1 1 2014 年全国硕士研究生入学统一考试 英语（一）试题 Section Use of English Directions: Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D onANSWER SHEET 1. (10 points) As many people hit middle age, they often start to notice that their memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be. We suddenly cant remember1we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old acquaintances name, or the name of an old band we used to love. As the brain2, we refer to these occurrences as senior moments.3seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have a(an)4impact on our professional, social, and personal5. Neuroscientists, experts who study the nervous system, are increasingly showing that theres actually a lot that can be done. It6out that the brain needs exercise in much the same way our muscles do, and the right mental7can significantly improve our basic cognitive8. Thinking is essentially a9of making connections in the brain. To a certain extent, our ability to10in making the connections that drive intelligence is inherited.11, because these connections are made through effort and practice, scientists believe that intelligence can expand and fluctuate12mental effort. Now, a new Web-based company has taken it a step13and developed the first brain training program designed to actually help people improve and regain their mental14. The Web-based program15you to systematically improve your memory and attention skills. The program keeps16of your progress and provides detailed feedback17your performance and improvement. Most importantly, it18modifies and enhances the games you play to19on the strengths you are developing-much like a(n)20exercise routine requires you to increase resistance and vary your muscle use. 1. A whyB whenC thatD where 2.A improvesB fadesC collapsesD recovers 3.A WhileB UnlessC OnceD If 4.A unevenB limitedC damagingD obscure 5.A relationshipB environmentC wellbeingD outlook 6.A turnsB findsC pointsD figures 7.A responsesB roundaboutsC workoutsD associations 8.A genreB criterionC circumstances D functions 9.A channelB processC sequenceD condition 10.A excelB featureC persistD believe 11.A However B MoreoverC OtherwiseD Therefore 12.A instead of B regardless ofC apart fromD according to 13.A backB furtherC asideD around 14.A framework B stabilityC sharpnessD flexibility 2 2 15.A hurriesB remindsC forcesD allows 16.A orderB trackC holdD pace 17.A toB onC forD with 18.A constantly B habituallyC irregularlyD unusually 19.A carryB putC buildD take 20.A riskyB familiarC idleD effective Section Reading Comprehension PartA Directions：Read the following four texts. Answer the questions after each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers onANSWER SHEET 1. (40 points) Text 1 In order to “change lives for the better” and reduce “dependency,” George Osbome, Chancellor of the Exchequer, introduced the “upfront work search” scheme. Only if the jobless arrive at the job centre with a CV register for online job search, and start looking for work will they be eligible for benefit-and then they should report weekly rather than fortnightly. What could be more reasonable? More apparent reasonableness followed. There will now be a seven-day wait for the jobseekers allowance. “Those first few days should be spent looking for work, not looking to sign on.” he claimed. “Were doing these things because we know they help people say off benefits and help those on benefits get into work faster” Help? Really? On first hearing, this was the socially concerned chancellor, trying to change lives for the better, complete with “reforms” to an obviously indulgent system that demands too little effort from the newly unemployed to find work, and subsides laziness. What motivated him, we were to understand, was his zeal for “fundamental fairness”-protecting the taxpayer, controlling spending and ensuring that only the most deserving claimants received their benefits. Losing a job is hurting: you dont skip down to the jobcentre with a song in your heart, delighted at the prospect of doubling your income from the generous state. It is financially terrifying psychologically embarrassing and you know that support is minimal and extraordinarily hard to get. You are now not wanted; you support is minimal and extraordinarily hard to get. You are now not wanted; you are now excluded from the work environment that offers purpose and structure in your life. Worse, the crucial income to feed yourself and your family and pay the bills has disappeared. Ask anyone newly unemployed what they want and the answer is always: a job. But in Osborneland, your first instinct is to fall into dependency- permanent dependency if you can get it-supported by a state only too ready to indulge your falsehood. It is as though 20 years of ever- tougher reforms of the job search and benefit administration system never happened. The principle of British welfare is no longer that you can insure yourself against the risk