陕西省延安市富县高级中学2021-2022学年高二下学期期中考试英语试题（含答案）

这是一份陕西省延安市富县高级中学2021-2022学年高二下学期期中考试英语试题（含答案），共6页。试卷主要包含了5分）等内容，欢迎下载使用。

 富县高级中学2021—2022学年第二学期高二年级期中考试英语试卷
考生注意：本试题共分第一卷（选择题）和第二卷（非选择题）两部分，满分150分。考试时间120分钟。请将答案填写在答题卡上。
第I 卷（选择题 共100分）

第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分，每小题1.5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，并标在试卷的相应位置。听完每段对话后，你都有10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 has Dennis decided to do?
A. Live independently. B. Start a new company. C. Stay with his parents.
2. What is probably the man?
A. A director. B. A host. C. An actor.
3. When will the electricity be on again tonight?
A. At 7:00 pm. B. At 9:00 pm. C. At 10:00 pm.
4. Who did the man go camping with?
A. Martin. B. Jenny. C. Phoebe.
5. What are the speakers mainly talking about?
A. What food they want to order. B. Where they’ll have lunch. C. How hungry they feel.

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 is the relationship between the speakers?
A. Mother and son. B. Husband and wife. C. Teacher and student.
7. Where does the man suggest going?
A. The cinema. B. The circus. C. The amusement park.
听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。
8. Why will the speakers eat out tonight?
A. They want to eat some different food.
B. They don’t feel like cooking.
C. They can’t cook at home.
9. What does the man want to eat?
A. Mexican food. B. French food. C. Italian food.
10. How will the speakers go to the restaurant?
A. By bike. B. By car. C. By taxi.
听第8段材料，回答第11至13题。
11. What attracts Tom to watch Heartland probably?
A. The touching plots. B. The exciting story. C. The peaceful lifestyle.
12. What does Tom think of his grandparents’ life?
A. It’s tough. B. It’s simple. C. It’s boring.
13. Where does the woman live?
A. In the city. B. In the town. C. In the countryside.
听第9段材料，回答第14至17题。
14. What made Maya Bay draw too many tourists since 1999?
A. The convenient location.
B. A famous Hollywood movie.
C. Its first opening to the public.
15. Why did the government close Maya Bay for a time?
A. To develop it. B. To do research. C. To protect the natural life.
16. How many tourists can visit Maya Bay per day now?
A. 300. B. 2,000. C. 4,000.
17. What will the speakers do next?
A. Surf the Internet. B. Read some magazines. C. Book a holiday.
听第10段材料，回答第18至20题。
18. When did Ava create her first book?
A. At the age of 4. B. At the age of 5. C. At the age of 8.
19. What did Ava do for her new book?
A. She searched for wise sayings.
B. She drew pictures for it.
C. She collected money.
20. How does Ava use the money getting from her new book?
A. Go on learning painting. B. Support her family. C. Do charity.

第二部分 阅读理解（共2节，满分40分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分）
阅读下面4篇短文，从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。

A
Nowadays, our phone is capable of just about anything through various apps. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the good apps for fitness (健康).
Wakeout
Because of COVID-19, many people’s fitness has suffered due to long periods of sitting or lying. Wakeout’s attractive feature is that it’s a fitness app that doesn’t ask you to roll out a yoga mat, or clear space. Instead, Wakeout will recommend exercises that can be done immediately, whether you’re sitting or lying down. You can schedule workouts for the day, or relax before your bedtime.
Seven-7 Minute Workout
Seven-7 Minute Workout aims to give you the most benefit possible in just 7 minutes through a series of quick exercises that target specific areas of your body. There’s no equipment need. It’s free to use, but joining the 7 Club for $10 a month (or $60 a year) will give you access to a wider range of exercises, personal workout plans, and guidance from a personal trainer.
30 Day Fitness
30 Day Fitness provides hundreds of exercises with video instructions for each of the 30 days, plus a personal workout history, so you can see how far you’ve come. You get a week for free, but it’ll cost you $5 a week for access after that.
Loona
Can’t rest your mind and body at night? You’re not alone, as many of us suffer from an inability to switch off at night. Instead of just playing lullabies (催眠曲) at bedtime, Loona wants to help balance your mood throughout the day, keeping anxiety down and helping you to be in a stable mood at bedtime.
21．What is the major benefit of Wake out?
A．It is attracting. B．Its convenience.
C．Its long periods. D．Its good service.
22．What is special about Seven-7 Minute Workout?
A．It provides free guidance. B．It offers free personal trainers.
C．You can exercise wherever you are. D．You can exercise without equipment.
23．If you’d like to be accessible to 30 Day Fitness for a month, how much will cost you?
A．About $5. B．About $10. C．About $15. D．About $30.

B
One morning Oral Lee Brown stopped by a local store to make her usual shopping. A little girl came up to her, asking for 25 cents. Because all she had was a $5 bill (纸币), Brown invited the little girl to go with her to the store. Inside the store, Brown told the little girl she could pick out anything she wanted.
Instead of choosing candy or a toy, which would have been the first choice for most kids, the little girl immediately ran for a bag of bread. And she shyly thanked Brown and quickly disappeared around the comer.
That night, Brown couldn't sleep, deciding that she had to find the little girl to help her. She went to the school the girl would most likely attend, but she never found her. Instead, she found many other children, in less than ideal (理想的) conditions. Brown decided to “adopt (领养)” a class of 23 East Oakland, California, first-graders. She told them, “Stay in school, and I’ll send you to college.” To achieve this goal, Brown began saving money, putting aside $10000 per year from her $45000 salary.
Starting that day, Brown became a benefactor, mentor (导师) and second mother to those 23 first-graders, beginning with regular visits, Saturday tutorials and parent meetings. She tracked each child's attendance and grades, bought them Christmas gifts and bought supplies. Nineteen of the students in that first class attended college, and three others went into trade schools. Those students all graduated from college in 2003 and 2004.
Brown is now on her sixth class of “adopted” students. In total, more than 125 young people have gained her help. Some of these students—now in college—report that if it hadn't been for Brown, they would never have been given an opportunity for this kind of education.
24. What can be inferred about the little girl?
A. She had no interest in candy or toys. B. She had spent all her pocket money.
C. She dared not pick expensive food. D. She was in a poor living condition.
25. Why did Brown go to the school to find the little girl?
A. Because she wanted to help the little girl.
B. Because she wanted to visit her teachers.
C. Because she wanted to adopt the little girl.
D. Because she wanted to find the truth.
26. The underlined word “benefactor” means a person who ________.
A. a person who teaches children at home
B. a person who organizes a charity activity
C. a person who gives money for a good purpose
D. a person who offers homes to children
27. Without Brown, some of those “adopted” children ________.
A. might not have the chance to go to school
B. might not have received the college education
C. would have been unable to grow up healthily
D. would have been homeless at a young age

C
When “irregardless” was included in Merriam-Webster dictionary, it caused wide disagreements. “Irregardless” has been in widespread and near-constant use since 1795, when a newspaper called The Charleston City Gazelle of Charleston Ga first used it. “We do not make the English language, and we merely record it,” the dictionary’s staff wrote in “Words of the Week”.
The word’s definition, when we read it, would seem to be without regard. However, Merriam-Webster defines “irregardless” as “nonstandard” but meaning the same as “regardless”. According to Merriam-Webster, “Many people find ‘irregardless’ to be a ridiculous word, as the ir-prefix usually indicates negative meaning; however, in this case it appears to make the meaning of ‘regardless’ stronger.”
“It’s not a real word. I don’t care what the dictionary says.” responds author Michelle Ray, who teaches English in Silver Spring, Md. And she says she’s still planning to mark “irregardless” as incorrect on her students’ work.
An American newspaper the Baltimore Sun published the word in editor John McIntyre’s commentary on Saturday: “‘Irregardless is too a word; you just don’t understand dictionaries. People get upset about the dictionary because they think it is some sort of official document. But actually, it’s not. It’s just lexicographers identifying words that people use and trying to find out how they are spelled, how they are pronounced, what meanings they have and where they came from.”
“The dictionary’s recognition doesn’t enroll a word as correct in the English language,” McIntyre says. “It just says this is a word that a lot of people use in English. And here’s what we know about it.” So it’s a word, but its use is still discouraged in formal writing.
28．What’s the function of the first paragraph?
A．To lead in the topic. B．To criticize the use of “irregardless”.
C．To introduce a new word. D．To make a definition of “irregardless”.
29．What can we learn from the passage?
A．The dictionary’s staff rarely record the English language.
B．Michelle Ray thinks the use of “irregardless” formal but incorrect.
C．People are still not encouraged to use “irregardless” in formal writing.
D．“Irregardless” had been in widespread and near-constant use before 1975.
30．What is the attitude of McIntyre to the appearance of “irregardless” in Merriam-Webster dictionary?
A．Conservative. B．Favorable. C．Indifferent. D．Ambiguous.
31．What can be the best title for the passage?
A．“Irregardless” Is Frequently Used in Formal Writing
B．“Irregardless” Shouldn’t Be Included in the Dictionary
C．Experts Can’t Agree on the Meaning of “Irregardless”
D．Regardless of What You Think, “Irregardless” Is a Word
D
People who argue that William Shakespeare isn’t responsible for the plays attributed to his name are known as anti-Stratfordians (from the name of Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon). They think that Shakespeare simply was not educated enough or from a high enough social class to have written plays with such a wide range of subjects like history and international culture. Shakespeare was the son of a glove-maker. He only had a basic grade school education, and he never set foot outside of England — so how could he have written in such detail about historical figures and events, or about different cultures and locations around Europe? But in fact, most anti-Stratfordian arguments can be refuted (反驳) with a little background about Shakespeare’s time and upbringing.
First of all, those who doubt Shakespeare’s authorship often point to his common birth and brief education as blocks to his writerly talents. Although it’s true that Shakespeare did not come from a noble class, his father was a very successful glove-maker and his mother was from a very wealthy land-owning family — so he would have been educated accordingly. Also grade school education in Shakespeare’s time was actually quite strict and exposed students to classic drama through writers like Seneca and Ovid. It’s not unreasonable to believe that Shakespeare received a very solid foundation in poetry and literature from the courses at school.
Next, anti-Stratfordians tend to question how Shakespeare could write so extensively about countries and cultures he had never visited before (for example, Romeo and Juliet was set in Italy). But again, this criticism doesn’t hold up to close scrutiny (推敲). For one thing, Shakespeare was living in London, a business, political and cultural center of Europe. Among the daily crowds of people, Shakespeare would certainly have been able to meet travelers from other countries and hear firsthand accounts of life in their home country. For another, it was also the age of the printing press. Such technology made it possible to print and circulate books much more easily than in the past. This allowed people to read about life and ideas throughout Europe. One needn’t travel the continent to learn and write about its culture.
32．What is the main purpose of this text?
A．To explain two sides of an argument.
B．To criticize a theory by presenting evidence.
C．To give some historical background about a literary figure.
D．To encourage readers to be skeptical about famous writers.
33．How does the author prove Shakespeare was well-educated?
A．By referring to Shakespeare’s educated parents.
B．By insisting upon Shakespeare’s natural talent.
C．By comparing Shakespeare with other writers of his time.
D．By explaining grade school education in Shakespeare’s time.
34．What can be inferred from the text?
A．International travel was extremely rare in Shakespeare’s time.
B．Until recently, classical drama was only taught in universities.
C．In Shakespeare’s time, glove-makers weren’t part of the upper class.
D．Some writers in Shakespeare’s time wanted to harm his reputation.
35．Why does the author mention Romeo and Juliet?
A．It’s Shakespeare’s most famous play.
B．It was inspired by Shakespeare’s trip to Italy.
C．It’s an example of a play set outside of England.
D．It was unpopular when Shakespeare first wrote it.

第二节（共5小题；每小题2分，满分10分）
根据短文内容，从下面A-G选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。 
Human beings are not only ones who communicate. ______36______ Here is a quick look at how some of our animal friends send messages to us and to each other.
______37______ When a dog is happy, its ears will stand up and its eyes will be wide open. The dog will start barking. moving its tail, and running around in circles or jumping up and down to show you that it wants to play. A dog that is afraid will lay on its back and close its eyes. The dog may show its teeth and lower its body so that it is close to the ground. The dog may also shake, and it will put its tail between its legs. When a dog is angry, its main body language is showing its teeth and growling (低声叫). The dog will try making itself look as big as possible. The tail will stand straight out from the body.
Elephants also use noises and body language to express themselves. An elephant’s sense of smell is highly developed. An elephant can smell how another elephant is feeling and even tell if it is sick. The elephant’s nose, or trunk, is also used to make noises and to welcome other elephants. Different noises have a variety of meanings they can mean “I am hungry”, “I am angry”, or “Good to see you!” ______38______ If an elephant spreads its ears, it means “Watch out! “To show friendship, elephants will touch each other with their trunks and stand close to each other, putting their heads together.
Dolphins are social animals. ______39______ An angry dolphin will sometimes hit its tail on the surface of the water. The movement and noise let other dolphins know that something is wrong. If a dolphin wants to send a message over a long distance, or if it wants to show how strong it is, it will jump high out of the water and land on its side, making a loud noise. A dolphin’s favorite activity is leaping into the air while playing with its friends. When dolphins are tired and need to rest, they will swim in small groups close to the surface. ______40______
A．Dogs are human’s loyal friends.
B．If you see them doing this, you should not disturb them.
C．An elephant’s body language includes ear signals and gestures.
D．They live in groups and love showing each other their feelings.
E．Dogs use sounds, body movements, and their tails to communicate.
F．If an elephant senses its partner is falling sick, it will also make a noise.
G．Animals use body language to tell each other how they feel and what they think

第三部分：语言知识运用（共2节，满分45分）
第一节 完形填空（共20小题；每小题1.5分，满分30分）
  When I was eight, I wrote my first poem. My mother read and cried, “Buddy, you didn't really write this beautiful poem!” Shyly, but___41___, I said yes. She poured out her ___42__.“It was nothing short of talent!” “What time will Father be home?” I asked. I could___43___wait to show my work to him. I spent quite some time ___44__for his arrival. I wrote the poem out in my finest flourish(花体字), drew a fancy border around it and ___45___ I placed it right on my father’s plate on the dining table. My father had begun his motion-picture career as a writer. I was sure he would be able to ___46__ my poem.
At almost 7 o’clock my father burst in. He seemed __47___ . He circled the dining-room table, complaining about his employees.__48__ he paused and glared at his plate. “What is this?” He’s reaching for my poem. “Ben, Buddy has written his first poem!” my mother began. “And it’s beautiful, absolutely amaze...” “If you don’t mind, I’d like to decide for myself.” Father said. I ___49___ my head as he read that poem. It was only ten lines. But it seemed to take hours. Then I heard him dropping the poem back on the table. Now came the moment of ___50___ . “I think it’s terrible,” he said. I couldn’t look up. My eyes were getting __51___ .
“Ben, these are the first lines of poetry he’s ever written,” my mother was saying. “He needs encouragement.” “I don’t know why.” My father held his ground. “Isn’t there enough __52___ poetry in the world already?” I couldn’t___53__ it another second. I ran from the dining room crying. Up in my room I ___54___ myself on the bed and cried the worst of the disappointment out of me.
That may have been the end of the story, but not of its ___55___ for me. I realized how _56___ I had been. I had a mother who said, “I think it’s wonderful!” and a father who drove me to hear with “I think it’s awful.” Every one of us needs that mother force, from which all creation flows; and yet the mother force alone is ____57_. It needs the balance of the force that _58____, “Watch. Listen. Review. Improve.”
Those ___59____ voices of my childhood ring in my ears through the years, like two opposing winds blowing me. ___60___ the two poles of confirmation and doubt, both in the name of love, I try to follow my true course.
41．A．proudly B．slowly C．anxiously D．honestly
42．A．praise B．surprise C．criticism D．belief
43．A．seldom B．hardly C．frequently D．instantly
44．A．waiting B．planning C．praying D．preparing
45．A．embarrassedly B．confidently C．Nervously D．casually
46．A．read B．revise C．appreciate D．polish
47．A．allergic B．fragile C．tired D．upset
48．A．Excitedly B．Suddenly C．Surprisingly D．Instantly
49．A．shook B．raised C．turned D．lowered
50．A．truth B．struggle C．discussion D．decision
51．A．wet B．wide C．dark D．blank
52．A．terrible B．elegant C．fluent D．inaccurate
53．A．stop B．see C．stand D．control
54．A．seated B．threw C．stuck D．kept
55．A．difficulty B．development C．significance D．challenge
56．A．enthusiastic B．fortunate C．desperate D．ridiculous
57．A．incomplete B．contradictory C．inappropriate D．constructive
58．A．orders B．persuades C．cautions D．announces
59．A．conflicting B．Warning C．disturbing D．inspiring
60．A．In B．Between C．Among D．For

第II卷 （非选择题50分）
第三部分：语言知识运用
【改编题】第二节 语法填空（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（不多于3个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。
So, you are interested in becoming a good journalist but don’t know where to start? Well, there are a couple of things you should put on your list of priorities. To begin with, you need to be skilled at writing. The information____61____(involve) in a complex story may come from dozens of____62____(source). Good journalists need to organize all his information clearly to give an accurate account of____63____is happening.
In addition, you must have a natural curiosity about things____64____are happening, even though they may appear to be minor matters. When something newsworthy comes____65____, it may escape the attention of ordinary people. However, good journalists are sensitive enough to notice____66____event and draw public attention to it.
Finally, good journalists commit____67____(they) to revealing the truth According to No-am Chomsky, “The duty of journalists is____68____(tell) the truth. Journalism means you go back to the actual fact, you look at the documents, you discover what the record is, and you report it that way. “To do this, journalists need to investigate an event____69____(complete).
To sum up, being good journalists_____70_____ (require) writing skills, curiosity and commitment to finding the truth, Good luck!

第四部分：写作（共2节，满分35分）
【改编题】第一节 短文改错
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处，每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（∧），并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线（\）划掉。
修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：
1.每处错误及其修改均限一词。
2.只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。
The school paper is badly in the need of a part-time English editor this term, who job includes selecting and editing contributions from the students. The applicants were expected to have a good knowledge of English and be skill at writing in English. Beside, they are willing to devote their spare time to work for the school paper. Those who are interested in working an editor should send their applications to the school office since January 20. We are looking forward to your participation.This is an absolute good chance to put my talent into good use. Take action now!
【原创题】第二节 书面表达
陕西日报正在面向延安青少年学生招收双语学生记者(journalist)，参与第十九届运动会。假如你是李华，请你写信应聘，内容包括：
1.应聘目的 2.自身优势 3.期待入选
注意:1. 词数100左右；
2. 可以适当增加细节，已使行文连贯。
Dear Sir/Madam,
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
















2021—2022学年第二学期高二年级期中考试英语试卷
参考答案：
1～5 ACCBA 6～10 BACBA 11～15 CBABC 16～20 AABBC
21-23BDC 24-27 DACB 28-31ACBD 32-35BDCC 36-40GECDB
41-45AABDB 46-50CDBDD 51-55AACBC 56-60 BACAB
61. involved, 62.sources, 63.what, 64. that/which 65.about 66. the 67.themselves, 68.to tell/telling
69. completely 70.requires
70. 短文改错
1. 删除the   2. who→whose   3.were→are   4. skill→skilled/skillful/skilful   5. Beside→Besides   6. work→working   7. 在working后加as   8. since→by/before   9. absolute→absolutely   10. my→your
范文一
Dear Sir/Madam,
【背景】As a sports lover, I’m excited to learn student journalists are wanted for the 19th sports meeting. 【目的】I consider it a golden opportunity to improve myself and do my part for the grand event, 【求职】so I’m writing to recommend myself.
【自身优势】I think what distinguishes me from others is my experience. Having worked for the school newspaper before, I know what it takes to be a good journalists. The skills I’ve acquired and my proficiency in both Chinese and English can definitely help me do the job well.
【期望】I sincerely hope you can give me a chance. Yours,
Li Hua
范文二
Dear sir/Madam,
【背景】Hearing bilingual student journalists are wanted for the 19th sports meeting, 【申请】I am writing to recommend myself.
【自身优势一】As for my strengths, I have a good mastery/ an excellent command of both Chinese and English. Besides, I am good at communication, which makes me capable of interacting with a variety of people of all backgrounds. 【优势二】In addition, having worked for the school newspaper before, I know what it takes to be a school journalist.
【期望】Thank you for your time and I hope my application will receive a favorable reply from you. Yours,
Li Hua


录音原文：
Text 1决定独立生活
W: Dennis, do you still live with your parents?
M: No. I moved out last month. I’ve already decided to live on my own.
W: How can you afford the rent?
M: I’ve been employed by a new company.
Text 2表演差强人意
W: Bradley, some audience said your acting in the movie is barely satisfactory. So what do you think of your performance?
M: I’m not quite satisfied with it either. But it’s just my first movie. I’m sure I’ll do better next time.
Text 3晚上将会停电
M: I heard there will be a power cut tonight.
W: Don’t worry. I’ve already bought some candles.
M: So when will it begin?
W: It’ll begin at 7:00 pm and will last for three hours.
Text 4野营不顺利
W: Did you have a good time during your camping?
M: Just so-so. Phoebe had been called away by her boss before we set out. Jenny felt sick all the way. I had to send her to Martin’s to give her a physical checkup.
W: Oh! Maybe she got carsick.
Text 5考虑订外卖
M: I was thinking about ordering some takeout. Do you want to order a personal dish or share something bigger?
W: I’ll just get a piece of beef and some vegetables. I had a late lunch, so I don’t have much of an appetite right now.
Text 6商讨如何庆祝儿童节
W: It’s Children’s Day. Will we stay at home all day? Why don’t we go to the amusement park?
M: Oh, there’s always too much noise.
W: What about the circus?
M: Circus? Is it still in town?
W: Yes, ⑥and you promised our son you’d take him there before it leaves.
M: The circus will be so crowded today. ⑦What about going to the cinema? Peter likes watching movies.
W: That sounds good.
Text 7准备去饭店就餐
W: ⑧The water supply of our building has been cut off. I haven’t stored any water for cooking today.
M: Then are you up for a restaurant meal tonight?
W: I guess we have no choice but to eat out. We could go to the Mexican restaurant around the corner of our street.
M: I’d like to try something different this time.
W: ⑨Then we can go to the Italian restaurant or the French restaurant.
M: ⑨I prefer the latter.
W: It’s fine with me. The restaurant is a bit far. Will we drive or take a taxi there?
M: Well, we’ve been a couch potato recently. ⑩I would rather ride shared bikes all the way there.
W: ⑩OK. It’s up to you.
Text 8渴望过简单的生活
W: Tom, what were you watching just now?
M: I was watching a TV series Heartland. It’s about a family who lives on a ranch with horses and cattle.
W: Why did you watch such a series? It must be very boring.
M: ⑪Well, it may sound boring to you, but I really love watching it. Though its story is neither exciting nor touching, it tells about the life that I truly want to live.
W: ⑫You mean you want to live a simple and peaceful life?
M: ⑫Yes. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about living in the countryside like my grandparents. I can keep many animals and plants and then get safe, healthy food there. I can even slow my pace in the busy world, looking at the scenery around me and enjoying myself.
W: So do you want to move to the countryside?
M: ⑬Yes. If you get tired of the city life someday, why not experience it for yourself?
W: ⑬Well, I grew up here. Life here is so much more exciting.
Text 9泰国的玛雅湾
W: Dave, what about going to Maya Bay in Thailand for a holiday this year? The magazine says it’s a very famous beach in the country.
M: ⑭I know that beach. It made headlines in 1999 when some people arrived there to film the famous Hollywood movie The Beach. Since then, tourists have flooded in this beach with as many as 4,000 visitors arriving on boats every day.
W: That’s really hard to believe.
M: Yes. ⑮Sadly, tourism ruined the natural life there. That is why the Thai government closed the beach to tourists for about four years.
W: I didn’t know it was closed for about four years. So when did it reopen?
M: It reopened in January, 2022. ⑯Now there’s a limit of 300 visitors per day.
W: Well, I think it’s a good decision.
M: I agree. Scientists there believe that the beach is a natural resource they have to preserve. Actually there’re many other great beaches in Thailand. We don’t have to visit that one.
W: You’re right. But I don’t know any other beaches.
M: It’s easy. ⑰Let’s search for some information on websites and then make a decision.
W: ⑰Good idea.
Text 10小女孩通过出书为慈善机构筹集资金
W: ⑱Ava Milukas is a lovely 8-year-old girl who started to paint when she was 4 years old. She created her first of several books just one year after she started to paint. ⑲Her most recent book is titled Ava’s Guide to Having a Perfect Life. It contains several chapters, including “Your Home”, “Friends”, “Pets”, and “Places” with the pictures she drew on every page, along with her handwritten text. In the “Friends” chapter, she offers this wise advice, “You should always have friends that are caring, helpful and kind.” This soft-cover book is professionally self-published. ⑳100% of the profits are donated to Ava’s choice of two non-profit organizations: A Wish Come True and the Providence Animal Rescue League. She serves as a positive role model for children and a reminder for us adults to recall our early childhood dreams. It’s never too late to try to make our dreams come true and make a difference in the world.