考前押题08 概要写作（期中复习专项训练）高一英语下学期沪教版

考前押题08 概要写作题 话题1 社会生活 话题4 自然生态 话题2 运动健康 话题5 人工智能 话题3 个人成长 话题6 文化艺术 1 / 1 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 话题1 社会生活 Passage 1 Functions of a Speech The art of public speaking began in ancient Greece over 2, 000 years ago. The spoken word can handle various vital functions: persuading or inspiring, informing, paying compliment, entertaining, or simply introducing someone or something or accepting something. Over the past years, the human voice has helped guide us over the ups and downs of what was certainly a stormy time. Persuasion is used in dealing with or reuniting different points of view. When the leaders met in Copenhagen in December 2009, persuasive words from activists encouraged them to commit themselves to firmer action. Inspirational speeches challenge the emotions. They focus on topics and matters that are close to people's hearts. During wars, generals used inspiring speeches to prepare the troops for battle. A speech that conveys knowledge and enhances understanding can inform us. The information must be clear, accurate, and expressed in a meaningful and interesting way. Informative speeches from World Health Organization officials helped people to keep their panic under control so they could take sensible protection. Sad events are never easy to deal with but a speech that pays tribute to the loss of a loved one and gives praise for their contribution can be comforting. Madonna's speech about Michael Jackson, after his death, highlighted the fact that he will continue to live on through his music. It's not only in world meetings where public speaking plays an important role. It can also be surprisingly helpful in the course of our own lives. On a more personal level, a friend may be upset and need comforting. Or you might be asked to introduce a speaker at a family event or to speak at a wedding, where your language will be needed to move people or make them laugh. Great speaking ability is not something we're born with. For a brilliant speech, there are rules that you can put to good use. To learn those rules you have to practice and learn from some outstanding speeches in the past. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________【答案】On no account can we ignore the power of the speech. First, speeches play a very important role in persuading or inspiring by encouraging firmer action and challenging the emotions. Second, not only do informative speeches convey knowledge but also enhance understanding. What’s more, a mourning speech can be comforting. On a personal level, it is highly recommended that you amuse others and cheer them up with a speech. 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章以“演讲的功能”为题，主要介绍了演讲的说服或激励功能，以及告知、赞美、娱乐，和简单地介绍某人或某事以及接受某事的功能。 【详解】1 要点摘录①The spoken word can handle various vital functions: persuading or inspiring, informing, paying compliment, entertaining, or simply introducing someone or something or accepting something. ②Persuasive words from activists encouraged them to commit themselves to firmer action. Inspirational speeches challenge the emotions. ③A speech that conveys knowledge and enhances understanding can inform us. ④A speech that pays tribute to the loss of a loved one and gives praise for their contribution can be comforting. ⑤A personal speech will be needed to move people or make them laugh. 2.缜密构思 将1、4、5要点进行简化重组,2、3要点合并。 3.遣词造句 On no account can we ignore the power of the speech. Speeches play a very important role in persuading or inspiring by encouraging firmer action and challenging the emotions. Not only do informative speeches convey knowledge but also enhance understanding. A mourning speech can be comforting. It is highly recommended that you amuse others and cheer them up with a personal speech. 【点睛】[高分句型1] On no account can we ignore the power of the speech. 运用了部分倒装且概括性强。 [高分句型2]：Speeches play a very important role in persuading or inspiring by encouraging firmer action and challenging the emotions.用by + doing sth.作方式状语。 [高分句型3]：It is highly recommended that you amuse others and cheer them up with a personal speech.用一个复杂的主从复合句概括倒数第二段内容。其中that引导主语从句、且从句中运用了虚拟语气。 Passage 2 Giving Money to Families with Kids Can Relieve Child Poverty Nearly 1 in 5 American children is officially poor. That’s roughly 15 million kids. But the number living with a significant deprivation——insufficient food, seriously overcrowded housing or a lack of access to medical care due to cost-is actually much higher. According to the latest studies, it’s more like 1 in 3. A mountain of evidence now shows that poverty can lead to cognitive (认知的) and emotional damage in children. Child poverty is too harmful and punishing to ignore. A growing number of academics believe there is a solution: the government should give monthly cash allowances, without conditions, to every family with kids. When Michael Harrington’s classic book, The Other America, called attention to America’s general poverty rate of about 25% in 1962, Washington developed social programs that brought the rate down sharply. Valuable policies intended to relieve child poverty have been enacted since then, but they are not enough: 1 in 3 children does not receive the full benefits of these programs because their parents do not qualify for them. A family with two children receiving $300 to $400 a month per child could improve their standard of living immediately. Money can buy food, heat, coats, eye-glasses and regular doctors’ visits, including transportation, and help pay for childcare. It can also help reduce family stress and help parents provide a psychologically nourishing environment for learning and social development. Studies demonstrate children’s improved educational performance when families are simply given more money. For far less money-about $100 billion-the number of children living in official poverty could be cut in half. Such a policy would be a humane, practical, efficient victory for a nation too willing to neglect its poor. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】The latest studies show that more than 30%of children live with a significant deprivation, which is too bad to ignore. Government have made policies to relieve child poverty, which is not enough due to some reasons. Given more money, families in poverty can improve their standard of living and provide them with education. It is only a little money that can make a big difference. 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍说，最新的研究表明，在美国超过30%的儿童生活在严重贫困中。政府需要进一步采取措施，许多学者认为给有孩子的家庭发放补贴可以缓解儿童贫困。 【详解】1 要点摘录①According to the latest studies, it’s more like 1 in 3. ②Child poverty is too harmful and punishing to ignore. ③Valuable policies intended to relieve child poverty have been enacted since then, but they are not enough. ④A family with two children receiving $300 to $400 a month per child could improve their standard of living immediately. ⑤For far less money-about $100 billion-the number of children living in official poverty could be cut in half. 2.缜密构思将1、2点一起整合，然后将其余3点分别概括。 3.遣词造句 The latest studies show that more than 30%of children live with a significant deprivation, which is too bad to ignore. Government have made policies to relieve child poverty, which is not enough due to some reasons. Given more money, families in poverty can improve their standard of living and provide them with education. It is only a little money that can make a big difference. 【点睛】[高分句型1] The latest studies show that more than 30%of children live with a significant deprivation, which is too bad to ignore.运用一个复杂的主从复合句对原文第一段和第二段进行了概括。其中which引导的非限制性定语从句非常高级。 [高分句型2]：It is only a little money that can make a big difference.用强调句对最后一段进行了概括，表达比较高级。 Passage 3 Light the Cities of the Future A previously unlit cycle path in the Netherlands has recently drawn our attention. It has been resurfaced with a material that consists of thousands of shining stones in order to create a well-lit route. The Van Gogh Path, so called after the artist who lived in the town of Nuenen in 1883, combines the traditional with the contemporary in a gesture that acknowledge ledges Van Gingh’ masterpiece The Starry Night, but also shows the way ahead for city lighting. The Van Gogh Path is not a single case; it is not difficult to foresee a time when natural materials could help light the cities of the future. Why should we care about city lighting? What’s wrong with current electrical city lighting anyway? Well, the problem that it causes is two-fold. First, of course, electrical lighting in most cities comes from non-renewable resources. According to the International Energy Agency, almost 20% of global electricity is consumed for lighting, which is responsible for high levels of carbon emissions. But there’s also the belief that electrical light itself is a form of pollution by destroying our view of the night sky. From the above reasons, then, it seems wise to investigate other approaches. The city of Glasgow is attempting to use intelligent street lighting to monitor how citizens interact with the urban landscape and minimize electrical consumption and thus emissions. This “Smart City approach” is seen by many as the way of the future, but some designers aren’t convinced. They are pioneering the altogether more original approach of using materials from the natural world in order to replace electrical light entirely. They believe that this new “technology” can one day completely replace microchips and digital systems as we find better ways of making use of the light-producing mechanisms (制) that already exist in the natural world. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】The passage discusses the innovation in city lighting by introducing the Van Gogh Path in the Netherlands, which uses luminous stones for illumination. It highlights the environmental and aesthetic issues with current electrical lighting and explores alternatives such as intelligent street lighting and natural materials to create a more sustainable and visually appealing urban environment. 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章首先介绍了荷兰一条新铺设的发光自行车道——梵高之路，它使用了数千颗发光石来照明，以此引出城市照明的未来趋势。接着，文章讨论了当前城市照明存在的问题，包括能源消耗和光污染，并提出了智能街道照明和利用自然材料作为替代方案。最后，文章展望了这些新技术可能完全取代现有微芯片和数字系统的未来。 【详解】1 要点摘录 ①The Van Gogh Path in the Netherlands has been resurfaced with luminous stones to create a well-lit route. ②Electrical lighting in most cities comes from non-renewable resources and contributes to high levels of carbon emissions. ③Electrical light is considered a form of pollution that destroys our view of the night sky. ④Alternatives such as intelligent street lighting and natural materials are being explored to create a more sustainable urban environment. 2. 缜密构思 将第①要点作为引入，第②和第③要点整合讨论现有城市照明的问题，第④要点作为解决方案和未来展望。 3. 遣词造句 The Van Gogh Path, a luminous cycle path in the Netherlands, represents an innovative approach to city lighting. Current electrical city lighting is problematic due to its reliance on non-renewable resources and the pollution it causes. Alternatives like intelligent street lighting and the use of natural materials are being considered for a more sustainable and visually pleasing urban environment. 【点睛】[高分句型1] The passage discusses the innovation in city lighting by introducing the Van Gogh Path in the Netherlands, which uses luminous stones for illumination. 运用了which引导的定语从句对第一段进行了总结。其中prep+doing的表达非常实用。 [高分句型2] It highlights the environmental and aesthetic issues with current electrical lighting and explores alternatives such as intelligent street lighting and natural materials to create a more sustainable and visually appealing urban environment. 运用了such as作状语对第二段和第三段进行了总结。其中遣词造句非常高级。 话题2 运动健康 Passage 1 Preventing Resistance The development of drug-resistant pathogens (病原体) can be prevented in at least three ways. First, sufficiently high concentrations of the drug can be maintained in a patient’s body for a long enough time to kill all sensitive cells and hold others long enough for the body’s defenses to defeat them. Discontinuing a drug before all of the pathogens have been neutralized promotes the development of resistance. For this reason, it is important that patients finish their entire antimicrobial prescription (抗菌药物) and resist the temptation to “save some for another day.” A second way to prevent resistance is to use antimicrobial agents in combination so that pathogens resistant to one drug will be killed by the second, and vice versa. Additionally, one drug sometimes enhances the effect of a second drug in a process called synergism. Enhanced effect can also result from combining an antimicrobial drug and a chemical. A third way to reduce the development of resistance is to limit the use of antimicrobials to necessary cases. Unfortunately, many antimicrobial agents are used indiscriminately, in both developed countries and in lessdeveloped regions where many are available without a physician’s prescription. In the United States, an estimated 50 percent of prescriptions for antibacterial agents to treat sore throats and 30 percent of prescriptions for ear infections, are inappropriate because the diseases are viral in nature. Likewise, because antibacterial drugs have no effect on cold and flu viruses, 100 percent of antibacterial prescriptions for treating diseases are unnecessary. As discussed previously, the use of antimicrobial agents encourages the reproduction of resistant bacteria by limiting the growth of sensitive cells; therefore, inappropriate use of such drugs increases the likelihood that resistance of bacteria will multiply. In order to maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments, responsible practices must be implemented. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】There are three ways to prevent pathogens from developing resistance to drugs. First, patients should take all the drugs as directed by doctors. Second, several antimicrobial agents can be used together to ensure the effect of drug taking. Finally, it is important to guarantee that antimicrobials are used only for necessary cases. Responsible practices are keys to treatment effectiveness. 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍说，有三种方法可以防止病原体产生抗药性。首先，病人应该按照医生的指示服用所有的药物。其次，几种抗菌药物可以同时使用，保证服药效果。最后，重要的是要保证仅在必要的情况下使用抗菌素。负责任的做法是治疗效果的关键。 【详解】1.要点摘录 ①The development of drug-resistant pathogens (病原体) can be prevented in at least three ways. ②For this reason, it is important that patients finish their entire antimicrobial prescription (抗菌药物) and resist the temptation to “save some for another day.” ③A second way to prevent resistance is to use antimicrobial agents in combination so that pathogens resistant to one drug will be killed by the second, and vice versa. ④A third way to reduce the development of resistance is to limit the use of antimicrobials to necessary cases. ⑤In order to maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments, responsible practices must be implemented. 2.缜密构思 将第1、2、3、4、5五个要点进行整合。 3.遣词造句 There are three ways in which we can prevent pathogens from developing resistance to drugs. Finally, it is important that we guarantee that antimicrobials are used only for necessary cases. It is responsible practices that are keys to treatment effectiveness. 【点睛】[高分句型1] First, patients should take all the drugs as directed by doctors. (运用了状语从句中的省略) [高分句型2] Finally, it is important to guarantee that antimicrobials are used only for necessary cases. (运用了that引导的宾语从句) Passage 2 What You Should Know about Chilies What can be both red or green, round or sharp, big or small, and more importantly, loved or hated by someone? Yes, the answer is chilies. Many of us in China enjoy adding chilies to our food, but did you know that this spicy vegetable could also be dangerous? A 34-year-old US man recently ended up in hospital after eating a Carolina Reaper, the spiciest chili in the world. After taking just a single bite of one, the man suffered from “thunderclap” headaches in the following few days, reported BBC News. In fact, reports of stomachache and headache caused by eating spicy food are not something unusual. But if chilies are harmful, why is it that human beings are the only animals to eat this vegetable? According to the website Huanqiu, about 600 million Chinese people-almost half of the national population—are chili eaters. So what makes people love chilies so much? The human body reacts to the burning sensation that comes from eating chilies by releasing endorphins, natural chemicals that “produce a sense of happiness”. And the benefits go even further than just personal enjoyment. A survey conducted by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences found that the mortality rate (死亡率) of those who eat spicy food once or twice a week is 10 percent lower than those who eat it less than once a week. The number decreased to 14 percent for those who eat spicy food six to seven times a week. And another study done by the University of Vermont came to a similar conclusion. “The data encourages people to eat more spicy food to improve health and reduce death risk at an early age.” Capsaicin (辣椒素) has anti-cancer properties and the ability to increase our metabolism. So, don’t worry if you love spicy food. It seems that chilies are actually good for us-except for the Carolina Reaper, perhaps. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】 Chilies, loved by many but potentially harmful, are popular in China. Despite cases like a US man suffering headaches after eating the Carolina Reaper, studies show that eating spicy food can lower mortality rates and improve health due to capsaicin’s benefits. 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍说，辣椒在中国很受欢迎，虽然受到许多人的喜爱，但却有潜在的危害。尽管有美国人吃了卡罗莱纳死神后头痛的案例，但研究表明，由于辣椒素的好处，吃辛辣食物可以降低死亡率，改善健康。 【详解】1.要点摘录 ①Many of us in China enjoy adding chilies to our food, but did you know that this spicy vegetable could also be dangerous? ②A 34-year-old US man recently ended up in hospital after eating a Carolina Reaper, the spiciest chili in the world. The data encourages people to eat more spicy food to improve health and reduce death risk at an early age. 2.缜密构思 将第1个要点进行总说，将第2要点进行分说。 3.遣词造句 Chilies, loved by many but potentially harmful, are popular in China. Despite cases like a US man suffering headaches after eating the Carolina Reaper, studies show that eating spicy food can lower mortality rates and improve health due to capsaicin’s benefits. 【点睛】[高分句型1] Chilies, loved by many but potentially harmful, are popular in China.(运用过去分词表示被动关系对原文第二段进行了概括) [高分句型2] Despite cases like a US man suffering headaches after eating the Carolina Reaper, studies show that eating spicy food can lower mortality rates and improve health due to capsaicin’s benefits.(用that引导宾语从句对第四段和第五段进行了概括) Passage 3 We Need to Take Meditation More Seriously as Medicine A new review study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine, suggests that the ancient Eastern practice of mindful meditation can offer real help for patients with depression, anxiety, and pain. Dr. Madhav Goyal is the lead author of the recent JAMA study. He reviewed 47 clinical trials involving more than 3500 participants with mild anxiety or depression, and found that those who practiced mindful meditation saw a 5-10%improvement in anxiety symptoms and a 10-20% reduction in depressive symptoms. What’s most striking about the JAMA findings is that people weren’t meditating for very long. Many in the reviewed studies meditated for as little as 2. 5 hours per week for two months. As Dr. Goyal points out, because meditation is a skill that’s learned over time, it’s unlikely that the respondents reached a high level in a short time. So according to him, it’s reasonable to think that people would experience even greater benefits with more rigorous training and practice. Unfortunately though, it’s precisely those realities of meditation — that it is a state you can teach yourself to achieve and improve with discipline — that might weaken its validity (有效性) with physicians and patients. For example, professor Mark K. Blum, a Buddhist Studies expert at the University of California, Berkeley, believes some medical professionals may doubt the value of meditation because our culture has shifted so heavily in favor of quantitative measurement. “Medical doctors are practicing a form of science, and therefore expect to see scientific measurement,” Blum explains. “But how do you measure meditation?” In Dr. Goyal’s view, critics of meditation have a misunderstanding of what science is. It has nothing to do with molecules or drugs, he says. Rather, medical science is a “systematic exploration of what is not known”, whatever that may be — and areas like meditation desperately need more exploration, and the funding to do it. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】 A new study found that meditation can help ease people’s anxiety and depression and that people can benefit more if they practice meditating for longer. Though some medical professionals still don’t believe in the effect of meditation because it can’t be measured, Dr. Goyal, the lead author of the study, thinks it is worth exploring. 【导语】本文的体裁是说明文。一项新的研究发现，冥想可以帮助缓解人们的焦虑和抑郁，如果人们练习冥想的时间更长，他们会受益更多。尽管一些医学专业人士仍然不相信冥想的效果，因为它无法测量，但该研究的第一作者戈亚尔博士认为，这值得探索。 【详解】1. 要点摘录 ①A new review study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine, suggests that the ancient Eastern practice of mindful meditation can offer real help for patients with depression, anxiety, and pain. ②What’s most striking about the JAMA findings is that people weren’t meditating for very long.  Many in the reviewed studies meditated for as little as 2.  5 hours per week for two months. ③For example, professor Mark K. Blum, a Buddhist Studies expert at the University of California, Berkeley, believes some medical professionals may doubt the value of meditation because our culture has shifted so heavily in favor of quantitative measurement. ④In Dr. Goyal’s view, critics of meditation have a misunderstanding of what science is. Rather, medical science is a “systematic exploration of what is not known”, whatever that may be—and areas like meditation desperately need more exploration, and the funding to do it. 2. 缜密构思 将第1、2两个要点进行整合，将3、4两个要点进行整合，将总结性语句放在文章最后。 3. 遣词造句 A new study found that meditation can help ease people’s anxiety and depression and that people can benefit more if they practice meditating for longer. Some medical professionals still don’t believe in the effect of meditation because it can’t be measured. Dr. Goyal thinks areas like meditation are worth more exploration。 【点睛】【高分句型1】A new study found that meditation can help ease people’s anxiety and depression and that people can benefit more if they practice meditating for longer. 运用了一个复杂的主从复合句，对原文第一、二、三段进行了概括。其中that引导了宾语从句、if引导的条件状语从句，表达非常高级。 【高分句型2】Though some medical professionals still don’t believe in the effect of meditation because it can’t be measured, Dr. Goyal, the lead author of the study, thinks it is worth exploring.运用了一个复杂的主从复合句，对原文第四、五段进行了概括。其中Though引导的让步状语从句、because引导的原因状语从句，表达非常高级。 话题3 个人成长 Passage 1 Imperfection can be a gift We all want to do things well and for things to turn out right. However, growing up also involves accepting when things go wrong. In fact, messing up can lead to some of the most interesting and meaningful outcomes. Aiming for results, whether that’s getting good school grades, shining in sport or acing an art project, can help you focus on your goals. However, it’s just as important to focus on enjoying the process. Getting too hung up on things turning out exactly as you think they should can put a lot of pressure on you and lead to anxiety. That’s why it’s good to leave some room for errors and imperfections. Then if things don’t go as planned, it’s not a big deal and you may learn something new. Dr Vara is a psychologist who helps people take care of their mental health. She says getting things wrong is part of growing up. “We also have to experience the uncomfortable feeling when we get things wrong. This helps us to become stronger,” says Dr Vara. “Otherwise, we’ll be too scared to make mistakes. This fear can lead to us putting off doing difficult things or avoiding trying new things.” It’s important to realise that making mistakes is common, which shows that it is impossible to be perfect and failure is normal. Learning from your mistakes is an essential part of growing up. The most important thing is how you respond and what you choose to do next. Try not to take it too seriously, blame yourself or feel too disappointed or upset. Dr Vara explains, “Remember that you’re not a bad person for getting things wrong——you’re human. It might feel uncomfortable for a bit, then these feelings will pass and then you’ll bounce back.” Instead, think about what you might do differently next time. This has been proven to work. In one study, students who were reminded to forgive and be kind to themselves when they failed a test felt more motivated to try again. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】 Accepting failures is a natural part of growth. Focusing on enjoying the process rather than just the results can reduce pressure and anxiety. Dr. Vara explains that making mistakes is normal and essential for becoming stronger. The key is to learn from mistakes, not be too hard on oneself, and consider how to improve next time. 【导语】本文的体裁是明文。接受失败是成长的自然组成部分。专注于享受过程而不仅仅是结果可以减轻压力和焦虑。瓦拉博士解释说，犯错误是正常的，对变得更强壮至关重要。关键是要从错误中吸取教训，不要对自己太苛刻，并考虑下次如何改进。 【详解】1.要点摘录 ①However, growing up also involves accepting when things go wrong. ②However, it’s just as important to focus on enjoying the process. Getting too hung up on things turning out exactly as you think they should can put a lot of pressure on you and lead to anxiety.   ③She says getting things wrong is part of growing up.  “We also have to experience the uncomfortable feeling when we get things wrong.  This helps us to become stronger,” says Dr Vara.   ④Learning from your mistakes is an essential part of growing up.  The most important thing is how you respond and what you choose to do next.  Try not to take it too seriously, blame yourself or feel too disappointed or upset. 2.缜密构思将第1、2两个要点进行重组，将3、4两个要点进行整合。 3.遣词造句Focusing on enjoying the process rather than just the results can reduce pressure and anxiety. 【点睛】【高分句型1】Accepting failures is a natural part of growth. 运用了一个含有动名词的句子，对原文第一段进行了概括。其中动名词Accepting作主语，表达非常高级。 【高分句型2】Dr. Vara explains that making mistakes is normal and essential for becoming stronger.运用了一个复杂的主从复合句，对原文第三段进行了概括。其中that引导的宾语从句、动名词making作主语、动名词becoming作宾语，表达非常高级。 Passage 2 Decision fatigue Decision fatigue occurs when people feel very tired from making too many choices. Psychologists have found that, even though we generally like having choices, having to make too many decisions in a short amount of time may lead us to make decisions that are less than ideal. Many of us would probably guess that we’d be happier with more options (选择). However, researchers have found that this isn’t necessarily true—in some cases, we actually seem to do better when we have a more limited set of options. In one research paper, psychologists looked at the consequences of being given either many or few choices of jams. The researchers found that participants who had seen the display with more choices were much less likely to actually buy a jar of jam, compared to participants who saw the more limited display—suggesting that having too many choices may not be a good thing for consumers. While choosing jams may seem like a relatively small choice, it turns out that people who have to make too many decisions may make poor decisions—or even put off making a decision. Luckily, researchers have found that decision fatigue does not often happen; instead, choice overload (过量) seems to occur when the decisions we have to make are especially difficult. But if it really occurs, what can we do about it? One way to avoid decision fatigue can be to streamline (使成流线型) the choices we make and find habits and routines that work for us—instead of making new choices each day. The principle here is to limit how much of our day is spent making choices that aren’t personally important to us. Other suggestions for managing decision fatigue include making key decisions earlier in the day and knowing when you might need to take a nap and revisit a problem with fresh eyes. 【答案】When you have to make a lot of choices, you’ll suffer from decision fatigue. Contrary to people’s common knowledge, facing too many choices can lead to poor decisions. However, decision fatigue usually happens just when we have to make too many difficult decisions. To avoid it, streamlining choices and making earlier decisions are recommended. (54 words) 【分析】本文是说明文。文章介绍说，人们会对要做很多的决定而感到疲劳，所以，要避免这样的情况发生，我们应该使决定成流线型并且提前做决定。 【详解】1.要点摘录 ①Decision fatigue occurs when people feel very tired from making too many choices. ②Many of us would probably guess that we’d be happier with more options (选择). However, researchers have found that this isn’t necessarily true—in some cases, we actually seem to do better when we have a more limited set of options. ③While choosing jams may seem like a relatively small choice, it turns out that people who have to make too many decisions may make poor decisions—or even put off making a decision. ④Luckily, researchers have found that decision fatigue does not often happen; instead, choice overload (过量) seems to occur when the decisions we have to make are especially difficult. ⑤But if it really occurs, what can we do about it? One way to avoid decision fatigue can be to streamline (使成流线型) the choices we make and find habits and routines that work for us—instead of making new choices each day. Other suggestions for managing decision fatigue include making key decisions earlier in the day and knowing when you might need to take a nap and revisit a problem with fresh eyes. 2.缜密构思 将第1、2两个要点进行重组，将第3、4、5三个要点进行整合。 3.遣词造句 When you have to make a lot of choices, you’ll suffer from decision fatigue. Contrary to people’s common knowledge, facing too many choices can lead to poor decisions. However, decision fatigue usually happens just when we have to make too many difficult decisions. To avoid it, streamlining choices and making earlier decisions are recommended. 【点睛】【高分句型1】Decision fatigue occurs when people feel very tired from making too many choices.运用一个主从复合句把第一段和第二段进行了概括。其中when引导的时间状语从句表达高级。 【高分句型2】To avoid it, streamlining choices and making earlier decisions are recommended. 运用了不定式作目的状语概括了第四段内容。 Passage 3 If someone you know asks you nosy（爱管闲事的）questions, then you are not obliged to answer if you don’t want to. Here it is more important that you have some polite brush-off（拒绝）, but it is still not rude for you to refuse. If you think they shouldn’t have asked the question like “How much money do you earn?”， then I strongly recommend looking very shocked and saying “I can’t believe you just asked me that!” and either leaving them to get out of it or moving on yourself to another subject. If they try to press you by saying “I was just interested…” Then you can keep the shocked look and say “I’m not telling you that with as much emphasis as you like on the‘you’.” But what if the question isn’t quite so unforgivable? Then you need a more smiling response: “I can’t possibly tell you that” or “I’m not telling anyone that” or “Wouldn’t you like to know?” But you must stand firm, because otherwise they’ll never learn and will keep expecting you to tell them your innermost secrets. There is certainly never any need to tell your secrets just because someone else told theirs. There are questions that seem perfectly reasonable— “Are you planning to move?” , “Are you going to go back to work?” , “Are you going on holiday this year?”—but if answered truthfully might lead to unexpected revelations of something bad. Here you are free to tell white lies and say “We don’t know/haven’t decided yet/haven’t really thought about it”. Looking vague and changing the subject is the key here. If the question was reasonable, then it’s polite to embarrass the asker as little as possible—they were probably only making conversation in the first place. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】If asked nosy questions, you can ignore them politely or refuse to answer them.（要点1）For unforgivable questions, you can strongly express your unwillingness to answer them.（要点2）For not-so-unforgivable questions, you must be firm to say you cannot answer them.（要点3）For reasonable questions which may reveal something bad, you can tell white lies or give vague answer.（要点4） 【分析】这是一篇概要写作。文章主要就面对那些该管闲事的问题的提供了一些处理方法。 【详解】通读全文，我们可以从一下四方面对文章进行概括：1.如果你被问到一些爱管闲事的问题，你可以礼貌地忽略它们或者拒绝回答它们。2.对于不可原谅的问题，你可以明确表示不愿意回答。3.对于不那么不可原谅的问题，你必须坚定地说你不能回答。4.对于那些可能会揭露坏事的合理的问题，你可以善意地说谎或给出含糊的回答。 在写作时要特别注意下面几点： （1）概要应包括原文中的主要事实，略去不必要的细节。 （2）安排好篇幅的比例，概要应同原文保持协调，即用较多的文字写重要内容，用较少的文字写次要内容。 （3）注意要点之间的衔接，要用适当的关联词语贯通全文，切忌只简单地写出一些互不相干的句子，但也不要每两句之间都加关联词语，以免显得生硬。 （4）不排斥用原文的某些词句，但不要照搬原文的句子，如果不能完全用自己的话语表达，至少对原文句子做一些同义词替换，如果结构上也能有一些转换会更好。 （5）看是否符合规定的词数要求。 话题4 自然生态 Passage 1 What’s the best way to fell a tree? Felling a tree is naturally dangerous and without proper chainsaw training, hiring a professional tree surgeon is essential. While the underlying principles are straightforward, the risks are high. The optimal time for felling is winter, when trees are inactive. For deciduous (落叶的) trees, the absence of leaves is critical, as dense leaves can act like a sail in the wind, making the tree’s fall direction unpredictable. Always call a professional if power lines, buildings, or unusual trunk shapes are involved. Preparation is vital. Ensure your chainsaw is sharp, fueled, and oiled. Select a clear, open direction for the tree to fall, ensuring people and pets are a safe distance away. Remember that trees are often much larger than they appear, so accurately judge their height and width. Crucially, plan and clear a swift escape route away from the intended fall path. The cutting process involves two main stages. First, create a directional notch (切口) on the side facing the fall direction. About 60cm from the ground, make a 70-degree downward cut into one-third of the trunk’s diameter. Then, make a horizontal cut to meet the first, removing the wedge of wood. Next, move to the opposite side to make the felling cut. Saw horizontally, just above the notch’s base. Once a third of the way through, pause to drive in felling wedges (楔子). These prevent the saw from binding and guide the tree to fall correctly. Continue cutting until only a tenth of the trunk remains, forming a “hinge.” Remove the saw. If a loud crack signals the tree is falling, walk calmly along your escape route—never run with a chainsaw. If it remains standing, carefully tap the wedges further. Should any complications arise, retreat to a safe distance and immediately call for professional assistance. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】Tree felling is dangerous, so those without professional chainsaw training must hire a tree surgeon. Winter is optimal for felling leafless trees. Prepare the chainsaw, a safe fall direction and an escape route first, then make a directional notch and a felling cut with wedges, leaving a hinge. Retreat calmly when the tree falls and call professionals if in trouble. 【解析】 【导语】​本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了砍伐树木的相关注意事项，指出伐树存在危险性，无专业链锯操作培训需聘请专业人员，还说明了适宜的砍伐时间、前期准备工作、具体砍伐步骤以及突发状况的应对方法。​ 【详解】1.​要点摘录​ ① Tree felling is dangerous, and people without proper chainsaw training must hire a professional tree surgeon.​ ② The best time to fell trees is winter when trees are inactive and deciduous trees have no leaves.​ ③ Preparation for tree felling is vital, including checking the chainsaw, choosing a safe fall direction and planning an escape route.​ ④ The cutting process has two stages: making a directional notch on the fall side first, then a felling cut on the opposite side with felling wedges, leaving a tenth of the trunk as a “hinge”.​ ⑤ When the tree is falling, people should retreat calmly along the escape route; if there are complications, call professionals immediately.​ 2.缜密构思​ 将要点①整合为伐树的安全前提，要点②归纳为适宜的砍伐时间，要点③合并为前期准备的核心内容，要点④梳理成具体的砍伐操作流程，要点⑤整合为突发状况的应对措施​ 3.遣词造句​ Tree felling is a risky task, so those lacking professional chainsaw training should turn to professional tree surgeons.​ Winter is the optimal season for felling trees, especially when deciduous trees lose their leaves to avoid unpredictable falling directions.​ Before felling, you need to get the chainsaw ready, select a safe falling area and plan an escape route in advance.​ The cutting work includes making a directional notch on the target fall side and then a felling cut on the opposite side with wedges to guide the tree, while keeping a small part of the trunk as a hinge.​ When the tree starts to fall, you should leave along the escape route calmly, and call for professional help once any problems occur.​ 【点睛】​[高分句型 1] Tree felling is dangerous, so those without professional chainsaw training must hire a tree surgeon.​(该句运用了so引导的并列句)​ [高分句型 2]Prepare the chainsaw, a safe fall direction and an escape route first, then make a directional notch and a felling cut with wedges, leaving a hinge.​ （该句使用了现在分词短语leaving a hinge作伴随状语）​ Passage 2 Catania Turns the Tables on Blue Crabs In a suburb of Catania on Sicily’s east coast, smoke rises from street stalls grilling horse meat, while youngsters gather around counters selling seltz limone e sale — a soda drink with lemon and sea salt. Amid this lively scene, a family of ex-fishers, the Salamones, have opened La Fish, a seafood restaurant that dares to challenge local diet traditions. Alongside Sicily’s classics like swordfish (剑鱼) and tuna, tonight’s tasting menu features a surprising newcomer to the island’s tables — the Atlantic blue crab. These blue-clawed, olive-shelled crabs, originally from the western Atlantic Ocean, have become an ecological threat in the Mediterranean. Without natural enemies, they feed on young clams, destroying shellfish harvests and destroying Italy’s reputation as one of the world’s top clam producers. Their rapid spread has been linked to rising sea temperatures, which have made Sicilian waters increasingly welcoming to non-native species. What began as an environmental concern is gradually turning into a test of human adaptability. People in Sicily are responding in creative ways. One form of response comes from chef Mario Contadino, who celebrates the crab’s sweet and delicate flavor. He serves it on sticky sushi rice with onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, celery, and edible (可食用的) flowers to appeal to hesitant locals. “Catania people can be closed-minded, “he admits, “but that first bite does not lie. “Another response comes from scientists. Marine biologist Francesco Tiralongo of the University of Catania argues that embracing such non-native species in local diets is”a necessary response to climate change and ecological challenges. “ Social acceptance is following slowly but steadily. In the fish market behind Piazza del Duomo, shopkeeper Rosario now sells 20 kilograms of blue crab a day, saying customers love its taste. Meanwhile, the Salamone family turns the outsider into opportunity: by presenting blue crab as a fancy food, they show that”anything can be edible. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】例文 In Sicily, the invasive Atlantic blue crab threatens local shellfish but has inspired creative responses. Chefs like Mario Contadino promote its culinary value, while scientists advocate its consumption as an adaptation to climate change. Gradually, locals are accepting it as a food source, transforming an ecological threat into a culinary opportunity. 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍西西里卡塔尼亚人如何把入侵物种大西洋蓝蟹“化害为宝”——从生态威胁变为餐桌新宠，体现了人类对气候变化与物种入侵的灵活应对。 【详解】1. 要点摘录 ①Invasive Atlantic blue crab, linked to rising sea temperatures, devours young clams and damages Italy’s shellfish reputation. ②Chef Mario Contadino promotes its sweet meat with creative dishes; biologist Francesco Tiralongo argues eating it is a necessary climate-adaptation strategy. ③Fish vendor Rosario now sells 20 kg daily; the Salamone family present it as fancy food, winning slow but steady social acceptance. 2. 缜密构思 将①压缩为“入侵原因+危害”；将②整合为“厨师+科学家”双轨对策；将③概括为“市场接受+身份转变”，形成“问题—对策—结果”三段式。 3. 遣词造句 The warming-mediated Atlantic blue crab invades Sicilian waters, wrecking clam beds. Catania counters by culinary rebranding: chefs craft enticing recipes and scientists endorse consumption as climate adaptation. Gradual public acceptance now converts the pest into a profitable delicacy. 【点睛】[高分句型1] Chefs like Mario Contadino promote its culinary value, while scientists advocate its consumption as an adaptation to climate change.（运用了while连接两个句子，强调前后两者的对比） [高分句型2] Gradually, locals are accepting it as a food source, transforming an ecological threat into a culinary opportunity.（运用了现在分词transforming作状语） 话题5 人工智能 Passage 1 Is artificial intelligence giving us false memories? You may have seen videos spreading online of some celebrities doing strange things — for example, making funny faces. You may also have seen videos of them joining in lively dances at a celebration. The thing is, one of these things really happened and the other is created by artificial intelligence (AI). You might remember both, but can you remember which is which? In psychology, a ‘source monitoring framework’ describes the processes involved in identifying where our memories came from. The framework records the source of a memory as one piece of information. It gets embedded into the memory alongside other aspects of what we experienced. The ‘label’ that states where the memory came from can easily fade though, even while other aspects of the memory persist. Thus, AI-generated videos risk mixing up with real events in our minds — a problem that could worsen as AI video improves. This separation between a memory’s content and its source happens all the time. How often do you recognise an actor’s face on-screen, but can’t recall what other films or TV shows you’ve seen them in? These same memory failures help explain how easy it is to form ‘false memories’, as shown by the research of Prof Elizabeth Loftus. She observed that when certain ideas are suggested to us, we make them up in our own minds, but later on forget where the ideas initially came from. They can then be easily mistaken for events that actually happened to us. Based on Loftus’s findings, it seems likely that AI will be able to plant many false memories in our minds, especially if we consume the artificial content in a similar setting to where we consume real news. As such, we need to discuss how to label AI-generated content to make it easier to remember it’s not real. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】例文 Artificial intelligence is blurring the line between real and fake memories, especially in videos. According to psychology’s “source monitoring framework,” memory sources fade over time, making AI-generated content easily confused with real experiences. Professor Loftus’s research shows that people often forget the origin of ideas, leading to false memories. Therefore, clear labeling of AI content is necessary to help distinguish reality from fabrication. 【解析】 【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要阐述了人工智能可能使我们产生虚假记忆的问题。 【详解】1.要点摘录 ①AI-generated videos may mix with real events in our minds, causing confusion. ②According to the “source monitoring framework” in psychology, memory sources fade over time, making it hard to distinguish AI-generated content from real experiences. ③Professor Loftus’s research shows people often forget idea origins, leading to false memories. ④Clear labeling of AI content is necessary to help distinguish reality from fabrication. 2.缜密构思 将要点①②整合，阐述AI使真假记忆混淆的原理；要点③作为研究支持；要点④提出应对措施。 3.遣词造句 AI blurs real and fake memories, especially in videos, as memory sources fade over time, according to psychology. 【点睛】【高分句型1】According to psychology’s “source monitoring framework,” memory sources fade over time, making AI-generated content easily confused with real experiences.运用了现在分词making作状语，对原文第二段进行了概括。 【高分句型2】Professor Loftus’s research shows that people often forget the origin of ideas, leading to false memories.运用了一个复杂的主从复合句，对原文第三段进行了概括。其中that引导的宾语从句，和现在分词leading作状语，表达非常高级。 Passage 2 What is AI’s Role in Art Creation? As artificial intelligence advances across creative fields, a question emerges: Do people want AI to become an artist or simply a tool for artistic creation? Evidence suggests that while the public is increasingly familiar with AI systems, they would prefer to see AI supporting human creativity rather than replacing it. A key reason lies in the human dimension of art. When people picture their favorite works, say, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, what they value is not merely technical delivery but the emotional depth tied to human experience. In a recent survey, over 60 percent said they would value their favorite artwork less if told it was AI-produced. Their responses highlight a shared belief: People seek the imaginative struggles and personal histories behind creative works, a quality machines cannot genuinely copy. Concerns about originality and copyright strengthen this resistance. Respondents criticized AI outputs as unoriginal, seeing them as mere reflections of models trained on vast quantities of human-created materials. The possibility of unauthorized data use and unclear artistic ownership fuels distrust. These worries reveal why people hesitate to view AI-generated materials-especially films-as real art: It lacks clear authorship and true creative intention. Yet attitudes shift when AI assists rather than replaces human artists. Forty-two percent of participants regarded users of AI as artists who provided clear creative direction — a sign of openness to human-AI collaboration. This perspective points to a real obstacle in today’s creative world: Many individuals with ideas lack the resources or skills to realize them. In such cases, AI can serve as an enabling tool, lowering costs and expanding access to creative expression. Ultimately, people value art as a human-centered means of connection. While AI can broaden artistic possibilities, it’s best used as a tool that supports and enriches human vision. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】Most people prefer AI as a tool for art rather than an independent artist because they value the human emotion and personal history behind artworks. Concerns about originality and copyright also lead to resistance toward AI-generated art. However, if AI assists human artists by lowering creative barriers, it is more widely accepted. Ultimately, art is seen as a human-centered form of connection. 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章探讨了人工智能在艺术创作中的角色，指出大众更倾向于AI作为创作工具而非独立艺术家，原因是人们看重艺术背后的人类情感与个人经历，且担忧AI作品的原创性和版权问题；AI辅助人类创作、降低创作门槛时易被接受，艺术终究是以人类为核心的情感联结方式。 【详解】1. 要点摘录（列出至少5个要点，均为原文原句） ①Evidence suggests that while the public is increasingly familiar with AI systems, they would prefer to see AI supporting human creativity rather than replacing it. ②When people picture their favorite works, say, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, what they value is not merely technical delivery but the emotional depth tied to human experience. ③In a recent survey, over 60 percent said they would value their favorite artwork less if told it was Al-produced. ④Concerns about originality and copyright strengthen this resistance. ⑤Forty-two percent of participants regarded users of AI as artists who provided clear creative direction — a sign of openness to human-AI collaboration. ⑥In such cases, AI can serve as an enabling tool, lowering costs and expanding access to creative expression. ⑦Ultimately, people value art as a human-centered means of connection. 2. 缜密构思 以第①点总起，点明大众对AI的核心定位；整合②③点，说明人们重视艺术的人文属性是排斥AI替代创作的关键；以第④点作为原创性与版权层面的抗拒原因；整合⑤⑥点，体现大众对AI辅助创作的接受度及AI的作用；以第⑦点总结艺术的核心属性，最终整合所有要点形成与答案一致的表述。 3. 遣词造句 Most people prefer AI as a tool for art rather than an independent artist because they value the human emotion and personal history behind artworks. Concerns about originality and copyright also lead to resistance toward AI-generated art. However, if AI assists human artists by lowering creative barriers, it is more widely accepted. Ultimately, art is seen as a human-centered form of connection. 【点睛】 [高分句型1] Most people prefer AI as a tool for art rather than an independent artist because they value the human emotion and personal history behind artworks.（运用了because引导原因状语从句） [高分句型2] However, if AI assists human artists by lowering creative barriers, it is more widely accepted.（运用了if引导条件状语从句） 话题6 文化艺术 Passage 1 The role of music in advertising Music is all around us. It’s an accessible and popular art form which accompanies our daily lives, so advertisers spend much time and money securing the right music for an advertisement in order to boost sales. Research suggests that the specific qualities of music as an art form enhance the science of selling. As one researcher puts it, “Music is the catalyst (催化剂) of advertising. It expands pictures and colors words, and often adds a form of energy available through no other source.” Take the visually simple but interesting advertisement for an airline in France, with the soundtrack of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23, for example. It projects greatness and elegance in the hope that viewers will associate those qualities with the airline. My research, which looked at hundreds of viewer comments about the music used in advertising, suggested it was successful. Music is also effective at arousing feelings of nostalgia (怀旧之情). The extent to which music arouses emotional memories in advertisements creates associations with consumers’ past experiences. A good choice of music allows businesses to tap into this nostalgia for commercial benefit. However, the use of popular music in advertising can also develop arguments around the tension between artistic effort and commercialism. Some people believe a work of art shouldn’t be used for the pursuit of profit. The findings of my study showed that consumers sometimes passionately oppose the use of music produced by respected musicians in advertisements, as they believe that doing this destroys its pure artistic value. For example, the use of the Beatles’ song Revolution by one shoe brand was seen by some as using John Lennon’s song word to sell shoes. It made some of its wearers so angry that they refused to buy the products. So advertisers need to be careful. While the right choice of music can attract customers, the wrong choice can create opposition. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】One possible version: Advertisers use music in advertisements to boost sales. For one thing, music can create brand associations, projecting the quality of the product. For another, music taps into nostalgia, boosting commercial appeal. However, using cherished songs can cause opposition, as some perceive it as commercial exploitation, harming artistic integrity. Therefore, advertisers must carefully select music to attract customers. 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章分析了广告商利用音乐增强品牌形象并唤起消费者怀旧情感，但过度商业化可能引发艺术价值受损的争议，因此需权衡音乐选择以吸引顾客。 【详解】1. 要点摘录 ①It’s an accessible and popular art form which accompanies our daily lives, so advertisers spend much time and money securing the right music for an advertisement in order to boost sales. ②It projects greatness and elegance in the hope that viewers will associate those qualities with the airline. ③Music is also effective at arousing feelings of nostalgia (怀旧之情). ④A good choice of music allows businesses to tap into this nostalgia for commercial benefit. ⑤However, the use of popular music in advertising can also develop arguments around the tension between artistic effort and commercialism. ⑥The findings of my study showed that consumers sometimes passionately oppose the use of music produced by respected musicians in advertisements, as they believe that doing this destroys its pure artistic value. ⑦So advertisers need to be careful. ⑧While the right choice of music can attract customers, the wrong choice can create opposition. 2. 缜密构思 将第1个要点进行缩略，点明音乐在广告中的作用；将第2个要点进行提炼，说明音乐创造品牌联想；将第3、4两个要点进行整合，说明音乐唤起怀旧情感；将第5、6两个要点进行整合，补充商用音乐的风险及其原因；将第5、6两个要点进行重组，给出谨慎选择音乐的结论。 3. 遣词造句 Advertisers use music to enhance brand image and evoke nostalgia, boosting appeal. However, commercializing revered songs may trigger backlash for exploiting art. Thus, balancing commercial goals with artistic integrity is crucial to avoid alienating consumers. 【点睛】[高分句型1] For another, music taps into nostalgia, boosting commercial appeal. (运用了现在分词boosting…作状语) [高分句型2] However, using cherished songs can cause opposition, as some perceive it as commercial exploitation, harming artistic integrity. (运用了动名词using…作主语、as引导原因状语从句、现在分词harming…作状语) Passage 2 Flexible Thinking for Your Career Does work ever leave you feeling stuck with limited opportunities to be creative? To prosper, you might want to increase your brain’s flexibility. But is this even possible, and if so, how? Most jobs require the ability to problem-solve and cope with challenges, at least to a certain extent. Imagine a teacher who has a new and very nervous student in the class. If that teacher is a flexible thinker, he or she will be able to adapt the classroom management, even if he or she hasn’t seen this situation before. According to Leonard Mlodinow, author of Elastic, flexible thinkers rely on idea generation and imagination — they are willing to experiment and take risks. “Elastic thinking, or flexible thinking, is what you need when the circumstances change, and you are dealing with something new. It’s not about following rules.” Therefore, instead of following the typical procedure for welcoming a new student, the teacher might come up with a tailored response, based on prediction and previous experience. So, how can you become a more flexible thinker? According to Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, it’s all about exercising the brain. One way of doing this, she says, is through exposure to a variety of experiences, which make it easier to adjust to new situations. A lot of companies now consider flexible thinking in the workplace, especially when it comes to design. Workspaces may have couches where workers can lie down and relax, giving them the space to come up with and process new ideas. Mlodinow says it’s very important to take time to daydream, listen to ideas and concepts you disagree with and spend time doing activities outside of your comfort zone. This will help you understand multiple points of view and therefore blossom in many different aspects of your career. So, if you want to make a change, you can become a flexible thinker too, with a little practice. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 【答案】 Flexible thinking is essential for career prosperity, as it helps people adapt to new situations and solve problems with imagination rather than rigid rules. It can be developed by exercising the brain, such as gaining diverse experiences, daydreaming, accepting opposing ideas and stepping out of comfort zones. Some companies also optimize workspaces to foster this ability. 【解析】 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了灵活思维对职业发展至关重要，能助力应对新情况、解决问题，可通过多样体验、放空、接纳异见等大脑锻炼来培养。 【详解】1 要点摘录 ①To prosper, you might want to increase your brain’s flexibility. Most jobs require the ability to problem-solve and cope with challenges, at least to a certain extent. ②Elastic thinking, or flexible thinking, is what you need when the circumstances change, and you are dealing with something new. It’s not about following rules. ③According to Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, it’s all about exercising the brain. One way of doing this, she says, is through exposure to a variety of experiences, which make it easier to adjust to new situations. ④Mlodinow says it’s very important to take time to daydream, listen to ideas and concepts you disagree with and spend time doing activities outside of your comfort zone. 2.缜密构思将第1、2两个要点进行重组，将第3、4两个要点进行整合。 3.遣词造句 Flexible thinking is crucial to career success because it helps people adapt to new situations and solve problems with imagination rather than rigid rules. It can be developed by exercising the brain, such as having different experiences, daydreaming, accepting opposing viewpoints, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Some companies will also optimize their workspaces to cultivate this ability. 【点睛】[高分句型1] Flexible thinking is essential for career prosperity, as it helps people adapt to new situations and solve problems with imagination rather than rigid rules. （运用了as引导的原因状语从句） [高分句型2] It can be developed by exercising the brain, such as gaining diverse experiences, daydreaming, accepting opposing ideas and stepping out of comfort zones.（运用了并列动名词短语作such as的宾语成分） $ 考前押题08 概要写作题 话题1 社会生活 话题4 自然生态 话题2 运动健康 话题5 人工智能 话题3 个人成长 话题6 文化艺术 话题1 社会生活 Passage 1 Functions of a Speech The art of public speaking began in ancient Greece over 2, 000 years ago. The spoken word can handle various vital functions: persuading or inspiring, informing, paying compliment, entertaining, or simply introducing someone or something or accepting something. Over the past years, the human voice has helped guide us over the ups and downs of what was certainly a stormy time. Persuasion is used in dealing with or reuniting different points of view. When the leaders met in Copenhagen in December 2009, persuasive words from activists encouraged them to commit themselves to firmer action. Inspirational speeches challenge the emotions. They focus on topics and matters that are close to people's hearts. During wars, generals used inspiring speeches to prepare the troops for battle. A speech that conveys knowledge and enhances understanding can inform us. The information must be clear, accurate, and expressed in a meaningful and interesting way. Informative speeches from World Health Organization officials helped people to keep their panic under control so they could take sensible protection. Sad events are never easy to deal with but a speech that pays tribute to the loss of a loved one and gives praise for their contribution can be comforting. Madonna's speech about Michael Jackson, after his death, highlighted the fact that he will continue to live on through his music. It's not only in world meetings where public speaking plays an important role. It can also be surprisingly helpful in the course of our own lives. On a more personal level, a friend may be upset and need comforting. Or you might be asked to introduce a speaker at a family event or to speak at a wedding, where your language will be needed to move people or make them laugh. Great speaking ability is not something we're born with. For a brilliant speech, there are rules that you can put to good use. To learn those rules you have to practice and learn from some outstanding speeches in the past. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________【答案】On no account can we ignore the power of the speech. First, speeches play a very important role in persuading or inspiring by encouraging firmer action and challenging the emotions. Second, not only do informative speeches convey knowledge but also enhance understanding. What’s more, a mourning speech can be comforting. On a personal level, it is highly recommended that you amuse others and cheer them up with a speech. Passage 2 Giving Money to Families with Kids Can Relieve Child Poverty Nearly 1 in 5 American children is officially poor. That’s roughly 15 million kids. But the number living with a significant deprivation——insufficient food, seriously overcrowded housing or a lack of access to medical care due to cost-is actually much higher. According to the latest studies, it’s more like 1 in 3. A mountain of evidence now shows that poverty can lead to cognitive (认知的) and emotional damage in children. Child poverty is too harmful and punishing to ignore. A growing number of academics believe there is a solution: the government should give monthly cash allowances, without conditions, to every family with kids. When Michael Harrington’s classic book, The Other America, called attention to America’s general poverty rate of about 25% in 1962, Washington developed social programs that brought the rate down sharply. Valuable policies intended to relieve child poverty have been enacted since then, but they are not enough: 1 in 3 children does not receive the full benefits of these programs because their parents do not qualify for them. A family with two children receiving $300 to $400 a month per child could improve their standard of living immediately. Money can buy food, heat, coats, eye-glasses and regular doctors’ visits, including transportation, and help pay for childcare. It can also help reduce family stress and help parents provide a psychologically nourishing environment for learning and social development. Studies demonstrate children’s improved educational performance when families are simply given more money. For far less money-about $100 billion-the number of children living in official poverty could be cut in half. Such a policy would be a humane, practical, efficient victory for a nation too willing to neglect its poor. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Passage 3 Light the Cities of the Future A previously unlit cycle path in the Netherlands has recently drawn our attention. It has been resurfaced with a material that consists of thousands of shining stones in order to create a well-lit route. The Van Gogh Path, so called after the artist who lived in the town of Nuenen in 1883, combines the traditional with the contemporary in a gesture that acknowledge ledges Van Gingh’ masterpiece The Starry Night, but also shows the way ahead for city lighting. The Van Gogh Path is not a single case; it is not difficult to foresee a time when natural materials could help light the cities of the future. Why should we care about city lighting? What’s wrong with current electrical city lighting anyway? Well, the problem that it causes is two-fold. First, of course, electrical lighting in most cities comes from non-renewable resources. According to the International Energy Agency, almost 20% of global electricity is consumed for lighting, which is responsible for high levels of carbon emissions. But there’s also the belief that electrical light itself is a form of pollution by destroying our view of the night sky. From the above reasons, then, it seems wise to investigate other approaches. The city of Glasgow is attempting to use intelligent street lighting to monitor how citizens interact with the urban landscape and minimize electrical consumption and thus emissions. This “Smart City approach” is seen by many as the way of the future, but some designers aren’t convinced. They are pioneering the altogether more original approach of using materials from the natural world in order to replace electrical light entirely. They believe that this new “technology” can one day completely replace microchips and digital systems as we find better ways of making use of the light-producing mechanisms (制) that already exist in the natural world. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 话题2 运动健康 Passage 1 Preventing Resistance The development of drug-resistant pathogens (病原体) can be prevented in at least three ways. First, sufficiently high concentrations of the drug can be maintained in a patient’s body for a long enough time to kill all sensitive cells and hold others long enough for the body’s defenses to defeat them. Discontinuing a drug before all of the pathogens have been neutralized promotes the development of resistance. For this reason, it is important that patients finish their entire antimicrobial prescription (抗菌药物) and resist the temptation to “save some for another day.” A second way to prevent resistance is to use antimicrobial agents in combination so that pathogens resistant to one drug will be killed by the second, and vice versa. Additionally, one drug sometimes enhances the effect of a second drug in a process called synergism. Enhanced effect can also result from combining an antimicrobial drug and a chemical. A third way to reduce the development of resistance is to limit the use of antimicrobials to necessary cases. Unfortunately, many antimicrobial agents are used indiscriminately, in both developed countries and in lessdeveloped regions where many are available without a physician’s prescription. In the United States, an estimated 50 percent of prescriptions for antibacterial agents to treat sore throats and 30 percent of prescriptions for ear infections, are inappropriate because the diseases are viral in nature. Likewise, because antibacterial drugs have no effect on cold and flu viruses, 100 percent of antibacterial prescriptions for treating diseases are unnecessary. As discussed previously, the use of antimicrobial agents encourages the reproduction of resistant bacteria by limiting the growth of sensitive cells; therefore, inappropriate use of such drugs increases the likelihood that resistance of bacteria will multiply. In order to maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments, responsible practices must be implemented. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Passage 2 What You Should Know about Chilies What can be both red or green, round or sharp, big or small, and more importantly, loved or hated by someone? Yes, the answer is chilies. Many of us in China enjoy adding chilies to our food, but did you know that this spicy vegetable could also be dangerous? A 34-year-old US man recently ended up in hospital after eating a Carolina Reaper, the spiciest chili in the world. After taking just a single bite of one, the man suffered from “thunderclap” headaches in the following few days, reported BBC News. In fact, reports of stomachache and headache caused by eating spicy food are not something unusual. But if chilies are harmful, why is it that human beings are the only animals to eat this vegetable? According to the website Huanqiu, about 600 million Chinese people-almost half of the national population—are chili eaters. So what makes people love chilies so much? The human body reacts to the burning sensation that comes from eating chilies by releasing endorphins, natural chemicals that “produce a sense of happiness”. And the benefits go even further than just personal enjoyment. A survey conducted by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences found that the mortality rate (死亡率) of those who eat spicy food once or twice a week is 10 percent lower than those who eat it less than once a week. The number decreased to 14 percent for those who eat spicy food six to seven times a week. And another study done by the University of Vermont came to a similar conclusion. “The data encourages people to eat more spicy food to improve health and reduce death risk at an early age.” Capsaicin (辣椒素) has anti-cancer properties and the ability to increase our metabolism. So, don’t worry if you love spicy food. It seems that chilies are actually good for us-except for the Carolina Reaper, perhaps. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Passage 3 We Need to Take Meditation More Seriously as Medicine A new review study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine, suggests that the ancient Eastern practice of mindful meditation can offer real help for patients with depression, anxiety, and pain. Dr. Madhav Goyal is the lead author of the recent JAMA study. He reviewed 47 clinical trials involving more than 3500 participants with mild anxiety or depression, and found that those who practiced mindful meditation saw a 5-10%improvement in anxiety symptoms and a 10-20% reduction in depressive symptoms. What’s most striking about the JAMA findings is that people weren’t meditating for very long. Many in the reviewed studies meditated for as little as 2. 5 hours per week for two months. As Dr. Goyal points out, because meditation is a skill that’s learned over time, it’s unlikely that the respondents reached a high level in a short time. So according to him, it’s reasonable to think that people would experience even greater benefits with more rigorous training and practice. Unfortunately though, it’s precisely those realities of meditation — that it is a state you can teach yourself to achieve and improve with discipline — that might weaken its validity (有效性) with physicians and patients. For example, professor Mark K. Blum, a Buddhist Studies expert at the University of California, Berkeley, believes some medical professionals may doubt the value of meditation because our culture has shifted so heavily in favor of quantitative measurement. “Medical doctors are practicing a form of science, and therefore expect to see scientific measurement,” Blum explains. “But how do you measure meditation?” In Dr. Goyal’s view, critics of meditation have a misunderstanding of what science is. It has nothing to do with molecules or drugs, he says. Rather, medical science is a “systematic exploration of what is not known”, whatever that may be — and areas like meditation desperately need more exploration, and the funding to do it. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 话题3 个人成长 Passage 1 Imperfection can be a gift We all want to do things well and for things to turn out right. However, growing up also involves accepting when things go wrong. In fact, messing up can lead to some of the most interesting and meaningful outcomes. Aiming for results, whether that’s getting good school grades, shining in sport or acing an art project, can help you focus on your goals. However, it’s just as important to focus on enjoying the process. Getting too hung up on things turning out exactly as you think they should can put a lot of pressure on you and lead to anxiety. That’s why it’s good to leave some room for errors and imperfections. Then if things don’t go as planned, it’s not a big deal and you may learn something new. Dr Vara is a psychologist who helps people take care of their mental health. She says getting things wrong is part of growing up. “We also have to experience the uncomfortable feeling when we get things wrong. This helps us to become stronger,” says Dr Vara. “Otherwise, we’ll be too scared to make mistakes. This fear can lead to us putting off doing difficult things or avoiding trying new things.” It’s important to realise that making mistakes is common, which shows that it is impossible to be perfect and failure is normal. Learning from your mistakes is an essential part of growing up. The most important thing is how you respond and what you choose to do next. Try not to take it too seriously, blame yourself or feel too disappointed or upset. Dr Vara explains, “Remember that you’re not a bad person for getting things wrong——you’re human. It might feel uncomfortable for a bit, then these feelings will pass and then you’ll bounce back.” Instead, think about what you might do differently next time. This has been proven to work. In one study, students who were reminded to forgive and be kind to themselves when they failed a test felt more motivated to try again. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Passage 2 Decision fatigue Decision fatigue occurs when people feel very tired from making too many choices. Psychologists have found that, even though we generally like having choices, having to make too many decisions in a short amount of time may lead us to make decisions that are less than ideal. Many of us would probably guess that we’d be happier with more options (选择). However, researchers have found that this isn’t necessarily true—in some cases, we actually seem to do better when we have a more limited set of options. In one research paper, psychologists looked at the consequences of being given either many or few choices of jams. The researchers found that participants who had seen the display with more choices were much less likely to actually buy a jar of jam, compared to participants who saw the more limited display—suggesting that having too many choices may not be a good thing for consumers. While choosing jams may seem like a relatively small choice, it turns out that people who have to make too many decisions may make poor decisions—or even put off making a decision. Luckily, researchers have found that decision fatigue does not often happen; instead, choice overload (过量) seems to occur when the decisions we have to make are especially difficult. But if it really occurs, what can we do about it? One way to avoid decision fatigue can be to streamline (使成流线型) the choices we make and find habits and routines that work for us—instead of making new choices each day. The principle here is to limit how much of our day is spent making choices that aren’t personally important to us. Other suggestions for managing decision fatigue include making key decisions earlier in the day and knowing when you might need to take a nap and revisit a problem with fresh eyes. Passage 3 If someone you know asks you nosy（爱管闲事的）questions, then you are not obliged to answer if you don’t want to. Here it is more important that you have some polite brush-off（拒绝）, but it is still not rude for you to refuse. If you think they shouldn’t have asked the question like “How much money do you earn?”， then I strongly recommend looking very shocked and saying “I can’t believe you just asked me that!” and either leaving them to get out of it or moving on yourself to another subject. If they try to press you by saying “I was just interested…” Then you can keep the shocked look and say “I’m not telling you that with as much emphasis as you like on the‘you’.” But what if the question isn’t quite so unforgivable? Then you need a more smiling response: “I can’t possibly tell you that” or “I’m not telling anyone that” or “Wouldn’t you like to know?” But you must stand firm, because otherwise they’ll never learn and will keep expecting you to tell them your innermost secrets. There is certainly never any need to tell your secrets just because someone else told theirs. There are questions that seem perfectly reasonable— “Are you planning to move?” , “Are you going to go back to work?” , “Are you going on holiday this year?”—but if answered truthfully might lead to unexpected revelations of something bad. Here you are free to tell white lies and say “We don’t know/haven’t decided yet/haven’t really thought about it”. Looking vague and changing the subject is the key here. If the question was reasonable, then it’s polite to embarrass the asker as little as possible—they were probably only making conversation in the first place. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 话题4 自然生态 Passage 1 What’s the best way to fell a tree? Felling a tree is naturally dangerous and without proper chainsaw training, hiring a professional tree surgeon is essential. While the underlying principles are straightforward, the risks are high. The optimal time for felling is winter, when trees are inactive. For deciduous (落叶的) trees, the absence of leaves is critical, as dense leaves can act like a sail in the wind, making the tree’s fall direction unpredictable. Always call a professional if power lines, buildings, or unusual trunk shapes are involved. Preparation is vital. Ensure your chainsaw is sharp, fueled, and oiled. Select a clear, open direction for the tree to fall, ensuring people and pets are a safe distance away. Remember that trees are often much larger than they appear, so accurately judge their height and width. Crucially, plan and clear a swift escape route away from the intended fall path. The cutting process involves two main stages. First, create a directional notch (切口) on the side facing the fall direction. About 60cm from the ground, make a 70-degree downward cut into one-third of the trunk’s diameter. Then, make a horizontal cut to meet the first, removing the wedge of wood. Next, move to the opposite side to make the felling cut. Saw horizontally, just above the notch’s base. Once a third of the way through, pause to drive in felling wedges (楔子). These prevent the saw from binding and guide the tree to fall correctly. Continue cutting until only a tenth of the trunk remains, forming a “hinge.” Remove the saw. If a loud crack signals the tree is falling, walk calmly along your escape route—never run with a chainsaw. If it remains standing, carefully tap the wedges further. Should any complications arise, retreat to a safe distance and immediately call for professional assistance. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Passage 2 Catania Turns the Tables on Blue Crabs In a suburb of Catania on Sicily’s east coast, smoke rises from street stalls grilling horse meat, while youngsters gather around counters selling seltz limone e sale — a soda drink with lemon and sea salt. Amid this lively scene, a family of ex-fishers, the Salamones, have opened La Fish, a seafood restaurant that dares to challenge local diet traditions. Alongside Sicily’s classics like swordfish (剑鱼) and tuna, tonight’s tasting menu features a surprising newcomer to the island’s tables — the Atlantic blue crab. These blue-clawed, olive-shelled crabs, originally from the western Atlantic Ocean, have become an ecological threat in the Mediterranean. Without natural enemies, they feed on young clams, destroying shellfish harvests and destroying Italy’s reputation as one of the world’s top clam producers. Their rapid spread has been linked to rising sea temperatures, which have made Sicilian waters increasingly welcoming to non-native species. What began as an environmental concern is gradually turning into a test of human adaptability. People in Sicily are responding in creative ways. One form of response comes from chef Mario Contadino, who celebrates the crab’s sweet and delicate flavor. He serves it on sticky sushi rice with onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, celery, and edible (可食用的) flowers to appeal to hesitant locals. “Catania people can be closed-minded, “he admits, “but that first bite does not lie. “Another response comes from scientists. Marine biologist Francesco Tiralongo of the University of Catania argues that embracing such non-native species in local diets is”a necessary response to climate change and ecological challenges. “ Social acceptance is following slowly but steadily. In the fish market behind Piazza del Duomo, shopkeeper Rosario now sells 20 kilograms of blue crab a day, saying customers love its taste. Meanwhile, the Salamone family turns the outsider into opportunity: by presenting blue crab as a fancy food, they show that”anything can be edible. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 话题5 人工智能 Passage 1 Is artificial intelligence giving us false memories? You may have seen videos spreading online of some celebrities doing strange things — for example, making funny faces. You may also have seen videos of them joining in lively dances at a celebration. The thing is, one of these things really happened and the other is created by artificial intelligence (AI). You might remember both, but can you remember which is which? In psychology, a ‘source monitoring framework’ describes the processes involved in identifying where our memories came from. The framework records the source of a memory as one piece of information. It gets embedded into the memory alongside other aspects of what we experienced. The ‘label’ that states where the memory came from can easily fade though, even while other aspects of the memory persist. Thus, AI-generated videos risk mixing up with real events in our minds — a problem that could worsen as AI video improves. This separation between a memory’s content and its source happens all the time. How often do you recognise an actor’s face on-screen, but can’t recall what other films or TV shows you’ve seen them in? These same memory failures help explain how easy it is to form ‘false memories’, as shown by the research of Prof Elizabeth Loftus. She observed that when certain ideas are suggested to us, we make them up in our own minds, but later on forget where the ideas initially came from. They can then be easily mistaken for events that actually happened to us. Based on Loftus’s findings, it seems likely that AI will be able to plant many false memories in our minds, especially if we consume the artificial content in a similar setting to where we consume real news. As such, we need to discuss how to label AI-generated content to make it easier to remember it’s not real. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Passage 2 What is AI’s Role in Art Creation? As artificial intelligence advances across creative fields, a question emerges: Do people want AI to become an artist or simply a tool for artistic creation? Evidence suggests that while the public is increasingly familiar with AI systems, they would prefer to see AI supporting human creativity rather than replacing it. A key reason lies in the human dimension of art. When people picture their favorite works, say, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, what they value is not merely technical delivery but the emotional depth tied to human experience. In a recent survey, over 60 percent said they would value their favorite artwork less if told it was AI-produced. Their responses highlight a shared belief: People seek the imaginative struggles and personal histories behind creative works, a quality machines cannot genuinely copy. Concerns about originality and copyright strengthen this resistance. Respondents criticized AI outputs as unoriginal, seeing them as mere reflections of models trained on vast quantities of human-created materials. The possibility of unauthorized data use and unclear artistic ownership fuels distrust. These worries reveal why people hesitate to view AI-generated materials-especially films-as real art: It lacks clear authorship and true creative intention. Yet attitudes shift when AI assists rather than replaces human artists. Forty-two percent of participants regarded users of AI as artists who provided clear creative direction — a sign of openness to human-AI collaboration. This perspective points to a real obstacle in today’s creative world: Many individuals with ideas lack the resources or skills to realize them. In such cases, AI can serve as an enabling tool, lowering costs and expanding access to creative expression. Ultimately, people value art as a human-centered means of connection. While AI can broaden artistic possibilities, it’s best used as a tool that supports and enriches human vision. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 话题6 文化艺术 Passage 1 The role of music in advertising Music is all around us. It’s an accessible and popular art form which accompanies our daily lives, so advertisers spend much time and money securing the right music for an advertisement in order to boost sales. Research suggests that the specific qualities of music as an art form enhance the science of selling. As one researcher puts it, “Music is the catalyst (催化剂) of advertising. It expands pictures and colors words, and often adds a form of energy available through no other source.” Take the visually simple but interesting advertisement for an airline in France, with the soundtrack of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23, for example. It projects greatness and elegance in the hope that viewers will associate those qualities with the airline. My research, which looked at hundreds of viewer comments about the music used in advertising, suggested it was successful. Music is also effective at arousing feelings of nostalgia (怀旧之情). The extent to which music arouses emotional memories in advertisements creates associations with consumers’ past experiences. A good choice of music allows businesses to tap into this nostalgia for commercial benefit. However, the use of popular music in advertising can also develop arguments around the tension between artistic effort and commercialism. Some people believe a work of art shouldn’t be used for the pursuit of profit. The findings of my study showed that consumers sometimes passionately oppose the use of music produced by respected musicians in advertisements, as they believe that doing this destroys its pure artistic value. For example, the use of the Beatles’ song Revolution by one shoe brand was seen by some as using John Lennon’s song word to sell shoes. It made some of its wearers so angry that they refused to buy the products. So advertisers need to be careful. While the right choice of music can attract customers, the wrong choice can create opposition. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Passage 2 Flexible Thinking for Your Career Does work ever leave you feeling stuck with limited opportunities to be creative? To prosper, you might want to increase your brain’s flexibility. But is this even possible, and if so, how? Most jobs require the ability to problem-solve and cope with challenges, at least to a certain extent. Imagine a teacher who has a new and very nervous student in the class. If that teacher is a flexible thinker, he or she will be able to adapt the classroom management, even if he or she hasn’t seen this situation before. According to Leonard Mlodinow, author of Elastic, flexible thinkers rely on idea generation and imagination — they are willing to experiment and take risks. “Elastic thinking, or flexible thinking, is what you need when the circumstances change, and you are dealing with something new. It’s not about following rules.” Therefore, instead of following the typical procedure for welcoming a new student, the teacher might come up with a tailored response, based on prediction and previous experience. So, how can you become a more flexible thinker? According to Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, it’s all about exercising the brain. One way of doing this, she says, is through exposure to a variety of experiences, which make it easier to adjust to new situations. A lot of companies now consider flexible thinking in the workplace, especially when it comes to design. Workspaces may have couches where workers can lie down and relax, giving them the space to come up with and process new ideas. Mlodinow says it’s very important to take time to daydream, listen to ideas and concepts you disagree with and spend time doing activities outside of your comfort zone. This will help you understand multiple points of view and therefore blossom in many different aspects of your career. So, if you want to make a change, you can become a flexible thinker too, with a little practice. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $