1. (2022高一下·上海期中) For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.

According to a research, the average reading score of students in the USA this year declined in comparison to the previous study last year. The study indicates that there is a significant1in reading ability levels in grades 7-12. The result confirms what American secondary teachers have been saying, that both high and low achieving students are often unmotivated to read. This2of motivation has been the major reason for their poor reading ability.

Perhaps it is no surprise to researchers that the decline in reading ability3American students' decreasing freedom in choosing reading method and time. One of the best ways to deal with the situation is for teachers to provide time in the academic day for voluntary reading of texts. There may be objections to the use of already4academic time, but the research indicates that time spent reading in school5academic performance. Most students who are given    extra reading time in school get higher scores in reading tests. This is true even for the "light" or 6reading of young adult literature.

An argument for providing7 in the school day for reading  practice  is  the comparison to the necessary practice one needs in order to become skilled at a sport: the increased practice hours increase performance. Even 10 minutes a day of reading can have dramatic effects by simply 8 students to multiple texts. Ten minutes of daily book reading in middle school will increase about 700,000 words of reading each year for a student. And this additional volume of reading can bring huge9to the students.

Besides, compared with the crowded casual classroom environment, independent reading libraries in school can help students produce a sense of being10. Students can discover authors, explore topics that11them, and improve their reading habits.

The research concludes that there are millions of students who do not have the basic reading12that are needed to locate relevant information or make simple judgement. The effects of underdeveloped reading ability on the student and on the economy of the American society can mean the13of billions of dollars in wages and earnings over a lifetime.

Therefore, secondary educators need to guide students to associate reading with enjoyment by offering time and choices. This14can result in making reading a desired activity and   making students15to read.