湖北省鄂东南省级示范高中教育教学改革联盟学校2022-2023学年高二上学期期中联考英语试题（含答案）

这是一份湖北省鄂东南省级示范高中教育教学改革联盟学校2022-2023学年高二上学期期中联考英语试题（含答案），共14页。试卷主要包含了英语试卷等内容，欢迎下载使用。

2022年秋季鄂东南省级示范高中教育教学改革联盟学校期中联考
高二 英语试卷

考试时间：2022年11月15日上午08：00一10：00 试卷满分：150分

第一部分 听力 (共两节，满分30分)
第一节 (共5小题；每小题1. 5分，满分7. 5分)
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听完每段对话后，你都有1秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
1. What does the man need to do now?
A. Lock the doors. B. Catch the last train. C. Finish his lesson.
2. Why does the woman say the bar would shut down?
A. Because of its location. B. Because of its advertisements. C. Because of its management.
3. What does the man want to do?
A. Have a cup of tea. B. Go online: C. Look at the menu.
4. Where will the speakers finally go?
A. To the A120. B. To the airport. C. To-their home.
5. How does the man feel?
A. Confident. B. Impatient. C. Worried.

第二节 (共15小题；每小题1. 5分，满分22. 5分)
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、, C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。
6. What will the speakers do tonight?
A. Play a game. B. Watch a match. C. Visit a volleyball player.
7. What does the man think of the result?
A. China will lose. B. Russia will lose. C. It will be a close match.
听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。
8. Where does the conversation take place?
A. At the cleaner’s. B. In a restaurant. C. In a clothes shop.
9. When will the man need to use the suit?
A. On Saturday evening. B. One week later. C. Half a month later.
10. How does the man sound in the end?
A. Satisfied. B. Angry. C. Sorry.
听第8段材州回答第11至13题。
11. What will happen if the man always -prepares-topics for English Corner?
A. He’ll Have good conversations with others.
B. He’ll be limited by what he has prepared.
C. He’ll become even more nervous.
12. What’s the man’s concern?
A. He can’t understand people’s questions.
B. He has nothing to say.
C. People may not understand him. . .
13. What is the woman like?
A. Patient. B. Strict. C. Humorous.
听第9段材料，回答第14至16题。
14. How does the woman ask for the bill in a restaurant?
A. By shouting at the waiter. B. By nodding to the waiter. C. By ringing-a bell.
15. What did the woman do yesterday evening?
A. She chatted online. B. She ate out. C. She took a walk.
16: What do we know about her meeting with Jack?
A. They just waved at each other.
B. They talked for a long time.
C. They walked back home together.
听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。
17. How long was the family vacation?
A. Two weeks. B. One week. C. Four days.
18. What did the speaker’s mother like?
A. Parties. B. New cars. C. Travelling.
19. What was Michael’s job at that time?
A. An engineer. B. A teacher. C. A student.
20. What did the mother ask Cara to pack?
A. Umbrellas. B. Sweaters. C. Food.

第二部分 阅读 (共两节，满分50分)
第一节 (共15小题；每小题2. 5分，满分37. 5分)
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项、
A
The International Consumer Electronics. Show (CES) has changed in recent years because of theCOVID-19 pandemic. Last year, an online version of the event was held for the first time. This year, the physical show returned to Las Vegas, Nevada. But the number of attendees decreased by about 70 percent. CES is produced by the Consumer. Technology Association. It’s known as the place where many companies across the globe show their most up-to-date technology offerings. Here is a look at some of the top products presented at CES 2022.
Labrador’s assistive robot
Robot maker Labrador announced the launch of its Retriever robot. The small, self-driving machine is designed to hold things and, as its name suggests, also retrieve (取回) things. The robot can be controlled by voice commands or from an app on a phone. It can also be programmed based on an exact map of a user’s home. The company says the Retriever is designed to serve as an extra pair of hands and lighten the load of everyday tasks in the home”.
AirSelfie camera
Electronics maker AirSelfie launched its up-to-date self-flying camera designed to take “selfie” pictures. The new device, called AirPix, is a small, light camera that flies through the air and takes high-quality photographs and videos. A video on the company’s website explains that Air Pix. can fly, frame and take pictures all by itself before landing back on the user’s hand.
Self-driving tractor
American-based farm equipment producer John Deere presented a fully self-driving tractor. The company says the vehicle is equipped with six different cameras and a series of sensors to guide the tractor through the fields. Farmers can control the vehicle and see the tractor’s progress in real time through a mobile device. John Deere says the concept is to help farmers do more work with fewer tools and other people.

21. Which of the following statements is True about CES?
A. It is usually held offline. B. It has attracted more attendees this year.
C. It is intended for American companies. D. It is held annually both online and offline.
22. Who are most likely to be interested in Labrador’s assistive robot?
A. Photographers. B. Cleaners. C. Housewives. D. Farmers.
23. What do AirSelfie camera and the self-driving tractor have in common?
A. They both have a light camera. B. They both are really very smart.
C. They both help with farm work. D. They come from the same producer.

B
In a classroom in rural Kenya’s Rift Valley, a student takes notes alongside her fellow classmates. She wears the same school uniform-a grey skirt and a green sweater. However, she is more than 80 years older than them. Priscilla Sitienei, who turned 99-years-old on February 11, said she went back to class to set a good example for her great-grandchildren and to start a new career. “I’d like to become a doctor because I used to be a midwife (助产士)” she said, adding that her children were supportive-of her decision.
Back in 2003, the government of the East African country began an education campaign to help to pay for the cost of primary schooling, allowing some older members of society who had missed out on education in their younger days to continue their dreams. This has given Sitienei more than an education. She’s also become a film star. She traveled to Paris last year for the first showing of a film about her journey titled “Gogo”, which means “grandmother” in her native Kalenjin language. She’ll also be heading to New York City soon for the launch of the film there.
Sitienei, who is in her sixth year of primary school, said her aims were far more practical than becoming a movie star. She had the idea when her great-granddaughter dropped out of school after getting pregnant, “I jokingly asked her if she had any money remaining on her school fee and she said yes, so I told her that I’d use it to attend school.” She said she had hoped that her great granddaughter would continue with her studies. But when she refused, Sitienei decided to go to school herself.
Sitienci also enjoys other school activities, including physical education classes. “It keeps me fit. I get to jump around, even though not as much as they can do, but I at least move my body. That’s my joy,” she said.
Her teachers use Sitienei’s wide experience to keep the peace during lessons. “I appoint Sitienei to help control the class. And it works. When I go outside, the class remains silent, “said Leonida Talaam, her class teacher.

24. How does Priscilla Sitienei differ from her classmates?
A. The learning approach. B. The dressing style.
C. Study efficienoy. D. Physical age.
25. Why are Paris and New York City mentioned in paragraph 2?
A. To show the daily routines of a film star.
B. To state Sitienei is really fond of traveling.
C. To indicate effects of the education campaign on Sitienei.
D. To explain the hard work it takes to make dreams come true.
26. Which word best describes Sitienei?
A. Active. B. Passive. C. Independent. D. Intelligent.
27. What can be inferred about Sitienei from the last paragraph?
A. She hates noise in class very much. B. She is a good helper to her class teacher.
C. She always enjoys staying in silence alone. D. She often replaces her teacher to give lessons.

C
When it comes to strategies for slowing down the aging process, don’t ignore the power of mind over matter. Recent research shows that several personality traits predict who will enjoy health into their 80s and beyond. According to studies, the link between personality and longevity is strong.
People who’re conscientious-organized and responsible-tend to live longer. Being conscientious may help overcome major risks to health, such as living in poverty. Besides, many conscientious people seem to have better coping strategies for stressful situations, said Turiano, leading to less inflammation (炎症), which in tum slows down aging.
People can become more conscientious through support from friends, coaches and psychologists. Smart phone apps may help, too. For example, participants in a study increased their conscientiousness significantly by using a digital coach called PEACH. This app strengthens personality change through tips, like reminders to reflect on progress toward one’s goals by keeping a diary.
Another good quality for longevity is being purposeful, or having a direction in life with clear goals that energize you. Many types of purposes are beneficial. “It’s so unique to the individual,” said Patrick Hill, a psychologist at Washington University in St. Louis. Some derive purpose from their jobs, while retirees (退休人员) report feeling more purposeful during the evening if they socialized that day, according to Hill’s research.
Optimism is also associated with exceptional longevity, according to research by Lewina Lee of Boston University. Actually, people who see the positives in aging live an average of 7. 6 years longer. Becca Levy, a psychologist at Yale’s School of Public Health, said they enjoyed this longevity advantage due to exercising more and eating more healthily. You can boost optimism by regularly writing about your best possible self.
Being sociable or outgoing is another trait that can lengthen your span of health. According to Susan Charles of the University of California-Irvine, social butterflies tend to be more active, which protects their health. Adopting a healthier. lifestyle has been shown to make people more comfortable in social situations.

28. What personality trait helps reduce one’s pressure according to the text?
A. Being conscientious. B. Being purposeful.
C. Being optimistic. D. Being outgoing.
29. How does the author prove his point in paragraph 3?
A. By making comparisons. B. By providing an example.
C. By making careful observations. D. By giving a professional opinion.
30. What is the similarity among the personality traits mentioned in the text?
A. They can be kept so long. B. They can be developed.
C. They-are widely accepted. D. They determine one’s health.
31. What might be the best title for the text?
A. Your Personality Is the Key to Your Longer Life
B. Your Personality Is Closely Linked to Your Moods
C. Your Personality Could Determine Your Quality of Life
D. Your Personality Could Lengthen Your Years of Healthy Living

D
Whenever I tum on the radio to listen to the weather report, I get annoyed. It seems that the weather reporters can’t decide what they themselves think of the weather, especially during winter. Either they’re sensationalizing every weather event as if it were a once-a-century storm, or they’re complaining about the deviation (偏离) of temperature from what they consider comfortable-even if that deviation is entirely appropriate for the season.
I realize that over past decades, a daily weather forecast has been less about preparing for a day of outdoor labor and more about satisfying curiosity. So it makes sense that reporters will do anything to grab eyeballs and ears and keep them hooked for as long as possible. But I think this style of dramatic reporting does a lot of harm to people.
Mainly, it fuels a sense of disconnection from the natural world by constantly vilifying (诋毁) weather cycles that are a normal part of life in certain regions-particularly in cold, wintry regions like Ontario, Canada, where I live, and where big snowstorms are precisely what we want in February. And yet, when heavy snow does come, you’d think the sky was falling, based on how it was reported. This approach is also unfair to businesses that rely on normal winter weather because it discourages people from going outside.
Here is an alternative suggestion. What if weather reporters used their special position to spread the word about climate change and explain in simple terms how greenhouse gas emissions are driving many of the unseasonal changes we’re witnessing? They’re perfectly situated to do this, holding all those eyeballs and ears as they do, well-educated in the science behind weather phenomena, and able to give solid, related examples in real time.
I think it would benefit many people to hear climate change mentioned regularly on the radio or TV in the context of weather. It’s more likely to inspire people to take actions when they see how climate change is already affecting their day-to-day life, not just far-off places. After all, the changes are coming, whether we like it.

32. What is the author’s attitude towards the present weather reporting?
A. uninterested. B. doubtful. C. dissatisfied. D. cautious.
33. What does the underlined word “sensationalizing” mean in paragraph I?
A. worsening B. changing C. overstating D. convincing
34: What is the disadvantage of the dramatic weather reporting?
A. It can change the normal weather. B. It most probably ruins people’s mood.
C. It makes people’s daily activities impossible. D. It makes most people become inactive.
35. What is the main purpose of the text?
A. To advise weather reporters to draw attention to climate change.
B. To advocate people attacking the present weather reporting.
C. To ask weather reporters to solve the problem of climate change.
D. To inform people of the problems of the present weather reporting.

第二节 (共5小题；每小题2. 5分；满分12. 5分)
阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
An indoor garden has a positive impact on your life if you take care of them properly. However, if you fail to plan before starting one on your own, you may end up with a few problems. 36
Sun Conditions
Plants need an ample amount of sunlight for them to grow properly. 37 Before starting an indoor garden, make sure you’ve conducted a few weeks’ worth of observations about how sunlight behaves inside your home at different times of the day. This will give you an idea as to where your indoor garden is.
Space Availability
Obviously, the sun conditions would be useless if you don’t have enough space for the garden. That said, consider where the sunlight lands. You must also determine whether you can place a garden there. 38 Do it in such a way that you get to accommodate (考虑到) your plants ’sunlight needs while also maximizing the space of your home for other things.
Budget
You will spend a few dollars if you want to start an indoor garden. That’s a fact. This shouldn’t bother you, though. 39 The money you spent on gardening essentials will return in the form of not having to buy certain things in the market because you have one at home. Before starting an indoor garden, consider the budget you want for the garden. This will determine the containers and types of plants you can cultivate.
The world will always present us with many problems that can affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. One great method for achieving a healthy lifestyle is by growing a garden. 40 Thanks to indoor gardening, you can have a slice of paradise in the city.

A. If not, you can try rearranging your home.
B. To avoid that, you need to consider a few things.
C. That means you should consider the availability of sunlight.
D. Without enough sunlight, all living things wouldn’t survive.
E. Besides, you must consider how to shelter your garden in the sun.
F. That’s because, in the long run, indoor gardens are actually money-savers.
G. Living in the city is not a problem for people with green fingers anymore.

第三部分 语言知识运用 (共两节，满分30分)
第一节 (共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
My daughter had talent for acting. When Alex was accepted into New York University’s musical theater program, I 41 what dress I’d wear to her Broadway debut (初次登台). But now she decided to be an exercise instructor. It was 42 for me.
“I thought 43 at gyms was just to help you pay the bills until you had your good luck, wasn’t it?” I asked when Alex 44 her full-time job at a gym called Equinox in New York City.
“Acting was my childhood dream, “she explained. “I loved 45 , but my adult self wants to help people be 46 .”
Even after Alex earned her personal training certification, I still couldn’t accept her 47 When the COVID- 19 crisis shut New York’s gyms, and Alex returned jobless to Richmond, my 48 of working on her acting website was rejected. Instead, she launched online kettle-bell classes and rounded up clients using Instagram. Her 49 took off, and our house became her virtual studio until she returned to Manhattan in August 2020.
One day I signed up for her private sessions. While doing deadlifts (硬举训练)，I asked, “What are you doing to find a real job?”
Alex pointed to her waist, 50 my posture, “Mom, this is my 51 . I’m growing a business. “And she was-soon she was making more than she ever did in gyms and had total 52 of her business. I was one of many who 53 from her patient encouragement. Over time, my lower-back pain disappeared and I could lift a heavy box 54 Through my training, I learned she knew the right 55 for herself.

41. A. expected B. prepared C. pictured D. treasured
42. A. awkward B. hard C. appealing D. rewarding
43. A. exercising B. wandering C. struggling D. teaching
44. A. announced B. searched C. changed D. rejected
45. A. training B. trying C. performing D. socializing
46. A. active B. fit C. positive D. ambitious
47. A. passion B. theory C. refusal D. decision
48. A. suggestion B. warning C. analysis D. dream
49. A. research B. business C. occupation D. organization
50. A. spotting B. opposing C. admiring D. correcting
51. A. job B. hobby C. personality D. achievement
52. A. impression B. ignorance C. control D. understanding
53. A. restored B. benefited C. resulted D. learned
54. A. in charge B. with assistance C. in comfort D. with ease
55. A. method B. routine C. path D. progress

第二节 (共10小题；每小题1. 5分，满分15分)
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。
“By the time you graduate from college, you’ll most __________ (56) (possible) be driving an electric car, “said Greg Lucia, vice president of client services at Electrify Expo in Irvine, California, at the __________ (57) (late) exhibition for electric vehicles. Up to now the event __________ (58) (draw) nearly 20, 000 visitors to the city’s Great Park. A total of 68 companies showed off their green vehicles at Electrify Expo.
Two of the largest automobile manufacturers in America, General Motors Company and Ford Motor Company, are already devoting billions of dollars to __________ (59) (develop) electric vehicles. Bill Ford Jr. , Ford’s chief executive, has set a goal of ending the company’s __________ (60) (produce) of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. That’s __________ (61) huge switch for the iconic manufacturer, __________ (62) was founded in 1903 by Ford’s great-grandfather, Henry.
KIA, an automobile producer __________ (63) (base) in Seoul, South Korea, is also developing electric vehicles. As James Bell, an officer at KIA America, said, “People who work in car companies are people, too. We have kids, and we want society to succeed. We know we can’t keep burning fossil fuels. “The burning of gas, coal, and other fossil fuels, scientists say, is a major contributor __________ (64) climate change.
The market for e-bikes is growing, even faster than it is for regular bikes. From July 2020 to July 2021, e-bike sales rose a surprising 240%. Sales __________ (65) (expect) to increase even more in the next decade.

第四部分 写作 (共两节，满分40分)
第一节 (满分15分)
为了保护并弘扬中国传统文化，你们学校英语校报正在进行以”保护中国传统文化”为主题的英语征文比赛，请你根据以下提示写一篇短文参赛。
内容包括：
1. 保护中国传统文化的重要性；
2. 保护中国传统文化具体可行的做法；
3. 发出号召。
注意：
1. 词数80词左右：
2. 可适当增加细节，使行文连贯。
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

第二节 (满分25分)
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段话，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
A Change of Heart
It was a cold December and things were tough for my family. Mum had a hard time raising us kids on her own in our small community of New Westminster as dad passed away five years earlier. We relied on social assistance.
Looking back, I realize what Mum went through sending us kids to school. Every morning she would place a new piece of cardboard in our shoes because our soles (鞋底) were worn out. When we got home, Mum would have French toast ready for us. Constant moving was typical for my family in those days, and it didn’t look like we’d be in our current house much longer. Rent was $25 a month, but Mum couldn’t pay it, and we knew we would be forced to leave right after Christmas on the first of January.
The holidays were fast approaching, and we were entitled to $25 for Christmas from social services. Mum said that instead of buying food, she was going to use the money to pay our rent. That way we’d have a roof over our heads for a little while longer. Then she told us that there would be no Christmas gifts.
Unknown to Mum, I had been selling Christmas trees, shoveling (铲) snow and doing odd jobs to earn enough money to buy a new pair of boots. I knew exactly which boots I wanted. They were ten-inch, Top-Genuine, Pierre Paris boots, and they cost $23.
The big day for getting my boots came on Christmas Eve afternoon. I was very excited as I hurried up the road to catch the bus into town. It was only a half-mile walk, but on the way I noticed a house with Christmas lights and decorations. It was then I realized that at our house, we had no lights, no decorations and no turkey or ham for Christmas dinner.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150词左右；2. 续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好。
Paragraph 1:
As I continued walking, I began to feel a strange sense of guilt. _____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:
The bus drove off without me, and I breathed a sigh of relief. ______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2022年秋季鄂东南省级示范高中教育教学改革联盟学校期中联考
高二 英语试卷 参考答案
第一部分 听力：
1-5 AABBA 6-10 BCAAB 11-15 BAABC 16-20 AACCB

第二部分 阅读：
21-23 ACB 24-27 DCAB 28-31 ABBD 32-35 CCDA
36-40 BCAFG

第三部分 语言知识运用：
第一节 完形填空：
41-45 CBDAC 46-50 BDABD 51-55 ACBDC
第二节 语法填空：
56. possibly 57. latest 58. has drawn 59. developing 60. production
61. a 62. which 63. based 64. to 65. are expected

第四部分 写作
第一节 应用文
An Appeal to Preserve Traditional Chinese Culture
With the globalization of the world and the development of modern science and technology, some Chinese traditions are fading away. However, the traditions shouldn’t be abandoned since traditional culture, as a kind of social spirit, is a reflection of social existence. It is a great spiritual force, which has a long-term effect on society. Therefore, it is important to preserve and inherit it.
As far as I am concerned, some effective measures should be taken. To start with, we should attach importance to celebrating Chinese traditional festivals. We can encourage people to learn about the real meaning of those festivals and keep up the traditional practices during the celebration. What’s more, we are supposed to employ new technology properly to help our traditions keep up with times. For example, we can set up websites to introduce traditional festivals and culture, which can raise people’s interest in them. In addition, it is also important to advocate people learning, inheriting, developing and spreading traditional Chinese culture such as various Chinese operas, Chinese folk arts, Chinese Kung Fu etc.
In a word, it is high time that we treasured and developed our valuable traditional culture. Let’s join our hands and take action immediately. Everyone’s efforts count!

第二节 读后续写
Para. 1:
As I continued walking, I began to feel a strange sense of guilt. Here I was going to buy a new pair of boots, while Mum was probably home in tears, thinking of ways to explain why there were no presents. How was I supposed to be happy if everyone else in the family was not? Thinking of this, the idea of buying the beautiful boots I had wanted for so long didn’t seem as fascinating as before. As I arrived at the bus stop, the driver opened the door, waiting for me to get on. I stood there for what seemed like a century, until eventually the driver asked, “Son, are you getting on this bus or not?” I finally burst out without hesitation, “No thanks, sir. I’ve changed my mind.”
Para. 2:
The bus drove off without me, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Feeling as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, I knew what I had to do next. Across the street from the bus stop was a big grocery store. Into the store I went, brimming with happiness and excitement. I bought a turkey, ham, oranges and all the Christmas decorations. I spent every coin of my hard-earned money. Once I arrived home with all those purchases, I knocked on the door. I could hardly wait to see my mother’s face! When Mum opened the door, some of the groceries fell inside onto the floor, and she just stood there, too stunned to speak. Holding back the tears, I exclaimed, “Merry Christmas, Mother! There really is a Santa Claus!” To see my mother’s prayers answered more than made up for the boots I never got. It was a Merry Christmas for us after all!


录音原文
Text 1
M: Hi, have you finished your lesson?
W: Not yet. Is there something wrong?
M: Well, I want to catch the last bus home, but I need to lock the doors on this floor before I leave, so . . .
Text 2
W: He chose a terrible location for his new bar. It will probably shut down.
M: It all depends. Advertising might help.
Text 3
M: I would like a cup of coffee and some dessert.
W: Some sugar in your coffee, sir?
M: No, thanks. Do you have free wireless Internet?
W: Yes, we have.
Text 4
W: OK. I’ve got a new map. Let’s check the route from here to the airport.
M: Where are we? Oh, here we are. So we need to drive on the A120 and then turn left.
W: No, we’ll need to turn right. We’re coming from that direction, remember?
Text 5
W: How do you feel about the concert? Do you think it will be a success?
M: Oh, yes. The guys and I have been working on this show for the last three months.
Text 6
W: Shall we go to watch the volleyball game tonight?
M: Yes, but which teams are playing?
W: China National Team against the Russian Team.
M: If I remember correctly, the two teams have played with each other quite often before in international games.
W: You’re right, and I have noticed that the scores have been very close, although our team was often beaten.
M: I bet they’ll have another close match tonight.
Text 7
W: I’m sorry, your laundry hasn’t come back yet.
M: But I brought it in half a month ago.
W: I know, but there’s been a problem at the factory and everything’s delayed.
M: Well, I trust my suit is ready. Here is the ticket.
W: I’ll go and check for you . . . Yes, your suit is ready. Here it is.
M: Oh, good. But look, that big dirty spot I told you about is still there.
W: Well, I don’t think they can remove it. It’s in the material.
M: What kind of excuse is that? You should have told me before.
W: I’m sorry, sir. You can send it back if you like. But it’ll take a week.
M: A week? But I need it for Saturday evening. No, I’ll take it now. How much is it?
W: Ten dollars.
M: Ten dollars? For that? No way, you can’t expect me to pay that much.
Text 8
M: Do you think it is necessary for me to prepare some topics to talk about at English Corner?
W: Yes, because it is the first time that you have been going there. You should prepare something in case you are too nervous. But after three or four times, you won’t have to do that anymore.
M: Why not?
W: If you prepare some topics in advance, your conversation at the corner will always be limited by the sentences you have prepared. If someone asks you a question outside of them, you’ll have nothing to say. So remember not to become too dependent on what you’ve prepared.
M: What if I can’t understand people’s questions?
W: That happens to everyone at English Corner. So don’t worry. You can always ask them to repeat the question.
M: Won’t it be embarrassing if I still can’t understand?
W: It’ll be OK. If it happens, the person will try to explain the question to you in another way.
Text 9
M: When you are in a restaurant and you want the waiter to bring you the bill, what do you do to attract his attention?
W: I just make eye-contact with him and nod my head. Then I ask him when he comes to the table. Why do you ask?
M: I went out with my friends to a nice restaurant last night. I noticed that many people shouted for the bill.
W: That seems a little impolite for such a fancy restaurant.
M: That’s what I thought. Anyway, what did you do yesterday evening?
W: Well, it was warm, so I went outside. I walked along the river for a couple of miles. Actually, quite a few other people had the same idea. I ran into Jack there.
M: You did? How is he these days?
W: He seemed okay. We didn’t stop and chat because we were on opposite banks of the river. We just waved at each other.
Text 10
It was the first day of our two-week family vacation to Europe. A year ago when my mom’s 50th birthday was coming, she said to us, “What about travelling in Europe?” She wasn’t interested in parties, new cars or celebrations. She wanted to travel.
Of course, my brother Michael and I were excited when she put forward the idea. Michael, 23, was finishing up an engineering degree. And I had already borrowed a lot of money for my college education. We weren’t going to be able to have a trip like this on our own for quite some time. Obviously, we thought this was the best idea our mother had ever had.
But we received phone calls and emails from my mother every day as the date of travelling was near. “Don’t forget to make copies of your passports.” “Make sure to call the bank.” “And seriously, Cara, pack sweaters. You’re going to be cold.” It had been seven years after I left home. And except during the holidays, my brother and I hadn’t spent much time together with our family for a long time.