. 阅读理解
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. ”
【文章大意】本文是一篇说明文。为了解决现在老人的孤独问题, 研究人员研究出一种机器狗, 和老人一起生活, 提高老人的生活质量。
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
【解析】选C。细节理解题。根据第一段第一句Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. 可以知道研究的目的是让孤独的老人生活得更好, 故选C项。
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
【解析】选D。细节理解题。根据第二段These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO. 知选D项。3. What is the advantage of AIBOs over live dogs?
A. They can watch TV with their owners.
B. They can help the disabled people.
C. They respond to all the human orders.
D. They are easier to keep at home.
【解析】选D。细节理解题。根据倒数第三段最后两句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. 可以知道答案, 所以选D项。
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
【解析】选A。细节理解题。由最后一段these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper. 可知机器狗可以成为有用的助手, 故选A项。
