Technology has utterly transformed our ability to communicate with each other. L

Technology has utterly transformed ourability to communicate with each other. Linking to each other both literallyand figuratively, many of us connect through cell phones, email, instantmessaging, blogs, and networking web sites, yet we may be less connected toeach other than we think.

According to a study, Americans arebecoming increasingly socially isolated. The study reveals, for example, thatone quarter of Americans say that they have no one to discuss importantpersonal issues with, and that the number of close friends that American havehas dropped from three to two. Meanwhile, the Boston Globe reports that thisspreading isolation is experienced more sharply among those with lesseducation, people of color, and older Americans. Unsurprisingly, those who areyoung, white, and well educated tend to have stronger social networks.

From my own experience I have to say thatI’ve never felt more connected, thanks to a web of friends, family, andcolleagues. One of my closest friends is someone I met through an onlinediscussion group who lives hundreds of miles away from me. We have metface-to-face only twice, yet our regular electronic correspondence and cellphone calls sustain our close friendship. And, speaking of blogging, my bloghas introduced me to people I would never have met otherwise and has led toenduring and important friendships.

On the other hand, I recently saw a sceneunfold that proved to me how deeply disconnected we as Americans have become. Ihad just wrapped up a presentation on mediation at a family therapy(治疗) center. As I was leaving, Inoticed a mother and her teenage son who had just completed their session withtheir family therapist(临床医学家). After making their next appointment, they both took out theircell phones, placed calls, and began loud conversations with whoever was on theother end. I walked out behind them to the parking lot to my car. They bothjumped into their SUV, and, as I saw them drive off, they were still talking ontheir cell phones.

But, alas, not to each other.

51. What does the passage lead you tobelieve?

  A. Americans are more sociallyconnected today.

  B. Americans are more sociallyisolated today.

  C. Technology plays a bigger role inAmerican society.

  D. Americans don’t make good use oftechnology.

52. Which of the following has nothing todo with the isolation among Americans?

  A. Age.                   B.Education.                      C.Skin color.                       D.Sex.

53. The author himself _______.

  A. has a wider range of friendsbecause of technology

  B. has failed to take advantage oftechnology

  C. can only find true friendshipthrough the Internet

  D. can’t make true friends in actuallife

54. What is true about the mother and sonin the passage?

  A. They came for therapy in the samecar.

  B. They were quite close to eachother.

  C. There was not much communicationbetween them.

  D. They preferred talking to eachother on cell phones.

55. The author probably feels ________ withthe mother and son.

  A. puzzled             B.disappointed          C. amused                      D.surprised

试题答案

【答案】

 B

 D

 A

 C

 D

【解析】