You either have it, or you don't-a sense of direction, that is.But why is that some people would find their way across the Sahara without a map, while others can lose themselves in the next street?
Scientists say we're all born with a sense of direction, but it is not properly understood how it works.One theory(理论) is that people with a good sense of direction have simply worked harder at developing it.Research being carried out at Liverpool University supports this idea and suggests that if we don't have it, we lose it.
“Children as young as seven have the ability to find their way around,” says Jim Martland, Research Director of this project.“However, if they are not allowed out alone or are taken everywhere by car, they never develop the skills.”
Jim Martland also emphasized(强调) that young people should be taught certain skills to improve their sense of direction.He makes the following suggestions:
If you are using a map, turn it to the way you are facing.
If you leave your bike in a strange place, put it near something like a big stone or a tree.Note landmarks on the route as you go away from your bike.When you return, go back along the same route.
The simple way of finding your direction is by using lines such as streets in a town, streams, or walls in the countryside to guide you.Count your steps so that you know how far you have gone and note any landmarks such as tower blocks or hills which can help you find out where you are.
Now you will never get lost again!
(1)
Scientists believe that.
[ ]
A.
only some babies are born with a sense of direction
B.
people never lose their sense of direction
C.
people learn a sense of direction as they grow older
D.
everybody has a sense of direction from birth
(2)
What is true of seven-year-old children according to the passage?
[ ]
A.
They never have a sense of direction without a map.
B.
They have a sense of direction and can find their way around.
C.
They should never be allowed out alone if they lack a sense of direction.
D.
They can develop a good sense of direction if they are driven around in a car.
(3)
If you leave your bike in a strange place, you should.
[ ]
A.
tie it to the tree in order to prevent it from being stolen
B.
draw a map of the route to help remember where it is
C.
take the different routes when you come back to it
D.
remember something easily recognizable(可辨认的) on the route
Good afternoon.Welcome to England.We hope that your visit will be a pleasant one.Today I'd like to tell you something about a few of our laws.
The first one is about drinking.Now you may not buy wine in this country if you are under 18 years of age,nor may your friends buy it for you.
The second one,noise.Enjoy yourselves by yourself,but don't make unnecessary noise,especially at night.We ask you to respect other people who may wish you be quiet.
The third one,crossing the road.Be careful.The traffic moves on the left side of the road in this country.Use pedestrian crossing (人行横道) and don't take any chances when crossing the road.
My next point is about rubbish.It isn't lawful to drop rubbish in the street.When you have something to throw away,please put it in your pocket and take it home,or put it in a dustbin.
Finally,smoking.It is against the law to buy cigarettes if you are less than 16 years of age.
I'd like to finish by saying that if you need any kinds of help,you should contact the police.They will be glad to help you.You can call,write or go to ask any policemen.
(1)
Who do you think is most likely to make the speech?
A.A guide. B.A person who makes laws.
C.A teacher. D.An English officer.
[ ]
(2)
How many laws are discussed in the speech?
A.Four. B.Three. C.Six. D.Five.
[ ]
(3)
The main purpose (目的) of this speech is to ______.
A.tell people that those above 18 can drink and smoke in England
B.declare (宣布) the different laws in England
C.give advice to the travelers in England
D.warn people against going to England
[ ]
(4)
The underlined word“contact”in the last paragraph means“______”.
A.keep up B.go to see C.make a call to D.bring trouble
[ ]
(5)
From the passage we can learn______.
A.in England,if you are under 18 years of age,you can't buy wine,but your friends can buy it for you
B.you may not buy cigarettes unless you are above 16 years of age
C.because the traffic moves on the left side of the road,you must use the pedestrian crossing when crossing the road