Planning a visit to the UK? Here we help with ways to cut your costs.
AVOID BIG EVENTS  Big sporting events, concerts and exhibitions can increase the cost of accommodation and make it harder to find a room. A standard double room at the Thistle Brighton on the final Friday of the Brighton Comedy Festival (19 Oct.) cost £169.15 at Booking.com. A week later, the same room cost £118.15.
If you can be flexible and want to know dates to avoid—or you’re looking for a big event to pass your time—check out sites such as Whatsonwhen.com, which allow you to search for events in the UK by city, date and category.
STAYAWAY FROM THE STATION If traveling to your destination by train, you may want to find a good base close to the station, but you could end up paying more for the sake of convenience at the start of your holiday.
Don’t be too choosy about the part of town you stay in. Booking two months in advance, the cheapest room at Travelodge’s Central Euston hotel in London for Saturday 22 September was £95.95. A room just a tube journey away at its Covent Garden hotel was £75.75. And at Farringdon, a double room cost just £62.95.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF Really central hotels in cities such as London, Edinburgh and Cardiff can cost a fortune, especially at weekends and during big events. As an alternative consider checking into a self-catering flat with its own kitchen. Often these flats are hidden away on the top floors of city centre buildings. A great example is the historic O’Neill Flat on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, available for £420 for five days in late September, with room for four adults.
GET ON A BIKE London’s ‘Boris bikes’ have attracted the most attention, but other cities also have similar programmes that let you rent a bicycle and explore at your own pace, saving you on public transport or car parking costs.
Among the smaller cities with their own programmes are Newcastle (casual members pay around £1.50 for two hours) and Cardiff (free for up to 30 minutes, or £5 per day). (358 words)
【小题1】The Brighton Comedy Festival is mentioned mainly to show big events may __________.

A．help travelers pass time

B．attract lots of travelers to the UK

C．allow travelers to make flexible plans

D．cause travelers to pay more for accommodation

【小题2】“Farringdon” in Paragraph 5 is most probably __________.

A．a hotel away from the train station	B．the tube line to Covent Garden
C．an ideal holiday destination	D．the name of a travel agency

【小题3】The passage shows that the O’Neill Flat __________.

A．lies on the ground floor

B．is located in central London

C．provides cooking facilities for tourists

D．costs over £100 on average per day in late September

【小题4】Cardiff’s program allows a free bike for a maximum period of __________.

A．half an hour	B．one hour
C．one hour and a half	D．two hours

【小题5】The main purpose of the passage is __________.

A．to tell visitors how to book in advance

B．to supply visitors with hotel information

C．to show visitors the importance of self-help

D．to offer visitors some money-saving tips

Pop music is the name for different forms of popular, commercial(商业) music. It had its beginning in the USA and spread throughout the whole world during the 1950s and 1960s. It is widely liked by the young people. The best known early form of pop music was “rock’ n’ roll”; another was “blues”. A more recent development is “folk-rock”. Pop music has taken the place of native music in many parts of the world; it has caused the number of people for jazz to become much smaller than it was in the 1950s and earlier, and it has now begun to rule musical stage productions. It’s a big industry. Much pop music is without artistic value, but the work of some pop singers, e.g. the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the groups like Floyd and Crosby, Stills and Nash, is on a higher musical level. And there is still a great interest in it today. Pop music concerts and festivals are held all over the world.
【小题1】All of the following forms belong to pop music EXCEPT _________.

A．blues

B．rock’ n ’roll

C．jazz

D．folk-rock

【小题2】According to the article, the number of people for jazz in the 1950s and earlier was __________ it is today.

A．much greater than	B．much smaller than
C．as great as	D．as small as

【小题3】Which of the following is TRUE?

A．No pop music is on a high musical level.

B．Much pop music is very artistic.

C．Pop music is highly artistic.

D．Not all pop music is without artistic value.

Americans often plan social gatherings（社交聚会）on short notice, so don’t be surprised if you get invited to someone’s home or to see a movie or baseball game without much warning. If the time is convenient (方便) for you, surely accept their invitation. But if you’re busy, don’t be afraid to decline the invitation, perhaps suggesting a time that would be better. Your host won’t be shamed.
Invitations are usually sent in person or over the telephone. The main exception(例外) is for some formal occasions, in which case a written invitation will be mailed. You would normally receive a written invitation to a wedding(婚礼).
For a casual(不正式的)dinner invitation, don’t arrive more than 5 minutes early, because your host may still be preparing for your visit. Arriving more than 10 minutes late is considered rude if very few people were invited. If many people were invited, it’s OK to arrive a little late, even as much as half an hour late. For example, it’s OK to arrive late for a party, for a potluck (家常便饭) dinner or for a social gathering inviting a large group of people.
If you’re invited for dinner, it’s proper to bring the host a bottle of wine, a gift basket of fruit, a box of candy (糖果), or a bouquet(束)of flowers. Don’t bring roses, as men often give roses to women on a date (约会).
If you wish to thank the host for his or her hospitality (好客), it’s right to call or send a brief (简单的) written thank-you note the next day.
【小题1】The passage is to tell us ________.

A．how to accept Americans’ invitations.

B．something about American social visits.

C．something about American business visits.

D．how to make a living in America.

【小题2】The underlined word “decline” in the first paragraph most probably means _____.

A．accept

B．receive

C．refuse

D．follow

【小题3】If an American only invites you to his home for an informal supper at 7:30p.m., you’d better get to his house at ________.

A．7:15p.m.

B．7:35p.m.

C．7:45p.m.

D．7:55p.m.

【小题4】In America, invitations to a wedding are often sent ________.

A．by mail

B．by fax

C．by e-mail

D．over the telephone

【小题5】According to the passage, in American ________.

A．if you’re invited to a family as a guest, you can stay as long as you please.

B．if you’re invited for a party, you must always be on time.

C．if you’re invited for dinner, you’d better bring some presents.

D．you must make a call to show your thanks after you get home from the dinner.

Nuclear­powered aircraft carriers are considered one of the most important marine weapons in the 20th century. So far, only two countries in the world, the USA and France, have ever produced them. But these fearful fighting machines are about to enter Asia.
The US Navy said last month that one of its nine nuclear­powered aircraft carriers will be sent to Japan to replace the diesel(柴油)­powered carrier Kitty Hawk in 2008. In an agreement on October 30, the two countries also planned to level up their military (军事的) cooperation and the USA called for Japan to take a larger role in military alliance (同盟) moves.
It will be the first time that a nuclear­powered carrier is based in Japan. Bombed by US forces in World War Ⅱ at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan is the only world country to have been attacked by a nuclear weapon. Therefore, the citizens are highly sensitive to where nuclear­powered weapons are based.
“A radiation leak at Yokosuka would kill 100,000 people as far away as Tokyo, and could cause billions of dollars in damage，” said Masahiko Goto, leader of a protest group in Yokosuka. His group has collected more than 300,000 signatures of people across Japan opposed to the nuclear carrier.
The 44­year­old Kitty Hawk, the US Navy's oldest active ship, has been based in Yokosuka since 1998. It had returned to the US to be decommissioned(使退役) in 2008. The new carrier, yet to be unveiled, will travel faster, be capable of supporting longer operations and carry with it the Navy's most modern technology.
Experts pointed that this change is not only to strengthen the US­Japan military alliance but also to keep the military power of China and North Korea within limits. However, even Japanese experts don't believe that the two countries are threats to the region.
“There is no need for Japan to have a nuclear carrier as defense，” said Tetsuo Maeda, an international relations professor at Tokyo International University. He said that the change of ship indicates an increased military capability in the region, much more than what is needed.
【小题1】With such a fearful weapon to enter its country, Japanese citizens ________.

A．are aware of its benefits to the country

B．are anxious about its potential danger

C．are curious about the advanced technology

D．are against where the carrier will be based

【小题2】The replacement of the aircraft carrier is intended to________.

A．set up a kind of base in Japan

B．strengthen the US­Japan military alliance

C．show Japan's greater military capability

D．get rid of the dated marine weapon

【小题3】From the story, we learn that________.

A．no other countries except the USA and France possess aircraft carriers

B．Japan has long planned to increase its military capability with new weapons

C．Japan will be the first country in Asia to have a nuclear aircraft carrier

D．Japan will be the third country to produce a nuclear­powered aircraft carrier

【小题4】The underlined word “unveiled” in the fifth paragraph probably means________.

A．perfected	B．discussed about
C．produced	D．brought to view

Thailand is a country with a long and rich history. It is also one of those countries which have many traditions which modern times fortunately have not affected. Thailand is famous for its unique culture. It is well worth noting that Thai culture handed down from one generation to the next.
Thai Classical Dance
The inspiring culture includes local music and wonderful Thai dances. The dances of course have something to do with its deep rooted Buddhist religion, fighting arts and beautiful clothing. Thai classical dance performances are generally performed by gracious(高雅的) Thai ladies wearing beautiful Thai local costumes. Most resort(旅游胜地) areas and many hotels frequently offer these Thai culture dance shows for foreign visitors.
Thai Greeting
The Thai unique gesture of greeting another person, the wai, is especially one of the great aspects of Thai culture. The wai is when a person joins both hands to either head or chest level while bending their head slightly towards their hands. This way of greeting is especially done when a younger person greets an older person and it indicates a sign of respect to their elders. Employees would also wai their managers even if the manager would be younger than themselves.
Bangkok
Bangkok is the culture center of Thailand and has been the Thai capital since the end of the eighteenth century. Observing Thai culture in Bangkok can be great experience as the combination of modern times and traditions have created a kind of unique atmosphere. Bangkok offers a package of Thai culture which is shown by numerous beautiful Buddhist temples and many examples of modern Thai architecture.
Bangkok National Museum
Another location in Bangkok where one can enjoy and see Thai culture is at the famed Bangkok national museum, which offers tourists an opportunity to view national treasures and unique Thai art pieces with its culture feature dating back as early as the late sixteenth century.
【小题1】Thai classical dance is related to __________.

A．living level and education	B．ages and pretty clothing
C．the Thai’s customs	D．the Thai’s belief

【小题2】If you want to watch Thai culture dance shows you can go to_______.

A．anywhere in Thailand	B．Thai resort areas or big hotels
C．Thai museums or big streets	D．Thai theaters or restaurants

【小题3】In Thailand a worker uses the gesture the wai to greet _______.

A．his young boss	B．a younger stranger
C．his younger colleagues	D．his close friend

【小题4】What make Thai culture in Bangkok so unique?
A, The long history and fine weather of Bangkok.
B. The mixture of the modern culture and traditions.
C. A number of beautiful Thai Buddhist temples
D. Many examples of modern Thai architecture.

All around the world, people drink tea. But tea does not mean the same thing to everyone. In different countries people have very different ideas about drinking tea.
In China, for example, tea is always served when people get together. The Chinese drink it at any time of the day at homes or in teahouses. They prefer their tea plain with nothing else in it. Tea is also important in Japan. The Japanese have a special way of serving tea called a tea ceremony. It is very old and full of meaning. Everything must be done in a special way in the ceremony. There is even a special room for it in Japanese homes.
Another tea drinking country is England. In England, the late afternoon is “teatime”. Almost everyone has a cup of tea then. The English usually make tea in teapot and drink it with cream and sugar. They also eat cakes, cookies and little sandwiches at teatime.
In the United States people drink tea mostly for breakfast or after meals. Americans usually use tea bags to make their tea. Tea bags are faster and easier than making tea in teapots. In summer, many Americans drink cold tea --- “iced tea”. Sometimes they drink iced tea from cans, like soda.
【小题1】The passage is mainly talking about _________.
A. Chinese tea               B why tea is important
C. the teatime in England     D. different ways of tea drinking
【小题2】The word “plain” in line 4 may mean _____________.

A．simple

B．going

C．hard

D．drink

【小题3】The Chinese drink tea __________.

A．for breakfast	B．in a special way
C．when they get together	D．only in teahouses

【小题4】 Iced tea is popular _____________.

A．in winter

B．in England

C．for lunch

D．in America

【小题5】The English like to _____________.

A．eat something with their tea	B．drink their tea plain
C．have tea with dinner	D．drink their tea in teahouses

People use their mouths for many things. They eat, talk, shout and sing. They smile and they kiss. In the English language, there are many expressions about the word“mouth”. But some of them are not so nice. For example, if you say bad things about a person, the person might protest and say “Do not bad mouth me.” Sometimes, people say something to a friend or family member that they later regret because it hurts that people’s feelings. Or they tell the person something they were not supposed to. The speaker might say: “I really put my foot in my mouth this time”. If this should happen, the speaker might feel down in the mouth, In other words, he might feel sad for saying the wrong thing.
Information is often spread through word of mouth. This is general communication between people, like friends talking to each other.” How did you hear about that new movie?” someone might ask,” Oh, by word of mouth.” A more official way of getting information is through a company or government mouthpiece. This is an official spokesperson. Government –run media could also be called a mouthpiece.
Sometimes when one person is speaking, he says the same thing that his friend was going to say. When this happens, the friend might say: “You took the words right out of my mouth!” Sometimes a person has a bad or unpleasant experience with another person. He might say that experience “left a bad taste in my mouth”. Or the person might have had a very frightening experience, like being chased by an angry dog. He might say : “ I had my heart in my mouth.”
【小题1】The underlined words “ down in the mouth” in Paragraph One can be best replaced by _______.

A．ashamed

B．regretful

C．satisfied

D．excited

【小题2】Which could be used to describe one’s fear?

A．By word of mouth	B．Put one ‘s foot in one’s mouth
C．Take the words right out one’s mouth.	D．Have one’s heart in one’s mouth.

【小题3】The second paragraph of the passage mainly tells us _____.

A．the meaning of two expressions	B．information from folk communication
C．information from official-run media	D．two different ways to get information

【小题4】The author writes the passage in order to _____.

A．introduce some expressions	B．enjoy learning English
C．learn about English culture	D．use words correctly

There are many theories about how drama (戏剧) came into being in ancient Greece. The one most widely accepted today is based on the assumption that drama developed gradually from ceremonies. The argument for this view goes as follows.
In the beginning, human beings viewed the natural forces of the world as unpredictable, and they sought through various means to control these unknown powers. Those measures which appeared to bring the desired results were then kept and repeated until they hardened into fixed ceremonies. Eventually stories arose which explained the mysteries of the ceremonies. As time passed, some of them were abandoned, but the stories, later called myths (神话), provided materials for art and drama
Those who believe that drama came out of ceremonies also argue that those ceremonies contained the seed of theater because music, dance, and masks were almost always used. In addition, there were performers, and, since considerable importance was attached to avoiding mistakes in the rules of ceremonies, religious leaders usually assumed that task. Wearing masks, they often impersonated (扮演) other people, animals, or supernatural beings, and performed the desired effect by gestures -- success in hunt or battle, the coming rain, the revival (复活) of the Sun -- as an actor might. Eventually such dramatic representations were separated from religious activities.
Another theory finds out the theater came from the human Interest in storytelling. According to this view, tales (about the hunt, war, or other events) are gradually formed, at first through the use of impersonation, action, and dialogue by a speaker and then through the assumption of each of the roles by a different person A closely related theory about drama traces to those dances that are primarily rhythmical and gymnastic or that are imitations (模仿) of animal movements and sounds.
【小题1】Which of the following is Not true according to the passage?

A．Three theories about how drama came into being are mentioned.

B．The majority of people believe drama came from ceremonies.

C．Stories were made up to explain the mysteries of the ceremonies.

D．Religious activities developed gradually from ceremonies.

【小题2】We can infer from the passage that ______.

A．all measures couldn't bring the desired results

B．religious leaders usually didn't perform in the ceremonies

C．mistakes are unavoidable in the religious ceremonies

D．performers usually used languages to reach the desired results

【小题3】The underlined part "traces to" in the last paragraph is closest in meaning to ______.

A．dates back to

B．is devoted to

C．gives way to

D．is familiar to

【小题4】 The best title for the text would be ______.

A．The Development of Drama	B．The History of Drama
C．The Origin of Drama	D．The Popularity of Drama

The title of next James bond film is Skyfall, which has already started filming. The film will be on in the UK on 26 October 2012 and in the United States on 9 November 2012. It has been 50 years since Sean Connery was announced as the first man to play Bond in the film named Dr No. Do you expect Skyfall which is the 23^rd film in the 007 series?
At London’s Corinthi a Hotel, the official gave a little information about the storyline: Bond’s loyal attitude toward his boss Miss M will be tested when one of her past staff comes back to hurt her. As MI6 (英国陆军情报六局) is in danger, 007 needs to solve problems and protect MI6 whatever it costs.
Mendes, who won a best director Oscar for 1999’s American Beauty, told fans that Skyfall would have all the features of a classic Bond movie, such as a lot of action. “Daniel Craig is back for a third time as 007 along with Dame Judi Dench as his boss Miss M.” said Mendes. Many famous actors and actresses who have Oscar wins and nominations (提名)are included, but the filmmakers remain keeping their roles in the film secret.
Producers are showing no signs of cutting off the cost of Skyfall. “It is at the same level as the 2008’s Quantum of Solace, which cost about $200m. The film will be made in the Whitehall, Scotland, China and Turkey, as well as Pinewood Studios.” Said a producer.
Why has 007 been popular for so long? Professor James Chapman of Leicester University, the author of the book A Cultural History of the James Bond Films, said, “They manage to let each new film meet the changes not just in society but in the popular taste of film culture. That lets each generation get their own Bond.”
【小题1】The first film of the 007 series is      .

A．American Beauty	B．Quantum of Solace
C．Dr No	D．Skyfall

【小题2】The task of James Bond in the new James Bond film is to      .

A．let MI6 be famous around the world	B．show off himself as a hero
C．protect MI6 when it’s in trouble	D．manage the cost of Skyfall

【小题3】Which is true about the actors and actresses in Skyfall?

A．They are all new faces for audiences.

B．Many of them have achieved a lot in acting.

C．They have played in all the films of the 007 series.

D．They are fans of James Bond and Mendes.

【小题4】According to Professor James Chapman, what keeps the 007 films popular for so long?

A．Handsome actors and beautiful actresses.	B．The great and exciting action scenes.
C．The interesting story and famous director.	D．Successful changes for each generation.

We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom, symbolizing an end as well as a beginning, signifying renewal as well as change for I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears (ancestors) prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.
The world is very different now, for man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forbears fought are still at issue around the globe, the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God. We dare not forget today that we are the heirs（继承人）of that first revolution.
Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe (enemy) alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage and unwilling to disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage and unwilling to disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge (promise solemny) and more.
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility. I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the Freedom of Man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.
【小题1】What should friends and foes know?

A．That the United States is powerful.

B．That a new generation of Americans are responsible for their government.

C．That the United States is governed by liberals.

D．The rights of man come from the hand of God.

【小题2】What is Kennedy’s promise to the world?

A．To support liberty.

B．To abolish all forms of human poverty.

C．To visit each country at least once.

D．To support and friend.

【小题3】What should citizens of the world ask of America?

A．How America can help them.

B．If America plans to invade their country.

C．What they can do for freedom.

D．What they can do for America.

【小题4】Which of the following statement is NOT true according to the passage?

A．Human beings have the power to put an end to all forms of poverty.

B．We should remember we are the first revolution.

C．Our nation has always been committed to human rights.

D．We should assure the survival and the success of liberty.