[2026 山东枣庄期中]In the past, many students practised English with their pen friends—they sent letters to people all around the world. However, we now send emails to others and chat with people who live quite far away on the internet. Here’s some advice on how to communicate in English online.
▲How to start a conversation when speaking English online?
When you speak to somebody online, start by asking “Yes or No” questions. Use questions such as “Do you like…?” or “Can you…?” or “Have you ever…?” Remember your goal. You are trying to learn about the other person. Think about things you enjoy and try to find some common ground between you and that person. And share your own experiences to show that you have similar interests. If you only ask questions, you will sound like a policeman or a policewoman!
▲How to keep a conversation going?
“Listen” carefully. In that way, you can get to know somebody well. When you know him or her well, you will have more to talk about. Then ask follow-up questions. After you “listen”, use what you “hear” to learn more about that person. Use “open-ended” questions, such as “What do you think of…?” or “What is the most interesting experience…?”
▲Remember some basic rules for online language exchanges.
Be patient. Do not try to find a good friend right away.
Be careful. Don’t give any personal information on the internet, especially your address, telephone number, and even your real name.
20. How did many students practise English with their pen friends in the past? (no more than 11 words)

21. How should you start a conversation when speaking English online? (no more than 8 words)

22. Translate the underlined sentence into Chinese.

23. What does the writer think of giving personal information online? (no more than 9 words)

24. 新考向开放性试题 Do you think it is a good idea to practise English with people online? Why or why not? (no more than 12 words)

阅读表达·语篇导读 本文主要介绍了一些用英语在线交流的建议。
20. They sent letters to people all around the world. 根据“In the past, many students practised English with their pen friends—they sent letters to people all around the world.”可知,过去学生通过给世界各地的人写信来和笔友练习英语。
21. By asking “Yes or No” questions. 根据“When you speak to somebody online, start by asking ‘Yes or No’ questions.”可知,用英语在线交流时,通过问“是或否”类问题开始对话。
22. 如果你只提问,你听起来会像一名警察!
23. We shouldn’t give any personal information online. 根据“Be careful. Don’t give any personal information on the internet…”可知,作者认为不应在网上透露个人信息。
24. Yes. Because it helps improve English quickly./... 开放性试题,言之有理且无语法错误即可。