【正文】 ting（展現(xiàn)） a very open awareness of their environment,” he said. 25． According to the BBC report, the main strategy of a successful pickpocket is________. A. to distract victims B. to give themselves multiple tasks to do C. to focus on the most important details D. to use swift hand movements 26． When groups of pickpockets use their mon trick, ________. A. it is the third thief’ s task to steal what they can from the victim B. the victim usually doesn’ t dare to argue with them C. the victim usually gets confused and lets down his or her guard D. two members bump into the victim from different directions at the same time 27． Why do some thieves hang out near signs saying things like “ beware of pickpocketers” ? A. They think it is more thrilling to steal in those areas. B. Normally there are no police officers around. C. They don’ t know mon people’ s psychology. D. They have a better chance of locating people’ s valuables there. 28． According to James Brown, which of the following types of person is more likely to be pickpocketed? A. People who look weak. B. People who are walking slowly. C. People who are absentminded. D. People who are alert to their surroundings C Whether it’s joining a school club, going to a friend’s birthday party, or travelling by train, we can meet new people anywhere and anytime in our lives. However, many of us feel awkward when meeting people for the first time, especially when we aren’t quite sure what to say. The situation feels cold, even icy. “Breaking the ice” is a term widely used in the English speaking countries to describe a small talk technique that can help rescue a conversation from certain failure. So where do you even begin? Well, a good start is to accept that it is perfectly normal to feel a little nervous when talking to someone for the first time. They might look grumpy or scary, but they could turn out to be the nicest person you’ve ever met. You might think that breaking the ice is difficult. But sometimes just a simple “hello”, followed by a three second smile, can make all the difference. Complimenting someone on their garment or accessories(飾品 ) is also a great, easy way to break the ice. You might say: “I love your jacket. Where did you buy it from？ ” Being in an unfortable or unpleasant situation with someone new might feel terrible, but it can actually be one of the best icebreakers. By focusing on the situation, you e together to fight the mon enemy: the long bathroom queue, for example, or the overcrowded bus. You can make observations too. “What kind of drink is that?” “That’s a lovely name. What does it mean?” “Do you study here too?” There are opportunities all around you to ask questions that don’t seem weird, as long as you have some followup questions in mind. If you’re feeling extra bold, make a joke. Jokes can be difficu lt to master but if you get them right, they show the likeable, witty side of your character. “What’s your name?” “Well, people usually call me Mike, but you can call me tonight.” 29. Which is the best title for the passage? A. How to develop friendship with a stranger B. Advice on breaking the ice when we municate with a stranger C. How to bee a successful public speaker D. How to start a conversation with a person 30. The underlined word “grumpy” can be replaced by______. A. easily annoyed B. gentle C. lowspirited D. cheerful 31. What can we learn from the passage? A. “Breaking the ice” is a small talk technique widely used in our daily munication all over the world. B. As long as you can smile at others, you will make some friends. C. Realizing that it’s normal to feel nervous in front of a stranger is a good start to break the ice. D. Being in an unfortable situation with some strangers can be the best icebreakers. 32. According to the passage, making a joke________. A. can be done with ease. B. leads to many new friends. C. can show your wisdom and lovely character. D. makes you enjoy your life happily. D If you live in a big city, there are many things to drive you crazy on your daily route, and it’s not just overcrowded subway trains. Vicky Zhao is a mainlander working in Hong Kong. For her, one thing she can’t put up with is people standing on the wrong side of the escalator（自動扶梯） in subway stations. “Escalators help us move faster and save time. It isn’t a place to rest,” the 24yearold says. “I often see tourists block the way with their suitcases or chatting on the escalators during rush hours. It annoys me to no end.” Admitting she is not the patient type, Zhao says things are much better in Hong Kong than in cities on the mainland where “stand right, walk left” signs are often ignored. The logic behind the “stand right, w alk left” escalator etiquette （禮儀）seems obvious. Even though you may want to catch your breath while you’re transported up or down, you should still consider others and leave enough space for people in a hurry, so that they can run and catch the train. Many cities’ escalators, including London’s and Beijing’s, use the “stand right, walk left” system to speed up the flow of people. （ Australia is an exception and you should stand on the left side instead.） But some cities discourage people from moving on escalators out of safety reasons. In Hong Kong’s subway stations there are regular announcements asking people to “stand still” on escalators. Even so, most people in this fastpaced city observe the “stand right, walk left” etiquette. But the people who stand on escalators defend themselves by telling the walkers not to be so impatient. The BBC quotes one stander as saying：