1、2017年高考英语阅读专练（七选五）1. Brain TransplantsResearch on the human brain has been attracting more and more scientists in recent years. 1 If we compare a human brain to a hard disc, what the scientists are doing is to make better use of the hard disc. The idea that a human brain could be transplanted may co
2、me from Frankenstein. In 1999, an experiment turned a bear into a dolphin. 2 They were made of the memory area in the dolphins brain containing information about swimming. They had a series of useful information, which was saved into a button-sized chip (芯片). Later the information was transplanted i
3、nto the action memory area in the bears brain. 3 It proved to be a highly successful experiment and a bear was turned into a dolphin. Recently, another memory transplant was performed at the Motor Nerve Research Institute of the University of California. The experiment had an entire transplant of th
4、e memory area. 4 The transplant was performed from a dog named Genius to a dog named Idiot. Genius could follow up to 100 gestures and orders made by its master. It was a real genius in memorizing. However, Idiot had no contact with people since its birth. It became an animal with nothing in its bra
5、in, without any memory.5 When the two dogs woke up, Idiot had grasped all the abilities Genius possessed; it was good at memorizing and sensible. It could follow every gesture and any command given by its master. But Genius gave no response to its master, and did not recognize him at all. A. The exp
6、eriment was a complete success. B. It included actions, moods, logic, words, images, etc.C. Then it was released by means of electric power.D. Different images have different meanings in the memory area.E. Using the most advanced technology, detailed images were produced. F. Discoveries show that me
7、ssages are carried by the central nervous system in the brain.G. One of the latest topics is how to change the human brain or combine it with the computer.2. W. Lloyd Jeromes Dental SurgeryIf you walk into W.Lloyd Jeromes dental surgery in Glasgow, Youll see bright paintings and a fashionable blue c
8、ouch which patients sit on while he checks their teeth. Jerome says, “Thats because theyre frightened.”_1_ “Thats why I dont wear a white coat. I find thats one of the things that people associate with pain. In fact, my philosophy is that dental treatment should take place in an atmosphere of relaxa
9、tion, interest and, above all, enjoyment”, which is all highly shocking for anyone who associates dental treatment with pain, or at the very least, formal, clinical visits. He says, “If people are relaxed, entertained and correctly treated, they will forget such previous unpleasant experiences.”“Vir
10、tual-reality headsets are one of his new relaxation techniques. _2_ The headsets are used for the first check-up, where the patient sits on the blue couch and watches ar film while I look at their teeth. Then the headset switches to a special camera, to give the patient a visual tour around their mo
11、uth.”“Another key point is that the surgery smells more like a perfume shop than a dentists. Today there is the smell of orange. When people walk in, I want them to realize with all their senses that its not like going to dentists. Smell is very important. _3_”Known as Glasgows most fashionable dent
12、ist, Jerome is keen to point out that he takes his work very seriously. _4_For example, Jerome uses a special instrument which sprays warm water on the teeth to clean them, rather than scraping them. “It feels a bit strange, but as long as people are relaxed, its not painful.”_5_ “One of the things
13、I found out there was that when you make it easier for the patient, you make it easier for yourself.” He sees his patient-centred attitude as the start of a gradual movement towards less formality in the conservative British dentistry profession. At that moment, a patient arrives. Jerome rushes over
14、, offers him a cup of tea, asks him what video hed like to watch and leads him gently towards the chair. A. Five years ago, Jerome went to the United States to do research. B. He has tried to create an environment where people are not afraid. C. The relaxation techniques are important but the qualit
15、y of the treatment is the most important thing.D. We were the first practice in Britain to introduce them. E. Now they look forward to their visits here.F. That dental smell of surgical spirit can get the heart racing in minutes if youre frightened of dentists. G. Fifty percent of the population onl
16、y go to the dentist when theyre in pain.3. School PhobiaSchool phobia is a type of illness which causes the students, typically between the ages of 8-13, to be afraid to go to school. Symptoms include stomachaches, tiredness, shaking, a racing heart and frequent trips to the toilet._1_ Most commonly
17、 it is the result of separation anxiety, but it can also be caused by different kinds of stress. A child who has recently moved, suffered a loss, or gone through a divorce may develop school phobia, and phobias can also develop in response to an unrecognized learning disability, and poor self-image.
18、 _2_ He or she may become physically ill when ordered to school, or pretend to be sick to avoid going. When the child arrives at school, he or she may run away, or develop behavioral problems in class. When school is discussed, the child can become impatient, upset or angry.Many techniques can be us
19、ed to manage school phobia. But research suggests that much more effective treatment is required for school phobia to prevent problems developing in later life. Children with this condition usually benefit from seeing a psychologist or doctor. _3_ As soon as a school phobia is identified, parents sh
20、ould take action too. Like other phobias, school phobia gets worse if it is left untreated, and it can prevent the child from succeeding in school. _4_ If bullying is a cause, for example, the bullying situation should be solved. A teacher can meet the child at the door and take him or her to class,
21、 and provide support so that the child feels a friendly adult is always available.Changes at home can include supportive language from parents, along with support like assistance with homework. If a child lacks confidence, parents may encourage the child to take up new hobbies. _5_ Parents might als
22、o talk to their children about their own fears of school and how they got over them, and their own enjoyment of school and school-like activities.A. It will help children to feel good about themselves. B. But a child with phobia refuses to accept adults support.C. A child with school phobia usually
23、refuses to go to school.D. Adjustments can be made at home and in the classroom to help. E. This common phobia is associated with a wide variety of causes. F. The most effective treatment is to help the child have a sense of success. G. And the assistance can help parents and school officials suppor
24、t the child.4. The Pleasing Sound of a RainstickA rainstick is a long tube that is carved out, with small sticks or other materials pushed inside so that it has a somewhat smooth surface on the outside, but small barriers inside. These can be in a lined pattern, for a specific sound, or placed at ra
25、ndom for a more varied effect. It is then filled with a variety of different things, like small stones, or beads(珠子), or even rice, and the ends are capped to provide a seal. _1_ The origins of rainsticks are not really known and so the stories are quite varied. Some people say that the ancient peop
26、les of Chile created rainsticks from dried cactus(仙人掌), with the sharp points taken off, pushed back inside and then filled with small stones. _2_ The Deaguita Indians survive even today, and they are still using them in many of their rain ceremonies. They also make them as musical instruments. _3_
27、Turning the stick over quickly will produce a higher sound, while turning it slowly will produce a deeper effect. How long the effect lasts depends on how long the instrument is. The tube also affects the quality of the rain sound as well. If you make them from some kind of absorbent material, like
28、cactus or bamboo, you will hear it better than if you were to make it from cardboard tubing. A rainstick can be made from almost any kind of material and the types of things that you can use as fillings can be even more varied. _4_ Usually, these school projects are made using a cardboard tube, like
29、 the center from a roll of toilet paper or a paper towel tube. Tooth picks are then inserted, with the exposed ends cut off and glued in place. _5_ A. You can even make your own rainsticks, and they are often part of school projects where they are used to help children learn the history of Indian pe
30、oples.B. When turned upside down, these materials fall down through the tube, bouncing off of the barriers to produce a calming rain-like sound.C. These were then capped with pieces of wood on the ends and used in ceremonies to bring rain to their crops.D. One end is capped off with poster board and
31、 filled with rice or beans, and then the other end is sealed.E. You can get different rain sounds, depending on how fast you turn the rainstick itself.F. This rainstick can never be opened according to the scared writings of the ancients. G. They can be three feet or longer depending on what the tub
32、e itself is made from.5. Tips on Young Adult Life As you grow rapidly through your teenage years, you will experience a lot of changes. The changes may seem difficult. 1 Dont panic! You will deal successfully with them! You are a young adult now!With more responsibility, you will find more freedom t
33、o make your own choices. This is a time to be well informed about making choices. In this way you can make healthy balanced decisions. 2 You may already know your career path or you may have no idea at all what you want to do. Both situations are fine! Work hard and the right opportunity will presen
34、t itself to you.Young adulthood means greater freedom and more choices. 3 But try not to shut your family out of your life. You school learn to think of others even though you are old enough to look after yourself. It is also perfectly natural at this time for you to spend more time with your friend
35、s than your family 4 A true friend will stand by you no matter what happens.This period is a part of the life cycle. There are some people who will be with you throughout lifes journey. There will be some people with whom you part and go separate ways. Leaving school can be hard. The reality is that
36、 you may not even see all of your classmates again.You are a young adult. It is your life. No one can live it for you. 5 So making the right choices will be important to you. Life is for living. Enjoy your life wisely!AChoose your friends wisely.BThey will help shape the future.CThey may seem to hap
37、pen quickly.D You will probably want to be independent.EYou may appreciate what you have in your own life.FThe choices that you make from now on will be your choices.GYour family has been with you since you came into this world.6. The First AmericansThere was a time long ago when a land bridge conne
38、cted Asia and North America. The first settlers in North America crossed this land bridge from what is now Siberia to Alaska. The people who made this initial crossing were probably following the animals they used for food. Eventually, the oceans rose and the land bridge between the continents disap
39、peared. The settlers, who I shall call the “First Americans”, could not return to their homeland. 1 For the next few thousand years, the First Americans migrated south and east throughout North and South America. They made the journey all the way from Alaska to the southern tip of South America, a d
40、istance of more than 10,000 miles. 2 In the far north, above the Arctic Circle, the First Americans became hunters of the ocean. 3 In the brief summer, they gathered berries and other plants. In the winter, they stayed in lodges much of the time preparing for the next summer. It was a hard life, but
41、 they learned to survive in these harsh conditions.Farther south, in what is now Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, the First Americans became cliff dwellers(悬崖居民). They began by living in caves that already existed in the cliffs. 4 The dwellings they constructed in many ways resembled todays
42、apartment buildings.5 They built a system of dams and canals so they could store and use water almost any time of the year. They were so successful that they could raise fruits and vegetables that were not found naturally in the desert.In Mexico and South America, the First Americans founded civiliz
43、ations that were among the greatest in the world. They built huge pyramids, lived in fabulous cities, and made great advances in science and mathematics long before the Europeans arrived. A. They also discovered foods like corn and potatoes. B. Along the way, they established many different civiliza
44、tions. C. The First Americans of the Southwest learned to irrigate the desert.D. They would have to survive in the New World they had discovered. E. They built boats of animal skins and hunted or fished for their food. F. People living near each other tended to share similar environments and customs
45、.G. They discovered how to add to the caves by building structures of wood and stone.7. Public Speaking and Critical ThinkingWhat is critical thinking? To a certain degree, its a matter of logicof being able to spot weakness in other peoples arguments and to avoid them in your own. It also includes
46、related skills such as distinguishing fact from opinion and assessing the soundness of evidence.In the broad sense, critical thinking is focused, organized thinkingthe ability to see clearly the relationships among ideas. _1_ The greatest thinkers, scientists and inventors have often taken informati
47、on that was readily available and put it together differently to produce new ideas. That, too, is critical thinking._2_ As the class goes on, for example, you will probably spend a great deal of time organizing your speeches. While this may seem like a purely mechanical( 机械的) exercise, it is closely
48、 connected with critical thinking. If the structure of your speech is loose and confused, chances are that your thinking is also disordered and confused. If, on the other hand, the structure is clear, there is good chance your thinking is too. Organizing a speech is not just a matter of arranging th
49、e ideas you already have. _3_What is true of organization is true of many aspects of public speaking. _4_ As you work on expressing your ideas in clear, accurate language, you will improve your ability to think clearly and accurately. _5_ As you learn to listen critically to speeches in class, you will be better able to assess the ideas of speakers in a variety of situations. If y
