1 . People from all over the world have different wedding traditions and marriage customs.The one thing that all wedding ceremonies commonly seem to have is the commitment(承诺)of love for all time during a public ceremony.

Everyone at a wedding hopes for great happiness between the wedding couple.Wedding traditions are usually a way of showing signs of the hope for great happiness.Some of these traditions are very interesting.

In Sweden，the traditional bride will wear three rings by the end of the wedding ceremony.The first is the engagement (订婚)ring that she entered the ceremony with.The second，the wedding ring，is added to the first.A final ring，however，is added as well.This ring is known as the “motherhood” ring.This is said to show that marriage is about more than just love.It is about building a family.

Wedding traditions in the Philippines include the Pandango，a dance which can last for hours.During the Pandango，guests pin (用大头针别住)money to the bride's dress to pay for their honeymoon.

A traditional Irish bride may wear a blue wedding dress－believing blue to be a lucky color.English Lavender (薰衣草)is often mixed with her wedding flowers.It is traditional for the bride to braid her hair (梳头发)－as it is considered a good way to bring luck to the new couple.

There are many wedding traditions around the world which may differ from what they are used to，but if you are about to plan a wedding，you may find it interesting to include some of these traditions in your own wedding.

1. What do all wedding ceremonies seem to have in common?

A．The commitment of love for all time.

B．Happiness between the wedding couple.

C．An interesting life.

D．Building a happy family.

2. In Sweden，the traditional bride's third ring shows        ．

A．the duties of the new couple

B．the great love between the new couple

C．the bride will be not only a wife but also a mother

D．the bride will take care of not only her husband but also his mother

3. In the Philippines，the new couple paid for their honeymoon with the money from        ．

A．the bride	B．the bridegroom
C．their parents	D．the visiting guests

4. What's the passage mainly about?

A．The reason for different wedding traditions.

B．Interesting wedding traditions from different countries.

C．The way to prepare for a wedding ceremony.

D．Interesting engagement traditions around the world.

2 . If you are planning on travelling, there are a few simple rules about how to make life easier both before and after your journey.

First of all, always check and double－check departure (启程) time. It is amazing how few people really do this carefully. Once I arrived at the airport a few minutes after ten, my secretary had got the ticket for me and I thought she had said that the plane left at 10：50. When I arrived at the airport, the clerk at the departure desk told me that my flight was closed. Therefore, I had to wait three hours for the next one and missed an important meeting.

The second rule is to remember that even in this age of credit cards, it is still important to have some local cash with you when you arrive in a country. Once I arrived at a place at midnight and the bank at the airport was closed. The only way to get to my hotel was by taxi and because I had no dollars, I offered to pay in pounds instead. “Listen! I only take real money！” the driver said angrily. Luckily I was able to borrow a few dollars from a clerk at the hotel, but it was embarrassing.

The third and last rule is to find out as much as you can about the weather at your destination before you leave. I feel sorry for some of my workmates who travel in heavy suits and raincoats in May, when it is still fairly cool in London or Manchester, to places like Athens, Rome or Madrid, where it is already beginning to get quite warm during the day.

1. According to the passage, the driver was angry because the writer ________.

A．did not give him the local money

B．gave him false money

C．offered to pay by credit card

D．had no enough change

2. Generally, in May the weather in London is ________.

A．warm and dry	B．cold and dry
C．hot and wet	D．cool and rainy

3. The writer mainly tells us ________.

A．how to plan our trip

B．how to enjoy ourselves on trip

C．how to make life easier

D．how to be well prepared for a trip

3 . Since his students began using Quizlet, the English teacher Tristan Thorne has noticed an improvement in their ability to learn and use new words. Quizlet is a learning app, a computer program you use on your mobile phone. It can help users build and test their knowledge of English words. Quizlet has words set for millions of subjects. And, it is quickly becoming a useful mobile tool for language learners.

Thorne teachers at Columbia University in New York City. Thanks to learning apps, Jeff Strack, another English teachers, has also noticed the improvement in his students’ ability to remember information. He teachers at Hostos Community College, also in New York. He and Thorne are part of a growing number of language educators adding mobile apps to their classes.

Strack and Thorne seem to agree that the days when teachers would not permit(允许) the use of mobile phones are gone. When they use apps, language learner communicate more differently than in a traditional classroom. Users act on or respond to something, instead of just listening to new information.

Thorne believes that apps can help learners become more active in learning. For example, each week, his students are required to add vocabularies to Quizlet for others to use. He says some apps also make it easy for students to know their language strengths and weaknesses.

The biggest improvement Strack has seen in his students is that they are much more active in whole-class or small-group discussions. “Apps let all students take part in the activity, whether it’s a game, quiz or practice activity.” he says.

Many existing learning apps are designed for students of all ages and levels. Some are designed for group activities. Some support independent learning. Still some are good for homework. Thorne says he especially likes Quizlet and three other apps: QR Codes, Socrative and Evernote.

1. What do Strack and Thorne do to improve their teaching?

A．They design learning apps for their students

B．They allow their students to use apps to study

C．They don’t allow their students to use apps after class

D．They order their students not to use mobile phones in class.

2. According to the text, how do the apps help the language learners?

A．They help language learners save much time and money

B．The help language learners remember their weaknesses

C．The help language learners improve their weakness

D．They help language learners take an active part in Learning

3. What can we learn about the exiting learning apps?

A．They have three types in total	B．There are too few to choose from
C．They are designed for different uses	D．They are only designed for homework

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．Better Language Learning with Mobile Apps

B．Great changes in Science and Technology

C．The Use of Mobile Phones Will Be Gone

D．Ways to Choose from Different Mobile Apps

4 . At 39 weeks pregnant most women would only be thinking of racing to hospital. But not Amber Miller，who set off to run the Chicago Marathon while expecting her second child any day.

As she neared the final stage of the race，she began to feel pain in the stomach. But the determined athlete managed to cross the finish line in 6 hours and 25 minutes.

Unbelievably the Chicago race was not even baby June’s first marathon—Miller ran the Wisconsin Marathon earlier this year，four months pregnant. She also ran another marathon when she was about four months pregnant with her son，Caleb.

Although there was extra weight，the seasoned runner’s time was just 3 hours off her personal best.

Miller began to feel pain near the end of the race，but she was not sure if it was labor(分娩)，because she typically feels some pain when she runs while pregnant. After her race her husband drove her to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield where she gave birth to the healthy 7 pounds,13 ounce baby.

Miller decided to run because she and her husband had already signed up for the race. The athletic mother said she experienced an enthusiastic welcome from crowds as she ran along. But the devoted runner，who had completed eight marathons，admitted that she did get a few strange looks along the course.

“I know what I can handle. This is something I’ve been doing for a long time，” the experienced marathon runner said.

June was born at 10∶29 p.m. on Sunday night after seven hours’ labor. “She’s absolutely perfect，” Miller said. “We are extremely happy，but very tired.”

After her surprising double achievement，Miller says she is planning to take some time off to concentrate on being a full-time mom.

1. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Miller failed to finish the race due to her labor.

B．Miller’s husband was against her running the race.

C．Miller knew she was going to give birth at the end of the race.

D．It wasn’t Miller’s first time to run a marathon while pregnant.

2. What is the name of Miller’s kid born right after the Chicago Marathon?

A．Caleb.	B．June.
C．Amber.	D．Wisconsin.

3. What is the best title of the passage?

A．A Young American Couple Loving Marathons

B．How to Finish the Latest Chicago Marathon

C．How to Train a Pregnant Woman for Marathons

D．A Pregnant Woman Giving Birth After a Marathon

5 . "Click!" That's the sound of a seat belt（安全带）locking in place    1    So I don't drive anywhere until I wear it Choosing to wear your seat belt is as simple as choosing between life and death. Which one do you choose?

Think about it. When you are driving in a car, you may be going 60 MPH or faster. Then somebody ahead of you locks up his or her brakes. Your car, which was going 60 MPH, has now suddenly stopped. Your body, however, is still going 60 MPH.    2    Will it be the windshield（挡风玻璃）or your seat belt? I choose the seat belt.

    3    They think that seat belts don't allow them much space to move freely in the car. To them, what's more uncomfortable? Wearing a seat belt or flying through a car windshield?

Let's just take a closer look at your choices. If you are not wearing your seat belt, you can hop around the car and slide in and out of your seat easily. You are more likely to die or suffer serious injuries.     4    That means you are much more likely to walk away unharmed from a car accident.

Wearing a seat belt does not always ensure your safety. You can still get hurt or killed while wearing seat belts.    5    You are much less likely to get seriously injured or killed in a car accident. So why not take the safer way?

A．What's going to stop your body?

B．Seat belts save lives and that's a fact

C．Some people forget to wear seat belts.

D．Some people think that seat belts are uncomfortable.

E．If you are wearing a seat belt, you have to stay in your seat.

F．If you don't have a seat belt on, the police can give you a ticket.

G．But wearing them has proven to' be safer than driving without them

6 . Fire Prevention Information

The University of Adelaide employs a full-time staff of fire prevention professionals. They inspect all campus buildings and test and maintain all sprinkler(喷水灭火装置）systems fire alarms and fire extinguishers (灭火器). They also provide educational programs or fire safety in the residence hall. Whenever you move to a new area, you should locate the fire alarm pull stations and the two exits nearest your room.

Fire Alarms

The floors of all campus buildings are equipped with manual(手动的）fire alarm systems which include fire alarm pull stations and pipes. Most are also equipped with automatic fire alarm systems consisting of heat detectors, smoke detectors and sprinklers. For your safety, never tamper with(胡乱摆弄）these systems. False fire alarms are illegal and may lead to imprisonment.

Fire Drills

A fire drill will be conducted in your residence hall every semester. During a fire drill, please do the following:

·Take your room key and ID, close and lock the door to your room.

·Exit immediately from the nearest emergency exit do not use a lift.

·Meet outside of your residence hall and wait for further instructions.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are located on each floor and in each apartment. Use a fire extinguisher only if you have been trained to do so. Irresponsible use of a fire extinguisher can create a dangerous situation for other residents and could result in damage to personal property.

Misuse of a fire extinguisher will result in fines.

Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is on the ceiling in your room. Some buildings also have heat detectors on the ceilings. Do the following to ensure the safe operation of your smoke detector:

·If your smoke detector is working properly, the red light should be on. If the red light is not blinking（闪动），contact residence hall staff immediately.

·Do not cover or block your smoke detector in any way.

·If a smoke detector sets off an alarm and there is no fire or smoke, inform your hall staff.

1. What is the main duty of the fire prevention professionals?

A．To provide part-time jobs for students.

B．To lead the students to the nearest exits.

C．To check and maintain fire prevention equipment.

D．To train teachers to be fire prevention professionals.

2. What do the automatic fire alarm systems include?

A．Pipes and smoke detectors.

B．Smoke detectors and sprinklers.

C．Fire alarm pull stations and pipes.

D．Sprinklers and fire alarm pull stations

3. In a fire drill, the students should ________.

A．rush quickly to a lift

B．gather at the nearest exit.

C．shut the door and leave at once

D．wait for instructions in the hall

4. What do we know about the use of fire extinguishers?

A．Using them wrongly results in punishment.

B．Irresponsible use of them can damage them.

C．Improper use of them can destroy the apartment.

D．Using them without a trainer present is forbidden.

5. To ensure the safe operation of the smoke detector, one should_________.

A．contact the hall staff regularly

B．cover the things that burn easily

C．start the smoke detector in a fire

D．make certain the red light is working

7 . EVENTS

Long March exhibition

The Shanghai History Museum is putting on an exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the Long March. On show are more than 220 photos and 40 items that explain with pictures how the communist Red Army drew back from its besieged(被围困的) bases in Jiangxi Province and fought its way to northern Shanxi Province in the mid-1930s.Explanations are all in Chinese. The show will end on November 20.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Address: 1286 Hongqiao Road

Admission: 8 yuan for Chinese /15 yuan for foreigners

Thai elephants

Eight elephants from Thailand are entertaining visitors at Changfeng Park by riding bikes, playing basketball, balancing on a pole, dancing and blowing a mouthorgan(口琴).People are encouraged to have a tug-of-war(拔河比赛)with the animals or lie on the ground and have the elephants walk over them. The elephants give three shows a day at 9:30 am, 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm and there is an additional show at l:30 pm at weekends. The show will end on November 15.

Address: 189 Daduhe Road

Admission: 30-40 yuan

Dancing dolphins

Dolphins jumping from the water to touch a ball, swaying their bodies to music, kissing people and doing math by tapping their tails have made the dolphinarium(海豚馆) in Peace Park an attraction for children. Seals and sea lions also perform.

Hours: 10:30 am, 4:00 pm, and 7:30 pm

Admission: 20 yuan for adults and 10 yuan for children. (252 words)

1. If you go to visit the Long March exhibition with an Australian, how much will you pay altogether for the admission?

A．23 yuan.

B．30 yuan.

C．16 yuan.

D．20 yuan.

2. Which of the following is NOT done by the Thai elephants?

A．Riding bicycles.	B．Doing math.
C．Having a tug-of-war with people.	D．Blowing a mouth-organ.

3. The dolphinarium in Peace Park is a hall where you can see ______.

A．only seals and sea lions perform

B．only dolphins perform

C．not only dolphins but also seals and sea lions perform

D．only seals perform

8 . Iceland is a large island. In fact, it’s the world’s 18th largest island. Most of the population, however, lives in the southwestern part of the country, in or around the capital city of Reykjavik. By its very name, you’d expect Iceland to be mostly ice. Looking at Iceland on a map, you’ll notice it sits just outside the Arctic Circle. Despite this location and its name, Iceland actually has a temperate climate, because it is warmed by the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream also helps keep Iceland’s coastal ports ice-free through the winter.

There is plenty of ice on Iceland, though. The country consists of a large plateau(高原)that includes fields of sand, mountains and glaciers. Over 60% of Iceland is tundra（苔原）. About 14% of Iceland is lakes and glaciers. Only about 24% of the country has plants or vegetation of any kind, which covers a vast area in the south of the country.

Iceland was settled in the late 800s and early 900s by Norsemen from the Scandinavian country of Norway. Other settlers also came from Ireland and Scotland. From the 13th century up until 1918, Iceland was part of the Norwegian and later Danish monarchies. For most of that time, the small Icelandic population depended upon fishing and farming to make a living. For hundreds of years, Iceland was one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. After World War II, international aid and industrialization of the fishing industry turned Iceland into one of the wealthiest countries in the world. In 1994, Iceland became part of the European Economic Area(经济区), which allowed its economy to grow even more.

Iceland boasts one of the youngest islands in the world. Surtsey rose out of the ocean during a series of volcanic eruptions between 1963 and 1968. Today, only scientists who study the growth of new life can occasionally visit the volcanic island of Surtsey.

1. What can we know about Iceland according to the passage?

A．It lies in the Arctic Circle.

B．Its capital city is very crowded

C．Many people live in the east.

D．It has a fairly mild temperature.

2. What is mainly talked about in the third paragraph?

A．Iceland’s history.

B．Iceland’s geography.

C．Iceland’s economy.

D．Iceland’s politics.

3. What can we infer about Surtsey from the last paragraph?

A．People live on fishing.

B．No human beings live there at all.

C．There are many visitors.

D．Science is developing fast there.

9 . If you really want to enjoy what Bermuda has to offer, cruising (乘船游览) there is the way to go. Not only is it fun, it is also affordable. It’s advisable to come in summer (Mid May- August).

BOOKING YOUR CRUISE

Most tourists prefer small cruise lines that dock in downtown Hamilton. It’s an ideal destination since it’s right on Front Street, from where you can easily get to Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, and other parts of the island. Large cruise lines dock at Royal Navy Dockyard, which is inconveniently situated at the far western end of the Island.

TRANSPORTATION

Getting off a small cruise, you can easily go to Hamilton and other places by bus. From Royal Navy Dockyard, you can take a bus, a taxi or a boat. The most saving way of travelling around is by buying a day’s pass. You will enjoy unlimited transportation services using any public means.

ATTRACTIONS

The Bermuda Caves (洞穴)

This is a popular attraction that you have to tour. Anyone who loves to explore caves will definitely enjoy this place. You’d better wear sports shoes as some caves are a bit wet and slippery.

Beaches of Bermuda

Your trip to Bermuda is surely incomplete without spending some time at the amazing pink-sand beaches. Try Tobacco Bay and Horseshoe Bay, which are suitable for family visits. Bermuda is the world’s most famous shipwreck (沉船) site. If you’re a good diver, there are too many shipwrecks waiting to be discovered.

Sea Glass

If you want to pass time doing something for fun, head straight to the Alexander battery beach to collect lots of sea glass.

1. When is the best time to cruise Bermuda?

A．April.

B．July.

C．October.

D．November.

2. What does the author suggest a tourist do?

A．Buy a day’s pass to travel around the island.

B．Book a small ship at Royal Navy Dockyard.

C．Keep away from the crowded beaches.

D．Collect sea glass at Horseshoe Bay.

3. What is most likely to be an adventurer’s dream about Bermuda?

A．Exploring the far eastern end of the island.

B．Taking a bus to visit the capital city.

C．Diving to discover sunken ships.

D．Walking in the Bermuda Caves.

10 . Before the end of the year, employees at Ubiquitous Energy, a company in Redwood City, Calif, will gather in a window-lined conference room to stare toward the future. That’s because their new glass windows will offer more than an amazing view of the North California landscape. They will also be able to power the company’s lights, computers and air conditioners.

Several years in the making, Ubiquitous’ energy-producing glass is a remarkable technological achievement. Its power lies in the layers of organic polymers (聚合物) between sheets of glass. As light enters the window,the flow of electrons between the polymer layers creates an electric current, which is then collected by tiny wires in the glass.

“It’s sort of like a transparent computer display run in reverse (反过来),” says Veeral Hardev, director of business development at Ubiquitous Energy. “Instead of electricity being shuttled to different points in a display to light them up, light is producing electricity to be shuttled out of different points in the window.”

Right now the windows produce about a third as much electricity from a given amount of sunlight as the typical solar cells used in roof panels (板).These windows, about half as transparent as ordinary glass, don’t work as well as transparent ones. Hardev says the company is likely to improve the transparency significantly. As for the lower output of electricity, he notes that windows can cover a much greater surface area than a roof, so numerous windows will produce a surprisingly larger amount of electricity than the production from a rooftop full of higher-efficiency solar panels. “You could do both.” says Hardev. “But you’ll get more from the windows. The biggest challenge, he adds, is increasing the windows from less than two square feet currently to about 50 square feet.”

1. What makes the new glass windows special?

A．They can offer an amazing view.

B．They are controlled by computers.

C．They can power the conference room.

D．They can help stare toward the future.

2. What is Hardev trying to explain in Paragraph 3?

A．The source of light.

B．The significance of different points.

C．The similarity of computer and glass.

D．The working principle of energy-producing glass.

3. What can affect power production according to the passage?

A．The transparency of the glass.

B．The quality of the rooftop.

C．The height of the solar panels.

D．The thickness of the glass.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?

A．Windows: A New Challenge of Technology

B．Windows: No Longer Just for Letting in the Light

C．Power: A Pressing Problem in the Near Future

D．Power: Not Enough from Rooftop Solar Panels