B
Mr Omorogbe was originally set to graduate in 2014. But after a fight with his dad, he was “tossed out” on the street. Eventually, his grandmother took him in for a while, but with her working during the day, Omorogbe needed to care for his seriously ill grandfather. School eventually became too much, so he dropped out.
For many students across the country, circumstances like Omorogbe’s can derail (使偏离轨道) them the high-school-to-college track. In his case, Boston Public School’s Reengagement Center was able to connect him with EDCO Youth Alternative, a school that provides extra support for nontraditional and struggling students. He started in September 2016 and will have his diploma in hand by May.
“I have my counselor (指导教师) who calls me every day. If I miss school for two or three days, she’ll call me, and ask, ’Are you OK? ’” says Omorogbe. “During the vacations, she’ll call me; for my birthday, she’ll bake me a cake. ”
Ten years ago, Boston high school students like Omorogbe were far less likely to get their diploma. In 2007, the city’s graduation rate was 59 percent. This year, in 2017, the number of Boston students who graduated in four years hit a record high of 72. 4 percent. Statewide, the graduation rate inched up to a record 87. 5 percent from 87. 3 percent last year, according to state figures.
“You’re seeing gradual progress, ” says Paul Reville, a professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and former Secretary of education for Massachusetts. “We’re dealing with one of the most important problems that we have in education these days, which is people dropping out without a high school education and having no place to go in our economy. ”
【文章大意】本文以Omorogbe为例, 主要介绍了EDCO Youth Alternative这所学校, 它给非传统的有困难的学生提供额外的支持。
24. Why did Omorogbe drop out of school?
A. He had a poor family.
B. He had no interest in his studies.
C. He was seriously injured in a fight.
D. He had to take on the role of a carer.
【解析】选D。细节理解题。根据第一段可知, Omorogbe要照顾他病重的祖父, 所以退学了。
25. What does Omorogbe think of his counselor?
A. She’s strict. B. She’s kind-hearted.
C. She’s open-minded. D. She’s knowledgeable.
【解析】选B。推理判断题。根据第三段Omorogbe对他的指导教师的描述可知, 这位指导老师很善良, 对待他很好, 每天给他打电话, 还为他做生日蛋糕。
26. Which of the following is TRUE about Boston’s high school graduation rate?
A. It reached a record 87. 5 percent in 2017.
B. There has been a rise of over 10 percent in 10 years.
C. This year’s figures show a sharp increase over last year’s.
D. Less than half of the students could graduate 10 years ago.
【解析】选B。细节理解题。根据第四段可知, 2007年像Omorogbe这样的波士顿高中毕业生不大可能获得毕业证, 这个城市的毕业率是59%。2017年, 毕业率是72. 4%, 所以在十年内上升幅度超过10%。
27. What’s the best title for the text?
A. The success story of Mr Omorogbe
B. Boston students are regaining their confidence
C. The important role high school education plays
D. Reforms have given fresh hope to struggling students
【解析】选D。主旨大意题。本文主要介绍了EDCO Youth Alternative这所学校, 它给有困难的学生提供额外的支持。故D项最符合。
