江苏省苏州市2018届高三第一次模拟考试英语

2018届高三年级第一次模拟考试(五)

英 语

第一卷(选择题，共85分)

第一部分　听力理解(共两节，满分20分)

第一节　(共5小题；每小题1分，满分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. Where does the conversation probably take place?

1. In a library.　　 　　　B. In a bank.　　　 　　C. In a street.

(　　) 2. What are the speakers likely to do tomorrow night?

1. Watch a game. B. Finish a report. C. Pick up some food.

(　　) 3. What time is it when the conversation takes place?

1. About 6：30. B. About 7：30. C. About 8：00.

(　　) 4. What is the man going to do?

1. Attend the birthday party.
2. Order a pizza and play some games.
3. Hang out with Jenny.

(　　) 5. What does the man think of the movie?

1. Terrible. B. Amazing. C. Amusing.

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，并标在调研卷的相应位置。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 caused the traffic accident?

1. The car ran a red light. B. The truck hit the car. C. A man crossed the street.

(　　) 7. What are the police going to do?

1. Send an ambulance right away.
2. Check whether the man is OK.
3. Tell the woman to drive carefully.

听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。

(　　) 8. How soon will the surprise party start?

1. In a quarter. B. In half an hour. C. In three quarters.

(　　) 9. Why does the woman sound worried?

1. The rush hour traffic is too slow.
2. They don't know the directions to the restaurant.
3. They will have nowhere to park their car.

听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。

(　　)10. What is the man going to London mainly for?

1. Attending a conference. B. Tasting British food. C. Studying historical buildings.

(　　)11. Why does the man want to visit historical spots?

1. He can enjoy the beautiful views. B. He is fond of history.

C. He is interested in mixed cultures.

(　　)12. What can we leam about Camden Market?

1. It's famous for local British food. B. Royal food is available.

C. Food across the world can be found.

听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。

(　　)13. What is the woman unsatisfied with?

1. The acting. B. The clothes. C. The set.

(　　)14. What does the man think could be better?

1. The lead role. B. The lights. C. The music.

(　　)15. Why does the man come to the play?

1. He likes the director of the play. 　　　　　　B. His classmate invites him to come.

C. The actors are very professional.

(　　)16. When does the conversation take place?

1. At the beginning of the play. 　　　　　　B. At the interval of the play.

C. At the end of the play.

听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。

(　　)17. Why was the man heartbroken?

1. He lost his job. B. His book was a failure. C. He was short of money.

(　　)18. How did the woman feel then?

1. Surprised. B. Disappointed. C. Happy.

(　　)19. How did the woman get the money?

1. She opened a business. B. She saved a little weekly. 　　C. She did housekeeping.

(　　)20. What is the story mainly about?

1. Failure is the mother of success. 　　　　　　B. Two heads are better than one.

C. Encouragement is powerful.

第二部分　英语知识运用(共两节，满分35分)

第一节　单项填空(共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)

请阅读下面各题，从题中所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。

(　　)21. A biblical idiom is often an expression that ________ the moral of a story and gives the audience a picture to help them understand the story better.

1. compensates B. underlines C. accomplishes D. substitutes

(　　)22. If they continue abusing drugs, in the end drug users will find themselves trapped in a prison ________ they cannot escape.

1. to which B. from which C. by which D. in which

(　　)23. As the number of old people moving to Florida increases, more changes are made to ________ them.

1. submit to B. object to C. cater to D. contribute to

(　　)24. At first glance, my hometown is no different from any other small town, its scenery actually ________ among the best in the country.

1. ranks B. rank C. ranking D. to rank

(　　)25. In 1776, two Spanish men were seeking a way to travel from Santa Fe, in ________ is now New Mexico, to California on the west coast of North America.

1. where B. that C. which D. what

(　　)26. Alipay, which currently has over 520 million users, is a powerful ________ of payment tools, financial services and marketing platforms.

1. combination B. identification C. reservation D. accommodation

(　　)27. ________ they are extremely talented, it can be really hard for models with just a few years' experience to impress the big brands and win opportunities.

1. As long as B. Unless C. Until D. In case

(　　)28. A pilot qualified for Aircraft Carrier Liaoning has to be mentally and physically strong, possess ________ flying skills and be fully dedicated to his career.

1. arbitrary B. confidential C. extraordinary D. voluntary

(　　)29. Transport was considered to have contributed to environmental problems, particularly ________ air quality and noise impacts.

1. with regard to B. in contrast to C. by means of D. on account of

(　　)30. —I'm going to the Golden Coast in Australia with my family at Christmas time. What's your plan for the holidays?

—Well, while you are enjoying yourself on the beach, I ________ on my couch, watching GameofThrones.

1. am sitting B. will be sitting C. will have sat D. would sit

(　　)31. —It's almost the end of the month and I haven't started my workout plan.

—Start now! ________．

1. Great minds think alike B. Honesty is the best policy

C. Every cloud has a silver lining D. Better late than never

(　　)32. Much work is needed to ensure that by 2020 the percentage of students who ________ school during the nine­year compulsory education period is reduced to less than 5 percent.

1. sign up for B. drop out of C. hold on to D. fall back on

(　　)33. —The rain is coming down so hard!

—________ my umbrella this morning, I wouldn't be trapped here now.

1. Did I take B. Had I taken C. Were I to take D. Would I take

(　　)34. —It's very important for us to clarify the ownership of the house.

—________. There won't be any problem with the ownership. It's the price that bothers us.

1. I can't agree more B. You can say that again

C. I beg to differ D. I appreciate that

(　　)35. Fish: “You couldn't see my tears because I am in the water.”

Water: “But I could feel your tears because you are in my ________．”

1. heart B. brain C. hands D. bones

第二节　完形填空(共20小题；每小题1分，满分20分)

请阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。

Dear doctors，

As I begin to tell my friends and family about the seven days you treated my wife, Laura Levis, they __36__ me at about the 15th name that I recall. The __37__ includes the doctors, nurses, social workers, and even cleaning staff members who __38__ her.

“How do you __39__ any of their names？” they ask.

“How could I not？” I respond.

Every single one of you treated Laura with such professionalism and kindness as she lay __40__. When she needed shots, you __41__ that it was going to hurt a little, whether or not she could hear. You spread a blanket not only when her body temperature needed __42__ but also when the room was just a little cold and you thought she'd sleep more __43__ that way.

Then there was how you __44__ me. How would I have found the __45__ to make it through that week without you?

How many times did you __46__ me to see whether I needed anything, or to see whether I needed a better __47__ of a medical procedure or just someone to talk to? How many times did you hug me and comfort me __48__ I fell to pieces? How many times did you deliver bad news with comforting words and __49__ in your eyes?

On the final day, all I wanted was to be alone with her, so I asked the nurses if they could give us one hour without a single __50__， and they __51__， closing the curtains and the doors and shutting off the lights.

I lay down softly beside her. She looked so beautiful, and I kissed her and laid my __52__ on her chest, feeling it rise and fall with each __53__， her heartbeat in my ear. It was our last __54__ moment as a husband and a wife, and it was more natural and pure and comforting than anything I'd ever felt.

I will remember that last hour together for the rest of my life. It was a __55__ beyond gifts. Really, I have all of you to thank for it.

With my gratitude and love，

Peter DeMarco

(　　)36. A. help B. stop C. neglect D. bother

(　　)37. A. answer B. entry C. item D. list

(　　)38. A. worried about B. checked up C. cared for D. came across

(　　)39. A. remember B. identify C. find D. confirm

(　　)40. A. uncertain B. unlucky C. uncomfortable D. unconscious

(　　)41. A. apologized B. insisted C. declared D. displayed

(　　)42. A. decreasing B. monitoring C. regulating D. observing

(　　)43. A. gently B. freely C. deeply D. comfortably

(　　)44. A. treated B. persuaded C. showed D. trusted

(　　)45. A. opportunity B. strength C. solution D. motivation

(　　)46. A. check on B. look after C. count on D. seek after

(　　)47. A. excuse B. cause C. explanation D. instruction

(　　)48. A. where B. though C. until D. when

(　　)49. A. hopelessness B. sadness C. calmness D. nervousness

(　　)50. A. recognition B. interruption C. restriction D. description

(　　)51. A. smiled B. wept C. sighed D. nodded

(　　)52. A. eyes B. hand C. head D. body

(　　)53. A. choke B. touch C. breath D. tremble

(　　)54. A. bitter B. desperate C. cheerful D. sweet

(　　)55. A. life B. gift C. memory D. fate

第三部分　阅读理解(共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分)

请阅读下列短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。

A

(　　)56. What should you pay attention to when using the Leaf Blower?

1. Filling it up with good petrol.
2. Taking care not to be tripped up.
3. Charging it when the battery is dying.
4. Wearing the wrist­band if you use it for long.

(　　)57. Which is not the advantage of the tool?

1. Truly portable. B. Fast delivery.

C. Environmentally friendly. D. Quite powerful.

B

In English the sky is blue, and the grass is green. But in Vietnamese there is just one color category for both sky and grass: xanh. For decades cognitive(认识) scientists have pointed to such examples as evidence that language largely determines how we see color. But new research with four­to six­month­old babies indicates that long before we leam language, we see up to five basic categories of color—a finding that suggests a stronger biological element to perceive(感知) color than previously thought.

The study, published recently in the ProceedingsoftheNationalAcademyofSciencesUSA,tested the color­discrimination abilities of more than 170 British babies. Researchers at the University of Sussex in England measured how long babies spent staring at color swatches, a system known as looking time. First babies were showed one swatch repeatedly until their looking time decreased—a sign they had grown bored with it. Then the researchers showed them a different sample and noted their reaction. Longer looking times were explained to mean the babies considered the second sample to be a new color. Their increasing responses showed that they distinguished among five colors: red, green, blue, purple and yellow.

The finding “suggests you come by nature to make color distinctions, but given your culture and language, certain distinctions may or may not be used.” explains lead author Alice Skelton, a doctoral student at Sussex.

The study systematically explored babies' color perception, revealing how we perceive colors before we have the words to describe them, says Angela M. Brown, an experimental psychologist at the Ohio State University's College of Optometry, who was not involved with the new research. The results add a new challenge to the long nature­versus­nurture debate and the so­called Sapir—Whorf hypothesis(假设)—the idea that the way we see the world is shaped by language.

In future work, Skelton and her colleagues are interested in testing babies from other cultures. “The way language and culture interact is a really interesting question，” she says. “We don't yet know the exact systems, but we do know how we start off.”

(　　)58. What's the finding of the new research?

1. It clarifies what makes babies perceive colors.
2. It proves human color recognition is inborn.
3. It finds how many colors babies can perceive.
4. It shows the color culture is shaped by language.

(　　)59. According to the new research, we can learn that ________．

1. swatches affect babies in memory and attention
2. longer looking times are based on the psychology
3. researchers determine babies' color perception
4. babies can tell the differences of some colors

(　　)60. Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?

1. Rainbow in the Baby's World
2. A Journey to the World of Colors
3. A New Challenge: Language vs. Culture
4. Different Babies, Different Color Perception

C

Atticus was weak: he was nearly fifty. When Jem and I asked him why he was so old, he said he got started late, which we felt reflected upon his abilities and manliness. He was much older than the parents of our school contemporaries, and there was nothing Jem or I could say about him when our classmates said, “My father—”

Jem was football crazy. Atticus was never too tired to play keep­away, but when Jem wanted to tackle him, Atticus would say, “I'm too old for that, son.”

Our father didn't do anything. He worked in an office, not in a drugstore. Atticus did not drive a dump­truck for the county, he was not the police officer, he did not farm, work in a garage, or do anything that could possibly arouse the admiration of anyone.

Besides that, he wore glasses. He was nearly blind in his left eye, and said left eyes were the tribal(家族的) curse of the Finches. Whenever he wanted to see something well, he turned his head and looked from his right eye.

He did not do the things our schoolmates' fathers did: he never went hunting; he did not play poker or fish or drink or smoke. He sat in the living room and read.

With these characteristics, however, he would not remain as inconspicuous(不显眼) as we wished him to: that year, the whole school talked about him defending Tom Robinson, none of which was complimentary. After my fight with Cecil Jacobs when I committed myself to a policy of chicken, word got around that Scout Finch wouldn't fight any more, her daddy wouldn't let her. This was not entirely correct: I wouldn't fight publicly for Atticus, but the family was private ground. I would fight anyone from a third cousin upwards tooth and nail. Francis Hancock, for example, knew that.

When he gave us our air­guns Atticus wouldn't teach us to shoot. Uncle Jack instructed us therefore; he said Atticus wasn't interested in guns. Atticus said to Jem one day, “I'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit them, but remember it's a sin(罪过) to kill a mockingbird.”

That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.

“Your father's right，” she said. “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

(　　)61. Who is telling the story?

1. Francis Hancock.　　B. Tom Robinson.　　C. Scout Finch.　　D. Miss Maudie.

(　　)62. What did the children think of their father Atticus in the beginning?

1. He was not manly or skilled.
2. He was willing to fight for his family.
3. He was interested in nothing in his spare time.
4. He was still energetic though he was nearly 50.

(　　)63. What does the underlined word “complimentary” in the 6th paragraph probably mean?

1. Reasonable argument. B. Good remarks.

C. Wrong judgment. D. Strong criticism.

(　　)64. Mockingbirds can be compared to people who are ________．

1. able but modest B. disabled but devoted

C. intelligent and entertaining D. harmless and helpful

D

Computer security is a contradiction in terms. The arrival of the “Internet of Things” will see computers baked into everything from road signs and MRI scanners to artificial body parts and insulin(胰岛素) pumps. There is little evidence that such equipment will be any more trustworthy than desktop computers. Hackers have already proved that they can take remote control of connected cars and pacemakers.

However, it is tempting to believe that the security problem can be solved with yet more technical wizardry(魔法) and a call for further watchfulness. And it is certainly true that many firms still fail to take security seriously enough. That requires a kind of lasting insistence which does not come naturally to non­tech firms. Actually, there is no way to make computers completely safe. Software is hugely complex. Across its products, Google must manage around 2 billion lines of source code—errors are unavoidable. The average program has 14 separate bugs, each of them a potential point of illegal entry. Such weaknesses are worsened by the history of the internet, in which security was an afterthought.

This is not necessarily in despair. The risk from cheats, car accidents and the weather can never be avoided completely either. But societies have developed ways of managing such risk—from government regulation to the use of legal liability(责任) and insurance to create more safer behaviours.

Start with regulation. Governments' first priority is to control from making the situation worse. Terrorist attacks often bring calls for codes to be weakened so that the security services can better monitor what individuals are up to. But it is impossible to weaken codes for terrorists alone. The same protection that guards messaging programs like WhatsApp also guards bank business and online identities. Computer security is best served by encoding that is strong for everyone.

The next priority is setting basic product regulations. A lack of professional knowledge will always block the ability of computer users to protect themselves. So governments should promote “public health” for computing. They could insist that internet­connected contents be updated with fixes when faults are found. They could force users to change default(默认) usernames and passwords. Reporting laws, already in force in some American states, can require companies to report when they or their products are hacked, which encourages them to fix a problem instead of burying it.

Most important, the software industry has for decades disclaimed liability for the harm when its products go wrong. Such_an_approach_has_its_benefits. Silicon Valley's fruitful “go fast and break things” style of innovation is possible only if firms relatively have freedom to put out new products while they still need perfecting. But this point will soon be illegal. As computers spread to products covered by established liability arrangements, such as cars or domestic goods, the industry's disclaimers will increasingly be against existing laws.

Firms should recognize that, if the courts do not force the liability issue, public opinion will. Fortunately, the small but growing market in cyber­security insurance offers a way to protect consumers while preserving the computing industry's ability to innovate. A firm whose products do not work properly, or are repeatedly hacked, will find its insurance rising, urging it to solve the problem. A firm that takes reasonable steps to make things safe, but which is damaged nevertheless, will ask for an insurance payout that will stop it from going bankrupt(破产). It is here that some problems could perhaps be negotiated. Once again, there are examples: when countless claims against American light­aircraft firms threatened to bankrupt the industry in the 1980s, the government changed the law, limiting their liability for old products.

One reason computer security is so bad today is that few people were taking it seriously yesterday. When the internet was new, that was forgivable. Now that the consequences are known, and the risks posed by bugs and hacking are large and growing, there is no excuse for repeating the mistake. But changing attitudes and behavior will require economic tools, not just technical ones.

(　　)65. The first paragraph mainly tells us ________．

1. computers are used more widely B. computers may never be secure

C. future computers are less trustworthy D. computer hackers are almost everywhere

(　　)66. Which is the reason for the computer security problem nowadays?

1. People tend to rely on technical solutions.
2. Technology firms take security less seriously.
3. Warnings from relevant departments are absent.
4. The software developers lack afterthoughts.

(　　)67. What will happen if codes are weakened according to the passage?

1. Terrorist attacks are sure to occur more often.
2. Security services can't monitor people's behaviours.
3. Important information may not be guarded safely.
4. Computer users won't grasp the professional knowledge.

(　　)68. The underlined part in the 6th Paragraph implies ________．

1. the liability rules can be established soon
2. users probably enjoy more new products
3. firms can legally escape promoting innovation
4. courts haven't power to interfere firm's freedom

(　　)69. What can we know about cyber­security insurance?

1. It frees consumers from being attacked from hackers.
2. It offers firms funds to improve the ability of innovation.
3. It protects firms willing to solve problems from the collapse.
4. It increases the economic burden of the technology firms.

(　　)70. What's the author's preferred solution to computer security?

1. Raising users' full awareness of encoding.
2. Reporting hackers' attacks to high­tech firms.
3. Urging firms to further improve faulty products.
4. Strengthening economic means further.

第二卷(非选择题，共35分)

第四部分　任务型阅读(共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分)

请认真阅读下列短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。

注意：每个空格只填1个单词。

Four Well­Being Workouts

Relieving stress and anxiety might help you feel better—for a bit. Martin E．P. Seligman, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, explored how well­being(幸福感) consists not merely of feeling happy, an emotion that can be momentary, but of experiencing a sense of contentment in the knowledge that your life is colorful and has meaning beyond your own pleasure. To cultivate(培育) it, he suggests these four exercises.

Write down a story about a time when you were at your best. It doesn't need to be a life­changing event but should have a clear beginning, middle and end. Reread it every day for a week, and each time ask yourself some questions. Writing down the answers “puts you in touch with what you're good at，” Dr. Seligman explained. The next step is to consider how to use these strengths to your advantage, intentionally organizing and structuring your life around them. “A week later, a month later, six months later, people had on average lower rates of depression and higher life satisfaction，” Dr. Seligman said. “Possible mechanisms could be more positive emotions. People like you more, relationships go better, life goes better.”

Set aside 10 minutes before you go to bed each night to write down three things that went really well that day. Next to each event answer the question, “Why did this good thing happen？”

Instead of focusing on life's lows, which can increase the likelihood of depression, the exercise “turns your attention to the good things in life, so it changes what you attend to，” Dr. Seligman said. “Consciousness is like your tongue: It rolls around in the mouth looking for a cavity (龋洞), and when it finds it, you focus on it. Imagine if your tongue went looking for a beautiful, healthy tooth.” Polish it.

Think of someone who has been especially kind to you but you have not properly thanked. Write a letter describing what he or she did and how it affected your life, and how you often remember the effort. Then arrange a meeting and read the letter aloud, in person. “It's common that when people do the gratitude visit both people weep out of joy，” Dr. Seligman said. Why is the experience so powerful? “It puts you in better touch with other people, with your place in the world.”

Responding constructively was inspired by the work of Shelly Gable, a social psychologist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who has extensively studied marriages and other close relationships. The next time someone you care about shares good news, give what Dr. Gable calls an “active constructive response.” That is, instead of saying something passive, express real excitement. Extend the discussion by, say, encouraging them to tell others or suggest a celebratory activity.

So, the most effective long­term strategy for well­being is to actively cultivate well­being rather than only focus on how to relieve depression, anger and worry.

第五部分　书面表达(满分25分)

81. 请阅读下面短文，并按照要求用英语写一篇150词左右的文章。

A primary school in Britain has put up signs to warn phone­addicted parents to greet their children with a smile at the end of the day rather than stare at their screens.

It has become a common sight at the school gates to see children running up to their parents, only to find them buried in composing a text message, making a phone call, or scrolling through Facebook.

Now the headmistress at St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Middlesbrough, has put up the signs at all three entrances to the school.

Liz King, headmistress at St Joseph's, said: “We are trying to develop our speaking and listening in school and we thought it was a really simple way to get the message across.”

Some parents said “it's about time to stop this addiction.” Some others felt it was “a bit silly.”

【写作内容】

1. 用约30个单词概述上面信息的主要内容；
2. 用约120个单词阐述：

1. 你对上述现象的看法；
2. 用2～3个理由或论据支撑你的看法。

【写作要求】

1. 写作过程中不能直接引用原文语句；
2. 作文中不能出现真实姓名和学校名称；
3. 不必写标题。

【评分标准】

内容完整，语言规范，语篇连贯，词数适当。

2018届苏州高三年级第一次模拟考试

英语参考答案

听力下载邮箱jsyckwts@126.com　密码12341234

1. C　2. A　3. A　4. C　5. B　6. A　7. A　8. C　9. A　10. A　11. B　12. C　13. A　14. C

15. A　16. B　17. A　18. C　19. B　20. C　21. B　22. B　23. C　24. C　25. D　26. A　

27. B　28. C　29. A　30. B　31. D　32. B　33. B　34. C　35. A　36. B　37. D　38. C　

39. A　40. D　41. A　42. C　43. D　44. A　45. B　46. A　47. C　48. D　49. B　50. B　

51. D　52. C　53. C　54. D　55. B　56. C　57. B　58. B　59. D　60. A　61. C　62. A　

63. B　64. D　65. B　66. A　67. C　68. B　69. C　70. D

71. momentary/ temporary　 72. relief

73. approaches/ solutions　 74. whole/ complete

75. purpose　 76. Spare/Allocate

77. thanks/ gratitude　 78. personally

79. pretend　 80. limiting/restricting/ confining

One possible version：

A British school bans parents from using phones at the school gates, urging them to communicate with the children face to face. This decision has aroused different responses from parents.

I applaud the school's decision. These days many adults become so hooked on mobile phones that some, as parents, even come close to ignoring their children. This might produce harmful results.

Communication between parents and children matters. For one thing, parents' attention plays a positive part in children's character development. Without sufficient communication, children are likely to feel abandoned, and become timid and withdrawn. For another, some children following their parents' bad examples may also be glued to mobile phones, getting self－centered and indifferent to others' feelings.

Thus I believe if parents are warned of the potential risks and encouraged to interact more with their children, they are sure to benefit and grow into healthy and contributing members of society. (150)

听力录音原文

Text 1

M: Excuse me. Could you tell me where the library is?

W: Yes, it's that way. You go three blocks to Washington Street, then turn right. It's on the corner, across from the bank.

Text 2

W: Hey, this isNancy. I'm sorry I'm not in. Just leave a message.

[ Beep]

M: Hey，Nancy. I am just calling to let you know that I'll be a little late to the game tomorrow night. I will have to work a few extra hours to finish a report and I will swing by my house to pick up some food for the game. See you then!

Text 3

M: When should we leave for the party?

W: Well, the invitation says it starts at 8：00, but we should get there half an hour earlier to give them a helping hand.

M: OK, but if the roads are crowded it could take about an hour to get there, so we are supposed to start at...

W: Well, if so, it's high time to start right now!

Text 4

W: Hey, Tom! I'm having a birthday party for Ted at 6：00 p．m. this Saturday. I'd like you to come. We're going to order a pizza and play some games.

M: It sounds like a lot of fun. But I promised I would go shopping with Jenny Saturday night.

Text 5

W: Have you seen the movie Coco?

M: Yeah.

W: How did you find it?

M: Terrific. It can't be better. You know, nothing's more important than family.

W: Can't agree more.

Text 6

M: Hey! That car just ran a red light and hit that truck!

W: Is anyone hurt?

M: I don't know … let's call 911. … Hello? I'd like to report a car accident near the post office on Charles Street. It looks like a man is hurt. Yes, it just happened. OK, thanks. Bye.

W: What did they say?

M: They're going to send an ambulance and a police car right away.

W: Good, they're here. I hope the man is OK.

M: I know. You have to be so careful when you're driving.

Text 7

W: What time is it? We're going to be late!

M: It's a quarter after seven. We're on time. Don't panic.

W: But I thought we had to be at the restaurant by 7：30 for the surprise party. We'll never make it there with all this evening traffic.

M: Sure we will. Rush hour is almost over. Anyway, the party starts at 8：00. But I do need help with directions. Can you call the restaurant and ask them where we park our car?

W: OK, I will call them right away.

Text 8

M: Hey Hana, I've heard that you lived inLondon, right?

W: Yes, exactly.

M: Well, I'm planning to go toLondon for an academic conference next month and I'm really looking forward to it. But I'm not really sure what to expect, so can you tell me a little bit, please?

W: Yeah, sure.London is a very interesting place where a lot of cultures are mixed. There are lots of historical buildings, for example, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. There is a very famous museum called the British Museum.

M: That's really good, because I'm really interested in history and I really want to see historical spots there. But is there any other thing I should try inLondon, for example, is there any good local British food?

W: Well，England isn't very famous for food, but it is famous because a lot of food from different countries is all gathered. There's a very good place called the Camden Market and you can go and buy food from all over the world.

M: Good. That sounds really interesting. I'm really looking forward to it. Thank you.

W: You are welcome.

Text 9

M: Are you enjoying the performance so far?

W: Well, you must admit the clothes are beautiful and the set is wonderful, but the acting is a bit boring. What do you think?

M: I think you are a bit particular. The actor in the lead role is very professional. I suppose the music could be a bit better, though.

W: Do you know anyone in the play?

M: Actually, the woman playing Ophelia is an old classmate of mine.

W: Really? Is that why you wanted to come to the play?

M: That's only a part of it. I absolutely admire the director. I've seen quite a few other plays he directed. They are really wonderful.

W: Look! They are weakening the lights. I think we should go back to our seats for the second half of the play.

M: You are right.

Text 10

Some of the greatest success stories of history have followed a word of encouragement or an act of confidence by a loved one or a trusting friend. Had it not been for a confident wife, Sophia, we might not have listed among the great names of literature the name of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

When Nathaniel, a heartbroken man, went home to tell his wife that he was a failure and had been fired from his job in a customhouse, she surprised him with a shout of joy.

“Now，” she said happily, “you can write your book！”

“Yes，” replied the man, with little confidence, “and what shall we live on while I am writing it？”

To his amazement, she opened a drawer and pulled out a large amount of money.

“Where on earth did you get that？” he said in great surprise.

“I have always known you were a man of genius，” she told him. “I knew that someday you would write a masterpiece. So every week, out of the money you gave me for housekeeping, I saved a little bit. So here is enough to last us for one whole year.”

From her trust and confidence came one of the greatest novels of American literature, The Scarlet Letter.