1 . SHOULD WE FIGHT NEW TECHNOLOGY?

This morning, I saw the shocking headline: “Passenger Dies When Car Crashes in Driverless Mode”.In the article, a lot of people said that the public should oppose the idea of developing driverless cars.They said that some advances in technology were unnecessary and could even be dangerous.Hence, we should cease accepting technology just because it is new.The newspaper reported that the car company had already apologized for the accident, but the families of the deceased said it was not enough.Nevertheless, the company still claimed that most people would be travelling in driverless cars one day soon.

On the one hand, there are many different groups of people around the world who live happily in the absence of new technology.Probably the most well known are the Amish, a group of Christians living in rural America.They do not own or drive cars, watch TV, or use the Internet.They have lived mainly as farmers since the 18^th century, and they will probably be living the same way in the distant future.They advocate a simple life with an emphasis on hard work, family, and community.They think that is better than caring about luxuries or following the lives of the rich and famous.It could even be argued that the Amish’s quality of life is better since they live in and appreciate the natural environment rather than living in large, polluted cities.

On the other hand, new technology has provided people everywhere with many benefits over the years.For example, the latest weather-tracking computer programs give people lots of warnings about potential natural disasters, which saves many lives.Moreover, the Internet has made it possible for friends and family to keep in touch easily even if they are on opposite sides of the world.It has also made finding opportunities in life much easier, as it allows people to make larger networks of friends through using social media.

Personally, I have benefited quite a lot from technological advances.I found my career as an AI designer through a social media network.My health monitor, which I wear all the time, has also helped me get into the best shape of my life.Of course, when new technology changes the way we live, it can be a scary prospect.Nevertheless, I will always look on the positive side of change and accept it rather than resist it.

1. What can we learn from the first paragraph?

A．A person died in an accident while driving his brand-new car.

B．The relatives of the victim would never accept the apology.

C．Many people took a negative attitude to this new technology.

D．The company was very concerned about the future of this new technology.

2. What is the author’s purpose in mentioning the Amish in the second paragraph?

A．To persuade us to follow their natural living style.

B．To tell us the Amish prefer a harmonious and peaceful life.

C．To prove people can still live better without new technology.

D．To advocate a simple life with family and community by hard work.

3. According to the third paragraph, which of the following benefits is not talked about?

A．Monitoring people’s physical health.

B．Providing chances in life more easily.

C．Predicting the earthquake and tsunami.

D．Helping people contact each other easily.

4. The underlined word “prospect” in the last paragraph probably means __________.

A．resistance

B．future

C．advance

D．positivity

5. Why did the author decide to write about the passage?

A．The author wanted to praise the advantages of new technology.

B．The author wanted to show his supportive idea of new technology.

C．The author wanted to criticize the disadvantages of new technology.

D．The author wanted to arouse people’s concern about new technology.

2 . Are you aware that every single person on this planet who has ever lived, lives now or will live, has a different perception of reality? The way each of us perceives the world is to some degree different than any other person's perception of reality. __①__ What is absolutely real and right for you may be an illusion, or nonexistent, or completely false for another!

It's important to know this. __②__ For example, the news media loves to create drama, and one of their favorite methods is to elicit(引起) fear: fear of other people, fear of the weather, fear of the economy, etc. The news media tells us how to perceive the world—and if a person takes the newscasters at their word, they perceive the world to be very dangerous and hostile. To that person，the mental images and emotions suggested by other people create a version of reality that is completely different from the reality perceived by someone who does not watch the news.

Things are not always what they seem. For most people, seeing is believing, which is why magicians, artists and marketers are so successful. Just like the TV news, they show you only what they want you to see and it is perceived as reality. But how would that reality change if you saw what went on behind the scenes or what was left out?

What's your story?

We all have a story. Over time, your story takes on a life of its own and you become your story. But who's the author and why did him put so much crap in there? All that unnecessary suffering, struggle, heartache, worry and pain... wouldn't it be better to live a story without all that? Who wants to live in a story with that much boredom and unfulfilled longings?

The story got its start when you were born, and was co­authored by you along with the influences in your life. __③__ Anytime you were influenced by someone or something, you unconsciously handed your pen over and said “Here, you write this about me.” So you are not even writing your OWN story! No one does—until they recognize that fact, and make a conscious decision to take control of the pen. You CAN write your story the way you want it to play out.

________________

It is helpful to understand how the brain takes reality and filters it to create your unique perception of reality. It's an automatic unconscious action that is based on：

● Physical experiences (which is why some optical illusions are extremely unsettling)

● Past conditioning (how you are programmed to see the world)

__④__ When you become aware of the fact that you are constructing your own reality, you can take charge and build one that is more pleasing. If you change your mind, your vibration and your intentions, you can change your circumstances! Instead of, “I am a victim of circumstance，” imprint in your mind, “I am the co­creator of my life”； Instead of, “I am sick and tired of...” imprint in your mind，“I am in control and enthusiastic about what I do”.

Raise your vibration by thinking, talking and acting more positively. As positiveness becomes a mental habit，that change will become your new inner reality, which will soon manifest in your outer reality.

The power of perception is immense. Choose to see more good than bad, more abundance than lack, more love than indifference and more success than struggle.

1. What does the underlined word “perception” mean in the first paragraph?

A．sense	B．acceptance
C．reception	D．deception

2. How does the author present his viewpoints in the first three paragraphs?

A．By answering questions.	B．By giving examples.
C．By making comparisons.	D．By drawing conclusions.

3. The sentence “Because if you are not aware, your perception, world view and reality are created by other people.” should be put in ________.

A．①

B．②

C．③

D．④

4. Which of the following subtitles can be filled in the blank?

A．Seeing is not believing

B．Live up to your expectations

C．Change your perception and create a new reality

D．Physical experiences and past conditioning really count

5. What is the tone of the passage?

A．Instructive.	B．Humorous.
C．Critical.	D．Ironic.