周末加油站

本刊试题研究中心

Task 1

For centuries, people have kept large amounts of cash at home during difficult times. But in the coronavirus （冠状病毒） crisis, things are different. These metal coins and paper bills can be a source of worry rather than hope.

The fear is that these objects, possibly touched by thousands of people, could be a carrier for the coronavirus to spread. Public officials and health experts have said that the risk is small. Still, some businesses refuse to accept them, and some countries have suggested that their citizens should stop using them altogether.

Zachary Cohle is an economics professor at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. “In many areas, cash was already beginning to disappear due to the increased risk of robbery, the ease of Internet ordering, and the ubiquity of cellphones,” he said. The term ubiquity refers to something being seen everywhere. Sweden, Finland, Norway, Canada and others have slowly reduced cash use to the point where using it in large amounts seems unusual. Britain and Australia are expected to become cashless countries. And in China, cash use has dropped as electronic payment services increased in popularity over the past ten years. “Cash ist Fesch” is a common saying in Austria and Southern Germany. The words mean cash is beautiful. Since the virus outbreak, shops that have remained open, like grocery stores, have encouraged people to pay with cards. And Germany's central bank said 43 percent of Germans recently paid for goods and services with a card.

However, cash use is still common in places like West and Central Africa where many cannot pay for the cost of banking services. Dorothy Harpool teaches at Wichita State University's W. Frank Barton School of Business. Harpool thought some people would rethink their use of cash during the crisis. But she said the world would not be cashless “until everyone and every country has reliable access to the Internet”. In Lebanon, as the economy worsened late last year, the central bank said people withdrew（取出） an estimated $3 billion and saved it at home.

“Coronavirus is the last thing on people's minds right now,” Ihsan, a money changer in Beirut said. “All they're thinking about is how to handle this crisis and get money to live.” He said there are some things you just cannot do without cash.

1. Why do people worry about the use of cash during the coronavirus crisis?

A. Cash may increase the risk of being robbed.

B. Cash may increase the chance of being infected.

C. Cash may increase the inconvenience of paying.

D. Cash may increase the inconvenience of carrying.

2. Which country is expected to be a cashless country?

A. Britain. B. Sweden. C. Norway. D. China.

3. What does the saying “Cash ist Fesch” mean in Southern Germany?

A. Cash is important. B. Cash is dirty.

C. Cash is beautiful. D. Cash is common.

4. Why is cash use still common in West and Central Africa?

A. People living there prefer cash.

B. People living there dislike banks.

C. People living there have no access to Internet.

D. People living there can't afford banking services.

Task 2

Three in five people in the UK hold a library card. For some, the libraries are a shelter from the stresses of day-to-day life. 1 If you're considering joining your local library, it is the time to do so now. And if you need some more encouragement, here are several reasons why you should.

Most libraries in the UK allow members of the general public to come and go as they like. 2 You can also take out a library card and borrow books for free, but remember to return books in time,or you will inevitably face a fine for late returns.

3 Imagine just how many books you have at your fingertips with a library card. There are lots of modern ones, as well as originals, and you can continue to expand your learning and vocabulary all the time. It's a priceless experience, especially for kids, and also a great way to level the educational playing field.

Libraries develop with time. They have changed greatly since decades ago. 4 Some libraries have apps so you can see when your books are due back and even reserve books in some cases. There are also libraries which let you access books in digital formats on your mobile device.

Libraries are one of very few spaces left in towns and cities where members of the public can come together and actually be and feel like a community. They have notice boards to offer services like exercise classes or learning centers. 5

A. Libraries help people learn.

B. Libraries help educate the kids.

C. They create a great sense of community.

D. You can go in, settle down and read a book without being charged a penny.

E. Most libraries now have computers and allow people to borrow CDs and DVDs.

F. Libraries help us save money as we're borrowing books rather than buying them.

G. For others, particularly the homeless and people in poverty, the libraries are a lifeline to the world.

Task 3

Task 4

3. 针对反映的问题提出自己的建议。注意：

1. 词数100左右；

2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Task 5

阅读下面短文，根据其内容写一篇60词左右的内容概要。

Shyness is partly a result of genes people have inherited （经遗传获得）. It's also influenced by behaviors they've learned, the ways people have reacted to their shyness, and life experiences they've had. The examples other people set can also play a role in whether a person learns to be shy or not. If the parents of a shy child are overly cautious or overprotective,it can teach the child to back away from situations that might be uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

Many people want to reduce their shyness.But people who are naturally shy also have gifts that they might not appreciate in themselves. For example, because shy people may prefer listening to talking, they sometimes become really good listeners. People who are shy might also become sensitive to other people's feelings and emotions. Because of their sensitivity and listening skills, many people with a shy personality are especially caring toward others, and interested in how others feel. People often consider them the finest friends.

Overcoming shyness takes practice. People who are shy tend to give themselves fewer chances to practice social behaviors. It's no wonder that people who shy away from socializing don't feel as socially confident as people who are outgoing—they have less practice! The more you practice social behaviors, the easier they get, and the more natural they feel for you.

Take slow, steady steps forward. Going slow is OK. But be sure to go forward. Stepping back from any situations that might trigger you to feel shy can reinforce shyness and keep it at a level that's hard to get past. Build confidence by taking one small forward step at a time. Also,it's OK to feel awkward. Everyone does sometimes. People who are shy are often afraid to feel awkward or uncomfortable. But don't let that keep you from doing what you want. You might feel awkward asking your friends for help. That's perfectly natural. Whether your friend says “yes”or “no” is out of your control. But not asking at all means you'll never get the help. So go for it anyway!