Have you ever been fined for returning a book to the library after its due date? It might seem reasonable for libraries to charge late fees. How else would they get anyone to return their books? But the practice could be on its way out, at least for public libraries. We asked our readers what they think about late fees. Here’s what some had to say.

Libraries should charge late fees. Do you enjoy discovering a new book at the library? You might not get a chance if other kids don’t return the books they’ve borrowed. Paying a fee will teach them to be responsible the next time. It will be needed when they get older and have a job. — Fiona, 9

Libraries should not charge late fees. Lots of people borrow books from public libraries and return the books late. It’s often just a mistake. Some people just need time to finish a book. I’ve read that fines at some libraries have reached $50 for a couple of books. There are many kids who can’t afford that kind of money. And imposing a late fee doesn’t make people more responsible. What works is sending reminders, and providing more overnight book drops. — Robinson, 10

Late fees are necessary. If there’s no penalty (处罚) for late returns, people might not make an effort to return books on time. When you borrow a book from a library, you’re entering into a contract. You’re promising to read the book in the time you’re given, to keep it safe, and to bring it back by a specified time so other people can benefit from reading it. Otherwise, you’re breaking a trust. — Ferryman, 12

The library should encourage reading. Late fees do just the opposite. They make borrowing a library book seem like it’s not worth the trouble. We should be able to borrow a book without having to worry about paying a fee. That’s how a library should be. — Bob, 8

1.What does the underlined word “It” refer to?

A Penalty.

B Independence.

C Responsibility.

D Trust.

解析：选C。C词意指代题。根据划线部分前面的“Paying a fee will teach them to be responsible the next time.”可知，支付逾期费用将教会他们下次要负责任，因此可推测it指代的是孩子长大后或工作时需要的责任感。故选C。

2.How does Robinson explain his opinion?

A By using an expert’s words.

B By introducing a concept.

C By referring to another study.

D By providing an example.

解析：选D。D推理判断题。根据第三段的“I’ve read that fines at some libraries have reached $50 for a couple of books.”可知，Robinson说他了解到一些图书馆对几本书的罚款已经达到50美元。有很多孩子付不起。征收滞纳金并不会让人们更负责任。有效的方法是发送提醒，并提供更多的隔夜书籍投放。因此Robinson通过举例来支持自己的观点。故选D。

3.Why does Ferryman mention the contract?

A To make comparisons.

B To introduce the topic.

C To support his argument.

D To make the passage fun.

解析：选C。C推理判断题。根据第四段的“When you borrow a book from a library, you’re entering into a contract. You’re promising to read the book in the time you’re given, to keep it safe, and to bring it back by a specified time so other people can benefit from reading it.”可知，当你从图书馆借书时，你就是在签订合同。你承诺在规定的时间内阅读这本书，保证它的安全，并在指定的时间内把它带回来，这样其他人就能从阅读中受益。否则，你就是在破坏信任，通过将借书按时归还与签合同这件事联系起来。由此可知，Ferryman通过提到按时还书、逾期收费的重要性来支持他的观点。故选C。

4.Which word best describes Bob’s attitude to late fees?

A Critical.

B Objective.

C Tolerant.

D Approving.

解析：选A。A推理判断题。根据第五段第二句“Late fees do just the opposite.”可知，图书馆应该鼓励阅读。滞纳金的作用恰恰相反。滞纳金让借阅图书馆的书看起来不值得麻烦。由此可知，他对收取滞纳金持反对的态度。故选A。