Question:
D
The Government's sugar tax on soft drinks has brought in half as much money as Ministers first predicted it would generate, the first official data on the policy has shown.
First announced in April, 2016, the tax which applies to soft drinks containing more than 5g of sugar per 100ml, was introduced to help reduce childhood obesity（肥胖）. It is believed that today's children and teenagers are consuming three times the recommended level of sugar, putting them at a higher risk of the disease.
Initially the sugar tax was expected to make £520m a year for the Treasury. However, data of the first six months showed it would make less than half this amount. At present it is expected to generate £240m for the year ending in April 2019, which will go to school sports.
It comes after more than half of soft drinks sold in shops have had their sugar levels cut by manufacturers（制造商）so they can avoid paying the tax. Drinks now contain 45 million fewer kilos of sugar as a result of manufacturers' efforts to avoid the charge, according to Treasury figures. Since April drinks companies have been forced to pay between 18p and 24p for every litre of sugary drink they produce or import, depending on the sugar content.
However, some high sugar brands, like Classic Coca Cola, have accepted the sugar tax and are refusing to change for fear of upsetting consumers. Fruit juices, milk-based drinks and most alcoholic drinks are free of the tax, as are small companies manufacturing fewer than 1m litres per year.
Today's figures, according to one government official, show the positive influence the sugar tax is having by raising millions of pounds for sports facilities（设施）and healthier eating in schools. Helping the next generation to have a healthy and active childhood is of great importance, and the industry is playing its part.
12. Why was the sugar tax introduced?
A. To collect money for schools.	B. To improve the quality of drinks.
C. To protect children’s health.	D. To encourage research in education.
13. How did some drinks companies respond to the sugar tax?
A. They turned to overseas markets.	B. They raised the prices of their products.
C. They cut down on their production.	D. They reduced their products’ sugar content.
14. From which of the following is the sugar tax collected?
A. Most alcoholic drinks.	B. Milk-based drinks.	C. Fruit juices.	D. Classic Coke.
15. What can be inferred about the adoption of the sugar tax policy?
A. It is a short-sighted decision.	B. It is a success story.
C. It benefits manufacturers.	D. It upsets customers.

Answer: C

Answer: D

Answer: D

Answer: B

【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了英国政府对软饮料征收的糖税来解决儿童以及青少年的健康问题，同时该收入用于学校体育。
【12题详解】
细节理解题。根据文章第二段中的“First announced in April, 2016, the tax which applies to soft drinks containing more than 5g of sugar per 100ml, was introduced to help reduce childhood obesity .（该税于2016年4月首次宣布，适用于每100毫升含糖超过5g的软饮料，旨在帮助减少儿童肥胖。）”可知，征收糖税的目的是帮助儿童减少肥胖。故选C项。
【13题详解】
细节理解题。根据第四段中的“It comes after more than half of soft drinks sold in shops have had their sugar levels cut by manufacturers so they can avoid paying the tax.（此前，制造商已经降低了商店中销售的超过一半的软饮料的含糖量，以避免纳税。）”可知，一些饮料公司通过降低了产品的含糖量来避税。故选D项。
【14题详解】
细节理解题。根据第五段中的“However, some high sugar brands, like Classic Coca Cola, have accepted the sugar tax and are refusing to change for fear of upsetting consumers. Fruit juices, milk-based drinks and most alcoholic drinks are free of the tax, as are small companies manufacturing fewer than 1m litres per year.（然而，一些高糖品牌，如经典可口可乐，已经接受了糖税，并拒绝改变，因为担心会惹恼消费者。果汁、以牛奶为原料的饮料和大多数酒精饮料是免税的，每年生产不到100万升的小公司也是免税的。）”可知，糖税主要来自经典可口可乐这些高糖品牌。故选D项。
【15题详解】
推理判断题。根据文章最后一段中“Today’s figures, according to one government official, show the positive influence the sugar tax is having by raising millions of pounds for sports facilities and healthier eating in schools.（根据一位政府官员的说法，今天的数据显示了糖税的积极影响，它为学校的体育设施和健康饮食筹集了数百万英镑）”可推断，糖税政策的实施是一个成功的政策。故选B项。
第二节


Question:
A
Theatres and Entertainment
St David’s Hall
St David’s Hall is the award winning National Concert Hall of Wales standing at the very heart of Cardiff’s entertainment centre. With an impressive 2,000-seat concert hall, St David’s Hall is home to the annual Welsh Proms Cardiff. It presents live entertainment, including pop, rock, folk, jazz, musicals, dance, world music, films and classical music.
The Hayes, Cardiff CF 10 1 AH
www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
The Glee Club
Every weekend this is “Wales” premier comedy club where having a great time is the order for both audiences and comedy stars alike. It is hard to name a comedy star who hasn’t been on the stage here. If you are looking for the best comedies on tour and brilliant live music, you should start here.
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF 10 5 BZ
www.glee.co.uk/cardiff
Sherman Cymru
Sherman Cymru’s theatre in the Cathays area of Cardiff reopened in February 2012. This special building is a place in which theatre is made and where children, artists, writers and anyone else have the opportunity (机会) to do creative things. Sherman Cymru is excited to present a packed programme of the very best theatre, dance, family shows and music from Wales and the rest of the world.
Senghennydd Road, Cardiff CF 24 4 YE
www.shermancymru.co.uk
New Theatre
The New Theatre has been the home of quality drama, musicals, dance and children’s shows for more than 100 years. Presenting the best of the West End along with the pick of the UK’s touring shows, the New Theatre is Cardiff’s oldest surviving traditional theatre. Be sure to pay a visit as part of your stay in the city.
Park Place, Cardiff CF 10 3 LN
www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
1. Where is the Welsh Proms Cardiff hosted?
A. At the New Theatre.	B. At the Glee Club.
C. At Sherman Cymru.	D. At St David’s Hall.
2. What can people do at the Glee Club?
A. Watch musicals.	B. Enjoy comedies.
C. See family shows.	D. Do creative things.
3. Which website can you visit to learn about Cardiff’s oldest surviving theatre?
A. www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk	B. www.shermancymru.co.uk
C. www.glee.co.uk/cardiff	D. www.stdavidshalleardiff.co.uk

Answer: D

Answer: B

Answer: A

【解析】
【分析】本文是一篇应用文。文章主要介绍了Cardiff当地的一些剧院和娱乐场所。
1题详解】
细节理解题。根据文章“St David’s Hall”部分中的“St David’s Hall is home to the annual Welsh Proms Cardiff (St David’s Hall是Cardiff一年一度的Welsh Proms的举办地)”可知，Cardiff的Welsh Proms活动在St David’s Hall举办。故选D。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据文章“The Glee Club”部分中的“If you are looking for the best comedies on tour and brilliant live music, you should start here (如果你正在寻找巡演中最好的喜剧和精彩的现场音乐，你应该从这里开始)”可知，人们可以在The Glee Club享受喜剧。故选B。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据文章“New Theatre”部分中的“The New Theatre has been the home of quality drama, musicians, dance and children’s shows for more than 100 years (100多年来，New Theatre一直是优质戏剧、音乐家、舞蹈和儿童节目的发源地)”以及其下面的网站“www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk”可知，可以在www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk网站找到Cardiff存在最久的剧院。故选A。


Question:
B
Goffin’s cockatoos, a kind of small parrot native to Australasia, have been shown to have similar shape-recognition abilities to a human two-year-old. Though not known to use tools in the wild, the birds have proved skilful at tool use while kept in the cage. In a recent experiment, cockatoos were presented with a box with a nut inside it. The clear front of the box had a “keyhole” in a geometric shape, and the birds were given five differently shaped “keys” to choose from. Inserting the correct “key” would let out the nut.
In humans, babies can put a round shape in a round hole from around one year of age, but it will be another year before they are able to do the same with less symmetrical (对称的) shapes. This ability to recognize that a shape will need to be turned in a specific direction before it will fit is called an “allocentric frame of reference”. In the experiment, Goffin’s cockatoos were able to select the right tool for the job, in most cases, by visual recognition alone. Where trial-and-error was used, the cockatoos did better than monkeys in similar tests. This indicates that Goffin’s cockatoos do indeed possess an allocentric frame of reference when moving objects in space, similar to two-year-old babies.
The next step, according to the researchers, is to try and work out whether the cockatoos rely entirely on visual clues (线索), or also use a sense of touch in making their shape selections.
4. How did the cockatoos get the nut from the box in the experiment?
A. By following instructions.	B. By using a tool.
C. By turning the box around.	D. By removing the lid.
5. Which task can human one-year-olds most likely complete according to the text?
A. Using a key to unlock a door.	B. Telling parrots from other birds.
C. Putting a ball into a round hole.	D. Grouping toys of different shapes.
6. What does the follow-up test aim to find out about the cockatoos?
A. How far they are able to see.	B. How they track moving objects.
C. Whether they are smarter than monkeys.	D. Whether they use a sense of touch in the test.
7. Which can be a suitable title for the text?
A. Cockatoos: Quick Error Checkers	B. Cockatoos: Independent Learners
C. Cockatoos: Clever Signal-Readers	D. Cockatoos: Skilful Shape-Sorters

Answer: B

Answer: C

Answer: D

Answer: D

【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了一种会识别形状的凤头鹦鹉。
【4题详解】
细节理解题。根据文章第一段“Though not known to use tools in the wild, the birds have proved skilful at tool use while kept in the cage. (虽然人们不知道这些鸟在野外会使用工具，但事实证明，它们在关在笼子里时就能熟练地使用工具)”以及“the birds were given five differently shaped “keys” to choose from. Inserting, the correct “keys” would let out the nut. (研究人员给了这些鸟5把形状各异的“钥匙”供它们选择。插入，正确的“钥匙”会让坚果出来)”可知，在实验中，凤头鹦鹉是通过使用工具从盒子里取出坚果的。故选B。
【5题详解】
细节理解题。根据文章第二段“In humans, babies can put a round shape in a round hole from around one year of age (在人类身上，婴儿从一岁左右就可以把一个圆形的物品放进一个圆形的洞里)”结合选项，可知，一岁儿童最有可能完成“将一个球放进一个圆形的洞里”的任务。故选C。
【6题详解】
推理判断题。通过文章最后一段“The next step, according to the researchers, is to try and work out whether the cockatoos rely entirely on visual clues, or also use a sense of touch in making their shape selections. (根据研究人员的说法，下一步是尝试弄清楚凤头鹦鹉是完全依靠视觉线索，还是也使用触觉来选择它们的形状)”可推知，后续测试的目的是了解凤头鹦鹉在测试中是否使用触觉。故选D。
【7题详解】
主旨大意题。通读全文，再结合文章第一段“Coffin’s cockatoos, a kind of small parrot native to Australasia, have been shown to have similar shape-recognition abilities to a human two-year-old. (科芬的凤头鹦鹉是一种原产于大洋洲的小鹦鹉，它的形状识别能力与两岁的人类相似)”可推知，本文主要介绍了会识别形状的凤头鹦鹉。D项“Cockatoos: Skilful Shape-Sorters (凤头鹦鹉：识别形状的熟练工)”符合文意，最适合作为本文标题。故选D。


Question:
C
As Ginni Bazlinton reached Antarctica, she found herself greeted by a group of little Gentoo penguins(企鹅) longing to say hello. These gentle, lovely gatekeepers welcomed her and kick-started what was to be a trip Ginni would never forget.
Ever since her childhood, Ginni, now 71, has had a deep love for travel. Throughout her career(职业) as a professional dancer, she toured in the UK, but always longed to explore further When she retired from dancing and her sons eventually flew the nest, she decided it was time to take the plunge.
After taking a degree at Chichester University in Related Arts, Ginni began to travel the world, eventually getting work teaching English in Japan and Chile. And it was in Chile she discovered she could get last-minute cheap deals on ships going to Antarctica from the islands off Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of the South American mainland. “I just decided wanted to go,” she says. “I had no idea about what I’d find there and I wasn’t nervous, I just wanted to do it. And I wanted to do it alone as I always prefer it that way.”
In March 2008, Ginni boarded a ship with 48 passengers she’d never met before, to begin the journey towards Antarctica. “From seeing the wildlife to witnessing sunrises, the whole experience was amazing. Antarctica left an impression on me that no other place has,” Ginni says. “I remember the first time I saw a humpback whale; it just rose out of the water like some prehistoric creature and I thought it was smiling at us. You could still hear the operatic sounds it was making underwater.”
The realization that this is a precious land, to be respected by humans, was one of the biggest things that hit home to Ginni.
8. Which of the following best explains “take the plunge” underlined in paragraph 2?
A. Try challenging things.	B. Take a degree.
C. Bring back lost memories.	D. Stick to a promise.
9. What made Ginni decide on the trip to Antarctica?
A. Lovely penguins.	B. Beautiful scenery.
C. A discount fare.	D. A friend’s invitation.
10. What does Ginni think about Antarctica after the journey?
A. It could be a home for her.	B. It should be easily accessible.
C. It should be well preserved.	D. It needs to be fully introduced.
11What is the text mainly about?
A. A childhood dream.	B. An unforgettable experience.
C. Sailing around the world.	D. Meeting animals in Antarctica.

Answer: A

Answer: C

Answer: C

Answer: A

【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了71岁的Ginni Balinton从小就对旅行有着深深的热爱，渴望探险，不再跳舞和孩子们成家立业之后，她开始周游世界，并在2008年开始了前往南极洲的旅程。
【8题详解】
词句猜测题。根据第二段划线词前文“Throughout her career(职业) as a professional dancer, she toured in the UK, but always longed to explore further. (在她的职业舞蹈演员生涯中，她曾在英国巡演，但一直渴望进一步探索)”和“When she retired from dancing and her sons eventually flew the nest,(当她不再跳舞，她的儿子们最终独立生活)”可知，Ginni在退休和儿子们成家立业之后，她决定尝试有挑战性的事情。由此推知，划线词组take the plunge与try challenging things“尝试有挑战性的事情”意思接近。故选A。
【9题详解】
细节理解题。根据第三段中的“And it was in Chile she discovered she could get last-minute cheap deals on ships going to Antarctica from the islands off Tiera del Fuego.(正是在智利，她发现自己可以在最后一刻买到从火地岛附近岛屿前往南极洲的廉价船只)”可知，是一张折扣票价让Ginni决定去南极洲旅行的。故选C。
【10题详解】
细节理解题。根据最后一段“The realization that this is a precious land, to be respected by humans, was one of the biggest things that hit home to Ginni.(意识到这是一块宝贵的土地，应该受到人类的尊重，这是Ginni最深刻的感受之一。)”可知，旅行结束后，Ginni认为南极洲应该得到很好的保护。故选C。
【11题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第二段“Ever since her childhood, Ginni, now 71 has had a deep love for travel.(今年71岁的吉妮从小就对旅行有着深深的热爱)”及全文可知，文章主要介绍了71岁的Ginni Balinton从小就对旅行有着深深的热爱，渴望探险，不再跳舞和孩子们成家立业之后，她开始周游世界，并在2008年开始了前往南极洲的旅程。由此可知，A childhood dream.(童年的梦想)能够概括文章主旨。故选A。


Question:
D
Sometime in the early 1960s, a significant thing happened in Sydney, Australia. The city discovered its harbor. Then, one after another, Sydney discovered lots of things that were just sort of there — broad parks, superb beaches, and a culturally diverse population. But it is the harbor that makes the city.
Andrew Reynolds, a cheerful fellow in his early 30s, pilots Sydney ferryboats for a living. I spent the whole morning shuttling back and forth across the harbor. After our third run Andrew shut down the engine, and we went our separate ways — he for a lunch break, I to explore the city.
“I’ll miss these old boats,” he said as we parted.
“How do you mean?” I asked.
“Oh, they’re replacing them with catamarans. Catamarans are faster, but they’re not so elegant, and they’re not fun to pilot. But that’s progress, I guess.”
Everywhere in Sydney these days, change and progress are the watchwords (口号), and traditions are increasingly rare. Shirley Fitzgerald, the city’s official historian, told me that in its rush to modernity in the 1970s, Sydney swept aside much of its past, including many of its finest buildings. “Sydney is confused about itself,” she said. “We can’t seem to make up our minds whether we want a modern city or a traditional one. It’s a conflict that we aren’t getting any better at resolving (解决).”
On the other hand, being young and old at the same time has its attractions. I considered this when I met a thoughtful young businessman named Anthony. “Many people say that we lack culture in this country,” he told me. “What people forget is that the Italians, when they came to Australia, brought 2000 years of their culture, the Greeks some 3000 years, and the Chinese more still. We’ve got a foundation built on ancient cultures but with a drive and dynamism of a young country. It’s a pretty hard combination to beat.”
He is right, but I can’t help wishing they would keep those old ferries.
12. What is the first paragraph mainly about?
A. Sydney’s striking architecture.	B. The cultural diversity of Sydney.
C. The key to Sydney’s development.	D. Sydney’s tourist attractions in the 1960s.
13. What can we learn about Andrew Reynolds?
A. He goes to work by boat.	B. He looks forward to a new life.
C. He pilots catamarans well.	D. He is attached to the old ferries.
14. What does Shirley Fitzgerald think of Sydney?
A. It is losing its traditions.	B. It should speed up its progress.
C. It should expand its population.	D. It is becoming more international.
15. Which statement will the author probably agree with?
A. A city can be young and old at the same time.
B. A city built on ancient cultures is more dynamic.
C. modernity is usually achieved at the cost of elegance.
D. Compromise should be made between the local and the foreign.

Answer: D

Answer: D

Answer: A

Answer: A

【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇夹叙夹议文。文章通过作者和悉尼人士的交流介绍了悉尼发展中面临的问题。
【12题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段“Sometime in the early 1960s, a significant thing happened in Sydney, Australia. The city discovered its harbor. (20世纪60年代初，澳大利亚悉尼发生了一件大事。这座城市发现了它的港口) ”以及“But it is the harbor that makes the city. (但是是港口造就了城市)”可知，本段主要介绍了悉尼发展的关键是港口。故选C项。
【13题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“Andrew Reynolds, a cheerful fellow in his early 30s, pilot Sydney ferryboats for a living. (30岁出头的Andrew Reynolds是个快乐的小伙子，他在悉尼担任渡轮领航员为生)”、第三段“I’ll miss these old boats. (我会想念这些旧船的)”以及第五段“Catamarans are faster, but they’re not so elegant, and they’re not fun to pilot. (双体船更快，但它们不那么优雅，驾驶起来也不有趣)”可知，渡轮领航员Andrew Reynolds喜欢老式渡船。故选D项。
【14题详解】
推理判断题。根据倒数第三段“Shirley Fitzgerald, the city’s official historian, told me that in its rush to modernity in the 1970s, Sydney swept aside much of its past, including many of its finest buildings. (悉尼的官方历史学家Shirley Fitzgerald告诉我，在20世纪70年代奔向现代化的过程中，悉尼把很多它的过去都抛在了一边，包括许多最漂亮的建筑)”可推知，Shirley Fitzgerald认为悉尼匆忙奔向现代化，正在失去它的传统。故选A项。
【15题详解】
推理判断题。根据倒数第二段“On the other hand, being young and old at the same time has its attractions. I considered this when I met a thoughtful young businessman named Anthony. (另一方面，同时既年轻又古老也有它的魅力。当我遇到一位深思熟虑的年轻商人Anthony时，我考虑到了这一点)”以及最后一段“He is right (他说得没错)”可推知，作者赞同Anthony的观点，认为一座城市可以同时既年轻又古老。故选A项。
第二节