Hernando Guanlao has turned his home in the Makati area of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, into a public library. Visitors can borrow the books inside for free. Guanlao says he hopes his library will inspire people to read, especially the young. The 72-year-old told reporters that his library includes books that all students can enjoy — from young children in kindergartens to older students in grade 12. What’s more, his library has books for readers of all interests.

Guanlao calls his library Reading Club 2000. It contains many different kinds of books, or genres (体裁). A genre is a group of artistic, musical, or literary works that share a particular style, form, or content. Some genres in literature are poetry, non-fiction (or real stories), and fiction (or imaginary stories). Then there are “sub-genres” such as cookbooks, science fiction, and mystery, to name just a few. Guanlao added, “There are also spiritual books for those who are looking for religious knowledge, hardbound and softbound books, autobiographies (自传), and many different genres that one can enjoy, all for free.”

Guanlao started his library more than 20 years ago when he set 50 books on the walkway in front of his home. Guanlao’s collection has skyrocketed greatly over the years — thanks to a continuous supply of books from donors (捐赠者). Speaking of donors, he said, “They just leave boxes of books outside my house.” He has also started donating books himself. He sends reading materials to public schools in far-away communities.

Guanlao’s efforts come at a time when reading ability among students in the Philippines remains low. The Program for International Student Assessment reports that reading scores in the Philippines are among the lowest in the world. Students in the Philippines are also facing learning delays in math and science. Guanlao is firm about his goals. “My mission is to give away used and donated books to others at no cost,” he said, “and to promote education through literature.”

1.Why did Guanlao set up the library?

A To make a lot of money.

B To entertain young children.

C To encourage people to read.

D To help parents save money.

解析：选C。C细节理解题。根据第一段的“Guanlao says he hopes his library will inspire people to read, especially the young.”可知，关老的建立这个图书馆是为了激励人们阅读。故选C。

2.What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A Types of books in in Guanlao’s library.

B Reasons for Guanlao’s founding the library.

C The number of books in Guanlao’s library.

D The source of the books in Guanlao’s library.

解析：选A。A段落大意题。根据该段主要内容可知，该段主要介绍了这个图书馆的图书的类型众多。故选A。

3.What does the underlined word “skyrocketed” mean?

A Increased.

B Dropped.

C Stolen.

D Damaged.

解析：选A。A词义猜测题。根据划线部分后面的“thanks to a continuous supply of books from donors”可知，多年来由于捐赠者的稳定捐赠，他的藏书数量呈指数级增长。故选A。

4.Which of the following is TRUE according to the last paragraph?

A Students in the Philippines are good at reading.

B Students in the Philippines prefer math and science.

C Guanlao is concerned about students’ education.

D Guanlao is deeply appreciated by the nation.

解析：选C。C推理判断题。根据最后一段的“My mission is to give away used and donated books to others at no cost,” he said, “and to promote education through literature.”可知，关老说他的使命是免费赠送二手和捐赠书籍给他人，并通过文学促进教育。由此可知，他关心学生的教育问题。故选C。