Passage 1
In December 2022, Patrick Fortune was walking his dog in his Austin, Texas neighborhood when he noticed a strange - looking yellow object about 30 feet below. It turned out to be a python. Fortune remembered that months ago, someone on Nextdoor had posted about a 16 - foot albino python named Snow that had been stolen from its owner's vehicle in a travel tote. Could this be the missing snake
The poster, Daryl Fields, described Snow as "a big gentle giant". When Fortune realized he might have found the missing python, he took his dog home and told his girlfriend, Raven Zimmer, 33. He wasn't sure if the snake was alive or dead, but if it was alive, they should rescue it.
Zimmer, knowing that pythons are tropical and need warmth, and considering the chilly weather in Austin for weeks, joined in the rescue. They warmed up a heating pad, grabbed a few towels, and loaded their dog crate into the truck. A neighbor called animal control, but the person they spoke with said it would take a couple of hours to get an officer to the area. Fortune thought that if the snake was still alive, they didn't have the luxury of time.
The snake seemed dead at first glance, but when Zimmer touched it, it moved, surprising them. They then faced a new question: what to do next Fortune texted people in the neighborhood, hoping to get some help. The story not only involves the rescue of a cold snake but also has the potential to solve the long - standing mystery of the stolen python.
What did Patrick Fortune find while walking his dog
A 16 - foot albino python in a travel tote.
A strange - looking yellow object that turned out to be a python.
A missing dog in his neighborhood.
D. A post on Nextdoor about a stolen snake.
Which of the following is the best title for the passage
The Mysterious Disappearance of a Python
A Neighborly Rescue and a Possible Cold Case Solution
Patrick Fortune and His Dog - walking Adventure
D. The Living Habits of Pythons in Austin
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage
To introduce the process of rescuing a python.
To describe the unique features of pythons.
To tell a story about neighbors' efforts in rescuing a snake and potentially solving a case.
D. To warn people about the danger of pythons in the neighborhood.
What does the underlined word "chilly" in the third paragraph probably mean
Warm
Cold
Hot
D. Humid
答案
答案: B 解析: 根据第一段 “Patrick Fortune was walking his dog in his Austin, Texas neighborhood when he noticed a strange - looking yellow object about 30 feet below. It turned out to be a python.” 可知，Patrick Fortune 遛狗时发现了一个看起来奇怪的黄色物体，后来发现是一条蟒蛇，所以选 B。
答案: B 解析: 文章主要讲述了邻居们救助一条冰冷的蟒蛇，并有可能解开蟒蛇被盗这一悬案的故事，B 选项最能概括文章主旨。
答案: C 解析: 作者讲述了 Patrick Fortune 等人救助蟒蛇以及蟒蛇可能与之前被盗案件有关的故事，目的是告诉读者邻居们在救助蛇以及可能解决案件方面所做的努力，选 C。
答案: B 解析: 根据前文 “knowing that pythons are tropical and need warmth” 以及此处提到蟒蛇需要温暖，结合奥斯汀数周的天气状况，可推测 chilly 意为 “寒冷的”，与 cold 意思相近，所以选 B。
Passage2
In the world of medicine, there have been some significant findings. Since the 1950s, medical scientists have known that high cholesterol can cause coronary artery disease (CAD) by blocking arteries with plaque. More recently, they've realized that chronic inflammation in the arteries is another key risk factor.
Two large multinational clinical trials have shown that colchicine, a drug already used to treat other inflammatory conditions like gout, is also helpful in preventing heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with CAD. When combined with standard treatments such as statins, it can reduce the risk of complications by up to 31%. The FDA has recently approved low - dose colchicine for this purpose, marking it as the first medication to specifically target cardiovascular disease by tackling inflammation.
On another note, sleep deprivation is a problem that many face. Scientists from Michigan State University and the University of Pittsburgh, with the help of volunteers who stayed up overnight, tested two common ways of compensating for sleep deprivation: caffeine and napping. The researchers compared the cognitive test results of people who slept and those who pulled an all - nighter. The results showed that sleeplessness greatly affected people's ability to focus on tasks and follow complex instructions. Consuming caffeine equivalent to 2 cups of coffee didn't improve focus, and taking a 30 - 60 - minute nap didn't fully restore brain function. So, while caffeine and short naps might help get through the day, they won't make a person perform at their best after sleep deprivation.
What can cause coronary artery disease according to medical knowledge since the 1950s
Chronic inflammation in the arteries.
High cholesterol blocking arteries with plaque.
Lack of proper sleep.
D. Taking too much caffeine.
Which of the following is the best title for the passage
New Discoveries in Medicine: Heart Disease and Sleep Deprivation
The Battle Against Heart Disease
Caffeine and Napping: Solutions for Sleep Deprivation
D. FDA - approved Medications for Cardiovascular Diseases
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage
To introduce new medications for heart disease.
To discuss the effects of sleep deprivation.
To inform readers about recent medical findings regarding heart disease treatment and sleep deprivation.
D. To persuade people to have enough sleep.
What does the underlined word "cognitive" in the third paragraph probably mean
Physical
Mental
Emotional
D. Social
答案
答案: B 解析: 根据第二段 “Since the 1950s, medical scientists have known that high cholesterol can cause coronary artery disease (CAD) by blocking arteries with plaque.” 可知，自 20 世纪 50 年代以来，医学科学家认为高胆固醇通过用斑块堵塞动脉导致冠心病，答案是 B。
答案: A 解析: 文章主要讲述了医学领域关于心脏病治疗的新发现（秋水仙碱对冠心病的预防作用）以及睡眠剥夺方面的研究，A 选项最能概括文章主旨。
答案: C 解析: 作者分别介绍了心脏病治疗的新进展和睡眠剥夺相关的研究结果，目的是告知读者这些医学方面的最新发现，C 选项正确。
答案: B 解析: 研究人员比较了睡眠者和熬夜者的 “cognitive” 测试结果，结合后文提到的注意力和执行复杂指令的能力等内容，可推测 cognitive 与大脑思维相关，意为 “认知的”，与 mental（精神的，脑力的）意思相近，所以选 B。
Passage3
The author is quite familiar with the woods around their cottage. They can even walk the path to the lake in the dark without a flashlight as their feet know the way instinctively. The area around the cottage spans over 40 hectares, criss - crossed by deer trails, electricity corridors, creeks, and valleys.
In late February 2022, on a bright but frigid afternoon, the author, along with their husband Steve and two daughters (aged 12 and 9), strapped on snowshoes and set out northwestward from the house. As they made their way along the gradual slope, they stopped to observe the convoluted trails of mice running between trees, and to check out lichen and bracket fungi. They also had to adjust the kids' snowshoes when they came loose.
As the shadows lengthened, they continued clambering around fallen trees. Weariness started to overtake enthusiasm. At the top of a ridge, they discovered a couple of deer beds under the delicate branches. Wondering when the animals had last been there and what a fawn might do in such a situation, they were also aware of the presence of wolves around, as they had seen the remains of their deer kills.
In the shade of the dense cover, their feet and fingers began to feel cold. Deciding to head back, they backtracked over their original trail, made a loop, and trekked down the steep side of the hill. As they went downhill into the dusk, they leaped from boulders into the deep, powdery snow, enjoying the adventure with their big umbrella - like feet, shouting and laughing.
When did the author and their family go on the snow - shoeing trip
In early February 2022.
In late February 2022.
In early March 2022.
D. In late March 2022.
What is the best title for the passage
A Familiar Cottage and Its Woods
An Adventure in the Cottage Woods
The Wildlife in the Cottage Woods
D. Snowshoeing Skills in the Woods
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage
To introduce the geographical features of the woods around the cottage. B. To share an outdoor family experience in the woods.
To warn readers about the danger of wolves in the woods.
D. To describe the process of adjusting snowshoes.
What does the underlined word "convoluted" in the second paragraph probably mean
Straight
Simple
Complex
D. Short
答案
答案: B 解析: 根据第二段 “In late February 2022, on a bright but frigid afternoon, the author, along with their husband Steve and two daughters (aged 12 and 9), strapped on snowshoes and set out northwestward from the house.” 可知，作者一家是在 2022 年 2 月下旬去进行雪地徒步旅行的，所以选 B。
答案: B 解析: 文章主要讲述了作者一家在小屋周围的树林里进行雪地徒步的冒险经历，B 选项最能概括文章主旨。
答案: B 解析: 作者详细描述了一家人在树林里的活动，如观察动物踪迹、在树林中行走等，其写作意图是分享在树林里的一次户外家庭经历，选 B。
答案: C 解析: 根据语境，作者一家停下来观察老鼠在树间奔跑的 “convoluted” 踪迹，结合常识可知老鼠的踪迹通常是复杂、曲折的，convoluted 意为 “复杂的”，与 complex 意思相近，所以选 C。Passage 1
In December 2022, Patrick Fortune was walking his dog in his Austin, Texas neighborhood when he noticed a strange - looking yellow object about 30 feet below. It turned out to be a python. Fortune remembered that months ago, someone on Nextdoor had posted about a 16 - foot albino python named Snow that had been stolen from its owner's vehicle in a travel tote. Could this be the missing snake
The poster, Daryl Fields, described Snow as "a big gentle giant". When Fortune realized he might have found the missing python, he took his dog home and told his girlfriend, Raven Zimmer, 33. He wasn't sure if the snake was alive or dead, but if it was alive, they should rescue it.
Zimmer, knowing that pythons are tropical and need warmth, and considering the chilly weather in Austin for weeks, joined in the rescue. They warmed up a heating pad, grabbed a few towels, and loaded their dog crate into the truck. A neighbor called animal control, but the person they spoke with said it would take a couple of hours to get an officer to the area. Fortune thought that if the snake was still alive, they didn't have the luxury of time.
The snake seemed dead at first glance, but when Zimmer touched it, it moved, surprising them. They then faced a new question: what to do next Fortune texted people in the neighborhood, hoping to get some help. The story not only involves the rescue of a cold snake but also has the potential to solve the long - standing mystery of the stolen python.
What did Patrick Fortune find while walking his dog
A 16 - foot albino python in a travel tote.
A strange - looking yellow object that turned out to be a python.
A missing dog in his neighborhood.
D. A post on Nextdoor about a stolen snake.
Which of the following is the best title for the passage
The Mysterious Disappearance of a Python
A Neighborly Rescue and a Possible Cold Case Solution
Patrick Fortune and His Dog - walking Adventure
D. The Living Habits of Pythons in Austin
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage
To introduce the process of rescuing a python.
To describe the unique features of pythons.
To tell a story about neighbors' efforts in rescuing a snake and potentially solving a case.
D. To warn people about the danger of pythons in the neighborhood.
What does the underlined word "chilly" in the third paragraph probably mean
Warm
Cold
Hot
D. Humid
Passage2
In the world of medicine, there have been some significant findings. Since the 1950s, medical scientists have known that high cholesterol can cause coronary artery disease (CAD) by blocking arteries with plaque. More recently, they've realized that chronic inflammation in the arteries is another key risk factor.
Two large multinational clinical trials have shown that colchicine, a drug already used to treat other inflammatory conditions like gout, is also helpful in preventing heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with CAD. When combined with standard treatments such as statins, it can reduce the risk of complications by up to 31%. The FDA has recently approved low - dose colchicine for this purpose, marking it as the first medication to specifically target cardiovascular disease by tackling inflammation.
On another note, sleep deprivation is a problem that many face. Scientists from Michigan State University and the University of Pittsburgh, with the help of volunteers who stayed up overnight, tested two common ways of compensating for sleep deprivation: caffeine and napping. The researchers compared the cognitive test results of people who slept and those who pulled an all - nighter. The results showed that sleeplessness greatly affected people's ability to focus on tasks and follow complex instructions. Consuming caffeine equivalent to 2 cups of coffee didn't improve focus, and taking a 30 - 60 - minute nap didn't fully restore brain function. So, while caffeine and short naps might help get through the day, they won't make a person perform at their best after sleep deprivation.
What can cause coronary artery disease according to medical knowledge since the 1950s
Chronic inflammation in the arteries.
High cholesterol blocking arteries with plaque.
Lack of proper sleep.
D. Taking too much caffeine.
Which of the following is the best title for the passage
New Discoveries in Medicine: Heart Disease and Sleep Deprivation
The Battle Against Heart Disease
Caffeine and Napping: Solutions for Sleep Deprivation
D. FDA - approved Medications for Cardiovascular Diseases
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage
To introduce new medications for heart disease.
To discuss the effects of sleep deprivation.
To inform readers about recent medical findings regarding heart disease treatment and sleep deprivation.
D. To persuade people to have enough sleep.
What does the underlined word "cognitive" in the third paragraph probably mean
Physical
Mental
Emotional
D. Social
Passage3
The author is quite familiar with the woods around their cottage. They can even walk the path to the lake in the dark without a flashlight as their feet know the way instinctively. The area around the cottage spans over 40 hectares, criss - crossed by deer trails, electricity corridors, creeks, and valleys.
In late February 2022, on a bright but frigid afternoon, the author, along with their husband Steve and two daughters (aged 12 and 9), strapped on snowshoes and set out northwestward from the house. As they made their way along the gradual slope, they stopped to observe the convoluted trails of mice running between trees, and to check out lichen and bracket fungi. They also had to adjust the kids' snowshoes when they came loose.
As the shadows lengthened, they continued clambering around fallen trees. Weariness started to overtake enthusiasm. At the top of a ridge, they discovered a couple of deer beds under the delicate branches. Wondering when the animals had last been there and what a fawn might do in such a situation, they were also aware of the presence of wolves around, as they had seen the remains of their deer kills.
In the shade of the dense cover, their feet and fingers began to feel cold. Deciding to head back, they backtracked over their original trail, made a loop, and trekked down the steep side of the hill. As they went downhill into the dusk, they leaped from boulders into the deep, powdery snow, enjoying the adventure with their big umbrella - like feet, shouting and laughing.
When did the author and their family go on the snow - shoeing trip
In early February 2022.
In late February 2022.
In early March 2022.
D. In late March 2022.
What is the best title for the passage
A Familiar Cottage and Its Woods
An Adventure in the Cottage Woods
The Wildlife in the Cottage Woods
D. Snowshoeing Skills in the Woods
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage
To introduce the geographical features of the woods around the cottage. B. To share an outdoor family experience in the woods.
To warn readers about the danger of wolves in the woods.
D. To describe the process of adjusting snowshoes.
What does the underlined word "convoluted" in the second paragraph probably mean
Straight
Simple
Complex
D. Short
