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. According to researchers，the word “huh?” is very important in speech because _________．
| 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 |
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. |
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．it is pronounces quite differently around the world |
What is the purpose of the text?
| 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． |
Attitude is an internal (内在的) state that influences the choices of personal action made by the individual(个体的). Some researchers consider that attitudes come from differences between beliefs and ideas; others believe that attitudes come from emotional states. Here, we focus on the effects of attitudes upon behavior, that is, upon the choices of action made by the individual.
The kinds of actions taken by human beings are obviously influenced greatly by attitudes. Whether one listens to classical music or rock, whether one obeys the speed limit while driving, whether one encourages one’s husband or wife to express his or her own ideas－all are influenced by attitudes. These internal states are acquired (获得) throughout life from situations one is faced with in the home, in the streets, and in the school.
Of course, the course of action chosen by an individual in any situation will largely depend on the particulars of that situation. An individual who has a strong attitude of obeying laws may drive too fast when he is in a hurry and no police cars in sight. A child who has a strong attitude of honesty may steal a penny when she thinks no one will notice. But the internal state which remains unchanged over a period of time, and which makes the individual behave regularly in a variety of situations, is what is meant by an attitude.
Attitudes are learned in a variety of ways. They can result from single incidents, as when an attitude toward snakes is acquired by an experience in childhood at the sudden movement of a snake. They can result from the individual’s experiences of success and pleasure, as when someone acquires a positive attitude toward doing crossword puzzles by being able to complete some of them. And frequently, they are learned by copying other people’s behavior, as when a child learns how to behave toward foreigners by observing the actions of his parents. Regardless of these differences, there is something in common in the learning and modification（修正）of attitudes.
| A．come from different situations in one’s life |
| B．largely depend on one’s behavior |
| C．remain unchanged in one’s daily life |
| D．could be chosen according to one’s will |
| A．people often make mistakes when they are not noticed |
| B．people with good attitudes may sometimes do bad deeds |
| C．particulars of a situation may influence an individual’s action |
| D．an individual may change his or her attitude fairly easily |
| A．Attitudes are only learned through one’s success. |
| B．Attitudes learned in danger will last longer. |
| C．Copying others behavior is not a good idea. |
| D．Attitudes can be learned from one’s parents. |
My bookshelves are full of dust — and with good reason. When it comes to cleaning that part of my home, I suffer from the most serious case of avoidance(回避反应症).
The thing is this: when I do set out to clean and re-organize my books, which seldom happens, I place myself into a really bad situation. No sooner do I take a title from the shelf, blow off the dust, and wipe down the cover than I find myself sitting on the floor with legs crossed and my back against the wall. Pretty soon books get piled up on my legs as I am reunited with old friends.
It is as if these books have voices, and each wants to say its piece. “Remember me? I was given to you when you went into the Navy, so that you would never lack for companionship,” one whispers. Another says, “I was your first book of poems, given to you before you learned to love poetry.” And a third, “I was the book that made history so attractive to you.”
Perhaps the greatest pleasure of re-organizing my books are the surprises — or better said, reunions — that occur. During my latest book-cleaning adventure, I found one that had fallen behind the shelf: “Tales of Edgar Allan Poe.” Not an unusual title, but the words written on the first page made it very special: “With Love from Mom and Dad, Christmas 1965.” What’s this? A book on the physics of lasers(激光). It is filled with mathematical statements, and I had bought it at a library sale when I was 12, not long after the laser had been invented. I couldn’t understand a bit of it, but I did learn what “laser” meant.
What I end up with when I empty my bookshelves is a cross-section(横剖面) of my personal history. It’s like a road cut where one sees all the layers of rock going back through time to the beginning of the simplest life forms. The books I’ve read — and kept — are not just old friends. They are my résumé.
| A．He is too busy to tidy up his bookshelves. |
| B．He considers his books valuable wealth. |
| C．He has made a lot of notes in his books. |
| D．He is a lover of science books. |
| A．they bring back happy memories |
| B．they are recorded in human voice |
| C．they say a lot about human history |
| D．they offer good topics for discussion |
| A．Finding some missing books. |
| B．Putting books in good order. |
| C．Learning something new from the books. |
| D．Rediscovering interesting stories behind some books. |
| A．personal history | B．precious notes |
| C．good companion | D．simple life forms |
On Sept. 18, Scotland will head to vote on the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill.
To understand this vote, it's helpful to take a lookback at the history of the relationship between England and Scotland.
In 1602, England's Queen Elizabeth I died without leaving any heirs(子嗣) except a first cousin, Scotland's James I. King James became the ruler of both nations, though the countries kept their political independence.
However, in 1707, Scottish leaders agreed to completely merge with the English and form the United Kingdom, which led to the ending of Scotland’s parliament.
Some Scots were angry, and violent events spread across the country. Others thought that "bigger is better," and felt the two countries were stronger together.
Through the years, the Scots have tried and failed to break away from the U.K., but it wasn't until 1999 that Scotland re-established its own parliament(议会). England let Scotland make its own decisions on some local issues like health, education and housing, but the money to run that government was still given by London.
Not all of Scotland was happy with this deal, and when a new pro-independence party took control of the Scottish parliament, the new leaders demanded a vote.
There are two sides to the issue. The group Better Together believes the separation could lead to higher taxes, pension cuts and a weaker military. Yes Scotland wants a clean break and says Scotland has enough oil money to go it alone.
As we move toward the big vote, a recent poll showed a tight race: 49 percent of Scots want to remain part of the U.K., and 51 percent think it's time for a split.
| A．England and Scotland became one nation in 1602. |
| B．James I become the ruler of two nations after defeating England. |
| C．Scots have tried to break away from the U.K without success. |
| D．Most of the Scots are against the Bill to be voted. |
| A．depend on | B．unite with |
| C．communicate with | D．break away from |
| A．happy | B．angry |
| C．divided | D．unconcerned |
| A．Taxes. | B．Pension. |
| C．Military. | D．Education. |
| London Pet Show, 17th – 18th May (£17) The brilliant event for animal lovers, the fourth yearly London Pet Show will cover the usual cats, dogs and rodents (啮齿动物) as well as some more unusual species. Expect brilliantly attractions such as micro-pig racing, doggy-dancing and duck-herding. The only weakness is there is no student ticket price – did they really think we wouldn’t be interested? www.londonpetshow.co.uk |
| Soho Flea Market, 25th May (free) Ideal for Bank Holiday weekend, this pop-up yearly market features designers and artists as well as a music/entertainment stage, including the local legend The Soho Hobo. Look out for the delicious street food which will also be making an appearance. Perfect for the artsy among us, this event features the best of alternative, up-and-coming talent. Visit www.londonpopups.com/2014/05/soho-flea-market-2014.html |
| World Naked Bike Ride, 14th June (free) Possibly the most daring form of critical mass, this international event starts at various points around London before finishing at Wellington Park. Now taking place in more than 74 cities across 17 countries, the main aims of the ride are to promote cycling, advocate(提倡) the power of the human body and protest against oil dependency. It often creates some creative body art, and past slogans have included “my energy’s renewed” and “burn fat not oil”. Come rain or shine, the London Naked Bike Ride is expected to attract over 1,000 participants. Visit www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/ for more information and go “as bare as you dare”… |
| The Crap Film Club, 17th June (£3.50 / £4.50) If you’re feeling down for some low-quality entertainment, there’s nothing better than the Crap Film Club. Films are selected for terrible acting skills, poor script and silly plots. The crapper, the better. Crap Film Club’s next event is 17 June at 7pm, and entry is £4.50 on the door, or £3.50 advance. For more information or to book a table, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crapfilmclub |
Which of the following website will John visit if he is crazy about delicious food?
| A．www.londonpetshow.co.uk |
| B．www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/ |
| C．www.facebook.com/crapfilmclub |
| D．www.londonpopups.com/2014/05/soho-flea-market-2014.html |
What can we know about the World Naked Bike Ride?
| A．It will be put off if it rains. |
| B．This kind of activity is only held in London. |
| C．People take part in it to show they are strong. |
| D．Slogans will focus on environmental protection. |
How much does it cost at least in total if four of you want to have fun in the Crap Film Club?
| A．£3.50 | B．£4.50 | C．£14.0 | D．£18.0 |
Who is this passage most probably written for?
| A．Adults. | B．Students. |
| C．Parents. | D．The elder people. |
Dear Friend,
The recent success of children's books has made the general public aware (意识到) that there's a huge market out there.
And there's a growing need for new writers trained to create the $3 billion worth of children's books bought each year, plus stories and articles needed by over 650 publishers of magazines for children and teenagers.
Who are these needed writers? They're ordinary folks like you and me.
But am I good enough?
I was once where you might be now. My thoughts of writing had been pushed down by self-doubt, and I didn't know where to turn for help.
Then, I accepted a free offer from the Institute to test my writing aptitude(潜能), and it turned out to be the inspiration (灵感) I needed.
The promise that paid off
The Institute made the same promise to me that they will make to you, if you show basic writing ability:
You will complete at least one manuscript(手稿) suitable to hand in to a publisher by the time you finish our course.
I really didn't expect any publication before I finished the course, but that happened. I sold three stories. And I soon discovered that was not unusual at the Institute.
Since graduation, I have authored 34 nationally published children's books and over 300 stories and articles.
Sincerely,
Kristi Holl, Instructor
Institute of Children's LiteratureThe underlined word “folks” probably means ________.
| A．people | B．writers |
| C．students | D．friends |
From the first three paragraphs, we learn that________.
| A．children's books are usually bestsellers |
| B．publishers are making $3 billion each year |
| C．magazines for teenagers have drawn public attention |
| D．there is a growing need for writers of children's books |
When finishing the course, you are promised to________.
| A．be a successful publisher |
| B．become a confident editor |
| C．finish one work for publication |
| D．get one story or article published |