Question

【题目】Is it OK for children to count on their fingers? Generations of pupils have been discouraged by their teachers from using their hands when learning maths. But a new research article published in Frontiers in Education shows using fingers may be a very important part of maths learning.

The article, by Professor Tim Jay of Sheffield Hallam University and independent researcher Dr Julie Betenson, substantiates what parents have long felt -- that the finger games children often play at home are central to their education.

The researchers worked with 137 primary pupils aged between six and seven. All the children were given different combinations of counting and number games to play -- but only some were given exercises which involved finger-training. Some pupils played games involving number symbols, such as dominoes, shut-the-box, or snakes and ladders. Other pupils were asked to play finger games, such as being asked to hold up a given number of fingers, or numbering fingers from 1 to 5 and then having to match one of them by touching it against the corresponding(对应) finger on the other hand, or following coloured lines using a particular finger. Both these groups did a little better in maths tests than a third group of pupils who had simply had 'business as usual' with their teachers. But the group which did both the counting and the finger games performed far better.

This study provides evidence that fingers provide children with a “bridge” between different representations of numbers, which can be verbal, written or symbolic. Combined finger training and number games could be a useful tool for teachers to support children's understanding of numbers.

【1】How did the author introduce the topic of the text?

A. By providing evidence B. By raising a question

C. By giving an example D. By making comparisons

【2】The underlined word “substantiates” in paragraph 2 most probably means “______”.

A. supports B. changes

C. ignores D. advertises

【3】What can we know about the research mentioned in the text?

A. It is carried out by two university professors

B. Its research subjects are mostly pre-school children

C. It is based on the comparison of two groups of children

D. Its findings should draw the attention of math teachers.

【4】What does the author think of children’s finger counting?

A. Boring B. Foolish

C. Helpful D. Unique

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】B

【2】A

【3】D

【4】C

【解析】新研究表明：孩子用手指数数对学习数学是有益的，我们应该支持和进行手指训练。

【1】B

推理判断题。根据开头Is it OK for children to count on their fingers?可知作者用提问题的方式来引入话题，故选B.

【2】A

猜测词义题。此处指这篇文章证实了家长们长期以来的感受——孩子们经常在家里玩的手指游戏是他们教育的中心。句中“substantiates”指证实，与supports同义，故选A.

【3】D

推理判断题。根据最后一段Combined finger training and number games could be a useful tool for teachers to support children's understanding of numbers.可知调查结果应该引起重视，尤其是老师们应该支持和进行手指训练，故选D.

【4】C

推理判断题。根据第一段using fingers may be a very important part of maths learning. 和the finger games children often play at home are central to their education. 最后一段fingers provide children with a “bridge” between different representations of numbers,和Combined finger training and number games could be a useful tool for teachers可知作者认为孩子用手指数数是有帮助的，故选C.