C

Some people have the feeling that nothing can be done about their poor reading ability(能力). They feel hopeless about it. Can you learn to read better, or must you agree that nothing can be done about it?

To be sure, people are different. You cannot to do everything as well as certain other people do. If all the students in a class tried out for basketball, some would be very good players; others would be very poor; and many would be in between. But even the very poor players can become much better players if they are guided in the right way, and with plenty of practice. It is the same with reading. Some seem to enjoy reading and to read well without any special help. Others find reading a slow and tiring job. In between, there are all degrees of reading ability.

Many experiments have shown that just about every poor reader can improve his reading ability. In these experiments, the poor readers were given tests of reading ability. After some of the causes of their poor reading were discovered, they were given special instruction and practice in reading. After a few months, another test of the same kind was given. In nearly all cases, these people had raised their reading scores.

64. With the example of basketball players, the author shows ________.

A. why certain people are poor readers

B. that there are differences in people’s abilities

C. why some people are good basketball players

D. that good basketball players can be good readers

65. To improve their reading ability, people should ________.

A. work long and hard B. take different forms of tests

C. have special help and practice D. try different reading materials

66. The experiments mentioned in the text show that ________.

A. good readers seem to enjoy reading

B. almost all poor readers can make progress

C. causes of poor reading are difficult to find out

D. tests help people improve their reading ability

D

When you go to St. Petersburg, the number of at-tractions can seem overwhelming. If you’re short on time, or just want to make sure to hit the highlights, these are the top must-see sights in St. Petersburg.

The Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum is one of the most important sights to see for any visitor to St. Petersburg. There you can see lots of different paintings of old masters inside the Hermitage. Prepare to come face-to-face with classic Western artists.

The Russian Museum

The Russian Museum holds one of the largest collections of Russian art in the world. View Russian art creations through the ages, from Byzantine (拜占庭)-style icons to the Socialist Realism of Stalin’s times.

Kizhi Island

Kizhi Island is an open-air museum of wooden buildings from the Karelia Region of Russia. These impressive structures are made without any nails (钉子) — the wood fits together with joints and grooves (沟槽).

Peterhof

Peterhof is as beautiful as it is fun. You’ll be charged for admission (门票), but go to Peterhof when the fountains (喷泉) are working — during the day in the summer. They are shut off in winter as well as in the evenings.

The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood

Love it or hate it, the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood is an attractive must-see sight. The beautiful look may make your eyes brighten, and the paintings inside the church will make you say “Wow!”

The Bronze Horseman Statue

The Bronze Horseman is a part of Russian Culture and a symbol of St. Petersburg. Made famous by Alexander Pushkin (普希金), this statue of Peter the Great sitting on his horse can truly show Peter the Great’s influence on the Russian idea of greatness.

67. If you’re interested in paintings, you’d better go to _____.

A. the Hermitage Museum and Peterhof

B. the Hermitage Museum and the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood

C. Kizhi Island and the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood

D. the Russian Museum and Kizhi Island

68. The man on the Bronze Horse refers to _____.

A. Peter the Great B. Alexander Pushkin C. Byzantine D. Stalin

69. What can we know from the passage?

A. The fountains in Peterhof can be seen all year round.

B. The largest collection of Russian art is in the Hermitage Museum.

C. The buildings on Kizhi Island are made of wood.

D. You can visit Peterhof free of charge.

70. The main purpose of this passage is to _____.

A. show the wonderful history of Russia

B. introduce the famous buildings in Russia

C. persuade artists to study St. Petersburg

D. attract tourists to visit St. Petersburg