Personality is , to large extent, inherent --A-type parents usually bring about A-type offspring. But the environment must also have a profound effect, since if competition is improtant to the parents, it is likely to become a major factor lives of their children.

　　One place where children soak up A characteristics is school, which is, by its very nature, a highly competitive institution. Too many schools adopt the "win at all costs" moral standard and measure their success by sporting achievements. The current passion for making children compete against their classmates or against the clock produces a two-layer system, in which competitive A types seem in some way better than their B-type fellows. Being too keen to win can have dangerous consequences:remember that Pheidippides ,the first marathon runner, dropped dead seconds after saying:"Rejoice, we conquer!".

　　By far the worst form of competition in school is the disproportionate emphasis on examinations . It is a rare school that allows pupils to concentrate on those things they do well.The merits of competition by examination are somewhat questionable, but competition in the certain knowledge of failure is positively harmful.

　　Obviously, it is neither practical nor desirable that all A youngsters change into 'B's. The would needs types, and schools have an important duty to try to fit a child's personality to his possible future employment. It is top management.

　　四級閱讀試題練習題目：

　　1. According to the author, what factors contribute to the building of personality?

　　A. inheritance

　　b. inheritance, competition and environment

　　c. competition

　　d. environment

　　2.Which of the following statements is not true according to the author of the passage?

　　A. Schools usually adopt severe competitive policies.

　　B. Students are often divided by competition results.

　　C. School is place where children cultivate their characteristics.

　　D. The stronger desire for winning, the better.

　　3.The phrase "soak up" is closest in meaning to ____.

　　A. pull up b. take up c. take in d. pull in

　　4.What attitude does the author hold toward examinations in schools?

　　A. positive b. negative c. doubtful d. neutral

　　5.what suggestion does the author make concerning the management of schools?

　　A. All students be made into competitive A types.

　　B. A child's personality be considered in regard to his possible future job.

　　C. All students be changed into B characteristics.

　　D. Schools abolish all forms of examinations.

　　四級閱讀試題練習參考答案：

　　bdccb