Question

阅读下面短文，并按照题目要求用英语回答问题。

Scientists have tried to come up with biological explanations for the academic difference between boys and girls. However, none were believable enough to explain the general picture. As one scientist points out, there are slightly genetic differences between the sexes at birth which may affect the subjects boys and girls choose.  “But the difficulty is that by the time children reach school age, there are so many other effects that it is almost impossible to tell whether girls are worse at science and maths, or whether they’ve been brought up to think of these subjects as boys’ ‘territory’”. Statistics show that in mathematics, at least, girls are equal to boys. A recent report suggests girls only stop studying mathematics because of social attitudes.  One of the reports says, “While it is still acceptable for women to say that they are ‘hopeless’ at maths, our research shows that, although girls get marks which are as good as boys’, they have not been encouraged to do so. ” The explanation for the difference, which is very clear during the teenage years, goes as far back as early childhood experiences. From their first days in nursery school, girls are not encouraged to work on their own or to complete tasks,  although boys are.  For example, boys but not girls are often asked to “help” with repair work. This encouragement leads to a way of learning how to solve problems later in the life.  Evidence shows that exceptional(杰出的)mathematicians and scientists did not have teachers who supplied answers;  they had to find out them by themselves.

A further report on maths teaching shows that teachers seem to give more attention to boys than to girls. Most teachers who took part in the study admit that they expect their male students to do better at mathematics and science subjects than their female students.  All of this tends to encourage boys to work harder in these subjects, gives them confidence and makes them believe that they can succeed. Interestingly, both boys and girls tend to regard such “male” subjects like mathematics and science as difficult. Yet it has been suggested that girls avoid mathematics courses, not because they are difficult, but for social reasons.

Mathematics and science are mainly male subjects, and therefore, as girls become teenagers, they are less likely to take them up. Girls do not seem to want to be in open competition with boys. Neither do they want to do better than boys，because they are afraid to appear less female,  and so less attractive.

1. What has been discovered about boys and girls in  their learning and choosing subjects at school?  (No more than 20 words. )

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2. Please explain the underlined word “territory” in English.  (No more than 6 words. )

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3. Why do girls stop learning mathematics based on the passage?  (No more than 15 words. )

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4. What makes those who made extraordinary contribution in mathematics and science different?  (No more than 15 words. )

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5. What conclusion can be drawn according to the scientific studies?  (No more than 20 words. )

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Answer 1

1. There are not only slightly genetic differences between boys and girls but other factors affecting their learning and subject choices.

2. Special field/Special area of knowledge or activity

3. Because of social attitudes towards them.

4. The ability to solve problems by themselves.

5. Girls can learn science subjects and maths as well as boys, if given enough encouragement.