考前押题01 阅读理解6大常考话题（期中专项训练）高二英语上学期译林版

专题01 阅读理解6大常考话题 话题1 大众传媒 话题4 科技发展 话题2 体育文化 话题5 旅游观光 话题3 人与动植物 话题6 历史遗产 1 / 1 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 话题1 大众传媒 Passage 1 Zero Robotics: Coding for Space Exploration What Is Zero Robotics? Founded in 2009 by MIT’s Space Systems Laboratory and astronaut Greg Chamitoff, Zero Robotics is a free-of-charge coding (编程) competition. Students get the extraordinary chance to program SPHERES satellites aboard the ISS. Teams start by taking on annual challenges in virtual simulations. The best teams then enter a thrilling live final on the ISS, with an astronaut in charge of the action. Tournament tracks at a Glance Tournament Grades/Age Duration Team Size Key Feature High School 9-12 (14-20 yrs) Sept-Dec 5-20 students Final on the ISS Middle School 5th-9th graders 5 weeks (Jun 24-Aug 2) 7-20 students Free training for beginners How to Participate Qualification (资格): High school students (not in college yet) from the US, Russia, ESA member states, and Australia can join the high school tournament. Middle school students are qualified for the middle school summer program. Team Setup: Each team must have a mentor, usually a teacher or staff member. For high school, typically one team per school (exception with permission), and for middle school, teams register before the set deadline. All students need to create their own accounts on the Zero Robotics platform. Participants can gain hands-on coding experience with real NASA satellites. It helps in developing teamwork skills, as teams cooperate closely. Exposure to space technology can stir up interest in STEM careers. Moreover, it’s a great addition to college applications, showing your commitment and skills in STEM fields. And the excitement of seeing your code run in the microgravity of the ISS is truly unmatched. 1．What is the difference between the minimum team sizes of the two tournaments? A．2. B．5. C．7. D．12. 2．Who is qualified for the High School Tournament? A．College students under 20. B．Middle schoolers in Russia. C．9-12th graders from ESA states. D．Grade 8 students from Australia. 3．How does the competition benefit the participants? A．It ensures their university admission. B．It increases their STEM career interest. C．It helps them get NASA jobs quickly. D．It improves their coding skills significantly. Passage 2 Charles Smith, an experienced ski instructor, was buried under snow for an hour after this morning’s avalanche (雪崩). He is now recovering in hospital. He has been allowed to speak with reporters from his hospital bed, but he can’t stand up on his own because of a broken ankle. Speaking to reporters, he admitted the accident shocked everyone. “People didn’t think that this kind of thing would happen to an experienced skier,” he said. He said that the weather had been good all week, and there hadn’t been any warnings about possible avalanches. The problem was that Charles had gone out in an unprepared ski area, he explained. “It is true that there hadn’t been any avalanche warnings, but the fact is that I put other people in danger by leading my group to that area. I shouldn’t have done that,” he admitted regretfully. Recalling the terrifying moment, he continued, while waiting for his group, he heard a loud noise and saw a wall of snow racing towards him. Charles had no time to react. Within seconds, he was blinded, everything turned white, and then there was silence. As time passed, Charles started to panic, fearing he wouldn’t be able to breathe. After what seemed like hours, he heard barking and realized that the specially trained mountain rescue dogs had found him using their incredible sense of smell. Once freed, his biggest concern was that there were still other people buried under the snow. Luckily, no others were caught. Incredibly grateful to the dogs and the rescue team, he promised to thank them in person as soon as he was well enough to leave the hospital and he agreed that he was a very lucky man. Charles went on to stress that the frequency of avalanches has increased in recent years, “The point is that we all need to be careful, even if we are experienced skiers.” 4．What was people’s attitude towards experienced skiers before the accident? A．They believed experienced skiers could predict avalanches. B．They expected experienced skiers to rescue others in avalanches. C．They worried experienced skiers might take risks in dangerous areas. D．They thought experienced skiers were less likely to be caught in avalanches. 5．Why was it lucky that no others were caught in the avalanche? A．The rescue team was not fully prepared for multiple victims. B．Charles had led his group to the same risky area. C．The avalanche was stronger than expected. D．The hospital could not handle too many injured people. 6．What does the underlined word “panic” in paragraph 3 probably mean? A．Feel calm. B．Feel excited. C．Feel afraid. D．Feel tired. 7．What did Charles highlight about avalanches? A．Their occurrence has become more frequent recently. B．experienced skiers don’t need to worry about them. C．They are more likely to happen in good weather. D．They can be avoided with proper warnings. Passage 3 Restoration plans for the Notre Dame Cathedral have sparked a global conversation 被大火吞噬五年后，巴黎圣母院塔尖现状如何？ In case you forgot, 2024 marks the fifth year since the Notre Dame Cathedral was damaged by fire. After five years of restoration, how is it doing now?   Construction of the Catholic cathedral (天主教大教堂) began in the 12th century, making it one of France’s most iconic monuments. On April 15, 2019, a fire engulfed (吞没) the cathedral, leading to the complete collapse of its iconic spire (塔尖). Since then, the restoration of Notre Dame has become a global concern. In 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron promised to complete the restoration work within five years. However, the restoration plan has sparked heated debates, particularly regarding how to rebuild its iconic spire. Should it be restored as the original, or should a new, modern spire be constructed? At first, President Macron suggested that “a contemporary architectural gesture” replace the 96-meter spire, which would make Notre Dame “even more beautiful”, reported The Guardian. He argued that the spire “wasn’t part of the original”, because it was added in the mid-19th century. In 2019, the then French prime minister Edouard Philippe announced a contest to build a spire “adapted to the techniques and issues of our time”, noted ABC News. Architects worldwide put forward their plans, including a “green” roof with a greenhouse, a glass spire, and even one made of beams of light (光束). However, for some like Philippe Villeneuve, who has led the cathedral’s restoration efforts since 2013, maintaining the original appearance of this significant site is paramount (首要的). Following discussions, he declared in 2020 that the spire would be reconstructed “as it was”. This decision, while seemingly straightforward, presented unique challenges. The original spire’s construction was unprecedented (前所未有的), requiring numerous large oak trees (橡树). According to AP, it wasn’t until March 2021 that the first eight oak trees of the 1,000 historic French oak trees needed for the rebuild were selected. In February 2024, scaffolding (脚手架) enveloping the top of Notre Dame began to be taken down, signifying a significant phase in the cathedral’s restoration. This milestone allowed the public their first glimpse of the new spire, crowned (加顶) with a golden rooster (公鸡) and cross. For Notre Dame watchers around the globe, there is now a cause for celebration after years of concern: Notre Dame is set to formally reopen on Dec 8, 2024. Two reconstruction plans architects once proposed VCG French architect Vincent Callebaut wanted to turn the famous cathedral into a modern, eco-friendly building. In his plan, there’s a special crystal glass on the curved (弧形的) spire that would have absorbed light and used it to power the building. At the top level sits a garden for growing 21 tons of fruits and vegetables each year. SCREENSHOT FROM INSTAGRAM Summum Architecture intended to repurpose the new roof and spire as a memorial to the past. A glass structure roof and spire with red and purple vegetation would have been built in memory of the fire that destroyed it. It also planned to make the structure a sanctuary (庇护所) for animals and insects. Better to restore or change? Like Notre Dame Cathedral, many ancient or iconic buildings have been damaged by natural disasters. How would you repair them? Would you modernize them or restore them to how they were originally? Incorporating (包含) modern design elements can give future generations a feeling of what typical architecture was like during the restoration. Additionally, incorporating modern and innovative elements as needed can improve the safety and comfort level of both worshippers and tourists, thereby promoting cultural inheritance (传承) and development in the new era.   Zhu Lizhi, 19, Zhongnan University of Economic and Laws, Hubei I don’t think we need to repair the damaged ancient buildings. Old buildings are always the reflection of the civilization that built them. These buildings, whether destroyed by accidents or war, are also symbols of the downfall of the civilization. Even if modern technology can be used to repair it, it cannot fill the spiritual decay (衰败) inside. Incomplete historical sites can serve as a powerful reminder of the destructive impact of war or backwardness and problems of the civilization then. Liu Xinrui, 15, Wuhan Britain-China School, Hubei Old buildings should be restored to how they were originally because they embody culture and wisdom from ancient times. They can serve as educational materials for us and our offspring (后代) to learn about the past. The love and pride of a people or a nation are passed on through physical vehicles like architecture. Therefore, repairing old buildings is done for the sake of preserving lessons from the past, national unity and humanity’s treasures. If we let old architecture “die”, then people will know nothing about history, and our offspring will know nothing about us. Wang Hongjie, 17, Chengdu Railway Middle School, Sichuan 8．What has the debate over restoring the Notre Dame centered on? A．The construction budget. B．The spire’s architectural style. C．The duration of the work required. D．The necessity of the rebuilding effort. 9．What was the primary theme of the contest announced in 2019? A．Preservation of historical landmarks. B．Integration of sustainable architecture. C．Emphasis on traditional craftsmanship. D．Incorporation of modern design concepts. 10．What problem did the spire’s final restoration plan face? A．Opposition from certain people. B．Replicating the original structure. C．Sourcing the necessary materials. D．Ensuring steady construction progress. 11．What can we learn from the text about the status of the restoration work of the Notre Dame in February 2024? A．It had just been completed. B．It was entering the final stage. C．It was facing unexpected delays. D．New design elements had been added. Passage 4 The first Chinese writer appears in Paris Review’s ‘Writer’s Interview’ 余华成为首登《巴黎评论》“作家访谈”的中国作家 Famous literary magazine The Paris Review recently featured an interview with Chinese author Yu Hua, marking the first appearance of a Chinese author in the magazine’s “Writer’s Interview” section. Born in 1960, Yu is considered by many an avant-garde (先锋派) writer. His novels are characterized by a cold narrative style (叙事风格) and explore deep and realistic themes such as the meaning of existence, life and death. “Each of my works is about the lives and experiences of Chinese people — Chinese people who are shaped by experiencing the changes of the times,” Yu said. For example, To Live (《活着》) portrays the endless hardships facing the protagonist (主人公), Xu Fugui, who fights against all odds. Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (《许三观卖血记》) tells the story of Xu Sanguan, a man who repeatedly overcomes life’s challenges by selling his blood, only to find himself in despair when no one needs his blood anymore. Although Yu’s stories often carry a tragic (悲剧的) tone, he surprises readers with his sense of humor in real life. When asked about his decision to go from being a doctor to a writer, he humorously remarked that his dream as a young man was to find a job where he would never be disturbed by an alarm clock. During his childhood, Yu would often escape the summer heat by napping in a morgue (太平间). When in trouble, he would pretend to have a stomachache, going so far as to pretend he had appendicitis (阑尾炎), which oddly enough led to him actually ending up on the operating table (手术台). Yet, all these hardships are transformed into interesting small narratives which feed into Yu’s storytelling. Many believe that while he shares pain with his readers through his narratives, he keeps the joy for himself. This striking contrast has made Yu particularly popular among young readers. “Yu is in touch with today’s popular culture. He’s aware of being called a ‘scruffy little dog (潦草小狗)’ and embraces it, seeing it as a way for young people to relate to a writer,” said Jiang Xinwei, a 16-year-old high school student from Jilin and a fan of Yu. “Yu connects with young people without being preachy (说教的). He once suggested that ‘lying flat’ is a response to neijuan, or involution (内卷). I couldn’t agree more,” said Zhu Lingzhi, an 18-year-old fan. 12．What do we know about Yu Hua and his works? A．He is the most productive contemporary Chinese writer. B．He has won the Nobel Prize in Literature. C．His books offer insights into human nature. D．His novels are based on real-life stories. 13．What about Yu surprises his readers, according to the text? A．The fact that he was a doctor before he started writing. B．The contrast between his writing style and his personality. C．The comedic core of his seemingly tragic stories. D．The imagination he displays in his works. 14．What is the second to last paragraph mainly about? A．Yu’s challenging childhood experiences. B．The themes Yu explores in his literary works. C．The influence of Yu’s personal life on his writing style. D．Yu’s efforts to improve his storytelling skills. 15．Why does Jiang Xinwei like Yu? A．He encourages young people to “lie flat”. B．His positive outlook on life inspires readers. C．He criticizes many social phenomena. D．His ideas connect with young people. 话题2 体育文化 Passage 1 “Look for the gap” “Move into space” Sound familiar? From the sidelines to the field, no matter the team sport, looking for relevant information in the playing environment can be as important as any other skill if you want to score. Think Allen Iverson, Scott Pendlebury, or Natalie Medhurst, coolly judging all the options before making important decisions. How do these excellent athletes become so great? As well as their physical strengths, their brainpower is an obvious advantage. Regardless of whether an athlete is playing backyard cricket or Olympic basketball, their playing environment holds important information that must be found, explained and then acted on. Research conducted at Western Sydney University finds skilled players are better at looking for and seeing the options and what’s happening around them in the playing environment. They tend to look both at an opponent (对手) and at where they can move next. Less skilled players, however, might watch only one detail but not what is happening around them. Skilled players are also often faster to make decisions compared to less skilled players; their experiences create more stored memories that help speed up their decision-making. Essentially, skilled players know what information is the most relevant to focus on and they act on it quickly. Adding to this picture is new research that explores the negative impact of mental fatigue (疲劳) on physical performance. This work shows that our ability to exercise can be affected negatively after activities requiring long periods of thinking and mental effort, particularly when these activities are boring. It first considers the impact of using the brain so much that it makes you physically tired. This may be particularly relevant for coaches of young players shifting from the school day to training, especially if the day’s lessons have been complex. Coaches should therefore map out appropriate strategies by considering the amount of information they provide for athletes and the complexity of the tasks and instructions. Overall, cognitive (认知的) skills, like physical qualities, are key to high performance and even play a role in identifying future potential. Cognition could be a reliable marker of ability over time and could provide some basis for prediction of talent. 1．Why are some great athletes mentioned in the text? A．To compare different sports. B．To highlight physical training. C．To stress mental skills in sports. D．To honor their achievements in sports. 2．According to paragraph 2, what advantage do skilled athletes tend to have? A．Faster moving speed. B．Wider focus of attention. C．More efficient teamwork. D．Stronger physical endurance. 3．What does the author suggest coaches do after their players have had a hard school day? A．Lengthen the warm-up for training. B．Set the training intensity adaptively. C．Prioritize physical over cognitive training. D．Refer to their players’ previous performance. 4．What is the text mainly about? A．The quality of sports talent. B．The overall training in sports. C．The cognitive power in sports. D．The variables affecting sports. Passage 2 Glenn Cunningham, “the Kansas Ironman”, was an American middle­distance runner, and was considered the greatest American miler of all time. Glenn was born in Kansas on August 4, 1909. At 7, Glenn was badly burned in an accidental fire in their schoolhouse. The little boy did survive after a long battle, though doctors told his mother that he was sure to die. Unfortunately from his waist down, he had no motor ability. But with his iron persistence and determination, he did develop the ability to stand up, then to walk and then to run. By the time he was 12, he had beaten all the local high school runners. His legs remained deeply scarred, however. Throughout his life, he would have to spend time doing long warm­up exercises in order to maintain circulation (血液循环). In addition, his injuries meant that he could never run smoothly or efficiently. When in university, he ran for the university track team and won his first big race, the 1932 NCAA 1500 meters. That summer, he was selected for the U．S. Olympic track team and came in fourth in the 1500­meter race in the Olympic Games. In 1933, he won the AAU 800 meters with a time of 1′51.8″. Overall, he ran 20 races during that summer. That year he was called “Ironman”． Although Glenn might have used his name as a star athlete to make a great deal of money, he was more interested in helping others. He and his wife opened the Glenn Cunningham Youth Ranch and raised over 10,000 foster children over three decades. Throughout his life, Glenn won many awards including the Sullivan Memorial Trophy. He was also elected to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. As an example of the power of positive thinking and faith in oneself, Glenn continues to be an inspiration to many. 5．What helped Glenn regain the ability to walk? A．His strong will. B．His mother’s support. C．His great desire to win races. D．His continuous treatment. 6．What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about? A．Why warm­up exercises were necessary. B．What effects the accident had on Glenn. C．How Glenn beat other high school runners. D．Why Glenn could recover from the injuries. 7．Why did Glenn get the name “Ironman”？ A．He won the championship in the Olympics. B．He competed in many races in a single year. C．He got the strongest body in the track team. D．He wore a pair of iron sports shoes in games. 8．Which of the following can best describe Glenn? A．Caring and determined. B．Hard­working and humorous. C．Warm­hearted and ambitious. D．Well­educated and optimistic. Passage 3 Wimbledon’s tennis court has seen its share of rivalries (较量). But for David Almog, a behavioral economist at Northwestern University, the more fascinating rivalry is judges vs machine. How AI oversight affects human decision-making is an important issue. Drivers and traders already routinely see their poor judgment corrected by AI. Much of this correction happens out of the public eye, making it hard to analyze. But, according to Mr. Almog, “Tennis is one of the most visible settings where final decision rights are entrusted to AI.” Hence he and his colleagues studied nearly 100,000points from 700 matches worldwide, both before and after the introduction of Hawk-Eye ball-tracking system in 2006. Hawk-Eye, now used in most top tournaments, uses cameras around the court to create a 3D model of the ball’s track and display it on screens. Players can challenge calls, with Hawk-Eye’s decision considered final. The analysis from Mr Almog and his colleagues showed that Hawk-Eye oversight has motivated human judges 8% less mistakes. Such an improvement is to be expected, the researchers say, given the heightened watchfulness accompanying the threat of public shaming. Most of the error reduction occurred during rallies (回合) that follow a successful serve (发球) and return. However, when examining serves — especially those landing within 20mm of the line — the error rate surprisingly increased. It turned out judges had switched strategies. Before Hawk-Eye, judges were more likely to incorrectly call a serve out, but afterwards, they tended to let out balls go unchallenged. For every 100 mis-hit serves, post-Hawk-Eye judge left 39 unchallenged, compared to 26before. This shift makes sense; missed faults are less destructive than wrongly calling “out,” which ends the point early and may cause dissent (异议) from players and crowds. It seems that human judges take the less reputationally risky option, even if it leads to more incorrect calls. Tennis’s clear outcomes offer a simple model for AI oversight. But Almog warns similar patterns likely occur in medicine and law. These industries must consider the social costs of errors: judges may under-sentence, doctors over-diagnose. The effect of decision-making are far-reaching. Stay tuned! 9．According to Almog, what’s the rivalry between judges and machine? A．Judgment accuracy. B．Rule observance. C．Caution in match calling. D．Decision-making speed. 10．What did Hawk-Eye lead to when dealing with serves? A．Few misjudged serves overall. B．More unchallenged near-line serves. C．Players have more dissent. D．Judges trust their own calls more. 11．Why did judges make a shift after introducing Hawk-Eye? A．To justify Hawk-Eye’s judgments. B．To lower reputational losses. C．To speed up decision-making. D．To please players and crowds. 12．What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A．Human judgment is always better than AI. B．Hawk-Eye’s accuracy is beyond challenge. C．Technology could replace human judgement. D．Blind trust in AI may misguide decision-making. Passage 4 While many of us will be taking advantage of the holiday for a bit of rest and relaxation, one man will be in training to push his body to its limits. Ian Russell, an airline pilot from Hereford, is preparing to run his first Ironman Triathlon (铁人三项赛) — at the age of 60. “They used to say life begins at 40. Now, 60 is the new 40,” said Mr Russell. Mr Russell was a keen sportsman when he was young, he listed climbing Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn among his achievements. He later took up running, before joining his local triathlon club. Inspired by some of his fellow members who had taken part, last autumn Mr Russell, who was 60 years old, signed up for the Ironman Triathlon event in Tenby, Pembrokeshire. He didn’t want age to restrict himself. “I originally thought that it’s local and easy to go, but it’s actually one of the toughest ones going,” he said. Since then, Mr Russell has trained “most days” — but has suffered a couple of setbacks. “I’ve had a big operation on my hand,” he explained, “which took a few weeks to recover. And then I broke my foot out training with the triathlon club. That took a good six to eight weeks to recover. So I’m not starting from the best base.” He said that, while he was training hard, he was avoiding pushing himself too much. “You might end up hurting yourself, which I can’t afford now,” he said. Mr Russell was also worried about making a cutoff, of two hours 20 minutes, to complete the swim. “All my main part of my training in my mind is revolving (围绕) around getting through the swimming part. So at least I can get on a bike and… let Mother Nature and tailwinds (顺风) take their course.” Despite this, the athlete said he had no regrets. “I’m proving that age is no barrier to setting bold goals and achieving them,” he added. 13．Why did Mr Russell say “60 is the new 40”? A．He was starting a new career. B．He felt younger than before. C．He wanted to sound humorous. D．He believed age shouldn’t limit his goals. 14．What can be learned from Mr Russell’s training experience? A．His coach caused his injuries. B．He trained too little for the event. C．He underestimated the difficulty of the race. D．He prioritized swimming over biking too early. 15．What does the underlined word “cutoff” in paragraph 4 refer to? A．A time limit. B．A competition rule. C．A safety zone. D．A broken record. 16．Which of the following words can best describe Mr Russell? A．Well-trained but proud. B．Determined and careful. C．Competitive and generous. D．Humorous but narrow-minded. 话题3 人与动植物 Passage 1 When she was found off the coast of California four years ago, the fur seal, known as Ziggy Star, was skinny and fragile. She was unfit to return to the wild. And though a professional rescue team took her in to care for her, Ziggy continued to decline. “I wouldn’t have given her next week,” says Uriarte, a surgeon who led a recent first-of-its-kind brain operation on the seal. The operation was the first of its kind to treat hydrocephalus (脑积水) in fur seals. The surgical team at Tufts University was unable to find any documented evidence of a similar procedure, so they needed a lot of preparation to operate on Ziggy’s brain. The biggest concern in operating on Ziggy was how to control the animal’s anesthesia (麻醉). “When they’re under anesthesia their body’s reactions include decreasing their heart rate, blood pressure, and breath,” says Flower, describing the special challenges of operating on seals. On the day of her surgery, Flower, who observes Ziggy and the other animals’ care, says that she and her team “were all quite anxious not knowing what would happen”. Moving quickly was extremely important; the longer she was under anesthesia, the more likely that she could lose her breathing, says the surgeon. The seal had been kept on land to prevent water from entering the cut on her head. Now, Ziggy is eating a full diet and is beginning to gain weight again. “Recently I’ve allowed her to go swimming,” says Flower. However, the source of Ziggy’s neurological disorder is still a mystery. “My theory is that when she was found, she had a head injury,” Uriarte says. “Hit by a boat maybe… That happens a lot with seals. I don’t think there’s enough information to make that assumption. We just don’t know what happened to her.” 1．After being cared for by a professional rescue team first, Ziggy Star _________. A．was worsening B．continued to recover C．was sent to a university D．was beginning to gain weight 2．What was the most challenging part of the operation? A．Using anesthesia properly on the seal. B．Helping regain the seal’s breath C．Referring to a similar procedure. D．Balancing the functions of the seal’s organs. 3．What can we learn about Ziggy after the operation? A．She is strong enough to live in the wild. B．She is recovering from a brain operation. C．She has already become as heavy as before. D．She is suffering from heart rate disorder. 4．What is the best title for the passage? A．An injured fur seal B．A fur seal’s adventure C．Human’s love for a fur seal D．A challenging operation Passage 2 For years, teenagers decorated their rooms with store-bought posters, plush toys, or mass-produced shelves. But recently, a new trend called “upcycled decor” has become popular among teens worldwide — they’re taking old, unused objects and transforming them into unique, personalized room items, then sharing their work on social media. Upcycling is different from recycling. Recycling breaks down materials (like plastic bottles or paper) to create new products, but upcycling keeps the original item and gives it a new purpose or a fresh look. Take 16-year-old Mia from Canada, for example. She had a broken vinyl record player that her dad no longer used. Instead of throwing it away, she cleaned the wooden case, painted it with soft blue paint, and added small LED lights inside. Now it’s a nightlight on her bedside table. “I love that it’s not something everyone has,” Mia said. “It reminds me of my dad’s old music, too.” Another popular upcycled item is old denim jackets. 17-year-old Leo from Australia took his mom’s worn-out denim jacket, added patches of his favorite band logos, and sewed on a few small pockets for his phone and headphones. “Store-bought jackets are all the same style,” Leo explained. “This one feels like me. My friends asked me to make one for them, so I started doing it as a small hobby — no money, just for fun.” Teens often share their upcycling projects on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. They post before-and-after photos, step-by-step videos, and tips for beginners. “I follow a lot of upcycling accounts,” said 15-year-old Lila from the UK. “Last month, I saw someone turn an old suitcase into a bookshelf. I tried it with a suitcase my grandma gave me — it took a few hours, but now it’s my favorite piece of furniture. It’s cheap and fun, and I don’t feel like I’m wasting things.”​ Why is upcycled decor so popular? First, it’s affordable. Most teens don’t have a lot of money to spend on expensive decor, so using old items saves them cash. Second, it lets them be creative. They can choose colors, designs, and purposes that match their personality. “My room used to look like every other teen’s room,” Mia said. “Now it has things that tell my story. That’s what makes it special.”​ 5．What is the main difference between upcycling and recycling according to the passage? A．Upcycling uses new materials, while recycling uses old materials. B．Upcycling keeps the original item and gives it a new use or look, while recycling breaks down materials to make new products. C．Upcycling is only popular among teens, while recycling is popular among people of all ages. D．Upcycling is more expensive than recycling. 6．What did Mia do to the broken vinyl record player? A．She threw it away because it was broken. B．She gave it to her dad as a gift. C．She cleaned the wooden case, painted it soft blue, and added small LED lights inside to make it a nightlight. D．She sold it on social media. 7．Why did Leo make upcycled denim jackets for his friends? A．To make a lot of money. B．Just for fun, as a small hobby. C．Because his friends forced him to do so. D．To help his mom sell old clothes. 8．Which social media platforms do teens often use to share their upcycling projects? A．Facebook and Twitter. B．TikTok and Instagram. C．WeChat and QQ. D．YouTube and Snapchat.​ Passage 3 Central Park, a 20-hectare green space in the heart of Lakeside City, was once a popular spot for residents to relax. However, in recent years, its ecosystem has degraded seriously. The park’s lake was covered with green algae due to chemical runoff from nearby roads, and most of the native plants were replaced by invasive weeds. As a result, the number of birds and butterflies that used to live in the park dropped by half, and fewer people visited it because of the bad smell from the lake.​ To save the park, the city’s environmental department started the “Green Revival” project last spring. The project included three key actions: first, workers installed filters along the road to stop chemical runoff from entering the lake; second, volunteers removed invasive weeds and planted over 500 native trees and flowers, such as oak trees and sunflowers; third, signs were put up to teach visitors how to protect the park’s plants and animals.​ Ms. Laura Chen, who leads the project, said, “We’ve seen great changes in just one year. The algae in the lake have decreased a lot, and more birds are coming back. But we still need people to follow the rules — only with everyone’s care can the park stay healthy.” Now, the number of visitors to Central Park has increased by 30%, and many residents say it feels like a “new park”. 9．What caused the degradation of Central Park’s ecosystem?​ A．A lack of rain for native plants.​ B．Chemical runoff and invasive weeds.​ C．Too many visitors picking flowers.​ D．Earthquakes damaging the lake.​ 10．What does the underlined word “invasive” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?​ A．Native to the area and helpful to local plants.​ B．Spreading quickly and harming local ecosystems.​ C．Easy to grow and loved by birds.​ D．Rare and in need of protection.​ 11．What can we infer from the passage about the “Green Revival” project?​ A．It has completely solved all the park’s problems.​ B．It only relied on the work of professional workers.​ C．It has improved the park’s environment and popularity.​ D．It will end soon because the park is already perfect.​ 12．What is Ms. Laura Chen’s attitude towards the project’s future?​ A．Worried that people will not follow the rules.​ B．Confident that the park will stay healthy without more effort.​ C．Unhappy with the current changes.​ D．Hopeful but emphasizes the need for public care. Passage 4 After nearly six months of rescue and professional care at the Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Hainan Province, the aground short-finned (鳍) pilot whale named “Haitang” has recovered and returned to the sea on Sunday morning. Short-finned pilot whales are national second-class protected wild animals. On Jan. 3, the short-finned pilot whale “Haitang” was found aground in Haitang Bay, Sanya city, with obvious injuries in many parts of its body. Under the watchful eyes of volunteers and experts, Haitang can now eat 12 kilograms of squid (鱿鱼) a day, served in four meals throughout the day, according to Cao Zheng, head of the conservation center. Its body length has grown from 3.6 meters to 3.7 meters, and its upper body circumference (圆周) has grown from 1.9 meters to 2 meters. “Squid is the main food of short-finned pilot whales. With the waters near Sanya teeming with a richness of squid, the intelligent whales have developed a skill for hunting so many slow-moving fish and enjoying a great meal,” said Cao. “Haitang has mastered the art of catching squid in the wild. Although it may need some time to readjust to the freedom of the open sea after being released, we’ll monitor its movements through a specialized device,” Cao added. The release team has discussed and mapped out every aspect of the release process, from transportation process to the exact location of entry into the sea, as the whale now weighs around 500kg. Haitang’s journey started as they went aboard the research ship on Saturday, a journey of more than 10 hours at sea. The team decided to release Haitang in a 500-meter-deep area, known for the activity of short-finned pilot whales. By choosing a location with a history of whale presence, the team aims to provide Haitang with the best possible chance of joining a population and establishing new connections within its natural habitat, said Cao. 13．Why are the figures mentioned in paragraph 3? A．To show Haitang’s recovery. B．To prove experts’ hard work. C．To highlight Haitang’s huge size. D．To record Haitang’s characteristics. 14．What does the underlined phrase “teeming with” in paragraph 4 mean? A．Rising over. B．Blocked by. C．Filled with. D．Running past. 15．What can be known about the releasing spot? A．It’s the deepest part of the sea. B．It’s where Haitang was spotted. C．Haitang can find companions easily there. D．Haitang is a symbol of natural history there. 16．In which section of a website is the text likely to appear? A．Medicine. B．Environment. C．Travel. D．Business. 话题4 科技发展 Passage 1 A company called Colossal Biosciences has created thick-haired mice that they are calling “Colossal Woolly Mice”. These mice are a step toward the company’s goal of creating the extinct woolly mammoth (猛犸象). Colossal focuses on replacing extinct animals that went extinct long ago. Its main project is to recreate woolly mammoths. These mammoths, which looked like hairy elephants, died out about 4,000 years ago after the last ice age. Colossal isn’t trying to bring woolly mammoths back to life. Instead, it wants to change Asian elephant DNA to create an animal similar to a woolly mammoth. The company believes this could help restore balance to the Arctic environment. Some scientists question this. Actually, working with Asian elephants would be very difficult. They are endangered and take 22 months to have a baby. So, Colossal focuses on mice instead. Mice are more manageable, cost-effective, simpler to handle, and have a quicker reproductive cycle. For the experiment, researchers looked at how woolly mammoths stayed warm, focusing on their long, thick hair. They compared mammoth DNA to elephant DNA． Using CRISPR (a gene-editing technology), they edited mouse DNA to change not just one gene, but as many as seven genes at one time. This made the experiment special. The results were striking. Lead scientist Beth Shapiro said, “We ended up with adorable mice that have longer, woolly, golden coats.” This is good news for Colossal. Since they plan to use elephant DNA to create something like a mammoth, they will need to edit many genes — perhaps as many as 85. The company is pleased that it has been able to target these genes for hair so accurately. Many experts are impressed with Colossal’s ability to edit many genes at once. But not everyone thinks the woolly mice are a big deal. Some people question the company’s plans to bring back extinct animals. They say it might be better to help animals that are currently endangered. However, Colossal believes its work could be of assistance in many situations, including protecting endangered animals. 1．What is the main goal of Colossal Biosciences? A．To create a new kind of mouse called“Colossal Woolly Mice”. B．To change the DNA of Asian elephant. C．To clone woolly mammoths for scientific research. D．To restore extinct animals like woolly mammoth. 2．Why did Colossal choose mice for their experiments? A．They are not in danger of extinction. B．They have a relatively longer lifespan. C．Their genes are much simpler to target. D．They are cheaper and reproduce faster. 3．What does Colossal Biosciences think of its work? A．Fruitless. B．Beneficial. C．Moral. D．Efficient. 4．What is the best title for the text? A．Conservation vs. De-exinction: A Modern Dilemma B．Mice with Golden Coats: A Breakthrough in mammoth recreation C．The Future of Genetic Research: Advancements in CRISPR Technology D．Reviving the Past: Colossal Biosciences and the Woolly mammoth Project Passage 2 Researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Cologne (UC) in Germany have developed an AI-based learning system. The idea is simple yet effective: a webcam (网络摄像头) tracks students’ eye movements. Maike Schindler, a math professor from the UC, and her team have designed hundreds of math tasks involving basic math skills. Depending on the task, specific patterns appear, which are shown digitally on a heat map, with red indicating areas where the children look frequently and green showing the areas where they look only briefly. Confident students quickly get to key problem areas, while struggling ones often look aimlessly. “Tracking eye movements helps recognize different learning strategies through patterns and finally create detailed support reports for teachers,” says Maike Schindler. “The AI system sorts the patterns. On the basis, the software selects tailored learning videos and exercises for the pupil,” says robotics professor Achim Lilienthal from the TUM. To develop the new eye-tracking technology, Professor Lilienthal has drawn on his robotics research experience. In that work, he used eye trackers with a small human-like robot named Nao. It enables better communication with humans. However, these advanced systems with high accuracy (准确) cost many thousands of euros. To find a better solution for schools, the researchers cleverly mix technical experience with math knowledge. Instead of using high-end eye-trackers, their AI-driven approach uses regular webcams and makes up for low accuracy through AI improvements. “By focusing on problem areas, the AI adapts the eye-tracking with the webcam, achieving accuracy comparable to high-end tools,” professor Lilienthal says. Germany’s Wulfen Comprehensive School is the first to introduce the system. A math test there showed that about one-third of the new students struggled with basic math. With the AI system, one teacher can now support five students at once — a significant improvement over traditional one-on-one teaching. “As education faces teacher shortages and increasing pressure to deal with individual learning styles, our system for promoting basic math skills is simply excellent support for schools,” says Schindler. 5．What is the function of the heat map? A．Measuring the difficulty of math tasks. B．Presenting students’ focus areas. C．Tracking the students’ eye movements. D．Comparing students’ counting speeds. 6．What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about the system? A．Its challenges in tracking student behavior. B．Its progress in upgrading specific patterns. C．Its advantages in recognizing eye problems. D．Its role in supporting personalized learning. 7．Which best describes the AI-driven eye-tracking technology? A．Affordable and effective. B．Helpful but slow. C．Demanding and relaxing. D．Creative but costly. 8．What does Wulfen Comprehensive School get from the system? A．Reduction in teacher training. B．Inspiration for advanced math. C．Adaptation to learning needs. D．Absence of human judgment. Passage 3 Researchers at the University of Waterloo are developing new technology that would free people with diabetes (糖尿病) from painful finger sticks to monitor their blood sugar. A team led by engineering professor George Shaker has combined radar and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect changes in glucose (葡萄糖) levels without the need to draw blood several times a day. The system under development uses the radar device to send high-frequency radio waves into liquids containing various levels of glucose and receive radio waves that are reflected back to it. Information on the reflected waves is then changed into digital data for analysis by machine-learning AI, developed by the researchers. The software is capable of detecting glucose changes based on more than 500 wave features or characteristics including how long it takes for them to return to the device. Initial tests with volunteers at the Research Institute for Aging in Waterloo achieved results that were 85 percent as accurate as traditional, invasive (穿刺式的) blood analysis. “The result was actually amazing,” says Shaker. “We have shown it is possible to use radar to look into blood to detect changes.” Next steps include enhancing the system to precisely quantify glucose levels and obtain results through the skin, which makes the process more challenging. The research team is also working with German hardware company Infineon to make the radar device smaller so that it is both low-cost and low-power. The data analyzed by AI is now sent wirelessly to computers, but the final aim is self-contained technology similar to the smartwatches that monitor heart rate. “I’m hoping we’ll see a wearable device on the market within the next five years,” Shaker says. “There are challenges, but the research has been going at a really good rate.” 9．What is paragraph 3 of the text mainly about? A．The radar-reflected wave analysis process. B．The high-frequency wave transmission technique. C．The machine-learning-powered glucose detection. D．The technical principle underlying the system. 10．What do Shaker’s words in paragraph 5 suggest? A．The traditional blood analysis’s accuracy is emphasized. B．The radar technology’s limitations are noticed. C．The volunteers’ test performance was highlighted. D．The radar system’s practicality is proven. 11．What does the follow-up study focus on? A．Improving skin-based glucose quantification. B．Exploring low-cost AI and radar technology. C．Developing smartwatches for AI analysis. D．Sending analyzed data to computers wirelessly. 12．What is Shaker’s attitude toward the research? A．Unclear. B．Critical. C．Approving. D．Doubtful. Passage 4 Is text-messaging driving us apart? These days, we talk to each other a lot with our thumbs — sending six billion text messages a day, and likely a few billion more on services like Whats App. But some worry that so much messaging leads to less communication. For instance, when hanging out with friends, we’d be texting secretively at the same time, pretending to maintain eye contact but mentally somewhere else. New technologies often upset the way we relate to one another, of course. But such division caused by texting have a strong echo in the arguments we had over telephone a hundred years ago. The small device gave us a new way to contact one another and quickly promote new forms of socializing. Callers arranged regular “visiting” calls, dialing remote family to catch up on news. Soon, though, social critics thought it would be so easy to talk that we’d never leave each other alone. Others worried that the telephone sped up life, demanding instant reactions. The use of the telephone gave little room for reflection. It produced a craziness in the ordinary concerns of life which didn’t make for domestic happiness. “We shall soon be nothing but transparent piles of jelly (果冻) to each other,” a London writer moaned in 1897. However, nowadays the telephone call seems like a throwback to a gentler era. When Jenna Birch, a communication professor at the University of Iowa, started dating a man who insisted on calling her on the phone, she found it warm and delightful. So she doesn’t think the shift to texting has degraded our interactions. According to her study, teenagers who text the most are also those who spend the most time face to face with friends. Communication, it seems, brings more communication, and — as she argues — just because talk happens in text doesn’t mean it’s not meaningful. Michéle Martin of Carleton University, thinks we’re living through a replay of the telephone, where the things that made it valuable — instant communications — are the same that made it annoying. “People believe they are liberated because they can bring the mobile phone everywhere,” Martin says. “But at the same time, they are slaves to it.” 13．What’s the function of the first paragraph? A．To introduce the topic. B．To describe a scene. C．To offer an argument. D．To issue a warning. 14．According to paragraph 4, what does telephone use cause? A．People experience very tight schedule. B．People tend to lack individuality. C．People become narrow and uninformed. D．People lose the ability to reflect. 15．What can we learn from paragraph 5? A．Telephone calls are particularly welcomed in dating. B．Teenagers are addicted to communicating by texting. C．The shift to texting is destructive to face-to-face time. D．The meaning of communication goes beyond medium. 16．What’s the best title for the text? A．Oh My God! We’ve Been Here Before! B．Gone with the Wind, Dear Texting! C．Life is Too Short for So Many Texting. D．Oh, Telephone, a Tale of Two Sides. 话题5 旅游观光 Passage 1 Coming into the town of Santa Catarin a Palopó, in the highlands of Lake Atitlan inGuatemala, the first thing you notice is the bright colors. Most of the buildings along the main street are eye-catching, in deep blues and greens, dotted with red and yellow to form diverse patterns and designs. Santa Catarin a Palopo was once a sleepy town of 5,000 people, most of them dependent on agricultural work. But as agriculture began to dry up here, poverty came. To deal with poverty and promote economic growth through tourism, a small but creative group of laborers, artisans, domestic workers and stay-at-home moms created the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project. The project aimed to paint all 850 homes and buildings in bright colors to change the hillside town into a work of art. “We wanted to paint the houses with colors and figures that represent the community,” says the project's executive director Stephany Blanco. “Families can choose designs for their house that are representative of the family.” One of the most representative characteristics of the region is the blue huipil, a traditional blouse which has been worn commonly by local women since the 16th century.That deep sky blue was chosen as the primary color for the Pintando project, with secondary colors found in the sunsets and the nearby lake to make the design more attractive. Inspiration was also found in local culture, symbols such as volcanoes, flowers, and the national bird ofGuatemala. Each week, local artists, community members and tourists pick up paintbrushes to make buildings colorful. “At first, the idea of the project was uncertain, but now you can see a considerable difference in the town,” Melissa Whitbeck said. “The color of the buildings is believed to improve the quality of life of the people. It uplifts the people's mood and encourages them to be proud of their hometown.” 1．Why was the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project started? A．Because of a workforce shortage. B．Due to the poor economic conditions. C．Thanks to the increase in population. D．For the old-fashioned farming ways. 2．What is the project about? A．Building family art galleries in Guatemala. B．Creating job opportunities for local artists. C．Developing local tourism by selling artworks. D．Changing the town into a cultural destination. 3．What is the inspiration of the primary color for the project? A．The surrounding volcanoes. B．Mayan-styled butterflies. C．A type of traditional clothing. D．The national bird of Guatemala. 4．What is Melissa’ s attitude towards the project? A．Positive. B．Critical. C．Concerned. D．Doubtful. Passage 2 Hello everyone! Meet my new friend Marco. He says Ciao! This means hello in his language. Marco travelled with me this month. When he showed me his country on the map, I was attracted by its shape. It looks like a high-heeled boot (高跟靴) in the Mediterranean Sea that’s kicking a strange-shaped ball. Can you find the name of this ball on the world map? Marco told me that he loves cars and that his country is well-known for super-fast cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Isn’t it cool? The people also love soccer here. They call it “Calcio.” He told me that they have won four World Cups. The most recent win was in 2006! When he shared this with me, he was very excited and full of pride We visited the country’s capital and I was amazed to find that it was more than 2500 years old! We walked around and soon it was time for dinner. Marco told me that people there eat pasta (意大利面食) at least once a day. The different sauces and toppings (酱汁和佐料) mean they never get bored of it. Also, they love including seasonal vegetables in their dinners. I couldn’t wait to enjoy the pizza and pasta with different toppings and sauces. The cappuccino and focaccia bread also made me happy. It’s no wonder that the world has adopted so much of their food! The people in this country celebrate many holidays and enjoy eating big meals with their family. The festive atmosphere makes everyone happy. I was lucky to travel to this country in March and enjoy the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. It is held for four days every year. We also visited the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which was really wonderful! Before I said goodbye to Marco, I made a promise to visit again. Can you guess the name of this country? 5．What did the author mention to describe Marco’s country in the first paragraph? A．Its shape. B．Its population. C．Its culture D．Its national sport. 6．How did Marco feel when he brought up soccer? A．Sad. B．Proud. C．Worried. D．Thankful. 7．What can we infer about the food in Marco’s country? A．It is very simple. B．It makes Marco feel bored. C．It is mixed with a lot of foreign food. D．It has spread around the world. 8．What is the purpose of the text? A．To show a friendship. B．To celebrate a festival. C．To introduce a country. D．To explain a cultural difference. Passage 3 We just got back from a week-long trip through New Mexico where we traveled through desert landscapes, hiked up mountains, and walked through dry creek beds. We experienced nature and wildlife that was vastly distinct from what I’ve seen before. We’ve lived in Atlanta for 25 years so it was quite a change from our “city in a forest”. My husband and I were joined by our adult son who now lives in San Diego and is a little more familiar with the west. We like to visit national parks and explore interesting ecosystems. In New Mexico, everything seemed striking and amazing. Starting in Albuquerque, we took a tram up the Sandia Peak in the Sandia Mountains, where we had fantastic views as we watched parasailers float off into the unending sky. We then drove to Abiquiu, the town where artist Georgia O’Keeffe was so inspired. We stayed at a lovely home pretty much in the middle of nowhere. First, we noticed the breathtaking setting. Then we noticed the ants: billions of tiny ants were marching all over the outside of the property. They were carrying off a few of the native bees that had fallen to the ground near the house. Once we were awakened in the middle of the night by howling that was both strange and musical. We were told about the coyotes (郊狼) that share the area, so we weren’t surprised when we woke up the next morning to some pretty impressive paw prints right outside the back door. On our final morning hike before heading south in the state, we even spotted a large snake curled up on the path, enjoying the warm morning sun. We stayed far out of its way but certainly watched our steps a little more carefully. We talked about sustainability throughout the trip. In the past several decades, there’s been so much noticeable change in our travel adventures. That will be great to keep the skies cleaner and save energy. And the coyotes and snakes can be left to dance and enjoy in peace. 9．What can be inferred about the family’s travel preferences? A．They prefer city life over nature. B．They love places with artistic heritage. C．They like to visit familiar places. D．They seek diverse natural settings. 10．What do the wildlife encounters suggest about the local environment? A．It is dangerous for visitors. B．It is little changed by humans. C．It lacks diverse animal species. D．It is mainly a desert habitat. 11．What message does the author want to convey in the last paragraph? A．It’s beneficial for us to take an adventure tour. B．Travel should be safer and more comfortable. C．It’s necessary to boost sustainable tourism. D．Wildlife is adapting to changes. 12．What is the best title for this passage? A．Exploring New Mexico’s Wild Beauty. B．Wildlife Encounters in New Mexico. C．A Family Trip to Atlanta. D．The Challenges of Desert Travel. Passage 4 Ecotourism has become an increasingly popular way for travelers to explore the world while minimizing their environmental impact. Unlike traditional tourism, which often focuses on luxury accommodations and crowded attractions, ecotourism emphasizes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local communities. The core principles of ecotourism include minimizing environmental damage, respecting local cultures, and supporting conservation efforts. Travelers engaging in ecotourism activities typically visit protected areas such as national parks, wildlife reserves, or remote communities. They participate in activities like bird watching, hiking, or learning about traditional crafts from local residents. These experiences not only allow travelers to connect with nature but also contribute to the preservation of fragile ecosystems. One successful example of ecotourism is the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Faced with threats from over-tourism in the 20th century, the government implemented strict regulations to protect the unique wildlife and landscapes. Today, visitors to the Galapagos must follow designated routes, be accompanied by certified guides, and pay a conservation fee that funds environmental protection projects. This approach has helped maintain the islands’ biodiversity while providing income for local communities through tourism. Another example is Costa Rica, often regarded as a leader in ecotourism. The country has transformed its natural resources into a sustainable tourism industry, with over 25% of its land protected in national parks and reserves. Tourists can explore rainforests, observe sea turtles nesting, or stay in eco-lodges that use renewable energy and support local farmers. This model has not only preserved Costa Rica’s natural beauty but also reduced poverty in rural areas by creating jobs in tourism. However, ecotourism is not without challenges. Some destinations market themselves as “eco-friendly” without implementing meaningful conservation measures, a practice known as “greenwashing.” Travelers must be cautious and research companies before booking to ensure their tourism dollars support genuine environmental and community initiatives. Additionally, even well-managed ecotourism can have negative impacts if visitor numbers exceed the carrying capacity of an area, leading to habitat disturbance or increased waste. To practice responsible ecotourism, experts recommend choosing small-scale, locally owned accommodations, participating in guided tours led by local experts, and following the “leave no trace” principle by taking all trash with you and avoiding damage to plants and wildlife. By making informed choices, travelers can enjoy meaningful experiences while helping to protect the planet for future generations. 13．What is the main difference between ecotourism and traditional tourism? A．Ecotourism focuses on luxury accommodations. B．Ecotourism emphasizes responsible travel and environmental conservation. C．Traditional tourism only visits natural areas. D．Traditional tourism requires following strict regulations. 14．Why does the author mention the Galapagos Islands? A．To show the negative effects of over-tourism. B．To introduce a popular luxury travel destination. C．To provide a successful example of ecotourism. D．To explain how to get certified as an ecotourism guide. 15．What does the word “greenwashing” in Paragraph 5 probably mean? A．Making false claims about being environmentally friendly. B．Using green colors in tourism advertisements. C．Planting trees to offset carbon emissions from travel. D．Implementing strict environmental protection measures. 16．What is recommended for responsible ecotourism according to the text? A．Choosing large international hotel chains. B．Exploring natural areas without a guide. C．Leaving trash in designated areas. D．Selecting locally owned accommodations. 话题6 历史遗产 Passage 1 The coast of the State of Maine is one of the most irregular in the world. A straight line running from the southernmost coastal city to the northernmost coastal city would measure about 225 miles. If you followed the coastline between these points, you would travel more than ten times as far. This irregularity is the result of what is called a drowned coastline. The term comes from the glacial activity of the Ice Age. At that time, the whole area that is now Maine was part of a mountain range that towered above the sea. As the glacier descended, however, it applied enormous force on those mountains, and they sank into the sea. As the mountains sank, ocean water charged over the lowest parts of the remaining land. And the highest parts of the former mountain range, nearest the shore, remained as islands. Marine fossils found here are 225 feet above sea level indicating the level of the shoreline prior to the glacier. The 2,500-mile-long rocky and jagged coastline of Maine keeps watch over nearly 2,000 islands. Many of these islands are tiny and uninhabited, but many are home to booming communities. Mt. Desert Island is one of the largest, most beautiful of the Maine coast islands left behind by the glacier. Measuring 16 miles by 12 miles, Mt. Desert was very nearly formed as two distinct islands. It is split almost in half by Somes Sound, a very deep and very narrow stretch of water seven miles long. For years, Mt. Desert Island, particularly its major settlement, Bar Harbour, has afforded summer homes for the wealthy. Recently, though, Bar Harbour has become a new arts community as well. But the best part of the island is the unspoiled forest land known as Acadia National Park. Since the island sits on the border between two different geographical zones, the park supports the plants and animals of both zones. It also lies in a major bird migration lane and is a resting spot for many birds. The establishment of Acadia National Park in 1916 means that this natural monument will be preserved and that it will be available to all people, not just the wealthy. Visitors to Acadia may receive nature instruction from the park naturalists as well as enjoy camping, hiking, cycling, and boating. Or they may choose to spend time at the museum learning about the Stone Age inhabitants of the island. 1．The large number of small islands along the coast of Maine is the result of ______. A．the drowning of the Maine coastline B．glacier’s forcing mountains into the sea C．the irregularity of the Maine coastline D．ocean water’s flooding the mountain range 2．From the passage, we learn that ______. A．the coastline of Maine is ten times longer after the Ice Age B．there are more than 2500 islands along the Maine coastline C．Mt. Desert Island has been broken apart by a 7-mile-long water stretch D．an arts community gave way to the summer homes on Mt. Desert Island 3．What CANNOT be inferred about the Acadia National Park? A．It welcomes all the people, rich or poor. B．It has much appeal for bird-watching lovers. C．It offers visitors both entertainment and education. D．It is a border between the two geographical zones. 4．Which of the following might be the best title of the passage? A．The past and the present of Maine B．The formation of Maine coastline C．Efforts for preserving national parks D．Tourist attractions on Mt. Desert Island Passage 2 For more than 3,500 years, the remains of the Xiaohe people lay undisturbed in Xinjiang until they were unearthed in 1979. Among the treasures dug up was the oldest preserved cheese in the world, spotted around the remains’ neck. Now a team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences reports the first genetic (基因的) analysis of the cheese. Their results give us a vivid account of a rich Bronze Age culture that exchanged animals with other neighbouring peoples and may have helped spread cheese around East Asia, reflecting their cross-cultural communication. Just why they were buried with the stuff, though, remains imperfectly understood. During their analysis, the team identified the DNA from a goat whose milk went into the cheeses, before comparing it with 185 previously sequenced goat genes. The genetic profile of the Xiaohe goat was similar to that of goats belonging to ancient Eurasian Steppe people, meaning the Xiaohe may have learned cheese-making from them. All the Xiaohe cheeses would have been produced by drying kefir, a milk-based drink made with bacteria (细菌) such as Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens. The team, therefore, sequenced the DNA of that one bacterium and compared it with 15 modern varieties in order to identify its place within that species’ family tree. Their analysis showed that it belonged to a subspecies that could have spread with kefir-making customs from Xinjiang to regions including Tibet. The team suspect that the cheese was an attractive alternative to raw milk. But it is possible that it was the kefir drink, rather than the cheese, that was the main attraction, says Paul Kindstedt, a cheese chemist and historian who was not involved in the research. It holds about 1% alcohol by volume. People in Mongolia today use kefir to make milk-based alcohol; the Xiaohe may have done so too. “Ancient-cheese DNA analysis-of which this may be the first example-could reveal secrets about numerous other cultures. There are dairy remains on 7,000-year-old European pots, for example, and cheese may also have been used in ancient Egyptian burial practices,” says Dr Kindstedt. 5．What can be inferred about the Xiaohe people in paragraph 2? A．They preferred an undisturbed life. B．They interacted with other cultures. C．They conducted odd burial practices. D．They exchanged animals for cheese. 6．Why was the DNA of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens studied? A．To track the cheese-making origin. B．To clarify the cheese-making steps. C．To figure out its structure. D．To dig into its superiority. 7．What is Paul Kindstedt’s opinion on the cheese? A．It came from Mongolians’ finding. B．It may be a substitute of raw milk. C．Its appeal was possibly-from kefir. D．Its attraction was affected by milk. 8．How does the author emphasize ancient-cheese DNA analysis’ significance? A．By explaining a concept. B．By giving a definition. C．By providing statistics. D．By quoting an expert. Passage 3 Sound artist Stuart Fowkes has been collecting field recordings for a decade for his Cities and Memory project, which features over 7,000 samples from some 2,000 contributors covering 130 countries. Its latest branch, Sonic Heritage, takes in 270 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) sites and includes recordings of crickets chirping in Florence and the sounds from within India’s Taj Mahal. “Sound is so immersive (沉浸式的),” said Fowkes. “It can transport you back to somewhere you’ve visited before, or drop you dramatically into an entirely new space.” He explained how the project offers an alternative way of experiencing some of the world’s most visited sites that go beyond tourist groups and gift shops. “If you think about world heritage sites, all you think of is crowds and camera shutters (快门) and everything being ruined by over-tourism,” he said. “Those sounds are interesting in their settings, but what struck me was that a lot of these spaces just sound really amazing and beautiful in their own right.” From this project, people can have everything from sites related to natural heritage — the migratory patterns of whales and birds, for example — to spaces that have been designed to look and sound extraordinary. One of Fowkes’ favorite recordings is the sounds of people at work. “They remind you that behind the postcards are the people who live there, and this is a part of their daily lives,” he said. He added that one aim of the project was to stoke a debate around preserving the diversity of soundscapes (声景) at popular locations. “Do any of these sites have sounds that are valuable as experiences themselves?” he said. “The answer is yes — but when we think about the preservation of a site, sound is not often considered.” “To achieve that, it’s important that people who visit these spaces actually value sound. This project is a first step in that journey,” he said. 9．What does Fowkes’ Cities and Memory project focus on? A．Preserving historical records of tourists. B．Collecting visual images of heritage sites. C．Selling postcards related to natural heritage. D．Recording sounds of various popular locations. 10．What does Fowkes say about sounds at heritage sites? A．They are destroyed by cameras. B．They are naturally beautiful. C．They are ruined by over-tourism. D．They interrupt visitors’ attention. 11．Why does Fowkes prefer the sounds of people at work in natural heritage sites? A．They are part of his project. B．They sound most impressive. C．They reflect the culture preservers. D．They are reminders of postcards. 12．What does the underlined word “stoke” in paragraph 5 mean? A．Bring about. B．Break up. C．Get around. D．Make out. Passage 4 In Hungary, restorers are working to save the historic book collection of the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, a UNESCO World Heritage site, after discovering a serious insect infestation (虫害). The entire collection of 400,000 books is now being treated, as drugstore beetles — also known as bread beetles — have been found throughout the library. These insects, usually found in dry foods like grains and spices, are also drawn to the glue used in old books. The infestation was first noticed during a routine cleaning, when staff saw unusual dust and small holes in several books. Closer inspection revealed that the beetles had bored into the pages. “This is the worst infestation we've ever seen,” said Zsofia EditHajdu, the lead restorer. “Since it's spread across many parts of the library, we have to treat every single book.” The treatment process begins by placing books into boxes and sealing them inside large plastic bags. The air is then removed and replaced with pure nitrogen. After six weeks without oxygen, all insects should be killed. Once disinfected, each book will be examined and cleaned by hand. Those with damage will be set aside for later repair. Fortunately, the Abbey's oldest and rarest volumes, stored separately, were not affected. The Pannonhalma Abbey, founded in 996, holds Hungary's oldest book collection and many early written records. Located in the country's northwest, it has long been a major religious and cultural center in Central Europe. Library director Ilona Asvanyi warned that any damage to the collection would be a loss to Hungary's cultural and historical heritage. Experts believe climate change may have played a role in the incursion, as warmer temperatures help insects survive and spread. “We used to worry more about mold,” one restorer said. “But now, because of global warming, insect problems are becoming more common.” The Abbey hopes to reopen the library early next year after the restoration is complete. 13．What attracts beetles according to the text? A．Dust and paper. B．Warm air and light. C．Mold on old covers. D．Book glue and dry food. 14．How was the insect infestation first discovered? A．During a repair task. B．When beetles flew out. C．By accident during cleaning. D．While moving the old books. 15．Why were the rarest books unharmed? A．They were too old for beetles. B．They were stored in another room. C．They were made with special paper. D．They had already been treated before. 16．What does the underlined word “incursion” in Paragraph 4 probably mean? A．Mold growth. B．Insect invasion. C．Temperature rise. D．Scientific discovery. $专题01 阅读理解6大常考话题 话题1 大众传媒 话题4 科技发展 话题2 体育文化 话题5 旅游观光 话题3 人与动植物 话题6 历史遗产 1 / 1 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 话题1 大众传媒 Passage 1 Zero Robotics: Coding for Space Exploration What Is Zero Robotics? Founded in 2009 by MIT’s Space Systems Laboratory and astronaut Greg Chamitoff, Zero Robotics is a free-of-charge coding (编程) competition. Students get the extraordinary chance to program SPHERES satellites aboard the ISS. Teams start by taking on annual challenges in virtual simulations. The best teams then enter a thrilling live final on the ISS, with an astronaut in charge of the action. Tournament tracks at a Glance Tournament Grades/Age Duration Team Size Key Feature High School 9-12 (14-20 yrs) Sept-Dec 5-20 students Final on the ISS Middle School 5th-9th graders 5 weeks (Jun 24-Aug 2) 7-20 students Free training for beginners How to Participate Qualification (资格): High school students (not in college yet) from the US, Russia, ESA member states, and Australia can join the high school tournament. Middle school students are qualified for the middle school summer program. Team Setup: Each team must have a mentor, usually a teacher or staff member. For high school, typically one team per school (exception with permission), and for middle school, teams register before the set deadline. All students need to create their own accounts on the Zero Robotics platform. Participants can gain hands-on coding experience with real NASA satellites. It helps in developing teamwork skills, as teams cooperate closely. Exposure to space technology can stir up interest in STEM careers. Moreover, it’s a great addition to college applications, showing your commitment and skills in STEM fields. And the excitement of seeing your code run in the microgravity of the ISS is truly unmatched. 1．What is the difference between the minimum team sizes of the two tournaments? A．2. B．5. C．7. D．12. 2．Who is qualified for the High School Tournament? A．College students under 20. B．Middle schoolers in Russia. C．9-12th graders from ESA states. D．Grade 8 students from Australia. 3．How does the competition benefit the participants? A．It ensures their university admission. B．It increases their STEM career interest. C．It helps them get NASA jobs quickly. D．It improves their coding skills significantly. 【答案】1．A 2．C 3．B 【语篇导读】这是一篇应用文。文章介绍MIT等创办的免费编程赛事Zero Robotics，含初高中组赛事信息，说明参赛资格、组队要求及参与者能获的编程经验等益处。 1．细节理解题。根据Tournament tracks at a Glance中表格，High School(高中组)的Team Size(团队人数)为“5-20 students”，Minimum team size(最小团队人数)是5人；Middle School(初中组)的Team Size 为“7-20 students”，Minimum team size是7人。两者最小团队人数差值为7-5=2。因此，两个赛事最小团队人数的差异是2。故选A项。 2．细节理解题。根据How to Participate部分中“Qualification: High school students (not in college yet) from the US, Russia, ESA member states, and Australia can join the high school tournament.(资格要求：来自美国、俄罗斯、欧洲航天局成员国和澳大利亚的高中生（尚未进入大学）可以参加高中组比赛。)”以及表格中High School对应的Grades/Age为“9-12 (14-20 yrs)” 可知，来自欧洲航天局成员国的9-12年级学生有资格参加高中组比赛。故选C项。 3．细节理解题。根据最后一段“Exposure to space technology can stir up interest in STEM careers.(接触太空技术可以激发对 STEM 领域职业的兴趣。)”可知，该比赛能让参与者接触太空技术，从而增加他们对STEM领域职业的兴趣，这是比赛给参与者带来的益处之一。故选B项。 Passage 2 Charles Smith, an experienced ski instructor, was buried under snow for an hour after this morning’s avalanche (雪崩). He is now recovering in hospital. He has been allowed to speak with reporters from his hospital bed, but he can’t stand up on his own because of a broken ankle. Speaking to reporters, he admitted the accident shocked everyone. “People didn’t think that this kind of thing would happen to an experienced skier,” he said. He said that the weather had been good all week, and there hadn’t been any warnings about possible avalanches. The problem was that Charles had gone out in an unprepared ski area, he explained. “It is true that there hadn’t been any avalanche warnings, but the fact is that I put other people in danger by leading my group to that area. I shouldn’t have done that,” he admitted regretfully. Recalling the terrifying moment, he continued, while waiting for his group, he heard a loud noise and saw a wall of snow racing towards him. Charles had no time to react. Within seconds, he was blinded, everything turned white, and then there was silence. As time passed, Charles started to panic, fearing he wouldn’t be able to breathe. After what seemed like hours, he heard barking and realized that the specially trained mountain rescue dogs had found him using their incredible sense of smell. Once freed, his biggest concern was that there were still other people buried under the snow. Luckily, no others were caught. Incredibly grateful to the dogs and the rescue team, he promised to thank them in person as soon as he was well enough to leave the hospital and he agreed that he was a very lucky man. Charles went on to stress that the frequency of avalanches has increased in recent years, “The point is that we all need to be careful, even if we are experienced skiers.” 4．What was people’s attitude towards experienced skiers before the accident? A．They believed experienced skiers could predict avalanches. B．They expected experienced skiers to rescue others in avalanches. C．They worried experienced skiers might take risks in dangerous areas. D．They thought experienced skiers were less likely to be caught in avalanches. 5．Why was it lucky that no others were caught in the avalanche? A．The rescue team was not fully prepared for multiple victims. B．Charles had led his group to the same risky area. C．The avalanche was stronger than expected. D．The hospital could not handle too many injured people. 6．What does the underlined word “panic” in paragraph 3 probably mean? A．Feel calm. B．Feel excited. C．Feel afraid. D．Feel tired. 7．What did Charles highlight about avalanches? A．Their occurrence has become more frequent recently. B．experienced skiers don’t need to worry about them. C．They are more likely to happen in good weather. D．They can be avoided with proper warnings. 【答案】4．D 5．B 6．C 7．A 【语篇导读】本文是一篇新闻报道。主要讲述了经验丰富的滑雪教练查尔斯・史密斯在一次雪崩中被埋一小时后获救的经历。他向记者讲述了事故发生的原因、过程，以及对救援人员的感激，并强调即使是有经验的滑雪者也需谨慎。 4．细节理解题。根据第一段“People didn’t think that this kind of thing would happen to an experienced skier (人们原本没想到这种事会发生在一位经验丰富的滑雪者身上)”可知，事故发生前，人们认为有经验的滑雪者不太可能遭遇雪崩。故选D。 5．细节理解题。根据第二段“It is true that there hadn’t been any avalanche warnings, but the fact is that I put other people in danger by leading my group to that area. (诚然，当时并没有任何雪崩警报，但事实是，我带领团队前往那个区域，从而将其他人置于危险之中。)”和第三段“ Once freed, his biggest concern was that there were still other people buried under the snow. Luckily, no others were caught. (幸运的是，没有其他人被困。)”可知，查尔斯带领团队进入了有风险的区域，其他人未被雪崩波及，自然是幸运的。故选B。 6．词句猜测题。根据划线词上文“Recalling the terrifying moment, he continued, while waiting for his group, he heard a loud noise and saw a wall of snow racing towards him. Charles had no time to react. Within seconds, he was blinded, everything turned white, and then there was silence. (回想起那可怕的一刻，他继续说道，当时他在等待同伴们的时候，突然听到了一声巨响，还看到一堵雪墙朝他疾驰而来。查尔斯来不及做出反应。几秒钟之内，他就完全失明了，周围的一切都变成了白色，然后便是一片寂静。)”可知，前文描述查尔斯被雪掩埋，担心无法呼吸，可见他处于危险、恐惧的状态，故划线词意思是“感到害怕的”。故选C。 7．细节理解题。根据最后一段“Charles went on to stress that the frequency of avalanches has increased in recent years, “The point is that we all need to be careful, even if we are experienced skiers.” (查尔斯接着强调说，近年来雪崩发生的频率有所增加，“关键在于，即便我们都是经验丰富的滑雪者，也仍需保持警惕。”)”可知，查尔斯重点阐述近年来雪崩的发生频率有所增加。故选A。 Passage 3 Restoration plans for the Notre Dame Cathedral have sparked a global conversation 被大火吞噬五年后，巴黎圣母院塔尖现状如何？ In case you forgot, 2024 marks the fifth year since the Notre Dame Cathedral was damaged by fire. After five years of restoration, how is it doing now?   Construction of the Catholic cathedral (天主教大教堂) began in the 12th century, making it one of France’s most iconic monuments. On April 15, 2019, a fire engulfed (吞没) the cathedral, leading to the complete collapse of its iconic spire (塔尖). Since then, the restoration of Notre Dame has become a global concern. In 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron promised to complete the restoration work within five years. However, the restoration plan has sparked heated debates, particularly regarding how to rebuild its iconic spire. Should it be restored as the original, or should a new, modern spire be constructed? At first, President Macron suggested that “a contemporary architectural gesture” replace the 96-meter spire, which would make Notre Dame “even more beautiful”, reported The Guardian. He argued that the spire “wasn’t part of the original”, because it was added in the mid-19th century. In 2019, the then French prime minister Edouard Philippe announced a contest to build a spire “adapted to the techniques and issues of our time”, noted ABC News. Architects worldwide put forward their plans, including a “green” roof with a greenhouse, a glass spire, and even one made of beams of light (光束). However, for some like Philippe Villeneuve, who has led the cathedral’s restoration efforts since 2013, maintaining the original appearance of this significant site is paramount (首要的). Following discussions, he declared in 2020 that the spire would be reconstructed “as it was”. This decision, while seemingly straightforward, presented unique challenges. The original spire’s construction was unprecedented (前所未有的), requiring numerous large oak trees (橡树). According to AP, it wasn’t until March 2021 that the first eight oak trees of the 1,000 historic French oak trees needed for the rebuild were selected. In February 2024, scaffolding (脚手架) enveloping the top of Notre Dame began to be taken down, signifying a significant phase in the cathedral’s restoration. This milestone allowed the public their first glimpse of the new spire, crowned (加顶) with a golden rooster (公鸡) and cross. For Notre Dame watchers around the globe, there is now a cause for celebration after years of concern: Notre Dame is set to formally reopen on Dec 8, 2024. Two reconstruction plans architects once proposed VCG French architect Vincent Callebaut wanted to turn the famous cathedral into a modern, eco-friendly building. In his plan, there’s a special crystal glass on the curved (弧形的) spire that would have absorbed light and used it to power the building. At the top level sits a garden for growing 21 tons of fruits and vegetables each year. SCREENSHOT FROM INSTAGRAM Summum Architecture intended to repurpose the new roof and spire as a memorial to the past. A glass structure roof and spire with red and purple vegetation would have been built in memory of the fire that destroyed it. It also planned to make the structure a sanctuary (庇护所) for animals and insects. Better to restore or change? Like Notre Dame Cathedral, many ancient or iconic buildings have been damaged by natural disasters. How would you repair them? Would you modernize them or restore them to how they were originally? Incorporating (包含) modern design elements can give future generations a feeling of what typical architecture was like during the restoration. Additionally, incorporating modern and innovative elements as needed can improve the safety and comfort level of both worshippers and tourists, thereby promoting cultural inheritance (传承) and development in the new era.   Zhu Lizhi, 19, Zhongnan University of Economic and Laws, Hubei I don’t think we need to repair the damaged ancient buildings. Old buildings are always the reflection of the civilization that built them. These buildings, whether destroyed by accidents or war, are also symbols of the downfall of the civilization. Even if modern technology can be used to repair it, it cannot fill the spiritual decay (衰败) inside. Incomplete historical sites can serve as a powerful reminder of the destructive impact of war or backwardness and problems of the civilization then. Liu Xinrui, 15, Wuhan Britain-China School, Hubei Old buildings should be restored to how they were originally because they embody culture and wisdom from ancient times. They can serve as educational materials for us and our offspring (后代) to learn about the past. The love and pride of a people or a nation are passed on through physical vehicles like architecture. Therefore, repairing old buildings is done for the sake of preserving lessons from the past, national unity and humanity’s treasures. If we let old architecture “die”, then people will know nothing about history, and our offspring will know nothing about us. Wang Hongjie, 17, Chengdu Railway Middle School, Sichuan 8．What has the debate over restoring the Notre Dame centered on? A．The construction budget. B．The spire’s architectural style. C．The duration of the work required. D．The necessity of the rebuilding effort. 9．What was the primary theme of the contest announced in 2019? A．Preservation of historical landmarks. B．Integration of sustainable architecture. C．Emphasis on traditional craftsmanship. D．Incorporation of modern design concepts. 10．What problem did the spire’s final restoration plan face? A．Opposition from certain people. B．Replicating the original structure. C．Sourcing the necessary materials. D．Ensuring steady construction progress. 11．What can we learn from the text about the status of the restoration work of the Notre Dame in February 2024? A．It had just been completed. B．It was entering the final stage. C．It was facing unexpected delays. D．New design elements had been added. 【答案】8．B 9．D 10．C 11．B 【语篇导读】本文是一篇新闻报道。文章主要报道了巴黎圣母院因火灾受损五周年后的修复进展这一事件，包括其历史背景、火灾情况、修复计划引发的争议、修复过程中的关键节点以及预计重新开放的时间等。 8．细节理解题。根据文章第三段“However, the restoration plan has sparked heated debates, particularly regarding how to rebuild its iconic spire. Should it be restored as the original, or should a new, modern spire be constructed?(然而，修复计划引发了激烈争议，尤其是在如何重建其标志性塔尖的问题上。是按原貌修复，还是建造一个全新的现代化塔尖？)”可知，争议的核心在于塔尖的建筑风格——是按原貌修复还是采用现代化设计。故选B。 9．细节理解题。根据文章第五段“In 2019, the then French prime minister Edouard Philippe announced a contest to build a spire “adapted to the techniques and issues of our time”, noted ABC News. Architects worldwide put forward their plans, including a “green” roof with a greenhouse, a glass spire, and even one made of beams of light (光束). (美国广播公司新闻指出，2019年，时任法国总理Edouard Philippe宣布举办一场设计竞赛，旨在为塔尖寻找“符合当代技术水平和时代议题的”重建方案。全球建筑师纷纷提交设计构想，其中包括带温室的“绿色”屋顶、玻璃塔尖，甚至还有光束构成的塔尖。)”可知，2019年竞赛的核心是融入现代设计理念。故选D。 10．细节理解题。根据文章第七段“This decision, while seemingly straightforward, presented unique challenges. The original spire’s construction was unprecedented (前所未有的), requiring numerous large oak trees (橡树). According to AP, it wasn’t until March 2021 that the first eight oak trees of the 1,000 historic French oak trees needed for the rebuild were selected.(这个决定看似简单，却带来了独特的挑战。原始塔尖的建造方式前所未有，需要大量的高大橡树。据美联社报道，直到2021年3月，才从重建所需的1000棵法国历史橡树上选出了首批8棵。)”可知，最终修复方案面临的问题是获取所需的大量高大橡树这一必要材料。故选C。 11．推理判断题。根据文章第八段“In February 2024, scaffolding (脚手架) enveloping the top of Notre Dame began to be taken down, signifying a significant phase in the cathedral’s restoration. This milestone allowed the public their first glimpse of the new spire, crowned (加顶) with a golden rooster (公鸡) and cross.( 2024年2月，包裹在巴黎圣母院顶部的脚手架开始拆除，这标志着大教堂的修复工作进入了重要阶段。这一里程碑事件让公众首次得以窥见新塔尖的模样—— 顶部装有一只金色公鸡和一个十字架。)”以及第九段“For Notre Dame watchers around the globe, there is now a cause for celebration after years of concern: Notre Dame is set to formally reopen on Dec 8, 2024.(对于全球关注巴黎圣母院的人们来说，在多年的担忧之后，终于有了值得庆祝的消息：巴黎圣母院定于2024年12月8日正式重新开放。)”可知，2024年2月拆除顶部脚手架，公众首次看到新塔尖，标志着修复进入重要阶段，距离最终开放仅剩约10个月，说明已进入最后阶段。故选B。 Passage 4 The first Chinese writer appears in Paris Review’s ‘Writer’s Interview’ 余华成为首登《巴黎评论》“作家访谈”的中国作家 Famous literary magazine The Paris Review recently featured an interview with Chinese author Yu Hua, marking the first appearance of a Chinese author in the magazine’s “Writer’s Interview” section. Born in 1960, Yu is considered by many an avant-garde (先锋派) writer. His novels are characterized by a cold narrative style (叙事风格) and explore deep and realistic themes such as the meaning of existence, life and death. “Each of my works is about the lives and experiences of Chinese people — Chinese people who are shaped by experiencing the changes of the times,” Yu said. For example, To Live (《活着》) portrays the endless hardships facing the protagonist (主人公), Xu Fugui, who fights against all odds. Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (《许三观卖血记》) tells the story of Xu Sanguan, a man who repeatedly overcomes life’s challenges by selling his blood, only to find himself in despair when no one needs his blood anymore. Although Yu’s stories often carry a tragic (悲剧的) tone, he surprises readers with his sense of humor in real life. When asked about his decision to go from being a doctor to a writer, he humorously remarked that his dream as a young man was to find a job where he would never be disturbed by an alarm clock. During his childhood, Yu would often escape the summer heat by napping in a morgue (太平间). When in trouble, he would pretend to have a stomachache, going so far as to pretend he had appendicitis (阑尾炎), which oddly enough led to him actually ending up on the operating table (手术台). Yet, all these hardships are transformed into interesting small narratives which feed into Yu’s storytelling. Many believe that while he shares pain with his readers through his narratives, he keeps the joy for himself. This striking contrast has made Yu particularly popular among young readers. “Yu is in touch with today’s popular culture. He’s aware of being called a ‘scruffy little dog (潦草小狗)’ and embraces it, seeing it as a way for young people to relate to a writer,” said Jiang Xinwei, a 16-year-old high school student from Jilin and a fan of Yu. “Yu connects with young people without being preachy (说教的). He once suggested that ‘lying flat’ is a response to neijuan, or involution (内卷). I couldn’t agree more,” said Zhu Lingzhi, an 18-year-old fan. 12．What do we know about Yu Hua and his works? A．He is the most productive contemporary Chinese writer. B．He has won the Nobel Prize in Literature. C．His books offer insights into human nature. D．His novels are based on real-life stories. 13．What about Yu surprises his readers, according to the text? A．The fact that he was a doctor before he started writing. B．The contrast between his writing style and his personality. C．The comedic core of his seemingly tragic stories. D．The imagination he displays in his works. 14．What is the second to last paragraph mainly about? A．Yu’s challenging childhood experiences. B．The themes Yu explores in his literary works. C．The influence of Yu’s personal life on his writing style. D．Yu’s efforts to improve his storytelling skills. 15．Why does Jiang Xinwei like Yu? A．He encourages young people to “lie flat”. B．His positive outlook on life inspires readers. C．He criticizes many social phenomena. D．His ideas connect with young people. 【答案】12．C 13．B 14．C 15．D 【语篇导读】这是一篇新闻报道。文章报道了余华成为首登《巴黎评论》“作家访谈”的中国作家一事，文章简要介绍了余华的生平事迹、两部著名小说概要、叙事风格和受欢迎度等内容。 12．细节理解题。由第二段中“His novels are characterized by a cold narrative style (叙事风格) and explore deep and realistic themes such as the meaning of existence, life and death. (他的小说以冷酷的叙事风格为特征，探索了存在、生和死的意义等深刻而现实的主题。)”可知，余华的作品探索“存在、生和死的意义”等深刻现实主题，这体现了对人性的洞察。故选C项。 13．细节理解题。由第五段中“Although Yu’s stories often carry a tragic (悲剧的) tone, he surprises readers with his sense of humor in real life. (虽然余华的故事往往带有悲剧色彩，但他在现实生活中的幽默感让读者感到惊讶。)”可知，他的写作风格（悲剧色彩）和个性（幽默）之间的对比让他的读者感到惊讶。故选B项。 14．主旨大意题。由倒数第二段中“During his childhood, Yu would often escape the summer heat by napping in a morgue (太平间). When in trouble, he would pretend to have a stomachache, going so far as to pretend he had appendicitis (阑尾炎), which oddly enough led to him actually ending up on the operating table (手术台). Yet, all these hardships are transformed into interesting small narratives which feed into Yu’s storytelling. Many believe that while he shares pain with his readers through his narratives, he keeps the joy for himself. (在童年时期，余华经常在停尸房小憩以躲避夏日的酷热。遇到麻烦时，他会假装胃疼，甚至假装得了阑尾炎，奇怪的是，这导致他最终躺在手术台上。然而，所有这些苦难都转化为有趣的小故事，为余华的故事情节提供了素材。许多人认为，虽然他通过叙事与读者分享痛苦，但他把快乐留给了自己。)”可知，倒数第二段先描述余华童年经历（太平间午睡、装病等），结尾总结“这些苦难转化为有趣的叙述，滋养了他的故事创作”，说明个人经历对其文风的影响。故选C项。 15．细节理解题。由最后一段Jiang Xinwei说的话“Yu is in touch with today’s popular culture. He’s aware of being called a ‘scruffy little dog (潦草小狗)’ and embraces it, seeing it as a way for young people to relate to a writer (余华接触到了当今的流行文化。他意识到自己被称为‘潦草小狗’，并欣然接受，认为这是年轻人与作家建立联系的一种方式)”可知，余华了解流行文化，接受‘潦草小狗’的称呼，认为这是年轻人与作家共鸣的方式，说明他的想法与年轻人息息相关。故选D项。 话题2 体育文化 Passage 1 “Look for the gap” “Move into space” Sound familiar? From the sidelines to the field, no matter the team sport, looking for relevant information in the playing environment can be as important as any other skill if you want to score. Think Allen Iverson, Scott Pendlebury, or Natalie Medhurst, coolly judging all the options before making important decisions. How do these excellent athletes become so great? As well as their physical strengths, their brainpower is an obvious advantage. Regardless of whether an athlete is playing backyard cricket or Olympic basketball, their playing environment holds important information that must be found, explained and then acted on. Research conducted at Western Sydney University finds skilled players are better at looking for and seeing the options and what’s happening around them in the playing environment. They tend to look both at an opponent (对手) and at where they can move next. Less skilled players, however, might watch only one detail but not what is happening around them. Skilled players are also often faster to make decisions compared to less skilled players; their experiences create more stored memories that help speed up their decision-making. Essentially, skilled players know what information is the most relevant to focus on and they act on it quickly. Adding to this picture is new research that explores the negative impact of mental fatigue (疲劳) on physical performance. This work shows that our ability to exercise can be affected negatively after activities requiring long periods of thinking and mental effort, particularly when these activities are boring. It first considers the impact of using the brain so much that it makes you physically tired. This may be particularly relevant for coaches of young players shifting from the school day to training, especially if the day’s lessons have been complex. Coaches should therefore map out appropriate strategies by considering the amount of information they provide for athletes and the complexity of the tasks and instructions. Overall, cognitive (认知的) skills, like physical qualities, are key to high performance and even play a role in identifying future potential. Cognition could be a reliable marker of ability over time and could provide some basis for prediction of talent. 1．Why are some great athletes mentioned in the text? A．To compare different sports. B．To highlight physical training. C．To stress mental skills in sports. D．To honor their achievements in sports. 2．According to paragraph 2, what advantage do skilled athletes tend to have? A．Faster moving speed. B．Wider focus of attention. C．More efficient teamwork. D．Stronger physical endurance. 3．What does the author suggest coaches do after their players have had a hard school day? A．Lengthen the warm-up for training. B．Set the training intensity adaptively. C．Prioritize physical over cognitive training. D．Refer to their players’ previous performance. 4．What is the text mainly about? A．The quality of sports talent. B．The overall training in sports. C．The cognitive power in sports. D．The variables affecting sports. 【答案】1．C 2．B 3．B 4．C 【语篇导读】这是一篇说明文。主要介绍了在运动中认知技能对运动员的重要性，如技术娴熟的运动员在认知方面的优势以及认知技能对运动员决策等方面的影响等。 1．推理判断题。根据第一段中“Think Allen Iverson, Scott Pendlebury, or Natalie Medhurst, coolly judging all the options before making important decisions. How do these excellent athletes become so great? As well as their physical strengths, their brainpower is an obvious advantage.(想想艾伦·艾弗森、斯科特·彭德尔伯里或娜塔莉·梅德赫斯特，在做出重要决定之前，他们会冷静地判断所有的选择。这些优秀的运动员是如何变得如此伟大的？和他们的体力一样，他们的脑力也是一个明显的优势)”可知，文章先是提到一些著名运动员，然后说他们除了身体优势，脑力也是明显优势。后面围绕运动员的认知技能展开论述，所以提到这些运动员是为了强调在运动中的心智技能（mental skills）。故选C项。 2．细节理解题。根据第二段中“Research conducted at Western Sydney University finds skilled players are better at looking for and seeing the options and what’s happening around them in the playing environment. They tend to look both at an opponent (对手) and at where they can move next. Less skilled players, however, might watch only one detail but not what is happening around them.(西悉尼大学进行的一项研究发现，熟练的球员更善于寻找和看到选择，以及在比赛环境中他们周围发生的事情。他们倾向于既看对手，又看下一步该往哪里走。然而，技能较差的运动员可能只关注一个细节，而不关注周围发生的事情)”可知，技术娴熟的运动员能更好地寻找和观察比赛环境中的选择以及周围发生的事情，他们会关注对手和自己下一步可以移动的位置，而技术欠佳的运动员可能只关注一个细节。这说明技术娴熟的运动员注意力的关注范围更广。故选B项。 3．细节理解题。根据第四段中“Coaches should therefore map out appropriate strategies by considering the amount of information they provide for athletes and the complexity of the tasks and instructions.(因此，教练员应考虑他们提供给运动员的信息量以及任务和指示的复杂性，制定出适当的策略)” 可知，在球员经历了辛苦的学校一天后，教练应该通过考虑为运动员提供的信息量以及任务和指令的复杂性来制定合适的策略，也就是适应性地设置训练强度。故选B项。 4．主旨大意题。通读全文，并结合根据第一段中“Think Allen Iverson, Scott Pendlebury, or Natalie Medhurst, coolly judging all the options before making important decisions. How do these excellent athletes become so great? As well as their physical strengths, their brainpower is an obvious advantage.(想想艾伦·艾弗森、斯科特·彭德尔伯里或娜塔莉·梅德赫斯特，在做出重要决定之前，他们会冷静地判断所有的选择。这些优秀的运动员是如何变得如此伟大的？和他们的体力一样，他们的脑力也是一个明显的优势)”和第二段中“Research conducted at Western Sydney University finds skilled players are better at looking for and seeing the options and what’s happening around them in the playing environment. They tend to look both at an opponent (对手) and at where they can move next. Less skilled players, however, might watch only one detail but not what is happening around them.(西悉尼大学进行的一项研究发现，熟练的球员更善于寻找和看到选择，以及在比赛环境中他们周围发生的事情。他们倾向于既看对手，又看下一步该往哪里走。然而，技能较差的运动员可能只关注一个细节，而不关注周围发生的事情)”可知，文章主要论述了在运动中认知技能（cognitive skills）对运动员的重要性，如技术娴熟的运动员在认知方面的优势以及认知技能对运动员决策等方面的影响等。由此可知，这篇文章的主旨是运动中的认知能力。故选C项。 Passage 2 Glenn Cunningham, “the Kansas Ironman”, was an American middle­distance runner, and was considered the greatest American miler of all time. Glenn was born in Kansas on August 4, 1909. At 7, Glenn was badly burned in an accidental fire in their schoolhouse. The little boy did survive after a long battle, though doctors told his mother that he was sure to die. Unfortunately from his waist down, he had no motor ability. But with his iron persistence and determination, he did develop the ability to stand up, then to walk and then to run. By the time he was 12, he had beaten all the local high school runners. His legs remained deeply scarred, however. Throughout his life, he would have to spend time doing long warm­up exercises in order to maintain circulation (血液循环). In addition, his injuries meant that he could never run smoothly or efficiently. When in university, he ran for the university track team and won his first big race, the 1932 NCAA 1500 meters. That summer, he was selected for the U．S. Olympic track team and came in fourth in the 1500­meter race in the Olympic Games. In 1933, he won the AAU 800 meters with a time of 1′51.8″. Overall, he ran 20 races during that summer. That year he was called “Ironman”． Although Glenn might have used his name as a star athlete to make a great deal of money, he was more interested in helping others. He and his wife opened the Glenn Cunningham Youth Ranch and raised over 10,000 foster children over three decades. Throughout his life, Glenn won many awards including the Sullivan Memorial Trophy. He was also elected to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. As an example of the power of positive thinking and faith in oneself, Glenn continues to be an inspiration to many. 5．What helped Glenn regain the ability to walk? A．His strong will. B．His mother’s support. C．His great desire to win races. D．His continuous treatment. 6．What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about? A．Why warm­up exercises were necessary. B．What effects the accident had on Glenn. C．How Glenn beat other high school runners. D．Why Glenn could recover from the injuries. 7．Why did Glenn get the name “Ironman”？ A．He won the championship in the Olympics. B．He competed in many races in a single year. C．He got the strongest body in the track team. D．He wore a pair of iron sports shoes in games. 8．Which of the following can best describe Glenn? A．Caring and determined. B．Hard­working and humorous. C．Warm­hearted and ambitious. D．Well­educated and optimistic. 【答案】5．A 6．B 7．B 8．A 【语篇导读】本文是一篇记叙文。文章讲述了被称为“堪萨斯铁人”的美国中长跑运动员格伦・坎宁安的生平。 5．细节理解题。根据第二段中的“But with his iron persistence and determination, he did develop the ability to stand up, then to walk and then to run. (但凭借他钢铁般的毅力和决心，他确实逐渐有了站起来、然后走路、再然后跑步的能力。)”可知，是他坚强的意志帮助他重新获得了走路的能力。故选A。 6．主旨大意题。根据第三段中的“His legs remained deeply scarred, however. Throughout his life, he would have to spend time doing long warm-up exercises in order to maintain circulation (血液循环). In addition, his injuries meant that he could never run smoothly or efficiently. (然而，他的双腿仍然伤痕累累。在他的一生中，他不得不花时间进行长时间的热身运动以维持血液循环。此外，他的伤病意味着他永远无法流畅或高效地跑步。)”可知本段是在讲述那次意外事故对Glenn造成的影响。故选B。 7．细节理解题。根据第四段中的“Overall, he ran 20 races during that summer. That year he was called ‘Ironman’. (总的来说，那个夏天他参加了 20 场比赛。那一年他被称为“铁人”)”可知，他被称为“铁人”是因为他在一年的一个夏天里参加了很多比赛。故选B。 8．推理判断题。根据第二段中的“But with his iron persistence and determination, he did develop the ability to stand up, then to walk and then to run. (但凭借他钢铁般的毅力和决心，他确实逐渐有了站起来、然后走路、再然后跑步的能力。)”可知他是有决心的；再根据第五段中的“He and his wife opened the Glenn Cunningham Youth Ranch and raised over 10,000 foster children over three decades. (他和他的妻子开办了Glenn Cunningham青年牧场，并在三十年里抚养了一万多名寄养儿童。)”可知，他是有爱心的。故选A。 Passage 3 Wimbledon’s tennis court has seen its share of rivalries (较量). But for David Almog, a behavioral economist at Northwestern University, the more fascinating rivalry is judges vs machine. How AI oversight affects human decision-making is an important issue. Drivers and traders already routinely see their poor judgment corrected by AI. Much of this correction happens out of the public eye, making it hard to analyze. But, according to Mr. Almog, “Tennis is one of the most visible settings where final decision rights are entrusted to AI.” Hence he and his colleagues studied nearly 100,000points from 700 matches worldwide, both before and after the introduction of Hawk-Eye ball-tracking system in 2006. Hawk-Eye, now used in most top tournaments, uses cameras around the court to create a 3D model of the ball’s track and display it on screens. Players can challenge calls, with Hawk-Eye’s decision considered final. The analysis from Mr Almog and his colleagues showed that Hawk-Eye oversight has motivated human judges 8% less mistakes. Such an improvement is to be expected, the researchers say, given the heightened watchfulness accompanying the threat of public shaming. Most of the error reduction occurred during rallies (回合) that follow a successful serve (发球) and return. However, when examining serves — especially those landing within 20mm of the line — the error rate surprisingly increased. It turned out judges had switched strategies. Before Hawk-Eye, judges were more likely to incorrectly call a serve out, but afterwards, they tended to let out balls go unchallenged. For every 100 mis-hit serves, post-Hawk-Eye judge left 39 unchallenged, compared to 26before. This shift makes sense; missed faults are less destructive than wrongly calling “out,” which ends the point early and may cause dissent (异议) from players and crowds. It seems that human judges take the less reputationally risky option, even if it leads to more incorrect calls. Tennis’s clear outcomes offer a simple model for AI oversight. But Almog warns similar patterns likely occur in medicine and law. These industries must consider the social costs of errors: judges may under-sentence, doctors over-diagnose. The effect of decision-making are far-reaching. Stay tuned! 9．According to Almog, what’s the rivalry between judges and machine? A．Judgment accuracy. B．Rule observance. C．Caution in match calling. D．Decision-making speed. 10．What did Hawk-Eye lead to when dealing with serves? A．Few misjudged serves overall. B．More unchallenged near-line serves. C．Players have more dissent. D．Judges trust their own calls more. 11．Why did judges make a shift after introducing Hawk-Eye? A．To justify Hawk-Eye’s judgments. B．To lower reputational losses. C．To speed up decision-making. D．To please players and crowds. 12．What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A．Human judgment is always better than AI. B．Hawk-Eye’s accuracy is beyond challenge. C．Technology could replace human judgement. D．Blind trust in AI may misguide decision-making. 【答案】9．A 10．B 11．B 12．D 【语篇导读】这是第一篇说明文。文章讲述研究通过温网引入鹰眼系统前后的判罚分析，发现AI监督虽减少人类裁判 8% 的错误，但也使近线发球误判增加，揭示AI影响下人类决策策略的调整及潜在社会成本。 9．细节理解题。 根据第五段“The analysis from Mr Almog and his colleagues showed that Hawk-Eye oversight has motivated human judges 8% less mistakes.(Almog先生和他的同事的分析表明，鹰眼监督使人类法官的错误减少了8%。)”可知，Almog认为裁判与机器的较量核心在于“判断准确性”。故选A项。 10．细节理解题。 根据第六段“However, when examining serves—especially those landing within 20mm of the line—the error rate surprisingly increased. It turned out judges had switched strategies. Before Hawk-Eye, judges were more likely to incorrectly call a serve out, but afterwards, they tended to let out balls go unchallenged. For every 100 mis-hit serves, post-Hawk-Eye judge left 39 unchallenged, compared to 26 before.(然而，在检查发球时，尤其是那些落在距离球门线20毫米以内的发球时，错误率出乎意料地增加了。事实证明，评委们已经改变了策略。在鹰眼之前，裁判更有可能错误地判罚发球，但之后，他们倾向于让球不受挑战。每100次发球失误，鹰眼队后的裁判就有39次没有受到挑战，而之前是26次。)”可知，鹰眼系统导致更多近线发球未被挑战。故选B项。 11．推理判断题。 根据第七段 “This shift makes sense; missed faults are less destructive than wrongly calling ‘out,’ which ends the point early and may cause dissent (异议) from players and crowds. It seems that human judges take the less reputationally risky option, even if it leads to more incorrect calls.(这种转变是有道理的；错过的失误比错误地喊‘出局’更具破坏性，后者会提前结束比赛，并可能导致球员和观众的异议。似乎人类法官会选择声誉风险较小的选择，即使这会导致更多的错误判断。)”可知，裁判策略转变是为了降低声誉损失。故选B项。 12．推理判断题。 根据末段“But Almog warns similar patterns likely occur in medicine and law. These industries must consider the social costs of errors: judges may under-sentence, doctors over-diagnose. The effect of decision-making are far-reaching. (但Almog警告说，医学和法律领域也可能出现类似的模式。这些行业必须考虑错误的社会成本：法官可能会被判刑，医生可能会过度诊断。决策的影响是深远的。)”可知，AI监督下人类可能为规避风险做出错误决策，暗示盲目信任AI会误导判断。故选D项。 Passage 4 While many of us will be taking advantage of the holiday for a bit of rest and relaxation, one man will be in training to push his body to its limits. Ian Russell, an airline pilot from Hereford, is preparing to run his first Ironman Triathlon (铁人三项赛) — at the age of 60. “They used to say life begins at 40. Now, 60 is the new 40,” said Mr Russell. Mr Russell was a keen sportsman when he was young, he listed climbing Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn among his achievements. He later took up running, before joining his local triathlon club. Inspired by some of his fellow members who had taken part, last autumn Mr Russell, who was 60 years old, signed up for the Ironman Triathlon event in Tenby, Pembrokeshire. He didn’t want age to restrict himself. “I originally thought that it’s local and easy to go, but it’s actually one of the toughest ones going,” he said. Since then, Mr Russell has trained “most days” — but has suffered a couple of setbacks. “I’ve had a big operation on my hand,” he explained, “which took a few weeks to recover. And then I broke my foot out training with the triathlon club. That took a good six to eight weeks to recover. So I’m not starting from the best base.” He said that, while he was training hard, he was avoiding pushing himself too much. “You might end up hurting yourself, which I can’t afford now,” he said. Mr Russell was also worried about making a cutoff, of two hours 20 minutes, to complete the swim. “All my main part of my training in my mind is revolving (围绕) around getting through the swimming part. So at least I can get on a bike and… let Mother Nature and tailwinds (顺风) take their course.” Despite this, the athlete said he had no regrets. “I’m proving that age is no barrier to setting bold goals and achieving them,” he added. 13．Why did Mr Russell say “60 is the new 40”? A．He was starting a new career. B．He felt younger than before. C．He wanted to sound humorous. D．He believed age shouldn’t limit his goals. 14．What can be learned from Mr Russell’s training experience? A．His coach caused his injuries. B．He trained too little for the event. C．He underestimated the difficulty of the race. D．He prioritized swimming over biking too early. 15．What does the underlined word “cutoff” in paragraph 4 refer to? A．A time limit. B．A competition rule. C．A safety zone. D．A broken record. 16．Which of the following words can best describe Mr Russell? A．Well-trained but proud. B．Determined and careful. C．Competitive and generous. D．Humorous but narrow-minded. 【答案】13．D 14．C 15．A 16．B 【语篇导读】本文是一篇记叙文。文章讲述了60岁的飞行员Ian Russell挑战铁人三项，尽管遭遇伤病和比赛的高难度，他仍坚持训练，证明年龄不应阻碍追求目标。 13．推理判断题。根据第二段中“Inspired by some of his fellow members who had taken part, last autumn Mr Russell, who was 60 years old, signed up for the Ironman Triathlon event in Tenby, Pembrokeshire. He didn’t want age to restrict himself. (去年秋天，60岁的Russell先生受到参加过比赛的俱乐部成员启发，报名参加了彭布罗克郡滕比市的铁人三项赛。他不愿让年龄限制自己的人生)”可推知，Russell说“60岁是新的40岁”是因为他认为60岁不应阻碍他参加这项比赛，年龄不应该限制他的目标。故选D项。 14．推理判断题。根据第三段中Russell所说的话“I originally thought that it’s local and easy to go, but it’s actually one of the toughest ones going (我原本以为它是地方性的，很容易进行，但实际上它是最难的比赛之一)”可推知，Russell最初低估了比赛难度。故选C项。 15．词句猜测题。根据画线词的下文“All my main part of my training in my mind is revolving (围绕) around getting through the swimming part. So at least I can get on a bike (我训练的核心目标始终是确保能完成游泳赛段。这样至少能顺利进入自行车环节)”可知，Russell把训练核心放在完成游泳赛段上，他担心的是自己能否在规定的时间限制两小时二十分钟内完成游泳，画线词指“时间限制”。故选A项。 16．推理判断题。根据第二段中“He didn’t want age to restrict himself. (他不愿让年龄限制自己的人生)”和最后一段“Despite this, the athlete said he had no regrets. “I’m proving that age is no barrier to setting bold goals and achieving them,” he added. (尽管如此，这位运动员表示他毫无遗憾。“我正在证明，年龄绝非设定远大目标并实现它们的阻碍。”他补充道)”可知，Russell坚持参加铁人三项的比赛，不愿让年龄成为自己的限制，说明他是坚定的；根据第四段中“He said that, while he was training hard, he was avoiding pushing himself too much. (他表示，尽管训练非常刻苦，但还是注意避免过度透支自己的身体)”和“All my main part of my training in my mind is revolving (围绕) around getting through the swimming part. (我训练的核心目标始终是确保能完成游泳赛段)”可知，Russell在训练上保证强度合理，重点关注自己薄弱的游泳部分，说明他是谨慎的。故选B项。 话题3 人与动植物 Passage 1 When she was found off the coast of California four years ago, the fur seal, known as Ziggy Star, was skinny and fragile. She was unfit to return to the wild. And though a professional rescue team took her in to care for her, Ziggy continued to decline. “I wouldn’t have given her next week,” says Uriarte, a surgeon who led a recent first-of-its-kind brain operation on the seal. The operation was the first of its kind to treat hydrocephalus (脑积水) in fur seals. The surgical team at Tufts University was unable to find any documented evidence of a similar procedure, so they needed a lot of preparation to operate on Ziggy’s brain. The biggest concern in operating on Ziggy was how to control the animal’s anesthesia (麻醉). “When they’re under anesthesia their body’s reactions include decreasing their heart rate, blood pressure, and breath,” says Flower, describing the special challenges of operating on seals. On the day of her surgery, Flower, who observes Ziggy and the other animals’ care, says that she and her team “were all quite anxious not knowing what would happen”. Moving quickly was extremely important; the longer she was under anesthesia, the more likely that she could lose her breathing, says the surgeon. The seal had been kept on land to prevent water from entering the cut on her head. Now, Ziggy is eating a full diet and is beginning to gain weight again. “Recently I’ve allowed her to go swimming,” says Flower. However, the source of Ziggy’s neurological disorder is still a mystery. “My theory is that when she was found, she had a head injury,” Uriarte says. “Hit by a boat maybe… That happens a lot with seals. I don’t think there’s enough information to make that assumption. We just don’t know what happened to her.” 1．After being cared for by a professional rescue team first, Ziggy Star _________. A．was worsening B．continued to recover C．was sent to a university D．was beginning to gain weight 2．What was the most challenging part of the operation? A．Using anesthesia properly on the seal. B．Helping regain the seal’s breath C．Referring to a similar procedure. D．Balancing the functions of the seal’s organs. 3．What can we learn about Ziggy after the operation? A．She is strong enough to live in the wild. B．She is recovering from a brain operation. C．She has already become as heavy as before. D．She is suffering from heart rate disorder. 4．What is the best title for the passage? A．An injured fur seal B．A fur seal’s adventure C．Human’s love for a fur seal D．A challenging operation 【答案】1．A 2．A 3．B 4．D 【语篇导读】本文是一篇记叙文。文章主要讲述了一只名叫Ziggy Star的海豹被人在加利福尼亚海滩发现，因患有脑积水而接受开创性的手术治疗。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段中的“And though a professional rescue team took her in to care for her, Ziggy continued to decline.(尽管有专业的救援队收留她、照顾她，但Ziggy的病情仍在恶化)”可知，Ziggy在被专业救助团队照顾后，病情依然在恶化。故选A。 2．细节理解题。根据第二段中的“The biggest concern in operating on Ziggy was how to control the animal’s anesthesia (麻醉).(在给Ziggy进行手术时，最大的问题是如何控制这只动物的麻醉)”可知，手术最大的问题是如何在海豹身上恰当地使用麻醉。故选A。 3．推理判断题。根据第三段中的“Now, Ziggy is eating a full diet and is beginning to gain weight again. “Recently I’ve allowed her to go swimming,” says Flower.(现在，Ziggy已经恢复正常饮食，体重又开始增加了。弗劳尔说：“最近我允许她去游泳。”)”可知，Ziggy可以正常饮食了，体重在增加，而且可以游泳了，由此推知，Ziggy正在从脑手术中恢复。故选B。 4．主旨大意题。通读全文可知，文章主要描述了人们发现了一只受伤的海豹，这只海豹因患有脑积水而接受开创性的手术治疗。文章在第二段细致地描述了手术的细节，是文章的主体。由此可知，D项“一个有挑战的手术”最适合作本文标题。故选D。 Passage 2 For years, teenagers decorated their rooms with store-bought posters, plush toys, or mass-produced shelves. But recently, a new trend called “upcycled decor” has become popular among teens worldwide — they’re taking old, unused objects and transforming them into unique, personalized room items, then sharing their work on social media. Upcycling is different from recycling. Recycling breaks down materials (like plastic bottles or paper) to create new products, but upcycling keeps the original item and gives it a new purpose or a fresh look. Take 16-year-old Mia from Canada, for example. She had a broken vinyl record player that her dad no longer used. Instead of throwing it away, she cleaned the wooden case, painted it with soft blue paint, and added small LED lights inside. Now it’s a nightlight on her bedside table. “I love that it’s not something everyone has,” Mia said. “It reminds me of my dad’s old music, too.” Another popular upcycled item is old denim jackets. 17-year-old Leo from Australia took his mom’s worn-out denim jacket, added patches of his favorite band logos, and sewed on a few small pockets for his phone and headphones. “Store-bought jackets are all the same style,” Leo explained. “This one feels like me. My friends asked me to make one for them, so I started doing it as a small hobby — no money, just for fun.” Teens often share their upcycling projects on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. They post before-and-after photos, step-by-step videos, and tips for beginners. “I follow a lot of upcycling accounts,” said 15-year-old Lila from the UK. “Last month, I saw someone turn an old suitcase into a bookshelf. I tried it with a suitcase my grandma gave me — it took a few hours, but now it’s my favorite piece of furniture. It’s cheap and fun, and I don’t feel like I’m wasting things.”​ Why is upcycled decor so popular? First, it’s affordable. Most teens don’t have a lot of money to spend on expensive decor, so using old items saves them cash. Second, it lets them be creative. They can choose colors, designs, and purposes that match their personality. “My room used to look like every other teen’s room,” Mia said. “Now it has things that tell my story. That’s what makes it special.”​ 5．What is the main difference between upcycling and recycling according to the passage? A．Upcycling uses new materials, while recycling uses old materials. B．Upcycling keeps the original item and gives it a new use or look, while recycling breaks down materials to make new products. C．Upcycling is only popular among teens, while recycling is popular among people of all ages. D．Upcycling is more expensive than recycling. 6．What did Mia do to the broken vinyl record player? A．She threw it away because it was broken. B．She gave it to her dad as a gift. C．She cleaned the wooden case, painted it soft blue, and added small LED lights inside to make it a nightlight. D．She sold it on social media. 7．Why did Leo make upcycled denim jackets for his friends? A．To make a lot of money. B．Just for fun, as a small hobby. C．Because his friends forced him to do so. D．To help his mom sell old clothes. 8．Which social media platforms do teens often use to share their upcycling projects? A．Facebook and Twitter. B．TikTok and Instagram. C．WeChat and QQ. D．YouTube and Snapchat.​ 【答案】5．B 6．C 7．B 8．B 【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。 文章主要介绍了当下在青少年中流行的“升级再造装饰（upcycled decor）”这一新趋势。 5．细节理解题。根据文章第二段“Upcycling is different from recycling. Recycling breaks down materials (like plastic bottles or paper) to create new products, but upcycling keeps the original item and gives it a new purpose or a fresh look. (升级再造不同于回收。回收利用可以分解材料（如塑料瓶或纸张）来制造新产品，但升级再造可以保留原来的物品，并赋予其新的用途或新的外观。)”可知，升级再造（upcycling）与回收利用（recycling）的不同在于，回收利用是将材料分解来制造新产品，而升级再造是保留原物品并赋予它新用途或新外观。故选B。 6．细节理解题。根据文章第二段“Take 16-year-old Mia from Canada, for example. She had a broken vinyl record player that her dad no longer used. Instead of throwing it away, she cleaned the wooden case, painted it with soft blue paint, and added small LED lights inside. Now it’s a nightlight on her bedside table.(以加拿大16岁的Mia为例。 她有一台坏掉的黑胶唱片机，她爸爸已经不用了。她没有扔掉它，而是清洗了木箱，涂上了柔和的蓝色油漆，并在里面添加了小型LED灯。现在它成了她床头柜上的夜灯。)”可知，Mia清理了木质外壳，涂上柔和的蓝色油漆，并在里面添加了小LED灯，把它做成了床头夜灯。故选C。 7．细节理解题。根据文章第三段“‘Store-bought jackets are all the same style,’ Leo explained. ‘This one feels like me. My friends asked me to make one for them, so I started doing it as a small hobby — no money, just for fun.’ (“商店里买的夹克款式都一样，” Leo解释说。“这件感觉像我。我的朋友让我为他们做一个，所以我开始把它作为一个小爱好——不为赚钱，只是为了好玩。”)”可知，Leo为朋友们制作升级再造的牛仔夹克只是作为一个小爱好，为了好玩，不赚钱。故选B。 8．细节理解题。根据文章第四段“Teens often share their upcycling projects on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.(青少年经常在TikTok和Instagram等平台上分享他们的升级回收项目。)”可知，青少年经常在TikTok和Instagram等平台上分享他们的升级再造项目。故选B。 Passage 3 Central Park, a 20-hectare green space in the heart of Lakeside City, was once a popular spot for residents to relax. However, in recent years, its ecosystem has degraded seriously. The park’s lake was covered with green algae due to chemical runoff from nearby roads, and most of the native plants were replaced by invasive weeds. As a result, the number of birds and butterflies that used to live in the park dropped by half, and fewer people visited it because of the bad smell from the lake.​ To save the park, the city’s environmental department started the “Green Revival” project last spring. The project included three key actions: first, workers installed filters along the road to stop chemical runoff from entering the lake; second, volunteers removed invasive weeds and planted over 500 native trees and flowers, such as oak trees and sunflowers; third, signs were put up to teach visitors how to protect the park’s plants and animals.​ Ms. Laura Chen, who leads the project, said, “We’ve seen great changes in just one year. The algae in the lake have decreased a lot, and more birds are coming back. But we still need people to follow the rules — only with everyone’s care can the park stay healthy.” Now, the number of visitors to Central Park has increased by 30%, and many residents say it feels like a “new park”. 9．What caused the degradation of Central Park’s ecosystem?​ A．A lack of rain for native plants.​ B．Chemical runoff and invasive weeds.​ C．Too many visitors picking flowers.​ D．Earthquakes damaging the lake.​ 10．What does the underlined word “invasive” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?​ A．Native to the area and helpful to local plants.​ B．Spreading quickly and harming local ecosystems.​ C．Easy to grow and loved by birds.​ D．Rare and in need of protection.​ 11．What can we infer from the passage about the “Green Revival” project?​ A．It has completely solved all the park’s problems.​ B．It only relied on the work of professional workers.​ C．It has improved the park’s environment and popularity.​ D．It will end soon because the park is already perfect.​ 12．What is Ms. Laura Chen’s attitude towards the project’s future?​ A．Worried that people will not follow the rules.​ B．Confident that the park will stay healthy without more effort.​ C．Unhappy with the current changes.​ D．Hopeful but emphasizes the need for public care. 【答案】9．B 10．B 11．C 12．D 【语篇导读】本文是一篇新闻报道。文章主要讲述了Lakeside City的中央公园因化学径流和入侵杂草导致生态退化后，城市环境部门启动“绿色复兴”项目采取三项措施修复生态，最终公园环境改善、游客回流，项目负责人同时强调公众持续爱护对公园生态维持的重要性。 9．细节理解题。根据第一段“The park’s lake was covered with green algae due to chemical runoff from nearby roads, and most of the native plants were replaced by invasive weeds. (由于附近道路排出的化学物质，公园的湖泊被绿藻覆盖，大部分本土植物被入侵的杂草所取代)” 可知，中央公园生态退化的直接原因有两个：一是附近道路的化学径流导致湖面长满绿藻，二是原生植物被入侵杂草取代，故选B。 10．词句猜测题。根据划线词所在句“The park’s lake was covered with green algae due to chemical runoff from nearby roads, and most of the native plants were replaced by invasive weeds. (由于附近道路排出的化学物质，公园的湖泊被绿藻覆盖，大部分本土植物被 杂草所取代。)”可知这些杂草取代了本地植物，破坏了生态，因此“invasive”应指“快速扩散且危害本地生态的。故选B。 11．推理判断题。根据第三段“Ms. Laura Chen, who leads the project, said, “We’ve seen great changes in just one year. The algae in the lake have decreased a lot, and more birds are coming back. But we still need people to follow the rules — only with everyone’s care can the park stay healthy.” Now, the number of visitors to Central Park has increased by 30%, and many residents say it feels like a “new park”. (项目负责人劳拉·陈（Laura Chen）说，“我们在短短一年里就看到了巨大的变化。湖中的藻类减少了很多，更多的鸟也回来了。但我们仍然需要人们遵守规则——只有每个人都关心，公园才能保持健康。”现在，中央公园的游客数量增加了30%，许多居民说这感觉就像一个“新公园”。)”可推断项目改善了公园环境和受欢迎程度。故选C。 12．推理判断题。根据第三段“Ms. Laura Chen, who leads the project, said, “We’ve seen great changes in just one year. The algae in the lake have decreased a lot, and more birds are coming back. But we still need people to follow the rules — only with everyone’s care can the park stay healthy.” (项目负责人劳拉·陈（Laura Chen）说，“我们在短短一年里就看到了巨大的变化。湖中的藻类减少了很多，更多的鸟也回来了。但我们仍然需要人们遵守规则——只有每个人都关心，公园才能保持健康。”)”可知，仅一年就看到巨大变化，体现Laura Chen对项目效果的认可和对未来的希望；但仍需人们遵守规则，只有大家共同呵护，公园才能保持健康，体现了她强调 公众关注的必要性。故选D。 Passage 4 After nearly six months of rescue and professional care at the Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Hainan Province, the aground short-finned (鳍) pilot whale named “Haitang” has recovered and returned to the sea on Sunday morning. Short-finned pilot whales are national second-class protected wild animals. On Jan. 3, the short-finned pilot whale “Haitang” was found aground in Haitang Bay, Sanya city, with obvious injuries in many parts of its body. Under the watchful eyes of volunteers and experts, Haitang can now eat 12 kilograms of squid (鱿鱼) a day, served in four meals throughout the day, according to Cao Zheng, head of the conservation center. Its body length has grown from 3.6 meters to 3.7 meters, and its upper body circumference (圆周) has grown from 1.9 meters to 2 meters. “Squid is the main food of short-finned pilot whales. With the waters near Sanya teeming with a richness of squid, the intelligent whales have developed a skill for hunting so many slow-moving fish and enjoying a great meal,” said Cao. “Haitang has mastered the art of catching squid in the wild. Although it may need some time to readjust to the freedom of the open sea after being released, we’ll monitor its movements through a specialized device,” Cao added. The release team has discussed and mapped out every aspect of the release process, from transportation process to the exact location of entry into the sea, as the whale now weighs around 500kg. Haitang’s journey started as they went aboard the research ship on Saturday, a journey of more than 10 hours at sea. The team decided to release Haitang in a 500-meter-deep area, known for the activity of short-finned pilot whales. By choosing a location with a history of whale presence, the team aims to provide Haitang with the best possible chance of joining a population and establishing new connections within its natural habitat, said Cao. 13．Why are the figures mentioned in paragraph 3? A．To show Haitang’s recovery. B．To prove experts’ hard work. C．To highlight Haitang’s huge size. D．To record Haitang’s characteristics. 14．What does the underlined phrase “teeming with” in paragraph 4 mean? A．Rising over. B．Blocked by. C．Filled with. D．Running past. 15．What can be known about the releasing spot? A．It’s the deepest part of the sea. B．It’s where Haitang was spotted. C．Haitang can find companions easily there. D．Haitang is a symbol of natural history there. 16．In which section of a website is the text likely to appear? A．Medicine. B．Environment. C．Travel. D．Business. 【答案】13．A 14．C 15．C 16．B 【语篇导读】本文是一篇新闻报道。主要介绍了在海南省三亚海昌动物保护中心经过近六个月的救援和专业护理后，一头名为“海棠”的搁浅短鳍领航鲸成功康复并回归大海的过程。 13．推理判断题。根据第三段“Under the watchful eyes of volunteers and experts, Haitang can now eat 12 kilograms of squid (鱿鱼) a day, served in four meals throughout the day, according to Cao Zheng, head of the conservation center. Its body length has grown from 3.6 meters to 3.7 meters, and its upper body circumference (圆周) has grown from 1.9 meters to 2 meters. (据保护中心负责人曹正介绍，在志愿者和专家的悉心照料下，海棠现在每天可以吃12公斤鱿鱼，分四餐食用。它的体长从3.6米长到了3.7米，上半身周长从1.9米长到了2米)”可知，第三段中提到的数字是为了展示海棠的恢复情况。故选A项。 14．词句猜测题。根据第四段中“With the waters near Sanya teeming with a richness of squid, the intelligent whales have developed a skill for hunting so many slow-moving fish and enjoying a great meal (随着三亚附近水域teeming with大量的鱿鱼，聪明的鲸鱼已经发展出一种技能，可以捕捉如此多的行动缓慢的鱼类，享受一顿大餐)”可知，三亚附近水域有很多鱿鱼，所以聪明的鲸鱼可以捕捉到很多行动缓慢的鱼类，由此可推知，划线短语所在句表示三亚附近水域“充满了”大量的鱿鱼，划线短语与“Filled with”相近，意为“充满，遍布”。故选C项。 15．推理判断题。根据最后一段中“The team decided to release Haitang in a 500-meter-deep area, known for the activity of short-finned pilot whales. By choosing a location with a history of whale presence, the team aims to provide Haitang with the best possible chance of joining a population and establishing new connections within its natural habitat, said Cao. (研究小组决定在一个500米深的区域放归海棠，这个区域以短鳍领航鲸的活动而闻名。曹说，通过选择一个有鲸鱼活动历史的地点，研究小组旨在为海棠提供最好的机会，让它融入种群，并在其自然栖息地建立新的联系)”可知，放归地点有很多短鳍领航鲸活动，因此，海棠在那里可以很容易地找到同伴。故选C项。 16．推理判断题。通读全文，结合第一段“After nearly six months of rescue and professional care at the Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Hainan Province, the aground short-finned (鳍) pilot whale named “Haitang” has recovered and returned to the sea on Sunday morning. (在海南省三亚海昌动物保护中心经过近六个月的救援和专业护理后，一头名为“海棠”的搁浅短鳍领航鲸已康复，并于周日上午重返大海)”可知，文章主要报道了一头搁浅的短鳍领航鲸在海南省三亚海昌动物保护中心经过近六个月的救援和专业护理后康复并重返大海的事件，这属于自然环境保护方面的内容，因此文章可能出现在网站的环境部分。故选B项。 话题4 科技发展 Passage 1 A company called Colossal Biosciences has created thick-haired mice that they are calling “Colossal Woolly Mice”. These mice are a step toward the company’s goal of creating the extinct woolly mammoth (猛犸象). Colossal focuses on replacing extinct animals that went extinct long ago. Its main project is to recreate woolly mammoths. These mammoths, which looked like hairy elephants, died out about 4,000 years ago after the last ice age. Colossal isn’t trying to bring woolly mammoths back to life. Instead, it wants to change Asian elephant DNA to create an animal similar to a woolly mammoth. The company believes this could help restore balance to the Arctic environment. Some scientists question this. Actually, working with Asian elephants would be very difficult. They are endangered and take 22 months to have a baby. So, Colossal focuses on mice instead. Mice are more manageable, cost-effective, simpler to handle, and have a quicker reproductive cycle. For the experiment, researchers looked at how woolly mammoths stayed warm, focusing on their long, thick hair. They compared mammoth DNA to elephant DNA． Using CRISPR (a gene-editing technology), they edited mouse DNA to change not just one gene, but as many as seven genes at one time. This made the experiment special. The results were striking. Lead scientist Beth Shapiro said, “We ended up with adorable mice that have longer, woolly, golden coats.” This is good news for Colossal. Since they plan to use elephant DNA to create something like a mammoth, they will need to edit many genes — perhaps as many as 85. The company is pleased that it has been able to target these genes for hair so accurately. Many experts are impressed with Colossal’s ability to edit many genes at once. But not everyone thinks the woolly mice are a big deal. Some people question the company’s plans to bring back extinct animals. They say it might be better to help animals that are currently endangered. However, Colossal believes its work could be of assistance in many situations, including protecting endangered animals. 1．What is the main goal of Colossal Biosciences? A．To create a new kind of mouse called“Colossal Woolly Mice”. B．To change the DNA of Asian elephant. C．To clone woolly mammoths for scientific research. D．To restore extinct animals like woolly mammoth. 2．Why did Colossal choose mice for their experiments? A．They are not in danger of extinction. B．They have a relatively longer lifespan. C．Their genes are much simpler to target. D．They are cheaper and reproduce faster. 3．What does Colossal Biosciences think of its work? A．Fruitless. B．Beneficial. C．Moral. D．Efficient. 4．What is the best title for the text? A．Conservation vs. De-exinction: A Modern Dilemma B．Mice with Golden Coats: A Breakthrough in mammoth recreation C．The Future of Genetic Research: Advancements in CRISPR Technology D．Reviving the Past: Colossal Biosciences and the Woolly mammoth Project 【答案】1．D 2．D 3．B 4．D 【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了Colossal Biosciences公司通过基因编辑技术培育厚毛小鼠，以推进复活猛犸象项目的进展。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段“A company called Colossal Biosciences has created thick-haired mice that they are calling “Colossal Woolly Mice”. These mice are a step toward the company’s goal of creating the extinct woolly mammoth (猛犸象).(一家名为Colossal Biosciences的公司培育出了毛发浓密的小鼠，他们将其命名为“Colossal Woolly Mice”。这些小鼠的培育，是该公司朝着复活已灭绝猛犸象这一目标迈出的一步。)”以及第二段中“Colossal focuses on replacing extinct animals that went extinct long ago.(Colossal公司专注于复原那些早已灭绝的动物，其核心项目便是重现猛犸象。)”可知，Colossal Biosciences的主要目标是复活像猛犸象这样的已灭绝动物。故选D。 2．细节理解题。根据第四段“Actually, working with Asian elephants would be very difficult. They are endangered and take 22 months to have a baby. So, Colossal focuses on mice instead. Mice are more manageable, cost-effective, simpler to handle, and have a quicker reproductive cycle.(实际上，与亚洲象合作将非常困难。它们是濒危动物，而且要22个月才能生下一只小象。所以，Colossal转而关注老鼠。老鼠更容易管理，性价比更高，更容易处理，而且繁殖周期更快。)”可知，Colossal选择老鼠进行实验是因为它们更便宜，繁殖更快。故选D。 3．推理判断题。根据最后一段中“However, Colossal believes its work could be of assistance in many situations, including protecting endangered animals.(然而，Colossal认为其工作可以在许多情况下提供帮助，包括保护濒危动物。)”可知，Colossal Biosciences认为其工作是有益的。故选B。 4．主旨大意题。通读全文，尤其是根据第一段“A company called Colossal Biosciences has created thick-haired mice that they are calling “Colossal Woolly Mice”. These mice are a step toward the company’s goal of creating the extinct woolly mammoth (猛犸象).(一家名为Colossal Biosciences的公司培育出了毛发浓密的小鼠，他们将其命名为“Colossal Woolly Mice”。这些小鼠的培育，是该公司朝着复活已灭绝猛犸象这一目标迈出的一步。)”可知，文章主要讲述了Colossal Biosciences公司通过基因编辑技术培育厚毛小鼠，以推进复活猛犸象项目的进展。因此，D选项“Reviving the Past: Colossal Biosciences and the Woolly mammoth Project(复活过去：Colossal Biosciences和猛犸象项目)”最符合文章主旨，适合用作标题。故选D。 Passage 2 Researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Cologne (UC) in Germany have developed an AI-based learning system. The idea is simple yet effective: a webcam (网络摄像头) tracks students’ eye movements. Maike Schindler, a math professor from the UC, and her team have designed hundreds of math tasks involving basic math skills. Depending on the task, specific patterns appear, which are shown digitally on a heat map, with red indicating areas where the children look frequently and green showing the areas where they look only briefly. Confident students quickly get to key problem areas, while struggling ones often look aimlessly. “Tracking eye movements helps recognize different learning strategies through patterns and finally create detailed support reports for teachers,” says Maike Schindler. “The AI system sorts the patterns. On the basis, the software selects tailored learning videos and exercises for the pupil,” says robotics professor Achim Lilienthal from the TUM. To develop the new eye-tracking technology, Professor Lilienthal has drawn on his robotics research experience. In that work, he used eye trackers with a small human-like robot named Nao. It enables better communication with humans. However, these advanced systems with high accuracy (准确) cost many thousands of euros. To find a better solution for schools, the researchers cleverly mix technical experience with math knowledge. Instead of using high-end eye-trackers, their AI-driven approach uses regular webcams and makes up for low accuracy through AI improvements. “By focusing on problem areas, the AI adapts the eye-tracking with the webcam, achieving accuracy comparable to high-end tools,” professor Lilienthal says. Germany’s Wulfen Comprehensive School is the first to introduce the system. A math test there showed that about one-third of the new students struggled with basic math. With the AI system, one teacher can now support five students at once — a significant improvement over traditional one-on-one teaching. “As education faces teacher shortages and increasing pressure to deal with individual learning styles, our system for promoting basic math skills is simply excellent support for schools,” says Schindler. 5．What is the function of the heat map? A．Measuring the difficulty of math tasks. B．Presenting students’ focus areas. C．Tracking the students’ eye movements. D．Comparing students’ counting speeds. 6．What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about the system? A．Its challenges in tracking student behavior. B．Its progress in upgrading specific patterns. C．Its advantages in recognizing eye problems. D．Its role in supporting personalized learning. 7．Which best describes the AI-driven eye-tracking technology? A．Affordable and effective. B．Helpful but slow. C．Demanding and relaxing. D．Creative but costly. 8．What does Wulfen Comprehensive School get from the system? A．Reduction in teacher training. B．Inspiration for advanced math. C．Adaptation to learning needs. D．Absence of human judgment. 【答案】5．B 6．D 7．A 8．C 【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍德国科研团队开发的基于AI的学习系统，包括其通过摄像头追踪眼动分析学习情况、助力个性化教学及在学校的应用效果。 5．细节理解题。根据第二段中“Depending on the task, specific patterns appear, which are shown digitally on a heat map, with red indicating areas where the children look frequently and green showing the areas where they look only briefly. (根据任务的不同，会出现特定的模式，这些模式会以数字形式显示在热图上，红色表示孩子们经常看的区域，绿色表示他们只是短暂看的区域)”可知，热图展示学生视线停留的先后与时长，即呈现其关注分布特点。故选B项。 6．主旨大意题。根据第三段““Tracking eye movements helps recognize different learning strategies through patterns and finally create detailed support reports for teachers,” says Maike Schindler. “The AI system sorts the patterns. On the basis, the software selects tailored learning videos and exercises for the pupil,” says robotics professor Achim Lilienthal from the TUM. (Maike Schindler说：“跟踪眼球运动有助于通过模式识别不同的学习策略，并最终为教师创建详细的支持报告。”。TUM的机器人学教授Achim Lilienthal说：“人工智能系统对模式进行排序。在此基础上，软件为学生选择量身定制的学习视频和练习。”)”可知，本段主要讲述如何通过眼动追踪技术收集学生的学习行为数据，然后用人工智能系统对这些数据进行模式识别和分类，最终为每个学生推荐量身定制的学习视频和练习。这体现了该人工智能系统可以支持个性化学习。故选D项。 7．推理判断题。根据第四段“To develop the new eye-tracking technology, Professor Lilienthal has drawn on his robotics research experience. In that work, he used eye trackers with a small human-like robot named Nao. It enables better communication with humans. However, these advanced systems with high accuracy (准确) cost many thousands of euros. (为了开发新的眼动追踪技术，Lilienthal教授利用了他的机器人研究经验。在那项工作中，他将眼动仪与一个名为Nao的小型类人机器人结合使用。它能够更好地与人类沟通。然而，这些高精度的先进系统花费了数千欧元)”以及第五段“Instead of using high-end eye-trackers, their AI-driven approach uses regular webcams and makes up for low accuracy through AI improvements. “By focusing on problem areas, the AI adapts the eye-tracking with the webcam, achieving accuracy comparable to high-end tools,” professor Lilienthal says. (他们的AI驱动方法没有使用高端眼球追踪器，而是使用普通网络摄像头，并通过AI改进弥补了精度低的不足。Lilienthal教授说：“通过专注于问题区域，人工智能通过网络摄像头适应眼球追踪，达到了与高端工具相当的精度。”)”可知，AI驱动的眼球追踪技术未使用昂贵的专业追踪系统，转而使用普通网络摄像头配合AI，仍能达到高精度结果，这说明该技术既经济又有效。故选A项。 8．细节理解题。根据最后一段“With the AI system, one teacher can now support five students at once — a significant improvement over traditional one-on-one teaching.  (有了人工智能系统，一位老师现在可以同时支持五名学生，这比传统的一对一教学有了显著改进)”以及““As education faces teacher shortages and increasing pressure to deal with individual learning styles, our system for promoting basic math skills is simply excellent support for schools,” says Schindler. (Schindler说：“由于教育面临着教师短缺以及应对个性化学习风格的压力越来越大，我们的促进基本数学技能的系统对学校来说是一个极好的支持。”)”可知，该系统让教师能更高效地应对不同学生的辅导需求，且能应对不同学习风格学生的需求，即能适应多样化学习需求。故选C项。 Passage 3 Researchers at the University of Waterloo are developing new technology that would free people with diabetes (糖尿病) from painful finger sticks to monitor their blood sugar. A team led by engineering professor George Shaker has combined radar and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect changes in glucose (葡萄糖) levels without the need to draw blood several times a day. The system under development uses the radar device to send high-frequency radio waves into liquids containing various levels of glucose and receive radio waves that are reflected back to it. Information on the reflected waves is then changed into digital data for analysis by machine-learning AI, developed by the researchers. The software is capable of detecting glucose changes based on more than 500 wave features or characteristics including how long it takes for them to return to the device. Initial tests with volunteers at the Research Institute for Aging in Waterloo achieved results that were 85 percent as accurate as traditional, invasive (穿刺式的) blood analysis. “The result was actually amazing,” says Shaker. “We have shown it is possible to use radar to look into blood to detect changes.” Next steps include enhancing the system to precisely quantify glucose levels and obtain results through the skin, which makes the process more challenging. The research team is also working with German hardware company Infineon to make the radar device smaller so that it is both low-cost and low-power. The data analyzed by AI is now sent wirelessly to computers, but the final aim is self-contained technology similar to the smartwatches that monitor heart rate. “I’m hoping we’ll see a wearable device on the market within the next five years,” Shaker says. “There are challenges, but the research has been going at a really good rate.” 9．What is paragraph 3 of the text mainly about? A．The radar-reflected wave analysis process. B．The high-frequency wave transmission technique. C．The machine-learning-powered glucose detection. D．The technical principle underlying the system. 10．What do Shaker’s words in paragraph 5 suggest? A．The traditional blood analysis’s accuracy is emphasized. B．The radar technology’s limitations are noticed. C．The volunteers’ test performance was highlighted. D．The radar system’s practicality is proven. 11．What does the follow-up study focus on? A．Improving skin-based glucose quantification. B．Exploring low-cost AI and radar technology. C．Developing smartwatches for AI analysis. D．Sending analyzed data to computers wirelessly. 12．What is Shaker’s attitude toward the research? A．Unclear. B．Critical. C．Approving. D．Doubtful. 【答案】9．D 10．D 11．A 12．C 【语篇导读】本文为说明文。文章介绍了滑铁卢大学研究人员正在开发的一种新技术，用于帮助糖尿病患者摆脱每天多次采血监测血糖的痛苦。 9．主旨大意题。根据第三段的“The system under development uses the radar device to send high-frequency radio waves into liquids containing various levels of glucose and receive radio waves that are reflected back to it. Information on the reflected waves is then changed into digital data for analysis by machine-learning AI, developed by the researchers.(正在开发的系统使用无线电探测设备将高频无线电波发送到含有不同水平葡萄糖的液体中，并接收被反射回来的无线电波。然后，反射波的信息被转换成数字数据，供研究人员开发的机器学习人工智能进行分析。)”可知，这一段主要描述了系统的技术原理。故选D项。 10．推理判断题。根据第五段““The result was actually amazing,” says Shaker. “We have shown it is possible to use radar to look into blood to detect changes.”(“结果真的很惊人，”Shaker说。“我们已经证明，利用无线电探测系统检查血液来检测变化是可能的。”)”可知，Shaker的话表明了该无线电探测系统的可行性和实用性得到了证明。故选D项。 11．细节理解题。根据第六段“Next steps include enhancing the system to precisely quantify glucose levels and obtain results through the skin, which makes the process more challenging.(接下来的步骤包括增强系统以精确量化血糖水平，并通过皮肤获得结果，这使得该过程更具挑战性。)”可知，后续研究的重点是改进通过皮肤获取精确血糖水平的方法，即“优化基于皮肤的血糖定量检测技术”。故选A项。 12．推理判断题。根据最后一段““I’m hoping we’ll see a wearable device on the market within the next five years,” Shaker says. “There are challenges, but the research has been going at a really good rate.”(Shaker说：“我希望在未来五年内，我们能在市场上看到可穿戴设备。虽然存在挑战，但研究一直在以非常好的速度进行。”)”可知，Shaker对研究持认可的态度。故选C项。 Passage 4 Is text-messaging driving us apart? These days, we talk to each other a lot with our thumbs — sending six billion text messages a day, and likely a few billion more on services like Whats App. But some worry that so much messaging leads to less communication. For instance, when hanging out with friends, we’d be texting secretively at the same time, pretending to maintain eye contact but mentally somewhere else. New technologies often upset the way we relate to one another, of course. But such division caused by texting have a strong echo in the arguments we had over telephone a hundred years ago. The small device gave us a new way to contact one another and quickly promote new forms of socializing. Callers arranged regular “visiting” calls, dialing remote family to catch up on news. Soon, though, social critics thought it would be so easy to talk that we’d never leave each other alone. Others worried that the telephone sped up life, demanding instant reactions. The use of the telephone gave little room for reflection. It produced a craziness in the ordinary concerns of life which didn’t make for domestic happiness. “We shall soon be nothing but transparent piles of jelly (果冻) to each other,” a London writer moaned in 1897. However, nowadays the telephone call seems like a throwback to a gentler era. When Jenna Birch, a communication professor at the University of Iowa, started dating a man who insisted on calling her on the phone, she found it warm and delightful. So she doesn’t think the shift to texting has degraded our interactions. According to her study, teenagers who text the most are also those who spend the most time face to face with friends. Communication, it seems, brings more communication, and — as she argues — just because talk happens in text doesn’t mean it’s not meaningful. Michéle Martin of Carleton University, thinks we’re living through a replay of the telephone, where the things that made it valuable — instant communications — are the same that made it annoying. “People believe they are liberated because they can bring the mobile phone everywhere,” Martin says. “But at the same time, they are slaves to it.” 13．What’s the function of the first paragraph? A．To introduce the topic. B．To describe a scene. C．To offer an argument. D．To issue a warning. 14．According to paragraph 4, what does telephone use cause? A．People experience very tight schedule. B．People tend to lack individuality. C．People become narrow and uninformed. D．People lose the ability to reflect. 15．What can we learn from paragraph 5? A．Telephone calls are particularly welcomed in dating. B．Teenagers are addicted to communicating by texting. C．The shift to texting is destructive to face-to-face time. D．The meaning of communication goes beyond medium. 16．What’s the best title for the text? A．Oh My God! We’ve Been Here Before! B．Gone with the Wind, Dear Texting! C．Life is Too Short for So Many Texting. D．Oh, Telephone, a Tale of Two Sides. 【答案】13．A 14．D 15．D 16．A 【语篇导读】本文是一篇议论文。文章主要讨论了短信交流是否导致人与人之间疏远，通过对比短信与电话交流的影响来探讨这一问题。 13．推理判断题。根据第一段“Is text-messaging driving us apart? These days, we talk to each other a lot with our thumbs — sending six billion text messages a day, and likely a few billion more on services like Whats App.(短信正在让我们疏远吗？如今，我们经常用拇指互相交谈——每天发送60亿条短信，而在Whats App等服务上可能还会多发送几十亿条。)”可知，第一段通过提出“短信是否让我们疏远”的问题，并给出当前短信发送量的数据，来引出文章要讨论的主题。故选A。 14．细节理解题。根据第四段中“Others worried that the telephone sped up life, demanding instant reactions. The use of the telephone gave little room for reflection.(还有人担心电话会加速生活，要求即时反应。使用电话几乎没有反思的余地。)”可知，电话的使用导致人们缺乏反思的能力。故选D。 15．推理判断题。根据第五段“However, nowadays the telephone call seems like a throwback to a gentler era. When Jenna Birch, a communication professor at the University of Iowa, started dating a man who insisted on calling her on the phone, she found it warm and delightful. So she doesn’t think the shift to texting has degraded our interactions. According to her study, teenagers who text the most are also those who spend the most time face to face with friends. Communication, it seems, brings more communication, and — as she argues — just because talk happens in text doesn’t mean it’s not meaningful.(但如今，打电话反而像是回到了更温和的旧时光。爱荷华大学的传播学教授珍娜・伯奇曾和一个坚持打电话联系她的人约会，她觉得这种方式温暖又愉快。因此她认为，转向短信交流并没有降低我们互动的质量。根据她的研究，发短信最多的青少年，也是和朋友面对面相处时间最长的群体。看来，沟通只会带来更多沟通——而且正如她所说，不能仅仅因为交流是通过短信进行的，就否定它的意义。)”可知，沟通的意义超越了媒介本身。故选D。 16．主旨大意题。通读全文可知，文章首先提出短信是否导致人与人之间疏远的问题，然后通过对比短信与电话交流的影响，指出新技术往往会改变我们彼此相处的方式，但短信交流并不一定意味着沟通没有意义。文章最后提到，我们正在经历电话时代的重演，其中使电话有价值的东西——即时通讯——也是使它令人讨厌的东西。因此，A选项“Oh My God! We’ve Been Here Before!(天哪！我们以前来过这里！)”最符合文章主旨，既表达了短信与电话交流影响的相似性，又带有一种对历史重演的感慨，适合用作标题。故选A。 话题5 旅游观光 Passage 1 Coming into the town of Santa Catarin a Palopó, in the highlands of Lake Atitlan inGuatemala, the first thing you notice is the bright colors. Most of the buildings along the main street are eye-catching, in deep blues and greens, dotted with red and yellow to form diverse patterns and designs. Santa Catarin a Palopo was once a sleepy town of 5,000 people, most of them dependent on agricultural work. But as agriculture began to dry up here, poverty came. To deal with poverty and promote economic growth through tourism, a small but creative group of laborers, artisans, domestic workers and stay-at-home moms created the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project. The project aimed to paint all 850 homes and buildings in bright colors to change the hillside town into a work of art. “We wanted to paint the houses with colors and figures that represent the community,” says the project's executive director Stephany Blanco. “Families can choose designs for their house that are representative of the family.” One of the most representative characteristics of the region is the blue huipil, a traditional blouse which has been worn commonly by local women since the 16th century.That deep sky blue was chosen as the primary color for the Pintando project, with secondary colors found in the sunsets and the nearby lake to make the design more attractive. Inspiration was also found in local culture, symbols such as volcanoes, flowers, and the national bird ofGuatemala. Each week, local artists, community members and tourists pick up paintbrushes to make buildings colorful. “At first, the idea of the project was uncertain, but now you can see a considerable difference in the town,” Melissa Whitbeck said. “The color of the buildings is believed to improve the quality of life of the people. It uplifts the people's mood and encourages them to be proud of their hometown.” 1．Why was the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project started? A．Because of a workforce shortage. B．Due to the poor economic conditions. C．Thanks to the increase in population. D．For the old-fashioned farming ways. 2．What is the project about? A．Building family art galleries in Guatemala. B．Creating job opportunities for local artists. C．Developing local tourism by selling artworks. D．Changing the town into a cultural destination. 3．What is the inspiration of the primary color for the project? A．The surrounding volcanoes. B．Mayan-styled butterflies. C．A type of traditional clothing. D．The national bird of Guatemala. 4．What is Melissa’ s attitude towards the project? A．Positive. B．Critical. C．Concerned. D．Doubtful. 【答案】1．B 2．D 3．C 4．A 【语篇导读】本文是一篇记叙文。文章讲述了危地马拉阿蒂特兰湖高地上的圣卡塔琳娜-帕洛波小镇，为了摆脱贫困、发展旅游，居民自发把整座山城涂成绚丽“画布”，使其成为文化目的地，从而改善生活的故事。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段中的“But as agriculture began to dry up here, poverty came. To deal with poverty and promote economic growth through tourism, a small but creative group of laborers, artisans, domestic workers and stay-at-home moms created the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project. (但随着这里的农业开始枯竭，贫困来了。为了解决贫困问题，并通过旅游业促进经济增长，一个由劳工、工匠、家政工人和全职妈妈组成的小而富有创造力的团体创建了Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo项目。)”可知，Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo项目启动的直接原因是经济困顿、贫困加剧。故选B。 2．细节理解题。根据第二段中的“To deal with poverty and promote economic growth through tourism, a small but creative group of laborers, artisans, domestic workers and stay-at-home moms created the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project. (为了解决贫困问题，并通过旅游业促进经济增长，一个由劳工、工匠、家政工人和全职妈妈组成的小而富有创造力的团体创建了Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo项目。)”及第三段中的“The project aimed to paint all 850 homes and buildings in bright colors to change the hillside town into a work of art. (该项目旨在将所有850个住宅和建筑涂成明亮的颜色，将山坡小镇变成一件艺术品。)”可知，该项目的核心目标是把小镇整体变成艺术品，从而吸引游客、打造文化目的地。故选D。 3．细节理解题。根据第四段中的“One of the most representative characteristics of the region is the blue huipil, a traditional blouse which has been worn commonly by local women since the 16th century.That deep sky blue was chosen as the primary color for the Pintando project, with secondary colors found in the sunsets and the nearby lake to make the design more attractive. (该地区最具代表性的特征之一是蓝色的徽衫，这是一种自16世纪以来当地妇女普遍穿着的传统衬衫。深天蓝色被选为Pintando项目的主色调，在日落和附近的湖泊中发现次要颜色，使设计更具吸引力。)”可知，一种传统服装是项目主色调的灵感来源。故选C。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段中的““At first, the idea of the project was uncertain, but now you can see a considerable difference in the town,” Melissa Whitbeck said. “The color of the buildings is believed to improve the quality of life of the people. It uplifts the people's mood and encourages them to be proud of their hometown.” (“起初，这个项目的想法是不确定的，但现在你可以看到镇上有很大的不同，” Melissa Whitbeck说。“建筑的颜色被认为可以提高人们的生活质量。它振奋了人们的情绪，鼓励他们为家乡感到骄傲。”)”可推知，她对项目成效表示赞赏与肯定，态度积极。故选A。 Passage 2 Hello everyone! Meet my new friend Marco. He says Ciao! This means hello in his language. Marco travelled with me this month. When he showed me his country on the map, I was attracted by its shape. It looks like a high-heeled boot (高跟靴) in the Mediterranean Sea that’s kicking a strange-shaped ball. Can you find the name of this ball on the world map? Marco told me that he loves cars and that his country is well-known for super-fast cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Isn’t it cool? The people also love soccer here. They call it “Calcio.” He told me that they have won four World Cups. The most recent win was in 2006! When he shared this with me, he was very excited and full of pride We visited the country’s capital and I was amazed to find that it was more than 2500 years old! We walked around and soon it was time for dinner. Marco told me that people there eat pasta (意大利面食) at least once a day. The different sauces and toppings (酱汁和佐料) mean they never get bored of it. Also, they love including seasonal vegetables in their dinners. I couldn’t wait to enjoy the pizza and pasta with different toppings and sauces. The cappuccino and focaccia bread also made me happy. It’s no wonder that the world has adopted so much of their food! The people in this country celebrate many holidays and enjoy eating big meals with their family. The festive atmosphere makes everyone happy. I was lucky to travel to this country in March and enjoy the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. It is held for four days every year. We also visited the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which was really wonderful! Before I said goodbye to Marco, I made a promise to visit again. Can you guess the name of this country? 5．What did the author mention to describe Marco’s country in the first paragraph? A．Its shape. B．Its population. C．Its culture D．Its national sport. 6．How did Marco feel when he brought up soccer? A．Sad. B．Proud. C．Worried. D．Thankful. 7．What can we infer about the food in Marco’s country? A．It is very simple. B．It makes Marco feel bored. C．It is mixed with a lot of foreign food. D．It has spread around the world. 8．What is the purpose of the text? A．To show a friendship. B．To celebrate a festival. C．To introduce a country. D．To explain a cultural difference. 【答案】5．A 6．B 7．D 8．C 【语篇导读】本文是一篇记叙文。文章通过作者与新朋友Marco的旅行经历，详细介绍了Marco的祖国——意大利的文化、美食、体育和名胜古迹。 5．细节理解题。根据第一段中“When he showed me his country on the map, I was attracted by its shape. It looks like a high-heeled boot in the Mediterranean Sea that’s kicking a strange-shaped ball.(当他在地图上给我看他的国家时，我被它的形状吸引住了。它看起来像地中海里的一只高跟靴，正在踢一个形状奇怪的球)”可知，作者在第一段中通过描述形状来介绍Marco的国家。故选A项。 6．细节理解题。根据第二段中“The people also love soccer here. They call it “Calcio.” He told me that they have won four World Cups. The most recent win was in 2006! When he shared this with me, he was very excited and full of pride.(这里的人也喜欢足球。他们称之为“Calcio”。他告诉我，他们已经赢得了四次世界杯。最近一次夺冠是在2006年！当他和我分享这个的时候，他非常兴奋和自豪)”可知，当Marco提到足球时，他感到非常自豪。故选B项。 7．推理判断题。根据第三段中“It’s no wonder that the world has adopted so much of their food!(难怪世界各地都采用了他们这么多的食物！)”可知，Marco国家的食物已经传播到了世界各地。故选D项。 8．推理判断题。通读全文，结合最后一段中“Before I said goodbye to Marco, I made a promise to visit again. Can you guess the name of this country?(在我与Marco道别之前，我许下了一个诺言，那就是再次访问。你能猜出这个国家的名字吗？)”可知，文章通过作者与Marco的旅行经历，详细介绍了Marco的祖国，包括其文化、美食、体育和名胜古迹，所以文章的目的是介绍一个国家。故选C项。 Passage 3 We just got back from a week-long trip through New Mexico where we traveled through desert landscapes, hiked up mountains, and walked through dry creek beds. We experienced nature and wildlife that was vastly distinct from what I’ve seen before. We’ve lived in Atlanta for 25 years so it was quite a change from our “city in a forest”. My husband and I were joined by our adult son who now lives in San Diego and is a little more familiar with the west. We like to visit national parks and explore interesting ecosystems. In New Mexico, everything seemed striking and amazing. Starting in Albuquerque, we took a tram up the Sandia Peak in the Sandia Mountains, where we had fantastic views as we watched parasailers float off into the unending sky. We then drove to Abiquiu, the town where artist Georgia O’Keeffe was so inspired. We stayed at a lovely home pretty much in the middle of nowhere. First, we noticed the breathtaking setting. Then we noticed the ants: billions of tiny ants were marching all over the outside of the property. They were carrying off a few of the native bees that had fallen to the ground near the house. Once we were awakened in the middle of the night by howling that was both strange and musical. We were told about the coyotes (郊狼) that share the area, so we weren’t surprised when we woke up the next morning to some pretty impressive paw prints right outside the back door. On our final morning hike before heading south in the state, we even spotted a large snake curled up on the path, enjoying the warm morning sun. We stayed far out of its way but certainly watched our steps a little more carefully. We talked about sustainability throughout the trip. In the past several decades, there’s been so much noticeable change in our travel adventures. That will be great to keep the skies cleaner and save energy. And the coyotes and snakes can be left to dance and enjoy in peace. 9．What can be inferred about the family’s travel preferences? A．They prefer city life over nature. B．They love places with artistic heritage. C．They like to visit familiar places. D．They seek diverse natural settings. 10．What do the wildlife encounters suggest about the local environment? A．It is dangerous for visitors. B．It is little changed by humans. C．It lacks diverse animal species. D．It is mainly a desert habitat. 11．What message does the author want to convey in the last paragraph? A．It’s beneficial for us to take an adventure tour. B．Travel should be safer and more comfortable. C．It’s necessary to boost sustainable tourism. D．Wildlife is adapting to changes. 12．What is the best title for this passage? A．Exploring New Mexico’s Wild Beauty. B．Wildlife Encounters in New Mexico. C．A Family Trip to Atlanta. D．The Challenges of Desert Travel. 【答案】9．D 10．B 11．C 12．A 【语篇导读】本文是一篇记叙文，主要讲述了作者一家在新墨西哥州的一周旅行经历，包括他们游览的景点、遇到的野生动物以及对可持续发展的思考等。 9．推理判断题。根据第二段“We like to visit national parks and explore interesting ecosystems. (我们喜欢参观国家公园，探索有趣的生态系统)”以及第一段“We experienced nature and wildlife that was vastly distinct from what I’ve seen before. (我们体验到的自然和野生动物，与我以往所见过的截然不同)”中描述他们在新墨西哥州经历了与以往不同的自然和野生动物，可推断出这家人的旅行偏好是寻求多样化的自然环境。故选D项。 10．推理判断题。根据第三段“We stayed at a lovely home pretty much in the middle of nowhere. (我们住在一个可爱的小房子里，那里几乎与世隔绝)”以及第四段描述他们在夜间听到郊狼的嚎叫、次日清晨发现爪印、并在小径上遇到晒太阳的蛇等经历，这些野生动物能够自由活动并与人类住所如此接近，暗示了当地环境受人类影响较小，保持了较为原始的自然状态。故选B项。 11．推理判断题。根据最后一段“We talked about sustainability throughout the trip. In the past several decades, there’s been so much noticeable change in our travel adventures. That will be great to keep the skies cleaner and save energy. And the coyotes and snakes can be left to dance and enjoy in peace. (我们在整个旅途中都在谈论可持续发展。在过去的几十年里，我们的旅行经历发生了许多显著的变化。保持天空更洁净、节约能源将会是一件很棒的事。这样一来，郊狼和蛇也能安然自在地活动和生活了)”可知，作者在旅行中思考可持续性问题，并认为可持续的旅行方式（如使用电动汽车）能保护环境、节约能源，让野生动物不受打扰，因此作者意在传达推广可持续旅游的必要性。故选C项。 12．主旨大意题。根据第一段“We just got back from a weeklong trip through New Mexico where we traveled through desert landscapes, hiked up mountains, and walked through dry creek beds. (我们刚从新墨西哥州的一周旅行回来，在那里我们穿越了沙漠地貌，徒步登上了山脉，还走过了干涸的河床)”并结合全文内容可知，文章开篇点明在新墨西哥州为期一周的旅行，随后详细描述了在Sandia Peak欣赏壮丽景色、在Abiquiu感受艺术灵感、观察蚂蚁、遭遇郊狼和蛇等多种野生动物，最后引发对可持续旅游的思考，整个旅程的核心是探索和体验新墨西哥州的自然荒野之美，A选项“探索新墨西哥州的荒野之美”最能概括文章主旨。故选A项。 Passage 4 Ecotourism has become an increasingly popular way for travelers to explore the world while minimizing their environmental impact. Unlike traditional tourism, which often focuses on luxury accommodations and crowded attractions, ecotourism emphasizes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local communities. The core principles of ecotourism include minimizing environmental damage, respecting local cultures, and supporting conservation efforts. Travelers engaging in ecotourism activities typically visit protected areas such as national parks, wildlife reserves, or remote communities. They participate in activities like bird watching, hiking, or learning about traditional crafts from local residents. These experiences not only allow travelers to connect with nature but also contribute to the preservation of fragile ecosystems. One successful example of ecotourism is the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Faced with threats from over-tourism in the 20th century, the government implemented strict regulations to protect the unique wildlife and landscapes. Today, visitors to the Galapagos must follow designated routes, be accompanied by certified guides, and pay a conservation fee that funds environmental protection projects. This approach has helped maintain the islands’ biodiversity while providing income for local communities through tourism. Another example is Costa Rica, often regarded as a leader in ecotourism. The country has transformed its natural resources into a sustainable tourism industry, with over 25% of its land protected in national parks and reserves. Tourists can explore rainforests, observe sea turtles nesting, or stay in eco-lodges that use renewable energy and support local farmers. This model has not only preserved Costa Rica’s natural beauty but also reduced poverty in rural areas by creating jobs in tourism. However, ecotourism is not without challenges. Some destinations market themselves as “eco-friendly” without implementing meaningful conservation measures, a practice known as “greenwashing.” Travelers must be cautious and research companies before booking to ensure their tourism dollars support genuine environmental and community initiatives. Additionally, even well-managed ecotourism can have negative impacts if visitor numbers exceed the carrying capacity of an area, leading to habitat disturbance or increased waste. To practice responsible ecotourism, experts recommend choosing small-scale, locally owned accommodations, participating in guided tours led by local experts, and following the “leave no trace” principle by taking all trash with you and avoiding damage to plants and wildlife. By making informed choices, travelers can enjoy meaningful experiences while helping to protect the planet for future generations. 13．What is the main difference between ecotourism and traditional tourism? A．Ecotourism focuses on luxury accommodations. B．Ecotourism emphasizes responsible travel and environmental conservation. C．Traditional tourism only visits natural areas. D．Traditional tourism requires following strict regulations. 14．Why does the author mention the Galapagos Islands? A．To show the negative effects of over-tourism. B．To introduce a popular luxury travel destination. C．To provide a successful example of ecotourism. D．To explain how to get certified as an ecotourism guide. 15．What does the word “greenwashing” in Paragraph 5 probably mean? A．Making false claims about being environmentally friendly. B．Using green colors in tourism advertisements. C．Planting trees to offset carbon emissions from travel. D．Implementing strict environmental protection measures. 16．What is recommended for responsible ecotourism according to the text? A．Choosing large international hotel chains. B．Exploring natural areas without a guide. C．Leaving trash in designated areas. D．Selecting locally owned accommodations. 【答案】13．B 14．C 15．A 16．D 【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了生态旅游的特点、原则、成功案例、挑战及负责任生态旅游的建议。 13．细节理解题。根据第一段中“Unlike traditional tourism, which often focuses on luxury accommodations and crowded attractions, ecotourism emphasizes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local communities.(与传统旅游往往注重豪华住宿和拥挤景点不同，生态旅游强调对自然区域进行负责任的旅行，以保护环境并改善当地社区的福祉)”可知，生态旅游与传统旅游的主要区别在于生态旅游强调负责任的旅行和环境保护。故选B。 14．推理判断题。根据第三段中“One successful example of ecotourism is the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.(生态旅游的一个成功例子是厄瓜多尔的加拉帕戈斯群岛)”可知，作者提到加拉帕戈斯群岛是为了提供一个生态旅游的成功例子。故选C。 15．词句猜测题。根据第五段中“Some destinations market themselves as “eco-friendly” without implementing meaningful conservation measures, a practice known as “greenwashing.”(一些旅游目的地将自己宣传为‘环保’，但实际上并没有采取有意义的保护措施，这种做法被称为“greenwashing”)”可知，“greenwashing”指的是虚假宣传环保的行为，即“声称自己环保但实际上并非如此”。故选A。 16．细节理解题。根据最后一段中“To practice responsible ecotourism, experts recommend choosing small-scale, locally owned accommodations, participating in guided tours led by local experts, and following the “leave no trace” principle by taking all trash with you and avoiding damage to plants and wildlife.(为了实践负责任的生态旅游，专家建议选择当地拥有的小型住宿，参加由当地专家带领的导游，并遵循‘不留痕迹’的原则，随身携带所有垃圾，避免损害植物和野生动物)”可知，文本建议选择当地拥有的住宿以实践负责任的生态旅游。故选D。 话题6 历史遗产 Passage 1 The coast of the State of Maine is one of the most irregular in the world. A straight line running from the southernmost coastal city to the northernmost coastal city would measure about 225 miles. If you followed the coastline between these points, you would travel more than ten times as far. This irregularity is the result of what is called a drowned coastline. The term comes from the glacial activity of the Ice Age. At that time, the whole area that is now Maine was part of a mountain range that towered above the sea. As the glacier descended, however, it applied enormous force on those mountains, and they sank into the sea. As the mountains sank, ocean water charged over the lowest parts of the remaining land. And the highest parts of the former mountain range, nearest the shore, remained as islands. Marine fossils found here are 225 feet above sea level indicating the level of the shoreline prior to the glacier. The 2,500-mile-long rocky and jagged coastline of Maine keeps watch over nearly 2,000 islands. Many of these islands are tiny and uninhabited, but many are home to booming communities. Mt. Desert Island is one of the largest, most beautiful of the Maine coast islands left behind by the glacier. Measuring 16 miles by 12 miles, Mt. Desert was very nearly formed as two distinct islands. It is split almost in half by Somes Sound, a very deep and very narrow stretch of water seven miles long. For years, Mt. Desert Island, particularly its major settlement, Bar Harbour, has afforded summer homes for the wealthy. Recently, though, Bar Harbour has become a new arts community as well. But the best part of the island is the unspoiled forest land known as Acadia National Park. Since the island sits on the border between two different geographical zones, the park supports the plants and animals of both zones. It also lies in a major bird migration lane and is a resting spot for many birds. The establishment of Acadia National Park in 1916 means that this natural monument will be preserved and that it will be available to all people, not just the wealthy. Visitors to Acadia may receive nature instruction from the park naturalists as well as enjoy camping, hiking, cycling, and boating. Or they may choose to spend time at the museum learning about the Stone Age inhabitants of the island. 1．The large number of small islands along the coast of Maine is the result of ______. A．the drowning of the Maine coastline B．glacier’s forcing mountains into the sea C．the irregularity of the Maine coastline D．ocean water’s flooding the mountain range 2．From the passage, we learn that ______. A．the coastline of Maine is ten times longer after the Ice Age B．there are more than 2500 islands along the Maine coastline C．Mt. Desert Island has been broken apart by a 7-mile-long water stretch D．an arts community gave way to the summer homes on Mt. Desert Island 3．What CANNOT be inferred about the Acadia National Park? A．It welcomes all the people, rich or poor. B．It has much appeal for bird-watching lovers. C．It offers visitors both entertainment and education. D．It is a border between the two geographical zones. 4．Which of the following might be the best title of the passage? A．The past and the present of Maine B．The formation of Maine coastline C．Efforts for preserving national parks D．Tourist attractions on Mt. Desert Island 【答案】1．B 2．C 3．D 4．B 【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文，文章介绍了美国缅因州海岸的冰川成因、岛屿分布及Mt. Desert Island和阿卡迪亚国家公园的自然与人文特色，强调地质历史与当代保护。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段“As the glacier descended, however, it applied enormous force on those mountains, and they sank into the sea. (随着冰川向下推进，它对那些山脉施加了巨大的力量，使它们沉入了大海。)”可知，冰川压迫山脉沉入大海，大量小岛正是这样形成的，故选B项。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段“Mt. Desert Island is one of the largest, most beautiful of the Maine coast islands left behind by the glacier. It is split almost in half by Somes Sound, a very deep and very narrow stretch of water seven miles long. (Mt. Desert Island是缅因州海岸最大、最美的冰川遗留岛屿之一，一条七英里长、深而窄的萨姆斯湾几乎把它一分为二)”可知，7英里长的水域将岛屿“几乎一分为二”，故选C项。 3．推理判断题。根据第四段“Since the island sits on the border between two different geographical zones, the park supports the plants and animals of both zones. (由于岛屿位于两个不同地理区域的交界处，公园支持两个区域的动植物)”可知，原文只说“岛屿位于两区交界”，并未说“公园是边界”，D项无法推出，故选D项。 4．主旨大意题。通读全文可知，文章主要讲述了缅因州海岸线如何在冰川作用下形成的过程，以及由此产生的独特地理特征（虽然提到了沙漠山岛和阿卡迪亚国家公园，但这些都是作为海岸线形成的结果和例证）。因此B项“缅因海岸线的形成”可以作为最佳标题。故选B。 Passage 2 For more than 3,500 years, the remains of the Xiaohe people lay undisturbed in Xinjiang until they were unearthed in 1979. Among the treasures dug up was the oldest preserved cheese in the world, spotted around the remains’ neck. Now a team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences reports the first genetic (基因的) analysis of the cheese. Their results give us a vivid account of a rich Bronze Age culture that exchanged animals with other neighbouring peoples and may have helped spread cheese around East Asia, reflecting their cross-cultural communication. Just why they were buried with the stuff, though, remains imperfectly understood. During their analysis, the team identified the DNA from a goat whose milk went into the cheeses, before comparing it with 185 previously sequenced goat genes. The genetic profile of the Xiaohe goat was similar to that of goats belonging to ancient Eurasian Steppe people, meaning the Xiaohe may have learned cheese-making from them. All the Xiaohe cheeses would have been produced by drying kefir, a milk-based drink made with bacteria (细菌) such as Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens. The team, therefore, sequenced the DNA of that one bacterium and compared it with 15 modern varieties in order to identify its place within that species’ family tree. Their analysis showed that it belonged to a subspecies that could have spread with kefir-making customs from Xinjiang to regions including Tibet. The team suspect that the cheese was an attractive alternative to raw milk. But it is possible that it was the kefir drink, rather than the cheese, that was the main attraction, says Paul Kindstedt, a cheese chemist and historian who was not involved in the research. It holds about 1% alcohol by volume. People in Mongolia today use kefir to make milk-based alcohol; the Xiaohe may have done so too. “Ancient-cheese DNA analysis-of which this may be the first example-could reveal secrets about numerous other cultures. There are dairy remains on 7,000-year-old European pots, for example, and cheese may also have been used in ancient Egyptian burial practices,” says Dr Kindstedt. 5．What can be inferred about the Xiaohe people in paragraph 2? A．They preferred an undisturbed life. B．They interacted with other cultures. C．They conducted odd burial practices. D．They exchanged animals for cheese. 6．Why was the DNA of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens studied? A．To track the cheese-making origin. B．To clarify the cheese-making steps. C．To figure out its structure. D．To dig into its superiority. 7．What is Paul Kindstedt’s opinion on the cheese? A．It came from Mongolians’ finding. B．It may be a substitute of raw milk. C．Its appeal was possibly-from kefir. D．Its attraction was affected by milk. 8．How does the author emphasize ancient-cheese DNA analysis’ significance? A．By explaining a concept. B．By giving a definition. C．By providing statistics. D．By quoting an expert. 【答案】5．B 6．A 7．C 8．D 【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍新疆小河人遗址出土的世界最古老奶酪，以及科研团队对其的基因分析，揭示小河人的文化交流及奶酪制作相关信息。 5．推理判断题。根据第二段中的“Their results give us a vivid account of a rich Bronze Age culture that exchanged animals with other neighbouring peoples and may have helped spread cheese around East Asia, reflecting their cross-cultural communication. (他们的研究结果生动展现了一种丰富的青铜时代文化，这种文化与周边其他民族交换动物，可能还助力了奶酪在东亚的传播，这体现了他们的跨文化交流。)”可知，小河人曾与周边民族交换动物、传播奶酪制作技术，由此可推断他们与其他文化有互动。故选B项。 6．推理判断题。根据第四段中的“The team, therefore, sequenced the DNA of that one bacterium and compared it with 15 modern varieties in order to identify its place within that species’ family tree. Their analysis showed that it belonged to a subspecies that could have spread with kefir-making customs from Xinjiang to regions including Tibet. (因此，该团队对这种细菌的DNA进行了测序，并将其与15种现代品种进行比较，以确定它在该物种谱系中的位置。他们的分析表明，这种细菌属于一个亚种，可能随着开菲尔制作习俗从新疆传播到包括西藏在内的地区。)”可知，研究该细菌DNA是为了追踪其传播路径，进而追溯奶酪制作技术的起源。故选A项。 7．细节理解题。根据第五段中的“But it is possible that it was the kefir drink, rather than the cheese, that was the main attraction, says Paul Kindstedt, a cheese chemist and historian who was not involved in the research. (但未参与该研究的奶酪化学家兼历史学家保罗·金德施泰特表示，真正有吸引力的可能是开菲尔饮品，而非奶酪。)”可知，保罗·金德施泰特认为奶酪的吸引力可能来自开菲尔饮品。故选C项。 8．推理判断题。根据最后一段中的““Ancient-cheese DNA analysis-of which this may b$