2013年职称英语备考每日练习理工类16_第2页

第三篇
　　The word science is heard so often in modern times that almost everybody has some notion of its meaning. On the other hand, its definition is difficult for many people. The meaning of the term is confused, but everyone should understand its meaning and objectives. Just to make the explanation as simple as possible, suppose science is defined as classified knowledge (facts).
　　Even in the true sciences distinguishing fact from fiction is not always easy. For this reason great care should be taken to distinguish between beliefs and truths. There is no danger as long as a clear difference is made between temporary and proved explanations. For example, hypotheses and theories are attempts to explain natural phenomena. From these positions the scientist continues to experiment and ob­serve until they are proved or discredited (使不相信). The exact status of any explanation should be clearly labeled to avoid confusion.
　　The objectives of science are primarily the discovery and the subsequent understanding of the unknown. Man cannot be satisfied with recognizing that secrets exist in nature or that questions are unan­swerable; he must solve them. Toward that end specialists in the field of biology and related fields of in­terest are directing much of their time and energy.
　　Actually, two basic approaches lead to the discovery of new information. One, aimed at satisfying curiosity, is referred to as pure science. The other is aimed at using knowledge for specific purposes—for instance, improving health, raising standards of living, or creating new consumer products. In this case knowledge is put to economic use. Such an approach is referred to as applied science.
　　Sometimes practical-minded people miss the point of pure science in thinking only of its immediateapplication for economic rewards. Scientists responsible for many of the discoveries could hardly haveanticipated that their findings would one day result in applications of such a practical nature as those directly related to life and death. The discovery of one bit of information opens the door to the discovery ofanother. Some discoveries seem so simple that one is amazed they were not madeyears ago; however,one should remember that the construction of the microscope had to precede the discovery of the cell.The host of scientists dedicating their lives to pure science are not apologetic (抱歉) about ignoring thepractical side of their discoveries; they know from experience that most knowledge is eventually applied.
　　词汇：distinguishn.辨认，区别 dedicatevt.奉献，致力
41. To define science we may simply call it________.
A. the study of unrelated fields
B. classified knowledge
C. the study of unrelated subjects
D. an attempt to explain natural phenomena
42. Pure science, leading to the construction of a microscope________.
A. is not always as pure as we suppose
B. necessarily results from applied science and the discovery of a cell
C. may lead to anti-scientific, "impure" results
D. necessarily precedes applied science, leading to the discovery of the cell
43. A scientist being interested in adding to our general knowledge about oxygen would probably call his approach__________.
A. pure science
B. environmental science
C. applied science
D. agricultural science
44. Which of the following statements does the author imply?
A. In science, it is not difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.
B. Practical-minded people can understand the meaning and objectives of pure science.
C. Scientists engaged in theoretical research should not be blamed for ignoring the practical side of their discoveries.
D. Today few people have any notions of the meaning of science.
45. The best title for the passage is _______.
A. Hypotheses and Theories
B. On Distinguishing Fact from Fiction
C. The Nature of Science and Scientists
D. Biology and the Scientific Age

参考答案
第一篇
31. C    32. B    33. A    34. D    35. D
第二篇
36. D    37. A    38. D    39. A    40. C
第三篇
41. B    42. D    43. A    44. C    45. C