阅读下列短文,从每题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

A

(2015山东济宁一模)

I was born on the last day of February.I’ve always felt sorry for February,squeezed between the big months of January(named for the Roman god Janus,keeper of gateways)and March(after Mars,the god of war).

The first Roman calendar,it is said,had 10 months and no February.Beginning at the vernal equinox(春分)with March,it ended with December.In an agricultural society,winter was of little importance,and thus went undivided.

January and February were added in about 700 B.C.by the second king of Rome,Numa Pompilius.He made all the months 29 or 31 days,but shortened February,the last month of the year,by giving it only 28.

Next,it was the church’s turn.In 1582,Pope Gregory 􀃼 announced a new calendar in Europe.Many changes were made,but the Pope passed up yet another chance to give February equality with the other months.

It’s messy,even dangerous,changing how we measure time,but Pope Gregory was hardly the last one to try.The League of Nations received over 150 new calendar designs,and the United Nations has considered more proposals since.Each proposal involves something that supposedly modernizes the calendar.

But I have a simpler proposal that won’t lead to chaos,and will correct the historical injustices against February:move the last day of January and the last day of March into February to make it a normal month with 30 days,and a respectable 31 on leap years(闰年).This would not add or subtract a single day from the calendar year.It’s a great idea.And unlike Julius and Augustus,I won’t even demand a month named in my honor.

【语篇导读】本文介绍了日历的来历。作者叙述日历的变化过程和以诙谐的手法写出自己对日历的小“创造”。

21.The first Roman calendar had only 10 months because　　　.

A.February hated to be squeezed between the big months

B.the god of war always fought with January and February

C.the Romans did not like the cold winter weather

D.it was considered unnecessary to divide winter

解析:细节理解题。根据文章第二段“In an agricultural society,winter was of little importance,and thus went undivided.”可知在当时的农业社会里,冬天不重要。故选D项。

答案:D

22.Which of the following is closest to Numa Pompilius’ calendar?

解析:细节理解题。根据文章第三段的“He made all the months 29 or 31 days,but shortened February,the last month of the year,by giving it only 28.”可知Numa Pompilius’ calendar设定的日历以三月份开始,2月份结束。故选C项。

答案:C

23.The writer sounds　　　in the passage.

A.sad　　　　　　　　　　　B.humorous

C.happy D.angry

解析:推理判断题。根据文章的第一段和最后一段推断作者以诙谐的手法说明自己对日历的看法。sad“悲伤的”;humorous“诙谐的,幽默的”;happy“幸福的”;angry“生气的”。故选B项。

答案:B

B

(2015河南洛阳二模)

It is 7 am and the alarm is going off.You know you have to be out of bed to catch the bus.But the urge to bury yourself in the bed is ever so strong.Sounds familiar?Why is it that teens find it difficult to get themselves out of bed in time every morning or stay sharp and focused during the first couple of hours of school?

During adolescence,the body goes through many changes and this includes a shift in sleep patterns.Researchers from MIT have been tracking the body’s need for sleep in teenagers.They found that though adolescents need as much as 9.5 hours of sleep a day,they get to bed later and later with each passing year.In fact,the sleep cycle shifts later by as much as 12 to 18 minutes each year between the ages of 10 and 20!So by the time a 10-year-old who sleeps at 8 pm grows to be 17 or 18,their body naturally wants to stay up till 10:30 or 11 pm.

According to researchers,this is because of a hormone called melatonin(褪黑激素)that is secreted(分泌)by the pineal gland—a tiny structure deep inside the brain.Melatonin regulates the body’s natural day-night rhythms.It causes a person to become sleepy by lowering their body’s core temperature.In teens,melatonin is secreted much later in the evening and continues to increase throughout the night.This makes it difficult for teens to fall asleep earlier as they did in their younger years.Likewise,the effect of melatonin continues until much later in the morning,making it hard for them to wake up early.

A study found that at least one in four teens is tired and falls asleep in school at least once a week.During sleep,important body functions and brain activities happen.So how can teenagers get their sleep enough?The American Association of Pediatrics(AAP) recommends that middle and high schools should start later—not before 8:30 am.This should give teens some more time to sleep at night.

【语篇导读】这是一篇科技类文章。文章主要说明了青少年存在睡眠问题的生理原因,建议让10多岁的孩子晚上多睡些。

24.From Paragraph 2,we can learn that if you sleep late,the next day you should 　　　.

A.stay sharp B.skip breakfast

C.get up late D.stay up late

解析:推理判断题。stay sharp“保持敏锐”;skip breakfast“不吃早餐”;get up late“起床晚”;stay up late“熬夜到很晚”。根据第二段的“They found that though adolescents need as much as 9.5 hours of sleep a day,they get to bed later and later with each passing year.”可知晚上睡得晚,为保障充足的睡眠应该起床晚一些。故选C项。

答案:C

25.What does the underlined word “this” in Paragraph 3 refer to?

A.The students want to stay up.

B.The shifts of the sleep cycle.

C.The pineal gland secretes melatonin.

D.The adolescents sleep late.

解析:细节理解题。根据文章第二段的“In fact,the sleep cycle shifts later by as much as 12 to 18 minutes each year between the ages of 10 and 20!”和第三段第一句话的researchers可知this代表的是the shifts of sleeping cycle,应选B项。

答案:B

26.The teens go to sleep later than before because 　　　.

A.melatonin is secreted much later

B.melatonin regulates the sleep time

C.they sleep a lot in the daytime

D.they need to finish their homework

解析:细节理解题。根据文章第三段的“In teens,melatonin is secreted much later in the evening and continues to increase throughout the night.This makes it difficult for teens to fall asleep earlier as they did in their younger years.”可知是10多岁孩子的褪黑激素的分泌在晚上很晚。故选A项。

答案:A

27.According to AAP’s recommendation,middle and high schools should 　　　.

A.let teens sleep in the day

B.let the students be active

C.delay the start time

D.start later at 8:00 am

解析:细节理解题。let teens sleep in the day“让十多岁的孩子白天睡觉”;let the students be active“让学生们活跃些”;delay the start time“推迟开始时间”;start later at 8:00 am“在上午八点钟开始”。根据最后一段的“The American Association of Pediatrics(AAP)recommends that middle and high schools should start later—not before 8:30 am.”可知选C项。

答案:C

C

(2015重庆卷,B)

In ancient Egypt,a shopkeeper discovered that he could attract customers to his shop simply by making changes to its environment.Modern businesses have been following his lead,with more tactics(策略).

One tactic involves where to display the goods.For example,stores place fruits and vegetables in the first section.They know that customers who buy the healthy food first will feel happy so that they will buy more junk food(垃圾食品) later in their trip.In department stores,the women’s shoe section is generally next to the women’s cosmetics(化妆品) section:while the shop assistant is going back to find the right size shoe,bored customers are likely to wander over and find some cosmetics they might want to try later.

Besides,businesses seek to appeal to customers’ senses.Stores notice that the smell of baked goods encourages shopping,so they make their own bread each morning and then fan the bread smell into the store throughout the day.Music sells goods,too.Researchers in Britain found that when French music was played,sales of French wines went up.

When it comes to the selling of houses,businesses also use highly rewarding tactics.They find that customers make decisions in the first few seconds upon walking in the door,and turn it into a business opportunity.A California builder designed the structure of its houses smartly.When entering the house,the customer would see the Pacific Ocean through the windows, and then the pool through an open stairway leading to the lower level.The instant view of water on both levels helped sell these $10 million houses.

【语篇导读】本文为说明文。介绍了现代商业的三种营销策略:一是注意货物摆放的位置;二是注重刺激顾客不同的感官;三是给顾客留下美好的第一印象。

28.Why do stores usually display fruits and vegetables in the first section?

A.To save customers time.

B.To show they are high quality foods.

C.To help sell junk food.

D.To sell them at discount prices.

解析:细节理解题。由第二段第三句可知,把水果蔬菜摆放在第一购物区会使顾客非常开心,促使他们在接下来的购物行程中购买垃圾食品。故选C项。

答案:C

29.According to Paragraph 3,which of the following encourages customers to buy?

A.Opening the store early in the morning.

B.Displaying British wines next to French ones.

C.Inviting customers to play music.

D.Filling the store with the smell of fresh bread.

解析:细节理解题。第三段讲述了第二个营销策略,抓住顾客的感官,分别讲述了用烤面包的香味吸引顾客和用音乐促销的例子。故选D项。

答案:D

30.What is the California builder’s story intended to prove?

A.The house structure is a key factor customers consider.

B.The more costly the house is,the better it sells.

C.An ocean view is much to the customers’ taste.

D.A good first impression increases sales.

解析:推理判断题。由最后一段第二句可知,顾客买房的决定在刚进门的几秒钟之内就做好了,建筑师巧妙设计刚进门的布局就是要给顾客留下良好的第一印象,提高楼房销售量,故D项正确。

答案:D

31.What is the main purpose of the passage?

A.To explain how businesses turn people into their customers.

B.To introduce how businesses have grown from the past.

C.To report researches on customer behavior.

D.To show dishonest business practices.

解析:主旨大意题。通读全文可知,本文从三个方面介绍了现代营销策略。B项“介绍商业是如何从过去发展而来的”;C项“对顾客行为的研究进行报道”;D项“展示不诚信的商业行为”,均不符合主旨。

答案:A

D

(2015福建卷,E)

Group exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve physical fitness and sustain(保持) a healthy lifestyle.Group exercise is challenging,yet fun and empowering!Of course everyone knows that exercise is good for the body.However,studies have shown that when exercise is performed in groups,it’s not only great for improving physical health but for psychological health.It’s an opportunity to be social,release endorphins(内啡肽),and improve your strength.Additionally,group exercise creates a community feel and the shared common goal motivates participants to work hard.The instrumental support of taking on a fitness journey with others proves more effective than going to the gym alone.

Another beneficial aspect of group exercise is the informational support participants receive from the instructor.Many people fear the gym because they feel lost and don’t want to embarrass themselves.If you feel you can relate,then group training is an even better option for you.It’s a great opportunity to learn more about fitness through the clear instruction and supervision(监管)of a fitness instructor.If you’re tired of wandering around the gym,wasting time and becoming bored,you can attend an upbeat group fitness class that’ll keep your workout on track.Don’t let fitness frighten you!

If you’re serious about wanting to live a healthy lifestyle,it’s extremely important to surround yourself with people who’ll provide you with the proper emotional support.I wouldn’t scold anyone for deciding to party on weekends and in turn I wouldn’t expect anyone to give offence to me for focusing on my health.Surround yourself with people who uplift,encourage and understand you!Make fitness even more fun by trying something new or any group fitness class,with a friend.Plan to go for a jog together.Then try a fun healthy restaurant or fresh juice bar!Fitness can be both fun and social!

Surrounding yourself with people who’ll provide you with respect support can be very beneficial while working towards reaching health and fitness goals.First,decide to do it for yourself and work towards staying positive.Then make sure the people you surround yourself with are supportive.Don’t let negativity ruin your motivation.

【语篇导读】本文为说明文。作者认为集体锻炼是改善身体状况的最有效的方法之一,并有益于保持健康的生活方式。作者主要从三个方面说明了集体锻炼的好处。

32.The first paragraph focuses on 　　　.

A.the greatest challenge of group exercise

B.the most effective way to improve physical fitness

C.the contribution of group exercise to psychological health

D.the shared common goal in performing exercise in groups

解析:主旨大意题。通读第一段内容可知,该段主要说明集体锻炼对于心理健康的好处,或者说贡献。

答案:C

33.The underlined word “upbeat” in the second paragraph probably means “　　　”.

A.cheerful B.average

C.serious D.temporary

解析:词义猜测题。根据前面出现的“becoming bored”可判断,作者建议你参加一个活泼愉快的健身班。该词的含义应该与“bored”相反,故选择A项。

答案:A

34.When it comes to emotional support,the author thinks it necessary 　　　.

A.to sustain a colorful lifestyle

B.to party on weekends with positive people

C.to try a fun healthy restaurant regularly

D.to surround yourself with supportive people

解析:细节理解题。根据第三段第三句内容可知,对于情感支持,作者认为,你应该让自己的周围围绕着理解你、鼓励你的人。

答案:D

35.What would be the best title for the passage?

A.Seeking Support B.Supporting Health

C.Improving Your Strength D.Building Up Fitness

解析:主旨大意题。通读全文内容可知,文章主要说明集体锻炼对身心健康的好处,它不但有益于你的身体,还有益于你的心理,并能使你获得情感支持。因此B项最具概括性。

答案:B

第二节(共5小题;每小题2分,满分10分)

(2015北京西城一模)

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。

For people with thousands of pages to read,speed reading seems like a manna (甘露) from heaven.In addition,speed reading helps lighten the load of information you have to absorb since it provides a filter that you can use in screening all bits of information before you approach them.

36　Examining how much information you need will help you identify how you should read a certain document to maximize your learning and comprehension.Thorough reading may no longer be necessary in some cases,such as when you only need an outline of a certain document.

Another skill that can ease the burden of a reader is the ability to read words in blocks.Make sure you do not spend too long on a certain block.　37　This will also make reading less tiresome and boring.

To master this important skill,you have to practice reading more and more words in a certain block at one time.A suggestion shared by some experts regarding this step is to increase the distance between you and the document you are reading.If you can read more and more words in one block,you can cut down on the time it usually takes you to read a certain text and you will be able to read more in a shorter period.

Readers should also practice reducing the number of times they go back to previous sections or blocks.Using a pointer such as the tip of a pencil or pen can also help to make the flow of your reading smoother and faster.　38　 Thus,your speed in reading will largely depend on the speed of the movement of your pointer.

If you still find yourself confused about the topic even after you have finished reading the document,do not re-read right away.Re-reading immediately will just lead to slower speed in reading.　39　 Getting your own reading corner will also help.

40　Continue practicing and practicing the techniques aforementioned and soon,you’ll achieve the reading speed that will work best for you.

A.In this technique,your eyes will follow the tip of the pointer.

B.This saves time and reduces the effort that you have to make.

C.Taking a short break first is recommended before reading the material again.

D.As a final note,the most important point is consistent and deliberate practice.

E.Your invaluable time can be saved if you can have your reading speed doubled.

F.The first step to increase your reading speed is to identify the specific information you need.

G.Reducing the time you spend on a specific number of words in a block will make no difference.

答案与解析:

【语篇导读】本文是生活知识类小短文。主要告诉我们如何提高阅读速度。

36.F　考查信息提取题。根据题干和F项中的关键词:information,identify等判断答案。故选F项。

37.B　考查信息提取题。根据题干和B项中的关键词:do not spend too long,ease,reduces the effort判断答案。故选B项。

38.A　考查信息提取题。根据题干和A项中的关键词:pointer,movement,tip等判断答案。故选A项。

39.C　考查信息提取题。根据题干和C项中的关键词:reading,break,immediately,not re-read right away等判断答案。故选C项。

40.D　考查信息提取题。根据题干和D项中的关键词:practicing,consistent等判断答案。故选D项。

第三部分　英语知识运用(共两节,满分45分)

第一节　完形填空(共20小题;每小题1.5分,满分30分)

(2015河南洛阳二模)

阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

In a food store,I heard a woman say her foot was hurt and that she was going to call a cab.When walking back home I saw her outside the store,probably 　41　 for a cab.

I asked her where she was going.She told me a place which was actually on the 　42　 to the craft store I’d be 　43　 to.So I asked her to 　44　 the cab and I’d give her a ride.To my 　45　,she said okay without 　46　.I wonder if I’d have been so 　47　 if a stranger made me the same offer!

Where she was going was 　48　 on the way to where I was going.It was such a 　49　 interaction.But there was more!

When I had 　50　 what I went for and was waiting at the checkout,the woman behind me said she had a coupon(优惠券)for 50% off any 　51　 in the store.She gave it to me because she had a(n)　52　 one!I thanked and gave her a 　53　.

They say “what goes around comes around”,but sometimes it is hard to see how that 　54　 as there is often a “manifestation(显现)delay”.Each action 　55　 a ripple (涟漪)that eventually 　56　 back to us,but sometimes it is much 　57　 so we forget their connection.

Today the causes and effects have appeared in a linkable manner where in 　58　 I’m also opening myself to receive gifts,now or in the future.I can learn so much from others as to how 　59　 they are to receive in a way I might not have been if 　60　 the same gift.

【语篇导读】这是一篇夹叙夹议文章。作者通过叙述自己的亲身经历得出只有舍得才有收获,爱别人其实就是爱自己。

41.A.caring　　　　　　　　　B.waiting

C.applying D.ordering

解析:考查动词的用法。本空考查动词基本含义的辨析。care“关心,照顾”;wait“等待”;apply“应用”;order“命令”。根据前文的call a cab,此处应是“等待”,即:wait for a cab。故选B项。

答案:B

42.A.left B.right

C.carriage D.way

解析:考查名词的用法。本空考查名词基本含义的辨析。left“左边”;right“右边”;carriage“马车”;way“方式,方法”。on the way to“在去……的路上”。根据第三段的on the way to判断。故选D项。

答案:D

43.A.driving B.leading

C.walking D.pulling

解析:考查动词的用法。本空考查动词基本含义的辨析。drive“驾驶”;lead“领导”;walk“散步”;pull“拉”。根据下文的give her a ride判断作者是开车。故选A项。

答案:A

44.A.take B.postpone

C.cancel D.charge

解析:考查动词的用法。本空考查动词基本含义的辨析。take“带走”;postpone“延迟”;cancel“取消”;charge“收费”。根据下文的give her a ride判断作者要她取消cab。故选C项。

答案:C

45.A.sadness B.amazement

C.respect D.disappointment

解析:考查名词的用法。本空考查名词基本含义的辨析。sadness“悲伤”;amazement“惊奇”;respect“尊重”;disappointment“失望”。根据下文的wonder判断应是作者因为陌生人这么痛快地答应乘他的车而感到吃惊。故选B项。

答案:B

46.A.hesitation B.aim

C.doubt D.delay

解析:考查名词的用法。本空考查名词基本含义的辨析。hesitation“犹豫”;aim“目的,目标”;doubt“怀疑”;delay“推迟,推延”。without hesitation“毫不犹豫”,根据上文作者感到惊奇,故判断对方是毫不犹豫地答应。故选A项。

答案:A

47.A.enthusiastic B.inviting

C.trusting D.puzzled

解析:考查形容词的用法。本空考查形容词基本含义的辨析。enthusiastic“热情的”;inviting“诱人的”;trusting“令人相信的”;puzzled“感到迷惑的”。根据前文对方这么痛快地答应乘自己的车,没想到自己这么令人相信。故选C项。

答案:C

48.A.very B.universally

C.surely D.right

解析:考查副词的用法。本空考查副词基本含义的辨析。very “很,十分”;universally“普遍地”;surely“当然”;right“恰恰”。“她要去的地方恰恰就在我去的地方”。故选D项。

答案:D

49.A.shameful B.beautiful

C.careful D.frightful

解析:考查形容词的用法。本空考查形容词基本含义的辨析。shameful“害羞的”;beautiful“美丽的”;careful“细心的,认真的”;frightful“害怕的”。这种被人信任的感觉让人感觉是一种美丽的反应。故选B项。

答案:B

50.A.picked up B.put up

C.gave up D.went up

解析:考查动词短语的用法。本空考查动词短语基本含义的辨析。pick up“拾起,收拾”;put up“搭起”;give up“放弃”;go up“上升”。根据空后的宾语从句判断,故选A项。

答案:A

51.A.load B.demand

C.limit D.item

解析:考查名词的用法。本空考查名词基本含义的辨析。load“承载,装载”;demand“要求”;limit“限制”;item“条款,项目,东西”。根据空后的in the store判断是“商店的东西都是50%的优惠”,故选D项。

答案:D

52.A.familiar B.devoted

C.extra D.important

解析:考查形容词的用法。本空考查形容词基本含义的辨析。familiar“熟悉的”;devoted“投入的”;extra“额外的,多余的”;important“重要的”。根据语境可知选C项。

答案:C