Text 3 The Cat by Andrew Barton Paterson Most people think that the cat is an unintelligent animal, fond of ease, and caring little for anything but mice and milk. But a cat has really more character than most human beings, and gets a great deal more satisfaction out of life. Of all the animal kingdom, the cat has the most many-sided character. He or she is an athlete, a musician, an acrobat, a Lothario, a grim fighter, a sport of the first water. All day long the cat loafs about the house, takes things easy, sleeps by the fire, and allows himself to be pestered by the attentions of our womenfolk and annoyed by our children. To pass the time away he sometimes watches a mouse-hole for an hour or two -just to keep himself from dying of ennui; and people get the idea that this sort of thing is all that life holds for the cat. But watch him as the shades of evening fall, and you see the cat as he really is. When the family sits down to tea, the cat usually puts in an appearance to get his share, and purrs noisily, and rubs himself against the legs of the family; and all the time he is thinking of a fight or a love-affair that is coming off that evening. If there is a guest at table the cat is particularly civil to him, because the guest is likely to have the best of what is going. Sometimes, instead of recognizing this civility with something to eat, the guest stoops down and strokes the cat, and says, "Poor pussy! poor pussy!" The cat soon tires of that; he puts up his claw and quietly but firmly rakes the guest in the leg. "Ow!" says the guest, "the cat stuck his claws into me!" The delighted family remarks, "Isn't it sweet of him? Isn't he intelligent? HE WANTS YOU TO GIVE HIM SOMETHING TO EAT." The guest dares not do what he would like to do -- kick the cat through the window -- so, with tears of rage and pain in his eyes, he affects to be very much amused, and sorts out a bit of fish from his plate and hands it down. The cat gingerly receives it, with a look in his eyes that says: "Another time, my friend, you won't be so dull of comprehension," and purrs maliciously as he retires to a safe distance from the guest's boot before eating it. A cat isn't a fool -- not by a long way. Questions 16 through 20 (on your answer sheet circle the correct letter A, B, C, or D) 16. According to the text, which of the following is not an assumption people hold about cats? A. Cats are lazy. B.Cats are dumb. C.Cats are cunning. D.Cats only want milk and mice. 17. According to the text, why does a cat like to watch a mouse-hole? A. to greet visitors B.to avoid boredom C.to catch a mouse D.to guard the house 18. Why is the cat really nice to visitors? A. He likes to meet new people. B. He wants to be petted. C.He wants to make a good impression. Д. He wants visitors to feed him at dinner. 19. Based on the text, what does the word "affects" mean? A. Pretends B.influences C.resultsD.feels 20. What statement best expresses the main idea of the text? A. Cats make the best pets. B.Cats are excellent hosts. . C.Cats, unlike dogs, are really man's best friends.Д Cats are commonly misunderstood by people. ​

B (Cats are dumb)B (to avoid boredom)D (He wants visitors to feed him at dinner)A (Pretends)D (Cats are commonly misunderstood by people)