Unit 2 Robots
Ⅰ.阅读理解
A
(2020·河北省高三年级名校联考)
In elementary school，Glenn Cameron was very aware of the challenges faced by his friend，Roger，who had lost a hand.Now he has built an artificial helper for him.
The robotic hand is called “Dexi”．Each of its fingers can move independently.The strength and speed of the hand's“muscles” can be controlled.He's also created a digital version of this hand，which responds on a computer screen.Through a special headset，the system takes electrical signals from a human brain，sends them to a computer，and then the computer “ tells” the hand what to do.For example，to make the hand close，you “see” a fist in your head.
In fact，Cameron's first robotic hand was 3D printed online.Realizing the hand was too limited，he decided to build his own.It was quite a challenge，but his new version was better.It was also cheap，compared to many other robotic hand projects.Cameron says designing and building the hand was hard，but he went on.Then came the one Roger is using.
Cameron is working on a hand that can actually be used by a person who's lost a hand at present.He says the new hand will be simpler，because there won't be as much space.To make up for this，he's adding a mini camera and trying to make the hand smarter.
Cameron encourages young people who think they might want to do something demanding and similar，“ You just begin working towards it.Take one little step at a time，purposeful and steadfast，sooner or later you're going to get to the place you long for.”
1．Which version of the artificial hand does Dexi belong to
A．The first. B．The second.
C．The third. D．The fourth.
2．How could a user of the digital version of Dexi control the robotic hand
A．By operating the computer.
B．By thinking.
C．By sending electrical signals to the hand.
D．By speaking.
3．Which saying do Cameron's words convey
A．Well begun is half done.
B．The longest journey begins with the first step.
C．All things are difficult before they are easy.
D．Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.
4．What is the text mainly about
A．Cameron's brain?controlled robotic hands.
B．Cameron's story of success.
C．The latest designs of artificial intelligence hands.
D．A robotic helper for the disabled.
B
(2021·武汉市部分学校质量检测)
Never play games with a bot(robot)—it will find a way to cheat if it can.A team from OpenAI，an artificial intelligence lab in San Francisco，has developed artificially intelligent bots that taught themselves to cooperate by playing hide and seek.The bots also learned how to use basic tools to help win.
Bowen Baker at OpenAI and his colleagues wanted to see if the team based dynamics of the OpenAI Five could be used to produce skills that could one day be useful to humans.
The researchers set their bots loose in a simulated(模拟的) environment filled with fixed walls，movable boxes and ladders，and left them to play team games of hide and seek.The bots each had their own view of the world and couldn't communicate with each other directly.
At first，the hiders simply ran away.But they soon worked out that the quickest way to stop the seekers was to find objects in the environment to hide themselves from view.The seekers learned that they could move boxes around and use them to climb over walls.The bots then discovered that being a team player—passing objects to each other or cooperating on a hideout—was the quickest way to win.
But the real surprise came when the bots started making use of problems or faults.Seekers found that if they pushed a ladder towards a wall，they could launch themselves into the air and spot hiders from above.Hiders found that they could get rid of the ladders by pushing them aside.
It shows that AI bots are able to find solutions that humans miss，says Baker.“Maybe they'll even be able to solve problems that humans don't yet know how to.”However，it is a large leap(跳跃) from virtual hide and seek to real problem solving.“The main limitation is that it is in simulation，”says Chelsea Finn at Stanford University.
5．Why did Bowen and his colleagues conduct the research
A．To teach bots to play games.
B．To train bots to use basic tools.
C．To find if bots may cheat like humans.
D．To see the potential of bots' cooperation.
6．What's the third paragraph mainly about
A．The tools of the research.
B．The design of the research.
C．The competitors of the game.
D．The environment of the game.
7．What does the underlined word“It”in the last paragraph refer to
A．Passing objects.
B．Moving boxes around.
C．Making use of faults.
D．Hiding themselves from view.
8．What does Chelsea think of the finding of the research
A．It can bridge a gap in the AI research.
B．It will not be influenced by the real world.
C．It will definitely help the real problem solving.
D．It may not be realized out of the virtual world.
Ⅱ.七选五
(2020·银川市普通高中学科教学质量检测)
Telecommuting(also known as working from home)is a work arrangement in which the employee works outside the office，often working from home or a location close to home.__1__
Doctors and countless other health care workers of the world will always need to have hands on experiences with patients，just as：
◇__2__
◇Scientists need to be in labs.
The existence of telecommuting must have its benefits and appropriate population.
More freedom.
Telecommuting allows a worker greater freedom regarding her or his work hours and work location.It gives the employee more flexibility to balance work and personal obligations(义务).
Productivity.
Working from home can make you more productive，because you do not have the distractions(分散注意力的事)of office space.__3__ Sometimes you might be easily distracted by home appliances such as washing machines，or you actually need supervision(监管)from your boss to concentrate on your work.
Employees' welfare.
Allowing workers to telecommute often makes them more productive.__4__ Telecommuters are also likely to be happier in their jobs and are therefore more likely to stay with the company.Telecommuting even saves companies money in office expenses，such as rent and stationery(文具).
__5__
Some people also find working from home to be a bit isolating(隔离的)，because they are not around their co workers.Those who enjoy teamwork may lose their opportunity to bond with colleagues by teleconferencing alone.You should come up with a strategic plan if you want to ask your employer if you can telecommute.
A．Mental health issues.
B．Cooperation with workers.
C．That can benefit the company.
D．Of course，this is not necessarily true.
E．You need to find an appropriate place to do work.
F．Construction workers need to be on building sites.
G．However，many jobs are not suited to remote work.
Ⅲ.书面表达
假定你是李华，你的英国朋友 Frank 想学习太极。最近恰巧你校在网上直播太极课程，请给他写一封电子邮件邀请他加入，内容包括：
1．发出邀请；
2．介绍课程(上课方式、时间及授课人等)；
3．期待相见。
注意：1.词数80左右；
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Frank，
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Yours，
Li Hua
答
PAGE
7Unit 2 Robots
Ⅰ.阅读理解
A
(2020·河北省高三年级名校联考)
In elementary school，Glenn Cameron was very aware of the challenges faced by his friend，Roger，who had lost a hand.Now he has built an artificial helper for him.
The robotic hand is called “Dexi”．Each of its fingers can move independently.The strength and speed of the hand's“muscles” can be controlled.He's also created a digital version of this hand，which responds on a computer screen.Through a special headset，the system takes electrical signals from a human brain，sends them to a computer，and then the computer “ tells” the hand what to do.For example，to make the hand close，you “see” a fist in your head.
In fact，Cameron's first robotic hand was 3D printed online.Realizing the hand was too limited，he decided to build his own.It was quite a challenge，but his new version was better.It was also cheap，compared to many other robotic hand projects.Cameron says designing and building the hand was hard，but he went on.Then came the one Roger is using.
Cameron is working on a hand that can actually be used by a person who's lost a hand at present.He says the new hand will be simpler，because there won't be as much space.To make up for this，he's adding a mini camera and trying to make the hand smarter.
Cameron encourages young people who think they might want to do something demanding and similar，“ You just begin working towards it.Take one little step at a time，purposeful and steadfast，sooner or later you're going to get to the place you long for.”
语篇解读 在小学的时候，Glenn Cameron看到朋友缺少一只手，内心很受触动，他现在已经制造出了可以由人脑控制的机械手来帮助朋友。
1．Which version of the artificial hand does Dexi belong to
A．The first. B．The second.
C．The third. D．The fourth.
C [考查推理判断。Dexi出现在第二段，但本题要结合上下文内容来推理才能得到答案。根据第一段的尾句和第二段的开头可知，Dexi是Roger现在使用的机械手版本。第三段谈到Cameron制作的第一个机械手是3D打印出来的，但他不满意。于是，他花费时间制造了第二个版本的机械手，这个版本比第一个要好。但他继续研发，于是便有了第三代机械手——Roger现在使用的Dexi。]
2．How could a user of the digital version of Dexi control the robotic hand
A．By operating the computer.
B．By thinking.
C．By sending electrical signals to the hand.
D．By speaking.
B [考查细节理解。根据第二段的“Through a special headset...For example，to make the hand close，you ‘see’ a fist in your head”可知，Dexi的数字版本通过特殊的头部装置，收集大脑发出的电子信号并发送给电脑，电脑“告诉”机械手要做什么。比如，为了把手握起来，你可以在你的脑海中“看到”一个拳头。由此可推知，这个版本的机械手的使用者可以通过“想”来操作机械手。]
3．Which saying do Cameron's words convey
A．Well begun is half done.
B．The longest journey begins with the first step.
C．All things are difficult before they are easy.
D．Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.
D [考查推理判断。最后一段谈到Cameron鼓励那些想做类似的费力的事情的年轻人：只要开始朝着它努力，一步一个脚印，坚定信念，迟早你会到达想去的地方，即实现目标。D项“Nothing is impossible to a willing heart”“有志者，事竟成”与他的话所表达的意思一致。]
4．What is the text mainly about
A．Cameron's brain?controlled robotic hands.
B．Cameron's story of success.
C．The latest designs of artificial intelligence hands.
D．A robotic helper for the disabled.
A [考查主旨大意。全文主要谈了Cameron为帮助失去手的人设计和制造的机械手，故选A项。]
B
(2021·武汉市部分学校质量检测)
Never play games with a bot(robot)—it will find a way to cheat if it can.A team from OpenAI，an artificial intelligence lab in San Francisco，has developed artificially intelligent bots that taught themselves to cooperate by playing hide and seek.The bots also learned how to use basic tools to help win.
Bowen Baker at OpenAI and his colleagues wanted to see if the team based dynamics of the OpenAI Five could be used to produce skills that could one day be useful to humans.
The researchers set their bots loose in a simulated(模拟的) environment filled with fixed walls，movable boxes and ladders，and left them to play team games of hide and seek.The bots each had their own view of the world and couldn't communicate with each other directly.
At first，the hiders simply ran away.But they soon worked out that the quickest way to stop the seekers was to find objects in the environment to hide themselves from view.The seekers learned that they could move boxes around and use them to climb over walls.The bots then discovered that being a team player—passing objects to each other or cooperating on a hideout—was the quickest way to win.
But the real surprise came when the bots started making use of problems or faults.Seekers found that if they pushed a ladder towards a wall，they could launch themselves into the air and spot hiders from above.Hiders found that they could get rid of the ladders by pushing them aside.
It shows that AI bots are able to find solutions that humans miss，says Baker.“Maybe they'll even be able to solve problems that humans don't yet know how to.”However，it is a large leap(跳跃) from virtual hide and seek to real problem solving.“The main limitation is that it is in simulation，”says Chelsea Finn at Stanford University.
语篇解读 本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了一种通过玩捉迷藏自学合作技能的人工智能机器人，这些机器人还会了使用基本工具来帮助自己获胜。
5．Why did Bowen and his colleagues conduct the research
A．To teach bots to play games.
B．To train bots to use basic tools.
C．To find if bots may cheat like humans.
D．To see the potential of bots' cooperation.
D [考查细节理解。根据第二段可知，OpenAI的Bowen Baker和他的同事们想看看OpenAI Five的人工智能机器人的团队互动能否被用来产生将来对人类有用的技能，故D项正确。]
6．What's the third paragraph mainly about
A．The tools of the research.
B．The design of the research.
C．The competitors of the game.
D．The environment of the game.
B [考查主旨要义。通读第三段可知， 该段主要介绍了研究的设计：研究人员将机器人置于一个充满固定墙壁、可移动的盒子和梯子的模拟环境中，让它们玩团队捉迷藏游戏；且彼此不能直接交流。故B项正确。]
7．What does the underlined word“It”in the last paragraph refer to
A．Passing objects.
B．Moving boxes around.
C．Making use of faults.
D．Hiding themselves from view.
C [考查词义猜测。根据第五段第一句“But the real surprise came when the bots started making use of problems or faults”可知，但真正令人惊讶的是，机器人开始利用问题或失误且第五段给出了相应的例子；结合尾段第一句可以判断，该句主语It指代的是“机器人利用错误”，故C项正确。]
8．What does Chelsea think of the finding of the research
A．It can bridge a gap in the AI research.
B．It will not be influenced by the real world.
C．It will definitely help the real problem solving.
D．It may not be realized out of the virtual world.
D [考查推断判断。根据尾段尾句中Chelsea Finn所说的话“The main limitation is that it is in simulation”可知，Chelsea Finn认为主要的局限在于机器人的互动是处于模拟状态下的。据此可以判断，Chelsea Finn认为超出模拟范围，这种结果可能不会发生。故D项正确。]
Ⅱ.七选五
(2020·银川市普通高中学科教学质量检测)
Telecommuting(also known as working from home)is a work arrangement in which the employee works outside the office，often working from home or a location close to home.__1__
Doctors and countless other health care workers of the world will always need to have hands on experiences with patients，just as：
◇__2__
◇Scientists need to be in labs.
The existence of telecommuting must have its benefits and appropriate population.
More freedom.
Telecommuting allows a worker greater freedom regarding her or his work hours and work location.It gives the employee more flexibility to balance work and personal obligations(义务).
Productivity.
Working from home can make you more productive，because you do not have the distractions(分散注意力的事)of office space.__3__ Sometimes you might be easily distracted by home appliances such as washing machines，or you actually need supervision(监管)from your boss to concentrate on your work.
Employees' welfare.
Allowing workers to telecommute often makes them more productive.__4__ Telecommuters are also likely to be happier in their jobs and are therefore more likely to stay with the company.Telecommuting even saves companies money in office expenses，such as rent and stationery(文具).
__5__
Some people also find working from home to be a bit isolating(隔离的)，because they are not around their co workers.Those who enjoy teamwork may lose their opportunity to bond with colleagues by teleconferencing alone.You should come up with a strategic plan if you want to ask your employer if you can telecommute.
A．Mental health issues.
B．Cooperation with workers.
C．That can benefit the company.
D．Of course，this is not necessarily true.
E．You need to find an appropriate place to do work.
F．Construction workers need to be on building sites.
G．However，many jobs are not suited to remote work.
语篇解读 本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍了远程办公的定义和好处。
1．G [本空是一个过渡句。根据上文中的“the employee works outside the office，often working from home or a location close to home”和下文中的“need to have hands on experiences with patients”可知，本空承上启下，讲的应该是远程办公并不适合所有的工种，故G项符合语境。]
2．F [根据“other health care workers of the world will always need to have hands on experiences with patients，just as”可知，本空讲的应该也是需要现场办公的工种。另外，结合并列位置上的“Scientists need to be in labs”可以判断，F项符合语境。]
3．D [本空是一个过渡句。根据上一句中的“you do not have the distractions(分散注意力的事)of office space”和下一句中的“Sometimes you might be easily distracted by home appliances”可知，本空承上启下，故D项符合语境。]
4．C [本空是一个过渡句。结合下一句中的“Telecommuters are also likely to be happier in their jobs”可知，空处讲的应该是这样做的一种好处，故C项符合语境。]
5．B [本空是一个小标题。结合并列位置上小标题的特点可知，本空应该是一个名词词组，故A、B选项符合要求。再根据本部分中的“Those who enjoy teamwork may lose their opportunity to bond with colleagues”可知，本段主要讲的是合作，故B项符合语境。]
Ⅲ.书面表达
假定你是李华，你的英国朋友 Frank 想学习太极。最近恰巧你校在网上直播太极课程，请给他写一封电子邮件邀请他加入，内容包括：
1．发出邀请；
2．介绍课程(上课方式、时间及授课人等)；
3．期待相见。
注意：1.词数80左右；
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Frank，
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Yours，
Li Hua
答案：
Dear Frank，
How is everything going？Overwhelmed by joy and delight，I'm writing to extend my sincere invitation to you to join my school's online course as you are interested in the traditional Chinese sport tai chi.
Scheduled to be held on the Internet，this online course will last from 9：00 a．m.to 11：00 a．m.，during which you could learn more about the origin and development of tai chi.Besides，it is a master of tai chi who will teach us，which is a golden opportunity to you.
Looking forward to seeing you again!
Yours，
Li Hua
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