⭐高频易混词 🔔熟词僻义 📌固定搭配
一、完形填空（Use of English）
People have speculated for centuries about a future without work. Today is no different, with academics, writers, and activists once again warning that technology is replacing human workers. Some imagine that the coming work-free world will be defined by inequality: A few wealthy people will own all the capital, and the masses will struggle in an impoverished wasteland.
几个世纪以来，人们一直畅想一个没有工作的未来。如今亦是如此，学者、作家和活动人士再度警示，科技正在取代人力劳动。有人设想，未来这个无工作的世界将充斥着不公：少数富人掌控全部资本，而普通大众则在贫瘠的困境中艰难求生。
重点词汇
speculate /ˈspekjuleɪt/ v. 猜测；设想
activist /ˈæktɪvɪst/ n. 活动人士
replace /rɪˈpleɪs/ v. 取代 ⭐
capital /ˈkæpɪtl/ n. 资本
masses /ˈmæsɪz/ n. 民众，大众
impoverished /ɪmˈpɒvərɪʃt/ adj. 贫困的
wasteland /ˈweɪstlænd/ n. 荒地；窘境
A different and not mutually exclusive prediction holds that the future will be a wasteland of a different sort, one characterized by purposelessness: Without jobs to give their lives meaning, people will simply become lazy and depressed. Indeed, today’s unemployed don’t seem to be having a great time. One Gallup poll found that 20 percent of Americans who have been unemployed for at least a year report having depression, double the rate for working Americans.
另一种预测与上述观点并不冲突，它认为未来会变成另一类荒原，其特点是人们失去生活目标：没有工作赋予人生意义，人们只会变得懒散、消沉。事实上，如今的失业者过得并不如意。盖洛普一项民调显示，失业至少一年的美国人中，有20%表示患有抑郁症，该比例是在职人群的两倍。
重点词汇
mutually exclusive 相互排斥的 📌
prediction /prɪˈdɪkʃn/ n. 预测
characterize /ˈkærəktəraɪz/ v. 以……为特征 🔔
purposelessness /ˈpɜːpəsləsnəs/ n. 无目标；无意义
depressed /dɪˈprest/ adj. 抑郁的；消沉的 ⭐
poll /pəʊl/ n. 民意调查
Some relate the rise of suicides and drug addictions among the young to the lack of a fulfilling life as a result of joblessness. But this does not necessarily mean that a world without work would be filled with unease. Such visions are based on the downsides of being unemployed in a society built on the concept of employment.
一些人将年轻人自杀率上升、吸毒成瘾等问题，归咎于失业导致生活失去成就感。但这并不意味着，无工作的世界就必然充斥着不安。这类看法，都是基于在一个以就业为核心的社会里，失业所带来的种种弊端。
重点词汇
addiction /əˈdɪkʃn/ n. 成瘾；嗜好
fulfilling /fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/ adj. 有成就感的；充实的
unease /ʌnˈiːz/ n. 不安；忧虑
vision /ˈvɪʒn/ n. 看法；设想
downside /ˈdaʊnsaɪd/ n. 弊端；负面问题 ⭐
In the absence of work, a society designed with other ends in mind could yield strikingly different circumstances. Today, the virtue of work may be a little overblown. Many jobs are pretty tedious, degrading, and unhealthy. In addition, the link between work and individual fulfillment is not very strong.
倘若不再以工作为核心，一个围绕其他目标构建的社会，将会呈现出截然不同的面貌。如今，工作的价值或许被过分夸大了。许多工作枯燥乏味、有损尊严，还不利于身体健康。此外，工作与个人价值实现之间的关联并没有那么紧密。
重点词汇
in the absence of 缺乏；在没有……的情况下 📌
yield /jiːld/ v. 产生；带来 🔔
strikingly /ˈstraɪkɪŋli/ adv. 显著地；明显地
overblown /ˌəʊvəˈbləʊn/ adj. 夸大的
tedious /ˈtiːdiəs/ adj. 枯燥的；乏味的 ⭐
degrading /dɪˈɡreɪdɪŋ/ adj. 有辱人格的
Recently, three researchers published a paper suggesting that we should reimagine work. They argue that jobs have become so psychologically taxing that we should reduce them to a minor part of our lives. Instead, we should pursue many different ways to find meaning.
近期，三位研究者发表论文，提出我们应当重新审视工作。他们认为，如今的工作已让人身心俱疲，我们应将其缩减为生活的一小部分。相反，我们可以通过多种多样的方式找寻人生的意义。
重点词汇
reimagine /ˌriːɪˈmædʒɪn/ v. 重新构想
psychologically /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkli/ adv. 心理上地
taxing /ˈtæksɪŋ/ adj. 繁重的；令人疲惫的
pursue /pəˈsjuː/ v. 追求；寻求 ⭐
二、阅读理解 Part A
Text 1
Britain’s housing crisis has been going on for decades. Why is it so hard to build more homes? The answer is not a lack of demand, but a lack of supply. For years, successive governments have failed to build enough houses, and the result is a chronic shortage.
英国的住房危机已持续数十年。为何新建住宅如此困难？问题不在于需求不足，而在于供给短缺。多年来，历届政府都未能建造足够的房屋，最终导致住房长期紧缺。
重点词汇
successive /səkˈsesɪv/ adj. 接连的；历届的
chronic /ˈkrɒnɪk/ adj. 长期的；慢性的 ⭐
shortage /ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ/ n. 短缺；不足
The main obstacle is the planning system. The rules governing land use are incredibly restrictive. To build a new house, developers must apply for planning permission, a process that can take years. Even when permission is granted, local councils often oppose new developments.
主要障碍来自规划体系。土地使用相关条例限制极多。开发商想要新建住宅，必须申请规划许可，这个流程有时会耗时数年。即便许可获批，地方市政委员会也常常反对新建项目。
重点词汇
obstacle /ˈɒbstəkl/ n. 障碍 ⭐
restrictive /rɪˈstrɪktɪv/ adj. 限制严格的
developer /dɪˈveləpə(r)/ n. 开发商
planning permission 规划许可 📌
council /ˈkaʊnsl/ n. 市政委员会；议会
Local opposition is often driven by NIMBYism — Not In My Back Yard. Residents do not want new houses near their own homes, fearing that more people will mean more traffic, noise and pressure on local services. This attitude is understandable, but it makes solving the housing crisis almost impossible.
地方民众的反对大多源于“邻避效应”，也就是“别在我家门口建”。居民不希望自家周边新建住宅，他们担心人口增多会加剧交通拥堵、产生噪音，同时加重本地公共服务的负担。这种想法可以理解，但也让住房危机的解决变得举步维艰。
重点词汇
resident /ˈrezɪdənt/ n. 居民
pressure /ˈpreʃə(r)/ n. 压力
attitude /ˈætɪtjuːd/ n. 态度；看法
Another problem is that many suitable areas for new housing are protected. Green belts around cities are meant to stop urban sprawl and preserve countryside. But they also block house building in places where people most want to live.
另一个问题是，许多适合建房的区域都受到了保护。城市周边的绿化带旨在遏制城市无序扩张、保护乡村风貌，但也阻断了人们最向往居住区域的住宅建设。
重点词汇
suitable /ˈsuːtəbl/ adj. 合适的
urban sprawl 城市无序扩张 📌
preserve /prɪˈzɜːv/ v. 保护；留存 🔔
block /blɒk/ v. 阻碍；阻止 ⭐
The government has promised reform, but progress has been slow. To fix the crisis, Britain needs to relax planning rules, build more homes in popular areas, and persuade local communities to accept new development. Without bold action, the housing crisis will continue for many more years.
政府早已承诺推行改革，但进展十分缓慢。想要化解这场危机，英国需要放宽规划条例、在热门居住区增建住宅，并劝说当地民众接纳新建项目。若不采取大刀阔斧的举措，住房危机还将持续多年。
重点词汇
reform /rɪˈfɔːm/ n. & v. 改革
relax /rɪˈlæks/ v. 放宽；放松
bold /bəʊld/ adj. 大胆的；果敢的
Text 2
When we think of animals and music, we usually think of birdsong. But many other animals also respond to sound and rhythm. Scientists have long studied how animals react to music, and their findings are surprising.
提起动物与音乐，我们最先想到的往往是鸟鸣。但还有许多动物也会对声音和节奏做出反应。长期以来，科学家一直在研究动物对音乐的反应，得出的结论十分出人意料。
重点词汇
rhythm /ˈrɪðəm/ n. 节奏；韵律 ⭐
react to 对……作出反应 📌
finding /ˈfaɪndɪŋ/ n. 研究结果；发现
Elephants, for example, seem to enjoy slow, gentle music. In zoos, keepers have noticed that elephants become calmer when soft music is played. Loud, fast music, by contrast, makes them restless. Researchers believe that elephants can tell the difference between different musical styles.
举例来说，大象似乎偏爱舒缓轻柔的音乐。动物园饲养员发现，播放轻音乐时，大象会变得更加温顺。反之，喧闹、节奏急促的音乐会让它们焦躁不安。研究人员认为，大象能够分辨不同的音乐风格。
重点词汇
gentle /ˈdʒentl/ adj. 轻柔的；温和的
keeper /ˈkiːpə(r)/ n. 饲养员
restless /ˈrestləs/ adj. 焦躁不安的 ⭐
Dogs also have interesting reactions to music. Studies show that classical music helps dogs relax, while heavy metal makes them bark and pace. Even dogs living in shelters, who are often anxious, quiet down when listening to classical tunes.
狗狗对音乐的反应也十分有趣。研究表明，古典音乐能让狗狗放松，而重金属音乐则会让它们狂吠、来回踱步。就连收容所里平日里焦躁不安的狗狗，听到古典乐曲时也会安静下来。
重点词汇
classical music 古典音乐 📌
heavy metal 重金属音乐 📌
pace /peɪs/ v. 踱步 🔔
shelter /ˈʃeltə(r)/ n. 收容所
Some scientists wonder why animals respond to human music. One theory is that music sounds similar to natural animal sounds. Slow, low sounds remind large animals of peaceful calls from their own kind. High, quick sounds may signal danger or excitement.
部分科学家好奇，动物为何会对人类的音乐产生反应。有一种理论认为，音乐与动物的自然声响存在相似之处。低沉舒缓的声音，会让大型动物联想到同类平和的叫声；而尖锐急促的声音，则可能意味着危险或躁动。
重点词汇
signal /ˈsɪɡnəl/ v. 预示；示意 n. 信号 ⭐
Whatever the reason, it is clear that music affects many animals deeply. As we learn more about animal behaviour, we discover new connections between humans and the natural world. Music, it seems, is a language shared across species.
无论原因如何，显而易见的是，音乐会对许多动物产生深刻影响。随着我们对动物行为的了解不断加深，也发现了人类与自然界之间更多的关联。音乐，仿佛是跨越物种的通用语言。
重点词汇
behaviour /bɪˈheɪvjə(r)/ n. 行为
species /ˈspiːʃiːz/ n. 物种（单复数同形）⭐
Text 3
Online grocery shopping is booming. More and more people prefer to order food and household items over the internet instead of visiting physical stores. This trend has changed the way supermarkets operate and has created new challenges.
线上生鲜购物发展迅猛。越来越多人选择网购食品和日用品，不再前往实体店。这一趋势改变了超市的运营模式，也带来了新的挑战。
重点词汇
boom /buːm/ v. 蓬勃发展；激增 ⭐
household items 日用品 📌
physical store 实体店 📌
operate /ˈɒpəreɪt/ v. 运营；运转
One big challenge is delivery. Online orders require quick, reliable delivery to customers’ homes. Many supermarkets now work with delivery companies or employ their own drivers. Delivery costs are high, however, and thin profit margins mean stores cannot always offer free delivery.
一大难题在于配送。线上订单需要快速、稳妥地配送到顾客家中。如今许多超市要么和配送公司合作，要么自建配送团队。但配送成本高昂，而微薄的利润空间，使得门店无法一直提供免配送服务。
重点词汇
reliable /rɪˈlaɪəbl/ adj. 可靠的 ⭐
employ /ɪmˈplɔɪ/ v. 雇用
margin /ˈmɑːdʒɪn/ n. 利润；差额 🔔
Another issue is product selection. In physical supermarkets, shoppers can see and touch goods before buying. Online, customers depend on photos and descriptions. Some shoppers worry about the quality of fresh food, such as fruit and vegetables, when bought online.
另一个问题是商品选购。在实体超市，顾客可以亲眼查看、亲手触摸商品后再购买。而网购时，消费者只能依靠图片和文字介绍。一些顾客会担心网购果蔬等生鲜产品的品质。
重点词汇
selection /sɪˈlekʃn/ n. 选择；品类
description /dɪˈskrɪpʃn/ n. 描述；说明
To stay competitive, online grocery services are improving all the time. They offer detailed product information, flexible delivery times, and easy return policies. Some also use new technology, such as smart fridges, to automatically order items when supplies run low.
为保持竞争力，线上生鲜服务一直在优化升级。平台会提供详尽的商品信息、灵活的配送时段以及便捷的退货政策。部分平台还运用智能冰箱等新技术，在物品存量不足时自动下单采购。
重点词汇
competitive /kəmˈpetətɪv/ adj. 有竞争力的 ⭐
flexible /ˈfleksəbl/ adj. 灵活的
automatically /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/ adv. 自动地
The future of grocery shopping is likely to be a mix of online and offline. Many people will continue to use both methods, choosing whichever is most convenient at the time. Traditional supermarkets will not disappear, but they will have to keep changing to survive.
未来的生鲜购物模式大概率会是线上与线下相结合。许多人会同时使用两种方式，根据当下情况选择最便捷的一种。传统超市不会就此消失，但想要存续，就必须不断转型。
重点词汇
offline /ˌɒfˈlaɪn/ adj. 线下的
survive /səˈvaɪv/ v. 生存；存续
Text 4
We all know that reading is important. It improves vocabulary, concentration and memory. But in today’s busy world, people are reading fewer books than before. Many choose to spend their free time on social media, video games or short online videos instead.
我们都清楚阅读的重要性。阅读能够扩充词汇量、提升专注力与记忆力。但在如今快节奏的社会中，人们的读书量相较以往有所减少。许多人更愿意把闲暇时间花在社交媒体、电子游戏或短视频上。
重点词汇
vocabulary /vəˈkæbjələri/ n. 词汇量
concentration /ˌkɒnsnˈtreɪʃn/ n. 专注力 ⭐
This decline in book reading has caused concern among educators and experts. Long books require time and patience, which many people lack nowadays. Digital content, on the other hand, is quick and easy to consume, designed for short bursts of attention.
读书人数下降的现象，引发了教育工作者和专家的担忧。长篇书籍需要投入时间与耐心，而这正是当下很多人所欠缺的。与之相反，数字内容浏览起来轻松快捷，本身就是为碎片化的注意力设计的。
重点词汇
decline /dɪˈklaɪn/ n. 下降；减少 ⭐
patience /ˈpeɪʃns/ n. 耐心
consume /kənˈsjuːm/ v. 浏览；消费 🔔
burst /bɜːst/ n. 短暂的一段时间
However, some people are trying to bring books back into daily life. Book clubs have become popular again, bringing people together to discuss stories and share ideas. Public libraries are also hosting more reading events to encourage people of all ages to pick up a book.
不过，也有不少人努力让书籍重回日常生活。读书俱乐部再度兴起，人们聚在一起探讨故事、交流想法。公共图书馆也举办了更多阅读活动，鼓励各个年龄段的人拿起书本阅读。
重点词汇
host /həʊst/ v. 举办；主持
pick up a book 拿起书本；开始阅读 📌
Reading a full book offers deep enjoyment that short online content cannot match. It allows readers to enter another world, understand different viewpoints, and relax deeply. Even in the digital age, books remain a valuable source of knowledge and pleasure.
通读一整本书所带来的深度体验，是短视频类内容无法比拟的。阅读能带领读者进入全新的世界、理解多元观点，还能让人彻底放松。即便是在数字时代，书籍依旧是知识与乐趣的宝贵源泉。
重点词汇
match /mætʃ/ v. 匹敌；媲美 ⭐
viewpoint /ˈvjuːpɔɪnt/ n. 观点；看法
三、新题型 Part B
In an age of endless distractions, the ability to focus is becoming a rare gift. Here are four suggestions on how to stay focused in a noisy world.
在这个充满各种干扰的时代，专注力已然成为一种稀缺的能力。下文给出四条建议，教你在纷繁的环境中保持专注。
重点词汇
distraction /dɪˈstrækʃn/ n. 干扰；分心的事物 ⭐
rare /reə(r)/ adj. 稀有的；罕见的
1. Set clear goals
Before you start a task, decide exactly what you want to achieve. Clear goals keep your mind directed and stop you from getting sidetracked. Write down your goals if necessary, and remind yourself of them regularly.
1. 设定清晰目标
开始一项任务前，明确自己想要达成的结果。清晰的目标能让思绪保持集中，避免做事偏离方向。必要时可以写下目标，并时常提醒自己。
重点词汇
achieve /əˈtʃiːv/ v. 实现；达成
sidetrack /ˈsaɪdtræk/ v. 偏离主题；分心 🔔
2. Create a quiet environment
Your surroundings have a big influence on your focus. If possible, find a quiet place to work or study. Turn off unnecessary noises such as TV or music. Simple changes to your environment can greatly improve your concentration.
2. 打造安静环境
周遭环境会极大影响专注力。条件允许的话，找一处安静的场所工作或学习，关掉电视、音乐等无关声源。对环境做出简单调整，就能有效提升专注度。
重点词汇
surroundings /səˈraʊndɪŋz/ n. 周围环境
influence /ˈɪnfluəns/ n. & v. 影响 ⭐
3. Take short breaks
Working for hours without stopping is not effective. Our brains need regular rest. Take short breaks every 45 to 60 minutes. Stand up, stretch or look out of the window. Short breaks refresh your mind and help you focus again.
3. 适时短暂休息
长时间不间断地工作效率并不高。大脑需要定时休息。每工作45至60分钟就短暂歇一会儿，起身活动、伸展身体或是望向窗外。短暂休息能让大脑恢复活力，帮助你重新集中注意力。
重点词汇
effective /ɪˈfektɪv/ adj. 有效的
stretch /stretʃ/ v. 伸展（身体）
refresh /rɪˈfreʃ/ v. 使恢复精神 ⭐
4. Limit phone use
Mobile phones are one of the biggest distractions. Put your phone on silent mode and keep it out of sight while working. Avoid checking messages or social media frequently. Every time you look at your phone, you break your train of thought.
4. 减少手机使用
手机是最主要的干扰源之一。工作时将手机调至静音，并放在视线之外。不要频繁查看消息和社交软件。每一次翻看手机，都会打断你的思路。
重点词汇
silent mode 静音模式 📌
frequently /ˈfriːkwəntli/ adv. 频繁地
train of thought 思路；思绪 📌
四、翻译 Part C
People tend to underestimate the power of imagination. Unlike memory, which is tied to the past, imagination helps us look into the future. It allows us to dream, to invent, and to create things that have never existed before.
人们往往低估了想象力的力量。记忆与过去紧密相连，而想象力则帮助我们展望未来。它让我们敢于梦想、勇于探索发明，创造出前所未有的事物。
重点词汇
underestimate /ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt/ v. 低估 ⭐
be tied to 与……紧密相关 📌
invent /ɪnˈvent/ v. 发明；创造
Every great invention and work of art began as an idea in someone’s imagination. Scientists imagine new solutions to problems. Artists imagine new shapes, colours and stories. Entrepreneurs imagine new products and services that can change people’s lives.
每一项伟大的发明、每一件艺术作品，最初都只是人们脑海中的一个构想。科学家畅想解决问题的新方案，艺术家构思全新的造型、色彩与故事，企业家设想能够改变人们生活的新产品与新服务。
重点词汇
solution /səˈluːʃn/ n. 解决方案 ⭐
entrepreneur /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜː(r)/ n. 企业家
Imagination also plays an important part in everyday life. When you plan a day out, imagine a conversation, or think about how to solve a personal problem, you are using your imagination. It helps us prepare for different situations and understand other people’s feelings.
想象力在日常生活中同样举足轻重。当你规划出行、构思对话，或是思索如何解决个人难题时，你都在运用想象力。它帮助我们应对各类状况，也让我们学会理解他人的感受。
重点词汇
situation /ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃn/ n. 情况；处境
Many people lose their imagination as they grow older. They become too practical and stop dreaming. But imagination is not just for children. We should keep it alive throughout our lives. Nurturing imagination makes us more creative, curious and open-minded.
许多人随着年龄增长，渐渐失去了想象力。他们变得过于务实，不再心怀梦想。但想象力并非孩童的专属，我们一生都应当保有它。培养想象力，能让我们更具创造力、求知欲，也变得更加豁达包容。
重点词汇
practical /ˈpræktɪkl/ adj. 务实的；实际的
nurture /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ v. 培养；滋养 🔔
creative /kriˈeɪtɪv/ adj. 有创造力的 ⭐
open-minded /ˌəʊp ˈmaɪndɪd/ adj. 思想开明的
五、写作
小作文（邀请信）
Dear Professor Smith,
I am writing to sincerely invite you to take part in our school’s upcoming reading festival.
尊敬的史密斯教授：
我写这封信，诚挚地邀请您参加我校即将举办的读书节活动。
重点词汇
sincerely /sɪnˈsɪəli/ adv. 诚挚地
upcoming /ˈʌpkʌmɪŋ/ adj. 即将到来的
The festival will be held in the school hall next Friday afternoon, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. We will have various activities, including book sharing, speech contests and group discussions. We would greatly appreciate it if you could give us a talk on reading skills.
本次读书节将于下周五下午两点至五点在校礼堂举办。活动形式丰富多样，包括好书分享、演讲比赛以及小组讨论。若您能为我们开展一场关于阅读技巧的讲座，我们将不胜感激。
重点词汇
various /ˈveəriəs/ adj. 各种各样的
speech contest 演讲比赛 📌
appreciate /əˈpriːʃieɪt/ v. 感激；感谢 ⭐
Your experience and advice will surely inspire all of us. Please let me know whether you can come. We are looking forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Li Hua
您的经验与建议必定会激励我们所有人。恳请告知您是否能够前来，静候您的回复。
谨启
李华
重点词汇
inspire /ɪnˈspaɪə(r)/ v. 激励；启发 ⭐
look forward to 期待 📌
大作文（图表：大学生课余运动情况）
The chart clearly shows the ways college students spend their spare time on sports. Overall, running is the most popular activity, followed by ball games, swimming and other sports.
该图表清晰展示了大学生课余体育活动的参与情况。总体来看，跑步是最受欢迎的运动项目，球类运动、游泳及其他运动依次位列其后。
重点词汇
spare time 课余时间；闲暇时光 📌
overall /ˌəʊvərˈɔːl/ adv. 总体而言
To be specific, students who choose running account for 37% of the total. Ball games rank second, taking up 31%. Swimming makes up 18%, while other kinds of sports occupy 14%.
具体而言，选择跑步的学生占比37%。球类运动位居第二，占比31%。游泳占18%，其余各类运动合计占14%。
重点词汇
rank /ræŋk/ v. 排名；位列 ⭐
occupy /ˈɒkjupaɪ/ v. 占据（比例、空间）🔔
Several factors can explain this trend. For one thing, running is easy to do and requires no special equipment. For another, it is a great way to keep fit and release pressure from study.
这一趋势的形成存在多方面原因。一方面，跑步简单易行，无需专业器材。另一方面，跑步是强身健体、释放学业压力的绝佳方式。
重点词汇
equipment /ɪˈkwɪpmənt/ n. 设备；器材 ⭐
keep fit 强身健体 📌
release pressure 释放压力 📌
From my perspective, doing sports regularly is beneficial to students’ physical health and mental state. Therefore, we should keep exercising and develop a healthy lifestyle.
在我看来，坚持体育锻炼有益于学生的身心健康。因此，我们应当坚持运动，养成健康的生活方式。
重点词汇
mental state 精神状态 📌
lifestyle /ˈlaɪfstaɪl/ n. 生活方式
