1 . Twelve-year-old Catherine has a lot of friends—632, actually, if you count up her online friends. And she spends a lot of time with them.

But is it possible that Catherine’s online friendships could be making her lonely? That’s what some experts believe. Connecting online is a great way to stay in touch, they say. However, some experts worry that many kids are so busy connecting online that they might be missing out on true friendships.

Could this be true? During your parents’ childhoods, connecting with friends usually meant spending time with them in the flesh. Kids played Scrabble around a table, not words with friends on their phones. When friends missed each other, they picked up the telephone. Friends might even write letters to each other.

Today, most communication takes place online. A typical teen sends 2,000 texts a month and spends more than 44 hours per week in front of a screen. Much of this time is spent on social media platform.

In fact, in many ways, online communication can make friendships stronger. “There’s definitely a positive influence. Kids can stay in constant contact, which means they can share more of their feelings with each other,” says Katie Davis, co-author of The App Generation.

Other experts, however, warn that too much online communication can get in the way of forming deep friendships. “If we are constantly checking in with our virtual world, we will have little time for our real-world friendships,” says Larry Rosen, a professor at California State University. Rosen also worries that today’s kids might mistake the “friends” on the social media for true friends in life. However, in tough times, you don’t need anyone to like your picture or share your blogs. You need someone who will keep your secrets and hold your hand. You would like to talk face to face.

1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?

A．To tell about true friends.	B．To start a discussion.
C．To encourage online friendships.	D．To summarize(总结) the text.

2. What does the underlined part “in the flesh” mean in paragraph 3?

A．In any case.

B．In public.

C．In person.

D．In advance.

3. What is Katie’s attitude toward online communication?

A．Unconcerned.

B．Positive.

C．Worried.

D．Confused.

4. Which of the following is the Rosen’s view?

A．Teenagers need to focus on real-world friendships.	B．It’s easier to develop friendships in real life.
C．It’s wise to turn to friends online.	D．Social media help people stay closely connected.

2 . 假如你是李华，你校计划举办介绍中国传统文化的主题班会，并在英文网站上展示。请你给外国友人Chris写封信，向他了解哪些中国传统文化更吸引外国朋友。内容包括：
1. 阐明写信事由；
2. 征求建议；
3. 表达感谢。
注意：
1·字数80左右；2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Chris,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

3 . 阅读下面短文，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一个完整的短文。

Looking at her worn-out sneakers (运动鞋), Sarah felt embarrassed (尴尬的)going to school wearing them.

“What’s the matter, Sarah? Is there something wrong with the food?” her mother asked.

Sarah, in a high voice, shouted, “I am sick of these shoes! I am no longer wearing these to my school! Do you know how embarrassing it is?”

Meghan, (Sarah’s mother) was a single mother working in a nearby town cafe. She explained, “Right now, we’re on a tight budget(预算很紧). I’ll make sure to get you a new pair next month.”

Sarah picked up her schoolbag and walked to school, giving her mother a dissatisfied look.

The school was going to organize a sports competition and Sarah was filled out the form for a 100-meter race.

When one of her friends saw this, she asked Sarah if she was certain about running the race. Sarah didn’t understand what her friend meant.

”Dear, if you have a new pair of shoes, then it’s fine. But if you choose to wear the ones you are wearing now, I’m afraid you will lose the race!“ the friend said, pointing at Sarah’s shoes. Sarah simply nodded and returned to her classroom without saying anything.

Later that day, on her way home, Sarah realized she hadn’t eaten her lunch, so she stopped at a bus stop to finish it.

When she began eating, she noticed that a child was standing next to her in poor clothes. Sarah knew the kid needed that sandwich that she was eating since the kid stared at her and then at her food.

Sarah handed the sandwich to the child, who ran up to her, excitedly got the sandwich from Sarah’s hand and began eating it. After finishing the sandwich, the child thanked Sarah, saying, ”I haven’t had such a tasty sandwich in a long time. My father is a cleaner in a house down the street and my mother is a patient at a hospital. Oh, and my name is Sam.”

注意：1.续写词数应为 150 左右;
2.请按如下格式作答。

Sarah felt very sad after hearing this.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The winning prize was a surprise and all the students wanted to know what it was.

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4 . Chinese cuisine has a long history, and is one of the most diverse cooking heritage in the world. More than just delicious dishes, it reflects the distinctive and profound Chinese culture. With its long history, some of the Chinese food is listed into the intangible cultural heritage（非物质文化遗产) of the nation. We’ve chosen four dishes from the list, some of which you may find quite familiar with.

1. Nanxiang Steamed Bun

With a history of about 150 years, Nanxiang steamed bun (also known as Nanxiang xiaolongmantou or Nanxiang xiaolongbao), is still one signature dish of Chinese cuisine. It is famous for its thin wrapping and rich filling. When having the steamed bun, keep in mind to take a small bite first and enjoy the tasty juice that flows into your mouth.

2. Zhoucun Sesame Seed Cake

Zhoucun sesame seed cake is a healthy and nutritious snack suitable for the young and the old. It has a long history of around 1,800 years, and is named after its place of origin, Zhoucun village of Zibo, Shandong Province. It is widely known for being "shaped like the full moon, thin as an autumn leaf; breaking into pieces of jade (玉) when dropped on the floor, leaving a strong flavour in your mouth".

3. Dragon Beard Noodles

With great popularity in northern China, dragon beard noodles have a history of more than 300 years. It is not clear exactly how they were created in the first place, but the legend says that a royal chef first made them to please the emperor in the Ming Dynasty. It is said that they got the name for being almost as thin as a human hair.

4. Beijing Roast Duck

The history of Beijing roast duck can be traced back to the 13th century, when it was on the menu of the imperial family. It later became popular among the common people, as some royal chefs began to open their own restaurants. Today, it’s without any doubt one of the most famous

Chinese dishes, and there is hardly any tourist who would take the risk of missing it during their trip to Beijing.
1. What is Nanxiang steamed bun known for?

A．Its long history and strong flavour.

B．Its round shape and tasty juice.

C．Its thin wrapping and rich filling.

D．Its light flavour and delicious filling.

2. What do we know about Zhoucun sesame seed cake?

A．It was created by a royal chef who wanted to please the emperor.

B．It has a history of 300 years.

C．It is named after the place where it was created.

D．It is not suitable for the old.

3. What is the best title for the passage?

A．Top Four Chinese Dishes

B．A Bite of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

C．Stories Behind Chinese Snacks

D．Taking a Chinese Food Tour

8 . Hacking (侵入) isn’t just for computers or smart phones. According to a study published last week in Science, scientists have found a way to hack a plant’s genes in order to make it use sunlight more quickly. Someday, the result could increase the amount of food produced around the world.

Scientists who did the new study believe photosynthesis (光合作用) is a very slow process. Plants use less than one percent of the energy available to them. But by hacking a plant’s genes the scientists are able to increase the amount of leaf growth on plants between 14 and 20 percent.

Specially, scientists hacked the plant’s protective system. Normally, this system can be useful when a plant gets too much sunlight. When the plant senses the light, it removes extra energy and creates more leaves. When the plant can’t meet light, the protective system is turned off. But the process is slow. Stephen Long is the lead author of the study. He compared a plant’s protective system to light-adjusting glasses. “When a person wears the sunglasses outside during the day, the sunglasses darken and lighten depending on how sunny it is. Plants do the same thing,” he said. But in plants, the adjustment can take place anywhere, which lasts from 10 minutes to an hour. This makes it hard for plants to get the right amount of sunlight needed to create food.

The new study sped up the process. By changing the plant’s genes, the protective system turned on and off more quickly. As a result, leaf growth on the plants scientists used in the study increased. Leaf growth on two plants increased by 20 percent, while leaf growth on third plants increased by 14 percent. Scientists did the study on tobacco plants. But they think the genetic modification would produce the same results on corn and rice plants. Agriculture professor Tala Awanda said the study made senses, but cautioned the production might not be quite so high for traditional food crops. Still, she added in an email, “This study remains a breakthrough.”

1. What will happen when the plants’ genes are hacked?

A．The plants will use sunlight more properly.

B．The plants will remove the energy quickly.

C．The plants will turn on their protective system.

D．The plants will work faster to produce more food.

2. How do scientists make plants produce more leaves?

A．By making plants get less sunlight.

B．By using computers and smart phones.

C．By making photosynthesis become slow.

D．By changing the protective system of plants.

3. Why does the author mention the light-adjusting glasses?

A．To warn people of the hot and bright sun.

B．To explain the usage of plants’ protective system.

C．Just to better understand how sunny it is every day.

D．Just to talk about the adjustment of sunglasses to the sun.

4. What is Tala Awanda’s attitude towards the study?

A．Critical.

B．Negative.

C．Objective.

D．Doubtful.

9 . 假定你是李华，上周六你们班参观了西宁野生动物园，请你为你校英文报写一篇报道，内容包括：
1. 参观经过；
2. 活动收获。
注意：1.词数80 左右；2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
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10 . It was nearly dark; the sun was dropping down the mountains far away. Little Tom came back home, with tears in his eyes.

“What’s the matter, Tom? How’s your trip?” His mother asked with a big smile. “I failed. The mountain is so high and full of big or small stones on the way, I still go ahead. But I was tired and it was so late that I had to come back.” Tom cried. “It doesn’t matter, you are only 14 years old after all. You will have another chance.” His mother said. “But, standing at the top of the mountain is my dream!” Tom said. His father came over and asked, “Did you see the green trees on your way to the mountain?” “Sure, and there were a lot of beautiful flowers by the side of the road.” Tom replied. “Did you hear the birds singing?” His father asked. “There were many kinds of birds singing in the trees, and the sound was very sweet.” Tom said. “Did you feel the beauty of nature?” His father asked. “Yes, the blue sky, the white clouds, the green trees and the colorful flowers made a nice picture.” Tom answered. “That’s enough!” His father smiles and said, “Please remember, my son. For often, achieving what you expect is not the most important thing. Although you didn’t reach the top of the mountain, you got a lot on the way.”

It is true that not every goal will be achieved, not every job will end up with a success, and not every dream will come true. The most beautiful scenery is on the way.

1. Tom got back home ________ when the sun was dropping.

A．slowly

B．sadly

C．quickly

D．early

2. What’s the main reason that Tom didn’t reach the top of the mountain?

A．The mountain was so high.	B．The way was full of big or small stones.
C．He was tired and it was so late.	D．He was only 14 years old.

3. Tom saw a lot of things on the way to the mountain except ________.

A．clear water	B．blue sky
C．colorful flowers	D．green trees

4. The writer tries to tell us that ________.

A．the goal is not important	B．everyone should climb the mountain
C．the mountain is very beautiful	D．the process is more important than the result