Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.

16.A) They help spread the latest technology.

B) They greatly enrich people’s leisure life.

C) They provide residents with the resources needed.

D) They allow free access to digital books and videos.

17.A) By helping them find jobs.

B) By inspiring their creativity.

C) By keeping them off the streets.

D) By providing a place of relaxation.

18.A) Their interaction with teenagers proved fruitful.

B) They used libraries less often than teenagers.

C) They tended to visit libraries regularly.

D) Their number increased modestly.

A Pew Research Center survey of more than 1000 Americans conducted in April 2016 finds that (16) Americans continue to express largely positive views about the current state of their local public libraries. For instance, around three quarters say that public libraries provide them with the resources they need and 66 percent say the closing of their local public library would have a major impact on their community, although notably just 33 percent say this would have a major impact on them personally or on their family. A majority of Americans feel libraries are doing a good job of providing a safe place for people to hang out or spend time as well as opening up educational opportunities for people of all ages. (17) And roughly half think their libraries contribute a lot to their communities in terms of helping spark creativity among young people and providing a trusted place for people to learn about new technologies.

As in past Pew Research Center surveys of library use, the April 2016 survey also measured Americans’ usage of and engagement with libraries. Overall, 53 percent of Americans aged 16 and older have had some interaction with the public library in the past year either through an in person visit or using a library Web site; (18) some 48 percent of adults specifically visited a library in the past 12 months, a modest increase from the 44 percent who said that in late 2015.

Questions 19 to 21 are based on the passage you have just heard.

19.A) It is the cleverest cat in the world.

B) It is the largest cat in Africa.

C) It is an unusual crossbreed.

D) It is a large-sized wild cat.

20.A) They are as loyal as dogs.

B) They are fond of sleeping in cabinets.

C) They have unusually long tails.

D) They know how to please their owners.

21.A) They shake their front paws.

B) They shower with them.

C) They teach them to dive.

D) They shout at them.

  (19)A Savannah cat is a crossbreed between a domestic cat and a medium-sized wild African cat called the Serval. The unusual cross became popular among breeders at the end of the 1990s. And in 2001, the International Cat Association accepted it as a new registered breed.

  The Savannahs are tall and slim and can weigh up to 9.1 kilograms, making them one of the largest breeds of cats that people can own. They have a spotted coat similar to that of many types of wild cats and their ears are very large. (20)They are also commonly compared to dogs in their loyalty and can be trained to walk on a lead and to fetch, and often noted characteristic of the Savannah is its jumping ability. They are known to jump on top of the doors and high cabinets. Some can leap about 2.5 metres high from a standing position. 

Cats are typically known for being very inquisitive and so are the Savannahs. They often learn how to open doors and cupboards. Many Savannah cats do not fear water and will play with or even dive into water. (21)Some owners even shower with their Savannah Cats, presenting a water bowl to Savannah may also prove a challenge, as some will promptly begin to bat all the water out of the bowl until it is empty using their front paws.

Questions 22 to 25 are based on the passage you have just heard.

22.A) Contented and relieved.

B) Anxious and depressed.

C) Proud but a bit nervous.

D) Excited but somewhat sad.

23.A) It starts the moment they are born.

B) It depends on their parents for success.

C) It is gaining increasing public attention.

D) It is becoming parents’ biggest concern.

24.A) Choose the right school for them.

B) Help them to learn by themselves.

C) Read books and magazines to them.

D) Set a good example for them to follow.

25.A) Their intelligence.

B) Their home life.

C) The quality of their school.

D) The effort they put in learning.

(22) When children start school for the very first time, parents often feel a sense of excitement coupled with a touch of sadness at the end of an era. This is the start of a new adventure for children, playing and interacting with new friends, sharing, taking turns and settling into a new routine.

But of course, (23) this is not the start of your child’s education which in fact began at birth. Back then, you would have been your child’s most influential teachers. During this time at home, your child would have learned more than at any other period in their life. During your child’s first year in school, much time will be spent in learning to read and they need to know that this is fun and worthwhile. (24) Your child will naturally copy you so it is important that you are seen reading and enjoying books, newspapers and magazines rather than just absorbed in screens. Ultimately an excellent education should be a close partnership between parents and teachers. A child’s year splits fairly neatly into thirds: a third at school, a third asleep and a third awake at home or on holiday.

(25) Irrespective of the quality of a school, a child’s home life is of key importance. It is the determining factor of their academic success. Your child may have started on a new journey but your work is far from finished.