Parrots are becoming one of the most popular pets in America -- and for good reason. T

he parrot is an extraordinary bird that can be taught to talk, can be easily cared for, and can create a lively atmosphere anywhere. With the help of an energetic parrot owner, a parrot can develop an enormous vocabulary. In addition, a parrot can be trained to say "Pretty boy" or "Polly wants a cracker, " and it also can learn to whistle or sing. No matter what an owner decides to teach a bird, training a parrot takes much patience, but the reward is a stream of chatter. Another reason for the parrot's popularity is that this pet does not require much care. For example, even a spoiled parrot does not need a house sitter for the purpose of daily walks and daily feeding. In fact, a parrot owner may leave his or her pet with enough food for five days and have no fear that the parrot will overeat. Still another advantage of owning a parrot is its inexpensive food, including seeds, nuts, corn, and grain -- along with an apple, banana, or carrot. Perhaps the most likely reason the parrot is becoming such a well-liked pet is that it is a combination of tameness and wildness. Because the parrot can live in almost any environment, it makes a fine, tame companion for many people. In addition, because it can be easily trained, it is a delightful performer. At the same time, its colorful feathers give it an air of the mystery of the parrot's native home, the jungle. Thus, the parrot, once a highly valued gift presented to kings and noble families, is now appreciated by a growing number of people.

1.A parrot can be trained to do all the following but ____.

A、talk

B、help its owner

C、sing

D、create a lively atmosphere

2.Which of the following is NOT a reason for the easy raising of the parrot？ ____

A、It eats very little.

B、Its food is inexpensive.

C、It does not need a house sitter.

D、It does not require daily walks as dogs do.

3.The word "tameness" in the passage means ____.

A、the quality of being brave or unafraid

B、the quality of being kind or warm-hearted

C、the quality of being uncontrollable or fierce

D、the quality of being gentle or trained

4.The word "jungle" probably means ____.

A、boundless desert with very little plant life

B、large apartment building with pleasing surroundings

C、wild land overgrown with thick bushes and trees

D、snow-covered mountain top in very cold areas.

5.The writer ____.

A、likes the parrot

B、dislikes the parrot

C、does not like nor dislike the parrot

D、values the parrot highly