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     Animals are more like us than we ever imagined . They feel pain, they experience stress, they show
affection, excitement and love . All these findings have been made by scientists in recent years-and such
results are beginning to change how we view animals.
     Strangely enough, some of this research was sponsored by fast food companies like McDonald's and KFC . Pressured by animal rights groups , these companies felt they had to fund scientists researching the emotional and mental states of animals.
     McDonald's, for instance, funded studies on pig behavior at Purdue University, Indiana . This research
found that pigs seek affection and easily become depressed if left alone or prevented from playing with
each other . If they become depressed, they soon become physically ill . Because of this, and other similar studies, the European Union has banned the use of isolating pig stalls from 2010 . In Germany, the government is encouraging pig farmers to give each pig 20 seconds of human contact a day, and to provide them with toys to prevent them from fighting
     Other scientists have shown that animals think and behave like humans . Koko, the 300-pound gorilla
at the Gorilla Foundation in Northern California, for instance, has been taught sign language . Koko can
now understand several thousand English words, more than many humans who speak English as a second
language . On human IQ tests, she scores between 70 and 95.
     Before such experiments, humans thought language skills were absent from the animal kingdom . Other myths are also being overturned, like the belief that animals lack self-awareness . Studies have also shown
that animals mourn their dead, and that they play for pleasure.
      These striking similarities between animal and human behavior have led some to ask a question: "If
you believe in evolution, how can't you believe that animals have feelings that human  beings have?"
     Until recently, scientists believed that animals behaved by instinct and that what appeared to be learned behavior was merely genetically-programmed activity . But as Koko the Gorilla shows, this is not the case . In fact, learning is passed from parent to offspring far more often than not in the animal kingdom.
     So what implications does this knowledge have for humans? Because of this, should we ban hunting
and animal testing? Should we close zoos? Such questions are being raised by many academics and
politicians . Harvard and 25 other American law schools have introduced courses on animal rights .
Germany meanwhile, recently guaranteed animal rights in its constitution-the first country to do so.

1 . McDonald's and KFC give money to support scientist to do research on animals, because_____
A . they are international big companies.
B . they love animals.
C . they are pressured by animal right groups.
D . they earn a large amount of money and want to do some good deeds.

2 . The research on pigs at Purdue University shows that______
A . pigs love being alone.
B . pigs easily become physically ill.
C . pigs need affection.
D . pigs don't like to play with each other.

3 . Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A . Animals behave by instinct.
B . Animals have self-awareness.
C . Animals have feelings and love.
D . Animals do not have language skills.

4 . Should we ban hunting and animal testing?
A . Yes.
B . No
C . Not certain
D . Not mentioned
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科目:高中英語 來源:河南省模擬題 題型:閱讀理解

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                                                    Ani-mazing Animation Contest
     Ani-mazing is proud to announce its second animation (動(dòng)畫片) contest to introduce new animation
talents to the world.Contest entries (參賽作品) will be shown at the West Coast Animation Exhibition
from September 20.The exhibition will last for a week.Winners will be determined by a group of
Animation Industry experts who will review every entry.The result will be announced on September 28,
2011, when the awards ceremony will be held at the world - famous Egyptian Theatre, in Hollywood.We
are also planning to have a number of programs leading up to September 28, so hopefully this second year
will be a" Week of Animated Shorts".
     Cash prizes ranging from $500 to $5,000 will be awarded, as well as giveaways such as animation
software packages, resort trips and computer equipment.
     Please review these guidelines before sending your entry in:
     1.There are no restrictions on animation technique, no age limits or education requirements.All animated
films must be more than one minute long.
     2.All entries must be original and have received no major award before submitting to Ani-mazing.Both
computer and hand animation is accepted.
     3.Keep in mind that your animation will be viewed by an all-ages audience. Ani-mazing reserves the right
to reject entries containing inappropriate subject matter.
     4.More than one entries is allowed, however, all entries must be the work of nonprofessionals.Time
limits may prevent us from exhibiting all of the entries received, so please choose one animation to be your
primary entry. 
     5.All entries must be handed in by July 30.If you have trouble making this deadline, contact us and we
will consider extending the deadline for you.
     6.Please send a copy of your animation, not the original.We will not be able to return media to you.
     7.Your entry MUST include your name, age, educational background, contact information, and length
of the animation.
1. Why will the animation contest be held?
A. To collect works for an animation exhibition.
B. To attract more people to a course.
C. To find new animation talents.
D. To increase people' s awareness about animation.
2. Which of the following meets the requirements of the contest?
A. An animation made by hand.
B. An animation lasting 50 seconds.
C. An animation winning an award last year.
D. An animation downloaded from the Internet.
3. What is the deadline for entry?
A. September 27.
B. September 20.
C. July 30.
D. September 28.

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