2012年考研英语阅读理解模拟试题及答案
2012年考研英语阅读理解模拟试题及答案(一)
Flatfish, such as the flounder, are among the few vertebrates that lack approximate bilateral symmetry (symmetry in which structures to the left and right of the body’s midline are mirror images). Most striking among the many asymmetries evident in an adult flatfish is eye placement: before maturity one eye migrates, so that in an adult flatfish both eyes are on the same side of the head. While in most species with asymmetries virtually all adults share the same asymmetry, members of the starry flounder species can be either left-eyed (both eyes on the left side of head) or right-eyed. In the waters between the United States and Japan, the starry flounder populations vary from about 50 percent left-eyed off the United States West Coast, through about 70 percent left-eyed halfway between the United States and Japan, to nearly 100 percent left-eyed off the Japanese coast.
Biologists call this kind of gradual variation over a certain geographic range a “cline” and interpret clines as strong indications that the variation is adaptive, a response to environmental differences. For the starry flounder this interpretation implies that a geometric difference (between fish that are mirror images of one another) is adaptive, that left-eyedness in the Japanese starry flounder has been selected for, which provokes a perplexing question: what is the selec
tive advantage in having both eyes on one side rather than on the other?
The ease with which a fish can reverse the effect of the sidedness of its eye asymmetry simply by turning around has caused biologists to study internal anatomy, especially the optic nerves, for the answer. In all flatfish the optic nerves cross, so that the right optic nerve is joined to the brain’s left side and vice versa. This crossing introduces an asymmetry, as one optic nerve must cross above or below the other. G. H. Parker reasoned that if, for example, a flatfish’s left eye migrated when the right optic nerve was on top, there would be a twisting of nerves, which might be mechanically disadvantageous. For starry flounders, then, the left-eyed variety would be selected against, since in a starry flounder the left optic nerve is uppermost.
The problem with the above explanation is that the Japanese starry flounder population is almost exclusively left-eyed, and natural selection never promotes a purely less advantageous variation. As other explanations proved equally untenable, biologists concluded that there is no important adaptive difference between left-eyedness and right-eyedness, and that the two characteristics are genetically associated with some other adaptively significant characteristic. This si
tuation is one commonly encountered by evolutionary biologists, who must often decide whether a characteristic is adaptive or selectively neutral. As for the left-eyed and right-eyed flatfish, their difference, however striking, appears to be an evolutionary red herring.
1. According to the text, starry flounder differ form most other species of flatfish in that starry flounder
[A] are not basically bilaterally symmetric.
[B] do not become asymmetric until adulthood.
[C] do not all share the same asymmetry.
[D] have both eyes on the same side of the head.
2. Which of the following best describes the organization of the text as a whole?
[A] A phenomenon is described and an interpretation presented and rejected.
[B] A generalization is made and supporting evidence is supplied and weighed.
[C] A contradiction is noted and a resolution is suggested and then modified.
[D] A series of observations is presented and explained in terms of the dominant theory.
3. The text supplies information for answering which of the following questions?
[A] Why are Japanese starry flounder mostly left-eyed?
[B] Why should the eye-sidedness in starry flounder be considered selectively neutral?
[C] Why have biologists recently become interested in whether a characteristic is adaptive or selectively neutral?
[D] How do the eyes in flatfish migrate?
4. Which of the following is most clearly similar to a cline as it is described in the second paragraph of the text?
[A] A vegetable market in which the various items are grouped according to place of origin.
[B] A wheat field in which different varieties of wheat are planted to yield a crop that will bring the maximum profit.
[C] A flower stall in which the various species of flowers are arranged according to their price.
[D] A housing development in which the length of the front struts supporting the porch of each house increases as houses are built up the hill.
5. Which of the following phrases from the text best expresses the author’s conclusion about the meaning of the difference between left-eyed and right-eyed flatfish?
[A] “Most striking” (line 3, paragraph 1)
[B] “variation is adaptive” (line 2, paragraph 2)
[C] “mechanically disadvantageous” (line 7, paragraph 3)
[D] “evolutionary red herring” (line 9, paragraph 4)
[答案与考点解析]
1. 【答案】C
【考点解析】这是一道细节推导题。根据本题题干中的“most other species”可以把本题的答案信息来源确定在第一段的第三句,从第三句的主从句中可以归纳推导出本题的正确答案C。本句中的“while”一词的含义是“虽然、尽管”,用来表达事物之间的对照对比。考生在解题时一定要首先学会审题定位的基本功。
2. 【答案】A
【考点解析】这是一道文章具体写作手法题。这是一道比较难的题型,需要考生对文章的叙述结构有深刻的理解。本文第一段介绍了一种现象,第二段和第三段是生物学家对这种现象的解释,第四段是本文作者对生物学家的解释提出否定。可见本题的正确选项是A。考生在解题时一定要注意文章的发展脉络。
3. 【答案】B
【考点解析】本题是一道审题定位题型。本题的题干没有具体给出寻找答案信息的任何线索。在这种情况下考生一定要牢记原文作者的主要意图。具体来说,本文作者的主要意图是要否定一些生物学家对某种生物现象的解释。相关的内容出现在原文第四段的首句。如果考生能够认识到原文第四段首句在全文中的重要性,就找到了破解本题的方法,再把第三段的尾句和第四段的第二、三句通读并且仔细理解就会找出本题的正确答案B。当然这是一道比较难的题目,需要考生良好的答题素质。希望考生在迷失答题思路的时候,一定要多想一想从原文的中心主旨句和每段的段首句设法破解难题。
4. 【答案】D
【考点解析】这是一道词汇理解题。根据原文中的“cline”一词可迅速把本题的答案信息确定在第二段第一句。第二段第一句中的“gradual”、“geographic”、“adaptive”和“environmental differences”等词提
供了本题的正确答案D。考生在阅读原文回答问题时,一定要学会识读原文中的相关重要词语。
5. 【答案】D
【考点解析】这是一道审题定位题。根据题干中的“the author’s conclusion”可将本题的答案信息迅速确定在尾段,确切地说就是尾段的最后一句。考生一定要清楚原文作者的结论一般会出现在全文的尾段。本题的正确答案应该是涉及到尾段的选项D。
2012年考研英语阅读理解模拟试题及答案(二)
Until about five years ago, the very idea that peptide hormones might be made anywhere in the brain besides the hypothalamus was astounding. Peptide hormones, scientists thought, were made by endocrine glands and the hypothalamus was thought to be the brains’ only endocrine gland. What is more, because peptide hormones cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, researchers believed that they never got to any part of the brain other than the hypothalamus, where they were simply produced and then released into the bloodstream.
But these beliefs about peptide hormones were questioned as laboratory after laboratory found that antiserums to peptide hormones, when injected into the brain, bind in places other than the hypoth
alamus, indicating that either the hormones or substances that cross-react with the antiserums are present. The immunological method of detecting peptide hormones by means of antiserums, however, is imprecise. Cross-reactions are possible and this method cannot determine whether the substances detected by the antiserums really are the hormones, or merely close relatives. Furthermore, this method cannot be used to determine the location in the body where the detected substances are actually produced.
New techniques of molecular biology, however, provide a way to answer these questions. It is possible to make specific complementary DNA’s (c DNA’s) that can serve as molecular probes seek out the messenger RNA’s (mRNA’s) of the peptide hormones. If brain cells are making the hormones, the cells will contain these mRNA’s. If the products the brain cells make resemble the hormones but are not identical to them, then the c DNA’s should still bind to these mRNA’s, but should not bind as tightly as they would to m RNA’s for the true hormones. The cells containing these mRNA’s can then be isolated and their mRNA’s decoded to determine just what their protein products are and how closely the products resemble the true peptide hormones.
The molecular approach to detecting peptide hormones using cDNA probes should also be much faster than the immunological method because it can take years of tedious purifications to isolate peptide hormones and then develop antiserums to them. Roberts, expressing the sentiment of many researchers, states: “I was trained as an endocrinologist. But it became clear to me that the field of endocrinology needed molecular biology input. The process of grinding out protein purifications is just too slow.”
If, as the initial tests with cDNA probes suggest, peptide hormones really are made in brain in areas other than the hypothalamus, a theory must be developed that explains their function in the brain. Some have suggested that the hormones are all growth regulators, but Rosen’s work on rat brains indicates that this cannot be true.
A number of other researchers propose that they might be used for intercellular communication in the brain.
1. Which of the following titles best summarizes the text?
[A] Is Molecular Biology the Key to Understanding Intercellular Communication in the Brain?
[B] Molecular Biology: Can Researchers Exploit Its Techniques to Synthesize Peptide Hormones?
[C] The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Immunological Approach to Detecting Peptide Hormones.
[D] Peptide Hormones: How Scientists Are Attempting to Solve Problems of Their Detection and to Understand Their Function?
2. The text suggests that a substance detected in the brain by use of antiserums to peptide hormones may
[A] have been stored in the brain for a long period of time.
[B] play no role in the functioning of the brain.
[C] have been produced in some part of the body other than the brain.
[D] have escaped detection by molecular methods.
3. According to the text, confirmation of the belief that peptide hormones are created in the brain in areas other than the hypothalamus would force scientists to
[A] reject the theory that peptide hormones are made by endocrine glands.
[B] revise their beliefs about the ability of antiserums to detect peptide hormones.
[C] invent techniques that would allow them to locate accurately brain cells that produce peptide hormones.
[D] develop a theory that account for the role played by peptide hormones in the brain.
4. Which of the following is mentioned in the text as a drawback of the immunological method of detecting peptide hormones?
[A] It cannot be used to detect the presence of growth regulators in the brain.
[B] It cannot distinguish between the peptide hormones and substances that are very similar to them.
[C] It uses antiserums that are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier.
[D] It involves a purification process that requires extensive training in endocrinology.
5. The idea that the field of endocrinology can gain from developments in molecular biology is regarded by Roberts with
[A] incredulity.
[B] derision.
[C] indifference.
[D] enthusiasm.
[答案与考点解析]
1. 【答案】D
【考点解析】这是一道中心主旨题。全文从头至尾讨论的是“peptide hormones”在人体内产生的部位,所以有关全文中心主旨内容的答案应该包含“peptide hormones”。从各段的主题句进行分析,第一至四段主要讲如何“detect”(探测)肽激素(peptide hormones)所产生的位置,第五段主要讲有关肽激素的“function”。可见本题的正确选项应该是D。考生在解题时一定要搞清楚原文所涉及的对象并且抓住每段的主题句以及它们之间的相互关系。
2. 【答案】C
【考点解析】这是一道审题定位题。根据题干中的“a substance detected”可把本题的正确选项迅速确定在第二段的尾句。该句所涉及的核心问题是“where”,所以本题的正确选项应该是C。考生在解题时一定要迅速而准确地进行审题定位。
3. 【答案】D
【考点解析】本题是一道细节推导题。通过本题题干中的“peptide hormones are created in the brain in areas other than the hypoth
alamus”可将本题的答案信息来源迅速确定在尾段的第一句。尾段第一句主要就肽激素的“function”进行论述,可见本题的正确选项应该是D,选项D中的“role”就等于原文中的“function”。考生在解题时一定要善于抓住主句中的重要信息。
4. 【答案】B
【考点解析】这是一道句间关系题。根据本题题干中的“the immunological method”可将本题的答案信息来源迅速确定在第二段的第二句,而本题的确切答题点在第二段的第三句的后半部分。从第二段第三句的后半部分可以推导出本题的正确答案是B。考生在解题时一定要注意一般概括句和具体陈述句之间的相互关系。
5. 【答案】D
【考点解析】本题是一道细节推导题。根据本题题干中的人名“Roberts”可将本题的答案迅速确定在倒数第二段引号部分的第二句话,即“But”一词引导的句子。从该句中的“needed”一词可以看出本题的正确选项应该是D。考生在解题时一定要学会深入理解原文的字面含义。
2012年考研英语阅读理解模拟试题及答案(三)
Science is a dominant theme in our culture. Since it touches almost every facet of our life, educated people need at least some acq
uaintance with its structure and operation. They should also have an understanding of the subculture in which scientists live and the kinds of people they are. An understanding of general characteristics of science as well as specific scientific concepts is easier to attain if one knows something about the things that excite and frustrate the scientist.
This book is written for the intelligent student or lay person whose acquaintance with science is superficial; for the person who has been presented with science as a musty storehouse of dried facts; for the person who sees the chief objective of science as the production of gadgets; and for the person who views the scientists as some sort of magician. The book can be used to supplement a course in any science, to accompany any course that attempts to give an understanding of the modern world, or - independently of any course - simply to provide a better understanding of science. We hope this book will lead readers to a broader perspective on scientific attitudes and a more realistic view of what science is, who scientists are, and what they do. It will give them an awareness and understanding of the relationship between science and our culture and an appreciation of the roles science may play in our culture. In addition, readers may learn to appreciate the relationship between scient
ific views and some of the values and philosophies that are pervasive in our culture.
We have tried to present in this book an accurate and up-to-date picture of the scientific community and the people who populate it. That population has in recent years come to comprise more and more women. This increasing role of women in the scientific subculture is not an unique incident but, rather, part of the trend evident in all segments of society as more women enter traditionally male-dominated fields and make significant contributions. In discussing these changes and contribution, however, we are faced with a language that is implicitly sexist, one that uses male nouns or pronouns in referring to unspecified individuals. To offset this built-in bias, we have adopted the policy of using plural nouns and pronouns whenever possible and, when absolutely necessary, alternating he and she. This policy is far form being ideal, but it is at least an acknowledgment of the inadequacy of our language in treating half of the human race equally.
We have also tried to make the book entertaining as well as informative. Our approach is usually informal. We feel, as do many other scientists, that we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously. As th
e reader may observe, we see science as a delightful pastime rather than as a grim and dreary way to earn a living.
1. According to the passage, 'scientific subculture' means
[A] cultural groups that are formed by scientists.
[B] people whose knowledge of science is very limited.
[C] the scientific community.
[D] people who make good contribution to science.
2. We need to know something about the structure and operation of science because
[A] it is not easy to understand the things that excite and frustrate scientists.
[B] Science affects almost every aspect of our life.
[C] Scientists live in a specific subculture.
[D] It is easier to understand general characteristics of science.
3. The book mentioned in this passage is written for readers who
[A] are intelligent college students and lay person who do not know much about science.
[B] are good at producing various gadgets.
[C] work in a storehouse of dried facts.
[D] want to have a superficial understanding of science.
4. According to this passage,
[A] English is a sexist language.
[B] only in the scientific world is the role of women increasing rapidly.
[C] women are making significant contributions to eliminating the inadequacy of our language.
[D] male nouns or pronouns should not be used to refer to scientists.
5. This passage most probably is
[A] a book review.
[B] the preface of a book.
[C] the postscript of a book.
[D] the concluding part of a book.
[答案与考点解析]
1. 【答案】A
【考点解析】本题是一道标点符号题。通过本题题干中的“solitary”一词可将本题的答案信息中心确定在第一段第十行即第一段第四句话,通过仔细阅读和理解本句话以及本句前后的两句话,可以得出本题的正确选项A。其实美国的女权主义运动者并不“孤单”(solitary),因为她们的思想和行动是和欧洲大陆的女权主义者有着千丝万缕的联系,是国际女权运动的一部分。考生在解题时要善于理解标点符号,更要善于对原文的细节进行推导。
2. 【答案】B
【考点解析】本题是一道细节推导题。根据本题题干中的“European historians”可将本题的答案信息来源迅速确定在第二段第四句,通过阅读本句分号前后的内容,可以推导出作者的态度是否定的,其否定原因是第二段第四句分号前半部分所表达的内容。本题的正确答案应该是B。考生在解题时一定要注意原文细节的推导,尤其是分句之间存在因果关系的时候。
3. 【答案】D
【考点解析】这是一道归纳推导题。但是本题的题干确没有明确给出本题在原文中的准确信息来源。这时考生就会迷失答题思路。请
同学们一定要记住:每当自己迷失答题思路时,一定要多想一想全文的中心主旨句和每段的主题句,这会帮助考生寻找到解题的思路。本题的正确答案应该是D,因为选项D所表达的内容和本文尾段第一、二句所表达的内容相反。选项A、B、C的内容分别在第三段第一句、
第三段第二句以及第二段首句涉及。考生在解题时一定要牢记段落主题句。
4. 【答案】A
【考点解析】这是一道审题定位题。从本题题干中的“envisioned”(设想,预想)一词可将本题的答案信息来源迅速确定在倒数第二段第一句和第二句,因为倒数第二段第一句含有“project”(计划,规划)一词,倒数第二段第二句含有表示未来的“would”一词。通过仔细阅读倒数第二段的第一、二句话,发现这两句话都包含“globe”或“world”,可见本题的正确选项应该是A。考生在解题时一定要善于利用题干中的词语迅速而准确地进行审题定位。
5. 【答案】B
【考点解析】这是一道反推题。通过本题题干中的“most Saint-Simonians”可将本题的答案信息来源迅速确定在尾段的第一句。根据尾段第一句进行反推即逆向思维,可得出本题的正确答案是B。考生在解题时一定要时时牢记反推题型,并且经常利用自己的逆向思维能力。
2012年考研英语阅读理解模拟试题及答案(四)
It looked like a typical business meeting. Six men, neatly dressed in white shirts and ties filed into the boardroom of a small Jakarta company and sat down at a long table. But instead of consulting files or hearing reports, they closed their eyes and began to meditate, consulting the spirits of ancient Javanese kings. Mysticism touches almost every aspect of life in Indonesia and business is no exception. One of the meditators said his weekly meditation sessions are aimed mainly at bringing the peace of mind that makes for good decision-making. But the insight gained from mystic communication with spirits of wise kings has also helped boost the profits of his five companies.
Mysticism and profits have come together since the 12th century introduction of Islam to Indonesia by Indian Moslem merchants. Those devout traders, called 'Wali Ullah' or 'those close to God, ' energetically spread both trade and religion by adapting their appeals to the native mysticism of Java. Legends attribute magic power of foreknowledge to the Wali Ullah. These powers were believed to be gained through meditation and fasting.
Businessman Hadisiko said his group fasts and meditates all night every Thursday to become closer to God and to contact the spirit
s of the great men of the past. 'If we want to employ someone at the managerial level, we meditate together and often the message comes that this man can't hole onto money or he is untrustworthy. Or maybe the spirits will tell us he should be hired.' Hadiziko hastened to add that his companies also hold modern personnel management systems and that formal qualifications are essential for a candidate even to be considered. Perspective investments also are considered through mystic meditation. 'With the mind relaxed and open, it is easier to be objective in judging the risk of a new venture. Meditation and contact with the wisdom of the old leaders sharpens your own insight and intuition. Then you have to apply that intuition to the information you have and work hard to be successful. ' Mystic meditation helped reverse a business slide his companies experienced in the mid-1580. Operating with normal business procedures, he lost more than $ 2 millions in that year alone. Meditation brought back his peace of mind. Putting the right persons in the right jobs and gaining confidence in his business decisions were the keys to a turning around that has brought expansion and profitability. The mysticism in Handspike's boardroom is part of a growing movement in Indonesia called Kebatinan - the 'search for the inner self.' One of his managers, Yusuf Soemado, who studied business administration at Harvard University, compared the idea of mystic mana
gement to western system of positive thinking. 'Willpower and subconscious mind are recognized as important factors in business. Such approaches as psycho-cybernetics, Carnegie's think and growth rates, or the power of positive thinking are western attempts to tap the same higher intelligence that we contact through meditation,' he said.
1. What is the most important factor in their doing business?
[A] Mysticism.
[B] Religion.
[C] Meditation.
[D] Investment.
2. Whom do they consult?
[A] The spirits of ancient Javanese kings.
[B] Wali Ullah.
[C] Old Kings.
[D] Carnegie.
3. Why did Hadisike hasten to add 'his companies also hold modern personnel management systems…'?
[A] He thought Mysticism was not so good as expected.
[B] To show they too focused on qualifications.
[C] To show they hired qualified persons.
[D] To show the possibility of combination of the scientific management with religion.
4. According to the passage, the function of the meditation is
[A] to gain profit from the god.
[B] to gain peace of mind to make decision.
[C] to gain foreknowledge.
[D] to gain objective conclusion.
5. What does 'operating with normal business procedures' refer to?
[A] Adopting the western way of doing business.
[B] Ordinary way of doing business without meditation and fasting.
[C] Contact with God.
[D] Putting right persons in the right jobs.
[答案与考点解析]
1. 【答案】A
【考点解析】本题是一道标点符号题。通过本题题干中的“solitary”一词可将本题的答案信息中心确定在第一段第十行即第一段第四句话,通过仔细阅读和理解本句话以及本句前后的两句话,可以得出本题的正确选项A。其实美国的女权主义运动者并不“孤单”(solitary),因为她们的思想和行动是和欧洲大陆的女权主义者有着千丝万缕的联系,是国际女权运动的一部分。考生在解题时要善于理解标点符号,更要善于对原文的细节进行推导。
2. 【答案】B
【考点解析】本题是一道细节推导题。根据本题题干中的“European historians”可将本题的答案信息来源迅速确定在第二段第四句,通过阅读本句分号前后的内容,可以推导出作者的态度是否定的,其否定原因是第二段第四句分号前半部分所表达的内容。本题的正确答案应该是B。考生在解题时一定要注意原文细节的推导,尤其是分句之间存在因果关系的时候。
3. 【答案】D
【考点解析】这是一道归纳推导题。但是本题的题干确没有明确给出本题在原文中的准确信息来源。这时考生就会迷失答题思路。请同学们一定要记住:每当自己迷失答题思路时,一定要多想一想全文的中心主旨句和每段的主题句,这会帮助考生寻找到解题的思路。本题的正确答案应该是D,因为选项D所表达的内容和本文尾段第一、二句所表达的内容相反。选项A、B、C的内容分别在第三段第一句、
第三段第二句以及第二段首句涉及。考生在解题时一定要牢记段落主题句。
4. 【答案】A
【考点解析】这是一道审题定位题。从本题题干中的“envisioned”(设想,预想)一词可将本题的答案信息来源迅速确定在倒数第二段第一句和第二句,因为倒数第二段第一句含有“project”(计划,规划)一词,倒数第二段第二句含有表示未来的“would”一词。通过仔细阅读倒数第二段的第一、二句话,发现这两句话都包含“globe”或“world”,可见本题的正确选项应该是A。考生在解题时一定要善于利用题干中的词语迅速而准确地进行审题定位。
5. 【答案】B
【考点解析】这是一道反推题。通过本题题干中的“most Saint-Simonians”可将本题的答案信息来源迅速确定在尾段的第一句。根据尾段第一句进行反推即逆向思维,可得出本题的正确答案是B。考生
在解题时一定要时时牢记反推题型,并且经常利用自己的逆向思维能力。