专题06.语篇目的及其推导
语篇目的理解作为高考英语阅读理解的核心考点，在考试中占据重要地位。我从考试占比、考查方
式、常见类型等方面展开扩写，具体呈现如下：
语篇目的理解是高考英语阅读理解的核心考点，属于深层推理判断题，在近三年高考真题中，该题
型平均占推理判断题总量的 32%，结合 2024 年高考命题趋势及专家分析，2025 年这一比例预计将保持
在 30% 以上。其考查本质是要求考生通过文本的语言特征、结构逻辑及语境信息，推断作者的写作意图
（如告知、说服、呼吁、娱乐等）或特定内容（如例子、数据、引言）的功能。这类题目通常会以
"What is the main purpose of the text?" "Why does the author mention...?" 等形式呈现，不仅要求考生精准把
握字面含义，更需要结合文章体裁、行文脉络及背景知识进行深度剖析。例如在议论文中，作者可能通
过对比数据和案例来支撑论点，此时理解这些数据的功能便是破题关键；而在说明文里，引用权威引言
往往是为了增强内容可信度。
这类题目常见题干特征为：“Why does the author mention...?”“What is the purpose of the passage?”“The
author intends to...” 解题的核心策略是 “文本特征定位 + 逻辑关系匹配”，即结合语篇类型、关键信号
词、核心观点等线索，避免主观臆断或推理过度。
策略介绍
策略 1：目的信号词定位法 —— 抓显性标志词直接破题
【策略操作】
作者常通过特定动词、介词短语或句式明确表达写作目的，如 “ intend to”“aim to”“in order
to”“recommend” 等，定位此类信号词可快速锁定目的。在实际阅读中，这些标志性词汇往往扮演着 “导
航员” 的角色。比如，当出现 "This article aims to explore the latest research findings" 时，读者能迅速判
断文章意在阐述最新研究成果；若看到 "The author recommends three effective study methods"，便可明确
作者的意图是推荐学习方法。此外，一些祈使句结构，如 "Let's analyze the reasons behind..." 或 "Please
pay attention to..."，同样是作者引导读者关注特定内容、实现写作目的的重要线索。值得注意的是，信号
词可能以不同时态或变形出现，如 "aimed at" "intending to"，需留意其在语境中的功能，避免因形式变化
策略分析
而错失关键信息。
【语篇示例】
Partners without their own teams are treated like second-class citizens... He recommends ambitious
individual contributors show they’re bringing leadership to the company in different ways, like running strategy
initiatives, coaching teammates or bringing new initiatives to the organization on board.
What is the author’s purpose in quoting Kristopher Osborne?
A. To criticize unfair treatment in companies
B. To advise individual contributors on career growth
C. To compare managers and individual contributors
D. To explain why managers earn higher salaries
【示例分析】
在阅读理解中，捕捉文本中的目的信号词是精准判断作者意图的关键策略。在本题原文里，
“recommends” 作为典型的目的信号词，具有强烈的指向性，其字面意思为 “推荐；建议”，当该词出
现时，后续内容通常围绕作者给出的建议、主张展开。
具体到本题，“recommends” 后的内容聚焦于 “individual contributors”（个人贡献者）的职业发展
方向，从工作重点、能力提升等多个维度给出具体指引。这种带有明确引导性和指导性的表述，完全符
合 “提供建议” 的意图范畴。因此，结合目的信号词与具体内容分析，可直接判断作者引用该观点的
目的是为个人贡献者的职业发展提供建议，故答案为B。
策略 2：语类特征匹配法 —— 按文本类型锁定核心目的
【策略操作】
不同语类（如广告、议论文、说明文、故事）有固定的交际目的，可通过语类特征快速匹配。具体
而言：
广告类文本：通常采用醒目的标题、极具感染力的语言和突出的促销信息，其核心目的在于吸引读
者注意力，刺激消费欲望，进而实现 “促销商品” 或 “号召行动” 的目标。例如，化妆品广告会用
明星代言、前后对比图和限时折扣等方式，推动消费者立即下单。
议论文体：围绕特定议题展开，通过严密的逻辑论证、引用权威观点或数据，以及对正反方观点的
对比分析，旨在 “说服读者接受某一观点” 或 “清晰阐明作者立场”。比如，探讨人工智能利弊的文
章，会列举实例和研究数据，引导读者认同作者对 AI 发展的态度。
说明性文本：以客观、准确的语言为基调，常使用定义、分类、举例、数据等说明方法，致力于
“解释复杂概念” 或 “系统传递信息”。像科普文章介绍量子力学原理时，会拆解理论，用通俗易懂
的例子帮助读者理解。
故事类文本：通过构建完整的情节、塑造鲜明的人物形象和营造独特的氛围，往往以情感共鸣为纽
带，实现 “娱乐读者”“传递价值观” 或 “引发思考” 的目的。例如寓言故事通过有趣的情节，隐
含人生哲理，让读者从中获得启示。
【语篇示例】
Farber is certain that the holistic approach will grow more popular with time... Since 1982, membership in
the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association has grown from 30 to over 700. ‘Sometimes it surprises me
that it works so well,’ he says. ‘I will do anything to help an animal. That’s my job.’
Why does the author mention the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association?
A. To prove Farber’s point
B. To emphasize its importance
C. To praise veterinarians
D. To advocate animal protection
【示例分析】
从语篇类型来看，本文属于议论文文体，其核心观点聚焦于 “整体兽医疗法会越来越流行”。在议
论文的写作逻辑中，作者往往需要通过具体且有说服力的论据来支撑论点，以增强文章的可信度与论证
力度。文中引用协会会员增长的数据，正是议论文中典型的 “举例佐证观点” 手法。这种数据的引
入，以直观的量化形式展现趋势，相较于单纯的文字阐述，更具客观性和说服力。
结合议论文 “用论据支撑观点” 的语类特征进行深度剖析，不难发现，此处数据引用的目的在于
为 Farber 提出的观点提供坚实的事实依据。通过会员数量增长这一具体现象，侧面印证整体兽医疗法的
受众在不断扩大，进而有力地证明其流行趋势的必然性，由此可判断答案为A。
策略 3：核心观点锚定法 —— 通过主旨句反推写作目的
【策略操作】
语篇目的与核心观点紧密相连，如同枝叶依附树干生长。首段作为文章 “第一印象”，常以开门见
山或设置悬念的方式抛出核心观点；尾段则像乐章收尾，通过总结升华点明主旨。而转折词（如
however、but、yet 等）更是语篇的 “路标”，其后的观点句往往打破前文常规，揭示作者真正意图。
因此，抓住这些关键锚点，结合文章体裁特点 —— 议论文关注说服性观点、说明文聚焦信息传递、记
叙文侧重情感表达，便能精准把握作者创作目的，实现从文字表层到深层意图的跨越。
【语篇示例】
Today, most AI development happens at data centers. These computer-filled buildings account for some 2
percent US electricity use and 1 percent of global energy use. Some AI experts have sounded an alarm about the
threat these energy giants pose.
What is the author’s purpose in writing the paragraph?
A. To introduce the function of AI data centers
B. To warn about AI’s energy consumption problem
C. To compare US and global energy use
D. To explain how AI develops at data centers
【示例分析】
尾句 “sounded an alarm about the threat these energy giants pose” 作为全文核心观点句，运用了比喻
修辞，将 AI 数据中心这类能源巨头所带来的影响比作 “警报”，其中 “ alarm”（警报）和
“threat”（威胁）两个关键词，以强烈的情感色彩和警示意味，直截了当地点明问题的严重性。结合文章
中对 AI 数据中心能源消耗现状、规模以及潜在危害的相关论述，可进行逆向推导。作者通过呈现数
据、分析现状，正是为了以详实的依据，提醒读者重视 AI 数据中心能源消耗所引发的一系列问题，呼
吁大家关注该领域可能存在的能源危机与环境隐患，因此答案为B。
策略 4：语篇位置功能法 —— 按内容所处位置推断目的
【策略操作】
不同位置的内容有固定功能：
首段：作为文章的 “门面”，常通过提出问题、讲述故事、引用名言或呈现数据等方式，自然地
引出话题；也会介绍事件发生的 背景，为后续论述搭建基础，吸引读者阅读兴趣。例如在环保主题文章
中，首段可能列举全球变暖引发的极端天气数据，引出对环保问题的探讨。
中间段：承担文章的核心论述任务，通常会通过 举例佐证 观点，用具体案例增强说服力；或是 解
释原因，深入剖析现象背后的内在逻辑 。比如在分析社交媒体影响的文章中，中间段会列举青少年沉迷
社交平台导致成绩下滑的实例，并阐述算法推荐机制对用户行为产生影响的原理。
尾段：起到收束全文的作用，常见的是 总结观点，将前文零散的论述整合提炼，强化核心思想；或
是 发出呼吁，激发读者行动，让文章更具现实意义。如在倡导健康生活方式的文章结尾，会再次强调健
康生活的重要性，并呼吁读者从日常生活点滴践行健康理念。
【语篇示例】
What do you do as spring sets in? Taking off your warm winter coat, and putting it away? For humans, taking
off winter coats is a one-minute task. As it turns out, not all animals are so capable. Snowshoe rabbits... have a
pure white coat during winter to avoid being caught. However, concern begins when scientists look at how
warming climate impacts the rabbits.
Why does the author mention humans’ taking off winter coats?
：
A. To stress climate change’s influence
B. To lead to the problem of snowshoe rabbits
C. To show differences between humans and animals
D. To explain animals’ adaptation to spring
【示例分析】
该内容位于首段，结合 “语篇首段常引出话题” 的功能，后文紧接着转折到 “雪兔面临的问
题”，可判断提及人类脱外套是为了自然过渡到核心话题，答案为B。
策略 5：读者对象反推法 —— 通过目标受众判断沟通目的
【策略操作】
语篇的语言风格、内容侧重与目标读者群体紧密相关。正式严谨的学术术语、数据图表多见于面向
研究者的论文；口语化表达、生动案例常出现在吸引普通读者的科普文章；强调产品优势、促销信息的
内容则针对消费者设计。因此，通过精准推断读者身份（如家长、研究者、消费者、学生群体等），结
合特定读者的信息需求和阅读偏好，能够有效反推作者的写作意图，无论是传播知识、引导消费，还是
呼吁行动，这种分析方法都是理解语篇目的的关键切入点。
【语篇示例】
Dear Parents, As the new school year begins, we remind you to update your child’s medical records...
Missing vaccines may prevent your child from joining group activities. Please submit the forms to the school
nurse by September 15th.
What is the purpose of this notice?
A. To ask parents to update medical records
B. To explain the importance of vaccines
C. To introduce the school nurse’s work
D. To warn parents about group activities
【示例分析】
文本开头 “Dear Parents” 明确读者是家长，内容围绕 “提交医疗记录” 展开，结合 “通知类文
本面向特定对象传递指令” 的特点，可判断目的是要求家长更新材料，答案为A。
1
突破演练
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for machine learning development and the Chemistry Nobel
was for protein structure prediction via AI. Some said the physics prize wasn’t really physics. “AI is coming for
science, too,” the New York Times concluded. With powerful large language models, AIs can generate various
outputs and even make Nobel-winning discoveries. But have AIs really taken over science?
To begin with, the physics prize went to Hinton and John Hopfield, a physicist, who discovered how the
physical dynamics of a network can encode memory. Hopfield came up with a vivid comparison: a ball, rolling
across a bumpy landscape, will often “remember” to return to the same lowest valley. Hinton’s work extended
Hopfield’s model. In short, the Physics Nobel was awarded for fundamental research about the physical principles
of information, not the broad umbrella of “AI” and its applications.
Meanwhile, the Chemistry Nobel was awarded to biochemist David Baker and DeepMind researchers
Demis Hassabis and John Jumper. Baker first developed software to design novel protein structures from scratch.
Yet by 2018, of the roughly 200 million proteins cataloged in all genetic databases, only about 150,000 had
confirmed structures. Then Hassabis and Jumper introduced AlphaFold, which provided accurate folding
structures for the rest. But even so, the AI has failed to predict defects in proteins. It’s not a catholicon for every
problem in protein folding, but rather an excellent tool.
Many of these tools have disappeared into their uses. We rarely pause to consider the transistor (晶体管)
(for which the 1956 physics prize was awarded) when we use electronics containing them by the billions. Some
powerful machine-learning features are already on this path. The neural networks that provide accurate language
translation or song recommendations in popular consumer software programs are simply part of the service. In
science, as in so many other domains, this trend suggests that when AI tools become commonplace, they will fade
into the background, too.
Still a reasonable concern might be that such automation threatens the efforts of human scientists. As AI
becomes essential to further scientific progress, will any prizes recognize work truly free of AI?
AI can revolutionize science. It has already helped us see proteins with previously unimaginable clarity.
Soon AIs may dream up new molecules for batteries. In short, they may do many things, some of which
previously seemed impossible. But they have a crucial limitation tied to something wonderful about science: its
empirical dependence on the real world, which cannot be overcome by computation alone.
Science also needs experimenters — human experts driven to study the universe, and who will ask
questions an AI cannot. Physics — its core ethos (精神特质) is “that the world is understandable” in quantitative,
predictive terms only by careful experiment and observation. That real world still exists for future scientists to
study, whether aided by AI or not.
1．Regarding the Nobel Prize in Physics, the author might think ______.
A．it should have been awarded to more physicists
B．it aims to encourage physicists to engage in AI research
C．it is a recognition of the broad applications of AI in physics
D．it is justified for its focus on physical principles of information
2．What was the primary achievement of Demis Hassabis and John Jumper?
A．They developed software to design novel protein structures from scratch.
B．They provided precise folding structures for all proteins.
C．They found correct folding structures for the majority of proteins via AI.
D．They discovered a new method to encode memory in networks.
3．What does the word “catholicon” underlined in Paragraph 3 probably mean?
A．A final solution.
B．A big improvement.
C．A complete cure-all.
D．A common obstacle.
4．What can we learn from this passage?
A．AI tools are restricted to specific scientific branches.
B．AI tools will become less noticeable once widely used.
C．AI will overcome its dependence on real-world experience.
D．AI poses a threat to traditional methods of scientific inquiry.
5．What would be the best title for this passage?
A．AI and Science: Revolution or Evolution?B．Is AI Coming to End Scientific Exploration?
C．Al and Science: A New Era of Collaboration? D．Is AI Dominant in Nobel-Winning Discoveries?
2
For all programmers and processor industry participants, the RISC-V website is almost a must-visit as an
open standard. Instruction Set Architecture, which is defined as the design of a computer from the programmer’s
perspective, enabling a new era of processor innovation through open cooperation.
Unlike X86 and ARM, which are owned by certain enterprises, RISC-V is an open one, allowing anybody
to download its instructions handbook and use it. Maybe that is why some US lawmakers are targeting RISC-V.
Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Senator Mark Warner have reportedly been urging US President
Joe Biden to take action regarding RISC-V, because, they fear that Chinese companies might make use of the
open-source platform to improve their chips (芯片) technology.
Maybe the legislators ( 立法者) do not realize that by targeting RISC-V they are targeting not only a
company or a platform but the idea of openness itself. Being a US company. RISC-V has a global membership,
with a number of Chinese and US enterprises as members. It has for long been known as an open-minded
institution promoting technological cooperation despite the political tensions, and the US lawmakers targeting it
seem to be closing one of the last channels of technology communication between China and their nation.
By doing so they are harming the United States’ own interests and its technological leadership in the world.
Open source is a good computing tool that benefits those who share programs as well as those who learn from it.
The Android smartphone system, for example, has developed largely because Google decided to make it an open-
source system, which attracted worldwide smartphone businesses to adopt its standard.
The US lawmakers might next target GitHub, or, some day, even forbid programmers from accessing the
Internet. That will only lead to the US losing its technological edge, never to get it back again.
1．What is RISC-V according to the passage?
A．A website for programmers.
B．A computer design standard.
C．An open-source platform.
D．A US chips company.
2．The first paragraph serves as a (n) ________.
A．argument
B．background
C．proof
D．connection
3．What does the author mainly emphasize about US targeting RISC-V?
A．Fairness.
B．Interests.
C．Cooperation.
D．Openness.
4．Which can be inferred from the passage?
A．RISC-V enables processor innovation through open cooperation.
B．US lawmakers are targeting RISC-V for the technology safety concern.
C．The example of Android demonstrates the benefits of technological openness.
D．GitHub and the Internet are the next target US will focus on to safeguard its leadership.
3
Human’s appetite for sand could increase 45 percent within four decades, according to researchers who say
unchecked consumption risks environmental damage and shortages of a key material for urban expansion.
Growing demand for building sand — which is used to make concrete, glass and other vital construction materials
– has already seen the rise of sand pirates (盗贼) , with dozens of islands disappearing in Indonesia as a result of
casual mining.
Xiaoyang Zhong at Leiden University and his colleagues have calculated that global building sand demand
will jump from 3.2 billion tonnes a year in 2020 to 4.6 billion tonnes by 2060. The figure is based on a central
situation of future population rises and economic growth, and modelled using estimates of concrete and glass
consumption, and the floor area needed in buildings.But there is no reliable estimate for remaining sand reserves,
so it is unclear if the world can bear such a big increase. “Sand, and the sand crisis (危机), has been overlooked,
creating severe environmental and social consequences. If we don’t act now, we may not have enough sand to
develop our cities,” says Zhong.
However, Zhong’s team found that about half the projected consumption in 2060 could be avoided if
countries take a suit of measures, including extending the lifetime of buildings, reusing concrete, creating more
lightweight building designs and using other materials, such as wooden frames. According to the model, the single
biggest reduction in sand use could come from more efficient (有效的) use of space: distributing less floor space
per person in buildings, sharing offices, and so on. “It’s hard to say how realistic these measures are. But we want
this to happen,” says Zhong.
The research only looked at sand used for glass and concrete in buildings, so is an underestimate of total
future demand. Granular data on sand consumption for the 26 world regions studied is also lacking, and not
detailed enough for country-level breakdowns.
Failure to act will add existing environmental pressures on reserves of sand in lakes and rivers first, but
absolute shortages shouldn't be overlooked, says Zhong. “It would be very questionable if this growing demand
could be met,” he says.
1．What may cause the environmental and social effects according to Zhong?
A．Sand reserves are not enough.
B．The sand crisis is overestimated.
C．Sand crisis isn’t paid much attention to.
D．The construction industry is lack of sand.
2．How can we reduce the sand use most efficiently according to the study?
A．By reusing he building materials.
B．By lengthening the building’s lifetime.
C．By making use of space more wisely.
D．By preventing sand use completely.
3．What ‘s the shortcoming of the research?
A．It only studied the sand use in 26 areas.
B．It didn’t show the detailed data on sand use.
C．It didn’t take realistic measures on sand use.
D．It overlooked the total sand need in the future.
4．What does Zhong concern most about the sand crisis?
A．How we will take action to stop it.
B．Why its shortages are overlooked in most countries.
C．Whether the increasing sand need may be satisfied.
D．What damage the environmental pressures do to rivers.
4
For millions of years, Arctic sea ice has expanded and shrunk in a rhythmic dance with the summer sun.
Humans evolved in this icy world, and civilization relied on it for climatic, ecological and political stability. But
now the world comes ever closer to a future without ice. The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported that
2019’s minimum arctic sea ice extent was the second lowest on record. Arctic summers could become mostly ice-
free in 30 years, and possibly sooner if current trends continue. As the northern sea ice declines, the world must
unite to preserve what remains of the Arctic.
Although most people have never seen the sea ice, its effects are never far away. By reflecting sunlight,
Arctic ice acts as Earth’s air conditioner. Once dark water replaces brilliant ice, Earth could warm substantially,
equivalent to the warming caused by the additional release of a trillion tons of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into the
atmosphere and declining sea ice threatens wildlife, from the polar bear to algae that grow beneath the sea ice,
supporting the large amount of marine life.
To avoid the consequences the scientific community should advocate not just for lowering greenhouse gas
emissions, but also for protecting the Arctic from exploitation. The Antarctic shows the way. In the 1950s,
countries raced to claim the Antarctic continent for resources and military installations. Enter the scientists. The
1957-1958 International Geophysical Year brought together scientists from competing countries to study
Antarctica, and countries temporarily suspended their territorial disputes (争议). In 1959, 12 countries signed the
Antarctic Treaty to preserve the continent for peaceful scientific discovery rather than territorial and military gain.
Sixty years later, we must now save the Arctic. A new Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS) Treaty would
protect the Arctic Ocean as a scientific preserve for peaceful purposes only. Similar to Antarctica, MAPS would
prohibit resource exploitation, commercial fishing and shipping, and military exercises. So far, only 2 non-Arctic
countries have signed MAPS; 97 more need to sign on to enact it into law. Scientists can help—just as they did for
the Antarctic—by giving statements of support, asking scientific organizations to endorse ( 支持) the treaty,
communicating the importance of protecting the arctic to the public and policy-makers, and above all, by
convincing national leaders to sign the treaty. In particular, Arctic nations must agree that recognizing the arctic as
an international preserve is better than fighting over it. In 2018, these countries successfully negotiated a 16-year
moratorium on commercial fishing in the Arctic high seas, demonstrating that such agreements are possible.
Humans have only ever lived in a world topped by ice. Can we now work together to protect Arctic
ecosystems, keep the northern peace, and allow the sea ice to return?
1．What can be inferred from the passage?
A．wildlife relies on sea ice for food and water.
B．The Arctic would be ice-free in 30 years.
C．Sea ice slows down the global warming.
D．The melting of sea ice releases CO2.
2．The Antarctic is mentioned in the passage in order to ________.
A．remind readers of the past of the Antarctic
B．propose a feasible approach for the Arctic
C．stress the importance of preserving sea ice
D．recall how the Antarctic Treaty came into being
3．The word “moratorium” (in paragraph 4) is closest in meaning to ________.
A．battle
B．ban
C．memo
D．protection
4．Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?
A．Antarctic: a Successful Comeback?
B．Sea Ice and Global Warming
C．Arctic: the Earth’s Future
D．Life Without Ice?
5
The recent economic crisis should have resulted in a crisis in economics itself — specifically, in the
dominant ideas about how economies work. The leading macroeconomic (宏观经济的) model failed not only to
predict the crisis, but also claimed such a crisis couldn’t happen in markets where people made logical decisions.
Policies based on this model helped create the very conditions for the collapse.
For years, I’ve challenged this standard model by developing theories where individuals acting with clear
judgment interact with imperfect and incomplete information. The results have been damaging for much of the
conventional wisdom. For example, with Bruce Greenwald, I showed that Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” often
failed to guide markets efficiently — not because it was hidden, but because it wasn’t there at all. Markets don’t
function well when information is incomplete or unevenly shared, which is almost always the case.
Working with Sanford Grossman, I argued that financial markets can’t be fully efficient in passing
information from informed to uninformed participants. If they were, people would have no reason to seek out new
information. And with Andrew Weiss, I demonstrated why credit rationing — where some borrowers are denied
loans despite willingness to pay higher interest — is common.
Lately, I’ve been exploring how these microeconomic (微观经济的) findings apply to macroeconomic
issues like GDP, unemployment, and policies for economic stability. The financial crisis, along with the failure of
policy efforts to restore full employment or restart lending, makes this research more urgent than ever.
Building a new economic framework is a huge challenge. Fortunately, important pieces are already in
place. One comes from studying market failures caused by imperfect information. Another is behavioral
economics, which examines how real human behavior doesn’t match the predictions of traditional models.
Old economic ideas tend to stay, even after being disproven, simply because their supporters stick around.
But change is possible. At Columbia, we expose students to a variety of approaches. Many now question outdated
theories and ask why they should spend time learning models that clearly don’t match reality. This gives me hope.
Institutions like the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET) are helping by offering resources and
platforms that support this shift. With enough support, a better economic model may finally become reality.
1．What does the writer imply about Adam Smith’s theory of the “invisible hand”?
A．It might hold true in markets that are heavily regulated.
B．It is misleading as it’s based on rare real-world conditions.
C．It remains influential despite offering limited practical value.
D．It can be helpful for understanding certain market developments.
2．Which of the following reflects one of the author’s findings?
A．Markets work well when people make logical decisions.
B．Credit rationing disappears when interest rates increase.
C．Financial markets cannot pass information to everyone.
D．Most markets function efficiently with strong competition.
3．What can be inferred about the author’s attitude toward the economic education at Columbia?
A．He believes students show little interest in theoretical economics.
B．He thinks students need a better understanding of old economic ideas.
C．He is worried that students are questioning popular economic models.
D．He feels optimistic as students explore new economic perspectives.
4．What is the main idea of the passage?
A．Traditional economic theories need to be revised to reflect how markets function.
B．Behavioral economics has become the primary focus of teaching in top universities.
C．Credit rationing is a factor in understanding how financial systems respond to crises.
D．Economic crises cannot be fully explained by individuals’ poor financial choices alone.
6
Now controversial new technologies promise parents even more control over their embryos (胚胎) . Today,
a lot of those “designer babies” are teenagers. And some families are discovering that things don’t always work
out as planned; The kids feel like walking science experiments; the parents are disappointed in how their children
turned out. Fertility (生育) businesses are selling a chance of domestic welfare, and these families feel cheated.
People who have children this way often place too much importance on genes while ignoring the
environment. It’s like, “This is what our family is going to look like. We’re going to pick a kid, and this is how
we're going to put it together,” It’s like a project or building a company. People don’t always realize they are
creating a human being and not a piece of furniture. They tend to get what they want and don’t hear “no” a lot. So
when their kid shows up and isn't the way that they want, what happens?
Usually, it’s a disaster. In these homes, a high value gets placed on achievement. I think the way these kids
are created sends the message: “You’re not good enough. You need to achieve.” When the kids struggle, it’s
especially devastating. The child grows up feeling very different, knowing they were an experiment but not
getting the proper support or acceptance they need to grow.
In my work, I help parents accept: This is the child you have. I help them make abstract concepts more
concrete. Sometimes just explaining “you and your child are not the same person” does the trick. And I help kids
accept the reality of their parents. Or say a teenager doesn’t feel loved. I might need to clarify to them that “love”
is not a tangible feeling, like getting kicked. It means someone feels fondness toward you like you feel fondness
toward candies or toys.
Trying to control your child is a recipe for disaster. The kid is going to rebel ( 反抗) . I don’t know if
anyone’s making sure parents understand that they can’t test-drive a child and then return it. You probably can
predict stocks, but human behavior has far too many variables.
1．What does the author stress regarding “designer babies” in paragraph 1?
A．The high expectations from their parents.
B．The psychological impact on their families.
C．The intentional cheating from fertility businesses.
D．The moral issues surrounding genetic engineering.
2．What is a common problem for families with “designer babies”?
A．The children often rebel against their parents.
B．The parents are too focused on genetic perfection.
C．The children feel like they are science experiments.
D．The parents are unable to afford to raise their children.
3．What does the underlined word “devastating” in paragraph 3 mean?
A．Confusing.
B．Doubtful.
C．Challenging.
D．Harmful.
4．What is the author’s suggestion for parents of “designer babies”?
A．Invest more in genetic research.
B．Accept their children as they are.
C．Focus more on their children’s achievements.
D．Seek professional help to shape their children.
7
In modern society, people often measure life value through material achievements: high salaries, prestigious
job titles, or luxurious possessions. However, ancient philosophers like Socrates argued that “the unexamined life
is not worth living,” suggesting true value lies in continuous self-reflection and intellectual growth.
Recent studies reveal an intriguing paradox: individuals who prioritize personal fulfillment over external
validation report 37% higher life satisfaction. Take Dr. Maya Lin for an example: she was a scientist who
abandoned a lucrative corporate career to research renewable energy in rural communities. Though her income
dropped significantly, she described her work as “a daily discovery of purpose.” This aligns with psychologist
Abraham Maslow’s theory that self-actualization — not basic needs — defines peak human experiences.
Cultural perspectives further complicate this discussion. In Eastern traditions, Confucianism emphasizes
contributing to societal harmony. A 2024 survey showed 68% of Japanese youth view “fulfilling family duties” as
central to life value, contrasting with Western emphasis on individualism. Yet Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous
words —“Life’s most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?” — bridge this gap, proposing that
personal growth and social responsibility are inseparable.
Ultimately, defining life value requires balancing three elements: self-awareness, contribution to others, and
adaptability in changing circumstances. As technology accelerates societal shifts, the ability to redefine one’s
purpose may become humanity’s greatest wealth.
1．What is the main topic discussed in the passage?
A．Various perspectives on life value.
B．Cultural differences in educational systems.
C．Historical views on wealth accumulation.
D．Psychological theories of happiness.
2．According to the author, what brings genuine fulfillment?
A．High social status.
B．Luxurious possessions.
C．Self-awareness and purpose.
D．Technological advancements.
3．Why does the author mention Martin Luther King Jr.?
A．To contrast Eastern and Western values.
B．To demonstrate universal aspects of life value.
C．To criticize materialistic lifestyles.
D．To explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
4．The word “aligns” most likely means __________.
A．Conflicts
B．measures
C．complicates
D．agrees
5．Which statement would the author most likely agree with?
A．Adaptability enhances life’s meaningfulness.
B．Social media popularity reflects true self-worth.
C．Life value should be measured by material achievements levels.
D．Traditional values are outdated in modern society.
8
For centuries, what makes human creativity so precious is not only the final products it yields, but also the
effort behind their creation. But in a world where AI can generate anything with the click of a button, how do we
distinguish what truly matters? How does human-made art survives?
Throughout history, the most famous works of art, literature, and music have carried a sense of labor,
dedication, and mastery. We don’t just admire the end product; we admire how it came to be. Masterpieces like
Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” sustain not simply for their artistic beauty, but for the human stories they carry. They
remind us that art is not just about beauty or skill — it is about intention, persistence, and what makes us human.
As AI floods the world with instant beauty, we’re entering an era of “aesthetic inflation”, where perfectly
composed images, poetic style, and movie-like storytelling are available to anyone, instantly and at no cost. This
makes us think about when beauty is effortless and endless, does human creations still have value?
But human imperfection isn’t a weakness — it’s part of who we are, shaping our understanding of
humanity. Our struggles, mistakes, and limitations aren’t just difficulties to overcome — they’re part of what
gives life meaning. In this light, AI’s ability to create perfect art feels almost unnatural—a rejection of the struggle
that gives creativity its weight. It may achieve technical perfection — but at the cost of the original energy that
makes art stir feelings within people. Even at its most impressive, AI-generated art often feels empty. It has no real
emotions or experiences, and no clear creator, failing to create unexpected surprises and arouse shared emotion
with audience.
Therefore, to preserve meaning, selection and context become more crucial. As AI can produce endless
content, the human elements like context, narrative and the reasoning behind art become the true value source.
Also, AI can be a creative collaborator rather than a replacement, refining ideas while keeping human
imperfection and feeling, and acting as an amplifier (放大镜) of human vision.
1．Why do masterpieces like “Starry Night” remain valuable in the AI era?
A．They represent unique human characteristics.
B．They showcase brilliant artistic creation skill.
C．They are created through long production processes.
D．They contain human emotional depth and creative effort.
2．Why does the author mention “aesthetic inflation” in paragraph 3?
A．To demonstrate AI’s efficiency in art creation.
B．To prove that AI-generated art is more affordable.
C．To criticize the overuse of technology in art creation.
D．To stress the devaluation of beauty due to mass production.
3．How does the author develop the argument in the passage?
A．By giving examples.
B．By giving definitions.
C．By making comparisons.
D．By making classifications.
4．What is a suitable title for the text?
A．A Guide to Perfect Art with AI
B．How to Create Art in the Age of AI
C．Why Human Art Still Matters in the AI Age
D．A New Revolution in Art Creation brought by AI
9
I watch documentaries, not movies. I read history books, not fiction. I use every free moment to accomplish
one of the tasks on my never-ending checklist, and I am completely filled with thoughts of productivity. An hour
sleeping is an hour wasted. And like the rest of 21st century America, I like it. But this fixation ( 固恋) on
productivity is increasingly destroying character and transforming men into robots.
New York Times columnist David Brooks warned American University students of this cultural decline in a
speech. “We cut off all things spiritual and emotional in a competitive urge to stand out”, he said, “The pressure to
succeed professionally, to acquire skills, to do the things you need to do to succeed in an information age
economy really became the overwhelming ( 难以应付的) pressure, and it sort of eclipses the thinking about
character and morality.”
Many students happily go to college, viewing it as a next step on their rise to professional achievement.
Forcing as many success-building activities into their schedules as they can, they enjoy keeping busy with little
sleep. “Today’s outstanding kids are likely to spend their afternoons and weekends shuttling from one skill-
improving activity to the next,” Brooks wrote in an article, “We fear failure more than we desire success.”
A century ago, college was about character building. Today, our characters are in decline. We are experts on
economics, material things and professional skills. We fail to discuss and understand relationships, emotions and
all things spiritual. Philosophers Karl Popper divided the world into two categories: Clocks and Clouds. Clock
problems are those that can be taken apart, examined and solved through deductive reasoning (演绎推理). Clouds
cannot be taken apart. Cloud problems represent whole systems that need to be understood in a different way.
“When we have a Cloud problem, we try to turn into a Clock problem,” Brooks said. And in a reason-
centered culture, adding titles to one’s resume becomes a trend. At American University, 85 percent of seniors
(and 89 percent of business majors) graduate with at least one practical experience which is often helpful to a
student’s future career, but can sometimes draw focus away from academics.
To prevent the death of man’s character, Brooks urges rediscovering our human matures through falling in
love. And by love he means love for a task, job, or another person. “Synchronicity (同步性) is key to happiness,”
he said. Rather than crazily increasing our long lists of accomplishments, we need to lose ourselves in what we do,
and success will come on its own.
1．From Paragraph 1, we can learn that people ________.
A．are controlled by time
B．are keen on reading books
C．are eager to achieve more
D．are changing their characters
2．According to Brooks’ warning, what is the ultimate consequence of emphasizing professional success?
A．A society driven by emotional intelligence.
B．A stronger focus on academic excellence.
C．A loss of moral and spiritual depth in individuals.
D．An increase in collaborative problem-solving skills.
3．Paragraph 4 is mainly developed by ________.
A．making comparisons
B．following the time order
C．giving examples
D．analyzing causes
4．The last paragraph mainly tells us that ________.
A．love is more important than focus
B．the focus on human natures counts
C．more work contributes to happiness
D．success comes from devotion to work.
5．The purpose of this passage is to ________.
A．raise awareness to character building
B．stress the importance of productivity
C．warn about the pressure to seek success D．criticize students’ desire for achievements
10
A growing number of companies are building humanoid robots, and these mechanical look-alikes are
starting to appear in car factories and delivery places. Some businesses even promise robots for home use. Yet one
big question still has no answer: Why bother? Why make a robot in a human shape when it could take any
imaginable form?
The usual answer is that humanoid robots could, in principle, handle any physical jobs a person can. But
that “in principle” is doing a lot of heavy lifting. If you’ve watched videos of these robots, you’ll get it — they’re
often clumsy, awkward machines. Sure, the technology helping them stand and move has come a long way, but
they’re still not as quick or graceful as humans. Meanwhile, robots built for a single job — like an arm shifting
goods between conveyor belts (传送带) — are now commonplace. Designed with one purpose, they do it really
well, unlike humanoid robots, which aim to do everything but often master nothing.
Another argument is that a human shape makes it easier for people to work with or control robots. This
holds some water, especially since many of these machines still need skilled human operators. Companies often
avoid admitting this, calling it a short-term phase, but the dream of fully independent, AI-powered humanoid
robots — ones that match or beat human workers — remains a long shot. For now, what we’ve got are human-
shaped shells guided by people behind the scenes. When Elon Musk introduced Tesla’s Optimus robot in 2021, he
proudly claimed it could teach, babysit, walk dogs, fetch groceries, or pour drinks. Yet those robots weren’t AI-
driven, and each was controlled by a hidden human. Notice a pattern? These tasks—low-wage, service-oriented
jobs — suggest that, for now, humanoid robots just mask human effort with a shiny surface.
Some remote-controlled robots serve real purposes, like in deep-sea exploration. But those machines aren’t
shaped like humans — they look like capsules or small vehicles, and they work just fine. The idea that robots
must be human-shaped is a failure of imagination.
Yes, humanoid robots look impressive. They remind us of the fantasies in science fictions where machines
handle all difficult tasks. But today, they are mostly marketing tools, masking human labor. And a robot that
doesn’t truly improve life is missing the point.
1．What does the underlined phrase “holds some water” mean in paragraph 3?
A．Provides sufficient evidence.
B．Makes much sense.
C．Is partly reasonable.
D．Is widely accepted.
2．Why does the author mention Tesla’s Optimus robot?
A．To prove humanoid robots are better.
B．To highlight its impressive technology.
C．To show it can replace human workers. D．To suggest it is in the charge of humans.
3．What is the author’s attitude toward humanoid robots?
A．Skeptical.
B．Optimistic.
C．Neutral.
D．Cautious.
4．What is the best title for the passage?
A．When Humanoid Robots Miss Potential B．How Humanoid Robots Miss Goals
C．What Humanoid Robots Lack Now
D．Why Humanoid Robots Fall Short
11
Do teenagers need to relax? Increasingly not just parents are seeking a break from work and family
pressures but adolescents too, coping with “intense schooling and sports programmes”. So much so that the
Global Wellness Summit identifies teen wellness as a trend for 2025 with the industry focusing on teenagers’
emotional intelligence, resilience, and how to survive in a digital world through resorts, retreats, and mental
wellness apps.
Rina Raphael, author of The Gospel of Wellness, tells me wellness—physical and mental health—has
replaced the once-dominant fashion and beauty industries. McKinsey reports that Gen Z outspends older
consumers on mindfulness-related wellness products such as meditation classes, mindfulness apps, and therapy
sessions, even seeking preventive solutions to ageing-related health issues.
One of the problems the wellness sector aims to address is mental health. Blame for the mental health crisis
has been laid on smartphones. But apps also offer a solution. Many, like Chill Panda and HappiMe are on the
UK’s CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) website and in demand. A study in The Lancet
concluded bans or restrictions at school don’t lead to “better mental wellbeing in adolescents.” Parents have a role
too. An intensive parenting often leaves children without examples of parents socialising or pursuing passions.
There’s nothing bad about forming healthy habits. But is the wellness industry responding to—or
contributing to—the pressures young people face? Think about the new toy package Mattel released five years
ago: Wellness Barbie—a more glowing and relaxed version of Barbie and a product in training children to become
consumers of wellness. And those baby massage classes dressed up as a wellbeing treatment to improve the
infants’ mood and physical health struck me as ridiculous. What’s a baby got to worry about?
The idea that experiences bought by parents and offered by the wellness industry solve adolescent anxiety
seems unpromising at best. As Raphael points out, the problem with wellness is “it’s very much tied to
productivity, aesthetics (美学) and consumerism. It adds a pressure that you have to be working on yourself.” But
I can’t see it ending. After all, as Ronald Purser, author of McMindfulness, told me: “You can never be too well;
that’s why it’s a massive growth industry”.
1．What could be counted as a wellness activity?
A．Aiming for top grades nonstop.
B．Practicing mindfulness using an app.
C．Checking social media for attention.
D．Skipping meals to manage body shape.
2．What is a possible reason for teen mental health issues?
A．A demand for services.
B．A passion for sports.
C．A ban on mental health.
D．A lack of role models.
3．What would Rina Raphael agree with most?
A．The fashion and beauty industries matter more to Gen Z.
B．Teenagers are pressured to consume wellness products.
C．Wellness Barbie assists children’s adaptation.
D．Baby massage classes are not effective as expected.
4．What’s author’s attitude towards the wellness industry?
A．Hopeful.
B．Calm.
C．Critical.
D．Pessimistic.
12
When you’re driving around the same block, keeping searching, because there’s nowhere to park your car,
any suggestion that America devotes too much space to parking might seem foolish. But consider this: in a typical
year, the country builds more three-car garages than one-bedroom apartments. Even the crowded cities reserve
lots of street space to store private vehicles. And local laws across the country require house and apartment
builders to provide off-street parking, whether residents need it. Step back to assess the result: it’s obvious that
more square footage is devoted to parking each car than to housing each person.
That Americans like driving is hardly news, but all the above talking isn’t finding fault with cars. The
complaint is about parking — or, more to the point, about everything we have given up for it. Over the years,
cities and towns have torn down grand old structures to make way for it. All those 9-foot-by-18-foot rectangles of
asphalt (柏油路) haven’t only damaged the environment or these once-valued architectural styles, but also upset
the crucial social goal of housing affordability. This misplaced priority has put the country in a bind. For decades,
even as rents rocketed and climate change worsened, the prevalence ( 盛行) of parking spaces discouraged
anyone from noticing their social impact. But the parking space has been eating up our living space for sure, with
or without our knowledge.
Here an optimist may give the excuse that some of the country’s largest cities have no choice but to
renegotiate the relationship among people, cars, and parking spaces. However, parking space’s conquering the city
in the 20th century was already so complete that, in the 21st, people need to recognize that the rules have to
change, and that the constant promotion of parking spaces is already weakening cities and crowding out other
needs. Some of the most consequential social problems are the ones hiding in plain sight, but parking isn’t even
hiding. It’s just everywhere — for us to take seriously.
1．In which section can we most probably read this passage?
A．Travel.
B．Features.
C．Front page.
D．Public welfare.
2．The underlined phrase in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _______.
A．lead the country to trouble
B．discourage residents from buying cars
C．annoy the local residents
D．weaken the country’s overall strength
3．What can we imply about parking space’s role in the 20th century cities?
A．It failed to meet the growing parking demands.
B．It completely dominated urban planning priorities.
C．It was a necessary renegotiation by the city government.
D．It unexpectedly brought about problems to people’s daily life.
4．What can be concluded from the passage?
A．America should continue expanding parking though it is harmful.
B．Cities in the 21st century should absolutely stop building more garages.
C．Excessive parking space is damaging the society so it should be limited.
D．Housing and other problems are not as urgent as insufficient parking space.
