合江县马街中学高2024级高一下期期中素质检测
英 语
本试卷分为试题卷和答题卡两部分，其中试题卷由第I卷（选择题）和第II卷（非选择题）组成，共8页；答题卡共2页。满分150分，考试时间120分钟。
第I卷（选择题，共95分）
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题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。
1．What has Amy brought back
A．The milk and eggs. B．The bread and butter. C．The butter and eggs.
2．What is the probable relationship between the speakers
A．Friends. B．Mother and son. C．Father and daughter.
3．How does the man feel about the news
A．Happy. B．Confused. C．Surprised.
4．What can be inferred about the girl
A．She was ill in bed. B．She passed the exam. C．She is telling a lie.
5．Which kind of book does the man love reading now
A．Sci-fi books. B．Classic novels. C．Short stories.
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。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 is the woman’s feeling now
A．Anxiety. B．Excitement. C．Disappointment.
7．What major did the woman choose
A．Physics. B．Data Science. C．Engineering.
听第7段材料，回答第8至9题。
8．Where does the man want to go
A．To the lab. B．To the library. C．To the café.
9．What is the man’s major
A．Physics. B．Chemistry. C．Biology.
听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。
10．What is the man’s native language
A．French. B．English. C．Dutch.
11．Why did the man go abroad
A．He intended to travel some places.
B．He planned to study for a degree.
C．He wanted to master a language.
12．What helps improve a language according to the man
A．Practice with friends. B．Learn from teachers. C．Communicate with natives.
听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。
13．How will the woman go for the job interview
A．By car. B．By bus. C．By subway.
14．What job is the woman applying for
A．A translator. B．An engineer. C．A tour guide.
15．What did the woman impress the man with last year
A．Her business skills. B．Her spoken French. C．Her work experience.
16．How does the woman feel about her interview tomorrow
A．Excited. B．Confident. C．Anxious.
听第10段独白，回答第17至20题。
17．Where were the two award-winning books published
A．In the US and the UK. B．In Britain and Ireland. C．In Canada.
18．Which book won the Booker Prize in 2000
A．The Blind Assassin. B．Girl, Woman, Other. C．The Testaments.
19．Who is the first black woman to win the Booker Prize
A．Susan Brown. B．Margaret Atwood. C．Bernardine Evaristo.
20．What made this year’s prize special
A．Being given to two books.
B．Having the strongest competitors.
C．Being given to last year’s winner.
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）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
A
Which book you should read based on your next travel destination
Haruki Murakami’s “1Q84” is a dystopian adventure that’s perfect for the plane ride to Japan.
Famed Japanese author Haruki Murakami creates an alternate 1984 called 1Q84 where nothing feels right and everything is slightly different. Set in Tokyo, Japan, this dystopian, mystery-filled fantasy novel is sure to keep your captivated during your trip.
Bring “One Hundred Years of Solitude” to read in South America.
A significant work of literature, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s classic follows generations of the Buendia family as they live in their South-American town. Garcia Marquez’s magical realism paired with his lush descriptions makes the book a perfect read for visiting some of the breathtaking sights of South America.
Consider picking up “The Great Gatsby” if you’re going to The Hamptons in New York.
Although the “West Egg” and “East Egg” in the classic novel more greatly resemble the Great-Neck and Port-Washington peninsulas (半岛) on Long Island, F. Scott Fitzgerald is believed to have been inspired by the Hamptons when crafting this book. Set in the Jazz Age, the book’s decadence, hot summers, and longing for past lovers make it a great companion for pool hopping, charcuterie eating, and luxury shopping in The Hamptons.
As you’re travelling around Amsterdam, read “The Fault in Our Stars”.
Previously adapted into a film in 2014, John Green’s story of star-crossed teenagers famously includes a trip to Amsterdam. The Anne Frank House and The Rijksmuseum are two of many major destinations mentioned in the book. Plus, the bench from the film adaptation of this novel has ever become its own tourist spot.
21．If you are into parallel existence and you are full of imagination, which book would you like to pick up
A．The Fault in Our Stars. B．One Hundred Years of Solitude.
C．1Q84. D．The Great Gatsby.
22．Which one of the followings is NOT true
A．Generations of the Buentia family live in their South-American town.
B．One Hundred Years of Solitude is a book mainly about sights of South America.
C．“West Egg” and “East Egg” are both place names.
D．The Great Gatsby is written by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
23．An excerpt from the book: One might marvel at the insanity (疯狂) of the situation: A mother sends her16-year-old daughter alone with a 17-year old boy out into a foreign city.
According to the introduction mentioned above, which city is probably this foreign city
A．Tokyo. B．New York. C．Amsterdam. D．Sao Paulo.
B
I was sitting in my high school classroom, nervously tapping my pencil against the desk as I awaited the start of the English exam.
As the clock struck, signaling the beginning of the exam, my heart began to race. I opened the exam booklet and scanned the questions, and I felt a wave of panic over me. The questions seemed foreign, and the topics unfamiliar. In a state of panic, I hurriedly wrote down my answers, hoping that somehow, by some stroke of luck, they would be correct. But as the minutes went by, I realized I couldn’t seem to make sense of the questions before me. As the final bell rang, I handed in my paper with a heavy heart.
In the days that followed, I couldn’t shake the feeling of failure that hung over me like a dark cloud. I replayed the exam over and over in my mind, analyzing every question, every answer, searching for clues as to where I had gone wrong.
But in the depression, a realization began to dawn on me I had failed, yes, but I had also learned valuable lessons along the way. Armed with this newfound wisdom, I ensured that I would do better next time. I threw myself into my studies with renewed determination, devouring books and practicing past exams with an eagerness I had never known before.
When the time came to retake the exam, I was ready. I approached each question with confidence and clarity, drawing upon the lessons I had learned from my previous missteps.
When the results were announced, I held my breath as I scanned the list of names. And there it was — my name, shining brightly among the list of successful candidates. At that moment, all the hard work, all the late nights and early mornings, were worth it.
And as I look back on that sunny afternoon in the high school classroom, I am grateful for the lessons it taught me, and the person it helped me become.
24．Why did the author panic when he first took the exam
A．He sat with a pounding heart.
B．He was in a hurry when answering the questions.
C．He was not familiar with the foreign language.
D．He found the questions too difficult.
25．What did the author do after he failed in the exam
A．He attended valuable lessons in school.
B．He retook the exam over and over again.
C．He promised to arm himself with eagerness.
D．He determined to engage himself in learning.
26．Which of the following can replace the underlined word “devouring”
A．Being targeted at. B．Being absorbed in.
C．Being credited to. D．Being responsible for.
27．Which of the following statements is the author most likely to agree with according to his valuable lessons
A．All study and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
B．If not us, who If not now, when
C．The best is yet to come.
D．Effort and diligence bring success.
C
A four-year-old boy with autism (孤独症) had the experience of a lifetime when he entered a real bike competition by chance and won! His mother shared a memorable video of his victory on social media. The little boy was clearly proud to earn his very first award, looking excited as he posed in front of his small bike while holding the award.
His smile lit up the faces of everyone present. The boy’s mother was deeply grateful to the adult players who went out of their way to make her child feel special during the competition. She knew that her son’s bike couldn’t be compared to the actual bikes on display that day, which were much larger and faster. However, the players in the event thought it was more important to make a little boy’s dream come true.
“To the two bikers who should have taken first place and second place, they taught my son so much more than they know,” the mother said. “Thank you for being so kind.” While the boy enjoyed his first prize in the bike competition, she ensured that he understood the importance of showing respect for the rules of a sport and for the other players. She encouraged him to shake hands with the other winners, thank and congratulate them.
Reflecting on the event, the mother wrote, “When adults go out of their way to show kindness to kids, especially some with higher needs, the influence lasts longer than most people know. Interactions like these can really change the course of a child’s life. My little son was so lucky to experience such kindness.”
It was so sweet that the other adult cyclists made the cycle-loving boy the star of the show. He will remember the amazing day, which was filled with joy and encouragement, in his whole life.
28．Why did the boy win the competition
A．He had the fastest bike. B．He was the only participant.
C．His mother was there to encourage him. D．Other players let him win on purpose.
29．What did the mother teach her son after his winning
A．The necessity of competition. B．The importance of first place.
C．The importance of good sportsmanship. D．The necessity of self-congratulation.
30．What can we learn about the competition’s effect on the boy from the text
A．It is short-term. B．It is lasting. C．It is negative. D．It is unclear.
31．What is the best title for the text
A．Kindness Fulfilled a Boy’s Dream B．A Mother’s Expectations for Her Son
C．The Details of an Adult Bike Competition D．It Is Difficult to Raise a Child with Autism
D
Freedom generally refers to the ability to act, speak, think, or live without unreasonable limitation, yet its definition and ranges are often debated. The 20th-century philosopher Isaiah Berlin distinguished between “negative freedom” and “positive freedom”. Let’s take Steve for example, who is sitting with a glass of wine in front of him. No one is holding a gun to his head, telling him to drink. He is free to do as he pleases. But Steve is an alcoholic. He knows it’s bad for him, but he can’t help himself. He stretches out his trembling hand and lifts the glass to his lips. Two very different kinds of freedom are at play here.
We often think of freedom as the absence of external restriction: you are free so long as there is nothing preventing you from doing what you want. This is what Berlin calls “negative freedom”; it is negative in that it is defined by what is absent — any form of limit or outside disturbance. In this sense Steve, the drinker, is completely free. But Steve can’t help himself. He is forced to drink, even though he knows his interests would be better served by not doing so. He is not fully in control of himself and his fortune is not fully in his own hands. To the extent that he is driven to drink, he has no choice and is not free.
While negative freedom is freedom from external interference (干涉), positive freedom is usually described as freedom to achieve certain ends; as a form of empowerment that allows an individual to realize his or her potential, to achieve a particular vision of self-realization and to reach a state of self-mastery.
To return to Steve: the part of him that properly understands his best interests is assumed to be the higher, more reasonable self. If he is incapable himself of encouraging this part to succeed, perhaps he needs some outside help — from people who are wiser than he and better able to see how he should act.
32．Why does the author mention Steve’s story in paragraph 1
A．To criticize alcoholics for lacking self-discipline.
B．To clarify Berlin’s understanding of personal interests.
C．To show coexistence of two different sorts of freedom.
D．To argue the necessity of external restrictions for freedom.
33．What does the underlined phrase “external restriction” in paragraph 2 mean
A．Interests of one’s own. B．Personal preference.
C．Limits from outside forces. D．A state of self-control.
34．What is “positive freedom” in Berlin’s philosophy
A．Freedom without any limitations. B．Freedom to ignore personal interests.
C．Freedom to behave without thinking. D．Freedom to act in line with one’s reason.
35．How could Steve possibly achieve positive freedom according to the last paragraph
A．By asking for outside guidance. B．By understanding his interests better.
C．By setting higher standards for himself. D．By getting more reason to control himself.
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Music is used across cultures and ages as a powerful mood regulator. 36 The emotional power of music is one of the main reasons why people devote so much time, energy, and money to it. People use music to achieve various goals, such as feeling more energized, keeping focused on tasks, and reducing boredom.
Music offers a resource for emotion regulation. For instance, sad music enables listeners to stay away from painful situations. 37 Further, lyrics that have a connection with the listener’s personal experience can give voice to feelings or experiences that one might not be able to express oneself. Listening to soft and slow music, such as classical music, is better for managing negative emotions compared to hard or heavy music.
38 Music is a powerful emotional stimulus(刺激物) that changes our relationship with time. Time does indeed seem to fly when listening to pleasant music. Hearing pleasant music seems to keep attention away from time processing. Moreover, this attention-related shortening effect appears to be greater in the case of calm music with a slow tempo (节奏). For example, music is used in waiting rooms to reduce the subjective length of time spent waiting or in supermarkets to encourage people to stay for longer and buy more. 39
In sum, music can change our moods, emotions, and motivation. We can use music to express or challenge our moods. 40 For example, the protest song “Baraye” expresses Iranians’ (伊朗人的) painful complaints.
A．Music can also show the mood on a national level.
B．We regularly use music to comfort our souls and pain.
C．Music are likely to affect a nation’s policies or decisions.
D．This is because they focus instead on the beauty of the music.
E．When listening to music, We are amazed at how quickly time passes by.
F．Music shows that one’s understanding of the passage of time is subjective.
G．Consumers spend more time in the grocery store when the background music is slow.
第三部分 语言知识运用（共两节，满分30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和D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
I have been interested in Chinese Kunqu Opera since I was eleven years old. It is the age when one can first 41 its words and start collecting them. I copied the great words into a 42 because I enjoyed the imaginative language. Then, I tried to 43 the tones (腔调) and appreciate the melody (曲调). Gradually, I realized that Kunqu Opera is not only what’s written — it’s also the music, the dance moves and the headdress.
I grew up in northern town with no Kunqu Opera performances. 44 , I never imagined I could learn and perform it myself until I 45 Saturday class. At that time I was 46 and often got up before 5 am to go to class. My training 47 basics, like walking onstage. I realized that the many requirements on the form are the only way to artistic 48 . Performers put in so much effort to show how 49 effortless they are onstage.
I 50 to practice Kunqu Opera after moving to the US for college. This ancient art form has been 51 with my studies and creations in modern 52 and poetry. When people ask me why Kunqu Opera is connected with my 53 and with the Western art world today, I say that, its 54 and influences will never disappear.
Kunqu Opera has a 55 power, which means I’m willing to step into different art forms. Thanks to this cultural heritage, I know I have a home within myself.
41．A．rely on B．watch out for C．live up to D．fall in love with
42．A．notebook B．plan C．result D．process
43．A．hope B．notice C．believe D．agree
44．A．Thus B．However C．Moreover D．Furthermore
45．A．forgot B．remembered C．worried D．attended
46．A．single-handed B．warm-hearted C．strong-willed D．absent-minded
47．A．led to B．jumped at C．started with D．broke down
48．A．perfection B．judgement C．behaviors D．markets
49．A．strangely B．seemingly C．badly D．lazily
50．A．teach B．direct C．introduce D．continue
51．A．covered B．filled C．mixed D．treated
52．A．science B．business C．sport D．art
53．A．life B．manners C．power D．qualities
54．A．value B．request C．version D．effect
55．A．impressive B．moving C．magical D．energetic
第II卷（非选择题，共55分）
注意：将答案写在答题卡上。写在本试卷上无效。
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。
The 2024 Competition for the Transmission and Promotion of the Beijing Central Axis 56 (host) at the Capital Museum in Beijing on March 31st.
57 (aim) at promoting the Central Axis, the core structure of Beijing that runs 7.8 kilometers 58 south to north, the annual competition has been hosted since 2021, attracting 59 total of more than 400,000 contestants from home and abroad.
This year’s competition featured six tracks, 60 includes three periodic ones focusing on old town rebuilding, creative expression via the art forms of video, painting and design, and cultural ambassadors who have made 61 (significance) contributions to the protection and promotion of the Central Axis.
62 (additional), three new tracks have been added, focusing on travel, pattern design, and quality living, encouraging contestants 63 (explore) sightseeing routes, create diverse 64 (pattern) and images, and promote tea and food culture.
The competition, which is scheduled to run until mid-July, will include five stages of registration, review, preliminary, semifinal, and final rounds.
Entry details have been made available on the competition’s official website and WeChat account, seeking creative approaches to 65 (protect) cultural heritage and advancing the Central Axis’s promotion.
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）
第一节（满分15分）
66．你受学生会委托为校宣传栏“英语天地”写一则通知，请大家观看一部英语短片Growing Together，内容包括：
(1)短片内容：学校的发展；(2)放映时间、地点；(3)欢迎对短片提出意见。
注意：
(1)词数100左右；
(2)可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
第二节（满分25分）
67．Atlanta was a Greek princess. She was very beautiful and could run faster than any man in Greece. But she was not allowed to run and win glory for herself in the Olympic Games. She was so angry that she said to her father that she would not marry anyone who could not run faster than her. Her father said that she must marry, so Atlanta made a bargain with him. She said to him, “These are my rules. When a man says he wants to marry me, I will run against him. If he cannot run as fast as me, he will be killed. No one will be pardoned.”
Many kings and princes wanted to marry Atlanta, but when they heard of rules they knew it was hopeless. So many of them sadly went home, but others stayed to run the race. There was a man called Hippo Menes who was amazed when he heard of Atlanta’s rues. “Why are these men so foolish ” he thought. “Why will they let themselves be killed because they can not run as fast as this princess ” However, when he saw Atlanta come out of her house to run, Hippomenes changed his mind “I will marry Atlanta-or die!” he said.
The race started and although the man ran very fast, Atlanta ran faster. As Hippomenes watched he thought, “How can I run as fast as Atlanta ” He went to ask the Greek Goddess of Love for help. She promised to help him and gave him three golden apples. She said, “Throw an apple in front of Atlanta when she is running past. When she stops to pick it up, you will be able to run past her and win.”
Hippomenes took the apples and went to the King. He said, “I want to marry Atlanta.” The King was sad to see another man die, but Hippomenes said, “I will marry her-or die!” So the race began.
So the next day Hippomenes was waiting when Atlanta came out. She thought, “I don’t want this man to die.” So she said to her father, “Tell him to go away. The race will not be run today.” But Hippomenes said, “These are her rules: She will marry the man who runs faster than e on-let’s run! ”
注意： 1.续写词数为150词左右； 2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Paragraph 1:
When the race started, Hippomenes ran fast, but Atlanta ran even faster.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:
When she finally caught up with Hippomenes the second time, he threw the third and last apple. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
合江县马街中学高2024级高一下期期中素质检测
英语参考答案
题号 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
答案 A A C C B B C B A A
题号 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
答案 B A A B B C B A C A
题号 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
答案 C B C D D B D D C B
题号 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
答案 A C C D A B D F G A
题号 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
答案 D A B A D C C A B D
题号 51 52 53 54 55
答案 C D A A C
56．was hosted 57．Aimed 58．from 59．a 60．which 61．significant 62．Additionally 63．to explore 64．patterns 65．protecting
66．One possible version:
Boys and girls,
I have good news for you. The English film Growing Together made by our teachers and some senior students will be displayed this weekend. It shows us the whole history of school’s development, which is I think the attraction to us. If you are curious about the history of our school or concerned about its future, you mustn’t miss this excellent opportunity! Besides, all your suggestions and comments about this film will be welcome.
It will be displayed in the School Film Hall, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, June 9th, Saturday.
That’s all. Thank you.
The Students' Union
June 8, 2018
67．Paragraph 1:When the race started, Hippomenes ran fast, but Atlanta ran even faster. He had no choice but to take out the first golden apple and threw it in front of her. Driven by curiosity, Atlanta came to an abrupt stop and picked it up. So Hippomenes took the chance to run past her. Realizing that might be a trick, she took up all her strength to catch up with him in time. Just then, Hippomenes threw another golden apple over her head and far to the side. As expected, she stopped to pick it up again. Hippomenes clenched his teeth and was running past. Nevertheless, within seconds, Atlanta was approaching. It seemed hopeless.
Paragraph 2: When she finally caught up with Hippomenes the second time, he threw the third and last apple. As it flew through the air, Atlanta was spellbound by the magic of golden apples. She impulsively ran towards the golden apple, bent down and picked it up. However, the golden apples were too heavy for her to bear. Hippomenes was taking the lead again. There was no chance for her to surpass him. By this time he was almost at the end of the race. Observing the rules in the bargain, they got married after Hippomenes won the race. Thanks to the Goddess, they lived happily ever after.
听力原材料：
Text1：M: Did you get everything I asked for from the store, Amy
W: Oops, I think I forgot something. I’ve got the milk and eggs
M: All right, we can buy the bread and butter later.
Text2：W: Do you remember the time we played football together
M: Yes, I do. Our moms used to tell us we should have a break, but we kept doing it.
W: Looking back, I still think it was interesting.
Text3：W: I just found out some great news.
M: What’s that, Evelyn
W: You know how I’ve always wanted to be a professional photographer Well, I just got a job at Fashion Magazine.
M: Wow. I didn’t even know you were looking for another job.
Text4：M: You are too late. I am sorry but you can’t take the exam now.
W: I am sorry, but my mother was ill in bed this morning and I had to look after her.
M: Be honest! Your mother was talking with the headmaster in his office when I passed by.
Text5：W: Tom, what kind of book do you love reading most
M: I used to love science fiction books most, but now I prefer classic novels. What about you
W: Books about famous people’s life attract me most. Such books are very inspiring.
Text6：M: Well, Linda, look at that rocket. It’s about to take off.
W: I know, Jack. It’s wonderful to see this launch.
M: The amount of planning and precision behind this is incredible. As a physics major, I’m fascinated by the scientific principles involved.
W: I can’t imagine what it’s like for the astronauts who are ready to go into space.
M: They must be nervous and thrilled.
W: Yeah, such moments remind me why I chose to major in engineering to contribute to advanced technology and innovation.
Text7：M: Can you give me a ride to the library
W: Studying at the library again, I take just as many classes as you do, but I only have about an hour to study every day, and I can get all my work done either at home or at the cafe down the road.
M: Well, I'm majoring in physics. I have several projects to finish each month and I spend about ten to fifteen hours a week in the lab. You're a biology major. You have one midterm and one final exam for each class, right
W: Yeah.
M: You got it so easy.
Text8：W: Hi, Matt. I heard you spent one year in the Netherlands when you were young. Were you working there
M: No. I was studying International Communication Management there.
W: Were the classes given in Dutch
M: No. Had they been given in Dutch, I wouldn’t have been able to follow the teachers at all.
W: I see. So did you make any friends during your time in the Netherlands
M: Certainly. And we all spoke to each other in English every day, so I made rapid progress in this language.
W: So your mother tongue isn’t English, is it
M: No. I was born in a city in southern France and I grew up there
W: I see.
Text9：M: Are you going for the job interview tomorrow
W: Yes, I need to get to their office on Lincoln Street at ten am. Can you drive me there tomorrow
M: Yes, of course. It takes too long to get there by bus or subway. Are you prepared for the interview
W: I think so, but I’m kind of nervous. I don’t have much work experience.
M: Relax! You are a great engineer. And I’m sure you’re the right person they are looking for.
W: Maybe. I don’t think I’m good enough at French.
M: What are you talking about Your French is really good. I was impressed by the way you talked to those people we met on holiday last year.
W: Yeah, but that was just simple daily conversations.
M: Well, I think you’re very talented at learning languages. I’m sure you’ll become good at it in no time.
W: Thank you for encouraging me. I’m still worried though.
M: We’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we
Text10：W: Margaret Atwood’s book The Testaments and Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other both won the Booker Prize on October 14, 2019. The two writers will share the $62,800 in prize money. Each will take half of it home. The award recognizes the best novel of the year written in English and published in Britain and Ireland. Margaret Atwood won the prize in 2000 for her book The Blind Assassin. The Testaments was published just one month before the award. It is the second book to the 79-year-old Canadian’s best-selling 1985 novel, The Handmaid’s Tale. Evaristo is the first black woman to win the prize. Her book Girl, Woman, Other tells the stories of 12 people living in Britain. They are mainly female and black. While the Booker Prize has been jointly awarded to two writers two times before, the rules changed in 1993 limiting the award to one person. The judges broke those rules, saying they could not agree on a winner between the two books. The judges chose from a list of six novels.
