People traveling long distances frequently have to decide whether they would prefer to go by land, sea, or air. Hardly can anyone positively enjoy sitting in a train for more than a few hours. Train compartments soon get cramped and stuffy. Reading is only a partial solution, for the monotonous rhythm of the wheels clicking on the rails soon lulls you to sleep. During the day, sleep comes in snatches. At night when you really wish to go to sleep you rarely manage to do so. Inevitably you arrive at your destination almost exhausted. Long car journey are even less pleasant, for it is quite impossible even to read. On motorways you can, at least, travel fairly safely at high speeds, but more often than not, the greater pan of the journey is spent on narrow, bumpy roads which are crowded wich traffic. By comparison, trips by sea offer a great variety of civilized comforts. You can stretch your legs on the spacious decks, play games, swim, meet interesting people and enjoy good food - always assuming, of course, that the sea is calm. If it is not and you are likely to get seasick; no form of transport could be worse. Even if you travel in ideal weather, sea journeys take a long time. Relatively few people are prepared to sacrifice up to a third of their holidays for the pleasure of traveling on a ship.

　　Airplanes have the reputation of being dangerous and expensive. But nothing can match them for speed and comfort. Traveling at a height of 30,000 feet, far above the clouds, and at over 500 miles an hour is an exhilarating experience. For a few hours, you settle back in a deep armchair to enjoy the flight. The real escapist can watch a free film show and sip champagne on some services. But even when such refinements are not available, there is plenty to keep you occupied. An airplane offers you an unusual and breathtaking view of the world. You soar effortlessly over high mountains and deep valleys. You really see the shape of the land. If the landscape is hidden from the view, you can enjoy the extraordinary sight of unbroken cloud plains that stretch for miles before you, while the sun shines brilliantly in a clear sky. The journey is so smooth that there is nothing to prevent you from reading or sleeping. However you decide to spend your time, one thing is certain: you will arrive at your destination fresh and uncrumpled.

　　【试题】

　　1. The author indicates that reading can help lessen_______________.

　　A) the boredom of being in the train

　　B) the tiresome clicking of the wheels

　　C) the sleeplessness during the journey

　　D) the poor ventilation of the compartment

　　2. what can we learn about the long distance journey by car?

　　A) It is safe because the car usually goes at high speeds.

　　B) It is monotonous because reading is quite impossible.

　　C) It is exhausting because you seldom manage to sleep.

　　D) It is dangerous because the traffic is always too dense.

　　3. Trips by sea is regarded as the worst means of traveling when______________.

　　A) the weather is terrible B) the traveler has little time

　　C) the traveler feels seasick D) the sea is not calm

　　4. What is the greatest difference between traveling by air and the other means of traveling?

　　A) Traveling by air is not so tiring as the others.

　　B) Traveling by air brings more fun than the others.

　　C) Traveling by air is much more expensive than the others.

　　D) Traveling by air offers more time for sleep than the others.

　　5. By writing the passage the author intends to_______________.

　　A) introduce diverse ways of traveling

　　B) points out the best mode of traveling

　　C) emphasize the advantages of traveling by air

　　D) compare the means of relaxing when traveling