The owners are often blamed when pets put on a few pounds. But experts say that in many cases fat dogs and cats are `emotional eaters`(借食消愁). They also eat more than they need simply to deal with boredom or stress, research has found. That means, if they have gained weight, it could be because they have been through a traumatic(造成心灵创伤的)or an emotional event.

New studies have also suggested that putting an overweight cat or dog on a diet could make them unhappy. The study shows the obesity(肥胖)rate is as much as 25 percent in cats, and 45 percent in dogs.

The problem has been likened to that of Bridget Jones, the singleton(单身)who hides away from her troubled love life by eating, with vets(兽医)believing some pets use food to deal with sadness, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

Comfort eating in humans tends to involve high calorie foods which the individual chooses, including ice cream, and chocolate.

But research shows animals are less fussy(挑剔的), and will go on a comfort binge(大吃大喝)even if the only food on offer is their usual dog or cat food.

He said emotional eating in pets, could be caused by feelings including boredom, anxiety and depression(抑郁).

But the research has also suggested overeating could also be a sign of enjoyable emotional state, as well as a bad mood.

1.Who will be often blamed when pets gain weight?

A. Pets. B. The owners. C. Vets. D. Experts.

2.Why did pets eat too much according to the passage?

A. Because pets like to eat.

B. Because their owners give them too much food.

C. To deal with boredom or stress.

D. Because they are too hungry.

3.Which statement is TRUE according to the passage?

A. A diet could make an overweight cat or dog happy.

B. The obesity rate is higher in cats.

C. Pets are more fussy.

D. Bridget Jones dealt with her boredom by eating.

4.What’s the best title for the passage?

A. Fat Dogs and Cats B. Fat Pets Are Emotional Eaters

C. Overeating D. Owners Are Often Blamed

Many kids help parents to do chores in the house. They may take out the trash, walk the dog or sweep the floor. In return, some kids get money or other rewards from their parents, such as 20 minutes to play computer games.

But some people do not think that kids should get rewards for doing chores. One of them is Jane Smith, a parenting educator and family coach. She believes if kids get rewards, they may think that work isn't worth doing unless you get something in return. For example, kids won't sweep the floor if they see it is dirty. But they will do it if their parents reward them for it.

“Every house is a team effort, ” Jane said. “A home is the living space for everyone in the family. It's important for kids to see that we all have a responsibility to keep our home clean. ”

Other people hold different opinions. They believe that money or other rewards encourage kids to do more chores. It also teaches them real world lessons. They can learn about how we need to work to make money.

Now, there are also apps that encourage kids to do chores. The apps give kids points and digital (数码的) gifts that can be used either online or in life. With the app ChoreMonster, kids earn digital points after doing chores. Kids can exchange their points for real rewards, such as time to play video games or a trip to the mall. “Our goal is to encourage kids so they can earn rewards, ” says Joe Black, the founder of ChoreMonster.

“Kids need positive (积极的) power to make them do chores. ”

1.Jane Smith thinks that________.

A. housework isn't worth doing

B. kids are not willing to do chores

C. kids should get something in return

D. kids shouldn't get rewards for doing chores

2.ChoreMonster is a(n)________.

A. educator B. coach

C. app D. app founder

3.If rewarded for doing chores, kids can learn to ________.

A. take responsibilities B. use apps well

C. make money through work D. understand team effort

4.What's the purpose of the apps mentioned in the passage?

A. To give kids points and gifts.

B. To encourage kids to do chores.

C. To exchange points for real rewards.

D. To give kids advice on doing chores.

5.The passage mainly talks about________.

A. how to encourage kids to do chores

B. what kind of chores kids should do

C. if kids should do chores at home

D. whether kids should be rewarded for doing chores

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