2 . Everyone feels like winding down in December. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, the New Year is approaching and most people take a few days' break. In many workplaces this feeling of “mission accomplished” is accompanied by an established tradition: the office party.

In boom (繁荣) times these can be truly lavish (奢侈的) affairs. A Bloomberg event in 2000 was said to have cost £ 1 m (then $ 1. 5m).

Few companies today desire the publicity that tends to follow such an event. The natural question is, if you are spending that amount on a party, how much are you charging clients (客户)? Companies are rightly more sensitive than they were about the risks involved when workers lose their restraint (约束) after consuming too much alcohol. A survey of American companies found that 59% had discussed, or planned to discuss, the dangers of “inappropriate celebrating” with staff.

To avoid these dangers, the chief operating officer of BDO, an accountancy firm, has suggested that two chaperones (陪同人员) attend seasonal celebrations. Other accounting firms have suggested holding daytime events rather than after-hours drinks parties.

There is a lot to be said for daytime celebrations. First, it makes attendance easier for anyone caring for small children, or elderly relatives, and who thus finds it difficult to stay out late. Second, people are likely to be a bit more restrained in their alcohol consumption at lunchtime than in the evenings. And third, celebrating during working hours feels like a real break from duties; attending after work seems more like a responsibility.

Most workers don't expect their seasonal event to turn into a big party; they are just hoping to avoid feeling bored. Only a quarter looked forward to their Christmas event and 71% would rather have a small cash bonus than a noisy party.

Naturally, there is an economic answer and it is specialisation. Think of Adam Smith's pin factory where everyone plays their different part; let everyone have the party they want. Some may want to down the white wine but others may be happier only to eat the cake.

In short, it is easier to enjoy yourself if you can do so in your own fashion. And that may include not partying at all. If managers think staff would rather spend time at home than attend, let them; the company will save money.

1. What can we learn about the office party from the first three paragraphs?

A．It may raise doubts from the public

B．It can be costly yet good value for money

C．It should be banned to avoid risky behavior

D．It will become a new trend in the workplace

2. Which of the following is an advantage of daytime celebrations?

A．We can get rid of some unwanted duties

B．We can drink alcohol to our heart's content

C．We will strengthen our sense of responsibility

D．We will find it convenient to look after family members

3. Why is the Adam Smith's pin factory mentioned in Paragraph 7?

A．To recommend a good place for celebration

B．To stress the importance of respecting personal preference

C．To give a good example of a lavish celebration

D．To advise people to visit the factory as a celebration

4. Which of the following is the best title of this passage?

A．Stop celebrating Christmas	B．Let them eat Christmas cake
C．Give them a formal celebration	D．Hold an office party to avoid duties

3 . 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。续写的词数应为150左右。

“Look.” Mom waved a flyer in front of the television. “Summer field trips for sixth-graders. Nature. Exercise. Fresh air.”

“No, thanks,” I said, still working the remote.

“You'll love hiking, Jimmy, she said. “Besides, couch potatoes need exercise.”

“But —” “If you don't like the first one, you don't have to go again,” she said before I could finish.

OK, I thought. Just one day.

That day was the hottest on record. The moment I woke up, I started to sweat. I got dressed. Long pants tucked into heavy socks, T-shirt, boots, backpack, water bottles. All required for the hike.

As we boarded the school bus, I met Mr. Hawkins, our guide. The bus finally stopped near a forest, and we got out. Our destination for the day was “the Lemon Squeeze.” But I had no idea what that was.

We quickly started our hiking after we got off the bus. Ahead, some kid kicked an old tree stump. A girl suddenly screamed and ran. A buzzing noise grew louder. Wasps（黄蜂）! Mr. Hawkins drove away the wasps with his shirt and we managed to run away.

We continued hiking for another hour until Mr. Hawkins decided that we should stop for lunch. It was too hot for anyone to complain, because complaining would only make it worse. What's worst was more hiking. It was getting hotter and hotter. Mr. Hawkins kept telling us to keep drinking water to keep hydrated. We drank, and sweated.

Water was low. Up ahead was a crossroads.

“OK, folks,” Mr. Hawkins said. “This heat is fierce. Do we finish, or do we take this shortcut back to the bus? It's a quarter mile uphill from here to our destination.”

I closed my eyes. Please, someone, say GO BACK TO THE BUS! I didn't want to be the wimp（懦弱的人）.

Paragraph 1:

However, nobody spoke.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:

I stumbled（蹒跚）off the bus, dirty and tired.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 . 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

The Lantern Festival, also known as Shangyuan Festival, is observed on January 15th on Chinese lunar calendar. It is the first full moon night in Chinese lunar year,     1    (symbol) harmony, reunion and the coming back of the spring.The Lantern Festival is deemed as a good day for family get-together.

As for the traditions for this festival, just     2     its name indicates, hanging and looking at lanterns is the main tradition. Lanterns of     3    (vary) of shapes and sizes are displayed on trees, or along river banks. Some are in the shapes of butterflies, birds, flowers, and boats, others     4    (shape) like dragon, fruit and animal symbols of that year.   

Another tradition is solving lantern riddles. Thousands of riddles     5    (hang) on lanterns for people to shoot down and solve. The riddles are usually short, wise, and sometimes humorous. The answer     6     a riddle can be a Chinese character, a famous person’s name, a place name or a proverb. This tradition is said     7    (become) a popular game with serious staying power even as social development changes other traditions.

Aside from that, the most important thing to do today is to eat sweet dumplings. In northern China, sweet dumplings made of glutinous rice flour are called “Yuanxiao” while in     8    (south) part they are called “Tangyuan”. Typical sweet dumplings are filled with black sesame sauce, sweetened bean paste, or hawthorn and the round shape of it is a symbol of wholeness, completeness and unity.

The lantern festival is an occasion when the families get together and everyone—young, old, rich and poor     9    (have) fun. Making “ Yuanxiao” today is like a game or     10     activity, so it’s seldom done without a group of friends or family present to help out.

6 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入一个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Camping is gaining     1     (popular) as a way for many people in the United States     2     (spend) their vacation. When people camp, they can sleep in a tent or a camper. Some people like to really “rough it” and use no shelter except for a sleeping bag and sleep     3     the stars. Some people drive across the U.S. in     4     is known as a recreational vehicle or RV, which is a trailer. Inside there are beds, a tiny bathroom and a kitchen.

There are campgrounds all over the United States. Many of these campgrounds     5     (equip) with water and electricity so that people can wash dishes and     6     (they) and plug in a radio or their computers. Most campsites also have a fire ring,     7     is a hole in the ground where people can make a fire for roasting food     8     (safe). There usually is also a picnic table for people to eat their meals. Many of these campgrounds provide     9     (share) bathrooms complete with showers. Usually, it is     10     (legal) to camp in a place not designated as an official campsite, meaning you can’t just pitch a tent in a forest.

7 . It was my tenth birthday. The _________ list began with a few close friends, but it quickly grew to a total of seventeen. Nearly every girl in my fifth grade class had been invited to my house for a big_________. I was especially happy when they excitedly accepted the_________. It would be a night of scary stories, pizza and lots of presents. But as I later realized, I would truly_________ only one gift I received that night.

That night, we were playing games when the doorbell rang. “Judy, come here for a minute,” Mom called from the front door.

I_________ my eyes and shrugged to my friends as if to say, “Now who would dare_________ me at a time like this?” I walked toward the front door reluctantly, and then stopped. There on the front porch stood Sarah Westly— the quiet girl who sat next to me in music class—and she was holding a gift.

How had I forgotten to invite Sarah? I remembered that I only_________ a name to the list when someone had shown an interest in me. But Sarah had never done that. Never once did she squeeze (挤) into the_________ of kids surrounding me at lunch time.

I guess I had forgotten to invite her simply because she wasn’t_________ to be invited.

“I can’t__________,” she said, looking down. “My dad’s waiting in the car.” “Can you come in for a little while?” I nearly__________.

“Thanks, but I have to go,” she said, turning toward the door.

Inside the box was a small__________ about three inches tall with its tail wagging (摇 摆) in the air. It was the best gift I had received, __________ I was never really into dogs. I later found out that the figurine looked exactly like Sarah’s dog, Seymour.

I didn’t know it then, but now I__________ that Sarah was my one true childhood friend. She was an__________ friend who stood by me, always encouraging and understanding me.

1.

A．guest

B．gift

C．price

D．performance

2.

A．command

B．competition

C．celebration

D．challenge

3.

A．service

B．invitation

C．risk

D．experiment

4.

A．lose

B．recommend

C．purchase

D．treasure

5.

A．rubbed

B．fixed

C．rolled

D．lowered

6.

A．persuade

B．bother

C．surprise

D．evaluate

7.

A．added

B．compared

C．associated

D．tied

8.

A．line

B．order

C．circle

D．turn

9.

A．pretending

B．determining

C．pushing

D．intending

10.

A．stay

B．move

C．breathe

D．imagine

11.

A．blamed

B．begged

C．urged

D．promised

12.

A．model

B．cat

C．toy

D．dog

13.

A．so that

B．in case

C．as if

D．even though

14.

A．realize

B．guess

C．ignore

D．predict

15.

A．incapable

B．unconditional

C．irresponsible

D．impatient

8 . Our annual Spring Celebration is back! The Daffodil and Tulip Festival at Stockbridge returns for its 3rd year this April and May.

Stroll through the 8 acres of our world-famous gardens as we celebrate spring in the Berkshires. The heart of Stockbridge will come to life with the colors and spirit of spring with a variety of blooms, containers, displays and decorations. Throughout the festival we will have a variety of programs including horticultural(园艺的) tours and workshops, art classes, and fun activities for kids.

Bouquets(花束) are available for purchase online when you book your ticket. Food and refreshments(点心) will be for sale on-site at our outdoor snack shack.

Tickets now available for all!

Weekday: Adults: $ 9/Member $ 15/Nonmember

Children(2-12) : $ 3/Member $ 5/Nonmember

Children under 2: FREE

Weekend: Adults: $ 12/Member $ 20/Nonmember

Children(2-12) : $ 3/Member $ 5/Nonmember

Children under 2: FREE

Important information

Due to COVID-19 restrictions(限制) regarding capacity of guests allowed per hour, we will not be able to accept late/early arrivals. We ask that you please limit your stay to one hour in order to accommodate other guests.

Tickets are only refundable(退款的) if the request is made at least 7 days before your visit. In order to protect our gardens，dogs are not allowed on the property at any time. At this time, outside food and beverages(饮料) are not allowed except baby formula.

1. Which word can best describe the Daffodil and Tulip Festival?

A．Artistic.

B．Cultural.

C．Historic.

D．Traditional.

2. How much might a couple with a child aged 2 pay at least for a Sunday visit?

A．$ 43.

B．$ 40.

C．$ 27.

D．$ 21.

3. What can we infer from the travel leaflet above?

A．Staying there for over one hour will be punished.

B．Money for the tickets can be returned at any time.

C．Any outside food is strictly banned from taking in.

D．Visitors should enter the garden at the required time.