It is not uncommon for close synonyms to be understood to share the same meaning. The difference bet

It is not uncommon for close synonyms to be understood to share the same meaning. The difference between words like “hard”and “difficult”, for example, goes tragically unnoticed.
Take for example the following sentences: 1) The test was hard. 2) The test was difficult. Is there a noticeable difference between the at all? If not, what would be the point to having multiple words with the exact same meaning? While many close synonyms share similar, if not the same, dictionary definitions, the feeling or mood they convey is utterly singular, if there is indeed a difference between words like “hard” and “difficult”, what is it?
To begin, “hard” is pragmatic and realistic, firmly grounded in reality. On the other hand, “difficult” is civilized, willing to make the effort necessary to appear polite. Furthermore, “hard” is more likely to be used in casual, in formal circumstances. It is used without pretense, and does not maintain a feeling of being overly concerned. In terms of daily usage, “hard” may be employed by an exhausted brick mason (石匠) when posed with the question, “How was your day” Conversely, “difficult” may be used by a military general upon explaining to his or her superior the progression of a particularly taxing campaign.
Now, let’s look at the synonyms, “happy” and “glad”. Take for example the following sentences: 1) Tommy is happy because he got a new bike. 2) Tommy is glad because he got a new bike. Again, upon consulting a dictionary, one will find highly similar, if not the same, definitions. But these definitions lack the feeling, the unique emotional charge that these words convey. The word “happy” conveys a sense of a carefree attitude. The thought of someone who is “happy” conveys the image of a bright-eyed, ruddy, smiling face. One is “ happy” on the morning of his birthday, discovering a new puppy bounding into his bedroom. On the other hand, the word “glad” conveys a sense of relief or contentment. The thought of someone who is “glad” conveys the image of a man standing crossed-armed, nodding gently.
Granted, the notion that close synonyms can be used interchangeably is prevalent among English speakers. However, using the examples and insights described above, one may come to recognize these subtle, yet crucial,differences.
12．Which of the following statements best describes the main idea of this passage?
A．Close synonyms are difficult to comprehend, and are commonly used interchangeably.
B．Contrary to popular belief, important differences exist between come close synonyms.
C．The difference between the words “hard”and “difficult” is vague to most.
D．Most English speakers believe close synonyms can be used interchangeably.
13．Which is closest in meaning with “utterly singular” in the second paragraph?
A．just the same   B．quite the opposite   C．very similar   D．totally different
14．The writer would agree that ____________.
A．In English, we have multiple words with the exact same meaning
B．Close synonyms should not be used interchangeably
C．By saying “It was hard”, one tries to sound polite and formal
D．The difference between close synonyms are too subtle and thus unimportant
15．It can be inferred that____________.
A．dictionaries are of little help when it comes to clarifying the differences between close synonyms
B．close synonyms like “happy” and “glad” are largely misused among English speakers
C．a military general would never use a word like “hard”or “happy”
D．It is impossible to recognize the real differences between close synonyms
 
【分析】