2 . Hundreds of new drivers have been given bans (禁令) for using their mobile phones at the wheel, as part of stricter new laws introduced. In March, the punishment for driving while on the phone was doubled to six points — meaning drivers with less than two years’ experience faced a ban.

New laws meant the punishment for being caught on a mobile phone at the wheel was increased to six points. The new rules were introduced in England, Scotland and Wales. Drivers who get six points within two years of passing their test will lose their licence, creating a one-strike rule for mobile phone users. To get back behind the wheel, new drivers have to retake both the theory and practical parts of the driving test.

Mr Williams in the RAC said, “These people have spent hours and hours and hundreds of pounds learning to drive to gain their personal freedom only to throw it all away through this foolish behaviour. The only comfort is that they won’t be drawn into some terrible crashes caused by the distraction (使人分心的事物) of a hand-held mobile phone.”

When the new laws were introduced, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said they would act as a strong warning to mobile phone users. However, the numbers suggested a total of 15,752 drivers received the punishment of six points for using a mobile phone between March and August. This is an increase from 15, 237 drivers in the same period of last year.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead on roads Policing, Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, said the police took the offence (违法行为) seriously. “This is not a small offence and is never a risk worth taking because a moment’s distraction behind the wheel can change lives forever.” “Our message is simple — don’t do it,” he added.

1. What can we infer from Paragraph1?

A．The new laws have not been passed.

B．The new laws are not strict enough.

C．Drivers with less than two years’ experience won’t be affected.

D．Punishment for driving while phoning used to be three points.

2. What will happen if a Welsh citizen who got a licence last year gets six points?

A．He will be fined a lot.

B．He must learn the new rules.

C．He will lose his driving licence.

D．He will be given a warning.

3. When the new laws were first introduced, _________.

A．traffic accidents were cut down

B．there were still many drivers who broke them

C．drivers thought the laws were unfair to them

D．fewer people broke them compared

4. What does Anthony Bangham mean?

A．The police didn’t take the new rules seriously.

B．The roads policy should be improved for safety.

C．A moment of carelessness may cause big accidents.

D．The laws need to be improved a lot and retested.

3 . Travel can be a lifesaver. The right vacation at the right time can give new life to your whole year, not to mention your body and mind. But in today's economy, with airlines adding new fees almost daily and ticket prices sharply on the rise, many have canceled travel as it is too expensive.     1    

Early bird gets the deal. Travel experts say that there are certain times of day when more deals are available.     2    Early morning is when the fares tend to be lowest, but it is a good idea to check every five hours to track prices as they change throughout the day. Also, it's a good idea to check again at 5 p.m. when the airlines are trying hardest to fill empty seats.

Avoid the crowds.     3    . The lowest time of the year for travel is in the Fall between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Again, to try and fill more vacant (空着的) seats, the airlines will lower prices and offer better deals to get people to fly during this time of the year.

Right time, “wrong” place? By flying to popular destinations at unpopular times, you can secure the best prices from travel companies and airlines. Here's where flexibility in your planning can pay off. Going to the airline websites and planning your vacation around the best ticket prices offered can result in a fun, cost-effective vacation.     4    

    5     Many times the best deals on airfare can be found as part of a package rate. Most travel sites have package rates available and they are definitely worth a look. Often, the entire package (hotel, airfare, rental car) is cheaper than just the plane ticket on another site.

A．Package Deals.

B．Save Money,and Save Time.

C．Fly to popular places at unpopular times.

D．These deals are especially good on last minute package.

E．Airfares can change three times a day as airlines adjust their prices to fill up flights.

F．And maybe it can widen your horizons to a place you might never have considered.

G．However,with a few tricks,there are still many great deals to be had on air tickets.

4 . China is a land of bicycles. At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country. Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Millions of them, all black. Cars were rare. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I’ve found the opposite is true. There are millions of cars. However, people still use their bicycles to get around. For many, it’s the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors --- silver, green, red, blue, yellow, whatever you want.

It’s fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads, move skillfully through traffic, and ride even on sidewalks. Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can’t provide.

Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.

My first ride home was orderly (守秩序的). To be safe, I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn’t want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully.

Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide, so crossing took time, skill and a little bit of luck.

I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive.

1. According to the author, why are bicycles still popular in China today?

A．Because they are traditional and safe.

B．Because they are convenient and inexpensive.

C．Because they are colorful and available.

D．Because they are fast and environment friendly.

2. The author decided to buy a bicycle because he intended __________.

A．to ride it for fun	B．to use it for transport
C．to experience local culture	D．to improve his riding skills

3. How did the author feel about his street crossing？

A．It was boring.	B．It was difficult.
C．It was lively.	D．It was wonderful.

4. Which of the following best describes the author’s biking experience

A．The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills.

B．The author was annoyed by the air while riding.

C．The author was praised by the other bikers.

D．The author took great pleasure in biking.