Question

    Across the world, studies have consistently found that girls perform significantly better than boys in reading. These studies show that girls typically read more frequently than boys, and have a more positive attitude toward reading.

There are several reasons that help explain these gender-based differences. Parents read more with their daughters. This sends a strong and early message that books are for girls, as well as equipping girls with a significant advantage. Recent research has found even though boys read less frequently than girls, girls still receive more encouragement to read from their parents.

So how can parents and educators help bridge this socially-engineered gap for boys’ reading?

To improve boys’ reading performance, parents and educators may look for ways to connect boys with reading. This has led to discussion about the importance of promoting so-called “boy-friendly” books that boys supposedly “prefer” These are typically assumed to be non-fiction works, as many people believed that boys prefer to read non-fiction.

But this belief is not supported by recent research, which in fact suggests boys are more likely to choose to read fiction than non-fiction. Encouraging all boys to read non-fiction under the mistaken belief that it is their preference may actually be harmful. Fiction readers read more frequently and demonstrate faster language learning and higher language ability.

Besides encouraging more fiction reading, there are a number of ways that we can help connect boys with books. Firstly, don’t assume that boys of the same age have the same interests or that their interests stay the same over time. To match boys with suitable reading material, have regular discussions about reading for pleasure in order to keep up with their interests.

Schools should also provide access to libraries during lessons throughout the years of schooling. Girls visit the library in their free time more than boys, and as students move to higher grades they often have less access to libraries during class. Access to books for boys is essential to promote reading.

In addition, we should keep paper books available because research shows that boys are less likely to choose to read on screens than girls. Finally we should promote reading as an enjoyable pastime by being a role model. Let your children or students see you read for pleasure.

1.According to the author, what is the main cause of the difference in boys’ and girls’ reading ability?

A. Social factors.

B. Teaching methods.

C. Personal preferences.

D. Psychological differences.

2.Why does the author recommend that adults regularly talk to boys about reading?

A. To persuade boys to read more often.

B. To learn what boys are most interested in.

C. To help boys improve their language ability.

D. To show that adults are good reading role models.

3.When should schools give students additional library access according to the author?

A. Before and after class.

B. At any time of the school day.

C. At regular times during class.

D. When they are in the lower grades.

4.What is the main purpose of the text?

A. To show students ways to improve their reading.

B. To explain why boys are not as good at reading as girls.

C. To urge governments to provide more reading resources.

D. To provide strategies that can help improve boys’ reading ability.

Answer

1.A

2.B

3.C

4.D

【解析】

本文属于科普文，介绍女孩在阅读方面要比男孩做的好，以及背后的原因，提升男孩阅读能力的解决办法。

1.推理判断题。根据第二段Parents read more with their daughters. This sends a strong and early message that books are for girls, as well as equipping girls with a significant advantage.可知，父母与女儿读书的机会更多，同时也给大家传递一条信息，书籍是为女孩提供的，故推断出，出现差异主要原因是社会因素，故选A.

2.推理判断题。根据第六段Firstly, don’t assume that boys of the same age have the same interests or that their interests stay the same over time. To match boys with suitable reading material, have regular discussions about reading for pleasure in order to keep up with their interests.可知，不要认为同年男孩的兴趣都一样或者兴趣保持不变，因此需要定期和孩子讨论阅读内容，从而知道其兴趣的变化，提供相应的阅读材料，可知这么做的原因是帮助了解孩子的兴趣，故选B。

3.细节理解题。根据倒数第二段Schools should also provide access to libraries during lessons throughout the years of schooling.可知，学校应该在学年读书期间让孩子能够得以使用图书馆，故选C。

4.主旨大意题。根据第三段So how can parents and educators help bridge this socially-engineered gap for boys’ reading?可知，本文主要讲述女孩在阅读方面要比男孩做的好，以及背后的原因，提升男孩阅读能力的解决办法，故选D。