Question

    Feel tired and want to have a break? People have many different ways to relax during break time at work or school. Smartphones are probably the number one choice for a quick mental vacation.

Although it might seem like a good time, looking at your cellphone may damage your mental power, according to a recent psychological study from Rutgers University in the United States.

For the study, more than 400 students were asked to finish a set of 20 word puzzles. Halfway through the task, the students were divided into three groups. One group was allowed to take a break and use cellphones to buy things online. The second group was asked to have a rest and buy things using a computer. The last group didn’t take any break at all.

Interestingly, the group that used their cellphones during the break went back to work feeling the most tired and least motivated to continue. They also had the hardest time solving the remaining word puzzles.

The cellphone group took 19 percent longer to finish the rest of the task, and solved 22 percent fewer problems than those in the other break conditions combined.

Terri Kurtzberg, co-author of the study, explained that they assumed looking at cellphones during a break would be no different from any other break – but instead, the phone may cause increasing levels of distraction that make it difficult to return focused attention to work tasks.

“Cellphones may have this effect because even just seeing your phone activates thoughts of checking messages, connecting with people, access to ever-refilling information and more, in ways that are different than how we use other screens like computers, and laptops,” Kurtzberg told Science Daily.

This is echoed (呼应) by a 2017 study from the US University of Chicago. It found that even if cellphones are turned off or turned face down, their mere presence reduces a person’s cognitive capacity (认知能力).

So, during your next break, try putting your smartphone away. Go out for a walk, get to know your classmates or even take a nap (小憩). You may be surprised by the result.

1.What did the study find about using cellphones during breaks?

A.It could make people more motivated at work.

B.It could reduce one’s ability to solve problems.

C.It could be beneficial both physically and mentally.

D.It could affect one’s relationships with others.

2.What does the underlined word “activate” probably mean in paragraph 7?

A.motivate B.associate. C.appreciate D.imitate.

3.What can we learn about cellphones from Kurtzberg’s words?

A.They may influence people in the same way as computers do.

B.They may make it hard for people to concentrate on work.

C.Their negative influence is almost impossible to avoid.

D.They have become a necessary part of people’s lives.

4.What does the author suggest people do during break time?

A.Turn off their cellphones. B.Keep their cellphones face down.

C.Replace cellphones with laptops. D.Keep their cellphones out of sight.

Answer

1.B

2.A

3.B

4.D

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。文章主要说明了最近进行的一项心理学研究表明在休息时间使用手机会降低一个人解决问题的能力。文章说明了实验的过程以及对结果的分析发现手机可能会导致注意力越来越分散，很难将注意力重新集中到工作任务上。就此作者建议人们在休息时间远离手机。

1.细节理解题。根据第六段中的Terri Kurtzberg, co-author of the study, explained that they assumed looking at cellphones during a break would be no different from any other break – but instead, the phone may cause increasing levels of distraction that make it difficult to return focused attention to work tasks.（该研究的合著者Terri Kurtzberg解释说，他们认为在休息时间看手机和其他任何休息时间没有什么不同，但实际上，手机可能会导致注意力越来越分散，很难将注意力重新集中到工作任务上）可知，研究发现在休息时间使用手机会降低一个人解决问题的能力。故选B。

2.词义猜测题。根据下文thoughts of checking messages, connecting with people, access to ever-refilling information and more可知，人们即使只是看到手机，大脑中也会激活查看信息、与人联系、获取不断更新的信息等想法。由此可知，划线单词意思为“激活”。故选A。

3.细节理解题。根据第六段中…the phone may cause increasing levels of distraction that make it difficult to return focused attention to work tasks.（手机可能会导致注意力越来越分散，很难将注意力重新集中到工作任务上）可知，从Kurtzberg的话中，我们可以了解到手机可能使人们很难集中精力工作。故选B。

4.细节理解题。根据最后一段So, during your next break, try putting your smartphone away. Go out for a walk, get to know your classmates or even take a nap. You may be surprised by the result.（所以，下次休息的时候，试着把你的智能手机收起来。出去走走，了解你的同学，甚至打个盹。你可能会对结果感到惊讶）可知，作者建议人们在休息时间把手机放在看不见的地方。故选D。