【推荐1】A

Populations and Land (1987)
	Area in	Percent	Population	Percent
	Square miles	Cultivated	In millions	forested
United States	3615104	20	243.8	28
Canada	3851792	5	25.9	33
United Kingdom	94525	29	56.8	9
Australia	2967896	6	16.2	14
India	1269340	51	800.3	21
China	3705390	11	1062.0	14

1. Which two countries are the closest to each other in area?

A．The US and Canada	B．China and Canada
C．The US and China	D．India and China

2. _____ has the highest population density(密度), and _____ has the second highest.

A．China, India	B．India, China
C．India , the US	D．China, the US

3. Which two countries have the closest percentage of cultivated land?

A．The US and the United Kingdom.

B．The US and China

C．Australia and Canada．

D．Australia and China

4. There are _____ countries whose cultivated land percentage is larger than the forest percentage.

A．2

B．3

C．4

D．5

【推荐2】The following are a few cities with cheap attractions or restaurants in California, the US.
Cathedral City
The Indian Oven in the city will give you a high-quality dining experience. It’s a restaurant with traditional Indian dishes. All of the lunch specials are $5.95 and are served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. The windows of the restaurants give you the beautiful views of desert mountain scenes. You need to call 92234(760)770-3918 to book a table.
Palm Desert
Palm Desert, a city in Riverside County, has a number of free desert hiking trails(小径). They are named after famous Western Hollywood cowboys. The trails are fun to hike on. At some points they go up very high and you can get a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding desert cities. The paths are dusty, so bring some good hiking boots and hats. Do bring some water and your phone. It’s great for an afternoon hike after 2 pm. Call 92260(760)340-0574 or 92253(760)564-4712 to learn more.
Lake Cahuilla
Away from the busy streets of the city of Palm Springs, Lake Cahuilla is a great recreational(娱乐的) area you can visit in La Quinta. It is at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains. It costs $3.00 for per person to enter the area, but a half for kids under 7. The activities include: camping, fishing, bicycling, and horseback riding. If you want to save on rooms, you can stay in an RV. Call 92278(760)664-7215 and you’ll learn something else.
1. The desert hiking trails__________.

A．are named after some famous people

B．reach the top of some high mountains.

C．provide visitors with free water and food.

D．have attracted many well-known cowboys.

2. If you want to know more about the restaurants in Lake Cahuilla, you can call __________.

A．92260(760)340-0574	B．92278(760)664-7215
C．92234(760)770-3918	D．92253(760)564-4712

3. We can learn from the passage that ________.

A．the Indian Oven must be a well-known restaurant in India.

B．kids enjoy the hiking trails in Palm Desert at half price.

C．Palm Desert has been badly polluted by human activities.

D．staying in an RV costs less than staying in a hotel room.

【推荐3】Have you heard of Amancio Ortega? He established Zara, a well­known international Spanish clothing brand, which makes his fortune reach over $65 billion. As a clothing brand, Zara is like no other. People across the world from teenagers to recent retirees love to shop there. So what’s their secret? Do they operate like other popular clothing retailers(零售商)?

It turns out that Zara operates in a completely different way from other clothing companies. Normally, clothing brands try to predict fashion trends in a year in advance and release the same collections in one year: one for spring/summer and another for fall/winter. Unfortunately, if the designs appeal to buyers, then sales go up, or else it means markdowns and cutting profits for the season. Zara avoids this risk with its approach. Zara designs, produces, distributes and sells its collection in only four weeks. This also means updating the stores with two new designs a week and keeping low stock levels. As a result, less clothing in stock means lower storage costs and fewer markdowns. Shoppers will frequently stop by Zara to see fresh designs.

Most clothing brands operate using a top­down approach, where their designs are based on what they predict will become popular in the next season. However, Zara constantly collects information about consumers. Its staff go onto the streets and in the malls of cities to see what people are wearing. Store managers take note on what customers’ tastes are like, which are reported back to headquarters that will then make their decisions. So the decisions are based on immediate feedback. This bottom up approach has allowed the brand to become popular worldwide and cater directly to what people want.

Their growth strategy(策略) and success has offered a few lessons. For example, Zara collects much consumer data from different places: streets, malls and customers. Not all of it will be useful, of course, but the data lets them know what people like and dislike, and how Zara can cater to their needs. Similarly, anything you’ll do will result in feedback. When you deliver a service, people’s responses and behavior provide useful information for improvement. It lets us know how we’re doing and whether adjustment is needed.

Zara studies consumers continuously to decide which direction its designs should take before starting the process. Getting goods as close as possible to current trends means sales will likely increase. Similarly, whenever you need to make a decision, you have to consider the information at hand. Before making big decisions, it’s best to learn more from different sources to reduce what you aren’t certain about. Moreover, sometimes our environment changes faster than our plans. So it’s also important to stay flexible and be willing to reassess the situation frequently.

Learn from Zara
An entrepreneur’s success	·As the     1     of Zara, Amancio Ortega is one of the richest people around the world.
2     for Zara’s success	·Zara     3     their designs quickly and continuously, which lowers stock levels and     4     customers. ·Zara bases the designs of their goods on their survey about the consumers rather than the     5     about the market. ·Their decisions about designs are dependent on instant     6    .
Lessons from Zara’s success	·We should collect more useful information because it can make us have a good     7     of the true situation and help us know whether it is necessary to     8    . ·Gather enough information to reduce the     9     before making big decisions. ·Learn to make regular     10     of the situation because the environment changes faster than our plans.

【推荐2】The ebike has become an essential item, and even the King has been spotted riding one. According to the market research company Mintel, sales have almost tripled over the past five years. While ebikes have become increasingly commonplace, they are still undeniably expensive. You can pack up a perfectly adequate push bike for £ 300, but most ebikes cost nearly £ 2,000. Now, Cycling Electric, designed to help consumers choose an ebike, offers the following recommendations.

Best folding bike

Carbo Model 4

Price: ₤ 2,799     Weight: 13.3 kg

Range: up to 34 miles

This is one of the most convenient bikes, from a little-known label. The lightweight Carbo X is the perfect example of convenience thanks to its carbon frame and belt drive, instead of a metal bike chain. This makes it lighter and less likely to get messy than an electric Brompton, with its more traditional, only chain.

Most stylish

Temple Cycles Classic

Price: from £ 2,995     Weight: 19 kg

Range: up to 74 miles

This Bristol-based brand is known for its elegant pushbikes, which are hand-built in the city. This is its electric version. It’s a very sleek and functional commuter option and not too heavy. Temples have fewer proprietary(品牌专卖的) parts and so are serviceable in any bike shop. Stylish as they may be, the VanMoofs and the Cowboys can be a bit more complex to get back-up and service

The money-no-object option

Riese & Müller Nevo4 GT Vario G4

Price: £ 5,380     Weight: 28.4kg

Range: up to 93 miles

This is a prime example of the attention to detail delivering a high-quality experience in functionality, comfort and practicality — if you can afford it. It has the capacity to handle 25 kg of luggage in a pannier, powerful road lights and a beautifully smooth motor.

1. Which conclusion is Temples’ advantage over other stylish ehike brands?

A．They have easier access to service.	B．They are more comfortable.
C．They have more functions.	D．They are more lightweight.

2. From what mentioned above, which ebike will a consumer probably choose, who cares most about an excellent experience?

A．Temple Cycles Classic.	B．Carbo Model 4.
C．The VanMoofs and the Cowboys.	D．Riese & Müller Nevo4 GT Vario G4.

3. The text is probably taken from ______.

A．a chemical paper	B．a magazine column
C．a market research report	D．an official document

【推荐3】We are looking for energetic volunteers who might be willing to volunteer their time. It’s a great way to build your volunteer experience, get involved in your community, meet new people and show your pride.
Computer Teacher
The computer teacher will be responsible for teaching older adults computer skills, including basic skills such as turning on computer or more media skills such as setting up email. This position requires patience, dedication and long hours on your feet. Computer skills needed. Ask Mandy, 01313377227.
Meals on Wheels
Do you have time in your schedule to make a difference in the lives of seniors in your community? Meals on Wheels drivers deliver nutritious lunchtime meals to homebound seniors on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our aim is to help seniors who are unable to go out themselves due to age or disability. A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle is required. Call Lucy,（781）2727177.
Tree Nursery Volunteer
Tasks are different according to season, but may include: collecting tree seeds from ancient woodland, preparing seeds for sowing, planting trees and tree aftercare. Some of the work is physical and outdoors, others such as seed preparation can be done indoors. No experience is necessary, but a knowledge or interest in botany would certainly be helpful. Ask Amrita, 07748623073.
Photography Volunteer
If you have a talent for photography, this may be the role for you. We need someone who can take great photos for posters and websites. We especially need photos of our events and volunteers. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience. You’ll also gain the satisfaction of seeing your work being displayed on the National Trust website and in literature. Ask Sarah, 01248600954.
1. If you are interested in teaching, you can get in touch with ________.

A．Mandy

B．Lucy

C．Amrita

D．Sarah

2. What do Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver for the seniors?

A．Breakfast.

B．Lunch.

C．Supper.

D．Snack.

3. Which kind of voluntary work doesn’t require special experience or skills?

A．Computer Teacher.	B．Meals on Wheels.
C．Tree Nursery Volunteer.	D．Photography Volunteer.

【推荐1】Football is my favorite sport. I loved to watch it, but I had never played in a football game before I went to college. I didn’t have enough confidence and I wanted to know whether I could do well in a team, which was why I hardly did sports in company with others. I just loved practising playing football in the backyard of my house.

About one month after I went to college, one day some of my classmates said they’d play a football game with some players of another class. I really looked forward to but never thought I’d join them to play. That day finally came and I went to watch with my classmates. However, just about ten minutes after the game started,one member of our football team got injured and could no longer play. The other members looked worried. Then one of them came to me and asked, “Can you play?” At first, I shook my head, but then I nodded.“Great! Come and play.” he said. I followed him, having no idea at all what to do. To my joy, he asked me to play in defense(防守). Defense was my favourite because I found it more fun and less complicated(复杂的). Then the game began again.There weren’t a lot of big kids on the offensive line(攻击线) of the other team and I suddenly became confident. About five minutes later,the ball was kicked toward the guard. I thought it was a good chance for me.I quickly ran past the guard and got the ball. When the guard came to the offensive line. I kicked the ball. I scored and all my classmates cheered. You may not believe it, but I scored twice that time. The final score was 6-2 and we won. My teammates thought that I did very well and none of them believed I hadn’t played in a game before.

That game really changed me. I am a really confident person now and often play football games with my teammates.

1. Why didn’t the author play sports with others before?

A．He wasn’t interested in sports.

B．He wasn’t popular with others.

C．He didn’t have time to play sports.

D．He wasn’t confident about his ability.

2. Seeing the author shaking his head at first, his classmates most probably felt _______.

A．excited

B．boring

C．anxious

D．angry

3. We learn that after playing the game, the author most probably _________.

A．got more worried about watching football games

B．decided to become a full-time football player

C．was thought to be the best football player at school

D．fell in love with joining others in playing football

【推荐2】When Tony took up running as a hobby, he was 42 years old. Now 42 years later he’s a national champion and a world record holder.

He never imagined at the age of 84 this is where he’d be, but then he doesn’t meet many people in their 80s who are out training four times a week.

“I can see it’s a bit unusual, yes. But it’s been my life, ” he told the reporter.

The retired officer runs at a track near his home in Leeds.

At an event in Italy last month he set a world record in the 80 metres hurdles (跨栏) with a time of under 17 seconds. But he sees no reason to slow down and his ambition is still to be competing when he passes a hundred.

“I probably won’t be doing a crouch start (蹲式起跑), but it’s only 16 years away,” he joked. Like anyone his age, he’s had health problems. He’s had a string of severe heart attacks, but doctors have told him as long as it makes him feel good, he should carry on running.

“I can’t let my heart get in the way of my training. When I am sprinting, I have to give it my absolute all. My heart is the last thing on my mind.” he said.

He trains every other day, dances and plays hockey and he recently cuts down on alcohol and chocolate. He said, “I’ve heard alcohol can lead to dementia and I don’t want that. I’ve cut down to one glass of wine every other day. I now have to stay as fit as I can be to keep up my lifestyle.”

Tony’s next birthday is next September. And the first thing he wants to do is to become the world’s fastest 85-year-old.

1. What will Tony do after the competition in the Italy ?

A．He decides to slow down.

B．He decides to retire as an officer.

C．He plans on running until he’s 100.

D．He plans to compete in the 100 metres hurdles.

2. What do the doctors suggest to Tony?

A．Trying to run as fast as he can.

B．Continuing to run if he feels good.

C．Cutting down on alcohol and chocolate.

D．Stopping running to treat his heart disease.

3. Which of the following best describes Tony?

A．Imaginative.

B．Positive.

C．Caring.

D．Self-centered

4. What’s the best title of the text?

A．A National Champion.

B．The Fastest Man in the World.

C．The World’s Fastest 85-year-old.

D．Granddad Crowned Fastest 84-year-old in the World.

【推荐3】Ice hockey’s beginning is a little uncertain. It has been tracked back to an Irish game known as hurley by some experts. Others consider ice hockey as having come from lacrosse and field games that were played by Micmac Indians. Still others say that hockey evolved in Northern Europe. At any rate, it is quite likely that ice hockey came into being from different early games played with a stick and a ball.

In the 1850s, the first recorded games of ice hockey were played, and in the 1870s, the first set of ice hockey rules were written by a group of students at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. These rules set up the use of a puck (冰球) replacing a ball and decided the number of players to be nine per team. The year 1880 brought the organization of the first amateur hockey league. Over the next several years, ice hockey’s popularity spread across Canada. It was around 1893 that ice hockey was first played in the United States. There have been several ice hockey leagues. The best known is the National Hockey League, which came into being in 1917 in Canada.

Ice hockey has the oldest sports trophy (奖杯) in North America. It had become so widespread in Canada that a trophy was presented by the Governor General of Canada to be awarded to the top hockey team. Lord Stanley of Preston was the name of the Governor General, and the trophy became Known as the Stanley Cup.

Not many changes have been made to the initial rules set forth in the 1870s. The main ones have been the decrease from nine players to six and the progression of new and better equipment. In 1910 — 11, the game changed from two 30-minute periods to three 20-minute periods. In 1943 — 44, the red line at center ice was introduced to speed up the game. In 2005 — 06, goalkeeper equipment was downsized.

1. What does the second paragraph intend to tell?

A．The rules of ice hockey.

B．The development of ice hockey.

C．The popularity of ice hockey.

D．The players of ice hockey.

2. What’s the text mainly about?

A．The rules of the ice hockey sport.

B．The great changes of the ice hockey sport.

C．The history of the ice hockey sport.

D．The development of the National Hockey League.