Have you ever been fined for returning a book to the library after its due date? Some libraries ask for late fees (费用). We asked our readers what they think about late fees. Here’s what some had to say.

Libraries should not ask for late fees. 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 are impecunious and can’t afford that kind of money. And the late fee doesn’t make people more responsible.

Robinson, 10

Libraries should ask for 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

Late fees are necessary. If there’s no penalty (处罚) for late returns, people might not try to return books on time. When you borrow a book from a library, you’re entering into a contract (合同). 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. 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 “impecunious” mean?

A Wrong.

B Busy.

C Poor.

D Nervous.

解析：选C。C词义猜测题。根据划线部分后面的“can’t afford that kind of money”可知，有很多孩子支付不起滞纳金，因此他们没有钱。故选C。

2.Why does Ferryman talk about the contract?

A To change the subject.

B To introduce the topic.

C To support his opinion.

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.”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完这本书，保证它的安全，并在指定的时间内把它带回来。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，说明按时还书、逾期收费的重要性，由此来支持他的观点。故选C。

3.What does Bob think of the late fee?

A He thinks it’s helpful.

B He doesn’t care about it.

C He thinks it’s funny.

D He is against it.

解析：选D。D推理判断题。根据第五段第二句的“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。他们让借阅图书馆的书看起来不值得麻烦，因此他对收取滞纳金持反对态度。故选D。

4.Who is the oldest?

A Robinson.

B Fiona.

C Ferryman.

D Bob.

解析：选C。C细节理解题。根据“Robinson, 10”“Fiona, 9”“Ferryman, 12”和“Bob, 8”可知，Ferryman年龄最大。故选C。

5.Where can we read the passage?

A In a school newspaper.

B In a school report.

C In a travel guide.

D In a science book.

解析：选A。A推理判断题。根据文章内容可知，本文主要介绍了一些读者对图书馆滞纳金的看法，是关于学习的，我们可以在校园生活报纸中读到。故选A。