1 . For decades, India’s time zone has been a hotly debated issue. Back in 1884 when time zones were officially established, two time zones were used — Bombay Time and Calcutta Time. Indian Standard Time (IST) was introduced in 1906, but Calcutta Time and Bombay Time continued to be maintained after

India’s independence in 1947, until 1948 and 1955 respectively. The current single time zone, though a legacy of British rule, is often viewed as a symbol of unity. Yet, not everyone thinks it is a good idea. India stretches 3,000 km from east to west, spanning roughly 30 degrees longitude. This corresponds to a two-hour difference in mean solar time, based on the position of the sun in the sky. Thus, the sun rises nearly two hours earlier in the east than in India’s far west. In Northeastern states, sunrise can be as early as 4 a.m. in summer and sunset by 4 p.m. in winter, much earlier than the official working hours. This results in great loss of daylight hours and more consumption of electricity, and often reduced productivity.

Meanwhile, recent studies point out that the current system leads to a serious problem in education for some students. Nationwide, the school day starts at roughly the same time; thus, children go to bed later and have reduced sleep in west India, where the sun sets later. Such sunset-induced sleep deprivation is more pronounced among the poor, mostly due to their noisy environment and lack of sleep-inducing facilities like window shades or indoor beds. On average, an hour’s delay in sunset time reduces children’s sleep by 30 minutes, and an hour’s delay in annual average sunset time reduces education by about 0.8 years. As a result, children living in locations with later sunsets are less likely to complete primary and middle school education.

Despite various requests and proposals for multiple time zones, the government is keen to retain the current system. Reasons provided include prevention of confusion and safety issues regarding railway and flight operations.

1. Which of the following illustrates the Indian time zone system since 1955?

A．	B．
C．	D．

2. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “pronounced” in the third paragraph?

A．Noisy.

B．Distant.

C．Flexible.

D．Outstanding.

3. According to the passage, which of the following is a supporting argument for multiple time zones?

A．The number of traffic accidents can be reduced.

B．Children may have better-quality sleep and education.

C．India may have more energy resources to generate electricity.

D．The country may rid itself of the impact of British colonization.

4. According to the passage, when is most likely the sunset hour in December in the city of Varanasi shown on the map?

A．7 p.m.

B．6 p.m.

C．5 p.m.

D．4 p.m.

2 . Switzerland is surrounded by three of Europe’s major—and most populous—countries: France, Germany and Italy. For thousands of years, the region has been a busy trade ________, both from east to west as well as from north, to south. Today, Switzerland is an indispensable part of the European transport network and ________ a superb motorway and railway infrastructure. Five international airports in Zurich, Geneva. Basel. Bern and Lugano offer direct ________ to destinations around the world.

Switzerland is a popular place to do business, a center of education and a favorite travel destination. At the heart of this success story lies a stable political system. The county has not gone through any major political changes since the foundation of the federal state inn 1848. This has created space for economic, social and artistic development. Federalism, the successful integration of different cultures, and the mechanisms of direct democracy are all means to increase the ________ of its citizens and residents. This process of forming unity out of ________ has often been seen as exemplary. And, of course, the country is small and ________, which also contributes to the high quality of life in Switzerland.

Political stability is also ________ in an economic system that manages to balance a free market economy with social responsibility.________ are very rare in Switzerland.________ its deeply rooted work ethic and high educational standards, this social harmony represents one of Switzerland’s key advantages as a place to do business and has made a major contribution to its economic development.

Stability, a well-developed sense of service and discretion, and a strong currency have turned Switzerland into a leading financial center. From a historical ________, the fact that the county was not involved in the two world wars has contributed to this development. It is a country with ________ natural resources, so the strength of its import industry has also played a significant part. Not being a member of the EU. Switzerland is also not part of the so-called Eurozone. For this reason, the use of the euro in everyday life is limited to Switzerland’s border and tourist regions.

In terms of income, assets and per capita gross national product. Switzerland ranks among the top in the world.

The ________ excellent standard of living is also based on the high level of education and corresponding work ethic.________, people work 42 hours per week. Taxes are comparatively low, both for business and for businesses and for individuals. Corporate taxation as well as the rate of value added tax are among the lowest that can be found anywhere in the world.

All these factors make Switzerland a safe country with a low crime rate. The Swiss ________ being tidy and clean, which is why recycling is popular .________ to this a rich cultural variety and beautiful scenery, and you get a quality of life that is hard to beat.

1.

A．business

B．partner

C．route

D．channel

2.

A．boasts

B．brags

C．occupies

D．claims

3.

A．networks

B．links

C．planes

D．tourBys

4.

A．welfare

B．consciousness

C．participation

D．obligation

5.

A．complication

B．diversity

C．liberation

D．simplicity

6.

A．manageable

B．negligible

C．expandable

D．exhaustible

7.

A．undermined

B．eliminated

C．underrated

D．expressed

8.

A．Crimes

B．Strikes

C．Accidents

D．Appeals

9.

A．Thanks to

B．Contrary to

C．In combination with

D．In case of

10.

A．argument

B．perspective

C．attitude

D．stance

11.

A．few

B．boundless

C．abundant

D．nonexistent

12.

A．exceeding

B．variable

C．resulting

D．unbelievable

13.

A．By contrast

B．To sum up

C．As a rule

D．Put differently

14.

A．value

B．deny

C．consider

D．suspect

15.

A．Tie

B．Contribute

C．Add

D．Adjust

3 . 阅读下面短文，根据短文内容填空。在未给提示词的空白处仅填写1个恰当的单词，在给出提示词的空白处用括号内所给词的正确形式填空。

Today, there are groups of native people around the world that still live a traditional lifestyle. Some live in remote parts of South America,     1     way of life is in danger of disappearing. The Korubo are native people who live in the Amazon rainforest. They make their own tools, grow their own crops, and hunt and fish. Their main weapons are clubs and poison-tipped arrows, used     2     both hunting and protecting their territory against     3    (outsider).

4 . The capital of a country is often a very populated city where much history has been made due to the high-level political and economic functions that occur there. However, sometimes government leaders decide to move the capital from one city to another. Capital relocation has been done hundreds of times throughout history. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese changed their capital frequently.

Some countries choose new capitals that are more easily defended in a time of invasion (侵略) or war. Some new capitals are planned and built in previously undeveloped areas to promote development. Countries sometimes change their capital because they expect some type of political, social, or economic benefit. They hope and expect that the new capitals will surely develop into cultural treasure and hopefully make the country a more stable place.

Here are capital relocations that have occurred in approximately the last few centuries.

Asia	Japan	from Kyoto to Tokyo — 1868
	Turkey	from Istanbul to Ankara — 1923
	Israel	from Tel Aviv-Jaffo to Jerusalem — 1950
Europe	Poland	from Krakow to Warsaw — 1596
	Finland	from Turku to Helsinki — 1812
	Italy	from Turin to Florence to Salerno to Rome — 1871
The Americas	The US	from New York to Washington — 1800
	Jamaica	from Port Royal to Spanish Town to Kingston — 1872
Oceania	New Zealand	from Auckland to Wellington — 1865

1. Why did some countries decide to move the capital?

A．To further expand their land.

B．To uncover ancient treasure.

C．To develop undeveloped areas.

D．To declare war on another country.

2. Which country was the earliest to move its capital?

A．Turkey.	B．Poland.
C．The United Sate.	D．New Zealand.

3. What do Italy and Jamaica have in common?

A．They moved the capitals more than once.

B．Their capitals were destroyed in the war.

C．They moved their capitals in the same year.

D．Their capitals moved because of the economy.

5 . 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。

Pu'er has colorful and charming national culture. In Pu'er, there are nine ethnic minority autonomous counties,     1     14 nationalities with Han, Hani, Yi, Lahu, Wa and Dai nationalities included have lived     2     generations. 61 percent of the population of this city     3    (be) from ethnic minority groups.

In this city, there is the Pu'er Monument to the National Unity Oath, known as "the No. 1 Monument of New China for National Unity", Menglian Xuanfusi Department     4    (reflect) the history and culture of the Dai nationality, and a batch of national dances and songs enjoying great     5    (popular) including "Troth Plighting" and "Awa People Sing New Songs".

Pu'er also boasts original ecological culture and aboriginal and mysterious, unsophisticated and fantastic national     6    (custom); the Wooden Drum Festival of the Wa nationality, the Gourd Festival of the Lahu nationality, the Torch Festival of the Yi nationality, the Water-Sprinkling Festival of the Dai nationality and     7     traditional ethnic festivals which     8    (inherit) for more than one thousand years will invite you to linger with their unique charm.

Experts from     9     World Tourism Organization are also marveled that Pu'er is a     10    (poem) and romantic city and even its air is filled with romance.

6 . I remember when Kamala Harris became Joe Biden's running mate. It seemed funny how many people pronounced her name incorrectly. On one occasion, a news host became upset when being corrected, and purposely called her Kumbaya.

I am no stranger to this issue as many of my students are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and sometimes their names are difficult for me to pronounce, even after asking them how to say it. Many students seem unwilling to correct me when I attempt to learn their names correctly. The other thing I’ve seen in growing numbers is students “adopting” an English name.

It's much more common than many think, for people to change their names in order to fit in.

This is especially the case when it comes to seeking jobs. Racial and cultural minorities often attempt to avoid discrimination hiring by hiding racial cues on the resume including changing their name. This is referred to as “resume whitening”. Research shows almost 50 percent of black and Asian job applicants did so.

Xian Zhao from the University of Toronto researches ethnic (种族的) name pronunciation, saying that many people don’t understand that habitually pronouncing an unfamiliar name inaccurately is a form of indirect discrimination. It sends a message that “you are the minorities” says Zhao. “You are not important in this environment, so why should I take time and my effort to learn it?”On the other end, those with ethnic names frequently don’t correct people, even when their name is pronounced wrong repeatedly, feeling it is better just to keep the peace and not stand out for being difficult.

It is important to try to pronounce everyone’s name as they pronounce it. This communicates respect of them as a person and their culture. There is nothing wrong with asking someone to repeat their name so that you can learn to pronounce it properly. This is usually appreciated.

1. When their names are incorrectly pronounced, the author’s Asian students

A．attempt to laugh at it	B．tend to accept it
C．offer to correct the author	D．agree to change their names

2. Which of the following can be seen as “resume whitening”?

A．An application for a better job.

B．A change in work environment.

C．A ban on racial discrimination in workplace.

D．A practice of using Western names in job seeking.

3. In his research, Xian Zhao finds that

A．ethnics accept their names being mispronounced to save trouble

B．ethnics fight effectively with the discrimination against their names

C．many westerners pronounce ethnic names incorrectly on purpose

D．many westerners make efforts to pronounce ethnic names correctly

4. What’s the author’s attitude toward pronouncing ethnic names correctly?

A．Critical.

B．Uncaring.

C．Reserved.

D．Supportive.

7 . 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。

Generally, the US     1     (refer) to as a melting pot. More than 44 million people     2     (live) in the US are from other countries. People from all over the world go there in search     3     opportunities.

These immigrants tend to move to certain areas. This may be for     4     number of reasons. Some want to move somewhere with plenty of job opportunities, while others want to live somewhere with a large community of immigrants from the same place that can make it easier     5     (adapt) to life in America.

America’s melting pot cities tend to concentrate in states     6     make up part of the country’s southern border. California metro areas account for 12 of the 25 cities on the list. Texas with five and Florida with two     7     (be) another two states with     8     (variety) metro areas to rank among America’s melting pot cities. Many of these cities are popular destinations for Americans as well as immigrants.

In America’s melting pot cities, people from Mexico make up the largest share. Mexican immigrants account for about a quarter of all the American residents     9     (bear) in foreign countries. However, more immigrants     10     (move) to the US from both India and China than Mexico in the past years.

8 . The Masai(马赛人) are continually trying to keep their own ways in an increasingly modern world. They live along the border of Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa, moving their homes from time to time to follow their cattle, the source of their livelihood. They rely on their cattle in many parts of their life. They like drinking the cows’ milk.

They don’t kill their cattle for food. But if a cow is killed, the parts of its body are used to make containers, shoes, clothin,   ropes, bed coverings and so on. Not all of the men have cows. The more cattle a man owns, the richer he is considered to be. A man who owns 50 or fewer cattle is considered poor. Rich men have a thousand or more. The cattle, though owned by the man, are considered to belong to the man’s entire family. The family names the cattle and can recognize each animal’s special voice.

The Masai men have become known as warriors(勇士), protecting their cattle against other wild animals. They wear their red long hair. Most women often take care of their children, cook food, clean clothes and make clothing at home. They also make necklaces dresses and headdresses. A few women can also become authorities once they are powerful enough. They speak a language called Maa.

The houses of Masai made from sticks and grass, which are held together with a mixture of mud, are not very firm or safe. These plain houses with some basic supplies are built in a circle and make up a Masai village. They are not meant to last long since the migration(迁徙) of the cow population means that the Masai move as well. In the meantime, in order to prevent animals from entering, they also form a wall of branches. The whole setup is to protect the cattle, which sleep at night in the middle of the village. They seem to live a natural and self-sufficient life but lack modern civilisation.

1. What do we know about the Masai?

A．They don’t move in their lives.

B．They each have their own cows.

C．They don’t kill their cattle at all.

D．They are heavily dependent on cattle.

2. What do most of the Masai women work as?

A．Designers.	B．Authorities.
C．Housewives.	D．Warriors.

3. Which word best describes Masai houses?

A．Modern.

B．Lasting

C．Simple.

D．Safe.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．Africans: Living a Moving life

B．Africans: Brave People in the World

C．The Masai: Rich People in East Africa

D．The Masai: Maintaining a Traditional Lifestyle

9 . Six months ago, 28-year-old Danny Wallace, who earns his living as a TV comic and “ideas” man, had a great idea. What if he started his own country and invited anyone who wanted to join him to become a citizen? So, naming himself King Danny I and declaring his one-bedroom flat in East London an independent state, he set about taking the necessary steps to make his dream come true. He even documented his progress in his BBC2 series How To Start Your Own Country, which comes to the end of its six-week run on Wednesday.

Over the six weeks, Danny explored the possibilities of forming his own country. The first thing on his agenda was to hand in his Declaration of Independence to the prime minister. With this out of the way, he was free to start thinking about writing a constitution and setting up a government. Then he was off to design his own flag and record his own national anthem and even got someone to design possible postage stamps of his country, with his face on them!

The final thing Danny had to do was to find a name for his country. At his request, citizens sent in thousands of suggestions as to what this new country could be called. Ideas ranged from Flatland to Wallaceland! But, in the end, the final selection came down to just two: Home or Lovely. Aiming to become the most democratic democracy in the world where its citizens have the opportunity to enjoy equality, King Danny achieved a world first and let the people decide. Lovely finally stood out.

Whether the country will continue to grow will very much depend on how busy its creator is. And, as Danny Wallace is much in demand for several other TV projects, it might fall to other members of his government to keep things running. But with elections promised every six months, the creation of the University of Lovely and several sporting events planned over the coming weeks, there are plenty of activities to keep the citizens of Lovely occupied for quite a while yet.

1. What does Danny Wallace’s “great idea” in Paragraph 1 refer to?

A．Making a documentary.	B．Founding a new country.
C．Owning an independent state.	D．Choosing actors for a TV show.

2. What’s crucial to carrying out Danny’s great idea?

A．Drafting a constitution.	B．Getting official approval.
C．Analyzing the possibilities.	D．Composing a national anthem.

3. What can be inferred from the final decision on the name Lovely?

A．Lovely beat Home in the final selection.

B．The world is created by ordinary people.

C．The citizens’ rights of a country are respected.

D．Lovely signals the successful rule of King Danny.

4. What’s mainly discussed in the last paragraph?

A．The future of Lovely.	B．The life of the citizens.
C．The daily routine of Danny Wallace.	D．The establishment of the University of Lovely.

10 . Most Africans are poor, not because they are really poor, but because _______ decides to describe them as such.

My 95-year-old grandfather is “poor”, too. He certainly lives on “less than a dollar a day”. But during all his past time, he has never been _______ anything, and not begged. He was only in school for a year in the 1930s and learned to read and write. This is _______ he is living.

My grandfather usually goes to pick up bananas for his dinner on his farm when he wants _______ . There are other fruits and all kinds of vegetables. 365 days a year, he raises tens of cows that _______ him with milk every day. He also has about 20 goats. In Uganda (乌干达), goat milk is generally not considered _______, possibly due to too much cow milk that tastes good, so we never milk goats. He would _______ a couple of them to get enough money to send his children to school. He also kept a few chicks _______ a hobby.

His farm produces more than he can use. He sells some of them to buy something _______ for life. He has eleven children, and my mother was his first kid. He sent ________ of them to school, and saw eight of them through college. He sold at least two cows, some goats and something else each school term to send his every child to school.

He has never ________ food and daily things. He has been like this for the past 75 years.

Why the long story? My grandfather is ________ poor, just like millions of other Africans. He holds almost no money with him, and in fact he ________ needs it. He produces most of what he needs. But using the Standard World Bank, my grandfather is really poor.

But what’s the ________ ? I live in the city and can earn about 12,000 dollars a year after tax, which is a high salary in Uganda. But I can hardly support my family as ________ and comfortably as my grandfather. So what on earth is poor?

1.

A．something

B．someone

C．anything

D．anyone

2.

A．interested in

B．proud of

C．good at

D．short of

3.

A．why

B．what

C．how

D．where

4.

A．food

B．speed

C．money

D．ability

5.

A．allow

B．require

C．provide

D．offer

6.

A．special

B．healthy

C．expensive

D．delicious

7.

A．buy

B．sell

C．steal

D．keep

8.

A．than

B．through

C．by

D．as

9.

A．proud

B．popular

C．creative

D．necessary

10.

A．all

B．most

C．some

D．none

11.

A．sent out

B．ended up

C．worried about

D．depended on

12.

A．found

B．proved

C．considered

D．suggested

13.

A．just

B．nearly

C．usually

D．seldom

14.

A．truth

B．secret

C．reason

D．method

15.

A．wisely

B．easily

C．quickly

D．heavily