研究表明养宠物使人更快乐、更富有、更健康！
Having pets really is good for your health. Experts say the minor physical aspects of pet ownership, from taking walks to looking after them, can go a long way – and, these will improve the “feel good” chemicals in the brain.
The study carried out by UK retirement home builder McCarthy & Stone surveyed 1,000 British dog and cat owners. Pet owners reported nearly twice as much exercise as those without, at five times per week against three. “Many benefits of pet ownership also include the cardio-vascular(心脏血管的) exercise of dog-walking, and even the light housework associated with feeding and clearing up after our beloved animals,” says psychologist and author Corinne Sweet.
Pet owners were also more likely to be married, have a child, and be happy with their job. They even earned an average of almost $5,200 more per year than non-pet owners, and volunteered for charities more frequently. On the other hand, people without pets were more likely to have paid off their debt, with 69 percent having done so compared to 60 percent of pet owners. They also retired sooner, at 46 percent compared to 35.
The survey showed that those with pets benefited greatly from talking to their pets, and 16 percent even said that they wouldn’t ever speak to anyone if it wasn’t for their pet. For many, this also did away with feelings of loneliness.
“The psychological and emotional benefits of pet ownership are well-known among mental health professionals,” Sweet said. “Having a close bond with a domestic animal can make owners feel more relaxed, calmer and happier at home. Owners may also talk to their furry friends and gain a friendly, comforting ear and warm welcome when they are feeling unwell, sad, or lonely.”
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1.What’s the advantage of having pets from Paragraph 1?
A It benefits the pet owners both in physical and mental aspects.
B It benefits the pet owners only in physical aspects.
C It only makes people feel good.
D It’s good for people’s body but not the brain.
解析：选A。细节理解题。根据第一段的内容可知，养宠物有益于身心健康，在照顾宠物的日常活动中不仅能使身体健康，更能愉悦心情，故选A。
2.What is the main idea of the third paragraph?
A Having pets tends to be happier and more successful.
B Pet owners have much difficulty in finding their jobs.
C More people will volunteer for charities than before.
D People without pets are far likely to live a terrible life.
解析：选A。主旨大意题。根据第三段的内容可知养宠物的人会更容易结婚生子、对工作满意、取得更多的财富和慷慨施舍，即养宠物的人跟容易感到幸福和获得成功，故选A。
3.What can the pet owners do when feeling lonely?
A Walk the pets a long way.
B Speak to their pets.
C Do the housework.
D Pay off their debts.
解析：选B。细节理解题。根据第四段第二句For many, this also did away with feelings of loneliness.可知他们通过和宠物说话来排解他们的寂寞，故选B。
4.What Sweet said means ______.
A pet owners did not feel sad
B owning pets had many mental benefits
C only some pets were friendly
D pet owners had less exercise
解析：选B。推理判断题。根据文章最后一段第一句的The psychological and emotional benefits of pet ownership are well-known among mental health professionals以及其后的说话内容可知他说的意思是养宠物能带给人们许多精神上的好处，故选B。