沈阳市郊联体2023-2024学年高二下学期5月期中联考
英语
考试时间:120分钟 试卷总分:150分
注意事项:
本试卷由第Ⅰ卷和第Ⅱ卷两部分组成。第Ⅰ卷中选择题部分,一律涂在答题卡上;第Ⅱ卷,为非选择题部分,按要求答在答题卡相应位置上。
第Ⅰ卷 选择题
第一部分 听力(共两节,满分30分)
第一节(共5小题;每小题1.5分,满分7.5分)
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题,从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听完每段对话后,你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
1.When did the man visit the National Park
A.Last September B.Last December. C.This July.
2.What does the woman think of Olivia
A.She is quiet. B.She is sociable. C.She is talkative.
3.What will the man do this Tuesday
A.Attend an interview. B.Meet his doctor. C.Deliver a speech.
4.What is the man’s chief consideration in choosing the cottage
A.Its location. B.Its comfort. C.Its facilities.
5.Where did the conversation probably take place
A.At the airport. B.In the office. C.At the hotel.
第二节(共15小题;每小题1.5分,满分22.5分)
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题,从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听每段对话或独白前,你将有时间阅读各个小题,每小题5秒钟;听完后,各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料,回答第6至7题。
6.What is the man’s attitude towards his job
A.He is tired of the same old routine.
B.He is curious about his job prospect.
C.He is enthusiastic about this demanding job.
7.How old is the man
A.25. B.40. C.65.
听第7段材料,回答第8至9题。
8.What does the woman suggest buying for Amber’s housewarming
A.A purple blue dress. B.A pale pink lamp. C.Pale blue scented candles.
9.Who are the speakers
A.Amber’s neighbors. B.Amber’s house sitters. C.Amber’s parents.
听第8段材料,回答第10至13题。
10.What does the man know about Zhuozheng Garden
A.It was first built in the Qing Dynasty.
B.It tops the other classical gardens in Suzhou.
C.It is about 6 miles away from Gusu District.
11.What does the woman say about Liuyuan Garden and Tuisi Garden
A.They are eighty miles apart.
B.They are in opposite directions.
C.They are quite close to each other.
12.Which garden will the man skip this time
A.Tuisi Garden. B.Liuyuan Garden. C.Zhuozheng Garden.
13.Why is Suzhou Museum worth visiting
A.It is otherwise known as the Garden Museum.
B.It features the Qing Dynasty’s garden landscaping.
C.It houses relics dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
听第9段材料,回答第14至16题。
14.What are the speakers talking about
A.Managing the reading workload.
B.Deciding which books to read.
C.Choosing the right pen for marking.
15.What does the man use to mark new vocabulary
A.Orange color. B.Blue color. C.Yellow color.
16.What is the man’s system for marking
A.He prefers to mark as little as possible.
B.He marks after reading the entire paragraph.
C.He uses smiley faces to identify amusing areas.
听第10段材料,回答第17至20题。
17.What is the focus for the 2024-2025 SLP program
A.Academic achievements.
B.Environmental protection.
C.The development of leadership.
18.Which session of the program is to be run in the USA
A.Pre-summer program B.Summer program C.Post-summer program
19.What should the participants do after the summer program
A.Create a follow-up program.
B.Complete academic coursework.
C.Carry out their community engagement plans.
20.Who are encouraged to apply for the program
A.Overseas students studying in America now.
B.Students who are interested in global issues.
C.Students who haven’t been to America before.
第二部分 阅读理解(共两节,满分50 分)
第一节(共15小题;每小题2.5分,满分37.5分)
阅读下列短文,从每题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出一个最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
A
Movies to Enjoy
Eating Animals
The 2018 documentary Eating Animals, based on the book by Jonathan Safran Foer published in 2009, tells us that factory farming is bad, and that most Americans don’t realize just how bad. Still, this isn’t a feel-guilty film. There’s plenty of hope as director Christopher Quinn shows farmers who are still using practices that do not, for example, force chickens to live their short lives in a dark building while covered in their own poop(大便). Will the film cause you to go vegan(素食主义者) Eh, burgers are really tasty. But it will make you think about what it is that you’re putting in your mouth and maybe inspire you to head for the farmers’ market to see what a chicken that lived a happy life tastes like.
Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW, Washington, D. C.; opens on Oct. 15(Mon.), $10-$12.50.
Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave. Bethesda, MD.; opens on Oct. 15(Mon.), $9.50-$12.50.
The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia
Sometimes it’s enjoyable to see what everyone else has been seeing. It helps with dinner party conversation. Sometimes, though, it’s fun to see something really different. The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia is a 2009 documentary about the only two surviving performers of Armenian tightrope dancing, 76 and 77 at the time of the film, and their desperate efforts to pass on the traditional art form to the only student of tightrope dancing left in the land, a 16-year-old orphan boy.
Library of Congress, Mary Pickford Theater, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington D.C.; Oct.15(Mon.), 8p. m., free.
Family Movie Series
The Old Greenbelt Theatre is here to help quiet the endless “I’m bored” at the weekend. Every Sunday at 1 p. m., you can take the kids to see a family-friendly film for free, including Despicable Me 3 and Paddington 2.Just have fun!
The Old Greenbelt Theatre, 129 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD.; Sundays through Dec.30, l p. m., free.
21.Which statement about Eating Animals is TRUE
A.It’s directed by Jonathan Safran Foer.
B.It’s a feel-guilty story about the bad factory farming.
C.It may cause many more Americans to go vegan.
D.It can help raise people’s awareness of food.
22.What could someone who wants to enjoy a film for free on October 15 choose
A.Eating Animals.
B.The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia.
C.Despicable Me 3.
D.Paddington 2.
23.Where should she go if a woman wants to spend a happy weekend with her children
A.Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema
B.Library of Congress, Mary Pickford Theater.
C.555 11th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
D.129 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD.
B
Twenty-five years ago, Florence Griffith Joyner, known as “Flo-Jo” died in her sleep, leaving behind a legacy that combined style and speed in the world of track and field. She was celebrated for her remarkable achievements, particularly during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
During the Olympic qualifiers in 1988, Flo-Jo broke the 100-meter world record with an amazing time of 10.49 seconds. She continued to amaze the world by breaking the 200-meter world record in the same Olympics, crossing the finish line in 21.34 seconds with her iconic style, including long painted nails and colorful one-legged running suits.
Griffith Joyner’s success extended beyond the track. She won two more gold medals at the Seoul Olympics, in the 100 meters and the 4×100-meter relay events, making her an international star. She landed endorsement(代言)deals in Japan, and appeared in American television shows like “Santa Barbara” and “227”. And there was even had a doll modeled after her by LJN Toys.
However, Flo-Jo’s Olympic achievements were not without controversy. In 1989, former American track athlete Darrell Robinson alleged(指称)that Griffith Joyner provided him with money to purchase growth hormones. She strongly denied these accusations, and despite persistent rumors, she never tested positive for any banned substances during her career.
The International Olympic Committee’s medical commission conducted strict drug testing on Flo-Jo during the 1988 Olympics, and she consistently tested negative. She faced questions about the allegations throughout her career but maintained her innocence.
In 1989, just five months after her great success in Seoul, Griffith Joyner announced her retirement from track, explaining that she couldn’t give her all to training as she used to. She transitioned into motherhood, pursued a career in fashion design, and designed NBA uniforms for the Indiana Pacers in 1990.
Flo-Jo’s legacy endures, as she revolutionized women’s sprinting with her exceptional speed and unique fashion sense. Florence Griffith Joyner remains an iconic figure in the world of sports, remembered for her incredible talent, groundbreaking achievements, and unapologetic style.
24.What do we know about Griffith Joyner according to the passage
A.She passed away in America in 1989.
B.She benefited a lot from her running suits.
C.She pursued a career in fashion before her success.
D.She was very impressive at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
25.Which word can best describe Griffith Joyner’s athletic career
A.Unexpected. B.Splendid. C.Struggling. D.Rewarding.
26.What contributed to Griffith Joyner’s retirement
A.Public false accusations. B.Her health problems.
C.Her shift in life priorities. D.Persuasion from her family.
27.In which column of a newspaper can we most probably read this text
A.History. B.Culture.
C.Science. D.Entertainment.
C
Any schoolchild knows that a whale breathes through its blowhole. Fewer know that a blowhole is a nostril(鼻孔)slightly changed by evolution into a form more useful for a mammal that spends its life at sea. And only a dedicated expert would know that while toothed whales, such as sperm whales, have one hole, baleen(鲸须)whales, such as humpback and Rice whales, have two.
Even among the baleen whales, the placing of those nostrils differs. In some species they are close together. In others, they are much further apart. In a paper published in Biology Letters Conor Ryan, a marine biologist at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, suggests why that might be. Having two nostrils, he argues, helps whales smell in stereo(立体空间).
Many types of baleen whales eat tiny animals known as zooplankton(浮游动物), which they catch by filtering(过滤)them from seawater using the sheets of fibrous baleen that have replaced teeth in their mouths. But to eat something you first have to find it. Toothed whales do not hunt by scent. In fact, the olfactory bulb—the part of the brain that processes smell—is absent in such creatures. But baleen whales still have olfactory bulbs, which suggests smell remains important. And scent can indeed give zooplankton away. Zooplankton like to eat other tiny creatures called phytoplankton(浮游植物). When these are under attack, they release a special gas called dimethyl sulphide, which in turn attracts baleen whales.
Most animals have stereoscopic senses. Having two eyes, for instance, allows an animal to compare the images from each in order to perceive depth. Having two ears lets them locate the direction from which a sound is coming. Dr Ryan theorized that paired blowholes might bring baleen whales the same sorts of benefits.
The farther apart the sensory organs are, the more information can be extracted by the animal that bears them. The researchers used drones to photograph the nostrils of 143 whales belonging to 14 different species. Sure enough, baleen whales that often eat zooplankton, such as the North Atlantic right whale, have nostrils that are farther apart than do those, such as humpback whales, that eat zooplankton occasionally. Besides allowing them to breathe, it seems that some whales use their blowholes to determine in which direction dinner lies.
28.What do we know about whales’ nostrils according to the first two paragraphs
A.They are adapted ones.
B.They are developed merely for smell.
C.They are not easy to detect.
D.They are fixed universally in numbers.
29.What plays a role when baleen whales hunt zooplankton
A.The teeth that baleen whales have.
B.The smell that phytoplankton send.
C.The sound waves that zooplankton create.
D.The chemical signals that zooplankton give off.
30.How is the concept of stereoscopic senses explained in paragraph 4
A.By quoting a theory. B.By using examples.
C.By making contrast. D.By making inferences.
31.What is the position of nostrils related to according to the last paragraph
A.The sense of smell. B.The possibility to attract food.
C.The ability to locate food. D.The ability to communicate.
D
About ten years ago, logging into Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram would mostly show posts from friends and family in the order they were posted. Today, these platforms present a mix of content, tailored by algorithms(算法)to match users’ interests, whether it’s plants, sports, cats, or politics.
Kyle Chayka, a writer for The New Yorker, discusses this topic in his book, Filterworld. He explains that algorithms analyze user data to predict and influence what they will likely engage with. This means that instead of a simple, chronological feed, users encounter a dynamic stream, constantly adapting to their preferences. Chayka examines how these algorithmic recommendations control what we consume, from music and movies to food and travel destinations. He argues that this machine-driven select ion process has turned us into passive consumers, making our preferences and tastes more similar.
Chayka points out that algorithms make us passive by always showing us content that we’re unlikely to click away from but won’t find too unexpected or challenging. This constant stream of recommendations reduces our exposure to diverse or challenging content, subtly shaping our preferences and behaviors.
Moreover, Chayka points out that algorithms also pressure content creators, like musicians and artists, to tailor their work to fit these digital platforms. For instance, musicians on Spotify or TikTok might focus on creating catchy hooks at the beginning of their songs to grab the listener’s attention.
Despite the strong presence of these algorithms, Chayka believes that regulation could reduce their influence. He suggests that if Meta, the parent company of Facebook, were required to separate its various services, like Instagram or WhatsApp, and make them compete with each other, it could give users more control and choice over their digital consumption.
In summary, the change from simple, time-ordered social media posts to algorithm-driven content has a big impact on both the viewers and the creators, influencing what we see, hear, and even think. Chayka’s insights highlight the need for greater awareness and potentially more regulation in our increasingly digital world.
32.According to the text, how have social media platforms changed in the past ten years
A.They show posts in a time-based order.
B.They prioritize posts from friends and family.
C.They make adjustments to satisfy users’ needs.
D.They provide more content to meet different needs.
33.What does Kyle Chayka think of algorithmic recommendations
A.They make users more active consumers.
B.They shape users’ preferences and behaviors.
C.They reduce the influence of content creators.
D.They expose users to diverse and challenging content.
34.How do algorithms influence musicians’ work on digital platforms
A.By encouraging musicians to create longer songs.
B.By discouraging musicians from using catchy hooks.
C.By giving musicians more control and choice over their music.
D.By requiring musicians to create their work to fit the platforms.
35.What can be concluded from the text
A.Tech companies should have more departments.
B.Social media algorithms give content creators less opportunities.
C.Social media algorithms flatten our culture by making decisions for us.
D.Network platforms have increased the common recommendations for 10 years.
第二节(共5小题; 每小题2.5分, 满分12.5分)
阅读下面短文,从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
When you think of your closest friends, who will come to your mind Perhaps your college roommates or the neighbor you played with as a child. Regardless of how you met these people, they most likely have one key thing in common: 36 A 2023 study found that, for those aged 21 to 30, over 80 percent in their social circles, were born within five years of them. Moreover, nearly 63 percent of adults have no close friends 15 years older or younger than them.
Spending our time with such a narrow group of people can fuel age segregation(隔离)and increase our loneliness. These limitations also keep us from other generations’ mindsets and potentially surprising points of connection. 37 Of course, the ones that are older might offer a brief look into the coming years.
A program that runs schools out of senior centers has said a lot about it. 38 Dawn Carr, a sociology professor, said most older people get much from practical help—with new technology, for instance—their younger friends offered. 39 Having fun with someone decades younger definitely takes off their pressure to “act their age”.
40 Lila, aged 75, was proud that her life experiences prepared her to give advice to her young friend with depression, for which the young was grateful. Also, older friends offer more examples of what growing up can look like. If someone’s parents are the only older people they know well, they might fail to picture other possibilities. A greater pool of older friends can help young people create their own blueprint.
A.You befriend those who live around.
B.They’re all roughly the same age as you.
C.Others might find joy in exposure to new ideas.
D.Brought closer, both see more than one benefit.
E.Younger friends can be a reminder of past selves.
F.Forming these kinds of friendship is particularly hard today.
G.Indeed, intergenerational relationship is never a one-way street.
第三部分 语言知识运用(共两节,满分30分)
第一节:完形填空(共15题,每小题1分,满分15分)
阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
Last year, my friend, Kydee Williams, and I started a non-profit project because we wanted to do charity work differently. Thus, The Pop-Up Care Shop was 41 .
TPUCS is a traveling shop of 42 donated goods for people in need. During the holidays, we 43 clothing drives and then went to women’s shelters. Our main goal was to help inspire women who were 44 with hope as well as bring a little holiday cheer to our local communities. 45 any project or movement wasn’t easy. Brainstorming and coming up with cool ideas was the 46 part, but actually bringing those ideas to life can seem almost 47 at times. However, there were lessons about 48 that we didn’t fully realize until we started this journey.
From our experience, we learned smaller shelters, especially those in less-commercialized areas were often 49 when it came to getting community support. Actually, they were typically more 50 to new and creative ideas and would greatly welcome 51 who offered help. Under our inspiration, many 52 people devoted themselves to non-profit work. Many shelters are understaffed and the staff overworked. Working directly with them helped us 53 the specific needs of the shelter.
While material things like food, clothes, money, and shelter can help people survive, what 54 helps people live is the intangible(无形)necessities like love, presence, patience. Even though we can’t help every single person in the world, we can 55 a world of difference for at least one person.
41.A.found B.donated C.born D.purchased
42.A.cheap B.free C.value D.messy
43.A.quit B.chose C.forbade D.held
44.A.homeless B.fearless C.guiltless D.restless
45.A.Ceasing B.Highlighting C.Starting D.Monitoring
46.A.hard B.fun C.odd D.core
47.A.crucial B.unnecessary C.impossible D.logical
48.A.breaking down B.giving back C.keeping up D.pulling through
49.A.ignored B.emphasized C.mentioned D.estimated
50.A.harmful B.relevant C.opposed D.open
51.A.shoppers B.pioneers C.officers D.volunteers
52.A.reliable B.selfless C.creative D.courageous
53.A.understand B.satisfy C.anticipate D.illustrate
54.A.originally B.slightly C.truly D.barely
55.A.identify B.detect C.reveal D.make
第二节:语法填空(共10小题,每小题1.5分,满分15分)
阅读下面材料,在空白处填入适当的内容(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。并将答案填写在答题卡上。
In recent years, China has been working hard to improve living conditions in rural areas through a program called the New Rural Development Initiative. 56 goal of this initiative is to improve infrastructure(基础设施), modernize farming practices, and enhance the overall quality of life for those 57 (live)in the countryside.
One important aspect of the initiative is the improvement of rural infrastructure 58 includes the construction of better roads, bridges, and watering systems 59 (improve)the efficiency of transportation and agricultural activities.
Another key focus is the promotion of modern agricultural 60 (technique). By introducing advanced farming methods and technologies, such as organic farming and the use of machinery, farmers are able to increase their productivity and income 61 damaging the environment.
Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional culture and heritage in rural communities. Efforts 62 (make)to regenerate local traditions, which not only enriches the cultural 63 (diverse)of the countryside but also creates new opportunities for cultural tourism and sustainable development. The initiative also aims to enhance the living environment in rural areas through the restoration of traditional houses 64 the construction of public facilities.
Through the initiative, China is working hard to create a more prosperous and 65 (harmony)countryside, providing its rural residents with better opportunities and an improved quality of life.
第四部分:写作(共两节,满分40分)
第一节:应用文写作(满分15分)
假定你是李华,为了响应传统文化进校园的号召,你校国际部正面向全校学生征集活动方案。请你给负责人George写一封邮件,内容包括:
1.你的方案;
2.说明理由。
注意:
1.写作词数应为80个左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear George,
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
第二节:读后续写(满分25分)
阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。续写的词数应为150左右。
When a tornado(龙卷风)touched down in a small town nearby, many families were left completely ruined. Afterward all the local newspapers carried many human-interest stories featuring some of the families who suffered the hardest.
One Sunday, a particular picture especially touched me. A young woman stood in front of an entirely shattered(破碎的)mobile home, a depressed expression on her face. A young boy, seven or eight years old, stood at her side, eyes downward. Clutching(紧握)at her skirt was a tiny girl who stared into the camera, eyes wide with confusion and fear.
The article that went with the picture gave the clothing sizes of each family member. With growing interest, I noticed that their sizes closely matched ours. This would be a good opportunity to teach my children to help those less fortunate than themselves. I stuck the picture of the young family on our refrigerator, explaining their difficulty to my seven-year-old twins, Bra d and Brett, and to three-year-old Meghan.
“These poor people now have nothing.” I said. “We’ll share what we have with them.” I brought three large boxes down from the room upstairs and placed them on the living room floor. Meghan watched seriously, as the boys and I filled one of the boxes with canned goods and foods.
While I sorted through our clothes, I encouraged the boys to go through their toys and donate some of their less favorite things. Meghan watched quietly as the boys piled up old toys and games.
Meghan walked up with Lucy, her worn, much-loved rag doll hugged tightly to her chest. She came to the box that held the toys, pressed her round little face into Lucy’s flat, painted-on face, gave her a final kiss, then laid her gently on top of the other toys.
“Oh, Honey,” I said. “You don’t have to give Lucy. You love her so much.”
Meghan nodded seriously, eyes filled with held-back tears. “Lucy makes me happy, Mommy. Maybe she’ll make that other little girl happy, too.”
注意:
1.续写词数应为 150左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
The boys had watched, open-mouthed, as their baby sister placed her favorite doll in the box.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I looked at my children for a long moment.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
沈阳市郊联体2023-2024学年高二下学期5月期中联考英语答案
一.听力(每小题1.5分,共30分)
1-5 BACAA 6-10 CCBCB 11-15BACAA 16-20BBBCC
二.阅读理解(每小题2.5分,共50分)
21-23 DBD 24-27 DBCB 28-31 ABBC 32-35 CBDC 36-40 BEDCG
三.完型填空(每小题1分,共15分)
41-45 CBDAC 46-50 BCBAD 51-55 DBACD
四.语法填空(每小题1.5分,共15分)
56.The 57.living 58.that/which 59.to improve 60.techniques
61.without 62.are being made/are made/have been made 63 . diversity 64.and
65.harmonious
五.写作
第一节(满分15分)
One possible version:
Dear George,
In response to the initiative of bringing traditional culture into our campus, I propose organizing a cultural festival dedicated to showcasing various aspects of Chinese heritage. This festival would include workshops on traditional crafts, performances of folk dances, and exhibitions of ancient artworks.
The reason for this proposal is two-fold. Firstly, it provides an excellent platform for students to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural traditions of China. Secondly, it fosters a deeper understanding of diverse cultures among our international students.
I believe that this festival will not only enrich our campus life but also promote cultural exchange and understanding. Thank you for considering my proposal, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Yours,
Li Hua
第二节(满分25分)
范文
Paragraph 1:
The boys had watched, open mouthed, as their baby sister placed her favorite doll in the box. Without a word, Bra d rose and went to his room. He came back carrying one of his favorite action figures. He hesitated briefly, clutching the toy, then looked over at Meghan and placed it in the box next to Lucy. A slow smile spread across Brett’s face. Then he jumped up, eyes twinkling as he ran to fetch some of his prized Matchbox cars. Astonished, I realized that the boys had also recognized what little Meghan’s gesture meant.
Paragraph 2:
I looked at my children for a long moment. Swallowing back tears, I pulled all three of them into my arms. Inspired by my little ones, I removed my old jacket from the box of clothes. I replaced it with the new hunter green jacket that I had found on sale last week. I hoped the young woman in the picture would love it as much as I did. It’s easy to give what we don’t want any more, but harder to let go of things we cherish. However, the true spirit of giving is to give with your heart.
英语听力录音原文
Text 1
W: Did you go to the National Park on vacation last year
M: I could make it last September, but I finally went there three months later and I plan to visit it again this July.
Text 2
M: We’ve got two girls in our research group Miranda under Olivia. Do you know them
W: Sure. Miranda is sociable and the most talkative girl I’ve ever met, but guess what Olivia is just the opposite.
Text 3
W: Here is this week’s schedule, Mr Thorndyke. On Monday, there is the TV interview. Your speech to the Asia society is on Tuesday afternoon. Then on Wednesday you have an appointment with your doctor and...
M: Wait. You mean the video conference on Tuesday is cancelled
Text 4
W: It is just the Holiday home where I can look out to the ocean。
M: That’s why I chose this coastal cottage. It has one of the best sea views across the Bay.
Text 5
W: You must be Mr Simpson, right
M: Yes. I am.
W: I’m Carol, Mr Clark’s secretary. Did you have a nice flight
M: Oh, yes. Thank you.
W: Well, Mr Clark has to be in the office to deal with some matters right now, so he asked me to pick you up. Now we’ll go to Holiday Inn for dinner. And Mr Clark will go straight there right away.
Text 6
M: I’m a sales representative. I have traveled to 45 countries.
W: What does a sales representative do
M: Sales representatives sell products or services to potential buyers and negotiate sales terms. It’s a profession where hard work and problem solving pay off.
W: Don’t you get tired of traveling
M: Not at all. It’s been 40 years since I started the job, but I still feel like that 25-year-old guy.
W: Lucky you.
Text7
W: So what should we buy for Ambers’ housewarming this Sunday
M: How about this purple blue dress here
W: No, honey, we need to get her something for her new apartment.
M: Ok. What about these pale blue scented candles
W: She’s got some already. I bought them for her last week. Look at this lamp. Pale pink is a better color to make her living room more comfy, I think.
M: It’s perfect. Let’s get it. Hey, Alice, what’s wrong
W: Oh, nothing. I just can’t believe Amber is growing up and living in her own apartment now. Do you think she’ll still visit us
M: Of course she will.
Text 8
M: Excuse me. I need some information about some classical gardens of Suzhou near here.
W: What would you like to know
M: Well, first I’d like directions to Gusu District. I believe there lies the number one classical garden in Suzhou. It isn’t far, is it
W: No. Gusu District is about 6 miles east of here, the railway station. And you’re right. Dating back to the Ming dynasty, Zhuozheng garden in Gusu District is listed as a world heritage site and it is a must-see.
M: Oh, good. Now what about Liu Yuan garden, featuring the Qing dynasty’s garden landscaping And I also want to visit Tuisi garden. Are they near each other
W: Hmm. Well, Liu Yuan garden is northwest while Tuisi garden is about 80 miles southeast.
M: 80 miles southeast Well, maybe I won’t go there this time.
W: I recommend visiting the Garden Museum next to Zhuozheng garden. And then you may want to visit the nearby Suzhou Museum, famous for its abundant and rare cultural relics of Ming and Qing dynasties.
M: I see. Good. Thank you.
W: You’re welcome, sir.
Text 9
W: I’m struggling to keep up with all the readings. I usually end up rereading, but that feels like it takes forever. And I’m constantly pressed for time. Any tips on how to manage it
M: Definitely. One essential skill is knowing how to mark a book.
W: Well, how do you do it
M: First, read a whole paragraph before marking anything. Don’t Mark too much, around 10% is usually enough. And I use different colors for different things. Main ideas are marked in yellow. Important details in blue and new words in orange.
W: Smart. Are there other ways besides using colours for marking
M: Absolutely. Normally, question marks are used for the confusing part, dashes for extra notes. But before an exam, I prefer to change the question mark into a smiley face to create an optimistic atmosphere.
W: Sounds great. I’ll give it a try. Thanks.
M: Sure. Let me know if you need more tips.
Text 10
Welcome to the Student Leaders Program, SLP for short, an exciting program in leadership for up to 60 selected students between the ages of 20 and 24 from all over the world outside the USA.The programme for the academic year 2024 to 2025 will center on environmental protection. Students are placed in US universities where they complete academic course work, develop leadership and project management skills. The major part of the program is the development of community engagement plans where each student identifies an issue related to environmental issues that they would like to solve in their communities. The Student Leaders program is a year-long program, consisting of three parts: pre-summer, summer, and post summer. The summer program is a 4 week in-person program scheduled to take place on the US campus. Upon completion of the summer program, students will conduct their community engagement plans. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously traveled to the United States. Join us in shaping a promising future through the Student Leaders Program.