2025-2026学年江苏省苏州市姑苏区某中学高二年级上学期10月月考英语试题

高级中学名校试卷PAGEPAGE1江苏省苏州市姑苏区某中学2025-2026学年高二年级上学期10月月考英语试题第一部分听力（略）第二部分阅读理解（共两节，满分50分）第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。AGreatDealsonBroadwayShows!LookingforamazingdiscountsonBroadwayshowsthisBlackFridayandCyberMonday?We’vegotyoucoveredwithfantasticdealsonsomeofthehottestmusicalsandplaysintown!Hell’sKitchenDiscountsupto$44forSomePerformances.ClosesDecember20,2024.Inspiredbythelifeof15-timeGrammywinnerAliciaKeys,thisnewmusicalfollowsAliassheleavesherNewYorkCityapartmentandstartsajourneytodiscovertheworld.SweptAwayDiscountsupto$14forMostPerformances.ClosesFebruary9,2025.FeaturingmusicbyTheAvettBrothers,SweptAwaytellsthethrillingstoryoffoursailorswhomustfacetheconsequencesaftertheirwhalingshipsinksoffthecoastofMassachusetts.Don’tmissyourchancetoseeitbeforeitcloses!TheNotebookDiscountsupto$69forAllPerformances.TheNotebook,basedonNicholasSparks’best-sellingnovelandahighest-earningfilm,tellsthelovestoryofAllieandNoah.Sixactorsplaythematdifferentstagesoflife,withmusicbyIngridMichaelson.Don’tmissthisromanticshowbeforeitendsonDecember15,2024!ChicagoDiscountsupto$60forMostPerformances.ThroughDecember15,2024.Celebratingits28thyearonBroadway,Chicago,inspiredbywell-knownBobFosse’sworkinthe1975originalproduction,featuresmusicbyJohnKanderandFredEbb.Theshowfollowsthestoryoftwowomen,RoxieandVelma,accusedofmurder.Getreadyforgreatperformancesandathrillingexperience!Don’tmissoutontheseunbelievablediscounts!1.WhichonedoyouchooseifyouwanttoenjoyashowonNewYear’sday?A.Hell’sKitchen. B.SweptAway. C.TheNotebook. D.Chicago.2.WhatdoTheNotebookandChicagohaveincommon?A.Theyareabouttheromanticstories.B.Theyarebasedonthefamousworks.C.Theyofferthehighestdiscountforeachperformance.D.TheyhavebeenonshowforalongtimeonBroadway.3.Whereisthetextprobablyfrom?A.Anentertainmentwebsite. B.Ajournalonmusicalstudies.C.Atextbookonmusicalhistory. D.Adailynewspaperonglobalnews.BWhenIfirstmovedintoatraditionalhutonginBeijing,thenarrowalleywaysfeltlikeamaze(迷宫).MytinyroomwaspartofasiheyuansharedwiththreeChinesefamilies.BackhomeinLondon,Ilivedinaquietsuburbanhousewithaprivategarden.Here,Icouldhearneighborschattingthroughpaper-thinwalls,andthesmellofstir-friedvegetablesoftendriftedintomyroom.Itwasoverwhelmingyetstrangelyalive.Thebiggestshockcamethenextmorning.Isteppedoutsidetofindacommunaltapwhereresidentsbrushedteethandwashedvegetablessidebyside.Anelderlymaninpajamasnoddedatmewhilespittingintothedrain—acommonpracticeherebutshockingtoWesterneyes.Later,whenItriedtothrowtrashintoabin,Mrs.Lifromnextdoorrushedover,sortingmywasteintofourcolorfulcategorieswithapatientsmile.“Recyclingmatters,”shesaid,thoughIunderstoodlittleChinese.Gradually,thehutongrevealeditsmagic.Childrenplayedhopscotch(跳房子游戏)onstonepaths,andshopkeeperskneweveryone’sname.Onerainyday,myroofleaked.BeforeIcouldcallforhelp,oneofmyneighborsclimbedupwithaladderandfixedithimself.Thatevening,heinvitedmeforjiaozi.Aswedippedtheminvinegar,IrealizedprivacyintheWestmeantisolation;here,“noisycloseness”meantbelonging.Now,whenIbikepastthemorningcrowdsbuyingbaoziorseeneighborsplayingchessundertreeshades,Ifeelathome.Thehutongtaughtmethatcultureshockisjustthefirststeptodiscoveringanewwayofliving—onewherecommunitywrapsaroundyoulikeawarmquilt.4.Whatsurprisedtheauthormostonthefirstmorning?A.Thecomplexlayoutofthehutong. B.Thequeuinguphabitofneighbors.C.Thesmellofcookingintheair. D.Theshareduseofawatertap.5.WhydidMrs.Lihelptheauthorwiththetrash?A.Tohelphimadapttolocalcustoms. B.Tomarketcolorfultrashbins.C.Topromotegarbageclassification. D.Tokeepthepublicareaclean.6.Whatdoes“noisycloseness”inParagraph3referto?A.Terriblelivingenvironment. B.Activecommunityinteractions.C.Respectforforeignculture. D.Loudargumentsbetweenneighbors.7.WhatdoesthewriterthinkofthepresentlifeinBeijing?A.Satisfying. B.Overwhelming. C.Disappointing. D.Astonishing.CDoyouknowtheParadox(悖论)ofChoice?Letmeexplainittoyouwithafruityexample.IfIwastogenerouslyofferyouanapplefrommygloriousbasketoffruit,andpresentyouwithtwodifferentchoices,chancesarethatyou’dquicklymakeachoice.You’dthenlikelywalkaway,feelinghappyandcontentwithyourchoice.Sofarsogood.However,whatmighthappenifIwastodothesame,butgetyoutochoosefromabiggerbasketofdifferentvarieties?Chancesarethatyoumighttakelongertomakeachoice—strugglingtoweighupthebenefitsofeach.Afterthinkingforawhile,youmightexperiencebrainfogandfrustrationanddecideyoudon’twantanappleafterall.Or,youmightchooseoneandwalkoffwithit,onlytowonderifyoumadethecorrectchoice.And,ifbychanceyouactuallychosetheverysameappleasyoudidinourfirstexample,thechancesarethatitwouldn’ttastequiteasgood.Youcanunderstandthereasonforthiswhenyoureadaboutthetheoryoflossaversion.Putsimply,studieshavefoundthatalosshasmorethantwicethepsychologicalimpactofanequivalent(同等的)gain.It’smorepreferabletoavoidlosing£5thantogain£5.Suchisthepainofregretinlosingoutthroughmakinga“poorchoice”.TheParadoxofChoiceiscommoninmodernsociety.Weliveinaworldofendlesschoice.Neverhavehumanbeingsbeensurroundedbysuchplentifulsupplyandconvenience.Thus,we’vebeensufferingagreatdeal.However,oneideathatI’vefoundhelpfulistogetintoahabitofsettingatimelimitonmakingchoicesandfeelinghappywiththat.Toadoptthisidearequiresustobecomehappywithfindingsomethingthat’sgoodenough,withoutnecessarilybeingthebest.Wecouldrecognizethatourtimeismoreimportantthantheneedtogetanextra10%ontopofwhatisalreadygoodenough.8.Whatprobablyhappenedwhenyouchoseanapplefromthebiggerbasket?A.Youmadeaquickchoice. B.Youmadeawrongchoice.C.Youwerehappywithyourchoice. D.Youweredissatisfiedwithyourchoice.9.Whatdoestheunderlinedword“aversion”inparagraph3mean?A.Dislike. B.Recovery. C.Adjustment. D.Control.10.WhichofthefollowingbestdescribestheParadoxofChoice?A.Moreisless. B.Themore,thehappier.C.Bettersafethansorry. D.Don’tcryoverspiltmilk.11.Whatdoestheauthorsuggestreadersdo?A.Makeinformedchoices. B.Staypositiveandhappy.C.Settleforgoodenoughchoices. D.Considertimeasthemostimportant.DForyears,sugarhasbeenlabeledaprimarycausebehindtheglobalriseindiabetes(糖尿病),especiallytype2diabetes(T2D).However,groundbreakingresearchfromBrighamYoungUniversitychallengesthisbroadassumption.Alarge-scalestudyrevealsacrucialdetail:thesourceandformofsugarmattersignificantlywhenitcomestodiabetesrisk.Thefindingspaintacontrastingpicture.Ononehand,sugarsconsumedinliquidform—specificallythroughsugar-sweetenedbeverageslikesodaandeven100%fruitjuice—wereconsistentlylinkedtoasharplyincreasedriskofdevelopingT2D.Ontheotherhand,sugarsnaturallypresentinoraddedtosolid,nutrient-densewholefoods(suchaswholefruits,dairyproducts,orwholegrains)appearedtobefarlessharmfulorpotentiallyevenprotective.Whyistheresuchabigdifference?Researcherspointtometabolism(新陈代谢).Liquidsugarsfromdrinksactlikeisolatedsugarfloodsenteringthesystem.Theycauserapidandlargespikesinbloodsugar,overwhelmingtheliver.Thismetabolicdisruptionleadstoincreasedliverfatandinsulinresistance-keyfactorsinT2Ddevelopment.Conversely,sugarsaddedtosolidfoodsarereleasedmuchmoreslowlyintothebloodstream.Thefiber,fat,protein,andotherbeneficialnutrientsnaturallyaccompanyingthesugarinthesewholefoodsactasbuffers,reducingtheglycemic(血糖的)impactandpreventingtheliverfrombeingoverloaded.Thestudydeliversaclearwarningaboutfruitjuice.Despitecontainingsomevitamins,itshighconcentrationofliquidsugarmakesitapoorsubstituteforwholefruit.Thevitalfiberpresentinwholefruit,crucialformoderatingbloodsugarresponse,islargelymissinginjuice.“Thisstudyemphasizestheneedforevenstricterrecommendationsforliquidsugarssuchasthoseinsugar-sweetenedbeveragesandfruitjuice,astheyappeartoharmfullyassociatewithmetabolichealth,”saidDellaCorte,oneoftheleadresearchers.“Ratherthancriticizingalladdedsugars,futuredietaryguidelinesmightconsiderthedifferenteffectsofsugarbasedonitssourceandform.”12.WhichformofsugarconsumptionbringsahigherT2Drisk?A.Sugarfromwholegrainsanddairyproducts. B.Sugarnaturallyfoundinwholefruits.C.Sugaraddedtonutrient-densesolidfoods. D.Sugarpresentinvariousliquiddrinks.13.WhatisParagraph3mainlyabout?A.Thereasonsforsugarmetabolism. B.Thebenefitsofsugarmetabolism.C.Thedifferencesinsugarmetabolism. D.Thesignificanceofsugarmetabolism.14.TolowertheriskofT2D,whichpracticeismostlikelysupportedbythestudy?A.Avoidingdairyproductscontainingsugar. B.Replacingsodadrinkswithwholefruits.C.Increasingconsumptionof100%fruitjuice. D.Consumingasmuchfiberandfataspossible.15.WhatcanbeinferredfromDellaCorte’sstatementaboutfuturedietaryguidelines?A.Theyshouldreconsidertheimpactofsugaronmetabolism.B.Theyshouldremovefruitjuicefromrecommendations.C.Theyshouldnotadoptaone-size-fits-allapproachtosugar.D.Theyshouldcriticizesugarsregardlessofdifferenteffects.第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。有两项为多余选项。Green-eyedmonsterItisalltoohumantofeelenviousofothers’success,butwhatcanwedowhenthosefeelingsthreatentoovercomeus?Theobvioussolutionwouldbetoavoidcomparingourselvestothepeoplearoundus.____16____Humansaresocialcreatures,andourstandingwithinagroupwouldhaveseriousconsequencesforourwelfare.Asaresult,weunavoidablyuseothersasameasureofoursuccess.Thiscankillsatisfactionwe’vegainedfromourachievements.____17____Therelativerankingofpeople’searnings,comparedwithfriendsorcoworkers,mattersmoreforlifesatisfactionthanhowmuchtheyearn.Thisisthesamecaseinotheraspectslikeeducationorintelligence.Itishowwematchuptoothersthatshapeshowgoodwefeelaboutourselves.Envymaybeworsenedbya“focusingillusion(幻想)”.____18____Weimaginethatoursuccessfulfriendislivinginaconstantstateofjoy,andforgetthattheyhavetofaceeverydaydifficultieslikeanargumentwiththeirpartnerorthedeathofapet.Inonestudy,participantswereaskedtoimagineapeerwithadesirablelife.Simplyremindingthemofthe“smallannoyances”thispersonregularlyfacedsignificantlyreducedtheirenvy.____19____Realizingthisshouldmakeusthinktwiceaboutwishingourselvesinanother’sshoes.Whenwearefeelingbitter,wemightalsointerpretothers’achievementsasevidencethatourowngoalsareachievable.Tryrememberingallthethingswithinyourcontrol,andmakeastep-by-stepplanofhowyoumightachievethat.____20____Wemayneverescapesocialcomparison.Whenlifegivesussourgrapes,however,wecanchoosetomakewinefromthosemomentarilybitterfruits.A.Butthatiseasiersaidthandone.B.Itreferstoahabitoffocusingonourfailures.C.Sowecan’thelpenvyingfriends’promotion.D.Wecanseethisinhowpeoplethinkoftheirincome.E.Itdescribesfixingonasingleaspectofsomeone’slife.F.Wecanneverknowwhatemotionalproblemssomeonemayhave.G.Inthissense,feelingenviouswillmotivateyoutotakepositiveactions.第三部分语言知识运用（共三节，满分35分）第一节完形填空（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）Speakingofone’sreadinglife,mostpeoplewouldprobablythinkoftheirfirstbook,orhowmanybookstheyhaveread.However,Idon’thaveananswertoeither,asallthebooksI’vereadarelostinmy___21___memories.___22___,Ihaven’tlosteverythinginmylongmemory,soletmetakeyouintomyreadinglife.MyreadinglifestartedwhenIwasoneyearold.Icouldonly___23___smallpicturebooksonmysmallbedbesidemymom.Shewasagreatstorytellerandalwaysspokewhile___24___alotoffacialexpressions.EvenifIcouldn’tread,Icouldunderstandthe___25___ofherfacialexpressions.SometimesIwonderwhyshedidn’tchooseajobasan___26___.Thesecondpartofmyreadinglifeiscalled“bridgebook”.Abridgebookisakindofbookthat___27___picturebooksandtextbooks.Atthattime,myChineseandEnglish___28___wasn’tverylarge,soIhadto___29___bridgebooksastheyweretheeasiestforme.Iwaslikeafroginawell.Ididn’tknowtherewasabiggerworldofbookswaitingformeto___30___.ThenextperiodwasbetweenwhenIwasfiveandahalftosevenyearsold.Inthisperiodofmylife,Istartedtoseetheworldina___31___andwiderway.Istartedtowalkoutofthatdeep___32___andlearnedthereweremanybookswaitingforme.___33___bridgebooks,Iwentintothe___34___oftextbooksandstartedtoreadthem.Intheworldoftextbooks,Ifeltadoorwasopenedinfrontofme,andthelightwas___35___throughthedoor,soIsteppedintothelightandstartedtoreadtonsandtonsofbooks.21.A.storm-like B.river-like C.ever-lasting D.time-consuming22.A.Promisingly B.Impressively C.Fortunately D.Excitedly23.A.goabout B.listento C.drawup D.searchfor24.A.adding B.enjoying C.changing D.keeping25.A.charm B.claim C.patience D.meaning26.A.nurse B.actress C.teacher D.librarian27.A.connects B.appreciates C.estimates D.designs28.A.grammar B.comprehension C.vocabulary D.expression29.A.adaptto B.attendto C.turnto D.objectto30.A.change B.challenge C.load D.explore31.A.realistic B.precise C.cautious D.different32.A.well B.bridge C.book D.thought33.A.Casting B.Abandoning C.Preserving D.Exposing34.A.eyes B.feet C.arms D.faces35.A.pouring B.breaking C.seeing D.pulling第二节语法填空（共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。AstheoldestumbrellainChina,theoiledpaperumbrellahasbeeninuseforoverathousandyearsand____36____(perceive)asthelivingfossilofChineseumbrellaartnowadays.____37____(consist)ofabambooframeanda____38____(delicate)paintedpapersurface,theoiledpaperumbrellaisasymbolofChina’straditionofculturalcraftsmanshipandpoeticbeauty.Accordingtolegend,theumbrellawasfirstinventedbyYun,thewifeofLuBan.BackinthelateSpringandAutumnperiod,LuBan,afamouscarpenterinancientChina,usedtoworkinthefieldsoYunwantedtomakesomething____39____(keep)outtherain.ItwasnotuntiltheTangandSongdynasties____40____oiledpaperumbrellasbecamewidelyused.Aftertheappearanceofmodernmechanicalumbrellas,thesalesoftraditionaloiledpaperumbrellaswas____41____decline.AsChina’sintangibleculturalheritage,theoilpaperumbrellahasarichculturalsignificanceinitsownright,inadditiontobeingashelterfromthewindandrain.Theprocessofmakingoiledpaperumbrellasisparticularlycomplex,____42____issaidtobetwenty-sevenandahalfsteps.Theumbrellaframeismadeofbamboo,whichhasan____43____(imply)meaningofhighrise;theshapeisround,whichmeansreunion.The____44____(employ)oftungoilistokeepawayevilspirits.Itselegantandheavenlybeautyis____45____(represent)ofthecharmofclassicalChinesebeauty.第三节词汇检测（共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分）阅读下列各句，根据汉语或首字母，在空白处填入一个适当的单词。46.The

stream

___________(蜿蜒)itsway

acrossthe

field

and

then

flowed

right

undertheir

tent!(根据汉语提示单词拼写)47.Thefailureofthepeacetalkssetoffachainof___________(危机).(根据汉语提示单词拼写)48.Wheneventshappenthatshakethese__________(信念),ourfearwilltakecontrol.(根据汉语提示单词拼写)49.One________(拥护者)believesthatmanyotherbenefitsshouldbetakenintoconsiderationwhenweassessthecost-effectiveness.(根据汉语提示单词拼写)50.Marywassurprisingly________(容忍)ofhisannoyinghabits.(根据汉语提示单词拼写)51.Theflexiblenatureofsomemodernjobshasmadeitdifficulttod______betweenworkandleisure(休闲)time.(根据首字母单词拼写)52.Thesceneoftwoyearsbeforeflashedbackintohermemoryv________asifithadtakenplaceyesterday.（根据首字母单词拼写）53.E________thekidstotheChinesetraditionalcultureasearlyaspossibleisbeneficialtotheirsenseofprideforourcountry.(根据首字母单词拼写)54.Theyoungbusinessmanhassetana___________plantoexpandintooverseasmarketswithinoneyear.(根据首字母单词拼写)55.Nowstudentscanexpresstheirownideas,aso________tojustlisteningtotheteacher.(根据首字母单词拼写)第四部分写作（共两节，满分35分）第一节应用文写作（满分15分）56.假如你是你校英语诗社的成员李华。为招募新成员，诗社请你用英语为社团纳新录制一段视频。请按照以下提示，撰写视频的文字稿：1.介绍诗社的主要活动；2.分享自己的收获。注意：1.词数不少于802.可适当加入细节，使内容充实、行文连贯Hello,everyone!___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________第二节读后续写（满分20分）57.阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写一段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。IdidnotknowwhyIhadchosentobehere.Itfeltasthoughmymindwereathome,sittingandwatchingtelevision,feelingrelaxedandhavingfun,andyetmybodywasstandinghereinabsolutefear.Ilookedinthemirroragain.Myfacehadbeenwashedcleanbeforeapplyingtheheavymake-up.Myskinlookeddeathlywhiteandpowderedsothattherewasnoshininess.MyeyeslookeddarkandIwaswearinglipstick.IshouldhavebeenthrilledthatIwasallowedtowearmake-up,butsomehow,thisdidn’tfeellikeatreat.NowIhadtowait.Howeasyitshouldbetosimplywaitbutthisfeltlikeanever-endingsuffering.IstaredatmywhiteshoesasIstretchedmyfeet,tryingtodistractmyselffromthewayIfelt.Thisdressingroomwasnotsmall,buttherewerelotsofgirlsinhere.MumandDadweresittingintheaudiencebutIwasmissingthemsomuch.Iwishedtheyhadbeenherewithme.Theywereonlyontheothersideofthestage,butthatfeltlikeaworldaway.Thespeakeraskedfortheblackswans(天鹅)togetreadyandasasuddenrushofgirlsdancedintolineandheadedofftowardsthestage,IknewthatIwouldbecallednext.Myhandsfeltwetandsticky.Ididnotwanttogoonstage.IdidnotwanttheaudiencestaringatmeasIperformed.Itriedtositdownbutitwasdifficultwhenyouwerewearingatutu(芭蕾舞裙).Iwantedtorestmyforeheadonthemirror,butIknewthatIwouldruinmymake-upandthatwouldn’tdo.Thespeakerwasaskingagain,“Callingforwhiteswans,willallwhiteswansmaketheirwaytothestage?”Ishookmyarms,andjoinedthequeueofotherwhiteswans.IfeltreallyfaintnowandIwantedtobesick.Ilookedaroundindesperation,waitingtocatchtheeyeofsomeone,anyone,whocouldgetmeoutandsaveme.注意：1.所续写短文的词数应为150左右；2.续写部分分为两段,每段的开头语已为你写好。Themusicstartedandagirlbesidemecaughtmyhandwithacomfortingsmile.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Wetookoffourwhiteclothes,alittletiredbutexcited.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________江苏省苏州市姑苏区某中学2025-2026学年高二年级上学期10月月考英语试题第一部分听力（略）第二部分阅读理解（共两节，满分50分）第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。AGreatDealsonBroadwayShows!LookingforamazingdiscountsonBroadwayshowsthisBlackFridayandCyberMonday?We’vegotyoucoveredwithfantasticdealsonsomeofthehottestmusicalsandplaysintown!Hell’sKitchenDiscountsupto$44forSomePerformances.ClosesDecember20,2024.Inspiredbythelifeof15-timeGrammywinnerAliciaKeys,thisnewmusicalfollowsAliassheleavesherNewYorkCityapartmentandstartsajourneytodiscovertheworld.SweptAwayDiscountsupto$14forMostPerformances.ClosesFebruary9,2025.FeaturingmusicbyTheAvettBrothers,SweptAwaytellsthethrillingstoryoffoursailorswhomustfacetheconsequencesaftertheirwhalingshipsinksoffthecoastofMassachusetts.Don’tmissyourchancetoseeitbeforeitcloses!TheNotebookDiscountsupto$69forAllPerformances.TheNotebook,basedonNicholasSparks’best-sellingnovelandahighest-earningfilm,tellsthelovestoryofAllieandNoah.Sixactorsplaythematdifferentstagesoflife,withmusicbyIngridMichaelson.Don’tmissthisromanticshowbeforeitendsonDecember15,2024!ChicagoDiscountsupto$60forMostPerformances.ThroughDecember15,2024.Celebratingits28thyearonBroadway,Chicago,inspiredbywell-knownBobFosse’sworkinthe1975originalproduction,featuresmusicbyJohnKanderandFredEbb.Theshowfollowsthestoryoftwowomen,RoxieandVelma,accusedofmurder.Getreadyforgreatperformancesandathrillingexperience!Don’tmissoutontheseunbelievablediscounts!1.WhichonedoyouchooseifyouwanttoenjoyashowonNewYear’sday?A.Hell’sKitchen. B.SweptAway. C.TheNotebook. D.Chicago.2.WhatdoTheNotebookandChicagohaveincommon?A.Theyareabouttheromanticstories.B.Theyarebasedonthefamousworks.C.Theyofferthehighestdiscountforeachperformance.D.TheyhavebeenonshowforalongtimeonBroadway.3.Whereisthetextprobablyfrom?A.Anentertainmentwebsite. B.Ajournalonmusicalstudies.C.Atextbookonmusicalhistory. D.Adailynewspaperonglobalnews.BWhenIfirstmovedintoatraditionalhutonginBeijing,thenarrowalleywaysfeltlikeamaze(迷宫).MytinyroomwaspartofasiheyuansharedwiththreeChinesefamilies.BackhomeinLondon,Ilivedinaquietsuburbanhousewithaprivategarden.Here,Icouldhearneighborschattingthroughpaper-thinwalls,andthesmellofstir-friedvegetablesoftendriftedintomyroom.Itwasoverwhelmingyetstrangelyalive.Thebiggestshockcamethenextmorning.Isteppedoutsidetofindacommunaltapwhereresidentsbrushedteethandwashedvegetablessidebyside.Anelderlymaninpajamasnoddedatmewhilespittingintothedrain—acommonpracticeherebutshockingtoWesterneyes.Later,whenItriedtothrowtrashintoabin,Mrs.Lifromnextdoorrushedover,sortingmywasteintofourcolorfulcategorieswithapatientsmile.“Recyclingmatters,”shesaid,thoughIunderstoodlittleChinese.Gradually,thehutongrevealeditsmagic.Childrenplayedhopscotch(跳房子游戏)onstonepaths,andshopkeeperskneweveryone’sname.Onerainyday,myroofleaked.BeforeIcouldcallforhelp,oneofmyneighborsclimbedupwithaladderandfixedithimself.Thatevening,heinvitedmeforjiaozi.Aswedippedtheminvinegar,IrealizedprivacyintheWestmeantisolation;here,“noisycloseness”meantbelonging.Now,whenIbikepastthemorningcrowdsbuyingbaoziorseeneighborsplayingchessundertreeshades,Ifeelathome.Thehutongtaughtmethatcultureshockisjustthefirststeptodiscoveringanewwayofliving—onewherecommunitywrapsaroundyoulikeawarmquilt.4.Whatsurprisedtheauthormostonthefirstmorning?A.Thecomplexlayoutofthehutong. B.Thequeuinguphabitofneighbors.C.Thesmellofcookingintheair. D.Theshareduseofawatertap.5.WhydidMrs.Lihelptheauthorwiththetrash?A.Tohelphimadapttolocalcustoms. B.Tomarketcolorfultrashbins.C.Topromotegarbageclassification. D.Tokeepthepublicareaclean.6.Whatdoes“noisycloseness”inParagraph3referto?A.Terriblelivingenvironment. B.Activecommunityinteractions.C.Respectforforeignculture. D.Loudargumentsbetweenneighbors.7.WhatdoesthewriterthinkofthepresentlifeinBeijing?A.Satisfying. B.Overwhelming. C.Disappointing. D.Astonishing.CDoyouknowtheParadox(悖论)ofChoice?Letmeexplainittoyouwithafruityexample.IfIwastogenerouslyofferyouanapplefrommygloriousbasketoffruit,andpresentyouwithtwodifferentchoices,chancesarethatyou’dquicklymakeachoice.You’dthenlikelywalkaway,feelinghappyandcontentwithyourchoice.Sofarsogood.However,whatmighthappenifIwastodothesame,butgetyoutochoosefromabiggerbasketofdifferentvarieties?Chancesarethatyoumighttakelongertomakeachoice—strugglingtoweighupthebenefitsofeach.Afterthinkingforawhile,youmightexperiencebrainfogandfrustrationanddecideyoudon’twantanappleafterall.Or,youmightchooseoneandwalkoffwithit,onlytowonderifyoumadethecorrectchoice.And,ifbychanceyouactuallychosetheverysameappleasyoudidinourfirstexample,thechancesarethatitwouldn’ttastequiteasgood.Youcanunderstandthereasonforthiswhenyoureadaboutthetheoryoflossaversion.Putsimply,studieshavefoundthatalosshasmorethantwicethepsychologicalimpactofanequivalent(同等的)gain.It’smorepreferabletoavoidlosing£5thantogain£5.Suchisthepainofregretinlosingoutthroughmakinga“poorchoice”.TheParadoxofChoiceiscommoninmodernsociety.Weliveinaworldofendlesschoice.Neverhavehumanbeingsbeensurroundedbysuchplentifulsupplyandconvenience.Thus,we’vebeensufferingagreatdeal.However,oneideathatI’vefoundhelpfulistogetintoahabitofsettingatimelimitonmakingchoicesandfeelinghappywiththat.Toadoptthisidearequiresustobecomehappywithfindingsomethingthat’sgoodenough,withoutnecessarilybeingthebest.Wecouldrecognizethatourtimeismoreimportantthantheneedtogetanextra10%ontopofwhatisalreadygoodenough.8.What