Question

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     A single night of taking the drug Ecstasy (摇头丸) can cause serious brain damage and speed up the start
of Parkinson's disease, scientists say. Just two or three Ecstasy tablets can permanently destroy brain cells
that affect movement and reasoning, according to American research that links the drug to Parkinson's for
the first time.
     A study by a team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, involving squirrel monkeys and
baboons (狒狒) found that both species suffered permanent damage to key cells, which are lost in Parkinson's,
after receiving three low doses (剂量) of Ecstasy at three-hour periods.
     The study is particularly important because baboons are one of the best animal models for the human brain.
George Ricaurte, who led the research, said that the widespread abuse of drug might have caused severe
damage. "The most troubling result is that young adults using Ecstasy may be increasing their risk of developing
Parkinsonism as they get older."
     Alan Leshner, a former director of the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, said, "This study emphasizes
the multi-aspect damage that Ecstasy causes to users. We've long known that repeated use damages brain cells.
But this study shows that even very occasional use can have long-lasting effects on many different brain
systems. It sends an important message to young people: don't experiment with your own brain."
     Janet Betts, a mother whose teenage daughter Leah died after a single Ecstasy tablet in 1995, said, "This
comes as no surprise. But people can't see the effects at first, and they say it won't happen to them. We'll see
the symptoms later, just as we have with smoking."

1. The article is intended to _____.

A. explain the bad effects of drugs on people's health
B. warn young people of the risk of taking the drug Ecstasy
C. persuade people out of such bad habits as smoking and using drugs
D. tell us the links between the drug Ecstasy and Parkinson's disease

2. We know from the passage that a low dose of Ecstasy _____.

A. won't cause serious brain damage
B. can permanently destroy one's brain cells
C. will result in immediate symptoms
D. may bring on Parkinson's at once

3. Why are squirrel monkeys and baboons involved in the experiments?

A. Because their brain is similar to human being's.
B. Because these animals usually take drugs.
C. Because these animals will soon get well after the experiment.
D. Because there is a model in the animals' brains.

4. The underlined word "This" in the last paragraph probably means that _____.

A. Leah died after a single Ecstasy tablet in 1995
B. taking drug has the same symptoms as smoking
C. occasional use of the drug can have long-lasting effects on the brain systems
D. people have long known that repeated use of the drug damages brain cells

Answer 1

1-4 BBAC