Passage 1
I always feel a sense of joy when I walk into my favorite coffee shop and am greeted by the barista who knows my name and my usual order. We exchange a few words about how our day is going before I take my latte to a table. This simple interaction sets a positive tone for my day.
In our daily lives, we encounter many people who have a similar effect on us, even though we may not know them very well. These are what psychologists call "consequential strangers" or "weak ties". They could be the neighbor you chat with briefly while gardening, the person you exchange small talk with at the gym, or the co-worker from another team you see in the elevator every morning but don't really know on a personal level.
The term "consequential stranger" was first introduced by psychologist Karen L. Fingerman. It encompasses a wide range of relationships. A consequential stranger is not just someone you notice but never interact with, like a stranger at the bus stop. They are people we have some form of interaction with. This includes those we might consider "acquaintances" - people we know to a certain extent but aren't close enough to call friends. Our lives are filled with numerous consequential strangers. Some we may only know for a short period, while others might become a more permanent part of our daily routines.
These fleeting moments of connection with consequential strangers can have a profound and lasting impact. They can bring a bit of brightness to our day, make us feel more connected to the world around us, and even give us a sense of belonging in our communities. In today's fast-paced world, where we often focus on our close relationships, it's easy to overlook the significance of these seemingly minor interactions with consequential strangers. However, they can add unexpected joy and meaning to our lives.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. To describe the author's experience in a coffee shop.
B. To introduce the concept of consequential strangers and their positive impact on our lives.
C. To explain how to make friends with strangers.
D. To compare consequential strangers with close friends.
According to the passage, who can be considered a consequential stranger
A. A close friend you see every day.
B. A family member you live with.
C. A person you chat with briefly at the gym.
D. A teacher you had in primary school.
What can be inferred about the author's attitude towards consequential strangers
A. The author thinks they are unimportant.
B. The author believes they have no effect on our lives.
C. The author holds a positive attitude towards them.
D. The author is indifferent to them.
Which of the following is TRUE about the term "consequential stranger"
A. It was created by a famous writer.
B. It only refers to people we see at work.
C. It covers a variety of relationships and interactions.
D. It means people we will never talk to.
答案：
B
C
C
C
解析：
主旨大意题。文章开篇通过作者在咖啡店的经历引出 “重要陌生人” 的概念，接着介绍了其涵盖的范围以及对我们生活的积极影响，B 选项正确，A 选项只是开头的一个例子，C 选项文章未提及如何与陌生人交朋友，D 选项不是重点在比较。
细节理解题。从文中 “They could be the neighbor you chat with briefly while gardening, the person you exchange small talk with at the gym...” 可知 C 选项正确，A 选项亲密朋友不是，B 选项家人不是，D 选项小学老师不是。
推理判断题。从文中 “These fleeting moments of connection with consequential strangers can have a profound and lasting impact. They can bring a bit of brightness to our day...” 等内容可推断出作者对重要陌生人持积极态度，C 选项正确，A、B、D 选项与原文意思不符。
细节理解题。根据 “The term 'consequential stranger' was first introduced by psychologist Karen L. Fingerman. It encompasses a wide range of relationships.” 可知 C 选项正确，A 选项说由著名作家创造错误，B 选项只说工作中见到的人错误，D 选项说永远不会交谈的人错误。
Passage 2
That satisfying feeling after finishing a good book, when an issue has been resolved within its pages, can leave us feeling motivated and at peace. Sharing this with like-minded people can be inspiring, empowering, and validating – so it's no wonder people are using book clubs to address their eco concerns.
Too often we feel helpless when confronted with the state our planet is in. From a warming climate to depleting wildlife, the problems are piling up and most of us are lost for solutions. Our collective imaginations are being clouded by the myriad of negative reporting on the environment, making it almost impossible to imagine a world free of these issues. This sense of fear about the future of our planet can have a negative impact on our mental health, evoking feelings of grief, helplessness, and stress – otherwise known as eco-anxiety.
The power of book clubs
Anyone who's ever been to a book club, or just had a great conversation about a book, will understand the powerful sense of belonging and shared purpose this type of community can bring. Equally, you can feel challenged or confronted with different opinions, making you question your own standpoint. It's all of these aspects of book clubs that make them the perfect platform to explore the climate crisis and, more importantly, what we're going to do about it.
While book clubs have existed for centuries, growing awareness of our impact on the environment has meant that climate book clubs are gaining popularity. From virtual clubs like Blue Planet Bookshelf to in-person groups like This is Why We Read, more people want to be part of the discussion about how we tackle the climate crisis.
What can people feel after finishing a good book according
to the passage
A. Helpless and stressed.
B. Motivated and at peace.
C. Grief and helplessness.
D. Challenged and confronted.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. To introduce the concept of eco-anxiety.
B. To describe the problems of the planet.
C. To explain how book clubs can help address eco-anxiety.
D. To compare different types of book clubs.
Why are climate book clubs becoming more popular
A. Because people like reading books about climate.
B. Because book clubs have existed for a long time.
C. Because of the growing awareness of environmental impact.
D. Because virtual clubs are more convenient.
Which of the following is NOT an aspect of book clubs mentioned in the passage
A. Sense of belonging.
B. Shared purpose.
C. Feeling challenged.
D. Making new friends easily.
答案：
B
C
C
D
解析：
细节理解题。根据文中 “That satisfying feeling after finishing a good book, when an issue has been resolved within its pages, can leave us feeling motivated and at peace.” 可知，读完一本好书后人们会感到有动力且内心平静，B 选项正确，A、C 选项是面对地球现状和生态焦虑时的感受，D 选项是参加读书俱乐部可能会有的感受，但不是读完好书后的感受。
主旨大意题。文章开篇提到读完好书的感受以及与志同道合的人分享的益处，接着指出人们面对地球问题的无助和生态焦虑，然后强调读书俱乐部的力量以及其作为探索气候危机和采取行动的平台的优势，最后说明气候读书俱乐部受欢迎的原因，整体是在解释读书俱乐部如何帮助应对生态焦虑，C 选项正确，A 选项只是文章部分内容，B 选项不是重点，D 选项比较不同类型的读书俱乐部不是主旨。
细节理解题。由 “While book clubs have existed for centuries, growing awareness of our impact on the environment has meant that climate book clubs are gaining popularity.” 可知，是因为人们对环境影响的意识不断增强，气候读书俱乐部才越来越受欢迎，C 选项正确，A 选项不是主要原因，B 选项读书俱乐部存在时间长不是其受欢迎的原因，D 选项文中未提及虚拟俱乐部更方便是其受欢迎的原因。
细节理解题。文中提到读书俱乐部能带来归属感、共同目的以及让人感到受到挑战等方面，未提及容易结交新朋友，D 选项正确，A、B、C 选项均是文中提到的读书俱乐部的方面。
Passage 3
We all yearn for a connection with nature. It's an innate desire hard-wired into us, and it even has a name: biophilia, which means a love of life or living things. This term was coined by social psychologist Erich Fromm in 1964 and later popularized by E. O. Wilson, a biologist and Professor Emeritus at Harvard. However, it's not just scientists who have recognized the importance of nature. Designers and architects have taken this concept and developed a movement - biophilic design - which has evolved over time.
The calming impact of the natural world on us is well-documented. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology exposed 120 subjects to a stressful film. Some were then shown a video of an urban setting, while others were shown footage of the natural world. Physiological measurements were taken, including heart period, muscle tension, skin conductance, and pulse transit time - all of which correlate with systolic blood pressure. The scientists discovered that stress recovery was quicker in the people who were exposed to the natural footage.
Biophilic design builds on this and brings the impact and benefits of the natural world inside our homes. Another Harvard study from 2018 tested the impact of a biophilic space on 28 participants. They found there was a decrease in blood pressure, along with short-term memory improvement, and an increase in positive emotions. The scientists declared, "Our findings indicate that participants experiencing a biophilic environment virtually had similar physiological and cognitive responses as when experiencing the actual environment." This, they argued, could be a useful tool for reducing stress in people when access to either a biophilic setting or natural environment is not possible. It also highlights the astonishing power of natural elements in design.
Our predecessors knew the value of nature. There are centuries of examples of how nature was made integral to the built environment. From ancient gardens in palaces to the use of natural materials in traditional architecture, the connection between humans and nature in our living spaces has a long history.
What does the term "biophilia" mean according to the passage
A. A fear of nature.
B. A love of life or living things.
C. A dislike of urban settings.
D. A study of environmental psychology.
What was the result of the study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology
A. People who watched the urban video recovered from stress faster.
B. People who watched the natural world footage recovered from stress faster.
C. There was no difference in stress recovery between the two groups.
D. The study didn't measure stress recovery.
What can be inferred from the 2018 Harvard study about biophilic spaces
A. They have no effect on people.
B. They can only improve short-term memory.
C. They can have positive effects on both physiological and cognitive aspects.
D. They are only useful when people can't access real nature.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. To introduce the concept of biophilia and the benefits of biophilic design.
B. To compare different studies on nature and stress.
C. To describe the history of architecture.
D. To explain how to create a biophilic space at home.
答案：
B
B
C
A
解析：
细节理解题。根据文中 “Meaning a love of life or living things, the term was coined by social psychologist Erich Fromm in 1964” 可知，biophilia 的意思是对生命或生物的热爱，B 选项正确，A 选项与原文意思相反，C 选项文中未提及，D 选项是研究的领域，不是 biophilia 的含义。
细节理解题。从 “The scientists discovered that stress recovery was quicker in the people who were exposed to the natural footage.” 可知，观看自然世界视频的人压力恢复得更快，B 选项正确，A 选项与原文不符，C 选项错误，D 选项与原文矛盾。
推理判断题。由 “They found there was a decrease in blood pressure, along with short-term memory improvement, and an increase in positive emotions. The scientists declared, 'Our findings indicate that participants experiencing a biophilic environment virtually had similar physiological and cognitive responses as when experiencing the actual environment.'” 可推断出，亲生物空间对生理和认知方面都有积极影响，C 选项正确，A 选项与原文不符，B 选项不全面，D 选项只是其中一个方面，不是主要推断内容。
主旨大意题。文章先介绍了 biophilia 的概念，接着通过两个研究说明自然对人的影响以及亲生物设计的好处，整体是在介绍 biophilia 的概念和亲生物设计的益处，A 选项正确，B 选项比较不同研究不是重点，C 选项描述建筑历史只是一部分，D 选项如何在家创建亲生物空间不是主旨。Passage 1
I always feel a sense of joy when I walk into my favorite coffee shop and am greeted by the barista who knows my name and my usual order. We exchange a few words about how our day is going before I take my latte to a table. This simple interaction sets a positive tone for my day.
In our daily lives, we encounter many people who have a similar effect on us, even though we may not know them very well. These are what psychologists call "consequential strangers" or "weak ties". They could be the neighbor you chat with briefly while gardening, the person you exchange small talk with at the gym, or the co-worker from another team you see in the elevator every morning but don't really know on a personal level.
The term "consequential stranger" was first introduced by psychologist Karen L. Fingerman. It encompasses a wide range of relationships. A consequential stranger is not just someone you notice but never interact with, like a stranger at the bus stop. They are people we have some form of interaction with. This includes those we might consider "acquaintances" - people we know to a certain extent but aren't close enough to call friends. Our lives are filled with numerous consequential strangers. Some we may only know for a short period, while others might become a more permanent part of our daily routines.
These fleeting moments of connection with consequential strangers can have a profound and lasting impact. They can bring a bit of brightness to our day, make us feel more connected to the world around us, and even give us a sense of belonging in our communities. In today's fast-paced world, where we often focus on our close relationships, it's easy to overlook the significance of these seemingly minor interactions with consequential strangers. However, they can add unexpected joy and meaning to our lives.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. To describe the author's experience in a coffee shop.
B. To introduce the concept of consequential strangers and their positive impact on our lives.
C. To explain how to make friends with strangers.
D. To compare consequential strangers with close friends.
According to the passage, who can be considered a consequential stranger
A. A close friend you see every day.
B. A family member you live with.
C. A person you chat with briefly at the gym.
D. A teacher you had in primary school.
What can be inferred about the author's attitude towards consequential strangers
A. The author thinks they are unimportant.
B. The author believes they have no effect on our lives.
C. The author holds a positive attitude towards them.
D. The author is indifferent to them.
Which of the following is TRUE about the term "consequential stranger"
A. It was created by a famous writer.
B. It only refers to people we see at work.
C. It covers a variety of relationships and interactions.
D. It means people we will never talk to.
Passage 2
That satisfying feeling after finishing a good book, when an issue has been resolved within its pages, can leave us feeling motivated and at peace. Sharing this with like-minded people can be inspiring, empowering, and validating – so it's no wonder people are using book clubs to address their eco concerns.
Too often we feel helpless when confronted with the state our planet is in. From a warming climate to depleting wildlife, the problems are piling up and most of us are lost for solutions. Our collective imaginations are being clouded by the myriad of negative reporting on the environment, making it almost impossible to imagine a world free of these issues. This sense of fear about the future of our planet can have a negative impact on our mental health, evoking feelings of grief, helplessness, and stress – otherwise known as eco-anxiety.
The power of book clubs
Anyone who's ever been to a book club, or just had a great conversation about a book, will understand the powerful sense of belonging and shared purpose this type of community can bring. Equally, you can feel challenged or confronted with different opinions, making you question your own standpoint. It's all of these aspects of book clubs that make them the perfect platform to explore the climate crisis and, more importantly, what we're going to do about it.
While book clubs have existed for centuries, growing awareness of our impact on the environment has meant that climate book clubs are gaining popularity. From virtual clubs like Blue Planet Bookshelf to in-person groups like This is Why We Read, more people want to be part of the discussion about how we tackle the climate crisis.
What can people feel after finishing a good book according
to the passage
A. Helpless and stressed.
B. Motivated and at peace.
C. Grief and helplessness.
D. Challenged and confronted.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. To introduce the concept of eco-anxiety.
B. To describe the problems of the planet.
C. To explain how book clubs can help address eco-anxiety.
D. To compare different types of book clubs.
Why are climate book clubs becoming more popular
A. Because people like reading books about climate.
B. Because book clubs have existed for a long time.
C. Because of the growing awareness of environmental impact.
D. Because virtual clubs are more convenient.
Which of the following is NOT an aspect of book clubs mentioned in the passage
A. Sense of belonging.
B. Shared purpose.
C. Feeling challenged.
D. Making new friends easily.
Passage 3
We all yearn for a connection with nature. It's an innate desire hard-wired into us, and it even has a name: biophilia, which means a love of life or living things. This term was coined by social psychologist Erich Fromm in 1964 and later popularized by E. O. Wilson, a biologist and Professor Emeritus at Harvard. However, it's not just scientists who have recognized the importance of nature. Designers and architects have taken this concept and developed a movement - biophilic design - which has evolved over time.
The calming impact of the natural world on us is well-documented. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology exposed 120 subjects to a stressful film. Some were then shown a video of an urban setting, while others were shown footage of the natural world. Physiological measurements were taken, including heart period, muscle tension, skin conductance, and pulse transit time - all of which correlate with systolic blood pressure. The scientists discovered that stress recovery was quicker in the people who were exposed to the natural footage.
Biophilic design builds on this and brings the impact and benefits of the natural world inside our homes. Another Harvard study from 2018 tested the impact of a biophilic space on 28 participants. They found there was a decrease in blood pressure, along with short-term memory improvement, and an increase in positive emotions. The scientists declared, "Our findings indicate that participants experiencing a biophilic environment virtually had similar physiological and cognitive responses as when experiencing the actual environment." This, they argued, could be a useful tool for reducing stress in people when access to either a biophilic setting or natural environment is not possible. It also highlights the astonishing power of natural elements in design.
Our predecessors knew the value of nature. There are centuries of examples of how nature was made integral to the built environment. From ancient gardens in palaces to the use of natural materials in traditional architecture, the connection between humans and nature in our living spaces has a long history.
What does the term "biophilia" mean according to the passage
A. A fear of nature.
B. A love of life or living things.
C. A dislike of urban settings.
D. A study of environmental psychology.
What was the result of the study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology
A. People who watched the urban video recovered from stress faster.
B. People who watched the natural world footage recovered from stress faster.
C. There was no difference in stress recovery between the two groups.
D. The study didn't measure stress recovery.
What can be inferred from the 2018 Harvard study about biophilic spaces
A. They have no effect on people.
B. They can only improve short-term memory.
C. They can have positive effects on both physiological and cognitive aspects.
D. They are only useful when people can't access real nature.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. To introduce the concept of biophilia and the benefits of biophilic design.
B. To compare different studies on nature and stress.
C. To describe the history of architecture.
D. To explain how to create a biophilic space at home.
