2023南通等五高三下学期2月开学摸底考试英语含答案（含听力）

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2022～2023学年高三年级模拟试卷
英　　语
2023.2
本试卷分四个部分。满分150分，考试用时120分钟。
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 is the weather like now?
A. Sunny. B. Snowy C. Rainy
(　　)2. How does the man feel?
A. Sad. B. Tired. C. Happy.
(　　)3. What does the woman request the man to do?
A. Drink his coffee outside. 　　　　B. Return the valuable book soon.
C. Buy cheaper drinks.
(　　)4. What does the woman say about the delivery?
A. It was expensive. B. It was speedy. C. It was slow.
(　　)5. What does the woman want?
A. A place to park. 　　　　B. Directions to the theater.
C. Information about the concert.
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。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 did the man do yesterday?
A. He attended a business meeting. 　　　　　　B. He went on a trip.
C. He took an exam.
(　　)7. When does the man usually go to bed?
A. At 11：00 p．m. B. At 10：00 p．m. C. At 9：00 p．m.
听第7段材料， 回答第8至10题。
(　　)8. How many apartments did Clive look at yesterday?
A. Two. B. Three. C. Five.
(　　)9. What is Clive complaining about?
A. The prices of the apartments. 　　　　　　B. The cost of transport.
C. The amount of work.
(　　)10. Why does Clive want to move?
A. He lives too near to the railway. 　　　　　　B. He doesn't like his present home.
C. He lives too far from his workplace.
听第8段材料， 回答第 11至13题。
(　　)11. Where are the speakers?
A. At an office. B. At a restaurant. C. At a clothing store.
(　　)12. What is different about Peter?
A. His personality. B. His clothing. C. His job.
(　　)13. What does Peter intend to do?
A. Attend a wedding. B. Apply for a position. C. Talk to his boss.
听第9段材料， 回答第14至16题。
(　　)14. What is the relationship between the speakers?
A. Co­workers. B. Writer and fan. C. Teacher and student.
(　　)15. What is the man mainly having difficulty with?
A. The characters. B. The language. C. The locations.
(　　)16. What will the woman do next?
A. Fetch a dictionary. B. Take over the task. C. Make a pie.
听第10段材料， 回答第 17至20题。
(　　)17. What is the main topic of the talk?
A. Health. B. Reading. C. Friendship.
(　　)18. What time of day could this talk have been given?
A. At 10：00 a．m. B. At 1：00 p．m. C. At 8：00 p．m.
(　　)19. Who might the speaker be?
A. A teacher. B. A doctor. C. A writer.
(　　)20. What is the speaker's friend interested in?
A. Books. B. Boats. C. Languages.
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
Starting to write short stories: An online workshop with Stuart Evers
It is a common misconception that writing a short story is easier than crafting(构思) a longer form piece of fiction. Though they have fewer words, as a writer you have less time and space on the page to both capture the imagination of your readers and craft a journey for your characters that has a beginning, middle and end.
In this highly practical workshop with award­winning writer Stuart Evers, you will know about the fundamentals of the short story writing—from building tension to creating a current of events that invites interest—for constructing a story that has the emotional heft of a novel, as well as breathing life into characters that are authentic and full.
Regardless of your skillset or experience, under Stuart's expert guidance, you will take the first crucial steps in short storytelling so that you will have a newfound confidence in your ability to continue crafting short stories, far beyond the course.
Course content
What makes a short story?
How to generate ideas for short stories
How to turn something from a situation into a story
Writing techniques that can be put into practice instantly
Post­class learning material that includes short story reading list
Course Details
Tuesday, 28 February 2023, 6 p．m.9 p．m. GMT
￡80 plus ￡4.25 booking fee
A catch­up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.
This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, you will be sent a link to the workshop 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time.
(　　)21. What does the workshop with Stuart Evers focus on?
A. Adding more words in a limited time and space.
B. Developing essential short story writing skills.
C. Planning a complete journey with the readers.
D. Distinguishing between a short story and a novel.
(　　)22. What is said about Stuart's masterclass?
A. It is demanding but rewarding.
B. It will be replayed in two months.
C. It will be free to foreigners online.
D. It is practical and confidence­building.
(　　)23. Where is the text probably taken from?
A. A short story. B. A livestream website.
C. An academic article. D. An examination paper.
B
It is an unpleasant extinction that will change the world and how people communicate: within 20 years, two thirds of all the planet's languages will be dead.
Experts agree that nothing can stop it happening but one academic is trying her hardest to slow it down. Professor Antonella Sorace is one of a growing number who believe learning a second language has enormous untapped benefits for the human brain. This is true not only for young children but also for adults and people at risk from dementia(痴呆), where research consistently shows that learning a new language could delay the start of the disease for four to five years—a better result than with any medication to date.
It is those benefits of bilingualism(双语) that should encourage us to preserve and protect Europe's minority languages—Gaelic, Manx, Cornish and Ulster Scots, she says.
Already her work and the project she founded three years ago in Edinburgh Bilingualism Matters—now expanding across Europe and in the US—have convinced the Scottish government to introduce languages to primary schools. From 2023 all Scottish children will be learning a language other than English in their first year at school, with two other languages to be introduced later.
Bilingualism Matters is also working to encourage businesses to consider the benefits of their staff learning languages. “In business, people say ‘English is the language of business, why would I need to learn another language？’” said Sorace. “Maybe it would mean you could do better business.”
Just as disappearing forests take with them secrets of undiscovered medicines, disappearing languages can take the key to a longer and better quality of life. The first battle is to unpick the popular assumption that bilingualism might damage children's brains. There were even suggestions it could encourage schizophrenia(精神分裂症).
Study after study has shown the opposite to be true, says Sorace. “These prejudices are deeply rooted, but we are perhaps halfway to persuading people that the brain can cope. Then we have to persuade people that it is actually of benefit.”
(　　)24. What will happen to the majority of the world's languages?
A. They will become extinct in decades.
B. They will be learnt by more academics.
C. They will prevent the risk of dementia.
D. They will help people better communicate.
(　　)25. What's Bilingualism Matters intended to do?
A. Find a replacement for English.
B. Teach businesses marketing skills.
C. Promote minority language learning.
D. Influence governments' policy making.
(　　)26. What's the top priority in preserving minority languages?
A. Getting rid of people's fear for mental illnesses.
B. Finding the key to promoting people's welfare.
C. Unlocking the secrets of undiscovered medicines.
D. Correcting the misconception about Bilingualism.
(　　)27. Which can be the best title for the text?
A. The benefits of Bilingualism
B. The founding of Bilingualism Matters
C. A new challenge facing language teaching
D. A professor fighting to save minority languages
C
There is such a thing as a free lunch, it turns out, as long as you don't mind too much what it is. Tamara Wilson found hers a few streets away from her west London home—and as well as picking up some unwanted bread and fruit that would otherwise be thrown away, she made a new friend.
Wilson is one of 3.4 million people around the world using an app designed to encourage people to give away rather than throw away surplus(剩余的) food. “It's such a small thing, but it makes me feel good and my neighbour feel good. And a lot of small acts can end up making a big difference，” she said.
The last few years have seen an explosion in creative ways to tackle food waste by linking supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and individual households to local communities. Olio, the app used by Wilson, saw a fivefold increase in listings during 2022, and the signs are that this rapid growth is continuing into 2023, said Tessa Clarke, its CEO and co­founder.
About a third of all food produced globally is wasted, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Almost 1.4 billion hectares of land—close to 30% of the world's agricultural land—is dedicated to producing food that is never eaten, and the carbon footprint of food wastage makes it the third contributor of CO2. Reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways of tackling the global climate crisis.
Olio, Clarke said, was an attempt to change this on a small, local scale. “The app connects people with others who have surplus food but don't have anyone to give it to because so many people are disconnected from their communities.” Users of Olio post images of surplus food that others in the neighbourhood might want. Olio also has a network of 24，000 volunteers who collect surplus food from local supermarkets and stores for app users to claim.
Despite the success of the app, it was hard to make a difference to the huge scale of food waste, Clarke added. “Even though we're doing well, we've only scratched the surface(触及表面). But if everyone makes small changes in the world, we'd dramatically reduce the amount of food that ends up in bins(垃圾桶).”
(　　)28. What does the author want to show by telling Wilson's story?
A. People tend to use apps to order food.
B. People prefer to make friends on apps.
C. People find a high­tech fix to food waste.
D. People show more concern for each other.
(　　)29. What's the consequence of food waste according to the text?
A. Global warming. B. Loss of land.
C. World hunger. D. Poverty and inequality.
(　　)30. What does Olio do to help tackle food waste?
A. It sells surplus food to those in need.
B. It allows volunteers to stay connected.
C. It provides a platform for people to promote food.
D. It fills the information gap between green communities.
(　　)31. What does Clarke think of the work on reducing food waste globally?
A. It is a great success. B. It requires joint efforts.
C. It is beyond human power. D. It has won public support.
D
While the benefits of Zoom and other videoconferencing tools made them absolutely essential in the pandemic(疫情), the research suggests that heavy reliance on the technology comes at a cost to creative thinking.
Brucks at Columbia University and her team started their investigation when managers reported having trouble innovating with remote workers. Brucks doubted whether videoconferencing was a factor, suspecting that difficulties coordinating(协调) large, global teams online might be to blame instead.
To find out, the researchers analysed ideas for new products generated by 1，490 engineers for a multinational company. The engineers, who were in Finland, Hungary, India, Israel and Portugal, were randomly paired up and given an hour or so to brainstorm products either in person or over videoconferencing. They then selected their best idea.
Writing in Nature, the researchers report that the engineers produced more ideas, and more innovative ideas, when working face to face. “They are not only generating a larger number of creative ideas, but their best idea is better，” Brucks said. Virtual teams were just as good at selecting the best ideas from a bunch as those that met in person.
“Visual focus is a huge component of cognitive(认知) focus. When you're focused on the screen and ignoring the rest of the environment, that affects how you approach the task，” said Brucks. “It's uniquely bad for creativity because it's inhibiting broader exploration.”
Brucks said the impact on the real world “could be huge”， leading to a division of labour between face­to­face and virtual meetings that could “permanently reshape the office and work schedules”. But she urged businesses to be cautious, because if virtual meetings are cheaper than in­person ones, they may still be more cost­effective.
Asked for tips, Brucks said people could save more creative tasks for in­person meetings, or turn off their camera when coming up with ideas. “I think it unlocks more creative thinking，” she said.
(　　)32. Why did Brucks conduct the research?
A. To prove her assumption. B. To clarify a new concept.
C. To make a comparison. D. To explain a rule.
(　　)33. What is the finding of the research?
A. Face­to­face gatherings promote cross­culture ties.
B. Workers think less creatively in virtual meetings.
C. Individual work generates more innovative ideas.
D. Videoconferencing has an irreplaceable role.
(　　)34. What does the underlined word “inhibiting” in paragraph 5 mean?
A. Encouraging. B. Requiring. C. Beginning. D. Preventing.
(　　)35. What does Brucks say about virtual meetings?
A. They should be used accordingly.
B. They'll make office workers divided.
C. They'll give way to in­person meetings.
D. They help businesses run more efficiently.
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。
People have tried everything to get more sleep. But unlike almost every other area of life, effort is not rewarded. __36__ The more you try, the less you are likely to succeed. Here are some ways to improve your sleep that might just work.
__37__ There is nothing you can do between now and bedtime to guarantee that you will sleep tonight. There is, however, plenty you can start doing to improve your chances of sleeping well next month. So instead of worrying about the night ahead, make sleeping well a long­term goal and expect to see progress in a few weeks rather than tomorrow.
Have a late night. Adults need to be awake for at least 16 hours to generate enough sleep­drive to sleep for eight hours at night. Having an early night can mean you won't be sleepy enough to fall asleep quickly and easily. Don't pay too much attention to the exact times or the hours of sleep you are getting—the details don't matter. And don't take naps(小睡) in the day. __38__
Smile more. Smiling can reduce tension and promote relaxation. As you turn the light out at night, try to think of something funny and smile to yourself in the dark. __39__ Even a fake smile is enough to send a message to the brain to change your mood and retrain the brain to be comfortable with being awake, thus reducing tension and allowing sleep to follow.
Stop reading articles about sleep. None of the researching, monitoring or analyzing actually leads to better sleep. In fact, constantly looking for a solution is undoubtedly making things worse. __40__ Make this the last article you read on the subject, then go and find something more interesting to think about.
A. Try to stay awake at night.
B. In fact, it is actively punished.
C. Give up trying to sleep tonight.
D. So give sleep less of your attention.
E. They take the edge off your appetite for sleep.
F. It doesn't have to be a genuine, heartfelt smile.
G. You have to do things differently to get a different outcome.
第三部分　语言运用(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、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
At 20, I was scared and lonely. My laptop was filled with the beginning of novels, half­finished song lyrics(歌词)—things I'd started with teenage __41__ only to be disappointed by my lack of creativity. I was __42__ trying to find a new way to approach life, with no one to __43__ me in the right direction.
One Saturday, I went to a training day for my school's new journalism team. The teacher suggested I start a blog as a good way to get into __44__. Bored and in need of a __45__， I immediately set up a Blogger account.
As I typed post after post in the months that followed, I assumed I would run out of __46__. But somehow writing about the news and, later, about __47__， came easily. Here was something interesting that required only a laptop and an __48__. I loved the research that went into each post, loved being able to __49__ what interested me and loved finding just the right phrase to describe how I __50__. I found something I was good at and more importantly, something I __51__．
I kept posting and slowly I got better. I __52__， edited and even learned how to employ a metaphor. It wasn't long until my mind was made up: I was going to be a(n) __53__．
Seven years later, I am. Having just completed a fantastic placement(实习) in a local newspaper, I have never been so __54__ to my younger self for actually listening to the one piece of advice that turned out to __55__ most.
(　　)41. A. confusion B. maturity C. enthusiasm D. innocence
(　　)42. A. praised B. stuck C. tricked D. punished
(　　)43. A. defend B. force C. point D. join
(　　)44. A. socializing B. advertising C. debating D. writing
(　　)45. A. project B. course C. tour D. budget
(　　)46. A. steam B. time C. money D. luck
(　　)47. A. events B. myself C. celebrities D. society
(　　)48. A. idea B. option C. excuse D. answer
(　　)49. A. transform B. reject C. predict D. explore
(　　)50. A. acted B. felt C. developed D. succeeded
(　　)51. A. resisted B. remembered C. explained D. enjoyed
(　　)52. A. redrafted B. copied C. deleted D. published
(　　)53. A. composer B. instructor C. journalist D. adventurer
(　　)54. A. friendly B. helpful C. mean D. grateful
(　　)55. A. matter B. differ C. cost D. happen
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。
Home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers, the Sanjiangyuan area on the Qinghai­Tibet Plateau(青藏高原) is known as “China's water tower”. It is a __56__(whole) unique plateau wetland ecosystem and serves as __57__ important ecological defense for the country.
Decades ago, serious environmental degradation(恶化) in Sanjiangyuan, __58__ was caused by climate change and human activities, resulted in a large number of lakes drying out and wildlife numbers falling sharply. In 2016, the pilot program for the Sanjiangyuan National Park management system __59__(launch). Through painstaking practice, development and innovation, efforts have been made __60__(turn) the park into a symbol of the progress of China's ecological civilization.
Over the past years, the ecological environment of the Qinghai­Tibet Plateau __61__(experience) comprehensive changes. Water conservation in the area has risen __62__ 11 percent every year, compared with 10 years ago.
Local residents enjoy the gifts given by nature, and the __63__(establish) of the national park has enabled them to transform from exploiting(开发) nature to becoming its protectors and benefiting from it. Some work as tour guides, __64__(assist) visitors from home and abroad.
Today, as people walk on the vast land of Sanjiangyuan, looking at the expansive mountains, glaciers, lakes and pastures, __65__ catching sight of wild animals and birds, they cannot help but be impressed by the vastness and beauty of nature.
第四部分　写作(共两节，满分40分)
第一节(满分15分)
假定你是李华，春节期间你和朋友Mike一起出游，你刚收到他发给你的照片。请你给他回一封邮件，内容包括：
1. 收到照片表示感谢；
2. 回顾一起度过的时光；
3. 邀请他周末来家做客。
注意：
1. 写作词数应为80左右；
2. 请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
Dear Mike，
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Yours，
Li Hua
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， 使之构成一篇完整的短文。
On Saturday, we gathered at the hall to witness the award ceremony for the senior scouts(童子军). Receiving an award on such a day was a great honor for any scout, and all desired to be the scout selected to give the summary of the year's activities for the association.
I was not the one selected to give the summary and for that, I was grateful. I could hardly stand in front of a large crowd to make a speech, but Sean could. He was selected to do the honor because he was the President of the Boy Scouts for schools. My job was much simpler. Being the Vice­President, I was very much behind the scenes, content to ensure that everything was in smooth running order.
It was an hour to go before the ceremony began, and I had put the finishing touches to the stage. Walking down the stage, I saw my teammates in a state of panic. When they saw me, they ran to me to tell me that Sean met with a traffic accident and would not make it to the award ceremony. Someone else had to give the summary. All of them looked hopefully at me, and I could feel my knees beginning to collapse.
All their arguments against my unwillingness were valid. I had a copy of the speech as well as the benefit of having seen Sean rehearse(排练) it. I was the Vice­President and therefore should take his place. Finally, I was firmly told not to decline any longer and they said that they were convinced that I would do the right thing. I sank down onto the floor, totally shocked by the situation.
I knew I was not a confident speaker, and the thought of presenting a summary in front of so many distinguished guests horrified me. To think that the fame of the scouts would take a beating because of me! The burden of responsibility troubled me greatly.
注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
But there was really no way out of the situation. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
As I stood on the stage, my heart beat violently. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2022～2023学年高三年级模拟试卷(南通等五市)
英语参考答案及听力材料

第一部分
1～5　BCABB　6～10　CACAC　11～15　ABBAB　16～20　ACCBA
第二部分
第一节
21～23　BDB　24～27　ACDD　28～31　CADB　32～35　ABDA
第二节
36～40　BCEFD
第三部分
第一节
41～45　CBCDA　46～50　ABADB　51～55　DACDA
第二节
56. wholly　57. an　58. which　59. was launched　60. to turn　61. has experienced　62. by
63. establishment　64. assisting　65. and
第四部分
第一节
Dear__Mike，
How are you? Thank you for sending me the photos that bring back those wonderful memories.
The time we spent together during the Spring Festival was just incredible. We woke up early to see the sunrise over the sea. On the way back, we tasted the fine local food, which was impressive indeed. And what was truly unforgettable was the hospitality I had as a guest at your home. I really had a great time.
I'd like to invite you over this weekend. It will be a chance for you to meet my family.
Looking forward to your coming.
Yours，
Li__Hua
第二节
But__there__was__really__no__way__out__of__the__situation. In the end, I quickly rehearsed the speech and got ready to go on stage for the presentation. I looked calm and collected but inside, I was a trembling mass of jelly. Although they kept encouraging me, I still felt very worried that my poor performance would cost us the opportunity to win an award. Not long after, I was called to do the presentation. Having butterflies in my stomach, I walked onto the stage.
As__I__stood__on__the__stage,__my__heart__beat__violently. My face turned pale, and my mind went blank. I could not remember what I was supposed to say. I was at a loss what to do when I saw my teammates smiling at me with trustful looks. It was then that I realized that I should try my best for our team. Instantly, I reorganized my thoughts, and proceeded to speak into the microphone. When I was finished, all my teammates stood up and applauded loudly.
听力材料
Text 1
W: Look at the weather outside. This always happens when we plan a trip.
M: Let's go anyway. The mountains are lovely in the snow. In fact, it's better than seeing them in the sun.
W: But the mountain rivers could flood if it turns to rain.
Text 2
M: Yes, we scored. That means our team is through to the final.
W: It's sad for the other team, though. They played so hard. I bet they're really tired.
M: Never mind about that. Football is all about winning.
Text 3
W: I'm sorry, but you're not allowed to bring drinks into the library.
M: But I just bought this coffee. It was quite expensive.
W: Well, I suggest you drink it outside and then come back. We can't risk having our valuable books damaged by drinks.
Text 4
M: Parcel for Miss Simmons. Could you sign here, please? Also, I'll take a quick photo with my phone.
W: Wow. I only ordered this yesterday. I thought I had to pay extra for one­day delivery.
M: I don't know about that, Miss. All I do is deliver the parcels.
Text 5
W: Is this the right way to the theater? I parked my car down the road. Am I walking in the wrong direction?
M: No, just take the next right and you'll see it. Are you going to see The Rolling Stones?
W: Yes, I'm really looking forward to the concert.
Text 6
M: Ah, you're back. How was your business trip?
W: It was great. I think we'll get some new orders.
M: Excellent.
W: How did things go for you yesterday?
M: The exam? Oh, it was fine, although I was very tired.
W: You should get to bed earlier every night. 11：00 p．m. is too late. 10：00 p．m. or even 9：00 p．m. would be better.
M: I know. I should do it, especially on exam days, but I always seem to end up going to bed at 11：00 p．m.
W: Maybe you should set an alarm clock for the time you have to go to bed.
M: That's not a bad idea.
Text 7
W: Any luck yesterday, Clive?
M: No. We looked at two apartments in the morning and three in the afternoon.
W: Didn't you like any of them?
M: We liked most of the apartments, but the prices were just out of our reach.
W: It's a problem in this city, isn't it? How can people afford a place to live?
M: In the past several years, prices have just gone crazy.
W: My sister has exactly the same problem. She wants to live nearer to work but can't find a place she can afford.
M: I really love my job, but I have to catch a train and two buses every morning to get there. I really need to live nearer.
W: I'm lucky that I live near a railway that brings me straight here.
M: I love the place I live in now. I just wish it could be nearer to work.
Text 8
M: Good morning. Another busy day ahead.
W: Wow, look at you!
M: What do you mean?
W: You know what I mean, Peter. I have never seen you wearing such a smart suit.
M: Well, now you have.
W: Do you have an interview lined up, or are you going to a wedding?
M: Very funny. Actually, Angela, I thought it was time to smarten up my appearance at the office.
W: Why the sudden change?
M: Well, I had a talk with Colin last week.
W: Colin—the big boss, you mean?
M: Yes, we met by chance at a restaurant last weekend.
W: So, you had a chat with him?
M: Yes, and he surprised me by saying he thought I would make a good manager.
W: Promotion? That's great.
M: It is, but he did suggest I should smarten up my appearance to make a better impression when I apply.
W: Ah, I see. So, the new look.
M: Yes, I've taken his advice.
Text 9
W: How is it going?
M: Not very well, I'm afraid. Some of these old words are hard to translate into Chinese.
W: Which book are you working on? Is it the Jane Austen one?
M: Yes, Pride and Prejudice.
W: Take your time. We don't plan to publish it until next year. It only needs to be in the shops by March.
M: I'll get there in the end. It's just hard work.
W: Can I help in anyway?
M: Not really, but thanks for offering.
W: I suppose people lived much different lives when that was written.
M: They did, but the characters are surprisingly modern. I can understand them well. Plus, the locations still exist today.
W: So, the language is the main problem?
M: Yes. For instance, how do I explain mince pies and Stilton cheese in Chinese?
W: Oh, I don't think they should be a problem. Chinese people experience a lot of international food these days, especially in the cities.
M: I suppose so, but accurate translations are hard to find online.
W: You know, I have a wonderful old dictionary which might solve a few of your problems.
M: Really?
W: Yes, I use it all the time. It's in my office. I'll go and get it for you.
M: Thanks, that's very good of you.
W: No problem. It's my pleasure.
Text 10
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to talk to you tonight about friendship. Good friends are good for you. Good friends bring happiness into your life by relieving stress, giving comfort, and removing loneliness. Healthy friendships are also linked to a healthy heart, lower blood pressure, less depression, and a longer life. So, as a medical professional, I always encourage people to make friends, because I know it will do them good in more ways than one. A friend of mine was lonely after his wife died. He loves books, so I suggested he join a book club at the local library. As well as sharing what they are reading, the club members go out to dinner after each meeting. My friend followed my advice and got to know several of his fellow readers and now they are good friends. The club eased his grief and brought some new happiness into his life. He looks better and you can bet he is healthier. So, if you find yourself alone and think you have no friends, go out and find some. More people than you think are in just the same boat. Join a group or club where people with interests like yours meet regularly: perhaps sign up for a class, learn a language, etc.