内容正文:
英文刊物拓展阅读理解
(建议用时:45 min)
一、阅读理解
第一节 阅读下列短文,从每题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中,选出最佳选项。
A
A global shortage of semiconductor chips has disrupted industries from automobile manufacturing to consumer electronics, exposing the vulnerability of supply chains that have become increasingly dependent on a handful of producers. The crisis, which began in 2021 and has persisted through 2024, has prompted governments and corporations to rethink their reliance on a few manufacturing hubs.
More than 75 percent of the world‘s semiconductor production capacity is concentrated in East Asia, with Taiwan accounting for over 60 percent of advanced chip manufacturing. This concentration has created significant geopolitical risks. When a drought hit Taiwan in 2022, chip production was threatened because the manufacturing process requires enormous amounts of ultrapure water. When COVID-19 outbreaks forced factory closures in Malaysia and Vietnam, supply chains were further disrupted.
The consequences have been felt across the global economy. Automakers have been forced to cut production, leading to higher vehicle prices and longer wait times. Consumer electronics companies have delayed product launches. A 2024 study from the McKinsey Global Institute estimated that the semiconductor shortage cost the global economy over $500 billion in lost output between 2021 and 2024.
In response, governments are investing heavily in domestic chip production. The United States passed the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, providing $52 billion in subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing. The European Union has proposed its own Chips Act with a similar goal. China has been investing in domestic chip development, though export controls on advanced technology have limited its progress.
However, building new fabrication plants, or “fabs,” takes years and costs billions of dollars. Even with new investment, analysts predict that the global chip shortage could persist until 2026. “The demand for semiconductors is not going to slow down,” said Dr. Kevin Chen, an industry analyst. “The question is whether supply can catch up.”
1.According to the passage, what triggered the global semiconductor shortage crisis?
A. A decrease in consumer demand for electronics.
B. Supply chain disruptions and reliance on a few producers.
C. The discovery of more efficient chip designs.
D. The decision of major producers to stop manufacturing chips.
2.According to paragraph 2, why is Taiwan‘s semiconductor production vulnerable?
A. The factories are too old to produce advanced chips.
B. The manufacturing process requires large amounts of ultrapure water.
C. The workers have all moved to other industries.
D. The government has banned chip exports.
3.The underlined word “persisted” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ______.
A. continued B. ended C. improved D. varied
B
Wildfires have become increasingly frequent and intense in recent years, and their impact extends far beyond the immediate destruction of forests and homes. A 2025 study from the University of California, Berkeley found that smoke from wildfires now accounts for up to 50 percent of fine particulate matter pollution in the western United States during fire season, posing significant risks to public health.
The study analyzed air quality data from 2000 to 2024 across 11 western states. The researchers found that the contribution of wildfire smoke to PM2.5 levels has increased by 300 percent over the past two decades. The most severe impacts were observed in communities within 50 kilometers of large fires, but smoke particles can travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, affecting air quality in distant cities.
Wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of pollutants, including fine particles, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. The fine particles are particularly dangerous because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory problems, heart disease, and increased risk of stroke. A 2024 study estimated that wildfire smoke causes approximately 30,000 premature deaths annually in the United States.
“Climate change is driving the increase in wildfires,” said Dr. Sarah Mitchell, lead author of the study. “Warmer temperatures, drier conditions, and extended fire seasons are creating conditions that are more favorable for large, intense fires.” The study warns that without significant emissions reductions, the frequency and intensity of wildfires will continue to increase.
Some communities are taking action. Several western states have implemented programs to help residents protect themselves from smoke, including providing air filters and creating clean-air shelters. However, these measures address the symptoms rather than the cause. “We need to address the root problem,” said Mitchell. “That means reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing forests more effectively.”
4.According to the study, what proportion of fine particulate matter pollution in the western US during fire season comes from wildfire smoke?
A. 20 percent. B. 30 percent. C. 50 percent. D. 75 percent.
5.According to paragraph 3, why are fine particles in wildfire smoke particularly dangerous?
A. They cause immediate skin irritation.
B. They can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
C. They are visible to the naked eye.
D. They disappear quickly after emission.
6.The underlined word “penetrate” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ______.
A. enter B. avoid C. reflect D. block
7.What is the main message of the last paragraph?
A. Communities have already solved the problem of wildfire smoke.
B. Addressing the root causes of wildfires is essential.
C. Air filters are ineffective against wildfire smoke.
D. Wildfires will decrease naturally in the coming years.
C
The world‘s oceans are becoming increasingly polluted with plastic, and a growing body of research is revealing that the problem extends far beyond the visible debris floating on the surface. Microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than five millimeters—have been found in every corner of the globe, from the deepest ocean trenches to the Arctic ice. A 2026 study published in Science has now revealed that microplastics are also present in the human body, raising urgent questions about the health impacts of plastic pollution.
The study analyzed tissue samples from 100 individuals and found microplastics in 90 percent of the samples. The particles were detected in lung tissue, liver tissue, and even in blood samples. The most common types of plastic found were polyethylene, used in plastic bags and bottles, and polypropylene, used in food packaging and textiles. The researchers also found that individuals with higher levels of microplastics in their tissues had increased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
“We are only beginning to understand the extent of human exposure to microplastics,” said Dr. Emily Foster, lead author of the study. “We know that microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and that they can cause physical damage to cells. The long-term health effects are still unknown, but the evidence so far is concerning.”
Microplastics enter the human body through multiple pathways. They are inhaled from the air, ingested through food and water, and absorbed through the skin from personal care products. Seafood is a particularly significant source, as marine animals ingest microplastics that then accumulate in their tissues. A 2025 study estimated that the average person consumes approximately 50,000 microplastic particles per year.
The findings have prompted calls for action. Several countries have begun banning single-use plastics, and the European Union has proposed regulations to limit the release of microplastics into the environment. However, experts warn that these measures are insufficient. “We cannot recycle our way out of this problem,” said Dr. Foster. “We need to reduce plastic production at the source.”
8.According to the passage, what percentage of the human tissue samples contained microplastics?
A. 50 percent. B. 70 percent. C. 90 percent. D. 100 percent.
9.According to paragraph 2, what was found in individuals with higher levels of microplastics?
A. Lower levels of inflammation.
B. Increased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
C. No health effects.
D. Improved immune function.
10.The underlined phrase “oxidative stress” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ______.
A. cellular damage caused by harmful molecules
B. the process of cell division
C. the body‘s natural defense against infection
D. the breakdown of nutrients
11.What does Dr. Foster mean by “We cannot recycle our way out of this problem” in the last paragraph?
A. Recycling is the only solution to plastic pollution.
B. Reducing plastic production is more important than recycling.
C. Recycling has already solved the plastic pollution problem.
D. Plastic pollution is not a serious issue.
D
Sleep deprivation is a growing concern among adolescents, and a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles has found that insufficient sleep during teenage years may have lasting effects on brain development. The research, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, tracked over 800 adolescents for a decade, using brain imaging to observe changes in brain structure over time.
The researchers found that teenagers who consistently slept less than seven hours per night showed reduced gray matter volume in several regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex—an area responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and complex thinking. Those who caught up on sleep during weekends showed some recovery, but the effects on brain structure persisted.
“The teenage brain is still developing, and sleep is essential for this process,” said Dr. Michael Chen, lead author of the study. “When we don‘t get enough sleep, we are interrupting the normal development of the brain.” The study also found that sleep-deprived teenagers performed worse on cognitive tests measuring memory, attention, and problem-solving.
The consequences of adolescent sleep deprivation extend beyond cognitive performance. The study found that teenagers who slept less than seven hours per night were 40 percent more likely to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety. The researchers suggest that the relationship between sleep and mental health is bidirectional—poor sleep contributes to mental health problems, and mental health problems make it harder to sleep.
Schools are beginning to respond. Several districts have delayed start times to allow teenagers to get more sleep. A 2025 study found that schools that delayed start times by just one hour saw significant improvements in student attendance, academic performance, and mental health outcomes. “This is one of the most cost-effective interventions we have,” said Dr. Chen. “We just need the political will to implement it.”
12.According to the study, how much sleep did teenagers who showed reduced gray matter volume get?
A. Less than five hours per night.
B. Less than seven hours per night.
C. Less than nine hours per night.
D. Less than ten hours per night.
13.According to the passage, what brain region was most affected by sleep deprivation?
A. The cerebellum. B. The hippocampus. C. The prefrontal cortex. D. The brainstem.
14.The underlined phrase “bidirectional” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to ______.
A. moving in two directions
B. having no effect
C. moving in one direction
D. being completely unpredictable
15.What is the best title for this passage?
A. The Importance of Sleep for Teenage Brain Development
B. How to Help Teenagers Sleep Better
C. The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation in Adults
D. The History of Sleep Research
第二节 根据短文内容,从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
E
The term “carbon footprint” has become a familiar part of everyday conversation, but recent research suggests that individual efforts to reduce carbon emissions may be less impactful than systemic changes. A 2026 study from the University of Oxford found that individual actions, while important, are dwarfed by the emissions produced by large corporations and governments. (16) ______
The study analyzed the carbon footprints of 100 major corporations and found that these companies were responsible for nearly 70 percent of global industrial emissions. (17) ______
However, researchers emphasize that individual actions still matter. (18) ______ When individuals adopt sustainable behaviors—such as reducing meat consumption, choosing public transportation, and using energy-efficient appliances—they contribute to a broader cultural shift that can influence corporate and political decision-making.
The study also highlights the importance of focusing on actions that have the greatest impact. (19) ______ Switching to a plant-based diet, avoiding air travel, and choosing renewable energy for homes are among the most effective individual actions.
The researchers suggest that individuals should also use their voices as consumers and citizens. (20) ______ Collective demand for sustainable products and policies can drive the systemic changes needed to address climate change.
选项(A-G):
A. The carbon footprint of the wealthiest 1 percent is disproportionately large.
B. Not all sustainable actions are equally effective.
C. Corporations have been reluctant to reduce their emissions.
D. Individual actions alone cannot solve the climate crisis.
E. These companies should be held accountable for their emissions.
F. Voting for climate-conscious politicians and supporting sustainable brands can create pressure.
G. The impact of individual actions accumulates through collective behavior.
二、参考答案与解析
阅读理解 A篇
文章大意: 本文是一篇说明文,介绍了全球半导体芯片短缺的危机及其对汽车制造、消费电子等行业的影响,以及各国政府为应对危机而投资国内芯片生产的举措。
1. 答案:B
题干句意: 根据文章,什么引发了全球半导体短缺危机?
解析: 本题考查细节理解。根据第一段,“exposing the vulnerability of supply chains that have become increasingly dependent on a handful of producers”以及第二段对供应链中断的描述,说明供应链中断和对少数生产商的依赖是主要原因。A项“消费者需求下降”与事实相反;C项“更高效芯片设计”未提及;D项“停止制造”未提及。故正确答案为B。
2. 答案:B
题干句意: 根据第二段,为什么台湾的半导体生产具有脆弱性?
解析: 本题考查细节理解。根据第二段,“When a drought hit Taiwan in 2022, chip production was threatened because the manufacturing process requires enormous amounts of ultrapure water”直接说明芯片制造需要大量超纯水,干旱会威胁生产。A项“工厂太旧”未提及;C项“工人转行”未提及;D项“政府禁止出口”未提及。故正确答案为B。
3. 答案:A
题干句意: 第一段中画线单词“persisted”的含义最接近______。
解析: 本题考查词义猜测。“persisted”意为“持续、继续存在”。文中“The crisis... has persisted through 2024”指危机持续到2024年。B项“结束”、C项“改善”、D项“变化”均不符合。故正确答案为A。
阅读理解 B篇
文章大意: 本文是一篇说明文,介绍了野火烟雾对空气质量和公共健康的影响——野火烟雾占美国西部PM2.5污染的50%,细颗粒物可深入肺部进入血液,气候变化正在加剧野火频发。
4. 答案:C
题干句意: 根据研究,美国西部火灾季节期间,野火烟雾占细颗粒物污染的多少?
解析: 本题考查细节理解。根据第一段,“smoke from wildfires now accounts for up to 50 percent of fine particulate matter pollution”直接说明占50%。故正确答案为C。
5. 答案:B
题干句意: 根据第三段,为什么野火烟雾中的细颗粒物特别危险?
解析: 本题考查细节理解。根据第三段,“they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream”直接说明细颗粒物能深入肺部进入血液。A项“皮肤刺激”、C项“肉眼可见”、D项“很快消失”均与文意不符。故正确答案为B。
6. 答案:A
题干句意: 第三段中画线单词“penetrate”的含义最接近______。
解析: 本题考查词义猜测。“penetrate”意为“穿透、进入”。文中“penetrate deep into the lungs”指深入肺部。B项“避免”、C项“反射”、D项“阻挡”均不符合。故正确答案为A。
7. 答案:B
题干句意: 最后一段的主要信息是什么?
解析: 本题考查段落主旨。最后一段指出需要解决根本问题——减少温室气体排放和更有效地管理森林。A项“已解决问题”与“addressing the symptoms rather than the cause”矛盾;C项“空气过滤器无效”未提及;D项“自然减少”与“will continue to increase”矛盾。故正确答案为B。
阅读理解 C篇
文章大意: 本文是一篇说明文,介绍了微塑料污染在人体组织中的普遍存在——90%的组织样本含微塑料,已发现于肺、肝和血液中,微塑料可通过吸入、饮食和皮肤吸收进入人体。
8. 答案:C
题干句意: 根据文章,有多少百分比的人体组织样本含有微塑料?
解析: 本题考查细节理解。根据第二段,“found microplastics in 90 percent of the samples”直接说明90%。故正确答案为C。
9. 答案:B
题干句意: 根据第二段,微塑料水平较高的个体发现了什么?
解析: 本题考查细节理解。根据第二段,“individuals with higher levels of microplastics in their tissues had increased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress”直接说明炎症和氧化应激标志物增加。A项“炎症减少”、C项“无健康影响”、D项“免疫功能改善”均与文意相反。故正确答案为B。
10. 答案:A
题干句意: 第二段中画线短语“oxidative stress”的含义最接近______。
解析: 本题考查词义猜测。“oxidative stress”意为“氧化应激”,指有害分子造成的细胞损伤。文中“increased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress”指炎症和氧化应激标志物增加。B项“细胞分裂”、C项“免疫防御”、D项“营养分解”均不符合。故正确答案为A。
11. 答案:B
题干句意: 最后一段中Foster博士说“我们不能通过回收来解决这个问题”是什么意思?
解析: 本题考查推理判断。Foster博士说“We cannot recycle our way out of this problem”后接“We need to reduce plastic production at the source”,说明减少塑料生产比回收更重要。A项“回收是唯一解决方案”与文意相反;C项“回收已解决问题”与文意相反;D项“问题不严重”与“urgent”矛盾。故正确答案为B。
阅读理解 D篇
文章大意: 本文是一篇说明文,介绍了加州大学洛杉矶分校的研究——青少年睡眠不足(少于7小时)与大脑前额叶皮层灰质体积减少相关,并增加抑郁和焦虑风险,推迟上学时间可改善情况。
12. 答案:B
题干句意: 根据研究,睡眠少于多少小时的青少年表现出灰质体积减少?
解析: 本题考查细节理解。根据第二段,“teenagers who consistently slept less than seven hours per night showed reduced gray matter volume”直接说明少于7小时。故正确答案为B。
13. 答案:C
题干句意: 根据文章,睡眠不足最影响哪个大脑区域?
解析: 本题考查细节理解。根据第二段,“including the prefrontal cortex—an area responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and complex thinking”直接说明前额叶皮层受影响。A项“小脑”、B项“海马体”、D项“脑干”均未提及。故正确答案为C。
14. 答案:A
题干句意: 第四段中画线单词“bidirectional”的含义最接近______。
解析: 本题考查词义猜测。“bidirectional”意为“双向的”。文中“the relationship between sleep and mental health is bidirectional”指睡眠与心理健康的关系是双向的——睡眠差导致心理健康问题,心理健康问题也使睡眠更困难。B项“无影响”、C项“单向”、D项“不可预测”均不符合。故正确答案为A。
15. 答案:A
题干句意: 这篇文章的最佳标题是什么?
解析: 本题考查主旨大意。全文围绕青少年睡眠对大脑发育的重要性展开。B项“如何帮助青少年睡得更好”是结论部分而非主题;C项“成人睡眠不足”偏离主题;D项“睡眠研究史”未提及。故正确答案为A。
阅读理解 E篇(七选五)
文章大意: 本文是一篇说明文,介绍了碳足迹的研究——大型企业是主要排放源,但个人行动仍有意义,通过集体行为和文化转变可以影响企业和政府决策,同时应关注最有效的行动。
16. 答案:D
题干句意: 牛津大学的研究发现,个人行动虽然重要,但被大型企业和政府产生的排放所压倒。(16)______
解析: 本题考查段落衔接。前句指出个人行动被企业和政府排放压倒,D项“个人行动无法单独解决气候危机”承接前文,概括了这一发现的核心结论,与后文关于企业排放占比的数据衔接。故正确答案为D。
17. 答案:A
题干句意: 该研究分析了100家大型企业的碳足迹,发现这些公司占全球工业排放的近70%。(17)______
解析: 本题考查逻辑衔接。前句给出企业排放占比数据,A项“最富有的1%人口的碳足迹不成比例地大”承接前文,指出排放的另一个不平等维度——富人的排放同样巨大。E项“这些公司应为其排放负责”更适合第20空。故正确答案为A。
18. 答案:G
题干句意: 然而,研究人员强调个人行动仍然重要。(18)______
解析: 本题考查逻辑衔接。前句指出个人行动仍重要,G项“个人行动的影响通过集体行为积累”具体解释了个体行为如何产生作用,与后文“broader cultural shift”的讨论衔接。故正确答案为G。
19. 答案:B
题干句意: 研究还强调了关注影响最大的行动的重要性。(19)______
解析: 本题考查细节衔接。前句提出关注影响力大的行动,B项“并非所有可持续行动都同样有效”承接前文,解释了为什么需要关注影响力大的行动,与后文列举“最有效的个人行动”衔接。C项“企业不愿减排”与个人行动主题不符。故正确答案为B。
20. 答案:F
题干句意: 研究人员建议个人也应运用自己作为消费者和公民的声音。(20)______
解析: 本题考查逻辑衔接。前句提到个人作为消费者和公民的声音,F项“投票支持有气候意识的政治家和支持可持续品牌可以施加压力”具体说明如何运用消费者和公民的力量,与后文“Collective demand”的讨论衔接。E项“公司应负责”虽合理但与“消费者和公民”的直接关联不如F。故正确答案为F。
多余选项: C(企业一直不愿减排——与“some companies have begun”不符)、E(这些公司应为其排放负责——更适合作为呼吁而非填入选段)
三、长难句分析
1. 原句:
“The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 rice fields across Asia, including China, India, and Vietnam, which together produce more than 80 percent of the world‘s rice, and found that methane emissions vary significantly depending on farming practices, soil type, and climate conditions, with traditional continuous flooding practices resulting in emissions up to 80 percent higher than those from fields that use alternate wetting and drying.”
翻译: 研究人员分析了亚洲1000多块稻田的数据,包括中国、印度和越南,这些国家合计生产了全球80%以上的水稻,并发现在不同农业实践、土壤类型和气候条件下,甲烷排放量差异显著,传统的持续淹水实践导致的排放量比采用间歇灌溉的田地高出80%。
句子结构分析:
本句为复合句,包含非限制性定语从句、宾语从句和“with”复合结构。
主句:The researchers(主语)analyzed(谓语1)data from over 1,000 rice fields across Asia(宾语1)and found(谓语2)
非限制性定语从句:, including China, India, and Vietnam, which together produce more than 80 percent of the world‘s rice(which引导,修饰前面的国家)
宾语从句:that methane emissions vary significantly depending on farming practices, soil type, and climate conditions(作found的宾语)
“with”复合结构:, with traditional continuous flooding practices resulting in emissions up to 80 percent higher than those from fields that use alternate wetting and drying(with+宾语+现在分词)
定语从句:that use alternate wetting and drying(修饰fields)
2. 原句:
“A 2026 study from the University of Oxford found that individual actions, while important, are dwarfed by the emissions produced by large corporations and governments, suggesting that the focus on personal carbon footprints may be distracting from the need for systemic change.”
翻译: 牛津大学2026年的一项研究发现,个人行动虽然重要,但被大型企业和政府产生的排放所压倒,这表明对个人碳足迹的关注可能分散了对系统性变革需求的注意力。
句子结构分析:
本句为复合句,包含宾语从句和现在分词短语作结果状语。
主句:A 2026 study from the University of Oxford(主语)found(谓语)
宾语从句1:that individual actions, while important, are dwarfed by the emissions produced by large corporations and governments(作found的宾语)
插入语:while important(让步状语,省略了they are)
过去分词短语作定语:produced by large corporations and governments(修饰emissions)
现在分词短语作结果状语:, suggesting that the focus on personal carbon footprints may be distracting from the need for systemic change(suggesting的逻辑主语为前面整句内容)
宾语从句2:that the focus on personal carbon footprints may be distracting from the need for systemic change(作suggesting的宾语)
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