襄阳四中2026届高三上学期质量检测(五)
英 语 试 题
★祝考试顺利★
注意事项:
1.答题前,先将自己的姓名、准考证号填写在试题卷和答题卡上,并将准考证号条形码粘贴在答题卡上的指定位置。
2.选择题的作答:每小题选出答案后,用2B铅笔把答题卡上对应题目的答案标号涂黑。写在试题卷、草稿纸和答题卡上的非答题区域均无效。
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4.考试结束后,请将本试题卷和答题卡一并上交。
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。每段对话读两遍。
例: How much is the shirt
A. 19.15. B. 9.18. C. 9.15.
答案是C。
1. What is the man doing
A. Asking for leave. B. Arranging a trip. C. Changing his shifts.
2. How did Nancy feel about her performance today
A. Disappointed. B. Relieved. C. Satisfied.
3. What will the speakers do on Thursday
A. Receive foreign guests. B. Visit a museum. C. Hold a party.
4. Who is probably Maria
A. The man’s supplier. B. The man’s assistant. C. The man’s patient.
5. What does the woman advise the man to do
A. Study in a coffee house. B. Share ideas with her. C. Take a break.
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. How much did the woman pay for the two blue shirts
A. 19.5. B. 39. C. 40.
7. What will the woman do with the shirts
A. Buy them. B. Sell them. C. Return them.
听第7段材料,回答第8、9题。
8. Why has the meeting been delayed
A. Because of the faulty equipment.
B. Because of Mr. Johnson’s lateness.
C. Because of the unfinished presentation.
9. Where does the conversation probably take place
A. In an office. B. In a coffee shop. C. At an airport.
听第8段材料,回答第10至12题。
10. Why does the woman want to leave early
A. She needs time to adapt. B. She is eager to see her aunt. C. She plans to visit Frankfurt first.
11. What does the woman care about most for the flight
A. The time. B. The costs. C. The service.
12. What does the woman think of the hotel on Orchard Road
A. It’s quite old. B. It’s a bit expensive. C. It’s far from the city center.
听第 9 段材料,回答第13至16题。
13. Why does the woman come to the man
A. To collect his research results.
B. To invite him to a dinner party.
C. To ask about the progress of his paper.
14. What is the woman’s suggestion concerning the second paragraph
A. Changing the topic. B. Simplifying the language. C. Adding technical terms.
15. When is the dinner party
A. On Thursday. B. On Friday. C. On Saturday.
16. What is the probable relationship between the speakers
A. Classmates. B. Teacher and student. C. Researcher and assistant.
听第 10 段材料,回答第 17 至 20 题。
17. What is the main topic of the talk
A. The migration of animals.
B. The effects of light pollution.
C. The disadvantages of living in cities.
18. What percentage of people in North America fail to see the Milky Way
A. About 50%. B. About 60%. C. About 80%.
19. What problem are the sea turtles probably facing when they migrate
A. Their sleep patterns become abnormal.
B. They can’t find their habitats on beaches.
C. They are disoriented due to artificial lights.
20. What is the first solution the speaker mentioned
A. Making relevant laws soon.
B. Using downward facing streetlights.
C. Turning off bright signs after midnight.
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
Composting (堆肥制造) at Home: What Is Composting
Composting is the managed, oxygen-requiring biological decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms. Organic (carbon-based) materials include grasses, leaves, yard and tree cuttings, and food waste. The end product is compost, a soil conditioner that can provide nutrients to plants. Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile during composting. They use carbon and nitrogen (氮) to grow and reproduce, water to digest materials, and oxygen to breathe.
Why Is Composting at Home Important
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. We can get a beneficial, value-added soil conditioner and use it to protect the environment.
Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions Composting reduces emissions by keeping wasted food out of landfills and offsetting the need for some chemical substances. Trap Carbon Compost makes carbon stay in the soil instead of being released into the air directly.
Benefits of Composting
Build Flood & Drought Adaptability Compost enables the soil to better absorb and hold water, helping to reduce flooding in heavy rains and maintain water during droughts. Enrich Soil Compost enhances soil health and plant growth. It slowly discharges and preserves nutrients in the soil, reducing nutrient runoff and protecting water quality.
What to Add to a Backyard Compost Pile
21. What do we know about composting
A. It takes place without oxygen. B. It needs microorganisms’ involvement.
C. It breaks down waste with carbon. D. It starts with a special soil conditioner.
22. What can compost help us do
A. Improve poor soil. B. Prevent flooding.
C. Reduce food waste. D. Store carbon in the air.
23. How much carbon material is needed to build a 200 kg compost pile
A. 20kg. B. 60kg. C. 120kg. D. 180kg.
B
When I was in university, I joined a nonprofit organization and volunteered for a project designed to help the often-overlooked communities in Romania. From special-needs adults to children who were homeless, volunteers of this organization sought to provide safe shelter for them.
Each day I was surrounded by 15-20 kids. I helped in the kitchen, taught English, played soccer, and even assisted in painting on a big wall. I enjoyed doing a little bit of everything.
When I arrived, the kids started the summer break, so I had more time to talk to them. I heard about their hopes and dreams and what they had overcome. Our conversations were mostly done using a Chinese translation app. We played lots of games and were very creative with our time. I was amazed how the kids had fun in the simple things. I also really appreciated how technology wasn’t taking over their lives. They didn’t have laptops and were only allowed to use phones when necessary. So I had more face-to-face time with them and I treasured all the genuine conversations we had.
During one conversation I had with a little boy named Daniel, he told me with quiet pride that seeing what I did here inspired him to become a voluntary teacher like me. His words, and similar remarks from other children, made me realize how these experiences had changed their outlooks and future plans — many said they would give back to society when they grew up.
Helping others should never be a one-and-done action. Before I left, I promised the children I would come back — a promise I meant to keep, not a casual remark. The relationships I formed with them run deep, built through shared meals, long conversations and playful afternoons; because of that, I feel a responsibility to keep them over time. I plan to return to renew the relationships we created.
24. What do the volunteers do in Romania
A. Teach different languages. B. Help with children’s dreams.
C. Support the disadvantaged. D. Inspire the homeless people.
25. What surprised the author about the children
A. Their love for volunteering. B. Their joyful low-tech life.
C. Their innocent conversations. D. Their gift for English learning.
26. Why did the author refer to Daniel
A. To prove their close relationship. B. To praise volunteers’ contribution.
C. To highlight the boy’s future plan. D. To show the impact of volunteering.
27. What does the author learn from this experience
A. Service needs lasting commitment. B. Short-term projects hold equal value.
C. Leaving comfort zones aids growth. D. Keeping promises smooths the project.
C
In recent years, an eye-catching cooking movement has been sweeping across kitchens, menus, and dining tables worldwide: the combination of local ingredients with global flavors. What started as a rare curiosity has now become a significant trend shaping how chefs design menus, how diners experience meals, and how food systems are organized. This trend, sometimes called “glocal cuisine”, represents a new era in gastronomy (美食学) — one where sustainability meets creativity and tradition meets innovation.
Historically, the globalization of cuisine followed the movement of people through migration and trade routes. Ingredients, techniques, and recipes crossed borders, evolved with each cultural exchange and birthed hybrid cooking traditions.
But over the past few decades, especially with the rise of air travel and global supply chains, global food experiences have become increasingly homogenized. Sushi bars in Paris, pizza chains in Bangkok, and burger joints in Nairobi mirror a world that is becoming more connected but also more predictable.
However, as the environmental and economic costs of such global food systems come into focus, chefs and consumers begin questioning the value of importing ingredients from thousands of miles away when local alternatives are often available and fresher. This realization gives rise to the “locavore movement”, which emphasizes seasonal, regional sourcing to support local economies and reduce carbon footprints. Yet, rather than turning to the localization completely, many chefs begin to combine local sourcing with the excitement of global flavors, leading to a unique and powerful cooking hybrid.
This modern approach doesn’t mean restricting creativity. On the contrary, it encourages it. By asking “How can I recreate a Thai green curry using what’s available in Vermont, the U.S. ” or “Can I build a Japanese noodle soup from Pacific Northwest seaweed and mushrooms ”, chefs are pushed to innovate. The limit of local sourcing becomes fuel for new, special interpretations of beloved global dishes.
28. What does the underlined word “homogenized” in paragraph 3 mean
A. Well-preserved. B. Inaccessible. C. Handmade. D. Uniform.
29. What impact is brought by importing ingredients from abroad according to the text
A. Decline of traditional chefs. B. Worse taste of global foods.
C. Increased carbon footprints. D. Higher pricing of local produce.
30. What do the questions in the last paragraph require chefs to do
A. Promote local foods actively. B. Count on global supply chains.
C. Get creative with their cooking. D. Taste global dishes as travelers.
31. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Powerful Global Food Systems B. The Fall and Rise of Local Food
C. A New Menu Trend: Globalization D. Local Ingredients, Global Flavors
D
What if you could meet most of your daily needs — shopping, work, education, healthcare — within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from your home This is the exciting vision of the “15-minute city”, an urban planning concept that gained global attention years ago. However, putting it into practice has sparked unexpected and fierce opposition.
The concept was popularized by Mayor Anne Hidalgo of Paris and based on the research of French scholar Carlos Moreno. It suggests a move from city planning centered mainly on cars to one focused on “chronic-urbanism”. The goal is to return urban space to people, with more parks and streets for walking. Advocates argue that this model addresses multiple crises all at the same time: climate change, social isolation and public health.
Despite its apparent benefits, opponents have misrepresented the idea online, framing it as a secret government plan to control people’s free movement. While these claims are baseless, they have gained support, influencing public opinion and making it harder for cities like Oxford and Melbourne to carry out the concept.
The real issue, however, goes deeper than misinformation. It points to a fundamental problem in urban innovation: the difficulty of imagining a life less dependent on the private car. For decades, the car has symbolized personal freedom and status. Any policy that seems to reduce car use, even if it aims to enhance overall quality of life, can make people feel emotionally upset. This reflects what transport experts call “car dependency”, a cultural and deep-rooted habit that is hard to break.
The situation mirrors past urban conflicts. For instance, many people opposed creating walking-only streets in city centers decades ago, but now, such areas are mostly loved and valued. The experts of a recent study on sustainable transition conclude that the battle for the 15-minute city is not just about planning; it’s about messaging. Success depends not only on smart design but also on effectively conveying its vision of a more sustainable and human urban future.
32. What can we learn about “chronic-urbanism” in paragraph 2
A. It gives more space to people. B. It aims to expand road networks.
C. It focuses on car development. D. It helps improve city environment.
33. What do the opponents think of the 15-minute city
A. Traffic-slowing. B. Money-wasting. C. Freedom-limiting. D. Tech-demanding.
34. What does paragraph 4 mainly talk about
.A. The challenge of a less car-centered life. B. The significance of private cars.
.C. The public’s reactions to a new policy. D. The definition of car dependency.
35. What does the experts’ conclusion imply in the last paragraph
.A. Public opinions are too hard to change. B. Sustainable transition is the top priority.
.C. Communication matters as much as design. /D. Planning should send an innovative message.
第二节(共5小题;每小题2.5分,满分12.5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。
You don’t have to quit sugar, go vegan (素食者) or run a marathon to see real change in your health and well-being. 36 Little actions, done consistently, are what create lasting change, says Wendy Wood, PhD, psychologist and author of Good Habits, Bad Habits.
The secret It’s not willpower. It’s not even goals. “The best way to turn a small change into a powerful habit is not to focus on your motivation, the reasons why you want to do it or your long-term goals,” she says. Wait 37 Aren’t goals supposed to fuel us
“That is what everyone thinks. However, research has shown that making small changes to the environment, the context in which you perform the behavior, is far more powerful. Goals aren’t bad. They certainly have a purpose, but ‘motivation’ won’t last for a long time,” she says. “ 38 ”
For example, do you think your goal of getting back into the same size jeans you wore in high school will inspire you to hit the gym every day Nope. What will “Choose a gym that’s close to your house, ideally less than 5 miles. 39 ” Wood says. “Even better if you are doing an activity you really enjoy or meeting a good friend there.”
40 Better sleep, stronger muscles, calmer moods and a sharper mind. To help you make this shift, we’ve rounded up the simplest, most science-backed micro-habits. They can transform your physical, emotional and mental health. No guilt, no overwhelm and no special requirement.
A. Habits need to be easy and enjoyable to stick.
B. Instead, science supports a “go small” approach.
C. The small changes will benefit a lot when taking root.
D. Is the powerful habit a key to gaining physical health
E. Big lifestyle changes are necessary for health improvement.
F. Isn’t motivation the whole point of New Year’s resolutions
G. That was the strongest predictor of gym attendance in our research.
第三部分 语言运用(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。
The August sun beat down without mercy. My father and I dragged our heavy backpacks through the dusty hills. My throat was dried, my legs weak. I was about to 41 when he pointed a dusty finger toward the horizon. “A 42 ,” he croaked (嘶哑着说).
A spark of hope lit inside me. I 43 a fruit tree, its branches heavy with something sweet. My mouth 44 at the thought of a delicious apple. My father, more practical, guessed a pear tree. Fueled by this 45 , we pushed on, our tired legs finding new strength.
But as we got closer, my hope faded. The tree was an oak (橡树), but its branches held only 46 . Disappointment washed over me. “It’s useless,” I muttered, 47 against the trunk.
Just then, the sky darkened. A cool wind picked up, and heavy raindrops began to fall. “Under here!” my father 48 . We rushed beneath the oak’s wide branch as the sky opened up. The tree acted as a perfect umbrella, its thick leaves 49 us completely.
As dusk fell, a coldness filled the air. Seeing me tremble, my father 50 fallen branches from around the tree’s base. Soon, he had a small, crackling fire going. We huddled close, its 51 pushing back the cold.
Using a thick layer of dry oak leaves, we made a soft 52 for the night. Lying there, sheltered, I 53 the rain fall above. The tree I had called 54 had given us shelter and a safe rest. Some 55 are not the ones you seek, but the ones you find.
41. A. explain B. complain C. command D. measure
42. A. tree B. cave C. hut D. stream
43. A. discovered B. remembered C. designed D. imagined
44. A. opened B. ached C. tightened D. watered
45. A. goal B. vision C. order D. excuse
46. A. blossoms B. apples C. leaves D. pears
47. A. sinking B. beating C. crying D. kicking
48. A. sighed B. whispered C. argued D. yelled
49. A. refreshing B. sheltering C. attracting D. connecting
50. A. gathered B. burned C. bought D. arranged
51. A. light B. warmth C. smoke D. smell
52. A. chair B. tent C. bed D. pillow
53. A. thought of B. reflected on C. listened to D. worried about
54. A. priceless B. hopeless C. endless D. valueless
55. A. gifts B. lessons C. chances D. memories
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 2025 World Physical Education Alliance (联盟) Conference, at 56 more than 500 experts and scholars from nearly 20 countries and regions gathered to discuss the future of global sports education, concluded in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday.
In his video address, Dai Liyi, vice-president of Shanghai-based East China Normal University, which hosted the conference, said, “The alliance, which 57 (establish) two years ago with a mission to promote dialogue and communication between civilizations, is evolving 58 a Chinese initiative to a platform of global sharing.”
Fathi Nada, president of the Egyptian National Sports Federation, highlighted that the five-day event provided Egypt with 59 international perspective on sports education and offered a valuable opportunity for higher-level cultural cooperation between China and Egypt. “The conference is expected 60 (serve) as a new starting point to facilitate 61 (broad) and deeper development of sports education in the Middle East, Africa, 62 around the world,” he added.
During the academic sessions of the event, experts and scholars from 14 countries, including the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Turkiye, and Malaysia, engaged in discussions on a 63 (vary) of topics, such as the inheritance (继承) of traditional sports culture, sports education designed for special groups, and the development of inclusive sports. Several scholars presented local practice cases while 64 (illustrate) unique development paths for sports education in different cultural 65 (context).
第四部分 写作(共两节,满分40分)
第一节 (满分15分)
假设你是高中生李华,你校英文报正在举办题为 “My Experience with an AI Learning Tool” 的征文活动。请你写一篇短文投稿,内容包括:
1. AI学习工具简介;2. 该工具对你学习的影响。
注意:1. 词数80左右;2. 可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯;
My Experience with an AI Learning Tool
第二节 (满分25分)
阅读下面短文,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。
When I landed in a small town in New Zealand as an exchange student, I thought I was ready for everything — new faces, language barriers, strange social patterns and even homesickness. Still, the smallest things made me feel out of place.
Luckily, the Wilsons, my host family, did everything they could to help me settle in — driving me around, sharing meals, and even letting me use their kitchen when I missed Chinese food. With their warmth and support, everything seemed to fall into place.
But at school, small moments felt bigger than I’d imagined. In our first literature class, we discussed a Hemingway story. Everyone jumped in actively, while I struggled to speak up. My desk-mate encouraged me, “Next time, just speak up.” I nodded, forcing a bitter smile.
And just like that, I found myself in another cultural trap, Mrs. Wilson’s birthday dinner. At the table, I answered politely but kept mostly to myself. Mrs. Wilson noticed my silence and gently asked, “You alright, sweet girl You’ re so quiet tonight.” My face reddened. Was my silence seen as cold, rather than polite
That night, restless and wide awake, I wondered if I needed to laugh louder, speak faster; or hide parts of myself just to feel I belonged. Questions flooded my mind, none with answers.
A few days later, our teacher announced there would be a Culture Festival next week. “You’ ll prepare a stand to share your own culture — food, crafts, customs ... anything meaningful. You can not only display your culture but also make it interactive, allowing people to try new things, learn traditional skills; or share stories and cultural symbols,” she said. The class lit up with excitement. I sat frozen, mind racing: how could I share my traditions in English The thought made my stomach twisted (扭曲). Yet, I gathered myself with a deep breath and signed up. After that, I threw myself wholeheartedly into preparations, until the day finally came.
注意: 1. 所续写短文的词数应为150左右; 2. 续写部分分为两段,每段的开头语已为你写好。
At the Culture Festival, I stood behind my stand, nervous but ready. From that day on, my world here started to change.
襄阳四中2026届高三上学期质量检测(五)英语参考答案
听力理解:1-5 AACBC 6-10 BCBAA 11-15 ABCBC 16-20 ABCCB
阅读理解:21-23 BAC 24-27 CBDA 28-31 DCCD 32-35 ACAC 36-40 BFAGC
完形填空:41-45 BADDB 46-50 CADBA 51-55 BCCDA
语法填空:56. which 57. was established 58. from 59. an /60. to serve
61. broader 62. and 63. variety 64. illustrating 65. contexts
应用文:
My Experience with an AI Learning Tool
As AI booms, AI-powered learning tools have become invaluable companions in my academic journey. The one I use most is “Doubao”, an app that integrates functions like intelligent question analysis, instant translation and personalized practice.
This tool has profoundly transformed my learning methods. When I get stuck on challenging math problems, it breaks down the solutions step by step, helping me grasp key logic instead of merely providing answers. For English learning, its translation feature clarifies tricky phrases with examples while the pronunciation function enhances my spoken English. Additionally, it tracks my learning progress, identifies my weak points and recommends targeted exercises, saving me time on sorting out review materials and letting me focus on improvement.
However, I always use it as a tool, not a substitute for independent thinking. Thanks to this intelligent assistant, I am not only learning more efficiently but also fostering the ability to become a self-directed and lifelong learner.
读后续写:
At the Culture Festival, I stood behind my stand, nervous but ready. Taking a deep breath, I once again neatly arranged all the well-prepared items: red paper, sharp scissors, and several finished paper-cuttings. Soon, students and teachers gathered around, their eyes twinkling with curiosity. I greeted them with a smile and demonstrated: fold, cut, unfold — and a delicate butterfly spread its wings. A wave of surprise rippling through the crowd, I explained that paper-cutting symbolizes wishes for happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. Eager to participate, a boy stepped forward, his enthusiastic attempt sparking applause from the crowd. With more people joining eagerly, I moved among them, guided their hands and praised their efforts, weaving a shared moment of laughter and boosting my confidence.
From that day on, my world here started to change. Classmates often came to me with questions about China — from Spring Festival to calligraphy. In literature class, I shared how Chinese poems express emotions, linking them to Hemingway’s style. At the Wilsons’, I taught them how to use chopsticks and told stories about customs in my hometown. I no longer hid or pretended, but tried to share my own story, which was warmly embraced as a genuine eye-opener. The cultural trap that once made me feel awkward vanished, replaced by a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. This warmth, woven into the everyday rhythm of my life, led me to a profound realization: I had not only broken free from cultural shock but also found my place in a shared story — one written by many voices, yet open enough to hold my own.
*On my stand lay a simple tea set, several teacups, boiled water and a bag of tea. Soon, students and teachers, attracted by this delicate tea set, surrounded my stand, wondering what I’d like to do. Noticing curiosity written all over their faces, I took a deep breath and began the tea ceremony — warm the teapot, add tea leaves, pour water and brew. Several minutes later, soothing aroma drifted through the air. Before I served them, I gently suggested that we all take a quiet moment and sip tea slowly.
听力原文:
Text 1
M: Mrs. Anderson, I’m thinking about taking some time off. I really need a break from work.
W: Oh, the boss was just asking if you are available for next week’s shifts. Are you sure
M: Absolutely. I’ll finally take that trip I’ve been postponing.
Text 2
W: Did you see the look on Nancy’s face when she heard the news
M: Yeah, she didn’t expect to take second place. It was not the result she had hoped to achieve.
Text 3
M: Hey, Fiona. Is it alright if I come around now to discuss the details of our farewell party on Thursday?
W: Oh, I’ll show the foreign guests around the history museum in an hour. How about we do it tomorrow
Text 4
M: Maria, did you track the shipment of urgent medical supplies
W: Yes. The parcel is expected to arrive this afternoon.
M: Perfect! I’ll let my patients know that.
W: Well, you have a meeting at the City Hall at 3:00 p.m. Would you like me to arrange a car for you
Text 5
M: I’m anxious to know why I can’t figure out the math problem. I’ve been working on it for almost an hour.
W: Why not stop to grab a coffee or take a walk That may help you spark new ideas.
M: Maybe you’re right.
Text 6
W: Excuse me, the sign there says “Buy one, Get one free”, but you charged me the full price for these two blue shirts.
M: Let me check ... Hmm, the promotion only applies to items that are priced at over 20 each.
W: Oh, I see. Mine were 19.5 each. I can’t believe 50 pennies made a difference!
M: Yeah, there is fine print on every offer. Do you want to change them
W: Yes. So, will I have to return them first
M: I’m afraid so. The purchase has already been processed.
W: Okay. Oh, I wish I’d registered the fine print earlier.
Text 7
M: It’s already 9:30 a.m., and the meeting has been delayed for half an hour.
W: Mr. Johnson’s flight didn’t touch down until 8:30 a.m., so he’s running late. We can’t start the meeting without him.
M: I was wondering how long we still have to wait. I’m about to grab a coffee in the break room.
W: How about suggesting he attend the meeting online instead
M: Online But what about the presentation
W: Actually, the main screen in the meeting room is acting up again. The repairman was called up to fix it. Even if he arrives, we won’t be able to display the presentation on the screen.
M: Then what are we waiting for
Text 8
M: Speaking of our trip to Singapore next month, I was thinking of setting off on October 2nd.
W: Well, I’d prefer to set out a bit earlier, maybe the 1st. That way, we can have a day to rest and switch to local time after we arrive.
M: That sounds good. I’ve looked up a few flight options. We can book a direct flight, but it’s a bit expensive, around $1,200. Or there’s a connecting flight for $900. We’ll have a one-night stopover in Frankfurt..
W: Uh ... I think the direct flight would be better. It’ll save us quite a few hours.
M: Agreed. I’ll book the direct flight for us. What about the accommodation in Singapore
W: Let’s choose a quite modern hotel with good service near my aunt’s house. I’ve found one on Orchard Road. Its rates range from $150 to $180 a night. It’s over our budget, but it’s very central.
M: Sounds perfect. I’ll take care of the booking.
Text 9
W: Hello, Alex. What have you been up to
M: Nothing special. A little busy, though.
W: Well, I just wanted to remind you that the deadline for the paper is Friday, September 25th. Have you added the finishing touches to the abstract
M: It’s nearly done, but I’m still not sure about the second paragraph.
W: Well, Mr. McDaniel thinks the abstract should highlight the main findings. Maybe you can cut out some of the complex terms in the second part. Keep it straightforward.
M: Understood. I used more technical terms, but I see your point. I’ll revise some of them. What about the format of the paper?
W: Mr. McDaniel said our paper should be set in Times New Roman, size 12 and double-spaced.
M: Got it. I’ll send it to Mr. McDaniel’s mailbox on Thursday.
W: Excellent. Plus, don’t forget the dinner party on the 26th. It’s a great chance to meet other researchers and professors in our field. You never know what connections you might make.
Text 10
When was the last time you looked up and saw a clear sky full of stars If you live in a big city, the answer is probably: a long time ago. The reason for this is light pollution. Streetlights, billboards and even the lights in our houses block our view of the night sky and mask the stars. According to a study, 60% of Europeans and almost four-fifths of people in North America cannot see the Milky Way at night. Bright lights don’t just make us miss a nice view. They also affect animals, confusing them when they migrate. For example, sea turtles, which navigate by the moon, often become disoriented due to artificial lights on beaches. Birds that migrate at night are also thrown off course by city lights, sometimes flying into buildings or changing their migration patterns altogether. And this type of pollution is bad for human health by disrupting human sleep patterns. Luckily, there are solutions. First, cities can install streetlights that point downward instead of spreading light in all directions. Then, shops can turn off bright signs after midnight. Last, we could follow the Czech Republic’s example and introduce a law against light pollution. We may see the starry night sky once again if we take action now.