第一节完形填空（共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分）
阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，然后从1～15各题所给的A、B、C和D项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
In order to reduce cost, local school board officials are discussing whether or not to continue providing money for after-school programs. 1 , there should be no discussion about whether or not to continue paying for them. After-school programs are 2 .
In many cities, lots of 3 have jobs, and they work long hours. So who's taking care of the kids until Mom or Dad gets home? A major benefit of after-school programs is 4 . They keep children occupied, and 5 children usually stay out of trouble. Besides, after-school programs provide educational, cultural, and personal 6 .
In terms of education, research has shown that students who participate in after-school programs have a better 7 , and as a result, they attend class regularly, get better grades, and have a(n) 8 chance of graduating from high school. Also, after-school programs can 9 field trips to concerts, museums, and places that show the history of our city for 10 purposes.
In after-school programs, young people may find out what they're really 11 in and decide on a future career. While they're doing a science project or preparing for a dance performance, students can develop their creativity and 12 skills. Many programs give students the chance to work together on a team.
Sure, after-school programs cost money, but they're worth every dollar. Besides, help is always 13 . Our school board can apply for funds（资金） from the government and ask for 14 from local business groups .There's no good reason to 15 programs that benefit our children.
