A
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 towards reading.
There are several reasons that help explain these genderbased 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 socalled boyfriendly books that boys supposedly prefer. These are typically assumed to be nonfiction works, as many people believed that boys prefer to read nonfiction.
But this belief is not supported by recent research, which in fact suggests boys are more likely to choose to read fiction than nonfiction. Encouraging all boys to read nonfiction 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 discussion 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 lessons. 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.
本文简要分析了男孩和女孩阅读能力有差异的原因，着重讨论了如何提高男孩子的阅读兴趣，从而提高其阅读能力。
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.
答案：A
解析：推理判断题。根据第二段的内容，并结合第三段可推知，作者认为男孩和女孩在阅读能力方面的差异是由社会因素造成的，故选A。
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.
答案：B
解析：细节理解题。根据倒数第三段最后一句可知，作者建议大人们经常和男孩子们谈论阅读是为了让大人能够了解男孩子们的兴趣，故选B。
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 lessons.
D．When they are in the lower grades.
答案：C
解析：推理判断题。根据倒数第二段第一句并结合对本段的整体理解可推知，作者建议学校在上课期间多为学生提供接触图书馆的机会，故选C。
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
答案：D
解析：写作意图题。根据第三段并结合对全文的整体理解可推知，本文主要就如何提高男孩子的阅读能力进行了探讨，故选D。
