Sunday, October 5

Clear, 69°F

My wife, Eleanor , and I took the train from Paris to Strasbourg, where we were met by our driver and guide. And the minibus which goes along with the boat. We stopped off in Barn for an hour on the way. Then we were taken to Nancy where the boat was kept.

After the other passengers arrived, we had our first dinner on the boat. After dinner we walked into downtown Nancy, a village with a large square and wooden houses.

Monday, October 6

Rained last night, cloudy in the morning, 69°F

We spent about two hours in Nancy, then sailed on the Canal de la Marne au Rhine. Kind of a lazy day. Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner, after dinner we watched a tape on Baccarat. Where we will visit tomorrow.

It was pleasant to sit out on deck (甲板)and watch the scenery go by at about 3 mph.

Tuesday, October 7

Light rain, 64°F

This mourning we drove over to Baccarat and toured its museum and the church , which has this unbelievable lamp that is going on a world tour the next day. We did lost of shopping , then walked across the bridge to see a very , very modern Catholic church with special Baccarat windows.

We drove to the top of the Voges Mountains and started down the eastern side Later we drove to Sorrenbourg to see the 13th century church at the Cordeliers. It contains the largest window by Mar.

Wednesday, Ocrober8

Cloudy.65 °F

Today we sailed from Schneckenbush to Saverne. We went though two caves, an extremely unusual part of the journey. This river scenery is very different. We were in a mountain valley with grassland on one side and a forest beginning to show some color on the other.

Thursday, Ocrober9

Cloudy, 66°F

Our dependable minibus was waiting to load the luggage and take us to the hotel where everyone went their separate ways. Our boating days are over until next time.

Where did the author get off the train?

A. Paris            B. Strasbourg           C. Nancy         D. Barn

On which days did the tourists spend most of their time on the boat?

A. Monday and Tuesday

B. Tuesday and Wednesday

C. Wednesday and Wednesday

D. Monday and Wednesday

From the text, we learn that Baccarat and Sorrenbourg are the names of_________.

A. towns           B. churches              C. museums       D. mountains

What does the author think of the tour?

A. Tiring            B. Expensive              C. Enjoyable      D. Quick

Everyday, 340 million people speak it. One billion people are learning it and it is said that by 2050, half of the world’s population will be using it. What are we talking about? That is the global language—English.
The English language started in Britain in the 5th century. It is a mixed language. It was built up when German. Scandinavian and French invaders settled in England and created a common language for communication.
Today it is the official language of the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Ireland as well as many islands in the Caribbean. Many other countries and regions use it for politics and business, for example, India. Pakistan, Nigeria and the Philippines. English is also one of the official languages of Hong Kong.
But global advertising and pop music mean that in most countries, you will see or hear some English. Thanks to McDonalds, we all know about “burgers”. “fries” and “milkshakes”. Songs by Madonna, Britney Spears and Celine Dion are in English. We can sing along, even if we do not understand what we are singing!
English is a messy (杂乱的) language. Every year, dictionaries include new words that talk about popular culture, for example, computer-related words such as "blogging", "download" and "chartroom". Also included are words that teenagers use. Who does not know “cool”, “OK” and “hello”?
Other languages also influence English. Many English words come from French. Words like “café” and expressions like “c'est la vie” (that is life) are all part of the English language. On the other hand, the French language includes English words like "le weekend" and "le camping". German words are also part of English. Words like "kindergarten" come from the German language.
Recently, British people have become interested in “yoga”. But the word comes from an ancient Hindu language in India.
【小题1】 The English language has a history of ______.

A.over 2000 yearsB.over 500 years
C.over 1500 yearsD.over 1000 years
【小题2】The underlined expression “thanks to” can be replaced by ______.
A.because ofB.in order toC.as usual D.as if.
【小题3】Which of the following statements is true about the language of English?
A.It has been changing all the time.
B.It has borrowed words from all the other languages.
C.French words are used by the English because dictionaries have French words.
D.Singers and film stars have the greatest influence on language.
【小题4】 How many people in the world are using English now?
A.One billion peopleB.340 million
C.almost all the people in the world.
D.not mentioned above, but the number is growing rapidly.
【小题5】 Many countries and regions use it for politics and business except______.
A.the USAB.Nigeria C.the PhilippinesD.Norway

What’s On Stage
An acrobatic show: To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the China Acrobatic Troupe (剧团) will present “The Soul of China”, where the seemingly impossible is made real. Chills will run down your spine(脊柱) as you watch breathlessly as performers take their art and their bodies to the edge.
Time: 7:30 p.m., September 13-19
Place: Capital Theatre, 22 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
Exhibitions
Joint Show: A group ink painting exhibition is running at the Huangshicheng Art Gallery in Beijing. About 50 works by 25 young artists including Ge Yun and Yu Yang are on display.
Time: 9:00 a. m.-5:00 p.m. until September 10
Place: Huangshicheng Art Gallery, 136 Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng District
Oil paintings: The Wanfung Art Gallery will host a joint show of oil painting by 10 young and middle-aged artists. On display are more than 30 of their latest works, which capture the wondrous variety of life in unique styles.
Time: 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. until September 15
Place: 136 Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District
Literature museum: The National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature offers an in-depth study of the evolution of Chinese contemporary literature from 1919 to 1949.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., daily
Place: 45 Anyuan Donglu, Chaoyang District (Shaoyaoju area)
Concerts
Beijing rocks: “The Fashion Night of Chinese Rock” is set to bring rock fans out by the thousands next month. Nine Chinese rock bands will perform at the concert, including older generation bands, middle generation and some recent arrivals. The audience will be given a chance to decide what songs they want to hear, which is sure to bring a storm.
Time: September 16
Place: The Olympic Center
Belgium orchestra:La Petite Bande, the Baroque Orehestra of Belgium, will perform in Beijing at the Grand Theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities as part of activities across the world in memory of the 250th anniversary of Bach’s death.
Time: 7:30 p.m. September 11-14
Place: Grand Theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities
【小题1】 What do you think of the acrobatic show mentioned above?

A.When you watch it, you will certainly feel cold.
B.Unexpected things will make you excited and surprised.
C.Something strange will puzzle everyone, including scientists.
D.Even the bravest ones will be too frightened to go on watching.
【小题2】The most characteristic thing about the Fashion Night of Chinese Rock is that ______.
A.it will certainly cause a rock storm throughout China
B.it is to bring thousands of rock fans out of their homes
C.it is to be held in memory of one of the greatest musicians
D.it will let the audience choose the performers and the music
【小题3】 Suppose it is September 14 today, how many activities can people choose to attend?
A.2.B.3.C.4.D.5.
【小题4】On the whole, we can conclude ______.
A.we can enjoy a large variety of cultural activities in Beijing
B.people in Beijing prefer modern culture to something traditional
C.most of the cultural activities in Beijing are for foreign visitors only
D.there are usually more cultural activities in September than in any other month

What’s on Stage
An acrobatic(杂技) show: To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the China Acrobatic Troupe(剧团) will present “The Soul of China”, where the seemingly impossible is made real. Chills(寒意) will run down your spine(脊柱) as you watch breathlessly as performers take their art and their bodies to the edge.
Time: 7:30 p.m. , September 13~19
Place: Capital Theatre, 22 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
Exhibitions
Joint Show: A group ink paiting exhibition is running at the Huangshicheng Art Gallery in Beijing. About 50 works by 25 young artists including Ge Yun and Yu Yang are on display.
Time: 9:00a.m. ~5:00 p.m. until September 10
Place: Huangshicheng Art Gallery, 136 Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng District
Oil paintings: The Wangfu Art Gallery will host a joint show of oil painting by 10 young and middle-aged artists. On display are more than 30 of their latest works, which capture(充分体现) the wonderful variety of life in unique styles.
Time: 9:00 a.m. ~4:00 p.m. until September 15
Place: 136 Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District
Literature museum: The National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature offers an indepth study of the evolution of Chinese contemporary literature from 1919 to 1949.
Time: 9:00 a.m. ~4:00 p.m. , daily
Place: 45 Anyuan Donglu, Chaoyang District (Shaoyaoju area)
Concerts
Beijing rocks: “The Fashion Night of Chinese Rock” is set to bring back fans out by the thousands next month. Nine Chinese rock bands will perform at the concert, including older generation bands, middle generation and some recent arrivals. The audience will be given a chance to decide what songs they want to hear, which is sure to bring a storm.
Time: September 16
Place: The Olympic Center
Belgium Orchestra: La Petite Bande, the Baroque Orchestra of Belgium, will perform in Beijing at the Grand Theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities as part of activities across the world in memory of the 250th anniversary of Bach’s death.
Time: 7:30 p.m. , September 11~14
Place: Grand Theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities
【小题1】The main purpose of the passage is to ______.

A.prove there’re more cultural activities in September
B.compare several interesting activities
C.ask use to decide which activity is the best
D.attract the audience to attend different activities
【小题2】Which of the following is NOT on stage in the same district?
A.Oil paintingsB.An acrobatic show C.Literature museumD.Joint Show
【小题3】If it is September 15th today, how many activities can you choose to attend?
A.3.B.4.C.5.D.6.
【小题4】Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
A.When you are watching the acrobatic show, you’ll certainly feel cold.
B.The audience cannot select any music in Beijing rocks concert.
C.If you are interested in foreign literature, you can go to the Literature museum.
D.We can enjoy a lot of cultural activities in Beijing in September.

Climate change,pollution,overuse of water and development are killing some of the world’s most famous rivers including China’s Yangtze.India’s Ganges and Africa’s Nile.WWF said on Tuesday.At the global launch of its report “World’s Top 10 Rivers at Risk”,the group said many rivers could dry out, affecting hundreds of millions of people and killing unique aquatic(水生的)life.

    “If these rivers die,millions will lose their livelihoods,biodiversity(生物多样性)will be destroyed on a massive scale,there will be less fresh water and agriculture,resulting in less food security,”said.Rayi Singh,secretary—general of WWF—India.The report launched ahead of “World Water Day” today,also cited the Rio Grande in the United States,the Mekong and Indus in Asia,Europe’s Danube, La Plata in South America and Australia’s Murray—Darling as in need of greater protection.

    Rivers are the world’s main source of fresh water and WWF says about half of the available supply is already being used up.Dams have destroyed habitats and cut rivers off from their flood plains.while climate change could affect the seasonal water flows that feed them,the report said.Fish populations,the top source of protein and overall life support for hundreds of thousands of communities worldwide,are also being threatened, it found..The Yangtze basin is one of the most polluted rivers in the world because of decades of heavy industrialization,damming and huge influxes(流入)of sediment(积淀)from land conversion.

  Climate change,including higher temperatures,also means serious consequences for fishery productivity,water supply and political security in Africa’s arid Nile basin.Tributaries(支流)flowing into the Ganges are drying up because of irrigation,WWF said.

1.hat is the text mainly about?

A.Saving fresh water in our life.   B.How to protect our rivers.

C.An important discovery.   D.World’s top 10 rivers are at risk.

2.We can infer from the text that _____.

A.rivers’ dying out could affect food security

B.there are four Asian rivers mentioned in the passage

C.the Yangtze is polluted thanks to the lack of enough tributaries

D.higher temperatures couldn’t affect fishery productivity

3.The top 10 rivers are fast dying as a result of the following EXCEPT _____.

A.climate change B.wasting water       C.pollution            D.dams

4.WWF is probably a name of _____.

A.an organization        B.a newspaper      C.a magazine         D.a report

 

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