Part Ⅲ Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)

　　Section A

　　Directions: In this section, there is a passage with ten blanks. You are required to select one word for each blank from a list of choices given in a word bank following the passage. Read the passage through carefully before making your choices. Each choice in the bank is identified by a letter. Please mark the corresponding letter for each item on Answer Sheet 2 with a single line through the centre. You may not use any of the words in the bank more than once.

　　Questions 26 to 35 are based on the following passage.

　　It is important that scientists be seen as normal people asking and answering important questions. Good, sound science depends on 26 , experiments and reasoned methodologies. It requires a willingness to ask new questions and try new approaches. It requires one to take risks and experience failures. But good science also requires 27 understanding,clear explanation and concise presentation.

　　Our country needs more scientists who are willing to step out in the public 28 and offer their opinions on important matters. We need more scientists who can explain what they are doing in language that is 29 and understandable to the public. Those of us who are not scientists should also be prepared to support public engagement by scientists, and to 30 scientific knowledge into our public communications.

　　Too many people in this country, including some among our elected leadership, still do not understand how science works or why robust, long-range investments in research vitally matter. In the 1960s, the United States 31 nearly 17% of discretionary (可酌情支配的) spending to research and development,32 decades of economic growth. By 2008, the figure had fallen into the single 33 This occurs at a time when other nations have made significant gains in their own research capabilities.

　　At the University of California (UC), we 34 ourselves not only on the quality of our research, but also on its contribution to improving our world. To 35 the development of science from the lab bench to the market place, UC is investing our own money in our own good ideas.

　　A. arena

　　B. contextual

　　C. convincing

　　D. devoted

　　E. digits

　　F. hasten

　　G. hypotheses

　　H. impairing

　　I. incorporate

　　J. indefinite

　　K. indulge

　　L. inertia

　　M. pride

　　N. reaping

　　O. warrant