丰城中学2015-2016高三适应性考试试题
英 语 20160527
命题:贺群 审题:万里香
第Ⅰ卷
第一部分 听力(共两节,满分30分)
第一节 (共5小题;每小题1.5分,满分7.5分)
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题,从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项,并标在试卷的相应位置。听完每段对话后,你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
1. Where does the woman think her father is now?
A. At home. B. At his office. C. At the club.
2. What is the woman probably going to do this weekend?
A. Go boating with her classmates.
B. Go camping with the man.
C. Prepare for a competition.
3. How long does the woman usually sleep every night?
A. About eight hours. B. About seven hours. C. About six hours.
4. What do we know about Tim?
A. He became severely ill.
B. He may have a car accident.
C. He didn’t take driving lessons.
5. What does the man suggest?
A. Calling the service centre.
B. Pressing the emergency button.
C. Doing nothing for a short while.
第二节(共15小题;每小题1.5分,满分22.5分)
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题,从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项,并标在试卷的相应位置。听每段对话或独白前,你将有时间阅读各小题,每小题5秒钟;听完后,各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料,回答6、7题。
6. How old is the magazine that the man is looking for?
A. One year old. B. Two years old. C. Two and a half years old.
7. Where will the two speakers probably go next?
A. The second floor.
B. The right side of the first floor.
C. The left side of the first floor.
听第7段材料,回答8、9题。
8. When will the two speakers probably go to Epcot?
A. Right now. B. After lunch. C. At night.
9. What are the two speakers going to do first?
A. Get checked in. B. Find a parking lot. C. Ride the roller coaster.
听第8段材料,回答10至12题。
10. Where was the man last week?
A. In Rome. B. In Milan. C. In Ferrara.
11. What did the man probably visit first?
A. The castle. B. The cathedral. C. The Renaissance buildings.
12. How many times has the man traveled abroad this year?
A. Twice. B. Three times. C. Four times.
听第9段材料,回答13至16题。
13. What festival are the two speakers talking about?
A. Mother’s Day. B. Easter. C. Halloween.
14. When does the woman usually visit her grandparents?
A. On Friday morning. B. On Saturday morning. C. On Saturday afternoon.
15. What is the favorite part of the festival to the woman?
A. Receiving presents. B. Going to church. C. Hunting for eggs.
16. What will the man probably do during the holiday?
A. Hang out with other international students.
B. Join the woman’s family for the festival.
C. Stay in the dorm reading a huge book.
听第10段材料,回答17至20题。
17. When did the speaker arrive in Antarctica?
A. In December. B. In September. C. In March.
18. What difficulty does the speaker have at the moment?
A. There is a lot of hard work to do.
B. The ship won’t return for months.
C. He is working with a small number of people.
19. What has improved in Antarctica in the last ten years?
A. Food. B. Communication. C. Living conditions.
20. What is the speaker trying to do?
A. Remind scientists of danger in Antarctica.
B. Describe his own experiences in Antarctica.
C. Suggest ways of improving life in Antarctica.
第二部分阅读理解 (共两节,满分60分)
第一篇 (共15小题;每小题3分,满分45分)
阅读A、B、C和D四篇短文,在每题所给的四个选项中选出符合题意的最佳项。
A
The London Eye 4D Film Experience started in August and is included in the London Eye
ticket price. It is a fantastic 4D film to entertain you before your trip on the London Eye. The 4D effects are great.
No Extra Cost to You
That’s right; you buy your ticket for the London Eye and 4D cinema experience. Merlin Entertainments, the London Eye owners, spent 5 million creating the film and building the 4D cinema and wanted to improve the value for money of the London Eye.
What to Expect
The 4D Cinema entrance is in the ticket hall. So after buying your ticket, go straight to it, where you’ll be given a pair of glasses. About 160 visitors will pass through the 4D cinema every 8 minutes so don’t worry about waiting time. People in the bright pink cinema are all standing on four levels. The top level is designed for wheelchairs.
London Eye 4D Film
Put on your glasses and enjoy yourself. The story is about a little girl visiting London with her father and she wants to be higher to get a better view so she comes to the London Eye. It differs from watching the 3D film for all your senses are involved. When it snows on screen, you feel it snows in the cinema. And when you watch the fireworks, you can really smell them.
For a short film, less than four minutes, before the main attraction you think you’ve come for, you are going to love this free extra. I stood there with my mouth wide open at the end as many others did. It’s fantastic! The effects are the Hollywood standard as no expense is spared. I was lucky enough to try the film three times on the first day and I still want to go back again.
21. What does the author mainly tell us in this passage?
A. He mainly introduces the 4D film of Merlin Entertainments.
B. He mainly introduces the London Eye entertainment centre.
C. He mainly tells us his experiences while creating the 4D film.
D. He mainly introduces to us how to take part in the 4D film.
22. Why did the Merlin Entertainments build the 4D film cinema?
A. Because it wanted to attract more visitors to London.
B. Because it wanted to increase the value of the London Eye.
C. Because it could provide more entertainments for visitors.
D. Because it could earn more money from the public in the UK.
23. Where could people get into the 4D film cinema?
A. Under the London Eye.
B. In the Hollywood.
C. In the ticket hall.
D. In the ticket centre.
24. While seeing a 4D film, people will feel ________.
A. greatly frightened
B. much worried
C. sweet smell
D. as if they were on the scene
B
Cell phones:Is there a cancer link?
Worrying about the possibility that phones,power lines and Wi-Fi could be responsible for a range of illnesses,from rashes (疹子)to brain tumors .
Some say there is evidence to support the growing anxieties.David Carpenter,a professor of environmental health sciences at the university at Albany,in New York,thinks there’s a greater than 95 percent chance that power lines can cause childhood leukemia (a kind of blood disease).Also there’s a greater than 90 percent chance that cell phones can cause brain tumors.“It’s clear now that there’s a real risk,”said Carpenter.
But others believe these worries caused by some experts’ warnings are not justified (验证).Dr Martha Linet,head of radiation epidemiology(流行病学)at the US National Cancer Institute,has looked at the same research as Carpenter but has reached a different conclusion.“I don’t support warning labels for cell phones,”said Linet.“We don’t have the evidence that there’s much danger.”
Studies so far suggest a weak connection between EMFs (电磁场)and illness—so weak that it might not exist at all.A multinational investigation of cell phones and brain cancer,in 13
countries outside the US,has been under way for several years.It’ s funded(provide money) in part by the European Union,in part by a cell phone industry group.The final report should come out later this year,but data so far don’t suggest a strong link between cell phone use and cancer risk.
25.From the passage we can learn that some people are worried because________.
A.they have evidence that the use of cell phones can lead to cancer
B.they feel surprised and alarmed about cell phone use
C.some experts have given warnings
D.cell phones are responsible for brain tumors
26.By saying “I don’t support warning labels for cell phones”, Dr Martha Linet thinks that_______.
A.the connection between cell-phones and cancer has not been proved .
B.cancer—warning labels should be on cell phones
C.there is a link between cell phones and cancer
D.cell phones have nothing to do with cancer at all.
27.Which of the following best describes the attitude of the author towards the debate?
A.Optimistic. B.Objective. C.Opposite. D. Hopeless
C
Move over Psy. There’s a new viral music video on the Internet that’s getting millions of people dancing and laughing. Psy is a singer who created Gagnam Style, a music video which featured a catchy tune and interesting dance.
The new music video called The Fox (What does the fox say?) has recently gone viral. At 123 000 000 views, it may even catch up to Gagnam Style. The video asks the question, “What does the fox say?” It’s a good question. And it seems, at least according to the music video, there is no good answer.
Actors in the video dress up like the animals they’re singing about. One of the brothers dresses up like a fox. There is a surprising and silly dance in the video that takes the viewer a bit off-guard. The video’s appeal is the song’s simple rhythm and catchy chorus (副歌).
The makers of the video never expected the video to do well or even to be taken seriously. In fact, it started out as a joke. The song was written by two brothers from Norway, Vegard and Bard Ylvis Ker. The brothers have their own late-night talk show in Norway. They thought the video would be so bad that it would give them something to talk about on their show.
On their website, they say the video was “supposed to entertain a few Norwegians for three minutes — and that’s all.” But people started loving it. Some people say that once you listen to the delightfully silly song, you want to listen to it again and again.
The brothers have been guests on some major North American talk shows. They say they’re happy about the success of their video, but they know that tomorrow something else could come along and be even bigger.
28. What can be learnt about the music video invented by Psy?
A. It featured the traditional style of Korean music. B. It was difficult for people to follow.
C. It was named after a new virus. D. It could make people relax a lot.
29. Which of the following best describes the new music video The Fox?
A. It can catch the viewers’ heart easily by its amusing tune and dance.
B. It features the same story with the music video Gagnam Style.
C. It answers the question “What does the fox say?” exactly.
D. It has the real animals in the video.
30. It can be inferred from the passage that nowadays most people ______.
A. like to enjoy music with simple and easy style.
B. have difficulty in understanding the viral movie music.
C. are working hard for the advancement of classic music.
D. are tired of many music videos which are popularized through Internet too quickly.
31. The underlined word “off-guard” in Paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ______.
A. Annoyed. B. Offended. C. Unexpected. D. Relaxed.
D
A Dutch artist and designer has come up with a device which he hopes will get rid of pollutants from Beijing's smog skies, creating clean air for the city's mask-wearing people.
An electromagnetic field(电磁场) will pull particles(微粒) in the smog to the ground where they can be easily cleaned.
“It's like when you have a balloon which has static(静电) and your hair goes toward it. Same with the smog,” says artist Daan Roosegaarde.
His studio has reached an agreement with the Beijing government to test the technology in one of tile capital's parks.
With its skies regularly covered by dirty gray smog, Beijing this week announced a series of emergency measures to handle the problem.
Roosegaarde says an indoor model device has already proven it works and is confident that the results — with the help of a team of scientists and engineers — can be replicated outside.
“Beijing is quite a good place because the smog in Beijing is quite low. It lies in a valley so there's not so much wind. It's a good environment to explore this kind of thing.”
“We'll be able to purify the air and the challenge is to get the top of the smog so you can see the sun again.”
Roosegaarde acknowledges that projects like this are a way of drawing attention to the problem, rather than a practical solution to Beijing's awful air pollution.
“This is not the real answer for smog. The real answer has to do with clean cars, different industry and different lifestyles.”
However, he hopes the project will make a “fundamental statement” by allowing the city's people to realize the difference between breathing clean and smog-filled air.
32. The device works by _______.
A. helping keep the particles out with more masks
B. pulling pollutants to the ground with an electromagnetic field
C. absorbing hair with a balloon with static
D. creating clean air and let it out into the sky
33. According to the passage, ______ .
A. the Beijing government has agreed to use the technology in Beijing
B. they have proven the results of the device both indoors and outdoors
C. the results of the air-cleaning device can be expectable
D. the Beijing government has never done anything to handle the air pollution
34. What does Roosegaarde really mean by saying “Beijing is quite a good place…... ”?
A. The air pollution in Beijing is not quite serious.
B. The weather in Beijing is good for foreigners to live in.
C. Beijing is quite fit for using the air-cleaning device.
D. It is easy to get the top of the smog in Beijing.
35. Roosegaarde appeals to people in Beijing to ________.
A. pay attention to air pollution and solve the problem finally
B. invent more devices to clean the smog in Beijing
C. drive modern cars and try different lifestyles
D. realize how serious the pollution they're facing is
第二节(共5小题;每小题3分,满分15 分)
根据短文内容,从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Instagram(抓拍神器)is a game.Getting likes and followers is no easy task.My sister routinely breaks 150 likes on Instagram,no sweat,because she just gets it.36 Here’s what to do and,more important,what not to do.
1. 37
You can’t post photos optionally.Think of it like stealing grapes at the grocery store when a clerk isn’t watching.So when DO you actually post? Sunday evening is“prime time”for likes, because“everyone is bored and not doing homework.”I guess that applies to the real world too!
When not to post? Mornings! The likes are“strange and sporadic(零散的).”
2.Also,don’t post too much.
I don’t care how much you’re feeling your look. 38 This isn’t a buffet:we want a very small piece of your life.Remember,“You can’t give the people too much or they will pass their eye over it quickly.”If you’re posting three to four times a week,others may“reevaluate your life”.I see no lies!!!
3.But if it is a big week in your life,feel free to post more than usual.
Of course,there’s always the exception to the rule. 39 The social media shouldn’t punish you for having a lot going on! Just remember to take it easy after.
4.40
a.Be“natural and fun”.
b.Selfies are“not to be taken seriously”.
c.“Selfies should only be when you have a good one.”
A.Selfies have strict rules.
B.Wait a while before Selfies again.
C.Timing is everything.
D.No one needs to see eight pictures from your date night out.
E.After all,Instagram was meant to record important moments in your life.
F.Just make sure you post afterwards and let the people want more.
G.Thankfully she was able to take time out of her busy schedule and break down the science of Instagram for us“old”folk.
第二节:完形填空(共20小题;每小题1分,满分20分)
请认真阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
I was invited to attend a presentation at the Kentucky School. That evening I found gratitude had amazing 41 to change our attitude and our life.
The young musician Mr. Patrick was 42 onto the stage in his wheelchair and began to play the piano. His fingers danced across the keys as he 43 beautiful music. He then began to sing as he played, and it was wonderful. But what shocked me most was his 44 smile.
Mr. Patrick was born with no eyes and an illness in the legs, which 45 him lame for life.
However, as a child, he was 46 with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair. Before his first 47 , he discovered the piano. When his mom hit any note on the piano, and within one or two 48 , he’d get it. By his second birthday, he was playing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”. His father was 49 .“We might not play baseball, but we can play music together.”
When Patrick was at the University of Louisville, his father 50 classes with him. He was also a part of the 214-member marching band! He was a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player; and he and his father did it together. His father 51 the night shift(夜班) in order to accompany his daytime band practice. Patrick says, “My dad’s my 52 .”
But even more than his 53 musical talent, it was Patrick’s “attitude of gratitude” that 54 my soul. On stage, between songs, he talked to the audience about his life and about how 55 he was with a great father. When his performance was over, Patrick and his father were on the stage together. The crowd rose to their feet and 56 for over five minutes.
We all face misfortune in our lives. 57 , it’s not the hardship but how we 58 to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our lives. During 59 times, do we spend too much time feeling 60 for ourselves, or can we, with gratitude, learn how to dance in the rain?
41.A.knowledge[来源:Z§xx§k.Com]
B. quality
C. wisdom
D. power
42.A.rolled
B. held
C. allowed
D. dragged
43.A.wrote
B. provided[来源:学科网ZXXK
C. made
D. gave
44.A.strange
B. magic
C. bitter
D. friendly
45.A.took
B. led
C. forced
D. left
46.A.fitted
B. connected
C. associated
D. filled
47.A.place
B. birthday
C. performance
D. attempt
48.A.memories
B. words
C. tries
D. notes
49.A.confused
B. amused
C. interested
D. overjoyed
50.A.listed
B. found
C. attended
D. organized
51.A.worked
B. found
C. refused
D. canceled
52.A.dream
B. hero
C. music
D. song
53.A.unbearable
B. unreasonable
C. unconditional
D. unbelievable
54.A.touched
B. calmed
C. freed
D. felt
55.A.satisfied
B. concerned
C. blessed
D. laughed
56.A.cheered
B. whispered
C. shouted
D. laughed
57.A.Therefore
B. Otherwise
C. However
D. Besides
58.A.see
B. react
C. agree
D. put
59.A.happy
B. modern
C. usual
D. tough
60.A.great
B. sorry
C. hopeful
D. proud
第二节(共10小题;每小题1.5分,满分15分)
阅读下面材料,在空白处填入适当的内容(不多于1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。
It is sad but true that people die in earthquakes 61 falling furniture and bricks. Earthquake 62 (safe) is very important and there is more to it 63 just keeping buildings from falling down. So if your home is in an earthquake area, you should prepare carefully before
the earthquake 64 (come).
First, make sure you buy a house which is earthquake safe. All pipes should be fixed to the walls and all walls should be 65 (especial) thick and strong. Make sure the building has no 66 (break) windows and is well repaired.
Second, look at the objects in your house. Objects 67 computers, televisions and lamps can be tied to tables or 68 (stick) to them so they won’t easily move around. The cupboards, 69 many small things are stored, should have strong doors. Always remember, 70 (good) safe than sorry.
第II卷
第四部分 写作(共两节;满分35分)
第一节 短文改错(共10小题;每小题1分,满分10分)
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作文。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(Λ),并在其下面写出该加的词。
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。
There are many different signs in the public. They tell you what to do or what not to do in a place. Do you know what they exact mean? For example, if you go to see a film, you should enter the cinema at the ENTRANCE and leave for the EXIT. You will either find NO SMOKING signs in many cinemas. If you visit a museum, don’t take some photos inside the halls. You are not allowed. You will find NO PHOTOS signs in many museum. When you drive a car, don’t park in a street without a NO PARKING sign. Making sure you understood the signs and you won’t get into any trouble.
笫二节 书面表达(满分25分)
假设你叫李华,你的朋友沉迷于微信(WeChat)而不能自拔,写信向你寻求帮助,请你给他回一封电子邮件。内容包括:
1. 表示理解和关心; 2. 提出具体建议。
要求: 1. 词数100左右;2. 可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯;
3. 格式与结尾已给出,不计入总词数。
Dear John,
I hope these ideas can help you get rid of your addiction as soon as possible.Best wishes!
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
丰城中学2015-2016学年高三英语试卷答题卡
。姓名 班级 考场号
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【D】【D】【D】【D】【D】
61.____________ 62.___________ 63.___________ 64.___________ 65.___________ 66.____________ 67._______ __ 68.___________ 69.____________70.____________
There are many different signs in the public. They tell you what to do or what not to do in a place. Do you know what they exact mean? For example, if you go to see a film, you should enter the cinema at the ENTRANCE and leave for the EXIT. You will either find NO SMOKING signs in many cinemas. If you visit a museum, don’t take some photos inside the halls. You are not allowed. You will find NO PHOTOS signs in many museum. When you drive a car, don’t park in a street without a NO PARKING sign. Making sure you understood the signs and you won’t get into any trouble.
三、书面表达(25分)
参考答案
1-5 BCABC 6-10CACAC 11-15ABBCC 16-20BACBB
21-24 ABCD 25~27.C A B 28-31DAAC 32~35 BCCA 36~40. GCDEA
41-45 DACBD 46-50 ABCDC 51-55 ABDAC 56-60ACBDB
61. from 62. safety 63. than 64. comes 65. especially 66. broken 67. like
68. stuck 69. where 70. better
第一节:
There are many different signs in the public. They tell you what to do or what not to do in a
place. Do you know what they exact mean? For example, if you go to see a film, you should enter
exactly
the cinema at the ENTRANCE and leave for the EXIT. You will either find NO SMOKING signs in
through also
many cinemas. If you visit a museum, don’t take some photos inside the halls. You are not
any
allowed∧. You will find NO PHOTOS signs in many museum. When you drive a car, don’t park in a
to museums
street without a NO PARKING sign. Making sure you understood the signs and you won’t get into
with Make understand
any trouble.
One possible version:
Dear John,
I’m sorry to here that you’re suffering from WeChat addiction. I really understand how you feel and I’d like to offer you some useful advice that I think will benefit you.
First of all, I suggest that you should start some other hobbies,such as reading, listening to music,or playing chess,etc,which will take your mind off WeChat. Secondly, you’d better make more friends through face-to-face communication.They’ll assist you when you can’t resist the temptation of WeChat. Thirdly, it’s better for you to do some sports instead of using WeChat a lot because sports can not only keep you healthy but also enrich your life and help you forget WeChat.
I hope these ideas can help you get rid of your addiction as soon as possible. Best wishes!
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
听力原文
(Test 1)
M: Hello! This is Bill Smith in the Greenhouse Club. May I speak to Mr. Jones?
W: I’m sorry, but my Dad isn’t at home right now. He won’t be back until six o’clock.
I can give you his office phone number.
(Test 2)
M: Have a nice weekend! I will go camping. Do you have anything exciting planned?
W: Not really. I was thinking of renting a boat at the Water Park with my classmates, but the national English competition is coming up, so I will probably have to prepare for it.
(Test 3)
M: Do you usually get up at 6 every morning?
W: Yes. It’s not too hard because I go to bed around 10 every night. I want to be sure to get enough sleep every night.
M: That’s good. I don’t get nearly enough. I sleep only about six hours every night.
(Test 4)
W: Have you heard about Tim? He’s in hospital again.
M: What happened? I’ve never heard he is suffering from any illnesses.
W: He was driving too fast---again. I guess he didn’t learn his lesson from last time.
M: I’m so sorry to hear that.
(Test 5)
W: Uh-oh. Looks like there’s a problem.
M: Yeah, I’m afraid so. Last Friday this elevator was out of service all day long.
W: Do you think I should press the emergency button?
M: Let’s just wait a minute or two first. It may start again by itself.
(Test 6)
W: Can I help you?
M: I need to find a specific magazine, and I am not sure where to look. Where are the old magazines?
W: The magazines that are a bit older than one year old are on the left of the first floor, and the magazines that are less than one year old are at the end of the right side. They’re near the reading room. How old is your magazine?
M: It came out about two and a half years ago, so I guess I’d find it on the left side of the first floor then, right?
W: I’m afraid not. Magazines that are more than two years old are kept on the second floor.
M: Can you help me look for it?
W: OK.
(Test 7)
W: Hey, wake up, sleepy head.
M: I fell asleep. Are we there?
W: Yes, we finally make it to Disney World. We are in the parking lot. It might not be a bad idea to have a quick lunch and start our journey.
M: I couldn’t wait to go to Epcot.
W: Epcot should be put on the list of “To Dos” but I’ve head that Epcot is really sweet at night.
M: It sounds reasonable. What about the indoor roller coaster? It’s thrilling! I’m dying for it.
W: Oh, no.I’m afraid it would be really scaring especially when it is totally in the dark.
M: Ugh. Then we might find a hotel and get checked in before lunch.
W: I can’t agree more.
(Test 8)
W: I called you last week but your mother said you were sightseeing in Italy. Did you go to Rome?
M: No. I went to Rome last year and Milan the year before last, so this year I went to Ferrara. You may not have heard about it, as it isn’t one of the more famous Italian cities.
W: Oh, I’ve heard about it before. It’s known as the City of the Renaissance, right? I’ve never visited it before, though. How was your time there?
M: It was great. I visited the city centre. The cathedral and the castle are both there in the heart of the city, and both are amazing. I didn’t go to the cathedral, because it was very crowded.
W: What else did you visit there?
M: After I left the castle, I went to visit the historic part of the city, which has a lot of buildings from the Renaissance. Then I visited several palaces and churches.
W: You seem to really like traveling.
M: Yes, I love it. I usually travel abroad twice a year, and this year I’ve taken one more trip than usual.
(Test 9)
M: I didn’t even realize there was a festival coming up.
W: Why? You didn’t know about Easter? There are many traditions connected to it.
M: I know a little about it and didn’t know it was in April. I thought it might be someday after Mother’s Day.
W: Easter is observed on a Sunday in March or April. It is truly worth celebrating in the spring. We are all looking forward to the holiday. Mother will make a big Easter basket for each of us with presents like chocolate bars, candies and even a CD. We go to a church service on Friday morning. We dye our Easter eggs on Saturday morning and visit our grandparents that afternoon. But the best part for me is the Easter Egg Hunt. On Easter morning, parents hide Easter eggs in different places for us to find. It is almost as much fun as Halloween.
M: Green with envy. I will probably hang out with the other international students. I might also stay in the dorm. Remember, Linda assigned a huge book for us to read.
W: Pooh. That’s boring. Why not come with me?
M: Well, I’m OK. I may just spend the holiday myself.
W: Come on. My parents will be happy to have you with us.
M: Serious? Cool!
(Test 10)
Hello, listeners! I’d like to share with you a bit about what it’s like to live here at the South Pole. I’m a scientist and I arrived here in Antarctica three months ago, in December. The temperature at that time was cold but not unpleasant yet. Since arriving, I’ve worked with about 60 other people getting everything ready for the Antarctica winter. It’s been a lot of hard work, but it has been fun, too.
However, a few days ago the ship left, taking most of the staff with it, and it won’t be back to fetch us until next December. So the hardest thing to get used to now is that there are just 14 of us here. It’s been difficult to adjust because I’m used to working in a large group.
I’m living at the same work station I was at ten years ago. It was new then, but it’s still in good condition and generally unchanged. The dried food we get is also the same. The people working here with me are all different from ten years ago, but I’m always happy getting to know new people. Ten years ago, we were able to send faxes to friends and family once a month, but today we can send e-mails and talk on the phone so we don’t feel so far away.
Last week we went out exploring for a few days. It was dangerous. We went together everywhere in case we fell into any holes in the ice. Holes here are much too deep to climb out of. The skies last week were beautifully clear, and I was reminded how lucky I am to be here.