Technology has utterly transformed our ability to communicate with each other. Linking to each other both literally and figuratively, many of us connect through cell phones, email, instant messaging, blogs, and networking web sites, yet we may be less connected to each other than we think.

According to a study, Americans are becoming increasingly socially isolated. The study reveals, for example, that one quarter of Americans say that they have no one to discuss important personal issues with, and that the number of close friends that American have has dropped from three to two. Meanwhile, the Boston Globe reports that this spreading isolation is experienced more sharply among those with less education, people of color, and older Americans. Unsurprisingly, those who are young, white, and well educated tend to have stronger social networks.

From my own experience I have to say that I've never felt more connected, thanks to a web of friends, family, and colleagues. One of my closest friends is someone I met through an online discussion group who lives hundreds of miles away from me. We have met face-to-face only twice, yet our regular electronic correspondence and cell phone calls maintain our close friendship. And, speaking of blogging, my blog has introduced me to people I would never have met otherwise and has led to enduring and important friendships.

On the other hand, I recently saw a scene unfold that proved to me how deeply disconnected we as Americans have become. I had just wrapped up a presentation on mediation at a family therapy (治疗) center.

As I was leaving, I noticed a mother and her teenage son who had just completed their session with their family therapist (临床医学家). After making their next appointment, they both took out their cell phones, placed calls, and began loud conversations with whoever was on the other end. I walked out behind them to the parking lot to my car. They both jumped into their SUV, and, as I saw them drive off, they were still talking on their cell phones.

But, alas, not to each other.

1. What does the passage lead you to believe?

A. Americans are more socially connected today.

B. Americans are more socially isolated today.

C. Technology plays a bigger role in American society.

D. Americans don't make good use of technology.

2. Which of the following has nothing to do with the isolation among Americans?

A. Age.     B. Education.    C. Skin color.    D. Sex.

3. What is true about the mother and son in the passage?

A. They came for therapy in the same car.

B. They were quite close to each other.

C. There was not much communication between them.

D. They preferred talking to each other on cell phones.

4. The author probably feels ______ with the mother and son.

A. puzzled   B. disappointed   C. amused      D. surprised

 

Our boat floated on between walls of forest. It was too thick to allow us a view of the land we were passing through, though we knew from the map that our river must from time to time be passing through chains of hills which crossed the jungle plains. Nowhere did we find a place where we could have landed: where the jungle did not actually spread right down into the river, banks of soft mud prevented us form going ashore. In any case, what would we have gained by landing? The country was full of snakes and other dangerous creatures and the jungle was so thick that one would be able to advance slowly, cutting one’s way with knives the whole way. So we stayed in the boat, hoping that when we reached the sea, a friendly fisherman would pick us up and take us to civilization.

As for water, there was a choice. We could drink the muddy river water, or die of thirst. We drank the water. Men who have just escaped from what appeared to be certain death lost all worries about such small things as diseases caused by dirty water. In fact, none of us suffered from any illness as a result.

One day we passed another village, but fortunately nobody saw us. We did not wish to risk being taken prisoners a second time: we might not be so lucky as to escape in a stolen boat again.

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the only thing they could see in a boat was _______.   A. walls B. chains of hills    C. tall trees   D. vast land

2. From the passage, we can learn that _______.

A. the country was a civilized society    B. the country was a tropical jungle country

C. they found a place where they could land   D. they were on a journey home

3. According to the passage, what happened to the people in the boat at last?

A. They were arrested.        B. They managed to escape to safety.

C. They were saved by some villagers  D. The passage doesn’t mention it.

4. The best title for this passage might be _______.

A. The Problem of Landing    B. An Adventure

C. An Entirely New Experience     D. Escape

 

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