专题03 阅读理解（说明文&议论文）（广东专用）-【好题汇编】2025年高考英语二模试题分类汇编

专题03 阅读理解（说明文&议论文） 说明文 （一） （2025·广东省大湾区·二模） C Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, finally getting to the task that has been put off for ages. You have put your phone in your bag. Despite the urge to check it once in a while, you feel focused. Do you think you’re having a productive time? Think again. We tend to believe putting our phone face-side down on our desk or in our bag is enough to prevent us from being distracted (干扰). However, a recent study reveals that the mere presence of your phone, even if it’s out of sight, can be a distraction to your brain - a concept known as “brain drain”. To test the “brain drain” theory, 548 college students at the University of Texas were divided into three groups and asked to complete a set of brain performance tests, with their phones facing down on their desk, in their bag, or outside the room. Researchers found that the group with their phones in another room scored significantly higher. An analysis of 22 studies extends this line of research, indicating the mere presence of smartphones creates a “brain drain” and that the farther away they are from the users, the easier it is for them to concentrate. Why? Our brains can only focus on a small amount of information at once, and need to prioritize what is the most ever-present and relevant, like smartphones. In fact, we engage with the device an average of more than 150 times a day, which means we are rarely focused on a task for more than a few minutes without our attention being divided. This over-reliance on smartphones trains our brain to be inattentive, leaving less space for other tasks. As our phones constantly battle for our attention, how can we prevent them from negatively impacting our performance at work? A good starting point is to educate ourselves on the impact of phone usage on our brains so we can make more informed decisions when working on a task. To further improve our productivity, we should also remember to place our phone outside the room, rather than simply turn it upside down or silence it right beside us. 8. What does the author open the text with? A. A heated discussion. B. A vividly-described painting. C. A well-known theory. D. A common misunderstanding. 9. Why is the analysis of 22 studies cited? A. To confirm previous findings. B. To analyze studies’ outcomes. C. To compare research methods. D. To track subjects’ performances. 10. What causes a “brain drain” according to the text? A. The lack of concentration training. B. The limited capacity of our brains. C. The overload of online information. D. The mindful use of digital devices. 11. How can we avoid distractions from phones at work? A. By reducing our phone’s usage. B. By switching smartphones to silent mode. C. By covering our phone’s screen. D. By separating work zones and phone zones. D The long-held assumption that intelligence is the primary driver of academic achievement is challenged by a recent study in Human Behavior. The study, led by Dr. Malan from University of London and jointly carried out by a group of international experts, has revealed that non-cognitive (非认知的) skills, such as motivation, self-regulation and academic interest, are no less important than intelligence in determining academic success. The influence of these skills accrues throughout a child’s education, with genetic (基因的) factors playing a significant role in shaping this developmental path. The study tracked over 10,000 children from age 7 to 16 in England and Wales and used twin studies and DNA analysis to investigate the impact of non-cognitive skills on academic outcomes as well as the influential factors, like genes and environment, that affect these skills. One striking finding is the growing role of genetics in shaping non-cognitive skills and their impact on academic achievement. Researchers created a special method known as the “polygenic score” to measure these skills and found that genetic effects associated with non-cognitive skills became increasingly predictive of academic achievement, nearly doubling between the ages of 7 and 16. By the end of required schooling, genetic influence on non-cognitive skills was as strong as that on cognitive skills in predicting academic success. Besides, by comparing children from the same family, researchers could separate the impact of shared family environment from genetic factors. “We found that how children were raised in the family played a significant role, although the increasing influence of non-cognitive genetics on academic achievement was still evident,” said Dr. Alleg, a co-researcher in the study. The findings have far-reaching implications for education. The study suggests that schools should develop programs to support students’ emotional and social development. Dr. Malan said, “By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for students.” The study also highlights the need for further research into the complex interaction between genes, environment and education. By understanding these factors, educators and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to support students’ overall development and achieve better educational outcomes. 12. What does the underlined word “accrues” in paragraph 1 mean? A. Mounts. B. Remains. C. Varies. D. Surfaces. 13. Why was the special method used in the study? A. To predict students’ academic achievement. B. To measure the role of environment in learning. C. To evaluate the genetic impact on non-cognitive skills. D. To assess the academic influence of cognitive abilities. 14. What are the researchers most likely to recommend? A. Advanced math courses. B. AI programming workshops. C. Writing training programs. D. Community service projects. 15. What is the best title for the text? A. Promoting Effective Learning B. The Overlooked Benefits of Genes C. Unlocking Academic Potential D. The Hidden Key to Academic Success （二） （2025·广东佛山市·二模） B If you are an enthusiastic reader, you may not have enough room to store all the books you read. And the cost of buying books keeps rising. Now there is a perfect solution in the UK: Bookloop. It is an online buy-back project in partnership with existing booksellers, where readers can trade books they have already read for credit or more pre-owned books. Readers can scan (扫描) and upload their books to an online valuation system, and then drop them off at a collection point or have them picked up from their own home, in exchange for credit to be used on other books. Readers must sell at least £5 worth of books to take part. Eric Gagnaire, co-founder of Bookloop, said, “By giving books a second life, we are not only reducing waste but also building a community of readers who value sustainability and support bookshops.” Bookbag, a bookseller that has joined the program, describes it as “a social space” that gathers a global range of fiction and non-fiction writing. “We’re glad to see this program, which feels well-thought-through and a great way of repurposing books and helping sustain bookshops and new book purchase,” they said. Authors will also benefit from the program, as royalties from these secondhand book sales will be redistributed through a shared author fund. Reception to the launch of Bookloop hasn’t been universally positive, however. Some secondhand booksellers like Patrick Kelly, owner of Bookmongers in Brixton, raise concerns about how many books will actually be sold on to readers. Kelly argued that most secondhand books should be recycled. “They are either no longer relevant, overly produced, or are left in bad condition,” he said. In response, Bookloop stated that only 2% of collected books end up not being resold-most of the unsold books are donated to local charities, with less than 0.5% recycled. “Getting pre-owned books to new readers while benefiting both bookshops and authors feels extremely positive,” said Gagnaire. “It’s a really sustainable way of getting books into the hands of more people, without cost being a barrier.” 4. What is a requirement for readers to participate in Bookloop? A. Trading their credit for new books. B. Selling used books worth £5 or more. C. Dropping off their books at a local library. D. Uploading personal information to the system. 5. What does Bookbag think of Bookloop? A. It is a win-win initiative. B. It boosts interest in reading. C. It is a well-planned book fair. D. It encourages authors to write. 6. Why is Patrick Kelly mentioned? A. To clarify a misunderstanding. B. To suggest a brand-new resolution. C. To present a contrasting viewpoint. D. To highlight an unusual phenomenon. 7. What can be the best title for the text? A. The Rise of Secondhand Book Trading B. Reducing Waste, Building a Reputation C. Bookloop: A Second Life for Used Books D. Innovating Reading: The Bookloop Initiative C Wildfires are getting worse across the world. Twenty-one years of satellite data shows severe fires have more than doubled in frequency since 2003 and the six most extreme years since records began have come since 2017, causing more deaths and destruction. One European Union (EU) pilot program, the Life Landscape Fire Project (LLFP), is now using hungry mountain goats to prevent wildfires before they start. It involves a combination of controlled fires and hungry goats grazing (吃草) to reduce plant cover that can dry up in summer and fuel the rapid spread of fires. Controlled fires help burn older plants that goats don’t eat, allowing fresh green vegetation to grow which grazers like goats and cows do eat. The experimental project pays shepherds (牧羊人) to guide their goats to areas where they want the plant cover reduced, and they also build shelters and watering areas to attract free grazers to the desired spots. That’s how mountain goats and cows become mobile fire prevention units. LLFP director Andre Mota oversees this EU-funded project. “We are in one of the most affected regions by wildfires, historically speaking,” said Mota. “Last September we had a wildfire with extreme behavior that burned almost everything in its path. But our parcels managed to keep green.” A video from Mota showed that one half of the mountain was black and burned and the other green, the parts which controlled fires and hungry goats had made unlikely to burn. “We believe this proves that, when scaled up from a pilot project to a full solution, it works,” he added. The sound of goat bells rings out as the goats move peacefully on their way, offering hope in a region directly in the path of climate chaos. 8. What do we know about the LLFP? A. It protects mountain goats. B. It employs integrated methods. C. It has been conducted across Europe. D. It wins shepherds’ unconditional support. 9. What does the underlined words “the desired spots” refer to? A. Free grazers’ favorite destinations. B. Places far from shepherds’ activities. C. Spots with abundant water resources. D. Areas in need of vegetation reduction. 10. What is paragraph 3 mainly about? A. The influence of wildfires. B. The effectiveness of the LLFP. C. The challenges faced by the LLFP. D. The importance of preventing fires. 11. What message is conveyed in the last paragraph? A. Goats stand as a symbol of peace. B. Goats ring the alarm for quick action. C. Goats provide hope for wildfire prevention. D. Goats offer an ideal solution to climate change. D How individuals describe their experiences plays a crucial role in shaping emotions and decision-making. However, little research has examined whether language can impact how people experience time alone. To find it out, researchers studied how different terms used to describe time alone affect individuals’ understanding of it and their emotions and behaviors. In the first study, 500 adults were randomly assigned to evaluate one of five labels describing time alone: me-time, time alone, solitude (孤单), being alone, or isolation (孤独). They rated their assigned term on several dimensions, including how positive or negative it felt, its perceived impact on well-being, and whether they actively sought or avoided that type of experience. This study revealed that “me-time” was consistently rated as the most positive, with participants considering it as beneficial to well-being and something they actively sought out. In contrast, “isolation” was viewed as the least desirable. The other three labels fell somewhere in between. In the second study, 176 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a 30-minute solitude period described as either me-time or isolation. Before the session, they completed a survey measuring baseline beliefs about being alone. During the session, they avoided all social interactions, but could engage in non-social activities like reading or writing. Afterward, they rated their emotions, described their thoughts and behaviors, and reassessed their beliefs about being alone. Those who spent 30 minutes alone after being told they were having “me-time” reported an increase in positive effect, while those who were told they were in “isolation” experienced a decline in positive emotions. Additionally, participants in the “me-time” condition reported more positive beliefs about being alone after the session compared to their baseline beliefs, while those in the “isolation” condition showed no significant change. Interestingly, choice of terms did not significantly influence the activities participants engaged in. But it did appear to shape thought content, with those in the “isolation” condition being more likely to think about schoolwork, while those in the “me-time” condition were more likely to reflect on personal growth. The studies, however, involved individuals that consisted primarily of adults and undergraduate students, limiting the generalizability of the findings across diverse populations. 12. One of the research purposes is to explore ________. A. the benefits of positive emotions B. people’s preferences for time alone C. how people make decisions while alone D. how language shapes people’s perceptions 13. What can be concluded from the first study? A. People treasure their time of being alone. B. Label selection reflects people’s personality. C. People prefer being alone to social interaction. D. Terms for time alone affect emotional responses. 14. Why were the baseline beliefs about being alone rated? A. To predict future outcomes. B. To ensure accurate understanding. C. To track potential opinion shifts. D. To group the participants accordingly. 15. What is the limitation of the research? A. Contradictory results. B. Restricted participant range. C. Controlled research duration. D. Unreliable research methods. （三） （2025·广东省二模） D Needles, though essential for delivering many vital medicines, are not popular among patients. Many people experience discomfort or anxiety at the sight of a needle, making injections (注射) an unpleasant experience. Now, new research led by Giovanni Traverso at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a way to give medicine without this discomfort—by copying how squids (鱿鱼) shoot ink and water. Dr. Traverso’s tiny automated injectors are packaged in capsules that patients can swallow. Once inside the digestive system, the capsules break down, releasing the injectors, which then deliver drugs through the surface layer of stomach or other digestive organs and into the subsurface tissues below. This method allows patients to receive treatment without seeing or feeling a needle. Although the technique is promising, it is not yet entirely reliable. For an injector to work effectively, it must be positioned almost perfectly upright against the target tissue. With skin injections, a medical professional can adjust the angle by hand, but inside the digestive system, this is much more difficult. To solve this problem, Dr. Traver so turned to squids, which can shoot ink and water at high pressure in multiple directions. Inspired by this natural ability, he and his team worked with a medical company to develop tiny spring-loaded devices that release fast streams of medicine when activated. Tests on digestive tissues from pigs and dogs showed that the devices can effectively give injections even at angles below 70°. While human trials have yet to begin, Dr. Traver so hopes the technology will soon help people with diabetes, a disease that requires the patients to get multiple injections daily. A more convenient delivery system could make treatment easier and less stressful. But the potential applications extend beyond diabetes—similar devices may one day be used to administer vaccines, making immunization (免疫接种) more accessible. If all goes well, fear of needles could become a thing of the past. 12. What can we learn about the new injectors from the first two paragraphs? A. They are made from squid ink. B. They are invisible to human eyes. C. They enjoy popularity among patients. D. They operate within the digestive system. 13. What challenge does Traverso’s technique face? A. Keeping the injector at a correct angle. B. Finding a proper site for drug delivery. C. Having reliable medical professionals. D. Accessing the deep digestive system. 14. What can we infer about the technology from the last paragraph? A. It proves effective in human trials. B. It may cure people of needle anxiety. C. It shows promises for future applications. D. It will reduce the cost of diabetes treatment. 15. Which of the following is the best title for the text? A. The Secret of Squid Ink Shooting B. Painless Injection: A Gift from Squid C. Nature: A Guide for Medical Innovation D. The Development of Injection Techniques （四） （2025·广东广州市·二模） B As an artist working at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, I am leading a special 14-month project called DYE. My mission is to discover plant-based dyes (染料) and share them with visitors, researchers and artists through events, performances, a colour database and projects linked to the Garden’s plant collections. There are some 8,000 plant species in the Garden. Guided by medieval recipes, I experiment with berries, flowers, and bark (树皮) to uncover colours hidden in nature. For example, I’ve transformed roses into vivid red dyes and turned Jade Vine into pink paint. One of my proudest achievements is creating “Newton’s Gold” — a golden-yellow ink made from the bark of Isaac Newton’s historic apple tree. I thought I’d end up with black but it’s a dark golden yellow — unlike modern methods that chemically force predictable results. These discoveries remind me that nature holds endless surprises, but they demand patience and respect. My work isn’t just about mixing colours — it’s about storytelling. Collaborations with historians and dancers connect my dyes to broader themes. I dyed feathers for historians to study ancient costumes and created fabrics reflecting nature’s cycles for a dance performance. By reviving forgotten techniques, such as a 15th-century ink recipe, I bridge the past and present, showing how ancient methods can inspire sustainable solutions to today’s environmental issues. Nature’s colours are ever-changing. The fading of dyes reveals the temporary beauty of natural materials, just as ecosystems’ delicate balance which demands protection. In the Botanic Garden, colours from plants and everyday materials teach me to accept change. These colours aren’t just art supplies; they symbolize nature’s strength and remind us to rethink our relationship with the environment. Through workshops and a colour database, I invite people to view nature differently. My work is a return to the old ways of making colour from my garden herbs, establishing a deeper connection between art and nature. 4. What does the author do on the DYE project? A. Organize and guide garden tours. B. Collect and classify plant species. C. Design and run a database of artworks. D. Develop and spread plant-based dyes. 5. Why is “Newton’s Gold” ink significant? A. It honors Newton’s great contributions. B. It shows nature’s unpredictable potentials. C. It links apple trees to scientific inspirations. D. It exposes limitations of modern ink production. 6. What does the underlined word “reviving” mean in paragraph 3? A. Bringing back. B. Putting away. C. Searching for. D. Reflecting on. 7. What is the ultimate goal of the DYE project? A. To improve natural dye stability. B. To protect nature’s ecological balance. C. To strengthen sustainable art-nature bonds. D. To bridge nature and art through gardening. C On a hot summer afternoon, a child eagerly watched as their grandmother sliced a sun-ripened tomato topped with sugar—a refreshing summer treat. The sandy, sweet-sour juice with melted sugar always made one lick plates clean. Decades later, that same child, now an adult, finds disappointedly supermarket tomatoes firm to the touch, pale in colour, and totally lacking in the rich flavor. Beyond a mere loss in our childhood memory, the shift is a measurable decline rooted in the farming changes and modern needs. The decline in modern tomato flavor results from disturbed sugar-acid balance. Traditional varieties had higher sugar levels balanced with moderate acidity. A recent study by Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS) shows alarming trends: pink tomatoes lost over 26%sugar-acid ratio while red types dropped 22%, coupled with rising organic acids. This imbalance creates sour-dominated flavors with weakened sweetness. The situation is made worse by the loss of special taste components. These elements work together to create a rich flavor. They can make our brain sense more sweetness even when the sugar level stays the same. However, in modern farming, people have accidentally removed the genes (基因) for these taste components while focusing on higher output and disease resistance. Commercial pressures also play a role. For easier shipping, tomatoes are harvested before they are mature and subjected to cold storage. These practices unintentionally affect how flavor-giving chemicals are released, leaving tomatoes structurally undamaged but flavorless. Hope, however, lies in the gene pool of traditional and wild tomato varieties. A 2019 comprehensive study on genes, analyzing over 700 tomato types, identified 4,873 previously undocumented genes, including rare genetic variations that improve flavors. By reintroducing these “lost” genetic elements through scientific methods, scientists aim to balance marketability and taste quality. The challenge remains complex, yet the solution is clear： to rediscover the flavors in our childhood memory, we must first understand the genetic codes (密码) left behind in the drive for progress. 8. Why does the author mention the tomato experience in paragraph 1? A. To explain the health benefits of fresh tomatoes. B. To show the change in tomato flavor over time. C. To highlight the significance of a family tradition. D. To illustrate the disappearance of a summer delight. 9. What does SAAS’s recent study find? A. Higher sugar levels in modern tomatoes. B. More organic acids in traditional tomatoes. C. The loss of sweet-sour balance in tomatoes. D. Taste difference between pink and red tomatoes. 10. What is paragraph 3 mainly about? A. The advantages of gene selections. B. The roles commercial practices play. C. The challenges tomato farming faces. D. The reasons behind less-flavored tomatoes. 11. Which is a potential solution to the core problem discussed in the text? A. Discovering highly productive genes. B. Analyzing different types of tomatoes. C. Introducing disease-resistant elements. D. Using rare genes in wild tomato varieties. D New research reveals that “intensive domain-specific training” like mathematics fundamentally reshapes brain activity during complex problem solving, offering insights into the cognitive neuroscience (认知神经科学) of concentration. A study published in Cognitive Neuroscience compared graduate students in math-related fields with peers in non-mathematical fields to investigate how long-term specialized practice influences thinking processes. Participants watched video demonstrations of multi-step mathematical problems while wearing brain-wave-monitoring caps to track brain activity. The study found clear differences: non-math students’ front brain areas (linked to memory and focus) worked harder as they struggled to follow logical steps. In contrast, math-intensive students displayed synchronized (同步的) slow brain waves connecting the frontal and upper-back brain areas, which are responsible for abstract reasoning and spatial processing. These slow brain rhythms, typically observed during deep sleep, appeared to facilitate efficient communication between distant neural networks during intense focus. These findings indicate that repeated exposure to complex problem solving allows math-trained students to automate basic logical steps (e.g. formula application), which saves mental energy for complex analysis. This “neural efficiency” — the brain’s adaptability through training — mirrors patterns in other experts: experienced musicians’ brains show similar slow waves when composing and athletes enter similar “flow states” during competitions. Most importantly, researchers confirm such neural efficiency isn’t inborn but develops through deliberate practice. Students with equal IQs but less math training lacked these distinctive wave patterns. However, those who engaged in repetition and intentional study eventually developed such patterns, becoming more efficient in solving problems. By the same logic, these findings hint at a trade-off that people should keep in mind particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) and other tools offer tempting shortcuts for various forms of problem solving. Dr. Elena Torres, lead researcher of the study, further warns that over-reliance on AI might weaken our brain’s natural problem-solving abilities. “Each time we off-load a problem to a calculator or ask AI to summarize an essay, we are losing an opportunity to improve our own skills and practise deep concentration for ourselves.” Torres urges “a strategic balance — use AI for repetitive labor, thanks to its fast data processing and continuous operation, but reserve complex challenges for deep, tech-free focus.” 12. What was the main purpose of the new research? A. To study how specialized training affects brains. B. To investigate how AI tools influence learning. C. To compare brain activity among math experts. D. To measure IQ levels across different specialists. 13. How did non-math students’ brains differ from those of math students in complex problem solving? A. Their front-top parts worked together. B. They showed random sleep-like waves. C. Their front area worked with extra effort. D. They processed information automatically. 14. What is crucial to developing “neural efficiency” according to the text? A. Long-term focused practice. B. Inborn abstract reasoning talent. C. Random exposure to complex problems. D. Training on memorizing basic logical steps. 15. What do Dr. Elena Torres’ quotes highlight in the last paragraph? A. AI tools limit independent learning opportunities. B. Technology improves efficiency in complex tasks. C. Overusing shortcuts harms cognitive development. D. AI tools reduce motivation for deep concentration. （五） （2025·广东茂名市·二模） B It’s a hot night on the western coast of Sri Lanka. A team of volunteers is patrolling (巡逻) a popular tourist beach on the outskirts of Colombo, searching for turtle (海龟) nesting sites. They gather in a circle, digging in the sand at dusk. Turtle eggs have long been stolen as a food source by coastal communities, but more recently it is human activity of another kind that has proved a greater threat. As the city has expanded, restaurants and other tourist facilities have mushroomed along most parts of the country’s western coast, bringing in more people, noisy music, and much plastic and chemical waste, all of which harms turtle nesting during the reproducing season. Aware that life for the turtles was becoming more difficult, Muditha Katuwawala, one of the volunteers, expanded the activities of the Pearl Protectors to include regular patrols. Working with the coastguard, the volunteers help to find eggs laid in hazardous areas and remove them to a safe nesting place on the beach until they hatch. Nevertheless, a significant threat to the turtles comes from the illegal hunters because once they find a nest, all the eggs are usually taken. “Certain restaurants and hotels sell these eggs to the foreigners as a novel food, at a good price,” Katuwawala says. “So turtle eggs now have commercial demand.” He says patrolling alone will not create a lasting impact on turtle conservation and it needs to be combined with educating coastal communities. Another volunteer, Lara Wijesuriya, agrees. “It makes a difference to the community in how they perceive the problem and the solution,” she says. “And it makes a difference to the volunteers in how they approach the problem. It bridges the gap.” In the southern part of the island, the Turtle Conservation Project has gone a step further by employing hunters to protect nests, providing an alternative income. “When you finally see the baby turtles going into the ocean, it’s really nice to know that you helped a life to live,” Fernando, another volunteer, says. 4. What is a greater threat to turtle nesting recently? A. Urban expansion. B. Illegal hunting. C. Industrial activity. D. Destructive overfishing. 5. What does the underlined word “hazardous” in paragraph 3 mean? A. Risky. B. Scenic. C. Public. D. Crowded. 6. What is mainly talked about in paragraph 4 and 5? A. The business value of turtle eggs. B. The threat of illegal hunting to turtle eggs. C. The role of volunteer efforts in conservation. D. The need of combining patrolling and educating. 7. Which is a suitable title for the text? A. Economic Benefits of Turtle Eggs B. Joint Efforts in Turtle Conservation C. Traditional Practices in Turtle Protection D. Coastal Tourism Challenges in Sri Lanka C A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject’s life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. Case studies can be used in many different fields, including psychology, medicine, education, political science, and social work. It’s important to remember that the insights from case studies cannot be used to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. However, case studies may be used to develop theories that can then be addressed in experimental research. There have been a number of notable case studies in the history of psychology. Much of Freud’s work and theories were developed through individual case studies. Here is one great example of case studies in psychology. Anna O was a patient of a physician named Josef Breuer. While she was never a patient of Freud’s, Freud and Breuer discussed her case extensively. The woman was experiencing symptoms of a condition that was then known as hysteria, a state of uncontrolled excitement, fear or panic, and found that talking about her problems helped relieve her symptoms. Her case played an important part in the development of talk therapy (疗法) as an approach to mental health treatment. As demonstrated in the case of Anna O, case studies offer valuable insights into understanding human behavior and developing treatment methods. When you are writing a case study, you should include a section where you discuss the case study itself, including the advantages and limitations of the study. You should note how the findings of your case study might support previous research. You should also describe some of the implications of your case study. What ideas or findings might require further exploration? How might researchers go about exploring some of these questions in additional studies? Case studies clarify rare phenomena, inform practical involvement, and bridge clinical observation with experimental research to advance psychological understanding. 8. What is the main purpose of a case study? A. To develop experimental researches. B. To prove theories in different fields. C. To replace psychological theories with data. D. To analyze a subject’s life patterns thoroughly. 9. What can be learned from paragraph 2 about case studies? A. They can establish causal links. B. They support theory formation. C. They generate insufficient statistical data. D. They offer conclusive experimental evidence. 10. What was the significance of Anna O’s case? A. It marked the first case of hysteria. B. It helped Freud develop his theories. C. It aided the development of talk therapies. D. It showed the importance of medical treatment. 11. What should case study writers include? A. Predictions about behavioral patterns. B. Comparison with experimental designs. C. Discussion of clinical observation methods. D. Evaluation of study strengths and weaknesses. D If you’re used to letting your dog lick your face — and maybe even your mouth — you’re not alone. Now, scientists warn that dog saliva (唾液) could actually be dangerous. A new study found that household dogs are often overlooked sources of salmonella (沙门氏菌). Researchers at Penn State University (PSU) found that dogs can carry antibiotic-resistant (耐抗生素的) salmonella, which poses a serious risk to humans. In both dogs and humans, salmonella infections can cause fever and stomach trouble. In some cases, the infection can spread beyond the intestines (肠) and cause more serious issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dogs can get salmonella by eating raw food or consuming waste from infected animals. It can then be passed on to humans through contact with the dog’s waste, warns the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. The issue is that dogs can carry salmonella without showing any signs of illness, making it easy to spread without warning. The PSU team studied salmonella in dogs from May 2017 to March 2023, as well as human cases. They found 87 cases in dogs and concluded that 77 human cases may have come from dogs. The salmonella in dogs also had genes for drug resistance, which is concerning for treatment. The study also found that 39% of samples from dogs had a gene that helps salmonella survive in their intestines. This means that even after the dog recovers, it can still spread salmonella through its waste. Though salmonella isn’t common in dogs, the study’s authors stress that human contact with dogs makes the issue important. “We don’t let cows sleep in our beds or lick our faces, but we do with dogs,” said lead author Sophia Kenney. Co-author Nkuchia Mikanatha emphasized the importance of cleanliness. Simple practices like hand washing, cleaning pet bowls, and not letting your dog lick your face can prevent the spread of salmonella. The goal of the research is not to discourage pet ownership but to raise awareness of risks and encourage better cleanliness to keep both pets and owners safe. 12. What did the new study find about dogs? A. They like licking owners. B. Their licks endanger owners. C. They contract salmonella. D. Their licks create salmonella. 13. Why is treating salmonella in dogs challenging? A. Dogs do not cooperate during treatment. B. Dogs can spread salmonella until recovery. C. Salmonella in dogs carries anti-drug genes. D. Salmonella in dogs spreads quickly and secretly. 14. Why does the author mention cows in paragraph 6? A. To discuss causes of drug resistance. B. To compare animal feeding practices. C. To highlight closer human-dog contact. D. To explain animal behavior differences. 15. What does the research finally recommend? A. Keeping better cleaning routines. B. Restricting dog ownership. C. Stopping offering raw food to pets. D. Having less contact with dogs. （六） （2025·广东清远市·二模） C Indoor gardening offers all the same benefits as a garden in the ground outside. Namely, fresh food and a low environmental impact. But not everyone has the natural space for a garden, which is where indoor planting comes in for the win. While there are many systems and techniques you can apply inside the home, PICO stands out as a flexible option that you can place anywhere and still achieve growing success. Most indoor plants need to be located near a window for light. Often this means taking up limited tabletop or bookcase space. PICO is different because, while setting it on a tabletop is an option, it can also be fixed to many other surfaces, such as a refrigerator or desk, wall, windows, mirrors, etc. There are also three color options to match nearly any decoration. The unit comes fully put together. All you have to do is add a bit of soil and a few of your favorite seeds. Watering is stable and consistent with a water tank and easy-fill opening. A transparent (透明的) window in the front allows you to easily see when more water is needed, typically about once each week. From there, the system automatically draws water from the tank through the soil, using an on-demand system that refills water as the soil dries out. With location and watering figured out, the last major component for successful indoor growth is proper lighting. PICO is equipped with a multi-spectrum (多光谱) growing light that conveniently extends from the planter design. As your plant grows, the light extends up to one foot higher for consistent light. While PICO is not intended to provide large quantities of food, its automatic functions and flexible placement make it an option for growing readily available vegetables and visually pleasing mini flowers. PICO is currently trending on a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that will close on May 17th. To support this innovative indoor gardening solution, interested customers can back the project now. Shipments are expected to begin immediately after the campaign concludes. 8. What distinguishes PICO from other indoor gardening systems? A. It allows for soilless growing. B. It offers large-quantity production. C. It permits various positioning options. D. It guarantees a low environmental impact. 9. What information is provided by PICO’s front window? A. Seed condition. B. Water-filling time. C. Plant-growth rate. D. Soil nutrient amount. 10. What is special about PICO’s lighting system? A. It can change colors. B. It depends on the sun. C. It can be adjusted in height. D. It is removable from the planter. 11. What is the main purpose of this text? A. To show how to use PICO. B. To present PICO’s special features. C. To attract buyers for a new product. D. To explain indoor gardening’s popularity. D If walking is part of your exercise routine, you might want to try stopping to smell the roses once in a while along your route, a new study suggests. Researchers in Italy found short periods of walking might actually give your metabolism (新陈代谢) more of a workout than walking the same distance without a break. Francesco Luciano, the lead researcher, and his team explain that using long, continuous walking to calculate energy consumption “significantly diminishes the metabolic cost of short-duration walks.” This is meaningful not only for people who are trying to burn off more of their energy, but also for people who might be trying to conserve it. This may also be important information for programs designed to help prevent people losing weight while still getting the benefits of exercise, like eating disorder treatment programs. It’s important to note these findings are based on a pretty small sample size of just 10healthy participants — 5 male, 5 female — all around 27 years of age, so the results may not be representative of a broader population. For the study, each participant walked on a stair climber for 10, 30, 60, 90, and 240seconds, and in a separate experiment, walked for those same periods on a treadmill (跑步机).The research team measured how much oxygen participants used, on average, when they were at rest before the experiments, and then again after the walking. Oxygen consumption is often used to measure how much energy is being used during exercise. “Our findings show that the time-averaged oxygen consumption and metabolic cost are greater for shorter than longer walks,” the researchers report. During 30-second walks, the participants consumed 20-60 percent more oxygen than the standard estimates for walking exercise, which are based on long, continuous walking. 12. What did the new study find about walking? A. Long walks would bring greater metabolic cost. B. Stops during walks may boost the calorie burn. C. Fast walking might be helpful for losing weight. D. Continuous walking could treat eating disorders. 13. What does the underlined word “diminishes” in paragraph 2 mean? A. Clarifies. B. Uncovers. C. Investigates. D. Underestimates. 14. What is paragraph 3 mainly about? A. The research objectives and methods. B. The sample selection and characteristics. C. The potential drawbacks and weaknesses. D. The practical implications and applications. 15. How did the researchers determine participants’ energy consumption? A. By counting their steps. B. By measuring their speed. CBy comparing their time length. D. By monitoring their oxygen intake. （七） （2025·广东汕头市·二模） C Many companies have advertised a feature that enables users to employ AI as a recipe generator assistant. In one demonstration, a user asks the virtual assistant for a meal plan with ingredients (食材) they have, and the AI returns a list of recipes using those ingredients. In fact, the employment of AI in the brainstorming stage is also gaining increasing popularity. While that seems convenient, most of the press about the relationship between AI and cooking has been negative so far. For years, chefs on popular video platforms have staged cook-offs between “real” and AI recipes, with the “real” chefs often winning. In 2022, Tasty, an online platform, compared a chocolate cake recipe generated by an AI tool with one developed by a professional cook. While the AI recipe baked up fine, the cook’s recipe won in a blind taste test. The tasters preferred the cook’s cake for its not-too-sweet and juicer flavor compared to the AI cake. Sarah and Kaitlin Leung are sisters who run a famous food blog. Their recipes go through a long process. They brainstorm ideas, do research, and experiment a lot before testing each recipe up to 40 times. “We know that our readers are trusting us, so we try to make sure our recipe not only works but is also easy to follow,” Sarah says. “The stories that surround these recipes and the connections that we make with people through these recipes are priceless — it’s so deeply human. By comparison, the machine doesn’t eat and the machine can’t taste.” “It’s not all negative for me.” A software engineer Olson believes AI has a place in the recipe development process. He adds, “but I don’t think the technology is there to the point where you can have an entirely AI-generated blog, although that would be a cool concept. Maybe someone should try it and see how it goes.” 8. What can AI do in developing a recipe? A. Planning the budget. B. Shortening cooking time. C. Coming up with ideas. D. Demonstrating cooking methods. 9. What can we know about the competition launched by Tasty? A. The AI tool was developed by a cook. B. The result agrees with those of prior years. C. The cook’s cake tasted sweeter and juicier. D. The comparison was based on the appearance. 10. How does the sisters ensure the quality of their recipes on their food blog? A. By doing multiple trials. B. By learning the recipes from AI. C. By using priceless ingredients. D. By following standard procedures. 11. What is Olson’s attitude towards entirely AI-generated blogs? A. Supportive. B. Concerned. C. Reserved. D. Critical. D In designing the robots of tomorrow engineers have gained many of their inspirations from the kingdom of creatures, with machines that mimic the way plants and animals move and sense their environment. In recent study, researchers at Cornell University have found that mycelia, the underground parts of mushrooms, have the ability to sense chemical and biological signals and respond to multiple inputs. By using the natural electrical signals of mycelia, the researchers found a new way to control biohybrid (生物混合) robots, which can react to their surroundings better than traditional man-made robots. With great efforts, two biohybrid robots were built: a soft robot shaped like a spider and a wheeled robot. The robots responded to mycelia’s signals by walking and rolling. They also changed their position in response to light, demonstrating the mycelia’s ability to react to outer influences. However, finding a way to integrate mushrooms and robots requires more than just gardening and technical skills. “You have to have a background in mechanical engineering, electronics, some neurobiology (神经生物学), and even some kind of signal processing. All these fields come together to build this kind of system,” said Shepherd, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. “Living systems respond to touch, light, heat and even some unknowns, like signals. This is why we believe that if we want to build future robots, they must be able to work in unexpected environments,” said Mishra, a research associate in the Organic Robotics Lab of Cornell University. “By growing mycelia into the electronics of a robot, we were able to allow the biohybrid machine to sense and respond to the environment. In this case we used light as the input, but in the future it will be chemical. The potential for future robots could be to sense soil chemistry in row crops and decide when to add more fertilizer (肥料),” said Shepherd. 12. What does the underlined word “mimic” mean in paragraph 1? A. Control. B. Judge. C. Change. D. Copy. 13. Why are mycelia used in robot design? A. For their mushroom shape. B. For their perception and response abilities. C. For their chemical potential. D. For their chemical and biological influences. 14. What does Shepherd emphasize about the process in paragraph 3? A. Technical skills. B. Scientific methods. C. Subject integration. D. Innovative application. 15. Which of the following can be the potential application for future biohybrid robots? A. Monitoring soil condition. B. Designing electronic systems. C. Replacing human experience. D. Strengthening unknown signals. （八） （2025·广东湛江市·二模） B In India, tigers haven’t just survived — they’ve made a comeback. Despite a growing population and increasing pressure on their habitats, the number of wild tigers is rising. The reason? A combination of ecological restoration, economic initiatives, and political stability. And just as important: a deeply rooted reverence for tigers that has fostered a culture where humans and large predators (捕食性动物) can coexist. India’s tiger conservation strategy combines two approaches: some areas are strictly protected reserves, while others are multi-use landscapes where tigers and people share space. And this isn’t just for the benefit of the tigers. “The advantage of combining these two methods is that reserves act as a source of tigers for surrounding areas. And if coexistence no longer works, the reserves provide a fallback (应变的) option — ensuring that tigers are not at risk of extinction,” explains Ninad Mungi, assistant professor at Aarhus University and co-author of the study. According to researchers, human population density alone is not what determines whether tigers can thrive — it’s people’s lifestyles, economic conditions, and cultural attitudes that shape their willingness to share space with large predators. In relatively prosperous regions where ecotourism and government compensation schemes (补偿计划) generate income, tolerance for tigers is much higher. In fact, for some Indian farmers, losing cattle to a tiger does not essentially spell disaster. Farmers who keep their livestock in barns and enclosures are rarely affected by tigers. However, when cattle are released to graze in tiger-inhabited areas, and if a tiger eats it, the farmer receives financial compensation from the government — turning a loss into a gain. India’s model could provide valuable insights far beyond its borders. In Europe, many countries are struggling with wolves attacking livestock, and India’s experience may inspire new approaches that protect both wildlife and farmers’ livelihoods. “There are, of course, cultural challenges, but culture can change over time. India’s experience proves that large predators can survive in a modern world — if we are willing to think creatively and find a balance between protection and coexistence,” says Ninad. 4. Which of the following can explain the increase in wild tigers in India? A. Reduced human disturbance. B. New tiger breeding programs. C. Many factors working together. D. Enhanced ecological conditions. 5. What is the benefit of combining two approaches to tiger conservation? A. It promotes local ecotourism. B. It ensures the survival of tigers. C. It offers more land for farmers. D. It increases the number of tigers in zoos. 6. How might a farmer feel at his cattle being eaten by a tiger? A. Unworried. B. Depressed. C. Terrified. D. Unfortunate. 7. What does Ninad think of India’s ways of tiger conservation? A. They are ineffective. B. They are traditional. C. They are contradictory. D. They are innovative. C Students attending schools that ban the use of phones throughout the school day aren’t necessarily experiencing better mental health and well-being, as the first worldwide study of its kind has found that just banning smartphones is not enough to tackle their negative impacts. In a landmark study published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe,1,227 students from 30 schools across England provided data about smartphone and social media usage and a range of mental health, well-being and other outcomes. Among the schools that took part in the study,20 had various forms of restrictive phone policies in place. The study found that there was no difference in outcomes for students who attend schools that ban smartphones throughout the school day, including mental health, well-being, and other health and educational outcomes. Smartphone bans in schools did lead to a slight decrease in students using phones (approximately 40 minutes) and social media (approximately 30 minutes) in school, but the study suggests that the impact is small and that school policies banning recreational phone use didn’t lead to a meaningful reduction in the overall time spent using phones and social media. “We did find a link between more time spent on phones and social media and worse outcomes, with worse mental well-being and mental health outcomes, less physical activity and poorer sleep, lower educational attainment and a greater level of disruptive classroom behaviour,” said Dr Victoria Goodyear, associate professor at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study. “This suggests that reducing this time spent on phones is an important focus. But we need to do more than focus on schools alone, and consider phone use within and outside of school, across a whole day and the whole week.” Professor Miranda Pallan from the University of Birmingham said, “Our study suggests that school policies are not the silver bullet for preventing the detrimental impacts of smartphone and social media use, but that addressing overall phone use should be a priority for improving health and well-being among adolescents.” 8. What did the study mainly focus on? A. Banning phones and mental health. B. Time on the phone and physical health. C. Social media and personal preferences. D. School discipline and playing phones. 9. How did smartphone bans affect students’ phone usage during school hours? A. A slight increase in use. B. No obvious effect. C. Remaining unchanged. D. Switching to after-school activities. 10. What does the study suggest about school policies on smartphone use? A. They are the only solution. B. They have no impact at all. C. They have solved the problem. D. They are not a cure for all. 11. In which section is the text most likely to appear in a newspaper? A. Public Health. B. Behaviour Psychology. C. Educational Policy. D. Science and Technology. D Construction materials such as concrete and plastic have the potential to lock away billions of tons of carbon dioxide, according to a new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and Stanford University. The study shows that combined with steps to decarbonize (脱去……的碳) the economy, storing CO₂ in buildings could help the world achieve goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of carbon sequestration is to take carbon dioxide, either from where it is being produced or from the atmosphere, change it into a stable form and store it away from the atmosphere where it cannot contribute to climate change. Proposed schemes have involved, for example, injecting carbon underground or storing it in the deep ocean. These approaches pose both practical challenges and environmental risks. What if, instead, we can leverage materials that we already produce in large quantities to store carbon?" said Van Roijen, who led the study as a graduate student at UC Davis. Researchers found that while bio-based plastics could take up the largest amount of carbon by weight, by far the largest potential for carbon storage is in using carbonated aggregates (碳化骨料) to make concrete. That’s because concrete is by far the world’s most popular building material: Over 20 billion tons are produced every year. “If feasible, a little bit of storage in concrete could go a long way,” said Sabbie Miller, associate professor at UC Davis. The team calculated that if 10% of the world’s concrete aggregate production was carbonatable, it could absorb a gigaton (十亿吨) of CO₂. “The feedstocks for these new processes for making building materials are mostly low-value waste materials such as biomass,” Van Roijen said. “Performing these new processes would enhance their value, boosting economic development and promoting a circular economy.” “Some technology development is needed, particularly in cases where material performance and net-storage potential of individual manufacturing methods must be confirmed. However, many of these technologies are just waiting to be adopted,” Sabbie Miller said. 12. What does the underlined word “sequestration” in paragraph 2 mean? A. Separation. B. Collection. C. Reduction. D. Production. 13. What makes concrete a better option for carbon storage? A. Its low price. B. Its heavy weight. C. Its common use. D. Its special function. 14. What benefit does using new building material processes bring? A. Lower material costs. B. Increasing the value of waste. C. Higher concrete production. D. No need for technology development. 15. What can be a suitable title for the text? A. Concrete and Plastic: the Emerging Stars of Carbon Storage. B. Innovations in Building Materials: Towards Net Zero Carbon. C. Decarbonisation Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities. D. New Building Materials: the Potential and Prospects of Carbon Storage. （九） （2025·广东深圳市·二模） C In the heartland of Japan, where endless green rice fields paint the landscape like a living blanket, a remarkable form of artistry has emerged — rice paddy art, a practice that transforms ordinary farmland into colourful artworks. While children and adults alike are delighted by the surprisingly complex images, one might wonder: what makes the art a reality? The secret lies in the rice shoots (秧苗). As the plants of different varieties grow, each type progressively turns a different colour ranging from shades of green to purple or gold — to bring an artwork to life. These colorful blocks and lines in fields form vivid designs: towering mountains, lovely animals, and even famous characters from movies and cartoons, which are easily recognizable from high places. The tradition of the paddy art can trace back to just three decades ago in Inakadate, a small Japanese village where rice has been grown for over 2,000 years. The locals got the idea from the sight of children’s multi-colored paintings of rice paddies, then transformed the concept and experimented with it in rice planting. Their efforts paid off. The paddy fields became tourist attractions, greatly boosting the local economy. Creating such art is no simple task. It begins with thorough planning: artists draft detailed blueprints, mapping out exactly the location for each rice variety. Farmers and volunteers then work side by side, carefully planting rice shoots in accordance with the plan. Over months, the fields demand constant care — weeding, watering, and protecting the crops. While Inakadate remains the birthplace of rice paddy art, it now extends widely across Japan. The practice is also becoming all the rage in other countries. In Thailand, one man even arranged for a custom piece of art that spelt out a message asking his girlfriend to marry him. Beyond serving as a striking visual display, the paddy art symbolizes harmony between tradition and innovation. It invites families to experience the beauty of farming, supports rural communities through tourism, and proves that even the ancient practice can adapt to modern creativity — all while keeping nature at its core. 8. What is special about the rice shoots? A. Their colours vary with growth. B. They grow better at high places. C. They are created by famous artists. D. Their designs are meant for movies. 9. What can we infer about creating the paddy art from paragraph 4? A. It is cost-effective. B. It is time-saving. C. It is weather-dependent. D. It is cooperation-based. 10. What does the underlined phrase “becoming all the rage” in paragraph 5 mean? A. Gaining popularity. B. Making profits. C. Celebrating traditions. D. Boosting confidence. 11. Which can be a suitable title for the text? A. More Harmonious, More Artistic B. When Rice Grows with Artistry C. How Tourism Affects Rice Growing D. Modern Tech, Modern Farming （十） （2025·广东惠州市·二模） D Using artificial intelligence to create artworks increases artists’ productivity and generates more positive reactions, according to a study involving submissions to a popular art-sharing website by more than 50,000 users. But generative AI works are more likely to display stereotypical(刻板印象的) themes, reducing the novelty of an artist’s work. The researchers tracked 4 million works published on the website by the artists. The artists self-divided into two groups: those who continued to work using traditional methods-a sort of control group, and those who adopted AI. The latter group, numbering about 5,800, were identified by the use of tags(标签) on their work, such as “AI-generated” or the names of the AI tools. Works posted into AI art communities on the site were also included. Artists who adopted AI tools saw their productivity measured by the number of works posted increase by 25 percent over the study period. They also saw a 50 percent rise in the number of “favourites” their work received over six months. But novelty, measured by the subject matter and specific details of the work, decreased for the AI-using group. “The study completely tracks with my own experience with these tools and spaces,” says Andres Guadamuz at the University of Sussex,UK. “At first, it felt that you could do anything, bring anything in your head into existence, but the more I used them, the more I kept coming back to themes I liked.” Guadamuz points out that he isn’t judging the quality of the images produced by generative AI nor their originality, nor the creativity involved in the process. All these things are often hotly contested, with some artists saying that generative AI is using their works as training data and limiting their ability to be recognized as creatives. Zhou at Boston University is also considering these questions. He says, “The generative technology accelerates the ability to produce. But it raises other issues: Are we foregoing the process of understanding what goes into being creative and producing something meaningful, in favour of just being able to brute force our way with technology?” 32. What do we know about the artworks created by AI according to paragraph 1? A. They are abundant but less creative. B. They are generative but less popular. C. They balance popularity with artistic depth. D. They attract viewers with the trendy subjects. 33. How was the study conducted? A. By surveying artists’ opinions on AI tools using. B. By analyzing suggestions on generative AI works. C. By comparing artworks with different AI involvement. D. By observing the process of AI-assisted artistic creation. 34. What can be inferred from Guadamuz’s statement? A. AI tools help artists explore new creative styles. B. AI users receive more recognition for their creativity. C. Artists believe AI improves the quality of their artworks. D. Artists may repeat themes they like when using AI tools. 35. What is the best title for the text? A. The Unstoppable Rise of AI Artworks. B. The Breakthrough of AI in Artistic Creation. C. The Role of AI in Artistic Productivity. D. The Double-Edged Sword of AI inArtworks. （十一） （2025·广东梅州市·二模） C In many regions of the world, windows can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, windows brighten a room, and give occupants a view of the world beyond, and on the other band, they also let in a huge amount of heat from the sun. In fact, 87 percent of heat gain in a given space comes through its windows. This is because UV radiation (紫外辐射) passes through glass easily. To keep out the heat, people use window coverings like blinds, but that also blocks the view. A recent study from the University of Notre Dame indicates that soon people who love a view-but hate the heat-will be able to have it both ways. Though not yet scaled up (扩大生产) to market, the study presents a new window coating that could let in sunlight and keep out the heat. Window films and heat-blocking coatings are not a new concept. In fact, the authors of the study themselves pioneered an innovative glass coating in 2020. So what is so exciting about their new 2024 coating? It’s all about the angles. Tengfei Luo, lead author of the study told Notre Dame News, “The angle between the sunshine and your window is always changing. Our coating maintains functionality and efficiency whatever the sun's position in the sky.” In order to figure out the way to create a better window coating, the researchers used a quantum (量子) computing assisted AI machine-learning model, which helped to find out the correct combination of elements they would need to create an effective coating. Using the information, the researchers designed a coating that could selectively transmit and reflect light over a wide range of angles. That is to say, it can keep a room cool at any given hour of the day, regardless of the angle that the sunlight is hitting the window. There are endless numbers of practical applications for this new window coating, from commercial use to residential use, and even for use in the automotive industry. 8. Why are windows referred to as a two-sided coin? A. They are useful but costly. B. They let in light as well as heat. C. They block sunlight and vision. D. They save energy but reduce visibility. 9. What is special about the 2024 coating? A. Its use of quantum computing technology. B. Its ability to selectively conduct heat. C. Its environment-friendly elements. D. Its angle-insensitive functionality. 10. What can we learn about the new coating from the text? A. It can keep a room cool at any time. B. It requires people to adjust to the sun’s position. C. It works effectively during specific hours of the day. D. It can be created without the help of AL. 11. What will the text possibly talk about in the following paragraphs? A. The coating’s other potential applications. B. The underlying logic of the coating’s function. C. The history and development of window coatings. D. Further study to seek new materials for the coating. D It has always been assumed that noise is a problem unique to animals. But a new study by Dr. Ravandi, a botanist at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, has revealed that plants suffer too. That plants can be affected indirectly by noise pollution has never been in doubt. What has remained unknown is whether or not plants themselves suffer directly from noise pollution. Sounds are pressure waves transmitted (传播) through gases, liquids and solids. Scientists have previously assumed plants may be able to sense these waves as they are struck by them. A number of experiments have confirmed this in recent years — plants exposed to ultrasound in the lab have shown a range of negative responses including the expression of stress-related genes, slow growth and reduced seed development. Yet exposing plants to ultrasound is not the same as growing them in the presence of actual traffic noise. To this end, Dr. Ravandi decided to set up an experiment to explore it. Working with a team, Dr. Ravandi grew two species in his lab that are commonly found in urban environments — marigolds and sage. The plants, grown from seed and allowed to mature for two months in the same space, were divided into two groups. One group was exposed to 73 decibels (分贝) of traffic noise recorded from a busy motorway in Tehran for 16 hours a day. The other group was left to grow in silence. After 15 days had passed, samples were taken from the youngest fully expanded leaves on every plant in the experiment and studied. None of the plants exposed to the traffic noise did well. Analysis of their leaves revealed all of them were suffering. Chemical compounds (化合物), such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) , are indicators of stress in plants and both were found at much higher levels in the plants exposed to the traffic noise. Most notably, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the sage plants exposed to noise were double what they were in those grown in silence and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels were three times higher in marigolds grown with the noise than those grown in silence. Dr. Ravandi’s findings make it clear that, though plants lack ears, the vibrations (震动) generated by the noise of traffic still bother them enough to give rise to dramatic stress responses that are not much different to those that would be found in plants exposed to drought, highly concentrated salt or heavy metals in their soil. The question now arises whether all species are affected similarly by noise pollution. Nature is not silent. It remains a mystery if certain plant species have developed mechanisms to address noise pollution which could potentially be transferred to urban plants in the future. 12. What did the new study focus on? A. Plants’ exposure to ultrasound. B. Plants’ sensitivity to pressure waves. C. The direct impact of noise pollution on plants. D. The seed development of plants grown with noise. 13. What is Paragraph 5 mainly about? A. The facilities of the experiment. B. The analyses of the experiment. C. The process of the experiment. D. The background of the experiment. 14. What do we know about the findings? A. Noise pollution had a little impact on plant leaves. B. Noise-exposed plants showed certain levels of stress. C. MDA levels in sage plants grown in silence were higher. D. Traffic noise caused rapid pressure responses in all plants. 15. Which might be the potential significance of the findings? A. Building barriers to protect plants from traffic pollution. B. Studying the relationship between soil quality and plant health. C. Exploring strategies to preserve plant ecosystems in rural areas. D. Developing noise-resistant plant species for an urban environment. （十二） （2025·广东肇庆市·端州区·二模） C Who among us hasn’t weighed up the value of attending an event that required a long commute (通勤), or found themselves in a bad mood due to being stuck in traffic? But while it’s obvious that some activities will bring us joy and others only frustration, translating this understanding into data that can help guide policy decisions has historically proved difficult. It’s what Dr. Christian Krekel and Dr. George MacKerron have been exploring. They propose a new method for estimating the Value of Time (VOT) and calculate (计算), for the first time, VOTs for a wide range of common activities such as walking, commuting and socialising. Through an app called Mappiness, they can ask people about their happiness randomly throughout the day and record how they are actually feeling in that moment while doing something or being somewhere. With data from over 30,000 people around the UK, the researchers were able to identify how people felt when carrying out 42 daily activities and calculate a monetary (货币的) value for each activity. Interestingly, “waiting or queuing” was found to have a strong and significant negative impact on happiness, ranking as the third least enjoyable activity. The VOT shows that spending 60 minutes waiting is found to be worth £12.20 per hour; commuting £8.40 per hour; and waiting during commuting, a huge £17.20 per hour. These high costs suggest that respondents would be better off spending their time doing something else. Or, as Dr. Krekel says, “Someone who is waiting for 60 minutes would need to be paid £12.20 to achieve the same level of happiness if they were not waiting.” This new method of calculating VOT allows researchers to measure the benefits of funding time-saving facilities, helping policymakers to make informed decisions over where best to spend money. By showing how impactful waiting and commuting are on the population, the research makes a strong case for funding projects that would reduce the time people spend doing these activities and promote the wellbeing of all who stand to benefit. 8. Why does the author mention two situations in paragraph 1? A. To present a fact. B. To introduce the topic. C. To explain the issue. D. To compare the differences. 9. The researchers estimated the VOTs through ________. A. random surveys B. calculated case studies C. on-site observations D. face-to-face interviews 10. Which of the following might have the highest VOT according to the research? A. Commuting to school on a bus for thirty minutes. B. Waiting for a coffee for nearly one hour at a café. C. Spending two hours shopping with a friend at a mall. D. Being stuck in traffic for an hour on the way to work. 11. What does the last paragraph mainly talk about? A. The appeal for future studies. B. The challenges of the project. C. The application of the research. D. The improvement of the method. （十三） （2025·广东佛山顺德区·二模） B Suzanne Donohoe, a top manager, started the month with a 10-day business trip through Asia. Back in New York, her husband, Matt Donohoe, was helping their three teenagers begin a new school year. That was no simple task. Though the children are close in age, each goes to a different school and has different after-school activities. Matt drove their 13-year-old to hockey practices and took all three children for a tournament. In between, there were groceries to buy, meals to prepare and homework to assist with. It was all in a day’s work for Matt, who quit his job to help out at home. He is part of a quiet but growing group of men who manage responsibilities at home while their wives climb to top positions in finance. According to a 2023 report, Dads represented 18% of stay-at-home parents in 2021, up from 11% in 1989. Wall Street has long struggled to promote and keep women. A hotly competitive industry that demands long hours, frequent travel and the need to be on call constantly, it has been an unwelcoming environment for women, particularly those with children. Managing the arrangements is a challenging task. Women leaders in finance say that having a partner who stays home can relieve that burden. The disheartening part of the message is that you can’t achieve if one parent isn’t at home. For the men, being a househusband can come with a negative perception: Society often still assumes men will be the bigger earners and women the main caregivers. Not all men are as comfortable in the position. One stay-at-home dad says he sometimes tells other men that he manages real estate — technically true because the family owns a few buildings. He says he can identify other men in similar roles when they say they “run a small investment fund.” “We’re all out there, but we can’t say anything about it,” he says. Paul Sullivan, a stay-at-home dad, has been trying to change that. He founded a group called the Company of Dads, but he found no support groups for men in his position. He reached out for advice. Some said people sometimes made fun of the househusbands, calling them names like “Mr. Mom.” “Two things can be true at once” Sullivan says. “Moms can be discriminated against in the workplace, and dads can be afraid to take a lead role at home.” 4. What phenomenon is described in paragraph 1? A. Mothers’ greater contribution to the family. B. Children’s pressure from after-school activities. C. Fathers’ more involvement in household duties. D. Fathers’ poor performance in time management. 5. What is the writing purpose of paragraph 3? A. To oppose the competitive nature of Wall Street. B. To describe challenges women face in their careers. C. To suggest men should stay at home to support women. D. To show how househusbands help their wives succeed. 6. What can be inferred about the stay-at-home dads from paragraph 4&5? A. They are widely accepted as main caregivers. B. They are proud of being stay-at-home parents. C. They try to play down their caregiving roles. D. They struggle to balance work and family. 7. What is people’s attitude to Sullivan’s initiative? A. Appreciative. B. Ambiguous. C. Tolerant. D. Disapproving. 议论文 （一） （2025·广东惠州市·二模） C It’s the number we all want to know: the magic number on the scale (秤) that would make us look great and keep us healthy. Often, we set goals based on feelings or consult charts and formulas (公式) to calculate that number. Unfortunately, none of these methods on its own can offer a number that’s healthy and possible to attain and maintain. So how can we determine our “best” weight? It’s more complicated and simpler than we think. Formulas for determining a healthy weight range can easily be found online. For decades, we’ve been told that Body Mass Index (BMI) is the standard. To calculate BMI, we plug in our height and weight, and then a formula generates a number that falls on a scale from underweight to healthy to overweight to obese, based on an estimated percentage of body fat. Simple, right? Too simple. And so the latest thinking is that we need to consider more than this number. One problem with BMI is that the chart lists the same healthy or unhealthy weight range for men and women, and for older and younger adults. More recently, some doctors have begun using the BRI, or body roundness index, which focuses on waist circumference(周长) instead of weight. The thinking behind this chart is that where we pile up fat can be even more important than how much we weigh. Extra fat surrounds the abdominal(腹部的) organs, leading to a higher risk of heart disease and other conditions. Again, though, there are caveats. Different health conditions can affect abdominal size. “I wouldn’t use this chart to supply a number of what someone should weigh,” says Dr. Jay. “How are they feeling, how are they doing? What’s their blood pressure, blood sugar? How well are they sleeping? All these need to be considered.” So What’s Our Ideal Weight? Confused? It’s hard not to be. The best weight is one we can comfortably maintain by eating as healthy as possible and exercising. Dr. Freedhoff says, “Whatever weight the Body settles at and maintains when we live this way is the best weight for us.” 28. What is the function of paragraph 1? A. To give a definition of “best” weight. B. To illustrate the anxiety of body image. C. To introduce methods of weight calculation. D. To expose misleading ideal weight determination. 29. How is BRI different from BMI? A. BRI considers health risks. B. BRI provides separate ranges. C. BRI uses a simpler calculation. D. BRI involves weight and height. 30. What does the underlined word “caveats” in paragraph 4 mean? A. Warnings. B. Insights. C. Requirements. D. Accidents. 31. What does Dr. Freedhoff suggest? A. Shifting eating habits. B. Laying trust on the BRI. C. Following sustainable routines. D. Applying charts and formulas. （二） （2025·广东肇庆市·端州区·二模） B You won’t find tigers jumping through fiery hoops in the wild or bears riding bicycles. Wild elephants don’t walk around on two legs and wild sea lions don’t balance balls on their noses for fun. These are the kinds of animal acts you may have seen at the circus. However, the wild animals in circuses are extremely stressed by circus conditions. The loud noise of the music, the cheers of the crowd and the dizzying lights all disorientate (失去方向) and cause stress to wild animals. Over long periods, this can result in abnormal behaviors and health problems related to anxiety. While it is possible that domesticated dogs could enjoy the stimulation of certain types of circus training and performance, for wild species such as tigers, bears and monkeys, performing on stage can get them deeply hurt. The movements and poses are completely unnatural and can cause physical injury and stress. When circus animals don’t perform the trick right, they are often beaten as punishment. The living conditions at circuses consistently fail to meet the animals’ most basic needs. When the show stops, the animals typically return to isolation in small, barren cages which give them no opportunity to carry out behaviors natural to their species, or to interact with their own kind. While not performing, the animals have nothing to do but stare at the walls. Many are limited to living in dark places with no daylight, no sunlight, and no exposure to the outside for stimulation. They live mind-numbing, boring, completely unnatural lives. Traveling circus animals can spend up to 11 months of the year on the road. They are limited inside very small stalls or cages, traveling for thousands of hours, over very long distances. It’s disturbing, unnatural, frightening and stressful for them. Nearly all circus animals are chained up and immobilized while traveling. Traveling poses many physical risks to them, including accidents, injuries, heart stroke and overheating, unusual cold and freezing temperatures that can make them sick, loud noise and general discomfort. 4. Why are animals in circuses unhealthy both mentally and physically? A. Because of their abnormal behavior. B. Because of their performances on stage. C. Because of their punishment from trainers. D. Because of their unnatural living conditions. 5. What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about? A. The animals’ basic needs when a show stops. B. The animals’ living state when they do not perform. C. The animals’ mental state when they are travelling. D. The animals’ daily interactions when they are caged. 6. What does the underlined word “immobilized” in paragraph 4 mean? A. Fixed in a place. B. Delivered to a place. C. Trained by someone. D. Followed by someone. 7. What’s the author’s attitude towards those animals in circuses? A. Indifferent. B. Annoyed. C. Sympathetic. D. Opposed. D Studies have shown the mere exposure effect, also referred to as the familiarity principle, inspires our decisions. It is a helpful psychological mechanism (机制) that helps us maintain our energy and focus our attention on other things. Getting used to new things takes effort and it can be tiring. So unless we have a terrible experience, we are likely to buy from companies we’ve got used to. That is why companies spend so much money on advertising and marketing and why insurance companies openly charge existing customers more than new ones. It’s not the case that we only desire things we already know. Some studies suggest when invited to share our preferences, we sometimes see less familiar choices as more desirable. But when acting on that preference, we fall back to what we know. This might explain why sometimes the things we want and the things we do don’t quite match up. We might even return to companies that treated us poorly in the past or stay in bad relationships. It’s easy to paint the familiarity principle as an enemy or something to battle as if it is something that holds us back from living our dreams. But this attitude might be overwhelming because it tends to encourage us toward big-picture thinking. Where we imagine that change requires a substantialdramatic (巨大而突然的) swing that we don’t feel ready for. Some articles suggest the solution to familiarity frustration is complete exposure to novelty (新奇的事物). While this can appear effective in the short run, we may only end up replacing one problem with another. It also risks overwhelm and burnout. So what if we can work with the familiarity principle instead? Familiarity is something we can learn to play with and enjoy. It is a setting for creativity and a pathway to expansion. We can broaden the zone of familiarity bit by bit. If we think of familiarity as something that can expand, we can consider changing the conditions in and around our lies to make more space for our preferences to take root and grow gently. From here, we will start to make decisions, drawing from an ever-deepening pool of valuable alternatives. 12. What allows insurance companies to charge old customers more? A. The familiarity principle. B. The advertising cost. C. The improved service. D. The law of the market. 13. What can be learned from paragraph 2? A. Our preferences affect our decisions. B. There can be a mismatch between desires and actions. C. The familiarity principle is a double-edged sword. D. Familiarity tends to generate disrespect. 14. What is the author’s attitude towards the solution in some articles? A. Objective. B. Favorable. C. Disapproving. D. Tolerant. 15. Which of the following is the best title for the text? A. Gently Expand Your Familiarity Zone B. Step Out Of Your Familiarity Zone C. Spare A Thought For Your Preference D. Give Priority To The Mere Exposure Effect （三） （2025·广东佛山顺德区·二模） D Nietzsche (尼采) was wrong: When you gaze long enough into the abyss (深渊), the abyss does not gaze back into you. Instead, the cosmic void (黑洞) remains silent, relentless and frightening in its vastness. When looking at the vast emptiness of the universe, there is a temptation (诱惑) to look at our tiny world with nihilism. To feel that our great achievements amount to nothing. That our history fails to leave a mark. That our concerns and anxieties are pointless. I’m a cosmologist, the kind of scientist who studies the origin, history and evolution of the universe. I have spent years working to understand what cosmic voids teach us. And in the course of my studies, I have learned to reject that temptation. It’s true that Earth is neither large nor long-lived, but that is only one way of measuring significance. Compared with the cosmic voids, there is something special happening on our planet. Earth is still the only known place in the entire universe where conscious beings raise their curious eyes to the sky and wonder. Earth is the only known place where humans can exist. It is the only known place where laughter, love, anger and joy exist. The only known place where we can find dance, music, and art. Our disagreements and all the beautiful complexities that make us human aren’t meaningless. The experiences in our lives are special because they will never happen in the empty expanse of most of the universe The same lessons that cosmic voids teach us are found in the voids we encounter in our own lives. The presence of voids guarantees the opposite; they create contrast; they are full of potential. The pain we feel from loss is the last reminder of the gift of a life deeply loved. The silence before a performance is full of electric expectation. Our choice to ignore stressful news is necessary to allow us to focus on what truly matters. Artists have long understood the power of the void. The 12th-century poet Saigyo noted that the pauses between raindrops were as important as the drops themselves. The famed architect Rem celebrated the utility of negative spaces, proclaiming, “Where there is nothing, everything is possible.” The universe won’t do anything for us except give us the freedom to exist. It is our job to fill the universe with meaning and purpose. 12. What does the underlined word “nihilism” in paragraph 2 mean? A. Hope. B. Admiration. C. Meaninglessness. D. Purpose 13. Why does the author reject the temptation? A. He is a cosmologist who believes science. B. Earth is the only place for human experiences. C. Human experiences differ from those in voids. D. Earth is special because it is small and short-lived 14. What is the author doing in paragraph 5? A. Explaining how voids in life offer meaning. B. Stating that voids in life should be avoided. C. Criticizing the role of voids in universe and life. D. Arguing voids should be filed for more meaning. 15. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text? A. To clarify Nietzsche’s philosophy. B. To explore the unique significance of voids. C. To report a scientific study of cosmic voids. D. To criticize passive views on human achievements. 35 / 35 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $$ 专题03 阅读理解（说明文&议论文） 说明文 （一） （2025·广东省大湾区·二模） C Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, finally getting to the task that has been put off for ages. You have put your phone in your bag. Despite the urge to check it once in a while, you feel focused. Do you think you’re having a productive time? Think again. We tend to believe putting our phone face-side down on our desk or in our bag is enough to prevent us from being distracted (干扰). However, a recent study reveals that the mere presence of your phone, even if it’s out of sight, can be a distraction to your brain - a concept known as “brain drain”. To test the “brain drain” theory, 548 college students at the University of Texas were divided into three groups and asked to complete a set of brain performance tests, with their phones facing down on their desk, in their bag, or outside the room. Researchers found that the group with their phones in another room scored significantly higher. An analysis of 22 studies extends this line of research, indicating the mere presence of smartphones creates a “brain drain” and that the farther away they are from the users, the easier it is for them to concentrate. Why? Our brains can only focus on a small amount of information at once, and need to prioritize what is the most ever-present and relevant, like smartphones. In fact, we engage with the device an average of more than 150 times a day, which means we are rarely focused on a task for more than a few minutes without our attention being divided. This over-reliance on smartphones trains our brain to be inattentive, leaving less space for other tasks. As our phones constantly battle for our attention, how can we prevent them from negatively impacting our performance at work? A good starting point is to educate ourselves on the impact of phone usage on our brains so we can make more informed decisions when working on a task. To further improve our productivity, we should also remember to place our phone outside the room, rather than simply turn it upside down or silence it right beside us. 8. What does the author open the text with? A. A heated discussion. B. A vividly-described painting. C. A well-known theory. D. A common misunderstanding. 9. Why is the analysis of 22 studies cited? A. To confirm previous findings. B. To analyze studies’ outcomes. C. To compare research methods. D. To track subjects’ performances. 10. What causes a “brain drain” according to the text? A. The lack of concentration training. B. The limited capacity of our brains. C. The overload of online information. D. The mindful use of digital devices. 11. How can we avoid distractions from phones at work? A. By reducing our phone’s usage. B. By switching smartphones to silent mode. C. By covering our phone’s screen. D. By separating work zones and phone zones. 【答案】8. D 9. A 10. B 11. D 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了手机在视线外也会分散注意力，即“脑力流失”现象，并提出应对措施。 【8题详解】 推理判断题。根据第一段“Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, finally getting to the task that has been put off for ages. You have put your phone in your bag. Despite the urge to check it once in a while, you feel focused. Do you think you’re having a productive time? (想象一下：你坐在办公桌前，终于开始处理拖延已久的任务。你把手机放在了包里。尽管偶尔有查看手机的冲动，但你感觉很专注。你认为你度过了一段高效的时光吗？)”以及第二段中“We tend to believe putting our phone face-side down on our desk or in our bag is enough to prevent us from being distracted (干扰). However, a recent study reveals that the mere presence of your phone, even if it’s out of sight, can be a distraction to your brain - a concept known as “brain drain”. (我们往往认为把手机正面朝下放在桌子上或包里就足以防止我们分心。然而，最近的一项研究表明，仅仅是手机的存在，即使它不在视线范围内，也会分散你的大脑注意力 —— 这一概念被称为“脑力消耗”。)”可知，作者开篇描述了一个人们通常认为把手机放起来就不会分心的常见情况，而实际并非如此，所以作者是以一个常见的误解开篇的。故选D。 【9题详解】 推理判断题。根据第三段中“An analysis of 22 studies extends this line of research, indicating the mere presence of smartphones creates a “brain drain” and that the farther away they are from the users, the easier it is for them to concentrate. (一项对22项研究的分析扩展了这一研究方向，表明智能手机的存在本身就会造成“脑力流失”，而且它们离用户越远，用户就越容易集中注意力。)”可知，引用对22项研究的分析是为了证实先前的发现，即手机的存在本身就会分散注意力。故选A。 【10题详解】 细节理解题。根据第四段中“Our brains can only focus on a small amount of information at once, and need to prioritize what is the most ever-present and relevant, like smartphones. In fact, we engage with the device an average of more than 150 times a day, which means we are rarely focused on a task for more than a few minutes without our attention being divided. This over-reliance on smartphones trains our brain to be inattentive, leaving less space for other tasks. (我们的大脑一次只能专注于少量信息，并且需要优先处理那些最常出现且与之相关的事物，比如智能手机。事实上，我们平均每天会使用手机超过150次，这意味着我们很少能在专注于一项任务几分钟以上而不分心。这种对智能手机的过度依赖让我们的大脑变得注意力不集中，从而留给其他任务的精力就更少了。)”可知，大脑的有限容量导致“脑力流失”。故选B。 【11题详解】 推理判断题。根据最后一段中“To further improve our productivity, we should also remember to place our phone outside the room, rather than simply turn it upside down or silence it right beside us. (为了进一步提高我们的工作效率，我们还应该记住把手机放在房间外面，而不是简单地把它倒过来或放在我们旁边静音。)”可知，为了在工作中避免手机带来的干扰，我们应该将工作区和手机区分开。故选D。 D The long-held assumption that intelligence is the primary driver of academic achievement is challenged by a recent study in Human Behavior. The study, led by Dr. Malan from University of London and jointly carried out by a group of international experts, has revealed that non-cognitive (非认知的) skills, such as motivation, self-regulation and academic interest, are no less important than intelligence in determining academic success. The influence of these skills accrues throughout a child’s education, with genetic (基因的) factors playing a significant role in shaping this developmental path. The study tracked over 10,000 children from age 7 to 16 in England and Wales and used twin studies and DNA analysis to investigate the impact of non-cognitive skills on academic outcomes as well as the influential factors, like genes and environment, that affect these skills. One striking finding is the growing role of genetics in shaping non-cognitive skills and their impact on academic achievement. Researchers created a special method known as the “polygenic score” to measure these skills and found that genetic effects associated with non-cognitive skills became increasingly predictive of academic achievement, nearly doubling between the ages of 7 and 16. By the end of required schooling, genetic influence on non-cognitive skills was as strong as that on cognitive skills in predicting academic success. Besides, by comparing children from the same family, researchers could separate the impact of shared family environment from genetic factors. “We found that how children were raised in the family played a significant role, although the increasing influence of non-cognitive genetics on academic achievement was still evident,” said Dr. Alleg, a co-researcher in the study. The findings have far-reaching implications for education. The study suggests that schools should develop programs to support students’ emotional and social development. Dr. Malan said, “By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for students.” The study also highlights the need for further research into the complex interaction between genes, environment and education. By understanding these factors, educators and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to support students’ overall development and achieve better educational outcomes. 12. What does the underlined word “accrues” in paragraph 1 mean? A. Mounts. B. Remains. C. Varies. D. Surfaces. 13. Why was the special method used in the study? A. To predict students’ academic achievement. B. To measure the role of environment in learning. C. To evaluate the genetic impact on non-cognitive skills. D. To assess the academic influence of cognitive abilities. 14. What are the researchers most likely to recommend? A. Advanced math courses. B. AI programming workshops. C. Writing training programs. D. Community service projects. 15. What is the best title for the text? A. Promoting Effective Learning B. The Overlooked Benefits of Genes C. Unlocking Academic Potential D. The Hidden Key to Academic Success 【答案】12. A 13. C 14. D 15. D 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了一项研究表明非认知技能对学业成就影响重大且受基因影响。 【12题详解】 词句猜测题。根据划线单词后面的“with genetic (基因的) factors playing a significant role in shaping this developmental path(基因因素在塑造这条发展路径中起着重要作用)” 以及第二段“The study tracked over 10,000 children from age 7 to 16 in England and Wales and used twin studies and DNA analysis to investigate the impact of non-cognitive skills on academic outcomes as well as the influential factors, like genes and environment, that affect these skills.(该研究对英格兰和威尔士地区年龄在 7 岁至 16 岁之间的 10,000 多名儿童进行了追踪调查，并采用双胞胎研究和 DNA 分析方法来探究非认知技能对学业成果的影响，以及基因和环境等影响这些技能的因素)”可知，从7岁到16岁非认知技能中基因影响对学业成就的预测性几乎翻倍，可推知，随着孩子教育过程的推进，非认知技能的影响在不断累积这。所以accrues意思是“累积、增加”。故选A。 【13题详解】 细节理解题。根据第三段中“Researchers created a special method known as the “polygenic score” to measure these skills and found that genetic effects associated with non-cognitive skills became increasingly predictive of academic achievement, nearly doubling between the ages of 7 and 16.(研究人员研发出一种名为“多基因评分”的特殊方法，用以衡量这些技能，并发现与非认知技能相关的基因效应对学业成就的预测性日益增强，在7岁至16岁这一年龄段期间，其预测作用几乎翻倍)”可知，研究中使用这种特殊方法是为了评估基因对非认知技能的影响。故选C。 14题详解】 推理判断题。根据倒数第二段“The study suggests that schools should develop programs to support students’ emotional and social development.(这项研究表明，学校应该制定计划来支持学生的情感和社会发展)”可推知，研究人员最有可能推荐社区服务项目，因为社区服务项目可以帮助学生发展情感和社会能力。故选D。 【15题详解】 主旨大意题。通读全文，尤其是第一段的“The long-held assumption that intelligence is the primary driver of academic achievement is challenged by a recent study in Human Behavior. The study, led by Dr. Malan from University of London and jointly carried out by a group of international experts, has revealed that non-cognitive (非认知的) skills, such as motivation, self-regulation and academic interest, are no less important than intelligence in determining academic success.(长久以来，人们一直认为智力是推动学业成就的首要因素，而最近发表在《人类行为》上的一项研究对此提出了质疑。这项研究由伦敦大学的马兰博士牵头，并由一群国际专家共同开展，研究结果表明，在决定学业成功与否方面，动机、自我调节能力以及学术兴趣等非认知技能的重要性丝毫不亚于智力)”可知，文章开篇指出传统认为智力是学业成就主要驱动力的观点受到挑战，接着阐述研究表明非认知技能对学业成就同样重要且受基因影响，还讨论了研究对教育的启示等，所以文章最佳标题是D项“学业成功的隐藏关键”，强调了非认知技能这个过去被忽视但对学业成功很重要的因素。故选D。 （二） （2025·广东佛山市·二模） B If you are an enthusiastic reader, you may not have enough room to store all the books you read. And the cost of buying books keeps rising. Now there is a perfect solution in the UK: Bookloop. It is an online buy-back project in partnership with existing booksellers, where readers can trade books they have already read for credit or more pre-owned books. Readers can scan (扫描) and upload their books to an online valuation system, and then drop them off at a collection point or have them picked up from their own home, in exchange for credit to be used on other books. Readers must sell at least £5 worth of books to take part. Eric Gagnaire, co-founder of Bookloop, said, “By giving books a second life, we are not only reducing waste but also building a community of readers who value sustainability and support bookshops.” Bookbag, a bookseller that has joined the program, describes it as “a social space” that gathers a global range of fiction and non-fiction writing. “We’re glad to see this program, which feels well-thought-through and a great way of repurposing books and helping sustain bookshops and new book purchase,” they said. Authors will also benefit from the program, as royalties from these secondhand book sales will be redistributed through a shared author fund. Reception to the launch of Bookloop hasn’t been universally positive, however. Some secondhand booksellers like Patrick Kelly, owner of Bookmongers in Brixton, raise concerns about how many books will actually be sold on to readers. Kelly argued that most secondhand books should be recycled. “They are either no longer relevant, overly produced, or are left in bad condition,” he said. In response, Bookloop stated that only 2% of collected books end up not being resold-most of the unsold books are donated to local charities, with less than 0.5% recycled. “Getting pre-owned books to new readers while benefiting both bookshops and authors feels extremely positive,” said Gagnaire. “It’s a really sustainable way of getting books into the hands of more people, without cost being a barrier.” 4. What is a requirement for readers to participate in Bookloop? A. Trading their credit for new books. B. Selling used books worth £5 or more. C. Dropping off their books at a local library. D. Uploading personal information to the system. 5. What does Bookbag think of Bookloop? A. It is a win-win initiative. B. It boosts interest in reading. C. It is a well-planned book fair. D. It encourages authors to write. 6. Why is Patrick Kelly mentioned? A. To clarify a misunderstanding. B. To suggest a brand-new resolution. C. To present a contrasting viewpoint. D. To highlight an unusual phenomenon. 7. What can be the best title for the text? A. The Rise of Secondhand Book Trading B. Reducing Waste, Building a Reputation C. Bookloop: A Second Life for Used Books D. Innovating Reading: The Bookloop Initiative 【答案】4. B 5. A 6. C 7. C 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文，主要介绍了英国一个名为Bookloop的在线图书回购项目。 【4题详解】 细节理解题。根据第二段中“Readers must sell at least £5 worth of books to take part.(参加活动的读者必须卖出至少价值5英镑的书)”可知，读者参与Bookloop的要求是出售价值5英镑或以上的旧书。故选B。 【5题详解】 推理判断题。根据第三段中““We’re glad to see this program, which feels well-thought-through and a great way of repurposing books and helping sustain bookshops and new book purchase,” they said. Authors will also benefit from the program, as royalties from these secondhand book sales will be redistributed through a shared author fund.(他们说：“我们很高兴看到这个项目，它感觉是经过深思熟虑的，是重新利用书籍、帮助维持书店和新书购买的好方法。”作者也将从该计划中受益，因为这些二手书销售的版税将通过共享作者基金重新分配)”可知，Bookbag认为Bookloop项目是一个双赢的举措，既重新利用了书籍，又帮助维持了书店的运营和促进了新书的购买。故选A。 【6题详解】 推理判断题。根据倒数第二段中“Reception to the launch of Bookloop hasn’t been universally positive, however. Some secondhand booksellers like Patrick Kelly, owner of Bookmongers in Brixton, raise concerns about how many books will actually be sold on to readers.(然而，并不是所有人都对Bookloop的推出持积极态度。布里克斯顿Bookmongers的老板Patrick Kelly等一些二手书商担心，到底有多少书会卖给读者)”可推知，文章提到Patrick Kelly是为了呈现一个与Bookloop项目积极评价相对比的观点，即有人对二手书的销售数量表示担忧。故选C。 【7题详解】 主旨大意题。通读全文，尤其是第一段中“Now there is a perfect solution in the UK: Bookloop. It is an online buy-back project in partnership with existing booksellers, where readers can trade books they have already read for credit or more pre-owned books.(现在英国有了一个完美的解决方案：Bookloop。这是一个与现有书商合作的在线回购项目，读者可以用他们已经读过的书换取信用或更多的二手书)”可知，文章主要介绍了英国的一个在线二手书回购项目Bookloop，该项目旨在通过给书籍第二次生命来减少浪费，并建立一个重视可持续性和支持书店的读者社区，C选项“Bookloop: A Second Life for Used Books(Bookloop：二手书的第二次生命)”能很好地概括文章主要内容，是文章的最佳标题。故选C。 C Wildfires are getting worse across the world. Twenty-one years of satellite data shows severe fires have more than doubled in frequency since 2003 and the six most extreme years since records began have come since 2017, causing more deaths and destruction. One European Union (EU) pilot program, the Life Landscape Fire Project (LLFP), is now using hungry mountain goats to prevent wildfires before they start. It involves a combination of controlled fires and hungry goats grazing (吃草) to reduce plant cover that can dry up in summer and fuel the rapid spread of fires. Controlled fires help burn older plants that goats don’t eat, allowing fresh green vegetation to grow which grazers like goats and cows do eat. The experimental project pays shepherds (牧羊人) to guide their goats to areas where they want the plant cover reduced, and they also build shelters and watering areas to attract free grazers to the desired spots. That’s how mountain goats and cows become mobile fire prevention units. LLFP director Andre Mota oversees this EU-funded project. “We are in one of the most affected regions by wildfires, historically speaking,” said Mota. “Last September we had a wildfire with extreme behavior that burned almost everything in its path. But our parcels managed to keep green.” A video from Mota showed that one half of the mountain was black and burned and the other green, the parts which controlled fires and hungry goats had made unlikely to burn. “We believe this proves that, when scaled up from a pilot project to a full solution, it works,” he added. The sound of goat bells rings out as the goats move peacefully on their way, offering hope in a region directly in the path of climate chaos. 8. What do we know about the LLFP? A. It protects mountain goats. B. It employs integrated methods. C. It has been conducted across Europe. D. It wins shepherds’ unconditional support. 9. What does the underlined words “the desired spots” refer to? A. Free grazers’ favorite destinations. B. Places far from shepherds’ activities. C. Spots with abundant water resources. D. Areas in need of vegetation reduction. 10. What is paragraph 3 mainly about? A. The influence of wildfires. B. The effectiveness of the LLFP. C. The challenges faced by the LLFP. D. The importance of preventing fires. 11. What message is conveyed in the last paragraph? A. Goats stand as a symbol of peace. B. Goats ring the alarm for quick action. C. Goats provide hope for wildfire prevention. D. Goats offer an ideal solution to climate change. 【答案】8. B 9. D 10. B 11. C 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了全球野火情况日益恶化，欧盟的生命景观火灾项目(LLFP)采用控制燃烧和让山羊吃草等综合方法来预防野火，且成效显著。 【8题详解】 细节理解题。根据第二段中“It involves a combination of controlled fires and hungry goats grazing (吃草) to reduce plant cover that can dry up in summer and fuel the rapid spread of fires. (它包括控制燃烧和让饥饿的山羊吃草相结合，以减少夏季可能干涸并助长火势迅速蔓延的植被覆盖)”可知，LLFP采用了包括控制燃烧和让饥饿的山羊吃草相结合的综合方法。故选B项。 【9题详解】 词句猜测题。根据划线词所在句中“The experimental project pays shepherds (牧羊人) to guide their goats to areas where they want the plant cover reduced, and they also build shelters and watering areas to attract free grazers to the desired spots. (这个实验项目付钱给牧羊人，让他们把山羊带到他们希望减少植被覆盖的地区，他们还建造庇护所和饮水区，以吸引自由放牧的动物到他们想要的地方)”中“guide their goats to areas where they want the plant cover reduced”可推知，他们想要把山羊引导到需要减少植被覆盖的地区，所以“the desired spots”指的是“需要减少植被覆盖的地区”。故选D项。 【10题详解】 主旨大意题。根据第三段中“‘Last September we had a wildfire with extreme behavior that burned almost everything in its path. But our parcels managed to keep green.’ A video from Mota showed that one half of the mountain was black and burned and the other green, the parts which controlled fires and hungry goats had made unlikely to burn. ‘We believe this proves that, when scaled up from a pilot project to a full solution, it works,’ he added. (‘去年9月，我们经历了一场极端行为的野火，几乎烧毁了所到之处的一切。但我们的区域设法保持了绿色。’莫塔提供的一段视频显示，山的一半是黑色的，被烧毁了，另一半是绿色的，这是控制燃烧和饥饿的山羊使火势难以蔓延的部分。他补充说：‘我们相信这证明了，当从试点项目扩大到全面解决方案时，它是有效的。’)”可知，该段主要通过举例来说明LLFP的有效性。故选B项。 【11题详解】 推理判断题。根据最后一段中“The sound of goat bells rings out as the goats move peacefully on their way, offering hope in a region directly in the path of climate chaos. (当山羊平静地前行时，山羊铃铛的声音响起，为一个直接受气候混乱影响的地区带来了希望)”可知，段中想要传达的信息是，用山羊来减少植被覆盖，为野火预防带来了希望。故选C项。 D How individuals describe their experiences plays a crucial role in shaping emotions and decision-making. However, little research has examined whether language can impact how people experience time alone. To find it out, researchers studied how different terms used to describe time alone affect individuals’ understanding of it and their emotions and behaviors. In the first study, 500 adults were randomly assigned to evaluate one of five labels describing time alone: me-time, time alone, solitude (孤单), being alone, or isolation (孤独). They rated their assigned term on several dimensions, including how positive or negative it felt, its perceived impact on well-being, and whether they actively sought or avoided that type of experience. This study revealed that “me-time” was consistently rated as the most positive, with participants considering it as beneficial to well-being and something they actively sought out. In contrast, “isolation” was viewed as the least desirable. The other three labels fell somewhere in between. In the second study, 176 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a 30-minute solitude period described as either me-time or isolation. Before the session, they completed a survey measuring baseline beliefs about being alone. During the session, they avoided all social interactions, but could engage in non-social activities like reading or writing. Afterward, they rated their emotions, described their thoughts and behaviors, and reassessed their beliefs about being alone. Those who spent 30 minutes alone after being told they were having “me-time” reported an increase in positive effect, while those who were told they were in “isolation” experienced a decline in positive emotions. Additionally, participants in the “me-time” condition reported more positive beliefs about being alone after the session compared to their baseline beliefs, while those in the “isolation” condition showed no significant change. Interestingly, choice of terms did not significantly influence the activities participants engaged in. But it did appear to shape thought content, with those in the “isolation” condition being more likely to think about schoolwork, while those in the “me-time” condition were more likely to reflect on personal growth. The studies, however, involved individuals that consisted primarily of adults and undergraduate students, limiting the generalizability of the findings across diverse populations. 12. One of the research purposes is to explore ________. A. the benefits of positive emotions B. people’s preferences for time alone C. how people make decisions while alone D. how language shapes people’s perceptions 13. What can be concluded from the first study? A. People treasure their time of being alone. B. Label selection reflects people’s personality. C. People prefer being alone to social interaction. D. Terms for time alone affect emotional responses. 14. Why were the baseline beliefs about being alone rated? A. To predict future outcomes. B. To ensure accurate understanding. C. To track potential opinion shifts. D. To group the participants accordingly. 15. What is the limitation of the research? A. Contradictory results. B. Restricted participant range. C. Controlled research duration. D. Unreliable research methods. 【答案】12. D 13. D 14. C 15. B 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文，主要介绍了研究人员通过两项研究探讨了不同词汇描述独处时间如何影响人们对独处的理解、情绪和行为。 【12题详解】 推理判断题。根据第一段“To find it out, researchers studied how different terms used to describe time alone affect individuals’ understanding of it and their emotions and behaviors. (为了找到答案，研究人员研究了用来描述独处时间的不同术语如何影响个人对独处时间的理解以及他们的情绪和行为)”可知，研究目的之一是探索语言如何塑造人们的感知。故选D。 【13题详解】 推理判断题。根据第三段“This study revealed that “me-time” was consistently rated as the most positive, with participants considering it as beneficial to well-being and something they actively sought out. In contrast, “isolation” was viewed as the least desirable. (这项研究显示，“个人时间”一直被认为是最积极的，参与者认为这对健康有益，是他们积极寻求的东西。相反，“孤立”被认为是最不可取的)”可知，从第一个研究中可以得出的结论是“孤立”被认为是最不可取的，由此可推知，独处的时间会影响情绪反应。故选D。 【14题详解】 推理判断题。根据倒数第三段“Additionally, participants in the “me-time” condition reported more positive beliefs about being alone after the session compared to their baseline beliefs, while those in the “isolation” condition showed no significant change. (此外，与基线信念相比，“自我时间”条件下的参与者在会议结束后报告了更多关于独处的积极信念，而“孤立”条件下的参与者没有显着变化)”可知，对独处的基本信念进行评分是为了追踪潜在的意见转变，故选C。 【15题详解】 细节理解题。根据最后一段“The studies, however, involved individuals that consisted primarily of adults and undergraduate students, limiting the generalizability of the findings across diverse populations. (然而，这些研究涉及的个体主要由成年人和大学生组成，限制了研究结果在不同人群中的普遍性)”可知，本研究的局限性是有限的参与者范围。故选B。 （三） （2025·广东省二模） D Needles, though essential for delivering many vital medicines, are not popular among patients. Many people experience discomfort or anxiety at the sight of a needle, making injections (注射) an unpleasant experience. Now, new research led by Giovanni Traverso at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a way to give medicine without this discomfort—by copying how squids (鱿鱼) shoot ink and water. Dr. Traverso’s tiny automated injectors are packaged in capsules that patients can swallow. Once inside the digestive system, the capsules break down, releasing the injectors, which then deliver drugs through the surface layer of stomach or other digestive organs and into the subsurface tissues below. This method allows patients to receive treatment without seeing or feeling a needle. Although the technique is promising, it is not yet entirely reliable. For an injector to work effectively, it must be positioned almost perfectly upright against the target tissue. With skin injections, a medical professional can adjust the angle by hand, but inside the digestive system, this is much more difficult. To solve this problem, Dr. Traver so turned to squids, which can shoot ink and water at high pressure in multiple directions. Inspired by this natural ability, he and his team worked with a medical company to develop tiny spring-loaded devices that release fast streams of medicine when activated. Tests on digestive tissues from pigs and dogs showed that the devices can effectively give injections even at angles below 70°. While human trials have yet to begin, Dr. Traver so hopes the technology will soon help people with diabetes, a disease that requires the patients to get multiple injections daily. A more convenient delivery system could make treatment easier and less stressful. But the potential applications extend beyond diabetes—similar devices may one day be used to administer vaccines, making immunization (免疫接种) more accessible. If all goes well, fear of needles could become a thing of the past. 12. What can we learn about the new injectors from the first two paragraphs? A. They are made from squid ink. B. They are invisible to human eyes. C. They enjoy popularity among patients. D. They operate within the digestive system. 13. What challenge does Traverso’s technique face? A. Keeping the injector at a correct angle. B. Finding a proper site for drug delivery. C. Having reliable medical professionals. D. Accessing the deep digestive system. 14. What can we infer about the technology from the last paragraph? A. It proves effective in human trials. B. It may cure people of needle anxiety. C. It shows promises for future applications. D. It will reduce the cost of diabetes treatment. 15. Which of the following is the best title for the text? A. The Secret of Squid Ink Shooting B. Painless Injection: A Gift from Squid C. Nature: A Guide for Medical Innovation D. The Development of Injection Techniques 【答案】12. D 13. A 14. C 15. B 【解析】 【导语】本文是说明文。本文介绍了一种新型无痛注射技术，灵感来源于鱿鱼喷射墨水的机制。 【12题详解】 细节理解题。根据第二段“Dr. Traverso’s tiny automated injectors are packaged in capsules that patients can swallow. Once inside the digestive system, the capsules break down, releasing the injectors, which then deliver drugs through the surface layer of stomach or other digestive organs and into the subsurface tissues below. This method allows patients to receive treatment without seeing or feeling a needle.(Traverso博士的微型自动注射器被包装在胶囊中，病人可以吞下。一旦进入消化系统，胶囊就会分解，释放出注射器，然后注射器通过胃或其他消化器官的表层将药物输送到下面的皮下组织。这种方法可以让患者在看不到或感觉不到针头的情况下接受治疗)”可知，注射器在消化系统内操作。故选D项。 【13题详解】 细节理解题。根据第三段“Although the technique is promising, it is not yet entirely reliable. For an injector to work effectively, it must be positioned almost perfectly upright against the target tissue. With skin injections, a medical professional can adjust the angle by hand, but inside the digestive system, this is much more difficult.(虽然这项技术很有前途，但还不是完全可靠。为了使注射器有效地工作，它必须几乎完全垂直地放置在目标组织上。通过皮肤注射，医学专业人员可以手动调整角度，但在消化系统内，这要困难得多)”可知，技术面临的主要挑战是保持注射器的正确角度。故选A项。 【14题详解】 推理判断题。根据最后一段“While human trials have yet to begin, Dr. Traver so hopes the technology will soon help people with diabetes, a disease that requires the patients to get multiple injections daily. A more convenient delivery system could make treatment easier and less stressful. But the potential applications extend beyond diabetes—similar devices may one day be used to administer vaccines, making immunization (免疫接种) more accessible. If all goes well, fear of needles could become a thing of the past.(虽然人体试验尚未开始，但特拉弗博士希望这项技术能很快帮助糖尿病患者，这种疾病需要患者每天多次注射。一个更方便的输送系统可以使治疗更容易，压力更小。但潜在的应用范围不仅限于糖尿病——类似的设备可能有一天会被用于接种疫苗，使免疫接种更容易获得。如果一切顺利，对针头的恐惧可能会成为过去)”可推知，该技术在未来具有广阔的应用前景，故选C项。 【15题详解】 主旨大意题。根据第一段“Needles, though essential for delivering many vital medicines, are not popular among patients. Many people experience discomfort or anxiety at the sight of a needle, making injections (注射) an unpleasant experience. Now, new research led by Giovanni Traverso at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a way to give medicine without this discomfort—by copying how squids (鱿鱼) shoot ink and water.(尽管针头对于输送许多重要药物至关重要，但在患者中并不受欢迎。许多人一看到针头就感到不适或焦虑，这使得注射成为一种不愉快的经历。现在，麻省理工学院（MIT）的乔瓦尼·特拉弗索（Giovanni Traverso）领导的一项新研究提供了一种不用这种不适就能给药的方法——模仿鱿鱼喷射墨水和水的方式)”以及纵观全文可知，本文主要介绍了一种基于鱿鱼喷射机制的无痛注射技术，强调了其创新性和对患者的潜在益处，所以B项“无痛注射：来自乌贼的礼物”是本文最好的标题。故选B项。 （四） （2025·广东广州市·二模） B As an artist working at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, I am leading a special 14-month project called DYE. My mission is to discover plant-based dyes (染料) and share them with visitors, researchers and artists through events, performances, a colour database and projects linked to the Garden’s plant collections. There are some 8,000 plant species in the Garden. Guided by medieval recipes, I experiment with berries, flowers, and bark (树皮) to uncover colours hidden in nature. For example, I’ve transformed roses into vivid red dyes and turned Jade Vine into pink paint. One of my proudest achievements is creating “Newton’s Gold” — a golden-yellow ink made from the bark of Isaac Newton’s historic apple tree. I thought I’d end up with black but it’s a dark golden yellow — unlike modern methods that chemically force predictable results. These discoveries remind me that nature holds endless surprises, but they demand patience and respect. My work isn’t just about mixing colours — it’s about storytelling. Collaborations with historians and dancers connect my dyes to broader themes. I dyed feathers for historians to study ancient costumes and created fabrics reflecting nature’s cycles for a dance performance. By reviving forgotten techniques, such as a 15th-century ink recipe, I bridge the past and present, showing how ancient methods can inspire sustainable solutions to today’s environmental issues. Nature’s colours are ever-changing. The fading of dyes reveals the temporary beauty of natural materials, just as ecosystems’ delicate balance which demands protection. In the Botanic Garden, colours from plants and everyday materials teach me to accept change. These colours aren’t just art supplies; they symbolize nature’s strength and remind us to rethink our relationship with the environment. Through workshops and a colour database, I invite people to view nature differently. My work is a return to the old ways of making colour from my garden herbs, establishing a deeper connection between art and nature. 4. What does the author do on the DYE project? A. Organize and guide garden tours. B. Collect and classify plant species. C. Design and run a database of artworks. D. Develop and spread plant-based dyes. 5. Why is “Newton’s Gold” ink significant? A. It honors Newton’s great contributions. B. It shows nature’s unpredictable potentials. C. It links apple trees to scientific inspirations. D. It exposes limitations of modern ink production. 6. What does the underlined word “reviving” mean in paragraph 3? A. Bringing back. B. Putting away. C. Searching for. D. Reflecting on. 7. What is the ultimate goal of the DYE project? A. To improve natural dye stability. B. To protect nature’s ecological balance. C. To strengthen sustainable art-nature bonds. D. To bridge nature and art through gardening. 【答案】4. D 5. B 6. A 7. C 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述作者在剑桥大学植物园开展DYE项目，探索和传播植物染料。 【4题详解】 细节理解题。根据第一段中“My mission is to discover plant-based dyes (染料) and share them with visitors, researchers and artists through events, performances, a colour database and projects linked to the Garden’s plant collections. (我的任务是发现植物染料，并通过活动、表演、一个颜色数据库以及与植物园植物收藏相关的项目，与游客、研究人员和艺术家分享这些染料。)”可知，作者在DYE项目中开发并传播基于植物的染料。故选D。 【5题详解】 细节理解题。根据第二段中“One of my proudest achievements is creating “Newton’s Gold” — a golden-yellow ink made from the bark of Isaac Newton’s historic apple tree. I thought I’d end up with black but it’s a dark golden yellow — unlike modern methods that chemically force predictable results. These discoveries remind me that nature holds endless surprises, but they demand patience and respect. (我最引以为豪的成就之一是创造了“牛顿金”——一种由艾萨克・牛顿那棵具有历史意义的苹果树的树皮制成的金黄色墨水。我原以为最后会得到黑色，但它却是深金黄色——这与现代方法不同，现代方法通过化学手段强制得出可预测的结果。这些发现提醒我，大自然蕴藏着无尽的惊喜，但它们需要耐心和尊重。)”可知，“牛顿金”墨水意义重大是因为它展示了大自然不可预测的潜力。故选B。 【6题详解】 词句猜测题。根据第三段中“By reviving forgotten techniques, such as a 15th-century ink recipe, I bridge the past and present, showing how ancient methods can inspire sustainable solutions to today’s environmental issues. (通过reviving那些被遗忘的技艺，比如一种15世纪的墨水制作配方，我架起了连接过去与现在的桥梁，展示了古老的方法是如何能够为当今的环境问题带来可持续的解决方案的。)”可知，作者通过“恢复”被遗忘的技术，连接过去和现在，所以reviving意思是“恢复，使……重新流行”，与Bringing back意思相近。故选A。 【7题详解】 细节理解题。根据最后一段中“Through workshops and a colour database, I invite people to view nature differently. My work is a return to the old ways of making colour from my garden herbs, establishing a deeper connection between art and nature. (通过工作室和一个颜色数据库，我邀请人们以不同的方式看待自然。我的工作是回归到用我花园里的药草制作颜色的古老方式，在艺术和自然之间建立更深刻的联系。)”可推断，DYE项目的最终目标是加强可持续的艺术与自然的联系。故选C。 C On a hot summer afternoon, a child eagerly watched as their grandmother sliced a sun-ripened tomato topped with sugar—a refreshing summer treat. The sandy, sweet-sour juice with melted sugar always made one lick plates clean. Decades later, that same child, now an adult, finds disappointedly supermarket tomatoes firm to the touch, pale in colour, and totally lacking in the rich flavor. Beyond a mere loss in our childhood memory, the shift is a measurable decline rooted in the farming changes and modern needs. The decline in modern tomato flavor results from disturbed sugar-acid balance. Traditional varieties had higher sugar levels balanced with moderate acidity. A recent study by Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS) shows alarming trends: pink tomatoes lost over 26%sugar-acid ratio while red types dropped 22%, coupled with rising organic acids. This imbalance creates sour-dominated flavors with weakened sweetness. The situation is made worse by the loss of special taste components. These elements work together to create a rich flavor. They can make our brain sense more sweetness even when the sugar level stays the same. However, in modern farming, people have accidentally removed the genes (基因) for these taste components while focusing on higher output and disease resistance. Commercial pressures also play a role. For easier shipping, tomatoes are harvested before they are mature and subjected to cold storage. These practices unintentionally affect how flavor-giving chemicals are released, leaving tomatoes structurally undamaged but flavorless. Hope, however, lies in the gene pool of traditional and wild tomato varieties. A 2019 comprehensive study on genes, analyzing over 700 tomato types, identified 4,873 previously undocumented genes, including rare genetic variations that improve flavors. By reintroducing these “lost” genetic elements through scientific methods, scientists aim to balance marketability and taste quality. The challenge remains complex, yet the solution is clear： to rediscover the flavors in our childhood memory, we must first understand the genetic codes (密码) left behind in the drive for progress. 8. Why does the author mention the tomato experience in paragraph 1? A. To explain the health benefits of fresh tomatoes. B. To show the change in tomato flavor over time. C. To highlight the significance of a family tradition. D. To illustrate the disappearance of a summer delight. 9. What does SAAS’s recent study find? A. Higher sugar levels in modern tomatoes. B. More organic acids in traditional tomatoes. C. The loss of sweet-sour balance in tomatoes. D. Taste difference between pink and red tomatoes. 10. What is paragraph 3 mainly about? A. The advantages of gene selections. B. The roles commercial practices play. C. The challenges tomato farming faces. D. The reasons behind less-flavored tomatoes. 11. Which is a potential solution to the core problem discussed in the text? A. Discovering highly productive genes. B. Analyzing different types of tomatoes. C. Introducing disease-resistant elements. D. Using rare genes in wild tomato varieties. 【答案】8. B 9. C 10. D 11. D 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要说明了现代番茄风味下降的原因，包括糖酸平衡被打破、特殊风味成分的丧失，以及现代种植和储存方式对番茄风味的影响。 【8题详解】 推理判断题。根据文章第一段“On a hot summer afternoon, a child eagerly watched as their grandmother sliced a sun-ripened tomato topped with sugar—a refreshing summer treat. The sandy, sweet-sour juice with melted sugar always made one lick plates clean. Decades later, that same child, now an adult, finds disappointedly supermarket tomatoes firm to the touch, pale in colour, and totally lacking in the rich flavor. Beyond a mere loss in our childhood memory, the shift is a measurable decline rooted in the farming changes and modern needs.(在一个炎热的夏日午后，一个孩子眼巴巴地看着祖母切开一颗在阳光下成熟的西红柿，上面还撒了些糖——这可是夏日里令人神清气爽的美味。那带着沙粒感、酸甜可口且混着融化的糖的汁水，总是让人把盘子舔得干干净净。几十年后，当年的那个孩子如今已长大成人，却失望地发现超市里的西红柿摸起来硬邦邦的，颜色苍白，而且完全没有那种浓郁的味道。这可不只是我们童年记忆的缺失，这种变化背后是源于农业生产的变革和现代需求的可衡量的品质下降。)”可知，第一段先描述了小时候吃的西红柿的美味，接着对比了长大后在超市看到的西红柿，最后指出这种变化。由此可知，作者在第一段提到西红柿的经历是为了展示随着时间推移西红柿味道的变化。故选B。 【9题详解】 细节理解题。根据文章第二段“A recent study by Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS) shows alarming trends: pink tomatoes lost over 26%sugar-acid ratio, while red types dropped 22%, coupled with rising organic acids. This imbalance creates sour-dominated flavors with weakened sweetness.(上海农业科学院最近的一项研究显示出了令人担忧的趋势：粉色西红柿的糖酸比下降了超过26%，而红色西红柿的糖酸比下降了22%，同时有机酸含量却在上升。这种失衡导致了以酸味为主、甜味减弱的口感。)”可知，上海农业科学院的研究显示粉色西红柿的糖酸比下降超过26%，红色西红柿下降22%，且有机酸含量上升，这种失衡导致以酸味为主、甜味减弱的口感，即西红柿失去了原本的酸甜平衡。故选C。 【10题详解】 主旨大意题。根据文章第三段“The situation is made worse by the loss of special taste components. These elements work together to create a rich flavor. They can make our brain sense more sweetness even when the sugar level stays the same. However, in modern farming, people have accidentally removed the genes (基因) for these taste components while focusing on higher output and disease resistance. Commercial pressures also play a role. For easier shipping, tomatoes are harvested before they are mature and subjected to cold storage. These practices unintentionally affect how flavor-giving chemicals are released, leaving tomatoes structurally undamaged but flavorless.(特殊风味成分的缺失让情况变得更糟。这些成分共同作用，营造出了丰富的风味。它们甚至能在糖分水平不变的情况下，让我们的大脑感觉到更多的甜味。然而，在现代的农业种植中，人们在追求更高产量和更强抗病性的同时，不经意间去除了决定这些风味成分的基因。商业压力也起到了一定作用。为了便于运输，西红柿在还未成熟时就被采摘下来，然后进行冷藏。这些做法在无意中影响了产生风味的化学物质的释放，使得西红柿虽然在外观结构上没有受损，但却没了味道。)”可知，第三段首句指出特殊风味成分的缺失让情况更糟，接着解释了这些成分对风味的作用以及现代种植中因追求产量和抗病性而无意中去除了相关基因；随后提到商业压力下的采摘和储存方式也影响了西红柿风味化学物质的释放，导致西红柿没味道。所以整段主要是在阐述现代西红柿味道变差的原因。故选D。 【11题详解】 细节理解题。根据文章最后一段“A 2019 comprehensive study on genes, analyzing over 700 tomato types, identified 4,873 previously undocumented genes, including rare genetic variations that improve flavors. By reintroducing these “lost” genetic elements through scientific methods, scientists aim to balance marketability and taste quality.(2019年一项关于基因的全面研究，分析了700多种西红柿品种，发现了4873个此前未被记录的基因，其中包括能提升风味的罕见遗传变异。通过科学的方法重新引入这些“失传”的遗传元素，科学家们的目标是在可销售性和口感品质之间找到平衡。)”可知，2019年的基因研究发现了包括能提升风味的罕见遗传变异在内的未记录基因，通过科学方法重新引入这些“失传”的遗传元素，有望平衡西红柿的可销售性和口感质量，即利用野生西红柿品种中的罕见基因是潜在解决方案。故选D。 D New research reveals that “intensive domain-specific training” like mathematics fundamentally reshapes brain activity during complex problem solving, offering insights into the cognitive neuroscience (认知神经科学) of concentration. A study published in Cognitive Neuroscience compared graduate students in math-related fields with peers in non-mathematical fields to investigate how long-term specialized practice influences thinking processes. Participants watched video demonstrations of multi-step mathematical problems while wearing brain-wave-monitoring caps to track brain activity. The study found clear differences: non-math students’ front brain areas (linked to memory and focus) worked harder as they struggled to follow logical steps. In contrast, math-intensive students displayed synchronized (同步的) slow brain waves connecting the frontal and upper-back brain areas, which are responsible for abstract reasoning and spatial processing. These slow brain rhythms, typically observed during deep sleep, appeared to facilitate efficient communication between distant neural networks during intense focus. These findings indicate that repeated exposure to complex problem solving allows math-trained students to automate basic logical steps (e.g. formula application), which saves mental energy for complex analysis. This “neural efficiency” — the brain’s adaptability through training — mirrors patterns in other experts: experienced musicians’ brains show similar slow waves when composing and athletes enter similar “flow states” during competitions. Most importantly, researchers confirm such neural efficiency isn’t inborn but develops through deliberate practice. Students with equal IQs but less math training lacked these distinctive wave patterns. However, those who engaged in repetition and intentional study eventually developed such patterns, becoming more efficient in solving problems. By the same logic, these findings hint at a trade-off that people should keep in mind particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) and other tools offer tempting shortcuts for various forms of problem solving. Dr. Elena Torres, lead researcher of the study, further warns that over-reliance on AI might weaken our brain’s natural problem-solving abilities. “Each time we off-load a problem to a calculator or ask AI to summarize an essay, we are losing an opportunity to improve our own skills and practise deep concentration for ourselves.” Torres urges “a strategic balance — use AI for repetitive labor, thanks to its fast data processing and continuous operation, but reserve complex challenges for deep, tech-free focus.” 12. What was the main purpose of the new research? A. To study how specialized training affects brains. B. To investigate how AI tools influence learning. C. To compare brain activity among math experts. D. To measure IQ levels across different specialists. 13. How did non-math students’ brains differ from those of math students in complex problem solving? A. Their front-top parts worked together. B. They showed random sleep-like waves. C. Their front area worked with extra effort. D. They processed information automatically. 14. What is crucial to developing “neural efficiency” according to the text? A. Long-term focused practice. B. Inborn abstract reasoning talent. C. Random exposure to complex problems. D. Training on memorizing basic logical steps. 15. What do Dr. Elena Torres’ quotes highlight in the last paragraph? A. AI tools limit independent learning opportunities. B. Technology improves efficiency in complex tasks. C. Overusing shortcuts harms cognitive development. D. AI tools reduce motivation for deep concentration. 【答案】12. A 13. C 14. A 15. C 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了新的研究揭示“特定领域的强化训练”（如数学）如何从根本上重塑大脑在解决复杂问题时的活动，提供了对集中注意力的认知神经科学的见解。 【12题详解】 细节理解题。根据文章第一段“A study published in Cognitive Neuroscience compared graduate students in math-related fields with peers in non-mathematical fields to investigate how long-term specialized practice influences thinking processes.(一项发表在《认知神经科学》杂志上的研究，对数学相关领域的研究生和非数学领域的研究生进行了对比，以探究长期的专业训练是如何影响思维过程的。)”可知，这项发表在《认知神经科学》上的研究，将数学相关领域的研究生和非数学领域的研究生进行对比，是为了探究长期的专业训练是如何影响思维过程的，而思维过程与大脑活动相关，也就是研究专业训练如何影响大脑。故选A。 【13题详解】 细节理解题。根据文章第二段“The study found clear differences: non-math students’ front brain areas (linked to memory and focus) worked harder as they struggled to follow logical steps. In contrast, math-intensive students displayed synchronized (同步的) slow brain waves connecting the frontal and upper-back brain areas, which are responsible for abstract reasoning and spatial processing.(研究发现了明显的差异：非数学专业的学生在努力理解逻辑步骤时，他们大脑前部区域（与记忆和注意力相关）更为活跃。相比之下，大量学习数学的学生大脑前部和上后部区域之间出现了同步的慢脑电波，而后两个区域负责抽象推理和空间处理。)”可知，非数学专业学生在努力理解逻辑步骤时，他们大脑前部区域更加努力地工作；而大量学习数学的学生则表现为大脑前部和上后部区域之间出现同步的慢脑电波。故选C。 【14题详解】 细节理解题。根据文章第三段“Most importantly, researchers confirm such neural efficiency isn’t inborn but develops through deliberate practice. Students with equal IQs but less math training lacked these distinctive wave patterns. However, those who engaged in repetition and intentional study eventually developed such patterns, becoming more efficient in solving problems.(最重要的是，研究人员证实，这种神经效率并非天生就有，而是通过刻意练习培养出来的。智商相当但数学训练较少的学生缺乏这些独特的脑电波模式。然而，那些进行重复练习和有意学习的人最终会形成这样的模式，在解决问题时也会变得更加高效。)”可知，这种神经效率并非天生的，而是通过进行重复和有意学习最终形成了这种模式，在解决问题时变得更有效率。因此，培养“神经效率”的关键是长期专注的练习。故选A。 【15题详解】 推理判断题。根据文章最后一段“Dr. Elena Torres, lead researcher of the study, further warns that over-reliance on AI might weaken our brain’s natural problem-solving abilities. “Each time we off-load a problem to a calculator or ask AI to summarize an essay, we are losing an opportunity to improve our own skills and practise deep concentration for ourselves.”(该研究的首席研究员Elena Torres博士进一步警告说，过度依赖人工智能可能会削弱我们大脑天生的问题解决能力。“每次我们把一个问题交给计算器处理，或者让人工智能来总结一篇文章时，我们都失去了一个提升自身技能和锻炼深度专注力的机会。”)”可知，Elena Torres博士警告过度依赖人工智能可能会削弱我们大脑天生的问题解决能力，每次将问题交给计算器或让人工智能总结文章，我们都失去了提升自身技能和锻炼深度专注力的机会，可推知过度使用捷径（如AI）有害认知发展。故选C。 （五） （2025·广东茂名市·二模） B It’s a hot night on the western coast of Sri Lanka. A team of volunteers is patrolling (巡逻) a popular tourist beach on the outskirts of Colombo, searching for turtle (海龟) nesting sites. They gather in a circle, digging in the sand at dusk. Turtle eggs have long been stolen as a food source by coastal communities, but more recently it is human activity of another kind that has proved a greater threat. As the city has expanded, restaurants and other tourist facilities have mushroomed along most parts of the country’s western coast, bringing in more people, noisy music, and much plastic and chemical waste, all of which harms turtle nesting during the reproducing season. Aware that life for the turtles was becoming more difficult, Muditha Katuwawala, one of the volunteers, expanded the activities of the Pearl Protectors to include regular patrols. Working with the coastguard, the volunteers help to find eggs laid in hazardous areas and remove them to a safe nesting place on the beach until they hatch. Nevertheless, a significant threat to the turtles comes from the illegal hunters because once they find a nest, all the eggs are usually taken. “Certain restaurants and hotels sell these eggs to the foreigners as a novel food, at a good price,” Katuwawala says. “So turtle eggs now have commercial demand.” He says patrolling alone will not create a lasting impact on turtle conservation and it needs to be combined with educating coastal communities. Another volunteer, Lara Wijesuriya, agrees. “It makes a difference to the community in how they perceive the problem and the solution,” she says. “And it makes a difference to the volunteers in how they approach the problem. It bridges the gap.” In the southern part of the island, the Turtle Conservation Project has gone a step further by employing hunters to protect nests, providing an alternative income. “When you finally see the baby turtles going into the ocean, it’s really nice to know that you helped a life to live,” Fernando, another volunteer, says. 4. What is a greater threat to turtle nesting recently? A. Urban expansion. B. Illegal hunting. C. Industrial activity. D. Destructive overfishing. 5. What does the underlined word “hazardous” in paragraph 3 mean? A. Risky. B. Scenic. C. Public. D. Crowded. 6. What is mainly talked about in paragraph 4 and 5? A. The business value of turtle eggs. B. The threat of illegal hunting to turtle eggs. C. The role of volunteer efforts in conservation. D. The need of combining patrolling and educating. 7. Which is a suitable title for the text? A. Economic Benefits of Turtle Eggs B. Joint Efforts in Turtle Conservation C. Traditional Practices in Turtle Protection D. Coastal Tourism Challenges in Sri Lanka 【答案】4. A 5. A 6. D 7. B 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了斯里兰卡西部海岸志愿者和社区联合保护海龟免受城市扩张和非法捕猎威胁的努力。 【4题详解】 细节理解题。根据第二段中“Turtle eggs have long been stolen as a food source by coastal communities, but more recently it is human activity of another kind that has proved a greater threat. As the city has expanded, restaurants and other tourist facilities have mushroomed along most parts of the country’s western coast, bringing in more people, noisy music, and much plastic and chemical waste, all of which harms turtle nesting during the reproducing season.(长期以来，海龟蛋一直被沿海社区当作食物来源而被盗取，但最近，另一种人类活动被证明是更大的威胁。随着城市的扩张，该国西海岸的大部分地区如雨后春笋般涌现出餐馆和其他旅游设施，带来了更多的人、嘈杂的音乐以及大量的塑料和化学废物，所有这些都在繁殖季节对海龟筑巢造成了伤害)”可知，最近对海龟筑巢的更大威胁是城市扩张。故选A。 【5题详解】 词句猜测题。根据第三段中“Working with the coastguard, the volunteers help to find eggs laid in hazardous areas and remove them to a safe nesting place on the beach until they hatch.(志愿者们与海岸警卫队合作，帮助寻找在hazardous地区产下的卵，并将它们转移到海滩上一个安全的筑巢地点，直到它们孵化)”可知，“hazardous”与“safe(安全的)”是相对的，志愿者们帮助把在危险区域产下的卵转移到安全的地方，直到孵化，hazardous意为“有危险的”。A. Risky有危险的；B. Scenic风景优美的；C. Public公共的；D. Crowded拥挤的。故选A。 【6题详解】 主旨大意题。根据第四段中“He says patrolling alone will not create a lasting impact on turtle conservation and it needs to be combined with educating coastal communities.(他说，单靠巡逻不会对海龟保护产生持久的影响，它需要与教育沿海社区相结合)”和第五段中“Another volunteer, Lara Wijesuriya, agrees. ‘It makes a difference to the community in how they perceive the problem and the solution,’ she says. ‘And it makes a difference to the volunteers in how they approach the problem. It bridges the gap.’(另一位志愿者Lara Wijesuriya对此表示赞同。她说：‘这让社区在如何看待问题和解决方案方面有所不同。这也让志愿者在如何处理问题上有所不同。它弥合了差距。’)”可知，第四段和第五段主要讨论了巡逻和教育相结合的必要性。故选D。 【7题详解】 主旨大意题。根据全文内容，结合第三段中“Aware that life for the turtles was becoming more difficult, Muditha Katuwawala, one of the volunteers, expanded the activities of the Pearl Protectors to include regular patrols.(志愿者之一Muditha Katuwawala意识到海龟的生活变得越来越困难，于是扩大了珍珠保护者的活动范围，包括定期巡逻)”可知，文章主要讲述了志愿者们为保护海龟所做出的努力，包括巡逻、转移海龟卵、教育沿海社区等，B项“保护海龟的共同努力”适合作文章标题。故选B。 C A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject’s life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. Case studies can be used in many different fields, including psychology, medicine, education, political science, and social work. It’s important to remember that the insights from case studies cannot be used to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. However, case studies may be used to develop theories that can then be addressed in experimental research. There have been a number of notable case studies in the history of psychology. Much of Freud’s work and theories were developed through individual case studies. Here is one great example of case studies in psychology. Anna O was a patient of a physician named Josef Breuer. While she was never a patient of Freud’s, Freud and Breuer discussed her case extensively. The woman was experiencing symptoms of a condition that was then known as hysteria, a state of uncontrolled excitement, fear or panic, and found that talking about her problems helped relieve her symptoms. Her case played an important part in the development of talk therapy (疗法) as an approach to mental health treatment. As demonstrated in the case of Anna O, case studies offer valuable insights into understanding human behavior and developing treatment methods. When you are writing a case study, you should include a section where you discuss the case study itself, including the advantages and limitations of the study. You should note how the findings of your case study might support previous research. You should also describe some of the implications of your case study. What ideas or findings might require further exploration? How might researchers go about exploring some of these questions in additional studies? Case studies clarify rare phenomena, inform practical involvement, and bridge clinical observation with experimental research to advance psychological understanding. 8. What is the main purpose of a case study? A. To develop experimental researches. B. To prove theories in different fields. C. To replace psychological theories with data. D. To analyze a subject’s life patterns thoroughly. 9. What can be learned from paragraph 2 about case studies? A. They can establish causal links. B. They support theory formation. C. They generate insufficient statistical data. D. They offer conclusive experimental evidence. 10. What was the significance of Anna O’s case? A. It marked the first case of hysteria. B. It helped Freud develop his theories. C. It aided the development of talk therapies. D. It showed the importance of medical treatment. 11. What should case study writers include? A. Predictions about behavioral patterns. B. Comparison with experimental designs. C. Discussion of clinical observation methods. D. Evaluation of study strengths and weaknesses. 【答案】8. D 9. B 10. C 11. D 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了案例研究的定义、目的、局限性及其在心理学领域中的应用与意义。 【8题详解】 推理判断题。根据第一段中“A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject’s life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior.(案例研究是对一个人、一个群体或一个事件的深入研究。在案例研究中，几乎会分析研究对象生活和历史的每一个方面，以寻求行为模式和原因)”可推知，案例研究的主要目的是彻底分析研究对象的生活模式。故选D。 【9题详解】 推理判断题。根据第二段中“However, case studies may be used to develop theories that can then be addressed in experimental research.(然而，案例研究可以用来发展理论，然后可以在实验研究中解决这些问题)”可推知，案例研究支持理论的形成。故选B。 【10题详解】 细节理解题。根据第四段中“Her case played an important part in the development of talk therapy (疗法) as an approach to mental health treatment.(她的案例在谈话疗法作为心理健康治疗方法的发展中发挥了重要作用)”可知，Anna O的案例的意义在于它促进了谈话疗法的发展。故选C。 【11题详解】 细节理解题。根据倒数第二段中“When you are writing a case study, you should include a section where you discuss the case study itself, including the advantages and limitations of the study.(当你写案例研究时，你应该包括一个部分，讨论案例研究本身，包括研究的优点和局限性)”可知，案例研究的撰写者应该包括对研究优缺点的评价。故选D。 D If you’re used to letting your dog lick your face — and maybe even your mouth — you’re not alone. Now, scientists warn that dog saliva (唾液) could actually be dangerous. A new study found that household dogs are often overlooked sources of salmonella (沙门氏菌). Researchers at Penn State University (PSU) found that dogs can carry antibiotic-resistant (耐抗生素的) salmonella, which poses a serious risk to humans. In both dogs and humans, salmonella infections can cause fever and stomach trouble. In some cases, the infection can spread beyond the intestines (肠) and cause more serious issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dogs can get salmonella by eating raw food or consuming waste from infected animals. It can then be passed on to humans through contact with the dog’s waste, warns the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. The issue is that dogs can carry salmonella without showing any signs of illness, making it easy to spread without warning. The PSU team studied salmonella in dogs from May 2017 to March 2023, as well as human cases. They found 87 cases in dogs and concluded that 77 human cases may have come from dogs. The salmonella in dogs also had genes for drug resistance, which is concerning for treatment. The study also found that 39% of samples from dogs had a gene that helps salmonella survive in their intestines. This means that even after the dog recovers, it can still spread salmonella through its waste. Though salmonella isn’t common in dogs, the study’s authors stress that human contact with dogs makes the issue important. “We don’t let cows sleep in our beds or lick our faces, but we do with dogs,” said lead author Sophia Kenney. Co-author Nkuchia Mikanatha emphasized the importance of cleanliness. Simple practices like hand washing, cleaning pet bowls, and not letting your dog lick your face can prevent the spread of salmonella. The goal of the research is not to discourage pet ownership but to raise awareness of risks and encourage better cleanliness to keep both pets and owners safe. 12. What did the new study find about dogs? A. They like licking owners. B. Their licks endanger owners. C. They contract salmonella. D. Their licks create salmonella. 13. Why is treating salmonella in dogs challenging? A. Dogs do not cooperate during treatment. B. Dogs can spread salmonella until recovery. C. Salmonella in dogs carries anti-drug genes. D. Salmonella in dogs spreads quickly and secretly. 14. Why does the author mention cows in paragraph 6? A. To discuss causes of drug resistance. B. To compare animal feeding practices. C. To highlight closer human-dog contact. D. To explain animal behavior differences. 15. What does the research finally recommend? A. Keeping better cleaning routines. B. Restricting dog ownership. C. Stopping offering raw food to pets. D. Having less contact with dogs. 【答案】12. B 13. C 14. C 15. A 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍的是狗唾液中可能携带耐抗生素的沙门氏菌，及其对人类健康的潜在威胁和预防措施。 【12题详解】 细节理解题。根据第一段中的“Now, scientists warn that dog saliva (唾液) could actually be dangerous. A new study found that household dogs are often overlooked sources of salmonella (沙门氏菌).(现在，科学家警告说，狗的唾液实际上可能具有危险性。一项新研究发现，家养狗常常是被忽视的沙门氏菌来源。)”可知，狗可能携带沙门氏菌，并通过舔舐或接触传播给人类，由此可知，研究发现狗的舔舐行为可能对主人构成危险。故选B项。 【13题详解】 细节理解题。根据第四段中的“The salmonella in dogs also had genes for drug resistance, which is concerning for treatment.(狗体内的沙门氏菌还携带抗药基因，这对治疗来说是一个令人担忧的问题。)”可知，狗体内的沙门氏菌携带抗药基因，这使得治疗变得困难。故选C项。 【14题详解】 推理判断题。根据第六段中的“Though salmonella isn’t common in dogs, the study’s authors stress that human contact with dogs makes the issue important.(尽管沙门氏菌在狗身上并不常见，但研究作者强调，人类与狗的接触使这一问题变得重要。)”可知，人类与狗之间的亲密接触，结合下文的““We don’t let cows sleep in our beds or lick our faces, but we do with dogs,” said lead author Sophia Kenney. (“我们不会让牛睡在我们的床上或舔我们的脸，但我们对狗却这样做，”首席作者索菲亚·肯尼说。)”可知，我们不让牛舔我们的脸，但狗却这样做，以此强调狗和人类的亲密接触。故选C项。 【15题详解】 细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“Simple practices like hand washing, cleaning pet bowls, and not letting your dog lick your face can prevent the spread of salmonella.(像勤洗手、清洗宠物食盆以及不让狗舔你的脸这样的简单做法，可以防止沙门氏菌的传播。)”可知，提高清洁习惯以降低风险，由此可知，研究最后建议保持更好的清洁习惯。故选A项。 （六） （2025·广东清远市·二模） C Indoor gardening offers all the same benefits as a garden in the ground outside. Namely, fresh food and a low environmental impact. But not everyone has the natural space for a garden, which is where indoor planting comes in for the win. While there are many systems and techniques you can apply inside the home, PICO stands out as a flexible option that you can place anywhere and still achieve growing success. Most indoor plants need to be located near a window for light. Often this means taking up limited tabletop or bookcase space. PICO is different because, while setting it on a tabletop is an option, it can also be fixed to many other surfaces, such as a refrigerator or desk, wall, windows, mirrors, etc. There are also three color options to match nearly any decoration. The unit comes fully put together. All you have to do is add a bit of soil and a few of your favorite seeds. Watering is stable and consistent with a water tank and easy-fill opening. A transparent (透明的) window in the front allows you to easily see when more water is needed, typically about once each week. From there, the system automatically draws water from the tank through the soil, using an on-demand system that refills water as the soil dries out. With location and watering figured out, the last major component for successful indoor growth is proper lighting. PICO is equipped with a multi-spectrum (多光谱) growing light that conveniently extends from the planter design. As your plant grows, the light extends up to one foot higher for consistent light. While PICO is not intended to provide large quantities of food, its automatic functions and flexible placement make it an option for growing readily available vegetables and visually pleasing mini flowers. PICO is currently trending on a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that will close on May 17th. To support this innovative indoor gardening solution, interested customers can back the project now. Shipments are expected to begin immediately after the campaign concludes. 8. What distinguishes PICO from other indoor gardening systems? A. It allows for soilless growing. B. It offers large-quantity production. C. It permits various positioning options. D. It guarantees a low environmental impact. 9. What information is provided by PICO’s front window? A. Seed condition. B. Water-filling time. C. Plant-growth rate. D. Soil nutrient amount. 10. What is special about PICO’s lighting system? A. It can change colors. B. It depends on the sun. C. It can be adjusted in height. D. It is removable from the planter. 11. What is the main purpose of this text? A. To show how to use PICO. B. To present PICO’s special features. C. To attract buyers for a new product. D. To explain indoor gardening’s popularity. 【答案】8. C 9. B 10. C 11. B 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了室内种植设备PICO，它安装位置多样、组装及浇水便捷，光照系统可随植物生长高度进行调节，是爱好园艺的空间有限者的不二选择。 【8题详解】 细节理解题。根据第一段中的“PICO stands out as a flexible option that you can place anywhere(PICO作为一种灵活的选择脱颖而出，你可以将它放置在任何地方) ”以及第二段中的“PICO is different because, while setting it on a tabletop is an option, it can also be fixed to many other surfaces, such as a refrigerator or desk, wall, windows, mirrors, etc.( PICO的不同之处在于，虽然可以将其安装在桌面上，但它也可以固定在许多其他表面，如冰箱或桌子、墙壁、窗户、镜子等。)”可知，PICO可以安装在室内多种位置，这使它在室内园艺系统中脱颖而出。故选C。 9题详解】 细节理解题。根据第三段中的“A transparent (透明的) window in the front allows you to easily see when more water is needed, typically about once each week.( 前面有一个透明的窗口，你可以很容易地看到什么时候需要更多的水，通常是每周一次。)”可知，透明窗口能让人们轻易看到什么时候需要更多水，也就是告知加水时间。故选B。 【10题详解】 推理判断题。根据第四段中的“ PICO is equipped with a multi-spectrum growing light that conveniently extends from the planter design. As your plant grows, the light extends up to one foot higher for consistent light(PICO 配备了一个多光谱生长灯，它可以从种植器上延伸出来。随着你的植物生长，灯光可向上延伸一英尺，以提供持续稳定的光照)”可知，PICO配备的多光谱生长灯可随着植物生长升高，即它的高度可以调节。故选C。 【11题详解】 推理判断题。文章主体部分详细介绍了 PICO的三个特殊功能：第二段介绍了其位置灵活性(“it can also be fixed to many other surfaces”)，第三段详述了自动浇水系统(“the system automatically draws water from the tank”)，第四段描述了可调节照明设计(“the light extends up to one foot higher”)。这些内容占据了文章约80%的篇幅，表明作者的主要目的是展示PICO的特殊功能特点。故选B。 D If walking is part of your exercise routine, you might want to try stopping to smell the roses once in a while along your route, a new study suggests. Researchers in Italy found short periods of walking might actually give your metabolism (新陈代谢) more of a workout than walking the same distance without a break. Francesco Luciano, the lead researcher, and his team explain that using long, continuous walking to calculate energy consumption “significantly diminishes the metabolic cost of short-duration walks.” This is meaningful not only for people who are trying to burn off more of their energy, but also for people who might be trying to conserve it. This may also be important information for programs designed to help prevent people losing weight while still getting the benefits of exercise, like eating disorder treatment programs. It’s important to note these findings are based on a pretty small sample size of just 10healthy participants — 5 male, 5 female — all around 27 years of age, so the results may not be representative of a broader population. For the study, each participant walked on a stair climber for 10, 30, 60, 90, and 240seconds, and in a separate experiment, walked for those same periods on a treadmill (跑步机).The research team measured how much oxygen participants used, on average, when they were at rest before the experiments, and then again after the walking. Oxygen consumption is often used to measure how much energy is being used during exercise. “Our findings show that the time-averaged oxygen consumption and metabolic cost are greater for shorter than longer walks,” the researchers report. During 30-second walks, the participants consumed 20-60 percent more oxygen than the standard estimates for walking exercise, which are based on long, continuous walking. 12. What did the new study find about walking? A. Long walks would bring greater metabolic cost. B. Stops during walks may boost the calorie burn. C. Fast walking might be helpful for losing weight. D. Continuous walking could treat eating disorders. 13. What does the underlined word “diminishes” in paragraph 2 mean? A. Clarifies. B. Uncovers. C. Investigates. D. Underestimates. 14. What is paragraph 3 mainly about? A. The research objectives and methods. B. The sample selection and characteristics. C. The potential drawbacks and weaknesses. D. The practical implications and applications. 15. How did the researchers determine participants’ energy consumption? A. By counting their steps. B. By measuring their speed. CBy comparing their time length. D. By monitoring their oxygen intake. 【答案】12. B 13. D 14. D 15. D 【解析】 【导语】文章是一篇说明文，主要讲述了意大利研究人员的一项新研究发现，短时间的步行间歇可能比相同距离的不间断步行更能锻炼新陈代谢。 【12题详解】 细节理解题。根据第一段“Researchers in Italy found short periods of walking might actually give your metabolism(新陈代谢) more of a workout than walking the same distance without a break.(意大利的研究人员发现，短时间的步行间歇实际上可能比不休息走相同距离更能锻炼新陈代谢)”可知，步行过程中的停顿可能会增加卡路里的消耗。故选B。 【13题详解】 词义猜测题。根据第二段“Francesco Luciano, the lead researcher, and his team explain that using long, continuous walking to calculate energy consumption “significantly diminishes the metabolic cost of short-duration walks.”(首席研究员弗朗西斯科・卢西亚诺和他的团队解释说，用长时间连续步行来计算能量消耗“显著diminishes了短时间步行的代谢成本”)”可知，此处是说用长时间连续步行计算能量消耗的方法不能准确反映短时间步行的代谢成本，是低估了。选项 D“Underestimates.（低估）”符合文意，故选D。 【14题详解】 主旨大意题。根据第三段“This is meaningful not only for people who are trying to burn off more of their energy, but also for people who might be trying to conserve it. This may also be important information for programs designed to help prevent people losing weight while still getting the benefits of exercise, like eating disorder treatment programs.(这不仅对那些试图消耗更多能量的人有意义，对那些试图保存能量的人也有意义。这对于那些旨在帮助人们在仍能获得运动益处的同时防止体重减轻的项目来说，也可能是重要的信息，比如饮食失调治疗项目)”可知，第三段主要讲述了这项研究的实际意义和应用。故选D。 【15题详解】 细节理解题。根据倒数第二段“Oxygen consumption is often used to measure how much energy is being used during exercise.(耗氧量常被用来衡量运动中消耗了多少能量)”可知，研究人员是通过监测参与者的氧气摄入量来确定他们的能量消耗的。故选D。 （七） （2025·广东汕头市·二模） C Many companies have advertised a feature that enables users to employ AI as a recipe generator assistant. In one demonstration, a user asks the virtual assistant for a meal plan with ingredients (食材) they have, and the AI returns a list of recipes using those ingredients. In fact, the employment of AI in the brainstorming stage is also gaining increasing popularity. While that seems convenient, most of the press about the relationship between AI and cooking has been negative so far. For years, chefs on popular video platforms have staged cook-offs between “real” and AI recipes, with the “real” chefs often winning. In 2022, Tasty, an online platform, compared a chocolate cake recipe generated by an AI tool with one developed by a professional cook. While the AI recipe baked up fine, the cook’s recipe won in a blind taste test. The tasters preferred the cook’s cake for its not-too-sweet and juicer flavor compared to the AI cake. Sarah and Kaitlin Leung are sisters who run a famous food blog. Their recipes go through a long process. They brainstorm ideas, do research, and experiment a lot before testing each recipe up to 40 times. “We know that our readers are trusting us, so we try to make sure our recipe not only works but is also easy to follow,” Sarah says. “The stories that surround these recipes and the connections that we make with people through these recipes are priceless — it’s so deeply human. By comparison, the machine doesn’t eat and the machine can’t taste.” “It’s not all negative for me.” A software engineer Olson believes AI has a place in the recipe development process. He adds, “but I don’t think the technology is there to the point where you can have an entirely AI-generated blog, although that would be a cool concept. Maybe someone should try it and see how it goes.” 8. What can AI do in developing a recipe? A. Planning the budget. B. Shortening cooking time. C. Coming up with ideas. D. Demonstrating cooking methods. 9. What can we know about the competition launched by Tasty? A. The AI tool was developed by a cook. B. The result agrees with those of prior years. C. The cook’s cake tasted sweeter and juicier. D. The comparison was based on the appearance. 10. How does the sisters ensure the quality of their recipes on their food blog? A. By doing multiple trials. B. By learning the recipes from AI. C. By using priceless ingredients. D. By following standard procedures. 11. What is Olson’s attitude towards entirely AI-generated blogs? A. Supportive. B. Concerned. C. Reserved. D. Critical. 【答案】8. C 9. B 10. A 11. C 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文，主要讲述了人工智能（AI）在食谱开发领域的应用情况，包括其优势、局限性以及人们对其不同的看法。 【8题详解】 细节理解题。根据第一段“In one demonstration, a user asks the virtual assistant for a meal plan with ingredients (食材) they have, and the AI returns a list of recipes using those ingredients. (在一次演示中，用户向虚拟助手提出请求，希望根据自己所拥有的食材制定一份餐食计划，随后人工智能便返回了一份利用这些食材制作的食谱清单。)”可知，人工智能在开发食谱方面能提出一些想法，故选C。 【9题详解】 细节理解题。根据第二段“For years, chefs on popular video platforms have staged cook-offs between “real” and AI recipes, with the “real” chefs often winning. In 2022, Tasty, an online platform, compared a chocolate cake recipe generated by an AI tool with one developed by a professional cook. While the AI recipe baked up fine, the cook’s recipe won in a blind taste test. (多年来，热门视频平台上的厨师们在“真正的”和人工智能的食谱之间进行烹饪比赛，“真正的”厨师经常获胜。2022年，在线平台Tasty将人工智能工具生成的巧克力蛋糕食谱与专业厨师制作的食谱进行了比较。虽然人工智能的食谱烤得很好，但厨师的食谱在盲品测试中胜出。)”可知，Tasty发起的比赛的结果与前几年的结果一致。故选B。 【10题详解】 细节理解题。根据第三段“They brainstorm ideas, do research, and experiment a lot before testing each recipe up to 40 times. (她们集思广益，做研究，做很多实验，然后把每个食谱测试40次。)”可知，这对姐妹通过多次试验在她们的美食博客上保证食谱的质量。故选A。 【11题详解】 推理判断题。根据最后一段“He adds, “but I don’t think the technology is there to the point where you can have an entirely AI-generated blog, although that would be a cool concept. Maybe someone should try it and see how it goes.” (他补充道：“但我不认为现在的技术可以让你拥有一个完全由人工智能生成的博客，尽管这将是一个很酷的概念。也许有人应该试试，看看效果如何。”)”可知，Olson对完全由人工智能生成的博客的态度是有所保留的，故选C。 D In designing the robots of tomorrow engineers have gained many of their inspirations from the kingdom of creatures, with machines that mimic the way plants and animals move and sense their environment. In recent study, researchers at Cornell University have found that mycelia, the underground parts of mushrooms, have the ability to sense chemical and biological signals and respond to multiple inputs. By using the natural electrical signals of mycelia, the researchers found a new way to control biohybrid (生物混合) robots, which can react to their surroundings better than traditional man-made robots. With great efforts, two biohybrid robots were built: a soft robot shaped like a spider and a wheeled robot. The robots responded to mycelia’s signals by walking and rolling. They also changed their position in response to light, demonstrating the mycelia’s ability to react to outer influences. However, finding a way to integrate mushrooms and robots requires more than just gardening and technical skills. “You have to have a background in mechanical engineering, electronics, some neurobiology (神经生物学), and even some kind of signal processing. All these fields come together to build this kind of system,” said Shepherd, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. “Living systems respond to touch, light, heat and even some unknowns, like signals. This is why we believe that if we want to build future robots, they must be able to work in unexpected environments,” said Mishra, a research associate in the Organic Robotics Lab of Cornell University. “By growing mycelia into the electronics of a robot, we were able to allow the biohybrid machine to sense and respond to the environment. In this case we used light as the input, but in the future it will be chemical. The potential for future robots could be to sense soil chemistry in row crops and decide when to add more fertilizer (肥料),” said Shepherd. 12. What does the underlined word “mimic” mean in paragraph 1? A. Control. B. Judge. C. Change. D. Copy. 13. Why are mycelia used in robot design? A. For their mushroom shape. B. For their perception and response abilities. C. For their chemical potential. D. For their chemical and biological influences. 14. What does Shepherd emphasize about the process in paragraph 3? A. Technical skills. B. Scientific methods. C. Subject integration. D. Innovative application. 15. Which of the following can be the potential application for future biohybrid robots? A. Monitoring soil condition. B. Designing electronic systems. C. Replacing human experience. D. Strengthening unknown signals. 【答案】12. D 13. B 14. C 15. A 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了蘑菇菌丝在生物混合机器人设计中的应用及未来潜力。 【12题详解】 词句猜测题。根据第一段中“In designing the robots of tomorrow, engineers have gained many of their inspirations from the kingdom of creatures, with machines that mimic the way plants and animals move and sense their environment. (在设计未来的机器人时，工程师们从生物界获得了许多灵感，制造出能够mimic植物和动物移动及感知环境方式的机器。)”可知，此处机器是模仿植物和动物的行为，mimic意思是“模仿”，与copy意思相近。故选D。 【13题详解】 细节理解题。根据第二段中“In recent study, researchers at Cornell University have found that mycelia, the underground parts of mushrooms, have the ability to sense chemical and biological signals and respond to multiple inputs. By using the natural electrical signals of mycelia, the researchers found a new way to control biohybrid (生物混合) robots, which can react to their surroundings better than traditional man-made robots. (在最近的一项研究中，康奈尔大学的研究人员发现，蘑菇的地下部分——菌丝体，能够感知化学和生物信号，并对多种输入做出反应。研究人员利用菌丝体的天然电信号，发现了一种控制生物混合机器人的新方法，这种方法比传统的人造机器人能更好地对周围环境做出反应。)”可知，菌丝体被用于机器人设计是因为它们有感知和反应能力。故选B。 【14题详解】 推理判断题。根据第三段中““You have to have a background in mechanical engineering, electronics, some neurobiology (神经生物学), and even some kind of signal processing. All these fields come together to build this kind of system,” said Shepherd, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. (机械与航空航天工程教授谢泼德表示：“你必须具备机械工程、电子学、一些神经生物学，甚至某种信号处理方面的知识背景。所有这些领域结合起来才能构建这样的系统。”)”可知，Shepherd强调了这一过程需要多学科融合。故选C。 15题详解】 细节理解题。根据最后一段中““By growing mycelia into the electronics of a robot, we were able to allow the biohybrid machine to sense and respond to the environment. In this case we used light as the input, but in the future it will be chemical. The potential for future robots could be to sense soil chemistry in row crops and decide when to add more fertilizer (肥料),” said Shepherd. (“通过将菌丝体培育到机器人的电子元件中，我们能够让这种生物混合机器感知环境并对其做出反应。在这种情况下，我们使用光作为输入信号，但未来将会使用化学信号。未来机器人的潜力可能在于感知大田作物的土壤化学成分，并判断何时该添加更多的肥料。” 谢泼德说道。)”可知，未来生物混合机器人的潜在应用是监测土壤状况。故选A。 （八） （2025·广东湛江市·二模） B In India, tigers haven’t just survived — they’ve made a comeback. Despite a growing population and increasing pressure on their habitats, the number of wild tigers is rising. The reason? A combination of ecological restoration, economic initiatives, and political stability. And just as important: a deeply rooted reverence for tigers that has fostered a culture where humans and large predators (捕食性动物) can coexist. India’s tiger conservation strategy combines two approaches: some areas are strictly protected reserves, while others are multi-use landscapes where tigers and people share space. And this isn’t just for the benefit of the tigers. “The advantage of combining these two methods is that reserves act as a source of tigers for surrounding areas. And if coexistence no longer works, the reserves provide a fallback (应变的) option — ensuring that tigers are not at risk of extinction,” explains Ninad Mungi, assistant professor at Aarhus University and co-author of the study. According to researchers, human population density alone is not what determines whether tigers can thrive — it’s people’s lifestyles, economic conditions, and cultural attitudes that shape their willingness to share space with large predators. In relatively prosperous regions where ecotourism and government compensation schemes (补偿计划) generate income, tolerance for tigers is much higher. In fact, for some Indian farmers, losing cattle to a tiger does not essentially spell disaster. Farmers who keep their livestock in barns and enclosures are rarely affected by tigers. However, when cattle are released to graze in tiger-inhabited areas, and if a tiger eats it, the farmer receives financial compensation from the government — turning a loss into a gain. India’s model could provide valuable insights far beyond its borders. In Europe, many countries are struggling with wolves attacking livestock, and India’s experience may inspire new approaches that protect both wildlife and farmers’ livelihoods. “There are, of course, cultural challenges, but culture can change over time. India’s experience proves that large predators can survive in a modern world — if we are willing to think creatively and find a balance between protection and coexistence,” says Ninad. 4. Which of the following can explain the increase in wild tigers in India? A. Reduced human disturbance. B. New tiger breeding programs. C. Many factors working together. D. Enhanced ecological conditions. 5. What is the benefit of combining two approaches to tiger conservation? A. It promotes local ecotourism. B. It ensures the survival of tigers. C. It offers more land for farmers. D. It increases the number of tigers in zoos. 6. How might a farmer feel at his cattle being eaten by a tiger? A. Unworried. B. Depressed. C. Terrified. D. Unfortunate. 7. What does Ninad think of India’s ways of tiger conservation? A. They are ineffective. B. They are traditional. C. They are contradictory. D. They are innovative. 【答案】4. C 5. B 6. A 7. D 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了印度通过综合保护策略与文化共存促进野生老虎数量增长的成功案例，并为其他国家提供了借鉴经验。 【4题详解】 细节理解题。根据第一段中“The reason? A combination of ecological restoration, economic initiatives, and political stability. And just as important: a deeply rooted reverence for tigers that has fostered a culture where humans and large predators (捕食性动物) can coexist.(原因是什么呢？这是生态恢复、经济举措和政治稳定共同作用的结果。同样重要的是：对老虎深深的敬畏之情孕育了一种人类和大型捕食性动物能够共存的文化)”可知，印度野生老虎数量增加是多种因素共同作用的结果。故选C。 【5题详解】 细节理解题。根据第三段“‘The advantage of combining these two methods is that reserves act as a source of tigers for surrounding areas. And if coexistence no longer works, the reserves provide a fallback (应变的) option — ensuring that tigers are not at risk of extinction,’ explains Ninad Mungi, assistant professor at Aarhus University and co-author of the study.(奥胡斯大学助理教授、该研究的合著者尼纳德・蒙吉解释说：‘结合这两种方法的优势在于，保护区可以作为周边地区老虎的来源。如果共存不再可行，保护区就提供了一个应变的选择——确保老虎不会面临灭绝的风险。’)”可知，结合两种保护老虎的方法的好处是能确保老虎的生存。故选B。 【6题详解】 推理判断题。根据第五段中“In fact, for some Indian farmers, losing cattle to a tiger does not essentially spell disaster. Farmers who keep their livestock in barns and enclosures are rarely affected by tigers. However, when cattle are released to graze in tiger-inhabited areas, and if a tiger eats it, the farmer receives financial compensation from the government — turning a loss into a gain.(事实上，对一些印度农民来说，老虎吃掉他们的牛并不一定意味着灾难。把牲畜养在谷仓和围栏里的农民很少受到老虎的影响。然而，当把牛放到老虎栖息的地区放牧时，如果老虎吃掉了牛，农民会从政府那里得到经济补偿——把损失变成了收益)”可推知，当农民的牛被老虎吃掉时，他们可能会得到政府的补偿，所以他们不会担心。故选A。 【7题详解】 推理判断题。根据最后一段“‘There are, of course, cultural challenges, but culture can change over time. India’s experience proves that large predators can survive in a modern world — if we are willing to think creatively and find a balance between protection and coexistence,’ says Ninad.(尼纳德说：‘当然，存在文化挑战，但文化会随着时间而改变。印度的经验证明，大型捕食性动物可以在现代世界中生存——如果我们愿意创造性地思考，并在保护和共存之间找到平衡的话。’)”可知，Ninad认为印度的经验证明了大型捕食性动物可以在现代世界生存，前提是我们愿意创造性地思考并在保护和共存之间找到平衡，这说明Ninad认为印度保护老虎的方法是创新的。故选D。 C Students attending schools that ban the use of phones throughout the school day aren’t necessarily experiencing better mental health and well-being, as the first worldwide study of its kind has found that just banning smartphones is not enough to tackle their negative impacts. In a landmark study published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe,1,227 students from 30 schools across England provided data about smartphone and social media usage and a range of mental health, well-being and other outcomes. Among the schools that took part in the study,20 had various forms of restrictive phone policies in place. The study found that there was no difference in outcomes for students who attend schools that ban smartphones throughout the school day, including mental health, well-being, and other health and educational outcomes. Smartphone bans in schools did lead to a slight decrease in students using phones (approximately 40 minutes) and social media (approximately 30 minutes) in school, but the study suggests that the impact is small and that school policies banning recreational phone use didn’t lead to a meaningful reduction in the overall time spent using phones and social media. “We did find a link between more time spent on phones and social media and worse outcomes, with worse mental well-being and mental health outcomes, less physical activity and poorer sleep, lower educational attainment and a greater level of disruptive classroom behaviour,” said Dr Victoria Goodyear, associate professor at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study. “This suggests that reducing this time spent on phones is an important focus. But we need to do more than focus on schools alone, and consider phone use within and outside of school, across a whole day and the whole week.” Professor Miranda Pallan from the University of Birmingham said, “Our study suggests that school policies are not the silver bullet for preventing the detrimental impacts of smartphone and social media use, but that addressing overall phone use should be a priority for improving health and well-being among adolescents.” 8. What did the study mainly focus on? A. Banning phones and mental health. B. Time on the phone and physical health. C. Social media and personal preferences. D. School discipline and playing phones. 9. How did smartphone bans affect students’ phone usage during school hours? A. A slight increase in use. B. No obvious effect. C. Remaining unchanged. D. Switching to after-school activities. 10. What does the study suggest about school policies on smartphone use? A. They are the only solution. B. They have no impact at all. C. They have solved the problem. D. They are not a cure for all. 11. In which section is the text most likely to appear in a newspaper? A. Public Health. B. Behaviour Psychology. C. Educational Policy. D. Science and Technology. 【答案】8. A 9. B 10. D 11. C 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要围绕一项关于学校禁令对学生手机使用及身心健康影响的研究展开，介绍了研究的相关发现，包括学校禁令对学生手机使用时间影响不大，以及单纯依靠学校政策不能完全解决智能手机和社交媒体使用带来的负面影响等内容。 【8题详解】 细节理解题。根据文章第一段“Students attending schools that ban the use of phones throughout the school day aren’t necessarily experiencing better mental health and well-being, as the first worldwide study of its kind has found that just banning smartphones is not enough to tackle their negative impacts.(在一整天都禁止使用手机的学校上学的学生，其心理健康和幸福感并不一定更好，因为这项全球首创的研究发现，仅仅禁止使用智能手机并不足以解决其负面影响。)”以及第二段“In a landmark study published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe,1,227 students from 30 schools across England provided data about smartphone and social media usage and a range of mental health, well-being and other outcomes.(在《柳叶刀区域健康——欧洲》上发表的一项具有里程碑意义的研究中，来自英格兰30所学校的1227名学生提供了有关智能手机和社交媒体使用情况以及一系列心理健康、幸福感和其他结果的数据。)”可知，该研究主要关注的是学校禁止使用手机与学生心理健康之间的关系。故选A项。 【9题详解】 细节理解题。根据文章第四段“Smartphone bans in schools did lead to a slight decrease in students using phones (approximately 40 minutes) and social media (approximately 30 minutes) in school, but the study suggests that the impact is small and that school policies banning recreational phone use didn’t lead to a meaningful reduction in the overall time spent using phones and social media.(学校禁止使用智能手机确实导致学生在校使用手机（约40分钟）和社交媒体（约30分钟）的时间略有减少，但研究表明，这种影响很小，禁止娱乐性使用手机的学校政策并没有导致使用手机和社交媒体的总时间有意义的减少。)”可知，学校禁令对学生在校使用手机的时间影响不大，即没有明显效果。故选B项。 【10题详解】 推理判断题。根据文章最后一段“Professor Miranda Pallan from the University of Birmingham said, “Our study suggests that school policies are not the silver bullet for preventing the detrimental impacts of smartphone and social media use, but that addressing overall phone use should be a priority for improving health and well-being among adolescents.”(伯明翰大学的米兰达·帕兰教授说：“我们的研究表明，学校政策并不是防止智能手机和社交媒体使用带来负面影响的灵丹妙药，但解决整体手机使用问题应该是改善青少年健康和幸福感的优先事项。”)”可知，学校政策并不能解决所有问题，不是解决智能手机和社交媒体使用带来负面影响的万能方法。故选D项。 【11题详解】 推理判断题。通读全文以及根据文章第一段“Students attending schools that ban the use of phones throughout the school day aren’t necessarily experiencing better mental health and well-being, as the first worldwide study of its kind has found that just banning smartphones is not enough to tackle their negative impacts.(在一整天都禁止使用手机的学校上学的学生，其心理健康和幸福感并不一定更好，因为这项全球首创的研究发现，仅仅禁止使用智能手机并不足以解决其负面影响。)”文章主要围绕学校对学生使用手机的禁令展开，介绍了相关研究及其发现，这些内容与教育政策相关。因此，这篇文章最有可能出现在报纸的教育政策板块。故选C项。 D Construction materials such as concrete and plastic have the potential to lock away billions of tons of carbon dioxide, according to a new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and Stanford University. The study shows that combined with steps to decarbonize (脱去……的碳) the economy, storing CO₂ in buildings could help the world achieve goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of carbon sequestration is to take carbon dioxide, either from where it is being produced or from the atmosphere, change it into a stable form and store it away from the atmosphere where it cannot contribute to climate change. Proposed schemes have involved, for example, injecting carbon underground or storing it in the deep ocean. These approaches pose both practical challenges and environmental risks. What if, instead, we can leverage materials that we already produce in large quantities to store carbon?" said Van Roijen, who led the study as a graduate student at UC Davis. Researchers found that while bio-based plastics could take up the largest amount of carbon by weight, by far the largest potential for carbon storage is in using carbonated aggregates (碳化骨料) to make concrete. That’s because concrete is by far the world’s most popular building material: Over 20 billion tons are produced every year. “If feasible, a little bit of storage in concrete could go a long way,” said Sabbie Miller, associate professor at UC Davis. The team calculated that if 10% of the world’s concrete aggregate production was carbonatable, it could absorb a gigaton (十亿吨) of CO₂. “The feedstocks for these new processes for making building materials are mostly low-value waste materials such as biomass,” Van Roijen said. “Performing these new processes would enhance their value, boosting economic development and promoting a circular economy.” “Some technology development is needed, particularly in cases where material performance and net-storage potential of individual manufacturing methods must be confirmed. However, many of these technologies are just waiting to be adopted,” Sabbie Miller said. 12. What does the underlined word “sequestration” in paragraph 2 mean? A. Separation. B. Collection. C. Reduction. D. Production. 13. What makes concrete a better option for carbon storage? A. Its low price. B. Its heavy weight. C. Its common use. D. Its special function. 14. What benefit does using new building material processes bring? A. Lower material costs. B. Increasing the value of waste. C. Higher concrete production. D. No need for technology development. 15. What can be a suitable title for the text? A. Concrete and Plastic: the Emerging Stars of Carbon Storage. B. Innovations in Building Materials: Towards Net Zero Carbon. C. Decarbonisation Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities. D. New Building Materials: the Potential and Prospects of Carbon Storage. 【答案】12. A 13. C 14. B 15. D 【解析】 【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了混凝土和塑料等建筑材料具有封存数十亿吨二氧化碳的潜力。 【12题详解】 词句猜测题。根据下文“either from where it is being produced or from the atmosphere, change it into a stable form and store it away from the atmosphere where it cannot contribute to climate change. (可以是从其产生的源头获取，也可以从大气中获取，然后将其转化为一种稳定的形态，并将其储存起来，使其远离大气，这样它就不会加剧气候变化。)”可知，碳封存的目标是分离二氧化碳，由此可知，sequestration意为“分离”。故选A。 【13题详解】 细节理解题。根据第四段“Researchers found that while bio-based plastics could take up the largest amount of carbon by weight, by far the largest potential for carbon storage is in using carbonated aggregates (碳化骨料) to make concrete. That’s because concrete is by far the world’s most popular building material: Over 20 billion tons are produced every year. (研究人员发现，虽然生物基塑料按重量计算可以吸收最多的碳，但到目前为止，最大的碳储存潜力在于使用碳酸盐骨料制造混凝土。这是因为混凝土是目前世界上最受欢迎的建筑材料：每年产量超过200亿吨。)”可知，混凝土是更好的碳储存选择是因为它被广泛使用。故选C项。 【14题详解】 细节理解题。根据倒数第二段““The feedstocks for these new processes for making building materials are mostly low-value waste materials such as biomass,” Van Roijen said. “Performing these new processes would enhance their value, boosting economic development and promoting a circular economy.” (“制造建筑材料的新工艺的原料大多是生物质等低价值废料，”范罗伊恩说。“实施这些新工艺将提高它们的价值，促进经济发展，促进循环经济。”)”可知，使用新的建筑材料工艺的好处是增加废物的价值。故选B项。 【15题详解】 主旨大意题。通读全文，根据第一段“Construction materials such as concrete and plastic have the potential to lock away billions of tons of carbon dioxide, according to a new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and Stanford University. (加州大学戴维斯分校（UC Davis）和斯坦福大学的土木工程师和地球系统科学家的一项新研究表明，混凝土和塑料等建筑材料有可能封存数十亿吨二氧化碳。)”可知，文章主要介绍了混凝土和塑料等建筑材料具有封存数十亿吨二氧化碳的潜力，选项D：“新材料：碳储存的潜力和前景”符合文章主题，适合作标题。故选D项。 （九） （2025·广东深圳市·二模） C In the heartland of Japan, where endless green rice fields paint the landscape like a living blanket, a remarkable form of artistry has emerged — rice paddy art, a practice that transforms ordinary farmland into colourful artworks. While children and adults alike are delighted by the surprisingly complex images, one might wonder: what makes the art a reality? The secret lies in the rice shoots (秧苗). As the plants of different varieties grow, each type progressively turns a different colour ranging from shades of green to purple or gold — to bring an artwork to life. These colorful blocks and lines in fields form vivid designs: towering mountains, lovely animals, and even famous characters from movies and cartoons, which are easily recognizable from high places. The tradition of the paddy art can trace back to just three decades ago in Inakadate, a small Japanese village where rice has been grown for over 2,000 years. The locals got the idea from the sight of children’s multi-colored paintings of rice paddies, then transformed the concept and experimented with it in rice planting. Their efforts paid off. The paddy fields became tourist attractions, greatly boosting the local economy. Creating such art is no simple task. It begins with thorough planning: artists draft detailed blueprints, mapping out exactly the location for each rice variety. Farmers and volunteers then work side by side, carefully planting rice shoots in accordance with the plan. Over months, the fields demand constant care — weeding, watering, and protecting the crops. While Inakadate remains the birthplace of rice paddy art, it now extends widely across Japan. The practice is also becoming all the rage in other countries. In Thailand, one man even arranged for a custom piece of art that spelt out a message asking his girlfriend to marry him. Beyond serving as a striking visual display, the paddy art symbolizes harmony between tradition and innovation. It invites families to experience the beauty of farming, supports rural communities through tourism, and proves that even the ancient practice can adapt to modern creativity — all while keeping nature at its core. 8. What is special about the rice shoots? A. Their colours vary with growth. B. They grow better at high places. C. They are created by famous artists. D. Their designs are meant for movies. 9. What can we infer about creating the paddy art from paragraph 4? A. It is cost-effective. B. It is time-saving. C. It is weather-dependent. D. It is cooperation-based. 10. What does the underlined phrase “becoming all the rage” in paragraph 5 mean? A. Gaining popularity. B. Making profits. C. Celebrating traditions. D. Boosting confidence. 11. Which can be a suitable title for the text? A. More Harmonious, More Artistic B. When Rice Grows with Artistry C. How Tourism Affects Rice Growing D. Modern Tech, Modern Farming 【答案】8. A 9. D 10. A 11. B 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文，主要讲述了稻田艺术的创作原理、起源与发展、创作过程、社会价值和影响。 【8题详解】 细节理解题。根据第二段“The secret lies in the rice shoots (秧苗). As the plants of different varieties grow, each type progressively turns a different colour ranging from shades of green to purple or gold — to bring an artwork to life.(秘诀就在秧苗里。随着不同品种的植物生长，每一种植物逐渐变成不同的颜色，从绿色到紫色或金色，使艺术品栩栩如生)”可知，秧苗颜色随着生长而变化。故选A。 【9题详解】 推理判断题。根据第四段“Creating such art is no simple task. It begins with thorough planning: artists draft detailed blueprints, mapping out exactly the location for each rice variety. Farmers and volunteers then work side by side, carefully planting rice shoots in accordance with the plan. Over months, the fields demand constant care — weeding, watering, and protecting the crops.(创造这样的艺术并非易事。首先要进行周密的规划：艺术家们绘制详细的蓝图，准确地绘制出每种水稻的种植位置。然后，农民和志愿者并肩工作，按照计划精心种植水稻苗。几个月来，田地需要不断的照料——除草、浇水和保护庄稼)”可知，稻田艺术创作基于集体协作，故选D。 【10题详解】 词句猜测题。划线词前一句“While Inakadate remains the birthplace of rice paddy art, it now extends widely across Japan.”讲述了虽然Inakadate仍是稻田艺术的发源地，但如今这种艺术形式已广泛传播至日本各地。再根据划线短语所在句的“The practice is also becoming all the ragein other countries.”中的also，可知此处是说明稻田艺术也开始在其他国家流行起来。故划线词意思是“逐渐流行”。故选A。 【11题详解】 主旨大意题。根据第一段“In the heartland of Japan, where endless green rice fields paint the landscape like a living blanket, a remarkable form of artistry has emerged — rice paddy art, a practice that transforms ordinary farmland into colourful artworks.(在日本的中心地带，一望无际的绿色稻田像一张活毯一样把风景描绘成一片，一种非凡的艺术形式出现了——稻田艺术，一种把普通的农田变成色彩缤纷的艺术品的做法)”以及这篇文章主要介绍了传统农业与创新艺术相融合的稻田艺术，故B选项“当水稻种植融入艺术匠心之时”最符合文章标题。故选B。 （十） （2025·广东惠州市·二模） D Using artificial intelligence to create artworks increases artists’ productivity and generates more positive reactions, according to a study involving submissions to a popular art-sharing website by more than 50,000 users. But generative AI works are more likely to display stereotypical(刻板印象的) themes, reducing the novelty of an artist’s work. The researchers tracked 4 million works published on the website by the artists. The artists self-divided into two groups: those who continued to work using traditional methods-a sort of control group, and those who adopted AI. The latter group, numbering about 5,800, were identified by the use of tags(标签) on their work, such as “AI-generated” or the names of the AI tools. Works posted into AI art communities on the site were also included. Artists who adopted AI tools saw their productivity measured by the number of works posted increase by 25 percent over the study period. They also saw a 50 percent rise in the number of “favourites” their work received over six months. But novelty, measured by the subject matter and specific details of the work, decreased for the AI-using group. “The study completely tracks with my own experience with these tools and spaces,” says Andres Guadamuz at the University of Sussex,UK. “At first, it felt that you could do anything, bring anything in your head into existence, but the more I used them, the more I kept coming back to themes I liked.” Guadamuz points out that he isn’t judging the quality of the images produced by generative AI nor their originality, nor the creativity involved in the process. All these things are often hotly contested, with some artists saying that generative AI is using their works as training data and limiting their ability to be recognized as creatives. Zhou at Boston University is also considering these questions. He says, “The generative technology accelerates the ability to produce. But it raises other issues: Are we foregoing the process of understanding what goes into being creative and producing something meaningful, in favour of just being able to brute force our way with technology?” 32. What do we know about the artworks created by AI according to paragraph 1? A. They are abundant but less creative. B. They are generative but less popular. C. They balance popularity with artistic depth. D. They attract viewers with the trendy subjects. 33. How was the study conducted? A. By surveying artists’ opinions on AI tools using. B. By analyzing suggestions on generative AI works. C. By comparing artworks with different AI involvement. D. By observing the process of AI-assisted artistic creation. 34. What can be inferred from Guadamuz’s statement? A. AI tools help artists explore new creative styles. B. AI users receive more recognition for their creativity. C. Artists believe AI improves the quality of their artworks. D. Artists may repeat themes they like when using AI tools. 35. What is the best title for the text? A. The Unstoppable Rise of AI Artworks. B. The Breakthrough of AI in Artistic Creation. C. The Role of AI in Artistic Productivity. D. The Double-Edged Sword of AI inArtworks. 【语篇类型】说明文—研究报告 【语篇结构】研究结论：生产力与新颖性的矛盾→研究方法：实验设计与数据分析→争议反思：伦理与创造力的讨论。 【语篇内容】 研究表明，AI显著提升艺术创作效率（作品量+25%）和受欢迎度（获赞+50%），但降低了作品新颖性，易导致主题刻板化。通过分析艺术平台数据发现，AI辅助创作可能限制创意广度，使艺术家重复熟悉主题。研究揭示了AI在艺术领域既是助力也是挑战的双刃剑效应。 32. A 细节理解题。设题点对应研究结论，AI作品“数量多但缺乏创意”。根据第一段第一句“Using artificial intelligence to create artworks increases artists’ productivity and generates more positive reactions”及第二句“But generative Al works are more likely to display stereotypical (刻板印象的) themes, reducing the novelty of an artist’s work”可知，AI提高了艺术家的生产力，即作品数量增多，体现“丰富”；但同时也提到AI生成的作品“更可能展现刻板印象的主题，降低了作品的新颖性”，即“缺乏创意”，故A选项正确。 33. C 细节理解题。设题点对应研究方法，体现科学研究的严谨性，支撑结论可信度。根据第二段第二句“The artists self-divided into two groups: those who continued to work using traditional methods -a sort of control group, and those who adopted Al”及第三段内容可知，研究将艺术家分为两组：使用传统方法的艺术家（对照组）和使用AI工具的艺术家（通过“AI生成”等标签识别），比较了两组的生产力、受欢迎程度和新颖性，故C选项正确。 34. D 推理判断题。设题点对应争议反思，AI工具可能导致创作惯性，强化新颖性下降论点。根据第四段第二句“At first, it felt that you could do anything, bring anything in your head into existence, but the more I used them, the more I kept coming back to themes I liked”可知，Guadamuz认为“使用AI工具越多，我就越倾向于回到我喜欢的主题”，这说明AI可能导致主题重复，故D选项正确。 35. D 主旨大意题。设题点对应争议反思，总结AI的“双刃剑”效应，点明技术既赋能艺术，也带来挑战。通读全文可知，文章既提到AI的优势，即提高生产力和增加受欢迎程度，也指出其弊端，即降低新颖性和主题刻板，因此“双刃剑”最贴合主旨，故D选项正确。 （十一） （2025·广东梅州市·二模） C In many regions of the world, windows can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, windows brighten a room, and give occupants a view of the world beyond, and on the other band, they also let in a huge amount of heat from the sun. In fact, 87 percent of heat gain in a given space comes through its windows. This is because UV radiation (紫外辐射) passes through glass easily. To keep out the heat, people use window coverings like blinds, but that also blocks the view. A recent study from the University of Notre Dame indicates that soon people who love a view-but hate the heat-will be able to have it both ways. Though not yet scaled up (扩大生产) to market, the study presents a new window coating that could let in sunlight and keep out the heat. Window films and heat-blocking coatings are not a new concept. In fact, the authors of the study themselves pioneered an innovative glass coating in 2020. So what is so exciting about their new 2024 coating? It’s all about the angles. Tengfei Luo, lead author of the study told Notre Dame News, “The angle between the sunshine and your window is always changing. Our coating maintains functionality and efficiency wha$$