2025年外研版英语中考二轮备战之时文阅读10篇（含答案）

2025年中考二轮备战之时文阅读10篇（含答案）
Passage 1
The changing work culture
Goodbye to Long Work Hours
In recent months. China's workplaces have seen a surprising shift: big companies like DJI. Midea, and Haier are strictly limiting overtime. DJI's Shenzhen office now requires employees to leave by 9 PM. Managers and HR staff check floors in three rounds to ensure everyone clocks out on time. Similarly. Midea Group tells workers to finish work by 6:20PM. with HR reminding them to go home. Haier has introduced mandatory (强制的)weekends. closing its offices and cafeterias on Saturdays.
Why Are Companies Doing This
There are three main reasons. First, long hours harm both health and work quality.Studies show that after 8 hours, mistakes increase by 30-40%, and workers become less creative. Second, international rules are pushing change. The EU's 2024 law labels work over48 hours weekly as“forced labor.” which could block companies like DJI(77% overseas sales) and Midea (50% European profits) from global markets. Third. young employees. especially those born after 2000, now value free time more than extra pay. Surveys show 83% of Gen Z prefer flexible schedules over higher salaries.
Challenges Remain
Some workers worry about“hidden overtime.” where tasks must be finished at home after leaving the office. Others fear losing income, as overtime pay once made up 22% of some workers' wages (薪水) . However, companies are finding solutions . For example. Haier uses technology like facial recognition to track work hours, while Midea uses AI tools to shorten meetings by 30%.
A Brighter Future
While not perfect, this trend marks a move away from“996 culture”(working 9AM to9 PM, six days a week) . As oneDJ I employee shared online. “It's my first time being' chased' out of the office—— but it feels like progress”.
1. What is Midea Group's new rule about overtime
A. Employees can work until midnight. B. Employees must leave by 6:20 PM.
C. HR sends overtime reminders via email. D. Workers get extra pay for late hours.
2. What is a key reason for companies to follow EU rules
A. To reduce employee salaries B. To increase office space
C. To attract older workers D. To avoid losing access to global markets
3. What is the main problem with" hidden overtime"
A. It increases office electricity costs B. Employees finish tasks at home after leaving the office
C. It improves productivity D. It reduces meeting time
4. What do studies say about working over 8 hours daily
A. It leads to more mistakes. B. It improves creativity.
C. It makes employees happier. D. It increases productivity.
5. How does Midea Group improve work efficiency (效率)
A. By increasing overtime pay B. By using Al tools to shorten meetings
C. By hiring more employees D. By extending work hours
Passage 2
Movie Star's English Course Receives Mixed Feedback
Hong Kong action movie star Daniel Wu has launched an online English learning course that has quickly become a hot topic across China. The program, named LearnSpoken English with Daniel Wu, offers 84 practical lessons covering daily situations like shopping, travel greetings, and restaurant conversations. Priced at 398 yuan ($55), the course sold over 2 million yuan worth of subscriptions(订阅) within 48 hours of its March 2025 release.
Developed in partnership with Beijing education company Gaotu Techedu, the course combines(结合) Wu's personal teaching videos with artificial intelligence technology.Students can practice speaking through an AI chatbot designed to look and sound like the50-year-old actor, who grew up in the United States. Promotional materials show Wu teaching phrases from popular films, including translating the famous line"我命由我不由天" from the animated movie NeZha 2 into English.
However, many customers have expressed disappointment. A 37-year-old buyer named Shen Yi complained:" The lessons only spend five minutes showing Wu's teaching, while the rest features another teacher explaining grammar. The AIrobot often gives strange replies when I try to have deeper conversations. " Over 60 million Weibo users have discussed these issues using hashtags like WuEnglishCourseProblems.
Education expert Xiong Bingqi from the 21st Century Education Research Institute notes: " While celebrity (名人)courses attract attention, their real value depends on teaching quality. " Other stars have entered education too - former TV host Yang Lan offers a 299-yuan speaking course, while singer Wang Leehom sells music classes at 1.699 yuan.
Despite criticism, some learners defend the course. " It's cheaper than other star-led programs and good for beginners, "commented a Weibo user whose post received 15.000 likes. The company allows refunds (退款) within 30 days and promises to upgrade (升级) AI functions and add workplace English content next month.
1. What's the main focus of Daniel Wu's English course
A. Movie script writing B. University entrance exams
C. Daily life conversations D. Business meetings
2. Why was Shen Yi unsatisfied
A. No famous teacher in lessons B. Limited interaction with Wu's content
C. Too many homework assignments D. High course price
3. What is the article mainly about
A. The success of AI in language education. B. A celebrity's attempt to teach English and public reactions.
C. Daniel Wu's Hollywood acting career. D. The history of online learning in China.
4. Who would benefit MOST from this course
A. A traveler needing basic phrases. B. A university English professor.
C. A professional translator. D. A student preparing for IELTS.
5. What might happen NEXT based on the article
A. All celebrity courses will be canceled. B. All the customers will get refund.
C. Wu's team will improve the AI system. D. Gaotu will focus only on movie promotions.
Passage 3
Yunnan Coffee Becoming Popular Worldwide
Pu’ er, a mountainous city in Yunnan province, China, is famous for its tea. But now, it is also known as a big coffee producer. Yunnan has the largest coffee farms in China and produces the best beans.
At a coffee farm in Nandaohe Village, workers wash, dry, and prepare coffee beans carefully. These beans will be sent to cities like Shanghai and Chengdu in China, and to countries like Germany and the Netherlands.
Zhou Zhiyan, the farm manager, said the 2024/2025 coffee harvest has bigger and shinier beans, attracting buyers worldwide. Her company sold 1,800 tons of coffee beans in 2024.
Yunnan's coffee exports grew quickly. In early 2025, it earned 140 million yuan ($19million) from coffee exports, up 339% from 2024. Over 2,700 tons of coffee were sold abroad during this time, a 114% increase.
Experts say global buyers want new coffee sources. Yunnan's coffee is clean, with flower and fruit flavors, making it popular. Li Hong, a Yunnan agriculture expert, said better farming methods improved quality. In 2024, Yunnan sold 32,500tons of coffee to 29 countries, including the US and Vietnam.
China's own coffee culture is also growing. Zhang Yuebin, a scientist, said Chinese consumers now want better coffee,pushing Yunnan farmers to improve. In 2024, China imported 22.14 billion yuan of coffee and spices, up 13.4%.
Kunshan, a city in Jiangsu province, roasted 8,000 tons of coffee beans in 2024. Its coffee imports rose 46%, making up half of its farm product imports.
1. What is Pu’ er city known for besides coffee
A. Rice farming B. Pu’ er tea C. Fruit exports D. Clothing factories
2. Why is Yunnan coffee popular globally
A. It is the cheapest choice. B. It is only sold in Europe.
C. It grows faster than other coffee. D. It has floral and fruity flavors.
3. What can we infer about China's coffee culture
A. It is disappearing. B. It only uses imported coffee.
C. It encourages farmers to grow better beans. D. It focuses on cheap products.
4. What is Kunshan's role in China's coffee industry
A. Growing coffee beans B. Roasting and importing beans
C. Inventing new coffee machines D. Exporting tea
5. What is the main idea of the article
A. To explain how to grow coffee in Yunnan. B. To describe the success of Yunnan's coffee industry.
C. To compare Yunnan's tea and coffee production. D. To criticize the quality of foreign coffee.
Passage 4
Extreme Weather in China's March
This March, China has experienced unusual weather changes. On March 25,Shanghai recorded 30°C, breaking its 1933 record for the earliest hot day. Normally,Shanghai's first 30°C day comes in late April or May.
But the heat didn't last. A cold wave hit China from March 24 to 30, causing temperature drops of over 20°C in some areas. Northern China faced its coldest days between March 27-29, while southern China will feel similar cold around March 29-30.
Hot Days and Big Changes
In March, 20 cities like Changsha, Hefei, and Zhengzhou saw temperatures swing wildly. From March 1-24, daily highs jumped between below 10°C to over 22°C.
Hefei had the most extreme change: temperatures dropped 20°C in one day. On March 3, it went from 28°C at 2 p. m. to 14.8°C by 3 p. m. due to a strong cold wind.
Many places also broke heat records. Over 300 weather stations reported their hottest March days. Cities in Henan,Hubei, and Zhejiang might see their earliest 35°C days ever.
Cold Wave Coming
As March ends, temperatures will fall sharply. 11 cities like Lanzhou, Guiyang, and Xining might see 20℃ drops within 48 hours. For example, Xining could go from 18°C to-3°C.
Such sudden cold weather is rare. In the past 74 years, only Guiyang had over 10 cases of 20°C drops in March. This year, Xining and Lanzhou may break their own records.
Scientists say climate change is making March weather hotter and less predictable. They advise checking weather reports daily and dressing in layers.
1. Which city broke its earliest 30°C day record in March 2025
A. Beijing B. Shanghai C. Guangzhou D. Chengdu
2. What is the main reason for warmer March weather in recent years
A. More factories were built B. Climate change
C. People wearing lighter clothes D. Longer daylight hours
3. The word" predictable" in the last paragraph means .
A. easy to forecast B. full of surprises C. very dangerous D. extremely hot
4. What should people do during rapid temperature changes
A. Stay indoors all day B. Wear the same clothes daily
C. Check weather reports and dress in layers D. Travel to warmer cities
5. What is the main idea of the article
A. March is always warm in China B. China's March weather is becoming more extreme
C. Cold waves are better than heatwaves D. People should move to warmer cities
Passage 5
Xiaomi Car Crash Raises Safety Questions
Xiaomi, a famous tech company, recently confirmed that its new electric car, theSU7, crashed (撞毁) on a highway in China's Anhui province on March 29. Local news reported that three people died. The accident has raised questions about the safety of self-driving technology used in modern cars.
After the news, Xiaomi's stock price dropped by 6.1% in Hong Kong. The company recently raised $5.5 billion to expand its electric vehicle (EV) business, but its shares have fallen nearly 18% since then. Experts say investors worry about Xiaomi's future growth after the accident.
Xiaomi stated that police are investigating the crash. According to Xiaomi's report the car’s self-driving mode (模式) was turned on 20 minutes before the crash. The system warned the driver to hold the steering wheel, but the driver ignored (忽略) it. When another warning about road obstacles appeared, the driver tried to take control, but the crash happened anyway. The car caught fire, leaving only parts like the metal frame.
Many people are concerned that drivers trust self-driving technology too much and stop paying attention to the road.Tesla, another EV company, has faced similar issues. In the U. S., Tesla's" Full Self-Driving" system is under investigation after crashes. In China, a Tesla driver once protested at a car show, claiming the brakes failed and nearly killed her family.
Xiaomi, best known for smartphones, entered the EV market recently and plans to sell 350,000 cars by 2025.
1. The word“investigating” in the article most likely means
A. praise B. examination C. advertisement D. repair
2. What problem do Xiaomi and Tesla have in common
A. Their cars are too expensive B. Their stock prices never drop
C. They only sell cars in China D. Their self-driving technology caused accidents
3. What did Xiaomi's report say about the driver before the crash
A. The driver followed all safety rules B. The driver ignored warnings to hold the steering wheel
C. The self-driving mode was turned off D. The car had no warnings
4. What is the main purpose of the article
A. To advertise Xiaomi's new smartphones
B. To discuss the risks of self-driving technology after an accident
C. To compare Xiaomi and Tesla's stock prices
D. To teach how to drive safely
5. What lesson can companies learn from this accident
A. Stop developing self-driving technology
B. Focus only on smartphone production
C. Improve safety and warn drivers not to over-trust technology
D. Raise more money from investors
Passage 6
Why Was the Myanmar Earthquake So Bad
On March 28, 2025,a very strong earthquake hit Myanmar. The ground shook so hard that buildings fell down, bridges broke, and old temples turned into rubble. Even people in Thailand, 600 miles away, felt the shaking. A tall building being built in Bangkok collapsed(倒塌) too. Scientists say thousands of people died, and the damage cost billions of dollars.
What Caused the Earthquake
Myanmar is near a place where two giant pieces of Earth's crust (地壳) push against each other. Over millions of years, this pushing created mountains like the Himalayas and cracks(裂缝) in the ground called“faults.” The earthquake happened on the Sagaing Fault,a long crack where the ground slides sideways. This fault has caused many earthquakes before, including a smaller one in 2023.
Why was the damage so bad
Shallow Earthquake: The quake started only 12 miles underground. Shallow earthquakes make the ground shake harder.
Weak Buildings: Most houses in Myanmar were not built to survive strong quakes. They didn't have special designs like flexible walls or strong bases.
Political Problems: Since 2021, Myanmar has had wars and government troubles. Many people already lost their homes before the earthquake, making it harder to help survivors.
What Happens Next
Smaller earthquakes called“aftershocks” will keep shaking the area for weeks. Damaged buildings might collapse again, and rescue teams will struggle to reach people because roads are broken. Scientists say disasters like this aren't just“natural”-bad building choices made the damage worse.
1. What causes earthquakes along the Sagaing Fault
A. Heavy rainfall B. Giant pieces of Earth's crust moving
C. underground explosion D. Hot lava
2. Why did Thailand feel the earthquake
A. Thailand has many tall buildings B. The shaking traveled far through the ground
C. Myanmar and Thailand are close to each other D. The earthquake lasted a long time
3. What does“aftershocks” mean
A. Loud noises during the quake B. Smaller earthquakes after the main one
C. Rescue teams arriving late D. Broken pieces of roads
4. How did Myanmar's political problems influence the disaster
A. More people volunteered to help B. Rescue work became slower and harder
C. Buildings became stronger D. The earthquake stopped sooner
5. Why do scientists say the disaster wasn't“just natural”
A. Humans caused the earthquake B. Poor building designs worsened the damage
C. The quake only hit cities D. Many people already lost their homes before the earthquake
Passage 7
US Internet Star iShowSpeed Explores Chongqing
Darren Watkins Jr., a 20-year-old American internet celebrity known as“iShowSpeed,” recently explored Chongqing, a city in southwest China. With 37 million followers online, he shared his exciting journey through livestreams, introducing this unique city to the world.
During his visit, he tried spicy ice cream topped with chili oil, danced with cheerful elderly locals in a park, rode in smart electric cars. At night, he took a and took a Yangtze River cruise and marvel at the city's glowing skyscrapers and bridges. He called Chongqing a" crazy cyber city" and said, " This city doesn't look real! It's like a movie!"
Chongqing, a huge city in southwest China with over 30 million people, amazed him with its mix of modern technology and natural beauty. It became China's fourth municipality (special city) in 1997. Though as large as Austria, it's famous for its mountains, rivers and mouth-numbing hot-pot. While developing into a modern hub for technology and transportation, the city still keeps its rich culture dating back 3,000 years.
Speed's livestream started at Jiefangbei, a busy shopping area similar to New York's Times Square. Crowds gathered to see him, and he asked fans to stay calm for safety. With the help of a local English-speaking guide, Chen Rui, he visited Kuixinglou Square, famous for its unique design, and rode Metro Line 2 through a 19-story building at Liziba Station. He also tried the Huangguan Escalator, once Asia's tallest, and saw Chongqing's complex overpasses.
Chen Rui said, " This trip let us share shows Chongqing's energy and creativity with the world. " Over 7 million people watched the livestream, with many foreign viewers commenting positively. One wrote, " These videos changed my mind about China. I want to visit now!"
1. What did iShowSpeed NOT do in Chongqing
A. Dance with local seniors B. Ride a smart electric car
C. Visit the Shaolin Temple D. Take a Yangtze River cruise
2. What is the main purpose of iShowSpeed's livestream in Chongqing
A. To sell local products B. To show the city's unique charm
C. To compete with other influencers D. To study Chinese history
3. What makes Liziba Station special
A. Trains pass through a tall building B. It's the oldest station in China
C. It has unique design D. It only uses electric cars
4. How did some foreign viewers react(反应) to the livestream
A. They found Chongqing boring B. They changed their opinions about China
C. They lost interest in visiting China D. They criticized Chongqing's food
5. What is true about Chongqing
A. It became a municipality in 1987 B. It's larger than Austria
C. It mixes modern life with history D. It has no natural landscapes
Passage 8
Adjusting your clock in spring
Have you ever heard of daylight saving time(DST) In most of the United States, people change their clocks twice a year. In spring, they move the clocks one hour forward, and in fall, they move them one hour back. This helps people have more daylight in the evening during summer.
In the US, DST starts on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November. In March, the clocks move forward, so people lose one hour of sleep. This is called“spring forward", In November, the clocks move back again.This is called “fall back”. These phrases(词组) also help people remember when DST starts and ends!
Daylight saving time started during World War I to help save energy. People thought that if there was more daylight in the evening, they would use less electricity. Later, the US made it a national rule.
For many middle and high school students, DST can be difficult. In spring, they have to wake up earlier, and sometimes it is still dark outside. Many students feel more tired after the time change. In fall, they get an extra hour of sleep, which feels nice!
When I was in school, I hated waking up in the dark for the school bus. I'd still feel sleepy even after getting to school, so it was a pain always struggling(努力) to keep my head up and stay awake for my morning classes. Even now, DST makes it harder to message my friends and family in different US time zones(时区).
Some people want to end daylight saving time. Others think it is an important tradition. What do you think
1. How long does daylight saving time last in the US
A. About a month. B. About a season. C. About two seasons. D. About eight months.
2. Why was DST set
A. To save energy during wartime. B. To have more working hours.
C. To have more time during the summer. D. To ensure enough sleep for students.
3. What is Paragraph 5 mainly about
A. The importance of DST. B. The writer's memory of DST.
C. How children counted time during DST. D.How the writer struggled due to DST.
4. What is the writer's attitude toward DST
A. He doesn't say. B. He supports it.
C. He's against it. D. He doesn't care about it.
Passage 9
Trump's risky move
Donald Trump, during his term as president from 2017 to 2021, tried to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization(WHO). However, the withdrawal(退出) wasn't completed while he was in office(在任). Now, he's at it again. On Jan 21, he said that the US would leave the WHO once again.
The executive order(行政命令) says that the US wants to leave because the WHO asks for too much money and never starts important changes.
The WHO is part of the United Nations. The journal Nature said that it works to improve global public (全球公共) health.For example, it helps poorer countries by giving them cheaper medicines and improving their healthcare systems(医疗系统). When the organization stops the spread(传播) of illnesses, as it did with smallpox(天花) in 1980, it is good for all countries.
The US is the biggest financial(财政的) supporter of the WHO. As it no longer reports to or gives money to the WHO, it may affect(影响) many of the organization's programs, according to MIT Technology Review. “This is the darkest day for global health I've ever experienced,” Professor Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University in Washington DC told Reuters.
If the US leaves the WHO, it won't get important health information from around the world, making it harder to fight big illness. The move may also cause the US to have less influence in global talks and affect its foreign policy (政策), reported Northeastern Global News.
The WHO regrets(对……感到遗憾) the country's decision and hopes it will change its mind. The organization is trying to talk to and keep working with the US.
1. Why does the US want to leave the WHO according to the executive order
A. The WHO works poorly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
B. The WHO asks for too much money and doesn't make important changes.
C. The US doesn't need help from the WHO anymore.
D. Other countries are unhappy with the WHO.
2. The phrase" the darkest day for global health"(Paragraph 4) suggests that Professor Lawrence Gostin felt .
A. hopeful about the WHO's future B. angry at the US government
C. extremely worried or sad D. excited about new changes
3. What is one of the WHO's jobs mentioned in the text
A. To treat patients directly in poor countries. B. To provide cheaper medicines to poorer countries.
C. To develop new medicines for rich countries. D. To replace countries' healthcare systems.
3. What might happen if the US leaves the WHO
A. The WHO will close down. B. All countries will follow the US.
C. The WHO will have more money for programs. D. The US might lose important health information.
5. What is the main purpose of the text
A. To criticize the WHO's management.
B. To explain why the US wants to leave the WHO and its possible effects.
C.To compare Trump’s policies with other presidents’.
D.To introduce the history of the WHO.
Passage 10
“35-Year Limit Sparks Job Debate”
A job advertisement for sanitation (清洁) workers in Guangzhou caused public anger after setting an age limit of 35. The rule added to worries about China's“curse of 35”—a term describing age discrimination against workers over 35, who often struggle to find jobs. The Xinshi Subdistrict first posted the ad on February 12, allowing applicants up to age 40 only if they had a driver's license. They explained that the job required physical work,like moving waste and working night shifts. However, after a week of online criticism, the age limit was removed onFebruary 19, changing it to“18 to legal retirement age.”
Screenshots of the original ad spread online, with hashtags like“No one loses their working abilities at 35” gaining millions of views. Many people argued that 35 is a person's prime age for energy, experience, and skills. One Weibo user wrote, “How did 35 become a curse(诅咒) ”
The“curse of 35” reflects a common bias(偏见) in China’ s job market. Employers often see workers over 35 as less energetic, more costly, and unwilling to work long hours due to family responsibilities. Some companies even reject applicants over 25 for entry-level jobs. A 39-year-old woman named Wen shared her experience: she was refused a bookstore cashier job at 34 because she was“too old,” even with a college degree. She said employers care more about age than skills.
To address this issue, China raised the age limit for civil service exams from 35 to 40 in late 2023. However, there are no specific laws against age discrimination. Labor lawyer Liu Yuanye warned that such biases waste talent and hurt equality.“Age shouldn't decide someone's ability,” he said.
1. Why did the Guangzhou job advertisement cause anger
A. It offered low pay. B. It required a driver's license.
C. It set a strict age limit. D. It involved night shifts.
2. What changed in the job ad after the criticism
A. The salary increased. B. The age range became wider.
C. The job location moved. D. Physical requirements were removed.
3. What does the term" curse of 35" mean in the article
A. A belief that 35 is a unlucky age. B. A cultural tradition in China.
C. Age discrimination against workers over 35. D. A health problem common at age 35.
4. What does lawyer Liu Yuanye think about age limits
A. They are necessary for physical jobs. B. They are unfair and waste talent.
C. They should apply only to tech companies. D. They help young graduates find jobs.
5. What did China do to help older job seekers in 2023
A. Created new laws against ageism. B. Raised the civil service exam age limit.
C. Added more jobs for graduates. D. Reduced retirement age.
参考答案：
Passage 1: B D B A B
Passage 2: C B B A C
Passage 3: B D C B B
Passage 4: B B A C B
Passage 5: B D B B C
Passage 6: B C B B B
Passage 7: C B C A C
Passage 8: D A D C
Passage 9: B C B D B
Passage 10: C B C B B