Exercise 1
The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT. Twenty years ago, few people had access to a computer whilst today most people use them at work, home, or school, and use of e-mail and the Internet is an everyday event. These developments have brought many benefits to our lives. E-mail makes communication much easier and more immediate. This has numerous benefits for business, commerce, and education. The World Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. Clearly, .for many people this has made life much easier and more convenient. However, not all the effects of the new technology have been beneficial. Many people feel that the widespread use of e-mail is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone, and face-to-face conversation. In addition, the huge size of the Web means it is almost impossible to control and regulate. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites. In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe developments relating to new technology in the future are likely to produce many negative effects that will need to be addressed very carefully.
1. In the last twenty years,__________.
A. there have been dramatic changes in the field of computer science.
B. people's lives have been changed a lot because of the invention of the computer.
C. the World Wide Web and e-mail communication have affected modern life. D. there have been developments in telecommunications.
2. According to the passage, e-mail______________.
A. reduces face-to-face contact
B. can be checked quickly and easily
C. is used only in business
D. takes a lot of time to transmit
3. The World Wide Web and e-mail communication ________.
A. causes a busy and exciting life
B. have also been used for education purpose
C. is difficult to get access to
D. is destroying traditional customs
4. Which sentence is NOT mentioned?
A. The World Wide Web is difficult to navigate.
B. The World Wide Web provides information.
C. The World Wide Web is difficult to control.
D. E-mail communication is quick and easy.
5. The writer thinks future IT developments will be__________.
A. more positive
B. more negative
C. more rapid
D. unexpected