D
People choose where to live for many reasons—the house，the location，or good schools—but almost never because of who their neighbours might be. Since we can't choose our neighbours，fences(围栏) help create comfortable boundaries(边界) between homes.
According to sociologist(社会学家) Douglas B. Currivan，most people want to know their neighbours just a little bit，but not too much. Fences mark where one property(房产) ends and another begins. They let people enjoy their private(私人的) space while still being able to wave hello from a comfortable distance. Fences also prevent common neighbour problems like noisy pets or children wandering into others' yards.
Research shows that clear boundaries actually help neighbours get along better. “When property lines are unclear，arguments between neighbours are more likely，” explains Professor Daniel Stokols. Surprisingly，fences can even improve neighbourhood safety. Studies show that burglars(入室窃贼) are less likely to target homes with fences，even small decorative ones，because they show that the owners care about their property.
However，the type of fence matters a great deal. A very tall，solid fence might seem unfriendly，while a shorter fence or a row of bushes feels more welcoming. Some people use plants or small walls to mark property lines in a nicer way. There are even “spite fences”—unusually tall or ugly fences built just to annoy neighbours，which sometimes lead to legal problems.
While fences separate properties，they can also bring neighbours together by creating a sense of security and order. One New York resident，Karen Pace，discovered this when she took an old fence away and suddenly felt uncomfortable without her private outdoor space.
Good neighbours are careful about each other's space when putting up fences，and good fences help neighbours maintain just the right amount of friendly distance.
()37. What is the main purpose of fences in marking properties?
A. To decorate the yard beautifully.
B. To attract wildlife to the neighbourhood.
C. To provide shade for outdoor activities.
D. To show where one person's land stops and another's starts.
()38. According to the text，why do burglars avoid(避开) homes with fences?
A. Because fences are always dangerous.
B. Because fences are too expensive to climb over.
C. Because fences show that owners care about their property.
D. Because fences make too much noise when they are touched.
()39. What can we infer about “spite fences” from the text?
A. They can help to protect homes.
B. They are bad for a peaceful community.
C. They are built to be friendly to neighbours.
D. They help with neighbours' relationships.
()40. Which of the following would be the BEST title for this text?
A. The History of Fences
B. Why We Should Remove All Fences
C. Good Fences Make Good Neighbours
D. The Most Expensive Fences in the World

37~40 DCBC

【分析】本题为英语阅读理解题，需根据原文内容逐一解答4道题目，分别考查细节理解、推理判断和主旨归纳能力。解题时需定位原文对应信息，分析选项与原文的匹配度，排除错误选项得出答案。
【解析】
37题：根据原文第二段“Fences mark where one property ends and another begins.”可知，围栏标记房产的主要目的是区分个人和他人的土地，对应选项D。A（装饰院子）、B（吸引野生动物）、C（提供遮阳）均未提及，排除。
38题：根据原文第三段“Studies show that burglars are less likely to target homes with fences...because they show that the owners care about their property.”可知，窃贼避开带围栏的家是因为围栏显示主人关心自己的房产，对应选项C。A（围栏危险）、B（围栏太贵难爬）、D（围栏触碰时噪音大）均与原文不符，排除。
39题：根据原文第四段“spite fences—unusually tall or ugly fences built just to annoy neighbours，which sometimes lead to legal problems.”可知，spite fences是为了惹恼邻居，有时会引发法律问题，不利于社区和平，对应选项B。A（保护家）、C（对邻居友好）、D（帮助邻里关系）均与原文不符，排除。
40题：全文围绕围栏与邻里关系展开，最后一段点明“good fences help neighbours maintain just the right amount of friendly distance”，核心是好的围栏促进好邻居关系，对应选项C。A（围栏历史）、B（移除所有围栏）、D（世界最贵围栏）均未提及或与主旨相悖，排除。
【答案】DCBC
【知识点】英语阅读理解，细节理解，推理判断
【点评】本题为英语阅读理解常规题型，考查学生对原文细节的定位、推理及主旨归纳能力，需准确把握原文关键信息。
【难度系数】0.6