ECCE READING 2D

The following passage is based on an article in a natural science magazine.

When people think of water buffaloes, they often imagine wild and dangerous animals. But unless they are hurt or angered, water buffaloes are probably the gentlest farm animals in the world. Despite their frightening appearance, they are much like household pets. Unlike cattle, they are quiet and have a natural fondness for humans.

Water buffaloes are so patient and mild tempered that there is no need to restrain them during milking. Because of the animal’s calm nature, water buffaloes almost never have their horns removed. In contrast, most dairy cattle are dehorned when they are young to prevent them from injuring one another when they mature.

Another common myth is that water buffaloes can be raised only near water. Though they love to roll in muddy water, water buffaloes live and reproduce normally in situations where there is not enough water to do this. However, several researchers report that water buffaloes who wallow in muddy water do not need to be treated with insecticides because the mud coating that forms on their skin protects them from insects and parasites.

Another false belief about water buffaloes is that they can live only in tropical areas. Actually, buffaloes are able to exist in a wide range of climates. Although they are most common in the tropics, water buffaloes were used to pull snowplows in parts of Europe many years ago.

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• Read and answer accordingly

According to the author, water buffaloes are

• usually gentle.

• often dangerous.

• easily frightened by cattle.

• easily frightened by people.

Where can water buffaloes live?

• only in tropical areas

• in many different places

• only in Europe

• only in places with a lot of water

The author seems to think that most cattle…

• are not gentle.

• are calm.

• like people.

• make good pets.

According to the passage, how can rolling in muddy water help water buffaloes?

• It protects them from parasites.

• It washes insecticides off them.

• It helps them reproduce.

• It keeps them cool.

Why are water buffaloes not dehorned?

• Removing the horns is dangerous to humans.

• They don’t use their horns to attack.

• Removing their horns can injure the buffalo.

• They don’t grow horns.

In paragraph 3, what does wallow mean?

• live

• drink

• roll

• reproduce

How are water buffaloes and cattle alike? They both…

• give milk.

• are gentle.

• roll in water.

• like people.

Which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of this passage?

• Water buffaloes used to be common all around the world.

• Water buffaloes and cattle have many similarities.

• Water buffaloes can be dangerous animals.

• Many people have incorrect ideas about water buffaloes.