III. Reading Comprehension
Section A
Directions: For each blank in the following passages there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.
People with a positive attitude toward aging can adjust very well when individual circumstances change. Their positive outlook allows them to 50 to the inevitable physical and biochemical changes of the body that are associated with the natural 51 of aging. With a healthy outlook on the golden years, even unpredictable setbacks and disabilities can be managed 52 .
Individual genetic makeup (基因构造) explains the great 53 in the aging rate. Some seniors experience more challenges than others of the same age, and some seniors continue to function better than many younger people. But genetics only 54 about 30 percent of aging. Most of the changes we associate with age 55 factors such as diet and exercise habits; lifestyle issues, including over 56 of alcohol and tobacco, and psychological traits.
We can make healthy lifestyle choices by staying 57 both physically and mentally and by 58 a healthy diet. Some of the setbacks associated with advancing age such as 59 eyesight, loss of hearing, forgetfulness, weakness can be forestalled with some active intervention（干预）.
Growing older does not always mean you see poorly. Many older people have 60 good eyesight well into their eighties and beyond. However, the single greatest contributor to vision loss is a lifetime of 61 to damaging ultraviolet (紫外线) radiation in sunlight.
Carotenoids（类胡萝卜素）, a nutrient found in brightly colored vegetables and fruits, are powerful protectors against free-radical damage. Research shows that simply eating leafy greens and other foods rich in these protective nutrients can 62 vision loss.
Problems with hearing can create 63 and insecurity in later years. One of the major causes of age-related hearing loss is damage to the hair cells in the inner ear that transmit sounds to the brain. These hair cells and their nerve endings can be damaged by infections, genetic diseases, or treatment with certain drugs. The most common cause, 64 , is loud noise.
50. A. stick B. devote C. adapt D. lead
51. A. progress B. process C. program D. project
52. A. successfully B. purposefully C. unwillingly D. carefully
53. A. surprise B. variation C. increase D. possibility
54. A. relies on B. accounts for C. results from D. lies in
55. A. involve in B. relate to C. combine with D. substitute for
56. A. reputation B. enjoyment C. consumption D. encouragement
57. A. active B. calm C. efficient D. diligent
58. A. maintaining B. feeding C. surviving D. controlling
59. A. keen B. failing C. sharp D. remote
60. A. generally B. frequently C. relatively D. occasionally
61. A. contribution B. introduction C. explanation D. exposure
62. A. cure B. relieve C. reduce D. suffer
63. A. communication B. isolation C. competition D. occupation
64. A. therefore B. otherwise C. moreover D. however