阅读理解。
Tragedy at the Circus
In yesterday's circus (马戏团) show, a tiger suddenly attacked its trainer and had to be shot dead.
As the circus packed up and left, circus officials said the show would go on, even without tigers.
However, the officials can't simply turn a blind eye to the ethical problems left behind. Even before
this tragedy (悲剧), animal rights activists protested against keeping wild animals in unnatural conditions
and forcing them to suffer for the profit (利润) of circus organizers.
It is now time for us to take effective steps to make sure that circus animals are treated properly.
Circus Safe for Animals
Our circus recently suffered a most tragic event in its history. While we are thankful for the pity from
the public, we are also astonished by the opinion expressed in "Tragedy at the Circus."
First, our performing animals are not taken from the wild. As to the ethical problems. we always believe
humans and animals can-and should-live together nicely. To us, the performing animals are representatives
of their species (物种), and our circus is one of the only places left willing to support this special role of
performing animals in the existence of the species. Those who argue that circus life is harmful to animals
show little knowledge of these facts. Life in the "wild" is unsafe, but a continuous struggle for existence.
To overlook these reslities is the greatest fault against the animal kingdom.
This circus has proven that animals are stronger and smarter than we could imagine. Within the circus
is a joyful atmosphere for both animals and humans: people are educated, and species saved.
1. What is the main purpose of the first passage?
A. To show pity for the performing animals.
B. To express worries about ainimal trainers'safety.
C. To deal with the difficult situations of the circus.
D. To call for action to protect circus animals.
2. What will the circus most probably do?
A. Take no notice of the tragedy.
B. Continue its performances.
C. Use fewer wild animals.
D. Limit its profit.
3. What does the circus think of its performing animals?
A. They are as clever as human beings.
B. They struggle continuously with human beings for existence.
C. They are helpful in saving their species.
D. They have equally natural living conditions as wild animals.
4. What is the most probable relationship between the two passages?
A. A public request and a newspaper report.
B. A newspaper article and a reply to it.
C. Two parts of a newspaper article.
D. Two newspaper reports.
