Sometimes we have specific problems with our mother; sometimes, life with her can just be hard work. If there are difficulties in your (1) , it’s best to deal with them, (2) remember that any (3) should be done (4) person or by letter. The telephone is not a good (5) because it is too easy (6) either side to (7) the conversation.
Explain to her (8) you find difficult in your relationship and then (9) some new arrangements that you think would establish a (10) balance between you. Sometimes we hold (11) from establishing such boundaries because we are afraid that doing (12) implies we are (13) her. We need to remember that being (14) from our mother does not (15) mean that we no longer love her. If the conflict is (16) and you cannot find a way to (17) it, you might decide to give up your relationship with your mother for a while. Some of my patients had (18) "trial separations". The (19) allowed things to simmer down, enabling (20) .
5（）
A.innovation
B.manoeuvre
C.medium
D.synthesis
参考答案：C
解析：
[考点解析] 选项C“medium”(手段、方式)与其前面的成分结合在一起构成一个完整的“主系表”结构，其大意是:“电话不是一种稳妥的方式”。本句前面的“by letter”(通过书信)暗示本句中的“telephone”是一种解决问题的“手段或方式”。考生在解决时要注意上下句之间所涉及的讨论内容。