Question

Nowadays we feel that we have become dependent on our computers, mobile phones and other media, and that we need these things to think and act creatively. But a recent study seems to indicate that the best thing we might be able to do for our creativity is leave all of these high-tech (高科技) toys at home and just take a walk in the woods.

In the study, David L. Strayer and his fellow researchers worked with 30 men and 26 women who were about to go on a four-day hike, during which they would be taken away from all of the creative toys mentioned above. Before the hike began, Strayer gave the participants (参与者) a standardized Remote Associates Test, which is often used to test creativity and creative problem-solving abilities. After the hike, they were given the test again. The result showed that there was a 50% improvement in the participants’ creative problem-solving abilities. As Strayer says, “This is a great effect.”

This study is the first to document systematic changes in higher-level cognitive (认知的) function connected with entering nature. The researchers suggest that the effect nature seems to have on improving creative thinking is due to the lack of distractions (分心的事) in the natural environment — there are no ringing phones, noisy computers, etc. Other studies have shown that the colour green — the colour of much of nature — is felt by the brain as relaxing, and that increased relaxation may be one of the factors that improve creativity.

None of this is exactly news. The benefits of nature for the mind have been known for centuries. The philosopher and author Henry David Thoreau spoke eloquently (富于表现力地) about the two years he spent in the countryside. The experience certainly seemed to develop his creativity — he went on to write almost 50 books. Given this recent study, it looks as if his advice in Walden to “simplify, simplify, simplify” is good — if you want to relax your mind and make it become more creative, take a walk in the woods, and leave your cellphone behind.

1.What can we learn from the passage?

A. High-tech toys are useless for creativity.

B. There is much news about nature’s effect on human mind.

C. Participants were asked not to take their cellphones during the hike.

D. Strayer’s study is the first to deal with nature’s effect on creativity.

2.Which of the following can encourage creativity according to the study led by Strayer?

A. The colour green.

B. Feeling relaxed in nature.

C. The silence in the natural environment.

D. Learning more knowledge about nature.

3.Henry David Thoreau suggested that people ________.

A. live a simple life

B. throw away their high-tech toys

C. take a walk in the woods every day

D. live in the countryside rather than the city

Answer

1.C

2.C

3.A

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。现代人们越来越依赖于手机、网络或其它媒介来实现创造力，一项研究发现：为了激发创造力，大家应该摈弃高科技产品而漫步于树林之中。

1.推理判断题。根据第二段In the study, David L. Strayer and his fellow researchers worked with 30 men and 26 women who were about to go on a four-day hike, during which they would be taken away from all of the creative toys mentioned above..得知，实验要求在远足中，参加者不准带手机。故选C。

2.推理判断题。根据第三段This study is the first to document systematic changes in higher-level cognitive (认知的) function connected with entering nature. The researchers suggest that the effect nature seems to have on improving creative thinking is due to the lack of distractions (分心的事) in the natural environment得知，Strayer的研究表明走进寂静的大自然有助于激发创造力。故选C。

3.推理判断题。根据最后一段Given this recent study, it looks as if his advice in Walden to “simplify, simplify, simplify” is good — if you want to relax your mind and make it become more creative, take a walk in the woods, and leave your cellphone behind.得知，Henry David Thoreau建议大家过简单的生活。故选A。