常州市2023-2024学年高一上学期1月学业水平监测（期末）英语试题 2024年1月
注意：本试卷分四个部分，答案全部做在答题纸上。总分为150分。考试时间120分钟。
第一部分 听力（满分30分）
第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听完每段对话后，你有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
1.Why didn't the woman call the man
A.She forgot to bring her phone.
B.There was no phone signal.
C.Her phone was dropped in the lake.
2.Where are the speakers
A.In America. B.In England. C.In Canada.
3.When does the man usually get up
A.At 6:00 a.m. B. At 7:00 a.m. C. At 8:00 a.m.
4.How does the man feel
A.Regretful. B. Grateful. C. Happy.
5.How did the woman reach her destination
A.By car. B.By subway. C. By bus.
第二节
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。
6. When can the storeroom be used
A.Today. B. Tomorrow. C. Next Thursday.
7. What problem do the speakers have
A. The office is full of boxes.
B. The work plan was changed.
C.Some supplies have not arrived.
听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。
8. What time did the man get up
A. At 1:00 in the afternoon.
B. At 8:00 in the morning.
C. At 3:00 in the morning.
9.What did the woman do last night
A.She stayed at home.
B. She took care of her cat.
C.She went to a party.
10.What will the man order
A.Chicken. B.A salad. C. Coffee
听第8段材料，回答第11至13题。
11.Why is the man calling the woman
A.To postpone a meeting.
B.To ask for a favor.
C.To cancel a reservation.
12.Where is the man now
A.On his way to Head Office.
B.At a meeting.
C.At the office.
13. Who is busy preparing for a conference
A.Tracy. B.Steve. C. Janet.
听第9段材料，回答第14至17题。
14. What is the relationship between the speakers
A.Parent and child.
B.Coach and athlete.
C.Teacher and student.
15.What does the man want the woman to do
A.Make him a cake.
B.Lend him her classroom.
C.Come to a party.
16.When will the party take place
A. At lunchtime. B. In the morning. C. In the evening.
17. How many students will be at the party
A. 5. B. 6. C. 8.
听第10段材料，回答第18至20题。
18.What is the speaker mainly talking about
A. How her high school education was like.
B. How to join the National Cat Club.
C.How she came to love cats.
19.What happened first after the speaker found an injured cat
A.She helped it get better.
B.It had kittens.
C.It killed a bird.
20.What will the speaker probably talk about next
A.Cats. B. Birds. C. School.
第二部分 阅读（共两节，满分50分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
A
Good Part-Time Jobs for Teens
Consider what your goals are. Do you want to gain experience for or try out a future career path, do something you enjoy, or simply make money for future college expenses
You also should consider your specific state's labor laws. This will help you determine age limits as well as the number of hours you can expect to work per week.
It's also important to consider the requirements or experience needed for the position as well as the location and schedule. Aside from typical part-time jobs like working as a barista（咖啡馆服务员），delivering pizzas, serving in a restaurant, or working for a fast-food chain, here are some other part-time job ideas for teens: Babysitter, Catering staff, Grocery store stocker or cashier, Receptionist or customer service representative, etc.
Pros and Cons of Part-Time Jobs for Teens
When determining whether or not a part-time job is right for you,it can help to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. You also should consider your personality as well as your existing time commitments.
Pros Cons
Learn to manage money Have less time for studying
Gain experience View workplace negatively
Have less time for risk-taking Interfere with activities
Build life skills Might create stress
Acquire work skills May lead to drug abuse（滥用）
Signs a Teen Is Ready for a Job
Aside from having the time and the drive to find part-time employment, there are some additional characteristics that may indicatethat you are ready for a job as a teenager:
*Good time management skills;
* Strong communication skills;
* Sense of commitment and good follow through;
*Willingness to be a team player.
21. What can we learn from the text about seeking a part-time job
A. You needn't keep your purpose in mind.
B.You shouldn't ignore the law.
C. You don't have to notice the requirements.
D.You can't rely on your experience.
22. You have decided to take a part-time job probably because it helps you_
A.have some risky life experience
B. gain more skills for future living
C.taste the pressure of life earlier
D. consume less time on school work
23.Which of the following shows you are ready for a part-time job
A. Arriving late for school activities frequently.
B.Being nervous about communicating with others.
C. Struggling to follow through on projects.
D.Being able to work together with others.
B
Ridley Scott＇s famous war film “Napoleon（拿破仑）”is a series of successful battles looking for a better movie to connect them. Once again， Scott＇s craftsmanship（技艺） is on show here， but it＇s in service of a deeply shallow screenplay. A great actor is reduced to a ghostly presence in the middle of the movie,and his partner, the character who needs to give the film a beating heart, comes off as flat and hollow.
One of the problems is that the film script tries to put a lot of life into the running time of a single film. Naturally, it opens during the French Revolution, as Napoleon climbs up the political ladder of France with his war talents above all else.
Another part of the problem is that Kirby, the leading actress never really understands what to play with Josephine， a mysterious celebrity（名人）who becomes too much of a mirror for Napoleon.She couldn't give Napoleon a son, which resulted in their break-up.
Was Napoleon the kind of world leader whose own unsafety resulted in killings we have seen in history That's here in a few places, but Scott is uninterested in making any sort of statement about Napoleon or men like him. A very just-the-facts approach of “Napoleon” is incredibly disappointing for a filmmaker who usually finds so much depth in the stories he tells. Worst of all, by the time “Napoleon”gets to Waterloo, we don't know much more about the main character than we did when we came in.That's a problem.
Having said that, the wonderful war scenes in “Napoleon” may be enough to prove its existence for fans of historical war films. Whether its bloodied bodies breaking through ice or waves of soldiers rushing into battle, “Napoleon” has some fantastic battle scenes. Maybe the point is that Napoleon Bonaparte was only truly alive when surrounded by so much death.
24. How do you understand the underlined word “hollow" in Paragraph 1
A. Solid. B.Deep. C.Empty. D.Smooth.
25. What can we infer from Paragraph 2 to 4
A.The film successfully covers Napoleon's whole life.
B. Kirby has a good understanding of how to play Josephine.
C.People couldn't know Napoleon better through this film.
D.There are some outstanding features of "Napoleon".
26. What does Paragraph 5 mainly talk about
A.The successful battle scenes in “Napoleon”.
B.The achievements of Napoleon Bonaparte.
C.The wars Napoleon Bonaparte fighting in.
D. The reason for Napoleon Bonaparte's aliveness.
27.What type of writing is this text
A. A news report. B. A film review.
C. A historical document. D. A science fiction.
C
The Longtaitou Festivl, which means “dragon-raises head” in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese festival held on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar. So, it's also called Eryueer Festival. In Chinese culture， the dragon is an auspicious（吉利的） animal that dominates clouds and rains. The 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month is thought to be the day when dragon awakes and raises its head according to the Chinese folk legend. So the day is called Dragon Heads-raising Day.After the day,spring is coming and there will be more and more rain. People think these credits（功劳） go to the dragon.So the day is also called Spring Dragon Festival. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD),Chinese people have had the custom of spending the Spring Dragon Festival.
The most popular custom on the Dragon Heads-raising Day is cutting hair. Dragon is highly honored for its dignity（尊贵） and power for good. It is thought to be auspicious to cut hair on the Dragon Heads-raising Day. Luck and opportunities will always knock you in the year.So，on that day，barbershops＇（理发店的）businesses are growing and full of customers.
The most common foods for celebrating the festival are popcorns, pancakes, noodles, dumplings,fired soy beans and pig's head. People in different areas have different traditions about the food on the day.In Beijing,people eat Lvdagunr (Glutinous Rice Rolls with Sweet Bean Flour) and spring pancakes on the day. In Shanxi， people like to eat fried dough twists（油条） and pancakes. In Shandong， fried soy beans, noodles and dumplings are the festival food. In Fuzhou, the salted porridge made of glutinous rice,celery, scallion, garlic, fry dried shrimps and shredded meat is eaten.These show people's hope to be blessed（保佑）with favorable weather and plentiful grain harvest by the dragon.
28.Which of the following is true about the Longtaitou Festival
A.It dates back to Song Dynasty.
B. It is celebrated for two days.
C. It attracts fewer people than other festivals.
D. It suggests the return of spring.
29.Why do people cut hair on the Dragon Heads-raising Day
A.It is the most popular custom.
B. It is in honor of dragon's dignity and power.
.C. It is people's wish for luck and opportunities.
D. It is a sign of barbershops' prospering businesses.
30.What can we infer from the third paragraph about the Longtaitou Festival
.A. People in China share the similar traditional foods on he day.
B.Foods for celebrating the festival usually bear people's best wishes.
C. Salted foods are used to celebrate the festival throughout China.
D.Traditional foods on the day are prepared for the dragon to eat.
31. What might be the best title for the text
A. The Dragon Heads-raising Day.
B. The celebrations of the Longtaitou Festival.
C.The origin of the Longtaitou Festival.
D. The purpose of the Dragon Heads-raising Day.
D
Should martial arts be part of the school curriculum（课程）？ In the United States and most of Europe，self-defense is not taught at schools. Yes, schools have after-school clubs with trainers from both inside and outside the school using the gyms and classroom to teach a big range of martial arts, but schools very rarely have it on their curriculum, let alone as a main subject.
But after new research that shows that obesity（肥胖）levels are still rising in the first world at a surprising rate, some are suggesting that martial arts may help fight obesity, and also help children become better adapted to the wider world in terms of self-defense and discipline（自律）.
Martial arts provide not just a physical work out, but also a chance to develop self-defense skills while training both the body and mind to be disciplined and mindful. Studies have shown that there is a significant connection between practicing martial arts and self-esteem（自尊）.Through the arts，students can develop discipline, and cultivate respect for different cultures-something even more important than ever before in our increasingly divided societies. Martial arts also strengthen muscles,improves flexibility and balance. Everyone knows that with better physical health, come better, happier lives.
However,some have been keen to point out that yes, martial arts in every school would be great,but finding those who are trained and qualified（合格的）to teach martial arts could probably prove to be challenge.They believe it is a chicken and egg situation，where without compulsory（强制的）curriculum of martial arts，those who are good at it may never find themselves in a dojo（武术馆） to find out. But to bring it to everyone you need experienced trainers who can teach the martial arts without fear of mishap（不幸事故） or physical damage.
32. What's the topic of this text .
A.What martial arts are.
B. Whether martial arts should be on school curriculum.
C.Who should teach martial arts as a main subject at school.
D.How martial arts work for schools.
33.Why should martial arts be added into the curriculum
A. Self-defense is not taught at schools.
B.Obesity levels are still rising fast in the world.
C. It provides physical and mental benefits.
D. It can help prevent physical damage.
34.What are the "chicken"and the “egg" in the“a chicken and egg situation” in the last paragraph
A.Building a dojo and finding the trainers..
B.Teaching martial arts and the physical damage.
C.Lack of trainers and the fear of mishap.
D. Lack of trainers and no compulsory curriculum of martial arts.
35.What is the author's attitude towards adding martial arts to the curriculum
A.Unclear. B.Uninterested. C. Disliking. D.Negative.
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
Even small amounts of processed meat can greatly raise your cancer risk, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) writes. The WCRF update their guidelines every decade, and in this one， they outline three main problems： tobacco， red processed meat，and alcohol（酒精）.
36. Almost half of all cancer cases are preventable,they write, and the most straightforward way is through a healthy diet. But what does that mean
No smoking
37. While this is not strictly a part of a healthy diet, smoking has long been proven to cause a wide variety of cancers, as well as increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases and other serious health issues
Avoid alcohol
Decades ago, people thought that you could enjoy alcohol in low to moderate quantities without causing a health risk. Recent research seems to suggest that even in low quantities, drinking alcohol can greatly increase, your risk of cancer. 38. So,better avoid it.
Red meat
The list wouldn't be complete without red meat. As other studies before it, the WCRF report further emphasizes that red meat is also associated with an important rise in cancer risk, especially processed red meat. 39. No amount of processed red meat is safe if you want to minimize your risk of cancer.
The findings don't necessarily offer something －they just repeat what mountains of research are already saying: if you want to avoid,cancer, you need to eat more things that are good for you, less of the things that are harmful to you, and be at least somewhat physically fit.
40.______________
A.Yes, even little drinking is bad for you.
B. A smoking area is planned for people who want to smoke.
C. The first thing you should do is give up smoking (if you do smoke).
D.However, in the modern world, that seems to be increasingly difficult.
E. Let me spell that out a different way: bacon and sausages are bad for you..
F.The WCRF report focuses on finding the causes of cancer and how to avoid them.
G.Besides affecting physical health, red meat also does harm to one's mental health.
第三部分 语言知识运用（共两节，满分30分）
第一节 完形填空（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）
阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
After a decade of climbing， I gradually started free soloing（单人徒手攀岩）．I 41 my comfort over time and slowly took on bigger and more 42 walls.
The first choice was Half Dome, a 2,000-foot wall overlooking the east end of the valley. I didn't really know how to prepare, so I decided to 43 the preparations and just go up there and directly start climbing.
I figured it would be easy, which, 44 ,was not. Thankfully, it was pretty much the right way. I was slightly nervous, but I tried not to let it 45 me.
I needed to be 46 . It was a beautiful September morning, and as I climbed higher, I could hear the of tourists chatting and laughing on the summit（山顶）.But between me and the 48 was a blank slab of granite（花岗岩平板)．There were no edges to hold on to，just a vertical（垂直的）wall. I had to trust the friction（摩擦力）between my climbing shoes and the wall, carefully climbing my way
49 .
Then I reached, a foothold that I didn't quite trust. I changed my 50 and tried a foot further out．It seemed even 51 ．I started to panic（恐惧）．My mind was 52 in every direction. I knew what I had to do, but I was too 53 . I just had to stand up on my right foot.And after what felt like a century, I accepted what I had to do and I stood up on the right foot, and it didn’t slip（滑）． I didn’t die．And that move 54 the end of the hardest climbing．
Eventually, I could enjoy the sound of the birds singing around. It all felt like a(n) 55 .
41.A. contributed to B. built up C.took in D.stuck with
42.A.typical B.familiar C.extreme D.challenging
43.A.prevent B.skip C. perform D.remember
44.A.unsurprisingly B.frequently C.excitingly D.conveniently
45.A.attack B.strengthen C.influence D.approach
46.A.sharp B. curious C.calm D.satisfied
47.A.languages B.cries C. words D:sounds
48.A.summit B.mountain C. position D.entrance
49.A.downward B.upward C.inward D.outward
50.A.fingers B.eyes C.feet D.ears
51.A.better B.safer C.worse D.easier
52.A.floating B.stretching C.waving D.racing
53.A.afraid B.brave C.busy D.surprised
54.A.waved B.marked C.warned D.reminded
55.A.celebration B.shame C.romance D.horror
第二节 语法填空（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Over the years, tai chi has gained increasing 56 (popular) all over the world, and researchers have found that the Chinese martial art of tai chi cold slow down the Parkinson's disease by years.
Tai chi, together with other types of martial arts, 57 (know) to benefit physical and mental well-being. The past five years have seen a study on people with Parkinson's disease, 58 was done by doctors from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.The researchers discovered that the condition progressed at a slower rate in those who practiced tai chi. They observed 59 (few)falls,and less back pain in the people practicing tai chi. The researchers also noted that the cognitive function of people who 60 （regular） practiced tai chi deteriorated（恶化） more slowly． Parkinson＇s disease is a brain illness whose effects can never be ignored. It gradually causes 61 (controllable) movements,such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
The researchers 62 （suggest） that doing tai chi could keep symptoms（症状）of Parkinson＇s disease from worsening for years. They said: "The long-term beneficial effect of tai chi 63 Parkinson＇s disease could prolong（延长） the time without disability， 64 （lead）to a higher quality of life."No wonder tai chi 65 (practise) throughout the world at the moment.
第四部分 书面表达（共两节，满分40分）
第一节 应用文写作（满分15分）
假如你是李华，你的英国同年人笔友Mary正在通过节食来减肥，你认为这样不合理。请你给她写一封邮件，内容包括：
1．说明问题；
2．提出建议。
注意：
1．写作词数应为80左右；
2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Mary,
Yours sincerely, Li Hua
读后续写（满分25分）
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
The New York Marathon（马拉松） is my goal for this year. I know I am never going to wina rac but now, when I get anything negative, I will think of the kind gentleman who really believed,“You ver good...you very fast.”
At the time, I was living in the Bay Area, and my mother had come to visit for a few days. On the last day of her stay, I was preparing to go out for a run. I picked up a T-shirt I just bought the other day from a Chinese clothing shop-it had some Chinese characters on the front, and a scene of Honolulu Chinatown on the back. I didn't speak Chinese, but somehow this special T-shirt was quite soft and good for exercise.Working in a very negative environment, I found morning runs very beneficial-body tired but mind awake.
And I had always met an elderly Chinese gentleman walking on the opposite side of the trail（道路）when I was running on other mornings. I had always said, “Good morning,” and he had always smiled warmly and nodded his head slightly.
As I was going out the door, my mother suddenly said, “I don't think running is so hot- that famous runner died.” I started to recount what I had read about Jim Fixx, and how running had probably been the contributing factor to his living far longer than most of the other members of his family, but I knew there was absolutely no point.
As I started running on my favorite trail, I found I couldn't shake my mother's statement.I was so discouraged that I could hardly run. I began thinking, “Why do I run at all Serious runners probably think I look silly！ I＇might have a heart attack on the trail-my dad had a fatal（致命的）heart attack at 50years old, and he was seemingly in better shape than I am.”
注意：1．续写词数应为150个左右；
2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
My mother's statement remained in my mind like a giant blanket.
Upon hearing the man's words, I felt more unexplained strength in my step.高一英语答案
一、听力 1-5 BABAC 6-10 BABCB 11-15 BACCB 16-20 ACCAA
二、阅读 21-23 BBD 24-27 CCAB 28-31 DCBA 32-35 BCDA
36-40 FCAED
四、完形 41-45 BDBAC 46-50 CDABC 51-55 CDABA
五、语法填空
56. popularity 57. is known 58. which 59. fewer 60. regularly
61. uncontrollable 62. suggested 63. on 64. leading 65. is (being) practised
六、应用文写作
Dear Mary,
Learning that you are going on a diet to lose weight, I feel terribly sorry and I do regard it as inappropriate. I am writing to offer some constructive proposals.
Skipping meals or eating less does harm to you to a great extent, giving rise to the weakness both physically and mentally. Instead, working out regularly in the gym may be a much wiser alternative, which enables you to stay energetic and efficient. Additionally, I also highly recommend sleeping earlier and rising earlier, which is said to be of great use in controlling weight.
I do hope my suggestions above are of help and that you will get an ideal figure in a healthy way.
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
七、读后续写
My mother’s statement remained in my mind like a giant blanket. Gradually, my jog slowed to a walk. My body drained of energy and my mind felt extremely defeated. Just as I was going to turn around and head for home— feeling more discouraged than I could recall in years—I saw that elderly Chinese gentleman again. Seeing my shirt in the distance had prompted him to march towards me. With limited English he pointed to the letters and enthusiastically said, “You very good . . . you very fast.”
Upon hearing the man’s words, I felt more unexplained strength in my step. He cast his usual warm smile at me and gave me a thumb up as we passed other. A surge of warmth across my whole body, I didn’t turn from the trail where my previous dark mood had intended. Thanks to that little boost, I continued for six more miles that day instead. I was not that fast, but was very good in my spirit and my heart. Luckily, the elderly gentleman saved me from the shadow of negative feedback.
听力原文
Text 1
M: Where have you been all day When it started to go dark I got worried about you.
W: I would have called but there was no phone signal. (1) We walked round the mountain in the morning and then, after lunch, we went to the lake. Time just flew by.
Text 2
M: I’m originally from England but I’ve lived here in America for over 20 years now. (2) Where are you from
W: I thought you knew. I’m from Canada. I only moved to America a year ago.
Text 3
M: I’ll be late for work. I didn’t hear my alarm go off.
W: Well, you wouldn’t. It’s only 6:00 a.m. You got out of bed an hour early. (3)
M: Oh no, I will probably feel tired all day.
Text 4
W: Last night was great! I expected to just have a quiet dinner, but we ended up going dancing afterwards and had so much fun!
M: Oh, now I’m extra sorry I missed it! (4)
W: Next time. But thank you so much for my birthday gift! I loved it.
Text 5
W: Sorry I’m late. I couldn’t believe the amount of traffic on the roads. The roads were filled with cars.
M: You should have come on the subway and avoided all that.
W: I know, but I never thought the bus takes so long. (5)
Text 6
M: I thought the storeroom was supposed to be ready today. (6) It’s getting hard to work in the office with all these boxes. (7)
W: Actually, it was finished yesterday, but the painters say it will take two days to dry. (6) Then we’ll be able to put things in it.
M: Well, that’s going to be a problem. (7) More supplies are due to arrive this afternoon. What will we do with them
W: Let’s move some of the boxes into the conference room. It’s not being used until next Thursday. We can move them out again when the paint is dry.
Text 7
W: Wow, I slept in until 1:00 in the afternoon today!
M: Why did you sleep so late I got up at 8:00 this morning. (8)
W: I didn’t get to bed until 3:00 in the morning because I went to Jessica’s party last night. (9) Why weren’t you there
M: I just wanted a night at home. It sounds like you had fun!
W: Yeah, it was a costume party. I was a cat.
M: What are you doing today
W: I’m on my way to get some food. Do you want to come I want some chicken and coffee.
M: Sure, I could go for a salad. (10)
W: Great. See you soon!
Text 8
M: Hello Janet, (13) it’s Tom.
W: Tom, I thought you were away from the office today.
M: I am. I wonder if you could help me. (11) I’m on my way to Head Office. (12) Could you do something for me (11) I left a file on my desk that I should have brought with me. There are only about four sheets of paper in it but it’s very important. Would you be able to copy them and email them to me (11)
W: OK, but I’m busy this afternoon preparing for a conference. (13) I’ll get Tracy to do it.
M: Thanks, that will be a big help. I need one other thing. Could you, or Tracy, please call Steve Bracewell and confirm our meeting for tomorrow afternoon at 2:00. I’d really appreciate it.
W: All right, we’ll get it done. Have a good trip.
Text 9 (第14题为推断题)
M: Miss Hill As you know, I’m captain of the school volleyball team, and we’ve been having a great season.
W: Yes, I heard! Mr. Price said you’re probably going to win the league!
M: Well, he’s our coach, he has to say that! But…yes, I hope so. Either way, I wanted to throw a small party for the team, to celebrate their hard work.
W: That’s a nice idea.
M: The thing is, I was hoping we might be able to use your classroom. (15)
W: Hmm… Well, that depends. What will this party be like (16) (17)
M: Just some soft drinks, maybe a cake… And I wanted to hand out team awards. We won’t make a mess.
W: When will this be (16)
M: Next Friday, during our lunch hour. (16) Our final game is on Thursday morning, and our parents don’t want us having night-time parties this close to exams.
W: And there’re 5 players in the team, right
M: 6, plus 2 extra players to cover injuries. (17)
W: Well, OK. I trust you, Casper. You deserve to celebrate!
Text 10 (第18题为推断题)
Hello, and welcome to the 100th London Cat Festival — the world’s biggest event for cat lovers. My name is Marjorie Philips, and I’m president of the National Cat Club. Before we start, I have a secret to tell you. I never thought I would be standing here before you as the president of anything to do with cats, because, when I was a little girl, I did not like cats. In fact, I would do anything to avoid them. Their hair used to make me cough. In fact, it still does. I also love birds, and in my younger days, I believed cats were nothing but bird killers. My views on cats changed in secondary school when I found an injured cat on the side of the road and nursed him back to health. (19) Imagine my surprise when this “him” turned out to be a “her,” and delivered several baby cats in my bedroom. Well, that’s where the story really begins. I fell in love with those little cats and from then on I came to care for all of these wonderful animals. (20)
