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2026届最新高考模拟三轮冲刺卷 阅读理解 七选五之
议论文、记叙文训练
(1)
I vividly remember the process of moving in for the first time: stuffing clothes, comfort items, and pieces of my childhood into various bags and boxes. It was a whirlwind (旋风) of excitement. 1 What would it be like living at college Would I get along with my roommate How would I make friends with complete strangers
2 I had always felt like I struggled more than others to find “my people.” In high school, I had a few close friends, but it always seemed like everyone else had these big, inseparable friend groups that did everything together. I wanted that, and the sense of belonging, too.
Like many, I was attracted by the first people I met in college. 3 We lived next to each other, ate together, and stayed up late together. They were my early friend group, and they brought laughter, growth, and memories — both positive and negative. Those highs and lows taught me an important lesson: Not every friendship is meant to last, and that’s okay.
Your friendships don’t just impact your social life — they affect your motivation, your academics, and, among other things, your sense of self. I have found it valuable to surround myself with people who share my values to keep me grounded. 4 College is one of the few places in life where you’re surrounded by people from vastly different backgrounds and experiences. Keeping an open mind is just as important as finding common ground.
College can be, and probably will be, chaotic. People come and go. You’ll probably cry over friendships that didn’t work out. 5 That’s all part of the process. Over time, you will find your people.
A. They’re part of your story.
B. But it was also filled with uncertainty.
C. I wouldn’t trade my friendship for anything.
D. They mostly so happened to be the people on my floor.
E. That said, don’t limit yourself to just those who are like you.
F. You may smile at memories with people no longer close with.
G. Of all the unknowns, the last question consumed me the most.
(2)
A heart-stopping rescue mission unfolded in Herber-Overgaard, Arizona, when a mare (母马) and her baby became trapped in a dangerously drying mud hole. 1
The rescue began with a call from a group of photographers who had been visiting the area to photograph the famous Heber Wild Horses. They contacted Friends of the Heber Wild Horses (FWHW) for guidance on the best places to see the herds. 2 FWHW had been monitoring the area closely and had even offered to deliver water to prevent emergencies like this one — permits from the Forest Service are required for such efforts.
Shortly after noon, an urgent message came through: “Help Horse trapped in mud.” Without hesitation, volunteers sprang into action, gathering ropes and enlisting the help of a neighbor. When they arrived, a local couple were already working alongside the photographers. 3 Over the course of more than an hour, they worked tirelessly to do the saving job. The baby horse waited anxiously on the bank, calling out to her mother. The rescue team worked cautiously, letting the mare rest between attempts. 4 Although shaky on her feet, she managed to stand and rejoin her baby. Together, the pair walked off into the forest-safe at last.
5 “We deeply admire the level of communication, cooperation, and determination that went into this rescue.” the organization wrote. They have since notified the Forest Service to address the dangerous condition of the mud hole to prevent future incidents.
A. Ultimately, they got her safely out.
B. Their heroism showed teamwork works miracles.
C. They freed the baby first, then worked to rescue the mare.
D. A photographer kept going back into the mud to fix the rope.
E. Thanks to quick action, both horses are now safely wild again.
F. At a suggested site, a dried tank had become a deadly mud trap.
G. FWHW thanked everyone for the teamwork that saved the horses.
(3)
No More Chicken Wings, Please!
Could I eat another bite I scanned the passenger seat of my car, piled with takeaway chicken wings. Being overfull was a familiar feeling as a food critic, but maybe I’d simply reached the end of the road.
Six years earlier, I’d been thrilled to land this job. Driving hundreds of miles weekly, I sometimes ate out 4-5 times a day as I pursued stories, unearthing under-the-radar places, dishes and people. 1 “Wait! You get paid to eat What a hard life! You have my dream job,” they’d say.
Outwardly, it was a dream, and complaining seemed ungracious. So, I rarely told anyone that the work was not all peaches and cream. I rushed from plate to plate, deadline to deadline, postponing medical appointments. 2 “I’d like to see that number a little lower,” said my doctor as she studied my soaring cholesterol. “I know, but I can’t control what I eat,” I told her.
Some food writers had mastered the art of taking one bite of everything, but I’d finish dishes I loved. I watched my weight tick upward, and workouts had minimal effect. The occasional case of food poisoning was a job hazard, yet long-term over consumption took the real toll. One day, my doctor squinted at the screen. “Well,” she warned. “it looks like you’re pre-diabetic.” 3 I processed this news while tucking into fish tacos down the street. I couldn’t just not eat the tacos, could I I hung on for another year but started daydreaming about home cooking. 4
“My time at the paper has come to an end,” I told my boss from my car. “Are you sure ” she leaned forward. Yes, I was. 5 It took months to retrain my colossal appetite, but I hoped those months would earn me extra years. Nine months on — though missing a regular paycheck - I’ve reversed weight gain, and my blood sugar is fine. The biggest surprise Stress reduction reversed aging. “You look so different,” friends say. “You just look ... relaxed.”
A. OK, so my blood sugar level was now a cause of concern as well.
B. I felt as if an enormous weight had instantly dropped off my mind.
C. It was six orders of wings in a single afternoon that finally did me in.
D. The constant deadlines left me with no time for hobbies or personal life.
E. Whenever someone asked what I did for a living, their eyes lit up at the response.
F. On the odd occasion I made it to the doctor, my blood levels told an alarming story.
G. People often asked me if I could recommend a good restaurant for their special occasions.
(4)
I’ve spent 30 years in schools, watching thousands of parents engage with kids and educators. Too often, parents interfere too much, thus depriving children of confidence that might have come from struggle while exhausting themselves. 1 Most Americans, nowadays, think young people won’t outperform their parents, facing fiercer competition for college admissions, jobs and housing. Therefore, they take more pains to help kids get ahead without complaints.
Biologically, parents are wired to protect kids from suffering instead of being depressed to watch them struggle. Their first response is to remove obstacles, which are easy for adults but overwhelming for kids. 2 It leads to “Helicopter Parents” who fly in to rescue the children in crisis and “Snowplow Parents” who are willing to clear all the obstacles in their children’s way. A young person who grows accustomed to having a parent intervene on his behalf feels anxious and sometimes at a loss. 3
Personally, I advocate for “Lighthouse Parents”: 4 For instance, a child comes home feeling overwhelmed by school and frustrated that she is doing all the work for a big project that is due next week. The parents just acknowledge her: “Wow, that sounds a lot. I can tell you are working really hard. Do you have ideas about what you want to do ”
5 Likewise, by setting boundaries and supporting kids while letting them navigate challenges, Lighthouse Parents allow their children the freedom to handle hard situations independently to overcome them. The key is learning when to step back and let them feel and pick their own way.
A. They guide rather than control.
B. Lighthouse Parents, by contrast, listen first.
C. Such parents want to “fix” everything quickly.
D. This desire to protect often has an opposite effect.
E. Though this has long been the case, it’s worsening.
F. He is too dependent to have faith in his own ability.
G. Lighthouses are used to guide sailors to avoid crashing into rocks.
(5)
Are you able to cook a healthy meal Are you able to manage your money well Are you able to sew on a button 1 This highlights a significant gap in modern education, which heavily prioritizes academic achievement and strict testing, often at the expense of practical life skills.
Schools have done well in preparing us to be academic achievers in school, but may not have prepared us well enough in developing life skills. 2 For those without these basic skills, the pandemic lockdown was a rude shock. With restaurants closed and home services stopped, it would have been satisfying to cook a meal or fix a light bulb. It’s a shame that schools produce scholarly individuals who are unprepared for simple home tasks.
3 For example, financial management fosters responsibility and caution, while lessons on investment teach wealth growth. Equipped with this literacy, students can better discuss financial goals with parents, and budgeting knowledge can steer them away from overspending. Thus, in our complex world, schools must teach beyond academic subjects.
After all, all the responsibility cannot be transferred to the home. The argument for parents teaching practical life skills overlooks modern realities. Many working parents lack the time, and some may not possess the proficiency themselves. 4
Sandra Carey, a writer, puts it appropriately: “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.” School is not simply a place to pass knowledge and prepare us for a career. 5
A. Thus, a balanced approach is needed early on.
B. For instance, many communities offer evening classes for adults.
C. Instead, it equips us with the wisdom to construct a fulfilling life.
D. Not many of us can confidently nod our heads to these questions.
E. Consequently, the central role in bridging this gap must fall to our schools.
F. By integrating practical skills, schools can teach a more complete set of life values.
G. Yet practical skills such as cooking and housekeeping are essential in the real world.
(6)
Finding Your Voice in Family Expectations
Growing up in a family of successful entrepreneurs, Lila had always been expected to take over the family’s import business. Every family dinner revolved around market trends and client meetings, and her love for pottery was dismissed as a “childhood hobby.” When she finally decided to pursue a career in ceramics, she felt a crushing sense of guilt for letting her parents down. 1 As life coach Mara explains, honoring your own truth doesn’t mean rejecting your family — it means building a life that feels authentic to you. Here are key steps to navigate this delicate balance.
Start by clarifying what “authenticity” means for you. 2 For Lila, the biggest source of stress was the constant pressure to attend business events she had no interest in. She resolved this by setting a clear schedule: two evenings a week for family business, and the rest dedicated to her studio. This small shift freed her from the constant feeling of being pulled in two directions.
Once you’ve defined your priorities, communicate them with kindness and consistency. 3 Lila’s parents were initially hurt that she wouldn’t be at every family gathering, but she reassured them that her love for them hadn’t changed — she just needed space to grow in her own way.
It’s also crucial to validate both your own emotions and those of your family. 4 It’s natural to feel guilty for straying from tradition, and your loved ones may grieve the future they imagined for you. Recognizing these feelings doesn’t mean you’re making the wrong choice; it means you’re human.
Above all, reject the idea that choosing yourself is selfish. Setting boundaries isn’t about turning your back on your family — it’s about protecting the part of you that makes you unique. 5 Many people have walked this path before you, and their stories can offer comfort and guidance.
A. And remember, you’re not the first to walk this path.
B. In fact, honoring your truth is an act of courage, not selfishness.
C. Pinpoint the situations that drain your energy most.
D. Change may feel uncomfortable for your family at first.
E. Sometimes delegating tasks can ease the pressure.
F. Always put your family’s expectations above your own dreams.
G. Feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re a disappointment.
(7)
From the moment humankind first closed its eyes and slipped into the shifting landscapes of sleep, dreams have haunted (萦绕) and fascinated us. At night, images rise uninvited: loved ones long gone, gods who speak in riddles, beasts both feared and admired, and journeys across impossible places. 1 They were messages, and visions — a secret language whispered by the universe to the soul.
In ancient China, the Zhou Li (Rites of Zhou) and other classical texts describe dream interpretation as a means to predict the future. Dreams were believed to reveal disturbances in the balance of yin and yang, or it could signal harmony restored. For example, a dream of flowing water might symbolize life’s continuity. 2
One of the most famous dream passages in Chinese philosophy comes from Zhuangzi. He once dreamed he was a butterfly. Upon waking, he questioned whether he was a man who dreamed he was a butterfly or a butterfly now dreaming he was a man. 3 It vividly captured the Chinese view of dreams as a space which is a mix of reality and illusion (错觉).
4 Researchers in neuroscience explain dreams as patterns of brain activity, memory processing, and emotional regulation. REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, where most vivid dreaming occurs, is now understood as crucial for learning and psychological balance. Sigmund Freud suggested dreams were wish-fulfillments; Carl Jung saw them as messages from the collective unconscious.
Though modernity explains dreams with science, it cannot remove their poetic charm. We are still dreamers, still seekers, still interpreters of the night’s riddles. 5 We walk with gods, with ancestors, with the timeless mysteries of existence.
A. This dream has been retold for centuries.
B. Likewise, broken objects could warn of trouble.
C. To the ancients, dreams were never meaningless.
D. How dreams are interpreted varies from culture to culture.
E. Today, science throws light on the distinct roles of dreams.
F. The ancients remind us that even in sleep, we are not alone.
G. Dreams are inspirations that prepare us for real-life challenges.
(8)
Li Jianhua has been engaged in college and postgraduate entrance application guidance for over ten years. He breaks down complicated admission policies and major selection rules into easy-to-understand words for students and parents. 1 A Senior 3 student from a remote mountain area once asked nervously, “Can my score get me into a suitable college ” He comforted her patiently and worked out a detailed application plan for free.
2 He has donated 500,000 yuan to his alma mater annually for six consecutive years to set up a scholarship fund, covering tuition fees for hundreds of poor freshmen every year. At the donation ceremony, the school principal said sincerely, “Your generosity removes financial worries for students in need.”
Long-distance running has been his fixed habit to cope with heavy work pressure. No matter how late he finishes lectures or how busy his business trips are, he never gives up this hobby. Even after working till midnight in a hotel, he still finishes a 12-kilometer run. 3 He often tells friends that this habit keeps him in a good state for work.
He always advocates educational equity and practices helpful actions in daily work. 4 His colleague recalled that he once spent three full hours guiding a poor student through application steps for free. He has been combining professional work with public welfare all the time. 5
A. Cherish every warm deed around.
B. It relieves work stress effectively.
C. This offers timely help to them.
D. He sticks to his kind original aspiration.
E. He offers free guidance to needy students.
F. Professional guidance helps numerous families avoid wrong further-education choices.
G. Selfless love and persistent efforts light up thousands of poor students’ college dreams.
(9)
Professional organizer Breaks Down Her Unusual Job
In 2014, Kayleen Kelly took her professional organizing business full-time. She thought she was starting a business that would consist mostly of making messy homes into “beautiful homes” and taking before and after photos. 1
You often think primarily of the type of professional organizer who focuses directly on arranging a beautiful and pleasing space—even one that looks good on Instagram. However, many people who seek out Kelly’s service are struggling with mental health issues, injuries, illness, or are experiencing the death of a loved one. 2 They might not have the mental energy for the projects.
In 2020, Kelly took her experience online in order to help people globally. Her content breaks down her tips and tricks for viewers looking to tidy up their lives. 3 Kelly does all the physical labor of collecting garbage, sorting other items accordingly, cutting out unwanted items and finally, containing what is left (the four steps of the Declutter Core Method) for her clients herself. 4 That is to make the decisions of what to cut and what to clear out.
While Kelly’s job is demanding, what keeps her going is the emotional shift she sees in clients. “When I meet these people, they are saying, ‘Come rescue me, I’m dying,’” she says. “ 5 You can’t beat that. That’s what keeps me coming back.”
A. Kelly has a large following on social media.
B. I see the look on their face at the end of the session.
C. These include what she names “Declutter Core” method.
D. But she soon realized her job was more about the people.
E. There is a lot of shame and prejudice around having messes.
F. They are willing to tidy up but might not know where to start.
G. So they can save mental energy for the toughest part of the job.
(10)
About a year ago, our dishwasher broke down. We called a repairman and were told it would have to be replaced. 1 So my mother asked me to wash dishes by hand after dinner.
To understand why this upset me so much, you need to know what my life was like as a university senior. 2 Homework assignments, projects and tests competed for my attention and time. I caged myself in a prison of my own ambitions and expectations, cut off from many aspects of the world.
So when I first started washing dishes, I felt annoyed. I was in a rush to be done with them, eager to get back to my endless list of tasks. 3 For about 15 minutes every day, I realized that I could slow down time and forget everything in the world. As my mind, eyes and hands focused on a simple task that would always result in success, I found peace.
Though the new dishwasher arrived eventually, I continued to wash dishes by hand. This task became more relaxing and educational than I could have imagined. 4 From my kitchen window, I watched the seasons change: the tomato plant grew in summer, gave its fruit in fall, and died back in winter. Then new green was showing in spring. I kept these sights in mind, thinking on time itself.
Washing dishes taught me to think of the completion of a task as the ultimate reward, not praise or a prize. I learned to be more relaxed about deadlines. 5
A. It definitely allowed me to recover.
B. Now I can enjoy whatever task I’m doing.
C. I was running around stressed most of the day.
D. It took a while for the model we ordered to arrive.
E. But a new dishwasher was out of our consideration.
F. I should have accomplished them with even greater efforts.
G. Washing dishes, though, caused an admirable transformation in me.
(11)
When Becca’s parents informed her that the family would be hiking to Big Bend National Park in West Texas for spring break, Becca was not excited, because the only things she knew about it were some things her friend Shayla had told her that the cell phone signal was not very good, and that there was very little to do. 1 .
Becca threw her bag into the car, rolling her eyes, and asked how long it was going to take to get to the infamous park. “It’s about a five-hour drive,” her mom replied. 2 . “Is the scenery at least good along the way ” she complained extremely unhappily.
3 . She rested her head against a pillow and immediately fell asleep. After hours of tossing (翻转) and turning in the uncomfortable back seat. Becca was awakened by her mother’s excited announcement: “We’re here!”
Looking wide-eyed into the canyon (峡谷), Becca suddenly spotted a large animal. “Dad, look!” she shouted. After a while, Becca thought about the opinions her friend Shayla had shared with her. “See, a mountain lion! Amazing!” The three of them stared at it in open-mouthed astonishment. 4 . “Uh, Mom, Dad,” Becca finally said as the lion slid into some tall bushes. “I didn’t know Big Bend is so beautiful or that mountain lions live here. I can hardly believe what I am seeing!”
“Yeah, honey. That’s the wonder of nature — you’re always discovering something new!” her mom exclaimed in excitement. “That’s true. Becca. Just keep our minds open to things. 5 !” her dad added.
A. We’ll definitely find miracles in nature
B. Hearing that, her mood soured even more
C. Becca was surprised by the breathtaking sight
D. Shayla went back to her room to sleep in silence
E. You should work with, not against, Mother Nature
F. Becca jumped unwillingly into the back seat without a word
G. So, she questioned her parents’ decision from the bottom of her heart
(12)
Have you ever walked away from a conversation with the sinking feeling that you said too much Not because you were impolite or inconsiderate — but because you tried to explain yourself to someone who didn’t really want to understand 1
Over-explaining happens often in our daily lives. This behavior originated in early survival strategies. For those raised in emotionally unpredictable households, clarity may be a form of self-protection to prevent punishment or emotional fallout. 2 People who have ever undergone trauma tend to explain a lot to avoid conflict or rejection.
Regardless of origin, the pattern is the same: We spend unnecessary energy trying to justify our right to take up space, to say no, or to make choices others might not like. 3 Clear language like “I’ve made my decision,” and “Let’s shift the conversation,” can actually do the trick. These direct statements prioritize emotional honesty without over-disclosure. And they don’t leave space for negotiation where none is guaranteed.
4 You spend less of it in practicing, defending, or recovering, and you needn’t always react to others’ discomfort. You also start attracting a different kind of relationship. It is based not on performance or submission, but on mutual respect. 5 You begin healing the part of you that believed love had to be earned through explanation. The version of you who felt unsafe being misunderstood learns a new truth: Your worth was never conditional or dependent on being agreeable or persuasive.
A. If so, you are not alone.
B. But maybe the biggest shift is internal.
C. Like any behavioral change, this takes practice.
D. But it’s not impossible to rid ourselves of the trouble.
E. When you stop over-explaining, you reclaim emotional energy.
F. Have you ever explained to show your politeness and consideration
G. Over-explaining can also come from the way our brain is wired by past experiences.
(13)
As an enthusiastic reader, I’ve always believed that the key to understanding the world lies in the pages of a book. 1 They introduce us to characters who feel as real as the people around us. This connection between readers and the text is what makes literature so powerful, and it’s why I value my personal library. It’s a collection that reflects my journey through the world of words.
My library is not vast, but each book is carefully chosen. I have a mix of types in my collection, ranging from classic literature to contemporary fiction. 2 Each type offers a different perspective, a new way of looking at life. While some books challenge my thinking, others provide comfort. It’s important to have a balance. A well-organized library is like a well-balanced diet for the mind.
Among my favourites are the works of Jane Austen and George Orwell. Austen's sharp observations on society and relationships are timeless. Her characters are imperfect yet charming. Orwell, on the other hand, offers a stark (冷峻的) view of the world. 3 Both authors, though different in style, have taught me invaluable lessons about humanity.
4 Biographies (传记) and life stories offer insights into the lives of extraordinary individuals. They remind us that greatness comes in many forms. Reading about the struggles and successes of others can be incredibly inspiring. It’s a reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference. These stories encourage me to reflect on my own life and what I wish to leave behind.
My library is a reflection of who I am. It’s a sign of my love of learning and my desire to understand the world. Each book is a stepping stone on my journey of discovery. They are companions in loneliness and guides in times of uncertainty. 5
A. I also enjoy non-fiction.
B. I believe in the power of variety.
C. My library goes beyond a collection of books.
D. His stories are a warning and a call to action.
E. Through them, I continue to explore, to grow, and to dream.
F. The stories we read shape our world view and broaden our minds.
G. Historical fiction, in particular, holds a special place in my heart.
(14)
About a year ago, our dishwasher broke down. We called a repairman and were told it would have to be replaced. 1 So my mother asked me to wash dishes by hand after dinner.
To understand why this upset me so much, you need to know what my life was like as a university senior. 2 Homework assignments, projects and tests competed for my attention and time. I caged myself in a prison of my own ambitions and expectations, cut off from many aspects of the world.
So when I first started washing dishes, I felt annoyed. I was in a rush to be done with them, eager to get back to my endless list of tasks. 3 For about 15 minutes every day, I realized that I could slow down time and forget everything in the world. As my mind, eyes and hands focused on a simple task that would always result in success, I found peace.
Though the new dishwasher arrived eventually, I continued to wash dishes by hand. This task became more relaxing and educational than I could have imagined. 4 From my kitchen window, I watched the seasons change: the tomato plant grew in summer, gave its fruit in fall, and died back in winter. Then new green was showing in spring. I kept these sights in mind, thinking on time itself.
Washing dishes taught me to think of the completion of a task as the ultimate reward, not praise or a prize. I learned to be more relaxed about deadlines. 5
A. It definitely allowed me to recover.
B. Now I can enjoy whatever task I’m doing.
C. I was running around stressed most of the day.
D. It took a while for the model we ordered to arrive.
E. But a new dishwasher was out of our consideration.
F. I should have accomplished them with even greater efforts.
G. Washing dishes, though, caused an admirable transformation in me.
(15)
The Power of Thinking Differently
Just in the past few weeks, my wife has become the supporter of the concept of zero-waste living. Zero-waste is obviously about changing behaviors to produce less waste. But as my wife shared with me all the inventive ways people are getting around using plastic or reusing clothes or controlling the desire to accrue (积累) things we don’t really need, I realized that, zero-waste starts with something else. 1 And in many ways, the first step, which is simply being willing to do something differently, can be the hardest step of all.
This came to mind as I read a cover story in education. Ostensibly (表面上), it’s about more and more colleges agreeing to drop standardized tests as a required measure of student aptitude (天赋). 2
That is always going to be hard. But in recent decades, colleges have realized that the old ways of judging individual value, while not necessarily wrong, were narrow. While they identified one kind of student well, they did not account for a wide range of experiences, skills, and qualities that were no less important to achievement and success. 3 The tests weren’t good enough. Schools could do better.
So what has happened Schools are increasingly consenting to think differently about admissions. They have resolved to do the best they can to see the whole individual. 4 Some think dropping mandatory standardized tests is a mistake. However, once the first step is taken, the onward pull of reason and morality speed progress.
At a time when there appears to be so much confusion in the world, it is possible to look out and instead see something else: the world struggling with the perpetual (长久的) task of consenting to new ideas. Politics today show how easily we can become stuck in the mentally familiar.
5 That can be an admissions officer wanting to be more thoughtful in extending the benefits that her school offers. Or it can be a zero-waste blogger asking us all to think differently about how we contribute to greater balance in the world.
The only constant is the universal need for progress, and that will never leave us where it found us.
A. It starts with consenting (同意) to change thought.
B. Undoubtedly there have been missteps along the way.
C. In short, they left a lot of amazing people out and didn’t even know it.
D. But at its heart, it reveals something more fundamental: how we judge individual value.
E. They offer the most challenging academic programs and ensure every student’s physical and mental health.
F. The world, on the other hand, is constantly demanding that we be kinder and more connected and think ever larger.
G. Many universities known to be highly selective in their admissions policies received more applicants than usual.
(16)
Are you able to cook a healthy meal Are you able to manage your money well Are you able to sew on a button 1 This highlights a significant gap in modern education, which heavily prioritizes academic achievement and strict testing, often at the expense of practical life skills.
Schools have done well in preparing us to be academic achievers in school, but may not have prepared us well enough in developing life skills. 2 For those without these basic skills, the pandemic lockdown was a rude shock. With restaurants closed and home services stopped, it would have been satisfying to cook a meal or fix a light bulb. It’s a shame that schools produce scholarly individuals who are unprepared for simple home tasks.
3 For example, financial management fosters responsibility and caution, while lessons on investment teach wealth growth. Equipped with this literacy, students can better discuss financial goals with parents, and budgeting knowledge can steer them away from overspending. Thus, in our complex world, schools must teach beyond academic subjects.
After all, all the responsibility cannot be transferred to the home. The argument for parents teaching practical life skills overlooks modern realities. Many working parents lack the time, and some may not possess the proficiency themselves. 4
Sandra Carey, a writer, puts it appropriately: “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.” School is not simply a place to pass knowledge and prepare us for a career. 5
A. Thus, a balanced approach is needed early on.
B. For instance, many communities offer evening classes for adults.
C. Instead, it equips us with the wisdom to construct a fulfilling life.
D. Not many of us can confidently nod our heads to these questions.
E. Consequently, the central role in bridging this gap must fall to our schools.
F. By integrating practical skills, schools can teach a more complete set of life values.
G. Yet practical skills such as cooking and housekeeping are essential in the real world.
(17)
A Third-Generation Luthier Tells His Story
I’ve had the honor and blessing of growing up as a luthier’s apprentice (制琴师的学徒). My grandfather and his brother started as furniture makers, then switched to building and repairing instruments in Mexico in 1928. 1 There, they made guitars for renowned musicians,including Andrés Segovia. This move built our family’s name in fine instrument making.
I grew up surrounded by this craft, apprenticing under my father and grandfather. By age five, I was playing classical guitar; by seven, assisting with repairs; and by twelve, I had built my first instrument. 2 A luthier carefully selects tonewoods, shapes the body and neck, and builds complex wiring for electric models. Every step influences the final instrument’s sound, playability, and longevity.
Today, we live in a world dominated by mass production. 3 Our focus remains on careful restoration, custom creation, and fine-tuning each instrument to meet the musician’s needs. We believe every guitar deserves individual attention, whether it’s preserving a classic family guitar or realizing a player’s dream instrument.
4 My daughters are learning the art of crafting with their own hands and the science behind resonance, sustain, and vibration. They represent the living continuation of a tradition that values patience, skill, and heartfelt creation.
Ultimately, being a luthier is about shaping sound and preserving heritage. Each instrument we build or restore becomes a unique piece of art. 5 It is the art of being a luthier, a handed-down craft of shaping sound and preserving heritage, one instrument at a time.
A. Yet here, we still work by hand.
B. Over time, guitars suffer wear and tear.
C. It carries forward a story nearly a century ago.
D. They taught me guitar building combines craft with art.
E. However, we see it not just as a profession but an art form.
F. More importantly, this craft now reaches a fourth generation.
G. They opened a workshop in Los Angeles later for better opportunities.
(18)
The Last Living Monet
Every winter, the head gardener at Claude Monet’s garden in the tiny French village of Giverny sits down to a pile of seed lists’ for disappointment. Avisard knows he must grow at least 520,000 plants to recreate these historic grounds. But each year at least 10 seed varieties he selected the previous season will disappear. 1 When Monet moved to Giverny in 1883, nurseries (苗圃) were covered with Victorian flowers. Many of his favored varieties have since gone extinct or been completely changed as people prefer both harder (耐寒的) plants and flowers with ever-increasing blooms.
This season, Avisard is crazy about growing a taller pelargonium (天竺葵), a clumped-flower (簇状花) cousin to the geranium (老鹳草) that Monet famously planted in several red and pink beds in front of his pink house. “ 2 ” Avisard says. “To bring them back would be a resurrection (起死回生).”
Head gardener since 2016, Avisard now leads a dozen gardeners, twice as many as Monet enlisted. 3 Wetter winters followed by hot, dry summers lead to earlier crowds of pests. In addition, the management of tourists poses a significant challenge. 4
“It’s complicated.” says Avisard, “ 5 ” He and Giverny’s gardeners seek to please a man they’ve never met by creating a space so identifiable that it reminds strangers of paintings they see hanging in museums the world over.
As seeds disappear, the task only gets harder. “We want people to look out like Monet and see what he saw.”
A. You can’t buy them anywhere.
B. As with fashion, people’s tastes in flowers change.
C. The tourists have to feel like they are in Monet’s paintings.
D. These gardeners struggle with a wildly changing ecosystem.
E. Monet’s garden symbolizes impressionist art and natural beauty.
F. His work includes planting, researching and sourcing rare seeds.
G. Nearly 800,000 visitors flock to the area every year between April and October.
(19)
I love thinking about teams. I love thinking about how to create an environment that will make a group of people want to be on the team. I love considering the best ways to build a great team.
Here is one of my favorite team concepts: the sign of a great team is not the absence of conflict. Rather, the sign of a great team is the ability to resolve conflict. 1 But our ability to consistently resolve that conflict impacts the kind of team we have more than any other variable. If we learn how to resolve the conflict, the team will be together for very long.
Now, the “how” is the hardest part of conflict resolution. 2 But in my experience, the key aspect of consistent conflict resolution comes down to listening and respect. When we listen to each other and respect the opposing perspective (视角), we can have reasonable dialogue. 3
That we listen to and respect other perspectives does not mean we always have to agree. 4 That’s fine. But simple listening skills and demonstrations of respect are at the heart of consistent and reasonable conflict resolution.
Great teams are not on the same page all the time. 5 So when you are trying to build a great team or when you think you have one and want to keep it great, spend some time thinking about how you will handle those difficult moments when the team is not on the same page.
A. We can still agree to disagree.
B. But great teams know how to get there.
C. The best relationships take time and effort.
D. It is always complex and often requires multiple steps.
E. Then we are likely to be on our way to eventual resolution.
F. People on a team often work together towards a common goal.
G. That is because even the best teams unavoidably have conflict.
(20)
I used to wake up and check my phone. Before my feet hit the floor, I was already deep in the day’s chaos: headlines, comments, breaking news alerts. Doomscrolling (刷屏成瘾) had become my morning routine. 1 I started each day tense and anxious. So I gave myself a quiet dare: no phone in the morning, for five straight weekdays.
Naturally, breaking the habit wasn’t easy. The first morning, I reached for my phone automatically. I stopped myself and picked up a book instead. It felt odd, like trying to enjoy coffee without caffeine (咖啡因). But after a few pages, I found myself actually relaxed — not the emptiness of a scroll, but something steadier. 2 That had never happened before.
Encouraged by the quiet start, I explored other ways. The next day I tried a cold shower. I wanted something that would force me fully awake. The shock factor was incredibly effective. 3 On Wednesday, I went for a run. I hated every step at first. But I came back awake, warm and proud. That feeling powered me through the day.
4 On Thursday, I journaled. No audience, just thoughts on paper. It felt honest, if not particularly exciting. On Friday, I reread an old letter and let the memories surface. It was quiet, uneventful and grounding.
By the end of the week, the urge to check my phone had weakened. 5 Those phone-free mornings proved a quieter start was possible: no noise or half-truths. It’s not about perfection, but freedom from the scroll and the misinformation it feeds into our minds.
A. But lately, I noticed the weight it carried.
B. This left my mind surprisingly clear afterward.
C. Some mornings were more reflective than active.
D. It made me realize my dependence on my phone.
E. I even finished a chapter before checking the time.
F. That meant I stopped grabbing my phone on waking.
G. It revealed the link between my phone use and daily anxiety.
(21)
I put on a headset, and within seconds I am somewhere else. Ice sheets float on dark water. Wind brushes past my ears, sharp and restless. In the distance, mountains glow (发光) under the moonlight. Moments later, I find myself inside a museum, leaning close to a painting I have never seen in real life. 1 This is the promise of virtual reality (VR): a world delivered to us without leaving home.
There is much to appreciate in this form of travel. 2 There is no need to consider weather conditions, health issues or financial pressure. You may enter distant places at any moment and leave just as freely. For those restricted by schedule, health, or income, VR quietly removes barriers that traditional travel often sets in place.
3 Travelers wander through unfamiliar streets, sample local dishes, and engage face-to-face with people shaped by different traditions. Such encounters awaken the senses and create lasting memories. More importantly, they change how places feel to us, not just how we understand them.
This distinction is clear, because learning about a destination is not the same as being there. Virtual travel offers designed scenes and programmed sensations, but it remains carefully controlled. Real travel, by contrast, is shaped by unpredictability. 4 In those unplanned moments, understanding becomes lived rather than recorded.
Virtual reality will undoubtedly continue to evolve, enriching how we preview journeys and imagine distant worlds. Still, it cannot replace actual presence. Travel is not simply about seeing farther; it is also about feeling where you stand. 5
A. I am not moving, yet I am traveling.
B. Yet real travel leaves a deeper mark.
C. My feet ache as my journey stretches across the day.
D. Virtual journeys are convenient, time-saving, and widely accessible.
E. Some knowledge, it seems, only arrives when your feet are on the ground.
F. It demands choices, adaptation, and constant awareness of the unexpected.
G. But the convenience may gradually weaken our desire to explore the real world.
(22)
Do you know what makes you happy or do you just think you know At first glance, these two questions look like the same thing. If you think something makes you happy, then it must make you happy. 1
Brainstorm a list of all the things that make you happy. Just write whatever comes into your mind without thinking about it too much. 2 Probably most of them, right So, if you could spend most of your time doing all this fun stuff, you’d be really happy, surely
Well, maybe not. For most people, only doing things for fun isn’t enough for long-term happiness. 3 If most of the things on your list of what makes you happy fall under the category of “pleasure”, then that might be what you think makes you happy. But what will actually make you happy is balancing them out with activities that give your life purpose.
Go back to your list of things that make you happy. 4 Can you make another list now you know that purpose is important for happiness
Now you have your lists, you need to find balance. But balance doesn’t mean you have to make pleasure–purpose a 50/50 split. It means achieving the ratio (比率) that works for you, and, of course, some activities might bring both pleasure and purpose. There’s an idea of “deciding, designing, doing”. First decide what things in life bring you pleasure and/or purpose — which is what your two lists are for. Then, don’t just think about these activities. 5 Happiness is built during the process.
A. After all, you know yourself, don’t you
B. Work on these parts to maximize your happiness.
C. The human brain quickly adapts to sources of pleasure.
D. Design your life so you do as many of them as possible.
E. Now look at that list and tick all the ones that are enjoyable.
F. How many of them are activities that add to your sense of purpose
G. That’s because your happiness depends on a “pleasure–purpose balance”.
(23)
When mastering a foreign language, many people believe that talent is the key to success. You’ve probably heard someone say, “I’m just not good at languages.” But is this really true 1
The short answer: Talent plays a minor role. The belief that language learning requires talent often discourages many people from even trying. 2 Many multilingual speakers owe their success to disciplined practice, not natural ability.
Research supports this view. The 10,000-Hour Rule suggests mastery requires repeated practice. 3 In this way, you can expand vocabulary and understand grammar better. Furthermore, motivation and self-discipline are better predictors of success than talent.
So how can you master a language without talent You can start by setting realistic goals. Break your journey into manageable steps, like learning 10 new words daily. 4 Make practice an essential part of your routine, whether for 15 minutes or an hour. Additionally, you will find yourself benefiting greatly from active learning techniques like shadowing native speakers and testing yourself with flashcards. Finally, take full advantage of immersive learning by watching shows in your target language or changing your phone’s language settings.
5 Research shows that consistency, persistence, and effective strategies are the true keys to success. Language learning isn’t about being born gifted — it’s about showing up and doing the work every day.
A. Do you need natural talent to master a language
B. You can’t master a language without repeated practice.
C. Hard work combined with talent without doubt pays off.
D. Consistency is vitally important in language learning as well.
E. It means regular exposure to listening, speaking, reading and writing.
F. In short, the idea that talent is necessary to master a language is simply a myth.
G. While natural talent might give some a head start, it’s far from the deciding factor.
(24)
One early morning, as I walked around the block, a friend’s “hi” from my phone nearly stopped me in my tracks. 1 She talked me through a life update from the opposite side of the country. It felt like the surprise of an unexpected letter because we normally didn’t communicate that way.
At the time, I only sent voice messages occasionally. Stage fright would kick in. I worried that I’d say the wrong thing, or that others would experience the same cringe (局促不安) upon hearing my voice that I do. 2
But recently, I’ve found myself recalling how my friend’s voice broke through loneliness. Particularly during a season that’s supposed to be all about love, I think about all the ways that can look-specifically, how we reach out and connect. As I’ve sent more random voice messages to loved ones, it’s become obvious how much I was longing for this point of connection with them. 3 There’s a level of closeness that comes with this kind of listening.
4 It allows you to take your time and speak without the pressure of an immediate response. You can fill it with laughter, pauses, and tone that a text message can’t convey. It’s a small act of presence, a way to say, “I’m thinking of you, and I want to connect in a way that feels human.”
In a world where so much of our communication is quick, instrumental, and screen-based, voice messages are a rebellion (反抗). They’re a choice to be unpolished, to be real, and to invest time in someone else. 5 It’s just a friend’s “hi” in your pocket, waiting for you to hit play.
A. In fact, I’m a late adopter of voice messaging.
B. I find comfort in their voices even if I can’t see their faces.
C. It was the first voice message I remember clicking play on.
D. When we reach out, we can better understand others’ difficulties.
E. Sometimes, connection doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.
F. I think better in writing, I’d tell myself, holding on to my text messages.
G. A voice message is a conscious choice for thoughtful, heartfelt connection.
(25)
It was through Bill Bryson’s book The Lost Continent: Travel in Small-Town America that I first experienced small-town travelling. I was interested instantly on reading it, for driving across the countryside is always something I like.
1 True, the convenience and modernity are what small towns don’t have. However, caught up in the crowd, people tend to lose the true meaning of life. They are moving quickly in the streets, as if there were steamy lava (炙热的熔岩) chasing them.
Many tourists don’t realize the real purpose for travelling is to relax. 2 They manage to escape a nine-to-five schedule of annoying work, only to dive into a nine-to-five schedule of shopping or forcing themselves into packed tourist sites. 3 You don’t get trapped in space filled with tourists, but miles of fields and woods. You don’t get tiny parks with crowds of people, but natural forests where rare animals can be seen. Villagers say hi to you warmly as you drive here and farmers will warmly invite you home.
I once travelled to the Midwest and drove through the countryside. The scenery was absolutely magnificent. 4 Farmers’ houses were in and out of sight behind golden corn. Ponds (池塘) hid themselves behind woods, where a lone fisherman sat there, enjoying life.
Suddenly, it seemed to me that life couldn’t be better. Just throw away the sadness and burdens (负担) that annoy us. What matters is the simple happiness of enjoying life. 5
A. I have never been a fan of huge cities.
B. Cities are full of people we don’t know.
C. Roads found their way through cornfields.
D. Big cities and small towns have their own uniqueness.
E. In big cities, they just leave one busy center, and get right into another.
F. Those problems, however, simply disappear into air in the countryside.
G. So why not leave the noisy cities behind, and get lost in the streets of small towns 参考答案
(1)
【答案】1. B 2. G 3. D 4. E 5. F
(2)
【答案】1. E 2. F 3. C 4. A 5. G
(3)
【答案】1. E 2. F 3. A 4. C 5. B
(4)
【答案】1. E 2. D 3. F 4. A 5. G
(5)
【答案】1. D 2. G 3. F 4. E 5. C
(6)
【答案】1. G 2. C 3. D 4. B 5. A
(7)
【答案】1. C 2. B 3. A 4. E 5. F
(8)
【答案】1. E 2. F 3. B 4. D 5. G
(9)
【答案】1. D 2. F 3. C 4. G 5. B
(10)
【答案】1. D 2. C 3. G 4. A 5. B
(11)
【答案】1. G 2. B 3. F 4. C 5. A
(12)
【答案】1. A 2. G 3. D 4. E 5. B
(13)
【答案】1. F 2. B 3. D 4. A 5. E
(14)
【答案】1. D 2. C 3. G 4. A 5. B
(15)
【答案】1. A 2. D 3. C 4. G 5. F
(16)
【答案】1. D 2. G 3. F 4. E 5. C
(17)
【答案】1. G 2. D 3. A 4. F 5. C
(18)
【答案】1. B 2. A 3. D 4. G 5. C
(19)
【答案】1. G 2. D 3. E 4. A 5. B
(20)
【答案】1. A 2. E 3. B 4. C 5. F
(21)
【答案】1. A 2. D 3. B 4. F 5. E
(22)
【答案】1. A 2. E 3. G 4. F 5. D
(23)
【答案】1. A 2. G 3. E 4. D 5. F
(24)
【答案】1. C 2. F 3. B 4. G 5. E
(25)
【答案】1. A 2. E 3. F 4. C 5. G

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