B
(2026·江苏扬州中学检测)
Imagine you're at a wedding. You enjoy a beautiful sunset with friends, then go to the bar for drinks. Suddenly, someone pours a large glass of red wine all over your clothes. You feel bad and a little mad.
Years later, perhaps you won't remember the sunset most clearly—you'll remember the bad experience. This is due to the "peak-end rule". Our memories don't record every detail of an experience. Instead, they focus on two key moments: the strongest feeling part (the "peak") and the final part (the "end"). How long the event lasted matters less, a phenomenon known as "duration neglect". For example, one bite of amazing chocolate is often remembered more vividly than slowly eating a whole bar of ordinary chocolate. The peak moment and the quality of the ending matter more than how long it lasts in shaping our memory.
This idea was clearly shown by a psychologist（心理学家）and his team in a well-known experiment. Participants（参与者）went through two trials（试验）. In one, they placed a hand in uncomfortably cold water ($14° C$) for 60 seconds. In the other, they placed the other hand in the same cold water for 60 seconds, but then kept it in for an extra 30 seconds during which the temperature was raised slightly to $15° C$—still cold, but noticeably less so. When later asked which trial they would prefer to repeat, a majority chose the longer one. Despite experiencing discomfort for a longer total time, the memory of the trial was less negative because it ended on a slightly less uncomfortable note.
The peak-end rule has been observed in many areas of life, from getting medical treatments to judging customer service. Businesses actively use this understanding. For example, a supermarket places affordable treats like hot dogs and ice cream at the exit, aiming to end the shopping journey on a positive peak. Similarly, doctors often give children a small prize like a sticker after a check-up, and vacation planners might save a special activity for the final day.
Understanding this rule helps us to be more careful about designing experiences, whether planning a birthday party, a study schedule, or a community event. By thoughtfully considering where the natural or created peaks might be and how the experience ends, we can shape more positive and lasting memories for ourselves and others.
5. What does the second paragraph mainly talk about? ()
A. It argues that our memories are usually wrong.
B. It explains the peak-end rule and how it works.
C. It gives advice on how to remember things better.
D. It describes how people remember food experiences.
6. Why did most participants choose the longer trial in the experiment? ()
A. They were left with a more positive impression.
B. They forgot about the unpleasant experiences.
C. They preferred much higher water temperature.
D. They experienced less discomfort in the process.
7. Which of the arrangements for a vacation best illustrates the peak-end rule? ()
A. Put the most exciting part at the beginning.
B. Arrange low-cost activities during the trip.
C. Have a surprise in store for the final day.
D. Avoid unpleasant activities in the schedule.
8. What is the author's view on the peak-end rule? ()
A. It is a useful tool for business design.
B. It reduces memories of painful events.
C. It makes experiences more enjoyable.
D. It helps overcome negative situations.

语篇解读 本文是一篇说明文。文章通过日常案例和心理学实验,解释了“峰终定律”如何影响人们对体验的记忆,并举例说明了该定律在商业和生活中的应用价值。
5.B 段落大意题。根据第二段中“This is due to the 'peak-end rule'. Our memories ... than how long it lasts in shaping our memory.”可知,该段详细说明了“峰终定律”的定义,并以品尝巧克力为例解释这一定律如何运作,即主要解释了“峰终定律”及其运作方式。故选B。
6.A 细节理解题。根据第三段中“Despite experiencing discomfort for a longer total time, the memory of the trial was less negative because it ended on a slightly less uncomfortable note.”可知,大多数参与者选择时间更长的试验是因为给他们留下的负面感受稍少一点。故选A。
7.C 推理判断题。根据第二段中“The peak moment and the quality of the ending matter more than how long it lasts in shaping our memory.”以及第四段中“Similarly, doctors often give children a small prize like a sticker after a check-up, and vacation planners might save a special activity for the final day.”可知,“峰终定律”强调结尾体验对记忆的关键影响,将惊喜安排在假期最后一天,可创造积极的“终值”,从而提升整体记忆,最能体现该定律。故选C。
8.A 推理判断题。根据第四段中“Businesses actively use this understanding ... might save a special activity for the final day.”可知,作者用一家超市的案例说明该定律的应用价值。由此推知,作者的观点是“峰终定律”是商业设计的有用工具。故选A。