第二部分：阅读理解Passage 1

第二部分：阅读理解Passage 1
The greatest recent social changes have been in the lives of women.During the twentieth century there has been a remarkable shortening of the proportion of a woman’s life spent in caring for children.A woman marrying at the end of the nineteenth century world probably have been in her middle twenties,and would be likely to have seven or eight children,of whom four or five lived till they were five years old.By the time the youngest was fifteen,the mother would have been in her early fifties and would expect to live a further twenty years,during which custom,opportunity and health made it unusual for her to get paid work.Today women marry younger and have fewer children.Usually a woman’s youngest child will be fifteen when she is forty-five and can be expected to live another thirty-five years and is likely to take paid work until retirement at sixty.Even while she has the care of children,her work is lightened by household appliances and convenience foods.
The important change in women’s life-pattern has only recently begun to have its full effect on women’s economic position.Even a few years ago most girls left school at the first opportunity,and most of them took a full-time job.However,when they married,they usually left work at once and never returned to it.Today the school-leaving age is sixteen,many girls stay at work at least until shortly before their first child is born.Very many more afterwards return to full or part-time work.Such changes have led to a new relationship in marriage,with both husband and wife sharing more equally in providing the money,and running the home,according to the abilities and interests of each of them.
6.For women at the beginning of the twentieth century,the amount of time spent taking care of children ________.
A) was shorter than in previous centuries
B) was longer than in previous centuries
C) was considered to be surprisingly long
D) account for a great part of their lives
7.According to the passage,around the year 1900 most women married ________.
A) at about twenty-five
B) in their early fifties
C) as soon as possible after they were fifteen
D) at any age from fifteen to forty-five
But the stars are apparently their principal means of navigation.When the stars are hidden by clouds,they apparently find their way by such landmarks as mountain ranges,coast lines,and river courses.But when it’s too dark to see these,the doves circle helplessly,unable to find their way.
11.The reason why birds don’t get lost on long flights ______.
A) have been known to scientists for years
B) have only recently been discovered
C) are known by everyone
D) will probably remain a mystery
12.During daylight hours,birds _______.
A) fly aimlessly
B) rely on landmarks
C) use sun for guidance
D) are more likely to get lost

6.A;
7.C;
11.D;
12.B.