Dolphins have long been considered highly intelligent animals due to their large brain size relative to their body size. However, recent research has shown that a significant portion of a dolphin's brain is composed of fatty tissue, which evolved to serve a specific function unrelated to intelligence. Therefore, the large brain size of dolphins does not necessarily indicate higher intelligence compared to humans.
Which of the following best describes the flaw in the reasoning of the recent research regarding dolphin intelligence?
(A) It assumes that a characteristic that evolved for one function cannot serve any other functions.
(B) It fails to consider that intelligence is not solely determined by the ratio of brain size to body size.
(C) It does not provide evidence that the fatty tissue in dolphin brains is unrelated to intelligence.
(D) It relies on the false premise that humans are the most intelligent species.
(E) It overlooks the possibility that the specific function of the fatty tissue may contribute to intelligence.
A study found that people who read more than one recreational book per year are more likely to attend museums, concerts, and art exhibitions than those who read less than one book per year. The author concludes that reading recreational books encourages people to develop interests in such activities.
Which of the following best describes the flaw in the author's reasoning?
(A) The author assumes that reading books is the only factor influencing people's interest in attending cultural events.
(B) The author fails to consider that people who enjoy cultural activities may be more likely to read recreational books.
(C) The author does not provide evidence that reading non-recreational books has the same effect on people's interests.
(D) The author overlooks the possibility that a third factor, such as education level, may influence both reading habits and interest in cultural activities.
(E) The author relies on a small sample size that may not be representative of the general population.
AB
2.RC
The penetration of formal insurance among low-income populations in developing countries remains low. Under such circumstances, some researchers theorize, social capital can lead to better informal risk-sharing among households. By increasing the social ties between individuals, development organizations may be able to expand or deepen their informal risk-sharing networks and help the poor hedge against individual or household level-risks. Some experts believe that greater social capital can lead to other advantageous economic outcomes for the poor such as increased cooperation. For these reasons, many development organizations attempt to build social capital through programs that focus on community interaction and group activity.
In this study, CMF researchers tested whether one development intervention that involves constant group interaction, standard microfinance lending, builds social capital. By closely tracking borrowing outcomes for groups that meet more frequently, researchers attempted to quantify the returns to enhanced social capital.
Researchers used several randomised experiments to test whether or not increased microfinance meeting frequency leads to increases in social capital. The study was conducted in the impoverished urban and peri-urban parts of West Bengal, India, with the help of Village Welfare Society (VWS), an MFI operating in the state. Researchers randomized traditional microfinance borrowing groups into either a monthly repayment cohort or a weekly repayment cohort.
There were broadly two kinds of experiments:
Testing for effects of more frequent interaction – Researchers chose 100 first-time loan client groups, each consisting of 10 members. The members of a group generally lived in close to each other or were neighbours. Surveyors randomly selected 30 of these groups to weekly meetings and the rest (70 groups) to attend monthly meetings. The MFI provided approximately Rs. 4000 in loans to each member. The first group had to make weekly repayments of Rs. 100 starting two weeks after loan disbursal and the second group was required to make monthly repayments of Rs. 400 after the first month.
Testing for trust among group members – Researchers ran another experiment more than a year later in which select loan clients from the same groups were given lottery tickets to thank them for participating in the first loan experiment. The client could choose any number of her group members to receive lottery tickets. If the client trusts that the other members would share their winnings with her either directly or through reciprocal behaviour at a later point in time, this increases her expected gain and hence should motivate her to give out more tickets. The tickets are either of Rs. 200 or divisible into Rs. 50, these were randomly assigned to filter the effect of trusting others in the group from altruistic motives.
The study finds that weekly group members were 26% more likely to meet fellow members outside the group meetings compared to women who met monthly. The effects were stronger for women who lived closer to each other. Also, researchers found that while only about 10% of monthly group members had met everyone in their group other socially in the last 30 days, 100% of members in the weekly group had met socially.
The increase in social interaction among members who met more frequently was accompanied by increases in risk-sharing. The researchers found that weekly group members were 29% more likely to make transfers to their friends and distant family after the loan cycle. Though researchers could not directly trace borrower to borrower transfers, they observed increased risk sharing through the trust game. Weekly clients were 48% more likely to distribute Rs. 50 vouchers, an outcome which suggests that weekly clients, more so than monthly client, saw their fellow group members as individuals who would make reciprocal exchanges.
Most significantly, default risk decreased for the groups that met more frequently – weekly group members were 3.5 times less likely to default on their loans compared to the monthly group members. Researchers conclude that in this case, default decreased, not because of the pressure to repay, but rather because individuals with enhanced social capital (weekly members) were more likely to share risk and make monetary transfers.
Higher meeting frequencies result in reduced default risks, which should theoretically reduce costs for the lending organization. However, the cost of conducting more frequent meetings is also high for the MFI and for the individual. Because both monthly meetings and weekly meetings have significant costs and benefits associated with them, it is hard to conclude that one approach is clearly better than the other. Given the short-term and long-term increases in social capital associated with weekly meetings, organizations holding monthly meetings should consider moving to a weekly schedule. To further inform the policy debate, academics should conduct on the costs borrowers incur in attending repayment meetings.
Many have discussed the merits of individual liability versus joint liability methodologies in microfinance. This study builds on literature that suggests that the joint liability feature of JLG is not the mechanism which guarantees repayment: rather this study finds that more frequent group meetings leads to increases in social capital which improve risk sharing, decreasing default.
Researchers should investigate whether other development programs are also successful at boosting social capital and whether increases in social capital led to economically significant outcomes.
1. The passage implies that the primary motivation behind development organizations' efforts to build social capital is to:
(A) Increase the penetration of formal insurance among low-income populations
(B) Encourage cooperation and risk-sharing among households in the absence of formal insurance
(C) Reduce the costs associated with conducting frequent meetings in microfinance programs
(D) Promote individual liability methodologies over joint liability in microfinance lending
(E) Investigate the relationship between social capital and loan repayment rates
2. According to the study, which of the following factors was found to have the greatest influence on the likelihood of weekly group members meeting fellow members outside group meetings?
(A) The duration of the loan cycle
(B) The size of the loans provided to each member
(C) The proximity of members' residences to one another
(D) The level of trust among group members
(E) The presence of altruistic motives among members
3. The researchers' observation that "weekly clients were 48% more likely to distribute Rs. 50 vouchers" suggests that:
(A) Weekly clients had a higher level of trust in their fellow group members compared to monthly clients
(B) Weekly clients were more likely to exhibit altruistic behavior towards their fellow group members
(C) The value of the vouchers had a significant impact on the likelihood of distribution among group members
(D) The distribution of vouchers was a direct measure of the level of risk-sharing among group members
(E) The frequency of meetings had no influence on the level of trust among group members
4. The passage suggests that the debate surrounding the relative merits of individual liability and joint liability methodologies in microfinance:
(A) Has been resolved by the findings of this study, which clearly favor joint liability
(B) Is the primary focus of the research conducted by CMF researchers
(C) Has not been directly addressed by the findings of this study
(D) Is less relevant than the debate surrounding the optimal meeting frequency in microfinance
(E) Can be informed by the study's findings on the relationship between meeting frequency and social capital
5. The study's findings on the relationship between meeting frequency and default risk suggest that:
(A) Microfinance organizations should prioritize reducing the costs of conducting frequent meetings
(B) The benefits of reduced default risk may outweigh the costs of conducting weekly meetings
(C) The costs incurred by borrowers in attending frequent meetings are the primary driver of default risk
(D) There is no significant difference in default risk between monthly and weekly meeting groups
(E) The relationship between meeting frequency and default risk is mediated by the level of altruism among group members
6. The researchers' recommendation that academics should conduct further research on the costs incurred by borrowers in attending repayment meetings suggests that:
(A) These costs are likely to be negligible compared to the benefits of frequent meetings
(B) These costs have already been thoroughly investigated in previous studies
(C) These costs are the primary determinant of the optimal meeting frequency in microfinance
(D) The current study has conclusively established the superiority of weekly meetings over monthly meetings
(E) A more comprehensive understanding of these costs is necessary to inform policy decisions regarding meeting frequency
7. The passage implies that the success of development programs in boosting social capital may be important because:
(A) Social capital is the primary determinant of the penetration of formal insurance among low-income populations
(B) Increases in social capital have been definitively linked to improved economic outcomes for the poor
(C) Building social capital is the most cost-effective way for microfinance organizations to reduce default risk
(D) The relationship between social capital and economic outcomes is the primary focus of the current study
(E) The current study has conclusively demonstrated the causal link between social capital and risk-sharing behavior
8. The study's findings on the relationship between meeting frequency and risk-sharing behavior among group members suggest that:
(A) Risk-sharing is the primary mechanism through which joint liability methodologies ensure loan repayment
(B) The level of risk-sharing among group members is not influenced by the frequency of meetings
(C) Frequent meetings may enhance social capital, which in turn facilitates risk-sharing among group members
(D) Risk-sharing behavior is more closely associated with altruistic motives than with trust among group members
(E) The relationship between meeting frequency and risk-sharing is mediated by the level of formal insurance penetration
BCAEBEBC
3.DI
The Tarantella is a traditional Italian folk dance and music style that originated in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Naples and Calabria. The dance is characterized by its fast, upbeat tempo and lively, energetic movements. The music that accompanies the Tarantella is typically played on instruments such as the mandolin, guitar, accordion, and violin, and features a rapid 6/8 or 3/8 time signature.
The origins of the Tarantella can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was believed that the frenzied dance could cure the bite of the tarantula spider. According to folklore, the spider's venom would cause a condition known as "tarantism," which could only be cured by dancing to the fast-paced music of the Tarantella until exhaustion set in.
The Tarantella is usually performed by couples, with the dancers dressed in traditional, brightly colored costumes. Men typically wear tight-fitting pants and vests, while women don long skirts and aprons. The dance steps involve quick, light footwork, leaps, and spins, with dancers often clapping their hands and shouting to the rhythm of the music.
Over time, the Tarantella has evolved to incorporate elements from other musical styles, such as jazz and rock, creating unique fusion genres. Many contemporary musicians and dancers continue to innovate and develop this tradition, bringing it to new heights of artistic expression.
Today, the Tarantella remains an essential part of southern Italian culture and is often performed at festivals and celebrations. Its lively melodies and energetic dance steps continue to captivate audiences around the world, serving as a vibrant expression of Italian folk heritage.
1. The Tarantella dance is most closely associated with which region(s) of Italy?
A. Northern Italy
B. Central Italy
C. Southern Italy
D. All regions of Italy
2. According to folklore, what was the original purpose of the Tarantella dance?
A. To celebrate weddings and other joyous occasions
B. To cure the bite of the tarantula spider
C. To mourn the loss of loved ones
D. To mark the changing of the seasons
3. Which of the following instruments is NOT typically used in traditional Tarantella music?
A. Mandolin
B. Guitar
C. Accordion
D. Piano
4. The tempo of Tarantella music is generally:
A. Slow and mournful
B. Moderate and steady
C. Fast and lively
D. Variable and unpredictable
5. How has the Tarantella evolved over time?
A. It has remained largely unchanged since its origins
B. It has incorporated elements from other musical styles, such as jazz and rock
C. It has become slower and more contemplative
D. It has lost its connection to Italian folk heritage
6. The costumes worn by Tarantella dancers are typically:
A. Dark and somber
B. Brightly colored and traditional
C. Modern and casual
D. Variable, depending on the region
7. Which of the following best describes the role of the Tarantella in contemporary Italian culture?
A. It is no longer practiced or performed
B. It is only performed by professional dance troupes
C. It remains an essential part of southern Italian festivals and celebrations
D. It has been completely replaced by modern dance styles
8. The passage suggests that the Tarantella is:
A. A dying art form with little relevance to contemporary audiences
B. A static tradition that has resisted change and innovation
C. A vibrant expression of Italian folk heritage that continues to captivate audiences worldwide
D. A dance style that is exclusively performed by elderly Italians
1. ```
The Tarantella dance is most closely associated with which region(s) of Italy?
```
ANS：The Tarantella is a traditional Italian folk dance and music style that originated in the southern regions of Italy,
2. ```
According to folklore, what was the original purpose of the Tarantella dance?
```
The origins of the Tarantella can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was believed that the frenzied dance could cure the bite of the tarantula spider.
3. ```
Which of the following instruments is NOT typically used in traditional Tarantella music?
```
Tarantella is typically played on instruments such as the mandolin, guitar, accordion, and violin,
4. ```
The tempo of Tarantella music is generally:
```
The dance is characterized by its fast, upbeat tempo and lively, energetic movements
5. ```
How has the Tarantella evolved over time?
```
Over time, the Tarantella has evolved to incorporate elements from other musical styles, such as jazz and rock, creating unique fusion genres.
6. ```
The costumes worn by Tarantella dancers are typically:
```
The Tarantella is usually performed by couples, with the dancers dressed in traditional, brightly colored costumes.
7. ```
Which of the following best describes the role of the Tarantella in contemporary Italian culture?
```
Today, the Tarantella remains an essential part of southern Italian culture and is often performed at festivals and celebrations.
8. ```
The passage suggests that the Tarantella is:
```
Its lively melodies and energetic dance steps continue to captivate audiences around the world, serving as a vibrant expression of Italian folk heritage.
[/md]作者: 杨翠花 时间: 2024-10-1 09:14
CR，我的选项EB，答案：AB
1. P：海豚被认为智商高，因为脑袋的尺寸大。但是近期研究发现海豚脑袋里的一大块物质进化是服务于跟智商不相关的功能
C：海豚脑袋大这个因素并不能表明海豚相比人类有更高的智商。---> 脑袋尺寸和智商关系不大
找出推理缺陷，立场：海豚脑袋尺寸大跟智商有关系
逻辑链条：强因果，或是排除其他因素
我选E：没有考虑到这个特定的功能可能会对智商有贡献【算是一种可能性，但是可能性不强，may】
答案A：它假定为一种功能进化的特征不能服务于其他功能【取非：为一种功能进化的特征可以服务于其他功能，直接说出可以服务于智商】