辽宁省大连市第二十四中学2026届高三上学期期中考试英语试卷（含答案，无听力原文及音频）

2025—2026学年上学期高三期中Ⅰ考试英语科试卷
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。
例：How much is the shirt A. 19.15. B. 9.18. C. 9.15. 答案是C。
1. What did the man ask for just now
A. A remote. B. A computer. C. A projector.
2. What will the speakers do next
A. Open the windows. B. Leave the building. C. Stay indoors.
3. Where will the speakers meet
A. At the meeting room. B. At the man’s house. C. At a cafe.
4. What does the woman mean
A. She is good at dancing.
B. She hosted a dance party on Christmas.
C. All of her family are singers.
5. What are the speakers discussing
A. Who is in the entrance hall.
B. Why the entrance hall is packed.
C. What film is shown in the entrance hall.
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. When will the woman arrive in Nice
A. In the morning. B. Around noon. C. In the evening.
7. What will the woman do next
A. Pay the bill. B. Access the Internet. C. Catch a train.
听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。
8. How will the man improve his essay
A. Simplify his ideas. B. Change his arguments. C. Strengthen his arguments.
9. What does the woman suggest the man do
A. Keep his mind clear. B. Ask his classmates for help. C. Check the library for resources.
听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。
10. What did Harry think of having a credit card
A. Useful. B. Expensive. C. Unnecessary.
11. What did the bank clerk promise Harry
A. A low interest rate. B. A student special. C. A high credit limit.
12. What will the woman probably do next
A. Contact the bank. B. Write a letter. C. Read the terms.
听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。
13. What is probably the man
A. A teacher. B. A journalist. C. An athlete.
14. Why does Chelsea say missing classes is bad for her
A. It risks her place on the team. B. It breaks school rules. C. It may cause envy.
15. What did Chelsea do in her first year at college
A. She often took sick leave. B. She aimed for straight A’s. C. She taught herself to keep up.
16. What change has Chelsea’s choice brought her
A. It has made her more driven. B. It has improved her social life. C. It has enhanced her team spirit.
听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。
17. What has the zoo recently done
A. It has expanded its grounds. B. It has built more parking lots. C. It has introduced new regulations.
18. Why did the zoo give up the dog-walking area
A. There was not enough space.
B. It should prioritize wild animals.
C. Dogs would be scared by other animals.
19. What animal may be the most popular at the zoo
A. The lion. B. The bear. C. The kangaroo.
20. What can visitors get for a fee of five dollars
A. A guided tour of the zoo. B. A picture taken with Frisbee. C. Admission to the exhibition center.
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和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
A
Come and see the Snowman
Experience the magic of The Snowman in a whole new way this Christmas. Carrot Performers are the world’s most experienced performers of The Snowman film. They are delighted to be touring with their Christmas show again this December. The show will feature a live orchestra. Following this there will be one of two exclusive (独家的) films:
A Donkey’s Tale
Set amidst the wild landscape of Connemara in the west of Ireland, it tells the heartwarming story of Dillon, an ordinary donkey with an extraordinary dream that takes him on a journey that will change his life.
The Bear and the Piano
This beautiful tale of music was first brought to the big screen in 2017. With music played live by a professional orchestra, and a narration (旁白) recorded by superstar Joanna Lumley, this creation is a family favorite for the next generation.
● For CHESTER performances, please telephone: 01244 500959
● For WINCHESTER performances, please telephone: 01962 857275
● For all other performances, please telephone: 0344 8000 410
Tour dates & ticket prices
● Chester Cathedral (+A Donkey’s Tale) 25/12 2:00 pm
Center seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 15; Adult 21
Restricted view: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 9; Adult 15
● Winchester Cathedral (+The Bear and the Piano) 26/12 5:00 pm
General Tickets: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 16; Adult 19
Theatre Card Members: 16
● Beverley Minster (+The Bear and the Piano) 27/12 6:00 pm
Center seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 15; Adult 20
Rear seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 12; Adult 18
● Durham Cathedral (+A Donkey’s Tale) 28/12 7:00 pm
Front seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 16; Adult 20
Rear seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 11; Adult 16
1. What do we know about The Snowman tour
A. You can see three films with one ticket. B. Joanna Lumley narrates A Donkey’s Tale.
C. It’s played live by professional performers. D. It’s the first show of The Bear and the Piano.
2. Which number should you call for the show at Durham Cathedral
A. 01244 500959. B. 01962 500959. C. 01962 857275. D. 0344 8000 410.
3. Where can you get a better ticket price with a membership card
A. At Chester Cathedral. B. At Winchester Cathedral.
C. At Beverley Minster. D. At Durham Cathedral.
B
There’re lots of articles in which writers like me leave social media and report on how their lives have transformed. I swore I wouldn’t add to it. But here I am, writing about it. And I’m doing so because it didn’t change my life in quite the way that I expected or many of these essays promised it would.
I genuinely enjoyed Twitter. The problem was that I loved it a little too much. I’d find myself checking it when I should be working, running late to my daughters’ school events because I tried to fit in a quick glance or staying up far too late surfing vast oceans of information, tired and barely interested but unable to resist it.
In November, my friends encouraged me to drop my Twitter habit, at least for a little while. My life was overfull, and this was something I could cut out. I followed, though hesitantly and with a little bit of unwillingness, because I trust my friends and their wisdom.
I went from being on it nearly every day to being off it for two months now. Being offline didn’t make my life that joyful. But there is one way that leaving Twitter has benefited my life and my mind. The times when I checked Twitter were often the transition points in my day: when I waited in line or to pick up my kids from school. Freeing up those seemingly inconsequential moments has been transformative. These moments are nothing I really considered before and I even didn’t notice their departure when I began going online. Leaving them unfilled has changed how I walk through time. I may wave to a neighbor; I may feel gratitude or delight. I may notice that I feel tired or lonely. But this, too, is part of the gifts of these small moments.
Our days, which are so full of work and thinking, of disappointments and confusion, must have moments when nothing much is happening, moments when we get no input, no videos, no opinions.
4. What do we know about the author
A. The author’s life was disturbed by the overuse of Twitter.
B. The author followed the friends’ advice without hestitation.
C. The author shared the same idea with other writers about Twitter.
D. The author’s interest in the information online drove him to check Twitter.
5. What does the underlined word “inconsequential” in paragraph 4 probably mean
A. Unforgettable. B. Unimportant. C. Tough. D. Boring.
6. What’s the author’s purpose of writing the text
A. To persuade readers to block Twitter.
B. To show the influence of social media.
C. To share an unexpected benefit of staying offline.
D To raise doubts about the promised effects of being offline.
7. What might be the best title for the text
A. Free up Small Moments B. No Twitter, No Trouble
C. Take a Moment to Reflect D. Small Changes, Big Differences
C
Behavioral scientists have long shown that setting a small resolution for a day’s work motivates teams and individuals as well. And so it is when building your life. I have one particular, very achievable commitment in mind that will help you become happier and improve your health and effectiveness: This year, start getting up early.
To rise before dawn sounds ascetic (苦行的). Modern neuroscience (神经科学) indicates that, painful as the practice can seem for people unaccustomed to it, this may be the right way to start the day for maximum human performance. Rising early is an especially effective resolution because it tends to enable the achievement of other goals. For example, new evidence suggests that rising early makes it easier to build good habits, because the goal-directed brain regions work better at this time than later in the day.
But what do you need to do to develop this habit The first part is going to bed early enough so that you can get sufficient sleep. This probably seems like an easy habit to keep, but for many young adults it isn’t. The problem is what psychologists call “revenge bedtime procrastination,” in which they stay up late as a form of resistance against their own inner authority.
One reason people struggle to rise early is because they aren’t required to do so. Even if you don’t have to start your work or studies early, you can still inspire yourself to get up by making a conscious commitment to accomplish something of value. In Meditations (沉思录), Marcus Aurelius writes that when you find yourself unwilling to rise in the morning, you should consider that it is to go about a man’s work that you are inspired to rise. So choose a deed that will stir (激发) you up.
Make your predawn the best moment in your day by expressing it in existential terms: The discomfort of rising early bears witness to your being truly alive. Spend that precious time without devices, so that you can explore deep thoughts about the big questions of life.
8. What is paragraph 2 mainly about
A. The benefits of getting up early. B. The reasons why people fail to rise early.
C. The historical origins of early rising. D. The impact of early rising on physical health.
9. Why do many young adults find it hard to sleep early according to paragraph 3
A. They have got adequate sleep. B. They work under a lot of stress.
C. They have an urge to avoid boredom. D. They want to escape their inner authority.
10. What can we learn from what Marcus Aurelius writes
A. Reading is key to waking up early. B. Philosophers value work over sleep.
C. Setting a goal motivates people to get up. D. Work schedules determine waking habits.
11. What does the author suggest in the last paragraph
A. Establishing a predawn routine. B. Praying before sunrise.
C. Sleeping less to feel alive. D. Finding inner peace.
D
In a breakthrough that could revolutionize energy transmission and computing, scientists announced the development of the world’s first room-temperature superconductor. This achievement promises to eliminate electrical resistance entirely, making power grids (电网) 100% efficient and enabling quantum (量子) computers to operate at scale.
Superconductivity, the ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance, was first observed in 1911. However, all known superconductors required extremely low temperatures or high pressures to function, limiting their practical use. The new material, a compound of hydrogen, sulfur, and carbon, achieves superconductivity at a mild 21℃ and ambient (环境的) pressure, an achievement once thought impossible.
The implications are profound. For energy systems, room-temperature superconductors could drastically reduce global energy waste. Currently, up to 10% of electricity is lost as heat during transmission. With superconductors, this loss would disappear, lowering energy demand and carbon emissions. In computing, the material could solve a major bottleneck in quantum computing: decoherence (退相干). Quantum bits lose their state rapidly at room temperature, but superconductors could stabilize them, leading to much faster quantum computers.
The research team spent five years experimenting with different compositions. They used a high-pressure diamond anvil cell to synthesize (合成) the compound, then gradually reduced the pressure. To their surprise, the material maintained its superconducting capabilities at normal atmospheric pressure. “This changes everything,” said lead researcher Dr. Elena Rodriguez. “Superconductivity can now be integrated into everyday technology.”
Despite the excitement, challenges remain. The new material is currently only produced in small, fragile samples, and scaling up production will require further innovation. Additionally, the compound contains highly reactive hydrogen, posing stability challenges. Researchers are working on modifying the material’s structure to address these issues, aiming to commercialize it within a decade.
As the scientific community builds on this discovery, the world watches closely. A room-temperature superconductor is not just a scientific achievement — it is a gateway to a more efficient, sustainable future.
12. What is the main advantage of the new superconductor
A. It can operate in normal conditions.
B. It is made of more common elements.
C. It is the first superconductor ever discovered.
D. It can conduct electricity with zero resistance.
13. How can the new superconductor benefit the environment
A. By reducing the need for quantum computers.
B. By making fossil fuel power plants out of date.
C. By reducing energy waste and carbon emissions.
D. By enabling more efficient recycling of materials.
14. What was a key step in the research
A. Using a new approach to create the compound.
B. Replacing hydrogen with a more stable element.
C. Cooling the material at extremely low temperatures.
D. Developing a cost-efficient type of quantum computer.
15. What does the author imply about the future of the technology
A. The scientific community is divided on its practical value.
B. There are still obstacles to overcome before it is widely used.
C. It will soon make quantum computing accessible to everyone.
D. It will replace all existing energy transmission systems immediately.
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Walking in the city is very different from walking in the park. A small psychology study suggests urban environments can slow your step and possibly increase your mental load. ____16____
It can ease your mind and quicken your pace. The findings show that natural settings may potentially reduce cognitive (认知的) tiredness and improve reaction time straight away. ____17____
The first of the two experiments in the new study focused on people’s way of walking and cognitive load. During this trial, participants were fitted with sensors and a dozen motion control cameras were set up to watch them repeatedly walk down a l5-metre room at their natural speed. The wall opposite them showed an image of either a nature scene or a city scene. ____18____ On the whole, when walking in city settings, people reported that they felt more uncomfortable and they walked at a slower pace, indicating a higher cognitive load.
____19____ In the trial, participants were asked to distinguish (区分) between basic visual shapes on the computer while also in the presence of a natural or urban image (the same ones from the first experiment).
Measuring reaction time in both natural and urban settings, the team found results to support their idea. In urban environments, participants were slower in distinguishing between simple shapes.
____20____ Our brains take longer to process. However, more research is needed to prove that idea.
A. Nature influences us in many ways.
B. A walk through nature does the opposite, though.
C. They said they couldn’t concentrate properly after walking.
D. After each, participants were asked to rate their discomfort.
E. The study includes two experiments with two different ways.
F. The second experiment dug into some higher-level cognitive processes.
G. The reason is that urban environments are more likely to take our attention away.
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和D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
One spring evening, I was extremely tired after a long day of school. I wished for ____21____ but I had to drag my heavy feet to the violin studio.
I was playing Moldau to Kate, my teacher. I simply couldn’t play with____22____, though. While I followed all the____23____ on the sheet music(乐谱), I still____24____ to make music describing spring with lively flowers sound like flowers dying bitter deaths. Kate____25____ attentively and then frowned (皱眉), asking me what the piece’s mood was. I stared at her, ____26____.
Pulling out paper and a pencil, she asked, “Can you____27____ an image of what you think a typical day in the forest during spring would look like ” Hesitantly, I started to let my ____28____ fly. Soon a scenic forest full of life was____29____ in my mind.
Minutes later, I completed my drawing. “Now, play the piece again with this ____30____ imagery (意) in your mind,” Kate said. I closed my eyes and began to play, with exceptional expression I had never done before.
As I____31____ the piece, there followed a short silence before Kate said, “That’s the best playing I’ve ever heard from you. ”Her eyes were____32____. “Who knew painting out the scenery would help you better interpret the____33____ Sometimes all we need is to use our creativity and try different methods when facing difficulties. ”
The____34____ violin lesson taught me more than just music. I also learned a valuable____35____ skill, which I applied to my daily life.
21. A. care B. relaxation C. freedom D. motivation
22. A. courage B. concern C. wisdom D. emotion
23. A. numbers B. standards C. notes D. words
24. A. failed B. desired C. managed D. offered
25. A. watched B. listened C. performed D. prayed
26. A. blankly B. angrily C. confidently D. gratefully
27. A. shoot B. type C. sculpt D. draw
28. A. personality B. imagination C. strategy D. curiosity
29. A. pictured B. replaced C. quitted D. explored
30. A. messy B. annoying C. vivid D. strange
31. A. wrapped up B. wrote down C. commented on D. gave up
32. A. shining B. narrowing C. aching D. rolling
33. A. painting B. spring C. music D. violin
34. A. inspiring B. confusing C. shameful D. adventurous
35. A. information-sorting B. problem-solving C. critical-thinking D. decision-making
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。
On September 3, 2025, a grand military parade (阅兵) ___36___ (hold) in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The parade, which attracted worldwide attention, was ___37___ display of China’s military strength. Over 10,000 officers and soldiers, along with hundreds of pieces of advanced ground equipment, took part in the parade along Chang’an Avenue. Newly formed military space, cyberspace and information support ___38___ (force) made their debuts (首次亮相), ___39___ (show) China’s determination in developing these advanced fields.
All the weapons and equipment on display were domestically made and ___40___ active service, many of ___41___ made their first appearance to the public. The nuclear missile phalanx was the highlight. Missiles like “DF-61” and “DF-31” showed the land-based ___42___ (strategy) nuclear troops. Although no detailed performance parameters (参数) were given, its “striking range covering the globe” made ___43___ a hot topic online.
International media widely covered the event, which was a clear ___44___ (indicate) that China has the ability and determination ____45____ (safeguard) national sovereignty (主权) and world peace. As China grows stronger, its contribution to world peace increases as well.
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）
第一节（满分15分）
46. 假定你是李华，正在伦敦交流学习。你发现校图书馆的服务需要改进。请你用英语给图书馆管理员写一封信，提出你的建议。写作要点包括：
1.提出改进建议及理由（至少两点）；
2.表达期待。
注意：词数80左右；可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Librarian,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sincerely,
Li Hua
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。
Tomato Changed My Life
Doing things-without being planned was never my strength.
As a 14-year-old, I would refuse to go for walks around the block with my friends if I was the least bit behind in my schoolwork.
Unlike most teenagers, I lived not in my room, but in an unused kitchen upstairs where I spread my books and papers on a large round table. I spent considerable time there, working continuously for hours, and my mother worried. She would try to lure (引诱) me away. “Come and watch the parade!” she would call from downstairs. “All neighbors are out there!” She thought of all kinds of tricks-the swimming pool, ice cream, stray cats and turtles-to remove me from my -studies, but nothing ever worked.
Later, in college, the pattern continued. The library and my college dorm replaced the unused kitchen at home. When spring came along friends would stop by my dorm or peer into my library room to persuade me to play Frisbee on the lawn. “No, I would almost always say.” I have too much to do.
My college study days were gone, but not my need and love for schedules. My friends and sisters tried to keep me away from my plans, but they were hardly ever successful.
This summer, though, while house sitting for my parents, I was persuaded to change my plans in the most unexpected way. The sight of tomatoes growing in my mother’s garden lured me out of my tightly scheduled world. They drew me with the power of a lover’s gaze. Hundreds of them were turning ripe and red by the minute, decorating the garden like decorations on a Christmas tree.
“If I have time, I’ll make tomato sauce (番茄酱).” I told myself. But my long week in the house by myself was already filled with things to do: writing, and finishing a project that I brought home from the office.
Then, watching the fascinating tomatoes continuously falling to the ground in ever-greater numbers, again I mentally argued about all the things I had planned and needed to do.
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。
Finally, I gave in.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A month later, my parents came back.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2025—2026学年上学期高三期中Ⅰ考试英语科试卷
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。
例：How much is the shirt A. 19.15. B. 9.18. C. 9.15. 答案是C。
1. What did the man ask for just now
A. A remote. B. A computer. C. A projector.
2. What will the speakers do next
A. Open the windows. B. Leave the building. C. Stay indoors.
3. Where will the speakers meet
A. At the meeting room. B. At the man’s house. C. At a cafe.
4. What does the woman mean
A. She is good at dancing.
B. She hosted a dance party on Christmas.
C. All of her family are singers.
5. What are the speakers discussing
A. Who is in the entrance hall.
B. Why the entrance hall is packed.
C. What film is shown in the entrance hall.
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. When will the woman arrive in Nice
A. In the morning. B. Around noon. C. In the evening.
7. What will the woman do next
A. Pay the bill. B. Access the Internet. C. Catch a train.
听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。
8. How will the man improve his essay
A. Simplify his ideas. B. Change his arguments. C. Strengthen his arguments.
9. What does the woman suggest the man do
A. Keep his mind clear. B. Ask his classmates for help. C. Check the library for resources.
听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。
10. What did Harry think of having a credit card
A. Useful. B. Expensive. C. Unnecessary.
11. What did the bank clerk promise Harry
A. A low interest rate. B. A student special. C. A high credit limit.
12. What will the woman probably do next
A. Contact the bank. B. Write a letter. C. Read the terms.
听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。
13. What is probably the man
A. A teacher. B. A journalist. C. An athlete.
14. Why does Chelsea say missing classes is bad for her
A. It risks her place on the team. B. It breaks school rules. C. It may cause envy.
15. What did Chelsea do in her first year at college
A. She often took sick leave. B. She aimed for straight A’s. C. She taught herself to keep up.
16. What change has Chelsea’s choice brought her
A. It has made her more driven. B. It has improved her social life. C. It has enhanced her team spirit.
听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。
17. What has the zoo recently done
A. It has expanded its grounds. B. It has built more parking lots. C. It has introduced new regulations.
18. Why did the zoo give up the dog-walking area
A. There was not enough space.
B. It should prioritize wild animals.
C. Dogs would be scared by other animals.
19. What animal may be the most popular at the zoo
A. The lion. B. The bear. C. The kangaroo.
20. What can visitors get for a fee of five dollars
A. A guided tour of the zoo. B. A picture taken with Frisbee. C. Admission to the exhibition center.
听力答案 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和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
A
Come and see the Snowman
Experience the magic of The Snowman in a whole new way this Christmas. Carrot Performers are the world’s most experienced performers of The Snowman film. They are delighted to be touring with their Christmas show again this December. The show will feature a live orchestra. Following this there will be one of two exclusive (独家的) films:
A Donkey’s Tale
Set amidst the wild landscape of Connemara in the west of Ireland, it tells the heartwarming story of Dillon, an ordinary donkey with an extraordinary dream that takes him on a journey that will change his life.
The Bear and the Piano
This beautiful tale of music was first brought to the big screen in 2017. With music played live by a professional orchestra, and a narration (旁白) recorded by superstar Joanna Lumley, this creation is a family favorite for the next generation.
● For CHESTER performances, please telephone: 01244 500959
● For WINCHESTER performances, please telephone: 01962 857275
● For all other performances, please telephone: 0344 8000 410
Tour dates & ticket prices
● Chester Cathedral (+A Donkey’s Tale) 25/12 2:00 pm
Center seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 15; Adult 21
Restricted view: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 9; Adult 15
● Winchester Cathedral (+The Bear and the Piano) 26/12 5:00 pm
General Tickets: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 16; Adult 19
Theatre Card Members: 16
● Beverley Minster (+The Bear and the Piano) 27/12 6:00 pm
Center seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 15; Adult 20
Rear seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 12; Adult 18
● Durham Cathedral (+A Donkey’s Tale) 28/12 7:00 pm
Front seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 16; Adult 20
Rear seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 11; Adult 16
1. What do we know about The Snowman tour
A. You can see three films with one ticket. B. Joanna Lumley narrates A Donkey’s Tale.
C. It’s played live by professional performers. D. It’s the first show of The Bear and the Piano.
2. Which number should you call for the show at Durham Cathedral
A. 01244 500959. B. 01962 500959. C. 01962 857275. D. 0344 8000 410.
3. Where can you get a better ticket price with a membership card
A. At Chester Cathedral. B. At Winchester Cathedral.
C. At Beverley Minster. D. At Durham Cathedral.
【答案】1. C 2. D 3. B
B
There’re lots of articles in which writers like me leave social media and report on how their lives have transformed. I swore I wouldn’t add to it. But here I am, writing about it. And I’m doing so because it didn’t change my life in quite the way that I expected or many of these essays promised it would.
I genuinely enjoyed Twitter. The problem was that I loved it a little too much. I’d find myself checking it when I should be working, running late to my daughters’ school events because I tried to fit in a quick glance or staying up far too late surfing vast oceans of information, tired and barely interested but unable to resist it.
In November, my friends encouraged me to drop my Twitter habit, at least for a little while. My life was overfull, and this was something I could cut out. I followed, though hesitantly and with a little bit of unwillingness, because I trust my friends and their wisdom.
I went from being on it nearly every day to being off it for two months now. Being offline didn’t make my life that joyful. But there is one way that leaving Twitter has benefited my life and my mind. The times when I checked Twitter were often the transition points in my day: when I waited in line or to pick up my kids from school. Freeing up those seemingly inconsequential moments has been transformative. These moments are nothing I really considered before and I even didn’t notice their departure when I began going online. Leaving them unfilled has changed how I walk through time. I may wave to a neighbor; I may feel gratitude or delight. I may notice that I feel tired or lonely. But this, too, is part of the gifts of these small moments.
Our days, which are so full of work and thinking, of disappointments and confusion, must have moments when nothing much is happening, moments when we get no input, no videos, no opinions.
4. What do we know about the author
A. The author’s life was disturbed by the overuse of Twitter.
B. The author followed the friends’ advice without hestitation.
C. The author shared the same idea with other writers about Twitter.
D. The author’s interest in the information online drove him to check Twitter.
5. What does the underlined word “inconsequential” in paragraph 4 probably mean
A. Unforgettable. B. Unimportant. C. Tough. D. Boring.
6. What’s the author’s purpose of writing the text
A. To persuade readers to block Twitter.
B. To show the influence of social media.
C. To share an unexpected benefit of staying offline.
D To raise doubts about the promised effects of being offline.
7. What might be the best title for the text
A. Free up Small Moments B. No Twitter, No Trouble
C. Take a Moment to Reflect D. Small Changes, Big Differences
【答案】4. A 5. B 6. C 7. A
C
Behavioral scientists have long shown that setting a small resolution for a day’s work motivates teams and individuals as well. And so it is when building your life. I have one particular, very achievable commitment in mind that will help you become happier and improve your health and effectiveness: This year, start getting up early.
To rise before dawn sounds ascetic (苦行的). Modern neuroscience (神经科学) indicates that, painful as the practice can seem for people unaccustomed to it, this may be the right way to start the day for maximum human performance. Rising early is an especially effective resolution because it tends to enable the achievement of other goals. For example, new evidence suggests that rising early makes it easier to build good habits, because the goal-directed brain regions work better at this time than later in the day.
But what do you need to do to develop this habit The first part is going to bed early enough so that you can get sufficient sleep. This probably seems like an easy habit to keep, but for many young adults it isn’t. The problem is what psychologists call “revenge bedtime procrastination,” in which they stay up late as a form of resistance against their own inner authority.
One reason people struggle to rise early is because they aren’t required to do so. Even if you don’t have to start your work or studies early, you can still inspire yourself to get up by making a conscious commitment to accomplish something of value. In Meditations (沉思录), Marcus Aurelius writes that when you find yourself unwilling to rise in the morning, you should consider that it is to go about a man’s work that you are inspired to rise. So choose a deed that will stir (激发) you up.
Make your predawn the best moment in your day by expressing it in existential terms: The discomfort of rising early bears witness to your being truly alive. Spend that precious time without devices, so that you can explore deep thoughts about the big questions of life.
8. What is paragraph 2 mainly about
A. The benefits of getting up early. B. The reasons why people fail to rise early.
C. The historical origins of early rising. D. The impact of early rising on physical health.
9. Why do many young adults find it hard to sleep early according to paragraph 3
A. They have got adequate sleep. B. They work under a lot of stress.
C. They have an urge to avoid boredom. D. They want to escape their inner authority.
10. What can we learn from what Marcus Aurelius writes
A. Reading is key to waking up early. B. Philosophers value work over sleep.
C. Setting a goal motivates people to get up. D. Work schedules determine waking habits.
11. What does the author suggest in the last paragraph
A. Establishing a predawn routine. B. Praying before sunrise.
C. Sleeping less to feel alive. D. Finding inner peace.
【答案】8. A 9. D 10. C 11. A
D
In a breakthrough that could revolutionize energy transmission and computing, scientists announced the development of the world’s first room-temperature superconductor. This achievement promises to eliminate electrical resistance entirely, making power grids (电网) 100% efficient and enabling quantum (量子) computers to operate at scale.
Superconductivity, the ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance, was first observed in 1911. However, all known superconductors required extremely low temperatures or high pressures to function, limiting their practical use. The new material, a compound of hydrogen, sulfur, and carbon, achieves superconductivity at a mild 21℃ and ambient (环境的) pressure, an achievement once thought impossible.
The implications are profound. For energy systems, room-temperature superconductors could drastically reduce global energy waste. Currently, up to 10% of electricity is lost as heat during transmission. With superconductors, this loss would disappear, lowering energy demand and carbon emissions. In computing, the material could solve a major bottleneck in quantum computing: decoherence (退相干). Quantum bits lose their state rapidly at room temperature, but superconductors could stabilize them, leading to much faster quantum computers.
The research team spent five years experimenting with different compositions. They used a high-pressure diamond anvil cell to synthesize (合成) the compound, then gradually reduced the pressure. To their surprise, the material maintained its superconducting capabilities at normal atmospheric pressure. “This changes everything,” said lead researcher Dr. Elena Rodriguez. “Superconductivity can now be integrated into everyday technology.”
Despite the excitement, challenges remain. The new material is currently only produced in small, fragile samples, and scaling up production will require further innovation. Additionally, the compound contains highly reactive hydrogen, posing stability challenges. Researchers are working on modifying the material’s structure to address these issues, aiming to commercialize it within a decade.
As the scientific community builds on this discovery, the world watches closely. A room-temperature superconductor is not just a scientific achievement — it is a gateway to a more efficient, sustainable future.
12. What is the main advantage of the new superconductor
A. It can operate in normal conditions.
B. It is made of more common elements.
C. It is the first superconductor ever discovered.
D. It can conduct electricity with zero resistance.
13. How can the new superconductor benefit the environment
A. By reducing the need for quantum computers.
B. By making fossil fuel power plants out of date.
C. By reducing energy waste and carbon emissions.
D. By enabling more efficient recycling of materials.
14. What was a key step in the research
A. Using a new approach to create the compound.
B. Replacing hydrogen with a more stable element.
C. Cooling the material at extremely low temperatures.
D. Developing a cost-efficient type of quantum computer.
15. What does the author imply about the future of the technology
A. The scientific community is divided on its practical value.
B. There are still obstacles to overcome before it is widely used.
C. It will soon make quantum computing accessible to everyone.
D. It will replace all existing energy transmission systems immediately.
【答案】12. A 13. C 14. A 15. B
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Walking in the city is very different from walking in the park. A small psychology study suggests urban environments can slow your step and possibly increase your mental load. ____16____
It can ease your mind and quicken your pace. The findings show that natural settings may potentially reduce cognitive (认知的) tiredness and improve reaction time straight away. ____17____
The first of the two experiments in the new study focused on people’s way of walking and cognitive load. During this trial, participants were fitted with sensors and a dozen motion control cameras were set up to watch them repeatedly walk down a l5-metre room at their natural speed. The wall opposite them showed an image of either a nature scene or a city scene. ____18____ On the whole, when walking in city settings, people reported that they felt more uncomfortable and they walked at a slower pace, indicating a higher cognitive load.
____19____ In the trial, participants were asked to distinguish (区分) between basic visual shapes on the computer while also in the presence of a natural or urban image (the same ones from the first experiment).
Measuring reaction time in both natural and urban settings, the team found results to support their idea. In urban environments, participants were slower in distinguishing between simple shapes.
____20____ Our brains take longer to process. However, more research is needed to prove that idea.
A. Nature influences us in many ways.
B. A walk through nature does the opposite, though.
C. They said they couldn’t concentrate properly after walking.
D. After each, participants were asked to rate their discomfort.
E. The study includes two experiments with two different ways.
F. The second experiment dug into some higher-level cognitive processes.
G. The reason is that urban environments are more likely to take our attention away.
【答案】16. B 17. E 18. D 19. F 20. G
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和D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
One spring evening, I was extremely tired after a long day of school. I wished for ____21____ but I had to drag my heavy feet to the violin studio.
I was playing Moldau to Kate, my teacher. I simply couldn’t play with____22____, though. While I followed all the____23____ on the sheet music(乐谱), I still____24____ to make music describing spring with lively flowers sound like flowers dying bitter deaths. Kate____25____ attentively and then frowned (皱眉), asking me what the piece’s mood was. I stared at her, ____26____.
Pulling out paper and a pencil, she asked, “Can you____27____ an image of what you think a typical day in the forest during spring would look like ” Hesitantly, I started to let my ____28____ fly. Soon a scenic forest full of life was____29____ in my mind.
Minutes later, I completed my drawing. “Now, play the piece again with this ____30____ imagery (意) in your mind,” Kate said. I closed my eyes and began to play, with exceptional expression I had never done before.
As I____31____ the piece, there followed a short silence before Kate said, “That’s the best playing I’ve ever heard from you. ”Her eyes were____32____. “Who knew painting out the scenery would help you better interpret the____33____ Sometimes all we need is to use our creativity and try different methods when facing difficulties. ”
The____34____ violin lesson taught me more than just music. I also learned a valuable____35____ skill, which I applied to my daily life.
21. A. care B. relaxation C. freedom D. motivation
22. A. courage B. concern C. wisdom D. emotion
23. A. numbers B. standards C. notes D. words
24. A. failed B. desired C. managed D. offered
25. A. watched B. listened C. performed D. prayed
26. A. blankly B. angrily C. confidently D. gratefully
27. A. shoot B. type C. sculpt D. draw
28. A. personality B. imagination C. strategy D. curiosity
29. A. pictured B. replaced C. quitted D. explored
30. A. messy B. annoying C. vivid D. strange
31. A. wrapped up B. wrote down C. commented on D. gave up
32. A. shining B. narrowing C. aching D. rolling
33. A. painting B. spring C. music D. violin
34. A. inspiring B. confusing C. shameful D. adventurous
35. A. information-sorting B. problem-solving C. critical-thinking D. decision-making
【答案】21. B 22. D 23. C 24. C 25. B 26. A 27. D 28. B 29. A 30. C 31. A 32. A 33. C 34. A 35. B
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。
On September 3, 2025, a grand military parade (阅兵) ___36___ (hold) in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The parade, which attracted worldwide attention, was ___37___ display of China’s military strength. Over 10,000 officers and soldiers, along with hundreds of pieces of advanced ground equipment, took part in the parade along Chang’an Avenue. Newly formed military space, cyberspace and information support ___38___ (force) made their debuts (首次亮相), ___39___ (show) China’s determination in developing these advanced fields.
All the weapons and equipment on display were domestically made and ___40___ active service, many of ___41___ made their first appearance to the public. The nuclear missile phalanx was the highlight. Missiles like “DF-61” and “DF-31” showed the land-based ___42___ (strategy) nuclear troops. Although no detailed performance parameters (参数) were given, its “striking range covering the globe” made ___43___ a hot topic online.
International media widely covered the event, which was a clear ___44___ (indicate) that China has the ability and determination ____45____ (safeguard) national sovereignty (主权) and world peace. As China grows stronger, its contribution to world peace increases as well.
【答案】36. was held
37. a 38. forces
39. showing
40. in 41. which
42. strategic
43. it 44. indication
45. to safeguard
第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）
第一节（满分15分）
46. 假定你是李华，正在伦敦交流学习。你发现校图书馆的服务需要改进。请你用英语给图书馆管理员写一封信，提出你的建议。写作要点包括：
1.提出改进建议及理由（至少两点）；
2.表达期待。
注意：词数80左右；可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Librarian,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sincerely,
Li Hua
【答案】范文
Dear Librarian,
I am Li Hua, an exchange student from China. I am writing to offer some suggestions for improving the services at the school library, which I hope will enhance the experience for all users.
Firstly, I noticed that the library’s opening hours are quite limited, especially on weekends. Extending the hours until at least 8 PM on Saturdays and Sundays would greatly benefit students who have more free time to study during those days. Secondly, the current arrangement of books in the fiction section seems a bit chaotic. Organizing them alphabetically by authors’ last names would make it much easier for students to find the books they are looking for without wasting time.
I believe these small changes would make the library a more welcoming and efficient place for everyone.
Sincerely,
Li Hua
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。
Tomato Changed My Life
Doing things-without being planned was never my strength.
As a 14-year-old, I would refuse to go for walks around the block with my friends if I was the least bit behind in my schoolwork.
Unlike most teenagers, I lived not in my room, but in an unused kitchen upstairs where I spread my books and papers on a large round table. I spent considerable time there, working continuously for hours, and my mother worried. She would try to lure (引诱) me away. “Come and watch the parade!” she would call from downstairs. “All neighbors are out there!” She thought of all kinds of tricks-the swimming pool, ice cream, stray cats and turtles-to remove me from my -studies, but nothing ever worked.
Later, in college, the pattern continued. The library and my college dorm replaced the unused kitchen at home. When spring came along friends would stop by my dorm or peer into my library room to persuade me to play Frisbee on the lawn. “No, I would almost always say.” I have too much to do.
My college study days were gone, but not my need and love for schedules. My friends and sisters tried to keep me away from my plans, but they were hardly ever successful.
This summer, though, while house sitting for my parents, I was persuaded to change my plans in the most unexpected way. The sight of tomatoes growing in my mother’s garden lured me out of my tightly scheduled world. They drew me with the power of a lover’s gaze. Hundreds of them were turning ripe and red by the minute, decorating the garden like decorations on a Christmas tree.
“If I have time, I’ll make tomato sauce (番茄酱).” I told myself. But my long week in the house by myself was already filled with things to do: writing, and finishing a project that I brought home from the office.
Then, watching the fascinating tomatoes continuously falling to the ground in ever-greater numbers, again I mentally argued about all the things I had planned and needed to do.
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。
Finally, I gave in.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A month later, my parents came back.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
【答案】Finally, I gave in. I picked up the recipe that I had copied down from a friend. “Prepare a little bit of water with garlic and onions. Add…,” it read. I scarched for 20 minutes in the kitchen cabinet and pulled out a huge white china pot. I washed the tomatoes, cutting away sections that were spoiled, and sliced and threw them into the pot. I swayed the watery mixture as if I were washing gold. Meanwhile, turning on the stereo, I sang along with Billy Joel and reviewed a step I’d picked up in my swing-dance class.
A month later, my parents came back. They found a daughter who had discovered the beauty of flexibility. I shared stories of my tomato adventures, and we laughed together. My mom, the same woman who used to try and lure me away from my books, now shared in my newfound passion for the kitchen. As I stood in the kitchen, surrounded by the rich flavour of tomato sauce, I realized the importance of allowing life to surprise us. Those tomatoes had taught me a valuable lesson: balance in life is not just about sticking to schedules and plans; it’s also about embracing the unexpected, reminding me that there’s a world of joy beyond the limitations of a strict schedule.
2025—2026学年上学期高三期中Ⅰ考试英语科试卷
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。
例：How much is the shirt A. 19.15. B. 9.18. C. 9.15. 答案是C。
1. What did the man ask for just now
A. A remote. B. A computer. C. A projector.
2. What will the speakers do next
A. Open the windows. B. Leave the building. C. Stay indoors.
3. Where will the speakers meet
A. At the meeting room. B. At the man’s house. C. At a cafe.
4. What does the woman mean
A. She is good at dancing.
B. She hosted a dance party on Christmas.
C. All of her family are singers.
5. What are the speakers discussing
A. Who is in the entrance hall.
B. Why the entrance hall is packed.
C. What film is shown in the entrance hall.
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. When will the woman arrive in Nice
A. In the morning. B. Around noon. C. In the evening.
7. What will the woman do next
A. Pay the bill. B. Access the Internet. C. Catch a train.
听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。
8. How will the man improve his essay
A. Simplify his ideas. B. Change his arguments. C. Strengthen his arguments.
9. What does the woman suggest the man do
A. Keep his mind clear. B. Ask his classmates for help. C. Check the library for resources.
听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。
10. What did Harry think of having a credit card
A. Useful. B. Expensive. C. Unnecessary.
11. What did the bank clerk promise Harry
A. A low interest rate. B. A student special. C. A high credit limit.
12. What will the woman probably do next
A. Contact the bank. B. Write a letter. C. Read the terms.
听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。
13. What is probably the man
A. A teacher. B. A journalist. C. An athlete.
14. Why does Chelsea say missing classes is bad for her
A. It risks her place on the team. B. It breaks school rules. C. It may cause envy.
15. What did Chelsea do in her first year at college
A. She often took sick leave. B. She aimed for straight A’s. C. She taught herself to keep up.
16. What change has Chelsea’s choice brought her
A. It has made her more driven. B. It has improved her social life. C. It has enhanced her team spirit.
听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。
17. What has the zoo recently done
A. It has expanded its grounds. B. It has built more parking lots. C. It has introduced new regulations.
18. Why did the zoo give up the dog-walking area
A. There was not enough space.
B. It should prioritize wild animals.
C. Dogs would be scared by other animals.
19. What animal may be the most popular at the zoo
A. The lion. B. The bear. C. The kangaroo.
20. What can visitors get for a fee of five dollars
A. A guided tour of the zoo. B. A picture taken with Frisbee. C. Admission to the exhibition center.
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和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
A
Come and see the Snowman
Experience the magic of The Snowman in a whole new way this Christmas. Carrot Performers are the world’s most experienced performers of The Snowman film. They are delighted to be touring with their Christmas show again this December. The show will feature a live orchestra. Following this there will be one of two exclusive (独家的) films:
A Donkey’s Tale
Set amidst the wild landscape of Connemara in the west of Ireland, it tells the heartwarming story of Dillon, an ordinary donkey with an extraordinary dream that takes him on a journey that will change his life.
The Bear and the Piano
This beautiful tale of music was first brought to the big screen in 2017. With music played live by a professional orchestra, and a narration (旁白) recorded by superstar Joanna Lumley, this creation is a family favorite for the next generation.
● For CHESTER performances, please telephone: 01244 500959
● For WINCHESTER performances, please telephone: 01962 857275
● For all other performances, please telephone: 0344 8000 410
Tour dates & ticket prices
● Chester Cathedral (+A Donkey’s Tale) 25/12 2:00 pm
Center seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 15; Adult 21
Restricted view: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 9; Adult 15
● Winchester Cathedral (+The Bear and the Piano) 26/12 5:00 pm
General Tickets: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 16; Adult 19
Theatre Card Members: 16
● Beverley Minster (+The Bear and the Piano) 27/12 6:00 pm
Center seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 15; Adult 20
Rear seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 12; Adult 18
● Durham Cathedral (+A Donkey’s Tale) 28/12 7:00 pm
Front seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 16; Adult 20
Rear seats: Child (18 Months to 17 Years) 11; Adult 16
1. What do we know about The Snowman tour
A. You can see three films with one ticket. B. Joanna Lumley narrates A Donkey’s Tale.
C. It’s played live by professional performers. D. It’s the first show of The Bear and the Piano.
2. Which number should you call for the show at Durham Cathedral
A. 01244 500959. B. 01962 500959. C. 01962 857275. D. 0344 8000 410.
3. Where can you get a better ticket price with a membership card
A. At Chester Cathedral. B. At Winchester Cathedral.
C. At Beverley Minster. D. At Durham Cathedral.
【答案】1. C 2. D 3. B
B
There’re lots of articles in which writers like me leave social media and report on how their lives have transformed. I swore I wouldn’t add to it. But here I am, writing about it. And I’m doing so because it didn’t change my life in quite the way that I expected or many of these essays promised it would.
I genuinely enjoyed Twitter. The problem was that I loved it a little too much. I’d find myself checking it when I should be working, running late to my daughters’ school events because I tried to fit in a quick glance or staying up far too late surfing vast oceans of information, tired and barely interested but unable to resist it.
In November, my friends encouraged me to drop my Twitter habit, at least for a little while. My life was overfull, and this was something I could cut out. I followed, though hesitantly and with a little bit of unwillingness, because I trust my friends and their wisdom.
I went from being on it nearly every day to being off it for two months now. Being offline didn’t make my life that joyful. But there is one way that leaving Twitter has benefited my life and my mind. The times when I checked Twitter were often the transition points in my day: when I waited in line or to pick up my kids from school. Freeing up those seemingly inconsequential moments has been transformative. These moments are nothing I really considered before and I even didn’t notice their departure when I began going online. Leaving them unfilled has changed how I walk through time. I may wave to a neighbor; I may feel gratitude or delight. I may notice that I feel tired or lonely. But this, too, is part of the gifts of these small moments.
Our days, which are so full of work and thinking, of disappointments and confusion, must have moments when nothing much is happening, moments when we get no input, no videos, no opinions.
4. What do we know about the author
A. The author’s life was disturbed by the overuse of Twitter.
B. The author followed the friends’ advice without hestitation.
C. The author shared the same idea with other writers about Twitter.
D. The author’s interest in the information online drove him to check Twitter.
5. What does the underlined word “inconsequential” in paragraph 4 probably mean
A. Unforgettable. B. Unimportant. C. Tough. D. Boring.
6. What’s the author’s purpose of writing the text
A. To persuade readers to block Twitter.
B. To show the influence of social media.
C. To share an unexpected benefit of staying offline.
D To raise doubts about the promised effects of being offline.
7. What might be the best title for the text
A. Free up Small Moments B. No Twitter, No Trouble
C. Take a Moment to Reflect D. Small Changes, Big Differences
【答案】4. A 5. B 6. C 7. A
C
Behavioral scientists have long shown that setting a small resolution for a day’s work motivates teams and individuals as well. And so it is when building your life. I have one particular, very achievable commitment in mind that will help you become happier and improve your health and effectiveness: This year, start getting up early.
To rise before dawn sounds ascetic (苦行的). Modern neuroscience (神经科学) indicates that, painful as the practice can seem for people unaccustomed to it, this may be the right way to start the day for maximum human performance. Rising early is an especially effective resolution because it tends to enable the achievement of other goals. For example, new evidence suggests that rising early makes it easier to build good habits, because the goal-directed brain regions work better at this time than later in the day.
But what do you need to do to develop this habit The first part is going to bed early enough so that you can get sufficient sleep. This probably seems like an easy habit to keep, but for many young adults it isn’t. The problem is what psychologists call “revenge bedtime procrastination,” in which they stay up late as a form of resistance against their own inner authority.
One reason people struggle to rise early is because they aren’t required to do so. Even if you don’t have to start your work or studies early, you can still inspire yourself to get up by making a conscious commitment to accomplish something of value. In Meditations (沉思录), Marcus Aurelius writes that when you find yourself unwilling to rise in the morning, you should consider that it is to go about a man’s work that you are inspired to rise. So choose a deed that will stir (激发) you up.
Make your predawn the best moment in your day by expressing it in existential terms: The discomfort of rising early bears witness to your being truly alive. Spend that precious time without devices, so that you can explore deep thoughts about the big questions of life.
8. What is paragraph 2 mainly about
A. The benefits of getting up early. B. The reasons why people fail to rise early.
C. The historical origins of early rising. D. The impact of early rising on physical health.
9. Why do many young adults find it hard to sleep early according to paragraph 3
A. They have got adequate sleep. B. They work under a lot of stress.
C. They have an urge to avoid boredom. D. They want to escape their inner authority.
10. What can we learn from what Marcus Aurelius writes
A. Reading is key to waking up early. B. Philosophers value work over sleep.
C. Setting a goal motivates people to get up. D. Work schedules determine waking habits.
11. What does the author suggest in the last paragraph
A. Establishing a predawn routine. B. Praying before sunrise.
C. Sleeping less to feel alive. D. Finding inner peace.
【答案】8. A 9. D 10. C 11. A
D
In a breakthrough that could revolutionize energy transmission and computing, scientists announced the development of the world’s first room-temperature superconductor. This achievement promises to eliminate electrical resistance entirely, making power grids (电网) 100% efficient and enabling quantum (量子) computers to operate at scale.
Superconductivity, the ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance, was first observed in 1911. However, all known superconductors required extremely low temperatures or high pressures to function, limiting their practical use. The new material, a compound of hydrogen, sulfur, and carbon, achieves superconductivity at a mild 21℃ and ambient (环境的) pressure, an achievement once thought impossible.
The implications are profound. For energy systems, room-temperature superconductors could drastically reduce global energy waste. Currently, up to 10% of electricity is lost as heat during transmission. With superconductors, this loss would disappear, lowering energy demand and carbon emissions. In computing, the material could solve a major bottleneck in quantum computing: decoherence (退相干). Quantum bits lose their state rapidly at room temperature, but superconductors could stabilize them, leading to much faster quantum computers.
The research te