湖南省常德市2016届高三3月模拟考试英语试卷

2016年常德市高三年级模拟考试

英 语

本试卷分为四个部分，共12页。时量120分钟。满分150分。

第I卷

第一部分听力（共两节，满分30分）

做题时，先将答案标在试卷上，录音内容结束后，你将有两分钟的时间将试卷上的答案转涂到答题卡上。

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?

1. £ 19.15B. £ 9.18C. £ 9.15
   答案是C。
   1. How would the woman get to the cinema?
   1. By bus. B. On foot.C. By taxi.

2. What can we learn from the conversation?

A. John will play. B. John will be punished.C. John will read books.

3. What does the woman think of the acting?

A. Very bad. B. Just so-so.C. Excellent.

4. What are the speakers talking about?

A. A restaurant. B. An apartment. C. An office.

5. Where does the woman want to go?

A. The Science Museum. B. The bus station.C. The Art Museum.

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。听每段对话或独白后，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秒钟的做答时间，每段对话或独白读两遍。

听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。

6. Who is Pierre?

A. The man’s old friend. B. An exchange student.C. A new French teacher.

7. What does the man say about Pierre?

A. He’s fond of rock music.

B. He has a lot of friends here.

C. He’s not a good English speaker.

听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。

8. How far can the woman run in an hour on the running machine?

A. About 7 kilometers. B. About 8 kilometers.C. About 10 kilometers.

9. Why can’t the woman swim?

A. She has no time to learn.

B. No trainer can help her.

C. She is scared of water.

听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。

10. Who are these two speakers?

A. A boss and her employee.

B. A headmaster and a teacher.

C. A manager and her secretary.

11. What is the problem?

A. The eight thirty train was cancelled.

B. The man doesn’t trust the woman.

C. The man is late for work.

12. How does the woman feel about the man?

A. Angry. B. Happy. C. Surprised.

听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。

13. What’s the man?

A. A news reporter. B. A researcher.C. A psychological doctor.

14. Which of the following rooms did the man book before he came?

A. A double room with a shower.

B. A single room with a shower.

C. A single room with a kitchen.

15. What will the man get in the morning?

A. A book. B. Medicine for a cold. C. A newspaper.

16. When is the man checking in?

A. On Saturday. B. On Friday. C. On Tuesday.

听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。

17. Where does the talk take place?

A. At a library. B. At a theatre.C. At a school.

18. Which country is Rachel Joyce going to next?

A. England. B. Australia. C. The United States.

19. When was The Unlikely Journey of Harold published?

A. In 2016. B. In 2014.C. In 2012.

20. What did Rachel Joyce use to work as?

A. An actress.　　 B. A TV host.　　　　C. A writer.

第二部分阅读理解（共两节，满分40分）

1. （共15小题；每小题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
   Our guide was excellent! He walked us through all the local villages and took extra time at the end to enjoy a local dinner. He stayed with us longer than he was obliged（迫使） to and made this a fantastic experience.
   Toursnapshot
   Travel is all about the street food these days, and why not? It’s fresh, fast, cheap and a great way to crack into the local scene. Join this Hanoi tour to source the best street eats from markets, food carts, street cafes and other hard-to-find-but-totally-worth-the-effort secret spots.
   Highlights
   Sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine just like the locals do — on the street
   Stroll through hidden alleyways and bustling markets of Hanoi’s charming old quarter
   Learn more about Hanoi’s unique food culture
   Try local specialties with influences from French and Chinese cuisine
   Take in a spectacular night view of Hoan Kiem lake from a secret cafe
   Schedule details
   Duration: 2.5 hours
   Meeting point: Sacombank ATM Machine – No. 1 Dong Xuan street (front entrance of Dong Xuan Market, Corner of Dong Xuan St with Cau Dong St)
   Starting time: 5. 00 PM
   Ending point: Café Pho Co – 11 Hang Gai St, Hoan Kiem
   21. What did the guide do?
   1. He showed visitors around by car. B. He took many photos of visitors.
      C. He stayed with visitors for extra time. D. He enjoyed breakfast with visitors.
      22. What does the underlined word “snapshot” mean in the passage?
      A. A photograph taken quickly and casually.
      B. A brief impression of something.
      C. An attempt to score in a game.
      D. An act of firing a gun.
      23. During the tour, we can enjoy ______.
      1. various local food B. charming mountain landscapes

C. many rare animals D. French and Chinese cuisine

24. We can infer from the passage that the ending time of the tour is ______.

1. 5. 00 PM B. 5. 30 PM C. 7. 05 PM D. 7. 30 PM

B

The Price of a Dream

I grew up poor. We had little money, but plenty of love and attention. I understood that no matter how poor a person was, they could still afford a dream. My dream was athletics. 

By the time I was sixteen, I was good at baseball and football. My high-school coach was Ollie Jarvis. He not only believed in me, but taught me the difference between having a dream and showing conviction（信念）.

One summer a friend recommended me for a summer job. This meant a chance for money in my pocket — cash for dates with girls, certainly, money for a new bike and new clothes, and the start of savings for a house for my mother. 

Then I realized I would have to give up summer baseball to handle the work schedule, and that meant I would have to tell Coach Jarvis I wouldn’t be playing. I was dreading（害怕）this, but my mother said: “If you make your bed, you have to lie in it.”

When I told Coach Jarvis, he was as mad as I expected him to be. “Your playing days are limited. You can’t afford to waste them,” he said.

I stood before him with my head hanging, trying to think of the words that would explain to him why my dream of buying my mom a house.

“How much are you going to make at this job, son?” he demanded.

“Three twenty-five an hour,” I replied.

“Well,” he asked, “is $3.25 an hour the price of a dream?”

That question laid bare for me the difference between wanting something right now and having a goal. I devoted myself to sports that summer, and within the year I was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates to play rookie-league ball, and offered a $20,000 contract. I signed with the Denver Broncos in 1984 for $1.7 million, and bought my mother the house of my dream.

25. The writer was grateful to Coach Jarvis, because Jarvis ______.

1. made him set a goal B. supplied him with new clothes
   C. gave him financial support D. helped him show conviction
   26. When the boy was offered a job, he wanted to ______.
   A. balance summer baseball and the work schedule
   B. refuse the job offer for summer baseball
   C. give up summer baseball for the job
   D. ask his coach Jarvis for advice
   27. Which of the following can replace “If you make your bed, you have to lie in it.”?
   A. You must eat the bitter fruit of your own making.
   B. Believe in yourself, but above all be patient.
   C. You must rely on yourself first, then others.
   D. A good beginning makes a good ending.
   28. The end of the story was that the writer ______.
   A. failed to buy his mother a house B. succeeded as a sportsman
   C. became a successful businessman D. made some money in the summer job
   C
   Nobody likes an old poop（傻子）. Developing a sense of humor is part of becoming a mature, emotionally healthy individual. Laughter is good for the soul, builds friendships and relieves stress. It serves as the glue for social situations and as an ice-breaker for sadness and boredom. If you’ve ever been told to “lighten up” or “chill out”, you should save the blue attitude for serious situations and develop your sense of humor.
   Forgive the accidental. A sudden fall is humorous not because we like to see people fall, but because it surprises. From a spilled（溢出）water glass in a meeting to Aunt Rae’s teeth coming off in the Thanksgiving turkey, the embarrassment of accidents can be relieved by humor and a helping hand. After making sure that nobody’s hurt, forgive accidents with a chuckle（咯咯地笑）rather than a scolding.
   Look for the unexpected. The kid who used to look at you with his eyes closed during a test had the idea. Parents who serve green eggs and ham to their children on graduation day get the idea. Unexpected actions lighten an atmosphere and relax people.
   Learn to laugh with your kids. Most of what children say and do is funny. Help them learn that accidents are sometimes funny and sometimes occasions for joining in and helping another human being. By sharing laughs and attempting to explain humor, you develop your sense of humor, as well as help kids develop their own sense of humor.
   29. If you’ve ever been told to “lighten up” or “chill out”, it means ______.
   1. you are humorous B. you are blue

C. you lack humor D. you are funny

30. According to Paragraph 2, when your friend falls, you can ______.

A. laugh at him B. chuckle C. scold him D. feel embarrassed

31. In the author’s opinion, if your mother serves green eggs and hum to you on your graduation day, she is ______.

A. boring B. serious C. considerate D. humorous

32. What is the best title for the passage?

A. How to Develop a Sense of HumorB. Ways to Become a Healthy Individual

C. The Function of HumorD. Proper Attitudes Toward Humor

D

Whether you live in Seattle or the Sahara desert, the time has come to invest in a good raincoat or umbrella, a new study suggests.

As global temperatures continue to rise, more “extreme rain” events—intense, cats-and-dogs downpours—can be expected, said the study, published Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change. And that, scientists said, means an increased flood risk, particularly for the world’s driest areas. The study challenges the idea that global warming is causing dry areas to become drier and wet areas wetter.

“In both wet and dry regions, we see these great increases in heavy precipitation（冰雹）,” lead author Markus Donat, a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales, told Nature.

Donat and his team collected data from 1951 to 2010 on extreme precipitation events from 11, 000 weather stations around the world, Nature reported.

In that time, the number of days with “extreme precipitation” increased 1 percent to 2 percent per decade.

“We found a strong relationship between global warming and an increase in rainfall, particularly in areas outside of the tropics,” Donat said in a statement.

“Importantly, this research suggests we will see these extreme rainfall events increases at regional levels in dry areas, not just as an average across the globe,” Donat added.

Peter Stott, a senior climate scientist at Met Office, told Climate Central that the study’s findings are important, because more violent rainfall and flooding will “challenge our capability to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.”

As Nature reported, the research aligns（结盟）with a 2015 study that found global warming has led to a sharp increase in record-breaking precipitation events. Donat told Nature that his study should come as a warning to world governments.

33. Which of the following is one of the study’s findings?

A. Global warming is causing dry areas to become drier and wet areas wetter.

B. Extreme rain events can be expected at regional levels in dry areas.

C. Extreme rainfall events increase at regional levels in wet areas.

D. Rainfall increases particularly in the tropics areas.

34. Why does Scott think the findings are important?

A. The research aligns with a 2015 study.

B. They are about extreme precipitation events.

C. They remind us to adjust to rapid climate changes.

D. The study involves many famous climate scientists.

35. The purpose of the study is to ______.

A. encourage investors to start business in Seattle or the Sahara desert

B. persuade people to take a raincoat or an umbrella with them

C. challenge the previous findings of research on climate

D. warn world governments to focus on global warming

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，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。选项中有两项为多余选项。

A strong memory depends on the health and vitality （活力） of your brain. They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the brain, scientists have discovered that this old saying simply isn’t true. 36

Give your brain a workout. Memory, like muscular strength, requires you to “use it or lose it”. The more you work out your brain, the better you’ll be able to process and remember information. 37

Don’t skip the physical exercise. While mental exercise is important for brain health, that doesn’t mean you never need to break a sweat. Physical exercise helps your brain stay sharp. It increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss.

Get enough sleep. There is a big difference between the amount of sleep you can get by on and the amount you need to function at your best. 38

Keepstress in check. Stress is one of the brain’s worst enemies. Over time, stress destroys brain cells. Studies have also linked stress to memory loss.

Have a laugh.39 That holds true for the brain and the memory, as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain.

40 Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. You probably already know that a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, “healthy” fats and lean protein will provide lots of health benefits, but such a diet can also improve memory. For brain health, though, it’s not just what you eat—it’s also what you don’t eat.

A. Eat a brain-boosting diet.

B. Play games with memory. 

C. Laughter is the best medicine.

D. But oversleeping is not good for your brain.

E. Even skipping a few hours makes a difference!

F. You have to shake things up from time to time!

G. The human brain has an astonishing ability to adapt and change.

第三部分英语知识运用（共两节，满分45）

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。

It was 1952 and my father was away at war, leaving my mother and me behind to face hardship alone. I was ten. My mother was a 41 and worked at the local clinic a few blocks from where we lived.

The bell rang and 42 of Christmas were the only thing on my mind. I raced home. The apartment was empty and a note was 43 to the refrigerator. My mother was working a double shift and 44 me instructions for the day. We had planned on making Christmas biscuits 45, but my mother 46it.

I carefully 47 through mother’s closet, finding most of the 48 for Christmas wrapped in linen cloth, all but one toy, a model airplane. I was still 49 at my mother and I threw the airplane onto the floor, breaking one of its wings. I stood 50. How was I going to explain this? Then I heard my mother coming through the door. I 51 to my room.

After telling my mother the horrible 52, I did not hear my mother 53 me. She just told me to follow her. Climbing the steps without catching our 54, we entered the clinic. There in a bed was a boy who looked very sick.

“He is going to die, Danny,” my mother told me, “55 today, maybe tomorrow. He loves planes. I knew his mother could not 56 to buy him one. So I did. I count my blessings every night and think of this boy and how 57 I am that you are not in that bed.”

The58 cut hard and sharp in my heart. The tears 59 down my face and I was so guilty. I ran home as fast as I could and into my room where I 60 myself to sleep.

41. A. saleswoman B. surgeon C. teacher D. clerk

42. A. thoughts B. memories C. desires D. hopes

43. A. written B. found C. attached D. sent

44. A. reminded B. provided C. saved D. left

45. A. alone B. soon C. together D. immediately

46. A. ruined B. refused C. forgot D. challenged

47. A. walkedB. huntedC. brokeD. got

48. A. toys B. gifts C. clothes D. supplies

49. A. anxious B. pleased C. mad D. eager

50. A. awake B. happy C. wild D. frozen

51. A. raced B. removed C. struggled D. wandered

52. A. noteB. ideaC. truthD. message

53. A. quarrel with B. shout at C. worry about D. cheer up

54. A. calmness B. sweat C. rest D. breath

55. A. Possibly B. Certainly C. Properly D. Regularly

56. A. encourage B. persuade C. afford D. force

57. A. wonderful B. grateful C. hopeful D. helpful

58. A. scolds B. comments C. phrases D. words

59. A. floated B. dropped C. slowed D. rolled

60. A. cried B. made C. turned D. moved

第II卷

注意事项：

用0.5毫米黑色笔迹的签字笔将答案写在答题卡上，写在本试卷无效。

第三部分英语知识运用（共两节，满分45分）

第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）

阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。

　 Imagine life as a game in which you are playing some five balls in the air. You name 61 (they)—work, family, health, friends and spirit, and you’re keeping all these balls in the air.

　　You understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls are made of glass. If you drop one of them, it will be scuffed（磨损）, damaged or even broken into 62 (piece). They will never be the same. You must understand the balance in your life. How?

Don’t compare yourself with others. It is because we are different and each of us

63(be) special. Don’t set your goals by what other people consider important. Only you know 64 is best for you. Don’t give 65 when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop 66 (try). Knowledge is weightless, 67 treasure you can always carry 68 (easy). Don’t run through life so fast that you forget not only where you’ve been, where you are, but also where you 69(go).

Life is not a race, but a journey to 70 (enjoy) slowly each step of the way. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That’s why we call it—the present.

第四部分写作（共两节，满分35分）

1. 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。作文中共有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（Λ），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。
   This is my fifth day at the summer camp. Life isn’t exact what I expected. We have to get up early to make our beds before our teacher Miss Li come to inspect. After breakfast, we have some of free time. Yesterday morning I went fishing, but the only thing I catch was a tree branch. In the afternoon, there are different activity like horseback riding and hiking. They’re fun, so nothing new for me. In the evening, everyone is assigned a different task to get dinner ready. Yesterday, I was in charge of prepare the hot dogs, but I accidentally dropped it in the fire. The best part of camp is at night, where we sit around a campfire and tell stories.
   第二节书面表达（满分25分）
   假定你是李华，暑假参加了澳大利亚游学活动，回国后给host family写一封信表示感谢，要点如下：
   1. 感谢他们一家的照顾;
   2．分享游学体会;
   3．询问你寄的礼物（汉语词典）是否收到;
   4. 邀请他们一家来中国游览。
   注意：1．词数100左右。
   2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
   3．开头和结尾已为你写好，不计入总词数。
   Dear Helen，
   Looking forward to your reply.
   Yours,
   Li Hua
   

   ---

   2016年常德市高三年级模拟考试
   英语参考答案及听力材料
   第I卷

   1 ~ 5	BCABC	6 ~10	BABCA	11~15	CACBC	16~20	CABBA
   21~25	CBADD	26~30	CABCB	31~35	DABCD	36~40	GFECA
   41~45	BACDC	46~50	ABBCD	51~55	ACBDA	56~60	CBDDA
   第II卷
   61. them		62. pieces		63. is		64. what
   65. up		66. trying		67. a		68. easily
   69. are going/are to go/will go				70. be enjoyed

   短文改错
   

   when

   the

   preparing

   them

   but

   activities

   caught

   ＼

   comes

   exactly

   This is my fifth day at the summer camp. Life isn’t exact what I expected. We have to get up early to make our beds before our teacher Miss Li come to inspect. After breakfast, we have some
   of free time. Yesterday morning I went fishing, but the only thing I catch was a tree branch. In the afternoon, there are different activity like horseback riding and hiking. They’re fun, so nothing new for me. In the evening, everyone is assigned a different task to get dinner ready. Yesterday, I was in charge of prepare the hot dogs, but I accidentally dropped it in the fire. The best part of Λcamp is at night, where we sit around a campfire and tell stories.
   写作
   Dear Helen,
   I’ve arrived home safe and sound. I miss you so much, and how I want to say “thank you” to your whole family. It was your help and kindness that made my stay in your country so enjoyable.
   The beautiful scenery and rich traditional Australian culture impressed me a lot. And by communicating with you as well as other locals, I practiced my oral English so often that I can speak as fluently as a native speaker now. What a meaningful and unforgettable experience I’ve got!
   Have you received the Chinese dictionary? It’s a gift for you. I hope it will be of help to you in Chinese learning. I’m keenly expecting you to come to China soon.
   Looking forward to your reply.
   Yours,
   Li Hua
   一、评分原则
   1. 本题总分为25分，按5个档次给分。
   2. 评分时，先根据文章的内容和语言初步确定其所属档次，然后以该档次的要求来衡量，确定或调整档次，最后给分。
   3. 评分时，应注意的主要内容为：内容要点、应用词汇和语法结构的数量和准确性、上下文的连贯性及语言的得体性。
   4. 拼写与标点符号是语言准确性的一个方面，评分时，应视其对交际的影响程度予以考虑。英、美拼写及词汇用法均可接受。
   5. 如书写较差，以致影响交际，将分数降低一个档次。
   二、内容要点：1.感谢Helen一家的照顾；2.游学的体会；3.询问礼物（汉语词典）是否收到；4.邀请Helen一家来中国。
   三、各档次的给分范围和要求

   第五档	完全完成了试题规定的任务。 —覆盖所有的内容要点。 —应用了较多的语法结构和词汇。 —语法结构或词汇方面有些许错误，但为尽力使用复杂结构或较高级词 汇所致；具备较强的语言运用能力。 —有效使用了语句间的连接成分，使全文结构紧凑。 完全达到了预期的写作目的。
   21-25分
   第四档	完全完成了试题规定的任务。 —虽漏掉1、2个次重点，但覆盖所有的主要内容。 —应用的语法结构和词汇能满足任务的要求。 —语法结构或词汇方面应用基本准确，些许错误主要是尝试复杂结构或 词汇所致。 —应用简单的语句间的连接成分，使全文结构紧凑。 达到了预期的写作目的。
   16-20分
   第三档	基本完成了试题规定的任务。 —虽漏掉一些内容，但覆盖所有主要内容。 —应用的语法结构和词汇能满足任务的要求。 —有一些语法结构或词汇方面的错误，但不影响理解。 —应用简单的语句间的连接成分，使全文内容连贯。 整体而言，基本达到了预期的写作目的。
   11-15分
   第二档	未恰当完成试题规定的任务。 —漏掉或未描述清楚一些主要内容，写了一些无关内容。 —语法结构单调，词汇项目有限。 —有一些语法结构或词汇方面的错误，影响了对写作内容的理解。 —较少使用语句间的连接成分，内容缺少连贯性。 信息未能清楚地传达给读者。
   6-10分
   第一档	未完成试题规定的任务。 —明显遗漏主要内容，写了一些无关内容，原因可能是未理解试题要求。 —语法结构单调，词汇项目有限。 —较多语法结构或词汇方面的错误，影响对写作内容的理解。 —缺乏语句间的连接成分，内容部连贯。 信息未能传达给读者。
   1-5分
   0分	未能传达给读者任何信息；内容太少，无法评判；写的内容与所要求内容无关或缩写内容无法看清。

   四、说明
   1. 内容要点可用不同方式表达。
   2. 所作发挥应紧扣主题。

听力录音材料：

Text 1

W: Shall I take a taxi?

M: You must be new here. The cinema is just two blocks away. You don’t even need to take a bus.

Text 2

W: Will you please come here, John?

M: OK, Mummy.

W: And please bring your books.

M: Oh, do I have to?

W: I won’t let you be lazy.

Text 3

W: What do you think of the film?

M: I like it. I think it is great.

W: I like it too. Do you like the acting?

M: Yes. It is excellent. Do you?

W: Not really. It is too disappointing.

Text 4

M: It’s much bigger than I thought. How big is it exactly?

W: Eighty square meters. Just wait until you see the kitchen. It’s huge!

M: Wow! There are two bathrooms! When can I move in?

Text 5

W: Does this bus go to the Art Museum?

M: No. Not this one. This one goes to the Science Museum. To the Art Museum, you should

take Bus No. 17.

W: Thank you very much.

M: You’re welcome.

Text6

W: Hey, Jack, who is that guy over there?

M: Oh, that’s Pierre. He’s the new exchange student from France.

W: Oh, really? I’ve never seen him before. When did he get here?

M: I think he just arrived on Monday. He is staying at Walter’s house.

W: Well, Pierre is pretty cute! Do you know anything about him?

M: I’ve talked to him a couple of times. His English is really good. He likes rock music, and he plays the guitar in a band back in Paris. I’m sure he’s going to make friends quickly.

Text 7

M: Hello, Madam. We’re doing a survey of our customers. How often do you come to the club?

W: Three times a week, usually.

M: Can you run 10 kilometers in an hour on the running machine?

W: Oh, no, I can’t. Maybe 8 kilometers.

M: Do you use the swimming pool? You know, the new swimming pool.

W: No, I don’t. I don’t know how to swim. And I’m scared of water.

M: OK. You know, we offer lessons here. I’m sure our trainer can help you.

Text 8

W: And what time do you call this then?

M: Look, I’m sorry, Mrs. Miller....

W: Ten o’clock is a fine time to roll into work, isn’t it?

M: Yes, I know I'm a bit late, but....

W: A bit late! Listen to that! A bit late, he says.

M: Please, Mrs. Miller, my train....

W: Oh, don’t tell me... your train was late.

M: No, it wasn’t, it....

W: Well, what’s your excuse this time then, George?

M: The eight thirty train was cancelled so I had to wait for the next train.

W: Cancelled. Was it?

M: Yes, they said it had engine trouble.

W: Well, that’s rather strange. Harry got here all right. He didn’t seem to have any problem with the eight thirty train!

M: Oh..., er..., which machine shall I start on? This blue car, Mrs. Miller?

Text 9

W: Good morning, sir?

M: Good morning. My name is Orwell. I’ve got a reservation, a single room with a shower.

W: Ah, yes, Dr. Orwell. Would you fill in this form, please?

M: Yes, of course.

W: Oh, excuse me. I catch a cold. You’re a doctor. You can give me something for it.

M: Give you something for it, for your cold, you mean. I am not that kind of doctor.

W: Oh, aren’t you?

M: No, I am a psychologist.

W: Ah, you are a psychologist. Oh, I see.

M: Is that all right?

W: Yes. Would you like a newspaper in the morning?

M: Yes. TheTimes.

W: OK, sir. Your room is 523, and how long would you stay?

M: Four days. I’ll be checking out on Saturday morning.

W: And how would you pay?

M: By credit card. Would you like to see it?

W: Yes, please, and here is your key, sir.

Text 10

Hello, I’m Rachel Joyce. I’m so happy to be here today at the State Library. I’ve traveled all the way from England, and it’s truly wonderful to visit the United States! This is the first stop on my book tour. I’m off to Australia next! Before I take any questions, let me tell you a bit about myself. My new novel, The Love Song of Miss Queen, was recently published in 2016. The book is a companion to my first novel, The Unlikely Journey of Harold, which follows a man named Harold as he goes in search of his old friend, Queen in hopes of saying goodbye before she dies. The novel was published in 2014. It was a pity not being chosen for the Nation Book Prize. The Love Song of Miss Queen is Queen’s side of the story as she waits for Harold. I’ve also written many radio plays for BBC Radio Four, and in 2012, I won the Tinniswood Award for my radio play To Be a Hero. Before I was a writer, I was an actress in theatre and on TV. I’ll take questions from the audience now.