We were on the way from Hutchinson to Chicago for a short spring break. For many years I had wanted to take my family on the train. We all had been to Chicago four years ago, and the kids loved it. Chicago is one of my favorite cities, too, so the thought struck me again last fall to ride the train to Chicago. Of course, flying would have been faster. But I don’t think flying is easier, especially these days, with all the security and waiting in lines at airports.

Though we were tired in the middle of the night, the kids got on the train with the exhilaration of this adventure. “We’re moving,” my son William shouted happily with big eyes as the train began to pull away from the Hutchinson station.

I removed my shoes and lay down to try to finish my night’s sleep. The sleeper car would have better enabled that, but the ordinary train seats were not too bad. An airline flight is a harder experience for me: not enough room, two hours of pain with my knees almost touching my mouth. On the train I could almost outstretch all of my 6-foot-2-plus body in the generous legroom.

The journey didn’t feel at all as long as it was. We all found the train ride a joy. The car ride would have felt every minute of 13 hours. But on the train you are free to walk around, sit in the observation carriage for a while and enjoy the scenery out the windows, have a nice meal in the dining car, read a book, or play a board game.

In short, the train is all about enjoying the trip, which isn’t something I do so much when traveling by airline or by car, when the trip seems more of a mission (任务) to get there than an experience to enjoy along the way.

Chicago offers much to do for a family. This time, getting there was half the fun.

1.We can learn from the first paragraph that _____.

A. the kids love the train journey

B. it was the first time that the kids were taken on the train

C. the author didn’t enjoy the long train journey

D. Chicago is one of the kid’s favorite cities

2.What does the underlined word “exhilaration” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A. Tiredness. B. Relaxation.

C. Excitement. D. Worry.

3.In the third paragraph, an airline flight experience is mentioned to show _____.

A. a train ride is more comfortable

B. a train ride is too long

C. an airline flight is miserable

D. an airline flight is easier

4.Which of the following words best describes the whole family’s feeling about the train journey?

A. Moved. B. Nervous.

C. Disappointed. D. Delighted.

A poem starts with a thought, an idea, or an emotion felt from the heart.Poems can be happy or sad, deep-thinking or even humorous.The choice is up to you and your imagination as to what you will create.

Your first step is to write down the idea or thought that you have and you want to turn into a poem.Next, you should turn the thought into a free verse(自由诗体)poem.Free verse poems are much easier to write as there are no steadfast rules to write them.Some free verse doesn’t even have any rhyme or meter.

Now, rewrite your thoughts into lines.Now is the time to look at your lines and remember that the poem should have a beginning, a middle, and an end, just like a story, a book, or a movie.

Reread your poem several times and listen to the words and to the rhythm of each line.Now is the time to shorten or lengthen each line in order to create a smooth-sounding poem.Even though it is a free verse poem, you can choose to make each line rhyme with the next line if you want to.

Now go back and reread your poem again. Check for proper punctuation(标点)as well as for the proper spelling of each word. Think up a suitable title for your poem. It would be a good idea to set your poem aside for a while and then return to it later.

Then, reread it again with a fresh mind and make some necessary changes.

If you decided to continue writing poetry, it would be a good idea to investigate(研究) some books about creating poetry, and to attend some local workshops. Check out the available resources on the Internet as well as what is available at your local public library.

1.The underlined word steadfast in Paragraph 2 is similar in meaning to______.

A.advanced B.strict C.changeable D.reliable

2.In the author’s opinion, what is the right order of writing a good poem?

a.Turn an idea or thought into a poem.

b.Check for proper spelling and think up a title.

c.Rewrite your thoughts into 1ines.

d.Reread it and try to make your poem sound smooth.

e.Reread it again with a fresh mind.

f. Write down the idea or thought.

A.a-f-d-b-c-e B.a-f-c-d-e-b

C.f-a-d-c-e-b D.f-a-c-d-b-e

3.What can we infer from the end of the passage?

A.There is still a lot to learn about writing good poems.

B.Poems must depend on the Internet, workshops and libraries.

C.Writing poems is meaningful but rather difficult.

D. Not all people can succeed in writing poems.

Guided Walking Week April 2016

Dates: April 30th-May 7th 2016

Location: Abdet, Costa Blanca

A week of guided walking in the mountains around Abdet. Highlights include the climbing of Valencia’s highest summit (Sierra de Aitana), traveling completely around the impressive Puig Campana, and several explorations in the Sierra de Aitana. Ancient trails lead through spectacular canyons(峡谷) to abandoned settlements situated high in the mountains. You will discover the snow trader routes which lead from the incredible snow holes high in the mountains down to the villages and towns on the coast. These years, golden eagles have made a return to this area, and you may also see other animals—wild goats, foxes, wild pigs and red squirrels.

As part of the week you are invited to help clear some local walking paths. This involves clearing collapsed walls and rocks, cutting back fallen trees. This is of course optional and is just for half a day, it’s actually great fun!

Price: $499

Includes:

Accommodation in the beautiful mountain village of Abdet

All food-good home cooking

Beer, wine, soft drinks

Snacks and post walk treats

Packed lunches & drinks(except café/bar visits)

Expert guiding

Photos/Videos of your days in the mountains

Airport pick-up/return $25 each way(fly to Alicante)

Single room supplement $75

To book or get further information, please contact info@abdet.com.

1. What will you find during the guided walking?

A. Climbing Sierra de Aitana is the most exciting

B. Ancient trails have changed into highways.

C. The environment in Abdet is getting better.

D. Traders live in incredible snow holes.

2. What may you enjoy if you pay $499?

A. Packed lunches including bar visits.

B. Good home cooking breakfast only.

C. Bus stop pick-up/return each way.

D. Pictures and professional guiding

3.What do the details presented in the ad suggest?

A. Clearing walking paths is a must

B. People can book the walking online.

C. Accommodation conditions are tough.

D. The walking ends on April 30th 2016

违法和不良信息举报电话:027-86699610 举报邮箱:58377363@163.com

精英家教网