2016年12月大学英语四级阅读暑期练习及答案(四十二)

　　Questions 56-60 are based on the following passage.

　　The ownership of pets brings a variety of benefits that the uninitiated would never believe.For every tale of shredded cushion，flattened plants，and chew slippers，there is another testimony of intelligence，sympathy and undying devotion.Now the gowing body of research into the medical and social advantages of pet ownership has confirmed what pet owners have always intuitively known that pets are not just loving companions but actually do us good.Researchers have established the value of pets in soothing and reassuring humans，particularly when ill，lonely or in distress.Perhaps the unquestioning love and approval pets give us is something we don’t always get from out human nearest and dearest.

　　Our makeshift understanding psychology leads many of us to view very close relationships with pets with suspicion.Childless couples in particular give rise to speculation，but a consultant in animal behavior says，“There is no evidence that a pet is a direct substitute for child.”And while many adults feel foolish if caught talking to their pets，they have no need to.The experts say you cannot have a close relationship with a pet without treating it as a person and that talking to a pet is notun healthy.—simply a way of establishing camaraderie.

　　The shaking helplessness of a young puppy or fluffy kitten stirs protective instincts deep within us and prompts many parents to buy pets for their children in the hope of instilling a sense of responsibility and caring and acceptance of the facts of life and death.Hut animals don’t have to besoft and fond to bring out the best in us.A social worker encouraged aggressive boys to handle ferrets—“if handled correctly they respond with friendship;if incorrectly they bite.”

　　There seems to be no doubt that，emotionally and physically,our pets do us good—there is a Drice to be paid.When loved animal dies，it is often a traumatic event—and then where do we tum for comfort?

　　56、Pets are sometimes criticized because they_______.

　　A.lack intelligence

　　B.are destructive

　　C.need considerable care

　　D.demand affection

　　57、 The idea that animals are a substitute for children is_______.

　　A.supported by research

　　B.encouraged by psychologists

　　C.an argument for keeping a pet

　　D.a common prejudice

　　58、 Talking to animals is_______.

　　A.silly

　　B.suspicious

　　C.beneficial

　　D.stimulating

　　59、 A ferret is probably a kind of_______.

　　A.tame animal

　　B.fierce anitaal

　　C.lovely animal

　　D.tamable animal

　　60、 The writer believes that pets are valuable to children because they_______.

　　A.return affection

　　B.are comforting

　　C.need looking after

　　D.are protective

　　答案解析：56-60 BDCBC

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