800s for a local merchant and now separated into apartments. There’s a three-bedroom duplex (复式) on the lower ground and ground floor. The living room has floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the grounds, and there’s a private gate for residents leading to Allerton Manor sports car club. Fine & Country, 0151-947-0810 |  |
| ▲ Halton, Lancashire £285,000 This environmentally-friendly home is in the eco-settlement of Forgebank in the village of Halton on the outskirts of Lancaster. It may suit the buyers—with conscience and cash—who have chosen to settle close to the city they studied in. The complex sits on the banks of the River Lune and next to the Forest of Bowland. A two-bedroom home covers 1,050 sq ft with a balcony. The funky yellow kitchen cabinetry is by local carpenters. The Modern House, 0203-795-5920 |  |
| ▲ Eddington, Cambridge £689,950 The local government of Cambridge is developing a new sustainable residential district two miles north of the city centre with 3,000 homes, 2,000 postgraduate rooms for the University of Cambridge, sports facilities, a market square and park lot. One of the newest phases is Knights Park. There’s a two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury flat on the fourth floor of the Florey building with no stamp duty to pay. Hill, 01223-607-200 |  |
| ▲ City centre, Bristol £565,000 This two-bedroom, first-floor apartment is in a pastel-coloured, period townhouse (老式联排别墅指ancientness)on the waterfront in the heart of Bristol’s nightlife,(夜生活中心指modernity)with a parking space, a lift and views of the Floating Harbour and the Arnolfini arts centre. Beyond is the tree-lined Georgian gardens of Queen Square in the old town. The University of Bristol is a 30-minute walk away. Knight Frank, 0117-317-1996 |  |
| A．It enjoys an open and broad view of nearby grounds. |
| B．It is located on the campus of the University of Liverpool. |
| C．It houses the Allerton Manor sports car club on the second floor. |
| D．It was designed in the early 18th century by a local merchant. |
| A．Allerton, Liverpool | B．Halton, Lancashire |
| C．Eddington, Cambridge | D．City centre, Bristol |
| A．Fine & Country | B．The Modern House |
| C．Hill | D．Knight Frank |
6 . Old and unrestored theatres are all around us and yet so unnoticed. A new photobook unveils their often overlooked beauty.
Proctor’s Theatre, Newark, New Jersey
Although available outdoors from street sellers, food was banned in theatres to display respectability. In the late 1920s, however, the operators in Proctor’s Theatre in Newark began to set up stands to improve the economic situation during the Great Depression. Popcorn and Coke would become a significant part of the theatre’s income.
Proctor’s Theatre, Troy, New York
Originally opened as Proctor’s Fourth Street Theatre in 1914, it hosted famous comedians such as Jack Benny and Bob Hope. From 1929, it was successively taken over, renamed as Proctor’s Troy Theatre and switched to screening films. In the 1960s, it began playing second-run films before closing in 1977. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1979. In 2010, the theatre was repaired but is currently not being used today.
RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre, New York
Originally opened in 1928, RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre was designed by Thomas Lamb. In 1982, it was listed on the NRHP. In 1986, the theatre was bought and closed by its new owner who planned to build a shopping centre on the site, intentionally damaging the hall. In 2019, despite the preservation efforts, the hall was knocked down to make way for a residential tower block.
Metropolitan Opera House, Philadelphia
The theatre was originally opened as the Philadelphia Opera House in 1908. In the 1920s, it was renamed as the Metropolitan Opera House, showing silent films in addition to hosting various opera companies. In the 1940s, it became a sports arena. In 1954, it was turned into a church. In the late 1990s, the building was purchased by Mark Hatcher. The church and the developer came to an agreement on a repair for a music venue that was completed and reopened in 2018.
1. In the late 1920s, Proctor’s Theatre in Newark set up stands to ________.| A．show respect for the guests | B．increase the theatre’s income |
| C．promote newly released movies | D．compete with the street sellers |
| A．RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre is well preserved. |
| B．Proctor’s Theatre in Troy plays second-run films now. |
| C．Metropolitan Opera House has witnessed changes in its function. |
| D．Proctor’s Theatre in Newark has been officially listed on the NRHP. |
| A．To rank the old and unrestored theatres. |
| B．To show the development of American theatres. |
| C．To encourage people to protect the old theatres. |
| D．To provide information on overlooked old theatres. |
7 . Italy’s cheap old homes continue to appeal to hundreds of interested buyers, among whom was Roy Patrick, a 67-year-old British who deals in antiques in Italy. Patrick bought an old school house in the mountain village of Carrega for $16,500. It’s both an adventure and a joy.
Patrick bought the property quite by accident. When told about the wonders of the village, he toured there to take a look and was instantly struck by the 1930s school building. “The house is particular and the view is unique: The way the sun goes down over the mountains, you’d say ‘wow’. It’s a fantastic wonderland,” says Patrick.
The property was offloaded by the local government to boost the populations of communities in decline. Since the purchase, he’s been visiting every two weeks and finds it has many charms. “Top of the list is the friendliness of the local residents, followed by the breathtaking views I get out of the windows looking across the valley,” he adds.
Patrick’s initial encounter with his new home was less than promising. He had to climb through a window to open up the building, which had been shut for decades and whose door was jammed, with the keys nowhere to be found.
However, a later structural disaster turned into a positive story. When an unstable chimney (烟囱) collapsed due to a heavy snow, a neighbor volunteered to climb onto his roof to make it safe. The locals are so welcoming that they are ready to help newcomers.
During the restoration needed to make the old school habitable, Patrick unexpectedly unearthed a great many treasures: dusty piles of old text books, inkwells, pupil registers and other historical items.
Patrick has some advice for those with the thought of buying a house in Carrega: There is absolutely nothing, just great views, pure air and clean surroundings. No bars, supermarkets, or restaurants. A vehicle is essential to move around. However, Carrega does spring to life in the summer when vacationers arrive to relax. “There are nights when people throw a party with loud music,” says Patrick. “Otherwise it’s just singing birds and total silence.”
1. What led to Patrick’s purchase of the old schoolhouse?| A．The locals’ friendly attitude. | B．Its location and rising value. |
| C．Its uniqueness and surroundings. | D．The government’s housing welfare. |
| A．To attract more settlers. | B．To boost local tourism. |
| C．To preserve village traditions. | D．To reform education system. |
| A．Acquiring more personal space. | B．Digging up some historical finds. |
| C．Enjoying a more active social life. | D．Getting free home decoration service. |
| A．Quiet. | B．Lively. |
| C．Modern. | D．Convenient. |
8 . 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. |
9 . 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. |
10 . Sydney is famous for popular attractions like Bondi Beach. With the lowest hotel rates in town, we offer many options a short distance away from the beach.
Hotel Bondi
Offering quality accommodations in the sightseeing, restaurants, beaches district of Sydney, Hotel Bondi is a popular pick for both business and holiday travelers. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Top features of the hotel include free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas.
Chee Bondi
Located in the heart of Bondi, just 2 minutes' walk from Bondi Beach and a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops, Chee Bondi offers both free WiFi and free private parking. The accommodation is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV and a seating area. Some rooms have a balcony. There is also a kitchen, equipped with a microwave and toaster. A refrigerator and kettle are also offered. There is a private bathroom with a bath or shower and a hair dryer in each unit.
Bondi Beach House
Just 3 minutes’ walk from Bondi Beach, this bed and breakfast features free WiFi and beautifully furnished suites and rooms. Guests have access to a lovely balcony with outdoor furniture. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, microwave, and refrigerator. Guests can prepare breakfast each morning in the dining room, homemade jams, tea and coffee provided.
1. Which of the three hotels will you choose if you want to prepare breakfast by yourself?| A．Hotel Bondi and Chee Bondi. |
| B．Chee Bondi and Bondi Beach House. |
| C．Hotel Bondi and Bondi Beach House. |
| D．All of the three hotels. |
| A．All private bathrooms in Chee Bondi don’t have a bath. |
| B．Suites in Bondi Beach House are newly furnished. |
| C．Rooms in Chee Bondi have a balcony with outdoor furniture. |
| D．Bondi Beach House is nearer to Bondi Beach than Chee Bondi. |
| A．They are equipped with a flat-screen TV. | B．They don’t offer free WiFi. |
| C．They are close to the beach. | D．They provide free private parking. |
