标准学术能力诊断性测试2024年10月测试
英语试卷
本试卷共150分
第一部分 阅读理解(共两节,满分60分)
第一节(共15小题;每小题3分,满分45分)
阅读下列短文,从每题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
A
Traveling to popular destinations can often mean dealing with large crowds, long lines, and a less authentic experience. To truly immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of a place, consider venturing off the beaten path. By bypassing well-trodden tourist spots, you can uncover lesser-known locales that offer a more serene and enriching travel experience.
WHEN IN ICELAND, BYPASS THE BLUE LAGOON
Is it the steamy social media shot or a hot spring experience you’re after Iceland offers both in multiple locations beyond the Blue Lagoon. The Land of Fire and Ice is home to innumerable streams, springs, rivers, and lakes that make for incredibly relaxing settings to soak in. You can escape the throngs of tourists and still enjoy the same kind of aquamarine-colored water at Myvatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland. Traveling farther afield not only means fewer people in the pools but also increases your chances of catching sight of the Northern Lights.
SAVE VENICE AND HEAD FOR SLOVENIA INSTEAD
It’s no secret that Venice and its residents are struggling with tourism. And we can’t blame them. The impact of boatloads of travelers — around 60,000 visitors that descend on this fragile city each day — has transformed it from its former status of “La Serenissima” (“most serene”) into anything but. Throngs of people, overcrowded canals, damaged ecosystems, skyrocketing rents, and authentic artisan shops replaced by cheap souvenir stores have dramatically changed the quality of life, forcing out some thousand residents each year and threatening the city’s UNESCO status. If you love Venice, do the Floating City a favor and let it go for now. If you really can’t do without waterways, head further west to Ljubljana, where you can cruise to your heart’s content on the jade-colored river that winds through this friendly, eco-conscious capital city.
SKIP BALI AND HEAD TO RAJA AMPAT
Long revered as a significant spiritual sanctuary, Bali in recent years has been overrun by tourists. The intense uptick in tourists has led to an increase in prices, crowds, and strain on natural resources — and consequently a decline in the quality of life and experiences for locals and visitors alike. Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, so you won’t even have to leave the archipelago to find an alternative. Beckoning with idyllic, white-sand beaches and thriving reefs, the Raja Ampat Islands are heaven on Earth. Whether you’re an underwater enthusiast, want to stroll through the jungle and spot tropical birds and wildlife, or simply desire a peaceful place to kick back and relax, you’ll find all the serenity you seek — and none of the crowds — here.
1. What additional benefit does visiting the Myvatn Nature Baths offer compared to the Blue Lagoon
A. Higher water temperatures.
B. More luxurious facilities.
C. Closer proximity to the capital of the country.
D. Increased chances of seeing the polar lights.
2. Which of the following statements is true about the impact of tourism on Venice
A. Tourism has had little effect on Venice’s economy.
B. Tourism has caused rents to decrease significantly.
C. Tourism has led to the closure of many artisan shops.
D. Tourism has improved the quality of life for most Venetians.
3. What makes the Raja Ampat Islands a good alternative to Bali
A. They are more developed and have more luxury resorts.
B. They are closer to major cities and easier to access.
C. They offer a more serene environment with fewer crowds.
D. They have a similar level of commercialization and activity.
B
More than a million people have reportedly tried out ChatGPT, a new chatbot from the research lab OpenAI. Users can ask it questions, or submit prompts for poems, term papers, or essays. “It makes mistakes,” Calum Chace, the author and expert on AI told us, “and copies from the Internet. But the speed and quality is remarkable.”
A user asked ChatGPT to write a poem about childhood. Within seconds, it sent back these lines: “Childhood, a time of wonders, a time of joy and fun...” and went on to invoke trees, mud pies, innocence, and the sound of cicadas. What, no puppies
Katha Pollitt, one of America’s great poets and critics, read that poem and said, “Cliched and tiresome. I don’t think Auden has to worry about his laurels.” Some asked ChatGPT to conjure a verse about bagels (圆形面包) in the style of William Shakespeare. “It’s a bagel, a round delight;” the chatbot burped back — “a breakfast treat to make us bright; a crisp, chewy texture to please; a sprinkle of sesame for ease…” Katha Pollitt wasn’t impressed. “No wordplay or anything to think about. The bot has not had any experiences or emotions, and no imagination. It has no sense of the multiple meanings and resonances of words. So how could it write a good poem ”
It is inviting to end with that critical slam-dunk from a great poet to dismiss chatbots that write, draw, or soon, I’m sure, talk like a radio host. But Calum Chace cautions that Artificial Intelligence software will keep learning. It has no human experiences, but also no human foibles, like exhaustion, distraction, anxiety, or forgetfulness. Humans may soon become, he says, “the second-smartest species on the planet. It will be the most important event in human history. Bar none. The outcome may well be fabulous for humanity, but that is not guaranteed.” So be polite to bots. Maybe they’ll remember us kindly when their day arrives.
4. According to Calum Chace, what are some limitations of ChatGPT
A. It cannot make mistakes.
B. It lacks accuracy and originality.
C. It cannot produce high-quality content.
D. It needs to improve the speed to generate responses.
5. How did Katha Pollitt react to the poem about childhood generated by ChatGPT
A. She thought it was a masterpiece.
B. She was impressed by the originality.
C. She found it plain and not interesting.
D. She considered it a challenge to traditional poetry.
6. What does the underlined word “foible” mean in the last paragraph
A. merit B. appearance C. shortcoming D. behavior
7. What advice does the author give regarding our interaction with AI in the future
A. We should be cautious and avoid using AI.
B. We should treat AI with respect and politeness.
C. We should focus on developing AI’s emotional intelligence.
D. We should ensure that AI never surpasses human intelligence.
C
“The Seine is the river that made Paris”, said The New York Times. Being the main river of Paris, the Seine River collects the remains of human progress and civilization over time. Over the centuries, it has functioned as a protective barrier, a water source, a drainage system and a place for washing clothes, National Geographic reported.
Many of the city’s iconic landmarks and structures, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Place de la Concorde, are situated along its banks. The famous French artist Claude Monet dedicated his life to painting the Seine from various perspectives. One of them is The Banks of the Seine, Ile de la Grande Jatte, which shows the river in pink, white, and blue.
Today, both residents and tourists flock to the Seine’s riverbanks for sightseeing, shopping, dining, or simply to enjoy the city’s bustling atmosphere.
However, Paris has faced many challenges in its efforts to clean up the Seine in time for the 2024 Olympics. The river will play a significant role in the opening ceremony of the Games, and will be the venue for the triathlon and swimming marathon events.
In the 17th century, swimming in the Seine was very popular. But for the last hundred years, it has been prohibited due to health and safety concerns. Over the past decade, Paris has invested about 1.4 billion euros (about 11 billion yuan) on a project to restore the river’s ecosystem and ensure its safety. The primary goal is to make the river suitable for bathing by 2025, with the Paris Games boosting that aim.
However, test results in April still showed high levels of bacteria in the collected samples from the river, according to a French water charity.
The city built a giant storage basin capable of holding 46,000 cubic meters of waste water to significantly reduce the risks of pollution in the Seine. The basin is 30 meters deep, the size of a dozen Olympic swimming pools. Once the rain is collected, it will be moved through a tunnel to a treatment plant. When the water in the basin meets the required health criteria it will then be poured into the Seine.
“It’s feasible to clean up a river because the water’s flowing,” Ted Steiner, professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia, Canada, told Global News. “Especially if you’ve got the appropriate volume of water running through the river, things get diluted to a point where there’s not a whole lot of risk.”
8. What role has the Seine played in the history of Paris
A. It functioned as a trade route for importing goods.
B. It served as a defence and provided a water supply.
C. It was used exclusively for recreational activities.
D. It was the site of numerous battles and military conflicts.
9. What challenges has Paris faced in its efforts to clean up the Seine for the 2024 Olympics
A. High levels of bacteria in the river.
B. Limited funding for the project.
C. Resistance from local residents.
D. Difficulty finding suitable venues for events.
10. What is the primary goal of the cleanup project for the Seine River
A. To make the river suitable for boating activities.
B. To reestablish the river’s ecosystem and maintain its purity for bathing.
C. To attract more tourists to the riverbanks.
D. To create a new habitat for aquatic wildlife.
11. According to Ted Steiner, what makes cleaning up a river like the Seine practicable
A. The sufficient natural flow of the river.
B. The use of advanced water filtration technologies.
C. The construction of barriers to prevent pollution.
D. The implementation of strict environmental regulations.
D
How are we supposed to work out what to listen to Yes, you can “save” an album to your “library”, but the fact that you haven’t spent any money on it makes this “library” feel impersonal and superficial, while the fact that there is no album sleeve(唱片封面)to peruse or acknowledgments to read lessens the sense of connection with the music and the artist. Likewise, opening a PDF version of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude carries none of the excitement of finding it after a long search in a dusty library. The lack of any friction in these processes is deeply unsatisfying, while the over-availability of everything, as any dating expert will confirm, lessens our desire for it. Witness, then, the revival of all sorts of old-school formats that allow us to regain the sense that we can tangibly “own” things, and that give us a rare opportunity to limit our horizons. Fairly well known by now is the resurgence of vinyl (黑胶唱片): UK sales rose for the 16th consecutive year in 2023 to 5.9mn records, the highest level since 1990. And despite ebooks’ portability and convenience, almost four printed books were sold in the UK for every ebook in 2022, according to Nielsen. One might imagine that this is all being driven by old fogeys missing the Good Old Days, but the opposite is true.
In a Harris Poll in 2023, a staggering 77 per cent of Americans aged 35~54, and 63 per cent of 18-to-34-year-olds, said they’d like to return to a time when humanity was “unplugged” (only 60 per cent of the over-55s agreed).
Younger buyers are also leading the resurgence in vinyl and cassette tapes,having missed them the first time round. We weren’t designed to have the output of all of human history at our fingertips, nor to be contactable at all times — but that is the situation we now find ourselves in, and it’s both a great privilege and a curse.
12. According to the passage, why does the author believe the revival of old formats is appealing to people
A. It provides a more convenient way to listen to music.
B. It allows for easier access to digital copies of albums.
C. It increases the over-availability of music, making it more desirable.
D. It offers a tangible form of ownership and a sense of connection to the music.
13. How does the passage compare the experience of reading a PDF book to that of finding a physical book in a library
A. Reading a PDF book is more exciting.
B. Reading a PDF book lacks the thrill of discovery.
C. Finding a physical book is more convenient.
D. Finding a physical book is less satisfying.
14. According to the passage, why do younger buyers lead the resurgence in vinyl and cassette tapes
A. They are nostalgic for the past.
B. They find digital music too expensive.
C. They missed out on these formats when they were first popular.
D. They prefer the sound quality of analog formats.
15. What can possibly be the main idea of the passage
A. The decline of physical media is inevitable.
B. The digital age has made it easier to access music and literature.
C. Older generations are leading the revival of vinyl records and printed books.
D. The resurgence of old-school formats is driven by younger generations seeking tangible ownership.
第二节(共5小题;每小题3分,满分15分)
根据短文内容,从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
If you need a letter of recommendation when applying for universities, scholarships or extracurricular activities, apart from your teachers, here are some people who you could ask to write you one.
Do not ask family members for a letter
It’s an important rule that you cannot ask family members for recommendation letters. 16 . In other words, it’s a conflict of interest. It’s also likely that your family members do not know how you perform in a school environment, so their input might not be so relevant to your application.
17
Asking personal friends for a recommendation is not a definite no-no. It’s not automatically a conflict of interest. However, you should have a good reason for asking your friend. For example, is your friend an alumnus (男校友) or alumna (女校友) of the school you are applying for If so, it would be acceptable to ask them for a letter of recommendation. For example, they will be able to include meaningful anecdotes that speak to your character and potential. 18 .
Someone you volunteered with
If you’ve done some volunteering, you can reach out to the supervisor of your volunteer program and ask for a letter of recommendation. 19 , they will still be able to comment on your work ethic (职业道德) and your ability to work with a team. Including a letter from someone you volunteered with will show school admissions officers that you care about giving back to the community. Volunteering is a great way to prove you are a well-rounded person. Your volunteer program supervisor can be a helpful resource, even if your volunteer experience was not in the field you want to pursue a career in.
Someone you worked with or for
If you have any work experience, whether it be a part-time job or an internship, reaching out to your supervisor or manager can be a good idea. 20 . Including a letter from someone you worked with will show school admissions officers that you are responsible and capable of handling tasks and responsibilities. It is important to note that if you were fired or had a bad experience at this job, it may not be the best idea to ask for a recommendation letter from this employer.
A. Be careful when asking personal friends
B. You’d better not ask personal friends for recommendation
C. As long as you have a good impression on them
D. They will be able to comment on your work ethic and ability
E. School admission officers believe their views of you are biased
F. If not, they might not be the best person to ask for a recommendation letter
G. Even though your volunteer program supervisor was not technically your boss
第二部分 语言知识运用(共两节,满分50分)
第一节 完形填空(共15小题;每小题2分,满分30分)
阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
I was sitting with my study group when I received an email from my landlord. “Your apartment has lost 21 .” This was my first spring in Montreal. I’m from Saskatoon — so no 22 to cold weather, but the damage an ice storm could cause wasn’t something I was 23 to.
A dozen thoughts raced through my head. With no Wi-Fi or heat, how would I cook supper or finish my assignment for grad school “You can come and stay with me.” My new friend Kanika’s voice cut through the noise of my thoughts. I 24 because I didn’t want to 25 her with a house guest at such short notice. But she insisted. An hour later, I stood at her doorstep with my suitcase, sopping wet. Then, sitting with a warm bowl of soup, I watched in 26 as the friend I had met only six months ago quickly and generously prepared her own room for me to use. As the power outage continued, this turned into a 27 six days — marked by laughter and deep conversations.
Our time together turned into a food 28 . One night, we made two different kinds of chickpea curry, the next we had spaghetti in butter chicken sauce and another night pizza and potato parathas. We’d head to bed with the 29 of sleeping early only for one of us to turn over and say something to the other. Our night conversations continued into the morning, from what we wanted to do after our graduate studies to our 30 childhood cartoon characters.
During my stay, never once did Kanika ask how much longer I was going to be at her place. Rather, she always 31 me that I was welcome to stay for as long as I needed. When my power finally came back, we were both sad that our adventure together had come to a(n) 32 , but 33 that we had made so many memories.
Kanika’s kindness showed me how much a neighborly 34 can mean to the person you help. It turned what I feared would be a stressful, lonely week into one of friendship and fond memories. And I’ll remember that kindness when I see someone else in 35 .
21. A. heat B. water C. power D. light
22. A. stranger B. friend C. relative D. acquaintance
23. A. exposed B. accustomed C. attracted D. attached
24. A. accepted B. admitted C. hesitated D. agreed
25. A. entertain B. impress C. surprise D. burden
26. A. amazement B. relief C. confusion D. frustration
27. A. stressful B. magical C. boring D. lonely
28. A. competition B.challenge C. exchange D. adventure
29. A. help B. intention C. development D. exception
30. A. least B. favorite C. most D. recent
31. A. assured B. reminded C. warned D. promised
32. A. start B. middle C. end D. conclusion
33. A. hopeful B. doubtful C. grateful D. regretful
34. A. gesture B. appreciation C. awareness D. obstacle
35. A. danger B. need C. joy D. celebration
第二节(共10小题;每小题2分,满分20分)
阅读下面短文,在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
People have realized that the film industry is facing difficulties and it is a cold 36 (real) that they have to confront. In fact, in recent months, the single-day box office of movies across the country 37 (be) in the 38 (extreme) low range of seven to eight million, almost none of new films 39 (enjoy) any market appeal. At the very beginning, people would blame these astonishing statistics 40 the pandemic. But the pandemic is not the only factor 41 prevents audiences from entering the cinema. The lack of good movies 42 (watch) is the main reason why people lose their desire for the cinema.
Young people are still the main force for watching movies, 43 unlike those post-80s who regard the cinema as their main movie channel, most of these young people are just “audiences” or even “spectators” rather than “fans”. Even some of them only regard cinema-going as a way of 44 (socialize). When a certain movie is popular, or their idol stars in the movie, or the movie is very topical, they will go to the cinema. But if its quality and 45 (popular) are not high, they will not have a mentality of “going to the cinema for a movie just because I haven’t been there for a long time”.
第三部分 写作(共两节,满分40分)
第一节 书面表达(满分15分)
假如你是李华,你的朋友莎拉Sarah正在申请澳大利亚的海外学习项目。莎拉是一位非常优秀的学生,并且积极参与社区服务和课外活动。她打算在悉尼大学(TheUniversityofSydney)攻读环境科学专业。请你写一封推荐信,突出莎拉的学术成就、个人品质以及与该项目相关的经历,并说明她为什么是该项目的理想人选。
注意:1. 写作词数为80词左右;2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Admissions Committee,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sincerely,
Li Hua
第二节 短文续写(满分25分)
阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。
It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and the old movie theater on Main Street was nearly empty. Alex, the manager, sat in his dimly lit office, staring at the day’s earnings. The numbers were disheartening. Only a handful of tickets had been sold, and the concession stand barely broke even. He knew the theater was struggling, but today’s figures were particularly grim. The pandemic had taken a toll, but even before that, fewer and fewer people were coming to the movies. Streaming services and home entertainment systems had become the preferred choice for many. Alex wondered if there was anything he could do to bring back the crowds and save the theater from closing down. He thought about the good old days when the theater was packed, and families would come together to enjoy the latest blockbusters. He remembered the excitement of the opening night of a highly anticipated film and the joy of seeing the audience react to the twists and turns of the plot. Those days seemed like a distant memory now.
Alex’s mind wandered to the challenges ahead. He knew that simply showing the latest films wouldn’t be enough to draw crowds back to the theater. He needed a plan that would make the experience of going to the movies special again. He thought about the unique features of the theater — the ornate ceiling, the plush red curtains, and the vintage ticket booth — and wondered how he could leverage these elements to create a truly memorable experience. He also considered the community around him. The town had a vibrant arts scene, and there were local artists and musicians who could potentially collaborate with the theater. Alex knew he needed to think creatively and act quickly to turn things around.
注意:续写词数应为150左右。
Alex decided to take action. ____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Word spread, and soon, the theater saw a steady increase in attendance. _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
标准学术能力诊断性测试2024年10月测试
英语参考答案
第一部分 阅读理解(每小题3分)
1-5 DCCBC 6-10 CBBAB 11-15 ADBCD 16-20 EAFGD
第二部分 语言知识运用(每小题2分)
21-25 CABCD 26-30 ABDBB 31-35 ACCAB
36. reality 37. has been 38. extremely 39. enjoying 40. on
41. that 42. to watch 43. but 44. socializing/socialization 45. popularity
书面表达参考:(共15分)
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Sarah for the overseas study program at the University of Sydney. As a close friend and witness to her accomplishments, I can attest to her exceptional qualities. Sarah is an outstanding student with a keen interest in environmental science, consistently achieving top grades and participating in impactful projects. Her dedication extends to community service, where she has led initiatives promoting sustainability. Sarah’s passion, leadership, and integrity make her an ideal candidate for this program. She is poised to excel and contribute significantly to the field.
Sincerely,
Li Hua
短文续写参考:(共25分)
Alex decided to take action. He reached out to local artists and musicians, proposing to host live events and art exhibitions alongside movie screenings. To generate buzz, he launched a social media campaign, sharing snippets of upcoming events and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. He also introduced themed movie nights, offering special discounts on tickets and concessions. Despite initial skepticism, the community began to respond positively. Families and young couples started showing up, intrigued by the unique offerings.
Word spread, and soon, the theater saw a steady increase in attendance. Alex’s efforts paid off as the theater became a hub for community gatherings once again. The challenge now was to maintain this momentum and continue to innovate. He organized a series of Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors, attracting larger crowds and generating more interest. The theater was alive once more, and Alex felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.