2014年全国硕士研究生招生考试英语一试题Section I Use of EnglishDirections:Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and nark A, B, C or D on the ANSWER SHEET. (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 remember 1 we 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 brain 2 , we refer to these occurrences as “senior moments.” 3 seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have a (n) 4 impact on our professional, social, and personal 5 .Neuroscientists, experts who study the nervous system, are increasingly showing that theres actually a lot that can be done. It 6 out that the brain needs exercise in much the same way our muscles do, and the right mental 7 can significantly improve our basic cognitive 8 . Thinking is essentially a 9 of making connections in the brain. To a certain extent, our ability to 10 in 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 fluctuate 12 mental effort.Now, a new Web-based company has taken it a step 13 and developed the first “brain training program” designed to actually help people improve and regain their mental 14 . The Web-based program 15 you to systematically improve your memory and attention skills. The program keeps 16 of your progress and provides detailed feedback 17 your performance and improvement. Most importantly, it 18 modifies and enhances the games you play to 19 on the strengths you are developingmuch like a (n) 20 exercise routine requires you to increase resistance and vary your muscle use.1. A why B when C that D where2. A improves B fades C collapses D recovers3. A While B Unless C Once D If4. A uneven B limited C damaging D obscure5. A relationship B environment C wellbeing D outlook6. A turns B finds C points D figures7. A responses B roundabouts C workouts D associations8. A genre B criterion C circumstances D functions9. A channel B process C sequence D condition10. A excel B feature C persist D believe11. A However B Moreover C Otherwise D Therefore12. A instead of B regardless of C apart from D according to13. A back B further C aside D around14. A framework B stability C sharpness D flexibility15. A hurries B reminds C forces D allows16. A order B track C hold D pace17. A to B on C for D with18. A constantly B habitually C irregularly D unusually19. A carry B put C build D take20. A risky B familiar C idle D effectiveSection Reading ComprehensionPart ADirections:Read the following four texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. (40 points)Text1In order to “change lives for the better” and reduce “dependency,” George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, introduced the “upfront work search” scheme. Only if the jobless arrive at the jobcentre with a CV, register for online job search, and start looking for work will they be eligible for benefitand 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 stay 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 subsidises 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 t