Why texting harms your IQ
The regular use of text messages and e-mails can lower the IQ more than twice as much as smoking marijuana (大麻). That is the statement of researchers who have found that tapping away on a mobile phone or computer keypad or checking for electronic messages temporarily knocks up to 10 points off the user’s IQ. This rate of decline in intelligence compares unfavorably with the four-point drop in IQ associated with smoking marijuana, according to British researchers, who have described the phenomenon of improved stupidity as “infomania”. The research conducted by Hewlett Packard, the technology company, has concluded that it is mainly a problem for adult workers, especially men.
It is concluded that too much use of modern technology can damage a person’s mind. It can cause a constant distraction of “always on” technology when employees should be concentrating on what they are paid to do. Infomania means that they lose concentration as their minds remain fixed in an almost permanent state of readiness to react to technology instead of focusing on the task in hand. The report also added that, in a long term, the brain will be considerably shaped by what we do to it and by the experience of daily life. At a microcellular level, the complex networks of nerve cells that make up parts of the brain actually change in response to certain experiences.
Too much use of modern technology can be damaging not only to a person’s mind, but to their social relationship. 1100 adults were interviewed during the research. More than 62 per cent of them admitted that they were addicted to checking their e-mails and text messages so often that they scrutinized work-related ones even when at home or on holiday. Half said that they always responded immediately to an email and will even interrupt a meeting to do so. It is concluded that infomania is increasing stress and anxiety and affecting one’s characteristics. Nine out of ten thought that colleagues who answered e-mails or messages during a face-to-face meeting were extremely rude.
The effects on IQ were studied by Dr Glenn Wilson, a psychologist at University of London. “This is a very real and widespread phenomenon,” he said. “We have found that infomania will damage a worker’s performance by reducing their mental sharpness and changing their social life. Companies should encourage a more balanced and appropriate way of working.”
1.We can learn from the passage that “infomania” ______.
A. has a positive influence on one’s IQ
B. results in the change of part of the brain
C. lies in the problem of lack of concentration
D. is caused by too much use of modern technology
2.The research mentioned in the passage is most probably about ______.
A. the important function of advanced technology
B. the damage to one’s brain done by unhealthy habits
C. the relevance between IQ and use of modern technology
D. the relationship between intelligence and working effectiveness
3.The underlined word “scrutinized” probably means “______”.
A. examined carefully B. copied patiently
C. corrected quickly D. admitted freely
4.Which of the following shows the structure of the passage?
A．
B. 
C．
D．
CP: Central Point P: Point Sp: Sub-point (次要点) C: Conclusion
Who is your role model? Normally the answer to this question would be anyone around you who you find truly inspiring. It could also be someone like J. K. Rowling or Martin Luther King Jr. who have proven to be strong and intelligent people.
However, in today's world, stars are regarded as role models along with the heroes listed above, despite their intentions or actions. Teens attempt to imitate their actions for two major reasons. First, to be fashionable and accepted by popular culture, and second» because stars' actions are so well documented by the media that it seems to grab our attention and turns it to following stars' lives. Much of the reports about stars is shocking and exhibits bad morals or lifestyles that aren't right for teenagers. In addition, almost everything stars do is described beyond truth to make a shocking story by taking it to the next level.
However, teens must take responsibility for their actions. We can't always blame stars for influencing us. Only you have control over yourself and only you choose to do something. Our bodies and actions are in the hands of no one else.
Now, who ever said stars are role models? Whether they choose to be or not, stars set examples as soon as they step into the spotlight. With reporters following and recording every move they make, it is impossible not to be watched and then be imitated. These people influence, teens whether or not they want to. Why should someone who doesn't want to be setting an example set one? So，should we look up to them or to people who are true and good role models? It's our responsibility as teens to know right from wrong, and it's time for us to take responsibility for our actions. In doing so ，we will lean toward those inspiring people that want to be setting an example, and follow in their steps to be like them.
1.According to the first paragraph, _____can usually be role models.
A. political leaders
B. wealthy writers
C. people inspiring others
D. people with great intelligence
2.What are the major reasons for the teens to imitate stars? _____.
A. Interest in stars' life and expectation of getting rich
B. Motivation for being fashionable and inspiration from popular examples
C. Intentions to gain acceptance and encouragement from stars' lifestyle
D. Desires to be stylish and great influence from the mass media
3.The author writes the passage mainly to advise the teenagers to_____.
A. have a control over their own bodies and actions
B. be responsible for their own choices and behaviors
C. follow fashionable stars' steps to be more popular
D. choose right role models according to different reports
4.It can be inferred from the passage that .
A. stars have the responsibility for teenagers' actions
B. not all famous stars choose to influence teenagers
C. teenagers choose those inspiring people as their role models
D. stars set examples immediately they stepped into the spotlight
A metaphor is a poetic device that deals with comparison. It compares similar qualities of two dissimilar objects. With a simple metaphor, one object becomes the other: Love is a rose. Although this does not sound like a particularly rich image, a metaphor can communicate so much about a particular image that poets use them more than any other type of figurative language. The reason for this is that poets compose their poetry to express what they are experiencing emotionally at that moment. Consequently, what the poet imagines love to be may or may not be our understanding of love. Therefore, the poet’s job is to enable us to experience it, to feel it the same way as the poet does.
Let’s analyze this remarkably simple metaphor concerning love and the rose to see what it offers. Because the poet uses a comparison with a rose, first we must examine the characteristics of that flower. A rose is impressive in its beauty, its petals（花瓣）are nicely soft, and its smell is pleasing. It’s possible to say that a rose is actually a feast to the senses of sight, touch, and smell. The rose’s appearance seems to border on perfection, each petal seemingly equal in form. Isn’t this the way one’s love should be？A loved one should be a delight to one’s senses and seem perfect.
However, there is another dimension added to the comparison by using a rose. Roses have thorns. The poet wants to convey the idea that roses can be tricky. So can love, the metaphor tells us. When one reaches out with absolute trust to touch the object of his or her affection, ouch, a thorn can cause great harm! “Be careful,” the metaphor warns, “Love is a feast to the senses, but it can overwhelm us, and it can also hurt us and cause acute suffering.” This is the poet’s understanding of love—an admonition (劝诫). What is the point？Just this: It took almost 14 sentences to clarify what a simple metaphor communicates in only four words! That is the artistry and the joy of the simple metaphor.
1.According to the passage, a metaphor is a ________.
A. description of two similar objects in a poetic way
B. literary device specially employed in poetry writing
C. contrast between two different things to create a vivid image
D. comparison between two different objects with similar features
2.As is meant by the author, thorns of a rose ________.
A. add a new element to the image of love
B. protect the rose from harm
C. symbolize reduced love
D. cause acute suffering
3.It can be inferred from the passage that a metaphor is _______.
A. difficult to understand B. rich in meaning
C. simple to use D. perfect in form
4.The main idea of this passage is that ________.
A. love is a rose in metaphor
B. a rose is a good image in poetry
C. a metaphor is a great poetic device
D. a poet should be careful to use a metaphor
Dear Teresa Silva,
The official of the university has reported to us that you are an English major who meets the high standards for membership in Sigma Tau Delta. As is known, Sigma Tau Delta was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. It is an international collegiate honor society for students of English. It presently has over 850 chapters in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Over 9,000 new members are admitted into the organization annually.
Sigma Tau Delta’s purpose is to promote literature and writing and to advance the study of the written word. Members gather annually in the spring at the international meeting to present papers and share experiences and ideas within the English subject. The Society offers tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, awards, as well as publication chances in its journals The Rectangle and The Sigma Tau Delta Review.
It is our pleasure if you can complete the application for Sigma Tau Delta membership. If you would like to be included in this spring’s induction (入会) ceremony, please complete the application form, and include amount to cover both local and international fees. Your completed form must be received by date to be considered for the upcoming induction ceremony.
We congratulate you on your outstanding academic record and hope you will join us as a Sigma Tau Delta member. If you want to get more information, please visit our website www.sigmataudelta.org, or give us a call. The phone number is 583-2864.
Sincerely,
Emily Lister
1.According to the passage, Sigma Tau Delta ______.
A. deals with language learning
B. opens its door to all the students of English
C. changes its members every year
D. mainly takes charge of scientific publications
2.At the annual meeting, members of Sigma Tau Delta have the chance to ______.
A. meet all the chapter leaders
B. receive tens of thousands of dollars
C. share experiences and views
D. choose a particular subject as a major
3.This passage is basically a letter of _____.
A. introduction B. congratulation C. thanks D. invitation
Education from My Father
My memories of my father are slim because he was so sick in the last years of his life. But there are 32 that I am often reminded of and which may have had some bearing on my love of 33 .
When I was small I was somewhat 34 of lightning and thunder. My father explained it. The explanation was in 35 that a child could understand but was basically correct. I gained a better 36 later, but I didn’t have to unlearn anything.
What he said was that there was electricity in the clouds 37 it traveled to the ground like a spark. When it traveled 38 the air it made the air so hot that it 39 . Then there was nothing where the air had been and the air all around rushed in to 40 the space. He clapped his hands together very loud, 41 to be the air rushing in, and said that makes the thunder. When I hear thunder, I can still hear that 42 .
He explained why if it was cloudy in the winter the night was warmer than if it was 43 . It was one of those nights when the sky was full of stars: no moon, no town lights. But there were more stars than you could 44 and they had color too. He said that if there were no clouds, we had no blankets and were 45 to the universe. Our warmth was going to 46 the whole universe. When there were clouds, they were like blankets and we were not exposed to the universe. I 47 feel on the edge of space on a very clear night.
I am sure there were many other lessons that I 48 but no longer remember. What I did 49 , in general, was that there were explanations and that the more I understood them, the more comfortable the world was to live in. I was not taught that there were 50 but that there was understanding if you looked for it. This may be why I have always been 51 in science.
1.A. others B. few C. some D. all
2.A. science B. nature C. weather D. universe
3.A. sure B. fond C. tired D. afraid
4.A. depth B. words C. gestures D. data
5.A. understanding B. knowledge C. command D. confidence
6.A. but B. and C. for D. or
7.A. above B. to C. along D. through
8.A. shone B. burned C. expanded D. broke
9.A. fill B. make C. avoid D. break
10.A. trying B. proving C. hoping D. pretending
11.A. clap B. remark C. voice D. crash
12.A. cold B. bright C. clear D. foggy
13.A. explore B. foresee C. imagine D. identify
14.A. committed B. exposed C. related D. led
15.A. heat B. protect C. extend D. light
16.A. ever B. also C. even D. still
17.A. selected B. arranged C. absorbed D. delivered
18.A. consider B. promise C. explain D. learn
19.A. memories B. blankets C. mysteries D. thunders
20.A. engaged B. interested C. successful D. skillful
—— We are organizing a party next Saturday, and I’d like you to come.
—— ________! I have another one that day. Thank you just the same.
A. Good luck B. Sounds fantastic C. Enough D. What a pity
