广西2026届高三年级秋季学期9月份联合调研测试
英语试卷
(考试时间:120分钟 试卷满分:150分)
注意事项:
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
Free NYC Museums
These New York City museums and art-filled attractions are either always free, free on specific days of the week or free for select hours. Find ones that interest you and take advantage of their generosity.
The American Folk Art Museum
It houses the nation’s premier collection of American folk art from the 18th century through the present, right here in New York City and is dedicated to the appreciation of traditional folk art, with works ranging from giant weather vanes to Amish quilts, and to the creative expressions of contemporary self-taught artists from the United States and abroad.
(212) 595-9533 Facebook Location: 2 Lincoln Square Manhattan, NY, 10023
The Museum of Modern Art
Forever at the forefront, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is not only devoted to presenting the best in contemporary art, but also to promoting the understanding of modern art and expanding the definition of what is considered art in the first place.
(212) 708-9400 Facebook Location: 11 W. 53rd St. Manhattan, NY, 10019
Queens Botanical Garden
The Queens Botanical Garden is a landscape flourishing with a wide array of plants. Many of the small gardens that compose the site feature plants of particular significance to a certain world culture. The QBG also includes a delightful Fragrance Walk and a busy Bee Garden.
(212) 886-3800 Facebook Location: 43-50 Main St. Queens, NY, 11355
Guggenheim New York
Housed in one of the most iconic buildings in New York, the Guggenheim New York’s collection is filled with prized pieces. The Guggenheim always presents interesting and innovative exhibitions, and the museum’s layout is an architectural marvel, as visitors experience the artwork along a huge ramp that climbs around the entire interior of the cylindrical building.
(212) 423-3500 Facebook Location: 1071 Fifth Ave. Manhattan NY, 10128
1. Which museum will you visit if you’re interested in traditional art works
A. The American Folk Art Museum. B. The Museum of Modern Art.
C. Queens Botanical Garden. D. Guggenheim New York.
2. What makes Guggenheim New York different from other attractions
A. The prized pieces. B. The unique layout.
C. The outstanding exhibition. D. The relaxing atmosphere.
3. From which is the text probably taken
A A biology textbook. B. A health magazine.
C. A research paper. D. A travel brochure.
B
In the breathtaking natural setting of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, local people’s outdoor activities are changing. An outdoor dementia (痴呆) center is taking shape. It is already enabling the locals affected with various forms of memory loss, their carers and families, to admire nature once again.
This project is shaking up the indoor lifestyles that typically become the reality of so many people with dementia, and is instead making the great outdoors reachable for them. It also frees them from their social isolation. “People and their carers tend to come for specific events like walking, bird-watching, gardening,” says Bruce, Communications and Campaigns Lead.
So far, many have expressed how reconnecting with and caring for these wild places uplifts them, especially after dementia cut them off from the obvious wellness benefits of being outdoors. Some have described their days with specific words like “calming”, “brilliant”, and “magical”.
Actually, before this project, there was a smaller program called “The Tipi Project”. It got people with dementia and their carers out and about and socializing in the park doing things like woodland walks, wildlife surveys and woodcarving. Carers who attended the activities reported that their loved ones became more relaxed and cheerful after the outdoor sessions. Then the new outdoor dementia center appeared as a natural progression.
Gillian Councill, Localities Lead at Alzheimer Scotland, noticed how in the outdoors, the anxiety and stress associated with dementia disappeared. “You know that feeling of trying to remember something or trying to achieve something Nature has got a special way of taking that feeling away,” she says. “I want this project to be within the reach of people with dementia, so they can get out into nature as they once loved to do.”
4. How does the dementia center positively influence the sufferers
A. By changing indoor design styles. B. By strengthening training for carers.
C. By organizing outdoor activities. D. By offering specialized medical treatments.
5. What is the participants’ attitude towards the new project
A. Doubtful. B. Shocked. C. Supportive. D. Uncertain.
6. Why does the author mention “The Tipi Project” in paragraph 4
A. To provide a background. B. To introduce a novel program.
C. To highlight a competing project. D. To advertise an outdoor center.
7. What do Gillian Councill’s words show
A. Her focus on bringing back old traditions. B. Her recognition of nature’s calming effect.
C. Her methods of dealing with mental stress. D. Her aim for upgrading dementia care practices.
C
Alongside the crisps in the snack aisle, supermarkets are now stacking shelves with roasted chickpeas, cheese bites, and beef jerky. A series of high-protein alternatives are appearing alongside low-fat and low-sugar foods. Dairy sections are packed with hard-to-pronounce fare such as skyr and kefir. High-protein diets have become mainstream.
On social media, food and fitness influencers recommend protein. Celebrities have made it trendy to look strong, rather than skinny. A trend is close to an obsession. Google searches for “high-protein diet” reached their highest point ever in January. Some 64% of Americans want to increase the amount of protein they eat. In Britain, Ocado, an online supermarket, figures over 40% of consumers have increased their protein intake over the past year. So what explains the constant appetite
Gym enthusiasts have been wolfing down protein for decades. More recently the less strong have also realized that protein can help them build muscle while feeling fuller for longer. Juergen Esser at Danone, a French dairy giant, says hunger for protein first took off among youngsters who want to look muscular. It soon spread to older people eager to stay strong and healthy.
High-protein products are helping firms expand. Revenues at Danone increased by 4.3% in 2024, driven by high-protein yogurts and drinks. The question is whether the trend has gone too far. The World Health Organization recommends 0.83 grams a day per kilogram of body weight. By that measure, the average American or Briton consumes too much.
For food firms already struggling to meet multiple requirements, it is yet another challenge. Consumers do not only want more protein and less ultra-processing, but also more plant-based food and anything good for the gut (肠道). The Curators, a British snack maker, has a balancing act to perform. When the firm began making soya and lentil chips, it settled on ten grams of protein per bag. Recipes with more were not as tasty. And as food crazes come and go, a pleasant flavour may be the most enduring requirement of all.
8. What can we learn about high-protein diets
A. Most Google users are addicted to high-protein diets.
B. Their popularity is driven by social media and celebrities.
C. American consumption exceeds British in high-protein diets.
D High-protein supermarket foods are typically low-fat and low-sugar.
9. How does the author develop the idea in paragraph 3
A. By presenting a series of scientific data.
B. By analyzing the benefits through examples.
C. By tracing the spread of the trend over time.
D. By comparing the attitudes across different groups.
10. What is the main challenge food companies face in the high-protein market
A. Reducing the costs of protein-rich products.
B. Marketing high-protein foods to older adults.
C. Balancing consumers’ demands and health concerns.
D. Ensuring the nutritional value of high-protein products.
11. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Protein Revolution: Whether We Have Gone Too Far
B. The Rise of Protein: How Market Reshaped Consumption
C. Fueling the Future: The Science Behind Protein Addiction
D. New Snack Trends: A Growing Appetite for High-Protein Diets
D
It’s believed that trees appeared hundreds of millions of years ago. Specifically, five tree fossils from 350 million years ago were found in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. “These new and unusual fossil trees bear a surprising shape, and they show signs of a period of life on Earth about which we know little,” said Robert Gastaldo, a researcher who led the study.
Co-authors Olivia King and Matthew Stimson unearthed the first of these ancient trees in 2017 while doing fieldwork in New Brunswick. One of the specimens (样本) they discovered is among a handful of cases in the entire plant fossil record — covering more than 400 million years — in which a tree’s branches and leaves are still connected to its trunk.
Few tree fossils that date back to Earth’s earliest forests have ever been found, according to Gastaldo. Their discovery helps fill in some missing pieces of the fragmentary fossil record. Most ancient tree specimens are relatively small and often discovered in the form of a fossilized trunk with a root system. Finding a well-preserved tree that could have been 15 feet tall left the researchers shocked. About the size of a small car, that fossil was covered by a sandstone rock.
“The unique fossilization of the trees is likely due to an earthquake-caused landslide that took place in an ancient lake,” Stimson said “These trees were alive when the earthquake happened. They were covered very quickly after that, at the bottom of the lake, and then the lake went back to normal.”
Fossils like these are not just useful for helping humans understand how life changed in the past, they can also help scientists figure out where life on our planet might be headed next. According to Gastaldo, this particular discovery suggests that trees of the period were starting to live in new environments that we didn’t know about before. He sees this as a sign that plants were experimenting with how they adapted to their living conditions and influenced their surroundings. The earthquake that probably led to the trees’ fossilization also offers new geological evidence of what may have been happening in Earth’s systems at the same moment in time.
12. What can the newly discovered fossils primarily provide
A. Hidden details of the Earth’s early life. B. Some data on changes in forest areas.
C. Evidence for common environmental risks. D. Information on prehistoric human activities.
13. What does the underlined word “fragmentary” in paragraph 3 probably mean
A. Incomplete. B. Independent. C. Unnecessary. D. Impractical.
14. What does the fourth paragraph mainly tell us about the tree fossils
A. Their amazing appearance. B. Their formation process.
C. Their strong survival ability. D. Their impact on lake ecosystems.
15. What does Gastaldo’s explanation of the tree fossils imply
A. Trees’ fossils influence Earth’s ecosystems.
B. Plant fossils can be easily collected in the lake.
C. Earthquake is the main cause of trees’ fossilization.
D. Living things and environments are interconnected.
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。
Many of us face a tricky trap on social media: either chase endless likes with constant posting or escape by ignoring it all. We stress over this forced choice — approval or isolation — as if they can’t mix. ___16___ Here are three practical ways to find balance in the digital world.
Focus on genuine connections.
Likes and comments bring short-term excitement, but they fade fast. True connections matter more. When you share real stories or chat deeply with others, you feel warm inside. ___17___ So pick activities that make you feel truly good, like talking about hobbies or helping friends online — no need to care about likes!
___18___
Peace on social media starts with how you see it. Mindful scrolling (浏览) means noticing nice things — an inspiring post, a friend’s happy news — without comparing yourself. The colors of a photo or a kind word can make you smile. You don’t need big tricks. ___19___ Then you’ll enjoy both: staying connected and feeling peaceful.
Celebrate small digital joys.
Every little win online — sharing a useful tip, getting a sweet reply — deserves cheers. If you only wait for lots of followers, you’ll miss daily fun. ___20___ For example, celebrate finishing a post you care about, not just hitting a follower goal. Treat yourself to a snack after a nice chat. These turn online time into a happy journey.
A. Try browsing with intention.
B. Chasing likes will make you tired.
C. Just fix your attention on the little joys online.
D. Minor accomplishments in the digital world lift your mood.
E. In fact, mixing work and rest online helps you stay balanced.
F. But our time online doesn’t have to be stuck in this dilemma.
G. That cozy glow from within doesn’t depend on likes or comments.
第三部分:英语知识运用(共两节,满分30分)
第一节 完形填空(共15小题;每小题1分,满分15分)
阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
I have always been sensitive to punctuation (标点). It sets the ___21___ for an article, telling readers when to move fast or stop. And I have my ___22___. I use fewer commas than my English teachers would have liked.
My father is a huge fan of the semicolon (分号). He can’t ___23___ using it, but I use a long dash instead — it has the same effect, but it feels ___24___. The dash is a gentle hand on your arm. The semicolon marks you as a (n) ___25___ person, whose writing makes people feel as if they were ___26___ a 19th-century novel. Dad often uses so many semicolons that his articles develop a ___27___ rhythm. He used to send me a weekly letter. Just a few paragraphs later, I found myself ___28___ my heavy eyelids.
Naturally, when I ___29___ someone, I capitalized (用大写字母书写) letters I was supposed to capitalize and input punctuation. It was a big ____30____, but I didn’t want to seem as though I didn’t ____31____. Right away I could understand why some people don’t take the trouble; ____32____, it is not an effortless task.
Text messaging has its own punctuation rule. Think about this case. If you send someone “Are you going to the party tonight ” and she replies, “No,” so you have your ____33____. If she capitalizes it and adds a period after it, you know she’s ____34____ not going, and it seems your message ____35____ her.
Therefore, don’t use punctuation casually in micro-communication.
21. A. sort B. stage C. agenda D. pace
22. A. difficulties B. anxieties C. preferences D. assumptions
23. A. continue B. resist C. stand D. remember
24. A. different B. mature C. essential D. wise
25. A. open-minded B. experienced C. old-fashioned D. picky
26. A. producing B. translating C. polishing D. appreciating
27. A. constant B. smooth C. dull D. harmonious
28. A. battling with B. depending on C. adapting to D. holding on
29. A. invited B. texted C. phoned D. described
30. A. surprise B. bother C. shift D. deal
31. A. care B. admit C. explain D. accept
32. A. on average B. at least C. by contrast D. after all
33. A. attention B. challenge C. information D. excuse
34. A. seemingly B. hopefully C. accidentally D. definitely
35. A. annoys B. amuses C. persuades D. refreshes
第二节 语法填空(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。
World-class competitors and xiangqi players gathered in Houston, known as the U. S. Space City, for the 18th World Xiangqi Tournament (锦标赛) kicking off on Sunday night. This marked a significant moment for xiangqi, ___36___ ancient Chinese board game.
Demonstrating the global appeal of xiangqi, ___37___ is often referred to as Chinese chess, the prestigious event also marks it’s the first time the tournament ___38___ (hold) on American soil.
“The tournament has been a bridge between the rich traditions of xiangqi and the ___39___ (enthusiastic) of American audiences,” said Yushan Hu, chairman of the Houston Xiangqi Association, when addressing the opening ceremony.
___40___ (reflect) on the impact of the tournament, Texas Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the positive influence of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans ___41___ the cultural landscape of the lone star state.
“This event has not only showcased the excellence of xiangqi ___42___ has also celebrated the diverse contributions of our communities,” the governor said in a statement his office issued prior to the competition.
Following their victory in Kuching, Malaysia, two years ago, Team China this year is fielding (派出) three of its top national players — Meng Chen, Liu Huan, and Tang Sinan — ___43___ (defend) its title this year.
Particularly noteworthy is Meng Chen, an ___44___ (ambition) player in the game and ____45____(current) holding the 3rd national ranking. “I will give my best, with the aim of bringing honor to my team and country in Houston,” Meng told Xinhua in a short interview during the opening ceremony.
四部分 写作(共两节,满分40分)
第一节 应用文写作(满分15分)
46. 假定你是李华,你的外教Mary在口语课上组织同学们围绕“Music or sports: which do you choose for class break time ”这一话题展开讨论。请你代表所在小组进行发言,内容包括:
1.小组观点;
2.陈述理由。
注意:
1.写作词数应为80左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Good morning, everyone.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
第二节 读后续写(满分25分)
47. 阅读下面短文,根据所给情节进行续写,使之构成一个完整的故事。
I sat in my parents’ car. Mom had insisted I go with her to pick up Dad from work. Across from Dad’s office is a bike store. That was the day my eleven-year-old eyes first saw the purple BMX Mongoose bike. From that day on, all I could think about was that bike. I even drew pictures of the bike in class. Every evening afterward, at five thirty, I eagerly went along with Mom to get Dad.
And every day I told my parents, “I want that bike!” But they disagreed and replied that I had already had a perfectly good bike at home. I’d argue it was old and ugly, thinking that my happiness depended on that purple bike. Days later, I found the store had sold that bike. I knew I’d never be happy again.
A week later, returning home from school, I tripped over something. Lying in the weeds near a river and some wooded lots, was a bike — the exact bike from the store. “Hey, whose bike is this ” I shouted, scanning the area. No one replied, and there was no one in sight. Maybe its owner didn’t want it any longer. I couldn’t leave it lying in the weeds. So I took it home and hid it behind the garage. Every day after school, I sat there, admiring it. But I didn’t feel like riding and didn’t feel as happy as I had thought. Thinking about the bike made my stomach tighten and uncomfortable.
A few days later, during lunch at school, my friend said, “Did you hear about Tyler, in the other fifth-grade class He lost his new purple BMX Mongoose bike he had just gotten for his birthday. He left it by a river while playing in the woods. It got dark, and he couldn’t find it.”
“I’d never go off and leave a new bike like that. He doesn’t deserve to have that bike,” I replied. My friend added, “Kids say he’s nice. And they say Tyler is upset because his dad worked overtime to buy the bike for him.” For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about Tyler.
注意:
1.续写词数应为150左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
After school, I returned home and dragged to my room.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I know Tyler’s house,” Mom said. “I’ll drive you there.”
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
答案版
广西2026届高三年级秋季学期9月份联合调研测试
英语试卷
(考试时间:120分钟 试卷满分:150分)
注意事项:
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
Free NYC Museums
These New York City museums and art-filled attractions are either always free, free on specific days of the week or free for select hours. Find ones that interest you and take advantage of their generosity.
The American Folk Art Museum
It houses the nation’s premier collection of American folk art from the 18th century through the present, right here in New York City and is dedicated to the appreciation of traditional folk art, with works ranging from giant weather vanes to Amish quilts, and to the creative expressions of contemporary self-taught artists from the United States and abroad.
(212) 595-9533 Facebook Location: 2 Lincoln Square Manhattan, NY, 10023
The Museum of Modern Art
Forever at the forefront, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is not only devoted to presenting the best in contemporary art, but also to promoting the understanding of modern art and expanding the definition of what is considered art in the first place.
(212) 708-9400 Facebook Location: 11 W. 53rd St. Manhattan, NY, 10019
Queens Botanical Garden
The Queens Botanical Garden is a landscape flourishing with a wide array of plants. Many of the small gardens that compose the site feature plants of particular significance to a certain world culture. The QBG also includes a delightful Fragrance Walk and a busy Bee Garden.
(212) 886-3800 Facebook Location: 43-50 Main St. Queens, NY, 11355
Guggenheim New York
Housed in one of the most iconic buildings in New York, the Guggenheim New York’s collection is filled with prized pieces. The Guggenheim always presents interesting and innovative exhibitions, and the museum’s layout is an architectural marvel, as visitors experience the artwork along a huge ramp that climbs around the entire interior of the cylindrical building.
(212) 423-3500 Facebook Location: 1071 Fifth Ave. Manhattan NY, 10128
1. Which museum will you visit if you’re interested in traditional art works
A. The American Folk Art Museum. B. The Museum of Modern Art.
C. Queens Botanical Garden. D. Guggenheim New York.
2. What makes Guggenheim New York different from other attractions
A. The prized pieces. B. The unique layout.
C. The outstanding exhibition. D. The relaxing atmosphere.
3. From which is the text probably taken
A A biology textbook. B. A health magazine.
C. A research paper. D. A travel brochure.
【答案】1. A 2. B 3. D
B
In the breathtaking natural setting of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, local people’s outdoor activities are changing. An outdoor dementia (痴呆) center is taking shape. It is already enabling the locals affected with various forms of memory loss, their carers and families, to admire nature once again.
This project is shaking up the indoor lifestyles that typically become the reality of so many people with dementia, and is instead making the great outdoors reachable for them. It also frees them from their social isolation. “People and their carers tend to come for specific events like walking, bird-watching, gardening,” says Bruce, Communications and Campaigns Lead.
So far, many have expressed how reconnecting with and caring for these wild places uplifts them, especially after dementia cut them off from the obvious wellness benefits of being outdoors. Some have described their days with specific words like “calming”, “brilliant”, and “magical”.
Actually, before this project, there was a smaller program called “The Tipi Project”. It got people with dementia and their carers out and about and socializing in the park doing things like woodland walks, wildlife surveys and woodcarving. Carers who attended the activities reported that their loved ones became more relaxed and cheerful after the outdoor sessions. Then the new outdoor dementia center appeared as a natural progression.
Gillian Councill, Localities Lead at Alzheimer Scotland, noticed how in the outdoors, the anxiety and stress associated with dementia disappeared. “You know that feeling of trying to remember something or trying to achieve something Nature has got a special way of taking that feeling away,” she says. “I want this project to be within the reach of people with dementia, so they can get out into nature as they once loved to do.”
4. How does the dementia center positively influence the sufferers
A. By changing indoor design styles. B. By strengthening training for carers.
C. By organizing outdoor activities. D. By offering specialized medical treatments.
5. What is the participants’ attitude towards the new project
A. Doubtful. B. Shocked. C. Supportive. D. Uncertain.
6. Why does the author mention “The Tipi Project” in paragraph 4
A. To provide a background. B. To introduce a novel program.
C. To highlight a competing project. D. To advertise an outdoor center.
7. What do Gillian Councill’s words show
A. Her focus on bringing back old traditions. B. Her recognition of nature’s calming effect.
C. Her methods of dealing with mental stress. D. Her aim for upgrading dementia care practices.
【答案】4. C 5. C 6. A 7. B
C
Alongside the crisps in the snack aisle, supermarkets are now stacking shelves with roasted chickpeas, cheese bites, and beef jerky. A series of high-protein alternatives are appearing alongside low-fat and low-sugar foods. Dairy sections are packed with hard-to-pronounce fare such as skyr and kefir. High-protein diets have become mainstream.
On social media, food and fitness influencers recommend protein. Celebrities have made it trendy to look strong, rather than skinny. A trend is close to an obsession. Google searches for “high-protein diet” reached their highest point ever in January. Some 64% of Americans want to increase the amount of protein they eat. In Britain, Ocado, an online supermarket, figures over 40% of consumers have increased their protein intake over the past year. So what explains the constant appetite
Gym enthusiasts have been wolfing down protein for decades. More recently the less strong have also realized that protein can help them build muscle while feeling fuller for longer. Juergen Esser at Danone, a French dairy giant, says hunger for protein first took off among youngsters who want to look muscular. It soon spread to older people eager to stay strong and healthy.
High-protein products are helping firms expand. Revenues at Danone increased by 4.3% in 2024, driven by high-protein yogurts and drinks. The question is whether the trend has gone too far. The World Health Organization recommends 0.83 grams a day per kilogram of body weight. By that measure, the average American or Briton consumes too much.
For food firms already struggling to meet multiple requirements, it is yet another challenge. Consumers do not only want more protein and less ultra-processing, but also more plant-based food and anything good for the gut (肠道). The Curators, a British snack maker, has a balancing act to perform. When the firm began making soya and lentil chips, it settled on ten grams of protein per bag. Recipes with more were not as tasty. And as food crazes come and go, a pleasant flavour may be the most enduring requirement of all.
8. What can we learn about high-protein diets
A. Most Google users are addicted to high-protein diets.
B. Their popularity is driven by social media and celebrities.
C. American consumption exceeds British in high-protein diets.
D High-protein supermarket foods are typically low-fat and low-sugar.
9. How does the author develop the idea in paragraph 3
A. By presenting a series of scientific data.
B. By analyzing the benefits through examples.
C. By tracing the spread of the trend over time.
D. By comparing the attitudes across different groups.
10. What is the main challenge food companies face in the high-protein market
A. Reducing the costs of protein-rich products.
B. Marketing high-protein foods to older adults.
C. Balancing consumers’ demands and health concerns.
D. Ensuring the nutritional value of high-protein products.
11. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Protein Revolution: Whether We Have Gone Too Far
B. The Rise of Protein: How Market Reshaped Consumption
C. Fueling the Future: The Science Behind Protein Addiction
D. New Snack Trends: A Growing Appetite for High-Protein Diets
【答案】8. B 9. C 10. C 11. A
D
It’s believed that trees appeared hundreds of millions of years ago. Specifically, five tree fossils from 350 million years ago were found in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. “These new and unusual fossil trees bear a surprising shape, and they show signs of a period of life on Earth about which we know little,” said Robert Gastaldo, a researcher who led the study.
Co-authors Olivia King and Matthew Stimson unearthed the first of these ancient trees in 2017 while doing fieldwork in New Brunswick. One of the specimens (样本) they discovered is among a handful of cases in the entire plant fossil record — covering more than 400 million years — in which a tree’s branches and leaves are still connected to its trunk.
Few tree fossils that date back to Earth’s earliest forests have ever been found, according to Gastaldo. Their discovery helps fill in some missing pieces of the fragmentary fossil record. Most ancient tree specimens are relatively small and often discovered in the form of a fossilized trunk with a root system. Finding a well-preserved tree that could have been 15 feet tall left the researchers shocked. About the size of a small car, that fossil was covered by a sandstone rock.
“The unique fossilization of the trees is likely due to an earthquake-caused landslide that took place in an ancient lake,” Stimson said “These trees were alive when the earthquake happened. They were covered very quickly after that, at the bottom of the lake, and then the lake went back to normal.”
Fossils like these are not just useful for helping humans understand how life changed in the past, they can also help scientists figure out where life on our planet might be headed next. According to Gastaldo, this particular discovery suggests that trees of the period were starting to live in new environments that we didn’t know about before. He sees this as a sign that plants were experimenting with how they adapted to their living conditions and influenced their surroundings. The earthquake that probably led to the trees’ fossilization also offers new geological evidence of what may have been happening in Earth’s systems at the same moment in time.
12. What can the newly discovered fossils primarily provide
A. Hidden details of the Earth’s early life. B. Some data on changes in forest areas.
C. Evidence for common environmental risks. D. Information on prehistoric human activities.
13. What does the underlined word “fragmentary” in paragraph 3 probably mean
A. Incomplete. B. Independent. C. Unnecessary. D. Impractical.
14. What does the fourth paragraph mainly tell us about the tree fossils
A. Their amazing appearance. B. Their formation process.
C. Their strong survival ability. D. Their impact on lake ecosystems.
15. What does Gastaldo’s explanation of the tree fossils imply
A. Trees’ fossils influence Earth’s ecosystems.
B. Plant fossils can be easily collected in the lake.
C. Earthquake is the main cause of trees’ fossilization.
D. Living things and environments are interconnected.
【答案】12. A 13. A 14. B 15. D
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。
Many of us face a tricky trap on social media: either chase endless likes with constant posting or escape by ignoring it all. We stress over this forced choice — approval or isolation — as if they can’t mix. ___16___ Here are three practical ways to find balance in the digital world.
Focus on genuine connections.
Likes and comments bring short-term excitement, but they fade fast. True connections matter more. When you share real stories or chat deeply with others, you feel warm inside. ___17___ So pick activities that make you feel truly good, like talking about hobbies or helping friends online — no need to care about likes!
___18___
Peace on social media starts with how you see it. Mindful scrolling (浏览) means noticing nice things — an inspiring post, a friend’s happy news — without comparing yourself. The colors of a photo or a kind word can make you smile. You don’t need big tricks. ___19___ Then you’ll enjoy both: staying connected and feeling peaceful.
Celebrate small digital joys.
Every little win online — sharing a useful tip, getting a sweet reply — deserves cheers. If you only wait for lots of followers, you’ll miss daily fun. ___20___ For example, celebrate finishing a post you care about, not just hitting a follower goal. Treat yourself to a snack after a nice chat. These turn online time into a happy journey.
A. Try browsing with intention.
B. Chasing likes will make you tired.
C. Just fix your attention on the little joys online.
D. Minor accomplishments in the digital world lift your mood.
E. In fact, mixing work and rest online helps you stay balanced.
F. But our time online doesn’t have to be stuck in this dilemma.
G. That cozy glow from within doesn’t depend on likes or comments.
【答案】16. F 17. G 18. A 19. C 20. D
第三部分:英语知识运用(共两节,满分30分)
第一节 完形填空(共15小题;每小题1分,满分15分)
阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
I have always been sensitive to punctuation (标点). It sets the ___21___ for an article, telling readers when to move fast or stop. And I have my ___22___. I use fewer commas than my English teachers would have liked.
My father is a huge fan of the semicolon (分号). He can’t ___23___ using it, but I use a long dash instead — it has the same effect, but it feels ___24___. The dash is a gentle hand on your arm. The semicolon marks you as a (n) ___25___ person, whose writing makes people feel as if they were ___26___ a 19th-century novel. Dad often uses so many semicolons that his articles develop a ___27___ rhythm. He used to send me a weekly letter. Just a few paragraphs later, I found myself ___28___ my heavy eyelids.
Naturally, when I ___29___ someone, I capitalized (用大写字母书写) letters I was supposed to capitalize and input punctuation. It was a big ____30____, but I didn’t want to seem as though I didn’t ____31____. Right away I could understand why some people don’t take the trouble; ____32____, it is not an effortless task.
Text messaging has its own punctuation rule. Think about this case. If you send someone “Are you going to the party tonight ” and she replies, “No,” so you have your ____33____. If she capitalizes it and adds a period after it, you know she’s ____34____ not going, and it seems your message ____35____ her.
Therefore, don’t use punctuation casually in micro-communication.
21. A. sort B. stage C. agenda D. pace
22. A. difficulties B. anxieties C. preferences D. assumptions
23. A. continue B. resist C. stand D. remember
24. A. different B. mature C. essential D. wise
25. A. open-minded B. experienced C. old-fashioned D. picky
26. A. producing B. translating C. polishing D. appreciating
27. A. constant B. smooth C. dull D. harmonious
28. A. battling with B. depending on C. adapting to D. holding on
29. A. invited B. texted C. phoned D. described
30. A. surprise B. bother C. shift D. deal
31. A. care B. admit C. explain D. accept
32. A. on average B. at least C. by contrast D. after all
33. A. attention B. challenge C. information D. excuse
34. A. seemingly B. hopefully C. accidentally D. definitely
35. A. annoys B. amuses C. persuades D. refreshes
【答案】21. D 22. C 23. B 24. A 25. C 26. D 27. C 28. A 29. B 30. B 31. A 32. D 33. C 34. D 35. A
第二节 语法填空(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。
World-class competitors and xiangqi players gathered in Houston, known as the U. S. Space City, for the 18th World Xiangqi Tournament (锦标赛) kicking off on Sunday night. This marked a significant moment for xiangqi, ___36___ ancient Chinese board game.
Demonstrating the global appeal of xiangqi, ___37___ is often referred to as Chinese chess, the prestigious event also marks it’s the first time the tournament ___38___ (hold) on American soil.
“The tournament has been a bridge between the rich traditions of xiangqi and the ___39___ (enthusiastic) of American audiences,” said Yushan Hu, chairman of the Houston Xiangqi Association, when addressing the opening ceremony.
___40___ (reflect) on the impact of the tournament, Texas Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the positive influence of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans ___41___ the cultural landscape of the lone star state.
“This event has not only showcased the excellence of xiangqi ___42___ has also celebrated the diverse contributions of our communities,” the governor said in a statement his office issued prior to the competition.
Following their victory in Kuching, Malaysia, two years ago, Team China this year is fielding (派出) three of its top national players — Meng Chen, Liu Huan, and Tang Sinan — ___43___ (defend) its title this year.
Particularly noteworthy is Meng Chen, an ___44___ (ambition) player in the game and ____45____(current) holding the 3rd national ranking. “I will give my best, with the aim of bringing honor to my team and country in Houston,” Meng told Xinhua in a short interview during the opening ceremony.
【答案】36. an 37. which
38. has been held
39. enthusiasm
40. Reflecting
41. on 42. but
43. to defend
44. ambitious
45. currently
第四部分 写作(共两节,满分40分)
第一节 应用文写作(满分15分)
46. 假定你是李华,你的外教Mary在口语课上组织同学们围绕“Music or sports: which do you choose for class break time ”这一话题展开讨论。请你代表所在小组进行发言,内容包括:
1.小组观点;
2.陈述理由。
注意:
1.写作词数应为80左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Good morning, everyone.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
【答案】One possible version:
Good morning, everyone. I’m glad to share our group’s view on the topic. We recommend doing sports for class break time, especially group activities like running or playing basketball.
First of all, physical movement outdoors helps us refresh our minds. Additionally, while playing with others, we build stronger teamwork and enjoy freedom from academic pressure. Better yet, compared to music, sports symbolize vigour and connection, which allow us to keep a positive attitude throughout the day.
All in all, not only do sports improve our physical health, but they also bring us closer as a group.
Thank you for listening.
第二节 读后续写(满分25分)
47. 阅读下面短文,根据所给情节进行续写,使之构成一个完整的故事。
I sat in my parents’ car. Mom had insisted I go with her to pick up Dad from work. Across from Dad’s office is a bike store. That was the day my eleven-year-old eyes first saw the purple BMX Mongoose bike. From that day on, all I could think about was that bike. I even drew pictures of the bike in class. Every evening afterward, at five thirty, I eagerly went along with Mom to get Dad.
And every day I told my parents, “I want that bike!” But they disagreed and replied that I had already had a perfectly good bike at home. I’d argue it was old and ugly, thinking that my happiness depended on that purple bike. Days later, I found the store had sold that bike. I knew I’d never be happy again.
A week later, returning home from school, I tripped over something. Lying in the weeds near a river and some wooded lots, was a bike — the exact bike from the store. “Hey, whose bike is this ” I shouted, scanning the area. No one replied, and there was no one in sight. Maybe its owner didn’t want it any longer. I couldn’t leave it lying in the weeds. So I took it home and hid it behind the garage. Every day after school, I sat there, admiring it. But I didn’t feel like riding and didn’t feel as happy as I had thought. Thinking about the bike made my stomach tighten and uncomfortable.
A few days later, during lunch at school, my friend said, “Did you hear about Tyler, in the other fifth-grade class He lost his new purple BMX Mongoose bike he had just gotten for his birthday. He left it by a river while playing in the woods. It got dark, and he couldn’t find it.”
“I’d never go off and leave a new bike like that. He doesn’t deserve to have that bike,” I replied. My friend added, “Kids say he’s nice. And they say Tyler is upset because his dad worked overtime to buy the bike for him.” For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about Tyler.
注意:
1.续写词数应为150左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
After school, I returned home and dragged to my room.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I know Tyler’s house,” Mom said. “I’ll drive you there.”
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
【答案】
After school, I returned home and dragged to my room. The guilt of keeping Tyler's bike hidden behind the garage weighed heavily on me. I couldn't enjoy having the bike while knowing that it rightfully belonged to someone else. I wanted to make things right. So I went to my mother and told her what had happened. My mother smiled and tapped me on the shoulder, gently saying, “I believe you have known what you should do to the bike.”
“I know Tyler’s house,” Mom said. “I’ll drive you there.” My heart raced with a mix of nervousness and determination. I walked up to knock the door. “Hey Tyler, I'm really sorry that I hid it and caused you trouble.” To my great surprise, he did not blame. What I saw was a smile slowly spread across his face. I knew exactly what that smile meant -- forgiveness for me. From that day on, the purple BMX Mongoose bike was no longer important to me. What mattered was the friendship I had formed with Tyler, which also taught me the important values like honesty.