1、GRE（ VERBAL）模拟试卷 42及答案与解析 0 Sending a robot into space to gather information is a viable option, but should only be regarded as that an option. Even the most technologically advanced robots cannot and should not replace manned missions to outer space. Certainly it is cheaper and less dangerous to la
2、unch a computer probe that can gather reams of data, but often the information obtained by a machine only serves to produce more questions than it answers. Therefore, the space program should allow manned missions to follow up on those initial information-gathering robotic ventures. While manned mis
3、sions are more costly than are unmanned missions, they are also more successful. Robots and astronauts use much of the same equipment in space, but a human is more capable of calibrating those instruments correctly and placing them in appropriate and useful positions. A computer is often neither as
4、sensitive nor as accurate as a human in managing the same terrain or environmental circumstances. Robots are also not as equipped as humans to solve problems as they arise, and robots often collect data that is not helpful or even desired. A human, on the other hand, can make instant decisions about
5、 what to explore further and what to ignore. 1 The passage supplies information to answer which of the following questions? （ A） What is the cost of launching a computer probe into space? （ B） What type of information can safely be ignored when exploring outer space? （ C） How much information can a
6、computer probe gather in outer space? （ D） What is the next level in space exploration? （ E） Are unmanned space missions more economical than manned space missions? 2 Select the sentence that offers potential advantages to using robots as information gatherers in space. 3 According to the passage, a
7、ll of the following are advantages of humans over robots EXCEPT （ A） humans can more accurately manage the data collected （ B） humans can apply critical thinking skills to new situations （ C） humans can only calibrate instruments designed by robots （ D） humans are more sensitive to environmental cha
8、nges （ E） humans are better at preparing instrumentation for use in space 3 By any measure, computers are among the most influential and powerful tools of the modern age. They represent the high-tech revolution that has transformed the ways in which human beings interact with each other and with the
9、 world at large. Seemingly, computers are the very definition of the modern era. Although modern computers have only been a part of our everyday world for a few decades, a discovery made just over a century ago found that the concept behind them is far older than anyone could have imagined. In fact,
10、 according to the experts who have studied an ancient Greek shipwreck, one particular “computer“ dates back more than 2,000 years. Made of metal, this mechanism is approximately the size of a shoebox. It was found in 1901 by divers working off the isle of Antikythera. Uncertain of the mechanisms fun
11、ction, the divers named it after the island near which it was found. At the time, the Antikythera was in terrible shape from being underwater for so long. Its pieces had merged into a broken mass and all experts could deduce was that it had something to do with astronomy. Recently, thanks to a combi
12、nation of advanced imaging methods and x-ray computer tomography, scientists have been able to re-create the possible design of the apparatus. The Antikythera mechanism once had at least 30 bronze gears with as many as 225 hand-cut teeth. Scientists believe it was designed to compute eclipses of the
13、 sun and moon a number of years into the future, as well as show the motions of the planets. While experts are still uncertain as to why the device was made, there is no doubt that its technology was at least 1,000 years ahead of its time. 4 The primary purpose of the passage is to （ A） explain how
14、computers were originally designed （ B） provide details on how to compute solar and lunar eclipses （ C） introduce the concept of an ancient device with a modern application （ D） describe the discovery of a computer-like machine designed more than 2,000 years ago （ E） show how x-ray computer tomograp
15、hy has helped scientists explore ancient discoveries 5 The author of the passage most likely mentions that the divers were uncertain as to the Antikytheras function because （ A） it demonstrates that computers are not very important to people in todays society （ B） it reinforces the notion that compu
16、ters are a tool of the modern age （ C） it contradicts earlier theories regarding ancient technology 6 Select the sentence in the passage that presents an argument for the surprising and unusual nature of this discovery. 7 The passage suggests that, compared to modern computers, the Antikythera （ A）
17、did not influence subsequent technological advances （ B） did not become obsolete within a short time of its creation （ C） did not confuse researchers 二、 SECTION 3 Directions: Each passage in this group is followed by questions based on its content. After reading a passage, choose the best answer to
18、each question. Answer all questions following a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage. 7 Scientists believe that by raising atmospheric pressure and surface temperature, it is possible to transform the climate of Mars to the point where humans would be able to live there.
19、The process by which a hostile or unsuitable environment is transformed into one that can sustain human life is called terraforming. In addition to potentially providing an alternate home for the people of Earth in the future, this undertaking may also allow scientists to test hypotheses about the p
20、rocess of global warming, which is a highly pertinent issue affecting our planet today. 8 Which of the following can be inferred from the passage regarding the Martian atmosphere? （ A） It has a lower pressure than Earths atmosphere. （ B） It has a higher surface temperature than Earth. （ C） It can mo
21、st certainly be transformed to be more like Earths atmosphere. 9 The passage addresses which of the following consequences of terraforming? （ A） The creation of a more hospitable planet. （ B） The risk of overpopulation. （ C） The elimination of suitable environments. （ D） The depletion of the atmosph
22、ere. （ E） The production of greenhouse gases. 9 A baby polar bear named Knut at the Berlin Zoo is the epicenter of a debate about animal rights and the ethics of keeping animals in captivity. Knut and his brother were abandoned by their mother after being born at the zoo. Knuts sibling died, and Knu
23、t himself would have died as well, had the zoo officials not intervened. The zoo workers have been bottle-feeding the bear, and providing it with nourishment and care. Yet certain animal-rights activists say that the bear would have been better off dead than raised by humans, and some go as far as t
24、o say that Knut should be killed. They believe that the current treatment of the bear is inhumane, and will lead to future difficulty for Knut in interacting with other polar bears. They argue that since the mother rejected the cub, the zoo workers should have abided by the laws of nature, and the c
25、ub should have been allowed to die. Others have argued that in light of the fact that polar bears are an endangered species, it makes sense to keep as many bears as possible alive in captivity so that they can breed. 10 The author mentions animal-rights activists in order to （ A） explain how Knut be
26、came an orphan （ B） exonerate the zoo workers （ C） depict Knuts caretakers as unprofessional （ D） foster the impression that polar bears cannot exist in the wild （ E） point out a counterargument to the zoos position 10 The male/female gender binary dominates Western culture, yet it is far from unive
27、rsal. For example, in India you might encounter a “hijra“ a member of the third sex. They are considered neither man nor woman. Although many of them are physically male, traditionally they refer to themselves as female and dress appropriately. This third gender is referenced in the earliest availab
28、le records from the Indian Subcontinent, and was an established presence in the Vedic culture. There is no equivalent of hijras in the contemporary Western conceptualization of gender. 11 The passage suggests which of the following about gender in Western culture? （ A） Most, if not all, members of m
29、odern Western civilization consider themselves either male or female. （ B） Contemporary Western civilization does not believe in the concept of hijra. （ C） The idea of male/female binary gender is not generally considered the norm of contemporary Western civilization. 12 Select the sentence that ind
30、icates the historical aspect of hijra. 三、 SECTION 1 Directions: Each sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five lettered or sets of words. Choose the word or set of words for each blank that best fits the meaning of the
31、sentence as a whole. 13 Because of his_, Brians guests felt very welcome and comfortable staying at his house for the weekend. （ A） animosity （ B） hospitality （ C） determination （ D） wittiness （ E） receptiveness 14 Some of the earliest bicycles came equipped with solid wooden wheels that were annoyi
32、ngly_to break or crack at the worst moment. （ A） fabricated （ B） constructed （ C） prone （ D） unlikely （ E） liable 15 Skin contains millions of sensory receptors which inform the brain, through electrical_, when you have injured yourself. （ A） compulsions （ B） thrusts （ C） impulses （ D） signals （ E）
33、flashes 16 Experts believe that humans have ten trillion cells in their bodies which (i)_any number of essential genetic elements, and they often marvel at what incredible(ii)_would ensue should the cells become jumbled or misunderstand their purpose. 17 According to color psychologists, certain hue
34、s tend to reflect particular personality_; violet, for example, indicates a tendency towards mysticism and intuition, while brown suggests an uncomfortable and aimless character. 17 When I was preparing for my two-week vacation in southern Africa, I realized that the continent would be like nothing
35、I had ever seen. I wanted to explore the urban streets as well- as the savannah; its always been my goal to have experiences on vacation that most other tourists fail to find. When my plans were finalized, I left for Africa. The cultural differences were stunning, and made for plenty of laughter and
36、 confusion, but always ended up bringing smiles to our faces. Whats funny now, though, more than ever, is how ridiculous I must have seemed to the people of one village when I played with their dog. Apparently, the role of dogs in America is nothing like it is in Africa. I am convinced that African
37、dogs could clobber their American counterparts, if only because African dogs are forced to be self-reliant. The relationship between a typical African dog and his owner is one of tangible mutualism. I say tangible because the African sees himself as the dominant creature not to be bothered by the do
38、g, but nevertheless responsible for providing for it. Hence, no attempts at behavioral training are ever made with African dogs. Instead, the African seizes power with a chunk of scrap meat and a bowl of water. The dog soon learns to quit yapping and biting at the hand that feeds him. Never does the
39、 African speak to the animal. Im not even sure such dogs get names. Their behavior becomes interestingly balanced, however, much to the surprise of the compassionate American dog lover. 18 According to information provided by the passage, which of the following traits would the author most likely as
40、cribe to African dog owners? （ A） affectionate （ B） abusive （ C） pragmatic （ D） deceitful （ E） antagonistic 19 The author of the passage is primarily concerned with presenting （ A） a description of cultural differences （ B） an overview of animal behavior （ C） a history of international tourism （ D）
41、evidence to refute a global theory （ E） an account of animal cruelty 20 The passage addresses which of the following differences between African dogs and American dogs? （ A） African dogs do not have owners, whereas American dogs do. （ B） African dogs undergo intense behavioral training, while Americ
42、an dogs remain untrained. （ C） African dogs learn to respect their owners, but American dogs cannot be disciplined. （ D） African dogs retain more independence from their owners than do American dogs. （ E） African dogs are more dominant over their owners than are American dogs. 五、 SECTION 1 Direction
43、s: Each sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five lettered or sets of words. Choose the word or set of words for each blank that best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole. 21 Body language involves a combination
44、of multiple facial(i)_ and various physical positions to convey its unique(ii)_ message. 22 Although the scientists recommendations may have been (i)_, the students had trouble following his (ii)_presentation and were, therefore, against his proposal. 23 The New Zealand Storm Petrel was a bird long
45、thought (i)_, but in 2003 several birds were spotted for the first time in 150 years, apparently having(ii)_themselves on the predator-free Hauraki Islands during the(iii)_24 Many people suspect that(i)_humans are only a few inventions away since it is already possible to(ii)_many body parts with im
46、provements made out of plastic and metal, and many key organs can be(iii)_from one body to another.25 The problem with activists is that far too often they merely_ the protection of various ecosystems, instead of taking a lead role in their management. （ A） circumvent （ B） abridge （ C） diversify （ D
47、） advocate （ E） support 26 When practicing with a bow and arrow, it is_to be aware of both the velocity and the trajectory of ones arrows if one wishes to hit the target. （ A） irrelevant （ B） necessary （ C） conventional （ D） prudent （ E） detrimental 27 As we traveled to college for the first time, t
48、he family car was_with books, clothing, appliances, and other necessities. （ A） keen （ B） indigent （ C） barren （ D） laden （ E） overflowing 28 The_of sediment in the river caused concern among environmentalists and industrialists alike; the water levels in the river were being reduced almost daily. （
49、 A） accretion （ B） disposal （ C） depletion （ D） alienation （ E） accumulation 29 Running a marathon is an_task, taking months of both physical and mental preparation and training before actually running a grueling 26.2 miles. （ A） arduous （ B） ambiguous （ C） involuntary （ D） eloquent （ E） ambitious 30 Long considered one of the most beautiful of the planets, Saturn has rings that scientists believe(i)_the wreckage of scattered moons, but that is partially just(ii)_
