考前押题02 阅读理解6大常考话题（期中复习专项训练）高二英语下学期译林版

学科网（北京）股份有限公司 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 考前押题02 阅读理解6大常考话题 话题1 人工智能 话题4 医学与健康 话题2 虚拟现实 话题5 生活与学习 话题3 太空探索 话题6 旅游与环境 话题1 人工智能 Passage 1 What do you think of when you read the word ‘robot’? Many people think about big machines in car factories or futuristic monsters in films. Few of us think about the past. But people were building incredible machines with human abilities hundreds of years ago! For example, Egyptian texts from 1100 BC mention moving statues which ‘chose’ the next king. None of these statues exists, but probably they were built using the ancient Egyptians’ mechanical technology. Another ancient robot was a big robotic arm called “The Claw”. The ancient Greek writer Polybius wrote about it in 213 BC. It was built during a war with the Romans, and it hung over the city wall towards the sea. When a Roman ship came close, the arm picked up the front of the ship and lifted it into the air. Then the boat fell backwards into the sea and sank. Again, we don’t know if the machine was really built, but it was possible with Ancient Greek technology. Another ancient Greek inventor, Philon of Byzantium, built a female robot at about the same time. If someone placed a cup in her hand, it mixed water and wine to make a drink. But the robot wasn’t popular because people didn’t need robots to work. They had lots of slaves. The famous artist Leonardo da Vinci loved designing robots. Few of his ideas were built, but his plans are very detailed. One modern-day robot engineer, Mark Rosheim, still uses them to get ideas when designing robots for NASA! One of da Vinci’s robots was a lion. He built it for the king of France in 1515. It could walk and present flowers! In 2009, engineers used the plans to build it again. It worked perfectly. After that, more and more mechanical robots were built. They did more and more difficult tasks, such as playing the flute, writing and drawing a picture. Although modern technology has moved on, these historical robots still amaze people today. 1. What did“The Claw”do to enemy ships? A. It set them on fire. B. It lifted and sank them. C. It pushed them away. D. It broke them into pieces. 2. When was da Vinci’s robot lion rebuilt successfully? A. In 1515. B. In 2005. C. In 2009. D. In 213 BC. 3. Why was Philon’s female robot unpopular at that time? A. Slaves were widely available. B. It couldn’t mix drinks correctly. C. People hated its appearance. D. The king banned its use. 4. What is the main purpose of this article? A. To sell modern robots. B. To explain how robots work. C. To introduce ancient robots. D. To compare Greek and Egyptian technology. Passage 2 When Google launched its AI Mode search capability, it began offering AI-generated recipes. In one memorable case, the AI advised users to cook with non-toxic glue. Bloggers now fear that casual users will combine their carefully developed recipes with AI-generated content and stop trusting online recipe sites altogether. Matt Rodbard, editor of Taste, is pessimistic: “For websites that depend on the advertising model, this is an extinction event.” Others, like Karen Tedesco of Familystyle Food, say their numbers have remained steady so far, thanks to recipes relying on her experience and technical knowhow. However, when she searched for “Italian meatballs” in AI Mode, her recipe had been combined with nine others into a basic list of ingredients and steps, losing everything that made hers unique. Adam Gallagher of Inspired Taste has noticed that while the number of times viewers saw links to his site on Google has increased, actual visitors have decreased. This suggests users are satisfied with Google’s AI interpretation of his recipes. Some readers admitted they had not realized there was a difference between the blog version and the search version, especially appreciating the clean, ad-free design of Google’s page. Rodbard acknowledges that many food blogs have become overloaded with ads. However, Tom Critchlow of Raptive argues it is Google itself, with algorithm changes and AI Mode, that is making sites harder to find. A survey of 3,000 US adults showed that nearly half rated AI content less trustworthy than human-made content. But unless the public rebels, bloggers face a dilemma: they can block AI training crawlers (爬虫), but as one blogger says, “You can’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Rodbard suggests cookbooks might make a comeback, offering a trusted, ad-free experience. Sales of baking cookbooks are up 80 per cent this year. Critchlow believes that as people become more aware of AI-generated content, they will develop a greater appreciation for human-produced work. 1. What is the main concern of food bloggers in this article? A. Cookbook sales are falling. B. Their websites are too slow. C. They cannot afford new cameras. D. AI may make their work untrusted. 2. What is the main idea of paragraph 3? A. Google’s search results are decreasing. B. Ad-free design confuses readers. C. AI results reduce visits to blogs. D. Readers hate cooking websites. 3. What does “bite the hand that feeds you” mean in paragraph 4? A. Harm the one who provides for you. B. Eat with dirty hands. C. Attack a dangerous animal. D. Refuse to cook at home. 4. Based on the article, what could bloggers do to cope with AI Mode? A. Stop writing new recipes. B. Sue Google for copyright. C. Only post on social media. D. Create more unique human-centered content. Passage 3 Teachers worried about students turning in essays written by AI chatbots now have a new tool. Edward Tian, a 22-year-old senior at Princeton University, has built an app called GPTZero to detect whether text is written by ChatGPT. Tian is a computer science major minoring in journalism. He spent part of his winter break creating the tool, which he says can "quickly and efficiently" tell if an essay was written by a human or by AI. His motivation was to fight AI plagiarism (剽窃). Since ChatGPT's release in late November, there have been reports of students using the chatbot to pass off AI-written assignments as their own. "There's so much ChatGPT hype (炒作) going around. We as humans deserve to know!" Tian wrote on Twitter. Tian released his bot (自动程序) online on January 2. Many teachers have since reached out, reporting positive results. Within a week, over 30,000 people had tried GPTZero. It became so popular that the app crashed. The hosting platform Streamlit has since provided more memory and resources to handle the traffic. GPTZero uses two indicators: "perplexity" and "burstiness." Perplexity measures text complexity. If the bot is perplexed, the text has high complexity and is more likely human-written. If the text is familiar to the bot, it has low complexity and is likely AI-generated. Burstiness compares sentence variation. Humans tend to write with greater burstiness, mixing long and short sentences. AI sentences are more uniform. In a demonstration, Tian successfully distinguished a New Yorker story from a ChatGPT post. Tian acknowledges his bot isn't foolproof. Some users have reported mistakes, and he continues to improve accuracy. But he sees the tool as bringing transparency to AI. "For so long, AI has been a black box where we really don't know what's going on inside," he said. "With GPTZero, I wanted to start pushing back against that." 1. What is GPTZero designed to do? A. Write essays for students. B. Detect AI-written text. C. Chat with users online. D. Grade student papers. 2. What does paragraph 4 mainly explain? A. How GPTZero became popular. B. How GPTZero identifies AI text. C. Why teachers need GPTZero. D. Why Tian minored in journalism. 3. Why does the author mention the New Yorker story? A. To prove AI writes better. B. To advertise the magazine. C. To show GPTZero works. D. To criticize ChatGPT. 4. What can teachers do if GPTZero makes a mistake? A. Use it with caution. B. Stop using all AI tools. C. Sue the developer. D. Ignore all student essays. Passage 4 From chess-playing computers to self-driving vacuums, artificial intelligence has quietly entered our daily lives. But what exactly can AI do, and how do people feel about it? Here is a look at the past and present of this fascinating field. One thing people can do with artificial intelligence is play games. Machines that play chess at expert levels are available, and they are not even that costly. Turing wrote the first computer chess program in 1950; however, it was not until 1958 that a chess program beat a human for the first time. Over the years, computers began playing in tournaments with some wins and some losses. As time progressed, computers started winning more and more. In 2005, a team of computers beat chess champions Veselin Topalov, Ruslan Ponomariov, and Sergey Karjakin. Many industries, such as airlines and technology, are incorporating artificial intelligence into their work. AT&T lists artificial intelligence as one of its research areas. Universities such as Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and Stanford have done research in the field. MIT has CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory). One of the lab's research areas is an attempt to understand and develop artificially intelligent behaviour. A lot of the research is done by faculty members who work with students. Some US government agencies help fund CSAIL. As industries experiment and researchers study, the public has become more aware of the possibilities. The movie industry has made several films that are usually classified as science fiction. One popular film was I, Robot. Another was simply titled Artificial Intelligence. People have also started buying toys and tools that display certain features. The Furby was a popular robotic toy that eventually learned to speak English. The Roomba is a vacuum made by the iRobot Corporation. It vacuums without being pushed. If it does not need a human to guide it, is it 1. Why does the author mention I, Robot and Artificial Intelligence? A. To show public awareness of AI. B. To recommend sci-fi books. C. To compare two directors. D. To prove AI is safe. 2. What does “incorporating” in paragraph 3 mean? A. Fighting against. B. Asking about. C. Running away from. D. Including as a part. 3. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this article? A. To sell AI products. B. To warn against AI dangers. C. To introduce AI’s development. D. To compare robots and humans. 4. Based on the text, what can we infer about the Roomba? A. It can play chess. B. It needs a human to push it. C. It was made by MIT. D. It works without human guidance. 话题2 虚拟现实 Passage 1 Emergency landing technique is one of the most critical skills in helicopter flying, and one of the hardest to practise confidently. Virtual Reality cannot replace real instruction or approved flight devices, but it can provide a powerful preparation layer for engine failure recognition, emergency sequence practice and landing decision-making. For helicopter operators, that means risk-free repetition, better readiness and more efficient use of valuable training time. Few helicopter procedures carry the same psychological pressure as emergency landing technique. It is time-critical, physically dynamic and unforgiving of delayed response. The pilot must recognise the failure, preserve rotor (旋翼) speed, control airspeed, choose a landing area and manage the final rise and landing sequence, often within seconds. The FAA’s Helicopter Flying Handbook explains that emergency landing technique is a power-off action in which the engine is disconnected from the rotor system and the rotor blades (螺旋桨叶片) are driven by upward airflow through the rotor. The FAA also notes that pilots should experience emergency landings from various airspeeds to better understand the control inputs needed to achieve the desired performance. That is exactly why – to build that understanding – immersive (浸没式的) practice has value. Even before a pilot enters a real training phase, VR can help build mental sequencing, visual scan discipline and procedural confidence. Emergency landing technique is a high-value use case because real training is expensive, safety-sensitive and not unlimited. Every additional airborne repetition has cost, risk and scheduling implications (effects). A specially designed VR layer can move the early part of that learning curve into a controlled environment. That does not eliminate the need for aircraft or approved device training. What it can do is make the pilot better prepared before those sessions begin. By the time the trainee meets the instructor in the aircraft or simulator, the emergency sequence is already more familiar, reducing mental burden and making the real session more productive. Wider immersive-learning evidence supports this efficiency argument. PwC found that VR learners completed training significantly faster than classroom learners and showed noticeably higher confidence in applying what they had learned. In a helicopter emergency context, that combination of repetition and confidence is highly valuable. 1. What does the FAA suggest pilots do? A. Avoid all emergency training. B. Use VR instead of real flight. C. Practise at different airspeeds. D. Fly only during the daytime. 2. Why is VR useful for emergency landing training? A. It allows risk-free repetition. B. It replaces real instructors. C. It costs more than real flight. D. It works only for beginners. 3. Why does the author mention PwC’s study in the last paragraph? A. To sell VR products. B. To criticize classroom learning. C. To support VR’s efficiency. D. To compare two airlines. 4. What should a training program do before live flight practice? A. Cancel all VR sessions. B. Increase flight hours. C. Remove emergency training. D. Use VR for early preparation. Passage 2 How the Movie Industry Uses Virtual Reality For a long time, virtual reality was only a subject in fiction. It still tickles the imagination today. Movies like Ready Player One show how Hollywood depicts VR. But the most exciting things are not on the screen. They are how professionals use VR to create movie magic. From prediction to reality Hollywood has used the concept of VR for decades. The 1983 movie "Brainstorm" featured a strange helmet. The Lawnmower Man created a colorful virtual environment. Now the tables have turned. VR technology is used to make new movies, not just to imagine them. Virtual cameras George Lucas used digital tools excessively in his second Star Wars trilogy. This sometimes took viewers out of the story. In Solo: A Star Wars Story, virtual cameras created realistic camera movements. The camera would "film" digital models of spacecraft. This brought the audience into the scene. The live-action remake of The Lion King was even more challenging. Photorealistic lions were filmed using virtual cameras on an empty sound stage. The director and crew could walk among the lions as if they were actually there. This allows a first-person perspective, not just a view from a computer monitor. Animation Animation has evolved rapidly. From hand-drawn images to Pixar movies, the progress is amazing. Now VR has become part of the toolbox. Dear Angelica was highly innovative. The visuals were drawn in Quill, a VR software for the Oculus Rift headset. Artists can now draw in three dimensions. They can walk around in their drawings. This has added a new dimension to digital storytelling. Marketing and promotion It is now common to hire a second crew for behind-the-scenes footage (影片). 360 cameras can shoot all angles of a movie set. Tom Cruise performs his own stunts (特技). A 360 video can capture his death-defying work in a new way. Battle at Avengers Tower is a computer-generated video starring Marvel characters. The viewer can travel along with their favorite heroes. Almost every big Hollywood movie uses VR for promotion. This ranges from behind-the-scenes 360 video to interactive games. The more advanced presentations require a VR headset. However, a lot of 360 video can also be viewed on regular screens. 1. Why could the director walk among lions in The Lion King remake? A. Virtual cameras were used. B. Real lions were brought in. C. The set was built in Africa. D. He wore a special costume. 2. What does “tickles the imagination” mean? A. Makes people bored. B. Causes memory loss. C. Hurts the brain. D. Sparks creative ideas. 3. Why does the author mention “Ready Player One”? A. To criticize Hollywood movies. B. To show VR as a movie subject. C. To advertise Spielberg’s film. D. To compare VR with traditional films. 4. What can 360 cameras do on a movie set? A. Replace all traditional cameras. B. Draw 3D animations directly. C. Eliminate the need for actors. D. Capture all angles of the set. Passage 3 If you’ve ever played with a VR headset, you might think the only risks are tripping over your dog or hitting someone by accident. While those physical dangers are definitely things that you need to look out for, there are cyber security threats that you should be aware of as well. Here are some simple steps you can take to make sure your virtual reality session doesn’t turn into a virtual nightmare. 1. Don’t buy a fake device A cheap, fake VR headset may cost much less, but it also brings more risk. Fake devices are often sold by cyber criminals who want to steal your money or information. They may contain spyware or malware that can attack your other devices. Always buy from well-known and trusted companies, either online or in store. 2. Use a VPN VR devices often need more of your personal information than other game systems. They may use voice detection, motion sensors, and cameras. A cyber criminal could try to exploit this data. A VPN (virtual private network) helps protect your privacy by hiding your location and IP address. You can set up your router to use a VPN for safer gaming. 3. Use a separate network for your VR system Keeping all your devices on the same Wi-Fi network can be risky. If a cyber criminal breaks into one device, they may reach all the others. Some smart devices, like VR headsets, may not be as secure as your laptop or phone. To stay safe, create a separate Wi-Fi network for your smart devices. 4. Update your device regularly Software updates do more than add new features. They also fix bugs and security problems. Cyber criminals are always finding new tricks, so it is important to keep your device updated. Set your device to update automatically so you won’t miss any. 1. What should you do to avoid buying a fake VR headset? A. Buy the cheapest headset you can find. B. Only buy a headset from an online store. C. Buy a headset that has no cameras or sensors. D. Only buy from well-known and trusted companies. 2. Why does the author suggest using a VPN when using VR? A. To make the VR games run faster. B. To help the user find more games online. C. To hide the user’s location and IP address. D. To stop the VR headset from collecting data. 3. What can be inferred about smart devices like VR headsets? A. They are less secure than some other devices. B. They are always as secure as laptops. C. They do not need regular software updates. D. They cannot be attacked by cyber criminals. 4. According to the passage, what should a user do to avoid missing important security updates? A. Buy a new VR headset every year. B. Set the device to update automatically. C. Stop using the device for a long time. D. Connect the device to a public Wi-Fi network. Passage 4 Step aside, chalkboards and textbooks; classrooms today are donning headsets. With the rise of Virtual Reality (VR) in education, students are dissecting 3D organs, exploring ancient Rome, or walking on the surface of Mars, all without leaving their desks. The promise of VR in classrooms is bold: immersive, hands-on learning that boosts comprehension, engagement, and memory retention. But is this groundbreaking technology here to stay, or is it just an expensive distraction? The global VR education market is expected to hit $32.9 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research, and major platforms like Meta’s Quest for Education and Google Expeditions are helping schools implement virtual field trips, science labs, and historical recreations. This technology brings content to life in a way traditional methods can’t. A 2022 PwC study found that VR learners are 4x faster to train than in traditional classrooms and 1.5x more focused. Another study from the University of Maryland showed VR learners retained information nearly 10% better than those using conventional digital methods. And students aren’t the only ones benefiting. VR enables teachers to simulate risky experiments or inaccessible environments, like exploring volcanoes or understanding nuclear reactions, with zero safety concerns. In fields like medicine, architecture, and engineering, VR has already become a cornerstone of training. Still, there are challenges. VR headsets are expensive, require stable internet, and can lead to physical strain or motion sickness in some users. Schools in lower-income regions may struggle with implementation, further widening the digital divide. There’s also the risk of novelty: without proper curriculum integration, VR can become more entertainment than education. But for the students who do have access, the impact is undeniable. VR can increase empathy (such as walking through a refugee camp simulation), improve engagement for students with learning differences, and offer a level of personalization that redefines what it means to “be present” in class. 1. What is one benefit of VR for teachers? A. Lower salaries. B. Fewer students. C. Safer experiments. D. Longer vacations. 2. Why might VR widen the digital divide? A. It is costly to implement. B. It reduces student focus. C. It replaces all textbooks. D. It only works for science. 3. Why does the author mention “walking through a refugee camp”? A. To advertise a new game. B. To show VR boosts empathy. C. To compare VR with films. D. To criticize VR technology. 4. What should schools do before using VR? A. Buy the cheapest headsets. B. Use VR only for entertainment. C. Remove all traditional teaching. D. Integrate VR into the curriculum. 话题3太空探索 Passage 1 In 2010, the planetary defence team at NASA had identified and logged 90 per cent of the asteroids (小行星) near Earth measuring 1km wide. These ‘near-Earth objects’, or NEOs, are the size of mountains and include anything within 50 million kilometres of Earth’s orbit. With an estimated 50 left to log, NASA says none of the 887 it knows about are a significant danger to the planet. Now NASA is working towards logging some of the smaller asteroids, those measuring 140 metres wide or more. Of the 25,000 estimated asteroids of this size, so far about 8,000 have been logged, leaving 17,000 unaccounted for. Considering that a 19-metre asteroid that exploded above the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013 injured 1,200 people, these middle- sized asteroids would be a serious danger if they enter Earth’s orbit. ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroids’ are rocks close enough to pass within 7.5 million kilometres of Earth’s orbit. NASA has created a map of 1,400 PHAs, none of which are expected to be a threat in the next one hundred years. With technology already available, NASA can track these objects and make predictions about possible impact, at which point two defence solutions could be launched. The first is DART – the Double Asteroid Redirection Test. Plans are scheduled to test DART on the moon of an asteroid called Didymos. ‘Didymoon’ is 150 metres wide, orbiting its 800- metre mother, and hopefully the impact of DART will knock it out of its orbit enough for Earth- based telescopes to pick up. Another suggested defence against a PHA on course to hit Earth is to blow it up using a nuclear weapon. It may sound like a plot from a film, and it was the subject of the 1998 film Armageddon, but the Hypervelocity Asteroid Mitigation Mission for Emergency Response (HAMMER) is a genuine NASA proposal. The eight-ton rockets would be fired at an approaching asteroid with the hope of bumping it off course. If the asteroid was too close to Earth for this plan to work, the rockets would carry nuclear bombs to blow it up instead. 1. How many large NEOs are still unlogged? A. 887. B. 900. C. 50. D. 1,400. 2. Why does the author mention the Chelyabinsk event? A. To prove large asteroids are dangerous. B. To advertise a new film. C. To compare two space agencies. D. To show the danger of mid-sized asteroids. 3. What is the main idea of paragraph 3? A. PHAs will hit Earth soon. B. NASA hides PHA maps. C. PHAs are tracked and not an immediate threat. D. Defence solutions are unavailable. 4. What could NASA do if an asteroid is too close for DART? A. Do nothing. B. Use DART anyway. C. Evacuate Earth. D. Use nuclear bombs. Passage 2 The history of space travel began in the middle of the 20th century during a time known as the Cold War. In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. This small metal sphere sent radio signals from space and surprised the world. It marked the beginning of the Space Age. After Sputnik, the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States became more intense. In 1961, Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space and orbit the Earth. Just a few years later, in 1969, the United States achieved a historic moment when Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the lunar surface, saying the famous words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Following the Moon landings, space exploration focused on long-term missions and cooperation. Space stations such as Skylab, Mir, and later the International Space Station (ISS) allowed astronauts from different countries to live and work in space for months. These missions helped scientists study the effects of space on the human body and conduct important experiments. At the same time, robotic missions explored the Solar System. Space probes traveled to Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and beyond, sending back detailed images and data. Mars, in particular, became a major focus. Rovers like Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance explored the Red Planet, searching for signs of water and possible past life. Today, space travel is entering a new era. Private companies are developing reusable rockets, making space missions cheaper and more frequent. Scientists are planning future missions to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. From the simple beeping of Sputnik to advanced Mars rovers, space travel continues to push the limits of human knowledge and imagination. 1. What was Sputnik 1? A. A US space station. B. The first artificial satellite. C. A rover on Mars. D. The first human in space. 2. Why does the author mention “simple beeping of Sputnik” in the last paragraph? A. To contrast past and present achievements. B. To show Sputnik was the most important. C. To prove later missions failed. D. To compare two space agencies. 3 Why does the author write this article? A. To sell space tickets. B. To criticize space race. C. To introduce space history. D. To compare two countries. 4. What helped make space missions cheaper today? A. More astronauts. B. Government only. C. Fewer rockets. D. Reusable rockets. Passage 3 Maybe you have heard this question before: "Should we waste money on space when there are problems down here on Earth?" It is a fair question. But is space exploration truly worth it? With issues like public health, social injustice and climate change, exploring space may seem like a misuse of funding. However, solving these problems does not require defunding space programs. Here is why. First, space research is not as expensive as you might think. Many people believe NASA takes up a quarter of the U.S. budget. In fact, NASA's entire budget is only about 0.5%. In other countries, space budgets are even smaller. Spending on space also pays off. It supports skilled jobs, fuels technology, and creates business opportunities. This money feeds back into the economy. It grows the pool of public funds that can be spent on solving pressing problems. Space research also directly impacts earthly problems. Learning to grow food on Mars can help us grow food in extreme conditions on Earth. This could reduce the effects of climate change. Medical research on the space station helps us understand the human body in new ways. It saves lives and improves quality of life. If an asteroid ever heads toward Earth, all our progress will not help us. We must explore space to find and study these objects. Only then can we defend our planet. There are also benefits that are hard to price. Studying other worlds shows us that Earth is a precious oasis. This cosmic perspective underscores the importance of protecting our planet. Space is also inspiring. Not everyone can become an astronaut. But aiming for something grand gives us all drive. Children are motivated to learn science, engineering and medicine. When we marvel at Jupiter's clouds or the mystery of other worlds, we appreciate the wonder of our universe. There is no denying that humanity faces many important issues. But solving them does not mean we must stop looking up or stop exploring. We can and must do more than one important thing at a time. Even in hard times, there is something beautiful about making great efforts to achieve something great and discovering something that could change how we see ourselves forever. 1. How can space research help with climate change? A. By stopping all pollution. B. By growing food in extreme conditions. C. By sending people to Mars. D. By reducing the Sun’s heat. 2. Why does the author write this article? A. To stop space exploration. B. To sell space tickets. C. To defend space programs. D. To compare two countries. 3. What can governments do to support both Earth and space? A. Stop all space research. B. Fund space programs properly. C. Only focus on climate change. D. Send all money to the military. 4. What is the writer’s opinion about space exploration? A. Space exploration is a waste of money when there are serious problems on Earth. B. Space exploration should be stopped until all earthly problems are solved. C. Space exploration is worthwhile because it brings economic, scientific, and inspirational benefits. D. Space exploration is only useful for defending against asteroids. 话题4 医学与健康 Passage 1 Memorandum: New Green Transport Measures at the Hospital To reduce its carbon footprint, the hospital is introducing several environmentally-friendly transport changes for staff, visitors, and patients, effective from April 1st. Changes to Car Parks Car Park A remains for staff only, but between 7 am and 6 pm, only cars with three or more passengers may use it, encouraging car sharing. Staff seeking car-sharing partners can visit the hospital’s human resources webpage. Car Park C, previously staff-only, now opens to visitors at £2 per hour for the first five hours and £1 thereafter—rates that also apply to Car Park E. Car Park B is reserved for blue card holders (senior and emergency staff only), while Car Park D will be closed to make way for an improved bus park. Improved Bus Services The current Service 56D is replaced by two new services, available to everyone. Service 57A runs 24/7 from Hebdon Town Centre, Hebden Station, Critchley Park and Ride, Grafton Street Station, and Portchester City Centre to the hospital—every 20 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm and hourly at night. Service 62A runs from Oldgrave Town Centre, Kings Wood Park and Ride, and Polegate Park and Ride every 15 minutes between 7:30 am and 7:00 pm, then every 30 minutes. Both buses cost a flat £1 per journey; staff can buy a 20-trip pass for £15 on the bus. A yearly Go! pass (£45) allows staff to park at any city park-and-ride for just £2 a day. Cycling and Motorcycle Facilities An improved lock-up shed for bicycles and motorcycles will be built in the former Car Park D. Staff can download a voucher from the HR website for 50% off cycles and accessories at Perkin’s Wheels (staff ID required in-store). Additionally, free bicycle repair advice and minor fixes are available every other Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm in Car Park D. We hope you will take advantage of these green initiatives. 1. When is Car Park A restricted to cars with 3+ people? A. All day and night. B. 7 am to 6 pm. C. 7 pm to 7 am. D. Weekends only. 2. What does “flat” mean in “a flat £1 per journey”? A. Fixed and unchanging. B. Cheap for short trips. C. Expensive for long trips. D. Different per route. 3. What is the main idea of the “Cycling” section? A. Bikes are faster than cars. B. Staff can get bike repairs and discounts. C. Car parks will be removed. D. Buses are better for the environment. 4. A staff member lives near Oldgrave Town Centre. Which bus should they take? A. Service 56D. B. Service 57A. C. Service 57A at night. D. Service 62A. Passage 2 Over the last ten years, technology has completely changed the fitness landscape. In the past, people went to the gym, ran outside, or played sports to stay fit. Now, with the rise of new technology, the way we exercise has become more varied and accessible. Smartwatches, virtual workouts, and Al personal trainers have all made it easier to stay active and monitor our progress. The fitness world has already changed dramatically, and in the future， it will only get better. In the past, tracking your fitness was much more difficult. People used basic tools like pedometers to count their steps, but they didn’t give much information about health. However, in the last decade, smartwatches and fitness trackers have made a big difference. These devices have improved, and now, they can track not only your steps but also your heart rate, calories burned, and even sleep patterns. This technology has made people more aware of their health and fitness levels. Another major change has been in how people exercise. In the past, if you wanted to work out, you had to go to a gym or join a class. Now, you can join virtual fitness classes from home. Platforms like Peloton and YouTube have made it possible to do a wide variety of workouts from anywhere. This has made exercise more convenient for people with busy schedules. It's also cheaper because you don’t need a gym membership or expensive equipment to stay fit. Fitness technology developed rapidly, but there's still more to come. In the near future, experts predict that AI-driven fitness will become even more common. AI personal trainers have already started to replace real trainers for some people. These virtual trainers can create personalized workout plans and give advice based on your progress. They have improved the accessibility of personalized fitness coaching，making it affordable for more people. Looking further ahead, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will likely play a bigger role in fitness. Although some VR fitness apps have been created, the technology is still new. In the future, VR might let you run through virtual forests, climb digital mountains, or even join global fitness. 1. If a person with a busy schedule wants to exercise at home cheaply, what should they try? A. Join a gym. B. Buy a pedometer. C. Hire a human trainer. D. Use virtual fitness classes. 2. What do AI personal trainers create for users? A. New gym equipment. B. Personalized workout plans. C. Virtual reality games. D. Healthy meal recipes. 3. Why does the author mention Peloton and YouTube? A. To compare two companies. B. To advertise their products. C. To show the cost of virtual workouts. D. To give examples of virtual fitness platforms. 4. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this article? A. To sell fitness products. B. To criticize modern technology. C. To describe changes in fitness technology. D. To compare past and future gyms. Passage 3 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) Tongue Diagnosis The Importance of Your Tongue’s Color Firstly, I look at the color of your tongue. A healthy tongue is fresh pink, or light pink, in color. If your tongue is pale, bright red or purple, then chances are that there is some imbalance or stagnation within your body. What The Shape of Your Tongue Tells Us Secondly, I look at the shape of your tongue. Is it small, puffy, or enlarged? If you have a slender body type, it could be normal that your tongue is small. If your tongue is enlarged, it usually means there is some deficiency within your internal organ system. For some people, their tongue is so enlarged that their teeth get in the way of their tongue and leave marks. If this is you, most likely you feel fatigued quite easily. What Tongue Features Tell Us About Your Health Thirdly, I look at the features on your tongue. Is there a crack in your tongue? Do I see speckles or ulcers? A lot of patients that just had covid would see a change in features of their tongues. Some develop speckles and some get ulcers. Lastly, I look at the coating of your tongue. A healthy tongue should have a rooted light white coating. Some people either have too much coating, while others have no coating at all. Some coating changes from a thin white coating to a yellow coating. Both imply an underlying health concern according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Map of The Tongue In TCM tongue diagnosis, there is a map of the tongue which helps your acupuncturist diagnose which part of the body has an imbalance – and how best to treat that particular issue. It’s important to note that what we mean here are Chinese medicine organ systems, which is different from biomedicine. So please don’t think that you have an actual organ disorder. To be specific, the very tip of the tongue relates to the Heart. The small area behind the tip maps the lung. Spleen and stomach is reflected in the middle of the tongue. The side of your tongue is where liver and gallbladder system disorders manifest. Lastly, the root of the tongue relates to the Kidneys, bladder, and intestines. 1. What does “stagnation” in paragraph 1 probably mean? A. Lack of movement or flow. B. Too much energy. C. Healthy balance. D. Quick recovery. 2. Why does the author mention “covid” in paragraph 3? A. To advertise a Covid treatment. B. To compare Covid and flu. C. To prove TCM is wrong. D. To show an example of tongue changes. 3. If a patient has a yellow tongue coating, what might TCM suggest? A. Perfect health. B. Strong kidneys. C. Healthy heart. D. An underlying health issue. 4. Who is the most likely reader of this text? A. General public interested in TCM. B. Professional chefs. C. Sports coaches. D. Airline pilots. Passage 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – which includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, and techniques such as cupping, moxibustion, and acupressure – can help with many health issues, especially chronic (慢性) illnesses. If you have a serious problem that has not responded to conventional medicine, you might seriously consider TCM. We at TrueMind Center are result- and goal- oriented, and we care about the cost-effectiveness of treatment for each patient. From our combined 70+ years of clinical observation, we have seen that most patients see change in their symptoms from just one session, with more dramatic results following after an extended series of sessions. Perhaps the biggest surprise to our patients is the additional benefits (or positive “side-effects”) that they receive from their treatments, such as: · Feeling calm and relaxed (during the session and continuing for days after) · Reduction in anxiety, anger, frustration, and obsessive thinking · Feeling more energetic · Better sleep · Better skin complexion · Ability to let go and forgive more easily · Increased motivation to exercise · Increased self-love Factors that can influence your treatment results include: · Your acupuncturist’s education, training, experience, skill set, and mind set · The complexity and history of your disease · Your mindset and commitment to your treatment plan and natural medicine in general Unless you have the common cold or a simple, fresh injury, it is not realistic to expect one session to cure it all.  However, as previously mentioned, you can expect to feel some changes in your body by the first session, and consistent treatment will yield substantive, sustainable results. The smaller the time intervals between sessions, the better the outcome. Patients sometimes ask what they can do to ensure better results from their treatments. Once you’ve established a level of trust with your chosen practitioner, cooperating with her is important; try to “go with the flow” during your treatments. If you are in need of emotional healing or cleansing, going in with an open heart and a willingness to let things go will magnify results. Finally, like any medical regimen (养生之道), we recommend fully committing to your treatment plan for the best results. 1. What is one positive “side-effect” of TCM treatment? A. More anxiety. B. Worse sleep. C. Better skin. D. Less energy. 2. Why does the author mention “the common cold” in paragraph 5? A. To contrast with complex chronic problems. B. To advertise cold medicine. C. To compare two cold types. D. To prove TCM works only for colds. 3. A patient wants better results from TCM. What should they do? A. Skip sessions often. B. Distrust the doctor. C. Only do one session. D. Commit fully to the plan. 4. Who is the most likely reader of this text? A. People seeking alternative treatments. B. Professional athletes. C. Airline pilots. D. Restaurant chefs. 话题5 生活与学习 Passage 1 Although it's a sitting and still activity, reading books can be good for your health. In fact, people who read books tend to live longer. Why? Like most hobbies, the answer is simple: mental engagement. In the case of books, this is achieved via "deep reading," which is the immersive process of connecting with a text, asking questions about it, and thinking about how it connects to the real world. Studies have also revealed that readers have stronger concentration and critical thinking skills, and they are better at understanding other people's feelings. In short, books keep our minds active, and an active mind often means a longer, healthier life. This makes sense. Just like our bodies, our brains need exercise. Whether we get that exercise from books, board games, or crossword puzzles, the important thing is consistent mental engagement. When it comes to reading, a twelve-year Yale University study revealed that senior citizens who read books were around 20% less likely to die than those who read nothing. This was for people who read for more than 3.5 hours per week. This statistic reinforces the importance of keeping our minds going. Another benefit of reading is stress reduction. In addition to being a relaxing activity, reading exposes us to new ideas and ways of looking at the world. As mentioned, this helps develop our critical thinking skills and ability to understand other people's feelings. As these abilities grow stronger, we become better at understanding the world and handling its daily stresses. But what about online news reports or magazine articles? Don't they have similar benefits? Not quite. The key reason for this is depth. While you can finish most articles in five to ten minutes, a book demands more focus and commitment. Authors take their time exploring themes, character psychologies, and real-world issues—basically, we spend more time with a book's ideas and end up thinking about them more. The bright side for news lovers is that there is evidence that longer, thoughtful articles can provide benefits. Like books, it is the quality of our reading diet that is important. In conclusion, books don't just entertain us—they actively strengthen our mental muscles and help us live longer, healthier lives. In a digital world that continues to destroy our attention spans, it is books that can save us. 1. What does “sedentary” in paragraph 1 probably mean? A. Very exciting. B. Social and fun. C. Sitting and still. D. Fast and active. 2. What is the main idea of paragraph 3? A. Reading increases stress. B. Reading reduces stress and builds skills. C. Reading causes anxiety. D. Reading only helps children. 3. Why does the author mention “board games or crossword puzzles”? A. To compare them with books. B. To advertise new games. C. To give examples of mental exercise. D. To prove they are useless. 4. A person wants to improve focus and empathy. What should they do? A. Watch more TV. B. Sleep less. C. Avoid all reading. D. Read books regularly. Passage 2 You’re 16 and finally you can leave school! By now, you’re probably sick of teachers, desks, tests and exams. But don’t just run for the exit. You need to think carefully about what to do next. If you want a professional career, you will need to go to university and get a degree. To do that, you need to stay at high school for another two years. But you needn’t stay at the same place. There are several options in the district of Northacre. St. Leopold’s School has the best pass rate of all the high schools in the district. It offers a wide range of subjects in the humanities and sciences. St Leopold’s is, of course, a private school, so may be too expensive for you. But don’t worry, there are several other options if you want to follow the academic route. Knowle Grammar School is a state school, so there are no fees, and it has excellent tuition and facilities. It is a boys’ school from the ages of 11-16, but from 16-18 it is co-educational. But it is selective, so you’ll have to pass an exam to get in. If you’re interested in going into Business, check out Wyle River Academy. This school specialises in subjects like Business Studies, Management and Economics. If you prefer the arts, look at the courses on offer at Northacre College. Here you can study woodwork, art, textiles and much more. Northacre College also offers a wide range of vocational qualifications. You can do a 1-year certificate or a 2-year diploma in subjects like electrics, plumbing, roofing and hairdressing. If you’d prefer to work outdoors, look at Milldown College, where there are courses in Farm Mechanics, Land Management, Animal Management and much more. A final option is to get an apprenticeship with a local or national company. You will get on-the-job training, gain certificates or diplomas and start earning straight away. But be warned - places are limited! Find out more at the Jobs Fair on 26th May at Northacre College. 1. What is special about Knowle Grammar School for ages 16-18? A. It only accepts boys. B. It becomes co-educational. C. It charges high fees. D. It focuses on arts only. 2. Why might a student choose an apprenticeship? A. To avoid all exams. B. To study abroad easily. C. To get a free laptop. D. To earn money right away. 3. Why does the author mention “Jobs Fair on 26th May”? A. To sell tickets to students. B. To provide a way to learn more. C. To compare two job markets. D. To advertise a new school. 4. A student wants to study Business but has little money. What should they do? A. Apply to St. Leopold’s School. B. Choose Milldown College. C. Find an apprenticeship. D. Check Wyle River Academy. Passage 3 A long long time ago, lots of people lived under the ground, often in caves. In cold places caves were warm in winter, In hot countries, caves were cool in summer. They were also safe. Living above ground could be dangerous, because there were lots of wild animals and other dangers. Everyone knows about "Hobbits", the little people created by J.R.R.Tolkien in his books, which have become very successful films. Hobbits, who were good people, lived in Hobbit houses below the ground, as in the picture at the top of this page. Other people lived above the ground. Hobbits lived in an imaginary world ... but there are people in the real world who live underground too. Some people live in old underground houses, like Hobbit houses, or in caves. Others live in very modern houses. There are old underground villages in many parts of the world, for example in France, in Spain and in Turkey... even in the USA! Underground houses can be very well protected from heat loss, so they need little or no heating. And they are not all small like Hobbit houses. Some modern underground houses are quite big. In Wales there is a study centre with underground bedrooms. The temperature in these rooms varies between 19° and 22° during the year - but there are no radiators, no fires. All the heating comes directly from the sun! "There are no heating costs!" says Peter Carpenter, who designed the underground building and ran the centre. Lighting is not a problem either. Modern light tubes can bring sunlight into rooms without windows. There are other advantages too. Underground houses use less space; sometimes they are almost invisible. The garden can be on the roof. In tomorrow's world, perhaps we will see (or not see) a lot more houses built underground. 1. Why did ancient people live in caves? A. To read books. B. To hide from Hobbits. C. For warmth and safety. D. For better sunlight. 2. Why do underground houses need little or no heating? A. They have many windows. B. They use electric fires. C. They are very small. D. They are well insulated. 3. What is the main idea of paragraph 6? A. Welsh weather is very cold. B. Radiators are necessary. C. Solar energy heats the centre. D. Peter Carpenter is a writer. 4. What is an advantage of underground houses? A. They are easy to build. B. They have high heating costs. C. They need many windows. D. They save space and are invisible. Passage 4 Millennials (those born between the early 1980s and the early 1990s) make up a huge part of our workforce but they seem to lack loyalty to the companies and the leaders they work for. Multinational companies are noticing larger turnover rates of millennials as employee retention rates fall. This report looks at the findings of two large-scale surveys on the mindset of the millennial generation and explores how organisations can strive to address these needs, increase employee engagement and encourage retention. Research In a global survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), more than 40,000 millennial (born between 1983 and 1993) and non-millennial responses were collected on the topics of workplace culture, communication and working styles, pay structure, career development, work–life balance, etc. In a separate global survey conducted by Deloitte, more than 10,000 millennials participated in a study about their perceptions of the threats and opportunities in the complex world of work. Key findings • Millennials are as committed to their work as their more senior colleagues. • Millennials value interesting work and a good work–life balance. They do not believe that excessive work demands are worth sacrifices in their personal lives. • Millennials want flexibility in their working hours and are willing to give up pay increases and promotions for a flexible working schedule. They believe that success should be measured by productivity and not by the number of hours they are seen in an office. • Millennials want to feel supported and appreciated by their company and their superiors. • Millennials want more opportunities to develop their skills. These include technological skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills. • Millennials believe that businesses and business leaders should contribute to the improvement of society and they are more likely to be loyal to a company with strong ethics. Recommendations Organisations and managers wanting to retain millennials should consider: • monitoring their workload and satisfaction levels with their work–life balance • creating a flexible work culture where employees have more control over their working hours and their work location • providing meaningful work and interesting opportunities • offering help and support in continuing professional development • changing the organisation’s goals from being mainly about profit-making to motives that address social concerns and solve wider societal problems. 1. What did the PwC survey collect data on? A. Only pay structure. B. Workplace culture and styles. C. Only career development. D. Political opinions of staff. 2. What is the main idea of the “Key findings” section? A. Millennials hate working. B. Millennials value flexibility and purpose. C. Millennials only care about money. D. Millennials want longer hours. 3. Why does the report include “Recommendations”? A. To criticize millennials. B. To sell more products. C. To help retain millennial workers. D. To compare two companies. 4. If a manager wants to keep millennial staff, what should they do? A. Remove all breaks. B. Focus only on profit. C. Ignore work-life balance. D. Offer flexible work options. 话题6 旅游与环境 Passage 1 Hi Ellie, I’m so pleased you can come surfing in August! Paul, Rose and Kevin are coming too, so there will be five of us. We’ve decided to return to New Sands for a couple of days, because the surf board hire is so cheap there. I’m starting to think about accommodation. We won’t camp again after last year! I hated staying in a tent in all that rain! Kevin wants to hire a caravan. There are some nice ones with 3 bedrooms, showers and cooking facilities. The problem is, none of the caravan parks take short bookings in the summer. The minimum stay is a week. It’s a shame because there are several nice parks near the beach. There’s a hostel for young people in New Sands. It’s the cheapest option after camping, and there’s a big kitchen and dining room where we can cook. The problem is, accommodation is in dormitories and I don’t really want to sleep with strangers. There are a few guest houses in New Sands. Some have triple rooms, so we only need to book two rooms. We’ll have to book soon if we choose that option, because many guest houses are already full. The hotels in New Sands are too expensive, although I’d love to stay at the Sunrise Pavilion with its large pool! The final option is to rent a cottage. I found one. It has three bedrooms – a double, a single and a twin, so two of us would have to share a bed! There’s a big kitchen diner with a microwave, washing machine and dishwasher. The living room has a TV and DVD player. There’s just one bathroom, but there’s a separate WC. There’s a nice garden too. The problem is, it’s 5 miles from the beach. Let me know which option you prefer. Cheers, Natalie 1. Why won’t the group camp again? A. It was too expensive. B. The tents were new. C. It rained a lot last year. D. The beach was dirty. 2. The group has only 3 days. Which place should they avoid? A. A guest house. B. A hostel. C. A cottage. D. A caravan park. 3. Why might they choose a guest house over a hostel? A. Guest houses have dorms. B. Hostels are more private. C. Guest houses cost less. D. Guest houses offer more privacy. 4. Why did Natalie write this email? A. To cancel the surfing trip. B. To describe her new house. C. To discuss accommodation options. D. To invite Ellie to a party. Passage 2 Patsy190 writes: Six of us stayed for a weekend. The room was very small. Although clean, the bed cover was stained. Furniture was outdated, especially the old pink bathroom suite with linoleum flooring. The "shower" was just a hose attached to the taps. The sink was in the bedroom next to TV sockets, which seemed unsafe. Dinner was well-cooked but tiny in portion. Drinks were overpriced at £5 for a small wine. My friend ordered brandy and coke, but the waitress brought whisky and coke. When we complained, she walked off. At £120 a night, it was neither cheap nor cheerful — just overpriced and depressing. MellowBunny writes: I had a 3-day break and found the hotel good value. I requested a quiet room, which was noted, and received a large, clean, comfortable room overlooking the racecourse. The only disappointment: no tea/coffee facilities, not even a kettle. Furniture was dated but expected for an old hotel. Food was well-cooked with wide selection. My poached eggs at breakfast were perfect. The three-course dinner had no long waits between courses — a plus when dining alone. Staff were friendly and always helpful. TomWheeler writes: The hotel is conveniently located 200 metres from the racecourse with ample parking. The bed was comfortable with clean sheets, and the power shower was good. However, the room smelt musty, with old, cheap, battered furniture. The bin was unemptied, and rubbish lay on the floor. The bathroom fan was loud, the plumbing made strange noises at night, and the walls were thin. Breakfast was okay but insufficient. JadeUnicorn writes: Don’t be fooled by online pictures — you don’t get what you see. It’s a 35-minute walk from the city centre. Furniture was old but the bed comfortable. The tiny bathroom had an absurdly loud fan, no lock, and no toiletries — not even soap. Cobwebs were everywhere. The dining room was dark and uninviting, with just one tiny window. Food was the kind that gives Britain a bad name: instant coffee and cheap sausages. Service was poor — staff cleared the table while we were still eating. 1. Why does JadeUnicorn warn readers not to trust online pictures? A. Reality is worse. B. Rooms are smaller. C. Prices are higher. D. Staff are rude. 2. What is the main purpose of the four reviews? A. To advertise a hotel. B. To share personal stays. C. To compare prices. D. To suggest improvements. 3. Which review is most balanced (both good and bad)? A. Patsy190. B. MellowBunny. C. TomWheeler. D. JadeUnicorn. 4. What does JadeUnicorn imply about British food? A. It is usually great. B. It can be terrible. C. It needs more salt. D. It is cheap to make. Passage 3 Imagine waking up in the year 2050. Your morning starts smoothly as your robotic nanny has already prepared a healthy breakfast, gotten the kids ready for school, and even taken the dog for a brisk morning walk. All you need to do is grab your freshly brewed coffee and the breakfast waiting for you on the dining table, then slip on your VR headset. Instantly, you're transported to your virtual office, ready to start the workday. As you immerse yourself in this seamless blend of technology and daily life, consider: would you enjoy this level of automation and virtual interaction? The Virtual Workplace： In this hypothetical 2050, the concept of the 'office' has evolved significantly. Thanks to the metaverse, people from across the globe can collaborate in real-time within immersive, 3D environments. Picture your virtual workspaceL: you can modify it instantly to reflect your mood or boost your productivity. Perhaps one day it's a quiet beachfront villa, the next, a bustling cityscape. How do you think such a setting would affect your workday productivity and job satisfaction? Schools in the Metaverse： The transformation isn't limited to the office. Schools too have embraced this technology. Students attend classes via specialized VR platforms where lessons are more interactive and engaging than ever. Imagine history classes taking place right in the middle of a reenacted battle, or biology students exploring the Amazon rainforest without leaving their homes. Do you think this could enhance learning and retention for students? Lifestyle Implications： With most of your daily tasks automated and remote capabilities enhanced, the structure of your day and even your lifestyle undergoes significant changes. More time is available for personal pursuits, family activities, and hobbies. Do you believe this shift would improve your quality of life, or would you miss certain aspects of your current lifestyle? 1. Where can students explore the Amazon rainforest in 2050? A. In a real boat. B. In a local park. C. Through VR platforms. D. On a school bus. 2. What is the main idea of the “Lifestyle Implications” section? A. People will have less free time. B. Automation may change daily life structure. C. Robots will replace all jobs. D. Family activities will disappear. 3. Why does the author ask questions at the end of each section? A. To test the reader’s memory. B. To sell VR products. C. To encourage personal reflection. D. To give correct answers. 4. If a student struggles with boring history lessons, what might help them? A. More textbooks. B. Longer school days. C. Fewer exams. D. VR reenactments of events. Passage 4 The World Happiness Report measures "subjective well-being" – how happy people are, and why. Norway tops this year's list with a score of 7.54, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Finland. The Central African Republic ranks last. Western Europe and North America dominate the top, with the US at 14th and the UK at 19th. Conflict-hit countries and those in sub-Saharan Africa score predictably low, including Syria (152nd out of 155), Yemen and South Sudan (146th and 147th), both facing famine. Released to coincide with the UN's International Day of Happiness on 20 March, the report relies on asking over 1,000 people annually in more than 150 countries a simple question: imagine a ladder from 0 (worst possible life) to 10 (best possible life); on which step do you personally stand? The average answer becomes the country's score. The report also analyses why one country is happier than another, examining factors such as economic strength (GDP per capita), social support, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and perceived corruption. This year's report includes a chapter titled "Restoring American Happiness", examining why happiness in the US is falling despite economic growth. The authors argue that "the United States can and should raise happiness by addressing America's multi-faceted social crisis – rising inequality, corruption, isolation, and distrust – rather than focusing exclusively or even mainly on economic growth." Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, said President Trump's policies – including tax cuts at the top and cutting healthcare – are "all aimed at increasing inequality" and go "in the wrong direction." The report also finds that professional "white collar" jobs are associated with greater happiness than "blue collar" roles, though having any job at all is one of the biggest factors. While well-paying jobs bring more satisfaction, the effect has diminishing returns: an extra $100 means much more to someone at the lower end of income distribution than to someone already earning much more. 1. What question does the report ask people annually? A. How much money they earn. B. Where they were born. C. How many children they have. D. Where they stand on a life ladder. 2. What does “diminishing returns” in paragraph 5 probably mean? A. Smaller extra benefit from more money. B. Higher income for everyone. C. Equal happiness for all. D. Lower salaries for rich people. 3. What is the main idea of paragraph 3? A. The report only studies economic growth. B. Several factors explain happiness differences. C. GDP is the only measure of happiness. D. Generosity has no effect on happiness. 4. Why does the author mention Jeffrey Sachs in paragraph 4? A. To advertise his book. B. To criticize the UN. C. To support the report’s view. D. To compare two presidents. 2 / 2 学科网（北京）股份有限公司zxxk.com 学科网（北京）股份有限公司zxxk.com 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 考前押题02 阅读理解6大常考话题 话题1 人工智能 话题4 医学与健康 话题2 虚拟现实 话题5 生活与学习 话题3 太空探索 话题6 旅游与环境 话题1 人工智能 Passage 1 What do you think of when you read the word ‘robot’? Many people think about big machines in car factories or futuristic monsters in films. Few of us think about the past. But people were building incredible machines with human abilities hundreds of years ago! For example, Egyptian texts from 1100 BC mention moving statues which ‘chose’ the next king. None of these statues exists, but probably they were built using the ancient Egyptians’ mechanical technology. Another ancient robot was a big robotic arm called “The Claw”. The ancient Greek writer Polybius wrote about it in 213 BC. It was built during a war with the Romans, and it hung over the city wall towards the sea. When a Roman ship came close, the arm picked up the front of the ship and lifted it into the air. Then the boat fell backwards into the sea and sank. Again, we don’t know if the machine was really built, but it was possible with Ancient Greek technology. Another ancient Greek inventor, Philon of Byzantium, built a female robot at about the same time. If someone placed a cup in her hand, it mixed water and wine to make a drink. But the robot wasn’t popular because people didn’t need robots to work. They had lots of slaves. The famous artist Leonardo da Vinci loved designing robots. Few of his ideas were built, but his plans are very detailed. One modern-day robot engineer, Mark Rosheim, still uses them to get ideas when designing robots for NASA! One of da Vinci’s robots was a lion. He built it for the king of France in 1515. It could walk and present flowers! In 2009, engineers used the plans to build it again. It worked perfectly. After that, more and more mechanical robots were built. They did more and more difficult tasks, such as playing the flute, writing and drawing a picture. Although modern technology has moved on, these historical robots still amaze people today. 【答案】1. B 2. C 3. A 4. D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章通过介绍从古埃及、古希腊到文艺复兴时期多个历史上的自动机械装置，旨在说明“机器人”并非现代产物，古代人类早已具备建造复杂机械装置的能力。 1. What did“The Claw”do to enemy ships? A. It set them on fire. B. It lifted and sank them. C. It pushed them away. D. It broke them into pieces. 【答案】B 【解析】细节理解题。根据第三段“When a Roman ship came close, the arm picked up the front of the ship and lifted it into the air. Then the boat fell backwards into the sea and sank.”可知，“The Claw”将船抬起，使其向后翻倒并沉入海中。因此，“It lifted and sank them.”是原文的准确复述。A、C、D三个选项（烧毁、推开、击碎）文中均未提及。 2. When was da Vinci’s robot lion rebuilt successfully? A. In 1515. B. In 2005. C. In 2009. D. In 213 BC. 【答案】C 【解析】细节理解题。根据第六段“In 2009, engineers used the plans to build it again. It worked perfectly.”可知，机器狮子成功重建的时间是2009年。A项“In 1515”是它最初被建造的时间；B项“In 2005”文中未提及；D项“In 213 BC”是“The Claw”被记载的时间，均属于张冠李戴。 3. Why was Philon’s female robot unpopular at that time? A. Slaves were widely available. B. It couldn’t mix drinks correctly. C. People hated its appearance. D. The king banned its use. 【答案】A 【解析】 推理判断题。根据第四段“But the robot wasn’t popular because people didn’t need robots to work. They had lots of slaves.”可以合理推断出，机器人不受欢迎的根本原因是当时奴隶非常普遍，劳动力廉价且充足，人们对机器人没有需求。B项与原文“it mixed water and wine to make a drink”相悖；C项和D项（外貌丑陋、国王禁止）文中均未提及。 4. What is the main purpose of this article? A. To sell modern robots. B. To explain how robots work. C. To introduce ancient robots. D. To compare Greek and Egyptian technology. 【答案】C 【解析】 主旨大意题。文章开篇提出人们对“robot”一词的常见联想是“未来或现代”，随后通过“But people were building... hundreds of years ago!”转折，并列举古埃及、古希腊和达·芬奇的实例，全文目的明确，即“介绍古代的机器人”。A项“推销现代机器人”与文意相反；B项“解释机器人如何工作”不是文章重点；D项“比较希腊和埃及的技术”只是文章部分内容，不能概括全文主旨。 Passage 2 When Google launched its AI Mode search capability, it began offering AI-generated recipes. In one memorable case, the AI advised users to cook with non-toxic glue. Bloggers now fear that casual users will combine their carefully developed recipes with AI-generated content and stop trusting online recipe sites altogether. Matt Rodbard, editor of Taste, is pessimistic: “For websites that depend on the advertising model, this is an extinction event.” Others, like Karen Tedesco of Familystyle Food, say their numbers have remained steady so far, thanks to recipes relying on her experience and technical knowhow. However, when she searched for “Italian meatballs” in AI Mode, her recipe had been combined with nine others into a basic list of ingredients and steps, losing everything that made hers unique. Adam Gallagher of Inspired Taste has noticed that while the number of times viewers saw links to his site on Google has increased, actual visitors have decreased. This suggests users are satisfied with Google’s AI interpretation of his recipes. Some readers admitted they had not realized there was a difference between the blog version and the search version, especially appreciating the clean, ad-free design of Google’s page. Rodbard acknowledges that many food blogs have become overloaded with ads. However, Tom Critchlow of Raptive argues it is Google itself, with algorithm changes and AI Mode, that is making sites harder to find. A survey of 3,000 US adults showed that nearly half rated AI content less trustworthy than human-made content. But unless the public rebels, bloggers face a dilemma: they can block AI training crawlers (爬虫), but as one blogger says, “You can’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Rodbard suggests cookbooks might make a comeback, offering a trusted, ad-free experience. Sales of baking cookbooks are up 80 per cent this year. Critchlow believes that as people become more aware of AI-generated content, they will develop a greater appreciation for human-produced work. 【答案】1．D 2．C 3．A 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章讨论了谷歌AI模式生成食谱对美食博客的冲击，分析了博主们的担忧、用户行为的变化以及可能的出路，探讨了AI内容与人类创作内容之间的信任问题。 1. What is the main concern of food bloggers in this article? A. Cookbook sales are falling. B. Their websites are too slow. C. They cannot afford new cameras. D. AI may make their work untrusted. 【答案】D 【解析】主旨大意题。文章开篇即指出博主担心用户将AI生成内容与人类创作内容混淆，从而不再信任食谱网站；后文反复讨论信任问题和流量下降。因此，核心关切是“AI可能导致他们的作品失去信任”。 依据文中Tedesco依靠个人经验和技术知识保持稳定、Critchlow认为人们会越来越欣赏人类创作内容、Rodbard建议回归烹饪书，可推断博主应创作更独特、富有人情味的内容以与AI区分。A项（烹饪书销量）只是文中提及的一个现象，并非博主的主要担忧；B、C两项文中未提及。故选D。 2. What is the main idea of paragraph 3? A. Google’s search results are decreasing. B. Ad-free design confuses readers. C. AI results reduce visits to blogs. D. Readers hate cooking websites. 【答案】C 【解析】段落大意题。第三段指出，虽然用户看到博客链接的次数增加了，但实际访问量却下降了，因为用户对AI生成的食谱版本感到满意，且喜欢其干净无广告的页面设计。因此，本段核心在于“AI结果减少了博客的实际访问量”。A项与原文“number of times viewers saw links...has increased”相悖；B项曲解了文意（无广告设计是吸引用户的原因，而非“使读者困惑”）；D项文中未提及。故选C。 3. What does “bite the hand that feeds you” mean in paragraph 4? A. Harm the one who provides for you. B. Eat with dirty hands. C. Attack a dangerous animal. D. Refuse to cook at home. 【答案】A 【解析】词义推断题。根据上下文，博主可以屏蔽AI训练爬虫，但这可能使他们的网站在搜索中不可见，而谷歌正是为他们带来流量的平台。因此，该习语的意思是“伤害供养你的人”，即不能对抗给自己带来利益的谷歌。B、C、D均为字面误解，不符合语境。故选A。 4. Based on the article, what could bloggers do to cope with AI Mode? A. Stop writing new recipes. B. Sue Google for copyright. C. Only post on social media. D. Create more unique human-centered content. 【答案】D 【解析】批判性思维题。文章提到Tedesco依靠个人经验和技术知识保持稳定，Critchlow认为人们会越来越欣赏人类创作的内容，Rodbard建议回归烹饪书。综合推断，博主可以创作更独特、更富人情味的内容来与AI区分。A项（停止写作）是消极放弃；B项（起诉）文中未提及；C项（只发社交媒体）不是文中建议。故选D。 Passage 3 Teachers worried about students turning in essays written by AI chatbots now have a new tool. Edward Tian, a 22-year-old senior at Princeton University, has built an app called GPTZero to detect whether text is written by ChatGPT. Tian is a computer science major minoring in journalism. He spent part of his winter break creating the tool, which he says can "quickly and efficiently" tell if an essay was written by a human or by AI. His motivation was to fight AI plagiarism (剽窃). Since ChatGPT's release in late November, there have been reports of students using the chatbot to pass off AI-written assignments as their own. "There's so much ChatGPT hype (炒作) going around. We as humans deserve to know!" Tian wrote on Twitter. Tian released his bot (自动程序) online on January 2. Many teachers have since reached out, reporting positive results. Within a week, over 30,000 people had tried GPTZero. It became so popular that the app crashed. The hosting platform Streamlit has since provided more memory and resources to handle the traffic. GPTZero uses two indicators: "perplexity" and "burstiness." Perplexity measures text complexity. If the bot is perplexed, the text has high complexity and is more likely human-written. If the text is familiar to the bot, it has low complexity and is likely AI-generated. Burstiness compares sentence variation. Humans tend to write with greater burstiness, mixing long and short sentences. AI sentences are more uniform. In a demonstration, Tian successfully distinguished a New Yorker story from a ChatGPT post. Tian acknowledges his bot isn't foolproof. Some users have reported mistakes, and he continues to improve accuracy. But he sees the tool as bringing transparency to AI. "For so long, AI has been a black box where we really don't know what's going on inside," he said. "With GPTZero, I wanted to start pushing back against that." 【答案】1. B 2. B 3. C 4. A 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了普林斯顿大学学生Edward Tian开发的GPTZero应用，该工具能够通过“困惑度”和“突发性”两个指标检测文本是否由AI聊天机器人ChatGPT生成，旨在帮助教师识别学生利用AI进行剽窃的行为，并推动人工智能的透明化发展。 1. What is GPTZero designed to do? A. Write essays for students. B. Detect AI-written text. C. Chat with users online. D. Grade student papers. 【答案】B 【解析】 细节理解题。根据第一段“has built an app called GPTZero to detect whether text is written by ChatGPT”可知，GPTZero的用途是检测文本是否由AI撰写。A、C、D三项均与原文不符。故选B。 2. What does paragraph 4 mainly explain? A. How GPTZero became popular. B. How GPTZero identifies AI text. C. Why teachers need GPTZero. D. Why Tian minored in journalism. 【答案】B 【解析】段落大意题。第四段详细介绍了GPTZero使用的两个指标——“perplexity”和“burstiness”——以及它们如何区分人类写作和AI生成文本。因此，本段主要解释GPTZero的工作原理。A项是第三段内容；C项文中未重点讨论；D项与段落无关。故选B。 3. Why does the author mention the New Yorker story? A. To prove AI writes better. B. To advertise the magazine. C. To show GPTZero works. D. To criticize ChatGPT. 【答案】C 【解析】写作目的题。根据第四段末尾“In a demonstration, Tian successfully distinguished a New Yorker story from a ChatGPT post.”可知，作者提及《纽约客》故事是为了展示GPTZero能够成功区分人类写作与AI生成文本，从而证明其有效性。A、B、D三项均与文意不符。故选C。 4. What can teachers do if GPTZero makes a mistake? A. Use it with caution. B. Stop using all AI tools. C. Sue the developer. D. Ignore all student essays. 【答案】A 【解析】 Critical Thinking题。根据第五段“Tian acknowledges his bot isn’t foolproof. Some users have reported mistakes, and he continues to improve accuracy.”可知，GPTZero并非完美无缺。因此，教师在使用时应保持谨慎，结合其他判断方式。B、C、D三项均属极端或不合理的做法，文中无依据。故选A。 Passage 4 From chess-playing computers to self-driving vacuums, artificial intelligence has quietly entered our daily lives. But what exactly can AI do, and how do people feel about it? Here is a look at the past and present of this fascinating field. One thing people can do with artificial intelligence is play games. Machines that play chess at expert levels are available, and they are not even that costly. Turing wrote the first computer chess program in 1950; however, it was not until 1958 that a chess program beat a human for the first time. Over the years, computers began playing in tournaments with some wins and some losses. As time progressed, computers started winning more and more. In 2005, a team of computers beat chess champions Veselin Topalov, Ruslan Ponomariov, and Sergey Karjakin. Many industries, such as airlines and technology, are incorporating artificial intelligence into their work. AT&T lists artificial intelligence as one of its research areas. Universities such as Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and Stanford have done research in the field. MIT has CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory). One of the lab's research areas is an attempt to understand and develop artificially intelligent behaviour. A lot of the research is done by faculty members who work with students. Some US government agencies help fund CSAIL. As industries experiment and researchers study, the public has become more aware of the possibilities. The movie industry has made several films that are usually classified as science fiction. One popular film was I, Robot. Another was simply titled Artificial Intelligence. People have also started buying toys and tools that display certain features. The Furby was a popular robotic toy that eventually learned to speak English. The Roomba is a vacuum made by the iRobot Corporation. It vacuums without being pushed. If it does not need a human to guide it, is it smarter than a human? There are many questions left to be answered in this field. 【答案】1．A 2．D 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章从下棋机器人、行业应用、学术研究到公众认知，简要介绍了人工智能的发展历史、现状及引发的思考。 1. Why does the author mention I, Robot and Artificial Intelligence? A. To show public awareness of AI. B. To recommend sci-fi books. C. To compare two directors. D. To prove AI is safe. 【答案】A 【解析】推理判断题。根据第四段“As industries experiment and researchers study, the public has become more aware of the possibilities. The movie industry has made several films...”可知，作者提及这两部电影是为了说明公众通过科幻电影对人工智能的可能性有了更多认识。B项（推荐科幻书）、C项（比较导演）、D项（证明AI安全）均与文意不符。故选A。 2. What does “incorporating” in paragraph 3 mean? A. Fighting against. B. Asking about. C. Running away from. D. Including as a part. 【答案】D 【解析】 词义推断题。根据第三段“Many industries... are incorporating artificial intelligence into their work”及后文列举的AT&T、大学研究等例子可知，此处意为“将人工智能纳入/引入（工作）”。A项（对抗）、B项（询问）、C项（逃离）均不符合语境。D项“作为一部分包括进来”最贴近原文含义。故选D。 3. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this article? A. To sell AI products. B. To warn against AI dangers. C. To introduce AI’s development. D. To compare robots and humans. 【答案】C 【解析】写作目的题。文章从下棋程序的历史、行业与学术研究，到公众通过电影和玩具了解AI，整体上是在“介绍人工智能的发展历程与现状”。A项（销售产品）、B项（警告危险）、D项（比较机器人与人类）均不是作者的主要目的。故选C。 4. Based on the text, what can we infer about the Roomba? A. It can play chess. B. It needs a human to push it. C. It was made by MIT. D. It works without human guidance. 【答案】D 【解析】批判性思维题。根据第四段“It vacuums without being pushed. If it does not need a human to guide it...”可知，Roomba无需人力推动即可工作。A项（下棋）是其他设备的功能；B项（需要人推，与原文相反）；C项（由MIT制造，原文未提及）。故选D。 话题2 虚拟现实 Passage 1 Emergency landing technique is one of the most critical skills in helicopter flying, and one of the hardest to practise confidently. Virtual Reality cannot replace real instruction or approved flight devices, but it can provide a powerful preparation layer for engine failure recognition, emergency sequence practice and landing decision-making. For helicopter operators, that means risk-free repetition, better readiness and more efficient use of valuable training time. Few helicopter procedures carry the same psychological pressure as emergency landing technique. It is time-critical, physically dynamic and unforgiving of delayed response. The pilot must recognise the failure, preserve rotor (旋翼) speed, control airspeed, choose a landing area and manage the final rise and landing sequence, often within seconds. The FAA’s Helicopter Flying Handbook explains that emergency landing technique is a power-off action in which the engine is disconnected from the rotor system and the rotor blades (螺旋桨叶片) are driven by upward airflow through the rotor. The FAA also notes that pilots should experience emergency landings from various airspeeds to better understand the control inputs needed to achieve the desired performance. That is exactly why – to build that understanding – immersive (浸没式的) practice has value. Even before a pilot enters a real training phase, VR can help build mental sequencing, visual scan discipline and procedural confidence. Emergency landing technique is a high-value use case because real training is expensive, safety-sensitive and not unlimited. Every additional airborne repetition has cost, risk and scheduling implications (effects). A specially designed VR layer can move the early part of that learning curve into a controlled environment. That does not eliminate the need for aircraft or approved device training. What it can do is make the pilot better prepared before those sessions begin. By the time the trainee meets the instructor in the aircraft or simulator, the emergency sequence is already more familiar, reducing mental burden and making the real session more productive. Wider immersive-learning evidence supports this efficiency argument. PwC found that VR learners completed training significantly faster than classroom learners and showed noticeably higher confidence in applying what they had learned. In a helicopter emergency context, that combination of repetition and confidence is highly valuable. 【答案】1. C 2. A 3. C 4. D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了虚拟现实技术在直升机紧急着陆训练中的应用价值，指出VR虽无法替代真实训练或认证设备，但能帮助飞行员在无风险环境中反复练习应急程序、提升决策能力，从而提高实际训练的效率和安全性。 1. What does the FAA suggest pilots do? A. Avoid all emergency training. B. Use VR instead of real flight. C. Practise at different airspeeds. D. Fly only during the daytime. 【答案】C 【解析】细节理解题。根据第三段“pilots should experience emergency landings from various airspeeds”可知，FAA建议飞行员在不同空速下练习。A项“避免所有紧急训练”与原文相反；B项“用VR替代真实飞行”文中未提及（VR仅是准备工具）；D项“仅在白天飞行”文中未提及。故选C。 2. Why is VR useful for emergency landing training? A. It allows risk-free repetition. B. It replaces real instructors. C. It costs more than real flight. D. It works only for beginners. 【答案】A 【解析】推理判断题。根据第一段“risk-free repetition”和第五段“move the early part of that learning curve into a controlled environment”可知，VR允许在无风险环境中重复练习。B项“取代真实教练”与第一段“cannot replace real instruction”直接矛盾；C项“比真实飞行更贵”与文中“valuable training time”“cost, risk”等暗示VR更经济高效相悖；D项“仅适用于初学者”文中未提及。故选A。 3. Why does the author mention PwC’s study in the last paragraph? A. To sell VR products. B. To criticize classroom learning. C. To support VR’s efficiency. D. To compare two airlines. 【答案】C 【解析】写作目的题。最后一段引用PwC研究发现（VR学习者训练更快、信心更高），目的是支持前文关于VR训练效率的论证。A项“销售VR产品”文中无商业导向；B项“批评课堂学习”曲解了比较的目的（比较是为了证明VR更优，而非批评课堂）；D项“比较两家航空公司”文中未提及。故选C。 4. What should a training program do before live flight practice? A. Cancel all VR sessions. B. Increase flight hours. C. Remove emergency training. D. Use VR for early preparation. 【答案】D 【解析】批判性思维题。根据第四段“Even before a pilot enters a real training phase, VR can help”和第六段“make the pilot better prepared before those sessions begin”可知，训练项目应在真实飞行前使用VR进行早期准备。A项“取消所有VR课程”与原文建议相反；B项“增加飞行小时数”与原文强调VR提高效率、减少成本相悖；C项“取消紧急训练”与全文主旨相反。故选D。 Passage 2 How the Movie Industry Uses Virtual Reality For a long time, virtual reality was only a subject in fiction. It still tickles the imagination today. Movies like Ready Player One show how Hollywood depicts VR. But the most exciting things are not on the screen. They are how professionals use VR to create movie magic. From prediction to reality Hollywood has used the concept of VR for decades. The 1983 movie "Brainstorm" featured a strange helmet. The Lawnmower Man created a colorful virtual environment. Now the tables have turned. VR technology is used to make new movies, not just to imagine them. Virtual cameras George Lucas used digital tools excessively in his second Star Wars trilogy. This sometimes took viewers out of the story. In Solo: A Star Wars Story, virtual cameras created realistic camera movements. The camera would "film" digital models of spacecraft. This brought the audience into the scene. The live-action remake of The Lion King was even more challenging. Photorealistic lions were filmed using virtual cameras on an empty sound stage. The director and crew could walk among the lions as if they were actually there. This allows a first-person perspective, not just a view from a computer monitor. Animation Animation has evolved rapidly. From hand-drawn images to Pixar movies, the progress is amazing. Now VR has become part of the toolbox. Dear Angelica was highly innovative. The visuals were drawn in Quill, a VR software for the Oculus Rift headset. Artists can now draw in three dimensions. They can walk around in their drawings. This has added a new dimension to digital storytelling. Marketing and promotion It is now common to hire a second crew for behind-the-scenes footage (影片). 360 cameras can shoot all angles of a movie set. Tom Cruise performs his own stunts (特技). A 360 video can capture his death-defying work in a new way. Battle at Avengers Tower is a computer-generated video starring Marvel characters. The viewer can travel along with their favorite heroes. Almost every big Hollywood movie uses VR for promotion. This ranges from behind-the-scenes 360 video to interactive games. The more advanced presentations require a VR headset. However, a lot of 360 video can also be viewed on regular screens. 【答案】1．A 2．D 3．B 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了虚拟现实（VR）技术在电影行业中的多种应用，包括虚拟摄像机、动画制作以及宣传推广，展示了VR如何从科幻概念转变为电影制作中的实用工具。 1. Why could the director walk among lions in The Lion King remake? A. Virtual cameras were used. B. Real lions were brought in. C. The set was built in Africa. D. He wore a special costume. 【答案】A 【解析】推理判断题。根据“Virtual cameras”部分倒数第二句“Photorealistic lions were filmed using virtual cameras on an empty sound stage. The director and crew could walk among the lions as if they were actually there”可知，导演能够“走”在狮子中间是因为使用了虚拟摄像机。B、C、D三项均与原文信息相悖或未提及。故选A。 2. What does “tickles the imagination” mean? A. Makes people bored. B. Causes memory loss. C. Hurts the brain. D. Sparks creative ideas. 【答案】D 【解析】词义推断题。“tickle the imagination”是常用短语，意为“激发想象力”。 第一段提到VR长期是科幻题材，电影《头号玩家》展示了人们对VR的想象，后文讲VR被用于创造电影魔法，因此“tickles the imagination”应理解为“激发创意想法”。A项（使人厌倦）、B项（导致失忆）、C项（伤害大脑）均不符合语境。D项“Sparks creative ideas”最贴近原意。故选D。 3. Why does the author mention “Ready Player One”? A. To criticize Hollywood movies. B. To show VR as a movie subject. C. To advertise Spielberg’s film. D. To compare VR with traditional films. 【答案】B 【解析】【解析】写作目的题。根据第一段“Movies like 'Ready Player One' show how Hollywood depicts VR”可知，作者提及该电影是为了说明好莱坞如何描绘VR，即引出VR作为电影题材。A项（批评）、C项（打广告）、D项（比较）均不是作者目的。故选B。 4. What can 360 cameras do on a movie set? A. Replace all traditional cameras. B. Draw 3D animations directly. C. Eliminate the need for actors. D. Capture all angles of the set. 【答案】D 【解析】批判性思维题。根据“Marketing and promotion”部分第二句“360 cameras can shoot all angles of a movie set”可知，360度摄像机可以拍摄电影场景的所有角度。A项（取代所有传统摄像机）、B项（直接绘制3D动画，那是Quill的功能）、C项（消除对演员的需求）均属过度推断或与原文不符。故选D。 Passage 3 If you’ve ever played with a VR headset, you might think the only risks are tripping over your dog or hitting someone by accident. While those physical dangers are definitely things that you need to look out for, there are cyber security threats that you should be aware of as well. Here are some simple steps you can take to make sure your virtual reality session doesn’t turn into a virtual nightmare. 1. Don’t buy a fake device A cheap, fake VR headset may cost much less, but it also brings more risk. Fake devices are often sold by cyber criminals who want to steal your money or information. They may contain spyware or malware that can attack your other devices. Always buy from well-known and trusted companies, either online or in store. 2. Use a VPN VR devices often need more of your personal information than other game systems. They may use voice detection, motion sensors, and cameras. A cyber criminal could try to exploit this data. A VPN (virtual private network) helps protect your privacy by hiding your location and IP address. You can set up your router to use a VPN for safer gaming. 3. Use a separate network for your VR system Keeping all your devices on the same Wi-Fi network can be risky. If a cyber criminal breaks into one device, they may reach all the others. Some smart devices, like VR headsets, may not be as secure as your laptop or phone. To stay safe, create a separate Wi-Fi network for your smart devices. 4. Update your device regularly Software updates do more than add new features. They also fix bugs and security problems. Cyber criminals are always finding new tricks, so it is important to keep your device updated. Set your device to update automatically so you won’t miss any. 【答案】 1. D 2. B 3. A 4. B 【导语】 本文是一篇说明文，介绍了使用虚拟现实（VR）设备时可能面临的网络安全风险，并给出了四项实用的安全建议，包括购买正品设备、使用虚拟专用网络、设置独立Wi-Fi网络以及定期更新系统。文章旨在提高用户的网络安全意识，帮助读者安全地享受VR技术带来的体验。题目围绕文章中的具体建议展开，考查考生获取细节信息、进行推理判断以及将文中建议应用于实际情境的能力。 1. What should you do to avoid buying a fake VR headset? A. Buy the cheapest headset you can find. B. Only buy a headset from an online store. C. Buy a headset that has no cameras or sensors. D. Only buy from well-known and trusted companies. 【答案】D 【解析】细节理解题。根据文章“Don’t buy a fake device”部分中的“Always buy from well-known and trusted companies, either online or in store.”可知，为了避免买到假冒的VR头显，应该从知名且可信的公司购买。A项“买最便宜的头显”、C项“买没有摄像头和传感器的头显”、B项“只从网店购买”均与原文不符。故选D。 2. Why does the author suggest using a VPN when using VR? A. To make the VR games run faster. B. To help the user find more games online. C. To hide the user’s location and IP address. D. To stop the VR headset from collecting data. 【答案】B 【解析】 细节理解题。根据文章“Use a VPN”部分中的“A VPN helps protect your privacy by hiding your location and IP address.”可知，使用VPN的目的是隐藏用户的位置和IP地址。A项“让游戏运行更快”、B项“帮助用户找到更多游戏”、D项“阻止VR头显收集数据”文中均未提及。故选C。 3. What can be inferred about smart devices like VR headsets? A. They are less secure than some other devices. B. They are always as secure as laptops. C. They do not need regular software updates. D. They cannot be attacked by cyber criminals. 【答案】A 【解析】 推理判断题。根据文章“Use a separate network for your VR system”部分中的“Some smart devices, like VR headsets, may not be as secure as your laptop or phone.”可以推断，VR头显等智能设备可能不如笔记本电脑或手机安全。A项“总是和笔记本电脑一样安全”与原文相反；C项“不需要定期软件更新”与文中“update your device regularly”矛盾；D项“不会被网络犯罪分子攻击”与全文主旨不符。故选B。 4. According to the passage, what should a user do to avoid missing important security updates? A. Buy a new VR headset every year. B. Set the device to update automatically. C. Stop using the device for a long time. D. Connect the device to a public Wi-Fi network. 【答案】B 【解析】分析应用题。根据文章最后一段“Set your device to update automatically so you won’t miss any.”可知，为了防止错过重要的安全更新，用户应将设备设置为自动更新。A项“每年购买新VR头显”、C项“长时间停止使用设备”、D项“将设备连接到公共Wi-Fi网络”均不是文中建议的做法。故选B。 Passage 4 Step aside, chalkboards and textbooks; classrooms today are donning headsets. With the rise of Virtual Reality (VR) in education, students are dissecting 3D organs, exploring ancient Rome, or walking on the surface of Mars, all without leaving their desks. The promise of VR in classrooms is bold: immersive, hands-on learning that boosts comprehension, engagement, and memory retention. But is this groundbreaking technology here to stay, or is it just an expensive distraction? The global VR education market is expected to hit $32.9 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research, and major platforms like Meta’s Quest for Education and Google Expeditions are helping schools implement virtual field trips, science labs, and historical recreations. This technology brings content to life in a way traditional methods can’t. A 2022 PwC study found that VR learners are 4x faster to train than in traditional classrooms and 1.5x more focused. Another study from the University of Maryland showed VR learners retained information nearly 10% better than those using conventional digital methods. And students aren’t the only ones benefiting. VR enables teachers to simulate risky experiments or inaccessible environments, like exploring volcanoes or understanding nuclear reactions, with zero safety concerns. In fields like medicine, architecture, and engineering, VR has already become a cornerstone of training. Still, there are challenges. VR headsets are expensive, require stable internet, and can lead to physical strain or motion sickness in some users. Schools in lower-income regions may struggle with implementation, further widening the digital divide. There’s also the risk of novelty: without proper curriculum integration, VR can become more entertainment than education. But for the students who do have access, the impact is undeniable. VR can increase empathy (such as walking through a refugee camp simulation), improve engagement for students with learning differences, and offer a level of personalization that redefines what it means to “be present” in class. 【答案】1. C 2. A 3. B 4. D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了虚拟现实（VR）技术在教育领域的应用现状与前景，指出VR能提供沉浸式、互动性强的学习体验，有助于提升学习效率、专注度和记忆效果，但也面临设备成本、数字鸿沟及课程整合等挑战。 1. What is one benefit of VR for teachers? A. Lower salaries. B. Fewer students. C. Safer experiments. D. Longer vacations. 【答案】C 【解析】 细节理解题。 根据第三段“VR enables teachers to simulate risky experiments... with zero safety concerns”可知，VR让教师能够模拟危险实验，无需担心安全问题，因此“更安全的实验”是教师受益之处。A项（更低工资）、B项（更少学生）、D项（更长假期）文中均未提及，属于无中生有。故选C。 2. Why might VR widen the digital divide? A. It is costly to implement. B. It reduces student focus. C. It replaces all textbooks. D. It only works for science. 【答案】A 【解析】推理判断题。根据第四段“VR headsets are expensive... Schools in lower-income regions may struggle with implementation, further widening the digital divide”可推断，VR设备昂贵，低收入地区学校难以负担，从而加剧数字鸿沟。B项与文中“more focused”相悖；C项（取代所有教科书）和D项（仅适用于科学）文中均未提及，属于过度推断。故选A。 3. Why does the author mention “walking through a refugee camp”? A. To advertise a new game. B. To show VR boosts empathy. C. To compare VR with films. D. To criticize VR technology. 【答案】B 【解析】写作目的题。根据最后一段“VR can increase empathy (such as walking through a refugee camp simulation)”可知，作者提及难民 camp 模拟是为了具体说明VR能够提升同理心。A项（宣传新游戏）、C项（与电影比较）、D项（批评VR技术）均与文意不符。故选B。 4. What should schools do before using VR? A. Buy the cheapest headsets. B. Use VR only for entertainment. C. Remove all traditional teaching. D. Integrate VR into the curriculum. 【答案】D 【解析】判断推理题。根据第四段“without proper curriculum integration, VR can become more entertainment than education”可合理推断，学校在使用VR前应将其合理融入课程，而非仅作为娱乐工具。A项（买最便宜的头显）和C项（取消所有传统教学）均属极端做法，文中无依据；B项（仅用于娱乐）与文中建议相反。故选D。 话题3太空探索 Passage 1 In 2010, the planetary defence team at NASA had identified and logged 90 per cent of the asteroids (小行星) near Earth measuring 1km wide. These ‘near-Earth objects’, or NEOs, are the size of mountains and include anything within 50 million kilometres of Earth’s orbit. With an estimated 50 left to log, NASA says none of the 887 it knows about are a significant danger to the planet. Now NASA is working towards logging some of the smaller asteroids, those measuring 140 metres wide or more. Of the 25,000 estimated asteroids of this size, so far about 8,000 have been logged, leaving 17,000 unaccounted for. Considering that a 19-metre asteroid that exploded above the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013 injured 1,200 people, these middle- sized asteroids would be a serious danger if they enter Earth’s orbit. ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroids’ are rocks close enough to pass within 7.5 million kilometres of Earth’s orbit. NASA has created a map of 1,400 PHAs, none of which are expected to be a threat in the next one hundred years. With technology already available, NASA can track these objects and make predictions about possible impact, at which point two defence solutions could be launched. The first is DART – the Double Asteroid Redirection Test. Plans are scheduled to test DART on the moon of an asteroid called Didymos. ‘Didymoon’ is 150 metres wide, orbiting its 800- metre mother, and hopefully the impact of DART will knock it out of its orbit enough for Earth- based telescopes to pick up. Another suggested defence against a PHA on course to hit Earth is to blow it up using a nuclear weapon. It may sound like a plot from a film, and it was the subject of the 1998 film Armageddon, but the Hypervelocity Asteroid Mitigation Mission for Emergency Response (HAMMER) is a genuine NASA proposal. The eight-ton rockets would be fired at an approaching asteroid with the hope of bumping it off course. If the asteroid was too close to Earth for this plan to work, the rockets would carry nuclear bombs to blow it up instead. 【答案】1．C 2．D 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了NASA对小行星的监测与防御工作，包括已记录的大型小行星、尚待发现的中等大小小行星、潜在危险小行星的定义，以及两种防御方案：DART撞击测试和核武器方案。 1. How many large NEOs are still unlogged? A. 887. B. 900. C. 50. D. 1,400. 【答案】C 【解析】细节理解题。根据第一段“With an estimated 50 left to log”可知，尚未记录的大型近地天体约有50颗。A项是已记录的数量；B项文中未提及；D项是PHAs的数量。故选C。 2. Why does the author mention the Chelyabinsk event? A. To prove large asteroids are dangerous. B. To advertise a new film. C. To compare two space agencies. D. To show the danger of mid-sized asteroids. 【答案】D 【解析】推理判断题。根据第二段，作者提到2013年车里雅宾斯克事件（19米小行星致1200人受伤），紧接着指出“these middle-sized asteroids would be a serious danger”。因此该例子是为了说明中等大小小行星的危险性。A项“大型小行星”与例子不符；B、C项文中未提及。故选D。 3. What is the main idea of paragraph 3? A. PHAs will hit Earth soon. B. NASA hides PHA maps. C. PHAs are tracked and not an immediate threat. D. Defence solutions are unavailable. 【答案】C 【解析】段落大意题。第三段指出PHAs的定义、NASA已绘制地图、未来一百年内无威胁，且现有技术可追踪并预测撞击。因此主旨是“PHAs已被追踪且不是 immediate threat”。A项与原文相反；B、D项与原文相悖。故选C。 4. What could NASA do if an asteroid is too close for DART? A. Do nothing. B. Use DART anyway. C. Evacuate Earth. D. Use nuclear bombs. 【答案】D 【解析】细节理解题。根据第五段“If the asteroid was too close to Earth for this plan to work, the rockets would carry nuclear bombs to blow it up instead”可知，如果小行星距离地球太近导致DART方案无法奏效，NASA将使用核炸弹。A、B、C项均与原文不符。故选D。 Passage 2 The history of space travel began in the middle of the 20th century during a time known as the Cold War. In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. This small metal sphere sent radio signals from space and surprised the world. It marked the beginning of the Space Age. After Sputnik, the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States became more intense. In 1961, Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space and orbit the Earth. Just a few years later, in 1969, the United States achieved a historic moment when Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the lunar surface, saying the famous words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Following the Moon landings, space exploration focused on long-term missions and cooperation. Space stations such as Skylab, Mir, and later the International Space Station (ISS) allowed astronauts from different countries to live and work in space for months. These missions helped scientists study the effects of space on the human body and conduct important experiments. At the same time, robotic missions explored the Solar System. Space probes traveled to Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and beyond, sending back detailed images and data. Mars, in particular, became a major focus. Rovers like Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance explored the Red Planet, searching for signs of water and possible past life. Today, space travel is entering a new era. Private companies are developing reusable rockets, making space missions cheaper and more frequent. Scientists are planning future missions to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. From the simple beeping of Sputnik to advanced Mars rovers, space travel continues to push the limits of human knowledge and imagination. 【答案】1．B 2．A 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章按照时间顺序，从20世纪中叶的冷战时期开始，介绍了人类太空旅行的发展历程，包括早期的美苏太空竞赛、登月计划、空间站建设、机器人探测任务以及当前私人企业参与的新时代。 1. What was Sputnik 1? A. A US space station. B. The first artificial satellite. C. A rover on Mars. D. The first human in space. 【答案】B 【解析】细节理解题。根据第一段“the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth”可知，Sputnik 1是第一颗人造地球卫星。A项“美国空间站”、C项“火星车”、D项“太空第一人”均与原文不符。故选B。 2. Why does the author mention “simple beeping of Sputnik” in the last paragraph? A. To contrast past and present achievements. B. To show Sputnik was the most important. C. To prove later missions failed. D. To compare two space agencies. 【答案】A 【解析】 推理判断题。最后一段提到“From the simple beeping of Sputnik to advanced Mars rovers”，用Sputnik的简单信号与先进的火星车形成对比，突出太空旅行从过去到现在的巨大进步。B项“证明Sputnik最重要”与原文“simple”形成矛盾；C项“证明后续任务失败”与原文事实相反；D项“比较两个航天机构”文中未提及。故选A。 3 Why does the author write this article? A. To sell space tickets. B. To criticize space race. C. To introduce space history. D. To compare two countries. 【答案】C 【解析】 写作目的题。文章按时间顺序介绍了从Sputnik到火星车的太空旅行发展历程，目的是“介绍太空历史”。A项“销售太空票”、B项“批评太空竞赛”、D项“比较两个国家”均不是作者目的。故选C。 4. What helped make space missions cheaper today? A. More astronauts. B. Government only. C. Fewer rockets. D. Reusable rockets. 【答案】D 【解析】 细节理解题。根据第五段“Private companies are developing reusable rockets, making space missions cheaper and more frequent”可知，可重复使用的火箭降低了太空任务的成本。A项“更多宇航员”、B项“只有政府”、C项“更少的火箭”均与原文不符。故选D。 Passage 3 Maybe you have heard this question before: "Should we waste money on space when there are problems down here on Earth?" It is a fair question. But is space exploration truly worth it? With issues like public health, social injustice and climate change, exploring space may seem like a misuse of funding. However, solving these problems does not require defunding space programs. Here is why. First, space research is not as expensive as you might think. Many people believe NASA takes up a quarter of the U.S. budget. In fact, NASA's entire budget is only about 0.5%. In other countries, space budgets are even smaller. Spending on space also pays off. It supports skilled jobs, fuels technology, and creates business opportunities. This money feeds back into the economy. It grows the pool of public funds that can be spent on solving pressing problems. Space research also directly impacts earthly problems. Learning to grow food on Mars can help us grow food in extreme conditions on Earth. This could reduce the effects of climate change. Medical research on the space station helps us understand the human body in new ways. It saves lives and improves quality of life. If an asteroid ever heads toward Earth, all our progress will not help us. We must explore space to find and study these objects. Only then can we defend our planet. There are also benefits that are hard to price. Studying other worlds shows us that Earth is a precious oasis. This cosmic perspective underscores the importance of protecting our planet. Space is also inspiring. Not everyone can become an astronaut. But aiming for something grand gives us all drive. Children are motivated to learn science, engineering and medicine. When we marvel at Jupiter's clouds or the mystery of other worlds, we appreciate the wonder of our universe. There is no denying that humanity faces many important issues. But solving them does not mean we must stop looking up or stop exploring. We can and must do more than one important thing at a time. Even in hard times, there is something beautiful about making great efforts to achieve something great and discovering something that could change how we see ourselves forever. 【答案】1．B 2．C 3．B 4．C 【导语】本文是一篇议论文。文章针对“地球上有许多问题亟待解决，是否还应将资金投入太空探索”这一质疑，从预算占比、经济回报、解决地球实际问题、防御小行星、宇宙视角的启发以及激励作用等多个角度，论证了太空探索的价值与必要性。 1. How can space research help with climate change? A. By stopping all pollution. B. By growing food in extreme conditions. C. By sending people to Mars. D. By reducing the Sun’s heat. 【答案】B 【解析】 细节理解题。根据第五段“Learning to grow food on Mars can help us grow food in extreme conditions on Earth. This could mitigate the effects of climate change”可知，太空研究通过帮助在极端条件下种植粮食来缓解气候变化的影响。A、C、D项文中均未提及。故选B。 2. Why does the author write this article? A. To stop space exploration. B. To sell space tickets. C. To defend space programs. D. To compare two countries. 【答案】C 【解析】写作目的题。文章开篇提出质疑“是否应将钱浪费在太空”，随后从多个角度论证太空探索的价值，因此写作目的是“为太空项目辩护”。A项“停止太空探索”与文意相反；B项“销售太空票”、D项“比较两个国家”均不是作者目的。故选C。 3. What can governments do to support both Earth and space? A. Stop all space research. B. Fund space programs properly. C. Only focus on climate change. D. Send all money to the military. 【答案】B 【解析】判断推理题。文章指出太空预算占比很小（0.5%），且太空研究能带来经济回报、解决地球问题、防御小行星等。因此，政府可以“适当资助太空项目”，同时兼顾地球问题。A项“停止所有太空研究”、C项“只关注气候变化”、D项“将所有资金用于军事”均与文章观点不符。故选B。 4. What is the writer’s opinion about space exploration? A. Space exploration is a waste of money when there are serious problems on Earth. B. Space exploration should be stopped until all earthly problems are solved. C. Space exploration is worthwhile because it brings economic, scientific, and inspirational benefits. D. Space exploration is only useful for defending against asteroids. 【答案】C 【解析】本题考查作者对太空探索的看法。文章开头提出“是否应该把钱浪费在太空上”的问题，随后作者明确表示反对这一观点，并从多个角度论证太空探索的价值： 第二段指出解决地球问题不需要取消太空项目的资金。 第四段说明太空探索能支持就业、推动技术、创造商业机会，最终反哺经济。 第五段指出太空研究直接帮助解决地球问题，如火星种植技术应对气候变化、空间站医学研究改善人类健康。 第六段强调探索太空有助于发现并防御小行星撞击。 第七、八段指出太空探索带来精神层面的激励，激发孩子学习科学，并让我们珍惜地球。 综上，作者认为太空探索不仅值得投入，而且能带来经济、科学、防御和精神等多方面的收益。因此C项最全面、最准确地概括了作者的观点。 干扰项分析： A项：这是文章开头提出的质疑观点，是作者要反驳的对象，而非作者本人的看法。 B项：文章最后一段明确指出“解决地球问题不意味着我们必须停止仰望星空或停止探索”，作者主张可以同时做多件重要的事，而非先解决地球问题再探索太空。 D项：过于片面。防御小行星只是太空探索的价值之一，文章还提到了经济回报、医学进步、食物种植、精神激励等多个方面，因此D项不能代表作者的整体观点。 话题4 医学与健康 Passage 1 Memorandum: New Green Transport Measures at the Hospital To reduce its carbon footprint, the hospital is introducing several environmentally-friendly transport changes for staff, visitors, and patients, effective from April 1st. Changes to Car Parks Car Park A remains for staff only, but between 7 am and 6 pm, only cars with three or more passengers may use it, encouraging car sharing. Staff seeking car-sharing partners can visit the hospital’s human resources webpage. Car Park C, previously staff-only, now opens to visitors at £2 per hour for the first five hours and £1 thereafter—rates that also apply to Car Park E. Car Park B is reserved for blue card holders (senior and emergency staff only), while Car Park D will be closed to make way for an improved bus park. Improved Bus Services The current Service 56D is replaced by two new services, available to everyone. Service 57A runs 24/7 from Hebdon Town Centre, Hebden Station, Critchley Park and Ride, Grafton Street Station, and Portchester City Centre to the hospital—every 20 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm and hourly at night. Service 62A runs from Oldgrave Town Centre, Kings Wood Park and Ride, and Polegate Park and Ride every 15 minutes between 7:30 am and 7:00 pm, then every 30 minutes. Both buses cost a flat £1 per journey; staff can buy a 20-trip pass for £15 on the bus. A yearly Go! pass (£45) allows staff to park at any city park-and-ride for just £2 a day. Cycling and Motorcycle Facilities An improved lock-up shed for bicycles and motorcycles will be built in the former Car Park D. Staff can download a voucher from the HR website for 50% off cycles and accessories at Perkin’s Wheels (staff ID required in-store). Additionally, free bicycle repair advice and minor fixes are available every other Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm in Car Park D. We hope you will take advantage of these green initiatives. 【答案】1．B 2．A 3．B 4．D 【导语】本文是一份医院内部备忘录。文章介绍了医院为减少碳足迹而推出的多项绿色交通措施，包括停车场规则调整、新增公交服务以及自行车和摩托车设施改进，面向员工、访客和患者。 1. When is Car Park A restricted to cars with 3+ people? A. All day and night. B. 7 am to 6 pm. C. 7 pm to 7 am. D. Weekends only. 【答案】B 【解析】细节理解题。根据“Changes to Car Parks”部分第一句“Car Park A remains for staff only, but between 7 am and 6 pm, only cars with three or more passengers may use it”可知，限制时间为早上7点至下午6点。A项“全天”、C项“晚上7点至早上7点”、D项“仅周末”均与原文不符。故选B。 2. What does “flat” mean in “a flat £1 per journey”? A. Fixed and unchanging. B. Cheap for short trips. C. Expensive for long trips. D. Different per route. 【答案】A 【解析】词义推断题。“a flat £1 per journey”意为每次旅程固定收费1英镑，不随距离或路线变化。B项“短途便宜”、C项“长途昂贵”、D项“每条路线不同”均是对“flat”的常见误解，与“固定不变”的含义相反。故选A。 3. What is the main idea of the “Cycling” section? A. Bikes are faster than cars. B. Staff can get bike repairs and discounts. C. Car parks will be removed. D. Buses are better for the environment. 【答案】B 【解析】段落大意题。“Cycling and Motorcycle Facilities”部分提到：新建自行车摩托车存放棚、员工可下载五折购物券、每两周一次免费维修咨询。因此本段主旨是“员工可以获得自行车维修服务和折扣”。A项“自行车比汽车快”、C项“停车场将被拆除”、D项“公交车更环保”均与本段内容无关。故选B。 4. A staff member lives near Oldgrave Town Centre. Which bus should they take? A. Service 56D. B. Service 57A. C. Service 57A at night. D. Service 62A. 【答案】D 【解析】 判断推理题。根据“Improved Bus Services”部分，Service 62A“runs from Oldgrave Town Centre... to the hospital”。因此住在Oldgrave Town Centre附近的员工应乘坐62A路。A项56D已被替换；B项57A不经过Oldgrave；C项57A夜间服务虽存在，但路线仍不经过Oldgrave。故选D。 Passage 2 Over the last ten years, technology has completely changed the fitness landscape. In the past, people went to the gym, ran outside, or played sports to stay fit. Now, with the rise of new technology, the way we exercise has become more varied and accessible. Smartwatches, virtual workouts, and Al personal trainers have all made it easier to stay active and monitor our progress. The fitness world has already changed dramatically, and in the future， it will only get better. In the past, tracking your fitness was much more difficult. People used basic tools like pedometers to count their steps, but they didn’t give much information about health. However, in the last decade, smartwatches and fitness trackers have made a big difference. These devices have improved, and now, they can track not only your steps but also your heart rate, calories burned, and even sleep patterns. This technology has made people more aware of their health and fitness levels. Another major change has been in how people exercise. In the past, if you wanted to work out, you had to go to a gym or join a class. Now, you can join virtual fitness classes from home. Platforms like Peloton and YouTube have made it possible to do a wide variety of workouts from anywhere. This has made exercise more convenient for people with busy schedules. It's also cheaper because you don’t need a gym membership or expensive equipment to stay fit. Fitness technology developed rapidly, but there's still more to come. In the near future, experts predict that AI-driven fitness will become even more common. AI personal trainers have already started to replace real trainers for some people. These virtual trainers can create personalized workout plans and give advice based on your progress. They have improved the accessibility of personalized fitness coaching，making it affordable for more people. Looking further ahead, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will likely play a bigger role in fitness. Although some VR fitness apps have been created, the technology is still new. In the future, VR might let you run through virtual forests, climb digital mountains, or even join global fitness. 【答案】1．D 2．B 3．D 4．C 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了过去十年科技如何改变了健身领域，包括智能穿戴设备、虚拟健身课程和AI私人教练的兴起，并对未来VR和AR在健身中的应用进行了展望。 1. If a person with a busy schedule wants to exercise at home cheaply, what should they try? A. Join a gym. B. Buy a pedometer. C. Hire a human trainer. D. Use virtual fitness classes. 【答案】D 【解析】判断推理题。根据第三段“virtual fitness classes from home... more convenient for people with busy schedules... cheaper because you don’t need a gym membership”可知，虚拟健身课程适合忙碌且想省钱在家锻炼的人。A项“加入健身房”与“cheaply”和“at home”矛盾；B项“买计步器”不能提供完整锻炼；C项“雇真人教练”通常更贵。故选D。 2. What do AI personal trainers create for users? A. New gym equipment. B. Personalized workout plans. C. Virtual reality games. D. Healthy meal recipes. 【答案】B 【解析】细节理解题。根据第四段“These virtual trainers can create personalized workout plans and give advice based on your progress”可知，AI私人教练可以为用户创建个性化的锻炼计划。A、C、D项文中均未提及。故选B。 3. Why does the author mention Peloton and YouTube? A. To compare two companies. B. To advertise their products. C. To show the cost of virtual workouts. D. To give examples of virtual fitness platforms. 【答案】D 【解析】 推理判断题。根据第三段“Platforms like Peloton and YouTube have made it possible to do a wide variety of workouts from anywhere”可知，作者提及Peloton和YouTube是为了举例说明虚拟健身平台。A项“比较两家公司”、B项“宣传产品”、C项“展示虚拟健身成本”均不是作者目的。故选D。 4. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this article? A. To sell fitness products. B. To criticize modern technology. C. To describe changes in fitness technology. D. To compare past and future gyms. 【答案】C 【解析】写作目的题。文章从过去十年的变化入手，介绍了智能设备、虚拟课程、AI教练以及未来VR/AR的应用，整体目的是“描述健身科技的变化”。A项“销售健身产品”、B项“批评现代科技”、D项“比较过去和未来的健身房”均不是作者主要目的。故选C。 Passage 3 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) Tongue Diagnosis The Importance of Your Tongue’s Color Firstly, I look at the color of your tongue. A healthy tongue is fresh pink, or light pink, in color. If your tongue is pale, bright red or purple, then chances are that there is some imbalance or stagnation within your body. What The Shape of Your Tongue Tells Us Secondly, I look at the shape of your tongue. Is it small, puffy, or enlarged? If you have a slender body type, it could be normal that your tongue is small. If your tongue is enlarged, it usually means there is some deficiency within your internal organ system. For some people, their tongue is so enlarged that their teeth get in the way of their tongue and leave marks. If this is you, most likely you feel fatigued quite easily. What Tongue Features Tell Us About Your Health Thirdly, I look at the features on your tongue. Is there a crack in your tongue? Do I see speckles or ulcers? A lot of patients that just had covid would see a change in features of their tongues. Some develop speckles and some get ulcers. Lastly, I look at the coating of your tongue. A healthy tongue should have a rooted light white coating. Some people either have too much coating, while others have no coating at all. Some coating changes from a thin white coating to a yellow coating. Both imply an underlying health concern according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Map of The Tongue In TCM tongue diagnosis, there is a map of the tongue which helps your acupuncturist diagnose which part of the body has an imbalance – and how best to treat that particular issue. It’s important to note that what we mean here are Chinese medicine organ systems, which is different from biomedicine. So please don’t think that you have an actual organ disorder. To be specific, the very tip of the tongue relates to the Heart. The small area behind the tip maps the lung. Spleen and stomach is reflected in the middle of the tongue. The side of your tongue is where liver and gallbladder system disorders manifest. Lastly, the root of the tongue relates to the Kidneys, bladder, and intestines. 【答案】1．A 2．D 3．D 4．A 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章从中医学角度介绍了舌诊的基本方法，包括观察舌头的颜色、形状、特征、舌苔，以及舌头不同区域对应的脏腑系统，帮助读者了解如何通过舌头判断身体健康状况。 1. What does “stagnation” in paragraph 1 probably mean? A. Lack of movement or flow. B. Too much energy. C. Healthy balance. D. Quick recovery. 【答案】A 【解析】 词义推断题。第一段提到健康舌头是浅粉色，如果舌头是紫色则可能体内有“imbalance or stagnation”。结合中医理论，“stagnation”通常指气血运行不畅、停滞。A项“缺乏流动或停滞”最符合。B项“能量过多”、C项“健康平衡”、D项“快速恢复”均不符合语境。故选A。 2. Why does the author mention “covid” in paragraph 3? A. To advertise a Covid treatment. B. To compare Covid and flu. C. To prove TCM is wrong. D. To show an example of tongue changes. 【答案】D 【解析】写作目的题。第三段提到“A lot of patients that just had covid would see a change in features of their tongues”，作者提及新冠是为了举例说明疾病会导致舌头特征发生变化。A项“宣传新冠治疗方法”、B项“比较新冠和流感”、C项“证明中医错误”均不是作者目的。故选D。 3. If a patient has a yellow tongue coating, what might TCM suggest? A. Perfect health. B. Strong kidneys. C. Healthy heart. D. An underlying health issue. 【答案】D 【解析】判断推理题。根据第四段“Some coating changes... to a yellow coating. Both imply an underlying health concern according to TCM”可知，黄色舌苔在中医中意味着潜在的健康问题。A项“完全健康”、B项“肾脏强健”、C项“心脏健康”均与原文不符。故选D。 4. Who is the most likely reader of this text? A. General public interested in TCM. B. Professional chefs. C. Sports coaches. D. Airline pilots. 【答案】A 【解析】文章出处题。文章用通俗语言介绍中医舌诊的基本知识，没有使用过于专业的医学术语，目标读者是对中医感兴趣的普通大众。B项“专业厨师”、C项“体育教练”、D项“飞行员”均与内容不相关。故选A。 Passage 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – which includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, and techniques such as cupping, moxibustion, and acupressure – can help with many health issues, especially chronic (慢性) illnesses. If you have a serious problem that has not responded to conventional medicine, you might seriously consider TCM. We at TrueMind Center are result- and goal- oriented, and we care about the cost-effectiveness of treatment for each patient. From our combined 70+ years of clinical observation, we have seen that most patients see change in their symptoms from just one session, with more dramatic results following after an extended series of sessions. Perhaps the biggest surprise to our patients is the additional benefits (or positive “side-effects”) that they receive from their treatments, such as: · Feeling calm and relaxed (during the session and continuing for days after) · Reduction in anxiety, anger, frustration, and obsessive thinking · Feeling more energetic · Better sleep · Better skin complexion · Ability to let go and forgive more easily · Increased motivation to exercise · Increased self-love Factors that can influence your treatment results include: · Your acupuncturist’s education, training, experience, skill set, and mind set · The complexity and history of your disease · Your mindset and commitment to your treatment plan and natural medicine in general Unless you have the common cold or a simple, fresh injury, it is not realistic to expect one session to cure it all. However, as previously mentioned, you can expect to feel some changes in your body by the first session, and consistent treatment will yield substantive, sustainable results. The smaller the time intervals between sessions, the better the outcome. Patients sometimes ask what they can do to ensure better results from their treatments. Once you’ve established a level of trust with your chosen practitioner, cooperating with her is important; try to “go with the flow” during your treatments. If you are in need of emotional healing or cleansing, going in with an open heart and a willingness to let things go will magnify results. Finally, like any medical regimen (养生之道), we recommend fully committing to your treatment plan for the best results. 【答案】1．C 2．A 3．D 4．A 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了中医（包括针灸、中药、拔罐等）对慢性病的疗效，阐述了TrueMind Center的治疗理念、患者可能获得的额外益处、影响治疗效果的因素，并对患者的治疗预期和合作方式提出了建议。 1. What is one positive “side-effect” of TCM treatment? A. More anxiety. B. Worse sleep. C. Better skin. D. Less energy. 【答案】C 【解析】细节理解题。根据第二段列举的额外益处中包括“Better skin complexion”，即更好的肤色。A项“更多焦虑”、B项“更差的睡眠”、D项“更少的精力”均与原文相反。故选C。 2. Why does the author mention “the common cold” in paragraph 5? A. To contrast with complex chronic problems. B. To advertise cold medicine. C. To compare two cold types. D. To prove TCM works only for colds. 【答案】A 【解析】推理判断题。第五段指出，除非是普通感冒或简单的急性损伤，否则期望一次治疗治愈所有问题是不现实的。作者提及普通感冒是为了与复杂的慢性问题形成对比，说明不同类型疾病的治疗预期不同。B项“宣传感冒药”、C项“比较两种感冒”、D项“证明中医只对感冒有效”均与文意不符。故选A。 3. A patient wants better results from TCM. What should they do? A. Skip sessions often. B. Distrust the doctor. C. Only do one session. D. Commit fully to the plan. 【答案】D 【解析】判断推理题。根据第六段“we recommend fully committing to your treatment plan for the best results”可知，患者应完全投入治疗计划以获得最佳效果。A项“经常跳过疗程”、B项“不信任医生”、C项“只做一次治疗”均与原文建议相反。故选D。 4. Who is the most likely reader of this text? A. People seeking alternative treatments. B. Professional athletes. C. Airline pilots. D. Restaurant chefs. 【答案】A 【解析】文章出处题。文章介绍中医对慢性病的疗效、治疗预期和患者配合建议，语言亲切、具有引导性，目标读者是正在寻求替代疗法（如中医）的人。B项“职业运动员”、C项“飞行员”、D项“厨师”均与内容不相关。故选A。 话题5 生活与学习 Passage 1 Although it's a sitting and still activity, reading books can be good for your health. In fact, people who read books tend to live longer. Why? Like most hobbies, the answer is simple: mental engagement. In the case of books, this is achieved via "deep reading," which is the immersive process of connecting with a text, asking questions about it, and thinking about how it connects to the real world. Studies have also revealed that readers have stronger concentration and critical thinking skills, and they are better at understanding other people's feelings. In short, books keep our minds active, and an active mind often means a longer, healthier life. This makes sense. Just like our bodies, our brains need exercise. Whether we get that exercise from books, board games, or crossword puzzles, the important thing is consistent mental engagement. When it comes to reading, a twelve-year Yale University study revealed that senior citizens who read books were around 20% less likely to die than those who read nothing. This was for people who read for more than 3.5 hours per week. This statistic reinforces the importance of keeping our minds going. Another benefit of reading is stress reduction. In addition to being a relaxing activity, reading exposes us to new ideas and ways of looking at the world. As mentioned, this helps develop our critical thinking skills and ability to understand other people's feelings. As these abilities grow stronger, we become better at understanding the world and handling its daily stresses. But what about online news reports or magazine articles? Don't they have similar benefits? Not quite. The key reason for this is depth. While you can finish most articles in five to ten minutes, a book demands more focus and commitment. Authors take their time exploring themes, character psychologies, and real-world issues—basically, we spend more time with a book's ideas and end up thinking about them more. The bright side for news lovers is that there is evidence that longer, thoughtful articles can provide benefits. Like books, it is the quality of our reading diet that is important. In conclusion, books don't just entertain us—they actively strengthen our mental muscles and help us live longer, healthier lives. In a digital world that continues to destroy our attention spans, it is books that can save us. 【答案】1．C 2．B 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了阅读书籍对健康的多种益处，包括延长寿命、增强注意力和批判性思维能力、减轻压力等，并对比了书籍与短篇网络文章的区别，强调深度阅读的价值。 1. What does “sedentary” in paragraph 1 probably mean? A. Very exciting. B. Social and fun. C. Sitting and still. D. Fast and active. 【答案】C 【解析】词义推断题。第一段开头“Although it’s a sedentary activity, reading books can be good for your health”表明阅读是一种久坐不动的活动。C项“坐着不动的”最符合。A项“非常刺激”、B项“社交有趣”、D项“快速活跃”均与“sedentary”含义相反。故选C。 2. What is the main idea of paragraph 3? A. Reading increases stress. B. Reading reduces stress and builds skills. C. Reading causes anxiety. D. Reading only helps children. 【答案】B 【解析】段落大意题。第三段指出阅读的另一个好处是减压，同时还能培养批判性思维和理解他人感受的能力。因此本段主旨是“阅读减轻压力并培养技能”。A、C项与原文相反；D项“只对孩子有帮助”文中未提及。故选B。 3. Why does the author mention “board games or crossword puzzles”? A. To compare them with books. B. To advertise new games. C. To give examples of mental exercise. D. To prove they are useless. 【答案】C 【解析】 写作目的题。 第二段提到“Whether we get that exercise from books, board games, or crossword puzzles”，作者提及棋盘游戏和填字游戏是为了举例说明哪些活动可以提供大脑锻炼。A项“与书籍比较”不是主要目的；B、D项与文意不符。故选C。 4. A person wants to improve focus and empathy. What should they do? A. Watch more TV. B. Sleep less. C. Avoid all reading. D. Read books regularly. 【答案】D 【解析】判断推理题。根据第一段“readers have stronger concentration and critical thinking skills, and they are better at understanding other people’s feelings”可知，经常阅读书籍可以提高注意力和理解他人感受的能力。A、B、C项均与原文建议相反。故选D。 Passage 2 You’re 16 and finally you can leave school! By now, you’re probably sick of teachers, desks, tests and exams. But don’t just run for the exit. You need to think carefully about what to do next. If you want a professional career, you will need to go to university and get a degree. To do that, you need to stay at high school for another two years. But you needn’t stay at the same place. There are several options in the district of Northacre. St. Leopold’s School has the best pass rate of all the high schools in the district. It offers a wide range of subjects in the humanities and sciences. St Leopold’s is, of course, a private school, so may be too expensive for you. But don’t worry, there are several other options if you want to follow the academic route. Knowle Grammar School is a state school, so there are no fees, and it has excellent tuition and facilities. It is a boys’ school from the ages of 11-16, but from 16-18 it is co-educational. But it is selective, so you’ll have to pass an exam to get in. If you’re interested in going into Business, check out Wyle River Academy. This school specialises in subjects like Business Studies, Management and Economics. If you prefer the arts, look at the courses on offer at Northacre College. Here you can study woodwork, art, textiles and much more. Northacre College also offers a wide range of vocational qualifications. You can do a 1-year certificate or a 2-year diploma in subjects like electrics, plumbing, roofing and hairdressing. If you’d prefer to work outdoors, look at Milldown College, where there are courses in Farm Mechanics, Land Management, Animal Management and much more. A final option is to get an apprenticeship with a local or national company. You will get on-the-job training, gain certificates or diplomas and start earning straight away. But be warned - places are limited! Find out more at the Jobs Fair on 26th May at Northacre College. 【答案】1．B 2．D 3．B 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇应用文/指导性说明文。文章为16岁即将离开学校的学生提供了继续教育和职业发展的多种选择，包括继续读高中（私立、公立、预科）、职业院校以及学徒制，并介绍了Northacre地区不同学校的特点。 1. What is special about Knowle Grammar School for ages 16-18? A. It only accepts boys. B. It becomes co-educational. C. It charges high fees. D. It focuses on arts only. 【答案】B 【解析】 细节理解题。 根据第三段“It is a boys‘ school from the ages of 11-16, but from 16-18 it is co-educational” 可知，Knowle Grammar School在16-18岁阶段变为男女同校。A项“只收男生”是11-16岁的情况；C项“收费高”与原文“state school, so there are no fees”相悖；D项“只关注艺术”文中未提及。故选B。 2. Why might a student choose an apprenticeship? A. To avoid all exams. B. To study abroad easily. C. To get a free laptop. D. To earn money right away. 【答案】D 【解析】推理判断题。根据第五段“You will get on-the-job training... and start earning straight away”可知，选择学徒制的学生可以马上开始赚钱。A项“避免所有考试”、B项“轻松出国留学”、C项“获得免费笔记本电脑”文中均未提及。故选D。 3. Why does the author mention “Jobs Fair on 26th May”? A. To sell tickets to students. B. To provide a way to learn more. C. To compare two job markets. D. To advertise a new school. 【答案】B 【解析】 写作目的题。第五段末尾“Find out more at the Jobs Fair on 26th May at Northacre College”说明提及招聘会是为了给学生提供获取更多信息的途径。A项“向学生售票”、C项“比较两个就业市场”、D项“宣传新学校”均不是作者目的。故选B。 4. A student wants to study Business but has little money. What should they do? A. Apply to St. Leopold’s School. B. Choose Milldown College. C. Find an apprenticeship. D. Check Wyle River Academy. 【答案】D 【解析】 细节理解题。第三段提到“If you’re interested in going into Business, check out Wyle River Academy”，且该校未明确收费（不像St. Leopold’s是私立学校），因此是合适选择。A项St. Leopold’s是私立学校“may be too expensive”；B项Milldown侧重户外；C项学徒制不是专门学习Business。故选D。 Passage 3 A long long time ago, lots of people lived under the ground, often in caves. In cold places caves were warm in winter, In hot countries, caves were cool in summer. They were also safe. Living above ground could be dangerous, because there were lots of wild animals and other dangers.  Everyone knows about "Hobbits", the little people created by J.R.R.Tolkien in his books, which have become very successful films. Hobbits, who were good people, lived in Hobbit houses below the ground, as in the picture at the top of this page. Other people lived above the ground. Hobbits lived in an imaginary world ... but there are people in the real world who live underground too. Some people live in old underground houses, like Hobbit houses, or in caves. Others live in very modern houses. There are old underground villages in many parts of the world, for example in France, in Spain and in Turkey... even in the USA! Underground houses can be very well protected from heat loss, so they need little or no heating. And they are not all small like Hobbit houses. Some modern underground houses are quite big. In Wales there is a study centre with underground bedrooms. The temperature in these rooms varies between 19° and 22° during the year - but there are no radiators, no fires. All the heating comes directly from the sun! "There are no heating costs!" says Peter Carpenter, who designed the underground building and ran the centre. Lighting is not a problem either. Modern light tubes can bring sunlight into rooms without windows. There are other advantages too. Underground houses use less space; sometimes they are almost invisible. The garden can be on the roof. In tomorrow's world, perhaps we will see (or not see) a lot more houses built underground. 【答案】1．C 2．D 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章从古代穴居生活说起，介绍了托尔金作品中的“霍比特人”地下住宅，进而在现实中介绍了地下房屋在保温、节能、采光及空间利用等方面的优势。 1. Why did ancient people live in caves? A. To read books. B. To hide from Hobbits. C. For warmth and safety. D. For better sunlight. 【答案】C 【解析】细节理解题。根据第一段“In cold places caves were warm in winter... They were also safe.”可知，古代人住在洞穴里是为了保暖和安全。A项“读书”无依据；B项“躲避霍比特人”无依据（霍比特人是虚构的）；D项“获得更好的阳光”与洞穴特点相反。故选C。 2. Why do underground houses need little or no heating? A. They have many windows. B. They use electric fires. C. They are very small. D. They are well insulated. 【答案】D 【解析】推理判断题。根据第五段“Underground houses can be very well insulated, so they need little or no heating”可知，地下房屋保温性能好，因此几乎不需要取暖。A项“有很多窗户”与地下房屋特点不符；B项“使用电暖器”与第六段“no radiators, no fires”相悖；C项“非常小”文中未提及是主要原因。故选D。 3. What is the main idea of paragraph 6? A. Welsh weather is very cold. B. Radiators are necessary. C. Solar energy heats the centre. D. Peter Carpenter is a writer. 【答案】C 【解析】段落大意题。第六段介绍了威尔士的一个学习中心，地下卧室的温度全年保持稳定，没有暖气片和火炉，“All the heating comes directly from the sun”。因此本段主旨是“太阳能为该中心供暖”。A项“威尔士天气很冷”文中未提及；B项“暖气片是必需的”与原文相反；D项“Peter Carpenter是作家”与原文“ran the centre”不符。故选C。 4. What is an advantage of underground houses? A. They are easy to build. B. They have high heating costs. C. They need many windows. D. They save space and are invisible. 【答案】D 【解析】判断推理题。根据第八段“Underground houses use less space; sometimes they are almost invisible”可知，地下房屋节省空间且几乎看不见。A项“容易建造”文中未提及；B项“取暖成本高”与第六段“no heating costs”相反；C项“需要很多窗户”与地下房屋特点相反。故选D。 Passage 4 Millennials (those born between the early 1980s and the early 1990s) make up a huge part of our workforce but they seem to lack loyalty to the companies and the leaders they work for. Multinational companies are noticing larger turnover rates of millennials as employee retention rates fall. This report looks at the findings of two large-scale surveys on the mindset of the millennial generation and explores how organisations can strive to address these needs, increase employee engagement and encourage retention. Research In a global survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), more than 40,000 millennial (born between 1983 and 1993) and non-millennial responses were collected on the topics of workplace culture, communication and working styles, pay structure, career development, work–life balance, etc. In a separate global survey conducted by Deloitte, more than 10,000 millennials participated in a study about their perceptions of the threats and opportunities in the complex world of work. Key findings • Millennials are as committed to their work as their more senior colleagues. • Millennials value interesting work and a good work–life balance. They do not believe that excessive work demands are worth sacrifices in their personal lives. • Millennials want flexibility in their working hours and are willing to give up pay increases and promotions for a flexible working schedule. They believe that success should be measured by productivity and not by the number of hours they are seen in an office. • Millennials want to feel supported and appreciated by their company and their superiors. • Millennials want more opportunities to develop their skills. These include technological skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills. • Millennials believe that businesses and business leaders should contribute to the improvement of society and they are more likely to be loyal to a company with strong ethics. Recommendations Organisations and managers wanting to retain millennials should consider: • monitoring their workload and satisfaction levels with their work–life balance • creating a flexible work culture where employees have more control over their working hours and their work location • providing meaningful work and interesting opportunities • offering help and support in continuing professional development • changing the organisation’s goals from being mainly about profit-making to motives that address social concerns and solve wider societal problems. 【答案】1．B 2．B 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文/调查报告。文章基于普华永道和德勤的两项大规模调查，分析了千禧一代（出生于80年代初至90年代初）员工的工作心态、价值观和需求，并为企业如何提高这一群体的留任率和参与度提出了建议。 1. What did the PwC survey collect data on? A. Only pay structure. B. Workplace culture and styles. C. Only career development. D. Political opinions of staff. 【答案】B 【解析】 细节理解题。根据“Research”部分第一段“responses were collected on the topics of workplace culture, communication and working styles, pay structure, career development, work–life balance, etc.”可知，普华永道调查收集了职场文化、沟通与工作方式等多方面数据。A项和C项都过于片面，D项文中未提及。故选B。故选B。 2. What is the main idea of the “Key findings” section? A. Millennials hate working. B. Millennials value flexibility and purpose. C. Millennials only care about money. D. Millennials want longer hours. 【答案】B 【解析】段落大意题。“Key findings”部分指出千禧一代重视工作与生活平衡、灵活工作时间、技能发展、公司支持以及企业社会责任。因此本段主旨是“千禧一代重视灵活性和目标感”。A、C、D项均与原文内容相反。故选B。 3. Why does the report include “Recommendations”? A. To criticize millennials. B. To sell more products. C. To help retain millennial workers. D. To compare two companies. 【答案】C 【解析】写作目的题。文章第一段指出千禧一代“lack loyalty”且“employee retention rates fall”，并明确说明报告目的为“how organisations can strive to address these needs, increase employee engagement and encourage retention”。因此“Recommendations”部分是为了帮助企业留住千禧一代员工。A项“批评千禧一代”、B项“销售更多产品”、D项“比较两家公司”均不是目的。故选C。 4. If a manager wants to keep millennial staff, what should they do? A. Remove all breaks. B. Focus only on profit. C. Ignore work-life balance. D. Offer flexible work options. 【答案】D 【解析】分析应用题。根据“Recommendations”部分“creating a flexible work culture where employees have more control over their working hours and their work location”可知，管理者应提供灵活的工作选择来留住千禧一代员工。A、B、C项均与原文建议相反。故选D。 话题6 旅游与环境 Passage 1 Hi Ellie, I’m so pleased you can come surfing in August! Paul, Rose and Kevin are coming too, so there will be five of us. We’ve decided to return to New Sands for a couple of days, because the surf board hire is so cheap there. I’m starting to think about accommodation. We won’t camp again after last year! I hated staying in a tent in all that rain! Kevin wants to hire a caravan. There are some nice ones with 3 bedrooms, showers and cooking facilities. The problem is, none of the caravan parks take short bookings in the summer. The minimum stay is a week. It’s a shame because there are several nice parks near the beach. There’s a hostel for young people in New Sands. It’s the cheapest option after camping, and there’s a big kitchen and dining room where we can cook. The problem is, accommodation is in dormitories and I don’t really want to sleep with strangers. There are a few guest houses in New Sands. Some have triple rooms, so we only need to book two rooms. We’ll have to book soon if we choose that option, because many guest houses are already full. The hotels in New Sands are too expensive, although I’d love to stay at the Sunrise Pavilion with its large pool! The final option is to rent a cottage. I found one. It has three bedrooms – a double, a single and a twin, so two of us would have to share a bed! There’s a big kitchen diner with a microwave, washing machine and dishwasher. The living room has a TV and DVD player. There’s just one bathroom, but there’s a separate WC. There’s a nice garden too. The problem is, it’s 5 miles from the beach. Let me know which option you prefer. Cheers, Natalie 【答案】1．C 2．D 3．D 4．C 【导语】本文是一封电子邮件。Natalie在信中告诉Ellie关于八月冲浪假期的安排，并详细讨论了五种住宿选择（露营、房车公园、青年旅舍、家庭旅馆、 cottage）的优缺点，最后请Ellie给出意见。 1. Why won’t the group camp again? A. It was too expensive. B. The tents were new. C. It rained a lot last year. D. The beach was dirty. 【答案】C 【解析】细节理解题。根据第一段“We won’t camp again after last year! I hated staying in a tent in all that rain!”可知，他们不再露营是因为去年下雨太多。A项“太贵”、B项“帐篷是新的”、D项“海滩脏”文中均未提及。故选C。 2. The group has only 3 days. Which place should they avoid? A. A guest house. B. A hostel. C. A cottage. D. A caravan park. 【答案】D 【解析】分析应用题。第二段提到房车公园 “minimum stay is a week”，而他们只有3天时间，因此应避免选择房车公园。A、B、C项均没有最短住宿时长的限制。故选D。 3. Why might they choose a guest house over a hostel? A. Guest houses have dorms. B. Hostels are more private. C. Guest houses cost less. D. Guest houses offer more privacy. 【答案】D 【解析】 推理判断题。第三段提到青年旅舍“accommodation is in dormitories and I don‘t really want to sleep with strangers”，而第六段提到家庭旅馆“have triple rooms, so we only need to book two rooms”。因此，选择家庭旅馆是为了获得更多隐私。A项与原文“triple rooms”而非 dorm 相反；B项与原文“hostel... dormitories... sleep with strangers”相反；C项与原文“hostel... cheapest”相反。故选D。 4. Why did Natalie write this email? A. To cancel the surfing trip. B. To describe her new house. C. To discuss accommodation options. D. To invite Ellie to a party. 【答案】C 【解析】写作目的题。邮件开头提到“I’m starting to think about accommodation”，随后详细列出了五种住宿选择的优缺点，结尾“Let me know which option you prefer”。因此写作目的是“讨论住宿选择”。A项“取消冲浪旅行”、B项“描述她的新房”、D项“邀请Ellie参加派对”均与内容不符。故选C。 Passage 2 Patsy190 writes: Six of us stayed for a weekend. The room was very small. Although clean, the bed cover was stained. Furniture was outdated, especially the old pink bathroom suite with linoleum flooring. The "shower" was just a hose attached to the taps. The sink was in the bedroom next to TV sockets, which seemed unsafe. Dinner was well-cooked but tiny in portion. Drinks were overpriced at £5 for a small wine. My friend ordered brandy and coke, but the waitress brought whisky and coke. When we complained, she walked off. At £120 a night, it was neither cheap nor cheerful — just overpriced and depressing. MellowBunny writes: I had a 3-day break and found the hotel good value. I requested a quiet room, which was noted, and received a large, clean, comfortable room overlooking the racecourse. The only disappointment: no tea/coffee facilities, not even a kettle. Furniture was dated but expected for an old hotel. Food was well-cooked with wide selection. My poached eggs at breakfast were perfect. The three-course dinner had no long waits between courses — a plus when dining alone. Staff were friendly and always helpful. TomWheeler writes: The hotel is conveniently located 200 metres from the racecourse with ample parking. The bed was comfortable with clean sheets, and the power shower was good. However, the room smelt musty, with old, cheap, battered furniture. The bin was unemptied, and rubbish lay on the floor. The bathroom fan was loud, the plumbing made strange noises at night, and the walls were thin. Breakfast was okay but insufficient. JadeUnicorn writes: Don’t be fooled by online pictures — you don’t get what you see. It’s a 35-minute walk from the city centre. Furniture was old but the bed comfortable. The tiny bathroom had an absurdly loud fan, no lock, and no toiletries — not even soap. Cobwebs were everywhere. The dining room was dark and uninviting, with just one tiny window. Food was the kind that gives Britain a bad name: instant coffee and cheap sausages. Service was poor — staff cleared the table while we were still eating. 【答案】 1．A 2．B 3．C 4．B 【导语】本文是一篇应用文，呈现了四位顾客对同一家酒店的真实入住评价。评论内容涵盖了房间设施、卫生状况、餐饮质量、服务态度以及性价比等多个方面，既有正面反馈，也有负面批评。文章通过不同顾客的视角，展示了同一家酒店在不同标准下的优缺点。 1. Why does JadeUnicorn warn readers not to trust online pictures? A. Reality is worse. B. Rooms are smaller. C. Prices are higher. D. Staff are rude. 【答案】A 【解析】细节理解题。JadeUnicorn 原文：“Don’t be fooled by online pictures — you don’t get what you see.” 意思是实际到店看到的比图片差。B项“房间更小”只是可能的一部分，但原文没有特指房间大小；B项“现实更差”更全面准确地概括了原意。C、D 原文未提。 2. What is the main purpose of the four reviews? A. To advertise a hotel. B. To share personal stays. C. To compare prices. D. To suggest improvements. 【答案】B 【解析】写作目的题。四则评论都是住客以第一人称讲述自己的实际入住经历，属于体验分享，而非打广告（A）、比价格（C）或提改进建议（D）。D 项有干扰性，但文中没有人明确提出“建议酒店改进”，只是在陈述事实。B项最准确。 3. Which review is most balanced (both good and bad)? A. Patsy190. B. MellowBunny. C. TomWheeler. D. JadeUnicorn. 【答案】C 【解析】批判性思维题。TomWheeler 既写了优点（位置好、床舒服、淋浴好），也写了缺点（发霉味、旧家具、未清垃圾桶、噪音大）。Patsy190 和 JadeUnicorn 几乎全是负面，MellowBunny 几乎全是正面。C项最平衡。 4. What does JadeUnicorn imply about British food? A. It is usually great. B. It can be terrible. C. It needs more salt. D. It is cheap to make. 【答案】B 【解析】JadeUnicorn 原文：“Food was the kind that gives Britain a bad name.” 意思是这种食物让英国的名声变差，暗示英国食物可能很难吃。B项“It can be terrible”是合理推断。A项相反；C、D 原文无依据。 Passage 3 Imagine waking up in the year 2050. Your morning starts smoothly as your robotic nanny has already prepared a healthy breakfast, gotten the kids ready for school, and even taken the dog for a brisk morning walk. All you need to do is grab your freshly brewed coffee and the breakfast waiting for you on the dining table, then slip on your VR headset. Instantly, you're transported to your virtual office, ready to start the workday. As you immerse yourself in this seamless blend of technology and daily life, consider: would you enjoy this level of automation and virtual interaction? The Virtual Workplace： In this hypothetical 2050, the concept of the 'office' has evolved significantly. Thanks to the metaverse, people from across the globe can collaborate in real-time within immersive, 3D environments. Picture your virtual workspaceL: you can modify it instantly to reflect your mood or boost your productivity. Perhaps one day it's a quiet beachfront villa, the next, a bustling cityscape. How do you think such a setting would affect your workday productivity and job satisfaction? Schools in the Metaverse： The transformation isn't limited to the office. Schools too have embraced this technology. Students attend classes via specialized VR platforms where lessons are more interactive and engaging than ever. Imagine history classes taking place right in the middle of a reenacted battle, or biology students exploring the Amazon rainforest without leaving their homes. Do you think this could enhance learning and retention for students? Lifestyle Implications： With most of your daily tasks automated and remote capabilities enhanced, the structure of your day and even your lifestyle undergoes significant changes. More time is available for personal pursuits, family activities, and hobbies. Do you believe this shift would improve your quality of life, or would you miss certain aspects of your current lifestyle? 【答案】1．C 2．B 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇议论文/未来展望类说明文。文章通过设想2050年的生活场景，探讨了虚拟现实和自动化技术在职场、教育和日常生活中可能带来的变化，并引导读者思考这些变化对工作效率、学习效果和生活质量的潜在影响。 1. Where can students explore the Amazon rainforest in 2050? A. In a real boat. B. In a local park. C. Through VR platforms. D. On a school bus. 【答案】C 【解析】 细节理解题。根据“Schools in the Metaverse”部分“Students attend classes via specialized VR platforms... biology students exploring the Amazon rainforest without leaving their homes”可知，学生通过VR平台探索亚马逊雨林。A、B、D项均与原文“without leaving their homes”不符。故选C。 2. What is the main idea of the “Lifestyle Implications” section? A. People will have less free time. B. Automation may change daily life structure. C. Robots will replace all jobs. D. Family activities will disappear. 【答案】B 【解析】 段落大意题。“Lifestyle Implications”部分指出，随着日常任务自动化和远程能力增强，“the structure of your day and even your lifestyle undergoes significant changes”，人们有更多时间用于个人追求、家庭活动和爱好。因此本段主旨是“自动化可能改变日常生活结构”。A项“空闲时间更少”与原文“more time”相反；C项“机器人将取代所有工作”过于绝对；D项“家庭活动将消失”与原文“more time for family activities”相反。故选B。 3. Why does the author ask questions at the end of each section? A. To test the reader’s memory. B. To sell VR products. C. To encourage personal reflection. D. To give correct answers. 【答案】C 【解析】写作目的题。每个部分末尾作者都提出问题（“would you enjoy this?”“How do you think...?” “Do you believe...?”），目的是引导读者思考并对未来变化进行个人反思。A项“测试读者记忆力”、B项“销售VR产品”、D项“给出正确答案”均不是作者目的。故选C。 4. If a student struggles with boring history lessons, what might help them? A. More textbooks. B. Longer school days. C. Fewer exams. D. VR reenactments of events. 【答案】D 【解析】分析应用题。根据“Schools in the Metaverse”部分“Imagine history classes taking place right in the middle of a reenacted battle”可知，VR重现历史场景可以让历史课更生动有趣，帮助感到无聊的学生。A、B、C项文中未提及且与VR的互动性特点无关。故选D。 Passage 4 The World Happiness Report measures "subjective well-being" – how happy people are, and why. Norway tops this year's list with a score of 7.54, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Finland. The Central African Republic ranks last. Western Europe and North America dominate the top, with the US at 14th and the UK at 19th. Conflict-hit countries and those in sub-Saharan Africa score predictably low, including Syria (152nd out of 155), Yemen and South Sudan (146th and 147th), both facing famine. Released to coincide with the UN's International Day of Happiness on 20 March, the report relies on asking over 1,000 people annually in more than 150 countries a simple question: imagine a ladder from 0 (worst possible life) to 10 (best possible life); on which step do you personally stand? The average answer becomes the country's score. The report also analyses why one country is happier than another, examining factors such as economic strength (GDP per capita), social support, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and perceived corruption. This year's report includes a chapter titled "Restoring American Happiness", examining why happiness in the US is falling despite economic growth. The authors argue that "the United States can and should raise happiness by addressing America's multi-faceted social crisis – rising inequality, corruption, isolation, and distrust – rather than focusing exclusively or even mainly on economic growth." Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, said President Trump's policies – including tax cuts at the top and cutting healthcare – are "all aimed at increasing inequality" and go "in the wrong direction." The report also finds that professional "white collar" jobs are associated with greater happiness than "blue collar" roles, though having any job at all is one of the biggest factors. While well-paying jobs bring more satisfaction, the effect has diminishing returns: an extra $100 means much more to someone at the lower end of income distribution than to someone already earning much more. 【答案】1．D 2．A 3．B 4．C 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了《世界幸福报告》的衡量方法、2024年主要国家的排名情况、影响幸福感的各项因素，并特别分析了美国幸福感下降的原因以及收入与幸福感之间的关系。 1. What question does the report ask people annually? A. How much money they earn. B. Where they were born. C. How many children they have. D. Where they stand on a life ladder. 【答案】D 【解析】细节理解题。根据第二段“imagine a ladder from 0 (worst possible life) to 10 (best possible life); on which step do you personally stand?”可知，报告每年询问人们自认为处于生活阶梯的哪一级。A、B、C项文中均未提及。故选D。 2. What does “diminishing returns” in paragraph 5 probably mean? A. Smaller extra benefit from more money. B. Higher income for everyone. C. Equal happiness for all. D. Lower salaries for rich people. 【答案】A 【解析】词义推断题。第五段指出，高薪工作带来更多满足感，但这种效应存在“diminishing returns”，并举例说明：额外100美元对低收入者的意义远大于对高收入者的意义。因此该短语意为“金钱带来的额外收益递减”。B、C、D项均不符合语境。故选A。 3. What is the main idea of paragraph 3? A. The report only studies economic growth. B. Several factors explain happiness differences. C. GDP is the only measure of happiness. D. Generosity has no effect on happiness. 【答案】B 【解析】段落大意题。第三段指出，报告分析了为什么一个国家比另一个国家更幸福，考察的因素包括经济实力、社会支持、预期寿命、选择自由、慷慨程度和对腐败的看法。因此本段主旨是“多个因素解释了幸福感的差异”。A、C、D项均与原文内容不符。故选B。 4. Why does the author mention Jeffrey Sachs in paragraph 4? A. To advertise his book. B. To criticize the UN. C. To support the report’s view. D. To compare two presidents. 【答案】C 【解析】 写作目的题。 第四段引用Jeffrey Sachs的话，指出特朗普的政策“aimed at increasing inequality”且“go in the wrong direction”，这与报告作者关于美国应解决社会危机的观点一致。因此引用他是为了支持报告的观点。A、B、D项均不是目的。故选C。 2 / 2 学科网（北京）股份有限公司zxxk.com 学科网（北京）股份有限公司zxxk.com 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $ 考前押题02 阅读理解6大常考话题 话题1 人工智能 Passage 1 【答案】1. B 2. C 3. A 4. D Passage 2 【答案】1. D 2. C 3. A 4. D Passage 3 【答案】1. B 2. B 3. C 4. A Passage 4 【答案】1. A 2. D 3. C 4. D 话题2 虚拟现实 Passage 1 【答案】1. C 2. A 3. C 4. D Passage 2 【答案】1. A 2. D 3. B 4. D Passage 3 【答案】1. D 2. B 3. A 4. B Passage 4 【答案】1. C 2. A 3. B 4. D 话题3 太空探索 Passage 1 【答案】1. C 2. D 3. C 4. D Passage 2 【答案】1. B 2. A 3. C 4. D Passage 3 【答案】1．A 2．B 3．D 4．A Passage 4 【答案】1．B 2．C 3．B 4．C 话题4 医学与健康 Passage 1 【答案】1．B 2．A 3．B 4．D Passage 2 【答案】1．D 2．B 3．D 4．C Passage 3 【答案】1．A 2．D 3．D 4．A Passage 4 【答案】1．C 2．A 3．D 4．A 话题5 生活与学习 Passage 1 【答案】1．C 2．B 3．C 4．D Passage 2 【答案】1．B 2．D 3．B 4．D Passage 3 【答案】1．C 2．D 3．C 4．D Passage 4 【答案】1．B 2．B 3．C 4．D 话题6 旅游与环境 Passage 1 【答案】1．C 2．D 3．D 4．C Passage 2 【答案】1．A 2．B 3．C 4．B Passage 3 【答案】1．C 2．B 3．C 4．D Passage 4 【答案】1．D 2．A 3．B 4．C 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 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $