阅读理解。
Children are missing an important part of their education because parents cannot afford their
after-school activities. Half of parents in Wales are saying"no"to after-school activities because they
cannot afford them according to a poll for Save the Children.
The government said providing free or subsidized(补助的)leisure activities for children from poorer
background is essential to reducing child poverty in the UK. Of those who pay for activities, Save the
Children said almost half of parents had to pay more than ￡10 per child per week. Many parents were
paying more than $20 per week, the survey found.
"What happens after the school gates close at 3:30 pm is just as momentous as what goes on in the
school day,"said Sally Copley at Save the Children. "Children who do after-school activities have more
confidence, see the world in different ways and have a stronger sense of identity(认同感). All this finally
translates into doing better in exams and getting a better career."
Half of parents in Wales of 4-to-18-year-olds said their child did some form of sporting activity, the
most popular pastime(消遣). Other popular choices included drama/dance (26%), Brownies/Scouts(童
子军)(18%)and music lessons(13%). Almost a third of parents said activities they would like their child
to take part in were located more than six miles from where they lived.
Save the Children said its research highlighted that children from poorer backgrounds did not have the
same chances as their better-off friends. Many local governments have offered a wide range of
after-young people in their area. The Welsh Assembly Government's community-focused schools
programme supports local education authorities to develop a range of out-of-school-hours learning
opportunities and childcare for children and young people.
1. The government should ________to reduce child poverty according to the passage.
A. provide free or subsidezed leisure activities for poorer children.
B. provide low-cost leisure activities for all the children.
C. help most families to pay for leisure activities.
D.demand the rich to support the poor children.
2. The underlined word "momentous" in Para.3 most probably means__________.
A. active
B. violent
C. doubtful
D. important
3. According to Sally Copley, we can learn the after-school activities__________.
A. may help children make money for their families.
B. can help children learn better and find better jobs.
C. get children adapt to the society and start their own business.
D. make children lack confidence and a sense of identity.
4. What would children best like to choose as their after-school activity according to the fourth paragrph?
A. Drama of dance
B. Brownies or Scouts
C. Sporting activity
D. Music lessons
