In the United States，many teachers keep fish，hamsters(仓鼠)，and other animals in their classrooms.Teachers say students learn important lessons from the animals.More than 70 percent of teachers who have classroom pets say the animals help students learn responsibility.Research also shows that classroom pets can reduce stress.

“Pets can comfort kids who are having a bad day,”says Lisa Robbins，who works fora group called Pets in the Classroom.

But others think pets should be expelled from classrooms. In January，the Durango School District in Colorado began following a no-pet policy(政策).Now animals can be brought into Durango schools for certain lessons，but they can't stay.Officials were worried that animals might create problems for kids with allergies(过敏症).They were also concerned about the animals getting proper care.

Here's what two of our readers think.

Having classroom pets gives students a fun way to learn about animals. In my class last year，we had a class pet named Elliot.Our teacher also used him to teach us about different subjects.For example，in math，we calculated (计算)how much it costs to feed Elliot for a year.

Pets also help kids learn how to work as a team. My classmates and I took turns feeding Elliot and cleaning his tank,

If teachers are worried about students with allergies，they could get pets that don't have fur.

—D' Lasia Mays，Texas

Classroom pets can take away valuable class time.Some students might have a hard time focusing on the teacher when there are animals in the room.

Plus，having a classroom pet can cause safety problems. You never know how an animal will react to students.Even a cute little hamster might hurt a kid who sticks his or her hand in its cage.

—Patrick McKinney，Ohio

【小题1】What does the underlined word " expelled”in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Allowed.	B．Removed.
C．Protected.	D．Educated.

【小题2】What has happened in Durango schools?

A．Classroom pets are not allowed at schools.

B．Animals are not allowed at schools.

C．Many teachers have pets without fur.

D．Many students are allergic to animals.

【小题3】What does D' Lasia Mays think of Elliot?

A．He needs special training.	B．He needs more proper care.
C．He has educational value for kids.	D．He is not only lovely but very smart.

【小题4】Who is against having classroom pets?

A．The author.	B．Lisa Robbins.
C．Patrick McKinney.	D．D' Lasia Mays’ teacher.