Store owners have been inventing new tricks t...

Store owners have been inventing new tricks to get consumers into their stores and purchasing their goods. Even as we find new strategies to resist, neuroscientists (神经科学家) are employed at marketing agencies across the country to best figure out what is going through a consumer’s brain at each point in the decision process.

We consumers overspend due to the fact that we have a fear of missing the really good deal or having to pay more for the same thing and lose money. Normally, the prefrontal cortex ( 前 额皮 层 ) controls our emotional reactions to things, and keeps us from acting unreasonably by calming down our fears. But an advertiser can disturb our prefrontal cortex just by displaying flashy deal signs, encouraging it to do math on how much money we might save now by buying more of something we don’t actually need yet.

Nostalgia, that regretful affection for past events, is another strong influencer during the holiday season, and it’s shaped by emotion. Emotion—whether good or bad—enhances the formation of memories, engaging more parts of the brain. So hearing a nephew singing a carol, for instance, might reawaken memories associated with that particular song in a much more powerful way than hearing that same nephew sing another song. These kinds of memories are brought back even more easily by sensory input. This might be why we are often greeted by a sensory reminder everywhere we go in a month.

Wherever you purchase gifts, there are social influences on what you buy as well. The holidays are a time when we are especially conditioned to pay more for the label because we’re buying gifts. Receiving a brand-name gift sends the message that “this person has spent more on me, so he or she must value me more.” And it makes sense. If two things seem pretty much the same, how do I know which to choose? Humans have survived as a social species, and we have to rely on each other. So when our brains are trying to make decisions, one of the shortcuts is to assume that if a lot of other people prefer something (and higher cost is often a predictor of that), then there must be a reason.

Much of our holiday spending is driven by unplanned purchases. Plan ahead, resist the urge to purchase in the moment, make notes for comparison shopping, and if the deal is actually good, then it will hold up to inspection and you’ll feel good about your purchases later. Before you blow your budget this season, remember that your brain might be fooling you into that next purchase.

1.From Paragraph 2, we learn that ______.

A.the prefrontal cortex is the calculation center

B.the common consumers always act unreasonably

C.the sight of flashy deal signs may fill consumers with fear

D.the advertisers make consumers pay more for the same thing

2.According to Paragraph 3, which of the following can work on consumers?

A.Creating a festival atmosphere. B.Following the current fashion.

C.Preparing more free samples. D.Offering a bigger discount.

3.Why do we buy brand-name gifts during the holiday?

A.They are more reliable. B.They are a sign of social status.

C.They make people feel valued. D.They are favored by most people.

4.To avoid overspending, the author suggests we ______.

A.buy in the moment B.reduce our budget

C.return unnecessary products D.make a plan in advance

高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

I have offered to work for the store owner _____ one night’s stay.

A. in place of　 B. in exchange for　 C. in relation to　 D. in preference to

高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析

Since App Store was set up, it has been selling consumers one simple thing — choice. Whether you wanted to play games, read the news, or do a thousand other things, there was something for whatever you desired.

Then something funny happened. Logging into the App Store today is like going into a shopping mall with only a coupon (优惠券) for one thing: There's so much choice; it might be easier to give up than to choose.

It isn't consumers who are burdened, though. Too much content of all kinds also has economic effects. When countless choices are available, it causes pressure, pushing prices down and driving us a bit crazy.

So what is the way forward? It may well be to tum less choice itself to the marketing strategy. There are already signs that this is happening. Firstly content companies are looking to prevent their offerings from getting lost in the tons of stuff. Most obvious is Disney, which is planning to open its own streaming service next year. The point is to narrow the focus so that those seeking Disney cartoons will have one place to go, rather than being around various services.

Yet if that represents a careful first step, there are more extreme options too. Consider the idea of a wine club: from tens of thousands of bottles each year, subscribers (用户) pay someone to select the most interesting ones. Perhaps what comes next for digital content is similar — carefully selected offerings from trusted sources that put choices in the hands of someone else in order to get rid of the anxiety of choosing.

Up to now, too much choice in digital media has only one solution: the algorithm (运算法则). But we've seen the trouble with algorithms on You Tube. They feed you only what you've already said you like, not things you may not know you're into. Worse, they have a tendency to serve up disturbing content. The way forward can't simply be more or better algorithms.

Instead, it's time for digital companies to start thinking about how to put limits on things: on how much we can use a device, or what we are available to choose from.

As we move further into the digital revolution, what people ask for is clear: Less.

1.What will too much choice of content on the market result in?

A.The shutdown of companies. B.Anxiety of consumers.

C.Poor quality of products. D.Negative influence on economy.

2.Why is Disney planning to open its own streaming service?

A.To improve its marketing strategy.

B.To help people focus on less choice.

C.To encourage more people to visit Disney.

D.To provide consumers with various services

3.In what way may a wine club and digital content in the near future be similar?

A.Someone else will be employed to make a choice for consumers.

B.Both of them will offer only a few options.

C.Consumers will refuse to choose from too many options.

D.Both of them will make a change about their products.

4.What do we know about the algorithm?

A.It manages to offer what consumers will possibly like.

B.It helps to remove disturbing content from digital media.

C.it offers consumers things based on what they've said they like.

D.It'll solve the problem of having too much choice.

高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

Since App Store was set up, it has been selling consumers one simple thing choice. Whether you wanted to play games, read the news, or do a thousand other things, there was something for whatever you desired.

Then something funny happened. Logging into the App Store today is like going into a shopping mall with only a coupon(优惠券) for one thing: There’s so much choice; it might be easier to give up than to choose.

It isn’t consumers who are burdened, though. Too much content of all kinds also has economic effects. When countless choices are available, it causes pressure, pushing prices down and driving us a bit crazy.

So what is the way forward? It may well be to turn less choice itself to the marketing strategy. There are already signs that this is happening. Firstly content companies are looking to prevent their offerings from getting lost in the tons of stuff. Most obvious is Disney, which is planning to open its own streaming service next year. The point is to narrow the focus so that those seeking Disney cartoons will have one place to go, rather than being around various services.

Yet if that represents a careful first step, there are more extreme options too. Consider the idea of a wine club: from tens of thousands of bottles each year, subscribers pay someone to select the most interesting ones. Perhaps what comes next for digital content is similar-carefully selected offerings from trusted sources that put choices in the hands of someone else in order to get rid of the anxiety of choosing.

Up to now, too much choice in digital media has only one solution: the algorithm（运算法则）． But we＇ ve seen the trouble with algorithms on You Tube They feed you only what you’ve already said you like, not things you may not know you re into. Worse, they have a tendency to serve up disturbing content he way forward cant simply be more or better algorithms.

Instead, it's time for digital companies to start thinking about how to put limits on things: on how much we can use a device, or what we are available to choose from.

As we move further into the digital revolution, what people ask for is clear: Less.

1.What will too much choice of content on the market result in?

A. The shutdown of companies　　 B. The anxiety of consumers

C. The poor quality of products　　 D. The slowdown of economy

2.Which of the following statements is TRUE according to Paragraphs 4 and 5?

A. Content companies should withdraw their offerings online

B. Content companies should post their offerings on App Store

C. Content companies adopt different methods to narrow the consumers focus

D. Content companies open their own streaming services on You Tube

3.How do algorithms probably respond to consumers needs?

A. They make a better choice for them　　 B. They help to remove disturbing content

C. They change their interest in digital media　　 D. They fail to offer what they possibly like

4.What is the authors attitude towards limiting the choice consumers have

A. Approving.　　 B. Skeptical

C. Opposing.　　 D. Neutral

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

To extinguish (熄灭) different kinds of fires, several types of fire extinguishers have been invented. They must be ready for immediate use when fire breaks out. Most portable (手提式的) kinds operate for less than a minute, so they are useful only on small fires. The law requires ships, trains, buses and planes to carry extinguishers.

Since fuel, oxygen (氧气) and heat must be present in order for fire to exist, one or more of these things must be removed or reduced to extinguish a fire. If the heat is reduced by cooling the material below a certain temperature, the fire goes out. The cooling method is the most common way to put out a fire. Water is the best cooling material because it is low in cost and easy to get.

Another method of extinguishing fire is by cutting off the oxygen. This is usually done by covering the fire with sand, steam or some other things. A blanket may be used do cover a small fire.

A third method is called separation, which includes removing the fuel, or material easy to burn, from a fire, so that it can find no fuel.

The method that is used to put out a fire depends upon the type of fire. Fires have been grouped in three classes. Fires in wood, paper, cloth and the like are called Class A fires. These materials usually help keep the fire on. Such fires can be stopped most readily by cooling with water.

1.If a fire breaks out on a bus, which of the follow should be ready there for you to use?

A. Sand                             B. Water

C. A blanket.                           D. An extinguisher.

2.To cover a small piece of burning wood with a basin in order to stop the fire is an example of ________.

A. separating the fire                  B. reducing the heat

C. removing the fuel                    D. cutting off the oxygen

3.In choosing how to put out a fire, we should first be clear about ________.

A. when it breaks out                   B. how it comes about

C. what kind it is                      D. where it takes place

4.What would the author probably discuss in the paragraph that follows?

A. Another class of fires                   B. Another type of extinguishers

C. How fires break out.                 D. How fires can be prevented.

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

In an effort to discourage people from using plastics，scientists have been hard at work inventing alternative packaging products．From water bottles made from seaweed to cutlery(餐具) made from rice and wheat，a number of inventions are set to change the way we eat while we are on the go，or having a relaxing picnic in the park．

The idea of using seaweed to make eco-friendly(环保的) water bottles has been around for a few years．Recently，Ari Jonsson took his invention—a water bottle made from red seaweed—to show off at a festival. The bottles will only hold their shape as long as they are filled．As soon as these bottles are empty they will begin to break down，though they would be perfectly safe to eat．Ari Jonsson’s bottles are a step closer to a widely used alternative to the current plastic ones．

The eatable water container is not the only product to add to our image of the future．Narayana Pessapaty has also created eatable spoons．After the success of his spoons, Mr Pessapaty is ready to expand and introduce forks and chopsticks to his menu．His aim is to largely reduce the amount of plastic waste，which is a huge problem for waste sites all over the world．It is a product that may take up to 500 years to break down，and recycling companies worldwide are struggling to deal with it．

Aside from the obvious benefits to the environment，this new packaging is also cheap to produce and therefore cheap to buy．Even better is the fact that similar eatable cutlery can be made at home，possibly a science project for children or just fun with friends．Why not get experimenting and create your own recipes?

1.Why do scientists invent alternative packaging products?

A. To make people’s life more convenient．

B. To reduce the amount of plastic waste．

C. To charge the way we picnic outside．

D. To show off their inventive talents．

2.What makes Ari Jonsson’s water bottles eco-friendly?

A. They can be made at home．

B. They are cheap to produce and buy．

C. They will hold their shape when they are filled．

D. They will break down themselves when empty．

3.What do Ari and Narayana’s inventions have in common?

A. They are convenient to carry．　　 B. They are safe to eat．

C. They can be used for a short time．　　 D. They are heavier than plastics．

4.What can be inferred from this passage?

A. Home-made eatable cutlery is likely to be popular．

B. Eatable cutlery’will completely replace plastics in the near future．

C. No recycling companies can breakdown plastic waste．

D. It’s unsafe for individuals to invent eatable cutlery at home．

高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

A new study has found that North American migratory birds (候鸟)have been getting smaller over the past 40 years. Researchers say the finding suggests a warming climate could be affecting bird growth in North America - and across the world.

The study involved data on nearly 80,000 birds killed from 1978 to 2016 in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Researchers measured the size of the birds. The birds included in the study had died after crashing into buildings during the spring and fall migrations.

Fifty-two species of birds were studied. Most were different kinds of songbirds. These birds reproduce in cold areas of North America and spend their winters in areas south of Chicago. Over the 40-year period, body size decreased in all 52 species. The average body mass fell by 2. 6 percent. Leg bone length dropped by 2. 4 percent. The one area of growth was the wingspan, which increased by 1.3 percent. The researchers said the wing growth likely happened to permit the birds to continue making long migrations with smaller bodies.

Brian Weeks, a biologist at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability, helped lead the research. He told the Reuters news agency that he believes the results show a clear link between a warming climate and the growth of the birds.

The study found a direct link between the average summer temperature and the body size of the birds. Dave Willard works with Chicago's Field Museum, which was in charge of measuring all the birds. He said nearly “ everyone agrees that the climate is warming, but examples of just how that is affecting the natural world are only now coming to light.” The study provides new evidence of worrisome developments for North American birds.

A study published in September documented a 29-percent drop in the bird population in the United States and Canada since 1970. The study said this represented a net loss (净亏损)of about 2. 9 billion birds. Weeks said the new study is the largest examination yet to measure body size reactions to warming temperatures involving a large, diverse group of species. “We had good reason to expect that increasing temperatures would lead to reductions in body size, based on previous studies,” Weeks added. “The thing that was shocking was how consistent it was. I was incredibly surprised that all of these species are responding in such similar ways.”

The researchers plan to continue studying the Field Museum data in an effort to find additional evidence to support their findings. They will also further examine the idea that an individual's physical development can change to fit changing environmental conditions.

1.In the study, the size and mass of birds fell but the wingspan increased, which　　 .

A.permitted birds to fly higher and stronger

B.made birds' long migration with smaller bodies possible

C.could protect birds from being extinct in the world

D.made North American migratory birds more beautiful and charming

2.Which of the following statements about Dave Willard is CORRECT?

A.He conducted a research which proved the climate is warming.

B.He provided new evidence of worrisome developments for North American birds.

C.He works with Chicago's Field Museum and is in charge of measuring all the birds.

D.He agrees that evidence proving a link between global warming and nature is just revealed.

3.According to the text, what made Brian Weeks astonished?

A.All species are responding to global warming similarly.

B.His study was surprisingly consistent with other scientists' research.

C.Birds got smaller in all parts of their body with the temperature increasing.

D.All species surveyed became smaller in response to increasing temperatures.

4.What would be the best title for the text?

A.Birds Are Going to Die Out

B.Migratory Birds Are Getting Smaller

C.Climate Change May Be Causing Smaller North American Birds

D.Brian Week, A Great Biologist, Published A Study about Birds

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

“Get your hands off me, I have been stolen,” the laptop, a portable computer, shouted. That is a new solution to laptop computer theft: a program that lets owners give their property a voice when it has been taken.

The program allows users to display alerts on the missing computer’s screen and even to set a spoken message. Tracking software for stolen laptops has been on the market for some time, but this is thought to be the first that allows owners to give the thief a piece of their mind.

Owners must report their laptop missing by visiting a website, which sends a message to the model: a red and yellow “lost or stolen” sign appears on its screen when it is started. Under the latest version（版本）of the software, users can also send a spoken message.

The message can be set to reappear every 30 seconds, no matter how many times the thief closes it.” One customer sent a message saying,’ You are being tracked. I am right at your door’,” said Carrie Hafeman, chief executive of the company which produces the program, Retriever.

In the latest version, people can add a spoken message. For example, the laptop’s speakers will say: “Help, this laptop is reported lost or stolen. If you are not my owner, report me now.”

The Retriever software package, which costs $29.95 but has a free trial period, has the functions of many security software programs .Owners can remotely switch to an alternative password if they fear that the thief has also got hold of the access details.

If a thief accesses the internet with the stolen laptop, Retriever will collect information on the internet service provider in use, so that the police can be alerted to its location.

Thousands of laptops are stolen every year form homes and offices, but with the use of laptops increasing, the number stolen while their owners are out and about has been rising sharply.

Other security software allows users to erase data remotely or lock down the computer.

1.The expression “to give the thief a piece of their mind “can be understood as “_______”

A. to give the thief an alert mind

B. to express the owners’ anger to the thief

C. to remind the thief of this conscience

D. to make the thief give up his mind

2.Different from other security software, Retriever can________.

A. record the stealing process          B. help recognize the lost laptop

C. lock down the computer remotely     D. send a spoken message

3.One function of the program is that it allows the owner to________at a distance.

A. change some access details for switching on the laptop

B. turn on the laptop by using the original password

C. operate the laptop by means of and alternative password

D. erase the information kept in the stolen laptop

4.Which of the following can best summarize the main idea of the passage?

A. With no Retriever, thousands of laptops are stolen every year.

B. A new soft ware provides a means to reduce laptop theft.

C. Retriever has helped to find thieves and lost computers.

D. A new program offers a communication platform with the thief.

高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

Say you're in the wine store and you want to buy something new. You have nothing to go by outside of the label. Will the label tell you anything you should know? Here's some general advice:

Vintage. This is the first thing we look for ourselves. You don't need to care whether 2001 or 2002 was a better year in the Sierra Foothills. The vast majority of wines at the store are meant to be drunk right away, so you make sure the wine isn't too old, particularly if you're buying it expecting lively, fresh fruitiness. We often see five-year-old Pinot Grigio and two-year-old Beaujolais Nouveau at stores, for example, so as soon as we see that kind of age on wines like those, we know we can skip them and move on(and possibly not shop there again).

Alcohol content. Too many wines have too much alcohol, which leaves them unbalanced. Sure, there are some classic wines with high alcohol levels, but many of today's regular table wines--Merlot, Chardonnay--have levels at 15% or above. Some of those might be terrific, but if we had nothing else to go on, we'd look for alcohol content at about 14% and below.

The more specific the better. A wine that says it's from Napa is probably a better bet than a wine that simply says it's from California. Unfortunately, this will also probably be reflected in the price, so this might not tell you much about value, If you care enough to know a few of famous vineyards for producing high-quality grapes, they might help you make an educated guess about quality.

Old vines. Theoretically, older vines produce fewer, but more flavorful grapes, but the problem is that no one has defined what an "old vine" is, so anyone can put this on the label. Just ignore it.

A phone number. You'd be surprised many small-production wines these days include a phone number on the back and an invitation to call the winerY, which is a sign of a highly personal winerY. We have called those numbers many times over the years and it's amazing how often the winemaker or winerY owner answers the phone.

1. The underlined word "Vintage" in the second paragraph probably means "________ " .

A. the place where the wine was made　　　　　　　　　　　　 B. the year when the wine was made

C. the freshness of the wine　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 D. the label of the wine

2.It's better to buy

A. five-year-old Pinot Grigio　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 B. the wine labeled from older vines

C. the wine from famous vineyards　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 D. two-year-old Beaujolais Nouveau

3. From the passage we Can infer that

A. the wine with high alcohol levels is definitely terrific

B. most wines at the store are intended to be drunk right away

C. older vines have lower production

D. some winemakers keep the promise all the time

4. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?

A. Geography.　　　　　　 B. Price　　　　　　　　 C. Quality.　　　　 D. Grapes.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。

1.Why does the man come to the store?

A. To shop for a new bike.

B. To have his bike repaired.

C. To change smaller wheels for his bike.

2.What does the woman suggest the man do?

A. Trade in his bike for a new one.

B. Change the bike’s frame instead.

C. Give the bike back to his cousin.

3.What will the man probably do?

A. Get a new bike right away.

B. Come back tomorrow with his bike.

C. Shop around for a better price.

4.How does the man feel in the end?

A. Disappointed.　　 B. Satisfied.　　 C. Puzzled.

高三英语长对话中等难度题查看答案及解析