Question

We are all busy talking about and using the Internet, but how many of us know the history of the Internet?

Many people are surprised when they find that the Internet was set up in the 1960s. At that time, computers were large and expensive. Computer networks (网络) didn’t work well. If one computer in the network broke down, then the whole network stopped. So a new network system (系统) had to be set up. It should be good enough to be used by many different computers. If part of the network was not working, information could be sent through another part. In this way computer network system would keep on working all the time.

At first the Internet was only used by the government, but in the early 1970s, universities, hospitals and banks were allowed to use it, too. However, computers were still very expensive and the Internet was difficult to use. By the start of 1990s, computers became cheaper and easier to use. Scientists had also developed software that made “surfing” the Internet easier.

Today it is easy to get on-line and it is said that millions of people use the Internet every day. Sending e-mails is more and more popular among young people.

The Internet has now become one of the most important parts of people’s life.

1.How long has the Internet been used?

A. For about 20 years. B. For about 30 years. C. For about 60 years.

2.What would happen when one computer in the network broke down before the new network system was set up?

A. The other computers wouldn’t work.

B. The other computers would still work.

C. The whole network still worked.

3.Which of the following used the Internet first?

A. Hospitals. B. Universities. C. The government.

4.What is TRUE about computers in the 1990s?

A. They became more expensive.

B. They became larger and larger.

C. They became cheaper and easier to use.

5.What can we infer (推断) from the last sentence?

A. People will die without the Internet.

B. People will more and more depend on the Internet.

C. People live easily without the Internet.

Answer 1