Reading to dogs is an unusual way to help children improve their literacy skills（读写能力）. Wi

Reading to dogs is an unusual way to help children improve their literacy skills（读写能力）. With their shining brown eyes, wagging tails, and unconditional love, dogs can provide the nonjudgmental listeners needed for a beginning reader to gain confidence, according to Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) in Salt Lake City. The group says it is the first program in the country to use dogs to help develop literacy in children, with the introduction of Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ).
The Salt Lake City Public Library is sold on the idea. “Literacy specialists admit that children who read below the level of their fellow pupils are often afraid of reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-respect, and regard reading as a headache.” said Lisa Myton, manager of the children’s department.
Last November the two groups started “Dog Day Afternoon” in the children’s department of the main library. About 25 children attended each of the four Saturday-afternoon classes, reading for half an hour. Those who attended three of the four classes received a “pawgraphed” book at the last class.
The program was so successful that the library plans to repeat it in April. According to Dana Thumpowsky, public relations manager.
【小题1】．What is mainly discussed in the text?A．A special reading program.B．Advantages of raising dogs.C．Service in a public library.D．Children’s reading difficulties.【小题2】Specialists use dogs to listen to children reading because they think     .A．dogs are young children’s best friendsB．dogs can provide encouragement for shy childrenC．children can play with dogs while readingD．children and dogs understand each other【小题3】By saying “The Salt Lake City Public Library is sold on the idea,” the writer means the library     .A．accepts the idea put forward by ITAB．uses dogs to attract childrenC．has opened a children’s departmentD．has decided to train some dogs【小题4】A “pawgraphed” book is most probably     .A．a book used in Saturday classesB．a prize for the childrenC．a book written by the children D．a gift from parentsA【小题1】B【小题1】A【小题1】B