英语卷·2018届四川省成都经济技术开发区实验中学高三4月月考（2018-04）含听力

英语卷·2018届四川省成都经济技术开发区实验中学高三4月月考（2018-04）含听力

关于www.ks5u.com 成都经开区实验中学2018届高三下学期4月月考试题 英 语 注意事项：‎ ‎ 1.答题前，先将自己的姓名、准考证号填写在试题卷和答题卡上，并将准考证号条形码粘贴在答题卡上的指定位置。用2B铅笔将答题卡上试卷类型A后的方框涂黑。‎ ‎ 2.选择题的作答：每小题选出答案后，用2B铅笔把答题卡上对应题目的答案标号涂黑，写在试题卷、草稿纸和答题卡上的非答题区域均无效。‎ ‎ 3.非选择题的作答：用签字笔直接答在答题卡上对应的答题区域内。写在试题卷、草稿纸和答题卡上的非答题区域均无效。‎ ‎ 4.考试结束后，请将本试题卷和答题卡一并上交。‎ 第Ⅰ卷（满分100分）‎ 第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）‎ 第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）‎ 听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听完每段对话后，你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。‎ ‎1. Where did the woman leave her hat?‎ ‎ A. In a restaurant B. In a taxi C. In a car ‎2. What is the local time right now?‎ ‎ A. 7:15 B. 9:15 C. 11:15‎ ‎3. What are the speakers discussing?‎ ‎ A. Whether to go to France B. What to do n France C. How to go to France ‎4. Why is the girl upset?‎ ‎ A. Her family is about to leave ‎ B. Her mother is out of work ‎ C. She has no friends now ‎5. What was the weather like in the Lake District on holiday?‎ ‎ A. Snowy B. Sunny C. Rainy 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。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，并标在试卷的相应位置。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、7题。‎ ‎6. How long has the man play the guitar?‎ ‎ A. 8 years B. 9 years C. 17 years ‎7. What instrument does the man think is the most difficult to play?‎ ‎ A. The piano B. The guitar C. The drum 听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。‎ ‎8. What is the relationship between the speakers?‎ ‎ A. Colleagues B. Roommates C. Schoolmates ‎9. What does the man suggest the woman do?‎ ‎ A. Move house B. Go to work together C. Confirm the appointment 听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。‎ ‎10. What did the woman do last winter?‎ ‎ A. She taught a class B. She changed a job C. She took a lecture ‎11. Why is the man happy?‎ ‎ A. He has retired ‎ B. He can given lectures after retirement ‎ C. He can communicate with his grandchildren online ‎12. What is the woman’s regular job?‎ ‎ A. A librarian B. A salesperson C. A lecturer 听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。‎ ‎13. When is the woman supposed to finish her essay?‎ ‎ A. By this Saturday B. By next Monday C. By next Friday ‎14. Why is the woman behind with her writing class?‎ ‎ A. She was ill ‎ B. The course is too difficult ‎ C. She is busy with her reading task ‎15. What does the man think of his college life?‎ ‎ A. Busy B. Boring C. Colourful ‎16. What is the woman probably going to do on the 28th?‎ ‎ A. Visit an exhibition B. Attend a party C. Watch a play 听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。‎ ‎17. What can be seen in Woodhill Shelter?‎ ‎ A. Wild animals B. Sea creatures C. Farm animals ‎18. When was the shelter set up?‎ ‎ A. In 2011 B. In 2013 C. In 2016‎ ‎19. What do we know about the workers of the shelter?‎ ‎ A. They work without pay ‎ B. They are highly paid ‎ C. They live on a plant-based diet ‎20. What is advised to do to be a volunteer of the shelter?‎ ‎ A. Make a call B. Visit a website C. Post a form 第二部分 阅读理解 （共两节，满分40分） ‎ 第一节（共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分）‎ 阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。‎ A A new generation addiction(上瘾) is quickly spreading all over the world. Weboholism（网瘾）, a twentieth century disease, affects people from different ages. They surf the net, use e-mail and speak in chat rooms. They spend many hours on the computer, and it becomes a compulsive habit. They cannot stop, and it affects their lives. ‎ ‎ Ten years ago, no one thought that using computers could become compulsive behavior that could affect the social and physical life of computer users. Such behavior has seriously affected teenagers and college students. They are likely to log(写日志) on computers and spend long hours at different websites. ‎ ‎ They become hooked(着迷) on computers and gradually their social and school life is affected by this situation. They spend all free time surfing and don’t concentrate on homework, ‎ so this addiction influences their grades and success at school. Because they can find everything on the websites, they hang out there. Moreover, this addiction to websites influences their social life. ‎ ‎ They spend more time in front of computers than with their friends. The relation with their friends changes. The virtual life becomes more important than their real life. They have a new language that they speak in the chat rooms and it causes cultural changes in society. ‎ ‎ Because of the change in their behavior, they begin to isolate themselves from society and live with their virtual(虚拟的) friends. They share their emotions and feelings with friends who they have never met in their life. Although they feel confident on the computer, they are not confident with real life friends they have known all their life. It is a problem for the future. This addictive behavior is beginning to affect all the world. ‎ ‎21.The main idea of the passage is about__________. ‎ A. the popularity of weboholism B. the advantage of weboholism C. the effect of weboholism D. the cause of weboholism ‎22．We can infer from the passage that_______. ‎ A. weboholism has the greatest effect on teenagers B. students can hardly balance real and virtual life C. people are addicted to games on the Internet D. virtual life is more vivid and attractive than real life.‎ ‎23．Which of the following is NOT true of weboholism? ‎ A. People addicted to the web often become inactive in real life. ‎ B. The chat room language may change social culture. ‎ C. The problem will be getting more and more serious later. ‎ D. It leads to the development of the web. ‎ B ‎ You may have heard of the book Moby Dick(《白鲸记》), written by the American author Herman Melville. You may also know that Moby Dick is considered one of the greatest novels ever written. However, it might surprise you to find out Herman Melville was not always a highly regarded author.‎ Melville’s first two novels, Typee and Omoo, were widely read and financially successfully.‎ ‎ They were both exciting tales of adventures at sea and experiences with people in foreign lands. Melville became quite famous. However, upon the publication of his third book, Mardi, Melville’s popularity began to weaken. He was no longer interested in telling tales of pure adventure, and his writing took on a style that alienated(使疏远) the general reading public of his time.‎ Melville published Moby Dick in October of 1851. it was an original novel, combining aspects of sociology and philosophy, which confused readers by its complex symbolism. The book sold poorly.‎ Melville’s next book, Pierre, was almost completely disregarded by the public. Debt frustration and ill health finally forced Melville to take a low-paying job as a customs inspector. Eventually, Melville abandoned prose(散文) and began to write poetry.‎ The Civil War is the main subject of Melville’s poetry. He and his brother made a trip to the front line, and he published a book of poems, Battle-Pieces and Aspects of War, based on this experience. ‎ Melville died in 1891 at the age of 72. at this point, his work had been completely forgotten by the public. His talent was to go unrecognized for the next thirty years. Then, in 1920s, his reputation began to improve as critics and readers rediscovered his work. Today Moby Dick is one of the best-known novels ever penned by an American author.‎ ‎24. What were Melville’s first two novels mainly about?‎ A. His travel experience. ‎ B. His successful communication skills.‎ C. Adventurous experiences in the front line.‎ D. Adventurous voyages and foreign experiences.‎ ‎25. We can learn from the text that Moby Dick________.‎ A. sold a little better than Pierre. B. was Melville’s favorite novel.‎ C. was copied from other books. D. made Melville popular again.‎ ‎26. The text may be taken from___________.‎ A. a writing guide B. a literary journal.‎ C. a science magazine. D. a critical book on literature.‎ ‎27. What is the text mainly about?‎ A. The main works of Melville. B. The skills in Melville’s writing.‎ C. The ups and downs of Melville. D. The reason for Melville’s failure.‎ C ‎ From self-driving cars to carebots for elderly people, rapid development in technology has long represented a possible threat to many jobs normally performed by people. But experts now believe that almost 50 percent of occupations existing today will be completely unnecessary by 2025 as artificial intelligence continues to change businesses. ‎ ‎“The next fifteen years will see a revolution in how we work, and a revolution will necessarily take place in how we plan and think about workplaces, ” said Peter Andrew, Director of Workplace Strategy for CBRE Asia PACIFIC. ‎ A growing number of jobs in the future will require creative intelligence, social skills and the ability to use artificial intelligence. ‎ The report is based on interviews with 200 experts, business leaders and young people from Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. It shows that in the US technology already destroys more jobs than it creates. ‎ But the report states, “Losing occupations does not necessarily mean losing jobs – just changing what people do.” Growth in new jobs could occur as much, according to the research. ‎ ‎“The growth of 20 to 40 companies that have the speed and technological know-how will directly challenge big companies,” it states. ‎ A 2014 report by Pew Research found 52 percent of experts in artificial intelligence and robotics were optimistic about the future and believed there would still be enough jobs in the next few years. The optimists pictured “ a future in which robots do not take the place of more jobs than they create,” according to Aaron Smith, the report’s co-author.‎ ‎“Technology will continue to affect jobs but more jobs seem likely to be created. Although there have always been unemployed people, when we reached a few billion people there billions of jobs. There is no shortage of things that need to be done and that will not change,” Microsoft’s Jonathan Grudin told researchers.‎ ‎28. We can infer from the text that in the future______. ‎ ‎ A. people will face many difficulties ‎ B. people will take up more creative jobs ‎ C. artificial intelligence will threaten people’s lives ‎ D. most jobs will be done in traditional workplaces ‎29. According to the article, ________‎ ‎ A. people won’t necessarily lose jobs ‎ B. big companies will face fewer challenges ‎ C. small companies will win against big companies ‎ D. most people will become interested in technology ‎30. What is the attitude of most experts in artificial intelligence and robotics to the future?‎ ‎ A. Mixed. B. Worried. C. Hopeful. D. Doubtful. ‎ ‎31. Jonathan Grudin’s words in the last paragraph suggest that _______. ‎ ‎ A. there will be enough jobs for people ‎ B. things will change a lot in a few years ‎ C. many people will become unemployed ‎ D. technology will totally change future jobs D ‎ Feeling tired? Under too much stress? Well, you may want to try Yoga(瑜珈). It’s what more and more people have been turning to to release the trouble of modern life. Practically unheard of in the West until 50 years ago, Yoga has become one of the most popular health trends around the world, including China. If you search for Yoga on line in Chinese, lots of pages are there to see, most of which are main pages of Yoga clubs. In order to keep fit and lose weight, many girls spend more than 1000 yuan taking part in Yoga classes every month. ‎ However, are you really ready for it? There are several things you need to know before you really take it.‎ ‎ First, do not force your body too much. Yoga has many difficult poses. They are beautiful and worth boasting if you could finish them. But if you force yourself to do as exactly as an experienced Yoga teacher does, you may hurt your body, instead of strengthening it. Do you remember you original purpose for playing Yoga? It is self -building, not competing. ‎ ‎ Second, do some research about the Yoga class that you are to register. Yoga is new in China and there are not so many certificated well-trained Yoga teachers. Some not well organized clubs just find someone learn a little Yoga and certificate them. But be aware, a non-eligible teacher might wrongly guide you and you could not benefit from the classes much except that they force you to exercise your body a bit. Considering about the large amount of money you invest in it, it’s worth and reasonable to make sure the teachers in the club are qualified before you join. ‎ ‎ Third, it would be better to learn something about nutrition when you practice Yoga. In the very beginning, Yoga was part of the Vedas, bible of the traditional Indian philosophy. So it could be regarded as a kind of lifestyle. When you have decided to care for your body, why not feed it properly? In fact, good clubs have their own nutritionists. ‎ ‎ Anyhow, make sure you are ready before you act. The fashion may change quickly. But what benefits is still good for us. ‎ ‎32．The author’s main purpose in writing the passage is to .‎ ‎ A．tell people how to relax themselves ‎ B．let people know more about Yoga ‎ C．give people some advice on taking part in Yoga classes ‎ D．tell peoples Yoga has gained its popularity in China ‎33．The underlined word “eligible” in the fourth paragraph most probably means .‎ ‎ A．experienced B．qualified C．honored D．hi-technical ‎34．Which of the following is NOT the author’s advice?‎ ‎ A．Join one of the noblest Yoga clubs. ‎ ‎ B．Don’t easily follow the fashion about Yoga.‎ ‎ C．Know some knowledge about nutrition. ‎ ‎ D．Find out a real teacher.‎ ‎35．From the advice offered by the author, we can conclude that .‎ ‎ A．Yoga has nothing to do with culture ‎ B．Yoga is somehow easy to exercise ‎ C．many people learn Yoga in order to compete ‎ D．not all the Yoga clubs have standard teachers ‎ 第二节 （共5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。‎ For college graduates, it is of vital importance to write application letters well. 36 It should state clearly the job you want, and should tell what you have done. It should be simple, human, personal and brief without leaving out any necessary facts.‎ In writing a letter of application, keep in mind that the things a possible employer is most likely to want to know about are your qualifications, your achievements and your aims. 37 If the first few sentences fail to win the reader’s attention, the rest of the letter may not be continued at all. Try to key your opening remarks to the needs or interests of the employer not ‎ to your own needs or desires. For example, instead of beginning with “ I saw your advertisement in today’s newspaper” you might say “ I have made a careful study of your advertising during the past six months” or I have made a survey in my neighborhood to find out how many housewives use your product and why they like it.”‎ ‎ 38 Be clear about the kind of job for which you are now applying. College graduates looking for their first positions often ask what they can provide in a letter and what if employers want experience, which, naturally, no beginner has. 39 ‎ It is important to write a good strong closing for your letter. Make a specific request for an interview or give the possible employer something definite to do or expect. 40 That makes it easier for a possible employer to get in touch in you.‎ A. Here are a few suggestions for you to prepare yourself better for your interview.‎ B. An excellent idea is to enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your letter.‎ C. The answer is that everything you have ever done is experience.‎ D. Don’t be afraid of being a new hand.‎ E. Try to avoid writing in general.‎ F. The purpose of a letter of application is to help you to “sell” yourself.‎ G. The opening paragraph is perhaps the most important.‎ 第三部分 英语知识运用（共两节，满分45分）‎ 第一节 完形填空（共20小题；每题1.5分，满分30分）‎ 阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项（A, B, C和D）中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。‎ Neither of my parents was the cuddly (喜欢拥抱的) type. Maybe that’s why I 41 kissing people, and hugging made me feel awkward. One 42 changed all that. One month before my 40th birthday, my dad had heart surgery. As he 43 , he grabbed me and hugged me very hard . It was a hug to make up for all those we had never had. Days later he told me 44 ever that he loved me. Through my 45 I told him I loved him too. I began imagining 46 him through the park and feeding him home-made food. 47 , just as I was given proof that he did, he 48 . My parents divorced when I was 2 years old. I saw my dad 49 , but I was afraid of the ‎ ‎50 . His house felt cold and unfriendly. Each stay 51 in an uncomfortable kiss on the cheek as we said goodbye.‎ To a child a hug 52 many things. It tells you that the person 53 you and cares for you. Months after Dad’s death I realized that his 54 of hugs said more about him than me. My father didn’t like to show his feelings. 55 that didn’t mean I wasn’t 56 . 57 time moved on, I realized that his hug and love on his deathbed had made me feel 58 in a way I had never felt before. He was a man of few words; he was intelligent, kind and extremely modest. Ironically (讽刺的是) I began to feel closer to my father 59 than in life. I now love 60 better than a good old-fashioned hug. 41. A. ignored B. hated C. enjoyed D. loved ‎42. A. smile B. greeting C. kiss D. hug 43. A. came down B. came through C. came round D. came in ‎44. A. at any time B. for the first time C. from time to time D. in good time ‎45. A. tears B. voices C. eyes D. hands ‎46. A. helping B. wheeling C. hugging D. dragging ‎ ‎47. A. Sadly B. Eventually C. Surprisingly D. Slowly ‎48. A. disappeared B. retired C. fell to sleep D. passed away ‎49. A. unhappily B. uneasily C. occasionally D. gently ‎50. A. visits B. movements C. activities D. affairs ‎51. A. gathered B. returned C. received D. ended ‎ ‎52. A. reports B. says C. arranges D. knows ‎ ‎53. A. praises B. misses C. welcomes D. loves ‎ ‎54. A. lack B. need C. list D. most ‎55. A. Therefore B. Thus C. But D. Yet ‎56. A. enjoyable B. satisfied C. lovable D. beautiful ‎ ‎57. A. Since B. As C. Although D. Because ‎58. A. calm B. friendly C. strange D. safe ‎ ‎59. A. in death B. in need C. firmly D. secretly ‎ ‎60. A. everything B. anything C. nothing D. something ‎ 第Ⅱ卷（共50分）‎ 注意: 将答案写在答题卡上。写在本试卷上无效。 ‎ 第三部分 英语知识运用 (共两节，满分45分) ‎ 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。‎ A 14-year-old Chinese boy overcame two of humankind's most dreaded fears—getting stuck in an elevator and getting homework 61________(do), in a single night 62________(owe) to his calm-witted character.‎ ‎ Sun Yixiao was on his way up on Tuesday evening after school, 63________ the lift suddenly came to a stop. A moment of panic followed before the 64________(teenage) could find a way out.‎ ‎ Sun said he tried to open the elevator door, 65________(press) all the buttons in the hope to get the elevator to work again, but it didn’t work.‎ ‎ Without a cell phone at hand, Sun tried yelling to get attention of people outside, but no one responded as time passed by. He slipped a note through the door 66________the message "people stuck inside, please ask the property management for help," and hoped someone 67________(pick) it up and act on it.‎ ‎ After exhausting all his options without knowing how long it would take before someone found him, he took out his textbooks and started to do his homework 68________(patient).‎ ‎ Soon after he finished his duties, Sun heard loud 69_________(voice) outside. A large crowd including his teachers and other parents had come to the rescue, by which time he 70_________(trap)in the elevator for over five hours.‎ 第四部分 写作(共两节，满分35分) ‎ 第一节短文改错（共10小题，每小题1分，满分10分）‎ 假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处错误，每句中最多有两处。错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。‎ ‎ 增加：在缺词处加一个漏词符号(∧)，并在其下面写出该加的词。‎ ‎ 删除：把多余的词用斜线()划掉。‎ ‎ 修改：在错的词下画一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。‎ ‎ 注意：1.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；‎ ‎ 2.只允许修改10处，多者(从第11处起)不计分。‎ Dear Jack，‎ ‎ Welcome to my school！Upon your arrival，there will be a party for you organizing by my classmates.You may attend to English classes to feel a differently learning style.After that，you can go to your host family that you can experience the Chinese way of life.You can have meals together chatting about whatever interest you.‎ ‎ The host family will also show you off some famous scenic spots.You can see people selling kites everywhere because our city was home to kites.There are varieties of kites to choose.So isn't that a good idea to buy some for your friends？Write to me unless you have any questions about the schedule.‎ Yours，‎ Li Hua 第二节 书面表达（满分25分）‎ 最近中国的空气质量引起了广泛的关注。请阅读下面的漫画，按要求用英语写一篇短文。 ‎ ‎ 内容要求： 1.简要描述漫画内容；‎ ‎ 2.简要分析产生这种现象的原因；‎ ‎ 3.针对以上现象谈谈你自己的看法(至少两点)。‎ ‎ 注意：1.词数100左右，开头已经写好，不计入总词数。‎ ‎ 2.作文中不得提及考生所在的学校和本人姓名。‎ ‎ 3.参考词汇：口罩mask; 雾霾haze ‎ Recently，the air quality in China ‎ 成都经开区实验中学2015级高三下学期4月月考试题 英语参考答案 第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）‎ ‎1～5BCCAC 6～10BAABA 11～15CBCAC 16~20BCBAB ‎ 第二部分 阅读理解 （共两节，满分40分） ‎ ‎21-23 CBD 24-27 DABC 28-31 BACA 32-35 CBAD ‎36-40 FGECB 第三部分 英语知识运用（共两节，满分45分）‎ ‎41-45 BDCBA 46-50 BADCA 51-55 DBDAC 56-60 CBDAC ‎61. children 62. is allowed 63. as 64. happily 65. taken ‎ ‎66. silent 67. them 68. it 69. until/till 70. to read 第四部分 写作(共两节，满分35分) ‎ 第一节短文改错（共10小题，每小题1分，满分10分）‎ Dear Jack，‎ ‎ Welcome to my school！Upon your arrival，there will be a party for you by my classmates.You may attend English classes to feel a learning style.After that，you can go to your host family you can experience the Chinese way of life.You can have meals together chatting about whatever you.‎ ‎ The host family will also show you some famous scenic spots.You can see people ‎ selling kites everywhere because our city home to kites.There are varieties of kites to choose ∧from.So isn't a good idea to buy some for your friends？Write to me you have any questions about the schedule.‎ Yours，‎ Li Hua ‎ 第二节 书面表达（满分25分）‎ ‎【参考范文】‎ ‎ Recently，the air quality in China has raised a widespread concern.As is indicated in the picture，an old man and his grandson are taking a walk in the street with masks covering their mouths.As the haze is becoming heavier and heavier，they find it hard to see the buildings and trees around them clearly.‎ ‎ The picture conveyed here is that air pollution is quite severe in China.Many factors account for this phenomenon.In the first place，vehicles sending large quantities of poisonous gases are a major source of air pollution.Furthermore，factories that release a great deal of smoke are also responsible for the poor air quality.Besides，burning materials like coal or oil for homes and offices is another major contributor to air pollution.‎ ‎ Personally，to better the air quality，the government and the common citizens should make joint efforts.Riding and walking are wise options for public travels.Meanwhile，effective laws are supposed to be made to guarantee good air quality.‎ 附：听力材料 Text 1 ‎ M: Oh, man, another parking ticket? How is this possible?‎ W: Uh, it’s pretty simple. You park in the red zone, you get a ticket.‎ Text 2 ‎ M: Hi. I am on the way to the bank near your house. Are you at home?‎ W: Yeah, I’m just doing laundry. Why don’t you come by for a cup of tea?‎ M: Okay, see you soon.‎ Text 3‎ M: Is it true that this computer can be used to design the background scenery for plays?‎ W: Oh, yes. We used it once last week in Class Five.‎ Text 4‎ M: I’m sorry, but I can’t make it tomorrow. Can I pick it up another time?‎ W: Sure. What about the day after tomorrow? ‎ M: Yeah, Friday is fine. I just need to read it by 5 o’clock next Tuesday.‎ Text 5‎ W: Hi, this is Mary from Dr. Lewis’s office. We just wanted to remind you of your appointment on Friday.‎ M: Thank you. I almost forgot.‎ W: So, we’ll see you on Friday.‎ Text 6 ‎ M: Wow, there are a lot of people here.‎ W: Yeah, it is crowded here, but it is worth it. Look at this one. Isn’t it amazing?‎ M: Yes. That lady is so beautiful. Look how she is standing in the middle of the street. There’s a bicycle near her and she’s holding a piece of material with flowers on it. What is that she is wearing? ‎ W: Maybe it’s a long robe. Her hat is covering most of her face. I can only see her eyes. Um, she’s definitely looking to one side. What do you think she is doing there? ‎ M: Perhaps she is waiting for someone. She’s expecting somebody to arrive soon. Look! Behind her there are some shops, and there are many people looking in the shops. It could be a market perhaps, or maybe a busy street. What do you think? ‎ W: Yeah, it’s probably somewhere in the Middle East or maybe North Africa.‎ Text 7 ‎ M: Whoa! Did you just feel that earthquake?‎ W: Yeah! It felt like a pretty big one!‎ M: I’ve never experienced an earthquake before. I have to admit that I was pretty scared just now.‎ W: Ah! It was no big deal. That one was tiny compared to some of the ones when I was a kid.‎ M: What was the biggest one that you remember?‎ W: Well, in 1989, there was a huge one. I think it measured 7.1 on the Richter scale. I remember the whole house shaking. Luckily, there wasn’t much damage to our house, but some of my friends were left homeless.‎ M: So how big do you think this one was?‎ W: It’s hard to say. Usually if it feels strong, it’s at least a 4.0.‎ Text 8 ‎ W: How old is your grandma now?‎ M: She’s 97! Can you believe it?‎ W: Whoa, that’s amazing! She still lives in her own house, doesn’t she?‎ M: Yeah, she still lives in the house she and my grandpa bought almost 60 years ago. He died about five years ago.‎ W: So she lives alone?! She must be in great health.‎ M: Well, she uses a cane to walk, and she pretty much stays on the middle floor. Her caregivers come twice a day to cook meals, clean, give her medicine, things like that.‎ W: Still, it must be kind of lonely to be all alone in that big house.‎ M: She goes to the Island Beach Club twice a week to play cards. On Mondays, she goes shopping in the nearest grocery store. She has doctor’s appointments on Wednesdays. Every Friday, she goes to the beauty salon to get her hair done, and friends and family drop by on Saturdays and Sundays. ‎ W: I’ll bet she has great stories to tell after having lived so long.‎ M: Say, why don’t you come with me this Saturday? I know she’d love to see you again.‎ W: Thanks, I’d love to.‎ Text 9 ‎ W: What is the difference between an Apple iPod and an iTouch?‎ M: Well, an iPod only plays music, but with an iTouch, you can play music, surf the Internet, ‎ use apps... all kinds of stuff.‎ W: OK, you lost me with that last one. What is an app?‎ M: An app is a special program that lets you do something specific. ‎ W: Like what?‎ M: For example, let’s say you wanted to find a restaurant in an unfamiliar neighborhood. There are apps that can tell you what kinds of restaurants are nearby and how to find them using Google Maps. ‎ W: Wow! Are there apps for other things?‎ M: You name it, there is probably an app for it. I just read about an app that tells people where the nearest clean bathroom is!‎ W: So I have to buy an iTouch if I want to use apps, right?‎ M: No, you could also buy a special smart phone like an Apple iPhone, which is basically an iTouch that can text and make calls. You can download as many apps as you want, and many of them are free.‎ W: OK, Mr. Apple. How much does an iTouch cost?‎ M: Well, they are usually several hundred dollars.‎ W: Whoa! Looks like I will have to ask my “iParents” for some “iMoney” before I can join this technology revolution!‎ Text 10 ‎ On a sad day for American music, Whitney Houston has been found dead in a Los Angeles hotel room at the age of 48. Whitney Houston was an American recording artist, actress, producer, and model. She won a total of 415 career awards in her career, making her the most awarded female artist of all time. Houston was one of the world’s best-selling musical artists, having sold over 170 million albums, singles, and videos worldwide. She first began singing in church when she was a kid, and she later performed alongside her mother in nightclubs in the New York City area. It was around this time that she was discovered by legendary producer Clive Davis, the owner of Arista Records. He signed Houston to a long-term recording deal, and the singer would go on to release seven studio albums and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which sold at least half a million copies. Some of her most famous songs include Saving All My Love for You, Greatest Love of All, and So Emotional. She also starred in s everal movies, including The Bodyguard. Her hit song from that soundtrack, I Will Always Love You, became the best-selling song by a female artist in music history, and her popularity as an actor and a singer influenced many other African-American women, singers, and performers. Houston died the night before the Grammy Awards, but the cause of her death was not immediately known. ‎