A
The local dog park might be getting busier and cat cafés might be opening in every neighborhood, but do you know which traditional pet is the most popular around the world?
the United States
The United States is home to the highest number of domestic (驯养的) dogs, cats, and fish, and Americans are more likely to treat their friends like humans. U. S. pet owners spend $50 billion a year on their animal companions, and 36% of dog owners have used some of that money to buy their pet a birthday present.
Russia
According to Russian tradition, keeping a cat as a pet is fortunate, so it’s no surprise the cat is Russia’s most popular pet. In 2016, 57% of Russian households contained a cat, compared to the 29% that had dogs. On March 1, Russia celebrates National Cat Day as part of celebrations for World Cat Day.
Brazil
Brazil’s domestic bird population was about 19 million in 2013, while dogs held top rank at just over 37 million. Brazil has the highest number of small dogs per capital city in the world. The nearly 20 million small dogs are attributed to (归因于) a rapidly-growing middle class living in small urban apartments.
United Kingdom
Dogs and cats rank second and third in Britain, while fishes hold the top spot. It has been linked not only to the low maintenance (维护), but also to the fact that many other pets like dogs or cats are not allowed in some places.
【文章大意】这是一篇说明文。文章介绍在不同的国家有不同的宠物爱好。
21. Why are the figures mentioned in Paragraph 2?
A. To explain the importance of pets.
B. To show Americans growing wealth.
C. To explain why Americans have pets.
D. To show how Americans love their animal friends.
【解析】选D。推理判断题。根据第二段“美国是家养狗、猫和鱼数量最多的国家 , 而且美国人更有可能像人类一样对待他们的朋友(宠物)。美国宠物主人每年花费500亿美元在他们的动物同伴身上, 36%的狗主人用一些钱来给他们的宠物买生日礼物。”由此可知, 在第二段提到这些数字是为了展示美国人如何爱他们的动物朋友。
22. Where are cats regarded as the symbol of good luck?
A. In Brazil.
B. In Russia.
C. In the United States.
D. In the United Kingdom.
【解析】选B。细节理解题。根据Russia中According to Russian tradition, keeping a cat as a pet is fortunate. 可知, 根据俄罗斯的传统, 养猫是很幸运的。因此可推知在俄罗斯猫被认为是好运的象征。
23. What are the most popular pets in the United Kingdom?
A. Dogs. B. Cats. C. Birds. D. Fishes.
【解析】选D。细节理解题。根据United Kingdom中Dogs and cats rank second and third in Britain, while fishes hold the top spot. (在英国, 狗和猫排名第二和第三, 而鱼则位居榜首。)可知, 英国最受欢迎的宠物是鱼。
