Languages have been coming and going for thousands of years, but in recent times there has been less coming and a lot more going. When the world was still populated by hunter-gatherers, small, tightly knit(联系) groups developed their own patterns of speech independent of each other. Some language experts believe that 10,000 years ago, when the world had just five to ten million people, they spoke perhaps 12,000 languages between them.
Soon afterwards, many of those people started settling down to become farmers, and their languages too became more settled and fewer in number. In recent centuries, trade, industrialization, the development of the nation-state and the spread of universal compulsory education, especially globalisation and better communications in the past few decades, all have caused many languages to disappear, and dominant languages such as English, Spanish and Chinese are increasingly taking over.
At present, the world has about 6,800 languages. The distribution of these languages is hugely uneven. The general rule is that mild zones have relatively few languages. Often spoken by many people while hot, wet zones have lots, often spoken by small numbers. Europe has only around 200 Languages: the Americas about 1,000, Africa 2,400; and Asia and the Pacific perhaps 3,200, of which Papua New Guinea alone accounts for well over 800. The median number(中位数) of speakers is a mere 6.000, which means that half the worlds languages are spoken by fewer people than that.
Already well over 400 of the total of 6,800 languages are close to extinction(消亡), with only a few elderly speakers left. Pick, at random, Busuu in Cameroon (eight remaining speakers), Chiapaneco in Mexico(150). Lipan Apache in the United States(two or three) or Wadjigu in Australia (one, with a question-mark): none of these seems to have much chance of survival.
1.What can we infer about languages in hunter-gatherer times?
A.They developed very fast. B.They were large in number.
C.They had similar patters. D.They were closely connected
2.Which of the following best explains "dominant" underlined in paragraph 2？
A.Complex. B.Advanced.
C.Powerful. D.Modern.
3.How many languages are spoken by less than 6, 000 people at present?
A.About 6,800 . B.About 3,400
C.About 2,400 D.About 1,200.
4.What is the main idea of the text?
A.New languages will be created.
B.Peoples lifestyles are reflected in languages.
C.Human development results in fewer languages.
D.Geography determines language evolution.
难度: 困难查看答案及解析
The meaning of silence varies among cultural groups.Silences may be thoughtful, or they may be empty when a person has nothing to say. A silence in a conversation may also show stubbornness, uneasiness, or worry. Silence may be viewed by some cultural groups as extremely uncomfortable; therefore attempts may be made to fill every gap(间隙) with conversation. Persons in other cultural groups value silence and view it as necessary for understanding a person's needs.
Many Native Americans value silence and feel it is a basic part of communicating among people, just as some traditional Chinese and Thai persons do. Therefore, when a person from one of these cultures is speaking and suddenly stops, what may be implied(暗示) is that the person wants the listener to consider what has been said before continuing.In these cultures, silence is a call for reflection.
Other cultures may use silence in other ways, particularly when dealing with conflicts among people or in relationships of people with different amounts of power. For example, Russian, French, and Spanish persons may use silence to show agreement between parties about the topic under discussion. However, Mexicans may use silence when instructions are given by a person in authority rather than be rude to that person by arguing with him or her. In still another use, persons in Asian cultures may view silence as a sign of respect, particularly to an elder or a person in authority.
Nurses and other care-givers need to be aware of the possible meanings of silence when they come across the personal anxiety their patients may be experiencing. Nurses should recognize their own personal and cultural construction of silence so that a patient’s silence is not interrupted too early or allowed to go on unnecessarily. A nurse who understands the healing(治愈) value of silence can use this understanding to assist in the care of patients from their own and from other cultures.
1.What does the author say about silence in conversations?
A.It implies anger.
B.It promotes friendship.
C.It is culture-specific.
D.It is content-based.
2.Which of the following people might regard silence as a call for careful thought?
A.The Chinese.
B.The French.
C.The Mexicans.
D.The Russians.
3.What does the author advise nurses to do about silence?
A.Let it continue as the patient pleases.
B.Break it while treating patients.
C.Evaluate its harm to patients.
D.Make use of its healing effects.
4.What may be the best title for the text?
A.Sound and Silence
B.What It Means to Be Silent
C.Silence to Native Americans
D.Speech Is Silver; Silence Is Gold
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Marie Curie is well-known all over the world. However, perhaps you have not heard of Rachel Carson. Of the outstanding ladies listed below, who do you think was the most important woman of the past 100 years?
Jane Addams(1860- 1935)
Anyone who has ever been helped by a social worker has Jane Addams to thank. Addams helped the poor and worked for peace. She encouraged a sense of community(社区)by creating shelters and promoting education and services for people in need. In 1931, Addams became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Rachel Carson(1907- 1964)
If it weren't for Rachel Carson, the environmental movement might not exist today. Her popular 1962 book Silent Spring raised awareness of the dangers of pollution and the harmful effects of chemicals on humans and on the world's lakes and oceans.
Sandra Day O'Connor(1930- present)
When Sandra Day O'Connor finished third in her class at Stanford Law School, in 1952, she could not find work at a law firm because she was a woman. She became an Arizona state senator(参议员)and, in 1981, the first woman to join the U. S. Supreme Court. O'Connor gave the deciding vote in many important cases during her 24 years on the top court.
Rosa Parks(1913- 2005)
On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks would not give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. Her simple act landed Parks in prison. But it also set off the Montgomery bus boycott. It lasted for more than a year, and kicked off the civil--rights movement. “The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” said Parks.
1.What is Jane Addams famous for in history?
A.Her social work. B.Her teaching skills.
C.Her efforts to win a prize. D.Her community background.
2.What is the reason for O'Connor's not being able to find a job in the law firm?
A.Her lack of proper training in law. B.Her little work experience in court.
C.The discrimination against women. D.The poor financial conditions.
3.What can we infer about the women mentioned in the text?
A.They are highly educated. B.They are truly creative.
C.They are pioneers. D.They are peace--lovers.
难度: 简单查看答案及解析
One very cold November morning William, who was a 20-year-old college student then, climbed on the edge of Waterloo Bridge in London. That morning, William escaped from a mental health hospital, where he'd been diagnosed(诊断) with schizo-affective disorder. He headed straight to the bridge, convinced that his disease was a life sentence.
Hundreds of people passed by without stopping. Only one man called David, then 25, calmly and quietly walked to William's side.
“You're alright, man? Why are you sitting on a bridge?”
At first William wanted David to leave him alone, but something in David's calm, down-to -earth manner struck a chord. William felt faith, like he could talk to him.
“It's cold here. Why not have some coffee in a warm cafe? Everything will be OK.” For the first time after the diagnosis William felt perhaps it really might. He climbed back.
The police, having received calls from passers-by, were waiting there. They quickly put him into a police car, in case he was to panic and jump. He lost sight of David, the person who'd brought him hope.
William ended up back in hospital. Eventually, he was well enough to return to university and finish his degree. Over the next six years, William often thought about the stranger who had talked him round. Eager to thank him in person, he posted a Facebook message nicknaming the good man Mike. His Find Mike post was shared millions of times around the world, as far as Canada.
William was very excited when David called him two weeks after his post. They had a reunion. ,finally having that coffee they had first planned all those years ago.
“Many people walked past, but because of David's kindness and sympathy, I've lived a good life. ” William said.
1.Why did William climb up the bridge?
A.He was badly treated in the hospital. B.His disease made him lose hope.
C.He wanted to draw people's attention. D.He studied poorly in the college.
2.What does the underlined phrase “struck a chord”in Paragraph 4 mean?
A.Touched his heart. B.Drew his attention.
C.Aroused his interest. D.Made him happy.
3.Which of the following best describes David?
A.Diligent. B.Strong-willed.
C.Caring. D.Generous.
4.How did William find David?
A.By visiting homes door-to-door. B.By calling their friends.
C.By asking the police. D.By posting a message online.
难度: 简单查看答案及解析
Several things Beijingers do during wintertime
In winter, Beijing offers the city’s fun-seekers many appealing options, from royal gardens to winter resorts. Your sweet tooth and palate for fine art can also be satisfied by the abundant choices in food and art exhibitions. Here are some recommendations for you.
1.
The Summer Palace was designed as a summer resort for the Emperor Dowager Cixi in the Qing Dynasty (1644 — 1911). Recently it has attracted thousands of tourists hoping to catch sight of the setting sun shining through the Seventeen-Arch Bridge over the frozen Kunming Lake.
Mutton hot pot with family and friends.
2. Eating mutton, according to Chinese traditional medicine, is able to drive out the coldness inside the body and nourish your vitality.
A weekend at Ice skating & ski resorts.
Surrounded by historical mansions and natural beauty, Shichahai is a must-go scenic area in Beijing. In winter, I he frozen lake becomes n giant ice rink (溜冰场), offering skating, sleigh riding and ice bicycles for beginners who don’t want to miss out on the fun.3. You can ski, participate in snow activities, or just sit in a cozy bar and appreciate the snow-covered landscape.
Hot spring resort getaway.
It is said that a hot spring bath is good for the body and the soul.4. Gathered in the northern part of Beijing, especially Xiaotangshan town in the Changping district, these resorts offer a great experience for a weekend getaway.
Culture tours at museums.
Going to a museum certainly is much nicer and warmer than staying outdoors. Luckily, cultural agencies like the National Museum and the National Art Museum recently displayed several important exhibitions.5.
A.Sightseeing at Summer Palace.
B.Add ski resorts to your list of fun.
C.As winter chill takes hold in Beijing, hot pot becomes more popular.
D.As the temperature goes down, swimming turns out to be a good choice.
E.No matter whether you are an experienced skier or not, you can make a perfect holiday there.
F.For more information, please go to the National Museum and National Art Museum websites.
G.For those who search for relaxation from stresses and strains, the city’s hot spring resorts are life-savers.
难度: 简单查看答案及解析
I had to make a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles without an appointment. Anyone who has done this might know there always seems to be a (n)_______ wait. When I got there, I did have about 25 people_______me with their own numbers.
Since I was in no hurry, I sat there_______ , just watching people. A young man_______the counter but had no cash to pay his_______. “They only take cash or cheque. . .” He was_______his situation to the woman next to me, rather_______. Unfortunately, she didn't have enough cash, either.
I had been listening and before he had a(n)_______to ask, I thought, “I have enough cash for both his fee and mine!” I_______ him the money and he wanted my information________ he could repay me using Venmo. Although I used this app, I________a different form of repayment. I ________ to have in my wallet one Smile Card, which I tried to________all the time.
________ him the card I said, “You can do this as a repayment.”
He really wanted to just return the cash, but there was no________that he could without my help and I just insisted he pay it forward, doing something________ for others.
Not long after that, I was________, and got my business________in less than 60 minutes in DMV without an appointment. I had spent longer there with an appointment. Maybe all went so________because I came across this young gentleman, maybe not.
I do choose to believe that as we spread our own________ in the world, it returns to us in quantities.
1.A.endless B.limited C.sweet D.quiet
2.A.behind B.beside C.beyond D.before
3.A.anxiously B.angrily C.patiently D.eagerly
4.A.got up to B.got out of C.broke away from D.held on to
5.A.debt B.fee C.tax D.tent
6.A.explaining B.announcing C.reporting D.broadcasting
7.A.relaxed B.comfortable C.helpless D.excited
8.A.choice B.freedom C.ability D.chance
9.A.saved B.offered C.threw D.charged
10.A.but B.So C.yet D.or
11.A.imagined B.organized C.preferred D.avoided
12.A.happened B.pretended C.failed D.wished
13.A.add B.carry C.sell D.fold
14.A.Mailing B.Handing C.Returning D.Awarding
15.A.fact B.evidence C.doubt D.way
16.A.exciting B.frightening C.good D.disappointing
17.A.called B.advised C.permitted D.followed
18.A.checked B.recognized C.refused D.done
19.A.steadily B.gradually C.smoothly D.fluently
20.A.politeness B.focus C.popularity D.kindness
难度: 简单查看答案及解析
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。
Like most senior high school students in China, Liu Yu, had planned to continue her studies earlier this year to prepare for the upcoming College Entrance Examination.
However, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced in late January that the spring term 1.(delay) due to the novel corona virus pneumonia(新冠肺炎) outbreak, forcing students 2.Liu to stay at home.
Instead of3.(fall) behind their original plan, Liu and many others have already begun studying full--time again --- only from home,4.may have become5.largest online teaching trial(尝试) the country has ever seen. To go with students' new learning environment, a “cloud platform” was launched on Feb 17 to provide6.(they) with education resources. For students in remote or rural areas, a television channel by China Education Television started airing7.(class) on Feb 17 so they can study at home.
However, online teaching and learning has its weaknesses 8.(compare) to studying in a physical classroom. “My motivation(动力)to study is9. (strong) when my classmates are around me and all working very hard,” Liu Yu said.
According to the MOE, online courses are only temporary measures taken during the epidemic(疫情). When the new term10.(begin), schools will not replace classroom teaching with online classes.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同学写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加:在缺词处加一个漏字符号（^）,并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除:把多余的词用（\）划掉。
修改:在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意: 1. 每处错误及其修改均仅限一词;
2. 只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。
Last Saturday morning in the railway station, I casually saw something that touched me deep. Right as I was on my way to the main hall, I saw an old woman putting something next to a slept homeless man. I wanted to see what she had put some moneys there. Instead of, I just find a sandwich. The moment was very touching. The old woman just helped the man in need though his act might not be recognized. This made me realize it's a small thing that could really make big difference. I was luck to see so an act of kindness.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
假定你是李华最近得知英国新冠疫情（COVID-19 epidemic）比较严重，你很担忧英国朋友Peter，请你给他写封邮件，内容包括：
1. 他的情况；
2. 咱们的抗疫经验（勤洗手；戴口罩mask；开窗通风等）；
3. 你的期待（希望他身体健康，来中国旅游）。
注意：
1. 词数100左右；
2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
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难度: 困难查看答案及解析