阅读理解。
This is a dangerous world we live in. The number of murders goes up every year, people are dying
of cancer, more people contract HIV, more teens are using drugs, etc. You know this because you have
heard all the statistics (数据) on the news and in the paper. But do you really have a clear idea what they mean? The numbers are growing up, but how do they compare to the growth in population? The fact is
that without knowing the background statistics mean very little.
This growing trend of reporting only part of the information is becoming dangerous. For example,
several years ago a high school student reported the dangers of the chemical known as dihydrogen
monoxide. This chemical, found in most cancerous tumors(肿瘤), is often found in the blood of people
drunk on alcohol, and causes complete physical and mental dependence. After reading his report, more
than 75% of the students voted to forbid this dangerous chemical! Every one of the above statements is
true, yet this chemical is necessary to all life on earth. The students made the mistake because they only
knew a few statements and statistics, rather than the chemical's full background.
The point of this article is that one should be aware of what is and is not being said. When one finds
a new fact or number, one should try to consider other important information. Always remember that
the author is trying to persuade you of his or her own view, and will leave out (省略) information that is
different to his view. If we teenagers are to be left in this world, we had better be able to think critically
(批判地), and form our own views, rather than be easily persuaded by another's.
1. In the first paragraph, what problem does the writer want to warn us?
A. We are now living in a dangerous world.
B. We get a lot of false statistics from the media.
C. Statistics alone without full background doesn't give us exact pictures of things.
D. There are around us more and more murders, diseases, etc.
2. Why does the writer use the example in the second paragraph?
A. To argue that high school students are easily persuaded.
B. To show the danger of reporting only part of the information.
C. To prove what is necessary to us might be dangerous.
D. To warn us of the harmful chemicals around us.
3. Some information is often left out because ________.
A. it is not that important
B. too much information will make readers feel confused
C. the author is trying to show what he or she says is true
D. readers are not able to analyze so much information at once
4. What conclusion can we draw from the passage?
A. We should learn to think critically and look at problems from all sides.
B. Some measures must be taken to protect our dangerous world.
C. The growing trend of reporting only half-truths is getting out of control.
D. Teenagers ought to improve their ability of telling right from wrong.
