阅读理解（说明文）

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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 2 / 72

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

15.07𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑛2024𝑡𝑜𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 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.

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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.

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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. 5 / 72

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 6 / 72

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 7 / 72

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 8 / 72

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

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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?

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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. 11 / 72

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? 12 / 72

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. 13 / 72

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 14 / 72

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.

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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. 16 / 72

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. 17 / 72

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. 18 / 72

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. 19 / 72

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.

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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? 21 / 72

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

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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 23 / 72

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, 24 / 72

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.

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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. 26 / 72

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? 27 / 72

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 28 / 72

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. 29 / 72

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 30 / 72

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.

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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. 32 / 72

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! 33 / 72

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, 34 / 72

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 35 / 72

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 36 / 72

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

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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? 38 / 72

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.” 39 / 72

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 40 / 72

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. 41 / 72

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 of our immune system) will enter it. And patients also tend to survive longer. “For patients with low levels of TIMP-1 expression, our discovery helps create practical treatment innovations,” Figueiredo said in a statement.

1.What advantage does immunotherapy have over traditional chemotherapy? A. It has no side effects. B. It works for all cancer patients. C. It uses “killer” T-cells to directly destroy tumors. D. It helps develop long-term immunological memory. 2.What was the originally known function of TIMP-1? A. To replace traditional chemotherapy treatments. B. To help the immune system recognize cancer cells. C. To guard the body’s cells and tissues against injury. D. To increase the number of “killer” T-cells in tumors. 3.What is Figueiredo’s attitude towards the new discovery about TIMP-1? A. Optimistic. B. Unconcerned. C. Doubtful. D. Critical. 4.Which of the following is the best title for the passage? A. TIMP-1: A Key to Boosting Cancer Immunotherapy. B. Limitations that Current Cancer Immunotherapy Has. C. Ways that the Immune System Fights Against Cancer. D. Chemotherapy: A New Hope for Cancer Patients.

Passage 2

（25-26 高二上·浙江强基联盟 A 卷-11 月·期中）In recent years, prefabricated dishes have grown rapidly popular in China. These are pre-cooked, seasoned, and packaged meals that require little to no preparation, offering a quick and convenient dining option without sacrificing major taste or nutrition. As people grow increasingly busier, time for cooking has become a rare resource. Prefabricated dishes address 42 / 72

this pressing need by offering a significant reduction in meal preparation time. Other factors also contribute to their popularity — such as the convenience of e-commerce and delivery services that allow easy online ordering and quick home delivery, and the role of modern technology like vacuum and adjusted atmosphere packaging slows food spoilage. Along with precise temperature control and bacteria-killing techniques that ensure safety and quality, it is ultimately the fundamental demand for time-saving solutions in a nonstop world that serves as the primary driving force for their widespread acceptance. However, the rise of prefabricated dishes is not without concerns. Health issues remain a primary consideration, as some products contain additives and preservatives, which could pose risks if consumed excessively. Additionally, when compared to traditional freshly prepared meals, they often fall short in keeping the original flavor and nutritional value. In response, governments have carried out stricter safety standards and enhanced quality control measures. Meanwhile, certain manufacturers are actively exploring the use of natural ingredients and reducing additives to improve nutritional composition. As a growing trend in China’s food industry, prefabricated dishes provide undeniable convenience, yet consumers are advised to remain cautious about their dietary choices. The future of the industry relies on balanced development — where convenience, safety, and health can coexist.

1.What is the main reason behind the popularity of prefabricated dishes according to the text? A. The social trend of pursuing a modern lifestyle. B. The government’s strong promotion and support. C. The superior flavor they offer compared to home-cooked meals. D. The time-saving convenience they provide in a fast-paced society. 2.The underlined word “spoilage” in Paragraph 2 most probably means the process of ______. A. losing nutritional value B. changing original flavor C. becoming bad or unfit to eat D. being delivered to customers 3.Which of the following best describes the current situation of prefabricated dishes according to the text? A. They are gradually replacing traditional cooking in most households. B. They are achieving widespread acceptance and also arousing doubts. C. They are considered as equally nutritious as freshly prepared meals. D. They have mostly addressed food safety issues through regulations. 4.What is the author’s attitude toward the industry’s future? A. Favorable. B. Objective. C. Critical. D. Indifferent.

Passage 3

（25-26 高二上·湖北省级示范高中教育教学改革联盟·期中）Imagine getting an MRI (核磁共振成像) of 43 / 72

your knees and being told you have “mild intrasubstance degeneration of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (内侧半月板).” Most of us who didn’t go to medical school are not going to be able to decipher that term as anything meaningful or understand what is actionable from that diagnosis. That’s why Stanford radiologists developed a large language model(LLM) to help address patients’ medical concerns and questions. Using this model, a patient getting a knee MRI could get a more useful and simple explanation: Your knee’s meniscus is a tissue in your knee that serves as a cushion, and, like a pillow, the meniscus has gone a little flat but still can function. This LLM, called “RadGPT” can extract concepts from a radiologist’s report to then provide an explanation of that concept and suggest possible follow-up questions. Traditionally, medical expertise is needed to understand the technical reports radiologists write about patient scans, said Curtis Langlotz, Stanford professor of radiology, of medicine, and of biomedical data science. “We hope that our technology won’t just help to explain the results, but will also help to improve the communication between doctor and patient.” Tools like RadGPT could get patients more engaged in their care, Langlotz believes, because they can better understand what their test results actually mean. “Doctors don’t always have the time to go through and explain reports, line by line,” Langlotz said. “I think patients who really do understand what’s in their medical record are going to get better care and will ask better questions.” To develop RadGPT, the Stanford team took 30 sample radiology reports and extracted five concepts from each report. They developed explanations for them and three question-and-answer pairs that patients might commonly ask. Five radiologists who reviewed these explanations determined that the system is unlikely to produce hallucinations or other harmful explanations. AI is still a long way from being able to accurately interpret raw scans. Instead, the current RadGPT model depends on a human radiologist dictating a report, and only then will the system extract concepts from what they have written. “As with any other healthcare technology, safety is absolutely primary,” said Sanna Herwald, the study’s lead author and a Stanford resident in graduate medical education. “The reason this study is so exciting is because the RadGPT-generated materials were generally considered safe without further change. This means that RadGPT is a promising tool that may, after further testing and validation (确认有效), directly educate patients about their urgent or incidental imaging findings in real time at the patient’s convenience.”

1.What does the underlined word “decipher” in the second paragraph probably mean? A. Interpret. B. Appeal. C. Encounter. D. Guarantee. 2.What can we infer from Curtis Langlotz’s words about doctor-patient communication? A. Doctors usually explain radiology reports in great detail to patients. B. Patients’ lack of understanding of reports may affect their medical care.

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C. The 21st Century Cures Act has solved the problem of poor communication. D. Doctors prefer patients not to ask questions about their radiology reports. 3.What is Sanna Herwald’ s attitude towards RadGPT? A. Doubtful. B. Negative. C. Favourable. D. Critical. 4.What is the main idea of the passage? A. A new AI tool has been developed to scan patients. B. RadGPT helps patients understand their radiology report. C. RadGPT will replace radiologists to offer medical advice. D. A new AI tool helps accelerate the production of radiology reports.

Passage 4

（25-26 高二上·湖北八校联考·期中）A new study from the University of California San Diego says learning Mandarin Chinese can help with music. In a paper in Developmental Science, researchers found that preschoolers who speak Mandarin first are better at musical pitch (音高) than those who speak English. The results are not just about finding who might be good at music early. The study shows that when the brain learns skills in one area, it can affect learning in another. Sarah Creel, the lead author from UC San Diego’s Department of Cognitive Science (认知科学系), said, “A big question is whether our mental abilities are separate. For example, do we have special brain systems only for language? Our research suggests the opposite — there’s a kind of interaction and we can use cognitive abilities in different areas.” The researchers did two experiments with young Mandarin learners and English learners. They tested 180 children on tasks about pitch patterns and timbre (音色). In the timbre task, Mandarin-speakers and English-speakers did similarly. But in the pitch task, Mandarin-speakers outperform English-speakers. Mandarin is a tone language. The authors think that paying attention to tones helps young Mandarin speakers notice pitch in music better. Gail Heyman, a co-author from UC San Diego’s Department of Psychology, said, “This shows that the language you speak affects how you understand music. It supports the idea of cross-domain (跨领域) learning.” The study’s co-authors wrote, “We show for the first time that learning a tone language is connected with better musical pitch processing in young children. This is important for neuroscience (神经科学) and behavior, and our research can help design brain training programs.” But Heyman and Creel advise: Don’t stop your child’s music lessons to focus only on language, or language lessons for music. To be good at music, you still need to study music. And learning another language is good in itself, whether it makes you a better musician or not.

1.What is the main finding of the new study? A. Listening to music early is always good. B. Mandarin is better than English in all ways. 45 / 72

C. Preschoolers have totally different mental skills. D. Learning Mandarin helps people understand music. 2.What does the underlined word “outperform” in paragraph 3 mean? A. Do better than. B. Do worse than. C. Act differently from. D. React similarly to. 3.What can the study’s findings help do? A. Make more exact language tests. B. Create better cognitive training plans. C. Find out kids’ musical ability very early. D. Make music teaching more interesting. 4.What is the purpose of the last paragraph? A. To point out the study’s problems. B. To suggest topics for future research. C. To prevent overinterpreting the results. D. To tell people to value early education.

Passage 5

（25-26 高二上·辽宁辽南协作体·期中）Researchers in the University of New South Wales have found a way to 3D print wagyu beef ( 和 牛 肉) in a lab — a step they believe will one day help make widely available and sustainably-produced cuts of cultured (实验室培养) meat that closely resemble original products. Using stem cells that they took from wagyu cows, the researchers set out to create a structure with the characteristic marbling (大理石花纹) seen in wagyu beef that sets it apart from other cuts of beef. By isolating beef cells, the researchers organized how the muscles, blood vessels, and fat should be stacked (堆叠). The researchers then shaped these tissues into the form of a steak using a technique called 3D bio-printing, where cell structures can be layered to resemble real tissues in living things. The researchers believe that proving that a wagyu steak can be accurately 3D-printed could be a big step toward a sustainable future where cultured meat can be created that closely resembles existing products. Its origins from real meat also differentiate it from plant-based options, like those created by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. “By improving this technology, it will be possible to not only reproduce complex meat structures, such as the beautiful marbling of wagyu beef but to also make subtle adjustments to the fat and muscle components,” Nathan, one of the project’s researchers, said in a statement. Nathan said that with these adjustments, customers might one day be able to order a cultured cut of meat with the amount of fat they desire, tailor-made to their tastes and health concerns. 46 / 72

While this might be the first cut of wagyu beef ever to be 3D printed, other attempts have been made to bio- print steaks. In February this year, Aleph Farms and the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology jointly bio-printed and cultivated a rib eye steak using real cow cells.

1.How did the researchers make 3D-printed wagyu beef? A. By layering different meat to produce wagyu beef. B. By processing wagyu beef to join existing products. C. By shaping different tissues with stem cells of wagyu cows. D. By separating the muscles, blood vessels, and fat of wagyu cows. 2.What does Nathan probably think of the 3D-printed beef? A. It can be improved and adjusted. B. It will be replaced by better beef. C. It can replace the real beef finally. D. It will be hard to be popular among customers. 3.What does the underlined word “tailor-made” in paragraph 5 mean? A. Handmade. B. Personalized. C. Applied. D. Attached. 4.Why are Aleph Farms and the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering mentioned? A. To introduce how to 3D-print beef. B. To encourage people to make steaks. C. To show more attempts to make bio-printed steaks. D. To explain the importance of developing a rib eye steak.

Passage 6

（25-26 高二上·浙江浙南名校联盟-11 月·期中）A humorous remark at just the right time can go a long way. Benevolent ( 善 意 的) humour helps medical assistants (MAs) cope positively with their stressful working day, according to a new study by the Martin Luther University (MLU) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training. The researchers surveyed more than 600 MAs and found that those who preferred light, well-intended humour were more satisfied with their work and received more positive feedback. Dark humour, such as sarcasm (嘲 讽), was more likely to have disadvantages. Medical assistants mostly work in primary health care, especially medical practices. In Germany, becoming an MA requires three years of vocational training. Their daily routine is highly demanding: they handle administrative tasks, take blood samples, and apply wound dressings. “Medical assistants are in very close contact with patients most of the day. They have significant responsibility and experience high stress,” says Julia Raceke, a doctoral researcher at MLU. While humour has long been known to help healthcare workers manage stress, less is understood about the impacts of different humour styles. The researchers conducted an online survey of over 600 MAs to better understand the relationship between job 47 / 72

satisfaction and humour styles. Participants shared their humour preferences and provided information on their workplace well-being and perceived competence. Results indicated that those who preferred positive, benevolent humour were generally more satisfied with their jobs. These MAs also reported receiving more positive feedback and feeling that they made a greater difference at work. Surprisingly, not all forms of dark humour connected negatively with well-being—satire and irony showed no negative effects. However, cynicism and sarcasm were mostly harmful. Still, the researchers noted that occasional sarcasm among colleagues might help release frustration. According to the researchers, humour is one of several factors influencing workplace well-being. Using humour consciously and appropriately can make patient interactions more pleasant. The findings may also help develop new training programs to enhance MAs’ social and emotional skills through online tools.

1.What is the main finding of the study conducted by MLU? A. Benevolent humour contributes to MAs’ job satisfaction. B. Sarcasm is the most effective humour style in healthcare. C. Humour has no significant effect on workplace well-being. D. Medical assistants prefer dark humour to benevolent humour. 2.What is the purpose of the second paragraph? A. To present the research findings of the study. B. To argue for better working conditions for MAs. C. To compare different humour styles used in healthcare. D. To provide background information about medical assistants. 3.What can we infer about dark humour from the researchers’ analysis? A. It is completely useless for MAs. B. Its effects vary by specific type. C. It is widely accepted by patients. D. It is more effective than positive humour. 4.What is the research team’s attitude towards the use of humour? A. They are indifferent as its effects are too small to measure. B. They see it as a valuable tool that requires careful application. C. They believe all humour styles should be encouraged equally. D. They are cautious and think it should be avoided in medical settings.

主题语境 05 人与自然-环境

Passage 1

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（25-26 高二·山东·联考）It’s picking seasons at Christian Nachtwer’s farm in western Germany and laborers are loading their vehicles with apples. But Nachtwer’s farm is also getting a second harvest: Many of the apple trees grow under solar panels (‘lightBG’) that have been producing electricity, while providing the fruit below with modern stocked shades (‘Rift’). “The idea is simple,” said Nachtwer. “To protect the farm, without reducing the available growing surface and in particular maintaining production, on our old plant, there’s the solar electricity being produced on the same land.” Setting up solar panels on farmland are becoming increasingly popular, as farmers seek to make the most of their land and establish a second source of income. Getting the right mix of crop and solar is hard, because modern fruit varieties are finely used to particulate growing conditions. Any changes can break the balance, costing farmers’ income if their fruit is damaged or not as severe as consumers like. That’s why Nachtwer’s cooperating with researchers to test which apple varieties have (‘EEB’) under the solar panels, and which types of solar panels are best suited for the farm. To compare the results, some trees are covered with a traditional net normally used to protect crops from hail (‘ARG’). Jørgen Zimmer, an expert in charge of the test, said the apples grown under the solar panels were slightly less severe this year than those under the traditional nets. But hardly any of the solar-shaded apples got damaged in the strong sunlight that hit the region so fully 24 this year, while up to 18% of the uncovered fruit suffered sunburn that day, he said. “We need at least two to three full years to record all the weather conditions that might occur, and look at the output and value that the different varieties are perfect,” said Zimmer. Researchers hope the test will show that tree fruit crops thrive under solar panels. This could help prevent renewable energy production from competing for precious land with agriculture—a growing concern for those seeking to deal with climate change and rising food prices.

1.What can we know about the idea of putting solar panels on the farm? A. It offers a chance for farmers to make extra profits. B. Trees provide solar panels with much-needed shade. C. Solar panels significantly decrease the output of apples. D. Farmers grow fewer trees as solar panels cover the land. 2.What may happen at Nachtwer doesn’t get the right mix of crop and solar? A. Solar panels may not work. B. Farmers may get higher incomes. C. The panels will be damaged. D. The apples’ quality will be influenced. 3.What does Jørgen Zimmer find in the test? A. A net can protect crops from hail. B. Solar-shaded apples have a better taste.

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C. The panels prevent apples from sunburn. D. Sunburn has more harm to apples than hail. 4.What is the main topic of the text? A. Solar panels compete with crops for land. B. A farmer sees both solar power and apples. C. Solar panels provide energy for agriculture. D. Farmers make efforts to increase income.

Passage 2

（25-26 高二 上· 山东 名校考 试联盟 · 期中 ）While the 20th century was defined by industrial and digital expansion, the 21st century is increasingly shaped by the urgency of environmental transformation. Many perceive the green movement as a recent response to ecological crisis, but properly examined, it represents the third stage in humanity’s relationship with nature — following the agricultural and industrial revolutions. “What few have caught,” writes environmental historian Dr. Lena Roth in Earth Menders: The Unseen History of Ecological Renewal, “is the far-reaching consistence (延续性) between earlier human adaptations and today’s sustainability revolution.” Roth traces this narrative to the late 18th century, when thinkers like Malthus first questioned the balance between population and resources. “Just as the steam engine redefined physical labor,” Roth argues, “the green revolution is reshaping humanity’s moral and ecological footprint.” Though modern environmentalism is often associated with European and American activism, Roth shows how societies across the globe recognized and responded to environmental limits in different ways. The publication of Silent Spring in 1962 served as a watershed — comparable to Watt’s steam engine — awakening public awareness to the unintended consequences of progress. Later developments, from renewable energy systems to circular economic models, illustrate how technological and philosophical shifts combined toward sustainability. To personalize this sweeping transition, Roth introduces the character of Elara, a fictional woman whose life spans from the 1950s to the present, allowing readers to experience the evolution of ecological thought through her experiences. This narrative technique mirrors the human angle of systemic change, transforming a complex historical analysis into an easy-going and convincing story.

1.What does Dr. Roth want to stress? A. The history of industrial revolution. B. The continuity of green movement. C. The role of agricultural revolution. D. The impact of digital expansion. 2.What is the significance of Silent Spring? A. A turning point. B. A new invention. 50 / 72

C. A historical event. D. A cultural movement. 3.What do we know about Elara? A. She predicts the future of mankind. B. She is a famous historical figure. C. She is the author of a fiction. D. She is created as a witness. 4.What is the type of this text? A. A biography. B. A book review. C. A short story. D. A science report.

Passage 3

（25-26 高二上·湖北八校联考·期中）Microscopic plastic pieces are everywhere, and a new study shows they exist in bottled water at levels 10 to 100 times higher than people thought before. Researchers from Columbia University and Rutgers University found about 240,000 plastic pieces that can be detected in a normal liter of bottled water. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers used a special microscope method called stimulated Raman scattering and machine learning to detect seven common types of plastics, testing three unnamed bottled water brands. About 10% of these particles (微 粒 ) are microplastics (5 millimeters to 1 micrometer), and 90% are nanoplastics (less than 1 micrometer). Microplastics have already been found in human lungs, blood and placentas. “Nanoplastics could be even more dangerous than microplastics because when inside the human body, the smaller it goes, the easier for it to be misidentified as the natural component of the cell,” says Wei Min, a Columbia chemistry professor and co-author on the study. The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) said it had only a short time to look at the study. It argued that the new way of detecting plastics needs to be fully checked by scientists. Also, more research is needed to create standard ways to measure and count nanoplastics in our surroundings. It added there is no scientific agreement on the potential health impacts of nanoplastic and microplastic particles and media reports unnecessarily scare consumers. Phoebe Stapleton, another co-author of the study, says researchers already know that nanoplastics are in water. “But if you can’t quantify them or create images of them, it’s hard to believe they really exist. The importance of our team’s research is that it now reveals this clearly — it not only provides computer-generated images, but also lets us measure the nanoplastics. Even more importantly, it offers chemical analysis of those measurements.” she says, adding that the research helps people better understand how much plastic humans usually take into their bodies and 51 / 72

what effects it has.

1.Why does the author mention the numbers in Paragraph 1? A. To show the diversity of plastic pieces. B. To question the significance of the study. C. To indicate the seriousness of plastic pollution. D. To explain potential sources of plastic pieces. 2.According to Paragraph 2, why are nanoplastics possibly more dangerous? A. They are more widely spread. B. They may enter cells more easily. C. They might be recognized as part of cells. D. They are mistaken for some types of cells. 3.What tone does the IBWA adopt when reacting to the findings of the study? A. Encouraging but reserved. B. Cautious and skeptical. C. Uncertain but curious. D. Critical and direct. 4.What is the best title for this passage? A. Is There Actually Plastic in Your Bottled Water? B. Microscopic Plastic Pieces: A Hidden Health Risk. C. Can Scientists Quantify Plastic Pieces in Our Body? D. Your Bottled Water Has More Plastic Than You Imagine.

主题语境 06 人与自然-自然生态

Passage 1

（25-26 高二上·山东名校考试联盟·期中）The dogs’ ability to interpret human gestures may be more deeply rooted in social cognition (认知) than previously assumed. A new study from the University of Leipzig reveals that dogs not only respond to human pointing but can also use deliberate gestures to convey information to both humans and its peers, suggesting a foundational capacity for shared communication. Researchers designed a problem-solving task where a dog observed a researcher hiding a favorite toy in one of two boxes. The critical variable (变量) was whether a second, unaware partner was present and had witnessed the hiding event. The subject could see both the hiding spot and the unaware partner’s ignorance. If the unaware partner found the toy, the informing dog received a reward, creating a clear incentive for communication. The results indicated that the informing dogs were significantly more insistent in using attention-getting signals — such as barking, staring between the partner and the correct box, or approaching the box — when the partner was 52 / 72

unconscious of the toy’s location. This behavioral adjustment, tailored to the partner’s knowledge state, moves beyond trained obedience ( 服 从 性). It implies a born understanding that the partners may possess different information, a cornerstone of complex social interaction. “This sensitivity to other’s need for information is fundamental to cooperation”, states animal behaviorist Dr. Klaus. “It’s not merely about solving a task alone, but about managing shared knowledge to achieve a common goal.” “What we have confirmed is that dogs strategically adjust their signaling to guide a partner’s actions,” explains lead researcher Dr. Lena Schmidt. “The critical question is whether they understand they are changing the partner’s focus of attention or even their knowledge while doing these. Investigating this theory of mind in dogs could redefine the boundaries of cross-species social intelligence.”

1.What does the underlined word “incentive” mean in paragraph2? A. Instruction. B. Motivation. C. Intention. D. Illustration. 2.How is the experiment mainly conducted? A. By analyzing dogs’ distracting signals. B. By recording dogs’ use of specific gestures. C. By tracking dogs’ ability to search for items. D. By observing dogs’ interaction with partners. 3.What can we infer from the study? A. Dogs are sensitive to human commands. B. Dogs are naturally obedient to humans. C. Dogs communicate by copying gestures. D. Dogs can identify needs and adjust signals. 4.What is the key issue for future research? A. Origins of dogs’ social intelligence. B. Dogs’ self-awareness of their influence. C. Applications of dogs’ strategic signaling. D. Information exchange of different species.

Passage 2

（25-26 高二上·湖北圆创联盟-11 月阶段练习（·期中）The idea of de-extinction, the big goal of bringing extinct species back to life, has fired global imagination. Pushed by advances in genetics, this field is no longer limited to science fiction. Companies like Colossal Biosciences have announced projects targeting famous animals such as the woolly mammoth (猛犸象) and the dodo. However, the scientific reality is more complex than the popular story. True de-extinction, defined as creating a perfect genetic copy of a lost species, is currently out of reach for most extinct animals. The primary problem is the degradation of DNA over time, which prevents researchers from 53 / 72

recovering a complete genome (基因组). For species that disappeared long ago, the genetic blueprint is simply too broken. Consequently, scientists are largely focusing on an alternative approach: creating ecological proxies (代替物). This involves using gene-editing tools like CRISPR to change the genome of a closely related living species. The aim is not to revive an identical copy, but to engineer a new animal that can perform the ecological role of its extinct relative. For instance, the non-profit Revive & Restore is working on changing the band-tailed pigeon to be like the passenger pigeon, which once played a key part in shaping North American forests. This big goal is not without argument. Critics argue that the resulting creatures are not truly brought-back species but rather genetically changed organisms. They question whether these “copies” would behave like the originals or be accepted by modern ecosystems. Furthermore, some scientists suggest that existing species could sometimes do similar ecological jobs, making de-extinction an unnecessary difficulty. Despite the debates, research in this area continues. Supporters point out potential benefits beyond the impressive scene of seeing a woolly mammoth. The genetic tools developed could be critical for protecting endangered species, such as boosting genetic diversity. The knowledge gained might also help restore damaged ecosystems by reintroducing lost functions. Yet, a fundamental truth remains: the original passenger pigeon is gone forever. De-extinction, in its current form, offers not a revival, but a replacement, proving our growing power and responsibility over the natural world.

1.Why does the author say de-extinction is “no longer limited to science fiction”? A. To predict the exact timeline of its realization. B. To acknowledge the media’s role in promoting it. C. To highlight its transition to practical scientific pursuit. D. To showcase the commercial appeal of related businesses. 2.What is the big challenge in true de-extinction? A. Developing advanced technology. B. Securing sufficient financial support. C. Reconstructing complete genetic sequences. D. Overcoming opposition from environmental groups. 3.Why is the passenger pigeon talked about in Paragraph 3? A. To explain the reasons for its extinction. B. To suggest the relative ease of reviving bird species. C. To describe the lifestyle of its closest living relative. D. To provide a specific case of ecological proxy creation. 4.What is a main future use of the new genetic tools? A. Saving endangered species from extinction.

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B. Expanding the population of urban pigeons. C. Commercializing the value of genetic research. D. Replacing traditional habitat restoration approaches.

Passage 3

（25-26 高二上·江西部分学校·期中）Forests play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being, but not all forests provide the same benefits. A large-scale international study, co-led by the University of Surrey and the University of Ghent, demonstrates how specific forest characteristics — such as canopy density (树冠密度) and tree species diversity — can affect various health outcomes. The research investigated 164 forests across 5 European countries, offering valuable insights for forest management and urban planning. The study examined 7 ecological characteristics of forests and their influence on human health. Tree species diversity was found to have a limited but positive effect on human health and well-being. Increasing tree species diversity is therefore considered a safe and beneficial intervention for forest managers, which also provides multiple co-benefits beyond human health, such as supporting associated non-tree biodiversity. Forest structures — particularly, the canopy structure — were found to have the strongest health impact, both with their own benefits and disadvantages. Dense canopy reduces heat stress by providing more shade and creating a more stable microclimate, while also improving air quality by increasing leaf surface area for fine particulate matter deposition (细颗粒物沉积) — both crucial elements in urban areas where heatwaves and airborne pollutants are more frequent. On the other hand, a dense canopy can also increase the risk of Lyme disease — as ticks (蜱虫) like it in wet environment — and lead to less light reaching the forest floor, which can slow the growth of medicinal plants, affecting their potential health benefits. “Our study shows that forests generally provide a mental health benefit, reducing anxiety and stress, regardless of their biodiversity or structure. Contact with forests could be prescribed (开处方) by the National Health Service (NHS), as research shows that NHS nature prescriptions are effective at improving mental health,” says Dr Melissa Marselle, a lecturer in Environmental Psychology.

1.Which factor determines the health benefits provided by a forest? A. The size of the forest. B. The history of the forest. C. The height of the forest. D. The species diversity of the forest. 2.What is a benefit of dense forest canopy? A. It increases sunlight for forest plants. B. It prevents all air pollutants effectively. 55 / 72

C. It lowers the risk of heat-related issues. D. It reduces the sunlight that attracts ticks. 3.What does paragraph 5 mainly talk about? A. The risk of Lyme disease. B. Downside of thick canopy. C. The growth of medicinal plants. D. The potential health benefits of canopy. 4.What advice may Dr Melissa give? A. Including forest visits in mental health treatment plans. B. Linking forest access to non-tree biodiversity plans. C. Prioritizing forest biodiversity for anxiety reduction. D. Expanding canopy coverage to maximize stress relief.

Passage 4

（25-26 高二上·河北名校联考·期中）If you’ve spent any time in the gardening corners of social media lately, you’ve likely come across a trend called“chaos (混乱) gardening.” The name alone is eye-catching—equal parts fun, rebellious (叛逆的) and slightly alarming. Picture someone throwing seeds into bare soil aimlessly, watering once or twice, and ending up with a backyard full of bright flowers everywhere. No rows, no color coordination (搭配), no spacing charts—just spread the seeds and hope for the best. As a landscape specialist at Colorado State University Extension, I think a lot about how to help people make designed landscapes more environmentally friendly. But what is chaos gardening, really? Chaos gardening is the practice of mixing a wide variety of seeds and scattering ( 撒) them over a planting area with minimal planning. For many, it’s a low-pressure, joyful way to experiment. One reason chaos gardening may be catching on is that it sidesteps the rules of garden design. A traditional landscape design approach is effective and appropriate for many settings, but it is time-consuming and can feel stressful. Even that easy, messy look of a cottage garden still needs lots of planning. Chaos gardening, by contrast, lets go of control. There’s also the allure of ease. People want gardening to be simple. If chaos gardening brings more people into the joy and mess of growing things, I consider that a win in itself. Broader research has found that emotional connection and accessibility are major motivators for gardening, often more than environmental impact. Chaos gardening might not replace the structured borders of a well-cut garden, but it might get newcomers into the garden. It might make things feel less risky, encourage experimentation, and help people see beauty in richness rather than in control. If that’s the entry point someone needs, then let the chaos begin.

1.What is the primary characteristic of chaos gardening? 56 / 72

A. Sticking to ecological restoration principles. B. Sowing diverse seeds with little prior planning. C. Planning carefully and coordinating plant colors. D. Focusing on a single type of plant for maximum harvest. 2.Why is chaos gardening becoming popular? A. It requires a lot of time and effort. B. It follows the traditional garden design. C. It has a positive impact on the environment. D. It avoids the rules of garden design and is easy to do. 3.What does the underlined word “allure” in paragraph 5 probably mean? A. Improvement. B. Possibility. C. Attraction. D. Tradition. 4.What does the author imply about chaos gardening? A. It serves as a gateway. B. It challenges experts. C. It might replace formal gardens. D. It ensures perfect results.

主题语境 01 人与社会-历史、社会与文化

（25-26 高二上·江西稳派智慧上进·期中）Chicago Booth’s Christopher K. Hsee is a behavioral scientist focusing on what he calls hedonomics (幸福经济学). Rather than studying how to produce more “stuff”, hedonomics studies how to extract more happiness from the existing objects. Hsee and his Chicago Booth colleague Reid Hastie redefined the term in 2008. Their idea of hedonomics is based on the idea that people don’t need more resources to be happier; they need to use existing resources differently. For example, suppose a child enjoys playing with wooden blocks at first but grows tired of them. Hedonomics suggests the child doesn’t need more blocks to be happy; she needs to change how she plays with those blocks. The same principle applies to experiences. Instead of watching a TV show without control, watch two episodes

(集) per day. Or better yet, apply another method: say you have six episodes to watch. You could watch two a day, or you could watch one on the first day, two on the second day, and three on the third day. That’s an increasing order. Or you could do the opposite, in a decreasing order, by watching three at the start and winding down. Instead of making full use of their resources, many people instead seek to add resources. Hsee, who has devoted much of the past decade to researching hedonomics, says that can have the opposite effect and lead to a phenomenon

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known as the “hedonic treadmill (享乐跑步机) ”. This phrase refers to the tendency of people enjoying happiness temporarily and keeping on finding new positive stimulation. Hsee, who grew up in China, recalls when “just having the ability to buy a cheap bicycle” in his city was a big deal. But by 2012 in China, nearly every family in cities had, on average, a color TV, air conditioner, washing machine, and refrigerator. Almost nine in ten had a personal computer. Hsee sees his friends, some now able to afford expensive cars, stuck on the hedonic treadmill as they seek to get more well-being. The problem is that it takes more and more things to make people happy.

1.What is the meaning of hedonomics? A. Following your ideas. B. Producing more resources. C. Pursuing what you want. D. Treasuring what you have. 2.What does the underlined part “winding down” in paragraph 4 mean? A. Watching closely. B. Reducing gradually. C. Observing carefully. D. Checking regularly. 3.What do people do when they are on the hedonic treadmill? A. They try to get more. B. They use resources wisely. C. They tend to be more positive. D. They lack material enjoyment. 4.What does the author truly want to convey in the last paragraph? A. People are content with their income. B. China’s economy is developing fast. C. One’s desires can hardly be satisfied. D. It’s impossible to achieve real happiness.

主题语境 02 人与社会-文学、艺术与体育

（25-26 高二上·湖北部分省级示范高中·期中）The Olympic Games, among the world’s most significant sports events, not only demonstrate the high level of athletic competition but also serve as a symbol of global cultural exchange and unity. However, they face an aging audience and declining viewership. The median age of American viewers was 39 in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, rising to 53 by the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The Tokyo 2021 viewership dropped by a third compared to 2008. 58 / 72

To attract younger audiences and stay relevant, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has acknowledged the need for the Olympics to evolve, adding “youth-based” sports. Climbing, skateboarding, and surfing were included in Tokyo, and breakdancing made its first appearance in the 2024 Paris Olympics. To further broaden appeal, esports could be the key. With a massive following, esports could attract large audiences and add income through media rights and sponsorships. Esports could also bring Olympic glory to a diverse range of countries and represent the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. However, the IOC’s approach to esports has been cautious. The inaugural (首次的) Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023 was met with confusion among fans, with events like archery and “Just Dance” not reflecting as expected, attracting a peak viewership of only 22,000. Recognizing esports’ potential, the IOC has officially included esports in the Olympic Movement with the Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This decision is in line with the principles of the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which advocates for gender equality, inclusiveness, and diversity. By embracing esports, the Olympics can attract younger audiences, expand its global reach, and maintain its status as a popular sports and entertainment event.

1.What can be inferred from the first paragraph about the Olympic Games? A. The Olympic Games have always been popular among young viewers. B. The IOC has not recognized the changing viewer trends. C. The median age of Olympic viewers has remained stable over time. D. The Olympic Games are becoming less popular in America. 2.How do the Olympics keep connected with society? A. By focusing on traditional sports. B. By adding sports that appeal to younger audiences. C. By reducing the number of events in the Games. D. By hosting the Games in countries with diverse cultures. 3.What was the public’s attitude toward the inaugural Olympic Esports Week? A. Tolerant. B. Unclear. C. Supportive. D. Uninterested. 4.What is the last paragraph mainly about? A. Distinctions between traditional sports and esports. B. Benefits of multicultural countries in esports. C. Possible advantages of adding esports to the Olympics. D. Suggestions on establishing a secure gaming setting for esports.

主题语境 03 人与社会-科学与技术

Passage 1

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（25-26 高二上·浙江浙江省金砖高中联盟-11 月·期中）Theatre is one of humanity’s oldest entertainments, and acting is far more than pretense — it demands fully personifying another character’s personality, emotions, and mannerisms. Yet the neural (神经学的) mechanisms behind “getting into character” remain poorly understood, with few studies exploring the neuroscience of role-taking. Recent research has begun to bridge this gap. A 2019 study published in Royal Society Open Science used MRI technology to scan method actors as they responded to assumption questions —first as themselves, then as their assigned characters. The results revealed a clear pattern: when in character, the actors showed reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (前额叶皮层), a brain region critical to self-processing. This finding led researchers to suggest that acting involves suppressing ( 抑制) one’s sense of self. Steven Brown, a cognitive scientist involved in the study, noted this “self-suppression” is a feature of theatrical performance that has long been understudied, even though childhood pretend play — an early form of role-taking — is known to be vital for social development. A 2022 study in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience further supported this. Using wearable brain imaging tools, researchers found that when actors heard their own names mid-performance, their prefrontal cortex, which typically lights up at the sound of one’s name, had reduced responses — another sign that self-awareness is turned down during acting. Yet this blurring of self and character carries risks. A 2019 literature review found it can lead to temporary personality shifts or even dissociation, and method acting — known for its immersive approach — has been linked to mental health challenges. Typical examples include Michael B. Jordan, who struggled to let go of his Black Panther role, Erik Killmonger, post-filming, and Lady Gaga, who faced psychological difficulty after being deeply absorbed in her House of Gucci character, Patrizia Reggiani. Today, key gaps persist in understanding acting’s psychological impacts. More neuroscience research is needed — especially into how acting training shapes the “distance” between actor and character, a factor that may determine whether the effects on one’s sense of self are short-lived or long-lasting.

1.What can we infer from the 1st paragraph? A. Acting is basically a form of pretense, focusing on copying. B. How actors “get into character” has been thoroughly researched. C. Theatre has a long history as a form of entertainment for mankind. D. Acting merely requires actors to demonstrate a character’s emotions. 2.What happened to actors’ brain when their own names are called? A. Its response was reduced. B. Its activity was stopped. C. Its response was more active. D. Its activity remained the same. 3.What risk does the blurring of self and character bring to actors?

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A. It may make actors lose interest in their acting careers. B. It may lead to physical health problems like exhaustion. C. It may make actors unable to remember their real identities. D. It may cause temporary personality switches or disconnection. 4.What may influence the effects of acting on one’s sense of self? A. The type of roles actors play in the film. B. The time actors spend on a single role. C. The number of neuroscience studies on the actors. D. Actor-character “distance” shaped by acting training.

Passage 2

（25-26 高二上·浙江浙江省金砖高中联盟-11 月·期中）You probably already know information about you is leaking — even if you’d rather not think about it. Your age, your phone number and where you live. What you bought for lunch yesterday, where you went afterwards and who you stood next to. In the online data market all of that is up for grabs — sliced, and packaged for purchase. Given the quantity of data that is now constantly spilling out of us, it makes sense that some privacy fatigue (困 倦) might have set in. A few years ago I started covering my laptop camera after seeing a photo of Mark Zuckerberg doing the same thing. If paranoia (偏执) was good enough for a tech CEO, it was good enough for me. But it didn’t last. When weather apps are selling your location and webcams are monitoring your eye movements, why bother? In fact, why try to hide your data at all when you can be paid for it? Earlier this year a company called The Generation Lab attempted to set a price for personal information by offering young people an average of $50 per month to set up a tracker on their mobile phones. The tracker doesn’t keep track of sensitive information like banking passwords, but pretty much everything else can be harvested. Scrolling habits, streaming choices and purchases — it’s all fed into a database for real-time analysis. Is $50 per month a fair price? The British mathematician Clive Humby was the first to come up with the phrase “data is the new oil” back in 2006. But the marketplace for these goods, which is filled with private companies such as Fog Data Science, is not clear. Our personal information powers the digital advertising industry that supports the internet. In return for being monitored, we get targeted advert s and free online services. What we don’t get is pricing clarity. Still, right now, $50 is a good deal because we lack the knowledge to come up with a more accurate price for personal information. But like oil, data is not a one-off deal. Even if you’ve handed out vast quantities already, there is always more to bargain with, whether its demanding clearer pricing for your browsing habits or choosing which apps get access to your location.

1.What does the underlined phrase “up for grabs” in Paragraph 1 probably mean? A. Ready to be sold. 61 / 72

B. Difficult to obtain. C. Kept secret. D. Easy to lose. 2.What does the author imply about the $50 monthly payment for personal data? A. It reflects the true market value of most personal information. B. It is generous, considering the sensitivity of the data collected. C. It is random for the lack of pricing openness in the data market. D. It is strictly regulated by federal privacy laws in the United States. 3.What is Clive Humby’s attitude toward $50 per month? A. Favorable. B. Cautious. C. Negative. D. Unconcerned. 4.What is the best title of this passage? A. The fair price of personal information. B. The reason for personal data trade online. C. The online collection of personal information. D. The personal data trade and concerning problems.

Passage 3

（25-26 高二上·福建福九联盟·期中）Imagine you are driving on a stormy night, and your car suddenly warns you of the danger of an upcoming flood or an approaching hurricane. This future, where cars predict weather disasters well in advance, is edging toward reality, says the International Drivers Association. By 2030, cars are expected to develop into “smart machines” in which reliable, personal weather forecasting units are integrated, with advanced sensor technology and machine learning algorithms (算法) delivering real-time, exact weather updates. “Bridging the gap between vehicular technology and meteorology ( 气 象 学) holds massive potential in increasing road safety,” says Julianna Marshall, a travel expert from the International Drivers Association. “Imagine your car warning you of trouble ahead and then directing you away from a road that’s about to be flooded or a bridge at risk of falling down due to strong winds. That’s a breakthrough we’re keenly looking forward to.” Several key factors lay the groundwork for these weather-predicting abilities in cars by the year 2030. Modern cars have complex sensors that can measure atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity (湿度), and wind speed. These sensors can feed data into an onboard computer, providing crucial real-time weather information. Cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies can now analyse complex weather patterns and predict future outcomes. By integrating these technologies into car systems, your car’s computer can provide forecasts along your routes. The interconnectivity of devices, known as the Internet of Things, will play a key role. Cars could share and receive weather data from a vast network of the connected devices, improving accuracy of predictions. Such tech- integrated cars will make driving during severe conditions safer while improving the overall travel experience. 62 / 72

“Weather prediction in cars can save hundreds of lives per year by minimizing the likelihood of weather-related accidents,” Marshall emphasizes. “Getting hands on a car built with weather prediction technology might be optional today but will become imperative by 2030.” Undeniably, 2030 promises the arrival of a changing age in car technology, a world where your car might just be your best weather forecaster. An age where “the future is now” is not just an exciting prospect—it’s the norm.

1.What can the future cars probably do? A. Stop extreme weather happening. B. Change the path of the hurricane. C. Detect terrible weather conditions. D. Teach drivers how to predict weather. 2.What does paragraph 4 focus on? A. The functions of complex sensors. B. Operational principle of future cars. C. The concept of the Internet of Things. D. Increasing complexity of road safety. 3.What does the underlined word “imperative” in paragraph 5 mean? A. Reliable. B. Complex. C. Necessary. D. Unrealistic. 4.What is the author’s intention in the last paragraph? A. To keep promises. B. To make predictions. C. To express regrets. D. To offer suggestions.

Passage 4

（25-26 高二上·福建福九联盟·期中）I am addicted to Instagram, particularly to its bookish communities. I can’t open the app without seeing a meme (梗图), artwork or quote about one of my favorite book series. But my Instagram feed is flooded with AI “art” — though to me, it is nothing but plagiarism (剽窃). Instagram seemingly has no problem with highlighting AI “artists”, which to me is a harm to real artists. Each AI “art” post takes the place of a bookish artist who spent countless hours creating truly amazing artwork. As a journalist and future educator, I can’t view AI “art” as anything but plagiarism because it is collected from artists who have not agreed to the use of their work, nor do they receive credit for it. For creatives like Bronwyn Lipka, a 25-year-old bookish artist, the reality of having their work stolen is ever- present. “AI ‘artists’ are essentially stealing your art, but there’s no way to know if they’re doing it because they face no consequences,” Lipka said. And it’s not just the AI “artists” that are contributing to this culture of irresponsibility. Meta, the parent company 63 / 72

of Instagram, considers public Instagram posts to be part of its training data — including generative AI art training. Artists must decide whether continuing to use Meta apps, where they’ve built up a following, is worth AI stealing their intellectual property (知识产权). Many of my favorite artists have made the move to a platform that does not use AI models on user content. Ultimately, if artists continue to leave Meta platforms, the bookish community will struggle. Worse, if the bookish community starts to fade, book sales will drop sharply right down with them. Though I am not against AI and aware that it has the potential to do some really great things, I cannot stand for the continuous lack of forethought in deciding where and when it should be used. Therefore, I urge Meta and any other companies introducing AI into their programming to consider the ethics of doing so, before it’s too late.

1.What does the author try to say in the first paragraph? A. Artists feel ashamed of plagiarism. B. Instagram is a widely used platform. C. The AI-created works take over Instagram. D. The bookish communities need improving. 2.What can be inferred from Lipka’s words in paragraph 3? A. AI “art” won’t take the place of real art. B. Artistic competition is becoming serious. C. Bookish artists are losing work ownership. D. AI “artists” are getting away with stealing art. 3.How does Meta’s use of Instagram posts affect artists? A. It drives them to leave Meta platforms. B. It gives them access to a wider audience. C. It increases their book sales significantly. D. It destroys their faith in intellectual property. 4.What is the text mainly about? A. A rising tendency of creating art with AI. B. Artists’ struggle for recognition in the AI age. C. The balance between AI and human creativity. D. A call for protection of human artists against AI art.

Passage 5

（25-26 高二上·安徽·期中）The ThinKing by Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin is only 1.65 mm thick, making it the world’s thinnest mechanical wristwatch (腕表). The “arms race” for the world’s thinnest wristwatch has been in full swing for a few years so far. Some of the most famous watch brands on Earth are still trying to one-up each other with smart designs. The latest to claim the 64 / 72

desirable title is independent watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin with its ThinKing initial design, a 1.65 mm-thick masterpiece that is so incredibly thin that it needs a special wristband. The ThinKing’s case is so delicate that the simple pressure from being worn is enough to damage it, so the special strap made of leather has to absorb some of the shocks and bending. To break the world record, Konstantin Chaykin needed to incorporate some crazy ideas into his unique design, such as removing the classic crown, instead displaying the hours and minutes through two separate windows. Despite its fragility (脆弱性) compared to conventional wristwatches, the ThinKing is made out of a special type of stainless (不锈的) steel designed to handle the stress of being worn on a daily basis. Interestingly, ultra-thin watches like the ThinKing are incredibly expensive and labor-intensive to design and produce. They require expensive materials, perfectly machined parts, and many hours of work. Wearing them is no simple business either, as their thinness puts them in danger of damage, so extreme care has to be taken when sporting one on your wrist. Compared to classic timepieces, thin wristwatches like the ThinKing aren’t very popular with collectors either, so why do so many famous watchmakers continue to produce them? Well, they do it mainly in the spirit of competition, but also for the betterment of watchmaking in general. Some of the breakthrough designs used in pioneering watches like the ThinKing end up inspiring entire design philosophies for conventional timepieces.

1.What’s the function of the special strap? A. To make the watch more flexible. B. To make the watch more comfortable. C. To take in the pressure from outside. D. To add up more value to the watch. 2.What does the underlined word “one-up” mean in paragraph 2? A. Win. B. Help. C. Praise. D. Show. 3.What is mainly talked about in paragraph 3? A. The reason why Chaykin made the ThinKing. B. The hardship Chaykin went through in his life. C. The fame the ThinKing brought to Chaykin. D. The special design which made the ThinKing stand out. 4.What’s the author’s attitude towards producing ultra-thin watches? A. Subjective. B. Indifferent. C. Objective. D. Critical.

Passage 6

（25-26 高二上·江西稳派智慧上进·期中）When Alice from Alice in Wonderland consumes a mysterious bottle labeled “drink me”, she quickly shrinks (收缩) to the floor. The Magic School Bus once got attacked by white blood cells when it shrunk down to explore a sick person’s bloodstream. And Ant-Man is famous for using his 65 / 72

shrinking technology in Marvel films. But will humans ever be able to become smaller like this in real life? Unfortunately, physicists say that technology with the power to make someone bite-sized would break the laws of physics. Still, scientists have fun thinking over how an imaginary shrinking machine might work. “It drives you to think about: What determines the size of things?” says physicist James Kakalios. Finding the answer can involve looking into the hearts of atoms (原子). Atoms are the building blocks of almost all matter in the universe. One theoretical way to shrink something would be to reduce the size of its atoms. But an atom’s size depends on several fundamental constants (常数). Those constants don’t change. If shrinking atoms wouldn’t work, what about shortening the space between them? Atoms come together to build all kinds of molecules (分子). Atoms and molecules in the human body, though, are already packed closely together. Trying to get them even closer would be challenging. You could try to force the atoms together. But Kakalios says that even a tiny reduction in size would require enormous amounts of pressure. That would be bad news for any person who tried it on themselves. Kakalios says, “It would just flatten you, and you don’t want to do that.” Even if Alice or Ant-Man were somehow able to bypass the laws of physics to survive shrinkage, they would face other problems. For example, as their eyes shrunk, their ability to process visible wavelengths of light might become worse. Kakalios also notes that the science of making things smaller is not entirely imaginary. Although technology may not be able to shrink people, humans are remarkably good at shrinking our technology.

1.How does the author bring in the topic? A. By telling real life stories. B. By imagining our future life. C. By introducing the background. D. By describing scenes from some works. 2.What might scientists think of the technology of shrinking a person? A. Illegal. B. Inhuman. C. Imperfect. D. Impractical. 3.Which statement might Kakalios agree with? A. The atom’s size is changeable. B. The atoms and the molecules link tightly. C. Narrowing the space between atoms is easy. D. The science of making objects smaller is impossible. 4.What can be the best title for the text? A. What Is Behind the Technology of Shrinking? B. How Is the Shrinking Technology Being Used?

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C. Should We Describe Shrinking Technology in Literature? D. Could We Ever Develop the Technology to Shrink Ourselves?

Passage 7

（25-26 高二上·浙江山海协作体-11 月·期中）Given the astonishing potential of AI to transform our lives, we all need to take action to deal with our AI-powered future, and this is where AI by Design: A Plan for Living with Artificial Intelligence comes in. This absorbing new book by Catriona Campbell is a practical roadmap addressing the challenges posed by the forthcoming AI revolution (变革). In the wrong hands, such a book could prove as complicated to process as the computer code (代码) that powers AI but, thankfully, Campbell has more than two decades’ professional experience translating the heady into the understandable. She writes from the practical angle of a business person rather than as an academic, making for a guide which is highly accessible and informative and which, by the close, will make you feel almost as smart as AI. As we soon come to learn from AI by Design, AI is already super-smart and will become more capable, moving from the current generation of “narrow-AI” to Artificial General Intelligence. From there, Campbell says, will come Artificial Dominant Intelligence. This is why Campbell has set out to raise awareness of AI and its future now — several decades before these developments are expected to take place. She says it is essential that we keep control of artificial intelligence, or risk being sidelined and perhaps even worse. Campbell’s point is to wake up those responsible for AI—the technology companies and world leaders—so they are on the same page as all the experts currently developing it. She explains we are at a “tipping point” in history and must act now to prevent an extinction-level event for humanity. We need to consider how we want our future with AI to pan out. Such structured thinking, followed by global regulation, will enable us to achieve greatness rather than our downfall. AI will affect us all, and if you only read one book on the subject, this is it.

1.What does the phrase “In the wrong hands” in paragraph 2 probably mean? A. If read by someone poorly educated. B. If reviewed by someone ill-intentioned. C. If written by someone less competent. D. If translated by someone unacademic. 2.What is a feature of AI by Design according to the text? A. It is packed with complex codes. B. It adopts a down-to-earth writing style. C. It provides step-by-step instructions. D. It is intended for AI professionals. 3.What does Campbell urge people to do regarding AI development? A. Observe existing regulations on it. 67 / 72

B. Reconsider expert opinions about it. C. Make joint efforts to keep it under control. D. Learn from prior experience to slow it down. 4.What is the author’s purpose in writing the text? A. To recommend a book on AI. B. To give a brief account of AI history. C. To clarify the definition of AI. D. To honor an outstanding AI expert.

主题语境 04 人与自我-生活与学习

Passage 1

（25-26 高二上·浙江 G5 联盟-11 月·期中）With millions of viewers and huge sums of prize money at stake, esports has become big business. Esports is the competitive playing of video games. Every year, there are massive tournaments held around the world for video games such as FIFA and Fortnite. However, could esports soon be coming to the classroom? A new study, conducted by Dell Technologies, has found that more than two in three parents in the UK believe esports can play a positive role within education. Not everyone agrees, though, and some people say that young people already spend too much time sitting in front of screens. Esports, much like traditional sports, can teach young people many important life skills. In 2021, esports was added to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) for precisely this reason. The DofE is a programme for young people, which includes volunteering and outdoor expeditions. Esports was added to the skills section after organisers found that video gaming can help improve strategic thinking and teamwork. “Esports is one of the fastest-growing activities in the UK and it helps young people develop essential skills,” said Ruth Marvel, head of DofE. Another benefit of esports is its inclusivity. Boys and girls aren’t separated, and it’s open to all ages and physical abilities, including those with disabilities. “Not everyone can participate in physical sport, but everyone can participate in esports,” says Camilla Maurice from MidKent College, which offers a course in esports. By joining a school esports team, young people can make new friends and turn gaming into a more social experience. A study in January 2021 found that around 80% of young people in the UK aged between 12 and 15 were playing online games like Fortnite and Minecraft. If young people are already playing these games, then why not make them a part of school? Not only would this teach them more about esports, but it could also have a positive knock-on effect on other subjects. Students who are passionate about playing video games can become interested in how these games are made.

1.What can be inferred about the study conducted by Dell Technologies? A. It supported the introduction of esports in more schools. B. It was carried out mainly among teachers and educators. 68 / 72

C. It focused primarily on the negative effects of screen time. D. It concluded esports replaced traditional sports in education. 2.Why does the author mention the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award? A. To criticize its decision to include esports in the programme. B. To indicate esports is gaining educational acceptance in schools. C. To emphasize esports is only suitable for certain types of students. D. To suggest outdoor expeditions are of less importance than esports. 3.What is implied about the social aspect of esports in Paragraph 3? A. It discourages teamwork due to its competitive nature. B. It provides a shared activity that helps build friendships. C. It isolates players from the real-world social interactions. D. It offers social advantages only to students with disabilities. 4.According to the head of DofE, which is a direct benefit of esports? A. It replaces the need for physical sports in schools. B. It generates significant prize money for young people. C. It builds crucial skills through the UK’s top youth activity. D. It reduces the amount of time young people spend on screens.

Passage 2

（25-26 高二上·浙江 9+1 联盟-11 月·期中）The human mind is astonishing. We can solve complex problems, perform calculations, create art, and process language effortlessly. We humans are the smartest of all, or so we think… However, recent studies reveal how easily context can mislead us. Consider the Müller-Lyer illusion (错觉): equal-length lines look different if one has outward-pointing arrows and the other has inward-pointing arrows. Similarly, three identical-sized runners positioned along a visual path seem to vary in size. Before you conclude that being fooled is reserved only for visual illusions, let me give the example of Belinda: an outspoken philosophy student, deeply concerned with sustainability, biodiversity, and global warming. Is Belinda more likely: a)a top student, or b)a top student and vegetarian? Many people choose the second, because the context of being vegetarian seems to fit the image of someone deeply concerned with sustainability. But statistically, the first is more likely. There are always more top students than vegetarian top students. Yet for all its potential to trick, context more often serves as our mental shortcut to efficient understanding. Rather than memorizing every possible meaning of words and sentence patterns, we constantly use surrounding information to fill gaps. As linguist J. R. Firth observed, “You shall know a word by the company it keeps.” For example, in the sentence “My daughter was ferliamated when she got a pet dog,” we can guess that “ferliamated” means “excited”, even if the word doesn’t exist. This two-sided nature of context leads us to an important discovery about how our minds work. While we can 69 / 72

discuss anything at any time in any context, it seems more likely that we talk about the things whose meaning lies in the same context. This offers exciting possibilities for understanding both the human mind and language itself — showing how communication depends not just on our thinking, but equally on how language is built to work with context.

1.Which image matches the description of the “runners” illusion? A. B. C. D. 2.Why do people often choose option (b) in the Belinda example? A. Personalities affect decision-making. B. Top students often make better choices. C. Extra details disturb their logical thinking. D. Personal experiences lead to their false judgment. 3.How do Firth’s quote and the “ferliamated” example support the author’s point? A. They prove that words can have random meanings. B. They explain why memorizing words isn’t a shortcut. C. They demonstrate what dictionaries can’t really clarify. D. They show how context contributes to word understanding. 4.What is the last paragraph mainly about? A. The value of the research into context. B. The complex nature of context. C. The topics discussed within the same context. D. The link between context and mind.

主题语境 05 人与自然-环境

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（25-26 高二上·湖北圆创联盟-11 月阶段练习（·期中）It is universally believed that the destruction and disappearance of coral reefs (珊瑚礁), essential parts of the ocean ecosystem that support great biodiversity, bring absolutely no benefit but only serious harm to the environment. In fact, scientists have found that their loss and damage could mean oceans can absorb more CO₂, slowing the buildup of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. “It is a beneficial effect if you only care about the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere,” says Lester Kwiatkowski at Sorbonne University in Paris, France. But their reduction is harmful for biodiversity and leaves coasts exposed to rising seas, he says. How much the world will warm depends mainly on the level of CO₂ in the atmosphere. So far, the land and oceans have absorbed around half of the extra CO₂ we have emitted. A popular belief is that corals remove CO₂ from seawater as they grow their structures. Actually, the process, called calcification (钙化), is a net source of CO₂, adding more CO₂ than it removes. Observations also suggest rising seawater temperatures and oceans’ absorption of CO₂ are causing coral reefs’ bleaching (白化) and die-offs, so their release of CO₂ is reduced. Kwiatkowski and his team took published estimates of how corals will be affected by warming and absorbed CO₂ in oceans and used a computer model to work out how this might change ocean carbon absorption in various situations. They conclude that the oceans could take up between 1% and 5% more carbon by 2100, and up to 13% more by 2300. But the precondition of the study is that corals aren’t able to adapt to the new environment, says Chris jury at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. If Kwiatkowski’s team is correct, the amount of the carbon budget, which will lead to a given level of warming, is a little larger than currently thought. “I think we would like our budgets to be as accurate as possible, even if we’re blowing through them,” says Kwiatkowski.

1.How does the author introduce the topic? A. Listing environmental benefits. B. Describing coral reef ecosystems. C. Explaining coral decline processes. D. Showing a contrast between beliefs. 2.What can be inferred about coral reefs from paragraph 2 and 3? A. Warmer oceans with CO₂ help them grow. B. Ocean CO₂ levels can be reduced by them. C. Climate has a very close link to coral reefs. D. Coral reefs prevent the rising of sea levels. 3.Why does the research need to be improved? A. It predicts smaller carbon budgets. B. It ignores corals’ adaptation ability. C. It uses unproven computer models.

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D. It concludes carbon uptake increase. 4.What can be a suitable title for the text? A. Reefs in Crisis: A Warming World’s Effect B. Oceans Discovery: An Unexpected Finding C. Beyond the Bleaching: The Hidden Benefits D. Saving Coral Reefs: New Scientific Methods

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