高考英语社会现象类阅读练习

高考英语社会现象类阅读练习

高考英语阅读练习 ‎（一）‎ Have you ever run into a careless cell phone user on the street? Perhaps they were busy talking, texting or checking updates on WeChat without looking at what was going on around them. As the number of this new “species” of human has kept rising, they have been given a new name — phubbers（低头族）.‎ Recently, a cartoon created by students from China Central Academy of Fine Arts put this group of people under the spotlight. In the short film, phubbers with various social identities(身份) bury themselves in their phones. A doctor plays with his cell phone while letting his patient die, a pretty woman takes selfie in front of a car accident site, and a father loses his child without knowing about it while using his mobile phone. A chain of similar events eventually leads to the destruction of the world.‎ Although the ending sounds overstated, the damage phubbing can bring is real.‎ Your health is the first to bear the effect and result of it. “Constantly bending your head to check your cell phone could damage your neck,” Guangming Daily quoted doctors as saying. “the neck is like a rope that breaks after long-term stretching.” Also, staring at cell phones for long periods of time will damage your eyesight gradually, according to the report.‎ But that’s not all. Being a phubber could also damage your social skills and drive you away from your friends and family. At reunions with family or friends, many people tend to stick to their cell phones while others are chatting happily with each other and this creates a strange atmosphere, Qilu Evening News reported.‎ It can also cost you your life. There have been lots of reports on phubbers who fell to their death, suffered accidents, and were robbed of their cell phones in broad daylight.‎ ‎1. For what purpose does the author give the example of a cartoon in Paragragh2?‎ A. To inform people of the bad effects of phubbing.‎ B. To advertise the cartoon made by students.‎ C. To indicate the world will finally be destroyed by phubbers.‎ D. To warn doctors against using cell phones while treating patients.‎ ‎2. Which of the following is NOT a risk a phubber may have?‎ A. His social skills could be affected.‎ B. His neck and eyesight will be gradually harmed.‎ C. He will cause the destruction of the world.‎ D. He might get separated from his friends and family.‎ ‎3. Which of the following may be the author’s attitude towards phubbing?‎ A. Supportive.      B. Opposed.        C. Optimistic.      D. Objective.‎ ‎4. What may the passage talk about next?‎ A. Advice on how to use a cell phone.‎ B. People addicted to phubbing.‎ C. Measures to reduce the risks of phubbing.‎ D. Consequences of phubbing.‎ ‎（二）‎ ‎"I didn't hear them call my name," explained Shelley Hennig to Active Teens (AT) as she talked about that exciting moment on national television when she won the honor of Miss Teen USA 2019. "Are you ready?" is what she heard. Then she said, "I shook my head no, and then they said 'yes' and it was announced again."‎ It was four days after that life changing moment for the seventeen-year-old high school student from Destrehan, Louisiana -- she was still on cloud nine.‎ ‎"I was so shocked! I never believed that it could actually really happen." Present in the audience that day were: her mother and father, older brother, her friends, and her dance teacher.‎ Understanding why members of her family and her friends would be there, AT asked why her dance teacher had traveled so far to see her compete. "She's always been my role model. I've danced with her since I was six. She's been through so many difficulties and came through them all. I've learned to get over bad life's experiences and learned how to move on because of her."‎ One of those bad life's experiences for Shelley happened three years ago when her brother Brad was killed in a drunk driving accident. He was 18. She found writing helped her get through the rough days. She said, "I write a lot about my brother. I write a lot, a lot, a lot..."‎ As Miss Louisiana Teen, she traveled around the state speaking to teens about the dangers of drinking and driving. In her role as Miss Teen USA, Shelley will continue to speak to youth about safe driving, in addition to many other things to help the youth.‎ ‎     When AT asked Miss Teen USA if she had any advice for our readers, she said, "Don't let anyone change you. Hang out with people that make you feel good about yourself. That way, it is easy to be yourself."‎ ‎1. What do the words "on cloud nine" in Paragraph 2 probably mean?‎ A. frightened     B. troubled     C. very happy    D. very angry ‎2. Shelley takes her dance teachers as a role model mainly because she is ________.‎ A. determined    B. friendly      C. strict        D. experienced ‎3. What suggestion does Shelley give to the teens?‎ A. Be yourself with the support of friends.             B. Meet friends whenever possible.‎ C. Go easy on yourself and others.                   D. Have a good role model.‎ ‎（三）‎ Pop idols  are celebrities  who burn brighter  than regular  stars. If a star is someone you can recognize on the street, an idol is someone who will cause a stir at a public appearance.‎ Without fans, an idol is just an ordinary person, like you and me. As Reese Witherspoon once said  while  announcing  the  Oscar  for  best  make-up,  movie  stars   look  just  like  people   in documentaries(纪录片) if you see them without make-up.‎ I was once invited to a private party where about half of the guests were stars and the other half entertainment ‎ reporters. Guess what? The good-looking ones were the reporters because they tend to be young, and they glow without make-up.‎ Some idols are born; some are made. Most idols are created by a machine called the entertainment industry. They may have some charms and talent, but not enough to become famous. They are the raw material out of which a star, or even an idol, is made. An army of behind-the-scenes assistants will hype(炒作) or even make up their virtues and hide their shortcomings.‎ Paris Hilton is the kind of star who possesses no real talent but yet is quite well-known. This is the result of endless hype. If you are thrust into the limelight often enough, you can become a celebrity without having any talent.‎ Television contest shows create a much fairer more transparent platform where young people can compete and showcase their talent. The soap opera is another platform for idol making. These drama series are long, giving an actor much needed exposure. The actors and actresses are always well-lit, made up and beautifully dressed. Now all they need is some good dialogue from the scriptwriter( 编 剧).‎ ‎1. Which of the following statements agrees with the writer’s viewpoint?‎ A. Most idols are born.‎ B. The entertainment industry is more popular.‎ C. Many stars are often good looking D. Pop idols are not as pretty as you think.‎ ‎2. Why does the writer use the example of Paris Hilton?‎ A. To show that hype is an important element in making a star.‎ B. To indicate that Paris Hilton is very famous.‎ C. To prove a star often lacks talent.‎ D. To show a star is popular because of the acting skills.‎ ‎3. What does the writer think of the television contest show?‎ A. More practical    B. More formal    C. More equal    D. More competitive ‎（四）‎ You never played the video dance game? Now such games are used to help lose weight!‎ ‎       Like many other teenage boys, Jones loves sports. But at 5 feet, 175 pounds, he found his weight in trouble. His ‎ doctor wanted him to lose 50 pounds so that he may be a good football game player by the end of the summer.‎ ‎       Jones chose the popular Dance Revolution video game at home to increase his activity. He had lost about 10 pounds by changing his diet. Now, after two weeks’ playing the game, he has lost another 10!‎ ‎       A health study is being done by an insurance company. The company hopes that the game will lead to better health and lower costs. “Obesity claims (肥胖索赔) last year cost us $ 77 million. We have to cut those costs,” said a member of the insurance group. The company provides a game console (游戏主机), a dance mat and software for the six-month, $ 60,000 study.‎ ‎       The study is more than a commercial thing of an insurance company. It is widely supported by physical education and health professionals.‎ ‎       In West Virginia, 43% of the nearly 6,000 children examined for heart disease risk were considered over-weighted; more than 25% were too fat. “We are in a crisis of childhood obesity not only in West Virginia but in America,” said a researcher.‎ ‎       Researchers are now looking at the potential for improving effects by using the game. A teacher in West Virginia has been using the video games in her classes since last fall. She reported that the game does improve heart health as well as eye-hand coordination (协调能力), and her students take the video game as a great alternative to jumping rope or ball games.‎ ‎       The US Education Department is putting the game in 20 schools to control childhood obesity. Well, are you going to try such to dance away your extra weight?‎ ‎1. The underlined part is trying to tell us _____.‎ A. the study involves many insurance companies B. the study is only an insurance company’s business C. the study is less important than the insurance company’s money ‎ D. it’s not only the insurance company that is concerned about the study ‎2. It can be inferred that _____. ‎ A. the government thinks highly of the dance game B. in West Virginia, more than 25 % of the adults were too fat C. a teacher is a failure in using the video game in her classes D. the US Education Department isn’t interested in the game ‎3. The most suitable title of the passage is _____.‎ A. Dance Away Your Weight     B. Play the Video Dance Game   ‎ C. Solve the Problem of Obesity  D. Cut the Cost of Obesity Claims ‎（五）‎ There are two types of people in the world. Although they have equal degree of health and wealth and other comforts of ‎ life, one becomes happy and the other becomes unhappy. This arises from the different ways in which they consider things, persons, events and the resulting effects upon their minds.‎ People who are to be happy fix their attention on the convenience of things: the pleasant parts of conversation, the well prepared dishes, the goodness of the wine and the fine weather. They enjoy all the cheerful things. Those who are to be unhappy think and speak only of the opposite things. Therefore, they are continually dissatisfied. By their remarks, they sour the pleasure of society, hurt many people, and make themselves disagreeable everywhere. If this turn of mind was founded in nature, such unhappy persons would be the more to be pitied. The intention of criticizing and being disliked is perhaps taken up by imitation. It grows into a habit, unknown to its possessors. The habit may be strong, but it may be cured when those who have it realize its bad effects on their interests and tastes. I hope this little warning may be of service to them, and help them change this habit.‎ Although in fact it is chiefly an act of the imagination, it has serious results in life since it brings on deep sorrow and bad luck. Those people hurt many others; nobody loves them, and no one treats them with more than the most common politeness and respect. This frequently puts them in bad temper and draws them into arguments. If they aim at getting some advantages in social position or fortune, nobody wishes them success. Nor will anyone start a step or speak a word to favor their hopes. If they bring on themselves public objections, no one will defend or excuse them, and many will join to criticize their wrongdoings. These should change this bad habit and be pleased with what is pleasing, without worrying needlessly about themselves and others. If they do not, it will be good for others to avoid any contact with them. Otherwise, it can be disagreeable and sometimes very inconvenient, especially when one becomes mixed up in their quarrels.‎ ‎1. People who are unhappy _______.‎ A. always consider things differently from others B. always discover the unpleasant side of certain things C. usually misunderstand what others think or say D. usually are affected by the results of certain things ‎2. The phrase “sour the pleasure of society” most nearly means “_______”.‎ A. makes others unhappy                B. has a good taste with social life C. tend to scold others openly          D. enjoy the pleasure of life ‎3. We can conclude from the passage that _______.‎ A. we should pity all such unhappy people B. such unhappy people are dangerous to social life C. people can get rid of the habit of unhappiness D. unhappy people can not understand happy persons ‎（六）‎ ‎“The child has become part of the management of family life, ”says Adele Schwartz, research director for Stars for ‎ Kids, a children’s market---research firm． “This is a big role change in family life． Housework is changing．It used to be to take out the garbage and walk the dog．This is a little bit bigger than that．”‎ ‎   Three---quarters of students between the ages of 8 and 14 say they have completed an online transaction（交易），according to a national survey on May 9．Nearly one---fourth of the 6,000 young people asked say they shop with their parents’ credit cards, 26 percent use gift cards, and 8 percent say they use their own credit card．Almost half say they help with electronic transactions because their parents are helpless online．One—third help because their parents don’t have enough time to shop．‎ ‎    “Kids do a large amount of comparison shopping,”Ms．Schwartz says, “including clothing, household items, family vacations, and even large items like a car．‎ ‎    All this cyber---help “clearly gives kids a power that they might not have had before,”says Gary Rudman, in San Francisco．“Parents still make the decisions, but kids have more and more effect than ever before, because they have access to information．They are more involved with the household, so they have more effect on some of the decisions．”‎ ‎    Parents have different opinions about letting their children use credit cards online．Mr．Rudman Says, “Some parents are open to it, others are not for it．”   ‎ ‎    Like many parents, Mrs.Hanstein keeps a watchful eye on Jacob’s Internet use．“he loves to order something, but it’s always with our guidance．He doesn’t understand that a lot of the pop—up advertisement ‘You’ve won this！’or ‘You can get this for $1．’is a scam．” ‎ ‎(      ）1．___ is playing a more and more important role in the family management.‎ ‎         A. The Internet                             B. The electronic transaction ‎         C. The child                                         D. The father or mother ‎(      ) 2．It seemed that________ has just been included as housework．‎ A. taking garbage outside               B. walking the dogs ‎ B. going shopping online                D. using computers ‎ ‎(      ) 3．According to Mrs．Hanstein, _____________________．‎ ‎         A. kids shouldn’t order anything online．‎ ‎         B. kids should go shopping online considering their parents’ advice．‎ ‎          C. pop—up advertisement is something useful．‎ ‎         D. kids should make full use of the pop—up advertisement．‎ ‎（七）‎ The motor vehicle has killed and disabled more people in its brief history than any bomb or weapon ever invented. Much of the blood on the street flows essentially from uncivil behavior of drivers who refuse to respect the legal and moral rights of others. So the massacre (大屠杀)on the road may be regarded as a social problem .‎ In fact, the enemies of society on wheels are rather harmless people just ordinary people acting carelessly, you might say. But it is a principle both of law and common morality that carelessness is no excuse when one’s actions could bring death or damage to others. A minority of the killers go even beyond carelessness to total negligence.‎ Researchers have estimated that as many as 80 percent of all automobile accidents can be attributed to the psychological condition of the driver. Emotional upsets can distort drivers’ reactions, slow their judgment, and blind them to dangers that might otherwise be evident. The experts warn that it is vital for every driver to make a conscious effort to keep one’s emotions under control.‎ Yet the irresponsibility that accounts for much of the problem is not confined to drivers. Street walkers regularly violate traffic regulations, they are at fault in most vehicle walker accidents; and many cyclists even believe that they are not subject to the basic rules of the road.‎ Significant legal advances have been made towards safer driving in the past few years. Safety standards for vehicle have been raised both at the point of manufacture and through periodic road-worthiness inspections. In addition, speed limits have been lowered. Due to these measures, the accident rate has decreased. But the accidents experts still worry because there has been little or no improvement in the way drivers’ behave. The only real and lasting solution, say the experts, is to convince people that driving is a skilled task requiring constant care and concentration. Those who fail to do all these things present a threat to those with whom they share the road.‎ ‎1 . What is the author’s main purpose in writing this passage? ‎ A. To warn drivers of the importance of safe driving.‎ B. To discuss traffic problems and propose possible solutions.‎ C. To show that the motor vehicle is a very dangerous invention.‎ D. To promote understanding between careless drivers and street walkers.‎ ‎2. The reason why traffic accidents may be regarded as a social problem is that _____.‎ A. autos have become most destructive to mankind ‎ B. people usually pay little attention to law and morality ‎ C. the lack of virtue is becoming more severe ‎ D. civilization brings much harm to people ‎3. Why does the author mention the psychological condition of the driver in Paragraph 3?‎ A. To give an example of the various reasons for road accidents.‎ B. To show how important it is for drivers to be emotionally healthy.‎ C. To show some of the inaccurate estimations by researchers.‎ D. To illustrate the hidden tensions in the course of driving.‎ ‎4. The following is mentioned as being responsible for the road accidents EXCEPT _____.‎ A. careless bicycle-riders                             B. mindless people walking in the street ‎ C. irresponsible drivers                               D. irresponsible manufacturer of automobiles ‎ ‎（八）‎ Men are spending more and more time in the kitchen encouraged by celebrity (名人) chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver，according to a report from Oxford University.‎ The effect of the celebrity role models，who have given cooking a more manly picture，has combined with a more general drive towards sexual equality and men now spend more than twice the amount of time preparing meals than they did in 1961.‎ According to the research by Prof.Jonatahn Gershuny，who runs the Centre for Time Research at Oxford，men now spend more than half an hour a day cooking，up from just 12 minutes a day in 1961.‎ Prof.Gershuny said，“The man in the kitchen is part of a much wider social trend. There has been 40 years of sexual equality，but there is another 40 years probably to come.”‎ Women，who a generation ago spent nearly two hours a day cooking，now spend just one hour and seven minutes—a great fall，but they still spend far more time in the kitchen than men.‎ Some experts have named these men in aprons as “Gastrosexuals (men using cooking skills to impress friends)”，who have been inspired to pick up a kitchen knife by the success of Ramsay，Oliver as well as other male celebrity chefs such as Hugh Fearnley－Whittingstall，Marco Pierre White and Keith Floyd.‎ ‎“I was married in 1974.When my father came to visit me a few weeks later，I was wearing an apron when I opened the door.He laughed，” said Prof.Gershuny.“That would never happen now.”‎ Two－thirds of adults say that they come together to share at least three times a week，even if it is not necessarily around a kitchen or dining room table.Prof.Gershuny pointed out that the family meal was now rarely eaten by all of its members around a table—with many “family meals” in fact taken on the sofa in the sitting room，and shared by family members.“The family meal has changed a lot，and few of us eat—as I did when I was a child—at least two meals a day together as a family.But it has survived in a different format.”‎ ‎1.What is one reason behind the trend that men spend more time cooking than before?‎ A. The improvement of cooks 'status.        B. The influence of popular female chefs.‎ C. The change of female's view on cooking.  D. The development of sexual equality campaign.‎ ‎2. What does the author think about the time men and women spend on cooking?‎ A. Men spend more time cooking than women nowadays.‎ B. Women spend much less time on cooking than before.‎ C. It will take 40 years before men spend more time at the stove than women.‎ D. There is a sharp decline in the time men spend on cooking compared with 1961.‎ ‎3.How did Prof.Gershuny see the family meal according to the passage?‎ A. It has become a thing of the past.          B. It is very different from what it used to be.‎ C. It shouldn't be advocated in modern times.   D. It is beneficial to the stability of the family.‎ ‎4.Which is the best title for the passage?‎ A. The Changes of Family Meals          B. Equality between Men and Women C. Cooking into a New Trend for Men      D. Cooking—a Thing of the Past for Women ‎（九）‎ Christmas，Easter and Birthday parties can be difficult times for grandmothers and parents as they rush around trying to arrange the perfect celebration or making everyone as happy as possible! What's better than a birthday party that makes your grandchild smile throughout or a celebration that impresses relatives and close friends?‎ That is why Granny Look has supplied in this section，one of the most comprehensive guides to making these special occasions that happen perhaps once a year a real success.‎ From a selection of Advent Calendars to party planning or Christmas－stocking fillers we have all the possibilities covered so that your children and grandchildren will really have a memorable time with attractive gifts and original ideas.‎ Bring that festive spirit to all those traditional days，and ensure you are always ready for any possibility. Granny Look's extensive links are bound to make every special occasion an entirely different experience from the year before and allow everyone to feel entertained and content.‎ CHRISTMAS－STOCKING  FILLERS LOOK no further！！ Granny Look helps the family to prepare in time for FATHER CHRISTMAS. Give SANTA CLAUS some ideas. He can fill all the children's Christmas－stockings with goodies! Unique Christmas gifts for children－stocking fillers.‎ A Granny Look favorite!‎ ADVENT  CALENDARS All children love the build－up to CHRISTMAS! What is better than choosing one of Granny Look's selection of Advent Calendars! Here you will find a list of websites to buy traditional or fun Advent Calendars for children at Christmas time.‎ A Granny Look favorite!‎ BIRTHDAYS LOOKING for a SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIFT? Explore Granny Look's selection of PRESENTS，PARTY PLANNING，PARTY TOYS and PARTY GAMES for your Children and Grandchildren's BIRTHDAYS.‎ Plan and organize the KIDDIE'S PARTIES ahead of time！！‎ Don't forget the PERSONALISED INVITATIONS!‎ CHRISTMAS LOOK and BOOK now！！ Granny Look's selection of CHRISTMAS GIFTS for children.‎ ‎ Some guides to “What's on in your area”...for the kids. PANTOS，SHOWS，THEATRES...at Christmas time!‎ UNIQUE Christmas gifts for Children. Spend QUALITY TIME with your Children's Children this FESTIVE SEASON!‎ ‎1.From the text，we know that “Granny Look” is         .‎ A. a person who guides you to make your yearly celebration a real success B. a magazine that helps the family to prepare for special occasions C. a company that sells all sorts of products on the Internet D. a website that helps you to prepare for special occasions ‎2.The purpose of the text is         .‎ A. to make children have a memorable holiday        B. to show you how to shop on the Internet C. to give you some information about Granny Look   D. to introduce some goods ‎ ‎3.You will fail to find any information at Christmas when you need         .‎ A. Christmas cards     B. fun Advent Calendars    C. Christmas gifts   D. tickets for theatres ‎（十）‎ Some of the world’s most significant problems never hit headlines. One example comes from agriculture. Food riots （暴动）and hunger make news. But the trend lying behind these matters is rarely talked about. This is the decrease in the growth in production of some of the world’s major crops. A new study by the University of Minnesota and McGill University in Montreal looks at where, and how far, this decline is occurring.‎ The authors take a vast number of data points for the four most important crops: rice, wheat, corn and soyabeans. They find that on between 24% and 39% of all harvested areas, the improvement in production that took place before the 1980s slowed down in the 1990s and 2019s.‎ There are two worrying features of the slowdown. One is that it has been particularly sharp in the world’s most populous countries, India and China. Their ability to feed themselves has been an important source of relative stability both within the countries and on world food markets. That self-sufficiency (自给自足) cannot be taken for granted if productions continue to slow down.‎ Second, production growth has been lower in wheat and rice than in corn and soyabeans. This is problematic because wheat and rice are more important as foods, accounting for around half of all calories consumed. Corn and soyabeans are more important as feed grains. The authors note that “we have preferentially focused our crop improvement efforts on feeding animals and cars rather than on crops that feed people and are the basis of food security in much of the world.”‎ The report also states the more optimistic findings of another new paper which suggests that the world will not have to dig up a lot more land for farming in order to feed 9 billion people in 2050, as the Food and Agriculture Organisation has argued.‎ Instead, it says, thanks to slowing population growth, land currently ploughed（犁）up for crops might be able to revert (回返) to forest or wilderness. This could happen. The trouble is that the prediction assumes continued improvements in productions, which may not actually happen.‎ ‎1. What significant problem does the writer think we should pay more attention to?‎ A. The decline of the grain production growth    B. News headlines in the leading media.‎ C. Food riots and hunger.                                  D. The food supply in populous countries.‎ ‎2. Why does the author mention India and China in particular?‎ A. Their big populations are causing worldwide concerns.‎ B. Their food yields have begun to decrease sharply in recent years.‎ C. Their self-sufficiency is vital to the stability of world food markets.‎ D. Their food self-sufficiency has been taken for granted.‎ ‎3.   What does the new study by the two universities say about recent crop improvement efforts?‎ A. They fail to produce the same remarkable results as before the 1980s.‎ B. They contribute a lot to the improvement of human food production.‎ C. They play a major role in guaranteeing the food security of the world.‎ D. They focus more on the increase of animal feed than human food grains. 4. What does the Food and Agriculture Organization say about world food production in the coming decades?‎ A. The growing population will greatly increase the pressure on world food supplies.‎ B. The optimistic prediction about food production should be viewed with caution.‎ C. The slowdown of the growth in yields of major food crops will be reversed.‎ D. The world will be able to feed its population without expanding the area of farmland.‎ ‎5.   How does the author view the argument of the Food and Agriculture Organisation?‎ A. It is built on the findings of a new study.        B. It is based on a doubtful assumption.‎ C. It is backed by strong evidence.                      D. It is open to further discussion.‎ 参考答案 ‎1、ACBC ‎ ‎2、CAA  ‎ ‎3、DAC ‎ ‎4、DAA ‎ ‎5、BAC ‎ ‎6、CCB ‎ ‎7、ACBD ‎ ‎8、DBBC ‎ ‎9、DCB ‎ ‎10、ACDDB