周末大自习·话题集训 第一周 演练话题——节假日活动
卷(一) 话题阅读提速练(限时35分钟)
Ⅰ.阅读理解
A
It's a time to celebrate our cats! Every day our cat friend gives us love and today is the day to appreciate having them in our lives. From staying together with us late at night to entertaining us, cats warm our hearts every single day!
Well, how did National Cat Day ever come about It's not only a day to celebrate your cat but also a day to raise awareness (意识)! About 4 million cats enter shelters every year with 1 to 2 million being euthanized (安乐死) because shelters cannot provide enough space for all of them.
If you're interested in adding a cat to your life, it's important to do so at a shelter! These are the cats that need a family most and will forever be thankful for giving them a second chance!
There is so much to love about cats! Cats are known to lower blood pressure, offer love and get their owner to realize danger. Aside from these there are many qualities that make them a special creature. Here are some fun facts about cats that you might have not known!
It your cat's eyes are closed it might not necessarily mean it's tired. A sign of closed eyes perhaps means your cat is happy. Cats are unable to taste sweetness in anything they taste. A cat can reach 5 times its own height per jump! Cats can make over 100 sounds while dogs can only make 10! In general, cats spend 2/3 of every day sleeping. A cat's hearing is better than a dog's!
Cats are very independent thinkers and smart creatures. They bring happiness into their owner's lives every day! Don't forget to celebrate your lovely cat today and remind them why they're so perfect!
1．What do we know from this passage
A．The shelters are too crowded with cats.
B．Cats can bring a lot of illnesses to kids.
C．Cats are usually quiet but dangerous animals.
D．Cats are able to jump higher than dogs.
2．What may a cat do when it is happy
A．It may eat sweet things.
B．It may cry loudly.
C．It may close its eyes.
D．It may jump high.
3．What is the author's attitude towards keeping cats
A．Supportive. B．Worried.
C．Uncertain. D．Surprised.
B
Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31, before All Saints Day. The word“Halloween”is a shortening of All Hallows Evening, also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve.
Traditional activities include trick or treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting“ghost houses”and cutting jack o lanterns.
Halloween has its origins in the ancient festival known as Samhain (pronounced“sah win”). The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped (重叠) and the dead would come back to life and cause destruction such as sickness or damaged crops.
The festival frequently includes bonfires. It is believed that the fires attract the harmful insects to the area which attract bats to the area to eat them. These are additional features of the history of Halloween.Masks and costumes were worn in an attempt to imitate the evil spirits.
Trick or treating is an activity for children on or around Halloween in which they go on from house to house in costumes, asking for treats such as candies with the question，“Trick or treat？”Trick or treating is one of the main traditions of Halloween. It has become socially expected that if one lives in a neighborhood with children one should buy treat in preparation for trick or treaters.
The history of Halloween has evolved. The activity is popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada. Bad trick or treating has started to happen among children in many parts of Europe. In continental Europe, where the commerce driven importation of Halloween is seen with more illegal“tricks”and police warnings have further raised doubt about this game and Halloween in general.
4．What does Halloween refer to
A．All Saints Day. B．All Hallows' Eve.
C．Easter. D．Thanksgiving.
5．Why did the dead come back to life in Gaelic culture
A．Because the dead missed their relatives and families.
B．Because they felt bored and wanted to travel in the living world.
C．Because the lines between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped on that day.
D．Because the living people were once cruel to those who died.
6．We can infer from the fourth paragraph that ________.
A．the bonfires are the origin of Halloween
B．people make a fire to keep warm
C．the bonfires can burn all the harmful insects
D．people believe that the bonfires work a lot
7．What is the best title of the passage
A．The influence of Halloween
B．The meaning of Halloween
C．The main activities of Halloween
D．Halloween — a festival connected with the dead
Ⅱ.完形填空
April Fool's Day
April Fool's Day is a western festival. No one __8__ exactly when and how April Fool's Day began. However, there are some stories about __9__ it came into being. One story __10__ like this: in the sixteenth century France, the start of the new year was on April first. It was celebrated __11__ much the same way __12__ it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night.
Then in 1562, Pope (教皇) Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the new year fell on January first. There were some people, __13__， who hadn't heard or didn't believe the __14__ in the date, so they __15__ to celebrate New Year's Day on April first. __16__ played tricks on them and called them “April fools”. They tried to make them believe that something false was __17__. In France today, April first is called“April Fish”. French children fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends'__18__. When the “young fool” __19__ this trick, the prankster (恶作剧者) shouts “April Fish”！
Today Americans play small tricks on friends and strangers alike on the first of April. One __20__ trick on April Fool's Day is __21__ down to a friend's shoe and saying, “Your shoelace is untied.” School children might tell a classmate that school has been canceled (取消). __22__ the trick is, if you fail for the joke the prankster shouts “April Fool！”
In Britain today, on the first of April, even __23__ newspapers, radio and TV programs tell big lies. You __24__ read a science __25__ showing that doctors have found a way to cure (治愈) AIDS, __26__ you would probably listen to a piece of news about a UFO __27__ on an island.
8．A.understands B．knows
C．believes D．remembers
9．A.when B．why
C．how D．where
10．A.goes B．tells
C．happens D．writes
11．A.as B．like
C．with D．in
12．A.like B．as
C．so D．for
13．A.however B．but
C．therefore D．instead
14．A.fact B．news
C．change D．information
15．A.remained B．continued
C．considered D．went
16．A.Others B．Somebody
C．Many D．Some
17．A.real B．true
C．right D．correct
18．A.hands B．faces
C．backs D．heads
19．A.discovers B．sees
C．finds D．notices
20．A.usual B．common
C．funny D．silly
21．A.putting B．pointing
C．getting D．turning
22．A.Whenever B．Whoever
C．Whatever D．Wherever
23．A.serious B．famous
C．interesting D．important
24．A.might B．should
C．could D．must
25．A.letter B．speech
C．writing D．report
26．A.so B．and
C．or D．but
27．A.lying B．walking
C．flying D．landing
卷(二) 短板题型强化练(限时45分钟)
Ⅰ.阅读七选五
A
We just went Christmas shopping this weekend, just to pick up a little here and there for the kids. __1__ We have discovered how to save time and money through a little research. Follow me and you can find some excellent tips.
First thing that you want to do is to make a list of what you are looking for exactly. __2__ This will make your shopping experience less painful and time wasting. It will also help with making it less expensive. You won't be persuaded to buy things that you don't need or want because it is on sale!
__3__ If you are familiar with the stores that you are looking into buying from, you will already know how they work. For example, Wal Mart gives excellent pricing only for online sales, as well as free shipping (免运费)．
When leaving your favorite stores, you want to look for exactly what is on your pare prices and availability (实用性). __4__ Don't just depend on your favorite stores, visiting the ones that you don't often shop. Sometimes you will come across things at prices you never knew in your familiar stores.
After prices shopping, go back to the stores that have the best prices for the thing you want and buy it. __5__ You may get it for a great price, but the shipping and handling costs will make you spend more if you are not careful.
A．We have to go shopping in our daily life.
B．We were shocked by the crowds and cost!
C．Don't forget to go online to your favorite stores.
D．Know what it is that you are in need of before you go shopping.
E．Don't be persuaded to buy what you don't need at all at home.
F．Something you need badly may not be sold online or in the stores.
G．Care about not only the cost of the thing, but also the shipping cost.
B
How to make true friends
Whether your friendship lasts for a season or a lifetime, here are some ways to make true friends.
Be friendly to people. Your actions should show them that you are a true friend and, in return, they will probably be a true friend to you as well. __6__ You can't expect someone to be a true friend if you're not a true friend.
__7__ Although life changes may separate you, you can call each other on the phone, visit each other, write letters, send cards, and communicate online through email and social networking sites.
Find friends with some similar interests. You don't have to have everything in common, but it would be helpful if you had some things in common. __8__
Learn the difference between good friends and bad friends. __9__ They are always honest with you and they don't do things to hurt you. Bad friends are those who do not seem to value the friendship. They may never be there for you when you need them or do things that are hurtful to you.
__10__ Once you recognize the differences in good friends and bad friends, decide which friends you want to stay connected with and which ones you're better off without. The friends who will stick with you through good times and bad times are true friends. Let them know that you appreciate your friendship and be sure to stay a true friend to them.
A．Choose your friends carefully.
B．Keep in touch with each other.
C．Accept your friends for who they are.
D．You have to treat people the way you want to be treated.
E．Show your respect to your friends no matter what happens.
F．Good friends are those who are there for you when you need them.
G．Having things in common gives you someone to share and enjoy doing something together.
Ⅱ.语法填空
The custom of sending Christmas cards in England dates from the 19th century. Before that, people used to write letters at Christmas and at other times of the year__1__ one another.
In 1840, a British man named Henry Cole__2__(invent) the “penny post”， a mail service that required a penny to send a piece of mail. To promote (提升) the penny post, he created the Christmas card.
Cole asked his friend John Callcott Horsley, an illustrator (插画师), __3__ (design) an image or two to appear on a small card to go with the now familiar “Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”. Horsley designed __4__ three part card. On the left and right __5__ (side) of the card were scenes of people who were giving food and clothing to the poor; in the middle was a family__6__ (enjoy) food and drink. Cole and Horsley had over 2,000 cards __7__ (print) and sold them for a shilling each.
The cards proved so popular__8__ eople bought and sent them around the country. Popular images at the time were __9__ (beauty) flowers, green grass, lovely children and animals.
Though there are e cards, emails and other __10__ (choose) today, Christmas remains the holiday in which people send the most greeting cards.
Ⅲ.短文改错
Today is Mother's Day. I hadn't seen my mother for two weeks already.
My mother is a doctor and always busy on her work. When I was a child, my mother sent me live with my grandparents, who lived in the small village. When I was older enough to go to the school, I began to come back to live with my parents. However, my mother was often too busy that every day when she came back after work, I had fallen sleep. I used to hating her, but now I can understand her. This afternoon we gave her a call, saying, “Mom, I love you.”周末大自习·话题集训 第一周 演练话题——节假日活动
卷(一) 话题阅读提速练(限时35分钟)
Ⅰ.阅读理解
A
It's a time to celebrate our cats! Every day our cat friend gives us love and today is the day to appreciate having them in our lives. From staying together with us late at night to entertaining us, cats warm our hearts every single day!
Well, how did National Cat Day ever come about It's not only a day to celebrate your cat but also a day to raise awareness (意识)! About 4 million cats enter shelters every year with 1 to 2 million being euthanized (安乐死) because shelters cannot provide enough space for all of them.
If you're interested in adding a cat to your life, it's important to do so at a shelter! These are the cats that need a family most and will forever be thankful for giving them a second chance!
There is so much to love about cats! Cats are known to lower blood pressure, offer love and get their owner to realize danger. Aside from these there are many qualities that make them a special creature. Here are some fun facts about cats that you might have not known!
It your cat's eyes are closed it might not necessarily mean it's tired. A sign of closed eyes perhaps means your cat is happy. Cats are unable to taste sweetness in anything they taste. A cat can reach 5 times its own height per jump! Cats can make over 100 sounds while dogs can only make 10! In general, cats spend 2/3 of every day sleeping. A cat's hearing is better than a dog's!
Cats are very independent thinkers and smart creatures. They bring happiness into their owner's lives every day! Don't forget to celebrate your lovely cat today and remind them why they're so perfect!
语篇解读：“全国猫日”到来了。这个节日的设立，是为了提高人们对于猫的认识。在这个特殊的日子里，别忘了带一只猫回家。
1．What do we know from this passage
A．The shelters are too crowded with cats.
B．Cats can bring a lot of illnesses to kids.
C．Cats are usually quiet but dangerous animals.
D．Cats are able to jump higher than dogs.
解析：选A 推理判断题。根据第二段“About 4 million cats enter shelters every year with 1 to 2 million being euthanized (安乐死) because shelters cannot provide enough space for all of them.”可知，每年大约有四百万只猫进入动物收养所。而在这些猫当中，又因为不能为它们提供足够的地方导致一至二百万猫被安乐死。由此，可知动物收养所猫满为患。
2．What may a cat do when it is happy
A．It may eat sweet things.
B．It may cry loudly.
C．It may close its eyes.
D．It may jump high.
解析：选C 细节理解题。根据第五段“If your cat's eyes are closed it might not necessarily mean it's tired. A sign of closed eyes perhaps means your cat is happy.”可知，猫闭上眼睛并不一定表示困倦，而可能是表示高兴。
3．What is the author's attitude towards keeping cats
A．Supportive. B．Worried.
C．Uncertain. D．Surprised.
解析：选A 推理判断题。根据全文的内容可知，作者在全文中多处提到了养猫的种种好处。因此，作者是支持养猫的。
B
Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31, before All Saints Day. The word“Halloween”is a shortening of All Hallows Evening, also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve.
Traditional activities include trick or treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting“ghost houses”and cutting jack o lanterns.
Halloween has its origins in the ancient festival known as Samhain (pronounced“sah win”). The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped (重叠) and the dead would come back to life and cause destruction such as sickness or damaged crops.
The festival frequently includes bonfires. It is believed that the fires attract the harmful insects to the area which attract bats to the area to eat them. These are additional features of the history of Halloween.Masks and costumes were worn in an attempt to imitate the evil spirits.
Trick or treating is an activity for children on or around Halloween in which they go on from house to house in costumes, asking for treats such as candies with the question，“Trick or treat？”Trick or treating is one of the main traditions of Halloween. It has become socially expected that if one lives in a neighborhood with children one should buy treat in preparation for trick or treaters.
The history of Halloween has evolved. The activity is popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada. Bad trick or treating has started to happen among children in many parts of Europe. In continental Europe, where the commerce driven importation of Halloween is seen with more illegal“tricks”and police warnings have further raised doubt about this game and Halloween in general.
语篇解读：本文是说明文。文章介绍了西方传统节日——万圣节前夕的起源和它的一些主要活动。
4．What does Halloween refer to
A．All Saints Day. B．All Hallows' Eve.
C．Easter. D．Thanksgiving.
解析：选B 细节理解题。根据第一段最后一句可知Halloween是All Hallows Evening的缩写，也被称为All Hallows' Eve。
5．Why did the dead come back to life in Gaelic culture
A．Because the dead missed their relatives and families.
B．Because they felt bored and wanted to travel in the living world.
C．Because the lines between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped on that day.
D．Because the living people were once cruel to those who died.
解析：选C 细节理解题。根据第三段第三句可知在盖尔族文化中，10月31日那天，阴阳两界重合，导致死去的人重生。
6．We can infer from the fourth paragraph that ________.
A．the bonfires are the origin of Halloween
B．people make a fire to keep warm
C．the bonfires can burn all the harmful insects
D．people believe that the bonfires work a lot
解析：选D 推理判断题。根据第四段可知那时人们点上篝火，火把害虫和蝙蝠都吸引过来，蝙蝠吃掉了害虫。这样，人们就认为是篝火起了作用，是神灵在保护他们。
7．What is the best title of the passage
A．The influence of Halloween
B．The meaning of Halloween
C．The main activities of Halloween
D．Halloween — a festival connected with the dead
解析：选D 标题归纳题。文章主要介绍了西方节日——万圣节前夕的一些主要活动及它的起源和有人趁节日搞非法活动等情况。前三项不全面，不适合做标题。只有D项概括得最全面，故选D。
Ⅱ.完形填空
April Fool's Day
April Fool's Day is a western festival. No one __8__ exactly when and how April Fool's Day began. However, there are some stories about __9__ it came into being. One story __10__ like this: in the sixteenth century France, the start of the new year was on April first. It was celebrated __11__ much the same way __12__ it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night.
Then in 1562, Pope (教皇) Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the new year fell on January first. There were some people, __13__， who hadn't heard or didn't believe the __14__ in the date, so they __15__ to celebrate New Year's Day on April first. __16__ played tricks on them and called them “April fools”. They tried to make them believe that something false was __17__. In France today, April first is called“April Fish”. French children fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends'__18__. When the “young fool” __19__ this trick, the prankster (恶作剧者) shouts “April Fish”！
Today Americans play small tricks on friends and strangers alike on the first of April. One __20__ trick on April Fool's Day is __21__ down to a friend's shoe and saying, “Your shoelace is untied.” School children might tell a classmate that school has been canceled (取消). __22__ the trick is, if you fail for the joke the prankster shouts “April Fool！”
In Britain today, on the first of April, even __23__ newspapers, radio and TV programs tell big lies. You __24__ read a science __25__ showing that doctors have found a way to cure (治愈) AIDS, __26__ you would probably listen to a piece of news about a UFO __27__ on an island.
语篇解读：本文是一篇说明文。文章对愚人节的起源做了简单介绍。在世界各地，人们用不同的方式来庆祝这个特殊的节日。
8．A.understands B．knows
C．believes D．remembers
解析：选B 由空格后的“when and how”可以看出应用know。没有人确切地“知道(know)”愚人节的来历。
9．A.when B．why
C．how D．where
解析：选C 由后文的“One story ...”可知此处是在讲述愚人节的来历，故用how表示此意。
10．A.goes B．tells
C．happens D．writes
解析：选A story goes ... 为固定搭配，意为“据说……”。
11．A.as B．like
C．with D．in
解析：选D 介词in与后文的“the same way”构成搭配。in ... way为固定搭配，表示“以……的方式”。
12．A.like B．as
C．so D．for
解析：选B 当初庆祝新年的方式与现在很像。由空格后的从句可确定应使用as引导从句。as意为“正如”。
13．A.however B．but
C．therefore D．instead
解析：选A 由前后语意可知表转折。由空格前后的逗号可确定用however。
14．A.fact B．news
C．change D．information
解析：选C 新年的时间由四月“改为”一月，这是时间的改变，故用change。
15．A.remained B．continued
C．considered D．went
解析：选B 因为有的人没听说或不相信新年时间的改变，所以会“继续(continue)”在四月一日庆祝新年。
16．A.Others B．Somebody
C．Many D．Some
解析：选A others与前文的“some”相对应，构成some ... others ...，意为“一些……另一些……”。
17．A.real B．true
C．right D．correct
解析：选B 在愚人节的时候，人们试图让别人相信假的事情是“真的”。false的反义词为true。
18．A.hands B．faces
C．backs D．heads
解析：选C 由常识可知，只有把纸鱼贴到“后背(back)”上，被捉弄的人才不容易发现。
19．A.discovers B．sees
C．finds D．notices
解析：选A 被捉弄的人后来会发现人们的把戏。discover意为“发现”，而find强调“找到”。
20．A.usual B．common
C．funny D．silly
解析：选B 由后文可知，指着别人的鞋子说鞋带没系好是愚人节人们的普遍做法。usual意为“通常的”，而common可指“常见的，普遍的”。
21．A.putting B．pointing
C．getting D．turning
解析：选B 人们捉弄别人的一种常见做法是“指着”别人的鞋子说鞋带没有系好。point“指着”。
22．A.Whenever B．Whoever
C．Whatever D．Wherever
解析：选C 前文就人们在愚人节时所做的事情进行了列举。该句表示“不论是些什么样的把戏”。whatever在句中充当表语。
23．A.serious B．famous
C．interesting D．important
解析：选A 由空格前的“even”及空格后的“newspapers, radio and TV programs”可知，即便是一些“严肃的(serious)”报纸、电台等也会在愚人节这天撒弥天大谎。
24．A.might B．should
C．could D．must
解析：选A 后文举例说明愚人节时报纸、电台可能做的事情，语气并不十分肯定，故用might。
25．A.letter B．speech
C．writing D．report
解析：选D science report指“科学报告”。
26．A.so B．and
C．or D．but
解析：选C 空格前后为一些严肃的报纸、电台等在愚人节可能做的事情。人们可能会这样做，也可能会那样做， or表示选择。
27．A.lying B．walking
C．flying D．landing
解析：选D 由UFO及空格后的介词on可知此处表示“UFO在一个岛上着陆”。land on“在……着陆”。
卷(二) 短板题型强化练(限时45分钟)
Ⅰ.阅读七选五
A
We just went Christmas shopping this weekend, just to pick up a little here and there for the kids. __1__ We have discovered how to save time and money through a little research. Follow me and you can find some excellent tips.
First thing that you want to do is to make a list of what you are looking for exactly. __2__ This will make your shopping experience less painful and time wasting. It will also help with making it less expensive. You won't be persuaded to buy things that you don't need or want because it is on sale!
__3__ If you are familiar with the stores that you are looking into buying from, you will already know how they work. For example, Wal Mart gives excellent pricing only for online sales, as well as free shipping (免运费)．
When leaving your favorite stores, you want to look for exactly what is on your pare prices and availability (实用性). __4__ Don't just depend on your favorite stores, visiting the ones that you don't often shop. Sometimes you will come across things at prices you never knew in your familiar stores.
After prices shopping, go back to the stores that have the best prices for the thing you want and buy it. __5__ You may get it for a great price, but the shipping and handling costs will make you spend more if you are not careful.
A．We have to go shopping in our daily life.
B．We were shocked by the crowds and cost!
C．Don't forget to go online to your favorite stores.
D．Know what it is that you are in need of before you go shopping.
E．Don't be persuaded to buy what you don't need at all at home.
F．Something you need badly may not be sold online or in the stores.
G．Care about not only the cost of the thing, but also the shipping cost.
1．选B 根据上文提到“We just went Christmas shopping this weekend, just to pick up a little here and there for the kids ”，故选B “我们被这么多的人和花费给吓到了”。
2．选D 根据上文提到“First thing that you want to do is to make a list of what you are looking for exactly”故选D “在购物之前知道你所需要的”。
3．选C 根据下文提到“If you are familiar with the stores that you are looking into buying from, you will already know how they work”，故选C “不要忘记去你所熟悉的网店”。
4．选F 根据下文提到“Don't just depend on your favorite stores, visiting the ones that you don't often shop”，故选F “你所需要的东西可能不在网上或这家店里卖”。
5．选G 根据上文提到“After prices shopping, go back to the stores that have the best prices for the thing you want and buy it”，故选G “不仅仅关心它的花费还要关心它的运输成本”。
B
How to make true friends
Whether your friendship lasts for a season or a lifetime, here are some ways to make true friends.
Be friendly to people. Your actions should show them that you are a true friend and, in return, they will probably be a true friend to you as well. __6__ You can't expect someone to be a true friend if you're not a true friend.
__7__ Although life changes may separate you, you can call each other on the phone, visit each other, write letters, send cards, and communicate online through email and social networking sites.
Find friends with some similar interests. You don't have to have everything in common, but it would be helpful if you had some things in common. __8__
Learn the difference between good friends and bad friends. __9__ They are always honest with you and they don't do things to hurt you. Bad friends are those who do not seem to value the friendship. They may never be there for you when you need them or do things that are hurtful to you.
__10__ Once you recognize the differences in good friends and bad friends, decide which friends you want to stay connected with and which ones you're better off without. The friends who will stick with you through good times and bad times are true friends. Let them know that you appreciate your friendship and be sure to stay a true friend to them.
A．Choose your friends carefully.
B．Keep in touch with each other.
C．Accept your friends for who they are.
D．You have to treat people the way you want to be treated.
E．Show your respect to your friends no matter what happens.
F．Good friends are those who are there for you when you need them.
G．Having things in common gives you someone to share and enjoy doing something together.
6．选D 本段的主旨是要友好地对待他人，本选项意为：用你喜欢别人对待你的方式去对待别人。和上下句构成并列关系，共同来说明如何对待他人，所以选D项。
7．选B 由本段中所提到的多种联系方式可以概括出本段的主旨，即保持相互间的联系，所以选B项。
8．选G 本选项承接上一句，进一步说明拥有共同兴趣爱好的好处，所以选G项。
9．选F 结合本段主旨句中提到的“good friends and bad friends”以及后面所提到损友的特征可以推断出本选项要谈及益友的特征与之相对应，所以选F项。
10．选A 本段提到要远离损友、亲近益友，从而可以概括出本段的主旨，即要谨慎选择朋友，所以此处选A项。
Ⅱ.语法填空
The custom of sending Christmas cards in England dates from the 19th century. Before that, people used to write letters at Christmas and at other times of the year__1__ one another.
In 1840, a British man named Henry Cole__2__(invent) the “penny post”， a mail service that required a penny to send a piece of mail. To promote (提升) the penny post, he created the Christmas card.
Cole asked his friend John Callcott Horsley, an illustrator (插画师), __3__ (design) an image or two to appear on a small card to go with the now familiar “Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”. Horsley designed __4__ three part card. On the left and right __5__ (side) of the card were scenes of people who were giving food and clothing to the poor; in the middle was a family__6__ (enjoy) food and drink. Cole and Horsley had over 2,000 cards __7__ (print) and sold them for a shilling each.
The cards proved so popular__8__ eople bought and sent them around the country. Popular images at the time were __9__ (beauty) flowers, green grass, lovely children and animals.
Though there are e cards, emails and other __10__ (choose) today, Christmas remains the holiday in which people send the most greeting cards.
1．to write letters to sb. “给某人写信”。
2．invented in 1840是具体的过去时间作状语，故谓语动词用一般过去式。
3．to design ask sb. to do sth. “请求某人做某事”。
4．a a three part card “一张由三部分组成的贺卡”。
5．sides on the left and right sides of “在……的左右两边”。
6．enjoying 主语family是动词enjoy所表示动作逻辑上的主语，故用现在分词短语enjoying food and drink作后置定语，修饰family。
7．printed cards是print所表示动作逻辑上的宾语，故用过去分词作宾语补足语。have sth. done在这里意为“请人或让人做某事”。
8．that so ... that ...意为“如此……以至于……”，引导结果状语从句。
9．beautiful 空格中所填单词在句中修饰名词flowers, 故填beauty的形容词形式。
10．choices 根据空格前面的other可知，应填choose的名词形式的复数形式。
Ⅲ.短文改错
Today is Mother's Day. I hadn't seen my mother for two weeks already.
My mother is a doctor and always busy on her work. When I was a child, my mother sent me live with my grandparents, who lived in the small village. When I was older enough to go to the school, I began to come back to live with my parents. However, my mother was often too busy that every day when she came back after work, I had fallen sleep. I used to hating her, but now I can understand her. This afternoon we gave her a call, saying, “Mom, I love you.”
答案：第二句：hadn't→haven't
第三句：on→with
第四句：live前加to; the→a
第五句：older→old; 去掉the
第六句：too→so; sleep→asleep
第七句：hating→hate
第八句：we→I
