四级真题2023年12月第二套 Passage Two
四级真题2023年12月第二套 Passage Two


①A multitasker is one who can perform two or more tasks effectively at the same time, which—apart from the obvious differences—is similar to what a computer does. The concept does indeed come from the realms of technology, where it is used to refer to an operating system that can execute multiple tasks at the same time. However, the question is: can a person really be a multitasker?

②For most scientists, the answer is no. So much so that, according to experts in neuroscience (神经系统科学), our brains do not handle multitasking situations well. As soon as two tasks require our attention, productivity suffers. What we call multitasking, therefore, is in reality the ability to move more or less quickly from one task to another. This requires two essential conditions: that one of the tasks needs to be automatic, like walking or eating, and that they both need different mental processes. Answering the phone and writing at the same time, for example.
③However, on the other side of the coin there are people who maintain that it is possible to be, or at least seem to be, multitasking. A recent study concluded that regardless of whether people are actually handling several tasks or not, the mere fact that they perceive this activity as multitasking has a positive effect on their performance.
④The business perspective offers a different view: multitasking is understood as the ability to adapt to all types of environment within a company and effectively undertake different activities within a set time frame. Indeed, many companies look for people who are skilled in multitasking to improve their productivity. From this different perspective, you can not only be multitasking but this ability can also be taught: something that is easier in fluid organisations, which favour flexibility in their working practices.
⑤The benefits of multitasking are clear. Being quicker and more efficient increases our performance and the number of tasks completed. But having to pay attention to several things at once means that the powers of concentration are reduced and that can lead to more mistakes.

1.1. What does a “multitasker” originally refer to?

A An operating system capable of doing several tasks at once.

B A skilled worker executing more than one task at the same time.

C A sophisticated technology doing several tasks effectively at once.

D An efficient person able to perform multiple tasks at the same time.

解析：选A。A 细节理解题。由题文同序原则和题干中的originallyrefer to 定位到首段第二句。定位句指出,这个概念确实来自技术领域,在技术领域,多任务处理者是指能够同时执行多个任务的操作系统。由此可见，多任务处理者最初是指一种能够同时完成多项任务的操作系统,故答案为A。

2.2. Why can’t people really be multitaskers according to neuroscientists?

A They are not sufficiently exposed to multitasking situations.

B They are not comparable to mechanical operating systems.

C Their brains do not allow them to multitask.

D Their attention span cannot be expanded.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。由题干中的 neuroscientists定位到第二段第二句。定位句提到,神经系统科学专家指出,我们的大脑不能很好地处理多任务的情况。由此可知，人们的大脑不允许同时处理多项任务,故答案为C。

3.3. What do we learn from the conclusion of a recent study on multitasking?

A People make greater achievements by maintaining whatever they are doing is multitasking.

B People’s performance benefits from the perception of what they are doing as multitasking.

C People’s active mental processes exert a positive effect on their multitasking.

D People can improve their capabilities by handling multitasking situations.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。由题干中的the conclusion of a recentstudy 定位到第三段第二句。定位句指出,最近的一项研究得出结论,无论人们是否真的在处理多项任务，仅仅是他们认为这项活动是多任务处理,就会对他们的表现产生积极的影响。由此可见,该研究的结论是，人们的表现得益于他们把所做的事情视为多任务处理,故答案为 B。

4.4. How does the business world view multitasking?

A It is a rare skill often found in fluid organisations.

B It is an adaptable capability required of all workers.

C It is an essential quality many employees lack.

D It is a desirable ability that can be developed.

解析：选D。D推理判断题。由题干中的 the business world 定位到第四段。定位段末句提到，从这个不同的角度来看,你不仅可以进行多任务处理，而且这种能力还可以习得。由此可见,多任务工作能力受商界欢迎，并且这种能力还可以培养,故答案为D。

5.5. What does the author imply we should do if we have to focus on some task and do it well?

A Work in a flexible way.

B Learn from mistakes.

C Avoid multitasking.

D Increase efficiency.

解析：选C。C 推理判断题。由题干中的focus on some task and do itwell定位到最后一段第三句。定位句指出，必须同时关注几件事意味着降低专注力,这可能会导致更多的错误。由此可见,作者认为要想专注地做好一项任务,需要避免多任务处理,故答案为C。