The first year of school in America, known as kindergarten, usually begins between the ages of five and six. Among rich countries such a late start is very strange. President Obama believes it is an economic and social problem; his education secretary goes as far as to say that it is “morally wrong". This statement has some support, as it is clear from research into vocabulary that youngsters from poor families enter kindergarten well behind those from rich families -- a disadvantage that usually lasts a lifetime. Children from households on welfare knew 525 words by the age of three, while the children of professionals had mastered 1,116.



Pre-school can help close this gap. So in a speech last month, Mr. Obama called for a partnership between the federal government and the states to expand it to every American child. It later became known that "every" meant those who come from families with incomes of up to 200% above the poverty line--equal to an income of $47,000 for a family of four.



Some critics say that sending children to school at the age of four does not work. The evidence suggests otherwise. For example, on March 20th new results were announced from a study of 9 to 11 year olds in New Jersey. This report found that disadvantaged children who had attended pre-school had better literacy, language, math and science skills. And two years of pre-kindergarten were better than one.



Some studies also follow the effects of early learning over lifetimes, such as its effect on crime rates and other factors that may eventually burden society. Critics have singled out a government scheme called Head Start, created in 1965, which provides poor households with a range of services including school-based early education.

1、（4.0分）
The kindergarten in other rich countries usually begins _________ than in America.

A)
earlier
B)
later
C)
slower
参考答案： A
2、（4.0分）
Which is TRUE about the vocabulary size of the two groups of kids?

A)
Poor pre-school kids have a larger vocabulary than rich ones.
B)
Rich pre-school kids have a larger vocabulary than poor ones.
C)
There is no obvious difference between the two groups of kids.
参考答案： B
3、（4.0分）
Which of the following about the New Jersey study is TRUE?

A)
There is no evidence to support the New Jersey study.
B)
Two years of pre-kindergarten were better than one.
C)
Sending children to school at the age of four is not going to help.
参考答案： B
4、（4.0分）
The phrase "single out" in the last paragraph means ___________.

A)
count
B)
think about
C)
choose
参考答案： C
5、（4.0分）
Which of the following is an appropriate title for this passage?

A)
Secondary Education.
B)
Pre-school Education.
C)
Poor Kids. Education.
参考答案： B

---