.
Ⅱ. 完形填空（共20小题，计20分）
In the past, most American mothers were at home to take care of their children during the day. Now, __36__, many mothers are working. More than half of the American women __37__ young children have __38__ outside the house.
American families settle the child care __39__ in different ways. Some parents permit __40__ children to stay home alone after school. The parents __41__ be sure the children, usually not younger than 10 years old, understand __42__ rules and can deal with emergencies (紧急情况). Other parents say they would __43__ permit their children to be at home alone. They usually __44___someone to take care of the __45__.
Some parents in the U.S. find their own way to __46__ the cost of child care in__47__.  Each person in one group __48__for the children of other group __49__ at different times. Some parents ask local__50__, schools and social organizations to help __51__ activities for the children. These child care choices often cost __52__ or no money. Many American parents, however, still __53__ with the problem of __54__ good child care at a __55___ price.
36.   A. therefore           B. otherwise            C. thus                   D. however
37.   A. like              B. as                       C. with              D. from
38.   A. children           B. jobs                        C. houses               D. money
39.   A. problem            B. question                   C. chance                     D. choice
40.   A. older              B. younger                   C. sicker           D. happier
41.   A. can               B. must                   C. may               D. ought
42.   A. dangerous      B. safety                       C. funny                D. true
43.   A. rather               B. certainly                   C. always              D. never
44.   A. send             B. stop                       C. pay                D. invite
45.   A. house             B. neighbors                 C. old              D. children
46.   A. protect           B. end                    C. reduce       D. increase
47.   A. schools             B. groups                     C. clubs         D. hospitals
48.   A. cares             B. sends                  C. asks             D. pays
49.   A. strangers           B. members                  C. officials       D. teachers
50.   A. shops            B. members                 C. churches       D. restaurants
51.   A. equip            B. offer                       C. play                  D. join
52.   A. much                      B. little                        C. enough             D. more
53.   A. enjoy                      B. discuss                     C. quarrel         D. struggle
54.   A. taking            B. finding                    C. losing           D. suffering
55.   A. high               B. low                   C. reasonable         D. real