英國白金漢宮東翼區域將於今夏首次向公眾開放，屆時，遊客將能夠在導遊的帶領下參觀東翼的中央大廳，近兩百年來，每逢重大場合，王室成員需要公開露面時，他們都會先齊聚在這間大廳裡，然後再一起登上白金漢宮標誌性的陽台向民眾揮手致意。
For the first time, the public will be able to go on guided tours of Buckingham Palace’s East Wing. That includes the famous front facade with a balcony that’s been the focus of so many big royal occasions, although visitors won’t be able to step out onto the balcony and wave to the tourists below.
這將是公眾首次能夠在導遊的帶領下參觀白金漢宮東翼，可供參觀的區域包括宮殿正面著名的標誌性陽台，這座陽台是許多重大王室活動的焦點，不過參觀者不能像王室那樣走上陽台，向下面的遊客們揮手。
But in July and August, visitors will be able to see many historic rooms in that wing of the palace previously not open to the public as part of an effort to open up more of the royal estate.
王室希望能開放更多居所供民眾參觀，在今年7月和8月，遊客們將能夠參觀白金漢宮東翼許多歷史悠久的房間，這些房間此前從未向公眾開放。
The palace’s East Wing, built in the reign of Queen Victoria, was originally funded by selling the Brighton Pavilion. But modern visitors who want the guided tour, plus a visit to the palace’s State Rooms, will have to pay £75.
白金漢宮東翼建於英國維多利亞女王統治時期，最初修建該區域靠出售布萊頓皇家行宮（又稱 “英王閣”）所得的資金，而如今遊客如果想參加這個由導遊帶領的東翼遊覽活動，包括參觀國事廳，就必須支付75英鎊的遊覽費。
字彙表
facade （大型建築物的）正立面
step out 走出
royal estate 王室居所
reign 統治時期，君主在位時期
funded 由…提供資金
State Rooms （白金漢宮）國事廳
閱讀理解：請在讀完上文後，回答下列問題。
1. Which iconic feature of the palace’s East Wing will visitors be able to see during tours?
2. True or False? Visitors will be able to step out onto the balcony during the tour.
3. When will the public be able to visit the East Wing?
4. How much will the guided tour plus the State Rooms visit cost?
答案
1. Which iconic feature of the palace’s East Wing will visitors be able to see during tours?
During tours, visitors will be able to see the famous front facade and its balcony.
2. True or False? Visitors will be able to step out onto the balcony during the tour.
False. Visitors won’t be able to step out onto the balcony.
3. When will the public be able to visit the East Wing?
The public will be able to visit the East Wing in July and August.
4. How much will the guided tour plus the State Rooms visit cost?
The guided tour plus a visit to the State Rooms will cost £75.
