United States

　　The United States is home to the highest number of domestic (驯养的) dogs, cats, and fish, and Americans are more likely to treat their friends like humans. U.S. pet owners spend $50 billion a year on their animal companions, and 36% of dog owners have used some of that money to buy their pet a birthday present.

Russia

　　According to Russian tradition, keeping a cat as a pet is good fortunate, so it's no surprise the cat is Russia's most popular pet. In 2016, 57% of Russian households contained a cat, compared to the 29% that had dogs. On March 1, Russia celebrates National Cat Day as part of celebrations for World Cat Day.

Brazil

　　Brazil's domestic bird population was about 19 million in 2013, while dogs held top rank at just over 37 million. Brazil has the highest number of small dogs per capital city in the world. The nearly 20 million small dogs are attributed to (归因于) a rapidly-growing middle class living in small urban apartments.

United Kingdom

　　Dogs and cats rank second and third in Britain, while fishes hold the top spot. It has been linked not only to the low maintenance (维护), but also to the fact that many other pets like dogs or cats are not allowed in some places.

21. Why are the figures mentioned in Paragraph 2?

　A. To explain the importance of pets.

　B. To show Americans' growing wealth.

　C. To explain why Americans have pets.

　D. To show how Americans love their animal friends.

22. Where are cats regarded as the symbol of good luck?

　A. In Brazil. B. In Russia.

　C. In the United States. D. In the United Kingdom.

23. What are the most popular pets in the United Kingdom?

　A. Dogs. B. Cats. C. Birds. D. Fishes.

B

　　For most climbers, reaching the peak of Mount Qomolangma once is a unique achievement. However, don't tell that to Kami Rita, who climbed up to the peak of the dangerous mountain for the 22nd time on May 16, 2018, breaking the previous record of 21 successful adventures he shared with two fellow guides. And the experienced mountaineer is not done yet! Before starting the recent climb, the 48-year-old announced, "My goal is to reach the peak of Mount Qomolangma at least 25 times. I want to set a new record not just for myself but for my family, the Sherpa people and for my country, Nepal."

Mr. Rita, who earns $10,000 for each Qomolangma expedition, has successfully climbed the mountain almost every year since the age of 24. In his spare time, the Sherpa guide leads visitors to the area's other high peaks, such as K-2, Cho-Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse. Though the most accomplished, Mr. Rita is not the only climber in the family. His father was among the first professional guides to lead foreign