I recently posted a picture on Facebook from the movie Mad Max, a film where two groups race through the desert in steampunk vehicles, and wrote, “Actual picture of my way to work today.” It was meant to be a joke because of the sandstorms in Beijing, but one of my friends from back home thought it was real.
I couldn’t imagine how they could think that is actually what China is like. China has so many more conveniences and advantages than the West, and many of my friends agree. “I don’t know how I will be able to deal when I go back home,” said a friend who is about to end her gap year in Beijing. “I’ve become so spoiled in China.”
China seems to be leading the way in innovation(创新) and convenience for daily life. Back home I could never shop, pull out my phone and scan a QR code to pay.
There have been rumors of starting bike sharing in my hometown for years with little success while bike sharing suddenly appeared in Beijing overnight. I just step outside and scan a code, and I am on my way.
Going out to eat with a group of friends back home was troublesome for both the group and the servers. Splitting bills and swiping(刷) 10 different cards or making change for each person in the group can be a pain. But with China’s WeChat, you can quickly send your friends your part of the bill.
The list goes on…
When I first arrived in Beijing, I was dead set on leaving in a month. That month has come and gone. Now, when someone asks me when I’m coming back, I think to myself, “Who knows?”
While my friends think I am riding through the desert on a motorbike, I am actually taking a Didi for what is the equivalent of $5 in the US.
With all the conveniences and technology here, I may never want to go back.
1.What’s the function of Paragraph 1?
A. To introduce a movie. B. To introduce the topic.
C. To tell an interesting story. D. To show the weather in Beijing.
2.How did the author feel when he first came to Beijing?
A. He didn’t want to stay long. B. He couldn’t stand the weather.
C. He never wanted to go back home. D. He was amazed at the bike sharing.
3.What can we infer from the text?
A. China is the first country to start bike sharing.
B. The author has become used to mobile payment in China.
C. People always use WeChat to pay when eating out in the US.
D. The author’s friends all know the convenience of living in China.
4.What does the text intend to tell us?
A. Bike sharing has spread all over China.
B. Foreigners have misunderstandings of China.
C. Life in foreign countries is not as easy as we thought.
D. Technology has brought much convenience in China.
February half-term is fast approaching, and now is the time to start organizing your week off if you're aiming for a quick and cheap getaway anywhere but home.
1. Shard London stay, ￡181 for a family of 4
Get a whole new perspective on the capital with Superbreak's View from the Shard package. On Level 72, the highest public level of The Shard, visitors will have the chance to try out the most breathtking experience, as they are exposed to the elements and sounds of the city beneath.
2. Dublin countryside, ￡198 per adult, kids stay free and free breakfast
Dublin is a great city for kids, with both fun and educational visits from the Leprechaun Museum to the Dublin Writers Museum. In a hillside position overlooking Dublin Bay and dating back to 1740,Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is an affordable choice for a half term break by car with Irish Ferries.
3. Woolacombe Bay, Devon, ￡220 for a family of 6
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in Devon is highlighting a wealth of deals at February half-term including four-night midweek stays-from 15 February-at ￡220 for a family of six.
The package includes accommodation in a model Bronze caravan (活动房屋) holiday home, sleeping up to six and with heating in the lounge and bedrooms, plus private car parking.
Free indoor all-weather facilities include a heated swimming pool, children's play areas, a cinema, clubs for youngsters and entertainment.
4. Northumberland castle, ￡99.50 per adult, kids go free
Take your children to a 14 century Northumberland castle this half term, and allow them to play prince or princess during a stop.
Luxurious Langley Castle, at Langley-on-Tyne, a short drive from Hexham, is ideal for families wishing to explore Hadrian's Wall and discover life as a Roman, explore Hexham Abbey, or head off to Newcastle for shopping and visitor attractions.
Children will also love the daily Battlements Tour, which will take them right to the top ofthe castle,to look out towards Hadrian's Wall and across Langley's grounds.
1.Where can visitor go if they want their kids to have both fun and educational visits?
A. Shard London stay.
B. Woolacombe Bay.
C. Northumberland castle.
D. Dublin countryside.
2.What is special about visiting Woolacombe Bay, Devon?
A. There are free indoor all-weather facilities.
B. Kids can have the most breathtaking experience.
C. Kids can play prince and princess.
D. It can provide tasty and free breakfast.
3.How much will a couple with two kids pay if they visit Northumberland castle?
A. ￡99.5. B. ￡199.
C. ￡398. D. ￡298.5.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.Which road will stay closed for over an hour?
A. M16 B. M30 C. M43
2.Why is North Street closed to all cars?
A. The snow hasn’t been cleared. B. There’s an accident.
C. It is under repair.
3.How can passengers get the latest information about trains?
A. By visiting a website. B. By sticking to the radio.
C. By making a call.
4.What is the weather going to be like in the evening?
A. Snowy. B. Windy. C. Cloudy.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Where does the woman want to go?
A. Oxford. B. Newcastle. C. London.
2.When will the woman begin her tour?
A. On July 30th. B. On August 6th. C. On August 12th.
3.How much money should the woman pay for the trip in total?
A. ￡ 700. B. ￡2,800. C. ￡3,300.
4.What does the man remind the woman to do at last?
A. Pay the money in advance.
B. Get more information on the website.
C. Call to confirm before departure.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What’s the destination for the speakers?
A. Greenwood Park. B. Sweetwater Moutains. C. Nightstar Valley.
2.What’s the purpose of the activity?
A. For environmental protection. B. For a business reason.
C. For physical exercise.
3.What probably will the man wear for the hiking?
A. White T-shirt and grey pants.
B. White T-shirt and brown pants.
C. Grey T-shirt and grey pants.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.How did the woman’s son get injured?
A. He had a car accident. B. He got hurt in a match.
C. He got involved in a robbery.
2.What will the man do in the next few hours?
A. Do some tests. B. Get some rest. C. Take some medicine.
