Parents aren't devoted to their jobs. This is really surprising because it's quite the contrary. There is actually strong evidence that parents are more devoted to their jobs than many other employees. They are some of the most focused employees out there. Parents are less likely to change jobs than other employees. Stability(稳定) is key when raising a family.

　　　Parents aren't good team members. Since it is parents that need to leave the office at 5 or aren't able to come in before 9, most people think that the singletons on the team need to make up for it. In today's technology world, this is hardly the case. While many parents do limit their physical "in office" hours, most spend time on weekends, early mornings, and after work working. Besides, parents may be more likely to take vacations during major holidays due to children's school schedules.

　　　Parents are at work only out of financial needs. Why would anyone want to leave their children behind and come to the workplace if they didn't have to? Actually, a lot of people do. Caring for children is a wonderful experience, but everyone needs a break. Many parents may still be interested in their field of work, finding work interesting. Money is nice, but it's certainly not the only reason that parents are there.

　　　12．Why do some young people ask for a four-day work schedule?

　　　A．To see their working parents. B．To return to school part time.

　　　C．To spend more time at home. D．To make an appointment with doctors.

　　　13．What does the author think of parents' attitude towards their work?

　　　A．They are flexible with their work. B．They always show interest in their work.

　　　C．They believe their work is unique. D．They are rather devoted and focused.

　　　14．The word "singletons" in the fourth paragraph can be most suitably replaced by ____.

　　　A．good team members B．parents

　　　C．the unmarried D．hard-working people

　　　15．What is the passage mainly about?

　　　A．Unreasonable opinions about working parents.

　　　B．Pressure that working parents suffer.

　　　C．The contributions that parents make.

　　　D．The profession parents are interested in.

二、七选五

　　　How to improve reading efficiency

　　　1. Make sure of your purpose of reading.

　　　Before you start reading, ask yourself why you are reading this book. Most people read for two main reasons: pleasure or knowledge. Being specific and clear about your reading purpose not only helps you to avoid books that you don't need to read, it also reminds you the book is important to you.16．

　　　2. Read only what you are attracted to.

　　　Whether you are reading fiction or nonfiction, it's important to enjoy what you read. Your friends may recommend books that they love, but those books might not necessarily be the ones you enjoy. 17．

　　　3. Give up books that you don't enjoy.

　　　You may have selected books that match your purpose. You may have selected books that you are attracted to. But you are reading them, there may still be some books that you won't enjoy reading. 18． Remember reading shouldn't make feel annoyed.

　　　4. 19．

　　　Having a reading goal helps you figure out how much reading you need to do in a week or even a day.

　　　5. Give yourself a deadline to finish each book.

　　　Before you read each book, ask yourself when you need to finish this book. What I find interesting is that I tend to read books that I borrow from libraries faster than the books I bought. 20． I don't need to return those books. When you don't set a deadline to finish you book, there isn't a sense of urgency. And when something isn't urgent, you tend to slow down.

　　　A．Set a reading goal.

　　　B．Understand each word of the sentence.

　　　C．Read books which you are interested in.

　　　D．Reading is the most important way to get knowledge.

　　　E. The reason is that the books I bought don't have a due date.

　　　F. This encourages you to keep reading and complete the book faster.

　　　G. Whenever you realize that you aren't enjoying the book you are reading, give it up.

三、完形填空

　　　When I was younger, I was very sporty. My dad is a runner who great _21___ me. My great hobby between the ages 11 and 14 was cross-country__22_. However, when my family __23__, my new school didn't pay attention to __24__, and had no after-school activities like football or running.

Over the next few years, I __25__ exercising except during P.E. lessons at school. I was __26__ that I could eat what I wanted and didn't put on any weight, so it looked like I was healthy, but in reality I was very __27__.