《2026年水木金卷高考模拟试卷精编英语》

C
Memory loss and cognitive decline are common concerns as people age. Medical research has been actively seeking ways to delay or even reverse these effects. Recently, a team of researchers from Harvard Medical School has made some intriguing findings that could lead to new approaches in treating age-related memory decline. While these discoveries may not be earth-shattering in the sense of introducing entirely new concepts, they do offer important insights that build upon existing knowledge.
Dr. Emily Rosenzweig and her colleagues focused their research on the role of neurotransmitters(神经递质), particularly acetylcholine (乙酰胆碱), in maintaining memory function. Acetylcholine is a crucial neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and overall cognitive function. The researchers conducted a series of experiments using mice genetically engineered to have reduced levels of acetylcholine. These mice showed significant impairments in memory tasks compared to their normal counterparts.
In a follow-up study, the team administered a drug known to enhance acetylcholine levels in the brain. They found that the drug improved memory performance in the genetically engineered mice, suggesting that maintaining adequate acetylcholine levels could be key to preserving memory as we age. Rosenzweig emphasized that this is not a cure for memory loss but rather a potential strategy for delaying its onset.
Another study, led by Dr. James Carter, explored the effects of physical activity on cognitive function in elderly individuals. Carter's team conducted a randomized controlled trial involving hundreds of seniors. Participants were assigned to either a group that engaged in regular aerobic exercise or a control group that did not. After a year, the researchers assessed the cognitive function of both groups using standardized tests. They found that those in the exercise group performed significantly better on memory and attention tasks compared to the control group.
Despite these promising findings, experts caution that more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between memory, aging, and lifestyle factors. Dr. Rosenzweig noted that while the drug showed promise in mice, it might not have the same effect on humans due to differences in biology and metabolism. Similarly, Dr. Carter acknowledged that while exercise seems to benefit cognitive function, it is unclear whether the benefits extend to all individuals or if there is a critical period during which exercise is most beneficial.
In conclusion, while the research from Harvard Medical School offers hope for improving memory in the elderly, it also underscores the need for continued investigation. As Dr. Rosenzweig put it, “We are still at the beginning of our understanding of how the brain ages and how we can intervene to slow down or reverse the process.”
46. What does the underlined word “intriguing” in Paragraph 1 most likely mean?
A. Confusing.
B. Boring.
C. Fascinating.
D. Disappointing.
47. What was the focus of Rosenzweig and her colleagues' research?
A. The role of acetylcholine in maintaining memory function.
B. The effects of genetics on cognitive decline.
C. The benefits of aerobic exercise on the brain.
D. The use of drugs to cure memory loss.
48. According to Rosenzweig, the drug they administered is intended to be .
A. a cure for memory loss
B. a preventive measure for cognitive decline
C. a treatment for Alzheimer's disease
D. a strategy for delaying the onset of memory loss
49. What can we infer from Carter's study?
A. Regular aerobic exercise guarantees improved cognitive function.
B. The benefits of exercise on cognitive function are immediate.
C. The relationship between exercise and cognitive function needs further research.
D. Exercise has no effect on cognitive function in elderly individuals.
50. What is the overall message of the passage?
A. Memory loss is inevitable as we age.
B. Exercise is the key to preventing cognitive decline.
C. Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in treating memory loss.
D. Research on memory and aging is ongoing and more has a long way to go.

答案： 46.C 词义猜测题。题干意为:第一段中的画线单词“intriguing”最可能是什么意思？根据第一段中“findings that could lead to new approaches in treating age-related memory decline”和“they do offer important insights”可知，这些发现可能会为治疗与年龄相关的记忆力衰退提供新的途径，而且它们提供了重要的见解。由此可推知，这些发现应该是吸引人的，所以画线单词与“fascinating”意思相近。故选C。
47.A 细节理解题。题干意为:Rosenzweig和她同事的研究的重点是什么？根据第二段中“Dr. Emily Rosenzweig and her colleagues focused their research on the role of neurotransmitters(神经递质)，particularly acetylcholine(乙酰胆碱)，in maintaining memory function.”可知，研究的重点是神经递质，尤其是乙酰胆碱对维持记忆功能的作用。故选A。
48.D 细节理解题。题干意为:根据Rosenzweig，他们使用的药物旨在成为 。根据第三段中“this is not a cure for memory loss but rather a potential strategy for delaying its onset”可知，这种药物是延缓记忆丢失发作的策略。故选D。
49.C 推理判断题。题干意为:我们可以从Carter的研究中推断出什么？根据第五段中“Dr. Carter acknowledged that while exercise seems to benefit cognitive function，it is unclear whether the benefits extend to all individuals or if there is a critical period during which exercise is most beneficial”可推知，运动与认知功能的关系仍需进一步研究。故选C。
50.D 主旨大意题。题干意为:这篇文章的总体信息是什么？通读全文，并根据最后一段中“underscores the need for continued investigation”和“still at the beginning of our understanding”可知，本文主要传达的信息是关于记忆和年龄的研究仍在进行并且还有很长的路要走。故选D。