A messy desk can actually lead people towards clearer thinking, say researchers from Germany.
The researchers found in a series of linked studies - using a messy desk and a messy shop front - that people actually thought more clearly when all around was chaos, as they sought to simplify the tasks at hand.
Visual and mental clutter(阻塞) forces human beings to focus and think more clearly.
Famous thinkers and writers such as Albert Einstein and Roald Dahl have been notorious(声名狼藉的) for their untidy desks.
“Messy desks may not be as detrimental(有害的) as they appear to be, as the problem-solving approaches they seem to cause can improve work efficiency or increase employees' creativity in problem solving,” say the authors.
“Business and government managers often promote 'clean desk' policies to avoid disorganized offices and messy desks, for the purpose of boosting work efficiency and productivity,” writes lead researcher Jia Liu of the University of Groningen in a paper published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
“This practice is based on the conventional wisdom that a disorganized and messy environment can clutter one's mind and complicate one's judgments.”
“However, not all evidence supports this conventional link between a messy environment and a messy mind.”
The scientists tested people's response in various 'messy' environments - including a messy shop front, a disorganized desk, and even a work environment where a language task 'reminded' people of messiness.
The authors found in the series of six studies people tended towards simplicity in their thinking.
“They categorized (分类) products in a simpler manner, were willing to pay more for a T-shirt that shows a simple-looking picture, and sought less variety in their choices.” said the researchers.
1. The purpose of the first two paragraphs is to show that _____.
A.A messy desk cannot contribute to clearer thinking
B.People thought more clearly about a messy desk and a shop front
C.People will feel confused when all around are chaos
D.People manage to simplify the tasks in messy environments
2. Why does the author take Albert Einstein as an example?
A.to support the idea that clearer thinking comes from messy environment.
B.to tell the fact that Einstein was known for his untidy desks.
C.to stop us from learning from Albert Einstein.
D.to call on us to develop a good habit.
3.How do people look at messy environment according to the conventional wisdom?
A.Messy environment will create clearer thinking.
B.Messy environment will simplify one' s judgment.
C.Messy environment can promote work efficiency.
D.Messy environment can block one' s mind.
4. What does the last paragraph imply?
A.People believe messy environment creates clearer thinking.
B.People sought more simplicity in the choices.
C.People were not willing to choose those complicated products.
D.Not all the people accept messy environment and complicated things
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题
A messy desk can actually lead people towards clearer thinking, say researchers from Germany.
The researchers found in a series of linked studies - using a messy desk and a messy shop front - that people actually thought more clearly when all around was chaos, as they sought to simplify the tasks at hand.
Visual and mental clutter(阻塞) forces human beings to focus and think more clearly.
Famous thinkers and writers such as Albert Einstein and Roald Dahl have been notorious(声名狼藉的) for their untidy desks.
“Messy desks may not be as detrimental(有害的) as they appear to be, as the problem-solving approaches they seem to cause can improve work efficiency or increase employees' creativity in problem solving,” say the authors.
“Business and government managers often promote 'clean desk' policies to avoid disorganized offices and messy desks, for the purpose of boosting work efficiency and productivity,” writes lead researcher Jia Liu of the University of Groningen in a paper published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
“This practice is based on the conventional wisdom that a disorganized and messy environment can clutter one's mind and complicate one's judgments.”
“However, not all evidence supports this conventional link between a messy environment and a messy mind.”
The scientists tested people's response in various 'messy' environments - including a messy shop front, a disorganized desk, and even a work environment where a language task 'reminded' people of messiness.
The authors found in the series of six studies people tended towards simplicity in their thinking.
“They categorized (分类) products in a simpler manner, were willing to pay more for a T-shirt that shows a simple-looking picture, and sought less variety in their choices.” said the researchers.
1. The purpose of the first two paragraphs is to show that _____.
A.A messy desk cannot contribute to clearer thinking
B.People thought more clearly about a messy desk and a shop front
C.People will feel confused when all around are chaos
D.People manage to simplify the tasks in messy environments
2. Why does the author take Albert Einstein as an example?
A.to support the idea that clearer thinking comes from messy environment.
B.to tell the fact that Einstein was known for his untidy desks.
C.to stop us from learning from Albert Einstein.
D.to call on us to develop a good habit.
3.How do people look at messy environment according to the conventional wisdom?
A.Messy environment will create clearer thinking.
B.Messy environment will simplify one' s judgment.
C.Messy environment can promote work efficiency.
D.Messy environment can block one' s mind.
4. What does the last paragraph imply?
A.People believe messy environment creates clearer thinking.
B.People sought more simplicity in the choices.
C.People were not willing to choose those complicated products.
D.Not all the people accept messy environment and complicated things
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
While many people dream of mermaids, few people actually try to become one. How can someone become a mermaid if they don't exist? Just ask Dana Richardson, who is a professional mermaid in Hawaii!
“As a child, I always felt very connected to the ocean and played mermaids in the water,” says Dana. “My love of the ocean took me to different types of work such as a lifeguard, swim instructor, boat crew member, underwater photographer, boat captain and surfer. I just decided to take it to the next level and grow a tail.”
Dana doesn't mean literally. In 2008 she began making mermaid tails from materials including shiny fabric that she wears while free-diving in the waters around Kona, Hawaii. Free-diving means diving without any protective equipment. It requires you to hold your breath while swimming deep underwater. As she dives in, Dana not only like a mermaid; she experiences what it is like to swim like one too.
The waters around Dana's home in Kona are filled with wildlife, including dolphins and whales. Kona is by a sheltered sea where the waters are calm for swimming. For ten years Dana has been swimming with the creatures of Kona. Some of them have even learned to recognize her.
Dana knows how to swim with sea life because she is a trained marine naturalist She understands the behavior of sea life and knows how to safely interact with it. Every morning when she swims with sea life she gets to experience her other “home”. The ocean beneath the depths really is another world. Watching how the world works so gracefully in the circle of life underwater is a beautiful thing?
For Dana Richardson being a mermaid just makes sense. “I always felt more comfortable underwater than on land,” she says. Would you like to follow your dream, even if it seems impossible? Dana Richardson reminds everyone, “One person can truly make a difference. By following your heart and offering the world your unique gifts, you will inspire others to do so. The world needs you!”
1.When the author was a child, she .
A.always played with mermaids B.felt very linked to the ocean
C.grew a beautiful mermaid tail D.tried different types of work
2.What do we know about Dana's mermaid tail?
A.She wears mermaid tails while free-diving.
B.She makes mermaid tails mostly from shiny fabric.
C.She has to hold her breath while wearing tails.
D.She is a mermaid with a tail as she dives in.
3.Which can best describe the relationship between Dana and sea life?
A.Aggressive. B.Embarrassing.
C.Harmonious. D.Unfamiliar,
4.What would be the best title for the text?
A.The Protection of the Ocean B.The Description of Sea Life
C.The Characteristics of Mermaids D.The Story of Realizing a Dream
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Despite being used by 1.34 billion people each year, traveling on the Tube in London can actually be quite lonely. An unwritten rule encouraging reticence (沉默寡言), mixed with classic British reserve, means that even though you’re packed into enclosed space with hundreds of other people, the morning trip can leave you feeling somewhat lonely.
One London resident, however, is trying to change this. “You get on the Tube and it’s completely silent and it’s strange,” says Jonathan Dunne, an American living in London, who has started a campaign of giving out badges (徽章) with the slogan “Tube chat?” last month, encouraging travelers in London to get to talk to one another. “I handed out 500 badges during rush hour in a city of 8 million, expecting most of them to be thrown away, but after about 24 hours it completely snowballed,” he says. Dunne and his “Tube chat” campaign have been reported by media across the world, seeing TV interviews in Sweden, Brazil and the UK, as well as countless website, newspaper and magazine appearances.
Although Dunne says he’s received mostly positive responses, there are always exceptions.
Londoner Brian Wilson responded with a campaign of his own, handing out 500 badges with the words “Don’t even think about it” on them. “I can’t stand the idea of having to talk to strangers on the Tube on my way to work,” he said.
Michael Robinson, 24, a student from London, agrees. “Being on the Tube is the only peace and quiet some people get on their journeys to and from work. It doesn’t need to be spoiled by people coming up and chatting to you,” he says.
“People assume that I just walk up and talk to strangers, which I don’t, but it’s been a great way to meet people you would never have normally spoken to,” Dunne says. So if you ever end up using public transport in London, why not say hello to the person next to you? Just make sure to check for a badge first.
1.What does the underlined word “reserve” mean?
A.tidiness B.gentleness
C.silence D.vividness
2.What can the badge with “Tube Chat?” be seen as?
A.A request for keeping silent.
B.A special way of greeting someone.
C.A signal of avoiding being disturbed.
D.An encouragement to start a conversation.
3.How is Dunne’s campaign getting along?
A.Most passengers have refused to accept it.
B.Wilson has made great efforts to promote it.
C.It has been covered in many countries.
D.It has become a worldwide campaign.
4.Why does the author mention Brian and Michael?
A.To stress the importance of communication.
B.To show not everyone agrees with Dunne’s idea.
C.To prove Londoners are speechless on the Tube.
D.To state the disadvantages of chatting with strangers.
5.What’s the best title for the passage?
A.Please mind the silence on the Tube!
B.Time to change your way to take the subway!
C.What makes people feel lonely on the Tube?
D.Why was the “Tube Chat?” campaign not a success?
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Despite being used by 1.34 billion people each year, traveling on the Tube in London can actually be quite lonely.
One citizen, however, is trying to change this. “You get on the Tube and it’s completely silent and it’s weird(怪异的),” says Jonathan Dunne, who has started a worldwide dialogue after giving out badges (徽章) with the words “Tube chat?” last month, encouraging passengers in London to get talking to one another. “I handed out 500 badges during rush hour in a city of 8 million, expecting most of them to be thrown away, but after about 24 hours it completely snowballed,” he says. Dunne and his “Tube chat” campaign have since been reported by media across the world, seeing TV interviews in Sweden, Brazil and the UK, as well as countless website, newspaper and magazine appearances.
Although Dunne says he’s received mostly positive feedback, not everyone agrees with his idea. Londoner Brian Wilson responded with a campaign of his own, handing out 500 badges with the words “Don’t even think about it” on them. Michael Robinson, 24, a student from London, agrees. “Being on the Tube is the only peace and quiet some people get on their journeys to and from work. It doesn’t need to be spoiled by people coming up and chatting to you,” he says.
“People assume that I just walk up and talk to strangers, which I don’t, but it’s been a great way to meet people you would never have normally spoken to,” Dunne says.
So if you ever end up using public transport in the West, why not say hello to the person next to you? Just make sure to check for a badge first.
1.In what way did Dunne encourage London passengers to talk with each other?
A. By putting up posters on the tube.
B. By offering passengers special badges.
C. By advocating his idea on the media.
D. By starting a dialogue with passengers.
2.How is Dunne’s campaign getting along?
A. Most passengers have refused to accept it.
B. It has become a worldwide campaign.
C. It has caught international attention.
D. Wilson has made great efforts to promote it.
3.According to Michael Robinson, what should tube passengers do?
A. Hand in their feedback in time.
B. Walk up and talk to strangers.
C. Stop using public transport.
D. Enjoy the peace quietly.
4.What can be the best title for the text?
A. Tube Chat or Not
B. Lonely Travel in the London Tube
C. Silence on the Tube
D. Tube Passengers Wearing Badges
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
30. ______ that the government can lead them out of the financial crisis, people are optimistic
about the future of the country.
A. Being convinced B. Convinced C. Having been convinced D. To convince
高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
All of us can give others a hand as long as we are willing to do so. Actually, there are some people doing kind things all the time. Spreading kindness, one good deed at a time, is Karla Gibson’s mission. “I wish everyone could join me. There are so many ____ things going on in the world; I mean every day,” said Karla.
Karla had the ____ and sense of duty in December of 2013. The single mother of three said she tended to feel depressed around the holidays, so she ____ to do something to cheer others up. She started a Facebook page and ____ her good deeds each day, from feeding the homeless to giving Easter gifts to the incarcerated (囚犯). She hoped to ____ others.
“We have to do something. Our ____ can make a difference in someone’s day. You ____ know when someone might be having their worst day, and then something like buying them a coffee can change their whole attitude,” Karla ____.
Karla’s greatest ____ so far had to do with coffee. On September 27th, Karla’s birthday, she went to her local Starbucks and gave the ____ $127 to pay for other people’s drinks. She sat at the end of the drive-through holding a ____ that read, “Have a great day.” She ended up ____ about 23 customers. “It was really fun. It was ____ one of the best birthdays ever.” she said. Her kindness that day didn’t go ____. One couple was so grateful that they surprised her with flowers and balloons to show their ____.
Karla’s acts of kindness have become a ____ affair. Her two sons are always ____ others. “Sometimes I’ll ask Kyle, ‘So, did you do anything extra nice today?’ and his answers are like ‘Somebody ____ something in the hallway and I picked it up’ or ‘I held the door for someone’, that kind of thing,” said Karla.
It’s because of Mom that the boys think it’s ____ to give a hand to others. “I think it’s a great idea of hers. It’s always nice to help someone out ____ they really need it,” said Karla’s 15-year-old son Chad.
1.A.good B.bad C.new D.casual
2.A.commitment B.appointment C.preference D.success
3.A.managed B.agreed C.hesitated D.decided
4.A.did B.mentioned C.shared D.missed
5.A.greet B.inspire C.introduce D.remember
6.A.kindness B.happiness C.stories D.sadness
7.A.still B.often C.never D.even
8.A.whispered B.explained C.reported D.replied
9.A.surprise B.challenge C.concern D.moment
10.A.cashier B.customer C.beggar D.secretary
11.A.mark B.sign C.symbol D.flag
12.A.paying for B.picking up C.paying off D.picking out
13.A.occasionally B.usually C.probably D.hardly
14.A.unoccupied B.unnoticed C.unorganized D.unquestioned
15.A.wisdom B.existence C.generosity D.appreciation
16.A.society B.love C.holiday D.family
17.A.encouraging B.inviting C.helping D.affecting
18.A.dropped B.bought C.found D.fell
19.A.strange B.lucky C.cool D.funny
20.A.after B.though C.unless D.when
高二英语完形填空困难题查看答案及解析
_________ that the government can lead them out of the financial crisis, people are optimistic
about the future of the country.
A. Convincing B. Convinced C. To convince D. Having convinced
高二英语单项填空困难题查看答案及解析
________ that the govemment can lead them out of the financial crisis, people are optimistic about the future of the country.
A.Convincing B.Convinced
C.To convince D.Having convinced
高二英语单项填空困难题查看答案及解析
— Cloning can lead to many complicated problems.
— __________. That’s why a lot of people are strongly against it.
A. That’s it B. Nonsense
C. That’s all right D. What a pity
高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Can a computer think? That depends on what you mean by “think”. If solving a math problem is “thinking”, then a computer can “think” and do so much faster than a man. Of course, most mathematical problems can be solved by repeating certain process over and over again. Even the simple computers of today can do that. It is frequently said that computers solve problems only because they are“programmed” to do so. They can only do what men have them do. One must remember that human beings also can only do what they are “programmed” to do. Our genes “program” us the moment the fertilized ovum(受精卵) is formed, and our possible abilities are limited by that “program”. Our “program” is so much more enormously complex, though, that we might like to define “thinking” in terms of the creativity that goes into writing a great symphony or in developing a brilliant scientific theory. In that sense, computers certainly can’t think and neither can most humans.
Surely, though, if a computer can be made complex enough, it can be as creative as we. If it could be made as complex as a human brain, it could be equal to a human brain and do whatever a human brain can do. To suppose anything else is to suppose that there is more to the human brain than the matter that composes it. The brain is made up of cells in a certain arrangement. If anything else is there, no signs of it have ever been discovered. To duplicate (复制) the material complexity of the brain is therefore to duplicate everything about it.
But how long will it take to build a computer complex enough to duplicate the human brain? Perhaps not as long as some think. Long before we approach a computer as complex as our brain, we will perhaps build a computer that is at least complex enough to design another computer more complex than itself. This more complex computer could design one still more complex and so on and so on. In other words, once we pass a certain critical point, the computers take over and there is a “complexity explosion”. In a very short time thereafter, computers may exist that not only duplicate the human brain but go far beyond it.
1.In what sense does the writer think that humans are programmed?
A. Their characteristics, powers, etc. are fixed before birth.
B. He thinks a man’s abilities are not limited, as a computer’s are.
C. In the sense that humans will always be better than computers.
D. Computers must be operated by men, but man can operate by himself.
2.What does the writer mean by saying that the average human being is unable to ‘think’?
A. It is not true. All humans can ‘think’ in all sense.
B. Human beings fail to think as fast as a computer.
C. Most people don’t have great creative ability.
D. Something has been wrong with his genetic program.
3.What is the ‘critical point’ mentioned in the last paragraph?
A. The point at which a computer is an exact copy of a human brain.
B. When one computer is itself clever enough to design a better one.
C. When a computer can be made as creative as we are.
D. When the computers destroy each other in an explosion.
4.The word ‘explosion’ mentioned in the last paragraph means ________.
A. great damage B. a terrific noise
C. excitement D. big leaps forward
高二英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析