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The Tower of London, not a single tower but a large group, was built to guard London.
Besides William and Henry VIII, the tower’s history has other famous names in British history. In 1389 a clerk of works (现场监工员) named Geoffrey Chaucer — author of The Canterbury Tales — oversaw (监督) the building of the Tower Wharf. In 1671 Colonel Blood tried to steal the crown jewels (皇冠上镶的宝石) after overpowering the elderly Jewel House keeper. (Blood was caught but later pardoned.) Today the jewels remain in the tower as they have since Blood’s day.
For six centuries this place was also home to a group of animals from elephants to big cats. It stopped being used as an animals’ home in 1835 and its animals were moved to the London Zoo.
Today visitors can walk the walls, visit guard towers and see the crown jewels. Guards at the tower, popularly known as beefeaters, not only guard the tower but also give interesting tours that are among the most popular parts of any visit.
How to Get There
Trains and the Dockland Light Railway stop near the tower. Buses 15, 42, 78 and 100 reach the tower, and riverboats stop at Tower Pier. Taxis, bicycles, and foot power are also good ways to reach the tower. Driving is a less attractive choice because of the expensive parking.
When to Go
The tower is open all year round, except during the Christmas holidays (December 24 to 26) and January 1. School holidays and summertime are the busiest times.
How to Visit
As expected at a place that has seen so much history, there is enough of interest at the Tower of London to keep visitors busy for days. Stop at the Welcome Center for visitor information on everything from the crown jewels to family fun activities.
1.The underlined sentence in Paragraph 2 shows _____.
A. the tower was built by famous people
B. some famous people caused trouble there
C. there were many famous people in British history
D. there were many interesting stories connected to the tower
2.Beefeaters at the tower _____.
A. have two roles B. like to eat beef
C. seem very serious D. often joke with visitors
3.According to the text, the Tower of London is _____.
A. easy to reach B. full of parked cars
C. busy all year round D. a perfect place for a one-day tour
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31. The Tower of London is _____ the Church tower.
A. twice high than B. two times as high as
C. twice higher as D. three times the height of
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From the modern London Eye to the historic Tower of London, below are London’s most visited tourist attractions. Many of London’s top attractions are free, making them affordable places to learn about some culture. Whether you prefer history or modern art, you’ll find it at one of these must-visit spots.
British Museum
The world-famous British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times, from around the world. The most interesting and exciting parts include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and the mummies in the Ancient Egypt collection. Some exhibitions require tickets.
National Gallery
The greatest and most beautiful building of Trafalgar Square, London’s National Gallery is a vast space filled with Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. In this impressive art gallery you can find works by masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs. Some exhibitions require tickets.
Tate Modern
Sitting on the banks of the Thames is the Tate Modern, Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art. Its unique shape is due to it being a power station before. The gallery’s restaurants offer wonderful views across the city. Some exhibitions require tickets.
Coca-Cola London Eye
The Coca-Cola London Eye is a major feature of London’s skyline. It has some of London’s best views from its 32 capsules, each weighing 10 tonnes and holding up to 25 people. Climb aboard for a breathtaking experience, with an unforgettable view of more than 55 of London’s most famous landmarks -- all in just 30 minutes!
Madame Tussauds
At Madame Tussauds, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Lady Gaga you’ll meet influential figures from show business, sport, politics and even royalty. Strike a pose with Usain Bolt, get close to One Direction or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
1.What do the British Museum and the National Gallery have in common?
A. Both have chargeable exhibitions.
B. Both are on the banks of the Thames.
C. Both have vast spaces and special shapes.
D. Both exhibit modern and contemporary art.
2.If visitors want to get a better view of London’s famous landmarks, they should visit ______.
A. the Tate Modern B. the British Museum
C. the National Gallery D. the Coca-Cola London Eye
3.In Madame Tussauds, visitors can ______.
A. enjoy Shakespeare’s works
B. talk to some famous people
C. watch Lady Gaga’s performance
D. see figures of many influential people
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From the modern London Eye to the historic Tower of London, below are London’s most visited tourist attractions. Many of London’s top attractions are free, making them affordable places to learn about some culture. Whether you prefer history or modern art, you’ll find it at one of these must-visit spots.
British Museum
The world-famous British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times, from around the world. The most interesting and exciting parts include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and the mummies in the Ancient Egypt collection. Some exhibitions require tickets.
National Gallery
The greatest and most beautiful building of Trafalgar Square, London’s National Gallery is a vast space filled with Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. In this impressive art gallery you can find works by masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs. Some exhibitions require tickets.
Tate Modern
Sitting on the banks of the Thames is the Tate Modern, Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art. Its unique shape is due to it being a power station before. The gallery’s restaurants offer wonderful views across the city. Some exhibitions require tickets.
Coca-Cola London Eye
The Coca-Cola London Eye is a major feature of London’s skyline. It has some of London’s best views from its 32 capsules, each weighing 10 tonnes and holding up to 25 people. Climb aboard for a breathtaking experience, with an unforgettable view of more than 55 of London’s most famous landmarks -- all in just 30 minutes!
Madame Tussauds
At Madame Tussauds, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Lady Gaga you’ll meet influential figures from show business, sport, politics and even royalty. Strike a pose with Usain Bolt, get close to One Direction or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
1.What do the British Museum and the National Gallery have in common?
A. Both have chargeable exhibitions.
B. Both are on the banks of the Thames.
C. Both have vast spaces and special shapes.
D. Both exhibit modern and contemporary art.
2.If visitors want to get a better view of London’s famous landmarks, they should visit ______.
A. the Tate Modern B. the British Museum
C. the National Gallery D. the Coca-Cola London Eye
3. In Madame Tussauds, visitors can ______.
A. enjoy Shakespeare’s works B. talk to some famous people
C. watch Lady Gaga’s performance D. see figures of many influential people
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A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. To get the most out of your visit read our tips below:
Visit at Night
Riding up the Eiffel Tower at night and looking out over the streets of Paris, you’ll see why Paris is known as the “City of Light”. At street level, the spotlights on the top of the Tower and the reflections (倒影) of the Tower in the Seine (塞纳河) are sights not to be missed.
Purchase (购买) Your Ticket in Advance Online
Avoid the long ticket lines at the Eiffel Tower by purchasing your ticket online from the Eiffel Tower website.
You’ll pick a time to visit and then select whether to print out the ticket or display it on your phone or iPad, a convenient choice if you buy your ticket in Paris without a printer.
Don’t Bring Valuable Objects with You
Before entering the Eiffel Tower, your bags will be examined by a security officer. If an item you are carrying sets off the metal detector, the officer will take you away from the line for further inspection. Probably you will miss the chance to go up the Eiffel Tower.
Have Drinks and Snacks at the Eiffel Tower
If you’re like us, after an exciting trip to the Eiffel Tower, you’ll be ready to rest your legs and have a relaxing snack and a drink in a Parisian cafe. Across the Seine in the Trocadero area, there are many elegant cafes. The atmosphere is great, but the prices are in the stratosphere (极高水平). Actually, the perfect place for common visitors to eat and drink is on the Eiffel Tower itself.
1.Why does the author suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower at night?
A. Because you can have special sights of the city of Pairs.
B. Because you can stand on the top of the Eiffel Tower.
C. Because you can see the Seine as clearly as possible.
D. Because you can avoid the crowds and enjoy it peacefully.
2.What can be inferred from this article?
A. A printer will be necessary if you want to buy a ticket.
B. Tickets to the Eiffel Tower can only be bought online.
C. Tourists are not allowed to take bags to the Eiffel Tower.
D. Some objects can’t be brought to the Eiffel Towel.
3.What can we learn from the last paragraph?
A. The Eiffel Tower provides expensive foods and drinks.
B. The author recommends tourists have snacks on the Eiffel Tower.
C. You will spend more if you have snacks at the Eiffel Tower.
D. The author prefers to eat across the Seine.
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The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889, in memory of the 100th birthday of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 suggestions that were handed in, Gustave Eiffel’s was chosen.
However, at first, it was not well accepted by all and a group of people — including many well-known writers and painters at that time — were fiercely against its design.
Being about 300 meters in height, and 7,000 tons in weight, it was the world’s tallest building until 1930. It was a great project for France. 300 workers took two years to build it. It isn’t an ordinary building, since it is almost made of steel. For example, its body moves around at most 12 cm in heavy wind. Moreover, its height changes up to 15 cm according to the temperature.
It was almost destroyed in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna(天线), which is used for communication at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio and French television have also made good use of its height.
The Eiffel Tower has also seen a few strange things. In 1923, a journalist rode a bicycle down from the first level of it. And in 1954, a mountain climber climbed on top of it and tried to measure its exact height.
Anyway, although its birth was difficult, it is now well accepted all over the world. It has been considered as one of the symbols of Paris.
1.The passage mainly tells us ________.
A．the history of the Eiffel Tower
B．some information about its design
C．what the Eiffel Tower was used for
D．how it became one of the symbols of Paris
2.Which of the following statements is TRUE according to this passage?
A．Many people couldn’t accept the Eiffel Tower at the beginning.
B．It was the world’s tallest building for hundreds of years.
C．A journalist rode down from the Eiffel Tower in 1954.
D．The Eiffel Tower was saved because of its height.
3.The French Revolution took place in _______.
A．1889 B．1923 C．1789 D．1930
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The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889, in memory of the 100th birthday of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 suggestions that were handed in, Gustave Eiffel’s was chosen.
However, at first, it was not well accepted by all and a group of people — including many well-known writers and painters at that time — were fiercely against its design.
Being about 300 meters in height, and 7,000 tons in weight, it was the world’s tallest building until 1930. It was a great project for France. 300 workers took two years to build it. It isn’t an ordinary building, since it is almost made of steel. For example, its body moves around at most 12 cm in heavy wind. Moreover, its height changes up to 15 cm according to the temperature.
It was almost destroyed in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna(天线), which is used for communication at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio and French television have also made good use of its height.
The Eiffel Tower has also seen a few strange things. In 1923, a journalist rode a bicycle down from the first level of it. And in 1954, a mountain climber climbed on top of it and tried to measure its exact height.
Anyway, although its birth was difficult, it is now well accepted all over the world. It has been considered as one of the symbols of Paris.
44. The passage mainly tells us ________.
A. the history of the Eiffel Tower
B. some information about its design
C. what the Eiffel Tower was used for
D. how it became one of the symbols of Paris
45. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to this passage?
A. Many people couldn’t accept the Eiffel Tower at the beginning.
B. It was the world’s tallest building for hundreds of years.
C.A journalist rode down from the Eiffel Tower in 1954.
D.The Eiffel Tower was saved because of its height.
46. The French Revolution took place in _______.
A. 1889 B. 1923 C. 1789 D. 1930
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Coit Tower
Coit Tower provides 360-degree views of San Francisco and the bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge. The most fantastic views can be seen from the observation deck, which is reached by an elevator. It costs $7 to get on the elevator. It is 4. 9 miles from Coit Tower to Golden Gate Bridge.
Crissy Field
Crissy Field, a former army airport located south of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Presidio, was rebuilt in 2001 and offers wide walking and cycling trails between the Marina Green and Fort Point. It offers wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, picnic areas and a small sandy beach which is popular with families. Along Crissy Field, visitors can stop for lunch at the Warming Hut, the Beach Hut Cafe or the House of Air. Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 2. 4 miles from the Marina Green.
Fort (堡垄) Point
For a close view of the bridge, visit Fort Point, which is a Civil War time brick fort which can be entered through the Marine Drive park at Crissy Field. Although Fort Point never had any military(军事的) action, the Golden Gate Bridge’s chief engineer, Joseph Strauss, redesigned the bridge to preserve the fort as a “fine example of some kind of art.” Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 1. 2 miles.
Lands End
Lands End near Lincoln Park offers a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can walk along a paved sidewalk near the 17th hole of the Lincoln Park Municipal Golf Course. Here, there are several benches and photo opportunities to picture the beauty of the bridge. Distance from Golden Gate Bridge: 3. 0 miles.
1.Where can visitors have a picnic?
A. At Coit Tower. B. At Crissy Field.
C. At Fort Point. D. At Lands End.
2.Why did Joseph redesign the bridge?
A. To offer wide walking and cycling.
B. To picture the beauty of the bridge.
C. To take a close view of the bridge.
D. To save the fort as an art.
3.What is the purpose of the text?
A. To introduce some places to view Golden Gate Bridge.
B. To introduce some great places in Golden Gate Bridge.
C. To compare the four famous places in San Francisco.
D. To introduce the history of Golden Gate Bridge.
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The White Tower
The White Tower was started in 1076 and completed in 1079. It was the oldest of the 20 towers which used to stand here. The white tower of London was first built by William, the conqueror to protect and control the city. Today it is the most popular tourists sight and attracts over three million visitors a year.
It was sometimes used as a palace for the kings and queens of English until the time of James I, but it is best known as a prison and execution place. Within the walls of the Tower, princes have been murdered, spies shot and Queens killed. One of the most famous executions was that of Ann Boleyn in 1536. She was killed because she couldn’t give Henry III a son.
The tower was also the scene of one of London’s most famous mysteries, known as the mystery of the princes in the Tower. Their uncle announced he himself was the new king and asked the people to call him Richard III. After that the two boys disappeared. It was the two sons that were murdered by the order of their uncle.
68. The Tower of London ________.
A. was started in the tenth century and finished in the eleventh century
B. is the oldest tower in the world
C. was first put up by James I
D. was built to protect and control London
69. The tower was used as a palace_______.
A. till the time James I
B. until the time of William, the conqueror
C. after James I came to power
D. when James I came to power
70. Anne Boleyn was put to death because she______.
A. didn’t get on well with Henry III
B. couldn’t give birth
C. couldn’t give Henry III a son
D. turned against her husband
71.They say who killed two sons of Edward IV?
A. Edward IV B. Richard III C. Anne Boleyn D. James I
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Paris has the Eiffel Tower(埃菲尔铁塔),Rome the Colosseum(圆形大剧场),New York the Statue of Liberty.These symbolic landmarks are recognizable worldwide.Brussels(布鲁塞尔) meanwhile has the Manneken Pis(撒尿小童).Think of the Belgian(比利时的) capital and if anything,you think of the small peeing(撒尿) boy—a 60-centimeter-high bronze figure standing on a block,supplying a constant stream of water to the basin under him.
Some might laugh.But for Jacques Stroobants,the statue is up there with the best of them.“I am proud of him.People come from all around the world to see him,” says 60-year-old Stroobants with a fatherly glance at the little boy.
As the most famous landmark of Brussels, Manneken Pis has a very special place in the heart of Belgians Because of its many legends.
The original Manneken Pis dates back to 1388,but the statue tourists see today dates from 1619 when the city built a second one,after the original was destroyed.
There are many stories surrounding the legend of Manneken Pis.Nobody knows why he was created.One story is that he saved Brussels by putting out the flames of a deadly fire with his well-aimed wee-wee(小便).But the most believable story is that the boy—the son of a wealthy nobleman(贵族)—was missing and kidnapped(绑架).The father had a statue built in honour of the way his son was found—peeing against a tree.
1.Which of the following can you see in France?
A. The Eiffel Tower. B. The Colosseum.
C. The Statue of Liberty. D. The Manneken Pis.
2.The Manneken Pis is the symbol of ,which stands on a block of the capital.
A. England B. Italy
C. Belgium D. Swede
3.Why does the Manneken Pis have a very special place in the heart of Belgians?
A. Because it provides a good resting place for the Belgians.
B. Because it is a special statue with many legends.
C. Because it’s good-looking with water running continuously.
D. Because it helps the Belgians make a lot of money every year.
4.If Belgians regard the Manneken Pis as a hero,they may be more willing to believe the statue was made .
A. for a country boy who was peeing against a big tree
B. in honour of the boy who saved Brussels
C. in honour of a little Belgian soldier who gave his life to his country
D. for the son of a rich man who was lost