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     In Britain and other countries, young people sometimes take a "gap  year," a year off between high

school and college. This idea never gained a big following in America. Recent news reports have

suggested that interest may be growing, though there are no official numbers.

     Charles Deacon, Dean of Admissions at Georgetown  University in Washington, D.C., estimates that

in the current first-year class of 1,600 students, only about 25 decided to take a year off. He says this

number hasn't changed much over the years.

     Mr. Deacon says the most common reason for taking a "gap year" is to have a chance to travel, but

he says international students may take a "gap year" to meet requirements at home for military duty.

Some high school graduates see a year off as a chance to recover after twelve years of required

education, but it can also give students a chance to explore their interests. Students hoping to be doctors,

for example, could learn about the profession by volunteering  in a hospital.

     Many colleges and universities support gap-year projects by permitting students to delay their

admission. Experts say students can grow emotionally and intellectually as they work at something they

enjoy.

     The Harvard admissions office has an essay on its Web site called "Time Out or Burn Ou >t for the

Next   Generation." It praises the idea of taking time off to step back, think and enjoy gaining life

experiences outside the pressure of studies. It also notes that students are sometimes admitted to

Harvard or other colleges partly because they did something unusual with that time.

     Of course, a gap year is not for everyone. Students might miss their friends who go on directly to

college, and parents might worry that their children will decide not to go to college once they take time

off. Another concern is money. A year off, away from home, can be costly.

     Holly Bull's job is to specialize in helping students plan their gap year. She notes that several books

have been written about this subject. She says these books along with media attention and the availability

of information on the Internet have increased interest in the idea of a year off, and she points out that

many gap-year programs cost far less than a year of college.          

1. What is the passage mainly about?

A. If you want to go to an American university, take a gap year first.

B. More and more American students are choosing to take a year off.

C. It is likely that taking a "gap year" is becoming popular in America.

D. Americans hold different opinions towards students' taking a "gap year".

2. How many reasons for students' taking a "gap year" are mentioned in the    passage?  

A. 2.              

B. 3.                  

C. 4.                

D. 5.

3. The essay "Time Out or Burn Out for the Next Generation." suggests that ______.

A. every student must take a "gap year" before applying for a famous university

B. some famous universities encourage students to gain more life experiences

C. taking a 'gap year' can make students free from life learning

D. the stress of studies does harm to the students' health

4. What can we learn from the passage?

A. Charles Deacon doesn't support the idea of the students' taking a "gap year".

B. Books and media have contributed to the students' interest in school learning.

C. Parents might disagree with the program, concerned about their children's future.

D. Experts agree taking a year off will benefit the students emotionally and physically.