67．We can safely say that rent control 　　　　　　　　　.

A．will always benefit those who rent apartments

B．is unnecessary

C．will bring negative effects in the long run

D．is necessary under all circumstances

66．There is the possibility that setting maximum rent may 　　　　　　　.

A．cause a shortage of apartments

B．worry those who rent apartments as homes

C．increase the profits of landlords

D．encourage landlords to invest in building apartment

65. Although he argues against zoos, the author would still agree that _______.

A. zoos have to keep animals in small cages

B. most animals in zoos are endangered species

C. some endangered animals are reproduced in zoos

D. it’s acceptable to keep animals away from their habitats

C

In cities with rent control, the city government sets the maximum rent that a landlord can charge for an apartment. Supporters of rent control argue that it protects people who are living in apartments. Their rent cannot increase; therefore, they are not in danger of losing their homes. However, the critics say that after a long time, rent control may have negative effects. Landlords know that they cannot increase their profits. Therefore, they invest in other businesses where they can increase their profits. They do not invest in new buildings which would also be rent – controlled. As a result, new apartments are not built. Many people who need apartments cannot find any. According to the critics, the end result of rent control is a shortage of apartments in the city.

Some theorists argue that the minimum wage law can cause problems in the same way. The federal government sets the minimum that an employer must pay workers. The minimum helps people who generally look for unskilled, low – paying jobs. However, if the minimum is high, employers may hire fewer workers. They will replace workers with machinery. Therefore, other things being equal, the number of workers that employers want decreases. Thus, critics hold the opinion that an increase in the minimum wage may cause unemployment. Some poor people may find themselves without jobs instead of with jobs at the minimum wage.

Supporters of the minimum wage say that it helps people keep their dignity. Because of the law, workers cannot sell their services for less than the minimum. Furthermore, employers cannot force workers to accept jobs at unfair wages.

Economic theory predicts the results of economic decisions such as decisions about farm production, rent control, and the minimum wage. The predictions may be correct only if “other things are equal”. Economists do not agree on some of the predictions. They also do not agree on the value of different decisions. Some economists support a particular decision while others criticize it. Economists do agree, however, that there are no simple answers to economic questions.

64. The author tries to persuade readers to accept his argument mainly by _____.

A. pointing out the faults in what zoos do

B. using evidence he has collected at zoos

C. questioning the way animals are protected

D. discussing the advantages of natural habitats

63. What does the author try to argue in the passage?

A. Zoos are not worth the public support.

B. Zoos fail in their attempt to save animals.

C. Zoos should treat animals as human beings.

D. Zoos use animals as a means of entertainment.

62. In the state of zoochosis, animals _________.

A. remain in cages　　　　　　　　　　　 B. behave strangely

C. attack other animals　　　　　　　　　 D. enjoy moving around

61. How would the author describe the animals’ life in zoos?

A. Dangerous.　　 　　　B. Unhappy.　　　　 C. Natural.　　　 D. Easy.

60. The best title for this passage would be ________.

A. Uniform and Society　　　　　　　　　　 B. The Importance of Wearing a Uniform

C. Practical Benefits of Wearing a Uniform　　　 D. Strong and Weak Points of Uniforms

B

How could we possibly think that keeping animals in cages in unnatural environments－mostly for entertainment purposes－is fair and respectful?

Zoo officials say they are concerned about animals. However, most zoos remain “collections” of interesting “things” rather than protective habitats. Zoos teach people that it is acceptable to keep animals bored, lonely, and far from their natural zones. Zoos claim to educate people and save endangered species, but visitors leave zoos without having learned anything meaningful about the animals’ natural behavior, intelligence, or beauty. Zoos keep animals in small spaces or cages, and most signs only mention the species’ name, diet, and natural range. The animals’ normal behavior is seldom noticed because zoos don’t usually take care of the animals’ natural needs.

The animals are kept together in small spaces, with no privacy and little opportunity for mental and physical exercise. This results in unusual and self-destructive behavior called zoochosis. A worldwide study of zoos found that zoochosis is common among animals kept in small spaces or cages. Another study showed that elephants spend 22 percent of their time making repeated head movements or biting cage bars, and bears spend 30 percent of their time walking back and forth, a sign of unhappiness and pain.

Furthermore, most animals in zoos are not endangered. Captive breeding(圈养繁殖)of endangered big cats, Asian elephants, and other species has not resulted in their being sent back to the wild. Zoos talk a lot about their captive breeding programs because they do not want people to worry about a species dying out. In fact, baby animals also attract a lot of paying customers. Haven’t we seen enough competitions to name baby animals? Actually, we will save endangered species only if we save their habitats and put an end to the reasons people kill them. Instead of supporting zoos, we should support groups that work to protect animals’ natural habitats.

59. The underlined word “they” (in the 4^th paragraph) refers to ________.

A. lift operators　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 B. TV repairmen

C. people in uniforms　　　　　　　　　　　 D. persons without uniforms

58. According to the passage, people wearing uniforms ________.

A. are always helpful　　 　　　　　　　　　　 B. have little or no individual freedom

C. tend to lose their individuality　　　　　　　 D. enjoy less great popularity