In 2020, the banking trade body UK Finance reported a 15% fall in the use of cash. Since their first use, debit card（借记卡）payments have given cash a run for its money. Last year, for the first time ever, the use of debit cards and digital payment became the most popular method of paying. In fact, if it continues like this, the use of cold hard cash would end by 2026, says the report.
Many businesses decide not to take cash. For example, the Boot pub in Freston opened last year as a cashless pub. In a BBC article, its owner Mike Keen stated that, in this way， he could provide a quicker speed of service and save a lot of time as he needn’t cash up each day or put money in the bank several times each week.
However, according to the Access to Cash Review, an independent body measuring the need for cash in the UK, those living in rural areas with poor Internet connectivity and people who have physical or mental health problems are among those that find it difficult to use digital services. In addition, many service providers, such as window cleaners, are still paid cash in hand.
Is cash dead? Not yet it would seem，though as more technological solutions to payment, such as smart watches, become commonplace, its use is likely to decrease more. What's important is, the report concludes, to put in place infrastructure （基础设施）to ensure that those who still need to pay for the goods in an old-fashioned way can get their money’s worth, 25. From the first paragraph we know that_______.
A. Lydians invented banknotes B. China first made metal into cash
C. modem technology has changed paying habits D. cash is important in our lives 26. Mike Keen thinks that_______.
A. being cashless makes him earn less money B. being cashless benefits him a lot C. paying in cash is not safe D. paying in cash has its advantages
27. What conclusion can we draw from Paragraph 4?
A. Some people in the UK still need cash. B. People in rural areas are not wealthy.
C. Digital services are hard to use for most people in ttie UK. D. People in rural areas have more health problems than those in cities. 28. What is the author’s attitude toward the future of cash?
A. Cash is too old-fashioned to be used. B. We still need cash, although we use it less.
C. Cash payment will become more popular in rural areas.
D. Cash payment will be totally replaced with technological solutions. C
Studying abroad is one of the greatest decisions for a student, as it not only helps him find better career opportunities, but also gives him the best experience of a new culture. But just only the thought of leaving your country and settling down in a new place makes you fearful. Here are some problems you need to consider if you really want to study abroad.
Problems in Finding the Right University: One of the common problems students who want to study abroad face is that they fail to find out the right university to take admission （入学）for their bright future. And approaching the consultants （顾问）is the solution to the problem, as they guide you not only in choosing the right course, but also in admission and university selection, etc.
Accommodation Problems: Visiting a new country and finding the best,
safest and cheapest accommodation is easier said than done. Consulting the experts helps you find the best accommodation without unnecessary trouble. To solve the problem, you need to book a place before you leave the country, so you have a place to stay.
Visa （签证）and Other Documentation: Most of the students fail to go abroad for their higher study because they fail to pass the visa interview or hand in all the documents required for the same. Well, the only solution to the problem is approaching study visa consultants, who help you prepare all the documents in a correct manner and also prepare you for the visa interview.
Financial Problem: Receiving higher studies in a foreign country is costly and therefore, it is important to prepare a budget to sort the things out. Make sure you plan for everything and have some savings to live in a new country.
These are some of the common problems you may face. Make sure you approach highly experienced and knowledgeable overseas study consultants，as they’ll help you overcome all the difficulties and make the overall process easier for you.
29. To find the right university, you are supposed to _____；.
A. ask a consultant for advice universities
C. gather information by yourself high school
30. When applying for a visa，you are advised to ______.
A. pass the interview of your university B. prepare for it with an experienced foreigner
C. express yourself clearly and specifically in the visa interview
D. be one of the top students at B. call people who work in the
D. hand in all the required documents with the help of your consultant 31. What can we infer from this text about consultants?
A. They are very costly.
B. They can shorten the visa process for you.
C. They play an important role in your applying to study abroad. D. They can help you with your financial problems. 32. The author wrote this text to________.
A. explain to us what to study in a foreign country B. tell us the difficulty in applying for a study visa
C. show us how to find the right university in a foreign country D. give us some advice about studying in a foreign country D
Watch the sunshine at the beaches in L.A. including family-friendly beaches and a surfer’s heaven with 80-degree days nearly year-round to sunbathe, surf and play.
Zuma Beach
There are several volleyball nets available along the beaches of Zuma to get a group into a game on the sand. Surfing is allowed north of Lifeguard Tower 14. Boogie boarding （俯卧式冲 浪）and wakeboarding are allowed at all locations. It’s also perfect for snorkeling（浮潜）at Zuma and you can see a few halibut （a large flat sea fish） in the water.
El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is located just north of Zuma on Pacific Coast Highway just south of La Piedra and El Pescador State Beaches. Small， beautiful and featured in rocky outcrops （露出地 面的岩层），El Matador looks unlike a European beach. Wear shoes and don’t bring too many things. Arriving early or staying late should reward you with sunrise or sunset that you will
never forget.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach is a pretty 11/2-mile beach in North Malibu that has campgrounds nearby, as well as hiking, biking, surfing, tide pools to explore, and has a dog-friendly area of beach for four-legged companions to enjoy the surf. This is one of the rarest beaches where dogs are allowed to walk. There are signs stating that dogs are required to be on a leash （束缚）while visiting the beach instead of No Dogs Allowed signs so you can tell that you are in the right area.
Malibu Beach
The beaches of Malibu have a lot to offer. You can surf, swim and play volleyball. It is a famous location for film shooting（拍摄）and is the world-famous Rich Area of Los Angeles, where many famous Hollywood stars’ houses are located. The opening scene of Lee Min-ho’s first episode of the popular Korean drama “Heirs” was filmed at Malibu Beach. 33. What do you know about Zuma Beach?
A. It is suitable for two friends to talk. B. It is famous for different special fishes. C. It holds beach volleyball matches very year. D. People can do a variety of sports activities there. 34. When visiting El Matador State Beach, you
A. must be hurt by rocky outcrops
B. can park your car at its free parking lot C. may enjoy the unforgettable sunrise or sunset D. had better take as many basic things as possible
35. If Mary wants to take her lovely dog to the beach, which beach suits her best?
河南省驻马店市正阳县高级中学2020学年高三英语上学期第一次素质检测试题
