Section ll Reading Comprehension

Part A

Directions: Read the following four texts.Answer the questions after each text by choosing A, B, C or D.Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET.(40 points)

Text 1

Ask people about public libraries and a certain image springs to mind: dusty, old-fashioned, the sort of place you enjoyed as a child but, rather like a British seaside town, would you go there now? And anyway-aren't they all closing?

The reality is startlingly different, as I discovered when the culture department commissioned me to conduct an independent review of English public libraries, published yesterday.As I visited libraries up and down the country, I was surprised to learn there are more than twice the number of libraries (2,892) as there are branches of McDonald's.

Enter any one of them and you will find a hive of activity, while books are, and should always be, at the heart of any library, a multitude of other services are offered: employment advice, language classes or digital access and support.

There are libraries with business and intellectual property centres, which can help business owners and entrepreneurs.Many have nurses on site to carry out basic health checks, with a link to the GP's surgery, there are libraries where young people can borrow a Fifa-standard football free.

In return for all of this, you'll be asked for precisely nothing.There will be no charge and you will never be asked to justify or explain yourself, you will simply be welcomed in, offered help if you need it, and left alone if you do not.There is no other institution, public or private, that can say the same.Yet still our libraries are often overlooked and underappreciated.There is an overall decline in visits and many are struggling as local authorities come under continued financial pressure.

The number of libraries that have closed since 2010 is disputed.An annual survey by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy puts it at nearly 800 across the UK; official statistics held by the Arts Council record 230 in England.It is, of course, 230 libraries too many.So if we are to protect our libraries for future generations, we must raise awareness of them and the work they do.

The review recommends a national branding campaign to give libraries a stronger physical presence, the reintroduction of a scheme to enable members to use their card in any library in the country, and automatic memberships for children.If we don't use them, we will end up losing them.And for those who haven't been to a library for some time, they may be surprised by what they find.

21.What was the author commissioned to do about English public libraries?

A.Document their valuable traditions.

B.Make a plan for their expansions.

C.Obtain reader opinions on them.

D.Look into their current situation.

22.According to Para.3&4, the author finds that libraries ________.

A.boast desirable book collections

B.keep detailed visitor records

C.perform diversified functions

D.attract mostly young readers

23.It is implied in Para.5 that libraries should ________.

A.be given greater attention

B.impose stricter visit limits

C.work with private institutions

D.get their equipment upgraded

24.The statistics mentioned in Para.6 show ________.

A.the crisis faced by libraries

B.the advancement of libraries

C.the contributions of libraries

D.the flaws existing in libraries

25.Which of the following is suggested for libraries in the last paragraph?

A.Inviting public feedback.

B.Seeking adequate funding.

C.Improving user convenience.

A. Offering lifetime memberships.

參考答案：D、C、A、A、C

四、寫作

第47題

Suppose your friend Jack has shared with you a video of his family’s travel in China. Write an email to tell him

(1) how you feel about the video, and

(2) your wish to learn more about their travel.

Write you answer in about 100 words on the ANSWER SHEET.

Do not use your own name in your email; Use “Li Ming” instead.(10 points)

【參考范文】

Dear Jack,

Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful video of your family trip to China! I truly enjoyed watching it—the landscapes, the culture, and the joyful moments you all shared were truly captivating. It looks like you had an amazing experience!

I’d love to hear more about your journey. What was the most memorable part for each of you? Did you try any special local food that stood out? Also, were there any fun or unexpected moments during your travels that didn’t make it into the video?

Looking forward to catching up soon and hearing all the stories!

Yours,

Li Ming

第48題

兒童戶外活動看法調查

Directions:

Write an essay based on the chart below. In your writing, you should

1) interpret the chart, and

1) give your comments.

You should write about 150 words on the ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)

【參考范文】

The Purposes of Children’s Outdoor Activities

The bar chart presents parents’ main purposes in encouraging their children to take part in outdoor activities. Satisfying children's curiosity accounts for the largest share at 54.6%, closely followed by enhancing observation skills at 54.5%. In comparison, the proportions for strengthening physical health and improving parent-child relationships are notably lower, at 37.2% and 33.2% respectively.

From an intellectual perspective, many parents regard outdoor activities as a useful learning tool. Being close to nature allows children to observe, explore, and think actively. For instance, activities such as watching animals or collecting leaves can arouse curiosity and improve children’s ability to learn through experience. Therefore, outdoor play is seen as a way to support children’s mental development. From a physical and emotional perspective, outdoor activities also offer important benefits. Sports can improve children’s health, and shared activities can enhance family bonds.

In conclusion, to foster well-rounded development, parents should balance activities that stimulate curiosity with those promoting physical health and family interaction.

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