资源简介

2024-2025学年(上) 期中质量监测
高 一 英 语
注 意 事 项 考生在答题前请认真阅读本注意事项及各题答题要求： 1.本试卷包括选择题和非选择题 两部分。考生答题全部答在答题纸上，答在本试卷上无效。本次考试时间为120分钟，满分150分。考试结束后，请将答题纸交监考老师。 2.答题前，请务必将自己的姓名、学校、班级、座位号用书写黑色字迹的0.5毫米签字笔填写在答题纸的相应位置， 智学号与考试证号无需填写，请把条形码粘贴到答题卡相应位置。 3.答选择题必须用2B铅笔把答题纸上对应题目的答案标号涂黑。如需改动，请用橡皮擦干净后，再选涂其他答案。答非选择题必须用书写黑色字迹的0.5毫米签字笔写在答题纸上的指定位置，在其它位置答题一律无效。
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. What is the man asking the woman to do
A. Lead a team. B. Trust herself. C. Find a project.
2. What will the woman. give Mrs. Black as a gift
A. A card. B. A pen. C. A notebook.
3. How long has the woman’s TV been used
A. For 10 years. B. For 15 years. C. For 20 years.
4. What is the problem with the woman’s office
A. It is too hot. B. It is too small. C. It is too far away.
5. Where does the woman plan to go this weekend
A. To an art museum. B. To a new town. C. To a restaurant.
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，你将有时间阅读各个小题，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，回答第6、7题。
6. What is the probable relationship between the speakers
A. Brother and sister. B. Father and daughter. C. Shop assistant and customer.
7. What will Jane do next
A. Play football. B. Buy some pens .C. Take out the trash.
听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。
8. What is the woman doing now
A. Studying for an exam. B. Writing an essay. C. Playing music.
9. What problem does the woman have at home
A. Her music player won’t work.
B. Her bedroom is too small.
C. Her brothers make much noise.
10. Where does the conversation take place
A. In a classroom. B. In a library. C. In the man’s home.
听第8段材料，回答第11至13题。
11. What is the main topic of the conversation
A. Car accidents. B. Human drivers. C. Driverless cars.
12. How does the woman know of the cars causing accidents
A. From the news. B. From the man. C. From a driver.
13. What would the woman prefer
A. A human driver. B. A modern robot. C. A tested car.
听第9段材料，回答第14至16题。
14. How does the woman feel about Christmas
A. Excited. B. Anxious. C. Bored.
15. How much does the man spend buying Christmas gifts for his family
A.$20. B.$80. C.$100.
16. What will the woman probably do next
A. Talk with her family. B. Book a holiday abroad. C. Play football with friends.
听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。
17. Who is the speaker
A. An office worker. B. A tour guide. C. A teacher.
18. What event is the speaker giving his speech at
A. A retirement party. B. A high school graduation. C. A company welcome party.
19. What does the speaker probably think is important to success
A. Doing part-time work. B. Going to university. C. Keeping learning.
20. What advice does the speaker give
A. Seeing the world.
B. Starting a career early.
C. Getting a university degree.
第二部分 阅读(共两节，满分50分)
第一节 (共15小题;每小题2.5, 满分37.5分)
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题纸上将该项涂黑。
A
Enter the Pink Lady① Snap It! competition for the chance to improve your photography skills.
Are you a photographer(摄影师) with enthusiasm for taking photos of food If so, this is the perfect competition for you. The Love Life Magazine has partnered with Pink Lady offer readers the chance to win an online masterclass with professional photographer David Loftus.
David Loftus is well-known for his mouth-watering food photography. He has taken photos for many of the most successful recipe books, including those written by Jamie Oliver, a famous British chef.
David will share his top tips for taking brilliant photos of food in his online masterclasses, one for children aged 6-11 and the other for children aged 12-18. The classes will take place on Saturday (February15,2025). The 6-11 session begins at 10 a. m. and ends at 10:45 a. m., and the 12-18 session at 2:30 p. m. to 4p. m.
This is a great opportunity to learn how to get the most from your camera or phone. The skills you learn from David could even help you win at the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year Awards, the most famous food photography competition in the world.
What you could win
An online photography masterclass with photographer David Loftus
A free shopping bag and a signed print
How to enter
To be entered into the competition，visit pinklady.co.uk/snap-it-2025.Fill in the online form with your personal information and submit(提交) your entries. Entries will close at 9 p.m. on Friday，January 24，2025. If you have any questions，you can contact our editors. The number is 82018907.
Feel free to contact us!
21. What can we know about the Pink Lady Snap It! competition
A. It is the most famous photography competition in the world.
B. It is intended for those who are enthusiastic for cooking.
C. The Love Life Magazine also works for the competition.
D Winners can receive a face-to-face photography masterclass.
22. What should be done to take part in the competition
A. Enter for the competition on the Internet.
B. Submit entries before February 15,2025.
C. Contact the editors by giving them a call.
D. Pay a visit to the Pink Lady⑩ company.
23. Where is the article most probably taken from
A. A research paper. B. A certain website.
C. A recipe book. D. A news report.
B
Ten years ago, when asked about popular activities for fun, many people would say going to KTV or amusement parks. However, young people now spend their free time at health clubs, or getting tuina(推拿), or even foot massage (按摩) to experience traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, such as acupuncture(针灸).
A survey in 2023 by China Youth Daily showed that 93.3% of 1, 000 young people have tried TCM. ATCM doctor named Ma Huifang said that many young people were coming to her for health problems like neck and back pain, and dry eyes, which used to be seniors’ problems. These issues are becoming common in young people because of bad lifestyles and too much stress. When choosing between Western medicine and TCM, young people like TCM better because it works well for their health problems. Some people say TCM is not scientific enough, but Ma thinks TCM is more accurate(精确的) because it treats people based on their own needs.
TCM is becoming a big part of young people’s lives. They are learning TCM skills to help themselves and others. Jin Ying, a 25-year-old student at Minzu University of China, is an enthusiast of TCM. She learned acupuncture and tuina at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. She even helped her roommate with insomnia(失眠) using ear seeds from a therapy(疗法) called auricular acupoint therapy.
Jin also follows the Five Elements theory in her daily life. In winter, she saves energy by not sweating too much. For her, learning TCM is about living a new way of life and understanding Chinese culture. “TCM helps young people learn about our national heritage (遗产) and see it as a treasure of our culture,” Jin says.
24. What changes have taken place in young people
A. They have stopped spending time in health clubs.
B. They have begun to go to KTV and amusement parks.
C. They depend more on western medicine for treatment.
D. They spend more time joining in healthy activities.
25. Why do young people prefer TCM therapies according to Ma Huifang
A. Because they are effective treatments.
B. Because they can stop bad lifestyles.
C. Because they can help relieve stress.
D. Because they are cheaper than others.
26. Why does the writer mention Jin Ying
A. To show her medical skills.
B. To prove the acceptance of TCM.
C. To praise her for her kindness.
D. To explain the progress of TCM.
27. What do we know about TCM from the last paragraph
A. It is based on the Five Elements theory.
B. It is common for young people to learn TCM.
C. It can help people understand Chinese culture.
D It can help people stop sweating too much.
C
Scientists have known for a long time that the color of a room or the light in it can affect our feelings. Many prisons and hospitals have rooms that are painted pink, for pink has a calming effect. Then, what role does color play in the interaction with food A new study has discovered for us the link between color and food cognition(认知)
Professor Falfan and his team carried out this study by asking participants(参与者) to recognize food pictures in black and white. The result was in agreement with his former prediction(猜测). Although color is not a decisive factor, it has a clear influence on food recognition. Without color, people unsurprisingly made more mistakes and it’s easy to mistake different dishes as the same food. However, this increase in error rates does not change the accuracy(准确) of food recognition among different people. Those with a higher visual(视觉的) ability always did better.
Then the researchers raised a new question: Would people with color blindness be less food neophobic(挑食的) than those with normal color cognition They gathered participants with color blindness and required them to fill in a questionnaire(问卷) that measures how resistant(抵制的) they are to new foods. The result suggested that colorblind people are indeed less likely to be food neophobic than non-colorblind people, because the limited colors that colorblind people can see reduce the signals that may raise freshness. safety or anxiety about new foods.
So that is why color affects food cognition. The researchers believe that colorful foods tend to attract our visual attention more, thus improving our cognitive ability of food. Moreover, color may also be connected with the nutritional value of food. Although this has not been fully proved, brightly colored foods often give the impression(印象) of a healthier and more nutritious diet. Therefore, people tend to prefer meals with a range of colorful foods.
28. How did professor Falfan and his team carry out their research
A. By doing experiments and surveys.
B. By studying data from other researches.
C. By observing food in different colors.
D. By interviewing some colorblind people.
29. According to the study, why are colorblind people less likely to be food neophobic
A. Recause they have a much higher visual ability.
B. Because they have less interest in tasting foods.
C. Because their attention is more attracted by food colors.
D. Because their feelings are less influenced by food colors.
30. What is the reason for people preferring colorful foods
A、 They remind them of good memories. B. They help reduce their negative feelings.
C. They look healthier and more nutritious. D. They often have a better smell and taste.
31. What is the primary conclusion of the study
A. Color plays an important role in food cognition.
B. Color has much influence on people’s feelings.
C. Color blindness makes people more food neophobic.
D. Color is connected with the nutritional value of food.
D
Does technology replace more jobs than it creates What is the balance between these two things Until now, that has not been completely measured. However, a new research project led by MIT economist David Autor has developed an answer, at least for U. S. history since 1940.
The study uses new methods to examine how many jobs have been lost because of machine automation(自动化), and how many jobs have been created through augmentation(扩增), in which technology creates new chances and tasks. In this research, Autor and his workmates studied about 35,000 jobs, recording how they appear over time. That led them to find that technology has replaced more U. S. jobs than it has created, particularly since 1980.
“Clearly, from 1980 to the present, there is a faster rate of automation and a slower rate of augmentation than in the former 40 years,” says Autor. From 1940 to 1980, for example, jobs like elevator operator and typesetter(排字工人) were getting automated. But at the same time, more workers filled roles such as shipping and receiving clers, buyers, department heads and industrial engineers. From 1980 to 2020, the number of machinists(机械工) dropped because of automation, while operations and systems researchers enjoyed growth. Finally, the research suggests that the negative effects of automation on employment were more than twice as great in the 1980-2020 period as in the 1940-1980 period. There was a more positive change in the effect of augmentation on employment in 1980-2020 compared to 1940-1980.
Automation and augmentation often happen within the same industries. Within the same large company, there may be fewer machinists but more systems researchers. “Technology is really making a difference,” Autor says. “It may substitute some expert knowledge or skills, but may add. decision-making tasks. It takes a while to figure them out.”
32. What does Autor’s study focus on
A. The key to searching for a job. B. The solutions to taking up new tasks.
C. The influence of new technology on jobs. D. The application of machines to industry.
33. How does the author prove his idea in paragraph 3
A. By listing figures. B. By raising questions.
C. By telling stories. D. By giving examples.
34. What does the underlined word “substitute” in the last paragraph probably mean
A. Depend on. B. Take the place of.
C. Take control of. D. Concentrate on.
35. What is the best title for the text
A. Are Jobs More Challenging or More Friendly
B. Are New Technologies Job Killers or Creators
C. Which Is Better, Automation or Augmentation
D. Who Are More Efficient, Humans or Machines
第二节 (共5小题;每小题2.5分, 满分12.5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，并在答题纸上将该项涂黑。选项中有两项为多余选项。
People are spending like never before on their pets
There is little, it seems. that people won’t do for their pets. This is not limited to any particular country or region. 36 That is more than they spent on childcare. In this case, pet industry has become big business. Mars, a company best known for its chocolate bars for pets, made two-thirds of its income last year from pet-care. Besides owning the Royal Canin pet-food brand, the company also operates thousands of vet hospitals.
At present, though facing higher prices and a cooling job market, pet owners have been unwilling to cut back on spending for their pets. Morgan Stanley, a bank, predicts pet spending in America will grow by 2.5% this year. The pet business proved similarly strong during the pandemic (疫情), as lonely people adopted(领养) animals and spent generously on them. 37 .
Behind that is a change in the relationship between pets and humans. 38 “Pets have gone from the backyard to the living room to the bedroom,” says LoYe Moutault, head of the pet division at Mars. For many, pets are considered family members, and this emotional connection drives spending decisions.
39 Younger owners are more likely to take their pets to the vet more often and to buy them more gifts. About 95% of Gen Z owners (born between 1995 and 2009), surveyed last year by the American Pet Products Association, said they bought their dog a gift at least once a year, compared with 81% of boomers (born between 1946 and 1965). 40
As pets continue to be seen as family members, it is expected that spending on them will remain high.
A. There are differences in pet spending across age groups.
B. Pet spending were greatly influenced during the pandemic.
C. Owners increasingly see themselves as parents, not masters.
D. This shows people’s lasting devotion to pet care, even in the face of hard times.
E. Dogs, cats and other animals are lucky enough to be welcomed into such families.
F. In America, pet spending reached $186 billion last year, covering everything from food to vet visits.
G. The average cost of those gifts was about $44 among Gen Z owners while only $17 among boomers.
第三部分 语言运用 (共三节，满分40分)
第一节 (共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项，并在答题纸上将该项涂黑。
When I was 15, I joined an exchange student program. I was sent to Germany alone and lived with a host family. Many people might think how 41 this girl was! Actually, it was my curiosity(好奇心) that drove me to say yes to this adventure. At first, I thought it would be a very nice and 42 trip, but my lack of knowing about the possible difficulty of the trip made it more 43 than expected.
The first day I went to the local high school was a huge 44 for me. I thought that my special background would 45 many people who would come over to talk to me or even just to greet me. However, the 46 was that no one came, and I remained alone for a very long time. I felt especially 47 , and I wondered why I had come to this country.
Fortunately, with the help of my host family, I soon 48 from the bad mood I had found myself in. As soon as my host family figured out that I had no 49 in school, my host mom came and talked to me. She gave me some suggestions on how to make friends, such as 50 a sports club and inviting my classmates to watch a movie.
Surprisingly, all of the tips she gave me worked! 51 , after three weeks, I made some good friends. She also told me that I could 52 my culture to my classmates. Then, I started to prepare a PowerPoint and a 53 for my classmates.
My teacher gave me an hour to present n. To my great joy, they all loved Chinese culture and had a good 54 listening to my introduction. After those experiences, I’ve learned that everything may be 55 at first, but when I face a problem and try to solve it, I’m halfway to success.
41. A. beautiful B. brave C. careful D. calm
42. A. smooth B. secure C. shallow D. similar
43. A. boring B. challenging C. disappointing D. enjoyable
44. A. step B. success C. failure D. chance
45. A. require B. force C. encourage D. attract
46. A opportunity B. reality C. facility D. memory
47. A. sad B. tired C. proud D. amazed
48. A. suffered B. struggled C. recovered D. recognized
49. A. relatives B. targets C. experts D. friends
50. A. attending B. joining C. running D. focusing
51. A. Strangely B. Equally C. Originally D. Finally
52. A. produce B. compare C. introduce D. improve
53. A. speech B. forum C. conversation D. discussion
54. A. treatment B. thought C. time D. talent
55. A. natural B. beneficial C. different D. tough
第二节 （共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）
根据句意，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式，并将答案写在答题纸上相应题号的横线上。
56. The senior high school life is full of challenges, but ______ those of you with a positive mind, opportunity lies in each challenge.
57. It’s very important to make the most of our school resources, and of equal importance ______(be) good study habits, useful skills and a positive attitude.
58. After school, there were many clubs to join, and the one ______ attracted me most was the Rugby Club.
59. If they work hard at senior high school, the students’ time and effort will open the door ______ their potential.
60. As teenagers are growing up, heated ______(argue) and cold silences are common between them and their parents.
61. For most of the teenagers, it can be difficult ______ their parents treat them like a child but expect them to act like an adult.
62. We often expect our parents to be more caring and patient - sometimes they forget that growing up is______ rough ride.
63. We sometimes wish to be alone with our own thoughts, for quiet periods of ______(reflect) can lead to personal improvement.
64. There are many benefits of friendship that we can enjoy. Through friendship, we can become happier, wiser and ______(satisfy) humans.
65. Friendship has a double advantage - happiness takes on a greater meaning and a trouble shared______(become) a trouble halved!
66. The expert pointed out in the interview that teenagers should keep regular hours and get plenty of exercise to stay ______(energy) and fit.
67. Mama’s “Little Bank” was used for sudden emergencies, such as the time ______ Christine broke her arm and had to be taken to a doctor.
68. Jennifer’s case is a ______(remind) of the dangers of the unhealthy weight-loss habits that have become common among teenagers.
69. Focusing on your ______(strong) helps you build your confidence, and you should take pride in things you do well instead of worrying about things you cannot change.
70. If we can see the good things about ourselves- our individuality, our value to others, our ______(achieve)- we will soon begin to love ourselves just the way we are.
第三节 （共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）
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，并将答案写在答题纸上相应题号的横线上。
How often one hears children wishing they were grown up 71 old people wishing they were young again. Each age has its pleasures and its pains, and the 72 (happy) person is the one who enjoys what each age gives him without wasting his time in useless regrets.
Childhood is a time when there are few 73 (responsibility). If a child has good parents, he is fed, looked after and loved, whatever he may do. It is impossible 74 he will ever again in his life be given so much without having to do anything in return. In addition, life is always presenting new things to the child, 75 are of no interest to older people. But a child has his parents who are always 76 (concern) about his safety. He is continually being told not to do something or other.
When the young man starts to earn his own living, he can no longer expect others 77 (pay) for his food, his clothes, and his room, but has to work if he wants to live 78 (comfortable) . It he spends most of his time playing about in the way that he used to as a child, he 79 (go) hungry. If, however, he works hard, keeps out of trouble and has good health, he can have 80 opportunity to build up for himself his own position in society.
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分30分）
第一节（满分15分）
假定你是高一新生李华, 你校英文报举办了主题为“My favourite club at senior high school”的征文活动，请你写一篇稿件参与该活动。内容包括：
1.介绍你最喜欢的社团；
2.你的收获。
注意：
1.词数80左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
My favourite club at senior high school
第二节 (满分15分)
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写一段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
It was twenty years ago and I was in the fifth grade. My marks in school were terrible and, the thing was, I didn’t know enough to really care. My elder brother and I lived with Mom in an ugly multi-family house in Detroit. We watched TV every night.
But one day Mom changed our world forever. She turned off the TV. Our mother had only been able to get through third grade. But, she was much brighter and smarter than we boys knew at the time. She had noticed something in the houses she cleaned - books. So she came back home one day after work, turned off the TV, sat us down and explained that her sons were going to make something of themselves. “You boys are going to read two books every week,” she said. “And you’re going to write a report on what you read.”
We moaned(抱怨) and said how unfair it was, because none of our friends did that. Besides, we don’t have any books in our home other than Mom’s Bible(圣经). But she explained that we would go where the books were: “I’ll drive you to the library.”
So pretty soon there were these two boys in bad mood sitting in her old white car on their way to Detroit Public Library. I wandered unwillingly among the children’s books. I loved animals, so when I saw some books that seemed to be about animals, I started looking through them, and the first book I read was about wolves.
注意：
1.续写词数80左右；文章开头已给出，不计入总词数；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
For the first time in my life, I was lost in another world.
2024-2025学年度第一学期期中学情检测高一英语
参考答案与评分标准
第一部分 听力 （共两节，满分30分）
1-5ACBAC 6-10 BCBCB 11-15CAABB 16-20 ACBCA
第二部分 阅读（共两节，满分50分）
第一节 (共15小题;每小题2.5分,满分37.5分)
21-23 CAB 24-27 DABC 28-31ADCA 32-35 CDBB
第二节 (共5小题;每小题2.5分,满分12.5分)
36-40 FDCAG
第三部分 语言运用（共三节，满分40分）
第一节 (共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)
41-45 BABCD 46-50 BACDB 51-55 DCACD
第二节 (共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)
56. for 57. are 58. that/ which 59. to 60. arguments
61. when/ if 62. a 63. reflection 64. more satisfied 65. becomes
66. energetic 67. when 68. reminder 69. strength 70. achievement(s)
第三节 (共10小题；每小题1分,满分10分)
71. and/ while 72. happiest 73. responsibilities 74. that 75. which
76. concerned 77. to pay fortably 79.will go 80. the
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）
第一节(满分15分)
My favourite club at senor high school
There are various clubs in our school. Among them, I like the football club best, which has been set up for5 years and has over 40 members now.
Every term, our club organizes colorful activities for-its members to take part in. Training sessions are conducted regularly to enhance players’ physical fitness and technical abilities. Besides, every month there isa friendly football match to test our skills and foster our sense of unity.
My experience in this club is quite rewarding. I’ve not only improved my football skills, but also learnt the importance of perseverance and teamwork.
第二节(满分15分)
For the first time in my life I was lost in another world. I couldn’t believe how fascinating these creatures are. My brother, too, found his passion in books. With much to share, writing reports was no longer a struggle. We would discuss our reports with enthusiasm, unaware that our life focus had switched from TV to books. Naturally, my marks went up and years later I entered a great university. Now looking back, I realized that Mom’s simple act of turning off the TV and opening the door to books wasn’t just about reading; it was also about lighting up dreams and shaping future. And for that, I am forever grateful.
听 力 材 料
Text 1
M: I think you are the perfect person to be the leader of our team on this new project.
W: Thank you, Ben. I know you’re putting a lot of trust in me. I won’t let you down.
Text 2
M: Mrs. Black is leaving soon. I’m going to buy a card for her, so that the whole class can sign it and give it to her before she goes away.
W: I’ll buy her a notebook, because she likes writing.
Text 3
M: Have you ever thought about replacing your TV It must have been used for at least ten years.
W: It’s actually 15 years old. I suppose I can keep it for another five years, as I don’t really watch TV.
Text 4
M: Should we have this meeting in my office instead of yours I can’t stand the heat here. I don’t think I could work like this all day.
W: I know. The air conditioner isn’t working. Someone is coming to fix it tomorrow.
Text 5
M: Have you decided what you want to do this weekend while your brother is in town
W: I thought we could take him to the new restaurant. It’s opposite the modern art museum.
Text 6
M: Have you taken the rubbish out today, Jane
W: No. I thought it was Jack’s turn.
M: No. Your brother did it last week. It’s your turn.
W: OK. I’ll do it when I’m back from football practice.
M: Rubbish smells terrible. Why not do it right away
W: OK. I’ll do it now.
M: Great. I’m going to the shops in a moment. Do you need anything while I’m there
W: Yes. Could you buy me some coloring pens
Text 7
W: I’m glad to see you here.
M: Me too. How is your essay going for English
W: Well, not so great. I couldn’t get any peace to write it at home.
M: How come
W: My two brothers are always playing music really loudly. I can hear it even with my bedroom door closed.
M: Is that why you came to the library
W: Yeah. It’s only a 20-minute walk from my house, so it’s easy to get to.
M: I like doing my homework here too. It’s easier to focus on the work.
W: Exactly.
Text 8
M: Would you ever take a ride in a car with no driver
W: You mean one of those new cars that are driven by a robot
M: Well, the car is the robot actually.
W: I hadn’t thought of it like that, but no, I wouldn’t.
M: How come
W: I’ve seen a lot of stories in the news about them causing accidents.
M: They had a lot of accidents in the early tests, but now they are just as safe as human drivers.
W: Still, I like to know that someone alive is in control in case something goes wrong.
M: I understand, but in a few years I think they will be normal.
W: We’ll see.
Text 9
M: I can’t believe it’s November already. It’s only seven weeks until Christmas.
W: I’m not looking forward to it.
M: Really But you used to love Christmas.
W: I know, but now it’s just about companies selling you things you don’t need. I get stressed out trying to buy presents for everyone.
M: My family thought that a few years ago, so we limited how much we spent on presents.
W: So how much do you spend
M: We only spend $20 on each person, so it’s less than $100 in total for my mom, dad, and my two sisters.
W: Maybe I should speak to my family.
M: It just means the holidays are less about shopping and more about spending time with people you care about.
W: And food. My family cook a big meal for Christmas. There are only four of us, but you’d think there was a football team needing to be fed!
Text 10
It’s nice to see so many wonderful, smiling faces out there, many of whom I have taught over the years. I hope you have all appreciated my lessons, and thank you for inviting me to speak at your graduation. You are our next generation of workers. As you finish high school, some of you may be going on to further education, while others may be entering the workforce. Both of these are fine. You don’t need to go to university to be successful, but some careers require you to spend more time studying. Whatever you decide to do, allow me to give you a piece of advice I wish I had gotten when I was your age. Travel, see the world, and experience new cultures. Learning does not just take place in the classroom. Don’t wait until you retire to do these things, as you will come to regret it. Good luck out there in the real world.

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