Question

Scientists are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to test whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert(专家) in human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study on the effect of robotic dogs on old people’s depression (沮丧) , physical activity, and life satisfaction.

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, scientists will collect baseline data(数据) for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activity before and after AIBO. Then, the scientists will review the data to test if it has produced 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 his own mind.”

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The scientists 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(与……相关) to the robotic dog, because it was metal and not furry.” Beck says. “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(心律). AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate(刺激) older people’s minds.”

1.The purpose of Beck and Edwards’ study is to _____________.

A. understand human-animal relationship

B. make lonely old people’s life better

C. find the causes of old people’s loneliness

D. improve 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. record their feelings and activity

D. study the collected information

3. What does the underlined word “removes” mean?

A. moves again        B. is movable

C. doesn’t need      D. need

4.The writer seems to suggest that the future robotic dogs may__________.

A. cure certain diseases      B. keep old people active

C. change people’s ideas     D. look more like real dogs

Answer

1.B

2.C

3.C

4.B

【解析】

试题分析：这篇文章介绍了机器狗可以让老年人过得更好，更活跃。机器狗比起真正的狗来有一些优势，然后后面举的例子可以推出“机器狗”容易“养活”。实际上就是说对老年人来说拥有一只机器狗比养一只活狗要容易得多。

1.B细节理解题。根据第一段的第一句话中的“to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. ”可知是为了让老人们过得更好。选B。

2.C细节理解题。根据第二段中的第三句话“These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities. . . ”得出答案。选C。

3.C 词语猜测题。句意：这种机器狗不必锻炼和照顾。选C。

4.B 综合理解题。在最后一段谈到机器狗的未来发展时，作者在最后一句话中提到了“AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people’s minds. ”可推出它们可以使老年人更活跃。选B。

考点：考查科技类阅读。