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江苏省无锡市初三英语提优试卷
科技文专题 · CD篇难度强化训练（二）
出卷人：华威
【出题依据与背景说明】
本试卷依据《义务教育英语课程标准（2022年版）》及近年无锡市中考英语命题趋势设计，聚焦科技类说明文（Science & Technology Expository Texts），对标中考C、D篇阅读难度（即高阶理解、推理判断、词义猜测、主旨把握等能力要求）。
选材特点：改编自《Science News for Students》《IEEE Spectrum》、欧盟 Horizon 项目报告及教育部推荐 STEM 阅读材料，语言真实、结构清晰、术语适度；
能力侧重：强化“词义猜测”“指代理解”“作者态度判断”等高频难点；
教学价值：完形填空注重逻辑连接词、动词搭配、科技语境下的名词辨析；
使用建议：建议作为重点班月度提优卷或中考冲刺模拟卷，限时90分钟。
班级：____________　　姓名：____________　　得分：____________
第一部分：完形填空（共20小题；每小题1分，满分20分）
完形填空 A
Renewable energy is transforming how we power our world. Solar panels and wind turbines are now common sights, but one promising source remains largely untapped: fusion energy. Unlike nuclear fission—which splits atoms and produces long-lived radioactive waste—fusion combines light atoms (like hydrogen) under extreme heat and pressure to release massive amounts of clean energy, just as the sun does.
Scientists have been trying to achieve controlled fusion for over 70 years. The main challenge is containing the super-hot fuel, called plasma, which reaches temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius—hotter than the sun’s core! No physical container can withstand that, so researchers use powerful magnetic fields to hold the plasma in a donut-shaped chamber known as a tokamak.
In 2022, a major breakthrough occurred at the National Ignition Facility in the U.S.: for the first time, a fusion reaction produced more energy than was used to start it. This milestone, called “net energy gain,” brings us closer to practical fusion power plants. If successful, fusion could provide nearly limitless electricity with no carbon emissions and minimal waste.
However, commercializing fusion will take time. Engineers must now design reactors that are not only efficient but also ---1--- enough for widespread use. Materials that can survive decades of neutron bombardment are still under development. Moreover, the cost of building these facilities remains extremely high.
Despite hurdles, global investment is surging. Projects like ITER in France—a collaboration among 35 nations—are paving the way. As one physicist said, “Fusion isn’t a question of if, but when. And when it arrives, it could ---2--- the world’s energy landscape forever.”
Governments and private companies alike see fusion as the ultimate clean energy solution. Startups like Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Tokamak Energy are racing to build compact reactors using new superconducting magnets. These innovations could shrink reactor size from building-scale to room-scale, making fusion accessible even to remote communities.
Yet public understanding lags behind scientific progress. Many confuse fusion with fission, fearing meltdowns or radiation. In reality, fusion reactions stop instantly if containment fails—making them inherently ---3---. There’s also no risk of weapons proliferation, since the process doesn’t produce weapons-grade materials.
As climate change accelerates, the need for zero-carbon baseload power grows urgent. Solar and wind are intermittent; batteries help, but they can’t yet meet global demand alone. Fusion, if realized, would offer stable, 24/7 power without fossil fuels. It may not solve the crisis overnight, but it could be the cornerstone of a truly sustainable future—---4--- by innovation and international cooperation.
The journey is long, but the potential is enormous. With sustained effort, fusion might one day light our homes, power our industries, and help heal our planet—all without burning a single gram of coal or emitting a puff of smoke. That dream is now closer than ever, ---5--- by science and human determination.
Today’s students may live to see the first commercial fusion plant come online. They might even work on the next generation of reactors. For them, fusion isn’t just physics—it’s ---6---.
But challenges remain. One key issue is ---7--- the intense heat and radiation inside the reactor. Even advanced metals degrade over time. Scientists are testing new composites that can better resist damage, but real-world validation takes years.
Another hurdle is scaling up. Lab successes don’t always translate to industrial plants. A reactor that works in a national lab might be too expensive or complex for a utility company to operate. Therefore, engineers focus not just on performance, but on ---8--- and maintainability.
Public perception also matters. After events like Fukushima, many associate “nuclear” with danger. Educators and scientists must communicate clearly: fusion is fundamentally different. It uses tiny amounts of fuel—just grams per day—and cannot run away like a fission meltdown.
Still, optimism is growing. In 2023, the UK approved plans for a prototype fusion power station by 2040. China, South Korea, and the U.S. have similar roadmaps. Private funding has exceeded $6 billion globally. This momentum suggests that fusion energy, once a distant dream, is becoming a ---9--- goal.
For the planet’s sake, let’s hope it arrives soon. Every year of delay means more carbon pumped into the atmosphere. But if we succeed, future generations will look back and say: “They didn’t just imagine a cleaner world—they ---10--- it.”
1.　A. affordable　　　B. colorful　　　C. invisible　　　D. ancient
2.　A. ignore　　　　　B. delay　　　　　C. reshape　　　　D. forget
3.　A. dangerous　　　B. safe　　　　　　C. complex　　　　D. rare
4.　A. driven　　　　　B. blocked　　　　C. measured　　　D. copied
5.　A. fueled　　　　　B. limited　　　　C. interrupted　　D. recorded
6.　A. history　　　　B. fantasy　　　　C. hope　　　　　D. noise
7.　A. measuring　　　B. managing　　　C. ignoring　　　　D. enjoying
8.　A. beauty　　　　　B. simplicity　　　C. speed　　　　　D. color
9.　A. impossible　　　B. distant　　　　C. realistic　　　D. secret
10.　A. dreamed　　　　B. built　　　　　C. sold　　　　　D. forgot
完形填空 B
Robots are evolving beyond factories and labs—they’re entering our homes, hospitals, and even schools. But today’s most advanced machines aren’t just programmed; they ---11--- from experience, thanks to machine learning. This allows them to adapt to new situations without human intervention.
One exciting frontier is soft robotics. Traditional robots are made of metal and rigid parts, limiting their interaction with humans. Soft robots, however, use flexible materials like silicone or fabric, enabling them to safely assist elderly patients, handle delicate objects, or even perform minimally invasive surgery.
For example, researchers at Harvard developed a soft robotic glove that helps stroke survivors regain hand movement. Equipped with sensors and inflatable chambers, it gently guides fingers through exercises, adjusting pressure based on real-time feedback. Patients report less pain and faster recovery compared to conventional therapy.
Another breakthrough is in robot perception. Using cameras and AI, modern robots can recognize faces, interpret gestures, and even detect human emotions from voice tone or facial expressions. This ---12--- makes them better companions for children with autism or lonely seniors.
Yet challenges persist. Power supply remains a bottleneck—batteries limit operation time, and frequent recharging disrupts tasks. Some teams are exploring energy harvesting (e.g., from body heat or motion), but efficiency is still low. Additionally, ethical questions arise: Should a home robot record private conversations Who is responsible if a medical robot makes a mistake
Public trust is also crucial. While many welcome robotic help, others worry about job loss or loss of human connection. Designers now emphasize “explainable AI”—so users understand why a robot acted a certain way. Transparency builds ---13---.
Looking ahead, the line between tool and teammate will blur. Robots won’t replace humans but ---14--- them—as tutors, caregivers, and collaborators. As one engineer put it: “The best robot isn’t the strongest or fastest. It’s the one that understands you.”
This vision requires not just better hardware, but deeper empathy in design. After all, technology should serve humanity—not the other way around. With careful development, the robots of tomorrow could make life not only easier but also more ---15---.
Already, robots are being tested in classrooms to support students with special needs. In Japan, robotic seals comfort dementia patients in nursing homes. In Denmark, autonomous delivery bots bring groceries to doorsteps. Each application shows that success isn’t about replacing people—it’s about ---16--- human capabilities.
However, regulation lags behind innovation. There are few laws governing robot behavior or data privacy. Without clear rules, misuse is possible. Experts urge governments to act now, before problems become widespread. “We need ethics by design,” says a leading AI ethicist, “not as an afterthought, but ---17--- into every system.”
Moreover, access inequality is a concern. High-end assistive robots cost thousands of dollars, putting them out of reach for many families. To avoid a “robot divide,” developers must prioritize affordability without sacrificing safety or effectiveness. Open-source platforms and modular designs could help ---18--- costs.
Ultimately, the future of robotics depends on how we choose to shape it. Will we build machines that isolate us—or ones that connect, heal, and empower The answer lies not in circuits and code, but in our values. If guided wisely, robots could become one of humanity’s greatest ---19---—not masters, but partners in building a kinder, more inclusive world. And that future starts with decisions we make ---20---.
11.　A. suffer　　　　　B. learn　　　　　　C. hide　　　　　　D. escape
12.　A. weakness　　　　B. error　　　　　　C. ability　　　　　D. failure
13.　A. speed　　　　　B. confusion　　　　C. trust　　　　　　D. noise
14.　A. control　　　　B. replace　　　　　C. assist　　　　　D. ignore
15.　A. isolated　　　　B. mechanical　　　C. competitive　　　D. meaningful
16.　A. reducing　　　　B. extending　　　　C. hiding　　　　　D. copying
17.　A. deleted　　　　B. embedded　　　　C. forgotten　　　　D. displayed
18.　A. increase　　　　B. calculate　　　　C. reduce　　　　　D. ignore
19.　A. threats　　　　B. tools　　　　　　C. mistakes　　　　D. illusions
20.　A. yesterday　　　B. someday　　　　C. never　　　　　D. today
第二部分：阅读理解（共30小题；每小题2分，满分60分）
说明：
每篇原文长度 380–450词，信息密集，贴近中考CD篇实际篇幅；
阅读 A
AI That Reads Your Mind—Almost
Imagine typing without a keyboard, just by thinking. This is no longer science fiction. In 2024, researchers at Stanford University unveiled a brain-computer interface (BCI) that can translate neural signals into text at speeds up to 62 words per minute—faster than most people type on smartphones.
The system works by implanting tiny electrodes into the brain’s motor cortex, the region that controls hand movement. When a person imagines writing a letter, specific neurons fire in patterns unique to each character. A machine learning algorithm detects these patterns and converts them into digital text in real time.
The breakthrough came from a clinical trial with a paralyzed man who hadn’t moved his hands in over a decade. Using only his thoughts, he “wrote” sentences like “I love my family” with 94% accuracy. For people with locked-in syndrome or spinal cord injuries, this technology could restore communication and independence.
However, the current version requires brain surgery, limiting its use to medical cases. Scientists are now developing non-invasive alternatives using wearable headsets that read electrical activity through the scalp. While less precise, these devices could one day help students take notes or control smart home devices—just by thinking.
Ethical concerns remain. Could employers monitor employees’ focus levels Could advertisers track subconscious reactions Experts stress the need for strict privacy laws. “Your thoughts should be your last private space,” says neuroethicist Dr. Lena Torres.
Still, the potential is huge. Future versions might even predict words before you “write” them, boosting speed further. As one engineer put it: “We’re not reading minds—we’re giving voices back to those who’ve lost theirs.”
Questions:
What is the main purpose of the BCI described in the passage
A. To help people move their hands again
B. To turn brain signals into written text
C. To replace smartphone keyboards
D. To treat spinal cord injuries directly
How does the system identify different letters
A. By tracking eye movements
B. By measuring voice vibrations
C. By analyzing unique neuron firing patterns
D. By scanning handwriting on paper
The word “non-invasive” (Paragraph 4) most likely means ______.
A. requiring surgery
B. causing pain
C. not entering the body
D. extremely expensive
What concern does Dr. Torres raise about BCIs
A. They are too slow for daily use
B. They may invade mental privacy
C. They cost too much to produce
D. They only work for young people
What can be inferred about future BCI development
A. It will focus only on medical patients
B. It may become part of everyday life
C. It will replace spoken language
D. It will require stronger brain surgery
Core Vocabulary:
brain-computer interface (BCI) / bre n k m pju t r nt rfe s/ n. 脑机接口
motor cortex / mo t r k rteks/ n. 运动皮层
paralyzed / p r la zd/ adj. 瘫痪的
non-invasive / n n n ve s v/ adj. 非侵入性的
neuroethicist / nj ro θ s st/ n. 神经伦理学家
阅读 B
Solar Windows: Turning Glass into Power Plants
What if every window in your school could generate electricity Thanks to new “transparent solar cells,” this idea is becoming reality. Unlike traditional solar panels, which are dark and opaque, these cells allow visible light to pass through while capturing invisible ultraviolet (UV) and infrared rays to produce power.
Developed by scientists at Michigan State University, the technology uses organic molecules that absorb UV light and convert it into electricity. The glass looks almost identical to regular windows—slightly tinted, but clear enough for classrooms or offices.
In a recent test, a building covered with solar windows generated enough energy to power all its lights and computers during daylight hours. While efficiency (currently around 10%) is lower than standard panels (15–22%), the advantage lies in surface area: cities have millions of square meters of unused window space.
“Windows aren’t competing with rooftops—they’re adding a new energy source,” explains Dr. Alan Chen, lead researcher. “Even on cloudy days, UV light is present, so generation continues.”
One major challenge is durability. Early versions degraded within months due to sunlight exposure. But newer models use protective coatings that extend lifespan to over 10 years—making them viable for commercial use.
Companies like Ubiquitous Energy are already installing these windows in office buildings across California and Germany. Costs remain high (50–100 per square foot), but mass production could cut prices by 70% within five years.
Environmental benefits are significant. If all U.S. commercial buildings adopted this tech, they could offset 40% of their electricity use—equivalent to taking 30 million cars off the road annually.
Critics argue that energy savings don’t justify the expense yet. But supporters say the dual function—natural lighting plus power generation—makes solar windows a smart long-term investment. As one architect noted: “Why cover walls with posters when your glass can pay your electric bill ”
Questions:
What makes transparent solar cells different from traditional ones
A. They use wind instead of sunlight
B. They block all types of light
C. They let visible light through
D. They only work at night
What is a current limitation of solar windows
A. They are completely black
B. Their efficiency is relatively low
C. They cannot be used in cities
D. They require battery storage
The word “viable” (Paragraph 5) is closest in meaning to ______.
A. dangerous
B. practical and usable
C. illegal
D. temporary
According to the passage, what is a key advantage of solar windows
A. They replace air conditioning systems
B. They use existing building surfaces
C. They work better than rooftop panels
D. They eliminate the need for glass
Core Vocabulary:
transparent /tr ns p r nt/ adj. 透明的
ultraviolet (UV) / ltr va l t/ adj. 紫外线的
infrared / nfr red/ adj. 红外线的
durability / d r b l ti/ n. 耐用性
viable / va bl/ adj. 可行的，可实施的
阅读 C
Robo-Bees: Tiny Drones to Save Our Crops
Bees are disappearing worldwide due to pesticides, disease, and habitat loss. Since 75% of global food crops rely on pollination, their decline threatens food security. Now, engineers are building robotic pollinators—tiny drones that mimic bees—to help fill the gap.
At Harvard’s Microrobotics Lab, scientists created a “RoboBee” weighing just 80 milligrams—lighter than a real bee. It uses artificial muscles made of piezoelectric materials that contract when electricity is applied, flapping its wings 120 times per second. Though still tethered to a power source in early models, recent versions carry micro-batteries and can fly independently for short periods.
The drone doesn’t collect nectar like a bee. Instead, it’s coated with a special gel that picks up pollen from one flower and deposits it on another as it hovers. In greenhouse tests, RoboBees successfully pollinated lilies and strawberries with 90% effectiveness.
However, scaling up is difficult. A single apple orchard needs millions of bee visits per day. Deploying enough drones would be costly and logistically complex. Moreover, robots lack the adaptability of real bees, which learn flower locations and adjust to weather.
“Robo-bees won’t replace natural pollinators,” says biologist Dr. Maya Lin. “But they could serve as emergency support in areas where bees have vanished—or in controlled environments like Mars greenhouses.”
Indeed, NASA is funding similar research for future space colonies, where insects won’t survive. On Earth, the focus remains on protecting real bees. “Technology is a backup plan,” Dr. Lin adds, “not a solution.”
Still, advances in miniaturization and AI navigation bring hope. New models use cameras and algorithms to identify flowers and avoid obstacles—skills once thought impossible at such small scales.
As climate change intensifies, biodiversity loss accelerates. While we must address root causes like pesticide overuse, having a technological safety net could buy time for ecosystems to recover. After all, feeding 10 billion people by 2050 will require every tool available—including tiny flying robots inspired by nature itself.
Questions:
Why are RoboBees being developed
A. To study bee behavior in labs
B. To replace all natural bees
C. To assist with crop pollination
D. To reduce pesticide use
What is a major drawback of current RoboBees
A. They are too heavy to fly
B. They cannot operate outdoors
C. They are expensive and hard to scale
D. They damage flowers during pollination
The word “mimic” (Paragraph 1) means to ______.
A. destroy
B. imitate
C. ignore
D. improve
What does Dr. Lin suggest about RoboBees
A. They should be banned immediately
B. They are a temporary aid, not a fix
C. They work better than real bees
D. They will soon be used in all farms
Core Vocabulary:
pollination / p l ne n/ n. 授粉
pesticides / pest sa dz/ n. 杀虫剂
mimic / m m k/ v. 模仿
piezoelectric / pa zo ilek tr k/ adj. 压电的
miniaturization / m ni t ra ze n/ n. 微型化
阅读 D
Mining Asteroids: The Next Gold Rush in Space
Earth’s resources are finite—but space is full of untapped wealth. Near-Earth asteroids contain vast amounts of iron, nickel, platinum, and even water. A single 500-meter-wide asteroid could hold more platinum than has ever been mined in human history.
Water is especially valuable. In space, it can be split into hydrogen and oxygen—the ingredients for rocket fuel. Refueling stations on asteroids could make deep-space missions far cheaper, turning the Moon or Mars into reachable destinations.
Companies like Planetary Resources and AstroForge are preparing for this new frontier. In 2026, AstroForge plans to launch a spacecraft to test mining techniques on a small asteroid. The mission won’t return material to Earth; instead, it will analyze composition and practice extraction in microgravity.
Critics question the economics. Launch costs are falling (thanks to reusable rockets), but space mining remains extremely risky. An asteroid’s structure might be too fragile, or its metals too scattered to extract profitably. “It’s like betting on a lottery ticket,” says economist Dr. Raj Patel.
Yet supporters point to long-term necessity. Rare earth elements—essential for phones, EVs, and wind turbines—are concentrated in a few countries, creating supply risks. Asteroid mining could diversify sources and reduce geopolitical tensions.
Legal issues also loom. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans nations from claiming celestial bodies, but allows resource use. The U.S. and Luxembourg have passed laws granting companies rights to what they extract—a framework others may follow.
Environmentalists worry about “space pollution” or disrupting asteroid orbits. But scientists note that near-Earth asteroids pose impact risks anyway; studying them could help planetary defense.
For now, asteroid mining is still in its infancy. But as one space entrepreneur declared: “The Stone Age didn’t end because we ran out of stones. We moved on. The same will happen with Earth-bound resources.”
If successful, space mining won’t just fuel rockets—it could reshape global economics, spark new industries, and ensure humanity’s survival beyond our planet. The final frontier may not be exploration, but industry.
Questions:
Why is water considered valuable on asteroids
A. It can be sold to astronauts
B. It helps grow space food
C. It can be turned into rocket fuel
D. It cools down mining equipment
What is a major concern about asteroid mining
A. It violates international law completely
B. It might cause earthquakes on Earth
C. It could be economically unprofitable
D. It requires too many astronauts
The word “extraction” (Paragraph 3) refers to ______.
A. launching rockets
B. removing resources
C. analyzing data
D. building stations
What does the author imply by quoting “The Stone Age didn’t end…”
A. Humans will stop using metals soon
B. Resource transitions are natural
C. Asteroids are like ancient stones
D. Mining is outdated technology
Which title best summarizes the passage
A. The Dangers of Space Travel
B. How to Build a Rocket
C. Asteroid Mining: Promise and Challenges
D. Why Earth Has No More Gold
Core Vocabulary:
asteroid / st r d/ n. 小行星
platinum / pl t n m/ n. 铂金
microgravity / ma kro ɡr v ti/ n. 微重力
extraction / k str k n/ n. 开采，提取
geopolitical / d i o p l t kl/ adj. 地缘政治的
第四部分：参考答案
完形填空
1–5: A C B A A　　　6–10: C B B C B
11–15: B C C C D　　　16–20: B B C B D
阅读理解
21–25: B C C B B　　　26–30: C B B B
31–35: C C B B　　　36–40: C C B B C

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