Scientists say we are all born with a knack for mathematics. Every time we scan the cafeteria for a table that will fit all of our friends, we’re exercising the ancient estimation center in our brain.
Stanislas Dehaene was the first researcher to show that this part of the brain exists. In 1989, he met Mr. N who had suffered a serious brain injury. Mr. N couldn’t recognize the number 5, or add 2 and 2. But he still knew that there are “about 50 minutes” in an hour. Dehaene drew an important conclusion from his case: there must be two separate mathematical areas in our brains. One area is responsible for the math we learn in school, and the other judges approximate amounts.
So what does the brain’s estimation center do for us? Harvard University researcher Elizabeth Spelke has spent a lot of time posing math problems to preschoolers. When he asks 5-year-olds to solve a problem like 21+30, they can’t do it. But he has also asked them questions such as, “Sarah has 21 candles and gets 30 more. John has 34 candles. Who has more candles?” It turns out preschoolers are great at solving questions like that. Before they’ve learned how to do math with numerals and symbols, their brains’ approximation centers are already hard at work.
After we learn symbolic math, do we still have any use for our inborn math sense? Justin Halberda at Johns Hopkins University gave us an answer in his study. He challenged a group of 14-year-olds with an approximation test: The kids stared at a computer screen and saw groups of yellow and blue dots flash by, too quickly to count. Then they had to say whether there had been more blue dots or yellow dots. The researchers found that most were able to answer correctly when there were 25 yellow dots and 10 blue ones. When the groups were closer in size, 11 yellow dots and 10 blue ones, fewer kids answered correctly.
The big surprise in this study came when the researcher compared the kids’ approximation test scores to their scores on standardized math tests. He found that kids who did better on the flashing dot test had better standardized test scores, and vice versa (反之亦然). It seems that, far from being irrelevant, your math sense might predict your ability at formal math.
1.From the first two studies, we can learn that estimation center ________.
A. is divided into two separate mathematical areas
B. can help figure out numerals and symbols problems
C. functions independently in both kids’ and adults’ brains
D. works better when symbolic parts are injured or undergrown
2.What most surprised Justin in the study of 14-year-olds?
A. The variety of math abilities in different students.
B. The link between technology skills and estimation skills.
C. The difficulty of the task as the number of dots increased.
D. The connection between estimation skills and formal math ability.
3.What could be the best title for the passage?
A. Born with a Sense of Math
B. Go beyond What You Can Learn
C. Symbolic Math and Estimation Math
D. Our Brain一a Born Mathematician
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
Scientists say we are all born with a knack for mathematics. Every time we scan the cafeteria for a table that will fit all of our friends, we’re exercising the ancient estimation center in our brain.
Stanislas Dehaene was the first researcher to show that this part of the brain exists. In 1989, he met Mr. N who had suffered a serious brain injury. Mr. N couldn’t recognize the number 5, or add 2 and 2. But he still knew that there are “about 50 minutes” in an hour. Dehaene drew an important conclusion from his case: there must be two separate mathematical areas in our brains. One area is responsible for the math we learn in school, and the other judges approximate amounts.
So what does the brain’s estimation center do for us? Harvard University researcher Elizabeth Spelke has spent a lot of time posing math problems to preschoolers. When he asks 5-year-olds to solve a problem like 21+30, they can’t do it. But he has also asked them questions such as, “Sarah has 21 candles and gets 30 more. John has 34 candles. Who has more candles?” It turns out preschoolers are great at solving questions like that. Before they’ve learned how to do math with numerals and symbols, their brains’ approximation centers are already hard at work.
After we learn symbolic math, do we still have any use for our inborn math sense? Justin Halberda at Johns Hopkins University gave us an answer in his study. He challenged a group of 14-year-olds with an approximation test: The kids stared at a computer screen and saw groups of yellow and blue dots flash by, too quickly to count. Then they had to say whether there had been more blue dots or yellow dots. The researchers found that most were able to answer correctly when there were 25 yellow dots and 10 blue ones. When the groups were closer in size, 11 yellow dots and 10 blue ones, fewer kids answered correctly.
The big surprise in this study came when the researcher compared the kids’ approximation test scores to their scores on standardized math tests. He found that kids who did better on the flashing dot test had better standardized test scores, and vice versa (反之亦然). It seems that, far from being irrelevant, your math sense might predict your ability at formal math.
1.From the first two studies, we can learn that estimation center ________.
A. is divided into two separate mathematical areas
B. can help figure out numerals and symbols problems
C. functions independently in both kids’ and adults’ brains
D. works better when symbolic parts are injured or undergrown
2.What most surprised Justin in the study of 14-year-olds?
A. The variety of math abilities in different students.
B. The link between technology skills and estimation skills.
C. The difficulty of the task as the number of dots increased.
D. The connection between estimation skills and formal math ability.
3.What could be the best title for the passage?
A. Born with a Sense of Math
B. Go beyond What You Can Learn
C. Symbolic Math and Estimation Math
D. Our Brain一a Born Mathematician
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
We are born to win! The _____ to success is in our genes, say scientists.
A. drive B. gravity C. request D. squeeze
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
When we are born,we are given names that stay with us for our whole lives. Some names include good wishes and hopes from parents, while others may be unique and easy to remember.
1.
According to International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, an organization responsible for naming new viruses,the task of naming a virus is no less important than naming a person.
When a disease breaks out, people focus on the public health response 2. But that may lead to many problems. The most obvious one is that different media organizations may use different names for the same virus in their reports. We are now in the internet era. 3. This means different names can take hold quickly and be hard to take back, which may confuse those who know little about the virus.
4. Over the past decade, some improper names have caused problems. In 2009, the “swine flu” was widely used before the official name, HINI virus, was announced. This led Egypt to kill all of its pigs. In 2015, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)caused a backlash (强烈抵制)against the nations and people of this region. So in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the names of viruses should avoid being named after geographic locations, people, species or classes of animals and foods.
5. The new coronavirus we are suffering from was named “COV-ID-19” on Feb 11. In this name, “CO” means “corona”, “VI” stands for “virus” and “D” means “disease”. Next time you read about a virus you don't know, you may get some clues about it from its name.
A.But naming a virus is never easy.
B.The WHO followed these principles this time .
C.News can spread to every household in seconds.
D.They often don’t know how to protect themselves.
E.The official naming of a new virus is often delayed.
F.Do you have a name which is easy to remember?
G.But do you know how the new coronavirus got its name?
高三英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析
In this modern world, we rush around all day with no time for stillness. And when we are 48 to be still, we're in line for something, or waiting at a doctor's appointment, or on a bus or train. This comes at a 49 : we lose that time for consideration, for observing and listening. We lose peace. And 50 yet: sometimes no action is better than too much action at all. You can run around crazily, but get nothing done. Take a moment to think about how you spend your days? Are you always51 through your schedule?
Is this how you want to spend your life? If not, take a moment to be still. Don't think about what you have to do, or what you've done already. 52 be in the moment. Then after a minute or two of doing that, consider your 53 , and how you'd like it to be. See your life with less movement and less rushing. See it with more stillness and more peace. It's pretty simple: all you have to do is sit still for a little bit each day. Once you've got 54 to that, try doing less each day. Find happiness now, in this moment, instead of waiting for it.
Value the stillness. It's a treasure and it's 55 to us, always.
1.A. forced B. ordered C. invited D. told
2.A. cost B. risk C. loss D. danger
3.A. later B. worse C. better D. deeper
4.A. breaking B. rushing C. living D. going
5.A. Nearly B. Ever C. Just D. Already
6.A. life B. belief C. road D. future
7.A. addicted B. accustomed C. permitted D. ready
8.A. available B. convenient C. potential D. reasonable
高三英语完型填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
As skies are filled with millions of migrating（迁徙） birds, European scientists say the seasonal wonder appears to be strange. The fatter the bird, the better it flies.
The results of their study led to a theory opposite to a central one of aerodynamics(空气动力学), which says that the power needed to fly increases with weight.
For birds, obviously, the cost of flying with heavy fat is much smaller than we used to think. Researchers found that red knot wading birds double their normal body weight of 100 grams before making their twice-a-year nonstop flight between the British Isles and the Russian Arctic.Distance;5,000 kilometers.
Another study in the magazine Nature measured the advantage of flying in an aerodynamic group which allows birds to save energy by flying smoothly and quietly in the lead bird’s air stream.
Flying in groups, their heart rates were 14.5 percent lower than flying alone, according to Henri, a French scientist. The findings help explain how birds complete difficult migrations. Researchers had thought stronger birds would have the best chance to survive.
The first study suggests that building up fat to be burnt as fuel during the migration is worth more than the energy it take to carry the additional weight.
In the study, researchers said their team studied the birds flown at different body weights during 28 simulated(模拟的)flights. They forced a small amount of special water into the birds’ bodies so that they could measure the amount of energy burnt during the flight.
1.A red knot wading bird of 100 grams will probably weigh ________before making its nonstop migrating flight.
A.50 grams B.100 grams C.150 grams D.200 grams
2.During their migrating flight, red knot wading birds can save energy by flying________.
A. separately B. alone C. in groups D. in pairs
3.A ________red knot wading bird has a better chance to survive during its migrating flight.
A. stronger B. weaker C. thinner D. fatter
4.The best title for this passage may probably be ________ .
A. Birds Thin Down For Journey B. Birds Fatten Up For Journey
C. How Birds Build Up Fat For Journey D. How Birds Burn Energy For Journey
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Gorillas are born with an international sign language of gestures that they use to communicate，says a new study from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
From beating their chests to putting objects on their heads，shaking their arms，and even bouncing on all fours，the animals use more than 100 gestures to communicate with each other
Professor Richard Byrne，a psychiatrist involved in the research，says it was hard to figure out the meanings of the gestures.
“We don't really know what the animals are thinking. Often the gestures have more than one meaning，depending on the context，”says Byrne.
The study showed that the gorillas did not learn the gestures from each other，as had been expected，but performed them instinctively (本能地).
“Everyone had assumed different groups of gorillas would learn different gestures，”he says. “But that's not what we found. The more sites we went to ,the more we saw the same gestures being used. They seem to be naturally equipped with a pretty complex system of communication.”
The study also found that gestures were performed with close attention to the potential audience，so that silent signals，for example， were only given when other apes could see them. Other gestures，such as the "disco arm shake" were only ever seen directed towards humans.
Byrne believes that the findings may explain how the human language developed.
“There has always been speculation（猜测）that the origins of the human language might lie in gestures，”he says.
“Many researchers have therefore studied the gestural communication of the great apes for clues to the evolutionary origins of human gestures，”he adds.
Several studies have shown that great apes are capable of imitating gestures. However，the scientists found that what appeared to be copies of human actions were actually gestures the apes were already able to make themselves. They're “reusing” gestures from their own repertoire，not learning new ones.
64.According to the passage，Richard Byrne's research has found________.
A. different groups of gorillas would learn different gestures
B. gorillas know the sign language from birth
C. how gorillas learn from each other
D. gorillas develop a variety of languages when growing up
65.Why can't the researchers really know the meanings of gorilla gestures?
A. Because gorillas possess the ability of making many kinds of gestures.
B. Because they haven't made deep research into the animal.
C. Because a gorilla gesture may have different meanings.
D. Because gorillas can't exactly express their thoughts.
66.If a gorilla wants to make a silent gesture towards another gorilla，he________.
A. needs to know how many other gorillas are watching him
B. needs to make noise first in order to draw attention
C. will first make sure his gesture can be seen
D. will first consider whether he can carry out his gesture
67.According to the passage，many scientists study the sign language of great apes in order to.
A. find the origins of the human language
B. find ways for people to communicate with apes
C. learn how animals communicate
D. discover the meanings of animal gestures
高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析
We are not born with courage,but neither are we born with fear.Fears,even the most basic ones,can totally destroy our ambitions.Fear can destroy fortunes.Fear can destroy relationships.Fear,if left unchecked,can destroy our lives.Fear is one of the many enemies living inside us.
1.
The first enemy we face is indecision.Indecision is the thief of opportunity.2.Take a sword to this enemy.
The second enemy inside is doubt.3.But you also can't let doubt take over.Many people doubt the past,doubt the future,doubt each other,doubt the government,doubt the possibilities and doubt the opportunities.Worst of all, they doubt themselves.I'm telling you,doubt will destroy your life and your chances of success.It will empty both your bank account and your heart.4.
Do battle with the enemies.Do battle with your fears.5.Be courageous in your life and in your pursuit of the things you want and the person you want to become.
A.Sure,there's room for healthy doubt.You can't believe everything.
B.Build your courage to fight what's holding you back,what's keeping you from your goals and dreams.
C.Let me tell you about two of the other enemies we face from within.
D.Below are the ways which might be useful for us to overcome our fears.
E.Doubt is an enemy.Go after it.Get rid of it.
F.It will steal your chances for a better future.
G.Some people doubt everything.
高三英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析
Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work , a move scientists say can be
god for productivity , workplace morale (士气), and the well-being of animals .
A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet . Sue Chaseling of Petcare information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets . “On the pets’ side , they are not left on their own and won’t feel lonely and unhappy,” she said . A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial (有益的) , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism (缺勤).
Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington . “My customers love them . they are their favorites ,” she said . “They are not troublesome . They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun .”
Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years “working” at Punch Gallery in Balmain . Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years . “BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass ,” he said .
Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation . But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable .
1.The percentage of American companies that are in favor of keeping office pets is ________ .
A．73% B．27% C．25% D．15%
2.We know from the text that “BJ”________
A．works in the Global Hair Salon B．often greets the passers-by
C．likes to sleep in the sun D．is a two-year-old cat
3.The best title for this text would be ________ .
A．Pets Help Attract Customers B．Your Favorite Office Pets
C．Pets Join the Workforce D．Busy Life for Pets
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work , a move scientists say can be
god for productivity , workplace morale (士气), and the well-being of animals .
A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet . Sue Chaseling of Petcare information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets . "On the pets' side , they are not left on their own and won't feel lonely and unhappy," she said . A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial (有益的) , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism (缺勤).
Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington . "My customers love them . they are their favorites ," she said . "They are not troublesome . They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun ."
Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years "working" at Punch Gallery in Balmain . Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years . "BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass ," he said .
Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation . But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable .
1.The percentage of American companies that are in favor of keeping office pets is________ .
A．73% B．27% C．25% D．15%
2.We know from the text that "BJ"________
A．works in the Global Hair Salon B．often greets the passers-by
C．likes to sleep in the sun D．is a two-year-old cat
3.The best title for this text would be .
A．Pets Help Attract Customers B．Your Favorite Office Pets
C．Pets Join the Workforce D．Busy Life for Pets
高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析
Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work, a move scientists say can be good for productivity , workplace morale (士气), and the well-being of animals .
A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet. Sue Chaseling of Petcare information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets. “On the pets’ side, they are not left on their own and won’t feel lonely and unhappy,” she said. A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial (有益的) , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism (缺勤).
Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington. “My customers love them. They are their favorites,” she said. “They are not troublesome. They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun.”
Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years “working” at Punch Gallery in Balmain. Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years. “BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass,” he said.
Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation. But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable.
1.The percentage of American companies that are in favor of keeping office pets is ________ .
A. 73% B. 27% C. 25% D. 15%
2.We know from the text that “BJ”________
A. works in the Global Hair Salon B. often greets the passers-by
C. likes to sleep in the sun D. is a two-year-old cat
3.The best title for this text would be ________ .
A. Pets Help Attract Customers B. Your Favorite Office Pets
C. Pets Join the Workforce D. Busy Life for Pets
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析