A
At one time，experts were against raising children in a bilingual(双语)home.They thought their brains would become confused，which would result in their developmental delays(耽误)and poor performance in studies.But we now understand that the exact opposite is true.
Children can easily learn extra languages because of the higher ability of their brain to form new neural(神经的)connections and new brain cells throughout life.While some studies suggest that learning two languages can lead to delays，these delays are shortlived.In addition，the brain of the children who learn two languages can benefit unexpectedly early.By using a fun game with a disappearing puppet，researchers found that babies as young as 7 months old who are raised in bilingual homes got cognitive(认知的)benefits! A study used a memory game and found that bilingual 5yearolds answered questions faster and were more exact than their partners only learning one language.
According to a report given by the National Education Association，children who study a second language receive a rise in general development，do better in tests，are more creative，and have a better sense of achievement in school.Second language studies help kids do better in other areas of study，including improving their reading skills and social studies.Research shows that students who are able to speak a second language have better listening skills and sharper memories，and are better at solving difficult problems.From primary school to college，they score higher in tests than those who can't.And results from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) also show that students who have studied another language—for four or more years did better in both the spoken and maths problems of the test.
In a word，learning more than one language contributes to the brain development in babies and the excellent school performance of students of all ages.Therefore，it is clear that it's never too early to learn a second language for children.
【语篇解读】 本文是一篇说明文。过去专家们认为双语家庭会耽误小孩的成长。现有研究表明，孩子较早地学习一种外语，有助于促进大脑发育。
1．What did the experts once think of raising kids in a bilingual home?
A．It had some advantages.
B．It should be encouraged.
C．It was bad for kids' growth.
D．It enriched children's childhood.
C [细节理解题。根据第一段“They thought their brains would become confused...poor performance in studies.”可知，专家认为双语家庭对孩子们的成长不利。]
2．What can we know about bilingual kids from Paragraph 2?
A．Their brains can develop surprisingly early.
B．Their brains can grow new cells quickly.
C．They react very slowly to questions.
D．They suffer from longtime delays.
A [细节理解题。根据第二段的“In addition，the brain of the children who learn two languages can benefit unexpectedly early.”以及后文的例子可知，学习两种语言的孩子的大脑发育出奇地早。]
3．When should a child start studying a second language according to the author?
A．The younger the better.
B．In his/her early teens.
C．Around 5 years old.
D．At primary school.
A [推理判断题。根据第四段的“Therefore，it is clear that it's never too early to learn a second language for children.”可知，作者认为让孩子越早接触第二语言越好。]
