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Tests can be stressful even for the most prepared students,and,unfortunately,test anxiety can actually have a negative impact on your performance.(Just having that knowledge adds to the stress,doesn't it?)Well,the following tips can help you get through your next test with much greater ease--and likely more success! Get Enough Sleep Getting 6 hours of less can put you into what's called a sleep deficit,or lack of sufficient sleep,which can actually make you less sharp mentally and thus negatively affect your performance on tests,even if you spent those missed hours of sleep studying.So it's very important for you to get all of your studying done so you can get a good night of sleep before your big day. Study Smarter Being organized with your studies can help you keep from pulling all-nighters to get all of your studying in and blowing the test because you're exhausted.How do you study 'smarter'? Make a list of the most important things you need to learn,in order of importance,and hit the items at the top of the list first.That way,if you run out of time,you're mostly covered.Make a list of all the work you have to do,estimate how much time each item will take,and compare that with the amount of hours you have available;this will tell you if you can carefully read or just skim,how many times you can afford to revise papers,and other ways to pace yourself so you can get everything done.If you're pressed for time,it's important to learn to let go of being perfect.Oh,and turn off the TV as much as possible until your tests are behind you. Visualize Success Before you fall asleep each night,it is a great way to visualize yourself taking the tests and doing wonderfully.Detailed visualizations can help you feel like you're really experiencing something,and visualizing yourself doing well is a way to 'practice' success in a way that can actually help you perform better and feel confident.Being confident as you take your exams can keep you from choking because of the stress.Visualizations can also help you to remember facts: you can create detailed scenarios that involve the information you're trying to remember,and this can help cement the facts in your memory. Stay Calm Because stress can impair your memory,it's important to stay calm before and during tests.While that's easier said than done,there are several stress relief techniques that can help you calm down quickly whenever you feel overwhelmed.For example,breathing exercise has been shown by research to reduce test anxiety,and can be extremely effective in helping you relax and reverse your stress response in a variety of situations: just take deep breaths,expanding your belly on the inhale,and let the stress come out with your exhales. The passage is written to _ . A encourage students to face test anxiety bravely B provide students with ways to get over test anxiety C describe bad effects test anxiety can have on students D tell students how to overcome test anxiety during exams Answer: B Hello, boys and girls! My name is Zhang Hanyun, and my English name is Selina Zhang. Kristy Zhang's Chinese name is also Zhang Hanyun. She is a singer. But I'm a clerk at Mr. Cool's Clothes Store. We have shorts in black and white for $3. We have shirts in blue, black and white. The blue shirts are $7. The black shirts are also $7. The white shirts are on sale for $4. For boys, we have white socks. A pair of white socks is only $1. We only have black shoes. We sell black shoes for only $18. Come and see for yourself at Mr. Cool's Clothes Store. Two white shirts and a pair of white socks are _ . A $6 B $8 C $9 D $14 Answer: C When I was a child, our dining room had two kinds of chairs--two large ones with arm rests and four small ones without. The larger ones stood at the ends of the table, the smaller ones on the sides. Mom and Dad sat in the big chairs, except when one of us was away; then Mom would sit in one of the smaller chairs. Dad always sat at the end, at the "head" of the table. Sitting where he did, Dad was framed by the window through which the yard could be seen with its trees and grass. His chair was not just a place for him at the table; it was a place in which he was situated against the yard and trees. It was the holy and protected place that was his, and ours through him. After Dad retired, he and Mom moved out into a small flat. When they came to visit me at their old house. Dad still sat at the end of the table though the table was no longer his but mine. Only with my marriage to Barbara, did I hear a voice questioning the arrangement. She requested, gently but firmly, that I sit at the head of the table in our home. I realized then that I was head of the family, but I also felt unwilling to introduce such a change. How would I feel sitting in that "head" place in my Dad's presence? And how would he handle it? I was to find out on the occasion of our youngest child's first birthday. Mom and Dad arrived for lunch, and went into the dining room. Dad moved toward his usual seat in front of the window. Before he could get around the side of the table, I took a deep breath and said, "Dad, this is going to be your place, next to Mom, on the side." He stopped, looked at me and then sat down. I felt sad, and angry at Barbara for pushing me to do this. It would have been easy to say, "My mistake, Dad. Sit where you always sit." But I didn't. When he and Mom were seated, Barbara and I took our places. I don't know how Dad felt. I do know that, though removed from his usual place, he continued to share his best self with us, telling stories of his childhood and youth to the delight of his grandchildren. As I served the food, our lives experienced a change, which we continue to live with. It wasn't easy, but I sense that there is also something good in the change which has occurred. I am beginning to learn that "honoring one's father" is more than the question of which place to occupy at the dining table. It also means listening, wherever we sit and whatever positions we own, to the stories Dad longs to tell. We may then, during these magical moments, even be able to forget about whose chair is whose. Where did the writer's mother sit when one of the children was away? A She didn't change her chair. B She moved her own chair next Dad's. C She moved to an empty chair on the side. D She sat opposite to Dad. Answer: C It is the preferred choice of millions of health-conscious Britons. But eating organic food could make you fat, experts have warned. A studyhas shown that people tend to believe that organic foods contain fewer calories, so buy and eat more. But people who decide to "go organic" could soon find themselves piling on the pounds. The warning comes from American researchers who studied whether the sight of an organic label was enough to influence a person's choice. For example, if people believe organic foods, produced without using pesticides and artificial fertilizers , have fewer calories, they may end up eating far too much and spending less time on sports activities and put on weight. Cornell University researchers said: " Some people mistakenly think that these foods are more nutritious , just because they carry an organic label." "The growing popularity of organic foods has led to some concern, as these foods may not necessarily be healthier than non-organic ones, but still may lead consumers to nutritional mis-judgments. If people feel a food to be more nutritious, they tend to let their guard down when it comes to counting calories---in the end leading them to overeat." Although a small number of differences in nutrient content were found to exist between organically-produced crops and traditionally-produced ones, these are of little health importance. It shows that there is no proof to support the choice of organically over traditionally-produced foods because of nutritional advantage. Why more Britons tend to spend more money on organic foods? A They have stronger sense of health and like nutritious foods. B They think organic foods help remove fat in their bodies. C They find organic foods delicious and convenient in their life. D They have better living conditions with the help of the government. Answer: A Do you know that people without friends are more likely to die an early death? It's true.However,not all the friends are helpful to up your chances of living a long,happy life. The following types of friends are just what you need to keep the doctor away. A Loyal Best Friend Sometimes a loyal best friend is the only thing you need to stay calm. Everyone needs a non-judgmental friend who will support them no matter what.This is the kind of friend who knows all of your deepest and darkest secrets, but still loves you all the same. An Honest Confidant There are certain situations in life where we need to hear the harsh truth. It is really hard for you to face it, but that's what the honest confidant is for. Friends are supposed to be honest with each other. If you find someone who is bravely honest with you (in a constructive way), then hold on to this person! People like that are hard to come by these days. A Polar Opposite If you only develop friendships with others who follow the same beliefs, customs, and values as you do, chances are you're kept away from the rest of the world. Try to break out of your comfortable zone and befriend people who hold opposing views. You'll learn to accept people who don't see the world exactly the way you see it. A Work Pal Do you know that with a full--time job, you spend at least 50%of your waking hours at work? Depressing, isn't it? The more isolated you are at work, the more depressed you get. That's why it makes sense to get a work pal to chat with to help you get through the week. You spend 50%of your waking hours at work, and so does your work pal. You'll find it much easier to complain about work with someone than to eat lunch alone every day. With them in your life, you're bound to live a long and happy life! We can infer that a work pal _ . A never complains about your work B makes you feel isolated at work C works with you most of time D often prepares meals for you Answer: C
A state statute makes it a felony for any teacher at a state institution of higher education to accept anything of value from a student at the same institution. Monroe, a student at the state university, offered Professor Smith, his English teacher, $50 in exchange for a good grade in his English course. Smith agreed and took the money. Professor Smith and Monroe are tried jointly for violation of the state statute. Professor Smith is charged with violating the statute, and Monroe with aiding and abetting him. Monroe's best argument for a dismissal of the charge against him is that A a principal and an accessory cannot be tried together, since the principal must be convicted first. B he cannot be an accessory, since he is the victim of the crime. C the legislature did not intend to punish the person giving the thing of value. D he did not assist Professor Smith in violating the statute Answer: C. the legislature did not intend to punish the person giving the thing of value. Half of the world's population is affected by Asian monsoons , but monsoons are difficult to predict. American researchers have put together a 700-year record of the rainy seasons, which is expected to provide guidance for experts making weather predictions. Every year, damp air masses,known as monsoon,produce large amounts of rainfall in India, East Asia, Northern Australia and East Africa. All this wet air is pulled in by a high pressure area over the Indian Ocean and a low pressure area to the south. According to Edward Cook , a weather expert at Columbia University in New York., the complex nature of the climate systems across Asia makes monsoons hard to predict. In addition, climate records for the area are too recent and not detailed enough to be of much use. Therefore, he and a team of researchers spent more than fifteen years traveling across Asia, looking for trees old enough to provide long-term records. They measured the rings, or circles, inside thousands of ancient trees in more than 300 places. Rainfall has a direct link to the growth and width of rings on some kinds of trees. The researchers developed a document they are calling a Monsoon Asia Drought Atlas. It shows the effect of monsoons over seven centuries, beginning in the 1300s. Professor Cook says the tree-ring records show periods of wet and dry weather. "If the monsoon basically fails or is a very weak one, the trees affected by monsoons at that location might put on a very narrow ring. But if the monsoon is very strong, the trees affected by that monsoon might put on a wide ring for that year. So, the wide and narrow ring widths of the chronology that we developed in Asia provide us with a measure of monsoon variability." With all this information, researchers say they can begin to improve computer climate models for predicting the behavior of monsoons. "There has been widespread famine and starvation and human dying in the past in large droughts. And on the other hand, if the monsoon is particularly heavy, it can cause extensive flooding." said Eugene Wahl, a scientist with America's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "So, to get a sense of what the regional moisture patterns have been, dryness and wetness over such a long period of time in great detail, I would call it a kind of victory for climate science." It is difficult for experts to predict Asian monsoons because _ . A it is hard to keep long-term climate records. B they are formed under complex climate systems. C they influence many nations. D there is heavy rainfall in Asia. Answer: B. they are formed under complex climate systems. Attention STARBUCKS Owners of Stainless Steel Travel Mug Mug lid Recall---16 oz Stainless Steel Travel Mug We've recognized a fault at the cup. The fault might cause some lids to lift slightly from the body of the mug, and could possibly result in injury from hot liquid leaking. So, we have given a lid recall notice immediately. The notice is only related to STARBUCKS 16 oz Stainless Steel Travel Mugs which were sold between November 2012 and February 2013. The bottom of the mug is stamped with "ThermoSServ", the distributor's name. There is not any printing on the mug handle. At STARBUCKS, customers' safety is valued above anything else. Therefore, no matter whether your lid is leaking , in the interest of your safety, we request you bring your mug to your nearest STARBUCKS (excluding Esso STARBUCKS), where they are sure exchange the lid for a new lid that fits well and safely. The new lids are going to be available March 1, 2013. Don't use your mug until you exchange the lid, please. Here's what you do: * Please do not use your mug until you have exchanged the lid for a new one. * New lids will be available March 1, 2013. * Return your travel mug to a STARBUCKS store. * Your lid will be exchanged for a new lid. If you'd like to return the entire mug, bring it back at any time for a full repayment. If you have any questions regarding this recall, please don't hesitate to us at: Toll Free Number: 1-999-701-1717 9:30 am - 6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time STARBUCKS The passage is written in order to _ . A warn against the danger of using the mugs B inform people of exchanging a lid C persuade people to buy a new lid D introduce a new type of mugs Answer: B. inform people of exchanging a lid Hi! I'm Tom.This is my pencil box. It's orange. My ruler is blue and red .It's in the pencil-box. That is a pencil. It's black. It is not my pencil. It's Lucy's. The white eraser is Bob's. I call Bob at 789-6943. It is his telephone number. _ is blue and red. A Tom's ruler B Tom's pencil-box C Bob's eraser D Lucy's pencil Answer: A. Tom's ruler Men can be beautiful too,right? China is going to host the 18th World University Student Beauty Contest in Guangzhou this December.This year for the first time the contest will include a male section.Students from over 130 countries will compete for Mr and Miss Beauty.The contest is one of the most respected beauty contests in the world.It was copied by the United Nations University (an international university belonging to the United Nations) in 1986. Stick to studying Li Yining,an economics professor at Peking University,said that he would not encourage students to try their luck in the stock market ."They should stress study," Li said in his speech at Beijing Foreign Studies University.When asked,the professor said he expected house prices in Beijing to continue to rise.Li thinks the government should provide more affordable houses for lowlevel income people. Campus cinema Students at over 100 universities will have a digital cinema on campus after the National Day holiday.The 21st Century Digital Film on Campus Project was _ at the end of September.The ticket will cost 3-8 yuan,rather than 30-40 yuan at cinemas in town.Students often download movies online or watch DVDs.Now they can enjoy original films in the digital cinema.The digital cinema will show a variety of films besides Hollywood blockbusters . Getting practical All 12,000 graduates from vocational school in Shanxi Province have landed a job,according to the provincial government.In the past five years, it is estimated that over 95 percent of the professional school graduates have found jobs.However,the number for university graduates is 70 percent.Some employers said that they prefer professional school graduates who learned something more practical in school and expected lower salaries than university students. What can we infer from the passage? A In Shanxi Province,the professional school graduates are less popular with employers than university graduates recently. B The digital cinema will only show Hollywood blockbusters. C The graduates from universities can put what they learned into practice more easily. D No men competed in the World University Students Beauty Contest before this year Answer: D. No men competed in the World University Students Beauty Contest before this year
Question: Last week Johnny had a very busy weekend. On Saturday morning, he cleaned his room. That made his mother very happy. In the afternoon, he did his math homework. It was not difficult, so it only took him one hour to finish the homework. And in the evening, he went to visit his aunt with his parents. They had a big dinner there. The next morning, he went swimming after getting up. Usually he goes swimming twice a week. He loves it very much. After lunch he went to school playground and played football. That exercise makes him in a good health. On Sunday evening, he watched TV for an hour at home and then put the books in his schoolbag for the next day. Where was Johnny on Saturday evening? A. At home. B. In his school. C. On the playground. D. At his aunt's house. Answer: D Question: Blameless I was a freshman in college when I met the Whites. They were completely different from my own family, yet I felt at home with them immediately. Jane White and I became friends at school, and her family welcomed me like a long-lost cousin. In my family, it was always important to place blame when anything bad happened. "Who did this? "my mother would scream about a dirty kitchen. "This is all your fault, Katharine, "my father would insist when the cat got out or the dishwasher broke. From the time we were little, my sister, brothers and I told on each other. We set a place for blame at the dinner table. But the Whites didn't worry about who had done what. They picked up the pieces and moved on with their lives. The beauty of this was driven home to me the summer Jane died. In July, the White sisters and I decided to take a car trip from their home in Florida to New York. The two older sisters, Sarah and Jane, were college students, and the youngest, Amy, had recently turned sixteen. Proud of having a new driver's license ,Amy was excited about practicing her driving on the trip. She showed off her license to everyone she met. The big sisters shared the driving of Sarah's new car during the first part of the trip, but when they reached less crowded areas, they let Amy take over. Somewhere in South Carolina, we pulled off the highway to eat. After lunch, Amy got behind the wheel. She came to a crossroads with a stop sign. Whether she was nervous or just didn't see the sign no one would ever know, but Amy continued into the crossroads without stopping. The driver of a large truck, unable to stop in time, ran into our car. Jane was killed immediately. I was slightly injured. The most difficult thing that I've ever done was to call the Whites to tell them about the accident and that Jane had died. Painful as it was for me to lose a good friend, I knew that it was far worse for them to lose a child. When Mr. and Mrs. White arrived at the hospital, they found their two daughters sharing a room. Sarah had a few cuts on the head; Amy's leg was broken. They hugged us all and cried tears of sadness and of joy at seeing their daughters. They wiped away the girls' tears and made a few jokes at Amy as she learned to use her crutches . To both of their daughters, and especially to Amy, over and over they simply said, "We're so glad that you're alive. " I was astonished. No blame. No accusations. Later, I asked the Whites why they never talked about the fact that Amy was driving and had run a stop sign. Mrs. White said, "Jane's gone, and we miss her terribly. Nothing we say or do will ever bring her back. But Amy has her whole life ahead of her. How can she lead a full and happy life if she feels we blame her for her sister's death? " They were right. Amy graduated from the University of California and got married several years ago. She works as a teacher of learning-disabled students. She's also a mother of two little girls of her own, the oldest named Jane. From the passage we can learn that _ . A. Amy has lived quite a normal life B. Amy has never recovered from the shock C. Amy changed her job after the accident D. Amy lost her memory after the accident Answer: A Question: A famous study was done in a school by a professor from a university. At the start of the school year, the teachers were given the names of five children. They were told that these five were the most excellent students in the class. But the fact was that these students were only average ,and they were not the best students at all. Well, guess what? At the end of the year, all the five average students scored among the highest in the class. What made these average students change so much to become top students?The only difference was the change in their teachers' attitude . Because the teachers believed that these five kids were the top students,they expected more from them. And so these five average students began to believe and expect more from themselves. So they worked harder to do as well as they could. Do you know why? If you expect the best from people, they'll usually want to give you their best. A great leader said, "Treat a person just how he appears to be on the outside, and you'll make him even worse. But treat a person like he's already a success,and you'll help make him the best he can be." Like the true story of 7-year-old Johnny, his teacher got so angry with him that one day she said,"Johnny,you're the naughtiest boy in this class. I'm sure you'll never change." The next year Johnny had a new teacher. And on the first day of class,she met with Johnny after school and said,"Johnny, I've heard a lot about you! But do you know that I don't believe a word of it." And every day after that, this new teacher treated Johnny as if he was one of the smartest students even when Johnny did naughty things. Later on, Johnny became a school leader. Because that's the power of our belief and attitude toward children. What does the passage mainly tell us? A. If you want to get more,you should have new teachers. B. A professor's study can help you score highest. C. Only teachers can make you a top student. D. Attitude and belief can change a person. Answer: D Question: Which of the following comprises the energy that fuels a toaster? A. microns B. protons C. electrons D. TRONs Answer: C Question: Whether you admit it or not, music improves our daily life and makes us feel easy, especially the music of Beethoven and Mozart. But can you believe that a school in England is using classical music to cut down students' bad behavior? The head teacher Brian Walker at the West Park School in Derby asks some students to stay behind after school on Fridays. He forces his students to listen to Mozart and other classical music. He also makes them copy his favorite poems and they have to watch educational videos. Mr. Walker says his main aim is to stop noisy pupils causing trouble in class for students who want to study. He said the students staying behind were "not the smokers or drinkers, the truants or the people who are late for school...It's those who have slowed the learning and teaching in class for everyone". Mr. Walker said this was unacceptable, because it was making the rest of the students fail to focus their attention on their study. Mr. Walker believes what he does reminds students that education is something to value. "It helps them see they are part of something bigger that will improve their life chances," he said. The head teacher thinks students in fact learn from being kept behind after school. "Hopefully, I open their ears to an experience they don't normally have and don't want to have again, so it's both educational and acts as a warning." Music has had success elsewhere in reducing bad behavior. In 2004, it reduced crime on London's subway by 25 percent. Researchers from a Belfast university found it helped stop elephants' bad behavior. However, one West Park student called Kieran said, "An hour of Mr. Walker's music is a real killer." A student who _ may be left behind to listen to Mozart after class. A. plays truant B. smokes in class C. bothers others in class D. comes late for class Answer: C
Barbara was driving her six-year-old son, Benjamin, to his piano lesson. They were late. There was always so much to do, and Barbara, a night-duty nurse at the local hospital, had recently worked extra hours. She was tired. "Mom!" Ben cried. "Look!" Just ahead, a car had lost control on the icy road and wildly rolled over, and then crashed into a telephone pole. Barbara went over. Thank goodness she was a nurse -- she might be able to help these unfortunate passengers. Then she stopped. What about Ben? She couldn't take him with her. Little boys shouldn't see scenes like this one. But was it safe to leave him alone? For a little moment Barbara thought of going on her way. Someone else was sure to come along. No! "Ben, honey, promise me you'll stay in the car!" "I will, Mommy," he said as she ran. Two girls of high school age were in the car. One was dead and the driver was still breathing. But if help came soon, the girl would live. A trucker had pulled up and was calling for help on his cell phone. Soon Barbara heard the ambulance sirens . Later, Barbara was able to meet the families of the victims . They expressed their gratitude for the help she had provided. How many people were killed in the car accident? _ A Two. B One. C Three. D Four. Answer: B. One. Thirteen vehicles lined up last March to race across the Mojave Desert , seeking a million in prize money . To win , they had to finish the 142-mile race in less than 10 hours . Teams and watchers knew there might be no winner at all , because these vehicles were missinge a key part drivers . DARPA , the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency , organized the race as part of a push to develop robotic vehicles for future battlefields . But the Grand Challenge , as it was called , just proved how difficult it is to get a car to speed across an unfamiliar desert without human guidance . One had its brake lock up in the starting area . Another began by throwing itself onto a wall . Another got tied up by bushes near the road after 1.9 miles . One turned upside down . One took off in entirely the wrong direction and had to be disabled by remote control . One went a little more than a mile and rushed into a fence ; another managed to go for six miles but stuck on a rock . The "winner," if there was any , reached 7.8 miles before it ran into a long , narrow hole , and the front wheels caught on fire . "You get a lot of respect for natural abilities of the living things," says Reinhold Behringer , who helped design two of the car-size vehicles for a company called Sci-Autonics . "Even ants can do all these tasks effortlessly . It's very hard for us to put these abilities into our machines ." The robotic vehicles , though with necessary modern equipment such as advanced computers and GPS guidance , had trouble figuring out fast enough the blocks ahead that a two-year-old human recognizes immediately , Sure , that very young child, who has just only learned to walk , may not think to wipe apple juice off her face , but she already knows that when there's a cookie in the kitchen she has to climb up the table , and that when she gets to the cookie it will taste good . She is more advanced , even months old , than any machine humans have designed . DARPA organized the race in order to_. A raise money for producing more robotic vehicles B push the development of vehicle industry C train more people to drive in the desert D improve the vehicles for future wars Answer: D. improve the vehicles for future wars Ruben lived in a small village. There was no school there and he had to study in a school in the town. It was nearly five kilometres away from his village. His father couldn't buy a bike for him and he had to go to school on foot. He got up early in the morning. Usually he had to run there in order not to miss the first class. He kept running every day and it was helpful to him. He's strong and tall now and he ran faster than any other man in his village. He took part in several sports meetings and won some medals. The young man is proud of(......)it and always wants to have a race with others. One day his mother was ill and his father told him to buy some medicine for headache in the town. The young man got there soon. There were many people in the chemist's shop while he was waiting there. And when his turn came, he could't find his money. An old woman hinted a young man had stolen it. He saw the thief had already left the shop. He ran towards him quickly. The thief found it and began to run. He was happy and tried to catch up with him. "Let's have a race and see who will run faster, "Ruben called out behind. Soon after that he caught up with the thief. But he didn't stop and went on running. At a crossing one of his friends asked, "What are you running for, Ruben? " "I'm running after a thief. " "Where's the thief, then? " "He wants to show that he'll run faster than me, but he's fallen behind!" Ruben had to run to school because _ . [ ] A he had no bike B he hoped to win some medals C his village was a little far from the school D he was afraid to be late for class Answer: D. he was afraid to be late for class The English language is different from any other language. Yet English words do not stay the same. The language is always changing. We need new words for new inventions and new ideas. Different words come into use, or older words are used in a new way. English can change by borrowing words from other languages. Tomato was borrowed from Mexico and pajamas from Indian. The word coffee came from Turkey, and tea came from China. Now new space and science words are being borrowed from other countries, too. New words are also made by adding two words together. Strawberry, popcorn, and grandfather are words made up of two parts. Sometimes new words are shorter forms of older words. The word photo was made from photograph by cutting off the end of the longer word. Plane was made by cutting off the front part of airplane. Smog was made by using only the first two and last two letters from the words smoke and fog. The names of people and products can become new words. Our sandwich was named after a man named Sandwich. Scotch Tape, Band-aid and Jello were names made up by the companies that first made the products. ,. This passage is mainly about _ . A naming new words B borrowing words from other languages C the old English D the development of the English language Answer: D. the development of the English language Along with the Great Pyramid of Giza. The Sphinx is one of the most studied ancient monument of mankind's history. The whole complex of Giza, composed of the Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, other pyramids, and distinct structures, definitely holds the key to understanding advanced past civilizations. In the examination of the mystery of the great Sphinx we run into a similar situation. The Egyptians wrote very little about the construction of the Sphinx. However, the Egyptians, Romans, and Arabs did write accounts concerning its numerous restorations, which will be discussed later in this article. In addition, it should be said that other cultures had their form of a Sphinx. For example, the Greek Sphinx was a female with a human head, breast, and the body of a feminine lion. Now there are basically two schools of thought on the origin, the age and the builder of the Sphinx in Egypt. The traditional view of Egyptologists is that Pharaoh Khafre of the Fourth Dynasty built the Sphinx along with the Great Pyramid around 2,500 BC. The evidence is that the face of the Sphinx is thought to look like Pharaoh Khafre. This theory makes the Sphinx about 5,000 years old according to Dr Zahi Hawass, director of Giza Saqqara of the Egyptian Antiquities Organization. The other school of thought doesn't believe that the Egyptians built the Sphinx, but thinks that it was built by an advanced civilization before the Egyptians. The Egyptians came later and built their tombs and temples along the sides of these great structures. This school of thought has been around for hundreds of years, but new buildings give it more _ . Recently, Graham Hancock , the author of the famous book Finger-prints of the Gods and some American scholars have presented certain evidence that challenges the traditional thought on the Sphinx. They present proofs that may cause a rethinking of the so-called fact used to determine who built the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza and for what purpose. Their proofs consist of basically two pieces of evidence astronomical calculations of the stars and geological evidence that the erosion of the Sphinx and other monuments of Giza was due to water rather than sand, wind or sunshine according to Robert Bauval's book _ . It is this evidence that has turned the Egyptologists' world upside down. According to the traditional view of Egyptologists, the Sphinx was built by Pharaoh Khafre because _ . A the face of the Sphinx looks like Pharaoh Khafre. B the Great Pyramid was built by Pharaoh Khafre. C Pharaoh Khafre built his tomb beside the Sphinx. D Pharaoh Khafre left books showing he built the Sphinx. Answer: A. the face of the Sphinx looks like Pharaoh Khafre.
A lot of people these days believe Valentine's Day is a made-up holiday designed to promote the sale of greeting cards and gifts. And while there may be some Arguments for that, there is a mysterious story as to why February 14th has become known today as "Valentine's Day." Our story dates back centuries ago, to the Roman Empire, and the martyrdom of two or three Christians named Valentine. At least one of those Valentines is thought to have been killed on February 14th. Legend has it that this particular Valentine wais killed by a Roman emperor because he secretly presided over the marriages of young men and women, against the wishes of the Emperor, who wanted only single men to fight in his army. However, there is no historical evidence to back this up. But what is widely known is that the love-element to Valentine's Day can be first traced to the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer. Chaucer wrote a poem in 1382 to mark the anniversary of his King's engagement, and scribed a line -- "For this was Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his male." From this point, on Valentine's Day became intertwined with love. But for the pessimists out there who see Valentine's Day as a commercial idea, there is some historical evidence to back this up as well! The true popularization of Valentine's Day can be traced to late 18th century England, when a British publishing company first started selling paper Valentine's Day cards with tender words on them. They became so popular that by the middle of the 19th century, some 1.3 billion British pounds a year were being spent on Valentine's Day gifts. The origin of Valentine's Day was based on a _ . A historical event B real story C legend D poem Answer: C. legend Why play games? Because they are fun, and a lot more besides. Following the rules...planning your next move...acting as a team member...these are all "game" ideas that you will come across throughout your life. Think about some of the games you played as a young child, such as rope-jumping and hide-and-seek. Such games are entertaining and fun. But perhaps more importantly, they translate _ that teach children some of the basic rules they will be expected to follow the rest of their lives, such as taking turns and cooperating . Many children's games have a practical side. Children around the world play games that prepare them for work they will do as grown-ups. For instance, some Saudi Arabian children play a game called bones. Which sharpens the hand-eye coordination needed in hunting. Many sports encourage national or local pride. The most famous games of all, the Olympic Games, bring athletes from around the world together to take part in friendly competition. People who watch the event wave flags, knowing that a gold medal is a win for an entire country, not just the athlete who earned it. For countries experiencing natural disasters or war, an Olympic win can mean so much. Sports are also an event that unites people. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. People on all continents play it--some for fun and some for a living. Nicolette Iribarne, a Californian soccer player, has discovered a way to give people hope through soccer. He created a foundation to provide poor children with not only soccer balls but also a promising future. Next time you play your favorite game or sport, think about why you enjoy it, what skills are needed, and whether these skills will help you in other aspects of your life. According to the passage, why is winning Olympic medals so encouraging? A It makes people have a deep love for the country. B It proves the exceptional skills of the winners. C It helps the country out of natural disasters. D It earns the winners fame and fortune. Answer: A. It makes people have a deep love for the country. China's Winter Olympians have been welcomed home as national heroes from Vancouver, Canada. The country enjoyed its best Winter Games results, collecting 11 medals in Vancouver--including 5 gold medals. With flowers and national flags in hands, many people waited at Beijing Airport for hours. Every member was received by a crowd of family members and friends. Hundreds of workers and fans welcomed the athletes and coaches back with color balloons and ribbons. Wang Meng who won three gold medals in Vancouver Winter Olympics said, "We have shown the Olympic spirit and our Chinese sports spirit at the Vancouver Olympics. We Chinese athletes didn't fear to meet the strong opponents and had good team work." ,. How many gold medals did Wang Meng win in Vancouver? A One. B Two. C Three. D Four. Answer: C. Three. An estimated eight million people in Britain enjoy walking in the Peak District every year. But what many who enjoy outdoor hobbies don't know is that their "right to walk" was won by men who sacrificed their own freedom to gain access to the countryside for all. In 1932 wealthy landowners had private use of large areas of uplands for hunting. Walkers were kept out by guards, until a group of 400 people from Manchester and Yorkshire, led by Benny Rothman, engaged on a mass trespass . The campaigner was put into prison with four other men. The event is supported by many with starting a movement that paved the way for the establishment of national parks. Mr Rothman died in 2002 but he is now being honoured for his contribution with the revealing of a blue plaque on his former home in Crofton Avenue, Timperley, Greater Manchester. Retired professor, Harry, who followed in his father's footsteps by specialising in environmental issues, says: "He was a very optimistic man and he made the best of it when he went to prison. It did''t put him off campaigning, he went on campaigning on environmental issues most of his life." Mr Rothman did live to see the Countryside Rights of Way Act passed by Parliament in 2000, ensuring the freedom of the countryside for future generations. Roly Smith, a friend of Mr Rothman and an author of walking guidebooks, said: "It is because of them that we have got what we have today." Councillor Jonathan Coupe, of Trafford Council, said: "The honour of having a blue plaque attributed to you means you have really made an impression on society." "Mr Rothman contributed to the changing of history and it is because of him that we are able to enjoy the local countryside as often and freely as we can today." Besides "optimistic", which of the following best describes Mr. Rothman? A Cautious B Determined C Considerate D Ambitious Answer: B. Determined Attractions Do you: love the National Park, value it and hope to safeguard its future? Wish to see the beautiful landscape of the Park protected? Like to enjoy peaceful, informal recreation within the Park? Aims The Friends organization aims to help protect and improve the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for all to enjoy. We are a voluntary organization and registered charity without financial links to the National Park Authority. Activities We encourage everyone to enjoy the National Park through regular talks and visits to interesting places in the Park with expert guides. We keep an eye on planning applications, Park Authority policies and threats to the National Park such as massive leisure complexes. We work with like minded organizations such as the Campaign for National Parks to make our voice more effective. We help children to understand the National Park by sponsoring publications such as an adventure booklet and projects in local schools. Benefits Guided visits to places of interest which may not always be available to the general public. All members receive our regular News and Views. Talks by experts in their fields on current issues. A discount is available on Friends items for sale. Satisfaction of participation in work parties, for those willing and able to be involved. If interested, please complete the Application Form at _ One of the benefits for members of Friends is to _ . A have Friends' goods free of charge B take part in work parties if they want to C visit any place not open to the public D give talks in their fields on current issues Answer: B. take part in work parties if they want to
Question: Since the invention of Guitar Hero and similar computer games, it is no longer necessary to imagine what it would be like to play along with the Beatles--you can come together with them in the virtual world. Bill Wyman, former bass player in the Rolling Stones, has pointed out that music video games discourage kids from learning to play real instruments. My own opinion suggest quite opposite. Last year, I bought Guitar Hero III for our 14-year-old son, Jack. Jack quickly mastered the process and entered an intense period of playing the game. A few months later, while I was away on tour, a couple of his friends came around with a real electric guitar. Playing Guitar Hero had taught them how to play along the track. Now they wanted to see if they could apply that to the real thing. Jack's friends taught him how to play along to his favorite songs using just his index finger on the bass string. He got it right away. Guitar Hero had helped him over the first difficulty for guitar players--how to strum the strings with one hand while making chord shapes with the other. He never plays Guitar Hero now, preferring to rock out in the garage with his mates. Despite my attempts at getting him to learn an instrument, it was Guitar Hero that taught him the basics of playing and built up his confidence to the extent that he was able to make a recognizable sound the first time he played it. So let's not complain about a game that encourages kids to become music fans and, in our son's case, gives them the basic skills needed to learn how to play guitar. Which statement is TRUE about Jack's first playing with a real electric guitar? A. He did it successfully. B. He taught his friends how to play. C. He didn't know how to play along to a song. D. He didn't know how to strum the instruments. Answer: A Question: There are many wetlands in China and some of them are the world's important wetlands. The Chinese Yellow Sea Wetlands are among them. They are in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, the east of China. They are homes for many different kinds of birds and animals. The world's largest Milu Deer Nature Reserve is in them. More than 700 milu deer live freely there. There are not many red-crowned cranes in the world, but every winter you can see some in the Red-Crowned Cranes Nature Reserve in the Yellow Sea Wetlands. The temperature in the wetlands is usually neither too high nor too low. There is a lot of rain and sunshine, too. They are really good places for wildlife. Offering food and home for some special kinds of animals and birds is not the only reason why we need to protect wetlands. Wetlands are important because they also prevent flood. But some people want to change the wetlands to make more space for farms and buildings. This means there will be less and less space for wildlife. Luckily, more and more people are beginning to realize the importance of wetlands and wildlife. Every year, on February 2, people hold many activities to tell more about wetlands. Usually the weather in the wetlands is _ . A. hot B. pleasant C. cold D. dry Answer: B Question: China was to reform school curriculum to ease the burden put on children by pushy teachers and parents eager to see them succeed in an increasingly competitive society. Chinese pupils were suffering from poor eyesight in increasing numbers and at a younger age. Tiring homework and increasing exam pressure were to blame. The primary reason is the traditional East Asian culture in which all parents want their kids to become dragons or and phoenixes. Too much emphasis is placed on "diplomas" and exam scores. That was _ by the fact thatprefix = st1 /Chinais a developing nation with 1.3 billion people and its one-child policy. Yuan, a government staff, said, "The competition in employment is fierce and that pressure has been cascaded back to schools. Every parent expects his child to outperform peers. " The Education Ministry would cut the difficulty of the textbooks, reduce homework, make classes more interesting and limit the number of tests. Another problem the government had to deal with was the education of 13 million rural children who swarmed into the cities with their parents working as migrant workers. More than 100 million peasants across the country migrate to the booming cities every year for manual labor and small-time businesses. But policy hurdles for them to settle in the cities abound, including those that prevent their children from receiving a good education. An estimated 23 million "left-behind children" of migrant workers stay in the countryside "The government has ordered urban public schools to open up to the 7. 88 million migrant children of school age," Yuan said, adding private schools are also allowed to accommodate some of them. How can Chinese government solve the education problem of migrant children? A. By allowing them to take fewer exams. B. By making textbooks easier for them. C. By setting up more private schools for them. D. By asking urban public schools to admit them Answer: D Question: While English is getting more important in our schools, Chinese has become popular among foreign kids. But Chinese can be more difficult to learn. At least 16-year-old Piao Chenglong thinks so. "English is easier for me. Chinese characters have too many strokes ," said Piao. "But I want to learn it. I want to study at Peking University when I grow up." Piao is from South Korea. He came to China in 2008. In South Korea, there are more than 300000 Chinese learners like Piao. Some South Korean students begin to learn to write the language on their first day at school. To help students learn Chinese, South Korea holds speaking competitions for high school students every year. Chinese isn't just popular in South Korea. People from all the world want to learn it. The Chinese Ministry of Education says that nearly 130 million people from 85 countries are learning Chinese. This number will be increasing to 800 million in the coming years. In America, Chinese is the second most popular foreign language after Spanish. Some American middle schools have Chinese classes. Students learn to make jiaozi and tie Chinese knots . Some even try to write and draw in Chinese way! People want to learn Chinese because China is becoming such an important country. Foreign countries want to understand China better to help them with business. The Chinese government is also helping the world learn Chinese. It has sent more than 200 Chinese teachers to more than 60 countries in the world. Many more Confucious College will be set up in the world. These colleges will teach Chinese to foreign students. Where does Piao Chenglong come from? A. China B. America C. South Korea D. Spain Answer: C Question: Death Valley is one of the most famous deserts in the United States, covering a wide area with its alkali sand. Almost 20 percent of this area is well below sea level, and Badwater, a salt water pool, is about 280 feet below sea level and the lowest point in the United States. Long ago the Panamint Indians called this place "Tomesha"-- the land of fire. Death Valley's present name dates back to 1849, when a group of miners coming across from Nevada became lost in its unpleasantness and hugeness and their adventure turned out to be a sad story. Today Death Valley has been declared a National Monument and is crossed by several well-marked roads where good services can be found easily. Luckily the change created by human settlement has hardly ruined the special beauty of this place. Here nature created a lot of surprising, almost like the sights on the moon, ever-changing as the frequent wind moves the sand about, showing the most unusual colors. One of the most astonishing and variable parts of Death Valley is the Devil' s Golf Course, where it seems hard for one to tell reality from terrible dreams. Sand sculptures stand on a frightening ground, as evening shadows move and lengthen. The name of the valley comes from _ . A. an Indian name B. the death of the miners C. the local people D. a National Movement Answer: B
The following mathematical expressions represent four different concentrations of a chemical solution to be used in a science experiment. Which one is equal in magnitude to 1/1000? 1.0 x 10^-3 Caught in the Web A few months ago, it wasn't unusual for 47-year-old Carla Toebe to spend 15 hours per day online. She'd wake up early, turn on her laptop and chat on Internet dating sites and instant-messaging programs - leaving her bed for only brief intervals. Her household bills piled up, along with the dishes and dirty laundry, but it took near-constant complaints from her four daughters before she realized she had a problem. "I was starting to feel like my whole world was falling apart - kind of slipping into a depression," said Carla. "I knew that if I didn't get off the dating sites, I'd just keep going," detaching herself further from the outside world. Toebe's conclusion: She felt like she was "addicted" to the Internet. She's not alone. Concern about excessive Internet use isn't new. As far back as 1995, articles in medical journals and the establishment of a Pennsylvania treatment center for overusers generated interest in the subject. There's still no consensus on how much time online constitutes too much or whether addiction is possible. But as reliance on the Web grows, there are signs that the question is getting more serious attention: Last month, a study published in CNS Spectrums claimed to be the first large-scale look at excessive Internet use. The American Psychiatric Association may consider listing Internet addiction in the next edition of its diagnostic manual. And scores of online discussion boards have popped up on which people discuss negative experiences tied to too much time on the Web. "There's no question that there're people who're seriously in trouble because they're overdoing their Internet involvement," said psychiatrist Ivan Goldberg. Goldberg calls the problem a disorder rather than a true addiction. Jonathan Bishop, a researcher in Wales specializing in online communities, is more skeptical. "The Internet is an environment," he said. "You can't be addicted to the environment." Bishop describes the problem as simply a matter of priorities, which can be solved by encouraging people to prioritize other life goals and plans in place of time spent online. The new CNS Spectrums study was based on results of a nationwide telephone survey of more than 2,500 adults. Like the 2005 survey, this one was conducted by Stanford University researchers.About 6% of respondents reported that "their relationships suffered because of excessive Internet use." About 9% attempted to conceal "nonessential Internet use," and nearly 4% reported feeling "preoccupied by the Internet when offline." About 8% said they used the Internet as a way to escape problems, and almost 14% reported they "found it hard to stay away from the Internet for several days at a time." "The Internet problem is still in its infancy," said Elias Aboujaoude, a Stanford professor. No single online activity is to blame for excessive use, he said. "They're online in chat rooms, checking e-mail, or writing blogs. not limited to porn or gambling" websites. Excessive Internet use should be defined not by the number of hours spent online but "in terms of losses," said Maressa Orzack, a Harvard University professor. "If it's a loss you're not getting to work, and family relationships are breaking down as a result, then it's too much." Since the early 1990s, several clinics have been established in the U. S. to treat heavy Internet users. They include the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery and the Center for Internet Behavior. The website for Orzack's center lists the following among the psychological symptoms of computer addiction: * Having a sense of well-being or excitement while at the computer. * Longing for more and more time at the computer. * Neglect of family and friends. * Feeling empty, depressed or irritable when not at the computer. * Lying to employers and family about activities. * Inability to stop the activity. * Problems with school or job. Physical symptoms listed include dry eyes, backaches, skipping meals, poor personal hygiene and sleep disturbances. People who struggle with excessive Internet use maybe depressed or have other mood disorders, Orzack said. When she discusses Internet habits with her patients, they often report that being online offers a "sense of belonging, and escape, excitement fun," she said. "Some people say relief...because they find themselves so relaxed." Some parts of the Internet seem to draw people in more than others. Internet gamers spend countless hours competing in games against people from all over the world. One such game, called World of Warcraft, is cited on many sites by posters complaining of a "gaming addiction." Andrew Heidrich, an education network administrator from Sacramento, plays World of Warcraft for about two to four hours every other night, but that's nothing compared with the 40 to 60 hours a week he spent playing online games when he was in college. He cut back only after a full-scale family intervention , in which s told him he'd gained weight. "There's this whole culture of competition that sucks people in" with online gaming, said Heidrich, now a father of two. "People do it at the expense of everything that was a constant in their lives." Heidrich now visits websites that discuss gaming addiction regularly "to remind myself to keep my love for online games in check." Toebe also regularly visits a site where posters discuss Internet overuse. In August, when she first realized she had a problem, she posted a message on a Yahoo Internet addiction group with the subject line: "I have an Internet Addiction." "I'm self-employed and need the Internet for my work, but I'm failing to accomplish my work,to take care of my home, to give attention to my children," she wrote in a message sent to the group."I have no money or insurance to get professional help; I can't even pay my mortgage and face losing everything." Since then, Toebe said, she has kept her promise to herself to cut back on her Internet use. "I have a boyfriend now, and I'm not interested in online dating," she said by phone last week. "It's a lot better now." What eventually made Carla Toebe realize she was spending too much time on the Internet? Her daughter's repeated complaints. Unlike many surfers who sought the perfect wave, my interests always lay beneath the sea' s surface in a world I could only imagine and dream of.When I was twelve, I made my first adventures in the deep.Later I would learn how to dive, expanding my world of exploration many times over. Perhaps the greatest turning point in my life came when I was in high school and I wrote a letter to the famous Scripps Oceanographic Institution, asking how I might learn more about the sea.A kind scientist answered my letter and told me how to apply to Scripps for a summer scholarship, which I received.During one of their courses that summer, I met Dr.Robert Norris, a marine geologist.He loved the sea almost as much as I did.Soon he suggested I consider his school, the University of California, for my study.One year later I became a member of the freshman class. Now my love affair with the sea became a serious endeavor .If I wanted to be an undersea explorer, I needed to learn as much as I could about the laws of the physical world that controlled the environment I wanted to enter.The undersea world is not our natural world.It is unforgiving to those who make mistakes.At its greatest depths the water temperature is near freezing, the pressure is eight tons per square inch, and it is totally dark.It is easy to get lost in such a world.I needed to learn a lot about geography, navigation, geology, biology, and many other things. I decided another important thing for me to do was to join the U.S.Navy.If I was going to be an undersea explorer, I would have to lead men and women on dangerous adventures where they might get hurt, and I didn't want that to happen. In the Navy I learned discipline, organization, and how to motivate and lead people on adventures so that we could explore the wonders of the deep. Finally, the time came to put all that I had learned to use, to go forth with a team of men and women and explore an adventure I am still on and hope to be on for many years to come. Which word can best describe the author? Ambitious. A study made by University of Sussex found that men and women who frequently used several types of technology at the same time had less grey matter in a key part of the brain . The researchers said : " Simultaneously , using mobile phones , laptops and other media devices could change the structure of our brains . " Worryingly , the part of the brain that shrinks is involved in processing emotion . The finding has linked multi-tasking with a shortened attention span , depression , anxiety and lower grades at school . The researchers began by asking 75 healthy men and women how often they divided their attention between different types of technology . This could mean sending a text message while listening to music and checking email , or speaking on the phone while watching TV and surfing the web . The volunteers were then given brain scans which showed they had less grey matter in a region called the anterior cingulated cortex ( ACC ) . The findings held even when differences in personality were taken into account . The study , published in the journal PLOS ONE , is the first to make a link between multi-tasking and the structure of the brain . Researcher KepKeeLoh said : " Media multi-tasking is become more popular in our lives today and there is growing concern about its impacts on our cognition and social-emotional well-being . " He added that more researches are needed to prove that multi-tasking shrinks the brain . This is because it is also possible that people with less grey matter in the ACC are more likely to use lots of devices simultaneously . Scientists have previously described brain structure can be altered on prolonged exposure to new environments and experience . Other studies have shown that training - such as learning magic or taxi drivers learning the map of London - can increase grey matter densities in certain parts . What's the purpose of the passage ? To inform people of the findings of a research . Which energy source is considered nonrenewable? oil
Mrs Brown has a big garden and she likes growing vegetables very much. There are many kinds of vegetables in Mrs Brown's garden. She looks after them and the vegetables look very nice. The vegetables grow well and Mrs Brown wants to make dinner with them one day. Today, it is sunny. Mrs Brown's son, four-year-old Johnson, is playing in the garden. Mrs Brown is cleaning the house. Suddenly ,Johnson runs in and says, "Mom, Mom! Come to the garden! Our neighbor's ducks are in the garden and they are eating our vegetables." But it is too late. The ducks eat up all the vegetables. Mrs Brown is very sad and her neighbor is very sorry. After a few days, the neighbor brings a box to Mrs Brown. There is a roast duck in the box. And there is also a piece of paper in it. Some words are on _ : I am sorry. Enjoy your vegetables. Which of the following is TRUE? A. The vegetables taste very good. B. Mrs Brown's son is four years old. C. Mrs Brown's neighbor doesn't like the duck. D. Mrs Brown grows the vegetables with her neighbor. Answer: B. Mrs Brown's son is four years old. Children are losing the ability to play properly because they are being given too many toys and games, according to new research. The studies show that children, especially those under five, are often overwhelmed and actually play less than those with fewer toys. It may even harm their development. The studies show that giving children too many toys or toys of the wrong type can actually be doing them harm. They get overwhelmed and cannot concentrate on anything long enough to learn from it. The conclusions have been backed up by British research looking at children with ly fewer toys, whose parents spend more time reading, singing or playing with them. It showed such children surpass youngsters from richer backgrounds, even those who could use computers. Some parents notice the ill effect early. Orhan Ismail, a researcher saw a change for the worse in Cameron, his 10-month-old son, after he was given a lot of toys last Christmas. Ismail said, " If there are too many toys in front of him, he will just keep flitting around them and then end up going off and finding something like a slipper to play with. Now we just get out one or two toys and hide the rest in a box. " Alexander and her husband also decided to limit the toys their 6 daughters play with. She believed many toys restrict children's imaginations. She said, " A Barbie can only work as a Barbie. But a cardboard box can become anything. The only limitations are in the child's mind. " Experts hesitate to put a figure on the number of toys children should have, but many believe two dozen is enough for children of preschool age. It may NOT be a good idea to _ . A. spend more time reading or playing with children B. choose right types of toys for children C. ask experts for the exact number of necessary toys D. put out one or two toys and hide the rest Answer: C. ask experts for the exact number of necessary toys The scientific world continues to be amazed by the speed of the development of cloning. Some scientists now suggest that the cloning of humans could occur in the near future. Despite the benefits of cloning, however, certain ethical questions concerning the possible abuse of cloning have been raised. At the heart of these questions is the idea of humans influencing life in a way that could harm society, either morally or in a real physical sense. Some people object to cloning because it allows scientists to "act like God" in the handling of living organisms. The cloning of Dolly raised the debate over this practice to a whole new level. It has become obvious that the technology for cloning Dolly could also be used to clone humans. A person could choose to make two or ten or a hundred copies of himself or herself by the same techniques used with Dolly. An active debate about the morality of cloning humans arises. Some people see benefits from the practice, such as providing a way for parents to produce a new child to replace one dying of a fatal disease. Other people worry about humans taking into their own hands the future of the human race. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, many scientists say the controversy over the ethics of cloning humans is overstressed because of the unpredictability of cloning in general. While scientists have cloned animals such as sheep, mice, cows, pigs, and goats, fewer than 3 percent of all those cloning efforts have succeeded. The animal clones that have been produced often have health problems. Scientists believe the rapid reprogramming in cloning can introduce random errors into a clone's DNA. Those errors have altered individual genes in minor ways, and the genetic defects have led to the development of major medical problems. Some scientists say this should make human cloning out of the question, but others argue that cloning humans may actually be easier and safer than cloning animals. Whatever, I agree that further research in the field of cloning is needed. Some scientists think the debate over ethics of cloning humans is overstressed because _ . A. cloning of human beings is completely impossible B. the result of cloning can't be predicted in general C. cloning of animals is a failure D. there are big errors in a clone's DNA Answer: B. the result of cloning can't be predicted in general Thousands of jobs come into our Job Centre every week, but they get snapped up quickly. So although we shall do all we can to help you, it's important for you to do all you can to help yourself. This passage tells you how. Registered for work Once you have registered for work we will match you will available vacancies. If you want to claim unemployment benefit , you also have to get registered at our Job Centre. But you actually apply for and claim it at the local Unemployment Office. Getting a job through self- service Jobs that come in are put on self- service show as soon as possible. Half the people who find jobs through our Job Centre find them through self- service. You can call in at any time to look at the jobs shown. Come to our Employment Advisers If you want more help or advice, don't forgot that's what we're here for. Our Employment Advisers can help you with things like: thinking about the different sorts of jobs you could do and which are best for you. jobs available locally or elsewhere. whether you are suitable for a TOPS training course. funds to help you look for, and move to, work in other parts. Even though you have a clear idea of the sort of job and pay you want, you may find that something different will suit you quite well. Keep this in mind when you are talking with Employment Advisers. If you don't find a job on your fast visit Go into self- service as often as you can to look at the jobs on show there. Good vacancies are coming in all the time just because you've been registered for work. Employment Advisers can_. A. help you find out what kind of jobs suits you best B. help you register for work and use self- service C. help you claim as much unemployment benefit as possible D. help you find a job suitable for you on your first visit Answer: A. help you find out what kind of jobs suits you best A written contract was entered into between Bouquet, a financier-investor, and Vintage Corporation, a winery and grape-grower. The contract provided that Bouquet would invest $1,000,000 in Vintage for its capital expansion and, in return, that Vintage, from grapes grown in its famous vineyards, would produce and market at least 500,000 bottles of wine each year for five years under the label "Premium VintageBouquet." The contract included provisions that the parties would share equally the profits and losses from the venture and that, if feasible, the wine would be distributed by Vintage only through Claret, a wholesale distributor of fine wines. Neither Bouquet nor Vintage had previously dealt with Claret. Claret learned of the contract two days later from reading a trade newspaper. In reliance thereon, he immediately hired an additional sales executive and contracted for enlargement of his wine storage and display facility. "For this question only, assume the following facts. Amicusbank lent Bouquet $200,000 and Bouquet executed a written instrument providing that Amicusbank "is entitled to collect the debt from my share of the profits, if any, under the Vintage-Bouquet contract." Amicusbank gave prompt notice of this transaction to Vintage. If Vintage thereafter refuses to account for any profits to Amicusbank and Amicusbank sues Vintage for Bouquet's share of profits then realized, Vintage's strongest argument in defense is that A. the Bouquet-Vintage contract did not expressly authorize an assignment of rights. B. Bouquet and Vintage are partners, not simply debtor and creditor. C. Amicusbank is not an assignee of Bouquet's rights under the BouquetVintage contract. D. Amicusbank is not an intended thirdparty beneficiary of the Bouquet-Vintage contract Answer: C. Amicusbank is not an assignee of Bouquet's rights under the BouquetVintage contract.
Question: A new study of 8,000 young people in the journal ofHealthandSocialBehaviorshows that although love can make grownups live healthily and happily,it is a bad thing for young people.Puppy love may bring trouble for young people and can cause depression .The study shows that girls become more depressed than boys,and young girls are the worst of all. The possible reason for the connection between love and higher risk of depression for girls is "loss of self".According to the study,even though boys would say "lose themselves in a romantic relationship",this "loss of self" is much more likely to cause depression when it happens to girls.Young girls who have romantic relationships usually like hiding their feelings and opinions.They won't tell that to their parents. Dr.Marianm Kaufman,who works on young people problems,says 15% to 20% of young people will have depression during their growing.Trying romance often causes the depression.She advises kids not to jump into romance too early.During growing up,it is important for young people to build strong friendship and a strong sense of self.She also suggests the parents should encourage their kids to keep close to their friends,attend more interesting school activities and spend enough time with family. Parents should watch for their children's eating or mood changes.If they see some,they need to give help.The good news is that the connection between romance and depression seems to become weak with age.Love will always make us feel young,but only maturity gives us a chance to avoid its bad side effects. Dr.Marianm Kaufman does NOT suggest parents'encouraging their kids to _ . A. keep close to their friends B. attend more interesting activities C. chat more on line D. spend more time with their family Answer: C. chat more on line Question: Outline programme for the State Visit of the President of The People's Republic of China, Mr XiJinping, accompanied by Madame Peng Liyuan, 20 to 23 October 2015. MONDAY 19 OCTOBER The President of The People's Republic of China will arrive privately in the UK on Monday evening, 19th October, at Heathrow Airport. They will be greeted by The Viscount Hood, Lord-in-Waiting. TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER The Queen will formally welcome the President at the Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards Parade. The President will inspect the Guard of Honour. Following a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, given by The Queen, Her Majesty will invite the President to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to China. In the evening The Queen will give a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace for the President. Her Majesty and the President will both make speeches at the start of the banquet. WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER President Xi will meet with the Prime Minister, David Cameron, at No.10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting. They will visit the UK-China Business Summit at Mansion House, which will focus on investment, infrastructure and innovation. Then, the President will visit Huawei Technologies, where he will receive presentations looking at Huawei's 14 years in the UK, its innovation work with UK partners and the latest technology trends. In the evening, the President will attend a banquet at Guildhall given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. The Lord Mayor and the President will both make speeches at the end of the banquet. THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER The President will formally bid farewell to The Queen at Buckingham Palace in the morning. Afterwards, he will join a Confucius Institute conference. Later he will fly up to Manchester ahead of the final day of the State Visit. FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER In the morning, the President will visit the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester. Later he will visit the Manchester City Football Group. The Lord Chamberlain will bid farewell to President Xi. Their Excellencies will depart from Manchester Airport. We can learn from the passage that _ . A. speeches are usually given at the start of a Banquet B. The Queen will greet and see off President Xi at the Airport C. a welcome ceremony and farewell ceremony will be arranged by the UK D. Huawei Technologies has been cooperating with British for more than a decade Answer: D. Huawei Technologies has been cooperating with British for more than a decade Question: Seven tips to good table manners Whether it's a dinner at a friend's house or a business meeting over lunch, we judge people based on their table manners. But what can you do if your kids do not behave themselves at the dinner tables? The following are seven tips to set your children on the road to good table manners: Look for the good. Instead of pointing out all the things your children do wrong, point out what they do right. Please say, for example, "I am so proud of you. It was wonderful the way you served yourself." Don't turn dinner into an unpleasant "lecture time". That will turn kids off not only manners, but dinner, and you, too. Check your own example. Don't show up for dinner in just your underwear unless you want your kids to do the same. Don't always consider your kids lazy and dirty ones. Instead, point out the behavior in a tender way. For example: " It' s a good idea to unfold your napkin, so if food falls you won't dirty your clothes." Teach your kids good manners in the form of a game. One night a week, try to have a formal dinner. Try dressing up, serve a special meal, and expect more formal manners. That will help improve their sense of manners. Make kids understand part of the tradition. Invite guests over and let kids help serve them. This helps them indirectly learn about table manners. *Try dining out once in a while. Fast food restaurants aren't counted. Try a nice restaurant and let kids order their own food, pay the bill and give the tip. The kids should do the following EXCEPT _ . A. going to a formal dinner in underwear B. helping parents to serve the guests C. ordering their own food and paying the bill D. unfolding the napkin to keep their clothes clean Answer: A. going to a formal dinner in underwear Question: Which of the following is an example of a physical change but not a chemical change? A. A log gives off heat and light as it burns. B. A tree stores energy from the Sun in its fruit. C. A penny lost in the grass slowly changes color. D. A water pipe freezes and cracks on a cold night. Answer: D. A water pipe freezes and cracks on a cold night. Question: When Carrie Conley's husband left in the early 1960s, she started raising six children on her own. She took a job at a hospital, delivering meals to patients as what was called "a tray girl". Jerry Johnson, the youngest child in the family, was 5 years old when his dad left. Speaking with his mother recently, Johnson heard his mother repeat the question she asked at that time. "Lord, what am I going to do with all these kids by myself?" The answers came in the form of lima beans, black-eyed peas and low prices on chicken necks. "Something to boil for every day of the week," Conley said. "I cannot remember one Christmas that I didn't feel like the luckiest kid in the world," Johnson said, "even though now I realize we had hardly anything in terms of money." "How did you hold all that together?" he asked his mother. Conley said she would save up her sick days at work, going in no matter how she felt. Then in December, the company would pay her for the unused sick days. More help came in castoffs , when wealthy families would clean out their toy chests at Christmastime and take a load of toys to the Salvation Army. Conley would pick through them, finding the best ones for her children. The result of those sacrifices led to a big, happy Christmas for Conley and her kids. "But I never did tell you it was a Santa Claus," Conley said, "I couldn't give any man credit for what I had done." Johnson thanked his mom for her sacrifices, and for the good example she set for him and his siblings. "I think it's helping us all be better parents," Johnson said. In 1975, Conley retired from Detroit's Outer Drive Hospital. Jerry was a sophomore in college at that time. He later graduated from Washington University Medical School and received a degree in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. How did Johnson feel about Christmas when he was a kid? A. Pleased. B. Disappointed. C. Awful D. Indifferent. Answer: A. Pleased.
For many years, environmental problems have been a major concern to people. Almost all things are related to the word "Green", say, green buildings. A green building means not only the colour of the paint. Also,it refers to environmentally friendly houses,factories and offices. Green building means "reducing the impact of the building on the land", Taryn Holowka of the US Green Building Council in Washington D.C.said. According to Holowka,buildings account for 65 percent of total US electricity use. But green buildings can reduce energy and water use. Also,the buildings are often located near public transportation such as buses and subways,so that people can drive their cars less.That could be good for the environment,because cars use lots of gas and give off pollution. Green buildings are often built on developed land,so that the buildings don't destroy forests. Marty Dettling is the project manager for a building that put these ideas into action.The Solaire has been called the country's first green highrise building. According to Dettling,"We've reduced our energy use by onethird and our water by 50 percent." The Solaire cuts energy in part by using solar power."On the surface of the building we have solar panels which change the sun's energy into electricity,"Dettling explained. The Solaire also has lights that automatically turn off when people leave the room. In addition,the building has lots of windows,allowing people to use the sun for light during the day.The Solaire cuts water by reusing it. Not everyone is eager to move into a green building,however. Some people think that things like solar panels cost more money than more traditional energy source. Anyhow,Holowka said,"It is going to take off." A green buildingmost refers to a(n) _ building according to the passage. Learning English is just like learning to ride a bicycle. When learning English becomes a kind of habit, everything will become easier. Please think about how we learned to ride a bicycle. There are four stages : At the first stage, the child doesn't know what it is to ride a bicycle, nor can he ride. So look at ourselves, when we learned English at the first time, we were also in this condition. And then is the second stage. Although the child cannot ride himself, he grows and understands what it is to ride a bicycle. So, at this time, teachers are our navigation marks. So according to this, we are just like the child starting to learn and now come to the third stage. He can ride a bicycle but has to think every time how to do it. At last, the fourth stage comes when the child has practiced consciously riding the bicycle so much that he doesn't have to think. Riding a bicycle becomes a kind of habit. He can talk to people and wave to others while riding. Learning English is just like learning to ride a bicycle. When learning becomes a kind of habit, we'll find we can be successful not only in English but also in other subjects. When learning becomes a kind of habit, I think, no, I believe, one day we'll succeed and the success will belong to us forever. ,,. When English learning becomes a kind of habit, we will find _ . Alice's Adventures in Wonderland By Lewis Carroll Walker (first published in 1865). Reading level: ages 6-15 In stock. Originally created by Lewis to amuse three young girls on a boat trip, it tells of a curious child named Alice who follows a white rabbit down a rabbit hole, only to find a door opening to a world of strange creatures. A Cheshire cat, a tea party, a Queen and a Duchess all add to the adventure. Animal Farm By George Orwell (first published in 1945) Reading level: ages 5-12 In stock. Old Major inspires the animals of the Manor Farm to live together with no human to control them. When he dies, three younger pigs--Snowball, Napoleon and Squealer manage to drive the farmer Mr Jones away from the farm, renaming it "Animal Farm". But soon Napoleon becomes the leader of the farm and the animals have even less freedom than before. Treasure Island By Robert Louis Stevenson (first published in 1883) Reading level: ages 8 and up In stock. Robert Louis Stevenson created a rich story of the adventures of Jim Hawkins and his search for the buried treasure of the pirate Captain in Flint. The story is told in the first person of Jim Hawkins and begins at his family's inn. The influence of Treasure Island on popular views of pirates is impressive, including treasure maps marked with an "X", the Black Spot, tropical islands and one-legged seamen carrying parrots on their shoulders Charlotte's Web By EB White (first published in 1952) Reading level: ages 7 and up In stock. Only 4 left in stock--order soon. Charlotte is a spider living in a barn where one day, a short pig called Wilbur comes to live. When she discovers that Wilbur will be killed, the spider manages to save him by writing special messages in her web. The pair become famous and is celebrated at the county fair , but sadly a spider's life is not a long one. This book explores some difficult issues in a magical story. From the text, we can infer that _ . He had travelled thousands of miles in the hope of earning some money, but 18-year old Lin Kongming never knew danger was waiting for him. He and six other migrant workers from Fujian Province spent 36 hours in Iraq as international hostages . But luckily, they were set free last Tuesday morning, unharmed by the people who had taken them hostages. After hard work by Chinese diplomats in the region, the Iraqi kidnappers agreed to hand them over to a local religious group. "The friendly relations between the Chinese and Iraqi people have played a key role in the release of the hostages," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan. China refused to join the US-led coalition in the Iraqi war. Since April 4, over 60 hostages from 12 countries, including America, Italy and Japan, have been taken in Iraq. Some have been released, others were killed. The Iraqi resistance groups have started taking foreigners hostages in an attempt to force the US-led troops out of their country. As a result, many foreigners have left, fearing the situation will get worse. Some nations are also considering removing their troops from Iraq. Thailand has ordered its forces not to leave their camp and may bring them home before September as originally planned. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark is considering similar action. But Dan Senor, spokesman for the US-led coalition in Baghdad, said that it would not negotiate with "terrorists or kidnappers" to get hostages released. The author talks about Dan Senor to show the US _ . Rafting the GRAND CANYON Welcomes You! For an exciting,fun and challenging white water tours,Rafting the GRAND CANYON is here to help you plan the right tour for you.Whether you want to travel for two days or ten,hike in or not,go on an oar raft or motorized trip,we will help you find the trip that meets your needs. For those who will be vacationing on the offseason a trip on the Native American Red River rafting is available year around or a one day trip is available on the Colorado River from Diamond Creek to Pierce Ferry (about three hours from Las Vegas). Most of the trips depart from Lees Ferry,Arizona (approximately 21/2hours from the south rim of the Grand Canyon).We offer partial trips which allow you to get on or off at Phantom Ranch located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim.Requiring a hike in or out,with proper planning the horse ride up or down is also an option.Most trips occur between April and October. Since all rafting on the Colorado requires a permit,planning and reserving your trip requires reservations well in advance.Please let us know when you would like to go and we will contact all the river concessionaires to help you find the best trip for you. For planning your trip,questions,concerns or to make your reservations,please email or call the toll free number below.Since these trips are limited we highly recommend you make your reservations months in advance. To talk to a live person call us toll free:18002226966or 7026556060 If you have any questions regarding a trip,please CLICK _ HERE to fill out our form.This will speed up the process of getting you accurate information regarding your trip. If you would like to send us an email other than about an upcoming trip you can contact us at info@raftingthegrandcanyon.com. We look forward to helping you plan your trip!(Please NO Travel Agents) Rafting the Grand Canyon doesn't suggest the reader contact them in the way of .
In nature, you may see many insects and animals of different colors. Have you ever wondered why? Locusts are super delicious food for birds,but it is not always an easy job for birds to catch them.It is neither because locusts are good jumpers or runners nor because they are smarter than their enemies. The reason is that the colors of locusts change with the colors of crops . When crops are young,locusts look green. But when autumn comes, locusts change to the yellow and brown color as crops do. Brown bears,tigers and other animals move quietly through forests. They can't be seen easily by their enemies. This is because they have colors similar to the trees. For the same reason, polar bears that live on a land of snow and ice are white. Butterflies and bees living among the flowers are colorful like flowers. Soil insects are mostly dark-colored and they live under the soil in a dark and wet environment. However, insects with colors different from plants can easily be found and eaten by others. So in order to _ they have to hide themselves in the daytime and appear only at night. Have you ever noticed some even stranger acts? The ink fish in the sea can send out some very black ink when it faces danger. As the ink spreads over , its enemies will find themselves suddenly in a dark world. At the same time the ink fish immediately swims away. That is how it keeps itself safe though it is not strong at all. The ink fish _ so that its enemies will not see it? Answer: Mary was waiting for the airplane to take off. She was happy to get a seat by herself. Just then,an air hostess came up to her and asked. "Would you mind changing your seat? A man would like to sit with his wife." The only available seat was next to a girl with her arms broke, a black-and-blue face, and a sad expression. "I don't want to sit there," Mary thought immediately. But a soft voice spoke, "She needs help." Finally, Mary moved to that seat. The girl was named Emily. She had been in a car accident and now was on her way for treatment. When the snack and juice arrived, Mary realized that Emily could not feed herself. Mary considered offering to feed her but hesitated , as it seemed too impolite to offer a service to a stranger. But then Mary realized that Emily's need was more important. Mary offered to help her eat. Although Emily was uncomfortable to accept, _ . They became closer and closer in a short time. By the end of the five-hour trip, Mary's heart had warmed, and the time was really better spent than if she had just sat by herself. Mary was very glad that she had sat next to Emily and fed her. Love sometimes goes beyond human borders and removes the fears that keep people away. When we reach our hands to serve another, we grow to live in a larger and more rewarding world. Why did Emily have a sad expression at the beginning? Answer: One of my wonderful memories is about a Christmas gift. Unlike other gifts, it came without wrap . On September 11th, 1958, mum gave birth to Richard. After she brought him home from hospital, she put him in my arms, saying, "I promised you a gift, and here it is." What an honor! I became four years old a month earlier and none of my friends had such a baby doll of their own. I played with it day and night. I sang to it. I told stories. I told it again and again how much I loved it! One morning, however, I found its bed empty. My doll was gone! I cried for it. Mum wept and told me that the poor little thing had been sent to a hospital. It had a fever. For several days, I heard mum and dad whispering such words as "hopeless", "pitiful"and "dying", and all these words sounded _ Christmas was coming. "Don't expect any presents this year," Dad said, pointing at the socks I hung in the living rooms. "If your baby brother lives, that'll be Christmas enough." As he spoke, his eyes filled with tears. I had never seen him cry before. The phone rang early on Christmas morning. Dad jumped out of bed to answer it. From my bedroom I heard him say, "What? He's all right?"He hung up and shouted upstairs. "The hospital said we can bring Richard home!" "Thank God!" I heard mum cry. From the upstairs window, I watched my parents rush out to the car. I had never seen them so happy. And I was also full of joy. What a wonderful day! My baby doll would be home. I ran downstairs. My socks still hung there flat. But I knew they were not empty:they were filled with love! Which is the best title of the passage? Answer: Marjorie Baer used to joke about her retirement plans. She wasn't married and had no kids, but she didn't intend to be alone--she and all her single friends would move into a fictional home she called Casa de Biddies. Instead, Baer developed terminal brain cancer when she was 52. But just as she'd hoped, her friends and family provided her with love and care to the end. Ballance was only the first of Baer's friends who became her unofficial caregivers. With her brother Phil Baer from Los Angeles, they worked out a system to watch over their friend and allow her to keep some of the privacy and independence she cherished. Baer's good friend Ruth Henrich took Baer to doctors' appointments and helped her deal with all the aspects of life --answering machines, TV controls, and even phone numbers. After Henrich sent out an e-mail request, a group of volunteers signed up to ferry Baer back and forth to radiation therapy . Others in Baer's circle offered up particular talents: A nurse friend helped Baer figure out how to get what she was due from Social Security and her disability insurance; a lawyer pal helped Baer with her will; a partner who was an accountant took over her bills when she could no longer manage them. "There was this odd sense that the right person always showed up," says Ballance. Their arrangement worked remarkably well. Unmarried women are one of the fastest-growing groups in America; experts are concerned about how care-giving will be managed for them as they age. If the experience of Baer's friends is a guide, _ . It's already making it possible to create communities of caregivers who may have only one thing in common: the person who needs their help. On personal "care pages" set up through services such as Lotsa Helping Hands, friends and family members can post a list of tasks that need to be done, volunteer to do them, and keep updated on the person's condition. As Baer's cancer progressed, for example, her friends set up a page on Yahoo! where people could sign up to deliver meals or do errands . Catherine Fox, one of the friends who were present when Baer died, was deeply affected. "It was so comforting to know that if you're willing to ask for help, the generosity of family and friends can be phenomenal . It makes me feel secure and hopeful to know that help is there when you need it. " The most appropriate title of this passage should be _ . Answer: Hi!I'm Lucy. I am a student in Class 5,Grade 7.I have a big schoolbag. It is blue and red. The price is Y=88.1.have a nice pencil box in it. It is Y=10.Its color is white. I bought it in a store. There are four pencils and one pen. Each pencil is Y=1 and the pen is Y=12.My eraser is yellow. The price is Y=2.My ruler is orange and very long. I like them very much. I study very hard. My schoolbag is _ . Answer:
A person's shadow is smallest at what time? 12:30 pm Farmers grow cocoa trees in the shady areas of rainforests near the Earth's equator. These trees can be difficult to grow. They require an exact amount of water, warmth, soil and protection. After about five years, cocoa trees start producing large fruits called pods. The seeds inside these pods are harvested to make chocolate. Today we travel around the world exploring the history of chocolate. Its story begins with a plant whose scientific name, Theobroma cocoa, means "food of the gods". People have been enjoying the rich flavor of chocolate, a product made from this plant. Most people know that chocolate is made from cocoa and that the origins of chocolate can be traced back to Central and South America. For centuries, the natives there regarded cocoa as a gift from the gods. But how did chocolate go from being the food of the gods to being the food of love? Historians believe the Maya of Central America first learned to farm cocoa plants around two thousand years ago. The Maya took the cocoa trees from the rainforests and grew them in their gardens. They cooked the cocoa seeds, and then crushed them into a soft substance. They used the cocoa bean as the main part in a dark, bitter drink that we would call "chocolate". They believed that chocolate had mystical characteristics -- but cocoa also had commercial value. In fact, cocoa beans were used as a form of currency that was worth its weight in gold! The explorer Christopher Columbus brought cocoa seeds to Spain after his trip to Central America in 1502. But the Spanish explorer Conquistador Hernando Cortez was the first European explorer to realize cocoa's commercial possibilities. When he arrived in the New World in 1519, he soon established his own cocoa plantation. In 1529, Cortez returned to Spain and introduced chocolate -- as a drink mixed with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon -- to European society. The wealthy people of Spain first enjoyed a sweetened type of the chocolate drink. Later, the popularity of the drink spread throughout Europe. The English, Dutch and French began to plant cocoa trees in their own colonies. Chocolate remained a drink that only wealthy people could afford to drink until the eighteenth century. During the period known as the Industrial Revolution, new technologies helped make chocolate less costly to produce. It caught on -- especially with the noble people, who enjoyed hot chocolate as an aphrodisiac (a kind of medicine). As its popularity spread, people found new ways to make and use chocolate. These days, chocolate is enjoyed as both a tasty treat and a romantic indulgence everywhere. The passage implies that_. Many people over the world enjoy a good taste of chocolate. How much sleep do we need? We are all different. Some people need only three hours of sleep a night. Others need ten hours of sleep a night. Most Americans sleep an average of seven to eight hours a night. After the age of fifty the average sleep time goes down to 6.5 hours a night. Most people have a bad night when they can not sleep. About one in three Americans has a problem with sleep. Many of these people can not fall sleep. This problem is called insomnia. This is not a new problem. Many famous people in history had insomnia. Some of these people had special ideas to another to make them sleep. Benjaming Franklin, the famous stateman and inventor ,had four beds. He moved from one to another to fall asleep. King Lousis XIV of France had 13 beds and hoped that he could fall asleep in one of them. Mark Twain, the famous American writer, had a different way. He lay on his side on the end of the bed! Mark Twain lay on his side on the end of the bed because he _ . thought it was easy to go sleep The theory of spontaneous generation was eventually disproved scientifically by conducting a controlled experiment. Everybody hates it, but everybody does it. A recent report said that 40%of Americans hate tipping. In America alone, tipping is a $16 billion-a-year industry. Consumers acting politely ought not to pay more than they have to for a given service. Tips should not exist. So why do they? The common opinion in the past was that tips both rewarded the efforts of good service and reduced uncomfortable feelings of inequality. And also, tipping makes for closer relations. It went without saying that the better the service, the bigger the tip. But according to a new research from Cornell University, tips no longer serve any useful function. The paper analyzes numbers they got from 2,547 groups dining at 20 different restaurants. The connection between larger tips and better service was very weak. Only a tiny part of the size of the tip had anything to do with the quality of service. Tipping is better explained, by culture than by the money people spend. In America, the custom came into being a long time ago. It is regarded as part of the accepted cost of a service. In New York restaurants, failing to tip at least l5% could well mean dissatisfaction from the customers. Hairdressers can expect to get l5%-20%, and the man who delivers your fast food $2. In Europe, tipping is less common. In many restaurants the amount of tip is decided by a standard service charge. In many Asian countries, tipping has never really caught on at all. Only a few have really taken to tipping. According to Michael Lynn, the Cornell papers' author, countries in which people are more social or outgoing tend to tip more. Tipping may reduce anxiety about being served by strangers. And Mr. Lynn says, "In America, where people are expressive and eager to mix up with others, tipping is about social approval. If you tip badly, people think less of you. Tipping well is a chance to show off." We can infer from this passage that _ . tipping has something to do with people's character
Online Communication In an age when technology moves faster than most can keep up with, a small group of people still remain in the time of old-fashioned letter. Frankly speaking, I was once certain that traditional letters could never be replaced by other means of communication. But a story about online communication changed my mind. An old man, who suffered a lot from Parkinson's disease, was not able to talk clearly and could hardly write his name. Living totally alone, he managed to keep in touch with nearly all the members of his family. How did he achieve this? He clicked out words on his computer keyboard. I, therefore, managed to get an E-mail box as soon as the opportunity came. My life changed. E-mail, and all online communication, is something truly different. It has capabilities that few other products can match. E-mail is convenient. It takes less time with its fast speed and 24-hour connection. The slow postal service is no match. If you wouldn't want to have a face-to-face talk with your manager, you might talk with him through E-mail even if you are in the same office. Naming all the good things about online communication is not easy. But wait. E-mail can be inconvenient. It can waste time and energy. Just think what may happen when you take a short vacation and return to find your e-mail box filled with 200 unread messages. You could easily spend half a day clearing _ ads. Then, online communication will keep us staying at our computer while it connects us to distant strangers. Once we throw ourselves into the machine, we may forget the human touches we once held so dear. I'm sure there is and always will be a place for the old-fashioned letter, phone call, and face-to-face meeting... even in the world of modern communication. As I listen to the sound of the modem , I was excited at stepping out to the outside world but, at the same time, I sensed a loss of control over something valuable in my personal life. According to the writer, traditional means of communication will never disappear because _ . Answer: they help to keep the friendly relationship between people Ad No.90374 Posted July 12, 2015 by Amanda Expire Date August 12, 2015 Tag:Beijing Language Teaching Part Time We are looking for Teachers, whose Native Language is English, willing to teach in China. Mostly schools are in South of China. The Benefit package for ESL Teachers includes: One-year Contract:1st September 2015 to 1st August 2016 Salary 4,000 RMB to 5,000 RMB/Month Teaching load & schedule:20 teaching hours per week A rent-free, fully furnished apartment with a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom Kitchen facilities provided, other electric appliances will be supplied, water, heater, microwave etc.[:ZXXK] If you are interested, please read the information above and kindly send your application to attach the following documents (in doc or JPEG format).The subject to be mentioned, as "teach in China" 1).CV/Resume 2).A copy of academic degree/diploma/certificate/or college transcript 3).A photocopy of the data page of valid passport 4).A recent color photo 5).A letter of recommendation or release letter from your previous Chinese school (Only if you worked in China previously) 6).Any other relevant information that you think might help your application If you are employed, you will _ . Answer: not have to pay the apartment rent Most American children eat potatoes every day, but they don't know which part of potato is most nourishing .Take a sharp knife and cut a very thin slice from it and hold it to the light, and you will see that the potato has skin, an outside rim and the inner part. The outside rim which is right under the skin is most nutritious.But this part is often thrown away with the skin. Even the skin itself is better for food than the inside. When eating a cooked potato, if you choose the inside and leave the outside, you are wasting the best part of it. If you can't eat the whole potato, it is better to eat the outside rim and leave the inner part. The best part of the potato is the _ . Answer: outside rim The best thing about going to school is learning how to read. Books are great friends. They can help you to learn about anything you want to know. They can go anywhere with you. You can read about animals, faraway places, people, and anything else. Books are written by people called authors . Authors think of things they want to write about. They make a plan for a book and start to write .Some authors write books that give us information and teach us things. Authors are very important people because they help us learn. Find a good book to read and read every day ,You will enjoy your time with a good book. What is the best part about going to school? Answer: Learning to read. A: Hello! B: Hi, is that Paul? This is Nick, your new classmate. A: Hi, Nick! Where are you? B: At home. There's a new movie at the Capital Cinema . Do you Know? A: Yes, I do. Do you like going to movies? B: Yes, very much. I usually go to movies with my parents on Sunday. A: What kind of movies do you like? B: Action movies. How about you? A: I don't often go to movies. I like watching TV or VCD at home. B: That's different from seeing the movie at the cinema . Let's go to the movie this evening, OK? A: Sorry, I'm going to a concert with my mother this evening. What about tomorrow afternoon? B: OK. See you after lunch tomorrow. A: Bye-bye. Where do they talk about the movies? Answer: On the phone.
Narayana Hrudayalaya, a complex of health centers based in southern India, offers low-cost, high-quality specialty care in a largely poor country of 1.2 billion people. By thinking differently about everything from the unusually high number of patients it treats to the millions for whom it provides insurance, the hospital group is able to continually reduce costs. Narayana Hrudayalaya's operations include the world's largest and most productive cardiac hospital, where the average open-heart surgery runs less than $2,000, a third or less what it costs elsewhere in India. Narayana Hrudayalaya's origins date back to 2001, when it built its massive cardiac center on the outskirts of Bangalore. But it has expanded since then into what founder Dr. Devi Shetty calls a "health city," a series of centers specializing in eye, trauma, and cancer care. Narayana Hrudayalaya now manages or owns hospitals in 14 other Indian cities. Expanding access is paired with a ongoing focus on efficiency. Typically, says Shetty, private hospitals in India focus on patients who can easily afford treatment. "We did it the other way around," he says. "This hospital is for poor people, but we also treat some rich people. We don't look at people who are sgabbily dressed and have trouble paying as outsiders. " Narayana Hrudayalaya's flagship hospital has 3,000 beds and negotiates for better prices and buys directly from manufacturers, cutting out distributors. In addition to cost-cutting, Narayana Hrudayalaya finds creative ways to make the economics work. The company started a micro-insurance program backed by the government that enables 3 million farmers to have coverage for as little as 22 cents a month in premiums . Patients who pay discounted rates are in effect compensated by those who pay full price Doing something--doing more, actually--is the point. By 2017, Shetty, 58, plans to expand from 5,000 beds throughout India to 30,000. Before becoming one of India's best-known health-care entrepreneurs, Shetty was its best-known heart surgeon. He was interrupted in surgery one day during the 1990s by a request to make a house call. "I said, 'I don't make home visits,' " Shetty says, "and the caller said, 'If you see this patient, the experience may transform your life.' " The request was from Mother Teresa. Inspired by the her work with the poor, he then set out to create a hospital to deliver care based on need, not wealth. "One lesson she taught me," he says, quoting a saying he keeps framed in his office, "is ' .' " We can infer from the passage that _ . A the cost of medicine care in India is very low B Shetty wouldn't have succeeded without Mother Teresa C Shetty and his colleagues are likely to make home visits now D Shetty has expanded his hospitals to most of other cities in India Answer: C What do the common cold, the flu, and AIDS have in common? They are all diseases caused by viruses, tiny microorganisms that can pass from person to person. It is no wonder that when most people think about viruses, finding ways to _ them is what is on people's minds. Not everyone runs from the tiny disease carriers, though. In Cambridge, Massachusetts, scientists have discovered that some viruses can be helpful in an unusual way. They are putting viruses to work, teaching them of the world's smallest rechargeable batteries. Viruses and batteries may seem like an unusual pair, but they are not so strange for engineer Angela Belcher, who first came up with idea. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, she and her team bring together different areas of science in new ways. In the case of the virus-built batteries, the scientists combine what they know about biology, technology and production techniques. Belcher's team includes Paula Hammond, who helps put together the tiny batteries, and Yet-Ming Chiang, an expert on how to store energy in the form of a battery. Many batteries are already pretty small. However, every year, new electronic devices like personal music players or cellphones get smaller than the year before. As these devices become smaller, ordinary batteries won't be small enough to fit inside. The ideal battery will store a lot more energy in a smaller package than ordinary batteries. Right now, Belcher's model battery, a metallic disk completely built by viruses, looks like a regular watch battery. But inside, its parts are very small--- so tiny that you can only see them with a powerful microscope. How small are these battery parts? To get some idea of the size, pluck one hair from your head. Place your hair on a piece of white paper and try to see how wide your hair is--- pretty thin, right? Although the width of each person's hair is a bit different, you could probably fit about 10 of these virus--- built battery parts, side by side, across one hair. These microbatteries may change the way we look at viruses. What do we know from the passage? A Belcher's team members are doubtful about her idea of the virus-built batteries. B Ordinary batteries can't meet the needs of new electronic devices as time goes on. C Engineers only need knowledge of biology to produce virus-built batteries. D People can see virus-built battery parts with their eyes directly. Answer: B In Europe many people died during the Second World War. As a result, at the end of the war there were many orphans there. A man called Hermann Gmeiner wanted to help these children. His idea was simple. He wanted orphans to have a home, and he wanted them to have the care and kindness of parents. Gmeiner asked people to give him some money. With this money he built the first SOS Children's Village at Imst, in Austria. It opened in1949. This is how the SOS stand for "Save Our Souls ." This means "Please help us!" An SOS Children' village gives help to orphans. Hermann Gmeiner's idea for helping orphans soon spread all over the world. By 1983 there were 170 SOS Children's Villages in the world. People in many countries give money to help the villages. Today the children from the first village have grown up. Now some of them work in other SOS Children's Villages. In SOS Villages orphans live in family groups. There are several houses in each village. The biggest village has 40 or 50 houses! Between seven and ten children live in a house. A woman lives with each group of children and looks after them. She gives the children a lot of love and kindness. She cooks meals for them and makes comfortable, happy home for them. Of course, the children don't spend all their time in the village. They go to school, they go out with their friends. But the village gives them a home--sometimes for the first time in their lives. An orphan is a child _ . A who has no brother B who has no sister C who has no parents D all of the above Answer: C When Rikke Dausen in prefix = st1 /Denmarkgoes to get some milk from the fridge, she has trouble getting past the refrigerator door. But it's not because of any physical obstruction. It's usually because the PC monitor in her refrigerator's door has informed her that a new email message has arrived. Rikke and her husband are taking part in a six-month trial sponsored by a Danish firm and two Swedish partners. They hope to show that computers can be put to much more practical daily use than most people think. Fifty families and singles were provided with a free model known as the "Screenfridge" for the duration of trial. "It's really very clever", says Rikke. She can call up email, news reports, sales items at the supermarket or addressed out of the endless ocean Internet possibilities. "I'm not the type who wants to sit in front of the computer and wait 10 minutes for the modem to connect," she says. The creators of the Screenfridge aim at this type of buyer. They think the machine should attract people who have limited time to solve technical problems or surf online. The PC that is built into the door is very small. It is only two centimeters wide, and completely silent. "Everything moves quickly", as Rikke admits. "Well, the whole thing is really just an amusement", she says. "But when the thing is gone after the test, it will be pain to have to go down in the basement again to download my email". The Screenfridge is due to hit the market sometime next year. How long has Rikke probably been using the Screenfridge? A Several months. B More than a year. C Several years. D Several hours. Answer: A Sometimes people call each other "freaked-cat", but have you ever thought about this expression? When a cat is frightened, its heart starts beating faster, its muscles get tense, and there are changes in the chemicals in its bloodstream.Although the cat doesn't realize this, its body is getting ready for action.If the danger continues, the animal will do one of two things.It will defend itself, or it will run away as fast as it can. Something like this also happens to people.When we are excited, angry, scared, or aroused by other emotions (feelings), our bodies go through many physical changes.Our hearts beat faster, and our muscles get tense.All of these changes make us more alert and ready to react.We, too.get ready to defend ourselves or run. Human beings, however, have a problem that animals never face.If we give way to our feelings and let them take over, we can get into trouble.Have you ever said something in anger --or hit somebody--and regretted it later? Have you ever shouted at a teacher, told somebody you were lonely, or said you were in love, and then wished later you had kept your mouth shut? It isn't always clever to express your feelings freely. Does this mean that it's smarter always to hide our feelings? No! If you keep feelings of anger, sadness, and bitterness hidden away or bottled up inside, your body stays tense.Physical illness can develop.It can actually be bad for your health.(It isn't good to keep pleasant feelings inside either; all feelings need to be expressed.) Feelings that you keep all bottled up inside don't just go away.It's as if you bought some bananas and stuck them in a cupboard.You might not be able to see them.but before long you' d smell them.And if you opened the cupboard, chances are that you'd see little fruit flies flying all over them.They'd be rotten. You can try to treat emotions as if they were bananas in the cupboard.You can hide them and you can pretend they don't exist, but they'll still be around.And at last you'll have to deal with them.just like those bananas. If you hold in your feelings, _ . A gradually they'll disappear B they won't exist any more C they will fly all over D your body stays tense Answer: D
My name is Amanda LaMunyon. I have Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism . I don't see myself as a person with a disability. I share who I am when I paint, sing and write. I started writing poetry because I wanted to tell people what it was like to have Asperger's syndrome. I don't know how my life would be different without Asperger's, but I know I look at the world differently than most people. I'm also learning that you don't have to be like everybody else. You just have to be confident in who you are. I discovered I could paint when I was 7. My math teacher Mrs. Brock loved one of my paintings so much that she hung it on the wall in her bedroom. I was so encouraged by her and since then my life has changed greatly. Soon after, people asked me to show my art for charity events. I began to donate prints of my work for charity auctions . I was glad that I really made a difference. I learned that when you give, you receive happiness. I think it is very important for teens to express themselves. It's a way to know yourself more clearly. You can turn your thoughts and feelings into a piece of artwork or a poem. For example, when you paint, colors can help you express different emotions. When you write a poem, you have to get really honest with yourself and not be afraid to write down what you feel. Creativity makes you unique and sets you apart from others. Creative ideas also help you make your dreams come true. They help you look at things in a new way. I hope my story helps people to believe they can overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams. I like to encourage others. I know what encouragement has meant to me. What would be the best title for the text? A. Power of art B. Happiness of giving C. Importance of creativity D. Wonder of encouragement Answer: A Jesse was a great teacher, tutor, mentor, and family member. He was a dedicated volunteer in the Peace Corps in Guinea, West Africa. He went to a place where he knew he could make a difference and wanted to help teach children who otherwise would not have a teacher. He made friends wherever he went and touched the hearts of many. Jesse was never one to go anywhere without making a good impression on everyone he met. His sudden death in a tragic car accident in Africa brought his family and friends together in a celebration of his life. They came from all over: Africa, Canada, the US. The church was filled with people who knew that Jesse had made a difference in their lives, in the lives of the children, and in the hearts of his loved ones. Jesse volunteered with the Peace Corps to help educate children in Guinea, Africa. Guinea is a very poor and complex country where tribalism is strong. Each tribe that Jesse worked with wanted him to commit to one or the other. Jesse would not surrender to tribalism when he took an African name, and he wanted a tribal last name. Each of the two tribes in which he taught insisted that he choose their name. He would not choose but married the tribes' two names into one. Jesse was a light to all who knew him. We will always remember the joy and love he brought to his work, to his family, his friends. The people who loved Jesse are planning to build a school in Guinea in his honor. So his work continues... Jesse died from _ . A. a tribal fight B. a traffic accident C. a sudden disease D. tiredness of overwork Answer: B Before Christmas Mr Smith broke his right leg and had to stay in hospital. When he was there, he always asked his doctor when he could go home. He didn't like to spend Christmas in hospital. Though the doctor did his best, Mr Smith didn't get better. So on Christmas Day he was still in hospital. He spent a bad day in bed thinking that he missed a lot of fun on such a happy day. The next day the doctor told him that he might be well enough to leave hospital in time for the New Year. Mr Smith was very happy to think that he would spend New Year's Day outside hospital. Soon Mr Smith left hospital and on New Year's Eve he went to a party. He enjoyed himself there. But he drank too much. On his way home that night, he had a fall and broke his left leg. What a unlucky man he was! Mr Smith would have to spend New Year's Day _ . A. at home B. at a party C. in hospital D. outside hospital Answer: C The first ting we do is to put an APB and this goes to all the police stations in the country. Next we telephone the hospitals. Often the person we are looking for has been in an accident. Then we might try parents, friends or relatives they might be with. We try to follow their movements and to find the last person they saw in local or national papers--especially papers they might read. There are other things we can do: put posters in places where they might be, go on television. Here in America there is a magazine in which there are photographs of missing children. This is often the last hope. Of course, with nearly two million missing children every year, we can't do all these things for everyone. We haven't got the time, or the money , or the people who work for it. When a person is reported to be missing, they A. might not know the exact reason B. might find out the reason first C. set out to look for him at once D. first turn to the police for help Answer: D With more and more cars on the road, traffic jams are _ Traffic jams can lead to increased accidents as there are more cars, with more people trying to get to their destination, all the while getting worse. Although it's impossible to avoid traffic jams altogether, there are some tips you can follow to reduce the amount of time on the road. Check for traffic jams before you leave. You can listen to the radio for traffic news, or check on the Internet to get up-to-minute information on traffic. If the route you want to take is heavy with traffic, you can choose another. Look for a different route permanently. Most traffic jams occur on busy roads. Using country roads could see you avoiding a lot of traffic. Although the distance you may have to travel is further, it can work out quicker. Set your car radio to receive traffic bulletins. Many new car stereo systems are equipped with a radio system by which you can hear the traffic channel. This way you can get the latest traffic information and change your journey if necessary. _ . Most traffic jams usually occur during rush hour, so try to avoid this time period if possible. Some jobs offer flexible working hours so that you can travel to work outside of rush hour. Some jobs even allow you to work at home so as to avoid commuting altogether. Ask your manager to see what you can do if traffic is a problem for you. Use public transport alternatives where available. The easiest way to avoid traffic jams is to take buses or the underground instead of driving your own car. Not only will you avoid traffic jams but you will most likely be saving money as the cost of motoring rises. To get the latest traffic information, you could do the following EXCEPT _ . A. surfing the Internet B. listening to the radio for traffic news C. listening to the traffic channel D. turning to other drivers for information Answer: D
Question: Lucy Brown teaches English in a junior high school. She loves her students very much, and she works hard. She often tells them some interesting stories in class and her students like her, too. Yesterday, Lucy found some boys always made faces in class. She didn't want them to do that again, so she got all her students together and said, "Boys and girls, when I was young, I liked making faces in class, too. But one day, my grandmother told me not to do that again. She said, 'If you make faces again, you will be ugly when you grow up.' So you shouldn't do that again." Some students thought she was right, but some students didn't. One of the boys put up his hand. "Oh, Tom! What do you want to say?" asked Lucy. The boy stood up and said, "Miss Brown, you must regret listening to your grandmother now." In her class, Lucy often _ her students. A. sings English songs to B. performs magic tricks for C. tells interesting stories to D. plays the piano for Answer: C Question: If English means endless new words, difficult grammar and sometimes strange pronunciation, you are wrong. Haven't you noticed that you have become smarter since you started to learn a language? According to a new study by a British university, learning a second language can lead to an increase in your brain power. Researchers found that learning other languages changes grey matter. This is the area of the brain which processes information. It is similar to the way that exercise builds muscles. The study also found the effect is greater the younger people learn a second language. A team led by Dr Andrea Mechelli, from University College London, took a group of Britons who only spoke English. They were compared with a group of "early _ " who had learnt a second language before the age of five, as well as a number of later learners. Scans showed that grey matter density in the brain was greater in bilinguals than in people without a second language. But the longer a person waited before mastering a new language, the smaller the difference. " _ "said the scientists. It means that the change itself increases the ability to learn. Professor Dylan Vaughan Jones of the University of Wales, has researched the link between bilingualism and math skills. "Having two languages gives you two windows on the world and makes the brain more flexible ," he said. "You are actually going beyond language and have a better understanding of different ideas." The findings were matched in a study of native Italian speakers who had learned English as a second language between the ages of two and 34. Reading, writing, and comprehension were all tested. The results showed that the younger they started to learn, the better. "Studying a language means you get an entrance to another world," explained the scientists. Which part will change more when a person studies a second language? A. grey matter density B. the brain C. mental system D. musles Answer: A Question: Dear Estelle, Saturday, 5th June I hope you' re well and not working too hard! I' ve been revising for my exams now for the last two weeks. That' s why I haven' t written for such a long time. Since the beginning of this year we' ve been doing a project called ' World Class'. Have you heard of it.'? Not everyone in the class could take part, but luckily I could. The school chooses a 'twin school' in a different area of the world. Our head teacher chose a school in Uganda. They gave us someone to write to from that school. For three months, I've written to a girl called Louisa, who is the same age as me. It' s been more interesting to hear about her life. She' s told me all about her school and described her daily life. I can' t believe that her School doesn' t. have any electricity. She goes to 'school from eight o' clock in the morning until six. O'clock. in the evening. I can' t believe how lucky we are here! She' s also told me that she often can' t go to school because she has to look after her baby brother and sister. She's tried to teach me some of her language and it' s really difficult. I love it because it' s the first time I' ve thought about what life must be like somewhere else. I can' t believe people miss classes here when everything is so easy for us. I think more people should help out with projects like this. At the weekend we' re going to have a sports day to help raise money to send to the school. Perhaps one day I'll be able to go to Uganda and meet Louisa myself--who knows? Lots of 1ove, Suzanne By doing the project ' World Class', Susanne learns to A. communicate with others B. write in a foreign language C. treasure what she has D. know the importance of friendship Answer: C Question: Sweetest Day in America is always the third Saturday in October. This holiday is much more important in some regions than in others (Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo being the biggest Sweetest Day cities). It is a holiday that is gaining in popularity every year throughout the country. Sweetest Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in October as a day to make someone happy. It is an occasion which offers all of us an opportunity to remember not only the sick, aged, and orphaned, but also friends, relatives and associates whose helpfulness and kindness we have enjoyed. Over 60 years ago, a man in Cleveland, believing that the city's orphans and shutins too often felt forgotten and neglected, thought of the idea of showing them that they were remembered. He did this through the distribution of small gifts. With the help of his friends and neighbors, he distributed these small remembrances on a Saturday in October. During the years that followed, other Clevelanders began to participate in the celebration ceremony, which came to be called "Sweetest Day". In time, the Sweetest Day idea of spreading cheer to the underprivileged was broadened to include everyone, and became an occasion for remembering others with a kind act or a small remembrance. And soon the idea spread to other cities all over the country. Sweetest Day is not based on any single group's religious affection or on a family relationship. It is a reminder that a thoughtful word or deed enriches life and gives it meaning. Because for many people remembering takes the form of giftgiving, Sweetest Day offers us the opportunity to show others that we care, in a practical way. We can infer from the passage that the birthplace of Sweetest Day is _ . A. Detroit B. Cleveland C. Buffalo D. Washington Answer: B Question: A small boy lived with his mother and grandmother in a big house. His father had died. A bucket of water fell on the small boy's left foot, and it began hurting a hot. His mother said, "I'm going to put something very hot on your foot tonight. That's always very good. Tomorrow your foot won't hurt any longer." In the evening, the small boy's mother came to his bedroom. She had a hot poultice in a bowl. The small boy looked at it and said, "I don't want that. I had one a month ago. Poultices hurt." His mother sat down on his bed and said, "You're going to have this poultice on." She pulled his sheets and blankets away, and put the poultice near his foot, but the boy pulled it away quickly, and poultice fell on the bed. His mother was angry. She went down stairs and came back with his grandmother and a stick. She said to her son, "Your grandmother's going to put the poultice on your foot, and I'm going to hold this stick. Now don't be a stupid boy." She held the stick over the boy, and the grandmother took his foot and put the poultice near it. The boy said. "Stop, you..." but his mother brought the stick nearer, and he did not say anything else. The grandmother brought the poultice near the foot again, and the boy stopped her again, but his mother was angry now and said, "I'm going to hit you." The boy did not finish his words, and his grandmother put the poultice on his foot. He let it there for a few minutes and then took it off again. The boy's mother and grandmother put the sheets and blankets over him again and he said, "My left foot hurts, but you put the poultice on my right foot. I stopped you twice, but you didn't listen to me." The small boy took the poultice off because _ . A. his foot didn't hurt B. he hated his mother and grandmother C. his left foot hurt D. his right foot hurt Answer: C
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to play the character of Ronald McDonald for the McDonald's Corporation. One day each month,we visited hospitals bringing a little happiness to the children there. But there were two rules placed on me during a visit. First, I could not go anywhere in the hospital without permission. And second, I could not physically touch anyone within the hospital. They did not want me to carry germs from one patient to another. Breaking either of these rules, I was told, I could lose my job. One day, as I was heading down a hallway and on my way home, I heard a little voice coming through a halfopened door,"Ronald,Ronald." I stepped in and saw a boy,about five years old, lying in his dad's arms, Mom with a nurse on the other side. I knew by the feeling in the room that the situation was _ . I asked his name. He told me it was Billy and that I did a few simple magic tricks for him. As I stepped back to say goodbye, he asked me "Ronald, would you hold me?" At such a simple request, my heart was screaming, "Yes!"But my mind was screaming louder. "No!You are going to lose your job!" "Hold me" was such a simple request, and yet I searched for any reasonable excuses that allowed me to leave, but none. It took me a moment to realize that in this situation, losing my job may not be the disaster I feared. Then, I picked up this little boy. He was so weak and so scared. We laughed and cried for 45 minutes. With tears in my eyes, I left them. Less than 48 hours later, I received a phone call from Billy's mom that Billy had passed away. She and her husband simply wanted to thank me for making a difference in their little boy's life. Billy's mom told me shortly after I left the room. Billy looked at her and said, "Momma, I don't care any more if I see Santa this year because I was held by Ronald McDonald." For the record, McDonald's Corporation did find it out, but, given the situation,permitted me to go on with my job. I continued as Ronald for another year before leaving the corporation to share the story of Billy and how important it is to take risks. When Billy asked the author to hold him, at first the author _ . Answer: This is Yoga! Experience this for yourself. How do you feel when you leave a yoga class? Do you feel relaxed, full of energy, prepared and ready to face anything and everything? Do you feel better than when you walked in? If you have answered "No"' to these questions then you are NOT doing yoga. After walking out of the class, do you feel that you have been pushed through, that theclass was hard,that you have less energy at the end of the class, that you have not got any energy, or that you are still tight and full of stress? If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, you are NOT doing yoga. Are you forced into positions beyond what you can? Do you know why you are doing the actions in the "yoga" class you attend? Satyananda Yoga Center teaches YOGA. We know and understand yoga and YOU. We teach yoga with this knowledge and understanding. You are not forced into positions not suitable for you, or too early for you. You will leave Satyananda Yoga Center yoga classes feeing relaxed, free from stress, energized, and ready for whatever life brings to you. With regular attendance and practice, the quality of your life improves with betterhealth, and stress-free mind.Your family and friends will notice the difference. You will feel the difference forbetter. This is because you are doing yoga. Yoga for Everyone! Yoga is a science. You are the scientist, and you are the one in the science of yoga. New Saturday morning class from September -- 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Asian American Cultural Center, 11713 Jollyville Road, Austin, Texas. To sign up, call:2669862, or email: keepfitwithyoga@yahoo.com At which time can people learn yoga according to this passage? Answer: People often hear each others' voices without ever seeing the faces they belong to. "Nowadays we are talking away on the phone without meeting people," says Seung-Jae Moon. And from business conference calls to chat lines, people often imagine they would recognize the speaker if they saw him or her. Seung-Jae Moon, a linguist of Korea found that, under certain conditions, they're actually right. Moon decided to see just how close those mental pictures match up with reality and if there was any relation to how people speak rather than what they are saying. He recorded 16 Koreans, half men and half women, reading the same passage, and took a full-body photo and head shot of each speaker. Then he played the tapes for 361 Koreans and 173 Americans who did not speak Korean and asked his subjects to match up voice and picture. The Korean participants viewing full-body photos were quite perceptive. A majority linked 6 of the 8 women to the correct voice and did so for 5 of the 8 men. With the Korean group shown only faces, accuracy plummeted, but more than 20 percent of the subjects selected the same incorrect picture. The Americans showed no accuracy in matching the foreign voices to photos, but they too were consistent in their errors. That disconnection reveals conflicting ideas of physical and vocal beauty. Moon asked people to pick a favorite face and voice. Seventy percent of the Koreans picked one voice, but there was no agreement on a face. Americans didn' t agree on either count. And over 65 percent of both Koreans and Americans did not match their favorite face with their favorite voice. Moon hopes to use software to break voices into components like pitch and hoarseness to narrow down which elements trigger certain mental pictures. "If we can map which characteristics of the voice triggers what kind of linage, and it doesn't matter whether that image is the right or wrong one of the actual speaker, then we can create an image through voice,' he says. That capacity could help to create computer-synthesized voices tailored to conjure up specific associations -- audio books for children that inspire motherly visages, or warning alerts that bring to mind a stern police officer. He asked _ Korean women to speak and recorded their voices. Answer: Are you an early riser or a night owl? Researchers from Aachen University in Germany believe that about 10 percent of people can be classified as "morning people", who feel more active and function best in the morning.Around 20 percent are night owls--people who naturally tend to stay up late and are more tired during the day.And the rest of us fall somewhere in between, according to New Scientist. Previous studies have suggested that early risers are more likely to be happy and healthy while night owls experience worse sleep as well as more depression and anxiety during the day. For a long time, scientists have been trying to find out what causes the differences between the two.A new study suggests that it isn't just people's habits--early risers and night owls actually have different brain structures. Led by Jessica Rosenberg at Aachen University, researchers scanned the brains of 16 early risers, 23 night owls and 20 people with intermediate sleeping hours.They found that the brains of night owls had less "white matter"--which speeds up the transmission of nerve signals -- in brain areas associated with depression. As you know, after people fly in an airplane from one time zone to another, they often suffer from a confused and tired feeling called "jet lag" because their body clocks are out of sync with the new time zone.It usually takes about a week for their bodies to adjust to the new time.But night owls always have difficulty syncing their bodies to the right time due to their brain structure."It's like they suffer from permanent jet lag," said Rosenberg. The good news is that it is possible for night owls to turn themselves into morning people.According to the researchers, night owls should try to spend as much time in the sunlight as possible and reduce their exposure to artificial light at night to force their body clocks to shift to a more normal rhythm. What does the article mainly discuss? Answer: From the outer of New York to the heart of Singapore, nature is everywhere you're not looking in some of Earth's most crowded big cities. Outdoor adventure is often just a few stops on the train - or a short drive- away from the annoying crowds. Here are a few favorites to get you going: Mount Hollywood Trail, Los Angeles It's not a skyscraper or a Ferris wheel, and there's no expensive restaurant up top. But if you want an absolutely unforgettable, no-admission-charged, 360-degree view of the entire Los Angeles region , it's yours. All you have to do is walk a little. One of the preferred exercise routes, the Mount Hollywood Trail, is easily accessed from the parking lot of the famous Griffith Observatory; you see what you get at the end of this steep 1.5-mile trail, which winds its way through the Griffith Park wilds up to the mountain's 1,640-foot peak. Bronx River, New York It may not be on your Top 10 list of things to do when you finally get to the Big Apple, but exploring the almost-secret river that flows through one of New York's most mysterious boroughs is an unforgettable experience. The Bronx River Alliance, a non-profit group that has worked tirelessly to bring the much-abused river back to life , operates cycling and canoeing trips along the river, from the rugged Hunts Point section down near the harbor on up through the borough. Southern Islands, Singapore Believe it or not, tightly packed Singapore does have plenty of open space left . There are actual trails right in the middle of everything, if you know where to look . But to really get away from it all, the Southern Islands, a small group of little green dots just off the city-state's southern shoreline, are just the thing. Lee Valley, London This East London river valley changed last summer, when anyone near a television got an eyeful of Olympic Park, built directly in the middle of the valley. Inside the park, beautifully landscaped sections quickly became a favorite relaxation spot for games goers. At present, you'll find miles of walking paths worth exploring. Start at the Waltham Cross train and follow the signposted walking route southbound, guiding you past important historic industrial areas, through interesting city neighborhoods, past the western side of Olympic Park and on to the Thames. If someone wants to enjoy an unforgettable experience for free , he can go to _ . Answer:
One day, Daisy dreamed a strange dream. She flew in a wonderful carpet to talk with an antelope in Tibet. The antelope told her they were hunted because of their fur which can be used to make sweaters like hers. Later, she flew to Zimbabwe where she talked with an elephant and got to know the farmers there no longer hunted them. That's because the government decided to help and the farmers finally made a lot of money. At last, she arrived at the thick rainforest where a monkey told her "no rain forest, no animals and no drugs." Although finally everything was gone, she hadlearned so much. Why the farmers in Zimbabwe no longer hunted elephants? A. Because farmers knew the importance of wildlife protection. B. Because elephants were endangered animals. C. Because the government helped farmers to make money. D. Because elephants and farmers lived in peace. Answer: C. Because the government helped farmers to make money. Sunny English Club For students 16:00 - 18:00 Every Saturday 200 Yuan a month 9 Zhou Yu Street Tel: 3785290 Foreign teachers, English songs and films and more! Ocean Museum 9:00--17:00 From Thursday to Sunday Ticket: 50 yuan 132 Xue Yuan Street Tel: 5439871 Show you a full picture of sea lives! Health Centre 9:00--17:30 16 Yong Le Street Tel: 3801451 Free examinations for those over 70 Give you good advice to keep healthy! , If you are interested in the life of fish, you should go to _ . A. Health Centre B. Ocean Museum C. Sunny English Club D. 16 Yong Le Street Answer: B. Ocean Museum Career success could be predicted as early as kindergarten, according to a 20-year study recently published in the American Journal of Public Health. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University and Duke University tracked more than 700 children from across the US between kindergarten and age 25 and found a significant correlation between their social skills as kindergartners and their success as adults two decades later. In 1991, teachers assessed how the kindergartners interacted with each other socially using a range of criteria like whether they cooperate with their peers without prompting , if they're helpful to others, whether they're good at understanding feelings, and if they can solve problems on their own. Researchers then kept track of whether the students went on to graduate high school on time, get a college degree, and find and keep a full-time job by 25. They also monitored the participants' involvement with crime, drug abuse, public assistance, and mental health issues. The results showed that socially competent children were far more likely to earn a college degree and have a full-time job by 25 than those with limited social skills. Those with limited social skills also had a higher chance of getting arrested, binge drinking, and applying for public housing. "This study shows that helping children develop social and emotional skills is one of the most important things we can do to prepare them for a healthy future," said Kristin Schubert, program director at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which funded the research, in a release. "From an early age, these skills can determine whether a child goes to college or prison, and whether they end up employed or addicted." The good news, according to Damon Jones, lead author of the study, is that intervention at a young age can help improve social and emotional skills. "This research by itself doesn't prove that higher social competence can lead to better outcomes later on," he said. "But when combined with other research, it is clear that helping children develop these skills increases their chances of success in school, work, and life." What should parents do to help their children to succeed according to Kristin Schubert? A. Teach them how to cooperate with others. B. Teach them some basic living skills. C. Tell them to keep off alcohol D. Coach them in their lessons. Answer: A. Teach them how to cooperate with others. Organisms that reproduce asexually generally have offspring that are A. unicellular. B. multicellular. C. genetically varied. D. genetically identical. Answer: D. genetically identical. Welcome to CanIHelpYou.We offer different kinds of services to people in our community. If you need any of the following services, please email us to zyyingyu@jks.net or telephone us. Education Information on primary and middle schools. Tel: 24325678 Housing Information on buying or renting houses. Tel: 24325679 Outofschool Activities Information on activities and services for children aged between 5 and 18. Tel: 24325348 Holiday Activities Different activities for families in different seasons. Tel: 24325172 Health Information on local health services, like hospitals and first aid. Tel: 24325533 Insurance Information on car insurance, life insurance, etc. Tel: 24325666 Markets Information on local supermarkets, farmers' markets and farms. Tel: 24325338 Entertainment Information on local places for fun, like cinemas and parks. Tel: 24325564 Before and After School Childcare Information on school age childcare programs. Tel: 24325555 . If you need their services, you can _ . A. send them a letter B. go to their offices C. email them D. leave them a message Answer: C. email them
Question: When Javier exercises, his muscle cells need more oxygen. Which would help Javier's muscle cells receive more oxygen? A. decreasing his respiration rate B. increasing his perspiration rate C. increasing the rate his heart beats D. decreasing the rate his blood flow Answer: C Question: CARDIFF, Wales Poets, singers and musicians from across the globe gathered in Wales to celebrate the tradition of storytelling. "It might seem strange that people still want to listen in age of watching television, but this is an unusual art form whose time has come again," said David Ambrose, director of Beyond the Border, an international storytelling festival in Wales. "Some of the tales, like those the Inuit from Canada, are thousands years old. So our storytellers have come from distant lands to connect us with the distance of time," he said early this month. Two Inuit women, both in their mid 60s, are among the few remaining who can do Kntadjait, or throat singing, which has few words and much sound. Their art is governed by the cold of their surroundings, forcing them to say little but listen attentively. Ambrose started the festival in 1993, after several years of working with those reviving (coming back into use or existence) storytelling in Wales. "It came out of a group of people who wanted to reconnect with traditions. and as all the Welsh are storytellers, it was _ here." Ambrose said. According to the writer, which of the following is NOT true? A. Storytelling once stopped in Wales. B. Storytelling has a long history in Wales. C. Storytelling is always well received in Wales. D. Storytelling did not come back until 1993 in Wales. Answer: D Question: It's a Friday night. Your girl friends are out at a bar and your boyfriend is playing soccer with his mates. Two text messages later, you're eating pizza and watching action movies with three guy friends. Perfect. "Guy friends" have the potential to enrich your life in ways that female friends and boyfriends just can't. For starters, they provide an insider's perspective on how men think, feel and behave. When dealing with male relatives, coworkers and even boyfriends, another man's point of view can be incredibly useful. Three hours spent analyzing a situation in a cafe with your girlfriends can't compete with a quick chat to a guy friend. Many women find that time spent with male friends can be a liberating and somewhat refreshing break from spending time with the girls. Without the judgmental gaze of other females, there is less pressure to dress up and compete for attention. Traditionally, girl-guy friendships are seen as hard to maintain. Most relationships between males and females that we come across in our day-to-day lives, whether in movies or books, are romantic by nature. These cultural images make girl-guy friendships seem impossible. Yet in reality, as gender roles loosen and equality becomes a norm in the workplace, it has become much more common for platonic friendships to blossom. "The belief that men and women can't be friends comes from another era in which women were at home and men were in the workplace, and the only way they could get together was for romance," explains psychologist Linda Sapadin to Psychology Today magazine. "Now they work together and share sports interests and socialize together." "My boyfriend has met all of my guy friends so he's quite accepting of me hanging out with them," says Nellie. "Because we've been dating so long, there's a level of trust where he knows I will make the right decision when choosing who to be friends with. "He understands that the kind of time that I spend differs between guys and girls. When I'm out with the girls, we're gossiping or talking about clothes but when I'm spending time with the guys, it's different. I think their carefree and 'whatever goes' attitude can sometimes be exactly what I need." In writer's opinion, girl-guy friendships _ A. are hard to maintain in modern society. B. are impossible for most boys and girls. C. are quite reasonable and thought highly of by most people. D. are quite interesting and accepted by more and more and moregirls. Answer: D Question: Different people have different colors of skin. Some have black skin, some have yellow skin and some have white skin. There is a woman in Alaska. Her skin is orange. It is almost the color of orange juice. How did her skin become orange? She ate lots of tomatoes, carrots and squash . She ate too many orange things. That's why her skin turned orange. The woman doesn't want her skin to be orange, so she goes to see the doctor. The doctor says, " Stop eating orange things, Eat some green things." The woman did so, and her skin isn't orange any more. The doctor tells her _ . A. to eat more orange things B. to drink orange juice C. not to eat any green vegetables D. to eat some green food Answer: D Question: For most of us, the purpose of the holidays is to bring peace, love, and goodwill towards all. Yet, for many, the holiday season often means stress, fatigue, pressure, disappointment and loneliness. These feelings, often known as the "holiday blues", may be even more prevalent, due to the emotional turmoil of the past few months, not to mention the unsteady economy. Experts say even the more ritual tasks of shopping, decorating, late-night parties, cooking, planning and family reunions can be holiday stressors. In addition, the psychological phenomenon known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, may bring a specific type of depression related to winter's shorter days and longer nights. "Certainly just because it's the holidays doesn't mean people are going to be happy," says Dr. Doug Jacobs of prefix = st1 /HarvardUniversity. "And this will be a particularly hard holiday for some who are dealing with a lost job, debt, or even a lost loved one." And with family reunions becoming less frequent events over the years, there is now the added pressure of getting just one chance to get it all right. "Families are much more different now. The disappointment and sense of alienation that often results from family gatherings, is actually a realization that the fantasy is not met." says John Stutesman, a clinical psychologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Still, say experts, the blues should be addressed. The most essential step, says Stutesman, is for the individual to acknowledge their feelings and the reason for their withdrawal. "Denial will only compound the stress they're feeling." Stutesman recommends people do things that are normally comforting in order to get a handle on the holiday stress. "If they're feeling a little blue, they should try to do things personally satisfying for them. Maybe this is exercise, cooking, reading a book, or massage." Stutesman also advises that sometimes "avoidance is actually not such a bad idea." In some situations, fulfilling social obligations may be self-destructive when the best thing may be to just stay home. The healthy choice has to do with taking care of oneself." If you are feeling blue, what can you do to relieve the stress according to the passage? A. Deny that you are in low spirits. B. Acknowledge the feeling and let it be. C. Stay at home and do nothing. D. Do exercise, cooking, reading or massage. Answer: D
If your boss asks you to work in Moscow this year, he'd better offer you more money to do so -- or even double that depending on where you live now.That's because Moscow has just been found to be the world's most expensive city for the second year in a row by Mercer Human Resources Consulting. Using the cost of living in New York as a base, Mercer determined Moscow is 34.4 percent more expensive including the cost of housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. A two-bedroom flat in Moscow now costs $4,000 a month; a CD $24.83, and an international newspaper $6.30, according to Mercer.By comparison, a fast food meal with a hamburger is _ at $4.80. London takes the No.2 place, up from No.5 a year ago, thanks to higher cost of housing and a stronger British pound relative to the dollar.Mercer estimates London is 26 percent more expensive than New York these days.Following London closely are Seoul and Tokyo, both of which are 22 percent more expensive than New York, while No.5 Hong Kong is 19 percent more costly. Among North American cities, New York and Los Angeles are the most expensive and are the only two listed in the top 50 of the world's most expensive cities.But both have fallen since last year's study -- New York came in 15th, down from 10th place, while Los Angeles fell to 42nd from 29th place a year ago.San Francisco came in a distant third at No.54, down 20 places from a year earlier. Toronto, meanwhile, is Canada's most expensive city but fell 35 places to take 82nd place worldwide.In Australia, Sydney is the priciest place to live in and No.21 worldwide. Which city is the third most expensive on the list? Answer: A judge was working in his room one day when a neighbour ran in and said, "If one man's cow kills another's, is the owner of the first cow responsible?" "It depends," answered the judge. "Well," said the man, your cow has killed mine. "Oh," answered the judge. "Everyone knows that a cow cannot think like a man, so a cow is not responsible, and that means that its owner is not responsible either." "I am sorry, Judge," said the man. "I made a mistake. I meant that my cow killed yours." The judge thought for a few seconds and then said," When I think about it more carefully, this case is not as easy as I thought at first. "And then he turned to his clerk and said, "Please bring me that big black book from the shelf behind you." The neighbour asked the judge _ . Answer: In the United States ,the biggest change in spending has been in the amount spent on food ,which has decreased from 46% of the total family budget in 1901 to 19% of present day totals .This is due to the fact that people are now able to buy more and better foods at lower prices. As a result of the growth in fast-food restaurants (for example, McDonad's or KFC), more people are also eating out. Thus about 30% of today's food budget goes on meals eaten outside the home while a hundred years ago it was only 3%. At the beginning of the 20th century, few people owned their homes (only around 19% of working families )and cars (at $ 1,000 per car this was well above the average family income of $ 650 per year) , as most people were unable to borrow money. But there was a rapid rise in both home and car ownership during the mid-1900s. Free time increased considerably following the shortening of the working week, i. e. from six days to five ,and from ten hours to eight hours a day. In fact, the working day couldn't be too long, otherwise people wouldn't have the time to spend their money. The amount of a family's budget spent on outside entertainment ,such as parties, films and concerts has increased from just under 6% in Ford's day to about 9% today. On the other hand, we spend only a quarter of what our great-grandparents paid for reading materials. It is difficult to see how our spending patterns may change in the future. We already know that our population is aging and this will have an effect on the amount of money we spend on medical care. What is the immediate cause for people to have more time to enjoy life? Answer: Why do areas in the middle of a large continent generally have more extreme differences in temperature than areas near the coastline? Answer: Speakers of different languages not only describe the world differently but think about it differently too, according to a new study. Researchers used a cartoon cat Sylvester to study how language was reflected in the gestures people made. Dr. Sotaro Kita of the University of Bristol's Department of Experimental Psychology , showed the cartoon to a group of native English, Japanese and Turkish speakers and then watched their gestures as they described the actions they had seen. He found speakers of the three different languages used different gestures to describe the same event, which appeared to reflect the way the structure of their languages expressed that event. For example, when describing a scene where the cat swings on a rope, the English speakers used gestures showing an arc trajectory and the Japanese and Turkish speakers tended to use straight gestures showing the motion but not the arc. Dr. Kita suggests this is because Japanese and Turkish have no proper verb to express the English meaning "to swing". While English speakers use the arc gesture as their language can readily express the change of location and the arc-shaped trajectory, Japanese and Turkish speakers cannot as easily express the idea of movement with an arc trajectory so they use the straight gesture. Dr. Kita said, "My research suggests that speakers of different languages cause different spatial images of the same event in a way that matches the expressive possibilities of their own languages. In other words, language influences spatial thinking at the moment of speaking." 68. Researchers watched the gestures the people made because they wanted to know _ . Answer:
Recently in the hope of earning both money and social experience, I became a door-trw door salesman. I once read a saying. "If somebody wants something of yours, you will be treated as warmly as spring, but if they don't you may be treated as coldly as winter." You may consider this an exaggeration , but if you are a salesman, it is clearly correct. You would never have found it to be so true if you hadn't been a salesman. You needn't stand doubtful looks and unfriendly comments; you needn't listen to something completely wrong and nod to say that it was quite right, you needn't worry about being refused time after time; you needn't always keep patience and a smile; you needn't repeat the same sentences over and over again; you needn't talk to somebody you dislike .... I did this work for a month, then I decided to give it up; Apart from the reasons above, I found I was paying too much attention to the job and thus sacrificing my study time. The latest test result proved that my grades were getting worse. Even worse, I hadn't enough time to join my classmates in college activities. Some times 1 felt lonely and unhappy because of both my study and my part-time job. Now I don't think it is worth doing such a thing for even though I was earning money it came at great cost. Newspapers and magazines often publish stories about excellent students who do part-time work while also keeping high scores in class. But according to my experience, park-time work can have some strong negative influences on study. Most students don't view the relationship between study and work correctly. In my opinion, if it isn't a must for financial reasons, students should be careful about taking up a part-time job. What would be the best title for the text _ . A. Part-time Jobs Are Useful B. Part-time Jobs Can Cost Dear C. Students Shouldn't Take Part-time Jobs D. Part-time Jobs Are Important to Many Students Answer: B FU Yuan has been left at home with his grandparents since he was one month old. His mom and dad left to work in Fujian Province. For the past eight years, Fu has only seen his parents three times although they send home 500 yuan every two or three months. Fu Xiaoyu, 16, has had to live alone since her grandmother passed away three years ago. Her parents do not want to renounce their jobs at a clothing factory in Guangdong Province. Nor can they afford the cost of sending her to a school in the city where they work. These are just two of the 29 kids that 16-year-olds Huang Ruoqing and Zhang Linna at Beijing No 4 High School talked with this summer in Guixiang Village in Sichuan Province. What Huang and Zhang learned from their three-day visit shocked them. They wrote down all the kids' stories in a moving 40-page essay filled with statistical charts. In the poor village with a population of 2,118 people, 582 adults have left to find work, leaving 156 children without parents. Among these so-called left-behind kids, 88 percent of them live with their grandparents, five percent live with uncles or aunts and seven percent have to live on their own. To Huang and Zhang's surprise, 80 percent of the children said they love going to school. Even though, some children have to walk along the hilly roads for two hours to get there. However, for this village's students studying is not their first task. Housework, such as helping feed pigs or buffalos and taking care of old grandparents, younger sisters or brothers, takes up a considerable amount of their time. Despite having to work hard at home, over 65 percent of the young interviewees would prefer their parents' stay away working rather than returning to live with them. "These kids are understanding and considerate and know how important money is for their families. Their little wishes like having dinner with their parents inspire us never to take what we have had for granted," Zhang said. Which of the following is the best title of the passage? A. Kids Are Left Alone B. The True Story of Home Alone C. Kids Miss Parents D. Parents and Kids Answer: B Twenty courses provided by 18 top Chinese universities went online on Wednesday, China's latest attempt to disseminate teaching resources within the nation and promote Chinese culture globally. These courses cover 20 subjects or lectures given by speakers and professors from several universities, including Zhejiang University, Nankai University and Wuhan University.Most of the courses will focus on traditional Chinese culture, according to the Ministry of Education. They are available through the websites of NetEase and China Network Television, as well as icourse.edu.cn, for free. Some of the courses will be translated into English and promoted across the rest of the world, according to NetEase Company, an international body promoting open content among the world's universities. The company has set up a translation team and "will kick off the translation work when we finish the negotiation on intellectual rights with universities", said Zhu Xirui, a senior manager for NetEase Company. "We want to promote Chinese culture to overseas netizens through the program," he said. Ding Xiuhong, another manager of NetEase Company, said they had invested more than 15 million yuan($2.37 million)in the program. "Although we haven't made a profit from 'the program, it will at least help increase our website's page views," Ding said. "I'd like to watch the Chinese elite classes, such as Chinese literature and poetry, as well as economy," said Jeremy Scaramuzzi, a teacher at Tsinghua International School. He said he was also interested in Chinese classes on political science since that is the subject he majored in in the United States. Which of the following statements is true? A. The courses mainly focus on university education. B. Viewers will have to pay for watching the courses. C. The program is intended to promote Chinese culture. D. The program is of little value to Chinese students. Answer: C While residents of wealthy nations tend to have greater life satisfaction, new research shows that those living in poorer nations report having greater meaning in life. These findings, published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological science, suggest that meaning in life may be higher in poorer nations as a result of greater religiosity . As countries become richer, religion becomes less central to people's lives and they lose a sense of meaning in life. "Thus far, the wealth of nations has been almost always associated with longevity, health, happiness or life satisfaction," explains psychological scientist Shigehiro Oishi of the University of Virginia. "Given that meaning in life is an important aspect of overall well-being, we wanted to look more carefully at differential patterns, correlates , and predictors for meaning in life." Oishi and colleague Ed Diener of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign investigated life satisfaction, meaning, and well-being by examining data from the 2007 Gallup World Poll, a large-scale survey of over 140,000 participants from 132 countries. In addition to answering a basic life satisfaction question, participants were asked: "Do you feel your life has an important purpose or meaning?" and "Is religion an important part of your daily life?" The data revealed some unexpected trends: "Among Americans, those who are high in life satisfaction are also high in meaning in life," says Oishi. "But when we looked at the societal level of analysis, we found a completely different pattern of the association between meaning in life and life satisfaction." When looking across many countries, Oishi and Diener found that people in wealthier nations were more educated, had fewer children, and expressed more individualistic attitudes compared to those in poorer countries - all factors that were associated with higher life satisfaction but a significantly lower sense of meaning in life." The data suggest that religiosity may play an important role: Residents of wealthier nations, where religiosity is lower, reported less meaning in life and had higher suicide rates than poorer countries. According to the researchers, religion may provide meaning to life to the extent that it helps people to overcome personal difficulty and cope with the struggles of working to survive in poor economic conditions: "Religion gives a system that connects daily experiences with the coherent whole and a general structure to one's life ... and plays a critical role in constructing meaning out of extreme hardship," the researchers write. Oishi and Diener hope to reproduce these findings using more comprehensive measures of meaning and religiosity, and are interested in following countries over time to track whether economic prosperity gives rise to less religiosity and less meaning in life. Which of the following questions couldn't the participants have answered? A. Does your life have a purpose or meaning? B. Do you have relatives living abroad? C. Are you satisfied with your everyday life? D. Is religion involved in your daily life? Answer: B Can you understand the beginning of this article? "My smmr hols wr CWOT. B4, we usd 2go2 NY 2C my bro, his GF & 3 kds FTF." The Scottish teacher who received it in class had no idea what the girl who wrote it meant. The essay was written in a form of English used in cell phone text messages. Text messages (also called SMS2) through cell phones became very popular in the late 1990s. At first, mobile phone companies thought that text messaging would be a good way to send messages to customers, but customers quickly began to use the text messaging service to send messages to each other. Teenagers in particular enjoyed using text messaging, and they began to create a new language for messages called texting. A text message is limited to 160 characters, including letters, spaces, and numbers, so messages must be kept short. In addition, typing on the small keypad of a cell phone is difficult, so it's common to make words shorter. In texting, a single letter or number can represent a word, like "r" for "are," "u" for "you," and "2" for "to." Several letters can also represent a phrase, like "lol" for "laughing out loud." Another characteristic of texting is the leaving out of letters in a word, like spelling "please" as "pls." Some parents and teachers worry that texting will make children bad spellers and bad writers. The student who wrote the essay at the top of this page said writing that way was more comfortable for her. (The essay said, "My summer holidays were a complete waste of time. Before, we used to go to New York to see my brother, his girlfriend, and their three kids face to face.") Not everyone agrees that texting is a bad thing. Some experts say languages always evolve, and this is just another way for English to change. Other people believe texting will disappear soon. New technology for voice messages may soon make text messages a thing of the past. Which way of texting is NOT described in the passage? A. Using phrases to represent essays B. Using numbers to represent words C. Using letters to represent phrases D. Using letters to represent words Answer: A
Question: Mr. And Mrs. Bell are very forgetful . For example , Mr. Bell sometimes goes to his office for work on Sunday morning, for he thinks it is Monday. And Mrs. Bell sometimes forget to cook supper for the family. One summer they planned to fly to New York for their holidays. They got to the airport only ten minutes before the plane took off. So time was short. But suddenly Mrs. Bell said she must tell Alice, their daughter, not to forget to lock the front door when she went to school. As Alice was then at school, they couldn't tell her about it by telephone. So they hurried to the post office. Mrs. Bell wrote a short note to Alice while Mr. Bell bought a stamp and an envelope . Soon the note was ready. They put the stamp on the envelope in a hurry and dropped it in the letter box, but suddenly Mrs. Bell began to cry. The short note was still in her hand. She had put the plane ticket in the envelope. In a hurry Mrs. Bell _ A. forgot to put the stamp on the envelope B. dropped the stamp in the letter box C. dropped the note in the letter box D. .put the plane tickets in the envelope Answer: D. .put the plane tickets in the envelope Question: During your stay outside Hong Kong, you may have been exposed to certain infectious diseases without your knowledge. In case you develop any symptom such as fever, chills, skin rash, diarrhea or vomiting within 14 days of your arrival in Hong Kong, you should consult a doctor or attend an accident & emergency department or general outpatient clinic. Please bring along this card. CHIEF PORT HEALTH OFFICE The Port Health Office Their staff is glad to answer your questions about travel health. Please inquire at: --Hong Kong Island 18 F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Rd. East, Wanchai. Tel: 2961 8840 -- Kowloon Room 905, Government Offices, Canton Road Tel: 2368 3361 Where can a foreigner read this kind of notice? A. At the Customs. B. At hospital. C. On 18 F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Rd. East, Wanchai D. In Room 905, Government Offices, Canton Road, Kowloon. Answer: A. At the Customs. Question: There are a lot of public libraries in Britain. These libraries have more than one hundred and fifteen million books, not including those libraries of public schools. Public libraries not only lend books, music records but also help children, patients in hospitals and others to get special play readings, film shows and so on. The first public libraries were founded in about the year 1850. Today's public libraries usually have a reading-room, a lending room and a reference room. The greatest and most famous library in Britain is that of the British Library in London. It was founded in 1973 and has over 10, 000, 000 books. It has nearly every magazine, newspaper and book published in Britain and other parts across the world. The "reference room" means a place for people to _ . A. borrow books B. look up something C. read magazines D. lend records Answer: C. read magazines Question: Since we started offering China private tour packages on North-America market in 2006, CTSI has enjoyed great reputation. Whether you design your tour route or choose one of our pre-designed packages, we will be able to provide a private tour for you.You will be served by professional bilingual personal guide, experienced bus driver and private air-conditioned van. Features Group organizer travels free, and even the Chinese visa is free. If you organize a group of 15 people or more with the same route, we will offer you, the organizer, a free trip, regardless of whether you design your own route or choose one of our tour packages.This is our way of showing gratitude to you as a tour organizer.We even give you a free Chinese Visa.Is that amazing? As an organizer, your main job is to find tour members.Once the tour route and travel arrangements are confirmed, your task as an organizer is completed and you get ready to enjoy the free trip. Pick your favorite Airlines Airfares are a big determining factor of the tour price.CTSI, with strong ties with almost all the airlines that fly between North America and Asia, offers the best price on flight tickets to China and meets various needs of customers. If you are seeking low-priced tickets to China, you can choose a flight with a layover ,such as Korean Air, Air Canada, and Cathay Pacific. Chinese Airlines usually offer huge discount on China domestic flights if you purchase both the international and China domestic parts together.[:,,Z,X,X,K] If you wish to save on flying time, we would recommend direct flight provided by America Airlines and United Airlines. Flexibility Sightseeing Spots: you can change or cancel, even add some sightseeing spots when you are on the tour. Timing: you set up the departure and return time of the day, as well as the sightseeing time in specific sightseeing spots. Trip cancellation: some member may cancel the trip in last minute, and huge fines may occur.Do not worry, if you can find someone to replace you, we save you more than 80% of the fines. Which of the following can't you be served during your trip, if you choose a tour of CTSI's tour package? A. Free visa. B. Comfortable van. C. Bilingual personal guide. D. Flexible time and sightseeing spots. Answer: A. Free visa. Question: Visitors can find a small, old house called the O. Henry Museum in central Austin, Texas. William Sydney Porter(1862-1910)----better known as O. Henry, was one of America's best loved writers of short stories. Beginning in 1893, he lived here. It was saved from destruction, moved, and turned into a museum in 1934. The museum is a good way to learn about the interesting life of him. William Porter rented this house and lived with his wife and daughter for about two years. Many objects in the museum belonged to the Porters. Others did not, but are in the house to recreate the way it looked during their lifetime. Porter worked at a pharmacy, farm, land office and bank. He also loved words and writing. The museum has special proof of Porter's love of language---his dictionary. It's said that he read every word in it. Porter started a small publication called "The Rolling Stone". He wasn't being published early on, so he published himself. His funny stories, poems, and drawings were published in the magazine. But it was too costly to continue for long, so he closed the project after about one year. Other troubles would lead the Porters to leave Austin. Porter was accused of financial wrongdoing at the bank and lost his job. Fearing a trial, he fled the country. But he returned because his wife was dying. After her death, he faced trial and was found guilty. He served three and a half years in a federal prison in Ohio. Porter would keep his time in prison a secret. But there was one good thing about it. It provided him with time to write. By the time of his release, he had published 14 stories and was becoming well-known as O. Henry. Porter would later move to New York City and find great success there. He published over 380 stories in the last eight years of his life. What does the author want to tell us in the passage? A. O. Henry's experience in prison. B. The objects in the O. Henry's Museum C. O. Henry's achievement in literature. D. A brief account of O. Henry's life Answer: D. A brief account of O. Henry's life
Rider, a bus passenger, sued Transit Company for injuries to his back from an accident caused by Transit's negligence. Transit denies that Rider received any injury in the accident."Transit Company calls Observer to testify that right after the accident, Rider told him that he had recently suffered a recurrence of an old back injury. The judge should rule Observer's testimony A admissible, as an admission of a party opponent. B admissible, as a spontaneous declaration. C inadmissible, because it is irrelevant. D inadmissible, because it is hearsay, not within any exception Answer: A The computer is important and can help us do a lot of things. Lots of children spend too much time on the computer. It's bad for their study. Here is some advice for the parents. Move the computer out of the child's bedroom. It is good for children to reduce the time to use the computer. _ for the computer. If your child wants to use it, he/she should get your permission . If your child uses the Internet for studying. He / She doesn't use it to play games, praise him/her for that. When your child wants to use the computer to play games, you can take her/him to the library, get her/him together with friends to play sport. The first advice is " _ ". A Set a password for the computer B Set a time-limit for playing on the computer C Spend much time playing sport with the child D Move the computer out of the child's bedroom Answer: D Guitar Player Wanted Are you a lover of music? Can you play the guitar? Can you sing or dance? Welcome to our Sunshine Rock Band. Please call Mike at 5487-6598 or send an email tosunshine@yahoo.com. Hot Club Do you like to play table tennis? Do you want to play it well? Mr. Zhang is a good teacher. You cancome here every Saturday afternoon from 2:30 to 5:30. Telephone: 8665-7868 Address: Room105, Lantian Hotel. Swimmer Wanted Can you swim? Do you like children? Can you teach them to swim on Sundays? Come and join us. Call Joe at 8472-9999 for more information. Summer Job Do you like to talk with people? Do you like to write stories? Would you like to work for a magazine? Then come and work as a reporter. Please call Karen at 5561-8823. ,. If you want to join the Sunshine Rock Band, you should play the _ well. A piano B guitar C drum D violin Answer: B Last week at a friend's birthday party, there was a mooncake eating contest and I persuaded my good friend Jonathan to take part in it. Even though he had just finished a big dinner, he managed to win the contest. Not only did he win a bottle of nice whiskey, but also a big box of expensive Hong Kong mooncakes. A few days later, I was hosting an opening party for my new office. Jonathan showed up with the lovely box of Hong Kong mooncakes he had won the other night. I thought it was a lovely joke, and the mooncakes were delicious. Still, it got me thinking about the concept of regifting in prefix = st1 /China. In the States, we have a tradition around Christmas similar to giving mooncakes, only we call them fruitcakes. Fruitcakes are made from terrible preserved fruit and nobody likes to eat them. You often find your friends giving the fruitcake you gave them to someone else, and so on. But fruitcakes aside, it isn't very often to catch someone regifting something in America, as it's seen to be very cheap and embarrassing . An obvious way to tell if something has been regifted is to check the wrapping . However, many of my friends in Chinawill proudly regift an old gift, especially if it is still wrapped in a pretty box. I find it somewhat uncomfortable to receive a gift that I know wasn't bought for me. But I also understand that the gift is perfectly good, it just lacks the special meaning of being picked out by a friend. There are many occasions in Chinese culture when gifts are necessary. There are traditional items such as tea, cigarettes and liquor which seem fine to regift. These gifts are not personal and have no special meaning. But is it really proper to give someone something that was never bought for them in the first place? Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage? A Americans often regift things on holidays. B Regifting can hardly be seen in China. C It is comfortable to be seen to regift in America. D It is acceptable to regift some traditional items in China. Answer: D Good relationships are definitely good sources of happiness in life. We all want happy relationships but if we do not keep that relationship alive, it can also be one of the most distraught things in life. There may be no hard and fast rules in making good relationships, as each of us has different preferences and points of view as to what is a great relationship. The following are some major key points in making relationships work. It is often said that building good relationships is all about communication. Good communication indeed governs a good relationship -- knowing the right thing to say, when to say it, how to say it, and accepting that some things are better left unsaid. I personally think communication must be broadened because relationships involve more decisions to make. From study to work, from money to entertainment and even in things about yourself or about your friend that you do not know, communication is essential in these aspects of the relationships. Of course, being with someone is not saying that you totally agree with him all the time. You and your friend come from different family backgrounds, raised in different environments so there may be disagreements here and there. However, it is important in making relationships work to express disagreements without pushing the relationship to end. Again, good communication and learning to compromise at times are necessary. As the relationship lasts longer, you may also discover things about you and your friend that you may not have known before. Therefore, supporting each other on both your "hidden selves" can also make a good relationship. Love is an important aspect of building relationships and for me, I always believe that love needs open communication, respect, support and understanding each other in making relationships work. What would be the best title for the text? A The Importance to Express Disagreements B Keys to Making Relationships Work C Different Opinions on Good Relationships D Forbidden Rules in Building Good Relationships Answer: B
While I was running slowly one morning, I saw my friend's father sitting alone on the roadside bench. So I crossed the road to wish him a good morning. As I came over to him, he was very happy to see me. He said it was nice of me to come and chat with him. Then he said to me in a low and sad voice: "At this stage of my life, it feels very lonely here. Anybody sharing a few heartfelt moments would mean a lot to me. " I was completely shocked by what he said, and I wondered: What could be that little thing that I can do to make his life different? I knew he was a painter, so I started to ask him about his latest painting experiences. Painting is a passionate topic for him, and he started to talk with me about it. I asked him, "Can you teach me to paint?" He was surprised at first and then agreed instantly. Now, every other day, I go to learn how to paint from him. We paint a lot and talk a lot. He says he feels better, and he waits for me. I say I feel better. After all, I am the one getting so much wisdom from a man who is nearing the horizon of his life with so much experience! The old man felt _ at the sight of the writer. A. pleased B. strange C. shocked D. surprised Answer: A. pleased Parents can be very important teachers in our lives. However, they are not always the best teachers. Parents may be too close to their children emotionally . Sometimes they can only see their children through the eyes of a protector. For example, a teacher might see a trip to a big city as a valuable experience. However, it might seem too dangerous to a parent. Another problem is that parents may expect their children's interests to be similar to their own. If they love science, they may try to force their child to love science too. But what if (......) their child's true love is art, or writing, or car repair? Parents usually want to _ their values to their children. But should children always believe what their parents do? When children are young, they believe that their parents are always right. But when they get older, they will have different ways of thinking. The most important thing to realize is that we all have many teachers in our lives. Our parents teach us, our teachers teach us, and our friends teach us. Books and newspapers and televisions also teach us. All of them are valuable. Parents may hope that their children have the same _ as their own, according to the passage. A. looks B. interests C. habits D. jobs in the future Answer: B. interests A new study gives us the warning that about thirty percent of the world's people may not have enough water by the year 2025. A private American organization called Population Action International did the new study. It says more than three-hundred-thirty-five-million people lack enough water now. The people live in twenty-eight countries. Most of the countries are in Africa or the Middle East. P-A-I researcher Robert Engelman says by the year 2025, about three-thousand-million people may lack water. At least 18 more countries are expected to have severe water problems. The demand for water keeps increasing. Yet the amount of water on Earth stays the same. Mr. Engelman says the population in countries that lack water is growing faster than in other parts of the world. He says population growth in these countries will continue to increase. The report says lack of water in the future may result in several problems. It may increase health problems. Lack of water often means drinking waters not safe. Mr. Engelman says there are problems all over the world because of diseases, such as cholera, which are carried in water. Lack of water may also result in more international conflict. Countries may have to compete for water in the future. Some countries now get sixty percent of their fresh water from other countries. This is true of Egypt, the Netherlands, Cambodia, Syria, Sudan, and Iraq. And the report says lack of water would affect the ability of developing to improve their economies. This is because new industries often need a large amount of water when they are beginning. The Population Action International study gives several solutions to the water problem. One way, it says, is to find ways to use water for more than one purpose. Another way is to teach people to be careful not to waste water. A third way is to use less water of agriculture. The report also says long-term solutions to the water problem must include controls on population growth. It says countries cannot provide clean water unless they slow population growth by limiting the number of children people have. _ are expected to have severe water problems by the year 2025 A. No countries B. 18 countries C. 46 countries D. 28 countries Answer: C. 46 countries Most people think zoos are safe for animals, where struggles such as difficulty in finding food and avoiding natural enemies don't exist. Without such problems, animals in zoos should live to an old age. But that may not be true for the largest land animals on earth. Scientists have known that elephants in zoos often suffer from poor health. They develop diseases and behaviour changes. Sometimes, they even become infertile, or unable to have babies. To learn more about how elephants are affected, a team of international scientists compared the life spans of elephants born in zoos with those living outdoors in their native lands. Zoos keep detailed records of all the animals, such as birth dates, illnesses, weight and death. These records made it possible for the researchers to analyse 40 years of data on 800 African and Asian elephants in zoos across Europe. The team found that female African elephants born in zoos lived an average of 16.9 years while those in the wild lived an average of 56 years. Scientists don't yet know why wild elephants seem to be so much better than their zooraised elephants. Georgia Mason, a biologist who led the study, thinks stress and obesity may be to blame. Zoo elephants don't get the same kind of exercise they would in the wild, and most are fat. Another finding from the study showed that Asian elephants born in zoos were more likely to die early than Asian elephants caught in the wild and brought to zoos. Mason suggests stress in the mothers in zoos might cause them to have babies that are less likely to survive. The scientists carried out a research so that they could know _ . A. how long the elephants live B. how the elephants are affected C. how the elephants can be fed D. how the elephants should be kept Answer: B. how the elephants are affected Dear Victor: I am a college student. Nowadays games on the net are very popular with college students. Some of my roommates are very interested in them. They not only play games in their free time, but also keep talking about them at night when lights are off, and they regard games as part of life. I've begged them to give it up, but they wouldn't listen to me. It has become a rather big problem. Should I report it to our teachers or do something else? Ted, Dear Ted: Drop it. Your roommates, as grown-ups, can do whatever they want with their time so long as it doesn't break school rules or violate other people's interests. Playing perhaps gives these students relaxation from hard study. If they play too often, have little time to study, and they will _ , but you will not. Reporting to the teachers would only harm your good name in your dormitory . However you have rights to ask your roommates to be quiet when you need sleep. If they aren't angry with you, they will stop talking. But be polite and friendly. Perhaps, in return, join them in a game or two. Victor. Victor asks Ted to _ . A. report to the teachers B. harm his good name in the dormitory C. quarrel with his roommates D. learn how to get on well with others Answer: D. learn how to get on well with others
A light can be turned on if the A. circuit is complete B. light is unplugged C. house is destroyed D. power is out Answer: A. circuit is complete How can you find out what is going on inside a person's body without opening the patient's body up? Regular X rays can show a lot. CAT scans can show even more. They can give a complete view of body organs. What is a CAT scan? CAT stands for a kind of machine. It is a special X-ray machine that gets a 360-degree picture of a small area of a patient's body. Doctors use X rays to study and determine diseases and injuries within the body, X rays can find a foreign object inside the body or take pictures of some inside organs to be X-rayed. A CAT scanner, however, uses a group of X rays to give a cross-sectional view of a specific part of the body. A fine group of X rays is scanned across the body and around the patient from many different directions. A computer studies the information from each direction and produces a clear cross-sectional picture on a screen. This picture is then photographed for later use. Several cross sections, taken one after another, can give clear "photos" of the entire body or of any body organs. The latest CAT scanners can even give clear pictures of active, moving organs, just as a fast-action camera can "stop the action", giving clear pictures of what appears unclear to the eye. And because of the 360-degree pictures, CAT scans show clear and complete views of organs in a manner that was once only shown during operation or examination of a dead patient. Frequent appearance before X rays can cause skin burns, cancer or other damage to the body. Yet CAT scans actually don't cause the patient to more radiation than regular X rays do. CAT scans can also be done without getting something harmful into the patient, so they are less risky than regular X rays. CAT scans provide exact, detailed information. They can quickly find such a thing as bleeding inside the brain. They are helping to save lives. What is NOT true of a CAT scan? A. It is safer than regular X rays. B. It makes use of computer techniques. C. It can stop the action of an organ for a short time. D. It gives clear pictures of active, moving body parts. Answer: C. It can stop the action of an organ for a short time. Scottish Islands Airports Many of the larger Scottish Islands have airports on the smaller islands. This makes island travel a lot easier across from the mainland of Scotland and between islands. Flying over the islands gives you a bird's-eye view on clear days. Orkney Islands Airport Kirkwall Airport is 3 miles east of Kirkwall itself. Scheduled flights largely by Loganair/British Airways to and from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Sumburgh on Shetland are serviced by Kirkwall Airport. The inter - island flight between Papa Westray and Westray is the shortest scheduled flight in the world lasting a mere 2-3 minutes! If you make the journey you get a certificate to prove you've made it. Outer Hebrides Airports Western Isles Stornoway Airport, four miles east of the town, is the main airport for flights to the Western Isles. Flights to Stornoway run direct from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness. There are two other airports serving the Outer Hebrides islands. Benbecula airport is on the west coast of the island.Barra Airport is actually on a beach--the only beach airport in the world handling scheduled flights. Islay Airport Islay has its own small airport. British Airways/Loganair schedule regular flights to Islay from Glasgow International Airport. Islay Airport is on the south west of the islands beside a seven mile beach. There is a gift shop at the air- port. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-12:30 and 1:30-6:15 pm; Sat 9:30-10:30 am; Sun 5:30-6:30 pm. The Oban to Colonsay Air Service You can now fly direct to the Isle of Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides from Oban Airport. Flights between Oban and Colonsay operate twice daily on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Extra flights between Oban Airport and Colonsay also run during termtime on Saturdays and Sundays. If you complete the shortest journey between Papa Westray and Westray, _ A. a paper will be given to you as a proof of your flight B. the three-mile-long trip will benefit you a great deal C. you can enjoy the scenery of the whole Scotland D. you can buy a gift for your family at the airport Answer: A. a paper will be given to you as a proof of your flight More and more people think it necessary to study in an English-speaking country and it didn't take long at all for me to decide to come and study in UK. Having been in the school for 2 months, I'm getting used to school life, and I am starting to make the most of my time in here. School starts at 9 o'clock every morning, and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday we have long days, in which we have 9 lessons and school finishes at 4 o'clock. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays we have short days, in which we have only 6 lessons and finish at 1 o'clock. After lessons, we have two hours of activity time, when you can choose from a wide range of activities, including all the major sports, such as rugby and football, and also the minor sports such as basketball and tennis. As a boarder( ),the quality of food is something I consider very important, and Merchiston has not _ . The school kitchens are run by a professional food company, and the quality of food is very excellent and also they take the healthy diet very seriously: I remember once I was once asked to take more salad for my meal by a member of the kitchen staff for I didn't have enough vegetables. This brings another point of being a boarder: you need to learn how to look after yourself and be responsible for yourself. One of the huge advantages of being a boarder is that we can have breakfast in the school, which means we don't have to pull ourselves out of bed as early as the day pupils! How many lessons do the students have every week in this school? A. 15 B. 45 C. 27 D. 18 Answer: B. 45 Like most English children, I learned foreign languages at school. When I made my first visit to the United States, I was sure I could have a nice and easy holiday without any language problem. But how wrong I was! At the American airport, I was looking for a public telephone to tell my friend Danny that I had arrived. An American asked if he could help me. "Yes," I said, "I want to give my friend a ring." "Well, that's nice. Are you getting married?" he asked. "No," I replied, "I just want to tell him I have arrived." "Oh," he said, "there is a phone downstairs on the first floor." "But we're on the first floor now," I said. "Well, I don't know what you are talking about. Maybe you aren't feeling too well after your journey," he said. "Just go and wash up, and you will feel a lot better." And he went off, leaving me wondering where on earth I was: At home we wash up after a meal to get the cups and plates clean. How can I wash up at an airport? At last we did meet. Danny explained the misunderstanding: Americans say "to give someone a call", but we English say "to give somebody a ring". When we say "to wash your hands", they say "to wash up". And Englishmen start numbering from the ground floor so the first floor is the second for Americans. The writer went to America by _ . A. plane B. ship C. bus D. train Answer: A. plane
In the near future, daily newspapers and monthly magazines will probably disappear. Electronic media can provide the same information faster and cheaper. The Internet, together with laptops and cellphones, makes it possible that almost everyone can at any time and in almost any place get some news for free or for few fees. You'll browse the computer newspapers or magazines just like switching on TV. An electronic voice will tell you stories about the latest events. You'll even get to choose the kind of voice you want to hear. Want more information on the brief story? A simple touch makes the entire text appear. There are the predictions from the experts working on the newspapers of the future. Pictured as part of home-based media and entertainment systems, computer newspapers and magazines would unite printed and broadcast news, offering information and analyzing video images of news events. The continuing loss of readers will result in a small number of advertisements in newspapers. It makes no sense to spend millions of dollars to print ads. With the development of technology, more and more electronic medium have been created until now, but replacing the traditional newspapers and magazines has a long way to go, because the _ to computer newspapers and magazines from journalism may be much stronger. Since it is such a cultural change, it may be not until the present journalists, who aren't used to it, die off that the newspaper industry is not considered as an industry any longer. Anyway, technology is making the traditional newspapers and magazines disappear gradually. Computer newspapers and magazines have all the advantages except that _ . Answer: For a student, reading ability is very important in our study. How to read faster and understand better? Here is some advice for you. 1. Find Your Purpose for Reading Before you start reading, ask yourself why you are reading this book. Most people read for two main reasons---pleasure or knowledge. Being clear about your reading purpose not only helps you to stay away from books that you don't need to read. It also reminds you why reading the. book is important to you when you are reading it. You can easily keep reading and finish the book faster. 2. Read Only What You Are Interested in Whether you're reading fiction or nonfiction, it's important to enjoy what you read. Your friends may share books they love, but those books might not be the ones you enjoy. 3. Give up Books That You Don't Enjoy You may have chosen books that agree with your purpose. You may have chosen books that you are interested in. But when you are reading them, there may still be some books that you won't enjoy reading, Whenever you realize that you aren't enjoying the book you are reading, give it up. Remember reading shouldn't be a chore. 4. Give Yourself a Deadline to Finish Each Book Before you read each book, ask yourself when you need to finish this book by. What I find interesting is that I read books that I borrow from libraries faster than the books I bought. The reason is the books I bought don't have a due date! I don't need to return those books, When you don't set a _ to finish your book. There isn't a sense of urgency . And when something isn't urgent, you will like to put it off. Before reading a book, you should _ . Answer: Gardening can be a very relaxing hobby for many people and this wonderful experience is not just for adults. Children are interested in gardening as well, if given the chance to explore nature and science in this way. Gardening can bring joy to both children and their parents alike, especially when the experience is shared together. The time that is spent gardening together builds precious memories within their hearts and minds for years to come. When you are gardening with your children, try to give them their own special area. Keep their area in the center of the best soil and light, as you want to make sure of a successful gardening experience. Plastic tools easily break and are difficult to use in the dirt, so when you are gardening with your children, give them real tools to use if possible. Even offering to let them use your tools is a way to admit the worth of the work they are doing. It is also important to talk with your children about the whole process of gardening, from planting to the harvest. They need to understand how things work and the importance of what they are doing. Show off the children's gardening work by taking friends and visitors for a walking tour through the garden and point out the children's particular spot. When you give attention to the children's work, this is a great motivation for children to continue wanting to be involved. Do not force children to take part when they are in a bad mood or if they are becoming bored. Instead, allow them to do something different, like building a scarecrow ! This makes the gardening experience even more interesting. As you work together side by side with your children, you will encourage a love of the land in them, as well as create lasting memories of time spent with you. What is the text mainly about? Answer: Mary has a room. It's a big and nice room. It's bright and clean . There are some pictures on the front wall. On the back wall there is a map of China. There is a desk and a chair in her room. Her backpack is behind the chair. Some books and her pencil-case are on the desk. There are some color pencils, a pen, a ruler, and a knife in the pencil-case. Mary's bed is near the desk. Her shoes and a volleyball are under the bed. Mary and her friends are often in her room. They usually listen to music there. Mary likes English and Chinese very much. But she doesn't like math. It's to difficult for her. Mary's Chinese teacher is Mr. Wang. The students all love him, he is very strict, but sometimes very funny. Mary's room is _ . Answer: Robots are common in today's world. They manufacture cars, work in space, explore oceans, clean up oil spills and investigate dangerous environments. And now, scientists at the University of Manchester are using a robot as a laboratory partner. The researchers at the university created the robot in 2009 and named it Adam. Despite the name, Adam is not a humanoid robot. It is about the size of a car. Adam was built to do science and make discoveries. Ross King is the leader of the University of Manchester research team. He says the robot made a discovery about yeast , a kind of fungus used in science as a model for human cells. "Adam hypothesized certain functions of genes within yeast and experimentally tested these hypothesizes and confirmed them. So it both hypothesized and confirmed new scientific knowledge." Adam's success as a scientist led to the creation of another robot scientist named Eve. Researchers developed Eve to design and test drugs for tropical and neglected diseases. These diseases kill and infect millions of people each year. Drug development is slow and costly. Experts say it can take more than 10 years and about $1 billion to discover and develop new medicines. Drug manufacturers are unlikely to get their investment money back. So the University of Manchester developed a low-cost test that shows whether or not a chemical is likely to be made into an effective medicine. Mr. King says that other drug testing methods were not very effective. "How it works conventionally is you use robotics as well and you have a large collection of possible drugs. You test every single compound. And you start at the beginning of your library and continue until the end, and stop. So it's not a very intelligent process. The robotics doesn't learn anything as it goes along, even if it's tested a million compounds, it still doesn't have any expectation of what will happen next when it tests a new compound." Mr. King says that Eve is different because the robot learns as it tests different compounds. He says the robot is designed to ignore compounds that it thinks unlikely to be good. It will only test the compounds which have a good chance of working. Eve has discovered that a compound known to be effective against cancer might also be used to fight against malaria and other tropical diseases. Mr. King says he hopes to completely automate the drug testing process with robots like Eve to create and test new chemicals. But he says humans remain in control of the manufacturing process. What'sthemainideaofthepassage _ ? Answer:
Question: A student uses the following characteristics to describe a group of objects in space. * 200 billion stars * 30 million light years from Earth * 500 light years in diameter Which of the following is the student most likely describing? A. a galaxy B. the universe C. a constellation D. the solar system Answer: A. a galaxy Question: Probably you have seen photos of the Grand Canyon , the great valley in the desert country of Arizona. But you must go there yourself to feel its true size and beauty. The Grand Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world The Colorado River formed the Grand Canyon over millions of years.Slowly,the river cut down through hard rock.At the same time,the land was rising.Today,the canyon is 1.5 kilometres deep and 445 kilometres long.The oldest rocks at the bottom of the canyon are more than 1 billion years old.The width varies from about 200 metres to 29 kilometres across.The rim or top of the canyon is about 2,300 metes above sea level on the South Rim,and about 3,000 metres on the other side,the North Rim.As a result,there are different kinds of plants and animals on opposite sides of the canyon.The South Rim is a dry desert country.The North Rim has tall forests. The canyon looks different at different times of day, and in different seasons and weather. At sunrise and sunset the red, gold, brown and orange color1s of the rocks are especially clear and bright. In winter, the canyon is partly covered with snow. The view from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the best. Most visitors come here and stay in campgrounds or hotels. Every point along the canyon's edge offers a different view. The North rim of the Canyon is quieter. It takes all day to drive there from the South Rim because there is only one bridge across the Colorado River. On the way, you go through Navado Indian lands, and a color1ful pink desert called "The Painted Desert". If you want to visit the North Rim from the South Rim, you _ . A. can go there in many directions B. won't spend much time on the way C. can visit The Painted Desert on the way D. needn't go across any bridges Answer: C. can visit The Painted Desert on the way Question: Traffic lights are very important for us. I think you know this. But do you know how they were born? Garrett A. Morgan was the father of traffic lights. He was an American. His family was very poor. He left school at the age of 14. He was clever. He always looked for better ways to do things. And he liked to make new things. At that time, every American wanted to have a car. The streets were full of cars. The traffic was really bad. "Why not put three lights at each corner ? They should be red,green,and yellow," Morgan said , " Let them tell cars to go or stop." He made a timer to change the lights. So we have traffic lights today . What did Garrett A.Morgan do when he was 14 years old ? A. He studied at school. B. He put three lights in the street. C. He was away from school. D. The streets were full of cars. Answer: C. He was away from school. Question: Dear Tom How are you? I'm at a new school this term. And I'm writing to you about my school now. My new school is big and nice. There are one thousand and four hundred students and one hundred and forty teachers at my school. I like the teachers. They are very kind to me. My classmates are very friendly, too. They teach me Chinese and I teach them English. There are trees, flowers and green grass at my school. They are very beautiful. Behind my school there is a small river. The water in it is quite clean. We can swim in it. We have no classes on Saturdays or Sundays. Sometimes I go to play football or basketball with my classmates. Sometimes I stay at home and watch TV. Sometimes I go to shops with my father and mother. We all like China. Please write to me soon! Yours Jack There are _ students and _ teachers at Jack's school. A. 1;400; 104 B. 1; 040; 104 C. 1;400; 140 D. 1; 040; 140 Answer: C. 1;400; 140 Question: A long walk in the desert or the mountains can be exciting. And it's a great way to keep fit. If you carry a tent and some food, you can camp overnight. But wild places can be dangerous. Here's how you can enjoy walking and camping safely. Before your trip Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. If you don't return on time, the people at home will know that you are lost or in trouble. They will know where to look for you. Make sure you've got a good map of the area that you're going to. Make sure you've packed the right equipment for your activities. The desert is often hot, but nights can be very cold, and sometimes there are big rainstorms. In the mountains, the weather can change suddenly. A sunny day can turn cold and cloudy quickly. The tools for survival Sunglasses, sun hat, sun cream, windproof jacket, good walking shoes or boots, food, water, maps, compass, first-aid kit, matches, rope, knife, ground sheet, the pack to carry your equipment. What to do if you get lost If you're in a car and it has broken down, stay with your car. If you are not traveling by car, make yourself easy to see. A signal fire can be seen at night. During the day, smoke may be used to show where you are. A brightly-colored blanket may help rescuers to find you. Stay where you are. If you walk for any reason, avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. Morning and evening walking is better for saving your energy water. Keep yourself away from the rain, wind and sun, but remember: try to make yourself be in sight. According to the passage, we should make a fire to _ . A. show where we are B. keep warm at night C. cook our meal D. drive animals away Answer: A. show where we are
James is a good student and he has lots of friends,but he also has a problem.Some older boys are bullying him at school.James is very unhappy and he doesn't know what to do about it.Here are some suggestions to him and other teenagers in this situation. Don't feel worried.It's not your fault ! Being bullied can make you feel very lonely and angry,but you are not alone.Don't feel that you have to hide the problem.You should find a person you can trust,and tell them.It might be your teacher,your parents,or even your friend's parents.After you tell someone,you will get some support and feel some relief . Speaking to an adult might make you nervous,but here are other things you can do.Some people express their feelings more easily on paper.Write a letter to someone or keep a diary.Include all the details about what the bullies do, as well as when and where the bullying happens.You can use it as proof to show what is going on.And it is a wonderful idea to show your letter or diary to a teacher or another responsible adult.Then the bullies will feel very afraid if their names appear in a letter! Also,don't show you are sad and don't try and fight with the bullies. You could get in trouble yourself. Ignore them and just walk away. The bullies will soon stop. What do you think the text is trying to tell us? A. What to do about being bullied. B. How to be a good student at school. C. What to write well in a diary. D. How to give suggestions to teenagers. Answer: A The olive tree probably first grew in southern Asia. And then it spread to Mediterranean countries about 6,000 years ago. Since then, it has been important in Mediterranean people's lives. The olive tree grows in rocky places and it doesn't need much water. Its fruit can be made into olive oil. People have used olive oil to cook dishes for centuries. But they haven't only used it for cooking. Some ancient cultures believed that it was useful as medicine. In modern times, people still use olive oil both for its taste and its health advantages. Olive oil has also been an important product in the business and culture of Mediterranean countries. In ancient Greece, for example, anyone who cut down an olive tree was heavily punished. Winners at the Olympic Games wore wreaths . They were made of olive branches . Sometimes winners were also given a prize of olive oil. People from Greece built ships so that they could use olive oil for trade. But it was the Romans who grew the olive tree in the rest of southern Europe and northern Africa. Today, olive oil is still a very valuable product, and many different kinds of olive oil are sold in countries all over the world. In ancient Greece, people who cut down an olive tree _ . A. were wreaths B. were heavily punished C. got a prize of olive oil D. were regarded as heroes Answer: B The teacher invited a little boy's mother to attend his elementary school's first parents' meeting. His mother said she would go but the boy was disappointed. This would be the first time that his classmates and teacher met his mother and he was embarrassed by her appearance. Although she was a beautiful woman, there was a severe scar that covered nearly the whole right side of her face. The boy never wanted to talk about why or how she got the scar. At the meeting, the people were impressed by the kindness of his mother, but the little boy was still embarrassed and hid himself from everyone. However, he heard a conversation between his mother and his teacher. "How did you get the scar on your face?" the teacher asked. The mother replied, " When my son was a baby, the room he was in caught fire. Everyone was too afraid to go in because the fire was out of control, but I rushed in at once. As I was running towards his crib , I saw a beam coming down and I placed myself over him trying to protect him. I was knocked down. But fortunately, a fireman came in and saved both of us. " She touched the burned side of her face. " This scar will be _ , but until today, I have never regretted doing what I did. " At this point, the little boy came out running towards his mother with tears in his eyes. He hugged her and felt the love of his mother. ,. Hearing his mother's story, the boy will _ . A. save his mother in danger B. love his mother more than before C. study harder to thank his mother D. hate his teacher more than before Answer: B Today there are more fires than in the past . Over 100,000 wildfires burn each year in America . Russia has 20,000 to 35,000 wildfires and Australia has about 60,000 each year. These fires destroy huge areas of forests and burn hundreds of homes . Many experts believe there are several reasons for this sudden increase in fires. The first reason is climate change . In 2010, Russia had the hottest and driest summer with strong winds in a century. In just one month, 500 fires destroyed over 2,000 homes. Some people lost their lives . Traditional fire-fighting practices are another reason for the increase in fires. In America, firefighters used to quickly put out every fire as quickly as they could. They didn't allow the grass and trees to burn. As a result , today many forests have thicker vegetation which provides more fuel for fires . So surprisingly, America has many more fires today partly because of its past fire-fighting practices. Scientists now understand that a fire can be a natural part of a healthy forest. As a result, countries like Australia allow some fires to burn naturally. The fire makes old trees thinner. This allows sunlight to reach the ground. As a result, fires help new trees to grow. Therefore , if a fire is not a serious threat to people , firefighters may let it burn naturally . _ because of the traditional fire-fighting practices in the USA . A. There are fewer wildfires B. There are more fires today C. The weather becomes warmer and drier D. Trees and grass become thinner Answer: B Competition between international universities is heating up, as China grows as one of the largest exporters of students aiming to study abroad. "Lots of universities are becoming more and more aggressive to attract Chinese students. Every day I receive contacts from universities in the US expressing the desire to come to China to recruit students," said Frank Joseph, a commercial officer from embassy of the United States. One key reason why more Chinese students are able to study abroad is the economy: With China's boom within the past decade, more families have the financial wherewithal to send their children to international universities. There will be a total of 200,000 family-funded Chinese students studying overseas in 2009, up 20 percent from last year, said Wu Zaofeng, deputy secretary general of China Education Association for International Exchange. International institutions, Joseph said, are also facing increasingly tough financial situation with a shortage of domestic students and a drop in government subsidies . Students, especially in the US are paying high tuition fees and living expenses. Chinese students with money to spend, according to experts, can fill up the gap. Students on average spend 150,000 yuan to 200,000 yuan every year studying in US, according to statistics from the US Institute of International Education. During 2007-2008, there were approximately 81,000 Chinese students studying in the US, up 19.8 percent from 2006. Representatives from approximately 60 universities from the United States are planning to arrive in Beijing this weekend to attract more Chinese students at this year's fair. Besides the US, many other countries are also vying to enroll Chinese students. Post-study work visa put out by British government allows all international students completing a UK degree qualification to apply for a visa to stay on and look for work in UK for up to 2 years. Being the third most popular destination for international students next to the US and the UK, France has set up two types of scholarships and has handed out an increase of 26 percent in scholarship funds to Chinese students in recent years. What does the UK do to attract the international students? A. Setting up two types of scholarships. B. Handing out an increase of 26 percent in scholarship funds to Chinese students in recent years. C. Allowing to look for work in their spare time in the UK for up to 2 years. D. Permitting students to have a visa to stay on and look for work for 2 years after completing the degree. Answer: C
What part of an atom orbits around the center of the atom? A proton B nucleus C neutron D electron Answer: D. electron Walker, who knew nothing about horses, inherited Aberlone, a thoroughbred colt whose disagreeable behavior made him a pest around the barn. Walker sold the colt for $1,500 to Sherwood, an experienced racehorse-trainer who knew of Walker's ignorance about horses. At the time of sale, Walker said to Sherwood, "I hate to say it, but this horse is said to Sherwood, "I hate to say it, but this horse is bad-tempered and nothing special." Which one of the following scenarios would best support an action by Sherwood, rather than Walker, to rescind the sale? A In his first race after the sale, Aberlone galloped to a huge lead but dropped dead 100 yards from the finish line because of a rare congenital heart defect that was undiscoverable except by autopsy. B Aberlone won $5 million for Sherwood over a three-year racing career but upon being retired was found to be incurably sterile and useless as a breeder. C After Aberlone had won three races for Sherwood, it was discovered that by clerical error, unknown to either party, Aberlone's official birth registration listed an undistinguished racehorse as the sire rather than the famous racehorse that in fact was the sire. D A week after the sale, Aberlone went berserk and inflicted injuries upon Sherwood that required his hospitalization for six months and a full hospitalization for six months and a full year for his recovery. Answer: A. In his first race after the sale, Aberlone galloped to a huge lead but dropped dead 100 yards from the finish line because of a rare congenital heart defect that was undiscoverable except by autopsy. Tonight, my piano concert was the most important thing in my family. My grandparents were coming by plane to hear me play. Even my busy Aunt Dianne who is on TV every night reading the news, was coming. But one thing was for sure. I would never win an award for my piano playing. And that's just because the more I practiced ,the more nervous I got. So there I was, on stage, in my beautiful dress, and I sat down at the piano. But when I started to play, I hit a wrong note. I told myself to start over. But then I hit the wrong note again. It was as if I hadn't practiced at all. Finally _ was over. I ran off the stage. I couldn't understand why people were applauding. But they were. My mom and my dad had flowers for me, and we were all supposed to go out for a nice dinner, but I couldn't. I just wanted to go home and cry and never go anywhere again. After we went back home, Aunt Dianne just came in and sat down on the side of my bed. "It was my first night on the air," she said."I had never been on television before, and I made a mistake. I mispronounced my name and the name of the news show. And you know what? No one even noticed but me. Just like tonight, no one noticed--just you". Aunt Dianne was right. I think we are harder on ourselves than anyone else is. Maybe I will leave my room. And maybe, I'll play the piano again. What did the author learn from her piano performance? A Don't be too hard on yourself. B Things seldom go as well as people expect. C No one will care what others have done. D Never think much of a matter. Answer: A. Don't be too hard on yourself. Look at this. It's a blue bag. It is my bag. What's in it? Look, this is my English book. It's blue, too. My Chinese book is also in my bag. It is yellow. This is my pencil case. It's big and nice. I like English and Chinese. My bag is my good friend. . My bag is_. A yellow B blue C nice D big Answer: B. blue Amy likes fast food very much. She wants to go to McDonald's for dinner today. She asks Brian to take her there. Amy: Do you like McDonald's? Brian: It's OK. But you know eating too much food there is not good for your health. Amy: I know. But I like junk food. Brian: Why? Amy: It's _ . Brian: Yeah, right. Fat and salt. Amy: I don't care. Brian: You're all right. Quite slim . Amy: Let's go. (Amy and Brian stand in front of the counter.) Waitress: What would you like? Amy: A cheeseburger, a small fries, and a cup of orange juice. Waitress: 4.5 dollars. Amy: OK. Waitress: How about you? Brian: A chicken sandwich and a cup of milk. Waitress: That would be 2.5 dollars. Brian: Here you are. Waitress: Thanks. What did Amy want to drink? A Water. B Milk. C Coffee. D Orange juice. Answer: D. Orange juice.
Sarah came running in saying, "Look what l found. " Over the top of the paper I was reading I saw a long object that made me jump. It was a piece of snakeskin that had been shed by one of our garden snakes. 'Isn't it beautiful?" said my wide-eyed 7~year-old daughter. I stared at the organic wrapper and thought to myself that it really was not that beautiful, but I did not want to disappoint Sarah. Everything children see for the first time is elementary to their sense of beauty and creativity. They see only merit and excellence in the world. "Why does it do this?" Sarah asked. I like to teach my children that there is something else going on besides what they see in front of them. "Snakes shed their skin because they need to renew themselves," I explained. "Why do they need to renew themselves?" Sarah asked. "We often need to shed our skins, those coatings that we cover ourselves with," I said to my now absorbed daughter. "We outgrow some things and find other stuff unnecessary. This snake no longer needs this skin. It is probably too old, and the snake probably doesn't think it looks as smart in the skin as it once did. Like buying a new suit. " Of course, I'm sure this explanation won't suit naturalists. But Sarah got the point. As we talked, I knew that she began to understand that renewal is part of progress; that we need to take a good look at ourselves, and rooms and schoolwork and creativity, and she began to see what we need to keep and what need to cast off. I was careful to point out that this is a natural process, not one to be forced. "Snakes don't peel off their skin when they feel like it," I explained. "lt happens as part of their growth. " "I see, Dad. " said Sarah. She then jumped off my lap, grabbed the snakeskin, and ran off. I hoped she would remember this. Often, in order to find our real selves underneath the layers of community and culture we are cloaked in year after year, we need to start examining these layers. We need to gently peel some away, as we recognize them to be worthless, unnecessary, or flawed ; or at best, remember the things we discard to teach us how we can improve. How did Sarah feel about the author's explanation? Answer: One day a rich man meets Tom. The rich man asks, "People say you are very clever and nothing is difficult for you. Can you tell my why you are so clever? " Tom answers with a smile, "Oh, I'm not clever. Instead , you are too _ ." The rich man becomes very very angry. Tom says, "Sir, please don't be angry. If you don't believe me, now let me ask you a very easy question: If you have a group of sheep , I send you another group. Then, you say, how many groups of sheep do you have?" "Why! That's the easiest question in the world. One and one is two. Anybody knows _ . I have two groups of sheep , of course." Tom laughs and says, "You are wrong , Sir. Two groups of sheep put together is still one group. That's the easiest question in the world , isn't it?" People say Tom _ . Answer: More than a hundred years ago, an American produced a game. He called it indoor tennis. The Americans were not interested in it at first so he sent it to his London friends and it became very popular in Britain. The game was then played across the dining-room table or on the floor with the net hung between two chairs. In the early days ,the balls were made of cork or rubber. The bats were made of wood. A few years later a hollow ball like the one we use today was invented. The game then quickly spread all over the world. An Englishman once made a bat covered with rubber. He first played the game in England and called it "ping - pong". "Ping" was the sound of the bat when it hit the ball, and "pong" was the sound of the ball when it hit the table. The name of ping-pong has something to do with _ . Answer: On July 12, 1997, Malala Yousafzai was born in Mingora, Pakistan, located in the country's Swat Valley. Yotsafzai attended a school that her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, had founded. After the Taliban began attacking girl schools in Swat, Malala gave a speech in Peshawar, Pakistan, in September 2008. The title of her talk was, "How dare the Taliban take away my basic right to education?" When she was 14, Malala and her family learned that the Taliban had issued a death threat against her. Though Malala was frightened for the safety of her father----an anti-Taliban activist-she and her family initially felt that the fundamentalist group would not actually harm a child. On October 9, 2012, on her way home from school, a man boarded the bus Malala was riding in and demanded to know which girl was Malala. When her friends looked toward Malala, her location was given away. The gunman fired at her, hitting Malala in the left side of her head. Two other girls were also injured in the attack. Despite the Taliban's threats, Yousafzai remains a firm advocate for the power of education. On October 10, 2013, in acknowledgement of her work, the European Parliament awarded Yousafzai the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. That same year, she was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. She didn't win the prize, but was named a nominee again in March 2014. Malala Yousafzai's Speech at the United Nations (Excerpt) Dear brothers and sisters, do remember one thing. Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights. There are hundreds of human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for human rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goals of education, peace and equality.Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured.I am just one of them. ... Dear sisters and brothers, now it's time to speak up. So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies in favour of peace and prosperity: We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect women and children's rights. We call upon all governments to ensure free compulsory education for every child all over the world. We call upon all governments to fight against terrorism and violence, to protect children from brutality and harm. We call upon the developed nations to support the expansion of educational opportunities for girls in the developing world. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave--to embrace the strength within themselves and realise their full potential. Malala was shot for the reason that _ . Answer: Whether you like it or not, your parents are responsible for you, at least until you're out of high school. But does it feel like your parents are stressing you out with their love? Do you often fight with them? Hu Muqing, 16, of Shenyang, complains that his parents only care about his grades and not his other needs. He and his parents fight the most about the time he spends watching TV and on the Internet. "They think because I'm in high school I should concentrate on my work," the Shenyang teenager said. "However, I need to be able to relax. Most of my friends can watch TV and surf the Web a lot. There are times when it's hard to talk to them." After some talks, Hu has been allowed to watch TV for 15 to 20 minutes every night, but has been told to keep away from the computer. Since she feels she's grown up now, Shen Ying, 17, wants more respect from her parents. "My father shouts at me when he's in a bad mood . He doesn't listen to me, but instead acts like, 'I'm the boss'!" said the teenager from Mianyang, Sichuan province. "I'd like my parents to treat me like a friend and understand that respect is a two-way street." "It's the age when teenagers are becoming more independent . But their parents are very concerned about their kids' futures," said Sun Yunxiao, a senior researcher at the China Youth and Children Research Center. Sun suggests that teenagers should learn to communicate with their parents effectively . "Find the right time for a talk. On Mother's Day or Father's Day, say 'Thank you' to your parents or give them a small gift with a letter so they can get inside your head a little," he advised. Sun also believes that teenagers have to work to earn trust and respect from their parents. "You need to make sure they know that you're not going to screw up your exams or let them down. Let them know that you want to do well, and that you will do well," he said. Which suggestion do you think Sun Yunxiao doesn't agree with? Answer:
Hello, everyone! Welcome to Haikou. You are going to stay in Mandarin Hotel, a 5-star hotel. It was built in 1998 and is one of the best hotels in Haikou. It is near Wanlu Garden on Binhai Road. It is 5 minutes' walk from the seaside and 10 minutes' ride from the city centre. Buses No. 7 and No. 41 can take you there. The hotel has large rooms with computers, TV sets and telephones. Hot water is offered 24 hours. There is a shopping center which is open from 9 am to 22:30 pm. The coffee bar is open at the following time 10:00-23:00. _ . You can enjoy yourselves there. Hope that you will have a great time during your stay in Haikou. It takes 5 minutes to go to Mandarin Hotel form the seaside _ . Answer: Police Officer Tidwell left the station just after 8 a.m.on Sunday June 4.He had spent aboring night on duty and was looking forward to his day of rest.By habit he took a short-cutdown the path behind Dugby Hall road and after a minute or two he saw a man climbing down a drainpipe from an open bedroom window of Number 29.In silence,Tidwell crept into the garden.The man reached the ground and was dusting himself down when he felt his arm caught. "It's 8:15 on a Sunday morning,"said the officer,"and this sort of thing seems an unlikely adventure at such a time.Would you mind explaining?" The man was obviously scared but tried to keep calm.He said,"I know what you are thinking,officer,but it isn't true.This is a funny mistake." "It's part of my job to take an interest in unusual events.I think you've just left this house in a manner other than the customary one.That may be quite innocent,but I'd like to make sure."Tidwell took out his notebook and a pen."Name,address and occupation and then,please,tell me your story..." "Charlie Crane,lorry driver,from Nottingham,51 Breton Street.My story..." "Yes.What were you doing like a fly on that wall,Mr.Crane?" "Well,I had a breakdown yesterday and had to stay the night here.Bed and breakfast.Theland-lady's name is Mrs.Fern.She gave me breakfast at seven,and I was out of here in the right way and down at the lorry by half past seven.Only when I felt around for a cigarette did I realize I'd left$80in my envelope under the pillow here at number 29.I always put it under my pillow at night.It's a habit I've got into.I even do it at home..." "I see.Why didn't you miss it when you went to pay Mrs...What's her name?" "I'd paid her last night.You've got to pay when you take the room,see?So I came rushing back,but it's Sunday,and she'd gone back to bed,and could I wake her?I rang the bell and banged on the front door for ten minutes before I came round here to the back and spotted my bedroom window still open.Up I went,then,up this pipe.It's a trick I learned in the army.She didn't make the bed,and money was still there.You know the rest,I hope you believe it because..." "Mr.Crane,whatever are you doing here?I thought you'd gone an hour ago."It was Mrs.Fern,speaking from the kitchen at the corner of the house. The police officer questioned the man because . Answer: Mary is four years old. She likes to ask questions. Her questions are often funny. One day Mary goes to see her uncle with her father. Her uncle lives in _ city. The city isn't near their city, so they take a bus to go there. After many hours, they get to Mary's uncle's city. He is very happy to see them. The next morning, Mary's uncle takes her and her father out and shows them around . "Look at that big house," says her uncle. " It's the oldest house in the city." "How old is it?" her father asks. "It is about 2100 years old," her uncle answers."How can that be?" Mary says. "It's only 2015 this year!" ,. What does Mary like to do? Answer: University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and it's one of the top university in the world. There is no clear date when the university started, but teaching began at Oxford in some forms in 1096 and developed quickly from 1167. There are 39 independent colleges at Oxford, attracting students and learned men from across the world. There are over 100 libraries for the students and learned men to use. At University of Oxford, they also provide a number of money for the best students. Of course, if you want to study here, first you have to reach a certain level of English language. College life at Oxford is very exciting but busy. The groups of college provide a friendly and welcoming home for students while the college are strict with students about their studies. Many Chinese students are studying here. The number of Chinese students at the university has grown quickly over the past 10 years. ,. (5,2,10) What's the best title for the passage? Answer: The market investigation is indispensable to sales promotion. They are closely related as the lips and teeth, so to speak. What you produce is for sale on the market. It would be impossible to succeed in selling a product without first investigating the market. In the international market, goods on sale coming from different countries and suppliers are always facing keen competition. Under such circumstances, they will try everything possible to familiarize themselves with the market conditions. In making investigations, we ought to get information about what similar items the competitors are offering on the market, what prices they are quoting , what features their products have, who are their regular customers, etc. Then, how can we obtain such information? There are many channels that we can make use of in doing this sort of work. The commercial counselor's offices of our embassies stationed abroad can help us in making market investigations. Nowadays, our import and export corporations send their trade groups abroad every now and then. One of their purposes is to make market surveys on the spot. Certainly, face-to-face talks with foreign businessmen are also important channels to get market information. The Chinese Export Commodities Fairs and some other fairs of similar nature as well as visits of foreign businessmen provide us with such opportunities. Of course , there are some other ways of making market investigations. In making market investigation, one should _ . Answer:
A man went to see a doctor. "Open your mouth ", the doctor said. The man opened his mouth and the doctor looked in quickly. "It's clear what's wrong with you .You need more exercise, " the doctor said. "But doctor," the man said "I don't think ..." "Don't tell me what you think," " I am the doctor, not you. I know what you need . I see hundreds of people like you. None of them get any exercise. They sit in offices all day and in front of theTV in the evening. What you need is to walk quickly for at least 20 minutes a day" "Doctor, you don't understand ," the man said, "I..." "I don't want to hear any excuses," the doctor said , " You must find time for exercise .If you don't you will get fat and have health problems when you are older." " But I walk every day ,"the man said. "Oh, yes , and I know what kind of walk that is .You walk a few feet to the train station from your house, a few more feet from the station to your office, and a few more feet from your office to a restaurant for lunch and back. That's not real walking .I'm talking about a walk in the park for twenty minutes every day."" Will you listen to me , doctor !" the man shouted, getting angry with this doctor who thought he knew everything. "I m a postman"., the man went on, " and I walk for seven hours every day! It's my wife, she is ill." The post man went to see the doctor because _ Two billion children in the developing world can't receive good education--the key to human development.However,technology offers an answer which allows the poor in developing countries to learn.It is a tool which holds the ability to change the lives of the poor,as it provides a means of learning and communicating. Educational programmes must break away from old systems.New companies such as One Laptop Per Child(OLPC),an organisation founded by MIT Professor Nicholas Negroponte have been active in solving the world's education problem. The Internet has changed the world,allowing educational services to help with the global fight against poverty.Khan Academy is one such service.Like OLPC,it is an organisation founded by Harvard Business School graduate Salman Khan with the task of "providing a world-class education to anyone,anywhere".The education offered includes a large number of math-related topics. The GMAT Pill Review is another company that trains MBA candidates worldwide to prepare for the GMAT exam on both the Quant and Verbal section.Founded by Stanford graduate Zeke Lee,the company offers services which are priced at about 75% less than other similar programmes.It allows students from developing countries who might not be able to afford similar courses to have access to these services. Whether paid or free these services provide educational opportunities to those who would never have had the chance in the past.As a result of the technology revolution ,business schools may see more students from different corners of the world.Because of the Internet,people in developing nations have access to better and more affordable educational opportunities.More and more people will try to improve their lives through educational opportunities outside of their homeland--an idea usually uncommon in developing countries. In the past,people in developing countries _ . Rats that eat high levels of a natural sugar known as fructose seem to age faster than other rats.and the same could be true for people who eat too much sweet junk food,Israeli researchers said Monday. Fructose,found naturally in honey and fruit,is used widely in foods ranging from soft drinks to yogurt.But while its sweet taste is popular,the sugar could cause wrinkles,the researchers said.Dr.Moshe Werman and Boaz Levi of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology fed large amounts of fructose to laboratory rats.Writing in the Journal of Nutrition,they said the fructose-fed rats showed changes in the collagen of their skin and bones.Collagen basically holds the body together.The loss of collagen is what causes loose skin and deep wrinkles in older people. The process affected,Werman's team said,is known as"cross-linking "."Too much cross.1inking makes the skin stiff, and these are the conditions that encourage wrink1ed skin,"Werman said in a statement.He said the same could be true of people,although this has not been shown."Americans are eating more and more processed foods such as baked goods,canned fruits,jams is and dairy products that contain fructose,"Werman said.Other studies have shown that taking in high fructose may cause diabetes . The rats Werman worked with were fed much more than the average adult person might eat in a day,which is standard in such experiments.The rats were fed 12.5 grams of fructose per kg of weight everyday for a year. What can we learn from the passage? What would you think if you went back to school on Monday and there were no desks or chairs in your classroom? That's what some fourth-and-fifth-graders at a school in Minnesota discovered earlier this year when they took part in a research project to see if changing their classrooms would make them more active. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic were concerned about reports that as many as half of American kids could be seriously overweight - or obese - by the year 2014. So they set up a different kind of classroom, which you might see in the future. Instead of desks, the Elton Hills Elementary students had adjustable work stations where they could stand, kneel on mats or sit on big exercise balls. Students were given laptops and iPods that allowed them to move and learn at the same time. Sensors were attached to the kids' legs to calculate how many calories students burned in their new set-up. Their typical school day was probably not anything like yours. One group of students downloaded an audio file of their teacher reading a book; they listened to it while walking for exercise. Another group took a spelling test by listening to their iPods. Some students liked the freedom, but others missed the traditional classroom. "I don't like standing up," Mariah Matrious said. "My legs get tired, and I like sitting down. " So, did the experiment work? Researchers still are studying the data, but early results indicate that the kids did move around more in the new classroom. "It showed us that, given the opportunity to move, kids will move," said researcher Lorraine Lanningham-Foster. That's important because studies have shown that even simple movement - climbing stairs instead of taking an elevator , for example, or washing dishes by hand instead of loading the dishwasher - can be as important as formal exercise when it comes to controlling one's weight. According to Lorraine Lanningham-Foster, _ . There is a supermarket called Shopping Center near my house. It's open from 8:00am to10:00pm.The supermarket is very new and big with four floors. If you want to go shopping, please come to this supermarket. You can buy all kinds of things. Look! On the first floor, you can buy vegetables, meat, eggs, juice, and so on. If you want to buy gloves, scarves , T-shirts, shoes and all kinds of clothes, you can come to the second floor. There are all kinds of TV sets and fridges on the third floor. Children like the fourth floor a lot, they can buy their favourite books, CDs and beautiful toys. The things in the supermarket are not expensive , sometimes the things are on sale, so there are always a lot of people. The workers in it work hard. They are very friendly and helpful. How is the supermarket?
BEIJING , March 9 --- The central government will require an additional three years of use for official vehicles for ministers and governors to reduce the costs of purchasing new cars, media have reported. The new rule has been applied among all Party and government departments nationwide, theBeijing Newsreported on Tuesday. The new rule has not yet been made public, said Li, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee. Under the old rules, the cars used by minister-level officials could be replaced as often as every five years, Li said. These officials will also keep the same cars when they assume new posts, he added. The new rule also reiterated that officials ranking below minister-or-governor-levels should not be allocated cars. The cars possessed by their departments should be used on demand. "It violates the rules for lower-ranking --- even county-level-officials to be allocated cars," Li said. Purchases of vehicles for official use have been heavily investigated, as they account for a large expenditure of public funds every year. A survey on the Web news www.ifeng.com found 64 percent of respondents believed the new rule will be difficult to carry out because it is related to officials' interests. "Local government departments had halted approvals for requests for such vehicles and had started to work on new quotas under the new rules," Li said. "The future reform of official vehicle use will introduce market mechanisms and monetization." Premier Wen Jiabao said in the annual government work report on Saturday that expenditures on such vehicles will not increase in 2011 compared with a year ago. Beijing's standing deputy mayor Ji Lin last week said the municipal government will release the number of vehicles for official use in the capital as early as at the end of this month. Earlier this month, the Minister of Finance had published a rule regulating the budgets for such vehicles. What about the officials ranking below minister-or-governor levels in terms of official vehicles? A. They can still possess special cars. B. They can use their own private cars. C. They can use cars whenever officially necessary. D. They can be allocated second-hand cars. Answer: C Gimmicky--and expensive--new gloves allow chatterboxes to take the term 'handsfree' to a new level--by talking into them as they make a call. The gloves are known as 'Talk to the Hand' and costPS1.000 a pair. They come with a speaker unit embedded into the thumb and a microphone built into the little finger that can be connected to any mobile handset using Bluetooth.Artist Sean Miles designed the gloves that double as a phone in part of his project that shows the possibilities of gadget recycling.He combines gloves with parts from mobile handsets recycled through O2,which commissioned the project. Mobile phone users will be able to keep their hands warm while they chat without taking their phone out of their pocket or handbag. Mr Miles designed two pairs of the new gloves--one in pink and the other in brown and yellow.They will appear in an exhibition this July and visitors will be able to win the gloves.If demand is high,they will then be produced on a larger scale. O2 Recycle,which backs the project,estimates that there are already 70 million unused mobile handsets in the UK.The service pays those who recycle gadgets including phones,MP3 players and digital cameras. Designer Scan Miles,hopes his work will get people thinking about recycling.The 41-year-old said:"I hope that my Talk to the Hand project will get people to think again about the waste created by not recycling gadgets.If a few more people recycle their gadgets rather than send them to landfill ,I think this project will have fulfilled its aim." The Talk to the Hand mobile phone gloves are the second product in a series that O2 Recycle and Miles have created.Miles is now working on combining phones with handbags--so people don't spend time rummaging around in their bags to find a phone when it rings. What can we learn about Talk to the Hand? A. It has been widely used at present. B. It has a pair of gloves that can function as a phone. C. It can be connected directly to any mobile handset. D. It is expensive but environment--friendly. Answer: D Northern countries have extensive erosion due to A. glacial liquification B. cola mining C. more frequent tornadoes D. meteors Answer: A Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, regardless of the territory on which they are located. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is _ in an international treaty called the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972. UNESCO's World Heritage mission is to: encourage countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage; encourage States Parties to the Convention to nominate sites within their national territory for inclusion on the World Heritage List; encourage States Parties to establish management plans and set up reporting systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage sites; help States Parties safeguard World Heritage properties by providing technical assistance and professional training; provide emergency assistance for World Heritage sites in immediate danger; support States Parties' public awareness-building activities for World Heritage conservation; encourage participation of the local population in the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage; encourage international cooperation in the conservation of our world's cultural and natural heritage. UNESCO helps the States Parties safeguard World Heritage properties by _ . A. building public awareness for World Heritage conservation B. setting up reporting systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage sites C. providing emergency assistance for World Heritage sites in immediate danger D. providing technical assistance and professional training Answer: D The woman's college had a very small car-park, and as several of the teachers and students, and many of the students' boy-friends, had cars, it was often difficult to find a place to park. The head of the college, whose was Baker, therefore had a special place in the car-park for her own car. There were white lines round it, and it had a notice saying, "Reserved for Head of College." One evening, however, when Miss Baker got back to the college a few minutes before the time by which all students had to be in, she found another car in her parking place. There were two people in it, one of her girl-students and a young man. Miss Baker knew that the young man would have to leave very soon, so she decided to ask him to move his car a bit, so that she could park hers in the proper place for the night before going to bed. As the young man's car was close to the railings, Miss Baker had to drive up beside it on the other side, opened her own window and tapped her horn lightly to draw attention to the fact that she was there. The girl, who had her head on the boy's shoulder, looked around in surprise. She was even more surprised when she heard Miss Baker say, " Excuse me, but may I change places with you?" Why would the young man have to leave very soon? A. Because boys aren't allowed to enter the college. B. Because Miss Baker, the headmaster, would order him to leave. C. Because it was just a little time before the time by which all students had to be in. D. Because the boy's car stood in the way so that other cars couldn't pass Answer: C
The panda is one of the animals most in danger. Three are about 1,000 pandas living in nature reserves today. Zoos and research centers look after about 160 pandas. Scientists are studying how they live and more baby pandas are born in the zoos. Pandas live in the forests and mountains of Southern China. They mainly live on bamboo, and each pandas needs to eat a lot of bamboo every day. The area of bamboo is becoming smaller for many different reasons, so pandas have less and less land to live on. Pandas don't have many babies, and baby panda often dies. The situation is becoming very serious. Our government is working hard to save pandas. There are more than 30 nature reserves to protect pandas but these are not enough. The government has made a new plan to help pandas. The nature reserves will be bigger and the bamboo will grow better. Then the pandas will have enough food and enough places to live in. Pandas born in the zoos may go back to live in the nature reserves. Most people love pandas. The panda is one of the best-known animals in the world. It is the symbol for the World Wide Fund for Nature. The WWF works to protect all animals in danger, so the panda has become the symbol of all animals in danger. There is still a long way to save the panda. Think of other animals in danger. There is still a long way to go to save the panda. Think of other animals in danger such as tigers, whales, turtles and elephants--and we need to save them, too. _ is the symbol for the World Wide Fund for Nature. A. The Tiger B. The panda C. The elephant D. The Whale Answer: B If women are mercilessly exploited year after year,they have only themselves to blame.Because they tremble at the thought of being seen in public in clothes that are out of fashion,they are always taken advantage of by the designers and the big stores.Clothes which have been worn only a few times have to be put aside because of the change of fashion.When you come to think of it,only a woman is capable of standing in front of a wardrobe packed full of clothes and announcing sadly that she has nothing to wear. Changing fashions are nothing more than the intentional creation of waste.Many women spend vast sums of money each year to replace clothes that have hardly been worn.Women who cannot afford to throw away clothing in this way,waste hours of their time altering the dresses they have.Skirts are lengthened or shortened;neck-lines are lowered or raised,and so on.No one can claim that the fashion industry contributes anything really important to society.Fashion designers are rarely concerned with vital things like warmth,comfort and durability .They are only interested in outward appearance and they take advantage of the fact that women will put up with any amount of discomfort,as long as they look right.There can hardly be a man who hasn't at some time in his life smiled at the sight of a woman shaking in a thin dress on a winter day,or delicately picking her way through deep snow in high-heeled shoes. When comparing men and women in the matter of fashion,the conclusions to be drawn are obvious.Do the constantly changing fashions of women's clothes,one wonders,reflect basic qualities of inconstancy and instability?Men are too clever to let themselves be cheated by fashion designers.Do their unchanging styles of dress reflect basic qualities of stability and reliability?That is for you to decide. According to the passage,which of the following statements is TRUE? A. New fashions in clothing are created for the commercial exploitation of women. B. The constant changes in women's clothing reflect their strength of character. C. The fashion industry makes an important contribution to society. D. Fashion designs should not be encouraged since they are only welcomed by women. Answer: A Determined to make school more related to the workplace, Roosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon, developed a school-to-work program. In their first year, students are offered some job pathways in natural resources, human services, health care, business, arts and communication. The following year, each student chooses one of the pathways and examines it in depth, spending three hours a week watching someone on the job. Such a program is also in practice in some other states. The school-to-work program is built around a partnership. For example, Eastman Kodak, a major employer in Colorado, introduces students to business by helping them construct a model city using small pieces of wood. "The children use the models to decide on the best place to set up schools," says Lucille Mantelli, director for Eastman Kodak in Colorado. Kodak introduces math by teaching fifth graders to use their pocket money properly. They also provide one-on-one job watching experiences and offer chances of practice for high school juniors and seniors. "Students come to the workplace two or three hours a week," explains Mantelli. "They do the job for us. We pay them and they get school credits . We also give them our views on their performance and developmental opportunities." In these partnerships, everybody wins. The students tend to take more difficult courses than students in schools that don't offer such programs. Business benefits by having a better prepared workforce needed in future years. "It's a way for us to work with the school systems to develop the type of workforce we'll need in future years," Mantelli continued. "We need employees who understand the basics of reading and writing. We need them to be good at math and to be comfortable working on a team." "Our theory is that they can learn as much outside the classroom as in. All students have the ability to change the world, not just to live in it. To do that, they have to know how to solve problems and use critical thinking skills. We need to encourage them to dream about jobs that go beyond what they see today," concludes a school-to-work program organizer. The main purpose of the school-to-work program is to _ . A. make what students learn in school related to the workplace B. introduce new job opportunities to schools C. improve relations between students and teachers D. offer students more difficult courses Answer: A Mr. and Mrs. Harris had always spent their summer holidays in a small hotel at the seaside near their hometown. One year, however, Mr. Harris made a lot of money in his factory, so they decided to go to a foreign country and stay at a really good hotel. They flew to Paris, and arrived at a 5-star hotel late in the evening. They thought they would have to go to bed hungry, because in that small hotel where they used to stay in the past, no meals were served after seven in the evening. They were surprised to be told that the hotel served dinner until ten. "Then what are the times of meals?" asked Mrs. Harris. "Well, Madam, we serve breakfast from seven to eleven, lunch from twelve to three, tea from four to five, and dinner from six to ten." "But that hardly leaves any time for us to see the city!" said Mrs. Harris. How long did the service time for lunch last in the hotel? A. 2 hours. B. 4 hours. C. 3 hours . D. 1 hour. Answer: C The more people I meet, the more I love my dog. Every day I am reminded why I love him so much. Three weeks before Christmas in 2008 at about 2:00 in the morning, my dog woke us up out of a sound sleep because someone was knocking at our door. He barked in front of me as if to protect me from the stranger who was knocking. My husband answered, and it was a local police officer telling us that my father-in-law had called the police because he forgot our number. My mother-in-law was suffering from a brain disease and was in the hospital. We thanked the officer and raced to the hospital. We would have taken him, but the hospital would consider him to be a dirty pet. After visiting the hospital we drove home and hugged our dog once more. At this point it was unlikely that little dog remembered waking us up. What he did remember was that we left him alone for several hours and he missed us. He thought we missed him, too, so he greeted us at the door with his tail wagging . Someone tried to break in our house that summer, but, once again, our little dog saved the day. Our curtains were damaged, but no one got in. When I got home from work, I found parts of my curtains lying on the floor. We called the police and the officer said that he did a great job. My dog is a loving sweet dog who just wants some attention. I worked with him for months and now he sits, dances, sings, shakes hands, and so much more. The best part is he looks out for me as much as I look out for him. My husband says the dog is spoiled ; I say he finally has a loving home. Why did the police say the dog did a great job? A. The dog saved the author. B. The dog stopped the thief. C. The dog did well what people told it. D. The dog helped to find the thief. Answer: B
It's really true what people say about English politeness: it's everywhere. When squeezing past someone in a narrow passage, people say "sorry". When getting off a bus, English passengers say "thank you" rather than the driver. In Germany, people would never dream of doing these things. After all, squeezing past others is sometimes unavoidable, and the bus driver is only doing his job. I used to think the same way, without questioning it, until I started traveling to the British Isles, and here are some more polite ways of interacting with people in UK. People thank each other everywhere in England, all the time. When people buy something in a shop, customer and shop assistant in most cases thank each other twice or more. In Germany, it would be exceptional to hear more than one thank you in such a conversation. British students thank their lecturers when leaving the room. English employers thank their employees for doing their jobs, as opposite to Germans, who would normally think that paying their workers money is already enough. Another thing I observed during my stay was that English people rarely criticize others. Even when I was working and mistakes were pointed out to me, my employers emphasized several times but none of their explanations were intended as criticism. It has been my impression that by avoiding criticism, English people are making an effort to make others feel comfortable. This also is showed in other ways. British men still open doors for women, and British men are more likely to treat women to a meal than German men. However, I do need to point out here that this applies to English men a bit more than it would to Scottish men! Yes, the latter are a bit tightfisted. What can be inferred from the passage? A German men never treat a woman to dinner. B The author think it's unnecessary to say "thank you" to the bus driver. C In Germany, employers often say "thank you" to employees for their job. D Germans think it is unnecessary to thank workers because payment is enough. Answer: D. Germans think it is unnecessary to thank workers because payment is enough. TIME is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It was created in 1923 by Briton Hadden and Henry Luce, making it the first weekly news magazine in the US. Hadden was considered carefree, liked to tease Luce and saw TIME as important but also fun. That accounted for its heavy coverage of celebrities(including politicians), the entertainment industry, and pop culture--criticized as too light for serious news. It tells the news through people, and for many decades, the magazine's cover depicted a single person. On Hadden's death in 1929, Luce became the most important man at TIME and a major figure in the history of 20th-century media. TIME is also known for its signature red border, first introduced in 1927. It has only changed four times since then. The issue released shortly after the September 11 attacks on the United States featured a black border to symbolize mourning. However, this edition was a special "extra" edition published quickly for the breaking news of the event; the next regularly scheduled issue contained the red border. Additionally, the April 28, 2008 Earth Day issue, dedicated to environmental issues, contained a green border. The next change in border was in the September 19, 2011 issue, commemorating the 10thanniversary of the September 11 attacks with a metallic silver border. The most recent change(again with a silver border) was in the December 31, 2012 issue, noting Barack Obama's selection as Man of the Year. TIME has a division magazine, TIME FOR KIDS(TFK), which is especially published for children and is mainly distributed in classrooms. TFK contains some national news, a "Cartoon of the Week", and a variety of articles concerning popular culture that the younger U.S. citizens are interested in. All the stories in TFK are written by young reporters. In some advertising campaigns, the magazine has suggested that the letters TIME stand for "The International Magazine of Events". What do we know about TFK? A It has young reporters writing articles. B It has a division magazine called TIME. C It is designed for kids and teachers. D It mainly contains popular culture. Answer: A. It has young reporters writing articles. My dad gave me A my head windows B a building C air D the sun Answer: A. my head windows Twenty courses provided by 18 top Chinese universities went online on Wednesday, China's latest attempt to disseminate teaching resources within the nation and promote Chinese culture globally. These courses cover 20 subjects or lectures given by speakers and professors from several universities, including Zhejiang University, Nankai University and Wuhan University.Most of the courses will focus on traditional Chinese culture, according to the Ministry of Education. They are available through the websites of NetEase and China Network Television, as well as icourse.edu.cn, for free. Some of the courses will be translated into English and promoted across the rest of the world, according to NetEase Company, an international body promoting open content among the world's universities. The company has set up a translation team and "will kick off the translation work when we finish the negotiation on intellectual rights with universities", said Zhu Xirui, a senior manager for NetEase Company. "We want to promote Chinese culture to overseas netizens through the program," he said. Ding Xiuhong, another manager of NetEase Company, said they had invested more than 15 million yuan($2.37 million)in the program. "Although we haven't made a profit from 'the program, it will at least help increase our website's page views," Ding said. "I'd like to watch the Chinese elite classes, such as Chinese literature and poetry, as well as economy," said Jeremy Scaramuzzi, a teacher at Tsinghua International School. He said he was also interested in Chinese classes on political science since that is the subject he majored in in the United States. According to the passage, people can get access to the courses from _ websites. A 2. B 3. C 4. D 5. Answer: B. 3. Hello! I'm Jane. I'm thirteen . I have a sister, but I don't have a brother. I like games. I often play soccer with her. I have 2 volleyballs. I like ping-pong, too. I play ping-pong with my friends after school. Do you like games ? Do you play sports every day ? Who does Jane play soccer with ? A Her sister. B Her brother. C Her friends. D Her classmates. Answer: A. Her sister.
Question: We like to think our intelligence is self-made; it happens inside our heads, the product of our inner thoughts alone. But the rise of Google, Wikipedia and other online tools has made many people question the impact of these technologies on our brains. Is typing in "Who has played James Bond in the movies?" the same as our knowledge about the names like Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig? Can we say we know the answer as long as we know how to rapidly get the information on Google? Here the question is about how we define intelligence itself. The answer appears to be interesting, because the evidence from psychological studies suggests that much of our intelligence comes from how we coordinate ourselves with other people and our environment. An influential theory among psychologists is that we're cognitive misers . This is the idea that we are unwilling to do mental work unless we have to. We try to avoid thinking things fully when a short cut is available. If you've ever voted for the presidential candidate with the most honest smile, or chosen a restaurant based on how many people are already sitting in there, then you are a cognitive miser. The theory explains why we'd much rather type a zip code into Google Maps than memorize and recall the location of a place - it's so much easier to do so. Research shows that people don't tend to rely on their memories for things they can easily access. Buildings can somehow disappear from pictures we're looking at, or the people we're talking to can be changed with someone else, and often we won't notice - a phenomenon called "change blindness". This isn't an example of human stupidity - far from it, in fact - this is an example of mental efficiency. The mind relies on the world as a better record than memory. Philosophers have suggested that thinking is really happening in the environment as much as it is happening in our brains. The philosopher Andy Clark called humans "natural born cyborgs ", those naturally capable of absorbing and combining new tools, ideas and abilities. In Clark's view, the route to a solution is not the issue - having the right tools really does mean you know the answers, just as much as already knowing the answer. Rather than being forced to rely on our own resources for everything, we can share our knowledge. Technology keeps track of things for us so we don't have to, while large systems of knowledge serve the needs of society as a whole. I don't know how a computer works, or how to grow vegetables, but that knowledge is out there and I can get to benefit. The internet provides even more potential to share this knowledge. Wikipedia is one of the best examples - an increasingly large database of knowledge from which everyone can benefit. So as well as having a physical environment - like the rooms or buildings we live or work in - we also have a mental environment, which means that when I ask you where your mind is, you shouldn't point toward the centre of your forehead. As research shows, our minds are made up just as much by the people and tools around us as they are by the brain cells inside our skull. It is true about the phenomenon called "change blindness" that human beings _ . A. are stupid not to notice the changes B. are efficient in mental work C. are blind to changes around them D. rely on memory when dealing with things Answer: B. are efficient in mental work Question: There are robots all around us. Some do very complicated jobs like flying airplanes and driving subway trains. and some do one simple job. When an automatic washing machine is switched on, water pours in. The machine waits until the water is warm enough for washing clothes. It does this by "feedback" . Information about what is happening is feedback into the robot to tell what to do next. Our eyes, ears and other senses are our feedback. They tell us what is going on around us. So robots are like human beings in two ways. They work and they have feedback. In some ways robots are better than human beings. They work quickly and do not make mistakes. They do not get bored doing the same job over and over again. And they never get tired. So robots are very useful in factories. They can be taught to do many different jobs. First their electronic brain must be shown how the job is done. A person moves the robot's "arms" and "hands" through each part of the job. The most intelligent robots can move and see. Their eyes are cameras. Their fingers can feel shapes and sizes of the objects. These robots have computer brains linked to their eyes and fingers, which control their actions. The expensive robots are used in scientific research. They do such job as handling radioactive materials. The fact that a robot never gets bored doing the same job means that _ . A. it is very much like human beings B. it can do boring jobs for people C. it will never bore people D. it will work much better than human beings Answer: B. it can do boring jobs for people Question: David is being tried in federal court for criminal conspiracy with John to violate federal narcotics law. At trial, the prosecutor calls David's new wife, Wanda, and asks her to testify about a meeting between David and John that she observed before she married David. Which of the following is the most accurate statement of the applicable rule concerning whether Wanda may testify? A. The choice is Wanda's. B. The choice is David's. C. Wanda is permitted to testify only if both Wanda and David agree. D. Wanda is compelled to testify even if both Wanda and David objec Answer: A. The choice is Wanda's. Question: Dear Zhou Lan, Thank you very much for your mail. I want to go to China. I know something about China from your e-mails. Your English is very good. But I don't know much Chinese. Now I'm learning it from my parents. They know much about China. They tell me many things about China. I'm happy to know you like your school and your family. You want to know my family and my school. I have a big family. My grandparents and my parents are all very fine. My father has a brother. He is my uncle, John. He and my aunt have their children. They're Bill, Linda, Mary and Lily. My brother Dick is a boy of eighteen. I like my family very much. I'll go to China next year with my mother. She is going to teach English in a middle school in Beijing. Yours, Annie How many people are there in Annie's big family? A. 4 B. 6 C. 12 D. 14 Answer: C. 12 Question: The longest solar eclipse of the century cast a wide shadow for several minutes over Asia and the Pacific Ocean on 22th July, drawing people outside to watch the sight in the sky. Day turned into night. Temperature turned cooler in cities and villages filled with fans of astronomy. The total eclipse could be seen starting in India on Wednesday morning and moving eastward across China and parts of the Pacific. Millions cast their eyes towards the heavens to catch an unusual view of the sun's colorful ring. Cloud in some areas prevented people from fully enjoying the sight. Still, many were frightened. The total eclipse occurs about twice a year as the moon passes between the earth and the sun on the same plane as earth's circle. The local astronomy society gave a flash on how an eclipse happens. Wednesday's event lasted up to more than six minutes in some places. In India, thousands bathed in the Ganges River in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi to clean their souls. It was sunny sky in Hong Kong for the eclipse, where students, parents and the elderly flooded in a primary school to watch. In Shanghai, children climbed up ladders to look through two large telescopes on the school roof to catch sight of the moon moving across the sun. Others looked through a pair of glasses covered with solar filter paper, where they could take pictures of the moon moving over the sun. In some cultures, many old stories are about eclipse. In India, a eclipse was considered unfavorable. In Chinese tradition, there is a story about a heavenly dog eating the sun. As the story goes, people would make noise to frighten off the dog and save the sun. What does the text imply about the total solar eclipse? A. All people watched the solar eclipse for at least six minutes. B. In ancient China, people couldn't understand this phenomenon. C. Your eyes must be hurt without filter equipment while watching. D. You can watch the total solar eclipse directly only with your eyes. Answer: B. In ancient China, people couldn't understand this phenomenon.
Question: Several different stories are told about the origin of Saint Valentine's day. One legend dates as far back as the days of Roman Empire. According to the story , Claudius , the Emperor of Rome, wanted to increase the size of the army. He knew that it would be easier to get young men who were not married to join the army; therefore, he made a rule that no young men could marry until he had served in the army for a number of years. A priest named Valentine broke the rule and secretly married a great number of young people. Finally, Claudius found out about Valentine and put the priest in prison, where he remained until his death on February 14. After his death, Valentine was made a saint and the day of his death was named Saint Valentine's day--- which is time for people to send one another their greetings of many kinds. February 14, Valentine's Day, is sweetheart's day, on which people in love with each other express their tender emotions. People sometimes put their love message in a heartshaped box of chocolate or a bunch of flowers tied with red ribbons. Words of letters may be written on the flower-covered card, or something else. Whatever the form may be , the message is almost the same: "will you be my Valentine?" According to the rule _ . A. no young men could get married unless they were old enough. B. young men could get married if they had severed in the army for a number of years. C. no one could get married without the emperor's permission. D. young men could get married only in the army. Answer: B Question: A high school history teacher once told us, "If you make one close friend in school, you will be most fortunate. A true friend is someone who stays with you for life." Experience teaches that he was right. Good friendships are just not easily formed. Why? One reason is that it is easy to move around in our society. Mr. Darrell Sifford, a news reporter for the Washington Daily, has been studying and talking about friendships for a number of years. He reports what one woman thought about the effect of ease of movement on friendship: "I was nine, and we'd just moved from South Carolina to New Jersey, and I didn't know anybody. _ and she said to me, 'Amelia, I know you're feeling bad because you don't have any friends. But you can fix that. Just walk across the street -- I know there's a girl about your age over there -- and knock on the door and ask her to be your friend.'" "As a 9-year-old, I could do that. I knocked on the door and said, 'Hi, my name is Amelia, and I'd like for us to be friends.' And to my surprise, she said that she would like that too--and we became friends." She added that going about it directly always worked when she was a child. But as she left childhood, she found that the simple direct approach was more and more difficult for her to follow. So, as an adult, Amelia longed to have friends but her hands were tied when it came to doing anything about it. The problem, according to her, is that society teaches us in a number of ways that direct action is not an acceptable way of doing things. We need to be less direct so that our feelings will not be hurt if our offer of friendship is refused. Mr. Sifford goes on to describe his own ideas on the subject: "To most of us, friendship is very important, but we need to have clear in our own minds the kinds of friendships we want. Are they to be very close or kept at arm's length? Do we want to share ourselves or do we want to walk on the surface?" "For some people, an ordinary friendship is enough -- and that's all right. But at some point we need to make sure that what we expect from the friendship is the same as what our friends expect from it. If one wants more from the friendship than the other, and if this is not talked about, one is likely eventually to feel that he's not being given enough attention. "The sharing of close secrets, including our fears as well as our dark dreams, is the surest way to deepen friendships. But the process must be gone through slowly and continued only if there are signs of interest and our efforts are answered." What are some of the problems in forming friendships? According to Mr. Sifford, the biggest problem is to expect too much too soon. Deep relationships take time. Another "big difficulty" is to think one "possesses" the other and that he should spend all his time only with you. Similarly, friendships require action from both sides. In short, you must give as much as you take. Finally there is a question of developing friendship. Unless you spend enough time together, talking on the phone, writing letters, doing things together, friendships will gradually fade away. Why is it so difficult to form friendships? Perhaps it is possible, as Mr. Sifford states, that we simply do not stay in one place long enough for a true friendship to develop. However, we all agree that each of us should think carefully about the kind of friendships we want. As in all interpersonal relationships, success depends on the kind of friendship we expect to have, openness to others, and a willingness to experiment. The author quoted many times what Mr. Darrell Sifford said in order to _ . A. show respect for him B. share the same opinion with him C. strengthen the authority of his opinion D. make some comments about friendships Answer: B Question: Chinese people around the world are celebrating their most important holiday, Chinese New Year. But for one man in Taiwan, it's all about business as he washes dirty banknotes for gifts. According to Chinese tradition, parents give their children clean, fresh banknotes at the start of the new year. But such notes are in high demand during the time just before the holiday period, and Yao Guancheng noticed _ . Yao Guancheng said, " When we first started this business it was for family members who liked to collect antique banknotes. But later on , it suddenly occurred to me that this service would come in handy for the Chinese New Year. It is one of our customs to put banknotes inside little red envelopes in order to bring our children good luck." "To do that , people change old notes for new ones at the banks. But here in Taiwan, there are all sorts of restrictions as to how much you can change, what days you can do that and which banks you can go to . That's inconvenient. So I thought: why not give people an alternative ?" He doesn't just leave the money in water for quite a long time. He uses special chemicals that are a closely guarded secret. His services don't come cheap; he charges about$10 for washing twenty banknotes. But during the time just before the new year holiday, he's been in demand , cleaning people's banknotes and in the process, giving a new , cleaner image to the term "money laundering -an illegal process by which criminals attempt to hide money from government officials because it has been earned illegally or taxes should be paid on it" Yao Guancheng's initial aim of running his business was to _ . A. avoid paying more taxes B. make a healthy profit C. bring children good luck D. serve old money collectors Answer: D Question: An explosion on Thursday killed one and injured 21 in a busy street in Tongren, Southwest China's Guizhou Province. The bomb was hidden in a rubbish bin in the city's commercial hub ,where lots of shops and restaurants are concentrated. The ear-splitting blast was heard around 12:50 p.m.,said a local newspaper, citing witnesses. The power of the blast shattered nearby shop windows and ripped the stainless steel rubbish can to pieces. One passer-by,identified only as Zhang,said she was shocked by the noise and saw a lot of pedestrians lying on the ground when she got to the scene. Thirteen of the injured were taken to a local hospital after the explosion. A doctor there said five were in serious condition but already out of danger after emergency treatment. The others were just slightly hurt. "The cause of the explosion is still unknown", said an officer with the Tongren police, but refused to speculate as to the cause. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? A. One passer- by, identified only as Zhang, saw the man throwing a bomb into a bin. B. Some customers in restaurants were injured. C. The writer didn't get to the scene. D. All customers in shops got hurt. Answer: C Question: The early history of the city of Rome involves Romulus and Remus,two orphan boys who,legend says,were raised by a she-wolf.The boys' mother had been murdered by an evil king and the two babies tossed into the river Tiber.When the wolf found them they had washed up on the shore.She perhaps took pity on the crying of the babies and,gently picking them up in her teeth,she carried them back to her cave and fed them on her milk.The boys grew bigger and stronger and,eventually,were found by a herdsman who took them home.He and his wife raised the boys like their own children.When they reached manhood they sought revenge on the king who had killed their mother and driven them from their home. They decided to build a city.Unfortunately,they argued over the appropriate site and Romulus killed his brother Remus.Romulus ruled this city -- called Roma -- for thirty-seven years. The city of Rome is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.If you travel there you can see a statue of the two baby boys feeding from their mother - the wolf. What is the main idea of the passage? A. Wolves like to take care of human children. B. The city of Rome had many wolves in the old days. C. The city of Rome was founded by a wolf. D. Romulus established the city of Rome. Answer: D
Question: Malls are popular places for Americans to go to. Some people spend so much time at malls that they are called mall rats. Mall rats shop until they visit hundreds of stores. People like malls for many reasons. They feel safe because malls have police stations. Parking is usually free. And the weather inside is always fine. The newest malls have beautiful rest places with waterfalls and large green trees. The Mall of America in Minnesota is one of the most popular ones. It covers 4.2 million square feet. It has 350 stores, eight nightclubs, and a large park! There are parking spaces for 12,750 cars. About 750,000 people shop there every week. The first indoor mall in the United States was built in 1965 in Edina Minnesota. People love doing all their shopping in one place. More malls are built around the country. Now malls are town centers where people come to do many things. They shop, and of course, they also eat in food courts that have food from all over the world. They see films at theaters. Some people even get their exercise by doing the new sport of "mall walking". Others go to malls to meet friends. In some malls, people can see a doctor and even go to church. In other words, people can do almost everything in malls. Now people can live in their favorite shopping centers in fact. According to the text, people can do all the things in some malls EXCEPT _ . A. seeing a doctor B. going to church C. eating food D. go to school Answer: D Question: Reproduction produces A. bacteria B. light C. carrots D. farrow Answer: D Question: Once there was a man who lied to eat mangoes. One day he decided to get the sweetest mango from the very top of the tree. Mangoes which are exposed to the sun the most are the sweetest. So he climbed up to the top, where the branches were thin. He managed to pick up a few sweet reddish fruits, but, in an attempt to climb down, he slipped and started falling towards the ground. Fortunately, he caught the branch as he was falling and remained helplessly hanging on the tree. Then he started to call nearby villagers for help. They immediately came with a ladder and sticks, but could do little to help him. Then after some time one calm and thoughtful person arrived - a well-known sage who lived in a simple hut nearby. People were very curious to see what he would do, as he was famous in solving many people's problems in the area and sometimes very complicated ones. He was silent for a minute and then picked up a stone and threw it at the hanging man. Everybody was surprised. The hanging mango lover started to shout: What are you doing?! Are you crazy? Do you want me to break my neck?" The sage was silent. Then he took another stone and threw it at the man. The man was very angry: "If I could just come down, I would show you!" That's what everybody wanted - that he came down. But how? Now everybody was tense, as to what would happen next! Some wanted to chastise the sage, but they didn't. The sage picked another stone and threw it again at the man, even more forcefully. Now the man on the tree was enraged and developed a great determination to come down and take revenge. He then used all his skill and strength and somehow reached the branches which were safe to start going down. And he made it! Everybody was amazed. However, the rescued man found the sage gone. He stood there, realizing that the man really sed him because he induced him to try his best and save himself. "I should be thankful and not angry." What do you think motivated the man to climb down? A. Courage. B. Revenge. C. Carefulness. D. Assistance. Answer: B Question: Australia is famous for its beautiful beaches. And Australian people love swimming and going to the beach. But it wasn't always that way. Different Climate, Different habits When Europeans first invaded Australia, the only people here who were good at swimming were the Aboriginal people. The Europeans came from climates where it was too cold to swim. Also some people worried that they would get sick if they wet their whole body. However the warm climate of Australia soon changed their attitude to swimming. At first, only men swam. They swam naked - there were no women to see them. Cover up! By the 1880's and 90's visiting the beach was very fashionable and a lot of people went there, especially in warm weather. They wore everyday street clothes - much more than people wear at the beach today. In those days, people believed they should cover most of their body so it would not be seen by the opposite sex. Special bathing costumes were designed for women. These costumes used a lot of cloth and were very heavy when wet, making it difficult to swim. Laws Made and Laws Changed The government decided to stop men swimming naked.It passed a law which forbade bathing between 6am and 7pm. Many people objected to this law and wrote letters to the government asking it to change the laws. In 1903, the laws changed; people could swim in the daytime, but they had to wear neck-to-knee costumes. The Shrinking Costume As time passed, swimming costumes became smaller and more convenient. At first men and women were covered from neck to knee. Then the arms became bare. Then more of the legs were uncovered.Each new change was regarded by many as shocking and rude and people wrote letters to the newspapers complaining about the new costumes. Nowadays some people go to special "nude beaches" to swim naked. However, most people cover their bodies more than they did ten years ago -- not because they think bare skin is shocking -- but to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun. The climate of Australia _ . A. made European setters think differently about swimming B. change European setters' swimming costume C. made European setters hotter D. made European setters swim naked Answer: A Question: SYDNEY (AFP) -- Thousands of people sat down to breakfast on the Sydney Harbor Bridge on Sunday after the bridge was closed to traffic and carpeted with grass for the first time for a giant picnic. About 6,000 early riser were on the steel bridge from 6:30 am to take part in the two-hour event designed to show Sydney's best food and outdoor lifestyle. As music performers provided the background music, those who had won tickets to the picnic in a random lottery began to feast on fruit, pastries, muesli, yoghurt ... "It's amazing to see the bridge in this perspective ," said Don Fuchs who lives near the bridge, which is used by about 100,000 cars daily. "Usually you sit in the car, you cross it, and that's it." "It was beautiful," said Linda Curnow who attended the picnic with her family. "The grass was so thick that it was like being in your backyard." New South Wales state Premier Nathan said the event was set to become a mark of an annual Sydney's month-long October food festival. About 45,000 people applied for tickets to the breakfast for which people brought their own food but were able to taste samples from some of the state's best producers. Organizers used about 40 percent of the grass on Sydney parks. The bridge reopened at about 1:00 pm. What made Linda Curnow feel as if she were in her own backyard? A. There being no cars passing by. B. So much food offered by Australian producers. C. So many people dining at the same time. D. The thick grass covering the bridge. Answer: D
David Moore taught science at the City School.He needed some expensive books,so he bought them.He put the books in his car in a quiet street.Then he went to other shops to buy something else.At six he came back to the car.One door was open--and the books were not there.David drove home. That night he wrote a letter to a newspaper.The next day he went to the police station. On Friday people read this in the newspaper: Books: Have you any old books? I buy old and modern books. Open all day on Saturday.Dauid Moore.26 Fry Road. David stayed at home on Saturday.The first mall came at eight.David took him to the kitchen.At half past nine another man arrived.He had a bag under his arm. "Mr.Moore?"the man asked. "That's right,"David said."Can I help you?" "I've got some good books.You buy books,don't you?" "Yes.Bring them in. Let me have a look." Soon the books were on the dining-table."Come in now."David called,"and bring the list." A policeman came into the dining-room.He read the names on the books and the names on the list in his hand.They were the same. "Come with me.Sir."the policeman said to the man. David probably bought the books on _ . A Wednesday B Friday C Saturday D Sunday Answer: A Wendy Gallegos writes "concer" on the board. One of her students raises her hand. "Ms. Gallegos, you should have written 'conocer' instead," she said, referring to the Spanish verb for "to know." Gallegos looks at the board, smiles and quickly erases her mistake. "You see, I have taught you so well, you pick up on my mistakes," she said with a laugh. To Gallegos, the scene in her classroom is typical of the children she teaches. Gallegos teaches high school Spanish. She became part of their lives and families for three years. She is willing to help her children succeed. After a couple of years, Gallegos' class becomes like home. Gallegos' Spanish class is taught mostly in English in sixth grade. By the time the students are eighth-graders, they are speaking fewer words of English and more of Spanish during the 50-minute classes. "My goal is to get my kids to say something in Spanish every day," she said, "I want them to be able to talk to me. That's why I help them, I praise them, I recognize them when they do good work. And we have fun. _ .'' If a student needs help, Gallegos offers the student a "lifesaver," which is help from a classmate. The lifesaver gets a piece of candy as a reward. As the students said: "Gallegos' class is anything but boring." It is because of Gallegos' efforts and determination that she is the teacher who they think is most deserving of one of Collier County's Golden Apple Awards. "I don't teach a subject, I teach kids. This is what I was born to do," Gallegos said. The scene in Gallegos' class is mentioned at the beginning of the passage to _ . A show Gallegos, as a teacher, makes a mistake B tell teachers can help students correct mistakes. C show her good teaching method in daily class D point out the students' impolite behavior in class Answer: C Joanne "Jo" Rowling was born on 31 July 1965, pen name, is a British novelist, best known as the writer of the Harry Potter books. The Harry Potter books are world famous. People bought more than 400 million copies. They have become the best-selling book series in history.Rowling finished the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997. Later Jo published 6 more -- the last, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2007. Jo is said to be the twelfth richest woman in the UK. In October 2010, Jo was named the "Most Influential Woman in Britain. J. K. Rowling is _ . A Harry Potter B Most Influential man in Britain C the actress of Harry Potter D The writer of Harry Potter Answer: D In Singapore,many middle school students spend a lot of their time on their studies. Good education is often regarded as a ticket to success in their future. So,many of these students try their best to get good grades in their examinations.They have a lot of homework every day and exams are a big headache.Sometimes,some of them are even made to go to remedial classes after schoo1. Schools run programs outside school hours.The students can take part in sports and games,music and dance,hiking and rock-climbing ,etc.They are also very active in community service . In their spare time,most students like to listen to pop music.And Hollywood blockbusters ,Hong Kong and Singapore movies are very popular among them.They understand IT very well.Some of them also spend their free time surfing the Internet,e-mailing their friends,playing computer and video games. They sometimes go to cafes,fast-food restaurants,shopping centers and big bookstores. So,it looks like life as a middle school student in Singapore is not easy but it is rich and colorful. In the school,the students can't _ outside school hours. A have sports B dance C go hiking D go to a restaurant Answer: D A book review tells not only what a book is about, but also how successful it is at what it is trying to do. Professors often assign book reviews as practice in careful analytical reading. As a reviewer, you bring together the two parts of accurate, analytical reading and strong, personal response when you indicate what the book is about and what it might mean to a reader. In other words, reviewers answer not only the WHAT but the SO WHAT question about a book. Thus, in writing a review, you combine the skills of describing what is on the page,analyzing how the book tried to achieve its purpose, and expressing your own reactions. Most book reviews start with a heading that includes all the basic information about the book, like: Title. Author. Place of publication, publisher, date of publication. Number of pages. The review usually begins with an introduction that lets your readers know what the review will say. The first paragraph usually includes the author and title again, so your readers don't have to look up to find this information. You should also include a very brief description of the contents of the book, the purpose or audience for the book, and your reaction and evaluation. Then you move into a section of background information that helps place the book in context and discusses how to judge the book. Next, you should give a summary of the main points, quoting and explaining key phrases from the author. Finally, you get to the heart of your review -- your evaluation of the book. In this section, you might discuss some of the following issues: How well the book has achieved its goal. What possibilities are suggested by the book. What the book has left out. How the book compares with others on the subject. *What personal experiences you've had related to the subject. It is important to use labels to carefully distinguish your views from the author's, so that you don't confuse your readers. Then, like other essays, you can end with a direct comment on the book, and tie together issues raised in the review in a conclusion. There is, of course, no set form, but a general rule is that the first one-half to two-thirds of the review should summarize the author's main ideas and at least one-third should evaluate the book. Readers will get puzzled if _ . A there is no heading in a book review B the book review is not complex enough C the reviewer's point of view is mixed with the author's D there are some different issues listed in the book review Answer: C
Sitting too much is now listed with smoking and junk food as a bad habit that increases your risk of heart disease. New Australian research shows that half-an-hour in the gym will not make up for the waist-expanding damage caused by spending the rest of the day sitting. But the good news is that doing chores in the house or gently walking around the office while on the phone might be enough to keep you fit. The study joins the growing body of evidence suggesting too much sitting might undo the benefits of exercise. The study measured the intensity of physical activities in 168 subjects over seven days. It found that, regardless of how much exercise they did or their total sitting time, those who took more breaks from sitting had lower risk of thick waists and lower levels of blood lipids . "Higher levels of blood lipids have been linked to a heightened risk of heart disease," principal researcher Genevieve Healy of the University of Queensland said. "What the study shows is that there are benefits in just getting up regularly and interrupting your sitting time." Researchers behind the Stand Up Australia project have written to the Rudd Government requesting $3.5 million for a two-year study into the impact how long sitting offects health and productivity of workers. The study would also develop and test strategies for reducing sitting time on the job. The latest study builds on work that is shifting the health promotion focus from purposeful exercise, such as running, to lower intensity activities throughout the day. The Australian research has been backed up by US studies. "To hold a body that weighs 77 kilograms upright takes a fair amount of energy from muscles," said Professor Marc Hamilton from the University of Missouri. "There is a large amount of energy associated with standing every day that cannot easily be replaced by 30 to 60 minutes in the gym." The best title for the text could be _ . A Exercise in the Gym Is out B Your Office Chair Is Killing you C A Cause of Health Disease D Good News for Workers Answer: B I started learning English when I was 6 years old. For 8 years I have learned English in the way everybody else did--by going to English classes. It was useless. I did everything that the teachers told me to do. But I didn't get any results. I mean, I was always one of the best students in class. However, it took me a long time to read English texts. I made lots of mistakes when writing, and my pronunciation was bad, and I could only speak English very slowly. After my eight years of studying hard, these were the results. In 2003, I went to the best high school in Wroclaw. It was a special school with a lot of English classes. I owe a lot to the people I met there, both students and teachers. My first two years in high school were very important for my English. My English teacher, Mr Janusz Laskosz, gave me a lot of good advice, especially on pronunciation and vocabulary. My talented friends, Wojtek and Michael Ryszard, who are my partners now, were both fantastic English learners. What's more, every time I heard them speak, they seemed to have a bigger vocabulary . I wanted to be as good as them, so I studied harder. And my English improved. Wojtek and Michael also introduced me to SuperMemo, which has been very important in my life. And, of course, I could discuss the English language with them, which was a great thing. We can learn from the passage that _ could help people learn English better. A good texts B beautiful environment C studying harder alone D good teachers and friends Answer: D Amanda Clement grew up in Hudson, South Dakota. Baseball was always her favorite sport. Once in a while her brother Hank and his friends would let her play first base in their games. More often, however, they asked her to umpire for them, because they knew her calls would be fair and there would be no arguing. One day in 1904, Amanda and her mother traveled to Hawarden, Iowa, to watch Hank play for the home team against Hawarden. When they arrived at the ball field, two local teams were waiting to play a preliminary game. The umpire hadn't arrived, so Hank argued that the teams should let his sister serve as umpire. The players finally agreed. Amanda, then sixteen and standing five feet, ten inches tall, made perfect calls. She was so good that players for the main game asked her to umpire for them and even offered to pay her. Thus, at sixteen, Amanda Clement became the first paid female baseball umpire of all time. She is honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Why did Hank and his friends often ask Amanda to umpire for them? A Because she called them brothers. B Because they wanted to make her happy. C Because no one else wanted to do it for them. D Because she knew the rules well and was fair. Answer: D A new study shows students who write notes by hand during lectures perform better on exams than those who use laptops . Students are increasingly using laptops for note-taking because of speed and legibility . But the research has found laptop users are less able to remember and apply the concepts they have been taught. Researchers performed experiments that aimed to find out whether using a laptop increased the tendency to make notes "mindlessly" by taking down word for word what the professors said. In the first experiment, students were given either a laptop or pen and paper. They listened to the same lectures and were told to use their usual note-taking skills. Thirty minutes after the talk, they were examined on their ability to remember facts and on how well they understood concepts. The researchers found that laptop users took twice as many notes as those who wrote by hand. However, the typists performed worse at remembering and applying the concepts. Both groups scored similarly when it came to memorizing facts. The researchers' report said, "While more notes are beneficial, if the notes are taken mindlessly, as is more likely the case on a laptop, the benefit disappears." In another experiment aimed at testing long-term memory, students took notes as before but were tested a week after the lecture. This time, the students who wrote notes by hand performed significantly better on the exam. These two experiments suggest that handwritten notes are not only better for immediate learning and understanding, but that they also lead to superior revision in the future. While taking notes, laptop users tend to be _ . A mindless B skillful C thoughtful D tireless Answer: A A mother hen clucks loudly when danger is near and her chicks quickly gather around her. Which sense helps the chicks receive this warning about danger from their mother? A smell B taste C sight D sound Answer: D
Beyond two or three days, the world's best weather forecasts are doubtful, and beyond six or seven they are worthless. The Butterfly Effect is the reason. For small pieces of weather--to a global forecaster, small can mean thunderstorms and blizzards --any prediction becomes worse rapidly. Errors and uncertainties increase, from dust devils and storms up to continent-size eddies that only satellites can see. The modern weather models work with net-like points sixty miles apart, and even so, some starting data have to be guessed, since ground stations and satellites cannot see everywhere. But suppose the earth could be covered with sensors placed one foot apart, rising at one-foot intervals all the way to the top of the atmosphere. Suppose every sensor gives perfectly accurate readings of temperature, pressure, humidity , and any other data a weatherman would want. Exactly at noon a powerful computer takes all the data and calculates what will happen at each point at 12.01, then 12.02, then 12.03... the computer will still be unable to predict whether Princeton will have sun or rain one month away. At noon the spaces between the sensors will hide fluctuations that the computer will not know about. By 12.01, those fluctuations will already have created small errors one foot away. Soon the errors will have added to the ten-foot scale, and so on up to the size of the globe. Our computer will not be able to know about fluctuations because _ . A the sensors are not good enough B they are hidden by the spaces between the sensors C they are too far away D they move very fast Answer: B Here are many kinds of vacations. People can go traveling abroad or spend their holidays at the seaside. One kind of vacation is camping. Many Americans enjoy going camping because it is good for them. Each summer millions of Americans drive to the countryside where they find places to camp. There are a lot of national parks in the USA and these national parks mostly stand on the mountains. They are people's favorite camping places. Campers are free from the busy life in the noisy and crowded city. They throw themselves into the arms of Mother Nature. They enjoy the fresh air, lakes and forests in these parks. Hiking, swimming and fishing are the main kinds of exercise. They can see different sorts of animals and plants there. Some campers have trailers which they pull behind their cars to the camping places. Trailers are like small houses on wheels, having many of the things that people use in their homes, such as electricity, hot water, kitchen tools and things like that. But most campers don't have trailers. Tent campers lead a very simple but healthy life. Camping is a pleasant sports activity. After living a while in the open, campers become as fresh as paintings. They feel relaxed. What kind of life do campers live before they go camping? A An easy life. B A happy life. C A busy life. D A healthy life. Answer: C It was a bright Saturday morning. I stopped at a cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee and read the morning newspaper. Suddenly, I felt a hand on the back of my jacket and heard someone say, "Hey Steve! How are you doing?" Looking back, I saw a man. He looked familiar, but I couldn't remember where we had met. The young man also held a cup of coffee, so I asked him to join me. Very soon, his story began to _ my memory. Five years earlier, Johnson was traveling home late on a February night. A heavy snow had arrived that afternoon, and by midnight, the snowdrifts were getting deep. His car was stuck in a snowdrift just down the road from my house. He walked to my house for help. I helped him pull his car out of the snowdrift and up to the street where the snow had been cleaned away. This was a normal happening here during the winter. I couldn't count the times someone has helped me to pull my car from a snowdrift. However, it was an unforgettable experience for him. He was only eighteen at that time, and he said he was very afraid. No one wants to be stuck in a snowdrift at night. Sometimes, one simple kindness at the right moment can change the direction of a life. So, be kind and helpful. Johnson asked Steve for help one night because _ . A he lost his way home B his friend was injured C he was caught in a heavy snow D his car broke down on the way Answer: C "Good Time" is a program on ABC Radio. Jim Green is an announcer for the program. Most of the girls and boys like the program. They also like Jim Green. Some of them often make phone calls to him and thank him for his work. There are lots of letters to him every day, too. Jim Green gets up at 6:00 every morning. He has bread and a glass of milk for breakfast. He leaves home at 6:30 and gets to his office at 7:15. The program begins at 7:30. He plays the new records of the pop songs and modern music for his listeners. At 8:00, it's time for the news. Jim finishes work at 10:30. He goes home in his car. He reads newspapers and listens to music after supper in the evening. He thinks Announcers' job is very interesting and helpful. What does Jim Green do? A A worker B A doctor C An announcer D A teacher Answer: C BEIJING - China's railway rates for freight and passenger transport will continue to be set by the government, announced a senior official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, on Friday. Cao Changqing, head of the NDRC's department of price, said that the country will continue to implement government-set or government-guided prices for the railway sector after the China Railway Corporation (CRC), a State-owned company that takes over the commercial functions of the former Ministry of Railways (MOR), went into business on March 17. Cao said the railway sector, constituting China's main public transport facilities, is a key basic industry. Its pricing scheme is concerned with both the sector's normal operation and development, as well as the daily traveling and vital interests of the general public. The state will be very cautious in making any price adjustment in the railway sector, taking into account various factors including operation, construction, public acceptance and coordinated development with other modes of transport, according to the NDRC official. Under Chinese law and regulations, hearings will be held before adjustments in the basic passenger train ticket fare, Cao said. In China's latest railway reform, endorsed at the just-concluded annual session of the country's top legislature, the former MOR was dismantled into two parts, with the newly created CRC carrying out business functions and a state railways administration fulfilling administrative functions. Why will hearings be held before adjustments in the basic passenger train ticket fare? A The public request it B Under Chinese laws and regulations C According to the order from leaders D Because it will cause a lot of problem Answer: B
Wishing to encourage her young son to make more progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually found his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE." When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. To her horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking outTwinkle, Twinkle Little Star. At that moment, the great pianist made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a melody. Together, the old master and the young beginner transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was amazed and, as it finished, they cheered. That's the way it is in life. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music. But when we put our trust in the hands of a Greater Power, our life's work can be truly beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit, and keep playing." What the famous pianist did at the beginning of the concert showed _ . A. what a great pianist he was B. what a skilled pianist he was C. what an upright man he was D. what a strong man he was Answer: A. what a great pianist he was Akuapem is in the eastern part of Ghana. The sun there shines all the time. The local people are very friendly and hospitable . Now let's have a look at how Akuapem people receive a visitor. A visitor is often welcomed warmly in a family of Akuapem. After the visitor is welcomed into the house, he is offered a seat and water at the very beginning, because the host _ that the visitor must have come from a very long journey and need water. If there is a group of visitors, the host will greet the visitors from right to left. And the host shakes only with his right hand, because Akuapem people think the left hand is not clean. Next, the visitor is asked how his journey was and why he has come. While the conversation is going on, the wife and the children, especially girls, are preparing food for the visitor. The visitor can choose his favorite food. After the visitor finishes eating, the host and the visitor go on with their conversation. Usually this is short one because the visitor is getting ready to say goodbye. When the visitor is leaving, he is often given some food. He is also accompanied by one of the children to the nearest station. The child who accompanies the visitor will not come back home until the visitor leaves safely. Whether he is a close friend or just a stranger, this is always how friendly Akuapem people receive a visitor. From the passage we know that Akuapem people are _ . A. noisy B. friendly C. impolite D. quiet Answer: B. friendly Online grocery shopping was counted as the next great innovation to make our lives easier. In China more than 3,000 websites offer the service, but none have turned a profit. Xiang Nian has had a hard day at the office but at least she can skip the trip to the grocery store. A text message on her phone lets her know the order she placed earlier in the day has been delivered to a locker outside her apartment. "It's really convenient for an office worker like me. My fresh products are waiting for me when I get home and can start cooking. No need to go to the supermarket any more," Xiang says. One of the largest online supermarkets in Wuhan is Just-easy Fresh Produce. Over the past 3 years, the company has developed its online retail grocery business by guaranteeing fresh produce and an innovative delivery system. They've installed thousands of lockers in communitieshttp:// / around downtown Wuhan. "We get an average of 8,000 orders per day. That's the most in China, I'm proud of it. We have placed over 20 thousand lockers in more than half of the communities in Wuhan and we plan to expand to all of them. Many e-commerce giants, like Taobao, are talking about cooperation with us," Jie Xiaofeng, manager of Wuhan Just-easy Agricultural Science & Technology Co., says. While Just-easy may have thousands of customers, a staff of almost 300 and 40 delivery trucks, _ . "There are over 3,000 companies selling fresh products online in China. But none is making a profit. It will take them at least 3 years before they make a profit. The major challenge is the cost of delivery. But they do have many advantages. The price of their goods is lower than the supermarkets," professor He Dehua at Huazhong Agricultural University, says. A number of China's e-commerce giants are making moves into online grocery sales, with Taobao opening an online platform it calls "Cainiao". And traditional retailers including Wal-Mart and Carrefour are also looking to start selling their produce online. Many big B2C e-commerce players usually take fresh farm produce as the last category to add to their offerings. But now more and more large businesses have set their eyes on the industry. They want to prove the fresh food market is definitely suited to online sales. What is the main idea of the passage? A. The online grocery shopping is making our life easier. B. Just-easy Fresh Produce is a pioneer of the online retail grocery business. C. Conventional retailers are facing challenges. D. None of the online grocery supermarkets has made a profit. Answer: D. None of the online grocery supermarkets has made a profit. One day, a little boy comes into a shop and says to the shop worker, "I want to buy twelve exercise books of 6 cents each and nine pencils of 10 cents each. How much is that altogether ?" The shop worker writes these numbers down on a piece of paper and thinks for a minute. Then she says, "1 dollars 62 cents." "If I give you ten dollars, how much money will I get back?" "You will get 8 dollars 38 cents for _ Here you are. These are the things you want." "No, thank you. I don't want to buy anything." The boy looks at the piece of paper and says politely, "This is my math homework. Thank you. Can I take it away?" The little boy comes to the shop for _ . A. nine pencils B. some books C. some money D. his homework Answer: D. his homework My neighbor Mrs. Gargan first told me about it. "Have you seen the tree?" She asked as I was sitting in the backyard enjoying the autumn twilight . "The one down at the corner," she explained. "It's a beautiful tree--all kinds of colors. All the passers-by stop to have a look. You ought to see it." I told her I would, but I soon forgot about the tree. Three days later, I was jogging down the street when a splash of bright orange caught my eyes. For an instant, I thought someone's house had caught fire. Then I remembered the tree. I approached the tree to look at it closely. There was nothing remarkable about the shape of the tree. It was a medium-sized maple. But Mrs. Gargan had been right about its colors. Like the mess of an artist's palette , the tree blazed a bright crimson on its lower branches and burned with vivid yellows and oranges in its center, and deep red at its top. Through these colors were light green leaves as yet untouched by autumn. Walking closer I noticed several bare branches near the top, their small black branches scratching the air like claws. The fallen leaves lay like a red carpet around the trunk. As I was amazed at this beauty, I thought of Ralph Waldo Emerson's comments about the stars. "If the constellations appeared only once in a thousand years, imagine what an exciting event it would be. But because they're up there every night, we barely give them a look," he made a remark in Nature. I felt the same way about the tree. Because its beauty will last only a week, it should be especially precious to us. And I had almost missed it. Once in the 19th century when a man noticed a brilliant display of northern lights in the sky over Massachusetts, he rang a church bell to alert the whole town's people. That's what I felt like doing about the tree. I wanted to awake the countryside to its wonder. I didn't have a church bell, but as I walked home, I did ask each neighbor I passed the same simple but important question Mrs. Gargan had asked me: "Have you seen the tree?". What did the author's neighbor remind him? A. To appreciate the beauty of the sunset. B. To find what happened at the street corner. C. To draw a picture of a tree. D. To enjoy the beautiful tree in all colors. Answer: D. To enjoy the beautiful tree in all colors.
Passage 1 As one of China's most popular and widely known story ,Monkey King, is set to return to screens with 3D effects. It may feature many of the same leading actors from the earliest 1986TV series Journey to the West. According to the producer, which can be got easily in the market? The TV drama, with a total investment of 150 million yuan, will be broadcast on Sichuan TV. Almost 90 million yuan has been put into 3D effects with each 45-mniute episode containing eight minutes of 3D. "The 3D effects not only cost us a lot of money but also a lot of time," director Kan Weiping said. "We had to put off its broadcasting time, which was set at first this summer." Passage 2 The Solar Roadway is an intelligent road that provides clean renewable energy using power from the sun, while providing safer driving conditions along with power. American inventors of the Solar Road said that it will power itself, and reduce the country's carbon marks. Many panels are fixed on the Solar Road. The top of the Solar Road panels is made of glass and the inventors are working together with top glass researchers to develop super strong glass that would offer vehicles pulling power they need. The Solar Roadway creates and carries clean renewable electricity and, therefore, electric vehicles can be recharged at any rest stop, or at any business that uses solar road panels in their parking lots. Such parking lots will be safer at night with the light provided by LED within the road panels. The inventors say their solar roadway has many applications and advantages from main roads to driveways, parking lots, bike paths and runways. What can be inferred about the Solar Roadway from Passage 2? A. It will have a bright future B. It can't work without electricity C. The vehicles won't work without electricity D. The electric vehicles can't be recharged on it Answer: A The periodic table provides information about the atoms of different elements. Which is a characteristic of an atom determines what element it is? A. number of neutrons B. number of protons C. state of matter D. atomic mass Answer: B The 30th Olympics will be held in London soon. More and more people will travel there and watch the games. And it's necessary for the tourists to know the customs there. Here are some tips given by William Hanson, an English manner expert. * Afternoon tea. The traditional view that the British sit down for an afternoon tea is not popular any more. Few people keep the tradition nowadays. * Give tips -- but not in a clear way. The British would like to choose a quiet way of saying "thank you" when they get good service. In fact, many British waiters will not mind if you decide not to tip at all. * Greeting with a kiss. The British aren't like their neighbors in France. They do not greet others with a kiss very often. Many people prefer to shake hands or pat on the back to say " hello" . * Conversation tips. If you are not sure what you are talking about, end a sentence with the word "mate". * Don't talk about money. According to Hanson, British people don't like to talk about money and it is rude to do so. Especially, never ask anyone how much money he or she makes a month. Many people in Britain greeting each other by _ . A. shaking hands B. kissing C. nodding D. patting on the face Answer: A During your stay outside Hong Kong, you may have been exposed to certain infectious diseases without your knowledge. In case you develop any symptom such as fever, chills, skin rash, diarrhea or vomiting within 14 days of your arrival in Hong Kong, you should consult a doctor or attend an accident & emergency department or general outpatient clinic. Please bring along this card. CHIEF PORT HEALTH OFFICE The Port Health Office Their staff is glad to answer your questions about travel health. Please inquire at: --Hong Kong Island 18 F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Rd. East, Wanchai. Tel: 2961 8840 -- Kowloon Room 905, Government Offices, Canton Road Tel: 2368 3361 If you find any symptom, which of the following places is not the place where you should go? A. The hospital. B. The accident & emergency department. C. The Port Health Office. D. The clinic. Answer: C Americans with small families own a car. If both parents are working , they usually have two cars. When the family is larger, they will sell one of the cars and buy a van . A small car can hold four persons and a large car can hold six persons but it is very crowded. A van can hold seven persons easily, so a family with three children can ask their grandparents to go on a holiday travel. They can all travel together. Mr. Hagen and his wife had a third child last year. So they sold their second car and bought a van. They thought it would be more convenient for them to go out together. Americans call vans motor homes. They always use them for holidays. When a family is traveling to the mountains or to the seaside, they can live in their motor home for a few days or weeks. All the members of a big family can enjoy a happier life when they are traveling together. That is why motor homes have become very popular. Americans also call vans _ . A. Motor cars B. Motor homes C. Motorbikes D. motor trucks Answer: B
Today tell you a series of information about how students in other countries can attend colleges and universities in the United States. Two years ago we broadcast our Foreign Student Series. Since then we have got more requests for information about how to attend American schools. So we will offer new reports in our series with the most current information. Each week, we will discuss a part of the process of becoming an international student in the United States. Each report will also appear on the Internet at www. Tingroom.com. Currently you can find the programs from the last time our series aired. Foreign students who want to study in the United States have many questions. How do I find out about American colleges? How do I choose the right one for me? What tests must I take? What kinds of documents will I need? How much will it cost? We will answer these and other questions in our reports. We will discuss the American system of higher education. We will tell about financial aid and rules about working in jobs while a student. We will discuss required tests and explain English language requirements. And we will tell where to find help in other countries. Our reports will also describe a few of the three thousand colleges and universities in the United States. We will discuss programs of study as well as living situations at American schools. For students without the ability to come to the United States, we will tell how to take classes by computer. We will also examine how the threat of terrorism has changed some of the rules for study in the United States. In researching our series, we talked not only to officials in education and government, but also to some foreign students. Most students say planning ahead helped make their educational experience successful. That is the purpose of this series--to help you plan. We would like to hear from anyone who has a question about studying in the United States. We will try to answer as many questions as possible as part of our series in the coming weeks. Send your questions to special @ voanews.com. The report intends to _ . A. introduce education in America B. help foreign students learn more about education in America C. advertise for American colleges and universities D. attract more foreign students to study in America Answer: B I am Lin Feng. This is a picture of my family: my grandfather, my grandmother, my father, my mother, my sister and I. My grandparents are in Beijing now and we are in Zhejiang. My mother is a teacher and my father is a doctor. My sister and I are middle school students. My sister is in Class 1,Grade 8 and I am in Class2, Grade 7. I have a good friend here. Her name is Zhang Ning. We are in the same class. The passage is about _ A. Lin Feng's family B. Lin Feng's parents C. Lin Feng's friend D. Lin Feng's school Answer: A invites applications for the following posts: HOUSEKEEPING Housekeeping Supervisor Salary: $1,200 per month At least 2 years similar experience Female only Housemaids Salary: $700 per month No experience required Part-time posts for Housemaids only LAUNDRY Laundry Valet Salary: $700 per month Duties - to collect and deliver laundry parcels Shift work require Laundry Attendant Salary: $700 per month Male applicants only Shift work required Preference will be given to people with some experience. FOOD AND DRINKS (for new 24-hour restaurant) Head waiter Salary: $1,200 per month Experienced waiters can apply Waiter/ Waiters Salary: $800 per month No experience needed (Willing to work shifts) Part-timers needed for permanent night shift 6 pm to 11 pm. GENERAL Car Driver Salary: $800 per month Clean driving record At least 1 year of experience Willing to work irregular hours Pool Attendant Salary: $700 per month Must know life-saving technique Some related experience Both posts for male only. Interviews will be conducted at the Royal Hotel, East Room, 2nd Level on the 25th and 26th Nov. from 10:00 to 4:00 pm. What work does a laundry valet do? A. He washes the clothes. B. He drives the laundry truck. C. He collects and delivers bags of laundry. D. He operates the machines in the laundry room. Answer: C Very old people do raise moral problems for almost everyone who comes in contact with them. Their values--this can't be repeated too often--are not necessarily our values. Physical comfort, cleanness and order are not necessarily the most important things. The social services from time to time find themselves faced with a flat with decaying food covered by small worms , and an old person lying alone in bed, taking no notice of the worms. But is it interfering with personal freedom to insist that they go to live with some of their relatives so that they might be taken better care of? Some social workers, the ones who clear up the worms, think we are in danger of carrying this concept of personal freedom to the point where serious risks are being taken with the health and safety of the old. Indeed, the old can be easily hurt or harmed. The body is like a car, it needs more mechanical maintenance as it gets older. You can carry this comparison right through to the provision of spare parts. But never forget that such operations are painful experiences, however good the results. And at what point should you stop treating the old body? Is it morally right to try to push off death by pursuing the development of drugs to excite the forgetful old mind and to activate the old body, knowing that it is designed to die? You cannot ask doctors or scientists to decide, because so long as they can see the technical opportunities, they will feel bound to give them a try, on the principle that while there's life, there's hope. When you talk to the old people, however, you are forced to the conclusion that whether age is happy or unpleasant depends less on money or on health than it does on your ability to have fun. The author thinks that _ . A. medical decisions for old people should be left to the doctors B. old people can enjoy a happy life only if they are very rich C. the opinion that we should try every means possible to save old people is doubtful D. it is always morally right to treat old people and push off death Answer: C Kindergartens( ) may teach you very important things you need to know.Dancy, a 5-year-old boy, saved his father's life with the skills he learned. The boy's father became seriously ill on the way home from a father-son shopping.He couldn't speak and could hardly move, but he tried hard to stop the car safely.At that point, Dancy used his father's phone to call his mother for help.The 5-year-old boy tried his best to give her useful information and he was able to tell where they were.Just as he had learned in the kindergarten, Dancy read the letters he saw on a nearby store sign: "F,U,R,N,I,T,U,R,E." But that wasn't enough for his mother to find them.Then he added that they were near a bridge.Finally, his mother understood he was talking about a store called Furniture 22 on New Jersey's Route22.The mother called 911 and the father was saved in time. "He just thought his dad needed help," Dancy's mother told the reporter.She also pointed out that her husband was a hero, too." It is surprising for him to get off the highway ( ) and get himself and his child to safety even when he was so sick," she said. Shine, head of the kindergarten, felt proud of his pupil." Dancy's spelling skills helped him _ the moment," he said."And that's the real value of education." Dancy called _ for help when his father couldn't speak. A. his mother B. 911 C. Shine D. the reporter Answer: A
It's time for our clothing sale. We only have this sale once a year. This year, prices are lower than ever, but the quality of our clothes is the same. How much are our blue pants? They're only twelve dollars. How much are our swimsuits? This week, you can buy one for only fourteen dollars. And what's the price of our T-shirt? Only eight dollars each! Or, you can buy two for fifteen dollars. And we have them in all colors: red, yellow, blue and green. Do you like Mango sweatshirts? This week, you can buy them for eighteen dollars. And our sports bags are only twelve dollars----that's right, twelve dollars only. Come to the Blue Water Surf Shop now. The sale starts today. Which is true ? Answer: The quality of the clothes is good. A popular saying goes, "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." However, that's not really true. Words have the power to build us up or tear us down. It doesn't matter if the words come from someone else or ourselves - the positive and negative effects are just as lasting. We all talk to ourselves sometimes. We're usually too embarrassed to admit it, though. But we really shouldn't be, because more and more experts believe talking to ourselves out loud is a healthy habit. This "self-talk" helps us motivate ourselves, remember things, solve problems, and calm ourselves down. Beware, though, that as much as 77% of self-talk tends to be negative. So in order to stay positive, we should only speak words of encouragement to ourselves. We should also be quick to _ . The next time you finish a project, do well in a test, or finally clean your room, join me in saying, "Good job!" Words possess power because of their lasting effects. Many of us regret something we once said. And we remember unkind words said to us! Before speaking, we should always ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it loving? Is it needed? If what we want to say doesn't pass this test, then it's better left unsaid. Words possess power: both positive and negative. Those around us receive encouragement when we speak positively. We can offer hope, build self-esteem and motive others to do their best. Negative words destroy all those things. Will we use our words to hurt or to heal? The choice is ours. ks5u Which of the following statements would the author agree to? Answer: It is better to think twice before talking to others. Nowadays more and more young athletes are taking part in the risky activities called "extreme sports" or "X-sports". In the past young athletes would play baseball. Today, they want risk and excitement -- the closer to the edge, the better. They snowboard over cliff and hike deep mountains. Extreme sports started as an alternative to more expensive sports such as golf. A city kid who couldn't afford expensive sports equipment could get a skateboard and have fun. But now it has become a whole new area of sports, with specialized equipment and high levels of skill. There is even an Olympics for extreme sports, called the winter x-game, which includes snow mountain hiking and ice climbing. What makes extreme sports so popular? Maybe it's because people love the risk. City people want to be outdoors on the weekends and do something challenging. The new equipment is so much better that people can take more risks without getting hurt. Sure there's a risk. Once you go mountain hiking or snowboarding, it's impossible to go back to have riding or skiing. It's just too boring. Now even the older crowd is starting to join in. Every weekend, groups of friends in their early 30s get together. On weekdays they work as computer programmers in the same office. On weekends they hike mountains together. Extreme sports are certainly not for everyone. Most people still prefer to play basketball or watch sports on TV. But it has been a fact that extreme sports are gaining popularity. More and more young athletes are taking part in extreme sports because _ . Answer: people want risk and excitement Dear Mary, I am not happy these days. I am new in this class, you know, but I don' t have any friends here. I always have to keep quiet and put my heart into my study. I thought things would be fine. It's very hard for me to be happy and sometimes I get lost in thought. So I can't follow the teacher. I know it is not right like this, but I can't control myself in class. Then my study is bad now. Some students make fun of me. I feel hurt , but I don't show my anger. In fact, I have to hide my unhappiness. I feel terrible. Dear Mary, I really don't know what to do now, Can you help me? Yours, Jane ,A, B, C, D,, . Why is Jane sad? Answer: She has no friends at the new school. The earth is 4 600 million years old. We humans have lived on earth for only 35 000 years, but during this period we have changed our planet a lot in many ways. Some things we've done are very good for the earth while some are bad. All over the world, people have cut down millions of trees. When it rains or when the wind blows, the earth is taken away. Forests have become deserts, so more and more sorts of animals and plants are disappearing. In big cities, cars and buses have polluted the air. Many people in cities now have health problems. Factories have also polluted the land and the water. As a result, many rivers and lakes are now dead. Around the earth, there's a special kind of oxygen called "ozone"(O3). It is important to the earth. But now air pollution is destroying it and that has made a very big hole in the ozone layer. Too much harmful radiation from the sun passes through the hole and reaches the earth directly. This is very dangerous because this kind of radiation can cause cancer. Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air has increased a lot. It mainly comes from burning oil, coal and wood. This has formed a "blanket" around the earth. The heat from the sun can't escape so the temperature is rising. This is called "the greenhouse effect". It causes the level of the oceans to rise and the climate of the earth to change. All these problems are very serious, so we must do something now. ,A, B, C, D. Which is NOT true? Answer: The fewer trees, the better.
Question: It is Sunday today. Ann is shopping with her mother. She wants her mother to buy a new sweater for her. In a clothing shop, she finds an orange one. She tries it on. It's too small. She wants a bigger one, but the bigger ones are not orange. Ann doesn't like other colours. Her mother asks, "Shall we go to another shop to have a look?" So they go out of the shop and go into another one. The second shop is bigger than the first, and in it there are many kinds of sweaters of different sizes and colours. Ann tries on an orange one. It's too big. She tries a smaller one. It's OK. "How much is it?" Ann's mother asks the woman who sells clothes. Then they find it too dear, and they don't have so much money with them. "Would you like a cheaper one?" the woman asks. "No, we shall take this one. My daughter likes it. We shall come back to buy it tomorrow," Ann's mother answers. The sweater in the first shop is _ . A. too small B. OK C. longer D. too dear Answer: A Question: Welcome to the International Summer School Students can have an enjoyable English language learning experiencce--together with organized sports, activities and excursion program. The International Summer School runs 4 different summer school centers for boys and girls aged from 7 to 20. Two of these schools--Moira House and University Hall of Residence--are based in East Bourne on the south coast of Englanded--in the much favored Meads area of the town, within walking distance of the seafront and town centre. Gatwick Airport is about an hour's drive away and Healthrow around 90 minutes. Our 4th school--Bethany Centre--is located in the heart of Kent--an area known as "The Garden of England" close go woods of the High Wealed but only 20 minutes from the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Gatwick and Heathrow Airports are easily accessible, as are Euro star InternationalStations at Ashford and Ebbs fleet. The aim of International Summer School is to create a lively and happy atmosphere that makes learning and international communication enjoyable. Young people can have fun, but also gain considerable skills in English. A full day in London is always included, as well as other places of cultural interest. Students of all cultures are welcomed as our aim is to create a summer school which can truly be described as International. When we return your child to you at the end of their stay, we hope they will feel enriched by their experience with us and will look forward to returning to meet friends made at International Summer School the following year, as so many do. Who are the intended readers of the passage? A. Parents with teenager children. B. Children aged between 7 and 20. C. School teachers. D. Less healthy and disabled children. Answer: A Question: Twenty-five years ago, Seller conveyed Blackacre to Buyer by a warranty deed. Seller at that time also executed and delivered an instrument in the proper form of a deed, purporting to convey Whiteacre to Buyer. Seller thought she had title to Whiteacre but did not; therefore, no title passed by virtue of the Whiteacre deed. Whiteacre consisted of three acres of brushland adjoining the west boundary of Blackacre. Buyer has occasionally hunted rabbits on Whiteacre, but less often than annually. No one else came on Whiteacre except occasional rabbit hunters. Twenty years ago, Buyer planted a row of evergreens in the vicinity of the opposite (east) boundary of Blackacre and erected a fence just beyond the evergreens to the east. In fact both the trees and the fence were placed on Greenacre, owned by Neighbor, which bordered the east boundary of Blackacre. Buyer was unsure of the exact boundary, and placed the trees and the fence in order to establish his rights up to the fence. The fence is located ten feet within Greenacre. Now, Buyer has had his property surveyed and the title checked and has learned the facts. The period of time to acquire title by adverse possession in the jurisdiction is 15 years. Buyer consulted his lawyer, who properly advised that, in an appropriate action, Buyer would probably obtain title to A. Whiteacre but not to the ten-foot strip of Greenacre. B. the ten-foot strip of Greenacre but not to Whiteacre. C. both Whiteacre and the ten-foot strip of Greenacre. D. neither Whiteacre nor the ten-foot strip of Greenacre. Answer: B Question: Which is an example of a chemical change? A. a rusting car fender B. a spinning top C. a spilled bucket of water D. a melting popsicle Answer: A Question: When nature is left alone, a balance is reached among the animals and plants living in one area. But when man starts his work in nature, the balance is likely to be destroyed. He grows a crop and takes it away to eat; then there are no dead leaves to fall on the ground, holding water while it sinks into the surface, or decaying and adding humus to the soil. Unless a farmer acts with knowledge and skill, he is therefore most likely to make the land poorer. To take the place of the useful matter in the crops that he removes, he uses some kind of fertilizer. Chemical fertilizers are of great help, but the waste products of animals and decaying remains of plants should also be put on the land. In some places, it is a habit to burn waste material lying about, but such burning destroys the useful matter in the dead plants. Although the ashes that are left are valuable when put on the land, a better practice is to bury the waste so that it decays and increases the humus in the soil. In the past, when the world population was much lower than it is now, a man had little difficulty in ordinary times in growing the food that was needed. When a field had been used some years and had become tired, the farmer could move to another place. The tired land then slowly recovered. Gradually grasses and other plants would appear on it and its productive power would slowly return to normal through their decay. But nature, left alone, would take a long time to bring back the land to its former state; the length of time required would depend on local conditions, but it might well be ten years. It is a bad practice to grow the same crop in a field year after year. If the crop is changed, the land will suffer less because it is treated and used in a different way. Different plants have different effects on the soil. Therefore, a change of crop will do less harm than the growing of the same crop year after year and a regular change to grass will do good to the soil. Much will therefore be gained if different crops are grown one after another, a method known as the rotation of crops. We can learn from the passage that the tired land has gradually recovered _ . A. when grasses and other plants appear again B. when the treatment is given by nature alone C. after new grasses and other plants have decayed again D. after nature has been left alone for several months Answer: C
The United States is already one year into a depression That was the news this week from the Na-tional Bureau of Economic Research. The downturn is the longest since a depression that began in 1981and lasted sixteen months. Economists generally wait for production to shrink for six months in a row before they declare a re-cession. But the bureau, a private group, uses a wider set of information to measure the economy. Thenews only confirmed what many people already knew: that the world's largest economy is weak and maynot recover soon. Worsening conclitions have led to a big drop in spending, especially on costly products like new cars. Even Japanese automaker Toyota saw its sales fall thirty - four percent in the United States in November from a year ago. The heads of Chrysler, Ford and General Motors retumed to Congress this week to again ask for federal aid. Congressional leaders denounced them two weeks ago after they came in private jets with no clear plans for saving their industry. This time, the chiefs drove to Washington in fuel- saving hybrid vehicles. And their companies presented detailed restructuring plans. The reguest for aid has risen from twenty-five billion dollars two weeks ago to thirty-four billion in loans and credit lines. G.M. wants almost half of that, and says it needs four billion dollars this month. It warned that without support it cannot continue to operate. Ford is in a better position, But the sharing of suppliers means it could be affected if G.M. or Chrysler fails. Ford is asking for a nine billion dollar credit line in case it needs it. Chrysler is the smallest and most trouble of America's Big Three. It says it needs a seven billion dollar loan by the end of the month. Two days of congressional hearings began Thursday in the Senate Banking Committee. The chairman, Democrat Chris Dodd, said he would support helping the automakers for the good of the economy. But the committee's top Republican, Richard Shelby, continued to express opposition to a bailout . A main root of the world financial crisis is the weak housing market in the United States. The Trea-sury Department has been under pressure to help troubled homeowners. Now comes news that the depart-ment is developing a plan aimed at reducing interest rates on mortgage loans for some buyers of homes. That could be good for homeowners trying to sell. Which of the following statement is NOT true according to the passage? Answer: The hearings on Thursday agreed on a federal aid to the automakers. Speakers of different languages not only describe the world differently but think about it differently too, according to a new study. Researchers used a cartoon cat Sylvester to study how language was reflected in the gestures people made. Dr. Sotaro Kita of the University of Bristol's Department of Experimental Psychology , showed the cartoon to a group of native English, Japanese and Turkish speakers and then watched their gestures as they described the actions they had seen. He found speakers of the three different languages used different gestures to describe the same event, which appeared to reflect the way the structure of their languages expressed that event. For example, when describing a scene where the cat swings on a rope, the English speakers used gestures showing an arc trajectory and the Japanese and Turkish speakers tended to use straight gestures showing the motion but not the arc. Dr. Kita suggests this is because Japanese and Turkish have no proper verb to express the English meaning "to swing". While English speakers use the arc gesture as their language can readily express the change of location and the arc-shaped trajectory, Japanese and Turkish speakers cannot as easily express the idea of movement with an arc trajectory so they use the straight gesture. Dr. Kita said, "My research suggests that speakers of different languages cause different spatial images of the same event in a way that matches the expressive possibilities of their own languages. In other words, language influences spatial thinking at the moment of speaking." 70.What is mainly discussed in the text? Answer: That language influences the way people think. The creation of gypsum from anhydrite is an example of what? Answer: chemical change In the world ,soccer is the most popular sport. This is because many countries have wonderful teams for the World Cup. The World Cup is held every four years. To remember 2002 FIFA World Cup ,children from different countries and more than 60 children from Japanese schools came together and spent three weekends drawing a big picture called "Dream World Cups "in Japan .The children drew animals, flowers and people playing soccer under a blue bright sky. They wished each soccer team good luck by drawing the flags of all the countries that would take part in the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.The picture was put up in a park near a playground in Yokohama .Some soccer teams would have games there. Are you a soccer fan ?The World Cup makes more and more people interested in soccer. Teenagers like playing and watching soccer .Many of them love some soccer stars so much that they get the pictures of their favourite players on the walls of their rooms. That is the way to show their love for the World Cup as children in Japan.As Chinese teenagers,if we stick on to our soccer dream,it will come true.Let's take action now. From the passage ,in the picture children drew many things except _ . Answer: pictures of some soccer stars The man who brings my milk used to knock for his money for the week's milk while I was having breakfast on Saturday morning. Just lately he has been arriving before I get up. Staff shortages mean that four men are sharing five rounds, so he has to start earlier. Delivering milk to people's homes is scarcely good business, especially when the customer may have a choice of two or three firms serving a single road. In spite of my local difficulties, however, labor troubles are not as sharp as a few years ago. There are enough men prepared to make an early morning for the sake of an open-air job with a fair measure of freedom. If they did stop calling, women would find it hard work to collect all the milk they need from self-service stores . Dairies are aware that stopping deliveries resulted in falling sales. Marketing ideas have included introducing extra lines, in addition to dairy products, which the milkman can carry to increase turnover. Already they have taken over many rounds given up by bakeries. One dairyman said, "It wont' be long before the milkman delivers more bread that milk. " Some milkmen deliver potatoes, and it seems as if diversification will be limited only by the size of the vans. So the milkman is likely to remain a familiar figure. Even the returnable bottle continues to be used. As long as it has a reasonable life--30 to 40 trips are usual-- the cost of collection and cleaning is worthwhile. We are told that the milkman now starts out on his delivery rounds earlier than before because of _ . Answer: an increased workload
Jean is a bright young woman from a rich and famous family. She goes to a good university and has almost everything that money can buy. But the people in Jean's family are so busy that they can hardly find time to be with her. In fact, Jean is quite lonely. So Jean spends a lot of her time on QQ. She likes being anonymous talking to people who do not know about her famous family and her rich life. She uses the name Linda on QQ and made a lot of friends. Last year Jean made a very special friend on QQ. His name was David and he lived in San Francisco. David was full of stories and jokes. He and Jean had the same interests in rock music and modern dance. So it always took them many hours to talk happily on QQ and sometimes they even forgot the time. Of course, they wanted to know more about each other. David sent a picture of himself: he was a tall, good-looking young man with big, happy smile. As time went by, they became good friends and often sent cards and small things to each other. When Jean's father told her that he was going on a business trip to San Francisco, she asked him to let her go with him, so that she could give David a surprise for his birthday. She would take him the latest DVD of the rock singer they liked most. But when Jean knocked in David's door in San Francisco, she found that the special friend she had written to was a twelve-year-old boy named Jim! Jean spends time talking on QQ in order to _ . A. tell others that she is from a good family B. find someone to talk to C. learn more from the QQ talking D. find a good boy friend Answer: B. find someone to talk to Scientist Says 'No' to Human Cloning "I've never met a human worth cloning," says cloning expert Mark Westhusin from his lab at Texas A&M University. "It's a stupid endeavor." That's an interesting choice of adjective, coming from a man who has spent millions of dollars trying to clone a 13-year-old dog named Missy. So far, he and his team have not succeeded, though they have cloned two cows and a cat. They just might succeed in cloning Missy soon -- or perhaps not for another five years. Westhusin's experience with cloning animals leaves him upset by all this talk of human cloning. In three years of work on the Missy project, using hundreds upon hundreds of dog's eggs, the A&M team has produced only a dozen or so embryos carrying Missy's DNA. None have survived the transfer to a surrogate mother. The wastage of eggs and the many spontaneously aborted(,) fetuses may be acceptable when you're dealing with cats or bulls, he argues, but not with humans. "Cloning is incredibly inefficient, and also dangerous," he says. Even so, dog cloning is a commercial opportunity, with a nice research payoff. Ever since Dolly the sheep was cloned in 1997, Westhusin's phone has been ringing with people calling in hopes of duplicating their cats and dogs, cattle and horses. "A lot of people want to clone pets, especially if the price is right," says Westhusin. Cost is no obstacle for Missy's mysterious billionaire owner; he's put up $3.7 million so far to fund A&M's research. Contrary to some media reports, Missy is not dead. The owner wants a twin to carry on Missy's fine qualities after she does die. The prototype(;)is, by all accounts, athletic, good-natured and supersmart. Missy's master does not expect an exact copy of her. He knows her clone may not have her temperament(, ). In a statement of purpose, Missy's owner and the A&M team say they are "both looking forward to studying the ways that her clones differ from Missy." Besides cloning a great dog, the project may contribute insight into the old question of nature vs. nurture. It could also lead to the cloning of special rescue dogs and many endangered animals. However, Westhusin is cautious about his work. He knows that even if he gets a dog pregnant, the offspring, should they survive, will face the problems shown at birth by other cloned animals: abnormalities like immature lungs and heart and weight problems~ "Why would you ever want to clone humans," Westhusin asks, "when we're not even close to getting it worked out in animals yet?" We learn from the passage that animal clones are likely to have _ . A. a bad temper B. defective(, )organs C. immune deficiency D. an abnormal shape Answer: B. defective(, )organs 1685 was a very good year for German composers. Within the space of a month, two of the greatest were born: Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Handel's father was a barber and surgeon, which sounds like a strange combination today, but back then those occupations went hand in hand. Even though Handel was very interested in music, his father didn't think that was a good way to earn a living, so he wanted his son to be a lawyer. The story goes that Handel _ a quiet piano into the house so that he could practice in secret. One day, Handel went along when his father went to shave a duke. While his father was working, Handel sat down and played the duke's organ. The duke was so impressed that he convinced Handel's father to let his son study music, and Handel finally got to learn how to compose. Handel soon discovered that what he liked most was opera. In fact, he was so passionate about opera that he even fought a duel over it with one of his friends. Since Italy was the place to learn about opera composing, Handel went off to Italy to study. When he got home, he got a job as court composer for a German prince. Having landed such a wonderful job, Handel immediately asked his boss for time off. He wanted to go to England, where he'd heard that there weren't nearly enough composers to satisfy the British taste for Italian opera. After great success writing opera in London, Handel came back to Germany. Then fate played a funny trick on Handel and his boss. The Queen of England died, and it just so happened that the prince Handel worked for was next in line to the British throne. When he arrived in London as King George, followed Handel, his court composer in Germany. In addition to serving the King, Handel became one of the most successful opera composers of his time. And he also produced them and traveled all over Europe to hire the best singers. There are stories of battles with rival opera producers and of fights between rival singers. Handel apparently had quite a temper. If you ever go to London, look for Handel's grave in Westminster Abbey, where there's a wonderful monument to him. How did Handel begin to learn to compose? A. His father was sure of his future success. B. His performance impressed a duke. C. He begged his father to send him to Italy. D. He practiced hard and taught himself music. Answer: B. His performance impressed a duke. The quality of drinking water in Shanghai will meet European Union standard by 2010 and, a decade later, citizens in Shanghai will drink the best water in the world. These were the goals set out by the Shanghai Water Authority. With the city's population expected to increase only slightly and the economy to boom by 2020, Chen Yin, an official in the water authority, said Shanghai's water consumption will not increase from its present amount. Zhang Yue, director of the Urban Construction Division under the Ministry of Construction, said, "Shanghai is the first city in the country to publicize these ambitions. They will not be easy to achieve." He said water saving will help keep the sustainable development of China's economy. Saving one cubic meter of water means saving the city's infrastructure costs by 10,000 Yuan. Last year, Shanghai saved 300 million cubic meters of water either from readjustment of industrial structure or the employment of new technology. "The aim is to arouse public awareness of the seriousness of water shortages," Chen said. "The abundant surface water and amount of rain of the city are so misleading that they result in improper use of water." Shanghai lacks drinkable water. The Huangpu River, which supplies 80 percent of the city's drinkable water, is nearing exhaustion. The city, therefore, has been exploring new sources from the Yangtze River and growing forests along it to conserve quality water. Besides penning regulations, the authority is popularizing technology among the public to efficiently cut the amount of water used. At present, the city has 600,000 family toilets, each using 13 liters of water per flush. These are to be renovated to use only 9 liters of water per flush. The authority is renovating the first 200 toilets for households - at a cost of Yuan each. In three years, all the toilets will be renovated, which saves the city nearly 15 million Yuan every year in water conservation. Another task the city is engaged in is the treatment of sewage to improve the water environment. At present the city can only treat 44 percent of its daily 5.04 million tons of waste water. To meet the total demand, 27 more sewage treatment factories are to be established with an estimated investment of 18 billion Yuan. We can infer from the passage that _ . A. not everyone today in Shanghai is aware of water shortage B. citizens today in Shanghai drink the best quality of water in the world C. the boom of economy will need a larger amount of water in the future D. all the family toilets will be renovated to save water within 3 years Answer: A. not everyone today in Shanghai is aware of water shortage Once architect Frank Lloyd Wright built a house for businessman Hibbard Johnson. One rainy evening Johnson was entertaining guests for dinner when the roof began to leak. The water leaked through directly above Johnson, dropping steadily onto his bald head. Angry, he called Wright."Frank,"he said,"you built this beautiful house for me and we enjoy it very much. But ... the roof leaks, and right now I'm with some distinguished guests and it's leaking right on top of my head."There was a pause on the line, and Frank replied,"Well, why don't you move your chair?" Just when we'd like to have everything perfect in our lives, the roof springs a leak into even the best constructed and waterproof lives. Leaks happen. We have a choice, we can sit under the leak and complain, or we can regain our joy by moving our chair -- changing our perspective. Now, some will point out that the reason they have no joy in their lives is that they don't have a reason to be joyful. They have a lot of leaks in their roof. Life seems like it's fallen apart. They aren't satisfied with their job, if they even have one. Their family has problems. Their health isn't good. Their car is under repair. They just can't see a"reason"for being joyful. It's hard to be joyful when life is going against you. It's hard to be joyful when you're struggling with troubles, or defeated by pain, or unsure of your future. But there's a problem with that approach to life. If we wait till everything turns out the way we want them to in our lives or we're not going to be joyful until all the leaks are repaired in the roof of our lives...THEN we're never going to experience joy. There's an alternative. You don't have to wait until you're happy with your life. Deep spiritual joy in your life will always bring you happiness. But the pursuit of happiness won't always bring you joy. People have a hard time understanding the difference. Worldly happiness almost always relies on some situation or event to make us feel good. If something good happens, we'll feel good, but if something bad happens, we won't. By contrast, spiritual joy doesn't depend on present situation. In fact, spiritual joy can often exist despite our circumstances. Don't let other people steal your joy. If the roof is leaking and you can't get someone to fix it right away, move your chair. Change your perspective. Lay hold of joy and take control of your circumstances, rather than swinging with your emotions and continuing to look for happiness. What can we learn about Frank from his reply? A. He felt sad at the news of his bad work. B. He refused to admit he had done a bad job. C. He suggested changing to another solution. D. He was good at creating happiness for others. Answer: C. He suggested changing to another solution.
As a liquid's temperatures get hotter A ice cream will deliquesce faster when the liquid is poured over it B rocks will melt faster when the liquid is poured over it C the liquid will harden as it's poured D the liquid will cool down anything it touches Answer: A. ice cream will deliquesce faster when the liquid is poured over it 7 ways a government shutdown will affect your daily life (CNN) -- Democrats and Republicans were unable to resolve their differences over Obamacare and now the government is shut down. The two previous shutdowns -- 1995 and early 1996 -- cost the country $1.4 billion. But what will the shutdown mean for you? Here are 7 ways the government shutdown will affect you. 7. Vacation all I ever wanted: Need to get away? Well, you can't. At least not to national parks. Or to national zoos. Or to national museums. They'll be closed. Were you thinking more along the lines of a trip to France? If you don't already have a passport, you might not get your blue book in time. The last time the government shut down, 200,000 applications for passports went unprocessed. 6. If you drive a car, I'll tax the street: You may be thinking, "No functioning government, no need to pay taxes." Think again. The Man would continue to collect taxes. U.S. bonds would still be issued. And other essential banking functions will go on. 5. Wait a minute, Mr. Postman: You know that whole "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night" thing? Apparently, the U.S. Postal Service works through shutdowns as well. Sorry, you won't catch a break from the junk mail. 4. I want a new drug: Oh, the irony . Republicans still want to _ delay or otherwise withdraw gradually at Obamacare in exchange for funding the government. But the health care act at the center of this storm would continue its process during a shutdown. That is because its funds aren't dependent on the congressional budget process. 3. Pass the ammunition : Not so fast. A shutdown would affect the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Translation: That gun permit you wanted processed won't happen anytime soon if this goes on for a while. 2. Money (that's what I want): Well, if you owned a small business and needed a loan from the government, you would have to wait, depending on how long this lasts. If you were planning to buy a house and needed a federal loan, you would have to wait. 1. I'm proud to be an American: Perhaps the biggest hit would be to the collective psyche . America is the largest economy in the world and a beacon for how democracy ought to work. A recent CNN Research Corporation found that 51% would blame Republicans for the shutdown. The United States has operated without a budget since 2009 and has avoided a government shutdown with last-minute deals. Not only did the government run out of money on Tuesday, but the nation is set to hit its borrowing limit and potentially default on its debt in mid-October. Together, they serve as a double whammy . When the government's shut down, what can the Americans do? A Apply for a gun permit. B Apply for a new passport. C Apply for a loan. D Pay taxes. Answer: D. Pay taxes. How does too much fishing in an area affect its ecosystem? A The fish will lay many more eggs to replace the fish that were caught. B Organisms that eat the fish could become endangered due to starvation. C Organisms that the fish eat will become endangered. D People could eat too many fish and become ill.. Answer: B. Organisms that eat the fish could become endangered due to starvation. Family traditions were important in our house, and one was more appreciated than our annual trip to the woods for the perfect Christmas tree. "Dad, can we watch when you trim it?" my eldest son ,John ,asked on the way home. "I won't be cutting this year," my husband said." You and your brother Dan are old enough to measure things, fit the tree to the stand and do it by yourselves. Think you boys can handle it?" They seemed to _ in their chairs at the thought of such an amazing responsibility. "We can handle it," Dan promised. We won't let you down." A few days before Christmas, Dan and John rushed in after school. They gathered the tools they'd need and brought them out of yard, where the tree waited. I left the older boys to their work and brought David inside for his early supper. A moment later I heard the happy sounds as the boys carried the trees into the living room. Then I heard the sound become dead silence. I hurried out to them. The tree was too short. John crossed his arm tight across his chest. His eyes were filled with angry tears. The tree was central to our holiday, but it was not what I worried about. I didn't want the boys to feel ashamed every time they looked at it. We had a terrible problem on our hands. I couldn't lower the ceiling, and I couldn't raise the floor either. There was no way to repair the damage. If I couldn't fix the problem, maybe I could get creative with it. A thought came to my mind, which turned to the solution. I followed them back into the living room.. "We can't make the tree taller," I said. "But we can put it on a higher position." Dan turned his head sideways, measuring the distance with his eyes . "We can put it on the coffee table and put the lights and decorations on before we lift it up . Thus, we won't need a ladder. It just might work! Let's try it!" When my husband got home and looked at the big tree on top of the coffee table, Dan and John held their breath. "What a good idea!" he declared, as if the boys had gone beyond all his expectations. "Why didn't I ever think of such a thing ?" John broke into a grin. Dan's chest swelled with pride. David squealed. What the writer's husband said in the end shows that _ . A he expected too much of the children B he was satisfied with what the children had done C it was stupid of the children to think of such an idea. D the children shouldn't have given up the responsibility Answer: B. he was satisfied with what the children had done In a few years, most people will know that a healthy, happy, loving family is a joy and it is a necessary part for building a strong society. But there are still some people who don't believe family life can be an enjoyable experience. Some people already accepted the idea of the "me generation" so they fail to understand that there is a time in life when they have to give up their time to something more valuable. At a time when adults need to think about the needs of their family, they will be doing other important things. Some people will spend too much time working for a more powerful car or a bigger house so that they can proudly say that they have them. Some will be doing dangerous things so that they may tell their stories to their friends, and others will recite things like " I must become the best I can be." or "I don't want to be at the bottom." The needs of their family will be forgotten and they never seem to have time for the family. Many people have not experienced a strong helpful perfect family life, so they have never discovered its worth. Many people have always experienced family life as a flight, so they can't find time and energy for work. But it is really very important that we all expect good family relations. We need to realize and value the importance of what can be achieved by loving each other in the family. It is also important for our society to encourage family members to create happiness. What is the writer's purpose of writer the passage? A To ask people to study family life. B To tell people to work hard for the family. C To advise people to create happy family life. D To give people some examples of family members. Answer: C. To advise people to create happy family life.
My name is John Smith. I come from America. I am 12 years old. I live in Shanghai with my parents. I am a student. I am in Class Three Grade Seven. My English teacher is Linda. Mr Zhang is my Chinese teacher. He is from Wuhan. Wuhan is a beautiful city. Li Hua is my best friend. He likes playing basketball. My favourite colour is blue, but Li Hua likes red best. Do you want to make friends with me ? My QQ number is 609183317. Where is John from? Answer: America Have you ever returned a book late to the library before?If so,you may pay a small fine .How much would you have to pay if the book is returned 65years late? A high school in Washington,Us had to deal with such a problem recently.A copy of Gone with the Wind was finally returned to its library 65years late. However,the school said that it would not ask Wayne to pay the fine,though that would be about 475. The book was borrowed out of the library of the high school in 1949,and disappeared until it was found in Maine,Us by Wayne.Wayne found the book in his father'sbasement and then offered to send it back to the school. "I feel very sorry about that,"Wayne said. "We're very pleased to have the book back.Wayne did the right thing,"LoriWyborney,headmaster of the school said. The book was borrowed out of the library of the high school _ . Answer: in1949 The cat woke up from its nap under the couch. Poking his head out from under the couch, there were no dogs there. He walked out from under the couch and stretched out his paws along the hard wood floor. Far outside there was some barking from the dogs, but he was safe from them for now. The smell of tuna was in the air and the cat followed the scent to the kitchen. A woman was making a tuna sandwich for her two kids. When she finished, she put the tuna can on to the floor. The cat slowly walked up to the can and saw some juice inside. He licked up the yummy tuna juice and was sad when it was all gone. The woman brought the tuna sandwiches over to her sons at the table, then she opened the back door to let the dogs in. The cat's fur stood on end as the dogs came running after him. He ran away into the other and back to under the couch where it was safe. What did the cat do with the tuna juice? Answer: Licked it up Statistically, air travel is by far the safest way to travel, and you can make flying even safer, just by following these simple rules. As your chances of being involved in an air accident are practically nil , many of these tips concern what you should and shouldn't do to make your journey safer when you are airborne . Fly on non-stop routes Most accidents occur during the takeoff, climb, descent and landing phases of a flight, so flying non-stop reduces your exposure to these complex procedures. Choose larger aircraft. w.w.w.k.s.5.u.c.o.m Although small aircrafts have very good safety records, _ with more than 30 passenger seats are designed to comply with much stricter regulations and are tested more regularly to make sure they still comply. Also, in the unlikely event of a serious accident, larger aircraft provide a better opportunity for passenger survival. Pay attention to the pre-flight safety briefing The information may seem repetitious , but it's worth listening to the flight attendants. And even if you've flown before, it doesn't mean you know everything about the aircraft you're on, such as the location of the closest emergency exit. Store things safely Never put very heavy articles in the overhead storage bins. They may fall out when someone opens the bin and cause injury. Also, the bin may not be able to hold heavier objects during turbulence . Keep our seat belt fastened while you are seated Cabin crew always tell you this, but it's important. You would be seriously injured if the plane hits unexpected turbulence. Always fasten your seat belt if you are told to. _ of flying is this: If you are told to do something, do it first and ask questions later. Let the flight attendant pour your hot drinks Flight attendants are trained to handle hot drinks like coffee or tea in a crowded aisle on a moving aircraft, so allow them to pour the drink and hand it to you. Never ask to take a coffee pot from one of them. What is the overall reason for these air safety tips? Answer: How to improve safety while you are flying. She had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful brown haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We all waited, some patiently, others irritated, because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always memorized by rainfall. I get lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. Her voice was so sweet as it broke the trance we were all caught in, "Mom, let's run through the rain." she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit." Mom replied. This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain." "We'll get soaked if we do." Mom said. "No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she pulled her Mom's arm." "This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?" "Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, if God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!" _ No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's lifetime when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith. "Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If get wet, well maybe we just need washing." Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they ran past the cars . They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked but they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories. So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories every day! What attitude of the Mom towards her daughter's suggestion at first? Answer: Negative
It was around 9 pm. Before heading to dinner in Jayanagar T Block, I was told by my wife that the rickshaw fare would be 40 rupees. Anyhow I had 150 rupees in my pocket. My wife said that if the drivers of rickshaws see out-of-town travelers, they'll scam them one way or another. At a crowded stop, a young girl extended her hand through the iron bars on the side of our rickshaw to ask for some money. After we refused, or rickshaw driver started his remarks on giving. "Giving is good. Every human should give. But we should know how to give." The rickshaw driver continued, "Most of these kids are trained by some guy who keeps all the money. It's run like a business. All of us should give, but this is just not the right place to give." He talked a bit more before we arrived. I asked about the fare. "39 rupees," he said. Now, most people who get cheated end up saying, "Well, you know, I don't mind paying extra if it is a good guy but I refuse to be cheated." I gave him 40 rupees, and he gave me a 1 rupee coin in return (Most folks would just round up). So I put the coin in my wallet, and took out a 100 rupee note. "Can you do me a favor?" "Of course, sir," he replied politely. "We were talking about art of giving. You seem to know how and where to give. Can you put the 100 rupees to good use somewhere?" "Give me your address and I'll make sure I get a receipt of where I gave," He replied without hesitation. I didn't understand him at first. Then I smiled and told him, "I trust you." So on the way back, instead of taking a bus to my place, I walked for the whole distance since I didn't have enough money. It was almost 1 a.m and I had to wake up at 6 a.m the next day. But I still walked. Why did the rickshaw driver refuse when the young girl begged for money? Answer: He knew money should not be given to her. Conflict is on the menu tonight at the cafe La Chope. This evening, as on every Thursday night, psychologist Maud Lehanne is leading two of France's favorite pastimes, coffee drinking and the "talking cure". Here they are learning to get in touch with their true feelings. It isn't always easy. They customers-some thirty Parisians who pay just under $2 (plus drinks) per session-care quick to intellectualize ,slow to open up and connect. "You are forbidden to say 'one feels,' or 'people think',"Lehane told them. "Say 'I think,' 'Think me'." A cafe society where no intellectualizing is allowed? It couldn't seem more un-French. But Lehanne's psychology cafe is about more than knowing oneself: It's trying to help the city's troubled neighborhood cafes. Over the years, Parisian cafes have fallen victim to changes in the French lifestyle-longer working hours, a fast food boom and a younger generation's desire to spend more time at home. Dozens of new theme cafes appear to change the situation. Cafes focused around psychology, history, and engineering are catching on, filling tables well into the evening. The city's "psychology cafes",which offer great comfort,are among the most popular places.Middle-aged homemakers,retirees,and the unemployed come to such cafes to talk about love,anger,and dreams with a psychologist.And they come to Lehanne's group just to learn to say what they feel."There's a strong need in Paris for communication,"says Maurice Frisch,a cafe La Chope regular who works as a religious instructor in a nearby church."People have few real friends.And they need to open up."Lehanne says she'd like to see psychology cafes all over France."If people had normal lives,these cafes wouldn't exist,"she says."If life weren't a battle,people wouldn't need a special place just to speak."But then,it wouldn't be France. What are people encouraged to do at the cafe La Chope? Answer: Express their true feelings. Well-known companies are powered by their names and reputations. When people walk into a Pizza Hut in Tokyo, Rome, or Miami, they know exactly what they are getting. Through franchising, an investor can make use of this brand power by opening a Pizza Hut of his or her own. The risk is low, and the rewards can be big. No wonder franchising is such a successful business model. Franchising had been around for more than 100 years, but its popularity took off in the 1950s. Leading the trend were fast food restaurant like McDonald's. These days, there are franchises in more than eighty-five industries, including dry cleaning, hotels and supermarkets. It's a very big business. In the US, there are some 760,000 franchises, totaling more than $1.5 trillion in yearly revenues (income). There are two sides in a franchise: the franchisor--the owner of the business system and the franchisee--the person who licenses the system. After signing a "franchise agreement", the franchisee pays a fee. He or she also pays for equipment, supplies, and, if necessary, building costs. The total investment usually ranges from $10,000 to $1,000,000. After the business opens, the franchisee also pays a percentage of sales revenues--called a royalty--to the franchisor. Marking fees must also be paid. In return, the franchisee receives many benefits. Training is among the most common ones. It includes everything from dealing with customers to understanding the company's standards. The franchisor also handles advertising. On top of that, there's the benefit of the brand reputation that the company has built up. All of these benefits make the risk of opening a franchise much smaller than that of starting a business from scratch. However, a franchise can also have drawbacks. If a customer at a single restaurant gets sick, it may hurt every franchise in the system. Running a franchise also means closely following the company's standards. So, one has to give up a degree of independence. You have to do things their way and trust that the system will work. If you want to earn a lot of money from the business, you have to work hard. Also, remember that the monthly royalty must be paid, even if you are losing money. However, there are thousands of opportunities in franchising. They will surely grow as brand recognition becomes more important in the global economy . After signing a franchise agreement, a franchisee will _ . Answer: maintain the company's standards Nanotechnology is a fashionable word these days. The name "nano" comes from the size of molecules, which are measured in nanometers--or one billionth of a meter. Through operating the atoms and molecules, scientists can change the nature of common materials and even create new materials that have new properties. But scientists are concerned about its possible risks to our daily lives. Clothing merchants claim their nanocloth keeps our bodies warmer in winter, saving us from needing thick coats. Vitamin companies boast their nanopills are easier to absorb. Home decoration companies suggest you use their nanopaint, which has no smell, is waterproof, and free from poisonous substances. Nanomaterials are making our lives better, its creators say. The US National Science Foundation predicts nanotechnology research will grow into a US $-trillion industry over the next 10 years. But ly little is known about the potential health and environmental effects of the tiny particles. Just atoms wide, they are small enough to penetrate cells easily in lungs, brains and other organs. US bestseller "Prey", written by Michael Crichton, paints a doomsday in which a group of tiny nanomachines escapes the lab and threatens to take control of humanity. Studies have shown that some nanoparticles can be poisonous to animal cells. There are fears that exposure can cause breathing problems, since nanoparticles could be taken in through the nose, causing unknown problems to brain cells. Scientists also fear that nanoparticles placed on the skin could damage DNA. "No one knows, and that's the problem," said Pat Mooney, director of the ETC Group. "People are rubbing them on the skin as sunscreens and as cosmetics." Mooney's group is calling for products such as sunscreen, that are directly absorbed into the body to be _ taken _ off _ the _ shelf until they're proved safe. Studies have made it clear that _ . Answer: all nanoparticles can't be poisonous to animal cells Analysis of the composition of quicksand shows that there are four key ingredients--sand, obviously water, clay and salt. Together these materials form a structure resembling a house of cards, with large water-filled gaps between the sand particles, which are loosely glued in place by the clay. As long as it's left alone, the structure remains stable. But as soon as it's disturbed, by stepping on it, the clay changes from a jelly-like consistency to a runny liquid. The effect is the same as stirring a pot of yoghurt. Liquefying the clay makes the quicksand about one million times runnier, and the whole house of cards comes tumbling down, with you inside it. Very quickly, the sand sinks to the bottom and the water floats to the top. This is where the salt comes in. When there's enough salt present, as soon as the clay particles liquefy, electrical charges make them begin to stick together to form bigger particles and these also settle with the sand. Quicksand is a mixture which looks like solid, but behaves more like a liquid. Despite its murderous reputation, quicksand does not such people under and swallow them, although it can hold a person in firm grip. The human body is more buoyant in quicksand than in water, and sooner or later anyone trapped in it will float. Unlike most liquids, quicksand's viscosity, or "runniness" can suddenly change if it comes under pressure, for example under a human foot. The surface gives way and the victim quickly sinks in up to the knees, surrounded by an area of dirty things that turns semi-solid around its victim. Escaping from the quicksand's grip requires a large amount of force. Without something solid to pull at, people often find they are stuck fast. Pulling at one leg simply makes the other one sink further. So how do you escape from quicksand's control? Stay still and call for help. Staying still stops you sinking any further, until--with luck--help arrives on the scene. If no one appears and you need to draw yourself out, gently lie down on your back until your body is floating on the sand. Next, roll over onto your stomach and pull yourself forwards with your hands, so that you gradually "swim" towards firmer ground. It is a slow and dirty business, but it works. This technique has one barrier: it goes against a very powerful human nature. Faced with danger in the open, nine out of ten stay on their feet so that they can run away, in which case it can worsen the situation. Which ingredient of the quicksand make someone trapped in it stuck and stuck fast? Answer: Clay
Question: Old George selected his food in the supermarket more carefully than NASA chose its astronauts. When he left the cashier, he was pleased to think that he had saved 80 cents today. At the exit, the cold wind made him think of his gloves. He looked for them in his coat and pants but could not find them anywhere. He had bought the black gloves at a good price, for just $35, years ago. They were soft and very comfortable. He had taken great care looking after them, so they were _ . George, calm on the outside but mad on the inside, re-entered the store. He followed the same route he had walked before. Several minutes of searching turned out to be in vain . His black gloves were gone. "People have changed," he said to himself. "Years ago, if somebody picked up something lost, they would give it back. Not any more!" He stared at anybody wearing black gloves to see if they looked like his. On his way to the dairy section, he noticed a lady wearing a pair of black gloves. He sped up and in three seconds was in front of her. But when the surprised woman looked over, his eyes dropped, for her gloves were just far too small to be his. He went over to the cashier to ask if she had received any lost gloves, but she said no. He finally walked out into the street. A few days later, poor George decided to buy another leather pair. Before getting on the subway, he stepped into the supermarket again to see if by any chance his gloves had been returned to the lost and found office. "What color are they?" the woman in the office asked. "Black," he gave the same answer. She looked into her drawer and drew out a pair of men's leather gloves. "Are they?" "Yes! Those are mine," George exclaimed, his eyes full of joy. When George realized he had probably lost his gloves, he _ . A. thought someone had found his gloves and kept them B. was calm and confident that he could get his gloves back C. thought that there were more thieves nowadays than before D. looked for his gloves everywhere including in the lost and found office Answer: A Question: Families come in many shapes and sizes-they can be just two people, or hundreds of aunts, uncles and cousins. Every family is different, and what makes a family is different for everyone. Families don't even have to be related -some families are formed by choice. For this contest, draw us a picture of your family. Contest rules: 1. Your picture must be your very own artwork. Ideas and words should not be copied. 2. Be sure to include your name, age and full address on your picture. 3. Only one picture each person, please. 4. If you want your picture returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 5.Your picture must be signed or e-mailed by a parent, saying it's your own work and that no one helped you. 6.Mailed picture must be postmarked by April 30, 2014. 7.E-mail scanned picture to ask@askmagkids.com, or mail to: Ask Contest, 70 East Lake St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL60601. No faxes, please. Which of the following is TRUE according to the material ? A. You can fax your picture to Ask Contest if you like. B. You can send only one picture to Ask Contest. C. Your parents can help you with your picture. D. Your mailed picture will not be returned. Answer: B Question: In the 19th century, there used to be a model of how to be a good person. There are all these torrents of passion flowing through you. Your job, as captain of your soul, is to erect dams to keep these passions in check. Your job is to just say no to laziness, lust, greed, drug use and the other sins. These days that model is out of fashion. You usually can't change your behavior by simply resolving to do something. Knowing what to do is not the same as being able to do it. Your willpower is not like a dam that can block the torrent of self-indulgence. It's more like a muscle, which tires easily. Moreover, you're a social being. If everybody around you is overeating, you'll probably do so, too. The 19th-century character model was based on an understanding of free will. Today, we know that free will is bounded. People can change their lives, but ordering change is not simple because many things, even within ourselves, are beyond our direct control. Much of our behavior, for example, is guided by unconscious habits. Researchers at Duke University calculated that more than 40 percent of the actions we take are governed by habit, not actual decisions. Researchers have also come to understand the structure of habits--cue, routine, reward. You can change your own personal habits. If you leave running shorts on the floor at night, that'll be a cue to go running in the morning. Don't try to ignore your afternoon snack craving. Every time you feel the cue for a snack, insert another routine. Take a walk. Their research thus implies a different character model, which is supposed to manipulate the neuralnetworks inside. To be an effective person, under this model, you are supposed to coolly examine your own unconscious habits, and the habits of those under your care. You are supposed to devise strategies to alter the cues and routines. Every relationship becomes slightly manipulative, including your relationship with yourself. You're trying to arouse certain responses by implanting certain cues. This is a bit disturbing, because the important habitual neural networks are not formed by mere routine, nor can they be reversed by clever cues. They are burned in by emotion and strengthened by strong yearnings, like the yearnings for admiration and righteousness. If you think you can change your life in a clever way, the way an advertiser can get you to buy an air freshener, you're probably wrong. As the Victorians understood, if you want to change your life, don't just look for a clever cue. Commit to some larger global belief. According to the new character model, personal behavior could be altered through A. techniques to break old routines. B. techniques to provide different physical cues. C. cues to change all the former unconscious habits. D. cues to manipulate the habitual neural responses. Answer: B Question: Miss Wu is a young teacher of English in China. She loves teaching very much. One day when she was giving an English lesson, she found the headmaster sitting at the back of the classroom. After class, the headmaster told her that he came to her class to find out how much English and how much Chinese she was using. The result was about half English and half Chinese. She was using Chinese when she gave instructions to her students and when she wanted to get feedback from her students. The headmaster told her that she should use more English in her class. Miss Wu made a plan like this: talk with an Englishman every Sunday for two hours to learn more English expressions; write some English expressions on cards. These cards not only _ her to use English in class, but also help her remember some expressions; *have a five-minute talk in English with students before class. She used body language to help her if students could not understand. One year later, she found she could use English freely in class. The headmaster came to Miss Wu's class to _ . A. write some English expressions on cards B. help her improve her English teaching C. give instructions to the students D. get feedback from the students Answer: B Question: Once there was a boy named Bill who liked to play at being a cowboy. One day he was playing at chasing Indians in his room when he heard a loud crack of thunder. He got really scared. Bill's parents, Ned and Susan, came into his room. They told him not to be scared. They said they were going to make sure the car windows were shut and they would be back soon. Bill said okay. He climbed under his bed and listened to the wind outside. He had his favorite toy gun to keep him safe, but he was still scared because his parents weren't back yet. His brother Zack had given him the gun. Bill started to think he could hear voices in the wind. It sounded like a strange kind of chanting. He started to shake and hug his toy gun. He said, "I'm not afraid of you. If you try to hurt me I'll shoot you." After that he felt a little better. But then he jumped as his bedroom door slammed shut. He hit his head on the bottom of his bed and it hurt. He looked out from under his blanket and saw a strange orange light in his room. He was worried that it was on fire, but he couldn't smell any smoke. What did Bill's parents tell Bill they were going to do? A. Talk to the voices in the wind. B. Make sure the car windows were shut. C. Set Bill's room on fire. D. Make sure Zack had his toy gun. Answer: B
An argument is appearing in Los Angeles over whether a newspaper should publish teachers' names along with an analysis of how well they do in raising their students' standardized test scores. Some people argue that transparency should exist at all costs, but others hold that it's unfair to label individual teachers using possibly flawed statistics. Some worry that anger over the forthcoming Los Angeles Timesarticle will make people oppose so-called "value added" analysis of teacher performance, which is the method the Times uses. "This incident with the L.A. Times is where the advocates for value-added are getting a bit ahead of themselves," says Douglas Harris, an education professor. " _ the gun on this kind of thing." "Value-added data" is the latest trend in teacher responsibility: the idea that a student's gain from the previous year's test -- as opposed to his or her overall performance -- can be measured and tied to the latest teacher. "There are too many variables in the testing process," says A.J. Duffy. But he says he opposes using value-added data in evaluations at all, although he acknowledges it could be a useful tool to give teachers feedback. "I believe in a system that emphasizes the whole student, not just standardized tests," he says. Proponents of value-added say that's a valid criticism, agreeing that no one should expect that student gains on a standardized test could capture the creativity or broader enrichment that goes on in many teachers' classrooms. The District of Columbia which attracted argument for its decision to fire teachers based in part on value-added data, uses that data for 50 percent of the evaluation, relying on other measures such as classroom observation for the rest. "No one is suggesting using _ as a single measure of performance," says Paige Kowalski. Barnett Berry, a professor, is even more critical of it. Value-added data can be useful, he and others say, but it's important to acknowledge its limitations. It doesn't take into account, for instance, constant student absence and learning gains due to summer school, after-school programs, or supplemental teachers, such as reading specialists. In the opinion of Mr. Duffy, teachers should be judged by _ . A. the value-added data of the times B. students' scores of standardized tests C. the whole development of a student D. the feedback of students and parents Answer: C Frederic Chopin was born in March 1810 near Warsaw in Poland . He was one of the greatest musicians in the world, In 1831, he went to Paris, No people knew he could play the piano very well. At that time people in Paris liked the Hungarian pianist Franz Liszt. One night,at a concert, Liszt went to the piano and people shouted. As all the lights in the concert were turned off, a wonderful piano concert started. The music was so good that the listeners were all greatly interested. They kept praising the pianist and thought that Liszt had reached something new in playing the piano. Suddenly, all the lights were turned on again as the music came to an end. And there stood a young man instead of the famous Hungarian pianist Franz Liszt. Liszt planned all this. As the lights went out, Liszt left his chair and let Chopin take his place. So with the help of Liszt and his own talent ,Chopin soon became famous. ,,. Chopin was _ . A. the greatest musician in the world B. a famous Polish pianist C. a famous Paris pianist D. one of the greatest musicians in Hungary Answer: B A student is watching a local television weather report for Gloucester, Massachusetts. Which of the following is most likely included in this weather report? A. the speed of currents in a river B. the amount of moisture in the air C. the depth of currents in the ocean D. the level of moisture in the ground Answer: B China's admiration of outstanding scholars has turned the well-preserved childhood home of TuYouyou,the Chinese pharmacologist who won this year's Nobel Prize in physiology or Medicine,into a popular tourist destination. Since it was announced on Monday that 84-year-old Tu had become the first Chinese citizen to win this international prize,her former home in the old town of Ningbo,Zhejiang province,has attracted visitors,especially parents and their children----even though it is not open to the public. The house,where Tu lived until she went to university in Beijing,covers an area of 2,200square meters and is priced at 150million yuan($23.6million).It is part of a complex of 37traditional buildings,including several city-and-district-level cultural relic preservation sites,that have been transformed into a high-end art,and commercial zone. "There are continually parents taking their children,from infants in strollers to college students,to take photos in front of Tu's former home.Security guards have been ordered to go on patrol around the clock,"said Mr.Zhao,a salesperson from Ningbo Real Estate Inc Co. Shanghai resident Xu Lingfei,who was on a trip to Ningbo,took her 9-year-old son to walk around the complex on Wednesday."Chinese people believe in exams and awards and have a strong preference for high performers.Taking children to visit the former dwelling places of celebrities is a way to inspire them to study harder,"Xu said. Something similar happened after Mo Yan won the Nobel Prize for literature in 2012.Tourists started visiting Mo's former home in rural Caomi,Shandong Province,in an endless stream starting the day after he won the prize.Some even pulled the radishes planted in front of the house.and carried away some bricks. What is the main idea of the text? A. Tu Youyou's former home is for sale. B. More Chinese have won the Nobel Prize. C. Nobel winner's home becomes instant attraction. D. Children benefit from visiting Nobel winner's home. Answer: C Australian colour consultant Kylie Bartnicki is talking with a group of women in Pudong, Shanghai, who are interested in how colours affect people's confidence and help form people's first impressions . Kylie traces back her interest in colours to when she went for her first job interview at age 18. "My mother bought me a new red top to wear to my interview and she said, "Wear this, and it will be lucky."' Kylie recalls. "I wore it, had a great interview and got the job. Ever since then I started thinking about how powerful the colour is, how it makes us look and how it makes us feel." "When we wear clothes in a good colour, the colour will make our skin, hair and eyes shine and we look happy and smart," Kylie says. Winter and summer are "cool colourings" and autumn and spring are "warm colourings". Someone who loves "cool colouring" might have red or golden hair, brown eyes and gold or yellow skin. Chinese women belong to the "autumn season" if they have darker, peachy skin. Chinese women belong to the "winter season" if they have pale skin. Kylie says that Chinese women who have dark eyes and dark hair will look best in deep, rich colours. Light pinks and blues should be avoided because they may wash our Chinese skin tones . Their talk usually lasts one and a half to two hours and costs 600 yuan (89 dollars). Kylie says her customers are as young as five years old and as old as 90. The customers between their 30s and 50s always want some fresh ideas on developing their own personal style. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? A. Wearing clothes in a good colour will make us look happy. B. When Kylie was 18, she started to be interested in colours. C. Kylie's customers are in between their 30s and 50s. D. Autumn and spring are "warm clourings". Answer: C
Hong Kong Disneyland opened its door to the public on September 12, 2005. It's the first Disneyland in China as well as the cheapest on in the world. Ticket prices have also been set for Hong Kong Disneyland, the fifth theme park in the world. On weekdays, adults will pay 295 HK dollars, children aged between 3 and 11 will pay 210 HK dollars and old people aged 65 or above will pay only 170 HK dollars. At weekends, public holidays and golden week holidays, adults will pay 350 HK dollars, 250 HK dollars for children and 200 HK dollars for the old. Children under the age of three will get in for free. The famous action movie star Jacky Chen has been named spokesperson for Hong Kong Disneyland. He got it not only because of his great influence in Hong Kong and across Asia, but mainly because of his love for his family and his love to help others. How many Disney theme parks were there in the world at the end of 2005? A 1. B 3. C 5. D 4. Answer: C The more we learn about the octopus , the more intelligent we discover they are. Octopuses possess not one but nine "brains", one in each of their legs and a central brain behind the eyes. Octopuses can solve problems, can be trained to learn behavior and are extremely good at figuring out how to get out of an aquarium and get into food. We can learn a lot from an octopus. An octopus doesn't have a backbone, which doesn't mean that they lack nerve. On the contrary, their nervous system, which goes all the way down each leg, is very complex. They are able to take in a lot of information about their world and seem to be able to remember, learn and adapt to new situations. The suckers on their long legs can not only feel, but also taste. Each sucker works individually, so an octopus can just focus on one leg or one sucker. Their eyesight is sharp. Although their brains are quite small in comparison to ours, they still have very large brains for invertebrates . They have many physical characteristics of a human brain. Perhaps you've seen the video of an octopus in a German aquarium that learned to open a jar to get its food. Octopuses have also been taught to go through mazes and to pick out different shapes of patterns. Their short term and long term memory seems to be excellent. It is thought that octopuses are as intelligent as dogs in their capacity to learn certain behavior, solve problems, and make use of objects. In the movie "Octopus Intelligence: Deep Sea Aliens," some species of octopuses are letting young octopuses watch the adults in order to train them. If this keeps up, in a hundred thousand generations the octopus may rule the seas. Clearly, there is more to an octopus than just a lot of legs. We can learn from the passage that the octopus _ . A is the cleverest animal in the sea B has nine small brains and a big one C has a very complex nervous system D has all its brains behind its eyes Answer: C You might think the largest library in the world would be in Europe. But it isn't. It's in Washington D.C. It's called the Library of Congress. President John Adams started the library in 1800 for members of Congress. He wanted them to be able to read books about law. The first 740 books were bought in England. They were simply set up in the room where Congress met. Then Thomas Jefferson sold Congress many of his own books. He felt Congress should have books on all subjects, not just on law. This idea changed the library forever. The library grew and grew. Now it covers a large area of land. It contains20million books as well as many pictures, movies, globes and machines. Experts in every field work there. Hundreds of people call every day with all kinds of questions. Many of them get answers right over the phone. The library is a huge storehouse. Thomas Edison's first movie and Houdini's magic books are preserved there. And it is the proud owner of the world's best collection of humorous books. The first step in starting the Library of Congress was_. A buying Thomas Jefferson's books B buying books from England C putting up the library building D asking experts in every field to work there Answer: B Smoggy weather has become common in China. But these days, air pollution levels in the north eastern city of Harbin surpassed the previous record levels. The city was essentially shut down after PM2. 5, fine Particulate pollution that is considered hazardous . reached levels of 1000 micrograms per cubic meter-40 times the safety level remended by the World Health Organization. Schools, motorways and an airport were closed on Tuesday as visibility in some areas of the city dropped to less than 10 meters. Photos from Harbin showed residents covering their mouths with masks and scarves, and moving like ghostly shadows through the fog. Cars and motorcycles are moving slowly as traffic came to a standstill with traffic lights barely visible. . Just days previously , the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified air pollution as a carcinogen . It stated that there is " sufficient evidence" that exposure to outdoor air pollution causes lung cancer and also linked it with an increased risk of bladder cancer. It's said that exposure has increased significantly particularly in " rapidly industrial countries with large populations". "The air we breathe has become polluted with a mixture of cancer-causing substances" , Dr Kurt Straif , head of the IARC said in a press released. "We now know that outdoor air pollution is not only a major risk to health in general, but also a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths. " On the Chinese social media site Weibo , many users complained about the pollution and shared their concerns. References to "feed people with smog "have become popular on Weibo and there is a sarcastic play on the expression "serve the people" , as the two have a similar pronunciation. "The impact of air pollution on people will be gradual. There won't be a sudden outbreak of symptoms, but normally three to five days after the smoggy weather occurs, there is a peak in the number of people seeing doctors, " Deng Ying, a doctor at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University was quoted as saying. As thick smog has become a common scene in Harbin, _ A students there can go to school as usual B residents in the city can see as far as 20 meters C traffic lights can be easily visible D the urban traffic has been seriously influenced Answer: D 79 Mayfair Road Plumton, Kent October 10th Dear Rosemary, I was very glad to get your letter this morning. I really ought to have written to you---it was my turn, I know----but I have been terribly busy. The children seem to take up all my time. I am thinking of sending Ann to a nursery school. She'll be four next month. Baby has just started to walk and doesn't give me a moment's peace. But you know what it is like! How are all your children? I'm sure they love living in the country. I'm afraid we can't come over to see you next Sunday, as you suggest. Tom's mother is coming to spend the day with us. What about the Sunday after that----- the twenty-second? We are free that day and should love to come. We're longing to see your house. Let me know, then, if the Sunday after next suits you. May we come for lunch? We'd like to leave fairly early in the evening to avoid the heavy traffic on the roads. Love from us all, Edna We can infer from the letter that Tom is _ . A Edna's husband B Edna's son C Edna's neighbor D Edna's father Answer: A
Beijing opera or Peking opera (Pinyin: Jingju) is a form of Chinese opera which arose in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognized by the mid-19th century.The form was extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China.Major performance troupes (,) are based in Beijing and Tianjin in the north,and Shanghai in the south.The art form is also enjoyed in Taiwan,and has spread to other countries such as the United States and Japan. Beijing opera features four main types of performers.Performing troupes often have several of each variety,as well as numerous secondary and tertiary performers.With their elaborate (,) and colorful costumes,performers are the only focal points on Beijing opera's characteristically small stage.They make use of the skills of speech,song,dance,and combat in movements that are symbolic and suggestive,rather than realistic.Above all else,the skill of performers is evaluated according to the beauty of their movements.Performers also hold a variety of stylistic conventions that help audiences navigate the plot of the production.The layers of meaning within each movement must be expressed in time with music.The music of Beijing opera can be divided into the Xipi and Erhuang styles.Melodies include arias ,fixed-tune melodies,and percussion patterns.The repertoire of Beijing opera includes over 1,400 works,which are based on Chinese history,folklore,and,increasingly,contemporary life. In recent years,Beijing opera has attempted numerous reforms in response to sagging audience numbers.These reforms,which include improving performance quality,adapting new performance elements,and performing new and original plays,have met with mixed success.Some Western works have been adopted as new plays,but a lack of funding and an adverse political climate have left Beijing opera's fate uncertain as the form enters the 21st century. What are the features of the performers' movements of Beijing Opera? Answer: Why are we addicted to upgrades? According to Donald Norman, American author of the book The Design of Everyday Things, "planned obsolescence" is the trick behind the upgrading culture of today's consumer electronics industry. The New York Times cited Norman last month, saying that electronics manufactures strategically release new upgrades periodically, both for hardware and software, so that customers on every level feel the need to buy the newest version. "This is an old-time trick- they're not inventing anything new," he said. Thomas Wensma, a Dutch designer, despises the "planned obsolescence" of companies, as recently reported by UK-based The Guardian. Wensma said this is a wasteful system through which companies - many of them producing personal electronics - release shoddy products simply because "they know that, in six months or a year, they'll put out a new one". But the new psychology of consumers is part of this system, as Wensma said to the newspaper: "We now want something new, something pretty, the next shiny thing." _ "It's to the damage of the consumer and the environment," as the New York Times quoted Norman. "But perhaps to the betterment of the stockholder." In its most recent fiscal year, Apple's profit margin was more than 21 percent, reported the Los Angeles Times. At Hewlett-Packard, the world's biggest PC manufacturer, it was only 7 percent. "Steven Jobs pushed the principle of 'planned obsolescence' to new heights," the newspaper commented on the company's profits and marketing strategy. "Apple's annual upgrades of its products generate sales of millions of units as owners of one year's MacBook or iPhone line up to buy the newest version, even when the changes are incremental." Peer pressure As to Li Jijia, the need for upgrading his smart phone comes mainly from friends and classmates. When the majority of friends are switching to the latest devices, he worries about feeling left out. "Some apps and games require better hardware to run," said Li. "If you don't join in, you lose part of the connection to your friends." The writer takes the example of Li Jijia to show that _ . Answer: When a switch is used in an electrical circuit, the switch can Answer: The Royal Mint has chosen Beatrix Potter's thieving Peter Rabbit as the first character from children's literature ever to appear on a UK coin. Peter, pictured in the blue jacket that he is forced to abandon in the garden of Mr McGregor when he is caught stealing vegetables, is captured on a special, coloured edition of a 50p coin available from now. The Royal Mint, which described Peter as "the most recognizable of Potter's creations, and one of the most cherished from children's literature", will release uncoloured versions of the coin in change later this year. Three more of Potter's characters will also be committed to currency later this year, as part of celebrations marking 150 years since the children's author's birth. The images have been created by coin designer Emma Noble, who said it was "amazing to be given the opportunity to work with such famous and treasured literary characters". Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit, featuring Peter and his better-behaved siblings Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail, was the first of her stories to be published, released in 1902 by Frederick Warne & Co. Potter would go on to follow it with a series of much-loved stories which remain popular today, from The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin to The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. According to the passage, the coins will be released by the Royal Mint to _ . Answer: There was once a man called Mr. Flowers, and flowers were his only joy in life. He spent all his spare time in one of his four glass-houses and grew flowers of every color, with long and difficult names, for competitions, he tried to grow a rose of a new color to win the silver cup for the Rose of the Year. Mr. Flowers' glass-houses were very close to a middle school. Boys of around thirteen years of age were often tempted to throw a stone or two at one of Mr. Flowers' glass-houses. So Mr. Flower did his best to be in or close by his glass-houses at the beginning and end of the school day. But it was not always possible to be on watch at those times. Mr. Flowers had tried in many ways to protect his glass, but nothing had been useful. He had been to report to the headmaster, but this bad not done any good. He had tried to drive away the boys when they threw stones. He had even picked up all the stones around his garden, so that the boys would have nothing to throw, but they soon found others. At last Mr. Flowers had a good idea. He put up a large notice. It was made of good, strong wood. It was some meters away from the glass-houses. On it he had written the words: DO NOT THROW STONES AT THIS NOTICE. After that, Mr Flowers had no further trouble: The boys were much more attempted to throw stoned at the notice than at the glass-houses. Mr. Flowers had tried to _ to protect his glass. Answer:
Parents whose children think the latest Nike or Adidas shoes may be better than buying old-fashioned plimsolls because they encourage a healthier style of running, researchers said. Big companies, like Nike and Adidas, make millions of dollars from selling highly-cushioned shoes both as fashion and sports shoes. The researchers warn that wearing such shoes from an early age can make it difficult to run in a healthy way. Once we have grown used to running in this kind of shoes, it is very difficult to change our technique, even if we remove our shoes, it can raise the risk of injury. Children should be encouraged to wear shoes with thin soles such as plimsolls from a young age to help them develop a natural "barefoot" running style, experts said. Dr Mick Wilknson, who did the research, told the British Science Festival in Newcastle, "If I would advise someone on what to give their child, I would say don't go and buy them expensive Adidas or Nike, just get them a pair of flexible, flat shoes. Give them basic foot-ware, nothing fancy, nothing particularly cushioned." Running in flat shoes, barefoot, encourages the runner to use the front of their foot which is a better technique for running, especially long distances as the human was designed to do. Around the world, and in particular in the US, running barefoot is becoming more and more popular with many long distance runners training without shoes. Dr Mick Wilknson believes that training and running barefoot or in flat running shoes can help reduce injuries to runners, he said: "Injury rates in running have not changed since the 1970s, despite claims of improvements in running shoes. That has led some to conclude that barefoot running is better." Why are people advised to wear plimsolls? Answer: When women sit together to watch a movie on TV, at the same time they usually talk about a lot of subjects, including children, men, careers and what's happening in their lives. When groups of men and women watch a movie together, the men usually end up telling the women to shut up. Men can either talk or watch the screen---they can't do both---and they don't understand that women can. Besides , women think that the point of all getting together is to have a good time and develop relationships--not just to sit there like couch potatoes staring at the screen. During the ad breaks, a man often asks a woman to explain the plot(the story that is told in a novel or play or movie etc.) and tell him where the relationship between the characters is going. He is unable, unlike women, to read the small body language signals that show how the characters are feeling emotionally . Since women originally spent their days with the other women and children in the group, they developed the ability to communicate successfully because they want to keep relationships. For a woman, speech continues to have such a clear purpose: to build relationships and make friends. For men, to talk is to connect to the facts. Men see the telephone as a communication tool for sending facts and information to other people, but a woman sees it as a way of keeping relationship. A woman can spend two weeks on vacation with her girlfriend and, when she returns home, telephone the same girlfriend and talk for another two hours. There is no convincing evidence that social conditioning, the fact that girls' mothers talked them more, is the reason why girls talk more than boys. Psychiatrist Dr. Michael Lewis, author ofSocial Behaviour and Language Acquisition, conducted experiments that found mothers talked to and looked at baby girls more often than baby boys. Scientific evidence shows parents reply to the brain differences of their children. Since a girl's brain is better organized to send and receive speech, we talk to them more. As a result, mothers who try to talk to their sons are usually pointed to receive only short complaints in reply. While watching TV with others, women usually talk a lot because they _ . Answer: When the Japanese attacked America's ships at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, they did it secretly. The makers of the movie Pearl Harbor have behaved differently. The noise about Pearl Harbor, made by Disney,has reached its highest point with its premiere before the movie opens in cinemas across the US at the start of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a time to recall national heroes who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. As Ben Affleck is the main star, the movie seems sure to become a success in the United States at least. At almost three hours in length, it promises to be a good old Hollywood movie. There is a love story. Affleck and his co-star, Josh Hartnett, both fall in love with the navy nurse, Kate Beckinsale and, of course, there is much human courage and love of country. It's certain that Disney will be accused of "changing" history. The showing of actual events in a movie always causes arguments. Bits of the story are deliberately not mentioned in the movie. It does not address the theory held by some historians that President Franklin Roosevelt knew about Japan's intention to attack the ships in Pearl Harbor.It is said he did nothing, as he was aware that such a blow would allow him to take America into the Second World War. Japan remains sensitive about being accused of wartime atrocities . And Disney is sensitive about its business in Japan, where it has a theme park. Not all the reviews of the movie have been full of praise. A reviewer for Newsweek, who was given an early preview, acknowledged that the 40-minute sequence showing the attack itself was powerful. The attack comes quite late in the movie, however, and the reviewer was less impressed with the characters and the love story. "Almost every line of the dialogue sounds like it comes from an old movie, " the reviewer wrote. According to the passage, what does the reviewer for Newsweek think of the movie? Answer: Which unit of measurement describes an object's length? Answer: Can you imagine astronauts' everyday life in space? They also need to eat, sleep, exercise and relax. They do the same things as us, but they do them differently. On Earth, we put food on a plate. _ holds the food down and keeps it on a place. But there is almost no gravity in space, so food can float away, and astronauts must eat carefully. Sleeping is very different in space. Some astronauts like to float in the air, but most like to be in a sleeping bag. They tie the bag to a wall so that they won't float away at night. Exercise is very important in space. On Earth, your legs carry your body, but in space, astronauts float, so they do not use their legs often. This is very bad for their legs, so they must exercise for thirty minutes every day. After a day's work, astronauts relax. They may listen to music, read, watch films, play games, or talk to their friends and families on the radio. Sometimes they just enjoy floating in the air. What's the main idea of the passage? Answer:
As many as one in five US teenagers have some degree of hearing loss, according to researchers. They say the problem is growing. "Teenagers really don't pay attention to how much noise they are exposed to ," Josef Shargorodsky of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston told Reuters. "Often people won't notice it, but even very little hearing loss may influence language development," said Shargorodsky, one of the researchers. The study compared surveys from the early 1990s and the mid-2000s. Each included a few thousand teenagers. In the first survey, about 15 percent of teenagers had some degree of hearing loss. Some 15 years later, that number had risen by a third, to nearly 20 percent. "This certainly is big news," said Alison Grimes, an ear doctor. "Hearing loss is very common in old people," Grimes said, but she added that it was worrying to see it happen in the younger age group. In babies and young children, hearing problems are known to slow language development. The science is less clear for teenagers, but it is easy to imagine how being hard of hearing could influence learning, said Grimes. The reasons for the rise are still unclear. When researchers asked teenagers about noise exposure - on the job, at school or from activities, for example - the teenagers didn't report any change. But Shargorodsky said that might not be true. "We know from before that it is difficult to ask this age group about noise exposure - _ " Few people would call it noise when they listen to music on their MP3 player, for example. "There is a difference between what we think is loud and what is harmful to the ear," said Grimes. Although it's not clear that the MP3 players cause teenagers' hearing loss, Grimes said it was still a good idea to turn down the sound and take short breaks from listening. The writer advises teenagers _ . Cooking is an important skill with an interesting history. Every culture has their own types of foods and methods of cooking. Most cities and towns have local specialties and dishes. Families often have special recipes and meals that nobody else knows how to cook. Food comes in almost as many shapes, sizes, and varieties as people do. And behind every meal and every dish there is a cook. In many cultures, especially in the West, cooking has traditionally been a task more often performed by women than by men. Today, however, it would be foolish to say cooking is only for females. Even though people are becoming busier and busier with their jobs, more and more people are cooking, including men. People cook to relax, to save money, to eat healthier foods, or just to eat tastier foods. This activity has become so popular that in the United States there is a television channel that does nothing but teach you how to cook. The internet has made it easier and easier to get all kinds of recipes. Because of globalization more types of spices and ingredients are available to more people at cheaper prices. This has helped contribute to new types of foods, dishes, and styles of cooking. Simply put, cooking is on the rise. In most places you can survive without knowing how to cook. But in my opinion if you don't know how to cook, you had better know somebody else that can cook, or life just won't be as enjoyable. What is the author's opinion of cooking? Stepfamilies are commonplace in the United States and their number continues to grow.While stepfamilies differ widely in their make-up, they all consist of a parenting couple and children, one or more of whom is of a previous union.Such combinations of his kids, her kids, and then, possibly, kids of the new union make for complicated and often trying difficulties, more challenging than those of traditional families. Since stepfamilies involve more people and, consequently, more potential problems from the start than do childless new marriage, it is wise for the couple to do some careful planning prior to (=before) marriage.Not only do the prospective marital partners need agreement about their own carriers, life goals, finance and special interests, they must also prepare for new relationship with their children and attempt to accommodate their individual needs and feelings.Furthermore, there are often the rights of other relatives to consider. As for any family, the basic ingredient of a successful stepfamily are affection, kindness and mutual respect.However, love alone is not enough.Certainly love is the cornerstone upon which the foundation of any family is built, but there are also many other important ingredients involved in building a successful stepfamily. Surveys reveal that successful families regard the ability to communicate openly as the most important factor in their success.Communication is what keeps families on track and functioning as a unit.Although healthy communication is easier for some people than for others, this skill can be learned and improved.Healthy communication involves speaking clearly and listening carefully. By their very nature, stepfamilies often are complicated by past events that give rise to ambivalent loyalties, lingering hurts, fears,feelings of guilt and unrealistic dreams.The difficulties that arise within the stepfamilies are human and understandable.However, there are ways to confront and resolve them.For example, support groups and professional counselors are available in most communities to provide help and guidance when communications stopped and problems seem overwhelming . Planning and building a stepfamily is not a responsibility to take lightly.It can be a very trying and, at times, seemingly impossible effort.Many potential troubles can arise and threaten to destroy the stepfamily.Nevertheless, meeting and mastering these special challenges can bring unexpected satisfactions and rewarding depths of family closeness and affection. According to the passage, there are_in the United States. For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted a personal motto. I wanted a saying that I could really try to live my life by. I mean all the humorous book and storybook heroes always have a personal principle they follow. Good manners! Courage! Keenness! But a part of me could never get myself to create my own motto because I never knew where to start and I never thought I could give one. "With great power comes great responsibility." is a quote by the great writer and philosopher, Voltaire. More familiar, it makes an appearance in the modern day movie performance of the superhero Spider-Man. This saying provides a sense of responsibility for those with actually limitless power. "Be good to others and others will be good to you." is another well-known proverb that has roots in almost all of the major religions. Although it is less practiced today than it is lectured, it is a powerful and good motto to live by. Kindness, in this sense, is the final power in judging every action. My personal motto today has an idea - being efficient. Through my limited knowledge, I have come to find that this is simply the best way for me to give insight about who I am and what I believe in. Efficiency is a quality that everyone desires for, right? Who doesn't want to be able to not only work fast but to achieve great results? To some, it may appear to be a frightening journey. But to me, it means that I have a lifelong journey to improve the methods and ideas with which I come near my tasks. Regardless of what motto you want to live by, I believe that everyone should have one, or two or more. These are all symbols of a perfect story of us, in our own view. And it immediately provides insight to the type of person we were, we are and what we strive to be. We are never meant to be perfect, but it is important to try and live by a belief that will help us reach our potential. All you have to do is know what your excitement is and live by it. In the eyes of the writer, Spider-Man mainly lives by _ . Sang Lan is a former member of the national women's gymnastic team. She hurt herself seriously in a competition at the Goodwill Games held in Long Island, New York in 1998. She has been on a wheelchair since then. Although she was disabled, Sang Lan believed that she would walk again one day. She kept on exercising all year round, and was sure that she would stand up. When she was in New York, she caught the hearts of Americans. Many people called her "a brave and confident girl". She became an international symbol of courage and was very popular in the United States. The brave girl has been a college student in Peking University now. Her dream of going to college has come true. "'Get up from where you fall' is the most ordinary thing for a gymnast. And it's my motto ." Sang said, "I'll spend my time scientifically and work hard on my studies so as to be a winner in life." ,. From the story we know that Sang Lan _ now.
Question: I felt encouraged by his words and began to swim more calmly.But my clothes stuck to me like a heavy weight.I could hardly stay above the surface. Counsel saw this."Shall I cut them?"he asked. With a knife he cut my clothes from top to bottom and took them of quickly while I swam for both of us. Then I did the same for Counsel,and we continued to swim near each other. But we were in serious trouble.The crew might not have noticed our disappearance. And if they had,they could not return because the rudder had broken.Counsel thought of all this,and calmly made his plans.We decided to wait for the ship as long as possible,because we had no other hope of safety.I suggested that we save our strength so that both of us would not be tired out at the same time.This was how we did it:While one of us lay on his back,quite _ ,with arms crossed and legs stretched out ,the other would swim and push him along.We changed every ten minutes or so.In this way we could swim for hours,perhaps till daylight.The crash of the ship and the whale had appeared at about eleven o'clock.We had about eight hours to swim before daylight.This seemed possible,if the sea remained calm. Why did the two men cut their clothes? A. Because no people helped them to take off their clothes. B. Because they couldn't take off their clothes on the sea. C. Because they wanted to get rid of their clothes quickly. D. Because they wanted to lifebuoys with their clothes. Answer: C Question: Today, innovations to make our lives more eco-friendly can be found everywhere. There are energy-efficient automobiles, eco-friendly light bulbs, and clothes made by fashion designers using sustainable environmental practices. Industries around the world have also begun to take a serious look at how their operations affect the local and global environment. The university of Colorado has been named one of the top green colleges and universities in the United States. This university was one of the first to start a student-led recycling program in the 1970s and today supplies students with reusable shopping bags to use both on and off campus. The entire University of Colorado also uses low flow water fixtures and has reduced water usage by 40 percent since 2002. When it comes to going green, Warren Wilson College has been recognized in many places. The Sierra Club and The Princeton Review have named the college as one of America's greenest colleges and universities, while the school has also received the Outstanding College Recycling Award from the Carolina Recycling Association, as well as awards from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education(AASHE). For a small college, Warren Wilson has made enormous efforts to be an eco-friendly campus since its beginning, and today owns a campus farm, a seeding program, and an extensive recycling program. Warren Wilson was also the first College to have an LEED platinum certified residence hall, and its building services department is also 100 percent GreenSeal certified. According to College Stats, Warren Wilson College is one of the first institutions in the United States to be almost completely self-sufficient while also engaging students to incorporate sustainability into all academic programs. Going green efforts at Oberlin College have not gone unnoticed. Oberlin College spends 22 percent of its food budget on buying food from local farmers, with most of the food raised or harvested with organic and sustainable practices. Oberlin has also stopped selling bottled water on campus and offers discounts to students who use their own storage containers when purchasing beverages and food items. Among Oberlin's other eco-friendly accomplishments is a green graduation ceremony, which includes programs printed on 100 percent recycled paper. Which of the following about Warren Wilson College is TRUE? A. The Princeton Review praised it for its teaching methods. B. Its residence hall's building material is platinum. C. It owns a campus garden and a seeding program. D. It sustains itself almost without help from others. Answer: D Question: Sam, an unemployed piano tuner, said it was only the second thing he had ever won in his life. The first thing was an Afghan blanket at a church raffle when he was 25 years old. But this was much bigger: it was $120,000! He had won the Big Cube, a state lottery game. To win, a contestant must first guess which number a spinning cube will stop on. The cube has six numbers on it: 1X, 10X, 50X, 100X, 500X, and 1000X. If he is correct, the contestant must then guess which of two selected variables is going to be greater. So, just guessing which number appears on the cube does not guarantee that you will win any money. Sam correctly guessed 1000X, but he still had to choose between two variables. One variable was the number of cars that would run the stop sign at Hill Street and Lake Avenue in six hours. The other variable was the number of times that a teenage boy would change TV channels in a three-hour period. This was a tough decision. Finally, Sam flipped a coin. It came up heads, so Sam picked the teenager. He picked right. The stop sign was run only 76 times, but the teen clicked 120 times. Sixty-year-old Sam jumped for joy, for he had just won 1000 times 120, or $120,000. Sam dreamily left the lottery studio. Talking excitedly on his cell phone while crossing the street, he got hit by a little sports car. Sam is slowly getting better. He was in the hospital for a month. His hospital bill was $110,000. And the insurance company for the little sports car's owner sued Sam for $9,000 worth of repairs. Also, Sam still has to pay federal taxes on his winnings. Sam doesn't play the state lottery any more. He says it's better to be unlucky. To win the game, the contestants had to make _ guesses. A. three B. two C. six D. four Answer: B Question: Each day water-related diseases kill 3,900 of the world's children. Across the world, 1.1 billion people have no access to clean drinking water. More than 2.6 billion people lack basic sanitation . The combination proves deadly. Each year, diseases related to inadequate water and sanitation kill between 2 and 5 million people and cause an estimated 80 percent of all sicknesses in the developing world. Safe drinking water is a precondition for health and the fight against child death rate, inequality between men and women, and poverty. Consider these facts: * The average distance that women in Africa and Asia walk to collect water is 6 kilometres. * Only 58 percent of children in sub-Sharan Africa are drinking safe water, and only 37 percent of children in South Asia have access to even a basic toilet. * Each year in India alone, 73 million working days are lost to water-borne diseases. Here are three ways you can help: 1) Write Congress Current U.S. foreign aid for drinking water and sanitation budgets only one dollar per year per American citizen. Few members of Congress have ever received a letter from voters about clean drinking water abroad. 2) Sponsor a project with a faith-based organization Many U.S. religious groups already sponsor water and sanitation projects, working with partner organizations can make safe water a reality for thousands of people. 3) Support nonprofit water organizations Numerous U.S. based nonprofits work skillfully abroad in community led projects related to drinking water and sanitation. Like the sample of non-profits noted as follows, some organizations are large, others small-scale, some operate world-wide, others are devoted to certain areas in Africa, Asia, Latin America. Support them generously. The main purpose of the passage is to call on people to _ . A. get rid of water-related diseases in developing countries B. donate money to people short of water through religious groups C. fight against the worldwide water shortage and sanitation problem D. take joint action in support of some nonprofit water organizations Answer: C Question: A moth that experiences a metamorphosis will change A. sex B. shape C. species D. religion Answer: B
Businesses are witnessing a difficult time,which has in turn produced influence on consumers' desire to go green.However,shoppers are still laying stress on environmental concerns. Two thirds of customers say that environmental considerations _ their purchases to the same degree as they did a year ago,while more than a quarter say that they are now even better aware of the environmental effect on what they buy. This may help to influence how shops store goods on their shelves.And the companies should still make efforts to become more environmentally friendly.Two out of three people think it is important to buy from environmentally responsible companies,with about one in seven saying that they had even decided to take their custom elsewhere if they felt a company's environmental reputation was not good enough. Harry Morrison,chief executive of the Carbon Trust,sympathizes:"I understand this situation where survival is very important now.But from environmental considerations,the clock is ticking--we don't have much time.In addition,cutting carbon has an immediate effect as costs drop and a mediumterm benefit for the brand." Larger companies have an extra motivation to look at reducing their carbon footprint,as new rules next year will require businesses to buy carbon allowances to make up for their emissions .Those that have taken early action will have a head start.More than two thirds of consumers are not clear about which companies are environmentally responsible.This suggests that firms that are able to relay clearly their message to the public will be in a pole position to attract shoppers. The Carbon Trust believes that it can help by informing customers about the good work companies are doing."When companies are granted the standard,they can use a logo in all their marketing which makes it clear that they are working towards cutting emissions," Mr.Morrison said. (2010*,C) What's the main idea of the passage? A Businesses are finding ways to send their message to the shoppers. B Companies will soon get information about cutting carbon emissions. C Firms are making efforts to encourage customers to keep goods at home. D Firms are urged to cut carbon emissions by shoppers' environmental awareness. Answer: D When I was young, my mother didn't have the money to send me to school, but she thought it was important for me to keep up with education. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself. But because she had to go to work, the only time she could do it was at 4:30 in the morning. We need every one of you to develop your talents and your skills so that you can help us old folks solve our most difficult problems. If you quit on school--you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country. No one's written your destiny for you, because you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That's why today I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education and do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending some time reading a book. But whatever you decide to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it. I know that sometimes you get that sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work--that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star. No one's born being good at all things. You become good at things through hard work. You're not a good athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don't hit every note the first time you sing a song. You've got to practice. Why does the writer call on everyone to set his/her own goal? A Because everyone's future is determined by themselves. B Because everyone's future is to do simple work. C Because everyone should do their homework. D Because everyone should pay attention in class. Answer: A The rise in smartphones among young people may be having a direct effect on how successful they become as adults. Research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered the average university student checks their phones 11 times per lesson, and more than 80 percent believe this tech addiction is interfering with their learning. A quarter of students across five U.S states also blamed poor grades in exams specifically on the fact they used mobile devices when they should have been concentrating and revising - and these grades could determine the jobs they end up going into. Barney McCoy, an associate professor of broadcasting at the university, surveyed 777 students at six universities across five states about how they used digital devices in the classroom. The students were from UNL and the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Nebraska, Morningside College in Iowa, the University of North Carolina, the University of Kansas and the University of Mississippi. Around two thirds said they used phones, tablets and laptops for "non-classroom purposes" up to ten times during a typical university day, while 15 percent admitted this figure was closer to 30 times. Among the top reasons why students checked their devices so regularly were staying connected and fighting boredom, at 55 percent. Less than half said the devices were used for classwork. Texting was the most popular distraction technique at 86 percent, while 68 percent said they used their phones to check personal emails. Two thirds used social networks, 38 percent surfed the web and eight percent admitted to playing games when they should have been studying. Despite eight out of ten students admitting their devices were distracting, fewer than five percent considered it to be a "very big" distraction. "I don't think students necessarily think it's a big problem," said McCoy said. "They think it's part of their lives." "It's become automatic behavior on the part of so many people - they do it without even thinking about it." He continued, "They've got their laptops open, but they're not always taking notes. Some might have two screens open -- Facebook and their notes." The majority of the students think that using smartphones _ . A helps to improve their grades. B contributed to their poor grades. C has a bad effect on their studies. D determines their jobs in the future. Answer: C What can you point to as an example of water vapor? A a mountain that looks like a bear B the smoke coming from a distant fire C a group of birds that looks like a wine glass D a white puff in the sky that is shaped like a bird Answer: D When you are next in Hawaii,be sure to stay at the Garden Hotel.Whether you come on business or on holiday,you will find everything as comfortable and as convenient as you would expect in a first-class international hotel.Every bedroom has its own private bathroom,telephone,wall-to-wall carpeting and colorful,modern materials and furniture in the local style. In the Mitsui Restaurant,you can choose your meals from as wide a variety of dishes,both Eastern and European,as you will find anywhere in the country.In the Beach Bar,you can drink with your family and friends in air-conditioned comfort,to the music of internationally known musicians.Or you can take your drink outside into the beautiful garden that gives the hotel its name,or to the tables that surround the swimming pool.Throughout the hotel,you will find the service is both friendly and efficient. The Garden Hotel is right on the beach,only five minutes' walk from Hawaii's modern shopping center.Here you will find all that money can buy,at prices you can afford. In the Mitsui Restaurant,you can choose your meals from as wide a variety of dishes,both _ and European,as you will find anywhere in the country. A Northern B Southern C Western D Eastern Answer: D
Some people would say that the Englishman's home is no longer his castle; that it has become his workshop. This is partly because the average Englishman is keen on working with his own hands and partly because he feels, for one reason or another, that he must do for himself many households for which, some years ago, he would have hired professional help. The main reason for this is a financial one. The high cost of labor has meant that builders' and decorators' cost have reached a level which makes them prohibitive for house-proud English-people of modest means. So, if they wish to keep their houses looking bright and smart, they have to tackle some of the repairs and decorating themselves. As a result, there has grown up in the post-war years what is sometimes referred to as the "do-it-yourself movement". The "do-it-yourself movement" began with home decorating but has spread into a much wider field. Nowadays there seem to be very few things that can't be made by the "do-it-yourself movement" method. A number of magazines and handbooks exist to show hopeful handymen of all ages just how easy it is to build anything from a coffee table to a fifteen-foot sailing boat. All you need, it seems, is a hammer and a few nails. You follow the simple instructions step by step and, before you know where you are, the finished article stands before you, completely in every detail. Unfortunately, alas, it is not always quite as simple as it sounds! Many a budding "do-it-yourself" has found to his cost that one can not learn a skilled craftsman's job overnight. How quickly one realizes, when doing it oneself, that a job which takes a skilled man an hour or so to complete takes an amateur handyman five or six at least. And then there is the question of tools. The first thing the amateur learns is that he must have the right tools for the job. But tools cost money. _ It is not surprising then that many people have come to the conclusion that the expense of the paying professional to do the work is, in the long run, more economical than "do-it-yourself". The "do-it-yourself" movement originated in _ . A house repairing B house building C house decorating D furniture building Answer: C. house decorating A surprisingly high number of city citizens in China suffer from poor health and many die at an early age. Poor health with no sign of any identified disease, a condition known in China as "sub health," is on the rise. Sub health is marked by general weakness, low energy levels and a poor immune system. A survey held in 16 cities with over 1 million population showed high proportions of urban Chinese have been suffering sub health problems. The numbers are particularly high in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, with 75.31, 73.49, and 73.41 percent respectively of residents in poor health, the survey showed. The problem happens mostly among senior and middle-level managers, clerks and other white-collar workers with high education levels, said the website of the Red Cross Society of China. "The sub health condition, found in most cases among groups of people with a high educational level, will have bad effects on China's long-term development and progress if not dealt timely and properly," the website warned. A survey by the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that the average life of Chinese intellectuals is 58 years, 10 years lower than the nation's average. This early death phenomenon may be increasing. Among Chinese people with high education in the 25-59 age group, the death rate for women is as high as 10.4 per cent. For men it is even higher: 16.5 percent. A report published by the China Sub Health Academic Seminar said the country's health is going through a transitional period and many long-term diseases have taken the place of infectious diseases such as SARS and flu as the main cause of death. "Bad working habits, poor disease prevention knowledge, not enough governmental investment and lack of health education are the main reasons," said Yang Xiaoduo, a healthcare expert with a local health association, who said China should race against time seeking measures to solve the sub health problem. What's the average life of Chinese people? A 48 B 58 C 68 D 78 Answer: C. 68 Americans, generally speaking, make an effort to be friendly with their colleagues, neighbours and other people they often run into. This often takes the form of a simple greeting like "How's it going?" or "What's up ?" This is simply a way of saying I see you and I recognize you. Americans also show this friendliness in "small talk". Small talk is a casual conversation that Americans engage in when they meet on the street, in the shop or in the office before a meeting. Usually the topics of such small talk will be something that everyone is familiar with, the weather, sports, traffic, hobbies or what's on television. The topic of the conversation is not as important as the effort make to spend a few minutes with the other person. Small talk shows that you are a considerate person who is interested in others and who is willing to take the time to get to know people. Small talk is used in the business world to create a friendly atmosphere and to put everyone at ease before the serious matters of business are discussed. Often businessmen will spend a few minutes talking about the weather or sports before a meeting. This form of small talk only lasts a few minutes before the American businessman wants to "get down to business." Asians are very skilled at making casual conversation. However, they often find it difficult to make small talk with Americans because they don't know what to say, how to say it and who to say it to. Americans may see Asians who are reluctant to make small talk as unfriendly and cold. American people ask others how it is going because _ A they are curious about others' affairs B they are eager to help others C they want to start a long conversation D they only want to show their kindness Answer: D. they only want to show their kindness The passengers on the subway who caught a glimpse of me may have thought I was strange. In particular a gentleman sitting opposite me was always staring at me, looking at the cheese bread on the floor in front of me and then staring back at me. A passenger probably dropped it by mistake and got off at a previous stop, but the gentleman might not think so. "Next stop, St. Patrick Station" -- my stop was quickly coming up. I had few minutes to either take the cheese bread, which nobody else was claiming, or left it there. In those few minutes I felt my pride getting in the way. "What would others on the subway think of me if I took the cheese bread? Would they think that I was poor and hungry? Would they think that I was stealing?" The ignorant thing to do was say "yes" to any of those _ questions. Actually, they were just my own thoughts. Though I would leave the subway, walk a block to my office, get settled at my desk, and sit comfortably in my office for the whole day, I couldn't get rid of the enormous sense of guilt and regret. My thoughts once pushed me towards pride and ignorance, but finally I had to admit I was wrong. This missing cheese bread could be a gift for a homeless person who suffered from cold and hunger. So why not overcome a little bit of my pride and pass along so much kindness? Just as the doors opened at my stop, I grabbed the cheese bread and left the subway. It felt awesome, but I didn't care if people were looking at me or what they were thinking. Instead of going directly to my office as usual, I walked a few more blocks up to Queen's park, where I often saw a homeless man sitting outside. I always wanted to give him something, but only today I walked toward him, who wrapped himself in a sleeping bag. I was full of satisfaction, and so did the homeless man, I thought. Why did the author grab the cheese bread when he got off? A He noticed that no one was looking at him. B He didn't want to see the cheese bread to go to taste. C He valued kindness more than his own pride. D He remembered a homeless man at that very moment. Answer: C. He valued kindness more than his own pride. "Three apples have changed the world. One is for Eve, one is for Newton. The third is in the hands of Steve Jobs." said someone. Steve Jobs was the former CEO of the Apple computer company in his parents' garage on April Fool's Day, 1976. Through many years' hard work, Jobs and his Apple products were a great success. People believe he has made the world a better place. Many young people also think of Apple products as a fashion icon. Because of his great achievements in this area, he was honoured with a number of awards, including the National Medal of Technology in 1985, the Times cover character and the Most Successful Manager in 1997. Jobs' road to success wasn't an easy one. He experienced several ups and downs, but he was still standing. Just as Hemingway in The Old Man and the Sea said, "A man can be destroyed, but not be defeated . So he was considered as an American hero. What did Jobs' workers and family members think of him? On one hand, some workers described him as a strange, bad-tempered boss. They said he was impatient with those who disagreed with him or didn't understand his ideas. On the other hand, his family members thought of him as a home-loving dad with each of his four children. He worried about all the things of them, such as their boyfriends, travel, safety and even skirt length. Though he was quite busy, he still attended his daughter's graduation party. From the passage, we know that _ . A Steve Jobs was very famous only in the USA B Steve Jobs was too busy to care about his children C Steve Jobs changed the world a lot with his Apple products D Steve Jobs never got into any trouble on his way to success Answer: C. Steve Jobs changed the world a lot with his Apple products
Once upon a time, a young man was standing in the middle of the town announcing that he had the most beautiful heart in the world. A large crowd gathered, and they al praised his heart for it was perfect. Suddenly, an old man appeared and said, "Why ,your heart is not as beautiful as mine." The old man's heart was ful of scars . Some pieces of his heart were removed and some pieces from other people were put in, but they didn't fit quite right. So there were several jagged edges. In fact, there were stil some holes in his heart where the pieces were missing. The young man laughed,"Comparing yours with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess." "Yes,"said the old man. "But, every scar shows that I took out a piece of my heart and gave it to a person, and often he gave me a piece of his heart in return." "Why do you have some jagged edges in your heart?"asked the young man."Because the shapes of the pieces weren't the same.""Then the holes?""Sometimes I gave pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn't given back a piece of his, so ... but I don't care.""How come?""They remind me of the love we shared." The young man was deeply moved. He walked up to the old man, took a piece of his heart out and gave it to the old man. The old man placed it in his heart, then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man's heart. It fitted, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges. The young man looked at his heart, not perfect any more but more beautiful than ever. How sad it must be to go through life with a whole untouched heart! The young man stood in the town to _ . A meet the old man B compare his heart with others' C show his beautiful heart D give pieces of his heart to others Answer: C A road cut shows a layer of shale on top of a layer of limestone. This indicates A the shale layer is older than the limestone layer. B a fault occurred during the deposition of the layers. C the environment changed between the times of deposition. D volcanic activity occurred when these layers were deposited. Answer: C Where Are We Going, Dad? presents a new generation of men, in a break from Chinese tradition, now take an active role in their children's lives. Five star fathers and their children travel around China, riding camels through the western deserts, fishing off the east coast, and selling vegetables for their bus fare home in remote southwestern Yunnan province. One dad doesn't know how to do his daughter's hair, but give him a couple of days -- he'll figure it out. Another one must survive with his son for three days in the desert, where, because neither can cook, the two only eat instant noodles. These story lines are part of Where Are We Going, Dad? which, since its first show in October, has become one of China's most popular television shows, covering more than 600 million viewers each week. And searches for Where Are We Going, Dad? turn up over 40 million hits on Sina Weibo, China's Twitter. "In traditional Chinese culture, the common conception of parenthood is that the father is strict and the mother is kind. But on the show, we see fathers who are much gentler on their kids and more concerned with their upbringing," said Li Minyi, an associate professor of early childhood education at the leading Beijing Normal University. "An important question arises in this show for modern Chinese society -- what is the role of fathers in today's China?" "As they raise their children, parents are growing up at the same time," said Wang Renping, a popular education expert, in an interview with the Qianjiang Evening News. "They cannot use parenting styles from 20 years ago to guide the development of children born 20 years later." The attraction of Where Are We Going, Dad? lies in the chance to have a close look at the lives of popular Chinese stars and their children. Audiences fancy watching the failed attempts of star dads making dinner, braiding hair , and disciplining children -- tasks often left to mothers in a society still influenced by the opinion that "men rule outside and women rule inside." The reason why Where Are We Going, Dad is so popular in China may include the following EXCEPT that _ . A audiences enjoy laughing at others' failure in life B it can make people laugh and think at the same time C people love watching the stars and their children's lives closely D it presents a new generation of men's role in their children's lives Answer: A Mark Thompson, the BBC's director general, is expected to announce on Thursday that the BBC will quit its entire west London home -- possibly selling the land to Chelsea football club -- as part of main plans that will see more staff moved out of the capital to Salford and elsewhere. The move is at the heart of the BBC's long-awaiting cost-cutting strategy which will see nearly 2,000 more jobs going at the public broadcaster, and some original programming,such as daytime shows on BBC2, _ to save money. Several thousand people are employed at the west London sites,including Thompson himself and the bosses of all the BBC's television channels.The employees are expected to be relocated to Broadcasting House in central London, Salford, or elsewhere. The BBC has been broadcasting at various locations in the Shepherd's Bush area since moving into Lime Grove in 1949.It then switched to the Television Centre in 1960,and more modern offices at nearby White City.But it is now open to selling the site, and the broadcaster has had talks about attracting Premier League clubs Chelsea or Queen's Park Rangers as buyers.Both clubs are looking for new homes. Earlier leaks suggest that the BBC will seek to cut spending on sports where the corporation has already decided to share coverage of Formula 1 with Sky TV -- and imports,such as Mad Men and The Killing.BBC4 is expected to focus on "arts and archive ", but Thompson has long ruled out closing any channels or radio stations.BBC1 and Radio 4 will be protected,but there are expected to be some cuts to local radio programs, which will see stations share shows outside breakfast and drive-time hours. The corporation is already committed to remove TV Centre by 2015, but because parts of the building are listed, the football clubs have expressed an interest in the BBC's White City offices instead,which could be knocked down. The White City building is where Thompson and the broadcaster's commercial division, BBC Worldwide, are based. BBC sources say the 2,500 job losses being proposed include the 650 cuts to the World Service already announced, with up to l,000 coming from BBC News.It is understood that some staff who have only just made the move to Salford could see their jobs at risk. Salford is now home to Radio5 Live, children's programs such as Blue Peter, and sports output including Match of the Day. What will happen if the BBC moves its home ? A Some original programmes will be adjusted. B All the BBC staff will have to work outside London. C More people will be employed for new programs. D Some TV channels or radio stations will be closed. Answer: A Coffee has a history dating back to at least the 9th century and has been a catalyst for social interaction across cultures and eras. Originally discovered in Ethiopia, coffee beans were brought into the Middle East by Arab traders, spreading to Egypt, Yemen, Persia, Turkey, and North Africa by the 15th century. Muslim merchants eventually brought the beans to the thriving port city of Venice, where they sold them to wealthy Italian buyers. Soon, the Dutch began importing and growing coffee in places like Java and Ceylon (largely through slave labor), and the British East India Trading Company was popularizing the beverage in England. Coffee spread across Europe and even reached America. Where there has been coffee, there has been the coffeehouse. From the 15th century Middle Eastern establishments where men gathered to listen to music, play chess, and hear recitations from works of literature, to Paris' Cafe le Procope where luminaries of the French Enlightenment such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot came to enjoy a hot cup of joe, coffeehouses have traditionally served as centers of social interaction, places where people can come to relax, chat, and exchange ideas. The modern coffee shop is modeled on the espresso and pastry-centered Italian coffeehouses that arose with the establishment of Italian-American immigrant communities in major US cities such as New York City's Little Italy and Greenwich Village, Boston's North End, and San Francisco's North Beach. New York coffee shops were often frequented by the Beats in the 1950's. It wasn't long before Seattle and other parts of the Pacific Northwest were developing coffee shops as part of a thriving counterculture scene. The Seattle-based Starbucks took this model and brought it into mainstream culture. Although coffeehouses today continue to serve their traditional purpose as lively social hubs in many communities, they have noticeably adapted to the times. Rediscovering their purpose as centers of information exchange and communication, many coffee shops now provide their customers with internet access and newspapers. It has become extremely common to see someone sitting at a Starbucks listening to music or surfing the web on his or her laptop. Coffee stores today also maintain a fairly identifiable, yet unique aesthetic: wooden furniture and plush couches, paintings and murals drawn on walls, and soft-lighting combine to give coffee shops the cozy feeling of a home away from home. Today, big business retail coffee shops are expanding quickly all over the world. Starbucks alone has stores in over 40 countries and plans to add more. Despite its popularity, Starbucks has been criticized and labeled by many as a blood-sucking corporate machine, driving smaller coffee shops out of business through unfair practices. This has even spawned an anti-corporate coffee counterculture, with those subscribing to this culture boycotting big business coffee chains. Increasingly popular coffee stores such as The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf are also giving Starbucks some stiff competition. In any case, it seems pretty clear that coffee has weaved itself into the fabric of our consumer-oriented culture. We can infer from the passage _ . A Starbucks has beaten all the competitors B there are no changes in the development of coffee culture C the taste of coffee has changed a lot D Starbucks has some effect on the development of coffee culture Answer: D
Karnishakuji4- 162 Tokyo 145 October24,2007 Concord School of English 23 Essex St. Concord,,NH03301 Dear Madam or sir , One of the teachers at my school in Japan told me that your school has summer courses . I'm planning to go to the USA next summer and would like to take a one- month course . I'm 18 years old and have been studying English for six years . I'm going to study English at the university . I have ever been to a few countries , such as China , England ,Korea ,but never to the US ,and I think a trip will help me improve my English . Could you send me a catalogue and application ? I would also like information about New Hampshire and other places nearby . I hope to do some traveling when the course is over . Thank you . I look forward to your reply . Yours , Mariko Kobori Mariko Kobori began to learn English at the age of _ . Answer: Working with a group of baboons in the Namibian desert, Dr. Alecia Carter of the Department of Zoology,Cambridge University set baboons learning tasks involving a novel food and a familiar food hidden in a box. Some baboons were given the chance to watch another baboon who already knew how to solve the task, while others had to learn for themselves. To work out how brave or anxious the baboons were, Dr. Carter presented them either with a novel food or a threat in the form of a model of a poisonous snake. She found that personality had a major impact on learning. The braver baboons learnt, but the shy ones did not learn the task although they watched the baboon perform the task of finding the novel food just as long as the brave ones did. In effect, despite being made aware of what to do, they were still too shy to do what the experienced baboon did. The same held true for anxious baboons compared with calm ones. The anxious individuals learnt the task by observing others while those who were relaxed did not, even though they spent more time watching. This _ between collecting social information and using it shows that personality plays a key role in social learning in animals, something that has previously been ignored in studies on how animals learn to do things. The findings are significant because they suggest that animals may perform poorly in cognitive ( )tasks not because they aren't clever enough to solve them,but because they are too shy or nervous to use the social information. The findings may impact how we understand the formation of culture in societies through social learning. If some individuals are unable to get information from others because they don't associate with the knowledgeable individuals,or they are too shy to use the information once they have it,information may not travel between all group members, preventing the formation of a culture based on social learning. According to the research, which baboons are more likely to complete a new learning task? Answer: For an increasing number of students at American universities , Old is suddenly in . The reason in clear : the aging of prefix = st1 /Americameans jobs . Besides the aging of the body--boom population , a longer life means that the nation's elderly population is certain to grow greatly over the next 50 years . By 2050, 25 percent of all Americans will be older than 65 , up from 14 percent in 1995. The change causes some questions for government and society , of course . But it also creates jobs in medicine and health fields , and in law and business as well. "Besides the doctors , we're going to need more sociologists , biologists , city planners and lawyers," says Professor Edward Schneider of the University of Southern California's (USC) School of Gerontology . Lawyers can major in "elder law" , which covers everything including nursing-home abuse and age discrimination . Businessmen see huge opportunities in the elder market because the baby boomers , 74 million strong , are likely to be the wealthiest group of retires in human history. "Any student who combines an expert knowledge in gerontology with , say , an MBA or law degree will have a license to print money," one professor says . Margarite Santosis a 21-year-old senior at USC. She began college as a biology major but found she was "really bored with biology". So the took a class in gerontology and discovered that she liked it . She says, "I did volunteer work in retirement homes and in was very satisfying." It can be seen from the passage that the explosion of America's elderly population_. Answer: One of the 10 things that happy families do is to eat dinner together. As growing up, I thought everyone ate dinner as a family. However, now I realized that is not the case. In fact, most families eat dinner together only about four times a week and 10% of families only eat together twice a week. And as children get older and the number of activities they are involved in increases, the meals eaten as a family decrease. Studies show that families who eat dinner together benefits in a variety of ways. Eating together helps families achieve better communication, children do better in school and are better adjusted, and the entire family enjoys better nutrition . Increased Communication Eating dinner together as a family provides opportunities for communication. A "Family Dinner Experiment " conducted by Oprah Winfrey in 1993 challenged five families to eat dinner together every night for a month for at least half an hour. At first the families found it difficult but by the end of the study they wanted to continue eating dinner together. The biggest surprise for the parents was "How much their children treasured the dependence time with their parents at the table." Superior Academic Performance Family meals also help improve school performance. A 1994 survey by Louis Harris and Associates had 2000 seniors take an academic test and answer a list of personal questions. Researchers found that "Students who regularly ate dinner with their families four or more times a week scored better than those who ate family dinners three or fewer times a week. These results crossed racial lines and were a greater indicator than whether the child was in a one or two-parent family." Better Adjusted A study by Drs. Bowden and Zeisz found that "the teens who were best adjusted ate a meal with an adult in their family at an average of 5.4 days a week, compared to 3.3 days for teens who didn't show good adjustment." The well-adjusted teens were "less likely to do drugs or be depressed and were more motivated at school and had better relationships." Dr. Bowen said, "that mealtimes were a sort of 'marker' for other positive family attributes and seemed to play an important role in helping teens deal well with the stresses of adolescence ." Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? Answer: I have to admit: I don't flush the toilet every time I go to the bathroom. In fact, I firmly believe "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down." I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the fact that I work at home. Alone (well, except for the cats and dog). All day. And I drink a lot of water, which makes for many trips to the bathroom. Another thing I have to admit: I also try to use very little toilet paper. I wash my hands after, though. Every time. (So maybe the water I don't use flushing makes up for the water used to wash my hands?) Ironically, my husband, who only uses toilet paper when necessary, always flushes. But he doesn't seem to mind that I don't flush every time. Or, at least not enough to file for divorce. Yet. Posted by Juliet Farmer Jun 14, 2010 at 10:21 PM _ When I'm at home alone I do not flush every time I pee . My husband hates that, though, so when he's home, I flush a little more often. I grew up doing that because I had a family that lived with huge tanks and you have to do it that way because it's easier on the system, so it doesn't bother me. I do flush when I'm out in public, at people's houses that don't have big tanks and when we have company! CherBearCM, Jun 15, 2010 at 4:21 PM Not always. But I have 4 children who are always hanging from the door knob while I pee anyway. So I'm lucky I have time to wash my hands after. The average toilet uses 8 gallons of water per flush! Much less than what it takes to wash my hands after. (just saying) luvbnmomnwife, Jun 15, 2010 at 4:32 PM luvbnmomnwife seems to enjoy _ . Answer:
In ancient China, the State of Wu made an attack on the State of Yue. The king of Wu was badly hurt and soon died. His son Fu Chai became the new king. Fu was very sad and angry and he decided to fight back for his father's death. He trained his army strictly until it was very strong. Three years later, he led his army against the State of Yue and caught its king Gou Jian, who was taken to the State of Wu. Gou Jian was put into a small black stone house which was full of terrible smell and was made to raise horses. Gou worked hard and tried to keep himself quiet, but he never forgot his pain. Many years later, he was set free. Gou secretly trained his army after he went back to his own state. In order to make himself strong-minded he slept on firewood and ate a gall bladder before having dinner and going to bed every night. After a few years, his country became strong once more. Then Gou took hold of a golden chance to fight against Wu and won the war in the end. If one voluntarily works very hard and voluntarily stands up to pains and difficulties in order to succeed, we might call him a"Gou Jian", and his story, a"Gou Jian's story". Gou Jian _ when he was in the state of Wu. Answer: Students who date in middle school have significantly worse study skills, are four times more likely to drop out of school and report twice as much alcohol and tobacco use than their single classmates, according to new research from the University of Georgia. "Romantic relationships are a symbol of adolescence , but very few studies have examined how adolescents are different in the development of these relationships." said Pamela Orpinas, study author and professor in the College of Public Health. Orpinas followed a group of 624 students over a seven-year period from 6th to 12th grade. Each year, the group of students completed a survey indicating whether they had dated and reported the frequency of different behaviors, including the use of drugs and alcohol. Their teachers completed questionnaires about the students' academic efforts. He found some students never or hardly ever reported dating from middle to high school, and these students had the best study skills according to their teachers. Other students dated infrequently in middle school but increased the frequency of dating in high school. "At all points in time, teachers rated the students who reported the lowest frequency of dating as having the best study skills and the students with the highest dating as having the worst study skills," according to the journal article. Study skills refer to behaviors that lead to academic success such as doing work for extra credit, being well organized, finishing homework, working hard and reading assigned chapters. "Dating a classmate may have the same emotional complications of dating a co-worker," Orpinas said, "When the couple break up, they have to continue to see each other in class and perhaps witness the ex-partner dating someone else. It is reasonable to think this could be linked to depression and divert attention from studying." "Dating should not be considered a ceremony of growth in middle school."Orpinas concluded. Orpinas' attitude towards dating in middle school is _ . Answer: Green is an important color in nature. It is the color of grass and the leaves on trees. It is also the color of most growing plants. Sometimes, the word "green" means young, fresh and growing. For example, a greenhorn is someone who has no experience. In the 15th century, a greenhorn was a young cow or an ox whose horns had not yet developed. A century later, a greenhorn was a soldier who had no experience in war. By the 18th century, a greenhorn had the meaning it has today--a person who is new in a job. Someone who is good at growing plants is said to have a green thumb . The expression comes from the early 20th century. A person with a green thumb can make plants grow quickly and well. Green is also the color used to describe the powerful feeling , jealousy . The green-eyed monster is not a dangerous animal from outer space. It is an expression used about 400 years ago by the British writer William Shakespeare in his play "Othello". It describes the unpleasant feeling when someone has something he wants. For example, a young man may suffer from the green-eyed monster if you get a pay rise and he does not. In most places in the world, a green light means to move ahead. In everyday speech, a green light means agree to continue with a project. A man may meet the green-eyed monster if _ . Answer: You're in your office when you learn there's someone with a gun wandering outside. You can hear gunshots and screams. What do you do? That's the challenge for users of a new virtual reality program called SurviVR, designed to train employees how to deal with an active shooter situation in the workplace. The program works with HTC Vive, the virtual reality headset released earlier this year. An active shooter situation is when an armed person or people actively shoot in a small, populated area with the intention to kill. There were 20 such situations in the United States last year and 20 the year before, according to FBI statistics, resulting in a total of 231 deaths. This year saw the deadliest active shooter situation in US history , with 49 people killed in a nightclub in Orlando. In the training situation, users have four choices. They can lock themselves in the office. They can hide, perhaps in the office closet. They can run for an exit. Or they can use something in the office--a computer or a cup a pair of scissors-as a weapon to fight the shooter. This is an improvement on standard active shooter training. Gallo says, which typically teachers people to lock themselves in place and hide. The "lock down" method is often ineffective, he says, and has resulted in many deaths in recent years. In the training's basic level, no one gets killed. But as the trainings become more advanced, players who make a wrong choice be shot. There's no blood; the screen simply turns black slowly. If this sounds terrifying, that's the point, says Gallo. There are plenty of training programs to teach employees how to deal with workplace violence, sometimes involving role play with toy guns. But these trainings are basically games. Gallo says, with employees relaxed and even enjoying themselves. To teach people what they really need to know for an active shooter situation, they need to be scared. "SurviVR will take the fear and turn it into confidence." Gallo says. What is the suggested response in the standard active shooter training? Answer: We have a real crisis in this country in the basic understanding of science. It affects our global competitiveness as a country, our national security, and the effectiveness of our social system. The misunderstanding about science is blinding our eyes. We know that an awful lot of teachers who are teaching science today have not been properly empowered to do so. School frequently isn't testing whether you understand something but whether you're familiar with it. What's Newton's second law? You say F=ma, and you get an A. That does not reflect a deep understanding of Newtonian mechanics. Science education is not just a body of facts; it's a process. To present it with appeal and excitement you need to picture it as a detective story--asking questions, making observations, and collecting evidence. You test and you fail but, you know, failure can lead to discovery. Another challenge we face is that science is often viewed as too hard, for experts only. But I don't actually think it's that difficult. People see science every day. They look outside and see weather and nature. They push a button in their house and the lights go on. Everybody's dealing with science every day. They just don't call it that. And it's important they do. In fact, science is determining the quality and outcomes of their life. Science needs creativity. And one of the best ways to be creative is to think "out of the box". However, we need more courage when we come to practice. Take me for example. Very early in my teens I decided to educate myself. I realized I would never be a very good student because I didn't like teachers judging me by what I thought were arbitrary standards. I decided I'd let the world judge me by whether I could do something of value--solve a problem or build something. That's why I quit school early and risked everything to start a company. I risked everything I had because I had nothing to lose. I'd rather fail at trying to do something really big than succeed at being medium. "When's the right age to think creatively?" you may ask. I'd say in the womb ! Kids don't have anxieties about trying to avoid failure. They are full of imagination and much more willing to fail. Just watch a 3-year-old. They touch everything, and if it hurts they don't touch it again. They learn everything at a breathtaking rate. Start to think out of the box as early as you can, because it's more likely to take you to places that you can't predict, schedule and budget for. Do all that when you can bear the insecurity. The author believes that they actually have a problem in _ . Answer:
In summer, some people avoid outdoor activities because they don't want to get hot and sticky or sun burnt.Luckily, there are some outdoor activities which don't involve breaking sweat. River rafting Hot summer weather and cool water-what a perfect match! River rafting can be both scenic and exciting.When the raft follows a gentle stream, the views of the countryside or valley is like a traditional Chinese painting.And when you enter white water where the riverbed creates a natural roller coaster, you feel a rush of adrenaline .Paddle your raft to the riverbank to have a picnic or barbecue which will taste best when you are starving. Where to find: River rafting trips are usually on offer in mountainous or valley regions such as the Three Gorges. Tips: Wear a helmet and life jacket at all times; bring enough sunscreen; and bring lots of water. Caving People say that the only naturally air-conditioned place in summer is a big cave.It is true.Cave tours featuring light shows are .Now it's time to wear a lamp on your helmet like a mineworker to explore caves in darkness.Exploring unknown caverns and navigating underground rivers is what makes caving so thrilling.Plus, caving can be a very healthy sport, for the oxygen level is usually higher so basically you are having an oxygen spa as the bonus. Where to find: caving can be very risky, so consult local travel agents and go in groups with professional cavers. Tips: Follow your guides; drink enough water to avoid dehydration ; and wear strong and not easily damaged hiking boots. Coastal walking/cycling and beach activities For those who live far away from mountains, coastal regions and beaches are good places to spend time in the summer.With sea breezes in your hair, it is nice to take a hike or cycle ride while enjoying the coastline.If you want to be sportier, try beach games, such as soccer and volleyball.It's a totally different experience from playing on hard courts or grass. Where to find: Just go to the beach or find an urban artificial beach such as the one in Chatoyant Park in Beijing or the man-made lake beach in Wuhan. Tips: Loads of sunscreen needed; water and snacks are necessary; be aware of jellyfish and garbage floating in the water. If you love river rafting trips, you can _ . A. go to the beach B. explore caves C. do some outdoor activities D. drift the boat downstream Answer: D Buster Brown was a thief and a good one too, he thought. He'd never been caught by the police because he never took chances. He was always prepared for any unforeseen event or emergency. Confidently, he stood outside the house of his intended victim and read the sign on the front gate of the house. "Don't worry about the dog--be aware of the owner!" it said. Buster smiled and found his way in. The house looked quite normal outside, but inside it was very _ with fascinating objects on show. As he began putting them into his bag, a dog came into the room. It stopped when it saw Buster, then wagged its tail madly and went over to him, licking his outstretched hand. "Good boy, "Buster whispered. "What a great guard dog you are--trying to lick me to death." Satisfied he'd made friends with the dog, Bluster began to wander round the house, choosing items to put in his bag. His skilled eye picked out only the best antiques :a pair of silver candle holders, a silver tea-and-coffee service, etc. . His new friend, the dog, sat and watched, as if wondering what was happening. "Well, boy," Buster whispered, finally. "That might do. Any more and I won't be able to carry it! " He swung the heavy bag onto his shoulders, just as the lights came on, nearly blinding him. He shielded his eyes with his hand. "You're a very silly person," the figure in the doorway said, his voice dry and dust. As the man came closer, Buster could see he was well dressed. His face seemed familiar, but Buster couldn't quite place where he had seen him before. "You should have taken more notice of the sign outside," the man rasped. "I knew about this attempted robbery last week and I also know you will end up behind bars for 20 years. Fancy trying to rob the house of the world's greatest fortune -teller!" How did Buster decide which objects to take? A. He took those that were easy to carry in his bag. B. He took only the best antiques. C. He took those that he knew he could sell easily. D. He looked for silver objects. Answer: B Dessert house We have three kinds of desserts : small, medium and large. A small dessert with strawberries, bananas and ice cream is 10Y=. A medium dessert with apples, tomatoes and cheese is 12Y=. A large dessert with pears, potatoes and ice cream is 15Y=. Welcome to our house. Noodle House We have some great specials. Special 1 is chicken and cabbage noodles, and the large bowl is just 4Y= and the small 2Y=. Special 2 is mutton and carrot noodles, and the large bowl is only 5Y= and the small 2.5Y=. Special 3 is beef and potato noodles. The large bowl is 4Y= and the small 2Y=. Special 4 is tomato and egg noodles. The large bowl is only 3Y= and the small 1.5Y=. Large drink is only 5Y=. And all the fruits are free. Come and get your noodles today! If you have 30Y= and you can buy _ kind(s) of desserts. A. three B. two C. one D. four Answer: B One of the biggest new bands in the UK is Arctic Monkeys.Their first two singles went straight to Number One in the charts and their first album "Whatever People Say I Am,That's what I'm No" has become a recordbreaking album.It's the fastest selling debut album in UK chart history. Arctic Monkeys are famous because of their great success.They achieved their success thanks to the Internet.Usually a new band signs to a record company and then it is through marketing that people buy their singles.The single sales then get the band into the charts and they become popular that way. However,Arctic Monkeys became wellknown in a slightly different way.Back in 2003 when the band first started,they handed out CDs at their performing concert.Certain fans liked the music so much that they put the music up on the Web.The general public had access to this music because it was on the Internet and,because people liked the music,the band's popularity increased.The band's popularity was starting to get noticed by major radio stations in the UK. Arctic Monkeys released their first single in October 2005.Before that,their music had only been available to download on the Internet.When they did finally release a single and an album,they both rose to the top of the charts. Music fans welcome the use of the Internet this way--Arctic Monkeys became popular simply because people liked their music when they heard it.There were no ads.As music downloads continue to increase in popularity,we can expect to see more and more bands make it big in this way. Why did Arctic Monkeys become popular? A. People could hear their music often. B. They didn't advertise their music. C. People liked their music. D. The marketing company did well. Answer: C Near the village, there is an old famous temple. Some people want to build new houses where the temple now stands, because they can find no other area to build them, while others disagree with them. They meet to decide how to solve the problem. Here are their opinions about it. The expert wants to protect the temple and believes that there are some interesting things buried in the ground. If it is destroyed or moved, people may never learn about how people lived in the past. The businessman thinks that the houses should be built. History is important, but we must think about the future. The village needs development and building new houses will offer jobs to hundreds of people. Villager A says, "We should build the new houses because we need houses to live in." Villager B says, "We should protect the temple because it can attract many tourists to come for a visit. If the temple is destroyed or moved, we will lose a lot of business." The village leader thinks that he has a duty to make life better for the villagers. They need jobs and new houses. He also thinks the cultural site is important and they should be careful with it as well. The businessman thinks building houses there can _ . A. help the village develop B. attract many tourists to come for a visit C. help people learn about how people lived in the past D. help people learn about the interesting things buried in the ground Answer: A
A huge shire horse in Australia has been declared the biggest horse in the world by its owner , beating the current Guinness World Record by several inches . The huge five-year-old , from Pakenham , S. E Australia , measures an amazing 20.1 hands , or 2.057m tall . He weighs over 1.3 tons ( 1,300kg) -- about the same as a small car -- and is still growing . His owner , horse trainer Jane Greenman , 47 , says the only time the horse runs is when there is food on offer . " He eats an unbelievable amount . I would hate to run a team of eight horses his size--it would send you broke . " she says . The massive horse , whose name is Noddy , was born in Australia with its parents imported from England . Noddy's grandfather , Ladbrooke Edward (UK) was the world's tallest horse during the 1980's .But Jane had no idea that the horse she raised from the age of six months would grow this big . Noddy immediately began to rocket and soon overtook both his parents in size . Although she says that she is not interested in the Guiness Book of World Records , nevertheless Jane has carried out her own research and is sure that Noddy comes top . " The nearest is a horse in Texas , at 20 hands ," says Jane . " Noddy is already an inch taller than that . The frightening thing is he still hasn't finished--shire horses aren't fully grown until they're about six or seven ." Jane has said that Noddy could be sold overseas , possibly even fetching a record price to match his height . She is unwilling to sell , but to fund the high cost of keeping him she needs to put him to work . " He needs a job . It's very hard to find jobs for such a big horse in Australia . I wish he could stay here but I've tried everywhere , " she says regretfully . " I just want people to enjoy this beautiful animal as much as I do ." What would be the best title for this passage ? A. Jane Greenman becomes famous for her horse B. New world record for the biggest horse C. Large size means no job for a big horse D. Jane Greenman , an excellent horse trainer Answer: B In New York State, the shortest period of daylight occurs during which month? A. December B. June C. March D. September Answer: A Increasingly, over the past ten years, people--- especially young people -have become aware of the need to change their eating habits, because much of the food they eat, especially processed food , is not good for the health. As a result, there has been a growing interest in natural foods: foods which do not contain chemical additives and which have not been affected by chemical fertilizers , widely used in farming today. Natural foods, for example, are vegetables, fruit and grain which have been grown in soil that is rich in organic matter. In simple words, this means that the soil has been nourished(...) by unused vegetable matter, which provides it with vitamins and minerals. This in itself is a natural process compared with the use of chemicals and fertilizers, the main purpose of which is to increase the amount--but not the quality--of foods grown in commercial farming area. Natural foods also include animals which have been allowed to feed move freely in healthy pastures . Compare this with what happens in the mass production of poultry :there are battery farms, for example, where thousands of chickens live crowded together in one building and are fed on food which is little better than rubbish. Chickens kept in this way are not only tasteless as food; they also produce eggs which lack important vitamins. There are other sides of healthy eating which are now receiving increasing attention from experts on diet. Take, for example, the question of sugar. This is actually unnecessary food. It is not that sugar is harmful in itself. But it does seem to be addictive: the quantity we use has grown steadily over the last two centuries and in Britain today each person consumes an average of 200 pounds a year! Yet all it does is provide us with energy, in the form of calories. There are no vitamins in it, no minerals, and no fibre. Chickens raised in poultry farms are all of the following EXCEPT that _ . A. they are fed on food which is little better than garbage B. they live in very crowded condition C. the eggs they produce lack vitamins D. they are allowed to move about and eat freely Answer: D Antifreeze is a liquid that is added to water to keep it from freezing. When water freezes and turns to ice,it expands .The force of water expanding is so great that it will break the hardest metal.Water is used in car engines to keep them cool while they run,and if this water is allowed to freeze in winter it can break the iron block of the engine.That is why antifreeze is necessary. Water freezes at 0degC;the usual kind of antifreeze will not freeze until the temperature is-40degC.A mixture of five parts of water and four parts of antifreeze will prevent freezing at-18degC;four parts of water and five parts of antifreeze reduce this to -22degC. Alcohol is a kind of good antifreeze,but when the air is running it becomes hot and the alcohol boils away,so it must be changed very often.Most people use antifreeze that does not boil away when the engine is running.There are several chemicals that do this.One of the most popular is called ethylene glycol. Besides alcohol, _ is another kind of popular antifreeze. A. water B. ethylene glycol C. any chemical D. any mixture Answer: B Children's books or children's literature is very hard to define and categorize, because there is no set genre for children to enjoy. All in all they can be categorized into six major classes, namely early childhood picture books, traditional literature, fiction, non-fiction, biography and poetry. Children have unique taste and interest. Although Harry Potter may be an all-time favourite for children all over the globe, they prefer funny books to fairy tales when it comes to bedtime. The top three favourite books in bedtime stories are The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and The BFG by Roald Dahl. There are many writers who popularized the children's literature or children's Books through their brilliant works. John Amos Comenius, the author of Orbis Pictus which is considered to be the first picture book specifically for children. Charles Perrault is believed to be the one who laid the foundations of the fairy tales. Perrault's stories include Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and so on. Hans Christian Anderson is best known for his fairy tales, such as The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid, and The Emperor's New Clothes. Many Children's Books have been made into feature films and are equally successful in this medium. Like Alice in Wonderland, the BFG series and the Harry Porter series. These series collected a huge amount of money when released worldwide in cinema halls. All these movies based on popular children's books are not only popular among children but also popular among adult audiences. Children's books are in demand all over the world and more writers and authors are coming up with some new books. The potential market is immense because children are more into reading in this era than previous and they are enjoying it to the fullest. All the following books are fairy tales EXCEPT _ . A. The Snow Queen B. The Gruffalo C. Little Red Riding Hood D. Cinderella Answer: B
Clean your ears, because airport security might soon be scanning them. According to a recent discovery, the shape of ears could provide a reliable new way of identifying people at airports. Researchers discovered that ears of each person have a unique shape and they have created a system that can scan them. The ear scanning technique uses a technology called image ray transform that highlights all the tubular structures of the ear and measures them. Professor Mark Nixon, a computer scientist who led the team from the University of Southampton, believes ear scanning could take place as passengers walk through security gates, for example, by placing cameras on either side to record an image of their ears. Comparing the results against a database of ear shapes, the new system could help airport security workers instantly identify passengers. Nixon and his team tested 252 images of different ears and found the system was able to match each ear to a separate image held in its database with 99 percent accuracy. Besides ear scanning, there have been other systems developed for identity recognition. "With facial recognition, the systems are often confused by crows feet and other signs of ageing," Nixon said. "Your ears, however, age very gracefully. They grow proportionally and your lobe gets a bit larger, but otherwise your ears are fully formed from birth." What's more, facial recognition software is often confused by changes in expression so people need to control their faces and in some cases even avoid wearing make-up. An ear scan system would also offer a less _ alternative toretina scanning, which requires passengers to stare at scanners from a close range. Fingertip detection has long been the most effective way of identifying someone. Nixon expects there to be a combination of different techniques that can be used at the same time to identify a person." Nixon has developed the ear scanning system while there's already the fingertip detection because _ . Answer: If you look outside, you probably will see some kind of insect. If your first instinct is to kill it, take a moment to think about all of the benefits insects provide to the environment. Entomologists, scientists who study insects, estimate that there are more than 800,000 species of insects found throughout the world. Only a few hundred of these insects are considered harmful. Mosquitoes, for example, are considered harmful. They bite humans and other animals, and their bites can cause skin pain and spread disease. Desert locusts also are considered harmful because they destroy crops causing billions of dollars in damage each year. However, the number of helpful insect species far outweighs the number of harmful species. Some insects make up a vital part of the food chain. Many different birds, reptiles, fish and even plants eat insects. There are also about 500 insects that people in various parts of the world eat. These insects are considered delicious food and prized for their high protein, mineral, and vitamin content. Other insects produce valuable commercial products such as silk, wax, and honey. Of all the insects, perhaps the most important are those that travel from flower to flower and pollinate the plants they visit. Agriculture around the world would be very different without the bees, butterflies, moths, flies and wasps that pollinate many crops. In fact, nearly one-third of the food you eat depends on plants that are pollinated by insects! While it is true that some species of insects harm or annoy us, _ . You may be destroying one of the hundreds of thousands of insects that provides many benefits to human beings. The main purpose of this passage is _ . Answer: More and more people are interested in traveling. Why do people travel? "To see more of the country and the world," many people would say. Of course it offers us good chances to meet people from other countries, learn about their culture. In 2014, Chinese people traveled to other countries 30% more than in 2013. The number reached 77,000,000. Chinese people usually join large tourist groups and visit several countries in one trip. Chinese people don't just travel for sights. They can also go shopping. For example, during Christmas, shops usually offer discounts. Then shopping in Europe and the United States is popular among Chinese travelers. In winter, China goes through a cold season. So many people like going to some countries in Southeast Asia because the weather there is pleasant. Now more Chinese can go traveling. But some of them don't have a sense of public manners. A report says some Chinese don't follow the traveling rules. Someone writes 'Ding x x has come here', someone litters, spits, snatches bus seats, takes off shoes in public, talks loudly and smokes in non-smoking areas. We should stop doing these. Which of the following is NOT true about Chinese people? Answer: New York, 10 November -- 5:27 pm, yesterday. Biggest power failure in the city's history. * Thousands of people got stuck in lifts. Martin Saltzman spent three hours between the 21st and 22nd floors of the Empire State Building. "There were twelve of us. But no one panicked. We passed the time telling stories and playing word games. One man wanted to smoke but we didn't let him. Firemen finally got us out." * "It was the best night we've ever had," said Angela Carraro, who runs an Italian restaurant on 42nd Street. "We had lots of candles on the tables and the waiters were carrying candles on their trays. The place was full -- and all night, in fact, for after we had closed, we let the people stay on and spend the night here." * The zoos had their problems like everyone else. Keepers worked through the night. They used blankets to keep flying squirrels and small monkeys warm. While zoos had problem keeping warm, supermarkets had problems keeping cool. "All of our ice cream and frozen foods melted," said the manager of a store in downtown Manhattan. "They were worth $ 50,000." * The big electric clock in the lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in downtown Manhattan started ticking again at 5:25 this morning. It was almost on time. In what way was the night of November 9 the best night for Angela Carraro? Answer: Is it possible to persuade mankind to live without war? War is an ancient custom which has existed for at least six thousand years. It was always evil and usually foolish, but in the past the human race managed to live with it. Modern skill has changed this. Either man will stop war, or war will stop man. For the present, it is nuclear weapons that cause the greatest danger, but bacteriological( ) or chemical weapons may, before long, offer an even greater threat. If we succeeded in stopping war, there would be no danger for us. To do this, we need to persuade mankind to look upon international questions in a new way, not by contests of force, in which the victory goes to the side which is most skillful in massacre ( ),but by judging in accordance with agreed rules of law. It is not easy to change old mental habits, but this is what must be attempted. There are those who say that the adoption of this or that ideology would prevent war. I believe this to be a complete error. All ideologies are based upon beliefs without proof which are, at best, doubtful, and at worst, totally false. Those people who believe them are willing to go to war in support of them. The movement of world opinion during the past two years has changed very largely such as we can welcome. It has become a common belief that nuclear war must be avoided. Of course, very difficult problems remain in the international world, but the spirit in which they are being approached is a better one than it was some years ago. It has begun to be thought, even by the powerful men who decide whether we shall live or die, that agreements should be reached even if both sides do not find these agreements wholly satisfactory. It has begun to be understood that the important conflict nowadays is not between East and West, but between Man and the bomb. The author believes that the only way to stop war is to _ . Answer:
Question: JAKARTA, INDONESIA ---Walking with long steps and his smile lighting up a rainy afternoon, Barack Obama seems to have arrived to visit a school he attended as a boy.But wait.He's not real Obama.The US president is back in Washington, D.C.. So who is this guy?He's IIham Anas,34,magazine photographer who has taken advantage of his perfect resemblance to Obama and turned it into his own wealth.[ Since 2007, Anas' s face and big smile have been seen on Southeast Asian TV and the Internet, and in advertisements.Anas's resemblance to the president has turned his life around 180 degrees. When his sister first mentioned the resemblance, _ .Then a friend asked him to pose as Obama in front of a US flag.He also refused."I'm a photographer, not an object for the camera," he said. However, as soon as he accepted the idea, his career took off.The father of two children is rarely at home these days.Recently a group of reporters followed him on a tour of the school Obama once attended.Anas sat in the classroom where the present US president once studied.He spoke a few lines in English.The moment he opened his mouth, however, the differences became clear."Obama is a baritone ,"Anas said."I'm not.I sound like a little boy." He is also shorter than the president, but he makes up for that by practicing Obama's typical actions. He used to dislike looking into the mirror because of his average appearance.Now he no longer considers himself as an average guy, but a superstar.Looking like a president is a good thing, Anas says."How else could a person like me travel the world and meet all kinds of people? I'm really just a shy guy." He says he has made a request to meet President Obama when he arrives, but he hasn't heard back from the president's schedules. Now, Anas hopes that Obama will win a second term in the White House."The longer he's in office, the longer my fame will last," he said. Which of the following is TRUE according to the text? A. Obama has met Anas once in Indonesia. B. Obama visited a school he attended as a boy. C. Anas became rich after he knew Obama. D. Anas visited the school Obama once studied in. Answer: D Question: Dear Tommy, I'm writing to you on your third birthday. I want to tell you something about your grandma's time. I was born sixty-eight years ago in a small village. Transportation used to be a big problem. When we travelled from village to village, we used to walk or ride horses. Shopping was not an easy job, either. There were no supermarkets in the neighborhood. We used to grow most of our own food: rice and vegetables. We kept things cool in a special underground room. The biggest difference is that you have electricity. We didn't have electricity until very late in our small village. We didn't have any televisions of course. We used to perform our local music and enjoy it very much. Life used to be very hard, but I was not upset. I would like you to know about the old days and be happy about what you have. Remember , feeling good about life is the key to happiness. Love Your grandma Tommy is _ when the letter is written. A. one B. two C. three D. four Answer: C Question: It was late one evening. I can't remember what it was about, but my dad and I had a very big argument when my mom was away. We both said things we didn't mean, and in the end I said, "I'm leaving." And he said, "Good. The sooner, the better." I threw a few things in a suitcase and closed the door angrily behind me, not knowing where I was going. After walking aimlessly for about 20 minutes, I stopped at a local supermarket. Then my phone rang. It was my mom calling. She said, "Hey, Mary. Where are you? Dad is worried about you." "How can he worry about me? I've been away for nearly half an hour, but he didn't call," I said with annoyance . My anger returned and I remembered all the hateful things he'd shouted to me. "Listen, Mom. You can tell Dad that I'm fine. I'll call you tomorrow," I said and hung up. I walked around the store, trying to get my thoughts together. By the time I paid for my _ , it had been much later than I used to be out alone. When I left the supermarket, a large piece of white paper was in front of me. On the piece of white paper were these words: "Please come home! I miss you and I'm worried about you!" Then a car pulled up beside me. Hanging out of the window was my dad. Beside him, smiling gently, sat my mom. And that's when I started laughing. I laughed so hard that I cried. Despite my best efforts to run away from home, my father finally managed to track me down. I couldn't leave now, not with him sitting there with caring eyes. After her mother called her, Mary _ . A. became angrier than before B. gave in to her father C. cried and calmed down D. agreed to go home Answer: A Question: (BEIJING, August 10)--The Beijing Dailyhas put together a number of tips for cost-efficient travel in Beijing. Subway transfer "Transfer" is a word frequently used by volunteers helping visitors choose the best way of transport during the ongoing Beijing Olympics to save time. On the seven subway lines now in operation, the transport authorities have set up a total of 16 transfer stations: Transfer between Line 2 and Line 1 at Jianguomen and Fuxingmen stations; Transfer between Line 2 and Line 5 at Chongwenmen and Yonghegong stations; Transfer between Line 2 and Line 13 at Dongzhimen and Xizhimen stations; Dongzhimen station can also bring you to Beijing Capital International Airport via the Airport Line; Transfer between Line 1 and Line Batong at Sihui and Sihuidong stations; Transfer from Line 1 to Line 10 at Guomao station to reach Zhongguancun, the north Third Ring Road (going north and west) or Jinsong (going south). Via Line 10, transfer to Line 8 at Beitucheng station to reach the Olympic central zone, where the "Bird's Nest" and other venues are located; transfer to Line 5 at Huixinxijie Nankou; transfer to Line 13 at Zhichunlu and Shaoyaoju stations; Sanyuanqiao station takes you to the airport via the Airport Line. From subway to bus Beijing's subway system is thoroughly linked with bus routes. The Beijing Railway Station, which can be reached via the Line 2 subway, has bus lines going north, southeast and to the West Railway Station, covering Chaoyang, Tongzhou, Daxing and other districts. Xizhimen station is linked to many bus routes that go south and northeast. The long-distance bus routes near Dongzhimen station pass through Shunyi, Pinggu and other outskirts. Park and ride Park and ride facilities allow commuters to leave their personal vehicles in a parking lot and transfer to a bus or rail system. In Beijing, because of city planning and other factors, park and ride is limited to bus and subway stations beyond the Fourth Ring Road. Since the Line 5 subway began operating, a low-fare parking lot, the largest in Beijing, was created at Tiantongyuan Beizhan station. Drivers are encouraged to spend just two yuan per day parking their vehicles and take the subway into the city. At which of the station, passengers can go to the Beijing Capital International Airport by subway? A. Dongzhimen and Xizhimen. B. Jianguomen and Fuxingmen. C. Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao. D. Zhichunlu and Shaoyaoju. Answer: C Question: Which of the following organisms have the greatest effect on an ecosystem because of the changes they make to their environment? A. bees building a hive in a hollow tree B. wasps building a nest in a leafy bush C. beavers building a dam across a stream D. fish digging a burrow on a river bottom Answer: C
Ceaseless technology. A punishing workweek. That to -do list that keeps multiplying. It is no wonder many of us find it difficult to have a sufficient amount of sleep. But will sleeping more on the weekend make up for hours of lost snoozing ? One sleep expert, W. Christopher Winter raised the question. Sleeping binge Getting eight hours of shut-eye each night is generally recommended, but many people don't. As the week rolls from Monday to Friday, they accumulate a sleep debt. Spending a few extra hours in bed on a Saturday morning, people assume, will help them " catch up" on lost sleep. They're likely right, " Nobody knows how long the horizon is, probably a few nights, but studies show that recovery sleep in the short term does work," says Dr. Winter, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep banking Recent data suggests that banking sleep in advance of a long night can actually offset upcoming sleep deprivation . If you knew you were going to have to stay up all night on a particular day, for example, you could sleep for 10 hours a day for multiple days before the event, and be fine, Dr. Winter says. Just plan ahead. Routine naps A scheduled nap is healthier than catching up on or banking sleep. " Because sleep extension can make you feel groggy , I always recommend a short nap [if a person feels they need it ], at the same time, every day," says Dr. Winter. He adds that 25 minutes is ideal. " When you schedule a short nap, your body anticipates it and slows down, without falling into a deep dream sleep," he says. That refreshing, scheduled break is better than an occasional weekend lie-in. " The body likes routine," he says, " When it's prepared, it works more efficiently." What is better than banking sleep, according to Dr. Winter? A. Sleeping binge B. Recovery sleep C. Scheduled naps D. Sleep extension Answer: C. Scheduled naps Two brightly colored butterflies have just flown by. They seems to be exactly alike, but actually one is a little larger than the other. The larger insect has a wingspread of up to four inches. The smaller one has a wingspread of less than three inches and also a black line on its back wings. At first sight, it is hard to tell them apart. Would you guess from this that they are different-sized butterflies of the same species? Or that they are different species of butterflies but close relatives belonging to the same family? If you said yes to either question, you would be wrong, for these look-alikes belong to quite different families. The larger insect is the monarch butterfly . As a baby insect, the monarch feeds on milkweed, which seems to give the monarch a disagreeable taste and smell. The bright coloring of the monarch acts as a warning sign to its enemy. Birds that eat butterflies soon recognize the monarch and quickly learn to leave it alone. The smaller insect is the viceroy , which feeds on the leaves of trees. Birds would find this insect tasty, but because it looks like the monarch, birds keep away from it. The viceroy's similarity to the monarch gives it some protection from its enemies and helps it survive. There are other pairs of look-alike butterflies, bees and moths. In each case, one either has a disagreeable taste or smell, or can give a painful sting . The larger is called the model. The insect that imitates this model for protection is called the mimic. The bright coloring of the monarch butterflies is used to _ . A. catch other butterflies B. warn small insects C. express their ideas D. scare away the enemy Answer: D. scare away the enemy Your youngest son or daughter has just graduated from high school, and soon he or she will trade his or her bedroom in your home for a college residence hall. You're starting to worry about the coming silence in your home and are wondering how you will fill the hours that you previously spent with your son or daughter attending his or her school and sporting events. Take heart -- the empty nest "is often worse in anticipation than in day-to-day practice", says psychologist Bert Hayslip Jr. Hayslip, who has studied retirement adjustment and other aging problems, such as aging sleeplessness, for many years, points out that, more often than not, children who leave do not completely cut off contact with their parents. He advises parents to think of _ as a series of life events, instead of a sudden change. He also says an empty nest can cause bigger problems to surface "if a couple hasn't looked after their marriage while raising their children". According to Hayslip, some couples may find they no longer have anything in common once the children are out of the house. Thinking of an empty nest as the loss of children makes the adjustment more difficult. "With the empty-nest syndrome , parents actually need to deal with the loss of the parenting control over children, not with having really lost their children," Hayslip says. "They just have to find a new way to get along with their children." "Relating to their college-age children in this new way will come easily to parents as the months pass. As with many things, the passage of time heals the pain of loss," Hayslip says. What does the "empty nest" mean? A. Children's cutting off contact with their parents. B. Children's not liking spending time with their parents. C. Children's growing up and leaving home. D. Children's not accepting parents' care and love. Answer: C. Children's growing up and leaving home. A student conducts an investigation. In order to make a valid conclusion, she must A. have a testable hypothesis. B. place the data in a graph. C. use the best technology. D. test multiple variables. Answer: A. have a testable hypothesis. Most people know that theprefix = st1 /United Statesis made up of fifty states . However , few people know a lot about all fifty of them , Sufjan Stevens is a young American musician . He wants to change this situation Sufjan Stevens plans to make an album about each of the fifty American states . During college he played in several musical groups and recorded an album of his own music . However , he wanted to be a writer , not a musician . So after college he moved toNew York Cityto study writing. In New York , Stevens had trouble writing stories , He discovered that he missed music , He also discovered that most of the stories he did write were about his home state ofMichigan. So , Sufjan Stevens decided to make an album of songs aboutMichigan " Greetings fromMichigan: The Great Lakes State " was released three years ago . Here is the song " Say Yes toMichigan" ( music ) The album was a big success . Many young people and music critics liked it . Before long , Stevens announced that he wanted to make an album for every state . He called it his " fifty states project " Stevens choseIllinoisas his next state . He read many books aboutIllinois. He studied police documents and old newspapers . He talked to people who lived in the state . The CD "Illinois" was released last year . Critics loved the album , It won many awards awards . " Illinois " became popular at colleges throughout theUnited States. People said the CD sounded different form anything else they had ever heard . Here is a song called "Chicago" . (music) sufjan Stevens is keeping his next state a secret from reporters . People have said that he is writing about Oregon , Rhode Island , orMinnesota. However , no one but Stevens knows for sure . We leave you with the song " Decatur " or " Round of Applause For Your Stepmother ," from the CD "Illinois" (music) Sufjan Stevens composes songs about states to _ . A. make his own hometown , state of Michiganfamous B. make everyone know Michigan C. let people know more about the US D. let people learn to sing Answer: C. let people know more about the US
Last Sunday I saw the hardest storm in years. It came suddenly and went on for more than three hours. After lunch, I went into my room to have a rest. The air was hot, and all was quiet. Then the strong wind started blowing into my room. Pieces of paper on my desk flew high into the air and some flew out of the open window. As I ran out to catch them, big drops of rain began to fall. When I came back into the house, it was raining harder. I tried hard to close the window. Then I heard a loudcrashing sound from the back of the house. I ran out of my room to find out what it was--a big tree had fallen down and broken the top of the back room. It was very quiet outside because _ . A the weather was very cool B it was rainy C the weather was very hot D there was a lot of thunders Answer: C. the weather was very hot The islands in the mid-Pacific Ocean region were formed by A land subsidence. B deposition from currents. C wind and water erosion. D volcanic activity. Answer: D. volcanic activity. Which part of an atom is involved in chemical reactions? A nucleus and its particles B negatively-charged particles C neutrally-charged particles D positively-charged particles Answer: B. negatively-charged particles Which set of descriptions correctly states the difference between a population and a community? A Population: one species in an area Community: one species worldwide B Population: organisms in a small area Community: organisms in a large area C Population: living parts of an area Community: living and nonliving parts of an area D Population: one type of organism in an area Community: many types of organisms in an area Answer: D. Population: one type of organism in an area Community: many types of organisms in an area Once upon a time there were three rabbits, named Winston, Chester, and Francis. Chester was a brown rabbit with large eyes. Francis was grey and white and had messy fur. Winston was black and very fat. They were very happy rabbits who loved to eat. Every day they would leave their home, cross a road, and go through a small forest to get to a meadow of grass. They loved to eat that grass. One day, Chester thought he smelled something interesting. At first he thought it might be dirt. Then he thought maybe some sort of flower. So, he asked a nearby squirrel. The squirrel's name was Acorn. Acorn said that he thought it was mushrooms. However, Francis, the smartest rabbit, went to go look, and he learned that it was actually a garden of carrots. The rabbits were all excited. They all loved carrots! They ate all the carrots. Who smelled something interesting? A Francis B Winston C Chester D Acorn Answer: C. Chester
Armed only with iPhones, the inventive rock band Atomic Tom has gone viral by way of the New York subway. The band has scored an Internet hit with the video to the song "Take Me Out." Singer Luke White says the production was a top-secret operation. "We didn't tell anyone about this. It was completely top-secret from our family, from our friends, from our label, our management, everybody. So the first time that people saw this video was last Friday when we put it on YouTube,"explained White. Since uploading the video to YouTube, band members have spent several days refreshing the page to watch the number of hits rise. The video has also made its way around Twitter as many people have shared it with their friends. "I mean, it still hasn' t quite hit.It' s just kind of blowing our minds right now that we're getting this: ma ny people are fond of it, and they' re sharing it with their friends.We don' t know what it's like really to have something that's viral, so all of this is very new to us." said Eric Espiritu, the lead guitarist of the band. White explains how the video came together: "We did our research with the applications( ) and found applications that worked out really well with the instruments and then we plugged them all into, plugged our phones into mini-battery powered amplifiers that we put underneath our seats, and we did a lot of, you know, practices, in terms of figuring out what the balance of the sound and like who was overpowering, who was too loud or who was too soft." The idea for the video came from Espiritu's younger brother Benjamin. The younger Espiritu directed the video from his initial concept through the final edit and upload to the Internet. "I' ve seen a lot of the music applications come out, and I' ve never actually had the chance to play with them,"says Ben Espiritu. "When I started hearing about how they sound and e verything, I thought it might be unique to take it one step further and then create an entire band just performing solely on the iPhones, and I thought it would be a pretty cool idea." Ben says the success of the band' s music video is a credit to the talent and ability of the musicians, but it' s also a sign of the times. "It really comes down to seeing something different, seeing something unique, and I think that that' s always, in any type of art form, what will speak to people, and I think it does reflect the times that we live in, taking a smart phone and then being able to turn it into an instrument, not only just an instrument, but making it sound really good." What is the band members' attitude towards the sudden fame? Answer: They are kind of confused. News that Microsoft was making a $44.6 billion bid to buy Yahoo was greeted with heated discussion by many Internet users on Friday. Here are some responses: Mark Galeassi of Kansas City, Missouri This is the best move for both parties. Yahoo has the ideas and Microsoft has the money to finally market these ideas correctly. Microsoft and Yahoo are a perfect fit and the deal will be good for consumers. Scott G of New Jersey I was a Yahoo user for years along with Hotmail from Microsoft. Then Google came along: Google Earth, Google Toolbar and Gmail. Google is so innovative with everything they do. Yahoo and Microsoft... same old story... I don't think the merger will do anything for either company except improve the Yahoo shareholders' bank accounts. Michael Glosser of Estero, Florida Right now, Yahoo offers a lot of features and tools at no cost for all different levels of Internet users. Microsoft seeks nothing but profit. Undoubtedly, they'll do nothing other than find ways to start removing Yahoo's formerly non-priced features. Microsoft's greed will ruin the great thing that Yahoo currently is. Toni Suarez of Hacienda Heights, California Perhaps it would bring better high technology innovations to e-mail and help in researching and developing a better Internet! Antonio Simmons of Parkville, Maryland Microsoft purchasing Yahoo would be nothing more than an attempt from Microsoft to further impose upon the users their poor-quality software and obtain more wealth for the company. In my opinion, they will never be able to compete with Google because Yahoo and Microsoft's current search engines are too inferior to compete. Even if combined, they still lack. Michael Grosser is afraid that _ . Answer: the merger will cost Yahoo's free features Henry Ford, the famous U.S. inventor and car manufacturer, once said, "The business of America is business." By this he meant that the U.S. way of life is based on the values of the business world. Few would argue with Ford's statement. A brief glimpse at a daily newspaper vividly shows how much people in the United States think about business. For example, nearly every newspaper has a business section, in which the deals and projects, finances and management, stock prices and labor problems of corporations are reported daily. In addition, business news can appear in every other section. Most national news has an important financial aspect to it. Welfare, foreign aid, the federal budget, and the policies of the Federal Reserve Bank are all heavily affected by business. Moreover, business news appears in some of the unlikeliest places. The world of arts and entertainment is often referred to as"the entertainment industry"or"show business." The positive side of Henry Ford's statement can be seen in the prosperity that business has brought to U.S. life. One of the most important reasons so many people from all over the world come to live in the United States is the dream of a better job. Jobs are produced in abundance because the U.S. economic system is driven by competition. People believe that this system creates more wealth, more jobs, and a materially better way of life. The negative side of Henry Ford's statement, however, can be seen when the word business is taken to mean big business. And the term big business--referring to the biggest companies, is seen in opposition to labor. Throughout U.S. history working people have had to fight hard for higher wages, better working conditions, and the fight to form unions. Today, many of the old labor disputes are over, but there is still some employee anxiety. Downsizing--the laying off of thousands of workers to keep expenses low and profits high--creates feelings of insecurity for many. Henry Ford's statement can be taken negatively because _ . Answer: there is a conflicting relationship between big corporations and labor The home of the future won't be completely different and we will be living in houses and flats just as we do today.But people will want to shape their homes to match their dreams.No two homes will be the same.People will be able to buy "house kits" containing a basic house structure, with movable walls, doors and windows.They will put together the different parts to create the home they want. Many jobs that we do today will disappear, others will still exist but will change and new jobs will be created. Skilled workers such as builders, gardeners and electricians won't disappear because machines can't replace them. Teachers will still exist because students need human contact. But they will be using modern technology in class more and students will be working more from home. The medical technology revolution and space travel will create new jobs which we can only imagine today. Space holidays will develop in the future, but these holidays won't be for everyone because they won't be cheap. Short space trips will develop first, then space hotels will orbit the earth where it will be possible to have a longer vacation. By the end of the next century, there will be holiday centres on the moon with leisure facilities for families. Paper won't exist in the future. Instead, there will be e-paper which people will be able to use over and over again. This will develop in order to save natural resources. E-newspapers and e-magazines will replace traditional newspapers and magazines and we will download information and news articles from the Internet every day onto our reuseable paper. The laws of physics tell us that the earth is going to disappear some time in the future.This isn't going to happen tomorrow but scientists predict that it will happen in five billion years when our sun explodes .We will have to explore the universe and find another home. At some point in the distant future, either we stay on the earth and die with it, or we leave and move to another planet. There won't be any other choice. Homes of the future will _ . Answer: all be different from one another There was once an ant that was very thirsty. It ran here and there looking for some water but could not find any. Then suddenly, when the ant was almost ready to die of thirst, a large drop of water fell on it. The ant drank the water, which saved its life. The water was actually a tear from a young girl who was crying. Because of her sadness, the tear had magical qualities and suddenly the ant could speak the language of human beings. The ant looked up and saw the young girl sitting in front of a huge pile of seeds. "Why are you sad?" asked the ant. "I'm the prisoner of a giant." the girl told the ant. " He won't let me go until I've made three separate heaps of grain, barley and rye out of this huge pile of seeds in which they are all mixed together." "That will take you a month!" the ant said, looking at the huge pile of seeds. "I know," the girl cried, "and if I haven't finished by tomorrow, the giant will eat me for his supper!" "Don't cry," the ant said, "my friends and I will help you." Soon thousands of ants were at work, separating the three kinds of seeds. The next morning, when the giant saw that the work had been done, he let the girl go. Thus it was one of her tears that saved her life. What would the giant do if the girl failed to do the work? Answer: He would eat her.
The highlight of my journey was to be Paris,the city I'd always longed to see.But now I was frightened to travel without a companion.I steeled myself and went anyway.I arrived at the train station in Paris panicked.Pulling my red suitcase behind me,I was pushed by sweaty travelers . On my first Metro ride, I encountered a clumsy pickpocket.I melted him with a look,and he eased his hand from my purse to fade into the crowded car. At my stop,I carried my heavy suitcase up the steep stairs and froze in confusion.Somewhere in this confusing city my hotel was hidden,but suddenly I couldn't read my own directions.I stopped two people.Both greeted me with that Parisian face that said:"Yes, I speak English,but you'll have to struggle with your French if you want to talk to me." When I finally found the hotel,my heart was pounding. Then when I saw my room.I couldn't stay.Could I? The wallpaper looked like it had been through a fire.The bathroom was down the hall,and the window looked out onto the brick wall of another building.Welcome to Paris.It was my third week away from home and my kids,and I had arrived in the most romantic city in the world, alone, lonely and very scared. The most important thing I did in Paris happened at that moment.I knew that if I didn't go out,right then,and find a place to have dinner,I would hide in this place my entire time in Paris. I might never learn to enjoy the world as a single individual.So I went out.Evening in Paris was light and warm.I strolled along a winding path,listening to birds sing,watching children float toy sailboats in a huge fountain.Paris was beautiful.And I was here alone but suddenly not lonely.My sense of accomplishment at overcoming my fear had left me feeling free,not abandoned. During my week's stay in Paris.I did everything there was to do,and it was the greatest week of my European vacation.I returned home a believer in the healing power of solitary travel.Traveling alone makes up for its problems by demanding self-reliance and building the kind of confidence that serves the single life well.Certainly Paris became my metaphor for _ life's challenges on my own.Now when I meet an obstacle I just say to myself: If I can go to Paris,I can go anywhere. How did the two Parisians respond when the author turned to them? Answer: They showed they were only willing to communicate in French. I began to think about my future job at the age of fourteen. I was born into a family of teachers. My parents are both teachers and I like the job. When I was a little girl, I often went to school with my mother. When my mother was in the class I watched her, and I wanted to be popular among (......) pupils like her. One day in the 9th grade, the head teacher asked me to give an English lesson to the 5th grade pupils because their English teacher caught a cold. When I entered the classroom, many pupils had been at their desks. I said, "Good morning," and began the lesson.[:ZXXK] I wanted the pupils to like English. We read, wrote, sang songs, asked questions and answered questions. Later, I gave English lessons several times and I was happy teaching the pupils. Now I know what I am going to do after leaving school. I want to be an English teacher. It's a very interesting but difficult job. It's interesting because I can work with pupils. It's difficult because I have to teach them a foreign language. To be a good teacher means to know a lot. Every day I improve my English by reading books, reading English newspapers, looking through magazines and speaking with English people. I like English and I want to be a good teacher. When did the writer begin to think about her future job? Answer: At 14. Bob was a clever college student, but his family was poor, so he had to work after class and during his holidays to get enough money for his studies. One summer he got a job in a butcher's shop during the day time, and another in a hospital at night. In the shop, he learned to cut and sell meat. He did so well that the butcher went into a room behind the shop to do all the accounts ( ) .In the hospital, of course, Bob was told to do only the easiest jobs. He helped to lift people and carry them from one part of the hospital to another. Both in the butcher's shop and in the hospital, Bob had to wear white clothes. One evening in the hospital, Bob had to help to carry a woman from her bed to the operating - room. The woman already felt frightened when she thought about the operation. When she saw Bob coming to get her, she felt even more frightened. "No! No!" she cried. "Not a butcher! I won't let a butcher operate on me!" with these words ,she fainted away. One summer Bob _ . Answer: got two different jobs at two places On March 28th, the New York Times will begin charging all but the most infrequent users to read articles online. In a letter to readers, Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., the publisher of the paper, laid out the details of the paywall, which he said will go into effect immediately in Canada and on March 28th for the rest of the world. He called the move "an important step that we hope you will see as an investment in the Times, one that will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality journalism to readers around the world and on any platform." Sulzberger said that readers will be able to read 20 articles per month at no charge. Once they click on the 21st piece, however, they'll be presented with three payment options: $ 15 for four weeks of online and mobile application access, $ 20 for access to the site and the iPad application, or $ 35 for access to everything. People who already receive the printed paper through home delivery will enjoy free and unlimited access to the Times on all platforms. These details largely agree with earlier reports on how the paywall would work. The Times had made it clear that it did not want to imitate the total paywalls put into effect by papers such as The Times of London and Newsday, which block access to all contents unless the reader pays. The paper also signaled that it wants to stay relevant in the social media world. According to Sulzberger's announcement, people who come to the Times site from Facebook, Twitter or from blogs will be able to read those articles even if they have gone over their monthly limit. However, Sulzberger said that a limit will be placed on "some search engines", meaning that after readers have accessed a certain number of articles from search engines, any further articles they access from there will be added to their monthly count. It was reported that the only search engine that will be affected this way is Google, where there will be a five-article limit. This marks a clear attempt by the Times to close what could be a giant loophole , since so much online traffic is directed through Google. But it also presents a risk for the Times for the same reason. Sulzberger seems well aware of the risk. "The challenge now is to put a price on our work without walling ourselves off from the global network," he said, adding that the Times must "continue to engage with the widest possible audience." The author's main purpose in the text is to _ . Answer: report a piece of news TODAY, Friday, November 12 JAZZ with the Mike Thomas Jazz Band at The Derby Arms. Upper Richmond Road West, Sheen. DISCO Satin Sounds Disco. Free at The Lord Napier, Mort lake High St., from 8a. m. to 8p. m. Tel: 682--1158. SATURDAY, November 13 JAZZ Lysis at The Bull's Head, Barnes. Admission 60p. MUSICAL HALL at The Star and Garter, Lower Richmond Road, Putney, provided by the Aba Daba Music Hall company. Good food and entertainment fair price. Tel: 789--6749. FAMILY night out? Join the sing-along at The Black Horse. Sheen Road, Richmond. JAZZ The John Bennett Big Band at The Bull's Head, Barnes. Admission 80p. THE DERBY ARMS, Upper Richmond Road West, give you Joe on the electric accordion . Tel: 789--4536 SUNDAY, November 14 DISCO Satin Sounds Disco, free at The Lord Napier, Mort Lake High Street, from 8 a. m. to 8 p. m. FOLK MUSIC at The Derby Arms. The Short Stuff and residents the Norman Chop Trio. Non-remembers 70p. Tel: 688--4626. HEAVY MUSIC with Tony Simon at The Bull, Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen. THE DERBY ARMS, Upper Richmond Road West, give you Joe on the electric accordion. Where and when can you hear the Mike Thomas Jazz Band? Answer: At the Derby Arms on Friday.
Question: EDGEWOOD-EVERY morning at Dixie Heights High School, customers pour into a special experiment; the district's first coffee run mostly by students with special learning needs. Well before classes start, students and teachers order Lattes Cappuccinos and Hot Chocolates. Then, durning the first period teachers call in orders on their room phones, and students make deliveries. By closing tome at 9.20 a.m., the shop usually sells 90 drinks. "Whoever made the chi tea, Ms. Schatzman says it was good," Christy McKinley, a second year student, announced recently, after hanging up with the teacher. The shop is called the Dixie PIT, which stands for Power in Transition. Although some of the students are not disabled, many are, and the PIT helps them prepare for life after high school. They learn not only how to run a coffee shop but also how to deal with their affairs. They keep a timecard and receive paychecks, which they keep in check registers. Special-education teachers Kim Chevalier and Sue Casey introduced the Dixie PIT from a similar program at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Georgia. Not that it was easy. Chevalier's first problem to overcome was product-related. Should school be selling coffee? What about sugar content? Kenton County Food Service Director Ginger Gray helped. She made sure all the drinks, which use non fat milk, fell within nutrition guidelines. The whole school has joined in to help. Teachers agreed to give up their lounge in the mornings. Art students painted the name of the shop on the wall. Business students designed the paychecks. The basketball team helped pay for cups. What is the text mainly about? A. A best selling coffee. B. A special educational program. C. Government support for schools. D. A new type of teacher- student relationship. Answer: B. A special educational program. Question: Somepeople think only school children do not agree with their parents, however, it is not true. Communication is a problem for parents and children of all ages. if it's hard for you to communicate with your parents, don't worry about it. Here is some advice for you to _ the generation gap .Don't argue with your parents. Don't get to your parents when you are angry.Your parents probably won't consider your ideas if you are shouting at them. And you can't express yourself well if you are angry. Go to someplace to cool off . Make sure you understand why you are unhappy. Then think about what you want to say to your parents. If you don't think you can speak to them at the moment, try writing a letter. Try to reach a compromise . Perhaps you and your parents disagree on something. You can keep your disagreement and try your best to accept each other. Michael's mother didn't agree with him about buying a motorcycle. They argued over it. But they finally came to a compromise. Michael bought the motorcycle, but only drove it on certain days. Of course, your parents might refuse to compromise on something . In these situations, it is especially important to show love and respect to them. Showing respect will keep your relationship strong. Talk about your values. The values of your parents are probably different from those of your own. Tell your parents what you care about, and why. Understanding your values mighthelp them see your purposes in life. A good relationship with your parents can make you a better and happier person .It is worth having a try! How many pieces of advice does the writer give us to bridge the generation gap? A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5 Answer: B. 3 Question: Young children from poor families are more likely to consume junk food and fizzy drinks than their richer companions. A study of 1,800 four- and five-year-olds found more than half of those from poor backgrounds drank at least one a week, compared to just four in ten _ kids. They also drank less milk and consumed more fruit juice which is also linked to child obesity caused by high sugar intake . The phenomenon also relates to children who spend more than two hours a day in front of a TV or playing computer games--whatever their social circumstances. A companion study also found children from poor families were more likely to eat chips, sweets and chocolate. Professor Kate Storey said, "when you are looking at that age group, and such a large percentage of very young kids in the study are consuming a large amount of soda ,it is quite concerning. " The researchers carried out the study by surveying the parents of their participants to find out their dietary habits. Professor Storey said, "If you are drinking a lot of soda and fruit juice, they can displace consumption of water and milk, which are important not just for ending thirst, but for developing healthy bones and teeth, and health and wellness in general." Co-researcher Dr John Spence said, "Dietary behavior and intake patterns are influenced heavily by what happens in the first few years with children, and they maintain those patterns throughout childhood and into adolescence ." In addition to basic health education, this study identifies a need in how we are dealing with poverty and recognizing there is more to poverty than simply the number of dollars people have. Professor Storey said that shows how education can make a difference and lead to healthier eating habits, regardless of what is happening at home. "Many families live in places that might not be very healthy for them and, as a result, they make unhealthy food choices. You can start making a difference in different places. It calls for action in multiple settings, schools and communities, for example. That light-bulb moment can happen in a variety of places," Professor Storey added. What's the main idea of the passage? A. Young people like eating junk food. B. Junk food is bad for both young children and adults. C. Children from poor families are more likely to eat junk food. D. Junk food causes more and more children to become overweight. Answer: C. Children from poor families are more likely to eat junk food. Question: The connection shared by grandparents and grandchildren is something very special and despite the changing family situation, it still remains strong across generations. For most of us, our grandparents were our first best friends, the ones with whom we shared our secrets and our pain. In majority of the cases, grandparents would have babysat their grandchildren while parents were busy working and didn't have much time for their children. Even as a kid grows up, the love and affection for grandparents never dies, and for many teens, visiting grandparents or living with them in the same house is a pleasure. Kedar Patwary, a mass communication student, says, "I often end up having long conversations with my grandfather about the evolution of Indian society and I really admire him for the patience with which he answers all my questions. " Many teenagers feel that their parents treat them as grown-ups, while their grandparents give them much freedom. Leela Narayanan, a grandmother. says that she loves to her grandchildren and cook favorite dishes for them. She further adds that her eldest granddaughter, who is now 19, was brought up by her till she was four and the closeness they shared remains the same even now. At times, the gap m generations plays a negative role, when grandparents find it difficult adjusting to the modern lifestyle. Technology is what works against this relationship. Youngsters' eing crazy about with gadgets leaves them with no time for their loved ones. Maria Kutty, is a grandmother t0 12 kids. Her face lights up every time her grandchildren are mentioned. But she has one complaint. "All my children stay close to me but when they come to visit and I want to spend time with them, I can't find them anywhere. They only have time for clickety-clackety things in their hands. Sometimes they listen to loud music and talk about things I don't understand. I feel very sad when I think of all those times," she says. The author uses Kedar Patwary as an example _ . A. to show Indian society is full of perfect harmony B. to stress all the children admire their grandparents C. to show grandparents get on well with grandchildren D. to indicate grandparents are all good babysitters Answer: C. to show grandparents get on well with grandchildren Question: A geologist conducts an investigation to determine the absolute age of a fossil. She then repeats the procedure three times. Which best explains why she repeated the procedure several times? A. It helps her develop better procedures. B. It improves the accuracy of the results. C. She wants all the results to be different. D. She has more than one hypothesis to prove. Answer: B. It improves the accuracy of the results.
Just saw the superhero movie, Kick-Ass, and it raised an interesting question: just because we are not superhuman, can we lead a super-heroic life? I believe we can do it in some easy steps! Activate our super powers. Superheroes are all good at different things. Some are really fast, some can see things others can't, and some can move things with their mind. Also we all have special talents and passions. We just have to know what they are and develop them. Try this. List several things you're especially good at-- we'll say these are your core super powers. Next, write down what makes each of your core super powers and look for chances to use them and improve them. Get a _ or two. Superheroes are out there all day, fighting the good fight. And who's there to help? Every superhero has teamed up with someone else to defeat some enemies they couldn't deal with alone. We need a support team: one or more who can be trusted and will help us when necessary. Our team members should bring different, constructive perspectives and all kinds of super powers. But we must choose wisely. Be brave and bold. Does it take more courage to venture down a dark road or to face a life of no ventures at all? Both can be pretty scary. But we should be brave and bold just as some successful person said: "Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition ." Live the code. Superheroes die to protect others. They don't cheat or lie or steal. They're good role models, and they do the right things even when nobody is watching. Though nobody's perfect, yet we should learn from superheroes and struggle not to disobey the superhero code. Turn a friend down who trusts me? Of course I won't. What is the superhero code? A Don't be a bad person. B Be willing to lose everything for others. C Try to be a perfect person. D Satisfy the needs of the friend you trust. Answer: A If you like texting and are trying to lose weight, a new study found that using texting to track diet and exercise habits may help you lose weight. Previous research has shown that keeping food and exercise diaries improves the likelihood of success when you are trying to lose weight. Using a computer or a pen and paper to record information, however, can be a burden and cause some people to give up. Duke University researchers said using text messages to track eating and exercise habits can save time, and increase the chances that people will stick with their weight-loss rules. The study included 26 obese women with an average age of 38. The women used daily texting as part of their weight-loss program. The text messages focused on tracking personalized goals, such as avoiding sugary drinks or walking 10,000 steps a day. Messages also provided brief feedback and tips. Every morning, the women received a text from an automated system that said, "Please text yesterday's personal information of steps you walked and how many sugary drinks you had." Based on the women's responses to the text message, the system sent another text with personalized feedback and tips. After six months, the women who used daily texting lost an average of nearly 3 pounds, while another group of women who used traditional methods to keep food and exercise diaries gained an average of 2.5 pounds, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. "Text messaging has become popular and may be an effective method to simplify tracking of diet and exercise behavior," Dori Steinberg, who was responsible for this research, said. Steinberg said, "Text messaging offers several advantages compared to other self-monitoring methods. Unlike web-based diet and exercise diaries, data in a text message can be entered quickly on nearly all cellphone platforms so it is very convenient to receive feedback. Besides, because of the limited number of words used in text messages, it saves time." What's the best title for the text? A Texting helps keep healthy B Texting saves time and money C Texting can help you lose weight D Texting provides brief feedback and tips Answer: C You've see news reports about people who need help after a natural disaster or animals in need. Or perhaps you've watched TV programs about how lonely older people can get. So what can you do about any of those things? The answer: You can volunteer. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to change people's lives, including your own. Helping others in need is such an important part of the American way of life that many high schools require their students to spend a certain number of hours volunteering in order to graduate. Volunteering isn't like school: Instead of having the choices made for you about where to go and what subjects to learn,you can choose what really interests you and who (or what) is most deserving of your time. If you like animals, help out at a local animal shelter. Most shelters depend on volunteers to keep the cats and dogs happy and well exercised. If you have a friend or who has or had a medical problem(like cancer,HIV,for example), you might be inspired to donate your time to help an organization that raises money for research, delivers meals,or offers other help to people with the illness. If you like children,there are lots of volunteering opportunities--from being a Big Brother or Big Sister to helping out in an after-school sports program. You also can: serve food at a homeless shelter; take part in a park cleanup day. And if you have more than one thing you love,you can combine the two. For example,if you love kids and are great at arts and crafts , visit your local children's hospital and offer to lead art activities for young patients. Which of the following is NOT a volunteer job? A Raising money for an organization. B Doing some housework. C Helping homeless people. D Trying to make sick children happy. Answer: B On a Monday, a mother was in the kitchen cooking ham for the family. She was in quite the hurry because she had to pick the kids up from school. Without knowing, she stuck a spoon in the ham and put the ham in the oven. She wasn't paying attention because of being in a hurry and also because the dog was playing with a ball. The ball flew past her head as she had finished putting the ham in the oven. She yelled at the dog and made him play with the ball outside. She saw clouds in the sky as she let the dog out. Seeing that the clouds were so pretty that she wanted to take a picture of them. She got her camera and took a few pictures as the dog played happily in the yard. Why did the mother take the dog outside? A the dog was taking pictures B the dog was playing with a ball that flew past her head C the dog ate a spoon D the dog was eating the ham Answer: B Goddington Theater The Goddington Theater Ticket Office is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and for half an hour in the evening before the advertised start time of each performance. Telephone bookings Your tickets are held at the Ticket Office for you to collect or, if you prefer, a charge of 35 cents is made to post them to you if you pay by cash. We'll post them to you for free if you book by credit card. No extra charge. Postal bookings You can write to the Ticket Office requesting tickets, or to confirm a reservation. Where to find Goddington Theater Goddington Theater can be found within the Goddington University site, next to the car park, which is available for public use after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. If travelling by car Coming from the south end of Princes Street, you will see the library on your right. Next to the library is Goddington University. Take the next turning on the right, then first right into the car park gate straight ahead of you, stopping as close as possible to the orange machine. Put a $ 1 coin in the machine and the gate will rise. If travelling by train/bus/ taxi You will need to allow 30 minutes to walk from the train station. Taxis are available from the front of the station. The University is a 5 to 10 minutes' walk from the main bus station. When ordering a taxi from the theater, ask to be picked up at the bottom of North Street. Taxis will not come into the car park because of the entrance charge. What can we learn from the passage? A You can find a free parking place in the university. B You have to collect your tickets if you pay by credit card. C Tickets paid by cash will be posted to you at no extra charge. D Taxi drivers are unwilling to pick up customers inside the car park. Answer: D
Tides can change in different locations because Answer: Use your American Express Card to enjoy one-day visit at four of America's greatest museums. Note the participating museums, and their exciting special exhibitions that you will not want to miss, listed below. Boston Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Chairs February 11-May 8, 2012 Italian furniture expert Fausto Calderai and Indian photographer Dayanita Singh present an exhibition of chairs from the museum's collection and "chair photographs" from around the world presented in a Venetian-style hall housing world-famous masterpieces. For more information:www. gardnermuseum. org New York The Noguchi Museum Noguehi and Graham December 1, 2011-May 1, 2012 Noguchi's long-term collaboration with dancer Martha Graham is regarded by many as a high point in the history of both modern dance and art. The exhibition highlights nine of the sets created through this collaboration. For more information:www. noguchi. org Philadelphia Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts In Full View:American Painting(1720--2012) January 11--April 10, 2012 Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy has been home to America's artists for more than 200 years. The Academy collects and exhibits the works of famous American artists, and is well-known for training fine artists. 2012 at the Academy begins with the largest exhibition of Academy's distinguished American collection in the institution's history. For more information:www. pafa. org Seattle Seattle Museum of Glass Murano:Glass from the Olnick Spanu Collection Through November 7, 2011 This exhibition includes over 200 pieces of beautiful glass from Murano, the island of glassblowers near Venice, Italy. Watch live glass-blowing shows in the Hot Shop and see other modern glass exhibitions. For more information:www. museumofglass. org We learn from the text that Martha Graham is _ . Answer: One Saturday, Bob decides to take a drive through the countryside. After a few hours, he sees a dog walking behind a man on the side of the road. As the car comes near them, the dog jumps into the road. Of course, the car hits the poor animal and kills it. Bob stops his car and walks up to the man. "I'm very sorry," he says. "Is there anything I can do? Will $10 help?" "Oh, but...," says the man. "I should tell you..." "Stop! You're right. Maybe $10 isn't enough! That dog was your best friend!" Bob then takes $30 out of his pocket and gives it to the man. Then he thanks the man and drives away. After Bob leaves, the man looks down at the dog and says: "I wonder whose dog that is." From the passage, we know that _ . Answer: Students must apply for a place before attending any class. Applications whether by post or in person, are dealt with strictly in the order they are received at the Adult Education Office. You can apply: By post----use the card supplied with the exact fee. You will be accepted on the course unless it is full, in which case we will inform you. An acknowledgement will not be made nor a receipt sent unless you supply a stamped addressed envelope. Receipts will normally be given out at the first class. In person----call at the Adult Education Office (ground floor, C block) between _ 9:00a.m.and 3:30p.m. (2:30p.m. on Fridays) , or at the College Reception Desk (at the main entrance) at the other time (in the evenings until about 7:30p.m.----not Fridays) Students should note that popular classes may be full well before the course is to start, so that early application is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. For the Autumn Tem, applications will be accepted by post (better) or in person from August 1. For the Spring Term, applications will be accepted from December 1. For the Summer Term, applications will be accepted from April 1. If the students want to apply for the Autumn Term, _ Answer: Mrs Mark: I got what I wanted that day. My son gave me a book of poems. He wrote it himself. My daughter bought a scarf for me and wrote me a Mother's Day card. They also made me bread for breakfast. My husband took us to the movies. Mrs Judy: _ However, I was wrong. My husband gave me a day off! He did the dishes, took care of the children and played with them. In the evening, he took us out for a delicious dinner. They gave me 4 hours of computer playtime. I felt very warm. Mrs Jane: My one-year-old son and I went to my mother's house on Mother's Day. After a nice lunch, we spent half the day driving. When we got home, my husband made me dinner. He set up a picnic on the living room floor. It was with candles, cold wine and Mother's Day cards from both him and our son, Jackson. It was a very nice Mother's Day for me! Choose the best answers(, A,B, CD) 5% The first mother wanted _ . Answer:
When a squid moves forward, water is Answer: An American spacecraft is moving closer to a dwarf planet called Ceres . The American space agency's Dawn spacecraft is set to reach the planet-like object in March. Space agency scientists will then place Dawn in an orbit around the dwarf planet. Agency scientists want to know more about ice on Ceres. The spacecraft will gather clues about whether Ceres may have once had conditions to support life as we know it. Dawn left Earth more than seven years ago on a trip to explore Ceres and another dwarf planet, called Vesta . Both dwarf planets are in the main belt of asteroids , a group of large objects, between the planets Mars and Jupiter. Marc Rayman is the chief engineer and director of the Dawn mission. Scientists call Vesta and Ceres "protoplanets ". Mr. Rayman says they were in the process of becoming full-size planets when, in his words, "their growth was terminated ." Scientists believe Ceres is made of rock, and covered with ice. The Dawn mission is based in Los Angeles, California. Scientists there send second-by-second commands to the spacecraft. They direct its every move, including telling it what pictures to take. Dawn will make a map of the dwarf planet. It will also try to discover how Ceres' surface has changed. Carol Raymond is the deputy principal investigator of the project. He says Dawn made an unexpected discovery while orbiting Vesta. "Instead of being bone dry, which we expected, there were _ on the surface of Vesta that showed significant amounts of water bound in the rocks and possibly even free water that could have flowed on the surface in the past." She says that if Earth's water came from wet worlds like Vesta and Ceres, then life could have developed there, too. If Dawn finds that the environment of Ceres could have supported life, scientists may seek to explore the dwarf planet with other scientific instruments. Dawn will gather information about Ceres until the middle of 2016. It will then continue to orbit the small planet. What do we know about Vesta? Answer: Dreaming is believing, claim researchers of a new study, who found that dreams have an effect on people's behavior, judgment and they might contain important hidden truths as well. "Psychologists' explanations of the meaning of dreams vary widely. But our findings show that people believe their dreams provide meaningful insightinto themselves and their world," said a lead author of the study Carey Morewedge, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University. In six different studies, researchers surveyed nearly 1,100 people about their dreams. One of the studies focused on general beliefs about dreams and involved 149 university students. All students were asked to rate different theories about dreams. The experts found that a surprising majority of the participants supported the theory about dreams revealing the hidden truths about themselves and the rest of the world. In a second experiment, they surveyed 182 people at a Boston train station, and asked them to imagine one out of four possible situation that could have occurred the night before a scheduled airline trip. Most of the participants said that dreaming of a plane crash would be more likely to affect their travel plans than would just thinking about a crash, or being warned by the government of a terrorism risk. They said a dreamed crash would influence their travel plans just as much as learning about a real crash on their planned route would. Another experiment involved 270 men and women from across the United States. In a short online survey, they were asked to recall one of the dreams they had seen about any person they knew. The findings showed that people were more likely to remember and describe pleasant dreams about a person they liked, rather than a person they disliked. Meanwhile, in most cases they tended to consider an unpleasant dream as more meaningful if it was about a person they disliked. "In other words," said Morewedge, "people attribute meaning to dreams when it corresponds (......) with their pre-existing beliefs and desires." The researchers say that more investigation is needed to fully understand how people interpret their dreams. According to Morewedge, most people realize that dreams are not predicting their future, but they still try to find some meaning in there. . What can be concluded from the study? Answer: Several parents and children escaped the summer heat and enjoyed a refreshing "Leap Into a Good Book".About 30 children and parents gathered as volunteers for both agencies. After the readings,refreshments were offered and children and parents were given books,a gift bag and a bookmark with information on adult literacy programs. Learn to Read of Northwest Florida Inc.and Even Start coordinated the event with hopes that combining their programs will help target functionally illiterate adults and their families.A functionally illiterate adult is one who has reading skills below a seventhgrade level.That often means they have difficulty filling out job applications,understanding a lease,reading medication labels or to their children. Merelin Hernandez,9,a fourthgrader at Warrington Elementary School,understands the importance of reading.She also says it makes her happy when she is bored."Reading helps me go to another grade,"she says."I feel proud when I get a B because then I know I am reading well."Monae Walker,7,a student at Oakcrest Elementary School,says reading teaches her and makes her happy. Learn to Read of Northwest Florida Inc.provides oneonone tutoring for basic reading and writing skills to adults 16 and older who are not in school.Tutors go through a 12hour workshop and tutor their students 3 hours per week.The program currently has 150 active tutors. Even Start is a family education program at McMillan Learning Center,which offers adult education classes and infant,toddler and prekindergarten services at no cost to families.Linda Harris,a teacher in charge of the Escambia Even Start program,says the program equips parents so they can help their children. According to the passage,Monae Walker _ . Answer: The aims of the Illustrators Exhibition, staged as part of the Bologna Children's Book Fair, organized by BolognaFiere and held from 23 to 26 December, are to bring illustrators and publishers together and to promote illustrators and their works among publishers. QUALIFICATIONS Individual illustrators or groups of illustrators of any nationality, if they were born before 31st December 1996, whose artwork is intended for use in children's books, are qualified to enter the Exhibition, either directly or through publishing houses or schools. Please state in the application form whether you are entering work for the Fiction or Non Category. Illustrators may only enter one category. `Artwork previously presented to the Exhibition may not be re-entered. The confirmationform must be filled in and a photograph attached, then presented together with illustrations no later than15 October. SHIPMENT Entries may be delivered by post, express delivery service or by hand. From abroad, please use the following forms:Form "A" for registered mail or post by air;Form "B" if using an international forwarding agent or airline. To avoid delays, material should not be sent by normal post. Material should be sent "carriage paid", including any customs and delivery costs. BolognaFiere may not be held responsible for the non-arrival or late arrival of artwork. All published works must be accompanied by a declaration bearing the ISBN number, publisher's name and address. REQUIREMENTS The illustrations (i.e. the size of the sheet)must not exceed the following dimensions: Fiction: 3242cm (or 4232cm) Non-fiction: 5070cm (7050cm) Illustrations in larger formats will not be considered, nor will they be returned by BolognalFiere. The illustrations must be on paper or flexible board, maximum thickness 2mm. Which of the following is unacceptable for delivering entries? Answer:
A developer edition of Sony's augmented reality smart glasses will go on sale in ten countries next month, the tech giant has announced. Pre-orders for the SmartEyeglass, costing $840 (PS620), are now being taken in the UK and Germany, with Japan and the US to follow shortly. The black-framed glasses are compatible with recent Android operating systems. Last month Google announced that it was withdrawing its smart glasses for redevelopment. Sony's initial model will come with a software development kit to encourage people to design apps for it, the company said. The glasses, which weigh 77g, contain an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, image and brightness sensors, 3-megapixel camera and a microphone. They also come with a controller, designed to be attached to clothing, which contains a speaker, touch sensor and the device's battery. Text is displayed in front of the wearer in monochrome green. Apple chief executive Tim Cook has been open about his dislike of glasses as a wearable device. "We always thought that glasses were not a smart move, from a point of view that people would not really want to wear them," he told the New Yorker. "They were intrusive , instead of pushing technology to the background, as we've always believed." Stuart Miles, founder of tech site Pocket-lint, said: "I think [Sony is] wasting their time, energy and effort." "Google Glass obviously needed a complete rethink... I can't see how something thick-rimmed and more invasive-looking than Google Glass is going to catch on. "People are keen on wearables like fitness bands and watches, but they care about their faces. Wearing something on your head is a lot stronger than wearing something on your arm," he added. "The industry keeps pushing it but consumers just don't want it." The purpose of this passage is to _ . tell the people that the SmartEyeglass will go on sale Passage 4 How dangerous it would be if there was a fire! Today is in winter. It's time for us to learn a lot more about fire, especially what to do if we are caught in a fire: 1. Shout out If you smell smoke or see fire, shout out "Fire!" Shout as loudly as you can, because people may be asleep. 2. Call 119 Never try to put the fire yourself, even if it is a very small one! Get help from your parents or call 119. 3. Keep down close to the floor If there is a lot of smoke in your room, keep down close to the floor. 4. Test the door Test the door before you open it. If the door is cool, open it carefully. If the door is hot, do not open it! Try to find a different way out. 5. Get out If you can, get out of your home as soon as possible. 6. Don't use the lift Never use the lift during the fire. It may also go wrong. 7. Don't go back Never go back into a burning building! When a fire is burning, you test the door to _ find a better way out Why do parents have such a difficult time to communicate openly and honestly with their teens? For this, there are many reasons but most of them stem from not being able to properly understand their teens. It is a dangerous gap because parents will have to communicate with their teens about a wide variety of issues during the most important years of their lives. Thus, parents must know how to communicate openly and honestly with their teens. Here are a few tips to make communication easier between parents and teenagers. 1. Try not to talk down to your teens. Make them feel as if their views really matter, which not only helps your discussions with your teen but bring you closer to him. 2. Imagine what it would be like to be a teen. Try to remember some of the negative feelings you experienced as a teenager and apply it to your teen's situation. 3. Never make negative remarks to your teen about what she has said or done. 4. Remember how much courage it would have taken for your teen to come and talk to you about his personal issues. So listen respectfully. 5. Don't ignore your teen's feelings because it is usually a cry for help. For instance, if your teen is unusually angry, it may be time to spend a bit of quality time with your teen to determine what is wrong and where he is coming from. It is, therefore, necessary for parents to strive to keep lines of communication open at all times with their teens. Try to remember what it was like to be a teenager and how vulnerable you felt. Then you will be well on your way to help your teen communicate more openly and honestly. Why don't teens want to talk about their personal issues with their parents? Because their parents won't understand them well. It's 8:00 a.m.James Butters gives,18-month-old Thomas his milk,then breakfast.After getting Thomas into his outdoor clothes, they head for the park to watch birds and play on the grass.With lunchtime drawing near,they're back home for an afternoon of drawing, playing with cars,or maybe watching some children's programs. James isn't Thomas'dad.He is a nanny -a man nanny obviously,humorously termed a"manny"--specially trained and in his third nannying position.At 27,he cares for Thomas,and another boy of a simliar age."It's much freer than an office job,"he says, "and you're getting to see children develop and grow.You become very close to them,for sure.I don't think I'm special or better than a woman nanny; everyone has their own ap- proach.But I'm unusual.Friends laughed when I started studying nursery nursing.In my class,I was the only man among 70 women.Somehow,I made it,"he said. Although it's not yet common to find men in traditional nannying courses,things are changing.In the United States,parents are employing young mannies,sometimes to care for babies,but more often as active role models to get their children away from the TV and the computer.From rollerblading friends to summer swimming mannies,these are the big brothers who are always willing to play,largely because they're paid for it.It is catching on here in Britain,too.Earlier this year,Norland Nanny College welcomed its first full-time man student,19-year-old Peter Cummins in Wales.While some families find it difficult to accept the idea of a young man in a traditional nannying role,man nannies are increasingly popular. Why are young mannies becoming popular in the United States? They can get boys in more healthy activities. Have you ever noticed someone "talking" to them-selves? What did you think? The word "crazy" probably came to your mind. Wait a minute, though. Maybe they're doing something meaningful. Speaking practice can be effective in many different forms when people learn English or another foreign language. Imitating the speech of others is proven to be highly effective in developing a native speaker's level of fluency in a language. Actually you've already proven that to your-self. How? That's how you learned your first language! Whether it was English, Spanish, French or some other language, you "imitated" your mother, father, other family members, friends, teachers and whoever else was around making "talking" noises at you as you formed your first communicative language skills. So don't think those who are talking to themselves are "crazy". At least don't do so until you've tried it for your-self, in English or in your new foreign language. As you go through your day, in English or your new foreign language, tell yourself what you're doing at the moment and what you're going to do during the day. "Which of these shirts, ties, etc. should I wear today? Not this one, I wore it just last week. Maybe this one, but I don't like this color with the pants. Let's try another one," you might say as you are getting dressed. If you live alone, you can talk aloud whenever you want without disturbing others. If you don't live alone, however, then first explain to your family or roommates what you'll be doing, to avoid a quiet phone call to the local psychiatrist . From the passage we can know that _ . we learned our native language by imitating
Question: Some students think it difficult to learn English well. That's because they don't find the right way. I think reading is very important for students. The more you read, the better you'll understand. Reading is helpful to listening, speaking and writing. If you often read English aloud, you'll improve your listening. On the other hand, listening a lot can help you to read better. Reading English everywhere when you are free, if you wish. You can get a lot of knowledge when you read. Sometimes you need to express your ideas, you can either speak or write. That means you are using what you learned from reading. The same as Chinese, the more you read, the better you can write. If you want to remember something, you should read again and again. So from now on, you'd better do more reading. It's a good way to learn English well. The writer thinks _ is a good way to learn English well. A. the better you write B. doing more reading C. the more you remember D. the more you write Answer: B Question: More than a decade ago, cognitive scientists John Bransfgord and Daniel Schwartz, both then at Vanderbilt University, found that knowledge was not the ability to retain facts or apply previous knowledge to a new situation but a quality they called "preparation for future learning." The researches asked fifth graders and college students to create a recovery plan to protect bald eagles from extinction. Shockingly, the two groups came up with plans of similar quality (though the college students had better spelling skills). From the standpoint of a traditional educator, this outcome indicated that schooling had failed to help students think about ecosystems and extinction, major scientific ideas. The researches decided to go deeper, however. They asked both groups to generate questions about important issues needed to create recovery plans. On this task, they found large differences. College students focused on critical issues. The college students had cultivated the ability to ask questions, the foundation of critical thinking. They had learned how to learn. Museums and other institutions of informal learning may be more suitable to teach this skill than elementary and secondly schools. At the Exploratorium in San Francisco, we recently studied how learning to ask good questions can affect the quality of people's scientific inquiry. We found that when we taught participants to ask "What if?" and "How can?" questions that nobody present would know the answer to and that would spark exploration, they engaged in better inquiry at the next exhibit--asking more questions, performing more experiments and making better interpretations of their results. Specially, their questions became more comprehensive at the new exhibit. This type of learning is not limited to museums of institutional settings. Informal learning environment tolerate failure better than schools. Perhaps many teachers have too little time to allow students to form and pursue their own questions and too much ground to cover in the curriculum. But people must acquire this skill somewhere. Our society depend on them being able to make critical decisions about their own medical treatment, says, or what we must do about global energy needs and demands. For that, we have a robust informal system that gives no grades, takes all comers, and is available even on holidays and weekends. What is benefit of asking questions with no ready answers? A. It arouse students' interest in things around them. B. It cultivates students' ability to make scientific inquiries. C. It trains students' ability to design scientific experiments. D. It helps students realize not every question has an answer. Answer: B Question: Have you ever heard of e-waste ( electronic waste, ) ,which can be produced every day? How do you deal with your computers, MP4 players and mobile phones when they're broken or you want a new one? Most people just throw them away. With the development of electronic industry, e-waste pollution has become a serious problem. According to the United Nations, in 2014, people around the world produced 41.8 million tons of e-waste and only recycled 6.5 million tons. The US was the biggest waster, producing 7.1 million tons. China came second , with 6 million tons. It's important to pay attention to e-waste. It can either be valuable or harmful ,depending on how we deal with it. E-waste is a valuable urban mine . The value of the metals, like gold and silver in the waste around the world, is amazing. And the metals can be refused. But if people throw them away, the toxic chemicals can get into the earth or air, _ the environment and people's health. Apple, for example, now recycles people's used products in China when they are buying new ones. The company will test and repair the used ones and sell them at lower price. To help reduce e-waste , we can buy longer lasting electronic products. If you have unwanted electronics find a new home for them. You can also take computers and phones to see if companies offer reveling programs. The main purpose of this passage is to _ . A. prove that e-waste is useless B. encourage people to buy more electronic products C. advise people to deal with e-waste probably to reduce pollution D. encourage people to buy Apple products. Answer: C Question: Pablo Picasso was born in Spain in 1881. His father was an artist and also an art teacher. He gave little Picasso the first lesson in drawing. The boy showed great interest in it and learned it very quickly. Picasso drew so well that he won a prize - "Science and Charity" for his first important painting at the age 15. Later he studied in several cities in Spain. But no one could teach him because he had known so much. When he was 19, he visited Paris. At that time, Paris was the center of the world for artists. Everything in the painting world was new to Picasso. When he was 23, he moved to Paris to live and spent the rest of his life in France. In his 80s, Pablo Picasso still worked like a young man. He kept on looking for new ideas and new ways to work. He never stopped painting all his life. Pablo Picasso died in 1973 as a great artist in the world. _ was the center of the world for artists when Pablo Picasso was young A. Spain B. New York C. London D. Paris Answer: D Question: Which would likely be detected by a human tongue? A. air B. plastic C. vanilla D. nothing Answer: C
Question: For many of us, printed books are satisfying in ways beyond the words they contain. Billions of printed books have been published, read and saved in the 600 years since movable type was invented, so why mess with a good things? Sony Electronics is doing just that, betting that readers will be won over by the convenience of readability of its new electronic book devices. Sony's reader, the PRS-505, can hold 160 books in its fixed memory, enough to line the shelves on a good-sized wall in the average American home. The $299 device is about the size of a paperback book, but a half-inch thick and weighs less than a pound. The Sony book reader is revolutionary not only in its storage capacity. The font is highly readable and adjustable by size. Unlike laptop computers, you can put the Sony in your purse, read it in direct sunlight and even bookmark the pages. And you can connect it to your PC to download books. Surprisingly, though the reader has liberated the book from paper, electronic books aren't always a bargain. For example, David Baldacci's "Stone Cold" download retails for $15.19 at the Sony site, while Amazon will deliver a hard copy to your mailbox for $16.19. The Sony reader also lets you store and play or display music. So what's not to like about the Sony? Well, for many _ , a lot. Book lovers like to have, hold and keep their volumes, which don't need charging. You can write notes in the margin1s, and enjoy the ambience they provide on your book shelves. The need for electronic reading devices is likely to grow as more people worried about the billions of tons of paper used for printed material. Many believe the time will come when devices like the Sony reader are as common as printed newspapers and magazines today. What is the author's point when he mentions "Stone Cold"? A. Amazon's printed books are very cheap B. "Stone Cold" can be got from the Sony site and Amazon C. The Sony book reader is not very cheap to use D. The Sony book reader can benefit its buyers a lot Answer: C Question: "REMOVE from friends." This is no ordinary button. One click and I have the power to erase a person from my life. In late fall, I had around 400 friends on Facebook. Today, I have 134. Click. Make that 133. When Facebook first entered my life in 2005, I panicked(, ) that my friend count was too low. If I wasn't properly connected, how would anyone see my clever quote ? Who would wish me a happy birthday? I accepted and sent out friend requests without a second thought and soon accumulated 391 friends. There is an appeal to being able to communicate with someone or just "thumbs up" a photo rather than make real conversation. "It's comforting and it's easy," said Larry Rosen, a psychology professor at California State University, who studies the way people communicate online." There's a sense of belonging in it. It's a sense of community in a generation where community has sort of disappeared." However, I don't talk to half of these people in the online community. There are some I would avoid if I met them on the street. Click. 132. I decided to rid my account of any "friend" that...well, wasn't. Sound easy? You try it. Look at who you're dealing with: family, friends, classmates, crushes , acquaintances... With every click of the "Remove from friends" button, you risk burning a bridge, losing a contact and missing an opportunity. So every time I go to click the button, my heart hurts. However, I'm not the only one who has experienced a Faceboook friend refreshing. The New Oxford American Dictionary announces its "Word of the Year" each year, and last year, "unfriend" made the cut (though I'll still stick with "defriend"). When I started my mission , _ . Most were surprised by how easily they could cut hundreds of connections without thinking twice. "Oh my God, I defriended like 600 people today. I feel so good!" my friend Sarah messaged. Dana, a close friend from high school, and I battled it out to see who could get our counts lower. She wins at 123. To some, it's poor "netiquette " to defriend. But to me, it's the stage of life when we hold onto the people who count, the people who impact you. What is Larry Rosen's opinion? A. People living in the same area are closely connected in everyday life. B. Communication online helps people feel they are members of a group. C. It's easy for people to make and break new friendships online. D. Today's young people spend nearly all their time communicating online. Answer: B Question: One determined student stepped off the traditional job for blind people in China, and now challenges a new life at university in Britain. Being a message therapist is a perfect job for many people with a visual disability, but for Zheng Jianwei, it was far from enough. The 30-year-old former massage therapist gave up his hospital job in 2009to prepare for admission to graduate school. He took IELTS , the language-fluency test necessary for university admission in the UK, in 2012 and scored 6.5 points. He was the first blind examinee to take the IELTS in the Southeast Chinese region. After about four year's struggles, Zheng successfully gain an offer from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom and became a graduate student. However,Zheng's path to graduate school was not easy. "I can't take China's national entrance exam for graduate school, which doesn't provide study material for blind students," he says. He then turned to search for graduate school overseas. However, English became his nightmare. Zheng studied in special schools for visually challenged students since primary school, but foreign language was never a main subject. Before giving up his job and learning English again in 2009, Zheng only knew the alphabet, a few words and some basic expressions. "Learning English again in my late 20s is not easy," he says. It took him three years of intensive study to gain entrance to a graduate school overseas. Because of the lack of study material, Zheng needs to spend hours and days looking for textbooks for the visually disabled and copying them, while it may take only five minutes for a sighted person to order a plain English textbook from Amazon. In his parents' eyes, Zheng has been a sensible, independent and decisive man from a young age. Zheng made all the major decisions by himself, including studying abroad and choosing majors. "We just follow his decisions, " the mother says. Which of the following can match Zheng Jianwei's story? A. All mankind is created equal. B. Many hands make light work. C. Rome is not built in a day. D. Nothing is impossible when mind is set. Answer: D Question: Finding time to enjoy life is becoming harder and harder. As the average workweek lengthens, leisure time drops. Yet some of the world's busiest people are able to develop rewarding careers and also make time for family and leisure activities. Here is their best advice plus that of time-management experts: 1. Use your peak hours wisely. People tend to be most alert in late morning and midevening. Afternoon brings an increase in sleepiness. Use your high-efficiency hours to handle difficult jobs or engage in creative thinking. For low-efficiency times, concentrate on cleaning up or sorting your mail. By adapting to your mental condition, you can accomplish more in less time. 2. Make a plan. Just 20 minutes of organizing can save an hour of extra effort remembering what must be done. "Don't try to carry your life around in your head," says Lucy Hedrick, author of Five Days to an Organized Life. "Write things down so you can free your brain for more inventive pursuit ." 3. Discourage drop-ins. The person who welcomes every visitor will get plenty of conversation but won't accomplish much. The trick is to develop harmless ways to protect yourself from minute-stealing interruptions. David E. Levy, a public-relations consultant , uses an alternative to the open-door policy by keeping his door half open. The message is clear: he really doesn't want you to come in, but you can if it is important. 4. Tame the telephone. Few devices save more minutes--or waste so many more--than the telephone. Signal the end of your conversation with a phrase such as "Before we hang up..." You can save even more time by not taking every incoming call. Keep a record of when people you call regularly are least busy and call them at those times. Even better, make appointments to call important contacts. To help us gain an extra hour every day, a clockmaker in Dallas has created a timer measuring each minute at 57.6 seconds. The 2.5 seconds borrowed from each minute add up to an extra 60 minutes at the end of each day. Who works most efficiently according to the passage? A. An editor who is trying to produce a title for his article in the afternoon. B. A manager who is designing selling plans with his office door open. C. A visitor to a mayor without making an appointment. D. A student in class without taking any incoming calls. Answer: D Question: After being fired from his job, Mel drank almost a quart of vodka and decided to ride the bus home. While on the bus, he saw a briefcase he mistakenly thought was his own, and began struggling with the passenger carrying the briefcase. Mel knocked the passenger to the floor, took the briefcase, and fled. Mel was arrested and charged with robbery. Mel should be A. acquitted, because he used no threats and was intoxicated. B. acquitted, because his mistake negated the required specific intent. C. convicted, because his intoxication was voluntary. D. convicted, because mistake is no defense to robbery. Answer: B
Hi! My name is Martin. I come from the USA. I'm in Shanghai, China now . My telephone number is (021)83130761. I am in No. 6 Junior High School. I'm in Class Five, Grade Seven. Hu Jing and Xiao Bin are my Chinese friends. We're in the same school. We are all thirteen . Miss Qiu is my English teacher. She has a round face, a big nose and big eyes. I like her very much . ,. Hu Jing is from _ . A the USA B China C England D Japan Answer: B Earlier this year,my oldest daughter got braces on her teeth,and let's just say she did not go quietly into that dentist's chair. Fear and hate pretty much describe the days leading up to her first appointment. So when she finally walked out with shiny teeth,a sore mouth and a broken spirit, I told her I was proud of her and took her to Ben & Jerry's for an ice cream reward. Two weeks later, we returned to the scene of the crime.The dentist spent about 45 seconds checking her teeth before sending her on her merry way. Before I could start the car, she was placing her ice cream order. She was shocked when I told her that she wasn't going to get a reward every time we got her teeth checked. Apparently,she's not alone. According to some parenting experts, kids are easily addicted to a benefitproducing system of parental rewards and bribes --not all ice creams, candies and cool toys.Some parents are offering their children novel prizes just to let them sit down and behave in a restaurant--or sleep in their own beds--or score a goal in the next soccer game. While the experts agree that occasional awards are okay,the danger lies in the system's overuse.Kids quickly gain a sense of entitlement ,where they come to expect a big reward for every good thing that they do, no matter how small.To keep things in check,experts say parents should reduce the number of rewards they offer, make sure rewards match the behavior and explain the real benefits of behaving. Misguided by the parental reward system,children easily believe _ . A they should benefit from their every desired behavior B they can be successful as long as they work hard C their parents will give them more presents in the future D their parents will feel happy when they behave well Answer: A Donald was not very good at maths. He could not understand the teacher's explanations. Even when the teacher explained something a second time, Donald still could not understand it. "Never mind," Donald told himself. "I'm quite good at other subjects. I'll cheat in the maths exam, then I won't be in trouble." "I will sit next to the boy who's best at maths," he thought, "and copy down his answers." The day of the exam came, and Donald sat next to Brian Smith, who always was at the top of the class in maths. Donald carefully copied Brian's answers onto his own exam paper. At the end of the exam, the teacher collected the papers and graded them. Then she said, "Well, boys and girls. I've decided to give a prize to the student who got the highest grade. However, it's difficult for me to decide who to give the prize to, because two students, Doanld and Brian, got the same grade." "Let them share it," one of the other students said. "I have thought about that," the teacher said, "but I have decided to give the prize to Brian." Donald was angry when he heard this. He stood up and said. "That is not fair. I got the same grade as Brian." "That is true," the teacher said. "However, Brian's answer to Question 18 was 'I don't know,' while yours was 'Neither do I.'" Donald got the same grade as Brian because _ . A both boys were good at maths B Donald cheated C Brian copied Donald's answers D the question were very easy Answer: B The other day an acquaintance of mine, an outgoing and charming man, told me he had found himself unexpectedly alone in New York for an hour or two between appointments. He went to the Whitney and spent the "empty" time looking at things in solitary happiness. For him it proved to be a shock nearly as great as falling in love to discover that he could enjoy himself so much alone. What had he been afraid of, I asked myself? That, suddenly alone, he would discover that he bored himself, or that there was, quite simply, no self there to meet? But having taken a decisive step, he is now on the edge of adventure; he is about to be launched into his own inner space to the astronaut. His every perception will come to him with a new freshness and, for a time, seem surprisingly original. For anyone who can see things for himself with a naked eye becomes, for a moment or two, something of a genius. With another human being present, vision becomes double vision, unavoidably. We are busy wondering, what does my companion see or think of this, and what do I think of it? The original impact gets lost. "Music I heard with you was more than music." Exactly. And therefore music itself can only be heard alone. Solitude is the salt of personhood. It brings out the authentic flavor of every experience. "Alone one is never lonely: the spirit adventures, walking in a quiet garden, in a cool house, staying single there." Loneliness is very strongly felt with other people, for with others, even with a lover sometimes, we suffer from our differences of taste, temperament and mood. Human intercourse often demands that we soften the edge of perception, or withdraw at the very instant of personal truth for fear of hurting, or of being inappropriately present, which is to say naked, in a social situation. Alone we can afford to be wholly whatever we are, and to feel whatever we feel ly. That is a great luxury! For me the most interesting thing about a solitary life, and mine has been that for the last twenty years, is that it becomes increasingly rewarding. When I can wake up and watch the sun rise over the ocean, as I do most days, and know that I have an entire day ahead, uninterrupted, in which to write a few pages, take a walk with my dog, lie down in the afternoon for a long think (why does one think better in a horizontal position?), read and listen to music, I am flooded with happiness. I'm lonely only when I am overtired, when I have worked too long without a break, when from the time being I feel empty and need filling up. And I am lonely sometimes when I come back home after a lecture trip, when I have seen a lot of people and talked a lot, and am full to the brim with experience that needs to be sorted out. Then for a little while the house feels huge and empty, and I wonder where my self is hiding. It has to be recaptured slowly by watering the plants and perhaps, by looking again at each one as though it were a person. It takes a while, as I watch the surf blowing up in fountains at the end of the field, but the moment comes when the world falls away, and the self emerges again from the deep unconscious, bringing back all I have recently experienced to be explored and slowly understood, when I can converse again with my hidden powers, and so grow, and so be renewed, till death do us part. To the writer, a solitary life is a kind of _ . A sacrifice B dream C reward D challenge Answer: C The longest day of the month is the day after my younger brother T.J gets his new issue of Just Joking , a magazine filled with all kinds of jokes. When the new issue arrives, T.J tells me every riddle in it . But a constant stream of riddles can get annoying . "Hey, Keith ! What did he hamburger name his daughter ?" "T.J !" I shout . "Enough riddles !" He is suddenly quiet. "Keith , be nice ,"Mom says. "T.J, honey, what did the hamburger name his daughter?" "Patty," he says. During dinner ,T.J doesn't say anything . Usually he brings Just Joking to the table with him and tells us some riddles in between bites of food .This evening, he does not .I'm relieved . At last --- some peace and quiet. After dinner, I go to my friend Brad's house to work on a project for science class . We're painting the planets when Brad's little sister, Nita, comes into the room. "Brad, can I help you with the project ?" Nita asks. "Nita !" He shouts at her . "Leave us alone!" Nita walks out of the room looking sad. I feel bad for her. I can tell that she just wants to be around her big brother. The look on Nita's face reminds me of the look on T.J's face earlier in the evening . Now I don't feel so good about T.J's silence at the dinner table. When Brad and I finish working on the project, I see Nita in the front of the room .She still looks sad. "Hey, Nita! Do you know what the hamburger named his daughter ?" I ask. "I don't know. What?" Nita says.www.ks5u.com "Patty!" Nita laughs and I laugh too . " I heard that from my brother, T.J," I say. "He's very funny. When I get home, T.J still looks unhappy. "T.J, guess what ?" I say. " I used one of your riddles tonight. Brad's little sister thought it was really funny. So let's find more riddles for the next time I go over there. And maybe you can come along with me sometime." "Really ?" T.J's eyes light up . "OK!" T.J runs upstairs, and then comes back, smiling and carrying Just Joking. During dinner, Keith is relieved because T.J _ . A looks Norman B doesn't tell riddles C is not angry with him D is usually quiet during dinner Answer: B
Smartphone, poor sight Look around and you will see people busy on their smatrphones . Smartphones do make our lives easier. But have you ever thought about what they mean to your eyes? According to a study, half of the British people own smartphones and they spend an average ( ) of two hours a day using them. There has been a 35% increase in the number of people in the U.K who suffer from short-sightedness since smartphones were introduced there in 1997. Staring at smartphones for a long time gives you dry eyes. When looking at something in the distance, your eyes automatically blink a certain number of times. However, when you look at the things closer to your face, the blink slows down. This reduces the amount of tears and causes discomfort in your eyes. Another bad habit is using smartphone in dark rooms before going to sleep. If you look at a bright screen while your pupils become larger, too much light goes into your eyes. This can be bad for your eyes and causes a disease called glaucoma . Maybe it is possible for you to stop using your smartphone, but there are a few things you can do to protect your eyes. * Hold your phone at least 30 centimeters away from your eyes when using it. *Take a break every hour and try the following: look at something at least 5 meters away from you and then focus on your nose. Repeat this several times. It should reduce the discomfort in your eyes. ,. Which of the following is suggested by the writer? A. Don't use the phone for more than an hour without a rest B. Hold the phone at least half a meter away from the eyes. C. Turn off your smartphone at least 2 hours every day D. Look at something green for a few minutes. Answer: A "It is a dreadful thing to be poor a fortnight before Christmas, " said Clorinda, with the mournful sigh of seventeen years. Aunt Emmy smiled. Aunt Emmy was sixty, and spent the hours she didn't spend in a bed, on a sofa or in a wheel chair; but Aunt Emmy was never heard to sigh. "The gifts which money can purchase are not the only ones we can give," said Aunt Emmy gently, "nor the best, either." "Oh, I know it's nicer to give something of your own work," agreed Clorinda, "but materials for fancy work cost too. That kind of gift is just as much out of the question for me as any other." "That was not what I meant," said Aunt Emmy. "What did you mean, then?" asked Clorinda, looking puzzled. Aunt Emmy smiled. "Suppose you think out my meaning for yourself," she said. "That would be better than if I explained it. Besides, I don't think I could explain it. Take the beautiful line of a beautiful poem to help you in your thinking out: ' " "I'd put it the other way and say, 'The giver without the gift is bare," said Clorinda. "That is my predicament exactly. Well, I hope by next Christmas I'll not be quite bankrupt. I'm going into Mr. Callender's store down at Murraybridge in February. He has offered me the place, you know." "Won't your aunt miss you terribly?" said Aunt Emmy gravely. "I think she would rather have your companionship than a part of your salary, Clorinda," said Aunt Emmy. "But of course you must decide for yourself, dear." "Well, I must say bye-bye and run home." Clorinda lived just across the road from Aunt Emmy in a tiny white house behind some huge willows. But Aunt Mary lived there too--the only relative Clorinda had, for Aunt Emmy wasn't really her aunt at all. Clorinda had always lived with Aunt Mary ever since she could remember. Clorinda puzzled over Aunt Emmy's meaning for days. Then all at once it came to her. On Christmas Day, Clorinda went over to Aunt Emmy's.Aunt Emmy was lying on the sofa before the fire, and Clorinda sat down beside her. "I've come to tell you all about it," she said. "Aunt Emmy, I thought for days over your meaning ... And then one evening it just came to me. At first I didn't think I could give some of them, and then I thought how selfish I was. I would have been willing to pay any amount of money for gifts if I had had it, but I wasn't willing to pay what I had. I got over that, though, Aunt Emmy. Now I'm going to tell you what I did give." "First, there was old Aunt Kitty. You know she was my nurse when I was a baby. She is always glad when I go to see her, but I've never gone except when I couldn't help it. She is very deaf, and rather dull and stupid, you know. Well, I gave her a whole day. I took my knitting yesterday, and sat with her the whole time and just talked and talked. She was so pleased and proud; she told me when I came away that she hadn't had such a nice time for years. " "Then there was ... Florence. You know, Aunt Emmy, we were always intimate friends until last year. Then Florence once told Rose Watson something I had told her . I found it out and I was so hurt. I couldn't forgive Florence, and I told her plainly I could never be a real friend to her again. Florence felt badly, because she really did love me, and she asked me to forgive her, but it seemed as if I couldn't. Well, Aunt Emmy, that was my Christmas gift to her ... my forgiveness." "I gave Aunt Mary her gift this morning. I told her I wasn't going to Murraybridge, that I just meant to stay home with her. She was so glad--and I'm glad, too, now that I've decided so." "Your gifts have been real gifts, Clorinda," said Aunt Emmy. "Something of you--the best of you--went into each of them." "I didn't forget you, Aunt Emmy," she said, as she unpinned the paper. There was a rosebush. Aunt Emmy loved flowers. She put her finger under one of the roses and kissed it. "It's as sweet as yourself, dear child," she said tenderly. "And it will be a joy to me all through the lonely winter days. You've found out the best meaning of Christmas giving, haven't you, dear?" "Yes, thanks to you, Aunt Emmy," said Clorinda softly. What is the gift that Clorinda gave to old Aunt Kitty? A. Passion B. Sympathy C. Kindness D. Company Answer: D "Mommy! Call I go and play outside with Danny? Please? I promise l will only play in the shade!" Kelly said. What hurt her mother was only being able to stand aside when her daughter needed her most."Kelly...I'm really sorry.You can't go.I'm too concerned about you. You might accidentally go in the sun,which means we have to get you to hospital again."Kelly was allergic to the sun.The doctor said it was incurable. Kelly looked outside where her brother Danny was playing.Why did she have to be allergic to the sun? Why? Kelly's mother closed her eyes and she pointed upstairs where Kelly's bed was."Go to bed."she said.Kelly had tears in her eyes.She forced her legs up the stairs and buried her face in her pillow.She wanted Danny to come back , for he could tell her stories about birds and squirrels.She waited,and soon he did come and told her about a blue bird he had seen.Kelly often wondered what a bird looked like.She was really curious about the birds in the yard.Maybe she could find out herself someday. The next day, Danny entered Kelly's room again to tell her what he had seen.She wasn't there.He called again and again but no one replied.He searched anxiously around and saw a body.His eyes widened.It couldn't be.Was it what he thought it was? Was it...Kelly? With shaking hands,Danny turned over the body.He screamed.It was Kelly.Her skin was swollen and had ugly rashes all over.She was holding a pencil in her right hand.And in her left hand was an almost finished picture of a bird , below which he found some words which read:"I finally get to see you.I will always remember you and love your nature no matter what." Kelly can be best described as _ . A. innocent and helpful B. delicate and cautious C. curious and determined D. sensitive and thoughtful Answer: C When I grew up, all the schools in the village demanded that girls cut their hair. The teachers would measure our hair and make sure it was not too long. I remember crying and begging as the scissors cut my hair. My dad told me that a girl who was in school needed to concentrate on books and that hair was a distraction . I cut my hair all the way through primary school and middle school. Then I went to a high school that allowed long hair but no styles or braids during class hours. Even then, still adhering to my dad's words, I never wore my hair long. When I graduated from high school, I started growing my hair. I spent hours looking in the mirror and shaping my hair. My sister complained, wondering why I had to have two styles in a day. In college I heard the word perm . Girls had some strong chemicals put on their heads and made the hair look beautiful. I quickly sat in a salon and changed my hair. I returned to the salon once every month. Even during the days when I had no money for food, I had to find money for my hair. After college, I was jobless and broke. I had to have my hair cut. At that time I saw a bald black model. Her style shocked me and I admired her so much that I began to follow her. Therefore, there I was. I wore some large earrings and walked around like a model. And many people admired my style. At this point the journey with my hair stopped completely. I decided to have natural hair. I soon found out natural hair is the cheapest, easiest and healthiest way to wear African hair. The author thought the bald black model looked _ . A. beautiful B. terrifying C. poor D. ugly Answer: A What chemical symbol represents the element iron? A. Fe B. I C. Ir D. Pb Answer: A
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the cold swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he did not realize an alligator was swimming towards the shore. His mother in the house, looking out of the window, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In fear, she ran towards the water, yelling to the son as loudly as she could. It was too late. The alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator got his legs. That began an incredible tug of war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother would not let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, ran from his truck, and shot the alligator. Amazingly, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His leg were extremely scarred by the animal's attack, and on his arms were scratches from mothers' fingernails where she had tried to hang on to the son she loved. The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs . And then, he proudly said to the reporter: "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom would not let go." You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from alligator, or anything quite so dramatic . But the scars of a painful past. Some of those scares are ugly and have caused us deep regret. But some wounds, my friend, are because someone has refused to let go. In your struggle, maybe someone has been there holding on to you. Upon seeing the alligator getting close to her boy, the mother _ . A dived into the cool water at once B was too afraid to move C shouted a warning to her boy D got ready to fight the crocodile Answer: C. shouted a warning to her boy For a 400-year-old art form, opera had a bad fame: overweight actresses singing the words which were hard to understand in one of those romance languages you were supposed to learn in high school. And with tickets costing as much as $145 a performance, opera goers also had a certain appearance in people's mind: rich, well-dressed and old.[:] But now opera companies around the country are loosening their ties and kicking off their shoes in an attempt to keep opera alive and take it to a younger and not so wealthy audience. Opera producers have found that to attract this crowd, they need to make the opera closer to common people. Because young people don't or won't come to the opera, companies are bringing the opera to them, giving performances in such unusual places as parks, libraries and public schools. The Houston Grand Opera's choice is the public library, where it performs "mobile operas" shortened versions of child-friendly operas. This summer's production is Hansel & Gretel. By performing smaller versions of large productions, producers are able to make people interested while keeping costs at a reasonable level. The San Francisco Opera, which will be celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is staging Cinderella free of charge, keeping costs down by employing students from its Young Artists' Training Program. Opera companies prefer to perform short versions because _ . A they can be performed in public libraries B short versions are easy to perform C it is hard to find long versions D they can make more people come to opera Answer: D. they can make more people come to opera Mary and Peter were having a picnic with some friends near a river when Mary shouted,"Look!That's a spaceship up there and it's going to land here." Frightened by the strange spaceship,all the young people got into their cars and drove away as quickly as possible except Peter and Mary. They were more curious than frightened. They watched the spaceship land and saw a door open,but nobody came out,so they went to look into it. In the center of the floor,there was a lot of food. Peter followed Mary into the spaceship and did not hear the door close behind him. The temperature fell in no time and very soon the two young people didn't know anything. When they came to themselves,they were surprised to see that the spaceship disappeared, their car was near them. "What happened?"asked Mary. Peter scratched his head,saying slowly,"Don't ask me. Perhaps we had a problem. Come on. It's time to go home." After driving about fifty meters,they found a thick wall made of something like glass stood in their way. On the other side of the wall,a few strange aliens were looking through the wall and reading a notice,it said,"New comers at the zoo: a pair of earth villagers with their _ ." Which of the following is TRUE? A Peter saw the spaceship first. B The spaceship landed on the river. C All the young people went for the picnic by car. D When Peter went into the spaceship,Mary followed him. Answer: C. All the young people went for the picnic by car. Hi! My name's Frank. Look! This is my schoolbag. It's black and red. My pens, my ruler and my books are in it. I have 2 pens, they are blue. My ruler is yellow and white. My books are purple and brown. Look! What's this? It's a map. It's red, yellow and green. I like them very much. _ are blue. A My books B My schoolbag C My pens D My ruler Answer: C. My pens Which object in our solar system reflects light and is a satellite that orbits around one planet? A Earth B Mercury C the Sun D the Moon Answer: D. the Moon
Like lots of small-business owners, Lola Gonzalez had to decide to cut down her company's nine-person staff when the economic recovery began to fail last spring. Unlike other companies, she picked an unlikely employee to lay off : herself. Her business began to have problems in 2008 after going through her books One day, her husband, Marcos, told her she had to reduce her payroll by one person. Gonzalez said at a meeting, "I want you all to know that I have to lay somebody off and it's been a very difficult decision. And that person is me." Employees first froze in amazement and then burst into laughter until they realized she was serious. Gonzalez 's employees said they were grateful for her kindness. Her reason was simple. Although she ran the business and her employees did the legwork , she thought she could find work more easily than her staff. Sure enough, she soon got a job as a social worker for a non-profit organization called Devereux Kids. She enjoys her social-worker job now, but the salary cut has required some lifestyle changes. She and Marcos no longer eat out daily; they no longer pay for their son's car and mobile phone, and they changed their car to a smaller one to save $300 a month. Her business has picked up a bit recently and Marcos has begun to work part-time at Gonzalez's company. Gonzalez says she has no plan to return to work at her company until the economic situation becomes better, perhaps in a year. Her employees, however, will get Christmas bonuses this year. From the text, we can learn that _ . A Gonzalez will not return to her company in future B Gonzalez's business has improved a little lately C Gonzalez got her social-worker job with great difficulty D Marcos lost his job and had to work at Gonzalez's company Answer: B. Gonzalez's business has improved a little lately A student waiting for class to be over, in the last minute until the bell rings A watches a UFO B works at factories C counts down portions D sleeps at home Answer: C. counts down portions When the body needs to rid itself of potentially toxic elements within it, what process is utilized? A process of purging B process of circulation C process of respiration D process of cooking Answer: A. process of purging Reading for pleasure is the easiest way to become a better reader in English. It is also the most important way. Some students say they don't want to read for pleasure. They say they want to use their time to learn the rules of the language and new words. They say that pleasure reading is too busy. Many experts say pleasure reading is very important for learning English. Dr Stephen Krashen, a famous expert on learning languages, says that pleasure reading helps you learn many important things about English. Students learn more grammar and more words when they read for pleasure. They also learn more about good writing. Dr Krashen tells us that pleasure reading helps each student in a different way. Each student needs to learn something different. Pleasure reading makes it possible for each student to learn what he or she needs. Reading for pleasure is not the same as studying. When you read for pleasure, you choose your own books, and you don't have to remember everything. There are no tests on your pleasure reading books. Pleasure reading will help you: learn how English speakers use English read faster in English find examples of good writing in English learn new words *learn about the culture of English speakers The passage is mainly about _ . A pleasure reading in a different way B pleasure reading in the same way C pleasure reading in an easy way D pleasure reading in an important way Answer: D. pleasure reading in an important way Many people like animals.Now a lot of people have animals as pets .Usually people like to have dogs,cats,fish and other animals.Many young people have animals because they think these animals are interesting.Some old people have pets because they don't live with their children. Morris lives in No.25 Garden Street.He is a doctor,but he helps dogs.People usually call him The Dog Doctor.When their dogs get sick ,they call him on the telephone.He goes to the people's houses and helps them.He gives the dogs the right medicine .Wherever he goes,he is always welcome. Where does Morris live? A In a hospital. B In a city. C In a garden. D In No.25 Garden Street. Answer: D. In No.25 Garden Street.
A number of scientific studies have suggested that repeatedly heading a football could increase the risk of developing dementia in later life. In 2002, former England international footballer Jeff Astle died aged 59. A coroner said that Astle died from a brain disease likely to have been caused by "repeated small damages to the brain" related to heading a heavy leather football. Dr. Scott Delaney, research director of emergency medicine at McGill University Health Center in Montreal, Canada, has also researched soccer-related head injury and agrees that head-to-head or elbow-to-head blows are the real risk. In 2007, Delaney carried out a study on footballers aged between 12 and 17 that showed they were half as likely to be concussed wearing headgear than without. He said youngsters have a higher risk of head injury than adults because their heads are thinner and less able to absorb shock. To make matters worse, their neck muscles aren't as well developed and they often lack the correct heading technique that can help throw away the force of the ball. Delaney recommends that children wear headgear when playing football and says his two eldest children wear head protection playing the sport. But he admits that children can be unwilling to be the first to wear head protection--especially when their football heroes play without it. While headgear can protect footballers from being concussed during a match, no one knows the long-term effects of repeated "sub-concussive" blows to the head. Delaney says that while there is indirect evidence that a career in soccer can lead to dementia, no one has yet found a sure link between the two. He says proving a link would mean monitoring hundreds of footballers for three or four decades--and that would take a lot of funding. Which might be the best title of the passage? Answer: Playing football may lead to brain damage. Cars are an important part of life in the United States. Without a car most people feel that they are poor. And even if a person is poor , he doesn't feel really poor when he has a car. Henry Ford was the man who first started making cars in large numbers. He probably didn't know how much the car was going to change American culture. The car made the United States a nation on wheels. And it helped make the United States what it is today. There are three main reasons why the car became so popular in the United States. First of all, the country is a big one and Americans like to move around it. The car makes the travel the most comfortable and cheapest. With a car people can go to any place without spending a lot of money. The second reason cars are popular is the fact that the United States never really developed a practical and cheap public travel system. Long distance trains have never been as common in the United States as they are in other parts of the world. Now there is a good system of air-service provided by planes. But it is too expensive to be used often. The third reason is the most important one, though. The American spirit of independence is what really made cars popular. Americans don't like waiting for a bus, or a train or even a plane. They don't like to have to follow an exact timetable. A car gives them the freedom to plan their own time. And this is the freedom that Americans want most to have. Less oil has caused a big problem for Americans. But the answer will not be a bigger system of public transportation. The real answer will have to be a new kind of car, one that does not use so much oil. Which of the following statements is TRUE? Answer: An American will feel poor unless he has a car. "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." You probably heard those lines in grammar school, but do you really agree that harsh or negative words do not harm us? Words have power. Surely we all have had our feelings hurt by something someone said. We may not say words to hurt others, but the way we interpret them and how we say them may cause great harm. Here's an example An ancient king dreamed all his teeth had fallen out. He sent for a wise man to explain his dream to him the dream means that all your relatives will die and you will be left alone! The king was very angry and threw the interpreter into prison. He then sent for another interpreter who said, "Congratulations! King! You will live many more years. In fact, you will survive all your relatives. Long Live the King!" Both interpreters gave the same interpretation, but there was a huge difference in the way they said it. Our speech must be understood by those who hear our words, but the way we say things and the intention behind them have as much power as the words themselves. Words can cause anger or appreciation. Which would you rather receive? People who say harsh and negative things may not mean to harm, but have you ever known anyone who is a _ ? They often look at the dark sides of things. They always see the glass as half empty rather than half full. How do you feel when you are around this type of person? Remember words have power. Use them wisely. The passage mainly talks about _ . Answer: the power of words Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, was not very handsome, and he knew he was not. One day, Lincoln was walking on the road when he was stopped by an ugly man .The man had a gun in his hand. He took aim at Lincoln's nose. Lincoln was very surprised, but he pretended not to be afraid. He asked the man, "What do you want, sir?""I've promised myself," said the man, "if I find a man who is uglier than I, I'll kill him." Then Lincoln looked at the man's face carefully and then said, "Please take aim at me, sir. If I were uglier than you are, I would not want to live." The man looked at Lincoln again, after a minute, he said, "You are right!" And he went away. The man wanted to kill Lincoln because he _ . Answer: wanted to be the ugliest man Have you ever heard of Back-to-Front Day? It is a festival in Britain. On that day, the adults have to go to school. And the children? They are the policemen and firemen; they sit in the offices and call New York and Paris; they are doctors and nurses. "Stand in the corner, Mr. Bass!" said Mary. Mary was six and had a class of twenty-three men and fifteen women. They were making too much noise. John was a policeman. Though his uniform was too big, he walked down the street with pride. "Hm, why are you not at school?" "Oh, I ... I have something important to do," said the man. "Fiddlesticks !" said John angrily. He took out his notebook. "Name?" he asked. "Mr. Green." John wrote it down and blew his whistle and a police car appeared. "I have a _ here," said John. "Drive him to school!" At the hospital a small doctor climbed on one chair in order to examine Mrs. Brown's throat, and Nurse Jenny took Granny Lisa's temperature. The best part of Back-to-Front Day is in the evening. The children put the adults to bed, very early. They tell them a story, too -- after the adults wash their faces and brush their teeth. How interesting Back-to-Front Day is! The adults have to _ on Back-to-Front Day. Answer: go to school
Kate is an English girl. She lives in a tall building in the city of London. There are sixteen floors in the building, and she lives on the tenth floor. She uses a lift to go up and down. Kate studies in a middle school near her house and she works hard. She goes to school early. Every day she leaves her home at half past six. She walks to the lift, and it takes her down to the first floor. There is a bus stop near the building. Usually she takes No.7 bus to her school, but sometimes she goes on foot. It is only four kilometers to her school from the building. She gets to school at about seven twenty. Classes begin at eight. She goes to play games at three forty. She gets home at a quarter past five. She begins to do her homework at eight and finishes it at half past nine. She goes to school _ . Of all the areas of learning the most important is the development of attitudes. Emotional reactions as well as logical thought processes affect the behavior of most people. "The burnt child fears the fire" is one instance; another is the rise of figures like Hitler. Both these examples point up the fact that attitudes come from experience. In the one case the experience was direct and impressive; in the other it was indirect and gradual. The classroom teacher in the elementary school is in strategic position to influence attitudes. This is true partly because children acquire attitudes from those adults whose word they respect. Another reason it is true is that pupils often search somewhat deeply into a subject in school that has only been touched upon at home or has possibly never occurred to them before. To a child who has previously acquire little knowledge of Mexico, his teacher's method of handling such a unit would greatly affect his attitude toward Mexicans. The teacher can develop proper attitudes through social studies, science matters, the very atmosphere of the classroom, etc. However, when children come to school with undesirable attitudes, it is unwise to attempt to change their feelings by criticizing them. The teacher can achieve the proper effect by helping them obtain constructive experience. To illustrate, first-grade pupils, afraid of policemen will probably change their attitudes after a classroom talk with the neighborhood officer in which he explains how he protects them. In the same way, a class of older children can develop attitudes through discussion, research, outside reading and all-day trips. Finally, a teacher must constantly evaluate her own attitudes, because her influence can be harmful she has personal prejudices. This is especially true in respect to controversial issues and questions of which children should be encouraged to reach their own decisions as result of objective analysis of all the facts. Through which of the following factor a teacher CANNOT develop proper attitudes of students? I was fortunate to begin my day camp career at Ramaquois as a four-year-old in 1984. I can clearly remember my first bus ride to camp, sitting next to my older sister. Stepping out of the bus, and into a new, strange world, there was no way I could comprehend how important that moment was for me. Ramaquois would become my summer home until this day. My first summer at day camp was definitely a new experience for me. I had never had a "bunk " or a "cubby " before. My counselors sort of reminded me of my pre-school teachers, but they were...different somehow... I didn't usually enjoy new things and I was slow to warm up to camp. From what my parents tell me, my counselors were very patient with me. When I needed a friend, a counselor was there. When I needed words of encouragement, they got into conversation with me. When I was too shy to ask, they offered help. I don't remember the specific moment when things changed, but I know that at some point that summer, things just became different. I couldn't wait for the bus to arrive in the morning. I feared the weekends. And on the last day of camp, I cried--just like the first day. I was attracted. Ramaquois was a part of my life. I spent 11 summers as a camper at Ramaquois. I had no idea that those summers were just the beginning. I remained at camp for seven years as a counselor, five years a division leader and now I am lucky enough to be an assistant director working with the most unique and talented administrative team in the summer camp industry. I am one of the lucky people that truly enjoys going to work each and every day. Why did the author cry on the last day of camp? Your weight has been important since the moment you were born. Maybe you even know what your birth weight was. Most newborns weigh between 6 and 9 pounds, but some may weigh more and some less. But very quickly, a baby gains weight and everyone is glad about that because it means the child is growing bigger and stronger. As you get older, your weight is still important. It's something your parents and doctor will probably keep an eye on. When you go for a checkup, the doctor often will record your height and weight and compare it with what it was the last time you came in. The doctor wants to check whether you have a healthy weight because weighing too much or too little can be a problem. But these days, being overweight is more common than being underweight. In the last 30 years, a growing number of kids and teenagers have developed weight problems. Today, 1 out of 3 kids and teens between the ages of 2 and 19 are overweight. Many grown-ups understand what it's like to have weight problems, since 2 out of every 3 adults are overweight..wfsqzkss. For kids and adults, weighing too much can lead to illnesses and health problems. And a kid who is overweight might be made jokes on or find it hard to keep up with friends on the playground. When people talk about being overweight, they mean that someone has more body fat than is healthy. Everyone has some body fat, but extra fat can influence someone's health and ability to walk, run, and get around, as well as how the person looks and his or her self-respect. Which group has the largest number of people with overweight problems? There is one word you must learn before you visit the USA. That is "Freeze". Remember it has a special meaning besides the usual one. It means "stand still and don't move". Often policemen use it when they are ready to use their guns. If one doesn't obey the order and moves, he or she will be shot to death. One evening in Los Angeles, someone rang the bell of a house. It was a dangerous area at night, so the _ of the house took his gun with him when he answered the door. He opened the door and saw a strange man. But the man turned round and started walking away from the house. The owner cried: "Freeze", but the young man went on walking without obeying the owner's order. The owner thought he was trying to run away, so he shot at the young man and he was killed. Later, police found that the dead man was a Japanese student who was studying in Los Angeles University. He went to visit a friend, but unluckily could not remember the number of the house. When he realized he went to the wrong house he turned round and left. He didn't know much English and so didn't understand the word "Freeze". What a lesson we should get for this! The meaning of the word "owner" here means _ .
Question: Recently,CCTV reporter have asked a simple question, "Are you happy?" The question has caught many interviewees off guard. Even Mo Yan, who recently won a Nobel Prize, answered by saying "I don't know." We should ask "What exactly is happiness? And how do you measure it?". Last year, China's Premier Wen Jiabao told the nation, "Everything we do is aimed at letting people live more happily." At last year's National People's Congress , officials agreed that increasing happiness would be a top target for the 12thfive-year plan. Many argue that happiness is _ . It also means different things to different people. For some, happiness can be as simple as having enough money to buy a new bicycle; for others, it's about socializing or finding the perfect spouse . Chen Shangyuan, 21, a college student, said his idea of happiness always evolves . "At present it relates to how productive I am in a day", he said. "It might be linked to job security or leisure time after I graduate." What did Mo Yan say when he was asked the question "Are you happy?" A. Yes, I am very happy. B. No, I am not happy. C. It depends on the weather. D. I don't know Answer: D. I don't know Question: Did you know that there are actually people who have paid for a flight to the moon? In the future, there will be a lot more opportunities to travel to faraway places than now... perhaps even as far as the moon. As people adventure further and further away and as planes, trains, cars, and rocket ships become faster, is it safer to have these vehicles controlled by humans or by computers? While many flights by plane are controlled automatically by machines, most people today wouldn't let their car drive itself. That's because currently the autopilot function on your car can only keep it on the same course you are travelling on. It won't turn the car right or left. It won't stop if an animal jumps in the way. However, cars today can sense when something is too close and warn the driver with flashing lights and alarms. Many cars also have GPS(global positioning systems) that tell drivers which road to take and when to turn. These systems, unlike human drivers, never get lost. In the future, it is easy to believe that your car will be better able to drive itself with the aid of computers that can determine the position of your car and the speed it should travel at. In addition to computers being 'smarter' than people regarding the best way to go or knowing how close another vehicle is, computers don't get sick, tired, or angry. This means they won't make the same mistakes that people make when they are not having a good day. While responding with emotion is a good thing when choosing the best way to deal with a friend's personal problem, it may not be such a good thing when deciding what to do at the wheel of a fast-moving vehicle. So what are the disadvantages of autopilot systems? Maybe one disadvantage is that a small computer problem could cause a serious accident. It could also be argued that in unexpected situations, computers might not be able to respond appropriately; some decisions require human emotions. Another problem might be that if everything were controlled by computers or robots, people wouldn't have any jobs. If some falling rocks roll down toward your car, the autopilot on your car will _ . A. inform you of the danger B. turn the car right or left C. do nothing about it D. stop the car Answer: A. inform you of the danger Question: When will a plant be considered a weed? Experts have a simple answer: when the undesirable qualities outweigh (,) the good qualities. Crops generally produce several hundred seeds from each plant. By comparison, each weed plant can produce tens or even hundreds of thousands of seeds. And some buried seeds can survive up to forty years or even longer. Eradicating weeds means that you have to remove all the seeds and roots so the weeds will die completely. But birds or the wind can reintroduce them to the land. A common way to deal with weeds is to control them enough so that the land can be used for planting. Experts suggest using more methods to deal with weeds. Chemical weed killers or natural treatments like corn gluten can suppress weed growth. Bill Curran is a professor of weed science. He says the most efficient method for suppressing weeds is dense planting. Dense planting of a crop can also act as a natural control. A dense and competitive crop that quickly shades the soil will help suppress many weeds. The weed seeds need light to grow, so cutting off sunlight will reduce weed growth. Other controls include turning over the soil, pulling the weeds or covering them with mulch made of wood, garden waste or other materials. But even mulch has its limits. Natural resource specialists point out that weeds can be transported in mulch. This is also true of soil, grain, hay and animals. Yet animals like sheep or goats eat weeds, so they can provide a biological control. Insects and other organisms can also act as biological controls. Preventing the spread of weeds is an important part of weed management. Farm vehicles should be kept out of areas with weeds. If that is not possible, then clean off the equipment and your shoes when leaving. Some people bum weeds or bury them deep. Experts say the economical way is to make organically rich compost . On the one hand, the process produces heat which can kill many weed seeds. On the other hand, the compost can be added to the soil to help plants grow. Why do people kill all the seeds and roots of weeds? A. Because the seeds and roots are bad in quality. B. Because weeds have strong ability to live. C. Because weeds take up too much space. D. Because the seeds and roots will be eaten by birds. Answer: B. Because weeds have strong ability to live. Question: In communities north of prefix = st1 /Denver, residents are pitching in to help teachers and administrators as the Vrain school District tries to solve a $13.8 million budget shortage blamed on mismanagement . " We're worried about out teachers and principals, and we really don't want to lose them because of this," one parent said," If we can help ease their financial burden, we will." Teachers are grateful, but know it may be years before the district is solvent . They feel really good about the parent support, but they realize it's impossible for them to solve this problem. The 22,000-student district discovered the shortage last month. " It's extraordinary. Nobody would have imagined something happening like this at this level," said State Treasurer Mike Coffman. Coffman and district officials last week agreed on a state emergency plan freeing up a $ 9.8 million loan that enabled the payroll to be met for 2,700 teachers and staff in time for the holidays. District officials also took $ 1.7 million from student -activity accounts of its 38 schools. At Coffman's request, the District Attorney has begun investigating the district's finances. Coffman says he wants to know whether district officials hid the budget shortage until after the November election, when voters approved a $ 212 million bond issue for schools. In Frederick, students' parents are buying classroom supplies and offering to pay for groceries and utilities to keep first-year teachers and principals in their jobs. Some $ 36,000 has been raised in donations from Safeway. A Chevrolet dealership donated $ 10,000 and forgave the district's $ 10,750 bill for renting the driver educating cars. IBM contributed 4,500 packs of paper. " We employ thousands of people in this community," said Mitch Carson, a hospital chief executive, who helped raise funds." We have children in the school, and we see how they could be affected." At Creek High School, three students started a website that displays newspaper articles, district information and an email forum ." Rumors about what's happening to the district are moving at lighting speed," said a student, " We wanted to know the truth, and spread that around instead." How did the residents in the VrainSchool Districtrespond to the budget shortage? A. They felt somewhat helpless about it. B. They accused those responsible for it C. They pooled their efforts to help solve it. D. They demanded a thorough investigation Answer: C. They pooled their efforts to help solve it. Question: You can tell a lot about a person from the clothes they wear, but you can also tell a lot about a person simply from the handbags they carry. It's hard to believe, but you can find out a number of things about a woman's personality just by looking at the type of handbag she carries. Below you will find a number of handbag styles and colors as well as what each specific type of handbag says about the owner. Styles: Under-the Shoulder - handbags which are smaller and fit tightly underneath the shoulder indicate class and sophistication. A women working in an upscale office or someone of high status would choose this form of handbag. Big and Bulky - Big, bulky and oversized bags are casual and are often associated with younger individuals. These are used for individuals who carry a number of things (binders, books etc) and require a lot of space. Down-to-earth, lower-maintenance women would carry this type of handbag. Designer - Designer handbags often cost an arm and a leg and therefore are usually associated with high-maintenance females. Females who are confident and require top of the line accessories will settle for nothing less than a name-brand designer purse. Guys watch out for these girls, they tend to be a handful. Cigar Box Purses - A women who carries a cigar box purse likes to be unique and stand out from the crowd. These women have minds of their own and cannot be told what to do. They are comfortable in their own skin and tend to be very independent. Leather with Buckles and Zippers - women who choose leather purses with lots of buckles and zippers are leashing out their wild sides. These women tend to act before they think and are always ready for a good time. The extra buckles and zippers tend to signify a "bad girl" image. Colors: Bright Colors - Bright colored handbags like pink, purple, bright blue and green indicate that the woman is fun, friendly and approachable. Women who are out-going and sociable will tend to choose these colors. This is the type of woman who will strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. Black and Brown - women who choose black or brown handbags tend to be more formal in manners and are often mistaken as being snobby or restricted. These types of handbags are often associated with down-to-earth women, who are shy at first, but open up after a while. They tend to exude a shy confidence, which is sometimes mistaken as someone who thinks she's better than others. The style and color of your handbag says a lot about you. Choose your handbag very carefully and remember you can choose more than one style. You may feel like being reserved one day and the center of attention another...it's natural to want different things in life. A woman who carries a cigar box purse likes to _ . A. follow others' steps B. live a simple life C. act to their own mind D. work with Answer: C. act to their own mind
Question: Treasure Island isn't a true story, _ armed to the teeth and ready to go treasure hunting. But you will find, as you read this book, that although pirates can be murderous and treacherous ,they can also be cowardly, superstitious, and easily led. As it turns out, that is fortunate for Jim Hawkins. It's a brilliant story. Billy Bones, a retired seaman, comes to live at the Admiral Benbow inn. Jim is just a boy, but he can see that Billy Bones is a nervous man, always on the look-out for strangers arriving at the inn. And well he might be nervous, because he carries with him in his battered old sea-chest a map drawn by Captain Flint himself giving the whereabouts of all Flint's buried treasure! Captain Flint! -the most feared pirate ever to travel the high seas. Well,Flint is dead, but there are plenty of men who served with Captain Flint still alive who will feel they have a fair claim to the treasure. The map, though, ends up in the possession of Jim Hawkins---(it's a near thing, read the book to see how that happens) Jim tells the secret in the local doctor, who quickly joins forces to acquire a ship and crew to sail for Treasure Island There's a famous scene where Jim, hiding in the apple barrel on deck, discovers that mutiny is planned. It's a bad moment. The numbers suggest that the pirates are going to have it all their own way. There are nineteen mutineers and seven honest men, including Jim. And now, you will have to read the book for yourself. This is a fantastic tale of cheat, bravery and cowardice. I don't know how things would have turned out if it hadn't been for Jim Hawkins. For it is Jim who single-handedly steals the Hispaniola from under the very noses of the pirates and sails her round the island to a secret beaching place. And do you know what happens to Long John Silver, the greatest double-crosser of them all? No? Well, don't expect me to tell you. Don't be nervous of reading a 'classic'. I know it was published a long time ago, but that doesn't mean it is difficult to read. There is one piece of advice I will give, though. I don't think this book is ever out of print---there are hundreds of different copies around. If you can, choose a copy with large enough print to be able to read comfortably, and exciting illustrations. It makes all the difference. Go ahead! Read the book. I think you'll love it. How many characters are mentioned in this passage? A. 3 B. 4 C. 2 D. 5 Answer: D. 5 Question: The largest body in our solar system is A. Earth. B. the Sun. C. Jupiter. D. the Moon. Answer: B. the Sun. Question: Christmas in Australia is often very hot. Whereas the northern hemisphere is in the middle of winter, Australians are baking in summer heat. It is not unusual to have Christmas Day well into the mid 30 degrees Celsius, or near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A traditional meal includes a turkey dinner, with ham, and pork. A flaming Christmas plum pudding is added for dessert. In the Australian gold rushes, Christmas puddings often contained a gold nugget. Today a small favor is baked inside. Whoever finds this knows s/he will enjoy good luck. Another treat is Mince Pies. Some Australians and particularly tourists often have their Christmas dinner at midday on a local beach, Bondi Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs attracts thousands of people on Christmas Day. Other families enjoy their day by having a picnic. If they are at home, the day is punctuated by swimming in a pool, playing Cricket out the backyard, and other outdoor activities. The warm weather allows Australians to enjoy a tradition which started in 1937. Carols by Candlelight is held every year on Christmas Eve, where tens of thousands of people gather in the city of Melbourne to sing their favorite Christmas songs. The evening is lit by as many candles singing under a clean cut night sky. The sky with its Southern Cross stars is like a mirror. Sydney and the other capital cities also enjoy Carols in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Australians surround themselves with Christmas Bush, a native plant which has little red flowered leaves. It is usual to have a hot Christmas in Australia because _ . A. the country is in the Northern Hemisphere B. people go shopping in shorts and T-shirts C. the festival is not in winter but in summer D. Santa Claus is on a surfboard at many beaches Answer: C. the festival is not in winter but in summer Question: One day an old man is selling an elephant. A young man comes to the elephant and begins to look at it slowly . The old man goes up to him and says in his ear, " Don't say anything about the elephant before I sell it, then I'll give you some meat." "All right," says the young man. After the old man sells the elephant, he gives the young man some meat and says, " Now, can you tell me how you find the bad ears of the elephant?" " I didn' t find the bad ears," says the young man. "Then why do you look at the elephant slowly?" asks the old man. The young man answers, "Because I never see an elephant before , and I want to know what it looks like." The young man looks at the elephant. He wants to find _ . A. bad ears B. some meat C. a good elephant D. what it looks like Answer: D. what it looks like Question: Limit the use of private cars, improve public transport and encourage the use of bicycles to control traffic congestion during the 2008 Olympics, experts from foreign countries advised Beijing on Friday. Professor Nigel Wilson, of the civil and environmental engineering department of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said he was "supportive to the limiting of private cars during the Olympic Games", saying that in foreign countries, the method is also adopted during big events, but he was unsure about the approach. The government planned to keep an average of more than one million cars off the roads to improve traffic flow during the Olympics, said Liu Xiaoming, deputy director of the Beijing Traffic Committee, at the China Planning Network First Urban Transportation Congress. Sharing Wilson's view, Dr. Yoshitsugu Hayashi, dean of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies of Nagoya University, believed the reduction in car use should be achieved not by banning, but through _ . "Drivers who don't use their private cars could be given points," he said, "and the points could be exchanged for goods from online shopping." Wetzel stressed limiting the use of company cars. "Governmental officials should also be encouraged to use public transportation or ride bicycles," he said, adding that he himself is a bicycle-rider in London. Matthew Martimo, director of Traffic Engineering with Citilabs, said the bicycle was China's advantage. "Limiting private cars is an idea worth trying but it is just a temporary solution," he said. "The real cause of congestion is high density of people in Beijing and many have cars." Beijing, with a population of 15 million, is home to more than three million automobiles, and the number is rising by 1,000 a day. Professor Wilson said the Olympic Games was a great opportunity for Beijing to think about traffic problems and develop transportation, adding that the city had already been making public transport more efficient. Beijing has promised to stretch its 114-kilometer city railway to 200 kilometers before the opening of the Olympic Games. "We are looking forward to borrowing Beijing's experiences and drawing from its lessons in preparation for the 2012 Olympics," said Wetzel. Why did Wetzel stress " he himself is a bicycle-rider in London"? A. To limit the use of company cars. B. To encourage governmental officials to use public transportation or ride bicycles. C. To show that riding bicycles is good for health. D. To show that he loves riding bicycles. Answer: B. To encourage governmental officials to use public transportation or ride bicycles.
Question: Want to live longer? Win an Oscar. A new study says that actors who received the award earn more than larger paychecks. So when 94-year-old Katharine Hepburn once remarked that she was respected internationally "like an old building", she had no idea that her four Oscars directly influenced her longevity . The study says winning actors will live 3.9 years longer than their losing counterparts . Actors who have won more than once, like Hepburn, live up to six years longer than those who were nominated but never won. "We found that they died from the same things we all die from--cancer, heart disease, but they fought them a bit longer and diseases came a bit later," says Dr. Donald Redelmeier, the leading author of the study. Redelmeier says the sense of success and satisfaction makes one's soul become more full of life. "We are not saying that you will live longer if you win an Oscar," explains Redelmeier, "or that people should go out and take acting courses. Our main conclusion is simply that social factors are important." The study's implied conclusion, he says, is that doctors should ask about their patients' personal feelings because mental well-being is related to physical health. Redelmeier says he got the idea for the study when he watched a glowing Gwyneth Paltrow win an Oscar in 1999 for her role in Shakespeare in Love. Redelmeier says, "She looked more full of life than anyone I had seen." "We found, too, those that had multi-nominations and no win had the same life expectancy as those with just a single nomination and no win," Redelmeier adds. Tom had five Oscar nominations but win no Oscar and Peter had only one nomination and won no Oscar either. We can tell _ . A. Tom probably will have a longer life than Peter. B. Peter probably will have a longer life than Tom C. Both Tom and Peter probably will have the same life expectancy D. Both Tom and Peter probably will have a long life. Answer: C Question: When my father was dying, I traveled a thousand miles from home to be with him in his last days. It was far more heartbreaking than I'd expected, one of the most difficult and painful times in my life. After he passed away I stayed alone in his apartment. There were so many things to deal with. It all seemed endless. I was lonely. I hated the silence of the apartment. But one evening the silence was broken: I heard crying outside. I opened the door to find a little cat on the steps. He was thin and poor. He looked the way I felt. I brought him inside and gave him a can of fish. He ate it and then almost immediately fell sound asleep. The next morning I checked with neighbors and learned that the cat had been abandoned by his owner who's moved out. So the little cat was there all alone, just like I was. As I walked back to the apartment, I tried to figure out what to do with him. Having something else to take care of seemed _ But as soon as I opened the apartment door he came running and jumped into my arms. It was clear from that moment that he had no intention of going anywhere. I started calling him Willis, in honor of my father's best friend. From then on, things grew easier. With Willis in my lap time seemed to pass much more quickly. When the time finally came for me to return home I had to decide what to do about Willis. There was absolutely no way I would leave without him. It's now been five years since my father died. Over the years, several people have commented on how nice it was of me to rescue the cat. But I know that we rescued each other. I may have given him a home but he gave me something greater. What's the best title for the passage? A. A little cat B. A painful experience C. How to take care of animals D. What I got from a little cat Answer: D Question: Dr Frank Mayfield was touring Tewksbury Institute when he met all elderly floor maid .Having known that the elderly woman had worked there for many years,he asked her to tell him about the history of this place. "I don't think I can tell you anything.but I could show you something."She took his hand and led him down to the basement under the oldest section of the building."That's where they used to keep Annie." "Who was Annie?" "Annie was a young girl who was brought in here because nobody could do anything with her.She'd bite and scream and throw her food at people.The doctors and nurses couldn't even examine her.I was only a few years younger than her myself and I used to think.I surely would hate to be locked up like that.I wanted to help her,but I didn't have any idea what I could do.So I just baked her some brownies one night after work.The next day I brought them in.I walked carefully to her cage and I got out of there just as fast as I could because I was afraid she might throw them at me.But she didn't.She actually took the brownies and ate them.After that,she was just a little bit nicer to me when I was around.And sometimes I'd talk to her.Once,I even got her laughing.One of the nurses noticed this and she told the doctor.They asked me if l'd help them with Annie.I said I would if I could.I went into the cage first and explained and calmed her down and held her hand,which is how they discovered that Annie was almost blind." ... When Helen Keller received the Nobel Prize,she was asked who had the greatest impact on her life and she said, "Annie Sullivan." But Annie said,"No Helen.The woman who had the greatest influence on both our lives was a floor maid at the Tewksbury Institute." After the floor maid gave her the brownies,Annie_. A. began to accept the doctors and nurses B. became friendly to her C. threw the food at her D. told her the truth Answer: B Question: A thief entered the bedroom of the 30th President of the United States, who met him and helped him escape punishment. The event happened in the early morning hours in one of the first days when Calvin Coolidge came into power, late in August, 1923.He and his family were living in the same third-floor suite at the Willard Hotel in Washington that they had occupied several years before.The former President's wife was still living in the White House. Coolidge awoke to see a stranger go through his clothes, remove a wallet and a watch chain. Coolidge spoke, "I wish you wouldn't take that." The thief, gaining his voice, said, "Why?" "I don't mean the watch and chain, only the charm .Take it near the window and read what is impressed on its back, " the President said. The thief read, "Presented to Calvin Coolidge." "Are you President Coolidge ? " he asked. The President answered, "Yes, and the House of Representatives gave me that watch charm.I'm fond of it.It would do you no good.You want money.Let's talk this over." Holding up the wallet, the young man said in a low voice, "I'll take this and leave everything else." Coolidge, knowing there was $80 in it, persuaded the young man to sit down and talk.He told the President he and his college roommate had overspent during their holiday and did not have enough money to pay their hotel bill. Coolidge added up the roommate and two rail tickets back to the college.Then he counted out $32 said it was a loan . He then told the young man, "There is a guard in the corridor." The young man nodded and left through the same window as he had entered. What caused the thief to meet the President? A. He knew the President had lots of money. B. He knew the President lived in the suite. C. He wanted to be a rich businessman. D. He wanted to steal some money. Answer: D Question: There are 70,000 pubs in England and Wales have several thousand more in Scotland. Every country has its drinking shop, but none has an institution quite like the British pub. The most important feature of a good pub (which modern buildings hardly ever achieve) is a feeling of something private. It must have nooks and crannies, corners and snugs, where conversations and assignations can take place without the whole world listening in. Most pubs have at least two separate bars. The "public bar" which is for ordinary and women is the basic drinking shop. The "lounge bar" (or saloon bar) which is for traveling salesmen and "ladies" probably has a carpet on the floor and rather more comfortable decoration. There may be a difference of a few pence in the drink prices, although all pubs are required by law to put their price lists easily seen on display. Pubs have been changing over the past few decades. More and more of them sell good, inexpensive food and are competing strongly with restaurants. Tea and coffee are often on offer and children are being made more welcome. The law says that no one under 14 may enter a pub, and between 14 and 18 they must be accompanied by an adult and may not buy or consume alcoholic drink. In reality some pubs, especially in country districts, welcome whole families. Some set aside special rooms for children and where there are gardens they are almost always welcome. The most basic change, however, came about in the 1938 licensing laws which allowed pubs in England and Wales to open not just at lunch time and in the evening, but all day, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Scottish laws already permitted all day opening.) Which of the following can be the best title? A. Pubs' history B. Pubs in Britain C. Changes of pubs D. Features of a good pub Answer: B
Click and shop Do you always go shopping at the supermarket or often forget to buy something? If you do forget something,we believe you never want to go back for it.But with Webshop,our new Internet shopping service,you won't have to.Also avoid standing so long to pay for what you get.Start shopping online now! Eat what you like Do you usually want to avoid eating any spicy food? Do you always regret drinking t oo much fizzy drinks? Well,now it's time for you to hold a chance to change the things.You'd better try taking our Gasgo and begin to feel the difference! 24 hours to success Do you regret not working harder at school? Do you want to improve your languages? With Polyglot's system ,you can learn to speak any language in 24 hours! Try following our system and see how different it is from the rest.Why not make an early start in a class today? You're never too old to surf Do you want to surf the Internet but think you're too old to start learning new skills? If so,why not take a course at Compu Wiz? We promise to make you master a computer whatever your age.Don't forget to call us before July 1st at 2819 0818,and receive a 50% lower price on lessons. You can save 50% of your money if you _ before July 1st. Answer: learn surfing the Internet at Compu Wiz Come out and let us teach you how to skydive today! We are located in Xenia, Ohio and is within a reasonable driving distance of major cities in Ohio. Situated on a private airport, Skydive Greene County offers world-class training. We didn't start skydiving but we are Ohio's oldest skydiving school which opened in 1961! Tandem Skydiving Tandem skydiving is required if this is your first time skydiving. After filling out paperwork and watching a short video, you will be ready to make your skydive. Somewhere around 11,500 feet you will be secured to your tandem instructor. The door will open and you exit the plane. Your freefall with your instructor will last for approximately 40-50 seconds. We can almost guarantee this will be the most exciting minute of your life as you reach the speed of around 120 mph, falling for about two miles back to the earth! Don't forget to have a video taken of your skydive to show all those that didn't think you would jump from an airplane! Static Line Courses Once you have made your tandem skydiving, you can move on to our Static Line Program. The Static Line Jump is the traditional way to learn to skydive. We have classes throughout the year. Every student will be led through the entire day by a licensed instructor. Never does the student feel unattended. Once training is over, students will make their first jump on that very same day! If the weather does not cooperate, you can come back the next day, or we will re-schedule a time to make your skydive. Price $165.00 Tandem skydiving only $175.00 Static Line Course only Invite one of our professional videographers on your skydive: $125.00 DVD with photos Booking To book your tandem skydive or skydiving course, call us at (937) 372-0700. We just ask for a call if you cannot keep your scheduled appointment. And you must be at least 18 years old to make a skydive at SGC. Come to learn with the best and make a skydive today! For further information, please call us at (937) 372-0700 or visit ourwebsite www. greenecounty.com! To book a skydive in SGC, one must _ . Answer: telephone SGC Which process in the water cycle would be accelerated by an increase in temperature? Answer: evaporation When we're little, our mother is the center of our attention, and we are the center of hers. So our mother's characteristics leave an indelible impression, and we are forever after attracted to people with her facial features, body type, personality, even sense of humor. If our mother is warm and giving, as adults we tend to be attracted to people who are warm and giving. If our mother is strong and even-tempered, we are going to be attracted to a fair-minded strength in our mates. The mother has an additional influence on her sons: she not only gives them clues to what they will find attractive in a mate, but also affects how they feel about women in general. So if she is warm and nice, her sons are going to think that's the way women are. They will probably grow up to be warm and responsive lovers and also be cooperative around the house. Conversely, a mother who has a depressive personality, and is sometimes friendly but then suddenly turns cold and rejecting, may raise a man who becomes a "dance-away lover". Because he's been so scared about love from his mother, he's afraid of commitment and may pull away from a girlfriend for this reason. While the mother determines in large part what qualities attract us in a mate, it's the father--the first male in our lives--who influences how we relate to the opposite sex. Fathers have an enormous effect on their children's personalities and chances of marital happiness. Just as mothers influence their son's general feelings toward women, fathers influence their daughter's general feelings about men. If a father _ praise on his daughter and demonstrates that she is a worthwhile person, she'll feel very good about herself in relation to men. But if the father is cold, critical or absent, the daughter will tend to feel she's not very lovable or attractive. In addition, most of us grow up with people of similar social circumstances. We hang around with people in the same town; our friends have about the same educational backgrounds and career goals. We tend to be most comfortable with these people, and therefore we tend to link up with others whose families are often much like our own. What does the passage mainly talk about? Answer: Parents' influence on their children. The 2014 Nobel Prize in Literature went to the French novelist "for the art of memory" with which he has "uncovered the lifeworld of the occupation". Although the 69yearold writer is a very popular literary figure in France, he is little known elsewhere. So who is this Patrick Modiano, why does his memory have such an influence upon him, and what exactly has he uncovered? Modiano was born in a suburb of Paris right after World War IIended in Europe in July 1945.His father was a JewishItalian businessman who met his Belgian actress mother during the Nazi occupation of Paris. As The New Yorker magazine put it, Europeans born in 1945 share a condition--They escaped the war, but "not the taint of the war". Modiano's life has been influenced by Nazi Germany's occupation during the war, and his family's connections to it.According to New Yorkbased newspaper Forward, his father survived the war dishonorably.When Paris' Jews were brought together to be sent to concentration camps, the businessman did not join them but spent the time making money from deals with Nazis on the black market. "The novelist has a duty to record the lives of the people who have disappeared, the people who were made to disappear," French writer Clemence Boulouque, also an expert in Jewish studies, told The New Yorker magazine. In his more than three dozen novels, Modiano has returned again and again to the same themes:Jewishness, the Nazi occupation, and loss of identity.His characters collect pieces of old evidence, handwriting, photographs, police files, and newspaper cuttings. His most admired novel,Missing Person, is a good example.It's the story about a detective who has lost his memory.He tries to find out who he really is by following his own steps through history. Although Modiano's win is a surprise outside France, people are celebrating in his home country.Modiano is the 15th French literature winner.After Le Clezio's 2008 win, it seemed unlikely that there would be another so soon. The passage is mainly about _ . Answer: a Nobel Prize winner and his literary achievement
Garden of small inventions Visitors of all ages are invited to Port Discovery to see the new exhibit--a garden of small inventions, which features interactive activities and gadgets(,,) for the environmental protection. The exhibit runs through Sept.4. Fee is $10.75; free for ages younger than two. Contact 410-727-8120 or portdiscovery.org. Rain-barrel workshop The Parks and People Foundation presents a workshop on building water-efficient rain barrels for the home between 6pm-8pm on Wednesday at the foundation's Stieff Silver Building. Cost is $50 and includes the barrel and all materials. Contact 410-448-5663, ext.109. Pruning plants Visitors can attend a workshop on pruning plants between 9:30am-10am on Tuesday at Ladew Topiary Gardens. Visitors should meet in the Visitors Center at Ladew, Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton. $10; free for Ladew members, and includes admission to the gardens and the nature walk. Contact 410-557-9570 or www.ladewgardens.com. Landscape exhibit Photographs, paintings and drawings will be shown at Landscape and Nature--a view from Maryland, through Sept.9 at the University of Maryland. Opening reception is between 5pm-7:30pm on Tuesday. Contact 301-985-7937 or um.edu/art. You will call _ to get information about learning something about art. A. 410-727-8120 B. 410-448-5663 C. 410-557-9570 D. 301-985-7937 Answer: D. 301-985-7937 In the United States, when one becomes rich, he wants people to know it. And even if he does not become very rich, he wants people to think that he is. That is what "keeping up with the Joneses" is about. It is the story of someone who tried to look as rich as his neighbors. The expression was first used in 1913 by a young American called Arthur Momand. He told this story about himself. He began eaming $ 125 a week at the age of 23. That was a lot of money in those days.He got married and moved with his wife to a verywealthy neighborhood outside New York City. When he saw that rich people rode horses, Momand went horseback riding every day. When he saw that rich people had servants, Momand and his wife also hired a servant and gave big parties for their new neighbors. It was like a race, but one could never finish his race because one was always trying to keep up. The race ended for Momand and his wife when they could no longer pay for their new way of life. They moved back to an apartment in New York City. Momand looked around him and noticed that many people do things just to keep up with rich lifestyle of their neighbors. He saw the funny side of it and started to write a series of short stories. He called it " Keeping up with the Joneses" because "Jones" is a very common name in the United States. " Keeping up with the Joneses" came to mean keeping up with rich lifestyle of the people around you. Momand's series appeared in different newspapers across the country for over 28 years. People never seem to get tired of keeping up with the Joneses. And there are "Joneses" in every city of the world. But one must get tired of trying to keep up with the Joneses because no matter what one does, Mr. Jones always seems to be ahead. Some people want to keep up with the Joneses because they _ . A. want to be as rich as their neighbors B. want others to know or to think that they are rich C. don't want others to know they are rich D. want to be happy Answer: B. want others to know or to think that they are rich I entered a university after years of hard study. I thought my life would be full of happiness and knowledge. But my life in the university is not as what I had expected. Then I became lazy and silent, even puzzled . I don't know what my future would be like. Four years in the university is only a short period. And a half of it has passed already. This year, many people, such as my parents and my friends, asked me what I wanted to do and they all told me to make a plan for my life with their thought. I don't want to take their advice. I want my own style. So I think carefully. I have been a young volunteer for five years. It has been a happy time and it is a big thing for me. Then I have a dream to join the University Student Volunteer Go West Program. I think I can be a teacher in the west. I would like to devote my life to helping the children there. I want to make the world a better place for them. To make it come true, I will work harder in the next two years. There is an old saying "Where there is a will, there is a way". I think my dream will come true in the near future. At last, I want to say to everybody, "Try your best to realize your dreams, no matter how big or small they are. The path to dream may not be smooth and wide. Even there are some difficulties you will face. But hold on to the end, you can find there is no greater happiness than making our dream come true." What is the writer? A. A teacher. B. A doctor. C. A college student. D. A reporter. Answer: C. A college student. If you haven't heard of the expression, you must have been living _ for the past year, because "the world is big, and I owe it a visit" was all over the Internet last year. This expression was chosen as one of 2015's "popular cyber phrases" in China. When a year comes to an end, many institutions, including the National Language Resources Monitoring and Research Center, People's Daily Online and CCTV, put together their lists of the Internet's most used words and phrases. Most of the selected words and phrases may seem funny and playful, but they can show lifestyle changes. The term "duoshoudang" meaning shopping addicts is a good example. The past year saw record-high online shopping sales in China, the world's largest e-commerce market. In fact, according to Xinhua, e-commerce is "a new engine" for China's economic development. Meanwhile, although phrases like "xiasibaobaole" meaning "you scared the pants off me"may be a fun expression, they reflect the desire for attention now that social networking sites and apps such as weibo and WeChat have become part of people's lives. "People now have a need to express emotion in bite-size, 140-character bits," wrote The New York Times. Here, Teens has picked some phrases from last year's popular "cyber words" lists. Did you use them often? The world is big, and I owe it a visit. Seeing more of the world has become a hot topic for Chinese people in recent years. But never before had someone used it as an excuse to quit a job until Gu Shaoqiang did. The 35-year-old middle school teacher in Henan province struck a chord with the nation by posting her 10-word resignation letter: "The world is big, and I owe it a visit." The letter's simplicity, honesty and bravery are what made it one of 2015's top catchphrases , wrote Zhang Shixuan, a commentator for People's Daily. A pretty face can feed you, yet you choose to make a living off your talent. Comedian Jia Ling is well known for her funny performances as well as her plump figure. So it came as a great surprise when a photo of her surfaced online, showing how slim and pretty she was in her younger years. In response, true to her humorous nature, Jia wrote this on Sina Weibo: "My story shows that I could totally have lived on my pretty face, yet I chose to rely on my talent." Since then, the words have become popular when describing good-looking people who are still hardworking. Other popular "cyber words" include "it's your charm that matters", "important things should be stressed three times", "makers" , "memeda", a phrase to show cuteness and affection and "xiaoxianrou" referring to young and pretty men. Which is the most popular network buzzword of 2015? A. It scared me to death. B. It's your charm that matters. C. Important things should be stressed three times. D. It is not mentioned in the passage. Answer: D. It is not mentioned in the passage. If you remember taking class notes in longhand , there's a good chance you also remember more about a variety of topics than today's students do. A study investigated whether taking notes by hand helps you learn better than taking notes on a laptop. It was no contest. Study authors and psychologists Pam A. Mueller of Princeton University and Daniel M. Oppenheimer of the University of California- Los Angeles conducted three separate experiments involving a total of 327 students. All students got the same lectures, but some used laptops, and others took notes by hand. When it came to learning the concepts, the handwriters won. When it came to retrieving facts, the groups were comparable, except when given time to go home and look at their notes, at which point the handwriters did better. "Even when allowed to reviewnotes after a week's delay, participants who had taken notes with laptops performed worse on tests of both factual content and conceptual understanding," the study states. Learning suffered not because of "multitasking" or the distraction available to students using Wi-Fi- enabled laptops. In the lab, scientists allowed no extraneous activity. Students who paid attention and took deep notes on their laptop still didn't learn as well--in fact, the study suggests the thoroughness of their notes contributes to the problem. Laptop users tend to record long, _ quotes, which they type mindlessly. Handwriters are more selective. They "wrote significantly fewer words than those who typed," according to the study. By processing and selecting the more important information, they studied more efficiently, said researchers. Here's what's a bit frightening: When the laptop students were instructed to cut down or eliminate the verbatim note taking, they couldn't. The study adds to a ton of evidence that for learning, writing is better and that the hand has a "unique relationship with the brain when it comes to composing thoughts and ideas." Of course, the chance of persuading students to put away their laptops is probably zero. Many of them can't write longhand, a forgotten subject in many American schools, itself a source of controversy. So are we stuck with traditional classrooms and learning techniques if we want the brightest pupils? Perhaps not: Another possibility, some have suggested, is apps that permit handwriting on tablets, a compromise that students might accept. The passage is most likely to be taken from _ . A. National Geography B. The Economist C. Psychological Science D. Wall Street Journal Answer: C. Psychological Science
Laura is at the airport. She waits for her plane.Her plane is to Berlin,and it is 4 hours away.Laura walks around the shops. After an hour she wants to go to the bathroom.But she doesn't find it."Where is the bathroom?"she says.She starts asking other people.Laura says to a man,"Excuse me,sir,could you please tell me where the bathroom is?"The man says,"You mean the restroom,right?"Laura says,"No,I mean the bathroom.""Well,the restroom is over there."He says and walks away. Laura doesn't understand .She asks a woman,"Excuse me,madam,could you please tell me where the bathroom is?""The restroom is over there,"the lady answers andwalks away. Laura is _ ."What's wrong? I need to use the bathroom and they tell me to rest!" Then Laura gives up .She feels tired and thinks she needs to rest. She walks to the restroom.Now she is surprised.She realizes the restroom is the name for a public bathroom! Laura asks _ where the bathroom is. Answer: Kids don't have to pay bills,cook dinners,or manage car polls .But--just like adults--they have their share of daily demands and things that don't go smoothly.If frustrations and disappointments pile up,kids can get worried. It's natural for all kids to worry at times,and because of personality differences,some may worry more than others.Luckily,parents can help kids manage worry and deal with everyday problems with ease.Kids who can do that develop a sense of confidence and optimism that will help them master life's challenges,big and small. What kids worry about is often related to the age and stage they're at.Kids and preteens typically worry about things like grades,tests,their changing bodies,fitting in with friends,a goal they missed at the soccer game,or whether they'll make the team.They may worry about social troubles like cliques (,),peer pressure,or whether they'll be bullied ,laughed at,or left out.Because they're beginning to feel more a part of the larger world around them,preteens also may worry about world events or issues they hear about on the news or at school.Things like terrorism,war,pollution,global warming,endangered animals,and natural disasters can all become a source of worry. From the passage,we learn that _ . Answer: Kayaking is an activity enjoyed by many people of all ages. It requires little or no experience and nearly anyone of any skill level can participate. It's most popular as a summertime sport, but it is also a great activity during the winter. Kayaking also seems ly friendly to the environment; more so than speed boating or water skiing. Because a kayak doesn't create large or frequent waves, require fuel, or scatter hazards into the air, it is indeed a fairly safe activity for humans and wildlife alike. Kayaking on freshwater lakes and streams creates little turbulence and therefore does not disturb fish or other aquatic life. Actually, the gentle paddling and movement of the kayak helps to bring seaweed to the surface, making for convenient snacking to the fish. However, there is a drawback to the all-you-can-buffet for your fishy friends. In addition to bringing food to the surface, kayaking also stirs up litter that's been hiding beneath the waters. Some aquatic animals will mistake it for food. This could cause the animals to choke on the indigestible litter, leading to death. As hazardous as this sounds, it isn't very likely for such an event to take place. Most litter in lakes and streams is found along the shoreline and settles in the sand and dirt, and isn't likely to drift away to the main body of water. ^ . And because kayaks do not have a motor, fish have no risk of getting caught underneath the boat. One potential hazard that results from kayaking is human waste. This depends solely on where you plan to kayak, and if there are resources available (such as campsites) along the shoreline. When there are no facilities in sight, you're paddling in the middle of a lake, and nature calls, then often you are given no choice but to expel your waste in the middle of the water. While human waste is considered biodegradable, it can be harmful when swallowed by fish. The only preventative measure is to avoid using the water as a restroom. Some public lakes and streams have taken steps to preserve the quality of the water by requiring permits for kayaking. This won't eliminate a human waste problem, but does help regulate entry into the lake and prevent it from becoming overcrowded. As an important factor to remember when kayaking is that you are a guest in someone else's home. You may not be greeted by anyone or be able to kick up your feet and watch TV, but the water is home to many aquatic animals and wildlife. Just as you would not throw trash on the floor or destroy the home of another, you shouldn't do it outdoors either. Keep all trash with you in your kayak and properly dispose of it after you return to shore. By doing your part, you will help doing your part, you will help keep kayaking a safe and enjoyable activity for yourself and the environment. Which of the following statements is True about Kayaking according to the passage? Answer: The day I became a mom was not the day my daughter was born, but seven years later. Up until that day, I had been too busy trying to survive my abusive marriage. I had spent all my energy trying to run a "perfect" home that would pass inspection each evening, and I didn't see that my baby girl had become a toddler. I'd tried endlessly to please someone who could never be pleased and suddenly realized that the years had slipped by and could never return. Oh, I had done the normal "motherly" things, like making sure my daughter got to ballet and gym lessons. I went to all of her recitals and school concerts, parent-teacher conferences and open houses alone. We suffered from my husband's rages when something was spilled at the dinner table, telling her, "It will be okay, Honey. Daddy's not really mad at you." I did all I could to protect her from hearing the awful shouting and complaints after he returned from a night of drinking. Finally I did the best thing I could do for my daughter and myself: I removed us from the home that wasn't really a home at all. That day I became a mom was the day when my daughter and I were sitting in our new home having a calm, quiet dinner just as I had always wanted for her. We were talking about what she had done in school and suddenly her little hand knocked over the full glass of chocolate milk by her plate. As I watched the white tablecloth and freshly painted white wall become dark brown, I looked at her small face. It was filled with fear, knowing what the consequence of the event would have meant only a week before in her father's presence. When I saw that look on her face and looked at the chocolate milk running down the wall, I simply started laughing. I am sure she thought I was crazy, but then she must have realized that I was thinking, "It's a good thing your father isn't here!" She started laughing with me, and we laughed until we cried. They were tears of joy and peace and were the first of many tears that we cried together. That was the day we knew that we were going to be okay. Whenever either of us spills something, even now, seventeen years later, she says, "Remember the day I spilled the chocolate milk? I knew you had done _ for us." That was the day I really became a mom. I discovered that being a mom isn't only going to ballet or gym, recitals, and attending every school concert and open house. It isn't keeping a tidy house and preparing perfect meals. It certainly isn't pretending things are normal when they are not. For me, being a mom started when I could laugh over spilled milk. Why did the author and her daughter laugh and then cry? Answer: My transportation was unexpectedly smooth and I arrived at the meeting half an hour earlier. I kept my eyes on the restaurant door. Several customers entered, but not my friend. At 6:00 pm, she sent me a text message: "Urgent work to finish. Will be 20 minutes late." I had left my book in the office, so I spent the time thinking of my experiences of being late in China. On my first visit in 1985, punctuality was deeply rooted in the Chinese hearts. There were no traffic jams then. As a teacher in Canada, I always insisted on punctuality. I would open the classroom door to a late student for the first time and the second, but not the third. During the six years I worked for CCTV, I had a Chinese friend whom I often saw at lunch time, or after work. We used to meet at the subway station nearby. He was always late by 10-20 minutes. To my question, "You were busy?" he would surprisingly answer, " No." Once I asked him to check the clock in his office, he smiled. In March 2015, I got permanent residence in China. The ceremony was scheduled for 9:00 am at the Public Security Bureau on the Second Ring Road. I told my driver I had to get there by 8:40 am. "No problem," he replied. But he thought he had time to drop someone off at the airport before picking me up. I desperately waited for him. Then, to rub salt into my wound, he had to stop at the exit of a gas station. Finally, I entered the room at 9:07 am -- the last guest to arrive! Why didn't the author arrive at the ceremony on time? Answer:
It's time for school! But on May 14th, 170 students at Duncanville High School in Texas, US, were told to go back home.Why? Because they were wearing the wrong clothes to school. Schools in the US don't always ask students to wear uniforms. But they have dress codes . For example, Duncanville High School tells students to wear belts, shirts without logos .Schools' most-hated clothes are different. In 2011, the saggy ( ) trousers law was passed in Florida. It stops students from wearing trousers that show body parts. Now, "the favourite new target ( ) of the school dress code" is leggings( ), reported the Associated Press. Some schools don't allow leggings. Other schools ask students to wear a shirt or a skirt over leggings. Some students complain that schools are going too far. But schools say dress codes help protect students' safety and make sure they grow up with good taste."We want to teach them that they must meet the expectations not only here in school, but also outside school," said Andre Smith. We can infer from the text that Andre Smith may be _ . A. theheadofDuncanvilleHighSchool B. astudentfromDuncanvilleHighSchool C. theheadoftheAssociatedPress D. anewsreporterfromtheAssociatedPress Answer: A. theheadofDuncanvilleHighSchool It's 10 pm. You may not know where your child is, but the chip does. The chip will also know if your child has fallen and needs immediate help. Once doctors arrive, the chip will also be able to tell them which drugs are not suitable for little Johnny or Janie. At the hospital, the chip will tell doctors his or her complete medical history. And of course, when you arrive to pick up your child, settling the hospital bill with your health insurance policy will be a simple matter of waving your own chip-the one embedded in your hand. To some, this may sound unbelievable. But the technology for such chips is no longer the stuff of science fiction. And it may soon offer many other benefits besides locating lost children or elderly patients. It could be used as credit cards and people won't have to carry wallets anymore. On the other hand, some are already wondering what this sort of technology may do to the sense of personal privacy and liberty. "Any technology of this kind could result in abuse of personal privacy," says Lee Tien, senior staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "If a kid can be tracked, do you want other people to be able to track your kid? It's a double-edged sword." Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. in Palm Beach, Florida, says it has recently applied to the Food and Drug Administration for permission to begin testing its device in humans. About the size of a grain of rice, the microchip can be encoded with bits of information and embedded in humans under a layer of skin. When scanned by a nearby reader, the embedded chip gives the data. Most embedded chip designs are so-called passive chips, which give information only when scanned by a nearby reader. But active chips-such as the proposed Digital Angel of the future-will give out information all the time. And that means designers will have to develop some sort of power source that can provide a continuous source of energy, yet be small enough to be embedded with the chips. In addition to technical problems, many suspect that all sorts of legal and privacy issues would have to be cleared as well. Which of the following statements about Digital Angel is NOT true? A. Digital Angel will include at least a chip and a power source. B. Digital Angel will soon be produced and replace passive chips. C. Digital Angel will be embedded in humans under a layer of skin. D. Digital Angel will give information without being scanned by a reader. Answer: B. Digital Angel will soon be produced and replace passive chips. When I was growing up,I had an old neighbor named Dr Gibbs.He didn't look like any other doctor I'd ever known.He was a very kind person..After he retired,he began to plant trees in his large garden. He wished to make it a forest. The good doctor had some interesting ideas about planting trees.He never watered his new trees.Once I asked why,he said,"If you water them,each baby tree will grow weaker and weaker. Otherwise,they will have to grow deep roots to look for water under the earth by themselves." He planted some oaks, and instead of watering them every morning,he beat them with a rolled-up newspaper.I asked him why he did that,and he said it was to get the trees' attention. Dr Gibbs died two years after I left home.I always walked by his house and looked at the trees that I'd watched him plant about twenty -five years ago.They're very big and strong now. I also planted two trees several years ago.I carried water to them for a whole summer.I sprayed them.However,after two years of caring too much,whenever a cold wind blows in, they shake a lot. Life is hard,whether we want it to be or not. What we need to do is try our best to make our roots reach deep into the brave heart,so when the rain falls and the wind blows,we could face them strongly and won't be beaten down. Which of the following about Dr Gibbs is true according to the passage? A. He was strict with his neighbors. B. He was a doctor before he retired. C. He wanted to be a gardener after he retired. D. He liked planting flowers in his garden. Answer: B. He was a doctor before he retired. A living thing will expire if access to this is removed for a time. A. balloons with helium gas B. their favorite new shoes C. a comfortable sitting chair D. ability to experience respiration Answer: D. ability to experience respiration The fur of an arctic fox turns from brown to white as winter approaches. This is an example of A. camouflage B. hibernation C. migration D. movement Answer: A. camouflage
Choosing a nice mountain bike for you is easier than learning how to ride it. Keep these tips in mind: Decide how you are going to use your new mountain bike. Are you a new rider who simply wants to travel outdoors on the weekend,weather permitting?Do you intend to test yourself on the rough roads,every day,rain or shine?Or are you going to use your new mountain bike to ride to and from school or work?Be honest about your intentions,and you're more than half way toward choosing the right mountain bike for you. Visit your local bike shops. Any good bike shop will stock a wide range of quality mountain bikes in all price points and sizes. Your local bike shops will carry more than one brand of bicycle. Not only will they sell you a mountain bike that suits your needs,but they will service what they sell. Visit at least a few shops. You'll get one that satisfies you right away. Don't be bashful. Tell your salesperson how you intend to use your new mountain bike,and how much you are willing to spend. Your salesperson will show you a selection of models and brands accordingly. He or she will also help you determine the right size for you. You may ask more without any sense of shyness. Take a test ride. All good bike shops let customers take test rides. There's a good reason for this beyond "trybeforeyoubuy" salesmanship. Since you already know your price range and find the right size,you now have to find out which brand you ride best. They want you to be happy with your purchase. After only a few test rides from more than one bike shop,the right mountain bike will choose you. What would be the best title for the text? How to Choose a Mountain Bike No one wants to look silly or do the wrong thing at a new job. It is important to make the right impression from the first day. You'll face new people. You will be in a new place. It may be difficult to know what to do. Here are five tips to help you make it through the first days at a new job: 1. First impressions can last forever. Make sure you make a good one. Before your first day, find out if your new job has a dress code (rules about what you can wear to work). If so, be sure to follow it. No matter what, always be neat and clean. 2. Get to work on time. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes to make sure you arrive on time. 3. Pay attention to introductions. One of the first things that your _ may do is to introduce you to co-workers. These co-workers will be important to you. They are the ones who will answer your questions when the boss is not around. 4. Ask plenty of questions. Make sure that your supervisor has told you what is expected of you. If he or she has not told you your duties, ask for a list. Set daily and weekly goals for yourself. 5. Never be the first one to leave. Watch what your co-workers do around quitting time . It does not look good for you to be eager to leave. According to the passage, which of the following statements is True? You should not be eager to go back home. For the last 10 years, job listing site CareerBuilder has put out a list called "The Most Unbelievable Excuses for Calling in Sick." For example, an employee said he couldn't come in because his false teeth flew out the window while he was driving down the highway. The excuses were gathered through a survey that ran among 3,000 workers and 2,000 hiring managers. The list is entertaining but there is a more serious issue hidden in this story. Federal law does not require private employers to give any paid sick leave, making the US the only one of the world's wealthiest nations that doesn'tguarantee workers this right. Since 2006, cities and states have been adopting their own paid sick leave laws. California, Washington. DC and 13 cities including New York now require many employers to provide some sort of paid sick leave. But according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, 39% of private employees still have no access to paid days off. In the CareerBuilder survey, 38% of respondents said they go to work when they're sick because they can't afford to miss a day's pay. The survey also shows that workers are taking a risk when they come up with _ excuses. Nearly one in five employers says they have fired an employee for calling in sick with a fake excuse. If you're spending the day at the beach while pretending to be ill, don't post about it on Facebook. Nearly one in four employers (24%) has caught an employee lying about being sick by checking social media. The motto of this story: If you really are sick, don't come to work and spread your bacteria around the office. But if you just want to stay home, go with "I'm running a fever." rather than one of these ridiculous excuses. What problem is exposed in the survey? Many employees have no access to paid sick leave. Mr. and Mrs. Green had different ideas about where to go that weekend. Mrs. Green wanted to go to Florida to see her sister, but Mr. Green didn't want to go there. He wanted to go to Maine. "Maine is a little cold," said Mrs. Green. "I like swimming, but the water in Maine is usually not warm enough." "Florida's too far," said Mr. Green. " We don't have enough time to drive there. It'll take us more than two days." Just then, the phone rang. Mr. Green answered the phone. It was Mr. Green's mother. "Please come in the shortest time. I need help. I'm calling from the hospital in Boston." They stopped their talking, and in no time they both went away. Where did Mr. Green want to go that weekend? Maine. Ellie and her grandfather went to the beach late in the afternoon. "Why are we going to the beach, Grandpa?" Ellie asked. He smiled a big old smile. "We're looking for treasure," he said. He carried two small plastic shovels and a basket. "What's in the basket?" she asked. "Some pie and soda to celebrate when we find our treasure." He gave his granddaughter a happy laugh. They picked a spot and started digging. They found only sand. They picked another spot by some rocks and found all sorts of small and interesting little stones. Ellie grinned at their odd shapes and colors. They dug further away from the water and found an old bottle. Ellie threw it away into the trash can. They dug closer to the water and found many sea shells. Ellie clapped happily at how smooth and nice they felt. They had much fun digging, but it started to get late. Her grandpa seemed sad. "We did not find any treasure after all," he said. "How about that, grandpa?" she said, pointing toward the pretty sunset that made the water appear yellow and bright. He grandfather laughed. "That is a great treasure after all." Ellie and her grandfather laughed and hugged. They ate pie happily and watched the sun set. What were Ellie and her Grandfather digging for? treasure
In the office of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, there is a picture of Catherine the Great, the legendary Russian Empress. When asked why she has the picture, Merkel says, "She was a strong woman". Many say the same of Merkel. The most powerful woman in the world, according to US Forbes magazine, was in China last week. She came to discuss trade and environmental issues with China's top leaders. Germany's first woman leader is known as a brave and practical statesman . Even since her time at school, she had the habit of getting everything in order. Every day before doing her homework she would clean the desk and think about what to do next. "I prefer a long time for full preparations to make my decision. But once I decide, I will stand up for what I believe," Merkel said. Perhaps it was good habits that helped her do well in her studies. At 32, she got a doctorate in physics and then she worked as a researcher. However, the life of a scholar couldn't put off her love of politics. While working in labs, Merkel took time off to read political books and at last joined a political party. "Her calmness helped her stand out in the party. She could always find a way out while others felt hopeless," said one of her old friends. In her first big political job as Minister for the Environment in 1994, her scientific background proved very useful. In 2005 she became Germany's youngest chancellor since the second World War. Now half way through her four-year term, the 53-year-old woman has made a name for herself both in Germany and abroad. At the EU summit in 2005 when France quarreled with Britain over the EU budget , some people believed the EU was close to breaking down. But Merkel didn't give up. She shuttled between the heads of the two powers and had them reached an agreement. "Strength comes from composure and courage. Many people say I am a strong woman. But I would rather say I have perseverance," said Merkel. Which statement is NOT true according to the passage? Answer: Children, especially at young ages, are very creative. And creativity can be a glorious thing. Look at all the amazing artists and architects that have created glorious pieces of history. Look at all the authors with the award winning books. Now I am not saying everyone is going to end up this way but creativity is an important part of growing up and becoming who you are. This should be encouraged in young children as well as the older children. Young children grow up playing with make-believe. And so many people try to make their young child see that their invisible friend isn't real or that talking when someone is not in the room is _ . To adults it is, but for small children it is them being creative. May it be them playing house, or chef, or playing with stuffed animals, it is their creative part coming out. Some kids can have fun playing with rocks and sticks and it's because of their creativeness that they can do this. The invisible friend part is another part of being imaginative, and is not a bad thing since they will grow out of that phase. So encourage this and play along with them, play house or stuffed animals or whatever they want to play. Help keep their imagination running. You can even make up games, like treasure hunts, dinosaurs, or super heroes; there is just so much you can choose from. For older children, talk to them. Help them see things through others' eyes, or help them see things from a different point of view. Helping children see things from other views helps them keep their minds open for new ideas and new things. All this can help your children's minds stay creative. The arts and music, even thoughts are an important part of life and important in our society. If we didn't have and encourage creative thinking, we wouldn't have had inventors, or philosophers, or as I said before, artists. If a child plays with his invisible friend, it shows that _ . Answer: When it's five o'clock, people leave their office. The length of the workday, for many workers, is defined by time. They leave when the clock tells them they're done. These days, the time is everywhere: not just on clocks or watches, but on cell-phones and computers. That may be a bad thing, particularly at work. New research shows that clock-based work schedules hinder morale and creativity. Clock-timers organize their day by blocks of minutes and hours. For example: a meeting from 9 am to 10 a.m., research from 10 a.m. to noon, etc. On the other hand, task-timers have a list of things they want to accomplish. They work down the list, each task starts when the previous task is completed. It is said that all of us employ a mix of both these types of planning. What, then, are the effects of thinking about time in these different ways? Does one make us more productive? Better at the tasks at hand? Happier? In experiments conducted by Tamar Avnet and Anne-Laure Sellier, they had participants organize different activities--from project planning, holiday shopping, to yoga--by time or to-do list to measure how they performed under "clock time" vs "task time." They found clock timers to be more efficient but less happy because they felt little control over their lives. Task timers are happier and more creative, but less productive. They tend to enjoy the moment when something good is happening, and seize opportunities that come up. The researchers argue that task-based organizing tends to be undervalued and under-supported in the business culture. Smart companies, they believe, will try to bake more task-based planning into their strategies. This might be a small change to the way we view work and the office, but the researchers argue that it challenges a widespread characteristic of the economy: work organized by clock time. While most people will still probably need,and be, to some extent, clock-timers, task-based timing should be used when performing a job that requires more creativity. It'll make those tasks easier, and the task-doers will be happier. What do the researchers suggest? Answer: LONDON (Reuters) -- Children are dying for lack of drugs tailored to their needs, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which launched a global campaign on Thursday to promote more research into child medicine. More than half of the drugs currently used to treat children in the industrialized world have not been specifically tested on youngsters. The problem is even worse in developing countries where price remains a major barrier and 6 million children die each year from treatable conditions. In the case of HIV/AIDS, the few existing pediatric therapies developed for children generally cost three times more than adult ones. As a result, clinicians lack clear guidelines on the best drug to use and often have to guess at the correct dose. Fortunately, the WHO has drawn up the first international List of Essential Medicines for Children, containing 206 products considered safe for children. "But a lot remains to be done. There are priority medicines that have not been adapted for children's use or are not available when needed," said Dr Hans, the U.N. agency's director of medicines policy and standards. Medicines that need to be adapted to children's needs include many antibiotics, pain drugs as well as combination pills for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The agency is building an Internet entrance linking to clinical trials carried out in children and will launch a Web site with the information early next year. Testing medicines on children has always been a controversial issue, since good ethical practice requires informed agreement from people participating in clinical trials, which is difficult to obtain in the case of children. As a result, research-based drug companies have been _ of developing child-friendly medicines and general companies have been slow to produce them at lower cost. In an attempt to deal with the issue, both Europe and the United States now have special rules offering extended patent protection for drugs that have been tested on children. What can be inferred from the passage? Answer: Which organisms use the energy from the remains of dead animals and recycle the nutrients back into the environment? Answer:
Green is an important color in nature. It is the color of grass and the leaves on trees. It is also the color of most growing plants. Sometimes, the word "green" means young, fresh and growing. For example, a greenhorn is someone who has no experience. In the 15th century, a greenhorn was a young cow or an ox whose horns had not yet developed. A century later, a greenhorn was a soldier who had no experience in war. By the 18th century, a greenhorn had the meaning it has today--a person who is new in a job. Someone who is good at growing plants is said to have a green thumb . The expression comes from the early 20th century. A person with a green thumb can make plants grow quickly and well. Green is also the color used to describe the powerful feeling , jealousy . The green-eyed monster is not a dangerous animal from outer space. It is an expression used about 400 years ago by the British writer William Shakespeare in his play "Othello". It describes the unpleasant feeling when someone has something he wants. For example, a young man may suffer from the green-eyed monster if you get a pay rise and he does not. In most places in the world, a green light means to move ahead. In everyday speech, a green light means agree to continue with a project. A greenhorn now refers to _ . A. a person who is new in a job B. a new soldier. C. a young horse D. a cow without horns Answer: A. a person who is new in a job Mary is an English girl. She's six years old . Her mother takes her to school in the morning and brings her home in the afternoon. She likes her nice school. She likes her teachers, too. One day, she says to her mother, " Mom, we have a new girl in our class today, Her name is Kim. She's six years old , too. She's very nice, but she isn't English. She is German ". "Does she speak English "? "No, but she laughs in English ", Mary says happily . Mary _ her nice school. A. likes B. doesn't like C. can't go to D. go to Answer: A. likes Can food be free, fresh and easily accessible? That's the bold question that the city of Seattle is hoping to answer with a new experimental farm not far from the city's downtown area that will have fruits and vegetables for anyone to harvest this fall. On Beacon Hill, just south of central Seattle, landscape developers and a few affordable-food advocates are building an eatable food forest. Everything grown in the area will be eatable. And it'll be open around the clock to anyone who wants to come and pick some fresh blueberries or pears. Organizers shared with National Geographic a list of the crop offerings. Many are expected: apples, berries and tomatoes. But others are pretty far-out. A large Asian community in the area suggested things like Asian pears and honeyberries. A European influence led to the planting of medlar trees. The concept is modeled on permaculture, a design system and school of thought emphasizing the use of renewable nature resources and the enrichment of local ecosystems. Offering people free, fresh food is one motivation, but making the land useful and ecologically enriched is the larger goal. That being said, some potential problems come to mind. What if all of one fruit is gone the first weekend when it's ripe? What if people pick things too early and spoil the potential for everyone? Organizers aren't concerned about those questions. "We've had many discussions about what would happen if someone comes and picks all the blueberries," says Margarett Harrison, the landscape architect designing the project." But that's been considered as a good thing. We'll just plant more." Anything related to agriculture and good food -- in large quantities -- takes time. Most of the trees won't be mature enough for a few more years. But a few decades could make the area impressively productive. Idealistic? Perhaps. But it's the kind of idealism that anyone who likes to eat fresh things from time to time can get behind. And that's the type of motivation that organizers hope will keep going. What's Margarett Hrrison's attitude towards the potential problems the forest may face? A. Concerned. B. Cautious. C. Optimistic. D. Uninterested Answer: C. Optimistic. A good joke can be the hardest thing to understand when studying a foreign language. As a recent article in The Guardian newspaper noted, "There's more to understanding a joke in a foreign language than understanding vocabulary and grammar." Being able to understand local jokes is often seen as an incredible ice-breaker for a language learner eager to form friendships with native speakers. "I always felt that humor was a ceiling that I could never break through," Hannah Ashley, a public relations account manager in London, who once studied Spanish in Madrid. Told The Guardian, "I could never speak to people on the same level as I would speak to a native English speaker. I almost came across as quite a boring person because all I could talk about was facts." In fact, most of the time, jokes are only funny for people who share a cultural background or understand humor in the same way. Chinese-American comedian Joe Wong found this out first-hand. He had achieved huge success in the US, but when he returned to China in 2008 for his first live show in Beijing, he discovered that people didn't think his. Chinese jokes were as funny as his English ones. In Australia, meanwhile many foreigners find understanding jokes about sports to be the biggest headache. "The hardest jokes are related to rugby because I know nothing about rugby," said Melody Cao, who was once a student in Australia. "When I heard jokes I didn't get, I just laughed along." In the other two major English-speaking countries, the sense of humor is also different. British comedian Simon Pegg believes that while Britons use irony-basically, saying something they don't mean to make a joke-every day, people in the US don't see the point of using it so often. "British jokes tend to be more subtle and dark, while American jokes are more obvious with their meanings, a bit like Americans themselves," he wrote in The Guardian. From the article, we can learn that _ . A. jokes about sports are the most difficult ones for foreign people who have different cultural backgrounds B. Americans might not be able to enjoy British jokes C. not all English native speakers can understand English jokes easily D. British people's dark jokes often make people uncomfortable Answer: C. not all English native speakers can understand English jokes easily Edgar felt quite excited at the thought of his first swim of the summer. With the sun shining down so strongly, the sea was certain to be warm enough. He walked quickly along the sea-front towards the steps that led on to the sands. He smiled cheerfully at the passersby. He had just smiled and raised his hat to an elderly lady when a man with a camera caught his arm and stopped him. Edgar heard a little buzzing noise from the camera. "Your photograph, sir, in glorious colour in just one moment if you please," said the man in one breath. Then the buzzing stopped, and he held the photograph in his hand and was waving it to and fro. In a moment he handed it over, and Edgar saw the bright blue splash of his shirt half filling the picture. "Seventy pence, sir," the man said. "It's the bargain of your holiday." "Seventy pence," Edgar repeated, mildly. "For this?" He stared at the photographer. "They're normally eighty-five, sir, but for a single subject I make a cut-price offer. It's the best value you'll get in Chadwell." "You'll have to make a better offer," Edgar said. It was a good photo though, he thought, so bright and clear. His hat was held high, and he was smiling broadly at the old lady, whose arm and handbag came into a lower corner. He had had no idea that he was being snapped. He thought he was really quite a good-looking chap. "That's as good as any studio job that would cost you pounds," said the cameraman. "It's better in a way because it's so natural. Only seventy pence, sir." "I've never paid so much for a snap in my life. It simply isn't worth that kind of money. It's not as if I need the thing. Look, I'll give you twenty-five." "No, I can't do that. Each of these instant colour shots costs me 50p -- that's the price of the blank frame, so you see..." "Criminal, criminal," Edgar broke in. "You want a profit of forty per cent. Well, not at my expense, I'm afraid. I'll give you your 50p and that's that." "Let me see, then." The man suddenly took the photograph out of Edgar's hand. "I can't waste any more time with you. It's 70p or I keep it." "Keep it," Edgar said. He turned, looked out to the sea, and then walked quickly away. Edgar smiled at and raised his hat to the lady because _ . A. he thought he recognized her B. he wanted the photograph to be amusing C. she was having her photograph taken D. he was feeling excited and cheerful Answer: D. he was feeling excited and cheerful
Sandra puts some pill bugs into an open box. She covers half the box with a piece of cardboard. She then places the box outside on a summer day, and all the pill bugs move under the cardboard. The pill bugs are most likely responding to which of the following? Answer: bright light London, May 5, 2003 Emma Richards of Britain has become the first woman and the youngest person to finish the Around Alone, which is a round-the-world sailing race. The journey started in New York last September and went east around South Africa to New Zealand. It crossed the Pacific Ocean and went around South America, ending up yesterday in Rhode Island, the smallest state in America. In the end, the trip covered over 46,000 kilometres. The same sea route was taken in the past by many famous travelers who wanted to learn about the world. Emma, a 1996 graduate of the University of Glasgow, finished the race at the age of twenty-eight. The race requires competitors to sail alone. Emma said that actually it was very difficult to be all by herself for such a long time even though she's really into sailing. Her worst moment was when she had to climb the high mast in a bad storm to fix some broken parts. She sailed hundreds of kilometres away from land and the wind was blowing very hard. Only her strong willpower kept her going to make it all the way. These days, Emma is happy to be home with her parents and sleep in a bed that stays still. How long did the trip take? Answer: About eight months. Millions of years ago dinosaurs lived on the earth. In the days of dinosaurs the whole earth was warm and wet. There were green forests and they could find enough to eat. Later, parts of the earth became cold and dry. and the forests there died. Then dinosaurs could not find enough to cat. This must be one reason why dinosaurs died out. We can guess another reason. New kinds of animals came on the earth. Some had big brains and were fast and strong. They could kill dinosaurs. There may be other reasons that we don't know about yet. Scientists are trying to make more discoveries about dinosaurs. Dinosaurs were of many sizes and shapes . Some were as small as chickens, while some were about 90 feet long. There were also terrible fights between dinosaurs. They might have happened more than 100 million years ago. Though there was no man to see any of the fights, we can be told by the animal's footprints that fight did take place. We can see from this passage _ . Answer: dinosaurs are worth studying Lee Kuan Yew, former prime minister of Singapore, died on Monday, March 23, 2015, at the age of 91, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office. Lee, a Cambridge-educated lawyer, is widely credited with building Singapore into one of the world's wealthiest nations. He co-founded the People's Action Party (PAP), which has ruled Singapore since 1959 and led the newly born country when it was separated from Malaysia in 1965. In Beijing's eyes, Lee Kuan Yew, the late founding father and leader of Singapore, was not only "an old friend of the Chinese people", but also "the founder of China-Singapore relations", according to China's previous official news releases about his visits. Chinese media estimated that he had been to China more than 20 times, and he was known for his good personal relations with China's top figures, especially former leader Deng Xiaoping. Zhang Jiuhuan, the Chinese ambassador to Singapore from 2000 to 2004, noted that "it was a _ case" at the time that a foreign prime minister would visit China, as Lee did in 1976, in the absence of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Deng then paid back the visit, going to Singapore in 1978, in what Zhang described as a sensational trip. Jin Canrong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China in Beijing, noted that Lee's No 1 contribution to China was his efforts in "sharing Singapore's successful experience in governance", adding that "China has benefited a lot" from this. The China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park, inaugurated in February 1994 in Jiangsu province in East China, was proposed by Lee, who even went to the city in 1992 to inspect the site for the park. Now, with the park serving as a role model for China's economic cooperation with foreign countries, more such industrial parks hosted or co-hosted by China have been established domestically and abroad. According to Jin Canrong, what is the biggest "gift" from Lee Kuan Yew? Answer: He shared Singapore's successful experience in governance with China. Here in the Northeast, winter means coats and sweaters. And that means plenty of pockets for our growing stock of digital things. Summer, in fact, is a pocket-free zone. No pockets in T-shirts. No pockets in gym shorts. Those few pockets that can be used quickly become full of things. Mobile phone, PDA, MP3 player or CD player, digital camera -- it's enough to make your pants torn as you walk down on the stairs or through the parking lot. Attempts have been made to help these things, but without success. One way is to put them to your belt. A mobile phone often goes this way and it's easy for you to make a phone, but it gathered to your belt, so it becomes a little unpleasant when you sit. Another way is to carry a bag to put all these things into it, but it troubles when you use them. Designers have been puzzling over this problem for a while and one company has come up with a possible solution. Called the Scott e-Vest, it is a lightweight vest with more than a dozen pockets. Wearers have a lot of room for mobile phones, PDAs, CD players and much more. Better yet, built-in wiring system called PAN, for "personal area network" allows wearers to use their things in addition to carrying them about. Connect the mobile phone to the PAN, for example, you can answer a phone call by putting in your earpiece and pressing a button through the vest's fabric . At the same time, the wiring system keeps the headphones for your CD player in place and ready for instant use. Besides these things, the vest has pockets for keys, a pen and even a "cup holder" pocket for drinks. At about $160, the Scott e-Vest is not cheap. Finally, our growing pile of things will get smaller and fewer as they merge. Until then, a vest-like coat that keeps our things a accessible might be the perfect carrying case. The main purpose of this text is to _ . Answer: introduce a kind of new hi-tech clothes
5 Holiday Gifts By Liz Kennedy and Janice Lieberman Your family's life story in print? Priceless. An appetizer plate that holds a wine glass?Genius. Read on to see our picks for the best holiday gifts on the Web--all available at bargain prices. For Your Family Share your life story with your kids and grandkids. Record your answers to 500 questions, from"What was your engagement proposal like?" to "What is a typical family meal?" This hardcover book is a great way to store your life stories and pass them on for generations to come. Story of a Lifetime: $70 ( 15%discount for 2 ) at www.redenvelope.com For the Entertainer Hold a party with ease with wooden appetizer plates that can be attached to your wine glass. No longer will you have your hands full holding a plate in one and a glass in the other. Instead, be a one-handed wonder at your next party! Wooden Appetizer Plates: $40 ( 5%discount for 4 ) at www.homewetbar.com For the Pet Lover Ever wonder what your pet does when you're out of the room? See the world through your dog's eyes with Uncle Milton's Pet Eye View Camera. This mini video camera clips onto your dog's or cat's collar to give you a glimpse into your pet's secret life. Eye View Camera: $60 ( 10%discount for 3) at www. babyage. com For the Athlete Find a new level of motivation with the Nike+iPod Sports Kit. Listen to your favorite music while Nike records how far you've run, how many calories you've burned, and your personal best times. Upload your data to the Nike website, and see the progress you're making. Nike+iPod Sports kit: $30 (5 %discount for 2) at www. store. nike. com For the Nature Lover A symbol of long life and memory, a Ginkgo Bilobatree is the perfect gift for your earth-conscious friends. The kit includes everything you need to grow a tree. After 10 to 12 years, your tree will stand about 20 feet tall. Ginkgo Tree-to-Be with Personalized Tag: $50 (10 %discount for 3) at www. gifttree. com This text is probably a (n) _ . A. description of new goods on the Internet B. advertisement for certain goods on the Internet C. report about a new store D. introduction to popular products Answer: B. advertisement for certain goods on the Internet Students who want to attend an American university must explain how they will pay for their education. They have to show that they will be able to pay for each year of study. Students have to consider not only the tuition, the cost of classes, but also meals and a place to live in, which is known as room-and-board. They also need money for books and supplies. And they need money to spend on social activities and other things. Educational advisers say foreign students should have enough money in a local bank to pay for at least two months of expenditure . So how much will a year at an American school cost? Generally speaking, the answer is: a lot. A leading state university in the Pacific Northwest will serve as an example. The University of Washington says foreign students are paying more than $36,000 this year. This major research university currently has 2,600 foreign students from more than 100 countries. There are many schools that cost less, but also others that cost more. Its web site says the University of Washington does not offer financial assistance to international students. This is generally true of American schools, especially at the undergraduate level. The international application for the university includes a Statement of Financial Responsibility that must be signed. Students must also provide a bank letter or statement from within the past six months. And they have to name someone who will help with payments. These people must send proof from a bank to show that they have the money. Your government or employer may be able to help you pay all or some of the college costs. A good idea is to ask at least eighteen months before you want to start classes in the United States. Our Foreign Student Services, including links to web sites discussed in our reports, can be found at www.unsv.com. To learn more about higher education in America, the State Department has a special web site: educationusa.state.gov. Students who are going to study in America must _ . A. buy their own textbooks themselves B. prove that they can pay for their study C. find a living place with a kitchen D. find someone to pay for their college fees Answer: B. prove that they can pay for their study The world's largest solar thermal plant is set to begin producing power in the United States by the end of the year. Wind and energy from the sun are generally considered clean, unlike energy from coal-burning power stations. However, environmentalists now worry that too much solar power development could harm the local environment. A California company -- BrightSource Energy is building a huge solar power plant in the Mojave desert, about 60 kilometers southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. The plant is known as the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. Joe Desmond works for the company. "This is actually one of the highest concentrations of sunlight in the world, out here in Ivanpah." explained Desmond. BrightSource Energy will deploy 170,000 specially designed mirrors to direct solar energy towards boilers on top of three power towers. The steam produced in the boilers will drive turbine to make electricity. Joe Desmond says the steam can reach temperatures of more than 260 degrees Celsius. "We can store the sun's thermal energy in the form of molten salt, so we can produce electricity even when the sun goes down. There is a lot of interest in concentrating solar power around the globe in environmnents where you have lots of sun, such as China, South Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, explained Desmond. Environmentalists generally support the idea of solar power, however, many are concerned about the effect of power plants on sensitive environment. Lisa Belenky is a lawyer with the Center for Biological Diversity, a private group. She says environmentalists are specifically worried about the effect of the Ivanpah Solar Project on the sensitive plant and animal life in that part of Mojave desert. "Even though the desert seems big, when you start cutting it up, it can really affect how the species and the animals and the plants are able to survive in the long run,"said Lisa Belenky. BrightSource Energy has already spent more than $ 50 million to move endangered desert tortoises away from the power plant. but Lisa Belenky says this is not the answer. "We should be reusing areas that have a1ready been disturbed, like old mining sites, for example...either on homes, on businesses, parking lots." said Belenky. There have also been reports of birds dying at the Ivanpah Plant and others like it. Some birds die after colliding with solar equipment which the animals mistake for water. Other birds were killed or suffered burns after flying through the intense heat at the solar thermal plant. As solar projects increase, environmentalists and developers are considering what to do to reduce bird death. Why is the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System being built in the desert? A. Because the temperature is extremely high in the desert. B. Because there is no life in the desert. C. Because there is much salt in the desert. D. Because sunlight is highly focused in the desert. Answer: D. Because sunlight is highly focused in the desert. Healthy eating habit along with regular exercise is the only way to become fit. If you have the correct number of _ and exercise regularly, you will lose weight, keep fit, and feel great, too. During your teenage years, it is important to give your body the energy it needs. If you skip meals, you won't get enough calories, and then you will feel tired. By the way, calorie is just another word for energy. About 50% of your calories should come from rice, bread, vegetables and fruit. You also need to drink a lot of water, 6 to 8 glasses a day. Water helps keep your system clean. Drinking enough water will make your skin better and make you healthy. Exercise is something that can help to make you look good, feel good and be healthy. Experts suggest that teenagers spend at least 30 minutes exercising a day, five times a week. That is easy to do! You can walk or ride your bike to school, and do sports at school. However, teenagers often give up sports, saying they have no time left after their studies. In fact, doing exercise can help them sleep better at night and increase their ability to focus on their study. If you follow the suggestions above, you will look and feel much better and become fit. If you _ , you will become fit. A. exercise regularly B. drink lots of water C. have a healthy eating habit along with regular exercise D. eat rice, bread, vegetables and fruit Answer: C. have a healthy eating habit along with regular exercise At times we all get angry when we are driving. It might be because we are stuck in a traffic jam or stuck behind a very slow driver. It might be because we think another driver has done something very stupid and dangerous. Whatever the reason, it seems that getting angry in a car is something which happens more and more often and there is now a special term for it "road rage". Some experts even think that road rage is a kind of mental illness! How can we recognize this "illness" of road rage? There are two kinds of road rage: aggressive driving and aggressive reactions to the way other people are driving. Aggressive driving can take different forms: Driving much faster than the speed limit. Increasing your speed very quickly. Driving very close behind the car in front and sounding the horn or flashing the headlights. Changing lanes very suddenly and blocking another car. Moving into a parking space where another car is trying to park. There are also different reactions to the way other people are driving. These include: Making rude signs at people. Shouting at people and threatening them. Deliberately driving into another person's car. Hitting somebody. Using a weapon such as a baseball bat, or even a gun or a knife. Road rage is certainly not a joke. There have been incidents of road rage which have led to serious injuries and even murder. Experts think that one reason for road rage is that films show a lot of examples of fast and aggressive driving such as car chases where this kind of driving seems to be positive. Experts also think that the punishments for dangerous driving are not serious enough. Experience shows that driving problems can be controlled, but it takes a long time. In the UK in the last 30 years, the police have been quite successful in reducing the number of people who drink and drive. They are now working to stop people using mobile phones when they are driving. Let's hope they can have the same success with the road rage. Road rage happens possibly because _ . A. the drivers are drunk B. it won't cause serious injuries or death C. we're in a fast-changing society D. the punishments are not serious enough Answer: D. the punishments are not serious enough
What time of day can you think most quickly? Are you a morning person? Or does it take you a few hours to get your brain going? A lot of recent research suggests that we should pay attention to our body clock. It can tell us what time of day we can perform best at. Many people work best later in the morning. This is because the body's temperature takes time to rise through the day. Taking a warm shower when you wake up can help your body's temperature rise quickly. But everyone's body clock is different and some are special. Morning people will get up early and work better early in the day. Evening people will work later but work better towards the end of the day. Research shows that we're better at some activities at certain times of the day. Physical performance is at its best between 3 pm and 6 pm, so it's better to exercise later in the day. Between noon and 4 pm, people begin to pay less attention. This is because we think less quickly after a big meal. Research also shows we become sleepy around 2 pm. This is why people in Spain take a short sleep in early afternoon. Finally, it is best to eat when we're active. This allows our body to burn calories better and stops our blood sugar levels from getting too high. A morning people will _ . A get later but work better B work better early in the day. C only work in the morning D go to bed late every night. Answer: B. work better early in the day. Two years ago my grandmother was going to turn 75. My family discussed what was the best way to celebrate. Should we throw her a party ? Should we take her on a trip ? We remembered that she had touched so many people's lives, and there were so many people for her to consider. Then someone got the idea that we should include everyone in the celebration by turning it into a tribute to my grandmother. We secretly sent out letters to the people in Grandmother's address book and asked them to send a letter with a memory that they had shared with her. People sent us letters with poems, stories and pictures. The deep feeling that was shared through the response surprised us. We compiled these letters into a memory book and amazed her with it on the morning of her birthday. The unusual thing about my grandmother's friends was not the number that she had, but the connection they shared. In many ways this book of friendship was the greatest achievement of my grandmother's life. I believe that developing true friendships is one of the most important things that anyone can do in one's lifetime. It is not a matter of the number of friends one has, but the quality of the bonds. If one has had at least one true friendship before dying, then one can say one has lived a successful life. I have made many friends and I believe I have begun to develop the same types of friendships my grandmother kept up over her lifetime. I only hope that I will be as successful as she has been. According to the passage, the author probably agrees that _ . A the more friends you have, the better B friends are more important than family C understanding leads to greater success D true friendship is very important to us Answer: D. true friendship is very important to us One day an Indian went to see his doctor. The doctor looked him over and said, "Medicine won't help you. You must have a good rest. Go to a quiet country place for a month, go to bed early, drink milk, walk a lot, and smoke only one cigar a day." A month later, the Indian came to see the doctor again. "How are you?" said the doctor. "I'm glad to see you again. You look much younger." "Oh, doctor, I feel quite well now," said the Indian, "I had a good rest. I went to bed early. I drank a lot of milk. I walked a lot. You certainly helped me. But you told me to smoke one cigar a day, and that almost killed me at first. It was not easy to begin smoking at my age." His doctor _ . . A could not help him B told him what to do C was good to him D was glad to see him Answer: B. told him what to do It is said that a person has about 6,000 thoughts every day, Yet, of the 6,000 thoughts you have today, ninety percent of these are the same as the 6,000 you had yesterday and the day before, leaving little room for new thoughts. No wonder life can seem _ at times. Unless you start to think differently, you are to continue to create and repeat the same old reality every day. Is it not time to change your thoughts, enliven your dreams and let reality catch up? Most of our thoughts and actions are habits, and we go thought the same motions each day, with little change in our behaviors or outlook. What would happen if you challenged these habits or customs? What if you were to step out of your comfort zone and explore new ideas or new ways or doing things? Would your life not change as a result? Thought is a form of energy. Does this energy keep you forward or hold you back? You have a choice about the thoughts you think. How many times in the past have you chosen to disregard your positive thoughts and focus on your negative thoughts? At this moment, if you were to be at ease and to focus on your positive thoughts while discounting your negative thoughts, how would your life change? To realize your dreams, pay attention to what is happening around you. Be curious. Notice how your thoughts about yourself, your thoughts about others and your thoughts about what others may be thinking of you influence and what you are able to achieve. Start to think, see and experience things, people, places and events in new ways. Recognize what happens when you begin to think differently about yourself and what you are capable of achieving. What is the author's purpose in writing the passage? A To tell people some facts of our thoughts. B To encourage us to change our habit of thinking. C To tell us why we have no new ideas. D To remind us of the influence from other. Answer: B. To encourage us to change our habit of thinking. Britons spend as much as nearly five hours a week keeping their homes clean, a survey found. Kitchens are cleaned most often, while doing the oven and windows are the least popular jobs. In total, they spend just over PS1 billion a year on products to keep the dirt at bay -- almost PS40 per household. Market analyst Mintel found a clear division of labour. While the average Briton spends 4 hours, 40 minutes cleaning their home each week, men spend just 3 hours, 53 minutes compared to 5 hours, 25 minutes for women. And while seven in ten women say they do most of the cleaning, this falls to four in ten for men. Confirming many parents' feelings, only one in five adult children and over living at their parents' home helps with cleaning chores, with children under 18 doing even less. Last year, the household cleaning market was worth PS1.06 billion, which equates to annual spending of PS39.89 per household. Those looking for the cleanest homes in the country should head to Scotland, where people spend an average of five fours, 6 minutes, which is closely followed by East and West Midlands at five hours, 1 minute. In comparison, the least number of hours spent in cleaning is spent in the southeast/East Anglia at four hours, 18 minutes. The southwest and Wales stand at four hours, 46 minutes, the northwest four hours, 44 minutes, and Yorkshire and the Humber four hours, 21 minutes. According to Richard Caines, Mintel's senior household care analyst, men still lag women in the household cleaning stakes and spend on average an hour and a half less time cleaning their home, suggesting an opportunity for a campaign to encourage more cleaning by men to helpredressthis imbalance. The number of households that need cleaning is continuing to grow, but pressure on time from increasingly busy lives limits the number of hours people are willing or able to spend cleaning their homes. This means the market will see an increasing focus on easy-to-use, but effective hard surface cleaners and cleaning equipment. Such products can help encourage more cleaning to be done in less time, but as well as focusing on more convenient products, cleaning brands can also inject an element of fun into campaigns through encouraging a more shared approach that involves the whole family. This will also help to address the gender imbalance and get older children to make more of a contribution to cleaning. In which area do people spend the most time cleaning their home each week? A Scotland. B Wales. C Yorkshire and the Humber. D East and West Midlands. Answer: A. Scotland.
How difficult change is depends a lot on your attitude towards it and your resistance to it. Your attitude to change can make the whole transformation process much easier. Imagine change as a pair of shoes and this will help you understand change and how it works. I am sure that you have ever had a comfortable pair of shoes in your life. A pair of shoes is so comfortable that you really don't want to get rid of them. You know you need a new pair, and may even have them, but you don't want to wear them because you are comfortable with your current pair. Besides, the new pair may hurt your feet, give you blisters or be awkward to wear to start with. So, you resist the new shoes. However, you know that this new pair would be much better for your feet, and after the initial discomfort they would probably be even more comfortable, yet you still resist. Do you know I'm doing this now? I'm wearing my comfortable shoes and they feel good. They have a hole in each heel, and the sole is starting to fall off, but I'm persisting in wearing them. This describes change exactly; change of our habits, change of our thought patterns. We stick with the old patterns because they are comfortable. Yet once we get over the initial pain of the transformation, the new pattern will be comfortable and feel good until the time comes when we need another new pair of shoes. What can be inferred from the passage? Answer: Once we form a habit, it's difficult to change it. The Friends of the Amazon is a nonprofit association helping to preserve the forest, its wildlife and its native cultures in the Peruvian Amazon. We are located 3 degrees south of the equator in the Region of Loreto, which is roughly the size of Montana and is one of the richest areas in the world in terms of flora and fauna . Our team consists of lawyers, ecologists, sociologists, medical professionals and native Amazonians working together to protect the forest and its people from destruction. We use litigation , filing lawsuits against those who seek to destroy the forest and its native cultures. In addition to legal processes, we promote health, education, and the conservation of native plants and animals. The Amazon Rainforest is commonly referred to as the "lungs of the planet" whose trees are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2, a greenhouse gas that causes global warming) and it into oxygen, thereby mitigating the rise of global temperatures and climate change. An estimated 120 billion tons of carbon dioxide is absorbed in the Amazon Rainforest and global emissions of carbon dioxide increase with every tree of the rainforest that is cut down. That is why the survival of the Amazon Rainforest is vital for the survival of our planet, without which rising global temperatures could melt the polar icecaps and cause flooding of our coastal cities. Currently, the Amazon is under siege , with an estimated 1000 hectares being destroyed everyday. After harvesting old growth forests, corporations are often replacing the native forest with palm oil plantations instead of reforesting with native tree species. Palm oil trees are native to Africa, not the Amazon, and due to high profits, their promotion by international aid agencies and recent legislation in Peru, palm oil plantations represent perhaps the single greatest threat to the native Amazon Rainforest. In addition to conventional logging and deforesting to make room for crops such as palm oil and soybeans, the Amazon forest faces a new threat in the form of REDD projects and "Carbon Cowboys". REDD refers to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation by using carbon offsets ("carbon credits"). Under the guise of REDD projects, scammers are tricking native communities into signing unjust contracts in English without legal representation which essentially give these so called Carbon Cowboys the forest for free. These cheaters are making false promises of "billions of dollars in profits" from REDD and voluntary carbon offset projects by lying that they are representatives of the United Nations and World Bank in order to trick vulnerable indigenous Amazonians into ceding their land by signing unjust contracts with hidden clauses that give the Carbon Cowboys a power of attorney to do whatever they want with the forest for a period of 100 years. Friends of the Amazon is actively filing lawsuits against these Carbon Cowboys and those who support them. For further information on our programs and to find out how you can help preserve the Amazon Rainforest, please contact: Friends of the Amazon 153 Tupac Amaru Street Iquitos, Peru Phone: (+51) 985665374 For more specific information on supporting the goals of our nonprofit organization, please contact us using the email address listed below. If you would like to learn how you can help preserve the Amazon Rainforest and its indigenous people, please contact us for more information at: Why is the survival of the Amazon Rainforest vital for the survival of our planet? Answer: Because this forest absorbs a lot of carbon dioxide emitted by the world Now satellites are helping to forecast the weather. They are in space and they can reach any part of the world. The satellites take pictures of the atmosphere , because this is where the weather forms . They send these pictures to the weather station. So meteorologists can see the weather of any part of the world. From the pictures, the scientists can often say how the weather will change. Today, nearly five hundred weather stations in sixty countries receive satellite pictures. When they receive new pictures, the meteorologists compare them with earlier ones. Perhaps they may find that the clouds have changed during the last few hours .This may mean the weather on the ground may soon change, too. In their next weather forecast, the meteorologists can say this. So the weather satellites are a great help to the meteorologists. Before satellites were invented, the scientists could forecast the weather for about 24 or 48 hours. Now they can make good forecasts for 3 or 5 days. Soon, perhaps , they may forecast the weather for a week or more ahead Satellites travel _ . Answer: in space Chen Kai is a Chinese boy. He is a student. He is 13 years old. He lives in Guangzhou. Chen Kai likes _ . Now he receives a letter from Sam, his pen pal in America. The letter is in English. Sam is 14 and he is a student, too. He speaks English very well. In the letter, Sam says he wants to visit China and study some Chinese. ,. _ wants to study some Chinese. Answer: Sam When American soldiers return home from war with disabilities, they often suffer twice -- first from their combat injuries, next from the humiliation of government dependency. Wounded veterans learn they have two basic choices: They can receive almost $3,000 a month in disability benefits along with medical care and access to other various welfare programs, or they can try to find a job. Especially in this economy, it's no wonder that many find that first option hard to turn down. Mark Duggan, an economics professor at Stanford University, reports that enrollment in U.S.veterans' disability programs rose from 2.3 million in 2001 to 3.9 million in 2014. The percentage of veterans receiving benefits doubled, from 8.9% in 2001 to 18% in 2014. Disability services for veterans now consume $59 billion. In the 1980s and 1990s, male veterans were more likely to be in the labor force than nonveterans. But since 2000, that has changed dramatically. Now there is a 4% gap between veteran and nonveteran labor participation, with veteran participation lower. Navy SEAL Eric Greitens, founder of The Mission Continues, explains how soldiers who served their country are transformed into welfare receivers who live off their country. "When veterans come home from war they are going through a tremendous change in identity,"he says."Then the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and others, encourage them to view themselves as disabled."By the time they come to Greitens' non-profit organization,"We meet a number of veterans who see themselves as charity cases and are not sure anymore what they have to contribute." There are also more practical factors driving the disability boom. One is the expansion of qualification criteria. In 2000, for instance, type 2 diabetes was added as a disability because of evidence linking exposure to Agent Orange with the onset of the disease. Heart disease has also been added to the list. Another possible factor is that younger veterans seem less against welfare than their parents' generation. Veterans who have served since the 1990s are much more likely to sign up for disability than their older counterparts; 1 in 4 younger veterans is on disability versus just 1 in 7 of those over age 54. We shouldn't go back to the bad old days when veterans were afraid to admit weakness. But Lt.Col.Daniel Gade is one of many veterans who think our disability system is harmful, psychologically, to former soldiers. Gade lost his leg in combat in 2005 and now teaches at West Point. He recently gave a talk to disabled veterans at Ft. Carson, in which he urged them to rejoin the workforce. "People who stay home because they are getting paid enough to get by on disability are worse off,"he warned."They are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. They are more likely to live alone." What a waste of human potential, especially since most veterans on disability still have their prime working years ahead of them when they're discharged . We could solve this problem by changing the way we view -- and label -- veterans with disabilities. As Gade noted in a recent article,"Veterans should be viewed as resources, not as damaged goods."He recommended that"efforts to help veterans should begin by recognizing their abilities rather than focusing only on their disabilities, and should serve the ultimate aim of moving wounded soldiers to real self-sufficiency." On a more practical note, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs could reallocate resources to spend more on job training and less on disability. Current placement programs are sadly inadequate. We are good at sending soldiers off to war. Yet when these young men and women return home, they are essentially told,"We'll give you enough for a reasonably comfortable life, but we won't help you find a job." It is unreasonable that we are condemning thousands of young veterans who served their country to life on the dole rather than enabling them to reenter the workforce with the necessary accommodations. What is the author's attitude toward current placement programs? Answer: Critical.
Magic is believed to have begun with the Egyptians, in 1700 BC. A magician named Dedi of Dedsnefu was reported to have performed for the pharaoh, or the king. He was also known to have entertained the slaves who built the pyramids. The "Cups and Balls" trick which he was particularly good at is still performed by magicians all over the world today. The ancient Greeks and Romans were also fascinated by the idea of magic. Actually, one of their main interests was the art of deception . This explains why at that time the priests even built magic devices into their temples. These devices made it possible for doors to open by themselves and wine to flow magically out of statues' mouths. This was done mainly to convince people that the priests were powerful. Magic, however, was not well accepted before the 1800s. Magicians were thought of as freaks and were only allowed to perform in a circus . It was in the 19th century that the magician Robert Houdin came along and changed people's views and attitudes about magic. It was also because of Robert Houdin that many magicians were able to add Dr. or MD to their names. Today magicians try hard to find new ways to show their practiced skills. Magic is now entertainment for families all over the world. In ancient Greece, what did the priests do to show people they had unusual power? A They performed magical tricks to entertain people. B They made the statues in the temples drink wine as they wished. C They treated the people with wine flowing down from statues' mouths. D They built magic devices in the temples to make doors open by themselves. Answer: D. They built magic devices in the temples to make doors open by themselves. JANUARY 15, 2014 KYOTO -- A father froze to death while sheltering his eight years old daughter from severe weekend snowstorms that swept northern Japan. Fujita Makoto, one of at least nine people killed as snowstorms swept across Hokkaido , died as he tried to protect his only child Yumi against winds of up to 113 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido, as temperatures fell sharply to minus 6 degrees centigrade. Makoto's body was uncovered by rescuers looking for the pair after s raised the alarm. Yumi was wearing her father's jacket and was wrapped in his arms. The pair had last been heard from at 4 p. m. on Saturday, after fisherman Makoto picked his daughter up from a school where she was being looked after while he was at work. Makoto called his s to say his truck had become stuck in the driving snow, which was several meters deep in places. He told them he and Yumi would walk the remaining kilometers. The two were found just 300 meters from the truck at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Makoto had his body bent over his daughter, gently holding her in his arms and apparently using his body and a warehouse wall to provide shelter. The small girl was taken to hospital, where she was found to have no serious injuries. Her father was officially pronounced dead by doctors at the same hospital. The newspaper Yomiuri said Yumi's mother had died of illness two years earlier. The paper quoted neighbors as saying Makoto had been an extremely caring father who would often delay the start of his working day to enjoy breakfast with his daughter. His death came as families all over Japan celebrated Girls' Day, a festival in which they gather at home and decorate houses with dolls. "He reserved a cake for his only daughter and was looking forward to celebrating Dolls' Festival together," a neighbor told the Yomiuri. Which of the following doesn't show the father's love for his daughter? A Yumi was wearing her father's jacket. B Makoto had his body bent over his daughter. C Makoto had been looking forward to Dolls' Festival. D Makoto called his s to say his truck had become stuck. Answer: D. Makoto called his s to say his truck had become stuck. John H. Johnson was born in a black family in Arkansas City in 1981. His father died in an accident when John was six. He was reaching the high school age, but his hometown offered no high school for blacks. Fortunately he had a strong--willed caring mother. John remembered that his mother told him many times, "Son, you can be anything you want really to be if you just believe." She told him not to depend on others, including his mother. "You have to learn success" she said. "All the people who work hard don't succeed, but the only people who do succeed are those who work hard." These words, came from a woman with less than a third grade education. She also knew that believing and hard work don't mean everything. So she worked hard as a cook for two years to save enough to take her son, who was then 15, to Chicago. Chicago in 1933 was not the promised land that black southerners were looking for. John's mother and stepfather could not find work. But here John could go to school, and here he learned the power of words--as an editor of the newspaper and yearbook at Du Sable High School. His wish was to publish a magazine for blacks. While others discouraged him, John's mother offered him more words to live by "Nothing beats a failure but a try." She also let him pawn her furniture to get the $ 500 he needed to start the Negro magazine. It is natural that difficulties and failures followed john closely until he become very successful. He always keeps his mother's words in mind:" Son, failure is not in your vocabulary!" Now John H. Johnson is one of the 400 richest people in America--worth $150 million. Why did John's mother decide to move to Chicago? A Because his father died when John was very young. B Because life was too hard for them to stay on in their hometown. C Because John needed more education badly. D Because there were no schools for Negroes in their hometown. Answer: C. Because John needed more education badly. Mark Twain was my hero when I was nine because that was when I discovered Tom Sawyer. But even at the height of my admiration, I couldn't agree with him that Anne, the main character inAnne of Green Gables, was "the dearest and most loveable child in fiction since the best-known Alice". I had readAnne of Green Gables as well asTom Sawyer, and she had made me as sick as a dog. Another Mark Twain's quote will explain my problem. He said, "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant that I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." I gradually understood his words as growing up. When I picked up the book again a few years later, I too was astonished at how much it had improved--and shortly afterwards shocked by the fact that not only could I be a fool in all sporting, artistic and practical matters, I could also be so when it came to reading too. On rereading, then, I learned that Anne is indeed a dear and most lovable child. I couldn't help adoring the girl who insists that her name be spelled with the "e" instead of Ann as she believes that is "so much more distinguished." She is a brave and determined survivor of a severe upbringing who has refused to let her circumstances crush her spirit. She arrives at Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert's farm with everything unfavorable--orphaned, unwanted and her biggest trouble of red-hair and freckled face. However, she gets along well, through her strange way of seeing things, through her honest love of beauty and lovable attempts to master her unreasonable desires. She finally wins over the Cuthberts, their neighbors and millions of readers who have met her over the 101 years since the book was first published. When I settle down with it these days, I've come to see the truth in Mark Twain's praise for the book, and this reminds me of the great truth that you are never too young to start rereading. The reason why the writer admires Anne now is that _ . A she is an ambitious girl B she is welcome by the readers C she adapts to her environment well D she changes her name to make it easy to remember Answer: C. she adapts to her environment well Which unit of measurement describes an object's length? A meter B kilogram C liter D degree Answer: A. meter
My name is Nick. I have four new good friends. They are Dick, Helen, Jack and Amy. Now, they're in the garden. Dick and Jack are boys. Dick is tall and strong. Jack is tall but he's not strong. He is thin. Helen and Amy are girls. They're twins. They are short and slim. Dick is thirteen. Helen is thirteen too. They're in the same class. Jack is in Class4. His shoes are black and his T-shirt is white. Where are Dick and Helen now? A In the library. B At home. C In the classroom. D In the garden. Answer: D A strong magnet will separate a mixture of A clear glass and green glass. B paper cups and plastic cups. C iron nails and aluminum nails. D sand and salt. Answer: C " Dreams may be more important than sleep. We all need to dream." some scientists say. Dreams take up about one quarter of our sleeping time. People have several dreams each night. Dreams are like short films. They are usually in color. Some dreams are like old films. They come up over and over again. That may be the dreamer worrying about something. Dreaming may be a way of trying to find an answer. Some people get new ideas about their work from dreams. They may have been thinking about their work all day. These thoughts can carry over into dreams. Too much dreaming can be harmful. The more we sleep,the longer we dream. The mind is still at work when we dream. That is why we may have a long sleep and still wake up tired. Dreams and films are usually _ . A very long B in color C about work D very sad Answer: B People are always afraid of making mistakes. But sometimes it's not bad to make mistakes, and here is why. At first , mistakes are a clear sign that you are trying new things. It's always good to new things, because when you are trying new things your are growing. If you never try new things , how can you improve ? How can you create? The simple answer is, " You can't ." Look around you, everything you see is the result of someone trying new things. Another good thing about mistakes is this : when your are making mistakes, you are learning. Consider this: Edison failed 10,000 times before he invented the light bulb. When he was asked how he felt to fail that many times, but rather had learned 10,000 things that didn't work. Finally , when you make a mistake, you are that much closer to success. Why? Because you have said what you should say, and you have done what you should do. Every time you make a mistake, you are closer to success. But it doesn't mean that you can make mistakes without thinking. Instead, when you try new things you have to think them over, so that you can keep away from some unnecessary mistakes. We shouldn't spend all our time and money on the only one way , but use them correctly. Because our time and money are limited. There is an old saying, " If you are not making mistakes, you are not trying hard enough." So go bravely and make mistakes. And learn. And grow. And succeed. ,,. (5,2,10) After Edison failed 10,000 times, he _ . A gave up B invented the light bulb C invented the computer D invented 10,000 new things Answer: B (1)Secretary. Part time. 20 hours a week. Busy doctor's office. Experience preferred. Good typing. Call 555-2438. (2)BABY SITTER. 3 to 6 weekday afternoons. I will take you home. $5.00 an hour. Call 555-5593. (3)Guitar lessons. Your home or mine. Experienced musician. Master's degree in music. Call Louise 555-6131. (4)TENTH STREET BLOCK PARTY. Sunday, July 15. Noon to 8. Food, games, prizes, live band, Tenth Street between Main and North, (5)APARTMENT FOR RENT. 3 sunny rooms on high floor, great view. Separate kitchen. Wall-to-wall carpeting. The living room can be used as dining room. Email: SDGT@163.com.cn. (6)TAXI DRIVER WANTED. Full or part time. Experience necessary. A good knowledge of the city is required. Call 555-8860 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekday. (7)A stereo system for sale, It has two speakers. The system has an AM/FM radio. It also has a tape deck and turntable. It is in good condition. The stereo was owned for only one year. The price is $200 including the speakers. The owner will also take the highest price offered if the asking price is not met. Call Bill after 6 p.m., at 555-9834. These ads may probably appear in the following media except _ A a local newspaper B a page on the internet C a government report D a special radio program Answer: C

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