阅读理解
Where in the classroom do you prefer to sit, and why? Scientists have discovered that seating preference not only shows students’ personalities, but has a great influence on their school performance. Generally speaking, students show different attitudes depending on where they sit. Based on the research, scientists have developed a funnel－like(像漏斗的) model of “learning zones(区域)” to see the relationship between seating and active learning.
In this model, the mouth of the funnel(A) is the best position for learning. Students in this front area prove to be the most active learners. They show a greater desire(渴求) for learning, which leads them to focus(集中注意力) better and take a more active part than the rest of the class. Those in the neck of the funnel(B) don’t pay the same close attention, but they ask a lot of questions, partly because of the added confidence they feel from being in a safe zone, with others around them. Less desirable is the area “outside the funnel(C, D)，” which refers to the sides and the back rows, where students take a less active part in classroom activities and find it hard to focus their attention, falling asleep at times.
Studies about learning zones suggest that a change in traditional seating plans can benefit students. In fact, a growing number of teachers have begun less traditional seating plans, such as “U－Type.”There are no side and back areas, so teachers can expect their students to take part in activities more actively and increase student－teacher interaction(互动)．
【解题导语】 本文是一篇说明文。研究发现，教室里的座位安排对学生的表现有很大影响。
1．According to scientists, students’ learning is greatly influenced by ________．
A．the number of students
B．the time of class
C．seating positions
D．classroom size
C 解析：细节理解题。根据第一段中的Scientists have discovered that seating preference...has a great influence on their school performance.和see the relationship between seating and active learning可知，科学家发现学生的在校表现受到座位的影响。
2．It turns out that the students sitting in Area B ________．
A．sometimes fall asleep
B．feel safe and confident
C．seldom ask their teachers questions
D．try to avoid looking directly at the teacher
B 解析：细节理解题。根据第二段中的Those in the neck of the funnel(B)．.. the added confidence they feel from being in a safe zone可知，由于坐在B区域的学生被其他学生环绕，因此觉得既安全又自信。
3．Which area is most proper for learning?
A．Area A． B．Area B.
C．Area C. D．Area D.
A 解析：细节理解题。根据第二段首句中的the mouth of the funnel(A) is the best position for learning可知，A区域是最适合学习的位置。
4．What does the underlined word “benefit” in the last paragraph mean?
A．Cause trouble for. B．Take control of.
C．Give a warning to. D．Do good to.
D 解析：词义猜测题。根据最后一段中的teachers can expect their students to take part in activities more actively and increase student－teacher interaction(互动)可知，改变传统的座位安排会使学生受益。
