The concept of solitude (独处) in the digital world is almost non-existent. In the world of digital technology, e-mail, social networking and online video games, information is meant to be __21__. Solitude can be hard to discover __22__ it has been given up. In this respect, new technologies have __23__ our culture.
The desire to be connected has brought solitude to a(n) __24__ as we’ve known it. People have become so __25__ in the world of networks and connections that one can often be contacted __26__ they’d rather not be. Today we can talk, text, e-mail, chat and blog, not only from our__27__, but from our mobile phones as well.
Most developed nations have become __28__ on digital technology simply because they’ve grown accustomed to it, and at this point not __29__ it would make them an outsider. __30__ , many jobs and careers require people to be __31__ . From this point of view, technology has changed the culture of work. Being reachable might feel like a __32__ to those who may not want to be able to be contacted at all times.
I suppose the positive side is that solitude is still possible for anyone who __33__ wants it. Computers can be __34__ and mobile phones can be turned off. The ability to be “connected” and “ on” has many __35__ , as well as disadvantages. Travelers have ended up __36__ on mountains, and mobile phones have saved countless lives. They can also make people feel __37__ and forced to answer unwanted calls or __38__ to unwanted texts.
Attitudes towards our connectedness as a society __39__ across generations. Some find today’s technology a gift. Others consider it a curse. Regardless of anyone’s view on the subject, it’s hard to imagine what life would be like__40__ daily advancements in technology.
21. A. updated B. received C. shared D. collected
22. A. though B. until C. once D. before
23.A. respected B. shaped C. ignored D. preserved
24.A. edge B. stage C. end D. balance
25.A. sensitive B. intelligent C. considerate D. reachable
26. A. even if B. only if C. as if D. if only
27.A. media B. computers C. databases D. monitors
28.A. bent B. hard C. keen D. dependent
29. A. finding B. using C. protecting D. changing
30.A. Also B. Instead C. Otherwise D. Somehow
31.A. connected B. trained C. recommended D. interested
32.A. pleasure B. benefit C. burden D. disappointment
33.A. slightly B. hardly C. merely D. really
34.A. cut out B. shut down C. taken off D. broken down
35.A. aspects B. weaknesses C. advantages D. exceptions
36.A. hidden B. lost C. relaxed D. deserted
37.A. trapped B. excited C. confused D. amused
38.A. turn B. submit C. object D. reply
39.A. vary B. arise C. spread D. exist
40.A. beyond B. within C. despite D. without
CCBCD ABDBA ACDBC BADAD