What inspires you to work hard? Having your own goals is important. Good sleep also helps. But as it turns out, having a plant on your desk can improve your work as well.

Mike Robinson, an engineer from Canada, owns his own small company. One day, his wife suggested picking out some plants and putting them on his workers’ desks.

Robinson doubted the idea at first. What good would plants do? He thought they might even be distracting（让人分心的). But he decided to try out the idea.

First, Robinson bought 20 plants for his workers. He asked each worker to make a small sign that said ―My name is___ and write their own name on the sign. Then, they put the sign on the plant they chose and took it back to their desk. Soon Robinson found that his workers were working much harder and getting along much better than before. It could because his workers formed ―friendships" with their plants. They would take good care of them, and in turn, take more care with their work. Plants can help to create a relaxed atmosphere（氛围）as well.

What about you? Does your classroom have any plants? If not, you might want to ask your teacher about this.

You and your classmates could take turns taking care of some plants in your classroom? It could be a nice way to make your classroom more lively and get to know your classmates even better.

【小题1】The story is mainly about_______.

A．how to get inspiration for your work.

B．how having a goal helps with your work.

C．why good sleep is important for your work

D．how plants can improve your work

【小题2】What did Robinson think of his wife’s suggestion at first?

A．His company was too small to do it.

B．He didn’t think it would be different.

C．He thought it would cost too much money.

D．He didn’t want to try it.

【小题3】What did the workers write on their signs?

A．Robinson’s name.	B．Their plant’s name.
C．Their company’s name.	D．Their own names.

【小题4】Why did the workers work harder and get along much better than before?

A．Because Robinson gave them much more money than before.

B．Because looking after plants helped them take more care with their work.

C．Because the plants helped the workers become good friends with each other.

D．Because Robinson’s wife helped create a relaxed atmosphere for the workers.

【小题5】In the writer’s opinion, having plants in the classroom______.

A．creates a crowded atmosphere

B．takes up too much time

C．helps students build good friendships

D．distracts students from their studies