1 . Research among 2,000 adults showed that about four out of five find small talk with colleagues in the office annoying, especially if it involves football or children. Talking about the weather, or asking someone how their weekend was, was also listed among annoying subjects, according to the study by Hyper Recruitment Solutions.

Most of those surveyed said they had experienced rudeness at work, including being reprimanded（训斥）in front of colleagues or personal remarks about their clothes or possessions.

Half of those asked admitted to avoiding making coffee for themselves at work so they didn’t have to make one for colleagues. A report said, “While employees are direct on some issues, they’d rather avoid the situation completely than feel it is a duty to make coffee for others.”

The report also suggested most employees found that physical contact in the workplace was acceptable, including a kiss on the cheek, high fives or hugs. Ricky Martin, founder of Hyper Recruitment Solutions, said, “We often hear and read in the media how physical contact at work isn’t acceptable, yet the results suggest otherwise. Of course, physical contact isn’t always appropriate or well received, so I would advise it should be essential to be aware of factors such as personality, religion and culture.”

What might be regarded as friendly in one culture may be considered as deeply offensive in another. However, as the results suggest, should the relationship be there and requited（回报）, it shouldn’t be frowned upon（反对）for colleagues to hug, give high fives or give one another a pat on the back.

1. Among 2,000 adults, how many are unwilling to make small talk？

A．About 1,600.	B．About 2,000.
C．About half of them.	D．About one third of them.

2. Which may be a reason why people avoid making coffee in the office？

A．They find it is meaningless.

B．They are not warmhearted enough.

C．They have some unpleasant experiences.

D．They want to defend themselves from any risk.

3. What can we infer from the report mentioned in the text？

A．It shows people are always straightforward.

B．It indicates peoples rude behavior in the office.

C．It suggests peoples relationship always gets no return.

D．It shows physical contact isn’t always favorable.

4. What should we do with the relationship in the office？

A．Continue to avoid it.

B．Hug the colleagues.

C．Accept it regardless of the results.

D．Learn to accept it lightheartedly.

2 . The Last Greatest Magician in the World

In this book, we can learn about the wonderworker Howard Thurston. During his life, Thurston successfully made changes in entertainment. His magic show is regarded as the one that inspires our memories.

Author: Jim Stein Meyer Length: 384 pages Publication Date: Feb. 3, 2011

Beholders: A World Without Heroes

Jason Walker lives a peaceful life until one day he falls through a hole and ends up in a new foreign world. In Lydian, the people dress and behave differently, living in fear of their Emperor Surratt. But during Jason’s search for a way home, he learns of a magical word that could kill Surratt and becomes the hero he has never imagined.

Author: Brandon Mull Length: 464 pages Publication Date: Feb. 15, 2011

Life

With his honesty, Keith Richards brings us the story of a life we all have longed to know more of. Its hard to imagine a famous persons biography is as easy to drink in as Keith Richards life. The books content agrees with the rhythm of his voice so much that reading his tale is like sharing a cup of beer with an old friend.

Author: Keith Richards Length: 576 pages Publication Date: Oct. 26, 2010

The Monkey and the Monk

The famous translation of The Journey to the West is popular with English-speaking audiences. The book shows the novels most exciting and meaningful parts without taking anything away from their true spirit. Moreover, with a new form, this translation is sure to attract more fans.

Author: Anthony C. Yu Length: 528 pages Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2006

1. What kind of book is Beholders: A World Without Heroes？

A．A life guide.	B．A biography.
C．An adventure novel.	D．An educational book.

2. Which of the following words can best describe Keith Richards？

A．Honest.	B．Simple.
C．Hardworking.	D．Generous.

3. Which of the following books came out in 2010？

A．The Last Greatest Magician in the World.

B．Beholders: A World Without Heroes.

C．Life.

D．The Monkey and the Monk.

3 . You may never know why. The email will arrive and reasons offered for your rejection might be the real ones—or not. Bosses have always spied on their employees, then judged them. Now the rise of the online self means the employer’s eye can travel still farther.

Even before the pandemic, research found that 28% of large companies had turned down applicants after carrying out such checks. And it is becoming more popular: Reed Screening, a large agency, was asked to run over a third more social-media checks in December 2021 than a year earlier. This month the government gave the practice approval when the Department for Education said schools and colleges “should consider carrying out an online search as part of their due diligence (尽职调查)”.

The way screening works is simple: Any “problematic” behaviours will be marked with a red flag. There are laws governing such online screening. David Erdos, head of the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Law, says that companies are supposed to warn candidates before screening their social media and tell them that they have the right to hold back permission. Some companies follow these rules, but others may not. As for the right to refuse, it is hardly practicable. “Who on earth is…going to be that person who says: ‘Hang on a minute, I’m not happy about that?’” asks Mr Erdos. “That itself is likely to be a red flag.”

All agree that the spread of online screening is alarming, as it is so unforgiving. People may be unable ever to be free of their online past, says Mr Erdos. As indeed some footballers, recently punished for comments made almost a decade ago when they were but teenagers, have found to their cost.

Those within the industry think laws should be tightened, with punishment for illegal act. In the meantime, being very careful is advisable. In talks to university students, Mr Erdos warns them what companies will do to their social media when they apply for jobs. They are “universally terrified”, he says. And rightly.

1. What can we infer about online screening from paragraph 2?

A．It is turned down by large companies.	B．It boosts the development of education.
C．It is becoming increasingly acceptable.	D．It highlights the wisdom of employers.

2. What do applicants tend to do with online screening?

A．They reject the red flags.	B．They have to submit to it.
C．They will charge the company.	D．They postpone carrying it out.

3. What is Mr Erdos’ opinion on posting comments online?

A．Companies are tolerant of it.	B．Its influence is hard to erase.
C．It should be under strict laws.	D．University students are free to do it.

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

A．Big Employer Is Watching You

B．Fix Your Eyes on Online Screening

C．Social-media Checks Are Around the Corner

D．Checks Online Are to Blame for Unemployment

4 . The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms, which reflect the Chinese people’s understanding of time. Here several special solar terms are listed.

Rain Water

Rain Water signals the increase in rainfall and rise in temperature. With its arrival, the river water defreezes, wild geese move from south to north, and trees and grass turn green again. Extra care is needed to cope with a returning cold spell in this period. The wet and damp weather during Rain Water period is considered harmful for people’s spleen (脾) and stomach according to Chinese medical practice. Therefore, a bowl of nutritious porridge is the best choice to nourish the body.

Awakening of Insects

As the third solar term in the lunar year, its name implies that animals sleeping in winter are awakened by spring thunder and that the earth begins to come back to life. It is the key time for spring agricultural activities. Modern meteorological science shows that around this period, the earth becomes wet, the hot humid air from the north is strong and creates frequent winds. For this reason, thunder often occurs.

Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox signals the equal length of the day and night time. On the day of the Spring Equinox, the sun is directly above the equator. After the equinox, the sun moves northwards, resulting in gradually longer day time in the Northern Hemisphere. Standing an egg upright is a popular game during this period. It is believed that if someone can make the egg stand, he will have good luck in the future.

Grain Rain

Grain Rain originates from the old saying, “Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains", which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops and people are busy working on the land. Grain Rain falls between the end of' spring and the beginning of summer, with infrequent cold air moving to the south and lingering cold air in the north. With dry soil, an unsteady atmosphere and heavy winds and sandstorms become more frequent.

1. What can we know about Rain Water?

A．River water starts to freeze.

B．Taking off the thick coats is advisable.

C．Lively spring-like scenery can be seen.

D．It falls between the end of spring and the start of summer.

2. What do Awakening of Insects and Grain Rain have in common?

A．Farming season.	B．Animal activities.
C．Air temperature.	D．Frequent thundering.

3. In which solar term would people most probably put on masks?

A．Rain Water.	B．Grain Rain.
C．Spring Equinox.	D．Awakening of Insects.

6 . Narcissists (自恋者) are people who are simply interested in themselves. They talk about themselves, demand admiration and recognition and believe everyone else should envy them.    1    . When you come across a narcissistic person, your initial reaction might be shocks but in some cases the best reaction might be none at all.

Understand that narcissism is a personality disorder.    2    . Often the person can’t help himself—he actually believes his idea of being superior to others. Remember that Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is classified as a mental illness.

    3    . A narcissist feeds off attention from others. When the person starts talking about himself excessively, the best thing to do is just walk away—leave the situation.

Have reasonable expectations about the person and his ability to stop being self-absorbed. This is not a disorder that goes away on its own—often the person will need intensive counseling to deal with his narcissism. Suggest counseling if you are in a close relationship with the person, such as a marriage.     4    , his condition may improve with treatment

    5    . A narcissist can be a burden on his friends and family and will often put others down as a way of building himself up. It is important to have high confidence yourself, so that you do not start to believe and absorb what he says as if it is the truth.

A．Stay positive and strong-minded

B．Ignore the person whenever possible

C．Give him or her a hand whenever possible

D．While he may not be able to stop the behavior completely

E．Often it is rooted in childhood issues, such as abuse or neglect

F．When you are suffering from this kind of mental disorder occasionally

G．They might even lie or exaggerate (夸大) the truth as a way to lift themselves

7 . 阅读下面短文. 在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Born in a wealthy family, my nephew, Jack, leads such a thoroughly decent and cosy life that he hardly meets with cruel adversities. He has been dreaming of an adventure since he was young. At 18, Jack resolved to join an expedition     1     (advertise) in the newspaper, but the leader turned him down, thinking Jack was not     2     (qualify). Full of vigour, Jack never abandoned his dream for he was so enthusiastic about a great voyage. At 19, he joined the navy and     3     (assign) to be a steward with low wages. On a bitter cold day, the crew went aboard a massive ship bound for Atlantic Ocean. Jack was genuine, good-tempered and loyal and he wasn't selfish, cither. He often played the banjo for recreation. So those who were on the ship all liked him.     4     (fortunate). one day, the motor broke down and the ship got crushed on a huge iceberg. When the ship sank, their hearts also sank. At that time, the calm captain made a     5     (commit) to save them and commanded them to throw away     6     (they) belongings such as stoves, blankets, bats. cupboards and other pieces of furniture. Finally, they were fortunate enough     7     (escape) the ship. It was their endurance, resolution and perseverance     8     helped them survive. On the distant island, Jack managed to make fire with animal fat.     9     gave off a smelly smell and then he cooked sea animals. One month later, they were saved by a passing ship. In summary, it has been     10     unforgettable episode in Jack’s life.

8 . The world’s craziest festivals

Crazy festivals all over the world are out there just waiting to be celebrated. Join Cornelia Kumfert on a trip to the most unusual events taking place around the globe.

Burning Man Festival

Every year in Nevada (US) there is artwork and cunosities galore to marvel at when the Black Rock Desert changes into a mammoth art exhibition.

In August and September, some 70,00 people come here to celetrate the Burning Man Festival.

San Diego Comic Con

Surely superheroes don’t queue? Well, at San Diego’s Comic Convention they do. Each July hey open their dos to fans of Superman and other comic figures. More than 100,000 annual visitors have paid homage to their mythical heroes.

Crying Baby Festival, Tokyo

At the Crying Baby Festival in Tokyo (Japan), sumo wrestlers do what they can to bring babies to tears.

Sadists run riot? Certainly not! It’s a 400-year-old tradition based on a Japanese proverb, which says that crying babies grow fastest and parents believe the event brings good health to their children.

Palio Contest, Siena

Fame and honour await the winner of the Palio contest in Siena (Italy).

In July and August, ten inhabitants of different districts of the city jockey for first place in a spectacular horse race.

The trophy goes to the contestant whose horse crosses the finishing line first—whether he’s still in the saddle or not.

1. Which of the festivals offers a view of art?

A．Burning Man Festival.	B．Palio Contest, Siena.
C．Crying Baby Festival, Tokyo.	D．San Diego Comic Con.

2. How was the festival in Tokyo founded?

A．On the basis of a proverb.	B．Based on a phrase.
C．According to a story.	D．At the request of the public.

3. What can tourists see in Siena of Italy between July and August?

A．A burning man show.	B．A comedy play.
C．A horse race.	D．A baby-crying show.

10 . Some documents have been making the rounds lately — where people who work various positions in different industries share how much they’re paid.

Bravo! It’s about time we blew up that old belief that salaries have to stay secret. This is not just a matter of curiosity. Having information about salaries can help narrow the gender wage gap, which has barely changed for more than a decade. Recently released date from the US Census Bureau shows that, on average, women working full time still are paid only 82 cents for every dollar paid to a man. And the gap is even wider for many women of color: Black women make 62 cents, and Latinas just 54 cents. What’s more, the pay gap even extends into her retirement. Because she earned less and therefore paid less to the social security system, she receives less in social security benefits.

Having greater access to salary information is helping to speed things up. A new research report by the American Association of University Women shows that the wage gap tends to be smaller in job sectors where pay transparency (透明) is a must. For example, among federal government workers, there’s just a 13 percent pay difference between men and women, and in state government, the gap is about 17 percent. But in private, for-profit companies, where salaries are generally kept under wraps, the gender wage gap jumps to 29 percent.

Fortunately, salary information is increasingly available on some websites. Certain companies and many human resources departments are pushing ahead with this practice. Of course, it’s going to take more than salary transparency to equalize earnings between women and men. But sharing salaries can and must be part of the solution. The more information women have about how jobs are valued — and what different people earn — the better they will understand their value in the labor market and be able to push for the pay they deserve.

1. Why are the figures mentioned in paragraph 2?

A．To reveal the severity of gender wage gap.

B．To confirm the previous belief about salaries.

C．To satisfy readers’ curiosity about others’ salaries.

D．To appeal to readers to share their salary information.

2. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．The inequality between men and women.

B．The need to keep salary information a secret.

C．The advantage of working for the government.

D．The benefit of making salary information public.

3. What is the author’s attitude towards sharing salary information?

A．Critical.	B．Favourable.
C．Unclean	D．Negative.

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

A．Why It Pays to Share How Much You Make

B．Where Salary Information Difference Lies

C．What It Takes to Realize Gender Equality

D．How Woman’s Value Improves at Work.