Passage 1
For a long time, people have had a certain understanding of how the brain processes language. Specific brain areas, like Broca's area, have been thought to be directly involved in language processing. However, a new and controversial analysis challenges this traditional view.
Jeremy Skipper from University College London and his colleagues argue that the brain regions previously identified as special language - processing centers are actually hubs that coordinate language processing across multiple regions of the brain. This idea goes against the long - held belief and has been met with skepticism.
Since the 1800s, there has been evidence suggesting that specific brain areas handle language. For example, Broca's area was thought to play a key role in speech production. But brain - imaging studies often show activity in other areas when people perform language tasks, which indicates that the situation might be more complex. Skipper says, “There's also a process that goes into language. It's like the way we do as human beings.”
To prove their point, Skipper and his colleagues conducted a two - part study. They reanalyzed data from existing meta - analyses of previous studies on language processing. The results showed that activation related to language was not limited to regions like Broca's area. When they looked at more specific language - processing tasks, such as naming different types of nouns, they found that various brain regions were involved.
Skipper points out that what we call “language regions” are actually connectivity hubs. These regions coordinate a lot of other areas in the brain. Even when doing simple tasks like saying the word “chicken,” multiple regions in the brain are communicating. This new perspective may change our understanding of how the brain works when it comes to language.
What is the traditional view of language processing in the brain
A. Multiple brain regions work together to process language.
B. Specific brain areas are mainly responsible for language processing.
C. The brain processes language in a very complex way.
D. Language regions are connectivity hubs in the brain.
Why did Skipper and his colleagues conduct the study
A. To support the long - held belief about language processing.
B. To find out the exact role of Broca's area in language.
C. To challenge the traditional understanding of language processing in the brain.
D. To analyze the data from previous studies on language.
What can we learn from the new study
A. Only Broca's area is involved in language processing.
B. Saying a simple word only activates a few brain regions.
C. The so - called language regions coordinate other brain areas during language processing.
D. Previous brain - imaging studies about language were wrong.
Which of the following best describes the new analysis of language processing
A. Controversial.
B. Unreliable.
C. Out - dated.
D. Well - accepted.
Passage 2
Emily and Olivia Kilby, the sisters behind Wheely Good Ceramics, have created a unique and inclusive pottery business. Their story began in 2011 when, during a family holiday, a life - changing event occurred. Thirteen - year - old Emily became paralyzed from the shoulders down due to a spinal cord swelling. Before this, Emily was highly creative, but her new condition made it difficult to continue her artistic pursuits. “I didn't do art for years,” she said.
However, things changed when Emily came across a man on Instagram painting with a mouth stick. Inspired, she began to experiment with painting using her mouth. Her mother and Olivia encouraged her, recognizing the value of art as a form of therapy. In 2022, younger sister Olivia, who loves throwing pots on the wheel, joined Emily, and Wheely Good Ceramics was born.
The first ceramic they made was a jug painted with blue butterflies for their older sister. The butterfly holds a special meaning for the family. When Emily was first paralyzed and in the hospital, there were butterflies painted around the room, which she used to count when feeling anxious.
For Emily and Olivia, running the family business has been smooth. As the youngest of four sisters, they have always been close and found each other indispensable. “It's wonderful to do this as a team,” Olivia said. “There are things we could do together that we couldn't do separately.”
Wheely Good Ceramics isn't just about pottery. It's also about disability rights. The sisters are passionate about raising awareness. “When people don't know anything about disability, they assume people with disabilities can't do things. It's not them being ignorant,” Emily added. “You can still do so many things with a disability. It's just about making slight adaptations,” Olivia said. Through social media, they are clearly communicating their mission of creating a community that understands and celebrates creativity in all its forms.
What led to Emily's change in artistic creation
A. Her sister Olivia's encouragement.
B. Her experience in the hospital.
C. A man's painting method on Instagram.
D. The value of art as a therapy.
Why are butterflies meaningful for the sisters
A. They were Emily's favorite insects before the accident.
B. They represent the start of Emily's new artistic journey.
C. They brought comfort to Emily when she was in hospital.
D. They are often used in the sisters' ceramic works.
What is special about Wheely Good Ceramics
A. It focuses on creating unique pottery designs.
B. It aims to promote art therapy for the disabled.
C. It provides job opportunities for people with disabilities.
D. It combines pottery business with advocating disability rights.
What can we infer from the passage
A. The sisters had a difficult start in their business.
B. People usually have a good understanding of disability.
C. The sisters hope to change people's views on the disabled.
D. Olivia gave up her own career to help Emily.
Passage 3
Lincoln, a city often captivating visitors with its rich history like the magnificent cathedral and the tallest building in the world when it was constructed, now has another attraction related to a beloved dog named Snips.
Snips was a Sealyham terrier puppy bought by market trader Henry Tyler in the 1950s. Little did Henry know that this small dog would become a local legend. Snips accompanied Henry to work every day, sitting happily on the stall. People were so drawn to Snips that they would come from all over to see him. Snips was not just a cute face; he also raised a significant amount of money for local charities, with people dropping a penny at a time.
As time passed, Snips became a well - known “celebrity” in Lincoln. His story resonated with many, and he was one of the favorites among the locals. After Snips passed away, a blue plaque was erected in his memory, although its initial location was later changed.
Now, founders Brant Clayton and Matthew Thomas are on a mission to further honor Snips. They noticed that Snips, who was associated with the Cornhill area, deserved more recognition. So, they launched a petition to have a statue of Snips built, similar to the one of Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh. Their campaign has received wide support from various groups, including the City of Lincoln Council and developers willing to contribute to the statue. They hope that the statue, to be unveiled at the inaugural Lincoln Festival of History between May 4 and 6, will ensure Snips' legacy lives on for generations to come.
What made Snips well - known in Lincoln
A. His unique appearance as a Sealyham terrier.
B. His ability to attract a large number of visitors.
C. His contribution to local charities by raising money.
D. His long - term companionship with Henry Tyler.
What can we learn about the blue plaque for Snips
A. It was first erected in a location near ground - level.
B. It was removed because it was damaged.
C. It was put up immediately after Snips' death.
D. It was later replaced by a statue.
Why did Brant Clayton and Matthew Thomas start the petition
A. To make Snips as famous as Greyfriars Bobby.
B. To raise more money for local charities.
C. To have a statue built to better remember Snips.
D. To promote the Lincoln Festival of History.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. The history and attractions of Lincoln.
B. The story of a famous dog Snips and the effort to honor him.
C. The significance of local celebrities in Lincoln.
D. The campaign to build a statue in Lincoln.Passage 1
For a long time, people have had a certain understanding of how the brain processes language. Specific brain areas, like Broca's area, have been thought to be directly involved in language processing. However, a new and controversial analysis challenges this traditional view.
Jeremy Skipper from University College London and his colleagues argue that the brain regions previously identified as special language - processing centers are actually hubs that coordinate language processing across multiple regions of the brain. This idea goes against the long - held belief and has been met with skepticism.
Since the 1800s, there has been evidence suggesting that specific brain areas handle language. For example, Broca's area was thought to play a key role in speech production. But brain - imaging studies often show activity in other areas when people perform language tasks, which indicates that the situation might be more complex. Skipper says, “There's also a process that goes into language. It's like the way we do as human beings.”
To prove their point, Skipper and his colleagues conducted a two - part study. They reanalyzed data from existing meta - analyses of previous studies on language processing. The results showed that activation related to language was not limited to regions like Broca's area. When they looked at more specific language - processing tasks, such as naming different types of nouns, they found that various brain regions were involved.
Skipper points out that what we call “language regions” are actually connectivity hubs. These regions coordinate a lot of other areas in the brain. Even when doing simple tasks like saying the word “chicken,” multiple regions in the brain are communicating. This new perspective may change our understanding of how the brain works when it comes to language.
What is the traditional view of language processing in the brain
A. Multiple brain regions work together to process language.
B. Specific brain areas are mainly responsible for language processing.
C. The brain processes language in a very complex way.
D. Language regions are connectivity hubs in the brain.
Why did Skipper and his colleagues conduct the study
A. To support the long - held belief about language processing.
B. To find out the exact role of Broca's area in language.
C. To challenge the traditional understanding of language processing in the brain.
D. To analyze the data from previous studies on language.
What can we learn from the new study
A. Only Broca's area is involved in language processing.
B. Saying a simple word only activates a few brain regions.
C. The so - called language regions coordinate other brain areas during language processing.
D. Previous brain - imaging studies about language were wrong.
Which of the following best describes the new analysis of language processing
A. Controversial.
B. Unreliable.
C. Out - dated.
D. Well - accepted.
答案
B
解析：根据文章第一段 “For a long time, people have had a certain understanding of how the brain processes language. Specific brain areas, like Broca's area, have been thought to be directly involved in language processing.” 可知，传统观点认为特定的大脑区域主要负责语言处理，B 选项正确。A 选项是新观点；C 选项不是传统观点的具体内容；D 选项也是新观点。
C
解析：从文章第二段 “Jeremy Skipper from University College London and his colleagues argue that the brain regions previously identified as special language - processing centers are actually hubs that coordinate language processing across multiple regions of the brain. This idea goes against the long - held belief” 以及第四段 “To prove their point, Skipper and his colleagues conducted a two - part study.” 可知，Skipper 和他的同事进行研究是为了挑战关于大脑语言处理的传统理解，C 选项正确。A 选项 “支持长期以来的观点” 错误；B 选项 “找出布罗卡区在语言中的确切作用” 不是主要目的；D 选项 “分析以前语言研究的数据” 是研究的方式，不是目的。
C
解析：依据文章最后一段 “Skipper points out that what we call ‘language regions’ are actually connectivity hubs. These regions coordinate a lot of other areas in the brain.” 可知，所谓的语言区域在语言处理过程中协调其他大脑区域，C 选项正确。A 选项 “只有布罗卡区参与语言处理” 与原文不符；B 选项 “说一个简单的词只激活几个大脑区域” 错误，文中提到说简单词时多个区域都有活动；D 选项 “以前关于语言的脑成像研究是错误的” 过于绝对，只是表明情况更复杂。
A
解析：根据文章第一段 “a new and controversial analysis challenges this traditional view” 可知，关于语言处理的新分析是有争议的，A 选项正确。B 选项 “不可靠的”、C 选项 “过时的”、D 选项 “被广泛接受的” 均不符合文意。
Passage 2
Emily and Olivia Kilby, the sisters behind Wheely Good Ceramics, have created a unique and inclusive pottery business. Their story began in 2011 when, during a family holiday, a life - changing event occurred. Thirteen - year - old Emily became paralyzed from the shoulders down due to a spinal cord swelling. Before this, Emily was highly creative, but her new condition made it difficult to continue her artistic pursuits. “I didn't do art for years,” she said.
However, things changed when Emily came across a man on Instagram painting with a mouth stick. Inspired, she began to experiment with painting using her mouth. Her mother and Olivia encouraged her, recognizing the value of art as a form of therapy. In 2022, younger sister Olivia, who loves throwing pots on the wheel, joined Emily, and Wheely Good Ceramics was born.
The first ceramic they made was a jug painted with blue butterflies for their older sister. The butterfly holds a special meaning for the family. When Emily was first paralyzed and in the hospital, there were butterflies painted around the room, which she used to count when feeling anxious.
For Emily and Olivia, running the family business has been smooth. As the youngest of four sisters, they have always been close and found each other indispensable. “It's wonderful to do this as a team,” Olivia said. “There are things we could do together that we couldn't do separately.”
Wheely Good Ceramics isn't just about pottery. It's also about disability rights. The sisters are passionate about raising awareness. “When people don't know anything about disability, they assume people with disabilities can't do things. It's not them being ignorant,” Emily added. “You can still do so many things with a disability. It's just about making slight adaptations,” Olivia said. Through social media, they are clearly communicating their mission of creating a community that understands and celebrates creativity in all its forms.
What led to Emily's change in artistic creation
A. Her sister Olivia's encouragement.
B. Her experience in the hospital.
C. A man's painting method on Instagram.
D. The value of art as a therapy.
Why are butterflies meaningful for the sisters
A. They were Emily's favorite insects before the accident.
B. They represent the start of Emily's new artistic journey.
C. They brought comfort to Emily when she was in hospital.
D. They are often used in the sisters' ceramic works.
What is special about Wheely Good Ceramics
A. It focuses on creating unique pottery designs.
B. It aims to promote art therapy for the disabled.
C. It provides job opportunities for people with disabilities.
D. It combines pottery business with advocating disability rights.
What can we infer from the passage
A. The sisters had a difficult start in their business.
B. People usually have a good understanding of disability.
C. The sisters hope to change people's views on the disabled.
D. Olivia gave up her own career to help Emily.
答案
C
解析：根据文章第二段 “However, things changed when Emily came across a man on Instagram painting with a mouth stick. Inspired, she began to experiment with painting using her mouth.” 可知，是 Instagram 上一个人用嘴作画的方式让 Emily 改变了艺术创作方式，C 选项正确。A 选项 “姐姐 Olivia 的鼓励” 不是直接原因；B 选项 “医院的经历” 与她改变创作方式没有直接关联；D 选项 “艺术作为治疗手段的价值” 是妈妈和 Olivia 鼓励她时所意识到的，并非改变的原因。
C
解析：从文章第三段 “When Emily was first paralyzed and in the hospital, there were butterflies painted around the room, which she used to count when feeling anxious.” 可知，蝴蝶对姐妹俩有特殊意义是因为在 Emily 住院时，蝴蝶图案给她带来了安慰，C 选项正确。A 选项 “事故前是 Emily 最喜欢的昆虫” 文中未提及；B 选项 “代表 Emily 新艺术旅程的开始” 不准确；D 选项 “经常用在姐妹俩的陶艺作品中” 不是主要原因。
D
解析：依据文章最后一段 “Wheely Good Ceramics isn't just about pottery. It's also about disability rights. The sisters are passionate about raising awareness.” 可知，Wheely Good Ceramics 的特别之处在于它将陶艺生意和倡导残疾人权利结合起来，D 选项正确。A 选项 “专注于创造独特的陶艺设计” 只是表面内容；B 选项 “旨在为残疾人推广艺术治疗” 和 C 选项 “为残疾人提供工作机会” 文中未提及。
C
解析：根据文章最后一段姐妹俩的话，尤其是 “When people don't know anything about disability, they assume people with disabilities can't do things.” 以及 “You can still do so many things with a disability. It's just about making slight adaptations” 可推断出，姐妹俩希望改变人们对残疾人的看法，C 选项正确。A 选项 “生意起步困难” 与原文 “For Emily and Olivia, running the family business has been smooth.” 不符；B 选项 “人们通常对残疾有很好的理解” 与原文意思相反；D 选项 “Olivia 放弃自己的事业帮助 Emily” 文中未体现。
Passage 3
Lincoln, a city often captivating visitors with its rich history like the magnificent cathedral and the tallest building in the world when it was constructed, now has another attraction related to a beloved dog named Snips.
Snips was a Sealyham terrier puppy bought by market trader Henry Tyler in the 1950s. Little did Henry know that this small dog would become a local legend. Snips accompanied Henry to work every day, sitting happily on the stall. People were so drawn to Snips that they would come from all over to see him. Snips was not just a cute face; he also raised a significant amount of money for local charities, with people dropping a penny at a time.
As time passed, Snips became a well - known “celebrity” in Lincoln. His story resonated with many, and he was one of the favorites among the locals. After Snips passed away, a blue plaque was erected in his memory, although its initial location was later changed.
Now, founders Brant Clayton and Matthew Thomas are on a mission to further honor Snips. They noticed that Snips, who was associated with the Cornhill area, deserved more recognition. So, they launched a petition to have a statue of Snips built, similar to the one of Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh. Their campaign has received wide support from various groups, including the City of Lincoln Council and developers willing to contribute to the statue. They hope that the statue, to be unveiled at the inaugural Lincoln Festival of History between May 4 and 6, will ensure Snips' legacy lives on for generations to come.
What made Snips well - known in Lincoln
A. His unique appearance as a Sealyham terrier.
B. His ability to attract a large number of visitors.
C. His contribution to local charities by raising money.
D. His long - term companionship with Henry Tyler.
What can we learn about the blue plaque for Snips
A. It was first erected in a location near ground - level.
B. It was removed because it was damaged.
C. It was put up immediately after Snips' death.
D. It was later replaced by a statue.
Why did Brant Clayton and Matthew Thomas start the petition
A. To make Snips as famous as Greyfriars Bobby.
B. To raise more money for local charities.
C. To have a statue built to better remember Snips.
D. To promote the Lincoln Festival of History.
What is the main idea of the passage
A. The history and attractions of Lincoln.
B. The story of a famous dog Snips and the effort to honor him.
C. The significance of local celebrities in Lincoln.
D. The campaign to build a statue in Lincoln.
答案
C
解析：根据文章第二段 “Snips was not just a cute face; he also raised a significant amount of money for local charities, with people dropping a penny at a time.” 可知，Snips 通过为当地慈善机构筹款而在林肯出名，C 选项正确。A 选项 “独特的外貌”、B 选项 “吸引大量游客” 和 D 选项 “与 Henry Tyler 的长期陪伴” 虽然都是 Snips 的特点，但不是他出名的主要原因。
A
解析：从文章第三段 “A Blue Plaque was erected in Snips's memory a few years ago, but the information is sparse, and it was moved to new location, near ground - level and easily missed.” 可知，蓝色牌匾最初被安置在接近地面的位置，A 选项正确。B 选项 “因损坏被移除” 文中未提及；C 选项 “在 Snips 死后立即竖起” 文章未表明；D 选项 “后来被雕像取代” 错误。
C
解析：依据文章最后一段 “Now, founders Brant Clayton and Matthew Thomas are on a mission to further honor Snips. They launched a petition to have a statue of Snips built, similar to the one of Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh.” 可知，Brant Clayton 和 Matthew Thomas 发起请愿是为了建造一座雕像来更好地纪念 Snips，C 选项正确。A 选项 “让 Snips 和 Greyfriars Bobby 一样出名”、B 选项 “为当地慈善机构筹集更多资金” 和 D 选项 “推广林肯历史节” 都不是主要目的。
B
解析：文章主要讲述了著名的狗 Snips 的故事，包括它如何成为当地名人以及人们为纪念它所做的努力，如竖起蓝色牌匾和计划建造雕像等，B 选项 “著名的狗 Snips 的故事以及纪念它的努力” 符合主旨。A 选项 “林肯的历史和景点” 只是背景介绍；C 选项 “林肯当地名人的意义” 过于宽泛；D 选项 “在林肯建造雕像的活动” 只是部分内容。
