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2014 ‫מועד פברואר‬ - 47 - ‫ פרק שני‬- ‫ אנגלית‬

Reading Comprehension

This part consists of two passages, each followed by several related questions. For each
question, choose the most appropriate answer based on the text.

Text I (Questions 13-17)

(1) Is it possible for animals to develop psychological disorders? It appears so.
Recently, an increasing number of cases have been reported in which pets – particularly
cats – developed neuroses characterised by violent, obsessive or self-destructive
behaviour. In the past, such animals were put to sleep; however, modern veterinary

(5) medicine can now treat disturbed pets with drugs which modify their behaviour.

"It is known that the moods of animals are greatly affected by those of their
owners," says Dr. Parker, a veterinarian specialising in neurology. "Animals become
nervous when their owners do. People today experience more stress as a result of the
pressures of modern life, and their pets respond accordingly."

(10) One example of a pet's reaction to increased stress is FHS, a syndrome in which a
cat engages in repetitive, often violent or self-destructive, behaviour. It may chew all
the hair off its body, bite at its legs or repeatedly attack its owner. According to Parker,
most of the behaviour associated with FHS is actually exaggerated normal behaviour.
"If this behaviour becomes excessive and begins to interfere with the animal's normal

(15) pattern of living, it becomes a problem – just like human neurotic behaviour," she
explains.

Fortunately, conditions such as FHS can be treated. Valium has been used for this
purpose, but, as with people, this is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. While
Valium calms the animal, it also makes it sleepy and unresponsive. In addition, animals

(20) can become addicted to the drug. Parker and other researchers are now experimenting
with a variety of drugs that alter animal behaviour without causing side effects. Parker
also points out that, although medication may be effective, showing these animals a
great deal of affection is an essential part of their treatment.

Questions

13. According to the first paragraph, an animal that has developed a psychological

disorder -

(1) should be put to sleep
(2) can now be treated by veterinarians
(3) was probably given drugs
(4) will probably develop a neurosis

)‫© כל הזכויות שמורות למרכז ארצי לבחינות ולהערכה (ע"ר‬

.‫ בלא אישור בכתב מהמרכז הארצי לבחינות ולהערכה‬- ‫ כולה או חלקים ממנה‬- ‫ או ללמדה‬,‫אין להעתיק או להפיץ בחינה זו או קטעים ממנה בכל צורה ובכל אמצעי‬