British scientists seeking to protect the environment have designed a biodegradable mobile phone cover that breaks down in soil when discarded and sprouts (发芽)a flower from a seed put inside the case. Researchers at the University of Warwick in central England said the novel device, made from a specially designed polymer (聚合材料),is a blessing for the environmentalists.
Millions of mobile phones are thrown away every year as the industry produces large quantities of new models without caring about the quality. “It is really original in the phone industry and consumers are happy because they feel they are doing something for the local environment,” said Keny Kirwan from the university of Warwick. Designers have made the hesitant users feel sure that the seed, put into a transparent window, only sprouts when the phone cover is discarded. “We put sunflower seeds into the covers of the samples, but we are working with gardening researchers to identify which other flowers would perform best. Maybe we could put poppies (虞美人)or roses next time,” said Kirwan.
1.Why is the new mobile phone unique?
A.It is popular with young people.
B.It is environmentally friendly.
C.The user can make it flower whenever he or she likes.
D.Its colour is beautiful.
2.What does the underlined word “ discarded” mean?
A.Thrown away. B.Updated. C.Cleaned. D.Replaced.
3.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.Good News for Environmentalists B.Promising Mobile Phone
C.Changing Wastes into Valuables D.Flowering Mobile Phone
4.In which section of a magazine may this text appear?
A.Entertainment. B.Science and technology.
C.Education. D.Health.
I shall always recall the autumn and the girl playing the violin. She made me realize true friendship. I know she will always be my best friend .
It was a golden season. I could see the yellow leaves falling on the cool wind. In such a season, I liked walking alone on the leaves in the woods, listening to the sound of them.
Autumn is a lonely season and everything is still. Such surroundings always get me down. But one day, the sound of a violin flowed into my ears like a stream flowing in the mountains. I was so surprised that I jumped to see what it was. A young girl, standing in the wind, was lost in playing her violin.
I had never seen her before. The music was so nice that I listened quietly. Lost in the music, I didn't know that I had been standing there for so long but my existence did not seem to disturb her.
Leaves were still falling. Every day she played the violin at the same time and the same place and I went to watch her performance . I was the only listener. The autumn seemed no longer lonely and life became interesting. Though we didn't know each other, I thought we were already good friends. I believe she also had the same feeling.
Autumn was nearly over. One day, when I was listening carefully, the sound suddenly stopped. To my astonishment, the girl came over to me.
“You must like the violin.” she said.
“Yes, and you play very well. Why did you stop?” I asked.
Suddenly, a sad expression appeared on her face and I could feel something unusual.
“I came here to see my grandmother, but now I must leave. I once played badly. It was your appreciation and listening every day that encouraged me.” she said.
“In fact, it was your playing that gave me a meaningful autumn,” I answered, “let's be friends. The girl smiled and so did I.
During the rest days left, I had never heard her play again. Only thick leaves were left on the ground. But I will not forget the girl. She is just like a dream, so short, so bright, like a shooting star giving off all its light that it makes the autumn sky shining.
1.What did the writer like doing in autumn?
A.Enjoying the fresh air in the woods.
B.Seeking for surprises.
C.Walking alone on the leaves and listening to the sound of the woods.
D.Walking by himself on the leaves and listening to the sound of the falling leaves.
2.What is the mood of the writer in fall?
A.He is in high spirits. B.He is surprised.
C.He feels blue. D.He is calm.
3.What can we learn from the talk between the writer and the girl?
A.Appreciation and listening benefit others as well as ourselves.
B.The violin is powerful.
C.The girl would miss her grandmother.
D.Their meeting was expected.
4.What does the writer want to express from the story?
A.Beauty and love are the unchangeable themes.
B.A friend in need is a friend indeed.
C.Persistence is important for us to succeed.
D.Many people may step in your life, but only true friends leave beautiful footprints on your heart.
Ambassador Hotel
Welcome to the Ambassador Hotel. To make your stay as enjoyable as possible, we hope you will use our facilities to the full.
Dilling Room
Breakfast is served in the dining room from 8 a. m. to 9 : 30 a. m. Alternatively, the room staff will bring a tray of breakfast to your room at any time after 7 a. m. In this case, please fill out a card and hang it outside your door before sleeping.
Lunch: 12 to 2: 30 p. m.
Dinner: 7: 30 p. m. to 9 p. m.
Room Service
This operates 24 hours a day ; phone the Reception Desk, and your message will be passed on to the room staff.
Telephones
To make a phone call, dial 0 for Reception and ask to be connected. We apologize for delays in putting calls through when the staff are very busy. There are also public telephone booths near the Reception.
Shop
The hotel shop is open for small things, gifts and makeups from 9 a. m. to 5 : 30 p. m.
Laundry
We have a laundry here and will wash, iron and return your clothes within 24 hours. Ask the room staff to collect them.
Bar
The hotel bar is open from 12 to 2 p. m. and 7 p. m. to 1 a. m.
Banking
The reception staff will cash cheques and exchange money in many foreign currencies.
1.What should you do if you want to have your breakfast in your room?
A.Phone the room staff.
B.Phone the hotel shop.
C.Write down the required information on a card and hang it outside your door before sleeping.
D.Phone the dining room before you go to bed.
2.Which of the following about the hotel is TRUE?
A.You can have a drink in the bar before noon.
B.You can get your clothes washed, ironed and returned within 12 hours.
C.You can buy some skin creams in the hotel.
D.You can phone the room staff to get the room service .
3.Where can you most likely see the text?
A.In a bedroom of a large international hotel.
B.In a hotel bar.
C.In a hotel dining room.
D.In the entrance of a small family hotel.
听下面-段独白，回答以下小题。
1.When does the OED add new words?
A.During the summer. B.During the fall C.During the winter.
2.What is an important influence on the OED?
A.People correcting words they see on the Internet.
B.People spreading new words quickly on websites.
C.People rejecting new words on social media.
3.According to the talk, what is one feature of eco-towns?
A.It is free to live there.
B.People only get around on foot.
C.The houses are made from recyclable materials.
4.How many eco-towns has England built?
A.Zero. B.Four. C.Five.
听下面-段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.How does the man feel about living in New York?
A.He doesn't want to be there for long.
B.He's confused about certain aspects.
C.He's eager to stay there his whole life.
2.Why are there three trash cans in New York?
A.They are used for different kinds of trash.
B.They help people throw away their trash quicker.
C.The cleaners use them.
3.What can we learn about the man's hometown?
A.There are no cleaners at all.
B.One trash can for each house is enough.
C.There is very little recycling.
听下面-段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What does the daily rent of $45 include?
A.Insurance. B.Gas. C.Fire damage.
2.When will the man pick up the car?
A.Around noon. B.In the morning. C.In the evenirig.
3.What information does the woman ask for last?
A.The number of the man's drivers license.
B.The man's name and age.
C.The man's credit card.
