[单项选择]

It is a favorite pastime of older people to lament the defects of the young. Every generation seems to be convinced that in its day, standards were higher, schools were tougher and kids were smarter. But if I.Q. scores are any measure, and even their critics agree they measure something, people are getting smarter. Researchers who study intelligence say scores around the world have been increasing so fast that a high proportion of people regarded as normal at the turn of the century would be considered way below average by today’s tests.
Psychologists offer a variety of possible explanations for the increase, including better nutrition, urbanization, more experience with test taking, and smaller families. Some even say that television and video games have made children’s brains more agile. But no explanation is without its critics, and no one can say with certainty what effects, if any, the change is having on how people lead their daily lives. It is all the m
A. illustrate the defects of young people
B. stress that standards of education are dropping
C. imply that young people are actually not more stupid than earlier generations
D. compare the intelligence gap between generations

[单项选择]It is a favorite pastime of older people to lament the defects of the young. Every generation seems to be convinced that in its day, standards were higher, schools were tougher and kids were smarter. But if I.Q. scores are any measure, and even their critics agree they measure something, people are getting smarter. Researchers who study intelligence say scores around the world have been increasing so fast that a high proportion of people regarded as normal at the turn of the century would be considered way below average by today’s tests.
Psychologists offer a variety of possible explanations for the increase, including better nutrition, urbanization, more experience with test taking, and smaller families. Some even say that television and video games have made children’s brains more agile. But no explanation is without its critics, and no one can say with certainty what effects, if any, the change is having on how people lead their daily lives. It is all the more mysterious becau
A. illustrate the defects of young people
B. stress that standards of education are dropping
C. imply that young people are actually not more stupid than earlier generations
D. compare the intelligence gap between generations

[填空题]Younger people and older people do not always agree. They sometimes have different (1) , work and play. But in one special program in New York State, adults and teenagers (2) in peace. Each summer 200 teenagers and 50 adults live together for eight weeks as members of a special work group. Everyone works (3) each day. The aim is not just to keep busy but rather to find meaning and enjoyment (4) . Some teenagers work in the woods or on the farms near the village. Some learn to make furniture and to (5) . The adults teach them these skills.Younger people and older people do not always agree. They sometimes have different (1) , work and play. But in one special program in New York State, adults and teenagers (2) in peace. Each summer 200 teenagers and 50 adults live together for eight weeks as members of a special work group. Everyone works (3) each day. The aim is not just to keep busy but rather to find