A
In the field of educational technology, some apps might be getting too smart. There are more and more apps providing help for students.
PhotoMath
The new, seemingly magic app allows users to take pictures of a math problem, and then receive a step-by-step solution. It is now the number one free app on the App Store. A PhotoMath spokeswoman says educators have welcomed the app with positive reviews, but the software causes a lot of angry public discussion and disagreement. Why? It is because students can use it to cheat when doing their math homework.
Price: Free
iHomework
Whether you’re a high school student or a college student, there’s one thing you’ve got for sure: a lot of homework. iHomework can help you keep track of all your homework. It can help you arrange it in a particular order according to types, or based on deadlines.
Price: Free
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is similar to PhotoMath, but it focuses on older students studying high levels of math and doesn’t support photos. The service also produces step-by-step solutions to advanced topics, making it a popular tool for college students.
Price: $2.99
Homework Helper
Chinese Internet search company Baidu has launched (发起) an app called Homework Helper with which students can get answers to homework. Users post a picture or type their homework questions onto online forums (论坛), and those who answer the questions can win e-coins that can be used to buy devices like iPhones and laptops. The app has logged 5 million downloads, much to the concern of many parents who argue that the students spend less time thinking about challenging problems.
Price: Free
1. What is the problem of the app PhotoMath?
A. It can’t recognize pictures.
B. It doesn’t provide a step-by-step solution.
C. It encourages students to use smartphones.
D. It makes cheating at homework more likely to happen.
2. What is the big feature of Wolfram Alpha?
A. Offering services to office workers.
B. Making students organize their school work.
C. Helping deal with advanced math problems.
D. Creating chances to discuss math online.
3. What do we learn about Homework Helper?
A. It is thought highly of by teachers
B. It is unpopular among Chinese students.
C. Many parents think it harmful to children’s study.
D. Answering questions on the app wastes students’ time.
【答案】1. D 2. C 3. C
【解析】
【分析】这是一篇应用文。文章介绍了四款学习应用程序。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据PhotoMath 中最后一句“It is because students can use it to cheat when doing their math homework.( 这是因为学生在做数学作业时可以用它来作弊。)”可知，PhotoMath的问题是这款应用程序使得家庭作业作弊更容易发生。故选D。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据Wolfram Alpha中最后一句“The service also produces step-by-step solutions to advanced topics, making it a popular tool for college students.( 该服务还为高等数学题提供循序渐进的解决方案，使其成为大学生的流行工具。)”可知，Wolfram Alpha的特点是这款软件可以帮助解决高等数学问题。故选C。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据Homework Helper中最后一句“The app has logged 5 million downloads, much to the concern of many parents who argue that the students spend less time thinking about challenging problems.( 该应用程序的下载量已达500万次，这引起了许多家长的担忧，他们认为学生花在思考挑战性问题上的时间减少了。)”可知，许多家长认为Homework Helper这款应用软件对孩子的学习有害。故选C。
