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(2023·湖北省七市联调)
The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The country's oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colors of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes.Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger's perspective of the park and local people.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you'll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop.The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country's best views of a starry sky.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
A significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow.For those adventurous and daring people, they can hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon's wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Surprise！Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow.Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches.You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays.You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.
语篇导读：本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了四个适合在冬日参观游玩的最佳国家公园。
1．Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars？_B__
A．Yellowstone National Park.
B．Joshua Tree National Park.
C．Grand Canyon National Park.
D．Virgin Islands National Park.
解析：细节理解题。根据Joshua Tree National Park, California部分中的“The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country's best views of a starry sky.”可知，该国家公园几乎没有光污染，是观看星空的最佳地点，由此可推断该公园适合对星星感兴趣的人。故选B。
2．What do we know about the Grand Canyon National Park？_D__
A．We can have a poor view of the South Rim there.
B．It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs.
C．There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter.
D．The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather.
解析：推理判断题。根据Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona部分中的“For those adventurous and daring people, they can hike the Bright Angel Trail...”可知，热爱冒险且勇敢的人可以在the Bright Angel Trail这条路线上远足，由此可推断这条线路在冬天具有挑战性。故选D。
3．Which activity is mentioned in all of the parks？_A__
A．Hiking. B．Skiing.
C．Swimming. D．Hunting.
解析：细节理解题。根据Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming部分中的“Just book a guided hiking tour”；Joshua Tree National Park, California部分中的“as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop”；Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona部分中的“they can hike the Bright Angel Trail”和Virgin Islands National Park, St.John部分中的“You can also hike inland”可知，四个国家公园都提到了远足这项活动。故选A。
