Scientists are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to test whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert(专家) in human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study on the effect of robotic dogs on old people’s depression (沮丧) , physical activity, and life satisfaction.

         In the study, the robot, called AIBO, is placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, scientists will collect baseline data(数据) for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activity before and after AIBO. Then, the scientists will review the data to test if it has produced any changes in the life of its owner.

         “I talk to him all the time, and he responds to my voice,” says a seventy-year-old lady. “When I’m watching TV, he’ll stay in my arms until he wants down. He has his own mind.”

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The scientists say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

       “At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate(与……相关) to the robotic dog, because it was metal and not furry.” Beck says. “Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more-valuable health helper. They will record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels or heart rhythms(心律). AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate(刺激) older people’s minds.”

1.The purpose of Beck and Edwards’ study is to _____________.

A. understand human-animal relationship

B. make lonely old people’s life better

C. find the causes of old people’s loneliness

D. improve the animal-assisted research

2. In the research, the old people are asked to _____________.

A. note the activities of AIBOs

B. keep AIBOs at home for 12 weeks

C. record their feelings and activity

D. study the collected information

3.What does the underlined word “removes” mean?

A. moves again                   B. is movable         C. doesn’t need                      D. need

4.What is the better point of AIBO than live dogs?

A. It is easier to keep at home.

B. It can help the disabled people.

C. It responds to all the human orders.

D. It can watch TV with its owner.

5.The writer seems to suggest that the future robotic dogs may__________.

A. cure certain diseases                                                B. keep old people active

C. change people’s ideas                                                        D. look more like real dogs

阅读下列短文，根据短文内容，完成文章后面的任务。

Building blocks(积木) are still one of the most popular traditional toys today．Their interesting design and easy use attract children of all ages．Most traditional toys, like building blocks, were first made of wood．Today, wooden building blocks are still used, but now there are several other types of building blocks to choose from, like plastic building blocks．
①Children build all kinds of things that they see in everyday life _________ building blocks． This gives them the ________ to learn new things and life skills．
②Building blocks can help children to practice their language skills． Most children talk to each other as they build things with these traditional toys． This type of toy also helps develop the skills that children need in life． As they begin to join groups playing with building blocks, they learn to take turns, to share, and to solve problems with others． However, these are not the only advantages of playing with building blocks． The building blocks also help develop children’s skills in math and science． They allow children to work according to the steps of scientific discovery, which are first to watch and think, and then to test． Traditional toy building blocks also come in different shapes, colors and sizes． These types of building blocks encourage children to develop skills in dividing things． Playing with building blocks is not just fun but also very helpful． So people around the world like them．
【小题1】回答下列问题：What were traditional toy building blocks made of?
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【小题2】在①的空白处填入适当的单词使句意完整、上下文通顺：__________            
【小题3】将②处翻译成汉语________________________________________________________________
【小题4】找出文中与下列句子意思相近的句子：    
It is both fun and helpful to play with building blocks.
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【小题5】在文中找出最能表达该短文主题的句子：
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