2018-2019学年浙江省杭州地区六校高一上学期期中联考英语试题 15页

‎2018-2019学年浙江省杭州地区六校高一上学期期中联考英语试题 考生须知：‎ ‎1.本卷共8页，满分120分，考试时间100分钟；‎ ‎2.答题前，在答题卷指定区域填写班级、姓名、考场号及准考证号并填涂相应数字。‎ ‎3.所有答案必须写在答题纸上，写在试卷上无效； ‎ ‎4.考试结束后，只需上交答题纸。‎ 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段小对话。每段对话后有一个小题，请从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在答题卷的相应位置。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 did the man do last night? ‎ A. He did his homework.‎ B. He gave Maria a call.‎ C. He visited a friend.‎ ‎2. What can we learn from the conversation? ‎ A. The man is stuck in a traffic jam.‎ B. There is no free table at the moment.‎ C. The woman is too busy to have lunch.‎ ‎3. Where does the conversation probably take place? ‎ A. In a hotel.‎ B. At Harry’s home. ‎ C. In a hospital. ‎ ‎4. What dos the woman advise the man to do? ‎ A. Do morning exercise. ‎ B. Go to work by car.‎ C. Have a big breakfast.‎ ‎5. At what time did the woman first wake up the man?‎ A. 7: 20.‎ B. 7: 30.‎ C. 7: 40.‎ 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，你将有时间来阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，每小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。‎ 听下面一段对话，回答第6和第7两个小题。‎ ‎6. Why does the woman want to change the shirt? ‎ A. It doesn’t wash well. B. It is the wrong size. C. The color isn’t to her taste.‎ ‎7. Why does the man suggest a green shirt? ‎ A. It suits the woman. ‎ B. It is cheap and popular. ‎ C. There are no blue shirts in stock.‎ 听下面一段对话，回答第8和第9两个小题。‎ ‎8. How will the man go to the meeting? ‎ A. By air. ‎ B. By bus. ‎ C. By train.‎ ‎9. What does the man want the woman to do? ‎ A. Book a room.‎ B. Buy him a ticket.‎ C. Inform his wife. ‎ 听下面一段对话，回答第10至12三个小题。‎ ‎10. What is the man doing? ‎ A. Making an invitation. ‎ B. Having a class party. ‎ C. Watching a volleyball game.‎ ‎11. What will the woman do on Sunday afternoon? ‎ A. Go to Mexico City. ‎ B. Pick up her brother. ‎ C. Go on an outing with friends. ‎ ‎12. What does the man suggest the woman do? ‎ A. Come to his home later. ‎ B. Bring something to eat. ‎ C. Order pizza for dinner. ‎ 听下面一段对话，回答第13至16四个小题。‎ ‎13. How many bedrooms does the apartment have? ‎ A. One.‎ B. Two. ‎ C. Three. ‎ ‎14. What are opposite the apartment? ‎ ‎ A. Clothing stores. ‎ B. Restaurants. ‎ C. Book stores.‎ ‎15. How much does the man pay for the rent? ‎ A. $ 235.‎ B. $ 255. ‎ C. $ 275.‎ ‎16. What doesn’t the rent include? ‎ A. Gas.‎ B. The Internet. ‎ C. Electricity.‎ 听下面一段独白，回答第17至20四个小题。 ‎ ‎17. What puzzled the speaker most in learning French at first? ‎ A. Grammar.‎ B. Vocabulary.‎ C. Pronunciation.‎ ‎18. Why did the speaker go to France?‎ A. To go on vocation.‎ B. To find a job.‎ C. To further study.‎ ‎19. How did the speaker find life in France in the beginning? ‎ A. Hard.‎ B. Boring.‎ C. Exciting. ‎ ‎20. What is the most important in learning a language? ‎ A. Mastering the grammar rules.‎ B. Using the language in real life.‎ C. Knowing a large number of words.‎ 第二部分：阅读理解（共两节，满分 30 分）‎ 第一节（共 10 个小题；每小题 2分，满分 20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，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。‎ A The other day I walked along with my friends towards the cafeteria and outside I could see a crowd made up mostly of girls. I couldn't make out what was happening. We came closer and were able to see that a lady was cutting a girl's hair. Beside there was a poster which encouraged people to donate about 10 inches of their hair in order to make wigs (假发) for patients who suffered from cancer and had lost all or most of their hair. ‎ I was moved by the courage of those girls who were excitedly waiting their turn to get their hair cut. My friends sensed this and asked me if I was considering donating my hair. I told them I would like to but I was a little anxious about how I would end up looking. But finally, I made up my mind. ‎ I asked one of my friends to braid (编) my hair and the rest of them started cheering me on so I would not back off. We went outside and I was now in line. It was finally my turn so I walked towards the lady; she sat me down on a chair and didn't even spend 30 seconds cutting my braid. More than half of my hair was put in a bag and I couldn't hide my joy. I just couldn't help but think about a person who would be happy with her new image. I knew I would never meet her, but I felt pleased with the act of kindness that I made that day.‎ ‎21. What were the girls waiting to do?‎ A. Cut a girl's hair.‎ B. Drink special coffee.‎ C. Buy wigs for some patients.‎ D. Donate their hair to cancer patients. ‎ ‎22. What made the author anxious at first?‎ A. The long line.‎ B. Her friends' opinions.‎ C. Her look with short hair.‎ D. The courage of those girls.‎ ‎23. What can we learn from the last paragraph?‎ A. The author's kindness also made her day.‎ B. People are usually happy with new images.‎ C. People should try hard to help cancer patients.‎ D. The author looked forward to meeting that patient.‎ B Almost from the time that the first Englishman set foot upon American soil, our language began to evolve.（进化）It is a continuous process throughout the centuries and has produced a language that differs from our ancestors and shows a sign of our own features and independence.‎ By 1790, there were four million Americans, 90% of whom were descendants (后代) of English colonists (殖民者). This, of course, left no question that our official native language would be “English,” but it would not be the same as that spoken in Great Britain.‎ By 1720, the English colonists began to notice that their language was quite different from that spoken in their Mother land. How did that come to be?‎ There are many reasons, the most obvious being the distance from England. Over the years, many words were borrowed from the Native Americans, as well as other people from France, Germany, Spain, and other countries. Other words that became unused in England continued to be used in the colonies. In other cases, words simply had to be created in order to explain the unfamiliar landscape, weather, animals, plants, and living conditions that these early pioneers went through.‎ To our newly independent Americans, they were proud of their “new” American language, wearing it, as yet, another symbol of independence. In 1789, Noah Webster wrote in his Dissertations on the English Language:‎ ‎“The reasons for American English being different than British English are simple: As an independent nation, our honor requires us to have a system of our own, in language as well as government.”‎ The evolution of the American language continued into the 20th century, as well as the American pride.‎ ‎24. What is the text mainly about?‎ A. How to learn American English.‎ B. The frequent changes of English.‎ C. The development of American English.‎ D. The differences between American English and British English.‎ ‎25. Which of the following is NOT the reason that helps form American English?‎ A. America is far away from England.‎ B. New words were created through practices.‎ C. New words were borrowed from Native Americans.‎ D. New Americans failed to use the old words from England.‎ ‎26. What can we infer from the passage?‎ A. Early Americans felt proud of their new language.‎ B. Early Americans just felt curious about their new language.‎ C. The new language helped Americans fight against enemies.‎ D. The new language has settled its identity and stopped developing.‎ C When you're sitting in class or behind your desk waiting for the clock to strike a time when you can go home, it is natural that the mind can wander (漫游) a bit. It is common for your mind to wander to a vacation and even travel the world. What if there is a way that you can travel the world without having to pay any money?‎ A person that managed to make it around the world without spending much was Shantanu Starick. How did he trade off his service? Starick realized that as a photographer he had a service that people would usually be willing to pay money for, but he would instead offer his photography service to anyone who could provide him with food, shelter and transportation. Starick has been traveling for a surprising 30 months and has visited countries ranging from the United States to Ecuador.‎ In English-speaking countries, trading off service and communicating aren't difficult for Starick. However, in more far areas where there isn't an English-speaking person in sight it can be quite difficult. More than anything locals appreciate (欣赏) the effort behind trying to speak their language, even if you don't exactly sound like a native speaker.‎ You can do it too!‎ Honestly, with a bit of confidence, drive and a skill you can trade, you'll be able to do exactly the same as Starick.‎ Start thinking about what you can do to get around the world without paying money. With our social networks and the connectivity our world has, you can easily connect with and market yourself to people across the world without any effort.‎ ‎27. What is the author's purpose in writing the first paragraph?‎ A. To introduce the topic.‎ A. To describe students in class.‎ B. To give an example for the text.‎ D. To show people’s state of mind.‎ ‎28. What does the underlined part “trade off” in paragraph 2 refer to?‎ A. Join. ‎ B. Exchange. ‎ C. Stop. ‎ D. Improve.‎ ‎29. In locals' opinion, which of the following is the key for the traveler?‎ A. The skill to trade off.‎ B. The confidence to succeed.‎ C. The determination to travel.‎ D. The effort to speak the local language.‎ ‎30. What do we know about Shantanu Starick?‎ A. He is a professional traveler.‎ B. He is too poor to afford the travels.‎ C. He has a skill to travel without paying money.‎ D. He doesn't say other languages except English.‎ 第二节（共5个小题；每小题2分，满分10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。‎ Fun classroom activities for high school students Classroom activities can help students relax after long-time lessons. They can educate as well as entertain the students at the same time. 31 They will help spread knowledge and awareness（意识）among them.‎ Debate Children are very enthusiastic（热情的）when it comes to debates. You can choose any topic, either a political one or a topic from the textbook. Divide the class into two groups, and make one group argue in favor of the topic and the other against it. 32 Debates will improve spur-of-the-moment（一时冲动的）thinking of the students. They will also improve their communication skills and help them think more logically.‎ History activity The only problem with history is remembering the dates. 33 All you have to do is ask the students to prepare themselves for any two battles or wars for this activity. Then make notes with different events that took place in any one war or battle. Mix them up and distribute（分发） them among the students. Then ask the students to open their notes and arrange themselves ‎ according to the dates of the events in the notes. 34 ‎ Quiz competition Choose a topic and ask the students to prepare for it. Then divide the class into three teams and make a set of questions. 35 See which team scores higher.‎ A. Choose some simple questions.‎ B. Ask the teams these questions one by one.‎ C. Make this task more fun through this activity.‎ D. It can help a students learn the values himself.‎ E. Record which side makes more good points during the argument.‎ F. Given below are some fun classroom activities for high school students.‎ G. The students would have to remember the dates in order to arrange themselves correctly.‎ 第三部分：语言运用（共两节，满分35分）‎ 第一节：完形填空（共20个小题；每小题1分，满分20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，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。‎ One day, I was on my way to a meeting in town with a colleague（同事）of mine. We had already 36 the car and were walking toward the meeting place. 37 , we saw an old man with a walking stick trip up（绊倒）on a 38 of a building about 20 feet in front of us.‎ We immediately 39 to sit him up and checked if he was 40 . He had broken his glasses and 41 his nose a little, which was bleeding. Neither I nor my colleague had any tissues but another 42 stopped to give the old man some tissues.‎ We helped him to his 43 ; he was looking for the local museum which was 44 on the other side of the road. We held his 45 and walked him across the road and into the museum. We helped him 46 on a chair and informed（告知）a woman clerk there, who got him some 47 . And the old man drank it up. We told the clerk to 48 him a taxi and I gave her $10, telling her to use it to 49 his taxi home. He had 50 that he lived about a 20-minute walk away. As we left, he thanked us and called us “ 51 Persons”.‎ If you see an elderly person in 52 , even though he/she is just walking across the road or even if he/she has 53 something, please help him/her. You can even just 54 at him/her and be nice. That is somebody’s grandfather or grandmother and all of you reading this ‎ would want somebody to do the 55 for your own grandparents.‎ ‎36. A. packed B. parked C. repaired D. passed ‎37. A. Frequently B. Calmly C. Straight D. Suddenly ‎38. A. stone B. road C. step D. door ‎39. A. rushed B. turned C. waited D. happened ‎40. A. free B. okay C. comfortable D. upset ‎41. A. burned B. cleaned C. moved D. injured ‎42. A. passer-by B. colleague C. driver D. friend ‎43. A. nose B. museum C. feet D. place ‎44. A. exactly B. sincerely C. actually D. extremely ‎45. A. head B. hand C. ticket D. stick ‎ ‎46. A. sit down B. set down C. come up D. give in ‎47. A. food B. money C. rest D. water ‎48. A. notice B. buy C. call D. request ‎49. A. add up B. pay for C. care about D. dig out ‎50. A. mentioned B. persuaded C. reported D. suggested ‎51. A. Polite B. Strong C. Brave D. Nice ‎52. A. pain B. person C. need D. power ‎53. A. knocked B. kicked C. ended D. dropped ‎ ‎54. A. throw B. smile C. laugh D. look ‎55. A. same B. attitude C. pleasure D. thanks 第 Ⅱ 卷 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(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。‎ One morning, I was waiting at the bus stop, worried about being late for school. There were ‎ many people 56 (wait) at the bus stop, and some of them looked very anxious and 57 (disappoint). When the bus finally came, we all hurried on board. I got a place next to the window, so I had 58 good view of the sidewalk. A boy 59 was riding a bike caught my attention. He was riding beside the bus and waving his arms. I heard a passenger behind me shouting to the driver, but he refused 60 (stop) until we reached the next stop. Still, the boy kept riding. He was carrying something over his shoulder and shouting. 61 (final), when we came to the next stop, the boy ran up the door 62 the bus. I heard an excited conversation. Then the driver stood up and asked, “Did anyone lose a suitcase at the last stop?” A woman on the bus shouted, “Oh, dear! It’s 63 (I)”. She pushed her way to the driver and 64 (take) the suitcase thankfully. Five others on the bus began talking about what the boy had done and the crowd of 65 (stranger) suddenly became friendly to one another.‎ 第四部分：写作（共两节，满分25分）‎ 第一节：单词拼写（共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）‎ 根据下面各句句意及所给单词的首字母，写出该单词的正确形式（每空一词）。 ‎ ‎66. Jenny p __________ the red dress to the green one, for the green didn’t fit her.‎ ‎67. How can Linda r __________ from her illness in this room when it’s so dirty and dusty?‎ ‎68. I hated learning English at first, but I was g __________fond of it, which was unbelievable.‎ ‎69. She is a s __________ girl. Once she has made up her mind, nothing can change it.‎ ‎70. It is not easy for a Chinese person to speak English as f_________ as a native English speaker. ‎ ‎71. When people use words and e ________ different from the “standard language”, it is called a dialect.‎ ‎72. After g ________from high school, we finally got the chance to take a bike trip along the West Lake.‎ ‎73. I wonder whether it was an accident or David did on p __________.‎ ‎74. Firefighters burst the door open and rescued the people t__________ in the burning house. ‎ ‎75. Kate, try to avoid going o __________ in very cold or icy weather. Just stay indoors.‎ 第二节：应用文写作（共1小题， 满分15分）‎ 假定你是李华，你的美国网友Jack将于近期和家人来杭州旅游。他想了解需要做哪些准备工作。请你用英文给他写一封电子邮件，给他提一些建议。内容如下：‎ ‎1. 欢迎他与家人来杭州旅游；‎ ‎2. 提出具体建议并给出理由。‎ 注意：‎ ‎ 1. 词数80左右；‎ ‎ 2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎_______________________________________________________________________________‎ ‎2018学年第一学期期中杭州地区六校联考 高一年级英语学科 参考答案 第一部分：听力（共两节，满分30分）‎ ‎1-5 ABCAB 6-10 BCACA 11-15 BACBC 16-20 BBCAB 第二部分：阅读理解（共两节，满分30分）‎ 第一节（共10个小题；每小题2分，满分20分 ‎21-23 DCA 24-26CDA 27-30 ABDC ‎ 第二节（共5个小题；每小题2分，满分10分）‎ ‎31-35 FECGB 第三部分：语言运用（共两节，满分35分）‎ 第一节：完形填空（共20个小题；每小题1分，满分20分）‎ ‎ 36-40 BDCAB 41-45 DACCB 46-50 ADCBA 51-55 DCDBA 第二节 (共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分)‎ ‎56. waiting 57. disappointed 58. a 59. who/that 60. to stop ‎ ‎61. Finally 62. of 63. mine/me 64. took 65. strangers 第四部分：写作（共两节，满分25分）‎ 第一节：单词拼写（共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）‎ ‎66. preferred 67. recover 68. gradually 69. stubborn 70. fluently ‎ ‎71. expressions 72. graduating 73. purpose 74. trapped 75. outdoors 第二节：应用文写作（共1小题， 满分15分）‎ One possible version Dear Jack,‎ I am glad to know you are coming to Hangzhou with your family. Now I’d like to offer you some advice.‎ It’s a good idea for you to make preparations. Firstly, try to learn some local culture and traditions, which can help you behave properly during your stay. Secondly, you’d better know how to use Chinese chopsticks so that you can taste all kinds of food. Besides, if you can speak some Chinese, it will be easier for you to communicate with the people wherever you go. ‎ I hope you will find my advice helpful.‎ ‎ Yours,‎ ‎ Li Hua ‎ 一、应用文写作评分原则 ‎1. 本题总分为15分，按5个档次给分。 ‎ ‎2. 评分时，先根据文章的内容和语言初步确定其所属档次，然后以该档次的要求来衡量，确定或调整档次，最后给分。‎ ‎3. 词数少于 60和多于100的，从总分中减去2分。 ‎ ‎4. 评分时，应注意的主要内容为：内容要点、应用词汇和语法结构的丰富性和准确性、上下文的连贯性及语言的得体性。 ‎ ‎5. 拼写与标点符号是语言准确性的一个方面，评分时，应视其对交际的影响程度予以考虑。英、美拼写及词汇用法均可接受。 ‎ ‎6. 如书写较差，以至影响交际，将分数降低一个档次。 ‎ ‎7. 内容要点可用不同方式表达，对紧扣主题的适当发挥不予扣分。 ‎ 二、各档次的给分范围和要求 第五档(很好)；(13-15分) ‎ 完全完成了试题规定的任务。 ‎ ‎— 覆盖所有内容要点。 ‎ ‎— 应用了较多的语法结构和词汇。 ‎ ‎— 语法结构或词汇方面有些许错误，但为尽力使用较复杂结构或较高级词汇所致；具备较强的语言运用能力。 ‎ ‎— 有效地使用了语句间的连接成分，使全文结构紧凑。 ‎ ‎ 完全达到了预期的写作目的。 ‎ 第四档(好)：(10-12分) ‎ ‎ 完全完成了试题规定的任务。 ‎ ‎— 虽漏掉1、2个次重点，但覆盖所有主要内容。 ‎ ‎— 应用的语法结构和词汇能满足任务的要求。 ‎ ‎— 语法结构或词汇方面应用基本准确，些许错误主要是因尝试较复杂语法结构或词汇所致。 ‎ ‎— 应用简单的语句间的连接成分，使全文结构紧凑。 ‎ 达到了预期的写作目的。 ‎ 第三档(适当)：(7-9分) ‎ ‎ 基本完成了试题规定的任务。 ‎ ‎— 虽漏掉一些内容，但覆盖所有主要内容。 ‎ ‎— 应用的语法结构和词汇能满足任务的要求。 ‎ ‎— 有一些语法结构或词汇方面的错误，但不影响理解。 ‎ ‎— 应用简单的语句间的连接成分，使全文内容连贯。 ‎ 整体而言，基本达到了预期的写作目的。 ‎ 第二档(较差)：(4-6分) ‎ 未适当完成试题规定的任务。 ‎ ‎— 漏掉或未描述清楚一些主要内容，写了一些无关内容。 ‎ ‎— 语法结构单调、词汇项目有限。 ‎ ‎— 有一些语法结构或词汇方面的错误，影响了对写作内容的理解。 ‎ ‎— 较少使用语句间的连接成分，内容缺少连贯性。 ‎ ‎ 信息未能清楚地传达给读者。 ‎ 第一档(差)：(1-3分) ‎ 未完成试题规定的任务。 ‎ ‎— 明显遗漏主要内容，写了一些无关内容，原因可能是未理解试题要求。 ‎ ‎— 语法结构单调、词汇项目有限。 ‎ ‎— 较多语法结构或词汇方面的错误，影响对写作内容的理解。 ‎ ‎— 缺乏语句间的连接成分，内容不连贯。 ‎ 信息未能传达给读者。 ‎ 不得分：（0分） ‎ ‎　　未能传达给读者任何信息：内容太少，无法评判；写的内容均与所要求内容无关或所写内容无法看清。‎ 三、该题具体要求 ‎（一）内容要点 ‎1. 要使用应用文形式格式，注意要写出称呼和最后的署名；‎ ‎2. 要涵盖三个要点：欢迎来杭州旅游；提出建议并给出理由；建议能有所帮助；‎ ‎3. 只给建议不说出理由要扣一半的分。‎ ‎(二) 应用词汇和语法结构的情况 ‎1. 时态以一般现在时为主；‎ ‎2. 使用与主题相关的词汇；‎ ‎3. 能够使用恰当的语法结构；‎ ‎（三）上下文的连贯性 按照内容要点展开写作，使用恰当的连接词或表达法使文章内容连贯。同时要注意文章的分段。‎ 附：听力材料 Text 1‎ W: I thought you were going to visit me last night.‎ M: Sorry, Maria. I would have if I had finished my homework.‎ Text 2‎ M: We’d like a table, please.‎ W: I am sorry. We can’t do anything for you right now. You see we’re jammed at lunch time.‎ Text 3‎ M: Could you tell me which room Harry is in? I am his best friend, Henry.‎ W: He is in Room 305, but I’m sorry to tell you that the visiting hours are over for the day.‎ Text 4 ‎ M: I want to exercise, but never seem to find the time.‎ W: Why not do it first thing in the morning?‎ M: But I don’t get up till seven, then I have a quick breakfast, and then have to rush to the office by car.‎ Text 5‎ M: Ah… I’ so tired. Please, just let me sleep a little longer!‎ W: I already called you once ten minutes ago! It’s twenty to eight now!‎ M: Oh, no! I’m going to be late.‎ Text 6‎ W: Excuse me. I bought this shirt from your store two days ago, but it is just too small to wear.‎ M: Let me see. This is size M. Will size L fit you?‎ W: Yes. And could you also check if that comes in blue? I’d like to buy an extra shirt.‎ M: Certainly. Oh, I’m sorry. We just ran out of blue. How about a green one? It’s a popular color as well.‎ Text 7 ‎ W: Sir, there is a meeting you need to attend tomorrow.‎ M: OK, fine. What time?‎ W: Nine o’clock, but it’s in another city, so I’m afraid you have to go to the airport right now.‎ M: Why did you remind me so late? I’ve been in the office the whole afternoon, you know.‎ W: I’m sorry, sir. It was just decided by the general manager, and his secretary informed me of the decision just a few minutes ago. I’ve booked a room for tonight.‎ M: Fine, I guess I need to start off right now. Could you inform my wife for me?‎ W: I have already done that.‎ M: You’re a really a secretary. Thank you.‎ Text 8‎ W: Hi, Ben. What’s up?‎ M: What about coming over on Sunday afternoon for a volleyball party?‎ W: A volleyball party? What’s that?‎ M: This Sunday’s volleyball game is pretty important, so I’m inviting a bunch of people from our class over to my place to watch it.‎ W: Who is coming?‎ M: So far, there’s Han, Yuki, Stephen, Anna, Maria, Ricardo, Lily and Yong.‎ W: I’d love to, but I’m afraid I can’t. My brother is coming back from Mexico City. I have to pick ‎ him up at the airport.‎ M: That’s too bad. Well, how about coming over after you get back from the airport?‎ W: OK. That’s a great idea. Can I bring something?‎ M: Whatever you want to drink. We’ll order pizza for dinner.‎ Text 9‎ W: So, what is your apartment like?‎ M: Oh, it’s great. There are three bedrooms, a nice kitchen, a living room, and a laundry room.‎ W: That sounds nice.‎ M: Yeah and there is a swimming pool next to the apartment building. And, uh, I usually study there, you know, the sun and all.‎ W: Oh, yeah, right.‎ M: Oh, and there are two fast food restaurants across the street, so it is a quick way to get a meal.‎ W: Um, that sounds good. How much do you pay in rent?‎ M: Well, I have two roommates, so I pay $275 a month. Uh, that’s my share.‎ W: Serious? That’s a real good price.‎ M: Yeah, it’s not bad.‎ W: Um, are utilities included?‎ M: Uh, gas, water, and electricity are included. The Internet and cable TV are separate.‎ W: That’s a reasonable price. How on earth did you find a place like that?‎ M: Just found it online.‎ W: Wow. That sounds like a nice apartment. ‎ M: Yeah, come over some time.‎ W: Okay. I’ll do that.‎ Text 10‎ W: Pleased to be here today. My name is Joan, and I’d like to share with you something about my French learning. I still remember when I first started to learn the language I didn’t really have a problem with the pronunciation. I just had a hard time memorizing words. But I made a great effort and soon I was scoring ten out ten in all of the tests. By the time I got to university, I could do some writing and translations without much difficult, and I actually enjoyed learning the grammar rules. Then as part of university course I had to go and live in France for a year. As soon as I arrived, I realized I didn’t know how to order the type of coffee I liked, and trying to find somewhere to live or stay was something difficult to deal with. I called people about information in the paper, but I had to keep putting the phone down because I couldn’t understand a word they were saying---they spoke so quickly! I could see then that there’s no point in just knowing words if you can’t hold a conversation with a native speaker. The ability to speak freely is what helps you get a job, hold a conversation or just buy things you need,‎