2018年中考全国英语真题地区汇编——议论文类阅读理解

    Artificial intelligence (AI) (人工智能）is the ability of a computer program or a machine to think and learn. It is also a field of study that tries to make computers "smart". John McCarthy, a scientist, came up with the name "artificial intelligence" in 1955. Many things such as learning and problem solving can be done by computers, though not in the same way as we do.

    An unusual goal of AI research is to create computer programs that can learn, solve problems, and think logically(逻辑地）. At present we use the term Al for successfully understanding human speech, recognizing(识别）human faces, operating self-driving cars and competing in some game systems like Chess and AlphGo（阿尔法狗）. Some people also consider AI a danger to humans if it develops too quickly. Professor Stephen Hawking (霍金), a well-known British scientist, was not for this kind of technology.

    Math is the basic language of AI. If we raise the standard in the learning of math, our students will be more likely to become successful AI designers in the future. We not only want bright students, but also need to attract average students and give them the math skills which are needed to change them into AI designers. Besides, a good knowledge of computer science is also necessary for AI designing.

    Scientists hope to create creative and emotional AI which can possibly understand human feelings or create art. Many ways and tools have been tried to discover this fascinating field.

    In our culture, the ability to make one's own decisions is important. John F. Kennedy's quote(引语）"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." shows an unpleasant truth.

    Much of what we know and believe has been taught to us by others, and we often accept this information without spending much time thinking it over for ourselves.

    In today's world, we are being presented with information, ideas and beliefs, but many of them are against each other. Psychology(心理学）tells us that if we hear an idea enough times, or it comes from someone we respect(尊敬), we will probably believe that idea. In these cases, we base our opinions on the opinions of others. If each of us does not think about this information for ourselves and come to our own conclusions , we will become nothing more than parrots（鹦鹉） quoting the opinions of others.

    Examples of spreading fake news without thought can be seen on the Internet. Some people believe whatever they read and then share the story without thinking about the facts. All it takes is one quick click(点击）of the "share" button, and the story travels on its way to influence even more unthinking readers. This can cause serious problems.

    If we just stop for a moment to think about what we read and hear, and form our own opinions, we will be more thoughtful, more independent, and more creative people, but few take that time. Yet we need not lose heart over this bad habit. In fact, simply becoming aware (意识到） of it is the first step towards correcting it. Once we become aware that we tend(趋向）to hold opinions and beliefs without thinking them through, we can change that pattern of behavior. Hopefully, we can learn to experience and enjoy the "discomfort of thought" and form our own opinions.

    For me, one of the greatest pleasures in life is going to watch a great film at the cinema. It's a chance for me to get away from real life. There's nothing better than being lost in a story unless, of course, someone decides to break down the moment.

    Whether at a cinema or a huge theatre, someone usually decides to treat the place like their own home! There is an accepted way of behaving at the cinema which some people don t seem to understand.

    To start with, some people always turn up late, causing you to rise from your seat to allow them to go past. Then, when you want to enjoy the surround-sound effects, someone begins to enjoy their drinks and popcorn and thus makes a lot of noises. And what I can't stand most is people who decide to chat to their friends, sometimes not even about the film.

    I'm not alone in this situation. Simon Mayo, a film critic at the BBC, experienced a “new low" during a film. He says, "The woman in front of me got a mirror out, then her boyfriend got a phone out and used the light on it to allow her to do her make-up!”

    Simon has helped to create a list of rules on how moviegoers should behave at the cinema. One of them is no use of mobile phones, and another is not to take your shoes off--a most serious offence(冒犯)!

    Of course, when we have paid for a ticket, we feel it is our right to relax and enjoy the film in the way we want to, but we mustn't forget our fellow moviegoers who want to enjoy the cinematic experience, too.

    The best choice for anyone wanting to break the rules of cinema manners is to get a DVD and watch it at home. But we all know that the best way to enjoy the art of cinematography is on the big screen. _______________

    What about you? What annoys you about other people at the cinema?

    Who wants to eat food that is thrown away as waste? Believe it or not, that's exactly what world leaders did at a lunch held by the United Nations in 2015.

    During the meal, the world leaders enjoyed dishes like salads and burgers made with thrown-away vegetables and fruits. Chef Dan Barber, who helped create the meal, hoped that the experience would make the leaders pay more attention to the issue of food waste.

    It is a huge problem. One out of nine people on Earth does not get enough food. Yet every year over one third of the food produced worldwide goes to waste!

    Why is so much food wasted? Firstly, food is often thrown away before it reaches customers because too much of it is produced, or because it is not kept properly in farms. Secondly, shops and supermarkets usually throw away unsold food. Finally, customers often buy more food than they need, so a lot of uneaten food is wasted.

    How can you waste less food? When eating out, you may ask for less food and take home what is left. Visit fast food restaurant less often, since they usually more wasteful. Encourage your favorite restaurants to give unsold food to food banks.

    You can also waste less food at home. Use smaller rice bowls so that you serve less rice.

    Encourage family members to use unfinished rice to make rice puddings. Tell family members to make a shopping list and buy only what is on the list when shopping for food.

    Food waste is a growing problem and we, either farmers or food sellers or customers, must take this problem more seriously and do what we can to help.

    Every 14 days, another language dies. There are many reasons for this. Some people think more common languages have more economic(经济的) if power. Because of this, young people choose to learn a common language as they think it is more useful. Another reason is that some languages aren't written down. Guujaaw is a leader of the Haida Nation, whose people have lived on the Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada, for more than 10,000 years. Their language is endangered. Traditionally, it wasn't written down, and, as a result, some people are worried that it will die one day. Guujaaw replies to this, "We talk to each other, listen, visit and believe in the spoken word. Expressing yourself without writing is natural. However, if Guujaaw's language and others like it are going to stay alive, writing may have to become part of their lives.

    When a language dies, a lot of knowledge dies with it. To begin with, language is a huge part of the culture of the people who speak it. Language allows speakers to say certain things: words that describe a cultural idea may not translate exactly into another language. Furthermore, many endangered languages have rich spoken cultures. Stories, songs and histories are passed on from older people to younger generations(一代). Elizabeth Lindsey, an expert in languages, emphasizes(强调) this. "When an elder dies, a library is burned," she says.

    Also, language death affects our knowledge about nature. Local people often have a deep understanding of plants, animals, and the relationship between them. David Harrison, a researcher on endangered languages, reflects, "80% of plant and animal species(物种)have been undiscovered by science. But that doesn't mean they're unknown to humans."

    Many languages are endangered. However, it's not too late. Children often grow up speaking two languages．“ No one… becomes richer by giving up… one language to learn another，” Harrison said. If children feel both languages are important, they will use both. So, it is necessary that children realize how useful their local language is.

    Technology is everywhere. We see it any place we go and, in fact, almost all of us carry some piece of technology with us every time we leave the house. What I always forget, though, is just how useful and powerful technology can be when we want to help others.

    There is not a single room in my house that does not have some electronic devices(设备)lying around in it. Whenever I am at home, I am almost always using at least one electronic device. If you walked into my living room on any given day, you would find that, first, I have the television on. At the same time, I usually have my laptop resting on my knee, or I will be using my mobile phone. Even when I'm not at home I am always using my phone, and at work or in cafes, I sit down and connect to the local wireless network on my laptop.

    I must say that I waste a lot of time on the computer and the time I spend on it could be much better spent if I were to take up a little online volunteering.

    The technology we carry about everywhere can have a great power to do good for the world and to help others and recently I discovered just how much online volunteering there is to do in the world. From using your language skills to do translations, to developing and managing projects and helping with IT work, there is so much that so many people can do to help people in their own countries and across the world. The United Nations, in fact, has a huge page with "Volunteers Recruited" on its website.

    This work can support the poor and help charities who cannot pay for staff. Many organizations only require you to work an hour a week-some even less. And the support provided by online volunteers can really help make a difference to those in need.

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    “Volunteering makes you look at the world differently. You see how little things can change a person's life for the better, which makes everyone a better person.” Mason, a volunteer said.

    National Volunteer Week started in 1974 and is held every April. It is a time to thank volunteers for their achievements. It is also a perfect opportunity (机会) to encourage others to take their first step toward becoming a volunteer. Making the decision to take the first step can be the biggest problem, because they often wonder if they will be able to meet the organization's expectations (期望). Some people fear not knowing anyone else in the group. Not having enough time also prevents some from sharing their abilities.

    The following tips can help if you have some of these worries.

    ★Start out slowly, don't add too much pressure. Even a few hours a month can make a big difference in someone's life.

    ★Choose an organization with the same interests and common values.

    ★Take part in a training meeting for new volunteers, even if it is not asked.

    ★Work with a veteran volunteer. He volunteered a lot, he can help you increase the confidence and completely understand the organization's expectations.

    ★Invite a friend or family member to serve. It is a good experience to volunteer with them.

    ★Finally, it is most important to enjoy the volunteer experience and to remember that not all volunteer experiences are perfect. If one experience doesn't work, don't give up and you'll surely find the right opportunity.

    Spend some time on volunteer work and you will see great changes in people's lives. As Mason discovered during his volunteer experience, “…little things can change a person's life.”