Believe it nor not, ancient Chinese people had their own methods of heat preservation in winter.

• “Wen Ding”, ancient rice cooker

The “Wen Ding”, an ancient cooking container, preserved heat by burning fuels like charcoal. The one unearthed in Nanjing in 1989 is thought to be the oldest of its kind discovered in China, dating back to the Stone Age.

• “Ran Lu”, ancient small hot pot

The “Ran Lu” is a small-sized cooking vessel (器皿) made of bronze. A charcoal stove forms the main structure, with a bottom tray to hold charcoal ashes, and a movable cup at the top. Some experts have concluded that the vessel’s structure suggests that these vessels became popular in the Warring States Period (475—221 BC).

• Bronze You, ancient kettle

The Bronze You, one of the most common wine containers during the Shang and Zhou, dynasties, could also be used to warm wine. For example, the Bronze You with beast mask design, unearthed in Jiangxi province, had an opening where charcoals could be placed, allowing people to enjoy a hot drink.

• Bronze Yan, ancient steamer

Although the “Wen Ding” was effective at keeping food warm, ancient Chinese people later found that its burning produced pollution. As a result, the Bronze Van was made with a two-tier (双层的) structure and used to steam rice and other grains. After the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-AD 220), further improvements to the Bronze Yan led to the modern day steamer.

1.When did the “Ran Lu” begin to gain popularity?

A. In the Zhou Dynasty B. In the Warring States Period.

C. In the Eastern Han Dynasty. D. In the Stone Age.

2.One of the main functions of the Bronze You was to .

A. place hot charcoals B. pour hot water

C. keep wine warm D. hold charcoal ashes

3.One advantage the Bronze Yan had over the “Wen Ding” was that .

A. it was useful B. it was convenient

C. it was environment-friendly D. it was warm

4.According to the passage, which of the following may have the longest history?

A. The "Wen Ding”. B. The “Ran Lu”.

C. The Bronze You. D. The Bronze Yan.

Helen Monson has always been interested in helping her community. Her first volunteer experience was for the American Red Cross when she was in high school. When she was a school teacher, she also found time to volunteer.

After she retired, she started volunteering to help the old. When her father was older, he was not able to see as well as he used to, which made her sad because he had always enjoyed reading.

She decided it would be fun to read to elderly people in her community. She also helped one woman write her stories. Ann was almost 100 years old, and Helen wrote down information about her life when she visited Ann. She put the information in a book and got it published. Ann was very excited to share her life story with her children and grandchildren.

One day Helen read an article in the newspaper about refugees (难民) who needed to learn English. Now, she meets once a week with Sahra, a 38-year-old woman from Somalia. Sahra is learning reading and writing skills. Helen gave Sahra a camera and asked her to take pictures of her daily life. She developed the pictures, and then asked Sahra questions about them. In the end they wrote a book together and used the photos in the book. This helped Sahra learn many new words about her everyday life.

Helen says, “The most rewarding part of volunteer work is becoming friends with the people I help. They enrich my life as well as I enrich theirs.”

1.When did Helen first take up volunteering?

A. After retirement. B. In high school.

C. After work. D. In childhood.

2.In what way did Helen help Sahra?

A. By building her self-confidence. B. By expanding her vocabulary.

C. By giving her financial support. D. By finding her a new home.

3.Which of the following can best describe Helen according to the passage?

A. Brilliant. B. Optimistic.

C. Thankful. D. Devoted.

4.The underlined word “rewarding” in the last paragraph probably means .

A. worthwhile B. convenient

C. extraordinary D. practical

Have you ever heard of the Coral Sea? It is home to an amazing variety of turtles, sharks, whales, dolphins, large fish, birds, corals, plants, and many other species. Many of these species are endangered elsewhere in the world, but still survive in the healthy environment of the Coral Sea.

The Coral Sea is a large series of coral reefs located off the northeast coast of Australia. This area is three times larger than Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef, which the Coral Sea borders.

The Coral Sea is one of the few coral reef environments that have remained largely undamaged by over-fishing, oil and gas exploration and pollution. However, statistics show that coral reefs around the world are disappearing five times faster than rainforests. It is very likely that in the near future the Coral Sea will face the same threats to its existence.

The Australian government is currently looking at options for protecting the Coral Sea but has made no decisions. Environmentalists are pushing for laws to declare the Coral Sea area a marine protected area, which will mean a large “no-take zone” for fishermen, a no-exploration zone for gas and oil companies and a no-dump zone for pollution, possibly making the Coral Sea a marine park larger than any other in the world.

We can write letters to Australian leaders, Australian environmental protection agencies, and Australian friends, to let them know that people worldwide support this protection of the Coral Sea. To lose this last great marine wilderness world would be a loss for the whole world.

1.According to the passage, why should we protect the Coral Sea without any delay?

A. Because the Coral Sea, home to many species, will disappear soon.

B. Because the Coral Sea is rich in natural resources like oil and gas.

C. Because the Coral Sea is three times larger than Great Barrier Reef.

D. Because the Coral Sea will be a marine park larger than any other in the world.

2.Once the Coral Sea area is declared n marine protected area by law, .

A. it will surely become the largest marine park all over the world

B. no one will be allowed to there to have a dose look any more

C. from time to time people can still dump their rubbish around there

D. over-fishing, oil and gas exploration will be banned altogether there

3.What is the attitude of the author towards the protection of the Coral Sea?

A. Objective. B. Favorable.

C. Doubtful. D. Negative.

TIANJIN, Nov.23 (Xinhua)- Chinese scientists have signed a deal to establish a commercial animal cloning center in the northern port city of Tianjin, making the controversial science closer to mainstream acceptance.

The plant in the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), a government-sponsored business development park, will clone animals including sniffer and pet dogs, beef cattle and racehorses. Its main building is already under construction and due to be put to use in the near future, said a spokesman on Monday.

With an investment of 200 million yuan, the center will be jointly built by Sinica, Peking University’s Institute of Molecular Medicine, the Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, and the Republic of Korea’s Sooam Biotech Research Foundation.

It will produce 100,000 cattle embryos a year initially, eventually increasing to 1 million, said Xu Xiaochun, board chairman of Boyalife Group, based in Wuxi. Chinese farmers are struggling to produce enough beef cattle to meet market demand, Xu said. The center, the largest ever worldwide, will also include a gene storage area and a museum, he added.

Scientists have cloned mice, cattle and other animals since the world’s first cloned sheep, Dolly, was born on July 5,1996 iii Britain. Since 2000, Chinese scientists have cloned sheep, cattle and pigs. China’s first commercial cloning company was established in September 2014 in Shandong with the birth of three pure-blooded Tibetan mastiff puppies.

Before this, cloning in China was limited to scientific research. More and more companies have shown interest in investing in the technology for commercial use, especially animal husbandry (饲养).

1.What is main purpose of the new animal cloning center mentioned in the passage?

A. Artistic creation. B. Money making.

C. Scientific research. D. Public welfare.

2.It can be inferred from the passage that .

A. the establishment of the animal cloning center will be a combined effort

B. the main building of the animal cloning center has already come into use

C. the center will finally increase its annual cattle embryos production to 1 billion

D. the world’s first cloned sheep, Dolly, was born on July 5,1996 m America

3.What is the best title of the passage?

A. The history of cloning

B. Scientific research of cloning

C. Largest animal cloning center to be built in Tianjin

D. Animal cloning making a breakthrough in China

4.What type of writing is this passage?

A. An exhibition guide. B. A news report.

C. A scientific report. D. A book review.

Most of us mistakenly think that creativity is a quality belonging only to inventors rather to ourselves. 1. The following tips are a great beginning for developing our creativity.

1. Get out of your comfort zone

Break out of your usual patterns and welcome creativity into your life. The human brain was designed to recognize patterns. We continue to create patterns and routines for almost everything we do. 2. As we become more efficient at using patterns, we rely less on creativity to find new paths. We should force ourselves out of our comfort zones and open up new possibilities.

2. 3.

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. We are creatures of habits and routines, but creativity hates routines. Interrupt your routine and try something new. Undoubtedly, new things are often creative.

3. Take action

4. You must work to make it a reality. Have you ever seen a new product and realized that you thought of the same thing long ago? Yet someone else is making money with “your” idea. 5. The difference between a dreamer and a doer is action. If you can put your ideas into practice, you are well on your way to improving your creativity. You can become a true inventor in your own life somehow!

A. Having a great idea is not enough.

B. Seek several options.

C We may attempt to think from the other person’s point.

D. Try different things.

E. However, the truth is that we are all born with the potential to be creative.

F. In fact, our comfort zone is only a collection of patterns.

G. We all have great ideas sometimes, but only a few people turn their ideas into reality.

America is a fast-paced society, which may seem very troubling to foreign visitors. One’s first _______ is likely to be that everyone is in a rush. City people always seem to be _______ and are very impatient if they are delayed even for a brief moment.

_______, this may seem unfriendly to you. _______, drivers will rush you; storekeepers will be in a hurry as they _______ you; people will push you _______ walking along the street. You will _______ brief conversations with people when you shop or dine there as people seem to be on the go.

Do not _______ that because Americans are in such a hurry they are _______. To them, that is just part of their ________ of life. Americans who live in cities often think that everyone is ________ in a hurry to get things done so they naturally ________ others to behave similarly. ________, when they discover that you are a stranger, most Americans become quite kind and will take great ________ to help you. Many of them first came to the city ________ strangers and they remember how frightening a new city can be. If you need help, ________ a friendly-looking person and say, “I am a stranger here. Can you help me?”

Most people will stop, ________ you, and help you find your way. But you must let them know that you need help. Otherwise they are ________ to pass you by, not noticing that you are new the city and ________ help. If, occasionally, you find someone too rushed to give you help, don’t be ________; just ask someone else. Most Americans enjoy helping a stranger.

1.A. concept B. discovery C. experience D. impression

2.A. walking B. hurrying C. jogging D. dragging

3.A. Immediately B. Eventually C. At first D. First of all

4.A. For example B. In short C. On the contrary D. On the other hand

5.A. occupy B. hire C. employ D. serve

6.A. because B. while C. although D. before

7.A. wear B. enjoy C. miss D. trust

8.A. think B. annoy C. convince D. doubt

9.A. unhappy B. unexpected C. uncertain D. unfriendly

10.A. means B. way C. method D. approach

11.A. equally B. gradually C. apparently D. properly

12.A. forbid B. limit C. expect D. select

13.A. Otherwise B. Therefore C. Besides D. However

14.A. temper B. care C. step D. energy

15.A. with B. at C. as D. to

16.A. choose B. reject C. dismiss D. avoid

17.A. point at B. smile at C. laugh at D. glance at

18.A. likely B. unable C. possible D. probable

19.A. in terms of B. in favor of C. in spite of D. in need of

20.A. tired B. embarrassed C. discouraged D. surprised

Lake Titicaca is a famous lake in South America. The culture of the ancient people around the lake is thought to be 1. (true) advanced but has long remained a mystery. Recently, however, scientists participating 2. an exploration project there have found what is believed to be 3. 1000-year-old temple under the water.

The temple 4. (build) by ancient people was indeed quite well preserved. The project leaders hope to begin raising important materials from the site in the 5. (expect) that they can solve the mystery eventually.

“Scientists have not yet had the opportunity to study the materials carefully due to a great many 6. (hardship). Yet with our efforts, we are bound 7. (achieve) greater success if we can keep 8. up.” said project director, John Aubi.

Since 2016, divers from the research team 9. (make) over 200 dives into water 30 meters deep. They have kept recording the ancient remains on film. A meeting,10. will start later, is aimed to review the film.

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。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仅限一词；2.只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。

Last summer, to my delight, I got a chance to go to the United Kingdom. I was eager to see how England was like. Although my parents objected to my decision at first, but finally they were persuaded. It was the first time that I have travelled abroad alone. Felt excited, I boarded the plane. Suddenly, however, I found my luggages gone and felt helplessly. It was on that moment that the airhostess came to my assistance. After helping me find it back, she suggested that I attached a label to my suitcase on my next journey. I was thankful to the kind lady for his help! What unforgettable trip!

假如你是新华中学的学生会主席李华，你校学生会应英国Westminster School邀请，暑假将到该校进行交流访问，向该校学生介绍中国传统文化。请你给该校联系人Mr. Smith写一封邮件，信的要点如下：

1.感谢对方的邀请

2.询问食宿、活动安排和说明要介绍的传统文化内容

3.祝愿交流活动成功

注意：

1.词数100左右；

2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；

3.开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。

Dear Mr. Smith，

I am Li Hua, chairman of the Student Union of Xin Hua High School.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your attention! Best wishes!

Yours,

Li Hua

Walk For Charity

Dear Friend,

Please join us for our annual Walk For Charity.Starting in Weldown,you and your friends can choose a delightful 10,20 or 30 kilometers' route.

The money raised will provide support to help people all over the world.Start collecting your sponsors now and then simply come along on the day.Please read the instructions below carefully,especially if you require transport to and from Weldown.

See you on Sunday 15 April.

V Jessop: Walk coordinator

PS.Well done to last year's walkers for helping to raise a grand total of ￡21,000.The money has already been used to build a children's playground.

START TIME:

30 km: 8-10 am 20 km: 8-10:30 am 10 km: 8-11:30 am

The organizers reserve the right to refuse late-comers.

CLOTHING should be suitable for the weather.If rain is forecast,bring some protection and be prepared for all possibilities.It is better to wear shoes that have been worn in,rather than ones that are new.

ROUTE MAPS will be available from the registration point.The route will be sign-posted and arranged.Where the route runs along the road,walkers should keep to one side in single file,facing oncoming traffic at all times.If you need help along the route,please inform one of the staff.

Free car parking is available in car parks and on streets in Weldown.

BUSES:

For the 10 and 20 kilometers' routes,a bus will be waiting at Fenton to take walkers back to Weldown.The bus will leave every half hour starting at midday.The service is free and there is no need to book.

1.When may a walker be forbidden to join in the walk?

A. Being late for the walk. B. Parking a car on the streets.

C. Choosing the shortest route. D. Bringing no clothes for the weather.

2.According to the route map,where does the 20 kilometers' walk finish?

A. Weldown. B. Fenton.

C. Great Rushly. D. Lower Brene.

3.What is the walker warned of?

A. To prepare new shoes for the walk. B. To book the bus ahead of time.

C. To care about their own safety. D. To donate at the registration point.

4.When will the first bus leave?

A. 11:30 am B. 12:30 pm

C. 13:20 pm D. 14:40 pm