专题08 阅读理解七选五
Passage 1
(2025 年全国一卷)An Unsung Hero
Need a break between classes or just a quick pick-me-up in the morning? The College Cafe has just that, and
more. _____3
6 _____
Catherine Murphy, a cafe worker in a green shirt and black hat, makes sure that each customer gets exactly
what they order. She goes back and forth between machines to make the drinks. _____3
7 _____
As the customer
grabs the drink from her hand, she smiles and says, “Hello, how is your day?” Even when the line is getting longer,
she doesn’t let it get in the way of her genuine conversations.
Murphy gets up at a quarter to five and drives thirty minutes every day to get to work on time. _____3
8 _____
“I do so because I like to make coffee for the students. I know they need it in the morning,” Murphy said. Being a
mother and wife has helped her become the woman she is. She believes she is here to serve.
One thing Murphy may not know is that her smile is contagious (有感染力) and can be the difference in a
student having a much better day than they were having before seeing her. Joanna Wright, a senior political science
major, loves coffee and goes to the cafe at least six days a week. _____3
9 ____
“Catherine always has a huge smile
on her face, which always puts me in a cheerful mood,” Wright said.
“I enjoy working in the cafe,” Murphy said. _____
40
_____
She has every intention of staying and continuing
doing what she loves.
A. The cafe closes at 9 pm every day.
B. She has two children aged eight and four.
C Sometimes she arrives early to serve the students early.
D. After finishing an order, she calls out the name on the cup.
E. Not only does this cafe serve up drinks, it also serves up smiles.
F. Going to the cafe starts her day off good and gets her ready for class.
G. She has served here for 17 years and can’t imagine working anywhere else.
Passage 2
(2025 年全国二卷)Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering as a Family
Are you looking for a way to bring your family together? Hoping to find a hobby that can be shared by both
the little ones and adults? ___16___ You may know the “feel-good” emotions that come with helping others, but
there are even more unexpected ways volunteering will positively affect the whole family.
●You’ll feel like you have more time.
People often feel they are too busy to volunteer. Yet, research has found that giving your time to community
causes actually makes you feel like you have more of it. ___17___
●You can live longer if you volunteer regularly.
___18___ Washington University found that adults 55 and older who volunteered had better memory and
maintained overall health longer than others their age. Volunteers are also more likely to look after their own health
and are more focused on adding physical activity into their lives.
● ___19___
Volunteering during teenage years has been linked to some major positive effects such as improved grades and
increased self-confidence. These effects aren’t just short-term but have been proved to affect a teen’s well-being in
the years to come.
●You’ll have more time with family.
Families who volunteer together have the unique experience of working toward a common goal. ___20___
Everyone brings something unique to the table and can connect with each other in a new way. And, there are tasks
for every age and ability, so all your children can feel proud of their work.
A. Helping the community lowers rates of depression.
B. Volunteering as a family may be just the thing you need.
C. Volunteering has a lifelong effect on kids and teenagers.
D. Volunteering can be the first step in breaking down prejudice.
E. For adults, volunteering can provide significant physical health benefits.
F. You may even learn that your kid has a talent you didn’t know about before.
G. Volunteering makes you feel capable and inspires you to make the most of each day.
Passage 3
(2025 年北京卷)What is adulthood? Societies all over the world view the concept of an adult as self-
supporting and self-directed, because it identifies a point in the life cycle.
As Alice Black points out, today’s parents’ fear of letting kids do more housework has added to their inability
to feel competent and, thus, confident in themselves. Psychologist Robert Turner wrote about this in his book, The
Life Cycle, mentioning a stage when kids learn self-direction and mastery. ____35____
But Turner’s other cycles are just as important. ____36____ If these life cycles are delayed, interrupted, or
denied, you feel incapable of accessing your states of self, controlling unpleasant feelings, and manipulating (操控)
the energy that puts together the fabric of your inner world.
Turner wisely said that “doing well” psychologically is being able to roll with the flow of emotions, manage
them, communicate clearly and well with others, and master various skills. This requires an internal locus (核心) of
control, which implies self-control of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. ____37____ You’re self-directed and
not reliant on the world to tell you who you are. And you know who you are within all this.
So, being an adult isn’t just holding a job. Being an adult is about having a rooted sense of self while being
capable of identifying and managing your emotions and actions. ____38____ We are a social species, so this is
important.
While raising an adult is a parent’s job, it’s also our responsibility as a society to ensure that we support
schools that nurture (培养) emotional and identity development. ____39____
A. It’s also our job to support adults who need help repairing incomplete life cycles.
B. They talk about someone’s inability to support themselves through work.
C. It’s being able to show understanding when communicating with others.
D. In other words, you’re playing the game of life — life isn’t playing you.
E. They teach emotional awareness and management as well as identity.
F. You feel like an 18-year old, especially when playing 80s music.
G. When this stage is denied it creates a sense of insecurity.
Passage 4
(2025 年1 月浙江卷)One of the most common mistakes in communication is trying to do too much.
____36____ There’s no value in delivering any kind of communication, whether written, spoken, formal, or
informal, if the message doesn’t come across clearly. Being clear and brief — while maintaining interest and
including everything your listeners need to know — is a high-level communication skill.
Here are some tips worth following in order to communicate more effectively.
Keep your audience in mind.
Your audience will naturally be more interested and engaged when you tailor your communications to their
interests. ____37____ This will engage their desire to understand and interact with the information.
Don’t use ten words when one will do.
Even the most engaged and committed audience will eventually get bored. Keeping your message simple and
clear will make it easier for people to understand. ____38____ However, they’re hearing it for the first time. Keep
it simple.
____39____
If you’ve ever worked as an instructor, manager, trainer or coach, you’ll know that there are few better ways to
learn new information than to teach it. Ask the audience to contribute their ideas or to take a role in explaining new
concepts and policies to others. Allow them to lead discussions and meetings to develop their communication skills.
Consider the best method to deliver your message.
If the information you’re communicating isn’t urgent, consider sending an email. Written communication will
give your audience more time to review it, think it over, and follow up with questions. ____40____
Building effective communication skills takes time but the effects are worth the effort.
A. Be patient.
B. Get the audience involved.
C. The best messages are often simple.
D. Speak directly to what matters to them.
E. You may be surprised by what your listeners offer.
F. It will also give them a handy record to refer back to.
G. As the speaker, you already know what you’re going to say.
Passage 1
(2025·广东深圳·5 月高考适应性考试)In literature, flat and round characters offer distinct approaches to
character development. Flat characters are defined by a singular symbolic characteristic. 16 For example,
the evil stepmothers in traditional fairy tales are flat characters, serving to drive the story with their simplicity.
By contrast, Jia Baoyu in Dream of the Red Chamber exemplifies (举例说明) round characters, defined by
inner conflicts, contradictions, and personal growth. 17 They reflect the unpredictability of humanity,
making them more relatable and dynamic to readers.
In earlier literary works, flat characters often symbolized heroic ideals, such as the brave heroes in The
Odyssey. As society moves away from idealized heroes, literature focuses more on characters’ personal struggles,
reflecting how writers began to see humanity in a more complex way. With the rise of realism in the 19th century,
round characters gained popularity, as seen in Jane Eyre, which allowed for the exploration of personal identity and
internal conflict. 18
However, not every character that appears in a story needs to be deep. 19 Imagine the main
character is taking a taxi to a hotel. If we make the taxi driver a round character, the focus could shift from the main
character to the taxi driver, potentially taking attention away from the main plot.
20 They together create tension and richness in a literary work. Flat characters provide clarity and
focus, simplifying themes and making them accessible to readers. Meanwhile, round characters reveal human
complexity, showing life beyond black and white.
A.Neither type of characters is better than the other.
B.Such characters stand out for complexity and depth.
C.We don’t get heartfelt backstory to enrich their roles.
D.If flat characters are round, they may “steal the show”.
E.This shows how literature reflects evolving social views.
F.Round characters are more engaging than flat characters.
G.They are more like a spotlight, drawing attention to one aspect.
Passage 2
(2025·湖北省武汉市第二中学·二次模拟)We tend to think that our success is limited because of lack of
money, time, and energy, but this is not necessarily true. Lack of self-worth is often the biggest roadblock on our
path to living a fulfilling life. Not all of us recognize our individual worth and the contributions we make to the
world. 16
It might seem natural to measure your value by your income, physical appearance, job title, or social media
popularity. 17 Because these aspects of your life can change at any moment, it’s more useful to
consider inner values such as compassion, generosity, leadership, respect, and kindness. 18 We all
have a self-talk that points out our shortcomings and failures. Whenever you begin criticizing yourself, stop and
pause for a minute. Consider the virtue of what this voice is telling you. Is what you hear an objective fact? Is it
useful and kind? If the answer is no, then this criticism is not worth paying attention to.
You alone are responsible for your self-worth. Regardless of other people’s words, thoughts, and opinions
about you, you can still choose how you view yourself. 19 Don’t wait for people to confirm your
value. Instead, do it with your internal dialogue and your actions.
We all mess up sometimes — it’s part of being human. 20 It’s easy to extend kindness and
forgiveness to others, but you have to do yourself the same favor. There’s no point in worrying about your mistakes
or upsetting over the not-so-good decisions from the past. Self-compassion is about believing that you are worthy
of love regardless of what you do or fail to do.
A.Don’t let your inner critic rule your thoughts.
B.What matters is what you think about yourself.
C.All these do not determine your value and self-worth.
D.But when you do, you must forgive yourself and let it go.
E.Treat yourself with the love and care that others give you.
F.However, you can build self-worth by practicing self-care.
G.Pay attention to the perceptions about where you should be.
Passage 3
(2025·山东省实验中学·二次模拟)Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 to remind people
worldwide to protect our planet. It was initially celebrated in 1970 when millions of Americans came together to
protest pollution and environmental damage. This first Earth Day led to new environmental laws and inspired
people in over 190 countries to take action. 36
The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET”. This year’s focus is on renewable
energy, with a goal to triple clean electricity worldwide by 2030. 37 For example, schools, businesses
and governments are encouraged to work together to decrease carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and generate
green power.
Earth Day teaches us that small actions matter. For example, planting trees with EARTHDAY. ORG’s
Canopy Project helps fight climate change. 38 Do you know micro-plastics are now found in food like
seafood and tea? Earth Day encourages solutions like reusable bags or non-poisonous pest control to keep families
and pets safe.
39 Schools can organize environmental protection-themed classes, where students discuss ways to
reduce their environmental footprints in daily life. Educational institutions can organize various activities to raise
people’s awareness of environmental protection and inspire them to make better choices, like using solar energy or
supporting sustainable businesses.
Earth Day’s message is clear: Our planet’s health depends on us and it requires our continuous efforts. We
can start with small actions in our daily life, such as reducing waste,using public transportation, and participating in
tree-planting activities. 40
A.Education is key to saving the planet.
B.Your actions today shape tomorrow’s Earth!
C.It calls for joint efforts to achieve the target.
D.It encourages everyone to play a role in protecting our planet.
E.Today, it has become the world’s largest environmental movement.
F.Only by making these small changes can we contribute to a sustainable future.
G.Avoiding plastic, recycling clothes, or using eco-friendly products also counts.
Passage 4
(2025·湖南长沙第一中学·一模)How to Become a More Effective Listener
Being a good listener can enrich your understanding, expand your capacity for empathy, and improve your
communication skills. 16 Here are some practical strategies to improve your listening skills.
Maintain appropriate eye contact.
When someone is talking to you, make and hold eye contact so they know you’ re taking in what they’ re
saying. 17 Studies show the ideal amount of eye contact is about 3 seconds at a time; longer periods of
direct eye contact may make the other person uncomfortable.
Minimize distractions.
Active listening requires full focus. If you’ re watching TV or scrolling TikTok while someone is speaking,
they’ll likely get the impression that you’ re not really paying attention — and you’ll miss key details. 18
This demonstrates respect and engagement. 19
You might be a great listener, but your conversation partner may not realize it if you don’t show them.
Nodding now and again and offering an “mmhmm” or “I see” can help them know that you care. And the
occasional verbal acknowledgement that you’ re listening and comprehending can encourage the other person to
keep talking.
Ask insightful questions.
Meaningful questions deepen conversations and show genuine interest. 20 This encourages the
speaker to reflect and elaborate, making the discussion more productive. That’s why we should aim to use
questions as a means by which the speaker can begin to reach their own conclusions about the issues being raised,
without sounding judgmental or forceful.
A.Read their body language.
B.Provide proper feedback.
C.Put aside any distractions and maintain focus.
D.However, avoid staring at them the whole time.
E.However, mastering this skill requires conscious effort.
F.For example, inquire about their perspective or feelings.
G.A good listener should always offer immediate advice.
Passage 5
(2025·广东省深圳·高三下学期第一次调研)Green roofs have been around for thousands of years, long
before modern housing was developed. From the simple grass-covered roofs above caves to the famous Hanging
Gardens of Babylon, they remained an important part of architecture. 16 They bring enormous
environmental benefits and offer solutions to some pressing ecological challenges of our time.
In the design of a green roof, there are key factors that count. The first step is to install (安装) a protective
layer over the roof to prevent water damage. 17 It’s essential to choose high-quality materials, as once
the green roof is completed and the building is in use, replacing the protective layer becomes difficult and
expensive.
Next, a drainage (排水) layer, which is often made of pebbles or a special mat, is placed on top. It helps
water flow off the roof instead of pooling on it. Then, a growing medium, like soil or other similar materials, is
spread over the drainage layer. 18
Now it’s time to choose plants for the roof. Some plants have shallow root systems and don’t need much
water. 19 Sedum and chives are good examples of such plants. They are not only water-efficient but
tough and long-lasting.
20 It’s important to think about your budget. On average, it costs $25 to $30 per square foot to
install a green roof. This doesn’t include the cost of installing or repairing the normal roof underneath. And there is
labour cost to cover. If a traditional roof costs $30 per square foot, installing a green roof could easily double that
expense.
A.This is where the plants will grow.
B.However, green roofs come at a high cost.
C.Today, green roofs are gaining more attention.
D.These features make them ideal for green roofs.
E.As a result, they led to the popularity of green roofs.
F.Green roof materials can range from grass to solar panels.
G.The layer also stops plant roots growing into the roof structure.
Passage 6
(2025·石家庄·高三质量检测(三))Being one of the most varied foods, eggs are a great addition to
any diet. Not only are they easier to add to just about any meal, but they are also incredibly nutritious and support
overall health. 36
You may experience better brain function. Eggs provide choline—a key substance that enhances
communication between brain cells, ensuring messages are delivered efficiently like a well-organized delivery
system. Thus, eating eggs regularly can strengthen your memory. 37 What’s more, the nutrients in eggs act
like brain fuel, keeping you focused during classes or while doing homework.
You may have healthier eyes. Eating eggs helps protect your eyes with natural substances that act as natural
sunglasses, blocking harmful light like screen blue light. Egg yolks contain more eye-guarding nutrients than
carrots, reducing eye fatigue(疲劳)during study sessions. 38
You can have stronger muscles and bones. Eggs provide quality protein for muscle repair after exercise,
while their vitamin D works with other nutrients like calcium and phosphorus to strengthen bones. 39
Regular consumption supports muscle growth during daily activities and keeps bones strong.
40 It may seem like other foods are much better at making you feel full, but eggs are actually an
excellent selection. They are the ideal mix of protein and fat and can be extremely satisfying and filling. By
consuming more eggs, you are able to significantly decrease short term food and snacks.
A.You can get more energy quickly.
B.You can feel satisfied for longer time.
C.Eggs are a good source when you’ re busy.
D.So regular egg consumption helps maintain clear vision.
E.They can help maintain bone structure and prevent weakness.
F.This makes it easier to remember school lessons or daily tasks.
G.When you eat eggs every day, this is what happens to your body.
Passage 7
(2025·湖南长沙雅礼中学·高三模拟试卷)The Rise of Lab-Grown Meat
For decades, scientists have been seeking sustainable solutions to global food shortages. 36 .
Commonly known as cultured meat, this innovation grows animal muscle tissue from stem cells in controlled
laboratory environments. Its emergence could revolutionize our traditional understanding of meat production.
Animal-Free Meat Creation via Science
The manufacturing process begins with collecting animal cells through harmless biopsies. ( 活组织检查)
37 . They are then placed in nutrient-rich bioreactors where they multiply and develop into muscle fibers.
Surprisingly, the final product maintains the same protein content and texture as conventional meat through precise
temperature control and mechanical stretching.
Environmental Impacts
Compared to traditional livestock (牲畜) farming, lab-grown meat shows remarkable ecological advantages.
38 . A 2024 UN report revealed that cultured meat production requires 95% less land and reduces greenhouse
gas emissions by 87%. Moreover, it completely removes the need for antibiotics (抗生素) used in raising animals,
addressing growing concerns about drug-resistant bacteria.
39.
Despite its promise, the industry faces significant challenges. Current production costs remain way too high,
with a single burger patty costing approximately $50 to produce. Consumer acceptance also presents obstacles (阻
碍), as 42% of participants in a global survey expressed distrust in “test-tube meat”. Additionally, regulatory
frameworks for safety standards and labeling requirements are still under development worldwide.
Future Outlook
Major food corporations have invested over $3 billion in cultured meat research since 2022. 40 .
With Singapore already approving commercial sales and the EU planning to legalize it by 2026, industry analysts
predict cultured meat could capture 10% of the global meat market by 2035. As technology advances, this scientific
breakthrough may fundamentally transform our dining tables and ecosystems alike.
A.Rising Production Costs
B.Challenges to Mass Production
C.It consumes 85% less water than regular farms
D.The most promising answer lies in lab-grown meat
E.These cells are carefully selected for their growth potential
F.Governments should promote this eco-friendly alternative
G.The huge increase in funding reflects growing confidence in it
Passage 8
(2025·重庆·高三5 月质量检测)How Houseplants Boost Your Mental Health
Growing indoor plants is becoming a global wellness trend. A 2025 WHO report shows 68% of the potted
plants kept at home are not just for decoration. 36 Studies reveal touching rosemary leaves reduces
cortisol (皮质醇) by 19%, while watering orchids activates the same brain regions as meditation.
The magic lies in three aspects. 37 Caring for leaves or observing vines creates natural “micro-
breaks” from digital screens. This explains why office workers with desk plants report 30% less eye strain.
38 Harvard neuroscientists found that successfully growing plants triggers dopamine (多巴胺)
release comparable to completing a crossword puzzle. “Each new leaf gives tangible proof of nurturing skills,”
explains Dr. Emma Lin.
Surprisingly, plants enhance social bonds. 39 Apartment dwellers who exchange plant cuttings
have 45% more neighborhood connections. Community gardens also become spaces for intergenerational
storytelling, where elders teach herbal knowledge to children.
Starting with low-maintenance plants ensures early successes, which fuels motivation. Even an ordinary
plant pot next to your window can be your stress-reliever. Early wins with easy-care plants build confidence. 40
A.Plants offer a natural escape from digital overload.
B.For beginners, choose plants matching your lifestyle.
C.Seeing your first new leaf is like making a small breakthrough.
D.For instance, 73% of plant owners share gardening tips online.
E.Urban planners are designing vertical gardens in subway stations.
F.They’re actually a curing device to improve emotional well-being.
G.Nurturing plants helps to bring about a sense of achievement.
Passage 9
(2025·湖北武昌·高三5 月质量检测)Even as a child, I was always goal-directed. Every January 1st, I
would dutifully sit down and write out my resolutions for the upcoming year: lose 50 pounds, run a marathon, have
a picture-perfect home! Oh, and be the best parent ever who never yelled at my children! 16 By every
March, I fall trapped in a cycle of ambition and guilt.
Everything changed when I faced consistent battles with breast and appendix cancer. That’s right: two
different cancers, with two different treatment plans, at the same time, in the same body. 17 And I won’t
lie -the next year was incredibly difficult.
Experiencing dual treatments taught me profound lessons. 18 Simply waking up cancer-free
became my definition of triumph. Where I once measured success by completed checklists, I now found victory in
my children’s laughter or sunlight filtering through hospital blinds.
I abandoned traditional resolutions by realizing that big goals invite big failures. Instead, I adopted a “mini-
mission” approach. 19 For example, rather than aiming for daily gym marathons, I committed to 20-
minute walks three times weekly.
The magic lies in accumulated progress. After mastering basic nutrition goals (five vegetable servings daily),
I added hydration targets (replacing soda with herbal tea). This gradual method even helped me conquer the fearful
rowing machine -a feat (壮举) I’d previously considered impossible.
20 My only “resolution” last year was avoiding medical deductibles (免赔额) through sustained
small health habits. To my delight, it worked not through extreme measures, but through the snowball effect of
mini-achievements.
A.It was a lot to deal with.
B.Immediate results often mask long-term costs
C.Survival reshaped my understanding of success.
D.External pressures weaken self-improvement efforts.
E.Tiny achievable steps replaced monumental demands.
F.Piled accomplishments build sustainable transformation
G.In practical terms, my grand plans frequently backfire psychologically.
Passage 10
(2025·湖北武昌·高三5 月质量检测)Even as a child, I was always goal-directed. Every January 1st, I
would dutifully sit down and write out my resolutions for the upcoming year: lose 50 pounds, run a marathon, have
a picture-perfect home! Oh, and be the best parent ever who never yelled at my children! 16 By every
March, I fall trapped in a cycle of ambition and guilt.
Everything changed when I faced consistent battles with breast and appendix cancer. That’s right: two
different cancers, with two different treatment plans, at the same time, in the same body. 17 And I won’t
lie -the next year was incredibly difficult.
Experiencing dual treatments taught me profound lessons. 18 Simply waking up cancer-free
became my definition of triumph. Where I once measured success by completed checklists, I now found victory in
my children’s laughter or sunlight filtering through hospital blinds.
I abandoned traditional resolutions by realizing that big goals invite big failures. Instead, I adopted a “mini-
mission” approach. 19 For example, rather than aiming for daily gym marathons, I committed to 20-
minute walks three times weekly.
The magic lies in accumulated progress. After mastering basic nutrition goals (five vegetable servings daily),
I added hydration targets (replacing soda with herbal tea). This gradual method even helped me conquer the fearful
rowing machine -a feat (壮举) I’d previously considered impossible.
20 My only “resolution” last year was avoiding medical deductibles (免赔额) through sustained
small health habits. To my delight, it worked not through extreme measures, but through the snowball effect of
mini-achievements.
A.It was a lot to deal with.
B.Immediate results often mask long-term costs
C.Survival reshaped my understanding of success.
D.External pressures weaken self-improvement efforts.
E.Tiny achievable steps replaced monumental demands.
F.Piled accomplishments build sustainable transformation
G.In practical terms, my grand plans frequently backfire psychologically.
Passage 11
(2025·东北三省四市·教研联合体模拟预测)How Hobbies Help Us
As reported in some science magazines, the positive health outcomes of hobbies are available to everyone. 16
. We should know that they are not only making you happier, they’re also making you healthier.Benefits for Your
Body
17 . Nothing could be further from the truth. The benefits you obtain will depend on your hobby.
Taking jogging for instance, it will benefit your cardiovascular (心脑血管) health more than crossword puzzles,
while those may only improve your cognitive (认知的) health. 18 .
A report found that for people who were suffering from a chronic (慢性的) illness, doing a hobby helped them
manage their symptoms and even slowed the progression of their illness.Benefits for Your Brain
In addition to providing protection against dementia (痴呆), hobbies improve our neuroplasticity (神经可塑
性): the ability of the brain’s neural networks to change, adapt and make new connections. Hobbies take advantage
of this flexibility and help your brain create new connections, which can help you in areas beyond just that
particular skill. 19 .
One of the coolest things is that regularly doing things you find enjoyable causes biochemical changes in the
brain.Benefits for Your Spirit
In many ways, hobbies make us happier. People who made a conscious effort each day to spend time doing
hobbies showed an average boost of 8% in wellbeing and a 10% drop in stress and anxiety. 20 .
Now it’s your tum: Whether you decide to pick up an old hobby or start up a whole new one, go find the
thing that lights you up and do more of it.
A.These brain states are characterized by feelings of deep relaxation
B.Your hobbies range from hiking to dancing, watercolor painting to playing piano
C.Folks with at least one hobby are found to have higher levels of life satisfaction
D.The point is that nearly all hobbies can provide measurable positive health benefits
E.This may be the reason why people who play a musical instrument often do better in math
F.Making the time to do something enjoyable on a regular basis will have a great impact on your life
G.A well-spread myth is that engaging in hobbies is self-indulgent (自我放纵的) or even a waste of time
Passage 12
(2025·山东肥城·高考适应性测试)Early risers are praised as hard workers. When we’re so busy during
the 9 to 5, getting up early and getting a head start on the day seems like a great idea: we’ll have time to get a
coffee, exercise, and with no-one else around, it’s easier to get work done. 36 After all, in order to get
proper sleep, you need to go to bed early as well.
37 One study by Japanese researchers found early rising children are healthier and more active than
those who get up late. Another study found exposure to bright light early in the morning was several times more
effective than antidepressants (抗抑郁药), which you can do with a sunrise alarm clock. Other evidence suggest
you get more work done, you exercise more, and you become happier, healthier and wealthier as a result.
Fitness YouTuber Browney decided to put these claims to the test. Can you really develop a better morning
routine and become more productive just by adjusting your body clock? He began each day with a good workout.
38 More importantly, it provides energy and boosts motivation, leading to increased overall productivity.
Browney also found an extra few hours of uninterrupted work early in the mornings, with no need to check his
phone or stop to talk to anyone. 39
The early morning hours are so peaceful and quiet. When you start waking up early, you’ll enjoy this period
to yourself. 40 It’s beneficial being an early riser on normal days, but the occasional lie-in or late night
certainly won’t hurt.
A.Is there anyone to disturb your early morning?
B.After all, who are you going to talk to at 6 am?
C.There is some science to recommend the practice.
D.However, getting up at 5 in the morning is easier said than done.
E.Early risers often have a greater sense of control over their lives.
F.It’s a good time to think, to journal, to read before the world happens.
G.Getting the body moving helps shake off the sleepiness and burn fat.
Passage 13
(2025·福建福州·名校高三下学期5 月适应性联考)How do you feel about exams? 36 On the
contrary, is it an experience you enjoy because it’s your time to shine? Every year, many young people sit exams
and whether they love or hate them, most of them will face some anxiety before the big day.
If you’re anxious about your exams, don’t worry. You’re not alone. 37 When the pressure is on to
pass that all-important test, take a deep breath and absorb some good advice from people who’ve been through the
same experience as you.
38 Nutritional therapist Kerry Torrens recommends making breakfast the most important meal of
the day. She recommends eating energy-giving oats and eggs. Some research even suggests students who take
water into the exam hall may even improve their grades.
One thing I know I always need is a good night’s sleep to help me work and think better the next day. 39
If you get good sleep your memory is better and that means you can retain the information you have revised.
According to Lisa Artis from the Sleep Council, sitting on your bed when you’re cramming is not a good
idea because then you associate that place with stress. Revising for exams can also sometimes seem cruel, so it’s
good to take breaks and reward yourself with a small treat, like a cake or a quick run around the block. There
comes a point when your brain can’t absorb any more information. 40
A.However, your brain is free of tiredness.
B.Is it the one thing you are frightened of?
C.Thus, you’ll also need to know when to stop.
D.Is it the only thing that you are really keen on?
E.Eating the right food can feed your brain and keep you energetic.
F.It might seem like a stressful time for everyone in the same situation.
G.And that’s what’s recommended for anyone preparing for their exams.
Passage 14
(2025·北京朝阳·高三下4 月六校联考)Have you ever wondered why some jokes make you burst into
uncontrollable laughter while others barely elicit (引出) a smile? The answer lies in the intricate dance between
cognitive and emotional processes that occurs when we encounter humor.
Let’s start with the cognitive side of things. 35 We’re not just passively receiving information;
we’re actively processing it, making connections, and trying to make sense of what we’re experiencing.
36 The emotional side of humor is equally important and often intertwined with our cognitive
processes. When we find something funny, we experience a range of positive emotions—joy, amusement, surprise,
and sometimes even a touch of mischievous delight. These emotional responses are what make humor such a
powerful force in our lives.
Interestingly, the relationship between cognition and emotion in humor isn’t always straightforward.
Sometimes, we might understand a joke on a cognitive level but not find it particularly amusing. Other times, we
might laugh at something without fully understanding why it’s funny. 37
Our cognitive and emotional responses to humor aren’t static. 38 A joke that had you rolling on
the floor as a teenager might elicit nothing more than a groan in your adult years. Conversely, you might find
yourself chuckling (轻声笑) at a subtle bit of wordplay that would have gone right over your head in your younger
days.
The cognitive and emotional processes involved in humor might seem trivial. 39 But when we
consider how pervasive humor is in our daily lives, it becomes clear that understanding these processes can have
far-reaching implications for our well-being and social interactions.
A.After all, it’s just a laugh, right?
B.But cognition is only half the story.
C.They can change over time as we grow, learn, and experience new things.
D.Our brains start to look for patterns and make predictions when we hear a joke.
E.Individual differences play a significant role in humor perception and appreciation.
F.This complexity is part of what makes humor such a rich area of study for psychologists.
G.When we hear a joke or see something funny, our brains shift into high-speed working mode.
Passage 15
(2025·北京海淀·一模)When you spend time with close friends, how do you feel? You may feel like you
belong. According to the Oxford dictionary, belonging is defined as a “deep sense of acceptance, inclusion, and
identification within a group, place, or context.” 35
Since the beginning of human evolution, people have connected with others in order to survive. This desire
to form and grow relationships is rooted in the human brain. 36 In 1943, Abraham Maslow was the first
psychologist to write about belonging as a human need. His theory, the Hierarchy ( 等级) of Needs, states that
humans must acquire their basic needs, such as physiological (生理上的) needs and needs related to safety, before
they can begin fulfilling other higher, more complex needs, like belonging or developing self-esteem.
Another groundbreaking research about belonging emerged in 1995. Mark Leary and Roy Baumeister found
that humans have a universal drive to belong, which motivates their thoughts and actions. In fact, this drive is so
important that they argued it was a fundamental human need-not a secondary need in a hierarchy. Their later
research explored the connection between self-esteem and belonging. According to their research, self-esteem is not
just about how people feel about themselves internally. 37
Although feeling connected to people is important in many settings, it becomes especially critical in schools.
A 2020 research analysis found that students who do not feel a sense of belonging at school are often searching for
threats in their environment that signal whether they are welcome or not. 38 This, in turn, can cause
poorer academic performance. It can also discourage students from forming deeper relationships. So, a student’s
feeling of belonging is vital for their learning.
39 Researchers will continue to analyze how personality, culture, and even social media shape how
connected we feel to others. With this knowledge, people can create schools and communities where more people
feel included. That way, we can develop a society that is overall healthier, happier, and more connected.
A.They may do things to increase their self-esteem.
B.This stress can use up cognitive resources needed for learning.
C.Belonging is a complex thing because it is influenced by many factors.
D.Over the years, researchers have been exploring this subjective feeling.
E.Feeling like you belong can actually improve many aspects of your life.
F.It actually serves as a warning signal that measures how much people feel accepted.
G.When you see yourself well suited to a specific environment, you feel valued and respected.