这是高考优秀模拟试卷汇编第40套英语科的听力部分，该部分分为第一、第二两节。  听力考试正式开始。

第一节

M: Work has been crazy lately. Deadlines are approaching!

W: I feel that. Have you tried taking small breaks to recharge?

M: I should have! I just feel like I can't afford to stop.

W: Trust me — a quick break can actually make you more productive.

W: You've been on your tablet for a while. Why not stop and go outside for some fresh air?

M: Just five more minutes. I'm almost at the next level of my adventure.

W: Oh, my goodness! It brings back a lot of memories! Your dad and I cried a river over this scene when you were only two years old. Look at you, a college student now!

M: Yeah, how moving! And I love the music here...the soft violin...

W: I noticed that you've been quieter in class recently. Is everything OK?

M: Yeah, I've just been feeling a bit behind in the material.

W: It's important to ask questions when you are unsure.

M: Thanks, Ms. Green.

W: I started painting recently. It's surprisingly relaxing.

M: Really? That sounds cool! What are you painting?

W: Mostly landscapes. I'm trying to get the hang of mixing colours.

M: I'd love to try that, too!

第二节

听下面一段对话，回答第6至第7两个小题。

W: How can I help you?

M: Hi, my son and I missed our 9:15 flight to Boston. What's the earliest time we can get there?

W: Sorry, there's no direct flight today. We have two options: One leaves at 9:45, connects in San Francisco, and arrives at 13:45. The other departs at 10:17, stops in Los Angeles, and arrives in Boston after a two-hour flight.

M: Thanks! I'll take the first one.

听下面一段对话，回答第8至第10三个小题。

M: I can't believe it's been so long! Rachel, how have you been?

W: Oh, Simon. I've been good! Just keeping busy with teaching stuff, you know, making teaching plans, assigning homework...But guess what！I came across Jenna the other day...

M: Jenna? Wait, you mean our Jenna? The one who used to always write in her notebook?

W: Yeah! She started this lifestyle blog a year ago, and now she is a celebrity with millions of followers!

M: What? No way! I remember when she was in high school, she'd always talk about wanting to share her thoughts with people. I never imagined it would blow up like this!

W: I know. Her posts are everywhere. I actually saw her in a magazine last week! I'm so proud of her!

M: That's amazing. We should definitely reach her to offer our congratulations.

W: Absolutely, I'll text her.

听下面一段对话，回答第11至第13三个小题。

W: Have you heard about all the AI tools that are being used in schools now? Our teachers are even using them to grade assignments.

M: Yeah, I heard about that. It's pretty wild, right? I can see how it helps teachers save time, but it also feels a little strange. Like, can AI really understand the slight differences in a paper?

W: I get what you mean, but AI can. And it's not just grading. Some schools are using AI to give students suggestions, like how to improve their writing or even help them with research. It's like having a tutor 24/7.

M: That's pretty cool, actually.

W: I've been using AI to help me with my essays. Before writing, I turn to it and it offers me a variety of ideas. It can also polish the rough drafts of my essays. It's better than staring at a blank page for hours.

M: Wow, AI is developing so rapidly.

听下面一段对话，回答第14至第17四个小题。

W: Hello, Williams! Can you share how you chose your career path?

M: Trial and error, honestly! My dad was a professional footballer, so I tried that first. But let's just say running wasn't my strength — so I quit after six months. My mom pushed me toward acting since she was onstage herself, but I kept struggling on lines. Then I realized I'd always get really excited about studying cool buildings. That aha moment led me straight to architecture school!

W: Why did you choose Barcelona specifically?

M: When I visited it at 19 for a football match I got attached to Gaudí's famous designs. I read tons about his urban design afterward and promised myself “I'll add my own style to this city someday.”Plus, I truly enjoy the amazing local dishes and exciting match days!

W: So what's your biggest adjustment when you live here?

M: Surviving extremely hot summers! Learning Spanish everyday expressions and handling crowds took time too, but hey — great local food fixed most problems.

W: Thanks for sharing — your journey was super inspiring! I'm sure many of our young listeners learned a lot from your experience.

M: Hopefully so.

听下面一段独白，回答第18至第20三个小题。

A large wildfire broke out in central California on Sunday, growing rapidly to 1,000 acres and forcing residents to leave their homes. The Silver Fire started near Bishop in Inyo County, closing part of U.S. Highway 6. By Sunday night, firefighters had not yet controlled the fire. Strong winds up to 35 miles per hour made the burning areas worse and stopped planes from helping. Weather experts warned that even stronger winds could spread the fire further through Monday. 

Meanwhile, South Carolina wildfires continue burning as officials prepare to lift a statewide burn ban — excluding five counties still at risk. The biggest fire, Table Rock, has burned nearly 11,000 acres in South Carolina and 574 acres in North Carolina, with only 9% contained. Another fire, Persimmon Ridge, has burned 2,000 acres and is 24% contained. Some Greenville County residents must stay away from their homes. These fires are spreading due to dry plants and fallen trees left by Hurricane Helene.