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 Armação 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(神话的)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.

➢语篇解码

本文是一篇说明文，主要介绍了国际沙雕节的相关内容。艺术家们使用沙子创作出了令人惊叹的沙雕作品。

➢语言学习

Ⅰ.语料荟萃

语篇单词重要短语sculpture n.雕像 talented adj.有才能的impressive adj.给人深刻印象的 creation n.创造organize v.组织 major adj.主要的event n.事件 theme n.主题inspire v.鼓舞 admire v.欣赏amazing adj.令人惊叹的be known as 作为……而出名 cover an area of 占……面积take place 举行 take selfies 自拍plenty of 许多

Ⅱ.语句分析

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.超过30,000吨的沙子被用来建造真正的艺术品，其数量超过100件，占地15,000平方米。

【点石成金】本句是一个主从复合句。Over 30,000 tons of sand is used to...art是主句，which number more than...metres是非限制性定语从句，修饰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.从在最大的雕塑前自拍，到想知道沙雕如何保持完整，在国际沙雕节上，有很多活动可以给整个家庭带来欢乐。

【点石成金】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 是介词短语作状语，其中有一个how引导的宾语从句。

➢语言运用

Ⅰ.例句仿写

1.这次我将向你介绍唐诗，这对学习汉语很有帮助。(which引导的定语从句)

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

2.如果发生意外的情况，要尽快通知我们。(keep的复合结构)

If something unexpected happens, _____________________.

Ⅱ.写作实践

假定你是李华，你在网上看到葡萄牙每年都举行国际沙雕节，请你给在国际夏令营认识的葡萄牙朋友Cristiano 写一封邮件，请他给你介绍一下国际沙雕节的相关情况。

1.举办的时间、地点；

2.节日的相关活动；

3.表示感谢。注意：

1.词数80左右；

2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

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