The extraordinary Eastgate Building in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city, is said to be the only one in the world to use the same cooling and heating principles like the termite mound(白蚁堆).

Architect Mick Pearce used precisely the same strategy when designing the Eastgate Building, which has no air-conditioning and almost no heating. The building—the country’s largest commercial and shopping mall—uses less than 10% of the energy of a traditional building of its size. The Eastgate’s owners saved $3.5 million on a $36 million building because an air-conditioning plant didn’t have to be imported.

The mall is actually two buildings linked by bridges across a shady, glass-roofed atrium(天井) open to the air. Fans suck fresh air in from the atrium, blow it upstairs through hollow spaces under the floors and from there into each office through baseboard vents(通风口). As it rises and warms, it is drawn out via ceiling vents and finally exists through forty-eight brick chimneys.

During summer’s cool nights, big fans blow air through the building seven times an hour to cool the empty floors. By day, smaller fans blow two changes of air an hour through the building to circulate（流通） the air which has been in contact with the cool floors. For winter days, there are small heaters in the vents.

This is all possible only because Harare is 1600 feet above sea level, has cloudless skies, little dampness and rapid temperature swings （摆幅）—days as warm as 31℃ commonly drop to 14℃ at night. “You couldn’t do this in New York, with its fantastically hot summers and fantastically cold winters,” Pearce said.

The engineering firm of Ove Arup&Partners monitors daily temperatures. It is found that the temperature of the building has generally stayed between 23℃ and 25℃, with the exception of the annual hot period just before the summer rains in October and three days in November, when a doorkeeper accidentally switched off the fans at night. And the air is fresh—far more so than in air-conditioned buildings, where up to 30% of the air is recycled.

1.Why was Eastgate cheaper to be built than a traditional building?

A. It was designed in a smaller size.

B. No air conditioners were fixed in.

C. Its heating system was less advanced.

D. It used rather different building materials.

2.What does “it” refer to in Paragraph 3?

A. Fresh air from outside.

B. Heat in the building.

C. Hollow space.

D. Baseboard vent.

3.Why would a building like Eastgate Not work efficiently in New York?

A. New York has less clear skies as Harare.

B. Its dampness affects the circulation of air.

C. New York covers a larger area than Harare.

D. Its temperature changes seasonally rather than daily.

4.The data in the last paragraph suggests Eastgate’s temperature control system_____.

A. allows a wide range of temperatures

B. functions well for most of the year

C. can recycle up to 30% of the air

D. works better in hot seasons

How Can I Fight Laziness?

Lazy people will never gain anything in life. However, laziness can be defeated once a few changes have been made in your mind.

1.Many people lack sleep constantly, since they stay up too late and get up too early to prepare for work. These people have little motivation once they arrive home. Laziness works hand in hand with a lack of motivation and a tendency to put off things. By adjusting your sleep schedule to provide a few more hours of meaningful rest, you can fight laziness throughout the day.

Another way to fight laziness is to change your mind from passive to active. Some people treat their lives as if they were pushed from task to task. Others take a more positive approach, viewing each task as a challenge they must overcome alone.2.

Some people fight laziness by removing the temptations(诱惑) that surround them. A television in the living room may provide entertainment, but watching too much TV often contributes to laziness. 3. Complete a few tasks and reward yourself with what you enjoy, such as a good dinner or a film.

Laziness can also be a lasting problem at home. Couples and children may all have different energy levels, but laziness can be spread if not dealt with immediately.4.Be the first to collect and wash dishes after a meal. Others in the home may eventually follow your example and perform their own task. It is difficult to practice laziness when you are surrounded by motivated people.

5.Enough exercise and a balanced diet can help you to develop a healthy lifestyle, thus enabling you to have more energy and help lift your spirits.

A. To fight family laziness, set an example.

B. Knowing how to fight laziness is important.

C. One way to fight laziness is to get enough sleep.

D. Finally, taking exercise regularly can help you fight laziness.

E. With strong determination, you will be able to achieve your goal.

F. Laziness appears when you no longer feel in charge of your own mind.

G. Create a reward system for yourself, just as parents do for a child.

Check Engine Light

As I turned from the parking lot, heading for home, I noticed a yellow light on my dashboard(仪表板)had come on. The symbol indicated that I was to the engine. I noted the water temperature and the oil light quickly to see there were problems that would an overheated engine. Noticing these two gauges (仪表) were okay, I I could ignore the little yellow light that caused such great for at least the moment.

After I reread my owner manual(用户手册), I the check engine light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and that is required. Malfunctions（故障）will often be indicated by the before any problem appears, which may more serious damage to the vehicle. This system is to assist you and your technician in diagnosing any malfunction.

Reading the manual made me think of how we need in our lives to be our “check engine light”. We need to know when a(n) occurs and when service is required in our lives. We need to correct our problems before serious damage surfaces. We need a light to in our minds to help us avoid conflict, pain or disaster. We need a(n) to come on to tell us not to give in to temptation. We need to be that we shouldn’t ignore good and work to make life better for all of us.

God makes a magnificent “check engine light”. He gives you an awareness to keep your pathway . He shows you the beauty of the earth to you to him. He brings people who care about you to help your living. He has provided his word to point the . No one can deny there are many helpful people like “God” around you to lead your pathway from the problems that could damage your living.

1.A. replace B. heat C. repair D. check

2.A. if B. when C. why D. unless

3.A. cool B. cause C. protect D. hide

4.A. wondered B. reasoned C. imagined D. appreciated

5.A. strength B. difference C. anxiety D. risk

6.A. found B. believed C. felt D. thought

7.A. patience B. balance C. performance D. service

8.A. sight B. situation C. system D. event

9.A. protect B. accumulate C. prevent D. increase

10.A. charged B. arranged C. achieved D. designed

11.A. truly B. simply C. correctly D. slowly

12.A. anyone B. someone C. everyone D. no one

13.A. problem B. incident C. argument D. accident

14.A. run away B. work out C. come on D. turn up

15.A. cube B. alarm C. flash D. light

16.A. reminded B. applied C. recognized D. guaranteed

17.A. similar B. straight C. tough D. changeable

18.A. adapt B. rush C. apply D. lead

19.A. guide B. finish C. make D. affect

20.A. use B. way C. time D. sign

假如你是李华，最近你校在为一批来自英国的学生征寻住宿家庭，你有意申请。请用英语给校长写信，说明你申请的理由。

1.介绍家庭情况；

2.介绍自己的个人情况；

3.介绍自己的接待经验。

注意：

1.词数100左右；

2.可以适当增加细节以使行文连贯；

3.住宿家庭 host family

Dear Sir/Madam,

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

A

A shopkeeper sent his son to learn about the secret of happiness from the wisest man in the world. The boy walked a long way, and finally came upon the beautiful castle where the wise man lived.

On entering the main room of the castle, the boy was quite surprised: tradesmen coming and going, people chatting in the corners, and a small orchestra playing soft music. The wise man talked with everyone, and the boy had to wait for two hours before it was his turn.

The wise man listened carefully to the boy’s explanation of why he had come, but told him that he didn’t have time just then to explain the secret of happiness. He suggested that the boy look around the palace and return in two hours.

“Meanwhile, I want to ask you to do something,” said the wise man, handing the boy a teaspoon that held two drops of oil. “As you wander around, carry this spoon with you without allowing the oil to spill.”

The boy began to walk up and down stairs of the palace, keeping his eyes fixed on the spoon. After two hours, he returned to the wise man.

“Well,” asked the wise man, “Did you see the Persian tapestries（挂毯）in the hall? Did you see the garden that took the master gardener ten years to create?” The boy was embarrassed, and replied that he had observed nothing. His only concern had been not to spill the oil.

“Then go back and observe the wonders of my world,” said the wise man. The boy picked up the spoon and returned to his exploration of the palace. This time he observed all of the works of art on the ceilings and the walls. When he returned, he described in detail everything he had seen.

“But where are the drops of oil?” asked the wise man. Looking down at the spoon he held, the boy saw that the oil was gone.

“Well, there is only one piece of advice I can give you,” said the wise man. “The secret of happiness is to see all the wonders of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.”

1.When the boy arrived at the castle, he .

A. received a warm welcome from the wise man

B. had already missed his chance to talk to the wise man

C. was shown around the palace by the local people

D. didn’t expect to see so many people around

2.The wise man gave the boy two tasks in order to .

A. show him how to observe the wonders in the world

B. teach him the secret of happiness

C. make him learn from his mistakes

D. let the boy enjoy his palace and garden

3. We can infer from the article that “the drops of the oil on the spoon” probably refer to .

A. the beauty of one’s nature

B. the fortune a person possesses

C. the responsibilities one has to take on

D. the great opportunities in life

4.What would be the best title for the article?

A. Lesson about Happiness

B. The Secret of Happiness

C. Learning about Happiness

D. Searching for Happiness

D

OUR KIDS ARE AMAZING－especially compared with everybody else’s (who seem to cry all the time). How do you show your love for your kids this holiday season? With toys that are smooth and colorful, interactive and exciting. And with ones that have educational value－because you are the boss.

1．FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

Here is a toy that doesn’t need power－and the kids have to put it together themselves. This 50-piece puzzle set is made of soft-edged hardwood and makes a complete hospital, with an X-ray room. It also includes eight patients, a car and a driver. $135; flaxart.com.

2．TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

Sure, it’s cool, but this colorful baby toy also develops problem solving and motor skills. It has a head and legs, a magnetic(磁性的) hand and a tail. Suitable for little ones from 6 to 36 months. $19.95; tinylove.com.

3．ROBOSAPIEN

This small, remote-control robot is really powerful. It performs 67 preprogrammed functions, including throwing, kicking, picking up and dancing. You can even program your own function-which, sadly, does not include doing windows. $99; robosapienonline.com.

4．MINI PEDAL CAR

Want a Mini Cooper but can’t fit the family inside? Get one for the kids. They can jump into this Mini car, which comes in hot orange with a single adjustable seat, and ride away. But it could spoil them for that used car they’ll be driving when they turn 16. For ages 3 to 5. $189; mininss. com (click on “gear up,” then “Mini motoring gear”).

1.Which toy is said to have the special design for children’s safety?

A．ROBOSAPIEN

B．MINI PEDAL CAR

C．FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

D．TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

2.Which toy are fit for three-year-old kids?

A．1 and 3． B．2 and 4．

C．1 and 2． D．3 and 4．

3.This passage is written for _______.

A．parents B．children

C．the writer D．the boss

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。

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed worriedly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but 1.seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he 2. (eventual) managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him 3. the bad weather, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after searching for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke 4. (roll) up to the sky. The worst had happened; 5. was lost. He was almost fainted with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that6. (approach) the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" he asked one of his7. (rescue). "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we 8. lose heart, 9. God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground it just may be 10. smoke signal from the grace of God. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for them.

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便条。便条中共有10处错误，每句中最多有两处。错误涉及一个单词的增加，删除或修改。

增加：在缺词处加一个漏词符号（ ），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；每处错误及修改均仅限一词；

2.只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。

A discussion about hiking had been held in our class. Some students think that hiking during vacations can make people feel healthier, fresher or more harmonious with the nature. They find themselves deep attracted by the beauty of nature. They can also be relaxing by walking in deep mountains. But nowadays some hikers even begin to explore the places people have ever been to, and accidents have happened now and then because poor knowledge of hiking. Some hikers even lost their life. The other students in our class think not safe to organize such dangerous activities. They make suggestions which laws should be passed and hikers should be trained before they attend the activities.

B

People aren’t walking any more--- if they can figure out a way to avoid it.

I felt superior about this matter until the other day I took my car to mail a small parcel. The journey is a matter of 281 steps. But I used the car. And I wasn’t in any hurry, either, I had merely become one more victim of a national sickness: motorosis.

It is an illness to which I had thought myself immune(免疫的), for I was bred in the tradition of going to places on my own two legs. At that time, we regarded 25 miles as good day’s walk and the ability to cover such a distance in ten hours as a sign of strength and skill. It did not occur to us that walking was a hardship. And the effect was lasting. When I was 45 years old I raced –and beat—a teenage football player the 168 steps up the Stature of Liberty.

Such enterprises today are regarded by many middle-aged persons as bad for the heart. But a well-known British physician, Sir Adolphe Abrhams, pointed out recently that hearts and bodies need proper exercise. A person who avoids exercise is more likely to have illnesses than one who exercises regularly. And walking is an ideal form of exercise--- the most familiar and natural of all.

It was Henry Thoreau who showed mankind the richness of going on foot. The man walking can learn the trees, flower, insects, birds and animals, the significance of seasons, the very feel of himself as a living creature in a living world. He cannot learn in a car.

The car is a convenient means of transport, but we have made it our way of life. Many people don’t dare to approach Nature any more; to them the world they were born to enjoy is all threat. To them security is a steel river thundering on a concrete road. And much of their thinking takes place while waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

I say that the green of forests is the mind’s best light. And none but the man on foot can evaluate what is basic and everlasting.

1.What was life like when the author was young?

A. People usually went around on foot.

B. people often walked 25 miles a day

C. People used to climb the Statue of Liberty.

D. people considered a ten-hour walk as a hardship.

2.The author mentions Henry Thoreau to prove that

A. middle-aged people like getting back to nature

B. walking in nature helps enrich one’s mind

C. people need regular exercise to keep fit

D. going on foot prevents heart disease

3.What is compared to “a steel river” in Paragraph6?

A. A queue of cars

B. A ray of traffic light

C. A flash of lightning

D. A stream of people

4.What is the author’s intention of writing this passage?

A. To tell people to reflect more on life.

B. To recommend people to give up driving

C. To advise people to do outdoor activities

D. To encourage people to return to walking

C

Choosing the Right Resolution (决定)

Millions of Americans began 2014 with the same resolution they started 2013 with, a goal of losing weight. However, setting weight loss as a goal is a mistake.

To reach our goal of losing weight --- the output, we need to control what we eat --- the input ( 输入). That is, we tend to care about the output but not to control the input. This is a bad way to construct goals. The alternative is to focus your resolution on the input. Instead of resolving to lose weight, try an actionable resolution: “I’ll stop having dessert for lunch,” or “I’ll walk every day for 20 minutes.” Creating a goal that focuses on a well-specified input will likely be more effective than concentrating on the outcome.

Recently a new science behind incentives (激励) , including in education, has been discussed. For example, researcher Roland Fryer wanted to see what works best in motivating children to do better in school. In some cases, he gave students incentives based on input, like reading certain books, while in others, the incentives were based on output, like results on exams. His main finding was that incentives increased achievement when based on input but had no effect on output. Fryer’s conclusion was that the intensives for inputs might be more effective because students do not know how to do better on exam, aside from general rules like “study harder.” Reading certain books, on the other hand, is a well-set task over which they have much more control.

As long as you have direct control over your goal, you have a much higher chance of success. And it’s easier to start again if you fail, because you know exactly what you need to do.

If you want to cut down on your spending, a good goal would be making morning coffee at home instead of going to a cafe, for example. This is a well-specified action-based goal for which you can measure your success easily. Spending less money isn’t a goal because it’s too general. Similarly, if you want to spend more time with your family, don’t stop with this general wish. Think about an actionable habit that you could adopt and stick to, like a family movie night every Wednesday.In the long run, these new goals could become a habit.

1.The writer thinks that setting weight loss as a goal is a mistake because_______ .

A. it is hard to achieve for most Americans

B. it is focused too much on the result

C. it is dependent on too many things

D. it is based on actionable decisions

2.In Roland Fryer’s research, some students did better than the others because _________ .

A. they obeyed all the general rules

B. they paid more attention to exams

C. they were motivated by their classmates

D. they were rewarded for reading some books

3.According to the writer, which of the following statements is a good goal?

A. “I’ll give up dessert.”

B. “I’ll study harder.”

C. “I’ll cut down my expense”

D. “I’ll spend more time with my family”

4.The writer strongly believes that we should ________ .

A. develop good habits and focus on the outcome

B. be optimistic about final goals and stick to them

C. pick specific actions that can be turned into good habits

D. set ambitious goals that can balance the input and output