阅读理解

Tired of working in IT and staying the same in Australia, Paulo Cattanco decided to make a change. In 2015 he started a strict budget so he could save up enough money to buy his dream KTM1190 motorbike, a camera, and enough funds to support himself for a few years.

Then he gave up his job, packed his things, and set off on an adventure, travelling the world on his motorbike. Paulo, 39, has spent the last four years biking through Australia. South America, North America, and Europe, riding up to 12 hours a day and spending his nights in his tent under the stars.

"Australia for me was my first experience riding long distance and I was mind-blown by the beauty of the old continent." Paulo wrote on his travel journal, "Traveling through Latin America, I explored the rainforest and learned Spanish and Portuguese. Mexico has some of the best food I ever had and Peru is an interesting place where I can enjoy the unique local Indian culture, also called Inca civilization."

Paulo has managed to keep his travels going by keeping his budget tight, so he hasn't had to get a job for his travels. To keep costs low, he seldom looked for accommodation in hotels and went camping instead. Thankfully, the motorbike, which Paulo bought second hand in Australia, has not required any major repairs since he set off. The journey isn't always easy, but Paulo has never looked back.

Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to his travels in Greece when he traveled around Europe, and Paulo has had to spend the last few months in Italy, his homeland. Once the world is back up and running, he plans to return to life on the road and explore Asia and Africa.

1. （1） What did Paulo begin to do in 2015?

   A . He switched his occupation. B . He started a travel adventure. C . He carried out a saving plan. D . He purchased travel equipment.
3. （2） What do we know about Paulo's journey?

   A . He enjoyed the best food in Peru. B . The motorbike often troubled him. C . He got a job to support his travel. D . The view in Australia appealed to him.
5. （3） Which of the following words can best describe Paulo?

   A . Determined and adventurous. B . Intelligent and economical. C . Ambitious and idealistic. D . Humble and knowledgeable.
7. （4） Where is the text probably from?

   A . A fitness magazine. B . A travel journal. C . A lifestyle website. D . A sports column.

阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。

I was waiting in a checkout line. A woman and two boys were ahead of me. At the cash desk, a white-haired man had begun to 1 his goods. Then came the 2 . Sometimes it's a customer with multiple coupons (优惠券), or someone who forgot to 3 a piece of fruit. Fair enough. One waited.

But today, it was something else. The man didn't have 4 money. So he began the process of choosing which 5 to keep and which to hand back. He 6 over each one before keeping or abandoning it. We waited. Longer lines surged ahead.

Eventually, his 7  came to an end. The man turned back to us as he left, 8  and apologetic. We 9  off his chagrin (懊恼). It could happen to anyone.

But I had no idea just how 10  the family of three ahead of me were until their turn came. The woman asked the cashier to add all the 11  goods to her bill as quickly as possible. Then the two boys 12  through the exit with the small bag of groceries. When they returned, it was clear that their mission had been 13 .

Then I realized all it took to witness this flash of 14  was waiting a little longer in a checkout line. I could have caught the bus. But I felt so 15  on my feet that I walked home instead.

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。

Many foreigners first learn about Chinese culture through numerous Chinese restaurants (find) all over the world. The second impression of Chinese culture is often Peking Opera, masks are now almost symbolic of China. Many countries design posters (use) Peking Opera masks to signal a "Year of Chinese Culture".

impresses people most is the artistic beauty of Peking Opera masks, which serve two purposes. One is to indicate the identity and character of the role. For example, a red face means that the person is loyal and brave a white face identifies the person as foxy and evil. The other purpose is to express people's (assess) of the roles from a moral and aesthetic (美学的) point of view, such as respectable, hateful or noble etc.

Zhang Fei, a heroic character from Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), has a  (face) design in the shape of a butterfly—  perfect combination of personality and artistic design. The beauty of the color and design of Peking Opera masks adds to the attractive performance  stage. Therefore, Peking Opera masks  (adopt) as a source element in designing many Chinese folk handicrafts, posters, and fashions.

 Why did the woman send the e-mail to the man?

Melissa, I just got your email with the plan for the Highline Housing Project, but I'm<br />not sure why you sent it to me.<br />Oh, Josh, I was hoping you could go over it for me before I hand it in.

 What does the woman want the man to do with the box?

Could you lend me a hand, please?<br />I'd be glad to. Where will you put this heavy box?<br />Down on the bottom shelf, and then it won't fall and hurt anyone in sudden events.

 When will the dinner start?

Do you remember what time the dinner was supposed to start?<br />It's already seven o'clock.<br />I was told it would start at seven thirty, but the time was changed.<br />It was delayed half an hour.

 What could the man most probably be?

I'm just gonna try this dress on and then look for shoes. Where are the changing rooms?<br />They're to the left of the women's wear department, right next to customer service.<br />The shoe department is by the menswear.

 What are the speakers mainly talking about?

The competition for the school volleyball team is tomorrow. Will you go?<br />Yeah, I heard much about it. It'll attract many students. My classmate, John, will also play.

 听录音，回答问题。

I hear you might not be coming back to teach here next fall.<br />Is that true?<br />Yeah.<br />I've been picking up lots of writing work and, as you know, coming here is a long distance,<br />though it pays well.<br />It'll be much easier on me if I don't have to drive so much every day.<br />Sounds great.<br />Is this the technical writing you were doing a few months ago?<br />Yes.<br />I've actually been turning work away the last few months.<br />I decided if there's ever a time to be self-employed, now is it.<br />I hear you might not be coming back to teach here next fall.<br />Is that true?<br />Yeah.<br />I've been picking up lots of writing work and, as you know, coming here is a long distance,<br />though it pays well.<br />It'll be much easier on me if I don't have to drive so much every day.<br />Sounds great.<br />Is this the technical writing you were doing a few months ago?<br />Yes.<br />I've actually been turning work away the last few months.<br />I decided if there's ever a time to be self-employed, now is it.

1. （1） What does the woman say about her present work?

   A . The job is easy. B . The journey is tiresome. C . The pay is low.
3. （2） What kind of work will the woman do next fall?

   A . Writing. B . Teaching. C . Driving.

 听录音，回答问题。

Bob, did you see the movie on Channel 12 last night?<br />No, I missed it.<br />I read the preview in yesterday's paper and had hope to watch it last night.<br />I turned on the TV and it began to make a noise at first,<br />and then it changed channels out of the blue.<br />I turned it off and when I turned it on again, the picture was gone.<br />Oh, that's too bad.<br />It was an excellent film.<br />It was made especially for teenagers, you know.<br />It was based on a book by Canadian children's novelist Marilyn Halverson.<br />It describes a father-son relationship.<br />Well, I want to see that movie myself,<br />and it's no fun if you tell me the whole story.<br />Hey Bob, they'll rerun the movie sometime next week.<br />Bob, did you see the movie on Channel 12 last night?<br />No, I missed it.<br />I read the preview in yesterday's paper and had hope to watch it last night.<br />I turned on the TV and it began to make a noise at first,<br />and then it changed channels out of the blue.<br />I turned it off and when I turned it on again, the picture was gone.<br />Oh, that's too bad.<br />It was an excellent film.<br />It was made especially for teenagers, you know.<br />It was based on a book by Canadian children's novelist Marilyn Halverson.<br />It describes a father-son relationship.<br />Well, I want to see that movie myself,<br />and it's no fun if you tell me the whole story.<br />Hey Bob, they'll rerun the movie sometime next week.

1. （1） How did the man get the information of the movie preview?

   A . From TV.      B . From the newspaper. C . From the woman.
3. （2） Why did the man miss the movie last night?

   A . He picked up a wrong channel. B . He was doing his homework at that time. C . There was something wrong with his TV set.
5. （3） What does the woman say about the movie?

   A . It was made for parents. B . It was based on a real story. C . It will be on again next week.