备战2023年高考英语考点微专题（全国通用）考向16 阅读理解之人与自我（含解析）

考向16 阅读理解之人与自我
(
真题典例
)
Passage1
（2022·全国·高考真题）As Ginni Bazlinton reached Antarctica, she found herself greeted by a group of little Gentoo penguins (企鹅) longing to say hello. These gentle, lovely gatekeepers welcomed her and kick-started what was to be a trip Ginni would never forget.
Ever since her childhood, Ginni, now 71, has had a deep love for travel. Throughout her career (职业) as a professional dancer, she toured in the UK, but always longed to explore further. When she retired from dancing and her sons eventually flew the nest, she decided it was time to take the plunge.
After taking a degree at Chichester University in Related Arts, Ginni began to travel the world, eventually getting work teaching English in Japan and Chile. And it was in Chile she discovered she could get last-minute cheap deals on ships going to Antarctica from the islands off Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of the South American mainland. “I just decided I wanted to go,” she says. “I had no idea about what I’d find there and I wasn’t nervous, I just wanted to do it. And I wanted to do it alone as I always prefer it that way.”
In March 2008, Ginni boarded a ship with 48 passengers she’d never met before, to begin the journey towards Antarctica. “From seeing the wildlife to witnessing sunrises, the whole experience was amazing. Antarctica left an impression on me that no other place has,” Ginni says. “I remember the first time I saw a humpback whale; it just rose out of the water like some prehistoric creature and I thought it was smiling at us. You could still hear the operatic sounds it was making underwater.”
The realization that this is a precious land, to be respected by humans, was one of the biggest things that hit home to Ginni.
1．Which of the following best explains “take the plunge” underlined in paragraph 2
A．Try challenging things. B．Take a degree.
C．Bring back lost memories. D．Stick to a promise.
2．What made Ginni decide on the trip to Antarctica
A．Lovely penguins. B．Beautiful scenery.
C．A discount fare. D．A friend’s invitation.
3．What does Ginni think about Antarctica after the journey
A．It could be a home for her. B．It should be easily accessible.
C．It should be well preserved. D．It needs to be fully introduced.
4．What is the text mainly about
A．A childhood dream. B．An unforgettable experience.
C．Sailing around the world. D．Meeting animals in Antarctica.
【答案】1．A2．C3．C4．B
【解析】本文是一篇记叙文。文章主要介绍了71岁的Ginni Balinton从小就对旅行有着深深的热爱，渴望探险，不再跳舞和孩子们成家立业之后，她开始周游世界，并在2008年开始了前往南极洲的旅程。
1．词句猜测题。根据第二段划线词前文“Throughout her career(职业) as a professional dancer, she toured in the UK, but always longed to explore further. (在她的职业舞蹈演员生涯中，她曾在英国巡演，但一直渴望进一步探索)”和“When she retired from dancing and her sons eventually flew the nest (当她不再跳舞，她的儿子们最终独立生活)”可知，Ginni在退休和儿子们成家立业之后，她决定尝试有挑战性的事情。由此推知，划线词组take the plunge与try challenging things“尝试有挑战性的事情”意思接近。故选A。
2．细节理解题。根据第三段中的“And it was in Chile she discovered she could get last-minute cheap deals on ships going to Antarctica from the islands off Tiera del Fuego. (正是在智利，她发现自己可以在最后一刻买到从火地岛附近岛屿前往南极洲的廉价船票)”可知，是折扣的票价让Ginni决定去南极洲旅行的。故选C。
3．细节理解题。根据最后一段“The realization that this is a precious land, to be respected by humans, was one of the biggest things that hit home to Ginni. (意识到这是一块宝贵的土地，应该受到人类的尊重，这是Ginni最深刻的感受之一)”可知，旅行结束后，Ginni认为南极洲应该得到很好的保护。故选C。
4．主旨大意题。通读全文可知，文章主要讲述了Ginni Balinton去南极旅行的经历，再根据第一段“These gentle lovely gatekeepers welcomed her and kick-started what was to be a trip Ginni would never forget. (这些温柔可爱的看门人欢迎了她，并开始了一次Ginni永远不会忘记的旅行)”和倒数第二段Ginni Balinton对南极之旅的评价可知，文章主要介绍了Ginni Balinton去南极洲之旅让她非常难忘。由此可知，An unforgettable experience. (一次难忘的经历)能够概括文章主旨。故选B。
Passage2
（2022·浙江·高考真题）For nearly a decade now, Merebeth has been a self-employed pet transport specialist. Her pet transport job was born of the financial crisis（危机）in the late 2000s. The downturn hit the real estate （房地产）firm where she had worked for ten years as an office manager. The firm went broke and left her looking for a new job. One day, while driving near her home, she saw a dog wandering on the road, clearly lost. She took it home, and her sister in Denver agreed to take it. This was a loving home for sure, but 1, 600 miles away. It didn't take long for Merebeth to decide to drive the dog there herself. It was her first road trip to her new job.
Merebeth's pet delivery service also satisfies her wanderlust. It has taken her to every state in the US except Montana, Washington and Oregon, she says proudly. If she wants to visit a new place, she will simply find a pet with transport needs there. She travels in all weathers. She has driven through 55 mph winds in Wyoming, heavy flooding and storms in Alabama and total whiteout conditions in Kansas.
This wanderlust is inherited from her father, she says. She moved their family from Canada to California when she was one year old, because he wanted them to explore a new place together. As soon as she graduated from high school she left home to live on Catalina Island off the Californian coast, away from her parents, where she enjoyed a life of sailing and off-road biking.
It turns out that pet transporting pays quite well at about $30, 000 per year before tax. She doesn't work in summer, as it would be unpleasantly hot for the animals in the car, even with air conditioning. As autumn comes, she gets restless—the same old wanderlust returning. It's a call she must heed alone, though. Merebeth says, "When I am on the road, I'm just in my own world. I've always been independent-spirited and I just feel strongly that I mush help animals. *'
5．Why did Merebeth changed her job
A．She wanted to work near her home.
B．She was tired of working in the office.
C．Her sister asked her to move to Denver.
D．Her former employer was out of business.
6．The word "wanderlust" in paragraph 2 means a desire to _________
A．make money. B．try various jobs.
C．be close to nature. D．travel to different places.
7．What can we learn about Merebeth in her new job
A．She has chances to see rare animals.
B．She works hard throughout the year.
C．She relies on herself the whole time.
D．She earns a basic and tax-free salary.
【答案】5．D6．D7．C
【解析】本文是一篇记叙文。文章讲述Merebeth从事的新工作。近十年来，她一直是一名自营宠物运输专家。
5．推理判断题。根据第一段中“The downturn hit the real estate （房地产）firm where she had worked for ten years as an office manager. The firm went broke and left her looking for a new job.（她曾在一家房地产公司做了10年的办公室经理，经济低迷打击了这家公司。 公司破产了，她只好另寻新工作）”，可知，Merebeth之所以换工作，是因为她以前的雇主破产了。故选D。
6．词义猜测题。根据第二段中“It has taken her to every state in the US except Montana, Washington and Oregon, she says proudly. If she wants to visit a new place, she will simply find a pet with transport needs there. She travels in all weathers.（她自豪地说，除了蒙大拿州、华盛顿州和俄勒冈州，她走遍了美国所有的州。如果她想去一个新的地方，她只需要找到一个有交通需要的宠物。 她风雨无阻地旅行）”，可知，划线词的意思是“渴望去不同的地方旅行”。故选D。
7．推理判断题。根据最后一段中“When I am on the road, I'm just in my own world. I've always been independent-spirited and I just feel strongly that I mush help animals.（当我在路上的时候，我只是在自己的世界里。 我一直很独立，我强烈地觉得我必须帮助动物）”，可知，Merebeth在她的新工作中一直都是靠自己。故选C。
Passage3（2021·天津·高考真题）When people ask me how I started writing, I find myself describing an urgent need that I felt to work with language. Having said that, I did not know for a long time what I was looking for. It was not until I followed this feeling to its source that I discovered I had a passion for writing. With some encouragement from my colleagues, I had one of my poems published. This bit of success, however, was the point where my problem began.
Back in 1978, I had to travel between three different campuses in the morning, teaching freshman composition. Afternoons I spent taking my daughter to her ballet and horse-riding lessons. I composed my lectures on the way, and that was all the thinking time I had. When I returned home, there was not enough of me left for writing after a full working day.
As a way out, I decided to get up two hours before my usual time. My alarm was set for 5:00 A．M. The first day I shut it off because I had placed it within arm's reach. The second day I set two clocks, one on my night table, and one out in the hallway. I had to jump out of bed and run to silence it before my family was awoken. This was when my morning writing began.
Since that first morning in 1978, I have been following the habit to this day, not making or accepting many excuses for not writing. I wrote my poems in this manner for nearly ten years before my first book was published. When I decided to write a novel, I divided my two hours: the first for poetry, the second for fiction. Well or badly, I wrote at least two pages a day. This is how my novel, The Line of the Sun. was finished. If I had waited to have the time, I would still be waiting to write my novel.
What I got out of getting up in the dark to work is the feeling that I am in control. For many people, the initial sense of urgency to create easily dies away because it requires making the tough decision: taking the time to create, stealing it from yourself if ifs the only way.
8．What motivated the author to start her writing career
A．Her strong wish to share.
B．Her keen interest in writing.
C．Her urgent need to make a living.
D．Her passionate desire for fame.
9．What problem did the author face when she decided to begin her writing
A．She was too exhausted to write after a busy day.
B．She had trouble in deciding on her writing style.
C．She had to take time to discipline her daughter.
D．She was unsure about her writing skills.
10．Why did the author place an alarm clock in the hallway
A．In case the clock in her room broke down.
B．In case she failed to hear the ringing.
C．To force herself out of bed.
D．To wake up her family.
11．How did the author manage to finish her novel
A．By sticking to writing every morning.
B．By writing when her mind was most active.
C．By drawing inspirations from classic novels.
D．By reducing her teaching hours at school.
12．What can we learn from the author's success in her writing career
A．It is never too late to change your job.
B．Imaginative ideas die away if not taken in time.
C．A tight schedule is no excuse for lack of action.
D．Daily life provides ideas for creative writing.
【答案】8．B9．A10．C11．A12．C
【解析】本文是一篇记叙文。主要讲述的是作者喜爱写作并制定计划一直坚持下来。
8．细节理解题。根据文章第一段“When people ask me how I started writing, I find myself describing an urgent need that I felt to work with language.”当人们问我是如何开始写作的时候，我发现自己在描述一种对语言的迫切需求。可知，促使作者开始她的写作生涯的原因是她对写作的强烈兴趣。故选B项。
9．细节理解题。根据文章第二段“When I returned home, there was not enough of me left for writing after a full working day.”当我回到家时，在工作了一整天后，我写东西的精力已经不够了。可知，当作者决定开始写作时，因为她忙碌了一天之后，她筋疲力尽，无法再写作了。故选A项。
10．细节理解题。根据文章第三段“The first day I shut it off because I had placed it within arm's reach. The second day I set two clocks, one on my night table, and one out in the hallway.”第一天我把它关掉了，因为我把它放在触手可及的地方。第二天，我调了两个钟，一个放在床头柜上，一个放在走廊上。可知，作者在走廊里放了一个闹钟的原因是为了强迫自己起床。故选C项。
11．推理判断题。根据文章第四段“Since that first morning in 1978, I have been following the habit to this day, not making or accepting many excuses for not writing.”从1978年的第一个早晨开始，我一直遵循这个习惯，直到今天，不为不写作找任何借口。可知，作者能够写小说的原因是坚持每天早上写作。故选A项。
12．推理判断题。根据文章最后一段“What I got out of getting up in the dark to work is the feeling that I am in control.”我从摸黑起床工作中得到的是一种掌控一切的感觉。以及文章第四段“Since that first morning in 1978, I have been following the habit to this day, not making or accepting many excuses for not writing.”从1978年的第一个早晨开始，我一直遵循这个习惯，直到今天，不为不写作找任何借口。可知，紧凑的日程并不是不采取行动的借口。故选C项。
Passage4
（2021·全国·高考真题）When I was 9, we packed up our home in Los Angeles and arrived at Heathrow, London on a gray January morning. Everyone in the family settled quickly into the city except me. Without my beloved beaches and endless blue—sky days, I felt at a loss and out of place. Until I made a discovery.
Southbank, at an eastern bend in the Thames, is the center of British skateboarding, where the continuous crashing of skateboards left your head ringing .I loved it. I soon made friends with the local skaters. We spoke our own language. And my favorite: Safe. Safe meant cool. It meant hello. It meant don't worry about it. Once, when trying a certain trick on the beam（横杆）, I fell onto the stones, damaging a nerve in my hand, and Toby came over, helping me up: Safe, man. Safe. A few minutes later, when I landed the trick, my friends beat their boards loud, shouting: “ Safe! Safe! Safe!” And that's what mattered—landing tricks, being a good skater.
When I was 15, my family moved to Washington. I tried skateboarding there, but the locals were far less welcoming. Within a couple of years, I'd given it up.
When I returned to London in 2004, I found myself wandering down to Southbank, spending hours there. I've traveled back several times since, most recently this past spring. The day was cold but clear: tourists and Londoners stopped to watch the skaters. Weaving（穿梭）among the kids who rushed by on their boards, I found my way to the beam. Then a rail—thin teenager, in a baggy white T—shirt, skidded（滑）up to the beam. He sat next to me. He seemed not to notice the man next to him. But soon I caught a few of his glances. “I was a local here 20 years ago,” I told him. Then, slowly, he began to nod his head. “Safe, man. Safe.”
“Yeah,” I said. “Safe.”
13．What can we learn about the author soon after he moved to London
A．He felt disappointed. B．He gave up his hobby.
C．He liked the weather there. D．He had disagreements with his family.
14．What do the underlined words “Safe! Safe! Safe!” probably mean
A．Be careful! B．Well done! C．No way! D．Don't worry!
15．Why did the author like to spend time in Southbank when he returned to London
A．To join the skateboarding. B．To make new friends.
C．To learn more tricks. D．To relive his childhood days
16．What message does the author seem to convey in the text
A．Children should learn a second language.
B．Sport is necessary for children's health.
C．Children need a sense of belonging
D．Seeing the world is a must for children.
【答案】13．A14．B15．D16．C
【解析】本文属于记叙文。本文讲述作者自己的经历，起初搬到伦敦很不适应，但是由于找到了玩滑板的地方，结识了玩滑板的朋友，因此很好的适应了。作者回到伦敦之后，经常去之前玩滑板的地方寻找自己的回忆，在与一个玩滑板的孩子打招呼的时候，终于找到了自己久违的熟悉感。
13．推理判断题。根据第一段“Everyone in the family settled quickly into the city except me. Without my beloved beaches and endless blue -sky days, I felt at a loss and out of place.(除了我之外的家里人都很快适应这个城市，没有了我喜爱的沙滩和蓝天，我感到迷茫和无措)”可知，作者刚到伦敦的时候因为没有喜爱的沙滩，不能很好的融入到新的城市，感到很沮丧，故选A。
14．词义猜测题。根据画线词后文“And that's what mattered—landing tricks, being a good skater. (那才是真正重要的——滑板的落地技巧掌握了才是一名好的滑板玩家)”可知，作者掌握了滑板落地技巧，因此他的朋友大声欢呼，因此可以推出本句的Safe是赞美的含义，结合选项，故选B。
15．推理判断题。根据第四段““I was a local here 20 years ago," I told him. Then, slowly, he began to nod his head. “Safe, man. Safe.””(我告诉他：“我20年前经常在这里玩滑板，”他缓慢地开始向我点头：“嗨，你好！”)”可推知，作者去Southbank这个地方是为了寻找自己玩滑板的回忆，故选D。
16．推理判断题。根据全文可知，作者起初搬到伦敦很不适应，但是由于找到了玩滑板的地方，结识了玩滑板的朋友，因此很好的适应了。但是搬去华盛顿，因为没有遇到很好的玩滑板的朋友，几年之后就不再玩滑板，作者回到伦敦之后，经常去之前玩滑板的地方寻找自己的回忆，在于一个孩子打招呼的时候，终于找到了自己久违的回忆。通过作者的经历，作者要表达的是，归属感对于孩子是很重要的，故选C。
Passage5
（2021·全国·高考真题）By day, Robert Titterton is a lawyer. In his spare on stage beside pianist Maria Raspopova — not as a musician but as her page turner. “I’m not a trained musician, but I’ve learnt to read music so I can help Maria in her performance.”
Mr Titterton is chairman of the Omega Ensemble but has been the group’s official page turner for the past four years. His job is to sit beside the pianist and turn the pages of the score so the musician doesn’t have to break the flow of sound by doing it themselves. He said he became just as nervous as those playing instruments on stage.
“A lot of skills are needed for the job. You have to make sure you don’t turn two pages at once and make sure you find the repeats in the music when you have to go back to the right spot.” Mr Titterton explained.
Being a page turner requires plenty of practice. Some pieces of music can go for 40 minutes and require up to 50 page turns, including back turns for repeat passages. Silent onstage communication is key, and each pianist has their own style of “nodding” to indicate a page turn which they need to practise with their page turner.
But like all performances, there are moments when things go wrong. “I was turning the page to get ready for the next page, but the draft wind from the turn caused the spare pages to fall off the stand,” Mr Titterton said, “Luckily I was able to catch them and put them back.”
Most page turners are piano students or up-and-coming concert pianists, although Ms Raspopova has once asked her husband to help her out on stage.
“My husband is the worst page turner,” she laughed. “He’s interested in the music, feeling every note, and I have to say: ‘Turn, turn!’ “Robert is the best page turner I’ve had in my entire life.”
17．What should Titterton be able to do to be a page turner
A．Read music. B．Play the piano.
C．Sing songs. D．Fix the instruments.
18．Which of the following best describes Titterton’s job on stage
A．Boring. B．Well-paid.
C．Demanding. D．Dangerous.
19．What does Titterton need to practise
A．Counting the pages. B．Recognizing the “nodding”.
C．Catching falling objects. D．Performing in his own style.
20．Why is Ms Raspopova’s husband “the worse page turner”
A．He has very poor eyesight. B．He ignores the audience.
C．He has no interest in music. D．He forgets to do his job.
【答案】17．A18．C19．B20．D
【解析】这是一篇记叙文。文章主要讲述了为钢琴演奏者做翻页工作的Robert Titterton和他的工作情况。
17．细节理解题。根据第一段“I’m not a trained musician, but I’ve learnt to read music so I can help Maria in her performance.(我不是受过训练的音乐家，但我学会了识谱，这样我就可以在Maria的表演中帮助她)”可知，Titterton因为识谱，所以可以在Maria的钢琴表演中为她翻页。故选A项。
18．推理判断题。根据第三段“A lot of skills are needed for the job. You have to make sure you don’t turn two pages at once and make sure you find the repeats in the music when you have to go back to the right spot.(这项工作需要很多技能。你必须确保你不会一次翻两页并且必要的时候确保你回到前面找到音乐重复的部分)”可知，为钢琴家翻页这项工作很需要技巧。由此推知，Titterton的工作要求是很高的。故选C项。
19．细节理解题。根据第四段“Silent onstage communication is key, and each pianist has their own style of “nodding” to indicate a page turn which they need to practise with their page turner.(无声的舞台交流是关键，每个钢琴家都有自己的“点头”风格来表示翻页，他们需要和翻页者进行练习)”可知，Titterton需要和钢琴演奏者练习识别他们的“点头”示意来翻页。故选B项。
20．细节理解题。根据最后一段“He’s interested in the music, feeling every note, and I have to say: ‘Turn, turn!’(他对音乐很感兴趣，感受着每一个音符，所以我不得不说：“翻页，翻页！”)”可知，Ms Raspopova的丈夫因为对音乐感兴趣，所以帮她翻页的时候总是沉浸在音乐中而忘掉自己的工作，她不得不去提醒。故选D项。
(
经典变式练
（基础练、提升练、真题练）
)
※基础练
Passage1
Some Greatest Bookstores
Another Country
Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany. Another Country is an English Language second hand bookshop which is mostly used as a library. They have about 20,000 books that you can buy or borrow. Some regular events are held at the shop, such as readings, cultural events, social evenings and film nights.
Atlantis Books
Oia, Santorini, Greece. Atlantis Books is an independent bookshop on the island of Santorini, Greece. It was founded in 2004 by a group of friends from Cyprus, England, and the United States. Throughout the year it has hosted literary festivals, film screenings, book readings, and good old fashioned dance parties.
Bart’s Books
Ojai, California. USA．“The World’s Greatest Outdoor Bookstore”, a bookstore founded by Richard Bartinsdale in 1964. Shelves of books face the street, and regular customers are asked to drop coins into the door’s coin box to pay for any books they take whenever the store is closed.
Adrian Harrington
Since1971. Rare books: rare first editions; leather bound sets and general antiquarian (古玩). Address: 64 a Kensington Church Street, Kensington, London, England, UK.
Corso Como Bookshop
Milan, Italy. Extensive selection of publication on art architecture, design graphics and fashion, along with a strong emphasis on photography. It was founded in 1990 in Milan, Italy, by Carla Sozzamil.
The Bookworm
China. A bookshop, library, bar, restaurant and event space, now with four divisions in three cities—Beijing, Suzhou and Chengdu. The interconnecting rooms with floor-to-ceiling books on every wall are light and airy in summer, yet warm and comfortable in winter.
1．What can you do in Atlantis Books
A．Sell rare books. B．Learn photography.
C．Attend a festival. D．Buy books anytime.
2．Which bookstore has the longest history
A．Bart’s Books. B．Atlantis Books.
C．Adrian Harrington. D．Corso Como Bookshop.
3．How is The Bookworm different from the others
A．It is used as a library. B．It has branches in different cities.
C．It hosts all sorts of activities. D．It opens only in summer and winter.
Passage2
Birds can serve as indicator species that help us understand how healthy an ecosystem is. Below are some tips especially helpful to reduce bird deaths and support our feathered friends in daily life.
Keep your cat indoors
Aside from habitat loss, the next biggest cause of direct death for birds is outdoor cats. We have seen people create enclosed patios, so their cats can get outside time without posing a risk to birds. If you want to take your cat out, you can also try using cat leads or cat backpacks to keep them close.
Make your windows more visible to birds
Window collisions kill up to a billion birds every year in the U.S.. A lot of people think that those collisions are occurring at the upper levels of high-rise buildings, but actually most of the collisions are occurring at the lower levels of these high-rise buildings. To make your windows more visible to birds, you can try putting up window film with dots (or lines) or adding a window screen or some kind of netting.
Turn off lights you’re not using
Many birds migrate at night. And as they go, they’re attracted by light. Lights will draw birds close to buildings, and sometimes, they collide. Bird collisions also happen during the daytime, because birds can’t see glass. So one of the things that you can help with, especially during migration, is to turn off any lights that are not used.
We’d love to hear from you. If you have a good lifehack, leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email us at LifeKit@npr.org. Your tip could appear in an upcoming episode. The broadcast portion of this story was produced by Sylvie Douglis. It was hosted and reported by Audrey Nguyen.
4．From the passage, which of the following is the leading cause of direct death for birds
A．Outdoor cats. B．Collisions on buildings.
C．Harsh light. D．Habitat loss.
5．From the passage, what can we do to help reduce bird deaths
A．Keep our cats close to birds.
B．Clean our windows thoroughly.
C．Construct no more high buildings.
D．Turn on lights only when necessary.
6．Where does the passage probably come from
A．A radio program.
B．A biology textbook.
C．A science report.
D．A tourist brochure.
Passage3
Modern life brings us many things to worry about, and you may come across a friend or two reminding everyone to “just breathe.” But can just breathing really make a difference
“The rate and depth we breathe at has a huge effect on our mental state,” says Elissa Epel, a professor from San Francisco. Researchers like Epel are exploring how breathing can help people reduce anxiety and they find that breathing could be an overlooked key to finding more calm and peace.
In a 2017 study, highly anxious people were asked to take a breath course and to practise twice a day at home. After eight weeks, they reported feeling less anxious compared to a group that didn’t receive the training. They also showed physical signs of reduced anxiety, including lower heart rate.
A regular breathing practice might help you feel calmer in your everyday life. But other studies suggest that focusing on your breathing in moments of acute stress could also be useful.
In an older study, researchers told participants that they were going to receive electric shocks, which actually never happened. Some of them practised breathing slowly before the shocks, while others focused on breathing at a normal rate or didn’t regulate their breathing at all. The slow breathers not only reported feeling less anxious while expecting the pain, but also showed lower anxiety on a physical level, as measured by sweat and blood flow to the fingers.
Another study following the study above tested three different breathing styles: fast inhaling (吸入) with slow exhaling; slow inhaling with fast exhaling; or evenly paced inhaling and exhaling. Here, the fast inhaling with slow exhaling (2 seconds in, 8 seconds out) was the most effective at relieving both the physical and mental anxiety.
All these studies show how much influence our body has on our mind. If the way we’ re breathing is signaling to our brains that something is wrong, it’s no wonder we feel anxious.
7．What do researchers like Epel find
A．Most people have mental problems. B．People ignore the effect of anxiety.
C．Life gives people too much stress. D．Proper breathing can bring people peace.
8．What happened to the people who practised breathing for eight weeks
A．Their bodies became stronger. B．Their hearts beat faster.
C．They got less anxious in daily life. D．They had a better sleep.
9．What can we learn from the older study
A．The normal breathers feel less anxious. B．Sweat shows a good physical level.
C．Slow breathing can relieve real-time anxiety. D．Blood flow can cause anxiety.
10．What is paragraph 6 mainly about
A．The similarities of three breathing methods. B．The influences of breathing on anxiety.
C．The styles of changing breathing. D．What the best breathing way is.
Passage4
The noise of chattering mouths subsided (平息) as a teacher entered the classroom. “Good morning, class. I am Riffat Monaf, and I will be your geography teacher.” Riffat Monaf, a fascinating name and an attractive person. Her introduction took place about six years ago, and since then I have never met a more influential person in my life.
Mrs Monaf not only conquered me with her vast knowledge of geography, but also won me over with her smile and warm eyes. It was in her class that I traveled to the highest mountains and to the deepest seas from the comfort of the classroom. I learned about the vast oceans, the erupting volcanoes, the snow-capped mountains and the green valleys. She would often relate her adventures about traveling to different parts of the world.
Never can I forget the glory of her face when she talks about how truly beautiful this world is. If I search back my love for the environment and geography, I find her to be the source of my love for preserving nature. If one day I became an environmentalist, I know that I’ll thank her for it. Apart from this, she has always greeted me with open arms and she calls her students “my children”. Mrs Monaf’s morals and values rubbed off on me deeply and I have always taken account of her advice. She has been one of the most consistently good things in my life.
Currently, she is fighting a battle against breast cancer, and it pains me to know that after all she has done for me. I can do nothing for her except pray. Whenever I see her in school, she still keeps that kind smile and an expression so soft that it trembles my heart. Mrs Monaf still talks enthusiastically about geography, and I know that I can never see a greater person like her in my life.
11．What does the second paragraph imply
A．The writer got around a lot when at senior high. B．Mrs Monaf was a person with extraordinary knowledge.
C．The writer performed well at school. D．Mrs Monaf enjoyed telling her students funny jokes in class.
12．What does the underlined word “rubbed off on” in paragraph 3 mean
A．Scratched off. B．Took on. C．Crossed off. D．Impacted on.
13．What can we learn from the passage
A．Mrs. Monaf was an optimistic person. B．Breast cancer made Mrs. Monaf depressed.
C．Another great person may appear in my life. D．Praying for Mrs. Monaf made the writer tremble.
14．What would be the best title for the passage
A．My Eventful School Life B．The Teacher-student Friendship
C．An Influence in My Life D．Struggles Against Breast Cancer
Passage5
There is a photo in my collection that I pull out from time to time to remind myself of an old vacation. It’s a picture of me from the late 1970s on a bench in London’s Victoria Station, my head resting against a wall, eyes closed with tiredness, and clothes messed up. I used to love that shot taken by my wife. It was evidence of my leisure time, of travel, of interruption from the office: miles covered, sights seen, train stations raced through, and goals achieved.
However, as I left work to hit the vacation road this summer, I took along something extra. This traveling companion had a habit of ruining trips with feelings of guilt — the guilt that came from attempting to vacation with work in mind.
The conflict between the time we want off and the guilt we feel when we actually give in to leisure is a long-running battle that has gone too far, driven by an over-scheduling enthusiasm. It has made many feel as if their free moments are a form of truancy. It’s hard to take it easy when you’ve been programmed not to. We have been taught for generations that work is the only goal. Time that is unfilled is bad, we are led to believe, and unplanned enjoyment should be avoided. This is stressed today by a workplace culture that wants you to believe that advancement depends on your staying on the job.
Research now shows, however, that leisure time can do something job advancement and money can’t. Leisure activities increase your desire to work; leadership skills, your sense of awareness and your ability to change. Free time also promotes a positive mood and sense of well-being, because it develops self-worth. Deep down, everyone knows we need time off to make our lives better.
On holiday, using your productive output as a measure of yourself doesn’t work. This is because a vacation isn’t about output; it’s about input — exploring, learning, reflecting. The magic of a holiday is in the experience itself. This is the same as life satisfaction; it can’t be measured, only felt. The best part of a vacation isn’t going somewhere else; it’s being where you are, fully involved in the experience.
15．Why does the author look at that photo from time to time
A．It brings back his memory of leisure travel. B．It describes his tired appearance on vacation.
C．It gives evidence of his running away from work. D．It records a life goal achieved during his holiday.
16．What made the author feel guilty during this summer vacation
A．The tight schedule. B．Not staying on the job.
C．The unplanned journey. D．Not reaching the expected goal.
17．What does the author think the benefit of leisure time is
A．It promotes job advancement. B．It improves your productive output.
C．It is good for your personal development. D．It helps you see your goals in life more clearly.
18．What does the author suggest people do while on vacation
A．Reflect on their work. B．Avoid unplanned activities.
C．Enjoy the experience of travelling. D．Ignore job advancement and money.
◎提升练
Passage6
Tempeh, a traditional soy product from Indonesia, is hailed as the country’s “gift to the world,” like kimchi from Korea or miso from Japan.
A stable, cheap source of protein in Indonesia for centuries, tempeh is a fermented (发酵的) food originating from the island of Java. It was discovered during tofu production when discarded soybean residue caught microbial spores from the air and grew certain whitish fungi around it. When this fermented residue (残渣) was found to be edible and tasty, people began producing it at home for daily consumption across the country. This has given rise to many variations in its flavor and texture throughout different Indonesian regions.
Tempeh is high in protein and low in fat, and contains a host of vitamins. In fact, it is the only reported plant-based source of vitamin B12. Apart from being able to help reduce cholesterol (胆固醇), increase bone density, and promote muscle recovery, tempeh has a lot of polyphenols that protect skin cells and slow down the aging process. Best of all, with the same protein quality as meat and the ability to take on many flavors and textures, tempeh is a great meat substitute —something the vegetarian and vegan communities have been quick in adopting.
In addition to its highly nutritional makeup, tempeh has diverse preparation possibilities. It can be served as a main course (usually in curries) or a side dish to be eaten with rice, as a deep-fried snack, or even blended into smoothies and healthy juices. Though not yet a popular food among international diners, you may find tempeh-substituted BLTs (bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwiches) in San Francisco as easily as you can find vegetarian burgers with tempeh patties in Bali.
For the people of Indonesia, tempeh is not just food but also has cultural value. With the Indonesian traditional fabric batik (蜡染) being recognized by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” tempeh has great potential for this honor as well.
19．According to the passage, which of the following is true about tempeh
A．It is mainly served as a side dish. B．It is formed from fermented soybeans.
C．It is discarded when fungi grow around it. D．It has the same nutritional benefits as kimchi.
20．What aspects of tempeh are discussed in paragraphs 2 to 4
A．Origin→nutrition→cuisine. B．Origin→cuisine→marketing.
C．Cuisine→nutrition→marketing. D．Distribution→cuisine→nutrition.
21．Which of the following can be inferred from this passage
A．Senior citizens will eat tempeh as vitamin supplement.
B．Tempeh will soon be more popular than kimchi or miso.
C．The nutrition of tempeh will be reduced with mass production.
D．Tempeh is likely to be recognized as an international cultural symbol.
22．Which of the followings can be a suitable title of this passage
A．Do You Know How Tempeh Is Made
B．Tempeh: A Traditional Delicacy From Java.
C．Will Tempeh Be Popular Among Vegetarians
D．Tempeh: The Cultural Heritage Of Indonesia.
Passage7
Biological age might help determine your quality of life as you get older, since your cells and organs have ages varying from your regular age. Many aging-research scientists believe that knowing your biological age could help you postpone or avoid age-related illnesses, and better predict an individual’s lifespan (寿命). Other scientists argue that there’s no standard way to measure biological age. At the center of the debate are hopes that people can extend their lives by changing their behaviors.
Since everybody’s genes (基因) are different, tracking your biological age could help determine your most helpful habits and customize them. People also can attempt to lower their biological age through ways of effectively managing stress.
Dr. Sinclair at Harvard is developing a biological-age test based on chemical changes on DNA．He plans to launch it with a new company called Tally Health. Though criticized by other scientists for hyping the results of some of his findings for his business, he says that he doesn’t overstate his research findings.
Inside Tracker, a personalized-nutrition company founded by scientists, calculates biological age by having users take blood tests and analyzing the samples for marks of diseases. Those who test as older than their years get recommendations to adjust diet, exercise and medicine.
Many other health startups are offering testing that claims to calculate biological age, sometimes with little scientific backing, and designing medicine aimed at boosting youthfulness.
Stephen Robert tested himself earlier this year with an at-home blood test as an effort to improve his health at age 51. “I drink and smoke,” he says, so he expected his biological age to be a lot older than his calendar age. He says he was shocked when test results reported his biological age was 24.
Gordan Lauc, professor of biochemistry and chief scientific officer of GlycanAge, says the results make sense given Mr. Robert’s genetics—longevity runs in his family and lifestyle, which is likely less stressful.
23．What can people do after knowing their biological ages
A．Improve their calendar ages to prevent diseases.
B．Determine ways to effectively manage stress.
C．Get personalized-nutrition plan to improve health.
D．Lengthen their lives by changing their conduct.
24．Why did some scientists criticize Dr. Sinclair
A．He overstated his findings to make a profit.
B．His scientific research was far from mature.
C．His company let out people’s biological age.
D．Biological-age test did harm to people’s health.
25．What accounts for Stephen’s young biological age according to Gordan
A．He manages stress in life successfully. B．He had good nutrition at his childhood.
C．His family has a long-life tradition. D．He has improved his biological life.
26．Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text
A．Understand Your Calendar Life and Stay Healthy
B．Meet Your Biological Age and Extend Your Life
C．Improve Your Biological Age with Good Habits
D．Employ Biological Technology to Start Business
Passage8
My hands were shaking uncontrollably. I tried incredibly hard to focus on the words that I spent hours putting down on paper. I tried to conquer my fear of speaking in public on numerous occasions throughout my life. During college and at my first few jobs, I would get ridiculously nervous when I had to give a presentation or lead a meeting. Public speaking had been my nemesis for as long as I could remember.
Then in my mid-thirties, I decided to join the public speaking group Toastmasters. At every meeting, we were rated and forced to compete with other speakers for an award. You would think that I would walk away from these experiences as a polished speaker, but nothing seemed to work.
It wasn’t until recently, when science and scientific institutions were being attacked for unfair reasons during the pandemic, that I decided I must speak out. Science has made this country a place where dreams come true— this is why we all need to protect science. In addition, as a science writer, I try to get readers to understand how science is related to their daily lives.
So I ended up on that frightening stage on that sunny Saturday in April—Earth Day. Despite the body shakes and fear, I persevered. That day, I looked out into the crowd of like-minded science supporters and I felt comfort.
Reaching that milestone goal of getting through a speech truly changed me. At almost forty, I learned that passion can set off a flame in my heart to do things I never dreamed possible. The darkness that led to my speech is sure to lead to new opportunities and adventures.
27．Which of the following can replace the underlined word “nemesis” in Para. 1
A．Advantage. B．Annoyance. C．Preference. D．Confusion.
28．How did the author behave about public speaking after leaving Toastmasters
A．He began to feel less worried. B．He became a polished speaker.
C．He remained a shy speaker. D．Things became worse for him.
29．What made the author want to speak out on Earth Day
A．It was a good chance to learn science.
B．He must rise up to defend his profession.
C．It was a project organized by Toastmasters.
D．He couldn’t have people attacking science.
30．What lesson did the author draw from his successful speech
A．Passion can motive us to achieve the unachievable.
B．Any difficulty can be overcome with great effort.
C．Science can lead us to make wonderful changes.
D．Frustration can be stepping stones to success.
Passage9
Meredith J. Eberhart completed the 2, 190-plus mile Appalachian Trail on Sunday, becoming the oldest person to hold the honor.
Eberhart has probably hiked over 50,000 miles in his life though he doesn’t keep track. The 83-year-old man started walking when he retired more than 25 years ago, and never stopped.
Eberhart started the 261-day, 15-state trip back in February, with the goal of beating previous record holder Dale “Greybeard”Sanders, who finished the entire Appalachian Trail at the age of 82 in 2017. The trail covers over 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, all the way to Mount Katahdin, Maine. However, Eberhart began his journey far from the trail, at his home in Flagg Mountain, Alabama. That added hundreds of extra miles to the route. But Eberhart wasn’t worried about that. He once hiked 4,400 miles from the Florida Keys to Northern Quebec, and another time from Chicago to California on Route 66.
Eberhart admitted that he was feeling his age and the trail got tough at points, even for an experienced hiker like himself. He fell a few times on slippery rocks, and at one point he got his elbow scratched. However, the accidents didn’t stop him.“I’ve got a couple of injuries on me, but I’m okay,”he said.“You’ve got to have incredible determination to do this.”
Eberhart hiked the trail out of order in sections so he could complete each part in fine weather. Mindful of his age, Eberhart walked at a rate of no more than eight hours each day. He finished his journey in Massachusetts, where he celebrated with champagne wine and friends. And while some people think this will be his last hike, Eberhart seems to strongly disagree.
31．What set Eberhart apart from other Appalachian Trail hikers
A．The maximum age. B．The longest distance. C．The minimum time. D．The steepest trail.
32．Which word best describes Eberhart’s journey on the Appalachian Trail
A．Relaxing. B．Challenging. C．Pleasing. D．Appealing.
33．Why did Eberhart hike the trails in random sections
A．To conserve his energy. B．To catch up with other hikers.
C．To make use of good weather. D．To avoid getting injured.
34．What can we learn from Eberhart’s success
A．Life lies in movement. B．All roads lead to Rome.
C．He who laughs last laughs longest. D．It’s never too late to go after dreams.
Passage10
If you know someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD), you’re aware of how quickly they can step up from mild annoyance to outbursts of anger. However, Sonya Varma, a professor from York University, wondered, do people with BPD have problems in all aspects of this process Could they have an as-yet-undiscovered set of emotional strengths
According to new research by Varma and her colleagues, emotion regulation involves both the internal reactions of the body and the conscious efforts people make to label those bodily feelings. This labeling process, they maintain, could make all the difference when it comes to settling back down and putting the mind back at rest.
To tease apart these features of emotion regulation, Varma designed an experimental situation in which they put participants into an “emotion induction (引导)” treatment. Participants read a story that was intended to cause a negative emotion such as a hit-and-run car accident or the death of your dog. The sample included 29 participants with diagnosed BPD who were age- and sex-matched with healthy controls, and they ranged in age from 18 to 60. To examine the effect of labeling, Varma asked their participants to type their current emotional states into a computer, choosing from a set they saw on the screen. They could use the same word multiple times if they wished.
If indeed people with BPD have difficulty labeling their emotions, then this fault should have been reflected in their ability to return to baseline (起点) after the negative emotion induction. However, the findings surprisingly ran counter to the research team’s expectations: People with BPD were equal to the control participants in the negativity of their expressed emotion, the intensity of that emotion, and even the words they used to describe their emotions. Although using a wider range of words following the emotion induction helped to bring about greater physiological control for all participants, there were no differences between groups in this effect.
Given its role in helping restore physiological peace, it appears that regardless of whether someone has BPD or not, it can be beneficial to learn to label your emotions. When you’re starting down the pathway of experiencing a negative emotion, you can benefit by applying an accurate label to that emotion as opposed to holding it back or calling it something else. This can potentially prevent engagement in destructive behaviors that may function to downregulate emotion such as self-harm.
To sum up, this new information about BPD can offer hope that at least one key element of the emotion regulation process appears to function effectively. Building on this strength could very well provide a new and unexplored pathway for their satisfaction.
35．According to paragraph 1 and 2, people with BPD _________.
A．may be good at labeling bodily feelings
B．may lose their temper easily and suddenly
C．encounter problems in every aspect of their life
D．have emotional strengths like emotion regulation
36．The underlined phrase “tease apart” (Para 3, Line 1) is closest in meaning to _________.
A．identify B．combine C．emphasize D．dominate
37．What can be inferred from Varma’s experiment
A．Negative emotions affect the ability to reflect.
B．Healthy controls excel at regulating their mental state.
C．Rich expressions contribute to psychological stability.
D．People with BPD met the research team’s expectations.
38．What is the passage mainly about
A．A new pathway of regulating emotions.
B．A method of consciously labeling emotions.
C．An unexpected strength of people with BPD．
D．An involuntary reaction to people with BPD．
¤真题练
Passage1
（2020·天津·高考真题）After years of observing human nature, I have decided that two qualities make the difference between men of great achievement and men of average performance curiosity and discontent. I have never known an outstanding man who lacked either. And I have never known an average man who had both. The two belong together.
Together, these deep human urges (驱策力) count for much more that ambition. Galileo was not merely ambitious when he dropped objects of varying weights from the Leaning Tower at Pisa and timed their fall to the ground. Like Galileo, all the great names in history were curious and asked in discontent, “Why Why Why ”
Fortunately, curiosity and discontent don’t have to be learned. We are born with them and need only recapture them.
“The great man,” said Mencius (孟子), “is he who does not lose his child’s heart.” Yet most of us do lose it. We stop asking questions. We stop challenging custom. We just follow the crowd. And the crowd desires restful average. It encourages us to occupy our own little corner, to avoid foolish leaps into the dark, to be satisfied.
Most of us meet new people, and new ideas, with hesitation. But once having met and liked them, we think how terrible it would have been, had we missed the chance. We will probably have to force ourselves to waken our curiosity and discontent and keep them awake.
How should you start Modestly, so as not to become discouraged. I think of one friend who couldn’t arrange flowers to satisfy herself. She was curious about how the experts did it. How she is one of the experts, writing books on flower arrangement.
One way to begin is to answer your own excuses. You haven’t any special ability Most people don’t; there are only a few geniuses. You haven’t any time That’s good, because it’s always the people with no time who get things done. Harriet Stowe, mother of six, wrote parts of Uncle Tom’s Cabin while cooking. You’re too old Remember that Thomas Costain was 57 when he published his first novel, and that Grandma Moses showed her first pictures when she was 78.
However you start, remember there is no better time to start than right now, for you’ll never be more alive than you are at this moment.
1．In writing Paragraph 1, the author aims to ________.
A．propose a definition
B．make a comparison
C．reach a conclusion
D．present an argument
2．What does the example of Galileo tell us
A．Trial and error leads to the finding of truth.
B．Scientists tend to be curious and ambitious.
C．Creativity results from challenging authority.
D．Greatness comes from a lasting desire to explore.
3．What can you do to recapture curiosity and discontent
A．Observe the unknown around you.
B．Develop a questioning mind.
C．Lead a life of adventure.
D．Follow the fashion.
4．What can we learn from Paragraphs 6 and 7
A．Gaining success helps you become an expert.
B．The genius tends to get things done creatively.
C．Lack of talent and time is no reason for taking no action.
D．You should remain modest when approaching perfection.
5．What could be the best tile or the passage
A．Curious Minds Never Feel Contented
B．Reflections on Human Nature
C．The Keys to Achievement
D．Never Too Late to Learn
Passage2
（2020·全国·高考真题）In the mid-1990s, Tom Bissell taught English as a volunteer in Uzbekistan. He left after seven months, physically broken and having lost his mind. A few years later, still attracted to the country, he returned to Uzbekistan to write an article about the disappearance of the Aral Sea.
His visit, however, ended up involving a lot more than that. Hence this book, Chasing the Sea: Lost Among the Ghosts of Empire in Central Asia, which talks about a road trip from Tashkent to Karakalpakstan, where millions of lives have been destroyed by the slow drying up of the sea. It is the story of an American travelling to a strange land, and of the people he meets on his way: Rustam, his translator, a lovely 24-year-old who picked up his colorful English in California, Oleg and Natasha, his hosts in Tashkent, and a string of foreign aid workers.
This is a quick look at life in Uzbekistan, made of friendliness and warmth, but also its darker side of society. In Samarkand, Mr Bissell admires the architectural wonders, while on his way to Bukhara he gets a taste of police methods when suspected of drug dealing. In Ferghana, he attends a mountain funeral(葬礼)followed by a strange drinking party. And in Karakalpakstan, he is saddened by the dust storms, diseases and fishing boats stuck miles from the sea.
Mr Bissell skillfully organizes historical insights and cultural references, making his tale a well-rounded picture of Uzbekistan, seen from Western eyes. His judgment and references are decidedly American, as well as his delicate stomach. As the author explains, this is neither a travel nor a history book, or even a piece of reportage. Whatever it is, the result is a fine and vivid description of the purest of Central Asian traditions.
6．What made Mr Bissell return to Uzbekistan
A．His friends' invitation. B．His interest in the country.
C．His love for teaching. D．His desire to regain health.
7．What does the underlined word “that” in paragraph 2 refer to
A．Developing a serious mental disease.
B．Taking a guided tour in Central Asia.
C．Working as a volunteer in Uzbekistan.
D．Writing an article about the Aral Sea.
8．Which of the following best describes Mr Bissell's road trip in Uzbekistan
A．Romantic. B．Eventful. C．Pleasant. D．Dangerous.
9．What is the purpose of this text
A．To introduce a book. B．To explain a cultural phenomenon.
C．To remember a writer. D．To recommend a travel destination.
Passage3
（2020·全国·高考真题）Jenifer Mauer has needed more willpower than the typical college student to pursue her goal of earning a nursing degree. That willpower bore fruit when Jennifer graduated from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and became the first in her large family to earn a bachelor's degree.
Mauer, of Edgar, Wisconsin, grew up on a farm in a family of 10 children. Her dad worked at a job away from the farm, and her mother ran the farm with the kids. After high school, Jennifer attended a local technical college, working to pay her tuition(学费), because there was no extra money set aside for a college education. After graduation, she worked to help her sisters and brothers pay for their schooling.
Jennifer now is married and has three children of her own. She decided to go back to college to advance her career and to be able to better support her family while doing something she loves: nursing. She chose the UW-Eau Claire program at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield because she was able to pursue her four-year degree close to home. She could drive to class and be home in the evening to help with her kids. Jenifer received great support from her family as she worked to earn her degree: Her husband worked two jobs to cover the bills, and her 68-year-old mother helped take care of the children at times.
Through it all, she remained in good academic standing and graduated with honors. Jennifer sacrificed(牺牲)to achieve her goal, giving up many nights with her kids and missing important events to study. ''Some nights my heart was breaking to have to pick between my kids and studying for exams or papers,'' she says. However, her children have learned an important lesson witnessing their mother earn her degree. Jennifer is a first-generation graduate and an inspiration to her family-and that's pretty powerful.
10．What did Jennifer do after high school
A．She helped her dad with his work.
B．She ran the family farm on her own.
C．She supported herself through college.
D．She taught her sisters and brothers at home.
11．Why did Jennifer choose the program at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield
A．To take care of her kids easily. B．To learn from the best nurses.
C．To save money for her parents. D．To find a well-paid job there.
12．What did Jennifer sacrifice to achieve her goal
A．Her health. B．Her time with family.
C．Her reputation. D．Her chance of promotion.
13．What can we learn from Jenifer's story
A．Time is money. B．Love breaks down barriers.
C．Hard work pays off. D．Education is the key to success.
Passage4
（2020·浙江·高考真题）I am an active playgoer and play-reader, and perhaps my best reason for editing this book is a hope of sharing my enthusiasm for the theater with others. To do this I have searched through dozens of plays to find the ones that I think best show the power and purpose of the short play.
Each play has a theme or central idea which the playwright(剧作家) hopes to get across through dialogue and action. A few characters are used to create a single impression growing out of the theme. It is not my intention to point out the central theme of each of the plays in this collection, for that would, indeed, ruin the pleasure of reading, discussing, and thinking about the plays and the effectiveness of the playwright. However, a variety of types is represented here. These include comedy, satire, poignant drama, historical and regional drama. To show the versatility(多面性) of the short play, I have included a guidance play, a radio play and a television play.
Among the writers of the plays in this collection, Paul Green, Susan Glaspell, Maxwell Anderson, Thornton Wilder, William Saroyan, and Tennessee Williams have all received Pulitzer Prizes for their contributions to the theater. More information about the playwrights will be found at the end of this book.
To get the most out of reading these plays, try to picture the play on stage, with you, the reader, in the audience. The houselights dim(变暗). The curtains are about to open, and in a few minutes the action and dialogue will tell you the story.
14．What do we know about the author from the first paragraph
A．He has written dozens of plays. B．He has a deep love for the theater.
C．He is a professional stage actor. D．He likes reading short plays to others.
15．What does the author avoid doing in his work
A．Stating the plays’ central ideas. B．Selecting works by famous playwrights.
C．Including various types of plays. D．Offering information on the playwrights.
16．What does the author suggest readers do while reading the plays
A．Control their feelings. B．Apply their acting skills.
C．Use their imagination. D．Keep their audience in mind.
17．What is this text
A．A short story. B．An introduction to a book.
C．A play review. D．An advertisement for a theater.
Passage5
（2020·天津·高考真题）Studying a subject that you feel pointless is never a fun or easy task. If you're studying history, asking yourself the question "why is history important "is a very good first step. History is an essential part of human civilization. You will find something here that will arouse your interest, or get you thinking about the significance of history.
History grounds us in our roots. History is an important and interesting field of study, and learning the history of our home country can give us a deeper, more meaningful glimpse（一瞥）into our ancestral pasts, and how we got to where we are today. Many people feel like they need a sense of cultural belonging, which is something that studying your roots and being open-minded to the evolution of your culture can provide.
History enriches our experience. Reading history is an amazing experience because it enables us to reflect on the social and economic life of the people living long time ago According to the experts, problems faced by people regardless of the past and present are the same. With the information about the ancestors, one can become more experienced in handling challenges of life.
History makes us more empathetic（具有共情能力的）, Studying history can give us insight （洞察力）into why our culture does certain things, and how the past has shaped it into what we know now. It also provides a rather strong foundation for empathy across cultures. Fear and hate for others is usually caused by ignorance （无知）. We're scared of the things that we don't understand. History has the potential to break down those boundaries by offering us insight into entire worlds that would otherwise be foreign to us.
History can inspire us to learn more. what's fantastic about history is the way it broadens our horizons. It's almost impossible to learn about one historical period without having dozens of questions about related concepts. Study the 19th century England, and you might catch a glimpse of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. Look up Charles Dickens, and you might learn a thing or two about realism. Or maybe you end up switching your attention away from novels, and discover the history of romantic poets in England. It can go anywhere, and there is something in there for absolutely anybody.
The value of history cannot be underestimated. We don't have to live in the past, but we can definitely do better by learning from it and using the lessons learnt to lead more meaningful lives.
18．The underlined part "where we are today" in Para. 2 probably means __________.
A．the turning point in our history
B．the present state of our nation
C．the location of our homeland
D．the total area of our country
19．According to the experts, why is history useful for people to handle challenges of life
A．The problems at present are similar to those in the past.
B．Ancient people laid economic foundations for people today.
C．The current challenges of life were predicted by the ancestors.
D．People living long time ago knew more about how to solve problems.
20．What can be concluded from Para.4
A．It is difficult to get rid of cultural barriers.
B．People are willing to accept foreign cultures.
C．Cultural conflicts in history are difficult to ignore.
D．History helps us improve our cross-cultural awareness.
21．With the example in Para.5, the writer intends to show that______________.
A．Charles Dickens contributes much to British literature.
B．Oliver Twist can satisfy our curiosity for romantic poets.
C．reading novels is a way to learn about a historical period.
D．studying history can arouse people's interest in other fields.
22．What could be the best title for the passage
A．How to Build Cultural Identity
B．Why Studying History Matters
C．Know the Past, Know the Present
D．History: a Way to Broaden Horizons
参考答案
※基础练
1．C2．A3．B
【解析】这是一篇应用文。文章介绍了世界上最好的几大书店。
1．细节理解题。根据Atlantis Books标题下“Atlantis Books is an independent bookshop on the island of Santorini, Greece. It was founded in 2004 by a group of friends from Cyprus, England, and the United States. Throughout the year it has hosted literary festivals, film screenings, book readings, and good old fashioned dance parties. (Atlantis Books是希腊圣托里尼岛上的一家独立书店。它是由来自塞浦路斯、英国和美国的一群朋友于2004年创立的。在这一年里，它举办了文学节、电影节、读书会和老式的舞会。)”，可知在Atlantis Books你可以参加节日。故选C。
2．细节理解题。根据Atlantis Books标题下“It was founded in 2004 by a group of friends from Cyprus, England, and the United States. (它是由来自塞浦路斯、英国和美国的一群朋友于2004年创立的)”；Bart’s Books标题下““The World's Greatest Outdoor Bookstore”, a bookstore founded by Richard Bartinsdale in 1964. (美国“世界上最大的户外书店”，由理查德·巴丁斯代尔于1964年创办)”；Adrian Harrington标题下“Since1971. (始建于1971)”；Corso Como Bookshop标题下“It was founded in 1990 in Milan, Italy, by Carla Sozzamil. (它由卡拉·索扎米尔于1990年在意大利米兰创立)”可知Bart’s Books历史最悠久。故选A。
3．推理判断题。阅读这几家书店，再根据最后一段The Bookworm标题下“China. A bookshop, library, bar, restaurant and event space, now with four divisions in three cities—Beijing, Suzhou and Chengdu. The interconnecting rooms with floor-to-ceiling books on every wall are light and airy in summer, yet warm and comfortable in winter. (中国。一个书店、图书馆、酒吧、餐厅和活动场所，目前在北京、苏州和成都三个城市设有四个部门。相互连接的房间，每面墙上都有从地板到天花板的书籍，夏天既轻快又通风，冬天又温暖舒适)”，可知书虫不同于其它几家书店的地方是它在不同的城市有分支机构。故选B。
4．D5．D6．A
【解析】这是一篇说明文。文章介绍了日常生活中可用于帮助较少鸟类死亡，保护鸟类的窍门。
4．细节理解题。根据第二段 “Aside from habitat loss, the next biggest cause of direct death for birds is outdoor cats.(除了栖息地的丧失，鸟类直接死亡的第二大原因是户外猫)”可知，鸟类死亡的主要原因是栖息地的丧失。故选D项。
5．细节理解题。根据倒数第二段“So one of the things that you can help with, especially during migration, is to turn off any lights that are not used.(因此，你可以帮忙的一件事，尤其是在迁移期间，就是关闭所有未使用的灯光)”可知，我们可以只在必要的时候开灯，以帮助减少鸟类死亡。故选D项。
6．推理判断题。根据最后一段“The broadcast portion of this story was produced by Sylvie Douglis. It was hosted and reported by Audrey Nguyen.(这个故事的广播部分由Sylvie Douglis制作。由Audrey Nguyen主持和报道)”可推知，文章很可能源于电台节目。故选A项。
7．D8．C9．C10．D
【解析】这是一篇说明文。文章主要说明了研究人员发现正确的呼吸能给人带来平和，介绍了研究开展的过程以及相关研究发现。所有这些研究都表明我们的身体对我们的思想有很大的影响。
7．细节理解题。根据第二段中“Researchers like Epel are exploring how breathing can help people reduce anxiety and they find that breathing could be an overlooked key to find