2026 届最新高考模拟三轮冲刺卷（全国通用）
阅读理解15 篇（说明文）
Passage 1
I have a lot of great friends, but I don’t belong to many other social groups. I guess my thought is that
spreading myself thin that way might be bad for my well-being. New research suggests otherwise. A study in
Britain from The Society for Personality and Social Psychology has found that people who belong to more groups
may be happier and healthier than those who don’t.
In this study, Clifford Stevenson of Nottingham Trent University in England and his colleagues got data
from almost 6,000 people participating in an ongoing study called the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
(ELSA), which looks at how different aspects of a person’s life experience affect their well-being over time.
Participants self-reported on many things, including their health and well-being, how generally lonely they
were, and how many different types of groups they belonged to. These could include community sports teams,
neighborhood associations, parent-teacher associations, charities, or book clubs and so on.
After analyzing the results, Stevenson and his team found that people who belonged to more diverse groups
at one point in time felt less lonely and had greater well-being four years later. This was true even after taking into
account factors like age and gender, as well as how lonely or troubled they were at the beginning of the study. This
suggests that joining more varied groups can help people feel better above and beyond how many groups they
belong to.
This study adds to a growing scientific literature tying group membership to well-being, but also has
practical implications. People in many communities around the world are suffering from higher levels of
loneliness, and health care workers and others are looking for solutions.
With that in mind, there is reason to consider applying this finding more broadly. If we know that greater
group diversity is useful at both a community and personal level, we can perhaps use that information to help
improve conditions for people no matter where they live.
1．What does the underlined phrase “spreading myself thin” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?
A．Being too thin to keep healthy.
B．Wasting too much time on friends.
C．Joining too many groups carelessly.
D．Having no time to make new friends.
2．Why does the author mention ELSA in the passage?
A．To show the study’s reliability.
B．To introduce a new research method.
C．To prove its authority in aging research.
D．To explain its difference from the main study.
3．What can we learn from Stevenson’s study?
A．ELSA focuses on people’s physical health only.
B．Age and gender affect the study results greatly.
C．Diverse group membership helps reduce loneliness.
D．The more groups people join, the happier they are.
4．What is the best title for the passage?
A．How to Choose the Right Book Club
B．Diverse Group Ties Boosting Well-being
C．The Secret to Staying Young and Energetic
D．Why Loneliness Is Growing in Modern Society
Passage 2
In every city I’ve lived in on two continents, folks are always walking around usually with shopping carts
collecting abandoned metal, cans and plastic bottles to sell to recycling plants. It always seems like a win-win-win
situation to me — the city saves on sorting and recycling costs, the collector obviously needs the money — why
else would you dive in large garbage cans? — and the earth benefits.
Add to that, no matter where you live, most people astonishingly still don’t recycle. I’m constantly
maddened by those who throw plastic bags of rubbish in the organic bin or fold up cardboard to put into the glass
container! Actually, if you’re like me, you care for the earth and you even make a half-hearted effort — you
recycle right up until it gets slightly inconvenient but anyhow you stick to the habit of recycling.
Governments are always trying to motivate us to recycle. My hometown New Jersey provides everyone
with recycling bins that are weighed and scanned at pick-up, encouraging residents with discounts and gift
certificates to local shops and restaurants. In Berlin, you hardly ever spot plastic bottles because they’re picked up
right away as each water or soda purchase comes with an extra cost or “deposit (押金)” of 30 cents that you can
get back from automated bottle return machines at the market.
What if all plastic started to have a financial value for us? Would we finally be motivated to recycle?
The concept of social plastic was developed in 2014 by David Katz under the banner of the organization
The Plastic Bank which makes more organized points of sale for low-income workers to sell their plastic finds. As
Katz points out, with 300 million tons of new plastic created every year, that’s actually trillions of dollars worth of
plastic in slow breakdown all across our planet. “If we can reveal the value in plastic, we can make it too valuable
to throw away. If we can reveal the value in people, we can give them a platform to improve their lives,” Katz
said.
1．What does the author think of people’s collecting and selling garbage?
A．It brings shared benefits.
B．It’s profit-centered.
C．It takes combined work.
D．It’s labor-requiring.
2．What can we learn about the author’s recycling effort?
A．It’s continuous. B．It’s rewarded.
C．It’s praised.
D．It’s fruitless.
3．What measures does Berlin take to encourage recycling?
A．Offering gift cards.
B．Charging returnable fees.
C．Building recycle plants.
D．Providing weighed bins.
4．What can be a suitable title for the text?
A．Recycle Policies: Governments’ Plans
B．Plastic Cleanup: Where Profit Emerges
C．Garbage Hunting: A New Way to Live
D．Social Plastic: When It Pays to Recycle
Passage 3
In the springs of the past three years, a group of researchers translocated eggs of pied flycatchers, a small
migratory songbird that gives birth widely across Europe, from their nests in the Netherlands to a population site
in Sweden. They carefully transported the eggs to their new home in Swedish nests and eventually, the eggs were
raised by Swedish parents. When winter came, these translocated birds left their nests and made the long journey
to their wintering grounds in Africa, along with other pied flycatchers from Netherlands and Sweden.
With the return of spring, they flew back to Sweden, now as adults with fully formed songs, ready to find
potential mates. The researchers recorded the songs of these birds and compared them with those of the local
Swedish pied flycatchers that had raised them. They also made a comparison with the songs of their original
Dutch population. Overall, the songs of the translocated male birds were similar to those of the Swedish
population.
This came as no surprise, since the researchers know that social learning plays a crucial role in song
development for pied flycatchers. However, they discovered that translocated males did not just learn any Swedish
song element — they learned those elements most similar to their ancestral Dutch population. This meant their
songs did not completely overlap (重叠) with Swedish ones but resembled (相似) both Swedish and Dutch songs.
This suggests that the translocated males are genetically predisposed (倾向) to learn songs of their ancestral Dutch
population.
These findings show how genetic differences within a species can contribute to cultural change. According
to the researchers, as songs continue to diverge (趋异) between these two populations, the genetic predispositions
may also become more distinct. Eventually, birds from the local population may not recognize immigrants from
other populations as part of their own species as regional variations tend to become more pronounced over time.
This co-evolution between genes and songs may reduce the likelihood of birds from different populations mating
with each other, driving the formation of new species.
1．What do we know about the translocated pied flycatchers?
A．They failed to finish their migration to Africa.
B．They were brought up by native Swedish birds.
C．They returned to the Netherlands as adult birds.
D．They refused to mate with local Swedish birds.
2．What’s a factor affecting a pied flycatcher’s song learning?
A．Migration routes.
B．Food sources.
C．Environmental noises.
D．Genetic predispositions.
3．What does the underlined word “pronounced” in the last paragraph probably mean?
A．Remarkable.
B．Complex.
C．Mysterious.
D．Changeable.
4．What is the best title for the text?
A．Social Learning Is Impacting Bird Songs
B．The Migration Journey of Pied Flycatchers
C．Cultural Differences Among Bird Populations
D．Genetic Song Preferences May Shape New Species
Passage 4
In the 1970s, scientists put hungry pigeons (鸽子) into a long box and taught them that a flashing light at
one end of the box signified the appearance of food at the other end. At first, the pigeons largely ignored the light
and spent time at the side of the box near the food. But over time, the light drew the pigeons. The birds would
spend so much time pecking (啄) at the light that they even had no time to get the food.
“Today people are exactly like the pigeons,” says Peter Balsam, a professor of psychology at Columbia
University, “because we carry around a device that causes this strange behavior: our phones.”
Phones — as well as their social media platforms, texting apps and video games — can trick us into
quitting seeking out what we truly need in our lives. We start to value, desire and even become addicted to signals
on our devices that we associate with our fundamental needs, like a sense of belonging. “As social creatures,
people are driven to find social interaction just as attractive as food, water and salt,” says the neuroscientist Read
Montague at Virginia Tech.
Phones and apps provide sights and sounds that signal the possibility of belonging, much as the light in the
pigeons’ box signaled food. The content on social media and texting apps cannot fulfill people’s need for in-
person interactions and relationships. Instead, it represents a kind of “skeletal” version of a real social life.
Montague has long maintained a rule for his teenage children: they can only use their phones in family
gathering areas, such as the living room, but never in their bedrooms. Restricting phone access doesn’t mean
denying children the pleasures in life. Instead, he explains that spending time alone in their rooms can block their
social connection. He points out that such behavior is not desirable, as it may lead to feelings of loneliness, and
advises them to engage with real people personally.
1．What happened to the pigeons in the experiment over time?
A．They found the flashing light frightening.
B．They focused more on the light than the food.
C．They got used to waiting for food near the light.
D．They learned to get food by pecking at the light.
2．Why does Peter Balsam compare people to the pigeons?
A．Both tend to ignore their real needs.
B．Both attach great importance to teamwork.
C．Both have difficulty giving up their bad habits.
D．Both show strong adaptability to the environment.
3．Which of the following may Montague agree with?
A．Teenagers should be banned from phones.
B．Social interaction is essential for human beings.
C．Feeling lonely is a normal phenomenon for teenagers.
D．Playing phones may negatively influence teenagers’ concentration.
4．What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A．To warn against phone addiction.
B．To introduce a classic experiment.
C．To handle the lack of social interaction.
D．To emphasize the importance of social media.
Passage 5
In an era when screens dominate our daily lives, digital eye strain has emerged as a significant public health
issue affecting millions worldwide. Digital eye strain, which is characterized by a range of symptoms such as
dryness, watering, burning, and even double vision, extends beyond mere discomfort to signal the potential
presence of long-term conditions that can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life and productivity.
When we are focusing on digital displays, our blink (眨眼) rate falls, and our eyes strain to maintain focus
on near objects for extended periods. Reduced blinking and sustained near focus can give rise to eye issues. These
symptoms are often short-lived, but if left untreated, they can become ongoing and very difficult to deal with.
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple but effective strategy for protecting our eyes against digital strain. Every 20
minutes, take a 20-second break to focus on something 20 feet away. This brief break allows our eye muscles to
relax, reducing the strain associated with constant near-focus work. Environmental factors also play a fundamental
role in maintaining eye comfort during screen use. Proper lighting, adequate humidity, and good air quality can
significantly affect eye health.
Emerging therapies, which are being developed to tackle the growing problem of screen-caused eye
damage, offer new hope for the more effective management of digital eye strain. Among these, novel TRPM8
agonists (激动剂) — acting like precise keys — show great potential in relieving dry-eye discomfort.
In this digital age, it’s important to take measures to protect our vision. By recognizing the signs of digital
eye strain, implementing protective strategies, and seeking timely professional care, we can reduce the risks
associated with our screen-dependent lifestyles.
1．Which factor is related to digital eye strain?
A．Blinking for a long time.
B．Looking at many objects.
C．The change of near focus.
D．A decrease in blinking.
2．What does paragraph 3 mainly talk about?
A．Eye symptom types.
B．Relative treatment methods.
C．Eye protection strategies.
D．Professional exam processes.
3．What can we know about the TRPM8 agonists from the text?
A．Their effect remains uncertain.
B．Their future is promising.
C．They are precise keys.
D．They require further research.
4．What does the underlined word “implementing” mean in paragraph 5?
A．Evaluating.
B．Carrying out.
C．Producing.
D．Drawing up.
Passage 6
In our exploration of literature this month, My Name is Miene stands out as an appealing comic essay that
has captured the hearts of many on social media. The fictional character, Miene, is a blind kitten who finds herself
in a risky situation after getting separated from her mother and hurting her paw, all while being chased by a crow.
Ultimately, she is rescued and finds a home with a caring family. The narrative follows Miene’s comedic yet
poignant journey as she navigates the frightening world around her, struggling against her fears and pain. Her
perception of life, relying on her other senses instead of sight, offers a heartwarming perspective that encourages
readers to cheer for her.
One striking feature of this work is its substantial amount of text. The book is loaded with a remarkable
amount of written content, surprising for a comic essay, filled with hand-drawn letters that create an extraordinary
rhythm between the illustrations. The combination of text and visuals is so impressive that readers often laugh out
loud when recalling its funny moments, even after closing the book.
Furthermore, the book includes notable literary references, providing insights into classic works and
figures. The rich narrative not only entertains but also evokes a profound appreciation for life and existence. A
particularly touching scene is when the lady of the house, Rina, decides to adopt Miene, extending her hand and
saying, “I will give you my twenty years”, which showcases the deep commitment one needs to take on such
responsibility.
Despite Rina’s heartfelt intentions, Miene dashes around energetically, representing the spirit of adventure
and resilience. This portrayal resonates with anyone who has faced trials but still embraces life bravely, making
the reading experience both enjoyable and meaningful. There are numerous interesting works that can make one
lose track of time, and such a unique narrative is surely not to be missed.
1．What can be inferred about Miene from paragraph 1?
A．Her story integrates struggles and warmth.
B．She fails to fit in with her new family.
C．Her disability makes her a bitter character.
D．She injured her paw while chasing a crow.
2．What sets the book apart from other comic essays?
A．It contains abundant written content.
B．It weighs visuals over written text.
C．It brings greater amusement to readers. D．It is the first to combine text and visuals.
3．What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 3 convey?
A．Rina’s affection for classic works.
B．Rina’s commitment to animal charity.
C．Rina’s reflection on life and existence.
D．Rina’s lasting promise to attend to Miene.
4．What is the author’s main purpose in writing this passage?
A．To call on people to adopt homeless disabled animals.
B．To show how pictures make stories easier to understand.
C．To present a touching comic essay and analyze its highlights.
D．To prove that literary references make essays more attractive.
Passage 7
Many people are choosing plant-based foods today. Drinks like oat and almond milk are very popular. But
there’s one food that still has people divided — vegan (纯素的) cheese. Many cheese lovers find it hard to accept
this replacement. Most people say it just doesn’t taste or feel like real cheese, so it hasn’t gained the same
popularity as other plant-based products.
A company in Berlin, Germany, called Formo, wants to fix that. Formo uses fermentation (发酵), a process
that helps grow healthy proteins using microbes (微生物), to turn existing vegan cheese into something creamy
and cheesy.
Raffael Wohlgensinger, who founded Formo, is a big cheese fan. He was unhappy with the vegan cheese he
found in stores. He also wanted to make cheese that is better for the planet. Regular cheese comes from cows, and
cows need a lot of space, water, and food. They also produce methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to
climate change. But there’s a problem: most vegan cheeses are made with things like coconut oil, and they don’t
have the same melt, or taste as dairy cheese.
In 2023, Formo raised $61 million and began selling their vegan cream cheese in over 2,000 stores in
Germany. They plan to come to the U.S. in 2027 and establish a dominant presence there. Formo is also testing
precision fermentation. This is where microbes are applied to make real milk proteins without using cows. These
proteins can help the cheese melt and stretch just like dairy cheese! The hope is that one day, these tasty vegan
cheeses will be cheaper, better for the Earth, and loved by everyone — even big cheese fans.
Why is this important? Because making cheese in this new way could help protect the planet. Formo hopes
their prices will go down over time, so more people can afford vegan cheese. They believe microbes can help
make tasty, healthy, and planet-friendly cheese for the future.
1．How does the author introduce the topic in paragraph 1?
A．By presenting a contrast.
B．By quoting a scientific study.
C．By explaining a new technology.
D．By giving examples of popular foods.
2．Why does the author mention regular cheese?
A．To introduce the history of cheese making.
B．To explain why regular cheese is more popular.
C．To stress the difficulty of making vegan cheese.
D．To show the advantages of Formo’s vegan cheese.
3．What will Formo do in the future?
A．Stop adding coconut oil.
B．Focus on domestic market.
C．Make products more accessible.
D．Abandon precision fermentation.
4．What can be a suitable title for the text?
A．Popular Plant-Based Drinks and Foods
B．Environmental Problems Caused by Cows
C．Making Tasty Vegan Cheese with Microbes
D．The Development of German Food Companies
Passage 8
Most of us have experienced being introduced to someone new only to forget his name within seconds. But
why is it often easy to remember a person’s face but so difficult to remember what he’s called?
A new video explains that the phenomenon is due to the way our brains process arbitrary data. The video,
called “Why do you forget their names?”, was produced by Mitchell Moffit and Greg Brown. The pair explained
that our brains are born to recognize facial details and that specific brain cells fire in response to seeing a face.
The University of Toronto, for example, found when looking for faces in a crowd the frontal cortex ( 前额
叶皮层) sends signals to the posterior visual cortex (后视觉皮层) to enhance what the person was looking at. But
because names are random and hold no specific information in themselves, the brain struggles to remember them.
The video continued to show when meeting people for the first time, many of us focus on introducing
ourselves and this is known as the “next-in-line effect”. Instead of watching and listening to the other person, the
brain starts focusing on its own routine — what I’ll say and how I’ll say it. As a result we’re not able to take in
new information.
In an experiment by Texas Christian University, researchers asked people in a group to take turns
introducing themselves. They then tested them to see which information they remembered. A participant’s
memory was accurate for each fellow group member except for the person who spoke before them. For these
people, the participants failed to recall any or little information.
Also, brains have both short-and long-term memory and the short-term memory is often called “working
memory”. This can only hold so much information and if the brain doesn’t focus, or repeat it, the information
fades.
1．What may make names hard to remember?
A．Names are regarded as useless information.
B．There is little detailed information in names.
C．Names are specific to each individual person.
D．The human brain responds to names too slowly.
2．What do we know about the “next-in-line effect” mentioned in Paragraph 4?
A．It makes it hard to identify a person.
B．It causes a temporary loss of memory.
C．It worsens the ability to listen to others.
D．It blocks the reception of new information.
3．What does the author intend to do in Paragraph 5?
A．Add some background information.
B．Introduce a new topic for discussion.
C．Explain the previous paragraph further.
D．Provide another experiment for reference.
4．What does the text mainly tell us?
A．Whether you prefer some names to others.
B．Why you cannot remember people’s names.
C．What influences your memory of specific names.
D．How much information you can get from names.
Passage 9
A new robot inspired by desert tumbleweeds (风滚草) could mark the start of new exploration. The device,
called HERMES, uses passing winds to roll across the ground, which is much like the dry plant balls that wander
across deserts. The creator Sanjay Manoharan first had the idea while watching people enjoy the power of the
wind on a stormy winter day. These dry plant coverings may look random, but they travel long distances and
spread seeds effectively. Curious about their motion, Sanjay Manoharan and his team combined computer models
with wind-tunnel tests to see how such a light, open structure can move in a clear direction.
“Nature had already perfected this art long before us,” Manoharan explained. “In the upright position, the
upper half, being more open, allowed airflow to pass through freely. In contrast, the lower half was more packed
and thus offered greater resistance. This asymmetry changes how the air flows around the plant and creates
pushing forces. As a result, when the wind blows, the ball begins to roll forward.”
Using printing equipment, engineers created a lightweight shell with more holes on one side than the other.
The end result is a robot built on one of nature’s most elegant designs. In field tests, HERMES rolled in a gentle
wind, climbed slopes (斜坡) and sent back position data. It not only required far less power to cross the same
course than a robot requiring constant control, but finished the task faster than its counterpart.
However, wind is not always available. To keep the robot useful on still days, the team placed a tiny flying
device inside the shell. It can give HERMES a short push, turn it in a new direction or let it lift briefly into the air.
Most of the time, HERMES stays passive, spending no energy while the wind moves it. When motion stops, it
uses only a short burst of power, and similar designs could one day explore disaster zones, minefields or even the
windy surface of Mars.
1．Why was Sanjay Manoharan curious about tumbleweeds?
A．They are similar to some robots.
B．They can take advantage of wind.
C．They are good at spreading seeds.
D．They can make directional movement.
2．What does the underlined word “asymmetry” mean in paragraph 2?
A．Heavy core.
B．Uneven structure.
C．Natural growth.
D．Irregular movement.
3．What was HERMES’s main advantage?
A．Its superior energy efficiency.
B．Its strong climbing ability.
C．Its great positioning function.
D．Its new lightweight material.
4．What can be inferred about HERMES from the last paragraph?
A．It prioritizes speed in the rescue.
B．It relies on a small device to operate.
C．It can change its path without wind.
D．It will consume power in most cases.
Passage 10
Looking at visual art can significantly improve your wellbeing, a new study confirms. This benefit is not
limited to art galleries; it can also be experienced in hospitals and even through virtual reality. The research
suggests that simply observing artworks helps people find meaning in life and promotes personal growth, a
concept known as eudemonic (与自我实现有关的) wellbeing.
The study, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, reviewed 38 previous studies involving over
6,800 participants. Conducted by psychologists from universities in Vienna, Dublin, and Berlin, it provides the
first clear overview of how art viewing supports mental health. Unlike earlier research which was inconsistent,
this comprehensive review shows that various art forms — including paintings, photography, and sculptures —
can reduce stress and lift moods in different settings.
Experts now urge healthcare providers to include art in mental health strategies. MacKenzie Trupp, the lead
author, notes that art is often seen as a luxury. However, their findings prove it is a low-cost, accessible resource
that can serve as both a hobby and a health intervention. By changing how we view art, society can integrate it
into everyday environments to support public health.
Claire Howlin, an assistant professor involved in the study, highlights that while creating art is well-
researched, viewing it has been undervalued. Yet, art is everywhere — in museums, hospitals, and homes.
Understanding its impact can open new ways to help people cope with life’s challenges. Since 2019, the World
Health Organization has recommended using creative approaches alongside medical care to build self-esteem and
positive identities.
As health departments seek evidence on which arts suit specific medical needs, this review offers crucial
guidance. It paves the way for larger future studies, confirming that engaging with art is not just a pleasant activity
but a powerful tool for enhancing human wellbeing and finding purpose in a chaotic world.
1．What is the main advantage of viewing art according to the new study?
A．It helps people earn more money.
B．It offers a sense of life meaning.
C．It teaches skills to create paintings.
D．It replaces traditional medical treatments.
2．What can be inferred about the previous research on art viewing?
A．It was too expensive to conduct.
B．It focused only on hospital settings.
C．It lacked consistent and clear findings.
D．It proved art was merely a luxury item.
3．Why do experts suggest integrating art into public health strategies?
A．Because it is cheap and easy to get.
B．Because it requires professional training.
C．Because it is only available in galleries.
D．Because it guarantees a cure for diseases.
4．What is the author’s attitude towards the future of art in healthcare?
A．Doubtful.
B．Critical.
C．Hopeful.
D．Indifferent.
Passage 11
Modern agriculture’s pursuit of higher yields is silently destroying the very foundation of our food system:
soil resilience ( 韧劲). This vital concept refers to the capacity of soil to resist, adapt to and recover from
disturbances — whether from routine farming or extreme environmental events such as droughts and floods. A
recent comprehensive study found that widespread intensive practices like plowing, fertilizer application, and
irrigation are steadily weakening this critical capacity. While boosting short-term production, these methods
remove precious organic matter, compact (压实) the ground, and disturb its delicate ecosystem. Consequently,
soils become less able to cope with stresses, leading to worsening erosion ( 侵蚀) and declining long-term
productivity.
The research, published in the journal NPJ Sustainable Agriculture, identifies several severe threats. The
foremost is erosion driven by over-ploughing and deforestation, which removes fertile layers that took centuries to
develop. Other major risks include pollution from pesticides and microplastics, as well as compaction from heavy
machinery. Scientists emphasize that soil supports around 95% of global food production and stores more carbon
than all the world’s forests combined and the decline of it is therefore a profound environmental crisis.
According to lead author Dr. Alison Carswell, healthy resilient soils are central not only to the foundation
of food security but also to biodiversity and climate stability. She cautions that many current practices risk
pushing farming systems toward permanent “tipping points” of collapse — points of no return — threatening
global trade and stability. These complex challenges demand our attention.
The path forward requires farmers to balance immediate productivity with long-term soil health.
Alternatives ranging from conservation farming to integrated pest management can help restore resilience.
However, most solutions involve difficult choices, or difficult compromises, demanding a strategic shift in land
management. With the UN estimating one-third of global soils already damaged, and food demand rising, the call
for change is increasingly urgent. This pressing issue affects everyone. As Dr. Carswell concludes, “Breaking the
cycle of soil damage is possible, but it demands a fundamental rethinking — prioritizing resilience for the coming
decades, not just the next season.”
1．How does the author explain soil resilience?
A．By giving examples.
B．By defining it directly.
C．By making a comparison.
D．By citing research findings.
2．What does the underlined word “it” refer to in paragraph 2?
A．Food production.
B．Carbon storage.
C．The forest. D．The soil.
3．What does Dr. Carswell advocate?
A．Valuing present farming methods.
B．Prioritizing short-term productivity.
C．Focusing on long-term soil health.
D．Raising farming productivity greatly.
4．What can be the best title for the text?
A．Modern Agriculture Is Destroying Soil.
B．Technology Is Revolutionizing Farming.
C．Land Management Needs Urgent Change.
D．Food Security Requires Rethinking Now.
Passage 12
High school students are on the point of entering a very different job market from previous generations.
Tech and economic experts mostly agree that AI will change many jobs and may make some disappear
completely. And basic jobs are likely to be influenced early in this change. Although employment is still rather
high among all groups, it has dropped a little for 20-to 24-year-olds recently.
Dario Amodei, CEO of a tech company, believes that AI could take away as many as half of all simple
white-collar (白领的) jobs within the next few years, though other people in the tech industry expect smaller
changes. Finding a job in computer science — a field that until recently was seen as a great way to get a well-paid
and steady job — has already become much more competitive, as AI does more of that work, thus narrowing
down the job chances.
Meanwhile, high schools are trying their best to decide how to teach students about AI and whether
students should be allowed to use it in their studies. Many students are using it whether they are allowed to or not.
A 2024 Pew Research Center study shows that half of US teens said they had used ChatGPT to do their
homework. All this is changing how some young people plan for college and their jobs. Some are choosing to
work in practical fields like healthcare that seem more reliable, while others are learning how to use AI in their
future jobs.
If you ask people working in tech, they will probably tell you that learning to use AI is the best way for
high school students to prepare for a successful and long-term job. “AI may not take your job, but someone who
has AI skills will take it instead,” said Colette Stallbaumer, general manager of Microsoft 365 Copilot. With this
opinion, she asks students to think carefully: “Are you using AI to try new ideas? To make an app? Are you even
using it as a study tool?”
1．What are high school students facing?
A．A sudden economic depression.
B．A distinct employment situation.
C．A new job market full of chances.
D．A dramatic change in labor work.
2．Why are jobs in computer science more competitive?
A．They decrease in number.
B．They demand higher skills.
C．They attract fewer learners.
D．They become less well-paid.
3．What can be inferred about US teens?
A．They tend to choose AI in practical domains. B．They are allowed to adopt AI in their exams.
C．Their plans for their future are free of AI use. D．Their reliance on AI can shape their options.
4．What is Colette Stallbaumer’s attitude to students’ AI use?
A．Critical.
B．Objective.
C．Supportive.
D．Disapproving.
Passage 13
As the world’s demand for electricity keeps rising, driven by data centers, advanced factories and electric
transport, scientists are searching for ways to consume electricity more productively rather than simply producing
more of it. In the United States, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have now developed a
tiny but powerful device that may help meet this challenge. Called ULIS, the new power module ( 模块) can
deliver more energy, waste less, and take up far less space than traditional systems.
A power module controls how electricity flows between different parts of a system. What makes ULIS
special is its use of silicon carbide, a material that allows electricity to switch on and off extremely fast. Thanks to
this, ULIS can pack about five times more power into the same space as older designs. Smaller and lighter, it can
also operate more efficiently, meaning that more of the available electricity is turned into useful energy instead of
being lost as heat.
Even more impressive is its “ultra-low inductance”. In simple terms, this means that electrical resistance
inside the device is greatly reduced, so currents can change direction quickly and smoothly. As a result, ULIS
converts (转化) power with much higher efficiency. Not only does this save energy, but it also lowers costs, since
less cooling and fewer heavy materials are needed.
Reliability is another key feature. Built to work in tough conditions, ULIS can monitor itself and warn of
possible failures in advance. Such ability gives it a significant competitive edge in being used in aircraft and even
military equipment, where a small fault can lead to serious consequences.
To make production easier and cheaper, the researchers will redesign the module into a flat, compact (紧凑
的) structure and replace current materials with flexible ones. This will allow ULIS to be produced with common
tools at much lower cost. It can even be controlled wirelessly, making it easy to connect with different systems.
Looking ahead, ULIS could be used in data centers, electric planes, and future energy networks. By generating
more usable power from the same supply, this tiny device shows how smart design, rather than simply more fuel,
may shape the future of global energy.
1．Why is ULIS designed?
A．To use power more efficiently.
B．To produce more electricity.
C．To cut down transportation costs.
D．To store energy for long-term use.
2．What does paragraph 2 focus on?
A．The components of ULIS.
B．The advantages of silicon carbide.
C．The function of power modules.
D．The secret behind ULIS’ superiority.
3．What makes ULIS a good choice for aircraft?
A．Its flexibility.
B．Its lightweight design.
C．Its early warning system.
D．Its high-speed current switching.
4．What is the researchers’ next move?
A．To test the current wireless version.
B．To upgrade the device for wider use.
C．To abandon common tools to cut ULIS costs.
D．To replace silicon carbide with cheaper metals.
Passage 14
The concept of the “Monday Blues” is widely recognized, but its profound biological impact is only now
being fully understood. Beyond the typical groan that greets the workweek, Mondays are statistically linked to
increased anxiety, stress, and even serious health risks like heart attacks. Recent research has moved past
documenting this pattern to uncovering its deep-seated physiological roots, revealing that Monday stress can leave
a lasting mark on the body.
A key study focused on cortisol (皮质醇), the body’s primary stress hormone (激素). Researchers used data
from a large long-term study of older adults, combining self-reported anxiety levels with a novel biological
measure: cortisol extracted from hair samples. This method uniquely captures total stress exposure over months,
moving beyond fleeting daily changes to assess long-term physiological burden.
The findings were significant. Individuals who reported feeling anxious specifically on Mondays showed,
on average, 23% higher long-term cortisol levels compared to those anxious on other days. Strikingly, this effect
was not limited to current workers; it persisted strongly among retirees. This suggests the “Monday effect” goes
beyond immediate job pressures, potentially becoming a deep-rooted, lifelong stress response.
Why does Monday have such a unique influence? Experts propose several explanations. The sudden
transition from weekend freedom to weekly structure creates inner stress. Additionally, Mondays often bring
heightened uncertainty about the week ahead, a known driver of anxiety. For some, this weekly cycle may disturb
the body’s stress system over decades, raising long-term risks for conditions like cardiovascular disease ( 心血管
疾病) and depression.
These insights transform Monday stress from a minor trouble into a potential public health concern. They
emphasize the need for targeted interventions, such as mindfulness practices or structured weekend transitions, to
reduce this weekly peak. Future research aiming to identify why some individuals remain resilient (心理韧性)
could pave the way for personalized strategies, helping people start the week with greater resilience rather than
weakening stress.
1．Why did the researchers analyze cortisol from hair samples?
A．Because hair samples can show a person’s stress level instantly.
B．Because it is a cheaper and faster way than traditional blood tests.
C．Because it can clearly distinguish between work stress and life stress.
D．Because this method can measure total stress exposure over a long period.
2．Why did the study include both working people and retirees?
A．To prove that retirees have a lower stress level overall.
B．To compare stress hormone levels between different age groups.
C．To test whether the “Monday effect” is only related to job pressure.
D．To find out which group benefits more from mindfulness practices.
3．Which of the following is a suggested way to reduce Monday stress?
A．Taking longer vacations every month.
B．Changing jobs to avoid Monday work pressure.
C．Ignoring the weekly schedule and following one’s own rhythm.
D．Adopting mindfulness or creating a smoother transition into the new week.
4．What does the author think of “Monday stress”?
A．A minor personal trouble that most people can ignore.
B．A serious public health issue that needs attention and action.
C．A psychological problem only for those who are weak-minded.
D．A temporary trend that will disappear as work patterns change.
Passage 15
Are you a logical, precise thinker or more free-spirited and artistic? If you believe you’re the former, you
might be labeled “left-brained”; if the latter, then “right-brained.” The belief that the right brain is for creativity
and the left is for analytical thinking and that our individual characteristics are determined by which half is
dominant (主导的) is widespread in popular psychology. It has even given rise to a small industry of self-help
books, personality tests and training materials that claim to help you improve your brain functions.
However, the idea that people are either left-brained or right-brained is a myth. Although we all obviously
have different personalities and talents, modern brain research hasn’t found any evidence of left or right brain
dominance. One serious problem of this view is its one-sided definition of human abilities. Math, for instance,
which requires logical thought, is generally associated with the left brain, but it is also a profoundly creative
activity. So would a gifted mathematician be a right-brained person or a left-brained person? Likewise, artistic
creativity isn’t just uncontrolled emotion. Many of the greatest works of art are products of thorough, precise
thought.
Like many modern myths, the myth of right-brained and left-brained people is rooted in a bit of real
science. Much of our knowledge in this area comes from the 1940s’ study of so-called split brain patients, whose
brain hemispheres (半球) were surgically separated to treat severe diseases. The study showed that the right half
was better at spatial tasks, while the left was better at language and problem-solving. However, the real division of
labor is far more complex than creativity on the right and logic on the left.
Then, why do so many people believe it? It may have something to do with our seemingly unlimited desire
to sort ourselves into simple “types”. It works in a similar way to the famous psychological phenomenon known
as the Barnum Effect: when people are offered general personality descriptions that seem specially individualized
for them, such as those in MBTI test, they tend to accept them as meaningful and accurate — particularly if the
descriptions are positives. The myth is popular, in the end, because it gives us a “scientific” way to talk about our
favorite subject — ourselves.
1．What is probably the meaning of the underlined word “myth” in Para. 2?
A．A false belief.
B．A mysterious idea.
C．An imaginary concept.
D．An ancient story.
2．What can be known about a gifted mathematician?
A．His left brain is dominant.
B．His right brain is dominant.
C．Both brains are equally strong.
D．Neither of his brains is strong.
3．Why do so many people believe the left-brain/right-brain theory?
A．It satisfies their mental needs.
B．It uses the Barnum Effect.
C．It gives an accurate description.
D．It offers positive feedback.
4．Which best describes the left-brain/right-brain theory?
A．It is scientifically proven.
B．It is rather oversimplified.
C．It is highly objective.
D．It is entirely groundless.
