C
Back in the early 2000s, lots of people couldn't have imagined life without alarm clocks, CD players, calendars, cameras, or lots of other devices. But along came the smartphone, and it took over the functions of dozens of things we used to think that were essential.
The smartphone story could even be a model for fighting climate change; not because smartphones use a small part of the energy of all the things they replace—although they do—but because they represent a different approach to design in general. And that approach is to focus on function rather than form. That requires focusing on understanding the underlying problem, and then engineering a wide range of potential solutions. This approach could revolutionize how we think about energy efficiency.
Traditionally, improvements in energy efficiency have mostly focused on individual devices, which can be quite fruitful. But focusing on individual devices is like if the phone companies had spent effort inventing a better alarm clock, a better CD player, a better calendar, and a better camera. Now with a smartphone, we don't need the stand-alone devices at all, because it can function as all of them.
So when it comes to using energy efficiently, rather than just installing a more efficient heater, some people have focused instead on the desired function: staying warm. They designed and coated their house so well that they could get rid of their heater altogether, letting them heat their house with 99% less energy.
In the same way, rather than just making cars more efficient, what if we focus on the desired function—getting where we want when we want—and create an efficient transportation system where we can drive less or get rid of our personal cars entirely?
The most energy efficient car or heater is no car, or no heater, while still being able to get around and stay warm. In other words, it's not thinking efficiently, but it's thinking differently.
8. What makes the smartphone a good example of environmental protection? ()
A. Perfecting individual devices.
B. Combining possible functions.
C. Adopting the simplest design.
D. Reducing energy consumption.
9. According to the passage, what is the core of improving energy efficiency? ()
A. Using recyclable materials.
B. Revolutionizing technologies.
C. Figuring out various solutions.
D. Concentrating on the essential needs.
10. What does the author think of traditional practices in energy improvements? ()
A. Conventional.
B. Out-of-date.
C. Adequate.
D. Perfect.
11. What can we learn from the passage? ()
A. Think out of the box.
B. Differences make it unique.
C. Be economical with energy.
D. Step out of the comfort zone.
D

语篇解读 本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了智能手机的设计思路启发我们改变对能源效率的看法。能源效率不应只局限于改进单一设备,而应注重于实现人们的核心功能需求,通过系统性思维节约能源。
8. B 推理判断题。根据第一段最后一句和第二段前两句可知,其他智能手机取代了我们过去认为必不可少的几十种设备,智能手机注重的是功能。由此可推知,智能手机成为环保的典范是因为它们是许多功能的集合。故选 B。
9. D 推理判断题。根据第三段和第四段中具体例子“So when it comes to using... installing a more efficient heater,some people have focused instead on the desired function”可推知,提高能源效率的核心是专注于人们的核心需求。故选 D。
10. B 推理判断题。根据第三段最后一句及全文内容可推知,作者更加推崇当前新的发展趋势,而传统的做法有点过时了,故选 B。
11. A 推理判断题。文章最后一段对全文进行了总结,根据最后一段内容可知,文章带来的启示是要跳出思维的固有框架,打破常规。故选 A。