2013 考研英语(二)真题

Section I Use of English

Directions:

Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and

mark A, B, C or D on ANSWER SHEET 1. (10 points)

Given the advantages of electronic money, you might think that we would

move quickly to the cashless society in which all payments are made

electronically. ___1___ a true cashless society is probably not around the corner.

Indeed, predictions have been___2___for two decades but have not yet come to

fruition. For example, Business Week predicted in 1975 that electronic means of

payment would soon "revolutionize the very ___3___ of money itself," only

to___4___ itself several years later. Why has the movement to a cashless society

been so___5___in coming?

Although electronic means of payment may be more efficient than a payments

system based on paper, several factors work___6___the disappearance of the paper

system. First, it is very___7___to set up the computer, card reader, and

telecommunications networks necessary to make electronic money the___8___form

of payment Second, paper checks have the advantage that they___9___receipts,

something that many consumers are unwilling to___10___. Third, the use of paper

checks gives consumers several days of "float" - it takes several days___11___ a

check is cashed and funds are___12___from the issuer's account, which means that

the writer of the check can cam interest on the funds in the meantime.

___13___electronic payments arc immediate, they eliminate the float for the

consumer.

Fourth, electronic means of payment may___14___security and pr