1、GRE-40及答案解析(总分:80.00,做题时间:90 分钟)一、SECTION 1(总题数:8,分数:20.00)Thousands, perhaps even millions, of people around the world are afflicted with a neurological condition called synesthesia. The word synesthesia comes from the Greek words syn, which means “together,“ and aisthesis, which means “perception
2、or sensation.“ Those affected by the disorder experience an involuntary, simultaneous joining of two senses; for example, some synesthetes-people with synesthesia- perceive words as colors. Researchers do not know the causes of synesthesia, nor do they fully understand the mechanisms of the disorder
3、. However, some scientists believe that synesthesia results from crossed connections in the brain; synapses that are traditionally associated with one sensory system have somehow crossed over into another sensory system, which leads to a juxtaposition of two, typically unrelated senses. Synesthetic
4、perceptions are idiosyncratic, and are as varied as the perceivers themselves. Theoretically, the number of types of synesthesia is bound only by the sensory pairings themselves, such as the color/sound pairing mentioned previously. Researchers estimate that there could be as many as 35 different br
5、oad pairings- sound/touch, taste/hearing, and so on-each characterized by many permutations and unique features. Indeed the variations could be endless, with each synesthete perceiving a slightly different color or sensation, for example. Although the perceptions vary among individuals, according to
6、 Dr. Richard Cytowic, a leading synesthesia expert, the lifelong inter-sensory associations of the synesthetes remain stable, no matter what senses are joined in a given synesthete.(分数:3.00)(1).The primary purpose of the passage is to(分数:1.00)A.describe a medical condition that might be difficult to
7、 recognize even though it is clearly definedB.propose a radical new treatment for a medical condition that was once thought untreatableC.question the accuracy of the current definition of a well-known medical conditionD.reject one explanation of a complex phenomenon in favor of anotherE.admit severa
8、l weaknesses in the current theoretical approach to a complex medical condition(2).Select the sentence that best describes the scope of the sensory disorder.(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(3).According to the passage, each of the following statements regarding synesthesia is true EXCEPT(分数:1.00)A.researchers have
9、not yet fully explained the mechanisms behind synesthesiaB.synesthetic perceptions are unique to the individual synestheteC.the term synesthesia derives from a combination of Greek root wordsD.the various permutations of synesthesia suggest that individuals experience shifting inter-sensory associat
10、ionsE.researchers have so far failed to catalog all of the various sensory pairings experienced by synesthetes1.In many Western European nations, the law is seen as rigid and not open to interpretation. This rigidity grants a consistency to questions of law that many would argue is absent in other,
11、more flexible systems. The European construction of law provides litigants with a clear picture of how a case will be decided. All parties involved are certain how judges will rule on issues. It is simple-judges will strictly follow the law. This simple fact, that the law will not change from one si
12、tuation to another, allows for court systems in Western Europe to process cases efficiently and cuts down on the amount of frivolous lawsuits. It is useless for an individual to attempt a case if he knows in advance that the law is not in his favor.In the passage, the author is primarily concerned w
13、ith(分数:1.00)A.arguing for a universal application of Western European legal practicesB.decrying the rigidity and constancy of Western European legal practicesC.describing the potential benefits of Western European legal systemsD.defining the pros and cons of various legal systemsE.denouncing Europea
14、n law for its anti-consumer biasFor Questions 5 to 7, select one entry from the corresponding column of choices for each blank. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.(分数:3.00)(1).Onlookers considered Justin a (i) after watching him eat; however, little did they know that he was (ii
15、) following a weeklong hunger strike. A. miser B. glutton C. hoarder D. parched E. famished F. sated(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(2).Because it is (i) to (ii) all of the costs associated with starting a new business, a certain level of flexibility should be built into any initial business plan. A. necessary B. c
16、hallenging C. pragmatic D. incur E. anticipate F. assess(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(3).In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations. Its 30 articles ensured peoples rights to freedom from torture and (i) , equal (ii) under the law and a guarantee of a (iii) based on the
17、will of the people. A. slavery B. asylum C. punishment D. compensation E. protection F. attention G. country H. nationality I. government(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_Unlike some classic European novels, American literature encompasses many different, even unique, styles and genres. One of the most interesting of
18、 these is the Southern Gothic subgenre. As its name implies, Southern Gothic literature is reflective of life in the American South. Southern Gothic maintains some of the characteristics of Gothic writing, such as plot development of the supernatural or the ironic. However, Southern Gothic does not
19、focus on creating tension and suspense like other Gothic genres. Instead, Southern Gothic story lines examine Southern society and its underlying, often implicit, social structure.Southern Gothic writers generally spurn the stereotype of the gentleman on the plantation and the glamorous Southern bel
20、le. Instead, the authors develop characters that are sinister or reclusive and not particularly pleasant on the surface. However, these characters usually have redeeming qualities that allow and encourage the reader to empathize with their situations or dilemmas. It is through these immoral and unha
21、ppy personalities that the Southern Gothic writer is able to present and explore moral issues of the American South, such as slavery and bigotry, without blatant accusations.(分数:4.00)(1).The main purpose of the passage is to(分数:1.00)A.explain how Southern Gothic writers use immoral personalities to
22、explore moral issues in the American SouthB.explore the primary stylistic differences between classical Gothic and Southern GothicC.argue that Southern Gothic is sufficiently unique to merit its classification as a distinct subgenreD.deny the necessity of tension and suspense as defining features of
23、 Gothic literatureE.describe the identifying features of the Southern Gothic subgenre(2).Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?(分数:1.00)A.Southern Gothic writers use their writings to subtly condemn immoral traditions like slavery and bigotry.B.Southern Gothic maintains certain ele
24、ments of the classical Gothic tradition while breaking with other elements.C.The main characters of Southern Gothic literature frequently alienate readers with their unpleasant, even sinister, personalities.(3).Select the sentence that weakens the authors assertion that readers are encouraged to sym
25、pathize with Southern Gothic characters.(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(4).Based on the attitudes displayed in the passage, with which of the following statements would the author most likely agree?(分数:1.00)A.Southern Gothic writers enjoy employing the character stereotypes of Southern plantation life.B.American l
26、iterature sometimes diverges sharply from its European antecedents.C.Southern society is organized on clear moral guidelines of right and wron2.Researchers at the Shimizu Institute in Japan believe it is possible to terraform Mars by making use of the planets own resources and by introducing genetic
27、ally altered life from Earth. They hope these actions will speed up the terraforming process, not just by adapting Mars to support Earth-life, but also by adapting Earthlife to exist on Mars. These experts think they can use the Martian geology itself to jump-start the planet. The theory is that det
28、onation of thermonuclear devices deep in the Martian mountains will trigger eruptions of hot magma that would melt the frozen atmosphere, thereby releasing the components necessary for life.Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the experts theory as explained in the last two sentences?(
29、分数:1.00)A.Martian mountains are well-situated and easily accessible by remote mobility devices.B.Similar eruptions of magma on Earth have demonstrated the ability to enable life in hostile underwater environments.C.Mars frozen atmosphere lacks the critical components necessary for life.D.Even if sci
30、entists could terraform Mars, the planet would eventually have all the same problems as Earth.E.Thermonuclear devices would be very dangerous to send to Mars.3.For Question 13, select one entry from the corresponding column of choices for each blank. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes th
31、e text.During the Elizabethan era of the mid and late 1500s, (i) were common, including Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare, and tragedies were by far the most popular type of performance, despite their (ii) endings. A. journalists B. playwrights C. biographers D. unanticipated E. exultant F
32、. heartrending(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_For generations, Native Americans used myths and legends to explain the mysterious world around them. One such etiological myth originated with the Cherokee. According to the tale, at one time, far in the past, animals, birds, fishes, and even insects were able to commu
33、nicate with one another. When humans arrived, however, life became more difficult because the creatures habitats began to shrink. In order to protect themselves, the creatures decided to introduce disease to humans. The plant world, however, took sympathy upon the Cherokee and so provided a remedy f
34、or each of the diseases created by the creatures. It was because of this, says the legend, that the Cherokee turned to plants for antidotes and medicines for illness.(分数:2.00)(1).Which of the following describes the organization of the passage?(分数:1.00)A.The author defines a theory then illustrates
35、its workings.B.The author argues for one side then presents a counterargument.C.The author defends an early explanation of aboriginal medical practices.D.The author introduces a subject then gives an example of it.E.The author compares two versions of a creation myth to determine which is the origin
36、al.(2).The author mentions etiological myth probably in order to(分数:1.00)A.cast aspersion on Cherokee legendsB.give the academic designation for legends that explain practices or eventsC.show how animals were thought by the Cherokee to be able to communicate with each otherFor Questions 16 through 2
37、0, select the two answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.(分数:5.00)(1).Eager to sell her home and move to another city, Kendra accepted the proffered purchase agreement with A. reluc
38、tance B. humility C. enthusiasm D. probity E. alacrity F. aversion(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(2).Until Andrew learned to 1 a strict schedule, he seldom managed to complete his homework in a timely manner. A. infer from B. commingle with C. adhere to D. vacillate from E. inure to F. stick with(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(3
39、).Although sometimes extremely 1 of automobile repair shops as a whole, people are unwilling to treat their own mechanics with equal criticism. A. reverential B. deferential C. contemptuous D. redemptive E. disdainful F. trusting(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(4).Consider the continuing pessimism of the political
40、Candidate, whose proposals are increasingly 1. A. dreary B. astute C. euphoric D. popular E. bleak F. versatile(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(5).He entered his supervisors office with an 1 sense of doom; his misdeeds at the office party would certainly cause him to be fired. A. elemental B. impractical C. inadver
41、tent D. inexorable E. assiduous F. unerring(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_二、SECTION 2(总题数:10,分数:20.00)For Questions 1 through 3, select the two answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.(分数:3.00)(1).
42、The music store attracts an 1 group of customers; people with varied interests and lifestyles congregate there. A. irate B. assorted C. apprehensive D. aberrant E. eclectic F. optimum(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(2).Linda exposed the illegal actions of her company and was, unfortunately, 1 by her peers for her e
43、thical actions. A. adored B. shunned C. ostracized D. relieved E. celebrated F. admired(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_(3).Because the media corporation owned such a large portion of the news channels, it enjoyed remarkable 1 in the news market. A. hegemony B. discretion C. atonement D. monotony E. zeal F. predomin
44、ance(分数:1.00)填空项 1:_When home is approximately 2,000 feet under the surface of the sea, it is challenging to have your photograph taken. In Japan, however, a species of shark that is almost never seen because of its deep natural habitat came close enough to the top to grab the attention of some fish
45、ermen. This five-foot long, eel-shaped shark was caught and soon identified as a female frill shark, a primitive species that has gone through little alteration since prehistoric times. Cameras captured it while it was still swimming so that scientists could learn as much as possible from this singl
46、e specimen of a mysterious species.(分数:2.00)(1).Which of the following is implied about scientific documentation of frill sharks?(分数:1.00)A.Frill sharks are rarely studied because their habitats are inaccessible to most scientific equipment.B.Female frill sharks are easier to study than males.C.Phot
47、ographic evidence is the best form of documentation for marine biologists.(2).Which of the following best describes the central issue with which the passage is concerned?(分数:1.00)A.presenting evidence of a marine animal rarely witnessed in natureB.arguing that ancient creatures still exist in a mode
48、rn worldC.celebrating Japans tradition of aquacultureD.proving that commercial fishing boats are trawling too deeply in open waterE.documenting the extinction of prehistoric fish4.The very first line of the lengthy saga Anna Karenina gives the reader an immediate sense of Leo Tolstoys main theme: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.“ From this morose observation, it is clear that Tolstoys characters are probably not going to be bland or blithe. Throughout his novel, Tolstoy depicts the ambiguities and ambivalences felt by