2025年5月高二年级阶段性测试英语试卷
(本试卷总分150分,考试时间120分钟。)
第一部分 听力(共两节,满分30分)
第一节(共5小题:每小题1.5分,满分7.5分)
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题,从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听完每段对话后,你都有 10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
1.What is the probable relationship between the speakers
A.Fitness coach and customer. B.Husband and wife. C.Co-workers.
2.What time is it now
A.10:10 a. m. B.10:00a. m. C.11:00 a. m.
3.Why is the man smiling
A.He has got a dinner invitation.
B.He has won a large sum of money.
C.He has been admitted to a university.
4.Why does the woman go to the bank
A.To open an account B.To take a survey. C.To make a complaint.
5.What will the man do next
A.Write music. B.Sing a song. C.Climb a mountain.
第二节(共15小题:每小题1.5分,满分22.5分)
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题,从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听每段对话或独白前,你将有时间阅读各个小题,每小题5秒钟;听完后,各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料,回答第6、7题。
6.What is the woman’s opinion about online learning
A.She finds it just so-so.
B.She questions its value.
C.She enjoys its benefits.
7.What concerns the man most about online courses
A.The variety. B.The convenience. C.The price.
听第7段材料,回答第8至10题。
8.What is the weather like
A.Windy and rainy. B.Sunny and rainy. C.Sunny and windy.
9.What are the speakers doing
A.Sitting. B.Cycling. C.Walking
10.Who is the woman
A.The man’s friend. B.The man’s wife. C.The man’s neighbor.
听第8段材料,回答第11至13题。
11.What does the man want at first
A.Oranges. B.Strawberries. C.Pears.
12.How does the man feel recently
A.Angry. B.Uncomfortable. C.Excited.
13.What is the woman’s last suggestion to the man
A.Seeing a doctor. B.Drinking fruit juice. C.Having a good sleep.
听第9段材料,回答第14至16题。
14.How many camera shops are still open in town
A.Three. B.Two. C.One.
15.Why does the man think some camera shops went out of business
A.Cameras are old-fashioned.
B.There are fewer photographers.
C.People buy things on the Internet
16.What will the man do this weekend
A.Take pictures for a wedding
B.Look after his friend’s kids.
C.Appreciate plants and animals.
听第10段材料,回答第17至20题。
17.What is Bradley
A.A film director. B.A director’s assistant. C.A costume designer
18.What is Bradley doing now
A.Teaching skills to improve acting.
B.Making rules for background actors.
C.Giving instructions before filming.
19.How should actors handle talking in the scene
A.Speak out normally. B.Whisper to each other. C.Mouth words silently.
20.What uniform will David be wearing
A.A police uniform. B.A waiter uniform. C.A school uniform.
第二部分 阅读(共两节,满分50分)
第一节(共15小题;每小题2.5分,满分37.5分)
阅读下列短文,从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
A
Selina Birmingham-Hostel, situated in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, offers a unique co-living experience. Lying in a vibrant neighborhood with easy access to a nearby metro station, this accommodation is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a dynamic stay.
Explore the surrounding area with attractions like Aston Wood Golf Club and Belfry Golf Club or get immersed in family-friendly adventures at the National SEA LIFE Centre and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. For sports enthusiasts, catching an exciting event at the National Exhibition Centre is a must.
Our hostel houses 37 thoughtfully designed rooms, each featuring high-quality bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep. Stay connected with WiFi free of charge, and enjoy the positive guest reviews highlighting the cleanliness of our accommodations.
Rules and preferences
● Age: 18-50+ ● Playing musical instruments allowed: No
● Gender: No preference ● Pets allowed: No
● Tenant type: students, working experts ● Smoking allowed: No
● Suitable for couples: Yes
Your money is safe up to 48 hours after you move in
When you move in, if the property doesn’t match its listing description, let us know within 48 hours and you could get a refund.
Notifications
● Be aware that HousingAnywhere is an online booking platform. Therefore, exchanging contact details and offering viewings is not possible.
● If you would like to reserve this accommodation, send us a booking request or a message and please mention your age and occupation.
● After making a booking, you can get in touch with the advertiser directly via the given contact details. All the successive rental costs can be paid securely through HousingAnywhere.
1. What is an advantage of Selina Birmingham-Hostel
A. Quality service. B. Convenient parking.
C. Sports facilities. D. Private accommodations.
2. Who can likely rent a room in Selina Birmingham-Hostel
A. A female violist. B. A legal expert. C. A pet lover. D. A male senior.
3. What should you do to finalize a deal
A. Submit a viewing request. B. Contact the advertiser in advance.
C. Reserve a room in person. D. Pay the rent through the platform.
【答案】1. A 2. B 3. D
B
It’s a classic story: A kid is forced to learn an instrument from a young age, they play it throughout their childhood, and they develop a bittersweet relationship with it. Is the constant battle between the love for the music and the hate for the constant challenge worth the fight For me, it was.
I started playing the piano when I was four-that was 15 years ago! This was huge commitment, so there must have been something worth holding on to, right
The easy guess is that I was purely in love with music and piano. Although that’s the sweeter tale, it’s a bit more complicated. I struggled a lot with piano. Family and peers were, at least in my own head, constantly placed beside me in competition. I felt pressure to be the best in order to prove something to others-and more devastatingly (破坏性地) to prove something to myself. The seed of my musical interest was grown in the sunlight of competition and doubt. Hate sprouted (滋生) when my self-criticism hit too hard.
It’s difficult to learn to love something that didn’t originate from love. For a while, piano was more of an annoyance than a hobby. But somehow, love grew. It was deeply buried. But it was there, and by high school,it was strong enough that when I was truly on the verge of quitting any kind of formal training. I found the strength to hold on tighter, and dig further. I switched teachers, and got incredibly lucky with one who helped me tunnel into what I loved. I learned pieces for myself, I composed for myself, and I found confidence not because I got “good enough,” but because I learned that anything I had was good enough.
The love and hate I’ve had for the piano were both planted and grown. If you too have learned to hate something, remember that with commitment, it can be uprooted, and love can make a home in its place. There is always time. There is always room.
4. What does the author want to show by telling a classic story
A. The benefits of music.
B. Kids’ struggle in learning instruments.
C. Kids’ bittersweet childhood.
D. The popularity of learning instruments.
5. What can we know about the author’s experience of playing the piano
A. She finally quit formal training.
B. She never treated it as her hobby.
C. She was in pure love with music and piano.
D. She once experienced great pressure from herself.
6. What helped the author find confidence
A. Her attitude. B. Her training.
C. Her compromise. D. Her achievement.
7. What message is mainly delivered in the passage
A. Practice makes perfect.
B. Love is a thing that grows.
C. Content is better than riches.
D. Chance favors the prepared mind.
【答案】4. B 5. D 6. B 7. B
C
It’s a classic complaint in relationships, especially romantic ones: “She said she was okay with me forgetting her birthday! Then why is she throwing dishes in the kitchen Are the two things related ”
The answer is munication is more than words. It’s how those words are said, the tone, the order, even the choice of a particular word. It’s multi-dimensional, as explored by Deirdre Wilson and Dan Sperber in Meaning and Relevance. Consider the following example: Peter got angry and Mary left; Mary left and Peter got angry. Though identical in words, their meanings differ completely. The first one may have us thinking: Wow, Peter must get angry often if Mary leaves. The second sentence suggests that Peter wants more from Mary. Same words — a totally different context.
Human language is not a code (编码). True codes have a one-to-one relationship with meaning. One sound, one definition. This is what we see with animals. Wilson and Sperber explain that “coded communication works best when emitter (发出者) and receiver share exactly the same code. ” Not so for humans. We communicate more than the definitions of our words would suggest. This is inferential communication, and it means that we understand not only the words spoken, but the context in which they are spoken. .
Irony (反语) is a great example of how powerfully we can communicate context with a few simple words. It is more than just stating the opposite. For example, when Mary says, after a boring party, “That was fun”, she is neither saying literally that the party was fun nor saying “ironically” that the party was boring. Rather, she is expressing an emotion. Three words replace paragraphs, showcasing language’s efficiency.
Wilson and Sperber concluded that human language developed and became so powerful because of two unique abilities of humans: language and the power to try to interpret mental states of others. We look for context for the words we hear. And we should be very good at absorbing this context to infer meaning.
8. What does the complaint in Paragraph 1 mainly indicate
A. The inconsistence between words and meaning. B. The importance of remembering vital moments.
C. The necessity of straightforward communication. D. The unavoidability of argument in a couple's life.
9. What may make human language different from true codes
A. The context included in understanding meanings.
B. The definitions made by words in communication.
C. The coded communication between emitter and receiver.
D. The one-to-one relationship between word and meaning.
10. How does Mary’s statement “That was fun” illustrate about irony
A. It simplifies language to save time. B. It covers the true feelings of people.
C. It needs wordy explanations to make sense. D. It uses fewer words for complex meanings.
11. What does the author suggest in communication
A. Focusing on the opposite. B. Taking language literally.
C. Reading beyond the words. D. Avoiding using ironic tones.
【答案】8. A 9. A 10. D 11. C
D
Climate change is having a far-reaching and significant impact on the world's bird species, with a new study revealing that many are shrinking(收缩)in size. This research provides crucial insights into the complex relationship between birds and their changing environment.
Researchers from multiple famous universities, such as the University of Guelph and the University of Michigan, carefully examined data on nearly 80,000 individual birds from 52 species across North America. Their in-depth study covered a span(跨度)of over 40 years. During this period, as the global climate continued to warm, with average temperatures steadily rising, a remarkable trend emerged: the birds, on average, became smaller. In addition to the decrease in body size, the birds' wingspans have also increased slightly. Scientists believe this is an adaptation mechanism. In warmer conditions, a larger wingspan can help birds generate more lift with less effort, enabling them to migrate more flexibly in long distances.
The study's lead author, Dr. Ryan Norris, noted that the changes in bird size and wingspan are highly likely a direct response to climate change. “Birds are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and these findings suggest that they are evolving in response to rising temperatures,” he said. “Smaller body size may help birds regulate their body temperature more effectively in warmer climates, while the increase in wingspan could aid in their ability to find food and mates over larger areas as habitats shift.”
However, the researchers also cautioned that these changes could have negative consequences for some bird species. For instance, smaller-bodied songbirds may have less energy reserves to bear the delicate balance of competition for resources. A bird with an altered wingspan might find it more difficult to compete with its peers for limited food sources or nesting sites. Additionally, the new wingspan characteristics could also impact their ability to avoid predators(捕食者), as the predator-prey dynamics are often based on the birds' original physical characteristics.
12. What did the researchers from the University of Guelph and Michigan do
A. They studied bird migration patterns over 40 years.
B. They analyzed data on many birds of various species.
C. They observed bird behavior during warmer climates.
D. They investigated the changes between different birds.
13. Why do birds' wingspans increase slightly according to the passage
A. To attract mates by expanding the body size. B. To adapt well to the changing environment.
C. To fly more efficiently in warmer climates. D. To improve the predator avoidance abilities.
14. What does the author want to convey by mentioning Dr. Ryan Norris's remarks
A. Rising temperatures affect bird size and wingspan.
B. Birds are sensitive to rising climate than assumed.
C. The habitat shifting primarily drives bird evolution.
D. Birds change in wingspan mainly for food competition.
15. What does the author intend to tell us in the last paragraph
A. Large bird species may become extinct. B. Some birds may face survival challenges.
C. Birds will have even more food sources. D. Birds will be free from their predators.
【答案】12. B 13. B 14. A 15. B
第二节(共5小题;每小题2.5分,满分12.5分)
阅读下面短文,从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Just as your body needs exercise to stay healthy, so does your brain. Modern neuroscience (神经科学) reveals that the brain possesses lifelong neuroplasticity. That means you can boost the ability to renew neural pathways at any age. ___16___
Building real-world social plans offers a powerful way to activate the brain. Live human interaction has multiple benefits, including preventing isolation. Make a date to try something new with a friend. ___17___ Such activities generate compound stimulation that sparks collaboration between brain regions, a benefit rarely achieved through isolated tasks.
Physical movement, particularly dance, provides unique cognitive (认知的) benefits. ___18___ Whether it’s country and western line dancing or following a salsa routine, synchronizing your body to choreography gives you the opportunity to blend creativity and concentration.
Directing daily life without digital aids can also sharpen the mind. ___19___ It will engage the brain in decision making and spatial reasoning. This active exploration maintains cognitive flexibility and often reveals hidden gems—a charming cafe or an art gallery you'd otherwise overlook.
___20___ Modern hearing aids preserve auditory input, which is crucial for language processing and social engagement. If you’ve been saying “Sorry, can you repeat that ” a lot lately, consult with a doctor. Hearing aids are tiny and available OTC these days! A hearing boost helps keep the brain stronger as you age.
A. Seize the chance to hit the dance floor.
B. Equally important is hearing maintenance.
C. You can go and take a painting class or see a play.
D. Turn off GPS and use an old-fashioned paper map.
E. Muscle memory significantly slows cognitive decline.
F. Such extended learning can help improve your memory.
G. The key lies in doing things to stimulate the brain networks.
【答案】16. G 17. C 18. A 19. D 20. B
第三部分 语言运用(共两节,满分30分)
第一节(共15小题;每小题1分,满分15分)
阅读下面短文,从每小题所给的 A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
I was raised to believe that showing my strength was the best way to face life. And the belief ___21___ me.
Through my higher education and well into my career as an established professor, I crafted (精心塑造) an image of extreme ___22___ , never allowing even the slightest sign of weakness to ___23___. I couldn't tolerate the thought of colleagues ___24___ my competence or loved ones perceiving me as anything less than ___25___.
However, as I approached the midpoint of my career, I hit ___26___ point. I failed to secure a promotion, suffered a health crisis, and experienced a major shift in my family life. I realized my constant exhaustion, sleepless nights, and inability to concentrate were obvious ___27___ that my tireless pursuit of strength had backfired. I fell apart but ___28___ to find a way out.
Cautiously, I ___29___ myself to reveal bits of my struggles to a few close friends, watching closely for reactions. But to my great ___30___ , they listened without judgment and respected my boundaries and coping process. They helped me see there was no ___31___ in seeking help, and that even the strongest need support. ___32___ , I opened up fully to them and ___33___ myself back together.
To anyone ___34___ the weight of constant strength, hear this: True strength isn't about never showing weakness. It's about having the ___35___ to acknowledge our limits, reaching out for support, and seek a new path forward.
21. A. took root in B. did good to C. made a change for D. kept an eye on
22. A. toughness B. passion C. devotion D. generosity
23. A. explode B. sink C. expand D. surface
24. A. ruining B. envying C. questioning D. proving
25. A. irresponsible B. unshakable C. patient D. honest
26. A. growing B. starting C. landing D. breaking
27. A. puzzles B. indicators C. risks D. causes
28. A. continued B. refused C. resigned D. resolved
29. A. steeled B. valued C. protected D. behaved
30. A. expectation B. relief C. pride D. satisfaction
31. A. shame B. point C. trouble D. choice
32. A. Frankly B. Apparently C. Gradually D. Secretly
33. A. pieced B. called C. consulted D. packed
34. A. analyzing B. bearing C. offering D. denying
35. A. privilege B. duty C. right D. courage
【答案】21. A 22. A 23. D 24. C 25. B 26. D 27. B 28. D 29. A 30. B 31. A 32. C 33. A 34. B 35. D
第二节(共10 小题;每小题1.5分,满分15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。
As DeepSeek, the latest AI phenomenon, gains widespread attention, social media platforms are becoming creative classrooms ___36___ users teach everything from designing wedding invitations to using Photoshop, teaching math, and even telling fortunes. DeepSeek is also being used to teach people how to use DeepSeek ___37___ (it).
One popular tutorial (教程)on Xiaohongshu, ___38___ (title) Learning to Use DeepSeek in One Minute, received over 11,000 thumb-ups in just 10 days. This grassroots experimentation is helping unfold AI and turn it ___39___ a cultural phenomenon.
The other day, a standout guide, DeepSeek from Beginner to Mastery 2025, ___40___ (post) by Tsinghua University’s Metaverse Culture Laboratory. The 104-page document, designed for both beginners and advanced users, ___41___ (cover) theory and practical skills, offering strategies for creating effective prompts, task decomposition, and iterative optimization. It also includes case studies on ___42___ (apply) DeepSeek to various needs.
Shen Yang, the team leader and a professor at Tsinghua University, emphasized ___43___ importance of human-computer dialogue for progress. Meanwhile, social media influencer Zhinan Shanhe posted a four-episode video tutorial on Douyin and Xiaohongshu, which received hundreds of thousands of ___44___ (like). The 30-year-old AI industry professional from Shanghai believes DeepSeek has brought hope to homegrown AI apps, helping more people recognize the ____45____ (practice) value of AI.
【答案】36. where
37. itself 38. titled
39. into 40. was posted
41. covers 42. applying
43. the 44. likes
45. practical
第四部分 写作(共两节,满分40分)
第一节(满分15 分)
46. 假定你是国际班学生李华,外教准备举行以“班级文化建设”为主题的班会,请用英语写一篇发言稿,内容包括:
1.班会意义;
2.推荐一项活动;
3.你的期望。
注意:
1.写作词数应为80个左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
【答案】Dear classmates,
I’m glad that our teacher will hold a class meeting, whose theme is construction of class culture. The class meeting can strengthen our bond and boost class unity.
I recommend a “Class History Sharing” activity. In this activity, we can take turns to share our memorable class events and experiences. By doing so, we’ll not only recall the good old days but also deepen our understanding of each other. I hope this activity will make our class a warm family and create an active learning atmosphere.
That’s all. Thank you.
第二节(满分25分)
47. 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。
I really loved school but since Maggie had transferred in, Elliott Elementary had become an uncomfortable place. At approximately five eight inches, Maggie was the tallest in our fifth-grade class and actually taller than all the students in the school. Despite her frightening height, Maggie’s attitude was the real problem. She teased everyone, from helpless third-graders to boys in gym class. Many students secretly remarked that Maggie was all talk and no action, but I was doubtful and cautiously avoided her attention. However, all changed when I went to school one morning with a new hairstyle.
It all started when my best friend, Jaime, said my hair looked nice. I sensed Maggie’s sharp look, which made me uncomfortable — but I remained focused on my math worksheet. At noon, in the cafeteria, Maggie walked by and said, “Nice braid (辫子). Someone might cut it off.” What really made me very worried was when Maggie moved her fingers like scissors. I was scared, but what really sent me into a panic was when Maggie moved her fingers to imitate a pair of scissors in motion. My stomach dropped to my knees, and I immediately came up with a plan — hiding in the bathroom after school to avoid meeting Maggie on the way home.
As soon as I got home,I told my mother about it uneasily. “Mom, Maggie Jordan wants to cut off my braid,” I said, tears welling up in my eyes. My mother looked at me with concern, saying, “She’s a bully. She takes pleasure in scaring others. Don’t be afraid of her. If she sees that you’re not scared, she’ll stop. I’ll bet she’s like everybody else. Maybe she just wants to fit in but doesn’t know how.” I rolled my mother’s words around in my head. She did have a valid point. Maggie wasn’t so great at making friends. Realizing Maggie might just be a regular fifth-grader longing for friendship beneath her tough appearance, I decided to see if I could befriend her.
注意:
1.续写词数应为150个左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
The next day at noon, I spotted Maggie sitting in a corner of the cafeteria.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My schoolmates were shocked to see Maggie and I show up in the gym.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
【答案】参考范文
The next day at noon, I spotted Maggie sitting in a corner of the cafeteria. Drawing a deep breath and gathering all my courage, I approached Maggie inch by inch. I resolved to take an even bolder step and extended my genuine invitation. “Maggie, there’s a basketball game after school. Would you like to join us ” I asked in a tentative tone. Actually, I was more proud of myself for reaching out than nervous. Maggie looked at me with a frown, yet, to my surprise, she didn’t reject me. Instead, she gave me a smile and nodded YES.
My schoolmates were shocked to see Maggie and I show up in the gym. They had no idea at all how and why I had managed to bring Maggie here. Sensing their confusion, I smiled and presented her to everyone. At first, the atmosphere was a little tense. As the activity progressed, we gradually began to relax. It was Maggie’s team spirit and creativity that won our admiration for her completely. Seeing Maggie and the schoolmates playing joyfully, I came to understand that behind her tough outside was a regular fifth-grader who wanted nothing but to be accepted.2025年5月高二年级阶段性测试英语试卷
(本试卷总分150分,考试时间120分钟。)
第一部分 听力(共两节,满分30分)
第一节(共5小题:每小题1.5分,满分7.5分)
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题,从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听完每段对话后,你都有 10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
1.What is the probable relationship between the speakers
A.Fitness coach and customer. B.Husband and wife. C.Co-workers.
2.What time is it now
A.10:10 a. m. B.10:00a. m. C.11:00 a. m.
3.Why is the man smiling
A.He has got a dinner invitation.
B.He has won a large sum of money.
C.He has been admitted to a university.
4.Why does the woman go to the bank
A.To open an account B.To take a survey. C.To make a complaint.
5.What will the man do next
A.Write music. B.Sing a song. C.Climb a mountain.
第二节(共15小题:每小题1.5分,满分22.5分)
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题,从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听每段对话或独白前,你将有时间阅读各个小题,每小题5秒钟;听完后,各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料,回答第6、7题。
6.What is the woman’s opinion about online learning
A.She finds it just so-so.
B.She questions its value.
C.She enjoys its benefits.
7.What concerns the man most about online courses
A.The variety. B.The convenience. C.The price.
听第7段材料,回答第8至10题。
8.What is the weather like
A.Windy and rainy. B.Sunny and rainy. C.Sunny and windy.
9.What are the speakers doing
A.Sitting. B.Cycling. C.Walking
10.Who is the woman
A.The man’s friend. B.The man’s wife. C.The man’s neighbor.
听第8段材料,回答第11至13题。
11.What does the man want at first
A.Oranges. B.Strawberries. C.Pears.
12.How does the man feel recently
A.Angry. B.Uncomfortable. C.Excited.
13.What is the woman’s last suggestion to the man
A.Seeing a doctor. B.Drinking fruit juice. C.Having a good sleep.
听第9段材料,回答第14至16题。
14.How many camera shops are still open in town
A.Three. B.Two. C.One.
15.Why does the man think some camera shops went out of business
A.Cameras are old-fashioned.
B.There are fewer photographers.
C.People buy things on the Internet
16.What will the man do this weekend
A.Take pictures for a wedding
B.Look after his friend’s kids.
C.Appreciate plants and animals.
听第10段材料,回答第17至20题。
17.What is Bradley
A.A film director. B.A director’s assistant. C.A costume designer
18.What is Bradley doing now
A.Teaching skills to improve acting.
B.Making rules for background actors.
C.Giving instructions before filming.
19.How should actors handle talking in the scene
A.Speak out normally. B.Whisper to each other. C.Mouth words silently.
20.What uniform will David be wearing
A.A police uniform. B.A waiter uniform. C.A school uniform.
第二部分 阅读(共两节,满分50分)
第一节(共15小题;每小题2.5分,满分37.5分)
阅读下列短文,从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
A
Selina Birmingham-Hostel, situated in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, offers a unique co-living experience. Lying in a vibrant neighborhood with easy access to a nearby metro station, this accommodation is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a dynamic stay.
Explore the surrounding area with attractions like Aston Wood Golf Club and Belfry Golf Club or get immersed in family-friendly adventures at the National SEA LIFE Centre and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. For sports enthusiasts, catching an exciting event at the National Exhibition Centre is a must.
Our hostel houses 37 thoughtfully designed rooms, each featuring high-quality bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep. Stay connected with WiFi free of charge, and enjoy the positive guest reviews highlighting the cleanliness of our accommodations.
Rules and preferences
● Age: 18-50+ ● Playing musical instruments allowed: No
● Gender: No preference ● Pets allowed: No
● Tenant type: students, working experts ● Smoking allowed: No
● Suitable for couples: Yes
Your money is safe up to 48 hours after you move in
When you move in, if the property doesn’t match its listing description, let us know within 48 hours and you could get a refund.
Notifications
● Be aware that HousingAnywhere is an online booking platform. Therefore, exchanging contact details and offering viewings is not possible.
● If you would like to reserve this accommodation, send us a booking request or a message and please mention your age and occupation.
● After making a booking, you can get in touch with the advertiser directly via the given contact details. All the successive rental costs can be paid securely through HousingAnywhere.
1. What is an advantage of Selina Birmingham-Hostel
A. Quality service. B. Convenient parking.
C. Sports facilities. D. Private accommodations.
2. Who can likely rent a room in Selina Birmingham-Hostel
A. A female violist. B. A legal expert. C. A pet lover. D. A male senior.
3. What should you do to finalize a deal
A. Submit a viewing request. B. Contact the advertiser in advance.
C. Reserve a room in person. D. Pay the rent through the platform.
B
It’s a classic story: A kid is forced to learn an instrument from a young age, they play it throughout their childhood, and they develop a bittersweet relationship with it. Is the constant battle between the love for the music and the hate for the constant challenge worth the fight For me, it was.
I started playing the piano when I was four-that was 15 years ago! This was huge commitment, so there must have been something worth holding on to, right
The easy guess is that I was purely in love with music and piano. Although that’s the sweeter tale, it’s a bit more complicated. I struggled a lot with piano. Family and peers were, at least in my own head, constantly placed beside me in competition. I felt pressure to be the best in order to prove something to others-and more devastatingly (破坏性地) to prove something to myself. The seed of my musical interest was grown in the sunlight of competition and doubt. Hate sprouted (滋生) when my self-criticism hit too hard.
It’s difficult to learn to love something that didn’t originate from love. For a while, piano was more of an annoyance than a hobby. But somehow, love grew. It was deeply buried. But it was there, and by high school,it was strong enough that when I was truly on the verge of quitting any kind of formal training. I found the strength to hold on tighter, and dig further. I switched teachers, and got incredibly lucky with one who helped me tunnel into what I loved. I learned pieces for myself, I composed for myself, and I found confidence not because I got “good enough,” but because I learned that anything I had was good enough.
The love and hate I’ve had for the piano were both planted and grown. If you too have learned to hate something, remember that with commitment, it can be uprooted, and love can make a home in its place. There is always time. There is always room.
4. What does the author want to show by telling a classic story
A. The benefits of music.
B. Kids’ struggle in learning instruments.
C. Kids’ bittersweet childhood.
D. The popularity of learning instruments.
5. What can we know about the author’s experience of playing the piano
A. She finally quit formal training.
B. She never treated it as her hobby.
C. She was in pure love with music and piano.
D. She once experienced great pressure from herself.
6. What helped the author find confidence
A. Her attitude. B. Her training.
C. Her compromise. D. Her achievement.
7. What message is mainly delivered in the passage
A. Practice makes perfect.
B. Love is a thing that grows.
C. Content is better than riches.
D. Chance favors the prepared mind.
C
It’s a classic complaint in relationships, especially romantic ones: “She said she was okay with me forgetting her birthday! Then why is she throwing dishes in the kitchen Are the two things related ”
The answer is munication is more than words. It’s how those words are said, the tone, the order, even the choice of a particular word. It’s multi-dimensional, as explored by Deirdre Wilson and Dan Sperber in Meaning and Relevance. Consider the following example: Peter got angry and Mary left; Mary left and Peter got angry. Though identical in words, their meanings differ completely. The first one may have us thinking: Wow, Peter must get angry often if Mary leaves. The second sentence suggests that Peter wants more from Mary. Same words — a totally different context.
Human language is not a code (编码). True codes have a one-to-one relationship with meaning. One sound, one definition. This is what we see with animals. Wilson and Sperber explain that “coded communication works best when emitter (发出者) and receiver share exactly the same code. ” Not so for humans. We communicate more than the definitions of our words would suggest. This is inferential communication, and it means that we understand not only the words spoken, but the context in which they are spoken. .
Irony (反语) is a great example of how powerfully we can communicate context with a few simple words. It is more than just stating the opposite. For example, when Mary says, after a boring party, “That was fun”, she is neither saying literally that the party was fun nor saying “ironically” that the party was boring. Rather, she is expressing an emotion. Three words replace paragraphs, showcasing language’s efficiency.
Wilson and Sperber concluded that human language developed and became so powerful because of two unique abilities of humans: language and the power to try to interpret mental states of others. We look for context for the words we hear. And we should be very good at absorbing this context to infer meaning.
8. What does the complaint in Paragraph 1 mainly indicate
A. The inconsistence between words and meaning. B. The importance of remembering vital moments.
C. The necessity of straightforward communication. D. The unavoidability of argument in a couple's life.
9. What may make human language different from true codes
A. The context included in understanding meanings.
B. The definitions made by words in communication.
C. The coded communication between emitter and receiver.
D. The one-to-one relationship between word and meaning.
10. How does Mary’s statement “That was fun” illustrate about irony
A. It simplifies language to save time. B. It covers the true feelings of people.
C. It needs wordy explanations to make sense. D. It uses fewer words for complex meanings.
11. What does the author suggest in communication
A. Focusing on the opposite. B. Taking language literally.
C. Reading beyond the words. D. Avoiding using ironic tones.
D
Climate change is having a far-reaching and significant impact on the world's bird species, with a new study revealing that many are shrinking(收缩)in size. This research provides crucial insights into the complex relationship between birds and their changing environment.
Researchers from multiple famous universities, such as the University of Guelph and the University of Michigan, carefully examined data on nearly 80,000 individual birds from 52 species across North America. Their in-depth study covered a span(跨度)of over 40 years. During this period, as the global climate continued to warm, with average temperatures steadily rising, a remarkable trend emerged: the birds, on average, became smaller. In addition to the decrease in body size, the birds' wingspans have also increased slightly. Scientists believe this is an adaptation mechanism. In warmer conditions, a larger wingspan can help birds generate more lift with less effort, enabling them to migrate more flexibly in long distances.
The study's lead author, Dr. Ryan Norris, noted that the changes in bird size and wingspan are highly likely a direct response to climate change. “Birds are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and these findings suggest that they are evolving in response to rising temperatures,” he said. “Smaller body size may help birds regulate their body temperature more effectively in warmer climates, while the increase in wingspan could aid in their ability to find food and mates over larger areas as habitats shift.”
However, the researchers also cautioned that these changes could have negative consequences for some bird species. For instance, smaller-bodied songbirds may have less energy reserves to bear the delicate balance of competition for resources. A bird with an altered wingspan might find it more difficult to compete with its peers for limited food sources or nesting sites. Additionally, the new wingspan characteristics could also impact their ability to avoid predators(捕食者), as the predator-prey dynamics are often based on the birds' original physical characteristics.
12. What did the researchers from the University of Guelph and Michigan do
A. They studied bird migration patterns over 40 years.
B. They analyzed data on many birds of various species.
C. They observed bird behavior during warmer climates.
D. They investigated the changes between different birds.
13. Why do birds' wingspans increase slightly according to the passage
A. To attract mates by expanding the body size. B. To adapt well to the changing environment.
C. To fly more efficiently in warmer climates. D. To improve the predator avoidance abilities.
14. What does the author want to convey by mentioning Dr. Ryan Norris's remarks
A. Rising temperatures affect bird size and wingspan.
B. Birds are sensitive to rising climate than assumed.
C. The habitat shifting primarily drives bird evolution.
D. Birds change in wingspan mainly for food competition.
15. What does the author intend to tell us in the last paragraph
A. Large bird species may become extinct. B. Some birds may face survival challenges.
C. Birds will have even more food sources. D. Birds will be free from their predators.
第二节(共5小题;每小题2.5分,满分12.5分)
阅读下面短文,从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Just as your body needs exercise to stay healthy, so does your brain. Modern neuroscience (神经科学) reveals that the brain possesses lifelong neuroplasticity. That means you can boost the ability to renew neural pathways at any age. ___16___
Building real-world social plans offers a powerful way to activate the brain. Live human interaction has multiple benefits, including preventing isolation. Make a date to try something new with a friend. ___17___ Such activities generate compound stimulation that sparks collaboration between brain regions, a benefit rarely achieved through isolated tasks.
Physical movement, particularly dance, provides unique cognitive (认知的) benefits. ___18___ Whether it’s country and western line dancing or following a salsa routine, synchronizing your body to choreography gives you the opportunity to blend creativity and concentration.
Directing daily life without digital aids can also sharpen the mind. ___19___ It will engage the brain in decision making and spatial reasoning. This active exploration maintains cognitive flexibility and often reveals hidden gems—a charming cafe or an art gallery you'd otherwise overlook.
___20___ Modern hearing aids preserve auditory input, which is crucial for language processing and social engagement. If you’ve been saying “Sorry, can you repeat that ” a lot lately, consult with a doctor. Hearing aids are tiny and available OTC these days! A hearing boost helps keep the brain stronger as you age.
A. Seize the chance to hit the dance floor.
B. Equally important is hearing maintenance.
C. You can go and take a painting class or see a play.
D. Turn off GPS and use an old-fashioned paper map.
E. Muscle memory significantly slows cognitive decline.
F. Such extended learning can help improve your memory.
G. The key lies in doing things to stimulate the brain networks.
第三部分 语言运用(共两节,满分30分)
第一节(共15小题;每小题1分,满分15分)
阅读下面短文,从每小题所给的 A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
I was raised to believe that showing my strength was the best way to face life. And the belief ___21___ me.
Through my higher education and well into my career as an established professor, I crafted (精心塑造) an image of extreme ___22___ , never allowing even the slightest sign of weakness to ___23___. I couldn't tolerate the thought of colleagues ___24___ my competence or loved ones perceiving me as anything less than ___25___.
However, as I approached the midpoint of my career, I hit ___26___ point. I failed to secure a promotion, suffered a health crisis, and experienced a major shift in my family life. I realized my constant exhaustion, sleepless nights, and inability to concentrate were obvious ___27___ that my tireless pursuit of strength had backfired. I fell apart but ___28___ to find a way out.
Cautiously, I ___29___ myself to reveal bits of my struggles to a few close friends, watching closely for reactions. But to my great ___30___ , they listened without judgment and respected my boundaries and coping process. They helped me see there was no ___31___ in seeking help, and that even the strongest need support. ___32___ , I opened up fully to them and ___33___ myself back together.
To anyone ___34___ the weight of constant strength, hear this: True strength isn't about never showing weakness. It's about having the ___35___ to acknowledge our limits, reaching out for support, and seek a new path forward.
21. A. took root in B. did good to C. made a change for D. kept an eye on
22. A. toughness B. passion C. devotion D. generosity
23. A. explode B. sink C. expand D. surface
24. A. ruining B. envying C. questioning D. proving
25. A. irresponsible B. unshakable C. patient D. honest
26. A. growing B. starting C. landing D. breaking
27. A. puzzles B. indicators C. risks D. causes
28. A. continued B. refused C. resigned D. resolved
29. A. steeled B. valued C. protected D. behaved
30. A. expectation B. relief C. pride D. satisfaction
31. A. shame B. point C. trouble D. choice
32. A. Frankly B. Apparently C. Gradually D. Secretly
33. A. pieced B. called C. consulted D. packed
34. A. analyzing B. bearing C. offering D. denying
35. A. privilege B. duty C. right D. courage
第二节(共10 小题;每小题1.5分,满分15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。
As DeepSeek, the latest AI phenomenon, gains widespread attention, social media platforms are becoming creative classrooms ___36___ users teach everything from designing wedding invitations to using Photoshop, teaching math, and even telling fortunes. DeepSeek is also being used to teach people how to use DeepSeek ___37___ (it).
One popular tutorial (教程)on Xiaohongshu, ___38___ (title) Learning to Use DeepSeek in One Minute, received over 11,000 thumb-ups in just 10 days. This grassroots experimentation is helping unfold AI and turn it ___39___ a cultural phenomenon.
The other day, a standout guide, DeepSeek from Beginner to Mastery 2025, ___40___ (post) by Tsinghua University’s Metaverse Culture Laboratory. The 104-page document, designed for both beginners and advanced users, ___41___ (cover) theory and practical skills, offering strategies for creating effective prompts, task decomposition, and iterative optimization. It also includes case studies on ___42___ (apply) DeepSeek to various needs.
Shen Yang, the team leader and a professor at Tsinghua University, emphasized ___43___ importance of human-computer dialogue for progress. Meanwhile, social media influencer Zhinan Shanhe posted a four-episode video tutorial on Douyin and Xiaohongshu, which received hundreds of thousands of ___44___ (like). The 30-year-old AI industry professional from Shanghai believes DeepSeek has brought hope to homegrown AI apps, helping more people recognize the ____45____ (practice) value of AI.
第四部分 写作(共两节,满分40分)
第一节(满分15 分)
46. 假定你是国际班学生李华,外教准备举行以“班级文化建设”为主题的班会,请用英语写一篇发言稿,内容包括:
1.班会意义;
2.推荐一项活动;
3.你的期望。
注意:
1.写作词数应为80个左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
第二节(满分25分)
47. 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。
I really loved school but since Maggie had transferred in, Elliott Elementary had become an uncomfortable place. At approximately five eight inches, Maggie was the tallest in our fifth-grade class and actually taller than all the students in the school. Despite her frightening height, Maggie’s attitude was the real problem. She teased everyone, from helpless third-graders to boys in gym class. Many students secretly remarked that Maggie was all talk and no action, but I was doubtful and cautiously avoided her attention. However, all changed when I went to school one morning with a new hairstyle.
It all started when my best friend, Jaime, said my hair looked nice. I sensed Maggie’s sharp look, which made me uncomfortable — but I remained focused on my math worksheet. At noon, in the cafeteria, Maggie walked by and said, “Nice braid (辫子). Someone might cut it off.” What really made me very worried was when Maggie moved her fingers like scissors. I was scared, but what really sent me into a panic was when Maggie moved her fingers to imitate a pair of scissors in motion. My stomach dropped to my knees, and I immediately came up with a plan — hiding in the bathroom after school to avoid meeting Maggie on the way home.
As soon as I got home,I told my mother about it uneasily. “Mom, Maggie Jordan wants to cut off my braid,” I said, tears welling up in my eyes. My mother looked at me with concern, saying, “She’s a bully. She takes pleasure in scaring others. Don’t be afraid of her. If she sees that you’re not scared, she’ll stop. I’ll bet she’s like everybody else. Maybe she just wants to fit in but doesn’t know how.” I rolled my mother’s words around in my head. She did have a valid point. Maggie wasn’t so great at making friends. Realizing Maggie might just be a regular fifth-grader longing for friendship beneath her tough appearance, I decided to see if I could befriend her.
注意:
1.续写词数应为150个左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
The next day at noon, I spotted Maggie sitting in a corner of the cafeteria.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My schoolmates were shocked to see Maggie and I show up in the gym.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________