THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH MOST LIKELY DISCUSSESA. ANOTHER EDUCATIONA...
34. The following paragraph most likely discusses
A. another educational approach beneficial to children
B. elements of science, music and art
C. additional practitioners of the Montessori method
D. details on the life of Maria Montessori.
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate
the correct answer to each of the questions from 35 to 42.
Technology has utterly transformed our ability to communicate with each other. Linking to each
other both literally and figuratively, many of us connect through cell phones, email, instant
messaging, blogs, and networking web sites, yet we may be less connected to each other than
we think.
According to a study, Americans are becoming increasingly socially isolated. The study reveals,
for example, that one quarter of Americans say that they have no one to discuss important
personal issues with, and that the number of close friends that American have has dropped from
three to two. Meanwhile, the Boston Globe reports that this spreading isolation is experienced
more sharply among
those
with less education, people of color, and older Americans.
Unsurprisingly, those who are young, white, and well educated tend to have stronger social
networks.
From my own experience I have to say that I’ve never felt more connected, thanks to a web of
friends, family, and colleagues. One of my closest friends is someone I met through an online
discussion group who lives hundreds of miles away from me. We have met face-to-face only
twice, yet our regular electronic correspondence and cell phone calls
sustain
our close
friendship. And, speaking of blogging, my blog has introduced me to people I would never have
met otherwise and has led to enduring and important friendships.
On the other hand, I recently saw a scene unfold that proved to me how deeply disconnected
we as Americans have become. I had just wrapped up a presentation on mediation at a family
therapy center. As I was leaving, I noticed a mother and her teenage son who had just
completed their session with their family therapist. After making their next appointment, they
both took out their cell phones, placed calls, and began loud conversations with whoever was on
the other end. I walked out behind them to the parking lot to my car. They both jumped into
their SUV, and, as I saw them drive off, they were still talking on their cell phones. But, alas,
not to each other.