Neighborhoods aren't like they used to be. Sometimes neighbors are complete strangers, even after years
of living yards away. Believe it or not, neighborhoods were once tight-knit communities full of supportive,
friendly and familiar faces. Can they be that way again? You don't have to be an experienced social director
to build bonds in your neighborhood. If you're not happy with the social dynamic in your community, start
making a change today.
     The term "social life" has taken on new meaning, especially for our kids. What was once defined as actual
interaction (e.g. face-to-face) now often refers to the number of Facebook friends or Twitter followers we
can collect. Our social lives have essentially turned inside out, with the focus now being on cyber-space rather
than on reality. "Children play indoors instead of out; most don't even take walks through their streets
anymore," says Jaymes Ian Woode, a relationship counselor. "Moat have grown accustomed to living without
meaningful friendships."
     Change has to start somewhere, and most neighborhoods don't have an official party planner. “To create
change in neighborhoods, it often only takes one person who is willing to reach out," says Woode. "One
person can knock on a neighbor's door and find those who also want to open up. As most salespeople know,
after enough knocks, you are bound to make a sale." Yes, it takes courage and you'll probably have to
overcome some skepticism (怀疑) towards your friendly attitude, but it will be worth it when you actually learn
the names of the people who live around you.
     Susanne Alexander, a relationship coach, recounts some of the ways she has successfully connected with
her neighbors in recent years. "I feel safer and less isolated knowing that I have at least some connection to the
people who live near me," she says. Perhaps her experience will inspire you:
     * Meet neighbors at civic (市民的) events or start an in-home spiritual group.
     * Connect over yard advice or repairs that need cooperation.
     * Exchange numbers with elderly neighbors in case of an emergency.
     * Bring the Sunday comics over to cheer up a neighbor going through a hard time.

1. It can be inferred from the passage that ______.

A. neighborhoods today are better than before.
B. neighborhoods today are as good as before.
C. neighborhoods today are not better than before.
D. neighborhoods today will be worse.

2. According to the second paragraph, what is the new meaning of "social life"?

A. People focus on cyber-space rather than on reality.
B. People like Facebook friends or Twitter followers.
C. People seldom take exercise or have outdoors.
D. People accustom themselves to living with meaningful friendships.

3. What is the author's attitude of the neighborhoods today?

A. Indifferent.
B. Supportive.
C. Worried.
D. Satisfied.

4. Where can we most probably read this text?

A. In a local newspaper.
B. In a research paper.
C. In a travel magazine.
D. In a story book.