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. |
| 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. |
2 . 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. |
3 . We interviewed two people, one who went from the country to the city and one who did the opposite.
Janet Lincoln is a salesgirl who moved to St. Louis five years ago. Here’s what Janet told us:
“Five years ago I used to live in a small town called Lemon Falls. I grew up and went to high school there. After I graduated I worked in a supermarket. Lemon Falls had a population of about 800 people, and I knew every single one of them. They all knew everything about me, too. You couldn’t do anything without everyone in town knowing about it. The first chance I got I moved to St. Louis and I love it. I don’t know as many people now as I used to, but that’s OK. I have a few good friends, and I see them when I want to. I kind of like being anonymous. I’d never go back to Lemon Falls.”
Troy Henson had the opposite experience. He and his wife, Darla, and their two children moved from St. Louis to Bloomfield three years ago. Here’s what Troy told us:
“The best thing we ever did was get out of St. Louis. Don’t get me wrong; St. Louis is as good a place as any other city, I suppose — if you like cities, that is. We don’t. Both Darla and I grew up in St. Louis. We met at college and got married. Then the kids came along and life got difficult. We didn’t know any of our neighbors. We both had good jobs, but it always seemed like there was never enough money. That all changed when we moved to Bloomfield. I don’t make as much money as I used to, but then we don’t have as many expenses as we did. We know our neighbors. Life is good. We’d never leave Bloomfield.”
1. What troubled Janet when she was in Lemon Falls?| A．She had no friends. | B．There was no privacy. |
| C．There was a lot of competition. | D．She couldn’t find a well-paid job. |
| A．Alone. | B．Prepared. | C．Sociable. | D．Unknown. |
| A．prefers country life | B．moved to a bigger city |
| C．grew up in a smaller town | D．knows little about his new neighbors |
| A．It is a little boring. | B．It is quite comfortable. |
| C．It costs a lot of money. | D．It creates a safe environment. |
