1 . 70% of the global population is likely to live in urban areas by 2050. Feeding residents requires complex supply chains that are easy to collapse. But a new generation of farmers hope to address this by bringing nature back into our cities.
“I view urban agriculture as a wonderful Trojan horse (特洛伊木马),” says Nicolas Brassier, owner of Peas & Love, an urban farm that has expanded to seven sites across France and Belgium in the past two years. Brassier and his business partner Maxime Petit share the idea of using urban agriculture to bring food production closer to the people who eat it. But they also hope to make cities nicer places to live by reintroducing nature to them.
To do this, they developed a concept where residents pay for access to an urban farm with a combination of individual land, shared growing spaces and a broad range of activities around food production and transformation. The farm is cultivated (耕作) by employees and subscribers.
The key to Peas & Love’s idea is making use of space that would otherwise be bare. At first glance, cities might not seem to have much available land for farming among the pavements and buildings. But the flat roofs of many commercial buildings in cities are space just waiting to be cultivated.
The Peas & Love story is representative of a growing French movement to address the aging population of farmers. Half of the rural farmers in France will reach retirement age within the next decade.
But what “new” space can cities offer? Some urban farms, like Peas & Love, use unexpected sites in cities to create “third places” where people can reconnect with nature. Office building roofs, railway tracks and even underused parking lots can now host urban farms.
1. Why is the figure mentioned in the first paragraph?A.To show the collapse of complex supply chains. |
B.To explain the people’s living condition in urban areas. |
C.To compare the life in urban areas with that in the rural areas. |
D.To introduce the cause of bringing nature into the urban areas. |
A.Expanding Peas & Love into many cities. |
B.Taking advantage of potential farmland. |
C.Addressing aging population of farmers. |
D.Bringing food production nearer to people. |
A.Railway platform. | B.Underground parking lots. |
C.Commercial building roofs | D.Running track. |
A.Bring agriculture into urban areas. |
B.Offering the urban areas new space. |
C.Making urban areas nicer places to live in. |
D.Addressing the aging population of farming. |
2 . Four homes built using everyday objects
Can newspapers and bottles be used as building materials? After touring these four homes built using these objects, you might just believe the answer is yes.
Plastic Bottle Village, Bocas del ToroOne man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Truer words could not describe Robert Bezeau’s project which began in 2012. After collecting tens of thousands of bottles, Bezeau recruited a team of locals to construct a building using the unwanted materials.
The Bottle Houses, Cape Egmon, Prince Edward IslandThe Bottle Houses on Prince Edward Island, Canada, are the creation of Edouard T. Arsenault and his daughter Rejeanne. The father and daughter began construction in 1980. Over the months, they collected empty bottles, and by 1981 they opened the house to the public. Since then, the building has remained open to visitors, with sunny days being the best time to visit.
Earthship Biotecture, Taos, New MexicoMichael Reynolds built his first Earthship when he was 23 years old. Starting out with nothing more than empty bottles, Reynolds set out to create a home that was not only sustainable, but also easy enough for someone without a construction background to build. Earthship Biotecture offers nightly stays. Self-guided tours are also available.
The Paper House, Rockport, MassachusettsWhen Elis F. Stenman built his summer home in 1922, he turned to paper for materials. The design has proven to be quite durable, as it’s still standing nearly 100 years later. The home has been open to visitors since the 1930s, and only began charging 10 cents per person in 1942 when it became a museum. Today visitors can experience the Paper House for themselves for $2 for adults and $1 for children.
1. What do we know about Plastic Bottle Village?A.It was designed by Bezeau. | B.It was finished in 2012. |
C.It became trash finally. | D.It was built for a team of locals. |
A.In the Bottle Houses. | B.In the Paper House. |
C.In an Earthship. | D.In Plastic Bottle Village. |
A.It is constructed by a Canadian family. | B.It is used to collect rubbish. |
C.It is free for children. | D.It is made of paper. |
1. What is special about the farm?
A.It produces traditional clothes. |
B.It lies in the American countryside. |
C.It shows country life in the late 19th century. |
A.Wear sports shoes. | B.Try using the tools. | C.Experience farm work. |
A.Admire special clothes. | B.Walk dogs. | C.See farm animals. |
A.To welcome new staff. | B.To explain some rules. | C.To attract more visitors. |
4 . 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. |
5 . There are a lot of museums in London. Of course, there are world-famous names like the British Museum and Natural History Museum. But then there are many tiny plain peculiar museums in every corner of the city.
18 Stafford Terrace
The Kensington address provides a chance to see a late-Victorian, middle-class home that has survived largely unchanged. The house was passed on from one generation of the family to the next and almost all the original decoration remains unchanged. The house closes during summer for maintenance.
Opening hours: 2 pm — 5:30 pm Wed, Sat, Sun
Brunel Museum
An exhibition celebrates the Thames Tunnel as the birthplace of the tube system, and the Great Eastern steamship as the first modern ocean liner. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and International Landmark Site above the oldest tunnel in the Underground, which tells the story of the men who worked in the dark, dodging flames and raw sewage every day.
Opening hours: Daily 10 am — 5 pm
The Cinema Museum
This collection of artifacts, memorabilia and equipment telling the history of cinema from the 1890s to the present is open by tour (advance booking required) while the museum raises funds to secure its future. Among the displays are cinema seats and signs, stills and posters, projectors and other machinery.
Opening hours: 11 am — 5 pm Mon-Fri by appointment only
Dennis Severs’ House
Dennis Severs’ House is a time capsule attraction in which visitors are immersed in a unique form of theatre. The tour takes you through the cellar, kitchen, dining room, smoking room and upstairs to the bedrooms. It feels as though the inhabitants had deserted the rooms only moments before. The Dennis Severs House tour is unsuitable for children as tours are conducted in silence.
Opening hours: Wed, Fri 5 pm — 9 pm
1. If you are interested in the life of Victorian, which museum should you choose to visit?A.18 Stafford Terrace. | B.Brunel Museum. |
C.The Cinema Museum. | D.Dennis Severs’ House. |
A.Learn the history of cinema. | B.Book ahead. |
C.Raise money. | D.Collect posters. |
A.They are world-famous. | B.They are accessible on Wednesday. |
C.They feature tube system. | D.They are suitable for children. |
6 . We look forward to welcoming you to The Metropolitan Museum of Art! The following events are open to exploration.
Member Morning Hours
Every Thursday, 9 am-10 am
Every Thursday morning, just before the Museum opens to the public, Members are invited to experience the newest exhibitions at the Met without the crowds. Members are also invited to bring guest (s). Timed Tickets are not required for entry.
Storytime at the Met— Back to School
Every Tuesday, 10: 30 am-11 am
Read, listen, sing, and have fun with Storytime! Join us every Tuesday for picture-book readings connected to objects in The Met collection. This month’s theme is Back to School. Recommended for families with children ages 18 months to 6 years.
Free; Museum admission is not required. Note: Space is limited; first come, first served.
Art History Study Group -Text and Image in Ancient Egypt
Wednesday, September 7, 2022,5 pm-5: 30 pm
Expand your knowledge of art history through virtual introductions to core themes and close examination of Met objects with Museum experts. In this session, join us for an in-depth discussion about the relationship between text and image in ancient Egypt.
Fee: $40. Please note: This live event takes place on Zoom. Space is limited; advance registration is required. Registration closes Tuesday, September 6, 2022, or when registration is full.
Discoveries -Color !
Sunday, September 11, 2022,11 pm-12:30 pm
For kids with learning and developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. Join us for an in-person workshop to talk about and make art!
Free, though reservations are required. Space is limited.
1. Which event is held online?A.Member Morning Hours. |
B.Storytime at the Met. |
C.Art History Study Group. |
D.Discoveries —Color. |
A.They can be allowed entry at any time. |
B.They can help organize the newest exhibitions. |
C.They can attend events without advance registration. |
D.They can bring guests to the museum before it opens. |
A.Admire exhibits. |
B.Read picture books. |
C.Make themed art objects. |
D.Learn about art history. |
A.It’s beautiful. | B.It’s a Greek campus. | C.It’s a small campus. |
8 . “Don’t forget your water!” This is a familiar
This makes me think back to my
I was
In my third-grade year, I
A.sound | B.request | C.word | D.name |
A.visible | B.harmless | C.unique | D.important |
A.bottle | B.demand | C.promise | D.blanket |
A.hometown | B.hobby | C.youth | D.education |
A.never | B.often | C.occasionally | D.sometimes |
A.change | B.escape | C.survive | D.struggle |
A.absent | B.lucky | C.bored | D.confused |
A.cooking | B.raising | C.counting | D.hunting |
A.when | B.how | C.why | D.where |
A.cut off | B.fell apart | C.served as | D.relied on |
A.simple | B.complex | C.hard | D.dramatic |
A.declared | B.guided | C.begged | D.cheated |
A.stood by | B.broke down | C.watched out | D.gave in |
A.hungry | B.thirsty | C.crazy | D.angry |
A.devoted | B.treated | C.addicted | D.taught |
Last Thursday, the 18th-century Rhode Island farmhouse that inspired the 2013 horror movie The Conjuring
Nunez plans to continue the business
“This purchase is personal for me,” Nunez told The Boston Globe. “It’s around my own
However, one of the conditions in the contract is
The Conjuring wasn’t filmed in the house but was based on the
“I’m not afraid
10 . Popular Libraries in the World
The idea of a public library —— where anyone in the community is trusted to borrow books, often for long stretches of time, for free —— is fairly magical. Some of the libraries in the world are pretty popular now.
The British Library, London, the UK
The British Library is comparable to the Library of Congress in terms of the size of their holdings, many of which are unique. According to its annual report, the British Library welcomes millions of visitors every year, but the figure in 2016-2017 represents a small but disappointing reduction in the overall visitor numbers.
The State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
According to its annual report, the State Library of Victoria’s visitors broke the 2 million in 2016-2017 visit record for the first time in its history, making it the busiest library in Australia. It also recorded many online visits, accessed collection items and uses of digitized collection items.
The New York Public Library, New York, the USA
The New York Public Library reports that it has hosted millions of visitors and circulated large numbers of items over their locations. According to a press, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building —— the main branch of the library —— yearly receives the greatest number of visitors.
The National Library of China, Beijing, China
Established as the Imperial Library of Peking in 1909, the National Library of China is now the largest library in Asia, with holdings of over 30 million items. The library’s annual report puts its total visitors across multiple locations at several million every year.
1. What do we know about the British Library?A.It holds many rare collections. |
B.Its visitors are constantly on the rise. |
C.It has the largest collection of books in Europe. |
D.Its coverage is the smallest in the world’s libraries. |
A.They possess two branches. |
B.They gain plentiful visitors. |
C.They are the busiest libraries in their countries. |
D.They face a decline in tourism in the 20th century. |
A.Finance. | B.Culture. |
C.Architecture. | D.Technology. |