Living in the countryside?
Rolling hills and endless green pastures — those images are easy to conjure when thinking of the peaceful country lifestyle.
When lockdowns descended upon many countries across the world during the pandemic, social media seemed to be dominated by pictures of cottages and village life. So, why is living in the countryside becoming a modern fantasy — and are there benefits to considering a slower pace of life?
It makes sense that some people would want to give up the crowded and noisy city streets for the perceived tranquility of the traditional country life — especially during an event like a pandemic. The lockdowns and extensive periods of working from home have given people time to think about what they want from life. But it’s not just about having a greener place to look at out your window.
There is more evidence that relates to the benefits of rural living. Villages aren’t normally subject to the stop-go traffic we see in city centres, the buses fighting with taxis for dominance, or metro systems with trains that scream from one station to the next. In short, there’s less air pollution in your country retreat — a thing which increases the chances of developing respiratory conditions or heart disease. You also get more opportunities to take long walks and see the sights, meaning you can get more exercise. Less noise, more walks and better air can also lead to less stress and an increased life expectancy, according to studies such as one conducted by the British government in 2012.
However, there are some things that need to be considered.
Weather can be a large drawback when it comes to moving to the countryside. In some parts of the country, the winters bring blizzards and the spring brings torrential rains and flooding.
Living .far from the hustle and bustle of the city means that some, people may feel isolated or even lonely. And as people get older, life far from doctors or public transport could become a bit of a challenge.
So, if you’re considering a change of pace and moving to a picturesque village, there is a range of pros and cons to consider before taking the plunge.
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About a half-mile behind our Minnesota farm lay a pond. In summer, my brother Harry and I would run through a stand of oak trees to skip stones there. The pond wore a collar of black mud. It was not a place for swimming.
In late summer, the pond would be covered by a green and bubbly scum(起泡的浮渣). Sometimes a strong, unpleasant smell rose from it. We stayed away.
When winter came, the pond was once again an inviting place. One day when ice covered it, Harry said to me, “Try walking across.”
The ice looked solid. No water showed through it, but I hesitated. “Go ahead.” Harry urged. “Try it. You’re lighter than I am. If the ice holds, we can run and slide carefully on it. It’ll be fun.” I wanted to please Harry, and I thought about the fun of a long slide on the ice. I began to slide across the pond.
In the middle of the pond, the ice gave way with a sudden crack(裂缝)! I stretched out(伸展) my arms. The next thing I knew I was hanging on to the edge of a hole in the ice by arms outstretched on the ice. From my shoulders down I hung in icy water. I thought of the bottom of the pond. I knew it would be black and awful down there, full of mud and maybe rotting creatures.
I tried to climb out of the hole, but when I got a knee on the ice, it broke like window glass. Again and again I tried to get out. Again and again the ice broke into pieces. The hole widened. I was wearing a coat of heavy material. As it became completely wet, it dragged me down. I was tired of the struggle and rested with my arms stretched out on the ice.
I looked at Harry on shore. He seemed rooted to the spot. “I can’t get out!” I screamed when I caught some breath.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右：
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
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Harry turned and ran from the pond.
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The moment I crashed through the kitchen door, sobbing, mum rushed over.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________It happened when Tom was only ten years old. That day he was at home with his elder sister Jane. Tom was doing his homework when he heard raised voices. At first he didn't think seriously about it, since it was always noisy downstairs, but he soon realized this time it was different.
“Quick! Quick! Remove the motorcycles from the shop,” someone yelled.
Then a thick burning smell filled the air. When Tom opened the front door of their flat to investigate, a thick cloud of smoke greeted him. The motorcycle shop had caught fire and people were running and crying.
Jane, who had been playing the violin in her room, hurried to the living room. They rushed out of the door and along the corridor（走廊）through the smoke.
They were heading towards the stairway at the far end of the corridor when Jane suddenly stopped. She turned around and headed back the way they came. Tom had no idea what she was doing, but he followed her.
Jane had suddenly remembered the lady in her 70s who lived next door to them, who they called Makcik. Jane began banging on Makcik's door, but got no answer. As the smoke thickened around them, Tom could see many of their neighbours—some still in their pyjamas—running for safety. The thought of fear crossed his mind.
"She would have run for safety like everyone else!" Tom cried. However, Jane refused to give up. "I know Makcik's still inside.” She said she was familiar with Makcik's daily routine and was certain she would still be sleeping. She pounded against the door. "Go downstairs. Go now! Go!”
注意：1. 所续写短文的词数应为150左右；
2. 至少使用5个短文中标有下划线的关键词语；
3. 续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好；
4. 续写完成后，请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。
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Tom noticed the flame was reaching up.
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Luckily, some neighbours passing by stopped and offered help.
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Maria was practicing with her soccer mates in a tiny school yard. They were all from River Edge Rockers, a soccer team of their community. Suddenly, the ball flew into a deep hole at the edge of the yard. It was the third time that they had lost their ball this month. Without the ball Maria had to wave goodbye to her mates and went home, depressed. Only there were a regulation soccer field!” she thought.
That evening, seeing her low spirits; her father asked, “What was the matter dear?”
“I was just thinking about playing in a brand-new soccer field!” Maria answered.
Her father smiled and said: “Tomorrow: a Town Council meeting is to be held to discuss about the use of that vacant(空着的) lot next to the pet store： Home for Pets. Why not take this opportunity to convince them we need a better field?”
The next day, with the company of her father Maria and her teammates went to the meeting hall. On their arrival they saw Councilwoman Jill and some citizens already there. They took their seats. After Jill announced the start of the discussion, Maria stood up and spoke first. “Up till now there is no soccer field in our community, which certainly affects our physical health Our team currently have to practice in a tiny school yard, and only when it’s not already booked.”
Mrs. Lorries, owner of the pet store, commented, “I couldn’t agree more. Kids do need such a field.” The Rockers applauded excitedly and the other citizens all agreed it would be a way out.
“A soccer field would be a good use for that lot with overgrown weeds and some large rocks, but to build such one would need a small sum of money and maybe you even need to do all the work on your own.” Councilwoman Jill smiled, “Can you manage it?”
Thinking for a while: Maria nodded with a determined look on her face, “The Rockers can do it! We will turn it into a soccer field.” The teammates all cheered.
注意：1.所续写矩文的词数应为150左右；
2.至少使用五个短文中标有下划线的关键词语；
3.续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好；
4.续写完成后，请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。
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The following day, the team got together to share ideas for raising money
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A week later, the team gathered at the lot, copying tools purchased with their earrings
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注意：
1、对所给提示，不要简单翻译，可适当增加细节，使行文连贯
2、词数150左右，开头已给出,不计入总词数。
3、植入广告：product placement
The 2010 Spring Festival Gala has set records for TV commercial rates, which accordingly has caused heated discussions due to product placement in the programmes.
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1.事件描述；
2.提出解决措施。（不少于3条）
注意：
1.词数80左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
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请你根据以上内容，撰写调查报告，并简要表达你的看法。
注意：
1. 词数80左右；
2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
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