内容正文:
限时规范练(二) UNIT 2 Exploring English
(限时30分钟)
Ⅰ.阅读理解
A
(2025·河北衡水中学月考)There are close to 7,000 documented languages currently spoken across the world. However, it's estimated that 1,500 known languages may no longer be spoken by the end of this century.
It's commonly thought that majority languages tend to be valued for being useful and for promoting progress, while minority languages are seen as barriers to progress, and the value placed on them is seen mainly as sentimental(感情用事的). But is sentimentality really the only motivation for preserving language diversity?
Speakers of endangered languages often live in remote areas with unique landform. It is quite common for these languages to distinguish between hundreds more types of plants and animals than those known to modern science. For example, in Southeast Asia, some tribes have discovered the medicinal properties of over sixtyfive hundred plant species. This has led to many of landmark achievements in medicine.
It was once believed that the limits of one's language defined the limits of one's thought. This theory, called the SapirWharf hypothesis(假说), has been largely rejected in favor of the improved version, which assumes that the language we speak does not set the limits of our thoughts, but it does direct our focus in certain ways. For example, English is a tensebased language. It's nearly impossible to talk about doing something without specifying the time—i.e. I went to the party(past), I'm going to the party(present), or I'll go to the party(future). This differs from Chinese, where it's perfectly reasonable to say, “I go to the party” without defining the “when”. Thus, part of the richness of language is that it allows us to organize the world in so many unique ways.
Some languages categorize the world in ways so different from our own that they are difficult to conceptualize(概念化). The United States employed native Navajo speakers to create a system of message coding during the Second World War. The Japanese were never able to break it, and the “code talkers” are often cited today as having helped decide the outcome of the war.
As we've already seen, minority languages are valuable for many practical reasons. In conclusion, I'd say the short answer is yes—dying languages are certainly worth saving!
1.What do people tend to think of minority languages?
A.Valueless. B.Timehonored.
C.Informal. D.Stable.
2.How can we benefit from endangered languages according to the author?
A.We can discover drugs in a much safer way.
B.We don't have to rely on modern medicine.
C.We can acquire a broad knowledge of nature.
D.We can learn how to protect plants and animals.
3.Why does the author mention the Second World War?
A.To correct the SapirWharf hypothesis.
B.To prove the value of minority languages.
C.To show wars' role in preserving a language.
D.To explain ways to conserve some languages.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.Are Majority Languages Worth Valuing?
B.Are We Willing to Save Dying Languages?
C.Should Endangered Languages Be Saved?
D.Is the Future of Minority Languages Bright?
【语篇解读】本文是一篇说明文。少数民族语言以及一些濒危的语言被看作进步的障碍,作者举例论证了濒危的语言在历史上以及现在给社会带来的好处。
1.A [解析]细节理解题。根据第二段中的“It's commonly thought that ...is seen mainly as sentimental.”可知,少数民族语言被视为进步的障碍,被认为没有价值,故选A。
2.C [解析]细节理解题。根据第三段可知,一些濒危的语言可以帮助人们拓展在特定领域的知识,故选C。
3.B [解析]推理判断题。根据第五段可知,提到二战是为了证明纳瓦霍语在二战中起到的关键作用,使日本人无法破解,从而取得了战争的胜利,证明了一些少数民族语言的价值,故选B。
4.C [解析]标题概括题。文章第二段提出了少数民族语言以及一些濒危的语言被看作进步的障碍,被认为没有价值。文章从第三段举例论证了濒危的语言在历史上以及现在给社会带来的好处。C项“濒危语言应该被保存下来吗?”适合作为文章标题,故选C。
B
Research on the effects of age on language learning often leads to claims that it's impossible to learn a language after the age of 18,yet these claims lack scientific evidence.While certain language processing functions peak during childhood,others develop later,with some even experiencing a new growth between the ages of 50 and 75.
The definition of language learning and its goals also play a significant role.If the aim is to participate comfortably in daily social interactions,research suggests that fluency in a new language can be achieved at any age with sufficient study and exposure.
Learning a language at different stages of life comes with advantages and disadvantages.Starting before the age of 10 allows for the potential of acquiring a nativelike accent.However,introducing a second language to children late in verbal(言语的) development may pose challenges.
Between the ages of 10 and 18,there is a unique opportunity to intuitively(直觉地) understand grammar and develop a comprehensive and unconscious understanding of a new language's rules.Language acquisition during this period can also boost confidence and encourage a reflective attitude towards language changes.
Studying an additional language in adulthood involves more translation and a tendency to think in one's native language first.Language anxiety and hesitation may also arise.However,adulthood offers advantages such as peak communication skills,literary knowledge,and sociocultural understanding.
Learning a new language at the age of 50 and above may be advantageous in terms of certain mental skills that continue to improve until the midtolate 70s.This age group can quickly grasp the basics of a language,although more research is needed to confirm this theory.
In summary,learning a language is a lifelong process.While certain aspects may become more challenging with age,there is no age limit that makes language learning futile.Achieving an intermediate level in a target language can be rewarding,even if some mistakes are made.Starting early can enhance phonology and grammar skills,but continued exposure and usage throughout life are vital for becoming a comfortable speaker.Ultimately,it's never too late to start or relearn a language.
5.In which situation can one achieve fluency in a new language at any age?
A.In grammar class.
B.In writing practice.
C.In vocabulary research.
D.In everyday communication.
6.Which of the following can we learn about language learning?
A.Early learning delays children's language development.
B.Learning during teenage years helps build up confidence.
C.Learners beyond fifty can gain literary knowledge quickly.
D.Learning in adulthood helps to acquire peak translation skills.
7.What does the underlined word “futile” in Paragraph 7 mean?
A.Fruitless. B.Complex.
C.Timeconsuming. D.Painful.
8.What's the best title for the text?
A.Why Language Learning Has Age Limits
B.Why Age Plays a Vital Role in Language Learning
C.How Language Learning Occurs at Different Life Stages
D.How Learning a Language Changes Depending on Your Age
【语篇解读】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了学习语言的能力随年龄增长发生的变化。
5.D [解析]细节理解题。根据第二段中的“If the aim is to participate comfortably in daily social interactions,research suggests that fluency in a new language can be achieved at any age with sufficient study and exposure.(如果目标是自在地参与日常社交互动,研究表明,只要有充分的学习和接触,任何年龄的人都可以流利地掌握一门新语言。)”可知,在日常交流中,一个人在任何年龄都能流利地掌握一门新语言。故选D。
6.B [解析]细节理解题。根据第四段可知,在青少年时期学习语言有助于建立自信。故选B。
7.A [解析]词义猜测题。根据画线词前“While certain aspects may become more challenging with age,there is no age limit(虽然某些方面可能会随着年龄的增长而变得更具挑战性,但没有年龄限制)”及后文“Achieving an intermediate level in a target language can be rewarding,even if some mistakes are made.(达到目标语言的中级水平是值得的,即使会犯一些错误。)”可知,年龄增长虽然对于学习语言更有挑战性,但是这种限制不会使得语言学习不成功。fruitless意为“没有结果的,不成功的”,与画线词互为近义词。故选A。
8.D [解析]标题概括题。根据第一段及下文可知,本文说明了学习语言的能力是如何随年龄变化的,D选项“学习语言如何随年龄变化”适合作为文章标题。故选D。
Ⅱ.七选五阅读
You have been learning English for about 4 years.1.______ And you still can't make yourself understood in English.However,you love learning English.How can you learn English well?
Many people have asked this question.The answers are as different as the people asking the question.2.______
•3.______
First of all,you must want to learn.If you are not interested in learning English,no class will help you and no book will help you.So you have to be honest with yourself.Ask yourself,“Do I really want to learn English?” If you can't answer “yes” to this question,it is better for you to set English aside until you're ready and willing to learn.
•Set goals(目标).
To learn English well,you must set some goals.4.______ It will also help you to see your progress.Ask yourself,“What are my goals?What areas would I like to improve?” Think about what your goals are,and review once in a while to see that you are making progress toward your goals.
•Practice,practice,and practice.
After you have set your goals,you have a better idea of what you need to practice.Just like the athlete whose goal is the Olympics must train daily,you as a language learner must practice language every day to make progress toward your goal.5.______
A.Want to learn.
B.I think it is not easy to learn it well.
C.Here are several tips for learning English.
D.Make friends with some Americans online.
E.Reading is a very good way to learn new words.
F.The more you practice,the more progress you will make.
G.Having goals will help you remember what areas you want to work on.
【语篇解读】本文是一篇说明文。文章提供了几个学好英语的方法。
1.B [解析]根据上文“You have been learning English for about 4 years.(你学英语大约四年了。)”以及下文“And you still can't make yourself understood in English.(别人仍然听不懂你说的英语。)”可知,英语学习并不容易,与B 项“I think it is not easy to learn it well.(我认为学好它并不容易。)”表达的含义一致,故选B。
2.C [解析]根据下文“Set goals.(设定目标。)”以及“Practice,practice,and practice.(练习,练习,再练习。)”可知,空处承上启下,点明要给出具体建议,与C项“Here are several tips for learning English.(下面是几个学好英语的建议。)”表达的含义一致,故选C。
3.A [解析]根据下文“First of all,you must want to learn.(最重要的是,你必须想学习英语。)”可知,空处作为段落标题表达的含义是想学习英语,与A项“Want to learn.(想学习英语。)”表达的含义一致,故选A。
4.G [解析]根据上文“To learn English well,you must set some goals.(要想学好英语,你必须设立目标。)”以及下文“It will also help you see your progress.(它还会有助于你看到自己的进步。)”可知,空白处表达的含义是设立目标会对你的英语学习有帮助,与G项“Having goals will help you remember what areas you want to work on.(拥有目标有助于你记住你想朝哪个方向努力。)”表达的含义一致,故选G。
5.F [解析]根据上文“Just like the athlete whose goal is the Olympics must train daily,you as a language learner must practice language every day to make progress toward your goal.(正如把目标设定为奥运会的运动员必须每天训练一样,作为语言学习者你必须每天训练以朝着目标进步。)”可推知,训练越多,进步越快,与F项“The more you practice,the more progress you will make.(你练习得越多,进步就越快。)”表达的含义一致,故选F。
Ⅲ.语法填空
To mark the 14th UN Chinese Language Day,which falls 1.__________ April 20,Cape Town in South Africa witnessed the opening of a special exhibition:The Way of Type—Modernization of Chinese Typography(活版印刷).By 2.__________(show) the development of fonts(字体),the exhibition gave visitors an overview of the modern development of Chinese characters.
The 2023 Chinese Language Day 3.__________(celebrate) under the theme of “Chinese Wisdom for a Green World” by the UN.Separate 4.__________(activity) included the school Chinese calligraphy event held at the Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa,5.__________folk music performances held in Vienna,Austria,which aided people 6.__________(have) a better understanding of the role of China's traditional culture in today's modern world.
Statistics show that so far over 180 countries and regions around the world have Chinese language teaching programs,eightytwo of which have included Chinese language learning into their 7.__________(nation) education system,such as the United Arab Emirates,an Arab country 8.__________ the Chinese language is taught in about 60 schools.
“Academically speaking,the relationship between China and the Arab world has always been a hot topic.In 9.__________ past few decades,the trend of mutual language learning between China and Arab countries has improved 10.__________(great),” said Xue Qingguo,an Arabic studies professor at the Beijing Foreign Studies University.
【语篇解读】本文是一篇新闻报道。文章主要介绍了第十四个联合国中文日的举行及汉语目前在世界上的学习情况。
1.on [解析]考查介词。句意:为纪念4月20日的第十四个联合国中文日,南非开普敦举办了一场特别展览:字道——汉字设计的现代之路艺术展。表示在具体的某一天,应用介词on。故填on。
2.showing [解析]考查非谓语动词。句意:展览通过展示字体的发展,让参观者对汉字的现代发展有了一个概览。此处作介词by的宾语,应用动名词。故填showing。
3.was celebrated [解析]考查动词的时态、语态和主谓一致。句意:联合国以“中国智慧,绿色发展”为主题,庆祝2023年联合国中文日。Chinese Language Day与celebrate存在逻辑上的动宾关系,又因为该句叙述的是过去发生的动作,应用一般过去时的被动语态,且Chinese Language Day为单数形式,be动词应使用was。故填was celebrated。
4.activities [解析]考查名词的数。句意:其他活动包括在南非约翰内斯堡大学孔子学院举办的校园汉字书法活动,以及在奥地利维也纳举行的民间音乐表演,这些活动帮助人们更好地了解中国传统文化在当今现代世界中的作用。根据included the school Chinese calligraphy event可知,其他活动不止一个,activity为可数名词,应用名词复数形式。故填activities。
5.and [解析]考查连词。句意见上题解析。分析该句结构可知,the school Chinese calligraphy event和folk music performances是并列关系,应用并列连词and。故填and。
6.to have [解析]考查非谓语动词。句意见第4题解析。固定搭配aid sb.to do sth.意为“帮助某人做某事”,不定式作宾语补足语。故填to have。
7.national [解析]考查形容词。句意:据统计,目前世界上已有180多个国家和地区开设汉语教学项目,其中82个国家和地区将汉语纳入国民教育体系,如阿拉伯联合酋长国就大约有60所学校开设汉语课程。此处修饰名词education system,应用形容词national,作定语。故填national。
8.where [解析]考查定语从句的关系词。句意见上题解析。此处引导限制性定语从句,先行词是an Arab country,关系词替代先行词在从句中作地点状语,应用关系副词where引导。故填where。
9.the [解析]考查冠词。句意:“从学术上讲,中国与阿拉伯世界的关系一直是一个热门话题。在过去的几十年里,中国和阿拉伯国家之间相互学习语言的趋势有了很大的发展。”北京外国语大学阿拉伯语研究教授薛庆国说。固定搭配“in the last/past+时间名词”表示“在过去多长时间里”。故填the。
10.greatly [解析]考查副词。句意见上题解析。此处修饰动词improved,应用副词greatly,作状语。故填greatly。
学科网(北京)股份有限公司
$$