We now come to the vital topic of money. First, we must remember that science, on any significant scale, exists only in economie

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问题     We now come to the vital topic of money. First, we must remember that science, on any significant scale, exists only in economies where there is surplus(剩余, 过剩)of goods and services. A prosperous economy forms a necessary base for scientific work. Tragically, the economies of the "underdeveloped" countries, where the need is overwhelming, have not supported—nor have they been capable of supporting—any substantial scientific and technical training or research. Read the speech of P. M. S. Blackett, President of the Royal Society, in which the existing great disparity between the "have" and "have-not" economies is considered. The primary theme of his address is that the gap is not closing; on the contrary, it steadily grows wider.
    The United States, as the wealthiest industrial nation, spends a greater amount on research and development than any other nations. It is beyond the scope of this book to consider in detail whether the amount spent is adequate, either in relation to our own economy or in relation to our position in the world. At best the question is an open one.
    In the last few years, financial support for science has changed significantly. It is frustrating to report that, in spite of numerous statements about the extent and nature of these changes, it has been impossible to find sufficient agreement to be sure just what has happened. Two points do appear clear. First, there has been an overall cut in research funds, further reinforced by substantial inflation of prices. Second, there has been increased emphasis on "relevant" research— that is research with immediate practical applications.
    One report that reflects most closely our own estimate of the situation was made by a five-member committee from the National Academy of Sciences. This group investigated funding of chemistry projects by the National Institutes of Health. The committee concluded that funding had declined by an average of 20% and that the section most closely related to basic research had funds cut in half. The committee found that various institutes, in-house research, administrative budgets, and continuing extramural(市外的)grants had been protected with the result that new and renewal grants had become a disaster area. Other reports stating that federal institutes’ funds have had only limited cuts have apparently ignored the point made by the National Academy Committee.
The word "disparity"(Line 7, Para. 1)is closest in meaning to______.

选项 A、dispute
B、diversion
C、inequality
D、argument

答案C

解析 词汇题。根据Blackett演讲的主题,穷国和富国的差距不是在缩小,而是在不断扩大。由此可以推知,disparity相当于inequality,即C。
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