1 . Two high-speed train companies, Eurostar and Thalys, are joining forces to create a single rail company that will serve five countries (the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany) across Europe after the European Commission agreed on the merger (合并) on Tuesday.

It was first planned in 2019 but the pandemic (大流行病) caused ticket sales to drop overnight in 2020, pushing back the project. Both companies were going out of business. “By merging Eurostar and Thalys, we are able to face the challenge of the environmental problems and the pandemic,” president of French train company SNCF Guillaume Pepy said.

Pepy added that the creation of a European high-speed rail company gives 18.5 million passengers an attractive alternative (可供选择的事物) to the road and air transport. Known as Project Green Speed, one of the goals of the merger is to increase passenger numbers to 30 million a year by 2030. It also hopes to use more green power in its trains.

Sophie Dutordoir, CEO of Belgian rail company SNCB and chairman of the board for Thalys also said the merger could only be good for passengers. “This merger project is based on the common belief that trains are the fastest, easiest and safest way to travel in Europe — now more than ever. The main advantages for passengers will be better scheduling and ticketing. It will be easier for passengers to, for example, take a Eurostar service to Paris then connect with a Thalys service to travel on to Germany.”

In the future, there would also be services that run all the way through from London served by Eurostar to cities served by Thalys, including Cologne or Frankfurt. But all UK travelers will have to pass through the border (边境) control before getting on the train. It means that these stations will have to add many data processing terminals (数据处理终端). It would be an arduous task and could take a long time to complete.

1. What happened to Eurostar and Thalys in 2020?

A．They merged into one company.

B．They faced serious business difficulties.

C．They built a new high-speed railway across Europe.

D．They failed to get official support from the European Commission.

2. What is one of the goals of the project?

A．To increase train speed by 18.5%.

B．To offer free service to European passengers.

C．To serve 30 million passengers a year by 2030.

D．To produce green power for European train companies.

3. What did Sophie think of the project?

A．It will lead to new environmental problems.

B．It will encourage more foreign tourists to visit Europe.

C．It will improve the development of air transport in Europe.

D．It will make train travel easier between five European countries.

4. What does the underlined word “arduous” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Difficult.

B．Dangerous.

C．Impossible.

D．Obvious.

4 . A quick nap before arriving at your destination is normal, especially when you lack that much-needed sleep. But even if you feel energized, sleeping on buses and trains just seems to be a natural thing.     1     ? Here are some of the reasons.

    2    

Although buses and trains are not close to the comfort level of your couch or your bed, just being in a cozy(舒适的) enough position is sufficient to make you nod off. Sitting down, closing your eyes, and leaning your head a bit are enough to get you in a relaxed state.

Long periods of inactivity

On buses and trains, you don’t move around very much.     3     . Basically, you’re away from the things that keep your mind and your physical body busy. This inactivity also slows your brain activity down because there’s no stimulus to keep it awake.

White noise

    4    . It’s a consistent noise, like the hum of tires or the purring of the car. White noise masks distracting sounds, and is helpful for people who have trouble getting sleep. When you’re riding a vehicle, white noise is continuously emitted, making it easier for passengers to come to dreamland.

Increase in carbon dioxide in public transportation

Buses and trains get crowded every day with people going to and from work. Carbon dioxide increases when there are lots of people in a small space.     5     .

A．Comfortable seats

B．Lower the temperature

C．How to take a quick nap

D．This reduces oxygen to the brain and slows it down

E．So why do people fall asleep so easily on public transportation

F．Cars and other vehicles are a perfect environment that produces white noise

G．You just sit down and enjoy the scenery as the vehicle moves along the road

5 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容或括号内单词的正确形式。

A slow train in Southwest China having     1     own study room has attracted much attention from netizens. Train No.5609/5610, which runs between Chongqing and Xiushan county,     2     (be) a public welfare “slow train”.

In some carriages, some     3     (seat) have been replaced with desks and chairs next to the windows to transform them into “study carriages” for passengers in need.

Students from nearby schools     4     (frequent) take the train between school and home. The trains are their “school buses”,     5     many passengers can complete their homework.

On train No.Z150, which runs between Guiyang and Beijing, a     6     (transform) “book bar” carriage has been welcomed by college students. There are nearly 400 universities and colleges in the cities along the line,     7     (make) train No.Z150 the first choice for most students on those campuses.

    8     2015, the train’s dining car has been open for free at night to provide returning students     9     a lending library, free tea and other services. These     10     (thought) measures by the railway department are a welcome comfort for passengers needing a relaxing place to continue their studies.

6 . The answer to traffic jams on the highways around airports could be electric air taxis. But this is not a futuristic dream. United Airlines is helping to make it a reality.

The carrier is ordering 200 electric air taxis, also called eVOTL planes, from Eve Air Mobility which designed vehicles for short distance-like going from city centers to airports-that can seat four passengers. The eVOTL planes take off and land like helicopters.

These vehicles that are due to be delivered in 2026 can fly from rooftop to rooftop. These types of vehicles are more environmental than using ground transportation. That’s because the air taxis use electric engines that have no carbon emissions(碳排放). This will reduce pollution and noise levels by 90 percent, according to United Airlines and Eve Air Mobility.

“Our agreement with Eve shows our confidence in the urban air mobility market and serves as another important step toward our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Michael Leskinen, president of United Airlines Ventures. “We’ll get there not with empty gestures, but by taking the harder path of actually reducing the emissions from flying.” If the company meets its goal of reducing its carbon footprint to net zero, it will be the first US airline to do so.

This isn’t United’s first try for environmental protection. The company started using bio-fuel(生物燃料) in flights from Los Angeles in 2016. It was the first airline in the US to promise to significantly use bio-fuel and this could cut emissions by 60 percent. From baby steps to flying ones, this airline is working on its commitment to the environment. Hopefully this is just one part of a global commitment to green the airline industry.

1. How does the author introduce the takeoff and landing of eVOTL planes?

A．By providing a long list.	B．By using experts’ words.
C．By making a comparison.	D．By referring to a news report.

2. What can we learn about the eVOTL planes?

A．They make no noise when flying.	B．They each can hold eight passengers.
C．They are designed for long distances.	D．They are friendly to the environment.

3. What can be inferred about United Airlines?

A．It promises to use bio-fuel in 2050.	B．It has a pioneering spirit.
C．It stopped carbon emissions in 2016.	D．It shows no interest in electric air taxis.

4. What might be the best title for the text?

A．The Promising Future of Air Travel Is Seen Now

B．More Companies Are Developing Green Technologies

C．Electric Air Taxis Will Make Getting to the Airport Easy

D．Electric Air Taxis Will Be Put Into Wide Use in the Future

8 . Getting around Venice by travelling along its water ways is a delight for all visitors. Apart from offering unforgettable views of the architecture, the city's transportations are convenient, efficient, and also relatively inexpensive.

PASSES

Instead of paying EUR 7 per ride, a better option is to purchase one of ACTV's passes, which offer unlimited travel for 1 day (EUR 20), 2 days (EUR 30), 3 days (EUR 40) or 1 week (EUR 60). For children and young people between the ages of 6 and 29, ACTV offers a special "Rolling Venice" 3-day pass (EUR 29).

BY GONDOLA

Considered by many as the most symbolic feature of Venice, today gondolas circulate most often on canals in the centre of the city, carrying tourists on rides at fixed rates, which tend to be rather high. A 40-minute ride costs around EUR 100, but may be shared by as many as six passengers.

BY RENTAL BOAT

It is possible to rent a boat to travel around Venice's canals. A boating permit is not required, but you will need to pass a basic turning and docking test before being allowed to rent a boat. Rates start at EUR 30 per hour.

BY WATER TAXI

Getting around by water taxi in Venice is most costly, but can be a convenient option when you are in a hurry or need to carry a lot of luggage. The initial charge is EUR 15, then EUR 2 per minute. If you have more than one bag per passenger, there is a charge of EUR 3 for each additional piece.

Note: There are only four fueling stations for boats in Venice. Make sure you note their locations before heading out.

1. What is said about the ACTV's pass?

A．It provides the tourists with five choices.	B．It is only suitable for kids and the young.
C．It should be ordered ahead of time online.	D．It is a certificate given to the foreign tourists.

2. Why does the author recommend gondola?

A．Because it is the most economical means.	B．Because tourists can enjoy the city for longer.
C．Because tourists will be clear about the cost.	D．Because it represents the city of Venice.

3. Which of the following may cost you most?

A．PASSES.	B．BY GONDOLA.
C．BY WATER TAXI.	D．BY RENTAL BOAT.