An Mingzhong, a 12-year-old boy from Sichuan, used to be lazy. In his own words, he rarely did any housework. But now, things have changed. Washing dishes, cooking and making the bed…all of these tasks have become part of his daily life.

This big change is the result of a new program at his school. Starting from last term, Dazhou No. 1 Middle School has made housework part of its students’ homework to improve their life skills. At the beginning of each month, every student gets a list of housework to do every weekend. Their parents help them keep track of (掌握……的进展情况) their performance. Some of the tasks are quite specific (具体的), such as cleaning out closets, washing cups and cooking food. On holidays like Mother’s Day, students are asked to prepare gifts for their mothers.

Wang Yixi, 13, has learned several life skills through the program, including cooking. “I used to be afraid of fire,” she said. But she tried to overcome (克服) her fear and complete her cooking tasks. At the same time, she also learned how tired her mother gets after doing housework every day. On Mother’s Day, she made a cake for her mother to show her thanks. “I’ve begun to better understand my parents and want to help them more,” she said.

Other schools in Sichuan are also developing programs to teach their students life skills. On May 2, Qinghe Middle School in Huaying held a life skill competition. Students had to complete many tasks, including cooking and folding clothes. They showed their skills and proved (证明) that they are growing up.

【小题1】What does the underlined word “rarely” mean in this passage?

A．often

B．sometimes

C．usually

D．seldom

【小题2】When did students in Dazhou No. 1 Middle School gets a list of housework to do every weekend?

A．At the beginning of each week.

B．At the beginning of each month.

C．On Mother’s Day.

D．On May 2.

【小题3】What did Wang Yixi do on Mother’s Day?

A．She made a cake.

B．She cleaned out closets.

C．She washed cups.

D．She made a list of housework to do.

【小题4】According to the passage, why did Qinghe Middle School hold a life skill competition?

A．Because students had to complete many tasks about housework.

B．Because it can teach students life skills and proved that they are growing.

C．Because it can help students learn how tired their parents are after doing housework.

D．Because it wanted to help parents keep track of students’ performance.

【小题5】After taking part in the program, students in the passage may NOT ________.

A．decide to share the housework with their parents.

B．cook food for themselves when parents are out

C．clean up the living room together when they finish the party

D．sit down in front of the TV all the time on weekends