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) .
（16）（）
A.moderate
B.hereditary
C.inevitable
D.extreme
参考答案：D
解析：
[考点解析] 选项D“extreme”(极度的，极端的)与其前后的部分结合在一起构成一个完整的条件状语从句，即:“if the conflict is extreme and you cannot find a way to solve it” (如果冲突是激烈的，并且你也找不到方法来解决冲突)。一般而言，无法解决的冲突通常是“激烈的”。故选项D“extreme”(激烈的)应该是正确选项。考生在解题时要注意句子前后语言成分之间的关系。