Reading to dogs is an unusual way to help children improve their literacy skills (读写能力). With
their shining brown eyes, wagging tails, and unconditional love, dogs can provide the nonjudgemental
(不作出评价的) listeners needed for a beginning reader to gain confidence (自信心) , according to
Intermountain Therapy Animals(ITA) in Salt Lake City. The group says it is the first program in the
country to use dogs to help develop literacy in children, with the introduction of Reading Education
Assistance Dogs( READ).
The Salt Lake City Public Library is sold on the idea. "Literacy specialists admit that children who
read below the level of their fellow pupils are often afraid of reading aloud in a group, often have lower
self-respect, and regard reading as a headache," said Lisa Myron, manager of the children's department.
Last November the two groups started " Dog Day Afternoon" in the children's department of the main
library. About 25 children attended each of the four Saturday-afternoon classes, reading for half an hour.
Those who attended three of the four classes received a "pawgraphed" book at the last class.
The program was so successful that the library plans to repeat it in April, according to Dada
Thumpowsky, public relations manager.
1. What is mainly discussed in the text?
A. Children's reading difficulties.
B. Advantages of raising dogs.
C. Service in a public library.
D. A special reading program.
2. Specialists use dogs to listen to children reading because they think _ .
A. dogs are young children's best friends
B. children can play with dogs while reading
C. dogs can provide encouragement for shy children
D. children and dogs understand each other
3. By saying " The Salt Lake City Public Library is sold on the idea" , the writer means the library .
A. uses dogs to attract children
B. accepts the idea put forward by ITA
C. has opened a children's department
D. has decided to train some dogs
4. A "pawgraphed" book is most probably _ .
A. a book used in Saturday classes
B. a book written by the children
C. a prize for the children
D. a gift from parents
