Directions: In this part there is a short passage followed by fiue questions or incomplete statements.Read the passage carefully. Then answer the questions or complete the statements with no more than 10words. Please write your answers on The Answer Sheet.(10 marks)

          Across the world, studies have consistently found that girls perform significantly better thanboys in reading. These studies show that girls typically read more frequently than boys, and have amore positive attitude towards reading.

          There are several reasons that help explain these gender-based differences. Parents read morewith their daughters. This sends a strong and early message that books are for girls, and equips girlswith a significant advantage. Recent research has found even though boys read less frequently thangirls, girls still receive more encouragement to read from their parents.

          So how can parents and educators help bridge this socially-engineered gap for boys' reading?

          To improve boys'reading performance, parents and educators may look for ways to connectboys with reading. This has led to discussion about the importance of promoting so-called“boy-friendly" books that boys supposedly"prefer". These are typically assumed to be non-fiction works,as many people believe that boys prefer to read non-fiction.

          But this belief is not supported by recent research, which in fact suggests boys are more likelyto choose to read fiction than non-fiction. Encouraging all boys to read non-fiction under themistaken belief that it is their preference may actually be harmful. Fiction readers read morefrequently and demonstrate faster language learning and higher language ability.

          Besides encouraging more fiction reading, there are a number of ways that we can help connectboys with books. Firstly, don't assume that boys of the same age have the same interests or thattheir interests stay the same over time. To match boys with suitable reading material, have regulardiscussions about reading for pleasure in order to keep up with their interests.

          Schools should also provide access to libraries during lessons throughout the years of schooling.Girls visit the library in their free time more than boys, and as students move to higher grades they oftenhave less access to libraries during class. Access to books for boys is essential to promote reading.

          In addition, we should keep paper books available because research shows that boys are lesslikely to choose to read on screens than girls. Finally, we should promote reading as an enjoyablepastime by being a role model. Let your children or students see you read for pleasure.

Studies show that girls perform better than boys in reading, to be specific, girls usually read ____________, and have a more positive attitude towards reading.

Which will boys probably choose to read, non-fiction or fiction?

Why does the author recommend adults to regularly discuss with boys about reading?

Boys are less likely to choose to_________than girls, so paper books should be keptavailable.

What is the main purpose of this passage?