2018-2019学年福建省三明市第一中学高一上学期期中考试英语试题

2018-2019学年福建省三明市第一中学高一上学期期中考试英语试题

‎ ‎ ‎2018-2019学年福建省三明市第一中学高一上学期期中考试英语试题 ‎（考试时间120分钟，满分100分）‎ 注意事项：‎ ‎1、本试卷由四个部分组成，一、二部分和第三部分第一节为选择题，第三部分第二节和第四部分为非选择题。‎ ‎2、答题前，先将自己的姓名、准考证号填写在试题卷和答题卡上。‎ ‎3、选择题的作答时，每小题选出答案后，用2B铅笔把答题卡上对应题目的答案标号涂黑；非选择题的作答时，将答案写在答题卡上，写在试卷和答题卡上非答题区域的答案无效。‎ 第一部分：听力（共两节，满分20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，并标在试卷的相应位置。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. What is the woman going to do this afternoon? ‎ A. Eat out. B. See a doctor. C. Go shopping.‎ ‎2. How does Henry feel now? ‎ A. Proud. B. Tired. C. Grateful.‎ ‎3. What did Fred do? ‎ A. He travelled to Italy. ‎ B. He bought a new car.‎ C. He offered Kate a ride. ‎ ‎4. What does the woman do? ‎ A. She’s a librarian. ‎ B. She’s a bank clerk.‎ C. She’s a salesperson.‎ ‎5. What did Patrick do last Friday? ‎ A. He sold his old apartment.‎ B. He went out with a friend.‎ C. He moved to another place.‎ 第二节（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15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，并标在试卷的相应位置。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、7题。‎ ‎6. What is the probable relationship between the speakers? ‎ A. Strangers. B. Classmates. C. Co-workers.‎ ‎7. Why is Sara worried? ‎ A. She has problem preparing for a speech.‎ B. She knows nothing about British history.‎ C. She fails to finish her homework on time.‎ 听第7段材料，回答第8至第10题。‎ ‎8. Who are the speakers? ‎ A. Students. B. Secretaries. C. Teachers.‎ ‎9. When will Ms. Kelly probably give the lecture? ‎ A. On Tuesday. B. On Wednesday. C. On Friday.‎ ‎10. What will the man probably do next? ‎ A. Go on a trip. ‎ B. Talk to Dr. Lee. ‎ C. Start a research project.‎ 听第8段材料，回答第11至第13题。‎ ‎11. What is the man doing? ‎ A. Asking for directions.‎ B. Touring the city centre.‎ C. Talking to a friend.‎ ‎12. What does the man decide to do? ‎ A. Get a taxi. B. Keep walking. C. Wait for the bus.‎ ‎13. How does the man feel at the end of the conversation? ‎ A. Excited. B. Unhappy C. Surprised.‎ 听第9段材料，回答第14至第17题。‎ ‎14. What is “People You Meet”? ‎ A. An office party. ‎ B. A training course. ‎ C. A radio program.‎ ‎15. How many people does Mark’s office receive every year? ‎ A. 100,000. B. 200,000. C. 500,000.‎ ‎16. What do we know about Mark? ‎ A. He is a team leader.‎ B. He was born in London.‎ C. He speaks thirteen languages.‎ ‎17. What do Mark and his co-workers usually do to help people? ‎ A. Show them around.‎ B. Plan tours for them.‎ C. Teach them English.‎ 听第10段材料，回答第18至第20题。‎ ‎18. How long did the speaker and his family live in the downtown apartment? ‎ A. 8 years. B. 10 years. C. 30 years.‎ ‎19. What was the reason for the speaker’s unpleasant childhood? ‎ A. Strict family rules.‎ B. Too much school work.‎ C. Little chance to play outside.‎ ‎20. What does the speaker think of outdoor activities? ‎ A. Colorless. B. Enjoyable. C. Dangerous 第二部分：阅读理解（共两节，满分20分）‎ 第一节 （共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）‎ 阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。‎ A It’s always adventurous and romantic to visit an island country. Take a look at some breathtakingly beautiful island countries in the world, which everyone should visit at least once in his lifetime.‎ Maldives It’s believed that Maldives is one of the most popular honeymoon places as well as one of the most beautiful island countries. Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Maldives is made up of a series of ancient coral reefs that grow up along the sides of ancient volcanoes, with fascinating beaches.‎ Fiji Fiji has plenty of surprises for any adventurous travelers. It is famous for the world’s best surf scenes, attracting many surfing lovers to ride the great waves. Well, if surfing is not for you and you love sitting on the beach and relaxing, hiking or seeing breathtaking waterfalls, Fiji is also a suitable island country to visit.‎ Malta Malta, a beautiful southern European country in the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich history and culture. There are amazing sky-high cliffs to climb, wonderful temples to visit and lots of amazing places to go diving. There are plenty of interesting things to explore here and everyone can find something to enjoy. The historic part of Malta is shown in its architecture, great walled cities, and many underground tunnels.‎ ‎21. Which place will be most likely to be chosen by a newly-married couple according to the text?‎ A. the Mediterranean Sea ‎ B. Maldives ‎ C. Malta ‎ D. Fiji ‎ ‎22. What is the special part about Fiji?‎ ‎ A. You can see the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls B. It is surfing lovers’ favourite island country.‎ ‎ C. There are sky-high cliffs to explore.‎ D. You can try the world’s longest.‎ ‎23. What can tourist do in Malta?‎ A. Hike on green plains B. Ride the greatest waves ‎ C. See breathtaking waterfalls ‎ D. Explore underground tunnels ‎ B ‎ When it comes to the most famous 20th century painters of the United States , Grandma Moses should be mentioned，although she did not start painting until she was in her late seventies．As she once said to herself：" I would never sit back in a rocking chair，waiting for someone to help me．" No one could have had a more active old age．‎ She was born on a farm in New York State，one of five boys and five girls．At 12 she left home and was in domestic service until at 27 she married Thomas Moses，the hired hand of one of her employers. They farmed most of their lives, first in Virginia and then in New York State, at Eagle Bridge. She had ten children, of whom five survived；her husband died in 1927．‎ Grandma Moses painted a little as a child and made embroidery(刺绣) pictures as a hobby，but only changed to oils in old age because her hands became too stiff(僵硬的) to sew and she still wanted to keep busy and pass the time．Her pictures were first sold at the local drugstore and at a market and were soon noticed by a businessman who bought all that she painted．Three of the pictures were exhibited(展览) in the Museum of Modern Art，and in 1940 she had her first exhibition in New York．Between the 1930's and her death，she produced some 2,000 pictures：careful ‎ and lively portrayals of the country life she had known for so long，with a wonderful sense of color and form．"I think really hard till I think of something really pretty，and then I paint it" she said．‎ ‎24．What does Para 2 mainly talk about? ‎ A．Moses and her children ‎ B．Moses and her childhood ‎ C．An introduction to Moses’ life ‎ D．An introduction to Moses’ marriage ‎25．What did Grandma Moses spent most of her life doing?‎ A. embroidering ‎ B. painting ‎ C. nursing ‎ D. farming ‎26．The underlined word “portrayals ” in last paragraph means________．‎ A. directions ‎ B. descriptions ‎ C. surveys ‎ D. stages ‎27．Which of the following would be the best title for the passage？‎ A．Grandma Moses and Her Pictures．‎ B．Grandma Moses: A Woman Pioneer of 20th century C．Grandma Moses and Her Exhibition．‎ D．Grandma Moses：The Best Painter of 20th century C A woman was sitting by herself in a movie theatre. The movie she was about to see was a musical version (版本)of a very successful book that had sold a million copies that year.‎ As the woman was waiting for the movie to begin, she noticed that the theatre was very crowded but the two seats next to her were empty.‎ Suddenly a large man carrying a big fur coat walked down the aisle (走廊) and ‎ sat down, placing the fur coat on the seat next to her.‎ When the lights went out, the fur coat began to move, and the woman realized it was not a coat but a large furry dog. He was sitting up in the seat, watching the movie screen with great interest. As soon as the movie started, the dog began to nod his head and beat his paws（爪） in perfect time to the music.‎ When the movie was over, the woman turned to the man and said, “Excuse me, sir, but I’ve never seen such a well-behaved dog in a movie theatre before. Does he go to the movies often?”‎ ‎“Oh, yes,” replied the man.‎ ‎“And he seemed to enjoy everything so much,” she said, “It was just amazing!”‎ ‎“As a matter of fact, it surprised me, too,” said the man. “He hated the book!”‎ ‎28. What kind of movie was the woman about to see?‎ A. A movie about a clever dog B. A movie about two film-goers.‎ C. A musical movie based on a book D. A movie telling of a popular book ‎29. What can we conclude from Para 4?‎ ‎ A. The man enjoyed the movie very much.‎ ‎ B. The dog made noise and disturbed others.‎ ‎ C. The woman enjoyed the movie very much.‎ ‎ D. The dog was bright enough to enjoy the movie.‎ ‎30. What did the woman do when the movie was over?‎ ‎ A. She communicated with the man happily.‎ ‎ B. She praised the man for bringing his dog.‎ ‎ C. She punished the dog for making noise.‎ D. She complained about the dog angrily.‎ ‎31.In the end, the man said he was surprised because ________‎ A. he didn’t like the movie, but his dog did.‎ B. he enjoyed the movie, but his dog didn’t.‎ C. his dog hated the book but liked the movie ‎ D. his dog could enjoy the movie like a human being.‎ D Do you jump out of bed early, wide awake and ready to start your day？If so, you would be called an “early bird”. Perhaps, you hate the sound of your alarm clock（闹钟） each morning and have little energy until afternoon. If so, you're probably a “night owl”． ‎ Most people can be divided into such two groups, but what makes us this way？And is one better than the other？There are different opinions. ‎ Usually, early risers have been praised as hard-working while those who prefer to get up late are considered lazy. Most people believe the early bird catches the worm. ‎ Yet some scientists now believe “night owls” can really focus(集中) longer and produce more than early risers. ‎ Research has found that the early bird does not always get the worm. In a Belgian study, both “morning people” and “evening people” were watched during their normal asleep and awake routines(常规)．After 10 hours of being awake, the “evening people” became more alert(思维敏捷的). However, the “morning people” became sleepy and less focused. Researchers believe the reason for this difference is that night owls receive a last-minute increase from their brains. This added energy allows them to stay alert for longer periods of time. ‎ Environment, lifestyle, activities and childhood routines all may have an effect on sleeping habits, yet genetics(遗传学)may play the biggest role. ‎ It is possible to change your sleeping habits through regular bedtimes, early exercise and by avoiding midnight snacks. But if you're happy rising early or staying up late, you're probably doing what works best for your own personal body clock.‎ ‎32. The author introduces the subject by ________. ‎ A. telling an interesting story B. giving different opinions C. showing research results D. asking a question ‎ ‎33. What does the underlined sentence in Paragraph 3 really mean? ‎ A. Those who get up early achieve their goals. ‎ B. Early to bed, early to rise is good for health.‎ C. “Night owls” can focus longer than “early birds”.‎ D. “Early birds” are as hard-working as “night owls”. ‎ ‎34. What did the researchers find in a Belgian study? ‎ A. Late risers become sleepier than early risers. ‎ B. Early risers become as focused as later risers. ‎ C. Late risers can think quickly after being awaken for 10 hours.‎ D. Early risers can think clearly after being awake for 10 hours. ‎ ‎35. What opinion does the author finally agree to?‎ A. People should get up early. ‎ B. Whatever time suits you, it’s OK.‎ C. Staying up late is good for health.‎ D. It’s impossible to change one’s sleeping habit.‎ 第二节（共5小题;每小题1分，满分5分）‎ 根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。选项中有两项为多余选项。‎ As is often the case, you are trying hard to keep your eyes open in class after a late night doing piles and piles of homework, “ 36 ” You are probably thinking, “ This weekend I’ll make up for all the sleep I have lost.”‎ ‎ 37 . Most people think the same way-if you stay in bed longer on Saturdays or Sundays, you will recover your missed sleep during the week.‎ ‎ However, this is not correct. 38 Actually, researchers have just discovered that sleeping during the weekend will not do you any good, but rather make you feel more tired on Monday morning.‎ Our body keeps a clock inside. It tells us when to wake up in the morning and when to feel sleepy at night. But the time on our body clock can be changed once ‎ we start taking on different sleeping habits. 39 . This may mean on Monday morning we sometimes struggle to get out of bed.‎ ‎ If we decide to get up only 20 minutes or half an hour later, it won’t matter. This is because our body clock can accommodate(顺应) a delay of up to an hour, which means that a short lie-in at weekends is unlikely to have any big effect, we needn’t worry about it at all. 40 ,‎ ‎ So, what should we do to balance and make up for all the sleep we’ve missed? Scientists say that simply eight hours of sleep would do the trick, not any longer.‎ A. You are not alone.‎ B. I need more sleep!‎ C. Sleep is important for everyone.‎ D. Sleeping is nothing like paying back money.‎ E. However, if we sleep longer our sleep becomes less efficient.‎ F. But delays of up to two hours or more can throw our body out of order.‎ G. This is why staying in bed for longer than usual might confuse our body clock.‎ 第三部分 英语知识运用（共两节, 满分30分）‎ 第一节 完形填空（共20小题；每小题1分，满分20分）‎ 阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，从短文后所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。‎ We know children should grow up, knowing the right sense of values. Here is a good example to teach them a good lesson. ‎ One day, a young man who was dressed poorly begged 41 door to door along the street. 42 an old wallet in hand, he was asking for a few coins to buy something to eat. He kept complaining about his bad 43 and kept wondering why those who had so much money were never 44 and were always desiring more. ‎ ‎“As 45 as I’m concerned, if I had only enough to fill my stomach and to wear, I would not want anything more."‎ Just at that moment Goddess Fortune noticed the beggar among the crowd and got close to him, greeting, “Hi, young man, I have wished to 46 you for a long time. If you open your wallet, I will pour my gold into it. But keep in mind that ‎ I will do that only on this 47 : All that falls into the wallet will be pure gold belonging to you; but every piece falling upon the ground 48 become dirt, worth nothing. Are you clear?”‎ ‎ “I see. Now I’m ready. ” said the beggar with confidence. ‎ ‎“Then you should 49 ! It’s obvious that your wallet is a 50 one, so don’t load it too heavily,” said the Goddess Fortune.‎ The excited beggar could hardly 51 to have gold. He quickly opened his wallet, and a 52 of yellow coins was poured into it. The wallet became heavier and heavier.‎ ‎“Is that enough? Isn’t it cracking? Will your wallet strong enough for more?” warned the Goddess.‎ ‎“Never 53 .It’s still strong enough now” replied the beggar confidently.‎ The wallet was filled with 54 many coins that the beggar’s hands began to shake. “Ah, if only the golden stream would 55 forever! Just a little more,” said the beggar, “ 56 just a handful or two.” ‎ ‎ “There! It’s full. The wallet will 57 .” reminded the Goddess again, but the beggar insisted 58 , “I know it will hold a little more, just a little more!” One more piece was added and the wallet split. The 59 fell upon the ground and became dust. The greedy beggar had now 60 but his broken wallet. ‎ ‎41. A. through B. outside C. from D. inside ‎41. A. Picking B. Gathering C. Winning D. Holding ‎43. A. fortune B. wallet C. clothes D. chance ‎44. A. relaxed B. disappointed C. worried D. satisfied ‎45. A. long B. far C. possible D. soon ‎46. A. praise B. forgive C. help D. comfort ‎47. A. situation B. principle C. outline D. suggestion ‎48. A. shall B. would C. should D. might ‎49. A. look down B. look after C. look for D. look out ‎50. A. large B. worn C. new D. full ‎51. A. stand B. think C. breathe D. wait ‎52. A. piece B. stream C. pair D. pipe ‎53. A. ask B. request C. fear D. insist ‎54. A. quite B. so C. too D. as ‎55. A. pour B. end C. dry D. freeze ‎56. A. take B. lend C. add D. send ‎57. A. flow B. change C. disappear D. burst ‎58. A. firmly B. with doubt C. angrily D. with patience ‎59. A. wallet B. food C. treasure D. gift ‎60. A. nothing B. anything C. everything D. something 第二节 （10小题，第小题1分，满分10分）‎ 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或用括号内单词的正确形式填空 A few months ago I left my hometown for Canada to study. I felt nervous because I was going to 61 new place with new people. What worried my at first was that I couldn’t speak English 62 (fluent), and I also couldn’t understand 63 (they) customs. Everything was different 64 myown country. I had to deal with everything alone.‎ It was a sad moment 65 I had to say goodbye to my family and friends at the airport. Suddenly, I felt unwilling 66 (leave) my hometown because I grew up there and had wonderful 67 (memory) of the familiar place. However, I know studying abroad was a 68 (decide) that I made myself. I had to accept the challenge. ‎ By now I 69 (get)used to the new life here already, though I’m looking forward to 70 (spend) the coming vacation with my old friends back home ‎ 第四部分 写作（共三节，满分30分）‎ 第一节 词汇运用（每空1分，满分10分）‎ 根据括号内的汉语提示或所给词的正确形式填空 71. At dusk, they ________(bury)the dead and hurried to the next village.‎ 71. ‎ (determine) to improve oral English , he keeps reading aloud every day.‎ 72. I bought this car years ago and it’s not so _______(rely) as it used to be.‎ 73. The boy _________(dig) a hole in the wall, so he could see what was happening outside.‎ 74. The lawyer offered _________( guide) to black people on their legal problem.‎ 75. Steve Job’s _________(态度)towards work is as follows: Stay foolish. Stay hungry.‎ 76. I’ll invite some of my _________(亲戚） to the wedding party.‎ 77. Women hope to get _________(平等) rights to receive education.‎ 78. Make sure not to let it _________(攻击) passers-by while walking your dog.‎ 79. Hello, everyone! I’d like to__________ (祝贺) the cyclists on their success.‎ 第一节 句子翻译 （每空0.5分，满分10分）‎ 80. 吉姆说在昨天的选举中，他投票支持戴茜。‎ Jim said he _________ _________Daisy in yesterday’s election.‎ 81. 是布朗小姐说服他参加了青年联盟。 ‎ ‎_________ Miss Brown who _________ him _____join the Youth League.‎ 82. 那座庙在海拔3000米高的山上。‎ The temple lies on the mountain at ______ _________ ____3000 metres above the sea level.‎ 83. 直到那时他们才决定以暴抗暴。‎ Only until then_______they _______ ______ their _______ to answer violence with violence.‎ 84. 几秒钟内，无数街区被彻底摧毁，整个城市成为一片废墟。Just in a few minutes, hundreds of blocks ________ __________ completely and the whole city lay ______ _______.‎ 85. 比尔在公司处于这样的境遇：要么承认低人一等，要么马上卷铺盖离开。‎ Bill was put into a position ________ _______ he had to ________ accept he was less important, ______pack up and leave right away.‎ 第二节 书面表达 （满分10分）‎ 学校图书馆需要购置一批新书，现向学生征求意见。假如你是李华，请你用英语给图书馆王老师写一封信，推荐科普类图书（popular science books）和文学类图书（literary books），并分别说明推荐理由。 ‎ ‎ 注意：100词左右，结尾已给，不计入总词数。‎ Dear Mr. Wang, ‎ Knowing that our library is going to buy books, …‎ I’d appreciate it if you could take my recommendation into account.‎ ‎ Yours, ‎ ‎ Li Hua 高一英语半期考参考答案 ‎1-20 CBBAC BACAB AABCC ABACB ‎ ‎21-23 BBD 24-27 CDBA 28-31 CDAD 32-35 DACB 36—40 BADGF ‎41-45 CDADB 46-50 CBADB 51-55 DBCBA 56-60 CDACA ‎61 a 62 fluently 63 their 64 from 65 when 66 to leave ‎ ‎67 memories 68 decision 69 have got 70 spending ‎71 buried 72 Determined 73 reliable 74 dug 75 guidance 76 attitude ‎77 relatives 78 equal 79 attack 80 congratulate ‎81 voted for 82 It’s; persuaded, to 83 an altitude of 84 did; make up, minds ‎85 were destroyed; in ruins 86 in which; either, or Dear Mr. Wang, ‎ Knowing that our library is going to buy books, I’m writing to give some suggestions. ‎ What we need most are popular science books. Usually popular science books explain basic principles of nature in a simple and interesting way. They help us understand science subjects better and arouse our curiosity about scientific discoveries. ‎ In addition to reading for knowledge, we read for fun and inspiration. That is why I recommend another group of books：literary books. I think Classic works written by masters, present great thoughts through interesting stories and language. They not only offer us joy and excitement, but also encourage us to think critically. ‎ I’d appreciate it if you could take my recommendation into account.‎ ‎ Yours, ‎ ‎ Li Hua Text 1 ‎ M: Sorry about the broken plate, Mary. I was so careless just now.‎ W: It’s okay. I’m glad you didn’t get hurt. We’ll get some new ones at the supermarket this afternoon. So don’t worry about it.‎ Text 2 ‎ W: Hi, Henry. I heard you’ve travelled a lot recently.‎ M: Yeah, I just came back from Africa. ‎ W: Well, I really envy you.‎ M: You won’t if you know how tiring it was. Now, I just want to take a break. A long break.‎ Text 3‎ W: Hi, John. What’s new?‎ M: Hi, Kate. Nothing too much with me, but you ought to see Fred’s new car.‎ W: So, he finally got that Italian sports car…‎ M: He sure did. I can hardly wait to go for a ride in it.‎ Text 4 ‎ M: Hi, I’d like to apply for a card to borrow books.‎ W: Okay, please fill out this form.‎ M: All right... All done.‎ W: Well, now please sign the card.‎ Text 5‎ W: Patrick moved out last Friday. He’s now living in a nice and quiet neighborhood.‎ M: Yes, I heard about it. I wonder if he’s paying more for the new apartment. Anyway, he must be very glad to live this noisy place.‎ Text 6 ‎ M: Hi, Sara. How’s your speech for Professor Grey’s class next Monday?‎ W: Actually, I’m a bit worried.‎ M: Why should you? What’s going on?‎ W: You know...what I chose to talk about is British history.‎ M: Really? That is a big topic.‎ W: Yes. There are so many things to cover. I just can’t see how to do it in a three-minute speech.‎ Text 7 ‎ M: Polly, Ms. Kelly has agreed to come and give a talk about international relations next week. When do you think we can fit her lecture in?‎ W: That’s great, Nick. What about Friday afternoon, then?‎ M: I’m afraid some students are planning to go on a trip. Maybe we can have it on Wednesday afternoon.‎ W: No, that’s not possible either. Most students are having group activities for their research projects. Well, I have an idea. I have a class on Tuesday afternoon, and probably Ms. Kelly can use my time.‎ M: That’s possible. But I have to speak to Dr. Li about that, and you should also talk to the students about the change.‎ W: Oh, yes. I’ll certainly do that.‎ Text 8 ‎ M: Excuse me, I’m trying to get to the Spring Gardens. Is it far from here?‎ W: Spring Gardens? No, it’s not this way. It’s in the city centre.‎ M: Is it? Oh, no! Someone told me it was this way.‎ W: No, no. It’s not this way. You want to go down there.‎ M: Yes, okay…down there.‎ W: Yep. Then, turn left, okay?‎ M: Left...‎ W: Yep, then right — first street on your right.‎ M: Right.‎ W: Then straight on, keep walking…‎ M: Oh, I’m lost! It sounds really difficult. Um, could I get a taxi anywhere near here?‎ W: It’s not so far. You just walk to the corner of the street or over the next block. There are buses that can take you there. ‎ M: Well, it’s starting to rain. I think I’ll get a taxi. Thanks, anyway.‎ W: That’s okay. Lots of taxis go this way.‎ M: I’m getting wet. What a day!‎ Text 9 ‎ W: Hello, welcome to this week’s “People You Meet”. Today, we present to you Mark Leach, an information officer in London.‎ M: Hi, everyone. My name’s Mark Leach. I’m an information officer at the Britain Business Center, which is a tourist office for the British Tourist Board in London. Here, we offer a tourist information service to mainly visitors from overseas. And each year, we have about 500,000 people come to the office.‎ W: Wow, that’s a large number of people. How do you manage to meet the needs of so many people?‎ M: I’m in charge of an information team. The team has about ten officers who give ‎ tourist information directly over the counter to visitors. We speak a total of thirteen languages altogether.‎ W: That’s pretty cool! So, what exactly do you do every day?‎ M: Well, we act as a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to come in. So, it could be that they want a day-trip from London, which is a very popular request. And we can offer suggestions of where to go and how to get there. If people want a two-week tour of Britain, we can plan out exactly where to visit, what roads to take.‎ W: So, do you have any suggestions for people coming to Britain?‎ M: A good suggestion is to see as much as you can, but try to come back again and again to see different parts of the country. Because in that way, you’ll really experience it.‎ Text 10 ‎ M: Right! Next, I’ll tell you something about my childhood. Although we have always lived in the same city, my family and I moved a lot since I was old enough to remember. We don’t have our own house. We have always rented them. For eight years, we lived downtown in a large 10-story building with no less than 30 apartments in it. The conditions were very good. But on the other hand, we had a lot of problems. Imagine how difficult and colorless life was for a nine-year-old boy, full of life, having no place to play freely. No sun, no open air, no football games. School’s from 7:30 to noon and the afternoon’s spent in a room studying, reading, or playing indoor games with a friend or two. No outdoor activities because the streets were too dangerous, and the parents much too afraid to let a young boy go out. How I wished for the weekends to come. I could then burst out with joy and happiness when we went out for a visit to some friends or relatives, a picnic, or even a car ride. I think that’s one of the reasons why I became such a strong nature lover.‎