1 . Some people don’t know whether to learn American English or British English. Here is my answer to it.

It’s really, really hard to pick up a native-sounding accent if you learn English as an adult. Children pick up accents very quickly, but adults don’t. Even after speaking English every day for twenty or thirty years, you’ll probably keep a bit of a foreign accent. I’ve met many English learners who’ve lived abroad for several years in an English-speaking country. For the most part, I can’t tell what country they’ve lived in unless they tell me.

Since it’s so hard to learn an accent, you probably shouldn’t spend a lot of time trying to guide yours to one accent or the other. There are better ways to use your time, like learning new vocabulary or phrases.

Even if you are able to get an American or British accent, it won’t make much difference. That’s because English speakers are used to hearing different accents. Americans hear British accents on TV and movies. And we all hear accents from other countries: Russian accents, Korean accents, French accents, and so on. Usually, British people like the way that Americans sound, and Americans like the way that British people sound. So you’re OK either way.

So just pick whatever language is most convenient for you. If you have friends or teachers from America, you should probably learn American English. If you have British friends or coworkers, maybe it’s better to learn British English.

It’s probably easiest to stick with just one kind. However, there’s nothing wrong with mixing a bit of British and American English together. It won’t hurt you!

1. The author mentions English learners in Paragraph 2 to show         .

A．it’s hard to speak like native speakers	B．the author isn’t good at telling accents
C．people don’t like speaking with an accent	D．people like to live abroad to learn a language

2. What does the author think English learners should do?

A．Choose a special country to live in.	B．Make use of time to learn new words.
C．Tell the differences between accents.	D．Learn British accents through movies.

3. Paragraph 4 mainly shows that         .

A．there are many accents in the world

B．which accent to learn isn’t that important

C．American and British accents aren’t very different

D．Americans and British people understand each other

4. The author thinks mixing some British and American English together is         .

A．okay

B．necessary

C．wrong

D．dangerous

2 . Amsterdam,the capital and most populous city in the Netherlands，is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world，famous for its beautiful canals，top art museum，cycling culture，and Red Light District.Here are some of the key points to remember as you plan your trip to Amsterdam.

Must-See Attractions

Most visitors begin their Amsterdam adventure in the Old Centre,which is full of traditional architecture，shopping centers,and coffee shops.You’ll also want to check out Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter in the South District，which is great for shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market and having a picnic in the Vondelpark.The top museums to visit are the Rijksmusuem,the Ann Frank House,and the Van Gogh Museum.The Canal Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally built to attract wealthy home owners and is a popular place for celebrity spotting and nightlife today.

Transportation

Travelers should be aware that Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in the world.This airport is located about 15 kilometers southwest of city center.You can catch a train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station，which has many connecting routes.It’s typically not a good idea to drive a car to the city center because traffic is heavy and parking is difficult to find.Cycling is incredibly popular here,and it’s easy to find cheap bike rentals around town.Amsterdam has a flat terrain(地形) and is a great city to explore on foot.

Money Saving Tips

Unless you really want to see the tulips(郁金香) blooming，avoid booking between mid-March and mid-May.This is when hotel and flight prices rise.

Look for accommodations in Amsterdam’s South District，where rates are generally cheaper than in the city center.

Buy train tickets at the machine instead of the counter to save a bit of money.

Instead of hiring a tour guide，hop on a canal boat.They’re inexpensive and will give you a unique point of view of the city.

Check out our homepage to view price comparisons for flights,hotels,and rental cars before you book.

1. Which attraction was built with the original purpose of drawing the rich?

A．Albert Cuyp Market.	B．The Ann Frank House.
C．The Van Gogh Museum.	D．The Canal Ring.

2. Which means of transportation is not advisable in Amsterdam according to the passage?

A．The plane.	B．The train.
C．The car.	D．The bike.

3. Which way can help visitors save money in Amsterdam?

A．Seeing the tulips blooming in spring.	B．Avoiding accommodating downtown.
C．Buying car tickets at the machine.	D．Hiring a local tour guide.

3 .

For Children Museum: Children’s Museum, Sundays, 89 North Street, 67641235 Story time: Children’s Library, 106 Green Street, Wednesdays during 9:30 am-5:00 pm, 66599624 Sports: Soccer Club, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 16 Yangtze Road, 96725643 Basketball Club, Wednesdays and Fridays, 79071632 Cinema: New films for children, 99 Brick Road, 69001354 Useful Phone Numbers Fast Food Restaurant: 66387901 Hospital: 68787451 Visitor Information Center: 800-120-9847 Taxi: 79210583 Visitor Hotel Information: 800-739-7302

1. It’s Friday afternoon, you can go to ______.

A．read children’s stories	B．play basketball
C．play soccer	D．visit the museum

2. If you dial 66387901, you can ______.

A．order fast food in a restaurant	B．do some shopping
C．have a good story time	D．ask for some hotel information

3. You can not get any information about ______ from the two notices.

A．looking for a hotel	B．taking a taxi
C．eating fast food	D．doing eye exercises

4 . No high schooler wants to spend nearly two months of senior year stuck in a hospital. But in 2019, that’s just   what happened to Emily Hontz. Instead of getting to do all the ______ stuff she had planned with family and friends, she experienced lengthy ______ at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where doctors worked hard to control her Crohn’s disease.

But a(n) ______ thing happened as Emily slowly walked the halls. She began feeling the stirrings (萌发) of a future career, ______ by the hospital’s sensitive design. The layout of the floor seemed just ______ for staying active. The atrium (天井) added light, cheer and interest. There were even places to socialize with other ____. Suddenly, she had a vision of her professional future. “Being at CHOP gave me a ______: I wanted to create things that would ______ how people feel and make them comfortable and happy.”

Natalie Hagerty, CHOP’s senior director for facilities planning, said, “I am ______ to hear that Emily was inspired by CHOP. When she’s ______for a job, she knows who to call.”

“It takes a certain type of person to ______ positives from a negative experience. The Emily we know wouldn’t just ______ something lying down,” said Emily’s older brother, David.

For now, Emily’s Crohn’s disease seems to be ______ with medication (药物治疗), and she’s looking forward to designing her own ______ in the future.

“I think designing a children’s hospital would be really cool,” she said, “to be able to explain your ______ of how to make it a more comfortable, safe, and bright environment for kids – especially kids who are there long-term.”

1.

A．simple

B．impossible

C．fun

D．safe

2.

A．experiment

B．treatment

C．research

D．training

3.

A．disappointing

B．pitiful

C．different

D．unexpected

4.

A．inspired

B．challenged

C．disturbed

D．dissatisfied

5.

A．perfect

B．traditional

C．pointless

D．inconvenient

6.

A．friends

B．doctors

C．patients

D．colleagues

7.

A．business

B．relief

C．chance

D．goal

8.

A．measure

B．affect

C．understand

D．recognize

9.

A．fortunate

B．curious

C．shocked

D．delighted

10.

A．chosen

B．grateful

C．fit

D．ready

11.

A．collect

B．draw

C．separate

D．catch

12.

A．take

B．answer

C．get

D．save

13.

A．in question

B．in place

C．under control

D．under consideration

14.

A．project

B．journey

C．house

D．system

15.

A．choices

B．interests

C．ideas

D．worries

5 . The fitness center offers a variety of activities for members of all ages throughout the week.

Activities for Monday 12 July, 2017:

Learn to swim. Classes for preschool children aged five and under start at 10 am. Classes last 30 minutes and parents must attend with their children. Don't forget to book in advance, as places are limited, and to pack some warm clothes for after the lesson.

Woman's aerobics（有氧运动）. Sessions are for one hour and begin at 10:45 am, led by Melissa. Come along and join us every Monday for an exhilarating hour of exercise and fun. Leave your kids at the nursery and take time out for yourself. Wear a tracksuit or something similar.

Lunch time yoga. Take a break at lunchtime （1:00-2:00 pm） for an hour of meditation and yoga. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our meditation room, and relaxing sessions designed for active people with busy lives. Use your own mat（垫子）for floor work or huy one from us with some money.

Family Shootaround. 10:00-5:30 pm. Family Shootaround is open for members and guests to bring the family out for basketball. Half court games are only during this time. There are no full court games during Family Shootaround hours. All participants must sign in at the front desk and wear a wistband during the play.

1. When will Melissa be working?

A．From 10:00 am to 10:30 am

B．From 10:45 am to 11:45 am.

C．From 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

D．From 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

2. Which activity may need extra fees?

A．Lunchtime yoga.	B．Women's aerobics.
C．Learn to swim	D．Family Shootaround.

3. What is the common requirement of the activities?

A．The need to sign in

B．The need to book in advance.

C．The need to bring something.

D．The need to become a member.

6 . I’m someone who never went to university but always thought about it. The only ____ I got familiar with university was listening to my children talk about their class and all the interesting things they were____. University was just a life-long ____ of mine. I just turned sixty-four years old in September. I still thought about that old dream____ one day when there was an Advanced-Age programme at the local university, I decided to ____.

The day finally arrived—my first day of school. As I ____ there, my mind was filled with negative thoughts, “What am I doing? I’m not smart enough to go to university. The ____ will laugh when they see me in class. I probably won’t live long enough to get a ____. Maybe I should just turn the car around and go home. ”

Then, suddenly, I saw it!A large billboard on the side of the road with a picture of Kermit the Frog. I ____ a little and read the words next to his picture. “Live your dreams. ” Was Kermit speaking to me? I didn’t turn the car around.

I drove a little further on up the highway and there was another ___. This one had a picture of Albert Einstein with his tongue ___ out. A line read, “As a student, he was no Einstein.” And there was a word in red, “Confidence”. A new attitude was ____ inside me.

I was now ____ the gate of the university and there stood still another billboard. This one showed a photograph of a proud ____ in a cap and gown. Under the picture was her ____, Nola Otis, aged 95. Oldest University Graduate. Below it was the words, “Live Life”. At that moment, my outlook changed completely.

1.

A．thing

B．way

C．skill

D．practice

2.

A．learning

B．taking

C．teaching

D．using

3.

A．goal

B．idea

C．advice

D．dream

4.

A．since

B．before

C．until

D．after

5.

A．sign up

B．turn up

C．keep up

D．make up

6.

A．walked

B．stepped

C．ran

D．drove

7.

A．tutors

B．kids

C．professors

D．fellows

8.

A．degree

B．praise

C．skill

D．reputation

9.

A．sped up

B．slowed down

C．cut down

D．went up

10.

A．billboard

B．picture

C．portrait

D．cartoon

11.

A．breaking

B．giving

C．pulling

D．sticking

12.

A．forming

B．arriving

C．building

D．making

13.

A．approaching

B．arriving

C．squeezing

D．staying

14.

A．man

B．teenager

C．woman

D．youth

15.

A．motto

B．hobby

C．age

D．name

7 . A work of art created by artificial intelligence (AI) has been sold by a major art seller for the first time. The print sold for an unexpectedly large amount of $432, 500. The artwork was bought during an auction (拍卖) Thursday at Christie’s, an art house, in New York City. Officials had predicted it would sell for between $7, 000 and $10, 000.

In a website post, Christie’s said the AI-created work was the first ever sold by a major auction house. It praised the sale as a signal of “the arrival of AI art on the world auction stage.”

The artwork, called “Portrait (肖像) of Edmond Belamy,” was made by a machine learning algorithm (算法). The AI system was created by members of an art group called Obvious in Paris, France. It shows the portrait of a man, looking similar to subjects shown in historical paintings. Christie’s described some differences of the AI-created work compared to other art it sells. For example, it said some parts of the face were not as clearly drawn as those painted by artists. Also some parts of the print were left empty. However, Christie’s sale organizer Richard Lloyd said the piece was very similar to many others sold over many years.

Three creators from the art group Obvious cooperated on the process that made the print. First they put a collection of 15,000 portraits into a machine learning system. The portraits were painted by artists from the time period between the 14th and 20th centuries. Then a tool called the “Generator” made a new image based on the information entered into the system. After that, another tool, called a “Discriminator”, attempted to find differences between the human-made image and the one created by the Generator. Then the image was improved. “The aim is to fool the Discriminator into thinking that the new images are real-life portraits. Then we have a result.” Obvious group member Hugo Caselles-dupre said in a statement.

1. It can be inferred from the text that___________.

A．the AI portrait received much recognition

B．there is little true artistic value in AI artwork

C．technology will one day replace human artists

D．there is no similar AI system for art at present

2. What does the underlined word “subjects” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A．Artists.

B．Machines

C．Figures

D．Techniques.

3. What is the final purpose of a “Discriminator” ?

A．To select useful information from real-life portraits.

B．To help the portrait more like a human-made one.

C．To put human portraits into the machine learning system.

D．To create a portrait based on paintings by human artists

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．The Secret of AI

B．AI Portrait Sold

C．Artwork and AI

D．AI Art at Christie’s

8 . Cats in ancient Egypt

Many of us love cats. They are beautiful, soft, clever and loving. The ancient Egyptians (埃及人) considered cats, also known as Mau, to be very important. They honored them with great respect.     1    

For one thing, cats helped people by keeping their homes free of mice, rats, and snakes. Without cats Egypt could not have been the important grain­growing (谷物种植) center that it was.     2     For another, cats were also trained to help hunters.     3    

The Egyptians loved cats so much that Bast, an Egyptian goddess, was pictured in the form of a cat. Bast appeared in artwork. She was the protector of the house. This idea made a special connection between cats and children.     4    

The safety of all cats was of great concern to ancient Egyptians.     5     Foreigners sometimes took cats out of Egypt secretly and took them to other lands. Egyptian soldiers were sent to pick up cats found in other countries and bring them back home to Egypt.

A．There were good reasons for that.

B．Two types of cats appeared in ancient Egypt.

C．In grain fields, cats helped catch rats and mice.

D．They were able to help pick up the wounded birds.

E．There were even laws against getting a cat out of Egypt.

F．Anyone who killed a cat on purpose would be put to death.

G．That's why most Egyptian families had cats for good luck.

9 . Affordable Beach Vacation in Corfu

Corfu, an island off the coast of Greece, offers visitors sunkissed shores with clear water and lots of beaches.

Finding the Perfect Beach

Our first pick is Sidari Beach. It’s a blue flag beach perfect for couples looking for a more private feel, as it’s far from bigger tourist destinations. Issos Beach makes for the perfect place for watching the sunset. Dassia Bay has a bit more water sports. Paleokastritsa is an amazing West Coast village with six beaches on offer, including Rovinia Beach.

Getting around Corfu

Corfu offers bike rentals and bus service as a cheaper alternative (替代) to taxis. The best time to visit Corfu is during the “shoulder season” in April/May. The weather isn’t as warm as the high seasons but it remains perfect. It is not crowded in this period, but you still need to book ahead of schedule as Corfu stays popular throughout the year.

Eating Out For Less

There are a lot of well-priced restaurants but street food is also a big winner. Some popular choices are Souvlakia and Pita Gyros. There are also many cheeses special to Greece, including Tirokafteri and Ladotyri. Corfu also has many unbelievable desserts (甜食). Stazei Meli is a tourist favourite to give them a try.

1. Which place is probably the best choice for couples?

A．Sidari Beach.	B．Dassia Bay.
C．Issos Beach.	D．Rovinia Beach.

2. What are tourists required to do to visit Corfu?

A．Rent a bike.	B．Book in advance.
C．Wear warm clothes.	D．Set off in April/May.

3. What do we know about Stazei Meli?

A．It cooks popular dishes.	B．It severs well-priced food.
C．It produces special cheese.	D．It sells amazing desserts.

10 . We have, like in many more countries, refugees (难民) in our country. Through the years I have tried to _________ without pay by teaching women our country’s language as one of their _________. They have to learn the language, and also our culture, for example, what to say when they have to go to the doctor.

Only by learning the language will they be able to _________ our society. Once a year, just before Christmas break, all the women from different countries make delicious food which are _________ for us all together.

Problems with the kids _________ happen due to being in a _________ country with a different culture and another _________. The women often miss their homes very much and feel _________, because they have to get used to this life as _________ as possible. I have seen the __________ and pain in their eyes. It is so good to give some comfort (安慰) in one way or another, even just to be there for them. And it is really __________ when you make friends.

They and many more new people are trying to __________ up their new homes in this new country. Will we be able to get them out of __________, for every one? And nowadays, though at times their lives look almost broken, I __________ it won’t always. Because wherever we __________, we are together, as we are citizens of the world.

1.

A．continue

B．escape

C．help

D．explain

2.

A．jobs

B．tools

C．tests

D．signs

3.

A．join in

B．dig out

C．depend on

D．go through

4.

A．served

B．judged

C．organized

D．rewarded

5.

A．peacefully

B．mostly

C．finally

D．personally

6.

A．mean

B．cruel

C．rich

D．different

7.

A．lifestyle

B．accent

C．attitude

D．disaster

8.

A．moved

B．determined

C．worried

D．excited

9.

A．carefully

B．quickly

C．hurriedly

D．smoothly

10.

A．matter

B．happiness

C．support

D．fear

11.

A．surprising

B．legal

C．great

D．generous

12.

A．set

B．burn

C．give

D．make

13.

A．order

B．trouble

C．luck

D．pleasure

14.

A．prove

B．doubt

C．dream

D．believe

15.

A．study

B．meet

C．go

D．travel