It is no use ____ with that mean storekeeper, for he won’t cut down the price.

第二节完形填空(共20小题；每小题重分，满分20分)
阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。  
In recent years many countries of the world have been faced with the problem of how to make their workers more productive. Some experts say the ___36___ is to make jobs more varied(多样的). But do more varied jobs ___37___ greater productivity? There is evidence to suggest that ___38___variety certainly makes the worker’s life more enjoyable, it doesn’t __39___ make him work harder. As far as increasing productivity is concerned, then, ___40___ is not an important factor.
Other experts feel that giving the worker___41___ to do his job in his own way is important, and there is no doubt that this is true. The ___42___ is that this kind of freedom can’t easily be given in the modern factory with its complicated(复杂的) machinery which must be used in a ___43___ way. Thus while freedom of choice may be important, there is usually very little that can be done to ___44___ it.
Another important ___45___ is how much each worker ___46___ to the product he is making. In most factories the worker ___47___only one small part of the product. Some car factories are now ___48___ with having many small production lines rather than one large one, so that each worker contributes more to the production of the cars on his___49___. It would seem that not only is degree of worker contribution an important factor ___50___ it is one we can do something about.
To what___51___ does more money lead to greater productivity? The workers themselves certainly think this is ___52___. But perhaps they want more money only because the work they do is so boring. ___53___ just lets them enjoy their spare time more. A ___54___ argument may explain demands for shorter working hours. Perhaps if we ___55___ making their jobs more interesting, they will neither want more money, nor will shorter working hours be so important to them.
36. A. answer       B. course        C. attempt        D. system
37. A. run across      B. lead to       C. result from      D. pick up
38. A. because       B. as           C. while          D. as though
39. A. mentally        B. physically      C. carefully         D. actually
40. A. variety       B. relaxation       C. creativity        D. machinery
41. A. judgment       B. freedom            C. direction         D. comfort
42. A. secret         B. skill            C. problem             D. strength
43. A. amusing            B. dull            C. changeable     D. fixed
44. A. use                B. create        C. supply         D. fear
45. A. measure            B. invention        C. consideration     D. work
46. A. lies                B. sticks          C. objects        D. contributes
47. A. likes           B. equips        C. transports        D. sees
48. A. tired           B. pleased       C. worrying         D. experimenting
49. A. own           B. will            C. line             D. hand
50. A. but                B. and             C. so            D. however
51. A. extent         B. quality       C. store            D. difference
52. A. natural       B. important       C. worrying         D. unbelievable
53. A. Rest           B. Sports        C. Money        D. Playing
54. A. complete        B. friendly            C. given          D. similar
55. A. advise        B. succeed in     C. object to         D. are tired of

请认真阅读下列短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。

注意：每个空格只填一个单词。

Some people believe that greed and selfishness has become the basis of modern society, and we should return to the old traditions of family and community then we will have a better life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above opinion?

In this fast-paced world, many values are undergoing major changes. While people traditionally prioritize caring, sharing and generosity in life and work, modern people seem to be more self-absorbed and self-concerned.

Modern people act selfishly to survive the harsh competition of life. They say that it is a jungle out there. To survive, you have to fight with whatever means that come handy. Obviously greedy and selfishness go perfectly well with such ideas. In a company, employees do everything they can to get better pay and higher position, even at the cost of colleagues. We are in any way advocating any selfish conduct. It is just that people are pressured to act in a certain way due to outside influences.

In spite of common practice, it is hard to conclude that modern society is built on greed and selfishness, both of which are not newly invented vocabulary. In ancient times people also did greedy and selfish things though such behaviors were more condemned then. But we can not ignore the fact that people in the past lived a relatively more isolated life and faced less pressure compared with their modern counterparts.

Are we happier to share with others and be generous to them? There is no fixed answer either. Some people take great pleasure helping and giving to others while others feel happy doing the opposite. But I personally think that people should not be too selfish. Caring for others can actually encourage the development of a mutually beneficial relationship.

In conclusion, modern people appear to be more self-centered than those in the past due to strong outside pressure. However, we should encourage people to know the importance of being caring and generous and to build a mutually beneficial relationship with others.

Are Modern People Becoming More Selfish?

【— I think my child’s behavior is _______.
— No, he just has a lot of energy.

He is a new comer. There is no one _____, so let’s go and help him, shall we?