单选题
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.