Question

Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can im?prove the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an ex?pert in human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study concerning the influence of robotic dogs on old people's depression, physical activity, and life satisfac?tion. "No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激)，，，Edwards points out. " The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.，，

In the study, the robot, called AIBO, is placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect baseline data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities be?fore and after AIBO. Then, the researchers will review the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.

"I talk to him all the time, and he responds to my voice," says a seventy-year-old lady. "When I'm watc?hing TV, he'll stay in my arms until he wants down. He has a mind of his own.,，

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The re?searchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding con?cerns.

"At the beginning ， it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog because it was metal and not furry," Beck says. "But it's amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.，，

"Hopefully， down the road， these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper. They will record their masters' blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even 

one day have games that can help stimulate old people's minds.，，

5. The purpose of Beck and Edwards' study is to .

A.understand human-animal relationship

B.find the causes of old people's loneliness

C.make lonely old people's life better

D. promote the animal-assisted research

6.In the research, the old people are asked to   .

A.note the activities of AIBOs

B.keep AIBOs at home for 12 weeks

C. analyze the collected information

D. record their feelings and activities

7. What is the advantage of AIBO over live dogs?

A.It can watch TV with its owner.

B.It can help the disabled people.

C.It responds to all the human orders.

D.It is easier to keep at home.

8.The author seems to suggest that the future robotic

dogs may .

A. keep old people active

B. cure certain diseases

C. change people's beliefs

D.look more like real dogs

Answer 1

【文章大意】本文是一篇说明文。为了解决现在的老人很孤独这

一问题，研究人员研制了机器狗，把机器狗放在老人家，和老人一起生活，提高老人的生活质量。

C 细节理解题。根据第一段第一句"Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans."可

知，研究的目的是让孤独的老人生活得更好，故选c项。

D 细节理解题。根据第二段的"These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and 

after AI-BO."可知，老人将会记录下他们在AIBO来之前和之后的活动与感受，故选D项。

D细节理解题。根据倒数第三段中的"Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding con?cerns. "可知应选择D项。

8. A 细节理解题。由最后一段中的"…these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper."可知，机器宠物可以成为老人有用的助手，并可能使老人保持活跃，故选择A项。