四川省乐山市2022-2023学年高二下学期期末考试英语试题（含答案，无听力音频有听力原文）

机密★启用前〔考试时间：2023年7月4日下午3：00-5：00］
乐山市2022-2023学年高二下学期期末考试 英语
（本试卷共10页，满分150分。考试时间120分钟）
注意事项：
1．答卷前，考生务必将自己的姓名、准考证号填写在答题卡上。
2．作答时，务必将答案写在答题卡上，写在本试卷及草稿纸上无效。
3．考试结束后，将本试卷和答题卡一并交回。
第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）
做题时，先将答案标在试卷上。录音内容结束后，你将有两分钟的时间将试卷上的答案转涂到答题卡上
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。
例：How much is the shirt？
A. 19.15.
B. 9.15.
C. 9.18.
答案是B.
1. What is the man complaining about
A.His tiredness.
B.Too much work.
C.Bad weather.
2. How much should the woman pay
A. $40.
B.$30.
C.$20.
3. What do the woman's history lessons sound like
A.Appealing.
B.Just so-so.
C.Boring.
4. What are the speakers talking about
A.Traffic rules.
B.Crazy people.
C. Bad driving behaviors.
5. Where are the speakers probably
A. In a shop.
B.At a bank.
C. At a clinic.
第二节（共15小题；每小题1.5分，满分22.5分）
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。
6. What did the man do on Friday
A.He watched a game.
B.He did his paper.
C. He played basketball.
7. What does the woman think of the match
A.It's wonderful.
B. It's fair.
C.It's dull.
听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。
8. How many times does the woman wash her hair a week
A.Seven times.
B.Six times.
C.Five times.
9. What kind of shampoo does the woman prefer to buy
A. One that is specially designed.
B.One that is well advertised.
C.One that is cost-effective.
听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。
10. What's the relationship between the two speakers
A. Husband and wife.
B. Boss and employee.
C.Teacher and student.
11.What can we learn from the conversation
A.They will have a baby soon.
B.She is willing to work on until 70.
C. They have to save 40% of the earnings now.
12. What is the woman like
A. Panic and anxious.
B.Demanding and bossy.
C.Responsible and reasonable.
听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。
13.Why was the woman late
A.She went to the police station.
B.She did a lot of shopping.
C.She visited her friends.
14. Where did the wowan go first for her handbag
A.The shop.
B.The restaurant.
C.Her car.
15. What will the woman probably do next
A.Drive her car away.
B.Call her friends again.
C.Contact the restaurant manager.
16. When did the conversation probably take place
A. In the morning.
B.In the afternoon.
C.At midnight.
听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。
17.Where is the speaker now
A.At a cheese market.
B.At a craft market.
C.At a supermarket.
18.What was the town famous for
A.Hand-painted T-shirts. B. Traditional baskets.
19.What is next to the nearest bank
C.Leather shoes.
A.A cinema.
B.A park.
C.A museum.
20.Which is the fastest way from London to the market
A.By bus.
B.By train.
C.By taxi.
第二部分 阅读理解（共两节，满分40分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。
A
Guided Tours of Longford Castle
Situated within beautiful gardens on the banks of the River Avon, Longford Castle is one of the finest stately homes in England. Only open to the public on select days of the year, guided tours offer an exclusive opportunity to experience this Elizabethan castle and gardens, and its exceptional art collection.
●Tickets for guided tours of Longford Castle are sold through the National Gallery, on behalf of the Longford Estate.
● Guided tours for 2023 are now fully booked. Tors for next year will go on sale in early 2024.
●Tickets:
Standard admission: 16
Tickets include:
Collection and drop-off from Salisbury Railway Station or the Radnor Arms pub, Nunton
Guided tour of Longford Castle
Time in the gardens
●What to see on your visit
The Castle
Longford Castle was originally built in the late 16th century to an unusual triangular plan. In the 18th century, the second Earl of Radnor employed the architect James Wyatt to transform it into a hexagonal（六边形的）palace.
World-class art
Longford is home to many world-class works of art. The majority of works were collected by the family in the 18th and 19th centuries, but the collection continues to grow and evolve.
Gorgeous gardens
On your visit you'll have time to enjoy the Castle's beautiful formal gardens. The planting scheme creates a series of colourful sceneries throughout the year.
21.What do we know about the tickets for the Castle
A. The tickets don't include garden entrance fees.
B.The tickets are accessible through the National Gallery.
C.The tickets for 2024 guided tours are now available.
D.The tickets include the fees for accommodation.
22.What can we find during the visit
A.The castle has never changed in shape.
B.The collections of art never increased.
C.The castle opens every day throughout the year.
D.The gardens have different views in a year.
23.Where is this text probably taken from
A.A textbook.
B.A leaflet.
C.A report.
D.An exam paper.
B
Historically, France as a nation has been predominantly Roman Catholic.These days, however，France is largely secular（世俗的）in terms of its culture，with many of its citizens having long turned their backs on traditional forms of religion. With this reality in mind,we may wonder why a church-specifically Notre-Dame de Paris（巴黎圣母院）sitting on the small island in the middle of the river Seine-remains so deeply rooted in the hearts of Parisians.
When a fire caused great damage to Notre-Dame on April 15th, 2019,Parisians were horrified and shocked to see the destruction of their beloved “lady” (Notre dame being the French word for “our lady”). Sure enough, from the moment the fire was eventually put out, the French government began making plans for its reconstruction. So, given France's secularism, what is it that makes Notre-Dame, a religious building, so beloved
Notre-Dame's popularity partially arises from the publication of The Hunch back of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo（雨果）in the 19th century．However，construction on the Notre-Dame de Paris began back in 1163 and took more than 100 years to complete. Since its completion，the Gothic cathedral（哥特式大教堂）has been forced to move with the times on several occasions including two World Wars. Despite being attacked during times of political and religious upheaval（动乱），it has continued to stand tall throughout the centuries. The fact that it was effectively turned into a food storage space for a few years during the French Revolution shows the incredible ability of the cathedral to adapt to any situation in order to ensure its survival.
It is clear that for the people of Paris, it is part of the architecture of the French capital and, therefore, an important background in a city they believe to be the cultural center of the world. Though consumed by flames just a few years ago, Notre-Dame will undoubtedly recover and live on.
24. What message do the first two paragraphs convey
A. Notre-Dame's unique status in France.
B.France's key role in world culture.
C.Severe damage done to Notre-Dame.
D.Highlight of French architecture.
25. What do we know about Notre-Dame from the passage
A.Its name was taken from Victor Hugo's work.
B. Its construction was finished in the 1200s.
C. It was destroyed in the two World Wars.
D. It once served as a shelter for the homeless.
26. What is the author's attitude towards the recovery of Notre-Dame
A.Doubtful.
B.Uncertain.
C.Confident.
D.Indifferent.
27.What can be a suitable title of the text
A.Notre-Dame- So Much More Than Just a Church.
B.Notre-Dame-The Passing Glory Never Coming Back.
C.Notre-Dame-World-Class Cathedral in Ruins.
D.Notre-Dame-Making its Way Back to the Top.
C
Technology usually keeps us away from nature. But now it is offering us an opportunity to listen to non humans in powerful ways, connecting us again to the natural world.
Around the animal kingdom, there are sounds hard for us to decipher. Elephants, for example，communicate with each other using infra-sound（次声波），a sound frequently far below our human hearing range. Coral in the ocean also communicates with each other through sound waves. This is a shocking fact as coral doesn't have any ears! So scientists have placed listening devices in these environments to pick up sounds humans are normally unable to detect.
After the sounds are recorded，AI（人工智能）is then able to determine their meaning. There are now whole databases of whale songs and honeybee dances. One day this information may be turned into “a zoological version of google translate". One animal language is that of the elephant. Elephants have a different signal for honeybee, which is a threat, and a different signal for human. Moreover, they range between threatening humans and non-threatening humans.
And this technology is more powerful than that. For example, bees use dances to communicate with their peers where to go in search of nectar（花蜜）. A research team in Germany, therefore, insert the bee language from AI database system into a robot bee, allowing the robot to create a dance routine that can tell the bees which direction to move. Whereas in the past， language creation had been limited to mainly apes（类人猿），with many examples of chimpanzees having been taught sign language to communicate with humans. This new technology now allows humans to socialize with different animals throughout the animal kingdom.
28. Which of the following best explains “decipher” underlined in Paragraph 2
A. take control B. recognize C. raise interest D. communicate
29. What can AI do according to paragraph 3
A. Record animal sounds as many as possible.
B. Work with google to translate animal signals.
C. Find the difference between animal and human signals.
D. Analyze what animal signal information indicate.
30. Why is the new technology more powerful
A.Because it uses a robot bee to find nectar.
B.Because it teaches chimpanzees sign language.
C. Because it enlarges humans' communication with animals.
D. Because it helps humans discover more animal species.
31.What is the main idea of this passage
A. AI helps humans communicate more with animals.
B. Animals can chat as well as humans do.
C.Different animals have different chatting abilities.
D. AI is the most powerful technology at present.
D
Plastic pollution is disastrous for the environment and our health, and the issue is growing worse. Even when plastic producers are responsible and attempt to help relieve the problem, it doesn't always go smoothly. Such has been the case for the company Torus Pak.
Torus Pak produces packaging for frozen meals. Last year, a Torus Pak customer contacted the company about ensuring the packages are recyclable. Like many other black plastic products, the Torus Pak packages were technically recyclable to begin with, but they used a carbon-based pigment（色素）. This pigment disturbs the sorting technology that＇s used by many recycling facilities, so black plastic usually ends up being thrown away because the machines can't identify it.
A 2017 study found that only about 9% of all the plastic waste humans have ever created has actually been recycled. That amounts to less than 600 million tons out of over 6 billion. Some studies estimate that by 2050, the plastic polluting the ocean will outweigh the fish if we don't make some changes. This would obviously be bad for fish, but also for anyone who eats seafood. If you eat something that eats plastic, it will end up in your own system. That's bad enough, but what's worse, producing plastic also releases emissions that contribute to climate change, and harmful chemicals that can sicken communities near plastic-related facilities.
The solution is obvious - stop using so much plastic, starting with many of the items we use just once for a few panies also need to shift toward using more reusable containers, and packaging made from materials that are less harmful to the environment instead of plastic. Besides, Governments must take an active part to direct such changes too.
We know how to live without plastic. We've just got used to a convenient consumption （消费）culture. The benefits of using plastic on such an unnecessarily large scale don＇t outweigh these costs. Reducing our dependence on plastic will help to keep our planet clean and healthy.
32. Why can't Torus Pak's packaging be recycled
A. Because it doesn't care about environment pollution.
B.Because plastic is not a recyclable material.
C.Because recycling technology still has some problems.
D. Because colored packaging is hard to be identified.
33.What can we infer from Paragraph 3
A. Plastic is produced faster than it is recycled.
B. The most harmful pollution is plastic waste.
C. Ocean plastic pollution is limited to sea lives.
D. Plastic gives out emissions to pollute air.
34.What's the author's suggestion for solving the plastic pollution
A.Forbid plastic production.
C. Produce less containers.
B.Avoid unnecessary plastic use.
D.Wait for governments' actions.
35. In the author's opinion, what is the main cause for heavy plastic pollution
A. Low cost in producing plastic
C. Governments' being irresponsible
B. Failure in plastic recycling
D. People's consumption habit
第二节（共5小题；每小题2分，满分10分）
根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
It is very common for people to have very vivid memories of certain events. 36, such as a graduation ceremony or the birth of a child. Or they may be things that they see or hear about in the news. 37．Psychologists refer to them as flashbulb（闪光灯） memories.
As the name suggests， flashbulb memories are like “snapshots（快闪）”of important moments that we take with our brains rather than a camera. 38 ,either at the scene or on television. Take the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States as an example. Many people claim that they remember the disaster exactly even after 20 years.
According to psychologists, there are several factors that affect these types of memories. Among the most significant are the emotions a person may be feeling at the time, especially if it's shocking. 39 . Receiving a very special and unexpected birthday gift, for instance, would have special significance for an individual but would be meaningless to others.
40 .As time passes, people's version of events can change. This may result from a number of influences, such as their other life experiences or being exposed to media coverage of an event. So, keep in mind that those clear memories that you have of an event may not be entirely accurate.
A. Flashbulb memories influence our life in many ways
B. They typically happen when we are watching something
C. These events may be things that happened to them personally
D.And the inspiring ones have greater chances to be remembered
E. There is also personal connection that a person may feel toward an event
F.Whatever the case may be, these memories stick out in our minds very clearly
G. However, studies have shown that flashbulb memories are often not as clear as people think.
第三部分 英语知识运用（共两节，满分45分）
第一节 完形填空（共20小题；每小题1.5分，满分30分）
阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
On a warm summer evening in Surat, my wife and I were on our way to the grocery store, when I 41 a man sitting on the pavement. He sat still and the vacant 42 in his eyes indicated he was possibly incapable of 43 mental function.
We tried 44 him a few questions, but he showed no 45 of having heard or understood us. It was quite 46 that he was in need of help. “He looks half-starved,”my wife remarked, “but there is no 47 in giving him money.” I agreed. “Let's buy him a loaf of 48 instead."
It took us a while to finish our shopping. When we 49 to the spot where we had first seen the man, he wasn't there. 50,we decided to go home. We'd barely gone a hundred meters when we 51 him. He had crossed the road and was seated with a 52 of migrant labourers who had camped there. Surprisingly, none of the family members seemed to 53 his presence. In fact, he looked to be quite welcome.
The beggar was eating 54. The lady kept an eye on the stranger, making sure that his 55 was not empty. She smiled as she watched him 56 the food clumsily.
We watched for a while. Then, overcome with 57,we placed the loaf of bread near the man and 58,but not before learning the true meaning of giving and 59 .That family was far from wealthy, but they shared what they had, not something they had no use for, or something they could 60 afford,like a loaf of bread.
41.A.decorated
42.A.gift
43.A.normal
44.A.answering
45.A.comments
46.A.simple
47.A.chance
48.A.sugar
49.A.returned
50.A.Thrilled
51.A.called
52.A.family
53.A. acknowledge
54.A.hungrily
55.A.wallet
56.A.dig into
57.A.sorrow
58.A.held on
59.A.healing
60.A.reasonably
B.forgot
B.look
B. important
B.posting
B.changes
B.useful
B.point
B.cheese
B.entered
B.Disappointed
B.spotted
B.team
B.announce
B.sadly
B.basket
B.find out
B.guilt
B.carried out
B.volunteering
B.finally
C.noticed
C.space
C.valued
C.considering
C.signs
C.clear
C.excuse
C.cake
C.exposed
C.Ashamed
C.heard
C.couple
C.mind
C.angrily
C.field
C.make up
C.exhaustion
C.rode away
C.following
C.comfortably
D.abandoned
D.plan
D.special
D.asking
D.results
D.popular
D.evidence
D.bread
D.delayed
D.Scared
D.forgave
D.crew
D. ensure
D.secretly
D.plate
D.send off
D.confusion
D.gave up
D.sharing
D.easily
第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。
The French tourism industry hopes to see a strong boost as China, one of the world giant tourism 61（market） before the pandemic， optimized（优化）its COVID-19 response and resumed outbound group tours earlier this year.
The European country hosted nearly 90 million international tourists in 2019, 62 (make) it the top destination in the world in terms of tourist arrivals. 63 the same time, more than 50 million tourists visited the Paris region and Chinese tourists made up the second 64(large) number. They 65(generate) more than 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in revenue.
Air connectivity has been 66(gradual) increasing after China reopened to foreign tourists last month. More passenger flights 67(operate) by airlines have been put into service between Chinese and French cities since January． Passenger capacities（乘客量）are expected 68（rise） by the summer. Before the pandemic, more than 2 million Chinese tourists visited France each year and the Louvre Museum was 69 must-go site of Chinese tourists in Paris. Due to the absence of Chinese, the region starved for three years, 70 is extremely long and hard. Hopefully, they are going to start to travel again and it will be much more individual and much more upscale.
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分35分）
第一节 短文改错（共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（∧），并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线（＼）划掉。
修改：在错的词下画一横线，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只限一词；
2．只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。
Dear friends,
How time flies! It had been two weeks since you came to my school for the exchange program launching to promote communication and cooperation between our two schools.
During the past two weeks, we have studied and lived in a same place, which has enabled us know each Oher better. Do sports together on the playground gives us an opportunity to promote our friendship. That has impressed us most is your art show, in which you showed outstanding talent. I believe the program is of greatly benefit to the students in my school.
At last, on behalf of all the students in your school, I wish you a safe journey at home. And I also sincerely expect more program like this in the future.
第二节 书面表达（满分25分）
假定你叫李华，是一名高三学生。你所在班级最近举办了一次义卖活动，募集的善款将捐赠给学校助学基金。请你给曾在你班交流的英国学生James写一封邮件介绍该活动，内容包括：
1．活动目的和情况；
2．你对本活动的看法。
注意：
1．词数100词左右；
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
参考词汇：义卖：charity bazaar；助学基金：grant fund
Dear James,
Yours,
Li Hua
英语参考答案及评分意见
2023.7
第1卷（共100分）
第一部分（共20小题；每小题1.5分，满分30分）
1-5 BCACC
6-10 BAABA
11-15 ACACC
16-20 BBCAB
第二部分
第一节（共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分）
21-25 BDBAB
26-30 CABDC
31-35 ACABD
第二节（共5小题；每小题2，满分10）
36-40 CFBEG
第三部分
第一节（共20小题；每小题1.5分，满分30分）
41-45 CBADC
46-50 CBDAB
51-55 BACAD
56-60 ABCDD
第1I卷（共50分）
第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
61.markets
66.gradually
62.making
67.operated
63.At
68.to rise
64.largest
69.a
65.generated
70.which
第四部分
第一节（共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）
带格式的：下划线
第二节 书面表达（满分25分）
（一）评分原则
1．本题总分为25分，按5个档次给分。
2．评分时，先根据文章所表达的要点和语言质量初步确定其所属档次，然后以该档次的要求来衡量，确定或调整档次，最后给分。
3．词数少于80或多于120的，从总分中减去2分。
4．评分时，应注意的主要内容为：内容要点、应用词汇和语法结构的数量和准确性以及上下文的连贯性。
5．拼写与标点符号是语言准确性的一个方面，评分时，应视其对交际的影响程度予以考虑。英、美拼写及词汇用法均可接受。
6．如书写较差以致影响交际，可将分数，降低一个档次。
（二）内容要点
1．恰当的开头、结尾；
2．活动目的；
3．活动情况；
4．对活动的看法。
三）各档次的给分范围和要求
第五档（21～25分）：完全完成了试题规定的任务，完全达到了预期的写作目的。
一覆盖所有内容要点。
一应用了较多的语法结构和词汇。
一语法结构或词汇方面有些许错误，但为尽力使用较复杂结构或较高级词汇所致；具备较强的语言运用能力。
一有效地使用了语句间的连接成分，使全文结构紧凑。
第四档（16～20分）：完成了试题规定的任务，达到了预期的写作目的。
一虽漏掉一两个次重点，但覆盖所有主要内容。
一应用的语法结构和词汇能满足任务的要求。
一语法结构或词汇方面应用基本准确，些许错误主要是因尝试较复杂语法结构或词汇所致。
一应用简单的语句间的连接成分，使全文结构紧凑。
第三档（11～15分）：基本完成了试题规定的任务，基本达到了预期的写作目的。
一虽漏掉一些内容，但覆盖所有主要内容。
一应用的语法结构和词汇能满足任务的要求。
-有一些语法结构或词汇方面的错误，但不影响理解。
一应用简单的语句间的连接成分，使全文内容连贯。
第二档（6～10分）：未适当完成试题规定的任务，信息未能清楚地传达给读者。
一漏掉或未描述清楚一些主要内容，写了一些无关内容。
一语法结构单调、词汇项目有限。
一有一些语法结构或词汇方面的错误，影响了对写作内容的理解。
一较少使用语句间的连接成分，内容缺少连贯性。
第一档（1～5分）：未完成试题规定的任务，信息未能传达给读者。
-明显遗漏主要内容，写了一些无关内容，原因可能是未理解试题要求。
一语法结构单调、词汇项目有限。
一较多语法结构或词汇方面的错误，影响对写作内容的理解。
一缺乏语句间的连接成分，内容不连贯。
不得分（0分）：未能传达给读者任何信息：内容太少，无法评判；写的内容均与所要求内容无关或所写内容无法看清。
五.One possible version：
Dear James,
I'm glad to share with you a wonderful activity: we held a charity bazaar!
Our school has set up a grant fund for students who study hard. Last week, all my classmates do noted something to give a help for that fund, including books, sports equipment and even our DIY objects. Then, an auction fair was on stage, with students and teachers as “bidders”. At last, we rai sed over 3.000 yuan!
I think this activity is quite meaningful. It helps the poor students to relieve their financial bur den. Besides, it shows that every can give a hand to create a better world together. How do you think about it
Yours,
Li Hua
附：听力原文
(Text 1)
W:Why are you so depressed, Tommy
M:The boss gave me so much work to do! I was working until 10 o'clock yesterday. And it has not been finished!
W:Why don't you talk to your boss
M:I did. But he just said he couldn't find another person to help me. I'm really feeling down especially on such a rainy day.
(Text 2)
W:Hey,Mike,how much is the bill
M: The two chicken sandwiches cost 30 dollars. And the two Cokes cost 10 dollars.
W:That's great. Let’s divide the bill in half.
(Text 3)
M:When did you decide to be a school teacher, Kate
W:When I was in middle school, I had a history teacher whom I liked very much. I wanted to be like her.
M:What made her so special To tell you the truth, my teacher just taught names and dates.
(Text 4)
M:Did you see what that guy did A U-turn right in the middle of the block and almost hit a kid on a bicycle!
W:Oh,I can't believe drivers behave like that! We are seeing more and more crazy people not
obeying traffic rules.
(Text 5)
M:Good morning! What's the emergency
W:I fell of my bike while riding. My leg is painful. Ouch! It hurts.
M:Don't worry. Lie down, please. I will check it.
(Text6)
W:Did you go to the basketball game on Friday
M:No I couldn't make it. I was busy doing my paper.
W:You missed a really good game.
M:Oh,really Which school won
W:Of course our school did. They played really well.
M:Too bad I was busy. The next game, I will definitely be there.
(Text7)
M:Good morning. We are doing a survey on shopping choices. Would you mind answering a few quick questions
W:No,go ahead.
M:Can you tell me whether you wash your hair six times a week, five times a week or less
W:Usually,every day.
M:Do you always buy the same brand of shampoo
W:Um,I tend to buy a different one each time.
M:So are you influenced by the shape of the bottle or the publicity
W:I think I usually focus on value for money. I don't take much notice of the advertising or what the bottle looks like.
M:Thank you for your answer.
(Text8)
W:We need to start saving money for a rainy day.
M:Yeah,I know, but we still need to live too. I don't want to work just to save and entertainment matters, you know.
W:Honey,I understand your point. But isn't it true that you will be a father soon You must agree that we have to knit a safe net for our kids as well as for ourselves. How about saving 20% of all our earnings and putting it in the bank
M:Um···Yes,honey. Um···But 20% sounds too high. How about 10%
W:Oh, dear. I had meant the number to be 40%. Actually 20% is nothing if we cut down on takeaway food and start cooking at home. Imagine if we start saving and keeping at least 20% in the bank now, we will have enough money to retire comfortably. OH, what a nice picture that would be!
M:Yes,honey,you are right. I just don't think about retirement too often.
W:And if we don't put money in the bank now, we will have to work right up until the day we die.
Surely you don't want to be working in your 70s,right
M:Oh, I am so lucky to have you, honey. Let's write down a saving plan together. (Text9)
W:Sorry,I am late, Om.
M:It's all right Rita. Where have you been
W:At the police station. I have lost my handbag. Or perhaps someone's taken it. I don't know.
M:Oh no! What happened Sit down. Was there anything important in it
W:Important!My checkbook, all the papers I need for work.
M:Oh,that's terrible! But how did you lose it
W:Well,as you know, I was with a friend all morning and we had lunch together. After I had lunch, I went shopping. And when I wanted to buy something, I couldn't find my checkbook.
Then I remembered that it was in my handbag. And my handbag was in my car.
M:So you went back to your car.
W:But I didn't find it there.
M:And you went to the police station
W:Not immediately. Before I went to the police station, I called my friend's office. No luck.
M:You should go to the restaurant where you had lunch and look for it.
W:Oh,I should have done that.
M:Now you'd better telephone the manager right away.
(Text10)
As you can see from the signs, this was Medbury's old cheese market. People used to bring cheese and butter and things here to sell. But since 1982,this has been a craft market. If you want to take presents home, there are plenty of things to choose from, like these hand-painted T-shirts or those traditional baskets. This town was well-known for its leather goods, especially shoes. That long building over there was the factory where they were made. It's become a museum because most of their shoes we buy now are made abroad. If you need to change some money before you go shopping, you will find a bank over there beside the cinema. If that one is busy, there's another one, but it's a few minutes' walk-it's opposite the park. We will meet at 4:30. We are taking the coach back to London today as we want to visit somewhere else on the way back. But if you come here again from London, the quickest way is by train. The station is just down the road. You can just see the taxi outside.