Reading Smart B: Unit 42

Section 2---Unit 42 Travel

Say "Aloha" to Hawaii!

The US state of Hawaii is composed of several islands. The largest ones are Hawaii and Maui, followed by Oahu, which is where my family and I recently spent our holiday. Oahu is also known as "The Gathering Place," since it is Hawaii's most populated island and home to the state's largest city, Honolulu.

As we flew into Honolulu International Airport, I could see skyscrapers lining the arched, sandy coastline known as Waikiki Beach. My excitement built as we headed to our beachside hotel, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. Unlike Disney's amusement parks, Aulani doesn't have any rides. Instead, it offers a clear blue sea and several pools, complete with waterslides.

We spent most of our vacation enjoying water sports. Snorkeling was a lot of fun as it gave us a chance to see schools of tropical fish and wonderful coral gardens. I also got to fulfill my lifelong dream of surfing in Hawaii. With expert instructions, I was up and riding on my first wave. Located near our hotel were many public beaches that we explored. The swaying palm trees and dramatic sunrises and sunsets there made every picture we took look like a postcard.

During our stay, we also went to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor. This floating memorial marks the spot where more than a thousand US sailors on the USS Arizona died when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor in World War II. Exploring the inside of this memorial reminded us of the significant role that Hawaii has played in US history.

All too soon, we were on our flight back to my other favorite island, Taiwan. As the plane took off, though, I vowed to return to discover more of amazing Hawaii.

Reading Comprehension

(   ) 1. Why is Oahu known as “The Gathering Place"?

(A) Many vacationers prefer it.

(B) It has the highest number of people in Hawaii.

(C) There are a lot of skyscrapers there.

(D) It's on the largest island in Hawaii.

(   ) 2. What makes Aulani different from Disney's amusement parks?

(A) There are no rides.                 (B) It is near the sea.

(C) There is a hotel there.             (D) There are several pools without waterslides.

(   ) 3. Which of the following is NOT true, according to the article?

(A) The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating museum in memory of those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

(B) The writer saw whales and dolphins when he went diving.

(C) The writer and his family took a lot of pictures that looked like postcards.

(D) The writer learned how to surf in Hawaii.

(   ) 4. What does the author promise to do in the future?

(A) Move to America                    (B) Join the Navy

(C) Enter a surfing competition    (D) Return to Hawaii