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2024 年普通高等学校招生全国统一考试（全国卷）
英语
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Section A: Informative Comprehension (50 Marks)

Passage 1. An author writes about the benefits of idealism.

In a world dominated by cynicism and practicality, being an idealist emerges as both a rebellion against
short-sightedness and an affirmation of hope. Idealists dare to envision a better world as a tangible reality that
can ultimately be achieved through the power of belief and human effort. The belief that one’s ideals can be
achieved, while frequently dismissed as naive or impractical, holds an intrinsic value that propels societies
toward greater heights of justice and innovation. It is the idealists among us—those who dream of what might
be—who often drive the wheel of progress, challenging the status quo and inspiring change.

While most people quibble over practical concerns, idealists, like a compass pointing to the north, guide public
discourse and actions towards the moral principles that really matter. By adhering to their convictions without
wavering, without compromise and without fail, idealists challenge others to prioritise what is right over what is
convenient. Idealists not only dream of lofty moral principles but actively endeavour to construct a world
governed by such principles, influencing both policy and personal behaviour towards greater ethical standards.

As a result of their convictions, idealists are often at the forefront of the fight for rights and justice. From the
rarefied heights of their idealism, they enjoy a panorama of humanity’s promise. Their vision of a fairer world
compels them to challenge entrenched injustices and advocate for the marginalised. Their belief in human
dignity and equality fuels relentless campaigns against oppression and discrimination. Take Malala Yousafzai,
for example. A solitary lighthouse in Taliban-run Pakistan, she bravely spoke out for her right and the right of all
girls to attend school.
Whether pushing for civil rights or championing gender equality, idealists inspire and mobilise others to join
their cause, catalysing societal changes that might otherwise seem impossible. Nelson Mandela’s civil
resistance during apartheid-era South Africa was a symbol of hope. The anti-apartheid movement, fuelled by
the collective idealism of millions, pressured international communities to impose sanctions and ultimately led
to the dismantling of the apartheid regime in 1994.

Cynics may argue that great societal transformation can only be achieved by a select few trailblazers. Yet,
must idealism revolutionise the world for us to see its value? Even for the everyman, holding firm to these lofty
goals may be a way to encourage continued personal development. For realists, stark acceptance of the status
quo may force them to mutely accept their own limits, but for idealists, an unwavering belief in their potential or
the nobility of their goals can drive them relentlessly forward even in the face of rejection.

Being an idealist also carries profound emotional benefits. Idealists engage with life more joyfully, live with
purposes, and tend to be more emotionally stable. Besides emotional benefits, idealists also enjoy being part
of a community as they connect with like-minded individuals who share their aspirations.

On the face of it, being an idealist is often dismissed as daydreaming. However, it is anything but. It is a vital
force that drives humanity forward, challenging us to rise above the status quo. Like how Martin Luther King Jr.
spoke of his dream of equality and freedom, let us all be brave enough to dream and strive towards a future
that aligns with our highest ideals.

Passage 2. An author writes about the advantages of pragmatism.

Pragmatists are no strangers to unsolicited criticisms – this is encountered as a natural consequence of their
practical approach which often opposes idealistic or theoretical perspectives. Yet, the reality that pragmatism
helps to address issues we face in nearly every facet of our lives validates this approach.

Unlike idealism which focuses on chasing a flawless solution akin to an elusive unicorn, pragmatism thrives on
delivering tangible results. Unlike idealism which can get lost in theoretical perfection, pragmatism advocates
the attainment of goals through achievable steps. This creates a sense of accomplishment and motivates
further action. In the business world, a pragmatic entrepreneur might aim to establish a small but loyal
customer base and achieve steady growth rather than pursue the untenable goal of becoming a billion-dollar
company within a year.
The real world rarely aligns perfectly with our plans, but pragmatists are effective at using the resources
available to them and generating creative solutions. An example of this can be seen in Kibera, a large slum in
Nairobi, Kenya. Faced with limited resources and infrastructure, residents have adopted pragmatic solutions.
They have built schools from recycled materials and created small businesses with minimal investment.
Pragmatism is also key on the international stage, helping countries maintain amiable relations essential to
securing their trade benefits.

Simultaneously, the upside of pragmatism is the consideration of diverse perspectives of stakeholders. This
fosters the creation of solutions that are not only palatable but also more likely to be implemented. The Paris
Agreement on climate change, for one, has seen its share of success because it considers the diverse
economic and developmental needs of participating countries, allowing each nation to set its own realistic
targets for reducing carbon emissions rather than imposing uniform standards. Negotiators rarely achieve
perfect outcomes but, by considering the concerns of all parties involved, they can prevent conflict.

Ultimately, a healthy dose of pragmatism brings about a host of benefits. Without a pragmatic approach, our
lofty ideals remain just that – ideals.

Passage 3. An author considers why we need idealism now more than ever.

From climate change to social inequality, the world faces a daunting array of challenges that can all too easily
crush our spirits with a sense of defeatism. There are those amongst us who, claiming that they are just being
realistic, have accepted that things are just the way they are.

Yet it is precisely in these times that idealism becomes even more crucial. While pragmatists fretfully agonise
over the state of our world and argue about how to go about solving problems, idealists are already out there
taking action. The history of humankind is replete with stories of inspirational figures who remind us that we are
not in fact doomed and that we can fight against the seemingly overwhelming odds threatening our futures.
Consider Fridays for Future, the climate movement involving students all over the world going on school
strikes. This global environmental movement has forced governments to take action against exploitative
corporations.

It is disconcerting that we often assume that the idealist and the pragmatist are at odds with each other when
in fact, collectively, they work hand-in-hand to initiate change. One needs to look no further than the
development of sustainable urban planning initiatives, where visionary goals for green spaces are realised
through practical regulations and infrastructure projects. On a larger scale, problems in the world often involve
complex, interconnected factors that span across various social, economic, and environmental realms, making
simple solutions ineffective and grandiose visions impracticable. But when people embrace both idealism and
pragmatism, they dream big and work incrementally, recognising that lasting progress is often made through a
series of small victories and actionable goals.

In a world that can feel increasingly cynical, idealism is a precious commodity. It is the fuel that ignites our
passions. It is the belief that a better world is possible. It is the seed that shows hope.
Your answers should be:
 • written in your own words as far as possible. Where you select the appropriate material from the passage
for your answer, you must still use your own words to express it.
• written in continuous prose.

From Passage 1

1. What is the author implying about cynicism and practicality by their use of the phrase ‘a rebellion against
short-sightedness’? [2]

2. Explain two ways in which the author uses language to convey their strong feelings about idealists. [2]

3. Explain what the writer means by ‘a solitary lighthouse’ (line 21). [2]

4. Explain how the author illustrates the claim that idealism can bring about ‘societal changes’. [3]

5. Why does the author use the phrase ‘On the face of it’? [2]

From Passage 2

6. Summarise what the author has to say about the benefits of pragmatism. Write your summary in no more
than 120 words. [8]

From all the passages

7. Passage 1 states that idealism challenges us ‘to rise above the status quo’. Identify one specific idea from
Passage 3 which can be used to support this statement. Justify your answer. [2]

8. Passage 2 states that the practical approach ‘often opposes idealistic or theoretical perspectives’. Identify
one specific idea from Passage 3 which can be used to undermine this statement. Justify your answer. [2]

9. The reading passages cover a range of views about idealism and pragmatism. How far do you agree that
idealism brings about more benefits than pragmatism? [12]

Support your answer with reference to:

Section B: Essay Writing (50 Marks)

Answers should be between 500 and 800 words in length.

1. ‘The arts should not rely on government support.’ Comment.

2. Does reliance on technology compromise our freedom?

3. To what extent has social media influenced financial decisions among people today?

4. ‘Only powerful nations have a significant voice in global affairs.’ Discuss.

5. ‘There is no room for failure.’ Is this true of your society?

6. To what extent should the state interfere with the private lives of its citizens?

7. How far do you agree that efforts to promote inclusiveness do more harm than good?

8. ‘Technology has given us a false sense of hope in solving problems.’ To what extent is this true?

END OF PAPER