湖南省长沙麓山国际实验学校2024-2025学年高二下学期期中考试英语试卷（含答案）

2024-2025-2麓山国际高二下期中考试
英 语
时量：120分钟 满分：150分
第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）略
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
Who are you It’s a simple but hard-to-answer question. A handful of notable books coming out this week, each in its own way, offers a deeper understanding of the questions involved.
Audition, by Katie Kitamura
Who, exactly, are the two leads of this story That’s not so easy to figure out, as what begins as a dull lunch between an actress and a young man soon gathers layer and layer of plot. It’s fair to say this story has some surprises in store for characters and reader alike.
Authority: Essays, by Andrea Long Chu
This collection pulls together many of the highlights published by the New York magazine essayist and Pulitzer Prize-winner for criticism. It is the critic’s first book since Females, a meditation on gender identity released in 2019.
To Save and to Destroy: Writing as an Other, by Viet Thanh Nguyen
This collection of essays began as a series of lectures that the Pulitzer Prize-winner delivered at Harvard University in 2023-2024. Born in Vietnam, raised a refugee in the United States, Nguyen has always found himself caught in a contradiction: the split identity of an American and a Vietnamese person.
Sky Daddy, by Kate Folk
Linda, star of Folk’s first published novel, is constantly at the airport because she wants to get to know airplanes. There’s plenty more to be said about this odd, surprisingly earnest novel but, frankly, if that outline alone is not enough to arouse your interest or scare you off, I don’t think there’s anything else I can say that will.
21. What can be learned about Audition from the text
A. It starts with an exciting action scene.
B. Its characters face unexpected situations.
C. The author explores cultural identity in it.
D. It is a collection of award-winning essays.
22. Which author’s complex cultural background is mentioned
A. Katie Kitamura. B. Andrea Long Chu.
C. Viet Thanh Nguyen. D. Kate Folk.
23. What is the main purpose of the passage
A. To recommend award-winning novels to readers.
B. To analyze the challenges of understanding oneself.
C. To compare different writing styles of modern authors.
D. To introduce newly published books exploring identity.
B
One of my earliest memories is of my father sitting me down at our kitchen table with canvases, paints, and brushes. He taught me how to blend colors and use different materials. Whenever we felt inspired, we set out all our materials and painted what our hearts desired.
My father grew up in a small village in the Dominican Republic. Despite not having many materials available, he created art with whatever he had. My father saved his money to buy paints and colored pencils to draw on the walls around his home. When he was 15, he arrived in America alone and stayed with his aunt in Florida for a while before finishing high school in New York with another aunt. He studied very hard. Eventually, my father was able to obtain his citizenship.
As I got older, he continued to give me lessons, teaching me different brush strokes and how to take care of my art supplies. He taught me to find beauty in everything and everyone around me. I grew to love drawing people, as I could highlight the physical features that make everyone unique and beautiful. It wasn’t until I began looking carefully into my father’s paintings and the work of popular artists on Instagram that I started to be more critical of my work. I started to worry that I could never live up to my father’s talent. My simple, two-dimensional drawings felt flat compared to his realistic landscapes. Going through his sketchbooks and portfolios(画夹), I found fault in all my drawings. Art was my favorite thing in the world but I started to believe I wasn’t good at it. Instead of working toward improving, I decided to give up drawing.
My father noticed that I had been drawing and painting less and told me, “Mia, you should audition for the school. I wish I’d had an opportunity to study art like this when I was a kid.” My father’s bravery and strength are things that I desire to have. So over the next few months, I worked on my portfolio. Looking back at my pictures, I can see how much I have improved since then. The school must have seen potential in my drawings because I got in! It was eye-opening to attend a college that specialized in the arts. I learned to embrace my individuality and my talent. I have become more open about sharing my artworks and receiving constructive criticism, which raises my self-belief in my art.
24. Why does the author introduce her father’s experience in paragraph 2
A. To prove that art is a way to fight poverty.
B. To illustrate the roots of her father’s influence on her.
C. To criticize the lack of educational chances in rural areas.
D. To contrast her life with the difficulties her father experienced.
25. What do the underlined words “fell flat” in paragraph 3 mean
A. Lacked visual appeal. B. Outshone other works.
C. Had complex structures. D. Looked incredibly realistic.
26. What kind of person is the author’s father
A. Brave and carefree. B. Persistent and supportive.
C. Ambitious but dependent. D. Creative but stubborn.
27. What can we learn from the last paragraph
A. Talent guarantees admission to art programs.
B. Confidence comes from accepting imperfection.
C. Art is about following established rules.
D. Progress can be achieved through trial and error.
C
As the planet warms up and oceans rise, extreme weather events are becoming the norm. Getting notified in time to prepare for a disastrous hurricane or heat wave could be the disparity between life and death. AI can help. Two studies published in the journal Nature described the benefit of two AI models that could improve weather forecasting.
The first AI-based system is called Pangu-Weather, which was developed by the Huawei Cloud team. It was capable of predicting global weather a week in advance. A majority of countries use numerical(数值) weather prediction models. These models use math formulas to create computer models of the atmosphere and oceans for predicting future weather with data from them. What makes Pangu-Weather different is that the Pangu-Weather model is deeply trained with the help of 39-year global weather data, preparing it to forecast temperature, pressure, and wind speed. When compared to the numerical weather prediction method, Pangu-Weather was 10,000 times faster and no less accurate. Pangu-Weather also contains a 3D model, unlike past AI forecasting systems, that allows it to record atmospheric states at different pressure levels to further increase its accuracy.
Pangu-Weather can predict weather patterns 5-7 days in advance. However, it can’t forecast precipitation(降水). As precipitation prediction is vital for extreme weather forecasting, a second Nature model, NowcastNet, fills this gap. It can accurately predict rainfall 6 hours ahead, helping meteorologists(气象学家) study weather patterns in real-time more effectively.
NowcastNet focuses on detailed, realistic descriptions of extreme rainfall patterns in local regions. It uses radar observations from the US and China, as well as deep learning methods, to predict precipitation rates over a 1.6-million-square-mile region of the eastern and central US up to 3 hours in advance. 62 meteorologists from China tested NowcastNet and ranked it first, out of four other leading weather forecasting methods, in reliably predicting heavy rain, which it did 71 percent of the time.
While generative AI models have good prospects in weather forecasting, experts point out that replacing existing systems has many challenges. However, in 5-10 years, these models may surprise us.
28. What does the underlined word “disparity” in paragraph 1 probably mean
A. Struggle. B. Difference. C. Decision. D. Settlement.
29. What is the advantage of Pangu-Weather compared with the numerical weather prediction method
A. It can record more detailed atmospheric states.
B. It can predict precipitation more accurately.
C. It can provide a 3D view of the weather.
D. It is much faster and equally accurate.
30. What can we learn about NowcastNet from the text
A. It was developed by 62 meteorologists from China.
B. It is mainly used to predict global weather patterns.
C. It ranks first among all weather forecasting methods in predicting heavy rain.
D. It uses radar observations and deep learning to predict precipitation in the US.
31. What is the text mainly about
A. The challenges in using generative AI in weather forecasting.
B. The impacts of climate change on extreme weather events.
C. The introduction of two AI-based weather-forecasting models and their features.
D. The explanation of the traditional numerical weather-prediction method.
D
How might you make your mark on the world forever Write a play greater than Shakespeare’s, or score the winning World Cup goal There’s an easier way — just live your everyday life. You’ll likely leave a fascinating legacy(遗产) that might last a billion years.
As palaeontologists(古生物学家), we have studied the fossil record of the deep past. We’ve now turned our attention to the everyday objects, to see what kind of future fossils — we call them technofossils — they will make. We’ve written about this in our new book, Discarded: how technofossils will be our ultimate legacy. Here are some key messages:
The first things that’ll catch the eye of any far-future palaeontologist are our manufactured objects — buildings, roads, machines. In recent decades, they have rocketed in amount and now outweigh all living things on Earth. That’s a lot of raw material for generating future fossils.
Then, most things are designed to be durable and are significantly tougher than the average bone or shell. Some, like aluminium(铝) cans, are geological novelties. Discarded aluminium cans are now everywhere. Though resistant, buried cans will slowly break down, leaving can-shaped impressions, lined with tiny minerals. Their plastic liner may endure, forming future fossil signatures of our era.
Bones, classic fossil relics, will tell a story. The supermarket chicken, now Earth’s most common bird, has a high chance of fossilization. Buried in plastic-lined landfills, they will dry out, harden and turn to stone. Future geologists may see their weak, deformed remains as evidence of human-driven genetic changes for mass production. It’s fun to imagine this and place the human story within Earth’s grand history. But there’s a more troubling truth. Tomorrow’s fossils are today’s pollution: damaging, often toxic, and costly. If we fail to act, these technofossils will serve as a lasting reminder of environmental neglect, locking in harm for future generations.
32. What can we learn about technofossils from the text
A. They are made up of natural materials.
B. They are formed from daily pollutants.
C. They have higher fossilization rates.
D. They disappear quickly without a trace.
33. Why are the supermarket chickens mentioned in the text
A. To explain why chickens are the most common birds.
B. To highlight why chickens have genetically changed.
C. To show how plastic waste preserves organic remains.
D. To illustrate how living creatures might become fossils.
34. What is the author’s attitude towards technofossils
A. Concerned. B. Disturbed. C. Realistic. D. Dismissive.
35. Which of the following can be the best title for the text
A. Technofossils: Ultimate Legacy of Future Pollution
B. Legacy: Traditional Fossils and Technofossils
C. How to Keep Fascinating World of Palaeontology
D. How to Make Your Mark on the World Forever
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。
Observed annually on March 14th, Pi Day, which honors the mathematical constant(常数) π (pi) has become a beloved celebration for math enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrating this day becomes truly memorable when you include creative pi-themed activities to appreciate mathematics. 36
One of the most popular traditions involves enjoying pi-themed edibles. 37 Sweet options like pies, cookies decorated with π symbols, and circular pancakes are always hits. For savory alternatives, pizza, pineapple dishes, or even shepherd’s pie work perfectly since they involve the “pi” sound or circular shapes.
Another fantastic idea is hosting a π-themed party. 38 For example, you could organize a pie-baking contest, or challenge guests to recite as many as π digits(位数) as possible, or even arrange a game about the history of mathematics. These activities make abstract concepts more accessible and enjoyable in the light and entertaining atmosphere.
39 Many schools hold special events like π recitation competitions or geometry(几何) problem-solving tournaments. At home, families might watch documentaries about π’s role in science or try simple experiments demonstrating circular mathematics.
Pi Day’s greatest value lies in making mathematics appealing and approachable. No matter how you celebrate, Pi Day is a perfect mix of math and joy. 40 Ultimately, this celebration helps people of all ages develop a deeper appreciation for math in everyday life.
A. These creative foods bring the concept of π to life in tasty ways. B. The following are different methods to learn the mathematical constant π. C. Here are numerous ways to make this day and math engaging for all ages. D. While some find math challenging, Pi Day makes it enjoyable through interactive activities. E. Such gatherings allow participants to combine food, games and mathematical discovery. F. Educational activities can transform Pi Day into a valuable and exciting learning experience. G. By combining food, games, and learning, everyone can appreciate the wonder of π in creative and memorable ways on this day.
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。
When Mysha decided to improve her fitness in late 2019, taking up running was a no-brainer. She lives in a beautiful town on Scotland’s east coast, so she found 41 wasn’t so bad with breathtaking scenery.
Yet even though Mysha quickly fell in love with running, something started to 42 her — the beaches and paths she ran along were covered in litter. 43 , she was always doing a little litter-picking, but when she saw an American runner online talking about plogging, a new 44 emerging among runners, she was excited to try it out for herself. Plogging 45 in Sweden, and the word comes from the Swedish word plocka, meaning “to 46 while jogging”. Mysha started following a(n) 47 online called Environmental Fitness and began to take an shopping bag with her on runs and fill it with 48 .
It wasn’t long until she uncovered some of the upsetting 49 of littering. She started to find 50 chemicals contained in batteries leaking into the environment and small animals 51 in plastic bottles struggling to chew their way out. These discoveries made Mysha even more 52 about litter picking. She joined her local litter-picking group and soon was asked to 53 leadership of the group. Despite the big volumes of litter being dropped, Mysha and her fellow litter-pickers 54 to get out and plog.
“The thought of keeping other people’s spirits up and seeing their 55 spread to more people keeps me going. Together, we can achieve amazing things!” Mysha says.
41. A. hiking B. jogging C. skating D. cycling
42. A. amuse B. puzzle C. embarrass D. bother
43. A. Luckily B. Proudly C. Actually D. Secretly
44. A. trick B. trend C. skill D. case
45. A. originated B. existed C. renewed D. rooted
46. A. recycle B. relax C. pick D. litter
47. A. tradition B. instruction C. rule D. initiative
48. A. waste B. food C. clothes D. cards
49. A. consequences B. truths C. processes D. instances
50. A. pure B. rare C. poisonous D. organic
51. A. buried B. raised C. trapped D. placed
52. A. confused B. curious C. worried D. enthusiastic
53. A. rise to B. take over C. insist on D. turn down
54. A. continued B. ceased C. hesitated D. attempted
55. A. memories B. actions C. dreams D. hobbies
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。
The Industrial Revolution started in England in the 18th century. In the 19th century, it 56 (spread) to other European countries such as Belgium, France and Germany, and also the United States.
The factory system was one fundamental change of the Industrial Revolution. This began with improvements in textile production in northern England. Machine designs 57 (reform) and the textile output increased 58 (consider). Previously, the work was done at home, but thanks to the machines, cloth could be made in factories, 59 each worker had a specialized role.
Steam power was 60 important change. In 1712, Thomas Newcomen created the first practical steam engine. James Watt then greatly improved Newcomen’s engine, making it more suitable for industrial use in the late 18th century. Through 61 (far) improvement, the steam engine was widely used in factories and transport 62 (power) all types of machines.
63 shift from the cottage industry to the factory system, 64 (combine) with the introduction of new machines, new energy source and new forms of transport, promoted economic growth and expanded world trade. These developments, in turn, had an impact on society 65 a whole, bringing about the rapid growth of industrial cities and the appearance of an urban working class.
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）
第一节（满分15分）
假定你是李华，你校下周五将举办一场主题为 “The importance of body language” 的讲座。请你给交换生John写一封邮件，邀请他参加，内容包括：
1. 讲座的时间和地点；
2. 讲座的内容；
3. 发出邀请。
注意：
1. 写作词数应为80个左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
Dear John,
Yours,
Li Hua
第二节（满分25分）
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。
It was the first week of Lily’s middle school. The bell’s ringing brought her out of her daydreaming. She nervously gathered her books, preparing to reach another classroom for the next new class.
Lily followed the other kids and rushed into the hallway. Others walked in groups, chatted, and laughed, using the break to socialize. Lily, instead, walked alone along the wall of the hallway, with her head down. She was a shy girl, afraid to speak in front of other kids, and didn’t think others would like her.
Lily finally sat in Mr. Johnson’s Language Arts class nervously. “Welcome to Language Arts,” said Mr. Johnson. He told jokes as he talked about English. Lily forgot to daydream and laughed along with the rest of the class. “We’ll have some fun with language,” he said. “Just wait and see.”
Fun was far beyond what Lily desired. She just wanted to be like other kids — running with friends in the hallway, laughing and joking between classes. Reminded of her pimply(长粉刺的) face, she felt hopeless and disappointed.
“Take out a piece of paper,” the teacher continued, when pointing at words on the blackboard. “Write for the next thirty minutes on this topic.” Lily began writing crazily as idea after idea fought for recognition in her head. The final result was a short story about a beautiful beach house. As she wrote, she could smell the salty air, hear the crashing waves and feel the pull of the sand beneath her feet. For just a moment, she forgot where she was. She was lost in the story.
“OK, pass your papers forward,” said the teacher. “Let’s see what we have.” For the rest of the class time, the teacher read each individual work aloud. Lily originally thought it would be awkward. However, she was gradually attracted by the excitement in the teacher’s voice. “He’s actually enjoying this,” she thought. When the class would be soon over, there were still fifteen students’ papers not read, including Lily’s paper. Then, Mr. Johnson announced his decision, asking these students to read their work themselves in front of the class next class.
注意：
1. 续写词数应为150个左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
A week later, the bell rang and the Language Arts class began again.
After Lily finished her reading, the clapping from her classmates continued for a long time.
2024-2025-2麓山国际高二下期中考试
（参考答案）
第一部分 听力 略
第二部分 阅读
第一节 短文理解
21—23 BCD 24—27 BABB
28—31 BDDC 32—35 BDAA
第二节 七选五
36—40 CAEFG
第三部分 语言运用
第一节 完形填空
41—45 BDCBA 46—50 CDAAC
51—55 CDBAB
第二节 语法填空
56. spread 57. were reformed
58. considerably 59. where
60. an 61. further
62. to power 63. The
bined 65. as
第四部分 写作
第一节
Dear John,
I hope this email finds you well. Our school is organizing a lecture next Friday on the topic of “The importance of body language”. The lecture will cover how body language affects communication, cultural differences in gestures, and practical tips for improving nonverbal skills. It will take place at 3 PM in the school auditorium. The speaker will discuss how body language can influence communication and relationships.
I believe you would find it very interesting and informative. Would you like to join me at the lecture I think it would be a great opportunity for us to learn more about this topic together.
Yours,
Li Hua
第二节
A week later, the bell rang and the Language Arts class began again. Mia was nervous with her head down. After other students finished reading the papers one by one, finally, it was Mia’s turn. Frozen with fear, Mia stood in front of the class, with her hands holding her paper, shaking. Seeing it, Mr. Johnson told a funny joke, which made all laugh. Feeling more relaxed, Mia began reading. She was so focused that she felt she was alone. She didn’t notice that her story soon attracted all her classmates who sat up straight, without any chatting. They were lost in her fantastic story.
After Mia finished her reading, the clapping from her classmates continued for a long time. Mia was shocked. When she raised her head, she found everyone staring at her excitedly. Mia finally smiled. She found everyone in the class responded to her story positively. After that class, Mia slowly lifted her head while walking. Later, she kept writing. And she began speaking in front of people and enjoyed it. A braver and more confident girl appeared. And she was grateful to Mr. Johnson who believed in every student.