The International Sand Sculpture Festival

1Known as the largest sand sculpture festival in the world, the International Sand Sculpture Festival draws talented sculptors from all over the world to Pêra, in Portugal's Algarve.Over 30,000 tons of sand is used to build genuine works of art, which number more than 100 and cover an area of 15,000 square metres. This huge International Sand Sculpture Festival is held on the beach at Arma??o de Pêra.This is an extreme sandcastle building,and the kids love it!

2Organized by ProSandArt, the International Sand Sculpture Festival first started in 2003 when sculptors came to the Algarve to build Portugal's first major sand sculpture event. The festival has taken place every year since, with sculptors given a different theme to inspire their creations.The first theme,Land of Dreams,saw sand crafted into sculptures that looked like fantasy machines, symbols of Portuguese culture, and even mythological(神話的)characters.

3The construction of these impressive sand sculptures takes plenty of time and a lot of hands! More than 60 artists from 25 countries arrive in Pêra and work on shaping and carving the fine golden sands into unique people, places and scenes in the month leading up to the festival.

4From taking selfies in front of the biggest sculptures to wondering how the sand sculptures stay in one piece, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained at the International Sand Sculpture Festival.Take the kids to the special area reserved for little ones, where they can make their own sandcastles or be inspired to create their very own sandy works of art! There are lots of other fun activities in the workshops to keep children busy too,while you join your own sand sculpture workshop or watch the documentary about the International Sand Sculpture Festival.

5Only a quick 15minute drive from the scenic fishing village of Albufeira, you can spend a few hours at the biggest sandsculpture contest in the world before you head back for a dip in the pool.You can admire these amazing creations every day at the International Sand Sculpture Festival from midMarch to October,and kids under five enjoy free entry.

Reading Check

1.What is the first paragraph mainly about?

A.The origin of the festival.

B.The amount of sand used.

C.An introduction to the festival.

D.The number of sculptures in the festival.

2.What can we learn about the sand sculptures?

A.They must symbolize Portuguese culture.

B.They take a lot of time and efforts to create.

C.They are the brainchild of Portuguese artists.

D.They concentrate on the same theme every year.

3.Who has an advantage in visiting the festival?

A.College students.

B.Foreign tourists.

C.Parents with children.

D.Children under 5 years old.

?語篇解碼

本文是一篇說明文，主要介紹了國際沙雕節的相關內容。藝術家們使用沙子創作出了令人驚嘆的沙雕作品。

?語言學習

Ⅰ.語料薈萃

語篇單詞重要短語sculpture n.雕像 talented adj.有才能的impressive adj.給人深刻印象的 creation n.創造organize v.組織 major adj.主要的event n.事件 theme n.主題inspire v.鼓舞 admire v.欣賞amazing adj.令人驚嘆的be known as 作為……而出名 cover an area of 占……面積take place 舉行 take selfies 自拍plenty of 許多

Ⅱ.語句分析

1.Over 30,000 tons of sand is used to build genuine works of art,which number more than 100 and cover an area of 15,000 square metres.超過30,000噸的沙子被用來建造真正的藝術品，其數量超過100件，占地15,000平方米。

【點石成金】本句是一個主從復合句。Over 30,000 tons of sand is used to...art是主句，which number more than...metres是非限制性定語從句，修飾works of art。

2. From taking selfies in front of the biggest sculptures to wondering how the sand sculptures stay in one piece, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained at the International Sand Sculpture Festival.從在最大的雕塑前自拍，到想知道沙雕如何保持完整，在國際沙雕節上，有很多活動可以給整個家庭帶來歡樂。

【點石成金】there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained 是句子的主干，From taking selfies in front of the biggest sculptures to...piece 是介詞短語作狀語，其中有一個how引導的賓語從句。

?語言運用

Ⅰ.例句仿寫

1.這次我將向你介紹唐詩，這對學習漢語很有幫助。(which引導的定語從句)

This time I will introduce Tang poetry to you, ____________________.

2.如果發生意外的情況，要盡快通知我們。(keep的復合結構)

If something unexpected happens, _____________________.

Ⅱ.寫作實踐

假定你是李華，你在網上看到葡萄牙每年都舉行國際沙雕節，請你給在國際夏令營認識的葡萄牙朋友Cristiano 寫一封郵件，請他給你介紹一下國際沙雕節的相關情況。

1.舉辦的時間、地點；

2.節日的相關活動；

3.表示感謝。注意：

1.詞數80左右；

2.可以適當增加細節，以使行文連貫。

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