1 . Foreign visitors to the UK might be disappointed when they learn that not everyone there speaks like Harry Potter and his friends. Usually, there’s an assumption by many non-Brits that everyone in Britain speaks with what’s known as a Received Pronunciation (RP,标准发音) accent, also called “the Queen’s English”. However, while many people do talk this way, most Britons speak in their own regional accents (口音).
Scouse, Glaswegian and Black Country — from Liverpool, Glasgow and the West Midlands — are just three of the countless non-RP accents that British people speak with. There are even differences in accents between towns or cities just 30 kilometers apart. What is even more disappointing is that not speaking in a RP accent may mean a British person is judged and even treated differently in their everyday life.
In a 2015 study by The University of South Wales, videos of people reading a passage in three different UK accents were shown to a second group of people. The group then rated how intelligent they thought the readers sounded. The lowestrated accent was Brummie, native to people from Birmingham, a city whose accent is considered working class.
However, there is no need to be disappointed though you are not speaking in a RP accent. In fact, doing the opposite may even give you strength.
Kong Seongjae, 25, is an Internet celebrity from Seoul. After studying in the UK, he picked up several regional accents. He’s now famous for his online videos, where he shows off the various accents he’s learned. “British people usually get really excited when I use some of their local dialect words, and they become much friendlier. I think it makes a bit of bond between local people and foreigners to speak in their local accent,” he said.
So if you’re working on perfecting your British accent, try to speak like someone from Liverpool, Glasgow or Birmingham. You may not sound like Harry Potter, but you are likely to make more friends.
1. What can we infer from Paragraph 1?A.Non-Brits usually hold that all Britons speak in a RP accent. |
B.Only “the Queen’s English” is accepted in the UK. |
C.Foreign visitors are disappointed at their on spoken English. |
D.Any Received Pronunciation around the world is also called “the Queen’s English”. |
A.Favored by foreign visitors to the UK. | B.Closest to the RP accent. |
C.Smart and easy to understand. | D.Spoken by people of lower class. |
A.Speaking in a RP accent. | B.Speaking in regional accents. |
C.Speaking the Brummie accent. | D.Speaking like Harry Potter. |
A.A study about the most intelligent accent in Britain. |
B.A comparison between different British accents. |
C.How much British people value the RP accent. |
D.The influence of regional accents on people’s lives. |
2 . The following four famous paintings—from Jan van Eyck’s portrait to Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece—have stood the test of time.
The Arnolfini Portrait
The Arnolfini Portrait of Jan van Eyck, an oil painting on wood produced in 1434, in which a man and a woman hold hands with a window behind him and a bed behind her, is undoubtedly one of the masterpieces in the National Gallery, London. This painting is as visually interesting as it is famed. It is also an informative document on fifteenth-century society, through Jan van Eyck’s heavy use of symbolism—while husbands went out to engage in business, wives concerned themselves with domestic duties.
The Starry Night
During his 12—month stay at the mental hospital near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France between 1889 and 1890, Vincent Willem van Gogh painted The Starry Night, an oil on canvas(帆布), a moderately abstract landscape painting of an expressive night sky over a small hillside village. When the Museum of Modern Art in New York City purchased the painting from a private collector in 1941, it was not well known, but it has since become one of Van Gogh’s most famous works.
The Harvesters
The Harvesters is an oil painting on wood completed by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in 1565. It depicted the harvest time which most commonly occurred within the months of August and September. Nicolaes Jonghelinck, a merchant banker and art collector from Antwerp, commissioned this painting. The painting has been at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City since 1919.
Guernica
Guernica, a large black-and-white oil painting, was painted by the Cubist Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso in 1937. The title “Guernica” refers to the city that was bombed by Nazi planes during the Spanish Civil War. The painting depicted the horrors of war and as a result, has come to be an anti-war symbol and a reminder of the tragedies of war. Today, the painting is housed at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia in Madrid.
1. Which of the following paintings was produced earliest?A.Guernica. | B.The Harvesters. |
C.The Starry Night. | D.The Arnolfini Portrait. |
A.Pieter Bruegel the Elder. | B.Vincent Willem van Gogh. |
C.Jan van Eyck. | D.Pablo Picasso. |
A.It was an oil painting on wood. |
B.It depicted the painter’s life in mental hospital. |
C.It wasn’t widely recognized before 1941. |
D.It was given away to the museum by a private collector. |
3 . “Barefoot Mike” gets a lot of attention when he shows up at the beginning of a race. He loves to run and has been running since he was a kid. He loves to and often competes in 10K races. But That’s not the reason he gets so much attention. People notice him because when he runs, “Barefoot Mike” runs barefoot.
Running barefoot has become a huge trend in the world of running. “I didn’t set out to be a trend setter,” laughed “Barefoot Mike”, otherwise known as Mike Whitaker. “I’ve always been a runner, but until a few years ago, I always wore shoes. Then one day I was running after a rainstorm. I stepped off into the grass to avoid a puddle (水坑) on the sidewalk, and accidentally stepped into a huge muddy puddle that had been hidden in the grass. I tried to keep running, but the wet and dirty shoe made it really hard. I figured the best solution was to just get rid of the shoes.”
Mike took off his shoes and dropped them into the nearest trash can. “Then I started running. At first I went really slowly because I was watching out for rocks or other things that could hurt my feet, but there really weren’t any problems.” He started going faster. “It felt so good!” Mike said. “My knee, which always ached, didn’t ache. My foot was able to spread out so I had better balance. And my feet didn’t feel all hot and sweaty. It was awesome!”
“There are actually potential health benefits to running barefoot” said Dr. Nancy Bower, a podiatrist (足科医师).
A recent study agrees. A team of researchers recently videotaped several people running—first wearing shoes and then barefoot. In almost every case, when wearing shoes, the runners tended to land on the heel of their foot, which they call “heel-striking.” Many runners have impact injuries such as knee pain. Heel-striking may be the cause of these injuries or may make an existing injury worse. When running barefoot, the runners tended to land on the middle part of the foot. The force is spread out throughout the foot. The ankle, shin (胫部), knee and hip don’t get the shock of a hard landing with every step.
1. Why does Mike receive a lot of attention while running?A.Because he runs very fast. | B.Because he loses his shoes. |
C.Because he wears no shoes. | D.Because he wears strange clothes. |
A.He liked running barefoot. |
B.He was advised to run barefoot. |
C.His shoe became very uncomfortable. |
D.His dream of becoming famous motivated him. |
A.was very tired | B.was badly hurt |
C.gave up running | D.felt unexpectedly great |
A.is bad for one’s health |
B.is caused by existing injuries |
C.happens when one runs barefoot |
D.can be avoided by wearing sports shoes |
A.How to choose shoes. | B.Why people need shoes. |
C.Useful tips on running barefoot. | D.The advantages of running barefoot. |
4 . My name is Audrey. I’m a student at Ridge Avenue High in the graduating class of 2016. Yesterday, March 250, 2016, marked a momentous milestone in my life: I was accepted into Stanford University at 3:01 PM!
Gosh, looking back on my high school career, I accomplished a lot. Not only did I always get excellent grades, I was also captain of my school’s tennis team for two years, president of the debate league, and a National Honor Society Member. Now that I’ve gotten into college, however, my life seems almost well... pointless.
For years, getting into Stanford was my only goal. So what if I lost my friends and even my own personality to pursue this dream? I remember for instance, when I worked on a group project with my classmate Hannah. Like usual, I finished my part of the assignment but Hannah, being the incompetent student that she was, struggled to understand our research topic. Although Hannah eventually finished, I sent the teacher an email informing her of Hannah’s difficulty. Sure, some people suggested I help her out, but how could I sacrifice my grade?
On my college application, I tried my best to paint myself as a typical Stanford student. I described myself as an enthusiastic engineer, because what’s better than a girl who loves engineering? In fact, engineering was my mother’s idea; to be honest, I hate engineering. I dislike writing and reading as well. I hate studying history and I cannot stand mathematics. What do I even like? Clearly, my likes and dislikes have always been based on what Stanford admired in student but no matter, I’m going to the school of my dreams, right?
For now, my future is vague. To others, I may seem extremely excited, but inwardly. I am conflicted. In a sense, I regret what I did in high school. Instead of haggling (讨价还价) for points with my teachers, reprimanding (斥责) others for costing me some points on assignments, I should have explored my talents and interests.
Whatever, I still got into Stanford.
1. What do we know about the author according to Paragraph 2?A.She performed well in school. | B.She still has many dreams now. |
C.She has many outstanding gifts. | D.She is looking forward to college fife. |
A.She is pretty confused. | B.She is in great excitement. |
C.She is confident of success. | D.She is nervous of future life. |
A.She learned a lot from Hannah. | B.She once gave Hannah a helping hand. |
C.She sacrificed a lot because of Hannah. | D.She complained about Hannah’s performance. |
A.Pretend. | B.Claim. | C.Picture. | D.Regard. |
A.she was eager to be admitted into Stanford University |
B.she finally majored in engineering totally out of her own will |
C.she has a definite direction of her future |
D.she was content with what she did in high school |
A.try to get good grades | B.make some good friends |
C.focus on their own interests | D.apply to Stanford University |
5 . The Cambridge Satchel Company
The Cambridge Satchel Company was founded in 2008. We offer a range of bags and small leather accessories, from classic satchels (leather bags that are usually carried over the shoulders), clutches (small bags that woman carry in their hand) to passport covers, and key rings, all lovingly handmade in the UK.
17 Rose Crescent | 01223 366 106
www.cambridgegesatchel.com
Primavera Gallery & Artist Working Studio
Primavera is situated opposite King’s College in the heart of Cambridge. The gallery and shop, located over three floors, bring together a carefully-selected and well-researched exploration into some of the finest artwork in Britain today. Primavera has a unique selection of jewellery, glassware, silverware, paintings, print and cards. Our sister gallery at Magdalene Street presents two artists in residence (常驻艺术家) three days a week.
10&11 King’s Parade | 01223 357 708
www.primaveragallery.co.uk
Anthony
We are an independent menswear store. Our collection is varied, from the catwalk to more-traditional tailoring. Made-to-order and made-to-measure services are available if required. Please visit our website for more information.
18 Trinity Street | 01223 353 962
www.anthonymenswear.co.uk
Podarok
Podarok is a little delight in Bene’t St in the Arts Quarter. We have a wide range of unique and handmade gifts, from designer jewellery to amazing unique lampshades (灯罩). Our staff will always help you find the perfect present!
12 Bene’t St | 01223 314 411
www.padarok.co.uk
1. Where is the best place to buy gifts?
A.At 12 Bene’t St. | B.At 18 Trinity Street. |
C.At 17 Rose Crescent. | D.At 10&11 King’s Parade. |
A.The Cambridge Satchel Company. | B.Anthony. |
C.Primavera. | D.Podarok. |
A.01223 314 411 | B.01223 353 962 |
C.01223 366 106 | D.01223 314 411 |
A.www.podarok.co.uk | B.www.cambridgesatchel.com |
C.www.primaveragalery.co.uk | D.www.anthonymenswear.co.uk |
6 . Contrary to advertisements seen on television, read in magazines, or heard on the radio, spending a lot of money on a gift for a friend or loved one is totally unnecessary. Many people collect photos or mementos (纪念品) from special events, trips, or celebrations throughout their lives, throwing them in a drawer or cardboard box somewhere, intending to sort them out later. It seems, though that “later” never comes. So, the next time you’re ready to buy a silk scarf or pair of leather gloves for that special someone, consider sorting through that junk drawer filled with mementos and special photos.
For example, you can decorate an inexpensive picture frame with colorful buttons for your mother who is interested in sewing, or use tiny machine parts for your workshop-crazed brother. Inserting a special photo of you and that certain someone will create a gift that will be treasured forever. Shadow boxes are a wonderful way to display several objects from a single special event, such as a wedding. Take the original wedding invitation, a dried flower from the table centerpiece, or anything else that you can gather from the wedding, and display them in the box.
When you have many photos and mementos, make a photo album or scrapbook (剪贴簿) for a friend or family member. Today, the options for decorating your book are nearly endless. Entering a scrapbooking store can make your head spin. If this happens to you on your first scrapbooking visit, consider taking an introductory class, which many stores offer. Of course, you will have a much better idea of which scrapbook supplies to buy when the class ends.
Pictures or books that can be enjoyed over and over again are one-of-a-kind, original gifts. There is nothing like receiving a gift that comes straight from the heart. Such gifts help people recall happy times and strengthen the bond between the giver and the receiver.
1. What is the author’s attitude to gift advertisements?A.Tolerant. | B.Doubtful. | C.Uncaring. | D.Disapproving. |
A.spend time collecting photos | B.overlook their photos or mementos |
C.miss special events, trips or celebrations | D.forget to clean their drawer or cardboard box |
A.are more expensive than picture frames | B.are usually made of cheap materials |
C.can be used to show mementos | D.can be a precious wedding gift |
A.take beautiful pictures | B.decorate your scrapbook |
C.start a scrapbooking store | D.write a book on scrapbooking |
A.A gift from the heart | B.A special photo album |
C.The first scrapbooking visit | D.The treasured shadow boxes |
7 . Tips for avoiding traffic jams
The radio has more than just music. Check the local news station for the latest traffic report. Or go online and check traffic cameras before you set out. If there is a jam, you’ll be prepared and can try another route.
Take the road less travelled. Although highways may be the most direct route, back (偏僻的) roads can be much less crowded, which can save you from the frustration of the stopandgo traffic.
Rush hour isn’t just a lovely nickname. It means the morning and afternoon traffic lasts for several hours, but they’re still called “rush hour” for a reason — everyone’s on the road and in a hurry to get somewhere. Treat rush hour like bad weather — if you don’t have to go anywhere, stay off the roads.
Tips for those unavoidable traffic jams
Don’t break the law. You’ve gone 30 feet in 30 minutes and all of a sudden you see people using the shoulders (紧急停车道). Don’t behave like them. Not only is this illegal, but also there’s a good chance they’ll get caught or cause even more problems.
Pay extra attention to zigzaggers (Z字形行进者). When some people are anxious, they may start changing lanes (车道) every 5 seconds or cut you off. Keep checking your windows and mirrors for these lane changers.
Look for an escape. If it is possible to exit the road safely, do it. Use a GPS unit, and you can change your route midtrip if needed.
Be courteous. Good manners could help you avoid a possible accident. Allow people in from a lane that is ending. Speeding up to keep them out increases your chances of an accident.
1. To avoid traffic jams, we are advised to do the following EXCEPT .A.getting traffic news before leaving | B.changing lanes frequently |
C.avoiding rush hours | D.choosing back roads |
A.Sound the horn loudly. | B.Stop and let them go first. |
C.Keep checking the mirrors. | D.Drive quickly to keep them out. |
A.Entertainment. | B.Advertisement. |
C.Market. | D.Life. |
8 . Do you have a talented young artist, photographer, or designer in your life? It’s never too early to start helping them get their work out there! We’ve rounded up the top art contests for kids and teens that can help these young creators share their first masterpieces with the world. Best of all? Most of them are totally free to enter!
Global Canvas Art Competition
Ages: 16 and under
Mediums: Drawing, painting
Global Canvas is all about the environment. Launched by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, this art competition wants to inspire the next generation to be more mindful of how we take care of the earth. The judges are looking for artists to capture the wonderful places that wildlife call home.
Toyota Dream Car Art Contest
Ages: Four to 15
Mediums: Drawing, painting
Time to design a dream car! Toyota wants to get junior artists thinking about what the future of transportation might look like. Prizes include cash and a chance to tour one of the Toyota manufacturing plants.
Advena World’s art Competition
Ages: 15 and under
Mediums: Drawing, painting
Advena World’s art competition aims to promote creativity and self-expression. Instead of a theme, they ask the participating artists to simply express their feelings — anything from sadness or joy to anger or excitement — through their chosen medium,.
Progressive Young Artist Awards
Ages: 13 to 19
Open to: All international applicants
Mediums: Painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, sculpture
Cost to enter: $5 USD
PYAA is all about expressing and celebrating progressive values. So, if there is a creative teen in your life who wants to do good in the world, sign them up for this art contest for teens. The prize is a scholarship which they can put toward their post-secondary schooling.
1. Which focuses on the environment?A.World Wide Kids Drawings. | B.Global Canvas Art Competition. |
C.Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. | D.Progressive Young Artist Awards. |
A.dream car. | B.A scholarship. |
C.A plant tour. | D.Cash crops. |
A.It has no fixed theme. | B.It has entrance fee. |
C.Its entry can be photos. | D.Anyone can join it. |
9 . Here are some of the coolest robots in the world.
Pleo
Pleo is one of the most good-looking robots on the market. The robot is designed to learn from its experiences, and the environment it is kept in. Pleo has become especially popular among children, as it could be used for both entertainment and educational purposes. It exhibits lively behavior like eating and sleeping. It can now be bought at a price of $469.
BigDog
BigDog is the most advanced rough land robot on earth. Designed to serve military (军事的) uses, the machine is around 3 feet long, 2.5 feet tall, and weighs 240 pounds. The robot can move on rough land at a speed of four miles per hour, and is able to carry up to 340 pounds of weight.
I-Sobot
An Amazing human-like robot, I-Sobot is one of the smallest human-like robots, with a height of just 6.5 inches and a weight of 12 ounces. It costs $300. It has become the most-produced robot in the world. This small robot can walk, play the air guitar, and perform about 200 moves. This robot can be controlled by either a remote control or voice commands.
Schaft
Schaft is an award-winning robot by Google. It looks like a man. Schaft can perform several tasks on its own, and is able to get through disaster areas and work with any tools and materials at hand. With the strength of 10 average people, Schaft is able to lift and clear heavy things. It weighs 209 pounds. It is able to move at a speed of 2km / h.
KeepOn
KeepOn is a small robot which can perform simple and natural interaction. Developed in 2015, KeepOn is an interactive toy designed to help children with autism(自闭症) in their social development, and costs anywhere from $40 to $100.
1. What makes Pleo different from the other four robots mentioned in the text?A.Being very cheap for customers. | B.Having a very special appearance. |
C.Having the ability to learn new things. | D.Being able to be played with all the time. |
A.Pleo | B.BigDog | C.I-Sobot | D.KeepOn |
A.It can move fast. | B.It is difficult to control. |
C.It is expensive to produce. | D.It has been very popular. |
A.Entertainment | B.Interacting with children |
C.Educational purposes | D.Performing rescue tasks |
A.Children who want to win an award. |
B.Old and lonely people who need much help. |
C.Parents with a child who cannot interact well. |
D.Parents who want their children to learn new things. |
10 . After I entered high school, I attended advanced classes and I had a teacher who made me think I was stupid.
In my freshman year, I had trouble writing essays for that teacher. She was strict. She made fun of me, sometimes in front of the class. It didn’t help that my friend was a genius (天才) who would text me the night before our essay was due (到期) and ask, “ What is the essay about again?” She would receive a 97 and I would receive an 80 even though I had revised (修正) and edited that piece for two weeks. Once I got a 97 on a project that took me two and a half weeks to complete, and I was asked how much help my mom had given to me. In the second grade, I had trouble with my essay writing once again. Besides, I had problems in Maths even though I understood the concepts.
Now I am in a new school and taking many subjects and I am doing well. Actually in the beginning, I was nervous. I thought I would fail all of my classes because my previous teachers had failed me and made me ashamed to try. I thought I was just going to get another 80 on an essay. It is hard indeed. They are fast-paced courses and it isn’t easy to keep up with all the readings and when my next lab will be. But with so much adjustment (调整) to the stress, I have become confident. Now I know how much time I need to perfect that essay, and when to set aside time to meet with my tutor (老师) before my next biology exam.
I am writing this blog to the kids that have gotten lost in the mix---any adjusting freshmen, any lost kids in advanced classes, and the hidden genius in everyone. I went through two years in high school, thinking I was a little slower than the other kids in advanced classes. But in this new environment, with the experience I have received and my new-found confidence, I can say, “I’m Anne Hilker and I am smart!” We are all smart.
1. What did the author want to show by mentioning her friend?A.She faced a lot of competition. |
B.Her friend was a great help to her. |
C.Her friend made her feel even worse. |
D.Her teachers loved students like her friend. |
A.She felt very happy for the author. |
B.She praised the author in front of the class. |
C.She wasn’t pleased with the author’s mother. |
D.She didn’t believe it was finished by the author alone. |
A.Hard work doesn’t pay off. |
B.She isn’t as stupid as she feared. |
C.Fast-paced courses don’t benefit her. |
D.Advanced classes aren’t suitable for her. |
A.To show students should study very hard. |
B.To tell teachers to believe in their students. |
C.To show teachers should be kind to their students. |
D.To tell students to learn to face stress and have confidence. |
A.Inspired | B.Disappointed | C.Moved | D.Anxious |