Whenever we see a button, we want to press it because we know that something will happen. This is true in most cases, for example, on a doorbell. But some buttons are actually fake(假的), like the “close” button on a lift.
Many people are in the habit of pressing the “close” button because they don’t have the patience to wait for the lift doors to shut. But lifts’ “close” buttons are a complete trick, at least in the US － the doors will not close any faster no matter how hard you press.
It started in the 1990s when the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in the US, making sure that all lifts stayed open long enough so that people with disabilities could enter. Only US firefighters and repairmen can use the buttons to speed up the door-closing process if they have a code or special keys.
But to normal lift riders, the buttons aren’t completely useless. According to psychologists, fake buttons can actually make you feel better by offering you a sense of control.
“A sense of control is very important. It reduces stress and increases well-being,” said Ellen J. Langer, a psychology professor at Harvard University. Experts also added that a lot of buttons that don’t do anything exist in our lives for this same purpose.
For example, pedestrian crosswalk buttons don’t live up to their names either. Pressing them used to help make the traffic signals change faster, but that was before computer controlled traffic signals were introduced.
But psychologists found it interesting that even when people are aware of these little “white lies”, they still continue to push fake buttons because as long as the doors eventually close, it is considered to be worth the effort.
1.What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A. To explore the functions of fake buttons.
B. To describe different fake buttons.
C. To analyze various habits of pushing buttons.
D. To explain the disadvantages of fake buttons.
2.What can we learn about the “close” buttons on a lift in America?
A. They work when people press them hard.
B. They were designed for a sense of control.
C. They never speed up the door-closing process.
D. They take the safety of the disabled into account.
3.What can we infer about pedestrian crosswalk buttons?
A. They can make people feel better.
B. They help computers work faster.
C. They can control the traffic signals.
D. They help pedestrians cross safely.
4.Which may be the best title for the passage?
A. Buttons in the USA. B. Buttons Always Lie
C. Buttons May not Work D. “Close” Buttons on Lifts
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
Whenever we see a button, we want to press it because we know that something will happen. This is true in most cases, for example, on a doorbell. But some buttons are actually fake(假的), like the “close” button on a lift.
Many people are in the habit of pressing the “close” button because they don’t have the patience to wait for the lift doors to shut. But lifts’ “close” buttons are a complete trick, at least in the US － the doors will not close any faster no matter how hard you press.
It started in the 1990s when the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in the US, making sure that all lifts stayed open long enough so that people with disabilities could enter. Only US firefighters and repairmen can use the buttons to speed up the door-closing process if they have a code or special keys.
But to normal lift riders, the buttons aren’t completely useless. According to psychologists, fake buttons can actually make you feel better by offering you a sense of control.
“A sense of control is very important. It reduces stress and increases well-being,” said Ellen J. Langer, a psychology professor at Harvard University. Experts also added that a lot of buttons that don’t do anything exist in our lives for this same purpose.
For example, pedestrian crosswalk buttons don’t live up to their names either. Pressing them used to help make the traffic signals change faster, but that was before computer controlled traffic signals were introduced.
But psychologists found it interesting that even when people are aware of these little “white lies”, they still continue to push fake buttons because as long as the doors eventually close, it is considered to be worth the effort.
1.What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A. To explore the functions of fake buttons.
B. To describe different fake buttons.
C. To analyze various habits of pushing buttons.
D. To explain the disadvantages of fake buttons.
2.What can we learn about the “close” buttons on a lift in America?
A. They work when people press them hard.
B. They were designed for a sense of control.
C. They never speed up the door-closing process.
D. They take the safety of the disabled into account.
3.What can we infer about pedestrian crosswalk buttons?
A. They can make people feel better.
B. They help computers work faster.
C. They can control the traffic signals.
D. They help pedestrians cross safely.
4.Which may be the best title for the passage?
A. Buttons in the USA. B. Buttons Always Lie
C. Buttons May not Work D. “Close” Buttons on Lifts
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Whenever we see a button, we are eager to press it because we know something will happen. This is true in most cases, for example on a doorbell and on the “on/off” button on the TV. But some buttons are actually fake, like the “close” button on a lift.
Many people are in the habit of pressing the “close” button because they don’t have the patience to wait for the lift doors to shut. But lifts’ “close” buttons are a complete scam (骗局), at least in the US － the doors will not close any faster no matter how hard you press.
It started in the 1990s when the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in the US, making sure that all lifts stayed open long enough so that people with disabilities could enter. Only US firefighters and repairmen can use the buttons to speed up the door-closing process if they have a code or special keys.
But to normal lift riders, the buttons aren’t completely useless. According to psychologists, fake buttons can actually make you feel better by offering you a sense of control.
“Perceived (能够感知的) control is very important. It reduces stress and increases well-being,” Ellen J. Langer, a psychology professor, said, “ having a lack of control is associated with depression.”
Experts have revealed that a lot of buttons that don’t do anything exist in our lives for this same purpose. For example, many offices in the US have fake thermostats (温度调节器) because people tend to feel better when they think they can control the temperature in their workspace.
But psychologists found it interesting that even when people are aware of these little “white lies”, they still continue to push fake buttons because as long as the doors eventually close, it is considered to be worth the effort.
“That habit is here to stay,” John Kounios, a psychology professor, said. “Even though I have real doubts about the traffic light buttons, I always press them. After all, I’ve got nothing else to do while waiting. So why not press the button in the hope that this one will work?”
1. What was the author’s main purpose in writing the article?
A. To analyze the functions of fake buttons.
B. To describe some different kinds of fake buttons.
C. To explain the advantages and disadvantages of fake buttons.
D. To explore people’s different habits when it comes to pushing buttons.
2. In America, the “close” buttons on lifts _______.
A. are fake for the convenience of disabled people
B. work only when people press them hard for a while
C. were specially designed to give people a sense of control
D. cannot speed up the process of closing the door in any case
3. The underlined part “for this same purpose” in Paragraph 6 refers to _______.
A. making people more patient
B. giving people perceived control
C. helping people to build up confidence
D. making people with depression feel better
4.According to John Kounios, people who press fake buttons ______.
A. should give up this habit
B. probably do so to kill time
C. consider what they do to be meaningless
D. don’t know that what they press is fake
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Whenever you want to make a decision, just make sure to think twice and confirm it. This is what we learn from the following story. While two old beggars were sitting on a street corner, they watched helplessly as scores of people walked by. Some purposely them and others too caught up in their own cares didn’t even notice their . Every so often, a kind-hearted woman or a small child would drop a few coins in the which lay in front of them.
As the crowd began to die down, they started to their things and head for their evening . Just as they were getting ready to leave, they noticed a man walking toward them. He was obviously a man—they could tell that from his finely tailored business suit.
The first beggar whispered to the second with , “He’s coming our way!”
The two tried not to look at the man as he stepped closer to them, but they couldn’t gazing up with anticipation he reached into his pocket and took something out.
“Thunk” was the only sound they heard as what looked like a piece of hard , wrapped in tissue paper hit each of their waiting hats. The rich man and continued on his way, not making a backward glance.
“How insulting(侮辱人的)!” said the first beggar. “He could have left us a few coins or a spare bill, but he mocks us with a piece of rock candy. Who does he think we are? ? There’s no way we can even eat this—we have no .” He picked up the object and threw it into the gutter.
“I haven’t had anything like this for ages,” the second beggar thought. “I can’t chew it, but I can suck on it , and the sugary juices will stay in my for a long time. How nice of that man to offer me something so sweet！”
With that, he the white tissue paper, but to his , there was no hard rock candy inside. However, into his fingers fell a shiny white pearl worth thousands of dollars.
1.A. distant B. busy C. broad D. narrow
2.A. aided B. observed C. noticed D. ignored
3.A. existence B. situation C. appearance D. expression
4.A. hats B. hands C. pockets D. bowls
5.A. put up B. cover up C. pack up D. end up
6.A. party B. flat C. shelter D. shadow
7.A. wealthy B. healthy C. poor D. proud
8.A. confusion B.happiness C.excitement D.amusement
9.A. carelessly B. calmly C. sadly D. directly
10.A. help B. escape C. wait D. prevent
11.A. then B. while C. as D. since
12.A. cake B. candy C. coin D. bill
13.A. quit B. declined C. turned D. returned
14.A. easily B. hardly C. suddenly D. finally
15.A. Babies B. Children C. Adults D. Old men
16.A. hands B. teeth C. bowls D. money
17.A. in a while B. for a while C. after a while D. once in a while
18.A. pocket B. hand C. mouth D. hat
19.A. threw B. undertook C. unfolded D. wrapped
20.A. satisfaction B. amazement C. horror D. disappointment
高三英语完型填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Have you ever pressed the pedestrian button at a crosswalk and wondered if it really worked? They’re called “placebo(安慰剂）buttons”一buttons that mechanically sound and can be pushed，but provide no functionality.
In New York City, only about 100 of the 1, 000 crosswalk buttons actually function. Crosswalk signals were generally installed before traffic jam had reached today’s levels.
But while their function was taken over by more advanced systems—such as automated lights or traffic sensors — the physical buttons were often kept, rather than being replaced at further expense. Other cities，such as Boston，Dallas and Seattle，have gone through a similar process, leaving them with their own placebo pedestrian buttons. In London, which has 6, 000 traffic signals，pressing the pedestrian button results in a reliable “Wait” light. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the “green man”— or “pedestrian stage” in traffic signal design profession — will appear any sooner.
“We do have some crossings where the green light comes on automatically, but we still ask people to press the button because that enables accessible features,’’ said Glynn Barton, director of network management at Transport for London.
These features, such as blind tracks and hearable traffic signals, help people with visual disorder cross the road and only function when the button is pressed. As for the lights, a growing number of them are now combined and become a part of an electronic system that detects traffic and adjusts time frequency accordingly (giving priority to buses if they’re running late, for example), which means that pressing the button has no effect.
According to Langer, a Harvard psychologist, placebo buttons give us the illusion (错觉)of control — and something to do in situations where the alternative would be doing nothing. In the case of pedestrian crossings, they may even make us safer by forcing us to pay attention to our surroundings. “They serve a psychological purpose at the very least,” she added.
1.Why are the physical buttons still kept in some cities?
A. Because it may cost money to replace them.
B. Because they remain as memories of a city.
C. Because do have real functions in traffic.
D. Because they can result in reliable lights.
2.Which of the following word can replace the underline word “features” in Paragraph 4?
A. Functions.
B. Uses.
C. Equipment.
D. Facilities.
3.If you pressed a “placebo button” in London, what would happen?
A. All traffic would be affected.
B. Some kind of sound might appear.
C. Pedestrians came first to cross the road.
D. “Green man” were bound to show up earlier.
4.What can we know about “palcebo buttons” from Langer’s words?
A. They can really control traffic.
B. They serve little functions.
C. They may work mentally.
D. They can help the blind.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
----- What do you think of the performance we saw last night, Jenny?
----- ______ I want to see it a second time．
A．That couldn’t be worse! B．It could be better
C．That couldn’t be better! C．It was just so-so．
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
When you are _______ about which button to press on the complicated machine, you can either read the user’s guide for guidance or fax us for specific instruction. Don’t ______ the trial-and-error method.
| A．insure; do | B．ensure; make | C．uncertain; try | D．unsure; touch |
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
To ________ the web page, you press this button, which makes the most recent information appear.
A．refresh B．promote
C．tear D．adopt
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Whenever we do something wrong, Jesus Christ sees it. He loves us and doesn’t say it. Perhaps he’s wondering how long we’ll keep our mind suffering. A little boy named Johnny was visiting his grandparents on their farm and he was given a slingshot(弹弓) to play with out in the woods. He 36 for some time but he could never hit the target he had set for himself. Getting a little 37, he walked back to the farmhouse for dinner. As he was _38back, he saw Grandpa’s pet duck. Just out of 39, he let the slingshot fly , hitting it in the head ,and killed it. In a panic, he 40the dead duck in the woodpile, only to see his sister Sally 41 be watching him. Sally had seen all this, but she said _42 . After lunch that day Grandma said, “Sally, it’s your turn to wash the dishes.” But Sally said, “Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.” And then she spoke _43to him, “Remember the duck？” So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if 44wanted to go fishing, but Grandma said, “I’m sorry but I need Sally to help me make supper.” But Sally just smiled and said, “Well, that’s all right because Johnny told me he was too 45to help you. And she whispered again, “Remember the duck?” So Sally went fishing and Johnny 46to help make supper. After several days of doing both his 47and Sally’s, Johnny finally couldn’t 48it any longer. He came to his Grandma and told her that he had killed the duck .Grandma smiled and gave him a big 49. “Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was watering the flowers at the window 50I saw you shoot my duck with the slingshot, and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I51you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally52_ of you.”
In reality, no matter how 53__or how uncomfortable it is to admit our wrongdoing, we should always choose to54 it and work it through instead of running away from it. Hard as it is, it 55us and makes us who we are.
1. A．promoted B．exercised C．practiced D．consumed
2. A．delighted B．upset C．amazed D．scared
3. A．running B．rushing C．heading D．leaving
4. A．sympathy B．pride C．impulse D．politeness
5. A．hung B．presented C．protected D．hid
6. A．should B．shall C．must D．might
7. A．nothing B．everything C．something D．anything
8. A．loudly B．softly C．guiltily D．innocently
9. A．Sally B．Johnny C．the children D．Grandma
10. A．reluctant B．willing C．curious D．cautious
11. A．kept up B．held back C．left behind D．stayed behind
12. A．chores B．homework C．games D．sports
13. A．accept B．stand C．withdraw D．allow
14. A．hug B．blow C．reward D．award
15. A．whereas B．as C．while D．when
16. A．appreciate B．admire C．forgive D．force
17. A．put the blame B．make friends C．put pressure D．make a slave
18. A．doubtful B．grateful C．harmful D．painful
19. A．reject B．control C．face D．witness
20. A．develops B．shapes C．ruins D．prepares
高三英语完型填空简单题查看答案及解析
—We_________stop unless you've got something else you want to talk about.
—OK.Let's call it a day.See you tomorrow.
A.may well B.are able to C.used to D.might as well
高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析
________ over everything whenever we want to make a decision, many people believe, and we will have less chance of making mistakes.
A. To think B. Think C. Thinking D. Thought
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析