Question

                                  Is conversation a lost art?

   The next time you eat at a restaurant,take some time to look around you. What do you notice? 1 How many of them are engaged(忙于） in face-to-face conversations? On the other hand,how many of them have their heads down using a smartphone?

   Thanks to smartphones and the Internet,we’ re able to text,email,or make phone calls all day long.2 Experts argue,however,that the types of communication made possible by modem technology have come at the expense of real,face-to-face conversations. Even though we re connecting more than ever,the exchanges aren't as deep as in-person conversations.

   Do we really spend that much time on electronic devices（设备）， though? 3 According to a recent study,today's young Americans (ages 8-18) spend more than seven-and-a-half hours every day on electronic devices,such as smartphones,televisions,computers,and video games.

   So what's the big deal? Many experts have noted that a reliance（依赖） upon electronic communica- tions can have a negative effect on social skills and writing skills. 4 While digital communications teach certain skills and habits,face-to-face conversations teach other skills that are important for our overall well-being.

   5 Experts urge people to unplug more often. Set aside time without electronics to share face-to-face conversations with friends and family. Keeping a healthy balance between on-screen and off-screen discussions will make you a better communicator in all areas of your life.

   A. Researchers have found the answer is yes.

   B. Pay particular attention to the other people around you.

   C. How can we be sure we don't lose the art of conversation?

   D. When you're sad or lonely,a smile may make a huge difference.

   E. This can make it harder to keep healthy relationships as an adult.

   F. In many ways,v/e re communicating more than

   G. There's an average of 11 hours of media content in those seven-and-a-half hours.

Answer 1

(日常活动)

本文是说明文。手机等通讯设备的出现使得人与人之间面对面的交流越来越少了。

1. B. 根据本空前后的What do you notice?和 How many of them are engaged in face-to-face conversa-tions?可知，B项内容是对前面问题 的补充。

2. F。根据本空前的Thanks to smartphones and the Internet,we’ re able to text,email,or make phone calls all day long可知，F项是对前面内容的进一步说明。

3. A. 根据本空后的today's young Americans ... on electronic devices 可 知，A项内容是对本空前所提问题 的回答。 

4. E。根据本空前的a reliance upon electronic communications can have a negative effect on social skills 可知，E项是对前面内容的进一步说明。

5. C。本段主要讲述了如何平衡面对 .面的交流和使用电子设备采交流， 故C项内容符合此处语境。