2020年高考英语二轮复习第一部分阅读理解篇专题1阅读理解第4讲主旨大意类练案20202027192

2020届高考英语二轮复习题型精准练4 -阅读理解（主旨大意题）1、 Languages have been coming and going for thousands of years, but in recenttimes there has been less coming and a lot more going. When the world was stillpopulated by hunter-gatherers,small, tightly knit (联系)groups developed their ownpatterns of speech independent of each other.Some language experts believe that10,000 years ago, when the world had just five to ten million people, they spokeperhaps 12,000 languages between them.Soon afterwards, many of those people started settling down to become farmers,and their languages too became more settled and fewer in number. In recent centuries,trade, industrialisation, the development of the nation-state and the spread ofuniversal compulsory education,especially globalisation and better communicationsin the past few decades, all have caused many languages to disappear, and dominantlanguages such as English, Spanish and Chinese are increasingly taking over.At present, the world has about 6,800 languages. The distribution of theselanguages is hugely uneven. The general rule is that mild zones have relatively fewlanguages, often spoken by many people, while hot, wet zones have lots, often spokenby small numbers. Europehas only around 200 languages; the Americas about1,000;Africa 2 400; and Asia and the Pacific perhaps 3,200, of which Papua New Guinea aloneaccounts for well over 800. The median number (中位数)of speakers is a mere 6,000,which means that half the world’s languages are spoken by fewer people tha n that.Already well over 400 of the total of, 6,800 languages are close to extinction(消亡), with only a few elderly speakers left. Pick, at random, Busuu in Cameroon (eightremaining speakers),Chiapaneco in Mexico(150), Lipan Apache in the UnitedStates(two or three)or Wadjigu in Australia (one, with a question-mark): none ofthese seems to have much chance of survival.1.What can we infer about languages in hunter-gatherer times?A.They developed very fast.B.They werelarge in number.C.They had similar patterns .D.They wereclosely connected.2.Which of the following best explains “dominant” underlined in paragraph 2?plex .B.Advanced.C.Powerful .D.Modern.3.How many languages are spoken by less than 6,000 people at present?A.About 6,800B.About 3,400C.About 2,400D.About 1,2004.What is the main idea of the text?A.New languages will be created.B.People's lifestyles are reflected in languages.C.Human development results in fewer languages.D.Geography determines language evolution.2、Would you buy a car that released calming smells into the air when you are stuck in heavy traffic? Would you buy a robot that smells like a human being?Many people have seen the 3-D computer-made environments of virtual (虚拟的）reality (VR). Now these virtual worlds will not just look and sound real. Researchers have created VR environments that even smell like the real things. With the new technology， users open a virtual door and step into a new environment, like a rainforest. After they enter this virtual world, special equipment releases forest-like smells into the air to make the experience seem more real.Suzanne Fisher-Murray said "It is a really wonderful experience that you have because you reexploring this environment and you have smells with it."In the United States, Smell-O-Vision was designed to provide smells during the showing of a movie. The Smell-O-Vision system was once popular in the 1960s. Now, Emanuela Maggioni says it is close to becoming popular again, "People will be impressed by the connection with emotions，memories，and …the sense of smell，" Maggioni said. "It is unbelievable what we can do with technology."The uses for smell technology are not just limited to films and the performing arts. Researchers showed a computer program where users could imagine themselves driving a car. The system included a special smell-spraying machine. Dmitrijs Dmitrenko said，"We want to deliver the smell of lavender (薫衣草）every time the person drives over the speed limit. We choose lavender becau se it’s a very calming smell. "Scientists are experimenting with smell instead of sounds or image-based alerts on telecommunications equipment. And businesses are already using smell to influence people’s behavior. "Not only…in stores…But on the ot her side，you can create and stimulate (刺激）immediate buying, " Maggioni said "So you’re in a library and you smell coffee and actually you are unconsciously having the need to drink a coffee. "1. Using smell technology, researchers make VRenvironments .A. have a smell of a rainforestB. even smell like real onesC. look like a 4-D environmentD. impress people with a virtual world2. The example of Snell-O-Vision proves that .A. America is the first to use smell technologyB. cinemas are the most suitable for smell senseC. smell technology has been tried beforeD. it was out of date to use smell-spraying devices3. How is smell technology used by businessmen?A. To make buyers understand salesmen better.B. To remind people of their unrealistic buying.C. To help customers choose their favorite goods.D. To encourage people to buy something suddenly.4. What is the main idea of the passage?A. The developments of smell technology.B. A major breakthrough of smell technology.C. The sense of smell in human communication.D. The advanced smell-spraying machines.3、For Western designers, China and its rich culture have long been an inspiration for Western creative."It's no secret that China has always been a source(来源)of inspiration for designers," says Amanda Hill, chief creative officer at A+E Networks, a global media company and home to some of the biggest fashion(时尚)shows.Earlier this year, the China Through A Looking Glass exhibition in New York exhibited 140 pieces of China-inspired fashionable clothing alongside Chinese works of art, with the aim of exploring the influence of Chinese aesthetics(美学)on Western fashion and how China has fueled the fashionable imagination for centuries. The exhibition had record attendance, showing that there is huge interest in Chinese influences."China is impossible to overlook," says Hill. "Chinese models are the faces of beauty and fashion campaigns that sell dreams to women all over the world, which means Chinese women are not just consumers of fashion — they are central to its movement. "Of course, only are today's top Western designers being influenced by China-some of the best designers of contemporary fashion are themselves Chinese." Vera Wang, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu are taking on Galiano, Albaz, Marc Jacobs-and beating them hands down in design and sales," adds Hil.For Hill, it is impossible not to talk about China as the leading player when discussing fashion. "The most famous designers are Chinese, so are the models, and so are the consumers," she says. "China is no longer just another market; in many senses it has become the market. If you talk about fashion today, you are talking about China-its influences, its direction, its breathtaking clothes, and how young designers and models are finally acknowledging that in many ways."1.What can we learn about the exhibition in New York?A. It promoted the sales of artworks.B. It attracted a large number of visitors.C. It showed ancient Chinese clothes.D. It aimed to introduce Chinese models.2.What does Hill say about Chinese women?A. They are setting the fashion.B. They start many fashion campaigns.C. They admire super models.D. They do business all over the world.3.What do the underlined words "taking on" in paragraph 4 mean?A. learning fromB. looking down onC. working withD. competing against4.What can be a suitable title for the text?A. Young Models Selling Dreams to the WorldB.A Chinese Art Exhibition Held in New YorkC. Differences Between Eastern and Western AestheticsD. Chinese Culture Fueling International Fashion Trends4、Sometimes，you just can’t help it; maybe you’re watching a sad movie, or thinking about the friend who moved away. Next thing you know, you feel pressure in your throat, your eyes are watering，and you have tears running down your cheeks.According to Ad Vingerhoets. a professor of psychology at Tilburg University，in the Netherlands, who is one of the few scientists in the world who have studied crying, there are three types of tears. Basal tears are the first type. They act as a protective barrier between the eyes and the rest of the world Next are reflex tears. They wash your eyes clean when something gets in them. Finally，there are emotional tears. “These are released in response to emotional states，”explains Vingerhoets.Scientists believe crying has something to do with how humans developed and learned to depend on each other. “Humans are very complex social creatures，”says Lauren Bylsma，a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania. “It seems that tears serve to arouse help and support from others she says.Vingerhoets agrees. “I think that the reason why humans shed tears has something to do with our childhood,” he say, “that’s the time when we are still dependent on adults for love and protection and care. The major advantage of emotional tears is that you can target them at a specific person.” Vingerhoets says this ability could have come in handy in prehistoric times， when humans were living among dangerous animals. Tears were a safer way to get attention. “In this case， it is better to use a silent signal to ask for help, ”he says.Vingerhoets and Byhma do frequent studies to better understand why humans cry. According to Byhma. there is still much more to discover. “It’s surprising, ”she says，“how much we still don’t know.”1. In the scientist’s opinion, crying is .A. a sign of human evolutionB. a result of human kindnessC. a cause of personal growthD. a means of relying on each other2. The underlined phrase “this ability” in the last paragraph refers to the ability to .A. aim tears at someoneB. seek help wiselyC. cry emotionallyD. appeal to other people3. From the passage, we learn that Ad Vingerhoets and LaurenBylsma .A. hold different opinions about the causes of tearsB. think positively of the effects of tearsC. are working together to study tearsD. have learned enough about tears4. What can be a suitable title for the passage?A. The types of tearsB. The components of tearsC. The science of tearsD. The opinions about tears5、 NASA might be famous for sending rockets up to space quickly. But it will be more famous for making your next holiday come more quickly.The space agency is working on a new plane, which could solve the problems of supersonic(超音速的) flight and vastly increase the speed of journeys abroad. If successful, the plane would be able to fly between New York and London in just three hours. And it would reduce the time spent flying other journeys by a half, since it could be used more broadly. Until now, the problem with such planes has been the sonic boom(声爆), made famous by the original Concorde. That happens when a plane reaches supersonic speeds.It is a thunderous noise that upsets people on the ground---- disturbing animals and even causing physical problems to materials and houses underneath. It was that effect that led Congress to ban such planes from being used over the US land, adecision that in turn was responsible for Concorde’s failing to be commercially used.In view of the problem, the space agency has developed a new technology and tried it out in wind tunnels, and now believes that it could be put to commercial use. That plane will fly as high as 55,000 feet---- far higher than normal planes---and make a sound of only 60 decibels. That’s far less than 90 decibels th rown out by normal planes, and is roughly in line with a car on the motorway or a busy restaurant.“As long as we can get endorsement from the general public, the plane will probably be something that’s acceptable,” said Peter Coen, project manager for NASA’s commercial supersonic research team, in a new Bloomberg report. “If we get approved, we will have the full-sized version of the plane tried out and the plane will be put into use.”1.Why does the author mention Concorde?A.To suggest the rapid development of planes.B.To stress the negative effect of sonic booms.C.To introduce how a commercial plane is designed.D.To show Congress’ important role in making planes.2.What is the fourth paragraph mainly about?A.The basic data of the new plane.B.The working principle of the new plane.C.The problems of the new plane.D.The potential market of the new plane.3.What does the underlined word “endorsement” in paragraph 5 mean?A.Responsemitment.C.InvestmentD.Agreement4.What is the purpose of the passage?A.To inform people of NASA’s new plane.B.To prove the disadvantages of supersonic flight.C.To explain why speed matters in supersonic flight.D.To clarify some misunderstandings about commercial planes.6、Life at the Institute is more than just classes and homework 一 community members pride themselves on their curricular(课程）and extracurricular work in the arts, athletics and more. Whether it’s taking part in a living group，playing on one of our NCAA Division m sports teams or taking time to learn new dance moves, Institute life has no boundaries.ArtsArt, engineering, science, and invention are interconnected throughout MIT. Explore the Arts at MIT Portal（门口网站).Athletics，Physical Education and RecreationAt MIT，exceptional students apply to athletics， physical education, and recreation with the same passion， drive and work ethic as they do in academics to reach their complete potential. Intensity and commitment to excellence can be found in all of DAPER's participants.The Institute sponsors the largest NCAA Division IE athletic program among colleges in the country with 33 university sports. DAPER features more than 30 club teams while it offers an expansive variety of intra-mural(校内的）competition. Physical education，a general Institute requirement, contains health and wellness concepts in addition to specific skill instruction. Recreational sports include 200-plus programs annually，including fitness training，group exercise and specialty events.Visit the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) website for more information.1. What do we know about the life at MIT?A. The students are proud of only their classes and homework.B. MIT offers students colorful after-school activities and community groups.C. The students have no limits to the curricular and extracurricular activities.D. Extracurricular activities in MIT focus on arts and athletics.2. If you want to know about Arts in MIT，what should you do?A. Visit the DAPER website.B. Pay a visit in person.C. Make a call.D. Log on to the MIT Portal.3. What do we know about DAPER?A. All students are encouraged to apply to DAPER.B. DAPER is famous for its over 30 club teams and varieties of competition.C. Participants will fulfil their potential and better themselves after joining DAPER.D. Participants will learn health and wellness concepts in the Recreational sports team.7、 Chinese audiences seemed not to satisfy with the third season of the highly anticipated food documentary A Bite of China.Even though the series maintained high viewership ratings since its comeback, much higher than other programs aired at the same time, the ranking on Douban, a social networking website featuring films, literature and events, slipped to 3. 7 out of 10, compared with 9. 3 and 8. 4, respectively, for the first two seasons. Picky viewers complained that some of the narration was not accurate, while others pinpointed misleading content. At the same time, a food blogger questioned whether it was appropriate to give a close-up shot(特写镜头) of the poisonous plant nandina(南天竹) in a food program.A Bite of China, which debuted in 2012, became hugely popular nationwide for its quality introduction of some rarely-known and mouthwatering domestic cuisine. In the new show, however, watchers were not satisfied with "irrelevant" foodreferences, such as lipsticks made from Chinese traditional medicine and martial arts(武术) master.The first episode introduced a hand-made iron frying pan from east China's Shandong Province, which prompted thousands of Chinese Internet users to buy one from China s leading ecommerce website Tmall in the next few days. Sales of the pan at "Zhensanhuan" surged 6,000 times compared with a year ago. according to Beijing Youth Daily.In response to overwhelming criticism and questions, A Bite of China production crew responded on Weibo that they sought innovation despite the risks following the first two phenomenal seasons."It is unavoidable to make comparisons with the first two, and some audiences may not accept the changes," the crew said. "We explore the culture and civilization behind food, and give food a historic touch. That's why we feature culinary(烹饪的) tools, feast and rituals, as well as a healthy diet to show Chinese wisdom and philosophy, which has not been shown in any food programs before."1.Why does the passage mention nandina?A.Because some of the narration is not accurate.B.Because it may be improper to give a close-up shot of a poisonous plant.C.Because it is misleading content.D.Because it is not attractive at all to most picky viewers.2.Which of the following elements leads to viewers' dissatisfaction with the new show?A.Some mouth-watering domestic cuisines.B.Non-food items.C.Some rarely-known cuisines.D.The increasing sales of the pan at "Zhensanhuan".3.According to its production crew, what is unique to A Bite of China Ⅲ?A.It makes comparisons with the first two seasons.B.It tells the story of some martial arts related to food.C.It receives overwhelming criticism and questions from audiences.D.It focuses on cooking tools，rituals and healthy eating.4.What is the best title for the passage?A.A Bite of China Ⅲ Draws Criticism from AudiencesB.A Bite of China Ⅲ Maintains High Viewer-ship RatingsC.A Bite of China Ⅲ Changes for the WorseD.A Bite of China Ⅲ Explains Its Purposes8、We’ve all been there: in a lift, in line at the bank or on an airplane, surrounded by people who are, like us, deeply focused on their smartphones or, worse, struggling with the uncomfortable silence.What’s the problem? It’s possible that we all have compromised conversational intelligence. It’s more likely that none of us start a conversation because it’s awkward and challenging, or we think it’s annoying and unnecessary. But the next time you find yourself among strangers, consider that small talk is worth the trouble. Experts say it’s an invaluable social pra ctice that results in big benefits.Dismissing small talk as unimportant is easy, but we can’t forget that deep relationships wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for casual conversation. Small talk is the grease(润滑剂) for social communication, says Bernardo Carducci, director of the Shyness Research Institute at Indiana University Southeast. "Almost every great love story and each big business deal begins with small talk," he explains. "The key to successful small talk is learning how to connect with others, not just communicate with them."In a 2014 study, Elizabeth Dunn, associate professor of psychology at UBC, invited people on their way into a coffee shop. One group was asked to seek out an interaction(互动) with its waiter; the other, to speak only when necessary. The results showed that those who chatted with their server reported significantly higher positive feelings and a better coffee shop experience. "It’s not that talking to the waiter is better than talking to your husband," says Dunn. "But interactions with peripheral(边缘的) members of our social network matter for our well-being also."Dunn believes that people who reach out to strangers feel a significantly greater sense of belonging, a bond with others. Carducci believes developing such a sense of belonging starts with small talk. "Small talk is the basis of good manners,"he says.1.What phenomenon is described in the first paragraph?A.Addiction to smartphones.B.Inappropriate behaviours in public places.C.Absence of communication between strangers.D.Impatience with slow service.2.What is important for successful small talk according to Carducci?A.Showing good manners.B.Relating to other people.C.Focusing on a topic.D.Making business deals.3.What does the coffee-shop study suggest about small talk?A.It improves family relationships.B.It raises people's confidence.C.It matters as much as a formal talk.D.It makes people feel good.4.What is the best title for the text?A.Conversation CountsB.Ways of Making Small TalkC.Benefits of Small TalkD.Uncomfortable Silence答案以及解析1答案及解析：答案：1.B; 2.C; 3.B; 4.C解析：本文是一篇议论文。

第一部分专题一第4讲A(2022·山东省泰安市高三一模)Imagine that one day you live in a highly immersive (身临其境) virtual world.You can go to a virtual concert, take a trip online, view or create artworks and try on or buy digital clothing.Amid a pandemic like COVID-19, instead of seeing teachers and classmates on a video call screen, you could join them in a virtual classroom.This may help you understand the concept, metaverse.The term metaverse refers to a shared virtual 3D world in which people can access via the Internet.Currently, most virtual spaces look more like the inside of a video game than real life.However, metaverseʼs made the digital spaces more realistic by the use of virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR, 增强现实).Metaverse was first used in Neal Stephensonʼs novel SnowCrash in 1992.The novel is about Hiro, a pizza delivery man by day and a VR superhero by night who lives in an online universe called The Metaverse.“He is in a computer-generated universe that his computer is drawing onto his glasses and pulling into his earphones，” the novel says of the city that everyone pops into in VR.The idea rings in many other works, for example, in ReadyPlayerOne directed by Steven Spielberg.In recent years, metaverse has become the latest popular word to capture the tech industryʼs imagination so much that one of the best-known Internet platforms is renamed to embrace the futuristic idea—Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that he changed his companyʼs name to Meta.Tech companies are also dedicated to exploring metaverse-related products.Facebook has launched meeting software for companies, called Horizon Workrooms, to use with VR headsets.The headsets cost $300 or more, putting the metaverseʼs most cutting-edge (尖端的) experiences out of reach for many.For users who can afford it, they can enter the virtual worlds created by different companies.Fans of metaverse see it as the next stage in the development of the Internet.So, do you expect the coming of metaverse?1．What can be inferred about metaverse？________A．It is a video game like real life.B．It is a parallel universe imagined by scientists.C．It gives us a real life in a virtual world.D．It can protect yourself from a pandemic.2．What does Paragraph 3 mainly talk about？________A．The fiction SnowCrash.B．The origin of metaverse.C．A VR superhero.D．The film ReadyPlayerOne.3．Why did Facebook CEO use Meta as his companyʼs name？________A.Metaverse has become more popular.B．He lives in a virtual world every day.C．Facebook is the best-known Internet platform.D．He has accepted the idea of metaverse.4．What can we know from the text about VR headsets？________A．They are very cheap for most of us.B．Their users can experience a virtual world.C．Horizon Workroom donʼt need them at all.D．They will bring us into the final stage of the Internet.【语篇解读】本文是一篇说明文，介绍了什么是虚拟空间(metaverse)、其产生的由来及运用。

第4讲主旨大意题【真题达标组】A(2019全国卷Ⅱ， C)Marian Bechtel sits at West Palm Beach's Bar Louie counter by herself, quietly reading her e－book as she waits for her salad. What is she reading? None of your business! Lunch is Bechtel's “me” time. And like more Americ ans, she's not alone.A new report found 46 percent of meals are eaten alone in America. More than half(53 percent)have breakfast alone and nearly half (46 percent) have lunch by themselves. Only at dinnertime are we eating together anymore,74 percent，according to statistics from the report.“I prefer to go out and be out. Alone，but together，you know？”Bechtel said，looking up from her book. Bechtel，who works in downtown West Palm Beach，has lunch with coworkers sometimes，but like many of us，too often works through lunch at her desk. A lunchtime escape allows her to keep a boss from tapping her on the shoulder. She returns to work feeling energized. “Today，I just wanted some time to myself，” she said.Just two seats over，Andrew Mazoleny，a local videographer，is finishing his lunch at the bar. He likes that he can sit and check his phone in peace or chat up the barkeeper with whom he's on a first－name basis if he wants to have a little interaction(交流). “I reflect on how my day's gone and think about the rest of th e week，” he said. “It's a chance for self－reflection. You return to work recharged and with a plan.”That freedom to choose is one reason more people like to eat alone. There was a time when people may have felt awkward about asking for a table for one，but those days are over. Now，we have our smartphones to keep us company at the table. “It doesn't feel as alone as it may have before all the advances in technology，” said Laurie Demerit, whose company provided the statistics for the report.( )1.What are the statistics in paragraph 2 about?A．Food variety.B．Eating habits.C．Table manners.D．Restaurant service.( )2.Why does Bechtel prefer to go out for lunch?A．To meet with her coworkers.B．To catch up with her work.C．To have some time on her own.D．To collect data for her report.( )3.What do we know about Mazoleny?A．He makes videos for the bar.B．He's fond of the food at the bar.C．He interviews customers at the bar.D．He's familiar with the barkeeper.( )4.What is the text mainly about?A．The trend of having meals alone.B．The importance of self－reflection.C．The stress from working overtime.D．The advantage of wireless technology.【语篇解读】这是一篇说明文，列举了越来越多人喜欢单独吃饭的现象，并解释了原因。

专题一阅读理解主题一人与自我A(2019河北保定二模)Summer Programs for TeensUniversity of Maryland: TERP Young ScholarsThis program is the perfect summer camp for academically talented teenagers who want to pursue academic interests, explore career opportunities, and discover college life at the University of Maryland.During three weeks of intellectual exploration, teens can study with students who share similar interests, and communicate with some of the university's best teachers.Upon successful completion, students can earn three college credits.Carpe Diem: The University-bound AdventureCarpe Diem supports both American and international students in applying to a university by providing private consultation. This 2-week experience also includes tours of famous East Coast universities. Students will also have the opportunity to build their resumes(简历) by working with writing experts.Great Books Summer ProgramThis is a lively, warm and welcoming summer camp community of outstanding teens, who love literature and ideas. In the past eleven years, it has gathered middle and high school students1 / 60from across the world to read selections from the greatest works of literature, experience heated discussions and enjoy summer camp fun with other literary-minded students. Participants can gain confidence in their ability to read a text closely and express their ideas clearly both verbally and in writing.Zeal TravelWe offer our teens two-week and three-week long trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Australia and Spain. All trips include 15—25 hours of community service activities.Depending on your trip of choice, you'll be helping Hawaiians protect their forest ecosystem, caring for dogs in Spain, working with Habitat for Humanity, and much more. Every trip also includes exciting outdoor activities like surfing, driving, ice-climbing, hiking and more. The possibilities are endless and there is a zeal trip for every interest.1.Which program offers students the opportunity to develop academic interests?A.Carpe Diem.B.Zeal Travel.C.University of Maryland.D.Great Books Summer Program.2.What can students do in Great Books Summer Program?A.Learn how to write stories.B.Attend a campus cultural event.C.Make friends with famous writers.D.Read and discuss the great works of literature.3.What is special about Zeal Travel?2 / 60A.It includes a lot of thrilling outdoor activities.B.It provides community service for students.C.It offers students exciting free trips.D.It will last 3 weeks.答案[语篇解读]本文是一篇应用文,介绍了四项青少年暑期活动计划。

2020届高考英语二轮复习巩固训练：专题1阅读理解4第一编专题一考点4A(2018·北京，D)Preparing Cities for Robot CarsThe possibility of self－driving robot cars has often seemed like a futurist’s dream，years away from materializing in the real world. Well，the future is apparently now. The California Department of Motor Vehicles began giving permits in April for companies to test truly self－driving cars on public roads. The state also cleared the way for companies to sell or rent out self－driving cars，and for companies to operate driverless taxi services. California，it should be noted，isn’t leading the way here. Companies have been testing their vehicles in cities across the country. It’s hard to predict when driverless c ars will be everywhere on our roads. But however long it takes，the techno －logy has the potential to change our transportation systems and our cities，for better or for worse，depending on how the transformation is regulated.While much of the debate so far has been focused on the safety of driverless cars (and rightfully so)，policymakers also should be talking about how self－driving vehicles can help reduce traffic jams，cut emissions(排放)and offer more convenient，affordable mobility options. The arrival of driverless vehicles is a chance to make sure that those vehicles are environmentally friendly and more shared.Do we want to copy—or even worsen—the traffic of today with driverless cars？Imagine a future where most adults own individual self－driving vehicles. They tolerate long，slowjourneys to and from work on packed highways because they can work，entertain themselves or sleep on the ride，which encourages urban spread. They take their driverless car to an appointment and set the empty vehicle to circle the building to avoid paying for parking. Instead of walking a few blocks to pick up a child or the dry cleaning，they send the self－driving minibus. The convenience even leads fewer people to take public transport—an unwelcome side effect researchers have already found in ride－hailing(叫车)services.A study from the University of California at Davis suggested that replacing petrol－powered private cars worldwide with electric，self－driving and shared systems could reduce carbon emissions from transportation 80% and cut the cost of transportation infrastructure (基础设施) and operations 40% by 2050. Fewer emissions and cheaper travel sound pretty appealing. The first commercially available driverless cars will almost certainly be fielded by ride－hailing services，considering the cost of self－driving technology as well as liability and maintenance issues(责任与维护问题). But driverless car ownership could increase as the prices drop and more peoplebecome comfortable with the technology.Policymakers should start thinking now about how to make sure the appearance of driverless vehicles doesn’t extend the worst aspects of the car－controlled transportation system we have today. The coming technological advancement presents a chance for cities and states to develop transportation systems designed to move more people，and more affordably. The car of the future is coming. We just have to plan for it.文章大意：本文是一篇议论文。