阅读理解。
At one time, computers were expected largely to remove the need for paper copies of
documents because they could be stored electronically. But for all the texts that are written,
stored and sent electronically, a lot of them are still ending up on paper.
It is difficult to measure the quantity of paper used as a result of use of Internet-connected
computers, although just about anyone who works in an office can tell you that when e-mail is
introduced, the printers start working overtime. "I feel in my bones this revolution is causing
more trees to be cut down," says Ted Smith of the Earth Village Organization.
Perhaps the best sign of how computer and Internet use pushes up demand for paper
comes from the high-tech industry itself, which sees printing as one of its most promising new
markets. Several Internet companies have been set up to help small businesses print quality
documents from a computer. Earlier this week Hewlett-Packard Co. announced a plan to
develop new technologies that will enable people to print even more so they can get a hard
copy of a business document, a medical record or just a one-line e-mail, even if they are
nowhere near a computer. As the company sees it, the more use of the Internet the greater
demand for printers.
Does all this mean environmental concerns have been forgotten? Some activists suggest
people have been led to believe that a lot of dangers to the environment have gone away.
"I guess people believe that the problem is taken care of, because of recycling," said Kelly
Quirke, director of the Rainforest Action Network in San Francisco. Yet Quirke is hopeful
that high-tech may also prove helpful. He says printers that print on both sides are growing
in popularity. The action group has also found acceptable paper made from materials other
than wood, such as agricultural
waste.
1．The growing demand for paper in recent years is largely due to ____.
A.the rapid development of small businesses
B. the opening up of new markets
C. the printing of high quality copies
D. the increased use of the Internet
2. Environmentalists believe one possible way of dealing with the paper situation is ____.
A.to encourage printing more quality documents
B.to develop new printers using recycled paper
C.to find new materials for making paper
D.to plant more fast-growing trees
3．Hewlett-Packard Co. has decided to develop new technologies because ____.
A.people are concerned about the environment
B.printers in many offices are working overtime
C.small companies need more hard copies
D.they see a growing market for printers
4．What would be the best title for the text?
A.Computers and Printers
B. E-mail and the Business World
C. Internet Revolution and Environment
D. Modern Technology and New Markets
