2026届最新高考英语模拟三轮冲刺之阅读理解15篇（说明文）（江苏专用）

2026届最新高考模拟三轮冲刺卷之（江苏专用） 阅读理解15篇（说明文） Passage 1 You leave an hour of online surfing with the sense that the world is falling apart. In the real world, however, a neighbor you disagree with politically helps you start your car. The dissonance is no accident. It is how today’s Internet works. To better understand this gap, researchers surveyed 1,090 adults and found that people dramatically overestimate how common harmful behavior on the Internet is. On Reddit, participants thought harmful commenters were 13 times more common, estimating 43% of users post harmful content, while the actual figure is just 3%. Most offensive posts come from a small group of highly active users, whose outsized posts shape public beliefs, creating the “majority illusion” that makes this minority seem like the norm, drowning out the silent majority. Our brains are wired to notice threats and moral breaks — negative content sticks in our minds. Additionally, social media algorithms (算法) prioritize content that causes strong reactions to keep users engaged, with falsehoods spreading faster than truth. Bot networks (僵尸网络) add to the noise: it has been reported that bad bots make up roughly a third of global web traffic, misleading what trends and who appears popular. Measuring online harmful content is tricky, as automated tools often miss unobvious aggressive remarks. But what matters more is not “how harmful is the Internet,” but what ordinary users perceive as normal. Social psychologists call this dynamic “pluralistic ignorance”: people privately reject harmful norms but go along with them publicly. This misconception formed online creates a dangerous gap, fueling public distrust, preventing public participation, and lowering moral standards — if we think “everyone is awful,” we’re less likely to be kind. While there is no silver bullet, practical steps — rooted in policy and personal awareness — can narrow the gap. The key lies in recognizing online engagement doesn’t equal approval: skip “most engaging” feeds and ground our views in actual world connections. Imagine a public square where the loudest few don’t seize the microphone — disagreement remains, but the air resounds with daily life: neighbors helping start cars, strangers holding doors. Online, we can make that reality visible again. 1．What does the underlined word “dissonance” in Paragraph 1 probably mean? A．Disorder. B．Prejudice. C．Contrast. D．Debate. 2．What does the “majority illusion” refer to in the text? A．A false impression. B．A harmful behavior. C．An overestimated post. D．A minority of commenters. 3．What is Paragraph 3 mainly about? A．Why global web traffic misleads people. B．Why the minority feels like the majority. C．How we identify online harmful content. D．What harm online misconception causes. 4．What is the author’s suggestion in the last paragraph? A．Acting like the loudest few. B．Improving moral standards. C．Avoiding online engagement. D．Valuing real-life interactions. Passage 2 The United Nations estimates that some 40% of the world’s languages face extinction. Can artificial intelligence slow this trend? Global tech giants are optimistic, yet the reality is not that simple. Generative AI has made great progress in breaking down language and cultural barriers, but it has big shortcomings in understanding “low-resource languages” — native and regional dialects lacking valuable digital content. A Stanford report found most major large-language models (LLMs) perform poorly in non-English, especially resource-scarce dialect. This is a cultural loss and a technological blind spot, with the core issue being a lack of high-quality data. The most powerful LLMs need huge amounts of training material, mostly in English. This leads AI to unify culture and spread Anglo-centric views, a problem researchers have long complained about. AI’s multilingual weaknesses bring more than digital exclusion. Studies show low-resource languages can get past its safety guardrails. Inappropriate questions in Thai or Swahili failed to trigger AI’s safety mechanisms, unlike those in English or Chinese. Worse still, anyone can translate dangerous requests into such languages to exploit AI’s flaws, making this a global safety problem, not just a linguistic one. A push for independent AI has grown especially in linguistically diverse Asia to preserve cultural distinctions in AI tools: Singapore’s SEA-LION model covers over a dozen local languages, and Malaysia’s ILMU model recognizes regional cues. These efforts have revealed for an AI model to truly represent a group of people, even the smallest details in training material matter. True language preservation depends on community-led efforts, not just technology. Indonesian researchers tried to save the Orang Rimba language with Meta’s AI but faced limited datasets — only deeper community participation can solve this. New Zealand’s Te Hiku Media set a good example: working with Maori elders, it built a community-owned language database, not one controlled by big tech. This is the only sustainable way — without community involvement, AI will not save dying languages, but help bury them. 1．What is the major problem of AI in protecting dying languages? A．It makes little progress in breaking cultural barriers. B．It cannot create any digital content for native dialects. C．It lacks high-quality training data for low-resource languages. D．It erases cultural diversity and promotes Anglo-centric ideas. 2．What can we learn about AI’s safety guardrails from the text? A．They bring more than digital exclusion. B．They fail to protect English digital users. C．They work well in handling all linguistic requests. D．They can be bypassed by low-resource languages. 3．How does the author present Asia’s independent AI efforts? A．By giving examples. B．By quoting an expert. C．By providing statistics. D．By making a comparison. 4．What can be a suitable title for the text? A．AI: A Powerful Tool for Dying Language Preservation B．Independent AI in Asia: The Key to Solving Language Crisis C．Low-resource Languages: A Big Challenge to AI Development D．Dying Languages: AI’s limitations and the vital community role Passage 3 An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Or, so it is said. Regardless of whether the age-old idiom is literally true, apples are a staple of cuisines and cultures around the world. Unfortunately, climate change has put this beloved fruit in danger. As noted in the study published in IOP Science LTD, when researchers gathered information on five key climate factors that could harm apple trees they found that all of the most productive areas for apple growing, were beginning to face a rise. However, farmers and researchers from Michigan State University are working hard to find ways to make apple trees more resilient. There are numerous approaches being taken in the fight to save the apple tree. In Michigan, according to AP News, they are going genetic. Efforts are underway to graft (嫁接) a late-blooming, native and wild variety, the Sweet Crabapple, with cultivated (培育的) varieties in order to create a more frost-resistant apple tree. Though the Sweet Crabapple only blooms a few weeks after typical apple trees, those few weeks could make a huge difference in terms of the survival and growth of the fruit. “That doesn’t sound like a lot, but almost always that’s enough for the flowers to escape the killing spring frost,” Professor Steve van Nocker, a plant geneticist at Michigan State University said. In Washington State, some farmers have started using netting, which protects the trees from getting sunburn in the extreme heat. In addition, they also use water-misting systems to cool the trees down in hot weather. The fight against climate change requires creativity and diversity. There will be no one-size-fits-all solution, but rather many, all suited to the challenges being experienced in a variety of climates and locations. While Washington fights extreme heat, Michigan is in a battle against unexpected late frosts. Both states are working to save their apples, but need to take different roads to get there. 1．What does the underlined word “resilient” probably mean in paragraph 2? A．Easy to monitor. B．Able to adapt. C．Resistant to disease. D．Quick to produce. 2．What is the purpose of choosing Sweet Crabapple to graft? A．To extend the flowering period. B．To take shelter from the frost. C．To escape from extreme heat. D．To ensure the sweetness and taste. 3．What is emphasized about solving climate-related problems for apples? A．Each region needs tailored approaches. B．Fruit growers should be more innovative. C．Genetic technology is the most effective way. D．Solving water shortage problem is the priority. 4．What is the best title for the passage? A．The Most Productive Apple Varieties B．Different Climates, Different Apples C．Unpredictable Weather Reduces Apple Yield D．Protecting Apples from Climate Change Passage 4 The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that most adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, while you don’t need to exercise every day to be healthy. Exercising at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity at the weekend seems to have similar health benefits as spreading it out throughout the week. To investigate whether it makes a difference when people exercise, Zhi-Hao Li at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, and his teammates analyzed data in the UK Biobank study on the physical activity of more than 93,000 people, aged between 37 and 73. This was recorded by wrist accelerometers (加速度计), worn between 2013 and 2015. Most previous studies have relied on surveys, which can be unreliable. Over eight years of follow-up, nearly 4,000 of the participants died. The researchers found that among people who did at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity but packed it into one or two days, the risk of death from all causes was 32 percent lower than it was for people who didn’t manage this level of exercise. The risk of death from heart disease was 31 percent lower, and from cancer was 21 percent lower. This might make it seem that exercising at the weekend is better than spreading out your physical activity, but there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of death between the “weekend warriors”, who fit their weekly physical activity into just one or two days, and those who were active more regularly. “This study adds to what we know about the ‘right’ way to be active. That is, there is no single ‘right’ way,” says I-Min Lee at Harvard Medical School. “Whether one is regularly active, or whether one bunches activity over only one to two days a week, it is equally beneficial.” All the participants lived in the UK and about 97 percent were white, so the researchers write that additional studies that include a wider range of ethnicities are required to make them more applicable to general populations. 1．Why did the researchers analyze data from the UK Biobank? A．To acquire abundant samples. B．To make the result more convincing. C．To follow up participants easily. D．To compare it with previous surveys. 2．What did Zhi-Hao Li and his team find? A．Daily exercise is a must for good health. B．Weekend warriors face higher death risks. C．Spreading out exercise is better than weekend exercise. D．Weekend exercise and daily workouts are equally beneficial. 3．Which of the following may I-Min Lee agree with? A．Skip weekday exercise completely. B．Choose moderate activities as priority. C．Pick an exercise pattern that suits you. D．Get in a fixed amount of workout at weekends. 4．What does the last paragraph mainly focus on about the study? A．Its future direction for improvement. B．Its potential application fields. C．Its limitation on research methods. D．Its far-reaching significance. Passage 5 Over 2, 000 years ago, Baiae was the most magnificent resort town in Italy. Wealthy statesmen including Cicero and Caesar were once drawn to its natural springs. But over the centuries, volcanic activity submerged this playground of the Roman nobles — leaving half of it beneath the Mediterranean. Today, Baiae is one of the world’s few underwater archaeological parks open to visitors wanting to explore the remains of the ancient Roman city. A protected marine area, the site needs to be monitored for damage caused by divers and environmental factors. However, explains Davidde, Italy’s national supervisor for underwater cultural heritage, “communication underwater is challenging.” Cabled systems are the most reliable, but they are difficult to maintain and cover a limited operational area. And wireless internet doesn’t work well in water, because of the way water interacts with electromagnetic waves. So Davidde teamed up with a group of engineers led by Chiara Petrioli, a professor at Sapienza University. Petrioli’s team has developed a network of underwater wireless sensors capable of gathering environmental data and transmitting it to land in real time. The system relies on AI algorithm (算法) to constantly change the network protocol (网络协议). As the sea conditions change, the algorithms adjust the information path, allowing the signal to travel up to two kilometers and data to be sent between transmitters one kilometer apart. At Baiae, underwater internet allows remote, continuous monitoring of environmental conditions. Besides, it allows divers to communicate with one another and with colleagues above the surface, who can also use the technology to locate them with a high degree of accuracy. Davidde anticipates that the network will be available to tourists visiting the archaeological site in the coming months. As they swim over the ruins, visitors will use waterproof smart tablets to communicate and to view 3D reconstructions of the ruins. “Underwater internet has made monitoring of the archaeological site simpler and more efficient,” says Davidde. “At the same time, we can offer the public a new, interactive way to explore the underwater park.” 1．What do we know about Baiae? A．It was noted for natural springs. B．It is a playground for sports lovers. C．It was destroyed by human activity. D．It is unattractive to adventurous visitors. 2．What can we learn from Paragraph 3? A．Cabled systems are easy to keep in good condition. B．Wireless network functions poorly underwater. C．Electromagnetic waves improve wireless signals. D．Unlimited coverage is the strength of cabled systems. 3．What is the underwater network capable of doing? A．Allowing divers to locate themselves. B．Marking the information path to the surface. C．Bringing new life into submerged Roman ruins. D．Making it easier to monitor archaeological sites. 4．What is the purpose of this text? A．To explain underwater communication. B．To analyze the effect of climate change. C．To introduce a new underwater network. D．To promote a new way to explore Baiae. Passage 6 From an early age, we’re taught the golden rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” Sadly, many of us don’t even treat ourselves that way. A 2023 study found that the average person has about 11 negative thoughts concerning their bodies and self-worth per day, suggesting that we could all need a course in the power of positive self-talk. “Self-talk can be positive, negative, healthy, or critical,” says Willow McGinty, an expert in Florida. “Having positive self-talk means that the tone in which you speak to yourself is supportive and kind.” And, trust us — and the experts — this practice has real benefits. Take Mondays: many people fear the start of the work week. “If the self-talk sounds like, ‘Tomorrow is going to be terrible,’ it will probably rise to meet that expectation,” McGinty says. “If the self-talk sounds like, ‘Tomorrow is a fresh start and new opportunities to shine,’ we are more likely to rise to meet that expectation.” Research shows this confidence translates into physical feats too. A 2022 study found that strong performances in gymnasts could be predicted by positive self-talk, while negative self-talk was associated with poor outcomes. Encouraging yourself before a workout may push you to run faster or lift heavier. Positive self-talk is a muscle, and as with strengthening any other muscle, gains are made over time. McGinty points out that negative thoughts often come from core beliefs formed in childhood, like “I’m not enough.” Challenging that belief is essential. She recommends journaling: identify the negative thought, label it, provide evidence to the contrary, and write a healthier version. However, positive thinking can become harmful when it leaves no room for life’s real struggles. “Some things are just awful and deserve to be seen as such,” says McGinty. The goal isn’t to ignore hardship, but to keep self-criticism from standing in your way. As the poet Hafez said, “The words we speak become the house we live in.” 1．What did the 2023 study find about people? A．They often have daily negative thoughts. B．They treat others better than themselves. C．They seldom care about their self-worth. D．They need help from professional doctors. 2．What do the underlined words “physical feats” in paragraph 3 refer to? A．Economic gains B．Athletic achievements. C．Improved physical health. D．Increased job opportunities. 3．What is paragraph 4 mainly about? A．Sports to strengthen muscles. B．Impacts of childhood memories. C．Ways to identify positive self-talk. D．Advice on shifting negative thinking. 4．What can we learn from the words by Hafez? A．Self-criticism brings an end to hardship in life. B．Positive thinking requires a comfortable home. C．The way we speak to ourselves shapes our life. D．Positive actions speak louder than negative words. Passage 7 Scientists have long believed that around 700 million years ago, Earth experienced extreme cold conditions, known as a “snowball Earth”, where ice stretched from the poles to the equator. However, the exact degree of this coldness had remained unclear. Now, an international research team led by Chinese scientists has made a major breakthrough by providing the first data-based measurements of ocean temperatures from that period. The findings, published recently in a journal, suggested that ocean temperatures at continental edges were roughly between -22℃ and -8℃. These areas were where life was most active. The seawater was also up to four times saltier than modern ocean water. “This is the coldest measured ocean temperature in Earth’s history,” said Lu Kai, first author of the study and researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This extreme cold period left behind special rocks: rusty (生锈的) red iron formations found where continental glaciers (冰川) met the ice - covered seas. The researchers used these rocks to measure ancient temperatures. They focused on iron isotopes (同位素) — different forms of iron atoms (原子). These isotopes change in a regular pattern as temperature changes, making them reliable for temperature measurement. By analyzing the iron isotopes in the rocks, the team figured out how cold the ancient ocean was. The results showed that the surface seawater temperature was much lower than today’s 17℃, yet it remained unfrozen. Lu explained that this extreme environment was likely to have formed at the base of massive ice shelves. During the melting (融化) and freezing cycles, ice pushes out salts, which build up over time. This creates salt-rich areas with extremely low temperatures. The high salt environment serves as a natural antifreeze, allowing seawater to stay liquid at temperatures far below the normal freezing point. “This discovery helps us understand how early life survived in such extreme climates,” Lu said. “It provides the first solid evidence of the marine environment during that era and serves as a valuable reference for understanding dramatic climate changes and how early life adapted to challenging conditions.” 1．What was uncertain about the “snowball Earth” period before Lu’s study? A．The most active areas for life. B．The timing of that period. C．The precise ocean temperature. D．The coverage of ice on Earth. 2．What made iron isotopes a useful measuring tool in the study? A．Their stability in cold environments. B．Their regular change with temperature. C．Their formation under salty condition. D．Their widespread presence in the rocks. 3．Why does the seawater remain unfrozen in the extreme cold? A．Massive ice shelves trap heat. B．Marine life speeds up glacier melting. C．Salt lowers the freezing point. D．Melting-freezing cycles release energy. 4．What does Lu say about the discovery? A．It defines an era. B．It reveals changes. C．It predicts climate. D．It proves evolution. Passage 8 New research challenges the widespread belief that artificial intelligence is triggering a sharp rise in global greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that AI’s overall influence on worldwide pollution is small and could even support environmental and economic progress. Scientists from the University of Waterloo and the Georgia Institute of Technology analyzed U.S. economic data alongside estimates of how frequently AI tools are used across different industries. Their goal was to understand what might happen to the environment if AI adoption increases along its current path. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 83 percent of the nation’s economic activity relies on petroleum, coal and natural gas. These fuels release greenhouse gases when burned. The researchers noted that total energy use from AI in the United States matched the electricity consumption of Iceland, yet this amount remained insignificant when viewed at national or global levels. “It is important to note that the increase in energy use is not going to be uniform. It’s going to be felt more in the places where electricity is produced to power the data centers,” said Dr. Juan Moreno-Cruz, a professor in the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo and Canada Research Chair in Energy Transitions. “If you look at that energy from the local perspective, that’s a big deal because some places could see double the amount of electricity output and emissions. But at a larger scale, AI’s use of energy won’t be noticeable.” The study did not explore economic outcomes within the specific communities that host data centers, but the researchers identified several positive takeaways. “For people who believe that the use of AI will be a major problem for the climate and think we should avoid it, we’re offering a different perspective,” Moreno-Cruz said. “The effects on climate are not that significant, and we can use AI to develop green technologies or to improve existing ones. Moving forward, we intend to apply the same approach to additional countries in order to understand how AI adoption may influence environmental outcomes across different regions of the world.” 1．Why did the scientists conduct this research? A．To analyze AI’s industrial application frequency. B．To promote environmental and economic progress. C．To calculate economic data across different industries. D．To explore AI’s environmental effects in its present trend. 2．What can we learn from paragraph 3? A．US AI energy use is small on a global scale. B．Iceland’s power consumption is mainly driven by AI. C．Most US fossil fuels are used to power AI data centers. D．83% of US fossil fuels are consumed for AI energy use. 3．What is Dr. Moreno-Cruz’s attitude towards AI’s effect on the climate? A．Neutral. B．Dismissive. C．Objective. D．Concerned. 4．What will the researchers do in their follow-up research? A．Study data centers’ economic outcomes. B．Expand their research to more countries. C．Measure AI’s exact influence in all regions. D．Employ AI to develop and upgrade green tech. Passage 9 For years, researchers have pointed to a potential upside of Antarctic melting: as glaciers melt, iron trapped in the ice would be released into the ocean, fueling algae (海藻) blooms that absorb carbon dioxide. This process, known as iron fertilization, was seen as a rare positive feedback in a warming world. However, new research from Rutgers University challenges that assumption. In the most precise measurement to date, scientists found that melt-water from an Antarctic ice shelf contributes far less iron to the surrounding ocean than previously believed. The study, published in Communications Earth and Environment, raises questions about current climate models. The Southern Ocean supports abundant phytoplankton (浮游植物) growth, which forms the foundation of the Antarctic food web. These microscopic plants feed krill, which sustain penguins, seals, and whales. As they grow, phytoplankton absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide, making this region the world’s largest oceanic carbon sink. Until now, scientists’ understanding of iron sources came mainly from computer models. In 2022, researchers traveled aboard an icebreaker to West Antarctica’s Dotson Ice Shelf to collect direct measurements. They sampled seawater at points where it flows into and out of cavities beneath the ice shelf. Back in the lab, scientists measured iron concentrations and analyzed isotopic (同位素的) ratios to trace the iron’s origin. The results were unexpected. Melt-water accounted for only about 10% of the dissolved iron flowing out of the ice cavity (洞). The majority came from deep ocean water (62%) and sediments on the continental shelf (28%). “Roughly 90% of the dissolved iron coming out of the ice shelf cavity comes from deep waters and sediments outside the cavity, not from melt-water,” said lead author Venkatesh Chinni. The isotopic data also pointed to processes beneath the glacier itself. A liquid melt-water layer lacking dissolved oxygen appears to help dissolve iron oxides in bedrock, potentially releasing more iron than melting ice shelves do. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about iron sources in the Southern Ocean as the planet warms. “Our claim is that the melt-water itself carries very little iron,” said principal investigator Rob Sherrell. He noted that most iron comes from bedrock erosion, not from the ice driving sea level rise, a conclusion many scientists may find surprising. 1．What assumption does the new research challenge? A．Melt-water releases large amounts of iron. B．Iron in ocean helps slow warming. C．Antarctic melting matters for climate. D．Algae blooms absorb large amounts of CO₂. 2．Why do scientists focus on iron levels in the Southern Ocean? A．Because iron is a nutrient. B．Because iron is vital for plant and animal growth. C．Because iron levels affect climate model accuracy. D．Because iron supports carbon-absorbing phytoplankton. 3．What did the new study find about the source of iron in the Southern Ocean? A．Deep ocean water is not the main iron source. B．Sediments contribute less iron than melt-water. C．Melt-water plays a minor role in iron supply. D．The ice itself releases more iron than expected. 4．Which is the most suitable title for the text? A．Iron’s Importance to Ocean’s Carbon Sink B．Study: Antarctic Iron Comes from Elsewhere C．Iron’s Role in Southern Ocean Ecosystem D．Iron Data: Key to Climate Models Passage 10 On a hot summer day, a cold drink is a welcome treat. But the cooling technology behind it comes at a cost. Traditional refrigerators use gases called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are powerful contributors to global warming. Finding a better way has long been an unsolved problem. Now, scientists have developed a new cooling method that may change this. Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released a technique called ionocaloric (离子热) cooling. As the name suggests, it uses ions — charged particles (粒子) — to create a cooling effect. The idea builds on a simple physical process and theoretical modeling: melting takes heat. You’ve seen this on a winter road-salt on ice causes it to melt, even in freezing temperatures. The ionocaloric cycle also uses salt to change a liquid’s phase and cool its surroundings. Through modeling, the team predicted that moving ions could change a material’s melting point, allowing it to absorb heat on demand. To test this prediction, scientists mixed a salt — sodium iodide — into a liquid, ethylene carbonate (EC, 碳酸乙烯酯). When a small electric current was applied, the salt ions moved, which changed the melting point of the solid EC, causing it to melt. As it melted, it absorbed heat, cooling the space like melting ice. The team measured a temperature drop of 25℃ with less than one volt — outperforming other similar technologies. These results point to a bigger story. The system balances efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. Early tests show promise in all three. One reason is the working liquid, EC, can be made from CO2, meaning the system could be carbon-negative — it avoids harm and helps clean up. “The ionocaloric cycle has the potential to meet all these goals,” said Drew Lilley, the leading engineer. If successful, this technology could help nations meet the goals of the Kigali Amendment, which aims to cut HFC use by 80%. Now, researchers face the next challenge: moving the technology from the lab to the real world. With further development, these systems could one day provide both cooling and heating — without harming the planet. 1．What is the principle of the ionocaloric cooling? A．Melting absorbs heat from surroundings. B．Expanding gas can produce cooling. C．Electricity can generate heat in materials. D．Salt lowers the freezing point of water. 2．How did researchers test their prediction? A．By reducing the amount of HFCs. B．By measuring CO2 in the atmosphere. C．By monitoring real-time winter road conditions. D．By conducting current in a salt-containing liquid. 3．Why does the author stress EC can be made from CO2? A．To state how the system cuts HFCs. B．To prove the system can save electricity. C．To explain how the system brings cooling effect. D．To show the system can help ease global warming. 4．What is the author’s attitude towards ionocaloric cooling? A．Negative. B．Doubtful. C．Hopeful. D．Dismissive. Passage 11 For years, K-12 schools have grouped English learners in classrooms, driven by factors including limited resources and the intention to provide targeted language instruction for students with similar educational needs. Despite this continued practice, there is a lack of evidence showing that separating English learners from their native English-speaking peers (同龄人) is effective. In a new study in Peabody Journal of Education, researchers examined outcomes for English learners (ELs) grouped together in core academic courses in high schools and found that concentrating ELs was linked to lower rates of graduation and college enrollment (入学). “We need to learn more about whether there are particular English learners who might be able to benefit from this kind of separated course environment, but our latest study suggests that school leaders should be much more cautious about this practice.” says lead author Kristin Black, research scientist at New York University Steinhardt. The findings build upon a growing body of research challenging grouping ELs together, including a study in which researchers tested the effects of teaching elementary school ELs in different groups and found no significant differences in academic outcomes for most students. In the latest study of high schoolers, Black and her coauthors analyzed New York City Public School data for 31, 303 ELs in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Students were categorized into three groups based on their years learning English prior to ninth grade: newcomer EL (1-3 years), developing EL (4-6 years), and long-term EL (7 or more years). The researchers separated high schools into those whose EL populations were 50% or more, and those with less than 50%. They evaluated the role of EL concentration on high school graduation rates in four and six years, and college enrollment. They found that regardless of prior English learning and percentage of ELs in high schools, greater concentrations of EL students in courses were associated with lower likelihood of graduating high school and enrolling in college. These findings should push us to rethink what is often a default practice of scheduling English learners into separate classrooms in many high schools. 1．What does the new study find about concentrating ELs? A．It’s popular. B．It’s ineffective. C．It’s creative. D．It’s economical. 2．What can we infer about grouping ELs from paragraph 4? A．It’s increasingly questioned. B．It’s gaining popularity. C．It’s suitable for lower schoolers. D．It’s a significant method. 3．What aspect of the research is mainly talked about in paragraph 5? A．Its significance.B．Its findings. C．Its method. D．Its participants. 4．What does the underlined word “default” in the last paragraph probably mean? A．Complicated. B．Scientific. C．Successful. D．Common. Passage 12 Dogs have been “man’s best friend” for thousands of years, which might seem long enough to understand them well. However, a new study from Arizona State University’s dog science lab suggests we may not be reading our dogs’ emotions as accurately as we believe. According to animal behavior researchers Holly Molinaro and Clive Wynne, our interpretation of dog feelings can be clouded by our own mood. Their earlier study this year revealed that owners’ viewpoints of dog emotions are often biased by circumstances. For instance, people tend to assume their dogs are happier at the park than during bath time, regardless of the actual cues (提示) their furry friends are giving off. “Even though people think they know what their dog is feeling, we found that they judge the dog’s emotions based on the situation,” Molinaro explained. Building on this, Molinaro and Wynne’s new study explores another influencing factor: the person’s own emotional state. They asked 300 university students to evaluate videos of dogs displaying objectively positive, neutral, or negative emotions. To eliminate environmental influence, the backgrounds were blacked out. In the first experiment, participants were primed (引导) into positive, neutral, or negative moods using images unrelated to animals — a method proven effective in psychology studies. While this priming influenced participants’ self-reported emotions, it surprisingly did not affect their opinions of the dogs’ emotional states. For the second experiment, the researchers created species-specific priming materials: images of dogs selected from the Open Affective Standardized Image Set. This successfully induced (诱发) moods, but produced puzzling results. Participants primed for positive emotions tended to rate dogs as sadder, while those in negative moods rated dogs as happier than they actually were. These findings suggest our biases in reading dog emotions are even more complex than initially assumed. “In the United States alone, there are estimated 80 million dogs. We’re working hard to help people and their dogs have the best lives together,” Wynne said. Taking time to understand and meet dogs’ needs improves chances of raising secure, adaptable pets. Research like this could enhance animal welfare and aid efforts to rehabilitate aggressive, anxious, or stressed dogs. 1．What does the new research find? A．Longer bath time makes dogs feel unhappy. B．Owners can read dogs’ emotions accurately. C．Situations impact owners’ emotion judgments. D．Dogs show different feelings in different places. 2．How did researchers conduct the two experiments? A．By observing dogs in different environments. B．By comparing owners’ reports with video analysis. C．By introducing moods and evaluating dog videos. D．By surveying dog owners about their pets’ behavior. 3．What does the underlined word “rehabilitate” in the last paragraph probably mean? A．Appreciate. B．Avoid. C．Raise. D．Calm. 4．What can be the best title of the text? A．Dogs Show Clear Emotions B．Dogs Are Not Always Friendly C．How to Make Dogs Feel Happy D．Why We Misread Dogs’ Emotions Passage 13 Does your heart sink when you see a supermarket bin full of unopened, in-date food disposed of at closing time? Mine does. That feeling only deepened after I volunteered at a UK food bank, where I watched families struggle to afford basic groceries, while perfectly edible food was being abandoned by retailers (零售商) every single day. Food waste is a global crisis troubling the retail and grocery sector. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports that roughly 14% of food produced worldwide is lost between harvest and retail, with a further 17% wasted in households, restaurants and retail outlets. While many supermarkets have trialled donation schemes or end-of-day discounts, UK-based app Too Good To Go has pioneered a creative solution: it lets customers buy “magic bags” of surplus (剩余的) food from shops and restaurants for just a third of the original price. Launched in 2016, the app now operates in 17 countries, boasting more than 75 million registered users. Each magic bag is a lucky dip: it might contain baked goods, fresh produce, ready meals or dairy items that would otherwise be abandoned at closing. Crucially, none of the food in the magic bags is unsafe or past its expiry date. Instead, this surplus food has a clear source: it is the stock shops fail to sell before closing time each day. It mainly includes extra loaves of bread, unsold pre-made salads, and other items that remain in stores but cannot be put on sale the next day. In other words, all the food in the bags comes from the daily leftover stock of local shops and restaurants. Many small cafes and bakeries report the app has not only reduced their food waste, but also attracted new, loyal customers. Dr. Elena Marquez, lead researcher on the 2023 industry study into food waste reduction, notes that while the app cannot single-handedly fix the global food waste crisis, it delivers a win-win model for the sector. “This technology is a reminder that small, accessible actions can drive meaningful change,” she says. “It turns a pressing environmental and social challenge into value for businesses, families and our planet, and sets a powerful example for more sustainable solutions going forward.” 1．What can be learned about the author from the first paragraph? A．He once worked in a local supermarket. B．He has deep sympathy for needy families. C．He helped deliver food to local retailers. D．He throws away unsold food at closing. 2．What is the core purpose of the app Too Good To Go? A．To help shops promote new products. B．To sell discounted food near its due date. C．To prevent surplus food from being wasted. D．To connect food banks with local retailers. 3．What is paragraph 4 mainly about? A．How magic bags are priced. B．Why magic bag food is safe. C．What food customers prefer. D．Where surplus food comes from. 4．What can we infer about the app from the last paragraph? A．It has solved the global food crisis completely. B．It has a positive and far-reaching influence. C．It has only gained popularity in the UK market. D．It has a dominant role in global waste reduction. Passage 14 In recent years, consumers have increasingly sought “clean-label” foods — products made with natural ingredients. This trend has driven scientists to search for safe, natural preservatives (防腐剂，保护剂). They have turned their attention to a part of the cashew nut (腰果) that is often thrown away — the shell. From it, they extract Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) and find that it contains special natural substances that can fight bacteria and prevent decay (变质). While this dark liquid has been studied for use in industries like paint and medicine, its potential for preserving food had not been fully explored until now. The scientists designed a careful experiment to test whether CNSL could help preserve beef, one of the most widely consumed meats globally. They applied the liquid to beef samples at different concentrations (含量、浓度). Some meat was left untreated as controls. The samples were then stored under different conditions — some at room temperature and others in refrigeration — for two weeks. During storage, a detailed microbiological evaluation was conducted to quantify total viable (活菌) counts and specific spoilage organisms (腐败菌), including Pseudomonas spp., Clostridium spp., and Proteus spp. Physicochemical analyses monitored changes in pH and water activity, while bacteria growth was assessed during storage at room temperature. The scientists discovered that the CNSL-treated meat showed significantly less bacterial growth than untreated meat. The effect was strongest at higher concentrations, with a 2.0% solution providing excellent protection while maintaining meat quality. Even at room temperature, it effectively delayed the meat’s souring process and reduced bacteria growth, helping the beef stay fresh-looking longer. The researchers note that further studies are needed to understand whether the liquid affects the taste and texture of the beef, and how it might be combined with modern packaging for even better results. Still, this study opens a window into nature’s own way of keeping food fresh — hidden inside a humble cashew shell. 1．Why are scientists studying cashew nut shells? A．To reduce waste in the food industry. B．To improve the taste of processed foods. C．To find natural alternatives to artificial preservatives. D．To develop new industrial materials for paint and medicine. 2．What was the primary focus of the microbiological evaluation? A．The variety of cashew species. B．The safety of refrigerated beef. C．The changes in pH and water activity. D．The effectiveness of CNSL against bacteria. 3．What does the experiment suggest about CNSL? A．It can improve meat quality over time. B．It performs best at room temperature. C．It speeds up the meat’s souring process. D．Its concentration and the storage life are closely related. 4．What is the author’s attitude towards the future of CNSL? A．Fully convinced. B．Cautiously optimistic. C．Hesitant and doubtful. D．Neutral and objective. Passage 15 In 1993, more than 700 people were sickened (and four died) after eating at a fast-food restaurant chain. It took investigators 39 days to determine that the illnesses were connected and more than a month to find the thing that was making people sick: hamburgers contaminated (污染) with E. coli. Food safety experts and other scientists knew there had to be a faster way to detect and link outbreaks. They determined that if public health laboratories could each conduct the same kind of DNA analysis on bacteria and then share the data, dots could be connected and outbreaks could be identified sooner. And so, PulseNet was born. Launched in 1996, PulseNet, developed in partnership with APHL, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other federal partners and four state public health labs, is a national laboratory network that analyzes a pathogen’s (病原体) unique DNA fingerprint. The resulting data are published to a national database. Microbiologists and epidemiologists from around the country can access the database and determine if there are similarities that indicate cases are related and even share a common source of infection. PulseNet enables investigators to identify eight illness-causing pathogens and discover outbreak clusters (组) in near real-time. Investigations that used to take weeks, for example, can now take only days. That quick turnaround time is essential to save lives. CDC reports that in the 30 years since PulseNet has been in action, over 1 billion pounds of contaminated food have been recalled and an estimated 270,000 foodborne illnesses associated with three common illness-causing bacteria — Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria — have been prevented. By developing new technologies such as PulseNet 2.0, the newly launched data analysis platform, PulseNet continues to enhance its ability to detect and prevent additional illnesses. In celebration of PulseNet’s milestone birthday, we rounded up stories illustrating the enormous impact the network has had on disease monitoring and outbreak detection. Read on to learn how each one emphasizes PulseNet’s vital contribution to human, animal and environmental health. 1．What does the author want to show by telling the fast-food chain outbreak? A．Food safety was a top priority. B．Illness detection was inefficient. C．Fast food required stricter regulation. D．Public health was a challenging issue. 2．What can PulseNet do? A．Identify rare bacteria. B．Cure certain diseases. C．Collect patients’ fingerprints. D．Conduct DNA analysis on bacteria. 3．What does Paragraph 5 mainly talk about concerning PulseNet? A．Its features. B．Its contributions. C．Its future plans. D．Its drawbacks. 4．What is the purpose of this text? A．To explain the working principle of PulseNet. B．To introduce a laboratory network. C．To collect stories for an anniversary. D．To show the progress of food safety tools. 试卷第1页，共3页 试卷第1页，共3页 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $ 2026届最新高考模拟三轮冲刺卷之（江苏专用） 阅读理解15篇（说明文） Passage 1 You leave an hour of online surfing with the sense that the world is falling apart. In the real world, however, a neighbor you disagree with politically helps you start your car. The dissonance is no accident. It is how today’s Internet works. To better understand this gap, researchers surveyed 1,090 adults and found that people dramatically overestimate how common harmful behavior on the Internet is. On Reddit, participants thought harmful commenters were 13 times more common, estimating 43% of users post harmful content, while the actual figure is just 3%. Most offensive posts come from a small group of highly active users, whose outsized posts shape public beliefs, creating the “majority illusion” that makes this minority seem like the norm, drowning out the silent majority. Our brains are wired to notice threats and moral breaks — negative content sticks in our minds. Additionally, social media algorithms (算法) prioritize content that causes strong reactions to keep users engaged, with falsehoods spreading faster than truth. Bot networks (僵尸网络) add to the noise: it has been reported that bad bots make up roughly a third of global web traffic, misleading what trends and who appears popular. Measuring online harmful content is tricky, as automated tools often miss unobvious aggressive remarks. But what matters more is not “how harmful is the Internet,” but what ordinary users perceive as normal. Social psychologists call this dynamic “pluralistic ignorance”: people privately reject harmful norms but go along with them publicly. This misconception formed online creates a dangerous gap, fueling public distrust, preventing public participation, and lowering moral standards — if we think “everyone is awful,” we’re less likely to be kind. While there is no silver bullet, practical steps — rooted in policy and personal awareness — can narrow the gap. The key lies in recognizing online engagement doesn’t equal approval: skip “most engaging” feeds and ground our views in actual world connections. Imagine a public square where the loudest few don’t seize the microphone — disagreement remains, but the air resounds with daily life: neighbors helping start cars, strangers holding doors. Online, we can make that reality visible again. 1．What does the underlined word “dissonance” in Paragraph 1 probably mean? A．Disorder. B．Prejudice. C．Contrast. D．Debate. 2．What does the “majority illusion” refer to in the text? A．A false impression. B．A harmful behavior. C．An overestimated post. D．A minority of commenters. 3．What is Paragraph 3 mainly about? A．Why global web traffic misleads people. B．Why the minority feels like the majority. C．How we identify online harmful content. D．What harm online misconception causes. 4．What is the author’s suggestion in the last paragraph? A．Acting like the loudest few. B．Improving moral standards. C．Avoiding online engagement. D．Valuing real-life interactions. 【答案】1．C 2．A 3．B 4．D 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了网络世界与现实世界之间的差异，指出人们往往高估网络上的有害行为，并分析了造成这种认知偏差的原因及其影响，最后提出了缩小这一差距的建议。 1．词句猜测题。根据第一段中“You leave an hour of online surfing with the sense that the world is falling apart. In the real world, however, a neighbor you disagree with politically helps you start your car. The dissonance is no accident. (你上网一小时后，感觉世界要崩溃了。然而，在现实世界中，一个与你政治观点不同的邻居却帮你发动了汽车。这种dissonance并非偶然)”可知，前一句描述了网络世界带来的负面感受，后一句则通过现实中的例子展示了与网络世界截然不同的积极体验，两者形成对比。由此可推测，划线词dissonance指的是这种“对比”，与C项“Contrast”意思相近。故选C项。 2．词句猜测题。根据第二段中“Most offensive posts come from a small group of highly active users, whose outsized posts shape public beliefs, creating the “majority illusion” that makes this minority seem like the norm, drowning out the silent majority.(大多数冒犯性帖子来自一小群高度活跃的用户，他们过度的帖子塑造了公众的信念，制造了一种“多数错觉”，使这一少数群体看起来像是常态，淹没了沉默的大多数)”可知，少数高度活跃的用户通过发布大量帖子，使公众误以为他们的行为是大多数人的行为，从而形成了一种“错误的印象”。由此可推测，“majority illusion”指的是“错误的印象”。故选A项。 3．主旨大意题。根据第三段“Our brains are wired to notice threats and moral breaks — negative content sticks in our minds. Additionally, social media algorithms (算法) prioritize content that causes strong reactions to keep users engaged, with falsehoods spreading faster than truth. Bot networks (僵尸网络) add to the noise: it has been reported that bad bots make up roughly a third of global web traffic, misleading what trends and who appears popular.(我们的大脑天生就会注意到威胁和道德上的缺陷——负面内容会留在我们的记忆中。此外，社交媒体算法会优先考虑能引起强烈反应的内容，以保持用户的参与度，而虚假信息的传播速度比真实信息更快。僵尸网络增加了噪音：据报道，恶意机器人约占全球网络流量的三分之一，误导了哪些趋势和谁看起来受欢迎)”可知，本段主要分析了为什么少数高度活跃的用户会感觉像多数，即解释了“多数错觉”产生的原因。故选B项。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段中“The key lies in recognizing online engagement doesn’t equal approval: skip “most engaging” feeds and ground our views in actual world connections. Imagine a public square where the loudest few don’t seize the microphone — disagreement remains, but the air resounds with daily life: neighbors helping start cars, strangers holding doors. Online, we can make that reality visible again.(关键在于认识到网络参与并不等于认可：跳过“最吸引人”的动态，将我们的观点建立在现实世界的联系上。想象一个广场，在那里，声音最大的几个人不会抢走麦克风——分歧依然存在，但空气中回荡着日常生活：邻居帮忙发动汽车，陌生人为你开门。在网上，我们可以让这种现实再次可见)”可知，作者建议人们应该重视现实生活中的互动，而不是仅仅关注网络上的动态。故选D项。 Passage 2 The United Nations estimates that some 40% of the world’s languages face extinction. Can artificial intelligence slow this trend? Global tech giants are optimistic, yet the reality is not that simple. Generative AI has made great progress in breaking down language and cultural barriers, but it has big shortcomings in understanding “low-resource languages” — native and regional dialects lacking valuable digital content. A Stanford report found most major large-language models (LLMs) perform poorly in non-English, especially resource-scarce dialect. This is a cultural loss and a technological blind spot, with the core issue being a lack of high-quality data. The most powerful LLMs need huge amounts of training material, mostly in English. This leads AI to unify culture and spread Anglo-centric views, a problem researchers have long complained about. AI’s multilingual weaknesses bring more than digital exclusion. Studies show low-resource languages can get past its safety guardrails. Inappropriate questions in Thai or Swahili failed to trigger AI’s safety mechanisms, unlike those in English or Chinese. Worse still, anyone can translate dangerous requests into such languages to exploit AI’s flaws, making this a global safety problem, not just a linguistic one. A push for independent AI has grown especially in linguistically diverse Asia to preserve cultural distinctions in AI tools: Singapore’s SEA-LION model covers over a dozen local languages, and Malaysia’s ILMU model recognizes regional cues. These efforts have revealed for an AI model to truly represent a group of people, even the smallest details in training material matter. True language preservation depends on community-led efforts, not just technology. Indonesian researchers tried to save the Orang Rimba language with Meta’s AI but faced limited datasets — only deeper community participation can solve this. New Zealand’s Te Hiku Media set a good example: working with Maori elders, it built a community-owned language database, not one controlled by big tech. This is the only sustainable way — without community involvement, AI will not save dying languages, but help bury them. 1．What is the major problem of AI in protecting dying languages? A．It makes little progress in breaking cultural barriers. B．It cannot create any digital content for native dialects. C．It lacks high-quality training data for low-resource languages. D．It erases cultural diversity and promotes Anglo-centric ideas. 2．What can we learn about AI’s safety guardrails from the text? A．They bring more than digital exclusion. B．They fail to protect English digital users. C．They work well in handling all linguistic requests. D．They can be bypassed by low-resource languages. 3．How does the author present Asia’s independent AI efforts? A．By giving examples. B．By quoting an expert. C．By providing statistics. D．By making a comparison. 4．What can be a suitable title for the text? A．AI: A Powerful Tool for Dying Language Preservation B．Independent AI in Asia: The Key to Solving Language Crisis C．Low-resource Languages: A Big Challenge to AI Development D．Dying Languages: AI’s limitations and the vital community role 【答案】1．C 2．D 3．A 4．D 【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章说明了全球近半数语言濒临消失，AI 因稀缺语种数据不足存在诸多短板与安全隐患，亚洲自研模型作出尝试，而语言保护更离不开本土社区的主导参与。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段“This is a cultural loss and a technological blind spot, with the core issue being a lack of high-quality data.(这是一种文化上的缺失，也是技术上的盲点，其核心问题在于缺乏高质量的数据)”可知，人工智能在保护濒危语言方面的主要问题是它缺乏针对低资源语言的高质量训练数据。故选C。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段“Studies show low-resource languages can get past its safety guardrails.(研究表明，资源匮乏的语言能够突破其安全防护措施)”可知，人工智能安全防护措施可能会被低资源语言所绕过。故选D。 3．推理判断题。根据第四段“A push for independent AI has grown especially in linguistically diverse Asia to preserve cultural distinctions in AI tools: Singapore’s SEA-LION model covers over a dozen local languages, and Malaysia’s ILMU model recognizes regional cues. These efforts have revealed for an AI model to truly represent a group of people, even the smallest details in training material matter.(在语言多样的亚洲地区，推动建立独立自主的人工智能的努力愈发显著，目的是为了在人工智能工具中保留文化差异：新加坡的“SEA-LION”模型涵盖了十几种当地语言，而马来西亚的“ILMU”模型则能识别地域特征。这些努力表明，要使一个人工智能模型真正代表某一人群，训练材料中的哪怕是最细微的细节也至关重要)”可知，作者通过举例说明展现亚洲在人工智能方面的独立努力。故选A。 4．主旨大意题。根据第一段“The United Nations estimates that some 40% of the world’s languages face extinction. Can artificial intelligence slow this trend? Global tech giants are optimistic, yet the reality is not that simple. Generative AI has made great progress in breaking down language and cultural barriers, but it has big shortcomings in understanding “low-resource languages” — native and regional dialects lacking valuable digital content.(联合国估算，全球约40%的语言面临消亡危机。人工智能能否延缓这一趋势？全球科技巨头持乐观态度，但现实并非如此简单。生成式人工智能在打破语言与文化壁垒方面成果显著，却难以吃透低资源语言，即缺乏有效数字内容的本土语言与地方方言)”结合文章说明了全球近半数语言濒临消失，AI 因稀缺语种数据不足存在诸多短板与安全隐患，亚洲自研模型作出尝试，而语言保护更离不开本土社区的主导参与。可知，D选项“消亡的语言：人工智能的局限性及至关重要的社区作用”最符合文章标题。故选D。 Passage 3 An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Or, so it is said. Regardless of whether the age-old idiom is literally true, apples are a staple of cuisines and cultures around the world. Unfortunately, climate change has put this beloved fruit in danger. As noted in the study published in IOP Science LTD, when researchers gathered information on five key climate factors that could harm apple trees they found that all of the most productive areas for apple growing, were beginning to face a rise. However, farmers and researchers from Michigan State University are working hard to find ways to make apple trees more resilient. There are numerous approaches being taken in the fight to save the apple tree. In Michigan, according to AP News, they are going genetic. Efforts are underway to graft (嫁接) a late-blooming, native and wild variety, the Sweet Crabapple, with cultivated (培育的) varieties in order to create a more frost-resistant apple tree. Though the Sweet Crabapple only blooms a few weeks after typical apple trees, those few weeks could make a huge difference in terms of the survival and growth of the fruit. “That doesn’t sound like a lot, but almost always that’s enough for the flowers to escape the killing spring frost,” Professor Steve van Nocker, a plant geneticist at Michigan State University said. In Washington State, some farmers have started using netting, which protects the trees from getting sunburn in the extreme heat. In addition, they also use water-misting systems to cool the trees down in hot weather. The fight against climate change requires creativity and diversity. There will be no one-size-fits-all solution, but rather many, all suited to the challenges being experienced in a variety of climates and locations. While Washington fights extreme heat, Michigan is in a battle against unexpected late frosts. Both states are working to save their apples, but need to take different roads to get there. 1．What does the underlined word “resilient” probably mean in paragraph 2? A．Easy to monitor. B．Able to adapt. C．Resistant to disease. D．Quick to produce. 2．What is the purpose of choosing Sweet Crabapple to graft? A．To extend the flowering period. B．To take shelter from the frost. C．To escape from extreme heat. D．To ensure the sweetness and taste. 3．What is emphasized about solving climate-related problems for apples? A．Each region needs tailored approaches. B．Fruit growers should be more innovative. C．Genetic technology is the most effective way. D．Solving water shortage problem is the priority. 4．What is the best title for the passage? A．The Most Productive Apple Varieties B．Different Climates, Different Apples C．Unpredictable Weather Reduces Apple Yield D．Protecting Apples from Climate Change 【答案】1．B 2．B 3．A 4．D 【导语】文章主要讲述气候变化对苹果种植构成威胁，美国密歇根州和华盛顿州的农民及研究人员正采取不同措施（如嫁接抗霜品种、使用防护网和水雾系统）保护苹果树免受气候灾害影响。 1．词句猜测题。根据划线词所在句“However, farmers and researchers from Michigan State University are working hard to find ways to make apple trees more resilient.(然而，来自密歇根州立大学的农民和研究人员正在努力寻找让苹果树更具resilient的方法)”以及下文提到的嫁接抗寒品种、使用防护网等措施可推知，这些做法都是为了让苹果树更能适应恶劣气候。由此可知，划线词resilient意为“能适应的、有弹性的”。 2．推理判断题。根据第三段“Efforts are underway to graft (嫁接) a late-blooming, native and wild variety, the Sweet Crabapple, with cultivated (培育的) varieties in order to create a more frost-resistant apple tree.(目前正致力于将一种晚开花、原生且野生的品种——甜海棠树，与栽培品种进行嫁接，以培育出更耐寒的苹果树)”以及第四段“That doesn’t sound like a lot, but almost always that’s enough for the flowers to escape the killing spring frost(这听起来似乎不算多，但通常来说，这已经足够让花朵们躲过春季的严寒霜冻了)”可推知，选择种植甜海棠并进行嫁接的目的是为了抵御霜冻。 3．细节理解题。根据最后一段“There will be no one-size-fits-all solution, but rather many, all suited to the challenges being experienced in a variety of climates and locations.(不会有放之四海而皆准的解决方案，而是会有多种不同的方案，它们都能适应在各种气候和不同地区所面临的各种挑战)”可知，解决苹果气候问题需要因地制宜，每个地区都需要量身定制的方法。 4．主旨大意题。根据第二段“Unfortunately, climate change has put this beloved fruit in danger. As noted in the study published in IOP Science LTD, when researchers gathered information on five key climate factors that could harm apple trees they found that all of the most productive areas for apple growing, were beginning to face a rise. However, farmers and researchers from Michigan State University are working hard to find ways to make apple trees more resilient.(不幸的是，气候变化使这种深受喜爱的水果面临危险。正如发表在英国物理学会出版社的那篇研究论文中所指出的那样，当研究人员收集了可能对苹果树造成损害的五个关键气候因素的相关信息时，他们发现所有适合种植苹果的最丰产地区都开始面临气温上升的问题。然而，来自密歇根州立大学的农民和研究人员正在努力寻找让苹果树更具适应性的方法)”及下文内容可知，文章主要围绕气候变化对苹果种植的影响以及各地采取的保护措施展开。由此可知，Protecting Apples from Climate Change(保护苹果免受气候变化影响)最能概括主旨，适合作本文最佳标题。 Passage 4 The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that most adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, while you don’t need to exercise every day to be healthy. Exercising at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity at the weekend seems to have similar health benefits as spreading it out throughout the week. To investigate whether it makes a difference when people exercise, Zhi-Hao Li at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, and his teammates analyzed data in the UK Biobank study on the physical activity of more than 93,000 people, aged between 37 and 73. This was recorded by wrist accelerometers (加速度计), worn between 2013 and 2015. Most previous studies have relied on surveys, which can be unreliable. Over eight years of follow-up, nearly 4,000 of the participants died. The researchers found that among people who did at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity but packed it into one or two days, the risk of death from all causes was 32 percent lower than it was for people who didn’t manage this level of exercise. The risk of death from heart disease was 31 percent lower, and from cancer was 21 percent lower. This might make it seem that exercising at the weekend is better than spreading out your physical activity, but there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of death between the “weekend warriors”, who fit their weekly physical activity into just one or two days, and those who were active more regularly. “This study adds to what we know about the ‘right’ way to be active. That is, there is no single ‘right’ way,” says I-Min Lee at Harvard Medical School. “Whether one is regularly active, or whether one bunches activity over only one to two days a week, it is equally beneficial.” All the participants lived in the UK and about 97 percent were white, so the researchers write that additional studies that include a wider range of ethnicities are required to make them more applicable to general populations. 1．Why did the researchers analyze data from the UK Biobank? A．To acquire abundant samples. B．To make the result more convincing. C．To follow up participants easily. D．To compare it with previous surveys. 2．What did Zhi-Hao Li and his team find? A．Daily exercise is a must for good health. B．Weekend warriors face higher death risks. C．Spreading out exercise is better than weekend exercise. D．Weekend exercise and daily workouts are equally beneficial. 3．Which of the following may I-Min Lee agree with? A．Skip weekday exercise completely. B．Choose moderate activities as priority. C．Pick an exercise pattern that suits you. D．Get in a fixed amount of workout at weekends. 4．What does the last paragraph mainly focus on about the study? A．Its future direction for improvement. B．Its potential application fields. C．Its limitation on research methods. D．Its far-reaching significance. 【答案】1．B 2．D 3．C 4．A 【导语】文章主要介绍研究人员调查运动时间安排的影响，发现每周150分钟运动集中在周末与分散在一周的健康益处相当，并指出研究局限性。 1．推理判断题。根据第二段中“To investigate whether it makes a difference when people exercise...Most previous studies have relied on surveys, which can be unreliable.(为了探究人们的运动时间安排是否会对健康产生影响，中国广州南方医科大学的李志浩及其团队分析了英国生物银行研究中超过9.3万人的运动数据……大多数此前的研究依赖调查，结果可能并不靠谱)”可知，此前的研究可信度低，该研究采用客观设备记录的英国生物银行数据，目的是让研究结果更有说服力。 2．细节理解题。根据第四段中的“there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of death between the ‘weekend warriors’, who fit their weekly physical activity into just one or two days, and those who were active more regularly.(那些将每周运动集中在一两天内的“周末战士”与那些更经常运动的人之间，死亡风险在统计上没有显著差异)”以及“Whether one is regularly active, or whether one bunches activity over only one to two days a week, it is equally beneficial.(无论一个人是经常运动，还是一周只在一两天内集中运动，都是同样有益的)”可知，李志浩和他的团队发现周末运动和日常运动同样有益。 3．推理判断题。根据第四段中的“That is, there is no single ‘right’ way,” says I-Min Lee at Harvard Medical School. “Whether one is regularly active, or whether one bunches activity over only one to two days a week, it is equally beneficial.(哈佛大学医学院的I-Min Lee说：“也就是说，没有唯一的‘正确’方式。无论一个人是经常运动，还是一周只在一两天内集中运动，都是同样有益的。”)”可知，I-Min Lee会认同选择适合自己的运动模式。 4．细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“All the participants lived in the UK and about 97 percent were white, so the researchers write that additional studies that include a wider range of ethnicities are required to make them more applicable to general populations.(所有参与者都居住在英国，约97%是白人，因此研究人员写道，需要进行更多包含更广泛种族的研究，使其更适用于普通人群)”可知，最后一段主要关注研究的改进方向，即未来需要扩大种族范围以完善研究。 Passage 5 Over 2, 000 years ago, Baiae was the most magnificent resort town in Italy. Wealthy statesmen including Cicero and Caesar were once drawn to its natural springs. But over the centuries, volcanic activity submerged this playground of the Roman nobles — leaving half of it beneath the Mediterranean. Today, Baiae is one of the world’s few underwater archaeological parks open to visitors wanting to explore the remains of the ancient Roman city. A protected marine area, the site needs to be monitored for damage caused by divers and environmental factors. However, explains Davidde, Italy’s national supervisor for underwater cultural heritage, “communication underwater is challenging.” Cabled systems are the most reliable, but they are difficult to maintain and cover a limited operational area. And wireless internet doesn’t work well in water, because of the way water interacts with electromagnetic waves. So Davidde teamed up with a group of engineers led by Chiara Petrioli, a professor at Sapienza University. Petrioli’s team has developed a network of underwater wireless sensors capable of gathering environmental data and transmitting it to land in real time. The system relies on AI algorithm (算法) to constantly change the network protocol (网络协议). As the sea conditions change, the algorithms adjust the information path, allowing the signal to travel up to two kilometers and data to be sent between transmitters one kilometer apart. At Baiae, underwater internet allows remote, continuous monitoring of environmental conditions. Besides, it allows divers to communicate with one another and with colleagues above the surface, who can also use the technology to locate them with a high degree of accuracy. Davidde anticipates that the network will be available to tourists visiting the archaeological site in the coming months. As they swim over the ruins, visitors will use waterproof smart tablets to communicate and to view 3D reconstructions of the ruins. “Underwater internet has made monitoring of the archaeological site simpler and more efficient,” says Davidde. “At the same time, we can offer the public a new, interactive way to explore the underwater park.” 1．What do we know about Baiae? A．It was noted for natural springs. B．It is a playground for sports lovers. C．It was destroyed by human activity. D．It is unattractive to adventurous visitors. 2．What can we learn from Paragraph 3? A．Cabled systems are easy to keep in good condition. B．Wireless network functions poorly underwater. C．Electromagnetic waves improve wireless signals. D．Unlimited coverage is the strength of cabled systems. 3．What is the underwater network capable of doing? A．Allowing divers to locate themselves. B．Marking the information path to the surface. C．Bringing new life into submerged Roman ruins. D．Making it easier to monitor archaeological sites. 4．What is the purpose of this text? A．To explain underwater communication. B．To analyze the effect of climate change. C．To introduce a new underwater network. D．To promote a new way to explore Baiae. 【答案】1．A 2．B 3．D 4．C 【导语】文章主要讲述了水下网络在保护和探索古罗马遗址Baiae中的应用。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段中“Over 2, 000 years ago, Baiae was the most magnificent resort town in Italy. Wealthy statesmen including Cicero and Caesar were once drawn to its natural springs.(两千多年前，巴亚曾是意大利最富丽堂皇的度假胜地。西塞罗、凯撒等政界名流都曾被这里的天然温泉吸引)”可知，巴亚以天然温泉而闻名。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段中“And wireless internet doesn’t work well in water, because of the way water interacts with electromagnetic waves.(由于水与电磁波相互作用的方式，无线互联网在水中效果不佳)”可知，无线网络在水下效果不佳。 3．细节理解题。根据最后一段中“Underwater internet has made monitoring of the archaeological site simpler and more efficient(水下互联网使考古遗址的监测变得更加简单和高效)”可知，水下网络使监测考古遗址变得更容易。 4．推理判断题。根据第四段中“Petrioli’s team has developed a network of underwater wireless sensors capable of gathering environmental data and transmitting it to land in real time.(佩特里奥利的团队开发了一种水下无线传感器网络，能够收集环境数据并实时传输到陆地)”以及最后一段中“Underwater internet has made monitoring of the archaeological site simpler and more efficient(水下互联网使考古遗址的监测变得更加简单和高效)”可知，文章主要介绍了Petrioli的团队开发的一种水下无线传感器网络，这种网络能够收集环境数据并实时传输到陆地，使考古遗址的监测变得更加简单和高效。因此，文章的目的是介绍一种新的水下网络。 Passage 6 From an early age, we’re taught the golden rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” Sadly, many of us don’t even treat ourselves that way. A 2023 study found that the average person has about 11 negative thoughts concerning their bodies and self-worth per day, suggesting that we could all need a course in the power of positive self-talk. “Self-talk can be positive, negative, healthy, or critical,” says Willow McGinty, an expert in Florida. “Having positive self-talk means that the tone in which you speak to yourself is supportive and kind.” And, trust us — and the experts — this practice has real benefits. Take Mondays: many people fear the start of the work week. “If the self-talk sounds like, ‘Tomorrow is going to be terrible,’ it will probably rise to meet that expectation,” McGinty says. “If the self-talk sounds like, ‘Tomorrow is a fresh start and new opportunities to shine,’ we are more likely to rise to meet that expectation.” Research shows this confidence translates into physical feats too. A 2022 study found that strong performances in gymnasts could be predicted by positive self-talk, while negative self-talk was associated with poor outcomes. Encouraging yourself before a workout may push you to run faster or lift heavier. Positive self-talk is a muscle, and as with strengthening any other muscle, gains are made over time. McGinty points out that negative thoughts often come from core beliefs formed in childhood, like “I’m not enough.” Challenging that belief is essential. She recommends journaling: identify the negative thought, label it, provide evidence to the contrary, and write a healthier version. However, positive thinking can become harmful when it leaves no room for life’s real struggles. “Some things are just awful and deserve to be seen as such,” says McGinty. The goal isn’t to ignore hardship, but to keep self-criticism from standing in your way. As the poet Hafez said, “The words we speak become the house we live in.” 1．What did the 2023 study find about people? A．They often have daily negative thoughts. B．They treat others better than themselves. C．They seldom care about their self-worth. D．They need help from professional doctors. 2．What do the underlined words “physical feats” in paragraph 3 refer to? A．Economic gains B．Athletic achievements. C．Improved physical health. D．Increased job opportunities. 3．What is paragraph 4 mainly about? A．Sports to strengthen muscles. B．Impacts of childhood memories. C．Ways to identify positive self-talk. D．Advice on shifting negative thinking. 4．What can we learn from the words by Hafez? A．Self-criticism brings an end to hardship in life. B．Positive thinking requires a comfortable home. C．The way we speak to ourselves shapes our life. D．Positive actions speak louder than negative words. 【答案】1．A 2．B 3．D 4．C 【导语】本文介绍积极自我对话的作用与益处，指出消极想法的根源，给出改善方法，并说明积极思考不应回避现实困境，用自我对话塑造人生。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段“A 2023 study found that the average person has about 11 negative thoughts concerning their bodies and self-worth per day (2023年一项研究发现，普通人每天大约会产生11条关于自身形象和自我价值的消极想法。)”可知，人们日常常常产生消极想法。 2．词句猜测题。根据第三段“A 2022 study found that strong performances in gymnasts could be predicted by positive self-talk, while negative self-talk was associated with poor outcomes. Encouraging yourself before a workout may push you to run faster or lift heavier.(2022年的一项研究发现，积极的自我暗示能够预判体操运动员的出色发挥，而消极的自我暗示则往往伴随不佳表现。运动前自我鼓励，能促使自己跑得更快、举得更重。)”可知，这里主要讲积极的自我暗示对运动方面发挥的积极作用，所以前句“Research shows this confidence translates into physical feats too.”中physical feats指体育运动方面的成绩与表现。 3．主旨大意。根据第四段“She recommends journaling: identify the negative thought, label it, provide evidence to the contrary, and write a healthier version.(她建议写日记：识别消极想法、归类梳理、列出反证，并改写为更积极健康的想法。)”以及上文内容可知，本段主要给出转变消极思维、培养积极自我对话的建议。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段“As the poet Hafez said, “The words we speak become the house we live in.”(诗人哈菲兹说：我们对自己说的话，会构筑出我们身处的生活格局。)”可知，自我对话的方式会塑造我们的人生。 Passage 7 Scientists have long believed that around 700 million years ago, Earth experienced extreme cold conditions, known as a “snowball Earth”, where ice stretched from the poles to the equator. However, the exact degree of this coldness had remained unclear. Now, an international research team led by Chinese scientists has made a major breakthrough by providing the first data-based measurements of ocean temperatures from that period. The findings, published recently in a journal, suggested that ocean temperatures at continental edges were roughly between -22℃ and -8℃. These areas were where life was most active. The seawater was also up to four times saltier than modern ocean water. “This is the coldest measured ocean temperature in Earth’s history,” said Lu Kai, first author of the study and researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This extreme cold period left behind special rocks: rusty (生锈的) red iron formations found where continental glaciers (冰川) met the ice - covered seas. The researchers used these rocks to measure ancient temperatures. They focused on iron isotopes (同位素) — different forms of iron atoms (原子). These isotopes change in a regular pattern as temperature changes, making them reliable for temperature measurement. By analyzing the iron isotopes in the rocks, the team figured out how cold the ancient ocean was. The results showed that the surface seawater temperature was much lower than today’s 17℃, yet it remained unfrozen. Lu explained that this extreme environment was likely to have formed at the base of massive ice shelves. During the melting (融化) and freezing cycles, ice pushes out salts, which build up over time. This creates salt-rich areas with extremely low temperatures. The high salt environment serves as a natural antifreeze, allowing seawater to stay liquid at temperatures far below the normal freezing point. “This discovery helps us understand how early life survived in such extreme climates,” Lu said. “It provides the first solid evidence of the marine environment during that era and serves as a valuable reference for understanding dramatic climate changes and how early life adapted to challenging conditions.” 1．What was uncertain about the “snowball Earth” period before Lu’s study? A．The most active areas for life. B．The timing of that period. C．The precise ocean temperature. D．The coverage of ice on Earth. 2．What made iron isotopes a useful measuring tool in the study? A．Their stability in cold environments. B．Their regular change with temperature. C．Their formation under salty condition. D．Their widespread presence in the rocks. 3．Why does the seawater remain unfrozen in the extreme cold? A．Massive ice shelves trap heat. B．Marine life speeds up glacier melting. C．Salt lowers the freezing point. D．Melting-freezing cycles release energy. 4．What does Lu say about the discovery? A．It defines an era. B．It reveals changes. C．It predicts climate. D．It proves evolution. 【答案】1．C 2．B 3．C 4．B 【导语】本文主要介绍了中国科学家主导的国际团队首次测出7亿年前“雪球地球”时期的海洋温度，揭示了当时极端寒冷却未结冰的海洋环境及其研究意义。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段“Scientists have long believed that around 700 million years ago, Earth experienced extreme cold conditions, known as a “snowball Earth”, where ice stretched from the poles to the equator. However, the exact degree of this coldness had remained unclear.Now, an international research team led by Chinese scientists has made a major breakthrough by providing the first data-based measurements of ocean temperatures from that period. (科学家们长期以来一直认为，大约7亿年前，地球经历了极端寒冷的条件，被称为“雪球地球”，冰从两极延伸到赤道。然而，这种寒冷的确切程度一直不清楚。如今，一个由中国科学家主导的国际科研团队，通过提供该时期首个基于实测数据的海洋温度测算，取得了重大突破。)”可知，在Lu的研究之前，“雪球地球”时期不确定的是精确的海洋温度。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段“They focused on iron isotopes — different forms of iron atoms. These isotopes change in a regular pattern as temperature changes, making them reliable for temperature measurement. (他们专注于铁同位素——不同形式的铁原子。这些同位素会随着温度变化以规律的模式发生改变，这使得它们能够可靠地用于温度测量。)”可知，铁同位素随温度规律变化使其成为研究中有用的测量工具。 3．细节理解题。根据第四段“The high salt environment serves as a natural antifreeze, allowing seawater to stay liquid at temperatures far below the normal freezing point. (高盐环境起到了天然防冻剂的作用，让海水在远低于正常冰点的温度下仍保持液态。)”可知，盐降低了冰点，所以海水在极寒中不结冰。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段““This discovery helps us understand how early life survived in such extreme climates,” Lu said. “It provides the first solid evidence of the marine environment during that era and serves as a valuable reference for understanding dramatic climate changes and how early life adapted to challenging conditions.” (Lu说：“这一发现帮助我们了解早期生命如何在如此极端的气候中生存。它提供了那个时代海洋环境的第一个确凿证据，并为理解剧烈气候变化以及早期生命如何适应挑战性条件提供了有价值的参考”)”可知，Lu认为该发现揭示了古气候的变化。 Passage 8 New research challenges the widespread belief that artificial intelligence is triggering a sharp rise in global greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that AI’s overall influence on worldwide pollution is small and could even support environmental and economic progress. Scientists from the University of Waterloo and the Georgia Institute of Technology analyzed U.S. economic data alongside estimates of how frequently AI tools are used across different industries. Their goal was to understand what might happen to the environment if AI adoption increases along its current path. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 83 percent of the nation’s economic activity relies on petroleum, coal and natural gas. These fuels release greenhouse gases when burned. The researchers noted that total energy use from AI in the United States matched the electricity consumption of Iceland, yet this amount remained insignificant when viewed at national or global levels. “It is important to note that the increase in energy use is not going to be uniform. It’s going to be felt more in the places where electricity is produced to power the data centers,” said Dr. Juan Moreno-Cruz, a professor in the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo and Canada Research Chair in Energy Transitions. “If you look at that energy from the local perspective, that’s a big deal because some places could see double the amount of electricity output and emissions. But at a larger scale, AI’s use of energy won’t be noticeable.” The study did not explore economic outcomes within the specific communities that host data centers, but the researchers identified several positive takeaways. “For people who believe that the use of AI will be a major problem for the climate and think we should avoid it, we’re offering a different perspective,” Moreno-Cruz said. “The effects on climate are not that significant, and we can use AI to develop green technologies or to improve existing ones. Moving forward, we intend to apply the same approach to additional countries in order to understand how AI adoption may influence environmental outcomes across different regions of the world.” 1．Why did the scientists conduct this research? A．To analyze AI’s industrial application frequency. B．To promote environmental and economic progress. C．To calculate economic data across different industries. D．To explore AI’s environmental effects in its present trend. 2．What can we learn from paragraph 3? A．US AI energy use is small on a global scale. B．Iceland’s power consumption is mainly driven by AI. C．Most US fossil fuels are used to power AI data centers. D．83% of US fossil fuels are consumed for AI energy use. 3．What is Dr. Moreno-Cruz’s attitude towards AI’s effect on the climate? A．Neutral. B．Dismissive. C．Objective. D．Concerned. 4．What will the researchers do in their follow-up research? A．Study data centers’ economic outcomes. B．Expand their research to more countries. C．Measure AI’s exact influence in all regions. D．Employ AI to develop and upgrade green tech. 【答案】1．D 2．A 3．C 4．B 【导语】这是一篇说明文。主要说明了新研究反驳了AI会大幅增加温室气体排放的观点，其全球环境影响较小。研究还指出AI有助环保发展，未来团队将把研究拓展到更多国家。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段“Their goal was to understand what might happen to the environment if AI adoption increases along its current path.(他们的目标是探究如果人工智能的采用继续按照当前趋势发展，环境将会发生怎样的变化)”可知，科学家的主要目的是探究如果AI按照当前趋势发展下去，会对环境产生什么影响。故选D。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段“The researchers noted that total energy use from AI in the United States matched the electricity consumption of Iceland, yet this amount remained insignificant when viewed at national or global levels.(研究人员指出，美国在人工智能领域所消耗的总能源量与冰岛的电力消耗量相当，但从国家或全球层面来看，这一数量仍微不足道)”可知，在全球范围内，美国的人工智能能源消耗量相对较少。故选A。 3．推理判断题。根据第四段“If you look at that energy from the local perspective, that’s a big deal because some places could see double the amount of electricity output and emissions. But at a larger scale, AI’s use of energy won’t be noticeable.(从当地的角度来看，这种变化意义重大，因为某些地区的发电量和排放量可能会增加一倍。但从更宏观的角度来看，人工智能对能源的利用并不会引起明显的变化)”以及最后一段“The effects on climate are not that significant, and we can use AI to develop green technologies or to improve existing ones.(对气候的影响并不那么显著，我们可以利用人工智能来开发绿色技术或者改进现有的技术)”可知，Dr. Moreno-Cruz在文中既指出了AI能源使用在局部地区（如数据中心所在地）可能带来显著影响，又强调在全球层面AI的能源消耗并不显著，同时还提出AI可用于开发绿色技术。这种既看到问题又看到机遇，既分析局部又着眼全局的论述方式，体现了客观全面的态度。故选C。 4．细节理解题。根据最后一段“Moving forward, we intend to apply the same approach to additional countries in order to understand how AI adoption may influence environmental outcomes across different regions of the world.(接下来，我们计划将同样的方法应用于更多的国家，以了解人工智能的采用情况如何影响全球不同地区的环境状况)”可知，他们下一步计划将研究扩展到更多国家。故选B。 Passage 9 For years, researchers have pointed to a potential upside of Antarctic melting: as glaciers melt, iron trapped in the ice would be released into the ocean, fueling algae (海藻) blooms that absorb carbon dioxide. This process, known as iron fertilization, was seen as a rare positive feedback in a warming world. However, new research from Rutgers University challenges that assumption. In the most precise measurement to date, scientists found that melt-water from an Antarctic ice shelf contributes far less iron to the surrounding ocean than previously believed. The study, published in Communications Earth and Environment, raises questions about current climate models. The Southern Ocean supports abundant phytoplankton (浮游植物) growth, which forms the foundation of the Antarctic food web. These microscopic plants feed krill, which sustain penguins, seals, and whales. As they grow, phytoplankton absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide, making this region the world’s largest oceanic carbon sink. Until now, scientists’ understanding of iron sources came mainly from computer models. In 2022, researchers traveled aboard an icebreaker to West Antarctica’s Dotson Ice Shelf to collect direct measurements. They sampled seawater at points where it flows into and out of cavities beneath the ice shelf. Back in the lab, scientists measured iron concentrations and analyzed isotopic (同位素的) ratios to trace the iron’s origin. The results were unexpected. Melt-water accounted for only about 10% of the dissolved iron flowing out of the ice cavity (洞). The majority came from deep ocean water (62%) and sediments on the continental shelf (28%). “Roughly 90% of the dissolved iron coming out of the ice shelf cavity comes from deep waters and sediments outside the cavity, not from melt-water,” said lead author Venkatesh Chinni. The isotopic data also pointed to processes beneath the glacier itself. A liquid melt-water layer lacking dissolved oxygen appears to help dissolve iron oxides in bedrock, potentially releasing more iron than melting ice shelves do. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about iron sources in the Southern Ocean as the planet warms. “Our claim is that the melt-water itself carries very little iron,” said principal investigator Rob Sherrell. He noted that most iron comes from bedrock erosion, not from the ice driving sea level rise, a conclusion many scientists may find surprising. 1．What assumption does the new research challenge? A．Melt-water releases large amounts of iron. B．Iron in ocean helps slow warming. C．Antarctic melting matters for climate. D．Algae blooms absorb large amounts of CO₂. 2．Why do scientists focus on iron levels in the Southern Ocean? A．Because iron is a nutrient. B．Because iron is vital for plant and animal growth. C．Because iron levels affect climate model accuracy. D．Because iron supports carbon-absorbing phytoplankton. 3．What did the new study find about the source of iron in the Southern Ocean? A．Deep ocean water is not the main iron source. B．Sediments contribute less iron than melt-water. C．Melt-water plays a minor role in iron supply. D．The ice itself releases more iron than expected. 4．Which is the most suitable title for the text? A．Iron’s Importance to Ocean’s Carbon Sink B．Study: Antarctic Iron Comes from Elsewhere C．Iron’s Role in Southern Ocean Ecosystem D．Iron Data: Key to Climate Models 【答案】1．A 2．D 3．C 4．B 【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了一项关于南极冰川融水的新研究，该研究通过直接测量发现，南冰洋中的铁元素主要来自深海水和沉积物，而非冰川融水，这一发现挑战了长期以来关于铁来源的传统假设。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段“For years, researchers have pointed to a potential upside of Antarctic melting: as glaciers melt, iron trapped in the ice would be released into the ocean, fueling algae (海藻) blooms that absorb carbon dioxide.(多年来，研究人员一直指出南极冰川融化可能带来的一个积极影响：随着冰川融化，冰层中所含的铁会释放到海洋中，从而促进藻类的大量繁殖，而藻类能够吸收二氧化碳)”以及第二段“However, new research from Rutgers University challenges that assumption. In the most precise measurement to date, scientists found that melt-water from an Antarctic ice shelf contributes far less iron to the surrounding ocean than previously believed. The study, published in Communications Earth and Environment, raises questions about current climate models.(然而，罗格斯大学的新研究对这一假设提出了质疑。在迄今为止最为精确的测量中，科学家们发现，来自南极冰架的融水向周围海洋输送的铁元素量远低于此前的预期。该研究发表在《地球与环境通讯》杂志上，引发了对当前气候模型的质疑)”可知，它挑战的核心假设是“融水是铁的主要来源”或者“融水会大量释放铁”这一论断。故选A。 2．推理判断题。根据第三段“The Southern Ocean supports abundant phytoplankton (浮游植物) growth, which forms the foundation of the Antarctic food web. These microscopic plants feed krill, which sustain penguins, seals, and whales. As they grow, phytoplankton absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide, making this region the world’s largest oceanic carbon sink.(南冰洋为大量的浮游植物提供了适宜的生长环境，这些浮游植物构成了南极食物网的基础。这些微小的植物为磷虾提供食物，而磷虾又为企鹅、海豹和鲸鱼提供营养来源。随着它们的生长，浮游植物会吸收大量的二氧化碳，使得该地区成为世界上最大的海洋碳汇)”可知，科学家关注南冰洋中的铁含量是因为铁能为能够吸收碳的浮游植物提供养分。故选D。 3．细节理解题。根据第五段“Melt-water accounted for only about 10% of the dissolved iron flowing out of the ice cavity (洞).(融水所携带的铁元素仅占从冰洞中流出的铁元素总量的约10%)”和第六段““Roughly 90% of the dissolved iron coming out of the ice shelf cavity comes from deep waters and sediments outside the cavity, not from melt-water,” said lead author Venkatesh Chinni.(该研究的第一作者文卡特什·钦尼表示：“从冰架空洞中流出的溶解铁物质中，约90%来自空洞外部的深层海水和沉积物，而非来自融水。”)”可知，新研究发现冰川融水只贡献了约10%的铁元素，在南冰洋铁供应中作用很小。故选C。 4．主旨大意题。文章开篇介绍传统观点（冰川融水释放铁），随后通过新研究发现铁元素主要来自深海和沉积物，而非融水，并指出这一发现挑战了长期以来的假设。全文围绕“铁从何而来”这一核心问题展开，B选项“研究：南极洲的铁来自别处”最符合文章标题。故选B。 Passage 10 On a hot summer day, a cold drink is a welcome treat. But the cooling technology behind it comes at a cost. Traditional refrigerators use gases called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are powerful contributors to global warming. Finding a better way has long been an unsolved problem. Now, scientists have developed a new cooling method that may change this. Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released a technique called ionocaloric (离子热) cooling. As the name suggests, it uses ions — charged particles (粒子) — to create a cooling effect. The idea builds on a simple physical process and theoretical modeling: melting takes heat. You’ve seen this on a winter road-salt on ice causes it to melt, even in freezing temperatures. The ionocaloric cycle also uses salt to change a liquid’s phase and cool its surroundings. Through modeling, the team predicted that moving ions could change a material’s melting point, allowing it to absorb heat on demand. To test this prediction, scientists mixed a salt — sodium iodide — into a liquid, ethylene carbonate (EC, 碳酸乙烯酯). When a small electric current was applied, the salt ions moved, which changed the melting point of the solid EC, causing it to melt. As it melted, it absorbed heat, cooling the space like melting ice. The team measured a temperature drop of 25℃ with less than one volt — outperforming other similar technologies. These results point to a bigger story. The system balances efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. Early tests show promise in all three. One reason is the working liquid, EC, can be made from CO2, meaning the system could be carbon-negative — it avoids harm and helps clean up. “The ionocaloric cycle has the potential to meet all these goals,” said Drew Lilley, the leading engineer. If successful, this technology could help nations meet the goals of the Kigali Amendment, which aims to cut HFC use by 80%. Now, researchers face the next challenge: moving the technology from the lab to the real world. With further development, these systems could one day provide both cooling and heating — without harming the planet. 1．What is the principle of the ionocaloric cooling? A．Melting absorbs heat from surroundings. B．Expanding gas can produce cooling. C．Electricity can generate heat in materials. D．Salt lowers the freezing point of water. 2．How did researchers test their prediction? A．By reducing the amount of HFCs. B．By measuring CO2 in the atmosphere. C．By monitoring real-time winter road conditions. D．By conducting current in a salt-containing liquid. 3．Why does the author stress EC can be made from CO2? A．To state how the system cuts HFCs. B．To prove the system can save electricity. C．To explain how the system brings cooling effect. D．To show the system can help ease global warming. 4．What is the author’s attitude towards ionocaloric cooling? A．Negative. B．Doubtful. C．Hopeful. D．Dismissive. 【答案】1．A 2．D 3．D 4．C 【导语】本文是一篇说明文，文章介绍了一种名为“离子热冷却”的新型制冷技术，该技术利用离子改变材料的熔点使其熔化吸热，具有高效、环保、甚至可能实现碳负排放的潜力。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段“The idea builds on a simple physical process and theoretical modeling: melting takes heat. (这个想法基于一个简单的物理过程和理论模型：熔化吸收热量。)”以及第三段“As it melted, it absorbed heat, cooling the space like melting ice. (当它熔化时，会吸收热量，像融化的冰一样冷却周围空间。)”可知，离子热冷却的原理是熔化过程会从周围环境中吸收热量，从而产生制冷效果。故选A。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段“To test this prediction, scientists mixed a salt — sodium iodide — into a liquid, ethylene carbonate (EC). When a small electric current was applied, the salt ions moved, which changed the melting point of the solid EC, causing it to melt. (为了验证这一预测，科学家将一种盐——碘化钠——混合到液体碳酸乙烯酯（EC）中。当通入微弱电流时，盐离子发生移动，这改变了固体EC的熔点，使其熔化。)”可知，研究人员通过在含盐的液体中通电来测试他们的预测。故选D。 3．推理判断题。根据第四段“One reason is the working liquid, EC, can be made from CO2, meaning the system could be carbon-negative — it avoids harm and helps clean up.(原因之一是工作液体EC可以由二氧化碳制成，这意味着该系统可能是‘碳负性’的——它既能避免危害，又有助于清洁环境。)”可知，作者强调EC可以由CO2制成，是为了说明该系统不仅不排放温室气体，反而能消耗CO2，从而有助于缓解全球变暖。故选D。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段“If successful, this technology could help nations meet the goals of the Kigali Amendment, which aims to cut HFC use by 80%. Now, researchers face the next challenge: moving the technology from the lab to the real world. With further development, these systems could one day provide both cooling and heating — without harming the planet. (如果成功，这项技术可以帮助各国实现《基加利修正案》的目标，该修正案旨在将氢氟碳化物的使用减少80%。现在，研究人员面临着下一个挑战：将这项技术从实验室应用到现实世界。随着进一步发展，这些系统有朝一日可以提供制冷和制热——同时不伤害地球。)”可知，作者认为经过进一步发展，这项技术未来可以实现无害的供冷供热，还能帮助各国达成减排目标；结合全文对离子热冷却技术的积极描述可知，作者对该技术持乐观、充满希望的态度。故选C。 Passage 11 For years, K-12 schools have grouped English learners in classrooms, driven by factors including limited resources and the intention to provide targeted language instruction for students with similar educational needs. Despite this continued practice, there is a lack of evidence showing that separating English learners from their native English-speaking peers (同龄人) is effective. In a new study in Peabody Journal of Education, researchers examined outcomes for English learners (ELs) grouped together in core academic courses in high schools and found that concentrating ELs was linked to lower rates of graduation and college enrollment (入学). “We need to learn more about whether there are particular English learners who might be able to benefit from this kind of separated course environment, but our latest study suggests that school leaders should be much more cautious about this practice.” says lead author Kristin Black, research scientist at New York University Steinhardt. The findings build upon a growing body of research challenging grouping ELs together, including a study in which researchers tested the effects of teaching elementary school ELs in different groups and found no significant differences in academic outcomes for most students. In the latest study of high schoolers, Black and her coauthors analyzed New York City Public School data for 31, 303 ELs in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Students were categorized into three groups based on their years learning English prior to ninth grade: newcomer EL (1-3 years), developing EL (4-6 years), and long-term EL (7 or more years). The researchers separated high schools into those whose EL populations were 50% or more, and those with less than 50%. They evaluated the role of EL concentration on high school graduation rates in four and six years, and college enrollment. They found that regardless of prior English learning and percentage of ELs in high schools, greater concentrations of EL students in courses were associated with lower likelihood of graduating high school and enrolling in college. These findings should push us to rethink what is often a default practice of scheduling English learners into separate classrooms in many high schools. 1．What does the new study find about concentrating ELs? A．It’s popular. B．It’s ineffective. C．It’s creative. D．It’s economical. 2．What can we infer about grouping ELs from paragraph 4? A．It’s increasingly questioned. B．It’s gaining popularity. C．It’s suitable for lower schoolers. D．It’s a significant method. 3．What aspect of the research is mainly talked about in paragraph 5? A．Its significance.B．Its findings. C．Its method. D．Its participants. 4．What does the underlined word “default” in the last paragraph probably mean? A．Complicated. B．Scientific. C．Successful. D．Common. 【答案】1．B 2．A 3．C 4．D 【导语】本文介绍一项最新高中研究，说明英语学习者集中编班会降低毕业与大学入学率，该做法也受到越来越多研究的质疑。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段“In a new study in Peabody Journal of Education, researchers examined outcomes for English learners (ELs) grouped together in core academic courses in high schools and found that concentrating ELs was linked to lower rates of graduation and college enrollment (入学).(一项新研究调查高中核心课程中被集中编班的英语学习者现状，发现集中编班与更低的毕业率和大学入学率相关)”可知，集中编班收效不佳。 2．推理判断题。根据第四段“The findings build upon a growing body of research challenging grouping ELs together(该研究基于越来越多质疑英语学习者集中编班的已有研究)”可推知，这种编班方式正受到越来越多的质疑。 3．主旨大意题。第五段“In the latest study of high schoolers, Black and her coauthors analyzed New York City Public School data for 31, 303 ELs in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Students were categorized into three groups based on their years learning English prior to ninth grade: newcomer EL (1-3 years), developing EL (4-6 years), and long-term EL (7 or more years). The researchers separated high schools into those whose EL populations were 50% or more, and those with less than 50%. They evaluated the role of EL concentration on high school graduation rates in four and six years, and college enrollment.(在对高中生的最新研究中，布莱克和她的合著者分析了2013年、2014年和2015年31303名英语学习者的纽约市公立学校数据。根据九年级之前的英语学习年限，学生被分为三组：新来的英语学习（1-3年）、发展中的英语学习者（4-6年）和长期英语学习者。研究人员将高中分为EL人口占50%或以上的高中和EL人口占比低于50%的高中。他们评估了EL浓度在四年和六年内对高中毕业率和大学入学率的影响。)”介绍研究选取纽约公立学校数据、划分学生类别、划分学校类型以及评估指标，整体在讲述研究采用的方式与步骤。 4．词句猜测题。根据第一段“For years, K-12 schools have grouped English learners in classrooms (多年来，K-12学校在课堂上对英语学习者进行分组)”和最后一段“These findings should push us to rethink what is often a default practice of scheduling English learners into separate classrooms in many high schools.(这些发现促使我们重新审视很多高中把英语学习者单独编班这一default做法)”可知，把英语学习者分开编班是学校多年来一直延续的常规做法，进而判断default此处意为“常规的、普遍的”。 Passage 12 Dogs have been “man’s best friend” for thousands of years, which might seem long enough to understand them well. However, a new study from Arizona State University’s dog science lab suggests we may not be reading our dogs’ emotions as accurately as we believe. According to animal behavior researchers Holly Molinaro and Clive Wynne, our interpretation of dog feelings can be clouded by our own mood. Their earlier study this year revealed that owners’ viewpoints of dog emotions are often biased by circumstances. For instance, people tend to assume their dogs are happier at the park than during bath time, regardless of the actual cues (提示) their furry friends are giving off. “Even though people think they know what their dog is feeling, we found that they judge the dog’s emotions based on the situation,” Molinaro explained. Building on this, Molinaro and Wynne’s new study explores another influencing factor: the person’s own emotional state. They asked 300 university students to evaluate videos of dogs displaying objectively positive, neutral, or negative emotions. To eliminate environmental influence, the backgrounds were blacked out. In the first experiment, participants were primed (引导) into positive, neutral, or negative moods using images unrelated to animals — a method proven effective in psychology studies. While this priming influenced participants’ self-reported emotions, it surprisingly did not affect their opinions of the dogs’ emotional states. For the second experiment, the researchers created species-specific priming materials: images of dogs selected from the Open Affective Standardized Image Set. This successfully induced (诱发) moods, but produced puzzling results. Participants primed for positive emotions tended to rate dogs as sadder, while those in negative moods rated dogs as happier than they actually were. These findings suggest our biases in reading dog emotions are even more complex than initially assumed. “In the United States alone, there are estimated 80 million dogs. We’re working hard to help people and their dogs have the best lives together,” Wynne said. Taking time to understand and meet dogs’ needs improves chances of raising secure, adaptable pets. Research like this could enhance animal welfare and aid efforts to rehabilitate aggressive, anxious, or stressed dogs. 1．What does the new research find? A．Longer bath time makes dogs feel unhappy. B．Owners can read dogs’ emotions accurately. C．Situations impact owners’ emotion judgments. D．Dogs show different feelings in different places. 2．How did researchers conduct the two experiments? A．By observing dogs in different environments. B．By comparing owners’ reports with video analysis. C．By introducing moods and evaluating dog videos. D．By surveying dog owners about their pets’ behavior. 3．What does the underlined word “rehabilitate” in the last paragraph probably mean? A．Appreciate. B．Avoid. C．Raise. D．Calm. 4．What can be the best title of the text? A．Dogs Show Clear Emotions B．Dogs Are Not Always Friendly C．How to Make Dogs Feel Happy D．Why We Misread Dogs’ Emotions 【答案】1．C 2．C 3．D 4．D 【导语】文章主要介绍一项新研究发现人们常会误判狗狗的情绪，情境与自身情绪都会造成认知偏差，并阐述实验过程及研究意义。 1．细节理解题。根据第二段中的“Their earlier study this year revealed that owners’ viewpoints of dog emotions are often biased by circumstances.(今年他们的早期研究表明，主人对狗狗情绪的看法往往会受到环境的影响而产生偏差。)”可知，所处情境会影响主人对狗狗情绪的判断。 2．细节理解题。根据第四段中的“They asked 300 university students to evaluate videos of dogs displaying objectively positive, neutral, or negative emotions.(他们让300名大学生观看并评估表现出积极、中性或消极情绪的狗狗视频。)”，第五段中的“In the first experiment, participants were primed (引导) into positive, neutral, or negative moods using images unrelated to animals — a method proven effective in psychology studies. (在第一个实验中，研究人员使用与动物无关的图像，将参与者引导至积极、中性或消极的情绪状态 —— 这种方法在心理学研究中已被证明是有效的。)”以及第六段“...This successfully induced moods(第二个实验也成功诱发了参与者不同情绪)”可知，研究人员通过先诱发参与者情绪、再让其评判狗狗视频的方式开展两次实验。 3．词句猜测题。根据最后一段中的“Research like this could enhance animal welfare and aid efforts to rehabilitate aggressive, anxious, or stressed dogs.(这类研究能够提升动物福利，并助力rehabilitate具有攻击性、焦虑或精神紧张的狗狗。)”可知，此处指帮助平复、安抚有攻击性、焦虑和压力大的狗狗，因此，画线单词意为“安抚、平复”相近，与calm意思相近。 4．主旨大意题。通读全文，尤其是第一段中的“However, a new study from Arizona State University’s dog science lab suggests we may not be reading our dogs’ emotions as accurately as we believe.(然而，亚利桑那州立大学狗狗科学实验室的一项新研究表明，我们或许并不像自己所想的那样能准确读懂狗狗的情绪。)”可知，文章围绕人们容易误判狗狗情绪的相关研究展开，介绍影响判断的因素与实验结论，所以“Why We Misread Dogs’ Emotions(我们为什么会误读狗的情绪)”最能概括全文核心，适合作为最佳标题。 Passage 13 Does your heart sink when you see a supermarket bin full of unopened, in-date food disposed of at closing time? Mine does. That feeling only deepened after I volunteered at a UK food bank, where I watched families struggle to afford basic groceries, while perfectly edible food was being abandoned by retailers (零售商) every single day. Food waste is a global crisis troubling the retail and grocery sector. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports that roughly 14% of food produced worldwide is lost between harvest and retail, with a further 17% wasted in households, restaurants and retail outlets. While many supermarkets have trialled donation schemes or end-of-day discounts, UK-based app Too Good To Go has pioneered a creative solution: it lets customers buy “magic bags” of surplus (剩余的) food from shops and restaurants for just a third of the original price. Launched in 2016, the app now operates in 17 countries, boasting more than 75 million registered users. Each magic bag is a lucky dip: it might contain baked goods, fresh produce, ready meals or dairy items that would otherwise be abandoned at closing. Crucially, none of the food in the magic bags is unsafe or past its expiry date. Instead, this surplus food has a clear source: it is the stock shops fail to sell before closing time each day. It mainly includes extra loaves of bread, unsold pre-made salads, and other items that remain in stores but cannot be put on sale the next day. In other words, all the food in the bags comes from the daily leftover stock of local shops and restaurants. Many small cafes and bakeries report the app has not only reduced their food waste, but also attracted new, loyal customers. Dr. Elena Marquez, lead researcher on the 2023 industry study into food waste reduction, notes that while the app cannot single-handedly fix the global food waste crisis, it delivers a win-win model for the sector. “This technology is a reminder that small, accessible actions can drive meaningful change,” she says. “It turns a pressing environmental and social challenge into value for businesses, families and our planet, and sets a powerful example for more sustainable solutions going forward.” 1．What can be learned about the author from the first paragraph? A．He once worked in a local supermarket. B．He has deep sympathy for needy families. C．He helped deliver food to local retailers. D．He throws away unsold food at closing. 2．What is the core purpose of the app Too Good To Go? A．To help shops promote new products. B．To sell discounted food near its due date. C．To prevent surplus food from being wasted. D．To connect food banks with local retailers. 3．What is paragraph 4 mainly about? A．How magic bags are priced. B．Why magic bag food is safe. C．What food customers prefer. D．Where surplus food comes from. 4．What can we infer about the app from the last paragraph? A．It has solved the global food crisis completely. B．It has a positive and far-reaching influence. C．It has only gained popularity in the UK market. D．It has a dominant role in global waste reduction. 【答案】1．B 2．C 3．D 4．B 【导语】这是一篇说明文。本文介绍全球食物浪费问题，重点说明英国Too Good To Go软件通过售卖剩余食物盲袋减少浪费，实现多方共赢并树立榜样。 1．推理判断题。根据第一段“Does your heart sink when you see a supermarket bin full of unopened, in-date food disposed of at closing time? Mine does. That feeling only deepened after I volunteered at a UK food bank, where I watched families struggle to afford basic groceries, while perfectly edible food was being abandoned by retailers (零售商) every single day.(当你看到超市关门时，垃圾桶里堆满未开封、仍在保质期内却被丢弃的食物，你会不会心里一沉？我会。在英国食物救济站做志愿后，这种感触愈发强烈。我亲眼见到许多家庭难以购买基本生活食材，可各大零售商每天都在丢弃大量完好可食用的食物。)”可知，作者对贫困家庭抱有深切的同情。故选B项。 2．细节理解题。根据第二段“While many supermarkets have trialled donation schemes or end-of-day discounts, UK-based app Too Good To Go has pioneered a creative solution: it lets customers buy “magic bags” of surplus (剩余的) food from shops and restaurants for just a third of the original price.(尽管许多超市已经试行食物捐赠方案或晚间折扣活动，但英国一款名为Too Good To Go的应用开创了新颖的解决办法：用户只需原价三分之一的价格，就能购买商家和餐厅剩余食物组成的“魔法盲袋”。)”可知，该软件的核心目的是避免剩余食物被浪费。故选C项。 3．主旨大意题。根据第四段“Crucially, none of the food in the magic bags is unsafe or past its expiry date. Instead, this surplus food has a clear source: it is the stock shops fail to sell before closing time each day. (关键是，魔法盲袋里的食物全都安全，没有一样过保质期。这些剩余食物来源明确：都是各家店铺每日关门之前没能卖完的存货。)”以及本段下文内容可知，本段主要介绍盲袋里剩余食物的来源。故选D项。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段“It turns a pressing environmental and social challenge into value for businesses, families and our planet, and sets a powerful example for more sustainable solutions going forward.(它将严峻的环境与社会难题转化为多方价值，并为未来可持续解决方案树立了优秀榜样。)”可知，这款软件有着积极且深远的影响。故选B项。 Passage 14 In recent years, consumers have increasingly sought “clean-label” foods — products made with natural ingredients. This trend has driven scientists to search for safe, natural preservatives (防腐剂，保护剂). They have turned their attention to a part of the cashew nut (腰果) that is often thrown away — the shell. From it, they extract Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) and find that it contains special natural substances that can fight bacteria and prevent decay (变质). While this dark liquid has been studied for use in industries like paint and medicine, its potential for preserving food had not been fully explored until now. The scientists designed a careful experiment to test whether CNSL could help preserve beef, one of the most widely consumed meats globally. They applied the liquid to beef samples at different concentrations (含量、浓度). Some meat was left untreated as controls. The samples were then stored under different conditions — some at room temperature and others in refrigeration — for two weeks. During storage, a detailed microbiological evaluation was conducted to quantify total viable (活菌) counts and specific spoilage organisms (腐败菌), including Pseudomonas spp., Clostridium spp., and Proteus spp. Physicochemical analyses monitored changes in pH and water activity, while bacteria growth was assessed during storage at room temperature. The scientists discovered that the CNSL-treated meat showed significantly less bacterial growth than untreated meat. The effect was strongest at higher concentrations, with a 2.0% solution providing excellent protection while maintaining meat quality. Even at room temperature, it effectively delayed the meat’s souring process and reduced bacteria growth, helping the beef stay fresh-looking longer. The researchers note that further studies are needed to understand whether the liquid affects the taste and texture of the beef, and how it might be combined with modern packaging for even better results. Still, this study opens a window into nature’s own way of keeping food fresh — hidden inside a humble cashew shell. 1．Why are scientists studying cashew nut shells? A．To reduce waste in the food industry. B．To improve the taste of processed foods. C．To find natural alternatives to artificial preservatives. D．To develop new industrial materials for paint and medicine. 2．What was the primary focus of the microbiological evaluation? A．The variety of cashew species. B．The safety of refrigerated beef. C．The changes in pH and water activity. D．The effectiveness of CNSL against bacteria. 3．What does the experiment suggest about CNSL? A．It can improve meat quality over time. B．It performs best at room temperature. C．It speeds up the meat’s souring process. D．Its concentration and the storage life are closely related. 4．What is the author’s attitude towards the future of CNSL? A．Fully convinced. B．Cautiously optimistic. C．Hesitant and doubtful. D．Neutral and objective. 【答案】1．C 2．D 3．D 4．B 【导语】文章讲述了科学家发现腰果壳液有保存食物的效果，介绍了实验设计、实验结果以及未来研究方向。 1．细节理解题。根据第一段中“This trend has driven scientists to search for safe, natural preservatives (防腐剂，保护剂). They have turned their attention to a part of the cashew nut (腰果) that is often thrown away — the shell.(这一趋势促使科学家们寻找安全、天然的防腐剂。他们将注意力转向了腰果经常被丢弃的一部分——果壳。)”可推知，科学家研究腰果壳是为了寻找天然的防腐剂，以替代人工防腐剂。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段中“During storage, a detailed microbiological evaluation was conducted to quantify total viable (活菌) counts and specific spoilage organisms (腐败菌), including Pseudomonas spp., Clostridium spp., and Proteus spp. Physicochemical analyses monitored changes in pH and water activity, while bacteria growth was assessed during storage at room temperature. The scientists discovered that the CNSL-treated meat showed significantly less bacterial growth than untreated meat.(在储存过程中，进行了详细的微生物评估，以量化总活菌数和特定的腐败菌，包括假单胞菌属、梭菌属和变形杆菌属。物理化学分析监测了pH值和水分活性的变化，同时在室温下储存期间评估了细菌的生长情况。科学家们发现，经腰果壳液处理的肉类比未经处理的肉类细菌生长明显更少。)”可知，微生物评估的主要关注点是腰果壳液抑制细菌生长的效果。 3．推理判断题。根据第三段中“The effect was strongest at higher concentrations, with a 2.0% solution providing excellent protection while maintaining meat quality.(这种效果在较高浓度时最强，2.0%的溶液在保持了肉质的同时提供了极佳的保护。)”可推知，实验表明腰果壳液的浓度与防腐效果（储存寿命）密切相关。 4．推理判断题。根据最后一段“The researchers note that further studies are needed to understand whether the liquid affects the taste and texture of the beef, and how it might be combined with modern packaging for even better results. Still, this study opens a window into nature’s own way of keeping food fresh — hidden inside a humble cashew shell.(研究人员指出，需要进一步的研究来了解这种液体是否会影响牛肉的味道和质地，以及如何将其与现代包装相结合以获得更好的效果。尽管如此，这项研究还是打开了一扇窗户，让我们了解大自然自己保持食物新鲜的方式——隐藏在一个不起眼的腰果壳里。 )”可知，作者虽然肯定了目前的研究成果，但也指出了需要进一步研究的地方，态度是谨慎乐观的。 Passage 15 In 1993, more than 700 people were sickened (and four died) after eating at a fast-food restaurant chain. It took investigators 39 days to determine that the illnesses were connected and more than a month to find the thing that was making people sick: hamburgers contaminated (污染) with E. coli. Food safety experts and other scientists knew there had to be a faster way to detect and link outbreaks. They determined that if public health laboratories could each conduct the same kind of DNA analysis on bacteria and then share the data, dots could be connected and outbreaks could be identified sooner. And so, PulseNet was born. Launched in 1996, PulseNet, developed in partnership with APHL, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other federal partners and four state public health labs, is a national laboratory network that analyzes a pathogen’s (病原体) unique DNA fingerprint. The resulting data are published to a national database. Microbiologists and epidemiologists from around the country can access the database and determine if there are similarities that indicate cases are related and even share a common source of infection. PulseNet enables investigators to identify eight illness-causing pathogens and discover outbreak clusters (组) in near real-time. Investigations that used to take weeks, for example, can now take only days. That quick turnaround time is essential to save lives. CDC reports that in the 30 years since PulseNet has been in action, over 1 billion pounds of contaminated food have been recalled and an estimated 270,000 foodborne illnesses associated with three common illness-causing bacteria — Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria — have been prevented. By developing new technologies such as PulseNet 2.0, the newly launched data analysis platform, PulseNet continues to enhance its ability to detect and prevent additional illnesses. In celebration of PulseNet’s milestone birthday, we rounded up stories illustrating the enormous impact the network has had on disease monitoring and outbreak detection. Read on to learn how each one emphasizes PulseNet’s vital contribution to human, animal and environmental health. 1．What does the author want to show by telling the fast-food chain outbreak? A．Food safety was a top priority. B．Illness detection was inefficient. C．Fast food required stricter regulation. D．Public health was a challenging issue. 2．What can PulseNet do? A．Identify rare bacteria. B．Cure certain diseases. C．Collect patients’ fingerprints. D．Conduct DNA analysis on bacteria. 3．What does Paragraph 5 mainly talk about concerning PulseNet? A．Its features. B．Its contributions. C．Its future plans. D．Its drawbacks. 4．What is the purpose of this text? A．To explain the working principle of PulseNet. B．To introduce a laboratory network. C．To collect stories for an anniversary. D．To show the progress of food safety tools. 【答案】1．B 2．D 3．B 4．B 【导语】本文通过讲述1993年快餐连锁店食物中毒事件，引出PulseNet这一全国实验室网络的诞生，介绍了其功能、贡献以及未来发展，强调了它在疾病监测和疫情检测方面的巨大影响。 1．推理判断题。根据第一段中的“It took investigators 39 days to determine that the illnesses were connected and more than a month to find the thing that was making people sick: hamburgers contaminated (污染) with E. coli.(调查人员花了39天才确定这些疾病是有关联的，又花了一个多月才找到导致人们生病的东西：被大肠杆菌污染的汉堡包。)”可知，作者讲述1993年快餐连锁店疫情的案例，是为了说明在PulseNet出现之前，食源性疾病的检测和溯源过程非常低效和缓慢。 2．细节理解题。根据第三段中的“PulseNet, developed in partnership with APHL, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other federal partners and four state public health labs, is a national laboratory network that analyzes a pathogen’s (病原体) unique DNA fingerprint.(PulseNet是与APHL、美国疾病控制与预防中心（CDC）、其他联邦合作伙伴和四个州公共卫生实验室合作开发的，是一个全国性的实验室网络，用于分析病原体的独特DNA指纹。)”可知，PulseNet的核心功能之一是对病原体进行DNA指纹分析。 3．主旨大意题。根据第5段中的“CDC reports that in the 30 years since PulseNet has been in action, over 1 billion pounds of contaminated food have been recalled and an estimated 270,000 foodborne illnesses associated with three common illness-causing bacteria — Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria — have been prevented.(美国疾病控制与预防中心报告称，在PulseNet运行的30年里，超过10亿磅受污染的食品被召回，估计有27万例与三种常见致病菌——沙门氏菌、大肠杆菌和李斯特菌——相关的食源性疾病得到了预防。)”可知，本段主要讲述了PulseNet在预防食源性疾病和召回受污染食品方面的贡献。 4．推理判断题。根据第三段中的“And so, PulseNet was born.(于是，PulseNet诞生了。)”并结合全文内容可知，文章从1993年的低效案例切入，引出PulseNet的创建背景，接着详细介绍了PulseNet是什么、如何工作、取得哪些成就，最后说明本文是为了庆祝其30周年里程碑而撰写。全文围绕“PulseNet”这一核心对象展开，向读者介绍了这个实验室网络。因此，本文的主要目的是介绍PulseNet这一实验室网络。 试卷第1页，共3页 试卷第1页，共3页 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $