A recent survey has shown that the number of people in the United
Kingdom who do not intend to get internet access has risen. These people,who are known as "net refuseniks",make up 44% of UK households,or 11.2 million people in total.
The research also showed that more than 70 percent of these people said that they were not interested in getting connected to the internet. This number has risen from just over 50% in 2005, with
most giving lack of computer skills as a reason for not getting internet access,though some also said it was becase of the cost.
More and more people are getting broadband and high speed net is
available almost everywhere in the UK,but there are still a significant number of people who refuse to take the first step.
The cost of getting online is going down and internet speeds are
increasing,so many see the main challenge to be explaining the rele-vance of the internet to this group.This would encourage them to get connected before they are left too far behind.The gap between
those who have access to and use the internet is the digital divide, and if the gap continues to widen,those without access will get left behind and miss out on many opportunities,especially in their careers.
48.According to the passage,what is the main reason for people not
getting internet access?
A.The computers are expensive.
B.The cost of going online is high.
C.They're not good at computer skills.
D.They refuse to accept high technology.
49.What step has been taken to encourage the people to use the internet?
A.Bringing the cost down.
B.Educating more people.
C.Providing more opportunities.
D.Putting more information online.
50.What is the purpose of writing this article?
A.To explain the reasons why people are not getting online.
B.To encourage more people to use the internet.
C.To make a survey of how many people are getting online.
D.To advertise the internet.