2014年下半年大学英语四级考试阅读提升训练（七）_第4页

　　Questions 16 to 20 are based on the following passage:

　　American's genius with high technology may have put men on the moon, but there is growing skepticism(怀疑态度)about its ability to solve human problems closer to home.

　　In fact, a subtle but significant shift from purely technological solutions is already under way as scientists argue openly for new directions in research.

　　A growing number of scientists insist that answers to the world's problems will not come from a flahier array(大量)of electronics and machines. Instead, as they see it, solutions must evolve from a better understanding of the humans that drive the system and from a fuller appreciation of the limits and potential of the earth's resources.

　　What this means is an increased emphasis on the life and earth sciences, on sociology, psychology, economics and even philosophy.

　　More and more of the best minds in science, particularly young researchers, are being drawn into these developing fields.

　　All this is not to say that technological creativity will not play a critical role in solving energy and food shortages, or that answers to environmental difficulties will not come from further advances in the same technologies that may have helped cause the problems.

　　Where the real challenge lies, in the view of the new type of scientists, is in finding ways to produce goods to meet the world's needs, using less of the raw materials that are becoming scarce.

　　16.Which of the following best expresses the main idea?

　　A) A growing number of Americans are doubtful about what high technology can do in

　　solving the world's problems.

　　B) Many scientists are beginning to believe that the better understanding of human beings

　　will pay a more decisive role in solving the world's problems.

　　C) More and more young scientists are trying their best to find new ways to solve the world's

　　problems.

　　D) Technological creativity will still play a very important part in solving the world's

　　problems.

　　17.In the passage "environmental difficulties"refers mainly to ________.

　　A) global food shortage

　　B) resources depletion(枯竭)

　　C) environmental pollution

　　D) population problems

　　18.From the passage we know that ________.

　　A) the development of present technologies can not provide any answers to today's problems

　　B) an increasing number of young scientists are taking a great interest in biological and social sciences

　　C) many people as well as scientists pay little attention to the limits of natural resources

　　D) many scientists argue that high technology is everything

　　19.Young scientists demand that in order to satisfy human needs ________.

　　A) existing products be improved

　　B) more complex machines and electronic equipment be designed

　　C) ways be found to produce better goods using fewer raw materials

　　D) any new invention and innovation be encouraged in technology

　　20.The author would probably agree with which of the following?

　　A) The environment crisis will not be solved unless we stop using all materials.

　　B) In scientific research, a higher priority should be given to understanding all living systems.

　　C) Exploration of outer space will finally lead to an improvement on human living conditions.

　　D) US high-technology companies are applauding this new turning point in scientific research.