Penal Colony to Popular Tourist Destination(b)

Penal Colony to Popular Tourist Destination

by Brian Foden

Australia has a fascinating history and an environment that makes it outstanding.

Every year, millions of tourists choose to visit one of Australia's six states and two territories, and for good reason. In addition to having amazing beaches, the nation possesses some spectacular scenery. When describing Australia's natural beauty, perhaps the best place to start is the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef off the coast of the state of Queensland. Home to thousands of species of beautifully colored fish, it is the largest coral reef system on the planet. It stretches for more than 2,600 kilometers over an area of nearly 350,000 square kilometers and encompasses 900 islands.

Far away from the northeast coast and in complete contrast to the diverse marine life found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef sits a unique geographic formation that commands awe. It's a 350-meter-tall, red sandstone rock known as Ayers Rock and commonly called Uluru by the country's aboriginal people. Along with Sydney's scenic harbor, Uluru is one of the most recognizable symbols of Australia. North of Uluru is the geographically diverse Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. In addition to its large variety of animals and plant life, the park is famous for more than 5,000 sites that feature aboriginal art that spans 40,000 years.

Tourism is responsible for tens of billions of dollars flowing into Australia's economy each year, and many visitors are drawn to the country's fabulous beaches. The Gold Coast, situated in Queensland south of the Great Barrier Reef, is a playground for sun worshippers who also want to enjoy an active nightlife. There is so much to do and see in Australia that many visitors vow to return because one visit is just not enough.

     1.   Which of the following happened first?

(A) Australia's gold rushes.

(B) Aboriginal people populated the continent.

(C) The British established a penal colony.

(D) The Commonwealth of Australia was established.

     2.   What does the article say about the aboriginal people of Australia?

(A) They were brought to Australia as prisoners.

(B) Many visitors enjoy meeting them.

(C) They were not treated well in the past.

(D) They have benefited greatly from Australia's prosperity.

     3.   What is Uluru?

(A) A large rock.

(B) A type of aboriginal art.

(C) Part of the Great Barrier Reef.

(D) The name of an idyllic beach.

     4.   What is Kakadu National Park known for?

(A) Aboriginal artwork.

(B) Colorful fish.

(C) Excellent nightlife.

(D) Kangaroos and koala bears.

每年数百万名游客选择来参观澳洲六个州其中之一和两大领地，这是有原因的。除了有令人惊叹的海滩之外，该国还拥有一些壮丽的景色。要形容澳洲的自然之美，或许最适合作为开始的地方就是位于昆士兰州外海，世界知名的大堡礁。大堡礁是数千种色彩美丽鱼类的栖息地，也是地球上最大的珊瑚礁系统。它绵延两千六百多公里，面积大约是三十五万平方公里，其中包含了九百座岛屿。

有一个赢得人们敬畏的地理结构，它距离澳洲东北部海岸很远，而且和大堡礁水域中所发现的多种海洋生态完全不同。它是一块三百五十公尺高的红色沙岩，以『艾尔斯岩』的名称为人所知，而澳洲原住民通常称它为『乌鲁鲁』。它和雪梨风景秀丽的港口都是澳洲最为人所知的象征之一。乌鲁鲁北方是澳洲北领地中具有多种地理特色的卡卡度国家公园。除了多种不同的动植物之外，这座公园有名的还有五千多处以流传四万年的原住民艺术为特色的景点。

观光是澳洲经济每年都有数百亿元涌入的原因，而许多人都是被该国令人惊艷的海滩所吸引。位于昆士兰州大堡礁南方的黄金海岸，是那些也想要享受活跃夜生活的阳光追随者的度假胜地。在澳洲有很多事情可以做，也有很多东西可以看，这让许多游客发誓一定要再回来，因为一次旅行根本就不够。

答案： 1. B 2. C 3. A 4. A