It is one of the most annoying words in the English language and it seems there is no escaping it. The word “huh?” is in worldwide use, a study found.

Researchers discovered that languages spoken in countries from Ghana and Laos to Iceland and Italy all include “huh?”, or something that sounds very like it. They said that while the study may sound silly, the word is an absolutely necessary part of speech. Without it and similar words, it would be impossible to show that we haven’t heard or understood what had been said and this would lead to constant misunderstandings.

But while other words used in the same context, such as “sorry” or “what”, vary widely across languages, “huh?” remains unchanged.

The Dutch researchers carefully studied ten languages from around the world, including Siwu, which is spoken in Ghana, and an Australian Aboriginal language, as well as Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Mandarin Chinese.

They analysed tapes of recorded conversations for words that sounded like “huh?” and were used to request that whatever had just been said be repeated. All contained a version of “huh?”. The word was also found in another 21 languages. While there were subtle differences in each country, all sounded basically the same.

This is surprising because normally unrelated languages will use very different words to describe the same thing. For instance, the Japanese for “dog” is “inu”, while the French is “chien”. It is thought that languages around the world have developed their own version of “huh?” because the sound is quick and simple to form, as well as being easily understood.

The researchers, said that it might seem unimportant to carry out scientific research into a word like “huh?” but in fact this little word is an essential tool in human communication. They also have an answer for those who claim that “huh?” isn’t a word. They say that it qualifies because of the small differences in its pronunciation in different languages. It also can be considered a word because it’s something we learn to say, rather than a grunt or cry that we are born knowing how to make.

1. According to researchers, the word “huh?” is very important in speech because of ________.

A. its stable meaning in language development

B. its important function in communication

C. its simple and easy sound and spelling

D. its popularity in every language

2.What is the natural response if you hear the lady you’re speaking to say “huh?”?

A. You should ask her to repeat what she says before that.

B. You should apologize to her for speaking in a low voice.

C. You should invite her to share her different views politely.

D. You should try to repeat what you’ve just said in a clearer way.

3.The main method used in the research of “huh?” was ________.

A. interviewing language experts in universities

B. talking with people from ten different countries

C. analyzing the recorded conversations in different languages

D. comparing different words with the same meaning in different languages

4.According to researchers, “huh?” should be considered a word rather than a sound because ________.

A. it is listed in most dictionaries

B. it is something humans learn to say

C. there is a clear and consistent spelling of the word

D. there is a big difference in the way it pronounces in different languages

5.What is the purpose of the passage?

A. To inform readers about research on the worldwide used word “huh?”.

B. To argue that “huh?” is the most important word in every language.

C. To entertain readers by relating similar idioms in different languages.

D. To instruct readers of the differences of “huh?” in different languages.

 

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。

Taking good notes is a time-saving skill that will help you to become a better student in several ways.  __1  Second, your notes are excellent materials to refer to when you are studying for a test. Third, note-taking offers variety to your study time and helps you to hold your interest.

You will want to take notes during classroom discussions and while reading a textbook or doing research for a report.__2__ Whenever or however you take notes, keep in mind that note-taking is a selective process.__3_

The following methods may work best for you.

●Read the text quickly to find the main facts and ideas in it.

●Carefully read the text and watch for words that can show main points and supporting facts.

● Write your notes in your own words.

● __4__

● Note any questions or ideas you may have about what was said or written.

As you take notes, you may want to use your own shorthand(速记). When you do, be sure that you understand your symbols and that you use them all the time.__5__

A．Use words, not complete sentences.

B．There are three practical note-taking methods.

C．You must write your notes on separate paper.

D．Otherwise, you may not be able to read your notes later.

E. you will also want to develop your own method for taking notes.

F. That means you must first decide what is important enough to include in your notes.

G. First, the simple act of writing something down makes it easier for you to understand and remember it.

 

[1]Having good communication skills is really important in every walk of life. The right method of communication is therefore very important in whatever you do. Here are some effective ways to improve communication skills that can help you to bring about a change in many aspects of your life.

Observe and listen

[2] Look and observe the people around you who make easy and effective conversations. This should give you an insight and an understanding that could open up new ways for better ways to communicate with others. Meanwhile，communication is not just about speaking effectively and in an impressive manner, you also need to be a good listener. It is important to be a good listener in order to understand what the other person is saying, and reply accordingly.

Take Your Time

[3] Think twice before you speak once. When conversing with someone, remember that you need to take time to think before you react to what is being said. It is an excellent communication skill to take a few moments and process all the information before you respond.

Keep it Light

[4] Having a sense of humor helps to make any conservation light and fun to be in! Develop ______________ and use it. As a good communicator, one should know where to draw the line with humor.

Body Language

[5] Sporting the right kind of body language is another important key factor in improving communication skills. Maintain eye contact as you speak; sit and stand in an erect (直立的) position, and have a firm handshake; do not give wrong signals by crossing your arms and legs; avoid moving your body or playing with small things frequently. Always remember that your gestures say a lot about your personality as an individual.

1.What is the main idea of the passage？（no more than 6 words）

_________________________________________________________________________

2.According to the writer, why is it important to be a good listener? （no more than 20 words）

___________________________________________________________________________

3.What is the meaning of the underlined word “conversing” in Paragraph 3? （no more than 3 words）

__________________________________________________________________________

4.Fill in the blank in Paragraph 4 with proper words. （no more than 5 words）

__________________________________________________________________________

5.List 3 gestures that you should avoid while communicating with others. （no more than 15 words）

__________________________________________________________________________

 

Taking good notes is a time-saving skill that will help you to become a better student in several ways.   1.   Second, your notes are excellent materials to refer to when you are studying for a test. Third, note-taking offers variety to your study time and helps you to hold your interest.

You will want to take notes during classroom discussions and while reading a textbook or doing research for a report.   2.  . Whenever or however you take notes, keep in mind that note-taking is a selective process.   3.   

The following methods may work best for you.

Read the text quickly to find the main facts and ideas in it.

Carefully read the text and watch for words that can show main points and supporting facts.

Write your notes in your own words.

  4. .

Note any questions or ideas you may have about what was said or written.

As you take notes, you may want to use your own shorthand(速记). When you do, be sure that you understand your symbols and that you use them all the time.  5.  .

A．Use words, not complete sentences.

B．There are three practical note-taking methods.

C．You must write your notes on separate paper.

D．Otherwise, you may not be able to read your notes later.

E．You will also want to develop your own method for taking notes.

F．That means you must first decide what is important enough to include in your notes.

G．First, the simple act of writing something down makes it easier for you to understand and remember it.

 

 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。

Taking good notes is a time-saving skill that will help you to become a better student in  your interest.

Several ways,     1.    Second, your notes are excellent materials to refer to when you are studying for a test. Third, note-taking offers variety to your study time and helps you to hold

You will want to take notes during classroom discussions and while reading a textbook or doing research for a report.   2.   Whenever or however you take notes, keep in mind that note-taking is a selective process.   3.  

The following methods may work best for you.

● Read the text quickly to find the main facts and ideas in it.

● Carefully read the text and watch for words that can show main points and supporting facts.

● Write your notes in your own words.

●  4.

● Note any questions or ideas you may have about what was said or written.

As you take notes, you may want to use your own shorthand(速记). When you do, be sure that you understand your symbols and that you use them all the time.   5. 

A. Use words, not complete sentences.

B. There are three practical note-taking methods.

C. You must write your notes on separate paper.

D. Otherwise, you may not be able to read your notes later.

E. You will also want to develop your own method for taking notes and remember it.

F. That means you must first decide what is important enough to include in your notes.

G. First, the simple act of writing something down makes it easier for you to understand.