1 . When you think of a map, is north on the top or the bottom? Usually, maps are designed with north on top, though when we think about it, there is no logical reason for this bias (偏见). After all, there is no up or down in space. So what is wrong with south, east or west being on the top of the map? The answer is: nothing at all. In fact, north-up maps only became the norm in the last few hundred years.

Ancient Egyptian maps had south at the top because the Nile River flows downhill from mountains in the south to the Mediterranean Sea in the north. Mecca was to the south of most early Muslim civilizations, and south-up maps were designed so that viewers would look up to see Mecca. Medieval Christian maps had east at the top, as they believed the Garden of Eden was in the east. The only early maps that had north at the top were those of early China because the emperor lived in the north.

North seems to have settled at the top of maps during the 16th century, largely thanks to a Flemish mapmaker, Mercator. Mercator was a great admirer of an early Greek mapmaker, who, for reasons now unknown, put north at the top of maps, so Mercator did, too. When Mercator’s world map became the standard map to navigate the oceans, north up became standard as well.

What is the implication of this north-view of the world? Psychologically, people tend to think of up as good and down as bad. Just think of words and phrases like “upmarket”, “upbeat” and “moving up in the world”, and how they contrast with their opposites. Because north is so consistently put at the top of maps, people now think of north as good, too.

Several attempts have been made in recent years by introducing south-up maps to the market. These maps not only give us a chance to see the world differently, but also give everyone the chance to see themselves on top.

1. What can we learn from the first two paragraphs?

A．North-up maps were rare in ancient times.

B．Deciding up or down in space is ridiculous.

C．Mecca maps were based on a legend.

D．The south-up map first appeared in ancient Egypt.

2. Why is north associated with good?

A．An illogical reason.	B．The spread of Mercator’s maps.
C．People’s preference for up.	D．An age-old tradition in Greece.

3. What is the author’s attitude to south-up maps?

A．Cautious.

B．Supportive.

C．Uncaring.

D．Disapproving.

4. What’s the main purpose of the text?

A．To criticize a phenomenon.	B．To compare various facts.
C．To correct a cultural bias.	D．To argue for a viewpoint.

2 . On many travelers’ lists of things to do before they die, you’ll find “See the northern lights” written down. Rightfully so these lights are one of nature’s most jaw-dropping views.

In Sweden, the northern lights usually appear from late March or early April. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of them is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear, dark with little to no moonlight, and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights and go to the countryside. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations.

Abisko National Park

Abisko Natinal Park is a main location. The scientifically confirmed “blue hole”, a piece of sky over the Tornetrask lake that usually remains clear despite cloudy weather nearby, gives Abisko its own microclimate (局部地区气候), which is suitable for catching the lights.

Jukkasjarvi

The village of Jukkasjarvi only has about 550 people. But don’t let the small population size fool you: Jukkasjarvi owns the world’s first ice hotel and is one of the best places to view the northern lights. The ice hotel organizes guided tours for guests to the Esrange Space Center. There you can eat at a camp outside and see the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis (北极光). Or why not try to get closer to the northern lights and watch them through an aeroplane window? The ice hotel arranges flights for the amazing northern lights experience.

Gallivare

You can drive a snowmobile to the mountain top in Gallivare for a private light show, or head a few kilometers to nearby villages to watch those lights shining across the dark winter sky. But remember if you do get the chance to see the northern lights in person, never whistle to them. According to ancient Sumi fairy, it brings you bad luck.

1. When are you likely to best enjoy the northern lights in Swede?

A．On cold winter nights with clear sky and a little moonlight.

B．On freezing winter nights in the rural area without moonlight or cloud.

C．On chilly winter nights in the city center with few lights and little cloud.

D．On winter nights when the sky is dark with little moonlight and no cloud.

2. What do you know about Jukkasjarvi?

A．It has up to 550 people.

B．It owns the world’s first hotel.

C．It is among the best places to view the northern lights.

D．You can eat at a camp inside and see the aurora borealis.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．A science report.

B．An art magazine.

C．A travel guide.

D．A botanical book.

5 . 读后续写

In my community, there is a little boy who suffered from congenital muscle disease. He always considered himself the most unfortunate person in the world. Although he looked no different from ordinary people, it’s difficult for him to do some delicate movements. He often lost control of his hands and dropped things on the ground. Even after a short run, he would easily get out of breath. Depression and inferiority made him almost always alone. All of these make his mother very worried.

Then one spring, the boy’s mother bought some saplings (树苗) from a nearby market. She intended to plant them in the forecourt. She told her children to plant a sapling each person. The mother said to her three children, “Whose seedling grows best, I will buy him or her a favorite gift.” The boy also wanted to get his mother’s gift. But seeing his brothers and sisters carrying water to water the trees happily, anyhow, an idea hit him: he hoped the tree he planted would die soon. So watering it once or twice, he never attended to it.

Several days later, when the little boy went to see his tree again, he was surprised to find it grew some fresh leaves instead of withering (枯萎), and compared with the trees of his brother and sister, his appeared greener and more vital. He wondered what on earth had happened. As expected, his mother kept her promise, bought the little boy his favorite gift and said to him, “From the tree you plant, you will become an outstanding botanist (植物学家) when you grow up.”

Since then, the little boy slowly became optimistic. One day, the little boy lay on the bed but couldn’t sleep. Looking at the bright moonlight outside the window, he suddenly recalled what the bi ology teacher once said, plants generally grow at night.

1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

“Why not go to the forecourt and take a look at my tree?” he said to himself.

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From that night on, he understood what his mother meant and decided to change himself.

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6 . 阅读下面材料, 根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段, 使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Amanda had been trying for Auditions (试演) for All-State Band. Then, the day before the audition. she met into Janet Jacobs. “So, Amanda, I hear you are auditioning for All-State. Do you really want to embarrass yourself?” Janet said snottily (自负的). Janet and Amanda had been fighting for first chair in the school band ever since Amanda had gotten it. “Janet, I’m still first chair,” Amanda replied.

That afternoon, Mr, Johnson, the   school   band director, stood   up   to make   an announcement. “Kids.” he said, “today Janet Jacobs would like to challenge Amanda Foster for first chair.”Amanda wasn’t worried; Janet had challenged her four times and nothing had come of it. However, Amanda hit the note wrong, and her sound was not good at all. Janet, on the other hand, played perfectly. Amanda was shameful. It was one of the band pieces she should have known. Janet was given first chair and Amanda left the band room with tears. She went through the rest of her classes in a haze.

“We’re leaving for the audition in one hour!” said Mr. Foster the next morning. “I don’t feel well. Maybe next year, ”said Amanda. Then she burst into tears and ran from the room.

Her mom followed her into her bedroom and sat on the foot of her bed. “Oh. Amanda. First of all, I’ve heard you play your song, and you’re not going to shame yourself. Bravery isn’t about not being scared — it means doing something despite the fact that you’re afraid. And if you go out there and do your best, we’ll be proud of you, no matter what the outcome.” Amanda’s mom smiled. “So what do you say? Do we have an audition to go to?”

“Yeah, I guess,” Amanda replied. “Good girl! Get dressed now. We still have half an hour.” Amanda sat outside the audition room nervously grasping her flute (笛子). Finally, they called her name.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Paragraph 1: Amanda stepped onto the audition stage.               

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Paragraph 2: “Congratulations! You deserve it,” Janet said, sticking out her hands.

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7 . 假定你是李华。你的外教Tanya计划春节到你的家乡景德镇旅游两天，想征询你的建议。 请你给她回一封电子邮件。
内容包括：
1. 写信目的；
2. 景点推荐及理由。
提示词：御窑厂 Imperial Kiln Museum, 古窑 ancient kiln porcelain factory
陶溪川 ceramic art avenue, Taoxichuan
注意：
1. 写作词数应为80字左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Tanya,
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Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

8 . 阅读下面材料, 在空白处填入适当的内容(1 个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。

Dubai was a 6, 000-person fishing village half a century ago. Since 1966, when oil was discovered there, the population of Dubai     1    (grow) to 2. 6 million. Over the years, it has   become a well-known tourist destination.

    2     attracts tourists to Dubai are tax-free shopping, excellent accommodations, delicious food and beaches     3     go on for miles. In fact, some foreigners come here only to experience the shopping. There are dozens of shopping malls, providing every famous brand you can name. The outdoor markets sell everything from spices to gold at fair prices.

    4     (choose) what places to visit in Dubai is difficult, because even the hotels there are also amazing     5     (attract). The Burl AI Arab, which lies on its own island,     6     (consider) one of the world’s best hotels. Built     7     the shape of a ship, this hotel is still taller than the Eiffel Tower and nearly as     8     (tall) as the Empire State Building.   

Indeed, travelling around this country will     9     (true) give you an amazing experience because of its interesting things     10    (offer) to all types of tourists.

9 . Exams are an important type of assessment almost all students will need to undertake.

The best way to study is not to recite it all in hours or minutes before an exam.     1     It is important to manage this stress and find ways of helping to reduce it.

How do you face such an important day? If you have not been able to study the complete contents till now, don’t long to finish it all. Firstly, prepare a test kit for the duration of your examination.     2     Put the bag and everything else that you might need in one place. This will help to reduce your worries in the morning.

When you arrive at the hall, surround yourself with friends who are supportive or just go through your notes quietly.     3     You’ll be affected if you do not know the answer to any topic. Therefore, do not go round asking crazily for the answer. This will just upset you and send you into panic mode.

    4     Before the examination starts, make sure your question paper is complete. Read the instructions carefully. Settle the easy questions first. Divide your time carefully for each question and move on to the next question even if you have not finished the first.

Finally, after each paper, go home and rest.     5     Try not to discuss the answers with your friends. You should not allow anything to upset the rest of the examination.

A．Try to relax and remember to fill the answer.

B．When you are in the examination room, follow these steps.

C．Always make it a point to study the subjects which you find easier to learn first.

D．In your bag, collect all your supplies such as pencils, several pens and other important writing materials.

E．Do not worry about what you could have done or haven’t done.

F．Many students are nervous when they are facing their first examination.

G．Exam stress affects most students in various ways.