We live in a society in which the medicinal and social use of substances (drugs) is pervasive: an aspirin to quiet a headache, some wine to be sociable, coffee to get going in the morning, a cigarette for the nerves. When do these socially acceptable and apparently constructive uses of a substance become misuses? First of all, most substances taken in excess will produce negative effects such as poisoning or intense perceptual distortions. Repeated use of a substance can also lead to physical addiction or substance dependence. Dependence is marked first by an increased tolerance, with more and more of the substance required to produce the desired effect, and then by the appearance of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued.
Drugs (substances) that affect the central nervous system and alter perception, mood, and behavior. are known as psychoactive substances. Psychoactive substances are commonly grouped according to whether they are stimulants, depress ants, or hallucinogens. Stimulants initially speed up or activate the central nervous system, whereas depressants slow it down. Hallucinogens have their primary effect on perception, distorting and altering it in a variety of ways including producing hallucinations. These are the substances often called psychedelic (from the Greek word meaning "mind-manifesting") because they seemed to radically alter one's state of consciousness.
Substance abuse (Line 5, Paragraph 1) is preferable to "drug abuse" in that ______.
A. substances can alter our bodily or mental functioning if illegally used
B. drug abuse is only related to a limited number of drug takers
C. alcohol and tobacco are as fatal as heroin and cocaine
D. many substances other than heroin or cocaine can also be poisonous
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For a long period of time and in many parts of the country, a traveler was a welcome break in an otherwise dull existence. Dullness and loneliness were common problems of the families who generally lived distant from one another. Strangers and travelers were welcome sources of diversion, and brought news of the outside world.
The harsh realities of the frontier also shaped this tradition of hospitality. Someone traveling alone, if hungry, injured, or ill, often had nowhere to turn except to the nearest cabin or settlement. It was not a matter of choice for the traveler or merely a charitable impulse on the part of the settlers. It reflected the harshness of daily life: if you didn't take in the stranger and take care of him, there was no one else who would. And someday, remember, you might be in the same situation.
Today there are many charitable organizations which specialize in helping the weary traveler. Yet, the old tradition of hospitality to strangers is still very strong in the U.S., especially in the smaller cities and towns away from the busy tourist trails. "I was just traveling through, got talking with this American, and pretty soon he invited me home for dinner—amazing". Such observations reported by visitors to the U.S. are not uncommon, but are nor always understood properly. The casual friendliness of many Americans should be interpreted neither as superficial nor as artificial, but as the result of a historically developed cultural tradition.
As is true of any developed society, in America a complex set of cultural signals, assumptions, and conventions under lies all social interrelationships. And, of course, speaking a language does not necessarily mean that someone understands social and cultural patterns. Visitors who fail to "translate" cultural meanings properly often draw wrong conclusions. For example, when an American uses the word "friend", the cultural implications of the word may be quite different from those it has in the visitor's language and culture. It takes more than a brief encounter on a bus to distinguish between courteous convention and individual interest. Yet, being friendly is a virtue that many Americans value highly and expect from both neighbors and strangers.
In the eyes of visitors from the outside world ______.
A. rude taxi drivers are rarely seen in the U.S.
B. small-minded officials deserve a serious comment
Canadians are not so friendly as their neighbors
D. most Americans are ready to offer help
They (pointed out) the damage (which) they supposed (that) had been done by last (night's) storm.
A. pointed out
B. which
C. that
D. night's
(Because of) the recent accidents, our parents forbid my brother and me from (swimming) in the river (unless) someone agrees (to watch) over us.
A. Because of
B. swimming
C. unless
D. to watch
A.Most of them are popular among their teachers.B.Their classes are held wherever they
A. Most of them are popular among their teachers.
B. Their classes are held wherever they are working,
C. They are likely to become famous stars.
D. They often don't have enough time for their lesson.