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2026年南京市高淳外国语学校九年级第三次模拟考试 英语试题 2026.6 注意事项: 1. 本试卷共10页,全卷满分90分,考试时间为90分钟。 2. 选择题答案用2B铅笔涂在答题卡上,非选择题用0.5毫米黑色墨水签字笔写在答题卡指定位置。 选择题(共40分) 一、微完形填空(共3篇短文;每篇5小题,每小题1分,满分15分) 请认真阅读下列短文,从短文后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项。 A In the far north of Norway, the phenomenon of the “Midnight Sun” transforms daily life. For nearly two months, the sun never sets, casting a golden glow over the fjords at 1 AM. This continuous daylight is both a blessing and a challenge. Tourists flock to witness the surreal scenery, but locals struggle with sleep _1_. The body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, relies on darkness to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates rest. Without night, many residents report chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating. To cope, they install blackout curtains and follow strict routines. Interestingly, some studies suggest that humans can adapt _2_ to extreme light conditions if given enough time. However, the psychological effect of perpetual daylight should not be underestimated. “It’s like your brain never receives the signal to shut down,” says Dr. Eriksen, a sleep specialist in Troms . “_3_ you are exhausted, you may still find it impossible to fall asleep.” For visitors, the experience is often magical but short-lived. Locals, _4_, have developed a love-hate relationship with the Midnight Sun. They cherish the vibrant summer energy but long for the return of dark, starry nights. This delicate balance between wonder and weariness makes the Arctic a truly unique place. _5_ the end, human beings are remarkably flexible, yet the power of natural cycles remains undeniable. 1. A. patterns B. disorders C. stages D. depths 2. A. gradually B. violently C. randomly D. deliberately 3. A. Even if B. As though C. Now that D. In case 4. A. in addition B. by contrast C. on the contrary D. for instance 5. A. At B. By C. In D. On B The art of paper quilling, which involves rolling and shaping thin strips of paper into intricate designs, dates back to the Renaissance. Back then, European nuns and monks would use gilded paper scraps to decorate religious objects, creating delicate imitations of gold filigree. Over centuries, this craft nearly disappeared, only to experience a revival in the 21st century as a form of mindful creativity. Unlike digital art, quilling requires patience and a _6_ touch; a single slip of the tweezers can ruin hours of work. For many practitioners, the repetitive motions of coiling and gluing serve as a meditation, lowering cortisol levels and enhancing focus. “It’s not about producing a masterpiece,” explains Emma Chen, a quilling artist based in Shanghai. “_7_ process itself brings a sense of order to a chaotic mind.” Social media has fueled its popularity, with short videos demonstrating how flat strips can be _8_ into three-dimensional flowers, animals, and abstract patterns. Yet purists argue that true quilling cannot be rushed; it demands unhurried absorption. Some therapists now recommend quilling to patients recovering from anxiety disorders, as the tactile feedback and visible progress build confidence. “_9_ other crafts that require expensive tools, quilling needs only paper, glue, and a steady hand,” Chen adds. The _10_ of this ancient art lies precisely in its simplicity—a reminder that beauty often arises from humble beginnings. 6. A. rough B. steady C. loose D. casual 7. A. One B. That C. The D. Such 8. A. transferred B. transformed C. transported D. transplanted 9. A. Unlike B. Like C. Besides D. Despite 10. A. glory B. origin C. charm D. mystery C Mosses are often overlooked in the plant kingdom, yet they possess extraordinary resilience. These tiny, non-vascular plants can survive extreme dehydration, losing up to 95% of their water content and remaining dormant for decades. When rain finally arrives, they spring back to life within hours, resuming photosynthesis as if nothing happened. Scientists have long been fascinated by this ability, which is governed by a set of unique genes that code for “desiccation tolerance.” Unlike flowering plants, which use roots to draw water, mosses absorb moisture directly through their leaves. This makes them highly sensitive to air quality, _11_ excellent bioindicators for pollution monitoring. In cities like Tokyo and London, researchers have mapped moss distribution to identify clean-air zones. Moreover, mosses play a critical role in carbon sequestration, storing carbon in thick peat layers that can remain _12_ for millennia. However, climate change threatens these ancient ecosystems. Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts push many moss species beyond their recovery limits. “We are losing biodiversity that took millions of years to evolve,” warns Dr. Patel, a bryologist. “What we don’t realize is that the _13_ of a single moss species could disrupt entire water cycles in upland areas.” Conservation efforts are now focusing on creating “moss banks” — frozen repositories of spores and tissues. _14_ the fact that they lack the visual appeal of orchids or birds of paradise, mosses deserve our attention. Their survival strategies might one day inspire new technologies for water conservation and space agriculture. In a world of rapid change, these humble plants remind us that _15_ does not always mean weakness. 11. A. making B. becoming C. turning D. serving 12. A. untouched B. uncovered C. unfolded D. unbroken 13. A. loss B. lack C. leak D. lock 14. A. Apart from B. Regardless of C. Despite D. Thanks to 15. A. modesty B. smallness C. stillness D. softness 二、完形填空(共10小题;每小题1分,满分10分) 阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项。 It was a stormy night in November when I first met “Old Jack” at the homeless shelter. He sat in the corner, silently reading a worn-out copy of Moby Dick. Unlike others who often complained or slept, Jack carried himself with a quiet dignity. I was a volunteer then, young and idealistic, believing that a warm meal and a bed could solve everything. Jack taught me otherwise. One evening, he pointed to a sentence in the book: “It is not down in any map; true places never are.” He said, “That’s where I’ve been living my whole life — in places no map shows.” I didn’t understand then. Over weeks, I learned that Jack had been a literature professor at a small college until a family tragedy _16_ him into depression and eventually onto the streets. He never begged; he never asked for sympathy. What he _17_ was not money or food, but someone to listen to his interpretations of Melville or Whitman. The shelter manager thought he was crazy. I thought he was the sanest person I knew. One day, the city announced a plan to tear down the shelter for a luxury apartment complex. The residents were _18_ — where would they go? Jack surprised everyone. He wrote a letter to the city council, quoting from legal texts and historical preservation acts, arguing that the building itself had been a haven for a century. His words were so _19_ and well-structured that the council delayed the demolition. A local newspaper picked up the story. People donated funds, and the shelter was saved. When asked how he knew all that, Jack simply smiled and said, “I used to teach rhetoric. _20_ you know how to use language, you can fight anything.” For the first time, I saw the other residents look at Jack with respect, not pity. He became an unofficial leader, organizing reading circles and even teaching basic literacy to those who wanted to learn. He never tried to leave the shelter, even when offers of housing came. “I’ve found my ‘true place’,” he told me. “It’s not about four walls. It’s about being _21_ to someone who needs a story.” Months later, I finished my volunteer term and moved away. Last year, I heard that Jack had passed away peacefully in his sleep. The shelter named its library after him. Whenever I feel lost or _22_, I recall Jack’s weathered face and the fire in his eyes when he spoke of Ishmael’s journey. He taught me that every person carries a universe inside them, often hidden beneath layers of hardship. We are so quick to _23_ based on appearances, yet so slow to listen. Jack never wanted to be saved; he wanted to be seen. And in seeing him, I learned that compassion is not about fixing others but about _24_ their reality without judgment. That night, I had thought I was giving him a meal. In truth, he was feeding my soul. Some gifts are never _25_ on any receipt. 16. A. forced B. tricked C. plunged D. invited 17. A. deserved B. lacked C. offered D. craved 18. A. relieved B. panic C. delighted D. indifferent 19. A. abstract B. childish C. persuasive D. vague 20. A. Unless B. While C. Once D. Although 21. A. useful B. familiar C. loyal D. close 22. A. discouraged B. thrilled C. ashamed D. guilty 23. A. help B. judge C. ignore D. admire 24. A. questioning B. changing C. witnessing D. escaping 25. A. recorded B. valued C. expected D. demanded 三、阅读理解(共15小题;每小题1分,满分15分) 阅读下列短文,从每小题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项。 A In 2024, a team of marine biologists from the University of Auckland made a startling discovery: populations of the “brittle star” (a relative of starfish) in the Southern Ocean have developed a genetic adaptation to rapidly warming waters. This echinoderm, which usually takes decades to evolve new traits, showed detectable changes within just 15 years — a phenomenon scientists call “evolutionary rescue.” The key was a set of genes controlling heat-shock proteins, which repair cellular damage caused by temperature stress. Normally, these genes activate only under extreme heat. In the adapted brittle stars, they remain permanently switched on, at a low level, acting as a constant cellular defense. Dr. Mariana Costa, lead author of the study published in Nature Climate Change, explains: “This is both hopeful and alarming. Hopeful because it shows that evolution can happen faster than we thought. Alarming because the fact that these animals needed to adapt so quickly indicates how severe the environmental pressure has become.” The research team compared DNA samples from 2008 and 2023. They found that a specific allele (variant of a gene) increased from 12% to 78% in the population. This allele allows the brittle star to maintain normal metabolism even when water temperatures rise by 3 C above the historical average. However, Costa warns that not all species will be so lucky. Brittle stars have large population sizes and short generation times (about two years), which accelerates natural selection. Long-lived animals like whales or sharks, and species with small populations, lack this advantage. Moreover, the brittle star’s adaptation comes at a cost: individuals with the “always-on” heat-shock genes consume 20% more energy, making them less resilient to food shortages. “Evolution is a trade-off,” Costa says. “We cannot rely on nature to solve our problems for us.” The study has sparked debate among conservationists. Some argue that it justifies a “wait and see” approach to climate policy, suggesting that ecosystems may adapt on their own. Others insist that the brittle star is an exception, not the rule, and that humanity must slash emissions immediately. As Costa puts it, “We just documented a miracle of evolution. But miracles are rare. We should not expect another one.” 26. What is the main finding of the study led by Dr. Mariana Costa? A. Brittle stars have become extinct due to rapid warming. B. A brittle star population evolved heat resistance in 15 years. C. Heat-shock proteins are useless for deep-sea creatures. D. Climate change has no effect on echinoderms. 27. Why does Dr. Costa describe the adaptation as “both hopeful and alarming”? A. Because the change is permanent but costly. B. Because evolution can be fast, but the need for it is dire. C. Because brittle stars are replacing other species. D. Because the study was based on faulty data. 28. Which species would most likely struggle to evolve similarly? A. Fruit flies with 10 generations per year. B. Bacteria with rapid reproduction rates. C. Blue whales with slow reproduction. D. Weeds with large seed production. 29. What is one negative consequence of the brittle star’s adaptation? A. They become unable to reproduce. B. They require more oxygen than before. C. They use more energy, risking starvation. D. Their genes become permanently damaged. B The term “second-hand embarrassment” (or vicarious embarrassment) describes the uncomfortable feeling we get when watching someone else trip on stage, forget their lines, or commit a social faux pas. Neurologically, this response is rooted in mirror neurons — brain cells that fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. In other words, our brains simulate the other person’s experience, including their emotional pain. A 2018 study from University College London used fMRI scans to show that observing a clumsy act activates the same anterior cingulate cortex region that processes one’s own physical pain. This is why we may literally “cringe” — our muscles tense as if we ourselves are falling. But why would evolution preserve such an unpleasant response? Evolutionary psychologists argue that vicarious embarrassment serves as a social learning tool. By feeling the sting of another’s mistake, we internalize the lesson without suffering the actual consequences. A child who watches a peer get scolded for stealing cookies learns not to steal, even without direct punishment. This mechanism strengthens group cohesion: individuals who show signs of vicarious embarrassment are perceived as more empathetic and trustworthy, increasing their chances of being included in cooperative networks. However, cultural differences shape the intensity and triggers of second-hand embarrassment. In “honor-shame” cultures (e.g., Japan, Middle Eastern countries), people experience stronger vicarious embarrassment for violations of social hierarchy or public decorum. In contrast, “guilt-based” cultures (e.g., United States, Western Europe) focus more on individual achievements, so cringe reactions are strongest when someone appears incompetent rather than impolite. Psychologist Dr. Yumi Tanaka from Kyoto University notes: “When a Japanese businessman bows to the wrong person, bystanders feel nearly as much shame as the bowee. An American observer might just chuckle and say ‘awkward’.” Recent research has explored whether we can reduce second-hand embarrassment. Practicing mindfulness — observing without judging — can lower its intensity. Also, reminding ourselves that the embarrassed person will likely survive the incident helps. Interestingly, people with damage to the prefrontal cortex, which regulates emotional self-control, report almost no vicarious embarrassment, suggesting that a well-functioning brain is both a gift and a curse. 30. What is the function of mirror neurons in vicarious embarrassment? A. They prevent us from feeling others’ pain. B. They simulate the observed person’s emotional state. C. They only activate during physical exercise. D. They help us forget embarrassing moments. 31. According to evolutionary psychologists, why does vicarious embarrassment exist? A. To punish people who make mistakes. B. To help us learn socially without personal risk. C. To make us avoid watching clumsy people. D. To increase competition within groups. 32. In honor-shame cultures, people feel strongest vicarious embarrassment when: A. Someone performs poorly on a test. B. Someone loses a sports match. C. Someone breaks a social rule publicly. D. Someone forgets a birthday. 33. What can reduce the feeling of second-hand embarrassment? A. Focusing intently on the awkward moment. B. Telling yourself the person will be fine. C. Damaging your prefrontal cortex. D. Blaming the victim for their mistake. C In 2023, the European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) captured high-resolution images of Ganymede’s surface, revealing a complex network of ridges and troughs that resemble Earth’s plate tectonics — but made of ice. Ganymede, the largest moon in our solar system, is covered by a thick crust of water ice. Underneath, scientists believe there is a saltwater ocean kept liquid by tidal forces from Jupiter. The newly discovered ice-tectonic features suggest that this icy shell is moving, sinking, and recycling, just like Earth’s lithosphere. This process, called “cold tectonics,” could have profound implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. On Earth, plate tectonics drives the carbon cycle, regulates global temperatures over millions of years, and stirs up nutrients essential for life. If Ganymede has similar movements — albeit in ice — its subsurface ocean might receive a steady supply of chemical energy and nutrients from the icy crust above. “Wherever we find moving plates and fluid interaction, we increase the chance of finding complex chemistry,” says Dr. Lena Schwarz, a planetary geologist at the German Aerospace Center. “Ganymede just became a top candidate for habitability.” The discovery was made possible by comparing JUICE data with models of glacial motion on Earth. On Ganymede, temperatures are so low (-160 C) that ice behaves like rock — brittle and capable of faulting. The images show linear grooves hundreds of kilometers long, with parallel ridges that shift horizontally, exactly like strike-slip faults on Earth (e.g., the San Andreas Fault). This indicates that Ganymede’s ice shell is not a frozen, dead lid but a dynamic system. Computer simulations suggest that the tidal flexing caused by Jupiter’s gravity generates enough stress to crack the ice and drive slow, creeping motion. However, the energy source for Ganymede’s tectonics remains debated. Unlike Earth, which has radioactive decay in its mantle, Ganymede’s heat comes almost entirely from tidal friction. Some researchers argue that the observed features could be relics of a past, more active period, and that current motion is minimal. The next step is to measure seismic activity using a future lander mission. “If we detect ice-quakes, that would be the smoking gun,” Schwarz adds. 34. What makes Ganymede different from many other icy moons? A. It has liquid water on its surface. B. Its ice crust may be tectonically active. C. It orbits Saturn instead of Jupiter. D. It has no subsurface ocean. 35. Why is plate tectonics important for habitability on Earth? A. It creates volcanoes that produce oxygen. B. It recycles nutrients and regulates climate. C. It prevents earthquakes from happening. D. It keeps the core completely solid. 36. What evidence suggests strike-slip faulting on Ganymede? A. Presence of liquid water geysers. B. Long linear ridges shifting horizontally. C. Absence of any surface cracks. D. Constant temperature across the moon. 37. What would confirm that Ganymede’s ice tectonics is currently active? A. Finding fossils on the surface. B. Detecting ice-quakes with a lander. C. Observing volcanic eruptions. D. Discovering a magnetic field. D The rise of “deepfake” technology has alarmed governments worldwide, but a lesser-known threat lurks in the form of “voice skinning” — using AI to clone a person’s voice from just a few seconds of audio. Cybercriminals have already exploited this to trick employees into transferring funds, claiming to be the CEO. In one 2024 case, a British energy firm lost $243,000 after a manager received a call from a deepfake of his German boss’s voice, complete with the subtle accent and phrasing. The fraud was detected only after the money was gone. Traditional voice authentication systems, which rely on comparing spectrograms, are increasingly vulnerable. In response, researchers are developing “liveness detection” for voices. The approach is similar to anti-spoofing in facial recognition: ask the speaker to perform a random action that a pre-recorded clip cannot. For example, the system might say, “Now say the number 5 while humming.” A real human can do this; a deepfake, which plays back a fixed sample, cannot. More advanced methods analyze the acoustic properties of the vocal tract — tiny, involuntary micro-fluctuations that occur when a person breathes or shifts posture. These “biometric signatures” are nearly impossible for AI to synthesize because they are chaotic and context-dependent. Nevertheless, attackers are adapting. Generative adversarial networks (GANs) can now simulate breathing patterns if fed enough training data. The arms race between forgery and detection continues. Legal frameworks are lagging; in most countries, using a deepfake voice for fraud is prosecuted under existing wire fraud laws, which do not fully address the unique challenges of synthetic media. For instance, how do you prove intent when the criminal claims the AI “accidentally” generated the voice? And what recourse does a victim have against an anonymous botnet? Some tech companies advocate for “watermarking” all AI-generated audio — embedding an inaudible digital signature that can be traced. Critics argue that watermarking can be stripped, and it places the burden on creators rather than on detection systems. Europe’s proposed AI Act includes a requirement for clear labeling of deepfakes, but enforcement is problematic. As Dr. Helen Zhou, a cybersecurity professor at MIT, warns: “We are training people to trust nothing they hear. That erosion of trust may be the deepest damage of all.” 38. What is “voice skinning” primarily used for in the context of the passage? A. Entertainment and dubbing for movies. B. Assisting people with speech disabilities. C. Committing financial fraud. D. Improving voice assistant accuracy. 39. How does “liveness detection” work for voices? A. It compares the voice to a database of celebrities. B. It asks the speaker to perform a random, unrepeatable action. C. It records the call for manual review later. D. It blocks all calls from unknown numbers. 40. What is a major legal challenge mentioned regarding deepfake voice fraud? A. There are no laws against cybercrime. B. Proving criminal intent is difficult. C. All deepfakes are protected as free speech. D. Banks refuse to cooperate with police. 非选择题(共50分) 四、填空(共15小题;每小题1分,满分15分) A) 请根据括号中所给的汉语写出单词,使短文意思完整正确。 In the dense rainforests of Borneo, researchers have identified a new species of fungus that glows in the dark. This _41_ (非凡的) discovery was made by accident when a team was searching for medicinal plants. The mushroom’s bioluminescence is so bright that it can _42_ (指引) lost hikers toward safety at night. Local tribes have long known about the “ghost fungus” but never shared their knowledge with outsiders. Scientists are now racing to _43_ (提取) the chemical compounds responsible for the glow, hoping to develop energy-free lighting for remote areas. However, the fungus grows only on a specific type of _44_ (腐烂的) wood found in a tiny region threatened by logging. Conservationists urge the government to create a protected zone before the species goes _45_ (灭绝). B) 请根据短文意思,用括号中所给单词的适当形式填空。 The concept of “circular economy” has gained traction as a solution to waste. Unlike the linear “take-make-dispose” model, circularity aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible. For example, a smartphone _46_ (design) with modular parts can be easily repaired, reducing electronic waste. In the Netherlands, a startup has developed a washing machine that can be _47_ (full) disassembled in 15 minutes, allowing each component to be recycled or reused. Critics argue that circular systems require massive _48_ (invest) in reverse logistics, which many companies are unwilling to make. Nevertheless, the European Union has set _49_ (ambition) targets: by 2030, all packaging must be reusable or recyclable. _50_ (consume) also play a role; choosing to repair instead of replace is a small but powerful act. C) 请阅读下面对话,从方框中选择适当的单词或短语填空(有一个多余选项)。 in turn due to restored accessible conservation dramatic Amy: Have you visited the newly renovated Natural History Museum? Tom: Not yet. I heard it was closed for two years _51_ structural problems. Amy: Yes, but now it’s fully _52_. They added a whole wing about biodiversity and climate change. Tom: That sounds interesting. What’s the highlight? Amy: There’s a life-sized model of a blue whale made entirely from plastic waste collected from the Pacific. It’s quite _53_. And it emphasizes the urgency of ocean _54_. Tom: Does the museum still have the dinosaur skeletons? Amy: Absolutely! Those have been carefully _55_. The difference is that now each exhibit explains how ancient extinctions relate to current environmental threats. 五、阅读填空(共19小题;满分20分) A) 请认真阅读下面短文,并根据所读内容在表格中第56~63小题的空格里填入最恰当的单词,回答第64小题。 The Hidden Toll of Light Pollution When we think of pollution, images of smokestacks and plastic-choked rivers come to mind. Yet a quieter, more pervasive form of pollution has been steadily reshaping ecosystems: artificial light at night (ALAN). Over the past century, the average night sky brightness has increased by nearly 10% per year due to urban development. For billions of city dwellers, the Milky Way has become a forgotten memory. But the consequences extend far beyond lost wonder. Nocturnal animals are especially vulnerable. Sea turtle hatchlings, which rely on moonlight reflecting off the ocean to find their way to water, often crawl toward glaring beachfront hotels instead, dying of dehydration or being eaten by predators. Migratory birds, using stars for navigation, become disoriented by city glow, crashing into illuminated buildings. One study in Chicago found that reducing window lights during migration season cut bird deaths by 80%. Insects, the base of many food webs, are fatally attracted to bright lights; a single streetlamp can kill hundreds of moths per night, disrupting pollination and leaving bats without prey. Human health is not immune. Exposure to blue-rich light at night suppresses melatonin production, increasing risks of sleep disorders, depression, obesity, and even breast cancer. The American Medical Association now recommends that outdoor lighting be “warm-white” (below 3000 Kelvin) and fully shielded to direct light downward. Unfortunately, many municipalities continue to use energy-efficient but blue-rich LEDs, prioritizing cost savings over well-being. Solutions exist but require collective will. Flagstaff, Arizona, became the world’s first “Dark Sky City” in 2001, enforcing strict lighting codes without compromising safety. Since then, energy use has dropped, and tourism for stargazing has boomed. Similarly, Chile’s Atacama Desert, home to the world’s most powerful telescopes, has legislated “light-free zones” within 150 kilometers of observatories. On an individual level, we can install motion sensors and timers, close curtains at night, and advocate for better street lighting. Light pollution is reversible — unlike plastic in the ocean or CO₂ in the atmosphere. Turning off unnecessary lights at midnight doesn’t erase past emissions, but it immediately restores darkness for wildlife and wonder for humans. As the International Dark-Sky Association puts it: “The stars belong to everyone. We simply need to let them shine.” Definition of ALAN Artificial light at night, increasing nearly 10% annually 56_ to urban growth. Effects on animals Sea turtles: misled by beach lights, fail to reach the 57_. Migratory birds: crash into buildings due to 58_ navigation. Insects: drawn to lights, leading to 59_ in pollination. Human health risks Suppressed melatonin 60_ sleep disorders and cancer. Recommended solution Use warm-white, fully 61_ lights that point downward. Successful examples Flagstaff, Arizona: first Dark Sky City with lower energy use and more 62_. Individual actions Install motion sensors, close curtains, 63_ for better lighting. 64. Question: According to the passage, why is light pollution considered “reversible” compared to other forms of pollution? (Answer in no more than 20 words) B) 请根据短文内容及首字母提示,填写所缺单词。 Imagine stepping into a room and commanding your computer by simply thinking — no keyboard, no mouse, no voice. This is the promise of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) , devices that decode neural signals into digital commands. In 2025, the first commercially available non-invasive BCI headband, named “Nexus”, went on sale for under $500. The device uses electroencephalography (EEG) to detect patterns associated with focused attention, relaxation, and even imagined movement. Early a_ (65) have been impressive: users can play simple video games, type at 15 words per minute, and control smart home devices, all without lifting a finger. But BCIs are not just toys. For people with severe paralysis, they offer a l_ (66) to communication and independence. In a landmark trial, a patient with locked-in syndrome used a BCI to tell his daughter, “I love you” for the first time in seven years. The words were generated by a computer s_ (67) but the intent was purely human. However, this technology also raises unsettling q_ (68). Who owns the data generated by your brain activity? Could an employer require BCI monitoring to ensure “productivity”? Could a court s_ (69) your neural patterns as evidence? Current privacy laws have no answer. The security risks are equally frightening. Researchers have demonstrated that a malicious hacker, given access to a BCI headband’s Bluetooth connection, could e_ (70) private information — such as whether you recognize a face or feel fear. More disturbingly, they could potentially inject false signals, making you feel anxious or tired without cause. Dr. Nina Khurana, a neuroethicist, warns that we are r_ (71) toward a future where “brain-hacking” becomes a real crime. She calls for a global treaty to ban the weaponization of BCIs. Despite the risks, investment is pouring in. Tech giants envision a world where you can search the web by simply thinking of a question, or s_ (72) a text message without touching your phone. China has included BCI technology in