13.Every morning,some people may have the habit of watching the astrological (占星术的)advice on the TV news before they go to work.When reading magazines,some people might first go to the section on astrological predictions to determine what's in store for them in the coming day,week or month.This interest in astrology is especially strong at the beginning of a new year.Immediately before a new year,many astrological experts are making predictions and giving advice.It seems that astrology is gaining popularity,but how popular is astrology and is it actually trustworthy?
According to a study by searchterms.com,the word astrology is the most searched topic on the Internet,and a search for astrology on Google will bring up nearly two million websites.A study by the newspaper USA Today shows that a third of all Americans believe in astrology and spend almost $100million a year on it.More surprisingly,the fastest-growing group of believers in America is made up of managers and professionals.No wonder Donald Regan,former White House Chief of Staff,said,"It's common knowledge that a large percentage of Wall Street brokers use astrology."
The most famous astrologer is Nostradamus.Long ago,he correctly predicted events such as the Second World War,the killing of U.S.President John F.Kennedy,and most recently,the attack on the World Trade Center.Another famous astrologer,Frau Elsbeth Ebertin,accurately predicted that Adolph Hitler would become Führer-the leader after she was given Hitler's birth chart.In fact,Hitler himself was a believer in astrology.It's thought that he used an astrologer throughout the Second World War.The wife of former American president Ronald Reagan,Nancy,was also a firm believer in astrology.She employed an astrologer to ask about President Reagan's future safety after the president was shot.
Though some people may consider astrology superstitious (迷信的),others think it is both a science and an art.Since the moon has an effect on the ocean,and 75percent of the human body is made up of water,it is reasonable to say that astrology,a study of the stars,may affect humans as well.Therefore,if viewed in this way,astrology may be believable and it is easy to see why it is so popular.
36.What is the main idea of the article?B
A.More and more people,especially stars,are interested in astrology.
B.Astrology is becoming popular and has some basis in science.
C.Famous astrologers can predict events correctly.
D.People should use astrology every day.
37.Which of the following events was NOT predicted by Nostradamus?D
A.The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
B.The killing of President Kennedy.
C.The outbreak of World WarⅡ.
D.The birth of Führer Hitler.
38.What can we learn from the passage?A
A.Astrology is one of the most popular topics on the Internet.
B.Astrology can help change people's lives for the better.
C.Only a few Wall Street brokers use astrology.
D.Most of Americans believe in astrology.
39.The author tends to think astrology isC.
A.boring B.puzzling C.believable D.strange.