Text 2
Television has changed the lifestyle of people in every industrialized country in the world. In the United States, where sociologists have studied the effects, some interesting observations have been made.
Television, although not essential, has become an important part of most people’ s lives. It alters people’ s ways of seeing the world; in many ways, it supports arid sustains (维持) modern life.
Television has become a baby-sitter, an introducer of conversations, the major transmitter of culture, a keeper of tradition. Yet when what can be seen on TV in one day is critically analyzed, it becomes evident that television is not a teacher but a sustainer; the poor quality of programming does not elevate (提高 ) people into greater understanding, but rather maintains and encourages the life as it exists.
The primary reason for the lack of quality in American television is related to both the history of TV programming development and the economics of TV. Television in America began with the radio. Radio companies and their sponsors first experimented with television. Therefore, the close relationship which the advertisers had with radio programs became the system for American TV. Sponsors not only paid money for time within programs, but many actually produced the programs. Thus, in American society, television is primarily concerned with reflecting and attracting society rather than experimenting with new ideas. Advertisers want to attract the largest viewing audience possible. To do so requires that the programs be entertaining rather than educational, attractive rather than challenging.
Television in America today remains, to a large extent, with the same organization and standards as it had thirty years ago. The hope for further development and true achievement toward improving society will require a change in the entire system.
51. According to the author American television is poor in quality because _________.
[A] advertisers are interested in experimenting with new ideas
[B] it is still at an early stage of development, compared with the radio
[C] the programs have to be developed in the interests of the sponsors for economic reasons
[D] it is controlled by radio companies
52. The second paragraph is mainly about_________.
[A] TV as the sustainer of American life
[B] TV as the major transmitter of culture
[C] the educational effect of TV on society
[D] the strong influence and the poor quality of American TV
53. In the author’ s view American TV should _________.
[A] be critical but entertaining
[B] be creative and educational
[C] change with the development of society
[D] attract as many viewers as possible
54. The author believes that television in the United States has become important to most people because _________.
[A] it promotes family unity
[B] it helps them develop their speaking ability
[C] it attracts their life in many ways
[D] it challenges society
55. The author ’ s attitude towards American television is _________.
[A] critical
[B] praising
[C] doubtful
[D] sympathetic