Question

The term “multitasking” was firstly used to describe a computer’s ability to do several tasks at one time. For many people, multitasking has become a way of life and even a key to success. Although checking e-mails while talking on a phone and reading the newspaper may be second nature for some people, multitasking can sometimes make us less productive(富有成效的), rather than more. Studies show that too much multitasking may bring anxiety and memory loss.

In order to multitask, the brain uses an area known as the prefrontal cortex(前额叶脑皮层). A research from volunteers performing multiple tasks shows that as they move from task to task, this front part of the brain actually takes a moment of rest between tasks. You may have experienced a prefrontal cortex “moment of rest” yourself if you’ve ever dialed(拨电话) a phone number and suddenly forgotten who you dialed when the line is answered. What probably happened is that between the dialing and the answering, your mind moved to another thought or task, and then took that “moment” to come back. The research has also shown that for many volunteers, job efficiency(效率) drops while multitasking, compared to when they perform only one task at a time.

Multitasking is easy when at least one of the tasks requires little thought. Most people don’t find it difficult to eat and read the newspaper at the same time. However, when two or more attention-requiring tasks are tried at the same time, people sometimes make mistakes.

We often don’t remember things as well when we’re trying to manage several details at the same time. We may not notice new information coming in, so it never makes it into our memory. That is one of the main reasons we forget people’s names – even sometimes right after they have introduced themselves. Multitasking can also affect(影响) our relationships. If someone checks their e-mail while on the phone with a friend, they may appear absent-minded or disinterested. It can also cause that person to miss key information being passed on to them.

1.Which of the following words has the closest meaning to “anxiety”?

A.Stress B.Development C.Death D.Confidence

2.The writing purpose of this passage is to________.

A.describe the problems of multitasking B.discover the secrets of multitasking

C.tell the stories about multitasking D.explain the importance of multitasking

3.What can we learn about multitasking?

A.It is a way of life and the only key to success. B.It can be done easily by smart people.

C.It helps build a better relationship between friends. D.It has a close connection to our brain.

4.What can we infer(推断) from the passage?

A.Multitasking helps people remember things better.

B.More mistakes are made when tasks require little thought.

C.People get low job efficiency while managing several details at the same time.

D.People forgetting who to dial need to have a good rest.

Answer 1