SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
(Adapted)
Larry Belmont worked for a company that made robots. Recently it had begun experimenting with a household robot. It was going to be tested out by Larry’s wife, Claire.
Claire didn’t want the robot in her house, especially as her husband would be away on a business trip for three weeks, but Larry persuaded her that the robot wouldn’t harm her or allow her to be harmed. It would be a bonus. However, when she first saw the robot, she felt alarmed. His name was Tony. He seemed more like a human than a machine. He was tall and handsome with smooth hair and a deep voice, although his facial expression never changed.
On the second morning, Tony brought her breakfast and then asked her whether she needed help dressing. She felt embarrassed and quickly told him to go. Now she was being looked after by a robot that looked so human, and it was disturbing.
One day, Claire mentioned that she didn’t think she was clever. Tony said that she must feel very unhappy to say that. Claire thought it was ridiculous that she was being offered sympathy by a robot, but she gradually admired his wisdom and integrity and began to trust him. He always treated her with dignity. She told him how she was unhappy that her home wasn’t elegant enough for Larry, who wanted to improve his social position with a bigger salary. She wasn’t like Gladys Claffern, one of the richest and most powerful women around.
As a favour, Tony promised to help Claire make herself more beautiful and her home more elegant. So Claire borrowed some library books for him to read, or rather, scan. She looked at his fingers with wonder as they turned each page. How absurd, she thought. He was just a machine.
Tony gave Claire a new hairstyle and improved her makeup. As he was not allowed to accompany her to the shops, he wrote out a list of things that he would need for his work on the house. Claire went downtown and bought these things. She had an appointment to paint her nails, then she went into an expensive clothes shop. The saleswoman there was rude to her, so she rang Tony and told him she was being treated badly. He spoke to the woman, who immediately changed her attitude. Claire thanked Tony, telling him that he was a “dear”. As she turned around, there stood Gladys Claffern. How awful to be discovered by her, Claire thought. By the look on her face, Claire knew that Gladys thought they were in a relationship. After all, she knew Claire’s husband’s name was Larry, not Tony. Although it was completely innocent, Claire felt guilty.
When Claire got home, she wept. Gladys was everything Claire wished to be. Tony told her she was being sensitive and was just as good as Gladys. He suggested that she invite Gladys and her friends to the house the night before he was to leave and Larry was to return. By that time, Tony expected that the house, which was being completely transformed, would be ready.
Tony worked steadily on the improvements. Claire tried to help by working on a light suspended from the ceiling, but she fell off the ladder. Even though Tony had been in the next room, he managed to catch her in time. As he held her, she felt the warmth of his body. She screamed, pushed him away, and ran to her room.
The night of the party arrived. The clock struck eight. The guests would be arriving soon, so Claire dismissed Tony for the rest of the night. At that moment, Tony took her in his arms, bringing his face close to hers. She heard him declare that he did not want to leave her the next day, and that he felt more than just the desire to please her. Then the front door bell rang.
1. What’s the text mainly about?| A．How to make a robot. |
| B．How a robot helps people. |
| C．What a robot can do. |
| D．A test on a household robot. |
| A. The night of the party. B. Claire’s attitude to the robot and her feeling at the sight of the robot. C. What Tony did for Claire. |
Part 2 (Paras.3－8)
Part 3 (Para.9)
3. What does Larry Belmont think of testing out the robot in his house?
| A．It is an extra benefit. | B．It is his responsibility. |
| C．It helps improve his house. | D．It can make Claire happy. |
| A．Proud. | B．Happy. |
| C．Guilty. | D．Embarrassed. |
| A．Because Claire wants to hold a party in her house. |
| B．Because Claire plans to give Larry a surprise. |
| C．Because Claire doesn’t think it good enough for Larry. |
| D．Because Claire intends to make the best of Tony. |
| A．Tony falls in love with Claire. |
| B．Tony will have a rest that night. |
| C．Tony will stay with Claire forever. |
| D．Tony，the robot needs to be improved. |
A household robot called Tony was to be tested out in Larry’s house. Though Claire, Larry’s wife, didn’t like
However, Tony gradually won Claire’s trust. He took good care of Claire and even managed to rescue her
(1)Claire didn’t want the robot in her house, especially as her husband would be away on a business trip for three weeks, but Larry persuaded her that the robot wouldn’t harm her or allow her to be harmed.
(2)Claire thought it was ridiculous that she was being offered sympathy by a robot, but she gradually admired his wisdom and integrity and began to trust him.
(3)She told him how she was unhappy that her home wasn’t elegant enough for Larry, who wanted to improve his social position with a bigger salary.
A SUCCESSFUL FAILURE
Perce Blackborow joined an expedition with Sir Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica on the ship Endurance in 1914.Shackleton was one of the most famous explorers of his day and it was considered a great honour to be part of his expeditions. Below are some of Blackborow’s diary entries.
31 Oct 1914
...Well, it so happened that one morning I bought a newspaper and read the advertisement about the Antarctic expedition.
An expedition to the South Pole with the great Sir Ernest Shackleton — this is the adventure that I have been dreaming of. And I was ready for it. At the age of 19, I am fit and full of vigour. However, when I applied to join the expedition, Shackleton turned me down because he thought I was too young and wasn’t qualified. But I was so enthusiastic about the idea of going along with them that I secretly went aboard his ship, the Endurance, and hid in a small cupboar. Unfortunately, three days after we set off I was discovered. Shackleton did not want to turn back so he offered me a job, but only after he promised me, “If anyone has to be eaten, then you will be the first!” He assigned me to be a steward, and I now serve meals for twentyeight men, three times a day.
How everyone will envy me when I come back and tell them about the amazing places I have been to!
21 Nov, 1915
The journey has not been easy. Endurance became stuck in the ice as we approached Antarctica. The ice froze around us and we were well and truly stuck! We saw the ship get crushed by the ice. And when the ship sank, our hearts sank with it.
Before we abandoned the ship, Shackleton calmly called us together and told us to rescue our most essential supplies — the small boats, our food, the cook stove, candles, clothes, and blankets.This was no time to panic. We were not allowed to take most of our personal belongings, and Shackleton himself threw away all his gold. But to our surprise, he allowed Hussey to keep his banjo. Hussey often plays it to keep our spirits up.
We are now camped on the ice and we have been managing to survive, but spring is coming, and the ice will soon begin to melt.
20 May 1916
We have been struggling for days, but things on Elephant Island are going from bad to worse. We are now crowded together under one of our boats on the rocky shore of this miserable place. Soon after we arrived, Shackleton left us to find help on South Georgia Island, 1,320 kilometres away — the voyage was too dangerous and difficult for all of us to make it in our small boats. If Shackleton fails, will we have any hope of rescue? No. No navy in the world ever stops at Elephant Island, and no one else knows that we are here.
I feel low. It’s cold and windy. The island has no plants. Sometimes we are able to catch a seal or a penguin to eat. Otherwise, there is no food. I try to think of happier things: decent food, warm and dry clothes, a cosy bedroom, sunny days, and my mother’s face ...However, these happy memories are soon interrupted by a sudden cold rush of air.
I shouted, “Shut the door!”
“Hold on now, Perce. Don’t you go turning into another Tom,” came the reply. “We’ve caught another penguin, so it’s penguin soup tonight!”
Bless Frank Wild, the kindest man there is after our leader, Ernest Shackleton. How could I become as selfish and badtempered as Thomas OrdeLees!
Without Frank and Ernest, we’d all be dead by now. Their genuine concern for others, their perseverance, and their resolve fill me with hope.
Perhaps there is a chance we will return home, after all.
1. What’s the main idea of the text?| A．Perce Blackborow admired Shackleton very much. |
| B．Shackleton took Perce Blackborow to the ship. |
| C．Perce Blackborow’s diary entries about the great expedition. |
| D．Perce Blackborow missed his mother very much. |
| A．How Shackleton and his crew members abandoned the ship Endurance. B．The crew members’ life on Elephant Island. C．How the author joined the Endurance expedition. |
②Diary 2
③Diary 3
3. Why did Shackleton turn me down?
| A．Because he thought I was too young and wasn’t well. |
| B．Because he thought I was too weak and wasn’t qualified. |
| C．Because he thought I was too young and wasn’t qualified. |
| D．Because he thought I was healthy enough but wasn’t qualified. |
| A．It was blown down by wind. |
| B．It was stuck in the ice. |
| C．It was knocked over by huge waves. |
| D．It hit the huge mountain of ice. |
| A．The courage and bravery of his own. |
| B．His being young and fit. |
| C．Ernest Shackleton’s experience of sailing. |
| D．Resolve of Frank Wild and Ernest Shackleton. |
| A．Because it was very valuable. |
| B．Because it took little space. |
| C．Because it would never sink. |
| D．Because it could cheer them up. |
| A．Selfish and badtempered. |
| B．Caring and strongwilled. |
| C．Creative and responsible. |
| D．Adventurous and adaptable. |
| A SUCCESSFUL FAILURE | Diary 1:The dream of going to Antarctica came true. | I happen to see an Though turned down, I Discovering I |
| Diary 2: The ship became stuck in the ice | The ship got crushed by the ice and began to After rescuing necessary supplies, we Shackleton allowed Hussey to keep his banjo he played to keep our | |
| Diary 2: Struggle for survival | Things on Elephant Island were going from bad to Shackleton Frank and Ernest’s |
9. Analyse and translate the sentences.
(1)Shackleton was one of the most famous explorers of his day and it was considered a great honour to be part of his expeditions.
(2)However，when I applied to join the expedition，Shackleton turned me down because he thought I was too young and wasn’t qualified.
(3)How everyone will envy me when I come back and tell them about the amazing places I have been to!
(4)Soon after we arrived，Shackleton left us to find help on South Georgia Island，1，320 kilometres away—the voyage was too dangerous and difficult for all of us to make it in our small boats.
1. I don’t want to set down series of facts as most people do.
2. As they smiled at each other, harmony was restored again.
3. Many countries in the Third World are as poor as they have ever been.
4. As they often play football together, they have got to know each other quite well.
5. Difficult as the road for these students after graduation will be, their futures are bright.
1. We discussed ways to deal with the problem.
2. It’s a book dealing with the ancient history of China.
3. He’s used to dealing with all kinds of people.
4. In his opinion, that company, though relatively small, is pleasant to deal with.
HABITS FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
As teenagers grow up, they become more independent and start making their own decisions. However, during this period, it can be easy for some of them to form bad habits. These bad habits, if left unchecked, could lead to more serious ones when they become adults. For example some of them may become involved in tobacco or alcohol abuse, which can lead to physical and mental health problems. To prevent harmful habits like these from dominating a teenager’s life is essential. They must learn to recognise bad habits early and make appropriate changes.
To change bad habits is never easy, even with many attempts. There is a famous saying based on the philosophy of Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do.” In many ways, our lifestyle is the sum of choices we have made. We make a choice to do something, and then we repeat it over and over again. Soon that choice becomes automatic and forms a habit that is much harder to change. The good news is that we can change, if we understand how habits work.
According to modern psychology, we must first learn about the“habit cycle”, which works like this: Firstly, there is “cue”, an action, event, or situation that acts as a signal to do something. Secondly, there is a “routine”, the regular action you take in response to the cue. Thirdly, there is a “reward”, the good thing or feeling we get from the routine.
For example, when we feel unhappy (cue), we eat lots of unhealthy snacks (routine), which makes us feel happy (reward) The reward makes us much more likely to continue the cycle, and the bad habit of relying on unhealthy snacks is formed.
To facilitate a positive change in our bad habits, we must first examine our bad habit cycles and then try to adapt them. We can do this by combining the information from our habit cycles with our own positive ideas. For example, we could try to replace a negative routine with something more positive. So, when we feel unhappy again (cue), rather than eat snacks, we could listen to some of our favourite music instead (routine), which will make us feel relaxed (reward). Aside from changing bad habits, we can also use the habit cycle to create good habits. For example, when we come toan escalator(cue), our normal routine is to ride it, but we could change this routine into something more positive by taking the stairs instead.
Many of us try to change bad habits quickly and if we are not successful straight away, we often become pessimistic and give up. In fact, the most successful way to change is not suddenly, but over a period of time. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Zi wrote, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” One step seems small, but it is essential. To reach the goal of change, a person must show some discipline and repeatedly take many small steps. After all, it is not easy to break bad habits.
For young people, there is plenty of time to change bad habits. However, there is no “magic pill” or delete button that will help you; you have to think about your bad habits and decide on some changes. You have the power to build a happy and healthy life full of good habits!
1. What’s the main idea of the text?| A．How teenagers make a choice. | B．How teenagers feel relaxed. |
| C．How teenagers change their bad habits. | D．How teenagers become more independent. |
| A．How to change a bad habit and create good ones. B．The cycle of how habits are formed. C．Changing habits gradually. D．No easy way to change bad habits. E．What a habit is. F．Why bad teenage habits should be changed. |
②Part 2(Para.2)
③Part 3(Paras.3－4)
④Part 4(Para.5)
⑤Part 5(Para.6)
⑥Part 6(Para.7)
3. Why is it a bad habit for teenagers to become involved in tobacco or alcohol abuse?
| A．Because it is not easy to change. | B．Because it can lead to health problems. |
| C．Because it dominates teenagers’ life. | D．Because it is formed early. |
| A．We feel relaxed when we smoked. |
| B．We feel happy when we play computer games. |
| C．We feel disappointed when we heard bad news. |
| D．We feel delighted at a new mobile phone given by our parents for good grades. |
| A．By trying to form a positive routine. | B．By eating more snacks. |
| C．By adapting to our bad habits. | D．By creating more negative ideas. |
| A．we should not give up | B．we should take small steps repeatedly |
| C．we should be optimistic | D．we should decide on some changes |
| Habits for a healthy lifestyle | The | |
| What a habit is | ||
| How the | ||
| An example of the cycle | ||
| How to | Changing bad habits gradually by showing some | |
| There are no shortcuts in changing bad habits. | ||
(1)These bad habits, if left unchecked, could lead to more serious ones when they become adults.
(2)The good news is that we can change, if we understand how habits work.
(3)For example, when we feel unhappy (cue), we eat lots of unhealthy snacks (routine), which makes us feel happy (reward).
(4)So, when we feel unhappy again (cue), rather than eat snacks, we could listen to some of our favourite music instead (routine), which will make us feel relaxed (reward).
A SHORT HISTORY OF WESTERN PAINTING
What is Western art? It is hard to give a precise definition. As there have been so many different styles of Western art, it is impossible to describe them all in a short text. Perhaps the best way to understand Western art is to look at the development of Western painting over the centuries.
The Middle Ages (from the 5th to the 15th century)
During the Middle Ages, the purpose of Western art was to teach people about Christianity. Thus, artists were not interested in painting realistic scenes. Their works were often primitive and two-dimensional, and the main characters were often made much larger than everyone else to show their importance. This began to change in the 13th century with Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337). While his paintings still had religious themes, they showed real people in a real environment. In particular, his paintings are set apart from other paintings by their realistic human faces and deep emotional impact.
The Renaissance (from the 14th to the 17th century)
New ideas and values gradually replaced old ones from the Middle Ages. As a result, painters concentrated less on religious themes. They began to adopt a more humanistic attitude to life. An important breakthrough during this period was the use of perspective by Masaccio (1401-1428). Influential painters such as Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Michelangelo (1475-1564), and Raphael (1483-1520) built upon Giotto and Masaccio’s innovations to produce some of the greatest art that Europe had ever seen.
Another innovation was the use of oil paints. With their deep colours and realism, some of the best oil paintings look like photographs. While painters as early as Da Vinci had used oil, this technique reached its height with Rembrandt (1606-1669), who gained a reputation as a master of shadow and light.
In subject matter, the emphasis increasingly shifted from religious themes to people and the world around us. Kings, nobles, and people of high rank wanted to purchase accurate pictures of themselves and the people they loved. Others wanted paintings showing important historical events or stories from mythology. Finally, most clients wanted paintings that were beautiful and interesting to look at.
Impressionism (late 19th to early 20th century)
The development of Western art slowed until the invention of photography in the mid-19th century. After that, paintings were no longer needed to preserve what people and the world looked like Hence, painters had to find a new way of looking at their art. From this, Impressionis emerged in France. The name of this new movement came from the painting by Claude Monet (1840-1926) called Impression, Sunrise. In this work, Monet’s aim was to convey the light and movement in the scenethe subjective impression the scene gave him-but not a detailed record of the scene itself.
While many Impressionists painted scenes of nature or daily life, others, such as Renoir (1841-1919), focused on people. Unlike the cold, black-and-white photographs of that time period, Renoir’s paintings are full of light, shadow, colour, and life. He sought to show not just the outer image of his subjects, but their inner warmth and humanity as well.
Modern Art (from the 20th century to today)
After Impressionism, subsequent artists began to ask, “What do we do next?” Painters such as Picasso (1881-1973) tried to analyse the shapes which existed in the natural world but in a new way, with Cubism. Others gave their paintings a realistic but dream-like quality Still others turned to abstract art. What they attempted to do was no longer show reality, but instead to ask the question, “What is art?”
1. What’s the main idea of the text?| A．How religious paintings developed. |
| B．How Western art developed. |
| C．How oil paintings developed. |
| D．How Impressionist paintings developed. |
| A．More humanistic B．Religious faith C．Abstract and realistic D．Subjective |
(2)The Renaissance
(3)Impressionism
(4)Modern Art
3. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
| A．Paintings in Middle Ages were very abstract. |
| B．Western art has changed a lot since the 5th century. |
| C．Impressionist paintings were painted mainly indoors. |
| D．Modern Art began in the Renaissance. |
| A．painted religious scenes in a more realistic style |
| B．focused more on religion than on humans |
| C．began to paint outdoors |
| D．had to find a new way of looking at their art |
| A．Giotto di Bondone. |
| B．Masaccio. |
| C．Claude Monet. |
| D．Pablo Picasso. |
| A SHORT HISTORY OF WESTERN PAINTING | Para.1： The introduction to the topic | The best way to understand Western art is to look at the |
| Para.2： The Middle Ages | The works were often The works still had | |
| Paras.3-5： The Renaissance | Painters adopted a more ·An important breakthrough was the use of ·Another innovation was the use of oil paints. | |
| Paras.6-7： Impressionism | ·It emerged in Its aim was to convey the | |
| Para.8： Modern Art | Painters tried to analyse the Others gave their paintings a |
7. Analyse and translate the sentences.
(1)As there have been so many different styles of Western art，it is impossible to describe them all in a short text.
(2)Influential painters such as Leonardo da Vinci(1452－1519)，Michelangelo(1475－1564)，and Raphael(1483－1520)built upon Giotto and Masaccio’s innovations to produce some of the greatest art that Europe had ever seen.
(3)While painters as early as Da Vinci had used oil，this technique reached its height with Rembrandt(1606－1669)，who gained a reputation as a master of shadow and light.
(4)In this work，Monet’s aim was to convey the light and movement in the scene—the subjective impression the scene gave him—but not a detailed record of the scene itself.
It has never been explained why someone seem to enjoy 1.deceiving others more than anyone else. They specialize in a particular type of practical joke: the hoax. Inviting the 2.fire brigade to put out a non-existent fire is a form of 3.deception which no self-respecting person would ever 4.indulge in. They often create amusing situations which are funny to everyone except the 5.sufferers.
1.| A．removing | B．tricking | C．receiving | D．claiming |
| A．fire engine | B．fire stick | C．fire fighter | D．firecracker |
| A．application | B．grab | C．drill | D．cheat |
| A．participate in | B．anticipate in | C．believe in | D．discard in |
| A．victims | B．operators | C．photographers | D．advisors |
A. It is called rucking, a term from ruck marching, which is a skill that militaries around the world have long used for training.
B. Rucking involves walking with a weighted backpack. It’s an easy way to strengthen your heart and muscles without hurting the joints (关节).
C. Anyone who walked to school with a backpack full of books has already tried an exercise routine that is getting popular in the fitness world.
D. Even people eager for more exercise should progress slowly. Shoes that fit well can help you avoid additional foot pressure and safely walk on an uneven land.
E. As with any new physical activity, newcomers should start rucking with slow and stable steps. If you don’t have basic conditioning, try walking the expected distance with a very light pack first. Then slowly add more weight.
| A．apple | B．allow | C．appear | D．agree |
| A．prove | B．glove | C．above | D．love |
| A．stops | B．cakes | C．crops | D．runs |
| A．try | B．cry | C．dirty | D．my |
| A．been | B．fell | C．feel | D．sleep |
| A．ruler | B．bus | C．cut | D．cup |
| A．short | B．worker | C．for | D．morning |
| A．cow | B．now | C．show | D．how |
| A．animal | B．camera | C．glad | D．fast |
| A．envelope | B．desk | C．she | D．bed |
| A．disappear | B．wear | C．bear | D．pear |
| A．find | B．film | C．tip | D．milk |
| A．these | B．father | C．think | D．mouths |
| A．permission | B．decision | C．discussion | D．suggestion |
| A．worked | B．called | C．stayed | D．lived |
