专题 02 阅读理解（说明文）
编者按：2025 年新高考地区二模试题分类整理，深度解析，排版整
齐。
（一）
（2025·浙江·二模）
The progress of a human being through life might be thought of as mostly gradual changes from the cell to the
grave. But if you wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and wonder when you suddenly grew so much older, you
may not be imagining things. According to a recent research into the molecular (分子) changes associated with aging,
humans experience two sharp lurches forward, one at the average age of 44 and the other at the average age of 60.
“We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes, ” geneticist Michael Snyder
of Stanford University explained.
Aging is complex, and associated with growing risks of diseases of all kinds. Snyder and his colleagues have
been investigating the biology of aging to better understand what changes occur and how, in order to better ease and
treat these diseases. To this end, they have been tracking a group of 108 adults, with ages spanning from 25 to 70,
who have been donating biological samples every few months over several years. They noticed that in some conditions,
such as Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease, risk doesn’t rise gradually with time; it increases sharply after a
certain age.
To see if they could identify related changes, the researchers decided to take a closer look at the biomarkers of
aging. Each participant submitted an average of 47 samples over 626 days, with the longest-serving participant
submitting 367 samples. This wealth of data resulted in more than 246 billion data points, which the researchers then
processed, looking for patterns in the changes. Snyder and his colleagues noticed that around 81 percent of all the
molecules they studied showed changes at two distinct stages. Changes peaked in the mid-40s, and again in the early
60s, with slight differences.
Despite their findings, the researchers note that their sample size is pretty small, and they tested limited
biological samples. Future research could help dig further into this phenomenon, studying it in more detail, across awider range of subjects, to better understand how the human body changes over time.
1．What does the underlined word “lurches” in paragraph 1 mean?
A．Rises. B．Advances. C．Conditions. D．Changes.
2．What is the aim of Michael Snyder’s research team?
A．To slow the aging process. B．To extend human lifespan.
C．To promote disease treatment. D．To reduce disease risks.
3．What can we learn about the participants?
A．They experienced identical changes at two age stages.
B．Their risk of contracting certain diseases rose with time.
C．They donated biological samples monthly over the years.
D．Their long-term involvement contributed to the abundance of data.
4．What is author’s suggestion for future research?
A．Expand the sample size. B．Lengthen the research period.
C．Increase the number of researchers. D．Improve the data processing efficiency.
（二）
（2025·浙江宁波·二模）
It is late at night. You wander empty streets, heart pounding, muscles tense, sensing danger nearby. Now imagine
the same situation, but without these responses. Would you still feel afraid? Experiences like this unveil a profound
truth: our minds are not just products of the brain but emerge from its constant dialogue with the body.
At the heart of this connection is the vagus nerve (神经) — the body’s longest nerve. It winds its way from the
brain throughout the head and trunk, issuing commands to our organs and receiving feelings from them. Much of the
confusing range of functions it regulates are automatic and operate without conscious control. These complex
responses engage a group of neural networks that link brain and body. The vagus nerve is, in one way of thinking,
the conduit of the mind.
The primary function of the vagus nerve is to dampen the body’s responses. After a fear episode, for example,
the body’s powerful, life-saving threat response must be ended to restore resting heartbeat, breathing, blood flow and
the rest. So powerful is its influence that the vagus nerve can literally stop the beating heart. Conversely, it can also
stimulate bodily responses by releasing the brakes to accelerate.
The vagus nerve is the biological basis for many new therapies (疗法) worldwide. However, some people have
taken the vagus nerve’s wide-ranging bodily influence as an invitation to engage in false science. In some corners ofthe Internet, so-called polyvagal therapy—physical or breathing exercises that some claim reset the vagus nerve —
is proposed to address just about any disorder of the mind or body. There’s little evidence that these popular therapies
are anything but comfort.
The vagus nerve doesn’t need to be a cure for everything — its worth appreciating all on its own. Neuroscientists
compare the vagus to an orchestra conductor, harmonizing bodily systems to compose our conscious experience.
Professor Linda Rinaman once said, “We’re not just brains in jars. Our thoughts and feelings are rooted in flesh and
blood.”
1．How does the author introduce the topic in paragraph 1?
A．By sharing a story. B．By creating a scene.
C．By asking a question. D．By defining a concept.
2．What does the underlined word “conduit” in paragraph 2 mean?
A．Channel. B．Product. C．Mirror. D．Nature.
3．What does paragraph 4 mainly talk about?
A．The popularity of a biological treatment. B．The effectiveness of breathing exercises.
C．The misuse of unproven nerve therapies. D．The evidence of vagus nerve’s functions.
4．What do Linda Rinaman’s words imply?
A．Blood circulation determines our emotions. B．Physical health is unrelated to mental states.
C．Body and mind interact to form experiences. D．Our brain stores feelings separate from body.
（三）
（2025·浙江宁波·二模）
Global sea levels continue to rise despite efforts that cities around the world are making to reduce the effects
of climate change and their carbon emissions. One firm, however, is hoping to battle the effects of climate change.
Driven by alarming estimates that 36.6 million people in Asian coastal cities like Mumbai could face flooding by
2070, Luca Curci Architects, based in Venice, Italy, has released Floating City — a design that would allow urban
areas to rise with the waters while making use of renewable energies to reduce their own carbon emissions.
Each 25-acre unit houses 50,000 residents on interconnected platforms, with potential expansion for 200,000and
buildings are capped at 90 meters tall for stability. “Structures must be flexible like bamboo in wind to resist waves,”
explains architect Curci. To achieve this, seawater resistant materials are given priority to, while hollow sections in
platforms help them float. Meanwhile, movable bridges are constructed to link these “water neighborhoods” tomainland transport systems.
The project team also envisions a mix of renewable energy sources extracting power from wind, water, and
the sun to power the city. During extreme weather, platforms automatically separate and regroup using intelligence
algorithms inspired by how fish schools avoid hunters.
Compared to building artificial islands, this method preserves 68% more marine (海洋) life and uses surfaces
that absorb rainwater to reduce flooding risks. However, challenges persist. Seawater slowly harms materials, requiring
repair every four months, and emergency plans for extreme weather are still under way. “This isn’t about abandoning
coasts but evolving with them,” notes designer Tim Fu.
While some question long-term possibility, the design redefines urban resilience. Unlike rigid sea walls, these
dynamic structures harmonize with oceanic rhythms, offering a blueprint for climate solutions. “Cities must learn to
dance with the waves,” Curci says. This philosophy could transform humanity’s relationship with rising seas, turning
threats into sustainable opportunities.
1．What drove Luca Curci Architects to come up with a new design?
A．Energy crisis. B．Potential disasters.
C．Tourism expansion. D．Overcrowded cities.
2．Which of the following best describes Luca Curci’s design?
A．Fictional and renewable. B．Adaptable and innovative.
C．Eco-friendly and immovable. D．Wave-resistant and conventional.
3．A limitation of Luca Curci’s design is that ______.
A．it threatens marine life B．it lacks clean energy options
C．it requires regular maintenance D．it ignores coastal water changes
4．Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text?
A．Ocean Protection: Life under Threat B．Rising with the Tides: Floating Cities
C．Connecting to the Future: Eco SolutionsD．Coastal Design: Inspiration from Bamboo
（四）
（2025·辽宁·二模）
An alarming phenomenon has sprung up over the past few years: Many students are arriving at college
unprepared to read entire books. Professors said they’ve seen a general change in how their students engage with
literature. Students feel stressed at the thought of reading multiple books a semester.
Why is this happening? The attraction of smartphones and social media came up, and it appears that manymiddle and high schools are teaching fewer full books. But a deeper cause is a change in values, not ability. The
problem does not appear to be that “kids these days” are incurious or uninterested in reading. Instead, young people
might be responding to a cultural message: Books just aren’t that important.
The professors didn’t think their students were lazy. If anything, they were shocked at how overscheduled and
anxious college kids are today — and they saw that their students’ schedules are crowded with activities that are less
about personal development and more relevant to future employment. “There are too many demands on their time
and focus to devote themselves easily or fully to works of literature that might take 20 hours to consume,” James
Shapiro, an English professor at Columbia, said.
In 1971, 37 percent of students said that a central objective of their college years was to become well-off
financially. 73 percent said it was to develop a meaningful philosophy of life. By 2015, those numbers had almost
completely switched. 82 percent of students said that it was essential for them to use college to become well-off
financially, while 47 percent said they wanted to develop a meaningful philosophy of life. Experts and parents alike
have emphasized preprofessional courses and downplayed the importance of humanistic study. In this environment,
spending hours reading a novel may seem unproductive.
In some ways, this is a hopeful conclusion: If we’ve shifted what we value, then it stands to reason that we
could, as a society, shift back. The responsibility doesn’t lie only with Gen Z. Everyone who’s upset about the change
has a role to play in turning it around.
1．What is the main concern raised in paragraph 1?
A．Students’ struggle with literature. B．Professors’ dissatisfaction with students.
C．Universities’ failure to prepare students. D．Students’ declining interest in classic works.
2．What can be inferred from James Shapiro’s words?
A．Students can’t manage time properly.
B．Students prefer to read shorter materials.
C．Students have no ability to focus on lengthy texts.
D．Students are too occupied to fully appreciate literature.
3．Why are the statistics mentioned in paragraph 4?
A．To show students’ stress and anxiety.
B．To illustrate the shift in students’ priorities.
C．To highlight the significance of personal growth.
D．To argue for the value of preprofessional courses.4．Which can be a suitable title for the passage?
A．What Are the Challenges of Modern Education?
B．Why Are College Students Avoiding Literature?
C．Can Society Restore the Value of Reading Literature?
D．How Has Technology Redefined Reading for Students?
（五）
（2025·山东·二模）
A research team, led by Dr. Lee Seung-Hee, Associate Director of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), has
uncovered a fundamental principle of how the brain prioritizes vision and hearing differently depending on whether
we are still or in motion. The study provides new insights into the brain’s sensory decision-making processes and
how they adapt to behavioral states.
In daily life, we constantly process visual and auditory (听觉的) information to explore the world. For example,
when watching a movie, the brain integrates images and sounds to create a unified experience. However, during
movement-such as walking down a busy street-the brain may prioritize visual input over sound to avoid obstacles.
Until now, the neural mechanisms ( 神经机制) behind this sensory prioritization remained unclear.
Understanding this process is particularly important for individuals with sensory processing disorders. such as autism
or schizophrenia, where the brain. may grapple with integrating sensory information effectively. By uncovering how
the brain naturally shifts between sensory inputs, researchers hope to pave the way for better treatment for these
conditions.
To investigate this phenomenon, the research. team conducted behavioral experiments on mice, monitoring
real-time brain activity using miniature microscopes and optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons.
The mice were trained to respond to both visual and auditory cues while either stationary or running on a treadmill.
The results revealed a striking shift in sensory reliance: When stationary, the ice relied more on auditory cues
to make decisions. When moving, their brains prioritized visual input. This suggests that the brain dynamically adjusts
sensory weighting based on behavioral context. Sound may be more useful for detecting nearby events when still,
whereas vision becomes critical during movement for spatial navigation and stability.
This discovery could have important implications for understanding and treating sensory processing disorders,
where the brain may struggle to properly prioritize sensory inputs. Dr. Lee explained, “Our findings demonstrate how
the brain flexibly shifts between vision and hearing depending on behavior. Understanding this natural adaptabilitycould lead to improved treatments for those with sensory integration difficulties.”
1．What was the main focus of Dr. Lee’s research?
A．How behavior boosts the brain function.B．How physical state affects sensory focus.
C．How information is processed by the brain. D．How sensory input guides decision-making.
2．What do the underlined words “grapple with” in paragraph 3 probably mean?
A．Result in. B．Put off. C．Struggle with. D．Speed up.
3．How did the researchers investigate sensory prioritization in mice?
A．By tracking their brain activity during sensory tasks.
B．By monitoring their adaptation to light and sound.
C．By recording their instant reactions to movement.
D．By comparing corresponding human behavior.
4．What is the significance of the research?
A．Advancing treatments for sensory processing disorders.
B．Clarifying debates about humans’ adaptability.
C．Enhancing the brain’s processing efficiency.
D．Developing sensory integration techniques.
（六）
（2025·广东·二模）
Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, finally getting to the task that has been put off for ages. You have put
your phone in your bag. Despite the urge to check it once in a while, you feel focused. Do you think you’re having a
productive time?
Think again. We tend to believe putting our phone face-side down on our desk or in our bag is enough to
prevent us from being distracted (干扰). However, a recent study reveals that the mere presence of your phone, even
if it’s out of sight, can be a distraction to your brain - a concept known as “brain drain”.
To test the “brain drain” theory, 548 college students at the University of Texas were divided into three groups
and asked to complete a set of brain performance tests, with their phones facing down on their desk, in their bag, or
outside the room. Researchers found that the group with their phones in another room scored significantly higher. An
analysis of 22 studies extends this line of research, indicating the mere presence of smartphones creates a “brain
drain” and that the farther away they are from the users, the easier it is for them to concentrate. Why?
Our brains can only focus on a small amount of information at once, and need to prioritize what is the mostever-present and relevant, like smartphones. In fact, we engage with the device an average of more than 150 times a
day, which means we are rarely focused on a task for more than a few minutes without our attention being divided.
This over-reliance on smartphones trains our brain to be inattentive, leaving less space for other tasks.
As our phones constantly battle for our attention, how can we prevent them from negatively impacting our
performance at work? A good starting point is to educate ourselves on the impact of phone usage on our brains so we
can make more informed decisions when working on a task. To further improve our productivity, we should also
remember to place our phone outside the room, rather than simply turn it upside down or silence it right beside us.
1．What does the author open the text with?
A．A heated discussion. B．A vividly-described painting.
C．A well-known theory. D．A common misunderstanding.
2．Why is the analysis of 22 studies cited?
A．To confirm previous findings. B．To analyze studies’ outcomes.
C．To compare research methods. D．To track subjects’ performances.
3．What causes a “brain drain” according to the text?
A．The lack of concentration training. B．The limited capacity of our brains.
C．The overload of online information. D．The mindful use of digital devices.
4．How can we avoid distractions from phones at work?
A．By reducing our phone’s usage. B．By switching smartphones to silent mode.
C．By covering our phone’s screen. D．By separating work zones and phone zones.
（七）
（2025·广东·二模）
The long-held assumption that intelligence is the primary driver of academic achievement is challenged by a
recent study in Human Behavior. The study, led by Dr. Malan from University of London and jointly carried out by
a group of international experts, has revealed that non-cognitive (非认知的) skills, such as motivation, self-regulation
and academic interest, are no less important than intelligence in determining academic success. The influence of these
skills accrues throughout a child’s education, with genetic (基因的) factors playing a significant role in shaping this
developmental path.
The study tracked over 10,000 children from age 7 to 16 in England and Wales and used twin studies and DNA
analysis to investigate the impact of non-cognitive skills on academic outcomes as well as the influential factors, likegenes and environment, that affect these skills.
One striking finding is the growing role of genetics in shaping non-cognitive skills and their impact on academic
achievement. Researchers created a special method known as the “polygenic score” to measure these skills and found
that genetic effects associated with non-cognitive skills became increasingly predictive of academic achievement,
nearly doubling between the ages of 7 and 16. By the end of required schooling, genetic influence on non-cognitive
skills was as strong as that on cognitive skills in predicting academic success.
Besides, by comparing children from the same family, researchers could separate the impact of shared family
environment from genetic factors. “We found that how children were raised in the family played a significant role,
although the increasing influence of non-cognitive genetics on academic achievement was still evident,” said Dr.
Alleg, a co-researcher in the study.
The findings have far-reaching implications for education. The study suggests that schools should develop
programs to support students’ emotional and social development. Dr. Malan said, “By doing so, we can create a more
inclusive and effective learning environment for students.”
The study also highlights the need for further research into the complex interaction between genes, environment
and education. By understanding these factors, educators and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to
support students’ overall development and achieve better educational outcomes.
1．What does the underlined word “accrues” in paragraph 1 mean?
A．Mounts. B．Remains. C．Varies. D．Surfaces.
2．Why was the special method used in the study?
A．To predict students’ academic achievement.
B．To measure the role of environment in learning.
C．To evaluate the genetic impact on non-cognitive skills.
D．To assess the academic influence of cognitive abilities.
3．What are the researchers most likely to recommend?
A．Advanced math courses. B．AI programming workshops.
C．Writing training programs. D．Community service projects.
4．What is the best title for the text?
A．Promoting Effective Learning B．The Overlooked Benefits of Genes
C．Unlocking Academic Potential D．The Hidden Key to Academic Success
（八）（2025·山东·二模）
You’re in the middle of the afternoon, eyelids heavy, focus slipping. You close your eyes for half an hour and
wake up feeling recharged. But later that night, you’re tossing and turning in bed, wondering why you can’t fall
asleep. That midday nap (小睡) which felt so refreshing at the time might be the reason.
Most people experience a natural decline in alertness in the early afternoon, typically between 1 pm and 4 pm.
This isn’t just due to a heavy lunch — our internal body clock, or circadian rhythms (生理节奏), creates cycles of
wakefulness and tiredness throughout the day. The early afternoon lull is part of this rhythm, which is why so many
people feel drowsy (昏昏欲睡的) at that time, Studies suggest that a short nap during this period — ideally followed
by bright light exposure - can help counteract fatigue, boost alertness, and improve cognitive function without
interfering with nighttime sleep. These “power naps” allow the brain to rest without slipping into deep sleep, making it
easier to wake up feeling refreshed.
But there’s a catch: napping too long may result in waking up feeling worse than before. This is due to “sleep
inertia” — the dizziness and disorientation that comes from waking up during deeper sleep stages. Once a nap extends
beyond 30 minutes, the brain transitions into slow-wave sleep, making it much harder to wake up. Studies show that
waking from deep sleep can leave people feeling sluggish for up to an hour. And if a nap is taken too late in the day,
it can eat away from the “sleep pressure build-up” — the body’s natural drive for sleep-making it harder to fall asleep
at night.
To nap effectively, timing and environment matter. Despite the benefits, napping isn’t for everyone. Age,
lifestyle and underlying sleep patterns all influence whether naps help or hinder. A good nap is all about strategy —
knowing when, how, and if one should nap at all. For some it’s a life hack, improving focus and energy. For others,
it’s a slippery slope into sleep disruption. The key is to experiment and observe how naps affect your overall sleep
quality.
1．What does the first paragraph indicate?
A．Sleep problems bother many people. B．Naps improve long-term health
C．Illnesses arise from lack of sleep. D．Not all naps are beneficial to man.
2．Why do people feel drowsy during the day?
A．A light lunch causes sleepiness. B．The body has a rhythm to follow.
C．Short naps can’t boost brain activities. D．Sleep with light on prevents deeper sleep.
3．Which of the following may disturb nighttime sleep?
A．Taking a nap in late afternoon. B．Napping for less than 10 minutes.C．Following the internal body clock. D．Avoiding slow-wave sleep in the day.
4．What does the author advise us to do?
A．Set practical nap goals. B．Follow strict nap rules.
C．Personalize nap strategies. D．Observe more before acting.
（九）
（2025·浙江台州·二模）
The famous marshmallow test, where children are asked to choose one marshmallow now or two later, may
reveal more than willpower. Recent research suggests the ability to delay gratification (满足) could help protect
against cognitive (认知) decline. This skill strengthens the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning
and reasoning. Just as regular physical exercise helps maintain muscle strength, regularly practising delayed
gratification may help maintain cognitive functions throughout life. Over time, it will definitely build up mental
resilience.
Resisting immediate rewards stimulates “cool” controlling strategies in the prefrontal cortex, while giving in
to temptation involves emotional decision-making areas. Regular practice of these “cool” strategies contributes to
cognitive reserve, which highlights the importance of mental stimulation. This regular practice will potentially delay
cognitive decline. It’s not just about willpower, but the ability to plan for the future, which is essential to make
healthier lifestyle choices that benefit brain health.
These skills can be developed at any age. While early childhood lays the foundation for delayed gratification,
adults can strengthen self-control through consistent practice. Strategies like setting specific goals enhance these
abilities. Studies show those who regularly practice self-control tend to maintain better cognitive functions as they
age, demonstrating stronger problem-solving skills.
Physical activity matters in this relationship. Research shows that higher physical activity is linked to better
cognitive function, especially in older adults. Delaying gratification helps maintain regular exercise habits, creating
a positive feedback circle that supports brain health. The more we practice delayed gratification, the more we
strengthen our brain’s ability of self-control and protect against future cognitive decline.
To develop these skills, start with small delays and gradually increase the waiting period. Set achievable goals
and practice mindfulness to manage emotional urges. It’s never too late to start building cognitive resilience, and the
small choices we make today can have a lasting impact on our mental health in the long term.
1．How does the author illustrate delayed gratification in paragraph 1?A．By defining concepts.
B．By giving descriptions.
C．By making comparisons.
D．By conducting surveys.
2．What’s the function of practicing “cool” controlling strategies regularly?
A．Enhancing cognitive reserve.
B．Arousing emotional awareness.
C．Developing temptation resistance.
D．Boosting willpower performance.
3．How can adults improve their problem-solving skills?
A．By building physical fitness gradually.
B．By exercising self-control consistently.
C．By making feedback circles immediately.
D．By establishing major objectives successfully.
4．What’s the main idea of the text?
A．Delayed gratification benefits brain health.
B．Physical activity increases muscle strength.
C．Waiting period influences cognitive function.
D．Positive mindfulness manages emotional drive.
（十）
（2025·广东·二模）
Needles, though essential for delivering many vital medicines, are not popular among patients. Many people
experience discomfort or anxiety at the sight of a needle, making injections (注射) an unpleasant experience. Now,
new research led by Giovanni Traverso at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a way to give
medicine without this discomfort—by copying how squids (鱿鱼) shoot ink and water.
Dr. Traverso’s tiny automated injectors are packaged in capsules that patients can swallow. Once inside the
digestive system, the capsules break down, releasing the injectors, which then deliver drugs through the surface layer
of stomach or other digestive organs and into the subsurface tissues below. This method allows patients to receive
treatment without seeing or feeling a needle.
Although the technique is promising, it is not yet entirely reliable. For an injector to work effectively, it mustbe positioned almost perfectly upright against the target tissue. With skin injections, a medical professional can adjust
the angle by hand, but inside the digestive system, this is much more difficult.
To solve this problem, Dr. Traver so turned to squids, which can shoot ink and water at high pressure in multiple
directions. Inspired by this natural ability, he and his team worked with a medical company to develop tiny spring-
loaded devices that release fast streams of medicine when activated. Tests on digestive tissues from pigs and dogs
showed that the devices can effectively give injections even at angles below 70°.
While human trials have yet to begin, Dr. Traver so hopes the technology will soon help people with diabetes, a
disease that requires the patients to get multiple injections daily. A more convenient delivery system could make
treatment easier and less stressful. But the potential applications extend beyond diabetes—similar devices may one
day be used to administer vaccines, making immunization (免疫接种) more accessible. If all goes well, fear of
needles could become a thing of the past.
1．What can we learn about the new injectors from the first two paragraphs?
A．They are made from squid ink. B．They are invisible to human eyes.
C．They enjoy popularity among patients. D．They operate within the digestive system.
2．What challenge does Traverso’s technique face?
A．Keeping the injector at a correct angle. B．Finding a proper site for drug delivery.
C．Having reliable medical professionals. D．Accessing the deep digestive system.
3．What can we infer about the technology from the last paragraph?
A．It proves effective in human trials. B．It may cure people of needle anxiety.
C．It shows promises for future applications. D．It will reduce the cost of diabetes treatment.
4．Which of the following is the best title for the text?
A．The Secret of Squid Ink Shooting B．Painless Injection: A Gift from Squid
C．Nature: A Guide for Medical InnovationD．The Development of Injection Techniques
（十一）
（2025·甘肃白银·二模）
Psychologist Julian Rotter published an article in 1966, introducing one of the most significant concepts in
psychology, LOC (locus of control) (控制点). It reflects how much we expect our own behavior to affect what
happens to us—rather than luck, fate, chance, or powerful others. In Rotter’s LOC test, people were asked to choose
between internal and external alternatives. For example, “Many of the unhappy things in people’s lives are partly dueto bad luck.” or “People’s misfortunes result from the mistakes they make.”
But are we as internally controlled as we were in 1966? In February 2024, the college students of Stephen
Nowicki, PhD took a test. The students’ average LOC score of 12. 86 was more external than the average of 8. 10
found by Rotter in 1966. In fact, his students scored more externally than the prisoners Rotter tested in 1966, who
scored an average of 10.33.
How can we explain the trend toward greater externality found in the general population and especially in
Generation Z? One possibility is that greater externality may be a reflection of the way things are in the more
complicated tech-driven world than they were in earlier times. Another more disconcerting possibility is that people
in general could be underestimating the control available to them. We know that externality increases in response to
disasters but the danger is that victims might remain external even though they are no longer helpless. This is
especially noteworthy because individuals who do return to their original internality cope better than those who
remain inappropriately external.
Plentiful evidence has shown that internality is associated with more positive outcomes in areas of our lives
including academic achievement and satisfaction in social activities. We need our internality. Being internal means
taking responsibility for one’s actions, persisting longer, delaying rewards, gathering relevant information, and
resisting pressure. Just as Rotter said,“Active steps should be taken to turn around this troubling trend because if
feelings of externality continued, we may be heading for a society where each person sits back, watching the world
go by.”
1．Which statement reflects an internal locus of control in Rotter’s LOC test?
A．Success is the result of hard work.
B．Sometimes I feel dizzy after a shower.
C．Being famous is what everyone goes after.
D．I will feel relieved when my problems are solved.
2．What did the test performed by Stephen Nowicki discover?
A．His students are more internally controlled.
B．His students are more externally controlled.
C．His students rely heavily on personal responsibility.
D．His students have similar LOC scores as those tested in 1966.
3．What does the underlined word “disconcerting” in paragraph 3 probably mean?
A．Encouraging. B．Reassuring. C．Confusing. D．Upsetting.4．What does the author imply in the last paragraph?
A．Externality leads to social progress.
B．Personal responsibility is becoming overlooked.
C．Efforts must be made to increase internality.
D．Internality is the basic requirement for people.
