Researchers are placing robotic dogs (机器狗) 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 (使……成为现实) 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 activity 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. make lonely old people’s life better
C. find the causes of old people’s loneliness
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. record their feelings and activity.
D. analyze the collected information
3.What is the advantage of AIBO over live dogs?
A. It is easier to keep at home.
B. It can help the disabled people.
C. It responds to all the human orders.
D. It can watch TV with its owner.
4.The author seems to suggest that the future robotic dogs may _____________.
A. cure certain diseases
B. keep old people active
C. change people’s beliefs
D. look more like real dogs
After the birth of my second child, I got a job at a restaurant. Having worked with an experienced for a few days. I was to wait tables on my own. All went that first week. When Saturday night came, I was luckily the tables not far from the kitchen. , I still felt it a little hard to carry the heavy trays (托盘).
Before I knew it, the was full of people. I moved slowly, every step. I remember how I was when I saw the tray stand near the tables; it looked different from the one I was on. It had nice handles, which made it to move around. I was pleased with everything and began to I was a natural at this job.
Then, an old man came to me and said, “Excuse me, dear, my wife and I loved you work. It seems your tray stand has been very to you, but we are getting ready to now, and my wife needs her back.”
At first his did not get across. “What was he talking about!” Then, I got it. I had set my trays on his wife’s orthopedic walker (助步器). I stood frozen as ice, but my face was . I wanted to get into a hole and .
Since then, I have learned from many mistakes such as the one I just . I have learned to be more and not to be too sure of myself.
1.A. manager B. assistant C. cook D. waitress
2.A. promised B. invited C. allowed D. advised
3.A. well B. quickly C. safely D. wrong
4.A. left B. given C. brought D. shown
5.A. Therefore B. However C. Otherwise D. Finally
6.A. kitchen B. street C. restaurant D. table
7.A. minding B. changing C. taking D. saving
8.A. angry B. calm C. sad D. happy
9.A. fixed B. trained C. loaded D. waited
10.A. slower B. lighter C. easier D. quieter
11.A. believe B. agree C. regret D. pretend
12.A. letting B. making C. watching D. having
13.A. useful B. familiar C. unusual D. interesting
14.A. rest B. order C. eat D. leave
15.A. bag B. walker C. tray D. coat
16.A. idea B. praise C. message D. need
17.A. cold B. full of joy C. pale D. on fire
18.A. lie B. hide C. defend D. stay
19.A. repeated B. discovered C. corrected D. described
20.A. careful B. patient C. honest D. practical
Sean’s strong love for his country is ______ in his recently published poems.
A. reflected B. relieved
C. responded D. recovered
Speaking of all the songs he has written, I think this is probably his _______ one.
A. better-known B. well-known
C. best-known D. most-known
After he became conscious, he remembered ________ and ________ on the head with a rod.
A. to attack, hit B. to be attacked; to be hit
C. attacking; be hit D. having been attacked; hit
Mary finally ________ Bruce as her life-long companion.
A. received B. accepted
C. made D. honoured
