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.
【小題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 |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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. |
【小題1】B
【小題2】D
【小題3】C
【小題4】B
【小題5】A
解析試題分析:文章大意:研究發(fā)現,各國語言當中最廣泛使用的一個詞是“huh?”。
【小題1】B細節(jié)理解題。根據第二段中的They said that while the study may sound silly, the word is an absolutely necessary part of speech.可知,此詞在說話當中很重要。故B正確。
【小題2】D細節(jié)理解題。根據第五段的第一句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.可以得出答案。故D正確。
【小題3】C細節(jié)判斷題。根據第五段的首句They analysed tapes of recorded conversations for words that sounded like “huh?”可知研究者分析不同語言的談話記錄。 故C正確。
【小題4】B細節(jié)理解題。根據最后一段最后一句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.可以得出答案。故B正確。
【小題5】A主旨大意題。根據全文可知研究者對“huh?”的研究,告訴讀者此詞是全世界用得最廣泛的一個詞。 故A正確。
考點:考查文化類閱讀
科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
I used to think of myself as a fairly open person, but my bookshelves told a different story. Apart from a few Indian novels and the Australian and South African book, my literature collection consisted of British and American titles. Worse still, I hardly ever read anything in translation. My reading was limited to stories by English-speaking authors.
So, at the start of 2012, I set myself the challenge of trying to read a book from every country in a year to find out what I was missing. As I was unlikely to find publications from nearly 200 nations on the shelves of my local bookshop, I decided to ask the planet’s readers for help. I created a blog called A Year of Reading the World and put out an appeal for suggestions of titles that I could read in English.
The response was amazing. Before I knew it, people all over the planet were getting in touch with ideas and offers of help. Some posted me books from their home countries. Others did hours of research on my behalf. In addition, several writers sent me unpublished translations of their novels, giving me a rare opportunity to read works otherwise unavailable to the 62% of the British who only speak English. Even so, selecting books was no easy task. With translations making up only around 4.5 percent of literary works published in the UK and Ireland, getting English versions (版本)of stories was difficult.
But the effort was worth it. I found I was visiting the mental space of the storytellers. These stories not only opened my mind to the real life in other places, but opened my heart to the way people there might feel.
And that in turn changed my thinking. Through reading the stories shared with me by bookish strangers around the globe, I realised I was not alone, but part of a network that spread all over the planet.
【小題1】Which of the following might be found on the blog A Year of Reading the World?
A.Lists of English version books. |
B.Research on English literature. |
C.Unfinished novels by British writers. |
D.Comments on English literature. |
A.The author had a busy schedule. |
B.The author was only interested in a few topics. |
C.The author could only read books written in English. |
D.Most books recommended are not available in local bookshops. |
A.America | B.the UK | C.Australia | D.Canada |
A.fast and effortless | B.challenging but rewarding |
C.hopeless but beneficial | D.meaningful but fruitless |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Did you know that the first documented use of OMG(oh my god)was in 1917, or that LOL was once a common term meaning little old ladies in 1960? That's what the world learned when OMG, LOL, and FYI (for your information) were added to the Oxford English Dictionary last week. This dictionary is considered by many to be the reference book that defines the English language.
Words added to the Oxford English Dictionary are truly considered new members of the language. People invent new words all the time, but only a few become popular enough to get defined in dictionaries.
Typed online or in text messages, LOL, FYI, and OMG are initialisms,_which can be said aloud letter by letter, like LOL, which now stands for Laugh Out Loud.Faster to type than the full phrases, initialisms like these have been used online since the 1990s. But these three online terms are now spoken outside the Internet too, making them different from other online lingo( 行話). Dictionary editors decided the words are used so commonly that they had to be defined this year.
Another important addition to the dictionary this year was ?, as in “I ? NY.” This is the first graphic (圖形的 ) symbol ever defined in the Oxford English Dictionary.The editors added ? as a verb under the definition of “heart”, meaning “to love”.
Some slang words — informal language used more commonly in speech than in writing — were also added, like wassup, a shortened way to say “What's up”. Even words that have been in use for many years like biker and happy camper were finally added to the dictionary.
The Oxford English Dictionary now defines more than 600,000 words.That adds up to more than 21,730 pages! Guinness World Records calls it the longest dictionary in the world.The Oxford English Dictionary is known for recording words of all kinds—popular, outdated, and even foreign words used by English speakers throughout the language's long history.
【小題1】The text is mainly about that ________.
A.expressions like LOL and FYI have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary |
B.English words change their meaning as time goes by |
C.English language is becoming more and more difficult to learn |
D.the Oxford English Dictionary breaks the Guinness World Record |
A.Some online terms are added to it. |
B.A graphic symbol is first introduced into it. |
C.Some slang words are collected in it. |
D.Some old words are left out. |
A.Words having foreign origins. |
B.Words made from the first letters of several words in a phrase. |
C.Uncommon words frequently appearing on the Internet. |
D.Official words used in formal documents with capital letters. |
A.spread widely across the Internet |
B.used commonly by the dictionary editors |
C.used commonly in either spoken or written language |
D.a short word |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Scotland is a unique place, loaded with history, where you can find aristocratic(貴族的)palaces and castles, as well as the traditional parades in national costumes.
In order to see and discover the true soul of Scotland today and what formed the character of this splendid region, we have to go towards the northern regions, to the Grampian Mountains(格蘭扁山區(qū)), beautiful and plain. The Scots conquered the environment with simple spades and strong arms, for it was difficult to farm.
The history of this ancient struggle, and its people’s ancient love with the hard land, can be felt within the walls of the Angus Folk Museum. You are able to get a feel of the typical rural atmosphere of times past from the everyday artifacts displayed here.
From coastal Aberdeen in towards the Grampian Mountains there runs the Castle Trail, a road that touches on many fortresses(堡壘), which are witnesses of continual fights against the control of neighboring England in Scottish history.
Perhaps the most exciting moment for Scottish autonomy is the one experienced inside this ancient church of Arbroath, where, in 1320, the Declaration of Independence was celebrated, at the instigation(鼓動)of King Robert the Bruce. He carried out the plan for autonomy drawn up by the great popular hero William Wallace, for whom cinema has designed the wonderful film Brave Heart, the winner of the five Oscars.
This is Glamis Castle, where King Macbeth and Queen Elizabeth used to live. Among the most frequent guests here are the predictable ghosts, if not actually created, by ancient popular beliefs. These have been handed down over the centuries by people tending to live with mystery, with the forces of the supernatural.
Another attraction here is a legendary monster: the Loch Ness Monster. Whether it’s real or imaginary, this monster, which has been nicknamed Nessie, has collected a good 3,000 sightings over the last 50 years.
The true flag of Scotland, tartan, is recognizable from the brightly colored plaid patterns which are used to distinguish the various social groups.
Bagpipes and dancing open the competitions of local sporting events, which are called Highland Gatherings.
【小題1】Take a look at the Angus Folk Museum, and we can learn about _______. .
A.the love of ancient Scottish to the hard land |
B.the rural atmosphere in Grampian Mountains |
C.ancient Scottish people’s fighting against the enemy |
D.the history of the Scottish famous palaces and castles |
A.Fighting against the invaders of England. |
B.Developing business with neighbor areas. |
C.Preventing the people from moving around. |
D.Providing a shelter from tough weather for travelers. |
A.the film Brave Heart winning the five Oscars |
B.the plan for Scottish autonomy being carried out |
C.the instigation of King Robert the Bruce |
D.the celebration of the Declaration of Independence |
A.The film Brave Heart is mainly about King Robert Bruce. |
B.The Scottish film industry is one of the attractions of the land. |
C.Highland gatherings are often marked with bagpipes and dancing |
D.The supernatural forces in Glamis Castle may change a person’s belief. |
A.advise readers to pay a visit to Scotland |
B.teach students about the customs of Scotland |
C.introduce cultural background about Scotland |
D.analyze the geographic formation of Scotland |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
According to legend, the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy, which connects the Palazzo Ducale to an ancient prison, got its name because the walk across it gave prisoners on their way to jail a final chance to enjoy the beauty of the city. The view from the bridge today, however, is more likely to be of a giant billboard selling Bulgari or Coca-cola.
But when the Coke billboards went up this summer on buildings near the Piazza San Marco,which is at the historic heart of Venice, there was a public debate.
"We can't commercialize everything, " said Alessandra Mottola Molfino, a Venetian.
"We couldn't stay quiet, " said Maria Camilla Bianchini d'Alberigo, president of a heritage protection association.
City of officials. however, argue that without these ads, the city could not afford to maintain its heritage. Many have been damaged by centuries of wear and are even a threat to public safety.
"I can't turn down the image of a bottle when there are pieces of the Palazzo Ducale falling to the ground, " said Renata Codello, a Culture Ministry official.
The Culture Minister has a budget of about $ 47 million (315 million yuan) for restoration of monuments. but Italy has a rich architectural heritage, and funds are always tight. Of that amount, $ 1. 8 million was given to the entire Veneto region, which includes Venice.
Two years ago, the city signed an agreement with the Dottor Group, a company responsible for the restoration of the Bridge of Sighs and the Palazzo Ducale. It allows it to sell ad space.
But there is a condition in the agreement: The ads should not offend public taste.
In August, Venice banned US actress Julianne Moore's Bulgrari ad from a billboard in the Piazza San Marco.
The photo shows a naked Moore covered with lion cubs. handbags and jewelry. Mayor Giorgio Orsoni called the image too racy (猥褻) and unsuitable for the Piazza San Marco.
"l consider the fact that Venice is part of the real world_ but we cannot accept these Hollywood-style images. There are wise sponsors. and we need to come up with advertising that suits Venice. not Times Square, " he said in a speech.
【小題1】The article is mainly about__________in Venice.
A.restoration of cultural heritage |
B.widespread commercialization |
C.the conflict between ads and cultural heritage |
D.the difficulty of restoring monuments |
A.introduce other monuments of the ancient city |
B.show many ancient structures need repairing |
C.indicate that the view is blocked by huge ads |
D.attract readers' interest in the famous city |
A.is in favor of | B.is worried about | C.objects to | D.doesn't mind |
A.They support commercialization. |
B.They feel the ads are damaging the city. |
C.The ads are usually racy and in an American style. |
D.The ads don't present a traditional view of Venice. |
A.Hollywood stars' ads cannot go up in Venice |
B.people can buy Bulgari or Coca-cola on the Bridge of Sighs |
C.the Dottor Group may stop its restoration work for lack of funds |
D.the mayor of Venice is expecting new advertising |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Rock and roll music developed in the United States in the early nineteen-fifties. It was based on the music called rhythm and blues that was performed by African American musicians.
Early rock and roll singers developed their own kinds of music. Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, and Bob Dylan were the most popular rock and roll musicians in the early 1960’s. All were American. Then, in 1964, a new rock and roll group from England invaded America: the Beatles.
Some people say the Beatles’ music shook America like an earthquake. The Beatles changed rock and roll forever. Their early songs were influenced by American rock and roll musicians, including Chuck Berry. But the Beatles looked different and sounded different from any musical group before them.
The Beatles released their first album in the United States in 1964, when all of the top five records in America were by the Beatles. In 1967, they released an album called “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” It was one of the first “concept” albums. That is, all the songs were linked by a common story or idea.
The popularity of the Beatles led the way for more rock and roll bands from England to become popular in America. The Rolling Stones was the most important of these bands. The Rolling Stones is one of the few groups from the 1960’s that is still performing and recording today. In 1965, the group recorded one of its most famous songs, “Satisfaction”.
The musical instrument most linked to rock and roll is the guitar. Experts say Jimi Hendrix was one of the most influential guitar players in rock and roll during the late 1960’s. His “Purple Haze” was liked by many people.
By the 1970’s, rock and roll music became known as rock music. It expanded into many new forms. For example, there was country rock, hard rock, acid rock, and heavy metal rock. Punk rock, jazz rock, and glitter rock.
In the middle 1970’s, experts say rock music regained some of the energy of early rock and roll. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band became popular with their album “Born to Run”. Springsteen’s music was like the lively rock and roll music of the early nineteen-sixties. Many of his songs were about social issues. He sang about the effects of unemployment and the war in Vietnam.
【小題1】The main topic of this passage is _______.
A.the history of American music |
B.the famous rock and roll groups |
C.the new forms of rock and roll music |
D.the development of rock and roll music |
A.the Beatles — Chuck Berry |
B.the Rolling Stones — Satisfaction |
C.Jimi Hendrix — Purple Haze |
D.Bruce Springsteen — Born to Run |
A.Elvis Presley’s. | B.Bob Dylan’s. |
C.Jimi Hendrix’s. | D.Springsteen’s. |
A.one of the Rolling Stones’ albums was called “concept” |
B.rock and roll music had many different forms at the beginning |
C.rock and roll music probably came from African American music |
D.the Beatles and the Rolling Stones became popular at the same time |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
The flag, the most common symbol of a nation in the modern world, is also one of the most ancient. With a clear symbolic meaning, the flag in the traditional form is still used today to mark building, ships and other vehicles related to a country.
The national flag as we know it today is in no way a primitive artifact. It is , rather, the product of thousands of years’ development. Historians believe that it had two major ancestors, of which the earlier served to show wind direction.
Early human beings used very fragile houses and boats. Often strong winds would tear roofs from houses or cause high waves that endangered travelers. People’s food supplies were similarly vulnerable (易受損害的). Even after they had learned how to plant grains, they still needed help from nature to ensure good harvests. Therefore they feared and depended on the power of the wind, which could bring warmth from one direction and cold from another.
Using a simple piece of cloth tied to the top of a post to tell the direction of the wind was more dependable than earlier methods, such as watching the rising of smoke from a fire. The connection of the flag with heavenly power was therefore reasonable. Early human societies began to fix long pieces of cloth to the tops of totems (圖騰)before carrying them into battle. They believed that the power of the wind would be added to the good wishes of the gods and ancestors represented by the totems themselves.
These flags developed very slowly into modern flags. The first known flag of a nation or a ruler was unmarked: The king of China around 1008 B.C. was known to have a white flag carried ahead of him. This practice might have been learned from Egyptians even further in the past, but it was from China that it spread over trade routes through India, then across Arab lands, and finally to Europe, where it met up with the other ancestor of the national flag.
【小題1】The best title for the passage would be_________________
A.Uses of Flags | B.Power of the National Flag |
C.Type of Flags | D.Development of the National Flag |
A.they could tell wind direction |
B.they could bring good luck to fighters |
C.they were believed to stand for natural forces. |
D.they were handed down by the ancestors |
A.He knows when it was sent to Europe. |
B.He believes it was made in Egypt. |
C.He doubts where it started |
D.He thinks it came from China. |
A.The second ancestor of the national flag. |
B.The role of China in the spread of the national flag. |
C.The use of modern flags in Europe. |
D.The importance of modern flags. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Getting married can be one of the happiest moments in a person’s life. Throughout the world, weddings are very important events. Let’s look at some interesting wedding customs from different countries.
For African Americans, it is tradition for the married couple to jump over a broom covered with flowers. This represents the beginning of family life. It is interesting to note that African slaves who were brought to the USA started this tradition. African American couples were not allowed to have a legal marriage, so instead they had a ceremony where the bride and groom jumped over a broom “into marriage”.
Making jokes about the bride and groom is a wedding tradition in both France and Germany. In France, this includes making loud noises with pots; in Germany, wedding guests break dishes. Weddings in Germany often last for three days. On Thursday, there is a simple ceremony at a government office noting the official marriage of the couple. Then the couple will have a dinner with family and close friends. On Friday, there is a party. This is when guests break dishes to represent the start of a new life. Then on Sunday, there is a ceremony in a church.
In Greece and Italy, people eat special kinds of sweets at the wedding. Both Greece and Italy also have their own special wedding dances, which all of the guests enjoy.
In Russia, couples tie a doll to their wedding car if they want to have a daughter, or a toy bear if they want to have a son.
In England, it is tradition for the little girls to throw flowers on the ground on the way to the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom walk on these flowers. This represents the hope that the couples will follow the path that leads to a happy life.
Topic | ·Getting married can be 1. __________ than any other moment in a person’s life. ·Interesting wedding customs differ 2. _________ country to country. |
Countries/ People | Wedding Customs |
African Americans | ·Married couple jump over a broom covered with flowers, which 3. _________ the beginning of family life. ·In the past, African American couples were 4. __________ to get married legally. |
France and Germany | ·Make jokes about the bride and groom. ·In Germany, wedding guests get dishes 5. __________. ·A German wedding often 6. _________ three days. |
The Greek and the 7. __________ | ·Either Greece 8. _________ Italy has its own special wedding dances, which all of the guests enjoy. |
Russia | ·If couples want to have a daughter, they will have a doll 9. _________ to their wedding car. |
The English | ·The bride and groom walk on the flowers thrown by little girls. It represents the hope of 10. __________ the path leading to a happy life. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
When I put a foot in the school for the first time, the thing that I will never forget is a big smile coming from the people of the reception. This is the kind of things that means a lot to you when you are feeling like a strange person in a country that you have never been, as it was in my case.
In the classes, I don’t know if I’m a lucky person, but the teachers that I have had, in my opinion, are excellent, very professional in their jobs, and they just seem to enjoy teaching, and make the lessons useful and classes amusing.
Another fact that I’ve really enjoyed is that the school is not only aimed at the English language knowledge. You can also find every kind of activity intended to entertain the students in their free time, with things like going to museums and galleries, visiting special places in the city or going to the very famous pub night to have a few beers with your friends. So here you have the opportunity to enjoy the stay in London, to meet new friends, and also to learn everything about the city and the British culture.
Personally, there are some facts that have not been easy for me since I arrived, like being so far away from my family, the differences between English food and the food I used to eat, and the high prices for everything. However, I am impressed about a very developed and multicultural city, with people aware of the sense of living in community, with a public transport amazingly thorough, with outstanding tourist places, with opportunities for work and with food from every part of the world that you can imagine.
I’ve experienced something priceless with my friends in London. Every time I made contact with my friends from another country, I learn about their culture. I was lucky to have such good friends. I think that time was a present for me.
【小題1】What is the passage mainly about?
A.The author’s learning experience in London. |
B.The friends the author made while in London. |
C.The author’s progress in learning English. |
D.The poor memories in a foreign country. |
A.felt the great pressure from foreigners |
B.was uneasy in the unfamiliar environment |
C.missed everything and everyone in his back home |
D.had difficulty dealing with different cultures and customs |
A.The author’s experience in London is worthless. |
B.Schools in London focus on no activities. |
C.The author had some difficulty in adapting to the life in London. |
D.The teachers are easily confused by the international students. |
A.He learned the differences between languages. |
B.He got to know the city with different cultures. |
C.He served at many outstanding tourists places. |
D.He made contact with friends from his home. |
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