Human reliance on information
technology today is quickly becoming global. The Line technological
developments in the areas of computing, networking, and software
engineering have aided the transitions from paper to paperless
transactions, and text and data media to multimedia.
Today, speed, efficiency, and accuracy in the (5) exchange of
information have become primary tools for increasing productivity
and innovation. Activities as diverse as health care, education,
and manufacturing have come to depend on the generation,
storage, and transmission of electronic information.
Computers are not only used extensively to perform the industrial and
economic functions of society but are also used to provide many
services upon which (10) human life depends. Medical treatment, air
traffic control, and national security are a few
examples. Even a small glitch in the operation of these systems can put
human lives in danger. Computers are also used to store
confidential data of a political, social, economic, or
personal nature. This fairly recent and progressive dependence
on computer technology signals a real danger for the human race. (15)
Current computer systems offer new opportunities for
lawbreaking and the potential to commit traditional
types of crimes in nontraditional ways. For example, the
threat of identity theft is magnified by our reliance on computers to
assist us in everyday activities such as shopping and paying
bills. Identity theft refers to all types of crime in
which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another (20) person's
personal data by way of fraud or deception, typically for economic
gain. By making personal and credit information
available on the Internet, people open themselves up to
the possibility of a criminal obtaining this information and
using it for nefarious purposes. This is but one instance of the negative
impact that overreliance on computer technology can have
on society. (25) As humans continue to make
technological advances, so too do they rely more heavily
upon those innovations. This is a dangerous progression that must
be tempered with common sense and self-restraint. We cannot allow
computer technology to control too many aspects of our
lives, lest we become victims of our own
ingenuity.
单选题
The primary purpose of the passage is to
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】The passage describes several potentially devastating effects of overreliance on computers. The general tone of the passage is one of warning. Although the passage indicates that we should look for ways to reduce our dependence on technology, the passage does not offer any suggestions, so answer choice C is incorrect. Likewise, the other answer choices are not supported by the passage.
单选题
The author most likely uses the phrase "a small glitch" (line 11) in order to
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】The author states, "Even a small glitch in the operation of these systems can put human lives in danger." This statement indicates the potential danger of overreliance on computer technology, especially regarding services that are essential to survival. Answer choices A, C, D, and E are not supported by the passage.
单选题
The passage suggests that the author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?
【正确答案】
E
【答案解析】The main idea of the passage is that, although computer technology has contributed to the advancement of the human race, our dependence on this technology can be dangerous. Statements and phrases such as "... dependence on computer technology signals a real danger for the human race," and "... dangerous progression..." best support answer choice E.
单选题
Each of the following is mentioned in the passage as a potential danger resulting from greater reliance on computer technology EXCEPT: I. The transmission of electronic data II. Increased opportunity for criminal activity III. A drastic reduction in national security
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】The passage indicates that the transmission of electronic data is one way in which humans are taking advantage of computer technology, but the passage does not necessarily suggest that this is a danger. However, the passage explicitly states that both increased opportunity for criminal activity (identity theft) and a reduction in national security are potential dangers.
单选题
Which of the following statements best summarizes the main point of the first paragraph?
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】The first paragraph states, in response to the introduction of the maxim of "Know Thyself," "there is for an individual no more important and no more difficult knowledge, than knowledge of himself. Nations are only individuals on a larger scale." The paragraph goes on to say that a nation's failure to understand its existence will lead to its ultimate undoing. This best supports answer choice A.
单选题
The author's argument is developed primarily by the use of
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】The passage states, "Nations are only individuals on a larger scale," which is a direct comparison of nations to man. The other answer choices are not supported by the passage.