The weather. It's always a talking-point in Britain. Why is that? Is it something strange about British people? Well it's nice to think that a lot of British people are eccentric（古怪）, I mean, the place is famous for it. But really, it's the weather that's the point of note. The UK has some of the most interesting weather in the world.

"Britain does not have a CLIMATE. It just has WEATHER"

In hot countries most of the indoor places that need to be comfortable are air-conditioned, and in cold countries most of the places that need to be comfortable are properly heated. The UK is the exception, since the weather is often interesting and no one really takes heat and cold seriously. So although the weather can be very cold, very hot, very wet, or just wildly confused, it always takes people by surprise.

When it gets to winter and there is actually some SNOW, it always takes the people by surprise. It is frontpage news, and even a few inches of snow brings the country to a standstill. But then, what happens next is even more surprising and catches the folk off guard completely. And who could possibly have predicted it?! IT MELTS! Flooding! What a surprise!

Then in the summer, it gets very hot. If it had been Thailand or Australia, there'd be no problem. It is supposed to be hot, so, there is air conditioning. But in the UK, just total confusion at the sudden hot weather. Shock, health problems, and despite the fact that the country is considered to be where it always rains, summertime brings drought! But do people have cisterns（水箱） and reserve water tanks? Wouldn't it make sense for people to store rainwater in case of drought? Of course it would, but it is a dependency-culture where people have been trained to be dependent on the state, which then means that in emergency people are stuck! Why is the British weather so strange? It is something to do with the combination of an almost Arctic latitude（纬度） combined with being an island and having the Gulf Stream bringing warm weather from the tropics.

Helpful people in the know on geographical meteorology（气象学） have commented that the general situation with the UK weather is even more complex, as many different things contribute to the changeable weather. As well as the North Atlantic drift, there is the fact that the UK is affected by the following major air masses: the tropical maritime（海的）Gulf Stream, the Polar Maritime air from the North, the Arctic Maritime, the Polar Continental, and the Tropical Continental. There's also fast flowing air in Jet Streams. Air goes around in convection currents in Hadley Cells and in Ferrel Cells. Because the British Isles can get weather coming from hot or cold zones, and from land or sea, a changeable hot/cold wet/dry weather is found.

1.What is the British attitude toward heat and cold?

A. Serious. B. Indifferent.

C. Positive. D. Careful.

2.How do the British feel when they see snow in winter?

A. Excited. B. Frightened.

C. Amazed. D. Disappointed.

3.What happens when the British meet a drought in summer?

A. They have got well-prepared. B. They get water from the river.

C. They always help each other. D. They maybe fall into trouble.

4.What is the passage mainly about?

A. Why weather interests the British. B. Englishmen's attitude to weather.

C. Weather in the United Kingdom. D. What affects the weather in the UK.

Finding a new and fun hobby can make you a happier person.Hobbies can be a great way to relieve stress and bring more joy into your life.Specifically when you find a new hobby.Hobbies are for everyone at any age.When you get older,you should not have fewer hobbies.1.You might be looking for a new hobby,but you're not sure what.A new hobby requires finding new interests,which means experimenting to find those interests.

Try new things.To find a new hobby,it will require trying new things.New hobbies won't usually just find you. Don't put things off.You might think to yourself, "I don't like that." If you've never done it,or given it a chance,how can you know?2.

Learn new things.You're never too young or old to learn more in life.If you take the time to learn new things, you'll develop new interests.Let your curiosity run wild,and develop more knowledge over the things you don't know or are familiar with.3.Reading the same sports newspaper every day doesn't count as a new and fun hobby.

Collect things.4.Start collecting them.Maybe you have an interest in coins,or specific jewelry.Think about certain interests that pertain to（关于）what you can collect.If you're a sports fan,then collect sport cards,or jerseys. Simple hobbies aren't always a bad thing.You can collect just about anything.

5.Everyone has a creative side.Some people find different ways of expressing that side to them.It can be writing,drawing,painting,playing a music instrument,photography,dancing,or singing.These can be fun and relaxing hobbies to have that can be a positive way of expressing your emotions.

A.Interact with others.

B.Think of the things that you do like.

C.Learning is not such a bad thing.

D.Find and express the creative side in you.

E.Have an open mind and give things a chance.

F.Otherwise you'll develop more stress and gray hairs.

G.Write down a list of the leisure activities you enjoy.

In 2009, Ben's new sister-in-law, Melanie Pace, a professional photographer, photographed a series of gorgeous pictures of the young couple. "Those images represent some of the_______moments in my life," Ben_______on his blog.

However, the couple was soon_______that Ali had a rare form of lung cancer. In 2011, just a year_______their daughter, Olivia, was born, the young mom_______away. Ben continued living with Olivia in the house that he had_______with Ali.

But this year, Ben says he is finally ready to say_______to that house, one so full of_______—both sad and sweet. He knew, _______, that he and Olivia couldn't just move out without marking the occasion in some way. So he called his sister-in-law again, in the hopes that she would________him recreate the photographs he once________with Ali. This time, he would pose（摆好姿势拍照）with 3-year-old Olivia, the other________of his life.

"I was just really looking for a(an) ________to say farewell to the house." Ben told TODAY.com. "I did it so I would have something to________for the love and beauty that________that house for a short time in our lives."

"Olivia and I will be able to look at these________and know that for a ________time there was a place where I was the luckiest man in the world, ________just for a little while. And they are________of the great, enduring love he has for both Ali and Olivia. The love is always there and that's what________on." he added.

1.A. hardest B. saddest C. happiest D. busiest

2.A. read B. wrote C. spoke D. saw

3.A. informed B. said C. declared D. announced

4.A. when B. after C. before D. until

5.A. went B. turned C. broke D. passed

6.A. shared B. dealt C. talked D. studied

7.A. hello B. sorry C. goodbye D. pity

8.A. horrors B. fears C. pleasures D. memories

9.A. therefore B. however C. still D. otherwise

10.A. help B. make C. have D. let

11.A. bought B. saw C. took D. brought

12.A. baby B. lady C. woman D. love

13.A. way B. reason C. excuse D. cause

14.A. explain B. show C. introduce D. prove

15.A. added B. emptied C. occupied D. burned

16.A. houses B. occasions C. words D. photos

17.A. long B. short C. busy D. free

18.A. even if B. as if C. if only D. only if

19.A. discussion B. development C. improvement D. celebration

20.A. comes B. moves C. goes D. lives

In a cage, a tiger said to himself that I would break the cage and return to the real world. The other day 1. tiger, still living in the cage, was moved to another place.

Arriving there, he became a performing tiger of a circus. He2.(feed) with unbelievable food. He became milder and milder. He was trained by a beast trainer3.was skillful in training a wild tiger into a performable tiger.

He said to himself that I had to make changes; now that I was the captive（俘虏）and there was no way4.(run) away, I had better adapt to 5.(I) new life. So he became a kitty-like tiger, pleasing people with extraodinary talents in playing6.rings with fire. He was an adaptable tiger.

For years, he lived with the circus and other performing7.(animal). He said to himself that it's enough. So he was trying to be as lazy as he could. In the trainings, he was unwilling to move. During meal time, he8.(eat) as much as he could. He was 9.(final) kicked out of the circus.

Days later, some wolves were seen 10.(tear) a dead tiger on the broad grassland.

假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下短文。短文中共有10处错误，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（∧），并在此符号下面写出该加的词。

删除：把多余的词用斜线（＼）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。

Dear Peter,

Our school photography club are going to hold an International High School Student Photography Show. The theme of a show is environmental protection. It will start from June 15th and last three weeks. Any student which is interested in it is welcome to participate. I know you take good pictures but you've always wanted to do something for environmental protection. I remember you show me some photos on that theme the last time when you visited our school. This is sure a good chance for more people see them. If you want to join in, you can send our photos to intlphotosh.ow@gm.school.com.

Hope to hear of you soon.

Yours,

Li Hua

假设你是李华。英国交换生Kevin刚转到你班，对一切都很陌生。请根据提示给他发一封邮件教他如何尽快融入新环境。

主要内容：

1.与同学多交流；

2.积极参加校内活动；

3.求助老师等。

注意：

1.词数100左右；

2.可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；

3.开头和结尾已为你写好。

Dear Kevin,

I know that you are having trouble fitting in at this new school.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

Guitar Lessons for Guitar Players

Playing the same things over and over again when you pick up the guitar? Teaching yourself for Years but you hit a wall? Don't know what to do next? Whether you're a total beginner, or an old guitar player, we'll get you working on something you can benefit from. I'm a professional teacher, over 30 students at my studio in downtown Berkeley and several music schools in San Francisco, Alameda, and Mountain View.

No matter what style you're into, I guarantee there are songs by your favorite bands that you could

learn. Call at 510-333-9091 or e-mail at blueschool47@gmail.com

Dance Classes for Students 2 5 Through Adult

Motion Dance Center in Martinez is now accepting registration (注册) for all fall dance classes. There are classes offered in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip -Hop, Contemporary and Cheerleading. Classes run like the school year Sept through June. Prices are very reasonable at only $45 a month. That's for a one-hour class once a week for a month. This studio is known for their younger child program. We are always looking for talented instructors too. If you want more information call Deena at 925-229-5678.

Qi Gong with Angie

Qi Gong is the perfect activity for anyone, at any age. It combines gentle movement and meditation(冥想), breathing regulation and relaxation. The exercises are designed to reduce stress and anxiety and improve blood and energy circulation (循环) throughout the body, therefore increasing immune (免疫的) function, improving energy levels and sleep.

Thousands of Qi Gong lovers around the world have experienced the extraordinary benefits of this gentle, ancient Chinese exercise form and are healthier and happier for it. Join us to experience the benefits for yourself!

WHEN: Tuesdays from noon to 1pm

WHERE: Halanda Studio 1062 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125

COST: $12 per class drop-in (即到即学的) or $45 for a pre-paid set of 4 classes

CONTACT: Angie at angie@lokahiacupuncture.com , 408-887-6000

1.The purpose of ad 1 is to ________.

A. build a bridge between guitar players

B. look for teachers for several music schools

C. attract guitar players to attend music classes

D. help guitar beginners to improve their techniques

2.Sarah and Jessey decide to attend the dance classes for six months. They each will have to pay ___.

A. $135 B. $270

C. $540. D. $1,080

3.According to Angie, the Qi Gong exercise is ___________.

A. traditional, gentle and unpopular

B. ancient, positive but complex

C. simple, effective but a little violent

D. traditional, gentle and effective

Our neighbour’s son was getting married at an out-of-town church, and my husband and I were invited. We immediately rushed out to a store, and I bought a nice pink dress with a jacket. The dress was a little tight, but I had a month to go before the June 30 wedding and I would lose a few pounds.

June 29 came and, of course, I hadn’t lost a single pound; in fact I had gained two. But I figured a nice new girdle (紧身内衣)would cure everything. So on our way out of the city we stopped once again at the store. I ran in and told the clerk I needed a large-size girdle. The shop assistant found the box with the described girdle marked "LG", and asked if I would like to try it on. “Oh, no, a large will fit just right. I needn’t try it on.”

The next morning was rather hot, so I waited to get dressed until about 45 minutes before time to go. I opened the box only to find a new girdle in a small size. Since it was too late to find another one and the dress wouldn’t fit right without a girdle, a fight broke out in the hotel room between me and the girdle. Have you ever tried to shake 20 pounds of potatoes into a five-pound bag? That’s it. Finally my husband, laughing like crazy, got hold of each side and shook me down into it. At once I put on the pink dress, which didn’t match my red face well, and was ready to go.

Finally we got to the church. I heard one of the people say that they were having a High Mass. I turned to my husband and asked, "What is a High Mass?" He shrugged his shoulders.Unfortunately, I learned that this particular mass would last one hour, twenty-two minutes and eight and one half seconds—the priest (神父) was going to bless everything except my girdle.

1.The author most probably bought a nice pink dress with a jacket__________.

A. 4 weeks later B. 4 weeks earlier

C. a fortnight earlier D. a fortnight later

2.What had the author wanted to do with the tight dress ?

A. To make herself thinner B. To buy a large size girdle

C. To put on some weight D. To shake herself into it

3.What can we know about the author ?

A. She was very lucky to buy a girdle to go with her dress .

B. She had no choice but to put on the dress without a girdle .

C. She complained to the shop assistant about her carelessness .

D. She managed to put on the girdle with her husband’s help .

4.What would be the best title for the passage ?

A. A Funny Wedding B. A Wise Decision

C. A Tight Situation D. A Fierce Fight

Steve and Yaser first met in their chemistry class at an American university. Yaser was an international student from Jordan. He was excited to get to know an American. He wanted to learn more about American culture. Yaser hoped that he and Steve would become good friends. At first, Steve seemed very friendly. He always greeted Yaser warmly before class. Sometimes he offered to study with Yaser. He even invited Yaser to have lunch with him.

But after the term was over, Steve seemed more distant. The two former(以前的) classmates didn’t see each other very much at school. One day Yaser decided to call Steve. Steve didn’t seem very interested in talking to him.. Yaser was hurt by Steve’s change of attitude. “Steve said we were friends,” Yaser complained. “And I thought friends were friends forever.” Yaser is a little confused.

He is an outsider(局外人) to American culture. He doesn’t understand the way Americans view friendship. Americans use the word “friend” in a very general way. They may call both casual acquaintances(熟人) and close companions(伙伴) “friends”. Americans have school friends, work friends, sports friends and neighborhood friends. These friendships are based on common interests.

American society changes rapidly. Studies show that one out of five American families moves every year. American friendships develop quickly, and they may change just as quickly. People from the United States may at first seem friendly. Americans often chat easily with strangers. They exchange information about their families, hobbies and work. They may smile warmly and say, “Have a nice day.” or “see you later.” schoolmates may say, “Let’s get together sometime.” But American friendliness is not always an offer of true friendship.

1.According to the text , what made Yaser a little confused ?

A. Steve’s inviting him to dinner B. Steve’s studying with him

C. Steve’s cold attitude D. Steve’s misunderstanding him

2.In Paragraph 4, what does the underlined word “ they ” refer to ?

A. American families B. American friendships

C. People from the United States D. Misunderstandings

3.Why do American friendships develop and change so quickly ?

A. Americans may not only call casual acquaintances but close companion “friends”.

B. American society changes rapidly, and the families move frequently.

C. Americans often seem friendly, and chat easily with strangers at first.

D. Americans think friendship means a strong lifelong relationship between two persons.

4.This text mainly tells us __________.

A. that people should not make friends with Americans.

B. that everyone needs friends.

C. the importance of keeping friendship.

D. how Americans view friendship.

Reading can be a social activity. Think of the people who belong to book groups. They choose books to read and then meet to discuss them. Now the website BookCrossing.com turns the page on the traditional idea of a book group.

Members go on the site and register the books they own and would like to share. BookCrossing provides an identification number to stick inside the book. Then the person leaves it in a public place, hoping that the book will have an adventure, traveling far and wide with each new reader who finds it.

Bruce Pederson, the managing director of BookCrossing, says, “The two things that change your life are the people you meet and books you read. BookCrossing combines both.”

Members leave books on park benches and buses, in train stations and coffee shops. Whoever finds their book will go to the site and record where they found it.

People who find a book can also leave a journal entry describing what they thought of it. E-mails are then sent to the BookCrossers to keep them updated about where their books have been found. Bruce Peterson says the idea is for people not to be selfish by keeping a book to gather dust on a shelf at home.

BookCrossing is part of a trend among people who want to get back to the “real” and not the virtual(虚拟). The site now has more than one million members in more than one hundred thirty-five countries.

1.Why does the author mention book groups in the first paragraph?

A. To explain what they are.

B. To introduce BookCrossing.

C. To stress the importance of reading.

D. To encourage readers to share their ideas.

2.What does the underlined word “it” in Paragraph 2refer to?

A. The book. B. An adventure.

C. A public place. D. The identification number.

3.What will a BookCrosser do with a book after reading it?

A. Meet other readers to discuss it. B. Pass it on to another reader.

C. Keep it safe in his bookcase. D. Mail it back to its owner.

4.What is the best title for the text?

A. Online Reading: A Virtual Tour

B. Electronic Books: A new Trend

C. A Book Group Brings Tradition Back

D. A Website Links People through Books