Algorithms (算法) affect nearly every part of a person's experience on the Internet. Search engines are most people' s entry to the Internet.If a person wants to find information about something, they usually start with a search bar.As soon as they start typing or choosing links,the algorithm starts gathering data about every choice users make and uses that data to try to find the websites or information that most directly relate to what the user is looking for.
The problem with algorithm is that they can limit the kinds of information people see,says MacMillan,a reading researcher with Project Information Literacy (能力). He argues this can be harmful to people's critical thinking and lead them to believe that only one point of view is correct.
Companies also pay to post advertisements for products that could relate to users' search data. For example,if you search for places to take a vacation,you will likely start to see ads for travel companies, flights or hotels.
Renee Hobbs, director of the Media Education Lab at the University of Rhode Island, however, argues that algorithms are not all bad. She says search engine algorithms can help you find what might be the most useful information faster. But she says it is in the interests of Internet companies to keep users on the Internet for as long as possible so they see more ads.
The current generation of young people grow up using the Internet and they are prone(易于遭受) to distrustful information.That is why schools must train students how to use the Internet more wisely in their Studies.It is the duty of education to keep students informed about the world around them. Yet it is not the duty of education alone. And lawmakers should consider increasing data protection rules. Individuals can also use a wide variety of websites to avoid algorithmic controls.
12. How do algorithms affect users' Internet experience?
A. They lead to slower Internet connection.
B. They block ads for users automatically.
C. They always help users get reliable links.
D. They determine the content users receive.
13. What is Hobbs' attitude to algorithms?
A. Doubtful. B. Supportive.
C. Objective. D. Indifferent.
14. What can be concluded from the last paragraph?
A. Young people fall victim to the Internet.
B. Data protection rules are already enough.
C. Education is fully responsible for algorithmic controls.
D. Joint efforts are needed to handle algorithmic controls.
15. Which column of a magazine is the text most likely from?
A. Science. B. Entertainment.
C. Advertisement. D. Fashion.
【答案】12. D    13. C    14. D    15. A
【解析】
本文是议论文。文章分析了搜索引擎算法在用户搜索中所起的作用、存在的问题。以及如何应对搜索引擎算法控制。
【12题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段中“As soon as they start typing or choosing links, the algorithm starts gathering data about every choice users make and uses that data to try to find the websites or information that most directly relate to what the user is looking for.（一旦用户统计输入或选择链接，算法就开始收集用户做出的每一个选择的数据，并使用这些数据试图找到与用户在寻找的内容最直接相关的网站或信息。）”由此可知，算法是收集与用户寻找的内容相关的网站或信息，因此算法决定用户接收到的内容，从而影响用户的上网体验。 故选D 项。
【13题详解】
推理判断题。根据第四段中Hobbs所说的话“Renee Hobbs, director of the Media Education Lab at the University of Rhode Island, however, argues that algorithms are not all bad.She says search engine algorithms can help you find what might be the most useful information faster. But she says it is in the interests of Internet companies to keep users on the Internet for as long as possible so they see more ads.”，然而，罗德岛大学(University of Rhode Island)媒体教育实验室主任蕾妮•霍布斯(Renee Hobbs)认为，算法也并非一无是处.Hobbs认为搜索引擎算法可以帮助你更快地找到最有用的信息。但同时她也认为说，让用户看到更多的广告，这符合互联网公司的利益。因此可以推断，Hobbs对搜索引擎算法是持客观的态度。故选C项。
【14题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段中“It is the duty of education to keep students informed about the world around them. Yet it is not the duty of education alone. And lawmakers should consider increasing data protection rules. Individuals can also use a wide variety of websites to avoid algorithmic controls.（教育的责任是让学生了解他们周围的世界。然而，这不仅仅是教育单方面的责任。立法者应该考虑增加数据保护规则。个人也可以使用各种各样的网站来避免算法控制。）”，可以推断，处理算法控制需要共同努力。故选D项。
【15题详解】
推理判断题。通读全文，文章是关于搜索引擎算法所起的作用、存在的问题以及如何应对搜索引擎算法控制。文章应该是关于科学方面的内容，因此可以推断是出自于杂志的科学栏目。故选A项。