A
Books Recommended by TED Speakers
A Mathematician’s Apology by G. H. Hardy
This is the best book I know about the sheer beauty of mathematics. Here’s one lovely quote from the book: “A mathematician, like a painter or a poet, is a maker of patterns. If his patterns are more permanent than theirs, it is because they are made with ideas.”
— David Brenner (TED Talk: A new weapon in the fight against superbugs)
The Future by Nick Montfort
This is a short read but a great look at some key future thinkers throughout history. Through delightfully written case studies, Montfort makes the argument that the future can be made and not predicted. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in future studies and the role that sci-fi, speculative design and big ideas play in shaping our future relationship with technology.
— Raphael Arar (TED Talk: How we can teach computers to make sense of our emotions)
Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia Ryan Madson
“We all could use a lesson on how to have fun in business and in life. Madson does a wonderful job providing strategies on how to deal with life’s many challenging situations by drawing from the maxims of improvisational theater.”
— Lisa Dyson (TED Talk: A forgotten Space Age technology could change how we grow food)
If You Want to Write: A Book About Art, Independence and Spirit by Brenda Ueland
For those who know they have something to express, these stressful times can feel a bit hopeless — it may seem impossible to find the time, skill and energy to create. This is one of the most timeless books on how to regain that hope, and it’s also a delightful read, in and of itself.
— Sebastian Wernicke (TED Talk: How to use data to make a hit TV show)
1. What is the topic of the talk given by Raphael Arar?
A. A new weapon in the fight against superbugs.
B. How we can teach computers to make sense of our emotions.
C. A forgotten Space Age technology could change how we grow food.
D. How to use data to make a hit TV show.
2. Who are advised to read Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up?
A. Those interested in mathematics. B. Those interested in future studies.
C. Those faced with life’s difficulties. D. Those eager to create books.
3. Which book does Sebastian Wernicke recommend?
A. A Mathematician’s Apology
B. The Future.
C. Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up.
D. If You Want to Write: A Book About Art, Independence and Spirit.
【答案】1. B 2. C 3. D
【解析】
这是一篇运用文。文章介绍了由TED演说家推荐的4本书。以及这4本书的概要内容。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。由第2本书中的 “Raphael Arar (TED Talk: How we can teach computers to make sense of our emotions)”可知，Raphael Arar进行的话题是“How we can teach computers to make sense of our emotions”。故选B项。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据第3本书中的“Madson does a wonderful job providing strategies on how to deal with life’s many challenging situations by drawing from the maxims of improvisational theater”可知，Improve Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up这本书主要教读者如何处理许多来自生活的挑战的。故选C项。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据第4本书中的“If You Want to Write: A Book About Art, Independence and Spirit by Brenda Ueland”可知，Sebastian Wernicke推荐了一本由Brenda Ueland所写的关于艺术，独立以及精神的书。故选D项。
