My First Story Reader features two play modes, one with narration, the other that asks questions about the images on each page. The child can press any of three buttons to answer basic questions about shapes and colors. The last two pages of

　　each My First Story Reader book features a sing-along rhyming melody. My First Story Reader retails for about $20.

　　Late in 2006, Publications International introduced a video version of Story Reader called Story Reader Video Plus for kids up to the age of seven. Retailing for about $35, it combines a stand-alone Story Reader with an "Animated Story Mode"

　　that plays through your television and includes a "Learning Game Mode".

　　The Animated Story Mode works just as it sounds--when you connect it to your television through color-coded cables, the story appears on screen and changes as your child turns the pages. Kids get to the Learning Game Mode by turning to the

　　last page of the book. There, they can choose from five educational games. While it depends on the story, generally there are pattern games, memory games, and platform games. Similar to Nintendo games like Super Mario Brothers, in a platform game the child uses the included controller to guide him through the environment and conquer obstacles.

　　Story Reader Video Plus isn’t a video game, technically, and Publications International bills the Story Reader line more as electronic books than toys. This reassures many parents, and it’s why Story Reader is sold in bookstores and in the book section of major retailers.

　　What about the Educational Underpinnings of Story Reader?

　　Studies show an alarming decline in reading rates among all age groups in America, especially among the young.

　　Children are bombarded on a daily basis with multiple forms of entertainment that compete with traditional learning.

　　Kids naturally emulate the adults in their lives, and seeing their parents and other family members enjoy reading is a powerful motivator. Establishing and keeping a Read-At-Home Night helps families spend time together and helps form lifelong reading habits in children.

　　Here’s how you do it:

　　· Set aside one night a week in your household and call it "Read-At-Home Hour"--or anything you prefer. Establish a time allotment that works for your family, for example, 30 minutes or an hour.

　　· Minimize interruptions from the TV, computer, and video games--and turn on the telephone answering machine.

　　· Choose one book for the entire family to read aloud together, or encourage individual family members to choose their own books to read quietly. Electronic books can work in this context, as well.

　　· Finally, sit down, relax, and read.

　　注意：此部分试题请在答题卡1上作答;8-10题在答题卡1上。

　　1. The aims of the Story Reader line of electronic books are __

　　[A] to entertain and teach children

　　[B] to play with the child

　　[C] to ease the parents’ burden

　　[D] to ease the teachers’ burden