R14 GRE閱讀-實戰練習

閱讀時間約 23 分鐘

威威老師的閱讀教室：GRE實戰練習 (GRE Reading Practice)

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Passage 1：Social Science — The Rise of Megacities

By 2050, the United Nations estimates that nearly 70 percent of the world’s population will live in urban areas, up from approximately 55 percent today. Much of this urban growth is concentrated in a new category of cities known as “megacities” — urban areas with populations exceeding ten million. In 1990, there were only ten megacities in the world; by 2030, there are projected to be over forty.

The rapid expansion of megacities presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, cities are engines of economic growth, generating approximately 80 percent of global GDP despite occupying just 3 percent of the Earth’s land. The concentration of talent, capital, and infrastructure in megacities creates efficiencies that are impossible in dispersed rural settlements. Cities also tend to offer better access to education, healthcare, and cultural resources.

On the other hand, uncontrolled urban growth has led to severe problems. Many megacities in developing countries are ringed by vast slums where hundreds of millions of people live without basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. Traffic congestion, air pollution, and inadequate public transportation are endemic. Lagos, Dhaka, and Manila exemplify cities where infrastructure development has failed to keep pace with population growth.

Urban planners are increasingly advocating for a concept known as “smart growth,” which emphasizes denser, more walkable neighborhoods, efficient public transit, mixed-use development, and the preservation of green spaces. Cities like Singapore, Copenhagen, and Curitiba, Brazil, have demonstrated that thoughtful urban planning can mitigate many of the downsides of rapid growth. However, implementing smart growth in established megacities with entrenched interests and limited budgets remains a formidable challenge.

Questions:

  1. According to the passage, the number of megacities is expected to ___ between 1990 and 2030. (A) decrease (B) remain stable (C) more than triple (D) double

  2. The author mentions Lagos, Dhaka, and Manila primarily as examples of ___. (A) cities with successful smart growth policies (B) megacities where infrastructure has not kept up with growth (C) cities with declining populations (D) economic powerhouses

  3. The word “endemic” in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) rare and unusual (B) constantly present (C) recently discovered (D) easily solved

  4. It can be inferred that the author views smart growth as ___. (A) a proven solution for all cities (B) an idealistic concept with no practical value (C) a promising approach that is difficult to implement in practice (D) irrelevant to the challenges of megacities

Passage 2：Science — CRISPR Gene Editing

The development of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in 2012 represented a breakthrough in genetic engineering. CRISPR, which stands for “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats,” allows scientists to edit DNA with unprecedented precision, speed, and affordability. Unlike earlier gene-editing techniques, which were slow, expensive, and prone to errors, CRISPR can target specific genes with remarkable accuracy, making it possible to add, remove, or modify genetic material in living organisms.

The potential applications of CRISPR are staggering. In medicine, researchers are using it to develop treatments for genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and certain forms of cancer. In agriculture, CRISPR has been used to create crops that are more resistant to disease, drought, and pests — achievements that could help address global food security. Scientists have even explored using CRISPR to combat invasive species and to resurrect extinct ones, such as the woolly mammoth.

However, the power of CRISPR has raised serious ethical concerns. In 2018, a Chinese scientist named He Jiankui announced that he had used CRISPR to edit the genes of human embryos, resulting in the birth of twin girls with modified DNA. The announcement was met with widespread condemnation from the scientific community, which argued that the procedure was premature, risky, and unethical. The primary concern was that changes made to the human germline — DNA that can be passed on to future generations — could have unforeseen consequences that are impossible to predict or reverse.

The CRISPR debate illustrates a broader tension in science: the gap between what we can do and what we should do. As the technology continues to advance, societies will need to develop robust ethical frameworks to ensure that gene editing is used responsibly and equitably.

Questions:

  1. What advantage does CRISPR have over earlier gene-editing techniques? (A) It is the first gene-editing technique ever developed. (B) It can only edit plant DNA. (C) It is faster, cheaper, and more precise. (D) It has no ethical concerns.

  2. The scientific community condemned He Jiankui’s experiment primarily because ___. (A) the technology was not yet invented (B) editing human embryos could have unpredictable, heritable consequences (C) the experiment failed to produce results (D) he used the wrong type of cells

  3. The word “germline” in the third paragraph refers to ___. (A) a type of laboratory equipment (B) genetic material that can be inherited by future generations (C) a method of growing crops (D) a disease caused by genetic mutation

  4. The author’s main purpose in the last paragraph is to ___. (A) describe the history of genetic engineering (B) argue that CRISPR should be banned (C) highlight the need for ethical guidelines in the use of powerful technology (D) compare CRISPR to other inventions

Passage 3：Humanities — The Legacy of the Silk Road

The Silk Road was not a single road but a vast network of trade routes connecting East Asia to the Mediterranean, spanning more than 6,000 kilometers at its peak. Active from approximately 130 BCE to the 1450s CE, these routes facilitated not only the exchange of goods — silk, spices, precious metals, and glass — but also the transmission of ideas, religions, technologies, and even diseases between civilizations.

The cultural impact of the Silk Road was profound. Buddhism spread from India to China and East Asia along these routes, profoundly shaping the art, philosophy, and social structures of entire civilizations. Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism also traveled along the Silk Road, establishing communities far from their points of origin. Paper-making, gunpowder, and the magnetic compass — three of China’s most significant inventions — reached Europe through Silk Road networks, catalyzing transformations in European society.

Recent archaeological work has complicated the traditional narrative of the Silk Road. Historians once envisioned these routes as well-traveled highways bustling with caravans of merchants. However, evidence suggests that the reality was far more fragmented. Goods typically passed through multiple intermediaries rather than traveling end to end, and many routes were traversed only intermittently, depending on local political conditions and the availability of water and pasturage.

Despite these nuances, the Silk Road remains a powerful symbol of cross-cultural exchange. Its legacy reminds us that globalization is not a modern invention but a process with deep historical roots, and that the most consequential exchanges between civilizations often involved not goods but ideas.

Questions:

  1. According to the passage, the Silk Road was ___. (A) a single highway connecting China to Rome (B) a network of trade routes spanning multiple continents (C) a canal system used for transportation (D) exclusively used for trading silk

  2. The passage suggests that the traditional view of the Silk Road ___. (A) has been confirmed by recent archaeological evidence (B) overstates the volume and continuity of direct trade (C) understates the importance of goods relative to ideas (D) is completely inaccurate

  3. The author would most likely agree that ___. (A) trade routes have no impact on cultural development (B) globalization is exclusively a modern phenomenon (C) cultural exchange has historically been as significant as economic exchange (D) the Silk Road was the only important trade network in history

Passage 4：Science — Gut Microbiome

The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms — collectively known as the microbiome — that reside primarily in the digestive tract. Once dismissed as mere passengers, these microbial communities are now recognized as essential partners in human health. The gut microbiome alone contains more cells than the entire human body and performs functions ranging from digesting complex carbohydrates to synthesizing vitamins and training the immune system.

Research over the past two decades has linked the composition of the gut microbiome to an astonishing range of health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and even mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that individuals with certain diseases tend to have less diverse microbiomes than healthy individuals, although it remains unclear whether reduced diversity is a cause or a consequence of illness.

The growing understanding of the microbiome has spawned a booming probiotics industry, with products claiming to restore or enhance gut health. However, many of these claims outpace the scientific evidence. Most commercially available probiotics contain only a handful of bacterial strains and may not survive the journey through the stomach’s acidic environment. Researchers caution that manipulating the microbiome is far more complex than simply swallowing a supplement, and that meaningful interventions will likely require personalized approaches based on an individual’s unique microbial profile.

Despite these challenges, the microbiome represents one of the most promising frontiers in medicine. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) — the transfer of stool from a healthy donor to a patient — has already proven remarkably effective in treating certain antibiotic-resistant infections, achieving cure rates above 90 percent where conventional treatments fail.

Questions:

  1. The primary purpose of the passage is to ___. (A) advertise probiotic supplements (B) argue that all bacteria are harmful (C) describe the importance and complexity of the gut microbiome (D) criticize the pharmaceutical industry

  2. According to the passage, the relationship between microbiome diversity and disease is ___. (A) clearly causal in one direction (B) still not fully understood (C) irrelevant to human health (D) purely genetic

  3. The author’s attitude toward commercial probiotics is best described as ___. (A) enthusiastically supportive (B) skeptical and cautious (C) completely dismissive (D) indifferent

  4. Fecal microbiota transplantation is mentioned as an example of ___. (A) a dangerous and untested procedure (B) a successful microbiome-based treatment (C) a type of probiotic supplement (D) an alternative to antibiotics

Passage 5：Social Science — The sharing Economy

The rise of platforms such as Airbnb, Uber, and TaskRabbit has given birth to what is commonly called the “sharing economy” or “gig economy.” These platforms connect people who have underutilized assets — a spare room, a car, a few free hours — with those who need them, ostensibly creating value for both parties. Proponents celebrate the sharing economy as a more efficient, democratic, and sustainable alternative to traditional business models.

However, the reality has proven more complicated. While some participants earn meaningful income through these platforms, many gig workers lack the protections afforded to traditional employees, including minimum wage guarantees, health insurance, paid leave, and retirement benefits. The classification of gig workers as independent contractors rather than employees has been the subject of intense legal battles in multiple countries.

Critics also argue that the sharing economy often benefits platform owners and investors far more than the workers who provide the actual services. Uber, for example, takes a significant commission from each ride, and drivers bear all the costs of vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance. Similarly, Airbnb has been blamed for exacerbating housing shortages in popular tourist destinations, as landlords convert long-term rental properties into more profitable short-term vacation rentals.

The future of the sharing economy will likely depend on how effectively governments can regulate these platforms to protect workers and consumers without stifling innovation. Some jurisdictions have already taken action: California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), passed in 2019, sought to reclassify many gig workers as employees, though the law was later partially reversed by a ballot initiative (Proposition 22) funded by platform companies.

Questions:

  1. According to the passage, one problem with the gig economy is that ___. (A) the platforms do not make money (B) workers lack protections typically available to employees (C) there are too few users (D) traditional businesses have not been affected

  2. The word “exacerbating” in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) improving (B) ignoring (C) making worse (D) creating

  3. The passage suggests that the regulation of the sharing economy is ___. (A) unnecessary and harmful (B) straightforward and simple (C) complex and still evolving (D) best left to the companies themselves

Passage 6：Humanities — Women in Classical Music

The underrepresentation of women among the ranks of celebrated classical composers is often cited as evidence that women have historically lacked the talent or drive to excel in musical composition. This explanation, however convenient, overlooks the substantial social and institutional barriers that prevented women from pursuing careers in music for centuries.

Until the late 19th century, formal musical education was largely inaccessible to women. Most conservatories either barred female students entirely or restricted them to “appropriate” instruments such as the piano and harp, excluding them from orchestral training. Women who did compose music often faced a双重 burden: their work was frequently published under male pseudonyms or attributed to male relatives, and their compositions were dismissed as “light” or “domestic” rather than serious.

Despite these obstacles, some women managed to produce extraordinary work. Fanny Mendelssohn, sister of Felix Mendelssohn, composed over 460 works that were largely unpublished during her lifetime. Clara Schumann, one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era, composed a piano concerto that was performed to critical acclaim — yet her compositional output was overshadowed by the work of her husband, Robert Schumann. More recently, the music of Florence Price, the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra, has been rediscovered and celebrated after decades of neglect.

The historical erasure of women composers has consequences that extend beyond fairness. It has shaped the canon of classical music in ways that narrow our understanding of musical history and limit the repertoire available to performers and audiences today.

Questions:

  1. The passage challenges the view that ___. (A) women composed music in the 19th century (B) social barriers prevented women from composing (C) women lacked talent for musical composition (D) classical music is a male-dominated field

  2. The author mentions Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, and Florence Price as examples of ___. (A) women who were more talented than their male relatives (B) women who overcame barriers to produce significant musical works (C) women who only performed music composed by men (D) women who opposed classical music

  3. The word “erasure” in the last paragraph is closest in meaning to ___. (A) celebration (B) removal from historical record (C) improvement (D) misunderstanding

Passage 7：Science — Deep Sea Exploration

The deep ocean — defined as waters below 200 meters — covers more than 65 percent of the Earth’s surface, yet less than 5 percent of this vast realm has been explored by humans. We know more about the surface of Mars than we do about the ocean floor, a fact that underscores both the difficulty of deep-sea exploration and the vast potential for discovery that remains.

The challenges of exploring the deep ocean are immense. At depths greater than 1,000 meters, sunlight cannot penetrate, leaving the environment in total darkness. Water pressure increases by approximately one atmosphere for every 10 meters of depth, meaning that at the bottom of the Mariana Trench — the deepest point in the ocean at nearly 11,000 meters — the pressure exceeds 1,000 atmospheres, or roughly 16,000 pounds per square inch. These conditions require specialized equipment that is extraordinarily expensive to design, build, and operate.

Despite these obstacles, deep-sea exploration has yielded remarkable discoveries. Hydrothermal vents, discovered in 1977, revealed ecosystems that thrive entirely without sunlight, powered instead by chemical energy from the Earth’s interior. These ecosystems host organisms found nowhere else on the planet, including giant tube worms, heat-resistant bacteria, and translucent fish. The discovery revolutionized our understanding of where life can exist and has implications for the search for life on other planets.

Today, new technologies are accelerating deep-sea exploration. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), advanced sonar mapping systems, and high-resolution cameras are making it possible to survey larger areas at lower cost. Yet funding for ocean exploration remains a fraction of what is spent on space exploration, a disparity that many marine scientists find difficult to justify given the ocean’s direct relevance to human survival.

Questions:

  1. According to the passage, the main reason so little of the deep ocean has been explored is ___. (A) lack of scientific interest (B) the extreme conditions and high costs (C) the ocean is too small to warrant exploration (D) there is nothing worth discovering

  2. The discovery of hydrothermal vents was significant because ___. (A) they proved that all life requires sunlight (B) they revealed ecosystems existing without sunlight (C) they were easy to access (D) they contained valuable minerals

  3. The author implies that ___. (A) space exploration should be abandoned in favor of ocean exploration (B) ocean exploration deserves more funding relative to space exploration (C) space and ocean exploration receive equal funding (D) the ocean has no relevance to human survival

Passage 8：Argument — Standardized Testing

Standardized testing has been a cornerstone of educational systems worldwide for over a century. Proponents argue that standardized tests provide an objective measure of student achievement, enabling fair comparisons across schools, regions, and countries. Without such measures, they contend, it would be impossible to identify achievement gaps, hold schools accountable, or make informed policy decisions.

Critics, however, argue that standardized tests measure a narrow range of skills and fail to capture important aspects of learning such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Moreover, because test scores often determine school funding, teacher evaluations, and student promotion, the emphasis on testing can distort educational priorities, encouraging schools to “teach to the test” rather than provide a well-rounded education.

A growing body of research supports the critics’ concerns. Studies have found that high-stakes testing increases anxiety among students, particularly younger children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Teachers report spending significant instructional time on test preparation at the expense of more engaging and substantive learning activities. Furthermore, standardized test scores are strongly correlated with socioeconomic status, raising questions about whether these tests truly measure ability or simply reflect existing inequalities.

Some educational systems have begun to move away from standardized testing. Finland, consistently ranked among the world’s top-performing nations in education, relies on teacher-created assessments rather than standardized exams. The Finnish model suggests that meaningful evaluation does not require the massive testing infrastructure that many countries have built.

Questions:

  1. The passage presents the debate over standardized testing by ___. (A) strongly advocating for one side (B) presenting arguments from both sides with supporting evidence (C) describing the history of testing without analysis (D) focusing exclusively on the Finnish system

  2. According to the passage, standardized test scores tend to correlate with ___. (A) creativity levels (B) emotional intelligence (C) socioeconomic status (D) physical fitness

  3. The Finland example is used to ___. (A) prove that all standardized tests should be eliminated immediately (B) suggest that educational excellence can be achieved without extensive testing (C) show that Finland is superior to all other countries (D) argue that teachers should not create assessments

Passage 9：Phenomenon — The Overview Effect

In 1987, author Frank White coined the term “overview effect” to describe a profound cognitive shift reported by astronauts who have viewed the Earth from space. Looking down at the planet from orbit, astronauts consistently describe experiencing a deep sense of the Earth’s fragility, an awareness of the interconnectedness of all life, and a heightened concern for environmental protection. Many report that the experience permanently altered their worldview.

The overview effect is not merely anecdotal. Neuroscientists at the University of Pennsylvania have used brain imaging to study the phenomenon and found that viewing images of Earth from space activates regions of the brain associated with empathy, self-transcendence, and a sense of oneness. These neurological responses suggest that the overview effect involves genuine cognitive and emotional changes, not just poetic descriptions.

The concept has inspired several practical initiatives. Astronauts who have experienced the overview effect have become prominent advocates for environmental protection and international cooperation. Organizations such as the Overview Institute have proposed making space travel more accessible, arguing that if more people could experience this perspective shift, it could accelerate progress on global challenges like climate change and conflict resolution.

Skeptics question whether the overview effect can truly drive behavioral change. They point out that environmental awareness does not always translate into environmentally responsible behavior, and that the practical barriers to widespread space tourism remain significant. Whether the overview effect represents a transformative psychological phenomenon or an idealized narrative, its appeal speaks to a deep human desire for perspective and connection.

Questions:

  1. The “overview effect” refers to ___. (A) the physical sensation of weightlessness (B) a cognitive shift experienced when viewing Earth from space (C) the training process for astronauts (D) a type of space technology

  2. The University of Pennsylvania research is mentioned to ___. (A) argue that space travel is dangerous (B) provide scientific support for the reality of the overview effect (C) criticize the overview effect as fictional (D) promote space tourism

  3. Skeptics of the overview effect argue that ___. (A) astronauts are not reliable witnesses (B) space travel is too expensive to be worthwhile (C) environmental awareness does not necessarily lead to behavioral change (D) the brain imaging studies were poorly conducted

Passage 10：Multiple Viewpoints — Nature Conservation Strategies

The conservation community is divided between two competing philosophies: “fortress conservation” and “community-based conservation.” Fortress conservation advocates argue that the most effective way to protect biodiversity is to establish strictly protected areas from which human activity is largely excluded. This approach, championed by organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, has been credited with saving iconic species and preserving critical habitats.

Critics of fortress conservation argue that it often comes at a steep human cost. In many cases, indigenous peoples and local communities have been forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands to create national parks and wildlife reserves. These displacements have resulted in loss of livelihood, cultural disruption, and human rights violations. Studies have shown that some of the world’s most biodiverse areas are precisely those that have been managed sustainably by indigenous communities for centuries.

Community-based conservation offers an alternative approach, seeking to involve local populations as partners in conservation efforts rather than excluding them. Proponents argue that when local communities benefit from conservation — through ecotourism revenue, sustainable harvesting rights, or employment opportunities — they become invested in protecting natural resources. Successful examples include Namibia’s communal conservancy program, which has led to significant recoveries of wildlife populations while providing economic benefits to rural communities.

The debate between these approaches is not purely academic. As human populations grow and climate change accelerates habitat loss, the question of how best to conserve the planet’s remaining biodiversity has never been more urgent. Some researchers suggest that the most effective strategy may combine elements of both approaches, using protected areas as core conservation zones while allowing sustainable use in surrounding buffer areas.

Questions:

  1. The passage is primarily concerned with ___. (A) describing the history of national parks (B) comparing two approaches to nature conservation (C) arguing that all human activity should be banned from natural areas (D) promoting ecotourism

  2. According to the passage, fortress conservation has been criticized for ___. (A) being too lenient toward human activity (B) causing displacement and rights violations among indigenous communities (C) failing to protect any species (D) being too expensive

  3. The Namibia example supports the argument that ___. (A) conservation cannot succeed without strict enforcement (B) involving local communities can benefit both wildlife and people (C) ecotourism always harms the environment (D) only fortress conservation is effective

  4. The author’s tone in the final paragraph can best be described as ___. (A) despairing (B) urgent but balanced (C) dismissive of both approaches (D) sarcastic

Answer Key

Passage 1: Megacities

  1. (C) — From 10 (1990) to over 40 (2030) = more than tripled.
  2. (B) — “Lagos, Dhaka, and Manila exemplify cities where infrastructure development has failed to keep pace.”
  3. (B) — “endemic” = constantly present / widespread.
  4. (C) — “implementing smart growth… remains a formidable challenge” — promising but difficult.

Passage 2: CRISPR

  1. (C) — “unprecedented precision, speed, and affordability.”
  2. (B) — “changes made to the human germline… could have unforeseen consequences.”
  3. (B) — Germline = DNA that can be inherited.
  4. (C) — “societies will need to develop robust ethical frameworks.”

Passage 3: Silk Road

  1. (B) — “a vast network of trade routes connecting East Asia to the Mediterranean.”
  2. (B) — Recent evidence suggests goods passed through intermediaries, not via continuous direct trade.
  3. (C) — “the most consequential exchanges between civilizations often involved not goods but ideas.”

Passage 4: Gut Microbiome

  1. (C) — The passage describes the importance, complexity, and therapeutic potential of the microbiome.
  2. (B) — “it remains unclear whether reduced diversity is a cause or a consequence of illness.”
  3. (B) — “Researchers caution that manipulating the microbiome is far more complex than simply swallowing a supplement.”
  4. (B) — FMT “has already proven remarkably effective” — a successful microbiome treatment.

Passage 5: Sharing Economy

  1. (B) — “many gig workers lack the protections afforded to traditional employees.”
  2. (C) — “exacerbating” = making worse.
  3. (C) — The passage describes ongoing legal battles and evolving regulation.

Passage 6: Women in Classical Music

  1. (C) — The passage challenges the “explanation” that women lacked talent.
  2. (B) — All three overcame barriers to produce significant work.
  3. (B) — “erasure” = removal from historical record.

Passage 7: Deep Sea Exploration

  1. (B) — Extreme pressure, darkness, and high equipment costs.
  2. (B) — Ecosystems thriving without sunlight revolutionized our understanding of life.
  3. (B) — “funding for ocean exploration remains a fraction of what is spent on space exploration, a disparity that many marine scientists find difficult to justify.”

Passage 8: Standardized Testing

  1. (B) — Balanced presentation of both sides with evidence.
  2. (C) — “standardized test scores are strongly correlated with socioeconomic status.”
  3. (B) — Finland achieves educational excellence without extensive standardized testing.

Passage 9: The Overview Effect

  1. (B) — “a profound cognitive shift reported by astronauts who have viewed the Earth from space.”
  2. (B) — Brain imaging provides scientific evidence for the phenomenon.
  3. (C) — “environmental awareness does not always translate into environmentally responsible behavior.”

Passage 10: Nature Conservation

  1. (B) — Comparing fortress conservation and community-based conservation.
  2. (B) — “indigenous peoples and local communities have been forcibly displaced.”
  3. (B) — Namibia shows community involvement benefits both wildlife and people.
  4. (B) — “urgent” (the question is more urgent than ever) but “balanced” (suggesting a combined approach).

實戰建議

  • 每篇限時 3-4 分鐘閱讀 + 1-2 分鐘答題
  • 先讀結構再做題，遇到細節題回 定位
  • 練習時注意錯誤模式：是定位錯？推論過度？還是詞彙不足？
  • 每次練習後 回顧 錯題，分類錯誤原因

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