Passage 1

What enables some people to get big creative breakthroughs while others only get small and non-creative breakdowns, blaming themselves and society? Are some people “gifted”? Are there other factors __1__ work — factors that we have more control over than we think?

While nobody can deny the __2__ that some people seem to be blessed with particular creativity, research shows that anyone can __3__ their chances of coming up with new and original ideas __4__ they would only engage themselves more in the process of __5__. It’s the old Thomas Edison thing about “discovery __6__ 99 percent perspiration (汗水) and 1 percent inspiration.” __7__, the studies prove this: great creative breakthroughs usually happen only __8__ intense periods of struggle. It is sustained effort towards a specific goal __9__ eventually prepares for great creative insights.

This kind of sustained effort does not always __10__ immediate results, a fact that not only separates the innovators (革新者) from non-innovators, but __11__ leads some people to conclude that it is just not __12__ for them. “Maybe I should have gone to medical school like my mother wanted,” they wonder when the breakthrough is __13__ to be found. Alas, one forgets during their inevitable encounters __14__ self-doubt, that the big surprise is never __15__. Indeed, it can happen at any time and place.

1. A. to          B. in            C. at          D.by

2. A. issue    B. problem  C. reason  D. fact

3. A. miss     B. reduce    C. increase D. lose

4. A. because B. if            C. while D. whether

5. A. creation B. practice   C. production D. achievement

6. A. being     B. be           C. was          D. were

7. A. Sooner or later B. Some day or other

C. Every now and then D. Time and again

8. A. beyond   B. after      C. above     D. through

9. A. that        B. who        C. what       D. as

10. A. create    B. produce C. inspire D. encourage

11. A. too       B. once       C. again    D. also

12. A. good    B. difficult   C. possible D. stupid

13. A. anywhere B. everywhere C. somewhere D. nowhere

14. A. against B. across C. with D. into

15. A. far away B. used up C. cleared off D. near by

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