1 . Most handshakes are a simple greeting. However, they are more common in some places than in others. This is especially true in English-speaking countries. In these countries, handshakes are common in every situation — when meeting a new person, or even when greeting someone that you have not seen for a long time. People also use handshakes to congratulate, or to say goodbye.
In Asian countries, handshakes are used in business. But in other situations, there are other greetings. For example, in Thailand, people greet each other using the waist(腰). A person holds his hands so that the palms, the inside of the hands, press together. Then, the person gives a small bow, bending(弯曲) at the waist. Similar gestures(手势) are used in India, Cambodia and other countries.
In Latin America, people shake hands. But they also may greet with a kiss. For example, a woman greeting another woman will kiss lightly on each cheek(面颊), and then shake hands. In some places, men may also greet in this way, but it is not as common. Cheek kissing is common in many other parts of the world too, but it is slightly(稍微地) different in each place. For example, in Greece, two people may kiss twice, one kiss on each cheek. But in parts of France, people will kiss four times!
So, if you are shaking hands, do you know what the best way to communicate is? Do you use a hard or soft handshake? Do you hold with both hands, or just one? Do you kiss?
1. How do people greet each other in Thailand?| A．By using the waist. | B．By shaking hands. |
| C．By speaking loudly. | D．By shaking their heads. |
| A．Hugging. | B．Kissing. | C．Greeting. | D．Speaking. |
| A．Different handshakes | B．How to greet each other |
| C．The same gestures | D．When to shake hands |
2 . International travel is popular, but visitors can run into trouble if they don’t know some basic “rules”. So, it’s important to learn about the cultures they’re visiting.
BRAZIL
In general, Brazilian culture is informal (随意的). Most Brazilians are very friendly, so it’s important to greet the people you meet. Normally women kiss on the cheek, but men usually just shake hands. Brazilians usually stand very close to each other while speaking. Even if this is unusual in your culture, try not to move away if it happens. If you go to a business meeting, you are not expected to take a gift.
On the other hand, if you are invited to someone’s house, you should take a gift—like flowers or chocolate. However, avoid anything purple or black, as these colors have to do with death.
If you are invited to dinner, arrive at least 30 minutes late, but always dress well, because a person’s appearance can be very important to Brazilians.
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia is a very traditional country. It is important to greet the oldest or the most senior person first. People shake hands in business situations, but men and women do not touch in public.
In a business meeting, do not start with business matters at once. Instead, lead in the conversation by asking about people’s family or health. Arrive on time for business meetings, but don’t be surprised if others are late. Being on time is less important in Saudi Arabia than it is in most western countries. Business dress is formal.
Gifts are not expected at business meetings. If you are invited to a Saudi home, acceptable gifts are chocolate or coffee. Be careful not to admire the things the host owns, because he or she will feel necessary to give an item to you as a gift.
1. The underlined word “this” in Paragraph 2 refers to ________.| A．kissing on the cheek when greeting | B．dressing formally when invited |
| C．preparing gifts at business meetings | D．standing very close when talking |
| A．dress informally | B．be 30 minutes late | C．bring black flowers | D．ask about health |
①lead-in topics ②greetings ③arriving time ④giving gifts ⑤dresses
| A．①②③④ | B．①②④⑤ | C．①③④⑤ | D．②③④⑤ |
| A．To ask more people to travel to different countries. |
| B．To introduce some basic rules in different cultures. |
| C．To teach tourists how to understand English culture. |
| D．To show different opinions about different cultures. |
3 . We all need cash (现金) in order to live our life. However. something called digital currency (货币) is slowly taking the place of cash. A currency is a kind of money. Usually, we use currency when we talk about a country’s money. If something is digital, it only exists (存在) on a computer. So “digital currency” means money that only exists on computers.
Lots of people have digital currency accounts (账户). They use a credit card (信用卡) to change their real money into digital money, and then the money goes into the digital currency account. A lot of people wonder, “Why should I change my real money into digital currency?” This is a fair question, but there’s a good answer. If you want to buy something online, then you usually have to use digital currency. For example, if you’re in China and you want to buy something in Canada, then you’ll have to pay with the digital currency.
Many people still don’t trust digital currency. Some people think that if they can’t hold their money in their hand, then it doesn’t seem real. These people don’t feel comfortable when they see numbers on a computer screen. The computer tells them that their money is safe but these people don’t really feel safe. Another problem is security (安全). There are hackers (黑客) all over the world. A hacker is a person who steals computer information. If a hacker gets the password of your digital currency account, he or she can steal your money.
You have to decide whether or not you trust this new invention. Just remember one thing: If you want to buy something online, then you probably won’t have a choice. You’ll have to use digital currency.
1. What does Para. 1 mainly tell us?| A．What digital currency is. | B．How to use digital currency. |
| C．Why we all need cash to live. | D．Where to find digital currency. |
| A．You cannot shop online without digital currency. |
| B．You cannot buy anything in China with real money. |
| C．You cannot buy anything in Canada without digital currency. |
| D．You can use both real money and digital currency to shop online. |
| A．Digital currency is not safe enough. |
| B．Many people still don’t trust digital currency. |
| C．Some people can’t hold their money in their hand. |
| D．Some people don’t feel comfortable with numbers. |
| A．Digital currency can be used for buying foreign goods online. |
| B．Digital currency means the end of real money. |
| C．Cash is much safer than digital currency. |
| D．Most people like using cash rather than digital currency. |
4 . It was the first time I had taught in a special needs classroom. I wasn’t sure what to expect at our school sports meeting. All my students had some problems, from slight learning disabilities to physical disabilities.
Mark was one of the latter. He had to get around in a wheelchair. But he was always positive and greeted everyone with a huge smile.
His classmates loved him, especially Lucas, the boy who was good at sports. I knew Mark wanted to be like him.
When track and field day came, Lucas did well in every event. Mark sat on the sideline(在场外), cheering him on.
The final event of the day was the 400-meter race. Everyone was invited to either walk or run. But when Lucas reached the finish line, he stopped and turned to look behind him. At the back of the crowd was Mark. He was alone on the track, trying to catch up with others.
Lucas made a decision quickly. He turned back toward his friend. He ran beside Mark, cheering him on as Mark had done for him before.
In the end, the two boys crossed the finish line together to the excited shout of their teachers and classmates. Seeing Mark’s face, I came to understand what makes the Special Olympics so special. Everyone deserves (值得) their own time to shine.
1. What did the writer feel about the coming sports meeting?| A．No students would take part in it. | B．It wouldn’t be a challenging one. |
| C．The writer didn’t expect too much. | D．Students shouldn’t spend time on it. |
| A．hopeful | B．serious | C．noisy | D．hard-working |
| A．He waited for Mark at the finish line. | B．He cheered for Mark on the sidelines. |
| C．He went back and ran with Mark together. | D．He shouted and laughed at Mark excitedly. |
| A．Track and field is a fun event for everyone. | B．The Special Olympics are boring to watch. |
| C．Friendship comes from valuable competition. | D．Everyone deserves to have a special moment. |
5 . Modern paper-making began in China about two thousand years ago. This process produced paper from cloth,straw,wood or the bark of trees. The raw materials (原料) are struck over and over till they become loose. Then they are mixed with water. After the water has been removed, the flat, thin form remaining is allowed to dry. This becomes a sheet of paper.
Sounds complicated? Well, actually you can also make the paper at home! Here are the steps to make handmade paper at home.
You should use paper with small amounts of printing. Old envelopes are good for this reason. Colored paper also can be used, as well as small amounts of newspaper. Small pieces of rags or cloth can be added. These should be cut into pieces about five centimeters by five centimeters.
Everything is placed in a container, covered with water and brought to a boil. It is mixed for about two hours with some common chemicals and then allowed to cool. Then it is left till most of the water dries up. The things left, called pulp(纸浆), can be stored till you are ready to make paper.
When you are ready, the pulp is mixed with water again. Then the pulp is poured into a mold (模具). The mold is made of small squares of wire that hold the shape and thickness of the paper. To help dry the paper, the mold lets the water flow through the small wire squares. After several more drying steps, the paper is carefully lifted back from the mold. It is now strong enough to be touched.
The paper is smoothed(平) and pressed to remove trapped air. You can use common electric iron used for pressing clothes.
There are many other technologies for people making paper using small machines. Internet users can do a research and find directions for making homemade paper. You can also order information about making paper from the website enterpriseworks.org.
1. What does the underlined word “This” refer to in paragraph 1?| A．Modern-paper making. | B．The process. |
| C．The remaining. | D．The raw material. |
a. air-dry the paper b. stir the paper c. add water
d. press the paper e. lift the paper f. cut the paper into pieces
| A．f-c-b-a-e-d | B．f-c-b-e-a-d | C．d-f-c-b-a | D．d-f-b-c-a-e |
| A．it can hold the shape and thickness of the paper |
| B．it makes it possible to pour the pulp into the mold |
| C．there is no need to cut the paper again |
| D．the type can help the water flow easily |
| A．To introduce the history of paper-making. |
| B．To describe the process of paper-making. |
| C．To compare the ancient and the modern paper-making. |
| D．To argue the possibility of paper-making by hand. |
6 . It was a sunny Sunday afternoon. I stopped at a teahouse to enjoy a cup of tea. Suddenly, I felt a hand on the back of my jacket and heard someone say, “Hi, David! How are you doing?”
Looking back, I saw a man. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t remember where we had met.
The young man also held a cup of tea, so I asked him to join me. Very soon, his story began to evoke my memory.
His name is Peter. Six years earlier, Peter was driving back home late on a February night. A heavy snow had arrived that afternoon, and by midnight, the snowdrifts (雪堆) were getting deep. His car was stuck in a snowdrift just down the road from my house.
He walked to my house for help. I helped him pull his car out of the snowdrift and up to the street where the snow had been cleaned away.
This was a normal happening here during the winter. I couldn’t count the times someone has helped me to pull my car from a snowdrift. However, it was an unforgettable experience for him. He was only eighteen at that time, and he said he was very afraid. No one wants to be stuck in a snowdrift at night.
Sometimes, one simple kindness at the right moment can change the direction of a life. So, be kind and helpful.
1. The underlined word “evoke” means ”________” in Chinese.| A．封存 | B．唤起 | C．增强 | D．打乱 |
| A．Because he was caught in a heavy snow. | B．Because he could not find the way home. |
| C．Because he wanted to find some tea to drink. | D．Because there was something wrong with his car. |
| A．an unusual experience | B．an unexpected thing |
| C．a common thing | D．an unforgettable experience |
| A．friendship is pretty valuable | B．not to drive on a snowy night |
| C．helping others is very easy | D．even a simple kindness matters |
7 . Siena (in English sometimes spelled Sienna) is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province Siena. It is an old city in the north of Italy. Siena began over 2, 900 years ago when a group of people came living on its hills. Around the year 1100, hundreds and thousands of people from all over the world came to Siena to do business. It became an important place for businessmen. In 1472, the first bank of the world was built in this city and more and more people have crowded into this city for business ever since.
Today Siena is well-known for keeping its “old face”. For example, its city walls, which helped keep the city safe in the past, are hundreds of years old now and look almost the same as before. Also many old buildings are seen at the Piazza del Campo, the most important meeting place of the city. Few things have really changed in this center of public life for hundreds of years. Now people still go to the open space for sharing news, shopping, or playing sports. There is one more thing that helps keep Siena’s old face — cars cannot enter the city most of the time.
It’s true that Siena is old, but it is beautifully old. It is one of the country’s most famous places of interest, with over 163,000 visitors since 2008. People are welcome to visit this beautiful city and walk into the past.
1. Since the 12th century, Siena ________.| A．has become an important business center | B．has built a lot of banks for businessmen |
| C．has allowed people to live on its hills | D．has become the capital city of Siena |
| A．A good way to get around Siena is by car. |
| B．The oldest bank in the world is in Italy. |
| C．Italy is making its cities beautiful with trees. |
| D．Walls that were built around Siena are not there now. |
| A．It’s the biggest sports center in Italy. | B．It’s a new business center in Italy. |
| C．It has been kept almost as it was before. | D．It’s a special place for country leaders. |
| A．A City of Love | B．A City of Festival |
| C．A Forgotten Old City | D．A City Living in History |
8 . My grandpa used to tell me that when I felt embarrassed(尴尬的) about my mistakes, laughing at them can make a difference. Yesterday, I learned that he was right.
"Stay in line." Mrs. Martin said. I knew right away that my friend Naomi wouldn't be able to cut. I looked at Naomi and frowned(皱眉). Soon, the line began to move faster, and I followed along hoping that there would still be pizza.
When I reached the counter, I looked at the choices. I could only see chicken and mashed potatoes, Italy noodles and fish. I could hear the rumbling(隆隆声) of my very disappointed stomach.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw one last piece of Hawaii pizza. I got so excited about it.
"Hawaii pizza," I said politely. Mrs. Martin handed me the pizza. I took the paper plate so quickly that the pizza fell off the plate. I tried to save it, but the pizza landed in the hot, mashed potatoes.
I could feel my face turning redder and redder, All I could hear was laughter from the kids in line.
As I looked at the upside down pizza, I heard Mrs. Martin's voice, "Maria, would you like a side of mashed potatoes with your pizza?"
I looked up and saw Naomi. She was laughing, too. With a nervous smile, I said, "Of course."
Mrs. Martin smiled and put the mashed potato pizza on my plate. I looked around at my friends, and we all laughed again.
I never really believed my grandpa until I saw my friends laughing with me. The laughing made me feel good instead of just being embarrassed.
1. Why did the writer frown?| A．Because her friend didn't obey the rules. |
| B．Because she failed to buy a piece of pizza. |
| C．Because some kids cut in the line. |
| D．Because she dropped her pizza off. |
| A．Cheese and fish. | B．Hawaii pizza. |
| C．Mashed potatoes. | D．Italy noodles. |
a. My face turned redder and redder.
b. Mrs. Martin handed me the pizza.
c. My pizza landed in the mashed potatoes.
d. My friends and I laughed again.
| A．b-a-d-c | B．a-b-d-c | C．b-d-a-c | D．b-c-a-d |
| A．Laughing at others can make ourselves feel good. |
| B．Laughing at ourselves can help reduce the embarrassment. |
| C．We should offer a helping hand when others get into trouble. |
| D．We should always be careful when we pick something from others. |
9 . Everyone dreams of changing the world. But can teenagers really make a difference? And how can they do it?
Michael Norton's book 365 Ways to Change the World is a good starting point. The book gives an idea or a task for every day of the year. The tasks are from volunteering at a hospital to planting a tree.
The book says that even one small act can help someone in need. It may even influence other teenagers to do something.
Nathan Anthony, a student at Enochs High School, agrees. “It's impossible to get anything in life without giving something to someone or working hard at school or work,” Anthony said.
Another student, Ariane Mota, has the same opinion. “Giving is our way of returning to those who help us.” she said. “Whether it is a helping hand or money, we should help others to improve their day of life.”
But how often do teenagers help a stranger or do something nice for someone? According to Anthony, not a lot. He and Mota both believe this needs to be changed.
So whether you're helping to find medicine for cancer or simply smiling at a stranger, do something every day to help change the world for better.
1. Why did Michael Norton write the book 365 Ways to Change the World?| A．To tell us how to plant a tree |
| B．To tell us how to be volunteer at a hospital. |
| C．To tell us some small acts to change the world. |
| D．To tell us that teenagers are very helpful |
| A．It's impossible to get anything in life. |
| B．It's very important to work hard at school. |
| C．Teenagers should often live better. |
| D．Give others first if you want to get something. |
| A．Teenagers not helping others. |
| B．Our giving something to others. |
| C．Our helping others to improve their lives. |
| D．Teenagers' influence on other kids. |
| A．Everyone dreams of changing the world. |
| B．Helping others is also helping ourselves. |
| C．We should help people to live better. |
| D．The world will be better and better. |
10 . Is there a way to quickly recall information just before taking an exam? Walking backward may be a good way to solve the problem. Scientists from the University of Roehampton in the UK said this activity can help people improve their short-term memory.
Researchers asked 114 volunteers to watch a video. After watching the video, volunteers were divided into three groups. One group was told to walk 10 meters forward. The second group walked 10 meters backward. The third group stood in one place. All three groups were then asked 20 questions about what they saw in the video.
The scientists found that the backward-walking group got two more answers correct than the other two groups.
This suggests that the connection between time and space is important for how our brains form memory. "Time is really expressed by space, " Study leader Aleksandar Aksentijevic told the Daily Mail. When you walk backward, you see things from a different point compared to walking forward. This difference helps people recall things that happened in the past.
And walking backward is not just good for our brains. It is also good for the other parts of our body. Compared to walking forward, walking backward is more challenging. This can help us improve our health. Walking backward uses more energy in a short time and burns more calories (卡路里）.
Walking backward also puts less stress on our knees. It could be helpful for people who often have pain in their knees.
This might be why many old people like walking backward.
1. How many people were in each group when the volunteers were divided into groups?| A．10. | B．20. | C．38. | D．57. |
| A．Walking backward can help you deal with nervousness before an exam. |
| B．Walking backward is good for old people's knees. |
| C．Walking backward uses less energy in a short time. |
| D．Walking backward can help people predict the future. |
| A．The three groups got about the same number of questions right. |
| B．Walking backward can look at things from the the same point. |
| C．Walking forward is more challenging than walking backward. |
| D．Practicing walking backward can improve your short-term memory. |
| A．Some ways to quickly recall information. |
| B．Walking backward is good for people. |
| C．The difference between walking backward and forward. |
| D．Time and space are important for forming memories in the brain. |
