1 . Blind people have long desired for brightness, but scientists don’t have the technology. To bring that one step closer to reality, Zhiyong Fan, a materials scientist of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, developed a new artificial eye recently. The device, which is about as sensitive to light and has sharper vision and a faster reaction time than a real eyeball, may outperform human eyes.

The human eye owes its wide field of view and clear eyesight to the retina (视网膜) — an area at the back of the eyeball covered in light-detecting cells. The design for a new artificial eye is based on the structure of the human eye and uses a friendly light-sensitive material. At the back of the eyeball, an artificial retina is lined with Nan scale light sensors (纳米级光感器). Those sensors measure light that passes through the lens (晶状体) at the front of the eye. Wires attached to the back of the retina send signals from those sensors to the processor, similar to the way nerve networks connect the eyeball to the brain.

“In the future, we can use this to replace damaged human eyes,” says the lead designer. In theory, this artificial eye could see more clearly than the human eye, because the artificial retina contains about 460 million light sensors per square centimeter while a real retina has about 10 million light-detecting cells per square centimeter. Besides, the artificial eyeball records changes in lighting faster than human eyes can — within about 30 to 40 milliseconds, rather than 40 to 150 milliseconds. Although its 100-degree field of view isn’t as broad as the150 degrees a human eye can take in, the device can see as well as the human eye in poor light.

Hongrui Jiang, an electrical engineer at the University of Wisconsin, though, thinks engineers need a much more practical and efficient way to produce vast series of tiny wires on the back of the artificial eyeball to give it superhuman sight, which is super hard to achieve.

1. Why does Zhiyong Fan develop the artificial eye?

A．To replace people’s real eyeballs.	B．To gain a sharper vision.
C．To help the blind regain their eyesight.	D．To help normal eyes perform better.

2. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．The design of the artificial eye.	B．The structure of the human eye.
C．The advantages of the artificial eye.	D．The material used for the artificial eye.

3. What can we learn about the artificial eye and the human eye?

A．They have the same structure.

B．The artificial eye may see more clearly.

C．The human eye sees better in weak light.

D．The artificial eye takes in a broader view.

4. Which word best describes Hongrui Jiang’s attitude to the artificial eye?

A．Doubtful.

B．Favorable.

C．Unconcerned.

D．Satisfied.

2 . India, as a country with plenty of resorts (旅游胜地), is popular with different kinds of travelers. If you’re planning to visit the country, the followings are the places that may interest you.

Delhi

Delhi is a perfect place for those who love history, and there are plenty of attractions here to keep tourists of all interests entertained. It’s often the first city that many tourists visit on a trip around India. There are many resorts including India Gate, the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb.

Agra

Agra is most well known for the Taj Mahal, which draws a large number of tourists to the city. Built in the 1600s, the Taj Mahal is still standing strong today and is admired by tourists as an important part of India’s heritage (遗产).

Kashmir

Kashmir is one of the most beautiful cities in India. With flower gardens, amazing water-falls, and snow-topped peaks, it’s a simply unforgettable place that tourists want to return to time and time again. Kashmir is especially popular with honeymooners and loved-up couples, because a lot of romantic trips are on sale in Kashmir.

Goa

Though Goa is small in size, it’s one of the top resorts for young tourists and those who love taking beach vacations. The golden sands and coconut palm trees are the charm (吸引力) here, and the sunrises and sunsets are so gorgeous that you’ll never forget them.

1. What do we know about Delhi from the text?

A．It is the highest city in India.

B．It is known for the Taj Mahal.

C．It is attractive to history lovers.

D．It is the coolest city in India.

2. What is the special part of Kashmir?

A．It is the smallest place.

B．It is the capital city of India.

C．It offers many tours attracting couples.

D．It drives young people crazy.

3. Where shall we head if we want to spend some days at the seaside?

A．Delhi.

B．Goa

C．Kashmir.

D．Agra.

3 . It could happen anywhere at any time. It’s often unexpected, but almost never unappreciated. Most people have been on the receiving a random act of kindness—the moment when a complete stranger stops to offer aid, generosity or compassion. In a sometimes cold world where people can be so focused on what they’re doing, a random act of kindness can make all the difference.

They can be relatively insignificant. Hannah Bailey from London, for example, told the Metro newspaper about how she was given her fruit and vegetable shopping for free. The seller did her a kindness when it emerged she didn’t have any change to pay. She was happy about it all day.

The city of Naples has long had a tradition called “caffe sospeso”. When buying coffee, a person who has recently been lucky would purchase two cups but only drink one, leaving the second one out of the goodness of their heart, for a poor person to claim for free. This tradition is now more common worldwide.

However, in some cases, these little acts can be a matter of life and death. Take, for example, the unnamed commuter, who in June 2018 fell off a station platform onto an electric railway track in Toronto, Canada. A quick-thinking, but even now unknown, bystander selflessly leapt down to pull him to safety.

Or Jonny Benjamin, who in London in 2008 was persuaded not to commit suicide by a passer-by. He had been considering jumping from a bridge. He later found the Good Samaritan and thanked him. He may one day find a way to pay him back in kind—though that’s not the point.

So, why do it? Often, the acts aren’t paid back. The people never meet again. According to UK charity The Mental Health Foundation, acts like these can “give our lives new purpose, show us other perspectives on our own problems and even make us feel euphoric. ”

So give it a try. Hold open a door for someone, deliver a compliment even give up your seat on a bus. Help someone who is in need. It takes all kinds. It needn’t be anything huge. One day, whether you need it or not, someone might help you in your hour of need.

1. How did Hannah Bailey feel after she received a random act of kindness?

A．She was pleased about it for the rest of the day.	B．She was shamed about it all day.
C．She wanted to pay back the money.	D．She thought it insignificant.

2. What happens to the second coffee in a “caffe sospeso”?

A．It is wasted after the man left.	B．It is left at the cafe to be donated to a poor person.
C．It is for the commuter only.	D．It can only be drunk at the cafe shop.

3. According to the Mental Health Foundation, why do people commit random acts of kindness?

A．They help us earn more money.

B．They can add up some good reputation to us.

C．They give our lives new purpose and a feeling of pleasure.

D．They make problems for us.

4. What is the meaning of the underlined word in paragraph 6?

A．Ambitious.

B．Sorrowful.

C．Awkward.

D．Delighted.

4 . Use this list of winter festivals to plan your trip or plan around them, as many of these festivals will tie up transport and accommodations and drive up prices. It’s all up to you:either plan your travel dates around them, or arrive early enough to jump into the festive atmosphere!

Lighting Festival

A day-trip away from South Korea’s capital Seoul, the Garden of Morning Calm is a must-see during the Festival. The lights there cover an area of some 330,000 square meters, using 30,000 colorful LED lights hanging from the trees. Wander around the fairy-like wonderland created by the lights — through such fields like Bonsai Garden, Moonlight Garden, and the Garden of Eden.

·Where: Gapyeong County, South Korea

·When: December — Mid-March

Harbin Ice Festival

Millions of tourists visit this icy festival every year, drawn by the massive ice sculptures that decorate the fairgrounds next to Songhua River. The sculptures, ice palaces, mazes and slides are simply massive in scale, constructed from some 260,000 cubic yards of ice blocks harvested from the river. They range in size from life-scale carvings of animals and fantastic creatures, to massive 250-foot structures that tower over the crowds.

·Where: Harbin, China

·When: January 5 — February 5

Sapporo Snow Festival

Japan’s biggest winter festival has expanded in size and scope since its first celebration in 1950. The Festival covers two main sites in Sapporo. The centerpiece Odori Park site features some 100 ice sculptures dazzlingly lit up after dark. The Susukino district site features a smaller scale of ice sculptures decorating the district. The sculptures cover animals both real and fantastic, including anime-based creatures like Pokemon. Visitors can also enjoy snow mazes, street food, musical performances and skating on the ice rink near Odori Park.

·Where: Sapporo, Japan

·When:February 4-1l

Sky Lantern Festival

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan, China is Taiwan’s most visited lantern festival, lighting the skies with floating lanterns bearing messages for the gods. Its counterpart in the Yangshui District favors a noisier kind of illumination — the Tainan Yanshui Fireworks Display takes place at Tainan’s Wumiao Temple, where locals dare to be hit by small fireworks as a test of their strength and to ward off evil.

·Where: Pingxi and Yangshui, Taiwan, China

·When: February

1. Which winter festival lasts shortest?

A．Lighting Festival.

B．Harbin Ice Festival.

C．Sapporo Snow Festival.

D．Sky Lantern Festival.

2. What is special about Lighting Festival?

A．It has massive sculptures in the fairy-like wonderland.	B．It is the biggest winter festival in Seoul.
C．Visitors can enjoy fireworks display.	D．Visitors can enjoy colorful LED lights.

3. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To offer information to help winter festival lovers make good plans.

B．To publicize these winter festivals.

C．To attract more potential customers.

D．To promote a better understanding of winter festivals among the public.

5 . How to Make Friends

Friendship is a very important human relationship and everyone needs good friends. Good friendship has many benefits. It offers companionship, improves self-worth and promotes good health. There are times in our lives such as when we have recently moved into a new town, or changed our jobs or schools. Such changes often leave us without a friend.     1     But for many of us the process is difficult and requires courage. Below are some helpful suggestions on how to make and keep friends.

1. Associate with others.

The first step to making friends is associating with other people. You can go to public places to meet new people. Besides, you will need to make yourself known by becoming an active member of such places.

2. Start a conversation.

Starting a conversation is the second most important step in making new friends.     2     You can always start the conversation. Being able to make small talk is a very useful skill in relating with other people.

3.     3    

Choosing friends with common interests is important in building friendship as these interests would always bring you and your friend together. Hanging out will always be a pleasant experience.

4. Let it grow.

It is a good thing to stay in touch. However, try not to press your new friend with calls, messages or visits as this would likely wear him or her out and finally you may lose your friend.     4     The best friendships are the ones that grow naturally.

5. Enjoy your friendship.

The best way to enjoy your friendship is to allow your friends to be themselves.     5     Try not to change them from who they are to what you want them to be. Become the kind of friend you will want your friend to be to you.

A．Be cheerful.

B．Do things together.

C．Do not wait to be spoken to.

D．Try not to find fault with your friends.

E．Making new friends comes easy for some people.

F．For a friendship to develop you need to stay in touch.

G．So you will need to give your friend time to react to you.

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。

One day, when I was a first-year student in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kris. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd (书呆子).”

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a gang of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up, and I saw terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So I jogged over to him, and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, I saw tears in his eyes. As I handed him his glasses, I said, “They are bad guys! They really should be punished.” He looked at me and said, “Hey, thanks!” There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to a private school before. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before, but we talked all the way home, and I carried his books.

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。

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We always hung out on weekends, and the more I got to know Kris, the more I liked him.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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。

I came to England last summer. I     1     (be) in England for eleven months. I am going to finish my studies in England soon, and will leave     2     China next month.

At first it was very difficult for me     3     (communicate) with other people in English,     4    now I can speak English much     5     (well), and even understand English television, because I have studied hard and my teachers and classmates have helped me a lot.

I have lots of English     6     (friend) now. Some of     7     (they) have even invited me for dinner at their houses     8     I have learned a lot about their custom. They are     9     (interest) to learn about China and Chinese people. Every time they ask me a lot of questions, I     10     (misunderstand) how little I know about my own country.

8 . The Winter Olympics is also called the White Olympics. At this time, many colorful stamps are published to mark the great Games. The first stamps marking the opening came out on January 25, 1932 in the United States for the 3rd White Olympics. From then on, publishing stamps during the White Olympics became a rule. During the 4th Winter Olympic Games a group of stamps were published in Germany in November 1936. The five rings of Olympics were drawn on the front of the sportswear. It was the first time that the rings appeared on the stamps of the White Olympics. In the 1950’s, the stamps of this kind became more colorful.

When the White Olympics came, the host countries(东道国) as well as the non﹣host countries published stamps to mark those Games. China also published four stamps in February 1980, when the Chinese sports men began to take part in the White Olympics. Japan is the only Asian country that has ever held the White Olympics. Altogether 14,500 million stamps were sold to raise money for this sports meet. Different kinds of sports were drawn on these small stamps. People can enjoy the beauty of the wonderful movements of some sportsmen.

1. The White Olympics and the Winter Olympics ________.

A．are the same thing	B．are different games
C．are not held in winter	D．are held in summer

2. When did the world make it a rule to publish stamps to mark the great world games?

A．After the year 1936	B．After the 3rd White Olympics
C．Before the year 1980	D．In the 1950’s

3. Which of the following is true?

A．Only the host countries can publish stamps to mark those Games.

B．Only the non-host countries can publish stamps to mark those Games.

C．All the countries can publish stamps to mark those Games.

D．Japan can’t publish stamps to mark those Games

4. In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Entertainment.	B．Health.
C．Sports.	D．Science.

9 . Captain Goodfellow

Do your children enjoy interesting stories, funny games, and exciting dances? Captain Goodfellow will be ready to teach all these things to children of all ages at the City Theatre on Saturday morning at 10:00, FREE.

Walking Tour of the Town

Forget your worries on Saturday morning. Take a beautiful walk and learn about local history. Meet at the front entrance of the City Hall at 9:30. Wear comfortable shoes!

Film at the Museum

Two European films will be shown on Saturday afternoon at the Museum Theatre. See Broken Window at 1:30. The Workers will be at 3:45. For further information, call 4987898.

International Picnic

Are you tired of eating the same food every day? Come to the Central Park on Saturday and enjoy food from all over the world. Delicious and not expensive. Noon to 5:00 pm.

1. When can you send your children to Captain Goodfellow to learn dances?

A．on Sunday afternoon	B．at 9:30 every day
C．at 10:00 a.m.on Saturday	D．at noon before 5:00 p.m.

2. What should you forget if you are going on the Walking Tour?

A．Worries	B．a beautiful walk
C．the local history	D．comfortable shoes

3. Where can you see movies?

A．the City College

B．the Museum Theatre

C．the City Theatre

D．the Central Park