Introduction
Blenheim Palace is one of the Europe’s largest and greatest palaces. It was built between 1705 and 1722 as a reward of the British government to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, for defeating King Louis XⅠV’s army at Blenheim, a small Bavarian village on the Danube River. The palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, which displayed strength and arm glory. It is the largest non-royal building in England and is now listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Winston Churchill
In 1874, the palace was the birthplace of the duke’s most famous descendant. Winston Churchill, who was to become the UK’s Prime Minister (some would say Britain’s greatest 20th-century politician) and Nobel prize winner for literature. It is also in Blenheim that Winston got married to Clementine Hozier in 1908.
A lasting exhibition is devoted to the man’s life, work and writings. Winston and his wife are buried in Bladon Church within the palace.
Opening Hours & Admission
Blenheim is still the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and is therefore not open all year round (although the park is), The palace opens its doors to visitors from 12 February to 11 December. Entry to the palace, park and gardens cost ￡11. 50 during the low season and ￡13 during the peak season (Easter weekend and from 28 May to 11 September), or ￡6/￡8 for the park and gardens only.
The park is open all year round from 9 am to 4: 45pm (last entry). Admission is ￡2. 50 for adults and ￡1. 50 for children.
Note that numerous discounts exist for seniors, students, children and groups. Please refer to the official website for more details.
【语篇概述】这是一篇说明文。介绍了欧洲最大最宏伟宫殿之一的Blenheim Palace布伦海姆宫(别名丘吉尔庄园)。
1. What can be learned about Blenheim Palace?
A. It is the Europe’s largest and greatest palace.
B. It is the largest royal building in England.
C. It is now one of the world’s heritage sites.
D. It was built in honor of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
【解析】选C。细节理解题。第一段“. . . and is now listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. ”介绍了Blenheim Palace被联合国教科文组织列为世界文化遗产, 所以它是世界文化遗产之一, 故选C。
2. What does the underlined word in the text mean?
A. A house keeper. B. A child or a child’s child.
C. A family doctor. D. A grand parent.
【解析】选B。词义猜测题。在小标题“Winston Churchill中In 1874, the palace was the birthplace of the duke’s most famous descendant. Winston Churchill, who was to become the UK’s Prime Minister. . . ”画线词与其前面的两个词组成的短语是Winston Churchill的同位语, 而从第一段“It was built between 1705 and 1722 as a reward of the British government to John Churchill”, 知道宫殿是英国政府为奖励John Churchill而修建的, 这两位的姓氏是一样的, Winston Churchill在John Churchill之后, 结合四个选项, 只有B选项符合逻辑。
3. Why can not people visit Blenheim Palace all year round?
A. They are too busy to afford the time.
B. Repairs are badly needed for the palace.
C. Some seasons are not convenient for visitors.
D. The 11th Duke of Marlborough still lives there.
【解析】选D。细节理解题。在小标题“Opening Hours & Admission中Blenheim is still the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and is therefore not open all year round (although the park is)”, 可知, 现在布伦海姆宫仍然是第11任马尔伯勒公爵的家, 因此不能常年开放, 故选D。
