江西省南昌市第二中学2018届高三上学期期末检测（英语）

anaemia(贫血) and was hospitalized for six months.

For half a century, Natalie has been teased by fate. But even so, she never gave up her love for music. When asked why the music was so important to her, she said: “Music is everything. I do feel part of it. The whole world is music.”

When Natalie went on the Internet, she became a sign of Melbourne. People are impressed by her persistence in dreams and the optimism of life. Now she is no longer wandering around. She can play the piano at any time, but as long as the weather is good, she will walk to the streets of Melbourne, and play a touching melody for the rush of the city. 24. Why is Natalie’s music so touching to the passers-by? A. It is full of bitterness. B. She composed it herself. C. It’s a reflection of her own life. D. It reminds of the beauty of life.

25. Which of the following can replace the underlined word “knocked back” in Paragraph 2? A. gave up B. obtained C. accepted D. was awarded

26. What does music mean to Natalie? A. It’s her talent.

B. It’s the source of her misfortune. C. It is part of her life. D. It’s a way to earn a living. 27. What does the author try to tell us? A. Natalie is a musical genius. B. Life is not easy for everyone. C. Never give up halfway.

D. Natalie has a strong and brave heart.

C

A young woman sits alone in a café sipping tea and reading a book. She pauses briefly to write in a nearby notepad before showing her words to a passing café waiter: “Where are the toilets please?” This is a familiar scene in Tokyo’s so-called “silent cafés”, where customers are not allowed to speak, and only communicate by writing in notepads.

The concept rises by a desire to be alone among young Japanese, a situation brought by economic uncertainty, a shift in traditional family support structures and the growing social

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isolation. The phenomenon is not limited to coffee shops but covers everything from silent discos, where participants dance alone wearing wireless headphones connected to the DJ, to products such as small desk tents designed for conversation-free privacy in the office. One Kyoto company even offers single women the opportunity to have a “one woman wedding” — a full bridal affair, complete with white dress and ceremony, and the only thing missing is the groom. The trend has its own media expression — “botchi-zoku”, referring to individuals who consciously choose to do things completely on their own.

One recent weekday afternoon, Chihiro Higashikokubaru, a 23-year-old nurse, travelled 90 minutes from her home, to Tokyo on her day off in order to enjoy some solo time. Speaking quietly at the entrance of the cafe, Miss Higashikokubaru said: “I heard about this place via Twitter and I like the idea of coming here. I work as a nurse and it's always very busy. There are very few quiet places in Tokyo, and it's a big busy city. I just want to come and sit somewhere quietly on my own. I’m going to drink a cup of tea and maybe do some drawings. I like the idea of a quiet, calm atmosphere.”

The desire to be isolated is not a new concept in Japan, home to an estimated 3.6 million “hikikomori” — a more extreme example of social recluses (隐士) who withdraw completely from society.

28. What is special about the “silent cafés”? A. It provides various tea and books. B. People are not allowed to communicate. C. It has attracted many popular young people. D. It offers service by writing not by speaking.

29. Which of the following accounts for the idea of being alone in Japan? A. The increasing social isolation. B. The stable economic situation. C. The rising demand for privacy. D. The rapid development of internet. 30. What do we know about Higashikokubaru? A. She doesn’t like to be a nurse. B. She doesn’t like the life in big cities. C. She enjoys her solo time in a quiet place. D. She travelled to Tokyo on her work days. 31. What is the best title of the passage? A. Silent cafés B. Lonely Japanese

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C. One woman wedding D. Social recluses in Japan

D

A generation ago young people longed to become lawyers and doctors. Now they desire to be the next Oscar winner or famous pop star. But one university psychologist has pointed out that this is playing havoc with our self-image and sense of self-worth. Over recent years people around the world have been suffering from an increasing fear of their own “insignificance”, according to Dr. Carlo Strenge of Tel Aviv University.

He began a project on the phenomenon 10 years ago, after noticing an increase of fear in his own patients. His findings, presented in a new book, notes hundreds of research projects that have recorded an unprecedented(前所未有的) increase in levels of anxiety and depression.

By using a wide-ranging framework Dr. Strenger thinks he has given the accurate cause. “The impact of the global entertainment network on the individual is to blame,” he said. “A new species—global man—is born and we are defined by our close connection to the global entertainment network, which has turned ranking and evaluating people according to wealth and fame into an obsession(狂热).”

As humans we naturally measure ourselves by those around us, but now we live in a “global village” where we are comparing ourselves with the most “significant” people in the world—and finding ourselves not good enough.

Dr. Strenger says people should stop measuring their achievement through the cultural fantasies of rich and famous people.

The remedy (治疗方法) is a process that he calls “active self-acceptance” through a continuing search for self-knowledge through life. The fear of insignificance can only be overcome through strong individual and cultural identity over and above measurable achievement. \studies and law school, \

32. What does the underlined part “playing havoc with” in the first paragraph probably mean? A. Determining. B. Improving. C. Damaging. D. Protecting.

33. According to the text, what leads people to feel insignificant? A. Too much pressure from career. B. Global entertainment network. C. Lack of support from family.

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D. Financial problems.

34. What should people do to remove the fear of \A. They should stay away from famous people. B. They should try to make their dreams come true.

C. They should compare themselves with successful people around. D. They should take time to develop correct worldviews. 35. In which column of a magazine may the article appear? A. Health. B. Fashion. C. Family. D. Technology.

第二节（共5小题：每小题2分，满分10分）

根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。

The key to healthy selfishness is being self-focused instead of self-involved. Schedule some\

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Selfish people tend to take better care of themselves instead of giving too much energy away serving the needs of everyone else. Instead of spending all of their time at work, these men and women carve out time for themselves. For example, they travel more, exercise all the time, and eat well.

You' ll have an advantage when it comes to leadership roles.

Studies have shown that acting in your own self-interest may give you an advantage in leadership roles. 37 They go after what they want consistently and they’re not afraid to ask for the raise or promotion. Selfish people have a drive to succeed. There is often a higher purpose to be a great leader—taking care of other people. But if you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t care for others. 38

You' ll have better relationships.

People will have a harder time controlling or taking advantage of you if you are selfish. Setting boundaries means knowing where you end and other person begins. 39 Then you will not feel pleasant for bending, which won’t contribute to your good relationship.

You'll be happier.

Selfish people spend their time doing activities they like to do. If you have a well-developed sense of who you are, what you enjoy and the ability to communicate this to others, you'll be a happier person. 40 Instead, it’s a necessary factor which can ensure your happiness. A. You'll be healthier.

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