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It’s common to hear the honking of horns in New York. Whoever tries every day to get more than a few minutes of sleep in the city will tell you that he could do nothing about it! Honking of horns is just one of their most widely enjoyed pastimes.
But Aaron, a Japanese website developer has had enough of it. Once, the 31-year-old man approached the open window to wait for the driver to finish honking, delivered a polite "excuse me" and then yelled " Ho-o-o-o-onk!", which suggests fierce anger in Japan. Then he threw three eggs from the window of his apartment on to a passing car honking loudly below when his patience was worn out. Instead of apologizing to him, the driver threatened to kill him angrily. So, nobly, Aaron turned to non-violence. He started writing anti-honking haiku verses, a form of Japanese poetry, and submitted them to local newspapers:
Oh .forget Enron;
The problem around here is;
All the damn honking
(Enron: a major American company that recently caused a scandal by going bankrupt because of corrupt(腐败) mismanagement)
"Then this kind of chain reaction started happening," Aaron says. "All these other haiku started appearing that I haven't written." Aaron’ s community is now covered in anti - honking poetry, written by all walks of life, ranging from scary environmental activist types to violent revolutionaries:
Patience slowly fades;
Residents store up their eggs;
That day is coming soon.
It’s no surprise that Aaron has started a website — www. honku. org — and now people from across the country send him news of their own anti - honking activities. It seems that poetry can change the world after all. Then, just recently, anti-anti- honking haiku started to appear, taped up by locals who thought Aaron should stop worrying about honking and start worrying about starving children, say, or war in the Middle East instead. Aaron has an answer for that. "Stop me if this is too tenuous(不靠谱的) ," he says," but they talk about the violence in the Middle East like it' s a force of nature, like it' s beyond our control. But actually it's kind of like the honking - the violence is man -made. If we can figure out how to stop honking on the streets, I think we could learn some things that we could use on a large scale. "
1.The first paragraph of the passage is intended to tell us that_______.
A. New Yorkers have formed a habit of honking while driving
B. most New Yorkers enjoy sleeping late in the morning
C. honking noise has influenced people's life in New York
D. New Yorkers enjoy listening to the honking of horns
2.What is Aaron’s final response to the frequent honking of horns?
A. Pretended to ignore it.
B. Screamed at the driver.
C. Acted in a peaceful way.
D. Complained to the government.
3.According to the passage, most New Yorkers think Aaron's response is ___.
A. pointless
B. abnormal
C. sensitive
D. acceptable
4.Faced with the criticism of his anti-honking campaign, Aaron notes that___.
A. fierce violence in the Middle East is more of an issue worthy of concern
B. finding the solution to anti - honking is as meaningful as that to starvation
C. big issues are beyond our control while small ones are under our control
D. if not handled properly, honking may cause serious problems like starvation
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There is a truth generally acknowledged by drivers in India, honk your horn (按喇叭) loud enough and the traffic light will surely change to green. But, fed up with the drivers who have no patience and cause a deafening noise every time they are forced to stop, the police in Mumbai have come up with a new system to punish those people. The new system, said the police, was quite simple: “Honk more, wait more.”
Known as “the punishing signal”, the Mumbai police fixed a new traffic light system to deal with the problem of “reckless honkers”, which resets the red traffic signal every time the sound of car horns goes above 85 decibels. For particularly honk- happy drivers, it could mean a very long wait at the lights.
Mumbai was recently listed as the fourth most congested city in the world, according to the TomTom traffic index, with 65% congestion and drivers spending an average of eight days and 17 hours in traffic each year. Speaking to local media, Mumbai traffic police commissioner Madhukar Pandey said, “Sadly, many Mumbaikars are addicted to reckless honking which not only causes noise pollution, but hurts eardrums, increases heart rates, causes stress and adds to traffic disturbance.”
He added, “All recognize it, but do little to control it. With this, I am sure that our road discipline can become better and the new system ensures honk-less, noise-free and stress free travel on Mumbai roads.”
The idea, which was tested in November and December, 2019, has already gained momentum and there is a plan for rolling it out in other cities in India. Across the country, Indian cities have the worst traffic in the world. Bangalore was recently named as the world’s most congested city, with drivers spending an average of 10 days stuck in traffic, while both Delhi and Pune were also in the top 10.
1.From the passage, we can infer that ________.
A.Mumbai’s traffic jam is very serious
B.overusing horns causes harm to the economy
C.Mumbai drivers doubt the new traffic light system
D.the new traffic light system works as soon as drivers honk
2.What information can you get from Madhukar Pandey’s words?
A.The new traffic light system has many disadvantages.
B.He thinks that the new traffic system is useful.
C.It is too late to carry out the new traffic light system.
D.It’s difficult to deal with overuse of horns in Mumbai.
3.According to the last paragraph, we can know that ________.
A.the new traffic system works well
B.Delhi’s traffic condition is better than that of Pune
C.the new traffic system will be spread around the world
D.people of Bangalore like to honk their horns when driving
4.What is the best title for this passage?
A.Mumbai Rewarded Patient Drivers
B.Mumbai Warns Honk-happy Drivers by Traffic Lights
C.Honk-happy Drivers Will Have No Way to Drive
D.“Honk More. Wait More”: Mumbai Tests Traffic Lights
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Josh Katz works at the New York Times. His common job is to use information to tell interesting stories. In December 2013, Katz built a quiz on the Times website. It asked people about the words they used to describe things and events. It also asked how they pronounced common words. The quiz then used people’s answers to decide where in the United States they were from.
The quiz got more than 350, 000 results. Katz turned the results into a book. In Speaking American, he studies regional differences in how Americans talk.
“A lot of people’s language shows who they are and where they are from, in a very personal way”, Katz said.
Katz says people are often surprised to learn that the way they talk can show where they grew up. Most Americans don’t realize they use regionalisms --- or words and phrases specific to a particular part of the country. But just about everyone does. Almost every major U.S. city has a few unique terms. For example, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the night before Halloween is known as Mischief Night. Anyone who calls it that is likely to be connected to the city.
Katz himself was surprised by how many common words are regional. “There are a lot of words I use that I just thought were standard words,” he says. “Then I found out some of these words were actually a product of my upbringing.”
For example, he says, “I thought everyone said ‘sneakers’ (运动鞋) and not ‘tennis shoes’.” But it turns out “sneakers” is connected mostly to the Northeast. That’s where Katz is from.
Some scholars think that language in the U.S. is growing more homogeneous (同类的). But Katz disagrees. “These regional differences are here to stay.” he says.
Not only are people still using common regionalisms, but there are new ones appearing all the time, according to Katz. There’s no way to predict how language will change in the future. But Katz sees more changes coming. “The only sure thing about language is that it’s going to keep moving.” he says.
1.What’ s the purpose of the quiz?
A.To test people on common knowledge.
B.To find out what words are mostly used.
C.To help people learn about their hometown better.
D.To see whether people’s language shows their backgrounds.
2.How do most Americans look at their using regionalisms?
A.They are proud of it.
B.They do it unintentionally.
C.They find it quite interesting.
D.They have no idea why everybody does it.
3.Why does Katz mention “ sneakers” in the 6th paragraph?
A.Because it’s different from “tennis shoes”.
B.Because it’s an example of a standard word.
C.Because his hometown is possibly the birthplace of it.
D.Because many common words come from a specific area.
4.What is Katz’s opinion on regional differences?
A.They will finally disappear in the future.
B.They have a bad influence on people’s life.
C.They will remain a part of people’s everyday life.
D.They prevent language from being homogeneous.
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From the outer of New York to the heart of Singapore, nature is everywhere you're not looking in some of Earth's most crowded big cities. Outdoor adventure is often just a few stops on the train - or a short drive- away from the annoying crowds. Here are a few favorites to get you going:
Mount Hollywood Trail, Los Angeles
It's not a skyscraper or a Ferris wheel, and there's no expensive restaurant up top. But if you want an absolutely unforgettable, no-admission-charged, 360-degree view of the entire Los Angeles region , it's yours. All you have to do is walk a little. One of the preferred exercise routes, the Mount Hollywood Trail, is easily accessed from the parking lot of the famous Griffith Observatory; you see what you get at the end of this steep 1.5-mile trail, which winds its way through the Griffith Park wilds up to the mountain's 1,640-foot peak.
Bronx River, New York
It may not be on your Top 10 list of things to do when you finally get to the Big Apple, but exploring the almost-secret river that flows through one of New York's most mysterious boroughs (自治市) is an unforgettable experience. The Bronx River Alliance, a non-profit group that has worked tirelessly to bring the much-abused river back to life , operates cycling and canoeing trips along the river, from the rugged Hunts Point section down near the harbor on up through the borough.
Southern Islands, Singapore
Believe it or not, tightly packed Singapore does have plenty of open space left . There are actual trails right in the middle of everything, if you know where to look . But to really get away from it all, the Southern Islands, a small group of little green dots just off the city-state's southern shoreline, are just the thing.
Lee Valley, London
This East London river valley changed last summer, when anyone near a television got an eyeful of Olympic Park, built directly in the middle of the valley. Inside the park, beautifully landscaped sections quickly became a favorite relaxation spot for games goers. At present, you'll find miles of walking paths worth exploring. Start at the Waltham Cross train and follow the signposted walking route southbound, guiding you past important historic industrial areas, through interesting city neighborhoods, past the western side of Olympic Park and on to the Thames.
1.If someone wants to enjoy an unforgettable experience for free , he can go to ______.
A．Mount Hollywood Trail and Bronx River
B．Mount Hollywood Trail and Southern Islands
C．Lee Valley and Southern Islands
D．Bronx River and Lee Valley
2.The writer of the passage wants to ________.
A．inform the readers that nature exists in crowded big cities
B．appeal to more people to outdoor adventure
C．recommend several historical spots to readers
D．present various approach to outdoor adventure
3.We know from the passage ________.
A．it’s difficult to find a proper trail in packed Singapore
B．the Thames is not far away from the East London river valley
C．The Bronx River Alliance has succeeded in running the river
D．you may have trouble reaching the Mount Hollywood Trail
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From the outer of New York to the heart of Singapore, nature is everywhere you’re not looking in some of Earth’s most crowded big cities. Outdoor adventure is often just a few stops on the train—or a short drive-away from the annoying crowds. Here are a few favorites to get you going:
Mount Hollywood Trail(林间小道, 乡间小路), Los Angeles
It’s not a skyscraper or a Ferris wheel, and there’s no expensive restaurant up top. But if you want an absolutely unforgettable, no-admission-charged, 360-degree view of the entire Los Angeles region, it’s yours. All you have to do is to walk a little. One of the preferred exercise routes, the Mount Hollywood Trail, is easily accessed from the parking lot of the famous Griffith Observatory; you see what you get at the end of this steep 1. 5-mile trail, which winds its way through the Griffith Park winds up to the mountain’s 1, 640-foot peak.
Bronx River, New York
It may not be on your Top 10 list of things to do when you finally get to the Big Apple, but exploring the almost-secret river that flows through one of New York’s most mysterious boroughs(自治市)is an unforgettable experience. The Bronx River Alliance, a non-profit group that has worked tirelessly to bring the much-abused river back to life, operates cycling and canoeing trips along the river, from the rugged Hunts Point section down near the harbor on up through the borough.
Southern Islands, Singapore
Believe it or not, tightly packed Singapore does have plenty of open space left. There are actual trails right in the middle of everything, if you know where to look. But to really get away from it all, the Southern Islands, a small group of little green dots just off the city state’s southern shoreline, are just the thing.
Lee Valley, London
This East London river valley changed last summer, when anyone near a television got an eyeful of Olympic Park, built directly in the middle of the valley. Inside the park, beautifully landscaped sections quickly became a favorite relaxation spot for games goers. At present, you’ll find miles of walking paths worth exploring. Start at the Waltham Cross train and follow the signposted walking route southbound, guiding you past important historic industrial areas, through interesting city neighborhoods, past the western side of Olympic Park and on to the Thames.
1.If someone wants to enjoy an unforgettable experience for free, he can go to .
A. Mount Hollywood Trail and Bronx River
B. Mount Hollywood Trail and Southern Islands
C. Lee Valley and Southern Islands
D. Bronx River and Lee Valley
2.The writer of the passage wants to .
A. inform the readers that nature exists in crowded big cities
B. appeal to more people to outdoor adventure
C. recommend several historical spots to readers
D. present various approach to outdoor adventure
3.We know from the passage .
A. it’s difficult to find a proper trail in packed Singapore
B. the Thames is not far away from the East London river valley
C. The Bronx River Alliance has succeeded in running the river
D. you may have trouble reaching the Mount Hollywood Trail
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In the tiny village of Angelica, New York, the post office is more than a place to get mail or send packages. There you’ll find the heart of this lovely community. It’s where villagers meet and greet friends.
When Angelica’s post office was threatened with being closed in the 1980s，a villager，Pat, came up with a plan to save it. “At Christmas time I would hear on the news about towns named Snow or Bethlehem having celebrations,” says Pat, “Why couldn’t we do the same thing with Angelica?”
Pat, who is an artist，created a postal cancellation (邮戳) design featuring an Angelica angel.
She drew her angels in a traditional fashion and submitted her suggestion to the U.S. Postal Service. Once approved, the drawing was carved into a cancellation stamp that could be used for one day only. The postmistress (女邮局局长) then had another idea to make the day even more special calling the post office Angel Station.
The large increase in mail amount saved Angelica’s post office from being closed and keeps the doors open today.
Now it’s tradition that on the first Friday in December，people come to Angelica to mail their Christmas cards. Each year the amount of mail going through the Angelica Post Office increases during late November and early December. Stamp collectors from around the world have accepted the Angel Station cancellation, some sending mail from as far away as France.
Because the stamp is destroyed each season, Pat draws a new angel that conveys season’s greetings from Angel Station every year. Post offices may close in other parts of the country, but this tiny one continues.
1.What did Pat do to save the post office?
A. She invented a new cancellation. B. She hosted Christmas celebrations.
C. She gave the office a better name. D. She designed a special set of stamps.
2.Which of the following can best describe Pat?
A. Stubborn and determined. B. Humorous and intelligent.
C. Curious and friendly. D. Creative and warm-hearted.
3.What can we learn about Angelica’s post office from the passage?
A. It was complately closed in the 1980s.
B. Its name has been changed many times.
C. Its stamp remains the same each season.
D. It is also the centre of local social life.
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New York City Tour Guide
CENTRAL PARK PHOTO TOUR $79
With Sam L.
Come to shoot in the Central Park of New York that will allow you to take home digital postcards.This tour is a great introduction to Central Park and combines views of the bridges,lakes and skyline.
At each stop of the photo tour,I will provide you with explanations around photography（摄影）,camera settings, etc.You will be able to put these tips to good use immediately.
NEW YORK RUNMNG TOUR $50
With Sebastien B.
Love running?Love New York?Do you want to see the sites of the city?Contact me and we'll take a special tour. All you'll need to do is to put on your sports shoes and we'll be off.I'll show you my favorite running spots along the Hudson River or north of Central Park and away from all the tourists.
If you're thinking of training for something,I’ll give you the explanations and tips to make the best of your time training!
GREENWICH VILLAGE FOOD TOUR $75
With Manhattan W.
Discover unbelievable places to eat.This is the real Greenwich Village gastronomic（美食的）experience.Along the way,find out how the village has kept its unique character throughout the years,from the Dutch and English controlled periods to today.
Tour runs every day from 12:30 PM-2:30 PM.
NEW YORK BY NIGHT PHOTO TOUR $115
With Sam L.
We have already prepared NYC for the most unique points for you.During the
-hour walking tour,we share these special comers of NYC.
The night tour teaches night photography techniques while discovering the "darker" side of the city that never sleeps: the UN headquarters,42nd street,Grand Central Terminal,the Chrysler Building,Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.
1.Who will you contact if you want to take pictures of the Central Park?
A. Sam L. B. Sebastien B.
C. Manhattan W. D. Rockefeller.
2.How much can you spend running along the Hudson River with Sebastien B?
A. $79. B. $50.
C. $75. D. $115.
3.What can you do if you choose Manhattan W as your tour guide?
A. You can shoot some pictures.
B. You can do some sports.
C. You can enjoy some delicious food.
D. You can learn night photography techniques.
4.In which part of a magazine can you read this kind of passage?
A. Advertisement. B. History.
C. Science. D. Politics.
-
New York City Tour Guide
CENTRAL PARK PHOTO TOUR $79
With Sam L.
Come to shoot in the Central Park of New York that will allow you to take home digital postcards.This tour is a great introduction to Central Park and combines views of the bridges,lakes and skyline.
At each stop of the photo tour,I will provide you with explanations around photography（摄影）,camera settings, etc.You will be able to put these tips to good use immediately.
NEW YORK RUNMNG TOUR $50
With Sebastien B.
Love running?Love New York?Do you want to see the sites of the city?Contact me and we'll take a special tour. All you'll need to do is to put on your sports shoes and we'll be off.I'll show you my favorite running spots along the Hudson River or north of Central Park and away from all the tourists.
If you're thinking of training for something,I’ll give you the explanations and tips to make the best of your time training!
GREENWICH VILLAGE FOOD TOUR $75
With Manhattan W.
Discover unbelievable places to eat.This is the real Greenwich Village gastronomic（美食的）experience.Along the way,find out how the village has kept its unique character throughout the years,from the Dutch and English controlled periods to today.
Tour runs every day from 12:30 PM-2:30 PM.
NEW YORK BY NIGHT PHOTO TOUR $115
With Sam L.
We have already prepared NYC for the most unique points for you.During the-hour walking tour,we share these special comers of NYC.
The night tour teaches night photography techniques while discovering the "darker" side of the city that never sleeps: the UN headquarters,42nd street,Grand Central Terminal,the Chrysler Building,Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.
1.Who will you contact if you want to take pictures of the Central Park?
A. Sam L. B. Sebastien B.
C. Manhattan W. D. Rockefeller.
2.How much can you spend running along the Hudson River with Sebastien B?
A. $79. B. $50.
C. $75. D. $115.
3.What can you do if you choose Manhattan W as your tour guide?
A. You can shoot some pictures.
B. You can do some sports.
C. You can enjoy some delicious food.
D. You can learn night photography techniques.
4.In which part of a magazine can you read this kind of passage?
A. Advertisement. B. History.
C. Science. D. Politics.
-
I believe that I ____ to the modern life in New York by the end of next month.
| A．will have adapted | B．have adapted | C．adapt | D．will adapt |
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When I was just out of college, I managed to get my dream job as a trader in New York City on the floor of the American Stock (股票) Exchange. Though it was a proud ________ , the job was simply too physically ________ . I must stand in a crowd every day, which often ________ me in a mindset (心态) that held me back.
Manhattan is a walking town and it’s difficult to ________ when you have a disability. Taxis are expensive and riding the subway ________ dozens of steep steps to get below ________ . This left me only one ________ — the bus.
One night, after the ________ for my job, I was aching with my self-pity ________ it started to rain on my walk to the bus stop. I became more and more ________ without an umbrella, thinking I’d never ________ it in this city and telling myself, “this city is just too hard” and “maybe it is just not possible for a guy like me”.
And then, I ________ the most beautiful, short moment. A couple came rolling by on roller skates, hand ________ hand as they skated what seemed like the tango (探戈). They were all wet but they saw the ________ as an opportunity and romance.
I suddenly became ________ for waiting in the rain because I would have missed this beauty ________ if I had been in a taxi or on the subway. This, although ________ , was an important moment on my journey to discovering the ________ of achieving health and happiness. When I change my mindset, ________ for a moment, to what is possible and work to get rid of the self-limiting beliefs that ________ my daily actions, I will be on the road to a healthier, happier life.
1.A.adjustment B.achievement C.agreement D.treatment
2.A.tiring B.disappointing C.relaxing D.boring
3.A.reminded B.expected C.took D.left
4.A.go up B.get around C.set off D.show up
5.A.acquires B.supports C.requires D.surrounds
6.A.ground B.street C.town D.city
7.A.change B.chance C.idea D.choice
8.A.struggle B.work C.experience D.influence
9.A.before B.while C.when D.after
10.A.nervous B.curious C.scared D.upset
11.A.get B.make C.put D.watch
12.A.recalled B.intended C.witnessed D.realized
13.A.on B.by C.to D.in
14.A.rain B.tree C.wind D.cloud
15.A.astonished B.grateful C.anxious D.relaxed
16.A.exactly B.instantly C.entirely D.suddenly
17.A.strange B.small C.normal D.different
18.A.humor B.honesty C.power D.process
19.A.still B.yet C.also D.even
20.A.affect B.follow C.forbid D.harm
-hour walking tour,we share these special comers of NYC.