《2026年水木金卷高考模拟试卷精编英语》

阅读下面短文,按照题目要求用英语回答问题。
Although I felt confident at my work bench and comfortable discussing my research with my mentor and lab mates, my introvert nature silenced me when I faced a larger, unfamiliar audience, my legs shaking, and my throat dry. Prior to graduate school, I had no experience in public speaking, and now the fear overwhelmed me. But with another seminar just a couple of months away and more public speaking ahead, I refused to let my nerves hold me back again.
I took a drastic step outside my comfort zone to sign up for an open mic event at a local stand - up comedy club in Bengaluru, India. I'd always admired the confidence of stand - up comedians, and I thought the enjoyable atmosphere might allow a bit more room for error. Although my jokes did not receive thunderous applause, I was surprised to find I enjoyed my time on stage. And I felt I could do better. I approached Sania, a brilliant comic whose wit and eloquence(口才) made her the highlight of the evening. Sania offered a couple of invaluable tips. "Attend more open mic events," she advised. "Watch more comics perform." Though she meant to help me succeed as a comedian, her suggestion helped me improve my upcoming research presentation.
For the next few months, I attended numerous seminars at my institute, observing how skilled orators presented their stories and conveyed complex scientific data through easily digested takeaways.
Sania's next piece of advice was to write and rewrite a script. Although some speakers can improvise(即兴表演), I found value in preparation. The script was a bridge from my cluttered thoughts to organized spoken words. It helped me maintain a logical flow, avoid rambling, and refine my timing. Most importantly, having a clear road map reduced my anxiety.
Sania saved her most valuable advice for last: Practice! With my script in hand, I began to rehearse my research presentation tirelessly. Alone, with colleagues, and even with unsuspecting visitors—every audience counted. I practiced every pause and hand gesture. Initially, it felt forced and unnatural. However, with each repetition, my presentation became smoother. Slowly but surely, my words turned into muscle memory.
When the time came for my next research presentation, the difference was clear. My confidence, eloquence, and presentation skills had improved dramatically. I finished with applause rather than an awkward silence.
Unexpectedly, this process benefited my research. I began to view science through a storyteller's lens. Instead of merely presenting the results of my experiments, I used my data set to tell a story. The genes and proteins I studied became mysterious characters in an unfolding drama. I sought to identify gaps in the narrative of my research and design my experiments to advance the story. I have continued to sharpen my public speaking skills on various stages and now share my research with confidence.
The experience taught me that generating data is only part of doing science. Effective communication is as important as generating data: data isn't just numbers—it tells a story.
56. What caused the author to feel nervous when giving a public speech? (no more than 10 words)

57. What advice did Sania give to the author? (no more than 12 words)

58. What does the underlined word "cluttered" in Paragraph 4 mean in the context? (1 word)

59. What is the main idea of Paragraph 7? (no more than 15 words)

60. How are you inspired by the author's story? Please explain in your own words. (no more than 20 words)

答案： 56.The author’s introvert nature and lack of public speaking experience.
57.Attending and watching more comics’ performances, writing and rewriting scripts and practicing.
58.Disorganized./Unorganized./Chaotic.
59.The process of repeatedly practicing public speaking/speeches benefited the author’s research.
60.Stepping out of comfort zones and practicing can overcome fears and improve skills.