2014年高考英语模拟试卷(新课标卷)

2014年高考英语模拟试卷（新课标卷）

注意事项：

一、本卷包括四部分。其中第一部分、第二部分和第三部分为选择题，包括75个小

题；第四部分为非选择题。

二、答题前请仔细阅读答题卡上的“注意事项”，按照“注意事项”的规定答题。所

有题目均需在答题卡上作答，在试卷和草稿纸上作答无效。

三、做选择题时，如需改动，用橡皮擦干净后，再选涂其他答案。

四、考试结束后，请将本试卷和答题卡一并交回。

第I卷

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，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。

例：How much is the shirt?

A. ￡19.15.

B. ￡9.18.

C. ￡9.15.

答案是C。

1. What is the man trying to teach the woman?

A. How to throw a football.

B. How to be part of a team.

C. How to train football players.

2. Where is Fabio probably now?

A. At the juice bar.

B. At the swimming pool.

C. In the yoga studio.

3. What does the woman mean?

A. She doesn’t like monkeys and music.

B. She isn’t going to the show.

C. She knows the man will enjoy the show.

4. How many girls are there in the class?

A. 25.

B. 20.

C. 10.

5. What is the topic of this conversation?

A. An operation.

B. An accident.

C. A burglary.

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，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 possible relationship between the speakers?

A. Business partners.

B. Manager and client.

C. Boss and secretary.

7. What will the woman do next?

A. Make some copies for a meeting.

B. Send an e-mail to some clients from Canada.

C. Put some documents in order.

听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。

8. What will the man’s wife have for breakfast?

A. Pancakes.

B. Potatoes and toast.

C. Eggs and bacon.

9. Why did the woman say sorry to the man?

A. He’ll have to wait for a while.

B. The forks and knives are not on the table.

C. They don’t have the drink he wants.

听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。

10. Who is Kim Kardashian?

A. A TV star.

B. A musician.

C. A friend of the woman.

11. How much does the man know about the singer Kanye?

A. Quite a lot.

B. Nothing.

C. Just a little.

12. What does the woman think of the baby’s name?

A. Common.

B. Cool.

C. Stupid.

听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。

13. What problem does the man have?

A. He just lost his job.

B. He got his pay reduced.

C. He is on a tight budget.

14. What is much more expensive now?

A. Pork.

B. Chicken.

C. Vegetables.

15. What has the government done to deal with the situation?

A. Create more job opportunities.

B. Control prices in some important industries.

C. Cut its own expenses.

16. What does the woman suggest the man do?

A. Make use of public transportation.

B. Buy a cheaper car.

C. Spend more time with his family.

听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。

17. What did the man on the street look like?

A. Short with big muscles.

B. About thirty years old.

C. Tall with short hair.

18. How did the man on the street act toward others?

A. He was very polite.

B. He tried to ignore them.

C. He was friendly but he never said anything.

19. Why was the man on the street so happy?

A. The speaker offered him a job.

B. The speaker invited him for a meal.

C. The speaker gave him some change.

20. What can we learn about the speaker’s boss?

A. He has a kind heart.

B. He used to be homeless.

C. He just fired a security guard.

第二部分：英语知识运用（共两节, 满分45分）

第一节：单项填空（共15小题，每小题1分，满分15分）

从A、B、C、D四个选项中，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。

21. Though many successful stories show a lot is being done to fight _______ poverty, yet we

cannot pretend that the fight should come to _______ end.

A. the; an

B. 不填; 不填

C. 不填; an

D. the; the

22. In some countries, it is required by law that all tobacco products _______ a health warning.

A. carry

B. deliver

C. hold

D.print

23. Buddhist temples attract religious people every year, _______ monks can even put up for the

nights there.

A. which

B. whom

C. where

D. when

24. _______ overseas for a long time, many of the American soldiers became homesick and tired

of wars.

A. Having been stationed

B. Having stationed

C. Being stationed

D. To be stationed

25. The Chinese new government is _______ sustainable development in economy, though there

are many challenges and obstacles.

A. catering to

B. going about

C. putting out

D. pushing for

26. —Amy, it’s time for me to get aboard the plane.

—Goodbye, Joanna, and _______!

A. go ahead

B. congratulations

C. have fun

D. all the best

27. Most companies are unwilling to report cases of cybercrime. _______, the situation with

cybercrime against companies have become worse.

A. Moreover

B. Eventually

C. Hopefully

D. However

28. The meaning of colour is not consistent across different cultures. That’s _______ you should

be more careful about what colours to wear.

A. how

B. what

C. where

D. when

29. —When will your new books come out?

—_______ everything goes well, they should come onto the market next month.

A. Once

B. As far as

C. As long as

D. Unless

30. —Mum, I’m tired.

—Well, if you _______ go to bed after midnight every night, what do you expect?

A. will

B. may

C. should

D. can

31. The man sentenced to death was called Han Lei, whose behavior of killing a 34-month-old

girl was _______.

A. beyond control

B. beyond belief

C. beyond recognition

D. beyond praise

32. Chris often claims that he used to be general manager of the company, but actually he

_______.

A. d oesn’t

B. isn’t

C. didn’t

D. wasn’t

33. —Terra, you shouldn’t have shouted at your roommate!

—_______. You know, she is always speaking ill of me behind my back.

A. It’s none of your business

B. I’ve had enough

C. That’s very kind of you

D. You are quite right

34. After the interview, you should follow it up, writing and thanking the company for the

chance, which can give you the _______ over other candidates.

A. edge

B. view

C. concern

D. impression

35. The year _______ between finishing school and starting university is known as a gap year.

A. out

B. away

C. off

D. in

第二节完型填空（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，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上涂黑。

I’ve lived with passion and in a hurry, trying to accomplish too many things. I never had time to think about my 36 until my 28-year-old daughter Paula fell 37 . She was in a coma (昏迷) for a year and I 38 her at home, until she died in my arms.

During that year of pain and the following year of my great sorrow, everything 39 for me. There was nothing to do but cry and remember. 40 , that year also gave me an 41 to reflect upon my journey and the princip les that hold me up. I discovered that there’s consistency in my beliefs and the way I lead my life. I haven’t 42 , I’m still the same girl I was 50 years

ago. I still long for life, I am still ferociously (残忍地) independent.

Paralyzed and silent in her bed, my daughter Paula taught me a 43 that is now my mantra (颂歌) : You only have what you give. It’s by spending yourself that you become 44 .

Paula led a life of 45 . She worked as a volunteer helping women and children, eight hours a day, six days a week. She never had any money, but she 46 very little. At her death, I thought I had 47 everything: her laughter, her voice, her beauty, her company and her spirit. Then I realized I still had the 48 I h ad given her, though I don’t even know if she was able to 49 it. She could not respond in any way, but I was 50 of love and that love keeps growing and giving fruit.

51 Paula, I don’t cling to(依附)anything any more. I had to throw overboard all excess (多余的) baggage and keep only what is essential. Nowadays I like to give much more than to receive. I’m 52 when I love than when I’m loved. I 53 my husband, my son, my grandchildren, my mother, m y dog, and frankly I don’t know whether they even like me. But who 54 ? Loving them is my joy.

It’s in 55 that I connect with others, and with the world and also I feel the spirit of my daughter inside me, like a soft presence.

36. A. beliefs B. suggestions C. problems D. feelings

37. A. apart B. silent C. asleep D. ill

38. A. relaxed B. held C. educated D. attended

39. A. weakened B. mattered C. stopped D. faded

40. A. However B. Therefore C. Instead D. Besides

41. A. example B. opportunity C. excuse D. ambition

42. A. fled B. retired C. changed D. hesitated

43. A. skill B. lesson C. method D. theory

44. A. rich B. mature C. reliable D. merciful

45. A. adventure B. pleasure C. success D. service

46. A. donated B. earned C. needed D. saved

47. A. understood B. treasured C. lost D. assessed

48. A. attention B. love C. advice D. impression

49. A. send B. abandon C. express D. receive

50. A. aware B. short C. full D. typical

51. A. Because of B. Regardless of C. In terms of D. In addition to

52. A. sillier B. worthier C. happier D. luckier

53. A. defend B. appreciate C. forgive D. adore

54. A. apologizes B. cares C. argues D. fails

55. A. bothering B. swearing C. receiving D. giving

第三部分：阅读理解（共20小题，满分40分）

第一节（共15小题，每题2分，满分30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

No matter how popular you are, sooner or later you will have to face peer (同龄人) pressure. Whether it is pressure to go with a group or pressure to act a certain way, peer pressure is something every teen has to deal with at some time in their life. You can’t escape it; it is everywhere. How successfully you handle peer pressure depends a great deal on how you feel about yourself and your place in the world.

Peer pressure often causes low self-esteem and confidence, making you feel that friends could attack you. What’s worse, you may even feel isolated from your family. You’ll have uncertainty about your place within a given peer group. Peer pressure also causes poor academic performance. All of these make you more likely to give in to pressure.

How do you prepare to face peer pressure and win? There are many things you can do:

Prepare a mental script (想象剧本) of how you would like to deal with uncomfortable situations. Script out the reaction you want to have in a given situation and play that script out in your head over and over again.

Never take part in any bullying(恃强凌弱). Making other people feel bad or sad is a terrible way to try to fit in. Refuse to take part in anything designed to cause harm or distress to another person and speak up if such a situation arises. You do not have to be angry but one person standing up for what is right is usually enough to inspire others to follow.

Know where you stand on key issues like drugs. Think of yourself as a leader and act accordingly. The more you see yourself in a leadership role, the more comfortable you will feel asserting (主张) your own opinions and feelings. You may get a bit of teasing at first but most people won’t show any disagreement with the boundaries of others when they know what they are.

Some people may not like it when you go against the group but doing the right thing is rewarding. If you refuse to let it frighten you, peer pressure will lose its power. The secret is to stand your ground but avoid being preachy (说教的).

56. What can we learn about peer pressure?

A. It happens within a school group.

B. It can be easily handled by teens.

C. It is a common thing among teens.

D. It is avoidable under certain conditions.

57. What is mainly talked about in Paragraph 2?

A. The causes of low self-esteem.

B. The negative effects of peer pressure.

C. People’s attitudes towards peer pressure.

D. The influence of peer pressure on your studies.

58. How do most people react if you stick to your boundaries all the time?

A. They will make fun of you.

B. They will feel greatly inspired.

C. They will force you to change.

D. They will respect your decision.

59. What is the key to fighting against peer pressure?

A. Bravely and firmly doing the right thing.

B. Choosing a proper time to speak out.

C. Trying to become the leader of the group.

D. Managing to persuade others to follow you.

B

A plan to reform gaokao, or China’s college entrance examination, in Beijing has divided experts, who disagree on whether placing less emphasis on English-language skills is a good idea.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Education said Monday that the scores for subjects like English and Chinese in Beijing’s gaokao will change as of 2016. The overall score of English will drop from 150 to 100, while the total points for Chinese will rise from 150 to 180.

Other regions, including Jiangsu and Shandong provinces and Shanghai municipality, are also preparing their own gaokao reforms.

According to China National Radio, Shandong will cancel the listening part of the English examination in its gaokao.

Some local reports in Jiangsu also said that English may not be included in gaokao in the future, but education authorities later denied those reports, saying the idea was only a proposal.

Education experts have sharp differences of opinion on such proposals.

Hu Ruiwen, a member of the National Education Advisory Committee, said such a change would be a signal to students that they should pay more attention to their native language than a foreign one. “Students now are spending too much time studying English,” Hu said. “In fact, not all of them will or would like to go abroad.” “On the other hand, their native language is being used in every aspect of their life and work, so it’s important for all Chinese students to learn their native language well,” Hu said. The changes will also help students learn the Chinese language better, he added.

But Xiong Bingqi, vice-president of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, said changing the total points will not affect students’ knowledge of those subjects. “I don’t think a rise in the total points of Chinese will encourage students to improve their application ability in Chinese,” Xiong said. “Instead, it will only make the students endeavor (努力) to score higher in the Chinese exam inations.”

There are differences of opinion among students and parents as well.

Some applauded the Beijing change, saying it’s one way to help relieve the heavy burden of gaokao, while some are concerned it will lead to decreased English proficiency (水平) for those who choose to study abroad or work in the future.

Many English teachers in high schools voiced their support. “The change in the exam doesn’t mean that English is not important anymore. On the contrary, it means that we English teachers now can pay more attention to encouraging students to love English, and lifting their practical ability in using English,” she said.

60. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

A. Shanghai has conducted their Gaokao reform.

B. Jiangsu has decided to wipe English out of Gaokao.

C. Students and parents have quite different opinions on the plan.

D. Many English teachers are in favour of the Beijing reform plan.

61. The two experts Hu and Xiong have different opinions over whether _______.

A. English should be included in Gaokao

B. Chinese is more important than English

C. the change for Chinese in Gaokao will work

D. students should improve their ability in Chinese

62. What could be the best title for the passage?

A. People are divided over Gaokao reform plan

B. English is of less importance in our daily life

C. Gaokao reform plan raises concern among the public

D. Gaokao reform plan relieves heavy burden from students

C

Australian sleep researchers have developed a set of hi-tech “sunglasses”, described as the world’s first “time control” glasses, which can imitate sunlight patterns. The team, from Flinders University, in Adelaide, says the glasses send out a soft green glow that helps a traveller adapt to changing sleep patte rns and time zones in “small steps”. It targets a part of the brain that regulates the human body-clock, by sending signals to the rest of the body that help it slowly realize it is in a different area of the world. It has been suggested the device, called the “Re-Timer”, is currently the only wearable body clock adjustment system commercially available.

Scientists say the device, officially launched in South Australia, can help rid the negative effects of long-time travel and bring new relief to insomnia (失眠) sufferers, shift workers and even teenagers.

“The light from Re-Timer stimulates the part of the brain responsible for regulating the 24-hour body clock,” said Prof Leon Lack, its chief inventor.

Extensive research has shown that green light is one of the most effective wavelengths(波长) for influencing the body clock.

The battery-powered device, which retail for ￡162 in Britain, then sends signals that cause the production of hormones and daily cycles known as circadian rhythms (生理节奏).

Those people who want to sleep peacefully but wake earlier, should wear it for 50 minutes in the morning for three days. Those who want a lie-in, should wear it for the same time before bed to delay the body clock. The device, which is powered by an inbuilt rechargeable battery, can also be worn as sunglasses during daily tasks such as reading or using a computer.

“The glasses have been designed to be user friendly and comfortable to wear so people can go about their normal activities wearing them at work or at home,” he said, adding they had been designed based on 25 years of university research.

It is estimated that up to 94 percent of long-time travellers suffer from jet lag because the body becomes confused to travelling through different time zones. So the glasses are good news to them. It uses the outside world as indicators as to whether it should be awake or asleep including factors such as light, silence or noise. Airlines are said to be seeking a “silver bullet”for the tiredness and confusion that often follow a long-time flight and are in discussions to buy the device.

63. The “time control” glasses work by _______.

A. getting rid of green light

B. creating a quiet environment

C. receiving real-time signals

D. motivating part of the brain

64. What can we learn about the “Re-Timer” from the passage?

A. It is a new way to cure insomnia.

B. It can only be powered by battery.

C. It can be used by several groups of people.

D. It is specially designed for flight passengers.

65. If you wear a “Re-Timer” an hour before bed, you will probably _______.

A. wake up earlier than usual

B. spend a longer bed time

C. sleep less but feel energetic

D. have a sleep without dreams

66. The underlined part “silver bullet” refers to _______.

A. a scientific explanation

B. a kind of perfect sunglasses

C. a wonderful solution

D. an effective security system

D

I had thus learned a second fact of great importance: this was that the planet the little prince came from was scarcely any larger than a house!

But that did not really surprise me much. I knew very well that in addition to the great planets—such as the Earth, Jupiter, Mars, Venus—to which we have given names, there are also hundreds of others, some of which are so small that one has a hard time seeing them through the telescope. When an astronomer discovers one of these he does not give it a name, but only a number. He might call it, for example, “Asteroid 325.”

I have serious reasons to believe that the planet from which the little prince came is the asteroid known as B-612. This asteroid has only once been seen through the telescope. That was by a Turkish astronomer, in 1909. On making his discovery, the astronomer had presented it to the International Astronomical Congress, in a great demonstration (论证). But he was in Turkish costume, and so nobody would believe what he said.

Grown-ups are like that...

Fortunately, however, for the reputation of Asteroid B-612, a Turkish dictator(独裁者) made a law that his subjects (臣民) should change to European costume under pain of death (违者格杀勿论). So in 1920 the astronomer gave his demonstration all over again, dressed with impressive style and elegance. And this time everybody accepted his report.

If I have told you these details about the asteroid, and made a note of its number for you, it is for the grown-ups and their ways. When you tell them that you have made a new friend, they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you, “What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies?” Instead, they demand: “How old is he? How many brothers has he?How much money does his father make?”

If you were to say to the grown-ups: “I saw a beautiful house made of rosy brick, with geraniums in the windows and do ves on the roof,” they would not be able to get any idea of that house at all. You would have to say to them: “I saw a house that cost $20,000.” Then they would cry out: “Oh, what a pretty house that is!”

________, if you say to them: “The proof that the little prince existed is that he was charming, that he laughed, and that he was looking for a sheep.” And what good would it do to tell them that? They would shrug their shoulders, and treat you like a child. But if you said to them: “The planet he came fr om is Asteroid B-612,” then they would be convinced, and leave you free from their questions.

They are like that. One must not hold it against them. Children should always show great tolerance toward grown-up people. But certainly, for us who understand life, figures are a matter of indifference (无足轻重).

67. What are adults like in the eye of the narrator?

A. They lack imagination.

B. They don’t really understand life.

C. They don’t like Turkish costume.

D. They show no tolerance toward children.

68. According to the narrator, which of the following does NOT belong to questions “about

essential matters” when talking about a new friend?

A. How much does he weigh?

B. Does he like flowers?

C. What’s his favourite sport?

D. Does he have a cat?

69. Which of the following might be the most suitable word for the blank?

A. However

B. Unfortunately

C. Instead

D. Similarly

70. What does the underlined sentence in the last paragraph mean?

A. Children should listen to what the grown-ups say.

B. Children should be independent of the grown-ups.

C. Children should try to adapt themselves to the adult world.

D. Children shouldn’t expect the grown-ups to change their way of thinking.

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。（如果所用的答题卡没有E、F、G选项，则选E涂A、B，选F涂A、C，选G 涂A、D。）

71 Besides, in top-grade restaurants, you can always ask for a pair of knife and fork, if you find the chopsticks not helpful enough. The real difference is that in the West, you have your own plate of food, while in China the dishes are placed on the table and everyone shares. If you are being treated to a formal dinner and particularly if the host thinks you’re in the country for the first time, he will do the best to give you a taste of many different types of dishes.

The meal usually begins with a set of at least four cold dishes, to be followed by the main courses of hot meat and vegetable dishes. 72 If you wish to have your rice to go with other dishes, you should say so in good time, for most of the Chinese choose to have the staple food at last or have none of them at all.

73 In formal dinners, there are always“public”chopsticks and spoons for this purpose, but some hosts may use their own chopsticks. 74 It is always polite to eat the food. If you do not eat it, just leave the food in the plate.

People in China tend to over-order food, for they will find it embarrassing if all the food is consumed. 75 Or you will always overeat!

A. This is a sign of genuine friendship and politeness.

B. Chinese food contains much less calorie.

C. Soup then will be served to be followed by staple food ranging from rice, noodles to dumplings.

D. When you have had enough, just say so.

E. Of course, the main difference on the Chinese dinner table is chopsticks instead of knife and fork, but that’s only superficial.

F. Some Chinese people are so hospitable that they use their own chopsticks to put food into the plates of their guests.

G. Perhaps one of the things that surprises a Western visitor most is that some of the Chinese hosts like to put food into the plates of their guests.

第四部分：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处错误，每句中最多有两处。错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。

增加：在缺词处加一个漏词符号（^），并在此符号下面写出该加的词。

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。

A boy was cleaning shoes in the street said to a young man passing by, “Let me to clean your boots.” The young man said, “No.” “It will spend you a penny, sir.” said the boy and the young man again refused. Then the boy told him that he would clean his boots to nothing. The man agreed this, and soon one boot was shining brightly. Then he put his another boot on the box but the boy refused to clean it if he was paid two pence for his work. The young man refused to pay anything and go away. But the shining boot made the dirty one looks so bad that he had to turn back, gave the boy the two pence and asked him to clean it.

第二节书面表达（满分25分）

假如你是某中学学生李华，刚从美国交流学习回来。你的美国好友Simon送给你一款MP3播放器。请你根据一下提示，用英语给他写一封电子邮件，表示你非常喜欢这件礼物。

1. 你喜欢礼物的原因；

2. 礼物带给你的好处；

3. 你的期待和愿望。

注意：

1．词数100左右；

2．可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；

3．开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。

Dear Simon,

How’s everything? Thank you for your nice gift! _____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Best wishes!

Li Hua

参考答案

听力：

1-5 ACCBC 6-10 CAABA 11-15 CBCAB 16-20 ACABA

单选：

21-25 CABAD 26-30 DBCCA 31-35 BDBAC

完形：

36-40 ADDCA 41-45 BCBAD 46-50 CCBDC 51-55 ACDBD

阅读理解：

56-60 CBDAD 61-65 CADCB 66-70 CBADD 71-75 ECGAD

改错：

1. 在boy后加who或将was去掉。

2. 去掉to。

3. spend改为cost。

4. and改为but。

5. to改为for。

6. this前加to。

7. another改为other。8. if改为unless。

9. go改为went。10. Looks改为Look。

书面表达：

One possible version

Dear Simon,

How’s everything? Thank you for your nice gift! I like it very much. It’s tiny and looks pretty, so I’m always taking it with me wherever I go. I also find it quite easy to operate with a reasonable design.

Now, it is playing an important part in my life. With it, I am able to listen to English regularly, which helps improve my listening ability. In addition, I can enjoy a large number of songs whenever possible.

It often reminds me of the happy days we spent together and I hope to visit your country again. I am looking forward to your visit to China this summer! (100words)

Best wishes!

Li Hua

听力原文：

Text 1

M: You’re doing it wrong. I’ll show you how to throw a football. First, hold it with your thumb on the bottom. Then, spread out the rest of your fingers on top. When you throw it, make sure you spin it a little.

W: I’m never going to get it right.

Text 2

W: Hi, George! Good to see you working out again. Are you going to hit the weight room?

M: Actually, I’m looking for my trainer. I was supposed to meet him at the pool a half hour ago.

W: Oh, you mean Fabio? I saw him at the juice bar 20 minutes ago, and he said he was going to the yoga studio to meet you.

Text 3

M: I’m so excited to go and see the monkeys on ice show! I’m going to have the best time ever and enjoy every second of the monkeys and music.

W: How could you not?

Text 4

M: How many students are there in your class?

W: 50. Some are from other districts, and about one-fifth are from the countryside. Only two-fifths are girls.

Text 5

M: When did you first discover that the window was broken and your belongings were missing? W: Right after I got up, around 6:30. That’s when I reported the break-in and called the police station.

Text 6

M: Can you print out some documents for me, Mrs. Brown?

W: Sure, Mr. Clancy. Which ones do you need?

M: I’ll e-mail them to you right now. You should be getting them shortly.

W: How many copies do you want?

M: There are four documents in total, and I need three copies of each one. I need them for my meeting this afternoon with our clients from Canada.

W: Oh, right. Should I put them in any special order?

M: That’s okay. I’ll take care of that.

Text 7

W: Good morning. My name is Katie. Can I get you something to drink first?

M: Yeah, I’ll have a cup of coffee, and my wife w ants a large orange juice.

W: OK. Are you ready to order?

M: I think so. My wife went to the restroom, but she said she wants the pancakes with fruit. W: Sounds good. And what about you?

M: I’ll have the two-egg breakfast with bacon and sausage, please.

W: OK. Your breakfast comes with potatoes and toast. What kind of toast would you like?

M: White toast with butter, please.

W: Great. I’ll be right back with your drinks. Oh, it looks like you still don’t have forks and knives. I’m sorry about that. We’re a little short on staff this morning.

M: Oh, it’s no problem. We’re not in a rush.

W: Thanks for understanding. I’ll bring them right away with your drinks.

M: Thank you very much.

Text 8

W: Did you see Kim Kardashian’s new baby?

M: No. Is that a friend of yours?

W: Um, no. She’s one of the most famous reality TV stars in the world.

M: Haven’t heard of her…

W: You can be so strange sometimes. How can you not have heard about her?

M: I try not to watch TV too much.

W: You’re impossible! Everyone knows ab out her. Anyway, she just had a baby with Kanye West. He’s a very famous singer, if you didn’t know.

M: Rapper, to be exact.

W: So, you aren’t totally out of it! At least you know who Kanye is.

M: I’ve heard about him from my friends.

W: Well, Kim and Kanye had a baby girl named North West, and they just let the world see her for the first time! She’s so cute!

M: North West? Is that a joke?

W: No. That’s what they called her. Isn’t it cool?

M: What a dumb name!

Text 9

W: Hi, Landon. What’s wrong?

M: I can hardly make ends meet nowadays.

W: Same here. I haven’t bought any new clothes for three months.

M: My income remains the same, but prices just continue to rise.

W: Tell me about it! The news says that there has been a general increase in the price of daily necessities.

M: Definitely. I have to spend 300 yuan more on food every month than I used to.

W: The biggest price jump is for pork, so most people have to switch to chicken.

M: Is that because of inflation?

W: Inflation is just one of the reasons for the rising prices. But the central bank is warning about other risks of inflation, too.

M: Has the government taken some measures to solve these issues?

W: Yes. The government has banned price hikes in some key industries like energy.

M: But I’m afraid the price hikes will spread from food into other areas of the economy.

W: You said it. I think we should tighten out budget and cut our spending.

M: How?

W: For a start, we can take public transportation to work. Driving a car is a big expense.

M: Sounds like a good idea.

Text 10

I often saw a man on my way to work in the morning. He was about forty years old, pretty tall with big muscles and short dark hair… and he was homeless. His clothes were old but not dirty, and he was always very polite to people as he asked them for change. He always said, “Good morning” and “Thank you,” even if people didn’t give him anything. Many people simply ignored him. I would sometimes give him the change I had in my pocket, but it was never very much. And I never stopped to say anything to him, as I was usually in a hurry to get to work. One Monday morning, I noticed that he wasn’t his usual friendly self. I asked him if he was hungry, and he said that he hadn’t eaten in two days, so I invited him to have breakfast with me.

I do n’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so happy before! We talked all morning, eating pancakes and drinking coffee. He told me about how he had been in a car accident and then lost his job as a security guard, all in the course of one week. When I told my boss the story, he smiled. He told me to ask the man to apply for a security guard position at the office. Happier than I had ever been in my life, I went back to the corner to tell my new friend about the job.