
① In the age of the internet, there’s no such thing as a private debate. But is that bad for science? Some scientists have had concerns. When debates in any sector move beyond the halls of universities and government agencies, there’s potential for information to be used incorrectly, leading to public confusion; yet, open debate can also promote communication between the scientific community and the public. Recent open debates on scientific research, health, and policy have aroused greater public attention and encouraged more diverse voices. If this trend spurs scientists to agree more quickly about the best solutions to our problems-and at the same time helps the public observe the process of scientific discourse more clearly—then this is good for everyone, including scientists.
1.1.What does the author think open debate can do?
A Help the public to better understand science.
B Clear up confusion in the scientific community.
C Settle disputes between universities and government agencies.
D Prevent information from being used incorrectly by the public.
解析:选A。A 细节理解题。由题干中的 open debate 定位到第一段第四句。定位句指出,当任何领域的辩论走出了大学和政府机构的大厅时,信息就有可能被误用,导致公共混乱。然而,公开辩论也可以促进科学界和公众之间的交流。由此可知,公开辩论可以帮助公众更好地理解科学,故答案为 A。
2.2.Why did a recent debate published in The New York Times arouse concerns among experts?
A It might hinder the progress in medical research.
B It might breed public distrust in modern medicine.
C It might add to the difficulty of getting research funds.
D It might prevent medical scientists reaching consensus.
解析:选B。B 推理判断题。由题干中的 The New York Times 和arouse concerns定位到第二段。第二段首句介绍这场辩论,第三句提到一些专家的担心:这种公开的猜测可能会导致人们认为,细节上的分歧意味着对现代医学的安全性和效率缺乏足够的科学共识。由此可以推断,这会引起公众对现代医学不信任,故案为 B。
3.3.Why does the author say some experts’ anxiety seems misplaced?
A Debating scientific issues at a conference is now old-fashioned.
B Diverse topics can be debated by both scientists and the public.
C Debates about science are accessible to the public anyway.
D Scientists can voice their opinions whatever way they like.
解析:选C。C 细节理解题。由题干中的 some experts’anxiety 和misplaced 定位到第三段。第三段首句指出,这种焦虑似乎放错了地方。末句指出,如今,无论有关科学的辩论发生在哪里,公众都可以接触到,故答案为 C。
4.4.What does the author suggest scientists do about public debate?
A Have more discussions about it.
B Embrace it with open arms.
C Formulate new rules for it.
D Restrain it to a rational degree.
解析:选B。B 推理判断题。由题干中的 scientists、public debate 和题文同序原则定位到第四段首句。定位句提到,对许多科学家来说,公开辩论是一个新的领域,它可能感觉像是一个没有什么限制或规则的地方,但与其避免这样的对话,不如让辩论变得透明和充满活力,无论辩论在哪里举行。由此可以推断,作者支持公开辩论,故答案为 B。
5.5.What does the author say about science in the last paragraph?
A It is transmitted through textbooks.
B It is what proves valid and true to life.
C It is a dynamic and self-improving process.
D It is a collection of facts and established rules.
解析:选C。C 推理判断题。由题干中的the last paragraph定位到最后一段。最后一段第二句提到,如果公众要理解科学是一个正大光明的自我纠正的过程,那么,需要摒弃那种认为科学是教科书中一系列固定不变的事实的观点。由此可以推断,科学是一个自我完善的过程,故答案为C。