now robot classroom assistants could make this a reality. Almost 30 egg-shaped robots have started teaching English at primary schools in South Korea.

The 3.3-foot-high machines have a TV panel (儀表盤), which displays a female face, and can wheel around in the classroom while speaking to the students. The robots are also able to read books and dance to music, moving their head and arms. But despite their appearances, the robots are not acting independently beings. They are actually controlled remotely by English teachers living in the Philippines, who can see and hear the children by a remote control system. Cameras then detect the teachers’ facial expressions and reflect them on the panel face.

Apart from reading books, the robots use pre-programmed software to sing songs and play alphabet games with the children. The kids seem to love them since the robots look cute and interesting. Some adults also express interest, saying they may feel less nervous talking to robots than to a real person.

The robots are still being tested. But officials might consider hiring them full time, if scientists upgrade them and make them easier to handle and more affordable. “Having robots in the classroom makes the students more active in class, especially shy ones afraid of speaking out to human teachers,” said Kim Mi-Young, an education official.

Some may be sent to remote rural areas of South Korea lacking in foreign English teachers. The robots, which cost ￡5,600 each, will provide extra support for teachers, but not replace them. Ms. Mi-Young added, “Well-educated, experienced Filipino teachers are far cheaper than any teachers elsewhere, including South Korea. But robot teachers won’t complain about health insurance, sick leave and severance package (辭退補償金), or leave in three months for a better-paying job in Japan... All you need is a repair and upgrade every once in a while.”

36. What is the main idea of the passage

A. The most advanced robots go public.

B. People find a good way to learn English.

C. Robots are teaching English in class in South Korea.

D. The best way to save money by robots.

37. According to the passage, the robot teachers 　　　.

A. can move around in the classroom

B. can speak two different foreign languages

C. have been hired full-time to teach English in Korea

D. are smarter than human teachers

38. With the robot teachers, children in English class are 　　　.

A. active but doubtful B. shy and nervous

C. hard-working but painful D. interested and active

39. What can we learn from the passage

A. The robot teachers will take the place of human teachers.

B. The robot teachers have become popular in many Korean schools.

C. Officials hope that the robot teachers can be further improved.

D. Teachers in South Korea are willing to teach in the rural areas.

40. Which of the following is NOT the advantage of robot teachers over human teachers

A. They made students less nervous.

B. They don’t need repairs or upgrades.

C. They won’t complain about health insurance.

D. They won’t move from one firm to another for better paying.

答案解析：

CADCB

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