進入英語學習論壇下載音頻 去聽寫專區一展身手

Crowds of cheering children waving Australian flags welcomed Queen Elizabeth II as she and her husband Prince Philip landed at an Australian air force base on Wednesday in the nation's capital.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor General Quentin Bryce, the monarch's representative in Australia, greeted the royal pair, who received a 21-gun salute as they emerged from their plane.

The warm welcome comes despite the ruling Labor Party's desire for the British monarch to be replaced by a president as Australia's head of state. Gillard has said Australia should become a republic after the queen's reign.

But Gillard said she did not believe that debate would mar the monarch's first visit since 2006, when she opened the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

The 85-year-old monarch will travel to four cities and open a meeting of leaders of mostly former British colonies during her 10-day visit.

"While the queen is here in Australia, what Australians will be doing is enjoying and celebrating her presence here," Gillard told reporters hours before the queen arrived.

Questions:

1. What is the name of the Queen’s husband?

2. How many guns were used in the salute?

3. How old is the Queen?

Answers:

1. Prince Philip.

2. 21.

3. 85.

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.