单项选择题

The front matter of a book consists of the title, subtitle, table of contents, and preface. But the (1) of readers who pay no attention to the signals is larger than you might expect, unless you happen to be one of those who are (2) to admit it. I have this experience again and again (3) students. I have asked them (4) a book was about. I have asked them to tell me, in the most general (5) , what sort of book it was. This, I have (6) , is a good way, almost an indispensable (7 ）, to begin a discussion.
Many students are (8) to answer this first and simplest question about the book. Sometimes they apologize (9) that they haven’ t finished reading it yet, and (10) do no know. That’s no (11) ,I point out. Did you look at the rifle Did you study the (12)  Did you read the preface (13) introduction No, they did not. The front matter of a book (14) to be like the tickling of a clock (15) you notice only when it is not there.
One reason why rifles and prefaces are (16) by so many readers is that they do not think (17) important to clarify the book they are reading. They do not follow this first (18) . If they tried to follow it, they (19) be grateful to the author (20) them.

20（）

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