Question

    Do you sometimes find yourself drawing random patterns(图案)during meetings and lectures? Some people believe it shows you aren’t listening or paying attention. However, there are studies which claim the opposite, and that doodling might actually be beneficial.

Doodling seems to be popular. In the past, it was seen as a mindless activity and a product of the absentminded. However, in 2016, an article on the Harvard University website discussed the idea that random drawings may assist memory retention(保持)and concentration.

The article stresses that 26 of 44 American presidents were known to doodle, with Ronald Reagan famous for drawing cowboys. A 2009 study conducted by psychologist Jackie Andrade asked 40 people to listen to a “dull and boring” voice message. Half of the group were asked to doodle and shade in a picture. Those who did were able to recall 29% more of the information contained in the message.

Some experts believe that willingly accepting your creative and artistic sides during meetings may engage your mind. Jesse Prinz, a famous professor of philosophy, actively encourages his students to doodle. He believes that doodling is the “attentional sweet spot”.

And it might not just be good for your concentration. An artist known as Mr Doodle has made a career out of his scribbles(乱涂乱画).He sells his art online and also goes to people’s homes to decorate their walls.

It seems that random drawing to aid concentration might be becoming more of a thing. People like Sunni Brown, an advocate for doodling, teach adults how to sketch and scribble in the workplace. So, the next time you see someone randomly drawing pictures during a meeting, it might be a sign that they are listening more than you think.

1.Which phrase has the same meaning as doodling?

A.A product of the absentminded.

B.Random drawing.

C.Scribbles in the workplace.

D.Drawing on the walls.

2.The author refers to Ronald Reagan in order to ________.

A.inform readers of Reagan’s ability

B.provide some background information

C.introduce a new topic for further discussion

D.give an example of the advantages of doodling

3.Why does Jesse Prinz think that doodling is the “attentional sweet spot”？

A.He thinks that it draws more attention.

B.He thinks that it promises a good career.

C.He believes that it helps to engage the mind.

D.He believes that it can bring economic benefits.

4.What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?

A.To state the benefits that you can get from random drawing.

B.To provide guidance on leading a random drawing life.

C.To stress the need of distraction at work and in our life.

D.To suggest a way of pursuing concentration in our lifelong career.

Answer

1.B

2.D

3.C

4.A

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。文章说明了在会议或讲座中涂鸦实际上可能是有益的。

1.

词句猜测题。根据第一段“Do you sometimes find yourself drawing random patterns (图案)during meetings and lectures? Some people believe it shows you aren’t listening or paying attention. However, there are studies which claim the opposite, and that doodling might actually be beneficial.”你有时会发现自己在会议和讲座期间画随机的图案吗？有些人认为这表明你没有在倾听或注意。然而，也有研究得出相反的结论，涂鸦实际上可能是有益的。可知，“Random drawing”和doodling有相同的含义。故选B项。

2.

推理判断题。根据第二段“However, in 2016, an article on the Harvard University website discussed the idea that random drawings may assist memory retention(保持)and concentration.”然而，在2016年,在哈佛大学网站上的一篇文章讨论了随机绘画可能有助于记忆力的保持和提高记忆力专注度。以及第三段“The article stresses that 26 of 44 American presidents were known to doodle, with Ronald Reagan famous for drawing cowboys.”这篇文章强调说，44位美国总统中有26位都有涂鸦的习惯，其中罗纳德·里根以画牛仔而闻名。可知，文中提到罗纳德·里根是为了举例说明涂鸦的好处。故选D项。

3.

细节理解题。根据第四段“Some experts believe that willingly accepting your creative and artistic sides during meetings may engage your mind. Jesse Prinz, a famous professor of philosophy, actively encourages his students to doodle. He believes that doodling is the “attentional sweet spot”.”一些专家认为，在会议中欣然接受你创造性和艺术性的一面可能会吸引你的思维。著名的哲学教授Jesse Prinz积极鼓励他的学生涂鸦。他认为涂鸦是“注意力的最佳点”。可知，Jesse Prinz认为涂鸦是“注意力的最佳点”，是因为涂鸦有助于调动思维。故选C项。

4.

推理判断题。根据第一段“However, there are studies which claim the opposite, and that doodling might actually be beneficial.”然而，也有研究得出相反的结论，涂鸦实际上可能是有益的。以及后文介绍涂鸦的好处，可知，作者写这篇文章的目的是陈述涂鸦给我们带来的好处。故选A项。