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专题02阅读理解(说明文)
基础必练
主题语境01人与社会-中国文化
【答案】1.B2.A3.B4.C
主题语境02人与社会-历史、社会与文化
Passage 1
【答案】1.D2.C3.B
Passage 2
【答案】1.C2.C3.D
Passage 3
【答案】1.B2.B3.D4.A
Passage 4
【答案】1.D2.B3.A4.B
主题语境03人与社会-文学、艺术与体育
Passage 1
【答案】1.A2.B3.A4.C
Passage 2
【答案】1.C2.D3.B4.A
主题语境04人与社会-科学与技术
Passage 1
【答案】1.B2.A3.D4.C
Passage 2
116
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【答案】1.D2.B3.D4.C
主题语境05人与自我-生活与学习
Passage 1
【答案】1.C2.B3.A4.C
Passage 2
【答案】1.D2.D3.C4.B
Passage 3
【答案】1.D2.D3.A4.C
主题语境06人与自然-环境
Passage 1
【答案】1.C2.B3.A4.D
Passage 2
【答案】1.C2.B3.B
Passage 3
【答案】1.D2.B3.C4.A
Passage 4
【答案】1.A2.A3.D
主题语境07人与自然-自然生态
Passage 1
【答案】1.D2.B3.D
Passage 2
【答案】1.B2.D3.A4.D
进阶提升
主题语境01人与社会-历史、社会与文化
216
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Passage 1
【答案】1.A2.C3.D4B
Passage 2
【答案】1.B2.B3.A4.C
Passage 3
【答案】1.A2.C3.B4.D
Passage 4
【答案】1.C2.B3.A4.D
Passage 5
【答案】1.D2.C3.D4.B
Passage 6
【答案】1.C2.D3.B4.A
Passage 7
【答案】1.C2.A3.D4.A
Passage 8
【答案】1.C2.B3.A4.A
Passage 9
【答案】1.B2.B3.A4.C
主题语境02人与社会-文学、艺术与体育
【答案】1.C2.D3.B4.A
主题语境03人与社会-科学与技术
Passage 1
【答案】1.B2.C3.A4.B
Passage 2
【答案】1.D2.B3.C4.B
Passage 3
【答案】1.A2.B3.C4.D
3/6
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Passage 4
【答案】1.B2.D3.C4.A
Passage 5
【答案】1.C2.B3.C4.A
Passage 6
【答案】1.B2.C3.C4.D
主题语境04人与自我-生活与学习
Passage 1
【答案】1.D2.C3.A4.A
Passage 2
【答案】1.D2.C3.B4.B
Passage 3
【答案】1.A2.B3.C4.B
Passage 4
【答案】1.D2.A3.B4.C
Passage 5
【答案】1.C2.A3.B4.C
Passage 6
【答案】1.A2.D3.B4.B
主题语境05人与自然-环境
Passage 1
【答案】1.A2.D3.C4.B
Passage 2
【答案】1.B2.A3.D4.B
Passage 3
【答案】1.C2.C3.B4.D
4/6
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主题语境06人与自然-自然生态
Passage 1
【答案】1.B2.D3.D4.B
Passage 2
【答案】1.C2.C3.D4.A
Passage 3
【答案】1.D2.C3.B4A
Passage 4
【答案】1.B2.D3.C4.A
拓展培优
主题语境01人与社会-历史、社会与文化
【答案】1.D2.B3.A4.C
主题语境02人与社会-文学、艺术与体育
【答案】1.D2.B3.D4.C
主题语境03人与社会-科学与技术
Passage 1
【答案】1.C2.A3.D4.D
Passage 2
【答案】1.A2.C3.B4.D
Passage 3
【答案】1.C2.B3.C4.B
Passage 4
【答案】1.C2.D3.A4.D
Passage 5
5/6
可学科网
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【答案】1.C2.A3.D4.C
Passage 6
【答案】1.D2.D3.B4.D
Passage 7
【答案】1.C2.B3.C4.A
主题语境04人与自我-生活与学习
Passage 1
【答案】1.A2.B3.B4.C
Passage 2
【答案】1.B2.C3.D4.A
主题语境05人与自然-环境
【答案】1.D2.C3.B4.C
616
专题02 阅读理解(说明文)
主题语境01 人与社会-中国文化
(25-26高二上·河北五校联考·期中)Paper-cut is a kind of Chinese traditional art. Since the invention (发明) of paper, paper-cut has become popular in many places of China. The material and tools used for paper cutting are simple, paper and scissors. Paper-cuts are usually made of red paper, because red is associated with happiness in traditional Chinese culture. Therefore, on festive (喜庆的) occasions such as weddings, red paper-cuts are the first choice for decorating doors and windows.
Everything can become the theme of paper-cuts, from people to things that can be found in everyday life. They are often pasted on the windows, walls, doors or lanterns to express the feelings of joy, happiness and hope in life.
There are different styles of paper-cuts, the most famous of which are the southern and northern styles. The style in the southern area of China is delicate (精巧的), with scenery, birds and flowers as the main subjects. The northern style is simpler and more expressive because of its rough (粗犷的) lines and designs.
1.Paper-cut ________.
A. has a short history
B. has a long history
C. is a modern invention
D. is a new invention
2.On festive occasions, ________ paper-cuts are usually used.
A. red B. yellow C. black D. blue
3.What material and tools are commonly used in paper cutting?
A. Doors and windows.
B. Paper and scissors.
C. Birds and flowers.
D. Lanterns and walls.
4.________ feelings are usually expressed by the paper-cuts.
A. Angry B. Sad C. Happy D. Calm
主题语境02 人与社会-历史、社会与文化
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·福建福宁五校联合体·期中)We’re happy to introduce News for Classroom Use: a weekly newsletter with a piece of news and activities based on it which you can use as a warm-up, a filler or a wrap-up task. The newsletter might include: discussion questions, tasks around headlines and images, comments to respond to, vocabulary and links to related ESL. Brains lesson plans.
How to use the newsletter
The stories covered in the newsletter range from breaking news to more evergreen content which you will be able to go back to according to your students needs. The newsletter itself has several parts.
INTRO: A short paragraph describing-what the news is about. You might need to read it out to students or it may also serve as a reference point to you, depending on the activities that go with the particular piece of news.
ACTIVITY: A task or tasks for students to work on in the classroom. Each newsletter contains a set of questions related to the news. You might ask students to discuss all of them or just some of them. If you teach lower-level students, use the easier questions or just ask students to say what they think about the news. Other activities might include completing headlines, commenting on pictures, reporting what students have heard about the news, etc.
Subscribe to the newsletter
If you are an Unlimited or a Premium user and you’re subscribed to our newsletters, the News for Classroom Use newsletter will drop into your mailbox every Wednesday.
1.Which is a feature of the newsletter?
A. It posts daily updates.
B. It contains advanced vocabulary.
C. It emphasizes breaking news.
D. It offers reusable reading materials.
2.What activity can be recommended to beginners?
A. Rewriting related news.
B. Choosing news pictures.
C. Expressing their opinions.
D. Contributing to the newsletter.
3.Who is the text intended for?
A. News presenters.
B. Teachers.
C. Foreign students.
D. Journalists.
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·山东名校考试联盟·期中)The Growth of Sustainable Agriculture
Feeding the world’s population places significant pressure on our natural resources. In response, sustainable agriculture — a farming approach that meets current food and fiber needs while protecting the environment and supporting farmers’ livelihoods — is gaining crucial edge.
The sustainable agriculture market is experiencing rapid expansion. Its value has grown from 16.75 billion in 2025. This strong growth is expected to continue, with the market expected to reach $23.97 billion by 2029, advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%.
This growth is essentially driven by soaring consumer demand for organic products. Furthermore, innovations such as sustainable biostimulants (生物刺激素) are advancing farming practices. The market covers various products, including improved seeds, and biopesticides, which are used in farming systems like organic farming and precision agriculture.
Geographically, North America was the largest market in 2024, while the Asia-Pacific region is forecast to be the fastest-growing. However, the growth forecast has been slightly adjusted. “The forecast of 9.4% growth over the next five years indicates a slight reduction,” the report notes, attaching this mainly to international trade tensions and customs duties, which could disturb the supply of key technologies.
Despite these challenges, the overall trend is positive, signaling a steady global shift towards more resilient (有韧性的) and environmentally friendly food production systems.
1.What is the main purpose of the first paragraph?
A. To present specific market information.
B. To compare different farming methods.
C. To define a concept and introduce the topic.
D. To stress the challenges of population growth.
2.Which is the probable market size in 2027?
A. 15.07 billion. B. 16.75 billion. C. 20.05 billion. D. 21.93 billion.
3.What is the main reason for the rising sustainable agriculture market?
A. Growing variety of market products.
B. Sufficient supply of key technologies.
C. Constant international trade tensions.
D. Increasing demand for organic products.
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·福建福宁五校联合体·期中)About 4 billion people already experience water shortage for at least one month a year and this number could double by 2050, according to a 2024 study. Yet progress on water shortage targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals is off track. Professor Guenther, director of the UN University’s Institute, says that water shortage has largely been invisible to policymakers.
Fortunately, many technologies to make better use of water resources are developing. These include technologies to improve the efficiency of typically energy-intensive desalination (海水的脱盐) plants, and the improved biological treatment processes that effectively double the capacity of wastewater treatment plants to increase the water available for industrial and agricultural use.
Investment has not always been available for water resource solutions. The water sector is a $500 billion marketplace, representing a huge opportunity for investors. But investing in this area requires a willingness to wait for returns in the longer term.
Investment in new technologies is not the only answer, says Brooke, co-editor of Unconcentional Water Resources, a book published by the UN earlier this year to urge the use of various and plentiful resources that until now have not received much attention. These range from the millions of cubic kilometers of water in deep land-based and seabed aquifers (含水层), and in fog and icebergs, to reusing water from the ballast holds (压载舱) of thousands of ships for agriculture.
“It is a human approach to think that sufficient technology will address the problem. But if there’s no rain, if the groundwater level gets lower and lower, if we cannot dig deeper, and there is no option for desalination, this is when we start thinking,” says Brooke. “But by then it’s very often too late.”
1.What causes the slow progress on water shortage solutions according to Guenther?
A. Insufficient funds.
B. The lack of effective policies.
C. Outdated technology.
D. The rise of global warming.
2.What stops investors from investing in the water sector?
A. The limited market.
B. The long profit cycle.
C. The high investment risk.
D. The large initial investment.
3.Which measure did the UN suggest taking earlier this year?
A. Promoting water use efficiency.
B. Improving wastewater treatment.
C. Building more desalination plants.
D. Seeking alternative water resources.
4.What does the author want to do in the last paragraph?
A. Issue a warning.
B. Launch an appeal.
C. Make a prediction.
D. Highlight an approach.
Passage 4
(25-26高二上·浙江台金七校联考·期中)Modern cars are no longer just transport machines — they are essentially smartphones on wheels. For drivers, this brings convenience: automatic braking, GPS, entertainment, and more. Yet carmakers gain something even more valuable — data. Today’s vehicles constantly record weight, speed, routes, and even contacts when phones are connected. This raises a crucial question: who owns and controls this data, and how is it used?
The answer remains unclear. Most owners unknowingly give up rights through fine-print sentences in purchase contracts (合同). Like smartphones, cars collect user data, but few drivers realize it. With phones, we trade privacy for convenience consciously; with cars, that trade occurs without awareness. What follows is equally concerning. Carmakers claim data boost safety and performance, yet they can sell it to third parties like insurance companies. Driving behavior — speed, braking, seatbelt use — can all be monetized (获利). Unlike phones where you can turn off location data, there’s no option to quit for your car.
Data also lets carmakers remind owners about repairs or maintenance. But this control gives them another edge — deciding who can access that information. For decades, drivers could choose any trusted mechanic. Now, data-driven cars may limit access to manufacturer (制造商) networks, putting independent repair shops, which are often cheaper and convenient, at a disadvantage.
This reveals a new side of the privacy debate. We fear data being shared with strangers, but what about when it’s withheld from those we trust? Imagine a doctor unable to access your medical records without paying a fee. Similarly, carmakers could charge independent repair shops for vehicle data. That expense will lead to vehicle owners’ paying higher repair prices just so that technicians can obtain the data.
The solution is simple. The idea that drivers don’t control their own data flies in the face of what consumers want, as nearly 90% of consumers expect. While digital technology makes driving safer and smarter, the enormous value of vehicle data gives manufacturers little reason to release control. Policymakers must act to protect drivers’ rights and maintain their freedom to choose who fixes their cars.
1.According to paragraph 2, why do most car owners lose control of their data?
A. They fail to turn off the location data of cars.
B. They rarely read the fine print in purchase contracts.
C. They willingly exchange privacy for modern convenience.
D. They are unaware that their vehicles collect user information.
2.How will car data control probably influence independent repair shops?
A. They will no longer be trusted due to lack of data.
B. They may have to pay additional cost to access data.
C. They can win customers’ favor with lower repair prices.
D. They need to provide medical records to prove reliability.
3.Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude toward car data collection?
A. Critical. B. Cautious. C. Neutral. D. Approving.
4.What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To argue that carmakers should share repair data.
B. To highlight privacy and control issues of car data.
C. To explain modern car functions and driving experience.
D. To demonstrate how carmakers profit from drivers’ data
主题语境03 人与社会-文学、艺术与体育
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·安徽·期中)Rain Report Cafe in Seoul is a unique cafe, which rains once every 15 minutes. This unique cafe offers an experience like no other, where customers can enjoy their coffee while getting drenched (湿透) in an artificial downpour. Located in the busy district of Itaewon, this South Korean cafe has quickly become a must- visit attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
As you step into Rain Report Cafe, you’ re greeted by a mainly black interior, paired beautifully with bamboo trees that add a touch of nature to the environment. The cafe’s design transports you away from the noise of the city, making you feel as if you’ re in a peaceful outdoor setting, especially when the rain starts to fall.
The cafe features panoramic (全景的) windows that offer a complete view of its inner courtyard, where the rain magic unfolds. Every 15 minutes, without fail, a heavy downpour falls in the courtyard, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The sound of raindrops, combined with the fragrant smell of coffee, creates a perfect setting for those who find relief in a rainy day.
To ensure that customers can fully immerse themselves in this unique experience, the cafe provides umbrellas, rubber boots, and raincoats. This thoughtful gesture allows patrons (常客) to step into the courtyard and embrace the rain without worrying about getting wet.
Because of its popularity, Rain Report Cafe can get quite lively, with lines of patrons waiting by the windows to capture the downpour on their cameras. If you’ re not bothered by the attention, you might just find yourself becoming a part of their videos as you venture into the courtyard.
In a city where new and innovative ideas are always in demand, Rain Report Cafe stands out as a truly special place. For those who find comfort in the sound of rain and enjoy a hot cup of coffee, this cafe offers an unforgettable experience that is worth braving the lines for. So, if you’ re in Seoul, don’t miss the chance to visit this one-of-a-kind rainy haven.
1.Why is the cafe different from other cafes?
A. It features heavy artificial rainfall every 15 minutes.
B. It serves the most wonderful coffee all year round.
C. Its window offers broad views of the ocean.
D. The cafe offers customers peaceful environment.
2.What makes the cafe quite natural?
A. Its dark interior.
B. Bamboo trees.
C. The downpours.
D. The customers.
3.What does the author think of drinking in the cafe?
A. Relieving. B. Inspiring. C. Exciting. D. Depressing.
4.What is the purpose of the text?
A. To raise the awareness of green lifestyle.
B. To inspire us to be innovative in life.
C. To advertise the Rain Report Cafe.
D. To give us some tips on drinking coffee.
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·安徽部分校·期中)In comparison with the history of Western theatre, the history of scenic design is short. While the golden age of Greek theatre occurred more than two thousand years ago, the intensive use of scenery in the theatre did not begin until after 1600, and the position of scenic designer — the individual responsible for the visual appearance and function of the scenic and property elements of a theatrical production — did not become a commonly credited production position until the mid-1920s. Robert Edmond Jones is generally acknowledged as among the first credited scenic designers, for a 1915 production of The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife.
The term scenery can include any noncostume visual element used in support of a production. In the context of this article, however, it will be defined as any nonpermanent two- or three-dimensional background or environmental element that is placed on the stage so as to suggest the historical period, location, and mood of the play being performed. While properties — e.g., set props (sofas, chairs, and so forth) and hand props (any noncostume items handled by the actors, such as glassware, or books) — do the same, they generally are not considered to be scenery.
There was very little scenery used in Western theatres before the early 1600s. While Greek and Roman plays were performed outdoors in delicate and grand structures, there is little physical evidence to suggest that scenery, as defined above, was used on these stages. Medieval European drama used standardized scenic elements called “mansions” (representations of heaven, and so forth) to describe the various locations needed in the drama that constituted the most part of the period’s plays. Mansions were often mounted in the nave (正厅) of a church, on a platform in front of a church, or in a town square. They were also used in combination with pageant wagons (盛会马车), usually held between one and three mansions, and were pulled from location to location, and were arranged to create the appropriate setting.
1.What’s the purpose of the author mentioning Greek theatre?
A. To illustrate the Greek civilization.
B. To tell the advancement of Greece in theatre.
C. To tell the short history of the scenic design.
D. To explain the significance of Western theatre.
2.The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife is accepted as the symbol of a drama with ______.
A. a commonly credited production position
B. a good fame for Robert Edmond Jones
C. detailed chapters enjoyed by audience
D. the first widely approved scenic design
3.What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?
A. Set props and hand props.
B. The definition of scenery.
C. Materials placed on the stage.
D. The historical period of the play.
4.What can be inferred from paragraph 3?
A. “Mansions” quite fit the concept of scenery.
B. Greek and Roman plays used mixed scenery.
C. Greek and Roman plays used excellent scenery.
D. Mansions were movable scenery drawn by horses.
主题语境04 人与社会-科学与技术
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·河北强基联盟-12月·期中)Cloud storage is a flexible and convenient way to store data with complete peace of mind. It enables you to store your data on hosted servers (服务器). This means you can store all your digital things remotely, without taking up space on your computer. There are two options available: public cloud storage allows you to share hosting space with other users; private cloud storage is the ideal choice for companies who want to have their data stored in their own environment.
Cloud storage is very simple to use. Once you have registered and set up your account, you simply save your files via the Internet using your username and password. This ensures your data remains secure and inaccessible to anyone else. Should you choose, you can put certain permissions in place, which makes it easy to share your data with your colleagues or your family.
When you sign up to cloud storage, you can choose the amount of space you need. You can start with a small amount and increase the storage size later on. You can store anything digital; all your files, videos and pictures. Whether you want to use this storage solution to store your family photographs or you want to use it to store your work documentation, you will find it quite convenient.
Is it better than your computer or an external drive (硬盘)? The answer is a definite yes. Computers crash all the time. This is the most common cause of lost work and memories. External hard drives can still break, or fail. Here you also have the added risk of misplacing it or having it stolen. There are so many advantages to cloud computing, from the ability to access your data from wherever, whenever, to not needing expensive external storage devices. The only disadvantage, however, is that you need Internet to access files.
1.What is cloud storage?
A. To store data with peaceful emotions.
B. To store data on remote servers.
C. To store data on others’ computers.
D. To store data on local machines.
2.How to start cloud storage?
A. Register your account via the Internet.
B. Keep your data secure and inaccessible.
C. Share your password to your families.
D. Access your files under permissions.
3.What is the advantage of cloud storage compared to the local machine?
A. It decides any amount of space.
B. It resets computer system once for all.
C. It stores any digital files, videos and pictures.
D. It offers secure, cheap and convenient access.
4.What is the best title for the passage?
A. Cloud Storage Is Double-edged
B. Cloud Storage Needs No Computers
C. Cloud Storage Pushes Boundaries
D. Cloud Storage Cheaps The Internet
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·浙江台金七校联考·期中)Rising carbon dioxide levels and climate change are reshaping the environments in which crops grow, and one urgent consequence is an increased risk of plant disease. There is a real danger that some infections could spread more widely across climates — potentially leading to agricultural disasters. To reduce this risk, seed companies and plant scientists should work together now to build a library of useful crop genes before it’s too late.
Part of the problem is that centuries of selective breeding have made the genomes (基因组) of most valuable crops very narrow. They grow great in today’s conditions, but become less able to cope with change. A small or previously unknown disease could spread rapidly through a genetically uniform crop, driving global prices sharply upward and causing widespread malnutrition and suffering. Fortunately, the threat has a clear solution.
All crops have wild relatives that are not useful for farming but carry much more genetic variety that can protect crops against future pathogens (病原体). As insurance, those genes should be stored — usually as seeds — until they are needed to be put into a crop’s genome. Nevertheless, the current gene banks have too few samples of two-thirds of the relevant wild relatives, and many species are not stored at all.
You might expect large agribusinesses to help. Yet firms like Bayer and Syngenta still treat future-proofing crops as a government job, finding it too uncertain to attract commercial investment. Academic plant scientists can also help, but the work is routine and gets little reward. Curing an outbreak builds careers; preventing a possible one brings little recognition. To act, plant scientists need motivations — pay and research funding. Major funders, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, must shift money toward preparing for future threats.
Another barrier is political considerations. The U.S. National Science Foundation is said to reject proposals that mention “climate change,” because some politicians deny it. Europe also needs to change its cautious attitude to genetic engineering. Gene editing will be essential, even if it makes some European consumers and policymakers uneasy. The sooner they accept it, the better.
1.Why are some small diseases likely to infect crops rapidly?
A. The price of curing such diseases is too high.
B. The change brought by global warming is dramatic.
C. The genomes that resist diseases are removed from most crops.
D. Natural genetic variation is lost due to long-term artificial selection.
2.What’s an obvious solution to new diseases for crops?
A. Buying insurance for all crops at the bank.
B. Storing seed samples of wild crop relatives.
C. Putting protective genomes into all crops.
D. Reducing genetic variety of future pathogens.
3.What can be inferred from the last two paragraphs?
A. Large companies are enthusiastic about government jobs.
B. Plant scientists offer considerable help to earn recognition.
C. European countries consider genetic editing as a vital step.
D. Political ideas partly get in the way of genetic engineering.
4.Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?
A. Crop Yields in the Future Century
B. Preserving Rare Seeds Against Future Pathogens
C. Building a Gene Library Before Crop Diseases Worsen
D. Funding and Investment to Boost Agricultural Innovation
主题语境05 人与自我-生活与学习
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·湖北部分省级示范高中·期中)Vacations are being redefined to improve your wellness experiences. The new buzzword is “sleep tourism” and the focus is on ensuring that you rest well at night and actually return from your vacation feeling refreshed.
When away, vacationers traditionally like to make use of every second of the day. They rush from site to site, eat meals at all hours of the day, and treat themselves at night. And when finally returning to their hotel rooms at night, they find it hard to sleep. Besides, downtown hotels may be centrally located, with noisy traffic and flashing city lights pervading (弥漫). Also, many people simply do not sleep well when away from their own beds. All these factors lead to pain, allergies and hormonal issues, making sleep challenging.
“Sleep tourism” addresses these issues and more. Special sleep suites have been thoughtfully designed to offer quiet and darkness. Hotels are investing in artificial intelligence mattresses (床垫) that adjust temperature and have cushions to relieve pressure points. The mattresses can also track sleep statistics and offer vacationers feedback on their sleep patterns.
Sleep suites are a huge advance in tourism and are now found in wellness hotels around the world. Each offers different ways of inducing sleep, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Many provide a menu of relaxing teas and a tailored bed. No matter which sleep suite you choose, the goal is to sleep well so you can improve your health and well-being. Sinking into a comfortable bed should be the best part of a trip!
The hope is that more hotels adapt to this wellness trend and return to the original purpose of a hotel room, which is sleep! Now you can tour around by day and have sweet dreams by night.
1.According to the text, what is the new trend in vacationing?
A. Partying all night.
B. Eating at special hours.
C. Sleeping well on holiday.
D. Rushing from site to site.
2.How do sleep suites improve the sleep experience for guests?
A. By serving a wide variety of food.
B. By introducing mattresses with AI technology.
C. By offering in-room entertainment systems.
D. By ensuring complete darkness in the rooms.
3.The underlined word “inducing” in Paragraph 4 probably means “________”.
A. promoting. B. preventing. C. causing. D. affecting.
4.What can we infer about the future of hotels from the passage?
A. All hotels will have artificial intelligence mattresses.
B. Traditional hotels will disappear because of “sleep tourism”.
C. More hotels will focus on providing better sleep experiences.
D. Downtown hotels will move to quieter areas to avoid traffic noise.
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·福建福宁五校联合体·期中)When we’re tired or injured, we often go to bed earlier to recharge and mend our bodies. That’s because we often think that night is a golden time to deal with stress or injuries. But is it true?
Nathaniel Hoyle, a scientist of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology m Cambridge, UK, has been leading a study into this topic. The team discovered that fibroblast cells (成纤维细胞) in the body switch off at night. These cells help close up a wound after the skin is broken and lay a foundation for new skin to grow. Why exactly are these cells less active at night? It’s all to do with your body’s circadian (昼夜节律的) rhythm — a 24-hour internal clock that helps your cells do their jobs on time. New Scientist reported that a group of 30 genes that control the fibroblasts worked only daytime shifts, causing the slower healing process at night. To test its theory, the Cambridge-based team examined data from the International Burn Injury Database, which records details of burn victims around the world. This analysis revealed that nighttime burns, on average, took 11 more days to heal than burns during the day.
A similar result occurred while experimenting using live mice. Those that were cut during night-time hours recovered more slowly than those during the day. “You can see by eyes, when the cell is wounded only 8 hours apart from each other, in different circadian periods, the daytime wounded ones take off, and the nighttime ones drag,” research team member John O’Neill told Science Alert. He added, “The time-varying response may be an evolutionary adaptation. As people are more likely to sustain injuries when awake than when sleeping, perhaps our bodies are prepared to respond more quickly in the daytime.” He went on to say that it could be beneficial to schedule surgeries in time with people’s circadian rhythms, earlier for early birds and later for night owls, in order to lessen recovery time. However, in any case, it might be best not to use anything sharp once the sun goes down.
1.Why does the author mention people going to bed earlier when tired or injured?
A. To list common methods of recharging the body.
B. To explain why people suffer from injuries easily.
C. To prove sleep is the only method to deal with stress.
D. To arouse readers’ interest in the truth of night healing.
2.What do the researchers find during their research?
A. Burns take the same time to heal regardless of their cut time.
B. Fibroblast cells boost the healing by working nighttime shift.
C. Mice respond differently in the healing process from humans.
D. A body’s circadian rhythm matters in waking up fibroblast cells.
3.How might scheduling surgeries according to circadian rhythms help patients?
A. It can reduce the risk of surgery failure.
B. It can reduce the pain felt during surgery.
C. It can shorten the recovery time after surgery.
D. It can help patients wake up faster after surgery.
4.What can be a suitable title for this passage?
A. A Study Offers Clues to Treating Injuries
B. Why We Heal Injuries Better in the Daytime
C. How We Heal Wounds and Injuries Effectively
D. Scientists Unlock the Secret to Avoiding Injuries
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·安徽A10联盟-11月·期中)One of the most important medical advances in the 20th century was the discovery of antibiotics(抗生素). The first antibiotic was introduced in 1910 and changed modern medicine significantly. Penicillin was discovered in 1928, and these medications that could kill bacteria extended people’s average lifetime by 23 years. However, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have also changed and adapted, and the bacteria are winning.
New research from Tel Aviv University(TAU) in Israel has found a way to get the better of bacteria and shut down its defense systems when transferring(转移)DNA.The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another is how these bacteria change and adapt. During this process, known as conjugation(接合), one bacterial cell attaches to another through a small tube, allowing the transfer of genetic material called plasmids(质粒).
Bruria Samuel, a PhD student working with Professor David Burstein at TAU’s Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, led the study published in Nature. Samuel analyzed 33,000 plasmids and identified the gene that allowed plasmids to pass by bacterial defense mechanisms when transferring DNA.The team used plasmids that give antibiotic resistance and put them into bacteria with CRISPR, a defense system that can target and destroy DNA.
The location of anti-defense systems on plasmids determines whether the bacterium can overcome the CRISPR system or if it will die. Understanding how this positioning works means that antibiotic-resistant genes could be blocked effectively.
The research could help design effective plasmids for changing natural bacterial populations. According to Burstein, this may help block antibiotic resistance genes in hospitals, teach bacteria to break down pollutants, and improve human health through gut bacteria. Additionally, modified bacteria could be used in agriculture and food technology to protect against foodborne illness.
1.Why does the author mention the discovery of antibiotics in paragraph 1?
A. To compare different medical advances.
B. To show the history of antibiotic research.
C. To recommend a way to live a longer life.
D. To introduce its value and a related challenge.
2.What do we know about conjugation?
A. It helps bacteria destroy all the plasmids.
B. It is a system stopping antibiotic resistance.
C. It enables bacteria to turn plasmids into CRISPR.
D. It lets bacteria transfer DNA through a small tube.
3.What did Bruria Samuel do in the study?
A. He analyzed plasmids to find a gene.
B. He destroyed bacteria with CRISPR.
C. He collected data from previous researches.
D. He employed bacteria to break down pollutants.
4.What can be inferred about the research?
A. It only benefits in hospital settings.
B. It aims to reduce bacterial population.
C. It may have broad implications.
D. It will stop antibiotic resistance totally.
主题语境06 人与自然-环境
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·浙江四校联考·期中)Environmental Protection
Our planet is giving us life, but now it needs our help. Environmental problems are becoming more serious every day. When we look around, we can see many issues that need our attention.
Air pollution is one of the biggest problems. Factories release dark smoke into the sky, and cars produce harmful gases. This dirty air can make people sick, especially children and the elderly. In some cities, people have to wear masks when they go outside. Water pollution is equally bad. Many factories pour waste directly into rivers and lakes, killing fish and making the water unsafe to drink. Have you ever seen a river full of plastic bottles and garbage? It’s heartbreaking to watch.
Another serious issue is deforestation. People are cutting down trees to build houses and factories. This destroys the homes of many animals like birds, squirrels, and monkeys. Without trees, the soil becomes loose and can lead to landslides (山体滑坡) during heavy rain. Moreover, trees help clean the air we breathe, so losing them makes air pollution even worse.
But don’t worry — there are many things we can do to help. First, we should practice the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Instead of throwing everything away, we can use things longer and separate our trash. For example, we can bring our own bags when shopping instead of using plastic bags. Second, saving energy is crucial. Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room and unplug electronic devices when not in use. Even taking shorter showers can save both water and the energy needed to heat it.
Furthermore, we can participate in tree-planting activities in our community. If every student plants just one tree, together we can create a small forest! We can also join clean-up events at nearby parks or beaches. These activities not only help the environment but also bring people together.
Most importantly, we need to learn about environmental protection and share this knowledge with others. Talk to your family and friends about why protecting our planet matters. Small actions, when done by many people, can create huge changes.
1.What are the main types of pollution mentioned in the passage?
A. Air and soil pollution.
B. Water and noise pollution.
C. Air and water pollution.
D. Light and soil pollution.
2.According to the passage, what are two benefits of planting trees?
A. Reducing noise and providing food.
B. Cleaning the air and preventing landslides.
C. Saving water and creating shade.
D. Producing carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) and making cities beautiful.
3.The word “deforestation” in the third passage means:
A. Cutting down trees in large areas.
B. Protecting trees from being cut.
C. Planting more forests.
D. Studying different types of forests.
4.What does the author suggest we can do with plastic bags?
A. Burn them.
B. Bury them in soil.
C. Throw them in rivers.
D. Reuse them.
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·浙江浙南名校联盟-11月·期中)Biodiversity, the foundation of ecosystems and human societies, is crucial to maintaining essential ecological processes. However, it is declining globally, with Asia — a region rich in biodiversity — facing significant threats from human activities and climate change. These challenges are damaging ecosystems across the region, from mangroves (红树林) in the Sundarbans to Japan’s northern islands.
Deforestation and Land Use Change
Deforestation and changes in land use are major threats to biodiversity. Increasing population pressures and agricultural expansion lead to the change of forests into farmland, urban areas, and industrial zones. Southeast Asia, particularly countries like Indonesia and Myanmar, experiences some of the world’s highest deforestation rates as forests are cleared for palm oil plantations or infrastructure (基础设施) projects. This loss and breaking up of habitats endanger species by affecting their ability to feed and reproduce.
Pollution and Overuse
Pollution and the overuse of resources also degrade ecosystems. Industrial activities, such as Bangladesh’s textile industry, release untreated wastewater into rivers, destroying aquatic habitats and harming downstream communities. Overfishing and illegal wildlife trade further endanger species, leading to ecosystem imbalances.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Climate change worsens these problems by increasing the frequency of cyclones, floods, and droughts. Seaside habitats like the Bay of Bengal’s mangrove forests face severe problems due to rising sea levels, which cause saltwater spread and threaten both biodiversity and livelihoods. The IPCC warns that extreme weather is likely to increase in South and Southeast Asia.
Invasive Species and Disease
Invasive alien species pose another serious risk. For instance, the apple snail, introduced to Southeast Asia from South America, now affects 1.4 million hectares of rice fields in the Philippines, reducing crop yields and threatening native species.
Addressing these interconnected challenges requires coordinated global efforts, sustainable practices, and policies to protect Asia’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
1.What harm has Bangladesh’s textile industry caused to biodiversity?
A. Expansion of rice fields.
B. Overfishing in seaside waters.
C. River pollution from untreated wastewater.
D. Clearing mangroves for urban development.
2.Which region is significantly affected by extreme weather and sea-level rise?
A. The Sundarbans.
B. The Bay of Bengal.
C. Japan's northern islands.
D. Southeast Asian rainforests.
3.What can be inferred as key contributing factors to biodiversity loss in Asia?
A. Lack of environmental protection policies.
B. Growing population and human production activities.
C. Habitat loss and invasive alien species.
D. Frequent extreme weather and rising sea levels.
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·安徽A10联盟-11月·期中)A new study has revealed for the first time that ancient carbon, stored in landscapes for thousands of years or more, can find its way back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) released (释放) from the surfaces of rivers.
Rivers transport and release CO2 as part of the global carbon cycle. Until now, scientists believed the majority of this was a quick turnover originating from the recycling of recent plant growth— organic material broken down and carried into the river system in the past 70 years or so. However, this new study indicates more than half— some 60%— of emissions (排放) come from long-term carbon stores collected over thousands of years ago.
Lead author Dr Josh Dean said, “The results took us by surprise because it turns out that old carbon stores are leaking out much more into the atmosphere than previously thought. We don’t yet know how humans affect this flow of ancient carbon, but plants must absorb more carbon from the atmosphere today to account for this recognized release of old carbon.”
The international research team studied more than 700 river reaches from 26 different countries across the world. They took detailed radiocarbon measurements of CO2 from the rivers. By comparing the levels of carbon-14 in the target rivers with a standard reference for modern atmospheric CO2, the team was able to date the river carbon.
Co-author Dr Gemma Coxon said, “Rivers globally release about two billion tonnes of carbon each year, compared to human activity that results in about 13 billion tonnes of carbon emissions. These river emissions are significant at a global scale, and over half of these emissions may be coming from carbon stores we considered relatively stable (稳定的). This means we need to re-evaluate these crucial parts of the global carbon cycle.”
Further building on these findings, the researchers plan to explore how the age of river carbon emissions varies across rivers the study was not able to capture, as well as investigating how the age of these emissions may have changed through time.
1.What can be inferred from paragraph 2?
A. The global carbon cycle is always stable.
B. It took decades to complete the new study.
C. River carbon emissions have long been ignored.
D. The new study proved the previous belief wrong.
2.What do Dr Josh Dean’s words imply?
A. The recognized old carbon will be beneficial.
B. The release of ancient carbon is underestimated.
C. Plants fail to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
D. Human activity boosts the flow of ancient carbon.
3.What is Dr Gemma Coxon’s advice?
A. Investigating the impact of human activity.
B. Making full use of long-term carbon stores.
C. Paying more attention to river carbon emissions.
D. Ensuring plants’ role in radiocarbon measurements.
4.What is the best title for the text?
A. Rivers Are Releasing Ancient Carbon into Air
B. Carbon Emissions Are Being Measured Globally
C. A New Carbon Cycle Research Method Is Found
D. Plants Help Fight Against Climate Change Greatly
Passage 4
(25-26高二上·安徽部分校·期中)Cities are where the majority of the population lives. Also, 90 percent of global GDP is generated in urban areas. All the essential necessities needed for a human settlement — energy, transport, water, shelter, food, construction materials, green and public spaces, waste management — come together in urban areas.
So there’s an opportunity to transform these systems. You can think about getting to net zero from a supply — side part — using renewable, or green, energy for power supply and transport — which is what I think dominates the conversation. But to get to net zero, you need to also shape the demand, or consumption side: reduce the demand for energy. But we haven’t done enough research to understand what policies and urban designs help reduce demand in cities. Most national plans focus largely on the supply side.
You also need to figure out ways to create carbon sinks: that is, remove carbon from the atmosphere to help offset the greenhouse gas emissions (排放) from burning fossil fuels
These three — renewable energy supply, demand reduction through efficient urban design and lifestyle changes, and carbon sinks — are the broad strategies to get to net zero.
How can a city tackle demand?
Reducing demand for energy can be through efficiency — using less energy for the same services. This can be done through better land — use planning, and through behavior and lifestyle changes.
Transportation is a great example. So much energy is spent in moving people, and most of that personal mobility happens in cities. But better urban planning can reduce vehicle travel substantially. Mitigating sprawl (缓解城市蔓延) is one of the biggest ways to reduce demand for travel and thus reduce travel emissions. In India, for example, Ahmedabad has planned better to reduce urban sprawl, compared to Bangalore, where sprawl is huge.
1.What is the author’s advice about net zero besides using renewables?
A. Limit our need for sources.
B. Add more waste management.
C. Focus less on the supply side.
D. Plant trees around settlements.
2.What do heat and O3 belong to?
A. Indirect effect of human-driven and natural activities.
B. By-products of wastes thrown by people in settlements.
C. Gases produced by materials and energy from exports
D. Natural sources gained from the renewable materials
3.Ahmedabad is an example for ________.
A. huge sprawl
B. less vehicle travel
C. much energy consumption
D. efficient land-use planning
主题语境07 人与自然-自然生态
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·浙江强基联盟A卷-11月·期中)The following four books highlight women’s leadership in climate action, with a special focus on the vital role of young women.
The Quickening: Creation and Community at the ends of the Earth by Elizabeth Rush (Milkweed Editions 2023/2024)
It documents a 2019 exploration to Thwaites Glacier, which is critical to global sea-level rise. Besides recording the groundbreaking voyage, the book explores a personal question: What does it mean to have a child in extreme climate changes? The Quickening is an astonishing, vital book about Antarctica, climate change, and motherhood.
Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future by Jade Sasser (Princeton University Press 2024)
Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question is the first comprehensive study on how environmental emotions like eco-anxiety and climate guilt affect people’s decisions about having children. Sasser connects climate emotions with climate justice, stressing that culturally proper mental health services are key to ensuring justice for at-risk communities.
Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against “The Apocalyptic” by Emily Raboteau (Henry Holt 2024)
The book, from a mother’s perspective, shares pilgrimages (朝圣之旅) to help her children grow in a crisis-filled era. With a camera, she seeks safe spaces for her kids, reflects on Black womanhood, motherhood and urban possibilities, and celebrates the beauty and weakness of nature. Combining reportage, autobiography and stories of protection, this creative work offers profound hope.
Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution by Julie Winterbottom and illustrated by Susan Reagan (Rocky Pond Books 2025)
It tells that as a brilliant scientist and a pioneer in studying water pollution, Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. Born in 1907, Ruth Patrick was one of the only women in her field when she made her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity and the ecosystem of rivers, forever changing how ecologists understand pollution.
1.What do the four books have in common?
A. They were published in 2024.
B. They were authored by mothers.
C. They are about the climate change.
D. They showcase women’s involvement in climate action.
2.Whose book centers on the impact of environmental issues on people’s decision making?
A. Elizabeth Rush.
B. Jade Sasser.
C. Julie Winterbottom.
D. Emily Raboteau.
3.How would Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against “The Apocalyptic” benefit the readers?
A. It teaches readers how to care for the environment.
B. It helps readers adopt a positive attitude towards pollution.
C. It provides readers with information about Antarctica climate change.
D. It enables readers to learn how to survive in an environmentally challenged era.
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·安徽部分校·期中)At more than 110 million years old, a fossil (化石) unearthed in Brazil is the oldest undoubted ant fossil ever discovered. The finding adds to evidence that the first ants developed on the supercontinent of Gondwana in the southern hemisphere (半球) before spreading across the rest of the world.
“We have evidence they were in South America, they were in Gondwana, during their early development,” says Anderson Lepeco at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. Lepeco came across the fossil in a large collection delivered to the university’s zoological museum. The specimens all came from the Crato Formation in north-east Brazil, which formed during the Lower Cretaceous Period. He immediately suspected this fossil was from an extinct group of insects called hell ants. “That head shape was similar to one species we found in Burmese amber,” he says. “This gave me the hint.”
Hell ants are particularly interesting because they represent a transitional “stem lineage”, says Lepeco — they are more closely related to the wasp-like common ancestor of all ants than to the species alive today, although they did have ant-like social structures.
When the fossil was 3D scanned, this revealed other characteristics that identified it as a hell ant. For instance, it had forklift-like mandibles (颚) that may have enabled it to catch other insects. In fact, it is this feature that gave the hell ant group its name.
The researchers named the new hell ant species Vulcanidris cratensis, in recognition of the Brazilian entomologist Maria Aparecida Vulcano. Based on the rock in which it was found, the researchers suspect the fossil is about 113 million years old, 13 million years older than the previous oldest known ant fossil.
“Before our new fossil, the earliest ants known as fossils were from France and Myanmar,” says Lepeco. Finding such an ancient hell ant in South America aligns with genomic evidence suggesting ants first appeared in the southern hemisphere before getting throughout much of the rest of the world and establishing the dominant ecological role they maintain today.
1.What does the underlined word “hint” in paragraph 2 mean?
A. Praise. B. Signal. C. Warning. D. Instruction.
2.What can we infer about hell ants?
A. They look exactly like modern ants.
B. They had no social structures.
C. They were poor at catching prey.
D. They were ancestors of modern ants.
3.Why was the new ant species named Vulcanidris cratensis?
A. To honor a scientist.
B. To show its special shape.
C. To mark its discovery place.
D. To reflect its living habit.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A. The History of Ants
B. A Newly-named Ant Species
C. Ancient Ants’ Social Structures
D. Oldest Ant Fossil Found in Brazil
主题语境01 人与社会-历史、社会与文化
Passage 1
(25-26高二·山东·联考)Imagine a world in 2050 where cities are full of autonomous vehicles, AI-driven assistants perfectly fit into our daily routines, and virtual landscapes coexist with reality. From technological advances to climate change impacts, the next few decades will undoubtedly reshape the structure of our existence.
In this new era, artificial intelligence and robotics will take center stage, transforming how we interact with our environment and one another. They will have evolved from mere tools to assistants that predict our needs and desires. The once-distant distant dream of having AI-driven personal assistants is now a reality, as they manage our schedules, handle our communications, and offer personalized recommendations with extraordinary accuracy.
However, as we fast-forward to 2050, one cannot help but think about the huge effects of climate change on our planet. At present, most of us are lacking the imagination of what daily life will be like when we have slashed our carbon emissions (碳排放), from our homes and food to travel and the landscapes around us. What follows is an attempt to show you how a day will look in a net zero greenhouse gas emissions world.
Edie Vaughan, a young girl in 2050, lives in Toronto, Canada, a place that is among the most popular destinations for its healthy climate and clean water resources. There are forests, and giant machines taking carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) out of the atmosphere. At that time, there are no office or industrial jobs anymore: artificial intelligence and robots have taken care of that. The few jobs left are in service, culture or health care. Luckily, Edie has her job. But every morning, she has to check the balance (余额) in her Personal Carbon Allowance (PCA) account to see if she has enough to buy another battery for her e-bike. If she doesn’t have enough then she will have to buy carbon credits, and they are expensive.
This story of 2050 is one of hope and possibility — a reminder that while enjoying the convenience brought by technological progress, we should also be responsible for the environment.
1.What does the author mainly discuss in paragraph 2?
A. The role of AI and robotics in daily life.
B. The use of AI-driven personal assistants.
C. The interaction between man and nature.
D. The advancement of autonomous vehicles.
2.What does the underlined word “slashed” in paragraph 3 mean?
A. Increased. B. Clarified. C. Reduced. D. Adjusted.
3.What is one factor for Canada being a popular destination?
A. Plentiful water.
B. Health care.
C. Advanced technology.
D. Pleasant weather.
4.What does the author try to explain by mentioning Edie Vaughan?
A. The challenges that lie ahead.
B. The prospect for future life.
C. The severity of climate change.
D. The importance of technology.
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·湖北省级示范高中·期中)Young people, in particular, favor faster speeds for audiobooks, podcasts and videos. Hollywood actor Glen Powell sticks to lx, saying he wants to hear “a normal human rate” while Bowen Yang, an American comedian leans toward 2x—or 1.8x, which he calls the “Goldilocks” pace. Their views were featured in an Audible advert earlier this year, but the ad sparked online debate: many fast listeners felt shamed, with some even threatening to cancel their Audible subscriptions.
This debate reflects shifting digital media habits. A poll conducted for The Economist found 31% of 18-29-year-old Americans listen to audio at speeds faster than 1x, compared to just 8% of those aged 45 and over. Major platforms have responded to this trend: Apple and Spotify let users speed up podcasts, Netflix offers video speed adjustment on its apps and website, and YouTube recently added a 4x playback option for premium subscribers, a move driven by popular demand.
The time-saving benefit of fast playback is significant. YouTube reports its users collectively save over 900 years of time daily with this feature. For example, on a 10-hour journey, you could finish Persuasion in 5.5 hours at 1.5x speed—leaving enough time to listen to Animal Farm (120 minutes) and The Little Prince (80 minutes) at the same speed. Science also supports moderate fast playback: cognitive scientist Marcus Pearce notes people speak about 150 words per minute, but brains process information much faster. A Canadian meta-analysis even found students who watched lectures at up to 1.5x had similar test scores to those at 1x, though scores dropped when speeds hit 2x or higher.
For platforms, offering multiple playback speeds is a win—more content consumed means better advertising and sales revenue. But for listeners, the trade-off exists. Audiobook narrator Kimberly Wetherell argues fast playback erodes the “pacing, tone and suspension” of audio performances, and rhetoric often relies on rhythm and pauses to convey meaning. Yet for many, especially young people, fast playback is no longer a choice but a daily habit.
1.Why does the author mention the online debate triggered by the Audible ad?
A. To stress that fast listeners are strongly against Audible’s service policies.
B. To take a specific example to introduce shifts in digital media consumption habits.
C. To compare how actors and comedians differ in choosing playback speeds.
D. To explain why Audible’s ad failed to promote its subscription services.
2.What can we conclude from the Canadian meta-analysis about lecture playback speeds?
A. Students who listen to lectures at 1.5x speed get better test scores than those at 1x.
B. Playback speeds higher than 2x will likely reduce students’ learning effects.
C. The “Goldilocks” pace is the most suitable for all lecture scenarios.
D. Human brains’ fast information processing allows unlimited fast playback.
3.The underlined word “trade-off” in the last paragraph probably means ______.
A. A situation where you gain one thing but lose another.
B. A decision that must be made between two similar choices.
C. A problem that causes trouble for both sides in a relationship.
D. A change that improves one aspect without affecting any others.
4.Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A. Fast Playback: Popular Among Young People but Disputed by Experts
B. Playback Speed: How Platforms Compete to Meet User Demands
C. Fast Playback: A Common Habit Shaped by Age, Science and Platforms
D. Playback Speed: What’s the Best Choice for Learning and Entertainment
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·安徽·鼎尖名校期中)Have you ever wondered what happens to that single-use plastic bottle after you place it in a recycling bin? Most people assume it’ll be recycled, sooner or later. Unfortunately, the reality is far more complex. More often than not, that bottle starts a long and tough global journey, frequently ending up in other countries.
Under ideal circumstances, it’s cleaned, sorted and broken down into small pieces to produce new items like packaging. If it is packaging itself that has been thrown, it’ll probably end up as a form of fuel. In other situations, however, it is shipped to landfills in developing regions, potentially polluting soil and water, endangering wildlife, and perhaps even finding its way back into your home through the global fish trade.
In his book Waste Wars, journalist Alexander Clapp follows rubbish, travelling to some of the world’s most unpleasant places. There, he documents villages buried under mountains of imported plastic, and areas where workers take apart electronic waste from developed nations to extract valuable metals. Through these accounts, he reveals the global trade in waste and various influences it brings. While some waste trades are beneficial-such as China’s past use of imported plastic as industrial raw materials, or Turkey’s change of scrap metal into highways and skyscrapers—many shipments contain non-recyclable materials, causing serious problems.
The Basel Convention, which came into effect in 1992, dealt with the shipment of dangerous waste but left plenty of loopholes (漏洞). Thus, many countries have been trying to stop waste imports ever since. In 2017, China, once one of the largest importers of plastic waste for recycling, banned such imports. Similar bans in Thailand and Indonesia went into effect this year.
Then, what is to be done?
There is no easy solution! Producers are required to take more responsibility for what they make. However, balancing environmental and economic goals remains constantly difficult, especially given varied national conditions. Greater global awareness and cooperation are therefore extremely important to tackle this pressing issue.
1.What can be inferred from the generally-believed way of plastic bottle recycling?
A. It is more idealistic than practical.
B. It is far from complex and tough.
C. It lives up to people’s expectations.
D. It reflects the actual process of recycling.
2.What is the BEST possible result for a recycled plastic bottle?
A. Buried in landfills.
B. Used as factory fuel.
C. Turned into new packaging.
D. Shipped to another country.
3.Why is Clapp’s book Waste Wars mentioned?
A. To criticize international waste shipment.
B. To illustrate the global waste trade’s impacts.
C. To showcase recycling is seldom successful.
D. To promote the economic benefits of waste.
4.What is the author’s main purpose in writing the text?
A. To promote the book Waste Wars by Alexander Clapp.
B. To appeal to the public to raise their environmental awareness.
C. To indicate how recycling systems work in different countries.
D. To reveal challenges and complexities of global waste recycling.
Passage 4
(25-26高二上·浙江强基联盟A卷-11月·期中)In a Tokyo workshop, 72-year-old potter Hiroshi Tanaka sits bent over a spinning wheel, his hands shaping a lump of clay (粘土) into a teacup. Outside, young people line up, phones in hand, waiting to take photos of the process. This scene, once rare, is now common across Asia and Europe: traditional crafts — pottery, weaving, hand-dyed textiles — are enjoying a surprising revival, even as digital tools control daily life.
Why are people drawn to these slow, labor-intensive practices? Psychologists point to “digital fatigue”: the constant flow of emails, messages, and social media updates leaves many people desiring activities that demand focus. Unlike scrolling through a screen, crafting requires patience. A single ceramic bowl might take days to mold, fire, and glaze. “It’s the opposite of instant satisfaction,” says London-based craft historian Elena Ruiz. “That’s exactly its appeal.”
This revival isn’t just about nostalgia (怀旧的). Modern craftsmen are combining old techniques with new ideas. In Florence, Italy, a third-generation weaver uses 17th-century weaving machines to create fabrics for luxury brands, but adds patterns inspired by street art. In Seoul, a paper-maker integrates recycled coffee grounds into traditional hanji paper, making it both eco-friendly and trendy. These innovations keep crafts relevant, attracting younger consumers who value uniqueness over mass production.
Critics argue that the trend risks turning crafts into mere “artistic products”. They worry that workshops become photo spots rather than places of learning, and that the pressure to create “Instagram-worthy” pieces weakens the depth of traditional skills. Yet supporters argue that any attention is good. “If a teenager buys a hand-woven scarf because it looks cool online, they might later ask about how it was made,” notes Ruiz. “Interest is the first step toward preservation.”
For Tanaka, the newfound popularity is a chance to pass on his knowledge. “My father thought pottery would die with machines,” he says, wiping clay from his apron. “But young people now want to learn. They see it’s not just about making things — it’s about making meaning.”
1.Why does the author mention “digital fatigue” in Paragraph 2?
A. To criticize the overuse of digital tools in daily life.
B. To stress people are less interested in social media.
C. To explain why people desire focus-requiring activities.
D. To prove crafts require more patience than digital activities.
2.What do examples in Paragraph 3 show?
A. Innovation is more important than tradition.
B. Traditional crafts can adapt to modern tastes.
C. Young consumers prefer eco-friendly products.
D. Luxury brands depend on traditional techniques.
3.Which following statement would both critics and supporters most likely agree on?
A. Traditional crafts possess values that need to be preserved.
B. Innovation is in conflict with maintaining traditional skills.
C. Young consumers alone will determine the future of craftsmanship.
D. Digital exposure unavoidable harms the uniqueness of traditional crafts.
4.What’s the main idea of the passage?
A. Young people are responsible for preserving traditional skills.
B. Traditional crafts are replacing digital products in modern life.
C. Modern innovations are ruining the authenticity of traditional crafts.
D. The revival of traditional crafts reflects a desire for meaning in a digital world.
Passage 5
(25-26高二上·辽宁辽西重点高中·期中)Imagine a world in 2050 where cities are full of autonomous vehicles, AI-driven assistants (助手) perfectly fit into our daily routines, and virtual landscapes coexist with reality. From technological advances to climate change impacts, the next few decades will undoubtedly reshape the structure of our existence.
In this new era, artificial intelligence and robotics will take center stage, transforming how we interact with our environment and one another. They will have evolved from mere tools to companions (同伴) that predict our needs and desires. The once-distant dream of having AI-driven personal assistants is now a reality, as they manage our schedules, handle our communications, and offer personalized recommendations with extraordinary accuracy.
However, as we fast-forward to 2050, one cannot help but think about the huge effects of climate change on our planet. At present, most of us are lacking the imagination of what daily life will be like when we have slashed our carbon emissions (碳排放), from our homes and food to travel and the landscapes around us. What follows is an attempt to show you how a day will look in a net zero greenhouse gas emissions world.
Edie Vaughan, a young girl in 2050, lives in Toronto, Canada, a place that is among the most popular destinations for its healthy climate and clean water resources. There are forests, and giant machines taking carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) out of the atmosphere. At that time, there are no office or industrial jobs anymore: artificial intelligence and robots have taken care of that. The few jobs left are in service, culture or health care. Luckily, Edie has her job. Every morning, she checks the balance in her Personal Carbon Allowance (PCA) account to see if she has enough to buy another battery for her e-bike. If she doesn’t have enough then she will have to buy carbon credits, and they are expensive.
This story of 2050 is one of hope and possibility — a reminder that while enjoying the convenience brought by technological progress, we should also be responsible for the environment.
1.What does the author mainly discuss in paragraph 2?
A. The advancement of autonomous vehicles.
B. The use of AI-driven personal assistants.
C. The interaction between man and nature.
D. The role of AI and robotics in daily life.
2.What does the underlined word “slashed” in paragraph 3 mean?
A. Increased. B. Clarified. C. Reduced. D. Adjusted.
3.What is one factor for Canada being a popular destination?
A. Plentiful water.
B. Health care.
C. Advanced technology.
D. Pleasant weather.
4.What does the author intend to tell us?
A. A look into Edie Vaughan’s Life.
B. What our life will be like in 2050.
C. Technology helps control environment.
D. How we can handle the climate change.
Passage 6
(25-26高二上·辽宁辽南协作体·期中)Citizen science is the practice of including non-scientists in practical, meaningful scientific research projects. The best-known examples of citizen science include bird observations and weather tracking, but these are only the tip of the iceberg. Citizen science has been popular for over a century, but in recent years, citizen scientists are employed to monitor streams, observe insects and birds, monitor weather, and observe wildlife.
While some types of research can be accomplished by a single scientist in a lab, many other types really depend on the collection of a very large amount of data. Certain types of data collection are especially appropriate for citizen scientists, particularly when they require relatively simple tools that are available to non-professionals. Without citizen scientists’ participation, many projects of a certain form of research would be impractical or even impossible.
There were no citizen scientists during the Renaissance or the Age of Enlightenment(启蒙运动). Instead, there were amateur and “gentlemen” scientists, like Thomas Jefferson, who studied various aspects of the natural world. It wasn’t until the 1800s that the concept of a “professional” scientist emerged—and the opportunity for citizen science evolved. However, a dinosaur enthusiast may spend a great deal of time and effort finding, identifying, and collecting fossils. But if their work is not connected to a larger research study run by scientists in a professional science organization, it is not considered citizen science but amateur research.
By the late 1990s, the Internet was available to a very large group of people around the world. Scientists saw the potential for engaging an international community of citizen scientists with the skills to upload information to a database from anywhere. At the same time, with the right apps in the smartphones, citizen scientists can easily identify plants and animals, measure temperature and air quality, identify colors and much more—all without spending money on research tools. Citizen scientists also use a wide range of smartphone “built-ins” such as GPS receivers and cameras, which greatly increase the value of their findings.
1.What do we know about citizen science?
A. It is based on previous research.
B. It has revolutionized the way we live.
C. It involves a wide range of research fields.
D. It is run by a non-professional science organization.
2.What does paragraph 2 mainly tell us?
A. The forms of citizen science.
B. The application of citizen science.
C. The definition of citizen science.
D. The significance of citizen science.
3.What can we infer about citizen science from paragraph 3?
A. Its theme stresses the culture of Europe.
B. Professional scientists get involved with it.
C. Thomas Jefferson was among citizen scientists.
D. Citizen science came into being before the 1800s.
4.What helps the quick development of citizen science?
A. The modern technology.
B. The searchable database.
C. The sharp rise in employment.
D. The participation of more volunteers.
Passage 7
(25-26高二上·浙江七彩阳光·期中)The origins of passports can date back to the biblical times. In the Bible (圣经), the Persian king gave Nehemiah safe passage letters to travel to Judah. Historian Martin Lloyd notes that centuries ago, a “safe pass” allowed enemies to enter or exit a kingdom safely for official talks.
At the turn of the last century, immigrants (移民) passed through Ellis Island — by completing quick health checks and answering questions — before moving inland. This was easy enough to do without a global standard for identifying documents. Today, it’s hard to imagine how they managed without them with immigration policy (政策) being a global focus. This all changed in 1920, when the idea of a worldwide passport standard appeared after World War I. A year later, the U.S. passed the 1921 Emergency Quota Act, and later the 1924 Immigration Act, to limit immigrants’ moving in.
In recent years, passports have become a luxury, like expensive jewels and fine art. In addition to a black market of stolen and fake passports, some countries have been open to the highest bidder (竞标者). For example, Malta and Cyprus have recently set up a “golden passport” program, allowing wealthy foreigners to buy European Union citizenship by paying one million euros. However, there are at least 4.4 million people around the world who are stateless. These people are often taken away passports, and consequently, freedom of movement.
Today, the U.S. Department of State reports 24.5 million passports and cards were handed out in 2024 — more than double the number during the 2020 pandemic (疫情). The popular online tool Passport Index lets users compare passports like fantasy football scoreboards, and magazines breathlessly announce “best” and “worst” passport rankings(排名) yearly. As nations debate on closed gateway to other countries, it’s worth reconsidering the passport’s “superpower”.
1.What does the underlined word “them” refer to?
A. The immigrants passing through Ellis Island.
B. The health checks and questions to be finished.
C. World-standard identifying documents for immigrants.
D. Various immigration policies made by each country.
2.How does the writer describe the situation of passports in recent years?
A. By making a sharp contrast.
B. By making a research survey.
C. By giving recommendations.
D. By quoting famous sayings.
3.What is Passport Index according to the passage?
A. An institution handing out passports.
B. A club counting football goals.
C. An organization checking passports.
D. An online tool ranking passports.
4.Which of the following is the best title for the text?
A. The Road to Modern Passports
B. The Access to Passports
C. The Advantages of Passports
D. The Evaluation of Passports
Passage 8
(25-26高二上·浙江浙南名校联盟-11月·期中)According to research, a significant number of individuals remain reluctant to engage in enjoyable public activities alone, particularly within cultures emphasizing collective (集体的) value — certain East Asian societies. This was the initial assumption held by my research team. We conducted a study by photographing diners, both solo (单独) and accompanied, and presenting these images to participants for evaluation. Fully anticipating that solo diners would be judged critically, I was surprised when the results contradicted this expectation.
In recent years, a noticeable rise has occurred in solo activities, including dining and traveling individually. Rather than remaining at home or going out but feeling uncomfortable about how others might see them, a growing number of people are choosing to participate independently in such activities and even take pride in doing so. On Instagram, approximately 10 million posts are titled solo travel. The expanding visibility of this trend across diverse cultures indicates that overcoming the fear of being judged enables individuals to cultivate greater self-confidence and experience substantial personal growth.
Those who identify as “single at heart” — myself included — genuinely value and appreciate the single lifestyle. Their increasing presence reflects a gradual change in how society views spending time alone, particularly within cultural contexts that have traditionally stressed group belonging. They greatly value meaningful friendships, while gaining satisfaction from time spent alone. Such individuals frequently lead mentally rich lives, filled with diverse and fascinating experiences. As a writer notes, “When you’re not sitting across from someone, you’re sitting across from the world.”
While some may regard group activities as demonstrations of friendship, those who take activities alone convey a more profound statement: “I am content with my own company.” In societies where group belonging has long been the norm, this quiet confidence represents not only personal strength but also serves as an influential cultural signal, encouraging a more welcoming mode of life.
1.What specific research method did the team use to test their assumption?
A. Analyzing social media data.
B. Conducting face-to-face interviews.
C. Using photographic evidence for evaluation.
D. Tracking movement patterns in public spaces.
2.Why is Instagram mentioned in paragraph 2?
A. It creates pressure to participate in group activities.
B. It provides evidence of a growing social phenomenon.
C. It promotes expensive travel packages for solo travelers.
D. It discourages people from sharing personal experiences.
3.What can be inferred from paragraph 3 about the cultural contexts that have traditionally stressed group belonging?
A. They are witnessing a growing acceptance of being alone.
B. They are making a complete break with their collective past.
C. They are experiencing a negative shift toward an individual life.
D. They are forcing individuals to choose between community and living alone.
4.Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
A. The Changing View of Solo Activities.
B. The Economic Benefits of Solo Travel.
C. The Social Influence of Digital Platforms.
D. The Decreasing Popularity of Group Events.
Passage 9
(25-26高二上·浙江G5联盟-11月·期中)Recent educational studies in England reveal a complex picture of gender gaps. New research from the UCL Institute of Education shows that boys outperformed girls in maths and science tests, with the gender gap in England being the widest among 72 countries. One of the authors, Dr Jennie Golding, suggested that boys’ greater confidence in these subjects could be an explanation. This finding challenges the common narrative that boys are universally falling behind.
However, a broader view reveals persistent challenges for both genders. In higher education, a significant gap exists: in the 2022-2023 academic year, there were three women for every two men enrolled (入学) in UK universities. Boys are also more than twice as likely to be excluded from school. Subject choices remain divided, with female students outnumbering males in medicine and law, while the opposite is true in physics, maths, engineering, and computing — a division often attributed to persistent stereotyping.
Beyond the classroom, the situation becomes more complicated. Although younger women’s earnings may match or even surpass their male peers’, the “motherhood penalty” — where women’s incomes decrease more than men’s upon becoming parents — is worsening. A recent analysis showed mothers earned 24% less per hour than fathers in 2023. This contributes to a pensions (养老金) gap that disadvantages women in old age. Meanwhile, pay progression in many female-dominated sectors like social care remains poor. A recent Women in Work index reported a “sluggish” pace of change on the gender pay gap, with the UK slipping behind other countries. Pay progression in many female-dominated sectors, including early years and social care, remains poor.
It’s important to maintain perspective: gender isn’t the greatest determinant of academic success. Socioeconomic factors create larger attainment gaps. Still, both genders face specific challenges that deserve attention. There’s a strong case for advocating girls’ access to qualifications in the crucial, male-dominated digital technology sector. Simultaneously, evidence that fewer boys are school-ready at age four, and their lower university participation rates — potentially linked to tuition fees and attitudes to debt — must be taken seriously. The contrasting yet shared difficulties of both boys and girls deserve a balanced approach.
1.What did the UCL Institute of Education research find about England?
A. Girls performed better than boys in all subjects.
B. Boys showed stronger performance in maths and science.
C. England had the smallest gender gap among 72 countries.
D. Few students lacked confidence in maths and science subjects.
2.Which of the following statements is TRUE about higher education?
A. University subject choices show slight gender differences.
B. Women account for a higher proportion of UK universities.
C. Boys’ lower enrollment is only due to academic performance.
D. Male students perform better than females in UK universities.
3.What does the underlined word “sluggish” in paragraph 3 mean?
A. slow B. constant C. satisfactory D. unpredictable
4.What can we infer from the passage about gender equality?
A. Boys’ confidence in maths makes them better suited for technology careers.
B. The educational advantages girls enjoy will definitely solve workplace inequality.
C. Socioeconomic factors are more important than gender in determining academic success.
D. The “motherhood penalty” will affect women’s earnings but not their retirement security.
主题语境02 人与社会-文学、艺术与体育
(25-26高二上·湖北八校联考·期中)This summer, I was invited to take part in post-dubbing (后期配音), which involves adding extra voice work to enhance the sound quality of certain scenes, for the Chinese WWII epic, Dongji Rescue (《东极岛》). It tells the story of 384 British prisoners rescued by brave Chinese fishermen after the Japanese army had locked hundreds more soldiers in the sinking warship, Lisbon Maru.
As a British national, my job was to project my best 1940s British soldier’s voice, shouting, screaming, grunting and giving commands as various survivors during the daring rescue.
Joining a team of fellow Western actors, we watched the film’s dramatic scenes on a large screen as several microphones recorded our words and actions in a recording studio. Reading lines alone was scary, as I was keen to maintain clarity while also expressing the intense emotions of the scene as realistically as possible.
The most enjoyable part was working as a group, with each person performing different lines, often overlapping (重叠) to create the chaos and confusion of the intense survival scenes featuring hundreds of soldiers. This was where we could really play with different tones and emotions to create a number of believable and dramatic voices, trying to live up to the excellent onscreen work of the cast and crew.
Even though our contribution to the picture was small, there was a noticeable level of team spirit and seriousness. We appreciated the gravity of the historical event and the respect it had clearly been given in the film. The work required accurate timing to match the actors’ lip movements and fit with the actors’ gestures, and even though I only did one day in the studio, it was tiring work, leaving my voice rough and hurting.
Since the event, I’ve kept in touch with a number of the actors. This experience shows that it’s always worth stepping outside your comfort zone to explore new creative opportunities. And it was pretty fun to see my name in the credits, too!
1.What was the author’s main responsibility in the post-dubbing?
A. Reading lines alone with strong emotions.
B. Improving overall sound quality of the film.
C. Voicing various British soldier characters.
D. Directing other Western actors’ performances.
2.What made the group work the most pleasurable for the author?
A. Watching scenes together.
B. Avoiding overlapping lines.
C. Presenting soldiers’ survival chaos.
D. Adjusting tones to create vivid voices.
3.What did the author think of the job?
A. Worthwhile and effortless.
B. Rewarding and demanding.
C. Innovative and challenging.
D. Easy and enjoyable.
4.What does the author’s story mainly show?
A. He who dares wins.
B. Practice makes perfect.
C. Many hands make light work.
D. Every cloud has a silver lining.
主题语境03 人与社会-科学与技术
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·湖北省级示范高中·期中)Mount Tai in Shandong province has launched a trial operation of mountain climbing assist robots for the first time, attracting significant attention from visitors. These exoskeleton (外骨骼) robots are designed to assist climbers and are versatile (多用途的) enough to be used in various fields such as mountaineering and fitness.
“It really works! Once I put it on, it felt like someone was pulling me up the Mount Tai — full of high-tech vibes (氛围)!” exclaimed a tourist, who is trying out the new mountain climbing exoskeleton robot. Resembling the “mechanical armor (机械战甲)” seen in sci-fi movies, this robot has become a new companion for hikers, thanks to its cutting-edge technological design.
Staff explained that the exoskeleton robot is not limited to Mount Tai climbing. It has a wide range of applications, covering activities such as hiking, fitness, running, daily walking, and going up and down stairs, this versatile device can be applied across various aspects of life and work. Unlike traditional mountaineering equipment, the design of this robot emphasizes more on the integration of ergonomics and smart technology.
Weighing only 1.8 kg, it incorporates advanced power, electronics, and AI algorithms that can instantly detect lower limb movements and provide tailored assistance. This precise support system effectively reduces strain on the legs, offering great convenience, particularly for elderly or physically weaker tourists.
Additionally, the robot is equipped with an efficient battery system that allows for over 5 hours of continuous walking, with a single charge supporting a distance of around 14 kilometers. For those who want to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Tai without opting for the cable car, this robot is undoubtedly an ideal choice.
1.According to Paragraphs 1 and 2, what is the key feature of the exoskeleton robot reflected in the tourist’s feedback?
A. It has a sci-fi appearance that attracts tourists’ attention.
B. It is practical for assisting climbing and feels high-tech.
C. It is lightweight and easy to wear for most visitors.
D. It is cheaper than taking the cable car up Mount Tai.
2.According to the staff, what makes the exoskeleton robot fundamentally different from traditional mountaineering equipment?
A. Its light weight that reduces burden for climbers.
B. Its wide use in both daily life and work activities.
C. Its design concept centered on integrating ergonomics and smart technology.
D. Its long battery life that supports over 5 hours of continuous walking.
3.What is the author’s intention in mentioning the robot’s battery performance?
A. To show the robot can satisfy the practical needs of Mount Tai hikers.
B. To prove the robot is more energy-saving than Mount Tai’s cable cars.
C. To emphasize how advanced the robot’s battery technology is.
D. To explain why the robot is better for daily walking than mountaineering.
4.What is the author’s attitude towards Mount Tai’s climbing assist robot trial?
A. Indifferent. B. Favorable. C. Neutral. D. Skeptical.
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·湖北省级示范高中教育教学改革联盟·期中)As modern-day stress reaches what feels like unbearable levels, researchers are trying to learn more about the precise mechanisms through which it affects our body and mind. The hope is that by unlocking more about how stress works physiologically, we can find ways to prevent it from permanently harming people.
The future of understanding and fighting stress may lie in our DNA. In 2023, Ursula Beattie, then a doctoral student at Tufts University, and her colleagues found possible evidence that stress can overwhelm DNA’s repair mechanisms.
In their study, researchers repeatedly tapped on sparrow (麻雀) cages with pens, played the radio loudly, and carried out other actions designed to cause distress but no physical harm. Blood and tissue samples from the sparrows after three weeks of this unpleasant treatment revealed damage to the DNA.
“It’s like if you had two pieces of string coiled up (卷曲), just like DNA, and you took a pair of scissors and cut them,” Beattie says. While these kinds of double-strand (双股) breaks in DNA occur all the time in sparrows and other species, including humans, the damage is typically reversed through self-repair mechanisms. In a chronic-stress (长期压力) setting, “those repair mechanisms get overwhelmed, which is how we see a buildup of DNA damage,” Beattie explains. The damage in the birds appears to be the most severe in cells of the liver, she adds, suggesting that for humans, too, the extent and type of damage caused by stress might be different for different tissues of the body.
We’re still learning how deep stress goes into our bodies. But we’re getting closer to solving the puzzle that is stress, which promises a future where we can better meet the ongoing demand for change.
1.What is the main purpose of researchers studying the mechanisms of stress?
A. To explain why modern people suffer from high stress.
B. To compare the stress levels of humans and sparrows.
C. To prove that DNA is closely related to human health.
D. To figure out methods to keep stress from doing lasting harm.
2.What did Ursula Beattie and her team discover in their 2023 study?
A. Sparrows are more sensitive to stress than other animals.
B. Chronic stress can destroy the DNA repair system.
C. Loud radio sounds can cause physical harm to sparrows.
D. DNA damage in sparrows only appears in liver cells.
3.Why does Beattie mention the “two pieces of string” in Paragraph Four?
A. To show how DNA is structured in living organisms.
B. To prove that DNA self-repair mechanisms are effective.
C. To explain what DNA double-strand breaks look like.
D. To compare the DNA of sparrows and humans.
4.Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
A. The Harm of Chronic Stress to Human Tissues
B. Studying Stress: From DNA Mechanisms to Future Hope
C. Ursula Beattie’s Groundbreaking Study on Sparrows
D. How to Prevent DNA Damage Caused by Stress
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·江西部分学校·期中)University of Hawaii scientists are among a team of researchers who have discovered an innovative way to help adapt food crops around the world to Earth’s rapidly changing climate. A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals how plant seed banks, home to millions of genetically diverse plants around the world, can help speed up the process of breeding (培育) crops better suited for climate change.
“Climate-driven pressures on food crops touch every country on our planet and this technique holds promise for making more use of our global seed banks,” said co-author Michael Kantar of the UH Manoa College of tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR).
According to Kantar, plant seed banks are essential for protecting the genetic (基因的) diversity of food crops. These “living libraries” store seeds and other genetic material, providing a vital resource for plant breeders working to develop new crop varieties that have a range of characteristics from drought resistance to disease tolerance (忍耐力).
The researchers used sorghum (高粱), a grain grown for food, fuel, and livestock feed, to test a new method called environmental genetic selection. It combines DNA data with climate information to predict which plants are best suited for future conditions.
“It can be applied to any crop that has the right data, including sorghum, barley, cannabis, pepper and dozens of other crops,” said Kantar.
The approach also saves time. Instead of testing thousands of plants in the field, scientists use a smaller, diverse “mini-core” group to forecast how crops will perform in different environments. This helps breeders quickly select the best parents for new, climate-resilient varieties.
“This method will help us keep pace with the hotter temperatures and increased risk of flooding from Earth’s changing climate and help develop new varieties to ensure food security,” Kantar said.
Researchers discovered that nations with high sorghum use may need genetic resources from other countries to effectively adapt to climate change, stressing the value of global teamwork in securing the world’s food supply.
1.What is the purpose of the study of University of Hawaii?
A. To secure food supply.
B. To understand plant seed banks.
C. To stop climate change.
D. To speed up crop harvest.
2.Why are seed banks referred to as “living libraries”?
A. They replace traditional farming methods.
B. They provide genetic resources for new crops.
C. They store rare plants from around the world.
D. They protect crops from drought or disease.
3.Which word best describes environmental genetic selection?
A. Inexpensive. B. Unpractical. C. Productive. D. Inconvenient.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A. Strategies for Improving crop Yields
B. Innovative Methods for Storing Plant Seeds
C. The Role of Global Seed Banks in Agriculture
D. “Living Libraries” That Fight Climate Change
Passage 4
(25-26高二上·河北名校联考·期中)Scientists from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) have developed a computational framework of memory processes, suggesting the best number of senses for learning and preserving information is seven. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, offers new insights into the fundamental principles of memory and could have significant implications for the development of artificial intelligence and robotics. The study challenges the traditional belief that our five senses represent a biological limit, proposing a mathematical basis for a more finely graded sensory experience.
The team’s work is built around the concept of memory “engrams (印记),” which describe how memories are physically stored. An engram can be thought of as a small, committed group of brain cells that activate together when a specific memory is recalled. In their model, each concept, like a banana, is an object defined by several features in a“conceptual space.” These features correspond to sensory inputs—what a banana looks like, smells like, tastes like, and so on. For humans, this creates a five-dimensional (五维的) concept. The model simulates (模拟) how these engrams develop, becoming sharper with learning or fading through forgetting, based on interactions with the outside world.
Analyzing the model’s dynamics, the researchers discovered that the system of engrams eventually reaches a steady state. In this mature state, the number of distinct concepts held in memory remains constant. The most surprising finding came when they tested how the dimensions of this conceptual space — the number of senses — affected its total capacity. The team found that the system’s capacity for holding different concepts was at its highest when the space had exactly seven dimensions.
“It appears that when each concept stored in memory is characterized in terms of seven features — as opposed to, say, five or eight — the number of distinct objects held in memory is maximized,” said study co-author Nikolay Brilliantov, a professor at the Skoltech Artificial Intelligence Center. Although he says it’s just a guess to apply this idea to human development, the discovery provides a potentially crucial design principle for AI. By programming robots with seven distinct sensory inputs, engineers could maximize their ability to learn about and remember their environment.
1.What does the research mentioned in paragraph 1 focus on?
A. The storage of memory engrams.
B. A mathematical model of memory.
C. The development of artificial intelligence.
D. The biological limit of human five senses.
2.Why does the author describe how engrams work in paragraph 2?
A. To advocate reducing sensory inputs for efficient learning.
B. To compare human brains with artificial intelligence systems.
C. To criticize earlier misunderstandings about nerve cell functions.
D. To explain the physical basis for storing memories mathematically.
3.What is Nikolay Brilliantov’s attitude to applying the finding to human development?
A. Doubtful. B. Confident. C. Reserved. D. Uncared.
4.Which of the following would be the best title for the text?
A. Why Seven Is Better for Memory Capacity
B. How to Improve AI Robots’ Learning Ability
C. The Relationship between Senses and Memory
D. The Importance of Memory Engrams in Learning
Passage 5
(25-26高二上·浙江环大罗山·期中)It seems no one can really agree on the question of “What’s so funny?”. So, imagine trying to teach a robot how to laugh. But that’s exactly what a team of researchers at Kyoto University in Japan are trying to design, an AI that takes its cues through a shared laughter system. The scientists describe their innovative approach to building a funny bone for the Japanese android “Erica” in the latest issue of the journal Frontiers in Robotics and AI.
“We think that one of the important functions of conversational AI is empathy (移情,共鸣),”explained lead author Dr Koji Inoue, an assistant professor at Kyoto University in the Department of Intelligence Science and Technology within the Graduate School of Informatics. “One way a robot can empathize with users is to share their laughter.”
In the shared-laughter model, a human first laughs and the AI system responds with laughter as an empathetic response. This approach required designing three subsystems — one to detect laughter, a second to decide whether to laugh, and a third to choose the type of appropriate laughter. The type of laughter is also important, because in some cases a polite chuckle may be more appropriate than a loud snort of laughter.
The team tested Erica’s new sense of humor by creating four different short dialogues between a person and Erica with her new shared-laughter system. Then they asked more than 130 people in total to listen to each dialogue within the three different conditions — shared-laughter system, no laughter, all laughter — and evaluated the interactions based on human-likeness, naturalness and understanding. The shared-laughter system performed better than either baseline(基准).
“Robots should actually have a distinct character, and we think that they can show this through their conversational behaviors, such as laughing, eye gaze, gestures and speaking style,” Inoue added, “We do not think this is an easy problem at all, and it may well take more than 10 to 20 years before we can finally have a casual chat with a robot like we would with a friend.”
1.Why does the author mention the question in the beginning?
A. To review different views on humour.
B. To invite readers to join the discussion.
C. To emphasize the difficulty of the research.
D. To clarify the value of a sense of humour.
2.What is mainly talked about in Paragraph 3?
A. The study purpose.
B. The working principle.
C. The test result.
D. The research impact.
3.Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. Erica was designed to tell jokes in four dialogues.
B. Over 130 people had live conversations with Erica.
C. The shared-laughter dialogues came out on top.
D. Listeners laughed most in the shared-laughter system.
4.What is Inove’s attitude towards conversational AI’s development?
A. Realistic B. Optimistic C. Critical D. Indifferent
Passage 6
(25-26高二上·浙江七彩阳光·期中)A new study by neuropsychologists Jared Benge and Michael Scullin examined the impact of technology on older people and found greater use of technology was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline (认知衰退).
The two neuropsychologists adopted meta-analysis where the results of many previous studies are combined. They searched for studies examining technology use in people aged over 50 and examined the association with cognitive decline or dementia (痴呆症). They found 57 studies which included data from more than 411,000 adults. These studies measured cognitive decline or a diagnosis of dementia.
Statistical tests were used to determine the “odds” of having cognitive decline based on use of technology. An odds ratio (优势比) under 1 suggests a reduced risk from exposure. The combined odds ratio in this study was 0.42, which means higher use of technology was associated with a 58% risk reduction for cognitive decline.
Interestingly, the degree of the effect of technology use on brain function found in this study was similar or stronger than other known protective factors, such as physical activity (approximately a 35% risk reduction), or maintaining a healthy blood pressure (approximately a 13% risk reduction).
In reality, it’s unavoidable to live in the world without using technology. Everything from paying bills to booking tickets is almost completely done online. Maybe we should instead think about how we use technology. Cognitively beneficial activities on digital devices like reading, learning a new language and playing music—particularly in early adulthood—can help protect our brains as we age.
In spite of the encouraging findings, we still can’t say technology use causes better cognitive function. More research is needed to understand why this relationship happens and to see if these findings are applicable in different groups of people (especially those from low and middle income countries) who were underrepresented in this study.
1.What can you learn according to the new study?
A. Greater use of technology causes lower cognitive ability.
B. The old using technology have a lower risk of cognitive decline.
C. Its data were collected by Jared Benge and Michael Scullin.
D. The purpose of the study is to help ease cognitive decline.
2.What do the data in Paragraph 3 and 4 suggest?
A. Higher use of technology increases the risk of dementia.
B. Doing physical activities is healthier than using technology.
C. Technology use can be a protective factor in brain function.
D. A healthy blood pressure is crucial to keeping cognitive level.
3.What is the fifth paragraph intended to convey?
A. What technology to choose.
B. How to protect our brains properly.
C. How to use technology wisely.
D. What tips to improve brain function.
4.How does the writer think of the the new study?
A. Practical. B. Ignorant. C. Accurate. D. Limited.
主题语境04 人与自我-生活与学习
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·安徽·鼎尖名校期中)Scientists have made an exciting breakthrough in our understanding of how our immune systems respond to cancer. By understanding these biochemical pathways, we may be able to increase the effectiveness of existing immunotherapy (免疫疗法) treatments and make them accessible to a wider range of patients.
Immunotherapy uses our body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Normally our immune systems work hard to spot and destroy potential cancer cells before they can grow into a tumor (肿瘤). Immunotherapy works by helping our immune systems to recognize and attack these cancer cells, and has several key benefits over traditional chemotherapy (化疗). Firstly, although it does have some side effects, immunotherapy is less harmful and easier for the patient to handle. Secondly, by training the immune system to fight off the tumor, patients can develop long-term immunological memory which helps stop the tumor from coming back.
However, immunotherapy doesn’t work for everyone. Although three in five patients could be responsive to certain immunotherapies, what about the other 40 percent?
What if there was a way to boost their immune system’s response to these cancers? In a new study, published in the journal Nature Genes&Immunity, researchers from the University of Turku in Finland may have found just that. The research focuses on a protein called TIMP-1, which has traditionally been known to play a role in protecting the body’s cells and tissues from damage.
However, according to the new research, led by Carlos Rogerio Figueiredo, a professor in biomedicine at the University of Turku, it may also be able to help boost the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Figueiredo and his team had seen that when there is a lot of TIMP-1 in melanoma tissue, more “killer” T-cells (the soldiers o$
专题02 阅读理解(说明文)
主题语境01 人与社会-中国文化
(25-26高二上·河北五校联考·期中)Paper-cut is a kind of Chinese traditional art. Since the invention (发明) of paper, paper-cut has become popular in many places of China. The material and tools used for paper cutting are simple, paper and scissors. Paper-cuts are usually made of red paper, because red is associated with happiness in traditional Chinese culture. Therefore, on festive (喜庆的) occasions such as weddings, red paper-cuts are the first choice for decorating doors and windows.
Everything can become the theme of paper-cuts, from people to things that can be found in everyday life. They are often pasted on the windows, walls, doors or lanterns to express the feelings of joy, happiness and hope in life.
There are different styles of paper-cuts, the most famous of which are the southern and northern styles. The style in the southern area of China is delicate (精巧的), with scenery, birds and flowers as the main subjects. The northern style is simpler and more expressive because of its rough (粗犷的) lines and designs.
1.Paper-cut ________.
A. has a short history
B. has a long history
C. is a modern invention
D. is a new invention
2.On festive occasions, ________ paper-cuts are usually used.
A. red B. yellow C. black D. blue
3.What material and tools are commonly used in paper cutting?
A. Doors and windows.
B. Paper and scissors.
C. Birds and flowers.
D. Lanterns and walls.
4.________ feelings are usually expressed by the paper-cuts.
A. Angry B. Sad C. Happy D. Calm
【答案】1. B 2. A 3. B 4. C
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了中国传统剪纸艺术,包括其历史、所用材料工具、主题寓意及南北方不同的风格特点。
(1)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第一段中的“Since the invention of paper, paper-cut has become popular in many places of China.(自纸发明以来,剪纸就在中国许多地方流行起来)”可知,纸的发明历史悠久,剪纸自纸发明后便流行。由此可推知,剪纸具有悠久的历史。故选B项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第一段中的“Paper-cuts are usually made of red paper, because red is associated with happiness in traditional Chinese culture. Therefore, on festive occasions such as weddings, red paper-cuts are the first choice for decorating doors and windows.(剪纸通常由红纸制成,因为在中国传统文化中,红色与喜庆相关。因此,在婚礼等喜庆场合,红色剪纸是装饰门窗的首选)”可知,喜庆场合通常使用红色剪纸。故选A项。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第一段中的“The material and tools used for paper cutting are simple, paper and scissors.(剪纸所用的材料和工具很简单,就是纸和剪刀)”可知,剪纸常用的材料和工具是纸和剪刀。故选B项。
(4)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第二段中的“They are often pasted on the windows, walls, doors or lanterns to express the feelings of joy, happiness and hope in life.(它们常被贴在窗户、墙壁、门上或灯笼上,以表达生活中的喜悦、幸福和希望之情)”可知,剪纸通常表达快乐的情感。故选C项。
主题语境02 人与社会-历史、社会与文化
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·福建福宁五校联合体·期中)We’re happy to introduce News for Classroom Use: a weekly newsletter with a piece of news and activities based on it which you can use as a warm-up, a filler or a wrap-up task. The newsletter might include: discussion questions, tasks around headlines and images, comments to respond to, vocabulary and links to related ESL. Brains lesson plans.
How to use the newsletter
The stories covered in the newsletter range from breaking news to more evergreen content which you will be able to go back to according to your students needs. The newsletter itself has several parts.
INTRO: A short paragraph describing-what the news is about. You might need to read it out to students or it may also serve as a reference point to you, depending on the activities that go with the particular piece of news.
ACTIVITY: A task or tasks for students to work on in the classroom. Each newsletter contains a set of questions related to the news. You might ask students to discuss all of them or just some of them. If you teach lower-level students, use the easier questions or just ask students to say what they think about the news. Other activities might include completing headlines, commenting on pictures, reporting what students have heard about the news, etc.
Subscribe to the newsletter
If you are an Unlimited or a Premium user and you’re subscribed to our newsletters, the News for Classroom Use newsletter will drop into your mailbox every Wednesday.
1.Which is a feature of the newsletter?
A. It posts daily updates.
B. It contains advanced vocabulary.
C. It emphasizes breaking news.
D. It offers reusable reading materials.
2.What activity can be recommended to beginners?
A. Rewriting related news.
B. Choosing news pictures.
C. Expressing their opinions.
D. Contributing to the newsletter.
3.Who is the text intended for?
A. News presenters.
B. Teachers.
C. Foreign students.
D. Journalists.
【答案】1. D 2. C 3. B
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了一款名为“News for Classroom Use”的每周新闻通讯,它包含一篇新闻及基于该新闻设计的活动,可用于课堂热身、填充或总结任务,并说明了使用方法及订阅信息。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第二段“The stories covered in the newsletter range from breaking news to more evergreen content which you will be able to go back to according to your students needs. (新闻通讯中涵盖的故事从突发新闻到更具持久性的内容,你可以根据学生的需求回顾这些内容。)”可知,该新闻通讯的特点是提供可重复使用的阅读材料。故选D项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第四段“If you teach lower-level students, use the easier questions or just ask students to say what they think about the news. (如果你教的是水平较低的学生,使用较简单的问题,或者只是让学生说出他们对新闻的看法。)”可知,对于初学者,可以推荐的活动是表达他们的观点。故选C项。
(3)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第一段“a weekly newsletter with a piece of news and activities based on it which you can use as a warm-up, a filler or a wrap-up task. (一份每周新闻通讯,包含一篇新闻和基于该新闻的活动,你可以将其用作热身、填充或总结任务。)”以及后文提到的“students”“lower-level students”等可知,这篇文章是写给教师的。故选B项。
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·山东名校考试联盟·期中)The Growth of Sustainable Agriculture
Feeding the world’s population places significant pressure on our natural resources. In response, sustainable agriculture — a farming approach that meets current food and fiber needs while protecting the environment and supporting farmers’ livelihoods — is gaining crucial edge.
The sustainable agriculture market is experiencing rapid expansion. Its value has grown from 16.75 billion in 2025. This strong growth is expected to continue, with the market expected to reach $23.97 billion by 2029, advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%.
This growth is essentially driven by soaring consumer demand for organic products. Furthermore, innovations such as sustainable biostimulants (生物刺激素) are advancing farming practices. The market covers various products, including improved seeds, and biopesticides, which are used in farming systems like organic farming and precision agriculture.
Geographically, North America was the largest market in 2024, while the Asia-Pacific region is forecast to be the fastest-growing. However, the growth forecast has been slightly adjusted. “The forecast of 9.4% growth over the next five years indicates a slight reduction,” the report notes, attaching this mainly to international trade tensions and customs duties, which could disturb the supply of key technologies.
Despite these challenges, the overall trend is positive, signaling a steady global shift towards more resilient (有韧性的) and environmentally friendly food production systems.
1.What is the main purpose of the first paragraph?
A. To present specific market information.
B. To compare different farming methods.
C. To define a concept and introduce the topic.
D. To stress the challenges of population growth.
2.Which is the probable market size in 2027?
A. 15.07 billion. B. 16.75 billion. C. 20.05 billion. D. 21.93 billion.
3.What is the main reason for the rising sustainable agriculture market?
A. Growing variety of market products.
B. Sufficient supply of key technologies.
C. Constant international trade tensions.
D. Increasing demand for organic products.
【答案】1. C 2. C 3. D
【解析】【导语】
这是一篇说明文,介绍了可持续农业的发展,包括其定义、全球市场规模增长、驱动因素、地域分布及面临的挑战等内容。
(1)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第一段“Feeding the world’s population places significant pressure on our natural resources. In response, sustainable agriculture — a farming approach that meets current food and fiber needs while protecting the environment and supporting farmers’ livelihoods — is gaining crucial edge.(养活世界人口给我们的自然资源带来了巨大压力。作为回应,可持续农业——一种在满足当前食物和纤维需求的同时保护环境并支持农民生计的农业方法——正获得关键优势。)”可知,第一段定义了可持续农业的概念并引出主题。故选C。
(2)题解析:
推理判断题。从文中及图表可知:2024年15.07 billion,2025年16.75 billion,2029年23.97 billion,年复合增长率(CAGR)约9.4%。图中2027年数值约为200.5亿美元。故选C。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第四段“This growth is essentially driven by soaring consumer demand for organic products.( 这种增长主要是由消费者对有机产品的需求激增推动的。)”可知,可持续农业市场增长的主要原因是对有机产品需求的增加。故选D。
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·福建福宁五校联合体·期中)About 4 billion people already experience water shortage for at least one month a year and this number could double by 2050, according to a 2024 study. Yet progress on water shortage targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals is off track. Professor Guenther, director of the UN University’s Institute, says that water shortage has largely been invisible to policymakers.
Fortunately, many technologies to make better use of water resources are developing. These include technologies to improve the efficiency of typically energy-intensive desalination (海水的脱盐) plants, and the improved biological treatment processes that effectively double the capacity of wastewater treatment plants to increase the water available for industrial and agricultural use.
Investment has not always been available for water resource solutions. The water sector is a $500 billion marketplace, representing a huge opportunity for investors. But investing in this area requires a willingness to wait for returns in the longer term.
Investment in new technologies is not the only answer, says Brooke, co-editor of Unconcentional Water Resources, a book published by the UN earlier this year to urge the use of various and plentiful resources that until now have not received much attention. These range from the millions of cubic kilometers of water in deep land-based and seabed aquifers (含水层), and in fog and icebergs, to reusing water from the ballast holds (压载舱) of thousands of ships for agriculture.
“It is a human approach to think that sufficient technology will address the problem. But if there’s no rain, if the groundwater level gets lower and lower, if we cannot dig deeper, and there is no option for desalination, this is when we start thinking,” says Brooke. “But by then it’s very often too late.”
1.What causes the slow progress on water shortage solutions according to Guenther?
A. Insufficient funds.
B. The lack of effective policies.
C. Outdated technology.
D. The rise of global warming.
2.What stops investors from investing in the water sector?
A. The limited market.
B. The long profit cycle.
C. The high investment risk.
D. The large initial investment.
3.Which measure did the UN suggest taking earlier this year?
A. Promoting water use efficiency.
B. Improving wastewater treatment.
C. Building more desalination plants.
D. Seeking alternative water resources.
4.What does the author want to do in the last paragraph?
A. Issue a warning.
B. Launch an appeal.
C. Make a prediction.
D. Highlight an approach.
【答案】1. B 2. B 3. D 4. A
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了目前水资源短缺的现状、进展缓慢的原因、相关技术的发展、投资情况,还提及了联合国今年早些时候提出的应对措施以及最后发出相关警示。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第一段中“Professor Guenther, director of the UN University’s Institute, says that water shortage has largely been invisible to policymakers. (联合国大学研究所所长根瑟教授表示,水资源短缺在很大程度上一直未被政策制定者所关注。)”可知,根瑟认为水资源短缺问题进展缓慢是因为缺乏有效的政策,政策制定者没有重视该问题。故选B项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第三段中“But investing in this area requires a willingness to wait for returns in the longer term. (但投资这一领域需要有耐心等待长期回报的意愿。)”可知,阻碍投资者投资水领域的是较长的盈利周期。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第四段中“Investment in new technologies is not the only answer, says Brooke, co-editor of Unconcentional Water Resources, a book published by the UN earlier this year to urge the use of various and plentiful resources that until now have not received much attention. (联合国今年早些时候出版的一本书《非常规水资源》的联合编辑布鲁克说,投资新技术并不是唯一的解决办法,这本书敦促人们利用各种丰富且至今未受到太多关注的水资源。)”可知,联合国今年早些时候建议采取的措施是寻求替代水资源。故选D项。
(4)题解析:
推理判断题。根据最后一段中““It is a human approach to think that sufficient technology will address the problem. But if there’s no rain, if the groundwater level gets lower and lower, if we cannot dig deeper, and there is no option for desalination, this is when we start thinking,” says Brooke. “But by then it’s very often too late.” (布鲁克表示:“人们总习惯性认为,足够先进的技术能够解决这个问题。但如果没有降雨,地下水位持续走低,无法开凿更深的水井,也没有海水淡化的可行方案,我们才会开始意识到问题的严重性——但往往为时已晚。”)”可知,作者在最后一段想要发出警告,提醒人们不要等到情况恶化到无法挽回时才采取行动。故选A项。
Passage 4
(25-26高二上·浙江台金七校联考·期中)Modern cars are no longer just transport machines — they are essentially smartphones on wheels. For drivers, this brings convenience: automatic braking, GPS, entertainment, and more. Yet carmakers gain something even more valuable — data. Today’s vehicles constantly record weight, speed, routes, and even contacts when phones are connected. This raises a crucial question: who owns and controls this data, and how is it used?
The answer remains unclear. Most owners unknowingly give up rights through fine-print sentences in purchase contracts (合同). Like smartphones, cars collect user data, but few drivers realize it. With phones, we trade privacy for convenience consciously; with cars, that trade occurs without awareness. What follows is equally concerning. Carmakers claim data boost safety and performance, yet they can sell it to third parties like insurance companies. Driving behavior — speed, braking, seatbelt use — can all be monetized (获利). Unlike phones where you can turn off location data, there’s no option to quit for your car.
Data also lets carmakers remind owners about repairs or maintenance. But this control gives them another edge — deciding who can access that information. For decades, drivers could choose any trusted mechanic. Now, data-driven cars may limit access to manufacturer (制造商) networks, putting independent repair shops, which are often cheaper and convenient, at a disadvantage.
This reveals a new side of the privacy debate. We fear data being shared with strangers, but what about when it’s withheld from those we trust? Imagine a doctor unable to access your medical records without paying a fee. Similarly, carmakers could charge independent repair shops for vehicle data. That expense will lead to vehicle owners’ paying higher repair prices just so that technicians can obtain the data.
The solution is simple. The idea that drivers don’t control their own data flies in the face of what consumers want, as nearly 90% of consumers expect. While digital technology makes driving safer and smarter, the enormous value of vehicle data gives manufacturers little reason to release control. Policymakers must act to protect drivers’ rights and maintain their freedom to choose who fixes their cars.
1.According to paragraph 2, why do most car owners lose control of their data?
A. They fail to turn off the location data of cars.
B. They rarely read the fine print in purchase contracts.
C. They willingly exchange privacy for modern convenience.
D. They are unaware that their vehicles collect user information.
2.How will car data control probably influence independent repair shops?
A. They will no longer be trusted due to lack of data.
B. They may have to pay additional cost to access data.
C. They can win customers’ favor with lower repair prices.
D. They need to provide medical records to prove reliability.
3.Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude toward car data collection?
A. Critical. B. Cautious. C. Neutral. D. Approving.
4.What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To argue that carmakers should share repair data.
B. To highlight privacy and control issues of car data.
C. To explain modern car functions and driving experience.
D. To demonstrate how carmakers profit from drivers’ data
【答案】1. D 2. B 3. A 4. B
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章指出现代汽车收集大量用户数据,但车主往往不知情且失去控制权,可能被制造商用于盈利或限制独立维修。作者认为这引发隐私和控制权争议,呼吁政策干预以保护车主权益。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据文章第二段中的“Most owners unknowingly give up rights through fine-print sentences in purchase contracts (合同). Like smartphones, cars collect user data, but few drivers realize it.(大多数车主在购买合同中通过细小的印刷字体不知不觉地放弃了权利。和智能手机一样,汽车也会收集用户数据,但很少有司机意识到这一点。)”可知,大多数车主之所以失去对自己数据的控制权,是因为他们没有意识到自己的车辆会收集用户信息。故选D项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据文章第四段中的“Similarly, carmakers could charge independent repair shops for vehicle data. That expense will lead to vehicle owners’ paying higher repair prices just so that technicians can obtain the data.(同样,汽车制造商可能会向独立维修店收取车辆数据费用。这笔费用将导致车主支付更高的维修价格,以便技术人员能够获得数据。)”可知,汽车数据控制可能会对独立维修店产生影响,它们可能需要支付额外的费用来获取数据。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
推理判断题。根据文章第二段中的“What follows is equally concerning. Carmakers claim data boost safety and performance, yet they can sell it to third parties like insurance companies. Driving behavior — speed, braking, seatbelt use — can all be monetized (获利). Unlike phones where you can turn off location data, there’s no option to quit for your car.(接下来的情况同样令人担忧。汽车制造商声称数据可以提高安全性和性能,但他们可以将其出售给保险公司等第三方。驾驶行为——速度、刹车、安全带使用——都可以货币化。与手机可以关闭位置数据不同,汽车没有退出选项。)”以及最后一段中的“While digital technology makes driving safer and smarter, the enormous value of vehicle data gives manufacturers little reason to release control. Policymakers must act to protect drivers’ rights and maintain their freedom to choose who fixes their cars.(虽然数字技术使驾驶更安全、更智能,但车辆数据的巨大价值使制造商没有理由放弃控制权。政策制定者必须采取行动保护司机的权利,维护他们选择修理汽车的人的自由。)”可知,作者对汽车数据收集持批评态度,认为这侵犯了车主的隐私和控制权,并可能导致不公平的竞争环境。故选A项。
(4)题解析:
推理判断题。根据文章第一段中的“This raises a crucial question: who owns and controls this data, and how is it used?(这提出了一个关键问题:谁拥有和控制这些数据,以及如何使用这些数据?)”以及全文内容可知,文章主要讨论了汽车数据的隐私和控制问题,包括车主对数据的所有权和控制权、汽车制造商如何收集和使用数据,以及这些问题对独立维修店和车主的影响。因此,文章的主要目的是突出汽车数据的隐私和控制问题。故选B项。
主题语境03 人与社会-文学、艺术与体育
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·安徽·期中)Rain Report Cafe in Seoul is a unique cafe, which rains once every 15 minutes. This unique cafe offers an experience like no other, where customers can enjoy their coffee while getting drenched (湿透) in an artificial downpour. Located in the busy district of Itaewon, this South Korean cafe has quickly become a must- visit attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
As you step into Rain Report Cafe, you’ re greeted by a mainly black interior, paired beautifully with bamboo trees that add a touch of nature to the environment. The cafe’s design transports you away from the noise of the city, making you feel as if you’ re in a peaceful outdoor setting, especially when the rain starts to fall.
The cafe features panoramic (全景的) windows that offer a complete view of its inner courtyard, where the rain magic unfolds. Every 15 minutes, without fail, a heavy downpour falls in the courtyard, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The sound of raindrops, combined with the fragrant smell of coffee, creates a perfect setting for those who find relief in a rainy day.
To ensure that customers can fully immerse themselves in this unique experience, the cafe provides umbrellas, rubber boots, and raincoats. This thoughtful gesture allows patrons (常客) to step into the courtyard and embrace the rain without worrying about getting wet.
Because of its popularity, Rain Report Cafe can get quite lively, with lines of patrons waiting by the windows to capture the downpour on their cameras. If you’ re not bothered by the attention, you might just find yourself becoming a part of their videos as you venture into the courtyard.
In a city where new and innovative ideas are always in demand, Rain Report Cafe stands out as a truly special place. For those who find comfort in the sound of rain and enjoy a hot cup of coffee, this cafe offers an unforgettable experience that is worth braving the lines for. So, if you’ re in Seoul, don’t miss the chance to visit this one-of-a-kind rainy haven.
1.Why is the cafe different from other cafes?
A. It features heavy artificial rainfall every 15 minutes.
B. It serves the most wonderful coffee all year round.
C. Its window offers broad views of the ocean.
D. The cafe offers customers peaceful environment.
2.What makes the cafe quite natural?
A. Its dark interior.
B. Bamboo trees.
C. The downpours.
D. The customers.
3.What does the author think of drinking in the cafe?
A. Relieving. B. Inspiring. C. Exciting. D. Depressing.
4.What is the purpose of the text?
A. To raise the awareness of green lifestyle.
B. To inspire us to be innovative in life.
C. To advertise the Rain Report Cafe.
D. To give us some tips on drinking coffee.
【答案】1. A 2. B 3. A 4. C
【解析】【导语】
这是一篇说明文。本文主要介绍了首尔的“雨报告咖啡馆”。这家独特的咖啡馆让顾客可以在模拟的倾盆大雨中享受咖啡。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第一段“Rain Report Cafe in Seoul is a unique cafe, which rains once every 15 minutes. This unique cafe offers an experience like no other, where customers can enjoy their coffee while getting drenched (湿透) in an artificial downpour.(首尔的“雨报告咖啡馆”是一家与众不同的咖啡馆,它每 15 分钟就会下一次雨。这家独特的咖啡馆为顾客提供了独一无二的体验,顾客可以在享受咖啡的同时,被模拟的倾盆大雨淋湿)”可知,每15分钟就会下一次雨是这家咖啡馆独特的地方。故选A。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第二段“As you step into Rain Report Cafe, you’ re greeted by a mainly black interior, paired beautifully with bamboo trees that add a touch of nature to the environment.(当你走进“雨报咖啡馆”时,映入眼帘的是以黑色为主色调的内部装饰,与周围排列的竹子相得益彰,为整个环境增添了一份自然的气息)”可知,咖啡馆里的竹子给这家咖啡馆增加了一些自然原色彩。故选B。
(3)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第三段“The cafe features panoramic (全景的) windows that offer a complete view of its inner courtyard, where the rain magic unfolds. Every 15 minutes, without fail, a heavy downpour falls in the courtyard, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The sound of raindrops, combined with the fragrant smell of coffee, creates a perfect setting for those who find relief in a rainy day.(这家咖啡馆设有全景窗户,可将内部庭院的全貌尽收眼底,而雨中的奇妙景象便在此上演。每隔15分钟,庭院中就会下起倾盆大雨,营造出一种令人放松的氛围。雨滴的声响与咖啡的香气交织在一起,为那些在雨天寻求慰藉的人们营造出一个完美的环境)”可知,咖啡馆为顾客们创设了一个非常放松的场所。因此,在这里喝咖啡是令人放松的。故选A。
(4)题解析:
推理判断题。根据最后一段“So, if you’ re in Seoul, don’t miss the chance to visit this one- of- a- kind rainy haven.(所以,如果你身处首尔,千万不要错过游览这个独一无二的避雨胜地的机会)”可知,作者的目的就是为 Rain Report Cafe 这家咖啡馆打广告。故选C。
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·安徽部分校·期中)In comparison with the history of Western theatre, the history of scenic design is short. While the golden age of Greek theatre occurred more than two thousand years ago, the intensive use of scenery in the theatre did not begin until after 1600, and the position of scenic designer — the individual responsible for the visual appearance and function of the scenic and property elements of a theatrical production — did not become a commonly credited production position until the mid-1920s. Robert Edmond Jones is generally acknowledged as among the first credited scenic designers, for a 1915 production of The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife.
The term scenery can include any noncostume visual element used in support of a production. In the context of this article, however, it will be defined as any nonpermanent two- or three-dimensional background or environmental element that is placed on the stage so as to suggest the historical period, location, and mood of the play being performed. While properties — e.g., set props (sofas, chairs, and so forth) and hand props (any noncostume items handled by the actors, such as glassware, or books) — do the same, they generally are not considered to be scenery.
There was very little scenery used in Western theatres before the early 1600s. While Greek and Roman plays were performed outdoors in delicate and grand structures, there is little physical evidence to suggest that scenery, as defined above, was used on these stages. Medieval European drama used standardized scenic elements called “mansions” (representations of heaven, and so forth) to describe the various locations needed in the drama that constituted the most part of the period’s plays. Mansions were often mounted in the nave (正厅) of a church, on a platform in front of a church, or in a town square. They were also used in combination with pageant wagons (盛会马车), usually held between one and three mansions, and were pulled from location to location, and were arranged to create the appropriate setting.
1.What’s the purpose of the author mentioning Greek theatre?
A. To illustrate the Greek civilization.
B. To tell the advancement of Greece in theatre.
C. To tell the short history of the scenic design.
D. To explain the significance of Western theatre.
2.The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife is accepted as the symbol of a drama with ______.
A. a commonly credited production position
B. a good fame for Robert Edmond Jones
C. detailed chapters enjoyed by audience
D. the first widely approved scenic design
3.What does paragraph 2 mainly talk about?
A. Set props and hand props.
B. The definition of scenery.
C. Materials placed on the stage.
D. The historical period of the play.
4.What can be inferred from paragraph 3?
A. “Mansions” quite fit the concept of scenery.
B. Greek and Roman plays used mixed scenery.
C. Greek and Roman plays used excellent scenery.
D. Mansions were movable scenery drawn by horses.
【答案】1. C 2. D 3. B 4. A
【解析】【导语】
这是一篇说明文。介绍了舞台布景设计的发展历史、“舞台布景(scenery)”的定义,以及早期西方戏剧中舞台布景的使用情况。
(1)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第一段“In comparison with the history of Western theatre, the history of scenic design is short. While the golden age of Greek theatre occurred more than two thousand years ago, the intensive use of scenery in the theatre did not begin until after 1600 (与西方戏剧的历史相比,舞台布景设计的历史很短。希腊戏剧的黄金时代在两千多年前,但舞台布景在戏剧中的广泛使用直到1600年后才开始)”可知,作者提及希腊戏剧是为了说明舞台布景设计的历史较短。故选C。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第一段“Robert Edmond Jones is generally acknowledged as among the first credited scenic designers, for a 1915 production of The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife. (Robert Edmond Jones被公认为最早获得署名的舞台布景设计师之一,他参与了1915年《娶了哑妻的男人》的制作)”可知,这部剧是首个被广泛认可的舞台布景设计作品的代表。故选D。
(3)题解析:
主旨大意题。根据第二段“The term scenery can include any noncostume visual element used in support of a production. In the context of this article, however, it will be defined as any nonpermanent two- or three-dimensional background or environmental element (舞台布景一词可以包括任何用于支持制作的非服装视觉元素。然而,在本文的语境中,它将被定义为任何非永久性的二维或三维背景或环境元素)”可知,本段主要讲的是舞台布景的定义。故选B。
(4)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第三段“Medieval European drama used standardized scenic elements called “mansions” (representations of heaven, and so forth) to describe the various locations needed in the drama (中世纪欧洲戏剧使用名为“mansions”(天堂等的象征)的标准化舞台元素来呈现戏剧所需的不同场景)”、“to create the appropriate setting (以营造合适的布景)”以及第二段中舞台布景的定义可推知,“mansions”符合舞台布景的概念。故选A。
主题语境04 人与社会-科学与技术
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·河北强基联盟-12月·期中)Cloud storage is a flexible and convenient way to store data with complete peace of mind. It enables you to store your data on hosted servers (服务器). This means you can store all your digital things remotely, without taking up space on your computer. There are two options available: public cloud storage allows you to share hosting space with other users; private cloud storage is the ideal choice for companies who want to have their data stored in their own environment.
Cloud storage is very simple to use. Once you have registered and set up your account, you simply save your files via the Internet using your username and password. This ensures your data remains secure and inaccessible to anyone else. Should you choose, you can put certain permissions in place, which makes it easy to share your data with your colleagues or your family.
When you sign up to cloud storage, you can choose the amount of space you need. You can start with a small amount and increase the storage size later on. You can store anything digital; all your files, videos and pictures. Whether you want to use this storage solution to store your family photographs or you want to use it to store your work documentation, you will find it quite convenient.
Is it better than your computer or an external drive (硬盘)? The answer is a definite yes. Computers crash all the time. This is the most common cause of lost work and memories. External hard drives can still break, or fail. Here you also have the added risk of misplacing it or having it stolen. There are so many advantages to cloud computing, from the ability to access your data from wherever, whenever, to not needing expensive external storage devices. The only disadvantage, however, is that you need Internet to access files.
1.What is cloud storage?
A. To store data with peaceful emotions.
B. To store data on remote servers.
C. To store data on others’ computers.
D. To store data on local machines.
2.How to start cloud storage?
A. Register your account via the Internet.
B. Keep your data secure and inaccessible.
C. Share your password to your families.
D. Access your files under permissions.
3.What is the advantage of cloud storage compared to the local machine?
A. It decides any amount of space.
B. It resets computer system once for all.
C. It stores any digital files, videos and pictures.
D. It offers secure, cheap and convenient access.
4.What is the best title for the passage?
A. Cloud Storage Is Double-edged
B. Cloud Storage Needs No Computers
C. Cloud Storage Pushes Boundaries
D. Cloud Storage Cheaps The Internet
【答案】1. B 2. A 3. D 4. C
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。介绍了现代科技中的新发展:云存储。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第一段“It enables you to store your data on hosted servers (服务器). This means you can store all your digital things remotely, without taking up space on your computer.(它能让你将数据存储在托管服务器上。这意味着你可以将所有数字内容远程保存,而无需占用电脑上的空间)”可知,云存储是指将数据存储在远程服务器上。故选B项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第二段“Once you have registered and set up your account, you simply save your files via the internet using your username and password.(一旦你完成注册并设置好账户,你只需通过互联网使用你的用户名和密码来保存您的文件即可)”可知,通过互联网注册您的账户来开启云存储服务。故选A项。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据最后一段“Is it better than your computer or an external drive (硬盘)? The answer is a definite yes. Computers crash all the time. This is the most common cause of lost work and memories. External hard drives can still break, or fail. Here you also have the added risk of misplacing it or having it stolen. There are so many advantages to cloud computing, from the ability to access your data from wherever, whenever, to not needing expensive external storage devices. The only disadvantage, however, is that you need Internet to access files.(它是否比你的电脑或者外接硬盘更好呢?答案绝对是肯定的。电脑经常会出现故障。这是导致工作丢失和信息丢失的最常见原因。外接硬盘也可能出现损坏或者故障的情况。此外,您还面临着丢失它或者被盗取的风险。云计算有很多优点,比如可以随时随地访问您的数据,而且无需使用昂贵的外接存储设备。然而,唯一的缺点是您需要网络才能访问文件)”可知,与本地设备相比,云存储的优势是提供了安全、经济且便捷的访问方式。故选D项。
(4)题解析:
主旨大意题。根据第一段“It enables you to store your data on hosted servers (服务器). This means you can store all your digital things remotely, without taking up space on your computer.(它能让你将数据存储在托管服务器上。这意味着你可以将所有数字内容远程保存,而无需占用电脑上的空间)”以及本篇文章介绍了云存储的特点:通过网络,安全的存储、方便的远程访问,超越了本地机的一些限制,故C项“云存储突破(数字时代的某些)界限”最符合文章标题。故选C项。
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·浙江台金七校联考·期中)Rising carbon dioxide levels and climate change are reshaping the environments in which crops grow, and one urgent consequence is an increased risk of plant disease. There is a real danger that some infections could spread more widely across climates — potentially leading to agricultural disasters. To reduce this risk, seed companies and plant scientists should work together now to build a library of useful crop genes before it’s too late.
Part of the problem is that centuries of selective breeding have made the genomes (基因组) of most valuable crops very narrow. They grow great in today’s conditions, but become less able to cope with change. A small or previously unknown disease could spread rapidly through a genetically uniform crop, driving global prices sharply upward and causing widespread malnutrition and suffering. Fortunately, the threat has a clear solution.
All crops have wild relatives that are not useful for farming but carry much more genetic variety that can protect crops against future pathogens (病原体). As insurance, those genes should be stored — usually as seeds — until they are needed to be put into a crop’s genome. Nevertheless, the current gene banks have too few samples of two-thirds of the relevant wild relatives, and many species are not stored at all.
You might expect large agribusinesses to help. Yet firms like Bayer and Syngenta still treat future-proofing crops as a government job, finding it too uncertain to attract commercial investment. Academic plant scientists can also help, but the work is routine and gets little reward. Curing an outbreak builds careers; preventing a possible one brings little recognition. To act, plant scientists need motivations — pay and research funding. Major funders, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, must shift money toward preparing for future threats.
Another barrier is political considerations. The U.S. National Science Foundation is said to reject proposals that mention “climate change,” because some politicians deny it. Europe also needs to change its cautious attitude to genetic engineering. Gene editing will be essential, even if it makes some European consumers and policymakers uneasy. The sooner they accept it, the better.
1.Why are some small diseases likely to infect crops rapidly?
A. The price of curing such diseases is too high.
B. The change brought by global warming is dramatic.
C. The genomes that resist diseases are removed from most crops.
D. Natural genetic variation is lost due to long-term artificial selection.
2.What’s an obvious solution to new diseases for crops?
A. Buying insurance for all crops at the bank.
B. Storing seed samples of wild crop relatives.
C. Putting protective genomes into all crops.
D. Reducing genetic variety of future pathogens.
3.What can be inferred from the last two paragraphs?
A. Large companies are enthusiastic about government jobs.
B. Plant scientists offer considerable help to earn recognition.
C. European countries consider genetic editing as a vital step.
D. Political ideas partly get in the way of genetic engineering.
4.Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?
A. Crop Yields in the Future Century
B. Preserving Rare Seeds Against Future Pathogens
C. Building a Gene Library Before Crop Diseases Worsen
D. Funding and Investment to Boost Agricultural Innovation
【答案】1. D 2. B 3. D 4. C
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章指出气候变化增加了作物病害风险,因作物基因单一易受感染。作者建议建立作物野生近缘种基因库,并呼吁加强资金投入、克服政治障碍以应对未来农业威胁。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据文章第二段中的“Part of the problem is that centuries of selective breeding have made the genomes(基因组) of most valuable crops very narrow. They grow great in today’s conditions, but become less able to cope with change. A small or previously unknown disease could spread rapidly through a genetically uniform crop, driving global prices sharply upward and causing widespread malnutrition and suffering.(部分原因在于,数百年来的有选择性培育使得大多数重要农作物的基因组变得非常单一。它们在现在的条件下生长得很好,但应对变化的能力却降低了。一种微小或以前未知的疾病可能会在基因单一的作物中迅速传播,推动全球价格急剧上涨,并导致广泛的营养不良和问题。)”可知,由于长期的人工选择,大多数重要农作物的基因组变得非常单一,应对变化的能力下降,由此导致一些小疾病可能迅速感染作物。故选D项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据文章第三段中的“All crops have wild relatives that are not useful for farming but carry much more genetic variety that can protect crops against future pathogens (病原体). As insurance, those genes should be stored — usually as seeds — until they are needed to be put into a crop’s genome.(所有作物都有野生近亲,这些近亲对农业没有用处,但携带更多的遗传变异,可以保护作物免受未来病原体的侵害。作为保险,这些基因应该被储存起来——通常以种子的形式——直到需要它们被放入作物的基因组中。)”可知,储存野生作物近亲的种子样本是应对新作物疾病的一个明显解决方案。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
推理判断题。根据文章倒数第二段中“Yet firms like Bayer and Syngenta still treat future-proofing crops as a government job, finding it too uncertain to attract commercial investment.(然而,像拜耳和先正达这样的公司仍然将未来抗灾作物视为政府的工作,认为这太不确定,无法吸引商业投资。)”和最后一段中“Another barrier is political considerations. The U.S. National Science Foundation is said to reject proposals that mention “climate change,” because some politicians deny it. Europe also needs to change its cautious attitude to genetic engineering.(另一个障碍是政治考虑。据说美国国家科学基金会拒绝提及“气候变化”的提案,因为一些政客否认这一点。欧洲也需要改变其对基因工程的谨慎态度。)”可知,政治观念在一定程度上阻碍了基因工程的发展。故选D项。
(4)题解析:
主旨大意题。根据文章第一段中的“To reduce this risk, seed companies and plant scientists should work together now to build a library of useful crop genes before it’s too late.(为了降低这种风险,种子公司和植物科学家现在应该共同努力,在为时已晚之前建立一个有用的作物基因库。)”以及全文内容可知,文章主要讨论了由于气候变化和人工选择导致的作物遗传多样性减少,以及由此带来的作物疾病风险增加的问题,并提出了建立作物基因库作为解决方案。因此,C项“Building a Gene Library Before Crop Diseases Worsen(在作物疾病恶化之前建立基因库)”最符合文章主旨。故选C项。
主题语境05 人与自我-生活与学习
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·湖北部分省级示范高中·期中)Vacations are being redefined to improve your wellness experiences. The new buzzword is “sleep tourism” and the focus is on ensuring that you rest well at night and actually return from your vacation feeling refreshed.
When away, vacationers traditionally like to make use of every second of the day. They rush from site to site, eat meals at all hours of the day, and treat themselves at night. And when finally returning to their hotel rooms at night, they find it hard to sleep. Besides, downtown hotels may be centrally located, with noisy traffic and flashing city lights pervading (弥漫). Also, many people simply do not sleep well when away from their own beds. All these factors lead to pain, allergies and hormonal issues, making sleep challenging.
“Sleep tourism” addresses these issues and more. Special sleep suites have been thoughtfully designed to offer quiet and darkness. Hotels are investing in artificial intelligence mattresses (床垫) that adjust temperature and have cushions to relieve pressure points. The mattresses can also track sleep statistics and offer vacationers feedback on their sleep patterns.
Sleep suites are a huge advance in tourism and are now found in wellness hotels around the world. Each offers different ways of inducing sleep, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Many provide a menu of relaxing teas and a tailored bed. No matter which sleep suite you choose, the goal is to sleep well so you can improve your health and well-being. Sinking into a comfortable bed should be the best part of a trip!
The hope is that more hotels adapt to this wellness trend and return to the original purpose of a hotel room, which is sleep! Now you can tour around by day and have sweet dreams by night.
1.According to the text, what is the new trend in vacationing?
A. Partying all night.
B. Eating at special hours.
C. Sleeping well on holiday.
D. Rushing from site to site.
2.How do sleep suites improve the sleep experience for guests?
A. By serving a wide variety of food.
B. By introducing mattresses with AI technology.
C. By offering in-room entertainment systems.
D. By ensuring complete darkness in the rooms.
3.The underlined word “inducing” in Paragraph 4 probably means “________”.
A. promoting. B. preventing. C. causing. D. affecting.
4.What can we infer about the future of hotels from the passage?
A. All hotels will have artificial intelligence mattresses.
B. Traditional hotels will disappear because of “sleep tourism”.
C. More hotels will focus on providing better sleep experiences.
D. Downtown hotels will move to quieter areas to avoid traffic noise.
【答案】1. C 2. B 3. A 4. C
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了为解决游客在旅游过程出现睡眠问题的一种旅游形式——睡眠旅游。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第一段中“The new buzzword is “sleep tourism” and the focus is on ensuring that you rest well at night and actually return from your vacation feeling refreshed.(新的流行词是“睡眠旅游”,其重点是确保你在晚上休息得很好,假期结束后感觉神清气爽。)”可知,度假的新趋势是“度假时睡好”。故选C。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第三段中“Hotels are investing in artificial intelligence mattresses (床垫) that adjust temperature and have cushions to relieve pressure points. The mattresses can also track sleep statistics and offer vacationers feedback on their sleep patterns.(酒店正在投资人工智能床垫,它可以调节温度,并有缓冲来缓解压力点。这些床垫还可以跟踪睡眠统计数据,并为度假者提供睡眠模式的反馈。)”可知,人工智能床垫能调节温度、缓解压力点、追踪睡眠数据并反馈,直接提升睡眠体验;由此可知,睡眠套房通过引入人工智能床垫来改善客人睡眠。故选B。
(3)题解析:
词句猜测题。根据第四段中划线词下文“Many provide a menu of relaxing teas and a tailored bed. No matter which sleep suite you choose, the goal is to sleep well so you can improve your health and well-being. Sinking into a comfortable bed should be the best part of a trip!(许多套房还提供一系列舒缓的茶饮以及定制的床铺。无论您选择哪种睡眠套房,其目的都是让您能睡个好觉,从而改善您的健康和生活质量。)”可知,套房所提供的舒缓的茶饮以及定制的床铺都是促进睡眠的方法,“Each offers different ways of inducing sleep(每间套房都提供了不同的inducing睡眠方式。)”中的inducing表示“促进”,与promoting同义。故选A。
(4)题解析:
推理判断题。文章最后一段“The hope is that more hotels adapt to this wellness trend and return to the original purpose of a hotel room, which is sleep!(希望更多的酒店适应这种健康趋势,回归酒店房间的最初目的,那就是睡觉!)”明确呼吁希望更多酒店适应睡眠旅游这一健康趋势,回归酒店房间的初衷——提供睡眠;由此可推测,未来更多酒店会专注于提供更好的睡眠体验。故选C。
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·福建福宁五校联合体·期中)When we’re tired or injured, we often go to bed earlier to recharge and mend our bodies. That’s because we often think that night is a golden time to deal with stress or injuries. But is it true?
Nathaniel Hoyle, a scientist of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology m Cambridge, UK, has been leading a study into this topic. The team discovered that fibroblast cells (成纤维细胞) in the body switch off at night. These cells help close up a wound after the skin is broken and lay a foundation for new skin to grow. Why exactly are these cells less active at night? It’s all to do with your body’s circadian (昼夜节律的) rhythm — a 24-hour internal clock that helps your cells do their jobs on time. New Scientist reported that a group of 30 genes that control the fibroblasts worked only daytime shifts, causing the slower healing process at night. To test its theory, the Cambridge-based team examined data from the International Burn Injury Database, which records details of burn victims around the world. This analysis revealed that nighttime burns, on average, took 11 more days to heal than burns during the day.
A similar result occurred while experimenting using live mice. Those that were cut during night-time hours recovered more slowly than those during the day. “You can see by eyes, when the cell is wounded only 8 hours apart from each other, in different circadian periods, the daytime wounded ones take off, and the nighttime ones drag,” research team member John O’Neill told Science Alert. He added, “The time-varying response may be an evolutionary adaptation. As people are more likely to sustain injuries when awake than when sleeping, perhaps our bodies are prepared to respond more quickly in the daytime.” He went on to say that it could be beneficial to schedule surgeries in time with people’s circadian rhythms, earlier for early birds and later for night owls, in order to lessen recovery time. However, in any case, it might be best not to use anything sharp once the sun goes down.
1.Why does the author mention people going to bed earlier when tired or injured?
A. To list common methods of recharging the body.
B. To explain why people suffer from injuries easily.
C. To prove sleep is the only method to deal with stress.
D. To arouse readers’ interest in the truth of night healing.
2.What do the researchers find during their research?
A. Burns take the same time to heal regardless of their cut time.
B. Fibroblast cells boost the healing by working nighttime shift.
C. Mice respond differently in the healing process from humans.
D. A body’s circadian rhythm matters in waking up fibroblast cells.
3.How might scheduling surgeries according to circadian rhythms help patients?
A. It can reduce the risk of surgery failure.
B. It can reduce the pain felt during surgery.
C. It can shorten the recovery time after surgery.
D. It can help patients wake up faster after surgery.
4.What can be a suitable title for this passage?
A. A Study Offers Clues to Treating Injuries
B. Why We Heal Injuries Better in the Daytime
C. How We Heal Wounds and Injuries Effectively
D. Scientists Unlock the Secret to Avoiding Injuries
【答案】1. D 2. D 3. C 4. B
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章主要围绕“人体在白天和夜晚受伤后愈合情况不同”这一现象展开,介绍了英国剑桥分子生物学实验室科学家Nathaniel Hoyle带领团队进行的相关研究,包括研究过程、发现以及根据研究结果提出的建议等。
(1)题解析:
推理判断题。第一段“When we’re tired or injured, we often go to bed earlier to recharge and mend our bodies. That’s because we often think that night is a golden time to deal with stress or injuries. But is it true? (当我们感到疲倦或受伤时,往往会提前入睡以恢复体力和修复身体。这是因为我们通常认为夜晚是应对压力或伤痛的黄金时段。但这种观点是否正确?)”先指出人们常认为夜晚是处理压力或受伤的黄金时间,接着用“But is it true?”提出疑问,引发读者对于夜晚是否真的能更好地治愈受伤这一真相的兴趣。故选D。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第二段“It’s all to do with your body’s circadian (昼夜节律的) rhythm — a 24 - hour internal clock that helps your cells do their jobs on time. New Scientist reported that a group of 30 genes that control the fibroblasts worked only daytime shifts, causing the slower healing process at night. (这与人体的昼夜节律密切相关——一种24小时的内部时钟,可确保细胞按预定时间完成功能。《新科学家》杂志报道,一组调控成纤维细胞的30个基因仅在白天发挥作用,导致夜间愈合过程减缓。)”可知,人体的昼夜节律会影响成纤维细胞的工作,一组控制成纤维细胞的30个基因只在白天工作,导致夜晚愈合过程较慢,即人体的昼夜节律在唤醒成纤维细胞方面很重要。故选D。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第三段“He went on to say that it could be beneficial to schedule surgeries in time with people’s circadian rhythms, earlier for early birds and later for night owls, in order to lessen recovery time. (他进一步指出,根据人体昼夜节律安排手术时间可能具有临床意义:早起者可安排在清晨时段,夜猫子则可安排在夜间时段,从而缩短术后恢复时间。)”可知,根据昼夜节律安排手术,早起的人早点安排,夜猫子晚点安排,可以缩短术后恢复时间,故选C。
(4)题解析:
主旨大意题。文章开篇提出人们认为夜晚是处理受伤的黄金时间这一观点,接着通过研究指出人体昼夜节律影响成纤维细胞工作,导致白天受伤愈合更快,最后提到根据昼夜节律安排手术可缩短恢复时间。整体围绕“为什么我们在白天愈合受伤更好”展开。B选项“为什么我们在白天愈合受伤更好”,符合文章主旨,适合作标题,故选B。
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·安徽A10联盟-11月·期中)One of the most important medical advances in the 20th century was the discovery of antibiotics(抗生素). The first antibiotic was introduced in 1910 and changed modern medicine significantly. Penicillin was discovered in 1928, and these medications that could kill bacteria extended people’s average lifetime by 23 years. However, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have also changed and adapted, and the bacteria are winning.
New research from Tel Aviv University(TAU) in Israel has found a way to get the better of bacteria and shut down its defense systems when transferring(转移)DNA.The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another is how these bacteria change and adapt. During this process, known as conjugation(接合), one bacterial cell attaches to another through a small tube, allowing the transfer of genetic material called plasmids(质粒).
Bruria Samuel, a PhD student working with Professor David Burstein at TAU’s Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, led the study published in Nature. Samuel analyzed 33,000 plasmids and identified the gene that allowed plasmids to pass by bacterial defense mechanisms when transferring DNA.The team used plasmids that give antibiotic resistance and put them into bacteria with CRISPR, a defense system that can target and destroy DNA.
The location of anti-defense systems on plasmids determines whether the bacterium can overcome the CRISPR system or if it will die. Understanding how this positioning works means that antibiotic-resistant genes could be blocked effectively.
The research could help design effective plasmids for changing natural bacterial populations. According to Burstein, this may help block antibiotic resistance genes in hospitals, teach bacteria to break down pollutants, and improve human health through gut bacteria. Additionally, modified bacteria could be used in agriculture and food technology to protect against foodborne illness.
1.Why does the author mention the discovery of antibiotics in paragraph 1?
A. To compare different medical advances.
B. To show the history of antibiotic research.
C. To recommend a way to live a longer life.
D. To introduce its value and a related challenge.
2.What do we know about conjugation?
A. It helps bacteria destroy all the plasmids.
B. It is a system stopping antibiotic resistance.
C. It enables bacteria to turn plasmids into CRISPR.
D. It lets bacteria transfer DNA through a small tube.
3.What did Bruria Samuel do in the study?
A. He analyzed plasmids to find a gene.
B. He destroyed bacteria with CRISPR.
C. He collected data from previous researches.
D. He employed bacteria to break down pollutants.
4.What can be inferred about the research?
A. It only benefits in hospital settings.
B. It aims to reduce bacterial population.
C. It may have broad implications.
D. It will stop antibiotic resistance totally.
【答案】1. D 2. D 3. A 4. C
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了20世纪抗生素的发现及其面临的耐药性挑战。以色列TAU大学研究揭示细菌转移质粒机制,为克服抗生素耐药性、改造细菌应用于农业和健康领域提供了新思路。
(1)题解析:
推理判断题。根据文章第一段内容“One of the most important medical advances in the 20th century was the discovery of antibiotics (抗生素). The first antibiotic was introduced in 1910 and changed modern medicine significantly. Penicillin was discovered in 1928, and these medications that could kill bacteria extended people’s average lifetime by 23 years. However, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have also changed and adapted, and the bacteria are winning. (20世纪最重要的医学进步之一是抗生素的发现。第一种抗生素于1910年问世,极大地改变了现代医学。青霉素于1928年被发现,这些能够杀死细菌的药物使人们的平均寿命延长了23年。然而,具有抗生素耐药性的细菌也发生了变化和适应,细菌正在获胜。)”可知,作者在第一段提到抗生素的发现,一方面展示了抗生素的巨大价值,即延长了人们的寿命,改变了现代医学;另一方面也引出了与之相关的一个挑战,即抗生素耐药性细菌的出现和适应,细菌正在占据上风。所以作者提到抗生素的发现是为了介绍其价值和一个相关的挑战。故选D项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据文章第二段中的“During this process, known as conjugation(接合), one bacterial cell attaches to another through a small tube, allowing the transfer of genetic material called plasmids (质粒). (在这个过程中,被称为接合,一个细菌细胞通过一个小管附着在另一个细菌细胞上,允许被称为质粒的遗传物质的转移。)”可知,接合的作用是让细菌通过一个小管转移DNA。故选D项。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据文章第三段中的“Bruria Samuel, a PhD student working with Professor David Burstein at TAU’s Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, led the study published in Nature. Samuel analyzed 33,000 plasmids and identified the gene that allowed plasmids to pass by bacterial defense mechanisms when transferring DNA. (Bruria Samuel是一名博士生,与特拉维夫大学Shmunis生物医学和癌症研究学院的David Burstein教授一起工作,领导了发表在《自然》杂志上的这项研究。Samuel分析了33,000个质粒,并确定了在转移DNA时允许质粒通过细菌防御机制的基因。)”可知,Bruria Samuel在研究中分析了质粒以找到一个基因。故选A项。
(4)题解析:
推理判断题。根据文章最后一段“The research could help design effective plasmids for changing natural bacterial populations. According to Burstein, this may help block antibiotic resistance genes in hospitals, teach bacteria to break down pollutants, and improve human health through gut bacteria. Additionally, modified bacteria could be used in agriculture and food technology to protect against foodborne illness. (这项研究可以帮助设计有效的质粒来改变自然细菌种群。根据Burstein的说法,这可能有助于在医院阻断抗生素耐药性基因,教会细菌分解污染物,并通过肠道细菌改善人类健康。此外,经过改造的细菌可用于农业和食品技术,以预防食源性疾病。)”可知,这项研究可能有很多方面的应用,不仅仅局限于医院,对农业、食品技术等也有影响,所以可以推断出这项研究可能有广泛的影响。故选C项。
主题语境06 人与自然-环境
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·浙江四校联考·期中)Environmental Protection
Our planet is giving us life, but now it needs our help. Environmental problems are becoming more serious every day. When we look around, we can see many issues that need our attention.
Air pollution is one of the biggest problems. Factories release dark smoke into the sky, and cars produce harmful gases. This dirty air can make people sick, especially children and the elderly. In some cities, people have to wear masks when they go outside. Water pollution is equally bad. Many factories pour waste directly into rivers and lakes, killing fish and making the water unsafe to drink. Have you ever seen a river full of plastic bottles and garbage? It’s heartbreaking to watch.
Another serious issue is deforestation. People are cutting down trees to build houses and factories. This destroys the homes of many animals like birds, squirrels, and monkeys. Without trees, the soil becomes loose and can lead to landslides (山体滑坡) during heavy rain. Moreover, trees help clean the air we breathe, so losing them makes air pollution even worse.
But don’t worry — there are many things we can do to help. First, we should practice the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Instead of throwing everything away, we can use things longer and separate our trash. For example, we can bring our own bags when shopping instead of using plastic bags. Second, saving energy is crucial. Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room and unplug electronic devices when not in use. Even taking shorter showers can save both water and the energy needed to heat it.
Furthermore, we can participate in tree-planting activities in our community. If every student plants just one tree, together we can create a small forest! We can also join clean-up events at nearby parks or beaches. These activities not only help the environment but also bring people together.
Most importantly, we need to learn about environmental protection and share this knowledge with others. Talk to your family and friends about why protecting our planet matters. Small actions, when done by many people, can create huge changes.
1.What are the main types of pollution mentioned in the passage?
A. Air and soil pollution.
B. Water and noise pollution.
C. Air and water pollution.
D. Light and soil pollution.
2.According to the passage, what are two benefits of planting trees?
A. Reducing noise and providing food.
B. Cleaning the air and preventing landslides.
C. Saving water and creating shade.
D. Producing carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) and making cities beautiful.
3.The word “deforestation” in the third passage means:
A. Cutting down trees in large areas.
B. Protecting trees from being cut.
C. Planting more forests.
D. Studying different types of forests.
4.What does the author suggest we can do with plastic bags?
A. Burn them.
B. Bury them in soil.
C. Throw them in rivers.
D. Reuse them.
【答案】1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了当前严峻的环境问题(空气污染、水污染、森林砍伐),并提出了“3R原则、节约能源、植树造林”等具体环保措施,呼吁人们共同保护地球。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第二段中的“Air pollution is one of the biggest problems.(空气污染是最大的问题之一)”和“Water pollution is equally bad.(水污染也同样严重)”可知,文章主要提到了空气污染和水污染两种污染类型。故选C项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第三段中的“Without trees, the soil becomes loose and can lead to landslides (山体滑坡) during heavy rain. Moreover, trees help clean the air we breathe, so losing them makes air pollution even worse.(没有树木,土壤会变得松散,在大雨期间可能导致山体滑坡。此外,树木有助于净化我们呼吸的空气,因此,失去它们会使空气污染更加严重)”可知,植树的两大好处是净化空气和防止山体滑坡。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
词句猜测题。根据第三段中的“People are cutting down trees to build houses and factories. This destroys the homes of many animals like birds, squirrels, and monkeys.(人们砍伐树木建造房屋和工厂。这破坏了许多动物的家园,比如鸟类、松鼠和猴子)”可知,“deforestation”指的是“大面积砍伐树木”。故选A项。
(4)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第四段中的“Instead of throwing everything away, we can use things longer and separate our trash. For example, we can bring our own bags when shopping instead of using plastic bags.(与其把所有东西都扔掉,我们可以延长物品的使用时间并分类垃圾。例如,我们可以在购物时自带袋子,而不是使用塑料袋)”可知,作者建议重复使用塑料袋。故选D项。
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·浙江浙南名校联盟-11月·期中)Biodiversity, the foundation of ecosystems and human societies, is crucial to maintaining essential ecological processes. However, it is declining globally, with Asia — a region rich in biodiversity — facing significant threats from human activities and climate change. These challenges are damaging ecosystems across the region, from mangroves (红树林) in the Sundarbans to Japan’s northern islands.
Deforestation and Land Use Change
Deforestation and changes in land use are major threats to biodiversity. Increasing population pressures and agricultural expansion lead to the change of forests into farmland, urban areas, and industrial zones. Southeast Asia, particularly countries like Indonesia and Myanmar, experiences some of the world’s highest deforestation rates as forests are cleared for palm oil plantations or infrastructure (基础设施) projects. This loss and breaking up of habitats endanger species by affecting their ability to feed and reproduce.
Pollution and Overuse
Pollution and the overuse of resources also degrade ecosystems. Industrial activities, such as Bangladesh’s textile industry, release untreated wastewater into rivers, destroying aquatic habitats and harming downstream communities. Overfishing and illegal wildlife trade further endanger species, leading to ecosystem imbalances.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Climate change worsens these problems by increasing the frequency of cyclones, floods, and droughts. Seaside habitats like the Bay of Bengal’s mangrove forests face severe problems due to rising sea levels, which cause saltwater spread and threaten both biodiversity and livelihoods. The IPCC warns that extreme weather is likely to increase in South and Southeast Asia.
Invasive Species and Disease
Invasive alien species pose another serious risk. For instance, the apple snail, introduced to Southeast Asia from South America, now affects 1.4 million hectares of rice fields in the Philippines, reducing crop yields and threatening native species.
Addressing these interconnected challenges requires coordinated global efforts, sustainable practices, and policies to protect Asia’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
1.What harm has Bangladesh’s textile industry caused to biodiversity?
A. Expansion of rice fields.
B. Overfishing in seaside waters.
C. River pollution from untreated wastewater.
D. Clearing mangroves for urban development.
2.Which region is significantly affected by extreme weather and sea-level rise?
A. The Sundarbans.
B. The Bay of Bengal.
C. Japan's northern islands.
D. Southeast Asian rainforests.
3.What can be inferred as key contributing factors to biodiversity loss in Asia?
A. Lack of environmental protection policies.
B. Growing population and human production activities.
C. Habitat loss and invasive alien species.
D. Frequent extreme weather and rising sea levels.
【答案】1. C 2. B 3. B
【解析】【导语】
这是一篇说明文。文章讲述亚洲生物多样性丰富却受森林砍伐、污染、气候变化、外来物种入侵等多重威胁,需全球协同采取可持续举措与政策加以保护。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第三段“Industrial activities, such as Bangladesh’s textile industry, release untreated wastewater into rivers, destroying aquatic habitats and harming downstream communities. (孟加拉国的纺织业等工业活动将未经处理的废水排入河流,破坏水生栖息地并危害下游社区。)”可知,孟加拉国纺织业的危害是未经处理的废水造成河流污染。故选C项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第四段“Climate change worsens these problems by increasing the frequency of cyclones, floods, and droughts. Seaside habitats like the Bay of Bengal’s mangrove forests face severe problems due to rising sea levels, which cause saltwater spread and threaten both biodiversity and livelihoods. The IPCC warns that extreme weather is likely to increase in South and Southeast Asia.(气候变化通过增加飓风、洪水和干旱的发生频率,加剧了这些问题。孟加拉湾红树林等滨海栖息地因海平面上升遭遇严峻挑战,海水入侵现象蔓延,既威胁生物多样性,也危及民生。IPCC(政府间气候变化专门委员会)警告,南亚和东南亚地区的极端天气可能会愈发频繁。)”可知,孟加拉湾受极端天气和海平面上升影响显著。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第二段“Increasing population pressures and agricultural expansion lead to the change of forests into farmland, urban areas, and industrial zones. (人口压力增加和农业扩张导致森林转变为农田、城市区域和工业区。)”、第三段“Industrial activities, such as Bangladesh’s textile industry, release untreated wastewater into rivers, destroying aquatic habitats and harming downstream communities. Overfishing and illegal wildlife trade further endanger species, leading to ecosystem imbalances.(诸如孟加拉国纺织业等工业活动,将未经处理的废水排入河流,既破坏水生栖息地,又危害下游社区。过度捕捞与非法野生动物贸易则进一步危及物种生存,导致生态系统失衡。)”可知,人口增长和人类生产活动是亚洲生物多样性丧失的关键推动因素。故选B项。
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·安徽A10联盟-11月·期中)A new study has revealed for the first time that ancient carbon, stored in landscapes for thousands of years or more, can find its way back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) released (释放) from the surfaces of rivers.
Rivers transport and release CO2 as part of the global carbon cycle. Until now, scientists believed the majority of this was a quick turnover originating from the recycling of recent plant growth— organic material broken down and carried into the river system in the past 70 years or so. However, this new study indicates more than half— some 60%— of emissions (排放) come from long-term carbon stores collected over thousands of years ago.
Lead author Dr Josh Dean said, “The results took us by surprise because it turns out that old carbon stores are leaking out much more into the atmosphere than previously thought. We don’t yet know how humans affect this flow of ancient carbon, but plants must absorb more carbon from the atmosphere today to account for this recognized release of old carbon.”
The international research team studied more than 700 river reaches from 26 different countries across the world. They took detailed radiocarbon measurements of CO2 from the rivers. By comparing the levels of carbon-14 in the target rivers with a standard reference for modern atmospheric CO2, the team was able to date the river carbon.
Co-author Dr Gemma Coxon said, “Rivers globally release about two billion tonnes of carbon each year, compared to human activity that results in about 13 billion tonnes of carbon emissions. These river emissions are significant at a global scale, and over half of these emissions may be coming from carbon stores we considered relatively stable (稳定的). This means we need to re-evaluate these crucial parts of the global carbon cycle.”
Further building on these findings, the researchers plan to explore how the age of river carbon emissions varies across rivers the study was not able to capture, as well as investigating how the age of these emissions may have changed through time.
1.What can be inferred from paragraph 2?
A. The global carbon cycle is always stable.
B. It took decades to complete the new study.
C. River carbon emissions have long been ignored.
D. The new study proved the previous belief wrong.
2.What do Dr Josh Dean’s words imply?
A. The recognized old carbon will be beneficial.
B. The release of ancient carbon is underestimated.
C. Plants fail to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
D. Human activity boosts the flow of ancient carbon.
3.What is Dr Gemma Coxon’s advice?
A. Investigating the impact of human activity.
B. Making full use of long-term carbon stores.
C. Paying more attention to river carbon emissions.
D. Ensuring plants’ role in radiocarbon measurements.
4.What is the best title for the text?
A. Rivers Are Releasing Ancient Carbon into Air
B. Carbon Emissions Are Being Measured Globally
C. A New Carbon Cycle Research Method Is Found
D. Plants Help Fight Against Climate Change Greatly
【答案】1. D 2. B 3. C 4. A
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了一项新研究,该研究首次揭示了封存数千年甚至更久远的古代碳会通过河流重返大气。这表明,全球碳循环中曾被视作稳定的部分正在流失,亟需重新评估其影响。
(1)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第二段“Until now, scientists believed the majority of this was a quick turnover originating from the recycling of recent plant growth— organic material broken down and carried into the river system in the past 70 years or so. However, this new study indicates more than half— some 60%— of emissions (排放) come from long - term carbon stores collected over thousands of years ago.(直到现在,科学家们还认为,这其中的大部分是来自近期植物生长的快速循环——有机物质在过去的70年左右被分解并带入河流系统。然而,这项新研究表明,超过一半——约60%——的排放来自数千年前积累的长期碳储存。)”可知,新研究证明之前认为河流二氧化碳排放主要来自近期植物生长循环的观点是错误的,新研究推翻了之前的观点。故选D项。
(2)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第三段“Lead author Dr Josh Dean said, ‘The results took us by surprise because it turns out that old carbon stores are leaking out much more into the atmosphere than previously thought. We don’t yet know how humans affect this flow of ancient carbon, but plants must absorb more carbon from the atmosphere today to account for this recognized release of old carbon.’(主要作者Josh Dean博士说:‘结果让我们大吃一惊,因为事实证明,古老的碳储存向大气中泄漏的远比我们之前认为的要多。我们尚不清楚人类如何影响这种古老碳的流动,但如今植物必须从大气中吸收更多的碳,以解释这种被确认的古老碳的释放。’)”可知,Josh Dean博士的话表明古老碳的释放量比之前认为的要多,即古老碳的释放被低估了。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第五段“Co - author Dr Gemma Coxon said, ‘Rivers globally release about two billion tonnes of carbon each year, compared to human activity that results in about 13 billion tonnes of carbon emissions. These river emissions are significant at a global scale, and over half of these emissions may be coming from carbon stores we considered relatively stable (稳定的). This means we need to re - evaluate these crucial parts of the global carbon cycle.’(共同作者Gemma Coxon博士说:‘全球河流每年释放约20亿吨碳,而人类活动导致的碳排放约为130亿吨。这些河流排放在全球范围内具有重要意义,其中超过一半的排放可能来自我们认为相对稳定的碳储存。这意味着我们需要重新评估全球碳循环的这些关键部分。’)”可知,Gemma Coxon博士认为河流碳排放在全球范围内很重要,且很多来自相对稳定的碳储存,所以需要重新评估,这意味着要更加关注河流碳排放。故选C项。
(4)题解析:
主旨大意题。根据第一段“A new study has revealed for the first time that ancient carbon, stored in landscapes for thousands of years or more, can find its way back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) released (释放) from the surfaces of rivers.(一项新研究首次揭示,储存在景观中数千年或更长时间的古老碳,可以作为二氧化碳(CO2)从河流表面释放回大气中。)”以及全文内容可知,文章主要围绕一项新研究展开,该研究发现河流表面释放的二氧化碳中有很大一部分来自古老的碳储存,所以“Rivers Are Releasing Ancient Carbon into Air(河流正在向空气中释放古老碳)”作为文章标题最为合适。故选A项。
Passage 4
(25-26高二上·安徽部分校·期中)Cities are where the majority of the population lives. Also, 90 percent of global GDP is generated in urban areas. All the essential necessities needed for a human settlement — energy, transport, water, shelter, food, construction materials, green and public spaces, waste management — come together in urban areas.
So there’s an opportunity to transform these systems. You can think about getting to net zero from a supply — side part — using renewable, or green, energy for power supply and transport — which is what I think dominates the conversation. But to get to net zero, you need to also shape the demand, or consumption side: reduce the demand for energy. But we haven’t done enough research to understand what policies and urban designs help reduce demand in cities. Most national plans focus largely on the supply side.
You also need to figure out ways to create carbon sinks: that is, remove carbon from the atmosphere to help offset the greenhouse gas emissions (排放) from burning fossil fuels
These three — renewable energy supply, demand reduction through efficient urban design and lifestyle changes, and carbon sinks — are the broad strategies to get to net zero.
How can a city tackle demand?
Reducing demand for energy can be through efficiency — using less energy for the same services. This can be done through better land — use planning, and through behavior and lifestyle changes.
Transportation is a great example. So much energy is spent in moving people, and most of that personal mobility happens in cities. But better urban planning can reduce vehicle travel substantially. Mitigating sprawl (缓解城市蔓延) is one of the biggest ways to reduce demand for travel and thus reduce travel emissions. In India, for example, Ahmedabad has planned better to reduce urban sprawl, compared to Bangalore, where sprawl is huge.
1.What is the author’s advice about net zero besides using renewables?
A. Limit our need for sources.
B. Add more waste management.
C. Focus less on the supply side.
D. Plant trees around settlements.
2.What do heat and O3 belong to?
A. Indirect effect of human-driven and natural activities.
B. By-products of wastes thrown by people in settlements.
C. Gases produced by materials and energy from exports
D. Natural sources gained from the renewable materials
3.Ahmedabad is an example for ________.
A. huge sprawl
B. less vehicle travel
C. much energy consumption
D. efficient land-use planning
【答案】1. A 2. A 3. D
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。主要围绕城市实现净零排放的策略展开,指出除了供应侧的可再生能源使用,还需关注需求侧的能源消耗减少及碳汇创造,并以交通领域为例说明高效城市规划的重要性。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第二段中的“But to get to net zero, you need to also shape the demand, or consumption side: reduce the demand for energy.(但要实现净零排放,你还需要调整需求侧或消费侧:减少能源需求。)”可知,作者除了建议使用可再生能源(供应侧),还建议减少对能源的需求,故选A项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据图示以及Driven by human-driven activities(人类活动驱动) ;Driven by natural processes (自然过程驱动); Indirect effects(间接影响)可知,热量与臭氧(O₃)属于人类活动与自然活动的间接影响。故选A项。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“But better urban planning can reduce vehicle travel substantially. Mitigating sprawl (缓解城市蔓延) is one of the biggest ways to reduce demand for travel and thus reduce travel emissions. In India, for example, Ahmedabad has planned better to reduce urban sprawl, compared to Bangalore, where sprawl is huge.(但更合理的城市规划能大幅减少机动车出行。缓解城市蔓延是降低出行需求、进而减少交通排放的最关键方式之一。例如在印度,与城市蔓延问题严重的班加罗尔相比,艾哈迈达巴德通过更科学的规划,有效遏制了城市无序扩张。)”可知,艾哈迈达巴德是“高效土地利用规划”的例子。故选D项。
主题语境07 人与自然-自然生态
Passage 1
(25-26高二上·浙江强基联盟A卷-11月·期中)The following four books highlight women’s leadership in climate action, with a special focus on the vital role of young women.
The Quickening: Creation and Community at the ends of the Earth by Elizabeth Rush (Milkweed Editions 2023/2024)
It documents a 2019 exploration to Thwaites Glacier, which is critical to global sea-level rise. Besides recording the groundbreaking voyage, the book explores a personal question: What does it mean to have a child in extreme climate changes? The Quickening is an astonishing, vital book about Antarctica, climate change, and motherhood.
Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future by Jade Sasser (Princeton University Press 2024)
Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question is the first comprehensive study on how environmental emotions like eco-anxiety and climate guilt affect people’s decisions about having children. Sasser connects climate emotions with climate justice, stressing that culturally proper mental health services are key to ensuring justice for at-risk communities.
Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against “The Apocalyptic” by Emily Raboteau (Henry Holt 2024)
The book, from a mother’s perspective, shares pilgrimages (朝圣之旅) to help her children grow in a crisis-filled era. With a camera, she seeks safe spaces for her kids, reflects on Black womanhood, motherhood and urban possibilities, and celebrates the beauty and weakness of nature. Combining reportage, autobiography and stories of protection, this creative work offers profound hope.
Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution by Julie Winterbottom and illustrated by Susan Reagan (Rocky Pond Books 2025)
It tells that as a brilliant scientist and a pioneer in studying water pollution, Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. Born in 1907, Ruth Patrick was one of the only women in her field when she made her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity and the ecosystem of rivers, forever changing how ecologists understand pollution.
1.What do the four books have in common?
A. They were published in 2024.
B. They were authored by mothers.
C. They are about the climate change.
D. They showcase women’s involvement in climate action.
2.Whose book centers on the impact of environmental issues on people’s decision making?
A. Elizabeth Rush.
B. Jade Sasser.
C. Julie Winterbottom.
D. Emily Raboteau.
3.How would Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against “The Apocalyptic” benefit the readers?
A. It teaches readers how to care for the environment.
B. It helps readers adopt a positive attitude towards pollution.
C. It provides readers with information about Antarctica climate change.
D. It enables readers to learn how to survive in an environmentally challenged era.
【答案】1. D 2. B 3. D
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了四本聚焦女性在气候行动中领导力的书籍,涵盖其主题、内容及核心价值。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第一段“The following four books highlight women’s leadership in climate action, with a special focus on the vital role of young women.(以下四本书聚焦女性在气候行动中的领导力,特别关注年轻女性的重要作用)”可知,四本书的共同点是展示女性参与气候行动。故选D项。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第三段“Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question is the first comprehensive study on how environmental emotions like eco-anxiety and climate guilt affect people’s decisions about having children.(《气候焦虑与生育抉择》是首项全面研究生态焦虑、气候负罪感等环境情绪如何影响人们生育决策的著作)”可知,Jade Sasser的书围绕环境问题对人们决策的影响展开。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第四段“The book, from a mother’s perspective, shares pilgrimages to help her children grow in a crisis-filled era.(这本书从一位母亲的视角出发,分享了在危机四伏的时代里,为帮助孩子成长而进行的朝圣之旅)”可知,该书能让读者学习如何在环境挑战时代生存。故选D项。
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·安徽部分校·期中)At more than 110 million years old, a fossil (化石) unearthed in Brazil is the oldest undoubted ant fossil ever discovered. The finding adds to evidence that the first ants developed on the supercontinent of Gondwana in the southern hemisphere (半球) before spreading across the rest of the world.
“We have evidence they were in South America, they were in Gondwana, during their early development,” says Anderson Lepeco at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. Lepeco came across the fossil in a large collection delivered to the university’s zoological museum. The specimens all came from the Crato Formation in north-east Brazil, which formed during the Lower Cretaceous Period. He immediately suspected this fossil was from an extinct group of insects called hell ants. “That head shape was similar to one species we found in Burmese amber,” he says. “This gave me the hint.”
Hell ants are particularly interesting because they represent a transitional “stem lineage”, says Lepeco — they are more closely related to the wasp-like common ancestor of all ants than to the species alive today, although they did have ant-like social structures.
When the fossil was 3D scanned, this revealed other characteristics that identified it as a hell ant. For instance, it had forklift-like mandibles (颚) that may have enabled it to catch other insects. In fact, it is this feature that gave the hell ant group its name.
The researchers named the new hell ant species Vulcanidris cratensis, in recognition of the Brazilian entomologist Maria Aparecida Vulcano. Based on the rock in which it was found, the researchers suspect the fossil is about 113 million years old, 13 million years older than the previous oldest known ant fossil.
“Before our new fossil, the earliest ants known as fossils were from France and Myanmar,” says Lepeco. Finding such an ancient hell ant in South America aligns with genomic evidence suggesting ants first appeared in the southern hemisphere before getting throughout much of the rest of the world and establishing the dominant ecological role they maintain today.
1.What does the underlined word “hint” in paragraph 2 mean?
A. Praise. B. Signal. C. Warning. D. Instruction.
2.What can we infer about hell ants?
A. They look exactly like modern ants.
B. They had no social structures.
C. They were poor at catching prey.
D. They were ancestors of modern ants.
3.Why was the new ant species named Vulcanidris cratensis?
A. To honor a scientist.
B. To show its special shape.
C. To mark its discovery place.
D. To reflect its living habit.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A. The History of Ants
B. A Newly-named Ant Species
C. Ancient Ants’ Social Structures
D. Oldest Ant Fossil Found in Brazil
【答案】1. B 2. D 3. A 4. D
【解析】【导语】
这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了巴西出土了1.13亿年前的地狱蚁化石,为已知最古老蚂蚁化石,其特征与命名均有研究价值,印证了蚂蚁起源于南半球冈瓦纳古陆的观点。
(1)题解析:
词句猜测题。根据第二段中“He immediately suspected this fossil was from an extinct group of insects called hell ants.(他立刻怀疑这块化石来自一种已经灭绝的昆虫——地狱蚁)”以及划线单词句中““That head shape was similar to one species we found in Burmese amber,” he says. “This gave me the hint.”(这种头部形状与我们在缅甸琥珀中发现的一种相似,”他说。“这给了我hint。”)”可知,“hint”在此处指“线索、信号”,即头型相似这一特征为判断化石种类提供了依据,与B选项Signal“信号”意思接近。故选B项。
(2)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第三段“Hell ants are particularly interesting because they represent a transitional “stem lineage”, says Lepeco — they are more closely related to the wasp-like common ancestor of all ants than to the species alive today, although they did have ant-like social structures.(Lepeco说,地狱蚁特别有趣,因为它们代表了一种过渡性的“茎系”——它们与所有蚂蚁的类似黄蜂的共同祖先关系更密切,而不是与今天存活的蚂蚁更密切,尽管它们确实有类似蚂蚁的社会结构)”可推知,地狱蚁是现代蚂蚁的祖先。故选D项。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第五段中“The researchers named the new hell ant species Vulcanidris cratensis, in recognition of the Brazilian entomologist Maria Aparecida Vulcano.(研究人员将这种新的地狱蚁物种命名为Vulcanidris cratensis,以纪念巴西昆虫学家Maria Aparecida Vulcano)”可知,新蚂蚁被命名为Vulcanidris cratensis是为了纪念一位科学家。故选A项。
(4)题解析:
主旨大意题。根据文章大意以及第一段“At more than 110 million years old, a fossil (化石) unearthed in Brazil is the oldest undoubted ant fossil ever discovered. The finding adds to evidence that the first ants developed on the supercontinent of Gondwana in the southern hemisphere (半球) before spreading across the rest of the world.( 在巴西出土的一具超过1.1亿年的化石无疑是迄今发现的最古老的蚂蚁化石。这一发现进一步证明,第一批蚂蚁在传播到世界其他地区之前,是在南半球的冈瓦纳古陆发展起来的)”可知,文章开篇即点明核心事件——巴西出土的1.1 亿多年前的化石,是目前已知最古老的蚂蚁化石,后文围绕化石的发现、鉴定、命名及意义展开,标题需概括核心事件。由此可知,文章最合适的标题是“在巴西发现的最古老的蚂蚁化石”。故选D项。
主题语境01 人与社会-历史、社会与文化
Passage 1
(25-26高二·山东·联考)Imagine a world in 2050 where cities are full of autonomous vehicles, AI-driven assistants perfectly fit into our daily routines, and virtual landscapes coexist with reality. From technological advances to climate change impacts, the next few decades will undoubtedly reshape the structure of our existence.
In this new era, artificial intelligence and robotics will take center stage, transforming how we interact with our environment and one another. They will have evolved from mere tools to assistants that predict our needs and desires. The once-distant distant dream of having AI-driven personal assistants is now a reality, as they manage our schedules, handle our communications, and offer personalized recommendations with extraordinary accuracy.
However, as we fast-forward to 2050, one cannot help but think about the huge effects of climate change on our planet. At present, most of us are lacking the imagination of what daily life will be like when we have slashed our carbon emissions (碳排放), from our homes and food to travel and the landscapes around us. What follows is an attempt to show you how a day will look in a net zero greenhouse gas emissions world.
Edie Vaughan, a young girl in 2050, lives in Toronto, Canada, a place that is among the most popular destinations for its healthy climate and clean water resources. There are forests, and giant machines taking carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) out of the atmosphere. At that time, there are no office or industrial jobs anymore: artificial intelligence and robots have taken care of that. The few jobs left are in service, culture or health care. Luckily, Edie has her job. But every morning, she has to check the balance (余额) in her Personal Carbon Allowance (PCA) account to see if she has enough to buy another battery for her e-bike. If she doesn’t have enough then she will have to buy carbon credits, and they are expensive.
This story of 2050 is one of hope and possibility — a reminder that while enjoying the convenience brought by technological progress, we should also be responsible for the environment.
1.What does the author mainly discuss in paragraph 2?
A. The role of AI and robotics in daily life.
B. The use of AI-driven personal assistants.
C. The interaction between man and nature.
D. The advancement of autonomous vehicles.
2.What does the underlined word “slashed” in paragraph 3 mean?
A. Increased. B. Clarified. C. Reduced. D. Adjusted.
3.What is one factor for Canada being a popular destination?
A. Plentiful water.
B. Health care.
C. Advanced technology.
D. Pleasant weather.
4.What does the author try to explain by mentioning Edie Vaughan?
A. The challenges that lie ahead.
B. The prospect for future life.
C. The severity of climate change.
D. The importance of technology.
【答案】1. A 2. C 3. D 4. B
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了2050年我们的生活将会是什么样子。
(1)题解析:
主旨大意题。根据第二段“In this new era, artificial intelligence and robotics will take center stage, transforming how we interact with our environment and one another. They will have evolved from mere tools to assistants that predict our needs and desires. The once-distant distant dream of having AI-driven personal assistants is now a reality, as they manage our schedules, handle our communications, and offer personalized recommendations with extraordinary accuracy. (在这个新时代,人工智能和机器人将占据中心舞台,改变我们与环境以及彼此互动的方式。它们将从单纯的工具进化为能够预测我们需求和欲望的助手。曾经遥不可及的拥有人工智能驱动的个人助理的梦想如今已成为现实,它们管理我们的日程安排、处理我们的通讯,并以非凡的准确性提供个性化建议)”可知,作者在第二段主要讨论了人工智能和机器人在日常生活中的作用。故选A项。
(2)题解析:
词句猜测题。根据第三段“However, as we fast-forward to 2050, one cannot help but think about the huge effects of climate change on our planet. At present, most of us are lacking the imagination of what daily life will be like when we have slashed our carbon emissions (碳排放), from our homes and food to travel and the landscapes around us. (然而,当我们快速进入2050年时,人们不禁会想到气候变化对我们星球的巨大影响。目前,我们大多数人都无法想象,当我们slashed碳排放时,从我们的家庭、食物到旅行和我们周围的景观,日常生活会是什么样子)”可知,此处表示我们大多数人都无法想象当我们大幅减少碳排放时,日常生活会是什么样子,所以slashed意为“减少”,与Reduced意思相近。故选C项。
(3)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第四段“Edie Vaughan, a young girl in 2050, lives in Toronto, Canada, a place that is among the most popular destinations for its healthy climate and clean water resources. (2050年的年轻女孩伊迪·沃恩住在加拿大的多伦多,这里因其健康的气候和清洁的水资源而成为最受欢迎的旅游目的地之一)”可知,加拿大成为受欢迎的目的地的一个因素是其宜人的天气。故选D项。
(4)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第三段“What follows is an attempt to show you how a day will look in a net zero greenhouse gas emissions world.(以下是向您展示在温室气体净零排放的世界中,一天会是什么样)”、第四段“Edie Vaughan, a young girl in 2050, lives in Toronto, Canada, a place that is among the most popular destinations for its healthy climate and clean water resources. There are forests, and giant machines taking carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) out of the atmosphere. At that time, there are no office or industrial jobs anymore: artificial intelligence and robots have taken care of that. The few jobs left are to service, culture or health care. Luckily, Edie has her job. But every morning, she has to check the balance (余额) in her Personal Carbon Allowance (PCA) account to see if she has enough to buy another battery for her e-bike. If she doesn’t have enough then she will have to buy carbon credits, and they are expensive. (2050年的年轻女孩伊迪·沃恩住在加拿大的多伦多,这里因其健康的气候和清洁的水资源而成为最受欢迎的旅游目的地之一。那里有森林,还有从大气中吸收二氧化碳的巨型机器。那时,已经没有办公室或工业工作了:人工智能和机器人已经接管了这些工作。剩下的少数工作是服务、文化或医疗保健。幸运的是,伊迪有她的工作。但每天早上,她都要查看个人碳配额(PCA)账户的余额,看看是否有足够的钱为她的电动自行车再买一块电池。如果她钱不够,就得买碳信用额,而且很贵)”以及最后一段“This story of 2050 is one of hope and possibility — a reminder that while enjoying the convenience brought by technological progress, we should also be responsible for the environment. (这个2050年的故事充满了希望和可能性——提醒我们,在享受科技进步带来的便利的同时,我们也应该对环境负责)”可推知,作者通过提到伊迪·沃恩试图解释未来生活的前景。故选B项。
Passage 2
(25-26高二上·湖北省级示范高中·期中)Young people, in particular, favor faster speeds for audiobooks, podcasts and videos. Hollywood actor Glen Powell sticks to lx, saying he wants to hear “a normal human rate” while Bowen Yang, an American comedian leans toward 2x—or 1.8x, which he calls the “Goldilocks” pace. Their views were featured in an Audible advert earlier this year, but the ad sparked online debate: many fast listeners felt shamed, with some even threatening to cancel their Audible subscriptions.
This debate reflects shifting digital media habits. A poll conducted for The Economist found 31% of 18-29-year-old Americans listen to audio at speeds faster than 1x, compared to just 8% of those aged 45 and over. Major platforms have responded to this trend: Apple and Spotify let users speed up podcasts, Netflix offers video speed adjustment on its apps and website, and YouTube recently added a 4x playback option for premium subscribers, a move driven by popular demand.
The time-saving benefit of fast playback is significant. YouTube reports its users collectively save over 900 years of time daily with this feature. For example, on a 10-hour journey, you could finish Persuasion in 5.5 hours at 1.5x speed—leaving enough time to listen to Animal Farm (120 minutes) and The Little Prince (80 minutes) at the same speed. Science also supports moderate fast playback: cognitive scientist Marcus Pearce notes people speak about 150 words per minute, but brains process information much faster. A Canadian meta-analysis even found students who watched lectures at up to 1.5x had similar test scores to those at 1x, though scores dropped when speeds hit 2x or higher.
For platforms, offering multiple playback speeds is a win—more content consumed means better advertising and sales revenue. But for listeners, the trade-off exists. Audiobook narrator Kimberly Wetherell argues fast playback erodes the “pacing, tone and suspension” of audio performances, and rhetoric often relies on rhythm and pauses to convey meaning. Yet for many, especially young people, fast playback is no longer a choice but a daily habit.
1.Why does the author mention the online debate triggered by the Audible ad?
A. To stress that fast listeners are strongly against Audible’s service policies.
B. To take a specific example to introduce shifts in digital media consumption habits.
C. To compare how actors and comedians differ in choosing playback speeds.
D. To explain why Audible’s ad failed to promote its subscription services.
2.What can we conclude from the Canadian meta-analysis about lecture playback speeds?
A. Students who listen to lectures at 1.5x speed get better test scores than those at 1x.
B. Playback speeds higher than 2x will likely reduce students’ learning effects.
C. The “Goldilocks” pace is the most suitable for all lecture scenarios.
D. Human brains’ fast information processing allows unlimited fast playback.
3.The underlined word “trade-off” in the last paragraph probably means ______.
A. A situation where you gain one thing but lose another.
B. A decision that must be made between two similar choices.
C. A problem that causes trouble for both sides in a relationship.
D. A change that improves one aspect without affecting any others.
4.Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A. Fast Playback: Popular Among Young People but Disputed by Experts
B. Playback Speed: How Platforms Compete to Meet User Demands
C. Fast Playback: A Common Habit Shaped by Age, Science and Platforms
D. Playback Speed: What’s the Best Choice for Learning and Entertainment
【答案】1. B 2. B 3. A 4. C
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。本文讲述了快进播放在数字媒体中的普及及其争议。年轻人偏爱快进,但专家指出可能损害内容体验。快进节省时间并提升效率,平台纷纷适配此需求,但需权衡利弊,因其可能削弱内容的节奏与情感表达。
(1)题解析:
细节理解题。根据文章第一段末尾“Their views were featured in an Audible advert earlier this year, but the ad sparked online debate: many fast listeners felt shamed, with some even threatening to cancel their Audible subscriptions. (今年早些时候,他们的观点被刊登在Audible的一则广告中,但这则广告引发了网络辩论:许多快速收听者感到被羞辱,一些人甚至威胁要取消他们的Audible订阅。)”以及第二段开头“This debate reflects shifting digital media habits. (这场辩论反映了数字媒体消费习惯的转变。)”可知,作者提到由Audible广告引发的网络辩论,是为了通过具体例子来引入数字媒体消费习惯的转变这一主题。故选B项。
(2)题解析:
推理判断题。根据文章第三段中的“A Canadian meta-analysis even found students who watched lectures at up to 1.5x had similar test scores to those at 1x, though scores dropped when speeds hit 2x or higher. (一项加拿大的meta分析甚至发现,观看速度为1.5倍的学生与观看速度为1倍的学生的考试成绩相似,尽管当速度达到2倍或更高时,分数会下降。)”可知,当播放速度超过2倍时,学生的学习效果很可能会降低。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
词句猜测题。根据文章最后一段中的“For platforms, offering multiple playback speeds is a win—more content consumed means better advertising and sales revenue. But for listeners, the trade-off exists. Audiobook narrator Kimberly Wetherell argues fast playback erodes the “pacing, tone and suspension” of audio performances, and rhetoric often relies on rhythm and pauses to convey meaning.(对于平台来说,提供多种播放速度是一种胜利——消费更多的内容意味着更好的广告和销售收入。但对于听众来说,这种trade-off是存在的。有声读物叙述者金伯利·韦瑟雷尔认为,快速播放会侵蚀音频表演的“节奏、语气和悬念”,而修辞往往依靠节奏和停顿来传达意义。)”可知,对于平台来说,提供多种播放速度是有益的,但对于听众来说,快速播放会带来一些问题,即听众在获得快速播放带来的便利的同时,也失去了音频表演的一些重要元素。因此,“trade-off”在这里指的是一种得失兼有的情况。选项A“A situation where you gain one thing but lose another.(一种你得到某样东西却失去了另一样东西的情况。)”符合题意。故选A项。
(4)题解析:
主旨大意题。通读全文,文章首先通过Audible广告引发的辩论引出数字媒体消费习惯的转变,特别是年轻人对快速播放的偏好。接着,文章通过调查数据、平台响应和科学实验来支持这一趋势,并讨论了快速播放的益处和潜在问题。最后,文章指出对于平台和听众来说,快速播放带来的利弊并存。因此,文章的主旨是探讨快速播放这一由年龄、科学和平台共同塑造的普遍习惯。C选项“Fast Playback: A Common Habit Shaped by Age, Science and Platforms(快速回放:一种由年龄、科学及平台共同塑造的常见习惯)”符合文章标题。故选C项。
Passage 3
(25-26高二上·安徽·鼎尖名校期中)Have you ever wondered what happens to that single-use plastic bottle after you place it in a recycling bin? Most people assume it’ll be recycled, sooner or later. Unfortunately, the reality is far more complex. More often than not, that bottle starts a long and tough global journey, frequently ending up in other countries.
Under ideal circumstances, it’s cleaned, sorted and broken down into small pieces to produce new items like packaging. If it is packaging itself that has been thrown, it’ll probably end up as a form of fuel. In other situations, however, it is shipped to landfills in developing regions, potentially polluting soil and water, endangering wildlife, and perhaps even finding its way back into your home through the global fish trade.
In his book Waste Wars, journalist Alexander Clapp follows rubbish, travelling to some of the world’s most unpleasant places. There, he documents villages buried under mountains of imported plastic, and areas where workers take apart electronic waste from developed nations to extract valuable metals. Through these accounts, he reveals the global trade in waste and various influences it brings. While some waste trades are beneficial-such as China’s past use of imported plastic as industrial raw materials, or Turkey’s change of scrap metal into highways and skyscrapers—many shipments contain non-recyclable materials, causing serious problems.
The Basel Convention, which came into effect in 1992, dealt with the shipment of dangerous waste but left plenty of loopholes (漏洞). Thus, many countries have been trying to stop waste imports ever since. In 2017, China, once one of the largest importers of plastic waste for recycling, banned such imports. Similar bans in Thailand and Indonesia went into effect this year.
Then, what is to be done?
There is no easy solution! Producers are required to take more responsibility for what they make. However, balancing environmental and economic goals remains constantly difficult, especially given varied national conditions. Greater global awareness and cooperation are therefore extremely important to tackle this pressing issue.
1.What can be inferred from the generally-believed way of plastic bottle recycling?
A. It is more idealistic than practical.
B. It is far from complex and tough.
C. It lives up to people’s expectations.
D. It reflects the actual process of recycling.
2.What is the BEST possible result for a recycled plastic bottle?
A. Buried in landfills.
B. Used as factory fuel.
C. Turned into new packaging.
D. Shipped to another country.
3.Why is Clapp’s book Waste Wars mentioned?
A. To criticize international waste shipment.
B. To illustrate the global waste trade’s impacts.
C. To showcase recycling is seldom successful.
D. To promote the economic benefits of waste.
4.What is the author’s main purpose in writing the text?
A. To promote the book Waste Wars by Alexander Clapp.
B. To appeal to the public to raise their environmental awareness.
C. To indicate how recycling systems work in different countries.
D. To reveal challenges and complexities of global waste recycling.
【答案】1. A 2. C 3. B 4. D
【解析】【导语】
这是一篇说明文。文章主要讨论了塑料瓶回收的复杂性和全球垃圾贸易的问题,指出了塑料瓶回收的实际过程与人们普遍认为的方式存在差异,并揭示了全球垃圾贸易带来的各种影响和挑战。
(1)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第一段“Most people assume it’ll be recycled, sooner or later. Unfortunately, the reality is far more complex. More often than not, that bottle starts a long and tough global journey, frequently ending up in other countries.(大多数人认为它迟早会被回收。不幸的是,现实要复杂得多。通常情况下,那个瓶子会开始一段漫长而艰难的全球之旅,最终经常出现在其他国家。)”可知,人们普遍认为的塑料瓶回收方式比实际更理想化。故选A。
(2)题解析:
细节理解题。根据第二段“Under ideal circumstances, it’s cleaned, sorted and broken down into small pieces to produce new items like packaging.(在理想的情况下,它会被清洗、分类并分解成小块,以生产像包装这样的新产品。)”可知,回收的塑料瓶最好的可能结果是变成新的包装。故选C。
(3)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第三段“In his book Waste Wars, journalist Alexander Clapp follows rubbish, travelling to some of the world’s most unpleasant places. There, he documents villages buried under mountains of imported plastic, and areas where workers take apart electronic waste from developed nations to extract valuable metals. Through these accounts, he reveals the global trade in waste and various influences it brings.(在他的《垃圾战争》一书中,记者亚历山大·克拉普追踪垃圾,前往世界上一些最令人不快的地方。在那里,他记录了被进口塑料埋没的村庄,以及工人拆解来自发达国家的电子垃圾以提取贵金属的地区。通过这些报道,他揭示了全球垃圾贸易及其带来的各种影响。)”可知,提到Clapp的书《垃圾战争》是为了说明全球垃圾贸易的影响。故选B。
(4)题解析:
推理判断题。文章主要讨论了塑料瓶回收的复杂性和全球垃圾贸易的问题,第一段通过塑料瓶回收的例子引出了全球垃圾回收的复杂性和挑战,第二段和第三段进一步阐述了塑料瓶回收的实际过程和全球垃圾贸易的影响,第四段则讨论了国际社会对垃圾进口的限制和应对措施,第五段和最后一段总结了全球垃圾回收的挑战和复杂性,并呼吁加强全球意识和合作。由此可知,作者写这篇文章的主要目的是揭示全球垃圾回收的挑战和复杂性。故选D。
Passage 4
(25-26高二上·浙江强基联盟A卷-11月·期中)In a Tokyo workshop, 72-year-old potter Hiroshi Tanaka sits bent over a spinning wheel, his hands shaping a lump of clay (粘土) into a teacup. Outside, young people line up, phones in hand, waiting to take photos of the process. This scene, once rare, is now common across Asia and Europe: traditional crafts — pottery, weaving, hand-dyed textiles — are enjoying a surprising revival, even as digital tools control daily life.
Why are people drawn to these slow, labor-intensive practices? Psychologists point to “digital fatigue”: the constant flow of emails, messages, and social media updates leaves many people desiring activities that demand focus. Unlike scrolling through a screen, crafting requires patience. A single ceramic bowl might take days to mold, fire, and glaze. “It’s the opposite of instant satisfaction,” says London-based craft historian Elena Ruiz. “That’s exactly its appeal.”
This revival isn’t just about nostalgia (怀旧的). Modern craftsmen are combining old techniques with new ideas. In Florence, Italy, a third-generation weaver uses 17th-century weaving machines to create fabrics for luxury brands, but adds patterns inspired by street art. In Seoul, a paper-maker integrates recycled coffee grounds into traditional hanji paper, making it both eco-friendly and trendy. These innovations keep crafts relevant, attracting younger consumers who value uniqueness over mass production.
Critics argue that the trend risks turning crafts into mere “artistic products”. They worry that workshops become photo spots rather than places of learning, and that the pressure to create “Instagram-worthy” pieces weakens the depth of traditional skills. Yet supporters argue that any attention is good. “If a teenager buys a hand-woven scarf because it looks cool online, they might later ask about how it was made,” notes Ruiz. “Interest is the first step toward preservation.”
For Tanaka, the newfound popularity is a chance to pass on his knowledge. “My father thought pottery would die with machines,” he says, wiping clay from his apron. “But young people now want to learn. They see it’s not just about making things — it’s about making meaning.”
1.Why does the author mention “digital fatigue” in Paragraph 2?
A. To criticize the overuse of digital tools in daily life.
B. To stress people are less interested in social media.
C. To explain why people desire focus-requiring activities.
D. To prove crafts require more patience than digital activities.
2.What do examples in Paragraph 3 show?
A. Innovation is more important than tradition.
B. Traditional crafts can adapt to modern tastes.
C. Young consumers prefer eco-friendly products.
D. Luxury brands depend on traditional techniques.
3.Which following statement would both critics and supporters most likely agree on?
A. Traditional crafts possess values that need to be preserved.
B. Innovation is in conflict with maintaining traditional skills.
C. Young consumers alone will determine the future of craftsmanship.
D. Digital exposure unavoidable harms the uniqueness of traditional crafts.
4.What’s the main idea of the passage?
A. Young people are responsible for preserving traditional skills.
B. Traditional crafts are replacing digital products in modern life.
C. Modern innovations are ruining the authenticity of traditional crafts.
D. The revival of traditional crafts reflects a desire for meaning in a digital world.
【答案】1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了在数字工具主导日常生活的当下,传统工艺正迎来复兴热潮。文章分析了这一趋势背后的原因,同时探讨了该趋势引发的争议,并指出传统工艺的复兴反映了人们在数字世界中对意义的追求。
(1)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第二段中“Why are people drawn to these slow, labor-intensive practices? Psychologists point to “digital fatigue”: the constant flow of emails, messages, and social media updates leaves many people desiring activities that demand focus. Unlike scrolling through a screen, crafting requires patience. (为什么人们会被这些缓慢、耗费体力的做法所吸引?心理学家指出了“数字疲劳”这一原因:源源不断的电子邮件、信息和社交媒体更新让许多人渴望需要集中注意力的活动。与滑动屏幕不同,手工制作需要耐心)”可知,作者提到“数字疲劳”是为了解释为什么人们渴望需要专注的活动。故选C项。
(2)题解析:
推理判断题。根据第三段“This revival isn’t just about nostalgia (怀旧的). Modern craftsmen are combining old techniques with new ideas. In Florence, Italy, a third-generation weaver uses 17th-century weaving machines to create fabrics for luxury brands, but adds patterns inspired by street art. In Seoul, a paper-maker integrates recycled coffee grounds into traditional hanji paper, making it both eco-friendly and trendy. These innovations keep crafts relevant, attracting younger consumers who value uniqueness over mass production. (这种复兴不仅仅关乎怀旧。现代工匠正将古老技艺与新想法相结合。在意大利佛罗伦萨,一位第三代织工使用17世纪的织布机为奢侈品牌制作面料,同时融入受街头艺术启发的图案。在首尔,一位造纸匠将回收的咖啡渣融入传统的韩纸中,使其既环保又时尚。这些创新让手工艺保持了相关性,吸引了那些重视独特性而非大规模生产的年轻消费者)”可知,第三段中的例子表明传统工艺能够适应现代品味。故选B项。
(3)题解析:
推理判断题。根据倒数第二段“Critics argue that the trend risks turning crafts into mere “artistic products”. They worry that workshops become photo spots rather than places of learning, and that the pressure to create “Instagram-worthy” pieces weakens the depth of traditional skills. Yet supporters argue that any attention is good. “If a teenager buys a hand-woven scarf because it looks cool online, they might later ask about how it was made,” notes Ruiz. “Interest is the first step toward preservation.” (批评人士认为,这一趋势可能会将手工艺变成纯粹的“艺术产品”。他们担心,作坊会变成拍照地点,而非学习场所,而且创作“适合发Instagram的”作品所带来的压力会削弱传统技艺的深度。然而,支持者认为任何关注都是有益的。“如果一个青少年因为一条手工编织的围巾在网上看起来很酷而购买它,他们之后可能会询问它的制作方法,”Ruiz指出,“兴趣是保护的第一步。”)”可知,批评者和支持者都认为传统手工艺品具有需要保护的价值,只是他们在保护的方式和侧重点上有所不同。故选A项。
(4)题解析:
主旨大意题。通读全文,结合第一段中“This scene, once rare, is now common across Asia and Europe: traditional crafts — pottery, weaving, hand-dyed textiles — are enjoying a surprising revival, even as digital tools control daily life. (这一曾经罕见的场景,现在在亚洲和欧洲都很常见:尽管数字工具控制着日常生活,但传统手工艺 —— 陶艺、编织、手工染色纺织品 —— 正在经历一场令人惊讶的复兴)”可知,文章主要讲述了在数字工具主导日常生活的当下,传统手工艺正在经历一场令人惊讶的复兴,这种复兴反映了人们在数字世界中对意义的追求。故选D项。
Passage 5
(25-26高二上·辽宁辽西重点高中·期中)Imagine a world in 2050 where cities are full of autonomous vehicles, AI-driven assistants (助手) perfectly fit into our daily routines, and virtual landscapes coexist with reality. From technological advances to climate change impacts, the next few decades will undoubtedly reshape the structure of our existence.
In this new era, artificial intelligence and robotics will take center stage, transforming how we interact with our environment and one another. They will have evolved from mere tools to companions (同伴) that predict our needs and desires. The once-distant dream of having AI-driven personal assistants is now a reality, as they manage our schedules, handle our communications, and offer personalized recommendations with extraordinary accuracy.
However, as we fast-forward to 2050, one cannot help but think about the huge effects of climate change on our planet. At present, most of us are lacking the imagination of what daily life will be like when we have slashed our carbon emissions (碳排放), from our homes and food to travel and the landscapes around us. What follows is an attempt to show you how a day will look in a net zero greenhouse gas emissions world.
Edie Vaughan, a young girl in 2050, lives in Toronto, Canada, a place that is among the most popular destinations for its healthy climate and clean water resources. There are forests, and giant machines taking carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) out of the atmosphere. At that time, there are no office or industrial jobs anymore: artificial intelligence and robots have taken care of that. The few jobs left are in service, culture or health care. Luckily, Edie has her job. Every morning, she checks the balance in her Personal Carbon Allowance (PCA) account to see if she has enough to buy another battery for her e-bike. If she doesn’t have enough then she will have to buy carbon credits, and they are expensive.
This story of 2050 is one of hope and possibility — a reminder that while enjoying the convenience brought by technological progress, we should also be responsible for the environment.
1.What does the author mainly discuss in paragraph 2?
A. The advancement of autonomous vehicles.
B. The use of AI-driven personal assistants.
C. The interaction between man and nature.
D. The role of AI and robotics in daily life.
2.What does the underlined word “slashed” in paragraph 3 mean?
A. Increased. B. Clarified. C. Reduced. D. Adjusted.
3.What is one factor for Canada being a popular destination?
A. Plentiful water.
B. Health care.
C. Advanced technology.
D. Pleasant weather.
4.What does the author intend to tell us?
A. A look into Edie Vaughan’s Life.
B. What our life will be like in 2050.
C. Technology helps control environment.
D. How we can handle the climate change.
【答案】1. D 2. C 3. D 4. B
【解析】【导语】
本文是一篇说明文。文章主要畅想了2050年科技与气候变化对人类生活的影响,描绘了人工智能和机器人如何融入日常生活,以及在实现零温室气体排放的世界中,人们如何适应新的生活方式。
(1)题解析:
主旨大意题。根据第二段“In this new era, artificial intelligence and robotics will take center stage, transforming how we interact with our environment and one another. They will have evolved from mere tools to companions (同伴) that predict our needs and desires. The once-distant dream of having AI-driven personal assistants is now a reality, as they manage our schedules, handle our communications, and offer personalized recommendations with extraordinary accuracy.(在这个新时代,人工智能和机器人将占据中心舞台,改变我们与环境以及彼此互动的方式。它们将从单纯的工具演变成能够预测我们需求和欲望的伙伴。由人工智能驱动的个人助理这个曾经遥不可及的梦想如今已成为现实,它们管理我们的日程安排,处理我们的通讯,并以极高的准确度提供个性化建议)”可知,第二段主要讨论了人工智能和机器人在日常生活中的角色。故选D项。
(2)题解析:
词句猜测题。划线词下文“What follows is an attempt to show you how a day will look in a net zero greenhouse gas emissions world.(接下来将为您呈现零温室气体净排放世界中的一日生活图景)”提出“零温室气体净排放世界”,这是“when we have slashed our carbon emissions ($