专题06 阅读理解之议论文15篇（浙江专用）（高考典例+热点话题练习）-2026届高考英语总复习

专题06 阅读理解之议论文15篇 (浙江专用) 【题型知识点细目表】 题号 难度 知识点 1 较难 社会问题与社会现象,交通与运输 ,议论文 2 适中 阅读 ,哲理感悟,议论文 3 较难 科普知识 ,议论文 4 适中 社会问题与社会现象,议论文,信息技术 5 适中 社会问题与社会现象,议论文,学习 6 适中 环境保护,社会问题与社会现象,议论文 7 适中 当代教育问题,议论文,语意转化,逻辑推理,观点态度 8 适中 社会问题与社会现象,方法/策略,议论文 9 较难 社会问题与社会现象,议论文 10 适中 人工智能,议论文 11 较易 方法/策略,议论文,冲突与和解 12 适中 方法/策略,议论文,学习 13 适中 社会问题与社会现象,人工智能,议论文 14 适中 环境保护,议论文 15 适中 哲理感悟,议论文,语意转化,目的意图,观点态度 【高考典例】 Passage 1 While safety improvements might have been made to our streets in recent years, transport studies also show declines in pedestrian (行人) mobility, especially among young children. Many parents say there’s too much traffic on the roads for their children to walk safely to school, so they pack them into the car instead. Dutch authors Thalia Verkade and Marco te Brömmelstroet are bothered by facts like these. In their new book Movement: How to Take Back Our Streets and Transform Our Lives, they call for a rethink of our streets and the role they play in our lives. Life on city streets started to change decades ago. Whole neighbourhoods were destroyed to make way for new road networks and kids had to play elsewhere. Some communities fought back. Most famously, a Canadian journalist who had moved her family to Manhattan in the early 1950s led a campaign to stop the destruction of her local park. Describing her alarm at its proposed replacement with an expressway, Jane Jacobs called on her mayor (市长) to champion “New York as a decent place to live, and not just rush through.” Similar campaigns occurred in Australia in the late 1960s and 1970s as well. Although these campaigns were widespread, the reality is that the majority of the western cities were completely redesigned around the needs of the motor car. The number of cars on roads has been increasing rapidly. In Australia we now have over twenty million cars for just over twenty-six million people, among the highest rate of car ownership in the world. We invest a lot in roads that help us rush through, but we fail to account for the true costs. Do we really recognise what it costs us as a society when children can’t move safely around our communities? The authors of Movement have it right: it’s time to think differently about that street outside your front door. 1．What phenomenon does the author point out in paragraph 1? A．Cars often get stuck on the road. B．Traffic accidents occur frequently. C．People walk less and drive more. D．Pedestrians fail to follow the rules. 2．What were the Canadian journalist and other campaigners trying to do? A．Keep their cities livable. B．Promote cultural diversity. C．Help the needy families. D．Make expressways accessible. 3．What can be inferred about the campaigns in Australia in the late 1960s and 1970s? A．They boosted the sales of cars. B．They turned out largely ineffective. C．They won government support. D．They advocated building new parks. 4．What can be a suitable title for the text? A．Why the Rush? B．What’s Next? C．Where to Stay? D．Who to Blame? 【答案】1．C 2．A 3．B 4．A 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章主要介绍了西方城市过度围绕汽车设计导致行人流动性下降，尤其是儿童步行减少的现象，并通过历史案例和现状分析呼吁反思街道功能，重视城市宜居性。 1．细节理解题。根据文章第一段“While safety improvements might have been made to our streets in recent years, transport studies also show declines in pedestrian (行人) mobility, especially among young children. Many parents say there’s too much traffic on the roads for their children to walk safely to school, so they pack them into the car instead. (虽然近年来我们的街道可能已经改善了安全性，但交通研究也表明行人的流动性下降，尤其是年轻儿童。许多家长说，路上的交通太拥挤，他们的孩子无法安全步行上学，所以他们把孩子塞进车里)”可知，作者指出的现象是人们步行减少、开车增多。故选C。 2．推理判断题。根据文章第三段“Most famously, a Canadian journalist who had moved her family to Manhattan in the early 1950s led a campaign to stop the destruction of her local park. Describing her alarm at its proposed replacement with an expressway, Jane Jacobs called on her mayor (市长) to champion “New York as a decent place to live, and not just rush through.” (最著名的是，一位加拿大记者在20世纪50年代初举家迁往曼哈顿，她领导了一场阻止当地公园被毁的运动。在描述她对用高速公路取代公园的提议感到震惊时，Jane Jacobs呼吁她的市长捍卫“纽约作为适宜居住的地方，而不仅是匆匆穿过的通道”)”可推知，加拿大记者和其他运动参与者旨在保持城市宜居性。故选A。 3．推理判断题。根据文章倒数第二段“Although these campaigns were widespread, the reality is that the majority of the western cities were completely redesigned around the needs of the motor car. The number of cars on roads has been increasing rapidly. (尽管这些运动很普遍，但现实是大多数西方城市完全围绕汽车需求重新设计。道路上的汽车数量一直在迅速增加)”可推知，20世纪60年代末和70年代澳大利亚的竞选活动未能阻止汽车发展，基本上没有效果。故选B。 4．主旨大意题。通读全文，并根据文章最后一段“We invest a lot in roads that help us rush through, but we fail to account for the true costs. Do we really recognise what it costs us as a society when children can’t move safely around our communities? (我们在帮助我们快速通过的道路上投入了大量资金，但我们没有考虑到真正的成本。我们真的认识到当孩子们不能在我们的社区安全地移动时，我们作为一个社会将会付出什么代价吗)”可推知，本文批判城市过度追求交通效率、忽视行人需求的现象，A项“Why the Rush? (为何匆匆？)”质问“rush through (匆匆通行)”的规划理念，契合主旨，最适合作为本文标题。故选A。 Passage 2 “I didn’t like the ending,” I said to my favorite college professor. It was my junior year of undergraduate, and I was doing an independent study on Victorian literature. I had just finished reading The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot, and I was heartbroken with the ending. Prof. Gracie, with all his patience, asked me to think about it beyond whether I liked it or not. He suggested I think about the difference between endings that I wanted for the characters and endings that were right for the characters, endings that satisfied the story even if they didn’t have a traditionally positive outcome. Of course, I would have preferred a different ending for Tom and Maggie Tulliver, but the ending they got did make the most sense for them. This was an aha moment for me, and I never thought about endings the same way again. From then on, if I wanted to read an ending guaranteed to be happy, I’d pick up a love romance. If I wanted an ending I couldn’t guess, I’d pick up a mystery (悬疑小说). One where I kind of knew what was going to happen, historical fiction. Choosing what to read became easier. But writing the end — that’s hard. It’s hard for writers because endings carry so much weight with readers. You have to balance creating an ending that's unpredictable, but doesn’t seem to come from nowhere, one that fits what’s right for the characters. That’s why this issue (期) of Writer’s Digest aims to help you figure out how to write the best ending for whatever kind of writing you’re doing. If it’s short stories, Peter Mountford breaks down six techniques you can try to see which one helps you stick the landing. Elizabeth Sims analyzes the final chapters of five great novels to see what key points they include and how you can adapt them for your work. This issue won’t tell you what your ending should be — that’s up to you and the story you’re telling — but it might provide what you need to get there. 1．Why did the author go to Prof. Gracie? A．To discuss a novel. B．To submit a book report. C．To argue for a writer. D．To ask for a reading list. 2．What did the author realize after seeing Gracie? A．Writing is a matter of personal preferences. B．Readers are often carried away by character. C．Each type of literature has its unique end. D．A story which begins well will end well. 3．What is expected of a good ending? A．It satisfies readers’ taste. B．It fits with the story development. C．It is usually positive. D．It is open for imagination. 4．Why does the author mention Peter Mountford and Elizabeth Sims? A．To give examples of great novelists. B．To stress the theme of this issue. C．To encourage writing for the magazine. D．To recommend their new books. 【答案】1．A 2．C 3．B 4．B 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章首先通过作者与教授关于小说结局的讨论引发了对结局的思考，接着阐述了不同类型的文学作品结局的特点，最后提出了写作好的结局的重要性并介绍了《Writer’s Digest》杂志如何帮助作家写出更好的结尾。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段““I didn’t like the ending,” I said to my favorite college professor. It was my junior year of undergraduate, and I was doing an independent study on Victorian literature. I had just finished reading The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot, and I was heartbroken with the ending. Prof. Gracie, with all his patience, asked me to think about it beyond whether I liked it or not.( “我不喜欢这个结局，”我对我最喜欢的大学教授说。那是我大三的时候，我正在做一项关于维多利亚文学的独立研究。我刚刚读完乔治·艾略特的《弗洛斯河上的磨坊》，读到结尾我很伤心。格雷西教授耐心地让我考虑一下，不要只看我喜不喜欢)”可知，作者去找格雷西教授是为了讨论小说。故选A项。 2．推理判断题。根据第二段“This was an aha moment for me, and I never thought about endings the same way again. From then on, if I wanted to read an ending guaranteed to be happy, I’d pick up a love romance. If I wanted an ending I couldn’t guess, I’d pick up a mystery (悬疑小说). One where I kind of knew what was going to happen, historical fiction. Choosing what to read became easier.( 这对我来说是一个顿悟的时刻，我再也没有想过同样的结局。从那时起，如果我想读一个保证幸福的结局，我就会选一部爱情小说。如果我想要一个我猜不到的结局，我会选一本神秘小说。一种是我知道会发生什么，历史小说。选择读什么变得更容易了)”可知，见过格雷西教授后，作者意识到了每种类型的文学都有其独特的结局。故选C项。 3．推理判断题。根据第三段“But writing the end—that’s hard. It’s hard for writers because endings carry so much weight with readers. You have to balance creating an ending that’s unpredictable, but doesn’t seem to come from nowhere, one that fits what’s right for the characters.(但是写出结局——那很难。对作家来说很难，因为结局对读者来说意义重大。你必须平衡创造一个不可预测的结局，但这个结局又不能显得凭空而来，要适合角色的设定)”可知，人们对一个好结局的期望是结局又不能显得凭空而来，要适合角色的设定，也就是符合故事的发展。故选B项。 4．推理判断题。根据倒数第二段“That’s why this issue (期) of Writer’s Digest aims to help you figure out how to write the best ending for whatever kind of writing you’re doing. If it’s short stories, Peter Mountford breaks down six techniques you can try to see which one helps you stick the landing. Elizabeth Sims analyzes the final chapters of five great novels to see what key points they include and how you can adapt them for your work.( 这就是为什么这期《Writer’s Digest》旨在帮助你找出如何为你正在写的任何类型的作品写出最好的结局。如果是短篇小说，彼得·蒙特福德分解了六种技巧，你可以尝试看看哪一种能帮助你完美着陆。伊丽莎白·西姆斯分析了五部伟大小说的最后几章，看看它们包含了哪些关键点，以及你如何将它们应用到你的作品中)”可知，作者提到彼得·蒙福德和伊丽莎白·西姆斯是为了强调这期《Writer’s Digest》的主题，即帮助读者写出更好的结尾。故选B项。 Passage 3 If you want to tell the history of the whole world, a history that does not privilege one part of humanity, you cannot do it through texts alone, because only some of the world has ever had texts, while most of the world, for most of the time, has not. Writing is one of humanity’s later achievements, and until fairly recently even many literate (有文字的) societies recorded their concerns not only in writing but in things. Ideally a history would bring together texts and objects, and some chapters of this book are able to do just that, but in many cases we simply can’t. The clearest example of this between literate and non-literate history is perhaps the first conflict, at Botany Bay, between Captain Cook’s voyage and the Australian Aboriginals. From the English side, we have scientific reports and the captain’s record of that terrible day. From the Australian side, we have only a wooden shield (盾) dropped by a man in flight after his first experience of gunshot. If we want to reconstruct what was actually going on that day, the shield must be questioned and interpreted as deeply and strictly as the written reports. In addition to the problem of miscomprehension from both sides, there are victories accidentally or deliberately twisted, especially when only the victors know how to write. Those who are on the losing side often have only their things to tell their stories. The Caribbean Taino, the Australian Aboriginals, the African people of Benin and the Incas, all of whom appear in this book, can speak to us now of their past achievements most powerfully through the objects they made: a history told through things gives them back a voice. When we consider contact (联系) between literate and non-literate societies such as these, all our first-hand accounts are necessarily twisted, only one half of a dialogue. If we are to find the other half of that conversation, we have to read not just the texts, but the objects. 1．What is the first paragraph mainly about? A．How past events should be presented. B．What humanity is concerned about. C．Whether facts speak louder than words. D．Why written language is reliable. 2．What does the author indicate by mentioning Captain Cook in paragraph 2? A．His report was scientific. B．He represented the local people. C．He ruled over Botany Bay. D．His record was one-sided. 3．What does the underlined word “conversation” in paragraph 3 refer to? A．Problem. B．History. C．Voice. D．Society. 4．Which of the following books is the text most likely selected from? A． How Maps Tell Stories of the World B． A Short History of Australia C． A History of the World in 100 Objects D． How Art Works Tell Stories 【答案】1．A 2．D 3．B 4．C 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。本文讨论了仅仅依靠书面文本来讲述世界历史的局限性，并强调了将物品纳入历史叙事以更好地理解无文字社会的重要性。 1．主旨大意题。根据文章第一段“If you want to tell the history of the whole world, a history that does not privilege one part of humanity, you cannot do it through texts alone, because only some of the world has ever had texts, while most of the world, for most of the time, has not. Writing is one of humanity’s later achievements, and until fairly recently even many literate (有文字的) societies recorded their concerns not only in writing but in things. (如果你想讲述整个世界的历史，一段不以人类某一部分为特权的历史，你不能仅仅通过文本来讲述，因为世界上只有一部分人曾经有过文本，而世界上大多数人，在大多数时间里，都没有。写作是人类较晚的成就之一，直到最近，甚至许多有文字的社会也不仅用文字，而且用物件来记录他们所关心的事情。)”可推知，第一段主要讲述的是历史应该如何呈现给我们。故选A。 2．推理判断题。根据文章第二段首句“Ideally a history would bring together texts and objects, and some chapters of this book are able to do just that, but in many cases we simply can’t. (理想情况下，历史应该将文本和物品结合在一起，本书的某些章节能够做到这一点，但在许多情况下，我们根本做不到。)”可推断，作者认为历史应该是文本和物品相结合的产物，但是很多情况下，我们做不到。再根据所举例子的下文“From the English side, we have scientific reports and the captain’s record of that terrible day. From the Australian side, we have only a wooden shield (盾) dropped by a man in flight after his first experience of gunshot. (在英国方面，我们有科学报告和船长对那可怕的一天的记录。从澳大利亚方面来看，我们只有一个木制盾牌，这是一名男子在第一次经历枪击后在飞行中扔下的。)”可知，作者举这个例子是为了说明船长的记录是片面的，只从自己的角度描述了问题。故选D。 3．词句猜测题。根据划线单词上文“The Caribbean Taino, the Australian Aboriginals, the African people of Benin and the Incas, all of whom appear in this book, can speak to us now of their past achievements most powerfully through the objects they made: a history told through things gives them back a voice. When we consider contact (联系) between literate and non-literate societies such as these, all our first-hand accounts are necessarily twisted, only one half of a dialogue. (加勒比海的泰诺人、澳大利亚的土著人、贝宁的非洲人以及印加人，所有这些人都出现在这本书中，他们现在都可以通过他们制造的物品向我们讲述他们过去最强大的成就：通过物品讲述的历史给了他们一个声音。当我们考虑诸如此类的有文化社会和无文化社会之间的接触时，我们所有的第一手资料都必然是扭曲的，只有对话的一半。)”结合划线句“If we are to find the other half of that conversation, we have to read not just the texts, but the objects. (如果我们要找到对话的另一半，我们不仅要读文本，还要读物体。)”可知，我们对过去历史的了解，只是书写历史的人所想要让我们了解的历史，如果我们想要了解历史的另一半，我们不仅仅要读文本也要读对象。所以conversation指的是“历史”。故选B。 4．推理判断题。根据文章第一段“If you want to tell the history of the whole world, a history that does not privilege one part of humanity, you cannot do it through texts alone, because only some of the world has ever had texts, while most of the world, for most of the time, has not.(如果你想讲述整个世界的历史，一段不以人类某一部分为特权的历史，你不能仅仅通过文本来讲述，因为世界上只有一部分人的历史曾经被文字记录过，而世界上大多数人，在大多数时间里，都没有。)”结合最后一段的“ If we are to find the other half of that conversation, we have to read not just the texts, but the objects. (如果我们要找到对话的另一半，我们不仅要读文本，还要读物体。)”可知，本文讲述仅仅依靠书面文本来讲述世界历史有局限性，想要更好的了解历史就要将文本和物品结合在一起。从而推断文章最有可能选自《100件物品中的世界史》。故选C。 Passage 4 【热点话题练习】 Screens are steadily taking over more and more of our life, leading some researchers to worry about the effect of long-term use on older adults’ brain. It has been suggested that this might lead to so-called “digital dementia” — that depending on digital technology throughout our life might harm cognitive (认知的) functioning in our later years. But new research indicates this view doesn’t appear to be true, at least for the “digital pioneer” generation who first routinely used smartphones, computers and the Internet — and who are now reaching the age when cognitive decline often starts to appear. In a paper published on Monday in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers analyzed 57 studies of digital technology use and cognitive function in more than 400,000 older adults across the world. They found that people in the “digital pioneer” generation who engaged more with digital technology did not have higher rates of cognitive decline. In fact, technology use was associated with lower rates of cognitive decline. One reason some researchers worried about “digital dementia” was previous research that linked television viewing, a passive activity, with negative outcomes such as an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (阿尔茨海默症). “On the surface, most computer or smartphone screentime might seem similarly passive,” says the new paper’s co-author Michael Scullin, a neuroscience researcher at Baylor University. “But for this group of middle-aged and older adults, phones and computers have been used for mentally stimulating activities and for social connections, such as solving puzzles, engaging with the news, chatting with friends, or using reminders and alarms to help with daily activities.” “This study provides a strong challenge to the widespread fears about ‘digital dementia’ and highlights the potential of technology as a tool for cognitive enrichment,” says Chiara Scarampi, a neuroscientist at the University of Geneva, who was not involved with the study. “‘Digital dementia’ has always felt like a catchy but overstated concept to me,” she adds. “Cognitive offloading — using tools like reminders or GPS — is not harmful by nature. In fact, it can free up cognitive resources for more complex tasks.” 1．What do we know about the “digital pioneer” generation? A．They are addicted to digital technology. B．They start using digital tools at an old age. C．They are the first to use digital tools regularly. D．They start suffering from sharp cognitive decline. 2．What is paragraph 4 mainly about? A．The widespread use of digital tools. B．The analysis of the new research finding. C．The great complexity of mental activities. D．The implication of the previous research finding. 3．What is Scarampi’s attitude toward “digital dementia”? A．Approving. B．Tolerant. C．Critical. D．Unclear. 4．Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text? A．Responsible Technology Use Matters. B．Cognitive Decline Isn’t Just about Aging. C．Digital Tools May Actually Enhance Our Life. D．Tech Use Isn’t Driving Dementia in Older Adults. 【答案】1．C 2．B 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章主要是关于新的研究表明长期使用数字技术（如智能手机、电脑）的“数字先驱”一代并未出现更高的认知衰退风险，反而可能因技术使用（如解谜、社交）降低认知衰退概率，反驳了“数字痴呆症”的担忧。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段“But new research indicates this view doesn’t appear to be true, at least for the “digital pioneer” generation who first routinely used smartphones, computers and the Internet — and who are now reaching the age when cognitive decline often starts to appear. (但新的研究表明，这种观点似乎并不成立，至少对于“数字先驱”一代而言是如此。这一代人是第一批常规使用智能手机、电脑和互联网的群体，如今他们正步入认知衰退通常开始出现的年龄段。)”可知，“数字先驱”一代指的是首批定期使用数字工具的人群。故选C。 2．主旨大意题。根据第四段“One reason some researchers worried about “digital dementia” was previous research that linked television viewing, a passive activity, with negative outcomes such as an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (阿尔茨海默症). “On the surface, most computer or smartphone screentime might seem similarly passive,” says the new paper’s co-author Michael Scullin, a neuroscience researcher at Baylor University. “But for this group of middle-aged and older adults, phones and computers have been used for mentally stimulating activities and for social connections, such as solving puzzles, engaging with the news, chatting with friends, or using reminders and alarms to help with daily activities.” (一些研究人员担忧“数字痴呆症”的原因之一，是此前有研究将看电视这种被动活动与负面结果（如阿尔兹海默症患病风险增加）关联起来。贝勒大学的神经科学研究员、该新论文的合著者迈克尔・斯卡林表示，“表面上看，大多数使用电脑或智能手机的屏幕时间似乎同样具有被动性。但对于这一群体的中老年人来说，手机和电脑一直被用于刺激性的脑力活动和社交联系，比如解谜、关注新闻、与朋友聊天，或是使用提醒和闹钟功能协助日常活动”)”可知，本段通过对比被动看电视（导致认知风险）与主动使用智能设备（如解谜、社交、新闻互动），解释了新研究的发现——数字技术因促进脑力活动反而降低认知衰退率。选项B“The analysis of the new research finding. (对新研究发现的分析。)”概括了段落核心。故选B。 3．推理判断题。根据最后一段中“‘Digital dementia’ has always felt like a catchy but overstated concept to me,” she adds. “Cognitive offloading — using tools like reminders or GPS — is not harmful by nature. In fact, it can free up cognitive resources for more complex tasks.” (她补充道：“数字痴呆症”向来是一个吸睛但言过其实的概念。“认知卸载——用提醒或全球定位系统等工具——本质上并无害处。事实上，它能为更复杂的任务释放认知资源”)”可知，斯卡拉皮认为“数字痴呆症”吸睛但言过其实，同时强调技术辅助（如提醒功能）能释放认知资源，本质无害，肯定其技术作用，表明她对“数字痴呆症”这一说法持批判态度。故选C。 4．主旨大意题。根据第三段中“They found that people in the “digital pioneer” generation who engaged more with digital technology did not have higher rates of cognitive decline. In fact, technology use was associated with lower rates of cognitive decline.(他们发现，“数字先驱”一代中更多接触数字技术的人，认知衰退的比例并未更高。事实上，使用技术反而与较低的认知衰退比例相关。)”并通读全文可知，文章核心是新研究推翻“长期使用数字技术导致老年人‘数字痴呆’”的观点，证明数字技术使用不仅不引发认知衰退，反而可能降低衰退率。选项D“Tech Use Isn’t Driving Dementia in Older Adults (技术使用不会导致老年痴呆症)”能概括文章主旨，适合作为文章标题。故选D。 Passage 5 In the next few months, millions will apply for postgraduate study. Most plan to get a master’s degree, hoping it will help them stand out in a crowded job market. People often think they need a master’s degree to get or keep a job, mainly because they feel insecure, yet research shows a master’s usually raises pay much less than a college degree, and some programs leave graduates worse off. Despite the limited benefits for graduates, universities still have reasons to admit more postgraduates. In Britain, undergraduate fees are controlled by the government and have barely risen for ten years. Enrolling more postgraduates, who can be charged higher fees, is one way to make more money. In America, as fewer young people attend college, universities hope more students will return for master’s degrees. Since 2000, the cost of studying for a master’s in America has tripled. Many students still pay high fees because they believe higher degrees will help them earn more. In fact, people with a college degree make about 70% more than high-school graduates, while those with a master’s earn about 18% more. The subject chosen matters most. In America, master’s degrees in computer science and engineering bring the biggest pay rise. In some subjects, people even earn less. In Britain, men with a master’s in politics make about 10% less in their mid-30s than those who only studied it at college; for history, the drop is about 20%, and for English, nearly 30%. Women are more likely than men to gain from a master’s degree. A British study finds such degrees raise women’s earnings in 14 of 31 subjects, but for men, only in six. This is surprising because men usually earn more, and the gap grows with education. Still, women with higher degrees often earn more than those without, as they tend to work longer hours, especially after becoming parents. 1．What motivates many people to pursue a master’s degree? A．They want to gain an edge in the job market. B．They expect to find easier jobs after graduation. C．They hope to earn more than college graduates. D．They wish to prepare for further academic study. 2．Why do many universities want more postgraduate students? A．To earn more from higher tuition fees. B．To cope with the rising undergraduate fees. C．To attract returning students and adult learners. D．To provide more opportunities in technical fields. 3．What is the writer’s attitude toward people’s pursuit of master’s degrees? A．Appreciative. B．Unconcerned. C．Objective. D．Disapproving. 4．Which of the following would be the best title for the passage? A．How a Master’s Degree Increases a Graduate’s Pay? B．Why Universities Enroll More Postgraduate Students? C．The Decline in Students Pursuing a Master’s Degree. D．The Value of a Master’s Degree and Its Impact Factors. 【答案】1．A 2．A 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章主要探讨人们攻读硕士学位的动机、高校扩招研究生的原因，以及影响硕士学位价值的关键因素。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段中的“In the next few months, millions will apply for postgraduate study. Most plan to get a master’s degree, hoping it will help them stand out in a crowded job market.(在接下来的几个月里，数百万人将申请研究生学习。大多数人计划攻读硕士学位，希望这能帮助他们在竞争激烈的就业市场中脱颖而出。)”可知，许多人攻读硕士学位的动机是希望在就业市场中获得优势。故选A项。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段中的“Despite the limited benefits for graduates, universities still have reasons to admit more postgraduates. In Britain, undergraduate fees are controlled by the government and have barely risen for ten years. Enrolling more postgraduates, who can be charged higher fees, is one way to make more money. In America, as fewer young people attend college, universities hope more students will return for master’s degrees. Since 2000, the cost of studying for a master’s in America has tripled.(尽管硕士学位对毕业生的好处有限，但高校仍有理由扩招研究生。在英国，本科学费受政府管控，十年来几乎没有上涨。招收更多能收取更高学费的研究生是增加收入的一种方式。在美国，随着上大学的年轻人减少，高校希望更多学生返校攻读硕士学位。自2000年以来，美国硕士学位的学费已经涨了三倍。)”可知，许多高校希望扩招研究生的原因是能从更高的学费中赚取更多收入。故选A项。 3．推理判断题。根据第二段中的“People often think they need a master’s degree to get or keep a job, mainly because they feel insecure, yet research shows a master’s usually raises pay much less than a college degree, and some programs leave graduates worse off.(人们常常认为自己需要硕士学位才能找到或保住工作，这主要是因为他们缺乏安全感，然而研究表明，硕士学位对薪资的提升幅度通常远低于本科学位，而且一些硕士项目甚至会让毕业生的处境变得更糟。)”、第四段中的“The subject chosen matters most. In America, master’s degrees in computer science and engineering bring the biggest pay rise. In some subjects, people even earn less.(所选的专业至关重要。在美国，计算机科学和工程专业的硕士学位能带来最大幅度的薪资增长。而在一些专业，硕士毕业生的收入甚至更低。)”以及第五段中的“Women are more likely than men to gain from a master’s degree.(女性比男性更有可能从硕士学位中获益。)”可知，作者既指出人们攻读硕士学位的普遍想法，又客观呈现研究数据、不同专业和性别的差异，没有偏向性的支持或反对态度。因此作者对人们攻读硕士学位的态度是客观的。选项A“赞赏的”、B“不关心的”、D“不赞成的”均不符合作者的态度。故选C项。 4．主旨大意题。根据第一段中的“In the next few months, millions will apply for postgraduate study. Most plan to get a master’s degree, hoping it will help them stand out in a crowded job market.(在接下来的几个月里，数百万人将申请研究生学习。大多数人计划攻读硕士学位，希望这能帮助他们在竞争激烈的就业市场中脱颖而出。)”、第二段中的“People often think they need a master’s degree to get or keep a job, mainly because they feel insecure, yet research shows a master’s usually raises pay much less than a college degree, and some programs leave graduates worse off.(人们常常认为自己需要硕士学位才能找到或保住工作，这主要是因为他们缺乏安全感，然而研究表明，硕士学位对薪资的提升幅度通常远低于本科学位，而且一些硕士项目甚至会让毕业生的处境变得更糟。)”、第四段中的“The subject chosen matters most.(所选的专业至关重要。)”以及第五段中的“Women are more likely than men to gain from a master’s degree.(女性比男性更有可能从硕士学位中获益。)”可知，文章围绕硕士学位展开，涵盖了人们攻读硕士学位的动机、学位的薪资价值，以及专业、性别等影响其价值的关键因素，由此可知，“硕士学位的价值及其影响因素”概括了文章的主题，适合作为最佳标题。故选D项。 Passage 6 Although photovoltaic (光伏电池) cells and wind turbines (涡轮机) were invented almost 150 years ago, they still generate only 7% of the world’s electricity today. This might appear to show limited progress. Nevertheless, the situation is changing rapidly: over the past decade, these renewable technologies have grown faster than any other energy source, as their costs continue to fall and make them competitive with fossil fuels. BP, an energy enterprise, expects renewables to account for half of the growth in global energy supply over the next 20 years. It is no longer hard to believe that the world is entering an era of clean, unlimited and cheap power, where society could rely less on polluting fossil fuels and more on sustainable energy sources. However, there is a $20 trillion hitch. In the coming decades, huge amounts of investment will be needed to replace old polluting power plants, upgrade outdated infrastructure (基础设施), and improve the power lines that deliver electricity reliably to homes and businesses. Normally investors enjoy putting their money into electricity because it brings reliable returns. Yet green energy has a dirty secret. The more it is used, the more it drives down the price of electricity from all sources. That makes it difficult to manage the transition to a carbon-free future, when many kinds of power generation, both clean and dirty, need to remain profitable. Unless the market is fixed, subsidies (补贴) to the industry will only grow. Policymakers are beginning to see this problem as a reason to slow down the use of renewable energy. In some parts of Europe and China, investment in renewables is falling because subsidies have been reduced. However, the answer is not to use less wind and solar power, but to rethink how clean energy is priced so that it can be used more effectively, maintain profitability for energy providers, and contribute fully to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. 1．What do we know about renewable energy according to the first paragraph? A．Its costs are still higher than fossil fuels. B．It faces no financial or market challenges. C．It generates most of the world’s electricity. D．It is growing fastest and becoming cheaper. 2．What does the underlined word “hitch” in paragraph 2 probably mean? A．Delay. B．Problem. C．Plan. D．Advantage. 3．Why does the transition to a carbon-free future become difficult? A．Green energy increases the overall cost of electricity generation. B．Falling prices make many types of power generation unprofitable. C．Investors are no longer putting their money into the electricity industry. D．Subsidies for green energy are no longer available from the government. 4．How can green energy be used more effectively? A．By updating its generating technologies. B．By increasing subsidies for green energy. C．By setting reasonable prices for clean energy. D．By encouraging more investment in the market. 【答案】1．D 2．B 3．B 4．C 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。主要介绍可再生能源发展迅速但面临投资与定价难题，探讨如何通过合理定价推动其可持续发展。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段中的“Nevertheless, the situation is changing rapidly: over the past decade, these renewable technologies have grown faster than any other energy source, as their costs continue to fall and make them competitive with fossil fuels. (然而，这种情况正在迅速改变：在过去十年里，这些可再生能源技术的发展速度超过了其他任何能源，其成本持续下降，足以与化石燃料相抗衡)”可知，可再生能源发展速度最快且价格越来越低。故选D项。 2．词句猜测题。根据第二段中的“In the coming decades, huge amounts of investment will be needed to replace old polluting power plants, upgrade outdated infrastructure (基础设施), and improve the power lines that deliver electricity reliably to homes and businesses. (在未来几十年里，需要大量投资来更换老旧的污染发电厂、升级落后的基础设施，以及改善为家庭和企业稳定供电的输电线)”可知，前文提到可再生能源发展前景向好，后文转而指出需要巨额投资的阻碍，因此“hitch”的意思是“难题、障碍”。故选B项。 3．细节理解题。根据第三段中的“The more it is used, the more it drives down the price of electricity from all sources. That makes it difficult to manage the transition to a carbon-free future, when many kinds of power generation, both clean and dirty, need to remain profitable. (可再生能源使用得越多，就越会拉低所有能源的电价。而向无碳未来转型的过程中，各类发电方式无论清洁与否都需要保持盈利，这就使得转型变得困难)”可知，向无碳未来转型困难的原因是电价下跌导致多种发电方式难以盈利。故选B项。 4．细节理解题。根据第四段中的“However, the answer is not to use less wind and solar power, but to rethink how clean energy is priced so that it can be used more effectively, maintain profitability for energy providers, and contribute fully to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. (然而，解决办法并非减少风能和太阳能的使用，而是重新思考清洁能源的定价方式，使其能得到更高效的利用，同时保障能源供应商的盈利，为可持续的低碳能源未来做出充分贡献)”可知，让清洁能源得到更高效利用的方法是为其制定合理的价格。故选C项。 Passage 7 The traditional school model, largely unchanged since the 19th century, is failing to prepare students for the future. Past reforms, like system-wide policies, have not brought real change. Evidence shows that many graduates, even with degrees, are not ready for the modern workforce. The core reason for this failure is a rigid, required curriculum that fills the school day, leaving students with little say in their own education. This lack of student choice often leads to disengagement, raising questions about whether what is taught today will remain valuable tomorrow. To address this, a new approach is proposed: the “school within a school” model. This idea draws inspiration from nature and technology. Consider how a successful new technology spreads: early users try it, and if it proves valuable, it naturally becomes widespread. No one forces everyone to buy it. In contrast, education reforms often fail because they are forced upon entire systems, creating resistance from teachers, parents, and students. The “school within a school” model offers a more natural, ecological path to change. Instead of requiring all schools to transform, it allows for small, voluntary programs to exist within a larger school. Interested students and parents can choose to participate in a setting where students have more autonomy. With the guidance of teachers, they can pursue their own interests, set personal learning goals, and discover their unique strengths. This small-scale approach avoids major resistance and allows for innovation to grow organically. It creates an environment where students are more engaged and motivated because they have a stake in their own learning. They learn to find and solve meaningful problems, developing skills that are truly valuable for their future. Ultimately, these small, successful innovations can gradually influence the entire education system, much like a healthy ecosystem adapts and evolves. By reducing top-down control and fostering student autonomy, education can become more adaptable and effective, better serving generations to come. 1．Why did past educational reforms fail according to the author? A．They lacked enough financial support. B．They were forced on the entire system. C．They ignored the importance of technology. D．They focused too much on student autonomy. 2．What does the iPhone example in paragraph 2 suggest? A．Technology should be banned in schools. B．Successful changes spread naturally. C．All schools should use smartphones. D．Apple is a leader in education. 3．What is a key feature of the “school within a school” model? A．It requires all students to participate. B．It focuses on a standardized national curriculum. C．It offers students more learning choices. D．It relies heavily on artificial intelligence. 4．What is the author’s attitude toward the traditional school system? A．Supportive and proud. B．Satisfied but hopeful. C．Critical and concerned. D．Indifferent and uncaring. 【答案】1．B 2．B 3．C 4．C 【导语】这是一篇议论文，本文批判了传统教育模式因课程僵化和缺乏学生自主权而无法适应未来需求的问题。作者指出，过去自上而下的强制性改革均以失败告终。为此，文章提出了一种“校中校”的创新模式，主张通过小范围、自愿性的试点项目，给予学生更多学习自主权，从而激发其学习兴趣和潜力。作者认为，这种仿效自然生态和技术推广模式的渐进式变革，能够减少阻力，让成功的创新经验自然扩散，最终推动整个教育系统的有效转型。 1．细节理解题。 题目询问过去教育改革失败的原因。文章第二段中“In contrast, education reforms often fail because they are forced upon entire systems, creating resistance from teachers, parents, and students.(相比之下，教育改革常常失败，因为它们被强加于整个系统，从而引起了教师、家长和学生的抵制。)”明确指出了失败的原因是“强制性”。选项B“它们被强加于整个系统”是对此信息的精准概括。选项A（缺乏资金支持）、C（忽视技术的重要性）和D（过分关注学生自主权）在文中均未提及或与文意不符。故选B。 2．推理判断题。 题目询问iPhone例子的暗示意义。第二段中“Consider how a successful new technology spreads: early users try it, and if it proves valuable, it naturally becomes widespread. No one forces everyone to buy it.(想想一项成功的新技术是如何传播的：早期用户尝试它，如果它被证明有价值，它就会自然地普及开来。没有人强迫每个人都购买。)”用iPhone的例子来反衬教育改革的强制性，并暗示成功的变革应该像iPhone一样，因其自身价值而“自然地”被接受和传播。因此，选项B“成功的变革会自然地传播”是作者通过这个例子想要传达的核心观点。选项A、C、D都过于字面化，没有理解作者的类比意图。故选B。 3．细节理解题。 题目询问“校中校”模式的一个关键特征。文章第三段描述了该模式：“Instead of requiring all schools to transform, it allows for small, voluntary programs to exist within a larger school. Interested students and parents can choose to participate in a setting where students have more autonomy. With the guidance of teachers, they can pursue their own interests, set personal learning goals, and discover their unique strengths.(它没有要求所有的学校都进行改造，而是允许小规模的、自愿的项目在更大的学校内存在。感兴趣的学生和家长可以选择参加一个学生有更多自主权的环境。在老师的指导下，他们可以追求自己的兴趣，设定个人的学习目标，发现自己独特的优势。)”，因此可知这项模式的核心是给予学生更多的自主权和选择权。选项C“它为学生提供更多学习选择”准确地概括了这一关键特征。选项A（要求所有学生参加）与文中的“voluntary”（自愿的）相悖；选项B（专注于标准化课程）与文章主旨“减少规定性课程”相反；选项D（严重依赖人工智能）在文中虽有提及，但并非该模式的核心特征。故选C。 4．推理判断题。 题目询问作者对传统学校系统的态度。通读全文，根据第一段中“The traditional school model, largely unchanged since the 19th century, is failing to prepare students for the future. Past reforms, like system-wide policies, have not brought real change.( 传统的学校模式，自19世纪以来基本上没有改变，无法为学生的未来做好准备。过去的改革，如全系统政策，并没有带来真正的改变)”和“This lack of student choice often leads to disengagement, raising questions about whether what is taught today will remain valuable tomorrow.(学生选择的缺乏往往会导致不投入，从而引发了今天所教的东西明天是否仍然有价值的问题)”可知，作者使用了“failing to prepare students”（未能让学生做好准备）、“not brought real change”（未带来真正改变）、“disengagement”（不投入）等负面词汇来描述传统教育。同时，作者积极提出改革方案，表现出对现状的担忧和对未来的关切。因此，作者的态度是“批判和担忧的”。选项C准确地反映了这种态度。选项A（支持和自豪）和D（漠不关心）明显错误。选项B（满意但充满希望）也不正确，因为作者对现状是明确不满的，而非满意。故选C。 Passage 8 Experts use a term to describe how easily people can move up or down the income ladder compared with others. This shows whether a family’s financial position is likely to stay the same or change over time. To understand this, researchers recently studied the reasons behind these financial shifts, focusing on two main sources of money: income from work and income from investments. The findings were quite clear. When people's financial situation improves and they move ahead of others, it is mainly because of their earnings from work. In practical terms, having a stable, well-paying job is the most important factor for long-term financial progress. Money from investments can certainly help, but it rarely plays the leading role in helping most people build lasting wealth over their careers. However, the situation is very different when incomes start to decline. When people fall behind financially compared to their peers, the primary reason is often a reduction in their income from investments. Losses from things like shares, property, or business activities tend to be the biggest cause of people slipping down the income ladder. These financial drops often happen alongside lower work earnings, but investment losses play the dominant role. The reason for this sharp difference lies in how these two types of income behave. Income from work often increases gradually throughout a person’s life as they gain more experience, improve their skills, or find better jobs. This steady growth helps many people improve their financial standing over time. In contrast, income from investments is much more unstable. It can go up and down quickly with market changes, and for most people, it is more likely to lead to a decrease than to provide continuous growth. Therefore, for the majority of people, the path to financial security begins with a solid income from work. A steady job provides the necessary foundation. Once this stability is achieved, it may then become possible to save money and explore investment opportunities. Lasting financial progress is usually built on the reliable earnings from a job, with investment income playing a secondary, supporting role later on. 1．What are the main factors for income changes? A．Both are mainly driven by work income. B．Both are closely related to investment gains. C．Gains come from work, while drops from investments. D．Gains are from investments, while drops from work. 2．What can be inferred about work income? A．It grows rapidly for young people. B．It is more reliable than investment income. C．It is the only way to become wealthy. D．It decreases as one gets older. 3．What is the suggested financial path for most people? A．Focus on investments from the very beginning. B．Rely on a stable job before investing. C．Avoid investments due to their high risks. D．Change jobs frequently to increase salary. 4．What is the author’s attitude towards capital income? A．Highly positive, seeing it as the key to wealth. B．Completely negative, warning against all investments. C．Objective but cautious, highlighting its risks. D．Indifferent, focusing only on work income. 【答案】1．C 2．B 3．B 4．C 【导语】这是一篇议论文。文章围绕收入阶层流动的影响因素展开研究，聚焦劳动收入和投资收入两大收入来源，分析了二者在人们经济状况上升和下滑过程中所起的不同作用，最后为大多数人提出了实现财务安全的合理路径。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段“When people's financial situation improves and they move ahead of others, it is mainly because of their earnings from work (当人们的经济状况好转、领先于他人时，主要是得益于劳动收入)”以及第三段“When people fall behind financially compared to their peers, the primary reason is often a reduction in their income from investments (当人们在经济上落后于同龄人时，主要原因往往是投资收入的减少)”可知，收入上升源于劳动收入，收入下滑源于投资收入。故选C。 2．推理判断题。根据第四段“Income from work often increases gradually throughout a person’s life as they gain more experience, improve their skills, or find better jobs. This steady growth helps many people improve their financial standing over time. In contrast, income from investments is much more unstable (随着人们积累更多经验、提升技能或找到更好的工作，劳动收入往往会在人的一生中逐步增长。这种稳步增长有助于很多人逐步改善经济状况。相比之下，投资收入则不稳定得多)”可知，劳动收入比投资收入更可靠。故选B。 3．细节理解题。根据最后一段“Therefore, for the majority of people, the path to financial security begins with a solid income from work. A steady job provides the necessary foundation. Once this stability is achieved, it may then become possible to save money and explore investment opportunities (因此，对于大多数人来说，实现财务安全的路径始于稳定的劳动收入。一份稳定的工作是必要的基础。一旦实现了这种稳定，就有可能存钱并探索投资机会)”可知，文章建议大多数人先依靠稳定的工作，再进行投资。故选B。 4．推理判断题。根据第二段“Money from investments can certainly help, but it rarely plays the leading role in helping most people build lasting wealth over their careers (投资收入当然能提供帮助，但在帮助大多数人在职业生涯中积累持久财富方面，它很少发挥主导作用)”、第三段“Losses from things like shares, property, or business activities tend to be the biggest cause of people slipping down the income ladder (股票、房产或商业活动等方面的亏损，往往是人们收入阶层下滑的最大原因)”以及最后一段“with investment income playing a secondary, supporting role later on (投资收入在之后只起到次要的辅助作用)”可知，作者既承认投资收入有一定帮助，又强调其不稳定性和风险性，态度客观且谨慎。故选C。 Passage 9 The Invisible Tapestry: How Immigrants Weave Bicultural Identities into Society Every year, over 281 million people worldwide leave their home countries — equivalent to the entire population of Brazil — seeking safety, opportunity, or a better life. Yet beyond the statistical headlines lies a quieter, more profound reality: for many immigrants, the greatest challenge is not crossing borders, but navigating the fragile space between two cultures. This “bicultural identity”—the ability to move between one’s heritage culture and the adopted society — has long been misunderstood as a “split” or “conflict,” but emerging research reveals it as a strength that reshapes both individuals and the communities they join. A 2023 Stanford University study tracking 1,200 Latinx immigrant families in the U.S. offers striking insights. Researchers found that families who maintained “selective assimilation” — preserving core traditions like weekly tamal-making or Spanish-language storytelling while embracing American norms such as community volunteering — reported 47% higher life satisfaction than those who fully abandoned their heritage to “fit in.” More surprisingly, the children of these families showed greater academic resilience: 62% graduated high school with honors, compared to 38% of peers from families that prioritized complete cultural absorption. “Biculturalism isn’t about choosing one culture over the other,” explains Dr. Elena Marquez, lead researcher. “It’s about building a third space — one where a teenager can explain Día de los Muertos to their classmates while also cheering for their school’s football team.” This third space, however, is not without friction. For first-generation immigrants, the tension often arises from “cultural guilt”: a Nigerian mother working double shifts to afford her daughter’s ballet lessons may feel she’s failing to pass down Yoruba values; a Vietnamese father teaching his son to fix cars in their garage may worry the boy is losing touch with his roots. Meanwhile, second-generation immigrants face their own battle: labeled “too foreign” by peers in their adopted country and “too Americanized” by relatives back home. A 2024 survey of 500 Asian American young adults found that 73% had been asked, “Where are you really from?” — a question that erases their sense of belonging in the only country they’ve ever known. Critics of immigration often frame cultural diversity as a threat to social cohesion, arguing that immigrants “dilute” national identity. But economic data tells a different story. The Migration Policy Institute reports that immigrant-owned small businesses in the U.S. generate $885 billion annually, and in Europe, skilled immigrants fill 30% of jobs in healthcare and engineering — fields facing severe labor shortages. More importantly, bicultural individuals act as “cultural bridges”: a Mexican American nurse translating for elderly Spanish-speaking patients, a Somali American community organizer connecting refugee families to local resources. These acts of translation, both linguistic and cultural, strengthen social bonds rather than weaken them. At its core, the debate over immigration misses a fundamental truth: cultures have never been static. The U.S. “melting pot” was never just about assimilation — it was about German beer halls blending with Irish pubs, African rhythms shaping jazz, and Chinese dumplings becoming a staple of American takeout. Today’s bicultural immigrants are continuing that tradition, not as outsiders, but as weavers adding new threads to the tapestry of society. Their identities are not a problem to solve, but a resource to celebrate — proof that belonging doesn’t require choosing one culture, but creating space for both. 1．What did the Stanford University study reveal about “selective assimilation” among Latinx immigrant families? A．It leads to lower academic performance compared to complete cultural absorption. B．It helps families achieve higher life satisfaction and children build academic resilience. C．It causes significant conflict between parents and children over cultural values. D．It requires families to abandon most heritage traditions to adapt to American society. 2．What can be inferred from the survey of Asian American young adults? A．Most second-generation Asian Americans feel a strong sense of belonging in the U.S. B．Peers in the U.S. often recognize and respect the cultural heritage of Asian Americans. C．Relatives back home fully accept the “Americanized” lifestyle of second-generation immigrants. D．Second-generation immigrants frequently face questions that challenge their national identity. 3．What is the main argument of the fourth paragraph? A．Immigrant-owned businesses are more profitable than those owned by native citizens. B．Critics of immigration are correct to worry about the dilution of national identity. C．Bicultural individuals and immigrants make important economic and social contributions. D．Skilled immigrants in Europe are primarily employed in the healthcare industry. 4．What is the author’s attitude toward bicultural identity among immigrants? A．Supportive B．Neutral C．Critical D．Skeptical 【答案】1．B 2．D 3．C 4．A 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章主要论述了移民的双重文化身份及其积极意义。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段中“Researchers found that families who maintained ‘selective assimilation’ — preserving core traditions lz'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'z'zvolunteering — reported 47% higher life satisfaction than those who fully abandoned their heritage to ‘fit in.’ More surprisingly, the children of these families showed greater academic resilience: 62% graduated high school with honors, compared to 38% of peers from families that prioritized complete cultural absorption.(研究人员发现，那些保持“选择性同化”的家庭——在接受美国规范（如社区志愿服务）的同时，保留每周制作玉米粽或用西班牙语讲故事等核心传统——报告的生活满意度比那些为了“融入”而完全放弃自己文化传统的家庭高出47%。更令人惊讶的是，这些家庭的孩子表现出更强的学术韧性：62%的人高中毕业时成绩优异，而那些优先考虑完全文化吸收的家庭的孩子中，这一比例只有38%)”可知，斯坦福大学的研究揭示了拉丁裔移民家庭中的“选择性同化”有助于家庭获得更高的生活满意度，并帮助孩子建立学术韧性。故选B。 2．推理判断题。根据第三段中“A 2024 survey of 500 Asian American young adults found that 73% had been asked, ‘Where are you really from?’ — a question that erases their sense of belonging in the only country they’ve ever known.(2024年对500名亚裔美国年轻人的调查发现，73%的人被问过“你到底从哪里来？”——这个问题抹去了他们在这个他们所知道的唯一国家的归属感)”可推断出，第二代移民经常面临挑战他们国家身份的问题。故选D。 3．段落大意题。根据第四段中“Critics of immigration often frame cultural diversity as a threat to social cohesion, arguing that immigrants ‘dilute’ national identity. But economic data tells a different story. The Migration Policy Institute reports that immigrant-owned small businesses in the U.S. generate $885 billion annually, and in Europe, skilled immigrants fill 30% of jobs in healthcare and engineering — fields facing severe labor shortages. More importantly, bicultural individuals act as ‘cultural bridges’: a Mexican American nurse translating for elderly Spanish-speaking patients, a Somali American community organizer connecting refugee families to local resources. These acts of translation, both linguistic and cultural, strengthen social bonds rather than weaken them.(移民批评者常常将文化多样性视为对社会凝聚力的威胁，认为移民“稀释”了国家身份。但经济数据却讲述了另一个故事。移民政策研究所报告称，美国移民拥有的小企业每年创造8850亿美元的收入，而在欧洲，技术移民填补了医疗保健和工程领域30%的职位空缺，这些领域面临着严重的劳动力短缺。更重要的是，具有双重文化背景的人充当着“文化桥梁”：一位墨西哥裔美国护士为说西班牙语的老年患者翻译，一位索马里裔美国社区组织者将难民家庭与当地资源联系起来。这些语言和文化上的翻译行为加强了社会联系，而不是削弱了它们)”可知，第四段的主要论点是具有双重文化背景的人和移民做出了重要的经济和社会贡献。故选C。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段中“At its core, the debate over immigration misses a fundamental truth: cultures have never been static. The U.S. ‘melting pot’ was never just about assimilation — it was about German beer halls blending with Irish pubs, African rhythms shaping jazz, and Chinese dumplings becoming a staple of American takeout. Today’s bicultural immigrants are continuing that tradition, not as outsiders, but as weavers adding new threads to the tapestry of society. Their identities are not a problem to solve, but a resource to celebrate — proof that belonging doesn’t require choosing one culture, but creating space for both.(关于移民的争论忽略了一个基本事实：文化从来都不是静态的。美国的“大熔炉”从来不仅仅是关于同化——它是关于德国啤酒馆与爱尔兰酒吧的融合，非洲节奏塑造爵士乐，以及中国饺子成为美国外卖的主食。今天的双重文化移民正在延续这一传统，他们不是作为外来者，而是作为织工，为社会这幅织锦增添新的丝线。他们的身份不是一个需要解决的问题，而是一种值得庆祝的资源——这证明了归属感并不需要选择一种文化，而是为两种文化都创造空间)”可知，作者对移民的双重文化身份持支持态度。故选A。 Passage 10 I often catch myself starting my questions to ChatGPT with a “please” and concluding with a “thank you.” Apparently, I am not alone. A survey published in 2024 by TechRadar found that approximately 67% of AI users are also polite and show gratitude toward AI search engines. When asked whether there’s a cost to all this politeness, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded, “Tens of millions of dollars well spent — you never know.” In reality, of course, AI chatbots do not appreciate politeness; they lack consciousness, feelings or a need for social politeness. From a purely practical standpoint, all those pleases and thank you are just flushing money down the toilet. Still, there may be value that isn’t immediately measurable in showing gratitude toward AI. In his book “The Psychology of Gratitude,” psychologists Robert Emmons write about a 10-week experiment. He divided participants into three groups, asking the first to list things they are grateful for, the second to list daily annoyances and the third to just keep a journal. He found that the first group reported 25% higher happiness levels, showed stronger emotional resilience (适应力) and were physically healthier. Other studies have also linked gratitude to better sleep, less depression and anxiety, and greater relationship satisfaction. What’s true of gratitude is also true of kindness and generosity. Psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky from UC Riverside conducted experiments where participants performed “five small acts of kindness per week.” She found that these small, frequent acts led to consistent and significant increases in happiness. These modern researchers are rediscovering an age- old wisdom: we should practice doing good regularly, not just for the sake of the people we benefit, but for our own. So perhaps all of our pleases and thank you to AI have value, even if they cost OpenAI millions of dollars annually. Showing appreciation, even toward a machine, strengthens positive habits of politeness, patience and empathy. In our increasingly digital and automated world, preserving these human qualities may be more valuable than the substantial costs. Ultimately, the one who benefits from our politeness isn’t the AI at all, but ourselves. 1．Why is the survey mentioned in Paragraph 1? A．To present a fact. B．To challenge a belief. C．To support an argument. D．To illustrate a phenomenon. 2．How does Sam Altman seem to view the cost of politeness to AI? A．As an educational tool. B．As a necessary investment. C．As a social requirement. D．As a technical breakdown. 3．What do the experiments find about being polite to AI? A．It develops positive human habits. B．It improves the AI’s response quality. C．It brings lasting happiness to the AI. D．It makes people more grateful to others. 4．What does the author mean in the last paragraph? A．Politeness to AI is meaningless but costly. B．Digital interactions require new polite behavior. C．Humans benefit more than AI from being polite. D．AI will eventually develop emotional awareness. 【答案】1．D 2．B 3．A 4．C 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章主要讨论了人们在与AI交流时保持礼貌和感激的态度，尽管AI本身并不需要这些情感表达，但这种行为对人类自身有积极影响，能够培养积极的习惯和品质。 1．推理判断题。根据第一段中“I often catch myself starting my questions to ChatGPT with a “please” and concluding with a “thank you.” Apparently, I am not alone. A survey published in 2024 by TechRadar found that approximately 67% of AI users are also polite and show gratitude toward AI search engines. (我经常发现自己在向ChatGPT提问时以“请”开头，以“谢谢”结尾。显然，并不只有我这样做。TechRadar在2024年发布的一项调查发现，大约67%的AI用户也对AI搜索引擎表示礼貌和感激)”可知，第一段通过描述一个现象，即许多人在与AI交流时使用礼貌用语，来引出后文对于这一现象的讨论和分析。故该段提到调查是为了说明这一现象。故选D项。 2．推理判断题。根据第二段中“When asked whether there’s a cost to all this politeness, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded, “Tens of millions of dollars well spent — you never know.”(当被问及所有这些礼貌是否需要付出代价时，OpenAI首席执行官山姆·奥特曼回答说：“物有所值——你永远不知道会带来什么。”)”可知，山姆·奥特曼认为，即使花费巨大，这种礼貌也是值得的，由此可推知，山姆·奥特曼认为对AI的礼貌是一种必要的投资。故选B项。 3．细节理解题。根据最后一段中“Showing appreciation, even toward a machine, strengthens positive habits of politeness, patience and empathy. (即使是对一台机器表示感激，也能增强礼貌、耐心和同理心等积极习惯)”可知，实验发现对AI礼貌可以培养积极的人类习惯。故选A项。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段中“Showing appreciation, even toward a machine, strengthens positive habits of politeness, patience and empathy. (即使是对一台机器表示感激，也能增强礼貌、耐心和同理心等积极习惯)”和“Ultimately, the one who benefits from our politeness isn’t the AI at all, but ourselves. (最终，从我们的礼貌中受益的根本不是AI，而是我们自己)”可推知，作者在最后一段的意思是，人类从“对AI礼貌”这一行为中受益比AI更多。故选C项。 Passage 11 Autumn leaves may be beautiful on trees, though they become annoying once they cover the ground. Although regular raking (耙) keeps your yard clean, it often upsets you when most leaves come from a neighbor’s tree. This presents a common problem: what should you do when your neighbor’s tree litters your yard? Some people have gathered these leaves and put the pile back onto the neighbor’s yard, calling it a return to the “rightful owner.” A video of such an act caused heated debate on TikTok. Supporters believe it is the tree’s owner who should take responsibility for the leaves. “He has NO trees. He’s just returning what belongs to his neighbor.” However, many people view the action as downright rude. “Welcome to Earth, where trees are all around the neighborhood,” one comment read. Another person added, “If he went through the trouble of gathering them, then dumping (倾倒) over the fence is completely inconsiderate and unacceptable.” Manners expert Jodi RR Smith points out that having neighbors means sharing both the good and bad sides of nearby trees.” Leaves that fall on your land are your duty to handle, just as you can enjoy the tree’s shade in summer, “ she noted, “the same idea applies to fruit from branches over your yard.” Instead, she suggests having a friendly talk with the neighbor. They may not even be aware of the issue and once they find the problem, they might offer to help with cleanup costs. Or, if you’ re OK with some temporary yard mess, you don’t even need to rake your leaves in the first place. The United States Department of Agriculture says that leaves on the ground can create an ideal habitat for animals like lizards, insects, and frogs. Either way, it is usually best to keep your yard tidy and clean up the leaves — no matter where from. 1．What might be the reason for some people to put the leaves back to their neighbors? A．To keep their own yard clean. B．To help the neighbor rake the litters. C．To make some eye-catching TikTok videos. D．To remind the tree’s owner to be responsible. 2．What does the underline word “downright” in paragraph 4 mean? A．Hardly. B．Slightly. C．Properly. D．Totally. 3．What does Jodi RR Smith recommend? A．Build a fence wall. B．Take fruit from the tree. C．Speak to the neighbor. D．Dump the leaves back. 4．What can be a suitable title for the text? A．Are You Responsible for Your Neighbor’ s Leaves? B．Handling Neighbor Issues with Kindness C．Should You Make a Video of Your Leaf Problem? D．Letting Leaves Lie: An Eco-Friendly Choice 【答案】1．D 2．D 3．C 4．A 【导语】这是一篇议论文。文章主要讨论了邻居的树落叶到自家院子里的问题，以及人们对此的不同看法和应对方式。 1．细节理解题。根据第三段“Supporters believe it is the tree’s owner who should take responsibility for the leaves.(支持者认为，树的主人应该对树叶负责。)”可知，有些人把树叶还给邻居是为了提醒树的主人要负责任。故选D。 2．词句猜测题。根据下文““Welcome to Earth, where trees are all around the neighborhood,” one comment read. Another person added, “If he went through the trouble of gathering them, then dumping (倾倒) over the fence is completely inconsiderate and unacceptable.”(一条评论写道：“欢迎来到地球，这社区里到处都是树。”另一个人补充道：“既然他都费力气把落叶收集起来了，那再把它们倒过栅栏，就是完全不顾及他人，而且令人无法接受。”)”可知，很多人认为这种行为完全粗鲁无礼。由此可知，downright意为“完全地”。故选D。 3．细节理解题。根据第六段“Instead, she suggests having a friendly talk with the neighbor.(相反，她建议与邻居友好交谈。)”可知，Jodi RR Smith建议与邻居友好交谈。故选C。 4．主旨大意题。通读全文，根据第二段“This presents a common problem: what should you do when your neighbor’s tree litters your yard.(这提出了一个常见的问题：当邻居的树把你的院子弄得乱七八糟时，你该怎么办？)”可知，文章主要讨论的是你是否要为邻居的树叶负责。A项“你对邻居的落叶负责吗？”适合用作标题，故选A。 Passage 12 Understanding a proof in a math textbook is one thing; being able to reconstruct it without help is another thing. My classmates and I learned this the hard way at university. Most of our exams were oral exams, and nothing exposes a lack of deep knowledge faster than trying to explain a concept to someone. Unlike written exams, where visual learners may be able to parrot back memorized notes that they barely understand, an oral test demands creative thinking in real time. When presented with a problem, students not only need to recall relevant definitions and theories, but they also need to apply them-sometimes in ways they never anticipated. Students often fall into a familiar trap. They read the textbooks, highlight key passages, and review lecture notes. These activities feel productive, but when exam day arrives, a student will often realize their passive familiarity with the material doesn’t translate into the ability to apply it. Nor does it translate into a good grade. Passive learning is misleading. It feels like we’re making progress, but without actually applying what we learn, it slips away quickly. Consuming information is not the same as developing skills. The cognitive psychologist Daniel T. Willingham explains the distinction between passive and active learning when he writes, “Memory is the result of thought.” In other words, we forget most of what we encounter and remember only what we think about. Reading about calculations doesn’t automatically create the neural pathways needed to solve calculating problems. Those pathways only form through deliberate practice: by solving problems, making mistakes, and experiencing the struggle. As a general rule, the harder your brain works during practice, the better it performs when it matters. To truly master something, you should embrace challenges and accept the slow, often frustrating, pace of true learning. The oral math exam was valuable because it broke the illusion of passive learning. Standing in front of the professor, faced with a problem, there’s nowhere to hide. The pressure to produce mathematics revealed the true state of our understanding. To truly know what we don’t know, we should simulate our own oral exams by picturing an imaginary professor asking questions and forcing ourselves to figure out answers on our own. 1．What does the underlined phrase “parrot back” mean in paragraph 2? A．Repeat mechanically. B．Appreciate deeply. C．Apply creatively. D．Forget quickly. 2．Why do students fall into the learning trap? A．Because of over-reliance on textbooks. B．Because of brilliant exam performance. C．Because of a false sense of competence. D．Because of overemphasis on memory skills. 3．Which of the following statements might Daniel T. Willingham agree with? A．Repeated exposure strengthens memories. B．Active engagement builds solid memory. C．Memory improves with extensive reading. D．Learning occurs when teachers ask questions. 4．What would be the best title for the text? A．Passive Learning: The Silent Killer of Exams B．Conscious Practice: The Best Way to Learn Math C．Oral Math Exams: The Frustrating University Tests D．Active Learning: The Key to Mastering Knowledge 【答案】1．A 2．C 3．B 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。主要论述了被动学习无法让人真正掌握知识，通过大学数学口试的经历，强调主动学习、刻意练习才是掌握知识的关键。 1．词句猜测题。根据第二段中的“Unlike written exams, where visual learners may be able to parrot back memorized notes that they barely understand, an oral test demands creative thinking in real time.(与笔试不同，视觉学习者在笔试中可能会对自己几乎不理解的背诵笔记进行parrot back，而口试则需要实时的创造性思维。)”可知，笔试中学习者可能只是重复记忆的笔记，并未真正理解，与口试的创造性思维形成对比。因此“parrot back”表示“机械重复”。故选A项。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段中的“These activities feel productive, but when exam day arrives, a student will often realize their passive familiarity with the material doesn’t translate into the ability to apply it. Nor does it translate into a good grade. Passive learning is misleading. It feels like we’re making progress, but without actually applying what we learn, it slips away quickly.(这些活动让人感觉很有成效，但当考试日到来时，学生往往会意识到，他们对材料的被动熟悉并不能转化为应用能力，也不能转化为好成绩。被动学习具有误导性。感觉我们在进步，但如果不实际应用所学，知识很快就会溜走。)”可知，学生陷入学习陷阱是因为被动学习带来了虚假的能力感，让他们误以为自己掌握了知识。故选C项。 3．推理判断题。根据第四段中的“The cognitive psychologist Daniel T. Willingham explains the distinction between passive and active learning when he writes, “Memory is the result of thought.” In other words, we forget most of what we encounter and remember only what we think about.(认知心理学家丹尼尔·T·威林厄姆在解释被动学习和主动学习的区别时写道：“记忆是思考的结果。”换句话说，我们会忘记大部分遇到的东西，只记住我们思考过的东西。)”可知，威林厄姆认为记忆源于思考，即主动参与才能形成牢固的记忆。故选B项。 4．主旨大意题。通读全文，文章通过大学数学口试的经历引出被动学习的弊端，引用心理学家的观点强调“记忆是思考的结果”，并指出主动练习、迎接挑战才是真正掌握知识的方式，所以题目“主动学习是掌握知识的关键”概括了全文的主题，适合作为最佳标题。故选D项。 Passage 13 From ChatGPT crafting emails, to AI systems recommending TV shows and even helping diagnose disease, the presence of machine intelligence in everyday life is no longer science fiction. Despite the promises of speed, accuracy, and convenience, we still feel doubtful about AI tools. This distrust is less about the technology’s capabilities and more about the fundamental workings of the human mind. Human beings are more likely to trust systems they understand. Traditional tools feel familiar: You turn a key, and a car starts. You press a button, and a lift arrives. But many AI systems operate as black boxes: You type something in, and a decision appears. The logic in between is hidden. Psychologically, this is worrying. We like to see cause and effect, and we like being able to question decisions. When we can’t, we feel disempowered. One curious finding from behavioral science is that we are often more forgiving of human error than machine error. When a human makes a mistake, we understand it because we know humans are imperfect. But when an AI tool makes a mistake, it causes discomfort and loss of trust. We trust machines which are objective or data-driven to be logical and impartial. So when they fail, such as misclassifying an image, delivering biased outputs, or recommending something wildly inappropriate, our reaction is sharper. Humans make incorrect decisions all the time. But at least we can ask them “why”. For some, AI isn’t just unfamiliar — it’s existentially unsettling. Teachers, writers, lawyers, and designers are suddenly faced with tools that take on parts of their work. This isn’t just about automation — it’s about what makes our skills valuable and what it means to be human. The result? Resistance, defensiveness, or direct dismissal of the technology. Distrust, in this case, is a psychological defense mechanism. Telling people to “trust the system” rarely works. Trust must be earned. That means designing AI tools that give users agency, not just convenience. Psychologically, we trust what we understand, what we can question, and what treats us with respect. If we want AI to be accepted, it needs to feel less like a black box, and more like a conversation we’re invited to join. 1．Why do we trust traditional tools compared with AI systems? A．They function in a comprehensible way. B．They are equipped with black boxes. C．They boost our understanding of ourselves. D．They encourage us to make our own choices. 2．What can be inferred from paragraph 3? A．We always consider AI tools imperfect. B．We tend to have higher expectations of AI. C．Current AI tools make mistakes all the time. D．We react sharply to our incorrect decisions. 3．Why does AI make people in some professions feel uneasy? A．Its unfamiliarity with work disturbs them. B．Its existence causes a sense of self-doubt. C．It is bound to take the place of them entirely. D．It makes them less capable and less honest. 4．What is the text mainly about? A．How AI works well. B．Reliance on AI tools. C．AI’s potential issues. D．Why we distrust AI. 【答案】1．A 2．B 3．B 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。以快速、精确和便利著称的人工智能虽深入生活，但我们在使用时还是会存有疑虑。这是因为人们因无法理解决策过程、难以容忍机器错误和担心被取代而产生信任危机。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段“Human beings are more likely to trust systems they understand. Traditional tools feel familiar: You turn a key, and a car starts. You press a button, and a lift arrives. (人类更倾向于信任自己能够理解的系统。传统工具给人的感觉很熟悉：转动钥匙，汽车就能启动；按下按钮，电梯就会到来。)”可知，相比人工智能系统，我们信任传统工具是因为它们的工作方式易懂。故选A项。 2．推理判断题。根据第三段“But when an AI tool makes a mistake, it causes discomfort and loss of trust. We trust machines which are objective or data-driven to be logical and impartial. (但当人工智能工具出错时，就会让人感到不适，并且失去对它的信任。我们相信基于客观事实或数据的机器是符合逻辑且公正的。)”可知，我们默认人工智能应当客观精准，所以对它的失误反应更强烈，由此可推断我们对人工智能的期望值更高。故选B项。 3．推理判断题。根据第四段“Teachers, writers, lawyers, and designers are suddenly faced with tools that take on parts of their work. This isn’t just about automation — it’s about what makes our skills valuable and what it means to be human. (教师、作家、律师和设计师突然要面对一些承担了部分本职工作的工具。这不仅仅关乎自动化——更关乎是什么让我们的技能具备价值，以及作为人类的意义是什么。)”可知，部分行业从业者因人工智能感到不安，是因为它的存在让他们开始质疑自身技能的价值和自身存在的意义，产生了自我怀疑。故选B项。 4．主旨大意题。根据第一段“Despite the promises of speed, accuracy, and convenience, we still feel doubtful about AI tools. This distrust is less about the technology’s capabilities and more about the fundamental workings of the human mind. (尽管人工智能工具承诺了速度、准确性和便捷性，但我们仍然对其心存疑虑。这种不信任与其说是关乎技术的能力，不如说是关乎人类思维的基本运作方式。)”以及全文内容可知，文章围绕人们不信任人工智能的原因展开论述，所以D项Why we distrust AI(为什么我们不信任AI)符合语境。故选D项。 Passage 14 A BBC article “400-year record heat threat to Great Barrier Reef” claims that the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is in terrible danger of being destroyed by warming waters. However, this claim is not supported by available data, the current state of the GBR, or an examination of its history. The BBC states that temperatures in and around the GBR over the past decade are the highest recorded in 400 years and that there have been five mass bleaching events due to “extreme heat”. However, the research paper itself acknowledges uncertainty concerning whether recent heat extremes were actually higher than those in the past. The claim relies on proxy data, which the research itself admits is uncertain, and shouldn’t be confused with temperature measurements from modern instruments. In fact, the sea around the GBR has certainly been hotter historically than it is now, and corals have persisted for millions of years. Towards the end of the article, Helen McGregor, a scientist from the University of Wollongong, admits that reefs have survived a lot of change over geological time. Despite this, she continues to promote climate alarmism. Coral has existed through periods of significantly higher and lower temperatures and carbon dioxide levels than today. Beyond that, the GBR is currently in its best shape since record-keeping began in the 1980s and 2024 is the third year in a row when the Great Barrier Reef has set records for coral cover. Bleaching is not necessarily coral death, though. Previous bleaching events in the Great Barrier Reef that resulted in 22% of the reef being affected saw over 75% of the affected areas rebound shortly afterwards. The involved scientists push this alarmist view to urge changing the GBR’s World Heritage status to “endangered,” seeking more government attention and funding, for the reef and scientists trying to “protect” it. The BBC and these scientists appear to be promoting climate alarm while ignoring or downplaying real-world conditions of the GBR. This is not legitimate journalism but rather propaganda aimed at securing more funding and government action. The only real contribution the study makes to science is as an experiment in modelling using proxies. 1．What do we know about the “400-year record-high temperatures” claim? A．It is based on temperature measurements. B．It lacks full certainty from its data source. C．It is confirmed by records for 400 years. D．It proves corals cannot survive extreme heat. 2．What does the author indicate by mentioning the figures in paragraph 4? A．The GBR suffers permanent damage. B．The GBR can recover from bleaching. C．Bleaching is more frequent and severe. D．The BBC’s report are based on real data. 3．Why do the involved scientists promote the alarmist report? A．To secure more funding and attention. B．To prove proxy data is a reliable tool. C．To show concern over the reef’s future. D．To promote legitimate scientific research. 4．What is the author’s main purpose in writing the passage? A．To prove corals can survive extreme temperature. B．To introduce the current thriving status of the GBR. C．To expose the BBC’s misleading report on the GBR. D．To explain the scientific value of proxy- based modeling. 【答案】1．B 2．B 3．A 4．C 【导语】这是一篇议论文。文章主要对BBC一篇关于大堡礁（GBR）面临400年来最高温度威胁的报道提出质疑，指出该报道的依据不可靠，大堡礁目前状况良好，且科学家推动这种危言耸听的观点是为了获取更多政府关注和资金。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段“The BBC states that temperatures in and around the GBR over the past decade are the highest recorded in 400 years and that there have been five mass bleaching events due to “extreme heat”. However, the research paper itself acknowledges uncertainty concerning whether recent heat extremes were actually higher than those in the past. The claim relies on proxy data, which the research itself admits is uncertain, and shouldn’t be confused with temperature measurements from modern instruments.(英国广播公司称，过去十年大堡礁及其周边地区的温度是400年来记录的最高温度，并且由于“极端高温”已经发生了五次大规模白化事件。然而，研究论文本身承认，对于最近的高温极端是否确实高于过去存在不确定性。这一说法依赖于代理数据，而研究本身也承认这些数据是不确定的，不应与现代仪器的温度测量相混淆)”可知，关于“400年来最高温度”的说法，其数据来源缺乏完全的确定性。故选B。 2．推理判断题。根据第四段“Previous bleaching events in the Great Barrier Reef that resulted in 22% of the reef being affected saw over 75% of the affected areas rebound shortly afterwards.(此前大堡礁发生的白化事件导致22%的珊瑚礁受到影响，但不久后超过75%的受影响区域就恢复了)”可知，作者在第四段提到这些数字是为了表明大堡礁可以从白化中恢复。故选B。 3．推理判断题。根据倒数第二段“The involved scientists push this alarmist view to urge changing the GBR’s World Heritage status to “endangered,” seeking more government attention and funding, for the reef and scientists trying to “protect” it.(相关科学家推动这种危言耸听的观点，以敦促将大堡礁的世界遗产地位改为“濒危”，寻求政府更多的关注和资金，用于保护珊瑚礁和试图“保护”它的科学家。)”，由此可知，相关科学家宣传这种危言耸听的报告是为了获得更多的资金和关注。故选A。 4．推理判断题。根据第一段“A BBC article “400-year record heat threat to Great Barrier Reef” claims that the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is in terrible danger of being destroyed by warming waters. However, this claim is not supported by available data, the current state of the GBR, or an examination of its history.(英国广播公司的一篇文章《400年来最高温度对大堡礁的威胁》称，大堡礁（GBR）正面临被升温海水摧毁的可怕危险。然而，这一说法没有得到现有数据、大堡礁目前状况或对其历史的考察的支持)”可知，作者写这篇文章的主要目的是揭露英国广播公司关于大堡礁的误导性报道。故选C。 Passage 15 You had to be really unlucky to be on the China National Highway 110 on August 14, 2025. One of the longest traffic jams on record, trapping thousands of vehicles over more than 100 kilometers and lasting more than 10 days. Would it make you impatient? I strongly suspect that even the calmest would answer with a resounding “yes”! And yet philosophers and poets alike sell patience as a “virtue”, implying that having it is always a good thing. To me, it’s far more useful to think about patience as something we do rather than something we have. Consider first what it means to be impatient. We all know the feeling: fingers drumming the table, leg bouncing. But why does this frustrating feeling arise? Most emotion researchers take it as a functionalist perspective. Our mind and body are trying to tell us to get moving, to find a way to bring the unpleasant delay to an end. In a series of recent studies with more than 1,400 participants, we found that people were more impatient when the thing they were waiting for was very appealing — and when the wait itself was unappealing. Being delayed for something you hate, such as an unpleasant work event, is easier than a similar delay for a much-anticipated performance by your favorite band. If impatience is an emotion, what is patience? In technical terms, it’s a form of emotion regulation like reminding ourselves that the scary movie isn’t real. When we start to feel impatient, we can let that feeling rage—or we can regulate it. Are you waiting weeks to find out if you have got that job? Dive into your favorite hobby to distract yourself for a few hours. There’s still a lot we don’t know about patience, including why some people seem to find it easier than others and how we can get better at it. Fortunately, those are simpler questions to answer when we reduce the challenge from virtue acquisition to emotion regulation. Ultimately, it may seem like a sharp contrast to poetic descriptions of virtue, but I’ll take practical wisdom over virtue any day. 1．What is the author’s attitude to people’s impatience in traffic jams on the National Highway 110? A．Understanding. B．Dismissive. C．Indifferent. D．Critical. 2．According to the text, which of the following situations would make people the most impatient? A．Being stuck in a traffic jam in a comfortable car. B．Being delayed by bad weather on the way to work. C．Waiting for an important but unpleasant work meeting. D．Waiting in a long queue for an expected football game. 3．The author views patience as _________. A．an acquired virtue B．a born personality C．a form of releasing emotion D．a behavior of regulating emotion 4．What is the purpose of the text? A．To justify a virtue. B．To redefine patience. C．To introduce strategies. D．To identify impatience. 【答案】1．A 2．D 3．D 4．B 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。作者从一场严重交通堵塞引出话题，对“耐心是一种美德”的传统观念提出挑战，并重新定义了“耐心”。作者通过心理学和功能性分析，解构了“耐心作为天赋美德”的传统叙述，并将其重新定义为一种人人都可以通过学习来实践的“情绪调节行为”。 1．推理判断题。根据第一段“You had to be really unlucky to be on the China National Highway 110 on August 14, 2025. One of the longest traffic jams on record, trapping thousands of vehicles over more than 100 kilometers and lasting more than 10 days. Would it make you impatient? I strongly suspect that even the calmest would answer with a resounding “yes”! And yet philosophers and poets alike sell patience as a “virtue”, implying that having it is always a good thing. To me, it’s far more useful to think about patience as something we do rather than something we have.(2025年8月14日，你要是开车行驶在110国道上，那可真是够倒霉的了。那是有记录以来最长的一次交通堵塞之一，长达100多公里，数千辆车被困其中，持续了十多天。这会让你变得急躁吗？我强烈怀疑即便是最沉着冷静的人也会毫不犹豫地回答“是的”！然而，哲学家和诗人却都将耐心视为一种“美德”，暗示拥有耐心总是件好事。在我看来，把耐心看作是我们所做之事而非所拥有的事物，要更有意义得多)”可知，作者在描述110国道大堵车时，先指出“你会非常倒霉”，然后说“即使最冷静的人也会响亮地回答‘是的’（会不耐烦）”。这种表述并非批评或轻视人们的急躁，而是设身处地地表示在这种情况下感到不耐烦是人之常情。由此可见，作者对此持理解的态度。故选A。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段“In a series of recent studies with more than 1,400 participants, we found that people were more impatient when the thing they were waiting for was very appealing — and when the wait itself was unappealing.(在最近的一系列研究中，我们对超过1400名参与者进行了调查。研究发现，当人们所等待的事情极具吸引力，而等待的过程本身又毫无吸引力时，他们就会更加不耐烦)”可知，当等待的目标非常吸引人，且等待过程本身令人不悦时，人们会更不耐烦。D项“为了一场期待的足球比赛排长队”完全符合这两个条件：足球比赛是“吸引人的目标”，排长队是“不悦的等待过程”。故选D。 3．细节理解题。根据第四段“In technical terms, it’s a form of emotion regulation like reminding ourselves that the scary movie isn’t real.(从技术层面来讲，这属于一种情绪调节的方式，就像提醒自己那部恐怖电影并非真实存在一样)”以及最后一句“Dive into your favorite hobby to distract yourself for a few hours.(投身于你最喜爱的爱好中，让自己暂时忘却烦恼，放松一下，享受几个小时的宁静时光吧)”可知，耐心是一种行为。因此，作者视耐心为一种调节情绪的行为。故选D。 4．推理判断题。通读全文可知，本文围绕“耐心”展开：以实例引出对传统“耐心即美德”观点的质疑（第一段）→分析急躁的成因（第二、三段）→提出对耐心的新定义，即它是一种“情绪调节行为”（第四段）→总结强调这一实用主义新视角优于传统美德观（第五段）。因此，文章的目的是提出并论证一个关于“耐心”的新定义。故选B。 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $ 专题06 阅读理解之议论文15篇 (浙江专用) 【题型知识点细目表】 题号 难度 知识点 1 较难 社会问题与社会现象,交通与运输 ,议论文 2 适中 阅读 ,哲理感悟,议论文 3 较难 科普知识 ,议论文 4 适中 社会问题与社会现象,议论文,信息技术 5 适中 社会问题与社会现象,议论文,学习 6 适中 环境保护,社会问题与社会现象,议论文 7 适中 当代教育问题,议论文,语意转化,逻辑推理,观点态度 8 适中 社会问题与社会现象,方法/策略,议论文 9 较难 社会问题与社会现象,议论文 10 适中 人工智能,议论文 11 较易 方法/策略,议论文,冲突与和解 12 适中 方法/策略,议论文,学习 13 适中 社会问题与社会现象,人工智能,议论文 14 适中 环境保护,议论文 15 适中 哲理感悟,议论文,语意转化,目的意图,观点态度 【高考典例】 Passage 1 While safety improvements might have been made to our streets in recent years, transport studies also show declines in pedestrian (行人) mobility, especially among young children. Many parents say there’s too much traffic on the roads for their children to walk safely to school, so they pack them into the car instead. Dutch authors Thalia Verkade and Marco te Brömmelstroet are bothered by facts like these. In their new book Movement: How to Take Back Our Streets and Transform Our Lives, they call for a rethink of our streets and the role they play in our lives. Life on city streets started to change decades ago. Whole neighbourhoods were destroyed to make way for new road networks and kids had to play elsewhere. Some communities fought back. Most famously, a Canadian journalist who had moved her family to Manhattan in the early 1950s led a campaign to stop the destruction of her local park. Describing her alarm at its proposed replacement with an expressway, Jane Jacobs called on her mayor (市长) to champion “New York as a decent place to live, and not just rush through.” Similar campaigns occurred in Australia in the late 1960s and 1970s as well. Although these campaigns were widespread, the reality is that the majority of the western cities were completely redesigned around the needs of the motor car. The number of cars on roads has been increasing rapidly. In Australia we now have over twenty million cars for just over twenty-six million people, among the highest rate of car ownership in the world. We invest a lot in roads that help us rush through, but we fail to account for the true costs. Do we really recognise what it costs us as a society when children can’t move safely around our communities? The authors of Movement have it right: it’s time to think differently about that street outside your front door. 1．What phenomenon does the author point out in paragraph 1? A．Cars often get stuck on the road. B．Traffic accidents occur frequently. C．People walk less and drive more. D．Pedestrians fail to follow the rules. 2．What were the Canadian journalist and other campaigners trying to do? A．Keep their cities livable. B．Promote cultural diversity. C．Help the needy families. D．Make expressways accessible. 3．What can be inferred about the campaigns in Australia in the late 1960s and 1970s? A．They boosted the sales of cars. B．They turned out largely ineffective. C．They won government support. D．They advocated building new parks. 4．What can be a suitable title for the text? A．Why the Rush? B．What’s Next? C．Where to Stay? D．Who to Blame? Passage 2 “I didn’t like the ending,” I said to my favorite college professor. It was my junior year of undergraduate, and I was doing an independent study on Victorian literature. I had just finished reading The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot, and I was heartbroken with the ending. Prof. Gracie, with all his patience, asked me to think about it beyond whether I liked it or not. He suggested I think about the difference between endings that I wanted for the characters and endings that were right for the characters, endings that satisfied the story even if they didn’t have a traditionally positive outcome. Of course, I would have preferred a different ending for Tom and Maggie Tulliver, but the ending they got did make the most sense for them. This was an aha moment for me, and I never thought about endings the same way again. From then on, if I wanted to read an ending guaranteed to be happy, I’d pick up a love romance. If I wanted an ending I couldn’t guess, I’d pick up a mystery (悬疑小说). One where I kind of knew what was going to happen, historical fiction. Choosing what to read became easier. But writing the end — that’s hard. It’s hard for writers because endings carry so much weight with readers. You have to balance creating an ending that's unpredictable, but doesn’t seem to come from nowhere, one that fits what’s right for the characters. That’s why this issue (期) of Writer’s Digest aims to help you figure out how to write the best ending for whatever kind of writing you’re doing. If it’s short stories, Peter Mountford breaks down six techniques you can try to see which one helps you stick the landing. Elizabeth Sims analyzes the final chapters of five great novels to see what key points they include and how you can adapt them for your work. This issue won’t tell you what your ending should be — that’s up to you and the story you’re telling — but it might provide what you need to get there. 1．Why did the author go to Prof. Gracie? A．To discuss a novel. B．To submit a book report. C．To argue for a writer. D．To ask for a reading list. 2．What did the author realize after seeing Gracie? A．Writing is a matter of personal preferences. B．Readers are often carried away by character. C．Each type of literature has its unique end. D．A story which begins well will end well. 3．What is expected of a good ending? A．It satisfies readers’ taste. B．It fits with the story development. C．It is usually positive. D．It is open for imagination. 4．Why does the author mention Peter Mountford and Elizabeth Sims? A．To give examples of great novelists. B．To stress the theme of this issue. C．To encourage writing for the magazine. D．To recommend their new books. Passage 3 If you want to tell the history of the whole world, a history that does not privilege one part of humanity, you cannot do it through texts alone, because only some of the world has ever had texts, while most of the world, for most of the time, has not. Writing is one of humanity’s later achievements, and until fairly recently even many literate (有文字的) societies recorded their concerns not only in writing but in things. Ideally a history would bring together texts and objects, and some chapters of this book are able to do just that, but in many cases we simply can’t. The clearest example of this between literate and non-literate history is perhaps the first conflict, at Botany Bay, between Captain Cook’s voyage and the Australian Aboriginals. From the English side, we have scientific reports and the captain’s record of that terrible day. From the Australian side, we have only a wooden shield (盾) dropped by a man in flight after his first experience of gunshot. If we want to reconstruct what was actually going on that day, the shield must be questioned and interpreted as deeply and strictly as the written reports. In addition to the problem of miscomprehension from both sides, there are victories accidentally or deliberately twisted, especially when only the victors know how to write. Those who are on the losing side often have only their things to tell their stories. The Caribbean Taino, the Australian Aboriginals, the African people of Benin and the Incas, all of whom appear in this book, can speak to us now of their past achievements most powerfully through the objects they made: a history told through things gives them back a voice. When we consider contact (联系) between literate and non-literate societies such as these, all our first-hand accounts are necessarily twisted, only one half of a dialogue. If we are to find the other half of that conversation, we have to read not just the texts, but the objects. 1．What is the first paragraph mainly about? A．How past events should be presented. B．What humanity is concerned about. C．Whether facts speak louder than words. D．Why written language is reliable. 2．What does the author indicate by mentioning Captain Cook in paragraph 2? A．His report was scientific. B．He represented the local people. C．He ruled over Botany Bay. D．His record was one-sided. 3．What does the underlined word “conversation” in paragraph 3 refer to? A．Problem. B．History. C．Voice. D．Society. 4．Which of the following books is the text most likely selected from? A． How Maps Tell Stories of the World B． A Short History of Australia C． A History of the World in 100 Objects D． How Art Works Tell Stories Passage 4 【热点话题练习】 Screens are steadily taking over more and more of our life, leading some researchers to worry about the effect of long-term use on older adults’ brain. It has been suggested that this might lead to so-called “digital dementia” — that depending on digital technology throughout our life might harm cognitive (认知的) functioning in our later years. But new research indicates this view doesn’t appear to be true, at least for the “digital pioneer” generation who first routinely used smartphones, computers and the Internet — and who are now reaching the age when cognitive decline often starts to appear. In a paper published on Monday in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers analyzed 57 studies of digital technology use and cognitive function in more than 400,000 older adults across the world. They found that people in the “digital pioneer” generation who engaged more with digital technology did not have higher rates of cognitive decline. In fact, technology use was associated with lower rates of cognitive decline. One reason some researchers worried about “digital dementia” was previous research that linked television viewing, a passive activity, with negative outcomes such as an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (阿尔茨海默症). “On the surface, most computer or smartphone screentime might seem similarly passive,” says the new paper’s co-author Michael Scullin, a neuroscience researcher at Baylor University. “But for this group of middle-aged and older adults, phones and computers have been used for mentally stimulating activities and for social connections, such as solving puzzles, engaging with the news, chatting with friends, or using reminders and alarms to help with daily activities.” “This study provides a strong challenge to the widespread fears about ‘digital dementia’ and highlights the potential of technology as a tool for cognitive enrichment,” says Chiara Scarampi, a neuroscientist at the University of Geneva, who was not involved with the study. “‘Digital dementia’ has always felt like a catchy but overstated concept to me,” she adds. “Cognitive offloading — using tools like reminders or GPS — is not harmful by nature. In fact, it can free up cognitive resources for more complex tasks.” 1．What do we know about the “digital pioneer” generation? A．They are addicted to digital technology. B．They start using digital tools at an old age. C．They are the first to use digital tools regularly. D．They start suffering from sharp cognitive decline. 2．What is paragraph 4 mainly about? A．The widespread use of digital tools. B．The analysis of the new research finding. C．The great complexity of mental activities. D．The implication of the previous research finding. 3．What is Scarampi’s attitude toward “digital dementia”? A．Approving. B．Tolerant. C．Critical. D．Unclear. 4．Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text? A．Responsible Technology Use Matters. B．Cognitive Decline Isn’t Just about Aging. C．Digital Tools May Actually Enhance Our Life. D．Tech Use Isn’t Driving Dementia in Older Adults. Passage 5 In the next few months, millions will apply for postgraduate study. Most plan to get a master’s degree, hoping it will help them stand out in a crowded job market. People often think they need a master’s degree to get or keep a job, mainly because they feel insecure, yet research shows a master’s usually raises pay much less than a college degree, and some programs leave graduates worse off. Despite the limited benefits for graduates, universities still have reasons to admit more postgraduates. In Britain, undergraduate fees are controlled by the government and have barely risen for ten years. Enrolling more postgraduates, who can be charged higher fees, is one way to make more money. In America, as fewer young people attend college, universities hope more students will return for master’s degrees. Since 2000, the cost of studying for a master’s in America has tripled. Many students still pay high fees because they believe higher degrees will help them earn more. In fact, people with a college degree make about 70% more than high-school graduates, while those with a master’s earn about 18% more. The subject chosen matters most. In America, master’s degrees in computer science and engineering bring the biggest pay rise. In some subjects, people even earn less. In Britain, men with a master’s in politics make about 10% less in their mid-30s than those who only studied it at college; for history, the drop is about 20%, and for English, nearly 30%. Women are more likely than men to gain from a master’s degree. A British study finds such degrees raise women’s earnings in 14 of 31 subjects, but for men, only in six. This is surprising because men usually earn more, and the gap grows with education. Still, women with higher degrees often earn more than those without, as they tend to work longer hours, especially after becoming parents. 1．What motivates many people to pursue a master’s degree? A．They want to gain an edge in the job market. B．They expect to find easier jobs after graduation. C．They hope to earn more than college graduates. D．They wish to prepare for further academic study. 2．Why do many universities want more postgraduate students? A．To earn more from higher tuition fees. B．To cope with the rising undergraduate fees. C．To attract returning students and adult learners. D．To provide more opportunities in technical fields. 3．What is the writer’s attitude toward people’s pursuit of master’s degrees? A．Appreciative. B．Unconcerned. C．Objective. D．Disapproving. 4．Which of the following would be the best title for the passage? A．How a Master’s Degree Increases a Graduate’s Pay? B．Why Universities Enroll More Postgraduate Students? C．The Decline in Students Pursuing a Master’s Degree. D．The Value of a Master’s Degree and Its Impact Factors. Passage 6 Although photovoltaic (光伏电池) cells and wind turbines (涡轮机) were invented almost 150 years ago, they still generate only 7% of the world’s electricity today. This might appear to show limited progress. Nevertheless, the situation is changing rapidly: over the past decade, these renewable technologies have grown faster than any other energy source, as their costs continue to fall and make them competitive with fossil fuels. BP, an energy enterprise, expects renewables to account for half of the growth in global energy supply over the next 20 years. It is no longer hard to believe that the world is entering an era of clean, unlimited and cheap power, where society could rely less on polluting fossil fuels and more on sustainable energy sources. However, there is a $20 trillion hitch. In the coming decades, huge amounts of investment will be needed to replace old polluting power plants, upgrade outdated infrastructure (基础设施), and improve the power lines that deliver electricity reliably to homes and businesses. Normally investors enjoy putting their money into electricity because it brings reliable returns. Yet green energy has a dirty secret. The more it is used, the more it drives down the price of electricity from all sources. That makes it difficult to manage the transition to a carbon-free future, when many kinds of power generation, both clean and dirty, need to remain profitable. Unless the market is fixed, subsidies (补贴) to the industry will only grow. Policymakers are beginning to see this problem as a reason to slow down the use of renewable energy. In some parts of Europe and China, investment in renewables is falling because subsidies have been reduced. However, the answer is not to use less wind and solar power, but to rethink how clean energy is priced so that it can be used more effectively, maintain profitability for energy providers, and contribute fully to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. 1．What do we know about renewable energy according to the first paragraph? A．Its costs are still higher than fossil fuels. B．It faces no financial or market challenges. C．It generates most of the world’s electricity. D．It is growing fastest and becoming cheaper. 2．What does the underlined word “hitch” in paragraph 2 probably mean? A．Delay. B．Problem. C．Plan. D．Advantage. 3．Why does the transition to a carbon-free future become difficult? A．Green energy increases the overall cost of electricity generation. B．Falling prices make many types of power generation unprofitable. C．Investors are no longer putting their money into the electricity industry. D．Subsidies for green energy are no longer available from the government. 4．How can green energy be used more effectively? A．By updating its generating technologies. B．By increasing subsidies for green energy. C．By setting reasonable prices for clean energy. D．By encouraging more investment in the market. Passage 7 The traditional school model, largely unchanged since the 19th century, is failing to prepare students for the future. Past reforms, like system-wide policies, have not brought real change. Evidence shows that many graduates, even with degrees, are not ready for the modern workforce. The core reason for this failure is a rigid, required curriculum that fills the school day, leaving students with little say in their own education. This lack of student choice often leads to disengagement, raising questions about whether what is taught today will remain valuable tomorrow. To address this, a new approach is proposed: the “school within a school” model. This idea draws inspiration from nature and technology. Consider how a successful new technology spreads: early users try it, and if it proves valuable, it naturally becomes widespread. No one forces everyone to buy it. In contrast, education reforms often fail because they are forced upon entire systems, creating resistance from teachers, parents, and students. The “school within a school” model offers a more natural, ecological path to change. Instead of requiring all schools to transform, it allows for small, voluntary programs to exist within a larger school. Interested students and parents can choose to participate in a setting where students have more autonomy. With the guidance of teachers, they can pursue their own interests, set personal learning goals, and discover their unique strengths. This small-scale approach avoids major resistance and allows for innovation to grow organically. It creates an environment where students are more engaged and motivated because they have a stake in their own learning. They learn to find and solve meaningful problems, developing skills that are truly valuable for their future. Ultimately, these small, successful innovations can gradually influence the entire education system, much like a healthy ecosystem adapts and evolves. By reducing top-down control and fostering student autonomy, education can become more adaptable and effective, better serving generations to come. 1．Why did past educational reforms fail according to the author? A．They lacked enough financial support. B．They were forced on the entire system. C．They ignored the importance of technology. D．They focused too much on student autonomy. 2．What does the iPhone example in paragraph 2 suggest? A．Technology should be banned in schools. B．Successful changes spread naturally. C．All schools should use smartphones. D．Apple is a leader in education. 3．What is a key feature of the “school within a school” model? A．It requires all students to participate. B．It focuses on a standardized national curriculum. C．It offers students more learning choices. D．It relies heavily on artificial intelligence. 4．What is the author’s attitude toward the traditional school system? A．Supportive and proud. B．Satisfied but hopeful. C．Critical and concerned. D．Indifferent and uncaring. Passage 8 Experts use a term to describe how easily people can move up or down the income ladder compared with others. This shows whether a family’s financial position is likely to stay the same or change over time. To understand this, researchers recently studied the reasons behind these financial shifts, focusing on two main sources of money: income from work and income from investments. The findings were quite clear. When people's financial situation improves and they move ahead of others, it is mainly because of their earnings from work. In practical terms, having a stable, well-paying job is the most important factor for long-term financial progress. Money from investments can certainly help, but it rarely plays the leading role in helping most people build lasting wealth over their careers. However, the situation is very different when incomes start to decline. When people fall behind financially compared to their peers, the primary reason is often a reduction in their income from investments. Losses from things like shares, property, or business activities tend to be the biggest cause of people slipping down the income ladder. These financial drops often happen alongside lower work earnings, but investment losses play the dominant role. The reason for this sharp difference lies in how these two types of income behave. Income from work often increases gradually throughout a person’s life as they gain more experience, improve their skills, or find better jobs. This steady growth helps many people improve their financial standing over time. In contrast, income from investments is much more unstable. It can go up and down quickly with market changes, and for most people, it is more likely to lead to a decrease than to provide continuous growth. Therefore, for the majority of people, the path to financial security begins with a solid income from work. A steady job provides the necessary foundation. Once this stability is achieved, it may then become possible to save money and explore investment opportunities. Lasting financial progress is usually built on the reliable earnings from a job, with investment income playing a secondary, supporting role later on. 1．What are the main factors for income changes? A．Both are mainly driven by work income. B．Both are closely related to investment gains. C．Gains come from work, while drops from investments. D．Gains are from investments, while drops from work. 2．What can be inferred about work income? A．It grows rapidly for young people. B．It is more reliable than investment income. C．It is the only way to become wealthy. D．It decreases as one gets older. 3．What is the suggested financial path for most people? A．Focus on investments from the very beginning. B．Rely on a stable job before investing. C．Avoid investments due to their high risks. D．Change jobs frequently to increase salary. 4．What is the author’s attitude towards capital income? A．Highly positive, seeing it as the key to wealth. B．Completely negative, warning against all investments. C．Objective but cautious, highlighting its risks. D．Indifferent, focusing only on work income. Passage 9 The Invisible Tapestry: How Immigrants Weave Bicultural Identities into Society Every year, over 281 million people worldwide leave their home countries — equivalent to the entire population of Brazil — seeking safety, opportunity, or a better life. Yet beyond the statistical headlines lies a quieter, more profound reality: for many immigrants, the greatest challenge is not crossing borders, but navigating the fragile space between two cultures. This “bicultural identity”—the ability to move between one’s heritage culture and the adopted society — has long been misunderstood as a “split” or “conflict,” but emerging research reveals it as a strength that reshapes both individuals and the communities they join. A 2023 Stanford University study tracking 1,200 Latinx immigrant families in the U.S. offers striking insights. Researchers found that families who maintained “selective assimilation” — preserving core traditions like weekly tamal-making or Spanish-language storytelling while embracing American norms such as community volunteering — reported 47% higher life satisfaction than those who fully abandoned their heritage to “fit in.” More surprisingly, the children of these families showed greater academic resilience: 62% graduated high school with honors, compared to 38% of peers from families that prioritized complete cultural absorption. “Biculturalism isn’t about choosing one culture over the other,” explains Dr. Elena Marquez, lead researcher. “It’s about building a third space — one where a teenager can explain Día de los Muertos to their classmates while also cheering for their school’s football team.” This third space, however, is not without friction. For first-generation immigrants, the tension often arises from “cultural guilt”: a Nigerian mother working double shifts to afford her daughter’s ballet lessons may feel she’s failing to pass down Yoruba values; a Vietnamese father teaching his son to fix cars in their garage may worry the boy is losing touch with his roots. Meanwhile, second-generation immigrants face their own battle: labeled “too foreign” by peers in their adopted country and “too Americanized” by relatives back home. A 2024 survey of 500 Asian American young adults found that 73% had been asked, “Where are you really from?” — a question that erases their sense of belonging in the only country they’ve ever known. Critics of immigration often frame cultural diversity as a threat to social cohesion, arguing that immigrants “dilute” national identity. But economic data tells a different story. The Migration Policy Institute reports that immigrant-owned small businesses in the U.S. generate $885 billion annually, and in Europe, skilled immigrants fill 30% of jobs in healthcare and engineering — fields facing severe labor shortages. More importantly, bicultural individuals act as “cultural bridges”: a Mexican American nurse translating for elderly Spanish-speaking patients, a Somali American community organizer connecting refugee families to local resources. These acts of translation, both linguistic and cultural, strengthen social bonds rather than weaken them. At its core, the debate over immigration misses a fundamental truth: cultures have never been static. The U.S. “melting pot” was never just about assimilation — it was about German beer halls blending with Irish pubs, African rhythms shaping jazz, and Chinese dumplings becoming a staple of American takeout. Today’s bicultural immigrants are continuing that tradition, not as outsiders, but as weavers adding new threads to the tapestry of society. Their identities are not a problem to solve, but a resource to celebrate — proof that belonging doesn’t require choosing one culture, but creating space for both. 1．What did the Stanford University study reveal about “selective assimilation” among Latinx immigrant families? A．It leads to lower academic performance compared to complete cultural absorption. B．It helps families achieve higher life satisfaction and children build academic resilience. C．It causes significant conflict between parents and children over cultural values. D．It requires families to abandon most heritage traditions to adapt to American society. 2．What can be inferred from the survey of Asian American young adults? A．Most second-generation Asian Americans feel a strong sense of belonging in the U.S. B．Peers in the U.S. often recognize and respect the cultural heritage of Asian Americans. C．Relatives back home fully accept the “Americanized” lifestyle of second-generation immigrants. D．Second-generation immigrants frequently face questions that challenge their national identity. 3．What is the main argument of the fourth paragraph? A．Immigrant-owned businesses are more profitable than those owned by native citizens. B．Critics of immigration are correct to worry about the dilution of national identity. C．Bicultural individuals and immigrants make important economic and social contributions. D．Skilled immigrants in Europe are primarily employed in the healthcare industry. 4．What is the author’s attitude toward bicultural identity among immigrants? A．Supportive B．Neutral C．Critical D．Skeptical Passage 10 I often catch myself starting my questions to ChatGPT with a “please” and concluding with a “thank you.” Apparently, I am not alone. A survey published in 2024 by TechRadar found that approximately 67% of AI users are also polite and show gratitude toward AI search engines. When asked whether there’s a cost to all this politeness, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded, “Tens of millions of dollars well spent — you never know.” In reality, of course, AI chatbots do not appreciate politeness; they lack consciousness, feelings or a need for social politeness. From a purely practical standpoint, all those pleases and thank you are just flushing money down the toilet. Still, there may be value that isn’t immediately measurable in showing gratitude toward AI. In his book “The Psychology of Gratitude,” psychologists Robert Emmons write about a 10-week experiment. He divided participants into three groups, asking the first to list things they are grateful for, the second to list daily annoyances and the third to just keep a journal. He found that the first group reported 25% higher happiness levels, showed stronger emotional resilience (适应力) and were physically healthier. Other studies have also linked gratitude to better sleep, less depression and anxiety, and greater relationship satisfaction. What’s true of gratitude is also true of kindness and generosity. Psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky from UC Riverside conducted experiments where participants performed “five small acts of kindness per week.” She found that these small, frequent acts led to consistent and significant increases in happiness. These modern researchers are rediscovering an age- old wisdom: we should practice doing good regularly, not just for the sake of the people we benefit, but for our own. So perhaps all of our pleases and thank you to AI have value, even if they cost OpenAI millions of dollars annually. Showing appreciation, even toward a machine, strengthens positive habits of politeness, patience and empathy. In our increasingly digital and automated world, preserving these human qualities may be more valuable than the substantial costs. Ultimately, the one who benefits from our politeness isn’t the AI at all, but ourselves. 1．Why is the survey mentioned in Paragraph 1? A．To present a fact. B．To challenge a belief. C．To support an argument. D．To illustrate a phenomenon. 2．How does Sam Altman seem to view the cost of politeness to AI? A．As an educational tool. B．As a necessary investment. C．As a social requirement. D．As a technical breakdown. 3．What do the experiments find about being polite to AI? A．It develops positive human habits. B．It improves the AI’s response quality. C．It brings lasting happiness to the AI. D．It makes people more grateful to others. 4．What does the author mean in the last paragraph? A．Politeness to AI is meaningless but costly. B．Digital interactions require new polite behavior. C．Humans benefit more than AI from being polite. D．AI will eventually develop emotional awareness. Passage 11 Autumn leaves may be beautiful on trees, though they become annoying once they cover the ground. Although regular raking (耙) keeps your yard clean, it often upsets you when most leaves come from a neighbor’s tree. This presents a common problem: what should you do when your neighbor’s tree litters your yard? Some people have gathered these leaves and put the pile back onto the neighbor’s yard, calling it a return to the “rightful owner.” A video of such an act caused heated debate on TikTok. Supporters believe it is the tree’s owner who should take responsibility for the leaves. “He has NO trees. He’s just returning what belongs to his neighbor.” However, many people view the action as downright rude. “Welcome to Earth, where trees are all around the neighborhood,” one comment read. Another person added, “If he went through the trouble of gathering them, then dumping (倾倒) over the fence is completely inconsiderate and unacceptable.” Manners expert Jodi RR Smith points out that having neighbors means sharing both the good and bad sides of nearby trees.” Leaves that fall on your land are your duty to handle, just as you can enjoy the tree’s shade in summer, “ she noted, “the same idea applies to fruit from branches over your yard.” Instead, she suggests having a friendly talk with the neighbor. They may not even be aware of the issue and once they find the problem, they might offer to help with cleanup costs. Or, if you’ re OK with some temporary yard mess, you don’t even need to rake your leaves in the first place. The United States Department of Agriculture says that leaves on the ground can create an ideal habitat for animals like lizards, insects, and frogs. Either way, it is usually best to keep your yard tidy and clean up the leaves — no matter where from. 1．What might be the reason for some people to put the leaves back to their neighbors? A．To keep their own yard clean. B．To help the neighbor rake the litters. C．To make some eye-catching TikTok videos. D．To remind the tree’s owner to be responsible. 2．What does the underline word “downright” in paragraph 4 mean? A．Hardly. B．Slightly. C．Properly. D．Totally. 3．What does Jodi RR Smith recommend? A．Build a fence wall. B．Take fruit from the tree. C．Speak to the neighbor. D．Dump the leaves back. 4．What can be a suitable title for the text? A．Are You Responsible for Your Neighbor’ s Leaves? B．Handling Neighbor Issues with Kindness C．Should You Make a Video of Your Leaf Problem? D．Letting Leaves Lie: An Eco-Friendly Choice Passage 12 Understanding a proof in a math textbook is one thing; being able to reconstruct it without help is another thing. My classmates and I learned this the hard way at university. Most of our exams were oral exams, and nothing exposes a lack of deep knowledge faster than trying to explain a concept to someone. Unlike written exams, where visual learners may be able to parrot back memorized notes that they barely understand, an oral test demands creative thinking in real time. When presented with a problem, students not only need to recall relevant definitions and theories, but they also need to apply them-sometimes in ways they never anticipated. Students often fall into a familiar trap. They read the textbooks, highlight key passages, and review lecture notes. These activities feel productive, but when exam day arrives, a student will often realize their passive familiarity with the material doesn’t translate into the ability to apply it. Nor does it translate into a good grade. Passive learning is misleading. It feels like we’re making progress, but without actually applying what we learn, it slips away quickly. Consuming information is not the same as developing skills. The cognitive psychologist Daniel T. Willingham explains the distinction between passive and active learning when he writes, “Memory is the result of thought.” In other words, we forget most of what we encounter and remember only what we think about. Reading about calculations doesn’t automatically create the neural pathways needed to solve calculating problems. Those pathways only form through deliberate practice: by solving problems, making mistakes, and experiencing the struggle. As a general rule, the harder your brain works during practice, the better it performs when it matters. To truly master something, you should embrace challenges and accept the slow, often frustrating, pace of true learning. The oral math exam was valuable because it broke the illusion of passive learning. Standing in front of the professor, faced with a problem, there’s nowhere to hide. The pressure to produce mathematics revealed the true state of our understanding. To truly know what we don’t know, we should simulate our own oral exams by picturing an imaginary professor asking questions and forcing ourselves to figure out answers on our own. 1．What does the underlined phrase “parrot back” mean in paragraph 2? A．Repeat mechanically. B．Appreciate deeply. C．Apply creatively. D．Forget quickly. 2．Why do students fall into the learning trap? A．Because of over-reliance on textbooks. B．Because of brilliant exam performance. C．Because of a false sense of competence. D．Because of overemphasis on memory skills. 3．Which of the following statements might Daniel T. Willingham agree with? A．Repeated exposure strengthens memories. B．Active engagement builds solid memory. C．Memory improves with extensive reading. D．Learning occurs when teachers ask questions. 4．What would be the best title for the text? A．Passive Learning: The Silent Killer of Exams B．Conscious Practice: The Best Way to Learn Math C．Oral Math Exams: The Frustrating University Tests D．Active Learning: The Key to Mastering Knowledge Passage 13 From ChatGPT crafting emails, to AI systems recommending TV shows and even helping diagnose disease, the presence of machine intelligence in everyday life is no longer science fiction. Despite the promises of speed, accuracy, and convenience, we still feel doubtful about AI tools. This distrust is less about the technology’s capabilities and more about the fundamental workings of the human mind. Human beings are more likely to trust systems they understand. Traditional tools feel familiar: You turn a key, and a car starts. You press a button, and a lift arrives. But many AI systems operate as black boxes: You type something in, and a decision appears. The logic in between is hidden. Psychologically, this is worrying. We like to see cause and effect, and we like being able to question decisions. When we can’t, we feel disempowered. One curious finding from behavioral science is that we are often more forgiving of human error than machine error. When a human makes a mistake, we understand it because we know humans are imperfect. But when an AI tool makes a mistake, it causes discomfort and loss of trust. We trust machines which are objective or data-driven to be logical and impartial. So when they fail, such as misclassifying an image, delivering biased outputs, or recommending something wildly inappropriate, our reaction is sharper. Humans make incorrect decisions all the time. But at least we can ask them “why”. For some, AI isn’t just unfamiliar — it’s existentially unsettling. Teachers, writers, lawyers, and designers are suddenly faced with tools that take on parts of their work. This isn’t just about automation — it’s about what makes our skills valuable and what it means to be human. The result? Resistance, defensiveness, or direct dismissal of the technology. Distrust, in this case, is a psychological defense mechanism. Telling people to “trust the system” rarely works. Trust must be earned. That means designing AI tools that give users agency, not just convenience. Psychologically, we trust what we understand, what we can question, and what treats us with respect. If we want AI to be accepted, it needs to feel less like a black box, and more like a conversation we’re invited to join. 1．Why do we trust traditional tools compared with AI systems? A．They function in a comprehensible way. B．They are equipped with black boxes. C．They boost our understanding of ourselves. D．They encourage us to make our own choices. 2．What can be inferred from paragraph 3? A．We always consider AI tools imperfect. B．We tend to have higher expectations of AI. C．Current AI tools make mistakes all the time. D．We react sharply to our incorrect decisions. 3．Why does AI make people in some professions feel uneasy? A．Its unfamiliarity with work disturbs them. B．Its existence causes a sense of self-doubt. C．It is bound to take the place of them entirely. D．It makes them less capable and less honest. 4．What is the text mainly about? A．How AI works well. B．Reliance on AI tools. C．AI’s potential issues. D．Why we distrust AI. Passage 14 A BBC article “400-year record heat threat to Great Barrier Reef” claims that the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is in terrible danger of being destroyed by warming waters. However, this claim is not supported by available data, the current state of the GBR, or an examination of its history. The BBC states that temperatures in and around the GBR over the past decade are the highest recorded in 400 years and that there have been five mass bleaching events due to “extreme heat”. However, the research paper itself acknowledges uncertainty concerning whether recent heat extremes were actually higher than those in the past. The claim relies on proxy data, which the research itself admits is uncertain, and shouldn’t be confused with temperature measurements from modern instruments. In fact, the sea around the GBR has certainly been hotter historically than it is now, and corals have persisted for millions of years. Towards the end of the article, Helen McGregor, a scientist from the University of Wollongong, admits that reefs have survived a lot of change over geological time. Despite this, she continues to promote climate alarmism. Coral has existed through periods of significantly higher and lower temperatures and carbon dioxide levels than today. Beyond that, the GBR is currently in its best shape since record-keeping began in the 1980s and 2024 is the third year in a row when the Great Barrier Reef has set records for coral cover. Bleaching is not necessarily coral death, though. Previous bleaching events in the Great Barrier Reef that resulted in 22% of the reef being affected saw over 75% of the affected areas rebound shortly afterwards. The involved scientists push this alarmist view to urge changing the GBR’s World Heritage status to “endangered,” seeking more government attention and funding, for the reef and scientists trying to “protect” it. The BBC and these scientists appear to be promoting climate alarm while ignoring or downplaying real-world conditions of the GBR. This is not legitimate journalism but rather propaganda aimed at securing more funding and government action. The only real contribution the study makes to science is as an experiment in modelling using proxies. 1．What do we know about the “400-year record-high temperatures” claim? A．It is based on temperature measurements. B．It lacks full certainty from its data source. C．It is confirmed by records for 400 years. D．It proves corals cannot survive extreme heat. 2．What does the author indicate by mentioning the figures in paragraph 4? A．The GBR suffers permanent damage. B．The GBR can recover from bleaching. C．Bleaching is more frequent and severe. D．The BBC’s report are based on real data. 3．Why do the involved scientists promote the alarmist report? A．To secure more funding and attention. B．To prove proxy data is a reliable tool. C．To show concern over the reef’s future. D．To promote legitimate scientific research. 4．What is the author’s main purpose in writing the passage? A．To prove corals can survive extreme temperature. B．To introduce the current thriving status of the GBR. C．To expose the BBC’s misleading report on the GBR. D．To explain the scientific value of proxy- based modeling. Passage 15 You had to be really unlucky to be on the China National Highway 110 on August 14, 2025. One of the longest traffic jams on record, trapping thousands of vehicles over more than 100 kilometers and lasting more than 10 days. Would it make you impatient? I strongly suspect that even the calmest would answer with a resounding “yes”! And yet philosophers and poets alike sell patience as a “virtue”, implying that having it is always a good thing. To me, it’s far more useful to think about patience as something we do rather than something we have. Consider first what it means to be impatient. We all know the feeling: fingers drumming the table, leg bouncing. But why does this frustrating feeling arise? Most emotion researchers take it as a functionalist perspective. Our mind and body are trying to tell us to get moving, to find a way to bring the unpleasant delay to an end. In a series of recent studies with more than 1,400 participants, we found that people were more impatient when the thing they were waiting for was very appealing — and when the wait itself was unappealing. Being delayed for something you hate, such as an unpleasant work event, is easier than a similar delay for a much-anticipated performance by your favorite band. If impatience is an emotion, what is patience? In technical terms, it’s a form of emotion regulation like reminding ourselves that the scary movie isn’t real. When we start to feel impatient, we can let that feeling rage—or we can regulate it. Are you waiting weeks to find out if you have got that job? Dive into your favorite hobby to distract yourself for a few hours. There’s still a lot we don’t know about patience, including why some people seem to find it easier than others and how we can get better at it. Fortunately, those are simpler questions to answer when we reduce the challenge from virtue acquisition to emotion regulation. Ultimately, it may seem like a sharp contrast to poetic descriptions of virtue, but I’ll take practical wisdom over virtue any day. 1．What is the author’s attitude to people’s impatience in traffic jams on the National Highway 110? A．Understanding. B．Dismissive. C．Indifferent. D．Critical. 2．According to the text, which of the following situations would make people the most impatient? A．Being stuck in a traffic jam in a comfortable car. B．Being delayed by bad weather on the way to work. C．Waiting for an important but unpleasant work meeting. D．Waiting in a long queue for an expected football game. 3．The author views patience as _________. A．an acquired virtue B．a born personality C．a form of releasing emotion D．a behavior of regulating emotion 4．What is the purpose of the text? A．To justify a virtue. B．To redefine patience. C．To introduce strategies. D．To identify impatience. 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $