Most people think of racing when they see greyhounds (灰狗) and believe they need lots of exercise. They can actually be quiet lazy! Greyhounds are good at fast races but not long-distance running. They do need regular exercise but they like to run for a short burst and then get back on the bed or a comfortable seat. Another misunderstanding is that greyhounds must be aggressive(好斗的) because they are big in size. In fact greyhounds love people and are gentle with children.

　　Greyhounds can live for 12-14 years but usually only race for two or three years, and after that they make great pets. They don't need a lot of space, don't make a lot of noise, and don't eat a lot for their size.

　　Normally, greyhounds can be as tall as 90 cm. There is, however, a small-sized greyhound, which stands only 33 cm. Greyhounds come in a variety of colors. Grey and yellowish-brown are the most common. Others include black, white, blue, red and brown or a mix of these.

　　Greyhounds have smooth body coats, low body fat and are very healthy. Because they're slim(苗条的)they don't have the leg problems like other dogs the same height. But they do feel the cold, especially since they would much rather be at home in bed than walking around outside.

　　56. The text is written mainly ____.

　　A. to tell people how to raise greyhounds

　　B. to let people know more about greyhounds

　　C. to explain why greyhounds are aggressive

　　D. to describe greyhounds of different colors

　　57.It can be inferred that greyhounds ____.

　　A. love big doghouses

　　B. like staying in bed all day

　　C. make the best guard dogs

　　D. need some exercise outdoors

　　58.Why does the author say that greyhounds make great pets?

　　A. They are big in size.

　　B. They live a very long life.

　　C. They can run races for some time.

　　D. They are quiet and easy to look after.

　　59. If you keep a pet greyhound, it is important ____.

　　A. to keep it slim

　　B. to keep it warm

　　C. to take special care of its legs

　　D. to take it to animal doctors regularly

　　答案与解析：

　　56. B 【解析】主旨大意题。通读全文，本文介绍了灰狗的生活习性及外形特征，其目的在于让人们更多地了解灰狗。C选项是人们的误解，而不是作者写作的意图。D选项是文中的一个具体细节，不能用来概括全文的中心。

　　57. D 【解析】推理判断题。根据文中第一段They do need regular exercise可知，灰狗需要户外活动。选项B说灰狗like staying in bed all day与文章事实不符，文中仅说，灰狗剧烈短跑后，喜欢躺在床上或舒适的椅子里。

　　58. D 【解析】事实细节题。文中作者分别谈到了灰狗成为最好的宠物犬的原因是：love people and are gentle with children;don’t need a lot of space, don’t make a lot of noise and don’t eat a lot for their size.

　　59. B 【解析】事实细节题。文章最后一段提到灰狗怕冷，因此在作为宠物喂养过程中应注意保暖。