The Grand Palace

If there is one must-see sight without which no visit to Bangkok would be complete, it s the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782 and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, the Grand Palace of Bangkok continues to have visitors in awe of its beautiful architecture and complicated details, which is a proud salute (致敬) to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, the state departments, and even the mint (铸币厂). Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

Important Notes about the Grand Palace

A strict dress code applies. The Grand Palace with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand’s most sacred site. Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (no lank lops). If you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops you must wear socks, in other words, no bare feet. Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes to cover you up properly (a deposit is required).

Opening Hours: Daily 8:30-15:30

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)

Price Range: Tickets sold from 8:30-15:30 and cost 500 baht! One ticket includes entry to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.

1.What makes the Grand Palace an important landmark?

A. Its convenient location.

B. Its cheap price of the tickets.

C. Its excellent guides and service.

D. Its splendid history and architecture.

2.Who can be allowed to enter the Grand Palace?

A. Edward wearing shorts and sandals.

B. Cathy wearing a T-shirt and a short skirt.

C. Tom wearing a sweater, jeans and sports shoes.

D. Anne wearing a long dress with bare shoulders.

3.What can we learn from the text?

A. Visitors can enter the Grand Palace every day.

B. The Grand Palace has nothing to do with the Thai King.

C. Clothes for improperly dressed people are sold at the gate.

D. You can’t visit Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall with your ticket.

I went to the cinema this afternoon to see La La Land. Before going into the screening my sister and I visited the ladies’ washroom. As we entered, a little blonde haired girl about 5 years of age opened one of the cubicle(小隔间)doors and ran out of the washroom, hot pants in hand and looking upset and overwhelmed.

I went after her. Her dad was standing outside. She quickly gave him the hot pants to dress her. Little sweetheart. She obviously couldn't manage to button up her hot pants. Even though she had her little white tights on, she must have felt embarrassed about the lack of hot pants.

I tried to calm and reassure her, saying, “When I saw dad standing outside I knew he was waiting for someone very pretty, but I just hadn't realized how, pretty she was going to be.” She didn't bite; dad smiled though. I offered to bring her back to wash her hands.

She was too tiny to squeeze soap out of the dispenser, so I helped her. I could see poor dad out of the side of my eyes .He was right at the door looking in. I went with her to the hand dryer, but she was so tiny that the sensor couldn't even detect her little hands. I lifted her up and her hands were properly dried, well at least a little.

I was moved by this little girl’s helplessness in an adult world. I also felt for dad having to trust that his little girl would feel safe and secure for the few minutes out of his sight.

I reached out for help. I tried to bridge the gap when a little helpless girl was a few minutes without a trusted adult and a concerned father had to for a moment accept he could not give her the security he wanted for her. It wasn't much but it helped a caring father and his little daughter and for that, I'm grateful.

1.Why did the little girl catch the author's attention?

A. She got frightened by strangers.

B. She needed clothing to cover her.

C. She was probably lost in the crowd.

D. She was in an embarrassing situation.

2.Why did the hand dryer fail to work for the little girl?

A. The size of the sensor was too small.

B. She was not tall enough to reach it.

C. She didn’t know how to operate it.

D. It was drying the author's hands.

3.How did the father feel in the story?

A. Helpless. B. Shy.

C. Shameful. D. Calm

Last year,around Labor Day,I read a “Happy Ad” in our local newspaper.There was a lady in a local nursing home,who was celebrating her 90th birthday and her family wanted everyone to know about it.It said that if you wanted to drop her a line,here was her address.So I did.I found a birthday card and dropped her a short note,wishing her a happy birthday.

A week or so later,someone knocked at my front door.I opened the door and found a middle-aged man standing on my doorstep.He introduced himself as the son of this woman to whom I had sent the card.He explained that he just wanted to drop by in person and thank me for sending such a nice card to his mom.Apparently,like many older folks,she did not receive much mail and was quite excited to receive mine.I just didn’t know what to say.I told him it was my pleasure and that I hoped his mom had enjoyed her birthday.

That year,I did not send out any Christmas cards,except to this lovely old lady in the nursing home.I just told her that I was thinking about her and hoped that she had a nice holiday.I sent her a Valentine and also a couple of notes in between.I just thought she might like to have someone write to her,to get some mail.

She passed away a couple of months ago.I never met this lady,but I did keep her and her family in my thoughts. I dropped them a line of sympathy.I hope that my few little notes were enough to brighten a couple of her days here on earth.

1.The old lady's address was given because .

A. her family wanted to make her well-known

B. the old lady wanted to receive a birthday card

C. the son of the old lady wanted to meet the author

D. her family wanted to give her a happy birthday

2.Which of the following best describes the author?

A. Brave. B. Polite.

C. Caring. D. Faithful.

3.Which of the following is the best title for the passage?

A. A Kind Act B. An Old Lady

C. A Happy Ad D. A Considerate Son

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