Question

Researchers are placing robotic dogs 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 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 activities 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. find the causes of old people’s loneliness

C. make lonely old people’s life better

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. analyze the collected information

D. record their feelings and activities

3.What is the advantage of AIBO over live dogs?

A. It can watch TV with its owner.

B. It can help the disabled people.

C. It responds to all the human orders.

D. It is easier to keep at home.

4.The author seems to suggest that the future robotic dogs may ____.

A. keep old people active B. cure certain diseases

C. change people's beliefs D. look more like real dogs

Answer 1

1.C

2.D

3.D

4.A

【解析】

試題分析: 本文介紹了關(guān)于機器狗對獨自居住老人生活是否能帶來改善的一些研究報道。

1. 細節(jié)理解題。從文中第一段No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激),沒有人會認為一個老人會生活的更積極，有挑戰(zhàn)力或者更刺激。The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help.問題就是我們?nèi)绾胃纳颇欠N情況，尤其對于沒有朋友或者幫助的老年人。可知選C。

2. old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO.這些老人將要記日記寫下在AIBO來前和后的他們的感受和活動。故選D。

3. 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.

通常老人們是身體殘疾的并不能照顧一個動物，遛它或者和它玩。一個機器狗不需鍛煉和喂食。故選D。

4. 細節(jié)理解題。從文中最后一段AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people's minds.” AIBO有一天甚至可能有能刺激老年人頭腦的游戲。故可以推測出，未來機器狗可能使老年人積極。故選A。

考點：考察科普說明類閱讀