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Dogs wag (摇摆) their tails in different directions depending on whether they are excited and wanting to move forward or threatened and thinking of moving back, a study has found.

Researchers in Italy examined the tail wagging behaviour of 30 dogs, catching their responses to a range of stimuli (刺激物) with video cameras.To conduct the study they chose 15 male dogs and 15 female ones aged between one and six years old.The dogs were all family pets whose owners had allowed them to take part in the experiment at Bari University.The dogs were placed in a large wooden box with an opening at the front to allow them to view various stimuli.They were tested one at a time.

The researchers led by Professor Giorgio Vallortigara of the University of Trieste found that when the dogs were shown their owners—their tails wagged energetically to the right side.When they were shown an unfamiliar human they wagged to the right, but with somewhat less enthusiasm.The appearance of a cat again caused a right­hand side wag, although with less intensity again.The appearance of a large unfamiliar dog, similar to a German shepherd, changed the direction of tail wagging to the left.Researchers supposed the dog was thinking of moving back.When the dogs were not shown any stimuli they tended to wag their tails to the left, suggesting they preferred company.While the changes in the tail wagging were not easily noticed without the aid of video, it was thought that the findings could help people judge the mood of dogs.Computer and video systems, for example, could be used by professional dog trainers to determine the mood of dogs that they were required to approach.

1.The video cameras were used to catch the dogs' responses because ________.

A.it was easier to catch the dogs' response changes in the tail wagging

B.the dogs were put in the wooden boxes and tested one at a time

C.they enabled the dogs' owners to know about their dogs' habits

D.the dogs wagged their tails in different directions when they were in different moods

2.The underlined word “intensity” in Paragraph 3 means ________.

A.surprise B.worry

C.excitement D.interest

3.When there are no stimuli, a dog will ________.

A.wag to the left

B.wag to the right

C.not wag at all

D.wag to the left and then to the right

4.The underlined word “they” in the last sentence refers to ________.

A.the dogs B.the trainers

C.the systems D.the researchers

5.The purpose of doing the experiment is ________.

A.to train dogs for their owners

B.to help people judge the mood of dogs

C.to help dogs find company

D.to help people choose their pet dogs

As one of the world’s oldest holidays, Halloween is still celebrated today in several countries around the globe, but it is in North America and Canada that it maintains its highest level of popularity. Every year, 65% of Americans decorate their homes and offices for Halloween. Halloween is the holiday when the most candy is sold and is second only to Christians in terms of total sales.

Austria

In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before retiring on Halloween night. The reason for this is that it was once believed such items would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night which for the Austrians was considered to be brimming(溢)with strong cosmic energies.

Belgium

The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross one’s path and also unlucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives.

Canada

Modern Halloween celebrations in Canada began with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Jack- O- Lantern is carved and the festivities include parties, trick-or-treating and the decorating of homes with pumpkins and corn stalks.

France

Unlike most nation of the world, Halloween is not celebrated by the French in order to honor the dead and departed ancestors. It is regarded as an “American” holiday in France and was unknown in the country until around 1996.

1.In which countries does Halloween have its highest level of popularity?

A. France and North America.

B. Canada and North America.

C. Austria and Canada.

D. Belgium and Canada.

2.Why will people leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table in Austria?

A. These items would welcome the dead souls back to earth

B. These items are used to respect ancestors

C. These items are just for fun

D. The other items can replace them

3.In which country does Halloween is not celebrated as the others?

A. Canada. B. Belgium. C. Austria. D. France.

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