Question

Apple is to open a research lab in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, according to Tim Cook, its chief executive, as it seeks to boost sales in the country and improve ties with the authorities.

Beijing has been encouraging foreign technology companies to carry out more high-end work on the mainland as part of efforts to revitalize local industry.

It will be Apple’s second facility in China. It already has a new research and development facility in Beijing.

The two R&D centers were “aimed at strengthening relationships with local partners and universities as we work to support talent development across the country”, Apple said in a statement.

A closer relationship with the Chinese authorities has been a priority following setbacks for the US technology company this year.

The iPhone has been losing market share to high-end handsets made by local competitors including Huawei, Vivo and Oppo, which topped the rankings in the second quarter, while Apple languished in fifth place, according to Canalys data.

Analysts said the announcement of the R&D centre was Mr. Cook’s latest attempt to gain favour with Beijing, following the US group’s $1billion investment in Didi Chuxing, the Chinese car-hailing company, in May.

Apple has had to change its approach in China as it faces rising nationalism and high-quality local competition, according to Ge Jia, a tech blogger, who wrote yesterday: “It’s time for Apple to cast aside their pride.” “Their previous strategy of only selling devices to China without leaving anything behind is not working any more and they are starting their process of localisation in China through the Shenzhen lab.”

1.Apple is going to open a research lab in Shenzhen to _____________.

A. promote Shenzhen’s economy

B. promote its sales in China

C. get help of Chinese experts

D. join in local competition

2.Which of the following is true?

A. There is only one research facility in China.

B. Apple has always been in good relationship with Chinese authorities.

C. Huawei has ranked to No.1 in the second sales quarter.

D. Apple is changing its strategy in order to boost sales.

3.What caused Apple’s sales in China to fall?

A. Its bad quality and high price.

B. Nationalism and high-quality local competition.

C. Out-of-date design and false advertisement.

D. Chinese government’s ban on purchase.

4.According to Ge Jia, what is Apple’s previous sales approach in China?

A. taking part in high-quality local competition.

B. choosing certain customers in China.

C. only selling devices.

D. selling devices as well as technology.

Answer

1.B

2.D

3.B

4.C

【解析】

试题分析：本文讲述的是苹果公司在深圳开了第二家工厂，苹果公司称这两个研发中心是旨在加强与当地合作伙伴和大学的关系，以支持全国各地的人才发展，在中国开始本土化研究，提高销售量。

1.细节理解题。根据文章的第一段according to Tim Cook, its chief executive, as it seeks to boost sales in the country and improve ties with the authorities.可知，苹果在深圳开研究中心是为了打开市场，增加销售量。故选B。

2.细节理解题。根据文章的最后一段Apple has had to change its approach in China as it faces rising nationalism and high-quality local competition, according to Ge Jia, a tech blogger, who wrote yesterday.可知苹果正在改变其战略，以提高销售。故选D。

3.B细节理解题。根据文章的最后一段Apple has had to change its approach in China as it faces rising nationalism and high-quality local competition可知，故选B。

4.C推理判断题。根据文章的最后一段Their previous strategy of only selling devices to China可知他们只销售设备。故选C。

考点：考查政治经济类阅读

【名师点睛】

政治经济类文章的概念：

要做好这类阅读，平时就要注意了解国内外发生的政治经济大事，掌握一定背景知识，对这类文章的叙述特点及内容安排有一定了解，还要扩展这方面的词汇。阅读这类文章，要抓住文章的核心，即文章整体和各段主要在说什么，也要注意段落之间的逻辑关系。政治经济类阅读文章是高考常选材料之一。该类文章时代气息浓郁，语言鲜活，但熟字新义词、超纲词及专业词语多，长句、难句多。

【答题方法】

1、寻找主干：

根据英语中五种基本句型结构，把句子中的主语、谓语、宾语、表语等主要成分找出来，其他成分如定语、状语、补语等则易于理解。找到了句子主干，句子的意思至少明白了一半。

2、剔除从句：

在一个长句中可能会出现若干个从句，在理解时，如果把各个从句剔除出来单独理解，然后把大意拼凑起来，整个长句的意思就会明白六、七分。比如第30题：细节理解题。根据文章的最后一段Apple has had to change its approach in China as it faces rising nationalism and high-quality local competition可知，故选B。

3、辨别分句：

一个长句如果是由几个并列、转折、递进、对比关系的分句组成，句中往往有表示这些分句关系的连接词，只要能弄清楚分句和分句之间的逻辑关系，再把各层分句的意思加以连贯，整个长句的句意基本上能跃然脑中。比如第29题：细节理解题。根据文章的最后一段Apple has had to change its approach in China as it faces rising nationalism and high-quality local competition, according to Ge Jia, a tech blogger, who wrote yesterday.可知苹果正在改变其战略，以提高销售。故选D。

4、寻找关键词：

如果一个句子看完，一点句意的感觉也没有，下下策就是抓住句中的关键词，通过关键词大体弄懂这个长句的意思。