BEC高级阅读模拟题指导训练(二十一)

Exercise Three (2000.5)

 

 

A CHALLENGE TO TRADITIONAL BANKLNG

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Traditional methods of banking are under __0__ from a new type of account which is actually meant to be almost perpetually in debit. This account, to be __21__ in a few months' time, is intended to __22__ a range of personal banking services, such as current accounts, mortgages, personal loans and credit cards. Customers, who must __23__ that they are at least five years from retirement, will be required to __24__ a mortgage of at least ￡50,000 on their homes and have their salaries paid directly into the account. They will then have an agreed credit __25__ of up to three times their annual salary, to use as they wish-as well as the usual __26__ such as debit, credit and cash cards and a check book. Accounts in debit will be charged interest at a rate of 8.2 per cent. this __27__ favorably with the standard mortgage rate of 8.45 per cent, personal loan rates of around 13 per cent and credit card __28__of about 22 per cent. When the debt is cleared-as it must be by the time the customer retires-and the account goes into credit, it will attract interest at about 5 per cent. Some experts say that it will revolutionize personal banking in the UK. But the __29__ has been dismissed as a gimmick by rival banks and criticized by consumer groups, which are voicing fears that many customers on average incomes could be __30__into serious debt.

 

21   A embarked        B launched           C issued                   D released

22   A associate         B enclose             C mix                     D combine

23   A persuade         B prove              C witness                 D convince

24   A take to                   B take off             C take out                 D take in

25   A limit                     B barrier              C control                  D extent

26   A means           B amenities           C facilities                  D opportunities

27   A connects         B compares                 C relates                   D differs

28   A expenses         B receipts             C bills                     D charges

29   A program         B scheme                   C device                  D design

30   A descended       B fallen               C placed                  D plunged