1 . Public toilets around the globe have a reputation for being dark, dirty and dangerous. Tokyo recently unveiled new restrooms in two public parks that aim to address those concerns. For one thing, they are brightly lit and colorful. For another, they are transparent. This way, those who need to go can check out the cleanliness and safety of the toilets without having to walk inside or touch a thing.

Japan has long experimented with toilets, resulting in lids that open, and close automatically and seats that warm up. But the new toilets—designed by Shigeru Ban, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect—are made out of a “smart glass.”

The toilets were installed in Tokyo in September. Set up in front of a cluster of trees in the Shibuya District, the toilets stand out like a Mondrian painting.

When occupied and locked properly, the colored glass toilets become frosted (磨砂的) and opaque (not transparent). When the door is unlocked, an electric current rearranges the crystals in the glass to allow more light to pass through, creating a transparent effect. The toilets were presented as another futuristic and aesthetically (美学地) pleasing example of the country’s technological advancements.

The predecessor to Tokyo’s transparent toilets appeared in Switzerland in 2002, when designer Olivier Rambert unveiled two glass restrooms in the city of Lausanne. They had a safety feature that automatically opened the doors and turned the glass transparent if sensors detected no motion for 10 minutes. That could possibly help users who fall unconscious and need medical attention.

1. What’s the purpose of the design of new restrooms?

A．To make the parks tourist attractions.

B．To settle the problems with public toilets.

C．To maintain the standards of public toilets.

D．To achieve a breakthrough in toilet construction.

2. How does the “smart glass” function?

A．By cutting off electricity.	B．By giving off colorful light.
C．By sensing the health of people.	D．By changing the order of crystals.

3. What can we learn about the transparent toilets?

A．They cause the concerns about privacy.

B．They are decorated with artists’ paintings.

C．They are pioneered by Japanese architects.

D．They combine technological and artistic elements.

4. Which can best describe the safety feature of glass restrooms in Switzerland?

A．Conventional.	B．Humanized.
C．Simplified.	D．Recreational.

2 . Best Things to Do in Boston

Boston is bursting with around-the-clock amusement and entertainment-from outdoor markets to museums.

Boston Public Garden

Sitting next to Boston Common, this large public park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted who was responsible for Central Park and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. It’s the perfect place to chill out, take a walk in the green atmosphere and even rent a swan-shaped boat for a paddle around the pond.

Fenway Park

The oldest Major League Baseball stadium, Fenway is an atmospheric and unique place to watch a baseball game. Even if the Red Sox are having an off-year, it’s still worth buying a ticket to see a game, as it’s one of the most Bostonian activities you can do. One of the unique features of the 40,000-seat stadium is the “Green Monster”, the 37-foot green wall in the left field. When it’s not baseball season, you can take a tour of the stadium.

Faneuil Hall Market

Since 1742 this market has traded in fresh edible ingredients (可食用材料) and entertainment for Bostonians. There are dozens of stalls selling fruits and veggies as well as ready-to-eat dishes, along with street performers and some of the best people-watching in the city.

Museum of Fine Arts

The city’s main art museum is a good one. With nearly half a million art objects, it’s also one of the biggest museums in North America. There are works on display by the pantheon (名流) of history’s great artists, including Donatello, EI Greco, Renoir and Degas, just to name a few. There is also a nice collection of art and artifacts from Egypt, Nubia and the ancient Americas.

1. What do Boston Public Garden and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park have in common?

A．They are free for the public.	B．They are similar in size.
C．They are designed by the same designer.	D．They are next to Boston Common.

2. Why is Fenway Park special?

A．Its designer is well-known.	B．It is quiet and green.
C．It hosts exciting performances.	D．It is a baseball stadium.

3. What can visitors do in Museum of Fine Arts?

A．See exhibitions of art works.	B．Learn about the history of the city.
C．Have hands-on art activities.	D．Meet world-famous artists.

3 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

A Chinese business claiming to be the world’s first “robot restaurant complex”    1    (official) opened Monday in the southern Guangdong province.

FOODOM Tianjiang Food Kingdom,    2     (locate) in Foshan’s Shunde District,is the sixth automated restaurant operated by Qianxi Robot Catering Group.

The facility     3     (have) a seating capacity of nearly 600 diners and accommodates over 40 robots capable of     4     (cook) some 200 dishes from three basic categories:Chinese(including shunde specialities),hot pot,and fast food.Qianxi Group’s other automated restaurants,    5     similar, don’t serve such a wide range of cuisines under one roof.

Guests arriving at the pink-and-white restaurant make their menu     6     (select) with wide-eyed robot waiters. When ready, the food     7     (deliver) directly to their table from a skyrail system or brought in on a tray.

Xiao Ran, deputy general manager at Qianxi Group, told Sixth Tone that robot cafeterias are     8     efficient terms of both space used and required cooking time than     9     (they) human-operated counterparts. The robot restaurant complex’s noodle-making robot,for example, takes up 4 square meters of floor space and can churn out 120 dishes per hour if needed. They’re also safer, he said, thanks to a standardized cooking process and the     10    (absent) of human-to-human contact.

4 . Slurp&Sip is a cheerful bistro (小酒馆) in Shanghai that specializes in exotic southwestern food from Yunnan Province.

Niu Yun, who hails from Kunming, Yunnan Province, opened her first eatery (小餐馆) in 2014 after studying in London.

“At that time there weren’t many choices for Yunnan food, and I think the province has so much tasty food and such a diverse food culture that I could bring to Shanghai,” she said. “After meeting a few good friends who also love Yunnan cuisine, we decided to open a simple Yunnan eatery focusing on street food to start with, introducing Yunnan rice noodles and street snacks I used to buy every day after school.”

Opening this new restaurant after operating Slurp for a few years is a natural step for Niu Yun and her partners. The menu of Slurp&Sip pays homage (敬意) to Niu’s origins with a major focus on Dai flavors.

“My mum is Dai, and I remember every time she brought me back to her hometown the food really made a strong impression. From how they cook and the ingredients they use, all are very special to me. Dai food is all about fresh and mixed ingredients, as well as natural and original ways of cooking,” she said.

“I feel diners shouldn’t only know about crossing the bridge rice noodles and steampot chicken when we talk about Yunnan food. We have such a diverse culture with so many different minorities, so I decided to start with the one I’m the most connected with,” she added.

Dai cuisine is characterized by a combination of fresh herbs, chilis and acidic elements. It incorporates lots of great produce from the province’s southernmost prefecture.

Dai food is also full of barbecue items often seen in night markets, such as roasted lemongrass stuffed fish, roasted chicken and roasted pork with Dai spices, all of which grace Slurp&Sip’s menu.

1. What motivated Niu Yun to focus on Dai flavors?

A．Her education.	B．Her family.
C．Her origins.	D．Her friends.

2. How does Niu Yun feel about Yunnan food?

A．It’s delicious and popular.	B．It’s natural and organic.
C．It’s fresh and nutritious.	D．It’s varied and diverse.

3. What can be said about Slurp&Sip?

A．It’s influenced by night market atmosphere.

B．It combines Southeastern Asian flavors.

C．It offers roasted items with Dai spices.

D．It represents authentic Kunming food.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Try the Ethnic Dai Food from Yunnan

B．An Overseas Returnee’s New Career

C．Slurp&Sip Is Back Here with its Legend

D．Explore China with Food and Drinks

5 . During an interview for one of my books, my interviewer said something I still think about often. Annoyed by the level of distraction (干扰) in his open office, he said, “That’s why I have a membership at the coworking space across the street — so I can focus. ” His comment struck me as strange. After all, coworking spaces also typically use an open office layout (布局). But I recently came across a study that shows why his approach works.

Why does the interviewer prefer a coworking space?

A．It helps him concentrate.

B．It blocks out background noise.

C．It has a pleasant atmosphere.

D．It encourages face­to­face interactions.

6 .         Oxford Street is a major street in the City of Westminster in London, the United Kingdom. It has about 300 shops. The street was formerly part of London-Oxford road which began at Newgate, City of London, and was known as Oxford Road. Oxford Street follows the route of a Roman road, which becomes one of the major routes in and out of the city.

       Oxford Street is one and a half miles from end to end. Most shops are open from 10 am to 6 or 7 pm. Many are also open on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 am to 12 pm. Oxford Street is best known for Selfridges (塞尔福里奇百货公司) and the other big department stores that are all found in the section from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus, along with most of the big-name multinationals (跨国公司). Oxford Street is said to be the busiest shopping street in Europe.

       Between the 12th century and 1782 Oxford Street was known as Tyburn Road, Uxbridge Road, Worcester Road and Oxford Road. By 1729, the road had become known as Oxford Street. In the late 18th century, many of the surrounding fields were bought by the Earl of Oxford, and the area was developed. It became popular with entertainers. During the 19th century, the area became known for its shops.

       Oxford Street is home to a number of major department stores and numerous flagship stores (旗舰店), as well as hundreds of smaller shops. It is the biggest shopping street within Inner London. Though not necessarily the most expensive or fashionable, it is considered to be the most important, and forms part of a larger shopping area with Regent Street, Bond Street and a number of other smaller nearby streets.

1. What do you know about Oxford Street?

A．It is known to be the busiest shopping street in Europe.

B．It has the biggest multinational in the world.

C．It is the longest street in the city, London.

D．It is in the central part of the city, London.

2. What does the third paragraph mainly tell us about Oxford Street?

A．Its location.

B．Its history.

C．Its products.

D．Its transport.

3. When did people get to know the street as Oxford Street widely?

A．In the 12th century.	B．In the year of 1729.
C．In the year of 1782.	D．In the late 18th century.

4. It can be known from the passage that ________.

A．Oxford Street stands for its fashion

B．only big flagship stores can be found in Oxford Street

C．Oxford Street plays an important part in the trade of London

D．shops in Oxford Street are open all day long throughout the year

7 . 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.

2. Which of the following attractions has more rides for kids?

A．Mr. Ping’s Noodle House.	B．Jurassic World Isla Nubar.
C．Transformers Metrobase.	D．The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

3. What’s the purpose of writing the passage?

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.

4. Which column is this passage taken from?

A．Lifestyle.

B．Entertainment.

C．Culture.

D．Society.

8 . 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

2. What do Hoy’s Chinese Restaurant and Dragon Chinese Restaurant have in common?

A．The price is fairly low.	B．They are family-run.
C．They provide vegetarian menu.	D．They are in operation for decades.

3. In which section are you likely to read the passage in a magazine?

A．Food.

B．Health.

C．Economy.

D．Entertainment.

9 . A special place to stay can make a holiday — but also break the bank. We have picked new affordable places across Europe for €150 a room a night or less.

Scourie Hotel
Doubles from €129
Opened October 2015

This hotel has been adored by fishing fans for generations. When the Campbell family bought it six years ago, they updated it with gentle, stylish furnishings. There’s a string of spectacular beaches to discover, including the Scourie Bay with golden sand.

Ho36 Hotel
Doubles from €109
Opened December 2017

This hotel offers the rarest of things — ski accommodation that is both affordable and stylish. Guests can ski or snowboard from the front door. There are two lively bars with live music and regular DJ nights, a restaurant serving hearty Alpine meals and film nights.

Conscious Hotel
Doubles from €120
Opened April 2016

This fourth hotel by Dutch sustainable brand Conscious is the first powered entirely by wind. The restaurant is fully organic and the bedrooms are simple with contemporary elements. The hotel overlooks the Westerpark, one of Amsterdam’s biggest green spaces.

Dock Hotel
Doubles from €150
Opened May 2014

This large hotel on the Baltic coast is made from shipping containers. The industrial theme continues inside,with concrete walls, exposed pipes, and more containers. The hotel is 12 minutes’ walk from the beach.

1. Which hotel best suits people who enjoy an active social life?

A．Scourie Hotel.

B．Ho36 Hotel.

C．Conscious Hotel.

D．Dock Hotel.

2. What is special about Conscious Hotel?

A．It is old-fashioned.

B．It has the longest history.

C．It is environment-friendly.

D．It offers the biggest green space.

3. What can the guests of Scourie Hotel and Dock Hotel do?

A．Update the furniture.

B．Walk on the beach.

C．Appreciate architecture.

D．Visit industrial fairs.

10 . Connecting authors with audiences and helping readers discover new books, independent bookstores contribute greatly to the literacy and culture of the United States.

The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama

Located in the charming downtown area of Mobile, Alabama, it is a heaven for writers in another way as well. It has a Writer’s Room where local authors can schedule time to write in a cool environment with easy access to reference books. It hyper-categorizes its fiction so that it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Beyond books, a friendly cat usually greets customers at the door.

Bart’s Books in Ojai, California

It occupies bookshelves which expand onto the grounds surrounding the shop. The outdoor shelves were designed to appear like Parisian booksellers along the Seine. The naturalistic setting represents the love of nature that draws many people to the Ojai Valley, and it is proud of being the world’s biggest outdoor bookstore. It has a wide variety of books in its collection of over 130,000 new and used books.

Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia

It is a beloved bookstore in historic Decatur Square in Decatur, Georgia. Specializing in finding the perfect books for children, people want every young reader who walks into the shop to see themselves reflected in the books on the shelves. Kids have even more opportunities to have fun, thanks to book-themed summer camps, a summer reading program.

Page & Palette in Fairhope, Alabama

It is a striking, memorable bookshop in Fairhope, a peaceful community in Alabama. It has been an independent, family-owned bookshop for three generations and has been considered a local landmark for decades. They host events for both nationally known authors and local up-and-comers. Kids will delight in stuffed animals and toys in addition to children’s books.

1. What makes The Haunted Book Shop different from other shops?

A．Its reading program.	B．Its writing workshop.
C．Its abundant collection.	D．Its outdoor bookshelves.

2. Who is more likely to visit Bart’s Books?

A．A booklover fond of cats.	B．An author expert in history.
C．A teenager tired of city and noises.	D．An amateur enthusiastic about writing.

3. What do Little Shop of Stories and Page & Palette have in common?

A．They appeal to children.	B．They become landmarks.
C．They have a long history.	D．They hold summer camps.