威威老師的閱讀教室:學測閱讀理解攻略 (GSAT Reading Comprehension)
導航
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Section 1:學測閱讀題型分析
學測 (GSAT) 英文閱讀測驗主要考查五大題型,每種題型對應不同的閱讀技能:
1.1 Main Idea(主旨題)
常見問法:
- What is the main idea of this passage?
- What is the best title for this passage?
- What is the author mainly discussing?
- The passage is primarily concerned with ___.
解題要領:
- 主旨通常出現在第一段(首句或末句)或最後一段
- 注意轉折詞(however, but, yet)之後的句子,常是作者真正立場
- 排除過於狹窄(只涵蓋某一段)或過於寬泛(超出文章範圍)的選項
1.2 Detail(細節題)
常見問法:
- According to the passage, which of the following is true?
- Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
- The author mentions X in order to ___.
解題要領:
- 先讀題幹中的關鍵字,再回原文定位 (Scanning)
- 注意同義替換 (paraphrase),正確答案往往不是原文的原句
- NOT 題型需逐一比對每個選項
1.3 Inference(推論題)
常見問法:
- It can be inferred from the passage that ___.
- What does the author imply about ___?
- The author would most likely agree with which of the following?
解題要領:
- 正確答案必須能從原文合理推導,不能憑空想像
- 注意作者的措辭 (word choice),推測其態度
- 避免過度推論 (over-inference) 或常識干擾
1.4 Vocabulary in Context(字彙題)
常見問法:
- The word “X” in line Y is closest in meaning to ___.
- What does “X” refer to in the passage?
解題要領:
- 將選項代入原文,看哪個最符合上下文語境
- 注意一字多義的情況,考的往往不是最常見的意思
- 利用上下文線索 (context clues):定義、舉例、對比、因果
1.5 Tone / Purpose(語氣與目的題)
常見問法:
- What is the author’s tone in this passage?
- What is the purpose of this passage?
- The author’s attitude toward X is ___.
解題要領:
- 常見語氣詞:objective(客觀)、critical(批判)、optimistic(樂觀)、pessimistic(悲觀)、humorous(幽默)、sarcastic(諷刺)
- 目的常見類型:to inform(告知)、to persuade(說服)、to entertain(娛樂)、to describe(描述)
Section 2:閱讀策略
2.1 Skimming(略讀)
目的: 快速掌握文章大意與結構
方法:
- 讀標題與首段
- 讀每段的第一句和最後一句
- 注意轉折詞與連接詞
適用時機:
- 第一遍閱讀時
- 回答 Main Idea 題時
2.2 Scanning(掃讀)
目的: 快速找到特定資訊
方法:
- 先看題目中的關鍵字(人名、數字、專有名詞)
- 在文章中快速掃描這些關鍵字
- 找到後仔細閱讀前後文
適用時機:
- 回答 Detail 題時
- 需要 定位 具體資訊時
2.3 Careful Reading(精讀)
目的: 深入理解文章細節與邏輯
方法:
- 逐句閱讀,注意句間邏輯關係
- 標記關鍵詞(轉折詞、因果詞、強調詞)
- 注意作者的措辭與態度
適用時機:
- 回答 Inference 題時
- 回答 Tone/Purpose 題時
- 文章結構複雜時
2.4 綜合答題流程
Step 1: Skim 全文(30-60秒)→ 掌握大意
Step 2: 讀題目 → 判斷題型
Step 3: 根據題型選擇策略
- Main Idea → 查看各段首末句
- Detail → Scan 找關鍵字
- Inference → 精讀相關段落
- Vocab → 精讀上下文
- Tone/Purpose → 精讀首末段
Step 4: 選出答案,用原文驗證
Section 3:Practice Passages
Passage 1:Main Idea — The Hidden World of Fungi(主旨題練習)
Fungi are among the most overlooked organisms on Earth, yet they play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems. Unlike plants, fungi cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis. Instead, they break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This process, known as decomposition, is essential for the survival of forests, grasslands, and even agricultural fields.
Recent research has revealed that fungi do far more than decompose. Underground, many fungi form vast networks called mycelium that connect the roots of different trees and plants. Through these networks, plants can share water, carbon, and other nutrients with one another. Scientists have nicknamed this system the “Wood Wide Web” because it functions much like the Internet, allowing organisms to communicate and exchange resources.
Perhaps most surprisingly, some fungi have shown promise in solving human problems. Certain species can break down plastics and oil pollutants, offering potential solutions for environmental cleanup. Others produce compounds that have been developed into life-saving medicines, including the antibiotic penicillin. As researchers continue to explore the fungal kingdom, it becomes increasingly clear that these humble organisms deserve far more attention than they receive.
Questions:
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What is the main idea of this passage? (A) Fungi are similar to plants in many ways. (B) Fungi play more important roles than people realize. (C) The “Wood Wide Web” is the most important fungal discovery. (D) Fungi should be used to clean up all environmental pollution.
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What is the best title for this passage? (A) How to Grow Fungi at Home (B) The Internet of the Forest (C) Fungi: The Unsung Heroes of Nature (D) Penicillin and Other Medicines
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According to the passage, how do fungi differ from plants? (A) Fungi can communicate with each other. (B) Fungi cannot produce food through photosynthesis. (C) Fungi live only underground. (D) Fungi are larger than most plants.
Passage 2:Main Idea — The Power of Bilingualism(主旨題練習)
For decades, educators and parents have debated whether growing up with two languages confuses children or gives them an advantage. Today, a growing body of research strongly supports the latter view. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals tend to perform better on tasks that require attention, problem-solving, and mental flexibility — a set of skills collectively known as “executive function.”
The cognitive benefits of bilingualism begin early in life. Bilingual babies as young as seven months old have been shown to adapt more quickly to changes in their environment than monolingual babies. As they grow, bilingual children learn to switch between two language systems, which exercises the brain much like a workout builds muscle. This constant mental juggling appears to strengthen the brain’s ability to focus, plan, and multitask.
Beyond childhood, the advantages of bilingualism extend into old age. Research suggests that lifelong bilinguals develop symptoms of dementia an average of four to five years later than monolinguals. While speaking two languages does not prevent Alzheimer’s disease, it seems to build a “cognitive reserve” that helps the brain compensate for age-related decline. In short, bilingualism is not merely a practical skill — it is a powerful tool for lifelong brain health.
Questions:
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What is the main idea of this passage? (A) Bilingual children perform better in school. (B) Speaking two languages provides cognitive benefits throughout life. (C) Learning a second language prevents Alzheimer’s disease. (D) Bilingual babies develop faster than monolingual babies.
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The phrase “cognitive reserve” in the third paragraph most likely refers to ___. (A) extra brain cells that bilinguals are born with (B) a backup supply of language knowledge (C) mental resources that help the brain cope with damage (D) the ability to remember words in two languages
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What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage? (A) To persuade parents to raise bilingual children (B) To compare different methods of language learning (C) To inform readers about the benefits of bilingualism (D) To argue against monolingual education systems
Passage 3:Detail — The History of Chocolate(細節題練習)
Chocolate has a history that spans more than 3,000 years, beginning in the rainforests of Central America. The ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations were the first to cultivate cacao trees, grinding the beans into a bitter, spicy drink that was nothing like the sweet chocolate we know today. In fact, the word “chocolate” comes from the Aztec word “xocolatl,” which means “bitter water.”
When Spanish explorers brought cacao beans back to Europe in the 1500s, the drink was initially met with skepticism. However, once people began adding sugar and vanilla, chocolate quickly became popular among the wealthy. By the 1800s, technological advances had made it possible to produce solid chocolate, making it affordable for ordinary people. In 1847, the British company Fry and Sons created the first chocolate bar, and milk chocolate was invented in Switzerland in 1875 by Daniel Peter.
Today, the chocolate industry is worth over $100 billion worldwide. The largest producers of cacao beans are Ivory Coast and Ghana, which together supply more than half of the world’s cacao. However, the industry faces serious challenges, including child labor, deforestation, and climate change. Many companies are now working to create more ethical and sustainable supply chains, offering “fair trade” and “bean-to-bar” chocolates that aim to protect both farmers and the environment.
Questions:
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According to the passage, the word “chocolate” originally meant ___. (A) sweet water (B) bitter water (C) cacao bean (D) dark drink
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge facing the chocolate industry? (A) Child labor (B) Deforestation (C) Climate change (D) High production costs
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According to the passage, who created the first chocolate bar? (A) The ancient Maya (B) Spanish explorers (C) Fry and Sons (D) Daniel Peter
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Which two countries supply more than half of the world’s cacao beans? (A) Spain and Switzerland (B) Mexico and Brazil (C) Ivory Coast and Ghana (D) Ghana and Nigeria
Passage 4:Detail — The Science of Sleep(細節題練習)
Sleep is far more than a period of rest. During sleep, the brain is remarkably active, performing critical functions that affect nearly every aspect of our physical and mental health. Scientists divide sleep into two main types: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep consists of three stages, each progressively deeper, while REM sleep is when most dreaming occurs.
One of the most important functions of sleep is memory consolidation. During the deep stages of Non-REM sleep, the brain replays and strengthens the neural connections formed during the day, transferring short-term memories into long-term storage. REM sleep, on the other hand, appears to play a key role in processing emotions and fostering creativity. Studies have shown that people who are deprived of REM sleep struggle more with emotional regulation and creative problem-solving.
The consequences of insufficient sleep are serious and well-documented. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity, heart disease, weakened immunity, and impaired judgment. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teenagers get 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, yet studies show that the average teenager sleeps only about 7 hours. Experts suggest maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and keeping the bedroom cool and dark to improve sleep quality.
Questions:
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According to the passage, what happens during the deep stages of Non-REM sleep? (A) Most dreaming occurs. (B) The brain replays and strengthens neural connections. (C) The body becomes physically active. (D) Short-term memories are erased.
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How many hours of sleep does the National Sleep Foundation recommend for teenagers? (A) 6 to 8 hours (B) 7 to 9 hours (C) 8 to 10 hours (D) 9 to 11 hours
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of chronic sleep deprivation? (A) Obesity (B) Heart disease (C) Diabetes (D) Weakened immunity
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According to the passage, REM sleep is associated with ___. (A) memory consolidation (B) emotional processing and creativity (C) physical recovery (D) regulating body temperature
Passage 5:Inference — The Silence of Whales(推論題練習)
The ocean is a world of sound. For whales, sound is far more important than sight, as light can travel only a short distance through water while sound can travel for hundreds, even thousands, of kilometers. Whales use songs, clicks, and whistles to communicate, navigate, find food, and attract mates. The songs of humpback whales, for example, can last up to 20 hours and are among the most complex vocalizations in the animal kingdom.
However, human activities are making the oceans increasingly noisy. Commercial shipping, military sonar, oil drilling, and construction all produce underwater noise that can interfere with whales’ ability to communicate. In some areas, background noise levels have increased by as much as 10 decibels per decade since the 1960s. Scientists are concerned that this “acoustic smog” is forcing whales to change their behavior — singing at higher frequencies, repeating their calls more often, or even abandoning their habitats entirely.
Some governments have begun to take action. In 2018, the Canadian government implemented speed limits for ships in certain areas to reduce underwater noise and protect endangered whale populations. Similar measures have been proposed in the United States and Europe. Yet many researchers argue that these efforts are not enough. They call for stricter regulations, quieter ship designs, and the creation of “marine quiet zones” where human noise would be minimized.
Questions:
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It can be inferred from the passage that before the 1960s, the oceans were ___. (A) completely silent (B) less noisy than they are today (C) too dark for whales to communicate (D) dominated by whale songs
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The author implies that current government measures to reduce ocean noise are ___. (A) sufficient to solve the problem (B) well-intentioned but inadequate (C) harmful to the shipping industry (D) unpopular with the public
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Why do whales rely more on sound than sight? (A) Whales are blind. (B) Sound travels farther than light in water. (C) Whales cannot produce light. (D) The ocean is too cold for vision.
Passage 6:Inference — The Paradox of Choice(推論題練習)
Psychologist Barry Schwartz coined the term “the paradox of choice” to describe a curious phenomenon: having more options does not always make us happier. In his research, Schwartz found that while some choice is better than none, an excessive number of choices can lead to anxiety, indecision, and regret.
In one classic experiment, researchers set up a jam-tasting booth at a grocery store. On some days, they offered 24 varieties of jam; on other days, only 6. Although the larger display attracted more shoppers, people who saw only 6 options were ten times more likely to actually purchase a jar. The researchers concluded that too many options overwhelmed consumers, making it harder for them to make a decision.
This principle extends far beyond jam. When choosing a career, a life partner, or even a movie on a streaming platform, having too many options can create a paralyzing fear of making the “wrong” choice. Even after deciding, people who had many options tend to feel less satisfied, wondering whether one of the alternatives would have been better. Schwartz suggests that we can improve our well-being by learning to be “satisficers” — people who choose the first option that meets their criteria — rather than “maximizers” who exhaustively compare every option.
Questions:
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It can be inferred that a “maximizer” is someone who ___. (A) is always happy with their choices (B) tries to find the single best option (C) avoids making decisions (D) prefers to have fewer choices
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The jam experiment suggests that ___. (A) people prefer stores with fewer products (B) more choices lead to more purchases (C) fewer choices can lead to more decisive action (D) people do not like jam
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The author would most likely agree with which of the following? (A) People should always try to have as many options as possible. (B) Limiting choices can improve decision-making and satisfaction. (C) Grocery stores should never offer more than six products. (D) The paradox of choice only applies to small purchases.
Passage 7:Vocabulary in Context — Urban Farming(字彙題練習)
In recent years, urban farming has surged in popularity across cities worldwide. From rooftop gardens in New York to vertical farms in Singapore, city dwellers are finding innovative ways to grow food in spaces that were once considered unsuitable for agriculture.
One of the most compelling arguments for urban farming is its potential to reduce the environmental impact of food production. Traditional agriculture relies on transporting food over long distances, which generates significant carbon emissions. By growing food locally, urban farms can reduce “food miles” and provide fresher produce to city residents.
However, urban farming is not without its detractors. Critics point out that urban farms typically produce lower yields than traditional farms and may not be economically viable on a large scale. They also argue that the resources required to operate vertical farms — particularly electricity for artificial lighting — can offset many of the environmental benefits.
Despite these legitimate concerns, supporters believe that urban farming will continue to grow as technology improves and as cities seek more sustainable food systems. New developments in LED lighting, hydroponics, and automation are already making urban farms more efficient and cost-effective.
Questions:
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The word “surged” in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) decreased gradually (B) increased rapidly (C) remained stable (D) fluctuated unpredictably
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The word “compelling” in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) confusing (B) convincing (C) amusing (D) disturbing
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The word “detractors” in the third paragraph refers to ___. (A) supporters of urban farming (B) people who criticize urban farming (C) farmers who work in cities (D) researchers who study agriculture
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The word “legitimate” in the last paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) illegal (B) unreasonable (C) valid and reasonable (D) humorous
Passage 8:Vocabulary in Context — The Art of Listening(字彙題練習)
In an age of constant distraction, the ability to truly listen has become a rare and valuable skill. Most people assume that hearing and listening are the same thing, but they are fundamentally different. Hearing is a passive biological process, while listening is an active mental one that requires focus, patience, and genuine interest.
Effective listeners share several conspicuous habits. They maintain eye contact, nod to show understanding, and ask thoughtful follow-up questions. More importantly, they resist the urge to interrupt or formulate their response while the other person is still speaking. Instead, they give the speaker their full attention, allowing pauses and silences without rushing to fill them.
The benefits of good listening are profound. In personal relationships, being heard makes people feel valued and respected, strengthening emotional bonds. In professional settings, attentive listeners are better leaders because they understand their team’s needs and concerns. Research even suggests that good listeners tend to be more creative, as they expose themselves to a wider range of ideas and perspectives.
Unfortunately, many of us suffer from what psychologists call “listener’s fatigue” — the exhaustion that comes from attempting to pay close attention in an environment filled with noise and interruptions. Overcoming this fatigue requires conscious effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
Questions:
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The word “rare” in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) well-done (B) uncommon (C) dangerous (D) ancient
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The word “conspicuous” in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) hidden (B) obvious (C) strange (D) annoying
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The word “profound” in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) shallow (B) confusing (C) deep and significant (D) humorous
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“Listener’s fatigue” refers to ___. (A) physical tiredness from speaking too much (B) the exhaustion from trying to listen attentively in a noisy environment (C) the boredom of listening to uninteresting people (D) a medical condition affecting hearing
Passage 9:Mixed — The Rise of E-Sports(綜合題練習)
Competitive video gaming, known as e-sports, has exploded from a niche hobby into a billion-dollar industry. In 2023, global e-sports revenue exceeded $1.8 billion, and major tournaments now fill stadiums and attract millions of online viewers. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike have become as familiar to young audiences as basketball and soccer.
The growth of e-sports has been driven largely by advances in streaming technology. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming allow fans to watch professional gamers compete in real time, creating a sense of community and excitement that rivals traditional sports. Top players, known as “streamers,” can earn millions through sponsorships, prize money, and donations from fans.
However, the rapid rise of e-sports has sparked debate. Supporters argue that competitive gaming requires extraordinary skill, strategic thinking, and teamwork — qualities worthy of recognition and respect. They point out that e-sports can provide scholarship opportunities and career paths for talented players. Critics, on the other hand, question whether playing video games should be considered a “sport” at all, arguing that it lacks the physical exertion associated with traditional athletics.
Despite the controversy, e-sports shows no sign of slowing down. The International Olympic Committee has even explored the possibility of including e-sports in future Olympic Games, signaling a growing acceptance of competitive gaming on the world stage.
Questions:
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What is the main idea of this passage?(主旨題) (A) Streaming platforms are the most profitable part of e-sports. (B) E-sports has grown rapidly but remains controversial. (C) Video games should be included in the Olympics. (D) Professional gamers earn too much money.
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According to the passage, what has been the main driver of e-sports growth?(細節題) (A) Government funding (B) Advances in streaming technology (C) Traditional sports declining in popularity (D) School programs
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The word “exertion” in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) effort (B) enjoyment (C) equipment (D) experience
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It can be inferred that the author’s attitude toward e-sports is ___. (A) strongly opposed (B) neutral and informative (C) extremely enthusiastic (D) confused and uncertain
Passage 10:Mixed — The Lost Art of Handwriting(綜合題練習)
Not long ago, handwriting was an essential skill taught in every school. Children spent hours practicing their letters, striving to produce neat, legible script. Today, however, the rise of keyboards and touchscreens has dramatically reduced the amount of time people spend writing by hand. Some schools have even dropped cursive instruction entirely from their curricula, arguing that keyboarding skills are more relevant in the digital age.
This shift has alarmed many educators and researchers. Studies have consistently shown that handwriting activates different regions of the brain than typing. When people write by hand, the slower, more deliberate process forces them to process information more deeply, leading to better comprehension and retention. In one study, students who took notes by hand outperformed those who used laptops, even though the laptop users typed more words. The researchers concluded that the act of writing by hand encourages students to synthesize information rather than transcribe it verbatim.
Beyond cognitive benefits, handwriting also carries personal and cultural significance. A handwritten letter conveys warmth and thoughtfulness in a way that an email or text message cannot. Historically, handwriting styles have reflected cultural identity, from the elegant copperplate of Victorian England to the flowing calligraphy of East Asia.
Technology is unlikely to disappear, nor should it. But perhaps there is value in preserving handwriting as a complement to digital communication — not as a relic of the past, but as a tool for deeper thinking and more meaningful connection.
Questions:
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What is the best title for this passage?(主旨題) (A) Why Schools Should Ban Computers (B) The Cognitive Benefits of Handwriting (C) Handwriting: A Skill Worth Preserving (D) The History of Cursive Writing
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According to the passage, why did students who wrote by hand perform better?(細節題) (A) They wrote more words than laptop users. (B) They processed information more deeply. (C) They had better teachers. (D) They were more intelligent.
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The author implies that ___. (A) all technology should be replaced by handwriting (B) handwriting and technology can coexist (C) cursive writing is the only valuable form of handwriting (D) students should never use laptops in class
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The word “legible” in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) beautiful (B) easy to read (C) difficult (D) artistic
Answer Key
Passage 1: The Hidden World of Fungi
- (B) — 主旨是真菌比人們認知的更重要。(A)錯:真菌和植物不同;(C)太窄:Wood Wide Web 只是細節;(D)太絕對。
- (C) — “Unsung Heroes” 概括了真菌被忽略但極重要這一核心。(A)離題;(B)太窄;(D)太窄。
- (B) — 明確提到 “Unlike plants, fungi cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis.”
Passage 2: The Power of Bilingualism
- (B) — 全文討論雙語從嬰兒到老年的認知益處。(A)太窄;(C)錯:文中說不會預防;(D)太窄。
- (C) — “cognitive reserve” 是幫助大腦 代償 衰退的心理資源。
- (C) — 作者提供研究結果來告知讀者,非說服或比較。
Passage 3: The History of Chocolate
- (B) — “xocolatl” means “bitter water.”
- (D) — High production costs 未被提及。其他三項皆有明確列出。
- (C) — “Fry and Sons created the first chocolate bar.”
- (C) — “Ivory Coast and Ghana… supply more than half.”
Passage 4: The Science of Sleep
- (B) — “the brain replays and strengthens the neural connections.”
- (C) — “8 to 10 hours per night.”
- (C) — Diabetes 未被提及。Obesity, heart disease, weakened immunity 皆有提到。
- (B) — “REM sleep… appears to play a key role in processing emotions and fostering creativity.”
Passage 5: The Silence of Whales
- (B) — 1960年代以來噪音每十年增10分貝,推論之前較安靜。非(A):不可能完全無聲。
- (B) — 作者提到措施但引用研究者的話 “not enough”,暗示不足。
- (B) — “light can travel only a short distance through water while sound can travel for… thousands of kilometers.”
Passage 6: The Paradox of Choice
- (B) — “maximizers” 被定義為 “exhaustively compare every option” 的人。
- (C) — 只有6種選項時購買率是24種的10倍,說明少選項→更果斷。
- (B) — 全文核心論點:限制選擇可改善決策和滿意度。
Passage 7: Urban Farming
- (B) — “surged” = increased rapidly。
- (B) — “compelling argument” = convincing reason。
- (B) — “detractors” = critics,從下文 “Critics point out” 可確認。
- (C) — “legitimate concerns” = valid and reasonable worries。
Passage 8: The Art of Listening
- (B) — “rare” = uncommon。
- (B) — “conspicuous habits” = obvious/noticeable habits。
- (C) — “profound” = deep and significant。
- (B) — 定義在原文:嘗試在噪音環境中專注聆聽的疲憊。
Passage 9: The Rise of E-Sports
- (B) — 主旨:電競快速成長但仍有爭議。
- (B) — “the growth of e-sports has been driven largely by advances in streaming technology.”
- (A) — “physical exertion” = 體力付出。
- (B) — 作者平衡呈現支持和反對意見,語氣中立客觀。
Passage 10: The Lost Art of Handwriting
- (C) — 全文論證手寫值得保留。(A)極端;(B)太窄;(D)離題。
- (B) — “the act of writing by hand encourages students to synthesize information.”
- (B) — 末段說明科技不應消失,手寫可作為補充,兩者共存。
- (B) — “legible” = easy to read。
學習建議
- 每次練習時計時作答,模擬考試情境
- 錯題務必回原文定位,理解為何錯
- 將生詞記入個人單字本,定期複習
導航
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