题目内容
The Netherlands on Monday launched its first-ever “intelligent bicycle”, fitted with a set of electronic devices (设备) to help bring down the high accident rate among elderly cyclists in this country.
The intelligent bicycle runs on electricity. Its seat shakes when other cyclists approach from behind, while the handlebars do the same when obstacles appear ahead to inform cyclists to pay attention to the danger. It also has a cradle (置物架) in which a computer can be inserted (插入), to wirelessly connect and “talk” to the bicycle through a particular application. The computer also flashes a bright signal if there is an approaching obstacle in the bicycle’s path, like a tree, or if another cyclist comes up from behind intending to pass.
A commercial-available bicycle is expected to be on the market in the next two years and should sell for between 1, 700 euros to 3, 200 euros per bicycle. It weighs about 55 pounds but researchers are working on making the on-board systems smaller.
‘‘Accidents often happen when cyclists look behind them or get frightened when they are passed at high speed,” said Maurice Kwakkernaat, one of the scientists involved in the project, “The on-board system technology has already been at work in the automotive (自动的) industry”.
“More and more elderly people are using a bicycle,not only for short distances,but also for longer distances,” Dutch Environment Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen said, “This type of bicycle is truly needed in the Netherlands because it will help us bring down the number of elderly people who are injured every year and allow them to continue enjoying cycling,” she said.
1.What does the text mainly talk about?
A. The newly-invented bicycle can warn of danger.
B. The intelligent computer runs on electricity.
C. More elderly people enjoy electronic devices.
D. The means of transportation in the Netherlands.
2.When a car appears ahead,the intelligent bicycle will_________.
A. stop by itself B. make a noise
C. warn its cyclist D. change its color
3.What do you know about the intelligent bicycle?
A. It uses gas as the fuel. B. It is widely used now.
C. It will be lighter in weight. D. It will be free for everyone.
4.More and more elderly people in the Netherlands______________.
A. try to invent intelligent bicycles B. enjoy themselves by cycling
C. drive cars for longer distances D. devote themselves to computers
Some people believe that greed and selfishness has become the basis of modern society, and we should return to the old traditions of family and community then we will have a better life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above opinion?
In this fast-paced world, many values are undergoing major changes. While people traditionally prioritize caring, sharing and generosity in life and work, modern people seem to be more self-absorbed and self-concerned.
Modern people act selfishly to survive the harsh competition of life. They say that it is a jungle out there. To survive, you have to fight with whatever means that come handy. Obviously greedy and selfishness go perfectly well with such ideas. In a company, employees do everything they can to get better pay and higher position, even at the cost of colleagues. We are in any way advocating any selfish conduct. It is just that people are pressured to act in a certain way due to outside influences.
In spite of common practice, it is hard to conclude that modern society is built on greed and selfishness, both of which are not newly invented vocabulary. In ancient times people also did greedy and selfish things though such behaviors were more condemned then. But we can not ignore the fact that people in the past lived a relatively more isolated life and faced less pressure compared with their modern counterparts.
Are we happier to share with others and be generous to them? There is no fixed answer either. Some people take great pleasure helping and giving to others while others feel happy doing the opposite. But I personally think that people should not be too selfish. Caring for others can actually encourage the development of a mutually beneficial relationship.
In conclusion, modern people appear to be more self-centered than those in the past due to strong outside pressure. However, we should encourage people to know the importance of being caring and generous and to build a mutually beneficial relationship with others.
Are Modern People Becoming More Selfish?
Main comparisons | Contexts |
1. are changing | In the past people put caring, sharing and generosity in the first 2..[ |
Nowadays, people seem to be more 3.about themselves. | |
4. are changing too. | People in the past appeared to be modest and self-effacing(谦让的). |
People may strive to achieve their own 5. at the price of their coworkers. | |
The author’s understanding | |
6. for the changes in author’s eyes | Fierce 7. and great 8.on modern people may be responsible for the changes. |
The author’s 9.towards topic | A relationship which can 10. two sides should be established. |