2011年TOEFL词汇模拟题精选系列五十

241. The scientific investigation of an experience as private as consciousness is frustratingly beyond the usual tools of the experimental psychologist. This may be one reason that many researchers have shied away from the notion of mind and consciousness in nonhuman animals.
The phrase "shied away from" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) approached
(B) avoided
(C) respected
(D) allowed

242. Gallup' report of the experiment, published in a 1970 article, was a milestone in our understanding of animal minds, and psychologists wondered how widespread self-recognition would prove to be.
The word "milestone" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) significant development
(B) initial step
(C) universal concept
(D) obstruction to progress

243. Biological diversity has become widely recognized as a critical conservation issue only in the past two decades.
The word "critical" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) negative
(B) essential
(C) interesting
(D) complicated

244. The high rate of species extinctions in these environments is jolting, but it is important to recognize the significance of biological diversity in all ecosystems.
The word "jolting" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) predicted
(B) shocking
(C) unknown
(D) illuminating

245. However, nothing has ever equaled the magnitude and speed with which the human species is altering the physical and chemical world and demolishing the environment.
The word "magnitude" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) concern
(B) determination
(C) carelessness
(D) extent

241 B

242 A

243 B

244 B

245 D