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 . Argentina lies in the South America. There are many festivals in Argentina during the year. Therefore, you can enjoy the different interesting festivals when traveling there.

First of all, we should talk about the Tango (探戈) Festival inArgentina, which is held in the capital of this country — Buenos Aires, from February to March. You ought to know that Argentina is the home of tango, so Argentinians admire this dance very much. Even if you cannot dance perfectly, you should join the people and try to perform this dance.

The next festival in Argentina is Open Polo (马球) Tournament. You should go to Palermo to see this festival in Argentina. This festival is held every year and is the most important polo tournament in Argentina.This kind of sport is considered the most important in Argentina.

Attending this festival in Argentina, you will be able to communicate with different people and admire the fascinating competition between the teams of different countries, such as Argentina, England, Australia, as well as the US. This festival in Argentina is usually held between November and December every year. So don’t miss the opportunity if you travel to Argentina at this time.

The other festival in Argentina is the Semana Musical Liao Liao. This is a festival of classical music. The festival was created in 1993 and is held at the Liao Liao Hotel, near Bariloche. The festival is held yearly in October. So if you admire this kind of music, you should travel toArgentina in October.

There are also many carnivals in Argentina in summer. Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about festivals in Argentina into just one article. We hope that you have found this article interesting and eye-catching.

1. What would be the best title for the passage?

A．Entertainments in Argentina	B．Festivals in Argentina
C．Travel to Argentina	D．A brief introduction to Argentina

2. From the passage, we know that the Tango Festival        .

A．is organized by the government

B．welcomes everyone to take part in it

C．is held in summer

D．holds parties for different dances

3. Which of the following is a sports festival?

A．Open Polo Tournament.	B．Every carnival in Argentina.
C．The Tango Festival.	D．The Semana Musical Liao Liao.

4. If Tom wants to enjoy a classical music event in Argentina, he should visit        .

A．Buenos Aires in spring	B．Palermo in April
C．Palermo in winter	D．Bariloche in October

3 . 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.

4 . Bored? Lonely? Out of condition? Need to relax? Why not try the SPORT CENTER?

TENNIS

Indoor and outdoor courts. Coaching from beginners to advanced learners. Children only. Mornings.

SKIING

Gentle slopes. Instructors of 3levels at weekends and Fridays. Daytime practice. 8 years upwards.

SWIMMING

2 pools, heated, Olympic length. Women: Tuesday and Thursday. Men: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Children: Saturday.

GOLF

9- hole practice course. Professional Coaching. Lessons must be booked in advance in daytime. Evening practice. Minimum (最小的) age — 9 years.

GYMNASTICS (体操)

Maximum (最大的) age—18 years. Children aged 5—10. Monday and Wednesdays. 4:00—6:00 p.m. 10—18 year-old. Friday evenings.

AND MUCH MORE

Table Tennis, Snooker (台球), Darts (标枪), Café (all day), Bar (lunch time and evenings), Nursery (weekdays and weekends, not evenings). Centre open 10:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. Daily. Interested? More details, call 800-1234-5678.

1. What is this ad mainly about?

A．It mainly shows us some ways to spend weekends.

B．It mainly introduces us a place to relax ourselves.

C．It mainly introduces some events in a sports meet.

D．It mainly gives us some ideas to spend our holidays.

2. What can we learn from this passage?

A．People can play tennis day and night.

B．Men and women swim in the SPORTS CENTER separately．

C．Children at any age can play golf in the SPORTS CENTER．

D．People under 20 can also take gymnastics．

3. How many sports items are mentioned in the passage?

A．5.

B．6.

C．8．

D．11．

5 . 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.

6 . 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.

7 . What makes you cry? Being moved by a sad movie, waving a loved one off, or getting emotional after splitting up with your partner can all cause tears to roll down our faces. We all have the power to cry, but is that a good thing?

When you think about it, shedding tears (流泪) from your eyes is an unusual thing to do. But it seems to be an automatic reaction when we get sad, upset or even when we’re very happy.     1     However, the feeling is the same—your cheeks puff up (肿胀), your eyes tighten and before you know it, tears are streaming down your face.     2     And it’s suggested that it’s women who cry more than men.

A study in the UK in 2017 found that women admitted that they cry 72 times a year.     3     Writing for the BBC, Adam Rutherford says, “according to pretty much every study done, women do cry more than men.” But does this mean men don’t get as upset or emotional as women, or are they just more embarrassed about showing their true feelings?

    4     This can be somewhere where emotions run high—someone might be stressed, their workload might be too much. As therapist(治疗师), Joann a Cross told the BBC, “crying is often a build-up of frustration and undealt-with situations and it’s a bit of a final straw(稻草) moment.”

But crying in the office or elsewhere can be cathartic (情感宣泄的), which can actually make you feel better.     5     Bawling(放声大哭) your eyes out shows others how you feel, so perhaps it’s a crying shame that more of us, particularly men, don’t cry more often.

A．This was, on average, more than men.

B．You may burst into tears for something sorrowful.

C．What causes this reaction differs from person to person.

D．Most adults think it embarrassing to cry loudly in public.

E．Maybe it dissolves or clears the negative or sad feelings you’ve had.

F．Some of us may sniffle (抽鼻子) a little while others may cry like a baby.

G．One place where we experience emotional and tearful outbursts is in the workplace.

8 . Food festivals are a common occurrence in the UK and take place in all sorts of places and at all sorts of times. Whatever your taste, there’s a food festival to match — no matter how specialized.

1. Meatopia

This three-day, London-based festival takes place at the end of August and is a meat lover’s paradise. In addition to a range of legally sourced meat products, from juicy burgers to tender steaks, attendees can listen to live music, watch butchery demonstrations, and attend informal meat-based workshops.

2. The National Honey Show

If you have a sweet tooth, then it could be that the National Honey Show, which started in 1921 and is the largest event of its kind, is the place for you to be. This three-day event attracts many local entries who showcase their sweet golden honey, some of which is sold globally.

3. The Orange Sauce Festival

Have you heard about a festival that is devoted only to orange sauce? Held in Cumbria, this sweet, fragrant festival has been running for 3 years. What attracts people most is a competition to find the best homemade orange sauce. There are thousands of participants from over 30 different countries across the globe, bringing their local snacks to share here.

4. The Ginger and Spice Festival

If you’d prefer something with a little more kick to it, then you could attend The Ginger (姜) and Spice Festival held in Market Drayton. Unlike other food festivals, it celebrates its town’s historic connection to Robert Clive, who returned from India with ginger. Because of this, they specialize in baking gingerbread, but also sell a range of traditional spices from mild to hot.

1. What do Meatopia and the National Honey Show have in common?

A．Both of them last for three days.	B．Both of them hold workshops.
C．Both of them originated from London.	D．Both of them have a long history.

2. If you are interested in foreign food, which festival do you like best?

A．The Meatopia.	B．The Ginger and Spice Festival.
C．The National Honey Show.	D．The Orange Sauce Festival.

3. What is special about the Ginger and Spice Festival ?

A．It has something to do with a historic figure.

B．The ginger used in the festival is from India.

C．It sells spicy food.

D．The food is cooked by Robert Clive.

9 . A five-­year-­old dog named Kelsey has been praised as a hero for helping to save the life of her owner who slipped in the snow and broke his neck.

The man, Bob, was alone when he left his farmhouse on New Year’s Eve to collect firewood.Expecting a journey of only several meters, Bob was wearing just long johns (衬裤), a shirt and slippers when he went outside, although the temperature was around －4℃.

After the accident, he was unable to move in the snow. Fortunately, Kelsey came to his assistance.

“I was shouting for help, but my nearest neighbor is about 400 meters away, and it was 10:30 p. m.,” Bob explained. “By the next morning, my voice was gone and I couldn’t yell for help, but Kelsey didn’t stop barking.”

Kelsey’s companion kept him warm by lying on top of him. She licked his face and hands to keep him awake. “Kelsey kept barking but never left my side,” Bob recalled. “I knew I couldn’t give up and that it was my choice to stay alive.”

Bob spent 20 hours in the freezing cold. When he finally lost consciousness, his dog kept barking. Finally, hearing the barking, Bob’s neighbor discovered him at 6:30 p. m. on New Year’s Day and called the emergency services at once. When Bob arrived in hospital, his body temperature was below 21℃. However, doctors were surprised to find that he didn’t have any frostbite (冻疮). They believed it was because of Kelsey’s determination to keep him warm. Dr. Chaim Colen, the doctor who treated Bob, said, “His dog really saved him.He was very fortunate.”

Bob said he was very grateful to both Dr. Colen and his Kelsey. “They saved my life. They are truly heroes!”

1. What happened to Bob on New Year’s Eve?

A．He left his dog alone in his farmhouse.

B．He was praised for saving a dog owner.

C．He broke his neck and couldn’t move.

D．He heard his neighbor’s shouting for help.

2. Why did Kelsey keep barking?

A．To keep warm.

B．To stay alive.

C．To keep Bob awake.

D．To seek help from others.

3. How does Dr. Colen feel about Kelsey?

A．Helpful.	B．Fortunate.
C．Grateful.	D．Friendly.

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

A．A Neck­breaking Accident

B．The Magic Night

C．Warmth on a Winter’s Night

D．Determination to Keep Alive

10 . Surfing the Internet for fun will make you a better employee, according to an Australian study.

The University of Melbourne study shows that people who use the Internet for their own reasons at work are about 9 percent more productive than those who do not. Study author Brent Coker said, “Surfing the Internet at times helps increase an employee’s attention.”

“People need to relax for a bit to get back their attention,” Coker said on the university’s website. “Having a short break, such as a quick surfing of the Internet, helps the mind to rest itself, and as a result, increases productivity ,” he said.

According to the study of 300 workers,70 percent of people who use the Internet at work surf the Internet for their own reasons during office hours. Among the most popular surfing activities are searching for information about products, reading online news, playing online games and watching videos. “Firms spend a lot of money on software to block their employees from watching videos, using social networking sites or shopping online,” said Coker. “That’s not always a good idea.”

However, Coker said the study looked at people who surfed the Internet in moderation (适度),or were on the Internet for less than 20 percent of their total time in the office. “Those who spend too much time surfing the Internet will have a lower productivity than those without,” he said.

1. What does the University of Melbourne study mainly show?

A．People who surf the Internet are good employees.

B．Not everyone surfs the Internet for fun during office hours.

C．Surfing the Internet for fun during office hours increases productivity.

D．The Internet is becoming more and more important in people’s life.

2. What would Brent Coker most probably agree according to paragraph 3?

A．The longer a person’s mind rests,the better attention he will have.

B．Surfing the Internet is the best way to increase productivity.

C．Workers should have a long break during office hours.

D．Workers should let their minds rest now and then.

3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as one of the most popular surfing activities?

A．Watching videos.	B．Reading online news.
C．Reading online novels.	D．Playing online games.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Spending too much time surfing the Internet reduces productivity.

B．Those who never surf the Internet have the lowest productivity.

C．Most people don’t surf the Internet in moderation during office hours.

D．People should spend as little time as possible surfing the Internet.