2019年公共英語三級閱讀練習題八

　　Research shows that much of our predisposition (傾向) towards determination, sociability and self­control and sense of purpose is in our genes. In fact, our DNA plays a bigger role in influencing these traits (characteristics) than our upbringing (兒童期的教養(yǎng)) and the company we keep. Taken together, these aspects of personality can make the difference between success and failure, say the Edinburgh University researchers.

　　They questioned more than 800 pairs of twins about their attitudes to life to tease apart the influences of nature and nurture. Comparing identical twins, who share all their DNA and their upbringing, with non­identical twins, who have a shared background but are no more genetically alike than other brothers and sisters, is a technique often used by researchers to quantify the influence of genetics.

　　The results, published in the Journal of Personality, showed that genes play a much bigger role than lifestyle, with self­control particularly etched (銘刻) into our DNA.

　　Our genes also largely determine how determined and persistent we are. This is important in terms of success, as someone who refuses to give up is more likely to achieve their dreams than someone_who_throws_in_the_towel_at_the_first_hiccough.

　　Researcher Professor Timothy Bates said, “Ever since the ancient Greeks, people have debated the nature of a good life and the nature of a virtuous life. Why do some people seem to manage their lives, have good relationships and cooperate to achieve their goals while others do not? Previously, the role of family and the environment around the home often controlled people's ideas about what affected psychological well­being. However, this work emphasizes a much more powerful influence from genetics.”

　　However, those who haven't been dealt a helpful hand of genes shouldn't be too depressed. The professor says a sense of purpose is the key and advises those who are eager for success to focus their thoughts on making a difference.

　　小題1:What does the result of the research indicate?A.Our DNA is the only factor to decide our traits.

　　B.Our DNA plays a decisive role in achieving success.

　　C.Education plays little part in the formation of our character.

　　D.Society has little effect on us in our personality.

　　小題2:The underlined part in Paragraph 4 refers to someone who ________.A.is born successful

　　B.determines to make a difference

　　C.makes great effort

　　D.admits defeat easily

　　小題3:Timothy Bates mentions the ancient Greeks in order to indicate that ________.A.some people can live a good life because they can manage their lives

　　B.people haven't made it clear yet what is the key personality trait to be a success

　　C.in ancient Greece the role of family and the environment was ignored

　　D.the relationship between personality and success has always been people's concern

　　小題4:According to the passage, the key personality trait is ________.A.determination　　　　　　B.kindness

　　C.politenessD.sociability

　　小題5:What is the best title for the passage?A.How do people work hard?

　　B.Why can some people succeed?

　　C.DNA determines success or failure.

　　D.Several factors determine personality.

　　參考答案及解析

　　小題1:B

　　小題2:D

　　小題3:D

　　小題4:A

　　小題5:C

　　文章大意：最新研究發(fā)現(xiàn)，基因在人一生的成敗中起著關鍵性的作用。

　　小題1:答案：B　細節(jié)理解題。根據第一段“Taken together, these aspects of personality can make the difference between success and failure”可知，答案為B。

　　小題2:答案：D　推理判斷題。根據句中someone who refuses to give up和than可推斷，這里指輕易認輸的人，故答案為D。

　　小題3:答案：D　推理判斷題。根據第五段“Ever since the ancient Greeks, people have debated the nature of a good life and the nature of a virtuous life”和下文內容可推斷，答案為D。

　　小題4:答案：A　推理判斷題。根據末段“The professor says a sense of purpose is the key and advises those who are eager for success to focus their thoughts on making in difference”可推斷，答案為A。

　　小題5:答案：C　主旨大意題。本文主要講述了基因在人一生的成敗中起著關鍵性的作用，故答案為C。