Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark 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 can’t remember 1 we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old acquaintance’s 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 there’s 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 developing—much like a(n) 20 exercise routine requires you to increase resistance and vary your muscle use.
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本题测试考生根据上下文对词义的判断和搭配能力。Forces强迫； reminds提醒；hurries匆忙；催促； allows允许，容许。空格处填入动词，与后面构成“动词+sb. to do sth. "的结构，故从语法结构上可首先排除 C项hurries，该词一般用作hurry sb. into a place／doing sth.。从语义上看，根据上一段该课程帮助人们提高记忆力和注意力可知，所填词应与help语义相近，即“有利于”提高记忆力。因此D项allows“允许”正确，句子表示“使你提高记忆力”。 A项forces“强迫”和B项reminds“提醒”都符合语法结构，但将其带入句子后在语义上都不符合逻辑。
