“德化一中、漳平一中、永安一中”三校协作
2023-2024学年第二学期联考
高二英语试题
（考试时间：120分钟 总分：150分）
第一部分 听力(共两节，满分30分)
第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）
请听下面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。
1. Why did the man want to leave
A. To take a taxi.
B. To attend a ball.
C. To watch a TV program.
2. When do the speakers usually travel
A. At weekends.
B. On their birthdays.
C. During public holidays.
3. What is the conversation mainly about
A. African history.
B. The ancient Silk Road.
C. The Belt and Road Initiative.
4. What is the woman’s attitude towards the aging population
A. Negative. B.Positive. C. Undecided.
5. What is the relationship between the speakers
A. Professor and student. B. Manager and employee. C. Classmates.
第二节 （共15小题；每小题1.5分，满分22.5分）
请听下面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, 每小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
请听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。
6. Who does the man think is to blame
A. The homeowner. B. The water company. C. The workman.
7. Why does Janine make the call
A. To cancel an appointment for repair.
B. To ask about a delayed appointment.
C. To pay the fee for getting a pipe repaired.
请听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。
8. What is the woman doing
A. Offering advice. B. Sharing an experience. C. Sitting an exam.
9. What does the woman usually do to reduce stress before exams
A. Organize revision materials.
B. Set up a timetable for study.
C. Create a quiet learning space.
10. What does the woman remind the man to do at last
A. Avoid entertainment. B. Have a good sleep. C. Think differently.
请听第8段材料，回答第11至13题。
11. Where does the conversation take place
A. In a house. B. In a shop. C. In a house agency.
12. How many bedrooms is the man looking for
A. Two. B. Three. C. Four.
13. What is the local area like
A. There is a supermarket nearby.
B. There are good transport links.
C. There are top schools around.
请听第9段材料，回答第14至17题。
14. Where did the woman meet Kylie
A. In a parking lot. B. Outside a hotel. C. At a radio station.
15. Why did Kylie start a conversation with the woman
A. She was interested in the woman’s T-shirt.
B. She invited the woman to attend a show.
C. She offered to fix the woman’s car.
16. What soap opera was Jason in
A. Home and Away. B. Neighbors. C. Ramsey Street.
17. What type of famous person did the man meet
A. An author. B. An actress. C. A TV show host.
请听第10段材料，回答第18至20题。
18. At what age did Simon enter his first under-eighteen competition
A. Five. B. Eleven. C. Thirteen.
19. For what reason did Simon stop playing chess for a year
A. To travel around the country.
B. To reflect on his past experiences.
C. To make the most of his teenage life.
20. What does Simon want to do next
A. Earn good grades.
B. Make more friends.
C. Get picked for his country.
第二部分 阅读理解 (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)
阅读下面短文, 从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中, 选出最佳选项, 并在题卡上将该项涂黑。
A
Four Great Musicals for You
Drama 101
By: Stephen Gallagher and Kevin Wong
Preparing a party for their beloved high school drama teacher on the eve of her retirement, a group of students describe how she changed their lives in this funny, heartwarming and inspiring musical. This musical features a cast of young artists aged 13-19. It’s sure to touch the hearts of theatre kids of every age.
Tickets: $15; 5% discount
Be Kind, Rewind
By: Barbara Johnston and Suzy Wilde
When fifteen-year-old Deirdre was sent to live with her cousins in 1995, she got a job at the local video store where she fell in love with movies. The story is funny and heartwarming. This musical shines a light on growing up in the mid-90’s and shows the now-extinct video store. For those who are missing life in the 90’s, like songs and movies at that time, this show will touch them.
Tickets:$20; 20% discount
TITA Jokes
By:The TITA Collective
The show centers around the women in our lives like our aunts, moms, daughters and partners. Through this musical, many of you will see more clearly their struggles and heartaches, and also how they deal with comedy and songs. In the musical, the performers sing and dance. They’re humorous, enjoying making jokes.
Tickets: $18; 5% discount
Unravelled: A New Musical
By:Andrew Seok
Three of the greatest love stories of all time (Romeo & Juliet, Orpheus & Eurydice, James Young & Della Young) are wonderfully retold and re-imagined to create an entirely new story of love. All three stories begin as they always have, but quickly intertwine(紧密相连). “The idea of writing one musical with all three separate stories never occurred to me until I wanted to write a completely different show,” said Seok.
Tickets: $16; 10% discount
21. What is Drama 101 mainly about
A. The challenges of high school life.
B. The preparation for a welcome party.
C. The story between a teacher and students.
D. The plan of a teacher ready to leave school.
22.What is special about TITA Jokes
A. It calls for equal rights for women.
B. It tells women’s life stories in a light tone.
C. It focuses on women’s advantages over men.
D. It centers on women’s achievements in comedy.
23. Which musical costs the audience the least
A. Drama 101. B. Be Kind, Rewind.
C. TITA Jokes. D. Unravelled: A New Musical.
B
I grew up in a house with an unusual design feature. The entire floor of the front entrance was made of slate reclaimed pieces of chalkboards that my innovative father gathered from the local high school when it was undergoing a renovation 25 years ago. He added a second large piece on the wall, too.
The result was that we always had a place to write notes, draw pictures, do quick calculations, and keep an ongoing grocery list to which anyone could contribute. The wall chalkboard was used for important notes, while the floor was most handy for messages that were meant to catch someone’s eye the moment they came into the house.
When I was young, I took it for granted that every house would have such a large writing surface, but then I moved away and realized that wasn’t the case. For years, especially since having kids, I struggled to keep daily information organized, making do with piles of loose papers, disjointed notes on my phone, and foggy memories of things I knew I should remember but did not. At least my Moleskine paper planner gave some order to my life, but even it didn’t make up for a good chalkboard. But now things have changed. A proper chalkboard has finally been attached to my kitchen wall. My dad recently came for a visit and brought a piece of slate that fits the wall behind the door. It’s from the same batch(批次) of old high school slate that he collected all those years ago, now transported to another part of our province. All of a sudden, we have an obvious place to go to store information where all family members can see it, a place where important thoughts can be kept for future reference, celebrations announced and children entertained.
24.What do we know about the chalkboards
A. They matched other furniture perfectly.
B. They were handmade by the author’s father.
C. They were donated to the author’s high school.
D. They mattered a lot to the author and her family.
25. What bothered the author according to paragraph 3
A. What to do to improve her memory.
B. How to teach kids to gather information.
C. Where to write down something important.
D. How to equip every house with a chalkboard.
26.How did the author probably feel about her father’s recent visit
A. Cheerful. B. Confused. C. Upset. D. Dependent.
27. What can we say about the author
A. She used to hide her thoughts.
B. She is a well-organized person.
C. She was an excellent girl at school.
D. She moves around from time to time.
C
Water equals life. This is true for people, animals and plants. And while water is plentiful in some locations, this is not the case all over the world. Now scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may have developed a way to change that.
The new desalination device produces water actually above the World Health Organization standards, just by pushing a button. There are no filters(过滤器) required, and the device uses electrical power to remove salt and other particles(颗粒) --- including bacteria and viruses --- from the saltwater. This reduces the need for constant maintenance.
Most commercially available portable desalination units use filters that require high-pressure pumps to push the water, which makes them huge in size and less energy efficient. The filterless MIT device will allow it to be used in remote or resource-limited places like small islands, ships, and even for emergency use.
The device took years to develop. After running tests in the lab with water that had different salinity and particles, it was tested at Boston’s Carson Beach. The device produced drinkable water in just half an hour.
The new desalination unit needs less power than a cell phone charger, reported Fast Company, and works using two types of electrical fields to filter the saltwater. But best of all, it is designed to be used by average people and not engineers. In fact, the device only has three buttons, one to power the device, one to start it, and one to stop it.
The researchers are still working on a final design that could use cheaper materials to make it ready by the end of next year. This small but mighty desalination unit may be the key to bringing safe water to a thirsty world.
28. What’s the advantage of the new desalination device
A. It’s a lot cheaper. B. It’s convenient.
C. It has improved filters. D. It has a larger output.
29. How is the third paragraph developed
A. By analyzing causes. B. By listing figures.
C. By making comparisons. D. By giving examples.
30. What does the author think is the most outstanding quality of the new device
A. It requires much less power.
B. It possesses two electrical fields.
C. It is controlled by the same button.
D. It can be easily operated by ordinary people.
31. What is the best title for the text
A. Deeper research finds new contents of seawater.
B. Report shows a world thirsty for safe drinking water.
C. Better method improves the quality of drinking water.
D. New portable device makes seawater drinkable on the way.
D
Spiders are master builders, expertly turning silk into complex 3D webs that serve as their home and hunting ground. To gain a deeper understanding of their world, scientists have translated the structure of a spider’s web into music.
“The spider lives in an environment of vibrating (振动的) strings,” says Markus Buehler, the project’s principal investigator. “They don’t see very well, so they perceive their surroundings by detecting vibrations, which have different frequencies.” Such vibrations occur, for example, when the spider stretches a strand of silk during construction or when the wind or a trapped fly moves the web.
The researchers scanned a natural spider web to capture 2D cross-sections and reconstructed its 3D network using a mathematical model. They assigned different frequencies of sound to strands of the web, creating musical “notes” that they combined in patterns based on the web’s 3D structure to generate music. Then they made a harp-like (像竖琴的) virtual instrument and played the spider web music in several live performances around the world, creating an inspiring harmony of art and science.
To gain insights into how spiders build webs, the researchers also scanned a web during construction, transforming each stage into music with different sounds. “The spider’s way of ‘printing’ the web is remarkable because no support material is used, as is often needed in current 3D printing methods,” Buehler says. This knowledge could help develop new 3D printers that work like spiders, enabling them to construct complex structures without using additional materials for support.
The team is also interested in learning how to communicate with spiders in their own language. They recorded web vibrations produced when spiders performed different activities, such as building a web, communicating with other spiders or sending signals to admirers. “Now we’re trying to generate signals to basically speak the language of the spider,” Buehler says. “If we expose them to certain patterns of vibrations, can we affect what they do or can we begin to communicate with them Those are really thrilling ideas, and I believe they could be achieved in the near future.”
32. What do we know about spiders
A. They have good eyesight.
B. They adapt to surroundings quickly.
C. They spin a web similar to a musical structure.
D. They sense the environment through vibrations.
33. What is paragraph 3 mainly about
A. Steps to create spider web music.
B. Ways to recreate a web’s 3D network.
C. Challenges of combining music with science.
D. The potential applications of 3D printing methods.
34. What do the underlined words “This knowledge” in paragraph 4 refer to
A. 3D printers can construct complex structures.
B. Spiders’ vibration patterns vary with activities.
C. Spiders build webs without using additional materials.
D. The web-building process can be translated into music.
35. What is Buehler’ attitude towards communicating with spiders
A. Hopeful. B. Doubtful. C. Uncertain. D.Disapproving.
第二节（共5小题：每小起2.5分，满分12.5分）
根据文章内容，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。
We eat in our cars, at our desks, on the go, and in front of the TV. We eat take-out, packaged and prepared meals. Why Because it fits our not-enough-time-in-the-day lifestyles. 36 Well, I’m certainly not the first one to think it or say it, but we all need to slow down.
Consumer trends around the globe show that over the past three decades people are purchasing more prepared foods at groceries and eating out more than ever before. It’s predicted that we’ll spend more at restaurants in the coming years. 37 However, we’re getting less healthy.
While debates can be seen in different media over the food industry’s contribution to our growing waistlines and our health problems, the bottom line is this： 38 We can choose to eat a fast-food lunch on the go. We can throw a frozen meal in the microwave and call it dinner. We can eat without thinking, in front of the tube, at our computers, and while driving a car.
39 Studies have shown meaningful links between family meals and kids’ mental and physical well-being. Eating sensibly doesn’t take much time or money, but it does require you to make a conscious decision to do so. Wrapped up in endless work, appointments and social activities, we often fail to enjoy a relaxing meal with our families.
While it can be a challenge to always put healthy eating first, just do your best. Remember that the food you eat has a more significant effect on your health, weight and well being than almost any other activities you do. 40 Every meal made at home --- even just once or twice a week --- is a step closer to a healthier body and a slower eating style.
A. Our food matches our lives.
B. We’re consuming an increasing number of calories.
C. Treat it with the importance that it deserves, but start small.
D. Lunch is the biggest calorie intake when it comes to eating out.
E. Purchase food locally and skip as many packaged items as you can.
F. What we eat, where we eat and how we eat are all under our control.
G. We can devote an hour of the day to enjoying a meal with our families.
第三部分 语言知识运用(共两节，满分45分)
第一节(共15小题：每小题1分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项
When I was 18, my older brother bought me my first mountain bike. I 41 my first ride at Sand Canyon. We 42 a long and winding road beginning at the mountaintop, and I was 43 because I’d never seen mountains that big.
The trail 44 at 10,000 feet, dropping 4,000 feet over 12 miles. This ride seemed extremely 45 , with sandy roads and high-speed sections that seemed to go on forever.
It took us three hours to get to the 46 , but for those three hours, I 47 nothing but the trail. On the trail, I forgot about all the awful memories and longed to experience that feeling again.
I loved the 48 of rushing past trees and focusing on the next challenge. Biking helped me appreciate the little 49 of overcoming a sandy road or 50 a jump. Biking on trails helped me connect with the natural world.
Mountain biking also gave me the courage to pursue further 51 and earn a master’s degree in sociology. I wanted to help others discover the sense of 52 I had found in the biking community and see themselves reflected in stories about the sport. So I 53 an online collective called @pedal2thepeople that highlights people who bike. I’ve also become a free photographer, and I love to include bikers in my 54 storytelling.
I am 55 to my brother for introducing me to this incredible activity that has given me life-changing insight.
41.A. understand B. imagine C. confirm D. remember
42.A. estimated B. looked at C. rode along D. avoided
43.A. embarrassed B. proud C. nervous D. bored
44.A. started B. followed C. disappeared D. expanded
45.A. orderly B. complete C. confusing D. risky
46.A. edge B. beginning C. top D. center
47.A looked forward to B. got hold of C. made use of D. put up with
48.A. mission B. feeling C. direction D. preparation
49.A. features B. victories C. methods D. messages
50.A. refusing B. choosing C. recalling D. clearing
51.A. treatment B. work C. investigation D. education
52.A. humor B. urgency C. belonging D. ownership
53.A. rejected B. created C. expected D. replaced
54.A. academic B. visual C. emotional D. equal
55.A. grateful B. loyal C. relevant D. commercial
第二节(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。
A Chinese dance drama has made its global debut (首映) on social media platforms abroad, 56 (create) a new wave of discussion on the beauty of Chinese culture among art lovers from all over the world.
“Li Bai”, a classic production by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre,
57 (strike) a chord (弦) with global audiences through the telling of a lifelong journey of the literary giant Li Bai so far. After a year of improving, that 58 (remark) work has returned to center stage. The new music skillfully combined orchestral symphony was designed 59 (integrate) with the dance and drama, 60
provides the audience with a fresh new feel. When you turn off the music and watch the performance of the actors alone, it has no impact. The classic piece 61 (greet) audiences at the National Centre for the Performing Arts three months ago with sold-out shows. Art has no borders. “Li Bai” 62 (view) more than 5.5 million times with more than 1.33 million 63 (response). In the history of Chinese poetry, Li Bai was not “one of” but “the one”.
In telling the story of 59 great poet, China has once again passed 60
its fine tradition and carried Chinese culture forward in its own way.
第四部分：写作（共2节，满分40分）
第一节(满分15分)
假定你是李华，校英语学习俱乐部负责人。你们邀请到了Smith教授在线作主题为“How to Write and Enjoy Poems”专题讲座。请你在讲座前作简要发言，内容包括：
1.表示感谢；
2.相关介绍；
3.对听众的要求。
注意：
1.词数80左右；
2.请在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear fellow students,
____________________________
That’s all, thank you!
书面表达（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。
An A for Mrs. Bartlett
I was sitting next to Missy in my ninth-grade world history class when Mrs. Bartlett announced a new project. In groups, we were to create a poster around what we were studying.
On a piece of paper, we wrote the names of three friends we wanted in our group. After collecting all the requests, Mrs. Bartlett informed us that she would take into consideration the names we chose and would let us know the results the next day. I was a well-rounded top student in the class, so I had no doubt that I would get the group of my choice. There were only a handful of sociably decent people in the class, and Missy was one of them. I knew we had chosen each other.
The next day, I anxiously awaited the class. After the bell rang, Missy and I stopped talking as Mrs. Bartlett called for our attention. She started to call out names. When she reached group three, Missy’s name was called. So “I’m in group three,” I thought. The second, third and fourth members of the group were called. My name was not included. There had to be some mistake!
Then I heard it. The last group: “Mauro, Juliette, Rachel, Karina.” I could feel the tears well in my eyes. How could I face being in that group --- the boy who barely spoke English, the one girl who was always covered by skirts that went down to her ankles, and the other girl who was often wearing very strange and unusual clothes with fancy items. They certainly fell into the category of the least popular in our class. They were considered misfits（不合群的人）！
There must be something wrong! Mrs. Bartlett was such a person of insight, vision and thoughtfulness that she never forgot to bring out the potential of all her students. Oh, how badly I wanted to be with my friends. Finally I was determined to convince her I should be in the “good” group.
注意：
1．续写词数应为150个左右；
2．请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
Para. 1: I fought back tears as I walked up to Mrs. Bartlett. __
______________________________________________________________________
Para. 2: Halfway through the week, I felt myself enjoying the company of these three misfits. _________________________________________________________________
“德化一中、永安一中、漳平一中”三校协作
２０２3－２０２4学年第二学期联考高二英语试题参考答案
第一部分：听力（共两节，每小题 1.5 分, 满分30分）
1-5 CACAA 6-10 BBABB 11-15 ACCBA 16-20 BABCC
第二部分：阅读理解（共两节，每小题 2.5 分, 满分50分）
21-23 CBA 24-27 DCAB 28-31 BCDD 32-35 DACA 36-40 ABFGC
第三部分 语言运用（共三节, 满分45分）
第一节 完形填空（共 15 小题; 每小题 1 分, 满分 15 分）
41-45 DCCAD 46-50 ACBBD 51-55 DCBBA
第二节(共10小题;每小题1. 5分,满分15分)
56. creating 57. has struck 58. remarkable 59. to integrate 60. which
61. greeted 62. was viewed 63. responses 64. the 65. on
第四部分 写作（满分25分）
One version：
Dear fellow students,
It is a great honor to express our heartfelt appreciation to Professor Smith for his coming to give us this online lecture on “How to Write and Enjoy Poems”. So let’s show our warm welcome!
Prof. Smith, a well-known poet, will illustrate poetic skills by sharing his own poems. Thus, it is a great opportunity to improve our writing poems and I hope all in attendance will follow his instructions as requested, participating positively and keeping quiet.
I am sure it will be of significant benefit to us all.
That’s all, thank you.
第二节
One version：
I fought back tears as I walked up to Mrs. Bartlett. Before I opened my mouth, she gently placed a hand on my shoulder, saying with a knowing smile, “I know what you want, but your group needs you.” So stunned was I that I couldn’t utter a single word for a moment. She had seen something in me that I hadn’t seen. Suddenly, a mixture of guilt as well as pride seized me. The power of being trusted made me stand straighter. “I’ll help them.” I replied in a firm voice.
Halfway through the week, I felt myself enjoying the company of these three misfits. The project was going smoothly with our joint efforts. Besides, I found out Mauro was struggling with English, Juliette wore long skirts because of her religion and Rachel dreamed to be a fashion designer. They weren’t misfits, just people that no one cared enough about to try to understand --- except Mrs. Bartlett. She gave us an A on that assignment, which should be handed back, for she was the one who truly deserved it.
【写作思路】根据所给材料可知，历史课上分小组做任务时，作者被老师分在了一个“不好”的小组，小组内的其他三个学生都是不受欢迎的孩子。作者很委屈，希望和好朋友们一组，于是决定说服老师改变主意。
续写部分分为两段，第一段首句提到，“我”忍着眼泪走向Mrs.Bartlett。第一段可描写“我”想向老师诉说我的需求（要点一）以及老师的回答（要点二）。在老师的鼓励下，“我”改变了想法（要点三）。第二段首句提到，这周过半的时候，“我”觉得自己很喜欢这三个不合群的人的陪伴。第二段可描写“我”与组员们完成项目的过程和结果（要点一），在此期间，“我”了解到三个组员鲜为人知的一面，由此理解了老师的良苦用心（要点二，主题升华，与标题呼应）。
听力原文
Text 1
M: I’ve got 15 minutes to get home before my favorite show starts, (1) Dancing with the Stars!
W: Well, the next subway is not due for another 10 minutes, so you might need to get a taxi.
M: I’m afraid I can’t afford that.
Text 2
W: I love our trips. But wouldn’t it be nice to leave town longer than Saturday and Sunday (2) I wish we could get some longer holidays.
M: I agree. Next year, we should start planning trips for our birthdays as well!
W: That’s a great idea.
Text 3
W: Did you know that the Belt and Road Initiative is all about linking Asian trade with Africa and Europe
M: I did. But did you know what it was named after
W: Of course, it was named after the famous Silk Road about 2000 years ago! (3)
Text 4
M: They say the population is getting older and that could cause problems. What do you think
W: I see problems ahead, because fewer young people will pay for the needs of old people. (4)
M: It’ll all be OK, because robots will do most of the work.
Text 5
W: Daniel, your paper was due today. But I didn’t see it with all your classmates’ papers in my office.
M: You’re right. I was just going to the library to print⌒it out. I’m sorry for being late. (5)
Text 6
M: Hello The property office. What can I do for you
W: Hi, it’s Janine in Apartment 12. I’m calling about the leaking pipe in the bathroom. I scheduled a workman to come today, but no one has shown up. (7)
M: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I heard my manager call them. It’s the water company’s fault for not sending someone. (6)
W: I’ve been dealing with this leak for days now. The property manager promised me he would arrange for a workman to check it today.
M: That’s annoying. Did he give you a specific time for the appointment (7)
W: Yes, he said between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but it’s 3:30 p.m. now. (7)
Text 7 (第8题为推断题)
W: Hey, are you feeling stressed about the upcoming exams (9)
M: Yeah, I certainly am. I don’t know how to handle it. I just feel worried all the time.
W: Well, one thing that I find helpful is creating a study schedule. (9) It keeps me organized and reduces last-minute revision.
M: That’s a very good idea. I tend to leave everything until the last minute. It’s a bad habit.
W: Also, don’t forget to take breaks. It’s important to recharge and prevent yourself from being too tired.
M: I tend to study for hours without breaks. Maybe that’s why I get so stressed.
W: And lastly, get a good night’s sleep before the exams. (10) It can make a huge difference to your performance.
M: Yes, that’s something I need to do. Thanks for the tips. I’ll give them a try.
Text 8 (第11题为推断题)
M: This place is amazing. How much did you say it was again
W: The owner is looking for $300,000, but he might be willing to come down a bit.
M: Well, it has all the rooms we need — we have three kids, so one each plus me and my wife. (12) Plus there are two bathrooms, always good to have. What are the schools like in the area (13)
W: They are very good. Both are in the top 10% of the countries’ school listings. (13)
M: I don’t want to make the kids move school, but our eldest is going into high school this summer, so now is the ideal time.
W: I had to do the same with my daughter. She made new friends in no time.
M: And what about supermarkets and transport
W: It’s not very convenient, so you would probably need a car. There are a few local shops, but the nearest supermarket is 15 miles away.
M: That’s OK. I can drive.
Text 9
M: Who is the most famous person you have ever met
W: I met Kylie once. (14) (15)
M: Really Where (14)
W: On the street. She had just done an interview at the local radio station and then her car broke down, so she walked to her hotel. I was standing outside the hotel waiting for a client. (14)
M: That’s pretty cool. What did she say
W: She saw I had a Jason T-shirt on, so she stopped to chat. You know, the two of them used to be in that TV show together. (15) (16) She said my shirt was funny. (15)
M: Oh yeah, the Australian soap. What was it called Home and Away
W: No, that was the other one. Theirs was called Neighbors. (16)
M: That’s right. It took place on Ramsey Street.
W: Yeah. So, who’s the most famous person you’ve met (17)
M: I met J. K. Rowling at a book signing a few years ago. (17)
W: Really I love her. I have all of her books. (17)
Text 10
My name is Simon. (18) (19) (20) I started playing chess when I was three years old. By the age of five, I could beat children twice my age. And when I was eleven, I began playing in under-eighteen competitions. (18) Sometimes, my weekends would be spent traveling all over the country. At first, it was really exciting, but I didn’t win many competitions.
Everything changed when I turned thirteen in 2018. In that year, I won every single competition I entered. When I was fourteen, my parents encouraged me to enter adult competitions. By playing at a higher standard, I developed as a player far more quickly. In 2020 I won my first adult competition, but by then my heart wasn’t in it. Because of chess, I had missed out on so much. I never went to parties with my friends. (19)
So, in 2022, I gave up playing chess for a year, did normal things as a teenager, studied hard at school, and achieved good grades. (19) But spending time away from the game made me realize how much I missed it! This year, I feel fresh again! I’ve already signed up for two national competitions. My goal To be selected for the national team! (20)
