1 . 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.

2. How many new items does the British Library receive every year?

A．About 22,000.	B．More than 8,000.
C．About 14 million.	D．More than 3 million.

3. Which library owns an official website where you can search for all information?

A．Library and Archives Canada.	B．The Library of Congress.
C．The New York Public Library.	D．The British Library.

2 . Four Most Beautiful Subways in the World

City Hall Station, New York

Country: the USA

Opened: 1904

Unlike the other subway stations, this one hasn’t been in use since 1945. However, it can be admired by those going aboard the trains that run on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line. Opened on October 27, 1904, this station was designed to represent the flagship of the new subway. Thanks to the specific shape and colors, the station remains the only one of its kind and very impressive—so impressive that it’s often chosen as a movie set.

Toledo Station, Naples

Country: Italy

Opened: 2012

The subway station which is considered the most beautiful in the world stands in Italy. The new design of the Toledo Station in Naples features colorful pictures from a full range of shades of blue. During the construction of the station, it brought to light several archaeological (考古的)finds dating back to the end of the 15th to early 16th century as well as Roman buildings dating back to the 2nd century.

Champ-de-Mars Station, Montreal

Country: Canada

Opened: 1966

Champ-de-Mars is a station on the Orange Line of the Montreal Subway, Canada. It features colorful glass windows made by the artist Marcelle Ferron. Some of the works featured in this station are also considered to be the artist’s most famous ones.

Komsomolskaya, Mosca

Country: Russia

Opened: 1952

Standing in Komsomolskaya Square and the crossroads of three different subway lines, this station is very busy and beautiful. Its place and inside design make it a perfect representation of Russian culture.

1. What can be known about City Hall Station?

A．It represents the new culture.	B．It is the oldest subway in the world.
C．It has appeared in some movies.	D．It can transport the most passengers.

2. Which country owns the most beautiful subway station in the world according to the text?

A．The USA.

B．Italy.

C．Canada.

D．Russia.

3. Which subway station has been in use for the longest time?

A．City Hall Station, New York.	B．Toledo Station, Naples.
C．Champ-de-Mars Station, Montreal.	D．Komsomolskaya, Mosca.

3 . The Louvre is the world’s most-visited museum now, drawing nearly 10 million people each year. It is a museum about education whose main aim is to protect and pass on our heritage to future generations.

As a royal palace in the past, the Louvre shows the history of France for about eight centuries. Divided among eight departments, the collections feature works admired throughout the globe, including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.

Special feature

In keeping with France’s 2005 disability law, the Louvre aims to make sure all visitors can access the museum safely and comfortably. Special attention is given to the disabled throughout the museum. More importantly, Louvre’s Touch Gallery has a space specially designed for members of the public with disabilities, inviting them to gain artistic knowledge by touch with the help of technique.

Practical information

*Buying tickets online is a good way to get into the museum in less than 30 minutes.

*Tours of the Louvre are conducted by guides from the French national museum network.

*Download or rent an audio guide and choose your visit! Explore the Louvre on your own, guided by the museum’s experts.

Tel.: +33(0)1 40 20 53 17

The Louvre is open every day(except Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Night opening time: until 9:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Closed on the following holidays: January 1, May 1, May 8, December 25.

1. What do we know about the Louvre now?

A．It is a most popular museum.	B．It is aimed to protect paintings.
C．It has more than eight departments.	D．It shows the life of French noble families.

2. What does the Louvre’s special feature lie in?

A．Its good service and kind guides.	B．Its audio guide for free.
C．Its discounted tickets online.	D．Its convenience to the disabled.

3. When is it suitable for you to visit the Louvre?

A．At 10 a.m. on Tuesday.	B．On December 25.
C．At 9:00 p.m. on Friday.	D．At 7: 00 p.m. on the weekend.

4 . Are you bored with the same old walls? Do you wish to give your bedroom the much-needed changes? Have a look at the designs given below, and get inspired.

A Leaf from Nature!

The first idea that we shall be looking at is all about painting leaves on your walls. If you are someone who feels that the ideal way to relax and unwind is to spend time in nature, then this design is “the one” for you. However, patterns of leaves can only be used on green walls; if you use them on any other color, the effect will never be the same!

Decor Tip: To stress this look on your walls, choose wooden furniture that is dark brown or black

Clouds in the Sky!

If you’re looking for a cool, quiet design for the walls of kids’ bedrooms, then go for one that has clouds floating in a clear blue sky. If you wish to be a little more creative, you can place birds, airplanes etc. around the clouds. In the images given alongside, you can see that a yellow clock has been used creatively to represent the sun. Similarly, you can use elements of home decor to add to the effect of the wall art.

Decor Tip: To keep the look as close to nature as possible, use shades of blue on your walls

A Portrait of Yourself!

If you’re fond of personalized coffee cups and key chains, then a personalized wall is just night for you! Putting up an enlarged photograph of yourself on your bedroom wall can be a signature style in itself. Do you have a particular photograph that is really close to your heart? It can be a photograph of you with your spouse, your parents, or your circle of friends.

Decor Tip: Use lights to add a real shine to the photograph on the wall.

1. What is the author’s purpose in writing this text?

A．To introduce the importance of the walls of bedrooms.

B．To introduce the wall design ideas for the bedrooms.

C．To introduce the ways of changing the walls of bedrooms.

D．To introduce how to paint a comfortable wall.

2. According to the passage, who may prefer the design “A Leaf from Nature!”?

A．A person who wants to relax in nature.	B．A child who likes small animals.
C．A girl who likes leaves.	D．An artist who likes painting scenery.

3. What should you do when choosing the design “Clouds in the Sky!”?

A．Paint a clock as the sun.	B．Use blue shades on the wall.
C．Choose black wooden furniture.	D．Put your big photos on the wall.

5 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

Disneyland Shanghai reopened to a limited number of visitors last week. The success of the reopening will be     1    (close) monitored as a potential model for Disney’s other venues and large theme parks around the world.     2    the Shanghai reopening offers hope for the world’s largest entertainment company, it remains a cautious step towards full     3    (operate).

The park has limited visitors to below a     4    (three) of its capacity. Social distancing is being enforced throughout the park,     5     yellow tape and floor stickers being used to remind visitors     6    (keep) apart on rides and in queues. Restaurants in the park are also limiting the number of visitors     7    (allow) to enter at one time. Sections of the park remain closed,     8    (include) all indoor theatres. However, reception to the reopening appears enthusiastic in China. On the first day of sales, more than 15,000 tickets     9    (sell), with 5,000 bookings in the first hour. However, it will be difficult to copy for countries     10     QR (二维码) codes are less common.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What will control the tree house’s temperature?

A．The roof.

B．The leaf.

C．The soil.

2. What is the most important design of a lizard house?

A．Changing colors.

B．Collecting sunlight.

C．Producing energy.

3. Why can the chimney be a useful air conditioner?

A．It is deep under the ground.

B．It is easy for hot air to flow out.

C．It allows cool air to come in easily.

7 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What evidence was there that a thief had entered the house?

A．A messy room.

B．A broken window.

C．A footprint from a person.

2. What is the second step to protecting your home?

A．Hiding your money carefully.

B．Having your neighbors look after your house.

C．Locking all the doors and windows.

3. Where should you never leave a house key?

A．In the neighbor’s house.

B．In a drawer.

C．In the mailbox.

4. What should you do if you hear strange sounds in your house?

A．Look for the thief.

B．Call the police.

C．Hide under your bed.

8 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

For Wuhan, the Guibei-Qintai-Guiyuan region is     1     (true) blessed with rich resources.

It     2    (locate) in the central area of the famous Wuhan Three Towns — Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang,     3     countless historical events have taken place over time.

The Yangtze River and Hanjiang River meet here; and the past, present and future of the city come together as one.

In this space, the Yangtze River civilization, urban culture, historical scenery and urban life unite. Looking at Wuhan, it is     4    (impress) to see such a diverse and inclusive urban cultural space with such strong vitality (生命力).

Worldwide, famous urban cultural spaces    5    (be) a mixture of long-standing culture and prosperous commerce.

Covent Garden in London is the place where My Fair Lady,     6    (star) Audrey Hepburn, was filmed. It is also one of the liveliest     7    (area) of downtown London. The extended blocks have become a landmark for the city.

In China, Sanlitun shopping area in Beijing and the Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu have also created     8     attractive urban cultural space.

The vitality of a block cannot be compared to a commercial complex with     9    (limit) capacity or central business district with a single business form. At the same time, the block releases people’s desire    10    communication, which can better attract visitors.

The development of a city lies in people. The blocks that attract people naturally become the source of the urban cultural space.

9 . Priscilla Ouchida’s “energy efficient” house turned out to be a horrible dream. When she and her engineer husband married a few years ago, they built a $100,000 three-bedroom home in California. Tightly sealed to prevent air leaks, the house was equipped with small double-paned windows and several other energy-saving features. Problems began as soon as the couple moved in, however. Priscilla’s eyes burned. Her throat was constantly dry. She suffered from headaches and could hardly sleep. It was as though she had suddenly developed a strange illness.

Experts finally traced the cause of her illness. The level of formaldehyde gas in her kitchen was twice the maximum allowed by federal standards for chemical workers. The source of the gas? Her new kitchen cabinets and wall-to-wall carpeting.

The Ouchidas are victims of indoor air pollution, which is not given sufficient attention partly because of the nation’s drive to save energy. The problem itself isn’t new. “The indoor environment was dirty long before energy conservation came along,” says Moschandreas, a pollution scientist at Geomet Technologies in Maryland. “Energy conservation has tended to accentuate the situation in some cases.”

The problem appears to be more troublesome in newly constructed homes rather than old ones. Back in the days when energy was cheap, home builders didn’t worry much about unsealed cracks. Because of such leaks, the air in an average home was replaced by fresh outdoor air about once an hour. As a result, the pollutants generated in most households seldom built up to dangerous levels.

1. It can be learned from the passage that the Ouchidas’ house ________.

A．is well worth the money spent on its construction

B．is almost faultless from the point of energy conservation

C．failed to meet energy conservation standards

D．was designed and constructed in a scientific way

2. What made the Ouchidas’ new house a horrible dream?

A．Poor quality of the air inside.	B．Poor quality of the construction.
C．Gas leakage in the kitchen.	D．The newly painted walls.

3. The word “accentuate” (Para. 3) most probably means “________”.

A．relieve

B．accelerate

C．worsen

D．improve

4. Why were cracks in old houses not a big concern?

A．Because indoor cleanliness was not emphasized.

B．Because energy used to be inexpensive.

C．Because environmental protection was given top priority.

D．Because they were technically unavoidable.

5. This passage is most probably taken from an article entitled ________.

A．Energy Conservation	B．House Building Crisis
C．Air Pollution Indoors	D．Traps in Building Construction

10 . People like to celebrate when they move into a new home. Maybe it’ s the first flat someone has owned, a couple’ s first home since getting married or maybe a growing family has moved to a bigger house. For whatever reason, the home is new. It represents a change and an exciting new beginning, with walls to paint, rooms to decorate and neighbors to meet. And what better way to meet people than to throw a party?

Parties to celebrate moving into a new home are called “house-warming” or “flat-warming” parties. If you think about it, they are appropriate names because an empty house with no people or furniture in it is a cold shell of a place. A house full of people, on the other hand, often requires some open windows or air conditioning to keep from getting too hot.

So what are house-warming parties like? Usually, the hosts invite their new neighbors as well as their friends. They usually provide some food and drinks and guests usually bring house-warming gifts. The gift might be something for the house，like a plant, or something for the guests to share, like a bottle of wine. There may be a dress code or theme. For example, if it is a “Hat Party”, people will wear unusual or funny hats. This helps break the ice by making people laugh. This makes it easier to meet new people and creates a fun and cheerful atmosphere.

There’ s an old saying that home is where the heart is. When people throw a house-warming party,they’ re opening their hearts as well as their homes to the people around them. So if you’ re ever invited by new neighbors to a house-warming, go! Then invite them to your home another time. Your home might already be warm, but new friends are the surest way to warm your heart.

1. People hold a house-warming party to celebrate ______.

A．finding a new job	B．having a new baby
C．getting married	D．moving into a new home

2. Why is the name “house-warming” appropriate according to the writer?

A．It’s the opposite of a house-cooling party.

B．A house or flat with people in it seems to be lively.

C．When people drink wine at these parties they get very warm.

D．At these parties there is always a fire that people sit around to warm themselves.

3. What does the underlined phrase “break the ice” mean in a social situation?

A．It means to get conversation flowing(流畅).

B．It means to make a hole in the ice through which to fish.

C．It means conversation is very difficult because people don’ t know each other.

D．It means the atmosphere at a house-warming party is very cold and unfriendly.

4. Why does the writer suggest that you invite people to your home?

A．It can show your politeness to your neighbors.

B．Everyone should have a house-warming.

C．Making new friends will make you happy.

D．Inviting them will warm up your cold house.