同等学力英语阅读及翻译专项练习 5
Nowadays, we hear a lot about the growing threat of globalization, accompanied by those warnings that the rich pattern of local life is being undermined, and many dialects and traditions are becoming extinct. But stop and think for a moment about the many positive aspects that globalization is bringing. Read on and you are bound to feel comforted, ready to face the global future, which is surely inevitable now.
Consider the Internet, that prime example of our shrinking world. Leaving aside the all-to-familiar worries about pornography and political extremism, even the most narrow-minded must admit that the net offers immeasurable benefits, not just in terms of education, the sector for which it was originally designed, but more importantly on a global level, the spread of news and comment. It will be increasingly difficult for politicians to maintain their regimes of misinformation, as the oppressed will not only find support and comfort, but also be able to organize themselves more effectively.
MTV is another global provider that is often criticized for imposing popular culture on the unsuspecting millions around the world. Yet the viewers' judgment on MTV is undoubtedly positive; it is regarded as indispensable by most of the global teenage generation who watch it, a vital part of growing up. And in the final analysis, what harm can a few songs and videos cause?
Is the world dominance of brands like Nike and Coca-Cola so bad for us when all is said and done? Sportswear and soft drinks are harmless products when compared to the many other things that have been globally available for a longer period of time—heroin and cocaine, for example. In any case, just because Nike shoes and Coke cans are for sale, it doesn't mean you have to buy them—even globalization cannot deprive the individual of his free will.
Critics of globalization can stop issuing their doom and gloom statements. Life goes on, and has more to offer for many citizens of the world than it did for their parents' generation.
1. Some people feel sad about globalization because they believe it will ______.
A. bring threat to the world peace
B. impact the diversified local life
C. disrupt their present easy lifestyle
D. increase the size of people speaking dialects
2. Internet was originally designed ______.
A. to promote education B. to distribute news and comment
C. to relieve people of worries D. to publicize political beliefs
3. What is the writer's attitude towards globalization?
A. Suspicious. B. Positive. C. Indifferent. D. Contemptuous.
4. It is implied in the passage that Nike and Coca-cola ______.
A. should not become dominant brands B. have been ignored by many people
C. cannot be compared with drugs D. shouldn't have caused so much concern
5. Which of the following could be the best title of the passage?
A. Globalization Is Standardization B. Globalization: Like It or Lump It
C. Globalization: Don't Worry, Be Happy D. Globalization Brings Equality
如今，我们听到了不少有关全球化的威胁在不断增长的说法，还听到了这样的警告：丰富多彩的地方生活方式正在遭到破坏，许多方言和传统正在消亡。但是，静下心来，考虑一下全球化带来的许多有利之处。继续思考下去，你肯定会觉得有所慰藉，乐于面对全球化的未来——现在看来，这种未来不可避免。
想一想因特网这个使我们这个世界变小的绝好例子。不用考虑人们对色情文学和政治极端化的普遍担忧，就连最目光短浅的人都肯定承认：因特网给我们带来了不可估量的利益，不只是在教育方面——因特网最初就是为教育设计的，更重要的是全球范围内信息和观念的传播。对于政治家来说，要想维持他们误传的政权将会越来越困难，因为被压迫者将不仅得到支持与安慰，而且能够更有效地组织自己。
音乐电视是另一个全球性的传播物——因为在全世界数以百万计没有疑心的人中强行推广流行文化而经常受到批评。不过，毫无疑问，观众对音乐电视的看法还是肯定的；全世界看过音乐电视的大多数青少年——正在成长的主要群体——都认为音乐电视绝对必要。总而言之，几首歌和几部录像能够造成怎样的损害？
在该说的都说了、该采取的行动也采取了时，像耐克和可口可乐这样的世界主导品牌就会对我们有害吗？同许多其他更长时期内在全世界都可得到的产品相比——比如海洛因和可卡因，运动装和不含酒精的饮料没有害处。无论如何，正是因为耐克运动鞋和可乐易拉罐在待销，所以并不意味着你非得购买它们不可——即使是全球化也不可能剥夺人们的自由意愿。
全球化的批评者可以停止发表他们的悲观言论了。生活会继续，生活将给予世界上许多人的乐趣比给予这些人的父辈的乐趣多。
参考答案 ： 1 ． B 2 ． A 3 ． B 4 ． D 5 ． C
