单选题 There is much discussion today about whether economic growth is desirable. At an earlier period, our desire for material wealth may have been justified. Now, however, this desire for more than we need is causing serious problems. Even though we have good intentions, we may be producing too much, too fast.
Those who criticize economic growth argue that we must slow down. They believe the society is approaching certain limits on growth. These include the fixed supply of natural resources, the possible negative effects of industry on the natural environment and the continuing increase in the world"s population. As society reaches these limits, economic growth can no longer continue, and the quality of life will decrease.
People who want more economic growth, on the other hand, argue that even at the present growth rate there are still many poor people in the world. These proponents of economic growth believe that only more growth can create the capital needed to improve the quality of life in the world. Furthermore, they argue that only continued growth can provide the financial resources required to protect our natural surroundings from industrialization.
This debate over the desirability of continued economic growth is of vital importance to business and industry. If those who argue against economic growth are correct, the problems they mention cannot be ignored. To find a solution, economists and the business community must pay attention to these problems and continue discussing them with one another.

单选题 According to those who argue against economic growth we must slow down for the following reasons EXCEPT that ______.

【正确答案】 D

【答案解析】[解析] 根据文章第二段第三句“These include the fixed supply of natural resources, the possible negative effects of industry on the natural environment and the continuing increase in the world"s population. ”可知，那些反对加快经济增长者认为自然资源的有限供应，工业对自然环境的负面影响以及人口的持续增长要求我们放慢经济增长速度。分别对应B、A和C项。故选D。

单选题 Those who want more economic growth believe that continued economic growth ______.

【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】[解析] 根据第三段最后一句“...only continued growth can provide the financial resources required to protect our natural surroundings from industrialization. ”可知，他们认为持续的经济增长可以提供资金来保护自然环境免遭工业破坏。故选C。

单选题 The word "proponents" (Para. 3) most probably means ______.

【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】[解析] 根据文章第三段第二句“These proponents of economic growth believe that only more growth can create the capital needed to improve the quality of life in the world. ”可知，proponent指的是支持加快经济增长的人。argue for意为“主张，赞成”。故选C。