Section C  Longer Conversations

Directions:In Section C, you will hear two longer conversations. The conversations will be read twice. After you hear each conversation, you are required to fill in the numbered blanks with information you have heard. Write your answers on your answer sheet.

 

Blanks 17 through 20 are based on the following conversation.

 

Complete the form. Write ONE WORD for each answer.

 

Telephone message

 

Caller: Steve from Beijing _____17_____ Travel Service

 

Destination: _____18_____

 

Flight number: _____19_____ Flight 907

 

Departure time: Next Tuesday at 8:00 a.m

 

Office phone: _____20_____

 

When to get the ticket: Tomorrow afternoon

 

Blanks 21 through 24 are based on the following conversation.

 

Complete the form. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

 

What’s Ben’s business idea?

 

To _____21_____ that makes smartphone apps.

 

What worries Ben most?

 

The_____22_____of starting a business.

 

Why should Ben write a business plan?

 

To think through all details, _____23_____ and get business loans.

 

Where can Ben get help while writing a business plan?

 

From _____24_____ and library books.

 

II.    Grammar and vocabulary 

 

Section A

 

Directions: After reading the passages below, fill in the blanks to make the passages coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

 

(A)

 

The problem with much mobile technology is that it’s not really designed to be used while you’re actually mobile. The human brain can only pay attention to about three things at a time – and concentrate effectively on just one of them. Even though the consequences of smartphone distraction（注意力分散）are sometimes (25) _____ (amuse), they can also be serious.

 

The number of children (26) _____ (admit) to hospitals after accidents in public playgrounds (27) _____ (climb) by about a third in five years, according to NHS data. Experts in both Britain and the US, (28) _____ a similar rise has occurred suggest some of the increase may be a result of parents being too distracted by their phones (29) _____ (take) care of their children properly.

 

And now comes evidence showing that 11-year-old children are three times more likely to be hurt or seriously injured on the way to and from school than 10-year-olds, since 11 is the average age at which children receive their first mobile phone, six times more likely (30) _____ (send) a text when it happens.

 

(31) _____ quarter of children surveyed admitted that they had been distracted by personal technology while crossing the road. “There is,” the report concluded, “a clear connection (32) _____ the use of technology and the time of serious accidents with children.”

 

(B)

 

Self care is necessary for our physical and mental health, yet often it’s the first thing we drop when we find ourselves (33) _____ (stretch) for time. While we’re on the subject of time, let’s talk about priorities. When we feel like we don’t have time to do something important, it is (34) _____ because we’re not making time or because our priorities are not what we actually need. Everything we do with our time is a choice. It (35) _____ feel like we “have to” do certain things, but, in reality, we have complete control over (36) _____ we spend our time.

 

(37) _____ _____ _____ busy you are, you can fit self care into your schedule. Whether this means making it the first thing you do each morning, giving up TV or Facebook time, saying “no” to certain commitments, or potentially displeasing (38) _____, you can fit self care into your weekly routine (39) _____ _____ _____ you prioritize（優(yōu)先考慮）.

 

Self care doesn’t have to involve a lot of money, nor does it require a lot of time. If you (40)_____ (struggle) to fit self care into your routine, start small, prioritize, and listen to your heart.

 

Section B

 

Directions:Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

 

A. basic  B.applicants   C. extraordinary   D. distinguish  E. private

 

F. contribute  G. expose  H. shifted   I. challenges   J. specialty   K. favored

 

Many of us grow up dreaming of becoming an astronaut. Ever wonder what it takes to be one?

 

Take NASA for example.

 

In order to catch NASA’s eye, would-be astronauts must not only stand out in required skills and pass physical and psychological exams, but also find unique ways to __41__ themselves from the harsh competition.

 

NASA’s requirements for becoming an astronaut have changed over the years. Originally, it __42__ candidates with a military flight background, with at least 1,000 hours spent in command of a jet aircraft. In 1978, however, NASA __43__ its focus to a more varied group of astronauts: scientists and engineers with at least three years of experience in their respective fields.

 

During the years of shuttle missions, everyone had a __44__: some would focus on robotics, others on spacewalks or maintenance. To work on the space station, astronauts must be able to perform all tasks, which encourage __45__ to acquire different experiences. Jeanette Epps, an astronaut, studied aerospace engineering, worked at Ford Motor Company and took a job with the CIA before joining NASA. She says astronauts’ varied backgrounds __46__ to their ability to adapt and learn anything quickly.

 

After ensuring that candidates are U.S. citizens and that they satisfy __47__ education and experience requirements, the selection committee enters a gray area. “We’re not really looking for one thing, just a good mix of things,” said Duane Ross, the manager for astronaut candidate selection and training.

 

To the committee, candidates who take on __48__ outside of the workplace demonstrate curiosity and energy. Many astronauts who don’t have a military background do hold a(n) __49__ piloting license. Some are enthusiastic mountain climbers, scuba divers or skiers. Others are musicians, dancers, or play competitive sports. Choosing to __50__ themselves to different, extreme environments counts as another way to stand out from the crowd.

 

III.  Reading Comprehension 

 

Section A

 

Directions: For each blank in the following passages there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.

 

In a society where many families are torn apart by divorce, and fast-paced modern life often causes parents to lose out on time with their children, the importance of cultivating healthy relationships between fathers and sons is __51__. The following tips maybe helpful.

 

Learn to Talk to Your Son

 

Do not __52__ face-to-face chats; instead, try talking while working on a project together. Watch for clues that he is __53__ to talk, as your son may feel more like talking after dinner rather than first thing in the morning. Be available at any hour, and let your son know it. Give your son verbal affirmation（肯定、認(rèn)可）, letting him know that he is loved and that you are __54__ to be his dad.

 

Spend Time Together

 

Parents spend lots of time shuttling kids to practices, classes and various other activities. __55__, the quality time needed to build relationships is often lacking. How dads spend their time shows their sons what is most important to them. Whether playing pretend with preschoolers or taking a hike with a teenager, fathers are encouraged to __56__ activities that their sons find interesting.

 

Set Boundaries （界限）

 

__57__ discipline in a loving way shows sons that fathers __58__ care about their education and are concerned about __59__ their character. Fathers should teach their sons to be responsible for their behaviors and respect authority. Knowing the __60__ of their actions helps children control behavior and think before acting. Thus, it is better for fathers to guide their sons by setting clear expectations and reasonable __61__.

 

Teaching Respectful Behavior

 

By modeling respectful behavior, fathers demonstrate __62__ reactions and expression of feelings for their sons. Communicating positive emotions and controlling negative ones shows sons how to healthily __63__ their feelings. Fathers have the responsibility of teaching their sons to __64__ women and not view them as objects. This will help them foster healthy relationships in the future. Additionally, by showing respect toward the son's mother, a father not only sets the standard of __65__ behavior but also develops a sense of security and acceptance.

 

51.   A. apparent           B. remarkable      C. principal           D. essential

 

52.   A. neglect             B. force                 C. enjoy            D. exchange

 

53.   A. curious             B. active                C. ready             D. likely

 

54.   A. ashamed          B. eager                C. willing           D. proud

 

55.   A. However          B. Therefore          C. Moreover        D. Otherwise

 

56.   A. involve in         B. hold on             C. participate in     D. insist on

 

57.   A. Debating on     B. Devoting to      C. Carrying out      D. Complaining about

 

58.   A. critically           B. flexibly             C. deliberately         D. genuinely

 

59.   A. recognizing      B. shaping             C. creating             D. changing

 

60.   A. consequences  B. reactions           C. motivations              D. procedures

 

61.   A. directions        B. limits                C. examples           D. suggestions

 

62.   A. extreme          B. passionate         C. appropriate        D. progressive

 

63.   A. convey           B. ignore               C. mix                  D. hide