湖北省云学联盟2025-2026学年高二下学期教学质量检测（期末）英语试卷（含答案）

这是一份湖北省云学联盟2025-2026学年高二下学期教学质量检测（期末）英语试卷（含答案）试卷主要包含了5分，满分7等内容，欢迎下载使用。
窗体顶端2025~2026学年度下学期教学质量检测题高二英语第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）听下面5段录音。每段录音后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听完每段录音后，你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段录音播放两遍。1. What does the woman offerA. A laptop. B. A phone number. C. An address.2. How will the woman get home todayA. By bus. B. By taxi. C. By car.3. What will the weather be like this afternoon according to the womanA. Windy. B. Rainy. C. Sunny.4. What does the woman mean in the endA. Jenny was sick. B. Jenny stayed up to study. C. Jenny told a lie.5. What are the speakers looking atA. A cup. B. A plate. C. A bowl.第二节（共15小题；每小题1.5分，满分22.5分）听下面5段录音。每段录音后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。听每段录音前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，每小题都有5秒钟的作答时间。每段录音播放两遍。听下面一段对话，回答第6、7题。6. Where does the conversation probably take placeA. On the street. B. In a shoe store. C. In a car.7. What does the woman advise the man to doA. Walk across the street quickly.B. Be careful when driving.C. Cross the street at the corner.听下面一段对话，回答第8、9题。8. Where was the man bornA. In Argentina. B. In America. C. In Britain.9. What are the speakers probably doingA. Discussing their dreams.B. Having a job interview.C. Talking about travel experiences.听下面一段对话，回答第10至12题。10. What did the woman think lacked freshnessA. The fish. B. The rolls. C. The soup.11. What was the problem with the tofuA. It turned black. B. It was not fresh. C. It had a strange taste.12. What are the speakers going to do laterA. Go to their usual restaurant.B. Have some dessert.C. Go back to the company.听下面一段对话，回第13至16题。13. Why will Tom like the tour in the man’s opinionA. He has an interest in sea animals.B. He wants to enjoy the scenery.C. He expects to dive in the sea.14. Which is included in the tourA. A one-way bus ticket. B. A sandwich lunch. C. A toy animal.15. What is the cost of the tour for a 14-year-old childA. $ 125. B. $ 146. C. $ 120.16. What is the probable relationship between the speakersA. Husband and wife. B. Neighbours. C. Father and daughter.听下面一段独白，回答第17至20题。17. What is the speaker mainly talking aboutA. Education investment. B. Environmental protection. C. Valuable companies.18. When did Jeff Bezos become the richest person in the worldA. In 2020. B. In 2010. C. In 2017.19. What is the best thing Bill Gates has been doing to help othersA. Fighting disease.B. Supporting education.C. Protecting the environment.20. What does the speaker believe about businessA. Good companies must support students regularly.B. Intelligent and ambitious people can succeed in business.C. Online marketplaces will be more popular than physical stores.第二部分 阅读（共两节，满分50分）第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。ADigital Heritage: AI Preserves Global Intangible Culture. Across the world, digital technology is being used to safeguard traditional arts and crafts that have been passed down for centuries. The Digital Intangible Heritage Lab, operating within major museums globally, integrates AI, 3D modeling and virtual reality to record, repair, and promote intangible cultural heritage (ICH).Project Information CardParticipants: Group Policy: General Rules: · Ages 12+ (minors need a signed guardian form) · 4+ need online booking · 4-9 persons: online booking required · 10+ persons: submit a proposal 2 weeks ahead · No professional skills needed · free basic equipment provided · silence in digital zones no photos of restoration itemsWeekly Public ActivitiesDay & Time Activity Location Fee per personSat 9:00-11:30 3D Scanning for Paper-cutting Digital Studio 1 $ 5 (first 15 participants)Sun 14:00–16:30 AI Restoration of Ancient Paintings Digital Studio 2 $ 8 (includes basic tools)Wed 16:00-17:00 Online Lecture (Live) Official Platform Free1. 3D ScanningCreate s high-precision digital copies to avoid physical damage to delicate relics.2. AI RestorationAutomatically repairs missing parts of ancient paintings with historical accuracy.3. VR Immersive ExperienceVisitors can interact with traditional scenes and learn handicrafts in virtual space.For on- site activities, visitors can rent a high- quality VR headset for $ 3 per person, or purchase a digital copy of their restored artwork for $ 4 per person. A guided tour (30 minutes, maximum 10 people) is also available at $ 20 per group.Expert OpinionProfessor Lin, director of the lab:“Technology does not take the place of traditional craftsmanship. Instead, it offers a new way to keep our heritage alive and share it with younger generations.”21. What is required for a group of 11 on SundayA. Reserve on the web. B. Show up prior to nine.C. Hand in plan beforehand. D. Bring signed parent form.22. What is the total cost for 4 people with VR headsets on SaturdayA. $ 20 B. $ 23 C. $ 32 D. $ 3523. What does Professor Lin suggest about technologyA. Adding tech exam. B. Stressing virtual talks.C. Taking over manual arts. D. Cooperating with folk skills.BI used to see my mother’s hands only in their present state — rough, with nails cut short, and a small, pale burn scar on her right wrist. To me, they were just ordinary. It wasn’t until I was seventeen, trying to master her recipe for braised pork (红烧肉), that I truly saw them.I was fumbling with the carrot, my slices uneven and awkward. “Like this,” she said softly, her hand covering mine on the knife. Her skin felt surprisingly warm and strong. In that moment, I saw her hands not just as my mother’s, but also as tools of a lifetime of giving. These hands had comforted fevered brows, planted a vigorous garden in our tiny yard, and typed late into the night on work reports. The scar on her forearm, I suddenly remembered, came from a splash of oil while cooking my favorite dish on a busy weekday several years ago.She never wore gloves to protect them, never used fancy creams. Her care was poured into other things — into meals, into chores, into us. Under the kitchen light, every line and roughness seemed to map a story of quiet love. I had been blind to this language written on her skin.The pork boiled in the pot, filling our home with a familiar, comforting smell. I finally understood. Her love wasn’t a grand declaration; it was a constant, practical presence, prepared and served daily, much like the meals she made. It was the toughness of her hands that quietly laid the foundation of my world.24. How did the author come to truly notice her mother’s handsA. By noticing a burn scar for the first time.B. By learning to cook a special dish with her.C. By seeing an old photo of her mother’s hands.D. By hearing the hands’ stories from her mother.25. What does the underlined word “fumbling” mean in Paragraph 2A. Cutting quickly. B. Planning carefully.C. Handling clumsily. D. Weighing precisely.26. What can we learn about the author’s mother from Paragraph 3A. She valued inner beauty more than appearance.B. She prioritized her family’s needs over her own.C. She was too busy to take good care of her hands.D. She regretted not protecting her hands in her youth.27. Which of the following can describe the mother’s loveA. Silent and devoted. B. Mild and temporary.C. Selfless and flashy. D. Protective and shallow.CWhen a Los Angeles hospital authorized handwriting courses for its doctors, it highlighted a modern contradiction: in an era of digital perfection, the simple act of writing by hand remains critically important. The chief of staff explained to Science Daily, “Many of our physicians don’t write clearly.” The consequences can be severe, as seen in an unfortunate case where a chemist’s misreading of a doctor’s prescription (处方) led to a patient’s death.Even though many medical records are now stored on computers, physicians still spend a lot of their time writing notes on charts or writing prescriptions by hand. Clarity in handwriting isn’t merely an aid to communication. In some significant way, writing by hand primes the brain for learning to read. Psychologists Mueller and Oppenheimer found that “Laptop note takers’ tendency to write down lectures verbatim (逐字地) rather than processing information and reframing it in their own words has a negative effect on learning.” In their experiments, students typing notes processed information shallowly, while those writing by hand were forced to summarize, leading to better understanding. The slower pace of pen and paper acts as a cognitive filter, activating the brain for deeper comprehension.Yet, the skill is fading rapidly. Researchers worry that abandoning the pen for the keyboard will lead to any number of unforeseen negative consequences. Anne Mangen, who studies how technology transforms literacy, notes that typing, being more “abstract and unconnected,” could have profound implications; this decline is similar to a form of cultural pollution, a loss of a fundamental human capacity.A common misconception is that we have simply traded an inefficient tool for a superior one. However, like the loss of face-to-face interaction, this trade for efficiency comes at a hidden cost. We are sacrificing irrecoverable ways of learning and knowing. Ultimately, a child who masters the keyboard but cannot sign their name is not a symbol of progress.Handwriting is not a relic; it is a vital thread in the fabric of our cognition, and its wearing demands our immediate attention.28. Why did the hospital introduce handwriting coursesA. To follow the latest handwriting. trend.B. To prevent potential medical accidents.C. To improve doctors’ handwriting skills.D. To promote the use of handwritten records.29. What can we learn from Mueller and Oppenheimer’s researchA. Typing facilitates meaningful understanding.B. Note-taking blocks verbatim comprehension.C. Keyboarding ensures higher learning efficiency.D. Handwriting benefits deeper cognitive engagement.30. What is the cost of abandoning handwritingA. The pollution of a traditional culture.B. The decline in communication efficiency.C. The over-reliance on modern technologies.D. The fading of an essential cognitive ability.31. What does the author suggest we doA. Preserve handwriting as a tradition. B. Value the crucial role of handwriting.C. Encourage keyboard use in education. D. Introduce handwriting courses widely.DScientific research now indicates more clearly than ever that our carbon footprint — the release of carbon dioxide (CO ) into the atmosphere where it contributes to global warming through the greenhouse effect now threatens our ecosystems and our way of life. But many proposed solutions to global warming, such as capturing carbon directly from the air and burying it deep in the earth, are complex, untested, and expensive.Joe Roman, a marine biologist, and his team have recently discovered that whales especially the great whales play a significant role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere. Whales accumulate carbon in their bodies during their long lives. When they die, they sink to the bottom of the ocean; each great whale stores 33 tons of CO on average, taking that carbon out of the atmosphere for centuries. A tree, meanwhile, absorbs only up to 48 pounds of CO a year.Beyond their own bodies, whales also have a multiplier effect by supporting phytoplankton (浮游植物). These microscopic creatures generate at least half of all oxygen to our atmosphere. It turns out that whales’ waste products contain exactly the substances notably iron and nitrogen (氮) phytoplankton need to grow. Whales bring minerals up to the ocean surface through their vertical (垂直的) movement, called the “whale pump”, and through their migration across oceans.Sadly, after decades of industrialized whaling, whale populations are now less than one fourth what they once were. Despite the dramatic reduction in commercial whaling, whales still face serious threats, including ship strikes, fishing nets, plastic waste, and noise pollution. While some species of whales are recovering — slowly — many are not.Therefore, protecting whales could add significantly to carbon capture. Enhancing protection of whales from human-made dangers would deliver benefits to ourselves and the planet. Nature has had millions of years to perfect her whale-based carbon sink technology. All we need to do is let the whales live.32. What is the main concern about the proposed solutions to global warmingA. Necessity of transforming life styles. B. Limitations of current human efforts.C. Seriousness of the greenhouse effect. D. Urgency of reducing carbon footprint.33. What can be inferred about whales’ carbon storageA. It removes carbon from air. B. It depends on ocean’s depth.C. It occurs within a short time. D. It competes with that of forests.34. What does the author try to illustrate by mentioning the “whale pump” in paragraph 3A. How whales boost carbon capture.B. What phytoplankton need to grow.C. Where whales’ waste products land.D. Why phytoplankton produce more oxygen.35. Which of the following is the best title for the textA. Whales: Victims of Climate Change. B. Whales: Sources of Ocean Minerals.C. Whales: Protectors of Deep Oceans. D. Whales: Giants in Carbon Reduction.第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。How to Protect Yourself from Creative BurnoutI like January because it gives me a chance to reflect — not only on the past year, but also on my long-term goals and the progress I have made. However, my recent experience has shown me how easily creative burnout can happen. 36First of all, being in control of your own life is not as easy as it sounds. When someone else sets your goals, you simply follow them. But once you have to decide everything on your own, things become more complicated. 37 No one else can give you a clear answer.In fact, the real difficulty is not carrying out a plan, but worrying whether you are doing the right thing. Time is limited, and you want to use it wisely. 38 As a result, you may feel tired even before finishing your work.39 You cannot always be sure that your choice is the best one. So instead of. overthinking, choose a goal and start working on it. Once you make a decision, stick to it for some time instead of changing it too often.Another useful method is to make a simple daily plan. 40 You only need to list two or three important tasks and focus on them.Finally, remember to take time to relax. When you work all the time, your mind cannot think clearly. After a short break, you may return with a better understanding of what is truly important.A. Taking breaks allows your mind to recover.B. That is when you begin to question your choices.C. This helps you stay focused on what truly matters.D. So it is necessary to learn how to avoid it properly.E. It is impossible to make perfect decisions every time.F. You will keep doubting your own choices all the time.G. You may feel more confident after making a decision.第三部分 语言运用（共两节，满分30分）第一节（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。One morning, I woke up happily. I hold a personal 41 : each time I open my eyes, I receive two priceless gifts — life and health. People often take these blessings for granted, but I try hard to 42 their value.After walking my dogs in golden morning sunshine, I visited a nearby café, feeling 43 and connected with nature. Then I started my daily journey to work. I live across the city and 44 every day. Before this routine, I always 45 myself to keep patient, yet busy roads 46 my temper. Some drivers 47 suddenly; others drive too slowly but speed up when I try to overtake them.Anger rose inside me and I 48 quietly. Soon strong 49 came over me, and I said sorry to my dead parents. The apology brought me back to reality: I’m 50 and well. Why 51 my day over rude driversAt the office, I held the door for a colleague who left without any response. I 52 said “You’re welcome”. Life is full of little tests.Back home at dusk, I decided to* let go of all day’s treubles. I thought of jasmine’s sweet smell, soft pillows and my loyal dog beside me. These small joys could 53 my souls. As rain tapped the roof while I slept, I realized annoying things were empty noise. Next morning I got my two gifts again and 54 happiness.Gratitude is never lucky luck but a 55 we make every moment. Each thankful choice helps us choose kindness more easily.41. A. perspective B. promise C. philosophy D. preference42. A. appreciate B. evaluate C. ignore D. admire43. A. polite B. patient C. positive D. calm44. A. walk B. drive C. ride D. travel45. A. allow B. recall C. warn D. remind46. A. save B. test C. protect D. control47. A. set out B. cut in C. pull out D. break in48. A. added B. spoke C. complained D. whispered49. A. sorrow B. guilt C. shame D. regret50. A. alive B. active C. awake D. alone51. A. start B. end C. ruin D. spend52. A. just B. once C. even D. still53. A. disturb B. worry C. settle D. empty54. A. chose B. found C. kept D. made55. A. plan B. rule C. promise D. decision第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。For years, SUVs dominated the car market, and many people believed sedans (轿车) would disappear completely. However, things are changing. Sedans are quietly making a comeback across the United States, according to 56 recent report.Affordability is the main reason. A new compact sedan 57 (average) about $ 27,590, which is nearly $ 10,000 cheaper than a compact SUV. For midsize vehicles, the price difference is even 58 (big). Besides, sedans are more fuel-efficient. Driving a sedan usually means 59 (spend) less on gas, especially when fuel prices keep rising.Many car buyers, especially young people, are suffering from “SUV fatigue”. They want something different and easier to park. A survey 60 (publish) in 2026 shows 51% of teenagers expect to own a sedan 61 worrying about high costs. Automakers have noticed the trend. Sedans are now returning to a situation 62 they once led the market. Ford is considering bringing back sedans, and General Motors plans to launch a new Buick sedan soon.Though sedans will never become as popular as they once were, their low price, 63 (convenient) and efficiency help them win 64 (consumer) heart again. As the market becomes more electric, more electric sedans will also appear, offering a greener choice for drivers. This small but clear change shows 65 consumer preferences shape the car industry.第四部分 写作（共两节，满分40分）第一节（满分15分）假定你是李华，你的英国笔友Tom计划暑假来中国游玩一周，他提出了“去宁静的乡村”和“去现代化的城市”两个备选行程方案，内容包括：（1）你的建议；（2）说明理由。注意：（1）词数80左右；（2）请按如下格式在相应位置作答。Dear Tom, Yours, Li Hua第二节（满分25分）阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。I lost my husband three months ago. A car accident took him to another world. Just ten days ago, I received a notice of layoff from my company. It was really like when it rains, it pours. I shut myself at home due to my sadness.It was a mid-afternoon and I was in the kitchen making homemade sushi when I heard the doorbell ring. I was in confusion because I wasn’t expecting anyone. Out of curiosity, I walked over to the door, looking out through the sight-hole. Nobody was there. I hesitated for a while and then opened the door. Instantly I saw two small folded-up pieces of paper lying on the ground. I looked around wondering what was happening. “Was this some kind of strange trick ” I thought. Quickly, I grabbed the two notes, went back inside and opened them without delay. Judging from the handwriting, it was obvious that the two notes were written by children.One note said “Dear Neighbor, continue dreaming, working hard, and being awesome. No one is just like you. Love, S. O. Happy for you.” The other said “Dear Neighbor, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going! You got this! Just work it out! Try your hardest and I bet you can do it. Signature — Anonymous (匿名) Neighbor.”These words were like lighthouses guiding me through the darkness, filling me with incomparable warmth. I was sincerely grateful to the two angel (天使) neighbors for their wonderful “monkey business”, which enabled me to escape out of the past sorrow.I found a temporary job at a nearby store and also signed up for the training course at a night school. Soon, I was hired by a new company. The long-lost smile reappeared on my face.However, in my heart, I always wanted to find the two angels who had helped me.注意：（1）续写词数应为150个左右；（2）请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。One day, when I was walking in the street, two laughing girls caught my eye. Encouraged by this, I decided to start small.高二英语学科素养测评参考答案第一部分 听力第一节 1-5 BABCC第二节 6-10 ACABA 11-15 CBABB 16-20 ACCAB第二部分 阅读第一节 21-23 CCD 24-27 BCBA 28-31 BDDB 32-35 BAAD第二节 36-40 DBFEC第三部分 语言应用第一节 41-45 CADBD 46-50 BBCBA 51-55 CDCAD第二节56. a 57. averages 58. bigger 59. spending 60. published61. without 62. where 63. convenience 64. consumers’ 65. how应用文：参考范文一（选择：去宁静的乡村）Dear Tom,Thanks for your message. After comparing the two plans, I strongly recommend visiting a peaceful countryside.Staying on a farm, learning traditional crafts, and walking along rice fields, you’ll experience the authentic side of China that no city can offer. It is the fresh air, home-cooked meals, and slow pace that will truly refresh your body and mind. Only in the countryside can you escape completely from the noise and stress of daily life.I’m sure this trip will give you unforgettable memories. Let me know what you decide!Yours,Li Hua参考范文二（选择：去现代化的城市）Dear Tom,Personally, I would go with visiting a modern city.Enjoying iconic landmarks, science museums, and global cuisine is an amazing way to feel China’s energy. What truly matters for a first-time visitor is convenience — English signs, subway maps, and plenty of hotels make travel easy. Only by coming to a modern city can you witness the country’s rapid development up close.I believe you’ll have a fantastic time. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!Yours,Li Hua参考范文三（选择：两者都去）Dear Tom,To be honest, I think you can do both — a peaceful countryside AND a modern city.Spending a few days in the city and then taking a train to the countryside, you can taste the best of both worlds. It is the combination of urban excitement and rural peace that gives you a complete picture of China. Only by seeing both sides can you truly understand modern China — fast-growing yet deeply rooted in tradition.I can help you plan the route. What do you thinkYours,Li Hua读后续写：One day, while I was walking in the street, two laughing girls caught my eye. I noticed they rushed from one door to another, neatly slipping notes on the doorsteps before running away like playful angels, their laughter filling the air. Seeing this, I thought of the notes that had cheered me up. Gathering my courage, I called out softly. The girls stopped. I approached them, asking if they had put the notes in front of my house. The girls nodded, smiling shyly, saying, “We will continue playing the ‘monkey business’, ensuring that more lives will be brightened.” Hearing this, I hugged my “angels” with tears in my eyes.Encouraged by this, I decided to start small. In my spare time, I began making simple paper hearts with inspiring words written on them and secretly left these “paper hearts” to brighten someone’s day in public places, such as cars in the parking lot, baskets of sharing e-bikes at the train station or the seats of public buses. The thought of people’s joy upon seeing the paper hearts filled me with pure happiness. It dawned on me that the smallest act of kindness is like a stone thrown into a pond, making waves of caring that keep getting bigger.录音稿Text 1M: I need to get my laptop fixed. Can you recommend anyoneW: I know a guy working in the city centre. He was very nice and did it very quickly. Here’s his number if you want to call him.Text 2W: My husband took my car today. So, I guess I’ll take the taxi home.M: I usually take the bus home. It’s easy and cheap for me. I don’t even have a car.W: OK, I’ll just follow you since we live close to each other.Text 3W: Darling, take an umbrella with you.M: An umbrella But why It’s sunny outside without any wind.W: It is sunny now, but it won’t be this afternoon.Text 4W: When I went to wake Jenny up in the morning yesterday, she wouldn’t get out of bed and said she was sick.M: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.W: Well, it turned out that she was just trying to escape an exam she hadn’t studied for.Text 5M: I really love this bowl.W: That’s impressive. Do you know where we can see more examples of itM: There’s actually a museum downtown. The collection there looks so different from normal cups and plates.Text 6M: There’s the shoe store we’ve been looking for. It’s just across the street.W: Wait! You can’t cross in the middle of the road! You have to cross at the corner.M: Oh, come on. Let’s go across here.W: Look out! You nearly got hit by that car! Now do you see why you should cross at the cornerM: I guess you’re right. I’ll be more careful next time.Text 7W: Who do you work for at the momentM: Um, I work for the BBC World Service. I’ve been with the BBC for five years. Before that, I worked as an interpreter for the EU.W: This job is based in Geneva. Have you ever lived abroad before thatM: Oh, yes, I have. In fact, I was born in Argentina and I lived there until I was eleven.W: That’s interesting. Have you travelled muchM: Oh, yes. I’ve been to all over Europe and many parts of South America.W: Why did you go to these placesM: Well, mostly for pleasure, but three years ago I went back to Argentina to cover various political stories in Buenos Aires for the BBC.Text 8W: Wow, that lunch was quite disappointing, don’t you thinkM: I agree, I was expecting so much more from that restaurant.W: The rolls lacked flavour and creativity, the rice was so dry and I couldn’t even taste the freshness of the fish. It felt like they had prepared it hours ago.M: And the soup It was so watered down. I barely tasted anything.W: Yeah, I guess it was definitely lacking that rich, savory flavour that I usually love in the soup.M: True! I had high hopes for their tofu, but it had a strange taste.W: Honestly, I think we should have gone to our usual restaurant. Their quality and taste are far superior.M: I completely agree. Let’s not waste our time and money on this place again. Lesson learned.W: Well, at least we had each other’s company. Let’s try to make up for this lunch with some good dessert.M: Absolutely, that’s a great idea. We can’t let this disappointing lunch ruin our day.Text 9W: What are you doing, honeyM: I’m reading about a major marine tour. Tom likes sea animals. He wants to learn about whales, but he hasn’t seen any yet. I’m sure he’ll be interested in it.W: Can you give me some more informationM: Sure. It will last three and a half hours in all. It allows tourists to spend two hours on the water in search of whales in Auke Bay. A sandwich lunch is included, along with round trip transportation from Anchorage by train or coach.W: So how much does it costM: $ 146 for ages 13 and older, $ 125 for ages 2 to 12 and free for babies younger than 2.W: When does it take placeM: It runs daily from April through early October in the morning and afternoon. So what do you thinkW: Well, I’m really interested. Let’s go upstairs and tell our little Tom about it.M: OK.Text 10Some of the world’s most valuable companies have started from small operations to creating some of the richest people on the planet. The company Amazon started as an online bookstore. It is now one of the most valuable companies in the world. The owner Jeff Bezos passed Bill Gates in 2017 as the wealthiest person in the world. Since then, Bezos has committed to donating $ 10 billion to help the environment and support homeless people in the US. Bill Gates is the creator of the company Microsoft, the largest software company in the world. Although the company is worth over a trillion dollars, Gates has sold almost all of his ownership of the company and currently just owns 1 % of the company. Bill Gates is now focused on operating the world’s largest private charity. He has supported thousands of students with university education. But his most impressive charity work has been stopping the spread of illnesses around the world. The companies mentioned above were started with teams of less than 20 people. These stories show us that anyone with a brilliant idea and enough motivation can create the next Microsoft or Amazon.