An ageing society is one in which the population of people over the age of 60 is increasing. This is a social problem. Can we solve it with the help of robots?

Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck,an expert 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 left satisfaction. ”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 (促进)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 activity before 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 watching 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 researchers 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 concerns.

”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 older people’s minds.”

1.Which of the following can be the best title?

A.Dogs and the Old

B.Medical Examination and the Old

C.Robots Serving the Old

D.Dogs Needn’t Feeding

2.The purpose of Beck and Edwards’ study is to____ .

A.understand human animal relationship

B.make lonely old people’s life better

C.find the causes of old people’s loneliness

D.promote the animal assisted research

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

A.It is easier to keep at home.

B.It can help the disabled people.

C.It responds to all the human orders.

D.It can watch TV with its owner.

4.The author seems to suggest that the future robotic dogs may .

A. cure certain diseases

B. keep old people active

C. change people’s beliefs

D. look more like real dogs

It was a stormy Saturday afternoon when my mother took my five-year-old brother, Christopher, and me to a new toy store.

“Christina! I’m going to find the Lego section!” Christopher ran off excitedly.

I was studying a Barbie when I suddenly heard from the storm outside.I jumped the noise, dropping the toy to the floor.Thunder continued to shake the sky.Oh no! Where’s Christopher? I up and down the aisles(通道), filling my small chest and making it difficult to .I continued to run, calling Christopher’s name.I to know he was all right.I found Christopher in the Lego aisle.He was standing alone, perfectly , holding tightly to a toy ship.I threw my arms around him and hugged him he couldn’t breathe.

Years later, on a Tuesday morning, when I was driving to work, the radio my ears with horrible news: A plane had crashed into the Pentagon(五角大楼).My first was of Christopher.

He had joined the Air Force and was in Washington.I was overcome with the need to make he was all right.I over to the nearest pay phone and dialed my grandmother’s number.Christopher would call her to let the family know what was happening.I felt the panic steal my breath as I waited for a connection.Finally, I heard my grandmother’s voice.

“He’s Okay.He called and told us he was fine.” As I hung up the phone, I began to cry from .It was silly of me to about Christopher.I blamed myself.He was an adult and could take care of himself. I realized at that moment that there is still a of my heart that will always run to try to him, no matter how big he might be or where he is.That same piece will remember the five-year-old boy standing in the toy store with the toy ship held to his chest, saying, “I if I just waited here, Christina, you would find me.”

1.A.voice B.sound C.thunder D.rain

2.A.for B.by C.of D.at

3.A.looked B.ran C.found D.called

4.A.sadness B.panic C.anger D.pain

5.A.speak B.beat C.breathe D.think

6.A.needed B.seemed C.happened D.used

7.A.healthy B.still C.upset D.alarmed

8.A.until B.when C.before D.since

9.A.provided B.connected C.covered D.filled

10.A.person B.plan C.thought D.telephone

11.A.over B.up C.certain D.sense

12.A.pulled B.took C.got D.handed

13.A.regular B.secret C.complex D.familiar

14.A.shock B.relief C.disappointment D.concern

15.A.talk B.think C.worry D.complain

16.A.So B.Though C.As D.But

17.A.piece B.part C.corner D.point

18.A.help B.love C.advise D.protect

19.A.seldom B.hardly C.always D.even

20.A.wondered B.doubted C.hoped D.Knew

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