【英语】云南省昆明市官渡区第一中学2019-2020学年高二下学期期中考试

【英语】云南省昆明市官渡区第一中学2019-2020学年高二下学期期中考试

云南省昆明市官渡区第一中学2019-2020学年 高二下学期期中考试 本试题分为第I卷（选择题）和第II卷（非选择题），总分150分，考试时间120分钟 第I卷（选择题：共100分）‎ 第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）‎ 第一节（共5小题，每题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. Who is having a party? ‎ A. Laura. B. Matt. C. Sophia.‎ ‎2. What will the class do next? ‎ A. Work in groups. B. Give presentations. C. Turn in their homework.‎ ‎3. What is the weather like now? ‎ A. Rainy. B. Hot. C. Windy.‎ ‎4. What is the possible relationship between the speakers? ‎ A. Family members. B. Classmates. C. Co-workers.‎ ‎5. How many members are there in Tom’s group now? ‎ A. 3. B. 5. C. 8.‎ 第二节（共15小题，每题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2至4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5秒钟的时间阅读各个小题；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 woman trying to talk about? ‎ A. Delicious food. B. Fancy phones. C. Social problems.‎ ‎7. How is the man’s attitude in the conversation? ‎ A. Thoughtful. B. Uninterested. C. Considerate.‎ 听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。‎ ‎8. What are the speakers mainly talking about? ‎ A. Cooking. B. Cleaning. C. Gardening.‎ ‎9. What does the man have to do tonight? ‎ A. Take the weeds out. B. Water the trees. C. Cover some plants.‎ ‎10. Where are the woman’s plants? ‎ A. In her backyard. B. In her kitchen. C. On her balcony.‎ 听第8段材料，回答第11至13题。‎ ‎11. Whose book was the man looking at? ‎ A. The woman’s. B. The woman’s teacher’s. C. The woman’s sister’s.‎ ‎12. What are the mentioned French words related to? ‎ A. Food. B. Insects. C. Places.‎ ‎13. What does the woman promise to do?‎ A. Take a Spanish course with the man. ‎ B. Teach the man some words every day.‎ C. Exercise with the man after each class.‎ 听第9段材料，回答第14至17题。‎ ‎14. When did the competition first come to China? ‎ A. In 2014. B. In 2016. C. In 2018.‎ ‎15. How does the man probably feel about horse racing? ‎ A. He really dislikes it. ‎ B. He is pretty excited about it.‎ C. He wants to learn more about it.‎ ‎16. Who will the woman go to the event with?‎ A. Her husband. B. Her sister. C. Her friend.‎ ‎17. What can we know about the speakers? ‎ A. They are grandparents. ‎ B. They both love fancy events.‎ C. They always buy gifts for each other.‎ 听第10段材料，回答第18至20题。‎ ‎18. What does the speaker do? ‎ A. She is a TV producer. B. She is a politician. C. She is a scientist.‎ ‎19. Where did the speaker do the task? ‎ A. On a boat. B. At a university. C. At a TV station.‎ ‎20. Why are the sharks returning? ‎ A. There is more food to eat. ‎ B. The water quality is better.‎ C. There are fewer people to hunt them.‎ 第二部分：阅读理解（共两节，满分40分）‎ 第一节：（共15小题，每小题2分，满分30分）‎ 阅读下面的短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。‎ A Nia fitness class A unique combination of yoga, dance and martial arts techniques, Nia is a new form of fitness designed for people of all fitness levels to open up their body and relax.‎ When: Every Wednesday 5-6 pm Cost (per person): 100 yuan for one class, 500 yuan for six Contact: 135-2299-3724‎ Where: D-1F Jinxiuyuan Apartment, Xing Fu Cun Zhong Lu, Chaoyang District The Red Detachment of Women Part of the closing ceremony for the 11th “Meet in Beijing” Arts Festival, the China National Ballet will be performing The Red Detachment of Women, one of the most successful full-length Chinese ballets.‎ When: May 25, 7:30 pm Cost: 80-1,080 yuan Contact: 6417-7845, ponypiaoen@hotmail.com Where: Poly Plaza, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng District Student rock College bands Las Vegas, Strange July, Wet Sand, Poshangcun and Ganrao Diantai will take the stage at D-22 to show some of the best talent.‎ With many of Beijing’s best underground bands getting their start at D-22, it’s a place to ‎ experience new sounds, faces and performances inspired by the city’s youngest talent.‎ When: May 27, 8:30 pm Cost: 20 yuan Contact: 6265-3177‎ Where: D-22, 242 Chengfu Lu, Haidian District Speed dating “on wheels”‎ The speed dating industry is not new in China. All speed dating is the same: small tables, pleasant environment, nervous people.‎ Speed dating “on wheels” is a new form of speed dating. The details: Chinese rickshaws (人力车) will drive you around the romantic places at Houhai Lake, stopping to make a change.‎ This traditional atmosphere will bring more romance to the old, boring speed dating.‎ When: June 5, 2-4 pm Cost: 150 yuan (rickshaws and bar included)‎ Where: Houhai Lake ‎21. If a couple want to attend two Nia fitness classes, they need to pay _____.‎ A. 100 yuan B. 400 yuan C. 300 yuan D. 200 yuan ‎ ‎22. Which of the following activities can you attend if you are available on the evening of May 27?‎ A. Nia fitness class. ‎ B. The Red Detachment of Women.‎ C. Student rock. ‎ D. Speed dating “on wheels”.‎ ‎23. Which of the following about the speed dating “on wheels” is TRUE?‎ A. It will not cost people extra money to take rickshaws. ‎ B. It lasts a whole day on June 5.‎ C. It is suitable for nervous people and old people. ‎ D. It is not new in China. ‎ ‎24. If you want to enjoy the ballet performance, you should go to _____.‎ A. D-1F Jinxiuyuan Apartment B. Poly Plaza ‎ C. Houhai Lake D. D-22‎ B Larry Ritsema was out for an early morning jog around his neighborhood on one weekend. On a quiet street, he began to feel weak. Suddenly, everything went black. Larry fell to the ground.‎ Less than a minute later, Tom Alguire passed by on his bicycle. He caught sight of a man lying on the roadside, so he jumped off his bike and ran over. He recognized Larry immediately, because he had been Larry’s doctor for nearly 20 years.‎ Dr. Tom felt for a pulse (脉搏) at first. Finding none, he began to give Larry first aid. It wouldn’t restart Larry’s heart, but it would keep the blood flowing until someone else arrived. Tom could only hope someone would come by soon, around six o’clock in the morning on a holiday weekend. Tom couldn’t stop pressing Larry’s chest to run for help — Larry’s brain cells would die without the blood. And Tom didn’t have a cell phone with him.‎ Soon, a car did drive by. But the driver ignored Tom’s appeal for help. What was he going to do? Tom was very worried. Finally, another car came down the road, driven by Michael Saliot, a U.S. Coast Guard Officer. Michael wasn’t one to miss a chance to help a person in need. He quickly dialed 911.‎ Doctors then found that Larry had suffered a heart attack and there were severe blockages in two of Larry’s major arteries (动脉). Only the timely arrival of Dr. Tom saved his life.‎ How did Dr. Tom happen to be bicycling that morning, down that quiet street? It turned out that as Tom rode, his bike chain fell off. He spent about eight minutes fitting it back; otherwise, he would have seen nothing of Larry’s problem.‎ ‎25. Doctor Tom gave Larry first aid in order to _____.‎ A. keep Larry’s blood flowing B. wake up Larry C. restart Larry’s pulse D. stop Larry from bleeding ‎26. Why didn’t Tom call 911 for help?‎ A. He didn’t take a cell phone with him. ‎ B. He was waiting for someone else for help.‎ C. He was so nervous that he forgot to do it. ‎ D. He couldn’t stop pressing Larry’s chest.‎ ‎27. Which of the following is TRUE according to the text?‎ A. Tom Alguire saw Larry before Larry fell to the ground.‎ B. Larry Ritsema went to work early on foot that morning.‎ C. Tom fitted his bike chain back after Larry was sent to hospital.‎ D. Michael Saliot was a man always ready to help others.‎ C China which boasts 4 inventions in ancient times, has once again shown its ability to change the world with its" new four great inventions" :high-speed railways, electronic payments, shared bicycles and online shopping. "The new great inventions are all related to China's high technologies, which improved the quality of people's lives." said Wu Hao, executive director of the BRRI.‎ ‎"It is increasingly clear that China is innovative and is leading in many ways such as social messaging app WeChat, "said Rebecca Fannin, founder and editor of Silicon Dragon.‎ The new four innovative ways of life were most appealing to youths from 20 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, according to a survey by the Belt and Road Research Institute of Beijing Foreign Studies University.‎ ‎"My wallet is no longer in use. I can buy and eat whatever I want simply with a tap of my phone," said Lin Jinlong, an overseas Chinese student from Cambodia, adding that. "even pancake sellers are using Alipay". "I can order food at home in China, which is super convenient. If I were at home in Cambodia, I would have to go outdoors."‎ ‎"The trip from Beijing to the coastal city of Tianjin is more than 100 km. You can't imagine how fast it takes if you travel by Chinese high-speed train, It will take only half an hour. But in Cambodia, which has only two railways, the traveling time of the same distance will be increased to 6 times," said Lin.‎ ‎"China has entered a new period," said Bernhard Schwart lander, World Health Organization Representative in China. As a huge fan of bicycles, Bernhard expressed his affection for China's shared bicycles, saying that "shared bikes are bringing cycling back to people's lives and they are making public transport more attractive and. convenient, and encouraging people to be more active."‎ ‎28.What does the underlined word "innovative" in Paragraph 2 probably mean?‎ A. Convenient. B. Expensive. C. Popular. D. Creative. ‎ ‎29.What do we know from Lin Jinlong's words?‎ A. Food can be ordered by cell phones in Cambodian.‎ B. Alipay is only popular with pancake sellers in China.‎ C. Traveling 100 km by rail in Cambodia takes up to 3 hours.‎ D. Wallets can be replaced by cell phones both in China and Cambodia.‎ ‎30.Which invention impressed Bernhard most?‎ A. High-speed railways. B. Electronic payments.‎ C. Online shopping. D. Shared bicycles. ‎ ‎31:What is the main purpose of the passage?‎ A. To compare old and new four Chinese great inventions.‎ B. To show how four Chinese new inventions impressed the world.‎ C. To present a Cambodian student's living experience in China.‎ D. To introduce benefits of popular means of transportation.‎ D CHICAGO--- Airplanes are polluters. They're as noisy as a rock concert, and send out poisons into the air as well as dump millions of pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. By 2050, emissions (排放) from planes are expected to become one of the largest contributors to global warming. ‎ That’s why researchers at MIT are designing a completely new type of airplane for NASA that will enable greener airplanes to take flight before 2050. ‎ The 180-passenger D “double bubble” series was designed to replace the Boeing 737 class aircraft, the most popular jetliner in the world right now. The design is called a “double bubble” because it uses two partial cylinders (气缸) placed side by side. Those two cylinders create a wider structure that looks like two soap bubbles joined together. ‎ In today’s commercial airplanes, air flows directly into the engines located on the plane’s wings. That high-speed air flow drags on the plane, and requires more fuel to overcome the design inefficiency. ‎ MIT’s design changes all that. By moving the engines to the plane’s tail, they take in slower moving air present in the wake of the fuselage (机舱). Less drag means less fuel is needed to get the plane the same distance. ‎ Burning less fuel can help passengers’ wallet as well as the environment. The environmental implications of saving energy are as just as clear: the fewer emissions that planes spout（喷射） into the atmosphere, the healthier our planet. ‎ But for passengers, we still have a couple decades to wait before any of these planes make it onto the runway. NASA’s goal is to make sure the planes that MIT has designed can take off by 2035.‎ ‎32. The best feature of the double bubble flight is that _____.‎ A. it will make no noise B. it will hold more passengers ‎ C. it is designed to save fuel D. it needs no runways to take off ‎ ‎33. Which of the following is NOT true according to the text?‎ A. It's expected that NASA’s goal will be realized by the year 2035.‎ B. Airplanes are very noisy for the environment ‎ C. MIT’s new design will save passengers’ money ‎ D. Emission from planes are contributing the most to the global warming now.‎ ‎34. What’s the main idea of the text?‎ A. Here is Boeing 737's end ‎ B. Passengers will enjoy lower prices ‎ C. Researchers are designing greener aircraft ‎ D. Airlines attract passengers with new planes ‎35. The passage comes from a ____. ‎ A. Science textbook B. News report ‎ C. Travel guide D. Environment research 第二节 (共5小题；每小题2分，满分10分)‎ 根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。‎ Ways to Conquer Fear Life can be scary. Sometimes you’ll face situations that put you in a position where you feel unprepared. 36 If you’re often filled with fear, there are a few things you can do to lessen those feelings. Here are four tips for conquering your fear.‎ ‎1. Take a deep breath Breathing exercises will help lower your heart rate and calm your nerves. 37 In this way, you’ll be able to calm down and focus.‎ ‎2. Face your fear One way to get over a situation that makes you fearful is to face your fear head on. For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, accept opportunities to speak in front of people. 38 ‎ ‎3. Pay attention to negative thoughts Your thoughts have a great influence on how you feel. When you focus on how afraid you are, the fear will become worse. Continuing to feed negative thoughts will just make you feel bad and anxious. 39 Take control of your anxious thoughts and replace them with self-affirming ones.‎ ‎4. Search for a partner ‎ 40 Having a support system will make it easier for you to deal with fear. Studies have shown that a support network aids in emotional well-being.‎ A. Don’t let your fear rule you.‎ B. Not knowing what to expect can result in feelings of fear and anxiety.‎ C. Seek a friend to team up with you to tackle (处理) your fears.‎ D. Making friends is not very difficult for us.‎ E. It is time you should do something to get rid of your fear.‎ F. So when you’re struck with panic, breathe deeply.‎ G. Start with a small group and then work your way to a larger audience.‎ 第二部分　英语知识运用(共两节，满分45分)‎ 第一节　完形填空(共20小题；每小题1.5分，满分30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，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。‎ Nancy and her husband were overnight in Atlanta as they waited to connect with a flight to South Africa. They are going there to meet her 41 and have a nice three-week vacation.‎ Unluckily, their luggage had already been 42 . So they were wondering if they should get on that 43 to South Africa. But their friends had put on a lot of efforts 44 their trip in South Africa including 45 for trips they would go on. So, Nancy ended up deciding to go without their 46 and hope for the best.‎ They were about to 47 in the hotel when the telephone rang. But it was not about their luggage. It was Nancy’s son 48 her that her 87-year-old mother was 49 . She was in hospital. Her son said she’d better ‎ ‎ 50 immediately. But Nancy was 51 . They had been planning this trip for a long time but she wanted to 5 52 her mother too. Nancy wished she could talk to someone that can give her some 53 advice. When her husband went to sleep, she lay awake wrestling with her 54 . Suddenly, she heard her mother’s voice, “Go. 55 your trip!” Nancy wondered if she had 56 it. Nancy felt as if her mother were there with her. The voice and message were so 57 and strong.‎ The next morning, Nancy’s husband asked what she decided. Before she could 58 , there came a telephone ring. It was Nancy’s sister. She told Nancy she would take good care of their mother. Meanwhile, their luggage has been eventually 59 .‎ Deeply touched, Nancy felt extremely fortunate living in such a harmonious family. Nancy and her husband headed for South Africa with 60 in time.‎ ‎41. A. mother B. relatives C. son D. friends ‎ ‎42. A. lost B. checked C. delivered D. weighed ‎43. A. ship B. flight C. train D. coach ‎44. A. delaying B. changing C. planning D. canceling ‎45. A. reservations B. trouble C. regulation D. excitement ‎46. A. passports B. wallet C. cellphones D. luggage ‎ ‎47. A. instruct B. wander C. sleep D. work ‎48. A. warning B. informing C. predicting D. declaring ‎ ‎49. A. nervous B. delighted C. exhausted D. sick ‎ ‎50. A. escape B. respond C. return D. mourn ‎51. A. calm B. encouraged C. relaxed D. torn ‎ ‎52. A. attend to B. look for C. take in D. leave alone ‎53. A. unreasonable B. practical C. dishonest D. selfish ‎54. A. disease B. imagination C. decision D. promise ‎55. A. Forget B. Enjoy C. Record D. Abandon ‎ ‎56. A. imagined B. claimed C. rewarded D. expressed ‎57. A. illegal B. strange C. clear D. rare ‎58. A. repeat B. request C. regret D. reply ‎59. A. signed B. found C. opened D. wrapped ‎ ‎60. A. relief B. embarrassment C. disappointment D. anxiety 第II卷（非选择题：共50分）‎ 第二节 语法填空 (共10小题；每小题I.5分，满分15分)‎ In Hangzhou，borrowing books from the library is now as simple as shopping online：click，pay and wait for delivery.‎ The city’s public library recently launched a program on WeChat， 61 popular Chinese messaging software，enabling 62 （it）readers to check out books online and get them 63 (deliver) to their homes at low prices.‎ To enjoy the “Hangzhou enjoyable reading” service，one first needs to follow the library’s official WeChat account, 64 provides a list of books. After picking books，borrowers are required 65 (present) their information such as their library membership cards，cellphone numbers and so on. The selected items will be delivered by express within three days after payments. Each reader can borrow up to 5 books once and 20 books at most 66 total. The books can be kept for up to 40 days. Readers now can borrow the library’s most popular books in this way. The online books will be renewed and enriched 67 (gradual) according to readers’ borrowing habits and 68 (prefer). At the end of December，the library’s old and classic books 69 (put) online too，making the total number of books available and bringing borrowers a lot of 70 (convenient).‎ 第三部分 写作（共两节，满分35分）‎ 第一节 短文改错(共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分)‎ 假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。‎ 增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（^），并在其下面写出该加的词。‎ 删除：把多余的词用斜线（）划掉。‎ 修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。‎ 注意：1. 每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；‎ ‎2. 只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。‎ I lacked self-confidence while I was young, but climbing with my father changed me completely. One day, he leads me to the foot of a mountain. Seeing the high mountain, and I fearfully said, “I’m afraid I can't make it to the top.” Looking in my eyes, Father said gentle, “Never will you know what you can do until you try. Just try your best and you can make. ” With his encourage, I decided to have a try. Step to step I followed him and finally climbed to a top of the mountain. Can you imagine how exciting I was when I did what I had thought was impossible? Ever since I’ve realized that I can achieve my goal if I believe in me.‎ 第二节：书面表达(满分25分) ‎ 假定你是李华，你从某网站上得知国家博物馆正在招聘暑假英语讲解员，请你根据以下提示,给博物馆负责外国游客接待的Mr. Jason写一封英文自荐信。内容包括:‎ ‎1. 表达意愿；‎ ‎2. 自荐理由；‎ ‎3. 恳请获准。‎ 注意：1. 词数100左右；2. 可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。‎ 参考词汇: 讲解员interpreter Dear Mr. Jason,‎ ‎__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________‎ Yours sincerely,‎ Li Hua ‎ ‎【参考答案】‎ ‎1～5 CABCB 6～10 CBCCB 11～15 CABAA 16～20 BACAB ‎21～24 BCAB 25～27 AAD 28～31 DCDB 32～35 CDCB ‎36～40 BFGAC ‎41～45 DABCA 46～50 DCBDC 51～55 DABCB 56～60 ACDBA ‎61．a 62. its 63.delivered 64. which 65. to present ‎66. in 67. gradually 68. preferences 69. will be put 70.convenience 短文改错 I lacked self-confidence while I was young, but climbing with my father changed me ‎ completely.‎ ‎ when One day, he leads me to the foot of a mountain. Seeing the high mountain, and I fearfully said, “I’m afraid ‎ ‎ led I can’t make it to the top.” Looking in my eyes, Father said gentle, “Never will you know what you can do ‎ gently ‎ until you try. Just try your best and you can make ^ .” With his encourage, I decided to have a try. Step ‎ it encouragement to step I followed him and finally climbed to a top of the mountain. Can you imagine how exciting ‎ by the ‎ excited I was when I did what I had thought was impossible? Ever since I’ve realized that I can achieve my goal if I believe in me. ‎ ‎ myself 书面表达 Dear Mr. Jason,‎ I’m Li Hua, a high school student. I am writing to apply for the position you advertised on the Website.‎ First of all, having studied English for about ten years, I have good command of English. With fluent oral English, I’m convinced that I have no difficulty in communicating with foreign guests.‎ Furthermore, since I grow up here, I’m familiar with the history and traditions of Yunnan Province. And I have a strong affection for them. More importantly, considered as a kind, confident and outgoing boy/ girl, I can make friends with different people in no time. I am sure foreign visitors will be satisfied with my thoughtful and excellent service.‎ I would deeply appreciate it if you could give me the precious chance to serve as an ‎ interpreter. Looking forward to your early reply.‎ Yours sincerely,‎ Li Hua 录音原文 Text 1‎ M: Laura, are you going to Sophia’s end-of-school party? ‎ W: Oh, no! I forgot all about it, Matt. She has one every June, doesn’t she? I missed the last one. ‎ M: It’s a lot of fun. You should really come!‎ Text 2‎ M: Ms. Anthony, this homework is really difficult. Can you give us some help with the answers?‎ W: No, but I’ll allow you to work in groups this time. Then one person from each group will present the answers to the class in the end.‎ Text 3‎ W: Sometimes I just wish I were a flower. Look at them getting watered over there…it looks so refreshing! And we’re here sweating in gym class while Mr. Filbert makes us run like the wind!‎ M: I’d rather be a dog, taking a nap in the shade and beating the heat!‎ Text 4‎ W: Where have you been? It is a long time since I saw you last month at the company’s dinner party. Have you been away on business?‎ M: No, I’ve been away on holiday. My uncle and aunt live in London. I visited them. ‎ Text 5 ‎ W: Tom, I heard you guys study by groups. How big is your study group?‎ M: Well, there were 8 of us to begin with. Then 3 students left. ‎ Text 6‎ W: Look around us. Almost everyone is sitting at their tables using their cell phones.‎ M: I never even noticed. ‎ W: That’s my point. You didn’t notice, because you’re so used to it. ‎ M: I’m hungry. What should we get to eat?‎ W: Look at this. We don’t even have to speak to the waitress to order our food. We just select what we want from this electronic tablet.‎ M: Cool! Let me see that.‎ W: I think all this fancy technology is turning us into robots. People don’t even communicate in person anymore. Something is wrong with this society.‎ M: Cool! You can play a game on this thing!‎ W: John?‎ M: Hold on…Yes! A new high score! Sorry, what were you saying?‎ W: Never mind. ‎ Text 7 ‎ M: It’s raining again. Time to fix up the backyard garden. I need to pull the weeds out. And tonight, the temperature will be close to freezing. I’ll have to cover the plants so they don’t die.‎ W: That’s a lot of work! My garden doesn’t need so much care.‎ M: I didn’t know you had one. Where is it?‎ W: In my kitchen. I put all my plants by the kitchen window. They get plenty of sunshine, and I remember to water them often. If they were out on the balcony, I would probably forget. ‎ M: What do you grow?‎ W: I have some herbs and two different kinds of hot pepper plants. I use these in my cooking. I also have some plants with flowers, just for decoration. ‎ M: Our gardens are very different. I have many vegetables and some small fruit trees. ‎ Text 8‎ M: What is this book here? I recognize some of the words, but I’ve never seen most of them before.‎ W: That’s not mine. It is my sister’s. She is taking a French class. ‎ M: I didn’t know the two languages were so similar.‎ W: Oh, yes. English borrows a lot of words from French, Spanish, and even German.‎ M: Really? Can you give me some examples?‎ W: Restaurant, menu, chef, salad…those are all French words. They are pronounced differently in French, though. ‎ M: I never knew that. What else?‎ W: Let me think…well, mosquito and cockroach are Spanish words, as are many city names in America.‎ M: So English is really just a mix of a bunch of other languages?‎ W: I guess you could say that. ‎ M: Language learning is such an interesting thing! Can you teach me some words after school every day?‎ W: Okay.‎ Text 9‎ M: Sandra, I bought you a gift for your birthday. ‎ W: Alan, you know we don’t buy gifts for each other anymore. That’s what our children and grandchildren are for — giving presents!‎ M: I know, I know… but I couldn’t pass this up. It’s a ticket to the horse races in Shanghai. ‎ W: What?‎ M: Yeah! I know you’ve been wanting to go, ever since the international event came to China in 2014. I was too late to buy tickets before they sold out in 2016. Now it’s 2018, and it’s time you got your wish!‎ W: This is such a nice surprise! Thank you, my dear! I never would have guessed you’d do something like this! You hate fancy events like this. ‎ M: Oh, I do. That’s why I’m not going. You wouldn’t have fun with me there, either. I would just be complaining the whole time. ‎ W: But I can’t go alone…‎ M: That’s why you’re going with your sister Anne. I bought a ticket for her, too. You ladies will have a great time.‎ W: A double surprise! I can’t wait to tell her! She loves watching the competitions on TV. What a wonderful gift from my thoughtful husband! ‎ Text 10‎ W: Fellow scientists, I finally have some good news to report. As you know, I have been studying sea life for three months in New York Harbor. Today, I can finally present some hard evidence that sharks have returned to these waters. For the past two weeks, I’ve been helping to ‎ film the Shark Week program for the Discovery Channel on TV. My job was to sit in a boat near a dead whale and check it for shark bites. It’s been a very hot July, so this wasn’t the easiest task. After five days, I noticed there were several large shark bites along the stomach of the whale. I was thrilled! Because this means our conservation efforts are starting to pay off. Sharks returning to a former hunting ground indicates that the waters are cleaner and healthier. We have been trying to clean up this area and the rivers that poured into the harbor for many years. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Friends of the Environment Society. You have all made your best effort so that future generations can live in a clean world.‎