广西河池市2025届普通高中毕业班高三下学期第二次模拟测试英语试题

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum (陵墓), is celebrated as the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Built in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it honors his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its grand design features arches, domes (圆顶), and intricate stone inlay work (镶嵌画).

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, part of the ancient Khmer Empire's capital, is the world's largest religious structure. Originally a Hindu temple for Vishnu, this 9th-century temple complex showcases detailed carvings and remains a symbol of Southeast Asia's rich history.

Acropolis of Athens, Greece

The Acropolis of Athens is an enduring symbol of Classical Greece. The crown jewel of this hilltop castle is the Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the worship of Athena in ancient Greek religion. Built by Ictinus and Callicrates, beginning in 447 BCE, this Doric icon is regarded as the most important surviving ancient Greek monument.

The Great Wall, China

Stretching over 21,000 kilometres, the Great Wall is one of humanity's most ambitious architectural feats. Initially built during the 7th century BCE and expanded by later dynasties, it served as a military defence system against invasions. The best-preserved sections near Beijing, constructed with bricks and stone, display watchtowers and strategic passes. Despite erosion and tourism pressures, it remains a proud symbol of Chinese civilization.

But last summer, when I came back from college, I was shocked. The once-beautiful river was now full of plastic bags and chemical foam(泡沫). Dead fish floated on the surface, and the smell of rot was everywhere. My dad's stories echoed in my ears like a joke. That night, I couldn't sleep.

By morning, I had a plan. I made posters and got my classmates together — Lily, who loved biology; Tom, the rugby team captain; and even shy Mei from the art club. We met at the riverbank the next Saturday, with gloves and determination. Old Mr. Li, who still fished in the dirty water, laughed and said, "Fools! You can't fix what's already dead."

The work was tough. We had to remove tires, broken TVs, and a rusty bicycle buried in the mud. One rainy afternoon, as I tried to pull a broken fridge out of the mud, my foot slipped on some algae. I fell into the rocks and cut my hand. Lily was shocked, but before she could say anything, old Mr. Li came over with bandages and some ginger tea. "Stubborn kid," he said, but his eyes were kind. "You've made me recall this river was once our life."

By winter, something amazing happened. Kingfishers came back, flying through the air with their bright blue wings. Kids started skipping stones again, and their laughter filled the air. At our last gathering, Tom held up a photo from our first cleanup: a big pile of trash bags. "Look how far we've come," he said. But the real win wasn't just a clean river — it was the village finding its heart again, one bottle at a time.

For instance, Chongqing primary students developed voice-controlled lamps using programming, while Yangzhou High School compared human and machine learning through flower recognition.

AI tools like translation apps and voice pens aid language learning, offering instant feedback. Universities like Peking University employ AI tutoring platforms to personalize learning, while agricultural colleges use smart systems to simulate real-world farming challenges.

Experts highlight AI's role in enabling lifelong learning, critical thinking, and addressing educational inequalities. However, challenges remain, such as redefining teachers' roles. Hong Kong educator Keric Lee observes that AI shifts assessments from memorization to creativity. In one project, older students used AI to illustrate stories written by younger peers, promoting cooperative learning. Teachers now act as guides rather than knowledge authorities, encouraging peer reviews and innovation.

The integration of AI in education is not just about teaching students how to use technology. It's about preparing them for a future where AI is widespread. Schools are now focusing on developing a new generation of critical thinkers who can work alongside AI, rather than being replaced by it. This shift requires a significant change in education, moving from traditional teaching methods to more interactive and engaging learning experiences.

"Educators need to consider how to play new roles in the classroom, empower students and encourage them to review and appreciate each other's work, thus promoting progress. This is the key to learning for the new generation," Lee added.

A recent international study led by Dr. Zeus Gracia Tabuenca examined 151 adults divided into three categories: those who learned two languages before age 6, those who acquired a second language after age 12, and those who can only speak one language. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)— a brain-scanning technique that measures activity through blood flow changes — researchers analyzed connectivity between different brain regions while participants were at rest.

The results revealed striking differences. Early bilinguals showed 23% stronger neural connections between the cerebellum(小脑), which coordinates complex movements, and the frontal cortex(前额皮层), responsible for advanced thinking skills. Even late bilinguals demonstrated 9% stronger connections compared to monolingual participants. Furthermore, the study found that each year of delay in learning a second language after age 6 reduced connectivity gains by approximately 1.7%.

"These findings suggest that early language exposure doesn't just teach vocabulary — it upgrades the brain's connectivity," explained Dr. Tabuenca. The enhanced connectivity is linked to better cognitive performance: participants with stronger neural networks solved logic puzzles 18% faster and recalled 25% more words in memory tests.

This research builds upon previous work showing bilingual can help people focus better and lower the risk of memory-loss diseases. However, critics warn not to rely too much on lab findings. "While the data is convincing, real-world educational outcomes depend on multiple factors beyond brain scans," said Dr. Emily White, an education specialist not involved in the study.

The study also revealed an unexpected role of the cerebellum. Traditionally associated with physical coordination, this region now appears crucial for cognitive flexibility. "It's like discovering a new highway between two major cities," Dr. Tabuenca said, "The more lanes you build in childhood, the smoother information travels throughout life."

Focus on the present moment.

Practice mindfulness daily to clear your mind and focus better. It means focusing on what you're doing right now and letting other thoughts come and go. Then, let them go and concentrate on your current activity. Emotions are constantly changing and flowing, so it's okay not to understand why or how you feel a certain way. Just let them come and go naturally.

Take time to write down your tasks for the day for a fresh start. This may seem dull and silly, but it can make the busiest days seem more manageable. Before you start your day, write down everything you want to accomplish, including fun activities and tasks. Making a to-do list will give your day structure and help things seem more manageable.

Take a walk.

Moving your body mindfully can help things seem clearer. When you're mindful, you're fully in the present, letting feelings come and go as you focus. Walking mindfully reduces stress and boosts both mental and physical health. Try a daily walk around the block, on the treadmill (跑步机), or through a local park.

A busy mind is natural, but you can regain control. Mindfulness, planning, and movement are simple yet powerful tools. By focusing on the present, embracing small actions, and treating yourself kindly, you'll build mental clarity.

A. Make a to-do list.

B. Write down your thoughts.

C. First, watch your thoughts without judging them.

D. Anxious thoughts fueled by stress can spoil your day.

E. This simple activity helps you step away from your daily worries.

F. Start with one technique and take the first step toward a calmer mind today.

G. Despite these, achieving mental clarity remains impossible without professional help.

Mrs. Thompson, the 78-year-old widow (遗孀), had been living alone since her husband's4. Mia discovered she hadn't had a proper meal in days. "My hands shake too much to cook," Mrs. Thompson explained. Deeply concerned, Mia decided to5 her daily lunch breaks to prepare soup and sandwiches.

Word spread6 at school. Soon, five classmates7 Mia's "Lunch Brigade". They created a8 system: Some cooked, others delivered meals, and a few even9 grocery shopping for seniors. What began as a small gesture grew into a community-wide movement.

One rainy afternoon, Mia found a note under a food container. "Your kindness gave me hope when I felt10 . Thank you for reminding me I'm not11." Tears filled her eyes as she realized their actions carried more than meals — they delivered12 .

The local newspaper13 their story, inspiring nearby towns to start similar programs. Years later, while14 at a nursing home during college, Mia met a volunteer who said, "I joined because your story touched me. Kindness is like the sun — it lights others without15 itself."

Guangxi, officially known as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is impressive destination in southern China. With its stunning Karst landscapes and diverse ethnic cultures, the region has become one of the most popular tourist (attraction) in the country.

The region's most famous attraction is Guilin, is often described as "the finest scenery under heaven". Tourists can take boat rides along the Li River, (surround) by limestone peaks that rise like giant teeth from the water. Yangshuo, a small town nearby, provides ideal conditions those seeking to blend outdoor adventures with cycling.

Home to 12 ethnic groups, Guangxi celebrates (it) cultural diversity through colorful festivals. The Zhuang people, (consist) of 32% of the population, hold the annual Singing Festival where folk songs (pass) down through daily practice. Traditional festivals like the Dai's Water-Splashing Festival contribute (significant) to the development of local tourism.

In recent years, Guangxi (make) remarkable progress in economic development. As China's gateway to ASEAN countries, its capital Nanning hosts the China-ASEAN Expo annually, promoting international trade and cultural exchanges.

1.介绍一种中华美食；

2.说明推荐理由。

注意：

1.词数应为80左右；

2.可适当增加细节，使行文连贯。

Dear Mike,

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Best regards,

Li Hua

In a small town in New York, there lived a young girl named Emily who had always dreamed of becoming a writer. Her parents, however, had different plans for her future. They wanted her to study business and take over the family store. Despite their wishes, Emily continued to write stories in her free time, hoping to one day published a book.

On a chilly winter morning, Emily was reading a magazine when she noticed an ad for a writing competition. She decided to give it a shot and submitted a short story without giving it much thought. Time passed, and she had almost forgotten about it until one day she received a notification informing her that she was invited to attend the final round of the writing competition in New York City. Excited and surprised, she realized her love for writing had earned her recognition.

Emily was overjoyed, but her excitement quickly turned to disappointment when her parents refused to support her. They argued that the competition was a distraction from her studies and her future responsibilities. Heartbroken but determined, Emily decided to find a way to attend the competition on her own.

She took on extra jobs after school and saved every penny she could. She also reached out to local businesses, asking for sponsorships. Her persistence paid off when a local bookstore owner, Mr. Thompson, offered to cover half the cost of her trip. With the remaining money she had saved, Emily was able to afford the competition.

In the following weeks, Emily was busy getting ready. She used all her spare time to improve her writing. On late nights, she leaned over her desk, writing down ideas in a notebook and revising sentences to make them clear and full of emotion. During this time, Emily read many books to gain new inspiration and discussed with friends who shared their love for writing, getting lots of useful advice. Every day, she rose early to practice writing and went to bed late after completing her tasks. She was a bit nervous but also thrilled at the thought of the upcoming competition.

注意：

1.续写词数应为 150 左右；

2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

The day of the competition finally arrived.

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Back home, her parents couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

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