上海市嘉定一中等四校2024-2025学年高二下学期期中联考英语试题

2024学年第二学期 高二年级 期中考试 英语试题 I. Grammar and Vocabulary Section A Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank. Shop Smart During Store Closing Sales When a major store like Toys R Us goes out of business, it’s easy to assume that everything on the shelves is being sold at a huge discount. “Store Closing” signs make shoppers feel pressured to act fast, encouraging them ____1____ (rush) in and grab what they can. But in reality, liquidation sales often require careful attention if you want to find real value. Liquidation sales, which are special sales held when a store is going out of business, ____2____ (design) to sell off all items quickly — but that doesn’t necessarily mean the prices are the lowest. Many liquidation events begin ____3____ not-so-big discounts, usually around 20%, and the reductions deepen as time goes on. By then, however, the most desirable items may already be gone. That’s ____4____ experts recommend comparing prices at other stores or online before making a purchase. Shoppers should also be careful when using gift cards. Once a store files for bankruptcy (破产), it may stop ____5____ (honor) gift cards without warning. This happened when Borders shut down in 2011 — many customers were left holding worthless cards. ____6____ (use) in a timely manner, a gift card from a closing store can still hold its full value. Another important point: check every item thoroughly. In most cases, liquidation purchases are final sale, meaning you can’t return anything ____7____ it’s damaged. Electronics, in particular, ____8____ be tested or inspected before buying. Be mindful of marketing tricks too. Phrases like “Everything Must Go!” or “Best Prices Ever!” often ____9____ (create) pressure. Instead of buying on impulse (冲动), take a moment to ask yourself whether the item is really worth it. In short, store closures can offer great deals — but only to shoppers ____10____ do their homework, stay alert, and shop smart. Section B Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need. A. actions B. choosing C. exercising D. grounded E. intentional F. modest G. passengers H. predictive I. separating J. thoughts K. weighing Free Will Under the Scanner One night while lying awake, I found myself turning over different ways to begin an essay. I imagined sentence after sentence, ____11____ how each might flow into the next. All the while, neurons (神经元) were quietly firing in my brain. That neural activity helps explain why I had those ____12____ — but does it also mean I had no choice in the matter? Some scientists believe so. A number of influential studies suggest that our brains launch ____13____ before we are aware of making a decision. In the 1980s, Benjamin Libet found that electrical signals in the brain — so-called readiness potentials — appear before people report choosing to move. More recent studies have found similar results, sometimes detecting ____14____ brain activity several seconds in advance. These findings have led some researchers to conclude that free will doesn’t exist — that the brain, not the mind, determines what we do. Neuroscientist John-Dylan Haynes, for instance, has argued that our decisions are “predetermined,” and that the brain is “making the decision before the person.” Philosopher and biologist Jerry Coyne goes further, claiming that none of our choices result from ____15____ reflection at all. But do these experiments really show that we are mere ____16____, watching decisions unfold from the backseat? Not quite. The tasks involved in these studies, like ____17____ between two buttons, are simple. They do not reflect the kind of thoughtful planning we engage in every day. Moreover, the power of early brain signals is ____18____ at best. In many cases, it’s only slightly more accurate than a coin flip (抛硬币). Other research shows that conscious (有意识的) thought does matter. Forming specific intentions, reflecting on goals, and ____19____ self-control can significantly influence our actions. These processes, though _____20_____ in the brain, are central to what we understand as free will. III. Reading Comprehension Section A Directions: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context. In its best days, a visit to the London Trocadero was the highlight of many tourist trips to Britain. Opened in 1896, it was one of the grandest restaurants in the world. After a long decline it ____21____ in 1965. Yet soon the Trocadero will be on the London tourist-map once again: a 583-room hotel has come back. It is a(n) ____22____ of the hotel boom currently under way in London. The number of hotel rooms has risen from 129,000 in 2013 to 149,000 today. Last year occupancy rates reached their highest in a decade and average prices were higher than ever. The hotels’ boom is ____23____, given the competition from sharing-economy websites and apps that allow people to rent out their spare rooms to travellers. Airbnb, the biggest such service, has ____24____ hotel revenues (收入) in some American cities by as much as 10%. By comparison, the impact of room-booking apps has been ____25____ in London. Only 0.5% of Londoners advertise their ____26____ on Airbnb, compared with 2.4% of Parisians. One reason is that there is a ____27____ of reasonably priced residential stock near London’s main tourist attractions, which are occupied by offices and mansions. And according to a recent report by Citi, a bank, the growth of Airbnb listings in London and other big European cities is already ____28____, meaning that Londoners’ spare rooms are unlikely to be able to handle much more demand. Hotels have also benefited from a change in the ____29____ of visitors coming to Britain. While the strong pound has persuaded many tourists to go to cheaper destinations, business travellers cannot avoid London so easily. So although tourist spending didn’t witness a(n) ____30____ in 2015, businessfolk rose by 7% in Britain compared with the previous year. Unlike holidaymakers who are willing to book a room in a stranger’s home on Airbnb to save a few pounds, most businesspeople are travelling on expense accounts and ____31____ to spend. Meanwhile their employers, with a duty to ensure safety, remain ____32____ booking spare rooms, which they fear conceal slippery stairs, faulty electrics and other hazards. This ____33____ hoteliers nicely. But not all of them. Business travellers may not yet be switching to Airbnb, but they are ____34____ their costs. More than half the new rooms built in London this year will be operated by budget brands. Even the once-luxurious Trocadero cannot ____35____ that trend. Having made its name a century ago selling nine-course meals to the upper classes, in 2017 it re-opened — but as a budget hotel. 21. A. evolved B. reopened C. boasted D. closed 22. A. advantage B. symbol C. origin D. criticism 23. A. sustainable B. nationwide C. surprising D. short-lived 24. A. forced down B. added up C. come from D. resulted in 25. A. explored B. promoted C. suspected D. limited 26. A. products B. discoveries C. tendencies D. properties 27. A. shortage B. possibility C. threat D. collection 28. A. beginning B. remaining C. slowing D. repeating 29. A. age B. gender C. type D. analysis 30 A. similarity B. increase C. difference D. decrease 31. A. happy B. reluctant C. careful D. sorry 32. A. certain of B. careful about C. expert at D. busy in 33. A. suits B. warns C. defines D. guides 34. A. looking up to B. cutting down on C. making up for D. settling down to 35. A. follow B. confirm C. explain D. escape Section B Directions: Read the following three passages. Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage you have just read. (A) Once a dominant presence on the Great Plains, the American bison (美洲野牛) was nearly driven to extinction by the end of the 19th century. Tens of millions once moved freely across North America, but uncontrolled hunting, habitat loss, and westward expansion reduced their numbers to just a few hundred by the late 1800s. A turning point came in the early 20th century, thanks to efforts by conservationists and institutions like the Bronx Zoo. In 1907, the zoo played a crucial role in one of the first major bison reintroduction programs. It shipped 15 bison to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. This initiative continued in 1913, when 14 more bison were sent to Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. These early transfers laid the foundation for today’s population of free-ranging bison. Currently, approximately 20,000 bison live in managed conservation areas, many of them are related to those original Bronx Zoo animals. These bison are carefully monitored to ensure genetic diversity and protect the species from the threats that nearly wiped them out more than a century ago. In recognition of the bison’s cultural and ecological importance, the U. S. officially declared November 1 as National Bison Day. The bison was also declared the national mammal (哺乳动物) of the United States, symbolizing strength, toughness and the success of wildlife conservation efforts. Despite their size — adult bison can weigh over a ton and reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour — these animals are still vulnerable. Conservationists continue to work on restoring larger, free-ranging bison in more areas, with a long-term goal of creating self-sustaining populations that play a natural role in grassland ecosystems. The story of the American bison is one of near loss and remarkable recovery — a reminder that, with joint effort and respect for nature, it is possible to reverse even the most dramatic declines. 36. What happened in the early 20th century that was seen as a turning point? A The bison population reached its lowest point. B. The U. S. government banned all hunting of bison. C. Bison were hunted more heavily across North America. D. The Bronx Zoo began sending bison to protected areas. 37. The word “vulnerable” (paragraph 5) can be best replaced by “______”. A. in power B. at risk C. under control D. by surprise 38. Why did the U. S. officially declare November 1 as National Bison Day? A. To mark the founding of the Bronx Zoo. B. To honor the bison’s role in culture and nature. C. To raise awareness about the bison’s past declines. D. To promote the conversation of other large mammals. 39. Which of the following is the best title for this passage? A. The Return of the Bison B. The Life of Bison in the Wild C. How the Bronx Zoo Became Famous D. The Rise and Fall of the Great Plains (B) Colleague Council Meeting 3rd Oct 20 Chairperson: Jane Simmons Minutes Secretary: Liz Bateman 1 Welcome Jane Simmons welcomed all colleagues to the meeting. She explained the aim of the Colleague Council—issues which are of concern to staff members can be raised and discussed by the group, and then addressed to Personnel Manager, Penny Kacelnik, in the second half of the meeting. Meetings will be held four times a year. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 2 Lifting of International call barring The council asked if it would be possible to have the phone system changed so that international calls can be made. All phones in Sales & Marketing will be modified in November to allow for international calls. Anyone else who needs to call overseas should contact Asif Din in IT. 3 Recycling of paper The council enquired if the correct route for raising recycling issues was through John Evans, Office Services Manager. Penny agreed that this was the correct route. She also added that she would welcome everyone looking at the paper they use and cutting down if possible. Individuals are reminded that they can also make a difference by turning lights and monitors etc. off. 4 Healthy snack options in snack machines The council requested that a healthy range of snacks be available from the snack machine. Penny reminded everyone that the canteen offers healthy lunch-time options. She will discuss the contents of the machine with the leasers (租赁方) when the lease comes up for renewal next month. Feedback to be given at Jan meeting. 5 Removal of study grants The council expressed regret that study grants for non-professional courses were no longer available. People should be encouraged to take language courses, for example, given our growing international market. Penny explained that Management felt this money could be better used on paying for courses which would lead to professional qualifications, such as Accountancy, Credit Control. She also suggested that in-house language courses could be taught by members of staff. Next Meeting: Will be January, precise date to be confirmed Attendees: Louisa Barlow, Gary Brown, Natalie Cole, Orla Doyle, Tariq Ali, Penny Kacelnik (Personnel Officer) 40. The word “Minutes” is closest in meaning to “________”. A. unexpected emergencies B. the duration of a meeting C. written records of a meeting D. suggestions from employees 41. What proposal did the Colleague Council put forward? A. Holding the Colleague Council Meeting four times a year. B. Allowing the employees to make international calls. C. Dealing with documents on the computer instead of on paper. D. Asking the canteen to provide more healthy lunch options. 42. What suggestion did Penny Kacelnik give to those who want to take language courses? A. Shifting to a course leading to professional qualifications. B. Applying to the Personnel Office for a special grant. C. Turning to a colleague who speaks that language. D. Referring to the growing international market. (C) Astronomy is unique among the sciences as it relies on distant observations. Unlike geologists or biologists, astronomers cannot physically study their subjects. Instead, they use telescopes and computer simulations (模拟) to explore the cosmos. One such effort is the EAGLE (Evolution and Assembly of Galaxies and their Environments) project, created by researchers at Durham and Leiden Universities. This advanced simulation models a universe over 300 million light-years wide, containing thousands of galaxies (星系) , including ones similar to the Milky Way. To build EAGLE, scientists traced the history of the Universe back before the formation of galaxies and stars. Three key forces influenced the Universe’s evolution: dark matter, normal matter, and dark energy. Dark matter provided an invisible framework for galaxies to form, while dark energy counteracted this by driving the Universe’s expansion. Previous simulations struggled to accurately reproduce galaxy formation, often generating overly massive galaxies. By improving their models and using updated data, the EAGLE team created a more realistic representation of the evolution of the Universe. Developing the simulation took years. Researchers translated complex processes into a complicated computer program, which ran on the DiRAC-II supercomputer for over six weeks. The results were remarkable — EAGLE-generated galaxies was very similar to real ones. According to Professor Richard Bower, an astronomer involved in the project, many people cannot distinguish between actual astronomical images and those produced by EAGLE. A major advantage of EAGLE is its ability to track galaxies over time. By rewinding the simulation, scientists have solved mysteries like the disappearance of small red galaxies observed in the early Universe. EAGLE revealed that many of these galaxies mixed with larger ones, explaining their absence in later observations. The simulation also casts light on why larger galaxies form fewer stars: their black holes grow quickly, consuming surrounding gas and preventing star formation. The team now aims to simulate the future of the Universe. This is challenging due to dark energy’s increasing influence, which speeds up the expansion of the universe. However, advancements in computing may allow researchers to expand EAGLE’s scale, providing deeper insights into galactic evolution. 43. What does the word “counteract” (paragraph 2) most likely mean? A. Measured. B. Enhanced. C. Balanced. D. Opposed. 44. What can be inferred about the advantages of EAGLE from the passage? A. It offers insights into the past galactic events. B. It doesn’t take much effort from astronomers. C. It doesn’t need to rely on advancements in computing. D. It helps explain why dark energy expands the universe. 45. Why is Professor Richard Bower cited in the passage? A. To introduce the universities involved in the EAGLE project. B. To emphasize the scientific accuracy of the EAGLE simulation. C. To highlight the challenges of running supercomputer programs. D. To explain the role of dark matter and dark energy in galaxy formation. 46. What is the main idea of the passage? A. The EAGLE project proves observational astronomy is accurate. B. The EAGLE project highlights the difficulties astronomers face. C. The EAGLE project models galaxy formation and evolution. D. The EAGLE project successfully represents the Milky Way. Section C Directions: Complete the following passage by using the sentences given below. Each sentence can be used only once. Note that there are two more sentences than you need. Bad Dreams Are Good What are dreams for? There are a handful of theories. Sigmund Freud famously claimed that they reveal hidden truths and wishes. More recent studies suggest dreams might help us deal with strong feelings, improve our memories, understand random brain signals, or prepare us for danger. Despite being largely unsupported by evidence, Freud’s view maintains a strong following around the world. Researchers found in a study that students in the U.S., South Korea, and India were much more likely to say that dreams reveal hidden truths than to support better-substantiated theories. ____47____ In the same study, respondents said that dreaming about a plane crash would cause them more anxiety than an official warning about a terrorist attack. ____48____ The majority of dreams occur during REM sleep cycles, of which the average person has four or five a night. Anxiety is quite common: A study of Canadian university students found the most common dream topics to be school, falling, being chased, and arriving too late for something. ____49____ A 1958 study determined that compared with Japanese people, Americans dreamed more about being locked up, losing a loved one, finding money, being inappropriately dressed, or encountering a mad person. Japanese people were more likely to dream about school, trying repeatedly to do something, being paralyzed (麻痹的) with fear, or “wild, violent beasts.” If human dreams sound terrible, bear in mind that even negative ones can have positive effects. In a study of students taking a French medical-school entrance exam, 60 percent of the dreams they had beforehand involved a problem with the exam, such as being late or leaving an answer blank. ____50____ So the next time you dream about an education-related experience in which you are both falling and being chased, don’t worry: It’s probably totally meaningless. Then again, your brain might be practicing so you’ll be ready if such an event ever comes to pass. A. For all the commonalities dreams exhibit, they differ across cultures. B. Relatedly, people put great stock in their dreams. C. The dreamiest member of the animal kingdom logs up to eight hours of REM sleep a day. D. Even if dreams can’t foretell the future, they seem to expose our shared fascinations. E. Others argue that dreams have no evolutionary function at all. F. But those who reported dreams about the exam, even bad ones, did better on it than those who didn’t. Ⅳ. Summary Writing 51. Directions: Read the following passage. Summarize in no more than 60 words the main idea and the main point(s) of the passage. Use your own words as far as possible. The Power of Humor Humor is the heartbeat of online communication, bringing people together through laughter and shared experiences. Whether it’s a witty meme, a cleverly edited video, or a joke about the chaos of daily life, humor adds a spark to conversations and makes interactions more enjoyable. From the mundane to the unexpected, it turns ordinary moments into something worth sharing. One of the most entertaining ways humor thrives online is through storytelling. People take everyday situations and add a twist to make them both funny and relatable. Imagine waiting so long for your food that you start picturing the chef planting cabbage seeds in the kitchen—it’s these playful twists on reality that make humor so engaging. By injecting creativity into the ordinary, jokes become more than just funny words. They become shared experiences that keep conversations lively. Another way humor spreads is through wordplay. A well-crafted pun or a clever twist on a familiar phrase can instantly brighten someone’s day. These spontaneous jokes add energy to conversations, making interactions not just memorable but also more dynamic. A perfectly timed joke can even ease the tension in a serious discussion, reminding everyone that a little laughter goes a long way. Beyond entertainment, humor serves as a coping mechanism, helping people handle stress and uncertainty. In difficult moments, a lighthearted remark can offer comfort, making tough topics easier to discuss. Laughter has a way of breaking down barriers, bringing people together through a shared sense of relief. It’s a reminder that even in life’s challenges, there’s room for joy. In the digital world, humor does more than entertain—it builds bridges, promotes understanding, and adds a little brightness to everyday life. Whether through storytelling, wordplay, or a simple joke that lifts someone’s spirits, humor remains a driving force in human connection, making the world feel just a bit closer and a lot more fun. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ⅴ. Translation Directions: Translate the following sentences into English, using the words given in the brackets. 52. 机器人服务员轻柔地将热气腾腾的咖啡端到参观者手中。(serve) (汉译英) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 53. 短春未必是定局，每年的春季长短各有不同。(as) (汉译英) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 54. 这样一张大约20厘米见方的小小折页纸上，要容纳整个城市的地铁网络信息，的确有些勉强。(a challenge) (汉译英) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 55. 不少企业表示，面对未来科技的挑战，具备过硬专业技能和解决实际工程问题能力的大学毕业生，是“香饽饽”。(demand) (汉译英) ____________________________________________________________________________________ Ⅵ. Guided Writing 56. Directions: Write an English composition in 120-150 words according to the instructions given below in Chinese. 假设你是明启中学高二学生李明，你校英语报正在举行征文比赛，主题为“The change that I expect AI to bring about”，写一篇文章参赛，内容须包括： (1)你最期待AI会带来的变化； (2)你期待这一变化的理由。 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2024学年第二学期 高二年级 期中考试 英语试题 I. Grammar and Vocabulary Section A 【1~10题答案】 【答案】1. to rush 2. are designed 3. with 4. why 5. honoring 6. Used 7. even if 8 should 9. create 10. who Section B 【11~20题答案】 【答案】11. K 12. J 13. A 14. H 15. E 16. G 17. B 18. F 19. C 20. D III. Reading Comprehension Section A Directions: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context. 【21~35题答案】 【答案】21. D 22. B 23. C 24. A 25. D 26. D 27. A 28. C 29. C 30. B 31. A 32. B 33. A 34. B 35. D Section B Directions: Read the following three passages. Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage you have just read. (A) 【36~39题答案】 【答案】36. D 37. B 38. B 39. A (B) 【40~42题答案】 【答案】40. C 41. B 42. C (C) 【43~46题答案】 【答案】43. D 44. A 45. B 46. C Section C Directions: Complete the following passage by using the sentences given below. Each sentence can be used only once. Note that there are two more sentences than you need. 【47~50题答案】 【答案】47. B 48. D 49. A 50. F Ⅳ. Summary Writing 【51题答案】 【答案】Humor is essential in online communication, enhancing interactions through storytelling and wordplay. Playful twists on reality and clever puns create relatable and dynamic conversations. Beyond entertainment, humor acts as a coping mechanism, easing stress and fostering connections during challenging times. It breaks down barriers, promotes understanding, and brings joy, making the world feel closer and more enjoyable. Ⅴ. Translation Directions: Translate the following sentences into English, using the words given in the brackets. 【52题答案】 【答案】The robotic waiter gently served the steaming hot coffee to the visitors. 【53题答案】 【答案】A short spring is not necessarily the case, as the length of the season varies each year. 【54题答案】 【答案】It is indeed a challenge to fit the information of the entire city’s subway network onto such a small folding paper that is approximately 20 centimeters square 【55题答案】 【答案】Many enterprises state that college graduates with excellent professional skills and the ability to solve practical engineering problems are in great demand facing the challenges of future technology. Ⅵ. Guided Writing 【56题答案】 【答案】The Change That I Expect AI to Bring About As a senior high school student, I’m highly interested in the potential of AI. The change that I most expect AI to bring about is in the field of education. I hope AI can provide personalized learning experiences for every student. In traditional classrooms, teachers have to teach a large group of students with different learning paces and styles. However, AI can analyze students’ learning data, such as their strengths, weaknesses, and learning speeds. Then it can customize study plans and materials for each individual. The reason for my expectation is that personalized learning can greatly improve learning efficiency. Students can focus more on the areas where they need improvement, and they won’t waste time on things they already know well. Moreover, it can also increase students’ enthusiasm for learning as they are more likely to achieve better results with a more suitable learning method. In this way, AI can help every student reach their full potential in education. 第1页/共1页 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $