上海市嘉定区封浜高级中学2019-2020学年高二上学期期中考试英语试题

上海市嘉定区封浜高级中学2019-2020学年高二上学期期中考试英语试题

‎2019学年上海市封浜高中第一学期期中测试高二英语卷含答案　2019.11‎ I. Listening Comprehension（1-10 每题1分，11-20每题2分）‎ Section A Short Conversations Directions: In Part A, you will hear ten short conversations between two speakers. At the end of each conversation, a question will be asked about what was said. The conversations and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a conversation and the question about it, read the four possible answers on your paper, and decide which one is the best answer to the question you have heard.‎ ‎1. A. A postwoman. B. A teacher. C. A journalist. D. A librarian.‎ ‎2. A. On a plane. B. On a train. C. At a restaurant. D. At a travel agency.‎ ‎3. A. 5 minutes. B. 10 minutes. C. 15 minutes. D. 20 minutes.‎ ‎4. A. He spends too much money. B. He should watch more TV.‎ ‎ C. He actually likes watching TV. D. He bought an expensive watch.‎ ‎5. A. The woman should get a new watch. ‎ B. The woman needs to buy another battery.‎ ‎ C. He knows what is wrong with the watch. ‎ D. The store can probably fix the woman’s watch.‎ ‎6. A. He should work in the summer school. B. He shouldn’t go to New York in the summer.‎ ‎ C. He may not want to do so. D. He may have difficulty in doing so.‎ ‎7. A. Spend more time on the course. B. Turn to the graduate assistant for help.‎ ‎ C. Drop the course as soon as possible. D. Help the graduate assistant with the course.‎ ‎8. A. They should buy a lot of coffee. B. The supermarket isn’t going to be closed.‎ ‎ C. Coffee is out of stock in the supermarket. D. They should wait for a better deal on coffee.‎ ‎9. A. The final exam. B. A law school. C. A reference letter. D.The department policy.‎ ‎10. A. He wasn’t able to find a seat there. B. He had to wait a long time for a seat there.‎ ‎ C. The seats there are uncomfortable. D. It provides reading materials for customers.‎ Section B (10*2)‎ Directions: In Section B, you will hear several longer conversation(s) and short passage(s), and you will be asked several questions on each of the conversation(s) and the passage(s). The conversation(s) and the passage(s) will be read twice, but the questions will be spoken only once. When you hear a question, read the four possible answers on your paper and decide which one is the best answer to the question you have heard.‎ Questions 11 through 13 are based on the following news.‎ ‎11. A. 2. B. 18. C. About 125. D. Over 1,300.‎ ‎12. A. Helping good universities to enroll more students.‎ B. Getting more financial support from foreign students.‎ ‎ C. Encouraging more foreign students to travel around the UK.‎ ‎ D. Attracting more excellent foreign students to work in Britain.‎ ‎13. A. He voted for Donald Trump. B. He did not vote in the presidential election.‎ C. He made a political speech in the concert. D. He sang for only 40 minutes in the concert.‎ Questions 14 through 16 are based on the following passage.‎ ‎14. A. They can play many kinds of games with snow.‎ ‎ B. They can see the beautiful scenery of falling snow.‎ ‎ C. They can have several days off from school if it snows.‎ ‎ D. They can enjoy steaming hot chocolate on a snowy day.‎ ‎15. A. The building of snowmen for children. B. The removal of snow off their driveway.‎ ‎ C. The spread of salt mixed with sand. D. The low temperature that snow brings.‎ ‎16. A. Rare and exciting. B. Dangerous and challenging. ‎ C. Unusual but disappointing. D. Troublesome but interesting.‎ Questions 17 through 20 are based on the following conversation.‎ ‎17. A. It encourages wise consumption. B. It is impossible to get stolen.‎ ‎ C. It makes it easier to pay off debt. D. It can be used in an emergency.‎ ‎18. A. It makes people feel safer. B. It prevents people from overspending.‎ ‎ C. It enables people to get things cheaper. D. It helps people know more about money.‎ ‎19. A. Doing some shopping. B. Doing some reading.‎ C. Opening an account. D. Taking a lesson.‎ ‎20. A. Shop owners prefer cash to credit cards.‎ ‎ B. The woman pays part of her bill each month.‎ ‎ C. Most people don’t choose to use credit cards.‎ ‎ D. The man wasn’t persuaded by the woman at last.‎ II. Grammar and Vocabulary (20%)‎ Section A (10%)‎ Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passages coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.‎ Apart from the spelling of the word, there are, obviously, many differences between American and British humour.‎ There is a common belief in the U.K. that Americans don’t understand irony(讽刺). This is of course not true. But what is true is that Americans don’t use it all the time.‎ Irony may show up in American comedies, but people there don’t use it as much as Brits in daily life and it is generally seen as inappropriate in situations (21) ______it is normal in the U.K.‎ On the contrary, irony is a common feature of British culture. It virtually (22) ______(run) in the blood of Brits. They use it as liberally as prepositions in everyday conversations, as a way of mocking their enemies, (23) ______ (play) with their friends and laughing at themselves.‎ This may sometimes be considered as offensive (24)______ the recipients are not used to it. But, it, in fact, is almost a sign of affection if a Brit likes you.‎ Things are different in America. When Americans use irony they will clearly state that they are “only kidding” after that. They feel the need (25)______ (make) a joke more obvious (26)______ ______it will not offend other people.‎ Humor is tied so much (27)______ culture. American jokes are more obvious and forward, a bit like Americans themselves. British jokes, on the other hand, tend to be more subtle but with a dark or sarcastic undertone (讽刺的意味). There is usually a (28)______ (hide) meaning. This may stem from the fact (29)______ British culture is more reserved than American culture. ‎ However, we should not neglect the fact that certain American comedies (30)______(gain) huge success in Britain and vice versa. Therefore, although there are differences between both comic styles, there is still an appreciation and understanding of the other’s sense of humour.‎ Section B Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need. ‎ A. energetic B. imply C. depends D. exposure E. habit F. cope ‎ G. electronic H. individual I. functions J. doubt K. efficient Whether you prefer burning the midnight oil or going to bed early so you can get up at the break of dawn __31__ on your genes, according to experts. ‎ I jump out of bed each morning, eager to start a (n) __32__ day. But I can hear my neighbor's alarm clock ringing non-stop every morning and I __33__ he gets to work on time.‎ A lot of noise comes from his flat in the evening. He's happy to stay up watching TV till after midnight, while I go to bed early and try to sleep. Well, it could be his __34__ after all. I'm regarded as " a lark(百灵鸟）" and my neighbor is called "an owl".‎ We all have inside "clocks" in the brain to control all kinds of bodily __35__ and it is reset every day by light. These inside clocks run to a different schedule in "larks" and "owls". If you have a fast clock, you like to do things early, and if you have a slow clock, you like to __36__ with things late. Because we live in a 24/7 world, scientists believe it's important to understand a person's " chronotype(睡眠类型）"--- the time of the day when they function the best. It could help make our life more __37__.‎ A US professor has studied sleeping patterns and thinks work times should be changed and made more __38__ to fit in with our chronotypes. And he has advice for those who can't choose their working hours:" If that's not possible, we should be more careful about light __39__", says the professor. " You should try to go to work not in a covered vehicle but on a bike. The minute the sun sets we should use things that have no blue light, like computer screens and other __40__ devices."‎ III. Reading Comprehension (45%)‎ Section A (15%)‎ Directions: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.‎ Researchers came to the conclusion that having two daughters is the key to a happy and harmonious family life after examining the lives of families with different combinations of children, both male and female.‎ The results show of all the variations, two girls make for the most harmonious family life as they are unlikely to fight, will play nicely and are generally a __41__ to be around.‎ It also emerged that two girls rarely __42__ their parents, make limited noise, often trust in their parents and are unlikely to wind each other up or __43__ each other.‎ ‎__44__, doubling the number of daughters is likely to lead to a whole world of pain, the report found. Mums and dads with four girls __45__ out to be the least happy with family life overall. Parents of four girls also admitted to having to __46__ an average of four fights or arguments a day, the study of 2,116 families __47__.‎ The study looked into families with twelve different combinations of children, __48__ only ‎ children but including everything from a brother and sister to four of the same __49__.‎ Mums and dads were asked to rank their children’s behavior. Two girls __50__ highly in every category. They were “easy to reason with”, “helped around the house” and __51__ “liked each other”.‎ In fact, mums and dads with four children of any gender found it harder, the results showed. __52__, sixty-two per cent of parents with this combination would have exactly the same number of children if they had their time again.‎ ‎“Every child is a blessing and there are lots of things parents can do to __53__ family life is as harmonious as possible.”‎ ‎“Making sure quality time is spent with all children, __54__ them how lucky they are to have siblings and creating family __55__ such as eating and playing together can all help everyone to get the most out of family life together.”‎ ‎41. A. contribution B. burden C. pleasure D. coincidence ‎42. A. delight B. annoy C. consider D. respect ‎43. A. forgive B. benefit C. ignore D. comfort ‎44. A. By contrast B. As a result C. In addition D. To some extent ‎45. A. figure B. carry C. burst D. turn ‎46. A. adjust to B. cope with C. lead to D. negotiate with ‎47. A. predicted B. surveyed C. revealed D. conducted ‎48. A. enclosing B. concluding C. exposing D. excluding ‎49. A. sex B. age C. hobby D. background ‎50. A. spoke B. appreciated C. educated D. scored ‎51. A. definitely B. generally C. narrowly D. exactly ‎52. A. Therefore B. Besides C. Moreover D. However ‎53. A. secure B. promise C. ensure D. influence ‎54. A. reminding B. remembering C. recalling D. reforming ‎55. A. rituals B. power C. alternative D. events Section B (22%) ‎ Directions: Read the following passages. Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage you have just read.‎ ‎(A)‎ For a star athlete, the road leading to victory is often long, and paved with sweat and sacrifice. However, once victory has been reached, athletes often find themselves at a crossroads, with their athletic career ending and the necessity of choosing a new path growing. ‎ ‎　　For some, life after the finish line may mean a tough reality check—heading back to school. Many former athletes had such demanding training schedules that their time and attention for high school studies was extremely limited. Therefore, they may not be well-prepared for the intense demands of university.‎ ‎　　Sadly, there are numerous examples of former athletes who are having difficulty settling into their new student roles. Yang Wei, the former gymnast, and Gao Ling, the former badminton player,‎ ‎ are among the 307 post-graduate students (研究生) who have been expelled from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. ‎ ‎　　Changing careers at some point during your working life is now a common trend. Most people acquire transferable skills during their first career that prepare them for the next phase. Some athletes are able to use their fame, and find jobs in media or public speaking. Others use their experience to become coaches, personal trainers, or venture into sport-related fields. One inspiring example is Yang Yang—the Olympic gold medal winner in short track speed skating (短道速滑). She is now an IOC (International Olympic Committee, 国际奥委会) member*. Other retirees, such as Deng Yaping*, are able to make a completely fresh start. This former table tennis legend will soon take up her post as deputy secretary-general (副秘书长) of People’s Daily. ‎ This raises the question—what makes some people so successful at change? Researchers suggest that accepting your real situation is key. You can’t dwell on the past. Also, setting new goals and getting excited about these goals is very important. Of course, never forget the significance of having a positive outlook and surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family. This way, you can go for gold in anything you do!‎ ‎56. For a star athlete, the road leading to victory is often _____ A. long and tough B. short and easy ‎ C. paved with flowers and applause D. exciting and joyful ‎57. The main reason for some former athletes not being well-prepared for the intense demands of university is that ________‎ A. They don’t like study.‎ B. They can’t adapt themselves to their new student roles C. When they were the athletes, they had demanding training schedules and did not have enough time for study D. They are not interested in what they learn in university.‎ ‎58. Why does the author mention Yang Wei and Gao Ling?‎ A. to praise them as successful athletes B. to prove that some former athletes can not adapt themselves well to the new student roles C. to prove that some athletes use their fame and experience to find jobs and make a successful change D. to tell us that they once studied in Huazhong University of Science and Technology ‎59. According to the passage, which of the following reason does NOT account for the successful change of some people?‎ ‎ A. accept the real situation ‎ B. have a positive outlook and are surrounded by supportive friends and family ‎ C. set new goals and get excited about them ‎ D. dwell on the past ‎ ‎(B) ‎ Notes:‎ leash: a piece of rope fastened to a dog’s collar in order to control it ‎60. A fear ladder is used to show _______________.‎ A. different forms of anxiety ‎ B. different ways to feed dogs C. different attitudes towards dogs D. different methods to overcome fear ‎ ‎61. If you feel upset about a dog printed in a page, which step are you in according to the fear ladder?‎ A. Step 1 B. Step ‎3 ‎ C. Step 5 D. Step 7‎ ‎62. Where is the passage mostly probably taken from?‎ A. An advertisement for pet house B. A scientific research on anxiety C. A summary of dealing with fear D. A magazine for keeping pets ‎(C)‎ You are what you eat. This saying has provided scientists with clues about the diet of hominids – our early relatives of 3 million years ago.‎ Studying carbon atoms locked up in tooth enamel（牙釉质）, two researchers argue against the widely held belief that hominids ate little more than fruits and leaves. Sponheimer and Julia ‎ Lee-Thorp of the University of Cape Town, South Africa, report their findings in Friday’s Science.‎ There are not many clues for us to know the life of early hominids. The shape of hominids’ teeth offered the first clues. Large and flat-edged with thick enamel, they looked perfect for eating nuts and fruits, different from the sharp teeth one would want to tear into meat with. The first stone tools, which would help in eating meat, did not appear until about half a million years later.‎ Scientists have also found marks on hominids’ teeth with patterns very similar to those on the teeth of modern-day fruit eaters. Sponheimer and Lee-Thorp tried a new method, looking at the chemical composition of the tooth enamel. They studied the enamel for the carbon-13. Animals that eat grasses have higher carbon-13 levels than those eating fruits and other plants.‎ What they found was that the teeth of the hominids had an in-between amount of carbon-13, which meant not only they were eating fruits, they were also eating a lot of grasses, or animals eating grasses. The lower carbon-13 levels could also come from eating certain types of insects.‎ But there are people who understand differently. Professor Ungar of the University of Arkansas agrees the study offers new suggestions of hominid diet, but disagrees about the suggestion that meat could explain the lower carbon-13 levels.‎ One suggestion might be true though – take good care of your teeth. In 3 million years, a scientist might be using them to figure out what you ate for dinner.‎ ‎63．Which of the following can be the best title for the text?‎ A. Protect Your Teeth B. What the Hominid Ate C. Where the Hominid lived D. The Formation of Tooth Enamel ‎64．Before the two scientists’ findings, most people thought that hominids _____.‎ A. lived half a million years ago B. ate mainly fruits and leaves C. used tools to dig grass D. had sharp teeth ‎65．The two scientists’ findings were mainly based on the study about _____.‎ A. the shape of hominids’ teeth B. the teeth marks of early fruit eaters ‎ C. the grasses of 3 million years ago D. the make-up of the tooth enamel ‎66．What is it that Professor Ungar finds doubtful?‎ A．Hominids possibly ate grass-eating animals.‎ B．Hominids probably had different diets.‎ C．Hominids were basically fruit- and grass-eaters.‎ D．Hominids had a lower level of carbon‎-13 in their teeth.‎ Section C (8%) ‎ Directions: Read the following text from which four sentences have removed. Choose from the sentences A-F the most suitable one to fill each numbered gap in the text. There are two extra sentences that you do not need to use. Mark your answers on your answer sheet.‎ A. I often experienced that myself.‎ B. It trains you to express your thoughts.‎ C. It allows you to see your progress over time.‎ D. Just use whatever tool you feel comfortable with.‎ E. Thinking actively helps you connect your idea to another idea.‎ F. Then you can do whatever necessary to avoid repeating the same mistakes.‎ The benefits of keeping a journal If you want to grow, one important thing you should do is keeping a journal. It may seem simple, but it can make a big difference in your life. I have been keeping journals for years. Writing all the lessons I learn and all the ideas I get has become a habit for me. And to be honest, I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it. Here are some benefits you will get by keeping a journal. ‎ It prevents you from losing an idea. Have you ever gotten an idea only to lose it later because you didn’t write it down? ____________________67_____________________ But then I developed the habit of writing down every idea that came into my mind as soon as possible. If I’m away from my computer, I usually write it down on a piece of paper that I bring wherever I go. I will then transfer the idea to the journal in my computer.‎ It helps you review all the lessons you’ve learned. By reviewing your journal, you can quickly see the lessons you’ve learned and the ideas you’ve gotten. ____________________68_____________________ You can use the ideas to propel (鞭策) yourself forward. ‎ ‎____________________69_____________________ After keeping a journal for years, you can look back at it and see how far you’ve gone. Things that were big problems in the past might seem small today. The raw ideas you had in the past might have been realized today. ‎ It helps you expand your ideas. When you try to come up with a sentence to express an idea, you are thinking actively about it. ____________________70_____________________ In the end, you will expand your ideas.‎ IV. 71. Summary (10%)‎ Directions: Read the passage and write a summary within 60 words.‎ Four-Day Workweek In the United States, employees typically work five days a week for eight hours each day. However, many employees want to work a four-day week and are willing to accept less pay in order to do so. A mandatory policy requiring companies to offer their employees the option of working a four-day workweek for four-fifths (80 percent) of their normal pay would benefit the economy as a whole as well as the individual companies and the employees who decided to take the option.‎ The shortened workweek would increase company profits because employees would feel more rested and alert, and as a result, they would make fewer costly errors in their work. Hiring more staff to ensure that the same amount of work would be accomplished would not result in additional payroll costs because four-day employees would only be paid 80 percent of the normal rate. In the end, companies would have fewer overworked and error-prone employees for the same money, which would increase company benefits.‎ For the country as a whole, one of the primary benefits of offering this option to employees is that it would reduce unemployment rate. If many full-time employees started working fewer hours, some of their workload would have to be shifted to others. Thus, for every four employees who went on an 80 percent week, a new employee could be hired at the 80 percent rate.‎ Finally, the option of a four-day workweek would be better for individual employees.‎ ‎ Employees who could afford a lower salary in exchange for more free time could improve the quality of their lives by spending the extra time with their families, pursuing private interests or enjoying leisure activities.‎ V. Translation（3+4+4+4+5）‎ Directions: Translate the following sentences into English, using the words given in the brackets.. ‎ ‎72. 他的法语口语很熟练，。（command）‎ ‎73. 由于生意成功，我们今年能买得起新车。（afford）‎ ‎74. 尽管天气炎热，志愿者们还是成功地完成了任务。（despite）‎ ‎75. 面试官说他恐怕是唯一能胜任这份高难度工作的人。（qualified）‎ ‎76. 你预先做的准备工作越充分，你将来遇到来自于学生的阻力的可能性也越小。（The more…the more）‎ VI. Guided Writing Directions:Write an English composition in 120-150 words according to the instructions givenbelow in Chinese.‎ 为保护环境，我校提倡垃圾分类 （classify garbage），但不少班级落实情况不尽如人意。请你写一封信向学生会负责人反映这一现状，并提出合理化建议。‎ I. Listening Comprehension ‎1. C 2. A 3. B 4. C 5. D 6. D 7. B 8. A 9. C 10. B ‎11. D 12. D 13. C 14. A 15. B 16. A 17. D 18. B 19. A 20. D II. Grammar ‎21-30 where, runs, playing, if/when , to make, so that, to, hidden, that, have gained Vocabulary 31-40 CAJEIFKHDG III. Cloze 41-55 CBCAD BCDAD BDCAA Reading 56-66 ACBD DAB BBDA ‎ ‎ ‎ 67-70 AFCE IV. 71. Summary Working for four days a week with less pay would be beneficial at three levels. First, companies could increase profits by hiring more energetic and alert employees without increasing payroll costs. Second, the country would have lower unemployment rates with more people at work. Finally, employees would improve the quality of their lives with more free time. ‎ ‎ (57 words)‎ V. Translation ‎ ‎72. He has a good command of spoken French.‎ ‎73 . Thanks to the success business, and we can afford a new car this year ‎ ‎74. Despite the hot weather, the volunteers succeeded in finishing the task.‎ ‎75. The interviewer said that he maybe the only person that was qualified for the demanding job.‎ ‎76. The fuller / better preparations you make in advance, the less likely you are to meet resistance from students in the future. / the less likely it is that you will meet resistance from students in the future.‎ Listening Comprehension Section A Directions: In Section A, you will hear ten short conversations between two speakers. At the end of each conversation, a question will be asked about what was said. The conversations and the questions will be spoken only once. After you hear a conversation and the question about it, read the four possible answers on your paper, and decide which one is the best answer to the question you have heard.‎ ‎1. W: Good evening, Mr. Johnson. I’m with the local newspaper. May I ask you a few questions?‎ ‎ M: Sure. Go ahead, please.‎ ‎ Q: What is the woman’s job?‎ ‎2. W: I hope you enjoy the rest of your flight. Don’t forget to fill in your landing card.‎ ‎ M: Thank you. I do appreciate your service.‎ ‎ Q: Where does the conversation most probably take place?‎ ‎3. M: Would you please tell me if the No. 7 bus stop is here?‎ ‎ W: Yes, but the bus only runs once every 15 minutes and one just went by 5 minutes ago.‎ ‎ Q: How long does the man have to wait for the next bus?‎ ‎4. M: Paul says he doesn’t like television.‎ ‎ W: Yes. But it seems he spends a lot of time watching it, doesn’t he?‎ ‎ Q: What does the woman think about Paul?‎ ‎5. W: My watch stopped again. And I just got a new battery. ‎ M: Why don’t you take it to Smith’s Jewelry. They can check it for you. And the prices are pretty reasonable.‎ Q: What does the man mean?‎ ‎6. M: George is going to work in New York for the summer.‎ ‎ W: Can he do that and go to the summer school at the same time?‎ ‎ Q: What does the woman imply about George?‎ ‎7. M: I’m really having trouble with this computer course. If I can’t start doing better soon, I will have to drop it.‎ W: Why don’t you get some help from the graduate assistant? That’s what he’s there for.‎ Q: What does the woman suggest the man do?‎ ‎8. W: The supermarket down the street is selling everything half price because they are going out of business.‎ M: Sounds like an ideal time to stock up on coffee.‎ Q: What does the man mean?‎ ‎9. M: If this is about the final exam, I’m afraid I can’t give out any hints. The departmental policy is very strict. ‎ W: Oh, it has nothing to do with that. I was actually hoping you could write me a reference letter for my law school application.‎ Q: What are the speakers mainly talking about?‎ ‎10. W: You waited at the Magic Cafe yesterday, didn’t you? Was there much of a wait to be seated?‎ M: Yes. I wish I’d brought a book or something to kill the time.‎ Q: What does the man imply about the cafe?‎ Section B Directions: In Section B, you will hear several longer conversation(s) and short passage(s), and you will be asked several questions on each of the conversation(s) and the passage(s). The conversation(s) and the passage(s) will be read twice, but the questions will be spoken only once. When you hear a question, read the four possible answers on your paper and decide which one is the best answer to the question you have heard.‎ Questions 11 through 13 are based on the following news.‎ NEW ZEALAND—About 125 Chinese tourists trapped in Kaikoura by a strong earthquake in New Zealand, have been safely transferred to Christchurch by helicopters. Altogether 18 flights were made for the rescue.‎ The big earthquake and aftershocks struck the country’s South Island after midnight on Monday, killing two people.‎ More than 1,300 tourists, including the Chinese, were confirmed stranded in the tourist resort.‎ BRITAIN—The British government has issued a new visa policy that allows foreign students to stay six months more after their course ends. They will not have to present proof of funds or education background certification. The new plan will attract more students and at the same time allow time for them to apply for a work visa. The new rules apply only to students of some good universities. ‎ CALIFORNIA—Singer Kanye West told the crowd at a concert in California Thursday that he did not vote in the presidential election. But he told them if he had, he would have voted for Donald Trump.‎ West reportedly continued to talk for 40 minutes about his reasons for preferring Trump. The crowd, expecting to hear songs instead of a political speech, was angry. Some even threw shoes.‎ ‎(Now listen again, please)‎ Questions:‎ ‎11. How many tourists were trapped in Kaikoura?‎ ‎12. What is Britain’s new visa policy aimed at?‎ ‎13. Why was the crowd angry with Kanye West?‎ Questions 14 through 16 are based on the following passage.‎ ‎“Is it snowing?” That’s the question my children often asked when we first moved to America. Growing up on a warm island, we had a fantasy about a snowy winter wonderland. We imagined the falling snow or a family sitting around their fireplace enjoying steaming hot chocolate. It seemed so pleasant. In reality, snow can be really messy.‎ I can understand why kids love snow. They get two hours, a half day or a whole day off from school. Then the playtime begins. The kids build snowmen, slide down hills on snowboards or have snowball fights.‎ For adults, it’s not that much fun. Most cities and communities have special vehicles to remove the snow from the streets. They also spread salt mixed with sand to prevent ice on sidewalks and roadways. But cleaning our own driveway is such a bother. We have to remove the snow ourselves. If we don’t, the icy surface can be dangerous.‎ Despite these troubles, snow can also be exciting, especially if you love to ski. I remember when we went to Colorado for a ski camp years ago. We started by attending a beginners’ class. We learned how to slide, stop, turn and get up after a fall. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.‎ ‎(Now listen again, please)‎ Questions:‎ ‎14. Why does the speaker think children like snow?‎ ‎15. What is it about snow that upsets the speaker?‎ ‎16. What does the speaker think about their ski camp years ago?‎ Questions 17 through 20 are based on the following conversation.‎ M: Wow! That’s a lot! How are you going to pay?‎ W: Easy. I’ll just use my credit card.‎ M: Really? But you go into debt each time you purchase.‎ W: It’s no big deal. I usually pay off my entire bill at the end of the month.‎ M: Glad you pay off each month, but many people don’t. Credit cards present a huge temptation to spend. It’s easier to know how much you spend when using only cash.‎ W: Perhaps, but I also feel safer knowing I can use my card in an emergency.‎ M: I think it’s better to save money in an emergency fund. Then you don’t go into debt.‎ W: Yeah, emergency funds are important, but credit cards can be accessed more easily. And you don’t have to carry so much cash. That means your money is less likely to get stolen.‎ M: But what if your card gets stolen? That can be worse.‎ W: Not really. You can cancel your card. And the company covers most of the cost of things bought with a stolen card. If cash gets stolen, it’s gone. Moreover, many cards offer rewards like store discounts or points.‎ M: Yes, they do give out points, but most people don’t use them. ‎ W: Maybe. Well, I’m done. Let’s get in line at the check-out. And I’m going to use my credit card.‎ M: That’s your choice, but I’m sticking with cash.‎ ‎(Now listen again, please)‎ Questions:‎ ‎17. Which of the following is a reason why the woman prefers a credit card?‎ ‎18. What advantage does cash have according to the man?‎ ‎19. What might the two speakers be doing while talking?‎ ‎20. What can be learned from the conversation?‎