In some large American city schools, as many as 20-40% of the students are absent each day. There are two major reasons for such absences: one is sickness, and the other is truancy. That is staying away from school without permission. Since school officials can’t do much about the illness, they are concentrating on reducing the number of truancy. One of the most promising schemes has been tried in Florida. The pupils there with good attendance have been given free hamburgers, toys and T-shirts. Classes are told if they show improved rates of attendance, they can win additional gifts. At the same time, teachers are encouraged to inspire their students to come to school regularly.
In San Francisco, the board of education has had a somewhat similar idea. Schools that show a decrease in deliberate destruction of property can receive the
amount of money that would be spent on repairs and replacements. For example, 12,000 dollars had been set aside for a school’s property damages every year. Since repair expenses of damaged property required only 4,000 dollars, the remaining 8,000 dollars was turned over to the student activity fund. “Our democracy operates on hope and encouragement,” said the school board member. “Why not provide some positive goals for students and teachers to aim at?”
17
which reason for students’ absences is discussed in great detail?
A)Punishment by teachers
B)Poor academic p
C)Truancy
D)Illness
[答案：C]
19
who will benefit from the scheme being tried in Florida?
A)The Board of Education
B)Principals of city schools
C)Students with good academic records
D)Students with good attendance records
[答案：D]
20
What measure has been taken in San Francisco to reduce destruction of school property?
A) Punishing students who damage school property
B) Rewarding schools that have decreased the destruction
C) Promoting teachers who can prevent the destruction
D) Cutting the budget for repairs and replacements
[答案：B]