专题03 阅读理解 说明文（期中真题汇编，江苏专用）高二英语下学期

专题03 阅读理解（说明文） 主题01 人与社会——人工智能 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏扬州高邮市·期中） China is adopting an AI-powered transformation in education, where Artificial Intelligence is not just driving automation but also unlocking new possibilities. In classrooms, traditional blackboards are being replaced by interactive screens, and students use tablets(平板)instead of pencils, thanks to AI technologies. In Guiyang, Guizhou province, English teacher Zeng Xing has seen a significant change with the help of a smart classroom system developed by iFLYTEK. She arranges exercises via tablets, and students hand in answers instantly, which are then displayed on a big screen. AI and big data analyze these results, allowing Zeng to customize her teaching to individual needs. “We can quickly identify weaknesses and plan accordingly, making teaching more efficient,” she says. This system also enhances students’ speaking skills through personalized dialogues sourced from a vast database of English materials. AI evaluates pronunciation and provides evaluation, fueling students’ confidence. At Tsinghua University Primary School, AI-assisted physical activities allow students to track their exercise using smart equipment. AI’s impact extends beyond primary education. In higher education, AI assistants like DeepSeek are applied into university systems, aiding in research and data collection. Despite these advancements, concerns about data security and privacy remain. Tang Liang, deputy director of the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences, emphasizes the need for policies and moral education to ensure responsible AI use. As China plans to release a white paper on AI education in 2025, the goal is to equip students with the skills needed for the digital age while handling these challenges. 1. What is the main idea of the passage? A. AI replaces traditional teaching methods in China. B. AI improves education while raising issues in China. C. AI focuses on physical activities in different schools. D. AI causes data security concerns in education field. 2. What does the underlined word “customize” mean? A. Replace B. Delay C. Simplify D. Adjust 3. What do we know about AI’s application? A. It provides similar dialogues for students. B. It offers no help to students’ pronunciation. C. It improves students’ skills and confidence. D. It is used in all university systems recently. 4. What is Tang’s attitude towards AI use in education? A. Supportive B. Opposed C. Objective D. Doubtful 【答案】1. B 2. D 3. C 4. C 【导语】这是一篇说明文。主要讲述了中国在教育领域采用人工智能技术进行变革，人工智能不仅推动了教育自动化，还带来了新的可能性，但同时也引发了对数据安全和隐私的担忧。 1. 主旨大意题。根据第一段“China is adopting an AI-powered transformation in education, where Artificial Intelligence is not just driving automation but also unlocking new possibilities.(中国正在教育领域采用人工智能驱动的变革，人工智能不仅推动了自动化，还开启了新的可能性)”以及最后一段 “Despite these advancements, concerns about data security and privacy remain. Tang Liang, deputy director of the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences, emphasizes the need for policies and moral education to ensure responsible AI use.(尽管取得了这些进步，但对数据安全和隐私的担忧仍然存在。北京教育科学研究院副院长唐亮强调，需要制定政策和进行道德教育，以确保人工智能的合理使用)”可知，文章既介绍了人工智能在教育方面的提升作用，又提到了它带来的问题，故选B。 2. 词义猜测题。根据第二段 “AI and big data analyze these results, allowing Zeng to customize her teaching to individual needs. “We can quickly identify weaknesses and plan accordingly, making teaching more efficient,” she says.(人工智能和大数据分析这些结果，使曾老师能够根据个人需求 customize 她的教学。“我们可以快速发现弱点，并相应地制定计划，使教学更有效率，”她说)”可推知，根据个人需求应该是调整教学，所以 “customize”意思是“调整”，故选D。 3. 细节理解题。根据第三段“This system also enhances students’ speaking skills through personalized dialogues sourced from a vast database of English materials. AI evaluates pronunciation and provides evaluation, fueling students’ confidence.(这个系统还通过从大量英语材料数据库中获取的个性化对话来提高学生的口语技能。人工智能评估发音并提供评价，增强了学生的信心)”可知，人工智能提高了学生的技能和信心，故选C。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段 “Despite these advancements, concerns about data security and privacy remain. Tang Liang, deputy director of the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences, emphasizes the need for policies and moral education to ensure responsible AI use.(尽管取得了这些进步，但对数据安全和隐私的担忧仍然存在。北京教育科学研究院副院长唐亮强调，需要制定政策和进行道德教育，以确保人工智能的合理使用)”可推知，唐亮既看到了人工智能在教育中的进步，也认识到存在的问题，所以他的态度是客观的，故选C。 Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·连云港市市区新浦中学等七校联考·期中） Traditional micro-robots often face limitations due to their power sources, but recently developed insect-sized robot powered by tiny explosions has demonstrated the ability to climb, jump, and carry loads many times its own weight. The robot, mainly developed by materials engineer Robert Shepherd at Cornell University in New York, along with his PhD student Cameron Aubin, is powered by tiny actuators(致动器). “The actuator looks like a column. It’s an empty cylinder with a stretchy rubber on the top,” said Aubin. The researchers employed four actuators to drive the robot’s feet. To make the robot jump or climb, a stream of methane(甲烷)and oxygen was fed into each foot and sparked(触发)with electricity from a battery. The resulting reaction between the gases released energy as a small explosion, causing the rubber to change its form. Shepherd noted that the rapid explosions were so tiny that they didn’t damage the rubber. But they provided considerable propulsion: the robot could jump to a height of 56 centimeters and carry a load 22 times its own weight. “This team has brought chemically powered actuation to impressive ranges for robotics while also demonstrating impressive capabilities for insect-size machines,” said Ryan Truby, a materials scientist at Northwestern University in Illinois. Robots that are small and light but strong and able to cover large distances could one day be used in environmental monitoring or search-and-rescue applications. And the robot built by Aubin and Shepherd, described in a paper published in Science, would need further development for use in the field. “ At the moment, it needs to be connected to a panel that contains the gas supply and a battery, a limitation that presents a challenge. Coming up with ways to burn fuels on a wireless robot is not easy,” said Truby. “This is the next big challenge to address.” 1. Why does the recently developed insect-sized robot stand out? A. It is extremely tiny and light. B. It is equipped with a column. C. It is extremely swift and quick. D. It is driven by explosive force. 2. What happens when the methane and oxygen is sparked? A. The reaction creates a mixture of gas to drive the robot. B. The reaction generates heat that is changed into movement. C. The reaction transforms a stretchy rubber to drive the robot. D. The reaction provides electricity that is changed into movement. 3. What does “propulsion” in paragraph 4 probably mean? A. Ability to move. B. Possibility to develop. C. Force to push things. D. Electricity to spark gases. 4. How can Aubin and Shepherd make advancement to the robot they built? A. They can use more actuators to provide larger power. B. They can design programs to control the robot efficiently. C. They can work on methods to to enable energy production wirelessly. D. They can connect the robot to a panel containing gas supply and a battery. 【答案】1. D 2. C 3. C 4. C 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了一款新研发的昆虫机器人。它利用微型爆炸，引起橡胶形变，作为能量驱动，虽小却能负载数倍于自身重量的重担，有望应用于众多领域，但目前还需要解决如何在无线机器人上点燃燃料的问题。 1. 细节理解题。根据第一段“but recently developed insect-sized robot powered by tiny explosions has demonstrated the ability to climb, jump, and carry loads many times its own weight.(但最近开发的由微小爆炸驱动的昆虫大小的机器人已经证明了攀爬、跳跃和携带数倍于自身重量的载荷的能力)”可知，文中提到该机器人的特别之处在于它是由微小的爆炸推动的，故选D。 2. 细节理解题。根据第三段“To make the robot jump or climb, a stream of methane(甲烷)and oxygen was fed into each foot and sparked(触发)with electricity from a battery. The resulting reaction between the gases released energy as a small explosion, causing the rubber to change its form.(为了让机器人跳跃或攀爬，一股甲烷和氧气流被注入每只脚，并由电池供电。由此产生的气体之间的反应释放能量作为一个小爆炸，使橡胶改变其形式)”可知，甲烷和氧气的反应产生能量，引起橡胶形变，从而驱动机器人，故选C。 3. 词义猜测题。根据第四段“the robot could jump to a height of 56 centimeters and carry a load 22 times its own weight.(机器人可以跳到56厘米的高度，并携带22倍于自身重量的物品)”可知，它们提供了相当大的推进力。可推知，划线词为“推动力”，故选C。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段““Coming up with ways to burn fuels on a wireless robot is not easy,” said Truby. “This is the next big challenge to address.”(“想出在无线机器人上燃烧燃料的方法并不容易。”“这是下一个需要解决的重大挑战。”)”可知，他们可以研究如何实现无线能量传输，故选C。 Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省淮安市涟水县一中·期中） Artificial Intelligence(AI)is changing numerous industries worldwide, and education is no exception. In India, where the education system serves over 250 million students, AI presents both revolutionary opportunities and notable challenges. AI-powered platforms can help a student struggling with math by offering customized practice problems, ensuring no learner is left behind. AI technologies can bridge gaps in education by making learning resources accessible to economically disadvantaged communities. AI can assist teachers in generating content in line with curriculum requirements, saving time and effort. By automating tasks like grading and attendance, AI enables educators to focus more on teaching. Additionally, AI can serve as a virtual assistant to teachers, offering insights into student progress and areas requiring intervention. While AI can enhance education, it requires educators to understand and effectively use these technologies. A lack of teacher training in AI tools can prevent the successful integration of such technologies into the classroom. To exploit the potential of AI in education, India must take a balanced approach such as investing in infrastructure, teacher training, policy support, public-private partnerships and inclusion initiatives. The use of AI in education raises questions about data privacy and security. Ensuring that student data is protected from misuse and breaches(违约)is a significant challenge. Plus, concerns about AI replacing human educators need to be addressed. Traditional mindsets(心态)in education, both among educators and policymakers, can act as a barrier to the adoption of AI. Overcoming this resistance requires widespread awareness and policy-level support. AI has the potential to revolutionize education in India, making it more inclusive, personalized, and future-ready. However, addressing challenges such as the digital divide, affordability, and ethical concerns is essential to ensure its successful adoption. With the right strategy and cooperation, AI can empower India to redefine its education system and equip its youth with the skills needed for the 21st century. 1. What does the author imply about AI in education? A. It helps learners boost productivity. B. It enhances poor regions' economy. C. It inspires teachers to be innovative. D. It makes class administration easier. 2. What does the underlined word “exploit” in paragraph 3 mean? A. Employ. B. Notice. C. Understand. D. Explore. 3. What limits AI's combination with education in India? A. Unpractical teacher training. B. Useless student information. C. Unwillingness to change. D. Unjust social backgrounds. 4. Why should AI be integrated into education? A. To bridge the digital divide. B. To keep pace with the times. C. To reduce costs of education. D. To handle huge uncertainties. 【答案】1. D 2. A 3. C 4. B 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了人工智能正在变革印度教育，既通过个性化学习、资源普惠等展现革命性潜力，又面临教师技能、数据安全和传统观念等挑战，需通过系统性策略实现教育升级与未来人才培养。 1. 推理判断题。根据第二段中的“By automating tasks like grading and attendance, AI enables educators to focus more on teaching(通过自动化评分和考勤等任务，AI 使教育工作者能够更专注于教学)” 可知，AI 通过简化评分、考勤等管理工作，让班级管理更轻松，故选D。 2. 词义猜测题。根据第三段中的“To exploit the potential of AI in education, India must take a balanced approach such as investing in infrastructure, teacher training, policy support, public-private partnerships and inclusion initiatives.(为了exploit人工智能在教育领域的潜力，印度必须采取平衡的方法，如投资基础设施、教师培训、政策支持、公私伙伴关系和包容举措)” 可知，印度必须采取一系列措施的目的是利用人工智能在教育领域的潜力。“exploit” 在此意为“利用”，与“employ(使用、利用)”同义，故选 A。 3. 细节理解题。根据第四段中的“Traditional mindsets(心态)in education, both among educators and policymakers, can act as a barrier to the adoption of AI.(教育工作者和政策制定者的传统心态可能成为采用 AI 的障碍)” 可知，保守的观念(不愿改变)限制了AI与印度教育的结合，故选C。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段“AI has the potential to revolutionize education in India, making it more inclusive, personalized, and future-ready. However, addressing challenges such as the digital divide, affordability, and ethical concerns is essential to ensure its successful adoption. With the right strategy and cooperation, AI can empower India to redefine its education system and equip its youth with the skills needed for the 21st centur(人工智能有可能彻底改变印度的教育，使其更具包容性、个性化，并为未来做好准备。然而，解决诸如数字鸿沟、可负担性和道德问题等挑战对于确保其成功采用至关重要。通过正确的战略和合作，人工智能可以使印度重新定义其教育体系，并为其年轻人提供21世纪所需的技能)”可推知，AI 融入教育的目的是让教育与时俱进，培养适应未来的人才，故选B。 主题01 人与社会——新发现，新技术 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏扬州高邮市·期中） Yangzhou district now has its first A+ Intelligent Greenhouse Factory. This high-tech farm is a big step forward in modern agriculture. It costs 61 million yuan(about $8.39million)and covers an area of 17,000 square meters. In this greenhouse, leafy greens can grow in just 30 days, which is much faster than traditional farming. This method also produces eight times more vegetables. Thousands of sensors monitor the temperature and humidity(湿度)all the time. Smart systems automatically adjust the airflow and nutrient levels to ensure the best growing conditions.3-D farming technology makes better use of space, increasing land efficiency. Electric rail harvesting platforms lighten the workload by 60 percent, making the work much easier. The greenhouse also has a fish and plant zone with a natural nutrient system. What makes the zone special is that processed fish waste is transformed directly into plant nutrients, ensuring sustainable planting. To meet the greenhouse’ s daily electricity needs, the State Grid Haimen Supply Company equipped a 3.2-kilometer power line and a supply system. A specialized team conducts daily inspections and weekly maintenance on 58power units to ensure undisturbed operation. Soon, the factory will open a research and study base. It will offer immersive experiences such as VR-assisted plant cell observation in the ecological education zone. Additionally, its lab will produce virus-free strawberry seeds under a clean environment. These creations not only boost production but also promote sustainable and efficient farming practices. 1. How does the greenhouse improve the efficiency? A. By using traditional methods. B. By shortening the growth time. C. By observing temperature. D. By reducing the workload. 2. What is the feature of the fish and plant zone? A. It uses fish waste as plant nutrients. B. It requires a large number of nutrients. C. It relies on traditional farming skills. D. It focuses on growing strawberries. 3. What will the base offer when it opens? A. An about 3.2-kilometer power line. B. Daily inspections and maintenance. C. VR-assisted plant cell observation. D. Electric rail harvesting platforms. 4. What is the main idea of the passage? A. Producing virus-free strawberry seeds. B. Providing immersive VR experiences. C. Monitoring temperature and humidity. D. Advancing modern high-tech farming. 【答案】1. B 2. A 3. C 4. D 【导语】这是一篇说明文。短文主要讲述了扬州地区首个 A + 智能温室工厂的相关情况，包括其投资、面积、种植优势、独特的鱼菜共生区、供电保障以及未来将开放的研究学习基地等，展现了现代农业高科技的发展。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段“In this greenhouse, leafy greens can grow in just 30 days, which is much faster than traditional farming. This method also produces eight times more vegetables.(在这个温室里，叶菜类蔬菜只需 30天就能生长，这比传统农业快得多。这种方法还能使蔬菜产量提高八倍)”可知，温室通过缩短蔬菜的生长时间来提高效率，故选B。 2. 细节理解题。根据第三段 “What makes the zone special is that processed fish waste is transformed directly into plant nutrients, ensuring sustainable planting.(这个区域的特别之处在于，经过处理的鱼废料被直接转化为植物养分，确保了可持续种植)”可知，鱼菜共生区的特点是利用鱼废料作为植物养分，故选A。 3. 细节理解题。根据第四段 “Soon, the factory will open a research and study base. It will offer immersive experiences such as VR-assisted plant cell observation in the ecological education zone.(很快，这个工厂将开设一个研究学习基地。它将在生态教育区提供诸如虚拟现实辅助的植物细胞观察等沉浸式体验)”可知，当基地开放时，将提供虚拟现实辅助的植物细胞观察，故选C。 4. 主旨大意题。根据第一段“Yangzhou district now has its first A+ Intelligent Greenhouse Factory. This high-tech farm is a big step forward in modern agriculture.(扬州地区现在有了首个 A +智能温室工厂。这个高科技农场是现代农业向前迈出的一大步)”以及后文对温室工厂各方面高科技特点和优势的描述可推知，文章主要讲的是推进现代高科技农业的发展，故选D。 Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·盐城市七校联考·期中） Auntie Ngeam is one of a third generation of indigo craftsmen(靛蓝工匠)in a family from the Phuan, a people known for their handwoven fabrics(手工纺织品). A large Phuan community, originally from Laos, settled in Phrae in northern Thailand in the late 19th century and brought their indigo craftsmanship with them. Auntie Ngeam took over a small business from her parents more than 30 years ago and has played a key role in updating Thailand’s indigo clothing over the past decade. “Every shop on the street had plain blue shirts, so I started thinking about how I could stand out,” she says. “I tried using indigo to tie-dye(扎染)modern clothes.” Now in Thai markets across the country, the indigo tie-dyed clothes that Auntie Ngeam introduced have become a phenomenon. Auntie Ngeam also works together with the local government to promote the local indigo industry via tie-dye workshops among tourists. For the past six years, the town has hosted the Phrae Craft festival, a weekend event of markets and catwalk displays showing small-independent indigo artisans’ work. The festival is run by Nanthanit Boyd, a former student of Auntie Ngeam’s, whom she met at Auntie Ngeam’s workshop. Today, Boyd is pushing the boundaries of indigo textile fashion, bringing designs to the world stage. With the increasing acceptance of indigo craftsmanship among young people, intergenerational indigo businesses have become ubiquitous in Phrae. Banmatjai Indigo Workshop is one of such growing businesses, which was opened by the women of the Suchanok family 10 years ago, when the eldest daughter Chidchanok Suchanok returned home after graduating in design from Chiang Mai University. “I wondered why my generation wasn’t appreciating indigo,” Chidchanok says. “It’s our heritage and a local resource.” Phrae has been reborn as a craft center, bringing more jobs to the locals and attracting both domestic and international travelers. “The creativity is already here; all we need to do is make it shine brighter so that people can see it,” says Boyd. 1. What can we learn about Auntie Ngeam from the first two paragraphs? A. She was a famous market manager in Thailand. B. She promoted Thailand’s indigo tie-dyed clothes. C. She was the key founder of her family business. D. She introduced indigo craftsmanship from Laos. 2. How did Auntie Ngeam develop her business? A. By establishing more workshops. B. By hosting a variety of art festivals. C. By cooperating with local authorities. D. By displaying her products in markets. 3. What does the underlined word “ubiquitous” in paragraph 4 mean? A. Challenging. B. Widespread. C. Fundamental. D. Conventional. 4. What can be the best title for the text? A. Rapid development of Phrae’s tourism B. Exploration of Phrae’s history and culture C. Pioneering progress: the tomorrow of Phrae D. From tradition to trend: Phrae’s indigo industry 【答案】1. B 2. C 3. B 4. D 【导语】这是一篇说明文。本文介绍了靛蓝工艺的传承、创新和流行。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段“Auntie Ngeam took over a small business from her parents more than 30 years ago and has played a key role in updating Thailand’s indigo clothing over the past decade. “Every shop on the street had plain blue shirts, so I started thinking about how I could stand out,” she says. “I tried using indigo to tie-dye(扎染)modern clothes.” Now in Thai markets across the country, the indigo tie-dyed clothes that Auntie Ngeam introduced have become a phenomenon.(30多年前，Auntie Ngeam从父母手中接管了一家小公司，在过去10年里，她在推动泰国靛蓝服装的发展方面发挥了关键作用。她说：“街上的每家商店都有普通的蓝色衬衫，所以我开始思考如何才能脱颖而出。”“我试过用靛蓝扎染现代服装”如今，在泰国全国各地的市场上，Auntie Ngeam介绍的靛蓝扎染服装已经成为一种现象)”可知，她推广了泰国的靛蓝扎染服装，故选B。 2. 细节理解题。根据文章第三段“Auntie Ngeam also works together with the local government to promote the local indigo industry via tie - dye workshops among tourists.(Auntie Ngeam 还与当地政府合作，通过面向游客的扎染工作坊来促进当地的靛蓝产业发展)”可知，她通过与当地政府合作来发展业务，故选C。 3. 词句猜测题。根据划线词上文“With the increasing acceptance of indigo craftsmanship among young people(随着越来越多的年轻人接受靛蓝工艺)”可知，随着越来越多的年轻人接受靛蓝工艺，说明靛蓝公司现在较为普遍，故划线词意思是“普遍的”，故选B。 4. 主旨大意题。根据第一段“Auntie Ngeam is one of a third generation of indigo craftsmen(靛蓝工匠)in a family from the Phuan, a people known for their handwoven fabrics(手工纺织品). A large Phuan community, originally from Laos, settled in Phrae in northern Thailand in the late 19th century and brought their indigo craftsmanship with them.(Ngeam Auntie是Phuan家族第三代靛蓝手工艺女工之一，Phuan以手工纺织品而闻名。19世纪末，一个庞大的普安人社区定居在泰国北部的Phrae，并带来了他们的靛蓝工艺)”结合本文介绍了靛蓝工艺的传承、创新和流行。故D选项“从传统到趋势：Phrae的靛蓝产业”最符合文章标题，故选D。 Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·盐城市七校联考·期中） Is 2/3 bigger than 3/5? How quickly and confidently you can answer this question may depend on your age, education and possibly native language. Mathematics has its language—a unique set of terms, symbols, and rules. Without understanding this mathematical vocabulary, it’s like trying to explore a foreign land without knowing the local accent. A sound understanding of these mathematical terms is crucial for understanding mathematical ideas. According to a growing body of research, the words that different languages use for numbers can affect how easily we learn to count and understand basic concepts such an fractions(分数). For children taking their first steps into the world of mathematics, this can mean that some are presented with additional challenges based on the language they speak, while others are offered a starting advantage. They may, for example, find it more or less difficult to answer questions like “Which number is bigger—17 or 70?” Exploring it can help us understand the deeper factors that shape our mathematical ability, and perhaps, allow many children and adults who struggle with maths to see their problem in a new light. Is counting easier in Chinese? Let’s consider the difficulties that a child may face with counting. In English, there is no systematic rule for the naming of numbers. After ten, we have “eleven” and “twelve” and then “thirteen”, “fourteen” and so on. If you didn’t know the word for “eleven”, you would be unable to guess it. You might come up with something like “one-teen”. However, in Chinese, once you know the words for one through ten, you can easily gather the others. For example, the word for one is yi, two is er and ten is shi. Eleven is shi yi(ten-one). This consistent characteristic has long been thought to be beneficial for children’s basic numeracy(识数). Recognizing the role of language in maths education can lead to better teaching and student success. We should view language not as a single part, but as a vital part of mastering maths. By doing so, we enable students to develop comprehensive math skills while developing language skills, preparing them for success in both academics and the real world. 1. Why does the author start the text with a question? A. To show the maths problem is challenging. B. To draw the readers’ attention to the topic. C. To test the readers’ problem-solving ability. D. To prove language is more vital than maths. 2. Why is the language environment important for learning maths? A. It can affect your understanding of basic maths terms. B. It can allows you to better memorize maths concepts. C. It can help you communicate with classmates easily. D. It can stimulate your interest in learning maths terms. 3. What does the author seem to agree with from paragraphs 5? A. English students are not good at maths. B. Chinese students are best at maths globally. C. Learning maths in Chinese is relatively easier. D. Learning maths in other languages is difficult. 4. What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A. We should teach language and maths separately. B. Language teaching should be put in the first place. C. Students should improve language and maths together. D. The importance of language learning cannot be ignored. 【答案】1. B 2. A 3. C 4. C 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了语言对数学学习能力的影响。 1. 推理判断题。根据第一段“Is 2/3 bigger than 3/5? How quickly and confidently you can answer this question may depend on your age, education and possibly native language.(2/3比3/5大吗？你回答这个问题的速度和自信可能取决于你的年龄、教育程度，甚至可能是你的母语)”可知，作者以一个问题开头是为了吸引读者的注意力，引出文章的主题，即语言对数学学习能力的影响，故选B。 2. 细节理解题。根据第三段中“According to a growing body of research, the words that different languages use for numbers can affect how easily we learn to count and understand basic concepts such an fractions(分数).(根据越来越多的研究，不同语言用来表示数字的词汇会影响我们学习计数和理解分数等基本概念的速度)”可知，语言环境对学习数学很重要，因为它会影响你对基本数学术语的理解，故选A。 3. 推理判断题。根据第五段中“However, in Chinese, once you know the words for one through ten, you can easily gather the others. For example, the word for one is yi, two is er and ten is shi. Eleven is shi yi(ten-one). This consistent characteristic has long been thought to be beneficial for children’s basic numeracy(识数).(然而，在中文里，一旦你知道了1到10的词汇，你就可以很容易地推断出其他的数字。例如，1是yi，2是er，10是shi。11是shi yi(11)。这种一致性特征长期以来被认为对孩子的基本识数能力有益)”可知，作者似乎同意用中文学习数学相对容易这一观点，故选C。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段中“We should view language not as a single part, but as a vital part of mastering maths. By doing so, we enable students to develop comprehensive math skills while developing language skills, preparing them for success in both academics and the real world.(我们应该把语言看作掌握数学的一个重要部分，而不是一个单一的部分。通过这样做，我们使学生在发展语言技能的同时，也能发展全面的数学技能，为他们在学术和现实世界中的成功做好准备)”可知，学生应该同时提高语言和数学能力，故选C。 Passage 4 （24-25学年高二下·盐城市七校联考·期中） Slouching(懒散地坐)is traditionally considered to be a “bad” pose, with some claiming it will damage your spine(脊椎)and cause pain. The great news is that in the past two decades, there’s been a number of strict clinical studies conducted which have concluded that there’s no relationship between slouching and spinal pain. There’s also no evidence that people who slouch are more likely to suffer with back or neck pain compared to non-slouchers. There’s also no clear evidence that slouching while sitting at your desk or while using your phone causes damage to the spine. Even the UK government’s latest guidance on working with screens puts less emphasis on an idealized pose at the workstation. Instead, they emphasize the importance of adopting comfortable positions, varying your positions, avoiding awkward positions(such as flexing or arching your back or neck)and including regular breaks from your motionless pose throughout the day. All of these tips will help reduce the risk of developing pain and muscle fatigue(疲劳). There’s a pretty good reason why slouching doesn’t damage our spines, and that is because our spines are designed to allow movements as diverse as Olympic weightlifting to limbo dancing. But there is one area where slouching may have a negative effect. Slouching has been linked to poorer information and memory recall, as well as worse mood when compared to sitting upright. These memory and mood problems are shown to be rapidly improved when people are moving from a slouched to a straight upright pose. So, if you’re a sloucher, feel confident that it isn’t really bad for you and is as good as any other pose you adopt. Comfortable poses are safe and sitting is not dangerous. Overall, the human spine is designed to be on the move rather than remaining still in one pose for long periods, which is why movement and changing your pose throughout the day is important to reduce fatigue and subsequent discomfort. 1. What can be concluded from the first three paragraphs? A. Slouching is totally harmless. B. Slouching isn’t necessarily bad. C. Slouching should be encouraged. D. Slouching is better than sitting upright. 2. Why doesn’t slouching damage our spines? A. Because our spines are very flexible. B. Because slouching requires little strength. C. Because they have been trained to be strong. D. Because diverse movements strengthened our spines. 3. Which of the following is negatively affected by slouching? A. Our mood. B. Our physical health. C. Our information source. D. Our early memory. 4. What is the purpose of writing the article? A. To warn us against an improper pose. B. To promote the practice of sitting upright. C. To compare sitting upright and slouching. D. To break down a wrong concept about slouching. 【答案】1. B 2. A 3. A 4. D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了传统观念认为懒散的坐姿是不好的，但经过研究发现，没有证据表明懒散坐姿会损伤脊柱或导致疼痛，不过它可能对记忆力和情绪有负面影响，同时强调了脊柱需要活动，改变姿势对减少疲劳和不适很重要。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段“The great news is that in the past two decades, there’s been a number of strict clinical studies conducted which have concluded that there’s no relationship between slouching and spinal pain. There’s also no evidence that people who slouch are more likely to suffer with back or neck pain compared to non-slouchers.(好消息是，在过去的二十年里，进行了大量严格的临床研究，得出的结论是，懒散和脊柱疼痛之间没有关系。也没有证据表明，与不懒散的人相比，懒散的人更容易遭受背部或颈部疼痛)”可知，懒散的坐姿不一定是有害的，故选B。 2. 细节理解题。根据第四段“There’s a pretty good reason why slouching doesn’t damage our spines, and that is because our spines are designed to allow movements as diverse as Olympic weightlifting to limbo dancing.(懒散的坐姿不会损害我们的脊柱，有一个很好的原因，那就是我们的脊柱被设计成可以进行从奥运举重到钢管舞等各种各样的运动)”可知，懒散地坐不会损伤我们的脊椎是因为我们的脊椎非常灵活，故选A。 3. 细节理解题。根据第五段“Slouching has been linked to poorer information and memory recall, as well as worse mood when compared to sitting upright.(与挺直坐姿相比，懒散的坐姿与较差的信息和记忆回忆以及更差的情绪有关)”可知，懒散的坐姿会对我们的情绪产生负面影响，故选A。 4. 推理判断题。文章开篇提到传统观点认为懒散坐姿不好，会损害脊柱等，接着通过研究结果说明这种观点是不正确的，即没有证据表明懒散坐姿会损伤脊柱，只是在记忆力和情绪方面有负面影响，所以文章的目的是打破关于懒散坐姿的错误观念，故选D。 Passage 5 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省淮安市涟水县一中·期中） Recent studies clearly show that the shoes we put on every day, especially sneakers, have a big impact on our body posture and joint health. This is especially obvious in winter. The cold weather makes our joints more delicate and thus more likely to be affected. A revolutionary kind of shoes, the Glacia Barefoot shoes, has been created. It first became a great hit in Europe and then quickly became popular in America. These shoes are the result of the hard work of Canadian podiatrists. They had two main aims. One was to find ways to stop and reduce joint pain in patients. The other was to deal with many common foot problems. For example, bunions are painful swellings near the base of the big toe, calluses are thickened areas of skin, and plantar fasciitis is an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. After three years of development, they were introduced in the United States and got an immediate and warm response. The Glacia Barefoot shoes feature a minimalist design. They are much lighter than ordinary shoes and can be put on as easily as socks. They are also thin and flexible. The material used is an excellent insulator against the cold. When combined with the inner fur lining(内衬), it can protect feet even in extremely cold weather, as low as—13°F. Athletes really like them because they are less heavy and more pleasant to wear than traditional sneakers. Elderly people also give them high praise. They say that these shoes have made them walk without pain again. Thanks to the unique design, these shoes can fit any foot shape perfectly. Unlike regular shoes and snow boots, they don’t compress or twist feet. This is very helpful in preventing joint pain in the feet, knees, hips and back. Often, this kind of joint pain is caused by bad body posture due to wearing the wrong shoes. Moreover, it can effectively prevent a variety of foot conditions, such as hallux valgus, calluses, corns, plantar fasciitis, flat feet and high arches. In general, these shoes offer a new option for people to take care of their foot health and maintain good body posture. 1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph? A. To tell us the function of sneakers. B. To introduce the topic of the passage. C. To stress the seriousness of joint pain. D. To inform us how cold weather influences our health. 2. Where did the Glacia Barefoot shoes first gain remarkable success? A. In America. B. In Canada. C. In Europe. D. In Asia. 3. What were the main aims of the Canadian podiatrists in creating the Glacia Barefoot shoes? A. To make a lot of money and become famous. B. To increase the speed and strength of athletes. C. To relieve joint pain and handle common foot problems. D. To change the present fashion tendency of ordinary shoes. 4. Why are the Glacia Barefoot shoes popular among sportsmen? A. Because they have inner fur linings. B. Because they can improve their performance. C. Because they are lighter and more comfortable. D. Because they can reduce their foot pain. 【答案】1. B 2. C 3. C 4. C 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了Glacia Barefoot鞋的革命性设计及其对人体姿态和关节健康的影响。 1. 推理判断题。根据文章第一段中“Recent studies clearly show that the shoes we put on every day, especially sneakers, have a big impact on our body posture and joint health. This is especially obvious in winter. The cold weather makes our joints more delicate and thus more likely to be affected.( 最近的研究清楚地表明，我们每天穿的鞋子，尤其是运动鞋，对我们的身体姿势和关节健康有很大的影响。这在冬天尤其明显。寒冷的天气使我们的关节更脆弱，因此更容易受到影响)”可知，主要讲述了日常穿的鞋子，尤其是运动鞋，对我们的身体姿势和关节健康有很大的影响，特别是在冬天，寒冷天气使关节更加脆弱，更容易受到影响。这些内容实际上是在为后文介绍的Glacia Barefoot鞋做铺垫，引出文章的主题。因此，第一段的目的是引入文章的主题，即介绍一种新型的、对人体有益的鞋子。选项B“To introduce the topic of the passage.(引入文章的主题)”符合题意，故选B。 2. 细节理解题。根据文章第二段“A revolutionary kind of shoes, the Glacia Barefoot shoes, has been created. It first became a great hit in Europe and then quickly became popular in America.(一种革命性的鞋子，Glacia Barefoot鞋，已经被创造出来。它首先在欧洲大获成功，然后迅速在美国流行起来)”可知，Glacia Barefoot鞋首先在欧洲取得了显著的成功，故选C。 3. 细节理解题。根据文章第三段“These shoes are the result of the hard work of Canadian podiatrists. They had two main aims. One was to find ways to stop and reduce joint pain in patients. The other was to deal with many common foot problems.(这些鞋子是加拿大足科医生辛勤工作的结果。他们有两个主要目标。一是找到方法来停止和减少患者的关节疼痛。另一个是处理许多常见的足部问题)”可知，加拿大足科医生创造Glacia Barefoot鞋的主要目的是缓解关节疼痛和处理常见的足部问题。因此，选项C“To relieve joint pain and handle common foot problems.(缓解关节疼痛和处理常见的足部问题)”符合题意，故选C。 4. 细节理解题。根据文章第四段“Athletes really like them because they are less heavy and more pleasant to wear than traditional sneakers.(运动员们真的很喜欢它们，因为它们比传统的运动鞋更轻，穿着更舒适)”可知，Glacia Barefoot鞋在运动员中很受欢迎是因为它们更轻、更舒适，故选C。 Passage 6 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省马坝高级中学·期中） Cheese and red wine are basic diets over the festive period, and if you love red wine and cheese, a new study will come as music to your ears. Researchers from Iowa State University have found that drinking red wine and eating cheese can help to reduce cognitive(认知的)decline. In the study, the researchers analyzed data from 1,787 adults aged 46 to 77, and asked them to complete questionnaires about their food and alcohol consumption(摄取). The results showed that cheese was the most protective food against age-related cognitive problems, even into late life. Daily consumption of red wine was also shown to improve cognitive function, while weekly consumption of lamb was shown to improve long-term cognitive skills. However, over-consumption of salt was found to increase the risk of cognitive decline. Dr. Auriel Willette, who led the study, said: “I was pleasantly surprised that our results suggest that appropriately(合适地)eating cheese and drinking red wine daily are not just good for helping us cope with some diseases, but perhaps also dealing with an increasingly complex world. Although we considered whether this was just due to what rich people eat and drink, clinical trials(临床试验)at random are needed to determine if making easy changes in our diet could help our brains in great ways.” While the reason for the link remains unclear, the researchers believe that cheese and red wine may protect some people from the effects of Alzheimer’s(阿尔茨海默病). Brandon Klinedinst, an author of the study, added: “Depending on the genetic factors you carry, some individuals seem to be more protected from the effects of Alzheimer’s, while others seem to beat greater risk. Perhaps the silver bullet we’re looking for is improving how we eat. Knowing what that involves contributes to a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and putting this disease in an opposite path.” 1. Which of the following increases the risk of cognitive problems? A. Taking in too much salt. B. Eating cheese properly. C. Drinking red wine daily. D. Consuming lamb weekly. 2. What can be inferred from paragraph 3? A. Changes in our diet help our brains in significant ways. B. The diets of wealthy people were not taken into consideration. C. The study results need to be proved by more clinical trials. D. Some diseases make our world increasingly complex. 3. What does Brandon Klinedinst suggest on fighting Alzheimer’s disease? A. Developing advanced genetic treatments. B. Focusing on improving dietary habits. C. Increasing clinical trials for new drugs. D. Studying the diets of wealthy populations. 4. What is the study mainly about? A. Basic diets over the festive period. B. Possible reasons for cognitive decline. C. Feelings of pleasant music to people’s ears. D. Effects of certain diets on cognitive decline. 【答案】1. A 2. C 3. B 4. D 【导语】这是一篇说明文。一项最新研究表明，喝红酒和吃奶酪有助于减少认知能力下降。文章介绍了这项研究具体的展开过程以及发现，研究人员认为，奶酪和红酒可能会保护一些人免受阿尔茨海默氏症的影响。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段中“However, over-consumption of salt was found to increase the risk of cognitive decline.(然而，过量摄入盐会增加认知能力下降的风险)”可知，摄入太多盐会增加患认知问题的风险，故选A。 2. 推理判断题。根据第三段中“Although we considered whether this was just due to what rich people eat and drink, clinical trials(临床试验)at random are needed to determine if making easy changes in our diet could help our brains in great ways.(尽管我们考虑过这是否仅仅是因为富人的饮食，但需要随机进行临床试验，以确定在饮食上做出简单的改变是否能以很大的方式帮助我们的大脑)”可推知，研究结果需要更多的临床试验来证明，故选C。 3. 细节理解题。根据最后一段的“Perhaps the silver bullet we’re looking for is improving how we eat.(也许我们正在寻找的灵丹妙药是改善我们的饮食方式)”可知，Brandon Klinedinst认为我们正在寻找针对阿尔茨海默病的最简单的解决方案就是改善我们的饮食习惯，故选B。 4. 主旨大意题。根据第一段中“Researchers from Iowa State University have found that drinking red wine and eating cheese can help to reduce cognitive(认知的)decline.(爱荷华州立大学的研究人员发现，喝红酒和吃奶酪有助于减少认知能力下降)”以及第二段“In the study, the researchers analyzed data from 1,787 adults aged 46 to 77, and asked them to complete questionnaires about their food and alcohol consumption(摄取). The results showed that cheese was the most protective food against age-related cognitive problems, even into late life. Daily consumption of red wine was also shown to improve cognitive function, while weekly consumption of lamb was shown to improve long-term cognitive skills. However, over-consumption of salt was found to increase the risk of cognitive decline.(在这项研究中，研究人员分析了1787名年龄在46岁至77岁之间的成年人的数据，并要求他们完成有关饮食和酒精消费的调查问卷。结果表明，奶酪是预防与年龄有关的认知问题的最有效的食物，即使到了晚年也是如此。每天喝红酒也被证明可以改善认知功能，而每周吃羊肉被证明可以提高长期的认知能力。然而，过量食用盐会增加认知能力下降的风险)”可知，这项研究的主要内容是研究某些饮食对认知能力下降的影响，故选D。 主题03 人与自然——动植物保护 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏扬州高邮市·期中） “Thank you for your email. I have left to pursue my dream of knitting(织)sweaters for penguins in Antarctica and no longer work for the School of Economics. I will be out of office... until my penguin friends are happy.” This is part of an email received by a Chinese student studying in the UK from her teacher, which has recently become a hit online. You may find this email surprising, but knitting sweaters for penguins is a real act of kindness. The idea was started by the Penguin Foundation and Phillip Island Nature Parks in Australia. The project began due to a serious oil pour near Phillip Island in the late 1990s. During that time, the number and health of baby penguins dropped significantly. When little penguins became covered in oil, they tried to clean themselves with their beaks(喙), but eating the oil could be deadly. The oil also damaged their feathers, making it difficult for them to swim or hunt for food. To solve this problem, the foundation asked knitters worldwide to make sweaters for affected penguins. These sweaters could keep the penguins warm during the cleaning process and stop them from eating the oil. The method has proven effective. In 2001, another oil pour occurred near Phillip Island. Thanks to the sweaters, 96 percent of the affected penguins were successfully saved. However, some people have questioned the idea of animals wearing human-made clothing. Certain bird protection groups have raised concerns that these sweaters might put more stress on the penguins’ bodies. In response, the foundation explained that the sweaters are only a short-term solution and will not be used once the penguins recover. To guarantee the penguins are protected and wearing appropriate clothes, the foundation has provided detailed instructions for knitters. For example, the total length of the finished sweater should be no more than 18cm, the width across the body no more than 12cm and the width of the bottom opening no more than 11cm. 1. What is the purpose of mentioning the teacher’s email? A. To criticize the teacher for abandoning academic work. B. To emphasize the popularity of knitting in Antarctica. C. To introduce the topic in a humorous and engaging way. D. To compare human hobbies with animal protection. 2. How does oil harm penguins according to the passage? A. Poisons penguins when they clean it with their beaks. B. Makes penguins’ feathers much too heavy to swim. C. Causes penguins to lose their ability to reproduce. D. Attracts hunters to attack oil-covered penguins. 3. What concern did bird protection groups raise about the sweaters? A. Restricting penguins’ movement. B. Being too expensive to produce. C. Polluting the ocean environment. D. Generating pressure to penguins. 4. Which of the following is the best title? A. Knitting for Penguins: A Teacher’s Career B. Penguin Sweaters: Safe or Stressful? C. Rules for Penguin Knitting D. Small Sweaters, Big Rescue 【答案】1. C 2. A 3. D 4. D 【导语】这是一篇说明文。这篇文章通过一个幽默的电子邮件引出了为南极企鹅编织毛衣的慈善项目。这个项目由澳大利亚的企鹅基金会发起，旨在帮助因石油泄漏而受影响的企鹅，通过毛衣保护它们免受石油污染。 1. 推理判断题。根据第一段““Thank you for your email. I have left to pursue my dream of knitting(织)sweaters for penguins in Antarctica and no longer work for the School of Economics. I will be out of office... until my penguin friends are happy.” This is part of an email received by a Chinese student studying in the UK from her teacher, which has recently become a hit online.(“谢谢你的邮件。我已经离开去追求我的梦想，为南极洲的企鹅编织毛衣，不再为经济学院工作。我将不在办公室……直到我的企鹅朋友们开心为止。”这是一名在英国留学的中国学生从她的老师那里收到的一封电子邮件的一部分，这封邮件最近在网上引起了轰动)”可知，文章通过一个幽默的电子邮件引出了为企鹅编织毛衣的主题，这种方式既幽默又吸引人，故选C。 2. 细节理解题。根据第三段“When little penguins became covered in oil, they tried to clean themselves with their beaks(喙), but eating the oil could be deadly.(当小企鹅被石油覆盖时，它们试图用喙清理自己，但吃了石油可能是致命的)”可知，企鹅用喙清理石油时，会中毒，故选A。 3. 细节理解题。根据第六段“Certain bird protection groups have raised concerns that these sweaters might put more stress on the penguins’ bodies.(一些鸟类保护组织担心，这些毛衣可能会给企鹅的身体带来更大的压力)”可知，一些鸟类保护组织担心，这些毛衣可能会给企鹅的身体带来额外的压力，故选D。 4. 主旨大意题。根据第四段“To solve this problem, the foundation asked knitters worldwide to make sweaters for affected penguins. These sweaters could keep the penguins warm during the cleaning process and stop them from eating the oil.(为了解决这个问题，基金会要求世界各地的编织者为受影响的企鹅制作毛衣。这些毛衣可以让企鹅在清洁过程中保持温暖，防止它们吃油)”以及这篇文章通过一个幽默的电子邮件引出了为南极企鹅编织毛衣的慈善项目。这个项目由澳大利亚的企鹅基金会发起，旨在帮助因石油泄漏而受影响的企鹅，通过毛衣保护它们免受石油污染。故D选项“小毛衣，大救援”最符合文章标题，故选D。 Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省扬州市树人集团·期中） Fears about climate change and global conflict destroying plant species and changing the face of the planet have prompted environmentalists and researchers to send 30,000 new seed samples to a “doomsday vault(末日种子库)” on a remote Norwegian island in the Arctic Ocean. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault on Spitsbergen Island, buried so deep inside a mountain as to withstand nuclear war and other disasters, was constructed to reestablish plant life following a worldwide disaster. Opened in 2008, the Svalbard Vault serves as a backup for the world’s gene banks, which store the genetic codes of thousands of plant species. It remains naturally cold due to a surrounding layer of permafrost(永冻土层). “Climate change and conflict threaten infrastructure and impact food security for over 700 million people in more than 75 countries worldwide,” Stefan Schmitz, an organizer of the facility, said. “Gene banks are stepping up efforts to back up seed collections, and we are proud to support them by providing a safe place in Norway.” Recent deposits include seeds for vegetables and herbs from the Union of Agricultural Work Committees in Palestine, seeds from farmers in Bolivia, and samples for 1,145 types of maize, rice, sesame, and sorghum from Chad, which are able to endure extreme heat and arid conditions and can be invaluable to countries impacted by global warming. While the seed bank could benefit the entire planet, it is being run and funded by the Norwegian government, in partnership with the Crop Trust and the Nordic Genetic Resource Center. The vault, which cost $ 8.8 million to build, is free to use for depositors wanting to store seeds that could be used to reestablish crop lines after their disappearance because of natural or unnatural disasters. Lise Lykke Steffensen, executive director of the Nordic Genetic Resource Center said, “Humanity depends on a wide diversity of genetic resources to meet future challenges. Therefore, it is comforting that many gene banks choose to be part of this seed deposit. The Svalbard Vault has an important purpose to secure these valuable collections, not least given the state of the world today.” 1. What is the purpose of establishing the Seed Vault? A. To provide seeds to plant on the islands. B. To endure nuclear war and other disasters. C. To store seeds for scientific research. D. To bring plant life back after a big catastrophe. 2. What can we learn from the seeds recently deposited? A. They’re all from developed countries. B. They’re grown only in cold climates. C. They’re valuable for medical purposes. D. They’re used to defend extreme weather. 3. Who can use the Seed Vault for free? A. Farmers from Palestine, Bolivia and Chad. B. Any organization interested in planting seeds. C. Organizations or individuals depositing seeds. D. The Union of Agricultural Work Committees. 4. What’s the Lise Lykke Steffensen’s attitude towards the seed deposit? A. Approving. B. Critical. C. Neutral. D. Indifferent. 【答案】1. D 2. D 3. C 4. A 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了位于北冰洋的挪威一个偏远岛屿的“末日种子库”即Svalbard Global Seed Vault的功能及重要意义。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段“The Svalbard Global Seed Vault on Spitsbergen Island, buried so deep inside a mountain as to withstand nuclear war and other disasters, was constructed to reestablish plant life following a worldwide disaster.(Spitsbergen岛上的Svalbard Global Seed Vault深埋在一座山中，可以抵御核战争和其他灾难，是为了在一场全球性灾难后重建植物生命而建造的)”可知，这个种子库的主要目的是在全球灾难后能够重建植物生命，故选D。 2. 细节理解题。根据第四段中的“Recent deposits include seeds for vegetables and herbs from the Union of Agricultural Work Committees in Palestine, seeds from farmers in Bolivia, and samples for 1,145 types of maize, rice, sesame, and sorghum from Chad, which are able to endure extreme heat and arid conditions and can be invaluable to countries impacted by global warming.(最近的储备包括来自巴勒斯坦农业工作委员会联盟的蔬菜和草药种子，玻利维亚农民的种子，以及来自Chad的1145种玉米、大米、芝麻和高粱的样品，这些品种能够承受极端高温和干旱条件，对受全球变暖影响的国家来说是非常宝贵的)”可知，最近存放的种子能够抵御炎热、干燥的环境，对受全球变暖影响的国家非常有价值，故选D。 3. 细节理解题。根据第四段中的“The vault, which cost $8.8 million to build, is free to use for depositors wanting to store seeds that could be used to reestablish crop lines after their disappearance because of natural or unnatural disasters.(该种子库耗资880万美元，可供存款人免费使用，存款人希望储存种子，以便在因自然或非自然灾害而消失的作物品种恢复)”可知，储存种子的组织或个人可以免费使用种子库，故选C。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段“Therefore, it is comforting that many gene banks choose to be part of this seed deposit. The Svalbard Vault has an important purpose to secure these valuable collections, not least given the state of the world today.(因此，令人欣慰的是，许多基因库选择成为这个种子库的一部分。Svalbard Vault的重要目的是保护这些珍贵的收藏品，尤其是考虑到当今世界的状况)”可知，她认为许多基因库选择参与种子储存这件事让人欣慰，种子库肩负着保护这些珍贵收藏的重要使命。由此推知，Lise Lykke Steffensen对种子库的态度是赞成的，故选A。 Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省邗江中学·期中） When we, as humans, get slightly injured, we treat our own wounds. Even sometimes we go to see doctors. But in the wild animal kingdom, medical care is much different. For one Sumatran orangutan(猩猩), a facial wound may be lethal because it could cause infection and pain. However, the large orange primate(灵长目动物)found a way to treat himself using a native-growing plant. Rakus, a Sumatran orangutan, lives in Suaq Balimbing, Indonesia. Sumatran orangutans, with only about 14, 613 surviving, are faced with dying out. Biologists study the great apes in their habitats. When they noticed Rakus’ wound they paid attention to it. But what happened three days later surprised them. Rakus applied a plant called Akar Kuning to his wound, creating a protective layer over the wound. The plant is known for reducing pain and preventing infection, but it is not a food for the local orangutans. Biologists say, “It is possible that Rakus brought this knowledge from his birthplace. Therefore, it is possible that the behavior is shown by more individuals like him outside the Suaq research area.” Luckily for Rakus, his treatment worked and his wound was cured without incident. While other examples of great apes treating wounds have been recorded, the selective treatment of only the wound and the layering of plant material in different consistencies were marvelous(了不起的). According to the biologists, this remarkable observation is the first report of active wound management with a biological active substance in a great ape species and provides new insights into the existence of self-medication in our closest relatives. 1. What does the underlined word “lethal” in Paragraph I probably mean? A. Deadly. B. Avoidable C. Curable D. Obvious. 2. What surprised biologists about Rakus during their research? A. It feeds on Akar Kuning-a local plant. B. Its habitats has been destroyed wholly. C. It can’t deal with its wounds timely. D. It uses a native plant to cure itself. 3. Which is right about the observation on Sumatran orangutans? A. It focuses on animal protection. B. It first brought in biological active materials. C. It makes for knowing well of self-medication in the species. D. It makes a big difference to saving apes in danger. 4. Where is the passage probably taken from? A. A news report B. A science fiction C. A geographic magazine D. A poster about endangered animals 【答案】1. A 2. D 3. C 4. A 【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了科学家发现一只苏门答腊猩猩可以用一种本土的植物来疗伤。 1. 词义猜测题。根据文章第一段划线词所在的句子“because it could cause infection and pain(因为它可能会引起感染和疼痛)”可知，苏门答腊猩猩面部的伤会导致感染或者疼痛，所以苏门答腊猩猩面部的伤可能是致命的，由此推测划线词意思是“致命的”，故选A。 2. 细节理解题。根据文章第二段“But what happened three days later surprised them. Rakus applied a plant called Akar Kuning to his wound, creating a protective layer over the wound.(但三天后发生的事情让他们大吃一惊。Rakus在他的伤口上涂抹了一种名为Akar Kuning的植物，在伤口上形成了一层保护层)”可知，Rakus用一种本地植物来治愈自己，这让生物研究者深感惊讶，故选D。 3. 细节理解题。根据文章最后一段“According to the biologists, this remarkable observation is the first report of active wound management with a biological active substance in a great ape species and provides new insights into the existence of self-medication in our closest relatives.(根据生物学家的说法，这一引人注目的观察结果是第一份关于在类人猿物种中使用生物活性物质进行主动伤口处理的报告，并为我们近亲是否存在自我治疗提供了新的见解)”可知，关于苏门答腊猩猩的观察，让我们对这个物种的自我治疗有了更好的了解，故选C。 4. 推理判断题。根据文章根据文章第一段“However, the large orange primate(灵长目动物)found a way to treat himself using a native-growing plant.(然而，大型橙色灵长类动物找到了一种用当地生长的植物来治疗自己的方法)”和最后一段“According to the biologists, this remarkable observation is the first report of active wound management with a biological active substance in a great ape species and provides new insights into the existence of self-medication in our closest relatives.(根据生物学家的说法，这一引人注目的观察结果是第一份关于在类人猿物种中使用生物活性物质进行主动伤口处理的报告，并为我们近亲是否存在自我治疗提供了新的见解)”可知，文章主要讲述苏门答腊猩猩可以用一种本土的植物来疗伤。再结合选项，推知文章可能摘自新闻报道，故选A。 主题01 人与社会——人工智能 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏镇江·期中） Large language models(LLMs)work well because they're so large. But this power comes at a cost. Training a model with hundreds of billions of parameters(参数)takes huge computational resources. A single query(查询)to ChatGPT consumes about 10 times as much energy as a single Google search. In response, some researchers are now shifting to small language models(SLMs). IBM, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI have all recently released small language models(SLMs)that use only a few billion parameters. Small models are not used as general-purpose tools like their larger cousins. But they can do well in specific, narrowly defined tasks, such as summarizing conversations, answering patient questions as a health care chatbot and gathering data in smart devices. “For many tasks, an 8 billion parameter model is actually pretty good, ” said Zico Kolter, a computer scientist at Carnegie Mellon University. They can also run on a laptop or cellphone, instead of a huge data center. Large models often extract raw training data from the Internet, and this data can be disorganized, messy and hard to process. But these large models can then generate a high-quality data set that can be used to train a small model. The approach adopted by the researchers gets the larger model to effectively pass on its training, like a teacher giving lessons to a student. “The reason why SLMs achieve excellent performance is that they use those data instead of the messy stuff, ” Kolter said. Researchers have also explored ways to create small models by starting with large ones and trimming them down. One method, known as pruning, was inspired by a real-life neural(神经的)network — the human brain, which gains efficiency. Pruning can help researchers fine-tune a small language model for a particular task or environment. Smaller models offer an inexpensive way to test novel ideas. Fewer parameters may increase their transparent reasoning. “Small models allow researchers to experiment with lower risks. ” said Leshem Choshen, an MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab scientist. 1. What advantage does SLMs have over LLMs according to the first two paragraphs? A. Consuming less energy. B. Serving more purposes. C. Taking huger resources. D. Using more parameters. 2. What does the underlined word “They” in paragraph 3 refer to? A. Large models. B. Smart devices. C. Small models. D. Huge computational resources. 3. What makes SLMs perform well according to paragraph 4? A. Messy raw data. B. High-quality data. C. Basic training. D. Effective communication. 4. What is Leshem Choshen's attitude towards SLMs? A. Indifferent. B. Cautious. C. Favourable. D. Critical. 【答案】1. A 2. C 3. B 4. C 【导语】本文是一篇说明文，主要讲述了大语言模型（LLMs）虽功能强大但训练需巨大计算资源且能耗高，促使一些研究人员转向小语言模型（SLMs）。 1. 细节理解题。根据第一段“A single query(查询)to ChatGPT consumes about 10 times as much energy as a single Google search.(对 ChatGPT 的一次查询所消耗的能量大约是一次谷歌搜索的 10 倍)”以及第 二 段 “In response, some researchers are now shifting to small language models(SLMs).(作为回应，一些研究人员现在正转向小语言模型<SLMs>)”可知，大语言模型能耗高，而研究人员因能耗问题转向小语言模型，说明小语言模型能耗更低，故选A。 2. 词义猜测题(代词的指代)。根据第三段“Small models are not used as general-purpose tools like their larger cousins. But they can do well in specific, narrowly defined tasks, such as summarizing conversations, answering patient questions as a health care chatbot and gathering data in smart devices. “For many tasks, an 8 billion parameter model is actually pretty good,” said Zico Kolter, a computer scientist at Carnegie Mellon University. They can also run on a laptop or cellphone, instead of a huge data center.(小模型不像它们的大模型同类那样被用作通用工具。但它们可以在特定的、定义狭窄的任务中表现出色，比如总结对话、作为医疗保健聊天机器人回答患者问题以及在智能设备中收集数据。卡内基梅隆大学的计算机科学家齐科・科尔特说：“对于许多任务来说，一个 80 亿参数的模型实际上相当不错。”它们也可以在笔记本电脑或手机上运行，而不是在一个巨大的数据中心运行)”可知，前文一直围绕小模型的特点展开叙述，这里说 “They” 能在笔记本电脑或手机上运行，所以“They”指代的是小模型，故选C。 3. 细节理解题。根据第四段“Large models often extract raw training data from the Internet, and this data can be disorganized, messy and hard to process. But these large models can then generate a high-quality data set that can be used to train a small model. The approach adopted by the researchers gets the larger model to effectively pass on its training, like a teacher giving lessons to a student. “The reason why SLMs achieve excellent performance is that they use those data instead of the messy stuff, ” Kolter said.(大模型通常从互联网上提取原始训练数据，而这些数据可能是杂乱无章、难以处理的。但这些大模型随后可以生成一个高质量的数据集，可用于训练小模型。研究人员采用的方法让大模型有效地传递其训练成果，就像老师给学生上课一样。科尔特说：“小语言模型取得优异性能的原因是它们使用的是那些数据，而不是那些杂乱的数据”)”可知，小语言模型表现好是因为使用了大模型生成的高质量数据，故选B。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段“Smaller models offer an inexpensive way to test novel ideas. Fewer parameters may increase their transparent reasoning. “Small models allow researchers to experiment with lower risks. ” said Leshem Choshen, an MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab scientist.(更小的模型提供了一种低成本的方式来测试新想法。更少的参数可能会增加它们推理的透明度。麻省理工学院-IBM沃森人工智能实验室的科学家莱舍姆・乔申说：“小模型让研究人员能够以更低的风险进行实验”)”可知，莱舍姆・乔申认为小模型具有成本低、推理透明度高、实验风险低等优点，所以他对小语言模型持支持的态度，故选C。 Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·江苏泰州市姜堰区·期中） After waking up, you may feel frustrated that you cannot recall the dreams you had last night. Artificial intelligence(AI)may be able to help. Previously, there have been AI models that can turn text into images. They can do this by learning from a large amount of data from both tests and images. This time, researchers from Osaka University in Japan have trained an AIsystem called Stable Diffusion to re-create images based on people’s brain scans, reported Science magazine. The researchers used an online data set provided by the University of Minnesota, US which consisted of brain scans from four participants as they each viewed a set of 10,000 photos The scans were recorded by functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI功能性磁共振成像). The AI then learned about the brain activities by analyzing changes in blood flow shown by the fMRI data—when a part of the brain is activated, more blood will flow to it. It then matched the brain activities with the photos. Through this method, AI learned how human brains would react when seeing different photos. Finally, the researchers tested the Al on additional brain scans from the same participants when they viewed photos of a toy bear, airplane, clock and train. If the person looked at an airplane, for example, the Al would use the brain scan data to create an image of a very blurry airplane. Then, it would turn on the previous “text-to-image” model and make the image clearer by feeding itself the keyword “airplane”, The final images were “convincing” with about 80 percent of accuracy, according to the researchers. The new study created a novel approach that incorporates texts and images to “decipher(解码)the brain”, Ariel Goldstein from Princeton University, US, told Science magazine. In the future, scientists hope that the technology can be used to record imagined thoughts and dreams or allow people to understand how differently other animals perceive reality. 1. What do we know about Stable Diffusion? A. It can help train people’s minds. B. It can fully present people’s dreams. C. It was created to draw people’s brains. D. It can produce pictures from people’s thoughts. 2. How did the Al system learn about human brain activity? A. By recording brain scans from participants. B. By analyzing descriptions of human thoughts C. By studying patterns of blood flow in the brain. D. By examining 10,000 photos about human brains. 3. What does the underlined word “blurry” in Paragraph 5 probably mean? A. Unclear. B. Striking. C. Factual. D. Unusual. 4. What is the potential use of this technology according to scientists? A. To help understand our dreams. B. To improve text-to-image models. C. To create more accurate brain scans. D. To learn how animals view the world. 【答案】1. D 2. C 3. A 4. D 【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了AI如何通过脑部扫描图像重现人类想法及其潜在应用。 1. 推理判断题。根据第二段的“This time, researchers from Osaka University in Japan have trained an AIsystem called Stable Diffusion to re-create images based on people’s brain scans, reported Science magazine.(据《科学》杂志报道，这一次，日本大阪大学的研究人员训练了一个名为“稳定扩散”的人工智能系统，根据人们的大脑扫描重新创建图像)”可知，Stable Diffusion是根据人的脑电波扫描来重新创建图像的系统。由此可推知，它可以从人们的思维中产生图片，故选D。 2. 细节理解题。根据第四段的“The AI then learned about the brain activities by analyzing changes in blood flow shown by the fMRI data - when a part of the brain is activated, more blood will flow to it.(然后，人工智能通过分析fMRI数据显示的血流变化来了解大脑活动——当大脑的一部分被激活时，更多的血液会流向它)”可知，AI系统通过分析fMRI数据中血液流动的变化来学习大脑活动，故选C。 3. 词义猜测题。根据第五段的“Then, it would turn on the previous “text-to-image” model and make the image clearer by feeding itself the keyword “airplane”. The final images were “convincing” with about 80 percent of accuracy, according to the researchers.(然后，它会启用之前的“文本转图像”模型，并通过输入关键词“飞机”来使图像变得更清晰。根据研究人员的说法，最终的图像是“有说服力的“，准确率约为80%)”可知，AI可以启用之前的“文本转图像”模型，并通过输入关键词“飞机”来使图像变得更清晰，所以说明AI一开始会使用大脑扫描数据来创建一架非常模糊的飞机的图像。划线单词意为“模糊的，不清楚的”，故选A。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段“The new study created a novel approach that incorporates texts and images to “decipher(解码)the brain”, Ariel Goldstein from Princeton University, US, told Science magazine. In the future, scientists hope that the technology can be used to record imagined thoughts and dreams or allow people to understand how differently other animals perceive reality.(美国普林斯顿大学的Ariel Goldstein告诉《科学》杂志，这项新研究创造了一种结合文本和图像来“解码大脑”的新方法。未来，科学家们希望这项技术能够用于记录想象中的)”可知，科学家希望这一技术能够用于记录想象中的思想和梦境，或理解动物对现实的感知方式。由此可推知，其潜在用途是学习动物如何看待世界，故选D。 Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏宿迁市泗阳县·期中） Just hours after the launch on March 6th 1 of Manus, a Chinese artificial-intelligence(AI)bot, a flood of visitors caused its registration site to crash. Butterfly Effect, the company behind the bot, claims its technology outperforms that of OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT. It is now granting previews by invitation only as it struggles to handle the traffic(流量). Scalpers(黄牛)are said to be selling registration codes. Manus is but the latest example of the mania that has swept over China since January, when DeepSeek, the country’s hottest AI startup, shook the world with a whizzy model that cost a fraction of similarly powerful Western ones to train. The effect on Chinese markets has been staggering. Stocks are experiencing their best start to the year on record. The Hang Seng Tech Index, which tracks the biggest Chinese tech companies listed in Hong Kong, is up by more than 40% since mid-January. China’s largest tech firms, including Alibaba, Baidu, Huawei and Tencent, are embracing the hype, and will be hoping to cash in on the boom through their cloud-computing divisions. Last month Alibaba proclaimed that its main objective was to achieve human-like artificial general intelligence. On March 6th it released a new reasoning model that it says is as good as DeepSeek’s. China’s AI boom is encouraging capital investment across the country’s hardware supply chain. Server-makers may spend more than 1.4trn yuan over the next two years as they expand production capacity, according to analysts at Jefferies, an investment bank. GDS, one of the largest, has scaled up its capital-expenditure plans. VNet, a competitor, recently said it would double its capacity this year. Many people expect they will keep using Manus for all sorts of tasks, in both personal and professional lives. The launch of Manus serves as further evidence that Chinese AI companies are not following in the footsteps of their Western counterparts. Rather than just innovating on base models, they are actively shaping the adoption of autonomous AI agents in their own way. 1. What is mainly talked about in paragraph 1? A. Manus is too popular to cope with the traffic. B. Scalpers are causing problems for new AI products. C. OpenAI’s ChatGPT is losing its market dominance. D. Butterfly Effect is a company that cannot handle its own technology. 2. What does the underlined word “staggering” in paragraph 2 mean? A. Amazing. B. Challenging. C. Demanding. D. Embarrassing. 3. Why might GDS and VNet be increasing their operations? A. To diversify their product lines. B. To collaborate with foreign companies. C. To take advantage of the booming AI market. D. To respond to a decrease in consumer demand. 4. What are people’s attitudes toward new applications? A. Supportive. B. Indifferent. C. Worried. D. Doubtful. 【答案】1. A 2. A 3. C 4. A 【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要说明了人工智能行业在中西方蓬勃发展。 1. 主旨大意题。根据第一段“Just hours after the launch on March 6th 1 of Manus, a Chinese artificial-intelligence(AI)bot, a flood of visitors caused its registration site to crash. Butterfly Effect, the company behind the bot, claims its technology outperforms that of OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT. It is now granting previews by invitation only as it struggles to handle the traffic(流量). Scalpers(黄牛)are said to be selling registration codes.(3月6日，中国人工智能机器人Manus发布几个小时后，大量访客导致其注册网站崩溃。开发该机器人的公司Butterfly Effect声称，其技术优于ChatGPT的制造商OpenAI。现在，它只能通过邀请的方式提供预览，因为它正在努力处理流量。据说黄牛在出售注册码)”可知，第一段主要讨论了Manus太受欢迎了，以至于难以应对流量，故选A。 2. 词义猜测题。根据划线词后文“Stocks are experiencing their best start to the year on record. The Hang Seng Tech Index, which tracks the biggest Chinese tech companies listed in Hong Kong, is up by more than 40% since mid-January.(股市正经历有记录以来最好的开局。追踪在香港上市的中国最大科技公司的恒生科技指数自1月中旬以来上涨了40%以上)”可知，DeepSeek对中国市场的影响是惊人的，股票经历了有记录以来最好的开局，恒生科技指数大幅上涨。由此可推测“staggering”意思是“惊人的”，故选A。 3. 细节理解题。根据倒数第二段“China’s AI boom is encouraging capital investment across the country’s hardware supply chain. Server-makers may spend more than 1.4trn yuan over the next two years as they expand production capacity, according to analysts at Jefferies, an investment bank. GDS, one of the largest, has scaled up its capital-expenditure plans. VNet, a competitor, recently said it would double its capacity this year.(中国人工智能的蓬勃发展正促使全国硬件供应链加大资本投入。据投资银行杰富瑞的分析师称，随着服务器制造商扩大产能，未来两年他们可能会花费超过1.4万亿元人民币。作为最大的服务器制造商之一，GDS已经扩大了其资本支出计划。其竞争对手VNet最近也表示，今年将把产能提高一倍)”可知，GDS和VNet增加运营是为了利用蓬勃发展的人工智能市场，故选C。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段“Many people expect they will keep using Manus for all sorts of tasks, in both personal and professional lives.(许多人期望他们将继续使用Manus来完成各种任务，无论是在个人生活还是职业生活中)”可推知，人们对新应用的态度是支持，故选A。 Passage 4 （24-25学年高二下·淮安市协作体·期中） A robot designed to carry things moves quickly across a field to gather equipment at a sports event. Such equipment, like javelins and discuses(铁饼), has been thrown by competitors. Another robot moves a human-sized screen on wheels. It is designed to permit virtual attendance at the event. And then there are the robots designed to look like the smiling, friendly creatures or mascots that act as the Olympic Games’representatives. All these robots are part of preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corporation presented the machines to reporters earlier this week. Toyota is a major supporter of the 2020 Olympic Games. The mascot robots have moving arms and legs, and their eyes change to the image of stars and hearts. They cannot speak at all or walk very well. But Tomohisa Moridaira, lead engineer, suggested several possibilities, such as getting the robot to hold the Olympic torch using magnets. The field support robot" is a small bus-shaped machine based on a Toyota ride-sharing vehicle that is still in development. The field support robot can travel as fast as 20 kilometers per hour. It holds three cameras and one special sensor that lets it sense surroundings. Around the top of its body are special lights that brighten when the vehicle is active. Its artificial intelligence helps it avoid barriers. It is also able to vary its path in order to protect areas of grass. However, it cannot find the objects, which can weigh up to eight kilograms, or pick them up on its own. A person has to travel with the device, pick up the objects and put them in it. Then, with a press of a button, the vehicle transports the equipment to where it needs to go. Takeshi Kuwabara took charge of the robots’ development. He said it was designed to team robots and humans. “Our aim was to leverage the strengths of both humans and robots,” he said. The carmaker plans to use the games to present its new vehicle technologies. These include buses fueled by a special kind of battery, and self-driving taxis. Toyota is competing with other carmakers and technology companies to develop low cost, robot-controlled cars and electric vehicles. 1. Why does the author mention robots in the first paragraph? A. To attract our interest in robot technology. B. To show us new robot technology in the 21st century. C. To encourage creation of new robots. D. To introduce the robots in the Olympic Games. 2. What is the feature of the “field support robot”? A. It can work individually in the field. B. It can sense barriers and change its way. C. It is a Toyota ride-sharing vehicle. D. It can find and pick up anything. 3. What is the purpose of the carmaker to use many robots in the Olympic Games? A. To show its new vehicle technologies. B. To help save the natural resources. C. To cut down the cost of the service. D. To free people from heavy work. 4. What can be the best title of the passage? A. Robot Shows in the 2020 Olympics. B. Toyota’s - Support for the 2020 Olympics. C. Robot Assistants in the 2020 Olympics. D. Robot Competition in the 2020 Olympics. 【答案】1. D 2. B 3. A 4. C 【分析】这是一篇说明文。文章讲述了丰田公司向公众展示了一系列为2020东京奥运会准备的智能机器人和载具，分别介绍了它们的不同功用。 1. 推理判断题。根据第二段第一句“All these robots are part of preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.”可知，第一段介绍的机器人都是与比赛相关的，到第二段就指明了它们都是为奥运会而准备的，故选D。 2. 细节理解题。根据第四段最后一句“Its artificial intelligence helps it avoid barriers. It is also able to vary its path in order to protect areas of grass.”可知，场地支持机器人可以避开障碍物，为此而改变行进路线，故选B。 3. 细节理解题。根据最后一段第一句“The carmaker plans to use the games to present its new vehicle technologies.”可知，丰田公司打算借助这次奥运会来展示其新型车辆技术，故选A。 4. 主旨大意题。只从第一段中列举的这些机器人来看：收集物品、清理场地的机器人，虚拟出席的人形机器人以及迎宾的吉祥物机器人，都是用来辅助、支持赛事相关的，C选项“2020奥运会的机器人助手”最贴合文章主题，故选C。 Passage 5 （24-25学年高二下·连云港市市区新浦中学等七校联考·期中） If you have ever dreamed of making money from making music but are worried that you have little talent, don’t let that stop you — a man called Alex Mitchell might be able to help. Mr. Mitchell is the founder and boss of a website and app called Boomy, which helps its users create their own songs using artificial intelligence(AI)software. It is easy to use the app to help you compose the music. What you need to do is choose from a number of types, click on “create song”, and the AI will compose one for you in less than 30 seconds. It is able to quickly choose the song’s style and melody(旋律). And from there you can then finish your song with ease. You can do things such as adding or removing instruments, making everything sound brighter or softer, and recording some songs. But, how good are these Boomy-created songs? It has to be said that they do sound very computer-produced. You wouldn’t mistake them for a group of people making music using real instruments. However, using AI to help create music isn’t quite new. US classical composer, David Cope, developed such a software system back in the 1980s. One day he set it up to write pieces similar to those by Johann Sebastian Bach. Mr. Cope then went out for a sandwich, and returned to find that the computer had created 5,000 Bach-styled pieces. These were later made public on an album called Bach on purpose. More recently, in 2019, US electronic music composer, Holly Herndon, made an album called PROTO working together with an AI system called Spawn that she had co-created. Mr. Mitchell says that technological advancements in AI have made songwriting software much cheaper. It’s not just for musicians anymore, it’s for most people like you and me. 1. What’s the purpose of setting up Boomy? A. To develop music education. B. To record and sell music for money. C. To help users learn AI technology. D. To help users create their own songs. 2. What can we learn about creating music by using AI? A. It is difficult to master. B. It is highly effective. C. It is newly invented. D. It is only fit for Bach’s works. 3. What can be inferred about songwriting software from the last paragraph? A. It is becoming more expensive. B. It is becoming less popular. C. It is becoming more convenient. D. It is becoming less important. 4. Which part of a newspaper does the passage most probably come from? A. Culture. B. Environment. C. Lifestyle. D. Technology. 【答案】1. D 2. B 3. C 4. D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了一个名为Boomy的网站和应用程序，它使用人工智能软件帮助用户创作自己的歌曲。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段“Mr. Mitchell is the founder and boss of a website and app called Boomy, which helps its users create their own songs using artificial intelligence(AI)software.(Mitchell先生是一个名为Boomy的网站和应用程序的创始人和老板，该应用程序帮助用户使用人工智能(AI)软件创建自己的歌曲)”可知，建立Boomy网站和应用程序的目的是帮助用户创作自己的歌曲，故选D。 2. 细节理解题。根据第四段的“One day he set it up to write pieces similar to those by Johann Sebastian Bach. Mr. Cope then went out for a sandwich, and returned to find that the computer had created 5,000 Bach-styled pieces.(有一天，他将其设置为写类似于约翰·塞巴斯蒂安·巴赫的作品。然后，Cope先生出去吃三明治，回来后发现电脑已经创作了5000首巴赫风格的乐曲)”可知，使用人工智能创作音乐的效率非常高，故选B。 3. 推理判断题。根据最后一段“Mr. Mitchell says that technological advancements in AI have made songwriting software much cheaper. It’s not just for musicians anymore, it’s for most people like you and me.(Mitchell先生说，人工智能的技术进步使歌曲创作软件便宜得多。这不再只是音乐家的事，而是像你我这样的大多数人的事)”可知，Mitchell先生表示人工智能的技术进步使歌曲创作软件便宜得多。由此可推知，目前的音乐创作软件变得更加容易获取了，故选C。 4. 推断判断题。根据第二段“Mr. Mitchell is the founder and boss of a website and app called Boomy, which helps its users create their own songs using artificial intelligence(AI)software.(Mitchell先生是一个名为Boomy的网站和应用程序的创始人和老板，该应用程序帮助用户使用人工智能（AI）软件创建自己的歌曲)”以及全文可知，文章主要介绍了如何使用AI软件创作音乐，包括使用 Boomy网站和应用程序的步骤和特点，以及AI技术在音乐创作中的应用和优势。因此，应出现在报纸的科技版面，故选D。 主题01 人与社会——新发现，新技术 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏镇江·期中） Journaling sounds so romantic in theory. You sit at a desk, grab a favorite pen, and fill a notebook with rich thoughts and ideas. All in beautiful handwriting, of course. It’s a cute mental picture, but it’s also probably why you never do it. The pressure to be perfect while journaling is real and it’s often what puts people off the practice. While it’s exciting to buy notebooks and diaries, it’s tough to actually start writing in them, and it explains why so many are getting into scribble journaling — a trend with millions of posts on TikTok. With scribble journaling, the idea is to write as fast, thoughtless, and illegible(不可识别的)as you like. The goal isn’t to be able to read what you wrote but to allow your pen to keep up with your thoughts. In a video, creator@oakandbee said this style of writing has completely changed their approach to journaling. “I literally just connect all the words together and scribble it down, ” they said. “I’m not crossing any Ts or Xs. I’m not dotting any Is. And I’m not using any punctuation(标点). The words are all connected.” As for the benefits of scribble journaling, according to Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a chief clinical officer at Charlie Health, it gives priority to expression over logical connection, similar to a stream of consciousness(意识). “Scribble journaling removes the pressure of being formal,” she adds, “It’s a great way to avoid overthinking.” The act of writing by hand also plays a role. “It engages the brain differently than typing, activating(激活)physical skills and emotional processing, ” she says. This technique releases stress from your nervous system as you put it all onto paper. “The act of writing without structure can help express emotions quickly and provide a sense of relief, ” says Fenkel. If scribble journaling helps, remind yourself that this isn’t a journal for storing important or sweet memories. That can happen in another notebook or a junk journal. Allow this one to be purely about scribbles — a place where you can let it all out. 1. Why do people get into scribble journaling? A. The lack of interest in journaling. B. The trend of journaling on TikTok. C. The stress to pursue perfection in journaling. D. The thrill to purchase notebooks and diaries. 2. Why is creator@oakandbee’s comment mentioned in paragraph 4? A. To predict the trend of writing journals. B. To highlight the importance of journaling. C. To present the feature of scribble journaling. D. To indicate the lifestyle of young people. 3. What can we learn about scribble journaling according to Fenkel? A. It facilitates emotional release. B. It postpones emotional relief. C. It involves structured writing. D. It enhances the logic of expression. 4. What is the best title passage of the article? A. Scribble Journaling to Release Energy B. Scribble Journaling to Relieve Stress C. Scribble Journaling to Recall Knowledge D. Scribble Journaling to Restore Confidence 【答案】1. C 2. C 3. A 4. B 【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要说明了因为追求日记完美的压力导致人们放弃了写日记。而涂鸦日记可以随心所欲地快速、不经思考、不清晰地书写，有助于缓解压力。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段“The pressure to be perfect while journaling is real and it’s often what puts people off the practice. While it’s exciting to buy notebooks and diaries, it’s tough to actually start writing in them, and it explains why so many are getting into scribble journaling — a trend with millions of posts on TikTok.(写日记时要求完美的压力是真实存在的，这往往是人们放弃写日记的原因。虽然购买笔记本和日记很令人兴奋，但很难真正开始用它们写作，这也解释了为什么这么多人开始写涂鸦日记——这是TikTok上数百万条帖子的趋势)”可知，人们开始写涂鸦日记是处于追求日记完美的压力，故选C。 2. 推理判断题。根据第四段“In a video, creator@oakandbee said this style of writing has completely changed their approach to journaling. “I literally just connect all the words together and scribble it down, ” they said. “I’m not crossing any Ts or Xs. I’m not dotting any Is. And I’m not using any punctuation(标点). The words are all connected.”(在一段视频中，creator@oakandbee表示，这种写作风格完全改变了他们写日记的方式。“我只是把所有的单词连在一起，然后草草地写下来，”他们说。“我没有越过任何T或X。我没有点I。我没有使用任何标点符号。这些词都是相连的。”)”可知，通过具体例子说明涂鸦日记的核心特点——无格式、快速书写，第4段提到了creator@oakandbee的评论是为了呈现涂鸦日记的特点，故选C。 3. 细节理解题。根据倒数第二段“This technique releases stress from your nervous system as you put it all onto paper.(当你把这些都写在纸上时，这种方法可以释放你神经系统的压力)”可知，涂鸦日记有助于情绪释放，故选A。 4. 主旨大意题。根据最后一段“If scribble journaling helps, remind yourself that this isn’t a journal for storing important or sweet memories. That can happen in another notebook or a junk journal. Allow this one to be purely about scribbles — a place where you can let it all out.(如果涂鸦日记有帮助，提醒自己这不是用来记录重要或甜蜜记忆的日记。这可以发生在另一个笔记本或垃圾日志中。允许这个地方纯粹是关于涂鸦的——一个你可以尽情宣泄的地方)”结合文章主要说明了因为追求日记完美的压力导致人们放弃了写日记。而涂鸦日记可以随心所欲地快速、不经思考、不清晰地书写，有助于缓解压力。可知，B选项“写涂鸦日记来缓解压力”最符合文章标题，故选B。 Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·江苏常州·期中） If a stranger offered you a free cookie, you might eat it. But what if they also offered to give you $2? You might politely decline, thinking “Something smells fishy.” A recent study found that people tend to turn down offers of “free money” because they seem “too good to be true.” The researchers bridge economics and psychology to explain why encouraging specific actions by offering money can boomerang. In the initial experiment, nearly 40% of participants ate a cookie offered freely — compared with about 20% of those offered $2 as well. “People typically imagine that someone did something bad to the cookie,” says the study lead Andrew J. Vonasch. Nine further experiments used online questionnaires to present other situations. These included shockingly high wages for a construction job, and surprisingly cheap flights. In each case, higher financial gain reduced participants’ likelihood of accepting the offer. Vonasch says the results are contrary to the “standard economic model,” which supposes that humans always seek to maximize gains. Deals, he argues, need to be viewed as social interactions between people trying to understand each other’s minds. If someone seems to go against accepted rules such as self-interest without explanation, we assume they have hidden motives and infer there will be “phantom(幻影)costs.” This term refers to imagined consequences that reduce the extent to which it allows the receiver to feel better. We fear the future consequences of others’ seeming overgenerosity, which could help explain people’s unwillingness. Another experiment found that high scorers on measures of distrust inferred more phantom costs. The researchers also showed how to reduce the effect: simply provide a reason for the deal. The “cheap flights” experiment included a condition where the seats were revealed to be very uncomfortable. “Uncomfortable seats aren’t typically a selling point,” Vonasch says. “But telling people this fact made them more willing to take these seats because it was a sufficient explanation.” The scientists are also experimenting with robot and Al interactions. “If AI is overly generous, will people imagine phantom costs?” Vonasch says. “People tend to treat A I as if it has a mind, when obviously it doesn’t.” 1. What does the underlined word “boomerang” in Paragragh 2 mean? A. Bring immediate success. B. Draw public attention. C. Produce unintended results. D. Be completely ignored. 2. What does the term “phantom costs” imply? A. If you’re less selfish, you will feel better. B. People tend to maximize economic gains. C. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. D. People favor future returns over instant benefits. 3. What does the “cheap flights” experiment demonstrate? A. People prefer cheaper options. B. Providing a reason reduces distrust. C. Distrust increases phantom costs. D. People like overly generous offers. 4. What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A. AI is more trustworthy than humans. B. People trust and accept AI’s offers readily. C. AI’s lack of a mind removes people’s distrust. D. People may still infer AI’s hidden intentions. 【答案】1. C 2. C 3. B 4. D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。一项研究发现，人们往往会拒绝“免费的钱”这样的提议，因为觉得“好得令人难以置信”。研究人员通过实验解释了这种现象背后的原因，即人们会认为对方有隐藏的动机，存在“幻影成本”，并介绍了如何减少这种不信任的影响，还探讨了人工智能过度慷慨时人们的反应。 1. 词义猜测题。根据第二段“A recent study found that people tend to turn down offers of “free money” because they seem “too good to be true.” The researchers bridge economics and psychology to explain why encouraging specific actions by offering money can boomerang.(最近的一项研究发现，人们倾向于拒绝“免费的钱”的提议，因为它们似乎“好得令人难以置信”。研究人员结合经济学和心理学来解释为什么通过提供金钱来鼓励特定行为会boomerang)”及下文实验中人们拒绝了看似更有经济利益的提议，可推知，提供金钱鼓励行为却得到了拒绝的结果，即产生了意想不到的结果。由此可知，划线词boomerang意思是“产生意想不到的结果”，与“Produce unintended results.”意思相符，故选C。 2. 推理判断题。根据第六段“If someone seems to go against accepted rules such as self-interest without explanation, we assume they have hidden motives and infer there will be “phantom(幻影)costs.” This term refers to imagined consequences that reduce the extent to which it allows the receiver to feel better. We fear the future consequences of others’ seeming overgenerosity, which could help explain people’s unwillingness.(如果有人似乎在没有解释的情况下违背了诸如利己主义等公认的规则，我们就会认为他们有隐藏的动机，并推断会有“幻影成本”。这个术语指的是想象中的后果，这些后果会降低接受者感觉良好的程度。我们担心别人看似过度慷慨的行为会带来的未来后果，这可以解释人们为什么不愿意接受)”可推知，“phantom costs(幻影成本)”意味着如果某件事听起来好得令人难以置信，那么它很可能就是有问题的，故选C。 3. 细节理解题。根据第七段中的“The researchers also showed how to reduce the effect: simply provide a reason for the deal. The “cheap flights” experiment included a condition where the seats were revealed to be very uncomfortable. “Uncomfortable seats aren’t typically a selling point,” Vonasch says. “But telling people this fact made them more willing to take these seats because it was a sufficient explanation.”(研究人员还展示了如何减少这种影响：只需为交易提供一个理由。“廉价航班”实验包括一个条件，即座位被揭示为非常不舒服。Vonasch说：“不舒服的座位通常不是卖点。但告诉人们这个事实会让他们更愿意坐这些座位，因为这是一个充分的解释。”)”可知，“廉价航班”实验表明提供一个理由可以减少不信任，故选B。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段中的““If AI is overly generous, will people imagine phantom costs?” Vonasch says. “People tend to treat A I as if it has a mind, when obviously it doesn’t.”(Vonasch说：“如果人工智能过于慷慨，人们会想象出幻影成本’吗？人们倾向于把人工智能当作有思想的东西，而显然它没有。”)”可推知，即使人工智能没有思想，人们也可能仍然会推断出人工智能隐藏的意图，故选D。 Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏常州溧阳市·期中） Releasing tiny metal rods(金属棒)into Mars’ atmosphere could warm the planet enough to melt water and support microbial life. Scientists at the University of Chicago aim to find a way to make Mars suitable for humans to live. So it is crucial to raise its surface temperature. Some people have suggested putting mirrors above Mars’ surface or pumping methane(甲)into its atmosphere, but these ideas are difficult to apply because the raw materials required would need to be sent from Earth. Now, Edwin Kite and his colleagues have found relatively small dust clouds made from iron or aluminium(铝)rods taken from rocks on Mars could warm the planet in a period of a few months or over a decade, depending on how quickly the particles are released. These metal rods could be carried by wind from the surface to Mars’ upper atmosphere, where they would then remain for around a decade, trapping heat from below and allowing more sunlight through. Kite and his team modeled how the rods responded to light and then fed this information into climate simulations(模拟), which showed that the increase in temperature and pressure would be enough for parts of Mars to sustain liquid water and potentially oxygen-producing bacteria. They also found that this warming would only need the rods to be released at a rate equal to that of water flowing through about 30 garden taps, amounting to a total of 700,000 cubic metres of metal per year to achieve the required warming, or around 1 percent of Earth's metal production.   “According to our plan, we found a surprisingly small amount of engineered dust would be required, much less than the amount of engineered greenhouse gases required if you wanted the same amount of warming,” says Kite. “But it would still be challenging to dig large holes in the ground to collect iron or aluminium from Mars.” “One uncertainty in the simulations is how the tiny rods might interact with water in Mars’ atmosphere. Water can form a group with the dust and fall back to the surface as rain, reducing the warming,” says Manoj Joshi at the University of East Anglia, UK. 1. What do the scientists at the University of Chicago try to do? A. To make Mars habitable. B. To change Mars’ landscape. C. To send raw materials to Mars. D. To find microbial life on Mars. 2. What can the metal rods do? A. Help clean Mars’ atmosphere. B. Better expose Mars’ surface to the sun. C. Collect particles from Mars’ rocks. D. Keep Mars’ upper atmosphere cold. 3. What is the difficulty of the plan according to Kite? A. Sustaining liquid water on Mars’ surface. B. Mining for needed metal materials on Mars. C. Producing a large amount of water on lars. D. Releasing engineered greenhouse gases into Mars’ atmosphere. 4. What is Manoi Joshi’s attitude towards the plan? A. Supportive. B. Doubtful. C. Serious. D. Unclear. 【答案】1. A 2. B 3. B 4. B 【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了科学家提出通过将微小的金属棒释放到火星大气中提升火星温度，使火星适合人类居住。解释了这种金属棒的工作原理以及人们对此的看法。 1. 细节理解题。根据第一段“Scientists at the University of Chicago aim to find a way to make Mars suitable for humans to live.(芝加哥大学的科学家们旨在找到一种使火星适合人类居住的方法)”可知，芝加哥大学的科学家们试图使火星适宜居住，故选A。 2. 细节理解题。根据第二段“These metal rods could be carried by wind from the surface to Mars’ upper atmosphere, where they would then remain for around a decade, trapping heat from below and allowing more sunlight through.(这些金属棒可以被风从火星表面带到上层大气，然后在那里停留大约十年，从下面吸收热量，让更多的阳光通过)”可知，金属棒能更好地把火星表面暴露在太阳下，故选B。 3. 细节理解题。根据倒数第二段“But it would still be challenging to dig large holes in the ground to collect iron or aluminium from Mars.(但在地面上挖大洞从火星上收集铁或铝仍然是一项挑战)”可知，根据凯特的说法，这个计划的难度是在火星上开采所需的金属材料，故选B。 4. 推理判断题。根据最后一段““One uncertainty in the simulations is how the tiny rods might interact with water in Mars’ atmosphere. Water can form a group with the dust and fall back to the surface as rain, reducing the warming,” says Manoj Joshi at the University of East Anglia, UK.(英国东安格利亚大学的Manoj Joshi说：‘模拟中的一个不确定因素是这些小棒如何与火星大气中的水相互作用。水可以与灰尘形成一团，并以雨的形式落回地面，从而减少变暖。’)”可知，Manoi Joshi对这个计划的态度是怀疑的，故选B。 Passage 4 （24-25学年高二下·江苏南通·期中） The Sol Reader is a new and creative e-book reader that you wear on your face, just like a pair of sunglasses. If the humble Kindle isn’t good enough any more and you’re looking for the next big thing in the e-book reader space, you may want to check out the Sol Reader, an amazing device shaped like a pair of sunglasses. Slightly similar to a VR headset, the Sol Reader is a simple tool designed only as a hands-free e-reader. Weighing around 100 grams and shaped like a pair of black sunglasses, the Sol Reader was created for a more comfortable reading experience, like reading a book while lying down. But, before you ask no, you will not be able to turn pages with your eyes or the power of your mind. The Sol Reader features a pair of 1.3-inch side-lit e-ink displays, each capable of displaying 65,536 pixels(像素). The device also has a diopter(屈光度)adjustment built in, so people who wear glasses or contact lenses(隐形眼镜)can use it without wearing additional vision correction. One of the main advantages of the Sol Reader is that it can suppress all outside visual influences, allowing the reader to focus on the e-book. The pages of the Sol Reader are projected against a dark background and the reading experience is described by its producer as similar to looking at the pages of an actual book. To turn over the pages, users push buttons on a remote-like controller, so reading on this thing isn’t technically completely hands-free. The Sol Reader has a built-in battery that should provide about 30 hours of reading time on a single charge, which doesn’t seem like a lot compared to traditional e-book readers. The storage capability is limited to 64 MB, but the headset wirelessly connects to a mobile iOs or Android app that allows DRM-free EPUB files to be copied over, so you don’t have to store all your e-books on it. 1. What is the Sol Reader designed to do? A. To help readers lie down to read. B. To prevent readers’ eyes tiredness. C. To offer convenient e-book reading. D. To allow total hands-free reading. 2. What is one feature of the Sol Reader? A. It can correct readers’ vision. B. It can turn pages with one’s eyes. C. It is cheap but difficult to operate. D. It is light and comfortable to wear. 3. What does the underlined word “suppress” in paragraph 3 probably mean? A. Contribute to. B. Block out. C. Withdraw from. D. Allow for. 4. What does the author want to stress about the Sol Reader in the last paragraph? A. Its extended battery life B. Its large storage capacity. C. Its hands-free reading feature. D. Its wireless connectivity to apps. 【答案】1. C 2. D 3. B 4. D 【导语】本文是说明文。文章主要介绍了Sol Reader这款新型电子阅读器的特点、功能、使用方式以及与其他电子阅读器的区别。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段“Slightly similar to a VR headset, the Sol Reader is a simple tool designed only as a hands-free e-reader.(Sol Reader有点类似于VR头显，它是一个简单的工具，仅被设计为免提电子阅读器)”可知，Sol Reader的设计目的是提供方便的电子书阅读，故选C。 2. 细节理解题。根据第二段“Weighing around 100 grams and shaped like a pair of black sunglasses, the Sol Reader was created for a more comfortable reading experience, like reading a book while lying down.(Sol Reader重约100克，形状像一副黑色太阳镜，它的设计目的是为了提供更舒适的阅读体验，就像躺着看书一样)”可知，Sol Reader的一个特点是穿着轻便舒适，故选D。 3. 词句猜测题。根据后文“allowing the reader to focus on the e-book(让读者专注于电子书)”可知，Sol阅读器的主要优点之一是让读者专注于电子书，而要做到这点，应是遮挡了所有外部视觉影响，推知suppress意为“遮挡”之意，和B项意思相近，故选B。 4. 细节理解题。根据最后一段“The Sol Reader has a built-in battery that should provide about 30 hours of reading time on a single charge, which doesn’t seem like a lot compared to traditional e-book readers. The storage capability is limited to 64 MB, but the headset wirelessly connects to a mobile iOs or Android app that allows DRM-free EPUB files to be copied over, so you don’t have to store all your e-books on it.(Sol Reader内置电池，充一次电可以提供大约30小时的阅读时间，与传统的电子书阅读器相比，这似乎并不多。存储容量限制为64MB，但耳机可以无线连接到移动iOs或Android应用程序，允许复制DRM-free EPUB文件，这样你就不必把所有的电子书都存储在上面了)”可知，本段主要介绍了Sol Reader的无线连接应用程序，故选D。 Passage 5 （24-25学年高二下·江苏南通如皋市·期中） Solar energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, has been playing an increasingly important role in the global energy mix. Recently, significant advancements in solar energy technology have brought us closer to a more sustainable future. One of the most notable developments is the creation of new solar cell materials. Traditional silicon-based solar cells have limitations in terms of efficiency and cost. However, researchers have been exploring alternative materials. For example, perovskite solar cells(钙钛矿太阳能电池)have emerged as a promising alternative. These cells can be produced at a lower cost and have shown high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. Some perovskite solar cells have even achieved conversion efficiencies comparable to, or even exceeding, those of traditional silicon cells in laboratory settings. This could potentially revolutionize the solar energy industry by making solar power more affordable and accessible. Another area of progress is in energy storage solutions for solar energy. Solar power is intermittent(断断续续的), depending on sunlight availability. To address this, new battery technologies are being developed. Lithium-ion batteries(锂离子电池)have been widely used, but researchers are now looking at other options like flow batteries. Flow batteries can store large amounts of energy and have a longer lifespan. They can effectively store the excess electricity generated by solar panels during the day and release it when needed at night or during cloudy days. This improves the reliability and usability of solar energy. Despite these exciting advancements, there are still challenges. The durability of new materials like perovskite under real-world conditions needs to be further improved. And the cost of some advanced energy storage systems is still relatively high. But with continuous research and development, these issues are expected to be gradually resolved. 1. What is a key advantage of perovskite solar cells over traditional silicon-based cells? A. They are inexpensive yet more efficient. B. They are more durable in all weather conditions. C. They require less sunlight to generate electricity. D. They have a longer history of practical application. 2. Why are flow batteries considered a promising solution for solar energy? A. They are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries. B. They can store energy continuously without interruption. C. They have a longer lifespan and can store large energy amounts. D. They can work better than lithium-ion batteries under low sunlight. 3. What is the author’s attitude towards the advancements in solar energy technology? A. Optimistic. B. Pessimistic. C. Neutral. D. Doubtful. 4. Which is probably the best title for the text? A. The Limitations of Solar Energy B. Energy Storage Solutions for Solar Energy C. Traditional Solar Cells vs New Technologies D. New Advancements in Solar Energy Technology 【答案】1. A 2. C 3. A 4. D 【导语】这是一篇说明文，文章主要介绍了太阳能技术的重大进步，包括新型太阳能电池材料的发明和太阳能的储能解决方案。 1. 细节理解题。根据第二段中“These cells can be produced at a lower cost and have shown high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. Some perovskite solar cells have even achieved conversion efficiencies comparable to, or even exceeding, those of traditional silicon cells in laboratory settings.(这些电池可以以较低的成本生产，并在将阳光转化为电能方面表现出高效率。在实验室环境中，一些钙钛矿太阳能电池甚至实现了与传统硅电池相当甚至超过传统硅电池的转换效率)”可知，相比传统的硅基太阳能电池，钙钛矿太阳能电池的关键优势是成本低但效率更高，故选A。 2. 细节理解题。根据第三段中“Flow batteries can store large amounts of energy and have a longer lifespan. They can effectively store the excess electricity generated by solar panels during the day and release it when needed at night or during cloudy days.(液流电池可以储存大量的能量，使用寿命更长。它们可以有效地储存太阳能电池板在白天产生的多余电力，并在夜间或阴天需要时释放出来)”可知，液流电池被认为是一种很有前途的太阳能解决方案，是因为它们寿命更长，能储存大量能量，故选C。 3. 推理判断题。根据最后一段“Despite these exciting advancements, there are still challenges. The durability of new materials like perovskite under real-world conditions needs to be further improved. And the cost of some advanced energy storage systems is still relatively high. But with continuous research and development, these issues are expected to be gradually resolved.(尽管取得了这些令人兴奋的进步，但挑战依然存在。像钙钛矿这样的新材料在现实条件下的耐久性需要进一步提高。而且一些先进的储能系统的成本仍然比较高。但随着不断的研究和开发，这些问题有望逐步解决)”可知，作者认为太阳能技术虽然仍存在挑战，但随着不断的研究和开发，这些问题有望逐步解决，故作者对太阳能技术的进步持乐观态度，故选A。 4. 主旨大意题。根据全文内容，结合第一段中“Recently, significant advancements in solar energy technology have brought us closer to a more sustainable future.(最近，太阳能技术的重大进步使我们更接近一个更可持续的未来)”可知，文章主要介绍了太阳能技术的重大进步，包括新型太阳能电池材料的发明和太阳能的储能解决方案，D项“太阳能技术的新进步”最适合作为标题，故选D。 Passage 6 （24-25学年高二下·江苏泰州市姜堰区·期中） Research indicates that Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and relaxation, may provide long-term relief from Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Those who practised the martial art twice a week had fewer complications(并发症)and better quality of life than those who didn’t, the researchers say. Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disease characterized by slowness of movement, tremors(颤抖), and stiff and inflexible muscles. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, with the number of those affected projected to reach nearly 5 million by 2030 in China alone. In the UK 2 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour. So far, there has been no cure for Parkinson’s. Previously published research suggests that Tai Chi eases Parkinson’s symptoms in the short term, but whether this improvement can be maintained over the long term isn’t known. The new study, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, monitored the health of hundreds of Parkinson’s patients for up to five years. One group of 147 people practised regular Tai Chi while another group of 187 did not. The researchers found that the disease progressed more slowly in the Tai Chi group on measurements of symptoms, movement and balance. This group also saw fewer falls, less back pain and dizziness, with memory and concentration problems also lower than in the other group. At the same time, sleep and quality of life continuously improved. However, this is an observational study, which can’t establish cause and effect. And the researchers acknowledge that the number of study participants was relatively small. Prof Alastair Noyce, professor in neurology at Queen Mary University of London, called it “an important study” but said there were limitations in its design, and more trials were needed. Prof K Ray Chaudhuri, professor of movement disorders and neurology at King’s College London, said, “It is too early to claim any neuroprotection based on this study, although the positive effects on aspects of motor and non-motor functions are impressive.” 1. What do we know about Parkinson’s? A. It’s severe but curable now. B. It may lead to a low-quality life. C. It’s more common in China than in the UK. D. It’s the fastest-growing disease in the world. 2. What is the new study different from the previous one? A. It covers more aspects of the disease. B. It collects data from more study participants. C. It focuses on the long-term effect of Tai Chi on Parkinson’s. D. It first proves the positive effect Tai Chi has on Parkinson’s. 3. What can be inferred from paragraphs 5 and 6? A. The results of the study are not clear. B. The researchers are unaware of the problems of the study. C. The methods that the researchers use in the study are inappropriate. D. The study gives hope to Parkinson’s patients though with its limitations. 4. What is Prof K Ray Chaudhuri’s attitude towards the conclusion of the new study? A. Disapproving. B. Supportive. C. Indifferent. D. Objective. 【答案】1. B 2. C 3. D 4. D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了一个新的研究发现，规律性的练太极拳可以抑制帕金森病的进展。 1. 细节理解题。 根据文章第二段中“Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disease characterized by slowness of movement, tremors(颤抖), and stiff and inflexible muscles.(帕金森氏症是一种进行性脑部疾病，其特征是运动缓慢、震颤、肌肉僵硬和不灵活)”可知，患有帕金森病，会影响生活质量，故选B。 2. 细节理解题。根据第三段“Previously published research suggests that Tai Chi eases Parkinson’s symptoms in the short term, but whether this improvement can be maintained over the long term isn’t known.(先前发表的研究表明，太极拳在短期内缓解了帕金森病的症状，但这种改善能否长期保持尚不清楚)”可知，之前的研究表明太极可以在短期内缓解帕金森的症状、从第四段中“The new study, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, monitored the health of hundreds of Parkinson’s patients for up to five years(上海交通大学医学院的这项新研究对数百名帕金森患者的健康状况进行了长达五年的监测)”可知，新的研究对数百名帕金森患者的健康状况进行了长达五年的监测，所以新研究关注的是太极拳对帕金森氏症的长期影响，故选C。 3. 推理判断题。根据第五段“The researchers found that the disease progressed more slowly in the Tai Chi group on measurements of symptoms, movement and balance. This group also saw fewer falls, less back pain and dizziness, with memory and concentration problems also lower than in the other group. At the same time, sleep and quality of life continuously improved.(研究人员发现，在症状、运动和平衡的测量中，太极拳组的疾病进展得更慢。与另一组相比，这一组摔倒、背痛和头晕的情况也更少，记忆力和注意力问题也更少。同时，睡眠和生活质量不断提高)”可知，帕金森患者练太极后在摔倒、身体疼痛、头晕、记忆力、注意力、 睡眠、 生活质量等方面都有一定改善，说明练太极给帕金森患者带来了希望、第六段“However, this is an observational study, which can’t establis$ 专题03 阅读理解（说明文） 主题01 人与社会——人工智能 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏扬州高邮市·期中） China is adopting an AI-powered transformation in education, where Artificial Intelligence is not just driving automation but also unlocking new possibilities. In classrooms, traditional blackboards are being replaced by interactive screens, and students use tablets(平板)instead of pencils, thanks to AI technologies. In Guiyang, Guizhou province, English teacher Zeng Xing has seen a significant change with the help of a smart classroom system developed by iFLYTEK. She arranges exercises via tablets, and students hand in answers instantly, which are then displayed on a big screen. AI and big data analyze these results, allowing Zeng to customize her teaching to individual needs. “We can quickly identify weaknesses and plan accordingly, making teaching more efficient,” she says. This system also enhances students’ speaking skills through personalized dialogues sourced from a vast database of English materials. AI evaluates pronunciation and provides evaluation, fueling students’ confidence. At Tsinghua University Primary School, AI-assisted physical activities allow students to track their exercise using smart equipment. AI’s impact extends beyond primary education. In higher education, AI assistants like DeepSeek are applied into university systems, aiding in research and data collection. Despite these advancements, concerns about data security and privacy remain. Tang Liang, deputy director of the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences, emphasizes the need for policies and moral education to ensure responsible AI use. As China plans to release a white paper on AI education in 2025, the goal is to equip students with the skills needed for the digital age while handling these challenges. 1. What is the main idea of the passage? A. AI replaces traditional teaching methods in China. B. AI improves education while raising issues in China. C. AI focuses on physical activities in different schools. D. AI causes data security concerns in education field. 2. What does the underlined word “customize” mean? A. Replace B. Delay C. Simplify D. Adjust 3. What do we know about AI’s application? A. It provides similar dialogues for students. B. It offers no help to students’ pronunciation. C. It improves students’ skills and confidence. D. It is used in all university systems recently. 4. What is Tang’s attitude towards AI use in education? A. Supportive B. Opposed C. Objective D. Doubtful Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·连云港市市区新浦中学等七校联考·期中） Traditional micro-robots often face limitations due to their power sources, but recently developed insect-sized robot powered by tiny explosions has demonstrated the ability to climb, jump, and carry loads many times its own weight. The robot, mainly developed by materials engineer Robert Shepherd at Cornell University in New York, along with his PhD student Cameron Aubin, is powered by tiny actuators(致动器). “The actuator looks like a column. It’s an empty cylinder with a stretchy rubber on the top,” said Aubin. The researchers employed four actuators to drive the robot’s feet. To make the robot jump or climb, a stream of methane(甲烷)and oxygen was fed into each foot and sparked(触发)with electricity from a battery. The resulting reaction between the gases released energy as a small explosion, causing the rubber to change its form. Shepherd noted that the rapid explosions were so tiny that they didn’t damage the rubber. But they provided considerable propulsion: the robot could jump to a height of 56 centimeters and carry a load 22 times its own weight. “This team has brought chemically powered actuation to impressive ranges for robotics while also demonstrating impressive capabilities for insect-size machines,” said Ryan Truby, a materials scientist at Northwestern University in Illinois. Robots that are small and light but strong and able to cover large distances could one day be used in environmental monitoring or search-and-rescue applications. And the robot built by Aubin and Shepherd, described in a paper published in Science, would need further development for use in the field. “ At the moment, it needs to be connected to a panel that contains the gas supply and a battery, a limitation that presents a challenge. Coming up with ways to burn fuels on a wireless robot is not easy,” said Truby. “This is the next big challenge to address.” 1. Why does the recently developed insect-sized robot stand out? A. It is extremely tiny and light. B. It is equipped with a column. C. It is extremely swift and quick. D. It is driven by explosive force. 2. What happens when the methane and oxygen is sparked? A. The reaction creates a mixture of gas to drive the robot. B. The reaction generates heat that is changed into movement. C. The reaction transforms a stretchy rubber to drive the robot. D. The reaction provides electricity that is changed into movement. 3. What does “propulsion” in paragraph 4 probably mean? A. Ability to move. B. Possibility to develop. C. Force to push things. D. Electricity to spark gases. 4. How can Aubin and Shepherd make advancement to the robot they built? A. They can use more actuators to provide larger power. B. They can design programs to control the robot efficiently. C. They can work on methods to to enable energy production wirelessly. D. They can connect the robot to a panel containing gas supply and a battery. Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省淮安市涟水县一中·期中） Artificial Intelligence(AI)is changing numerous industries worldwide, and education is no exception. In India, where the education system serves over 250 million students, AI presents both revolutionary opportunities and notable challenges. AI-powered platforms can help a student struggling with math by offering customized practice problems, ensuring no learner is left behind. AI technologies can bridge gaps in education by making learning resources accessible to economically disadvantaged communities. AI can assist teachers in generating content in line with curriculum requirements, saving time and effort. By automating tasks like grading and attendance, AI enables educators to focus more on teaching. Additionally, AI can serve as a virtual assistant to teachers, offering insights into student progress and areas requiring intervention. While AI can enhance education, it requires educators to understand and effectively use these technologies. A lack of teacher training in AI tools can prevent the successful integration of such technologies into the classroom. To exploit the potential of AI in education, India must take a balanced approach such as investing in infrastructure, teacher training, policy support, public-private partnerships and inclusion initiatives. The use of AI in education raises questions about data privacy and security. Ensuring that student data is protected from misuse and breaches(违约)is a significant challenge. Plus, concerns about AI replacing human educators need to be addressed. Traditional mindsets(心态)in education, both among educators and policymakers, can act as a barrier to the adoption of AI. Overcoming this resistance requires widespread awareness and policy-level support. AI has the potential to revolutionize education in India, making it more inclusive, personalized, and future-ready. However, addressing challenges such as the digital divide, affordability, and ethical concerns is essential to ensure its successful adoption. With the right strategy and cooperation, AI can empower India to redefine its education system and equip its youth with the skills needed for the 21st century. 1. What does the author imply about AI in education? A. It helps learners boost productivity. B. It enhances poor regions' economy. C. It inspires teachers to be innovative. D. It makes class administration easier. 2. What does the underlined word “exploit” in paragraph 3 mean? A. Employ. B. Notice. C. Understand. D. Explore. 3. What limits AI's combination with education in India? A. Unpractical teacher training. B. Useless student information. C. Unwillingness to change. D. Unjust social backgrounds. 4. Why should AI be integrated into education? A. To bridge the digital divide. B. To keep pace with the times. C. To reduce costs of education. D. To handle huge uncertainties. 主题01 人与社会——新发现，新技术 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏扬州高邮市·期中） Yangzhou district now has its first A+ Intelligent Greenhouse Factory. This high-tech farm is a big step forward in modern agriculture. It costs 61 million yuan(about $8.39million)and covers an area of 17,000 square meters. In this greenhouse, leafy greens can grow in just 30 days, which is much faster than traditional farming. This method also produces eight times more vegetables. Thousands of sensors monitor the temperature and humidity(湿度)all the time. Smart systems automatically adjust the airflow and nutrient levels to ensure the best growing conditions.3-D farming technology makes better use of space, increasing land efficiency. Electric rail harvesting platforms lighten the workload by 60 percent, making the work much easier. The greenhouse also has a fish and plant zone with a natural nutrient system. What makes the zone special is that processed fish waste is transformed directly into plant nutrients, ensuring sustainable planting. To meet the greenhouse’ s daily electricity needs, the State Grid Haimen Supply Company equipped a 3.2-kilometer power line and a supply system. A specialized team conducts daily inspections and weekly maintenance on 58power units to ensure undisturbed operation. Soon, the factory will open a research and study base. It will offer immersive experiences such as VR-assisted plant cell observation in the ecological education zone. Additionally, its lab will produce virus-free strawberry seeds under a clean environment. These creations not only boost production but also promote sustainable and efficient farming practices. 1. How does the greenhouse improve the efficiency? A. By using traditional methods. B. By shortening the growth time. C. By observing temperature. D. By reducing the workload. 2. What is the feature of the fish and plant zone? A. It uses fish waste as plant nutrients. B. It requires a large number of nutrients. C. It relies on traditional farming skills. D. It focuses on growing strawberries. 3. What will the base offer when it opens? A. An about 3.2-kilometer power line. B. Daily inspections and maintenance. C. VR-assisted plant cell observation. D. Electric rail harvesting platforms. 4. What is the main idea of the passage? A. Producing virus-free strawberry seeds. B. Providing immersive VR experiences. C. Monitoring temperature and humidity. D. Advancing modern high-tech farming. Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·盐城市七校联考·期中） Auntie Ngeam is one of a third generation of indigo craftsmen(靛蓝工匠)in a family from the Phuan, a people known for their handwoven fabrics(手工纺织品). A large Phuan community, originally from Laos, settled in Phrae in northern Thailand in the late 19th century and brought their indigo craftsmanship with them. Auntie Ngeam took over a small business from her parents more than 30 years ago and has played a key role in updating Thailand’s indigo clothing over the past decade. “Every shop on the street had plain blue shirts, so I started thinking about how I could stand out,” she says. “I tried using indigo to tie-dye(扎染)modern clothes.” Now in Thai markets across the country, the indigo tie-dyed clothes that Auntie Ngeam introduced have become a phenomenon. Auntie Ngeam also works together with the local government to promote the local indigo industry via tie-dye workshops among tourists. For the past six years, the town has hosted the Phrae Craft festival, a weekend event of markets and catwalk displays showing small-independent indigo artisans’ work. The festival is run by Nanthanit Boyd, a former student of Auntie Ngeam’s, whom she met at Auntie Ngeam’s workshop. Today, Boyd is pushing the boundaries of indigo textile fashion, bringing designs to the world stage. With the increasing acceptance of indigo craftsmanship among young people, intergenerational indigo businesses have become ubiquitous in Phrae. Banmatjai Indigo Workshop is one of such growing businesses, which was opened by the women of the Suchanok family 10 years ago, when the eldest daughter Chidchanok Suchanok returned home after graduating in design from Chiang Mai University. “I wondered why my generation wasn’t appreciating indigo,” Chidchanok says. “It’s our heritage and a local resource.” Phrae has been reborn as a craft center, bringing more jobs to the locals and attracting both domestic and international travelers. “The creativity is already here; all we need to do is make it shine brighter so that people can see it,” says Boyd. 1. What can we learn about Auntie Ngeam from the first two paragraphs? A. She was a famous market manager in Thailand. B. She promoted Thailand’s indigo tie-dyed clothes. C. She was the key founder of her family business. D. She introduced indigo craftsmanship from Laos. 2. How did Auntie Ngeam develop her business? A. By establishing more workshops. B. By hosting a variety of art festivals. C. By cooperating with local authorities. D. By displaying her products in markets. 3. What does the underlined word “ubiquitous” in paragraph 4 mean? A. Challenging. B. Widespread. C. Fundamental. D. Conventional. 4. What can be the best title for the text? A. Rapid development of Phrae’s tourism B. Exploration of Phrae’s history and culture C. Pioneering progress: the tomorrow of Phrae D. From tradition to trend: Phrae’s indigo industry Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·盐城市七校联考·期中） Is 2/3 bigger than 3/5? How quickly and confidently you can answer this question may depend on your age, education and possibly native language. Mathematics has its language—a unique set of terms, symbols, and rules. Without understanding this mathematical vocabulary, it’s like trying to explore a foreign land without knowing the local accent. A sound understanding of these mathematical terms is crucial for understanding mathematical ideas. According to a growing body of research, the words that different languages use for numbers can affect how easily we learn to count and understand basic concepts such an fractions(分数). For children taking their first steps into the world of mathematics, this can mean that some are presented with additional challenges based on the language they speak, while others are offered a starting advantage. They may, for example, find it more or less difficult to answer questions like “Which number is bigger—17 or 70?” Exploring it can help us understand the deeper factors that shape our mathematical ability, and perhaps, allow many children and adults who struggle with maths to see their problem in a new light. Is counting easier in Chinese? Let’s consider the difficulties that a child may face with counting. In English, there is no systematic rule for the naming of numbers. After ten, we have “eleven” and “twelve” and then “thirteen”, “fourteen” and so on. If you didn’t know the word for “eleven”, you would be unable to guess it. You might come up with something like “one-teen”. However, in Chinese, once you know the words for one through ten, you can easily gather the others. For example, the word for one is yi, two is er and ten is shi. Eleven is shi yi(ten-one). This consistent characteristic has long been thought to be beneficial for children’s basic numeracy(识数). Recognizing the role of language in maths education can lead to better teaching and student success. We should view language not as a single part, but as a vital part of mastering maths. By doing so, we enable students to develop comprehensive math skills while developing language skills, preparing them for success in both academics and the real world. 1. Why does the author start the text with a question? A. To show the maths problem is challenging. B. To draw the readers’ attention to the topic. C. To test the readers’ problem-solving ability. D. To prove language is more vital than maths. 2. Why is the language environment important for learning maths? A. It can affect your understanding of basic maths terms. B. It can allows you to better memorize maths concepts. C. It can help you communicate with classmates easily. D. It can stimulate your interest in learning maths terms. 3. What does the author seem to agree with from paragraphs 5? A. English students are not good at maths. B. Chinese students are best at maths globally. C. Learning maths in Chinese is relatively easier. D. Learning maths in other languages is difficult. 4. What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A. We should teach language and maths separately. B. Language teaching should be put in the first place. C. Students should improve language and maths together. D. The importance of language learning cannot be ignored. Passage 4 （24-25学年高二下·盐城市七校联考·期中） Slouching(懒散地坐)is traditionally considered to be a “bad” pose, with some claiming it will damage your spine(脊椎)and cause pain. The great news is that in the past two decades, there’s been a number of strict clinical studies conducted which have concluded that there’s no relationship between slouching and spinal pain. There’s also no evidence that people who slouch are more likely to suffer with back or neck pain compared to non-slouchers. There’s also no clear evidence that slouching while sitting at your desk or while using your phone causes damage to the spine. Even the UK government’s latest guidance on working with screens puts less emphasis on an idealized pose at the workstation. Instead, they emphasize the importance of adopting comfortable positions, varying your positions, avoiding awkward positions(such as flexing or arching your back or neck)and including regular breaks from your motionless pose throughout the day. All of these tips will help reduce the risk of developing pain and muscle fatigue(疲劳). There’s a pretty good reason why slouching doesn’t damage our spines, and that is because our spines are designed to allow movements as diverse as Olympic weightlifting to limbo dancing. But there is one area where slouching may have a negative effect. Slouching has been linked to poorer information and memory recall, as well as worse mood when compared to sitting upright. These memory and mood problems are shown to be rapidly improved when people are moving from a slouched to a straight upright pose. So, if you’re a sloucher, feel confident that it isn’t really bad for you and is as good as any other pose you adopt. Comfortable poses are safe and sitting is not dangerous. Overall, the human spine is designed to be on the move rather than remaining still in one pose for long periods, which is why movement and changing your pose throughout the day is important to reduce fatigue and subsequent discomfort. 1. What can be concluded from the first three paragraphs? A. Slouching is totally harmless. B. Slouching isn’t necessarily bad. C. Slouching should be encouraged. D. Slouching is better than sitting upright. 2. Why doesn’t slouching damage our spines? A. Because our spines are very flexible. B. Because slouching requires little strength. C. Because they have been trained to be strong. D. Because diverse movements strengthened our spines. 3. Which of the following is negatively affected by slouching? A. Our mood. B. Our physical health. C. Our information source. D. Our early memory. 4. What is the purpose of writing the article? A. To warn us against an improper pose. B. To promote the practice of sitting upright. C. To compare sitting upright and slouching. D. To break down a wrong concept about slouching. Passage 5 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省淮安市涟水县一中·期中） Recent studies clearly show that the shoes we put on every day, especially sneakers, have a big impact on our body posture and joint health. This is especially obvious in winter. The cold weather makes our joints more delicate and thus more likely to be affected. A revolutionary kind of shoes, the Glacia Barefoot shoes, has been created. It first became a great hit in Europe and then quickly became popular in America. These shoes are the result of the hard work of Canadian podiatrists. They had two main aims. One was to find ways to stop and reduce joint pain in patients. The other was to deal with many common foot problems. For example, bunions are painful swellings near the base of the big toe, calluses are thickened areas of skin, and plantar fasciitis is an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. After three years of development, they were introduced in the United States and got an immediate and warm response. The Glacia Barefoot shoes feature a minimalist design. They are much lighter than ordinary shoes and can be put on as easily as socks. They are also thin and flexible. The material used is an excellent insulator against the cold. When combined with the inner fur lining(内衬), it can protect feet even in extremely cold weather, as low as—13°F. Athletes really like them because they are less heavy and more pleasant to wear than traditional sneakers. Elderly people also give them high praise. They say that these shoes have made them walk without pain again. Thanks to the unique design, these shoes can fit any foot shape perfectly. Unlike regular shoes and snow boots, they don’t compress or twist feet. This is very helpful in preventing joint pain in the feet, knees, hips and back. Often, this kind of joint pain is caused by bad body posture due to wearing the wrong shoes. Moreover, it can effectively prevent a variety of foot conditions, such as hallux valgus, calluses, corns, plantar fasciitis, flat feet and high arches. In general, these shoes offer a new option for people to take care of their foot health and maintain good body posture. 1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph? A. To tell us the function of sneakers. B. To introduce the topic of the passage. C. To stress the seriousness of joint pain. D. To inform us how cold weather influences our health. 2. Where did the Glacia Barefoot shoes first gain remarkable success? A. In America. B. In Canada. C. In Europe. D. In Asia. 3. What were the main aims of the Canadian podiatrists in creating the Glacia Barefoot shoes? A. To make a lot of money and become famous. B. To increase the speed and strength of athletes. C. To relieve joint pain and handle common foot problems. D. To change the present fashion tendency of ordinary shoes. 4. Why are the Glacia Barefoot shoes popular among sportsmen? A. Because they have inner fur linings. B. Because they can improve their performance. C. Because they are lighter and more comfortable. D. Because they can reduce their foot pain. Passage 6 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省马坝高级中学·期中） Cheese and red wine are basic diets over the festive period, and if you love red wine and cheese, a new study will come as music to your ears. Researchers from Iowa State University have found that drinking red wine and eating cheese can help to reduce cognitive(认知的)decline. In the study, the researchers analyzed data from 1,787 adults aged 46 to 77, and asked them to complete questionnaires about their food and alcohol consumption(摄取). The results showed that cheese was the most protective food against age-related cognitive problems, even into late life. Daily consumption of red wine was also shown to improve cognitive function, while weekly consumption of lamb was shown to improve long-term cognitive skills. However, over-consumption of salt was found to increase the risk of cognitive decline. Dr. Auriel Willette, who led the study, said: “I was pleasantly surprised that our results suggest that appropriately(合适地)eating cheese and drinking red wine daily are not just good for helping us cope with some diseases, but perhaps also dealing with an increasingly complex world. Although we considered whether this was just due to what rich people eat and drink, clinical trials(临床试验)at random are needed to determine if making easy changes in our diet could help our brains in great ways.” While the reason for the link remains unclear, the researchers believe that cheese and red wine may protect some people from the effects of Alzheimer’s(阿尔茨海默病). Brandon Klinedinst, an author of the study, added: “Depending on the genetic factors you carry, some individuals seem to be more protected from the effects of Alzheimer’s, while others seem to beat greater risk. Perhaps the silver bullet we’re looking for is improving how we eat. Knowing what that involves contributes to a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and putting this disease in an opposite path.” 1. Which of the following increases the risk of cognitive problems? A. Taking in too much salt. B. Eating cheese properly. C. Drinking red wine daily. D. Consuming lamb weekly. 2. What can be inferred from paragraph 3? A. Changes in our diet help our brains in significant ways. B. The diets of wealthy people were not taken into consideration. C. The study results need to be proved by more clinical trials. D. Some diseases make our world increasingly complex. 3. What does Brandon Klinedinst suggest on fighting Alzheimer’s disease? A. Developing advanced genetic treatments. B. Focusing on improving dietary habits. C. Increasing clinical trials for new drugs. D. Studying the diets of wealthy populations. 4. What is the study mainly about? A. Basic diets over the festive period. B. Possible reasons for cognitive decline. C. Feelings of pleasant music to people’s ears. D. Effects of certain diets on cognitive decline. 主题03 人与自然——动植物保护 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏扬州高邮市·期中） “Thank you for your email. I have left to pursue my dream of knitting(织)sweaters for penguins in Antarctica and no longer work for the School of Economics. I will be out of office... until my penguin friends are happy.” This is part of an email received by a Chinese student studying in the UK from her teacher, which has recently become a hit online. You may find this email surprising, but knitting sweaters for penguins is a real act of kindness. The idea was started by the Penguin Foundation and Phillip Island Nature Parks in Australia. The project began due to a serious oil pour near Phillip Island in the late 1990s. During that time, the number and health of baby penguins dropped significantly. When little penguins became covered in oil, they tried to clean themselves with their beaks(喙), but eating the oil could be deadly. The oil also damaged their feathers, making it difficult for them to swim or hunt for food. To solve this problem, the foundation asked knitters worldwide to make sweaters for affected penguins. These sweaters could keep the penguins warm during the cleaning process and stop them from eating the oil. The method has proven effective. In 2001, another oil pour occurred near Phillip Island. Thanks to the sweaters, 96 percent of the affected penguins were successfully saved. However, some people have questioned the idea of animals wearing human-made clothing. Certain bird protection groups have raised concerns that these sweaters might put more stress on the penguins’ bodies. In response, the foundation explained that the sweaters are only a short-term solution and will not be used once the penguins recover. To guarantee the penguins are protected and wearing appropriate clothes, the foundation has provided detailed instructions for knitters. For example, the total length of the finished sweater should be no more than 18cm, the width across the body no more than 12cm and the width of the bottom opening no more than 11cm. 1. What is the purpose of mentioning the teacher’s email? A. To criticize the teacher for abandoning academic work. B. To emphasize the popularity of knitting in Antarctica. C. To introduce the topic in a humorous and engaging way. D. To compare human hobbies with animal protection. 2. How does oil harm penguins according to the passage? A. Poisons penguins when they clean it with their beaks. B. Makes penguins’ feathers much too heavy to swim. C. Causes penguins to lose their ability to reproduce. D. Attracts hunters to attack oil-covered penguins. 3. What concern did bird protection groups raise about the sweaters? A. Restricting penguins’ movement. B. Being too expensive to produce. C. Polluting the ocean environment. D. Generating pressure to penguins. 4. Which of the following is the best title? A. Knitting for Penguins: A Teacher’s Career B. Penguin Sweaters: Safe or Stressful? C. Rules for Penguin Knitting D. Small Sweaters, Big Rescue Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省扬州市树人集团·期中） Fears about climate change and global conflict destroying plant species and changing the face of the planet have prompted environmentalists and researchers to send 30,000 new seed samples to a “doomsday vault(末日种子库)” on a remote Norwegian island in the Arctic Ocean. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault on Spitsbergen Island, buried so deep inside a mountain as to withstand nuclear war and other disasters, was constructed to reestablish plant life following a worldwide disaster. Opened in 2008, the Svalbard Vault serves as a backup for the world’s gene banks, which store the genetic codes of thousands of plant species. It remains naturally cold due to a surrounding layer of permafrost(永冻土层). “Climate change and conflict threaten infrastructure and impact food security for over 700 million people in more than 75 countries worldwide,” Stefan Schmitz, an organizer of the facility, said. “Gene banks are stepping up efforts to back up seed collections, and we are proud to support them by providing a safe place in Norway.” Recent deposits include seeds for vegetables and herbs from the Union of Agricultural Work Committees in Palestine, seeds from farmers in Bolivia, and samples for 1,145 types of maize, rice, sesame, and sorghum from Chad, which are able to endure extreme heat and arid conditions and can be invaluable to countries impacted by global warming. While the seed bank could benefit the entire planet, it is being run and funded by the Norwegian government, in partnership with the Crop Trust and the Nordic Genetic Resource Center. The vault, which cost $ 8.8 million to build, is free to use for depositors wanting to store seeds that could be used to reestablish crop lines after their disappearance because of natural or unnatural disasters. Lise Lykke Steffensen, executive director of the Nordic Genetic Resource Center said, “Humanity depends on a wide diversity of genetic resources to meet future challenges. Therefore, it is comforting that many gene banks choose to be part of this seed deposit. The Svalbard Vault has an important purpose to secure these valuable collections, not least given the state of the world today.” 1. What is the purpose of establishing the Seed Vault? A. To provide seeds to plant on the islands. B. To endure nuclear war and other disasters. C. To store seeds for scientific research. D. To bring plant life back after a big catastrophe. 2. What can we learn from the seeds recently deposited? A. They’re all from developed countries. B. They’re grown only in cold climates. C. They’re valuable for medical purposes. D. They’re used to defend extreme weather. 3. Who can use the Seed Vault for free? A. Farmers from Palestine, Bolivia and Chad. B. Any organization interested in planting seeds. C. Organizations or individuals depositing seeds. D. The Union of Agricultural Work Committees. 4. What’s the Lise Lykke Steffensen’s attitude towards the seed deposit? A. Approving. B. Critical. C. Neutral. D. Indifferent. Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏省邗江中学·期中） When we, as humans, get slightly injured, we treat our own wounds. Even sometimes we go to see doctors. But in the wild animal kingdom, medical care is much different. For one Sumatran orangutan(猩猩), a facial wound may be lethal because it could cause infection and pain. However, the large orange primate(灵长目动物)found a way to treat himself using a native-growing plant. Rakus, a Sumatran orangutan, lives in Suaq Balimbing, Indonesia. Sumatran orangutans, with only about 14, 613 surviving, are faced with dying out. Biologists study the great apes in their habitats. When they noticed Rakus’ wound they paid attention to it. But what happened three days later surprised them. Rakus applied a plant called Akar Kuning to his wound, creating a protective layer over the wound. The plant is known for reducing pain and preventing infection, but it is not a food for the local orangutans. Biologists say, “It is possible that Rakus brought this knowledge from his birthplace. Therefore, it is possible that the behavior is shown by more individuals like him outside the Suaq research area.” Luckily for Rakus, his treatment worked and his wound was cured without incident. While other examples of great apes treating wounds have been recorded, the selective treatment of only the wound and the layering of plant material in different consistencies were marvelous(了不起的). According to the biologists, this remarkable observation is the first report of active wound management with a biological active substance in a great ape species and provides new insights into the existence of self-medication in our closest relatives. 1. What does the underlined word “lethal” in Paragraph I probably mean? A. Deadly. B. Avoidable C. Curable D. Obvious. 2. What surprised biologists about Rakus during their research? A. It feeds on Akar Kuning-a local plant. B. Its habitats has been destroyed wholly. C. It can’t deal with its wounds timely. D. It uses a native plant to cure itself. 3. Which is right about the observation on Sumatran orangutans? A. It focuses on animal protection. B. It first brought in biological active materials. C. It makes for knowing well of self-medication in the species. D. It makes a big difference to saving apes in danger. 4. Where is the passage probably taken from? A. A news report B. A science fiction C. A geographic magazine D. A poster about endangered animals 主题01 人与社会——人工智能 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏镇江·期中） Large language models(LLMs)work well because they're so large. But this power comes at a cost. Training a model with hundreds of billions of parameters(参数)takes huge computational resources. A single query(查询)to ChatGPT consumes about 10 times as much energy as a single Google search. In response, some researchers are now shifting to small language models(SLMs). IBM, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI have all recently released small language models(SLMs)that use only a few billion parameters. Small models are not used as general-purpose tools like their larger cousins. But they can do well in specific, narrowly defined tasks, such as summarizing conversations, answering patient questions as a health care chatbot and gathering data in smart devices. “For many tasks, an 8 billion parameter model is actually pretty good, ” said Zico Kolter, a computer scientist at Carnegie Mellon University. They can also run on a laptop or cellphone, instead of a huge data center. Large models often extract raw training data from the Internet, and this data can be disorganized, messy and hard to process. But these large models can then generate a high-quality data set that can be used to train a small model. The approach adopted by the researchers gets the larger model to effectively pass on its training, like a teacher giving lessons to a student. “The reason why SLMs achieve excellent performance is that they use those data instead of the messy stuff, ” Kolter said. Researchers have also explored ways to create small models by starting with large ones and trimming them down. One method, known as pruning, was inspired by a real-life neural(神经的)network — the human brain, which gains efficiency. Pruning can help researchers fine-tune a small language model for a particular task or environment. Smaller models offer an inexpensive way to test novel ideas. Fewer parameters may increase their transparent reasoning. “Small models allow researchers to experiment with lower risks. ” said Leshem Choshen, an MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab scientist. 1. What advantage does SLMs have over LLMs according to the first two paragraphs? A. Consuming less energy. B. Serving more purposes. C. Taking huger resources. D. Using more parameters. 2. What does the underlined word “They” in paragraph 3 refer to? A. Large models. B. Smart devices. C. Small models. D. Huge computational resources. 3. What makes SLMs perform well according to paragraph 4? A. Messy raw data. B. High-quality data. C. Basic training. D. Effective communication. 4. What is Leshem Choshen's attitude towards SLMs? A. Indifferent. B. Cautious. C. Favourable. D. Critical. Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·江苏泰州市姜堰区·期中） After waking up, you may feel frustrated that you cannot recall the dreams you had last night. Artificial intelligence(AI)may be able to help. Previously, there have been AI models that can turn text into images. They can do this by learning from a large amount of data from both tests and images. This time, researchers from Osaka University in Japan have trained an AIsystem called Stable Diffusion to re-create images based on people’s brain scans, reported Science magazine. The researchers used an online data set provided by the University of Minnesota, US which consisted of brain scans from four participants as they each viewed a set of 10,000 photos The scans were recorded by functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI功能性磁共振成像). The AI then learned about the brain activities by analyzing changes in blood flow shown by the fMRI data—when a part of the brain is activated, more blood will flow to it. It then matched the brain activities with the photos. Through this method, AI learned how human brains would react when seeing different photos. Finally, the researchers tested the Al on additional brain scans from the same participants when they viewed photos of a toy bear, airplane, clock and train. If the person looked at an airplane, for example, the Al would use the brain scan data to create an image of a very blurry airplane. Then, it would turn on the previous “text-to-image” model and make the image clearer by feeding itself the keyword “airplane”, The final images were “convincing” with about 80 percent of accuracy, according to the researchers. The new study created a novel approach that incorporates texts and images to “decipher(解码)the brain”, Ariel Goldstein from Princeton University, US, told Science magazine. In the future, scientists hope that the technology can be used to record imagined thoughts and dreams or allow people to understand how differently other animals perceive reality. 1. What do we know about Stable Diffusion? A. It can help train people’s minds. B. It can fully present people’s dreams. C. It was created to draw people’s brains. D. It can produce pictures from people’s thoughts. 2. How did the Al system learn about human brain activity? A. By recording brain scans from participants. B. By analyzing descriptions of human thoughts C. By studying patterns of blood flow in the brain. D. By examining 10,000 photos about human brains. 3. What does the underlined word “blurry” in Paragraph 5 probably mean? A. Unclear. B. Striking. C. Factual. D. Unusual. 4. What is the potential use of this technology according to scientists? A. To help understand our dreams. B. To improve text-to-image models. C. To create more accurate brain scans. D. To learn how animals view the world. Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏宿迁市泗阳县·期中） Just hours after the launch on March 6th 1 of Manus, a Chinese artificial-intelligence(AI)bot, a flood of visitors caused its registration site to crash. Butterfly Effect, the company behind the bot, claims its technology outperforms that of OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT. It is now granting previews by invitation only as it struggles to handle the traffic(流量). Scalpers(黄牛)are said to be selling registration codes. Manus is but the latest example of the mania that has swept over China since January, when DeepSeek, the country’s hottest AI startup, shook the world with a whizzy model that cost a fraction of similarly powerful Western ones to train. The effect on Chinese markets has been staggering. Stocks are experiencing their best start to the year on record. The Hang Seng Tech Index, which tracks the biggest Chinese tech companies listed in Hong Kong, is up by more than 40% since mid-January. China’s largest tech firms, including Alibaba, Baidu, Huawei and Tencent, are embracing the hype, and will be hoping to cash in on the boom through their cloud-computing divisions. Last month Alibaba proclaimed that its main objective was to achieve human-like artificial general intelligence. On March 6th it released a new reasoning model that it says is as good as DeepSeek’s. China’s AI boom is encouraging capital investment across the country’s hardware supply chain. Server-makers may spend more than 1.4trn yuan over the next two years as they expand production capacity, according to analysts at Jefferies, an investment bank. GDS, one of the largest, has scaled up its capital-expenditure plans. VNet, a competitor, recently said it would double its capacity this year. Many people expect they will keep using Manus for all sorts of tasks, in both personal and professional lives. The launch of Manus serves as further evidence that Chinese AI companies are not following in the footsteps of their Western counterparts. Rather than just innovating on base models, they are actively shaping the adoption of autonomous AI agents in their own way. 1. What is mainly talked about in paragraph 1? A. Manus is too popular to cope with the traffic. B. Scalpers are causing problems for new AI products. C. OpenAI’s ChatGPT is losing its market dominance. D. Butterfly Effect is a company that cannot handle its own technology. 2. What does the underlined word “staggering” in paragraph 2 mean? A. Amazing. B. Challenging. C. Demanding. D. Embarrassing. 3. Why might GDS and VNet be increasing their operations? A. To diversify their product lines. B. To collaborate with foreign companies. C. To take advantage of the booming AI market. D. To respond to a decrease in consumer demand. 4. What are people’s attitudes toward new applications? A. Supportive. B. Indifferent. C. Worried. D. Doubtful. Passage 4 （24-25学年高二下·淮安市协作体·期中） A robot designed to carry things moves quickly across a field to gather equipment at a sports event. Such equipment, like javelins and discuses(铁饼), has been thrown by competitors. Another robot moves a human-sized screen on wheels. It is designed to permit virtual attendance at the event. And then there are the robots designed to look like the smiling, friendly creatures or mascots that act as the Olympic Games’representatives. All these robots are part of preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corporation presented the machines to reporters earlier this week. Toyota is a major supporter of the 2020 Olympic Games. The mascot robots have moving arms and legs, and their eyes change to the image of stars and hearts. They cannot speak at all or walk very well. But Tomohisa Moridaira, lead engineer, suggested several possibilities, such as getting the robot to hold the Olympic torch using magnets. The field support robot" is a small bus-shaped machine based on a Toyota ride-sharing vehicle that is still in development. The field support robot can travel as fast as 20 kilometers per hour. It holds three cameras and one special sensor that lets it sense surroundings. Around the top of its body are special lights that brighten when the vehicle is active. Its artificial intelligence helps it avoid barriers. It is also able to vary its path in order to protect areas of grass. However, it cannot find the objects, which can weigh up to eight kilograms, or pick them up on its own. A person has to travel with the device, pick up the objects and put them in it. Then, with a press of a button, the vehicle transports the equipment to where it needs to go. Takeshi Kuwabara took charge of the robots’ development. He said it was designed to team robots and humans. “Our aim was to leverage the strengths of both humans and robots,” he said. The carmaker plans to use the games to present its new vehicle technologies. These include buses fueled by a special kind of battery, and self-driving taxis. Toyota is competing with other carmakers and technology companies to develop low cost, robot-controlled cars and electric vehicles. 1. Why does the author mention robots in the first paragraph? A. To attract our interest in robot technology. B. To show us new robot technology in the 21st century. C. To encourage creation of new robots. D. To introduce the robots in the Olympic Games. 2. What is the feature of the “field support robot”? A. It can work individually in the field. B. It can sense barriers and change its way. C. It is a Toyota ride-sharing vehicle. D. It can find and pick up anything. 3. What is the purpose of the carmaker to use many robots in the Olympic Games? A. To show its new vehicle technologies. B. To help save the natural resources. C. To cut down the cost of the service. D. To free people from heavy work. 4. What can be the best title of the passage? A. Robot Shows in the 2020 Olympics. B. Toyota’s - Support for the 2020 Olympics. C. Robot Assistants in the 2020 Olympics. D. Robot Competition in the 2020 Olympics. Passage 5 （24-25学年高二下·连云港市市区新浦中学等七校联考·期中） If you have ever dreamed of making money from making music but are worried that you have little talent, don’t let that stop you — a man called Alex Mitchell might be able to help. Mr. Mitchell is the founder and boss of a website and app called Boomy, which helps its users create their own songs using artificial intelligence(AI)software. It is easy to use the app to help you compose the music. What you need to do is choose from a number of types, click on “create song”, and the AI will compose one for you in less than 30 seconds. It is able to quickly choose the song’s style and melody(旋律). And from there you can then finish your song with ease. You can do things such as adding or removing instruments, making everything sound brighter or softer, and recording some songs. But, how good are these Boomy-created songs? It has to be said that they do sound very computer-produced. You wouldn’t mistake them for a group of people making music using real instruments. However, using AI to help create music isn’t quite new. US classical composer, David Cope, developed such a software system back in the 1980s. One day he set it up to write pieces similar to those by Johann Sebastian Bach. Mr. Cope then went out for a sandwich, and returned to find that the computer had created 5,000 Bach-styled pieces. These were later made public on an album called Bach on purpose. More recently, in 2019, US electronic music composer, Holly Herndon, made an album called PROTO working together with an AI system called Spawn that she had co-created. Mr. Mitchell says that technological advancements in AI have made songwriting software much cheaper. It’s not just for musicians anymore, it’s for most people like you and me. 1. What’s the purpose of setting up Boomy? A. To develop music education. B. To record and sell music for money. C. To help users learn AI technology. D. To help users create their own songs. 2. What can we learn about creating music by using AI? A. It is difficult to master. B. It is highly effective. C. It is newly invented. D. It is only fit for Bach’s works. 3. What can be inferred about songwriting software from the last paragraph? A. It is becoming more expensive. B. It is becoming less popular. C. It is becoming more convenient. D. It is becoming less important. 4. Which part of a newspaper does the passage most probably come from? A. Culture. B. Environment. C. Lifestyle. D. Technology. 主题01 人与社会——新发现，新技术 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏镇江·期中） Journaling sounds so romantic in theory. You sit at a desk, grab a favorite pen, and fill a notebook with rich thoughts and ideas. All in beautiful handwriting, of course. It’s a cute mental picture, but it’s also probably why you never do it. The pressure to be perfect while journaling is real and it’s often what puts people off the practice. While it’s exciting to buy notebooks and diaries, it’s tough to actually start writing in them, and it explains why so many are getting into scribble journaling — a trend with millions of posts on TikTok. With scribble journaling, the idea is to write as fast, thoughtless, and illegible(不可识别的)as you like. The goal isn’t to be able to read what you wrote but to allow your pen to keep up with your thoughts. In a video, creator@oakandbee said this style of writing has completely changed their approach to journaling. “I literally just connect all the words together and scribble it down, ” they said. “I’m not crossing any Ts or Xs. I’m not dotting any Is. And I’m not using any punctuation(标点). The words are all connected.” As for the benefits of scribble journaling, according to Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a chief clinical officer at Charlie Health, it gives priority to expression over logical connection, similar to a stream of consciousness(意识). “Scribble journaling removes the pressure of being formal,” she adds, “It’s a great way to avoid overthinking.” The act of writing by hand also plays a role. “It engages the brain differently than typing, activating(激活)physical skills and emotional processing, ” she says. This technique releases stress from your nervous system as you put it all onto paper. “The act of writing without structure can help express emotions quickly and provide a sense of relief, ” says Fenkel. If scribble journaling helps, remind yourself that this isn’t a journal for storing important or sweet memories. That can happen in another notebook or a junk journal. Allow this one to be purely about scribbles — a place where you can let it all out. 1. Why do people get into scribble journaling? A. The lack of interest in journaling. B. The trend of journaling on TikTok. C. The stress to pursue perfection in journaling. D. The thrill to purchase notebooks and diaries. 2. Why is creator@oakandbee’s comment mentioned in paragraph 4? A. To predict the trend of writing journals. B. To highlight the importance of journaling. C. To present the feature of scribble journaling. D. To indicate the lifestyle of young people. 3. What can we learn about scribble journaling according to Fenkel? A. It facilitates emotional release. B. It postpones emotional relief. C. It involves structured writing. D. It enhances the logic of expression. 4. What is the best title passage of the article? A. Scribble Journaling to Release Energy B. Scribble Journaling to Relieve Stress C. Scribble Journaling to Recall Knowledge D. Scribble Journaling to Restore Confidence Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·江苏常州·期中） If a stranger offered you a free cookie, you might eat it. But what if they also offered to give you $2? You might politely decline, thinking “Something smells fishy.” A recent study found that people tend to turn down offers of “free money” because they seem “too good to be true.” The researchers bridge economics and psychology to explain why encouraging specific actions by offering money can boomerang. In the initial experiment, nearly 40% of participants ate a cookie offered freely — compared with about 20% of those offered $2 as well. “People typically imagine that someone did something bad to the cookie,” says the study lead Andrew J. Vonasch. Nine further experiments used online questionnaires to present other situations. These included shockingly high wages for a construction job, and surprisingly cheap flights. In each case, higher financial gain reduced participants’ likelihood of accepting the offer. Vonasch says the results are contrary to the “standard economic model,” which supposes that humans always seek to maximize gains. Deals, he argues, need to be viewed as social interactions between people trying to understand each other’s minds. If someone seems to go against accepted rules such as self-interest without explanation, we assume they have hidden motives and infer there will be “phantom(幻影)costs.” This term refers to imagined consequences that reduce the extent to which it allows the receiver to feel better. We fear the future consequences of others’ seeming overgenerosity, which could help explain people’s unwillingness. Another experiment found that high scorers on measures of distrust inferred more phantom costs. The researchers also showed how to reduce the effect: simply provide a reason for the deal. The “cheap flights” experiment included a condition where the seats were revealed to be very uncomfortable. “Uncomfortable seats aren’t typically a selling point,” Vonasch says. “But telling people this fact made them more willing to take these seats because it was a sufficient explanation.” The scientists are also experimenting with robot and Al interactions. “If AI is overly generous, will people imagine phantom costs?” Vonasch says. “People tend to treat A I as if it has a mind, when obviously it doesn’t.” 1. What does the underlined word “boomerang” in Paragragh 2 mean? A. Bring immediate success. B. Draw public attention. C. Produce unintended results. D. Be completely ignored. 2. What does the term “phantom costs” imply? A. If you’re less selfish, you will feel better. B. People tend to maximize economic gains. C. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. D. People favor future returns over instant benefits. 3. What does the “cheap flights” experiment demonstrate? A. People prefer cheaper options. B. Providing a reason reduces distrust. C. Distrust increases phantom costs. D. People like overly generous offers. 4. What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A. AI is more trustworthy than humans. B. People trust and accept AI’s offers readily. C. AI’s lack of a mind removes people’s distrust. D. People may still infer AI’s hidden intentions. Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏常州溧阳市·期中） Releasing tiny metal rods(金属棒)into Mars’ atmosphere could warm the planet enough to melt water and support microbial life. Scientists at the University of Chicago aim to find a way to make Mars suitable for humans to live. So it is crucial to raise its surface temperature. Some people have suggested putting mirrors above Mars’ surface or pumping methane(甲)into its atmosphere, but these ideas are difficult to apply because the raw materials required would need to be sent from Earth. Now, Edwin Kite and his colleagues have found relatively small dust clouds made from iron or aluminium(铝)rods taken from rocks on Mars could warm the planet in a period of a few months or over a decade, depending on how quickly the particles are released. These metal rods could be carried by wind from the surface to Mars’ upper atmosphere, where they would then remain for around a decade, trapping heat from below and allowing more sunlight through. Kite and his team modeled how the rods responded to light and then fed this information into climate simulations(模拟), which showed that the increase in temperature and pressure would be enough for parts of Mars to sustain liquid water and potentially oxygen-producing bacteria. They also found that this warming would only need the rods to be released at a rate equal to that of water flowing through about 30 garden taps, amounting to a total of 700,000 cubic metres of metal per year to achieve the required warming, or around 1 percent of Earth's metal production.   “According to our plan, we found a surprisingly small amount of engineered dust would be required, much less than the amount of engineered greenhouse gases required if you wanted the same amount of warming,” says Kite. “But it would still be challenging to dig large holes in the ground to collect iron or aluminium from Mars.” “One uncertainty in the simulations is how the tiny rods might interact with water in Mars’ atmosphere. Water can form a group with the dust and fall back to the surface as rain, reducing the warming,” says Manoj Joshi at the University of East Anglia, UK. 1. What do the scientists at the University of Chicago try to do? A. To make Mars habitable. B. To change Mars’ landscape. C. To send raw materials to Mars. D. To find microbial life on Mars. 2. What can the metal rods do? A. Help clean Mars’ atmosphere. B. Better expose Mars’ surface to the sun. C. Collect particles from Mars’ rocks. D. Keep Mars’ upper atmosphere cold. 3. What is the difficulty of the plan according to Kite? A. Sustaining liquid water on Mars’ surface. B. Mining for needed metal materials on Mars. C. Producing a large amount of water on lars. D. Releasing engineered greenhouse gases into Mars’ atmosphere. 4. What is Manoi Joshi’s attitude towards the plan? A. Supportive. B. Doubtful. C. Serious. D. Unclear. Passage 4 （24-25学年高二下·江苏南通·期中） The Sol Reader is a new and creative e-book reader that you wear on your face, just like a pair of sunglasses. If the humble Kindle isn’t good enough any more and you’re looking for the next big thing in the e-book reader space, you may want to check out the Sol Reader, an amazing device shaped like a pair of sunglasses. Slightly similar to a VR headset, the Sol Reader is a simple tool designed only as a hands-free e-reader. Weighing around 100 grams and shaped like a pair of black sunglasses, the Sol Reader was created for a more comfortable reading experience, like reading a book while lying down. But, before you ask no, you will not be able to turn pages with your eyes or the power of your mind. The Sol Reader features a pair of 1.3-inch side-lit e-ink displays, each capable of displaying 65,536 pixels(像素). The device also has a diopter(屈光度)adjustment built in, so people who wear glasses or contact lenses(隐形眼镜)can use it without wearing additional vision correction. One of the main advantages of the Sol Reader is that it can suppress all outside visual influences, allowing the reader to focus on the e-book. The pages of the Sol Reader are projected against a dark background and the reading experience is described by its producer as similar to looking at the pages of an actual book. To turn over the pages, users push buttons on a remote-like controller, so reading on this thing isn’t technically completely hands-free. The Sol Reader has a built-in battery that should provide about 30 hours of reading time on a single charge, which doesn’t seem like a lot compared to traditional e-book readers. The storage capability is limited to 64 MB, but the headset wirelessly connects to a mobile iOs or Android app that allows DRM-free EPUB files to be copied over, so you don’t have to store all your e-books on it. 1. What is the Sol Reader designed to do? A. To help readers lie down to read. B. To prevent readers’ eyes tiredness. C. To offer convenient e-book reading. D. To allow total hands-free reading. 2. What is one feature of the Sol Reader? A. It can correct readers’ vision. B. It can turn pages with one’s eyes. C. It is cheap but difficult to operate. D. It is light and comfortable to wear. 3. What does the underlined word “suppress” in paragraph 3 probably mean? A. Contribute to. B. Block out. C. Withdraw from. D. Allow for. 4. What does the author want to stress about the Sol Reader in the last paragraph? A. Its extended battery life B. Its large storage capacity. C. Its hands-free reading feature. D. Its wireless connectivity to apps. Passage 5 （24-25学年高二下·江苏南通如皋市·期中） Solar energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, has been playing an increasingly important role in the global energy mix. Recently, significant advancements in solar energy technology have brought us closer to a more sustainable future. One of the most notable developments is the creation of new solar cell materials. Traditional silicon-based solar cells have limitations in terms of efficiency and cost. However, researchers have been exploring alternative materials. For example, perovskite solar cells(钙钛矿太阳能电池)have emerged as a promising alternative. These cells can be produced at a lower cost and have shown high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. Some perovskite solar cells have even achieved conversion efficiencies comparable to, or even exceeding, those of traditional silicon cells in laboratory settings. This could potentially revolutionize the solar energy industry by making solar power more affordable and accessible. Another area of progress is in energy storage solutions for solar energy. Solar power is intermittent(断断续续的), depending on sunlight availability. To address this, new battery technologies are being developed. Lithium-ion batteries(锂离子电池)have been widely used, but researchers are now looking at other options like flow batteries. Flow batteries can store large amounts of energy and have a longer lifespan. They can effectively store the excess electricity generated by solar panels during the day and release it when needed at night or during cloudy days. This improves the reliability and usability of solar energy. Despite these exciting advancements, there are still challenges. The durability of new materials like perovskite under real-world conditions needs to be further improved. And the cost of some advanced energy storage systems is still relatively high. But with continuous research and development, these issues are expected to be gradually resolved. 1. What is a key advantage of perovskite solar cells over traditional silicon-based cells? A. They are inexpensive yet more efficient. B. They are more durable in all weather conditions. C. They require less sunlight to generate electricity. D. They have a longer history of practical application. 2. Why are flow batteries considered a promising solution for solar energy? A. They are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries. B. They can store energy continuously without interruption. C. They have a longer lifespan and can store large energy amounts. D. They can work better than lithium-ion batteries under low sunlight. 3. What is the author’s attitude towards the advancements in solar energy technology? A. Optimistic. B. Pessimistic. C. Neutral. D. Doubtful. 4. Which is probably the best title for the text? A. The Limitations of Solar Energy B. Energy Storage Solutions for Solar Energy C. Traditional Solar Cells vs New Technologies D. New Advancements in Solar Energy Technology Passage 6 （24-25学年高二下·江苏泰州市姜堰区·期中） Research indicates that Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and relaxation, may provide long-term relief from Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Those who practised the martial art twice a week had fewer complications(并发症)and better quality of life than those who didn’t, the researchers say. Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disease characterized by slowness of movement, tremors(颤抖), and stiff and inflexible muscles. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, with the number of those affected projected to reach nearly 5 million by 2030 in China alone. In the UK 2 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour. So far, there has been no cure for Parkinson’s. Previously published research suggests that Tai Chi eases Parkinson’s symptoms in the short term, but whether this improvement can be maintained over the long term isn’t known. The new study, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, monitored the health of hundreds of Parkinson’s patients for up to five years. One group of 147 people practised regular Tai Chi while another group of 187 did not. The researchers found that the disease progressed more slowly in the Tai Chi group on measurements of symptoms, movement and balance. This group also saw fewer falls, less back pain and dizziness, with memory and concentration problems also lower than in the other group. At the same time, sleep and quality of life continuously improved. However, this is an observational study, which can’t establish cause and effect. And the researchers acknowledge that the number of study participants was relatively small. Prof Alastair Noyce, professor in neurology at Queen Mary University of London, called it “an important study” but said there were limitations in its design, and more trials were needed. Prof K Ray Chaudhuri, professor of movement disorders and neurology at King’s College London, said, “It is too early to claim any neuroprotection based on this study, although the positive effects on aspects of motor and non-motor functions are impressive.” 1. What do we know about Parkinson’s? A. It’s severe but curable now. B. It may lead to a low-quality life. C. It’s more common in China than in the UK. D. It’s the fastest-growing disease in the world. 2. What is the new study different from the previous one? A. It covers more aspects of the disease. B. It collects data from more study participants. C. It focuses on the long-term effect of Tai Chi on Parkinson’s. D. It first proves the positive effect Tai Chi has on Parkinson’s. 3. What can be inferred from paragraphs 5 and 6? A. The results of the study are not clear. B. The researchers are unaware of the problems of the study. C. The methods that the researchers use in the study are inappropriate. D. The study gives hope to Parkinson’s patients though with its limitations. 4. What is Prof K Ray Chaudhuri’s attitude towards the conclusion of the new study? A. Disapproving. B. Supportive. C. Indifferent. D. Objective. Passage 7 （24-25学年高二下·江苏泰州兴化市·期中） Is modern fruit cultivated(培育)to be sweeter than in the past? The short answer is yes, though the longer answer is more complicated. Some of the most powerful evidence that fruit is sweeter than before comes from zoos. In 2018, it was reported that Melboume Zoo in Australia had stopped giving fruit to most of its animals because cultivated fruit was now so sweet that it was causing tooth decay(蛀牙)and weight gain. The monkeys at the zoo were provided with a lower-sugar vegetable-based diet instead of bananas. Among fruit cultivators, the word “quality” is now routinely used as an equal for “high in sugar”(though firmness, color and size are also considerations). In 2010, in an article looking at ways to enhance the sweetness of fruit using “molecuiar(分子的)approaches”, a group of plant scientists of the Republic of Korea wrote that “in general, the sugar content” of many fruits is now higher than before “owing to continuous selection and breeding”. Modern apple varieties, the scientists noted, were on average sweeter than older ones. Cultivation isn’t the only reason that modern fruit is sweeter; there’s also climate change. Research from Japan found that since the 1970s, with rising temperatures, Fuji apples(which were already a sweet variety)have become significantly sweeter and softer. The lead researcher, Toshihoko Sugiura, said that “if you could taste an apple harvested 30 years ago, you would feel the difference”. It is sometimes claimed that the sweetness of modern fruit is not due to higher sugar content so much as the fact that the bitterness and sourness of wild fruit have been steadily cultivated out of it. There’s a grain — but only a grain — of truth in this. Studies of wild apples do indeed suggest that some ancient varieties were just as high in sugar as a modern Pink Lady or Honeycrisp. The difference is that there was much wider variation in sugar content across wild apples, whereas the modern supermarket apple seldom drops below a certain level of sweetness. 1. Why did Melbourne Zoo stop giving fruit to most of its animals? A. The animals preferred a vegetable- based diet. B. Modern fruit did great harm to animals’ teeth. C. The sugar content of modern fruit is lower than before. D. The flavor of modern fruit was not good for the animals. 2. What can we learn from paragraph 3? A. The sugar content is breeders’ first priority. B. Sweeter fruits are just a result of natural selection. C. The sweetness of modern apples is equal to the average of older ones. D. Molecular approaches are adopted to add the sweetness of modern fruit. 3. What do studies of wild apples in the last paragraph suggest? A. Apples of old species tasted less sweet. B. The sugar content of wild apples varied greatly. C. The sweetness of modern apples is of the same level. D. Fruit is sweet because bitterness in it has disappeared. 4. What’s the best title for this passage? A. Modern or Old: Which Is Better? B. Modern Fruit: Sweetness Is Quality. C. Fruit Is Sweeter: It’s Not a Misconception. D. Melbourne Zoo: Animals Stop Eating Fruits. Passage 8 （24-25学年高二下·江苏泰州兴化市·期中） Many people are familiar with the horrible image of wildlife — including sea turtles, dolphins and seals — trapped in abandoned fishing nets. The main issue behind Nylon-6, the plastic inside these nets, carpet and clothing, is that it is too strong and durable to break down on its own. So, once it’s in the environment, it exists for thousands of years, littering waterways, breaking corals and killing birds and sea life. Now, Northwestern University chemists have developed a new catalyst(催化剂)that quickly, cleanly and completely breaks down Nylon-6 in a matter of minutes—without generating harmful byproducts. More importantly, the process does not require poisonous solvents(溶剂), expensive materials or extreme conditions, making it practical for everyday applications. Current methods to dispose of Nylon-6 are limited to simply burying it in landfills. When Nylon-6 is burned, it produces poisonous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. Although other labs have explored catalysts to degrade Nylon-6, these catalysts require extreme conditions(such as temperatures as high as 350 degrees Celsius), high pressure steam(which is energetically expensive and inefficient)and / or toxic solvents that only contribute to more pollution. To bypass these issues, the researchers looked to a novel catalyst already developed in the lab of Tobin Marks, the leader of the research. The catalyst takes advantage of yttrium — an inexpensive Earth-abundant metal. When the team heated Nylon-6 samples to melting temperatures and applied the catalyst without a solvent, the plastic fell apart — returning to its original building blocks without leaving byproducts behind. In experiments, Marks and his team were able to recover 99% of plastics’ original building blocks. “Our research represents a significant step forward in the field of polymer recycling and sustainable material management.” said Marks. After filing a patent for new process, Marks and his team have already received interest from many potential industrial partners. They hope others can use their catalysts on a larger scale to help solve the global plastic problem. 1. What is Nylon-6 according to the text? A. A chemical that causes wildlife extinction. B. The strongest plastic invented in history. C. A material that is hard to degrade. D. The nest used to trap sea creatures. 2. What is the feature of the new catalyst? A. Eco-friendly. B. Zero-waste. C. Carbon-free. D. Time-consuming. 3. What does paragraph 4 mainly talk about? A. The use of yttrium. B. The anticipated result. C. The research objectives. D. The experiment process. 4. Which of the following could be the best title? A. Tapped Sea Creatures Deserve Due Attention. B. New Catalyst Found to Degrade Plastics. C. A New Method to Address Pollution. D. Ocean Pollution Settled for Good. Passage 9 （24-25学年高二下·江苏苏州·期中） Picture this: You’re at a movie theater food stand loading up on snacks. You have a choice of a small, medium or large soda. The small is $3.50 and the large is $5.50. It’s a tough decision: The small size may not last you through the whole movie but $5.50 for some sugary drink seems unreasonable. But there’s a third option, a medium soda for $5.25. Medium may be the perfect amount of soda for you, but the large is only a quarter more. If you’re like most people, you end up buying the large. If you’re wondering who would buy the medium soda, the answer is almost no one. In fact, there’s a good chance the marketing department purposely priced the medium soda as a decoy, making you more likely to buy the large soda rather than the small. I have written about this characteristic in human nature before with my friend Dan Ariely, who studied this phenomenon extensively after noticing the pricing for subscriptions(订阅)to The Economist. The digital subscription was $59, the print subscription was $125, and the print plus digital subscription was also $125. No one in their right mind would buy the print subscription when you could get digital as well for the same price, so why was it even an option? Ariely ran an experiment and found that when only the two “real” choices were offered, more people chose the less expensive digital subscription. But the addition of the bad option made people much more likely to choose the more expensive print plus digital option. Brain scientists call this effect “asymmetric dominance(不对称优势)”, and it means that people tend toward the choice nearest clearly inferior(较差的)option. Marketing professors call it the decoy effect which is certainly easier to remember. Lucky for consumers, almost no one in the business community understands it. The decoy effect works because of the way our brains assign value when making choices. Value is almost never absolute; rather, we decide an object’s value relative to our other choices. If more options are introduced, the value equation changes. 1. What does the word “decoy” in paragraph 3 most likely mean? A. Lie. B. Bargain. C. Trap. D. Bonus. 2. Why is the pricing for subscriptions to The Economist mentioned? A. To explain how the decoy effect was tested. B. To illustrate a decoy effect case in marketing. C. To note possible limitations of the decoy effect. D. To highlight the significance of the decoy effect. 3. How does the decoy effect influence consumer behavior? A. It pushes consumers toward a target option. B. It encourages consumers to purchase more. C. It guides consumers away from inferior options. D. It helps consumers discover their true preferences. 4. What can we learn about an object’s value from the last paragraph? A. It stays the same with more options. B. It is determined by comparing options. C. It equals the object’s production cost. D. It affects the number of available options. 主题01 人与社会——历史、文化与传承 Passage 1 （24-25学年高二下·江苏扬州市邗江区·期中） Across the flat plateau of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, shades of gray-brown soil are dotted with areas of dark rock — and a clearly defined circle of stones. Unmistakably constructed by humans, this structure, called “standing stone circles” by archaeologists, was built around 7,500 years ago by a people we barely know for a purpose we have long misunderstood. In 2019, archaeologists from the University of Western Australia began excavating(发掘)these standing stone circles. Their initial idea was that these were structures built by Neolithic nomads(新石器时代的游牧民)for some long-forgotten religious practices. However, excavating at multiple sites, they found what turned out to be archaeological pay dirt — domestic rubbish. The remains of discarded animal bones, household tools, and even jewelry, have reclassified the standing stone circles as Neolithic homes. Standing stone circles seem to have sprung up around 5,800 to 5,500 B. C. This coincided with a warmer climate in the region that brought more regular rainfall and a landscape of rich grasses and trees, good conditions for raising cattle and goats. But these were also good conditions for building permanent structures. More abundant vegetation meant less pressure to keep moving the animals to fresh grasslands, which made building homes more worthwhile. This, and the plateau’s abundance of stones, may have encouraged the nomads to stay a while and build. Excavations of these settlements are revealing something of this people’s way of life. They kept cattle and goats for meat, but continued to hunt and gather to expand their diet with hare, fruits and nuts. The many grinding(磨碎)stones found on the sites suggest inhabitants were regularly grinding grains, but these were likely to be gathered rather than farmed. The plateau sites have also revealed tools made with materials from the sandstone valleys and jewelry shaped from shells from the Red Sea — these Neolithic people had a complex culture involving travel and probably exchange. The revelation overturns many of our assumptions about Neolithic AlUla. Here was a people more settled and more civilized than history has given them credit for. Their story is just beginning to be revealed, but already a very different picture of early AIUla is emerging. 1. What did the 2019 excavation finally identify the “standing stone circles” as? A. Religious sites. B. Rubbish stations. C. Domestic buildings. D. Natural wonders. 2. What was a contributing factor in the building of the standing stone circles? A. The worsening climate. B. The richness of plants. C. The desire to raise more animals. D. The need to store goods. 3. What is most likely TRUE about Neolithic people’s way of life in AlUla? A. They planted crops and kept cattle and goats. B. They relied entirely on hunting and gathering for food. C. They had interactions with other groups. D. They made tools and jewelry purely from local materials. 4. What is the purpose of the text? A. To provide some new insights. B. To introduce an ancient population. C. To promote a historical site. D. To argue for some long-held beliefs. Passage 2 （24-25学年高二下·江苏常州·期中） Holding a cloth snake, 7-year-old Chen Kaiming, made a remarkable appearance as the lead dancer during the opening performance of the 2025 Spring Festival Gala. His performance brought the Yingge dance, the over 300-year-old intangible cultural heritage(非遗), back into the national spotlight. The Yingge dance is a folk art form that began in Guangdong Province, combining elements of opera, dance and martial arts. Its performances are inspired by the story of The Water Margin(水浒传). Set during the Song Dynasty(960-1279), the novel tells the story of 108 outlaws who gather at the Liangshan Marsh to fight against cruel rulers. The Yingge dance uses the dancers’ movements, costumes and facial makeup to express the heroic spirit of upholding justice and fighting evil. Holding a cloth snake, the lead dancer copies the snake’s dance. His graceful steps and gestures guide the team's direction, rhythm and formation. Each dancer adopts a horse-riding stance(姿势), leaping sideways while striking the sticks to the rhythm of the drums. In 2006, Puning Yingge dance was recognized as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage. To train the next generation of dancers, Chen Laifa challenged the traditional norms that restricted participation to adult men by launching the “Yingge Dance in Schools” initiative. This program introduced the art form to primary and secondary schools, and even kindergartens. The initiative has been well-received by parents, who believe it not only improves children’s physical fitness but also reduces their reliance on electronic devices. Also, Yingge dance has embraced innovations in both its form and content. For example, the performance during the 2025 Spring Festival Gala kept the essence of the traditional dance while including modern dance elements, making it more appealing to contemporary audiences. This year, Yingge dance teams from Guangdong were also invited to perform on overseas stages as part of Spring Festival celebrations. “The preservation of intangible cultural heritage requires not only the passing down of skills but also innovation that keeps up with the times,” said Lin Lunlun, former President of Hanshan Normal University. 1. What aspect of the Yingge dance does Paragraph 2 mainly talk about? A. Its origin. B. Its significance. C. Its development. D. Its legend. 2. Why did Chen Laifa launch the “Yingge Dance in Schools” initiative? A. To enrich children’s school life. B. To engage younger generations. C. To promote international recognition. D. To modernize the traditional dance. 3. Why does the author mention the 2025 Spring Festival Gala in Paragraph 5? A. To show the Yingge dance’s popularity. B. To give examples of government’s efforts. C. To compare traditional and modern dances. D. To illustrate innovations in the Yingge dance. 4. Which of the following would be the best title? A. Heroic Rhythms: The Severe Crisis of Yingge Dance B. Ancient Battles Reborn: The Martial Roots of Yingge Dance C. Dancing through Dynasties: The Renewal of Yingge Dance D. From Guangdong to the World: The Global Journey of Yingge Dance Passage 3 （24-25学年高二下·江苏无锡江阴市·期中） Do you remember reading an article called Kouji in middle school? In it, a kouji performer, specializing in vocal mimicry(模仿), creates lifelike performances of various sounds using just his mouth, with the stage having only a table, a block of wood on it, a chair and a fan. Originating from ancient China, the art of kouji involves skillfully using movements of the lips, teeth, throat, and tongue to produce sounds that mimic birds, animals, and various other noises in the world. It is often combined with story-telling during performances. In 2011, kouji was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. According to the IHChina website, traditional kouji is becoming endangered due to the rapid development of electronic audio. However, Cao Quyang, a 28-year-old inheritor, has found a solution by combining kouji with beatboxing, achieving a perfect combination of traditional and modern performance art. Cao started learning kouji in 2016 when she wanted to bring something original to her B-box performance. “As a former percussionis(打击乐器演奏者), I’m sensitive to rhythm, so I integrated the kouji techniques I learned into beatboxing and created my own unique style in my area of expertise.” she added. For example, when mimicking environmental sounds like wind, Cao can use her mouth to weave beatboxing into it, making the sound of the wind stronger and more rhythmic.“ The addition of beatboxing brings more musical expression to kouji performances, making the stories more vivid and appealing to today’s young audiences.” said Cao. In addition to kouji and beatboxing, Cao can also play the Chinese drums, drum set, and piano, as well as DJ. “Innovation is not difficult for me. To me, innovation is simply expressing something that people don’t understand in a way they do.” said Cao, “As long as it combines tradition and modernity and allows the public to appreciate the beauty of tradition through innovation, I’m willing to do it.” 1. Why is the article called Kouji in middle school mentioned in paragraph 1? A. To remind people of what they have learned. B. To praise the kouji performer for their vocal abilities. C. To expose the secret of vocal mimicry in kouji performance. D. To lead to the topic of a special performance art of our country. 2. How has Cao Quyang contributed to the preservation of kouji? A. By creating a combination of traditional and modern performance art. B. By developing a means of composing pop songs with the help of kouji. C. By combining it with percussion instruments. D. By including digital effects in her performances. 3. What aspect of kouji does Cao improve with beatboxing ? A. Visual appeal. B. Rhythmic complexity. C. Mimicry accuracy. D. Emotional depth. 4. What does Cao think of innovation ? A. It is a way to bridge understanding. B. It is a means of beautifying the old. C. It presents challenges and risks of failure. D. It serves as a form of self-expression. Passage 4 （24-25学年高二下·江苏常州溧阳市·期中） The city of Dunhuang is located at a point of vital importance, on a crossroads of two major trade routes within the Silk Road network. Lying in grassland at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Dunhuang was one of the first trading cities encountered by traders arriving in China from the West. The remarkable Mogao Caves contain the largest storeroom of historic documents along the Silk Road and bear witness to the cultural, religious, social and commercial activities that took place in Dunhuang. The Mogao Caves show not only the religious importance of Dunhuang, but also its significance as a center of cultural and commercial exchange. One of the caves, known as the “library cave”, contains as many as 40,000 scrolls, which are of great value to the understanding of the cultural diversity of this Silk Road city. The earliest text dates back to 405 AD, while the latest 1002 AD. The arrangement of documents in this library cave shows that they were purposely stored there, and it seems likely that the local temples used the cave as a storeroom According to these documents, a large number of imports arrived from as far away as north-east Europe. Interestingly, the scrolls that mention caravans(商队)are usually recorded in Sogdian, Uighur, or Turco-Sogdian, indicating that they were indited by the foreign traders in the city. Dunhuang was not simply a receiver of trade, and it had a very active export market, too. The scrolls refer to a large number of goods produced in the city and sold to foreign traders. Crafts and skills also moved along the Silk Road as traders and craftsmen met and exchanged notes. Some scrolls illustrate the use of woodblock printing in Dunhuang, a technique that originated in China in the early 8th century. Woodblock printing later spread across Asia, as traders passed on the crafts and skills that they had acquired while travelling along the Silk Road. 1. What do we know about Dunhuang? A. It made the Taklamakan Desert well-known. B. It acted as the center of the Silk Road network. C. It moved to its present position due to the Silk Road D. It was one of the first trading cities in China for Westerners. 2. What is the greatest value of the scrolls in the “library cave” according to the text? A. Their long history. B. Their commercial significance. C. The historic exchange they show. D. The cultural diversity they show. 3. What does the underlined word “indited” in Paragraph 3 possibly mean? A. Written. B. Occupied. C. Protected. D. Bought. 4. What is the purpose of the last paragraph? A. To explain why Dunhuang is famous. B. To explain what was recorded in the scrolls C. To show the Silk Road is important to knowledge spreading. D. To show woodblock printing was invented by the Chinese. / 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $