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 . Smartwatches and fitness trackers (健身追踪器) have gained popularity recently. These tools can record your daily steps, heart rates, etc.     1    . If yes, it might be a sign that you’re addicted to your fitness tracker.

    2    . If you keep setting unrealistic daily goals that involve working out for too long, and if you begin to ignore friends and responsibilities to make time for your workout, then you’re most probably addicted to your fitness tracker.

It’s a struggle to overcome the addiction to fitness trackers.     3    . For example, the number in your smart watch showing how far you’ve come can give you a sense of achievement.

Of course, failing to meet your daily goal can be discouraging. You might focus on your shortcoming rather than your progress. Another problem is that you might find yourself paying too much attention to the step number rather than how your body feels.     4    .

Therefore, if you’re spending too much time looking at your smartwatch, limit your daily step count to a comfortable level.     5    . For example, concentrating on your hobbies or socializing with friends can be a great way to keep your mind on other things.

A．How can you tell whether you’re addicted to your fitness tracker?

B．Actually this addiction to step count can be risky, mentally and physically.

C．Don’t overuse your smartwatch.

D．However, do you find yourself checking your steps and heart rates too often?

E．After all, reaching a daily step count can be so appealing.

F．Besides, you can find other things to do that don’t involve checking your fitness tracker.

G．It doesn’t covey what you’re really feeling.

3 . My washing machine ________ (repair) this week, so I have to wash my clothes by hand. (所给词的适当形式填空)

5 . 假设你是某国际学校的学生李华，最近在学校里总看到有浪费饭菜的现象。请你用英语给全校同学写一封信，倡议大家节约粮食。要点包括：
1.理由；
2.具体措施；
3.表达期许。
注意：
1.词数100左右；
2.可适当增加细节以使行文连贯；
3.开头和结尾已给出，不计入词数。
Dear fellow students,
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

6 . 假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号(∧)，并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线(\)划掉。
修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：
1.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；
2.只允许修改10 处，多者(从第11处起)不计分。

We had a school trip last Sunday. Hundreds of us took part in it excited.

At 8:00 a. m., we set out for the top of Jiuhuang Mountain in highly spirits. All the way we were chatting, singing and laughing, enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful scenery. When someone fall behind, others would come to offer help. About two hour later, we all reached the top. Seeing from there, the river below looked like a thin belt. We were such happy that we jumped and cheered with joy.

The activity benefited us a lot of. Not only did we get close to nature, but also we relaxed us. What wonderful experience!

7 . A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, but unluckily two of them fell into a deep pit(坑). All the other frogs _________ the pit. When they saw how _________ the pit was, they told the two frogs that they might as well be dead.

The two frogs _________ what the others were saying and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their physical _________. The other frogs kept telling them to _________. Finally, one of the frogs paid attention to the comments, _________ considered them, and gave up. He _________ down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as _________ as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs _________ him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally __________ it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog __________ to them that he was a little __________. He thought they were encouraging him the __________ time.

This story teaches two lessons: First, there is power of life and death in the __________. An encouraging word to someone who is __________ can lift him up and help him make it through the day. Second, a destructive word to someone who is down can be __________ it takes to kill him. Be __________ of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path.

The __________ of words is great. It is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that __________ to rob another of the spirit to continue in __________ times.

1.

A．jumped over

B．looked through

C．came down

D．gathered around

2.

A．big

B．deep

C．dangerous

D．wide

3.

A．ignored

B．understood

C．followed

D．approved

4.

A．weight

B．height

C．strength

D．shape

5.

A．continue

B．stop

C．cheer

D．relax

6.

A．seriously

B．confidently

C．actively

D．peacefully

7.

A．slowed

B．went

C．climbed

D．fell

8.

A．much

B．high

C．hard

D．fast

9.

A．pointed at

B．shouted at

C．smiled at

D．glared at

10.

A．worked

B．turned

C．left

D．made

11.

A．explained

B．apologized

C．promised

D．turned

12.

A．blind

B．deaf

C．clever

D．honest

13.

A．past

B．present

C．all

D．whole

14.

A．tongue

B．society

C．communication

D．competition

15.

A．grateful

B．energetic

C．depressed

D．stupid

16.

A．who

B．that

C．what

D．which

17.

A．careful

B．proud

C．afraid

D．free

18.

A．function

B．energy

C．power

D．skill

19.

A．appear

B．mean

C．happen

D．tend

20.

A．joyful

B．difficult

C．memorable

D．exciting

8 . Humans are no strangers to widespread viruses, and each time a vaccine (疫苗) is developed, it gives us hope for the future. Now, the world is waiting for a vaccine to fight COVID-19.

Scientists worldwide have been rolling up their sleeves to work to ward an effective novel coronavirus vaccine.

Under the coordination (协调) of the World Health Organization(WHO), up to 172 countries have been engaging with the “largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio”, a plan known as the COVAX Global Vaccines Facility.

COVAX is a system for joint purchasing and balancing the risks of multiple vaccines. When a vaccine proves to be safe and effective, all countries within the facility will be able to access it, according to Xinhua.

The plan is aimed to ensure that all countries, no matter their economic status, can get the vaccine in a timely manner when one is available. It also makes sure that prices will be kept as low as possible.

“A number of vaccines are now in the final stage of clinical trials,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Aug. 24th, adding that the goal of COVAX is to deliver at least 2billion doses of a vaccine by the end of 2021. According to the WHO, at present, nine potential vaccines are part of the portfolio.

To guarantee the equal access and fair assignment of COVID-19 vaccines, the WHO has said that the world needs to prevent vaccine nationalism — countries putting their own interests ahead of others in trying to secure supplies of a possible vaccine.

“Vaccine nationalism only helps the virus,” Tedros said, warning that it would lead to a prolonged pandemic (疫情) if only a small number of countries got most of the supply.

“Like an orchestra, we need all instruments to be played in harmony to create music that everyone enjoys,” he said.

Vaccine development looks promising, as several countries have made great progress. Russia began production of its first batch of a COVID-19 vaccine on Aug. 15th, according to its health ministry. It’s the world’s first registered vaccine. Four Chinese vaccine candidates have started international stage-3 clinical trials.

1. What’s the author’s attitude towards vaccine nationalism?

A．Supportive.

B．Critical.

C．Optimistic.

D．Sympathetic.

2. Why did Tedros compare the fight against COVID-19 to an orchestra?

A．To show his deep love for music.	B．To make the passage more interesting.
C．To explain the critical role that the orchestra plays.	D．To stress the importance of cooperation.

3. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A．Russia is the first country to have made progress in fighting COVID-19.

B．COVAX ensures all the countries get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

C．WHO plays an important role in fighting COVID-19.

D．Scientists have produced 2 billion doses of vaccines.

4. Which is the best title of the text?

A．United for vaccine.	B．Vaccine on the way.
C．Fighting against COVID-19.	D．Saying goodbye to COVID-19.

9 . Singapore Garden Festival(SGF) is the only show in the world to gather the world’s top award-winning garden and flowery designers under one roof. This “must-see” event will impress you with a wide range of displays and activities that have been planned specially for you. An experience of a lifetime awaits at the Singapore Garden Festival for you and your family. Mark your calendar today!

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

Worry that your child is bored? Sign him or her up for a guided tour in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. It will stimulate a sense of wonder in your child as it promises a unique discovery and provides interesting learning experiences in a garden setting. Let your child explore and play so that they will learn to take care of plants and the environment while you admire the exhibits with a peace of mind.

Far East Organization Children’s Garden

Your child can have a fun-filled day with interactive games, water play features and educational programs in an abundant natural setting at Far East Organization Children’s Garden! The play zone contains play such as a sway(摇摆)bridge and stepping springs, and the Fish Fountain with an interactive landscape of water tunnels and different fish-shaped sculpture.

Marine Cove Children’s Outdoor Playground

Come and bring your child to the 3500-square-metr e playground suitable for children of various ages! It is located next to the beach, offering users open spaces and a good view of the sea. Your child can also join in the fun at a play area with talking tubes, fun mirrors and a drum set! The playground also has play equipment for children who are physically-challenged to play together. This includes special needs equipment such as sensory play panels.

1. Why is Singapore Garden Festival a “must-see” event?

A．Because it is the only show to gather different roofs.

B．Because it is a grand awarding ceremony for designers.

C．Because it attracts flowery designers to the competition.

D．Because it brings together the world-class garden and flowery designs.

2. What can the children do in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden?

A．Have a good view of the sea.	B．Participate in interactive games.
C．Learn to look after the plants.	D．Know about ways to design parks.

3. Which of the following places suits disabled children most?

A．The Fish Fountain.

B．Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.

C．Far East Organization Children’s Garden.

D．Marine Cove Children’s Outdoor Playground.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does the man come to Africa?

A．To do business.

B．To go on holiday.

C．To publish books.

2. How will the man probably get to the university?

A．By bus.

B．By taxi.

C．On foot.

3. Where does the conversation take place?

A．In a hotel.

B．In a bookstore.

C．In a company.