2012年TOEFL词汇模拟题精选系列七

 The widespread and usually uncritical acceptance of this thesis led in turn to the assumption that application of science to industrial purposes was a linear process, starting with fundamental science, then proceeding to applied science or technology, and through them to industrial use.
The word "assumption" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) understanding
(B) public awareness
(C) scientific knowledge
(D) expansion

 The most thoroughly studied cases of deception strategies employed by ground-nesting birds involve plovers, small birds that typically nest on beaches or in open fields, their nests merely scrapes in the earth.
The word "merely" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) often
(B) only
(C) usually
(D) at first

 One technique involves first moving quietly toward an approaching animal and then setting off noisily through the grass or brush in a low, crouching run away from the nest, while emitting rodentlike squeaks.
The word "emitting" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) bringing
(B) attracting
(C) producing
(D) minimizing

The plover's most famous stratagem is the broken --- wing display, actually a continuum of injury --- mimicking behaviors spanning the range from slight disability to near -complete helplessness.
The word "spanning" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) covering
(B) selecting
(C) developing
(D) explaining

 Few predators fail to pursue such obviously vulnerable prey. Needless to say, each short run between "flight attempts" is directed away from the nest.
The word "pursue" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) catch
(B) notice
(C) defend
(D) chase

 A

 B

 C

A

D