An American educational expert, Frederick M. Hess, says that a long summer vacation doesn’

An American educational expert, Frederick M. Hess, says that a long summer vacation doesn’t make sense in today’s world.
This summer, 50 million kids will spend much time talking online, watching TV, playing video games and asking older brothers or sisters to take them to the supermarket. They will also be putting their academic futures at risk.
During much of the 20th century, many Americans worked in factories that did not need a college degree but still offered a high salary. Also, in the 19th century, there was no air condition. And poor hygiene (卫生) meant that crowded schools had health risks.
Things have changed. For today’s students, academic skills are key to future success. Many countries don’t give kids an American-style summer vacation. They offer no more than seven consecutive (连续的) weeks of vacation. Most American school districts offer up to 13 weeks. To compete in global marketplace, Americans must be prepared to go up against international competitors.
Summer vacation also causes challenges for today’s families. In the 1960s, more than 60% of families had a stay-at-home mum. Now, two-thirds of American children live families where every adult works. For these families, summer vacation can be more burden than break. Someone must watch the kids.
But the biggest problem may be how summer vacation hurts academic achievement. Scientist have found that disadvantaged students lose important ground in the summertime.
A school year can allow time-limited teachers to conduct richer and more imaginative lessons. Schools would have more time for sports, languages, music and the arts.
【小题1】Before the 20th century, a long summer vacation might .A．reduce income for AmericansB．reduce health risks for studentsC．cause career failure for AmericansD．cause loss in global market for America【小题2】 How long does an American-style summer vacation last？A．No more than two months. B．Less than three months.C．As long as three months.D．As long as four months.【小题3】According to the text, who will benefit from a long school year?A．American students, teachers and parents.B．American students, parents and shop owners.C．American students, parents and international competitors.D．American students, teachers and international competitors.【小题4】How many reasons did the writer give to support his/her opinion?A．One.B．Two.C．Three.D．Four.B

(答案→)B 解析：作者在文章中介绍长暑假对学生没有意义的观点，主要因为：长暑假不利于学生的成绩，增加父母的负担，不利于老师安排课程，现在的学校设施齐备，不需要放长假。【小题1】细节题：从第三段的句子：Also, in the 19th century, there was no air condition. And poor hygiene (卫生) meant that crowded schools had health risks.可知在20世纪前长暑假会让学生减少健康的危害。选B【小题2】细节题:从第四段的句子：Most American school districts offer up to 13 weeks. 可知大部分美国的学校提供3个多月的暑假。选C【小题3】细节题：从倒数第三段的句子：Someone must watch the kids. 和最后一段的内容，可知长学年可以使家长，学生和父母受益，选A【小题4】推理题：纵观全文，文章先介绍了作者的观点长暑假对学生没有意义，然后给出了四个理由：长暑假不利于学生的成绩，增加父母的负担，不利于老师安排课程，现在的学校设施齐备，不需要放长假。选D

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