湖北省黄冈市黄冈中学2013届高三五月第二次模拟考试英语试题

湖北省黄冈市黄冈中学2013届高三五月第二次模拟考试

英语试题

本试卷共四部分。满分150分。考试时间120分钟。

第一部分：听力（共两节，满分30分）

做题时，先将答案划在试卷上。录音结束后，你将有两分钟的时间将试卷上的答案转涂到答题卡上。

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. How is the man going home?

A. By car.

B. By bus.

C. On foot.

2. What do we know about the new T-shirts?

A. They have no school signs.

B. They have reasonable prices.

C. They have some disadvantages.

3. What did the man think of the exam?

A. It was beyond him.

B. It was very easy.

C. It was a bit difficult.

4. What will the man do?

A. Lend his book to the woman.

B. Pay for the woman's book.

C. Borrow money from the woman.

5. What did the man do?

A. He gave the woman the wrong information.

B. He put the sugar in the black container.

C. He added salt to his coffee.

第二节

听下面5段对话，每段对话后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标出试卷的相应位置。听每段对话前，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。每段对话读两遍。

听第6段材料，回答第6和第7两小题。

6. What is the weather like today?

A. It's hot.

B. It's cold.

C. It’s warm.

7. What is the woman?

A. The man's sister.

B. A nurse.

C. A baby-sitter.

听第7段材料，回答第8和第9两个小题。

8. According to the doctor, what's wrong with the man?

A. His right hand is hurt seriously.

B. His left arm has broken.

C. His right arm is swollen.

9. Why does the man say it's a pity?

A. He wants that little boy to pay for his X-ray.

B. He has to go to school.

C. He wants that little boy to buy a new bike for him.

听第8段材料，回答第10至12小题。

10. Why was the man disappointed?

A. China lost the match.

B. China did not play well.

C. The other team made too many mistakes.

11. What did the woman enjoy most a bout the match?

A. The passion of the sport.

B. The skill of the players.

C. The close scor e of the game.

12. What does the man say about China's women's team in the next Olympics?

A. China will surely win a gold medal.

B. China will definitely lose two good teams.

C. China should hope for a bronze medal.

听第9段材料,回答第13至第16四个小题。

13. What does the woman say about British railways?

A. British railways have special rights.

B. British railways are agreed on by all people.

C. No one likes to travel on British railways.

14. What does the man explain for British railways?

A. They meant to earn more money for the country.

B. They meant to lose much money.

C. They didn't mean troubling people.

15. What doe s the man say threatens the existence of railways?

A. That it is nationalized.

B. The cars' coming in.

C. The cars' stopping.

16. What do we know about railways in other countries?

A. Their governments spent much money on the transport.

B. Their governments don't care for the transport.

C. Their countries' transport is too bad.

听第10段材料,回答第17至第20四个小题。

17. What is the woman doing?

A. Interviewing.

B. Doing some exercise.

C. Doing some repairing work.

18. What did Mr. Kayne do before he took over the bicycle shop?

A. Running a company for a boss.

B. Selling something for a company.

C. Repairing something for a company.

19. Why did the man take over a bicycle shop?

A. He didn't like to act as a salesman.

B. He didn't like running a company for a boss.

C. He liked riding bicycles and repairing them.

20. What do we know about the people working in the shop?

A. They have the same hobbies as the man.

B. They have a little hard working conditions

C. They are all a little lazier than the man.

第二部分：词汇知识运用（共两节，满分30分）

第一节：多项选择（共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）

从A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

21. The house has many interesting . The one I like best is a large Victorian fireplace.

A. aspects

B. appearances

C. features

D.

preferences

22. Tom received a promotion to the role of assistant manager and is the youngest person to

that post in this international company.

A. adopt

B. occupy

C. acquire

D. seek

23. Lectures were , so students could focus attention on their study for the finals.

A. called off

B. set off

C. taken off

D. turned off

24. The newcomer was annoyed that the natives couldn’t his meaning because of his

strong accent.

A. get down to

B. make sense of

C. look down upon

D. go in for

25. Teachers prefer to measure our performances the efforts we made rather than the

intelligence we have.

A. as a consequence of

B. regardless of

C. for the sake of

D. in terms of

26. The plane was damaged in the crash. Unfortunately, only five of the passengers survived the disaster.

A. deliberately

B. substantially

C. thoroughly

D. systematically

27. Being removed from his post during operations is the regret for a ship’s captain.

A. ultimate

B. valid

C. outspoken

D. superior

28. I have no idea of what is in fashion nowadays, so my choice might be quite .

A. abundant

B. a rbitrary

C. considerate

D. aggressive

29. In manufacturing, cheaper materials are constantly being for the better, more expensive kind.

A. maintained

B. cancelled

C. substituted

D. deposited

30. If you want to be admitted into a university abroad for your further education, a signed

letter from your current advisor is required .

A. sponsor

B. conscience

C. immigration

D. scheme

第二节完形填空(共20小题；每小题1分，满分20分)

阅读下面短文，从短文后所给各题的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。

There was a time in my life when beauty meant something special to me. I lived in an orphanage (孤儿院) and one Saturday morning after breakfast I returned to the dormitory and

saw the house parent 31 the beautiful monarch butterflies(黑脉金斑蝶). I carefully watched as he caught these beautiful creatures, one after another, took them from the net and then 32 straight pins through their head and wings, pinning them onto a heavy cardboard sheet.

How 33 it w as to kill something of such beauty. When he went inside to 34 the phone, I walked up to the cardboard and looked at the butterfly who he had just pinned to the large paper. It was still moving about, so I 35 and touched it on the wing, 36 one of the pins to fall out. It started flying around and around trying to get away , 37 it was still pinned by one wing with the other straight pin. 38 , its wing broke down and the butterfly fell to the39and just quivered (抖动).

The next thing I remembered was that the house parent came back and started 40 at me.

I told him that I did not do anything but he did not 41me. He picked up the cardboard paper and started 42 me on the top of the head. He threw the 43 down on the ground and told me to pick it up and put it in the garbage can and then he left. I sat there in the dirt, trying to fit all the butterfly 44 back together so I could 45 them whole, but it was too 46 to do so. So I 47 for them and then I put them in a box and buried them in the bottom of the fort (城堡) that I had 48 in the ground near the blackberry bushes.

Every year when the butterflies would return to the orphanage and try to land on me I would

49 them away because they did not know that the orphanage was a 50 place to live and

a very bad place to die.

31. A. chasing B. finding C. playing D. driving

32. A. cut B. put C. stuck D. fixed

33. A. cruel B. excited C. complicated D. serious

34. A. compose B. answer C. search D. confirm

35. A. looked down B. reached down C. put down D. broke down

36. A. wishing B. advising C. causing D. expecting

37. A. and B. but C. if D. when

38. A. Finally B. Definitely C. Obviously D. Absolutely

39. A. table B. roof C. ground D. bed

40. A. smiling B. pointing C. yelling D. aiming

41. A. believe B. recognize C. persuade D. overlook

42. A. impressing B. touching C. hitting D. stressing

43. A. cardboard B. clothes C. pins D. flowers

44. A. leaves B. pieces C. fans D. characters

45. A. keep B. collect C. reserve D. obtain

46. A. moving B. convenient C. pleasing D. hard

47. A. wept B. prayed C. bent D. applied

48. A. attained B. betrayed C. built D. bought

49. A. give B. drive C. put D. throw

50. A. terrible B. satisfying C. wonderful D. surprising

第三部分：阅读理解（共20小题；每小题分2分，满分40分）

阅读下列短文, 从各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

A

Each year on February 2nd, there is special festival called Groundhog Day (土拨鼠日)' forecasting event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. When it comes, people from around the world, including 5,000 in the small town today, watch this tongue-twisting(发饶舌的) small town for a sign from one groundhog that supposedly predicts when that years' spring will arrive.

If it's a cloudy day outside when the groundhog pops from its cave, then spring will arrive early that year. However, if it is sunny outside, the groundhog will supposedly be scared by its own shadow, retreating underground for six more weeks of cold weather.

Of course, Punxsutawney Phil's prediction is no more able to guarantee the extended forecast than your local weatherman. ABC News reports that an analysis by the National Climate Data Center found that Phil's predictions are more often wrong than right. ,

Philis is also found to have made some unpleasant predictions. Ever since 1887, he has predicted 99 extended winters and just 16 early springs .Nine of the years' predictions were unavailable, according to ABC.

The holiday began as a German tradition in 18th century and became even more of a cultural phenomenon after the 1993 film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray.

Punxsutawney Phil has become a celebrity in his own right. Each year, the fatter animal with long teeth is watched by millions as he emerges from a cave in the town he is named after. Phil has become so beloved by the town that he actually lives in the local library with his “wife" Phyllis.

Taking inspiration from the hard state of Bill Murray’s character in the classic film, Yahoo contributor Owen Rust says Groundhog Day is a good time to reflect on one’s routines.

51. The underlined word “pops” means “”.

A. escapes

B. appears

C. increases

D. hides

52. The reason why Phil's predictions aren't pleasing is that_____________.

A. Phil likes to make unpleasant predictions

B. Phil wants to do that for fun

C. some of the predictions were unavailable

D. he has predicted more late springs

53. How does Punxsutawney Phil become a celebration?

A. By an accident.

B. From people's life improving.

C. By his own attractive force

D. From much money raised by the town.

54. Which is the best title for this passage?

A. Groundhog Day weather forecasting

B. A German tradition

C. A tongue-twisting small town

D. The National Climate Data Center

B

Everyone wants to have a healthy heart. Still ,heart diseases affect more than 1 in 3 adults in the United States.The good news is that some simple, everyday habits can make a big difference in your ability to live a healthy lifestyle. Here are some worst habits for your heart, and how to avoid them.

Watching TV

Sitting for hours on end increases your risk of heart attack and stroke(中风), “some exercise doesn’t make up for the time you sit,” says Harmony R. Reynolds, Why? The lack of movement may affect blood levels of fats and sugars. Dr. Reynolds advises walking arou nd regularly and, if you’re at work, standing up to talk on the ph one.

Leaving hostility and depression unchecked

Are you feeling stressed or sad ? It can do harm to your heart. While everyone feels this way some of the time, how you handle th ese emotions can affect your heart health. “Those with stress are in greater danger; research has shown a benefit to laughter and social support,” Dr. Reynolds says. “And it’s helpful to be able to go to someone and talk about your problems.”

Cutting off from the world

It’s no secret that on some days, other human bei ngs can seem annoying and too difficult to get along with.

However, it makes sense to strengthen your connections to the ones you actually like. People with stronger connections to family, friends, and society in general tend to live longer, healthier lives. Everyone needs alone time, but you should still reach out to others and keep in touch whenever you can.

Drinking (too much) alcohol

Sure, studies suggest a small amount of alcohol may be good for your heart. However, too many

of us drink over. Too much alcohol is linked to a greater risk of high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, and heart failure.

55. Watching TV for a long time may ______________.

A. help you live a healthy life

B. lead to heart attack

C. make up for the time you sit

D. make you feel stressed

56.Which of the following is bad for those with stress and sadness?

A. Laughing a lot

B. Talking about their own problems.

C. Getting social support

D. Leaving these emotions alone.

57.If you want a long healthy life, you should____________.

A. cut off from the world

B. get along well with others

C. stay alone as much as possible

D. drink no alcohol

58. From the passage we can infer that _____________.

A. some everyday habits can help avoid heart attacks

B. standing up to talk on the phone is not a good idea

C. it’s easy to strengthen your connections to others

D. too much alcohol is not linked to heart failure

C

CHINA established the city of Sansha yesterday on Yongxing Island in the southernmost province of Hainan.

A ceremony to mark the city’s establishment began at 10:40 am on a square in front of the city government’s main building.

The national flag was hoisted (升起) and the national anthem played after the unveiling of the signboards of the Sansha Municipal Government and the Sansha Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC).

Official broadcaster China Central Television(CCTV) aired the ceremony live, with speeches from Sansha’s newly appointed mayor and other officials.

Sun Shaochi, vice minister of civil affairs, announced the State Council’s approval of the establishment of the city at the ceremony.

Luo Baoming, Party chief of Hainan Province, said in a keynote speech that Sansha was established to administer the Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha islands and their surrounding waters in the South China Sea.

“The provincial government will be devoted to turning the city into an important base to safeguard China’s sovereignty (国家的主权) and serve marine resource development.” he said.

He said the main task now will be to build up political power in Sansha to ensure efficient management. The Sansha city government is located on Yongxing Island, a part of the Xisha Islands and the largest island in the area.

Sansha is 13 hours from the mainland by boat. It has a post office, bank, supermarket and hospital, but little else.

59. Where is the center of Sansha city located?

A. In Hainan Province.

B. On Yongxing Island.

C. In South China Sea.

D. In Fujian Province.

60. What does Luo Baoming means in his speech in the seventh paragraph?

A. Turning the new city into a military base.

B. Turning the new city into touring base.

C. Turning the new city into the base for safeguarding coastal areas and territorial seas.

D. Turning the new city into the base for oil development.

61. We can learn from the last paragraph that .

A. the new city is far from Hainan province

B. the new city is convenient to reach

C. the new city isn’t comfortable to live in

D. the new city is a good place to live in

62. The writer’s purpose of writing this passage is to .

A. introduce the Sansha city

B. attract people to travel here

C. announce the news that Sansha city was established

D. tell the importance of the city

D

Astronaut Mark Kelly announced today that he is retiring from NASA in order to focus on the recovery of his wife, Gabrielle Giffords.

Kelly, who is 47, began his NASA career in 1996. He has traveled to the International Space Station four times and served aboard space shuttles (航天飞机) Endeavour and Discovery. Most recently he was commander of Endeavour's final voyage, which ended on June l.

“After 25 years of service to our country, I am retiring from the United States Navy and leaving NASA. My retirement will take effect on October l. " he said.

“As life takes unexpected turns we frequently come to a crossroads. I am at this point today. Gabrielle is working hard every day on her way to recovery. I want to be by her side. Stepping aside from my work in the Navy and at NASA will allow me to be with her and with my two daughters. I love them all very much and there is no doubt that we will move forward together. After some time off, I will look for new opportunities and I'm hopeful that one day I will again serve our country.” Kelly said.

On Jan 8, Giffords was shot in the head and was severely injured while meeting with her supporters. She returned to her Tucson home last week for the first time since then.

63. Mark Kelly must have been when he announced his decision.

A. regretful

B. cheerful

C. peaceful

D. meaningful

64. Mark Kelly decides to retire from NASA mainly because .

A. he is tired and hopes for a good rest

B. he has been offered a better position

C. he was commander of Endeavour's final voyage

D. he hopes to spend more time with his family

65. We can learn from the passage that .

A. Mark Kelly has already retired from NASA

B. Mark Kelly is proud of his wife and his family

C. Gabrielle Griffons is now being treated in hospital

D. Gabrielle Griffons will come back to work soon

66. What is the passage mainly about?

A. The recovery of Gabriel le Giffords

B. Mark Kelly’s retirement from NASA.

C. The true love between Mark Kelly and Gabrielle Giffords.

D. The unusual experience of Mark Kelly and Gabrielle Giffords.

E

Mom was right! If you say thank you, for even the smallest gift or slightest show of kindness, you’ll feel happy.

Gratitude, says Robert A. Emmons, a professor or psychology at the University of

California, is an important element of happiness. In his recent book, Thanks, Emmons uses the first major study on gratitude to prove mom’s point. In acknowledging and developing this much-ignored expression of thankfulness, he explains how people have benefited---- even improved their health.

As one of the leading scholars of the positive psychology movement, he admits gratitude may be difficult to express. He advises you to begin by admitting that life is good and full of events and elements that make daily existence a wonder. Second, recognize that the source of life’s goodness is more than just you. That source may be your mom, a friend, partner, child, colleague at work or play, or any combination of these.

Gratitude is always other-directed, notes Emmons. You can be pleased or angry with yourself and feel guil ty about doing something wrong, but you can never be grateful to or for yourself.

Expressing gratitude shouldn’t be a reaction; it should be a state of mind. To feel grateful when life is a breeze and you have more than you need is easy. To feel grateful in time of crisis---- anger, hatred and bitterness----is easier. Also, too many people are aware of life’s blessings only after these are lost.

It’s crisis and chaos ---- danger, disease, disability and death ---- that bring many individuals to realize just how dependent they are on others. Yet it’s the way each of us begins life and ends it. It’s too bad that so many people waste those decades in between labouring under the illusion they are self-sufficient, says Emmons.

The abundance of voices expressing gratitude from his studies of individuals with chronic health problems is many. But Emmons goes beyond his “groundbreaking” science to make his case for gratitude by including the inspirational writings of philosophers, novelists and saints, as well as the beliefs of various religions and their respective scriptures. Taken together, these observations are summed up quite nicely by famous humanist Albert Schweitzer, who said the secret of life is “giving thanks for everything.”

To enable and embrace gratitude, Emmons encourages the readers of Thanks to keep a gratitude diary. He even provides easy-to-follow directions on how to practice and develop gratitude.

I’m not a reader or advocate of self-help books, but I am thankful for the reference I found in a newspaper article to the research Emmons was conducting on gratitude involving organ donors and recipients. The chance discovery led me to this book.

Mom implied that kindness see ms to find its way back to the giver because life really is all about giving, receiving and repaying. So I’ll pay attention to her professional advice and say:

Thank you, professor Emmons.

67. What is the text mainly discussed?

A. There are many ways of being thankful.

B. Gratitude is important to happiness.

C. Mom is great for her being thankful.

D. Being thankful will keep you fit.

68. The author mentions Robert A. Emmons’ book Thanks in order to prove that ___.

A. Professor Emmons supports mom’s study on psychology.

B. mom is as great a psychologist as Professor Emmons.

C. Professor Emmons is a famous psychologist.

D. mom is right about her viewpoint on gratitude.

69. It will be easier for you to feel grateful when ___________.

A. you live a comfortable life

B. you receive gifts on your birthday

C. you get help during your hard times

D. you are congratulated on your success

70. What is the opinion of Professor Emmons?

A. It is enough to thank others orally.

B. Whether you are thankful is always up to you.

C. Remember to be thankful anytime and anywhere.

D. It is easier to be thankful for yourself than for others.

第四部分：书面表达（共两节，满分50分）

第一节：完成句子（共10小题，每小题2分，满分20分）

阅读下列各小题，根据括号内的汉语提示，用句末括号内的英语单词完成句子，并将答案写在答题卡上的相应题号后。

71．The living room of the house is __________________of the bedroom , which suits the family pretty well. ( double)

这个房子的起居室是卧室长度的两倍，这很合家庭成员的意。

72．Some modern teaching equipment as well as hundreds of computers the schools in the disaster districts last month. (send)

一些现代化的教学设备还有数百台电脑上个月被送往了灾区学校。

73．He was conscious of the fact what he was doing. (approve) 他意识到她不赞成他正在做的事.

74．Then that Dolly had become seriously ill. (disturbing) 然后传来了多莉病重的令人不安的消息.

75．It is strongly recommended that the girl with those boys, because they are addicted to drugs. ( break )

强烈建议那女孩和那些男孩子断绝关系，因为他们都沉迷于毒品.

76．After years of hard work, you may that he can fulfil the task. (d epend) 经过多年的努力工作后，你可以相信他能够完成这个任务.

77．for years, the house designed by an Italian architect finally collapsed. (ignore)

由于多年来的忽视，这个意大利建筑师设计的房子最终崩塌了.

78．The earthquake that happened in Ya’an Sichuan in April is reported the death of nearly 200 people. (result)

据报道，上四月发生四川雅安地震已导致接近两百人丧生.

79．“was just how often people were using their mobile phones.” Dr Daniel kruger, the study’s co-author, said.(find)

丹尼尔克鲁格博士是本次研究的共同作者，他说：“我们发现有趣的是人们如此频繁地使用手机”.

80．It is an indisputable fact that there is a left shift in LuXun’s later thoughts, _____ __________

becomes a focus of our research. (cause)

鲁迅后期思想向左转向是不争的事实，他的想法的原因是人们关注的话题.

第二节：短文写作（共一题；满分25 分）

2012年CCTV播入的纪录片《舌尖上的中国》（A Bite of China）红遍大江南北。掠过的镜头向我们展现了如此诱人又如此熟悉的家乡味道。请根据以下提示，并结合事例，用英语写一篇短文。

“No matter how far you go, no matter who you become, you will still have a taste for the food you grew up with.”

注意：1.标题自拟,可照抄英语提示语,但不计入总词数；

2.除诗歌外，文体不限；

3.文中不得透露个人姓名和学校名称；

4.字数为120左右。

湖北省黄冈中学2013届五月第二次模拟考试

参考答案

Text l .

W: Well, so many people! The bus is too crowded. Why not wait here a few minutes and I'll get my car?

M: No, thank you. I’d better take the bus home. See you tomorrow.

Text 2

M: I think I'll get one of those new T-shirts, you know, with the school's signs on both the front and back.

W: You'll regret it. They are expensive and I've heard the printing fades easily when you wash them.

Text 3

W: Did you finish the exam?

M: Yes, and I've never had an easier one in my life.

W: Really? Why do you think so? But I felt it was a bit difficult.

Text 4

W: Can I borrow some money from you? I am paying for this book and I need twenty cents more.

M: Sorry, I don't have any small change, but I can pay for your book when I pay for my own books.

Text 5

W: You mistook the salt for sugar? I told you the salt was in the black container and the sugar was in the white one. M: Yes, that was so silly of me. I forgot that you told me, and I couldn't tell the difference at the time .This coffee is terrible now!

Text 6

W: Would you mind if I took John to the park, Mr. White?

M: You'd better not take him out. He has a heavy cold. And today is cold.

W: OK. I see. What about his bedtime?

M: Let him go to bed earlier because he can't sleep well this afternoon.

W: Yes. But do you think you will be home earlier?

M: Oh, I don't have any appointments. Why?

W: Well, you know I usually don't mind baby-sitting later. But tomorrow is school day, and I have an important exam.

M: I see. I'm sure to be back before 9:00.

Text 7

M: Doctor, my right arm hurts so badly that I can't even move it.

W: How did it happen?

M: I was riding along on my bike. When a little boy ran toward me, I turned the handlebar immediate.

to avoid hitting him. When I did, I knocked into a wall and fell off.

W: Let me take a look at your left arm first... Now your right. Your right arm is swollen a little.

M: I think it's probably broken and I'd like to have an X-ray taken if you think it's necessary

W: Yes. Let me take the X-ray for you.

M: Is it serious?

W: Oh…I’m happy to tell you that you didn’t break your arm at all. According to the X-ray, it's not serious.

M: What a pity! If I had broken my arm, I needn't go to school.

Text 8

M: Hey, did you see China's women's volleyball team on television last night?

W: Yes, the game was so exciting It was great last night!

M: Definitely a good effort !I was disappointed that the other team did not play well .They made a lot of bad mistakes and They always seemed to be hitting the ball out of bounds.

W:I just enjoyed how China celebrated after every point they won. V olleyball seems so much more passionate compared to other sports.

M: Well, their victory means they will compete in the Olympics next time, which was their goal.

I just hope they can pick up at least a bronze medal.

W: Bronze? You mean gold, right?

M: Well, that would be great, but there are a couple of very strong teams that beat China in a recent com. petition. W: I saw those matches---they were extremely close! China can beat them next time for sure!

M: I hope you're right. But things may change.

W: Exactly! They might surprise you! Then what will you say?

M: Ha ,ha, OK, let's just wait and see.

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W: British railways are a nationalized industry. There's only one railway system in th e country. If you don't like

a particular kind of big beans, you can go and buy another .But if you don’t like a particular railway, you can't

go and use another.

M: I don't think we do anything on purpose to upset our customers. Since 1946, when the Transport Act came in, we we’re nationalized.

W: Has it been a good thing for the railways to be nationalized?

M: Oh, I think so, yes.. Let's face the fact. The car arrived and would stay. There is no question about that.

W: So what are you saying then? Is it if the railway is nationalized, they would simply disappear?

M: Oh, I think so. They're disappearing fast in Amercia. Er, the French railways lose 1 billion pounds a year. The German railways 2 billion pounds a year. But you see, those governments are preparing to pour money into the transport system to keep it going.

W: So in a sense, you are between two extremes. On the one hand, you're trying not to lose too much money. And on the other hand, you've got to provide the best service.

M: Yes, you are right.

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W: Good evening, and welcome to this week's Business World, the program for and about business people. Tonight.

we have Mr. Steven Kayne, who has just taken over and established bicycle shop. Tell us, Mr. Kayne, what made you want to run your own store?

M: Well, I always loved racing bikes and fixing them . When I was working full-time as a salesman for a big company, I seldom had time to enjoy my hobby. I knew then that as soon as I had enough money to get my own business going, I would do it. Now my time is my own. I open the store want and leave when I want.

W: You mean you don't keep regular hours?

M: Well, the sign on my store says the hours are ten to six, but if business is slower than usu al, I can just lock up and take off early.

W: Have you hired any employees to work with you yet?

M:Yeah, a couple of friends of mine who love biking as much as I do. They help me out a few days a week. It's great because we play cards or just sit around and talk when there are no customers.

W: Thank you, Mr. Kayne. We wish you success in your new business.

Writing

Recently, the TV program A Bite of China has attracted much attention. Its celebration of the diversity of delicious local food around China reminds me of the food in my hometown.

Many people complain that life changes too fast . But I believe that there is one thing that never escapes us, the taste for the food we grew up with. I gr ew up in a family of three generations under one roof. Living together with dozens of your relatives proved to be great fun. My grandma would tell us all those amazing ancient stories while making sticky rice cakes in the shape of lovely animals for us. My uncle, who works at a local restaurant featuring fish specialties, would bring back some of his best dishes back home to share with the family. I have traveled to other places in China, but ne ver have I tasted better fish than my uncle’s.

In my opinion, A Bite of China is about more than merely food. The program tells people about the real China. As a nation of food lovers, we are drawn to the series by the impressive-looking food, but we are even more impressed by the human interests in it – the love of the food, of our hometowns and of our mother country.