Question

【题目】Researchers are placing robotic dogs (机器狗) 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 life 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 (使……成为现实) 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】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

【2】In the research, the old people are asked to ____________.

A. note the activities of AIBOs

B. keep AIBOs at home for 12 weeks

C. record their feelings and activity.

D. analyze the collected information

【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

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】B

【2】C

【3】A

【4】B

【解析】试题分析:本文讲诉了科学家们通过高科技来提高孤寡老人们的生活质量

【1】B细节推理题。根据第一段：Researchers are placing robotic dogs (机器狗) in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. （研究人员放置机器狗在孤寡老人的家中去确定它们是否能提高人们的生活质量）“The problem is how we promote (使……成为现实) that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.” （问题在于我们怎样让这个变为现实，特别是对没有朋友或帮助的人来说，机器狗将会是一个解决办法）可知Beck and Edwards研究的目的在于使孤独的老人的生活变的更好。故选B

【2】C细节理解题。根据第二段：These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activity before and after AIBO.可知老人们主要就是记录他们的感觉和活动，不论是AIBO来之前还是AIBO来之后。故选C

【3】A细节推理题。根据第四段：Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it.可知机器狗不需要人们去照顾它们和带它们出去溜，所以比较好放在家里，故选A

【4】B 细节推理题。根据最后一段最后一句话：AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people’s minds. ” （AIBO们甚至在某一天能够自带游戏给老人们娱乐，以此来帮助促进老年人们的思维）可知，故选B