根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Whether you’ve been in college or you’re looking forward to going to university in the future, you and your family likely spend some time worrying about the cost of your college education. _____36_____ However, that will pay off for years to come. Earning scholarships is a great way to help you. The Financial Aid Office at Illinois State helps students identify scholarship opportunities every day. Here is some advice to help you.
· _____37_____
Have you asked your high school or community college financial aid office about scholarships at your school? Many schools have a list of several scholarships right there. _____38_____ Check with community organizations, banks and credit unions, and large employers who may offer scholarship opportunities in your area.
· Find your “hook”
_____39_____. Your unique characteristics can help your scholarship applications stand out. Pay special attention to awards that mention your best qualities, whether that’s academic achievements, leadership, community service, or something less common. Think about why a donor wants to assist you in paying for your education. Most scholarship providers want to encourage a particular behavior. Companies may want to attract future employees.
· Develop a routine
Everyscholarship is different in terms of when you can apply, what you need to turnin, when the winner is announced, and how the money is given to you._____40_____ There isn’t a single application or search engine that allows youto find and apply for everything. Visit the website for the Office of StudentFinancial Aid for lists of scholarship opportunities. Go through the lists tofind the ones that match you best and keep track of when you can apply forthem.
A. While you’re searching, consider what makes you special as a student.
B. Typically, scholarshipapplications open in the late fall or early spring for the next school year’s awards, but that also variesdepending on the donors.
C. There is no doubtthat college education is a necessary step to get yourselves prepared for the future.
D. Local awards canoften be easier to get as the application pools are smaller and less competitive.
E. Begin in your own backyard.
F. It’s no secret that college is one of the biggest investments.
G. Believe in yourselves.
36.F 37.E 38.D 39. A 40.B
36. 根据上面的解题思路可知，父母担忧大学学费，但众所周知，大学本身就是一项很大的投资，当然需要钱。故选项F正确。
37. E选项开头就有begin v.开始。明显提示了这是所有措施的第一条，故选项E正确。
38. competitive adj.有竞争力的；竞争激烈的；D选项的“smaller and less competitive”符合当地竞争较小的表述。
39. 了解了本段主要是讲“申请奖学金时突出自己的优点”这个背景就不难看出A选项里面的special adj. 特殊的，特别的，符合这个主旨，所以A选项正确。
40. B选项的late fall已经点明了具体时间，以及有些会因为捐赠者的原因而时间不同，这都和前一句的意思相关。故B选项正确。
36. 本题考查了对上下文的把握以及连贯性的把握。
37. 本题考查了概括总结的能力。
38. 本题考查了对知识点的归纳能力。
39. 本题考查了有关申请奖学金的一些技巧。
40. 本题考查了有关奖学金的知识点。
36. 根据前一句“you and your family likely spend some time worrying about the cost of your college education.”可知，前一句在探讨父母对学费的担忧。
37. 此空位于文章第一个小段的小标题，当然是属于开头性质的句子。根据原文“Have you asked your high school or community college financial aid office about scholarships at your school?”可知，本段是要求你自己行动起来。
38. 根据上一句“Many schools have a list of several scholarships right there. 可知，可供选择的奖学金的项目很多，只要你开始行动，在当地的竞争相对应该较小。
39. 根据小标题Find your “hook”可知，本段主要讲的是在申请奖学金时，要找到自己的长处和吸引人的地方，这样才能脱引而出。
40. 根据原文“Every scholarship is different in terms of when you can apply, what you need to turn in, when the winner is announced, and how the money is given to you。”本段重点在讲关于奖学金的一些具体事项。包括流程和具体时间。
36. investment n.投资；对词义的把握。
37. 对文章的基本布局不熟悉。
38. 对文段的把握能力不够。
39. 对小标题理解不到位。
40. 把握不住文章的走向和意图。