语篇提能
Ⅰ.阅读理解
Marseille, with a population of more than a million, is the second largest city in France and France's main port. It's been called France's New Orleans. As a crossroads of world traffic, people called it “the meeting place of the whole world”. The city is ancient, founded by Greeks from the city of Phocaea in the 6th century BC. Marseille is a place of unique sounds, smells, and sights. It has seen wars and much destruction, but trade has always been the reason why it exists.
Although Marseille is filthy like a slum(贫民窟) in many places, much charm is found here as well. The Vieux Port, the old harbour, is especially colourful. Marseille has always stood for danger and intrigue. However, the city is experiencing a renaissance, and as it is now so easily reached by train from Paris, there is much hope for its economic future. Since the 1970s, thousands and thousands of Africans have poured into the city, creating a lively mix of races. One quarter of the present population of Marseille is of North African descent. These Africans have come here to find a better life than what they had in their own lands.
Marseille today actually has twice the amount of land space as Paris, and its old problems remain. Unemployment, as always, is on the rise. But in spite of all these difficulties, it's a busy, wonderful city unlike
