阅读理解。
In the West. some people believe that personality can be predicted according to the time of the year the
person was born. From China comes the belief that the year of birth influences one's personality. In the past
century, a new belief has arisen: the idea that personality is related to one's ABO blood type. People with blood
type A, for example, are considered more likely to be serious, hard-working, and quiet, while people with blood
type O are likely to be popular and outgoing, yet often unable to finish what they start. Though this belief
continues to be strong, some people question whether it is true.
The blood-type personality theory (理论) started in Japan in 1927 when Fu- rukawa Takeji noticed
personality similarities and differences among his workers. The idea soon went out of fashion, but was
brought back by a Japanese television host named Toshitaka Nomi in the 1970s. The belief is still strong in
Japan and is increas- ingly popular in neighboring countries. Some young Koreans have taken to the theory.
A recent study showed 76 percent of Koreans aged between 13 and 64 believing in the blood-type personality
connection. Though most Asians might believe in the blood-type theory, for many it seems harmless and not
something to be taken too seriously.
There is also the possibility that people are influenced to change their personality to match the expected
stereotypes (思维定式). A survey of studies made in Japan over a 10-year period found that while in the 1970s
there was no relationship between blood types and personality, later studies in the 1980s found that the
relationship increased a little. Researchers concluded that as the belief in the stereotypes increases, people
may be changing their personality to follow the blood-type theory.
Is the belief true? The scientists in Asia largely dismiss the belief as a modem day superstition (迷信).
Most studies have failed to find any strong connection between blood and personality. Generally, scientists
warn against making predictions or important decisions based on this questionable theory.
1. The writer uses blood type A and O as an example to explain ____.
A. the difference between the two blood types
B. the relationship between the two blood types
C. the influence of blood types on one's behaviour
D. the connection between personality and blood types
2. What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 2 mean?
A. It was lightly believed.
B. It was brought to them.
C. They liked and accepted it:
D. They stole the idea from others.
3. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. Most scientists in Asia don't believe in the theory.
B. The blood-type theory began in Japan in the 1970s.
C. The blood-type personality theory is about blood types.
D. People don't change their personality to match the theory.
4. What is the best title for the passage?
A. Is the blood-type theory popular?
B. Is the personality changeable?
C. Is it in your blood?
D. Is it in your mind?
