1 . Only two cities in the world are famous for their taxis: London and New York. New York’s taxis are usually yellow. London’s are black. But why black?
Many years ago, when London’s first motor taxis appeared, almost all cars were painted black. This was the age when in America, Henry Ford, who built Ford cars, famously said: “You can have any colour you like, as long as it’s black! ”. In Ford’s time, almost all cars were black. Everywhere!
Things are different today. Cars come in all colours, even London taxis. There are red ones and green ones, ones with pictures on them and ones with advertising all over them, but there are still plenty of “black taxis” too.
London’s traditional taxis are very special cars, and they are different from ordinary cars. They are specially built as taxis, with a section at the front for the driver, and a section at the back for passengers. They have lots of room for luggage, and they can tum 180 in a very small circle (about 8 metres).
However, London taxis are changing fast. Most taxis have diesel(柴油) engines, and they cause pollution.
Since November 2021 London taxis must all meet the Euro-6 emissions(排放)standard. Basically this means that there are no longer any taxis in London built before 2008. Many taxi-drivers are unhappy, because London taxis are built to last for 20 years or more!
Becoming electric will be the biggest change to London’s taxis in over 100 years. More changes are already coming. Before long all London taxis will have to be ZEVs (zero emission vehicles). They will have to run on electricity or on hydrogen (氢气)London’s biggest taxi company, which has 4, 000 taxis, plans to be all electric by 2023.
1. Why were London’s taxis black many years ago?| A．Because all cars were painted black. |
| B．Because New York’s taxis were yellow. |
| C．Because they were famous in the world. |
| D．Because they were influenced by Ford’s time. |
| A．Unusual. | B．Ordinary. |
| C．Colorful. | D．Beautiful. |
| A．Only black taxis can be seen in London now. |
| B．Taxis in London will be all electric by 2023. |
| C．More environmentally-friendly taxis will appear in London. |
| D．There are no longer any cars made before 2008 in London. |
| A．London Taxis-a Long History | B．London Taxis-from Black to Green |
| C．London Taxis-Zero Emission Vehicles | D．London Taxis-Convenient Transportation |
2 . During the work week, the city of Bogotá, Colombia, has 1,600,000 cars, 50,000 taxis, 9,000 buses, and 500,000 motorcycles. But every Sunday, the city closes 75 miles of roads to motor vehicles, so the Bogotanos (citizens of Bogotá) have to leave their cars at home. Instead, they go on their bicycles, roller skates, scooters, wheelchairs, and skateboards. And they walk!
During “Ciclovía” (meaning “Bicycle Way” in English) every Sunday, people bike around the city streets, and, as they bike, there are “Fun Stops.” At one fun stop, you can listen to musicians playing salsa music. At another, there is an aerobics class with a fitness instructor. And there is always cheap, delicious food for sale—“I come for the food!” says one young woman.
This year, Ciclovía in Bogotá is 25 years old and it’s still very popular. Bibiana Sarmiento is the manager of Ciclovía and she explains why it’s a good idea: “The Ciclovía is the moment when motor vehicles make way for human beings … citizens take over the city’s public space.” Now other cities have days like Ciclovía all over the world—from New Zealand to Europe to China.
Maybe your town or city already has a special day when people—not cars—control the streets. If it doesn’t, maybe it’s time to start one.
1. How many cars does the city of Bogotá, Colombia have?| A．1.6 million | B．16 million | C．1.6 billion | D．16 billion |
| A．By cars and buses |
| B．By taxis and cars |
| C．By motor cars and taxis |
| D．On foot |
| A．You can listen to rock and roll music. |
| B．You can have an aerobics class. |
| C．You can have expensive, delicious food. |
| D．You can meet many interesting people there. |
| A．How local people have fun at Ciclovía |
| B．Transportation in Bogotá |
| C．A City that Bans Cars on Sundays |
| D．Why Ciclovía is popular |
3 . If you’re planning to travel overseas, the most common form of transportation is by airplane.
Purchase your ticket. Choosing an airline carrier might depend on a number of factors including the company’s service record, price of the ticket, length of time to destination, and even in-flight service.
Boarding procedures (that is, boarding pass). When you arrive, you usually check your bags at the main ticket counter.
Through security. You have to pass through the security checkpoint, where you will have to walk through an X-ray machine. Of course, this is for everyone’s safety.
Boarding. The boarding card indicates where you are. Find your seat, sit down, fasten the safety belt, and turn off your cell phone before taking off.
Airplane travel can be exciting and you can make this experience even better by knowing what to expect in advance. Please don’t take the safety of the plane, the crew, and the passengers like a joke, otherwise, it is possible to cause the aircraft’s emergency landing or return immediately.
| A．Departure |
| B．To the airport |
| C．Once you finish your boarding |
| D．Once you pass through this checkpoint |
| E．The plane is equipped with emergency exits in case you have to leave the plane |
| F．Knowing the entire procedure of the flight can ensure that you have a pleasant trip |
| G．Find your flight counter that the airport has told you, having your air tickets and identity cards checked |
