专题 02 阅读理解(说明文)(一)
高频话题01 人与自我—个人保健/医疗
Passage 1
[2025·江苏无锡·期终教学质量调研(一模)]
Vaping(抽电子烟) damages young people’ s lungs as much as smoking, according to a research that has
caused fresh debate over the health risks of e-cigarettes.
The study compared vapers and smokers in an intense exercise test and found both groups less fit and much
more out of breath than people who have neither habit.
Dr. Azmy Faisal and colleagues at Manchester Metropolitan University asked 60 people in their 20s to have
their lung capacity recorded. Twenty were non-smokers, 20 others had vaped for at least two years and the other 20
had smoked for at least two years.
The test measured the maximum amount of physical exercise that someone could achieve, and found that the
vapers had an average “peak exercise capacity”, which, at 186 watts, was similar to that of the smokers (182 watts)
but much lower than that among the non-smokers (226 watts).
In addition, the vapers and smokers were less able to take in oxygen — at 2.7 litres and 2.6 litres a minute
respectively — than those who neither smoked nor vaped (3 litres).
“The study adds to growing evidence that long-term use of vaping is detrimental and challenges the idea that
vaping could be a healthier alternative to smoking”, said Faisal and his co-authors of the study.
Medical researchers have also found evidence that vaping increases the risk of cancer, because it changes
their DNA, and also that it may damage the brain and vital organs because e-cigarette aerosols 气溶胶) and liquids
can contain traces of poisonous metals such as lead and uranium.
Dr. Filippos Filippidis, Chairman of the ERS’s tobacco control committee, said, “Vapes are being sold
cheaply and in a variety of flavours to appeal to young people.”
Doctors and policymakers need to know about the risks of vaping and we should be doing all we can to help
children and young people to avoid or quit vaping.
1. How is Faisal’s research conducted?
A. By measuring oxygen intake in the blood.
B. By recording exercise capacities at different ages.
C. By comparing health conditions in different exercises.
D. By analyzing lung capacities among different groups.
2. What does the underlined word “detrimental” in paragraph 6 probably mean?
A. Harmful. B. Mysterious.
C. Unimportant. D. Unpredictable.
3. What can be inferred from the text?
A. Vaping will soon be completely banned.
B. More people will start vaping in the future.
C. Health risks of vaping haven’t been understood by all.D. Strict rules will be made to regulate the price of vaping products.
4. What might be discussed in the following paragraph?
A. The history and development of vaping products.
B. The comparison between different e-cigarette brands.
C. Specific measures to help young people to quit vaping.
D. Different opinions of young people who vape regularly.
Passage 2
[2025·浙江嵊州·一模]
The experiments sound like something out of a horror movie. Sew two mice together so that they share blood
in a single circulatory system. This procedure has led to new discoveries in the study of aging. Studies using the
procedure, called parabiosis, suggest that pumping blood from young mice into old mice can make the old mice act
young again. But scientists are still testing “young blood” and debating whether it really holds the secret to turning
back time.
In the 2000s, Thomas Rando, a neurologist at Stanford University in California, conducted an experiment
using parabiosis. He found that the young mouse blood caused certain cells in older mice to help repair damaged
muscles. But the blood from old mice also affected young mice in negative ways. Rando’s experiment also hinted at
some growth of new brain cells.
This really interested Tony Wyss-Coray, a neuroscientist at Stanford University. In 2011, Wyss-Coray and his
graduate student Saul Villeda found that if old mice received blood from young mice, they experienced a burst of
cell growth in the hippocampus — as many as three to four times more new cells than mice that did not receive
young blood. And if young mice received old blood, this slowed cell growth, making the mice old before their time.
This was partly due to a high level of a protein called CCL11 in old blood. CCL11 blocks the growth of new brain
cells.
These results stirred a great deal of excitement. What if young blood could help Alzheimer’s patients
improve their memories? This is exactly what Wyss-Coray set out to learn.
Michael and Irina Conboy, research scientists at UC Berkeley who worked with Thomas Rando have
conducted a blood-exchange experiment. The Conboys noted that although young blood had some positive effects
on older mice, it’s not so much that young blood has magical age-defying properties. Instead, it just helps filter out
or dilute some of the “bad stuff” in old blood. “Science is the process of refining the questions we have, ” Conboy
says. Researchers are hopeful that, one day science will finally unlock the secrets of aging.
1. Why might young mice receiving old blood become older according to Wyss-Coray?
A. Cell growth in the hippocampus. B. Age-defying properties.
C. Repaired muscles during Parabiosis. D. High amount of CCL11.
2. What does the underlined word “dilute” mean in paragraph 5?
A. Identify. B. Weaken. C. Intensify. D. Locate.
3. What do the researchers think of the prospects of the experiments?
A. Unconvincing. B. Skeptical. C. Promising. D. Unclear.
4. What is the best title of the passage?A. Overturning Old Age B. Regaining Lost Memories
C. Maintaining Healthy Cells D. Uncovering Alzheimer’s Disease
Passage 3
[2025届江西省部分学校高三下学期2月一模]
For centuries, scientists have peered through microscopes to understand the basic units of life. Now, they’re
proposing something far more ambitious: creating complete virtual copies of human cells — what they call
artificial intelligence virtual cells (AIVCs) — that can be studied, controlled, and tested with the power of artificial
intelligence.
To understand why this is a great undertaking, consider what makes cells complex. Every human cell
contains roughly 42 million protein molecules and 20,000 different genes, all interacting in complicated ways we’re
still struggling to fully comprehend. These components don’t operate in isolation — they form vast networks of
interactions that can dramatically change based on tiny adjustments.
Now, two revolutionary advances are here to make virtual cells possible: the explosion of biological data
collection methods and dramatic improvements in artificial intelligence. Modern laboratory techniques can generate
enormous datasets about cellular components and behavior, with the volume of data doubling every six months.
The possible applications of such a system can be transformative. Imagine a future where doctors could
create a “digital twin” of your cells — a virtual copy that would let them test different treatments on a computer
before giving them to you. This could be particularly revolutionary for cancer treatment, where doctors could
simulate (模拟) how different combinations of drugs might affect your cancer cells, potentially avoiding harmful
side effects and finding the most effective treatment more quickly.
However, the benefits would extend far beyond individual patient care. Cancer biologists could use these
virtual cells to better understand how specific genetic mutations(基因突变) transform healthy cells into unhealthy
ones. Developmental biologists could track how cells change as organisms grow, potentially uncovering new ways
to treat age-related diseases. Microbiologists could model viral infections to predict not just how viruses affect
individual cells but how they might impact entire organs or systems.
Emma Lundberg, associate professor of bioengineering and pathology at Stanford, says, “This project
requires cooperation across scientific fields, industries and nations, and we understand that fully functional models
might not be available for a decade or more. With today’s rapidly expanding AI capabilities and massive datasets,
the time is ripe for us to unite to reach for the stars.”
1. What does the underlined phrase “in isolation” in paragraph 2 probably mean?
A. Innovatively. B. Complicatedly. C. Physically. D. Separately.
2. How could doctors mainly use the virtual cell system?
A. Match healthy cells for patients. B. Test possible treatments in advance.
C. Create real copies of healthy cells. D. Teach robots to conduct surgery.
3. What is paragraph 5 mainly about?
A. Other potential applications of virtual cells. B. Enormous benefits of individual patient care.
C. How scientists in medicine cooperate together. D. How some diseases are detected and prevented.
4. What is the main purpose of Emma Lundberg’s words in the last paragraph?A. To call for joint efforts to complete the project.
B. To remind scientists to wait for the time to start.
C. To warn against spending much time on the goal.
D. To acknowledge current transformative advances.
Passage 4
[2025湖南省株洲市高三教学质量统一检测(一模)考试]
Animals hibernate(冬眠) to conserve energy during cold months when food is in shortage, slowing their heart
rate and dropping their body temperature to enter an inactive state. This is only survivable if their blood continues
to flow and supply oxygen to the body, but scientists haven’t fully understood how this happens. If they can figure
out how, the potential significance is that people might one day be able to copy the process for medical treatments
or long-distance space travel.
Scientists already know that red blood cells change shape to fit different pressures and blood vessel sizes. To
investigate if something like this happens in the cells of hibernating animals to keep blood flowing, Gerald Kerth
and his team turned to bats.
By analysing thousands of red blood cells from bats and people, they discovered that the cells became
thicker and stickier as temperatures dropped from 37℃ to 23℃. But when they cooled the cells to 10℃, the bat
cells continued this metamorphosis, whereas the human cells did not. Indeed, the bat cells continued to function.
This change might slow down the cells as they pass through capillaries(毛细血管) in the muscles and lungs,
making them efficient at exchanging gases, like oxygen, throughout the body. The team believes that the
mechanical properties of the bat red blood cell membranes(膜) play a key role.
The findings suggest that drugs could one day enable human red blood cell membranes to imitate the way the
bat membranes react to the cold. Surgeons already use body cooling during certain procedures to slow down
metabolism, which can help prevent organ damage in people experiencing heart attacks, organ transplants or major
brain surgery. “Being able to lengthen that cooling time, or drop the temperature lower, could increase those
benefits,” says Kerth.
Nature is full of yet-to-be-disclosed secrets that can teach us how to overcome present and future medical
and technological challenges. In the future, hibernation will allow of efficient long-distance space travel, requiring
minimum food and resources while preserving health during the journey.
1. Why is studying animal hibernation significant?
A. It benefits human’s active states. B. It brings about medical advances.
C. It contributes to a tourism boom. D. It promises human’s healthy heart rate.
2. What does the underlined word “metamorphosis” in paragraph 3 mean?
A. Decline. B. Destruction. C. Transportation. D. Transformation.
3. What can we infer from paragraph 4?
A. Cooling techniques have improved. B. Drugs make human cells work like bat cells.
C. Body cooling matters in surgeries. D. Lower body temperature helps organ recovery.
4. What is the author’s attitude toward Gerald Kerth’s research?
A. Unclear. B. Dismissive. C. Doubtful. D. Approving.高频话题02 人与社会—科学技术
Passage 1
[2025湖南省长沙市第一次新高考适应性考试]
Artificial intelligence — or AI — is the computer code (代码) that allows a machine to do something that
normally requires a human brain. On TikTok, for instance, AI sorts the posts so that the first ones you see are likely
to be those you’d prefer. But before an AI can do any of that, developers must train it. And the training consumes
energy.
AI training is powered mostly by fossil(化石) fuels, according to one of the largest studies of its kind. Less
than 25 percent of AIs use low-carbon energy sources such as hydroelectricity and nuclear power during training. In
fact, researchers now worry that training’s appetite for energy could soon become a huge problem. The energy to
develop AI comes out of the electrical net. And in most parts of the world, making electricity emits(排放) carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air.
Language-processing AI systems learn by devouring(吞食) texts in a particular language. This might include
“reading” everything ever published online in some language, including libraries full of old books that have been
digitized. Such data-intensive training uses a lot of energy. To translate between English and Chinese, for example,
an AI model may deal with millions or even billions of translated books and articles. In this way, it learns which
words and phrases match. Later, when given a new text, it recommends its own translation.
In 2019, researchers calculated the impact of developing AI model named Transformer. It released a massive
626, 000 pounds of carbon dioxide. That’s equal to the greenhouse gases that would be poured by five American
cars from when they were made to when they were junked.
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.
1. What is AI training mainly energized by?
A. Fossil fuels. B. Solar energy. C. Nuclear energy. D. Greenhouse gases.
2. What do we know about the language-processing AI systems?
A. They process limited texts. B. They will replace translators.
C. They seldom read digital books. D. They are energy-consuming.
3. Why does the author mention Transformer in paragraph 4?
A. To highlight its significance. B. To speak highly of AI’s power.
C. To demonstrate researchers’ creativity. D. To stress its effect on the environment.
4. What does the author imply in the last paragraph?
A. AI’s development poses a threat to data centers.
B. The energy consumption of AI can’t be ignored.
C. AI is effectively transforming the way we learn.
D. People should take action to reduce gas emission.
Passage 2
[2025广东省河源市高三毕业班下学期调研模拟测试(一)]With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, has emerged as a
pioneer in educational technology. Its latest model, DeepSeek-R1, combines advanced machine learning methods to
provide personalized learning solutions for students worldwide.
Unlike traditional AI models that rely on pre-programmed answers, DeepSeek-R1 uses reinforcement(强化)
learning to simulate human reasoning. This allows it to guide students through problem-solving step by step, much
like a patient tutor. For example, when a student struggles with a math equation, DeepSeek-R1 doesn’t just give the
answer; it breaks down the logic, identifies errors, and encourages critical thinking.
The model’s applications extend beyond academics. In language learning, it analyzes students’ pronunciation
through AI speech recognition and offers real-time feedback. For teachers, DeepSeek-R1 can generate lesson plans
aligned with curriculum standards and even predict students’ learning difficulties based on historical data. Its
“adaptive testing” feature creates customized quizzes that adjust difficulty according to individual progress.
However, challenges remain. Critics argue that over-reliance on AI might reduce human interaction in
education. DeepSeek’s developers address this by emphasizing its role as a “supplement, not a replacement.” As Dr.
Li, a DeepSeek researcher, stated, “Our goal is to free teachers from repetitive tasks so they can focus on inspiring
creativity.”
Looking ahead, DeepSeek aims to integrate virtual reality (VR) into its platform, allowing students to
explore historical events or scientific concepts in immersive 3D environments. While ethical debates about AI in
education persist, one thing is clear: tools like DeepSeek are reshaping how we learn, blending technology with
human wisdom.
1. What makes DeepSeek-R1 different from traditional AI models?
A. It uses pre-programmed answers.
B. It focuses on memorization techniques.
C. It replaces teachers in classrooms.
D. It employs reinforcement learning for reasoning.
2. The underlined word “adaptive” in Paragraph 3 most likely means ______.
A. fixed B. adjustable
C. complicated D. outdated
3. What can be inferred about DeepSeek’s future plans?
A. VR technology will enhance interactive learning.
B. It will eliminate all classroom activities.
C. It prioritizes profit over educational values.
D. Teachers will lose their jobs to AI.
4. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To advertise DeepSeek products.
B. To criticize the risks of AI in schools.
C. To discuss AI’s role in transforming education.
D. To compare different AI models.
Passage 3[2025广东省三校高三下学期2月第一次模拟考试一模]
AI technology has long been able to recognize patterns in music preferences and create personalized playlists.
Now, a new AI system has taken this a step further by analyzing how people listen to music and identifying their
unique “listening styles.” This advancement in the field of “audiometric” analysis could revolutionize how music
streaming services tailor playlists to individual users, making them more personalized and enjoyable. However,
there are also concerns that such systems could potentially track users’ listening habits in ways that compromise
privacy.
Music recommendation algorithms, such as those used by Spotify and Apple Music, have been highly
effective at suggesting new songs and artists. But Dr. Emily Carter, a music data scientist at the University of Music
and Technology, notes that these algorithms often use a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t capture the nuances
of individual listening behavior. To better understand and cater to individual preferences, researchers need to
analyze each user’s unique listening patterns.
To develop and train their AI, the researchers collected data from over 50 million listening sessions and fed it
into a neural network. They tested the system by seeing how well it could distinguish between different users’
listening habits. The system was given 100 listening sessions from each of about 3,000 known users and 100 new
sessions from an unknown user. The AI looked for the best match and identified the unknown user 86% of the time,
according to a study presented at the International Conference on Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR). “We were
quite surprised by the accuracy,” says Alex Johnson, a doctoral student in Carter’s lab and the lead author of the
study. A non-AI method was only 28% accurate.
“The work is really innovative,” says Dr. Sarah Kim, a music researcher at Google. “Personalized music
experiences could transform how we interact with music platforms.”
The researchers are aware of the privacy implications of their system, which could potentially identify users
based on their listening habits. In theory, similar systems could also analyze other behaviors, such as the types of
podcasts people listen to or the timing of their music consumption. ISMIR organizers found the study technically
impressive but ethically questionable, and accepted it on the condition that the researchers detail the privacy risks.
Carter says they have decided, for now, not to release the software publicly.
1. What advance in AI technology is described in the article?
A. It can recognize different human chess players.
B. It can create personalized playlists based on unique listening styles.
C. It can identify different people’s handwriting.
D. It can track people’s unacceptable online behavior.
2. Why is the new AI system considered innovative according to Dr. Sarah Kim?
A. It can recognize patterns in music preferences more accurately than existing algorithms.
B. It uses a one-size-fits-all approach to suggest new songs.
C. It can analyze the types of podcasts people listen to.
D. It can identify users based on their listening habits with high accuracy.
3. What is the main concern regarding the new AI system described in the article?
A. Its ability to create highly personalized playlists.B. Its potential to compromise user privacy by tracking listening habits.
C. Its limited accuracy compared to non-AI methods.
D. Its inability to distinguish between different users’ listening habits.
4. What is the attitude of the ISMIR organizers toward the study on the new AI system?
A. Favorable. B. Disappointed.
C. Careful. D. Uninterested
Passage 4
[2025江苏省泰州市海陵区江苏省泰州中学一模]
Indoor food growing operations are seeing both successes and failures in the United States. Some companies
in the food industry are investing(投资) even as competitors fail.
California-based Plenty Unlimited this summer began working on $300 million indoor plants, while Kroger
announced that it would be increasing its availability of vertically(垂直地) farmed produce. Meanwhile, two indoor
farming companies that got strong backing—New Jersey’s AeroFarms and Kentucky’s AppHarvest—filed for
financial failure and reorganization. And a five-year-old company in Detroit, Planted Detroit, shut its doors this
summer.
The industry changes do not worry Jacob Portillo, a grower with Eden Green Technology, an indoor farming
company. “The fact that other people are failing and other people are succeeding is going to happen in any industry
you go to,” he said.
Indoor farming refers to growing crops indoors, which experts sometimes call “controlled environment
agriculture”. There are different methods. One method called vertical farming involves putting produce from floor
to ceiling, often under artificial lights and with the plants growing in nutrient-enriched water. Other growers are
trying very large greenhouses, indoor beds of soil in big buildings and using special robots for parts of the farming
process.
Supporters say growing indoors uses less water and land and permits food to be grown closer to consumers,
saving on transport. Indoor growing is also a way to protect crops from increasingly extreme weather caused by
climate change.
But critics question the sustainability (可持续性) of operations that can require a lot of energy for artificial
lights. And they say paying for that light can make profitability impossible. Curt Covington of AgAmerica Lending,
a private investment company centered on agriculture, is not convinced that indoor farming operations can work—
except in special cases. Given the high cost of indoor operations, Covington said, “It’s just hard to be very
profitable.”
1. What is Jacob Portillo’s attitude to the indoor food growing industry?
A. Positive. B. Worried. C. Unclear. D. Doubtful.
2. What can we learn about indoor farming?
A. It takes a lot of manpower to take care of plants.
B. It means growing plants in water instead of soil.
C. It protects crops from increasingly extreme weather.
D. It is different from controlled environment agriculture.3. Why did Curt Covington question indoor farming operations?
A. They produce little food. B. They carry great cost.
C. They need sunlight. D. They lack investors.
4. What is the best title for the text?
A. What Types of Food Can Be Grown Indoors?
B. How Can You Grow Food Indoors Without Soil?
C. Indoor Farming Companies Take Agriculture Indoors
D. Indoor Food Growing Operations Face an Uncertain Future
Passage 5
[2025安徽省合肥市高三上学期第一次教学质量检测]
Scientists with the BrainGate research center have developed a breakthrough brain-computer interface (BCI).
The system aims to restore communication for individuals with speech disabilities caused by conditions like
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which lead to the gradual loss of mobility and speech. It uses implanted
sensors to interpret brain signals when a user attempts to speak, transforming them into text that is read aloud by a
computer. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine on August 14, was led by David
Brandman and Sergey Stavisky, faculty members at UC Davis Health.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects nerve cells controlling muscle movement. BCI technology
can restore communication for those affected. In this study, Casey Harrell, a 45-year-old man with ALS, regained
the ability to communicate effectively within minutes of using the system. Harrell described the experience as life-
changing, saying, “My past condition was so demoralizing. Not being able to communicate seems as if you were
trapped. Something like this technology will help people get back into life and society.”
The BrainGate clinical trial, led by Dr. Leigh Hochberg from Brown University, has made major progress in
interpreting brain signals to help people with paralysis(瘫痪) communicate. In July 2023, the UC Davis team
implanted a BCI device into Harrell’s brain, focusing on the left precentral gyrus, a part of the brain that controls
speech. The system translates brain activity into phonemes(音素) and words, enabling real-time communication.
Harrell’s BCI generated speech with a voice similar to his own, using software trained with existing voice samples
of his voice before he developed ALS. This allowed him to connect with his loved ones in a deeply personal way.
Over 32 weeks and 248 hours of use, the system achieved remarkable results, with 99.6% acéuracy for a 50-
word vocabulary in 30 minutes of training and 90.2% accuracy for a 125,000-word vocabulary after 1.4 additional
training hours. “This is transformative technology,” Brandman said. “It provides hope for people who want to speak
but can’t.” Dr. John Ngai, director of the NIH’s BRAIN Initiative, highlighted the milestone as a major step in
restoring communication for individuals locked in by paralysis.
1. What do we know about the BrainGate BCI?
A. It is used to treat speech disabilities.
B. It translates brain signals into speech.
C. It helps people with ALS move and speak.
D. It connects brains to make computers smarter.
2. What does the underlined word “demoralizing” in paragraph 2 mean?A. Discouraging. B. Demanding. C. Comforting. D. Eye-opening.
3. Why was the speech composed in Harrell’s pre-ALS voice?
A. To enable his communication in real time.
B. To make his speech emotionally meaningful.
C. To improve the accuracy of speech translation.
D. To help interpret his brain signals more easily.
4. What is Dr. John Ngai’s attitude towards the BrainGate BCI?
A. Favourable. B. Unclear. C. Cautious. D. Dismissive.
Passage 6
[2025·浙江杭州·一模]
For many, travel isn’t just about the destination — it’s about making the most of the journey. However, for a
lot of people, the journey is often ruined by an uncomfortable experience often accompanied by vomiting, known
as motion sickness. If you’ve ever felt the unwelcome urge to vomit while reading or using your device in a moving
vehicle, you’re not alone. Recognizing this common issue, Apple has stepped up to offer a revolutionary solution;
the Vehicle Motion Cues feature for iPhones and iPads.
Motion sickness occurs when there is a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your body feels.
When you’re in a moving vehicle, your body senses motion through its vestibular system (the inner ear), but if your
eyes are focused on a still screen that doesn’t reflect this movement, the brain receives mixed signals. This sensory
conflict can lead to dizziness, nausea, and overall discomfort - symptoms all too familiar to motion sickness
sufferers.
Apple’s new Vehicle Motion Cues feature is designed to bridge this gap and bring relief to those likely to
experience motion sickness. This revolutionary feature works by displaying animated dots, around the edges of
your screen, which move at the same time and speed as the motion of your vehicle. These moving cues help keep
the motion your body feels in line with what your eyes see, effectively reducing the sensory mismatch that causes
motion sickness.
The magic lies in the simplicity and effectiveness. The animated dots move in consistency with the vehicle’s
motion, providing a visual representation of the movement your body is experiencing. By matching the visual input
with the physical sensations of motion, your brain is less likely to experience the confusion that leads to sickness.
Early reports and user feedback indicate that Vehicle Motion Cues is receiving high praise for its
effectiveness. So next time you embark on a journey, whether short or long, remember that Apple’s got your back
— or rather, your brain - helping you make the most of every mile with ease and comfort.
1. Which type of people can be interested in Vehicle Motion Cues?
A. Frequent travelers. B. Book lovers.
C. Vehicle operators. D. Sport scientists.
2. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?
A. The principle of Apple’s new design.
B. The cause of motion sickness.
C. The functions of Apples new design.D. The symptoms of motion sickness.
3. By displaying animated dots around the screen, Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues is able to_____.
A. ease sensory conflicts in the brain
B. tell the mismatched physical sensations
C. balance the movement of our eyes and body
D. increase the effectiveness of vehicle motion
4. Which can be the best title of the passage?
A. Make the Most of Your Journey： Apple Bridges the. Gap
B. Find the Magic of a Moving Vehicle: Apple’s Got! Your Back
C. Enjoy Your Reading: Apple Offers a Revolutionary Solution
D. Say Goodbye to Motion Sickness: Apple Introduces Its New Design
Passage 7
[2025安徽省淮北市和淮南市高三上学期第一次质量检测]
Dutch startup Nuwa claims to have invented the “world’s most advanced pen” that digitizes (数字化) notes
written by hand. The Groningen-based company today announced a fresh cash injection of €1. 5 million to promote
the development of the product, which uses an inbuilt camera system, motion sensors, and artificial intelligence to
capture text written on paper.
“Just write, and Nuwa Pen digitizes, ” Marc Tuinier, Nuwa's CEO, told us. All the notes are then stored on
the startup’s app. They can then be organized, shared, and integrated with other apps. A particularly fascinating
feature is intelligent notes, which scans and identifies rich text items such as dates, to-dos, and phone numbers from
the notes. Users can then link the data with, for instance, their calendar, to-do app, or phone book. The feature is
integrated with over 50 apps. Nuwa compares it to a personal assistant that puts you on top of your schedule.
Nuwa is targeting the product at people who still enjoy writing with a pen and notebook. While many smart
pens only work on screens or digital writing systems, Nuwa promises adaptability with every type of paper. The
product also uses regular ink refills. “Other smart pen brands rely on special dotted paper to recognize what the user
is writing, so you’ll also be stuck buying their paper, ” Tuinier said. “Nuwa Pen can be used on any paper. ”
The Nuwa system is built around tiny design. The device weighs just 28 grams — about as much as a single
AA battery — but provides enough power for two hours of continuous writing. Three tiny cameras are used to
digitize the text with 2 mm×2 mm sensors. All the data is then processed directly on the device. “Capturing
handwriting from these sensors in the pen itself, while a pen is constantly moving, is an extremely difficult task to
get right — and we’ve done it, ” Tuinier said. By combining the trusty old ballpoint pen with the digital world,
Nuwa hopes that it can solve one of those needs. The device is now available for pre-order.
1. What is the primary function of the Nuwa Pen?
A. Intergrating pens with other apps. B. Organizing handwritten notes digitally.
C. Combining all apps into a single platform.D. Providing a solution for personal schedules.
2. Who is the Nuwa Pen’s main target buyer?
A. People who prefer typing over handwriting.
B. People who show interest in smart ink refills.C. People who have an extra budget for paper purchase.
D. People who appreciate traditional pen and paper writing.
3. Why does the author list a series of numbers in the last paragraph?
A. To show how portable the device is. B. To explain the structure of the cameras.
C. To demonstrate the device’s operating time. D. To describe the materials used in the device.
4. What is the author’s attitude towards the Nuwa Pen?
A. Doubtful. B. Uncertain. C. Neutral. D. Enthusiastic.
高频话题03 人与社会—艺术
Passage 1
[2025广东省河源市高三毕业班下学期调研模拟测试(一)]
The animated film Ne Zha 2 , released in January 2025, has become a cultural icon in Chinese cinema.
Directed by Jiaozi, it continues the journey of Ne Zha and Ao Bing, two mythological heroes who survived the
“Heavenly Tribulation”(天劫) — a cosmic disaster threatening both humans and gods. Though their souls were
saved by the immortal Taiyi Zhenren using a magical lotus, their physical bodies remain unstable. Taiyi must now
rebuild their bodies with limited resources while overcoming unexpected obstacles.
The film’s core lies in character growth. Ne Zha, once known for his rebellion, learns to value friendship and
self-acceptance. His companion Ao Bing, who once struggled with inner conflicts, transforms into a decisive leader.
In a pivotal scene, Ao Bing declares, “If there’s no path, I’ll create one!” — a line symbolizing courage against
adversity.
Visually, Ne Zha 2 blends traditional Chinese aesthetics(美学) with modern technology. It opens with
breathtaking scenes: rivers of lava and giant sea monsters leaping from stormy waves. Later, the story shifts to
Kunlun Mountain, a mythical realm with glowing forests and celestial beings. The climax features a battle using the
Tianyuan Ding, a shape-shifting weapon, accompanied by fast-paced action and striking.
Beyond entertainment, the film explores universal values: bravery, justice, and loyalty. These themes
resonate across generations, contributing to its record-breaking box office(票房) success and an 8.6/10 rating on
review platforms. Critics praise its creative integration of cultural heritage and modern storytelling.
1. What is Taiyi Zhenren’s main task in the story?
A. To teach Ne Zha how to control his powers.
B. To protect Kunlun Mountain from destruction.
C. To defeat sea monsters threatening the human world.
D. To rebuild the heroes’ bodies despite limited materials.
2. What does the “Heavenly Tribulation” most likely symbolize?
A. A test of physical strength. B. A life-threatening disaster.
C. A conflict between two friends. D. A journey to find ancient artifacts.
3. The quote “If there’s no path, I’ll create one!” reflects ______.
A. Ao Bing’s transformation into a determined hero
B. the importance of teamwork in the film
C. Ao Bing’s initial fear of challengesD. the technical innovation in animation design
4. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To advertise Ne Zha 2 to international audiences.
B. To analyze the technical challenges in making Ne Zha 2.
C. To present the cultural and educational value of Ne Zha 2.
D. To compare Ne Zha 2 with other mythological films.
Passage 2
[2025江苏省泰州市海陵区江苏省泰州中学一模]
Last Friday, a robot called EveR6 led an orchestra(管弦乐队) in a performance of Korean music at the
National Theater of Korea. EveR 6 is about as tall as a person, and has a human-like face that can show emotions.
Its joints(关节) allow it to move its arms quickly and smoothly in many different directions.
But EveR 6 doesn’t think on its own like some advanced Artificial Intelligence programs. Instead, it has a
limited group of movements that it has been trained to perform. To make these movements as natural as possible,
EveR 6’s movements are based on those captured from real human conductors.
In Friday’s performance, the National Orchestra of Korea presented a concert titled “Absence”. The concert
included five different pieces of music. Two were conducted by EveR 6, and two were conducted by Soo-Yeoul
Choi, who leads the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra. Both conductors worked together on the final piece.
Mr. Choi was impressed with the way EveR 6 moved. “The robot was able to present such detailed moves
much better than I had imagined,” he said.
But Mr. Choi added that the robot’s biggest weakness is that it can’t hear. “Some people think that
conducting is just a combination of hand waving and keeping the beat,” said Mr. Choi. “But a good conductor
needs to listen to the orchestra, so that he or she can correct and encourage the orchestra as it plays.”
Mr. Choi and EveR 6 both conducted a piece of music called “Sense”. Instead of musical notes, EveR 6 had
instructions for how to play the piece. The conductors and musicians had to work together to create the music. Mr.
Choi communicated with the musicians while EveR 6 kept the beat. Mr. Choi said that once EveR 6 started, the
musicians had “no choice but to follow its beats”.
Mr. Choi doesn’t think robots are likely to replace human conductors. But he believes robots could be
helpful in situations like practice sessions where the same thing needs to be repeated many times.
1. What do we know about EveR 6 from the text?
A. It is an experienced conductor. B. It has a lifelike appearance.
C. It is able to listen to music. D. It is much shorter than a person.
2. What does the underlined word “captured”in paragraph 2 mean?
A. Stolen. B. Stopped. C. Recorded. D. Hidden.
3. What advantage does a human conductor have over EveR 6?
A. Waving hands. B. Keeping the beat.
C. Having instructions. D. Communicating with musicians.
4. What is the text mainly about?
A. A robot conducting an orchestra. B. An orchestra having performed in Korea.C. Modern music combined with technology.D. Two conductors getting worldwide recognition.
Passage 3
[2025·浙江嘉兴·一模]
An 85-year-old hugged a younger woman she hadn’t seen for months, and she chanted (吟唱) some questions
in the special routine of her ancestors in Burundi, “How are you? How is your husband? How are the kids?”
Namukobwa paused to permit the younger woman Nzeyimana to answer. Nzeyimana, the visiting daughter of a
former neighbour, replied over and over in the local Kirundi language.
A group of neighbours watched in amazement. Many were seeing their first performance of the traditional
form of musical greeting, known to Burundians as akazehe. It is performed only by women on a range of occasions.
However, akazehe is disappearing, despite its unique status(地位) in this central African country. That’s
according to cultural officials, teachers and others who say it is worth preserving. They mentioned the threat from
public health measures that discourage unnecessary contact during disease outbreaks, in addition to the perceived
failure to promote akazehe among school-going youth.
A custom such as akazehe should be preserved because of its role in protecting families, said Nikobiba, an
anthropologist(人类学家) in Bujumbura. Among communities that practise it, women could tell elder women about
any problems at home. Nikobiba explained, “Normally, before starting a home in traditional Burundi, the girl would
first receive advice from her father’s sister. She would tell the girl, ‘I will come to greet you after a certain time.’”
Such support from elders would help them develop better mental health for the young family, he added.
Ntakirutimana was among the women who gathered to watch Namukobwa greeting Nzeyimana. She said she
grew up in a farming community where no mother could perform akazehe. After watching, she wanted to learn
akazehe herself. “I feel better,” Ntakirutimana said, “and I saw it was good.”
1. What was Namukobwa doing according to paragraph 1?
A. Practising a song. B. Sharing a story.
C. Teaching a language. D. Performing a custom.
2. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?
A. The status of akazehe in Burundi. B. The difficulty in promoting akazehe.
C. The reasons for the decline of akazehe. D. The impact of akazehe on public health.
3. Nikobiba thinks that the role of akazehe lies in ___________.
A. building an active community B. maintaining traditional customs
C. bringing comfort to elders in a family D. providing psychological support for women
4. Why does the writer mention Ntakirutimana in the last paragraph?
A. To praise the politeness of Burundians.
B. To show the influence of cultural practices.
C. To stress the importance of careful observation.
D. To indicate the necessity of learning how to greet.
高频话题04 人与社会—旅游观光
Passage 1
[2025江苏省泰州市海陵区江苏省泰州中学一模]While temperatures continue to climb, visitors are still coming to see Death Valley National Park on the
California-Nevada border. The park is known as the hottest place on Earth. This past weekend, the temperatures
climbed to 53.33℃. Most visitors at this time of year make it only a short distance to any area in the park before
returning to the cool air in their vehicles.
Early information from the park service shows that across the nation’s 424 national parks, at least four
people have died this year from heat-related causes. That includes a 65-year-old man from San Diego who was
found dead at Death Valley earlier this month.
Death Valley National Park suggests visitors be careful and not have expectations of rescue. While park
rangers(护林员) drive on park roads and can aid tourists in need, it is unsure that lost visitors will get help in time.
Physical activity can make the heat feel even worse and leave people exhausted. Alessia Dempster, who was
visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland, said, “It’s very hot especially when there’s a gentle wind. You would think
maybe that would give you some slight relief from the heat, but it just really does feel like an air blow dryer just
going back in your face.”
Death Valley is a narrow area that is below sea level and surrounded by high mountains, the park service’s
website says. The dry air and small plant coverage let sunlight heat up the park surface. The heat then becomes
trapped in the valley.
Still, several areas in Death Valley continue to draw tourists. Badwater Basin, made up of salt flats, is
considered the lowest point in all of North America. The 183-meter Ubehebe Crater dates back over 2,000 years.
And Zabriskie Point is a great sunrise viewing spot.
Josh Miller, a visitor from Indianapolis who has been to 20 national parks so far, shared that feeling. “It’s
hot, but the scenery is awesome,” he said.
1. What do most visitors do in Death Valley?
A. Cool themselves in time. B. Do lots of physical exercises.
C. Stay away from park rangers. D. Carry dryers with themselves.
2. Why does the author mention the 65-year-old man in paragraph 2?
A. To encourage the elderly to travel more.
B. To express admiration for mountain climbers.
C. To advise people to tour Death Valley more often.
D. To show the danger of traveling in Death Valley.
3. What does paragraph 5 mainly tell us about Death Valley?
A. Its covering area. B. Its attractive spots.
C. The reason why it is so hot. D. The service of its park’s website.
4. What can be inferred about Death Valley from the last two paragraphs?
A. It has a short history. B. It is worth visiting.
C. It draws fewer and fewer tourists. D. It is unsuitable for viewing sunrise.
Passage 2
[2025·浙江金华·一模]
Last winter I enjoyed a brief adventure in Guatemala. Over a period of 12 days, I explored through the jungleto watch the sunrise and danced in the street during the holiday parade. But looking back on that trip, what I
remember most vividly is a New Year’s Eve in Guatemala City, at a lifeless hotel. Rather than a countdown to
midnight, I counted down the hours until my departure.
Nothing special happened during that night. Rather, the big role this hotel plays in my memories can be
explained by a psychological principle called the recency effect. “The recency effect helps to account for our
tendency to remember the ending part of a sequence of events with far more clarity than the rest, ” said Dr. Mary
Poffenroth, a biopsychologist.
She says it arises from our short-term memory’s inability to hold on to more than a small amount of
information at once. So while there is no magic formula to create lovely travel memories, employing the recency
effect can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Dr. Stephanie, a Neuroscientist, says that while you can strategically set off the recency effect at a trip’s end,
you may have multiple opportunities to create lasting memories all along the way by breaking it up into smaller
chunks.
Keep in mind that the recency effect can also backfire. “Ending an amazing trip with stressful flight delays,
lost luggage or feeling unwell might be enough to overshadow the entire experience, resulting in remembering the
trip as awful instead of joyful, ” Stephanie said.
To avoid disproportionately (不成比例地)spotlighting the final days, Poffenroth has created a trick: She
amplifies (增强) earlier days in a trip to keep her memories well-rounded. “I collect little bits that will remind me
of that day: a subway ticket, a seashell, a cardboard drink with a pub’ s logo on it. ” Then, as she is packing on the
last day, “I go through all my little found treasures and spend a few moments recalling each one, ” she said. “This
gives me a sense of closure for that chapter of travel and makes the experience memorable. ”
1. How did the author feel about the New Year’s Eve in Guatemala City?
A. It was boring. B. It was eventful.
C. It was relaxing. D. It was cheerful.
2. What do we know about the recency effect from paragraph 2?
A. It is based on a psychological principle.
B. It is widely used to create lovely memories.
C. It highlights the final part of a series of events.
D. It makes up for the inability of short-term memory.
3. What does the underlined word “backfire” mean in paragraph 4?
A. Be avoided to some extent. B. Be applied extensively.
C. Produce undesirable consequences. D. Pose unexpected challenges.
4. According to Poffenroth, which of the following may help travelers have good memories?
A. Share travel experiences. B. Recall the final days of a journey.
C. Purchase as many souvenirs as possible. D. Purposely gather reminders of a journey.
高频话题05 人与社会—社会问题与社会现象
Passage 1
[2025福建省厦门市高中毕业班第一次质量检测]If you yawn(打哈欠) more and pretend to be interested often, researchers may have an explanation: a global
rise in boredom. Boredom has risen significantly over the past 15 years, a new paper suggests. It also proposes a
possible cause: the growing use of social media.
“Technology has driven us into an age of constant digital engagement. With endless rewarding stimulation a
fingertip away, however, people are becoming increasingly bored,” the authors wrote in Communications
Psychology.
One cited experiment tracked over 100,000 American adolescents for nearly a decade, finding a modest but
significant rise in boredom from 2011, measured on a five-point scale. Another study of over 28,000 Chinese
students showed a 14% increase in boredom between 2009 and 2020, based on the Boredom Proneness Scale.
How these results are interpreted is open to debate. James Danckert, a professor of cognitive neuroscience,
thinks it reasonable that boredom is on the rise and social media may play a part. “The function of boredom,
however, is to push you into action,” Danckert argues. He believes the key lies in taking part in unpredictable,
meaningful events where you must make active choices. Impromptu conversations with somebody can fill these
requirements.
Danckert doubts social media ticks the same boxes. “When you start scrolling(滑动) on your phone, a ton of
what you’re going to see there is highly predictable,” he said. The more predictable our world becomes, the less
meaningful it is and the more boring it becomes.
Professor Andreas Elpidorou, an expert in the field of boredom studies, agrees. Digital media may “force us
into a continuous engagement with a content that is interesting enough to entertain but not meaningful enough to
fulfil,” he said. However, he suspected it was not the only factor, adding, “I worry this is too convenient an
explanation. I’m not saying it isn’t true, but I worry it may only be partially true.”
1. Why does the author mention the quote in paragraph 2?
A. To support the finding of a new paper.
B. To review the benefits of digital engagement.
C. To provide solutions to overcoming boredom.
D. To highlight the suggestions given by researchers.
2. What do the two studies mentioned in paragraph 3 focus on?
A. The increase in boredom levels. B. The historical trend of boredom.
C. The effect of boredom on human behavior. D. The link between boredom and technology.
3. What does the underlined word “impromptu” mean in paragraph 4?
A. Structured. B. Informal. C. Detailed. D. Unprepared.
4. What is Elpidorou’s attitude towards the results of boredom research?
A. Appreciative. B. Objective. C. Tolerant. D. Dismissive.
Passage 2
[2025江苏省南京市、盐城市高三一模]
Media literacy(素养) is finally getting some late-arriving attention. Whether it’s the increasing awareness of
political disinformation or the threat of AI, discussions about media literacy are on the rise. The adoption of media
literacy in the classroom, however, stagnates.The driving force for providing kids with media literacy skills often gets lost in the moral panic over
technology and kids. Fear has overrun reason, and people can’t decide whether to blame social media, mobile
devices, tech companies, or the Internet. They are concerned with claims that technology and social media are the
causes of teenage mental health issues despite the weak associations. In response, too many solutions are “ostrich
policies(鸵鸟政策) ” that want to ban devices and shut down social media but don’t address more fundamental
issues.
Policies that set age limits on social media access and restrict devices during school to minimize disturbance
can be helpful but are incomplete solutions. Social media didn’t invent bullies(霸凌) or the enormous effect of peer
pressure. Social media platforms may be a new battleground, but they are not the source. Unfortunately, many
current policies ignore the need to teach kids how to manage these challenges. There is frighteningly little attention
paid to preparing kids to make good decisions when they will, unavoidably, get online.
On the bright side, the rapid development of AI and increasing attention to the amount of misinformation
online have helped normalize the acceptance of media literacy as a core skill. While suggestions to limit
inappropriate device use, increase face-to-face socialization, and engage in outdoor play arc beneficial, they do not
build the core skills that will keep kids safe offline and are fundamental to well-being and life success: good
citizenship, self-awareness and self-control. Those things take teaching, whether you are online or outside.
Media literacy is an essential life skill that, once learned, can be applied to any content. While waiting for
public education to catch up, parents and educators can build media literacy skills at home with numerous
resources, ranging from family technology contracts and discussion guides to easy activities that can be done at
home with kids.
1. What does the underlined word “stagnates” in the first paragraph probably mean?
A. Gets far ahead. B. Falls apart suddenly.
C. Falls well short. D. Gets started officially.
2. What causes people’s moral panic over technology and kids?
A. Belief in the rapid growth of new technologies
B. Concern over cutting kids off from the Internet
C. Inability to balance the use of social media and health.
D. Fear of technology causing mental health issues in teenagers.
3. What does paragraph 3 of the text focus on?
A. The sources of peer pressure. B. The benefits of minimizing disturbance.
C. The problems of current policies. D. The disadvantages of social media platforms
4. Which of the following belongs to media literacy?
A. Reducing social media exposure. B. Applying critical thinking to media.
C. Increasing face-to-face interactions. D. Recognizing the dangers of social media
Passage 3
[2025江苏省南京市、盐城市高三一模]
Decision fatigue(决策疲劳) is a psychological phenomenon where the quality of decisions declines after a
long session of decision-making. It is caused by the limited mental energy we have for making choices each day.While many of us believe we are logical beings capable of weighing every option carefully, decision fatigue shows
how our mental resources can be used up over time.
One of the key studies on this phenomenon was conducted in the context of parole hearings(假释听证会).
Researchers found that judges were more likely to approve of parole early in the day or after a meal break. As the
day progressed and the judges made more decisions, they were increasingly likely to maintain their previous
decisions, denying parole simply because it required less mental effort.
Decision fatigue not only affects major life choices but also everyday decisions. For instance, people often
report struggling to decide what to eat for dinner after a long day. Similarly, too many choices, such as when
looking through streaming platforms or online stores, can leave individuals feeling confused, leading them to
abandon the process entirely or settle for a less satisfying option.
To overcome decision fatigue, some well-known figures have adopted strategies to simplify their daily
routines. For example, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is famous for wearing the same style of gray T-shirts to
minimize unnecessary choices. Similarly, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein was known for owing
multiple identical suits to avoid wasting energy on deciding what to wear each day. In a different context, author
Haruki Murakami has shared that he maintains a strict daily routine, including specific writing hours and exercise,
to free up mental capacity for his creative work.
Understanding decision fatigue can help us structure our lives more effectively. Prioritizing important
decisions earlier in the day or setting up routines to minimize unnecessary choices are strategies to preserve mental
energy. By managing our mental resources wisely, we can make sound decisions and reduce the stress associated
with overwhelming choices
1. What leads to decision fatigue according to the text?
A. The lack of time to make decisions.
B. The difficulty of making logical choices.
C. The stress from making important decisions.
D. The limited mental energy for decision-making.
2. What does the study on parole hearings reveal?
A. Judges are much stricter after long breaks.
B. Decision fatigue can lead to unfair outcomes.
C. Fatigue causes judges to avoid complicated cases.
D. External factors have no impact on decision-making.
3. What does the author suggest readers shopping online do?
A. Make quick decisions. B. Compare different products.
C. Limit the number of choices. D. Choose the most popular products.
4. What is the purpose of adopting routines?
A. To reduce the stress of daily work. B. To increase decision-making quality.
C. To enhance overall life satisfaction. D. To create more decision-making chances
Passage 4
[2025安徽省淮北市和淮南市高三上学期第一次质量检测]There’s a name for that feeling you get after spending too long scrolling aimlessly, and Oxford University
Press (OUP) has chosen it as its word for the year for 2024. “Brain rot” took the title in a vote in which more than
37, 000 people participated, as well as public commentary and analysis of OUP’s language data. In a statement
released Monday, OUP, which publishes the Oxford English Dictionary, defined “brain rot” as the supposed decline
in a person‘s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of over-consumption of material (now
particularly online content) considered to be shallow or unchallenging.
While the use of “brain rot” rose 230% this year, it was actually first introduced more than a century ago.
According to OUP, it was first used by author Henry David Thoreau in his book Walden as he criticized society’s
tendency to devalue complicated ideas in favour of simple ones. All these years later, it seems brain rot is well and
truly established. The term has gained attention over the past year, however, especially as worries grow about the
impact of over-consuming low-quality content online.
Earlier this year, a behavioral healthcare provider in the United States began offering treatment for brain rot,
describing it as a condition of confusion, tiredness, lack of focus, and weakened mental ability. The healthcare
company cited endless scrolling and social media addiction as examples of brain rot behavior, which could be
prevented by setting limits on screen time or doing a digital cleansing.
“ ‘Brain rot’ speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time, ” said
Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages. “I also find it fascinating that the word ‘brain rot’ has been
adopted by Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These communities have promoted the expression through social media
channels, the very place said to cause ‘brain rot’, ” he added. “It demonstrates a somewhat humorous self-
awareness in the younger generations about the harmful impact of the social media that they’ve received. ”
1. What does “brain rot” refer to according to Oxford University Press?
A. A headache caused by too much screen time. B. Mental decline from meaningless viewing.
C. Low-quality online information. D. Addiction to social media.
2. Why did Thoreau use the term “brain rot” in his writing?
A. To warn people about overusing the Internet.
B. To encourage readers to watch shallow content.
C. To challenge society’s preference for simple ideas.
D. To praise mental health advancements of his time.
3. What is the main idea of the third paragraph?
A. Brain rot is caused by social media and can be treated.
B. Social media causes most mental health issues.
C. Screen time has no impact on mental health.
D. Brain rot is not a real mental condition.
4. Why does Casper Grathwohl describe the younger generation as humorous?
A. Because they openly laugh at the mental state of older generations.
B. Because they treat low-quality online content purely as entertainment.
C. Because they completely avoid discussing brain rot and see it as a joke.
D. Because they admit the harm of social media with self-critical humor.
