Question

Hundreds of secondary schools are using a controversial reward scheme which “bribes” (贿赂)pupils with iPods and DVD players to turn up in classes and do homework.

Almost one million schoolchildren have been issued with supermarket-style reward cards which allow them to collect good-behavior “points” and cash them in for prizes.

Schools taking part in the “Vivo Miles” scheme are spending several thousand pounds a year in an attempt to cut truancy (逃学) and promote achievements. The prizes are ultimately funded by the taxpayer, through school budgets. Nearly 500 secondary schools, one in six, have decided to take part in the scheme, which is intended to replace old-style rewards such as stickers and golden stars.

But the extent of rewards being offered in schools brought a warning that a generation of children is growing up expecting to be rewarded at every stage. Many youngsters are collecting points for ordinary achievements such as remembering to bring their PE kit and wearing the correct uniform.

Under the scheme, teachers award Vivo points—worth 1 penny each—according to the school’s policy. Schools typically spend￡4 to￡6 on prizes per pupil each year, although some commit considerably more. Most pupils accumulate between 400 and 600 Vivos a year. Vivo Miles insists it is “pretty rare” for a pupil to accumulate enough points to buy an iPod, which requires 3,100 Vivos.

But Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said the scheme amounted to “bribery”. “It misleads children into thinking anything which requires effort has to have a special reward,” he said. “This ‘all must have prizes’ view is damaging to children in the long-term.” The scheme amounted to an “admission of failure” by schools. He said. “It shows a school has failed to convince children education is important.”

1.The “Vivo Miles” scheme is aimed at ______________.

A. increasing the income of the school

B. encouraging students to perform well at school

C. inviting more students to attend the school nearby

D. encouraging parents to donate to the school

2.Those who oppose the “Vivo Miles” scheme think ______________.

A. it helps control the problem of truancy

B. it teaches children the importance of saving

C. it will mislead children about efforts and rewards

D. it’s not easy to get more than 600 Vivos a year

3.What’s the writer’s attitude towards the scheme?

A. Supportive.                   B. Opposed.               C. Unconcerned.             D. Objective.

Answer

1.B

2.C

3.D

【解析】

试题分析：文章讲述了很多中学采取颇有争议的“Vivo Miles”奖励机制来避免避免学生逃学，提高学业成绩，这一教育想象引起了广泛争议，很多人认为这样会误导孩子，以为任何要求努力去做的事情都必须有特殊的回报。

1.细节题：从第三段第一句。。。in an attempt to cut truancy (逃学) and promote achievements说明The “Vivo Miles” scheme的目的是避免学生逃学，提高学业成绩，故选择B，即鼓励学生在学校表现好。选B。

2.细节题：从最后一段Chris McGovern的观点“It misleads children into thinking anything which requires effort has to have a special reward,”可得知答案C。

3.作者态度题：纵观全文，作者只是客观的描述The “Vivo Miles” scheme的好的出发点及发对者的声音，而并没有发表自己个人的观点，故作者的态度是客观的。选D。

考点：教育类短文阅读。