阅读理解B篇 ①The United States is marking the 40th anniversary of a law that requires schools using federal funds to provide male and female students with equal opportunities in sports and other programs. Supporters say Title IX has dramatically increased the number of female athletes in the country, but critics say that has come at a cost, reducing opportunities for young men to compete at the highest level of collegiate sports. ②Title IX act of 1972 says schools receiving federal funds must not discriminate against males or females in programs such as sports. That has led universities to offer more scholarships to female athletes, giving many an education and a chance to compete. ③Tina Thompson, the top scorer in the professional Women’s National Basketball Association, says scholarships made university affordable for her. ④ “I’m one of five children, so going to a university like Southern California was something that I probably would not have had the opportunity to go to, ”Thompson explained. ⑤Since Title IX took effect, female U. S. athletes also have had increasing international success. The United States reached the Women’s World Cup final against Japan last year. But there is also some controversy. ⑥Critics say the law actually discriminates against male athletes by pressuring universities to offer them fewer programs in low-profile sports, like wrestling. Many universities have eliminated some men’s teams to cut costs and to make sure they meet Title IX’s requirement for gender balance among programs. ⑦Bryan Hazard, a head wrestling coach at Robinson Secondary School, hosted a tournament in northern Virginia. He said the university wrestling program that attracted him in high school was dropped because of Title IX. ⑧“So, you know, is that fair? To me, it isn’t. I was one of the members, ”Hazard said. ⑨Title IX supporters say schools often cut smaller men’s sports to maintain expensive American football and basketball programs. As the law marks its 40th anniversary, those supporters promise to keep fighting for more resources for girls’ sports.