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Well, what a bonus! Lots of us are using technology to find rides, and not just to school. It's awkward to call a friend and ask for a ride, and half the time they'll say, "Sorry,my car is full." But with Twitter and Facebook, you just tweet Ashleys Pool Party and look for other people heading the same way. It may sound risky, but many teens stay within their own social circles to find rides, and don't branch out beyond friends of friends when asking on Twitter. For me, I only rideshare with people I know, but to some young people, especially those taking longer trips, stranger danger is less of a concern. The sharing economy got big during the recession . It allows people to access more goods and services using technology, while also allowing them to share cost. And that, technology, for me, is what the car was for my mom, a gateway to more freedom. According to the researchers at the University of Michigan,30 years ago, eight in ten American 18-year-olds had a driver's license. Today it's six in ten. So it's not that surprising that on my 16th birthday I wasn't rushing to get a license. All I wanted was an IPhone, Juliet Schor (Sociology professor at Boston College) knows people of my age love being connected and for young people driving means they have to disconnect from their technology, and that's negative. So if they could sit in the passenger side and still be connected, that's going to be a plus. To me, another plus is ridesharing represents something much bigger than trying to save money. I see it as evidence that people still depend on each other. My generation shares their cars and apartments the way neighbors used to share cups of sugar. For the system to work, we still need our own cars. But until I get my own version of the silver Super Beetle, you can find me on twitter. The writer usually shares a car with _ . A. anyone heading the same way B. friends of friends C. people he knows D. strangers of his age Answer: C. people he knows Last Saturday night Jenny was walking through a mall in London , texting on her phone. She wasn't watching where she was going , so she fell into a sewer and got trapped. Luckily she didn't hurt badly. She quickly climbed out and walked away. But her accident was caught on a mall camera. Then someone posted it on YouTube. The video was viewed almost 2 million times and received national attention. Jenny was angry with this, but she learned a deep lesson: Texting while walking is dangerous. This time I just fell into a sewer. Next time I didn't know what would happen. Maybe I would be knocked down by a car or something else. It was horrible. Jenny may be famous for her mistake. After that, she was laughed at by her friends and workmates. She _ what she had done. But it was too late. However, she wasn't the only one who got into trouble while texting on the phone. In 2008, more than 1000 Englishmen visited hospital for similar reasons. They were walking and texting or talking on the phone. Suddenly a wall appeared! Or a hole or something like that got in the way. There were cuts, bumps, broken bones and even worse result happened on them. So we must be careful when we are walking. Don't send messages or talk with somebody on the phone while walking. Or you may hurt yourself and become another Jenny in the future. What's the best title of this passage? A. An Unforgettable Lesson B. A Horrible Accident C. Texting on the Phone While Walking D. Don't Send Message While Walking Answer: A. An Unforgettable Lesson Most of the things around you will be replaced or thrown away someday. Where will they go when they are thrown out? What kinds of waste will they create, and how will it affect the environment Most of our crash goes to places called landfills. A LANDFILL is a low area of land that is filled with garbage .Most modern landfills are lined with a cover of plastic to keep dangerous liquids from polluting earth and ground water supply. The problem is that more than half of the states in this country are running out of places to landfill their garbage. Because of the unhealthy materials, landfills do not make good neighbors,and people don't want to live near them. Many landfills are set in poor neighborhoods. The Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island, New York, was the largest garbage landfill in the world. For years, people who live nearby complained about air and water pollution caused by the enormous pile of trash. They say that the smoke have made people sick. The landfill closed in April 2001.Now can a harmful waste--material that can pollute air, land, and water -be disposed of in a safe way. Another way to get rid of trash is to burn it. Trash is burned in an _ Because incinerators in operation can get rid of almost all of the trash, some communities would rather use incinerators than landfills. There is a problem, though. Leftover ash and smoke from burning trash may have dangerous chemicals, and even make it hard for some people to breathe. They can harm plants, animals, and people. You can help reduce waste by reusing bottles, batteries, and paper. You can also recycle newspaper, glass, and plastics t to provide materials for making other products. From recycled materials, many things are made. For example, from recycled paper we can get newspapers, boxes and so on. From recycled plastic we can get soda bottles, tables, and backpacks. What is probably the best title for the passage? A. How Is Trash Burned? B. What Can Be Reused. C. Why Is Waste Dangerous? D. Where Does Garbage Go? Answer: D. Where Does Garbage Go? Which of the following is an example of an escape strategy that is used to avoid being killed and eaten by predators? A. Deer shed their antlers in the fall. B. Newts drop their tails when threatened. C. Anglerfish produce light to attract other fish. D. Otters produce oil to coat their fur and make it waterproof. Answer: B. Newts drop their tails when threatened. What kind of pets do people have in your country? Dogs? Cats? How about a duck, hippo or lion? Here are two cases of animal owners with unusual pets. Barrie Hayman has a pet duck called Star. Barrie adopted him after his brothers and sisters stayed away from him at birth. Barrie, a duck breeder, realized the little duck needed special attention. So he began taking Star with him everywhere he went. "I would put him in my pocket while I did my shopping," said Barrie. Now, at five months, Star is too big for Barrie's pocket, but the two are still _ . They watch sports together and even share a drink together. Barrie said, "He is one fantastic duck. I've never known any like him." Star even has his own Facebook page, with more than 2,000 Facebook friends. Then there's the case of Tonie and Shirley Joubert in South Africa. They live with their pet hippo, Jessica. Tonie saved Jessica from floodwaters when she was only a day old. Jessica lives outside their riverside house, but she knows how to open the kitchen door, and often goes there for a snack. Tonie recently said, "I don't know whether Jessica sees me as a hippo or whether she sees herself as a human." Shirley is more certain, "Jessica sees herself as our child and I see Jessica as my daughter. I can't imagine my life without Jessica." Jessica is free to leave, and often visits wild hippos that live nearby. But she always returns home at night. Jessica's website notes that she has three hippo boyfriends, but one in particular, Fred, is her favorite. They often go grazing together and Fred has recently moved onto the Jouberts' house as well. What's the main idea of the passage? A. Some websites are set up to protect pets. B. Some unusual pets are adopted by people. C. People should take good care of their pets. D. Pets sometimes can be very interesting. Answer: B. Some unusual pets are adopted by people.
According to a joint survey by the Social Investigation Center of China Youth Daily and the news center of Tencent.com,76.9% of the 5,21l respondents ,all being youths in their 20s, believe the society needs chutouniao("leading birds")who dare to take risks to show their worth,although,as the Chinese, saying goes, "The leading bird gets shot first."or "One who takes the lead usually bears the brunt of an attack." About 58.2%of the respondents think that one has to work hard at all times, and one must know how to show off when the chance comes.53%of them also believe that it is necessary to be aggressive ,sometimes. "I wish my employees will let me know when they have achieved something."said LiuXueyuan,the president of a media company,as it is impossible for him to know all his employees well.However, showing off too much is of course no good, either."One who likes to show off one's achievement will also be the first to be noticed when one makes a mistake."said Liu.He suggested that the employees should do their jobs steadily and surely. Although most respondents think chutouniao are necessary,not many of them like to hobnob with such persons.In fact, 65.9% of the respondents simply don't like them,while 7.1% of the respondents expressed their hatred of them. Faced with the conflict between "needed by the society" and "disliked by fellow beings," quite a large number of people have let slip chances.59.6% of the respondents regret it. According to the passage, the following statements are true EXCEPT that_. Answer: I sat with my friend in a well-known coffee shop in a neighboring town of Venice. As we enjoyed our coffee, a man called the waiter and placed his order, "Two cups of coffee, one on the wall." We got interested and observed that he was served with one cup of coffee but he paid for two. As soon as he left, the waiter attached a piece of paper to the wall saying "A Cup of Coffee." Similar occasions took place twice while we were there. It seemed that this gesture was quite normal at this place. However, it was something unique and confusing for us. After a few days, when we again enjoyed coffee there, a man entered. The way this man was dressed did not match the standard or the atmosphere of this coffee shop. Poverty was evident from his looks. As he seated himself, he looked at the wall and said, "One cup of coffee from the wall." The waiter served coffee to this man with respect and dignity. The man had his coffee and left without paying. We were amazed to watch all this when the waiter took off a piece of paper from the wall and threw it in the dustbin. Now it was no surprise for us; the matter was very clear. The great respect for the needy shown by people in this town moved us to tears. Coffee is not a necessity. However, the point is that when we take pleasure in any blessing, maybe we also need to think about those people who also appreciate that specific blessing but cannot afford. Note the waiter, who gets the communication going between the affording and the needy with a smile on his face. Think about the man in need: he enters the coffee shop without having to lower his self-dignity; he has a free cup of coffee without asking or knowing about who has given this cup of coffee to him; he only looked at the wall, placed an order for himself, enjoyed his coffee and left. Besides, we need to remember the role played by the wall that reflects the generosity and care of people in this town. The author thought the man in need was _ . Answer: Once there was a fish who had lived his whole life in his bowl. He often got bored and wished to see the rest of the world, but because he was a fish, he couldn't leave the water. So one day he made a special fish suit that would allow him to walk on land and breathe air like humans. He knew this would change his life, and make him rich, but first he would have to test it out. He put the suit on and leaped from the bowl that until now had been his whole world. The suit worked! Now he could go where he wanted. First he went to the kitchen of the house. There he saw a parrot eating a cracker. Second he went outside to the yard. He saw squirrels there running around looking for food. Third he went to the barn in the field. He saw a mommy cow. She was teaching her calf how to run. Finally he went to forest where he saw more trees than he had ever seen in his whole life. But after all this he was tired, and made up his mind to go back to his home in the bowl. It was a lot of work trying to see the world. He took off the special suit and splashed back into the water. His suit had passed the test and he was very happy, but he had made up his mind that his bowl was the place for him. What did he see in the barn in the field? Answer: An early form of a game in which a ball was kicked around a field is recorded in 1004 B.C. Japan. Some sports historians believe that the game of soccer began in England in the third century, however. They say that early English warriors kicked around the head of a killed enemy. This may or may not be true, but it is certain that soccer is an ancient sport. Without doubt, the English played soccer during the times of King Edward I in the 1300s. In fact, the king passed a law against playing it. The law said, "There is great noise ... caused by kicking large balls from which many ghosts may appear." Anyone caught playing soccer at that time was put into prison. Two hundred years later, Queen Elizabeth I still had people put into prison for playing this " _ " sport. Although there were such laws, soccer grew more popular. In 1681 it became an official sport in England. By the 1800s, people throughout the country played soccer. By the 18th century, upper-class boys played it at schools. Its popularity grew among all English people. At a meeting held in an English school in 1843, the first rules were suggested. In 1863 the heads of English soccer teams met in London to agree on some official rules. They organized an English football association . By 1871 all of the English clubs were following these rules. Today all soccer teams play by them. Soccer is called "football" everywhere but in the United States. The game is played mostly with feet. No players except the goalie ( ) may touch the ball with their hands. They may control the ball with any part of the body except their hands. Soccer is by far the world's most popular sport. Every four years, nearly every country in the world tlghts for the World Cup. Tens of billions of soccer fans from around the world watch the World Cup on television. This passage is mainly about Answer: I would recommend uVolunteer Programs in Costa Rica to anyone. Everyone can learn something and enjoy their time here if they have the ability to adapt to different circumstances and a sense of adventure. I came to San Ramon---the capital of Costa Rica, hardly knowing any Spanish, so the first thing I did there was to take Spanish courses at Spanish Language School for a week. My family stay was also of great help to my language study, but that experience with the classes gave me _ on the language, which has been extremely valuable. Once in San Ramon, I was fortunate enough to experience several projects with amazing people. I taught Adult English Night Classes, helped at an elementary school, and also went to the Community Center in Bajo. The adult classes are just so awesome because it can be really engaging, social, and fun while being educational. We all learned a lot from each other and became pretty close. The Sabana School was a nice elementary school right by the dorm. The kids were so incredibly nice, even giving me lots of hugs and small gifts. I came at a time when there were many holiday celebrations so there were some scheduling challenges, resulting in me being there to assist English classes a couple of hours in the morning. I decided to go to Bajo in the afternoons. I, like all of the other volunteers, absolutely loved it. This is a place where I felt I was really helping in a more significant way. The kids started to open up more to me the more I was there playing with the kids and helping with the educational programs. The staff and kids are just incredible. Aside from work, we decided on some weekend trips. By the end of my stay I had experienced hot volcanic springs in La Fortuna, snorkeling and hiking with incredible wildlife in Puerto Viejo, caving in Nicaragua, and kayaking and night fishing (we ate the fish too) in Playa Hermosa. I also enjoyed dancing, eating, and watching performances during the San Ramon festivals. Everyone can benefit from uVolunteer Programs in Costa Rica as long as _ . Answer:
Big Ben is not the name of a man. It is the name of a huge clock in London, London is the capital of the UK. This clock has four faces, so no matter where you stand, you can read the time on the face of Big Ben. Each face is the size of a double-decker bus. The hands are about four meters long. It is about the size of two people standing on top of each other. If you go to London, you may want to visit the House of Parliament . You will find Big Ben sitting at the top of the clock tower in the House of Parliament. You will hear it as well as you see it. The big clock makes such a loud sound, "Ding dong, ding dong," it goes every quarter of an hour. A big man gave the clock the name. He was Sir Benjamin Hail. He did much building work in London many years ago, Which two words mean the same as "large"? A. big and double B. huge and loud C. big and huge D. giant and small Answer: C Four schoolchildren from Belgrade, England were out on their bikes on Wednesday evening. Unexpectedly, they saw an elderly man grasping for breath in the street.They tried to call the police and ambulance service, but their phones were not working, due to network problems. Before the Polish man became unconscious, the children kept him calm while they flagged down a passing driver. The children used words they had picked up from their Polish classmates to translate the injured man's answers to the driver's questions.Gary, 10, and his six - year - old sister, Lily, stayed with the man while Thymus and Owen, both 11, led the ambulance to the spot where he lay. Soon the man was taken to hospital. The fantastic four children who came to the aid of the elderly man deserve the highest respect for their quick - thinking and courage in an emergency situation. They are a credit not only to themselves, but to their families and their school.And it is great to be able to hear such a positive story about young people. What is not so positive about this story is the fact that several adults apparently walked by without stopping to help.This seeming indifference to an emergency situation is a well noted phenomenon which psychologists sometimes refer to as "the bystander effect".Research suggests that when a group of people witness an emergency, people are likely to assume that somebody else will intervene and they feel that the burden of responsibility is lifted from their shoulders. Perhaps the answer to this sort of things is to introduce a " Good Samaritan" law. This already exists in France and places a legal responsibility on people who witness an emergency situation to help out as long as they can do so.This certainly seems to remove any doubt about who bears the burden of responsibility for offering assistance---everyone What can we learn about the elderly man? A. He spoke Polish with the children. B. He fell from his bike and got injured. C. He was taken to hospital by the driver. D. He recovered consciousness in the street. Answer: A D It was about midday.I'd left work early in the morning to cash a check.I walked along to the bank and found there were only about ten or eleven customers in there, a pretty unusual number for those central banks. I waited until it was my turn, walked up to the desk and started talking to the bank clerk.He had a really strange expression on his face--just sort of a blank stare.I thought he was looking at me until I realized he was staring over my shoulder. I began to turn round to see what he was looking at and at the same moment, the outside bank guard, the one with the machine gun, came flying through the door and lay face down on the floor.Following him through the door were three absolutely frightening men wearing those horrible stocking masks.They were carrying guns; at least the one in front was carrying a pistol. Whether or not they said anything I can't remember to this day, or whether people just automatically put their hands up I don't know.I put my hands up but I just didn't know what to do.For a few moments there was just total silence, suddenly broken by the telephone ringing.I remember wondering who was on the other end of the line.Nobody answered the telephone, so it just kept on ringing and ringing, in this otherwise deathly quiet. Then two of the masked men went to the counter, jumped over it and got the cashiers and bank clerks to start filling their bags with cash.While the two were getting the money, the one at the door covering us with the gun obviously got a bit of an anxiety attack and started swearing at them, telling them to hurry up and get a move on. They jumped back over the counter.One of them lost his balance when he landed on the floor and fell over.The other two swore at him again.Then they left through the door, warning us, "Don't move.Stay like that with your hands up for ten minutes." Then they just disappeared and there was total silence. What could make the writer sense that something was about to happen? A. The small number of customers. B. The total silence in the bank. C. The bank clerk's unusual behavior. D. The constant ringing of the phone. Answer: C From poor beginnings to most expensive player ZINEDINE Zidane,who dreams of leading France to its second World Cup title in a row next month,has always preferred to express himself with a football rather than with words. Last Wednesday Zidane scored the decisive goal when Real Madrid of Spain won the Champions League final against Germany's Leverkusen 21. He became one of the world's most expensive players when he joined Real Madrid from Italy's Juventus for US $ 66 million.And he has been a national hero since he scored twice in the 3-O defeat of Brazil in the 1998 World Cup Final. But despite his success,Zidane has always kept his feet on the ground.He leads a quite family life,there is hardly any gossip about him and he avoids putting his wife and two children in the spotlight. "Just because I'm a public figure it doesn't mean I have to express myself on everything.I don't like to discuss some personal matters publicly."he said. Even as a child playing football in the slum area of Marseille,France,where he was raised by his Algerian parents,Zidane was shy. He loved football even as a little kid."I realized football is a wonderful mixture of a sharp mind and hard training rather than just talking,"he said. Even when the match awards were just chocolate and bread,Zidane found that football made his poor childhood rich. Before he was 10 years old,it was obvious that he could become a great footballer.He was offered his first professional contract when he was just 20.Now,at the age of 29,he has already picked up two World Player of the year awards. This quiet striker has not yet spoken of his hopes for the coming World Cup.But his fans across the world will be eagerly watching him to see what he'll do this time. When the writer says"Zidane has always kept his feet on the ground",he means _ . A. Zidane spends more time standing than sitting most days B. Zidane is a down-to earth person C. Zidane has spent most of his time training on the pitch D. Zidane likes standing when he succeeds Answer: B The train I was traveling on was already half an hour late. I had to arrive in Vienna at 7:15 to catch it. He advised me to get off two stops before Vienna station and take a taxi. When the time came, the conductor even helped me with my bags. He wished me good luck as I jumped off. And a few minutes later, I was racing towards the centre of the city in a taxi. It was almost 7:25 when we stopped outside the station. I paid the driver quickly, took hold of my bags quickly and hurried inside. "Pairs train" was all I had time to say to the official I saw. You can guess how I feel when he pointed to a man that the train was just moving out of the station. Why did the writer get off the train two stops before Vienna station? A. He wanted to have a rest B. He wanted to catch the 7:25 Paris train. C. He wanted to go to Paris by taxi. D. He wanted to meet the official. Answer: B
Henry Ford was born on a farm on July 30th, 1863. The farm was near the city of Detroit. Henry was always interested in machines. He enjoyed fixing clocks.And he helped repair farm equipment. When Henry was sixteen years old, he left the family farm and went to Detroit to learn more about machines. Henry used what he learned from work to develop engines. In 1903, he was ready to start building cars for the public. On July 15th, 1903, a man named Doctor Pfenning bought the first car from the Ford Motor Company. The sale to Doctor Pfenning was the beginning of a huge number of requests for Ford cars.By the end of March, 1904, almost 600 Ford cars had been sold. At the start of 1905, the Ford Motor Company was producing 25 cars each day. Henry Ford was sure the future of the automobile industry was in a low-priced car for the general public. He said then, and many times after,"I want to make a car that anybody can buy." In 1907, Henry Ford said: "I will build a motor car for the great mass of people. 1t will be large enough for the family, but small enough for one person to operate and care for. It will be built of the best materials. It will be built by the best men to be employed. And it will be built with the simplest plans that modern engineering can produce. _ Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage? A Henry Ford was born in the city of Detroit. B Doctor Pfenning developed the first car. C The Ford Motor Company was founded in 1905. D Ford aimed to build cars for the general public. Answer: D He was surprised to see that the chicken was keeping up with him. Looking at his speedometer , he found that he was doing 50 miles per hour (MPH). Then he drove at 60 MPH, and the chicken stayed right next to him. He sped up to 75 MPH and _ still kept up. The man then found that the chicken had three legs. Growing even more curious , he followed the chicken down a road and into a farm. He got out of his car and saw that all the chickens around him had three legs. He asked the farmer, "What's up with the three-legged chickens?" The farmer said, "Well, whenever we have chicken for diner, everyone in the family fights over the legs, but there are only two. I have raised a kind of three-legged chicken. It's going to make me richer." "How do they taste?" the man asked. The farmer said, "Don't know yet, I haven't been able to catch one." How did the man feel when he saw the chicken keeping up with him? A Happy. B Scared. C Angry. D Surprised. Answer: D Robert had just moved into the street and he felt strange that he was not wanted. He knew that perhaps the other boy students were trying to get an idea of what kind of a boy he was. This did not help to make him less lonely. He was new and he had to be tested. Still, proving himself would not be all that easy. He did not want to run with bad boys or get into something against the law to prove that he was strong. No! He must show what he was made of in a more helpful way. That would be better when he got the idea. The next day was Saturday. He knew that most of the boys would be down on the playground and choose up sides for the Saturday game. Robert knew he could play well and that just might be enough to prove he was strong and to make friends with them. He arrived early and did his step exercises. He shot the ball several times and did some other exercises--the most difficult and most wonderful in basketball. Then the boys came. Robert went through what he had done before the game and showed what he could do. No one said a word. The boys just looked at each other and thought about it. In the end, when it was all over, the biggest of the group just smiled and shook his head. Robert knew he had made it. What did the biggest of the group mean by shaking his head? A He did not want to say anything about what Robert had done. B He had not thought Robert could play so wonderfully. C He did want to make friends with Robert. D He did not think Robert played basketball well. Answer: B As long as I can remember, I've always loved to draw. But my interest in drawing wasn't encouraged very much. Growing up in the 1950s, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, boys were supposed to be athletic. Certain peer pressures encouraged little fingers to learn how to hold footballs rather than crayons. My early love for drawing developed into a love for telling stories through pictures. Stories began as fragments of pictures in my mind. I created a story by posing questions to myself. I called it the "what if" and "what then" approach. For example, for my book The Polar Express, I started out by thinking "What if a boy gets on that train? Where does he go?" From the time I come up with the idea, write and illustrate the book, and deliver it to the printer, it takes about seven months. First, I begin thinking of the idea. Then I imagine the pictures and the story. A good picture book should have events that are visually _ . I first consider scenes that are exciting to look at and then my challenge is to weave a story around those pictures. The next step is putting the illustrations and story down on paper. When you first look at my illustrations, you see ordinary, everyday things. But if you look closer, things might not seem quite so simple. When I'm writing a book, I always try to create something strange or puzzling in each picture. By using artistic strategies, I can give the drawing a kind of mysterious quality. All of my books are picture books, so they are generally thought of as books for children. But when I make them, I think of the books as being for everybody -- for people of all ages. When I was a kid, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, but now I'm really glad I became an artist and a storyteller. Why does the author mention The Polar Express? A To tell us an interesting story. B To introduce his famous work. C To make up a sentence with "what if". D To show us how he designed his book. Answer: D Nature is full of color, from rainbows and roses to butterfly wings and peacock tails. Even the fruits and vegetables you eat have different colors: blue blueberries, red strawberries, green broccoli, and orange carrots. Plant and animals often use color to attract attention. The substances responsible for these colors belong to a class of chemical called antioxidants . Plants make antioxidant to protect themselves from the sun's ultraviolet(UV) light. Ultraviolet light causes chemicals called free radicals to form within plant cells. They can destroy parts of plant. Free radicals also have damaging effects on human beings. Some of these effects like wrinkled skin can be seen. The damage is caused by the free radicals attacking cells in our bodies. Certain cancers and heart disease are linked to free radicals. Our bodies have natural defences for fighting off free radicals. While we are young, our defences are pretty strong. However, they get weaker as we get older. The body's built-in defences can only go so far without extra help. The key to fighting free radicals with fruits and vegetables is to mix and match colors. It's like sunscreen for the inside of your body. Go for a range of very bright colors. Colorful foods contain hundreds of healthy chemicals not found anywhere else. Research into how chemicals in blueberries affect the brain's function in rats suggests that these chemicals may help our own brains work more efficiently. Don't just blame the sun. Ultraviolet light isn't the only source of free radicals. If you breathe polluted air such as smog, automobile exhaust , or wasted gas from a factory, you take in chemicals that also cause such damage. And, the body itself produces free radicals as it processes food. Which of the following can not cause free radicals to form? A Colorful food B UV light from the sun C Polluted air D The body itself Answer: A
When the one-year anniversary of my mother's passing came around, I found myself in the kitchen preparing some of her favorite dishes. As I poured myself into cooking, some of the deep sadness I was experiencing at this one-year mark moved through me. I loved my mom's turkey soup. I remembered the time she made some especially for me. It was summer then and I had a terrible head cold. She arrived unexpectedly one afternoon at my work place with a huge jar of her turkey noodle soup. At the thought, I began to feel a little more relieved in the pain of losing her. It was then that I realized I was reconnecting with my mother through food. I laughed a bit at myself when I reflected on all the dishes I had cooked that week. Without knowing it, I had created a beautiful ceremony to honor my mother and to comfort myself at this vulnerable time. I suddenly felt my mother at hand and was filled with her presence. I was so uplifted and excited that I began talking to her, imagining she was there. "What else should we make?" I asked of us both, wanting to keep the ceremony from ending. "Irish Potato Pancakes," was the reply. I hesitated. The thought of these brought up another loss. The last time I made potato pancakes was two and a half years ago. I had taken off my engagement ring and never found it again. Since then, I resisted using that recipe even though I really liked those pancakes as if it were partly to blame. My mom should know better than to suggest these, I thought. She knew how upset I was about losing my ring. But despite these hesitations, I found myself caught up in the joy and celebration of the moment, and I reached for the cookbook without another thought of the ring. My mom did love Irish things. I opened the cookbook and turned to the pancake recipe. At once, something at the bottom of the page caught my eye... It was shining! Amazingly, there, pressed into the pages of this book, was my diamond ring! That day, I made potato pancakes in the shape of hearts. At the one-year anniversary, the writer _ . cooked some dishes in memory of her mother After my dad died on Aug.30, 2001, my mother made sure we marked each anniversary. At first, my brothers and sister and I would travel hours to get home, but eventually we got to the point where just one or two of us would make it back to go to Mass with her and spend the day together. The great love of her life, the man who broke up with her right before her college graduation, only to return two years later claiming he'd traveled the world and hadn't found anyone to compare with her, remained a daily presence in her life. She spoke about him so often and kept his memory so alive that people were sometimes surprised to learn that he was gone. She took over the garden where he'd planted and made it her own. When the 10th anniversary of his death approached, my mom began talking about it and planning for it weeks in advance. The date on her kitchen calendar was circled and marked R.I.P. (Rest in Peace). Of course she wanted all of us there and settled the dates for our coming back. On Monday -- the day before the anniversary -- she went to morning Mass and walked downtown for lunch with friends, and later told my sister on the phone that she felt Dad still so close that as she was walking back home, she heard someone yell and thought, "Oh, there's Dick." That evening she went out to water flowers, just as my father, 10 years before, had gone out to the garden to pick vegetables before he died. A neighbor heard the tin watering can strike the ground as she fell and hit her head. My mother died within hours, on Aug.30, 2011, the 10thanniversary. She needed to mark that anniversary, and my dad had waited long enough. Which of the following statements is true EXCEPT that _ . Mother died the day before the anniversary of Father's death Playing basketball isn't ladylike. That's what Jewell Chapman's high school headmaster told her in 1961 when he was against the girls' basketball program. "We were very discouraged, " said Chapman, a forward for her high school team of Des Moines. Nearly 50 years later, Chapman is back on the playground. She's 62 and plays for "Hot Pink Grannies", joining about 10 other women on a team whose uniforms are black trousers and hot pink socks. They play in the Iowa Granny Basketball League. It's one of dozens of basketball leagues for women over 50 that have arisen across the country. For some, it's a chance to exercise and meet people; for others, _ "You see more and more elderly women's teams taking part in state and national competitions," said Michael Rogers, a professor in sports studies at Wichita State University. "In the future it will be something common to have leagues like this." Yearly surveys by the National Sporting Goods Association show the number of women aged 55 and older who play basketball at least 50 times a year has grown from 16,000 in 1995 to nearly 131,000 ten years later. The women on the Hot Pink Grannies are good - natured but competitive when game time comes. "I think I'm tough" says Colleen Pulliam, 69, showing off her strong arms at her challengers in a game against "Strutters", known for their bright yellow socks. Granny Basketball Leagues and similar groups spread quickly through much of the country, including California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Which is right about Chapman? She plays basketball again about 50 years later. The writer Margaret Mitchell is best known for writingGone with the Wind, first published in 1936. Her book and the movie based on it, tell a story of love and survival during the American Civil War. Visitors to the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta, Georgia, can go where she lived when she started composing the story and learn more about her life. Our first stop at the Margaret Mitchell House is an exhibit area telling about the writer's life. She was born in Atlanta in 1900. She started writing stories when she was a child. She started working as a reporter for theAtlanta Journalnewspaper in 1922. One photograph of Ms. Mitchell, called Peggy, shows her talking to a group of young college boys. She was only about one and a half meters tall. The young men _ her, but she seems very happy and sure of herself. The tour guide explains: "Now in this picture Peggy is interviewing some boys from Georgia Tech, asking them such questions as 'Would you really marry a woman who works?' And today it'd be 'Would you marry one who doesn't?' " The Margaret Mitchell House is a building that once contained several apartments. Now we enter the first floor apartment where Ms. Mitchell lived with her husband, John Marsh. They made fun of the small apartment by calling it "The Dump " . Around 1926, Margaret Mitchell had stopped working as a reporter and was at home healing after an injury. Her husband brought her books to read from the library. She read so many books that he bought her a typewriter and said it was time for her to write her own book. Our guide saysGone with the Windbecame a huge success. Margaret Mitchell received the Pulitzer Prize for the book. In 1939 the film version was released. It won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The bookGone with the Wind was _ . written in "The Dump" A student notices dogs have more fleas in the summer than in the winter. Based on these observations, which is the most logical question for the student to investigate? How does temperature affect the amount of fleas on dogs?
Jeanette Rankin was born on a ranch in Montana,USA in 1882.In those days,Montana was still a frontier state,and life there was hard.Men and women shared the difficult outdoor work.But young Jeanette noticed men and women were not equal in many ways.For instance, at election time, women were not allowed to vote.Jeanette thought this was not fair, and several years later, after graduating from college, she realized how to help change the situation. First, she joined with other women.and gave speeches through the state.Thanks to their years of efforts, Montana women were finally allowed to vote.This experience changed Jeanette's life.She wanted do work for the welfare of women and children everywhere.She was now well-known throughout Montana, so she decided to run for the US Congress.In 1916,she became the first woman in the Congress of the United Staters. Just six days after Rankin first attended Congress in 1917,American President Wilson called for a vote to go to war against Germany, as German submarines attacked American ships during World War I.When Jeanette was called upon to vote,she said,"I want to stand by my country, buy I cannot vote for war.I vote no."Forty-nine other congress members also voted no,but she was the person who was criticized most.Newspapers said her decision came from weakness and she was anti-American. In the Second World War, Japanese warplanes attacked the American base at Pearl Harbor in 1941.The time came again for the US Congress members to vote for or against going to war.Everyone was waiting for Jeanette Rankin to vote, who rose and said,"As a woman, I can't go to war, so I refuse to send anyone else".Out of 471 members,she was the only member who voted against war.After that,she received thousands of letters.Most people criticized her, but some praised her for her courage. Shortly before she died in 1973, she was asked if she regretted voting "no"to the two wars."Never,"she answered."If you are against war,you're against war regard less of what happens." Today, in the US Congress Building,there is a statue of Jeanette Rankin.On the base of the statue are her words:"I cannot vote for war." Which is true according to the passage? A. Jeannette was the only member to vote no to the two wars. B. Jeannette voted no to the wars because she was weak. C. Everyone in the USA hated her when she voted no to the war against Japan. D. Jeanette believed that no war was right. Answer: D. Jeanette believed that no war was right. There was once a captain who loved money so much that he cheated his sailors at the end of every voyage and took their wages. On the last day of one voyage, the ship was in a small port. It was winter time, and the sea was very cold, so the captain said to his sailors, "If one of you stays in the water during the whole night, I will give him my ship. But if he comes out before the sun appears, I shall get his wages." The sailors had heard about the captain's cheating, so they didn't trust him. But then one of them, who thought that he was cleverer than the captain, said that he would do it. He got into the water, and, though it was very cold, he stayed in it. When it was nearly morning, some fishermen lit a fire on the shore about half a mile away. "You are cheating," the captain said to the sailor. "The fire's warming you." "But it's half a mile away!" said the sailor. "A fire's fire," answered the captain. "I have won." The sailor came out of the water, and said, "Perhaps you think that you are clever because you have won my wages, but you can't cook a chicken." "I can," answered the captain. "If you cook this chicken," said the sailor, "I shall work for you without wages for seven years, but if you can't, you will give me your ship." The captain agreed, took the chicken and said, "Where's the fire?" "There it is," answered the sailor. "On the shore." "But it's half a mile away," said the captain angrily. "A fire's fire,' you said," answered the sailor. "If it is enough to warm me in the water, it is enough to cook your chicken." Which of the following statements is TRUE? A. All the sailors refused to get into the water because it was too cold. B. The captain knew that the fire the fishermen made was enough to warm the sailor in the water. C. The captain succeeded in cheating the sailor. D. It was the sailor who was cleverer. Answer: D. It was the sailor who was cleverer. It is most difficult for parents to decide whether to have a second child or not. It is often heard that a single child is like to be a lonely child. There are no other children in the family for the child to talk or play with. An only child is not able to get along well with children of his age. Some parents regretted making the decisions to have only one child. But the number of parents choosing to have only one child is increasing in many parts of the world. In the US, for example, more than14 percent of women between 18 and 34 plan to have just one child. The same can be seen in the UK. In Japan, the average number of children born per family had gone down to 1.42 by 1996. For some single-child parents, especially who are busy working every day, time and energy seem to be _ . They don't have enough time and energy to share with more children. For other people, money is their first consideration. Many couples in Japan choose not to have large families as the cost of supporting a child up to the age of 18 reaches around US$160,000. Which of the following is true according to the passage? A. It is not easy to make a decision to have a second child. B. Many couples in Japan love to have large families. C. All parents feel confident about having a second child. D. Less than 14% of women in the UK plan to have just one child. Answer: A. It is not easy to make a decision to have a second child. Chocolate was a box turtle. Lauren found her one day on the side of the road, hiding in her old, worn shell, frightened by the cars going by. Lauren picked Chocolate up to help her cross the street, because Lauren knew that turtles are very slow and cars are very fast. After Lauren got Chocolate to the other side of the road, Chocolate peeked her head out of her shell and looked at the little girl. Lauren saw that not only was Chocolate's shell worn, one of her eyes was shut. Lauren thought Chocolate needed more help from her, so Lauren took the turtle home. Lauren hid Chocolate in her bathtub, because she was worried that her mother would be mad. Lauren went to look up what turtles like to eat and left Chocolate alone in the bathtub. Lauren was still looking up turtle facts when she heard her mother call out, "Lauren, get in here now!" Lauren knew she was in trouble. But when Lauren came into the bathroom, her mother was smiling. Lauren's mom told her that she had a turtle when she was a little girl. Lauren and her mom took Chocolate to an animal doctor who treated sick turtles. The doctor gave them special drops to put in Chocolate's eyes. Lauren put the drops in Chocolate's eyes, like the doctor told her and soon the turtle's eyes were all better. Chocolate's shell was still old and worn looking, like an old shoe, but now her eyes were beautiful, like the golden jewels on Grandma's earrings. Lauren was glad that she helped Chocolate. What did Lauren do to help Chocolate? A. fed her and put drops in her eyes B. helped her cross the road and gave her a bath C. helped her cross the road and put drops in her eyes D. gave her a bath and fed her Answer: C. helped her cross the road and put drops in her eyes Lizards are unusual,but they can make good pets because most of them are small and easy to care for. They do not make loud noises,and they do not need to go for walks or take baths. Of course, some lizards make better pets than others. One of the most popular lizards in pet store is the bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are active during the day and do not mind people holding them. Geckos are another popular pet lizard. They are a little more difficult to care for. Geckos are active at night and need a warm place to live.Like bearded dragons,they can be held by their owners.Both of these lizards can live ten years or more when they are well cared for. Two lizards that are bad choices for pets are iguanas and chameleons. Iguanas can grow to be almost two meters(nearly six feet),so they need a big space to live in.They can also bite or scratch their owners.Chameleons do not hurt their owners,but they are quite difficu1t to care for. While iguanas can live up to twenty years,chameleons do not live very long. Most do not live more than five years. The writer of the passage probably thinks that _ . A. iguanas are not good pets for children B. all lizards are good pets C. most lizards are dangerous,so do not keep them as pets D. no matter which lizard you get,do not hold it Answer: A. iguanas are not good pets for children
Which object is the best conductor of electricity? Different countries have different greeting customs. Read this article to know more about the greeting customs in different cultures, and make sure you greet people in the right way next time you visit one of these countries. France French people greet each other with a handshake, but close friends kiss each other on both cheeks when they meet. They do this _ when meeting and before leaving. South Korea In South Korea, it is a sign of respect for people to bow when greeting each other. In Korea, a bow is followed by a handshake. When shaking someone's hand, it is polite to support the right forearm with the left hand. However, South Korean women do not shake hands with Western men; instead, they bow slightly. Brazil Kissing women on the cheek is a common way of greeting. In a formal situation, a handshake is often done to show respect. Men should shake hands before and after meeting, and once they have become familiar with each other, a light hug is often given to each other. Ghana In a social situation, it's polite to greet everyone in the room. A handshake is used in greeting, and one palm must directly touch the other palm. It's considered disrespectful to touch the back of the hand. The Philippines There are several ways of greeting people in the Philippines. An elderly person places his or her right hand on the forehead of a child to "bless" the latter. This is called "mano". Relatives and family members greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Friends greet each other with a polite nod or a handshake. Mike kisses a French boy Jim on the cheek, they may _ . Five boys are suspected of starting a fire that destroyed their school on the eve of the new term. Police said yesterday that five boys -- one aged 11, two 12-year-olds, one aged 13 and one 15 -- arrested on suspicion of starting the fire had been released until later this month. Parents said the five pupils all attended St Mary's. Pupils witnessed their schoolwork being destroyed in the fire at Leyland St Mary's Catholic Technology College in Lancashire. The 1950s science block was reduced to the ground in Sunday's fire, which created clouds of smoke visible for miles. It is reported that the library and sports hall were also destroyed beyond repair. Strong winds and a shortage of water prevented 125 firemen trying to bring it under control. Firefighters were expected to remain at the scene until late this afternoon. Staffs were due to attend the school yesterday for an inset day, and pupils pupils were to return for lessons after the holidays today. St Mary's head teacher Kathy McNicholas fought back the tears as she watched her school go up in flames last night. She said, "This is so upsetting to watch. It's heartbreaking. It's very _ for the staff and the children. Everyone had been looking forward to coming back for the new school year." Finding somewhere around 730 children won't be easy. A few of the staff have turned up to see if there is anything they can do and they have all been shocked and saddened by what has happened. "It's tragic because we have only just had a lot of refreshment work done to the school during the summer break. It was a big investment. The community around here very much looks after its school." Plans were being drawn up to provide alternative classrooms for 730 children, with parents warned to keep them at home for at least the rest of the week. From the whole passage, we can know that _ . Three travelers, Allan, Carl and Paul were sitting on the chairs in a train station. They were waiting for a train that was very late. To pass the time, they began talking to each other. At first, they talked about the weather and their work. Then Paul said, "Tell me--what would you most like to do if your doctor tell you that you have only three months to live?" The other two men thought about this for a while, then Carl spoke. "Well," he said, "if I have only three months to live, I'll take all my money out of the bank and go to foreign countries for holidays with my best friend, Erik. I'd like to travel to the places in the world as many as possible. And I'll stay at the best hotels and then eat the best food. I think I'll have a wonderful time." "That's very interesting." Paul said. With these words, he turned to the other man, saying, "And what about you?" "I'll tell you a secret," Allan said. "I always want to be a racing driver. So if I have only three months to live, the first thing I'd like to do is to sell my house. With the money I'll buy the fastest car in the world. Maybe I can enter all the big motor races." Then he laughed, "I might even end up (......) world champion." "Now it's your turn," Allan went on, "If your doctor tell you the bad news, what would you most like to do?" "Oh," said Paul with a smile. "I'll go and see another doctor." The men began to talk about the weather and the work because they _ . "I say, I'm pleased to see you," said the little man standing by the letter-box. "Oh, hello," I said, remembering he was a new neighbor. "Simpson, isn't it?" "Yes, that's right." He seemed quite pleased by my ready recognition. "I wonder if you could lend me some money," he continued. "My wife gave me a letter to post, and I've just noticed it isn't stamped." "yes, they never are," I said, sympathetically . "It must go tonight--it really must! I'd get stamps out of the machine," explained Simpson," Only I find I have no small change about me." "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I haven't either," I said. "Oh, dear, dear," he said. "Yes, well," I said, intending to move off. But he looked so unhappy standing there with the blue unstamped envelope that I really hadn't the heart to desert him. So I took him to my house and found some pennies and gave them to him, who, in the most business like way, made a note of the loan in his pocket-book, and left. But soon he turned up again. "I'm sorry I am a stranger round here and --well, I'm rather lost..." It took me several minutes to explain to him where the post office was. In the end I felt as lost as Simpson and had to accompany him to the post office, but, only to find the automatic stamp-machine was empty! "Oh!" Simpson was so desperate that he dropped the letter on the ground and when he picked it up there was a large black spot on its face. "Dear me," he said, "My wife told me to post it tonight. I'd better post it, if you know what I mean." I did know. Or, at least, I knew Mrs Simpson. Then I got a good idea, "Post the letter unstamped--let the other man pay double postage on it in the morning. " And he had to agree. Finishing off our job, I took him home. "I'm so grateful to you, really," he said when we reached his home. "That letter--it's only an invitation to dinner to Mr... Dear me!" "Why, what's the matter?" "Nothing. Just something I've remembered." "What?" But he didn't tell me. He just opened his eyes and his mouth at me like a wounded gold- fish, murmured a "Good-night", and went inside. All the way home I was wondering what it was that he had remembered. But I stopped wondering the next morning, when I had to pay the postman double postage for a blue envelope with a large black spot on its face. In the writer's view, _ .
While I will explain a bit about the science of stress and relaxation a little later simple way to think about it is that our body 's stress response works like a car alarm. Keep us safe by warning us of the presence of danger in our immediate environment. But instead of warning us with a loud and annoying sound,our body alarm system lets us know that something is wrong by creating changes in our neurochemistry .If you've ever experienced pain in your stomach,periods of extreme anger, inability to focus or even insomnia ,chances are your body was paying the price in those moments for the brain chemistry of stress. So if it's so uncomfortable,why not just get rid of stress altogether? This is not only impractical,it would be dangerous. Let's go back to the metaphor of the car alarm. If the alarm is turned off altogether,the car is exposed to continual danger without there being any way of your knowing about it until it is too late. It would be like walking through the jungle without any fear signal in the presence of a poisonous snake or other dangerous animals -- while it might feel "nice" to be so relaxed,your body actually needs the stress response not only to remind you of danger but also to offer extra adrenaline for your heart and extra blood and oxygen for your arms and legs. However,if the car alarm goes off at any time,someone just looks at the car with a bit of an attitude,and it becomes equally useless. Not only do we stop paying attention to it,but it begins to drive us and everyone around us becomes a little bit crazy. In the case of our bodies,walking around in a constant state of alarm also has some pretty alarming health consequences,which we will explore in greater depth in the next chapter. What would happen if stress were got rid of completely? Answer: We'11 fail to realize the possible danger. 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. Mr.Bell sometimes goes to work on Sunday morning because _ Answer: he takes Sunday for Monday My name is Cathy. I'm English, but I'm in shandong with my family now. Look! This is a photo of my family. This is my father. He is a manager of a theatre. He likes running. My mother is a nurse. She likes listening to music. The boy is my brother, Sam. His favourite sport is basketball. Who is the girl next to him? It's me. I like table tennis very much. Where is Cathy now? Answer: In Shandong. Pigs are always considered dirty animals because they roll in mud.But in fact they prefer being quite clean.They cover themselves with mud to help stay cool.During cooler weather, they prefer to stay clean.So do elephants,who also cover themselves in dust or mud to keep cool. When they find a place with clean water they will take a bath,using their long noses to give themselves--or each other--a nice shower Some animals use dust to get clean.Chinchillas have very fine fur. They don`t like to take water baths because water is not warm enough for them.So, instead, they roll around in fine dust.The dust helps to keep their fur and skin dry.This protects them from disease Usually, a small bird is a light meal for a crocodile.But when a crocodile wants its teeth cleaned.it lies on the ground with its mouth open.The crocodile bird goes in and picks out any parasites between the crocodile`s teeth or under its tongue.The crocodile gets its mouth cleaned,and the crocodile bird gets dinner. You wouldn`t think fish would need baths.But some undersea parasites live under the fish`s skin."Cleaner"fish,like the wrasse ,help take them away.The wrasse stands on its head and dances to signal a big fish that it is ready to go into the cleaning business.The big fish will stop moving and open its mouth wide so the wrasse can swim inside and pick out parasites and bits of food. Chinchillas use dust to get clean for the following reasons EXCEPT that_. Answer: They are not good at swimming She was a poor girl who worked to get money to pay for her lessons. She became the famous woman scientist of her time. That's the story of Marie Curie's life. She didn't mind working and she didn't care about the honors that were given to her in later years. Marie was born in 1867. Her name was Marie Sklosovska then. She lived in Poland. Her father was a teacher. Everyone soon saw that Marie had a quick mind. Marie's mother died when her youngest daughter was only ten. From then on, Marie knew that she would have to work hard at her lessons if she wanted to be successful in her life. She studied very hard and was one of the best students at her school. Marie and her older sister, Bronya, wanted to study in France at the Sorbonne. But their father didn't have enough money to send them there. It was Marie who had an idea: she would teach at home and send her money to Bronya. After her sister finished studying in Paris, she would get work and send Marie the money to study there herself. So Marie worked very hard for six years to pay for her sister's studies. At last it was Marie's turn but when she got to France, her sister was married and could not give her much help. Again Marie worked. She studied in a small room without heat or light. She lived on bread and tea most of the time. But all she thought of was her maths and science. This was her world. After four years' hard work, Marie and her husband found something which was called radium . They were given the Nobel Prize for their great discovery . But they were too ill to go Stockholm themselves to receive it. Marie always said that it was because of her children that she want her work. And she discovered a hidden power and gave it to the world. It was the same power, however, that killed Marie in 1934. Marie did not go to Paris with her sister because _ . Answer: She had to earn money to pay for her sister's study.
A quarrel at home may result in your falling ill. Don't laugh, it's true. Family matters including living habits and even the way we speak have a big effect on our health, doctors say. Wang Xiaoyu, a Senior 2 girl from Xichang, Sichuan Province, fainted in class when she heard her classmates quarrel at the top of their voices. Quarrels between her parents also put the girl into a _ . It is because she is suffering from depression , caused by bad relations at home, doctors explained. "We don't get sick or stay well by ourselves," says Dr Robert Ferrer from the US. Ferrer shows that family forces may explain up to a quarter of health problems, in his recent research. The genes you get from your family may cause illness. If one of your parents has a heart attack, your risk of being affected may double. But effects on health are not only written in our DNA. Unrelated people who live under the same roof also get similar problems. Diet, lifestyle and environment affect our health, too. Ferrer's research also found that if teenagers feel they are ignored or unimportant at home they are more likely to get sick. We may never fully understand all the effects that families have on our health. But just as individual problems can have effects on others, a small improvement can have big benefits, Ferrer said. According to Dr Ferrer, which of the following statements is TRUE? Answer: In 1971, a young man who grew up very poor was traveling across the country, trying to make a new start for himself. Along the way he had completely run out of money and was forced to spend the night in his car. This continued until one morning, after a week of sleeping in his car, he walked nervously into a restaurant and ordered a big breakfast. After eating his first good meal in weeks, he lied to the waiter, telling him he had lost his wallet. This waiter, who was also the owner of the restaurant, walked behind the chair where the young man had been sitting. He bent down, and came up with a $20 bill that looked as if it had fallen on the floor and said, "You must have dropped this," the owner said. The young man couldn't believe his luck. He quickly paid for the breakfast, left a tip, bought gas with the money, and went to the West. On the way out of town, he began to understand what that man did. Maybe nobody dropped the money. "Maybe that man knew I was in trouble and he helped me in a way that didn't hurt me. So I just made a promise to help other people if I can." Later, he worked very hard and became a rich man. Now, he lives in Kansas City. Each year he gives away thousands of dollars. He is known as the "Secret Santa " because at Christmas time each year, he personally hands money out to those on the street and at restaurants. From this text we can know that_. Answer: Have you ever heard an echo of your voice? An echo is a reflected sound. Stand in a very large, empty hall with nothing on the walls. Then shout. The sounds you make will hit the walls and come back to you. The walls reflect the sounds. These reflected sounds are called "echoes". We can use reflected sound to make sound travel farther. Hold a watch about fifty centimeters from your ear. You cannot hear it. The sound of the watch travels a short way in all directions. It does not travel as far as your ear. You can make it travel to your ear by using a roll of cardboard . Make the roll of cardboard about fifty centimeters long. Put one end over your ear and hold the watch at the other. Now you can hear the watch because the sound has not gone in all directions. It is reflected down the roll to your ear. A megaphone works in the same way. It makes sound travel farther. It reflects the sound into a beam which can travel a long way. In the ship, the sailor uses the megaphone to make his voice travel. Without the megaphone, his voice cannot travel far. We use reflected sound in many ways. We use it to measure the depth of the sea, for example. Among the animals, bats and whales use reflected sound to tell them where they are and what things are near them. . From the text we learn that _ . Answer: Plaintiff's estate sued Defendant Stores claiming that Guard, one of Defendant's security personnel, wrongfully shot and killed Plaintiff when Plaintiff fled after being accused of shoplifting. Guard was convicted of manslaughter for killing Plaintiff. At his criminal trial Guard, who was no longer working for Defendant, testified that Defendant's security director had instructed him to stop shoplifters "at all costs." Because Guard's criminal conviction is on appeal, he refuses to testify at the civil trial. Plaintiff's estate then offers an authenticated transcript of Guard's criminal trial testimony concerning the instructions of Defendant's security director. This evidence is Answer: Anne Sanders was practicing soccer moves, which was not normal. Usually, Anne only plays basketball. She wins every basketball game she plays, and she loses at any other game. "Anne", I waved to her. "Why are you playing soccer?" "Well, the gym teacher is doing something different," she said. "There are teams of four and partners of two.We get to pick our partners, and I want someone to pick me. "Anne held up a list. "It looks like I'm on a team with you, Stacey, and Paul," I said. "Stacey is my best friend.Maybe we can be together: " Just then, Stacey and Paul came over. They had heard of the teams. "Do you want to be partners, Stacey?" I asked. "Well, I was going to be partners with Paul," she claimed. I didn't blame her. Paul was as fast as a rocket, and my nickname was "Snail". "But we are best friends," said Stacey. "So I guess I'II be with you. " It was our first game. Stacey went to talk to some other friends afterwards, and Paul and Anne were talking about winning their game. I was sipping on my water, when I overheard Stacey, "She's worse than I thought; if I played the team alone,, I would have won easily. She's worse than a snail. She's more like a statue. " That night, I felt terrible for losing and mad at Stacey for calling me a statue. After all, she was my best friend and my only friend. Anyway, the phone rang, and it was Stacey. At first, I thought she might apologize, but no such luck. "Allison, the game tomorrow is canceled, " she said. "Okay," I replied. "Sorry about the game today", Stacey hung up on me. The next day, I went over to the soccer field. I knew the game was canceled, but maybe I could help clean up.But instead of a mess, I saw a soccer game in progress. Stacey and were playing, and Anne was hiding in the corner. "Paul made me pretend to be sick, " she whispered. "He wants to play with Stacey because she's so fast. " So Anne and I went to get ice cream. Even if I lost Stacey ,I just created a lifelong friendship. What conclusion can we draw from this passage? Answer:
In the southern part of America, when somebody has a birthday, often family or friends, or both, will arrange a party. The party could be elaborate and include a meal or may be simple with a birthday cake and drinks. One does not plan, nor give, one's own birthday as is the custom in some cultures. At a party there is usually a decorated cake, often with the words "Happy Birthday" and with the name of the person written on the top of the cake. Sometimes there is also one candle for each year of the person celebrating the birthday before the cake is cut. While blowing out the candles, the person makes a wish for something pleasant. Usually those invited to a birthday party will bring a gift for the person honored. Gifts given by friends do not have to be expensive, but the family of the birthday person will spend whatever they can afford on a gift. Christmas parties also are very popular in the South. Often this is the only time during the year that some people see acquaintances . These parties can be elaborate or simple, ranging from a buffet to a reception called "open house ". If you are invited to one of these, you don't need to take a Christmas gift, as it is not customary to take the hostess a gift every time you are invited to a party or a meal. However, if you wish to take a gift, it should only be something useful and inexpensive and should be given to the hostess at the door as you enter the party. Usually gifts of Christmas food treats are the most appreciated. This passage mainly tells us about _ . two kinds of parties in the southern United States Kim's birthday was the next day. Every year on her birthday, her mother would make her favorite meal, and they would give Kim her birthday presents. Kim wanted spaghetti for dinner, and a special dollhouse as her present. On the morning of her birthday, Kim's brother Jamie woke her up by pretending to be a monster and making her scream. She was tired for the rest of the day because she could not go back to sleep. Her father thought it was funny and didn't yell at Jamie for teasing his sister. Kim's other brother, Danny, came back home for her birthday, and was helping Jamie tease her. They hid behind the soda and made funny noises. They hid her shoes. They switched where her toys were and made her think she had lost them. By the time dinner was ready, Kim was upset. Then it appeared that her mother had not made the meal she had hoped to have after all. Just as Kim was about to start crying and leave the table, her brothers surprised her with a huge box. Excited, Kim tore open the box to see that it was the dollhouse she wanted. Her mother showed her she had made spaghetti like Kim wanted. Jamie said he was sorry for scaring her, and she, Jamie, and Danny hugged. Who gave Kim her present? Her brothers. John sent for a doctor because his wife was ill. He called the doctor and made sure they would meet at five. He arrived at the doctor's at twenty to five. He thought, "It's a little bit earlier. I'll wait for a moment. It's good to keep the time." Then he stopped his car in front of the doctor's. He looked around and saw a noisy square not far from here. He went there and sat down on a chair to enjoy the last light of afternoon sun and make himself quiet. He saw some children playing and some women talking to each other happily. Suddenly he heard a girl crying. He came up to her and asked some questions. Then he knew she got lost. John tried to find out her address and took her home. The girl's parents were very thankful. Then John hurried to the doctor's. The doctor said angrily when he saw him, "You're late. Why did you keep me waiting for twenty minutes? " John said nothing but one word--"Sorry! " At last John got to the doctor's at _ . twenty past five Skateboarding has become one of several non - traditional activities that PE teachers around America are introducing to inspire kids to exercise regularly. Some PE classes feature in-line skating, yoga, and even rock climbing. Experts have called those types of activities "the new PE". Such activities are part of a larger effort to help kids develop lifelong fitness habits and to keep them from becoming overweight. Now, 9 million U.S. children and teens are overweight. Obesity can lead to health problems such as diabetes and heart disease later in life. "Our children and youth are becoming unhealthy and obese," says Lindsey Johnson. "Skateboarding is a great activity that keeps kids doing physical movement and gives them new skills and interest." Some schools don't allow skateboarding because they say it is dangerous. Cendali, however, argues that regular practice _ a great deal of the danger. "We teach students how to do it and how to do it safely," he says. Some people say skateboarding teaches life lessons. "Skateboarding teaches kids to believe that if they stick with something they will finally succeed," says education expert Richard Sagor of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Skateboarding inspires kids not to give up in learning difficult skills. "It's natural for kids to want to learn and get better at things," adds Sagor. "When it comes to skateboarding, they'll try a trick hundreds of times before they succeed." That same effort could be made in schoolwork. Eric Klassen agrees that skateboarding requires kids to stop saying a task is too hard for them. "A baby will attempt to walk 600 to 900 times before he or she is successful," says Klassen. "We tell students that they shouldn't say 'I can't do it' unless they've tried 600 to 900 times." What would be the best title for the passage? The new PE When you are at odds with someone close to you, the One-Minute Drill can show you how to express your feelings effectively - and how to listen more skillfully. All it requires is two individuals who are committed to improving their relationship. Set aside at least ten minutes, and then sit facing each other. Decide who will be the Talker and who will be the Listener. It makes no difference, because later you will change roles. How to perform the One-Minute Drill For approximately 30 seconds, the Talker can say anything he or she wants. Your job will be to express your thoughts and feelings. You can discuss problems you've had a hard time talking about. Remember to limit yourself to about 30 seconds. When the Talker finishes, the Listener will summarize what the Talker just said, as well as how the Talker was feeling inside, as accurately as possible. The Talker now gives the Listener a grade between 0 and 100 per cent to indicate how accurate the summary was. If the rating is 95 per cent or more, you can change roles; the new Talker can continue with the same topic or move on to something entirely new. However, if the grade is below 95 per cent, the Talker should point out what the Listener missed or got wrong, and repeat the process until the overall rating is 95 per cent or more. Then you can change roles and repeat the exercise for as long as you both like. How it works Thirty seconds of emotionally charged information is sufficiently challenging for anyone. Express your feelings in strong, clear, direct language, but as your partner will be listening attentively, you won't need to shout, exaggerate or put your partner down. The Listener should sit and listen respectfully without interrupting. Look into your partner's eyes, but avoid using negative body language. If you like, take a few notes. So the Talker might say: "When I come home from work, I feel tired and I need some quiet time. But you tell me I'm supposed to spend time with the kids. This makes me feel frustrated. I work hard and I'm exhausted at the end of the day. I feel like I deserve a little time to relax, not listen to more demands." In response, the Listener might summarize like this: "You just told me that you feel exhausted when you come home at night because you've been working hard all day. When I tell you I want you to spend time with the kids, you feel frustrated and _ because you're tired and you need time to relax. You see me as very demanding, and you're probably feeling like I don't appreciate you." The first time you attempt the One-Minute Drill, you may get a low score. Don't worry, because you'll get up to speed quickly. Once you've tried this exercise a few times, you'll find that you can nearly always get ratings of 95 per cent or better on the first or second try. From the example given in "How it works," we can guess that the talk might be between _ . husband and wife
One day a teacher was giving her young students a lesson on how the government works. She was trying to explain the principle of income tax . "You see ," she began , speaking slowly and carefully , "each person who works must pay part of his or her salary to the government . If you make a high salary, your taxes are high. If you don't make much money, your taxes are low ." "Is that clear?" she asked. "Does everyone understand the meaning of income tax?" The students nodded. Are there any questions?" she asked. The students shook their heads. "Very good!" she said." "Now, I would like you to take a piece of paper and write a short paragraph on the subject of income tax." Little Joey was a slow learner. He had lots of problems with spelling and grammar, but this time he at least seemed to understand the task.. He took his pen and after a few minutes, he handed the teacher the following composition: Once I had a dog. His name was Tax. I opened the door and in come Tax. The teacher was trying to explain _ one day. "How call I obtain more drugs?" I cried."I can't live without the help of drugs!''.You see,I was only 14 years of age when someone said to me,"Here,smoke this! It will make you feel good." So that is how my habit of d rug-taking began. Soon I felt I could not live without more and more drugs.So I found I needed more and more money to buy drugs.So I began to steal things from my family and from shops.Then in the street I pointed my gun at people,saying, "Give me your money,or I will shoot you!" I lost all my friends.My family also said,"Get out of this house and never return here!" I then realized the truth-drugs were killing me."Unless someone told me how to escape from the desire for drugs,I will soon be dead," I said . Then one day,I read in a paper, "We help drug-takers!'' I decided,"I will go and see what these people think they can do for me."So I stayed at their meeting place for seven months.But they failed.They did not take the desire for drugs from me. Then one day,I read something in the magazine called "La Paloma".I read how people said,"We could not escape from the desire for drugs.But now we have freedom.God gave us power to escape this desire.God gives us the power of the spirit when we believe what Jesus Christ obtained for us by dying for us."SO I decided,"I will go to this Betel meeting place as reported in 'La Paloma'.I will see if they can help me.'' Now I found these Betel people never left me alone.Yes,someone was always there with me day and night.Then one day I cried out to God,"God,please help me!" I know God heard my cry.I found I now had power to escape the desire for drugs. At last I am free from the desire for drugs.I have found real peace of mind.I now enjoy life and help other people to overcome their d rug problem. How did the author get addicted to drugs? For most people,below--freezing temperatures generally put a stop to outdoor exercise,but Siberian native Boris Fyodorov is not most people. Minutes after the calendar ticked over to this past 2014 New Year's Eve,Fyodorov set off on a solo,out--and--back marathon run from his home in the Siberian village of Oymyakon,completing the 26.2-mile course-his first marathon-in just over five hours.During the run he experienced temperatures as low as -38oC. And that was just the way he wanted it. "I heard about other marathons around the globe,naming themselves 'the coldest',like the most recent North Pole marathon with runners going at -28oC.'' Fyodorov told the Siberian Times."I thought surely this cannot be right.Our Oymyakon is the coldest inhabited place in northern hemisphere.Why don't we arrange a marathon here?'' Oymyakon is widely considered to be one of the coldest places on the planet,and its record-low temperature of-68oC, recorded in 1933,is tied for the coldest recorded temperature for any inhabited place on Earth.The average January temperature in the area is -50oC. Not only did Fyodorov finish the marathon in high spirits,but he also wants it to be colder the next time he tries it."I really want to organize next Oymyakon marathon in January when the air goes down to -50oC or -60oC,"he said. Fyodorov is not the first person to take on a cold--weather athletic challenge like this.In addition to the North Pole Marathon that he mentioned,the Antarctica Marathon is held every year in late February,taking runners on an out--and--back tour from Russia's Bellingshausen Station.A second Antarctica event--the Ice Marathon--has been held80F degrees south since 2006. Which part of a newspaper does the article come from? Look into the mirror and what do you see? You see yourself. But when you move. you do everything backward in the mirror! If you wave your left hand, your right hand waves in the mirror. If you wink your right eye, your left eye, your left eye winks . Try to read a page in the mirror .The words will be backwards. What is really happening? You do not see through the glass of a mirror as you do through a window. The glass of a mirror has a silver coating on the back. The light from the sun or a bulb bounces off you ,goes into the mirror ,and bounces straight back out to you again. Mirrors have been used for thousands of years. The earliest were round pieces of shiny metal. Glass mirrors came late. The ancients thought that a mirror was magic. They did not understand how it worked. They thought they saw their spirits in a mirror and breaking a mirror brought bad luck. Today mirrors have many uses .For example, they can make rooms look bigger and prettier. They also show us if our hair is combed well and our faces are clean. On cars, buses and trucks, mirrors help drivers see traffic behind them. Mirrors are also used in telescopes and searchlights . Fun houses use mirrors. They make people look funny. Some mirrors are _ to make people seem short and round or tall and tin They make people laugh at themselves. Mirrors were magic in the past because _ . We Love Gadgets If you love the latest gadgets or you want to be the next James Bond, come to Gadgets in the Garden Shopping Mall. Gadgets is a cool new shop. It sells all the latest gadgets and toys from MP3 players and cameras phones to toy robots. It's a great place to go to check out the latest things. Jon Lee and his best friend Tom Green own Gadgets. They love gadgets and toys very much. They are already running a successful Internet shop but want to give their customers a chance to play with all the latest gadgets before they buy. Jon says, "Tom and I are always buying the latest gadgets. We love new ideas and we know that our customers love them too." They both think their new shop will be a big success and we think so too! Gadgets opens at 9 0'clock on Wednesday August 1st, 2012. John and Tom are planning a fantastic opening. Don't miss it. Who will probably to the new shop and buy things?
Question: Statistics show that every year, about 4 million students fail to pass the national college entrance exam. However, as China recently publicized students' scores for this year's college entrance exam, it seems that schools, parents and society at large give more attention to students who succeed in the exam, few people care about those who fail, the China Education Daily reported. Some students, after failing the exam, cannot get a timely support from their parents or teachers and begin to display some serious mental problems. How to help these students to get rid of the shadow on their mind has become a problem to be taken seriously. First, students' friends, parents and relatives should offer their sympathy and care to them in order to comfort their heart. At this time, parents should not blame students for their failure, otherwise they might bear more psychological burden. Secondly, teachers and the whole society should also offer more support to students who fail the exam. Lastly, students themselves should also try to overcome their depressions and adjust their mood. The newspaper urges the general public to offer their care, trust and support to these students. It also expects that students can face their failure bravely and try to start a new life happily. What would be the best title for the passage? A. Give more attention to students who failed the college entrance exam B. Adjust your mood and start a new life happily C. Who is to blame for their failing the college entrance exam? D. How to get rid of the shadow of failing the college entrance exam Answer: A Question: More than one million children in the United States do not go to school. Instead, they learn at home. Most often, their parents are their teachers. Educational companies, libraries and the Internet provide many families with teaching materials. Parents choose home schooling for several reasons. Some choose it because of their religious beliefs. Others say it provides more time for the family to be together. They say the home offers a better place for learning. Some parents believe home schooling avoids learning. Some parents believe home schooling avoids problems of _ schools. Critics, however, say children need to attend school with other children. All fifty American states and the District of Columbia permit home schooling. Some states do not require much preparation by parents or testing of children. Other states have more requirements for home schooling. Home schooling in the United States began when the country was established. In farm areas, people often lived far from a school. Widespread home schooling took place until about the middle of the nineteenth century. Then, in 1852, the state of Massachusetts passed the first law requiring children to attend school. Over the years, the American public education system strengthened and grew. By the 1960s and 1970s, however, some Americans believed that traditional education was not helping their children. So a number of parents began home schooling. Home schooling expert Linda Dobson says many people have helped the movement grow. She says many kinds of people have joined the movement. These include rich people and poor people. They represent many races, religions and political beliefs. Ms. Dobson says the number of home-schooled children has increased an estimated fifteen to twenty percent each year during the last fifteen years. Home schooling in the United States now is _ . A. facing many difficulties B. struggling C. growing fast D. decreasing in large numbers Answer: C Question: To discover whether bees can see colors, the following experiment is set up. A table is put in a garden and on the table is a piece of blue cardboard with a drop of syrup on it. After a short time, bees come to the syrup. The bees then fly to their hive and give the syrup to other bees in the hive. Then they return to the feeding-place which they have discovered. After a while, the blue cardboard with the syrup on it is taken away. Instead of this card, a blue card is now put on the left side of the first feeding-place and a red card to its right. These new card have no syrup on them. Thus, the blue card is on the left, the red card on the right, and there is nothing where the first blue feeding-card used to be. Very soon bees arrive again, and fly straight to the blue card. None to the red card. The experiment has proved that bees _ . A. cannot see colors B. can see colors C. cannot see blue D. cannot see red Answer: B Question: The bicycling craze came in when we were just about at the right age to enjoy it. At first even "safety" bicycles were too dangerous and improper for ladies to ride, and they had to have tricycles. My mother had (I believe) the first female tricycle in Cambridge; and I had a little one, and we used to go out for family rides, all together; my father in front on a bicycle, and my poor brother Charles standing miserably on the bar behind my mother. I found it very hard work, pounding away on my hard tyres; a glorious, but not a pleasurable pastime. Then, one day at lunch, my father said he had just seen a new kind of tyre, filled up with air, and he thought it might be a success. And soon after that everyone had bicycles, ladies and all; and bicycling became the smart thing, and the lords and ladies had their pictures in the papers, riding along in the park, in straw hats. My mother must have fallen off her bicycle pretty often, for I remember seeing the most appalling cuts and bruises on her legs. But she never complained, and always kept these accidents to herself. However, the great Mrs. Phillips, our cook, always knew all about them; as indeed she knew practically everything that ever happened. She used to draw us into the servants' hall to tell us privately: "Her Ladyship had a nasty fall yesterday; she cut both her knees and sprained her wrist. But don't let her know I told you." So we never dared say anything. Similar little accidents used to occur when, at the age of nearly seventy, she insisted on learning to drive a car. She never mastered the art of reversing , and was in every way an unconventional and terrifying driver. Mrs. Phillips used then to tell us: "Her Ladyship ran into the back of a milk-cart yesterday; but it wasn't much hurt"; or "A policeman stopped her Ladyship because she was on the wrong side of the road; but she said she didn't know what the white line on the road meant, so he explained and let her go on." Mrs. Phillips must have had an excellent Intelligence Service at her command, for the stories were always true enough. The writer's mother always had car accidents because _ . A. she did not like driving a car. B. she could not control the car properly. C. she did not understand the road system D. she behaved too proudly Answer: B Question: Telling fewer lies benefits people physically and mentally. Anita Kelly, study author and professor of psychology at the University of Notre Dame, recruited 110 adults for her study. She divided them into two groups and asked one group to stop lying for 10 weeks. Lies included big ones and tiny ones--any false statement--but participants were still allowed to leave out the truth, keep secrets and avoid questions they didn't want to answer, etc. The other group wasn't given any special instructions about lying. It turns out that both groups reduced their lying, but those who were specifically told to tell the truth improved their health more. "We found that the participants could purposefully and dramatically reduce their everyday lies, and that in turn was associated with significantly improved health," said Kelly. When participants in the no-lie group told three fewer white lies than they did in other weeks, they experienced, on average, fewer mental-health complaints and physical complaints. They were less likely to feel tense or sad and also experienced fewer sore throats and headaches. They also reported that personal relationships improved. Additionally, participants found themselves being honest about their daily accomplishments, and they stopped making up excuses for being late or failing to complete a task, for example. "It's certainly a worthy goal to have people be more honest and interact with others in a more honest way," says psychologist Robert Feldman. "That would be beneficial. I'm a little doubtful that it makes us all healthier, but it may make us healthier in a psychological way." From Robert Feldman, we can learn that _ . A. white lies might make people have more complaints B. honesty is likely to help people become mentally healthier C. people should not be honest with others but with themselves D. telling the truth can make people physically and mentally healthy Answer: B
Ecoworld Discovery Centre The future is here at Ecoworld Discovery Centre! Class for children! Hands-on games, challenging and fun! Discover the environmental world in an exciting and educational way. Special activities for different ages. Organic gardens! Find out how to protect the environment in your own back garden! Learn practical and exciting tips to follow at home. Find out what live under the grass and in the trees! Wind turbine tower! Climb the 500 steps to the top of the 85-metre wind turbine tower and see the amazing view of Carlstown and the river beyond. For a little more charge, go on a special tour of the machine room(children under 12 not allowed without an adult). Gift shop and restaurant! Amazing gifts for all the family, each one specially chosen by our team of eco experts! The restaurant has a great choice of food and drinks, with a wide selection of vegetarian dishes available. There is access for wheelchair users to both the gift shop and the restaurant, and large print food menus for visitors with poor eyesight. Picnic area and free parking every day. KIDS-Special meals at reduced prices! Opening time: April 1st--- September 30th. Monday-Friday 10 am-6pm, Weekends 10am-7pm. October 1st---March 31st. Monday-Friday 10am-2pm, Weekends 10am-4pm. Tel: 01882-7092, Fax:01882-7093 Who is the Ecoworld Discovery Centre mainly designed for? A Eco expert. B Special helpers. C Children and their parents. D Gift shop-keepers. Answer: C Shundagarh is a village on India's east-facing coast. It is a village of simple mud and grass houses built on the beach just above the waterline. The Khadra Hills rise immediately behind the village, to a height of one hundred and fifty meters. A simple, good-hearted old man, whose name was Jalpur, farmed two small fields on the very edge of these hills. From his fields he could see the fishing boats that traveled up and down the coast. He could see the children playing on the sands; their mothers washing clothes on the flat stones where the Shiva River flowed into the sea; and their fathers landing the latest catch or repairing nets and telling stories that had no end. All Jalpur owned in the world were the clothes he wore day in and day out, the miserable hut that he slept in at night, a few tools and cooking pots - and his fields. The corn that he grew was all that made life possible. If the weather was kind and the harvest was good, Jalpur could live happily enough - not well, but happily. When the sun was fierce, and there was little or no rain, then he came close to the line between life and death. Last year the weather had been so kind, and the harvest promised to be so good, that Jalpur had been wondering whether he could sell all that he had and live with his son farther up the coast. He had been thinking about doing this for some years. It was his dearest wish to spend his last days with his son and his wife. But he would go only if he could give; he would not go if it meant taking food out of the mouths of his grandchildren. He would rather die hungry than do this. On the day when Jalpur decided that he would harvest his corn, sell it, and move up the coast, he looked out to the sea and saw a huge wave, several kilometers out, advancing on the coast and on the village of Shundagarh. Within ten minutes everyone in Shundagarh would be drowned. Jalpur would have shouted, but the people were too far away to hear. He would have run down the hill, but he was too old to run. He was prepared to do anything to save the people of Shundagarh, so he did the only thing that he could do: he set fire to his corn. In a matter of seconds the flames were rising high and smoke was rising higher. Within a minute the people of Shundagarh were racing up the hill to see what had happened. There, in the middle of his blackened cornfield, they found Jalpur; and there they buried him. On his grave, they wrote the words: Here lies Jalpur, a man who gave, living; a man who died, giving. The villagers were thankful to Jalpur because he had _ . A given them his corn in order to save them from hunger B saved their village from being drowned by the wave C given them many things during his life D given his life in order to save theirs Answer: D Four hundred years ago, an Italian scientist named Galileo Galilei became the first person to see the craters on the moon. Galileo was one of the first people to use a telescope to study the sky. Since then, telescopes have become the most important tool used by astronomers. Scientists never stop finding new ways to make these instruments more powerful. In the next several years, two new telescopes with different purposes are to be used. One of the telescopes, called Pan-STARRS, could save humans from dying out. Nick Kaiser, a scientist who works on the project, says the Pan-STARRS telescope has been designed to find "90 percent of all killer asteroids near Earth". Pan-STARRS, like most telescopes, uses mirrors and lenses to provide pictures of outer space. Giant mirrors are used to "gather" light. They reflect the light onto the lens of a camera, which can then record the image. When completed, Pan-STARRS will include four telescopes which will be put on top of a mountain on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Only one telescope is in place and working now. Each telescope will take pictures of one patch of sky for about 30 seconds, and then move on to another patch. Every night, each telescope will take pictures of about 1,000 patches. Every week, each telescope will have photographed the whole sky. Each of the four telescopes will take pictures of the same patches of sky. One telescope, working alone, may sometimes incorrectly show an asteroid. If there are three other telescopes working, astronomers can use them to see if there really is an asteroid coming our way. By using four telescopes instead of one, scientists hope to get a better picture of space. If a giant asteroid was identified, astronomers would try to break it up long before it reached Earth. How many patches is the whole sky divided into when Pan-STARRS is working? A 1,000 B 7,000 C 21,000 D 28,000 Answer: B Once there was a rich man who lived with his wife and child.He loved the child so much that he sent him to Oxford university for two or three years.At the end of the first year at the university, this young student came home.He wanted a change.And he also wanted to tell his parents about Oxford. It happened one night that the father, the mother and the young student were sitting at supper.They had in front of them only two chickens.Just as they were about to begin eating, the father said, "My boy, I have spent a lot of money on you to send you to Oxford.Now I want to know what you have learned."The son smiled and said, "Father, I have studied a science which can prove that these two chickens on the plate are really three chickens.""Well," said the father, "This is something I would like very much to know.""There are two chickens on the plate, "said the student.He took one of the chickens in his hand and said, "Here is one more ; and one and two makes three.So here are three chickens."Then the father took one of the chickens to himself, gave the other to his wife, and said, "I will have one of the chickens myself, your mother shall have another, and you can have the third for your supper and nothing else."The father kept his word and so the student went without his supper. (5) Who was cleverer, the father or the son? A Neither. B Both C Theson D Thefather Answer: D South of Florida, many islands dot the ocean. One of them is Hispaniola. Its name points to the fact that Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1492. As a result, Spain ruled theisland for th e next 300 years. Two nations now share the island. Haiti makes up the western third. The Dominican Republic makes up the eastern two-thirds. The Dominican Republic's area is about 18,000 square miles with the population of 8 million. Most people live close to the island's coast. Like many other tropical islands, the Dominican Republic regards tourism as a key industry. The coastal citie s, especially, depend on tourists to fill their hotels and restaurants. The natural beauty of the beaches and of the forests draw Dominicans and tourists alike. When you're ready for something else,walk into town.Music,dancing,and people in Colourful masks will greet you at nearly every street corner. Whether you go to join them or get away from them, there will be a place for you in the Dominican Republic. What happened to Hispaniola after Christopher Columbus visited there in 1492? A Spainruledtheislandfor300years. B Twonationssharedtheisland. C TheDominicanRepublicjoinedtheisland D ThenameofHaitibegantouse. Answer: A
At one time or another we have all stopped to think about the weather. Some days the weather is good. Some days the weather is bad. Sometimes a day that seems bad turns out better than you thought it would. There are ways of understanding the weather. One way is to study the clouds. No two clouds are ever alike. We can see the different kinds of clouds and watch them for signs of changing weather. To forecast the weather, there are three things about clouds. you should look for: movement, colour, and change. As a rule, the higher the clouds, the better the weather. And the lower the clouds, the worse the weather is likely to be. Fair-weather cumulus clouds* are another sign of good weather. These are clouds we often see on warm summer days. Clouds can tell you if a storm is on the way. If the thick, fluffy cumulus clouds get bigger early in the day, then you know it will rain. If there is a sudden, cool and dark thunder* cloud appears, then a storm is about to break out. Colours in the sky tell us about the weather, too. A golden ring around the moon warns us that a storm is on the way. A watery yellow sunset is a sign that rain may be near. The rainbow* has a message, too. The colours of the rainbow come from the sun rays shining through falling rain. If you see the sun in the east and a rainbow in the west, the rain may be coming your way. If the sun is in the west and the rainbow is in the east, the rain will be moving away from you. Which of the following would be a good title for this article? Answer: Different Kinds of Clouds Teens are more likely to behave badly if their parents expect them to,a new US study has found. "Parents who believe they are simply being realistic might actually be having a bad effect on their children," Christy Buchanan,a teacher at Wake Forest University and one of the authors of the study,said. "Bad expectations on the part of both parents and children predict more rebellious behaviors later on." The finding came from a study of more than 250 sixth and seventhgraders and their mothers. They were examined at the start of the study and again one year later. If kids' mothers expected them to take more risks and be more rebellious,higher chances of risky behavior were seen. _ _ _ when kids had bad expectations of themselves. "Sometimes parents expect more negative behavior from their children than they should based on the children's history of behavior," Buchanan said.Parents shouldn't be naive about the possibility of bad behavior,she said,but it's also a mistake to think that children who are wellbehaved will naturally become rebellious at the age of 13. "By thinking risktaking or rebelliousness is normal for teenagers and showing that to their children,parents might add to other messages from society that make teenagers feel that they are strange if they are not willing to take risks or break laws," she said."This can mean,for example,that when parents expect teens to drink before they turn 21 or to do other risky behaviors,kids are less likely to refuse to do so later in their lives." On the other hand,parents' expectations that teens can exhibit good behaviors and refuse to behave badly or to take risks could help reduce the possibility of bad behavior,Buchanan said."As a parent,you should put expectations on your children carefully." What do we know about the study? Answer: Participants were examined twice. Request a teacher training workshop or school visit If you are interested in discovering new ways to supplement the materials you use in the classroom through the use of a daily newspaper, our Youth Outreach Specialist can come to your school and show you how to incorporate(... )the news into your curriculum. Armed with your newspapers and experience, she can conduct an activity with your class, making it fun and easy for you to bring real-world learning into your classroom. The Outreach Specialist is also available to run workshops with staff who are also looking for new ideas on how to use the newspaper as a learning tool. Please send us an e-mail at ghiten@seattletimes.com or give us a call at 206/652-6290. Once we have received your request, we will confirm the date, time, place and activity with you. Your request will be honored of a first-come, first-served basis. These services are FREE for current Newspapers In Education (NIE) subscribers . We recently visited Ridgecrest Elementary and conducted a class workshop. An overview of our time in the classroom, and our in-class lesson, can be read online. Schedule a tour Follow a newspaper from start to finish ... and get your copy that has just recently been printed. See how robots move giant paper rolls, how the press is "prepared" for printing and much more. Tours of our North Creek production facility in Bothell are offered Thursdays throughout the school year at either 10 am, 11 am or 4 pm. The tour lasts one hour. To make reservations contact: Kate Palmer 425/489-7000 kpalmer(r) seattletimes.com North Creek Facility is located at: prefix = st1 /19200 120th Avenue NE, Bothell. WA 98011-9506 People who send an e-mail at ghiten@seattletimes.com earliest may _ . Answer: get the earliest service offered by the advertiser Over a period of time, many habitats change with respect to the types of plants and animals that live there. This change is known as succession. Succession occurs because plants and animals cause a change in the environment in which they live. The first weeds and grasses that appear on a bare field, for example, change the environment by shielding the soil from direct sunlight. As these plants spread, the ground becomes cooler and more moist than it was originally. Thus, the environment at the ground surface has been changed. The new surface conditions favor the sprouting of shrubs. As shrubs grow, they kill the grasses by preventing light from reaching them and also enhance the soil. Pine seedlings soon take hold and as they grow, they in turn shade out the shrubs. They are not able to shade out oak and hickory seedlings, however, that have found the forest floor suitable. These seedlings grew into large trees that eventually shade out the pines. Which of the following is a stage of succession as described in the passage? Answer: Wild flowers growing in an unused parking lot Soon it would be the holidays. But before that, there was the end of year exams. All the students worked hard for some time. If they didn't pass, they would have to take the exams in September again. Some students failed, but Kate decided not to be one of them. She worked hard all day, but just before the exams she was working so hard that her sister was worried about her. She was staying up too late . The night before the first exam, Barbala insisted that she should have an early night and take a sleeping pill. She promised to wake her in the morning. As she was falling asleep, Kate was worried in case she over-slept. Her mind kept jumping from subject to subject. At last, with the help of the pill, she fell asleep. she was sitting in the examination hall, looking at the paper. She couldn't answer any of the questions. Everyone round her was writing pages and pages. However hard she thought, she couldn't find anything to write about. She kept looking at her watch. Time was running out. There was only one hour left. She started one question, wrote two sentences, gave up and tried another one. With only half an hour left she wrote another two sentences. By this time she was so worried that she started crying. Her whole body shook(,). It shook so much that it woke her up. She was still in bed and it had all been a terrible dream. A minute later, Barbala called her name. When you prepare for an exam, _ . Answer: you go over your lessons.
Question: I work in a small shop. It is near a factory. Every day, workers, old ladies and housewives come to the shop to buy things. I live in a house not very far from the shop. I usually get up at six, have breakfast and then go to work by bike. I take some food along in my lunch box. I get to the shop at about ten to seven. At seven customers begin to arrive. They buy meat, eggs, sugar, soybean, sauce, cooking oil , salt, candies, biscuits and many other things. We don't sell vegetables or fruit. There is a shop for these things nearby. I have my meal at noon from my lunch box. At seven in the evening we close the shop. I tidy things up and then go home for supper. Some people may think my work isn't so interesting. But I do my bit for the modernizations , don't I? How long does she work every day? A. Five hours. B. Fourteen hours. C. Twelve hours. D. Eight hours. Answer: C. Twelve hours. Question: Philip was a nine-year-old boy in a Sunday school class of 8-year-old girls and boys. Sometimes the third graders didn't welcome Philip into their group and usually tricked him. This was not because he was older, but because he was "different". You see, Philip suffered from a _ called Downs's Syndrome. This made him "different", with his facial characteristics, slow responses and mental problems. One Sunday after Easter, the Sunday school teacher gathered some plastic eggs that pulled apart in the middle. The teacher gave one to each child. On that beautiful spring day, the children were to go out and discover for themselves some symbol of "new life" and place it inside the plastic eggs. After the children returned to the classroom, the teacher opened their eggs one by one, asking each child to explain that symbol of "new life". The first opened egg contained a flower. Everyone cheered. In another was a butterfly.... When the teacher opened the last egg, it was empty. "That's stupid," said someone. The teacher felt a pull at his shirt. It was Philip. Looking up, Philip said, "It's mine. I did it. It's empty. I have new life, because the tomb is empty." Not a sound was heard in class at all. From that day on, Philip became a real part of the group. They welcomed him, and whatever made him different was never mentioned again. Philip's family knew he wouldn't live a long life, for there were too many things wrong with him. The teacher gave each child one plastic egg to let them _ . A. play around on that beautiful spring day B. put some symbol of "new life" into it C. try to pull it apart in the middle D. go out and discover themselves Answer: B. put some symbol of "new life" into it Question: Sometimes ideas do not appear when you are concentrating your attention and mysteriously appear when you are not. Modern science recognizes this as a result of incubating the problem in your subconscious , yet can't account for why it occurs. When you quit thinking about a subject and decide to forget it, your subconscious mind doesn't quit working. Your thoughts keep making associations(,). This is why you've experienced suddenly remembering names, getting solutions to problems you've forgotten about, and ideas out of the blue when you are relaxing and not thinking about any particular thing. You may try solving a problem with your subconscious mind by writing a letter to it. Now let go of the problem. Don't work on it. Forget it. Do something else. This is the incubation stage when much of what goes on occurs outside your focused awareness, in your unconsciousness. Open the letter in two days. The answer might magically pop into your mind. An advertising agency was under pressure to come up with a marketing campaign. Bert, the creative director, wrote the following letter which he addressed to his subconscious mind. Secret Expert, I need to come up with a new marketing program to introduce a new season of television shows. I'm interested in some kind of campaign that will capture the audience's attention more than one time. Is there something people need that we can advertise on? What kind of products, foods and services should we investigate? I need your idea about a fresh approach to advertising. Thanks, Bert Bert mailed the letter to himself and when he read what he had written, he got his brainstorm, which was to advertise on "eggs". Somehow an association between "foods", "need" and "fresh approach" inspired the thought of using "fresh eggs to advertise." He arranged to put the ad for the television shows on eggs -- some thirty million. The consumers look at a single egg at least a few times, when they buy the eggs at the store, when they transfer(,,) them to the refrigerator, and when they crack them open. It's unlike any other ad medium in the world, because you're looking at it while you are using it. You remember names though you are not thinking about them because your subconscious mind _ . A. stops working B. is still working C. is full of names D. improves your memory Answer: B. is still working Question: Alice, 35 I like shopping, but shopping with young children is not a good thing. I have to look after them while I'm shopping. I go shopping with my husband only when I buy something for him. When I look at a cheap dress, he always says, "It's beautiful on you." But when I have an expensive one in my hands, he always says, "I don't think it fits you well." So I often go shopping with my friends. It's fun. I like shopping alone, too. Maria, 26 I like shopping very much, but I never go shopping on weekends. There are too many people in shops. I don't like shopping with other people. It usually takes me much time to buy things because I never buy the first thing I see. I always look around other shops to find the same thing cheaper. I'm good at finding cheap things. I don't like buying food in small shops or street markets. I think food in supermarkets is fresh and cheap. Why does it take Maria much time to buy things? A. Because she likes going around. B. Because there are too many people. C. Because she wants to find the same thing cheaper. D. Because she likes buying expensive things. Answer: C. Because she wants to find the same thing cheaper. Question: How many times have you gotten upset because someone wasn't doing their job, because your child isn't behaving?How many times have you been annoyed when you've planned something carefully and things didn't go as you'd hoped? This kind of anger and irritation happens to all of us -- it's part of the human experience. One thing that annoys me is when people talk during a movie. Or cut me off in traffic. Actually, I have a lot of these little annoyances -- don't we all? And it isn't always easy to find peace when you've become upset or annoyed. Let me tell you a little secret to finding peace of mind: _ See, the cause of our stress, anger and irritation is that things don't go the way we like, the way we expect them to. Think of how many times this has been true for you. And so the solution is simple: expect things to go wrong, expect things to be different than we hoped or planned, expect the unexpected to happen. And accept it. One quick example: on our recent trip to Japan, I told my kids to expect things to go wrong -- they always do on a trip. I told them, "See it as part of the adventure." And this worked like a charm. When we took the wrong train on a foreign-language subway system, or when it rained on the day we went to Disney Sea, or when we took three trains and walked 10 blocks only to find the National Children's Castle closed on Mondays ... they said, "It's part of the adventure!" And it was all OK -- we didn't get too bothered. So when the nice glass you bought inevitably falls and breaks, someday, you might get upset. But not if you see the glass as already broken, from the day you get it. You know it'll break someday, so from the beginning, see it as already broken. Be a time-traveler, or someone with time-traveling vision, and see the future of this glass, from this moment until it inevitably breaks. And when it breaks, you won't be upset or sad -- because it was already broken, from the day you got it. And you'll realize that every moment you have with it is precious. We can learn from the passage that the author _ . A. often gets angry in his life B. can adjust his state of mind accordingly C. always expects others to act in his way D. has suffered a lot from his anger and irritation Answer: B. can adjust his state of mind accordingly
Mother stayed at home cooking and cleaning while Father left for work. Two or more children took the bus to school. In the evening, all the family members got together at home again. This is what a traditional family was like twenty years ago. But now great changes have happened in British families. As many as 2 out of 3 marriages now end in divorce , and many children have to live with one parent and only see the other at weekends or during holidays. There has been a great increase in the number of working women with children. Many women have to work to support themselves and their children. Even in the family where there is no divorce, both parents have to work in order to survive. Also women are no longer happy to stay at home taking care of children. Many of them have jobs and some of them can even make more money than men, the traditional _ . What's more, the increasing number of single-parent families have caused an increase in the crime rate among children in a way. It is thought that if a child doesn't have a father, he or she will be harmed. However the changes may be good for some people. For women it's now much easier to have well-paid jobs. Although it is difficult to be a working mother, it is no longer seen as a bad thing for children. As for some children, they learn how to solve problems by themselves at an early age. Which of the following things is NOT mentioned in the passage ? The increasing number of fathers who stay at home. Last year I was put into a lowerlevel math class at school. The reason I was in this class had nothing to do with my intellect or maths skills. I am blind. The only problem with being in this class was that I was surrounded by "atrisk" students. These were kids who did not do well in school and they were constantly in trouble with the school and the law. One Tuesday morning, I went to a Christian Student Union meeting before school. There was a guest speaker there that day talking to us about praying for our enemies. I began to think about this. As I considered the idea, I prayed and asked God how I could pray for the kids in my class. I had forgotten that they weren't bad kids; they were just lost. At first, the prayers were mechanical. When I would hear their voices in class, I would pray, "Dear God, please bless soandso..." But as I continued, I began to think of the kids more often, and in my quiet time at home I would ask God to bless the rest of my classmates. As time went on, my classmates became more than just annoying kids to me. There was something growing inside my heart for them, something that wasn't there before. They began to feel like family, and I was learning to love them in a way I never thought possible. I now see that praying is such a powerful act. Prayer is the most powerful tool a Christian has. When I pray for those around me, it also blesses my life, and it changes my opinion of others. I realized I needed God's blessings to see the world through loving eyes. The prayers I said for others turned out to help me the most. What made the writer change his opinion about the kids? The idea about praying learning from a Christian Student Union meeting. Mr Green has a holiday, so he said , "I'm going to the city by train." He put on his best clothes, took a small bag, went to the station and got into the train. He has a beautiful hat, and he often put his head out of the window during the trip and looked at the mountains, But the wind blew his hat off. Mr Green quickly took his bag and threw that out of the window, too. The other people in the carriage laughed. "Is your bag going to bring your beautiful hat back?" they asked. "No," Mr Green answered, "But there's no name and no address on my hat, and there's a name and an address on the bag. Someone is going to find both of them, and he's going to send me the bag and the hat back." Mr Green takes a trip _ . by train If you find it, please call Sam at 385-0926 Many thanks. Titanic 3D Saturday and Sunday Showtime Cinema $20(half for children under 12) Call David at 332-5147 BOOK SALE A Christmas Carol --by Charles Diukans A story of Christmas The true meaning of Christmas was $59.60 now $29.60 HOUSE FOR RENT 2 sunny bedrooms with a kitchen $500 a month Call Mary at 591-3127 for more information Who lost a white cat with two big blue eyes? Sam. If you're a male and you're reading this, congratulations: you're a survivor. According to statistics, you are more than twice as likely to die of skin cancer as a woman, and nine times more likely to die of AIDS. Assuming you make it to the end of your natural term, about 78 years for men in Australia, you'll die on average five years before a woman. There are many reasons for this--typically, men take more risks than women and are more likely to drink and smoke--but perhaps more importantly, men don't go to the doctor. "Men aren't seeing doctors as often as they should," says Dr. Gullotta. "This is particularly so for the over-40s, when diseases tend to strike." Gullotta says a healthy man should visit the doctor every year or two. For those over 45, it should be at least once a year. Two months ago Gullotta saw a 50-year-old man who had delayed doing anything about his smoker's cough for a year. "When I finally saw him it had already spread and he has since died from lung cancer," he says. "Earlier detection and treatment may not have cured him, but it would have prolonged his life." According to a recent survey, 95% of women aged between 15 and early 40s see a doctor once a year, compared to 70% of men in the same age group. "A lot of men think they're undefeatable," Gullota says. "They only come in when a friend drops dead on the golf course and they think, 'Geez, if it could happen to him, ...'" Then there's the ostrich approach. "Some men are scared of what might be there and would rather not know," says Dr. Ross Cartmill. "Most men get their cars serviced more regularly than they service their bodies," Cartmill says. He believes most diseases that commonly affect men could be addressed by preventive check-ups. Regular check-ups for men would inevitably place strain on the public purse, Cartmill says. "But prevention is cheaper in the long run than having to treat the diseases. Besides, the ultimate cost is far greater: it is called premature death." What does the author state is the most important reason men die five years earlier on average than women? Men don't seek medical care as often as women.
Attention Tim Hortons Stainless Steel Travel Mug Owners Lid Recall-15 oz Stainless Steel Travel Mug A fault at the cup has been recognized. The fault may result in some lids lifting slightly from the body of the mug, and could probably cause injury from hot liquid leaking. Therefore, we have given an immediate lid recall notice. This Recall notice is related only to Tim Hortons 15 oz Stainless Steel Travel Mugs sold between October 2002 and January 2003. The bottom of the mug is stamped with distributor's name, "ThermoServ". There is no printing on the handle of the mug. At Tim Hortons, we value our customers' safety above anything else. So, whether your lid is leaking or not, in the interest of your safety, we are requesting that you bring your mug to your nearest Tim Hortons (excluding Esso Tim Hortons), where they will exchange the lid for a new lid that fits safety. The new lids will be available February 1, 2003; please do not use your mug until you exchange the lid. 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 February 1, 2003. * Return your travel mug to a Tim Hortons store (as of February 1, 2003). * Your lid will he exchanged for a new lid. If you prefer to return the entire mug, bring it back at any time for a full repayment. If you have any questions regarding this recall, please contact us at: Toll Free Number: 1-888-601-1616 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time Tim Hortons The advertisement is mainly aimed at those who _ . A often travel around B have 15 oz Stainless mugs C want to buy 15 oz stainless mugs D are selling the mugs Answer: B. have 15 oz Stainless mugs If you struggled to get up for work on Wednesdays, there could be a good reason--it is the day our mood reaches its lowest point. Monday has traditionally been thought of as the most depressing day of the week but according to psychologists, midweek gives more cause for concern in reality. Wednesday represented the lowest point in the week as people were furthest away from the weekend that has either just gone or is coming up and often feel too tired to go on with work. However, psychologists have found that, on average, people's moods remain about the same on each day throughout the week. To start their research, the University of Sydney scientists asked around 200 people what they thought their mood would be on each day of the week. Most said their worst moods were on Monday mornings and evenings but they became increasingly cheerful as the week went on, with their best moods falling on Friday and Saturday mornings and evenings. When asked why they believed that Friday and Saturday were best, respondents said they saw them as less-structured days when they could choose how to spend their time. The psychologists then asked a further 350 people how they felt each day. They found that, on average, people's moods remained about the same on each day throughout the week.Mondays were not as depressing as they had feared and Fridays and Saturdays were not as exciting as predicted. Professor Charles Areni, who led the study, said the day-of-the-week stereotypes stem from a cultural belief that people are generally happier when they are free to choose their activities compared to when they are engaged in paid work. In reality, he said, weekends do not often see moods change because they are frequently dominated by productive activities that may require large amounts of energy and begin to feel tired like work. "Day-of-the-week stereotypes like Monday morning blues and Thank God It's Friday are largely illusions," he said. Charles Areni believes that the day-of-the-week stereotypes results from _ . A the productive activities requiring a large amount of energy B the cultural belief that doing paid work is usually less pleasant than doing freely chosen work C the illusions of day-of-the-week stereotypes D the days in a week when our mood reaches its lowest points Answer: B. the cultural belief that doing paid work is usually less pleasant than doing freely chosen work Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It has been regarded as the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Although it's not an official holiday, millions of employers give their employees the day off, and many people use that day to get a jump-start on their holiday shopping. A similar day in Canada and Great Britain is called "Boxing Day". Black Friday has become somewhat of a marketing sensation in recent years. Since 2005, it has been the busiest shopping day of the year. To _ shoppers, retailers routinely open their doors as early as 4 a.m. and offer special sales and promotions to the shoppers that arrive early. Some of the special deals offered by stores are only available in limited quantities. That is why some shoppers intent on getting the best deals often camp out in front of stores overnight so that they'll be the first in line when the doors open. But why Black Friday? Historians believe the name started in Philadelphia in the mid-1960s. Bus drivers and police used "Black Friday" to describe the heavy traffic that would block city streets the day after Thanksgiving as shoppers headed to the stores. Businesses, however, didn't like the negative tone associated with the "Black Friday" name. In the early 1980s, a more positive explanation of the name began to circulate. According to this alternative explanation, Black Friday is the day when retailers finally begin to turn a profit for the year. In accounting terms , operating at a loss is called being "in the red" because accountants traditionally used red ink to show negative amounts. Positive amounts were usually shown in black ink. Thus, being "in the black" is a good thing because it means stores are operating at a profit. Recently, for those who are too busy to shop on Black Friday or who just don't want to fight the crowds, the Monday following Black Friday has become known as Cyber Monday for the many online deals. The author writes this passage in order to _ . A state the development of Cyber Monday B tell the difference between red and black C introduce Black Friday to the readers D explain the meaning of Boxing Day Answer: C. introduce Black Friday to the readers The clock struck eleven at night. The whole house was quiet. Everyone was in bed except me. Under the strong light, I looked sadly at a huge pile of those trouble things --books. I was going to have my exam the next day. "When can I go to bed?" I asked myself. I didn't answer. And I could not. The clock struck twelve. "Oh, dear! Ten more books to read before I go to bed!" We students are the most wretched ones in the world. Dad does not agree with me on this. He did not have to work so hard when he was a boy. The clock struck one. I was quite hopeless now. I forgot all I did learn. I was too tired to go on. I did the only thing I could. I prayed , "My god, please let me pass the exam tomorrow. I will work hard next time, Amen." My eyes were so heavy that I could hardly open them. A few minutes later, with my head on the books, I fell asleep. The word "wretched" in Line 6 means _ . A very happy B forgetful C unlucky D hopeful Answer: C. unlucky Once upon a time there were four children. Each of the children had a favorite color. John's favorite color was blue. Jack's favorite color was red. Jenny's favorite color was purple and Alice's favorite color was yellow. They walked along the road one day and stopped to pick flowers for their mother. Jack picked a handful of red flowers. "Mom is going to love these!" he said. Jenny picked a handful of purple flowers. "These are perfect for mother," She thought. Alice picked two handfuls of yellow flowers. "Yellow flowers are so pretty for mom's kitchen," she said. John looked and looked, but couldn't find any blue flowers. He looked along the road, but there were no blue flowers. He looked by the stream, but there were no blue flowers. He was very sad. They walked along the road toward home to give their flowers to their mother. John walked very slowly and hung his head because he didn't have any flowers to give his mother. As they neared their home, John saw a small bunch of blue flowers growing near the fence. He was so happy he picked them all and rushed to catch up with his brother and sisters. When they got home they gave their mother all the flowers they had picked. She thanked them and put them on her kitchen table. "I have the most thoughtful children in the world," She said. Who did the children give the flowers to? A John B Mother C Alice D Jack Answer: B. Mother
The expression "Go for it!" is a way of encouraging someone to try something. "Go for it!" means you should not worry about failure or be too careful. You should take a chance, be brave, and act firmly. "Go for it!" gets name from football. Not football as it is played in most countries such as England, Egypt or Japan, but the kind of football played in the United States and Canada. One of the most exciting times in football comes when a team has failed, after three attempts, to move the ball forward ten yards. The team must make a critical decision. The conservative choice is to kick the ball and accept temporary defeat in order to gain a good position for your team the next time it gets the ball. The more exciting choice, however, is to try a fourth and final time to gain the remaining yards needed. In the nineteen eighties, people began using this expression in many kinds of situations to encourage someone to act bravely. There is no guarantee that the action you "Go for it!" will succeed. But that is the chance you take when you decide to go for it. You put your fears behind. You choose courage over safety. You hold your breath and go for it. The expression "Go for it!" comes from _ . Answer: Which structure of a bird is correctly paired with its function? Answer: The diaphragms in the microphone and speaker convert sound energy into Answer: After achieving a 9 percent GDP growth, hosting a successful Olympic Games and carrying out its first space walk last year, you'd think China would be happy.Yet China is not pleased. That, at least, is the opinion of a new book written by a group of Chinese authors. China Is Not Happy was published in March, 2009.It is a follow-up to the 1996 work China Can Say No, a bestseller that complained about the influence of the West, and the US in particular, on China.Thirteen years later, the authors of China Is Not Happy list their dissatisfaction with how China is being treated in the world today.They argue that China needs to use its growing power and economic resources to build its own position. "From looking at the history of human civilization, we are most qualified to lead this world." the book says. The authors, single out the US for special scorn , and say their book's message has been helped by the economic crisis ," This economic problem has shown the Chinese people that America does have problems, that what we've been saying is right." said Wang Xiaodong, one of the aulhors in an interview with The Wall Street. Since being released on March 13, the book has become a bestseller in many Chinese bookstores.The publisher has printed 270,000 copies, and says sales are far better than expected. Yet much of the response to the book has been negative.Several reviews in the Chinese media have criticized the book's radical opinions. The book is a way to "fish money from the pockets of the angry youth and angry elderly," wrote one critic in the China Youth Daily.Meanwhile, a well-known sociologists Li Yinhe, has said that China needs patriotism , but there is a limit. Wang Xiaodong admitted in an interview that the book's title is a bit of a trick." Those words in the title are just for the purpose of promoting the book in tine marketplace," he says."We didn't choose them.It was the people selling the book who chose the title " In the book China Is Not Happy, the authors express their dissatisfaction with _ . Answer: In the hot jungles of Thailand, forest rangers came across a terrible sight one day in 2010. Two tiger cubs lay dead in a wildlife preserve . The rangers were too late to find the cubs' mother. All that remained of her was blood on the ground. Poachers had poisoned the tigers. Then they ran off with the mother's body. If the rangers had not arrived, the poachers would have taken the cubs too. Tigers in trouble One hundred years ago, there were about 100,000 tigers. Today, only about 3,200 remain in the wild. Poachers are a major problem. These killers sell tiger fur, teeth, claws, and other body parts in illegal markets. One tiger's parts can see for $50,000. Because they hunt in huge jungles thick with trees, poachers are hard to find. But they must be caught, says Elizabeth Bennett of the Wildlife Conservation Society. This group works to help endangered animals. Tiger "fingerprints" Finally, after many months, the rangers spotted the poachers again. After an exchange of gunfire, they arrested the criminals. Soon, the police found evidence that the poachers had killed again. The evidence came from a cell phone. On a poacher's phone, police found photos of the men posing with a dead male tiger. The poachers claimed that the photos were from a nearby country where tigers aren't protected. But another photo told a different story. Deep in the Thai forest, the rangers had set up camera traps, which take photos when they sense movement. A camera trap photo showed the same male tiger walking through a wildlife preserve before he was killed. That meant that the tiger came from a protected area. But how could police prove it was the same tiger? Tiger stripes are like fingerprints. No two patterns are the same. When police compared the photos, the stripes on the tiger's head matched. The poachers were given up to five years in prison. That might not seem like much for killing tigers. But since the poachers were caught in July 2011, no tigers have been killed in that wildlife preserve. Why are poachers hard to catch? Answer:
Question: Thousands of cities around the globe turned off their lights for an hour to mark Earth Hour 2014, a symbolic show of support for the environment organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature. Since the movement began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, it has spread to more than 7,000 cities across more than 160 countries. Singapore continues to hold one of the world's largest lights-off events, drawing around 9,000 people this year to Marina Bay Sands, a commercial center typically awash in electricity. To mark the event actors Andrew Garfield, Jamie Foxx, Emma Stone and a group of other famous stars from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie were in town. Other iconic landmarks that fell dark included the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok's Wat Arun temple, the Empire State Building in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Sydney Opera House, Red Square in Moscow, the Bird's Nest in Beijing and Hong Kong Harbor. As the movement has grown, more organizations and business have committed to switching off their lights in support of efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. In Singapore, at least 600 organizations and companies agreed to either switch off their lights or participate in movements to use fewer plastic bags, take shorter showers, turn up their air-conditioning units or switch to LED lighting. This year the World Wide Fund for Nature, which first launched worldwide Earth Hour, also launched Earth Hour Blue, a crowdfunding platform aimed at raising money for environmental projects around the globe. On Mar. 26 a project to stop the illegal wildlife trade in Asia by providing assistance to wildlife rangers became the first one to reach its target of $20,000 by relying completely on crowdfunding. The hour-long event has little if any impact on electricity consumption, but as an awareness raising event it has registered success. In a statement to mark Saturday's event, Andy Ridley, CEO and Co-Founder of Earth Hour, said Asia's rapidly growing digital presence is an added bonus that has helped power our movement. How many different specific places are mentioned in the text to have participated in Earth Hour 2014 across the world? A. 7 B. 8 C. 9 D. 10 Answer: C Question: No one is glad to hear that his body has to be cut open by a surgeon and part of it taken out. Today, however, we needn't worry about feeling pain during the operation. The sick person falls into a kind of sleep, and when he awakes, the operation is finished. But these happy conditions are fairly new. It is not many years since a man who had to have operation felt all its pain. Long ago, operation had usually to be done while the sick man could feel everything. The sick man had to be held down on a table by force while the doctors did their best for him. He could feel all the pain if his leg or arm was being cut off, and his fearful cries filled the room and the hearts of those who watched. Soon after 1770, Josept Priestley discovered a gas which is now called "laughing gas".Laughing gas became known in America.Young men and women went to parties to try it. Most of them spent their time laughing,but one man at a party,Horace Wells,noticed that people didn't seem to feel pain when they were using this gas.He decided to make an experiment on himself.He asked a friend to help him. Wells took some of the gas,and his friend pulled out one of Well's teeth.Wells felt no pain at all. As he didn't know enough about laughing gas, he gave a man less gas than he should have. The man cried out with pain when his tooth was being pulled out. Wells tried again,but this time he gave too much of the gas,and the man died.Wells never forgot this terrible event. Using the laughing gas, the people did not seem to _ . A. be afraid of anything B. feel pain C. want to go to the parties D. be ill Answer: B Question: One of the things to be learnt in a foreign language is guessing all the time what kind of thing to come when listening to someone talking. People do this all the time in their own language, so it is necessary to do this in a foreign language, too. Here are some examples. 1." What's the matter?" "I went to a party last night, so I..." 2."I feel so tired these days." "I think you'd better..." 3."Of course, she never stops talking. She is one of the most..." You can see from the above three examples that the context helps a lot in understanding what is being talked about. So "guessing" is very important in understanding English, especially spoken English. From the context, we can see maybe the finished answer in EXAMPLE 1 is _ . A. ...so I didn't have a good time." B. ...so I went to bed very late." C. ...so I felt unhappy." D. ...so I got up very early." Answer: B Question: How many men do housework? Recently a European commission tried to find out people's ideas and reactions to the women's movement. As part of their survey , they asked many men and women the question, "Who does the housework?" The men answered very differently from the women! The housework they asked people about was: preparing meals, washing dishes, cleaning the house and babysitting. 48% of British husbands said they did these things. 37% of Danish men helped in the house. But only 15% of Italian men said they did the housework; many of them said they never helped at all! But there was an interesting point of view from the wives. According to British wives, only 38% of their husbands helped in the house. And Italian wives said that their husbands hardly ever helped. The Italian and British men did not tell the truth! The Commission found that Danish men were the most truthful husbands; their answers were the same as their wives' answers. Do the men you know help in the house? Do you think the survey gives a true picture in your experience? Write and tell us what you think. From the passage we can see that _ . A. there are more husbands who did the housework than wives B. husbands do half of the housework all the time C. there are more wives who do the housework than husbands D. wives do almost all the housework at home Answer: C Question: Cellphone feels like a part of your body? A global survey has found that most people can't live without their mobiles, never leave home without them and, if given a choice, would rather lose their wallet.[: _ ] Calling mobile phones the "remote control" for life, market research firm Synovate's poll said cell phones are so ubiquitous that by last year more humans owned one than did not. Three-quarters of the more than 8,000 respondents polled online in 11 countries said they take their phone with them everywhere, which Russians and Singaporeans the most attached. More than a third also said they couldn't live without their phone, topped by Taiwanese and again Singaporeans, while one in four would find it harder to replace the mobile than their purse. Some two thirds of respondents go to bed with their phones nearby and can't switch them off, even though they want to, because they're afraid they'll miss something. Mobiles have changed the nature of relationships, with the survey finding a fifth of all respondents set up first dates via text and almost the same number use the same method to end a love affair. Apart from the obvious calling and SMS-ing, the top three features people use regularly on their mobile phones globally are the alarm clock, the camera and the games. As for email and Internet access, 17 percent of respondents said they checked their inboxes or surfed the Web on their phones, led by those in the United States and Britain. One in 10 respondents log onto social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace regularly via mobile, again led by Britain and the United States.[:Zxxk.Com] Not everyone is tech savvy , however,37 percent of respondents said they don't know how to use all the functions on their phone. Which would be the best title of the passage? A. People can live better without the cellphone. B. People would rather lose their wallet than their cellphone. C. Different uses of the cellphone. D. New functions of the cellphone. Answer: B
Donald Watson was a man who thought very much about the food he ate. He was born in yorkshire, England , in September 1910. And he died in November 2005, at the age of 95. That is a very great age. Watson explained that it was because he never ate any food from animals. When he was a boy , Watson stayed on a farm. .He loved to see the animals. He said that they gave so much to people. And all the animals were so friendly. Then , one day , he saw a man killing a pig . He was very sad. . From then on, Watson decided that he would never again eat meat . Twenty years later he decided that he wouldn't eat anything from animals, such as milk, cheese or eggs. He became vegan . Watson formed a group called "The Vegan Society". In its newspaper, The Vegan Society thought it was terrible and wrong to eat food from animals. At first, there were not many people who agreed with him . They thought it was crazy to do _ .Most people thought it was too difficult and unhealthy. However, over time , more and more people began to agree with Watson and The Vegan Society. People become vegans for many reasons. Watson and his friend stopped eating because they loved animals. They believed that it was wrong to hurt another living thing . Now, people also become vegans for environmental reasons. Keeping animals takes a lot of resources , including water and food. Also, in some places, people are cutting down trees to create more land for cows. By avoiding food from animals, vegans hope to protect these forest areas. Finally, just like Watson, some people believe that being a vegan is healthier. They believe that food from animals causes heart problems, a high body weight and many other health problems. What's the best title for the text? A Donald Watson : a new way to eat B Animal protection in England C The Vegan Society:a special group D Healthy eating habits Answer: A. Donald Watson : a new way to eat I can't remember a winter being as cold as this in Pennsylvania, but I'm sure there were colder days. Even though the daylight hours are growing longer minute by minute, it's easy to find an excuse not to go out unless you ly must, but then again I often have to push myself to accomplish things. People I speak to have been in all kinds of _ moods. They say they're "under the weather," not feeling good about this time of year. As I stood outside with my two dogs yesterday, it was so cold that my nose and face felt frozen and my ears were stinging. Of course, that doesn't matter to Ricky and Lucy. They have a routine they must go through to find just the fighting spot no matter how cold or hot it is. So I wait. But this time it was different. As cold as it was, I suddenly was excited thinking about how wonderful this extreme cold really was. Then the sun broke through the clouds and memories of summer's extremely hot days flashed through my mind. I could remember standing in the heat of the afternoon, with sweat pouring down my brow and the hot, burning sun against my face. I reminded myself then and there that in the cold of the winter I would wish I had this heat. I was grateful for the extremes. Without the extremes in my life, I would never appreciate the days when things were just right. Without the extremes, life would be boring. It's being pushed to one of the extremes that makes us appreciate the middle more. Health challenges remind us that we need to pay more attention to how we live. Financial extremes remind us that when things go smoothly it's also time to save for raining days. ks5u I've come to the conclusion that all too often I find a reason not to be happy with where I am at that moment. Whether it's hot or cold, good health or bad, in the money or out of it, I always want it to be different. I'm tired of being "Under the Weather!" That day the writer waited in the terrible cold because _ . A his dogs wanted to hunt B he wanted to face the cold bravely C his dogs had a routine D he wanted to be different Answer: C. his dogs had a routine Today's dad spends more hours on childcare than a dad a generation ago.But he still lags behind the modem-day mom,even when her wages are equal,a new study reports.Researchers found that the number of hours a mother spent at work had no effect on the amount of time a father devoted to childcare during the week.Similarly, a mother's income had very little influence on fathers' involvement in childcare.On weekends,however,fathers spent more time with their children.Despite women's increasing role in the labor market, most mothers remain the main caregivers of young children on weekdays. Researchers found that fathers spent all average of 2.5 hours on a weekday and about 6 hours on a weekend day with their children.T _ included time spent playing together or doing schoolwork,personal care such as bathing and feeding.On weekdays, children spent one-third less time with their fathers than with their mothers,but on weekends the time gap closed and kids spent only 13% more time with their mothers than with their fathers.Children of women who made more money spent more time with their fathers on weekends, however."The good news is that as women become equal contributing partners, the involvement of fathers does increase."one researcher said."The bad news is...that men still do less on traditional women's jobs--(taking care of)babies,dishes,etc." In other findings,fathers with some college education spent 17 more minutes per weekday with their children than dads without any college education.Fathers who made more money spent less time with children on weekdays,but the amount of time was fairly small."Our findings suggest that although mothers still shoulder most parenting,fathers' involvement to that of mothers appears to be on the increase,"the researchers conclude."A new father' role is emerging on weekends in families." Which of the following explains a fathers' increasing involvement in childcare? A Women's liberation movement. B A mother's income. C The kind of job fathers do. D The kind of job women do. Answer: B. A mother's income. In some countries, the most common unlucky number is thirteen. People don't like to live in a house that is number 13. People don't like to have parties with thirteen people. People don't like to do important things on the thirteenth of the month. Also, when you add the Japanese unlucky numbers together---nine and four ---they make thirteen. There aren't many business meetings on the thirteenth of the month especially when the thirteenth is on a Friday. Friday is always unlucky. Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden on a Friday. Jesus Christ died on a Friday. There were thirteen people at his last supper. In Europe, they kill criminals on Fridays. For some people, unlucky numbers do the opposite things. My elder brother was born on the thirteenth. He passed his exams on the thirteenth. He married on the thirteenth. He became a pilot on the thirteenth. It was always a lucky number for him. ,. What is the unlucky number in Japanese? A Thirteen B Nine C Four D Nine and four Answer: D. Nine and four If a new organism were discovered, which of the following would most likely be used to classify it into the appropriate kingdom? A the color of the organism B the organism's natural habitat C the structure of the organism's anatomy D the location where the organism was found Answer: C. the structure of the organism's anatomy
Here in Alaska, the wolf almost disappeared a few years ago, because hunters were killing hundreds of them for sport. However, laws were passed to protect the wolves from sportsmen and people who catch the animals for their fur. So the wolf population has greatly increased. Now there are so many wolves that they are destroying their own food supply. A wolf naturally lives on animals in the deer family. People there also hunt deer for food. Many of the animals have been destroyed by the very cold winters recently and by changes in the plant life there. When the deer can't find enough food, they die. If the wolves continue to kill large numbers of deer, the deer will disappear some day. And the wolves will, too. So we must change the life cycles there. If we killed more wolves, we would save them from starving. We also save deer and some farm animals. In another northern state, wolves attack cows and chickens for food. Farmers want the United States government to send a team of scientists to study the problem. They believe it is necessary to kill wolves in some areas and to protect them in places where there is a small population. In Alaska, laws have been passed to _ . Answer: Reducing the amount of sleep students get at night has a direct impact on their performance at school during the day. According to classroom teachers, elementary and middle school students who stay up late exhibit more learning and attention problems. This has been shown by Brown Medical School and prefix = st1 /BradleyHospitalresearch. In the study, teachers were not told the amount of sleep students received when completing weekly performance reports, yet they rated the students who had received eight hours or less as having the most trouble recalling all the material, learning new lessons and completing high - quality work. Teachers also reported that these students had more difficulty paying attention. The experiment is the first to ask teachers to report on the effects of sleep deficiency in children. Just staying up late can cause increased academic difficulty and attention problems for otherwise healthy, well - functioning kids, said Garharn Forlone, the study's lead author. So the results provide professionals and parents with a clear message: when a child is having learning and attention problems, the issue of sleep has to be taken into consideration. "If we don't ask about sleep, and try to improve sleep patterns in kids' struggling academically, then we aren't doing our job", Forlone said. For parents, he said, the message is simple, "getting kids to bed on time is as important as getting them to school on time." According to the experiment, what problem can insufficient sleep cause in students? Answer: My friend's grandfather came to America from a farm in Thailand. After arriving in New York, he went into a cafeteria in Manhattan to get something to eat.He sat down at a table and waited for someone to take his order . Of course nobody did. Finally, a woman with a plate full of food sat down opposite him and told him how a cafeteria worked. "Start out at the end," she said, "Just go along the line and choose what you want. At the other end they'll tell you how much you have to pay." "I soon learned how everything works in America." the grandfather told my friend. "Life is like a cafeteria here. You can get anything you want only if you are willing to pay the money. You can even get success, but you'll never get _ if you wait for someone to bring it to you. You have to get up and get it by yourself." From the text, we know if you want to get SUCCESS in America, you should _ . Answer: Dear Coach, I have been out of work for almost six months now and things are starting to get very tough for me. I am practically living out of my savings. I have been looking for a job,but things are really bad and 1 cannot find a single person who wants to hire me. I know that the main problem is that I do not have a degree. I want to go back to school and get my degree,but I also need a job now. I owe money to some people who have been helping me. Because I am out of work,I cannot pay them back. What do you think 1 should do? I need to find a job as quickly as possible, and want to know what else to do to get people to give me a chance to work for them. The Unemployed. Dear Unemployed, Before you get yourself in a really bad situation, you need to stop borrowing money from people. If you continue doing that,you will be deep in debts and the situation will get even worse for you. The next thing you need to do is look for a job depending on your abilities, skills, and experience. By doing that, you will be increasing your chances of finding a job that suits you best. And the last thing I will suggest is that you should stop feeling sorry for yourself and continue working hard to get a job that you need. Borrowing money, complaining, and feeling bad for your situation will do no good to you. Stay strong and get out there and start showing the world what you can offer. I promise if you work hard and never give up,you will soon find the job that you are looking for. And while you are doing it,thing about getting your degree as well because it will help you to become more challenging. Try those tips. The Coach Why did the unemployed write to the coach? Answer: Thousands of hungry birds left the countryside of Britain in the bitter winter to find food and warmth in urban gardens. The move included species such as the redwing and the fieldfare, almost unknown outside rural areas The hard situation of farmland birds has been revealed in the latest survey of bird populations from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds released today. The redwing has an obvious stripe over the eye and a red flash on the flanks , while the fieldfare has a grey head, a peach underbelly, and a distinctive dark band on the tail. Graham Madge, the society's spokesman, says, "For many urban birdwatchers the sight of these striking species is a real treat. Many people have never imagined there being such an amazing chance." "Frozen ground prevented them from getting food in the countryside and they have been saved from starvation in towns," he added. He says the unusual sight this year somewhat _ the frustration felt at the suffering of small garden birds such as robins and wrens. These birds are sensitive to cold and must eat almost continuously to stay alive. Data from people who took part in the society's Big Garden Birdwatch recorded sightings in 280,000 gardens during the last weekend of January, with the goldcrest down 75 percent, the longtailed tit down 27 percent, and the coal tit down 20 percent. The study highlighted the need for food to be left out for birds during winter. The redwing and the fieldfare are relatively unknown outside the eastern part of the country. The research shows, however, that they moved to the other side of the country where the climate is generally mild in winter and that many for the first time have reached Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. The number of redwing sightings was up 185 percent, those of the fieldfare 73, and of the yellowhammer 68. Another surprise garden "guest" this year was the blackcap. This robinsized, silvergrey bird was rare in Britain 50 years ago, but increasing numbers now arrive each year from Germany and Austria. According to the passage, Cornwall is perhaps _ . Answer:
Earth is the third planet from the sun.It is one of the four inner planets.The other three inner planets are Mercury,Venus,and Mars.The inner planets are also called the rocky planets,because they are made of rocks. Earth is often called the "Water Planet",because it is the only planet in our solar system which has liquid water on its surface.About 70% of the surface of Earth is covered by water! The other part of Earth is made up of continents and islands which have different landforms on them.Examples of landforms are mountains and plains.Plants and animals can live on Earth,because it has so much water. Earth spins very quickly compared to other planets.It only takes Earth 24 hours to spin around its axis one time.One Earth day is 24 hours long!Earth orbits the sun in 365 days! This makes one Earth year 365 days long! Earth is the only planet in our solar system where humans,other animals,and plants can live.There is plenty of water to drink or to live in.Water is present on Earth in its big oceans and in the air! Clouds are made of water vapor.The atmosphere has a lot of oxygen in it for animals to breathe,but the rest of our "air" is made up of water vapor,nitrogen,carbon dioxide,and other gases.The air is perfect for plants to grow.Earth temperature is not the same in all places,but the temperature is just right for plants,animals,and humans in most places on Earth. Like the other inner planets,Earth has volcanoes.Volcanoes on Earth are different from those on other planets,because they still erupt.Scientists think that there may be active volcanoes on other planets and moons in our solar system,but they are still studying this. Earth has one planet which we call the Moon.The surface of the Moon has many craters on it These were caused when meteorites hit it.It has many volcanoes on it which do not erupt anymore.We can see the moon at night without using a telescope.It is the closest space object to our planet,Earth. Life exists on Earth, _ . Today I want to introduce a writer Greg Mortenson to you, especially one of his works called Three Cups of Tea. It has been one of the best sellers. Why can it be so popular? Greg Mortenson was born in the state of Minnesota and grew up near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Mortenson later became a nurse. He loved to climb K2 in Pakistan, the second highest mountain in the world. One day, he failed to reach the top of K2, and he became separated from his climbing group on the way down. He was very tired, sick and lost. He had no food, water or shelter . Mortenson reached a poor village called Korphe in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. The villagers had never seen a foreigner before. They provided food and a place for him. Mortenson became friends with the villagers and he wanted to see their school. But they had no school. He promised to return and build a school for the children of the village. This was not easy. He had to return to the United States, ask people for money, buy materials in Pakistan, send them to the village and build the school. But he finally carried out his promise after more than three years. That first school in Korphe was so successful that he decided to continue building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It _ to be a great act. Three cups of Tea is about many interesting people Mortenson met and the problems he faced. I think he is really wonderful. He should be the pride of his country. From the passage, we can know that Greg Mortenson _ . While students in Hainan are quite used to clear skies, Beijing teenagers are not so lucky. As another warm winter approaches, the city can expect the normal clouds of smoke caused by air pollution. But things could start to get better soon. The government is co-operating with a US-based environmental protection agency to update existing buses and trucks with clean fuel technology. The new technology could reduce air pollutants in existing diesel vehicles by 40 per cent. The programme will begin by testing buses in Beijing to see if the technology can be applied to them. "We encourage the development of public transportation. But at the same time we need to reduce pollution from them," said an official. Efforts are being made to improve the capital's environment with tighter controls on emissions . Some heavily polluting factories and construction sites, such as those owned by the steel giant Shougang Group, have been asked to cut production in November and December or be closed. Beijing was the third polluted city in the world at the end of last century, according to the UN. But thanks to recent measures, the capital has made some progress. Last year 224 clear days were rated as having good air quality. In 1998 the air quality index gave just 100 days as good. "I am glad to see an improvement," said a Senior 1 boy living in the northwest of Beijing. "Compared to other places, the air quality of Beijing is still worrying though. I hate the pollution. Once I was riding my bike in the morning when I almost had a traffic accident because I couldn't see a car only metres away from me in frog." In early October, the skies were covered by such a thick fog that a display show by the visiting French air force was called off. Rapid development, industry, traffic fumes and sandstorms from the desert all contribute to the city's bad air. The passage is mainly about _ ? On my first day of work at Moro Assurance, I arrived nervously, totally wet and nearly half an hour late. I had forgotten to take an umbrella, had missed the bus and was mow ready for a good scolding . It was then that I met Nicky Jonathan, the Managing Director. She was a small, birdlike woman. Her appearance gave others the impression of a nervous, easily-flustered person. I soon learnt, however, that her true character was calm, warm and kind, yet very professional. After reminding me that lateness would not be tolerated in the office, she laughingly admitted to me that she had been over an hour late in her first morning because she had lost her way, which was typical of her. After a wet, awful morning, this kind office manager led me to my seat; yet her kindness and super ability didn't stop surprising me there. During the years I worked with her, my admiration for Nicky steadily increased. Her ability to deal with several matters at once seemed almost miraculous . I remembered one occasion when nearly everyone in the office had gone down with the flu, yet Nicky managed to keep the office running smoothly without seeming stressed. The most striking thing about Nicky was her understanding towards others. _ If she sensed that something was wrong, she would call you into her office and encourage you to talk. Not only was she a good listener, but the advice she offered was always sound as well. All in all, Nicky is the most admirable person I've ever mer. I will always remember her as the "guiding light" in my working life. What did NOT happen to the author on her first day at work? Health experts have long worried about the increasing rate of obesity in kids. It's an important concern: Being weight or obese during childhood can lead to serious problems normally seen in adults, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Poor diets and a lack of exercise are usually the causes. But would you ever have imagined there might be a connection between the bacteria that lived in your guts when you were a baby and the chance that you would become overweight? Scientists in Finland recently found just such a link. In a recent study, they showed that overweight kids had different species of bacteria living in their guts. You probably think of bacteria only as germs that can make you sick. While it's true that some bacteria can make people ill, your body actually depends on some types of bacteria to help you digest food and extract nutrients from it. These "good" bacteria live in your guts, where they process the food you eat. Human babies get these bacterial helpers from their moms. When a baby is born, some of the bacteria in the mother move into the baby's body. Growing babies get additional "good" bacteria from the milk their mothers produce. And it turns out the bacteria might play an important role in regulating weight just six years later. So how could these bacteria affect weight? The researchers still haven't tested that question, but future tests might lead to an answer. Which of the following is NOT the function of "good" bacteria?
Tile Spring Festival is almost over,but the celebrations are continuing.The Chinese embassy in Sydney have devoted a day to celebrating the Spring Festival and Chinese culture. Tile carnival features a series of cultural performances and demonstrations,bringing the Spring Festival fun to Sydney.Over the past four years,the annual event has become popular not only with tile Chinese community but also with locals.And some have even set up their own stalls to allow more people to learn about China and the country's culture. This is my second time to have a stand here,but I've been here many times before."said Carole Kyle from Sydney.Carole has brought along some brochures about Project Hope which supports Chinese students who drop out of school due to poverty. China's Ambassador to Australia Ma Zhao xu hopes that this kind of event will facilitate a dialogue between people from the two countries. "In Chinese culture,we appreciate unity without uniformity,and harmony in diversity. Australian culture welcomes cultural diversity,so that is a good foundation for Sino-Australian relations,to further our understandings and strengthen our friendship."Ma said. Sydney's mayor Clover Moore was also present and echoed Ma's view. "In fact we have Chinese living in Australia since the middle of the 19th century,so it goes way back and there has been a strong link between China and Australia for many many years.We have a very ancient culture here,the aboriginal culture.You have a very ancient culture in China.We'd like to marry those two and celebrate them."Moore said. A centre about Chinese culture in Sydney is also set to have a test run in March,and will be the biggest of its kind in the Oceania region. What is the text mainly concerned about? Celebrations of Chinese culture held in Sydney. Her name is Mary. She comes from London. She is in China with her father and mother. Shecan speak a little Chinese. She studies in No. 80 Middle School in Tianjin. She is in the sameschool as her parents (father and mother). She is a good student. She goes to school six daysa week. She likesgetting up early. She doesn't like to be late. She often goes to school veryearly. But today she gets up late. So she gets to the classroom at 7 :30. But there aren't anystudents in it. She is not late. She is still early. It's Sunday today. The students are allat home. Mary doesn't like to _ . be late In July 1994 Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, was struck by 21 pieces of a comet . When the fragments landed in the southern part of the giant planet, the explosions were watched by scientists here on earth. But what if our own planet was hit by a comet? The year is 2094. It has been announced that a comet is heading towards the Earth. Most of it will miss our planet, but two fragments will probably hit the southern part of the Earth. The news has caused panic. On 17 July, a fragment four kilometers wide enters the Earth's atmosphere with a huge explosion. About half of the fragment is destroyed. But the major part survives and hits the South Atlantic at 200 times the speed of sound. The sea boils and an enormous wave is created and spreads. The wall of water rushes towards southern Africa at 800 kilometres an hour. Cities on the African coast are totally destroyed and millions of people are drowned. The wave moves into the Indian Ocean and heads towards Asia. Millions of people are already dead in the southern part of the Earth, but the north won't escape for long. Tons of broken pieces are thrown into the atmosphere by the explosions. As the sun is hidden by clouds of dust, temperatures around the world fall to almost zero. Crops are ruined. Wars break out as countries fight for food. A year later civilization has collapsed. No more than 10 million people have survived. Could it really happen? In fact, it has already happened more than once in the history of the Earth. The dinosaurs were on the Earth for over 160 million years. Then 65 million years ago they suddenly disappeared. Many scientists believe that the Earth was hit by a space fragment. The dinosaurs couldn't survive in the cold climate that followed and they became extinct. Will we meet the same end? 56.Why does the author mention dinosaurs at the end of the passage? Because their extinction indicates future disasters The Channel Islands are a group of British-owned islands lying in the English Channel 10 to 30 miles off the French coast, and 70 to 90 miles from the English coast. There are ten islands with a total land area of 75 square miles and a total population of 123,000. The three largest islands, Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney, have long been known for the fine breeds of cattle that are raised on them and named after them. In earliest known history the islands were considered part of Normandy, which was part of France, but the ruler of Normandy became king of England in 1066, and from then on the islands were looked upon as British land. English control was unbroken until World War II, when the Germans held the islands for five years. Although people on the islands speak both languages and they are considered English, their customs are more French than English. Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney breeds of cattle are _ . named after their birthplaces High humidity can damage materials which must remain dry to function
Maps may be redrawn because of A an avalanche B a deep freeze C a glacier D an earthquake Answer: D What would an insect run from? A lizard B insect C cloud D wind Answer: A On November 15th, 2014, children aged 8 to 12 got together in five cities around the world to participate in the first Global Children's Designation. The event that was organized by a Dutch company called Unexpect, challenged kids to come up with solutions for some of the world's most pressing problems in a day! The day began with the kids listening to the various challenges that were related to their particular cities and towns. The teams were then asked to brainstorm about which problem they were going to handle and how. There were so many amazing ideas produced on that day. While some of the ideas were far from perfect, there were many that could be practical like the smart cars which can ease traffic pressure by telling traffic lights of its arrival and also guiding the drivers to the best possible route . Emer Beamer, the founder of Unexpect, says the purpose of the project is to introduce children to skills they probably never learn in class. She says that for most part, schools focus on teaching things that they will most likely never need to know again. She believes that for kids to be successful in the world, they should be learning how to be creative, handle new technologies and deal with unexpected situations. Though the first global design challenge was relatively small, involving only a few hundred of the two billion youngsters that are bursting with ideas, the next one will be much bigger. That's because in 2015, Unexpect plans to distribute free tool kits to any school that is interested in hosting their own Children's Designation Challenge. We can't wait to see what ideas kids will come up with next. What can be the best title for the text? A Children's crazy ideas for the country B The first Global Children's Designation C Emer Beamer, the founder of Unexpect D How to solve the world's urgent problems Answer: B Babies born in summer are more likely to become short-sighted in late life, a study has shown. As many as a quarter of all cases of short-sightedness are caused by too great an exposure to sunlight in the first weeks of life, say eye experts. They are advising all parents to put sunglasses on their babies during the first weeks. Scientists had already established that over-exposure to sunlight caused shortsightedness in animals. Researchers who compared the months in which babies were born with whether they needed glasses later on say the principle also applies to humans. A study of almost 300,000 young adults-the largest of its kind-showed that those born in June and July had a 25 per cent greater chance of becoming severely short-sighted than those born in December or January. Research leader Professor Michael Belkin, of Tel Aviv University, said it was because prolonged illumination causes the eyeball to lengthen-causing short-sightedness. Hence the more light a newborn is exposed to, the more the eyeball lengthens and the worse the short-sightedness will be. The mechanism which lengthens the eyeball is associated with levels of melatonin , a pigment which protects the skin against harmful rays of the sun. In young babies not enough melatonin is released as protection, meaning they are more _ to sunburn and changes to eyeball shape. Sight expert Professor Daniel O'Leary, of Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, said "At the moment we don't know the precise cause of why light exposure affects sight, but the evidence seems to prove that it is one of the reasons for people becoming shortsighted." Melatonin is a kind of material to _ . A prevent the eyes from becoming near-sighted B protect the skin from harmful sun rays C make our body strong D protect babies' eyes from summer sun Answer: B A new report says promising children money to pass exams does not help exam grades. The report says parents could be wasting their money by using cash to get their kids to study more. However, the promise of a trip somewhere nice could encourage students to try harder and do better at school. Researchers from the University of Bristol (in England) and the University of Chicago (in the USA) looked at how promises of cash and tickets to events affected students' studying and learning. Over 10,000 pupils took part in the research throughout the year 2012. There was an improvement in classwork and homework, but this did not result in better test scores. Lead researcher Dr Simon Burgess suggested the research looked at the wrong areas. He said it had not looked at the things that really got students to increase their effort. He added that: "Clearly, some pupils have a lot of goals and believe that education is a way of getting what they want out of life, but there are kids who think that working hard doesn't make a difference." He said these children think exam success is "all in your genes" because of their family background. Education expert Dr Kevan Collins said good teachers were better than promises of rewards to get children to study, especially for children from low-income families. He wrote: "What really makes the difference is how students are taught." What can encourage students to study more? A music B trips C an iPad D money Answer: B
When a customer came into a Mexican restaurant in Georgia with an unusual request, a selfless waiter didn't hesitate to help him out. A disabled man with no hands who ordered a meal at Cinco cle Mayo Mexican Grill in Douglasville on Sunday afternoon hoped someone might be able to help him eat his lunch. Server Alex Ruiz, 22, was more than happy to help as he sat opposite from the man and helped him enjoy his meal. The heartwarming moment was captured in a photo by one of Ruiz's workmates, Crystal Figueroa. She posted it on the restaurant's Facebook page. "He's a great person," Figuero, 24, whose father manages the restaurant, said. "He's always so nice, and the fact that he just came out of nowhere and helped a man he doesn't even know have a meal says everything. That just shows the person that he is. One of Figueroa's friends, Reginald Widener, also witnessed the moment and posted the photo on his Facebook page. "This seriously hit me right in the soul," Widener wrote. The waiters did not get the name of the man. He had never eaten in the restaurant before, according to Figueroa. But Ruiz jumped at the chance to help. "I just feel like people should see that there're still good people out there," Figueroa said. "It was just a happy moment." What's the relationship between Alex and Figueroa? A. They are friends. B. They are family. C. Figueroa is Alex's boss. D. They are workmates. Answer: D. They are workmates. Spotlight at Salem Academy and College Academic Camp: Creative Writing, Environmental Education/ Science, Language Camp Address 500 Salem Avenue Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101 USA (800) 833-1753 Salem spotlight is designed to arouse intellectual curiosity with emphasis on the experience and development of the individual... (more) Get more information about Spotlight at Salem Academy and College Caribbean Summer Sea Camp Academic Camp: Environmental Education/ Science Camp Address Off-Season Address Box 37 North Coast Road PO Box 1461 Little Cayman, BWI Princeton, New Jersey Cayman Islands 08542 USA (609) 933-4559 The Caribbean Summer Sea Camp is a one-week adventure on Little Cayman Island. Campers dive or snorkel to explore the wonders of coral reefs, and view the diverse life in the sea around the island. Coastal Camp at Headlands Institute Academic Camp: Environmental Education/ Science Camp Address Bldg. 1033 Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sausalito, California 94965 USA (415) 332-6961 The Coastal Camp at Headlands Institute combines marine and coastal ecology themes with hands-on educational games and exciting opportunities for discovery in the great outdoors. By promoting environmental work, Coastal Camp allows kids to become responsible earth citizens. Swift Nature Camp Academic Camp: Environmental Education/ Science Camp Address Off-Season Address W7471 Ernie Swift Rd 25 Baybrook Minong, Wisconsin 54859 Oak Brook, Illinois USA 60523 (715) 466-5666 (630) 654-8036 Located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin on a 1,500-acre lake, this small camp offers hands-on nature studies. Self accomplishment is promoted while competition takes a back seat: Horses, Swimming, Scuba, Skiing, Sailing, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts and much more. Alice, a girl of 10, hopes to learn more about ecology by playing games. Which telephone number should she dial? A. (800) 833-1753 B. (415) 332-6961 C. (345) 948-1094 D. (715) 466-5666 Answer: B. (415) 332-6961 More than 27,000 people from around the UK set off at dawn from London to begin the cycle route through Surrey to the Sussex coast. The annual 54-mile ride raises money for the British Heart Foundation(BHF) and is Europe's largest charity cycling event. Cyclists began the exhausting journey at Clapham Common at 6 a. m. , hoping to reach Brighton seafront within an average of six hours. Money from today's event will help the charity to continue its vital work through heart research and the development of its care and support services. Among those taking part was BBC Breakfast's resident Dr Rosemary Leonard and several colleagues. BHF spokeswoman Gemma Cloke said, "It was quite cold this morning, but everyone set off without any problems." Those taking part range in age from 14 to those in their 70s. Last year cyclists raisedPS4. 1 million for the charity, and have raised more thanPS50 million since the BHF became involved in the event in 1980. The first ride was held in 1976. It is hoped this year's fund raising total could reachPS4. 5 million. She added : "We have a lot of people taking part, from the more experienced cyclists to those cycling with friends and family in memory of someone and to raise money through sponsorship." "People are always pleased knowing the money is going to a good cause. There is so much support along the route, with local residents watching the ride. " "One of the highlights for participants is coming along the seafront while people are clapping, which can really help when they've been in the saddle for a long time. " What is the text mainly about? A. Cyclists have raised overPS50 million for the BHF. B. More than 27,000 people like travelling by bike in the UK. C. Charity cycling event wins support from local people. D. More than 27,000 people in the UK join in the charity bike ride. Answer: D. More than 27,000 people in the UK join in the charity bike ride. Retinas can have light fall on them when A. pupils are open B. rooms are dark C. eyes are closed D. lights are off Answer: A. pupils are open Someone asked me, "what do you think of youth?" I showed him a can of COKE. See this? "C" means "courage". There's a seed in everyone's heart. As long as you really keep watering it, it will grow and harvest. Courage gives us the power to follow our dreams. Believe in yourself and be prepared for anything in the future. "O" stands for "optimism". When in trouble, some people feel disappointed but some people still keep their dreams. Be sure to choose the latter. Life is very much like a mirror. If you smile on it, it smiles back on you. If you frown, you will get a similar look in return. Throw away the sadness in your heart while filling it with brightness and hope. "K" can be understood as "knowledge". In order to keep up with the times, we should use knowledge to enrich ourselves. Knowledge is the food of thought and, as long as it is put in our brain, we will grow wiser. "E" is short for "enthusiasm ". Enthusiasm is the sign of youth. We use colourful paint-brushes in our hands to create the pictures of youth on our own. Let the sky and sea know we're young. Let out our enthusiasm wherever we go. Drink a can of COKE. You will find your youth as refreshing as a can of coke. Enjoy and value your youth. In the passage, the word "COKE" refers to _ . A. a kind of drink young people enjoy B. what young people should have C. basic abilities young people need D. young people's confidence and pride Answer: B. what young people should have
WASHINGTON, March 14 (Xinhua) --U.S. President Barack Obama confirmed on Saturday at the White House that China can have confidence in the American economy. "Not just the Chinese government, but every investor can have absolute confidence in the _ of investments in the United States," Obama said. "There is a reason why even in the midst of this economic downfall you have seen actual increases in investment flows here in the U. S.,"he said. Obama also noted the U. S. will push for stricter regulation of the financial industry "front and center" at the upcoming Group of 20Summit in London ,ending an argument between the Europe and the United States over whether more focus should be placed on financial regulatory reform. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said earlier Friady he is "a little bit worried "about the safety of Chineseassets in the United States ,urging the U. S. government to ensure the security of those assets. China has invested its hugeforeign exchangereserves in low-risk but low-yield assets ,such as U. S.government bonds ,to play it safe . According to the U.S. Treasury, China held 681.9 billion U.S. dollars worth of U.S. government bonds as of November. "China is indeed the largest creditor of the United States, which is the world' s biggest economy .We are extremely interested in developments in the U. S. economy."said Wen, adding that he is expecting the effect of the measures taken by the U.S.government to counter the global financial crisis. Asked to react to Wen' s concern, Lawrence Summers, director of the U.S. National Economic Council, noted on Friday that the U.S. will be soundsteward of the money it invests. "This is a commitment that the president has made very clear--we need to be sound stewards of the money we invest."said Summers in a speech at the Brookings Institution, a leading think tank in the united states. Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage? A Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his worry about the huge fund to the United States. B Obama claimed that China can have confidence in the American economy. C Obama said that the U. S. would be "sound stewards of the money we invest." D The U. S. will push for stricter regulation of the financial industry. Answer: C. Obama said that the U. S. would be "sound stewards of the money we invest." Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new material that can move heat out of buildings and into space. The researchers say the material can cool buildings even on hot days. The cooling material is a very thin sheet with many layers that could be placed on a roof like solar panels . However, instead of turning sunlight into energy as solar panels do, the material turns heat into radiation. Shanhui Fan is an electrical engineering professor at Stanford University. He says that the panels have a layer of material that is like sand. The panels act like a mirror. They take heat out of buildings and reflect the light from the sun. And he says both the heat and sunlight are sent 100 kilometers into outer space. "It's a structure that cools itself without electricity input, even under the sun. So, what it does is basically radiate heat to outer space and also reflect the sunlight so it doesn't get heated up by the sun. Mr. Fan says it is like having a window into space. The heat is sent directly into space without warming the air." He says buildings in developing countries that do not have electricity or air conditioning could use the panels. "In areas where electricity is out of reach for many people, there is a potential benefit for storing medicine or even food. In many of these situations, being able to reduce the temperature is important. And this would provide a way to do it." The researchers say the main problem is creating actual cooling systems using the high-tech panels. They say it may be possible to develop a cooling spray that could be used on present solid structures. They believe the cooling spray technology could be developed in the next three to five years. They say as much as 15 percent of the energy used in the United States is spent providing power to air conditioning systems. The new material is especially useful in areas that _ . A suffer high temperature B have poor air conditioning C have plenty of food D are short of power Answer: D. are short of power "It's really cool to have a dad who flies fighter jets,"thought 11-year-old Casey as she was watching him fly overhead. Living on an Air Force base was not as bad as some people might think. Casey rather enjoyed being around friends who had something in common with each other. They had their own school, bowling area, and movie theatre. She especially loved it when her dad would come home each day and greet her with a new joke and tickles. Today was different, though. When her dad walked into the room, he looked sad for some reason. He just kissed her on the forehead and told her mum that he needed to talk to her. Casey knew something was wrong. When her mum and dad came out of the other room, mum was crying. Dad sat down and began to explain that he has been called to go to Iraq to help with the war effort. Casey was so surprised that she couldn't speak for a moment. She began to feel tears in her eyes. How could she live without her dad for a whole year? Soon, the day came. Her dad was leaving. As Casey and her mom watched him climb up the steps to his cockpit, the tears began to flow and it felt like _ would never end. It was hard for Casey to believe that she wouldn't be seeing her dad for so long. They depended on him for so many things. Who would fix the broken window? Who would greet her with jokes and tickles at the end of the day? And then the thought hit her, " What if he doesn't make it home?" Casey began to sob more than ever. What can we know from the story? A Casey's dad volunteered to help with the war. B Casey's parents didn't let her know the truth. C Casey's dad amused her in the morning usually. D Children living on the base could see movies in their theater. Answer: D. Children living on the base could see movies in their theater. It was another day to jump rope in gym class. Lynn and Mike turned the long rope in big, slow circles. The whole class hurried to get in line to wait for their turn to jump. Millie stood at the back of the line and _ . Nick went first. He watched the rope and ran in at just the right time. Everyone counted. He made it all the way to 30 jumps. One after another, the kids watched the rope, ran in, and jumped. Then it was Millie's turn. She watched the rope go around and around, but she didn't move. She felt like everyone was looking at her. Millie's friends cheered. "Go, Millie, go!" Millie's face turned red. At last, she gave it a try, but she failed. The truth was that Millie had been jumping rope at home every day. With a short rope, she could jump 100 times without missing. She just didn't know how to run in and start jumping with a long rope. Since she was the only kid on her street, there was no one to help turn the long rope. Just then, Ms Miles, the gym teacher, brought out a bunch of short jump ropes. "Let's see how long each one of you can jump without missing," she said as she gave each student a short rope, "Ready, set. Go!" Millie smiled for the first time ever in gym class. As she jumped, she sang rhymes quietly to herself. After a while, Millie realized that everyone was cheering, "Go, Millie, go!" She was the only one still jumping rope! The surprise almost made her miss a step, but she kept going. When at last she was too tired to go on, she stopped. The whole class cheered. Everyone was looking at her and smiling. Millie smiled back! Which sentence can be put in the empty? A The class decided to play baseball. B Millie was the last one still jumping rope. C Nick won the rope-jumping contest. D Millie tried to hide in the back of the line. Answer: B. Millie was the last one still jumping rope. China news, Oct. 26--China Great Wall Society's secretary-general Zhang Ji says that the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) would join hands with the Society to produce a 3D picture of the Great Wall so that _ could view its original looks. When the website opens, a picture of the revolving earth will appear against the background of the universe. A click on the Great Wall will bring the earth nearer, and slowly a white line is seen across the Chinese land in the north. A closer view shows that this is the Great Wall. Netizens will be able to appreciate the Great Wall with the eye of a tourist and "walk" from Shanhai Pass in the east of the Great Wall to Jiayu Pass in the west in just a couple of days. They can also take a look at the mineral resources and economic status of regions along the Great Wall. CASS and the Great Wall Society are trying their best to make this dream come true through working together closely. According to Zhang, to achieve the above effects, scientists will rely on airborne remote sensing, national geographical information system and global positioning system to collect detailed data of the Great Wall, analyze and process the data, apply them to satellite images for 3D translation, and thereafter create a 3D digital image of the Great Wall for the entire world to appreciate the really great Great Wall of China via the Internet. The scientists will rely on the following except _ to collect detailed data. A airborne remote sensing B national geographical information system C global positioning system D satellite images Answer: D. satellite images
A city owns and operates a large public auditorium. It leases the auditorium to any group that wishes to use it for a meeting, lecture, concert, or contest. Each user must post a damage deposit and pay rent, which is calculated only for the actual time the building is used by the lessee. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. A private organization that permits only males to serve in its highest offices rented the auditorium for its national convention. The organization planned to install its new officers at that convention. It broadly publicized the event, inviting members of the general public to attend the installation ceremony at the city auditorium. No statute or administrative rule prohibits the organization from restricting its highest offices to men. An appropriate plaintiff sues the private organization seeking to enjoin it from using the city auditorium for the installation of its new officers. The sole claim of the plaintiff is that the use of this auditorium by the organization for the installation ceremony is unconstitutional because the organization disqualifies women from serving in its highest offices. Will the plaintiff prevail? Answer: No, because this organization is not a state actor and, therefore, its activities are not subject to the provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment. Everyone knows that chickens lay eggs . Most people know that all the other birds do as well. But have you ever thought about other animals that lay eggs? They include bees, snakes and some sea animals. When a mother lays eggs, many more babies can be born at once, or in a few days, because there is very little development inside the parent. Animals that do not lay eggs often have fewer babies. Animals lay many eggs because other animals may eat the babies. However, even though some of their babies are eaten, they will still have some more to continue their family. Some animals that lay eggs do not take care of their young. Turtles come onto the beach and dig holes. Then they put their eggs in the sand and leave. A turtle mother can lay as many as 150 eggs. When the babies come out of the eggs, they must find their own way to the ocean. They must learn how to live on their own. Many young turtles get eaten by other animals. Most eggs have an outside shell that keeps the growing animal inside safe. The egg shell also keeps the young animal from drying out. After the animal is fully developed, it comes out of the egg. The animal grows bigger and bigger. Then it can have its own young. Why do animals lay many eggs? Answer: Because other animals may eat their babies. Each of us can live strong,healthy,energetic lives for a long time to come.The key?Actually,there are many of them. Eat fewer calories,but more food Slimming down can help prevent disease,and cutting way back on the amount you eat may even slow the aging process.When nutrition researchers invited themselves over for dinner in kitchens across the globe-from Greece to Japan to the state of Pennsylvania--they discovered a stomach-satisfying secret to good health:Pile your plate high with vegetables and fruits,add respectable parts of beans and whole grains,and ignore high-calorie food like cheeseburgers,cream sauces,and fatty meats. Use exercise as an anti-aging vaccine Exercise can help you gain a better quality of life as you age.It's no secret that physical activity strengthens muscles,burn calories,and puts a happy bounce in your step.But recently,researchers discovered a new,extra benefit:Exercise acts as a powerful way against the aging process itself. When exercise physiologists put healthy people aged 60 to 85 on Weight-training programs for six months then tested them for signs of free-radical damage,they were surprised by the results.By the end of the study,low-intensity exercisers had a drop in free-radical damage,while high-intensity exercisers had a slight increase. Find something interesting to do Life is always busy no matter what your age.But the truth is,when people are retired,time usually does become more available for adults after 60.With this time come choices.The easy one is merely to relax:watch more TV,eat out more often,talk on the phone as much as you want.The better choice? Discover something more meaningful to devote yourself to and do it wholeheartedly. Which of the following is what you should eat more? Answer: Whole grains. Which organism uses xylem for materials transport? Answer: saguaro cactus Museums have changed. They are no longer places that one "should" go but now they are places to enjoy. At a science museum in Canada, you can feel your hair stand on end as harmless electricity passes through your body. At the Children's Museum in New York, you can play an African drum. There are no "Do Not Touch" signs in some other museums in the USA. More and more museum directors have realized that people learn best when they can become part of what they are seeing. In many science museums, the visitors are encouraged to touch, listen, operate and experiment so as to discover scientific rules for themselves. The purpose is not only to provide fun, but also help people feel at home in the world of science. If people don't understand science, they will be afraid of it; and if they are afraid of science, they will not make the best of it. One cause of all these changes is the increase in wealth and spare time. Another cause is the growing number of young people in the population. Many of them are college students or college graduates. They see things in a new and different way. They want art that they can take part in. The same is true of science and history. The old museums have been changing and the government is encouraging the building of new and modern museums. In the United States and Canada, there are more than 6,000 museums, almost twice as many as there were 25 years ago. The directors of the museums have realized _ . Answer: the museum needs changes
On my first day of high school, I asked an eleventh-grader where my class was. And he told me it was "on the fourth floor, next to the pool." I found out five minutes later that we didn't even have a fourth floor and there was no pool either! Besides that, I didn't have any trouble with the older kid. I think the biggest difference between middle and high school is the homework load and size of the school. I went from maybe fifteen minutes of homework a night to several hours, so I had to learn how to make full use of time! Our class size is around 550, but joining in clubs, sports, music and other activities at school makes it easier to get to know people in every grade. The best advice I can give about the years you spend in high school is to learn things for yourself, not just to get a good grade. There have been so many tests that I've prepared for the night before, gotten an A, but not remember anything later. I've changed that this year, and I enjoy school so much more. Don't take easy classes just to have a simple year. If you have a choice between chemistry and sports, the first will prove to be a lot more useful! While drinking and smoking might be present in some middle schools, they are also around in high school. I have a lot of friends who promised they would never drink or smoke, but are now partying every weekend. If you have "fun" and spend your nights wasted instead of studying, you will regret it when you are applying for college. The "friends" who say you are a loser for not partying are really not your friends at all. It's hard to see your closest friends grow apart and go in different directions, but don't follow their footsteps. Follow your own path in life and make your own decisions. The passage is probably written for _ . high school students The human body is an amazing and complex machine. It is very tough, and we usually recover from illness or injury on our own, without the help of a doctor. But what happens when we need medical treatment? In the past, some people went to a clinic or hospital to see a medical doctor. Other people trusted ancient traditions and chose treatments such as herbal medicine or acupuncture . These two types of medicine----one modern and Western and the other ancient and Eastern----used to have nothing to do with each other. In recent years, however, people around the world have begun to recognize and accept both modern medical science and more traditional therapies. This new kind of medicine can be called integrative medicine (because it integrates, or combines, different types of medicine), or complementary medicine. Some of the principles of this type of medicine include preventing illness by helping people stay healthy, integrating different types of therapies according to the needs of each patient, and considering the health of the whole person rather than concentrating on a particular illness or injury. One health maintenance organization (HMO) in Madison, Wisconsin, has opened its Complementary Medicine and Wellness Center. At the center, HMO members are offered a variety of services. If you are suffering a sore back, try some massage treatments to relax your muscles and encourage the flow of healing energy in your body. If you have allergies or asthma, you could try homeopathy, which uses tiny amounts of allergens to stimulate your body's natural immune response. And if you're not ill, but just want to improve your strength and focus your mind, try a tai chi or yoga class. Patients who use these complementary medicine services appreciate having an alternative to surgery or to drugs and their side effects. They also enjoy activities and therapies that make them feel better even if they're not sick. And from the financial point of view of the HMO, preventing illness whenever possible is much less expensive than a hospital stay. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, integrative medicine combines the best parts of Western medicine with complementary therapies such as acupuncture and nutrition. And because both doctor and patient are working to prevent illness, they become partners with the same goal instead of strangers who see each other only when the patient is sick. What would be an example of integrative medicine? using herbal treatments after surgery "Everybody in this city wants a car, and I'm no exception. A car brings with it the freedom to travel", said a friend of mine while reading a car magazine. I might not agree with him, but no doubt he was speaking for a rapidly growing number of middle-class Chinese. While it is true that all the waiting, walking, being part of a crowd, and sweating, are somewhat unpleasant, there are many problems which can arise when our lives rely too much on this invention. First of all, in terms of polluting the environment, driving a car is the worst act an average person can _ . Beijing now finds itself at the top of the list of the most polluted capital cities in the world with Mexico City in the second place. Research also shows that by 2010 around 90% of total pollutants in Shanghai have come from cars. These pollutions are extremely dangerous to our health. They can damage the lungs, cause cancer, and damage the brain. Apart from environmental problems, relying too much on cars also creates social problems such as traffic jams, road accidents, and noise pollution. The jeeps that proudly drive through the Hutongs in Beijing as if they are in a race often annoy me, and to make it worse, these drivers seldom respect cyclists. Of course, we cannot forget the convenience that cars bring us when we need to travel far, but I often find it faster to cycle from one place to another within the city of Beijing, especially with the growing traffic jams. Since people travel further and more frequently than before, cars will certainly be important in the future. At the same time, however, let us work hard to make sure that this invention brings us a more convenient lifestyle rather than trouble and disease. Let us make good use of cars. What is this passage mainly about? Problems brought about by cars. In 1943, when I was 4, my parents moved from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to Fairbanks, Alaska, where adventure was never very far away. We arrived in the summer, just in time to enjoy the midnight sun. All that sunlight was fantastic for Mom's vegetable garden. Working in the garden at midnight tended to throw her timing off, so she didn't care much about my bedtime. Dad was a Railway Express agent and Mom was his clerk. That left me in a mess. I usually managed to find some trouble to get into. Once I had a little Are going in the dirt basement of a hotel. I had tried to light a barrel of paint but couldn't really get a good fire going. The smoke got pretty bad, though, and when 1 made my exit, a crowd and the police were there to greet me. The policemen took my matches and drove me Mom and Dad were occupied in the garden and Dad told the police to keep me, and they did! I had a tour of the prison before Mom rescued me. 1 hadn't turned 5 yet. As I entered kindergarten, the serious cold began to set in. Would it surprise you to know that I soon left part of my tongue on a metal handrail at school? As for Leonhard Seppala, famous as a dog sledder , I think I knew him well because I was taken for a ride with his white dog team one Sunday. At the time I didn't realize what a superstar he was, but I do remember the ride well. I was wrapped heavily and well sheltered from the freezing and blowing weather. In 1950, we moved back to Coeur d'Alene, but we got one more Alaskan adventure when Leonhard invited us eight years later by paying a visit to Idaho to attend a gathering of former neighbors of Alaska. What can be inferred about the author's family? His parents used to be very busy. Cinderella Once upon a time, there lived an unhappy young girl. She was unhappy, for her mother died several years ago, and her father married another woman. The woman had two daughters. They were her stepsisters (/)now. Her new mother didn't like her. All the nice dresses, shoes, delicious food, kind thoughts and care were for her own daughters. For the poor unhappy girl, there was nothing at all. No dresses, only her stepsisters' hand-me-downs . No lovely dishes and no nice rests. For she had to work hard all day, and only when evening came, she could sit for a while by the fire, near the cinders (,). That is how she got her nickname-Cinderella. What did Cinderella do all day? She worked hard.
Miss Han: You bring many things to school, Kevin. Can you tell me what are on your desk? Kevin: Yes, I can. There is an eraser, a ruler, three pencils and a pencil box on my desk. Miss Han: What is in your drawer ? Kevin: In my drawer, there are two books and a notebook. Miss Han: What is that on the floor? Kevin: It is my school bag. Miss Han: Do you bring your lunch box to school? Kevin: Yes, I do. Miss Han: Where do you put it? Kevin: I put it under my desk. Kevin puts his lunch box _ his desk. Answer: What are some of the steps a person can take to prevent his house from being broken in while he or she is away? One step is to make sure that the house has a _ look. Living room shades could be pulled down only half-away. Bedrooms that usually have the shades pulled down at night should be left down. Another is to make sure that all outside looks are the dead-belt type. Still another is to leave several low-watt lights burning and make sure that one is in the kitchen. Lights that turn on and off automatically are the best. Then, too, it is a good idea to leave a radio turned into a talking station. Any type of conversation makes a burglar think twice before trying to enter. Finally, while away on vacation, make sure that nothing collected in the front or back of the house. Make certain that the newspaper is stopped and that a trusted neighbor has been asked to pick up the posts. What is the meaning of "live-in" in this passage? Answer: Opening in 1934, the Brookfield Zoo quickly received a worldwide reputation for its special displays and unique exhibits. Address: 1stAvenue between Ogden Avenue and 31stStreet, Brookfield, Illinois Phone: 708-688-8000 Getting to the Brookfield Zoo by Public Transportation: The Metra Rail Burlington Northern line runs from Union Station downtown to the "Zoo Stop"(Hollywood Station) and from there it's only a 2-block northeast walk to the zoo. Driving from Downtown: Drive along the Eisenhower Expressway west to First Avenue exit. Head south about 2.5 miles and follow the signs to the zoo entrance. Parking at the Brookfield Zoo: Parking fees are $9 for cars and $12 for buses. The Brookfield Zoo Hours: The Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days per year. Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Brookfield Zoo Tickets: Adults(ages 12-64), $13.50; Seniors(ages 65+), $9.50; Children(ages 3-11), $9.50; Children(ages 2 and under), free The Brookfield Zoo Featured Exhibits: Tropic World; WolfWoods; Living Coast; Seven Seas; Fragile Kingdom; Australia House; Havitat Africa. About the Brookfield Zoo: The Brookfield Zoo is located just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago. It's home to a variety of animal species, and its use of natural barriers and moats is so much more relaxing and enjoyable than watching a lion pace back and forth in a cage. The absence of bars also makes for great wildlife photo opportunities. The Brookfield Zoo also focuses on education, with detailed displays about the animals being viewed and the interactive program that lets kids get some hands-on experience to learn what it takes to run a zoo as well as face painting and crafts. For more information about the Brookfield Zoo, visit www. brookfieldzoo.org. Where is the entrance to the Brookfield Zoo? Answer: Do you want to live forever? By the year 2050, you might actually get your wish -- if you are willing to leave your biological body and live in silicon circuits .But long before then, perhaps as early as 2020, some measures will begin offering a semblance of immortality . Researchers are confident that technology will soon be able to track every waking moment of your life. Whatever you see and hear, all that you say and write, can be recorded, analyzed and added to your personal chronicles . By the year 2030, it may be possible to catch your nervous systems through electrical activities, which would also keep your thoughts and emotions. Researchers at the laboratories of British Telecommunications have given the name of this idea as Soul Catcher. Small electronic equipment will make preparation for Soul Catcher. It would use a wearable supercomputer, perhaps in a wristwatch, with wireless links to micro sensors under your scalp and in the nerves that carry all five sensory signals. So wearing a video camera would no longer be required. At first, the Soul Catcher's companion system -- the Soul Reader -- might have trouble copying your thoughts in complete details. Even in 2030, we may still be struggling to understand how the brain is working inside, so reading your thoughts and understanding your emotions might not be possible. But these signals could be kept for the day when they can be transferred to silicon circuits to _ minds everlasting entities . Researchers can only wonder what it will be like to wake up one day and find yourself alive inside a machine. For people who choose not to live in silicon, semblance of immortality would not be as useless as they thought. People would know their lives would not be forgotten, but would be kept a record of the human race forever. And future generations would have a much fuller understanding of the past. History would not be controlled by just the rich and powerful, Hollywood stars, and a few thinkers in the upper society. The main idea of this passage is that _ . Answer: "You are welcome to have dinner with me on Sunday," said John. "But I don't know where your house is," said Henry. "It's easy. You get off the bus. Then cross the road, and take the first turning on the left. Walk for five minutes. Then you will see a big tree. Take the second on the right after the tree. Walk about a hundred metres down this road. There is a big red house. Go past the big house about five hundred metres, and you will see a small yellow house beside a little tree. Open the door with your foot. " "With my foot?" said Henry, "Why?" "Well, you won't come to my house empty-handed will you? " said John. Take the second on the right means "You _ ." Answer:
Question: Four boys were at the same school. They were good friends, so they often studied and played together. They went to school every day by taxi. One day one of the boys said, "There is a test this morning. Let's go to school late. Then we won't have to take the test." "What can we tell the teacher?" One of the boys said. "He'll be angry. We'll need a good excuse. " The boys thought for several moments, then one of them said, "Let's tell him that our taxi had a flat tire ." "That's a good idea," the other boys said. "We'll tell him that." They arrived at school an hour later. The test was finished. "Why are you late?" the teacher asked, "You miss the test." "Our taxi had a flat tire," one of the boys said. The teacher thought for a moment, then he said, "Sit down, one of you in each corner of the room." The four boys did this. Then the teacher said, "Write the answer to this question on a piece of paper: Which tire was flat?" We can know from the passage that the teacher _ . A. thought they were good students B. was very angry and called their parents C. gave his students too many tests D. didn't believe what they said Answer: D. didn't believe what they said Question: If you want to keep healthy, you should have good habits. What is a habit? It is something we do very often. We don't even think when we do it. It has become a part of our lives. "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." This is an old English saying. Do you know what it means? It means that we must go to bed early at night and get up early in the morning. If we do, we shall be healthy, rich and clever. Is this true? Perhaps it is. We know the body must have enough sleep. Boys and girls need eight or nine hours' sleep every day. Some people go to bed late at night and get up late in the morning. This is a very bad habit. Then you will not think or do your work well. Of course, you can't be healthy, wealthy or wise. When we get up early in the morning, we can go out and do morning exercises. Exercise means doing things with the body. Walking, running jumping, swimming, and playing ball games are all exercise. If we don't exercise, our body will become weak. Exercise helps the blood to move around inside our body. Blood takes food to all parts of our body. Our body also needs air to breathe. Without air, we will die. We must have lots of clean fresh air if we want to be healthy. That is why many people like to go out to do morning exercise. If we want to keep healthy, we must _ . A. eat more food B. sleep more C. get up late D. take enough exercise Answer: D. take enough exercise Question: Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Chinese Moon Festival, takes place at the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month. The reason for celebrating the festival during that time is that it is the time when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. The Mid-autumn festival is one of the two most important occasions in Chinese calendar (the other being the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year) and it is an official holiday. It is a time for families to be together, so people far from home will gaze longingly at the moon and think about their families. The traditional food for mid-autumn festival is the moon cake which is round and symbolizes reunion. The other name of Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is ( ). A. Chinese Mid Festival B. Chinese Moon Festival C. Chinese Festival D. Spring Festival Answer: B. Chinese Moon Festival Question: The journey two divers made some time ago to the deepest point on the earth makes us realize how much of the world still remains to be studied. The two men went down seven miles to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean inside a small steel ball to find out if there are any ocean currents or signs of life. It was necessary to set out early, so that the ball would come to the surface in daylight, and be easily found by the mother ship which would be waiting for it. The divers began preparations early in the morning and soon afterwards, when all was ready, the steel ball disappeared under the surface of the water. The divers felt as if they were going down steps as they passed through warm and cold layers of water. In time the temperature dropped to the freezing point. They kept in touch with the mother ship by telephone telling how they felt. Then, at a depth of 3,000 feet, the telephone stopped working and they were quite cut off from the outside world. All went well until some four hours later at 30,000 feet, the men were frightened by a loud, cracking noise. Even the smallest hole in the ball would have meant instant death. Luckily, though, it was only one of the outer windows that had broken. Soon afterwards, the ball touched the soft ocean floor raising a big cloud of "dust" made up of small dead sea creatures. Here, powerful lights lit up the dark water and the men were surprised to see fish swimming just above them quite untroubled by the great water pressure. But they did not dare to leave the lights on for long, as the heat from them made the water boil. Quite unexpectedly, the telephone began working again and the faint but clear voices of the divers were heard on the mother ship seven miles away. After a stay of thirty minutes the men began their journey up, arriving three hours later, cold and wet through, but none was worse for their experience. On the ocean floor, the divers found that _ . A. there was no life but some small dead sea creatures B. fish were swimming as freely as they do near the surface C. fish were not swimming freely in the dark water D. fish were not swimming freely under the high water pressure Answer: B. fish were swimming as freely as they do near the surface Question: Most students in China have their own school rules. So do the schools in other countries. Japan: Most schools demand that students wear uniforms, such as sports suits or skirts. They also demand that girls' white socks be folded in a certain way and boys' heads be shaved Other Japanese schools tell students that they may not date, go to movies, leave home after sunset or play video games without permission from school. USA: For safety at home USA schools, students must have a pair of indoor shoes to change into at school every day. This makes sure students won't fall over on the slippery floors and keeps the schools clean. Gum chewing is not allowed in many USA school buildings, as it is difficult to clean up. And if students chew gum in class, they may not focus on study. UK: Strange hairstyles are not allowed in some British schools. But they might allow students to wear certain hairstyles during the World Cup years. Two students had a special design shaved into their hair during 2002 World Cup. But they were not accepted by their school after that because the school said the rules changed since then. Gum chewing is not allowed in many USA schools may because_. A. it is difficult to clean up B. make students study carefully C. it costs students too much money D. it wastes teachers' time Answer: A. it is difficult to clean up
One day Mr. White gave his wife ten pounds for her birthday -- ten new pound notes. So Mrs. White went out shopping. She waited for a bus, got on it and sat down next to an o1d 1ady. After a while, Mrs. White noticed that the old 1ady's handbag was open. Inside it, she saw a wad of pound notes exactly like the ones her husband had given her. So she quickly looked into her own bag -- the notes had gone! Mrs. White was sure that the o1d lady next to her had stolen them. She immediately thought of calling the police. But as she disliked making a fuss , she decided to take back the money from the old 1ady's hand bag and say nothing about it. She looked around to make sure nobody was watching. Then she carefully put her hand into the o1d lady's bag, took the notes, and put them into her own handbag. When she got home that evening, Mrs. White showed her husband the beautiful hat she had bought. "How did you pay for it?" Mr. White asked. "With the money you gave me for my birthday, of course" she answered. "Oh? What's that, then?" he asked, as he pointed to a wad of pound notes on the table. What did Mrs. White decide to do when she found another ten pounds in her neighbor's handbag on the bus? A. She wanted to call the police. B. She decided to talk with the o1d lady. C. She decided to take away her own money. D. She decided not to tell the 1ady and take the money away. Answer: D. She decided not to tell the 1ady and take the money away. If you do not use your arms or your legs for some time, they become weak. When you start using them again, they slowly become strong again. Everybody knows this. Yet there are many people who do not seem to know that one's memory works in the same way. When someone says that he has a good memory, he really means that he keeps his memory in practice by exercising it regularly. When someone else says that his memory is poor, he really means that he does not give it enough chance to become strong. If a friend complains that his arms are weak, we know that it is his own fault. But if he tells us that he has a poor memory, many of us think that his parents are to blame, or that he is just unlucky, and few of us realize that it is really his own fault. Not all of us can become very strong or very clever, but all of us can improve our memory by the same means -- practice. Have you ever noticed that people who cannot read or write usually have a better memory than those who can? Why is this? Of course, because people who can't read or write have to remember things: they cannot write them down in a little notebook. They have to remember dates, prices, names, songs and stories, so their memory is exercised all the time. So if you want a good memory, learn from those who cannot read or write: practise remembering. According to the passage, few people know that _ . A. arms or legs become weak if they are not used for some time B. when they start using their arms or legs again, they slowly become strong again C. a person's memory becomes weak if he does not practise remembering things D. it is their own fault if their arms or legs are weak Answer: C. a person's memory becomes weak if he does not practise remembering things The Student symphonic orchestra of Fairfax,Virginia recently celebrated its first anniversary.A young man named Matthew Martz(Matt) started the group in his last year of high school with twelve friends from the school orchestra.Michelle Bui was one of them. She said."Matt is one of my very good friends,so I did it as a friend,but also because I love playing the violin." Michelle,who is now in college.says she likes the idea that the students run the orchestra themselves. Orchestra member Lizzie Culbertson plays the French horn.She said,"It has a versatile sound,first of all.I can do so just strings . We don't have a complete orchestra or anything." Thirteen-year-old oboe player Kanika Sahi is the youngest member. He said, "They just show me how to be better. I am learning different techniques of playing." Matt Martz leads the orchestra as the conductor. Matt is now in college, studying music education. The orchestra's rehearsals bring him back to his hometown every weekend. The orchestra gives him the chance to improve his teaching skills. The orchestra performs for free but receives donations that help pay for necessities like sheet music.Matt Martz said."In our first concert.we made l,100 dollars,which helped pay for a lot of music that we had bought."Then this last concert in January,we made over l,500 dollars which is just incredible. Nicholas Black thinks the music in the student Symphonic Orchestra is _ than that of his school orchestra. A. more important B. more interesting C. more challenging D. more delightful Answer: C. more challenging A private group of scientists has announced plans to make an exact copy of a human being. An American member of the team says he and the others will soon begin a serious effort to clone humans. Panos Zavos says the team hopes to manufacture the world's first cloned baby within the next two years. In recent years, scientists have produced exact genetic copies of sheep and a few other animals. They created these clones from a single cell of an adult animal. Three years ago, another American doctor, Richard Seed, announced plans to clone a human being. However, there is no evidence that he has been successful. Doctor Zavos says the new international group plans to offer human cloning only to women who are currently not able to become pregnant or produce children. He says the aim is to assist people who want to have their own biological child. The technology would be similar to that used to clone animals. It would involve cleaning genetic material from a woman's egg. Doctors then would place genetic material from the woman's husband into the egg before putting it into the woman's uterus . Doctor Zavos says his group plans to do the work in a country near the Mediterranean Sea. He did not name the country. He says an Italian reproductive expert, Sevorino Antinori, is leading the team. Doctor Antinori has led the efforts to help many older women become pregnant. He is known for establishing pregnancies in women as old as sixty. Many medical experts and other groups are opposed to the idea of cloning humans. Several countries ban or restrict work on human cloning. Several doctors criticize the announcement by Doctor Zavos. They say doctors do not know if cloning humans is possible or safe. They say it would be irresponsible to attempt to clone a human being. That is because the chances of success are too small and the risks are too great. How do many medical experts and other groups like the idea of cloning humans? A. They are in favour of the idea. B. They are against the idea. C. They have an optimistic attitude to the idea. D. They think it is none of their business. Answer: B. They are against the idea. O'Neal entered into a written contract to sell her house and six acres known as Meadowacre to Perez for $75,000. Delivery of the deed and payment of the purchase price were to be made six months after the contract. The contract provided that Meadowacre was to be conveyed "subject to easements, covenants, and restrictions of record." The contract was not recorded. After the contract was signed but before the deed was delivered, Electric Company decided to run a high-voltage power line in the area and required an easement through a portion of Meadowacre. O'Neal, by deed, granted an easement to Electric Company in consideration of $5,000; the deed was duly recorded. The power line would be a series of towers with several high-voltage lines that would be clearly visible from the house on Meadowacre but would in no way interfere with the house. When Perez caused the title to Meadowacre to be searched, the deed of easement to Electric Company was found. O'Neal appeared at the time and place scheduled for the closing and proffered an appropriate deed to Perez and demanded the purchase price. Perez refused to pay or accept the deed. In an appropriate action for specific performance against Perez, O'Neal demanded $75,000. In this action, O'Neal should A. obtain an order for specific performance at a price of $75,000. B. obtain an order for specific performance at a price of $70,000. C. lose, because Perez did not contract to take subject to the easement to Electric Company. D. lose, because a high-voltage power line is a nuisance per se. Answer: C. lose, because Perez did not contract to take subject to the easement to Electric Company.
Question: Going back as far as I can remember as a child in an Indian area, I had no senses of knowing about the other people around me except that we were all somehow equal...There was only one class. Nobody was interested in getting on top of anybody else. You could see it in our games. Nobody organized them. There weren't any _ sports. But we took part in lots of activities and we were organized, but not in the sense that there were wars of finding out who had won and who had lost. We played balls like everyone else, but no one kept scores. Even if we did formally take part in the games we played, no one was a winner though someone may have won. It was only at that moment. If you beat someone by pulling a bow and arrow and shooting the arrow further, it didn't mean you were better in any why. It just meant that at that particular time the arrow went further; maybe it was just the way you let the bow go. These kinds of things are very important to me and that is why I am talking about them. One of the very important things was the relationship we had with our families. We didn't always live at home. We lived wherever we happened to be at that particular time when it got dark. If you were two or three miles away from home, then that was where you slept. According to the write _ . A. all the people were kind and equal in different activities B. all the people quarreled with each other in every fightings C. people often took part in different fightings D. every child tired to climb the top of all the activities Answer: A. all the people were kind and equal in different activities Question: The monitor "watches" deceleration (=slow down) and distance from a light - and "guesses" which cars are likely to break the Highway Code. Most importantly, the software can provide two seconds' warning if someone else is about to shoot across a crossroads - enough time for other drivers to hit the brakes. Jonathan How, the Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT, says "smart" cars of the future may use the system to help drivers foresee and avoid potential accidents. The researchers tested the algorithm on data collected from an intersection in Virginia, finding that it accurately identified potential violators within a couple of seconds of reaching a red light -- enough time, according to the researchers, for other drivers at an intersection to be able to react to the threat if alerted . Compared to other efforts to model driving behavior, the MIT algorithm brought fewer false alarms, an important advantage for systems providing guidance to human drivers. The researchers report their findings in a paper that will appear in the journal IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems. According to Jonathan How, we know that his attitude towards the future of this algorithm is _ . A. worried B. pessimistic C. optimistic D. puzzled Answer: C. optimistic Question: Joe Brown had a shop where he sold meat.One day a woman came into the shop at five to one."I'm sorry I'm late."she said, "I need some more meat for my dinner tonight."Joe had only one piece of meat in his shop.He took it out of the fridge and said:"This is $ 6.50." "That piece is too small."the woman said, "haven't you got anything bigger?"Joe went into the room behind his shop,took the meat into the fridge,took it out again and closed the door with a lot of noise.Then he brought the piece of meat to the woman and said:"This piece of meat is bigger and more expensive.It's $ 8.75." "Good." the woman said with a smile, "give me both of them, please?" Could Joe give the woman both pieces of meat? A. Certainly. B. Of course not. C. He would try his best. D. The story doesn't give us the answers. Answer: B. Of course not. Question: In my eyes, the most basic and powerful way to communicate with another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention. And especially if it's given from the heart. When people are talking,there's no need to do anything but receive them. Listen to what they're saying. Care about it. Most times caring about it is even more important than understanding it. Most of us don't value ourselves or our love enough to know this. It has taken me a long time to believe in the power of simple saying "I'm so sorry," when someone is in pain. One of my patients told me that when she tried to tell her story people often interrupted to tell her that they once had something just like that happening to them. Her pain became a story about themselves. Eventually she stopped talking to most people. We connect through listening. When we interrupt what someone is saying to let them know that we understand,we move the focus of attention to ourselves. When we listen,they know we care. I have even learned to respond to someone crying by just listening. In the old days I used to reach for the handkerchiefs,until I realized that passing a person a handkerchief may be just another way to shut him down,to take them out of their experience of sadness. Now I just listen. When they have cried all they need to cry,they find me there with them. This simple thing has not been that easy to learn. It certainly went against everything I had been taught since I was very young. I thought people listened only because they were too shy to speak or did not know the answer. But now I know that a loving silence often has far more power to heal than the kindest words. If you hand a handkerchief to someone crying,you may _ . A. stop him from letting out his sorrow B. make him embarrassed C. encourage him to continue to cry D. hurt his feelings Answer: A. stop him from letting out his sorrow Question: Every time I lost a tooth I would put it under my pillow at night. The next morning I would wake up to find two coins replacing my tooth. Then I'd wonder about the tooth fairy all day. "Mom, where do you think the tooth fairy lives? What does she do with the teeth she collects?" My mom said she didn't know. She only knew that the tooth fairy took the tooth away while we were sleeping and left us some money under our pillow. But I wanted to find out. So I think it was a good thing that I would lose another tooth. The plan was to stay up all night and ask the tooth fairy when she showed up. That night I lay quietly in my bed, growing sleepy as the night went on. Moments later, I felt that someone was close to me. Through my half-opened eyes, I didn't see any feet, but I knew it was the tooth fairy. I watched her run around and fly right out of my room. She was wearing a shiny green dress. After she left, I immediately felt under my pillow. There were two coins. I had never even felt my pillow move. I wondered if she used magic. As I got older, I learned from my teachers that the tooth fairy didn't exist. It was just a mythical figure of early childhood. I kind of thought it was, but how could I see the tooth fairy fly that night? Then one night my mom came into my room to check on me. The moonlight was bright that night and it shone through my window right on her shiny green nightdress. Right then I knew deep down that my mom was the tooth fairy. As a young girl, the author _ . A. was afraid of the tooth fairy B. was interested in the tooth fairy C. knew where the tooth fairy lived D. doubted if the tooth fairy existed Answer: B. was interested in the tooth fairy
Question: Dear friends, I'd like to share my suggestions about studying with you. "Studying" is not the same thing as "doing homework"! Studying may include doing homework,but it also includes a lot more, as you will see. So if you say that you have no homework,and therefore you can't or you don't have to study, you're mistaken! I am going to give you some suggestions on how to study efficiently. _ worked for me when I was in the high school and college. Not only that, but they also worked equally well for me in literature and math. Although everyone's learning style may be different,and some of my suggestions may not work for you, I still ask you to try them. A lot of successful students have used them. Please send me suggestions about studying that work for you. I will try to include them into the further version of this guide. Here are some of my suggestions: A. Manage your time. B. Take notes in class and rewrite them at home. C. Study hard and study in a quiet place. D. Read texts actively and slowly. Do it before and after class. E. Finish your homework by yourself. F. Do not only study for exams. Yours, Emma What's the writer's purpose in writing this passage? A. To ask students to study harder than ever before. B. To get some help from teachers and different students. C. To show that she is very successful in "Studying". D. To ask for students' suggestions and share her suggestions. Answer: D Question: Many animals that give birth to live young have A. skin B. scales C. exoskeletons D. gills Answer: A Question: Hello! My name is Jim. I'm from the US. Now I am in China with my father and mother. I like China. I like Chinese food, too. I have breakfast at home. I eat an egg, bread and porridge in the morning. I don't like milk. I have no time to go home for lunch. So I have it at school. The lunch in our school is very good. I can have different food for lunch. I eat rice, meat and vegetables for lunch. Sometimes I have noodles and dumplings. I have supper at home with my parents . Sometimes we go out to eat with friends. We have meat, vegetables and fruit. Sometimes they have supper _ . A. at school B. in a restaurant with some friends C. at his friends home D. in the open air Answer: B Question: In 50 years of traveling, Colin McCorpuodale has visited every country in the world except three. And everywhere he goes, he sends himself a postcard. He always chooses a postcard with beautiful scenery . Usually he writes just a short message to himself. However, he wrote an interesting story on his latest one, from the Malians Island. Mr. McCorpuodale lives in London. On one of the walls in his room, you can see a large map of the world. There are hundreds of little red pins stuck in it. "These pins mean a lot to me." says Mr. McCorpuodale, "I follow the rule. I'm allowed to stick one in only if I've been in a place for more than 24 hours." Naturally, Mr. McCorpuodale has his favorite places. New Zealand, he describes as "a wonderful country". About China, he says, "This is the country in the world which is completely different. There is no European influence." Wherever he goes, Mr. McCorpuodale takes with him a photo of his wife, a candle, a shirt with a secret pocket and a pen. So why does he do it? For the postcards or the travels? Mr. McCorpuodale laughs, "Neither. Only for the meaningful life." On a wall in Mr. McCorpuodale's room, there is _ . A. a map of the world B. a postcard to himself C. a message to himself D. a photo of his wife Answer: A Question: Some people don't mind being fat. Other people can keep slim( ) without any effort. But a lot of people do put on too much weight and don't like it. The question is : what can they do about it? Some believe exercise can be helpful. But the trouble is that it only makes you want to eat more. You might sweat out a couple of pounds playing tennis or climbing a mountain, but you put it all back on again with a big steak or bread and jam. A helpful way is food - choosing. But what sort of food should you choose? Some believe that the less they eat, the slimmer they will be. They don' t eat anything until they become weak with hunger. Some stick to milk and bananas. You' 11 find you need a lot of bananas, and unless you live where they grow, they aren't cheap. Another theory says that if you eat things like hard - boiled eggs, apples with their skins on, and lean meat which are hard for your stomach to digest, the more you eat, the thinner you get. This is because you use up the fat in your body to get the energy to digest the food. For most of us these methods are too extreme . The simplest way is just to cut down on the carbohydrates; that means not eating bread, potatoes, cakes, sugar, rice , and so on and eating anything else you like. It' s straight -- forward and often quite effective. Still others like to be more scientific. They are calorie counters. They get a table which tells them that, for example, 100 grams of roast leg of lamb give you 330 calories and a 50 gram of Yorkshire pudding gives you 130 calories. There seems nothing wrong with exercise EXCEPT that _ A. it makes you sweat B. it' s hard work C. it tires you out D. it makes you eat more Answer: D
When I tidied up some old boxes under my bed, I found an old letter for me from my best friend. Her name was Minnie. In the letter, Minnie wrote, "I am really sorry about before. Tell me if you will be my best friend again and tell me if you accept my _ . "I wrote, "YES. I will be your best friend. " The twelve-year-old letter made me remember the time that Minnie and I spent together. We often wrote to each other during that time. One minute, Minnie and I would be playing happily together; the other moment we would get into arguments. But things would always be better again. She gave me a doll for my tenth birthday. I still keep it. Finally things changed. We stopped writing letters to each other after she moved away, and I could no longer ride my bike to her house. Years later, she invited me to her sixteenth birthday party. I don't see Minnie very often from then on. But I'll always keep the letter and I'll never forget the time we spent together. The writer wrote the passage to tell us about her _ with Minnie. Answer: friendship I came to the USA because I needed to study English here. I went to an English language school. I was not a beginner, but I was not good at English. At the end of the first term, I could read, write and speak, and I thought I was good at them. However, I was not good at understanding when people spoke to me. My teacher said," Why don't you repeat the classes?" I was not happy. I made progress every month, so I did not want to repeat them. However, it was true -- I was not good at understanding when people spoke to me. My teacher said, "Repeating the classes is a good way to practice listening. And if you repeat them, you will understand more spoken English." In the end, I repeated the classes. In the second term, I studied the same books that I did in the first term. My teacher was right. It was a good idea. Now, after studying English for a year, I can understand more spoken English. And I know that reading, writing and speaking are not enough; listening is also very important. After the writer repeated the classes, he thought it was useful because _ . Answer: he could understand more spoken English "My Best Teacher Ever" Contest Students Tell us why, in 300 words or less, your teacher (present or past) is the best teacher ever. Assay Topic Who was/is your best teacher ever? What makes him or her the best? Participation The contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 2 through 12. Entries Word limit: 300 Essays will be judged on the following criteria by Readers editorial staff: originally, creativity--40 percent clarity of presentation-- 40 percent *grammar, punctuation, spelling --20 percent All entries should be word-processed, typed, or hand-printed on 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper or submitted as an attached word or text document via email. Each entry must include the entrant's name, age, complete home mailing address, phone number, school name, and grade, as well as the submitting teacher's name, school name, complete school mailing address and email address. Contest Deadline Entries must be postmarked on or before April 26, 2013, or mailed by EST on that date. Submission Email your entry with attached essay and entry information (entrant's name, age, complete home mailing address, phone number, school name, and grade, submitting teacher's name, email address, school name, and complete school mailing address) to web-contest @ readers.com or mail your entry with attached entry form to this address: Readers Publishing My Best Teacher Ever Contest Attn: Anne Flounders 44 South Broadway, 18 Floor White Plains, NY10601 Prizes One winner will be chosen in each of two categories: elementary (grades 2-6) and secondary (grades 7-12). Winning students will win a $ 50 gift card and may have their essays published on readers.com. Teachers of winning students will win one free classroom subscription to the Readers magazine of their choice. Winning essays will be posted up on signing of a release by students and their agent or guardian. Winning essays will be announced on May 7, 2013, Teacher Appreciation Day, on readers.com, and winners will be notified directly. Essays will be judged on the following criteria EXCEPT _ . Answer: handwriting Paris - A winter storm brought blanket of snow across Europe on Monday, forcing the closure of the icy Eiffel Tower in Paris and causing flight cancellations. Up to four inches of snow was recorded in parts of France, the National Weather Service said.Most areas, including Paris, got around half that amount.French authorities issued traffic alerts in around 30 regions because of icy roads.The Eiffel Tower, one of the main tourist attractions in Paris, was closed because of slippery conditions. " We can't put down salt because it's metallic," Eiffel Tower press officer Is a belle Snouts said." We can't use sand either, because it risks getting into the elevator cogs ." "The cold," she said, "is no problem, but snow can be dangerous." A dozen flights were canceled at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, officials said.The Paris airport authority said bad weather in other parts of Europe continued to the cancellations.Workers had been sent since midnight Sunday to clear runways at Charles de Gaulle and the smaller Only Airport. In Germaine, heavy snowfall snarled road traffic and flight delays and cancellations at the country}y s intimation airports.Glissando of Interactional Airport said no flights were allowed in or out between 6 -9 am Monday because clearing crew were unable to keep up with the snow. More than 30 flights were canceled because of the bad weather, import spokesman Christian Witt said.Up to four inches of snow was reported in Tussled and around six inches in Potsdam, but none had struggled to the roads amid (...... ) heavy post - holiday traffic. Germany's National Weather Service is forecasting subzero temperatures for the coming days.Snow also fell across Britain.Children built snowmen in parts of England, including Cambridge. From the passage we know _ . Answer: flights from Dtisseldorf International Airport probably could take off after 9 am Monday The plastic identification ( ID, ) cards carded by all Chinese citizens over 16 are to be replaced with electronic cards from 2005. The new cards, which most people will have by 2005, contain a microchip on which personal information is stored. This can be checked against databases kept by the government. "The information will be locked into the card so that people won' t be able to use false identities," said Ren Tianbu, a security official in Shenyang. China's present plastic identity cards were introduced 17 years ago, and a similar system is used by many other countries. However, the information shown on a card differs from nation to nation. Most ID cards show the holder' s name, sex, date of birth and photograph, as well as the card' s expiry date and number. Germany, France and Spain all use ID cards, but there are some developed nations who dislike the idea. The US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden and Britain are among those with no national ID card. However, some of the countries have ID cards for particular uses. For example, Australia and the United States use a driving licence to identify people. Identity cards are introduced for a variety of reasons. Race, politics and religion were often at the heart of older ID systems. In recent years, though, ID cards have been linked to national information databases, which form the basis of how a government manages a country. The US, Britain and some other countries are considering a national ID system as a way of preventing possible terrorist attacks. However, such plans have been .met with fierce resistance by those who believe identity cards work against human rights and individual privacy . "ID cards make us suspects , not citizens," said UK human rights group Liberty. The information shown on an ID card of different countries _ . Answer: has something in common and something different
Hippos live in Africa. Their sweat is red. Sometimes they walk a long way to find water. In fact hippos walk in the water. They can't swim. Hippos love to play in the water in the day. They liked to eat plants at night. They never eat meat. They are easy to be angry. An adult hippo is about 3,000 kg. He can run very fast. But he cannot run a long way. His longest tooth is about 60 cm. His open mouth is big. A child can get into it. Crocodiles eat young hippos. But they cannot adult hippos. Two adult hippos are about _ kg. A 2,000 B 3,000 C 4,000 D 6,000 Answer: D. 6,000 Marco Polo:The Boy Who Traveled The Medieval World Author: Nick McCarty Pages: 64 ISBN: 0792258932 Divided into four chapters, "A Boy in Venice", "Setting Out", "The Long Journey", and "Working for Kublai Khan", Marco Polo examines the fascinating life of the merchant and traveler. Marco was a teenager by the time his father and uncle returned home. Both men were full of tales from their travels through China,including a story about meeting the great Kublai Kahn, the ruler of the Mongols. Rabbit's Gift Author: George Shannon Illustrator: Laura Dronzek Pages: 32 ISBN: 0152060731 Rabbit's Gift is a modern retelling of the "giving" fable. Through the eyes of the adorable forest creatures the reader sees that while he is not responsible for the happiness of others, his actions can deeply impact those he comes in contact with. A Little Peace Author: Barbara Kerley Pages: 32 ISBN: 1426300867 A Little Peace is a book with an important message. The spare, refreshing text winds its way around and through full-color1 photographs. Each vividly captures the universal emotions and peaceful pursuits of everyday people around the world: a young girl in Kenya smiling into a mirror; a group of waving school children in Bali. Near the end of the book a double-page spread offers pictures along with an explanation of where it was taken. How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference Author: Katie Smith Milway Illustrator: Eugenie Fernandes Pages: 32 ISBN: 9781554530281 The families in Kojo's village come up with an idea. Each family contributes a small amount of savings so that one family at a time can borrow the money to buy "something important". Kojo's mother uses the loan to buy a cart with which to carry firewood to the marketplace as well as rent out to those who need to transport items. What is the feature of Nick McCarty's book? A It is made up of four chapters. B It introduces the scenery in China. C It was intended for children. D It invites Macro Polo to read it. Answer: A. It is made up of four chapters. New York has taken the title of the world's top fashion capital from Milan. The annual survey suggest that the top five fashion cities are facing competition from Asia and Australia. New York had been the top fashion city for five years, but Milan took the title in 2009. The survey was made by the Global Language Monitor, a US based organization. It tracks the frequency of words and phrases in the media, on the Internet and throughout the blog. With the US economy recovering, New York once again took the top title. Hong Kong took second place. It was followed by London, Paris and Los Angeles. The other top 10 cities were Milan, Sydney, Miami, Barcelona and Madrid. "Because of the new economic situation, the global fashion centers have also changed a lot, "said Bekka Payack. the Manhattan-based fashion reporter for the Global Language Monitor. "The new list shows that global fashion centers will change now and then. Compared with the traditional fashion cities, some new ones are performing better and better. "She said that perhaps this is new trend, and it is the first sign that the traditional top five fashion cities----New York, Paris, London, Milan, and Rome----do not control global fashion any more. The biggest changes in the list are Hong Kong, Madrid and Melbourne. The Group said that the top newcomers to the list include Amsterdam at number 17, Cape Town at 23, Johannesburg at 25 and Vienna at 27. The following are the 10 top fashion cities of 2010 and the changes from 2009. 1. New York(up 1) 2. Hong Kong(up 5) 3. London(up 2) 4. Paris(down 1) 5. Los Angeles(up 1) 6. Milan(down 5) 7. Sydney(up 2) 8. Miami(up 5) 9. Barcelona(up 5) 10. Madrid(up 11) New York has regained the title of the world's top fashion capital mainly because _ . A the US economy has been recovering B Milan faced competition from other cities C few big cities took part in the competition D the survey was made by an American organization Answer: A. the US economy has been recovering Neighbors play an important role in our lives. Their lifestyle, friends, and social habits can have a strong influence on our lives. So it's a good idea to get along well with neighbors and build a better relationship that will last for many years to come. But how should you get along with your neighbors? When you hear of a special need you can meet, do it, such as sitting with a sick child while your neighbor goes to work or taking an elderly parent to a doctor's appointment when their car won't start. If you hear that someone close by is ill, has an accident, or is out of work, give him or her a hot meal or a fresh dessert. Your kindness will add a special feeling during a difficult time. If your neighbor is cutting down a tree or building a doghouse, offer helping hands to him or her. There is no better way to build relationships. Besides, you never know when the favor might be returned. Exchange holiday cards, gifts or traditions. Invite your neighbors over for a cup of coffee or lunch. A backyard barbecue can be a great way to share food and fun. If they've watched your kids grow up or been concerned about your family events, they may want to share these special events. Plan a party. Invite all your neighbors to your party. Planning and carrying out the activity helps everyone to know and understand each other. Your neighbors are like your family in many ways since you have to live with them, or near them for a long time. Appreciate their strong points and ignore weak points, and everyone will get along well. This passage most probably belongs to _ . A a physical science magazine B the travel news C a magazine of social life D the technology news Answer: C. a magazine of social life A person wants to conduct thermal energy through his house, so when deciding on construction materials, he chooses A bits of nickel B a wooden beam C a plastic shelf D a rubber mat Answer: A. bits of nickel
Ruby, the artist, is an Asian elephant, She is17 years old. She lives in the zoo. Ruby has produced about 100 paintings since last year. She has made more than $ 40,000 for the zoo. Zoo leaders say Ruby first showed the talent about four years ago. Zoo workers watched her make the marks in the sand with her trunk. She rubbed out the marks, then made the new ones. The zoo worker gave her brushes and paints. Soon Ruby painted pictures. Newspaper reporters wrote Ruby, then people asked about buying her pictures. And in this way, she made a lot of money for the zoo. This is how Ruby does the paintings. A zoo worker holds different color paints. Ruby touches the colors she wants. Then the worker gives her brushes with the chosen colors in her trunk and Ruby begins painting. People asked about buying Ruby's pictures because _ . Answer: they just wanted to have fun It's slimbudget time in Las Vegas Las Vegas? It's where halfprice flights are wide open and where reservations are easily booked on a moment's notice. Tourism is down, so rooms are plentiful, as well as inexpensive. Getting there: The best way to get there from McCarran Airport is to exit the baggage claim through Door 11 and check in at any number of shuttle booths. Shuttle vans that run between the airport and the Las Vegas Strip cost $6 for a oneway trip. Leaving Las Vegas:Many Vegas vacationers are eager to get there and slow to leave. So take the "redeye" back home. Most redeye flights leave around midnight, leaving you with an extra night of gaming, and fun without added expense of a higher hotel charge. You can sleep the whole way home. Romantic getaway: Las Vegas is no longer all about gaming. The artwork at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is certainly comparable to that at the Louvre. Speaking of Paris, take a trip up the Eiffel Tower at ParisLas Vegas. The Eiffel Tower Experience costs just $10($7 for kids) and is unquestionably worth the price of admission. For an intimate evening, don't hesitate to book reservations at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Get an impressive nighttime view of the Fountains at Bellagio by asking for seating alongside the floortoceiling windows. This is truly a oneofakind finedining experience. Details:www.parislasvegas.com. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes:Casinos can appear very close together, but actually may not be. Know the tram systems that run up and down the Strip. Most tram lines are free. Shows:Purchase show tickets at one of the many "Half Priced Show" booths on the Strip. You can experience a unique show each night of your stay. Need a look at what's playing when you'll be there? Visit www.booklasvegasshows.com. Buffets:In Vegas you can take anything to the next level--including eating. Seven casinos on the Strip have teamed up to bring you an amazing deal:seven buffets--breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner--all for just $44.99 within a 24hour period. Details:www.harrahs.com/total/lasvegas/buffetofbuffets. From the passage, we can conclude that _ . Answer: Las Vegas is famous as a gaming city If you see a person carelessly throw a cigarette to the ground, what are you likely to think? If you hate people throwing things on the ground, you might think, "That person shouldn't litter." If you are a smoker, you might think, "I would sure like a cigarette right now." Most likely, though, you are not thinking, "That unused cigarette butt could be used to make something amazing!" That is, unless you are a creative scientist. If you are, you may see potential--a possibility--where others simply see trash . That is just what has happened in South Korea. The spirit of invention can hit at the strangest times and in the most unusual places. In South Korea, it happened near a trash can. Kin Gil-Pyo is with the Seoul National University. He says he saw people throwing away cigarette butts, which got him thinking. He began wondering if something useful could be made from them. He and other researchers found a way to convert cigarette butts into materials required for high-performance batteries. Kim Gil-Pyo says they looked closely at used cigarette filters , the parts of cigarettes smokers put into their mouths. Filters are made of a material called "cellulose acetate ." Mr. Kim explains that cellulose acetate can be made into another material: carbon. The pieces of cellulose acetate, known as fibers, are changed through a one-step burning process. After this, they are turned into an energy storage material. But why use carbon? Carbon has many qualities that seem to make it the perfect material. Carbon has a high surface area. It conducts electricity well. It also stays stable, unlikely to change, for a long time. And carbon does not cost a lot. All these qualities make it the most popular material for making super-capacitors . Super-capacitors are good at storing energy. They have high-power mass, or density . They require only a short time for recharging. And they have a long lifecycle. Super-capacitors are used in products such as laptop computers and cell phones. They are also used in industrial energy converters, like wind turbine machines. Combining carbon and super-capacitors seems like a perfect marriage. Kim Gil-Pyo tells the Reuters News Agency that cigarette butts could affect the economy is a huge way. They could prove to be a low-cost source of carbon material. They are so cheap that smokers throw them to the ground. And you don't get much cheaper than that. The story tells the readers the truth that _ . Answer: one person's trash is another person's treasure Discoveries in science and technology are thought by "untaught minds" to come in blinding flashes or as the result of dramatic accidents. Sir Alexander Fleming did not, as legend would have it, look at themold ( ) on a piece of cheese and get the idea for penicillin there and then. He experimented with antibacterial substances for nine years before he made his discovery. Inventions and innovations almost always come out of tough trial and error. Innovation is like soccer; even the best players miss the goal and have their shots blocked much more frequently than they score. The point is that the players who score most are the ones who take most shots at the goal--and so it goes with innovation in any field of activity. The prime difference between innovation and others is one of approach. Everybody gets ideas, but innovators work consciously on theirs, and they follow them through until they prove practicable or otherwise. What ordinary people see as fanciful abstractions, professional innovators see as solid possibilities. "Creative thinking may mean simply the realization that there's no particular goodness in doing things the way they have always been done." Wrote Rudolph Flesch, a language authority. This accounts for our reaction to seemingly simple innovations like plastic garbage bags and suitcases on wheels that make life more convenient: "How come nobody thought of that before?" The creative approach begins with the proposal that nothing be as it appears. Innovators will not accept that there is only one way to do anything. Faced with getting from A to B, the average person will automatically set out on the best-known and apparently simplest route. The innovator will search for alternate courses, which may prove easier in the long run and are sure to be more interesting and challenging even if they lead to dead ends. Highly creative individuals really do march to a different drummer. The phrase "march to a different drummer" (the last line of the passage) suggests that highly creative individuals are _ . Answer: unwilling to follow common ways of doing things A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year-old son waiting for him at the door. "Daddy, may I ask you a question?" "Yeah sure, what is it?" replied the man. "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?" "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily. "I just want to know. Please tell me. How much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy. "If you must know, I make $20 an hour." "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down. Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I please borrow $10?" The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard every day for such childish behavior." The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? About an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. "Are you asleep, son?" He asked. "No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy. "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man. "It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $10 you asked for." The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you, daddy!" he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy counted out his money, then looked up at his father. "Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled. "Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied. "Daddy, I have $20 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you." When the boy asked his father how much he earned an hour, his father _ . Answer: was not willing to tell him
It had been snowing very hard for days. Jigs and Reads had nothing to eat for a day. They know that things weren't right at home. So yesterday morning they wanted to go out. Bob helped them get out through a window, because the snow was so deep outside that he couldn't open the door. Last night, they didn't come back. Bob said to himself, "They are only five months old. This weather will kill them." But just then Bob heard them calling him. He looked out and could not believe ----they were drawing a big hare through the snow. They dropped it through the window into Bob's hands. A hare for dinner. .The story says that Jigs and Reads _ . Answer: Martin Lynch, an American businessman, had been going on vacation to a small Mexican fishing village for a number of ears. One morning while going for a walk along the beach, he saw his friend Pablo Perez, a local fisherman. Martin watched Pablo _ his boat and pack the fish in a box. Martin noticed Pablo was smiling and looked very happy. He could also see several large fish in the boat. Martin greeted Pablo and asked how long it took to catch the fish. "Just a few hours," replied Pablo. Martin asked, "Why didn't you stay longer and catch more fish?" "I have enough for my family," Pablo said. "And what do you do with the rest of your day?" asked Martin. "I take a nap, play with my children, spend time with my wife, and go into the village to see my friends and play cards, I have a full and busy life." Martin explained that if Pablo worked longer hours and caught more fish, he could make more money. With the extra money, Pablo could buy more boats and catch money more fish. By selling the fish, Pablo could open his own factory and sell direct to supermarkets. "Then what?" asked Pablo. "Well you would probably have to move to Mexico City to run the business. Finally, you would be able to sell your business and make millions of dollars," replied Martin. "How long will that take?" asked Pablo. Martin thought for a while and said it would probably take at least 15 years. "And then what" asked Pablo. "Well, that's the best part," Martin said. "You will be able to retire, buy a house near the ocean, sleep longer, play with your children, spend more time with your wife, see your friends, and play cards." What makes the Mexican fisherman happy is _ . Answer: US universities are among the best in the world. Since World War II, American scientists --- mostly working in universties or colleges --- have won more than half of all Nobel Prizes in physics and medicine. Foreign students rush to the United States by the tens of thousands. Last year they earned more than one quarter of the doctoral degrees awarded in the country. Yet while American universities produce the great research and great graduate program, they sometimes pay little attention to the task that lies at their very core: the teaching of undergraduate students. With the increase in fees, educators feel obliged to improve undergraduate teaching. In speeches and interviews the nation's higher educators have rediscovered teaching. Robert Rosenzweig, president of the Association of American Universities, said, "Our organization was never very concerned about teaching. In the last 18 months, we have spent more time on undergraduate education than on any other subject." Despite such promising efforts, no one doubts that research still outranks teaching at some of the leading universities, not least because it is a surer and faster way to earn status. Some people don't think it has to be that way. They argue that the reward system for college faculty can be changed, so that professors will be encouraged to devote more time and effort to teaching. They say that they are beginning to believe that the first ten years of the 21st century may come to be remembered as the decade of the undergraduate. That would bring it full circle. For more than two centuries after the founding of Harvard College in 1636, the instruction of undergraduate students was an essential condition of American higher education. It is implied in the passage that about 200 years ago undergraduate instruction _ . Answer: It is always expected that housework will be done by robots completely in the future. For years, scientists have been working on this dream, but it still remains in science fiction films. However, people still hope to have a helping hand around the house. A survey showed that 55% of people were going to use robots at home. Easy things like washing and cleaning are becoming the working _ of robots slowly. Although this dream hasn't been achieved, the idea of finding a helping hand at home for people has been used to improve people's everyday life. In South Korea, the famous company LG is working hard to improve people's everyday life by high technology. Tasks such as answering the telephone, opening the door, and turning on washing machines and air conditioners can be done automatically. At the same time, these services can not only be done inside the home, but also can be done through the Internet, or even by a mobile phone far away. Do you remember in 1987 when you first saw a man walking down the road with a big phone in his hand? Now mobile phones are small and almost everybody has got one. The future is arriving slowly, even if we didn't notice it. How is the company LG working to improve people's everyday life? Answer: Night after night, she came to tuck me in , even long after my childhood years. Following her longstanding custom, she'd lean down and push my long hair out of the way, then kiss my forehead. I don't remember when it first started annoying me -- her hands pushing my hair that way. But it did annoy me, for they felt work-worn and rough against my young skin. Finally, one night, I shouted at her: "Don't do that anymore -- your hands are too rough!" She didn't say anything in reply. But never again did my mother close out my day with that familiar expression of her love. Lying awake long afterward, my words rang in my mind. But pride overwhelmed my conscience, and I didn't tell her I was sorry. Time after time, with the passing years, my thoughts returned to that night. I missed my mother's hands, missed her goodnight kiss upon my forehead. Sometimes the incident seemed very close, sometimes far away. But always it appeared in the back of my mind. Well, the years have passed, and I'm not a little girl any more. Mom is in her mid-seventies, and those hands I once thought to be so rough are still doing things for me and my family. She's been our doctor, reaching for medicine to calm a young girl's stomach or ease the pain of a boy's injured knee. She cooks the best fried chicken in the world...gets stains out of blue jeans like I never could...and still insists on dishing out ice cream at any hour of the day or night. Through the years, my mother's hands have put in countless hours of toil, and most of hers were before automatic washers! Now, my own children are grown and gone. Mom no longer has Dad, and on special occasions, I find myself drawn next door to spend the night with her. So it was that late on Thanksgiving Eve, as I drifted into sleep in the bedroom of my youth, a familiar hand hesitantly stole across my face to brush the hair from my forehead. Then a kiss, ever so gently, touched my brow. In my memory, for the thousandth time, I recalled the night my surly young voice complained: "Don't do that any more --your hands are too rough!" Catching Mom's hand in hand, I blurted out how sorry I was for that night. I thought she'd remember, as I did. But Mom didn't know what I was talking about. She had forgotten --and forgiven --long ago. That night, I fell asleep with a new appreciation for my gentle mother and her caring hands. And the guilt I had carried around for so long was nowhere to be found. Why was the author annoyed with her mother? Answer:
Question: It was a winter morning,just a couple of weeks before Christmas of 2005. While most people were warming up their cars,Trevor,my husband,had to get up early to ride his bike four kilometers away from home to work. On arrival,he parked his bike outside the back door as he usually does. After putting in 10 hours of labor, he returned to find his bike gone. The bike,a black Kona 18 Speed,was our only transport. Trevor used it to get to work,putting in 60-hour weeks to support his young family. And the bike was also used to get foods, saving us from having to walk along long distances from where we live. I was so sad that someone would steal our bike that I wrote to the newspaper and told them our story. Shortly after that,several people in our area offered to help. One wonderful stranger even bought a bike,then called my husband to pick it up. Once again my husband had a way to get to and from his job. It really is an honor that a complete stranger would go out of their way for someone they have never met before. People say that a smile can be passed from one person to another,but acts of kindness from strangers are even more so. This experience has had a spreading effect in our lives because it made us believe more in the beauty of humanity as a whole. And it has influenced us to be more mindful of ways we,too,can share with others. No matter how big or how small,an act of kindness shows that someone cares. And the results can last forever. From this story,we can see humanity is _ . A. selfish B. useful C. kind D. cold-hearted Answer: C. kind Question: Vancouver Natural Resources As a major centre for the global forestry industry, Vancouver is host to many international forestry conferences and events, and the natural home of the massive BC forestry business. Companies such as Canfor and West Fraser Timber Co., the second and third largest lumber producers in the world, are headquartered in Vancouver. Vancouver is also a major centre for the mining industry. International trade International trade is a key part for Vancouver's economy. The city has Canada's largest port and is one of North America's major gateways for Pan-Pacific trade. The Port of Vancouver ranks first in North America in total foreign exports and second on the West Coast in total goods volume. Banking and Financial The headquarters for HSBC Canada is located in the Financial District in downtown. Canada's third largest commercial entity , Jim Pattison Group is also based in Vancouver. International relation Vancouver is a major centre for diplomacy and foreign relations. Most countries of the world have consulate or general offices in the Central Business District. In fact, many major diplomatic conferences are hosted by the city - including the world famous G7 summit with President Clinton, APEC, and the World Trade Organization. Greenpeace has its world headquarters in the city. Therefore, Vancouver was among the first North American cities to declare itself a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone. Tourism Tourism is a leading industry to Vancouver. The Whistler-Blackcomb Resort is among the most popular skiing resorts in North America, and will be the site of the downhill events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Vancouver's beaches, parks, waterfronts, and mountain backdrops and its multi- cultural character attract more and more tourists. Film Vancouver was the source of the sobriquet "Hollywood North", for hosting the production of about ten percent of Hollywood's movies. Many U.S. television and films series are shot exclusively in Vancouver. This has partly been because of the favourable Canadian dollar exchange rate. We can infer _ from the part: International relation. A. Vancouver is a major centre for foreign relations. B. Vancouver has hosted many major diplomatic conferences. C. APEC and WTO are headquartered in Vancouver D. Canada is a peace-loving country. Answer: D. Canada is a peace-loving country. Question: What should we do if a fire happens? Look at the following. 1. Shout----Shout as loudly as you can ,because people may be asleep. 2. Call 119----Never try to put out a fire yourself. Tell 119 where you are and what is on fire. 3. Keep down close to the floor----There's less smoke down there, so it's easier to breathe and see where you are going. 4. Test the door---- the door is cool, open it carefully. If the door is hot, don't open it! Try to find a different way out. 5. Get out---- not stop to pick up anything. A fire can become very big in afew seconds! 6. Don't use the lift ----ways use the stairs. The lift may go wrong and keep you inside. 7. Don't go back---- if you have left your pet or favorite toy inside, don't go back for it. Animals have a very good sense of smell. They often get out of building before people. You should keep down close to the floor because _ . A. people may be asleep B. the firemen can find you easily C. there is less smoke down there D. you should look after your things carefully Answer: C. there is less smoke down there Question: In the sea there are many islands. In its warm waters there are some little ones. We call them coral islands. A coral island is very nice to look at. It looks like a ring of land with trees, grass, and flowers on it. One part of the ring is open to the water. There is a little round lake inside the island. If you look into this lake, you will see beautiful coral. You may think they are flowers. If you look at a piece of coral, you will see many little holes in it. In each of these holes a very small sea animal has lived. These sea animals make the coral. They began to build under the water. Year after year, the coral grew higher and higher. At last it grew out of the water. Then the sea brought to it small trees and something else. After some years, these things changed into earth. Sometimes the wind brought seeds to this earth. Sometimes birds flew over it and brought seeds to the island. The little seeds grew. In a few years there were plants all over the island. In a few more years there were trees growing there. So you see, these islands were built little by little. The workers were very small. Don't they teach us a lesson? Can you think what the lesson is? There are _ in the holes in corals. A. flowers B. little corals C. grass D. sea animals Answer: D. sea animals Question: Friends are very important in our everyday life. Everyone needs friends. We all like to feel close to someone. It is nice to have a friend to talk, laugh and do things with. Certainly, sometimes we need to be alone. We don't always want people around. But we would feel lonely if we never had a friend. No two people are just the same. Friends sometimes don't get on well. That doesn't mean that they no longer like each other. Most of the time they will make it up and become friends again. Sometimes friends move away. Then we feel very sad. We miss them very much but we can call them or write to them. We can also make new friends. It is encouraging to find out how much we like new people when we get to know them. There's more good news for people who have friends. They live longer than people who don't. Why? Friends can make us feel happy. Being happy helps you stay well. If someone cares about you, you will take better care of yourself. People make new friends when their old friends _ . A. stay alone. B. are angry with them. C. move away. D. have new friends. Answer: C. move away.
Question: There was once a land named Catatonia where cats ran things. Cats walked and talked much as you do except they walked on four legs. There were cat policemen, cat firemen, cat teachers, and even a cat bus driver. Most of the cats were very busy. The King of Catatonia was a small cat named Diggs. He had two brothers named Pouncer and Flash who helped him rule in Catatonia. Pouncer was head of the Milk, Cheese and Cream center and Flash's job was to blow things up. Together the three of them made sure all the cats were happy, had plenty to drink and got to enjoy bright fireworks shows in the distance. One day Pouncer's wife brought the kittens to see Pouncer at his office. There were white kittens and lots of black and white spotted kittens walking around in the Milk, Cheese and Cream center. Well that is all the time we have for now. I hope this short story of the Cats of Catatonia made at least one person in the room smile. What did Flash do in Catatonia? A. Blew up things and put on bright fireworks shows in the distance B. Was a fireman C. Served cheese and cream D. Was the king Answer: A Question: On Tuesday, the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) set new limits on advertising food and drinks in schools. The rules ban advertisements for unhealthy foods in schools. The ad ban includes sugary drinks that account for more than 90% of unhealthy ads. An ad for Coca-Cola, for example, will be removed from a scoreboard at a high school football game. However, ads for Diet Coke and Dasani water, owned by the same company, are allowed to display . The new rules are part of the First Lady's "Let's Move" campaign to fight childhood obesity . Her goal is to get kids to eat healthier food. The marketing limits came after new USDA regulations that put a limit on the calorie, fat and sugar in most school food items. "The idea is simple -- our classrooms should be healthy places," the First Lady Michelle Obama said. "Because when parents are working hard to teach their kids healthy habits at home, their work shouldn't be destroyed by unhealthy messages in schools." However, the healthier food rules are criticized by people who think the government should not control what kids eat and by some students who don't like the healthier foods. It is reported that food companies spend $149 million a year on marketing foods to kids, and many big companies are supporting the new rules. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have started to advertise healthier products. For schools, junk food ads like the Coca-Cola scoreboard will be taken down. "The new limits ensure that schools remain safe places where kids can learn and eat healthy food," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak said. The rules will help guide schools on ways to create standards for foods and physical activities. They will require parents and the community to be involved in the campaign. What's the main idea of the text? A. Having a balanced diet in schools is important. B. New limits on advertising foods in schools have been set. C. It's Michelle's duty to make sure schools are safe places. D. Banning advertisements for Coca-Cola in schools is necessary. Answer: B Question: Successful people have developed habits leading to success. Those are the people you want to study and follow. Do what they do. Read what they read. If they are local, see if you can take them to lunch and ask questions. If not, get a hold of some of the things they have written about or listen to them. Most successful people enjoy the opportunity to coach people along and to help them become successful. It is their way of giving back. The trouble is that most people won't ask. They come up with excuses. They say to themselves, " I am not important enough for this person to talk to me." The successful people understand that life is a learning experience and it doesn't stop in school. They always strive( ,) to reach the next level. Life will always give you the results of your actions. Ask yourself what actions are you taking? What are you creating? You create what you think about. Willie Hooks calls it our h. a. b. e.'s. Our habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations. Before starting any new habit we have to know what we want. So how do we permanently change our habits? Start your action plan. Put your plan together. What do I need to do first? Set my goals. Then next I would put a diet plan together. Then I would start an exercise program. You get the idea. Put a good solid plan together. So there it is in a nutshell. We have the power to change any bad habit that we don't like. Will it be easy? Probably not, but it might not be as hard as we think either. The hard part is to get started. Remember that these habit have been a part of us for a long time so don't expect miracles at first. Use the process described above and you cam overcome and change any habit that you want to change. Why can't so many people succeed in their career? A. Because they are not willing to succeed. B. Because they are lazy and excuse themselves. C. Because they are not of great importance. D. Because they don't want to ask questions. Answer: B Question: That warm day was the only day of the week without rain. I opened the door, took a seat and began to enjoy the wonderful sunshine. Suddenly, I noticed that the house near mine had been sold. An elderly lady was in front of the door, with some beautiful flowers beside her. I walked to her. She looked to be in her early eighties and had the prettiest white hair. "Hi! My name is Karmen," I said smiling brightly at the old lady. She smiled back and said, "Hello, Karmen. I'm Henrietta." Her voice was very strong for someone at her age. Later, I learned she was alone and had no family or relatives to help her. From that day on, I often visited her and helped her with her housework and sometimes she gave me some delicious food. A year passed, and I considered Henrietta to be one of my best friends. One day, I walked over for my morning visit and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. I knocked again, and she still didn' t _ . So I let myself in, using the key she had given me. I checked her living room and then her kitchen. I finally went into her bedroom, and she was lying peacefully on her bed. Beside her there were two notes. One was her will, which said all that she had would be given to me. The other was a thank-you note. I went to her bedside and cried sadly. Though several years have gone by, I still miss her deeply. Whenever I look at the beautiful flowers in front of her house, I remember the wonderful friendship we had. Through visiting the old lady, the writer learnt that the old lady _ . A. had no one to look after her B. disliked all her relatives C. didn't want to live with her family D. was looking for someone to look after her Answer: A Question: Plants require A. oxygen B. H2O C. Fe D. clouds Answer: B
Which of these objects could combust Answer: A paint can The First Lady's Travel Journal: Touring the Forbidden City March 21, 2014 After visiting the Beijing Normal School, Madame Peng took Sasha and Malia, my mother, and me to the Forbidden City, which is right in the heart of Beijing. For more than 2,000 years (up until 1912), China was ruled by emperors who descended from many different dynasties, or families, who passed ruling positions on from generation to generation -- and for nearly 500 years, the Forbidden City used as the emperor's home. Like the name suggests, the Forbidden City is large enough to be a city of its own -- it includes nearly 1,000 buildings and nearly 10,000 rooms. In 1925, the new Chinese government turned the Forbidden City into a museum so that visitors like us from all over the world can stroll through many of the beautiful rooms and outdoor spaces. The Forbidden City is too large to fully experience in a single visit, but the following: The Hall of Union and Peace has almost 14,000 ornamental dragons. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is where the emperor [:]watched birthday celebrations and coronation ceremonies from his Dragon Throne . And then there are the Imperial Gardens, where you can walk along the paths and pavilions, admiring the beautiful rock arrangements, flowers and cypress trees. While we loved our visit to the Forbidden City, we only wish we had more time to see everything. But then again, I'm not sure there could ever be enough time to fully enjoy all of the art and history in this wonderful place. The writer visited The Forbidden City with _ . Answer: her mother and two daughters The air here is fresh. There are not many tall buildings in our town. The best building is in our school. There are four hundred students and twenty-five teachers in our school. In the front of the school, there is a playground. I often play basketball with my classmates on it. There is a little garden behind our school. And we can grow beautiful flowers and plant trees in the garden. Next the garden, there is an orange orchard . You can hear birds singing everywhere. There is a river not far from our school. In summer, we usually go swimming in it. People can hear _ singing here and there. Answer: birds Too many people want others to be their friends,but they don't give friendship back.That is why some friendships don't last long.To have a friend,you must learn to be one.You must learn to treat your friend the way you want your friend to treat you.Learning to be a good friend means learning three rules:be honest;be generous;be understanding. Honesty is where a good friendship starts.Friends must be able to trust one another.If you do not tell the truth,people usually find out.If a friend finds out that you haven't been honest,you may lose the friend's trust.Good friends always count _ on one another to speak and act honestly. Generosity means sharing and sharing makes a friendship grow.You do not have to give your lunch money or your clothes.Naturally you will want to share your ideas and feelings.These can be very valuable to a friend.They tell your friend what is important to you.By sharing them,you help your friend know you better. Sooner or later everyone needs understanding and helping with a problem.Something may go wrong at school.Talking about the problem can make it easier to solve.Turning to a friend can be the first step in solving the problem.So to be a friend you must listen and understand.You must try to put yourself in your friend's place so you can understand the problem better. No two friendships are ever exactly alike.But all true friendships have three things in common.If you plan to keep your friends,you must practice honesty,generosity and understanding. Some friendships don't last very long because _ . Answer: some people receive friendship but don't give friendship back Students who date in middle school have significantly worse study skills. They are four times more likely to drop out of school and report twice as much alcohol and tobacco use as their single classmates, according to new research from the University of Georgia. "Romantic relationships are a trademark of adolescence, but very few studies have examined how adolescents differ in the development of these relationships," said Pamela Orpinas, study author and professor in the College of Public Health and head of the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior.[: _ Z _ X _ X _ K] 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 consistently 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. According to the passage, students who date in middle school may _ Answer: have poorer academic performances
Question: Freda always hangs her wet swimsuit outdoors after getting out of the swimming pool. Which of the following is least likely to affect the rate at which Freda's swimsuit dries? A. the heat of the Sun B. the speed of the wind C. the temperature of the water in the pool D. the amount of water vapor in the air Answer: C. the temperature of the water in the pool Question: A man is filling up his tank at the gas station, then goes inside and pays. When he comes back out, his truck is being stolen! He chases the truck as the thief pulls away in it and begins to speed off. Though the truck was huge, right in front of him a moment ago, as the truck accelerates and the man struggles to keep up, the truck A. looks smaller B. looks bigger C. looks cold D. looks away Answer: A. looks smaller Question: FOR thousands of years, Stonehenge has confused visitors with a seemingly unanswerable question: Why would anyone carry so many huge stones across Britain and put them in a ring? It seems even stranger when you think of the fact that it was done by prehistoric people working without modern technology, not even a wheel. Stonehenge has started endless debates over the centuries. Experts have said at different times that it was a temple, a calendar or a graveyard . Yet "all the ideas to date could be mistaken," said Julian Spalding, a famous art critic and former director of some of the UK's leading museums. "We've been looking at Stonehenge the wrong way: from the earth, which is very much a 20th century viewpoint," he told The Guardian. Spalding has put forward a new theory about Stonehenge in his latest book, Realisation: From Seeing to Understanding. "The current theories about Stonehenge are based on looking across the ground, which is a modern idea," he writes in his new book. He told The Guardian that in ancient times, spiritual ceremonies didn't happen on the ground. Prehistoric people believed that in this way they could get closer to the heavens. So Spalding says that "rituals at Stonehenge were performed in the same way - not among the stones, but on top of them," reported The Washington Post. He re-imagines a scene in his book, explaining how the mysterious site was used: Stonehenge held up a large, circular platform . It was a raised altar reached by stairs, and thousands of people might have worshipped there. To support his theory, Spalding lists examples from ancient civilizations worldwide. In China, Peru and Turkey, such sacred monuments were built high up, whether on man-made or natural sites. In an interview with The Washington Post, Spalding said the wood that would have been used for the platform had long since rotted away , leaving only the stone pillars that supported it behind. So far scholars have had "a fair degree of skepticism " about these ideas, according to The Huffington Post. Sir Barry Cunliffe, prehistorian and Oxford University archaeology professor, said: "He could be right, but I know of no evidence to support it ... There are a large number of stone circles around the country which clearly didn't have a platform on top. So why should Stonehenge?" How does Spalding support his theory about Stonehenge? A. By raising questions. B. By providing related figures. C. By quoting other experts' research. D. By giving examples from other civilizations. Answer: D. By giving examples from other civilizations. Question: Alice is a white dog. She is two.Bob is a brown dog. Bob and Alice are good friends. Look at the two dogs. Bob:Good morning! Alice: Good morning! Bob:What's this? Alice: It's a jacket. It's my sister's. Oh, my sister is Grace. Bob:What's that? Alice:It's a book. It's Miss Miller's book. She is an English teacher. Bob:Well,dogs don't like books. Miss Miller is an _ teacher. A. Chinese B. English C. math D. science Answer: B. English Question: With the possible exception of equal rights, perhaps the most heated argument across the United States today is the death penalty . Many argue that it is an effective deterrent to murder , while others think there is no enough proof that the death penalty reduces the number of murders. The argument advanced by those who are against the death penalty is that it is cruel and inhuman punishment, that it is a mark of a bad society and finally that it is of questionable effectiveness as a deterrent to crime anyway. In our opinion, the death penalty is a necessary action. Throughout recorded history there have always been those peculiar persons in every society who made terrible crimes such as murder. But some are more dangerous than others. For example, it is one thing to take the life of another in time of blind anger, but quite another to coldly plan and carry out the murder of one or more people in the style of a butcher. Thus, murder, like all other crimes, is a matter of different degree. While it could be argued with some reason that the criminal in the first instance should be merely kept from society, such should not be the fate of the latter type murderer. The value of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime may be open to discussion. But the majority of people believe that the death penalty protects them. Their belief is proved by the fact that the death penalty prevents murder. For example, from 1954 to 1963, when the death penalty was carried out from time to time in California, the murder rate remained between three and four murders for each 100, 000 population. Since 1964 the death penalty has been done only once, and the murder rate has risen to10.4 murders for each 100, 000 population. The sharp climb in the state's murder rate, which began when killings stopped, does not happen by chance. It certainly shows that the death penalty does stop many murderers. If the law about death penalty is vetoed , some people will be murdered----some whose lives may have been saved if the death penalty were in effect. This is really a life or death matter. The lives of thousands of people must be protected. Which of the following is among the heated arguments across the USA besides death penalty? A. Air pollution. B. The war against Iraq. C. Equal rights. D. Election of president. Answer: C. Equal rights.
We know music is very important in our daily life.Do you notice music playing at any of those places when you go somewhere? Today, most stores,stations,restaurants and other places play music.You might even hear music in an office or on a farm. Scientists believe that music influences the way people behave.They think that the sound of western classical music makes people feel richer.When a restaurant plays classical music,people spend more money on food and drinks.When the restaurant plays modern music,people spend less money.Without music,people spend even less. Scientists also believe that loud,fast music makes people eat faster.Some restaurants play fast music during their hours.This makes people eat faster and leave quickly.Restaurants can make more money in this way. Some scientists think that music makes you think and learn better.They say that music helps students to be more active.It is true that people learn better when they are relaxed.And 1istening to music can help you relax. The next time you hear music somewhere,be careful,it might influance the way you do things. The habit of 1istening to music can make a student _ . A slow in action B feel more stressed C relax in mind D worry about studies Answer: C At a nation's saddest moment, its greatest heroes are born. On September 11th, 2001, many police officers and government officials in America worked day and night to save lives from the big fire at the World Trade Centre. And in Japan, after the serious earthquake, a group of workers showed their courage. The earthquake on March 11th made Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant turn off and stop its protective cooling systems. And later, a fire broke out. Workers were told that the plant's radiation could be harmful to human health. Hundreds of workers left the plant quickly. However, a group of workers decided to fight against the fire and the damage, though they knew it could cause very serious health problems. There were 50 workers in all, so they were also named the "Fukushima 50". The workers worked in shifts . People knew little about the workers, who were mainly experts with the skills to control the situation. One woman said that her father had volunteered to stay there. "I heard that he volunteered even though he would retire in just half a year and my eyes were filled with tears. I am really proud of him. And I pray for his safe return. The writer thinks _ A American police officers were very strong B the nuclear radiation would do no damage to humans C all the workers who stayed in the plant should return quickly D all the workers who stayed in the plant are great heroes Answer: D Almost a decade ago, the federal government dropped $10 million for an Earth-monitoring satellite that never made it into space. Today it sits in a closet in Maryland. Cost to taxpayers for storing it: $1 million a year. And _ . Who knows what's in the rest of them? Because we think the government should be held to at least the same standards as a publicly traded company, and because as taxpayers, we're America's shareholders, we performed an audit of sorts of the federal books. We're not economists, but we do have common sense. We tried to get help from Congressional staffers from both parties, as well as various watchdog groups and agencies. In the end, we found that the federal government wastes nearly $1 trillion every year. That's roughly equal to the amount collected annually by the Internal Revenue Service in personal income taxes. Put another way, it's also equal to about one-third of the country's $2.9 trillion total annual budget. And reclaiming that lost trillion could help wipe out the country's annual budget deficit , improve education, and provide health insurance for those who don't have it. So how do you define "waste"? David Walker of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a federal watchdog agency, calls it "the government's failure to give taxpayers the most for their money." For our part, we used the kind of household test you would use on a piece of meat sitting in your refrigerator: If it smells rotten, it's waste. Our government regularly pays for products and services it never gets, wildly overpays companies to do things it could do more cheaply itself, loses money outright due to lax accounting and oversight, and spends money randomly on unnecessary programs. How exactly does the federal government waste your hard-earned tax dollars? We've identified what we consider ten of the worst ways. Which of the following can best describe the feeling of the author? A Annoyed. B Calm. C Surprised. D Not concerned. Answer: A Polar bears are born in dens on land and their mother stays with them for the whole winter without eating anything. The mother and the babies come out from the dens around March, _ from a long winter and must immediately go hunting to find food to stay alive. Now, the only hunting they know is to catch seals from floating ice in the open ocean. In March, polar bear mothers and babies have to swim from the land in Spitsbergen to the edge of the polar ice cap. Normally this is a short swim, since in March the polar ice cap is very close to the land, and the polar bears, and even the babies, are good swimmers. However, last year we saw that the polar ice cap had become smaller in size due to global warming. Swimming hundreds of miles, especially when they are hungry and have babies following them, is really hard, and many bears are dying because of starvation. The polar bear population in the Spitsbergen area was once threatened by hunters. In the 1970s, a ban on hunting was imposed and the polar bear population has been steadily increasing from just a few hundred to about 2,000 to 3,000. This was a great success story. However, now, because of global warming, the population is again in danger. If we do not stop making so much carbon dioxide, we will lose these beautiful animals forever. The polar bears are just one example of animals that have become endangered because of man's appetite for energy obtained by burning fossil fuels. All life on earth could be in danger unless we change our ways. What can we do? To reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air we must save and make energy without burning coal and oil. Instead, we can use the sun or the wind to generate electricity. We must also cut down on needless driving and turn off things that use electricity when we are not using them. In addition, we have to stop cutting down forests and start planting more trees. Now that the polar ice cap is smaller, _ . A it is easy for polar bears to find food B it takes them less time to catch seals C they have to swim farther to get food D fewer seals will come to the shore Answer: C It doesn't matter if you have one friend or 20, because there are only a few people in this world that can make you truly happy. For me, my family and my three best girlfriends mean everything to me. Some days I didn't want to go to school because I felt so disappointed in myself but I don't regret a thing. It makes you stronger as a person, and if you are able to mend your friendships like I have done, then you can do anything. My mom always told me, "Stephanie, remember that a friend is a gift that you give to yourself. A friend will always be there for the good and the bad. A true friend will never make fun of you. If a friend is a piece of work, then he or she has never been a friend at all. A friend is the biggest gift to you." Everyone is going to make mistakes but please don't push them away, especially if it's someone you really care about. I know when I make mistake I beat myself up about it. I just wish someone would have reached out a hand to help me back up on my feet like my best friend did. If someone is new or doesn't have a friend, please reach out and befriend them because that small action could mean the world to them. Now that I'm older, I understand what my mom has been trying to tell me, and now I know that the friends that I choose will also be the kinds of friends that I would want to be surrounded by forever. It can be inferred from the passage that the writer _ . A doesn't have many friends B doesn't think that friends will make her truly happy C understands what a friend means to her D has nothing except her family and three girlfriends Answer: C
Travel is exciting and summer is a busy period for holiday travel. Many people will travel great distances in airplanes, cars or other vehicles. Experts say people should know about other health problems that can strike when traveling by air. One of these is a condition called hypoxia . It results from a lack of oxygen to the brain. Experts say the body begins losing oxygen minutes after an airplane leaves the ground. The air pressure in a plane during flight is lower than at sea level. This makes it more difficult for the body to effectively use the same amount of oxygen as it would on the ground. Fewer oxygen molecules cross the tissues in the lungs and reach the bloodstream. The result is a five to twenty percent drop in the amount of oxygen in the blood. This reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the organs of the body. One effect of this lack of oxygen to the brain is a headache. When this happens, the heart attempts to _ by beating harder and faster. This can make the traveler feel tired. These signs of hypoxia are not dangerous in a healthy person. But a drop in oxygen level can cause a health emergency in people with heart or lung problems. They might lose consciousness or even suffer a heart attack. Experts say that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcoholic liquids also reduce the body's ability to use oxygen. So they suggest that people not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes either before or during a flight. They also say persons with heart or lung problems should seek advice from their doctors before flying. The author writes the passage mainly to _ . Answer: explain the causes and effects of hypoxia Lily is ten years old . One morning her good friend MeiMei says to her, " Next Friday is my birthday. Would you like to come to my birthday party?" Lily says " Yes, I would like to". On Friday, Lily asks her mother, " Can I go to MeiMei's birthday party" "Yes, but you must be polite .and I want you to sing a song for your friend." "Ok. Mum" Lily answers and goes to MeiMei's home on foot. Then she buys a toy for MeiMei. At the party there are many children. Some are dancing . Some are talking. Some are playing cards. And Lily is singing an English song .There are some apples , oranges , bread , and a big birthday cake with eleven candles on it . The children sit around the cake. MeiMei makes a silent wish, and then blows the candles out in one breath. The children have a good time. Then Lily goes home by bus. How old is MeiMei? Answer: eleven Losing a baby tooth can be fun for a kid. You can put it under your pillow and look forward to finding some money there in the morning. And then you can watch your new permanent tooth grow in its place. But if a permanent tooth falls out, that's a problem. There isn't another one under the gum that can replace it. Unfortunately, this happens to some older people. And if permanent teeth fall out-or need to be pulled-an older person might need dentures. Dentures, known as false teeth, are a set of replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. There are partial dentures, which take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from changing position. If all the teeth are gone, the person would need complete dentures, which replace every tooth in the mouth. Dentures can cause pains at first and take little time to get adjusted to. They also need special care. They should be brushed daily with a special denture brush and cleanser and soaked in denture solution when not in the mouth. Dentures are important for older folks because, without teeth, it's hard to smile, talk, and eat properly. But it can be a little _ if you see someone take out his or her dentures. It can also be strange to see someone, like a grandparent, without dentures in because he or she won't have any teeth. Try not to make fun of the person because this could cause hurt feelings. People usually lose their permanent teeth due to periodontal disease, or gum disease, which is caused by bacteria that attacks the gums. Diseased gums aren't strong and healthy, so teeth can get loose and fall out. Older people often have many cavities that have been filled over the years, and these fillings can weaken over time, leading to more tooth decay. If one of your baby teeth falls out, you_. Answer: will gain a permanent tooth in future You go to a store. You see many new things. You know about them before you get to the store. How do you know? You saw these things on TV. You learned about them through advertising. People have been advertising for thousands of years. Long ago, men called "criers" walked up and down the street. They shouted about things that were being sold. Later, people met at one place. This place was a market. Some people came to sell. Other people came to buy. But only those people who were at the market knew what was being sold. When people learned about printing, things changed. Soon there were newspapers. Many people read the newspapers. They saw many ads in the papers. Later, more people saw and listened to the ads on TV. Are the people who sell to us "criers"? Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage? Answer: We go to the store to buy things we hear about. Self-control can make you happier not only in the long-run, but also in the moment. The research showed that self-control isn't about giving up desires, but more about managing conflicting goals. Since most people consider highly self-controlled ones as being more task-centered, the scientists decided to find out the connection between self-control and people's happiness to determine if being self-disciplined leaves people feel less joyful. Through a set of tests-including one that assessed 414 middle-aged participants on self-control and another that randomly interviewed volunteers on their smart phones about their mood and any desires they might be experiencing, researchers found a strong connection between higher levels of self-control and satisfaction. The smart phone experiment also showed how self-control may improve mood. Those who showed the greatest self-control reported more good moods and fewer bad ones. But this didn't appear to be linked to being more able to resist temptation --it was because they exposed themselves to fewer situations that might inspire desires in the first place. They were doing a number of things that bring them happiness and avoiding problematic desires and conflicts. That became clear in the study's last experiment, which looked into how self-control affects the way people handle goals that conflict with one another. In particular, the researchers were interested in how self-disciplined and less-disciplined people differed when it came to choosing among "virtues" and "vices" like the pleasure of eating sugar cookie vs. the pain of gaining weight. Participants were asked to list three important goal conflicts they experienced regularly and were also questioned on how they managed to balance the goals. The highly self-controlled showed an obvious difference from those with less discipline over their lives. They tended to avoid creating situations in which their goals would conflict, and reported fewer instances of having to choose between short-term pleasure and long-term pain. As a result, they experienced fewer negative emotions. And self-control doesn't always mean _ : it may mean saving now to get big payoff later. For dieters, it means making choices to avoid entering a bakery since you are more likely to buy a cupcake. Granted, self-control isn't the best way to instant satisfaction, but it may bring something even better: long-term contentment. According to the research, the self-controlled people _ . Answer: are better solving problems and conflicts
The king was to pass by a beggar's small poor house and the man was excited, not because he was about to see the king but because the king was known to part with expensive jewels and huge sums of money when moved by sympathy. He saw the king's carriage just when a kind man was filling his begging bowl with uncooked rice. Pushing the man aside, he ran into the street, shouting praises of the king and the royal family. The carriage stopped and the king beckoned to the beggar. "Who are you?" he asked. "One of the most unfortunate of your people," said the beggar. "Poverty sits on my doorstep and follows me about like a dog. I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon!" "Have you nothing for your king except great sorrow?" said the ruler, putting out his hand. "Give me something." The beggar, astonished, carefully picked up 5 grains of rice from his bowl and laid them on the king's outstretched palm. The king drove away. The beggar's disappointment was great. He complained and cursed the king again and again for his miserliness. When he returned home in the evening he found a bag of rice on the floor. "Some generous soul has been here," he thought and took out a handful of rice from the bag. To his astonishment, there was a small piece of gold in it. He realized then that the bag had been sent by the king. He emptied the rice on the floor, feeling sure there would be more gold pieces in it, and he was right. He found 5, one for each grain of rice he had given the king. "It is not the king who has been miserly," thought the man, sadly. "If I had been generous and given him the whole bowl of rice, I would have been a rich man today." From the passage, we know that the king _ . was a kind man Alice is my good friend. She is twenty-two years old. Now she lives in Beijing, China. She teaches English in a junior high school. She loves making friends with the students and they like her very much. Every morning she gets up very early. At about 7:00, she usually has a glass of milk and some bread for breakfast at home. Then she walks to work and gets to school at about a quarter to eight. At 12:00 she eats a hamburger and an apple for lunch. Her favorite drink is Coke. She goes home at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. She likes to have noodles and chicken for dinner. On Sunday, she often comes to see me. Sometimes we go to a Chinese restaurant to have lunch. ,. Alice is _ . a teacher Here is a photo of my family. These are my parents, Jack Ken and Mary Ken. My father is a teacher and my mother is a nurse . This is my brother David and this is my sister Jane. And the little girl is me .I have a happy family. I love my family. There are _ people in my family. 5 The middle of the day usually involves the bright star nearest to the earth to be straight overhead why? human planet rotation Since the first Earth Day in 1970, Americans have gotten a lot "greener" toward the environment . "We didn't know at that time there even was an environment, let alone that there was a problem with it," says Bruce Anderson, president of Earth Day USA. But what began as nothing important in public affairs has grown into a social movement. Business people, political leaders, university professors, and especially millions of grass-roots Americans are taking part in the movement. "The understanding has increased many, many times," says Gaylord Nelson, the former governor from Wisconsin, who thought up the first Earth Day. According to US government reports, emissions from cars and trucks have dropped from 10.3 million tons a year to 5.5 tons .The number of cities producing CO beyond the standard has been reduced from 40 to 9 .Although serious problems still remain and need to be dealt with , the world is a safer and healthier place .A kind of "Green thinking " has become part of practices . Great improvement has been achieved .In 1988 there were only 600 recycling programs; today in 1995 there are about 6,600 .Advanced lights ,motors , and building designs have helped save a lot of energy and therefore prevented pollution . Twenty -five years ago , there were hardly any education programs for environment .Today , it's hard to find a public school , university , or law school that does not have such a kind of program ." Until we do that, nothing else will change! " say Bruce Anderson. Where does the support for environmental protection mainly come from? The grass -roots level
In our town, everyone knows Mrs. Ai loves eating fish heads. When the family have meals together and there is fish in the meal, her children always give her the fish heads first. Only when she is eating outside, she often says "no" to fish heads very politely. Not long ago, Mrs. Ai dies. Before she dies, some of her old friends come to see her and cook some fish heads for her. At that time she can't eat anything, but she tells her friends a secret, "Thank you very much for cooking me the fish heads. But tell you the truth: I never really love eating fish heads. My family is poor. My husband and children like eating fish. If I eat some, they will eat a little less. If I don't eat any, they will feel sorry. So I have to say I love eating fish heads. In my life, I only wish I could eat the meat of the fish." Now, if someone says he (or she) loves eating fish heads, I always want to know: Does he (or she) really love eating fish heads or just eat fish heads for love? Why does Mrs. Ai say she loves eating fish heads? Because she loves her husband and children very much. Cultural rules determine every aspect of food consumption. Who eats together defines social units. For example, in some societies, the nuclear family is the unit that regularly eats together. The anthropologist Mary Douglas has pointed out that, for the English, the kind of meal and the kind of food that is served relate to the kinds of social links between people who are eating together. She distinguishes between regular meals, Sunday meals when relatives may come, and cocktail parties for relatives and friends. The food served symbolizes the occasion and reflects who is present. For example, only snacks are served at a cocktail party. It would be inappropriate to serve a steak or hamburgers. The distinctions among cocktails, regular meals, and special dinners mark the social boundaries between those guests who are invited for drinks, those who are invited to dinner, and those who come to a family meal. In this example, the type of food symbolizes the category of guest and with whom it is eaten. In some New Guinea societies, the nuclear family is not the unit that eats together. The men take their meals in a men's house, separately from their wives and children. Women prepare and eat their food in their own houses and take the husband's portion to the men's house. The women eat with their children in their own houses. This pattern is also widespread among Near Eastern societies. Eating is a metaphor that is sometimes used to signify marriage. In many New Guinea societies, like that of the Lese on the island of New Ireland in the Pacific and that of the Trobriand Islanders, marriage is symbolized by the couple's eating together for the first time. Eating symbolizes their new status as a married couple. In U.S. society, it is just the reverse. A couple may go out to dinner on a first date. Other cultural rules have to do with taboos against eating certain things. In some societies, members of a family group, arc not allowed to eat the animal or bird that is their ancestor. Since they believe themselves to be children of that ancestor, it would be like eating that ancestor or eating themselves. There is also an association between food prohibitions and rank, which is found in its most extreme form in the caste (social class) system of India. A caste system consists of ranked groups, each with a different economic specialization. In India, there is an association between caste and the idea of pollution. Members of highly ranked groups can be polluted by coming into contact with the bodily secretions, particularly saliva ,of individuals of lower-ranked castes. Because of the fear of pollution, Brahmans and other high-ranked individuals will not share food with, not eat from the same plate as, not even accept food from an individual or from a low-ranking class. According to the passage, who will NOT eat together? Men and women in Near Eastern societies. SHANGHAI (Reuters) - A stampede killed at least 35 people and injured 43 during New Year's Eve celebrations in Shanghai, on the city's popular waterfront tourist attraction known as the Bund , authorities said. The Shanghai government said that large crowds started to stampede in Chen Yi Square on the Bund just before midnight, with authorities working to rescue and aid the wounded. It was not immediately clear what triggered the stampede. The official Xinhua news agency said many of the injured were students. The government said on its official microblog that an inquiry had begun, with city leaders rushing to the scene and to hospitals to visit the injured. An emergency meeting would be held to ensure stepped-up safety measures were taken throughout the city. Photographs on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter, showed densely packed crowds of revelers along the Bund, which is lined with buildings from Shanghai's pre-communist period on the bank of the Huangpu River. In some photographs, rescue workers were seen trying to resuscitate victims lying on the pavement while ambulances waited nearby. Authorities had shown some concern about crowd control in the days leading up to New Year's Eve. They recently canceled an annual 3D laser show on the Bund that last year attracted as many as 300,000 people. At dawn on Thursday, there were still small crowds of revelers trying to find taxis home and workers were clearing up trash strewn around the Bund. There was little sign of the mayhem that had broken out just hours earlier. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Pete Sweeney; Editing by Howard Goller and Mark Bendeich) Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE? At dawn on Thursday, no one could be seen around the Bund. The Roman Emperor Claudius II was fighting many wars. He wanted a strong army, but many men did not want to be soldiers. Claudius thought the men wanted to stay at home to be with their wives and children instead of leaving to fight wars. Claudius thought of an _ solution to his problem. He decided to cancel all marriages! No one in all of Rome could get married. Claudius thought that if the men couldn't get married, the men would ignore the women and want to be soldiers. Valentine, who was a priest , believed that people needed to get married. He thought it was wrong for people to live together without being married. So he secretly and illegally married couples anyway. He performed the weddings in secret places, so the Roman soldiers would not find out. But they did find out. Valentine was arrested and brought before the Emperor. The Emperor thought Valentine was a well-spoken and wise young man, and encouraged him to stop being a Christian and become a loyal Roman. Valentine would not deny his beliefs, and he refused. He was sent to prison and was finally killed. While he was in prison, he sent out letters to his friends and asked to be prayed for by writing Remember your Valentine. Valentine was killed on the 14th or the 24th of February in the year 269 or 270. We celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th in honor of St. Valentine. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? Claudius wanted to stay at home with his wife. Whether you will be a doctor or a police officer in the future, there's a teacher in your life. They teach you and help you know who you are? Of course, you want to thank them. Teachers' Day is the perfect chance for students around the world to thank their teachers. The festival falls on different days in different countries. In China, Teachers' Day is on September 10. But in the US, teachers have a whole week to celebrate. Teacher Appreciation Week is in the first full week of May every year. Kids used to bring apples for their teachers because apples are healthy. Now, they bring gifts with pictures of apples, such as cups, picture frames and teddy bears. Some students also make DIY gifts for their teachers. During the week, school clubs often offer teachers a free breakfast of coffee and pastries. The South Korean Teachers' Day is on May 15. Many students offer flowers to their teachers. Another traditional gift is a card. Thousands of students prepare personalized cards and give them to their favorite teachers. Although different countries have different Teachers' Days, there's one day for the whole world to honor teachers. On October 5 of every year, over 100 countries, such as Canada and the Philippines, express their thanks by celebrating World Teachers' Day. UNESCO started the day in 1994. It wants to remind people of the importance of teaching. Only you can make a card like this one A fingerprint card is a good gift on Teachers' Day You will need: Card Pen *Colorful ink 1. Press your ink-covered finger on a clean card. 2. Use a pen to make your fingerprint into an animal or a robot. 3. Write words like "you are a wonderful teacher," or "thank you for teaching me" on the card. Some thank-you notes for great teachers 1. 2. During the Teacher Appreciation Week in the US, school clubs often provide teachers with _ . a free breakfast
Vegetables provide a lot of nutrients for Answer: Many businesses today use conferences as a means of discussing new plans of the company. As people are paying more attention to the environment and green problems, more businesses are looking for ways to reduce their negative effect on the environment. Many businesses do this by using Web conferencing. Web conferencing is a technology that allows people to communicate more effectively over the Internet. It's an easy way of hosting and attending conferences without having to leave the office. Each of the people involved in a Web conference will be posted an invitation to the conference with the time and date of the Web conference on it. When the conference is ready to begin, all participants must sit at their computers and they will be connected over the Internet. With Web conferencing all participants attend conference from the comfort of their own desks. Obviously, in doing this no fuel is used in traveling to and from a conference, and less work is taken up in attending a conference. Any material to be used during Web conference is simply e-mailed to all the participants before the conference. Participants can then either choose to print material or read it on screen. This not only saves paper but also greatly reduces mailing costs for the business. As a conference hall or business center isn't being used, it means that the only power that is used is the power that is used by the participants' personal computers. Similarly, conference organizers don't have to arrange for food or overnight accommodation. All this means that less energy is used. Often in business some companies actively choose to do business with other companies that do many things to reduce their negative impact on the environment. And Web conferencing helps you show other businesses that you are willing to work hard for the green cause. Which of the following words best describes the author's opinion about a Web conference? Answer: There are a lot of reasons why growing your own food is a good idea. GIY helps reduce carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions . Food in supermarkets travels a long way and that produces a lot of CO2. If you grow as many vegetables as you can at home, you can help save the earth. Vegetables you grow are also good for your health because they have more nutrients than supermarket vegetables and they don't have chemicals. How much money can you save? First of all, seeds are a lot of cheaper than vegetables, and secondly, you can save more by planting the most expensive and the most productive vegetables. You can give your vegetables to fiends and neighbors. It can make you very popular. Don't worry if you don't have much space. To GIY, you don't even need a garden. You can use pots on your balconies . And don't worry if your space doesn't get much sun. You can plant vegetables that don't need a lot of sun to grow. Grow your own vegetables now. You will have both a healthier body and a healthier social life. During the course of _ , food in supermarkets produces a lot of CO2. Answer: A Narrow Escape Shortly after the war, my brother and I were invited to spend a few days' holiday with an uncle who had just returned from abroad. He had rented a cottage in the country, although he hardly spent much time there. We understood the reason for this after our arrival: the cottage had no comfortable furniture in it. Many of the windows were broken and the roof leaked , making the whole house wet. On our first evening, we sat around the fire after supper listening to the stories our uncle told of his many adventures in distant countries. I was so tired after the long train journey that I would have preferred to go to bed; but I could not bear to miss any of my uncle's exciting stories, He was just in the middle of describing a rather terrifying experience he had once had when there was a loud crash from the bedroom above, the one where my brother and I were going to sleep. When we got to the top of the stairs and opened the bedroom door, a strange sight met our eyes. A large part of the ceiling had fallen right on to the pillow of my bed. If the writer had not been able to stay up late, _ . Answer: A few degrees can make a big difference when it comes to food storage. Foods can go bad if they get too warm. But for many of the world's poor, finding a good way to keep food cool is difficult. Refrigerators are costly and they need electricity. Yet spoiled food not only creates health risks but also economic losses. Farmers lose money when they have to throw away products that they can not sell quickly. But in 1995, a teacher in northernprefix = st1 /Nigerianamed Mohammed Bath Abba found a solution. He developed the "Pot-in-Pot Preservation/Cooling System". It uses two round containers made of clay. A smaller pot is placed inside a larger one. The space between the two pots is filled with wet sand. The inner pot can be filled with fruit, vegetables or drinks. A piece of wet cloth covers the whole cooling system. Food stored in the smaller pot is kept from spoiling through a simple evaporation process. Water in the sand between the two pots evaporates through the surface of the larger pot, where drier outside air is moving. The evaporation process creates a drop in temperature of several degrees. This cools the inner pot and helps keep food safe from harmful bacteria. Some foods can be kept fresh this way for several weeks. People throughoutNigeriabegan using the invention. And it became popular with farmers in other African countries. Mohammed Bah Abba personally financed the first five thousand pot-in-pot systems for his own community and five villages nearby. In 2000, the Rolex Watch Company ofSwitzerlandhonored him with the Rolex Award forEnterprise. This award recognizes people trying to develop projects aimed at improving human knowledge and well-being. A committee considers projects in science and medicine, technology, exploration and discovery, the environment and cultural history. Winners receive financial assistance to help develop and extend their projects. The award is given every two years. The next one will be given in 2008. According to the text, why will the food in the inner pot not go bad? Answer:
Question: On the night of July 6, 1943, a plane took off from an Air Force base in England to stop German fighters over the English Channel. Piloting the plane was Captain Thomas Nash. Looking westward, Nash saw twelve orange lights in a row, moving at a very high rate of speed. Thinking they might be a new German weapon, he swung the plane around and headed directly for the lights, but they disappeared. Captain Nash may have been the first to see such orange lights but he wasn't the last. His experience was repeated many times by pilots during World War II both in England and Far East. What were they? No one knows for sure, but there is an interesting theory to explain them. According to this theory, the orange lights are space animals---animals specially adapted to life in the upper atmosphere just as some living things are adapted to life at the bottom of the sea. These space animals, the theory says, live so far up in the atmosphere that they are not in sight from the earth. They feed partly on the air and partly on energy from the sunlight. Being almost pure energy themselves, their body shine at night. During the day, however, they are invisible. Before World War II, continues the theory, there was little radiated energy on the earth's surface. Then came the development of rockets, nuclear power stations and something like that. The space animals are attracted to these kinds of energy of food. At night when there is no energy from the sunlight, they come down into the lower levels in search of a meal. They may even float into the range of human eyesight. This explains the fact that they have been sighted many times from the earth since 1943. If the space animal theory is correct, the orange lights come down to the lower levels in order to _ . A. escape from the atmosphere B. get the energy for the sun C. search for man-made energy D. produce the energy they need Answer: C. search for man-made energy Question: You probably know that frogs hop ( ). But did you know that there's a small frog in the Pacific Northwest that bellyflops ? It's called a tailed frog. Dr.Rick Essner, who has been studying tailed frogs for the past few years, says, " I've looked at thousands of jumps and have never seen them land on their feet like other frogs." Most of the time, tailed frogs land on their stomachs and then bring their back legs in to prepare for another jump. Essner forst noticed these frogs because of the way they swim. Other frogs kick both of their back legs at the same time. But when a tailed frog swims, it pushes first with one leg and then the other. To try to find out why tailed frogs bellyflop, Essner and other scientists collected and filmed different kinds of frogs. They found that all of the frogs start their jumps the same way: they hold out their legs. The change comes in the landing. Tailed frogs can't move their back legs as quickly as other frogs do. Maybe they don't need to. Tailed frogs live around water and quickly jump into the water to escape danger. Early frogs developed around watery areas and could jump quickly into the water to escape danger. Scientists think those frogs blended in with (...) the green plants on the side of the rocky rivers, just like today's tailed frogs. "Iwould guess that other animals would have problems _ them, " explains Essner. When other animals find those early frogs, the frogs could jump into the river. They didn't need to continue hopping. Tailed frogs and other kinds of frogs went their own ways about 200 million years ago. Tailed frogs stayed by rivers. Other kinds of frogs moved to places where new hopping skills allowed them to survive. When they are in danger, the detailed frogs would _ . A. jump into the water for protection B. hop around quickly C. hide in the green plants near the river D. jump into the rock Answer: A. jump into the water for protection Question: These days, there's a popular cartoon named happy sheep and gray wolf. It's an excellent Chinese cartoon, which tells the stories of happy sheep and gray wolf. The poor gray wolf is always trying hard to catch the sheep, but the sheep could always run away from the danger. The sheep are so clever and lovely that the cartoon gets all the children's love. At the same time, the cartoon is full of humor. The children could learn more knowledge and enjoyment from it. The cartoon is shown repeatedly on many TV channels.The Zhejiang Channel broadcasts the cartoon on weekends and the vacations; the Sichuan Channel broadcasts the cartoon for an hour in the evening; the Shandong Channel broadcasts it in the morning, while CCTV-3 broadcasts it at noon every day. On one hand, the cartoon gets the children's love because the happy sheep is really clever. He always has a way to work out any problem and save his friends. What's more , there're many things about happy sheep and gray wolf, such as the books, the toys, the pencil-box, the clothings, and so on. Children are happy to buy them. On the other hand, many adults also like the cartoon, for the gray wolf is regarded as the perfect husband with skills and effort. He invents many things just to catch a sheep for his wife. Though he is often hit by his wife, he always makes her happy without complaining . We can learn more from the cartoon, including the skills, the stories, the details, the humor, and so on. We could see the humor of Chinese type during the cartoon. But I don't like its being shown so often. It may make the children spend more time on watching TV and it is bad for their health and study. The author doesn't like its being shown repeatedly because _ A. he thinks children will feel bored after seeing it again and again B. he is afraid that children's health and study will be affected C. he doesn't like the cartoon himself. D. he thinks it is a waste of money Answer: B. he is afraid that children's health and study will be affected Question: Which of the following requires water to live? A. birds B. dirt C. soil D. rocks Answer: A. birds Question: Which system supports the body, protects internal organs, and makes blood cells? A. muscular system B. circulatory system C. nervous system D. skeletal system Answer: D. skeletal system
Fifteen years ago.I entered the Boston Globe,which was a temple to me then.It wasn't easy geeing hired.But once you were there,l found.you were in. Globe jobs were for life-guaranteed until retirement.For 15 years I worked there--moving from an ordinary reporter to foreign journalist and finally to senior editor.I would have a lifetime of security.if I struck with it.Instead.I had made a decision to leave.I entered my boss's office.Would he burst into anger? I Wondered.He had a famous temper."Matt.we have to have a talk,"I began awkwardly."I came to the Globe When I was twenty-four.Now I'm forty.There's a lot I want to do in life.I'm resigning.""To another paper?"he asked.I reached into my coat pocket,but didn't say anything.I handed him a letter that explained everything.It said that I was leaving to start a new media company.We were at a rare turning point in history.I wanted to meet the challenge in the change."I'm glad for you."he said,quite out of my expectation."I just came from a board of directors meeting and it was seventy-five percent discouraging news.Some of that we Can deal with.But much of it we can't,"he went on."I wish you all the luck in the world,"he concluded."And if it doesn't work out,remember,your star is always high here." Then I went out of his office,walking through the newsroom for more goodbyes.Everybody was saying congratulations.Everybody--even though I'd be risking all on an unfamiliar venture:all the financial security I had carefully built up. Later,I had a final talk with Bill Taylor,chairman and publisher of the Boston Globe.He had turned the Globe into a billion-dollar business ."I'm resigning, Bill,"I said.He listened while I gave him the story.He wash't looking angry or disturbed either.After a pause,he said,"Golly,I wish I were in your shoes." The writer wanted to resign because _ . Answer: Found:A black watch Is this your watch?It is found in the classroom. Please call Jessica at 36206018. Lost:My school card My name is David Hand. The number of my school card is 20070107. Please call me at 33429703 or my friend Judy. Her phone number is 33073061. Thank you. What's the color of the watch? Answer: A 33-year-old financial analyst in California recently quit his job to devote himself to an unpaid job teaching math on the Internet, and his lessons are reaching almost 100,000 people a month. Salman Khan's voice is heard every day on the net -- by tens of thousands of students around the world who are hungry for help learning math. He has posted 1,200 lessons on You Tube --lessons that appear on an electronic blackboard, which range from basic addition to advanced mathematics for science and finance. And they are free. Khan lives in Silicon Valley, with his wife, a doctor, and their new baby. He got the idea for his "Khan Academy" four years ago, when he taught a young cousin how to convert kilograms to grams. With Khan's help, the cousin got good at math, and Khan began a new career. Now, Khan records his lessons himself, but he never goes on camera. "It feels like my voice in their head. You're looking at it and it feels like someone's over your shoulder talking in your ear, as opposed to someone at the blackboard, which is distant from you," he said. When Springfield High School in Palo Alto, California invited Khan to speak in person--he immediately connected to the students there. The idea of short lessons that can be played over and over again attracted high school senior Bridget Meaney. She says she had trouble with math in the seventh grade. "I think the teachers are good, but they can't teach at a speed that's perfect for everyone," she said. "I like the idea of learning something in class but then going back and pressing pause or rewind and actually getting a deeper understanding of it." Originally, Khan kept his lessons short because of YouTube restrictions. Now, he thinks short is better. "Education researchers now tell me that 10 minutes is how long someone can have a high level of concentration. And anything beyond that and your brain switches off," he said. For Khan, teaching math, science, and finance is just the beginning. He says he's ready to expand his YouTube site to include other subjects as well. What gave Khan the idea of teaching math online? Answer: Almost nothing we do in this world is done in isolation. At work or at play, you'll find yourself in groups, working with other people: your team at work, a meeting with fellow workers, your family, a holiday with friends, a group of students working together, a group of neighbors wanting to make changes. It is now realized that being able to work successfully with other people is one of the main keys to success, partly because we need to do it so often. In almost every situation where you're in a group, you will need a skilled leader. All groups need leaders and all successful groups have good leaders. Groups without leaders or with weak leaders almost always break down. Members of a leaderless group often begin to feel disappointed and helpless. Time is wasted and the tasks are not achieved. There are often arguments and nervousness between people as there is nobody to keep the goals clear. Some people are natural leaders. The well-known cook, Antonio Carlucci says, "True leaders are born and you see them in kitchens." They're people who are strong, fair, and humorous. Although a lot of people agree that there are some natural-born leaders, most people now know that leadership can also be taught. Experienced teachers can train almost anyone how to be a successful leader. Good leaders don't make people do things in a controlling way. You can learn how to join others, encouraging the whole group to work towards a common goal. Successful leaders also need to be calm and wise. They need to be able to work out good solutions and make perfect judgments under pressure. Lastly, and probably most importantly, good leaders need to be sensitive*, confident and be able to get on well with different kinds of people. When we are at work or at play, we find we are probably working _ . Answer: Mr. and Mrs. Long had one daughter. Her name was Lena. She was eighteen years old. Lena lived with her parents and worked in an office. She had some friends, but she didn't like any of the boys very much. One day she met a very nice man. He was young. His name was Watts and he worked in a post office. They became friends and he came to Lena's parents house twice. Last week Lena said to her father, "I'm going to marry Watts, Daddy. He was here yesterday." "Oh, yes." her father answered. "He's a nice boy, but has he got much money?" "Oh, no, both of you are the same," the daughter answered angrily. I met Watts on the first day of June and the next day he asked me, "Has your father got much money?" Lena got angry because _ . Answer:
Question: You're not doomed to toss and turn every night. Although you might not be able to control all of the factors that relate to your sleep, you can adopt habits that encourage better sleep. Start with these simple sleep tips. No. 1: Stick to a sleep schedule Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends, holidays and days off. Being consistent reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle and helps promote better sleep at night. If you don't fall asleep within about 15 minutes, get up and do something relaxing. Go back to bed when you're tired. No. 2: Pay attention to what you eat and drink Don't go to bed either hungry or stuffed. Your discomfort might keep you up. Also limit how much you drink before bed, to prevent disruptive middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution, too. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine -- which take hours to wear off -- can ruin quality sleep. No. 3: Create a bedtime ritual Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. This might include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to light music. Be careful of using the TV or other electronic devices as part of your bedtime ritual. Some research suggests that screen time or other media use before bedtime has impact on sleep. No. 4: Get comfortable Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. Often, this means cool, dark and quiet. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs. Your mattress and pillow can contribute to better sleep, too. Since the features of good bedding are subjective, choose what feels most comfortable to you. If you have children or pets, set limits on how often they sleep with you -- or insist on separate sleeping quarters. No. 5: Limit daytime naps Long daytime naps can affect nighttime sleep -- especially if you're struggling with poor sleep quality at night. If you choose to nap during the day, limit yourself to about 10 to 30 minutes and make it during the mid-afternoon. If you work nights, you'll need to make an exception to the rules about daytime sleeping. In this case, keep your window coverings closed so that sunlight -- which adjusts your internal clock -- doesn't interrupt your daytime sleep. No. 6: Include physical activity in your daily routine Regular physical activity can promote better sleep, helping you to fall asleep faster and to enjoy deeper sleep. Timing is important, though. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you might be too energized to fall asleep. If this seems to be an issue for you, exercise earlier in the day. No. 7: Manage stress When you have too much to do -- and too much to think about -- your sleep is likely to suffer. To help restore peace to your life, consider healthy ways to manage stress. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and dividing tasks. Give yourself permission to take a break when you need one. Share a good laugh with an old friend. Nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night -- but if you often have trouble sleeping, contact your doctor. Identifying and treating any underlying causes can help you get the better sleep you deserve. What's the purpose of this passage? A. To provide advice on promoting better sleep at night. B. To inform readers of different sleep habits before bed. C. To offer tips on various relaxing activities before bed. D. To convince readers of the importance of quality sleep at night. Answer: A. To provide advice on promoting better sleep at night. Question: Devlin was charged with murder. Several witnesses testified that the crime was committed by a person of Devlin's general description who walked with a severe limp. Devlin in fact walks with a severe limp. He objected to a prosecution request that the court order him to walk across the courtroom in order to display his limp to the jury to assist it in determining whether Devlin was the person that the witnesses had seen. Devlin's objection will most likely be A. sustained, because the order sought by the prosecution would violate Devlin's privilege against self-incrimination. B. sustained, because the order sought by the prosecution would constitute an illegal search and seizure. C. denied, because the order sought by the prosecution is a legitimate part of a proper courtroom identification process. D. denied, because a criminal defendant has no legitimate expectation of privacy. Answer: C. denied, because the order sought by the prosecution is a legitimate part of a proper courtroom identification process. Question: A son and his father were walking on the mountains. Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams: "AAAhhhhhhhhhh!!!" To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountains: "AAAhhhhhhhhhh!!!" Curious, he shouts: : "Who are you?" He receives the answer:" "Who are you?" And then he screams to the mountain: "I admire you!" The voice answers: "I admire you!" Angered at the response, he screams: "Coward (one without courage)!" He receives the answer: "Coward!" He looks to his father and asks: "What's going on?" The father smiles and says: "My son, pay attention." Again the man screams at the top of his voice: "You are a champion!" The voice answers: "You are a champion!" The boy is surprised, but does not understand. Then the father explains: "People call this ECHO , but really this is LIFE. It gives you back everything you say or do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart. If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence." This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life; life will give you back everything you have given to it." What's the father's attitude towards life? A. hopeful B. disappointed C. upset D. hopeless Answer: A. hopeful Question: 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) If you don't want to take an all distance trip,you can start at . A. Diamond Creek B. Lees Ferry C. Phantom Ranch D. Pierce Ferry Answer: C. Phantom Ranch Question: The national assistance system for poor college students is getting more effective as proved by fewer phone calls to the hotline of the National Center for Student Assistance Administration. "Poor college students and their parents are getting more satisfied with the national assistance system," said Ma Wenhua, deputy director of the administration, on Saturday. Over the past three years, the hotline received 8,488 calls. Statistics show 62 percent of the calls were made to ask about the funding policy, while 38 percent (3,200 calls) complained local colleges had failed to _ the rules to support the students. Complaints were seen a year-on-year decrease from 2006 to 2008. Ma said some poor families might still overlook what they should do to get support for their child. To ensure education equality, the government has introduced a set of favorable policies to help poor students, such as scholarships, grants, student loans, tuition waivers and the work-study programs under which poor students are helped out in libraries, teachers' offices or service departments to earn money. Statistics show the government spent 29.3 billion yuan last year to aid college students, up 7.6 percent from the previous year. Around 40 million persons of college students received the national aid. The Ministry of Education of the government would ensure that no students drop out of colleges or universities because of poverty. Among the 20 million students in the country's public and private universities and colleges last year, about 20 percent came from poor backgrounds, official figures show. From the passage, we know that _ . A. students will drop out of university because of poverty B. Chinese poor college students are more satisfied with national assistance system C. more and more parents are complaining about their local colleges D. college students are suffering from great economic pressure Answer: B. Chinese poor college students are more satisfied with national assistance system
Question: On Thursday a new boy came into the classroom. He didn't have any uniform on. Just trousers, a jacket and a shirt. Tom could see that the boy wasn't quite comfortable. He had a plastic bag with exercise books, pens, pencils, rulers and erasers in it. The boy stood at the blackboard. Mrs. Brown talked to the boy, and then she said, "Boys and girls, this is Peter. He is your new classmate. Peter is your age. I hope you'll get on well with each other. Peter will spend a lot of time together with you."Mrs Brown asked Peter to sit next to Tom at the desk near the window. The students had math after that and Tom could see that Peter was not bad at it. He counted well. It was not difficult for him at all. Then Mrs. Brown said," It is half past twelve. It's time to have lunch. "Peter joined Tom and went to wash his hands. Then the boys sat down on the floor and started to open their lunch bags. Tom opened his bag and put his hand in it. He took out an old brown apple, some old cheese and some fish from dinner."Oh, no!" cried Tom." This is rubbish. I have the wrong bag. I took the rubbish bag and left my lunch bag at home. I have only rubbish for lunch today." The other children laughed and laughed. Then Peter said," I have two eggs. Why don't you have one? I don't need two. And would you like some bread?" Tom smiled," Thanks. It's very kind of you." How many kinds of things did Peter have in his plastic bag? A. Three. B. Four. C. Five. D. Six. Answer: C Question: In 2004,the World Health Organization,WHO,warned of a possible outbreak of another serious disease which may be even more deadly than SARS.The WHO believes that it is likely that bird flu will spread to human beings in the next few years.If it does,up to seven millions people could die from the disease. Diseases like bird flu are caused by viruses,that is,tiny things which change and be come more dangerous over time.When a new type of a common virus changes,it may be able to get past the body'S immune system.If that happens,humans are in great danger until a cure or treatment becomes available. There have always been viruses and people always get sick,of course,but as we saw with SARS,the situation is more difficult today.People travel more than ever before,which means that disease can spread quickly and across large areas----in fact the whole world. Scientists are already working on drugs that will prevent or limit the effect of a new virus,but the process takes time.It is just as important to make sure that countries,especially poor countries,are prepared to deal with the disease. New disease usually affect poor areas the most,so we must help develop health care in all countries. From this passage we know_. A. bird flu will surely spread to human beings in the next few years. B. a virus changes and become less dangerous over time. C. SARS is 1ikely to come again in some years. D. poor areas usually suffers more from Dew diseases than rich areas. Answer: D Question: STUDY CENTER COURSES If a student takes the course The Short Story, he can't take _ . A. From Paragraph to Essay B. Tense about Tenses C. Source Material D. Media Use Answer: A Question: Drinking a lot of water does not do any good to the body, according to two experts in the United States. In fact, they warn, drinking too much water could be, in certain cases, harmful. In a study, Dr Stanly Goldfarb and Dr Dan Negoianu, both of the Renal, Electrolyte and Hypertension Division at the University of Pensylvania, the United States, have denied the popular belief that drinking a lot of water clears body toxins better, improves skin, and helps reduce weight. Dr Goldfarb and Dr Negoianu say that they found little proof to back the public opinion that drinking 8 glasses of water every day benefits health. At the same time, they fond little proof of harm in drinking 8 glasses of water every day. It is widely believed that in some cases-such as athletes, people who live in hot, dry environments, and those with certain medical conditions-drinking a lot of water indeed helps, but no studies have been done to prove the benefits of this practice in average, healthy people, the website medheadlines.com reports. The study at the University of Pennsylvania also examined reports that some people experienced increased headaches when their consumption of water was low. In one small study, which the doctors reviewed, the group drinking the most water reported fewer headaches than the control group, "but the difference in the number of headaches was o small between the two groups as to be considered unimportant." The researchers concluded that there is no scientific proof to support that average, healthy people need to drink at least 8 glasses of water each each day. The website medheadines.com says that, according to an Indian doctor, drinking too much water is harmful. If water enters the body more quickly than it can be removed, problems can occur. Who may agree that drinking lots of water helps to lose weight? A. The two experts. B. The Indian doctor. C. The general public. D. The website. Answer: C Question: Little Peter is a boy of nine. He began to go to school the year before last and now he's in Grade Three. He lives not far from the school but he is often late for class. He likes watching TV in the evening and goes to bed late, so he can't get up on time in the morning. This term, Mrs. Black, Peter's aunt, works in Peter's school. She teaches Grade Three math. She's strict with Peter and often tells the boy to obey the school rules and come to school on time. Yesterday morning Peter got up late. When he hurried to school, it was half past eight. His aunt was waiting for him at the school gate. "You're ten minutes late for the first class, Peter," Mrs. Black said angrily. "Why are you often late for class?" "Every time I get to the street corner, I see a guidepost . It says: "SCHOOL--GO SLOW!'" The guidepost is for _ . A. workers B. Peter C. drivers D. teachers Answer: C
First,you ought to know that I'm "only" fourteen.My mother points this out often.I can make my own decisions when I'm old enough to vote,she says.Second,I should tell you that she's right -- I'm not always responsible.I sometimes take the prize for grade-A dork .Take last weekend for instance.I was staying at Dad's,and I decided it was time I learned to drive.It was Sunday morning,7 A.M.,and I hadn't slept well.I'd been up thinking about an argument,which I'll tell you about in a minute.Well,nobody was up yet in the neighborhood,so I thought it couldn't hurt to back the car out of the garage and drive around the block.But Dad has a clutch car.The "R" on the shift handle was up on the left side,right next to first gear .I guess you can guess the rest. Dad's always been understanding.He didn't say,"Okay,little Miss Know-It-All,you can just spend the rest of the year paying this off," which is what Mom would have said.Instead,Dad worried about what might have happened to me.And that made me feel more guilty than anything.I think he'd be a better number-one caregiver,but I can't say things like that to Mom.To her,I have to say,"But Mom,Dad's place is closer to school.I could ride my bike," to which she replies,"Amy Lynn,you don't own a bike.Remember? You left it in the yard,and it was stolen.And you haven't got the patience to earn the money to replace it." In the first sentence,the writer used "only" to suggest that she _ . Answer: For pet owners, the hundreds of pet food recalls taking place each year has raised a lot of alarm. "Most people are caring pet owners, and they want to do what helps protect their pet," explains Will Post, founder and CEO, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation. "Yet the problem is that most are not sure what that means and how to go about it. The more they learn about pet food, the better able they will be to make an informed decision that will keep their pet healthier and safer." Here are several tips that consumers may want to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a pet food that will help reduce the risks. Get to know the company. Most people may know a company name simply because they spend millions on advertising. But that doesn't mean they know much about the company or their morals. Research companies to find one that offers high standards, quality products, and great customer service. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to get in touch with a pet food company and ask them where something was made, where ingredients came from, or any other questions. They should have no problem answering questions about their products, or with being able to provide proof of their quality standards. Read reviews. Do some searches to read some reviews about various brands of pet food. Keep in mind that some reviews can be one-sided and even planted by the company itself, so look for fair third-party sources giving the review. Investigate ingredients. The source of ingredients is of major concern when it comes to reducing the risks of pet food recalls and keeping pets healthy. Read the labels and ask questions to determine where the ingredients are coming from. Understand pet foods. Cat and dog food should contain 100 percent protein, which will supply them with the nutrients their bodies require. The problem with many commercial pet foods is that it is full of numerous fillers, such as cheap fillers and grains. How many pieces of advice on choosing a pet food are given by the author? Answer: It was 1504,and Columbus was making another trip to the New World. Columbus and his men needed fresh water and food after three months at sea. They saw an island and went on shore. On the island there were unfriendly Indians who refused to give food to them. Columbus' men were afraid of the Indians, but he had a clever plan. He used sign language to tell the Indians about his mysterious power to turn off the light in the sky. He knew about a lunar eclipse the next night because the information was in his almanac . Columbus told the Indians, " Tomorrow night I'll turn off the light in the sky." But they didn't believe him . When the eclipse began the next night ,the Indians became very frightened . They begged Columbus to turn on the light again , and they quickly gave him all the food and water he wanted. Immediately Columbus and his men hurried back to the ship and sailed away in the moonless night. Columbus and his men stopped at the island because _ . Answer: In the USA, about 450,000 school buses take more than 25 million children to and from school. The yellow school bus is a US icon . Yellow became the color of school buses in the USA in 1939. Dr. Frank got the good idea. He said it was easy for people to see yellow buses and the black letters on them in early morning or late afternoon. That would make children safer. There are not many school buses in Britain, and they are not yellow. They have trackers on them, so children are being tracked while they travel to and from school by bus. The trackers let parents know where the school bus is and whether their kids are on the bus. Kindergarten is a difficult time for some kids. It's the first time for them to go away from their parents. To make kids love their school, Japanese kindergartens and schools have colorful buses. The buses can easily make children want to take them to go to school. Even some parents want to take them, too! School buses are becoming more and more popular in China now. It saves a lot of time for students to go to school. ,. Children in Japan may easily _ by taking the school bus. Answer: Anne Whitney, a sophomore at Colorado State University, first had a problem taking tests when she began college. "I was always well prepared for my tests. Sometimes I studied for weeks before a test. Yet I would go in to take the test, only to find I could not answer the questions correctly. I would blank out because of nervousness and fear. I couldn't think of the answer. My low grades on the tests did not show what I knew to the teacher. "Another student in biology had similar experiences. He said, "My first chemistry test was very difficult. Then, on the second test, I sat down to take it, and I was so nervous that I was shaking. My hands were moving up and down so quickly that it was hard to hold my pencil. I knew the material and I knew the answers. Yet I couldn't even write them down!" These two young students were experiencing something called test anxiety. Because a student worries and is uneasy about a test, his or her mind does not work as well as it usually does. The student cannot write or think clearly because of the extreme tension and nervousness. Contrary to people's common belief that poor grades are often a result of poor study habits, sometimes test anxiety plays a role in students' achieving low grades. Recently, test anxiety has been recognized as a real problem, not just an excuse or a false explanation of lazy students. Special university advising courses try to help students. In these courses, advisors try to help students by teaching them how to manage test anxiety. At some universities, students take tests to measure their anxiety. If the tests show their anxiety is high, the students can take short courses to help them deal with their tensions. These courses teach students how to relax their bodies. Students are trained to become calm in very tense situations. By controlling their nervousness, they can let their minds work at ease. Learned information then comes out without difficulty on a test. An expert at the University of California explains, " With almost all students, relaxation and less stress are felt after taking our program. Most of them experience better control during their tests. Almost all have some improvement. With some, the improvement is very great. " Poor grades are usually believed to be the result of _ . Answer:
Dear Betty, I'm your eraser Jill. This afternoon you lost me in your classroom. Simon found me and gave me to your English teacher Ms. Green. Now Ms. Green's three keys and I are in Ms. Green's bag. The bag is yellow. It's on Ms.Green's desk. Please call Ms. Green at 718-0167 and ask her for me. You can come to the library, too. Ms. Green is in the library now. Jill Simon found a(n) _ in the classroom. A. pen B. book C. ruler D. eraser Answer: D Thoughts on Shenzhen Airport Traffic Accident March 1 was a very sad day for everyone. On that day a huge traffic accident happened at the Shenzhen Airport. Nine people lost their lives and 23 people were injured. For those people, it was a night- mare! To learn a lesson, we must know who caused the accident and why. The answer looks obvious. It's the car owner's fault because she drove her car into the people. However, is that true? Is that her fault? What about the dead and injured people? Did they have their own faults as well? The answer is yes. According to news reports, at that time, many people were standing in the turning section of the viaduct watching the airplanes take off and land. Suddenly, a car appeared. Maybe the car owner got nervous, so she mistakenly stamped on the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, which caused the accident. In my opinion, of course the driver should be blamed because she caused the accident. However, for those dead and injured people, although we feel sorry for them, they have their own responsibilities as well. They should have been aware of their own safety. They shouldn't have been standing in a dangerous place to watch the airplanes take off and land. Which of the following shows the writer's feeling about this accident? A. Angry. B. Happy. C. Sad. D. Sorry. Answer: D When it's 10:15 in New York, it's 9:15 in Salt Lake City, and 7:15 in San Francisco - isn't it? This consistent and orderly time system, based on a grid of time zones, seems so natural that people rarely give it a moment's thought. So you may find it surprising to learn that prior to the late 1800s each community established its own time - by looking at the sun. When the sun shone directly overhead in Washington, D.C., for example, it was 12:00 noon there; up the road in Philadelphia, however, it was 12:07, and in Boston it was 12:24. To measure time with accuracy, it is necessary to move the clock about one minute for every twelve miles of distance; so according to "sun time" your pocket watch would be slightly incorrect if you ventured only a few miles down the road. It was not until the advent of widespread railroad travel that a need arose for regularized time. At one point over 300 local times were honored within the country, making it literally impossible for trains to arrive consistently on time everywhere. As a result, in 1883 the continental, United States was divided into four time longitude. The standardization resulting from this system proved so helpful that in 1884 the International Meridian Conference applied the same procedure to establish time zones around the world. Thus, if it is 11:07 p.m. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a little simple research will quickly determine that in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it is 9:07 A.M. - and not 9:15. This passage is organized as_. A. a personal narrative B. a problem and a solution C. a spatial description D. a persuasive essay Answer: B When I arrived, it was early morning and it was raining. I looked to the east--the sky was becoming grey. I got out of the car, went through a gate and walked along a dark path. There was nothing to see, but I knew it was there. After about a mile, a stranger appeared beside the path. "Am I going the right way?" I asked. He knew where I was going. "Yes," he replied. "you'll get there in five minutes." Finally, I came to some rocks and stopped. I looked over them, but it was silent and there was no sign of it. Suddenly, the rain stopped and the clouds cleared. The sun rose behind me and shone on the rocks. Far below me, the ground fell away and down to a river. I was looking across one of the wonders of the natural world -the Grand Canyon. I looked down to the Colorado River, a silver stream nearly one mile below me. If you put the two tallest buildings in the world on top of each other at the bottom of the canyon, they still would not reach the top. Then I looked across to the other side of the canyon. It was about fifteen miles away, maybe more. Finally, I looked to my left and to my right, and on both sides the canyon went far away for more than 200 miles. The Grand Canyon was not just big. It was huge! I remained by the canyon for about half an hour, and I asked myself, "Is the Grand Canyon the greatest wonder of the natural world?" I certainly know the answer. What do you think? Which of the follow is wrong? A. The writer visited the Grand Canyon by car in the morning. B. A stranger showed the writer the wrong direction of the Grand Canyon. C. The Grand Canyon is more than fifteen miles. D. The writer realized the Grand Canyon was the great wonder at least. Answer: B Beckham in a Football Movie Do you like football? You must know David Beckham. But do you know that he will be in a movie? He will be David Beckham in the movie Goal. Beckham said, "I want to teach kids how to play football when I finally _ ." "I believe that Goal will send a _ message to kids around the world." Beckham, 29, said, "I think that Goal will make football more popular in America and Asia. I am very happy because I can help do it," he said. What's Beckham's first name? A. David. B. Beckham. C. Goal. D. We don't know. Answer: A
Blogs are being used more and more by teachers. Many Internet services now offer free and easy ways to create personal Web pages. Through comments on blogs, or Web logs, teachers can share their classroom experiences. They can exchange ideas and discuss successes and failures. They can debate educational policies. Or they can just sympathize with each other. A teacher in the American state of North Carolina recently wrote on her blog: "Apparently the teachers at my school use too much paper. So my principal yelled at everyone at the last staff meeting for, like, ten minutes. Now, I've just been told, we are not getting anymore paper for the rest of the year." This unidentified blogger is now in her third year of teaching, but still calls her sitefirstyearteacher.blogspot.com. A blogger who calls himself Minister Lawrence works as a substitute teacher. In April he wrote about a disputed plan to split the Omaha, Nebraska, public schools into separate systems for black, Latino and white students. Supporters say minority parents do not have enough power over their children's education. But Minister Lawrence wrote at teachersparadise.blogspot.com: "I'm afraid that what this says' to a lot of people is that blacks, whites and Hispanics are not equal, and "reinforces" racist beliefs among people." Educators did not become involved with blogging right away. Many were concerned with privacy issues and security. But now, thousands of teacher blogs can be found on the Internet. Many teachers do not identify themselves, and they change the names of students and co-workers. What is the main idea for the passage? Answer: Never argue with one's own understanding. The whisper of intelligence is always there, whatever you do. If you create a time lag between the whisper of intelligence and understanding in you and your action, then you are preventing the brain from growing into a new size. When you argue with intelligence, when you postpone acting according to understanding then there is confusion, the brain gets confused. The voice of understanding, the voice of intelligence has insecurity about it. How do you know that it is the right thing? So we tend to ignore it. Instead we accept authority. We obey. But the brain cannot be orderly, competent, accurate and precise if you do not listen to it, if you have no respect. We are so busy with the outside world and its force that the world that is inside us does not command that respect and reverence , that care and concern from us. So one has to be a disciple of one's own understanding, and look upon that understanding as the master. Sometimes one may commit a mistake, it might be the whim of the ego and we might mistake the whim, the wish of the ego for the voice of silence and intelligence, but that we have to discover. Unless you commit mistakes, how do you learn to discriminate between the false and the true? In learning there is bound to be a little insecurity, a possibility of committing mistakes. Why should one be terribly afraid of committing mistakes? So instead of accepting the authority of habits and conditionings, while one is moving one watches, and when there is a suggestion, do not neglect, ignore, or insult the whisper from within and from one's own intelligence. What will happen if you refuse to follow your own understanding according to the above passage? Answer: Big Brothers Big Sisters is based on the simplicity and power of friendship.It is a program which provides friendship and fun by matching _ (ages 7-17) with a volunteer adult who can be both a role model and a supportive friend. Volunteer tutors come from all walks of life--married, single, with or without children. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are not replacement parents or social workers. They are tutors: someone to trust, to have fun with, to talk and go to when needed. A Big Sister and Little Sister will generally spend between one and four hours together three or four times each month for at least twelve months. They enjoy simple activities such as a picnic at a park, cooking, playing sport or going to a football match. These activities improve the friendship and help the young person develop positive self-respect, confidence and life direction. Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations exist throughout the world. It is the large and most well-known provider of tutor services internationally and has been operating for 25 years. Emily and Sarah have been matched since 2008. Emily is a 10-year-old girl who has experienced some difficulties being accepted by her schoolmates at school. " I was pretty sure there was something wrong with me." Emily's mum came across Big Brothers Big Sisters and thought it would be helpful to Emily by "providing different feedback about herself other than just depending on schoolmates to value her self-worth. Sarah wanted to take part in a volunteer program. "I googled it and found out how to be a part of it. I thought it would be fun for me to take part in making time to do something because sometimes it is all work and no play." Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helpful and enjoyable to both Emily and Sarah. They love and look forward to their time together and the partnership has certainly helped Emily be more comfortable in being the wonderful, happy and unusually good girl she is! A volunteer is usually expected to work within a year for at least _ . Answer: If you are afraid of the dark,it's not a big deal.It's perfectly normal to feel afraid After all,animals do too. "Fear matters,"says Karen Warkentin,an ecologist."It's a good thing," she adds, "because fear makes you do things that keep you alive." Like kids,many animals experience fear and they respond to the feeling in variety of ways.A frightened turtle pulls its head and legs inside its shell.A small fish will swim away when a big,hungry fish approaches. Some animals respond to fear in ways you might not expect.The first example is that the fear of being eaten can scare some frogs right out of their eggs. Warkentin made the surprising discovery while studying red--eyed tree frogs in Costa Rica. In this species,female frogs attach jellylike clumps of their eggs to the undersides of leaves.The leaves hang on branches that dangle over ponds.After they hatch from the eggs,the tadpoles then fall into the water,where they eventually grow into adult frogs. Tree frog eggs usually grow for 6 days before hatching.If they sense that a hungry snake is about to attack,however,they can hatch up to 2 days ahead of schedule. As the snakes are unable to swim,by falling into the water early,the tadpoles can escape. If hatching early helps protect red--eyed tree frogs from snakes,you might wonder why their eggs don't always hatch sooner.It turns out that hatching early brings its own danger.Once tadpoles land in the water,hungry fish and other animals like to eat them too.Staying in their eggs for a full 6 days,then,allows frog embryos to grow big and strong.This extra growth improves their chances of surviving in the water. It can be inferred from the passage that fears _ . Answer: The day of my holiday arrived, but I wasn't looking forward to it. I had little money and had only been able to afford to stay with my Aunt Rosa in Spain. So, I wasn't really excited as I knew exactly what it was going to be like: lots of noisy cousins , and Aunt Rosa begging me to take her for a ride. After I had checked in, I made my way slowly to the departure gate. As I was waiting to board the plane, I kept thinking about my ideal holiday destination: Jamaica, with its long, sandy beaches and crystal clear water. As soon as the plane took off, I fell fast asleep and only woke to the sound of the announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten you seat belts, as we will shortly be landing in Kingston." I froze in my seat. Was I dreaming? Kingston? Jamaica? I had boarded the wrong plane! Immediately after the plane landed, I explained the situation to the authorities. It seems there were also three other passengers heading for Spain. Apparently it had been the airline's fault, since the flight numbers for Spain and Jamaica were exactly the same! Therefore, with no flight back to London for a week, the airline had no choice but to pay for our stay. So there I was, lying on the beach, enjoying the music and the marvelous food of Jamaica! As for Aunt Rosa, I suppose she just had to live without me! Why did the writer choose to spend her holiday with her aunt in Spain? Answer:
What might a blind person likely use to what sandpaper is? A. sight B. sound C. taste D. touch Answer: D. touch 1The Dream It is everyone's dream to work at home or not work at all. You can plan your own hours and work when you want to. There is no more rush hour and no hours that people waste when they get to and from a job every day. 2The Fact The fact is that this dream can be _ . You can stay at home,work when you want to and make money when you need to. There are plenty of opportunities for you to make money at home,just by using your computer and the Internet. 3Start Today! Educate yourself, look closely into all the opportunities and decide on what works best for you. It will not happen during one night, but you can make the decision today and start to make it happen today. 4How Could You Do It? Do you have a blog or a personal website like millions of other people? Are you using it to make money? Most of these blogs and website owners are not. But you can do that! 5 _ When you have your computer and the Internet working for you, your businesses will be working for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will make money while you sleep, travel or do whatever you want to do all day long. 6Get Going! There are many ways you can make money with your computer. And you can begin your stay - at - home businesses with just a little money. What are you waiting for ? Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the passage ? A. People need a lot of money to start a stay - at - home business. B. People can even use their blogs to make money. C. People can plan their own time when they work at home. D. People can make the best decision and start to make it happen today. Answer: A. People need a lot of money to start a stay - at - home business. It is very normal for people to compare themselves with others. Everyone does it, but it is important to remember that no one is perfect. Other people may look confident, but everyone feels insecure once in a while, even the famous people like Yao Ming. When he was young, he probably felt insecure about being too tall! Other kids in his class probably laughed at him because he was different, although I don't know if I would have laughed at Yao Ming since he is so much bigger than me! Now, Yao Ming is rich and successful because of his height. When I was young, I had a friend named Annie. Everyone used to call her "toothpick" because they thought she was too thin. Now, everyone is jealous of her because she is thin and beautiful, and they have to always exercise to keep from getting fat. What makes you feel insecure and different may actually be a gift and help you in life. We should celebrate what makes us special and not be afraid to stand out in the crowd. The writer thinks it is improtant to _ . A. compare yourself with others B. have a perfect appearance C. remember nobody is perfect D. think you are the same as others Answer: C. remember nobody is perfect One summer night Ludwig Beethoven took a walk in the suburb of Bonn. Suddenly a gentle wind came. He heard some music. He listened carefully and found it was his F sonata. He followed the music and came to a small house. There through the window, he saw a girl playing a very old piano and a young man was making shoes beside her, he pushed the door open and went in. The host received him very warmly and told him that the girl was his sister, who was blind but very fond of music. They couldn't afford to send her to a master. So she was only trying to play some music she heard the neighbors play. She knew it was the work of a great composer. Beethoven was very much moved. Suddenly the candle was blown out. Moonlight struck on the girl's slender figure. Then Beethoven played music for them. He played so wonderful that the brother and sister were amazed. That was his famous Clair de lune. Beethoven played some music _ . A. before he was moved B. as soon as he came in C. when he saw the piano D. after he heard the moving story Answer: D. after he heard the moving story Generations of children grew up reading comic books secretly, hiding out from parents and teachers who saw them as a waste of time and a risk to young minds. Comics are now gaining a new respectability at school. That is thanks to an increasingly popular and creative program, often aimed at struggling readers, that encourages children to plot, write and draw comic books, in many cases using themes from their own lives. The Comic Book Project was started in 2001 by Michael Bitz at an elementary school in Queens. Since its creation, the program, which is mainly conducted after school, has spread to more than 850 schools across the country. It has gotten a big push from the craze among teenagers for comic book clubs and for Manga, a wildly popular variety of comic from Japan. The point is not to drop a comic book on a child's desk and say "read this". Rather, the workshops give groups of students the opportunity to work together on stories and characters that they then revise, publish and share with others in their communities. Teachers are finding it easier to teach writing and grammar with material that students are fully invested in . And it turns out that comic books have other built-in advantages. The pairing of visual and written plotlines that they rely on appear to be especially helpful to struggling readers. No one is suggesting that comic books should take the place of traditional books or for standard reading and composition lessons. Teachers who would once have dismissed comics out of hand are learning to use a style that clearly has a powerful hold on young minds. They are using what works. The main purpose of the Comic Book Project is to _ . A. develop the cooperation among teenagers B. make sure that students live a rich and color1ful life after school C. help students who have some difficulty in reading D. popularize a new method of teaching Answer: D. popularize a new method of teaching
What is TOVIAZ? TOVIAZ is a medicine used in adults to treat the symptoms of a condition called overactive bladder . Who is TOVIAZ for? Adults 18 years older with symptoms of overactive bladder. Don't take TOVIAZ if you: Your stomach empties slowly. Have eye problems. Are allergic to any ingredients of TOVIAZ. Possible side effects of TOVIAZ Dry mouth. Constipation Dry eyes. Trouble empting the bladder These aren't all possible side effects of TOVIAZ. For a complete list, ask your doctor. How to take TOVIAZ: Your doctor may give you the lower 4mg dose of TOVIAZ if you have severe kidney problem. Take TOVIAZ with liquid and swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, divide or crush the tablet. You can take TOVIAZ with or without food. If you miss a dose of TOVIAZ, start taking it again the next day. Things you should keep in mind when taking TOVIAZ: Decreased sweating and severe heat illness can occur when medicines such as TOVIAZ are used in hot environments. Drinking alcohol while taking TOVIAZ may cause increased sleepiness. The main function of TOVIAZ is to treat _ . overactive bladder An old man in a faded yellow shirt sat in a windowless room on a raised concrete form. The only source of heat came from somewhere beneath the plastic mattress and the rough blanket the blank-faced police woman had handed him after taking his thumb prints. He heard voices and metallic clang as the cell door swung open. At the front desk a tired looking policeman handed the old man back his belongings, his worn-out cap and the Seiko watch that had stopped working the day his beloved Evelyn left. The policeman dramatically held the blue plastic bag at an arm's length to the old man who took it and made sure its contents were undamaged: the goat meat, palm oil, leaves and spices. He ignored the confused expression on the officer's face and signed the document declaring he had been returned the possessions they had taken off him the night before. No one spoke to him as he walked slowly towards the exit. "Mr. Easy-nwa?" He stopped and prayed to the God who now took care of Evelyn to please take him far away from this unhappy place of expressionless faces, clipped accents and people who did not even attempt to pronounce his name right. "Ezenwa," He said and looked at a woman with tangerine lips, her name tag said Jessica Harlow, Social Services. "A bit far from home,,,she said as she drove fast and with confidence the way Evelyn used to. He wondered if she meant the 50 miles from Liverpool or the 50,000 miles from Enugu,a city in Nigeria. He did not bother replying as this woman had plenty to say about the weather, bad drivers, her daughter's school play... At last she drew up outside the block of flats where he lived. "Got here in the end",said she seriously, "Really Mr. Easy-nwa, if you keep getting lost, we will have to consider moving you into a home". "No need, I was not lost,,,he answered. He carefully rolled up the sleeves of the oversize bomber jacket he wore and turned on the tap to wash his hands, relieved the pipes were not frozen. In a clean pan he placed the chopped pieces of goat meat. The herbs and spices that had taken him three months to track down, the uziza seeds had taken him into the heart of Granby Market in Liverpool, his uchanwu leaves down a shady back alley in Manchester, and yesterday, among other food items, the finest goat meat from a Sierra Leonean Butcher in Birmingham. That had taken some time, so much he missed the last train and when the police found him shivering outside the locked up station, so cold he couldn't answer loudly enough the pink-faced big copper who yelled in his face, "What's your name sir?" spraying his face with spittle as he did so, leaving them with no choice but to search an exhausted, frozen old black man and finding him in possession of mysterious condiments including a bag of dried bitter-leaf which could of course be mistaken for anything that resulted in him getting read his rights and charged with ...possession??? He lifted the lid of the bubbling soup, the room was filled with the rich and spicy scent of his culinary effort. He served two bowls, taking the chipped one and placing the other opposite where Evelyn would have sat. He would tell her about his adventure, it was their anniversary and this was the perfect pepper soup to celebrate. Ken Onyia, UK (Nigeria) Commonwealth Sport Short Story Prize Mr. Ezenwa was taken to the prison for a night because _ . he was suspected of possessing drugs Aunt Polly had told Tom to paint the whole fence in front of the house. He thought of the other boys out for the day enjoying themselves and he felt very unhappy. Then he had an idea! He picked up the brush and started painting slowly and carefully. Soon, his friend Ben Rogers appeared, eating an apple. Tom pretended not to see him. "Tom!" Ben said. "Why are you working?" "Oh, it's you, Ben,"Tom said, "I didn't notice you." "I'm gong for a swim," Ben said, "but you don't' want to come. You want to work, don't you? It's much nicer!" Ben laughed loudly. Tom looked seriously at Ben and said. "What is work? What do you call work?" "Isn't that work?" Ben asked. "Well, no. Does a boy get the _ to paint a fence every day? You've never painted a fence, have you? Auntie says I have to do it with great care!' "Pleas, Tom. Let me do a little," said Ben. "No, Ben. If you do, you'll do it wrong. You can't paint very well. If it was the back fence wouldn't mind, but it isn't." "I won't do it wrong. I'll be really careful. I'll give you my apple." Tom gave him the brush and paint with a sad face, but in his heart he was glad, His trick had worked. After Ben got tired and left, other boys came along and Tom said the same things to them. Soon, the whole fence was painted white, but not by Tom. He felt very clever because he had discovered something important about the way people are. People only want what they can't have or want to do what they shouldn't do. What can we infer from the story? Tom believed that he had discovered how to deal with different people. Special trees that grow faster, fight pollution, produce better wood, and even sense chemical attacks are being planted by scientists in the US. When 40 per cent of Hawaii's US$14 million-a-year papaya industry was destroyed by a virus five years ago, work began on creating genetically engineered trees. Researchers successfully introduced seeds that were designed to resist the virus.Since then, more and more people have been testing genetically engineered trees.Some researchers put special bacteria into trees to help them grow faster and produce better wood.Others are trying to create trees that can clean polluted soil.Meanwhile fruit farmers are looking for trees that are strong enough to resist worms, and paper companies want trees that produce more wood and therefore more paper. The Pentagon even gave the researchers US$500,000 this year after they developed a pine tree that changes its colours if it senses a chemical attack.So far, the poplar, eucalyptus , apple and coffee trees are among those being engineered.All this can be done today because we have a better understanding of tree genomes . However, some people fear that the genetically engineered trees will cause dangerous results.They are worried that the new trees will breed with natural species and change the balance of the forest environment. "It could be destructive," said Jim Diamond, an environmentalist. "Trees are what is left of our natural environment and home to many endangered species." But researchers insist that science could give nature a fighting chance against both natural and man-made dangers.They hope to answer the critics by stopping the new trees from breeding, so their effect on the environment can be controlled. What caused the American scientists to work on special trees? Great numbers of trees have been lost due to attacks by viruses. Two years ago,Wendy Hasnip,47,experienced a brain injury that left her speechless for two weeks.When she finally recovered.she found herself talking with what seemed to be a French accent."I phoned a friend the other day, and she spent the first ten minutes laughing."Hasnip said at the time."While I have nothing against the French." Hasnip suffered from foreign accent syndrome ,am condition in which people find themselves speaking their own language like someone from a foreign country.The condition usually occurs in people who have experienced a head injury or a stroke a sudden loss of consciousness,sensation,or movement caused by a blocked or broken blood vessel in the brain. The condition was first identified during the Second World War in a Norwegian woman whose head was injured during an attack by the German military.The woman recovered but was left with a German-sounding accent,to the horror of fellow villagers who avoided her after that. Researchers have discovered that the combined effect of the damage to several parts of the brain makes victims lengthen certain syllable,mispronounce sounds,and change the normal pitch of their voice.Those changes in speech add up to what sounds like a foreign accent. Another researcher,a phonetician ,says victims of the syndrome don't acquire at me foreign accent.Their strangely changed speech only resembles the foreign accent with which it has a few sounds in common. When an English woman named Annie recently developed foreign accent syndrome after a stroke.she spoke with what seemed to be a Scottish accent.However.Annie's Scottish coworkers said she didn't sound at at like a Scot. According to the passage,people_may have foreign accent syndrome. who have lest their consciousness owing to a stroke
The English, as a race, are very different in many ways from all other nationalities, including their closest neighbors, the French, the Belgians and the Dutch. It is claimed that living on an island separated from the rest of Europe has much to do with it. Whatever the reasons are, it may be fairly stated that the Englishman has developed many attitudes and habits which distinguish him from other nationalities. Broadly speaking, the Englishman is a quiet, shy, reserved person who is fully relaxed only among people he knows well. In the presence of strangers or foreigners he often seems _ , even embarrassed. You have only to witness a city train any morning or evening to see the truth of this. Serious-looking businessmen and women sit reading their newspapers or having a light sleep in a corner, and no one speaks. In fact, to do so would seem most unusual. An Englishman, pretending to be giving advice to overseas visitors, once suggested, "On entering a railway carriage, shake hands with all the passengers." Needless to say, he was not being serious. There is an unwritten but clearly understood code of behavior which, if broken, makes the person immediately suspected. In many parts of the world it is quite normal to show openly extremes of enthusiasm, emotion, excitement, etc, often accompanied by appropriate gesture. The Englishman is somewhat different. Of course, an Englishman feels no less deeply than anyone of a different nationality, but he tends to display his feelings far less. This is reflected in his use of language. Imagine a man commenting on the great beauty of a young girl. A more emotional man might describe her state "Oh, she is a goddess", whereas an Englishman might just say "Oh, she's all right." An Englishman who has seen a highly successful and enjoyable film recommends it to a friend by commenting, "It's not bad you know", or on seeing some very unusual scenery he might convey his pleasure by saying, "Nice, yes, very nice." The overseas visitor must not be disappointed by this apparent lack of interest and involvement. Instead, he must realize that "all right," "not bad," and "nice," very often have the sense of "first-class," "excellent," "beautiful". This unique style of language use is particularly common in England, and is known as restrained statement. In Britain, if you don't want other people to think you are strange, you'd better _ . Answer: The summer of 2012 was full of reports of extreme weather: one of the warmest years on record in the US, the wettest summer in the UK, and the worst drought in East Africa. In short, extreme weather seems to be becoming the new normal. Weather extremes are not that extreme any more. Heatwaves, droughts and wildfires are the new reality of a warming world. And this should not come as a surprise. Scientists have been warning for years that as the planet heats up, we will have to deal with more dreadful weather. Although not every extreme weather event is the result of climate change, scientists are now much more confident about connecting weather events with climate change. In 2011, the UK had a warm November. Researchers say that it was at least 60 times more likely to happen because of climate change than because of natural changes in the earth's weather systems. All the news shows that climate breakdown is occurring faster than most climate scientists had expected. But isn't it too expensive to stop the climate from changing? Well, yes it costs. So everything is just as usual. It would be wrong to believe that to let things continue as they always do is the cheap choice. Instead, it is very expensive. Just one example: droughts in the US, Russia and the Ukraine sent food prices to a record high. According to the World Bank, the price for corn increased by 113% in some markets in Mozambique and in Sudan. This is the kind of cost that often gets ignored. I believe intelligent climate action can help create new opportunities for jobs in Europe, for encouraging creativity and competitiveness, for spending less money on energy. According to the passage, in 2012 _ . Answer: House For Sale Red Rose Garden, Pudong 3-story home, 509 sqm total land area, 428.8 sqm built-in, 312.2 sqm garden. Asking RMB 13 million (USD 1.57 million). MP: 13761973547 Tel: 021-58609228 Fax: 021-58609728 Job Wanted Cherry, 24, a shining girl, good at oral English and Putonghua. Now I am working at an international trade company in Guangzhou. I am kind-hearted, hard-working and healthy, and would like part-time weekend work offering Putonghua lessons to foreign friends. If you are interested, please email me at _ . Beijing Snow World Ski Park Price: 18 yuan (ticket), 50 yuan/hour on weekdays and 70 yuan/hour on weekends, 120 yuan/four hours on weekdays and 190 yuan/four hours on weekends. Tel : 010-69191617 If he goes skiing on _ in Beijing Snow World Ski Park, Nick has to pay more money than on Tuesday. Answer: Organic foods are foods produced according to strict guidelines set forth by the government. These guidelines state that organic foods must be produced without modern man-made processes and materials, such as man-made pesticides and chemical fertilizers . For most of history, almost all foods were organic. However, during the 20th century, the principles of the Industrial Revolution were applied to agriculture. This led to the development of many man-made processes that were believed to improve farming techniques. In other words, small farms grew larger as the ideas that were used by factories and big business were put into action to grow more food. Over time, the organic movement started to get back to the old, traditional methods of farming. Those in favor of organic foods believe that man-made chemicals and pesticides used in modern farming can be harmful to your health. They also believe that organic foods are more nutritious . If you go to the store, you will notice that organic foods may be more expensive than non-organic foods. Are organic foods worth the extra cost? Some people believe they are. Despite the lack of scientific findings to support their thoughts, many people still prefer organic foods because they think they taste better, while others don't care much about that because they say they haven't found out the differences. If you wonder whether you should choose an organic food instead of a non-organic one, the best thing you can do is to try it by yourself and see which you prefer. Although organic foods were once only available in health food stores, you can find them today at most stores. Where can we probably find this passage? Answer: Just 25 years ago, the top three career hopes for young people in Britain were teacher, banker and doctor.Now, they want to be sports star, pop star and actor, according to survey by the Guardian newspaper. Rachel, a character in the popular TV show Glee, may be said to speak for British teenagers."Nowadays being nobody is worse than being poor." He said. Emma Brockes, a reporter with the Guardian, believes it is "the bad influence of celebrity culture" that is to blame."When children wanted to be doctor, it wasn't because they were really more interested in the functions of human organs than they are now; you go where the respect is." She wrote. It could explain why there has been such an increase in levels of anxiety and depression.Dr Carlo Stranger, of Tel Aviv University, studied the sense of self for his new book The Fear of Insignificance: Searching for Meaning in the 21st Century.He told the Daily Mail that young people now are "affected by the close connection to the global entertainment network, which has turned ranking and rating people according to wealth and celebrity into an obsession ." "As humans, we naturally measure ourselves to those around us, but now we live in a global village.We are comparing ourselves with the most 'important' people in the world and finding ourselves wanting," he said.Today, even high achievers constantly fear that they are insignificant when they compare themselves to success stories in the media. The way out? Simply stop measuring your achievement through a fantasy of wealth and celebrity.Dr Strenger said that it is a process called "active self-acceptance through a constant search for self-knowledge through life." "The fear of insignificance can only be overcome through strong individual and cultural identity over and above measurable achievement," he said. Nowadays, young people in Britain want to_. Answer:
There are some strange driving laws in different countries. Vietnam: If you're in Vietnam without a Vietnamese driver's license, you risk a prison sentence of up to 3years. Russia: In Moscow, if your car is dirty enough to draw dust art, you will be fined about 2,000 rubles. Worse yet, it's not legal to wash your car by hand in public places--forcing you to take it to one of the few car wash facilities. Thailand: Drivers--males or females--can't drive shirtless, whether it's a car, a bus or a tuk-tuk. France: France requires its drivers to carry a potable breathalyzer all the time when driving a car. The one-time breathalyzer cost around US $ 5, and if you don't have one, you will be fined US $ 15. Cyprus: Raising your hands in the car can get you fined of US $ 35. The law states a driver can be fined if the person is not in a regular position inside the car or raises his hands from the steering wheel unnecessarily. Japan: Politeness isn't just the culture in Japan; it's part of driving laws. Splashing a person by driving through a puddle with your car will cost you over US $ 60. The country is also strict with its DUI laws---riding with or lending your car to a driver who gets caught drinking can lead to a fine costing thousands of dollars. If you are fined thousands of dollars in Japan, you may have been _ . A in an irregular position in your car. B sitting in a car with a drunken driver. C splashing a person with mud. D impolite to other drivers. Answer: B Rocks and Earth and on the Moon are made of similar materials. What does this observation most likely suggest? A Both the Moon and Earth split off from the Sun. B Life must have existed on the Moon at one time. C The Moon was probably formed from material from Earth. D The whole solar system is made up of the same kinds of rocks. Answer: C Since the end of World War I (WWI) in 1918,Canadians, and millions of others around the world have paused at the 11thhour of the 11thday of the 11thmonth to honour the sacrifices our soldiers have made in different wars, fighting for the freedoms that we all enjoy today. Known as Remembrance Day, the day originated as a tribute to the soldiers of WWI, a dark period for our young country, which claimed the lives of over 60,000 military personnel and civilians and over 16 million dead worldwide. As there are no more surviving soldiers of WWI,today we rely on the wisdom and words of those soldiers who fought in the wars that followed,and this day now also recognizes their heroic contribution. They tell us to always remember what those brave souls fought for, and all they ask in return is that we never forget. That's why we wear the red poppy ;that's why when we see a soldier in uniform we should stop him or her and say "Thank you" ; that's why we take a pause from our busy lives for two short minutes today to honor that request. Yet this message is fading away, year after year. Take for example the terrible decision to allow parents to excuse students from Remembrance Day ceremonies at school. Not only is this disrespectful, it distances the student from his or her classmates. It is difficult to understand why any Canadian parent would want to remove their child from the time-honored tradition of reading the poem In Flanders Fields, while a wreath of poppies is laid. It is more important than ever to teach school-aged children about our history,no matter how violent it was. Sheltering them from the realities of war is a great disservice. Understanding why conflicts happened, or happen today, can help shape choices and decisions they make as adults. Of course, because we live in a free society, we cannot force an individual to do something. _ is unfortunate, but some parents now have their child "opt-out" of the services. These people should be reminded they are free to make such choices only because of the men and women the rest of us are remembering. Which of the following is true about Remembrance Day? A It's only held in Canada. B Its ceremony lasts 11 hours. C It falls on November 11 theach year. D It's to celebrate the country's independence. Answer: C Artistic Skates Artistic roller skates are made up of a leather boot, very strong sole plate, and a jump bar that adds extra force. The boot sits a few inches above the ankle, providing more support for the foot. Jam Skates Jam skates are the most different roller skates because of their special low-cut design and lack of toe stop. That's right: there is no brake. But the original jam skate design was different, resembling an artistic skate. Jam skating is more about personal expression rather than speed skating. The free-flowing movements of jam skating have been given many names. But regardless of its name, jam skating has always been about expression and passion. Speed Skates A speed skate resembles a shoe. The cut of the boot is lower. Speed skates typically offer lightweight plates to reduce exhaustion for skating long distances. Jam skates have preferred speed skates because they offer a similar design and freedom of movement. The most obvious difference is that a speed skate features a toe stop, unlike a jam skate that uses a toe plug. Rhythm Skates Rhythm skates are similar to jam skates. The difference between them lies in the boot design. In fact, the boot design looks very similar to an artistic skate, essentially providing you with the ankle support benefits of an artistic skate, but the freedom of movement of a jam skate. If you want a skate that allows you to move to the beat, which added ankle support, the rhythm skate is the ideal choice. If you want to skate to music, which of the following is the best choice? A Rhythm skates B Jam skates C Speed skates D Artistic skates Answer: A Liang Huili is the leader of Huana International Volunteer Service Group,with hundreds of students, young professionals and business leaders. They held a basketball match to help 150 poor students in western China with school supplies and winter clothes. She also worked with an organization in the US to raise money for children with heart disease. Born in Guangdong Province in 1942, Liang moved with her family to Taiwan at the age of seven. Liang taught at a primary school for seven years until her boyfriend went to America in 1969, one year after they got married. "We didn't have much money," she says, " so I started babysitting for other Chinese families and taking care of my own daughter at the same time." She also taught children Chinese at Chinese schools. What's more, she would help newly arrived Chinese families find apartments and work, and sometimes lend them money. "I remember those students from China who first came in 1986. They didn't have much money, and idea of what to do," Liang told us. " I then asked people in my neighborhood and my Chinese friends for donations -not only some money but also small electronic appliances needed for daily living." One of her experiences in Dayton, Ohio made her want to make volunteering a vocation . She remembers how she once collected two Chinese professors who had missed their flight and had no one there to pick them up. A friend told Liang about it, and she went to meet them herself around midnight. She found the men feeling lost in that strange country, where no one spoke their language. They didn't want to go to an American hotel, and didn't know how they would get to Columbus the next day. " So I talk to them and took them home with me," she says, " and today, I am still in touch with those two professors. We are good friends." Liang helped poor students in western China by _ . A holding a basketball match B working with an American organization C asking her Chinese friends for donations D taking the poor students to her home Answer: A
Which technological advancement has done the most to improve the accuracy of weather predictions? Answer: satellites When you are in England, you must be very careful in the streets because the traffic drives on the left. Before you cross a street, you must look to the right first and then left. If the traffic lights are red, the traffic must stop. Then the people on foot can cross the road. If the traffic lights are green, the traffic can go. People on foot mustn't cross. In the morning and in the evening when people go to or come from work, the streets are very busy. Traffic is most dangerous then. When you go by bus in England, you have to be careful, too. Always remember the traffic moves on the left. So you must be careful. Have a look first or you will go the wrong way. In many English cities, there are big buses with two floors. You can sit on the second floor. From there you can see the city very clearly. It's very interesting. Which is the best title ? Answer: Traffic in England -For five days, Edmonton's Downtown Park is transformed into one huge stage where artists are able to share their talents, and where people are able to celebrate and enjoy themselves. Since its beginning in 1980, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival has been commemorating the true feeling of what folk music is all about and that's the traditional togetherness that is felt when people gather to share stories and feelings through song. This year will be the sixth year when volunteer Riedel will be offering up her time to the festival. "People coming off a busy spring and summer have a moment of relaxation," Riedel said. "It's really easy to relax, and it's great seeing family and friends have fun together." These families and friends come from all different kinds of musical tastes. People who take pleasure in Blues are there, so are people who love Bluegrass. This festival does its best to develop everyone's musical interests. With so many years of experience, the festival has become a well-oiled machine, and does whatever it can to make attendees feel as comfortable as possible. There are free water stations throughout the venue for people to fill up their travel cups. When people buy food, reusable dishes are given a $2 plate fee, but that is returned when the plate is brought back. The festival has completely sold out of tickets, and in record time. But with big names such as Van Morrison and Jakob Dylan, it's easy to see how that was going to happen. There is no parking area during the festival, so using the Park & Ride system or Edmonton Transit is highly recommended. A bike lock-up area is provided and will be available Thursday until Sunday one hour before the gates open until 45 minutes after the gates close. The Edmonton Folk Music Festival begins on Wednesday, Aug. 4 with Van Morrison playing the special donation fund concert, and will finish up on Sunday, Aug. 8. We can learn from the passage that _ . Answer: the Edmonton Folk Music Festival is well organized. Young children whose mothers talk with them more frequently and in more detail about people's thoughts and feelings tend to be better at taking another person's perspective than other children of the same age. That's what researchers from the University of Western Australia found in a new study published in the journal Child Development. "Parents who frequently put themselves in someone else's shoes in conversations with their children make it more likely their children will be able to do the same," said lead author Brad Farrant. Researchers of the UWA's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research looked at the influence of how parents interact with their children to learn more about how people develop the ability to take another's perspective. The two-year study involved more than 120 Australian children aged between four and six, including children with typically developing language and others delayed in language acquisition . The children completed tasks which were designed to assess their language skills, ability to infer others' beliefs and use these to predict others' behavior, and their ability to shift flexibly between different perspectives. Among children with typically developing language, the researchers found that mothers who talked more often and in greater detail about people's thoughts and feelings -- commenting on how another person might react to a particular situation as well as their own feelings about the topic -- had children with better language skills and better perspective-taking skills. Children with delayed language acquisition were also delayed in their development of perspective-taking skills. This displays the role played by language as children develop the ability to take another's perspective. "Solving the many challenges that the world faces today requires us all to get better at taking the perspective of other people," said Brad Farrant. Which have an effect on the development of children's perspective-taking skills? Answer: Language skills. The Greek philosopher Aristotle described matter with the phrase "unable to be divided." The modern concept that grew from Aristotle's idea is the Answer: atom.
American teenager Thomas Cheatham had planned to study Latin during his sophomore year at Hebron High School in Texas. But when he learned that the school district was going to offer a Mandarin class, he quickly changed his mind. "I thought it (Mandarin) would be more beneficial than Latin," said Cheatham, who is now in his second year of studying the language. He speaks Mandarin to order food at Chinese restaurants and can read Face book posts from his Chinese-speaking friends. While it'a difficult language to master, the high school junior, who plans to study computer engineering, thinks it will be a valuable thing in his career. "Chinese is a good language to know, especially with China becoming a growing power," he said. Many experts agree that proficiency in a language spoken by a billion people worldwide will give American students an edge in the global economy. "People are looking at China as our next economic competitor, and interest in Mandarin is growing,'' said Marty Abbott, executive director of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. ''We're seeing it in all parts of the country." The number of students studying Mandarin in public schools nationwide in grades 7 through 12 grew from 20,000 in 2004-2005 to 60,000 three years later, according to the council's most recent survey. Abbott estimates that as many as 100,000 students are now studying Mandarin, in public and private schools, throughout the nation. She said the US government has considered Mandarin to be an "important needs" language and provides professional development programs for teachers. "Our government wants to increase our language ability for national security and economic competitiveness," Abbott said. At the same time, the Chinese government is spreading knowledge of the Chinese language and culture through Confucius Institutes established in many states. The Confucius Institute at the University of Texas in Dallas, founded in 2007, opens Confucius Classrooms at 11 local public and private schools where more than 700 students are learning Mandarin. Many experts in America agree that _ . Learn to relax. Overwork is the main reason why so many students feel tired and stressed . Cut down some of the jobs you need to do each day so that you can only focus on the most important things. Leave time for activities that are relaxing and fun. This might mean reading a good book, listening to the music, going for a walk or taking a relaxing bath. Get a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep will help you keep your body and mind in the best form. If you stay up late and need to get up early for school the next day, you may not be able to concentrate on the things you need to do. Exercise regularly and eat well. Don't rush through your meals. Eat less junk food or fast food. Eat healthy food instead. Get to know pleasant people. Some people are _ , while others not. Choose optimistic people as your friends and spend more time with them and you'll be as happy as them. Learn to be calm when you face any problem. Find out the best option from those that are in your mind. Knowing that you are able to solve problems is a good way to build up your self-confidence . Have a happy attitude . Your attitude decides the way you see things. Is your cup half full or half empty? Learn to think more positively about the difficulties you face. What's the main idea of the article? People live all over world. They live on land that is low. They live on land that is high. Some live near the oceans. Others live far from the oceans. Earth has many different kinds of lands. In some places, the land is flat . Flat lands are called plains . Some parts of Earth have hills. Hills are higher than the land around them. But hills are lower than mountains. Did you ever try to ride your bicycle up a hill? Some parts of Earth touch oceans. These parts are called _ . Some lands have water all around them. These lands are called islands. Earth has many different bodies of water, too. You know about the oceans. There are very large bodies of water. The water in the oceans is salty. There are also smaller bodies of water called lakes. Lakes have land all around them. Rivers carry water from the land. They are long bodies of running water. The water in rivers is not salty. Most lakes do not have salty water, either. According To the passage, which sentence is TRUE? It is football time again.Currently, the qualifying rounds are being played to decide which countries will send teams to the next World Cup.Some Soccer is becoming more and more popular on a worldwide scale and these qualifying legs are causing much excitement. The game is popular at club level as well.Many fans go every week to support their teams, whether the event is a home or away one, hoping to get a result.They all hope an attacking game, with a lot of goals being scored.Obviously, they do not want to see a boring, defensive match where the players are aimlessly passing the ball to each other. Sadly, not all the action always takes place on the ground.All too frequently, there is action in the stands, too.Football supporters, most of whom declare their loyalty , by wearing their team colors, in the form of shirts, are not known for their quiet behavior.They are often very noisy, shouting noisy encouragement to their team and singing deafening songs. There is much rivalry between supporters.Mostly, this is good-natured, but trouble can easily arise.Fans get angry if they feel that a referee has made a wrong decision, perhaps giving one of their team a red or yellow card unfairly, or perhaps failing to notice a foul committed by a member of the other team. When trouble breaks out in a football crowd, it can be difficult to control.Stadium officials often seat the opposing fans in separate parts of the ground as a precaution against fighting. However, preventing trouble is more difficult outside the ground.In the worst cases, riot police have to be called in. Unfortunately, there are some fans who enjoy this violent aspect of football.These football hooligans really enjoy a running battle with the police, and call up other people to throw stones and bottles at them.They regard football not only as a sport, but as an excuse for trouble makings.Inevitably, their behavior spoils the reputation of the game. The qualifying rounds are played to _ . Mr. Baker lived in an old and low house. His wife was blind in both eyes and the two children were very young. All his family often went hungry(.) He had nothing but a small piece of field. One autumn he grew some wheat in his field. He hoped it would do well because all family would depend on it. The whole winter it often snowed. And the next spring the wheat was doing well. Mr. Baker was happy. One day Mr. Baker went to watch his wheat. To his surprise, a lot of crops were eaten up by a horse. He became angry but could not find out whose horse had eaten them. He thought the horse would go there again. So he decided to stay in his field and tried to catch the horse. A few days later a yellow horse came in his field again and began to eat the wheat. Mr. Baker ran after it quickly, with a stick in his hand. But the beast ran much faster than he. He tried his best, but could not catch up with it. The next morning, when Mr. Baker was working in his field, he saw the yellow horse pulling carriage on the road. He picked up a stick at once, ran closer to the horse and began to beat it up. The driver was surprised and stopped him. He asked, "Why are you beating my horse?" "It has nothing to do with you, " Mr. Baker said angrily. "The beast knows why I'm beating him!" What was Mr. Baker?
There's sweetness in the lies parents tell their kids, which is a very good thing, since they tell a lot of them. The lies -- nearly all of them harmless -- may differ depending on the family. But from culture to culture, there's one tall tale nearly all parents tell, and they tell it repeatedly: "We do not have a favorite child." Mom and Dad will say it seriously. They'll repeat it endlessly, and in many cases, they'll be lying through their teeth. It's one of the worst kept secrets of family life that all parents have a preferred son or daughter, and the rules for acknowledging it are the same everywhere: The favored kids recognize their status and keep quiet about it -- the better to preserve the good thing they've got going and to keep their siblings off their back. The unfavored kids howl about it like wounded cats. And on pain of death, the parents deny it all. The stonewalling is understandable. Most parents want to spare unfavored kids the hurt that the truth could cause. Moreover, the court of public opinion can respond pitilessly -- even furiously -- to moms or dads who speak the forbidden truth. Last March, a mother of two wrote a post on the website Babble.com under the headline I THINK I LOVE MY SON JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE. The mom went on at length describing the greater warmth she feels for her baby boy compared with her baby girl and even included a photo of herself and her unfavored daughter. She was, predictably, severely criticized. "Please work on your issues lady!" said one typical response. "I feel ly horrible for your daughter!" read another. But then there was this: "I completely understand. I too feel this way." The hard truth is, most parents do. In one research, Catherine Conger, a professor at the University of California at Davis, studied a group of 384 sibling pairs and their parents and visited them three times over three years. She questioned them about their relationships and videotaped them as they worked through conflicts. Overall, she concluded that 65% of mothers and 70% of fathers exhibited a preference for one child, usually the older one. And the real numbers can be much bigger, since parents try especially hard to hide their preferences when a researcher is watching. If the scientists don't see through the trick, however, kids usually do -- and act accordingly. From the moments they're born, brothers and sisters constantly compete for the precious resource of parental attention, each fighting to establish an identity that will best catch Mom's or Dad's eye. I'm the smartest one! I'm the funny one! It's hard to predict the _ from favoritism. Being the favorite may improve self-esteem and confidence. But studies show it can also leave kids with a sense of arrogance and privilege. Unfavored children may grow up wondering if they're somehow unworthy of the love the parents gave generously to the golden child. But they may do better at forming relationships outside the family as a result of that. And there's no telling how the differential treatment will play out among the kids. "My mom didn't like my older sister and did like me," says Roseann Henry, an editor and the married mother of two girls. "Everyone assumed I had it great, except that my sister tortured me pretty much all the time -- and really, what affects daily life more for a kid, the approval of a parent or the day-to-day torture of an older sister?" The favored kids keep it a secret that they are the preferred ones probably because _ . they want to keep the benefits One morning, Charley, a little green frog, was sitting in a pond by the side of the road. Wanda, the neighborhood witch , was walking along the road. She was a good witch and dreamt to become a fairy godmother who can save people from trouble with magic powers. Wanda had been learning fairy godmother magic for 103 years. That morning, she decided to try the magic she had learned and bring happiness to others. Seeing Wanda, Charley cried, "Hi, Wanda." "Hi, Charley," replied Wanda, "I have a surprise for you." Then, Wanda waved her wand , said a magic word, and Charley turned into a prince! When Charley-turned-prince looked at himself in the water, he cried, "Hey! You turned me into a prince! It's a surprise all right, but I don't want to be a prince! Change me back right now!" "Oh, dear," Wanda said. "you shouted so loud that I forgot the way to change you back. But who wouldn't rather be a prince?" "I wouldn't!" cried Charley. "I want to be a frog!" He stuck out his tongue, missing a bug flying by the end of his nose. "Look at that, Wanda! I was a good fly catcher. But now, this tongue is too short! Please change me back!" "I can't, Charley. But you'll learn to be happy as a prince." She waved her wand, and suddenly a castle appeared. Out of the castle dozens of musicians were playing various instruments. "Charley! You'll have servants, eat delicious foods, and you can sing and dance and snap fingers ." "No!" Charley interrupted. "I don't want all these! I want bugs!" Charley cried. "I don't want to sing and dance! And why would I do something as silly as snapping my fingers?" "Snapping fingers!" cried out Wanda. "That's what I forgot!" She snapped her fingers, cried "Upsi-doodle!" and the castle and musicians disappeared and the prince became a little green frog." Charley looked at himself in the water. " _ , Wanda. Oh, happy day! I'm a frog." "I must apologize, Charley," Wanda said, "you are a happy frog. I should know this a moment ago." According to the passage, which of the following conclusions can we get? Just be yourself London--- A mother has criticised "selfish" passers-by for failing to help her teenage son after he fainted on a packed tram platform. Oliver Tiplady was on his way to school when he fainted at the tram stop. But instead of helping the 14-year-old, who was in school uniform,those nearby simply walked around him. Her mother, Susan Tiplady , said, "How can people leave a child for that matter, on the floor like that? How could they all have ignored him? They must have lacked any basic humanity and had no piry on a child." She said her son regained consciousness about ten minutes after fainting at the tram stop last week. "He managed to get up and sit down before his friends turned up, but by then he was too embarrassed to tell them what had happened. It wasn't until he got to school that he told a teacher." she added. BEIJING - At least 15 pupils were confirmed dead after a school bus rolled over in Xuzhou, East China's Jiangsu province. The accident occurred around 6 pm on Monday .There were 29 pupils on the bus .The bus was traveling on the road when two electric bikes suddenly cut in and the driver was trying to avoid them.. The bus was produced by Shaolin Auto Co Ltd in Henan province and had a full capacity of 52 passengers. South Korea ---South Korea's largest mobile phone operator said Thursday that it will offer cell phone users a new noise service that it says will drive away mosquitoes . SK Telecom Co. said consumers can pay 3,000 won ( ) ($2.50) to download a sound wave that can't be heard by human ears but annoys mosquitoes within a range of three feet. Customers can then play the sound just by hitting a few buttons on their mobile phones. The company claimed that the service worked during tests .The service, which begins Monday, has one drawback: it consumes as much battery power as normal cell phone rings. According to the passage , we know the service of the cell phone _ . is easy to operate but a bit energy-consuming Starting high school means many changes in your life. Most teenagers look forward to the first day of high school, but still feel a little bit nervous. In order to make your high school life easier, you can follow these tips. Learn all you can about your first day before the first day. Take part in some activities that are held at the school for new students to know the school better. If parents are invited to these activities, take yours with you. Carefully look over all the materials you receive. Be sure you know where the school's buildings are. Get the things you will need for class. Buy the things suggested on your teachers' supply lists and place your materials for each class separately. Keep up with your high school workload . If you find you're not doing well in a subject, make use of after-school study groups or ask your teacher to help you with your schoolwork. Consider private tutoring to get you through a difficult time. There're more extracurricular activities in high school than in middle school, such as clubs, music and theater groups, student government, and sports teams. Make friends and be seen at such school activities. Join a club or other organizations to meet people and develop friendships. Ask someone in school activities if you don't know how. This is a good time to do what you like doing and an opportunity to try new things. Who said school has to be all work and no play? Since you'll attend more activities in high school than in middle school, you'll have to learn how to manage you time... The writer wrote this passage to _ . tell us how to live an easier life in high school. If a field is planted with something that will be sold later in the refrigerated section, then that something was intended to be consumed by toddlers
I'm Larry. I'm really good at selling things. I also love helping people. But I'm not so good at solving problems. I think I'd like to be a salesman or detective . I'm Anita. I really like doing things with my hands. I also enjoy working with wood. I don't enjoy working in the same place every day, and I hate being in noisy places. I think I'd like to be a factory worker or a carpenter . I'm Jill. I'm good at explaining things and I really like children. I can't stand working long hours. I think I'd like to be a doctor or a teacher. I'm Maria. I'm really interested in meeting people, and I enjoy wearing different clothes every day. I'm not so good at organizing my time and I can't stand computers. I am going to be a model. I'm Jim. I enjoy helping people, but I can't stand working nights and weekends. I want to be a nurse or a social worker. Maria likes _ . Answer: A and B The White family moves to a new city, but Mrs White's son, Bob, is not happy, because he doesn't have any friends to play with there. "Don't worry!" says Mrs White, "you'll soon make friends here." One morning, there is a knock on the door. Mrs White opens it and sees their neighbour Mrs Miller standing there. She comes to borrow two eggs to make some cakes. Mrs White gives her two eggs. In the afternoon, Mrs Miller's son, Jack comes to their home. He says to Mrs White, "my mother asks me to give some cakes and two eggs to you." "Well, thank you," says Mrs White. "Come in and meet my son, Bob." After Bob and Jack have the cakes, they go out to play football together. Jack says, "I am glad you live next door." Bob says, "I must thank your mother for coming to borrow eggs." Jack laughs and tells Bob, "My mother doesn't need any eggs, but she wants to make friends with your mother." Bob says, "Oh, I see. That's a clever way to make friends." Which of the following is true according to the passage? Answer: Mrs Miller wants to make friends with Mrs White Learning about the environment is very important. There are many good books that will help you learn. To get started, ask your teacher or your friends for some advice. You can also look at some good websites with information about the environment and climate change. Climate change may be a big problem, but there are many little things we can do to make a difference. Driving a car or using electricity is not wrong. We just have to be smart about it. Some people use less energy by sharing a car. For example, four people can ride together in one car instead of driving four cars to work. Whenever we use electricity, we put greenhouse gases into the air. By turning off the lights, the television, and the computer when they aren't needed, you can help a lot. Don't buy products that use too much energy. Some products, like certain cars, are made specially to save energy. These cars can travel longer on less gasoline . They don't pollute as much, either. Products like computers, TVs and VCRs with the ENERGY STAR label are made to save energy. Buying products with these labels will help protect the environment. Buy recyclable products instead of non-recyclable ones. Recyclable products are usually made out of things that have already been used. It usually takes less energy to make recyclable products than to make new ones. So when you go shopping, look for the recycle mark on the package. The less energy we use, the better. From the passage, we can learn that _ . Answer: turning off the electricity when it isn't needed can do good to the environment Have you thought of such questions as "Why do I have to study math?" or "I am not interested in history at all. My dream is to be an engineer.Should I give history up?" Maybe you are right. After you leave school, it's necessary for you to understand such things. Please remember that at school, besides getting knowledge, you should pay attention to some other important things. First, try to find what you are most interested in. At school, you study many subjects. Try to find which you like and which you don't like. This may be helpful to you in the future. Second, maybe you don't like math and you want to drop it. But the logical thinking ability from math can help you solve some problems. At school, you should practice your brain by thinking. Third, you should believe in yourself. Maybe you learn English at school, but you don't need to speak English in your daily life at all. You should think learning English can prove that you have the ability of learning languages. Suppose you go to France one day and find a job there. Then you can tell yourself, "I can do my job well. At school I learned English well, and now I must be able to learn French well, too." But if you have no confidence, what will happen? Try to challenge yourself as often as possible. I think many of us like playing computer games. When we fail in a game, we always want to try it again. Why? Because we want to get the highest marks, though it is hard for us to get it. If we want to challenge ourselves, we must face more difficult things and make greatest progress. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage? Answer: Everything you learn at school has some influence on you Across the globe, single parent homes are on the rise. In the US, the 2000 census showed 24.8 million, or nearly 24 percent of the nation's 105.5 million households, were traditional two-parent homes. By comparison, 9.8 million households, or 9 percent of all US households were headed by an adult raising a child alone. The 1990 census showed 26 percent of homes were led by a married mother and father, and 8 percent of homes were led by a single parent. Similar increases occurred in other countries. In the UK, lone-parent homes increased from 3.3 percent in 1990 to 5.5 percent in 1999. Single parent households in Australia rose from 5.8 percent in 1990 to 7.6 percent in 1999. Belgium saw the increase from 1.8 percent to 2.7 percent during the same period of time. These countries tend to have greater acceptance of the single parent because there are fewer nearby family members to disapprove, Riche, a Census Bureau director, said. Just as in the US, those changes raised new questions about how involved govenment should be in helping single parent families. Some research suggests children raised in two-parent families are better off than those who depend on one. "The position of one-parent families in any country is very much a gender issue-women's opportunities, especially working-class women on low income," said Sue Cohen, coordinator of the Single Action Parents Network in England. Which of the following is TRUE about the increase of single parent families according to the passage? Answer: Governments should take actions about the social problems brought about by it.
Question: migration is when animals travel from the north to Texas during what segment of time? A. beach area B. spring C. winter D. birds Answer: C. winter Question: Handshaking, though a European practise is often seen in big cities of China. Nobody knows exactly when the practice started in Europe. It is said that long long ago in Europe when people met, they showed their unarmed hands to each other as a sign of goodwill. As time went on and trade in cities grew rapidly, people in cities began to clap each other's hands to make a deal or to reach an agreement. This practice was later changed into shaking hands among friends on meeting or leaving each other. "Let's shake (hands) on it" sometimes means agreement reached. Do the Europeans shake hands wherever they go and with whomever they meet? No. Sometimes the Chinese abroad reach out their hands too often to be polite. It is really very impolite to give your hand when the other party, especially when it is a woman, shows little interest in shaking hands with you and when the meeting does not mean anything to him or-her. Even if, for politeness, he holds out his unwilling hand in answer to your uninvited hand, just touch it slightly- There is generally a misunderstanding among the Chinese that westerners are usually open and straighforward, while the Chinese are rather reserved in manner. But in fact some people in western countries more reserved than some Chinese today. So it is a good idea to shake hands with a westerner only when he shows interest in further relations with you. In the old days in Europe, people put out their unarmed hands to each other _ . A. to make a deal B. to greet each other C. to show friendliness D. to reach an agreement Answer: C. to show friendliness Question: Everyone knows how the story of Cinderella ends, but did you ever really think about how she spent her days before she met the prince? Her daily routine was not fascinating.She did everything from sweeping the floor to cooking the meals.If someone had asked Cinderella, "Are there any kinds of household work that you particularly hate?" she probably would have answered, "Why, none, of course.Housework is my duty!" In the real world, however, most people have definite dislikes for certain sorts of household work.Two of these tasks are ironing clothes and washing dishes. Ironing clothes is most hated because it is not a task that can be completed quickly or thoughtlessly. Each piece of clothing must be handled individually, so ironing a basket of laundry can take hours! After ironing a piece of clothing with great caution, which-requires smoothing out the fabric, and following the seams ,you need to place it on a hanger as soon as possible.If you do not follow these directions carefully, it might become wrinkled and you have to start over.Perhaps that is why ironing is not a favorite thing to do.It calls for extreme attention to detail from beginning to end. Another household job that many people dislike is washing dishes.Of course, some people claim that this work is no longer a problem because we have dishwashers now! However, no one would argue that dishes, silverware, and especially pots and pans washed in a dishwasher don't come out as clean as they do when washed by hand.For this reason, many of us continues to wash our dishes by hand, but we are not necessarily happy doing it.Cleaning dishes is a job that not only takes a lot of energy but also requires the patience to wash and dry them.In addition, unlike ironing clothes, washing dishes is a thing that usually must be done every day.I don't know how Cinderella felt about this particular task, but I believe that most people hate it as much as I do. Why do most people hate to do clothes - ironing? A. Because it has to be done by one person. B. Because it must be handled skillfully. C. Because it involves careful planning. D. Because it is time - consuming. Answer: D. Because it is time - consuming. Question: In the past two decades, the Chinese economy has undergone many reforms in an effort to compete more effectively on the international market.These reforms included allowing foreign hanks to offer credit cards to Chinese citizens, Now, researchers at the University of Missouri (MU)have found about 30 percent of Chinese urban households now own at least one credit card and the growth rate of credit card adoption has been an average of 40 percent per year between 2004 and 2009. Rui Yao, an assistant professor of personal financial planning at MU, says that this large growth in such a small amount of time has positive and negative implications for the Chinese economy. "With more and more people taking advantage of credit in China, it certainly increases potential consumer buying power," Yao said."However, we found that more than 90 percent of non-credit card users were unaware of safety issues existing in credit card use and more than 60 percent had little knowledge of the consequences of credit card debt.Thus lack of knowledge could create problems as credit card ownership is expected to grow at a rate of I percent a year." Yao found that would 72 percent of Chinese credit card holders were never late on their payments, only 55 percent were able to pay the full balance.She also found that 70 percent of Clones credit card holders said that credit cards contributed to overspending. Yao believes the Chinese could benefit from facial education designed to help them plan for their financial future and encouraging the Chinese to take advantage of debt in a responsible fashion is important for the Chinese economy."Appropriate use of debt can help households improve their quality of life as well as spur economic growth through an increase in market purchases." Yao said. A lot of figures are used in the text in order to _ . A. record the valuable data B. provide concrete evidence C. introduce a research method D. give a detailed description Answer: B. provide concrete evidence Question: Today, roller skating is easy and fun. But, before 1750, the idea of skating didn't exist . That changed because of a man named Joseph Merlin. Merlin's work was making musical instruments. One day Merlin was invited to a music party. He was very pleased and a little excited. As the day of the party came near, Merlin began to think how to make a grand entrance at the party. He had an idea. He thought he would get a lot of attention if he could skate into the room. Merlin tried different ways to make himself roll. Finally, he decided to put two wheels under each shoe. These were the first roller skates in the world. Merlin was very proud of his invention and dreamed of getting to the party on wheels while playing the violin. On the night of the party Merlin rolled into the room playing his violin. Everyone was surprised to see him. There was just one problem. Merlin had no way to stop his roller skates. He rolled on and on, suddenly, he ran into a huge mirror that was hanging on the wall. Down fell the mirror, breaking into pieces. Nobody forgot Merlin's entrance! Which is the best title of the passage? A. How to use the roller skates B. Merlin and the first roller skates C. How to make musical instruments D. Merlin and the first violin. Answer: B. Merlin and the first roller skates
Shopping is not as simple as you may think! Much has to be done for the producers before putting the products on the shelf. Color, for example, changes a lot according to what the producers are trying to sell. Health foods are packed in greens, yellows or browns because we think of these as healthy colors. When some kind of medicine was brought out recently, researchers found that the color of the package caused the shoppers to lose interest because they made the product look ineffective . At last, it came on the market in dark blue and white--blue because we think of it as safe, and white as calm. The size of a package can also attract a shopper, although quite often a bottle doesn't hold as much as it seems to. It is said that the better-known companies spend about 40 percent of the cost of the product itself on packaging! The most successful producers know that it's not enough to have a good product. The head of Pears Soap, who for 25 years has used pretty little girls to sell their goods, came to the conclusion: "Any fool can make soap, but it takes a talent to sell it." Why did the shoppers lose interest in the medicine? Answer: Because of the color of the package. One day Frank was walking with his mother when they came to a pretty garden. Frank looked in, and saw that it had clean gravel walks and beautiful flowers. He called to his mother and said, "Mum, come and look at this pretty garden. I wish I might open the gate, and walk in." The gardener heard what Frank said, and kindly invited him and his mother to come into the garden. Frank's mother thanked the man. Then she said to her son, "Frank, if I take you to walk in this garden, you must take care not to meddle with anything in it." Frank walked along the tidy gravel walks, and looked at everything, but touched nothing that he saw. He did not step on any of the borders , and was careful that his clothes should not brush the tops of the flowers so that he might not break them. The gardener was much pleased with Frank, because he was so careful to behave well. He showed him the seeds, and told him the name of many of the flowers and plants. While Frank was admiring the beauty of a flower, a little boy came to the gate, and finding it locked. He shook it hard, but it would not open. Then he said, "Let me in. Let me in. Will you not let me in this garden?" "No," said the gardener, "1 will not let you in, Tom. When I let you in yesterday, you meddled with my flowers, and pulled some of my fruit. I do not choose to let a boy into my garden who meddles with the plants." Tom looked ashamed, and when he found that the gardener would not let him in, he went slowly away. Frank saw and felt how much happier a boy may be by not meddling with what does not belong to him. He and his mother then continued their walk in the garden, and enjoyed the day very much. Before they left, the gardener gave each of them some pretty flowers. Which is NOT true about Frank? Answer: He didn't have a good time in the garden Mr Jones and Mr Brown worked in the same office. One day Mr Jones said to Mr Brown "We are going to have a small party at our house next Wednesday evening. Would you and your wife like to join us?" Mr Brown said, "Thank you very much. That is very kind of you. We are free that evening,I think. But I will telephone my wife and ask her. Maybe she wants to go somewhere else that evening." So Mr. Brown went to the other room and telephoned. When he came back,he looked very uneasy . "What's the matter?" said Mr Jones. "Did you speak to your wife?" "No," answered Mr Brown, "She wasn't there. My small son answered the telephone. I said to him, 'Is your mother there,David?' and he answered, 'No,she is not in the house!' 'Where is she then?' I asked. 'She is somewhere outside!' 'What is she doing?' 'She is looking for me.'" Why was Mrs. Brown looking for David?Because _ . Answer: she didn't know David was in the room World Book Day is a celebration of all things wonderful about books for all ages, with author events, school fancy-dress parades and a PS1 book token given to all school children under 18. It is a yearly event on 23rd April, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) to promote reading. In the United Kingdom, the day is recognized on the first Thursday in March. On 3rd March 2016 children of all ages in the UK will come together to appreciate reading. Sometimes, reading a modern novel can be tough ( Booker Prize winner The Luminaries runs to 832 pages! ), especially if reading is not your strong suit. In fact, one in six people in the UK never pick up a book because they've experienced difficulties or are out of the habit of reading for pleasure. The Galaxy Quick Reads series are designed to introduce reluctant readers to bestselling short funny novels, which bring the joy of reading without demanding hours of concentrated time. They cover a range of subjects, from romance to comedy. Jojo Moyes's Paris For One is a romantic adventure in which 26-year-old Nell books a weekend away to Paris with her lazy, neglectful boyfriend. When he fails to turn up, she is alone in the city. That is, until she meets Fabien, who shows her the charms of the French capital -- in more ways than one. Adele Geras's moving story Out In The Dark was set in World War I, in which young Rob came back from the battlefields. Determined to find the officer's widow to return the photo of her and their daughter that the captain kept with him, he traveled several thousand miles but never gave up. Dead Man Talking is a fantastic tale of Pat, who had a terrible fight with his best friend, Joe, ten years ago -- but now hears that Joe is dead, and he must attend his funeral. But Joe is not going quietly that very night -- he's lying in his coffin being very chatty indeed. If you lack confidence in your reading skills, you will probably avoid reading _ . Answer: The Luminaries Without proper planning,tourism can cause problems.For example,too many tourists can crowd public places that are also enjoyed by the inhabitants of the country.If tourists create too much traffic,the inhabitants become annoyed and unhappy.They begin to dislike tourists and to treat them impolitely.They forget how much tourism can help the country's economy.It is important to think about the people of a destination country and how tourism affects them.Tourism should help a country keep the customs and beauty that attract tourists.Tourism should also advance the wealth and happiness of local . Too much tourism can be a problem.If tourism grows too quickly,people must leave other jobs to work in the tourism industry.This means that other parts of the country's economy can suffer. On the other hand,if there is not enough tourism,people can lose jobs.Businesses can also lose money.It costs a great deal of money to build large hotels.Airports,first-class roads,and other support facilities needed by tourist attractions.For example,a major international class tourism hotel can cost as much as 50 thousand dollars per room to build.If this room is not used most of the time,the owners of the hotel will lose money. Building a hotel is just a beginning.There must be many other support facilities as well,including roads to get to the hotel,electricity,sewers to handle waste,and water.All of these support facilities cost money.If they are not used because there are not enough tourists,jobs and money are lost. Which of the following do you think has been discussed in the part before this selection? Answer: Planning is of great importance to tourism.
Many children in foster care are being over medicated with antipsychotic drugs they may not really need, or the drugs are being given incorrectly, according to a government review obtained by CBS News. The report by an Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services looked at concerns surrounding the use of these powerful drugs in children on Medicaid. Many children on Medicaid are in the foster care system. "Psychotropic drugs are being used in these children, and we don't really know what the side effects are in these young children," said CBS News reporter Anna Werner. "There's not a lot of research because you can't really test these drugs on children." More than half the time, the review found children on these powerful drugs were not being monitored adequately. A quarter of them were given the wrong amount of drugs. Many were given too many drugs or took them for too long. "What the experts tell us is that not enough resources are needed to take care of these kids and give them the treatment that they need -- not drugs," Werner said. "It takes a lot of time and a lot of people to do that, and that of course all costs money." Therefore, states are choosing to just put kids on drugs instead. Dr. Fernando Siles, a child psychiatrist who treats children on Medicaid in Texas and has written thousands of prescriptions for such drugs, told Werner he doesn't have a lot of other options. He said children from troubled homes often have anger and aggression issues and he often prescribes drugs to "contain" their behavior so they won't get bounced from foster home to foster home. Werner's reporting also turned up the troubling case of a four-year-old boy who was put on four different psychiatric medications in the foster care system. When his grandmother gained custody a year later, she said the boy seemed like a completely different child since he has taken all the drugs. But he still has frightening dreams at the age of 10. Werner reports a number of states, including Texas, have taken steps to reduce the use of these drugs in foster children. But experts say more progress is needed, along with greater oversight of the system. The four-year-old boy's case suggests that the side effects of psychotropic drugs are _ . lasting Liz Parle,24,a Birmingham--bom eare owner,cannot drive."I did try to learm,but I failed my test a few times," Parle told the Guardian.Then she moved to London,where running a car coil be a nightmare ,so now she cycles everywhere. Parle is by no means an exception.According to the Guardian,in the UK,the percentage of 17 to 20--year--olds with driving licenses fell from 48 percent in the early 1990s to 35 percent last year.Meanwhile,road traffic figures for cars and taxis,which have risen more or less every year since 1949.have continued to since 2007. Motoring groups put it down to oil prices and the economy.Others offer a more fundamental explanation: the golden age of motoring is over. "The way We run cars is changing fast,"Tim Pollard,associate editor at Car magazine,told the Telegraph,"Car makers are worried that younger people in particular don't desire to own cars as we used to in the 70s,80s,or even the 90s.Designers commonly say that teenagers today de--sire to own the latest smart phone mote than a ear." "The digital generation don't care about owning things.Possession is a burden.and a car is a big investment for-most people--not just the vehicle,but the permits,the parking space,"Da--vid Metz. professor at the University College London's Center for Transport Studies,told the Guardian. "It's not just about the cost."'Metz said."Other factors are likely that there are more peo-pie in higher education,which typically takes place in city centers where the car isn't the neces-sary part." Metz added there's nothing wrong if you want a little house in the country,and a car to get you to and from it.Yet there is something earelessin limiting new buildings to a particular form of transport,especially if that form of transport shows signs of decline. Which of the following might NOT be the cause of car decline? Poor quality of car. Rodd and Todd were lucky children chosen to see Santa Claus himself up at the North Pole. Some elves come in and said, "Santa Claus is very busy. You'll only be able to see him for a short while, so make the most of it." Santa Claus appeared, carrying all the toys the two boys had ever wanted. While Todd ran to hug Santa Claus, Rodd went over to the bicycle he had always dreamed of having. Santa was only there for a few seconds, and disappeared before Rodd had even looked at him. He cried and complained, but within a few hours the two boys had been returned to their homes. From that day on, every time Rodd saw a toy he felt the excitement of receiving a present, but he would instantly look around to see what else of importance he was missing. And in this way, Rodd helped those who had nothing, giving love to those who almost never received it, and putting smiles on the faces of the unhappy. All by himself, he managed to change the atmosphere of his town, and no one could know him without being grateful to him. One Christmas, while he was sleeping, he felt someone pulling his leg. Rodd opened his eyes and saw the long white beard and the soft red suit. "Forgive me. I didn't know how to choose what was most important," said Rodd. But Santa Claus answered with a smile. "I chose to spend some time with the best boy in the world, just before I leave you the great gift you've earned for yourself. Thank you!" And the next morning, there were no presents under the Christmas tree. That Christmas, the gift had been so big that it couldn't fit down the chimney; the only place it could fit was in Rodd's heart. We can infer from the story that _ . Rodd got more than common boys at last. Many animals recognize their food because they see it. So do humans. When you see an apple or a piece of chocolate you know that these are things you can eat. You can also use other senses when you choose your food. You may like it because it smells good or because it tastes good. You may dislike some types of food because they do not look, smell or taste very nice. Different animals use different senses to find and choose their food. A few animals depend on only one of their senses, while most animals use more than one sense. Although there are many different types of food, some animals spend their lives eating only one type. The giant panda eats only one particular type of bamboo . Other animals eat only one type of food even when given the choice. A kind of white butterfly will stay on the leaves of a cabbage, even though there are plenty of other vegetables in the garden. However, most animals have a more varied diet . The bear eats fruits and fish. The fox eats small animals, birds and fruits. The diet of these animals will be different depending on the season. Humans have a very varied diet. We often eat food because we like it and not because it is good for us. In countries such as France and Britain, people eat foods with too much sugar. This makes them overweight, which is bad for their health. Eating too much red meat and animal products, such as butter, can also be bad for the health. Choosing the right food, therefore, has become an area of study in modem life. Which of the following eats only one type of food? The white butterfly. Stanford University, which was established between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, is one of the world's leading teaching and research universities. Since its opening in 1891, Stanford has been dedicated to finding solutions to big challenges and to preparing students for leadership in the world. Stanford that was once a horse farm belonging to Jane and Leland is still known as "the Farm." Living at Stanford brings surprises and new experiences every day. Stanford welcomes more than 150,000 visitors every year. Whether you live in the neighborhood or are coming from far away, we look forward to seeing you here on the Farm. John Hennessy, President of Stanford University, says, "We can't predict, but we can make sure that our students will be the most knowledgeable of leaders, that they will make a difference and that they will creatively and skillfully guide the next century of progress and excellence." Living at Stanford, it will bring you surprises and _ every day. new experiences
Balzac was good at buying things at its lowest price. One day he wanted to buy a vase in a shop window that was much more expensive than he could offer. Not being able to make the shopkeeper cut down its price very much, he left without further talking. Collecting a half dozen of his friends, he explained his wish to them and they worked a plan. The first would enter the shop and make an offer, lower than the marked price. Not getting the vase at his price, he would walk out. Shortly after another would enter and ask for a price lower than the first. In this way, each of the others would offer a price lower than the one before, and the last of his friends made a great effort to attempt to get it at the lowest price. Before long Balzac himself would return, offer more than the last two or three persons made and trust to luck. The plan worked--- Balzac got the vase at his price! Who asked for the lowest price? The last of his friends. 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. Which of the following statements is true? There are fewer family-funded Chinese students studying abroad in 2008 than in 2009. One Sunday, my family had gathered at my parents' house to feast upon Mom's wonderful cooking. During the normal dinner chatter , I noticed that my father was slurring his words. No one mentioned this during dinner, but I felt compelled to discuss it with my mother afterward. We decided that there was something seriously wrong and that Dad needed to see the doctor. Mom phoned me two days later. "The doctor found a brain tumor . It's too large at this point to operate. Maybe they can do something then, but _ ." Even with the treatment, my father's condition worsened, and the doctor finally informed us that this condition was terminal . During one of his stays in the hospital, we brought our baby daughter Chelsey with us when we visited him. By this time he had great difficulty speaking. I finally figured out that he wanted Chelsey to sit on his stomach so he could make faces at her. Watching the two of them together, I realized I was living an experience that would stay with me forever. Though grateful for the times they could share, I couldn't shake the feeling of a clock ticking in the background. On the visit to my parents' home during what we all know was my father's last days, my mother took Chelsey from my arms and announced, "Your father would like to see you alone for a minute." I entered the bedroom where my father lay on a rented hospital bed. He appeared even weaker than the day before. "How are you feeling, Dad?" I asked. "Can I do anything for you?" He tried to speak, but he couldn't make out a word. "I'm sorry, but I can't understand you," I said. With great difficulty he said, "I love you." We don't learn courage from heroes on the evening news. We learn true courage from watching ordinary people rise above hopeless situations. In many ways my father was a strict, uncommunicative man. He found it difficult to show emotion. The bravest thing I ever saw him do was overcome that barrier to open his heart to his son and family at the end of his life. Which of the following statements is TRUE? The writer was quick to notice the strange condition of his father. The UN Environment Programme says that rising temperatures could mean the end for some migrating animals. Migrating or mobile animals move through several environments as they travel away from the cold of winter to warmer areas. Birds may fly from one part of the world to another, perhaps stopping at feeding grounds on the way. Whales and turtles cover vast areas of ocean. The report says that changes in any one of the places which these animals use can cause serious harm. "Obviously these animals have developed their travelling patterns over thousands of years. But climate change is almost certain to be extreme over the next 25 to 50 years and it is extremely unlikely that these animals can change their habits fast enough," said the report author Dr Robert Hepworth. Hardest hit by rising temperatures are turtles. Scientists have found that at higher temperatures, turtles produce far more female eggs than male ones. In parts of Malaysia, turtle birthing sites are producing only females, the report says. It also provides evidence that some turtles are more likely to develop cancer as the waters get warmer. With birds, the main problem is climate-related damage to important areas at either end of the travels or at resting places along the way. About one-fifth of migrating birds are now in danger because of climate-related changes including rising sea levels, land loss and more violent storms, the report concludes. Other animals picked out as particularly in danger include: * the North Atlantic Right Whale, whose main food (tiny shrimp) is disturbed by the change in ocean flows and * the White-Nose Dolphin, which is out-competed by other kinds of dolphins in warmer waters. The report is not all bad news. Even with major climatic changes, protecting the environment can still help mobile animals to recover. "We need governments to start taking action at the national and international lever. "The clock is running." said Dr Hepworth. And some animals are already adapting, with the report mentioning whales that are changing their feeding behaviour, finding new feeding grounds and new foods to eat. According to the report, how will global warming affect turtles in the future? Some will suffer from higher rates of cancer. A poor farmer had never left his small village. After he made a lot of money, he decided to spend a holiday in an excellent hotel in a big town. When lunchtime came on his first day there, he went to eat it in the restaurant of the hotel in his new clothes. The headwaiter showed him to the table, took his order and went away. When he returned and looked at the farmer again, he was surprised. The farmer had tied his table cloth round his neck. The headwaiter immediately told another waiter to go to the farmer and tell him that people mustn't do such a thing in his restaurant. So the waiter went to the farmer and said in a friendly voice, "Good morning, Sir. Would you like a haircut.?" The headwaiter told another waiter to _ stop the farmer tying the cloth round his neck
It is easier to go down the hill than to climb up the hill,so it is easier to fall into bad habits than into good ones.Bad habits do not come suddenly. They come little by little without one being aware of their danger. School boys first pick up little bad habits in the school and on the street. When they can't write their lessons,they copy from their schoolmates. If they see bigger boys smoking,they also want to learn to smoke. If they see their friends gambling ,they want to gamble. When they get bigger,the habits become stronger and stronger,so that they can no longer get rid of(,)them. From copying,they learn to steal,from gambling,they learn to cheat. At last they become distrusted by everybody. How necessary it is that we get rid of the bad habits in the beginning. When school boys get bigger,their bad habits become _ . Answer: stronger and stronger Honesty may well be the policy, but it often deserts us when no one is watching, psychologists report today. Experiments with an honesty box to collect payments for hot drinks show that people are better at paying up when under the gaze of a pair of eyes. The surprise was that the eyes were not real, but photographed. Researchers at Newcastle University set up the experiment in secret. They attached a poster to a cupboard of mugs above an-honesty box alongside a kettle ,with tea, coffee and milk. Over 10 weeks, they alternated each week between images of eyes and pictures of flowers. Dr. Bateson, a behavioral biologist and leader of the study, said that even though the eyes were not real they still seemed to make people behave more honestly. They effect may arise from behavioral characteristics that developed as early humans formed social groups that increased their chances of survival. Individuals had to co-operate for the good of the group, rather than act selfishly. "If nobody is watching us, it is in our interests to behave selfishly. But when we think we're being watched,we should behave better, so people see us as co-operative and behave the same way towards us, "Dr. Bateson said. "We thought we'd get a slight effect with eyes, but it was quite striking how much difference they made. Even at a subconscious level, it seems people respond to eyes, and that might be because eyes send a strong biological signal we have evolved to respond to." The finding, which researchers believe _ our evolutionary past, could be turned to practical use. The psychologists say images of eyes could promote ticket sales on public transport and improve monitor systems to prevent antisocial behavior. People behave honestly under watchful gaze of eyes because _ . Answer: they've got the nature through evolution American teenager Thomas Cheatham had planned to study Latin during his sophomore year at Hebron High School in Texas. But when he learned that the school district was going to offer a Mandarin class, he quickly changed his mind. "I thought it (Mandarin) would be more beneficial than Latin," said Cheatham, who is now in his second year of studying the language. He speaks Mandarin to order food at Chinese restaurants and can read Face book posts from his Chinese-speaking friends. While it'a difficult language to master, the high school junior, who plans to study computer engineering, thinks it will be a valuable thing in his career. "Chinese is a good language to know, especially with China becoming a growing power," he said. Many experts agree that proficiency in a language spoken by a billion people worldwide will give American students an edge in the global economy. "People are looking at China as our next economic competitor, and interest in Mandarin is growing,'' said Marty Abbott, executive director of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. ''We're seeing it in all parts of the country." The number of students studying Mandarin in public schools nationwide in grades 7 through 12 grew from 20,000 in 2004-2005 to 60,000 three years later, according to the council's most recent survey. Abbott estimates that as many as 100,000 students are now studying Mandarin, in public and private schools, throughout the nation. She said the US government has considered Mandarin to be an "important needs" language and provides professional development programs for teachers. "Our government wants to increase our language ability for national security and economic competitiveness," Abbott said. At the same time, the Chinese government is spreading knowledge of the Chinese language and culture through Confucius Institutes established in many states. The Confucius Institute at the University of Texas in Dallas, founded in 2007, opens Confucius Classrooms at 11 local public and private schools where more than 700 students are learning Mandarin. Why does the writer mention Thomas in the passage? Answer: To introduce the topic of the passage. A middle school organized a "No TV Week" program. All the teachers, parents and students worked together for this program and most of them found it to be a very good one. The headmaster said, "The idea was not to stop watching TV _ but for the students just to find how much time they watch TV and try to use the time for other things." What did the students say about this "No TV Week"? One boy said, "I can't believe I haven't watch TV for a week, but it's been fun doing it." A girl student said, "I'm going to give up all TV program except for 'Our Animal World' and other language-teaching program. I'm really pleased that I have more time to do things like walking and thinking. I enjoy this 'No TV Week' very much..." But not all the students thought it was good. Here one student Paul said something different, "I don't like 'No TV Week' because I like watching TV. I have lots of favorite programs and I don't want to miss them. But we have to do it." All the students like the program except -------- Answer: Paul One of the worst feelings you have as a professional athlete is the feeling after losing a game to a team that you should have beaten. That happened last night against the lowly Boston Celtics. They had only won 13 games the whole year and were really struggling. We had just come off a very good win against the Orlando Magic on the road and were feeling good about ourselves. The day did not start out good for us when we learned that T-Mac was going to miss the game with the flu. When you lose your best players (Yao, T-Mac) everyone must play a little harder and do a little bit more on the floor. We inserted Bonzi Wells into the lineup (he was the only one to have a good game for us), in place of T-Mac. It was a nasty game. We are usually one of the best three point shooting teams in the NBA and we only made 1 of 22 three point shots! I have never seen that happen. Never! Rafer Alston, Luther Head, and me combined to shoot 5 of 33 from the field. Ouch! You aren't going to win too many games like that. Even as poorly as we shot the ball, we STILL had a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter but failed to make the winning plays that you must make to leave the floor victorious. In the locker room after the game, everybody felt terrible. When we play a bad game, we feel that we let our teammates down. There is a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach when you leave the gym and you just want to go home and not talk to anyone. It is a terrible feeling, but it is a feeling that makes you want to try harder and do better the next time. I'll talk to you guys later. Shane How do you think the writer might describe his performance that night? Answer: Terrible
When I was six years old, my mom told me that I could find anyone's number in the phone book. I used to look through the phone book for hours trying to find Michael Jordan's phone number. When I couldn't find it, I just dialed seven numbers. When someone answered, I'd ask, "Is that Michael Jordan?" Obviously, I always had the wrong number. A year later I started playing basketball at my local recreation center. It was very big. I never thought in my wildest dreams that a basketball court could be inside a building. The recreation center had a special smell in it, sort of like hot rubber. I guessed it was from the shoes hitting the floor so fast and hard. The atmosphere on the court was carefree. Our biggest excitement of the day was when we actually made a shot. We celebrated wins over ice cream at a fast food restaurant. I got good at it, and my confidence grew. I played it all the time until the sixth grade. As soon as junior high school came, I stopped playing basketball and focused on school. When senior high school started, I tried out for the school team and made it. We worked hard. Every week we did 300 push-ups and 300 sit-ups on our own. Our coach encouraged the sit-ups to keep stomach power, because it gave us so much control when we were playing basketball. If we didn't want to do the sit-ups and push-ups, we could practice dribbling and shooting more. It's just us, the ball, the court and the net. But don't take my word for it. See for yourself. After all, I'm just one kid playing the game. What surprised the author most at the recreation center? A. That it was very near to his home. B. That there was a basketball court inside the building. C. That there was a special smell in it. D. That there was a fast food restaurant in it. Answer: B Which of these use a womb instead of eggs for fetal development? A. chickens B. falcons C. lemurs D. hawks Answer: C Grasshoppers are having to change their song -- one of the iconic sounds of summer -- to make themselves heard above the noise of road traffic, ecologists have discovered. The study, published in the British Ecological Society's journal Functional Ecology, is the first to show that human-made noise affects natural insect populations. Animals use sound to communicate for many reasons, including marking out territory, warning of predators and finding mates, and although previous research shows birds, whales and even frogs change their calls in noisy environments, the impact of human-made noise on insects has been neglected until now. Ulrike Lampe and colleagues from the University of Bielefeld in Germany caught 188 male bow-winged grasshoppers, half from quiet locations and half from beside busy roads. The grasshoppers use their song to attract mates. The team then studied the differences in the two groups' songs in the laboratory. To encourage them to sing they exposed the males to a female grasshopper, and then recorded their courtship songs. Analysis of almost 1,000 recordings revealed grasshoppers living beside noisy roads produced different songs to those living in quieter locations. According to Lampe: "Bow-winged grasshoppers produce songs that include low and high frequency components. We found that grasshoppers from noisy habitats increase the volume of the lower-frequency part of their song, which makes sense since road noise can mask signals in this part of the frequency spectrum ." The team's findings are important because traffic noise could be upsetting the grasshopper's mating system . "Increased noise levels could affect grasshopper courtship in several ways. It could prevent females from hearing male courtship songs properly, prevent females from recognizing males of their own species, or _ females' ability to estimate how attractive a male is from his song," Lampe explains. Having discovered that human-made noise affects insect communication, the researchers now want to learn more about how the mechanism works, and whether the grasshoppers adapt to noise during their development as larvae , or whether males from noisy habitats produce different songs due to genetic differences. The bow-winged grasshopper is a common species in Central Europe. Adults occur mainly between July and September, preferring dry grasslands. Around 1.5 cm long, they vary in colour from green and browns to red and purple. The male's song consists of 2 second-long phrases that increase in amplitude towards the end. The beginning of a phrase is characterized by slower ticking sounds that increase in speed and amplitude, leading to a buzzing sound towards the end of the phrase. A courtship song usually includes 2 phrases. The author wrote the article to _ . A. introduce how grasshoppers make noises to attract mates. B. raise the awareness of protecting bow-winged grasshoppers. C. inform us of a recent discovery of ecological research. D. warn us that human-made noise has changed ecological system. Answer: C Mr. King is a tall and strong man. He teaches P.E. in a middle school. He has a long beard and takes care of it. It was Sunday yesterday. There was a big football match of the year on the playground in the centre of the city. Mr. King likes the games very much and of course he was going to watch it. With his friends' help he got a ticket a few days ago. After breakfast he hurried to the bus stop, but a lot of people were waiting there. A bus came. There were lots of people on it and it was difficult for them to put their feet. He had to grip the back of the chair. At the next stop a boy got on the bus. He was short and couldn't grip anything. Suddenly the bus stopped and the boy was likely to fall off. He looked around and saw Mr. King's beard and gripped it. The man found it at once and called out,"Go off my beard, boy!" "Are you going to get off, sir?"asked the boy. It was difficult for Mr. King to stand because _ . A. he had drunk too much B. the bus was too small C. he got on the bus too late D. it was very crowded on the bus Answer: D Hunter and Nina are husband and wife. They get up at about 4:50 in the morning. When many people are still sleeping in their warm beds, they are working. They work outside and clean something. They don't work when it is raining. They also work on weekends Her name is Sara. She sometimes goes to work in the morning, and sometimes goes to work at night When she is onduty. She works in a big building. There are many sick people in it. She wears a white hat and a white dress. She says, "I help doctors. I meet many people every day. I look after them. They need my help. That's my job. It's hard, but I like it." Her name is Ann. She goes to work by bus every day. She works in a building. It opens at 8. a.m and closes at6.p.m.. There is a lot of good food, nice drinks and other things when she works. Children like to go there. She meets a lot of people every day. She often says, "Can I help you?" when she meets people. She says, "My work is not easy. I must stand all day and be friendly to everyone. He is Jim's father. He usually leaves home very early. He doesn't work in a factory. He goes to work on foot or by bike. It is far from his home. He usually works in the day and has his lunch outside in the sun. His work is very hard. How does Jim's father go to work? A. by car B. by train C. walk or ride a bike D. by bus Answer: C
Speaking Club HK $1,950 (18hours) This course aims to help develop vocabulary. Each student will also have a reader, which provides a topic for discussion. Students are level tested and then placed in different classes according to their level of English and their age. It is only for students whose level test shows them to be at intermediate level of above. The fee includes a course folder and _ . Bridging Course Available in July and August HK $1,950 (18hours) Our Bridging Course is aimed at students from Chinese primary schools who are about to enter an English secondary school in September. The course is a fun way to develop students' confidence in using English through topic-based speaking, listening, reading and writing activities. Students also widen their vocabulary by participating in a variety of language games. The fee includes a course folder and a field trip to a local museum. Preparation for prefix = st1 /UKStudy HK $1,950 (18hours) This course is for students who are leaving Hong Kong to study at boarding senior school in the UK. It focuses on functional English language to increase students' confidence in their ability to use appropriate language in the appropriate situations by communicating with natives. We also provide students with information on British culture and traditions and aim to increase students' interest in the country in which they are about to live. The fee includes a course folder and a reader called British Life. _ will divide students into different classes through tests. A. Bridging Course B. Speaking Club C. Preparation for UK Study D. all of above Answer: B. Speaking Club The brothers Grimm , Jacob and Wihelm are synonymous with fairytales. The stories they gathered have been read by millions of children in all countries over the last two hundred years. It's difficult to think that any children could not be attracted by a tale like Red Riding Hood ,which never seems to grow old. This year, Dec20 marked the 200thanniversary of publication of the tales. The Brimms collected the stories and gave them to the world because they wanted to show what German culture was about. In their time, Germany was not yet a nation; it was a collection of little states. Like many patriotic intellectuals ,they thought they could help people in German territories to understand their own traditions. Quite a few adult were shocked by brothers Grimm's work. They wrote about a wolf who eats a little girl's grandmother and an awful old woman who wants to put Hansel and Gretel in a stove. In fact, the original Grimm fairy tales are often far more unpleasant, and more adult in theme .There is a lot of cruelty too. In the wedding scene of Snow White ,the stepmother dances in red-hot iron shoes that kills her. However, other people came along and made these stories more "suitable" for children. The modern children's writer Philip Pullman recently published a book of his versions of some Grimm tales. He points out that the Grimms themselves changed the stories, but for the better. They knew how to hold the attention of readers. "A Grimm tale," he says, "moves with a dreamlike speed from event to event, pausing only to say as much as is needed and no more." So, when we read a story from Grimms' collection, we're getting something from old Germany, but our enjoyment is also thanks to the brothers' great storytelling skills. What is the Brimms' purpose in publishing the fairy tales? A. To improved children's reading skills. B. To develop educational system. C. To introduce their country's culture. D. To make a living by selling books. Answer: C. To introduce their country's culture. Dear Dongdong I have been in Hong Kong for a whole week. I will stay here for another week. Hong Kong is really a great place to visit. There's so much to see and do here. And I've done so many wonderful things. I've taken the cable car to the Peak Galleria . I've been to Hong Kong Racing Museum. I've known a lot about horse racing. I've also visited Ladies' Street. In the street I bought some beautiful clothes for my mother. Last night I went to a concert. Chinese traditional music has always been my favourite. This morning I went to Ocean Park and watched the dolphins perform. Dolphins are so clever. They can jump from the water to touch a ball, sway their bodies to music, kiss people and even do math. Mr Host is going to take me to an Italian film festival in Hong Kong Cultural Centre tomorrow. I'm so excited because I have never seen an Italian film before. But some people say they're boring. That's all. Best wishes! In _ we can know something about horse racing. A. Ocean Park B. Hong Kong Racing Museum C. Hong Kong Cultural Centre D. Ladies' Street Answer: B. Hong Kong Racing Museum What causes a blue block to appear blue in the sunlight? A. The block absorbs all blue light. B. The block bends (refracts) all blue light. C. Only blue light is reflected by the block. D. Only blue light passes through the block. Answer: C. Only blue light is reflected by the block. There was one thought that air pollution affected only the area immediately around large cities with factories and heavy automobile traffic. At present, we realize that although these are the areas with the worst air pollution, the problem is literally worldwide. On several occasions over the past decade, a heavy cloud of air pollution has covered the east of the United States and brought health warnings in rural areas away from any major concentration of manufacturing and automobile traffic. In fact, the very climate of the entire earth may be infected by air pollution. Some scientists consider that the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the air resulting from the burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) is creating a "greenhouse effect"-- conserving heat reflected from the earth and raising the world's average temperature. If this view is correct and the world's temperature is raised only a few degrees, much of the polar ice cap will melt and cities such as New York, Boston, Miami, and New Orleans will be in water. Another view, less widely held, is that increasing particular matter in the atmosphere is blocking sunlight and lowering the earth's temperature -- a result that would be equally disastrous. A drop of just a few degrees could create something close to a new ice age, and would make agriculture difficult or impossible in many of our top farming areas. Today we do not know for sure that either of these conditions will happen (though one recent government report drafted by experts in the field concluded that the greenhouse effect is very possible). Perhaps, if we are lucky enough, the two tendencies will _ each other and the world's temperature will stay about the same as it is now. Driven by economic profits, people neglect the damage on our environment caused by the "advanced civilization". Maybe the air pollution is the price the human beings have to pay for their development. But is it really worthwhile? It can be concluded that _ . A. raising the world's temperature only a few degrees would not do much harm to life on earth B. lowering the world's temperature merely a few degrees would lead major farming areas to disaster C. almost no temperature variations have occurred over the past decade D. the world's temperature will remain constant in the years to come Answer: B. lowering the world's temperature merely a few degrees would lead major farming areas to disaster
She belongs to no one but the whole world that can understand her language. Her music is appreciated across the globe but it is Singapore, China, Thailand and Britain that have helped to shape her talent. Violinist, Vanessa-Mae, best known for her pioneering mix of pop and classical music, has just completed her Asian tour. She has a magic power that has attracted an audience from around the world but the violin genius has always drawn fans by blazing a new trail. "I don't like playing it safe, I like jumping into new styles," she said. She started her Asian performance tour in China's Hong Kong on September 19 and visited the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumper. The tour, aiming to promote her new album, "The Best of Vanessa-Mae", ends in Thailand's capital Bangkok on September 30. The graceful and beautiful musician has attracted lots of fans in the places she has visited. She said although she enjoys trying out different forms of performance, including fashion shows and singing, she feels more comfortable with her violin. She has promised her fans she will never abandon the classical music that was the foundation of her training. Vanessa-Mae, now 23, first picked up the violin at five. After six months of intensive training in Beijing, he turned professional at 10. it was her fusion of classical and rock in her 1995 album "The Violin Player", that shot the then 17-year-old to international recognition. The record sold 3 million copies worldwide. She has a Chinese-Singaporean mother and a Thai father. She was born in Singapore and grew up in Britain. Vanessa-Mae has released seven albums and plans two more in the near future--first a classical album,, then a pop recording. She has said she wants to perform for the next 10 years, but after that she may settle down with her boyfriend, a 33-year-old wine-dealer from France, and concentrate on writing music. What can we know about Vanessa-Mae from the passage? A Her music is a mix of pop and classical music. B She has released nine albums. C Her music is a fusion of Chinese and Western music. D Being born in Singapore and growing up in Britain have resulted in popularity of her music. Answer: A Where do grass snakes live? A icebergs B a field C grass fed cattle D amphibians on Uranus Answer: B Dining Experiences at Belmond Grand Hotel Europe Delicious cuisine is paired with excellent musical entertainment at Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. TCHAIKOVSKY NIGHT Every Friday, dine in Lobby Bar and be treated to a special musical accompaniment. Enjoy timeless classics from the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky, performed by local dancers and a chamber orchestra. Time: 7 pm - 10 pm Price: RUB 2, 000 per adult RUSSIAN AFTERNOON TEA Take a seat in the Mezzanine Cafe at a table laid out with Imperial Porcelain china.Feast on Borodinsky bread sandwiches with various fillings, hot smoked trout , delightful mini pirozhki and sweets such as vatrushkas, all accompanied by good, strong tea and light music. Available daily 2 pm - 6 pm, priced at 1800 RUB for two. TAITTINGER CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH Enjoy a wide variety of international dishes and unlimited drinks accompanied by live jazz at L'Europe Restaurant every Sunday.A supervised playroom for children is also available. Time: I pm - 4:30 pm Price: RUB 4, 900 per adult; Children': up t0 7 - free / 7 t0 15 - RUBI, 800 / above 16 - full price VODKA EXPERIENCE Available in the Caviar Bar, let our seasoned chef take you through caviar and vodka pairings. You can also take part in cocktail demonstrations, or enjoy vodka-themed treatments at the beauty salon. Available daily 4 pm - 11 pm, priced at RUB 3, 000 for one bottle. A couple with twins aged 5 dining at L'Europe Restaurant should pay at least _ . A RUB 14, 400 B RUB 19, 600 C RUB 9, 800 D RUB 3, 600 Answer: C New Zealand is beautiful no matter what time of the year or season you visit. The best time to visit New Zealand is the time that suits you best. The weather in New Zealand is fine all year round. However, if you have more than one date in mind, the following information may help with your travel plans. The warmest months of the year are from September to April. December, January and February are the three hottest months of the year. It is summer. The long summer days are wonderful for water sports. Spring is from September to November. It can be hot, warm or cool. The weather is quite different. That depends on the places you visit. You can travel to Alexandra in Central Otago and Hastings in Hawk's Bay. Autumn is from March to May. It is a pleasant season in New Zealand. The temperature is a few degrees lower than that of summer. The winter season runs from June to August. The mountainous areas are covered with snow during winter and there is a little rainfall in some places. This is a good time for skiing. Which month is the best if you want to play with snow? A July. B December. C February. D November. Answer: A Birds give birth to their babies while still in an egg. Mammals, however, give birth to their babies A scrambled B already alive C dead D Old Answer: B
Now, there is a growing movement to pay the students in American schools---in some cases, even just for coming to class. Students at one school in New Mexico can earn up to three hundred dollars a year for good attendance. In Baltimore, Maryland, high scores in state graduation tests can be worth more than one hundred dollars. And a New Jersey school system plans to pay students fifty dollars a week to attend after---school tutoring programs. Schools that pay students can be found in more than one---fourth of the fifty states. Other schools pay students with food or other rewards. Robert Schaefer is a public education director. He says paying students may improve performance in the short term, but students develop false expectations for the future. He sees a lack of long term planning in these programs because of the pressure on schools to raise test scores. Public schools need to show improvement under the education reform law. Low---performing schools may lose their federal money; teachers and administrators may lose their jobs. Often these schools are in poor neighborhoods where getting students to go to school can be a continual problem. Critics say paying students sends a message that money is the only valuable reward. But some students say it makes school more exciting. And some teachers have reported getting more requests for extra help. In two thousand four, the city schools in Coshocton, Ohio, launched a program. They wanted to see if paying elementary school students as much as one hundred dollars would help in passing the state exams. Now, Eric Bettinger of Case Western Reserve University (EUCWRU) has reported mixed results. Math scores increased, but only white students were able to get paid. And there was no evidence of higher scores in reading, social studies and science. Official will decide later this year whether to continue the program. According to the text, Robert Schaefer _ . A is a very excellent teacher B thinks highly of paying students C thinks students will show improvement in study in the future D thinks people should make a careful plan for the paying program Answer: D. thinks people should make a careful plan for the paying program A small volcano under the sea erupts ever four years. After a few centuries, there will be A new ground to inhabit B a large fish eating a tree C a burst of fire from the future D a small crack in a tall mountain Answer: A. new ground to inhabit if a spoon was placed outside under our closest star, what could happen to it? A it would shrink smaller B it would feel warmer to touch C it would freeze over D it would become a gas Answer: B. it would feel warmer to touch A machine which makes water out of air could become the greatest household invention since the microwave. Using the same technology as a dehumidifier , the Water Mill is able to create a ready supply of drinking water by getting it from a limitless source-the air. The company behind the machine says not only does it offer all alterative to bottled water in developed countries,but it is a solution for the millions who face a daily water shortage. The machine works by drawing in damp air through a filter and over a cooling element which changes it into water droplets.It can produce up to 12 liters a day.The Water Mill will also produce more water when storms pass over, as the humidity in the air increases.In keeping with its ecodevelopment,the machine uses the same amount of electricity as three light bulbs. Inventor Jonathan Ritchey said:"The demand for water is .People are looking for freedom from water distribution systems that are shaky and unreliable". The machine,which is about 3 feet wide,is likely to costPS800 when it goes on sale here in the spring.Its maker, Canadian firm Element Four, estimates that a liter of water will cost around 20 pence to produce. Environmentalists claim half the world's population will face water shortage because of climate change by 2080.One in five humans is said to lack access to safe drinking water. The Water Mill is not effective in areas with below about 30 percent relative humidity, but with average relative humidity in England of more than 70 percent that won't be much of an issue here. We can conclude from the passage that the machine _ . A can be used everywhere B has not been on sale C will replace the water distribution system D will solve the problem of water shortage Answer: C. will replace the water distribution system The very great success in science just before and after the midpoint of the twentieth century has caused educators in the United States to realize that science teaching in the future must differ from science teaching in the past. During the past twenty years, science has played an important part in shaping the character of our civilization. The welfare, stability, and security of our nation and the continuation of a free society are closely related to the discoveries of science and the applications of these discoveries. The scientific revolution we are beginning to experience, together with the trend toward world industrialization, demands a program of science education with new emphasis, purpose, and content. Simply knowing about the existence of the scientific enterprise is not enough for effective citizenship. Young people need to understand how our society depends upon scientific and technological advancement and to realize that science is a basic part of modern living. The scientific process and the knowledge produced cannot be considered to be _ in themselves, except for the classic scientists. A student should understand the relation of basic research to applied research, and the connection between technological developments and human affairs. More of technology than science will be involved in social decisions, but both are important in public policy. The knowledge and methods of science are of little importance if there is no inclination(,) to use them properly. An open mind, a desire for accurate knowledge, confidence in the procedures for seeking knowledge, and the expectation that the solution of problems will come from the use of tested and proven knowledge are among the "scientific attitudes". Science instruction should acquaint students with career possibilities in technical fields and in science teaching. A continuous effort should be made to identify and encourage those who develop special interests. They should be given opportunities for some direct experience of a professional nature; they should also learn about the extent of the various science fields and how these fields are related to each other. But it is even more important for young people to acquire those skills and abilities that will enable them to take the responsibilities for expanding their own learning. All the following are related to the discoveries of science and the application of them EXCEPT _ . A the boom of our economy B the stability of our nation C the continuation of a free society D the security of our society Answer: A. the boom of our economy
Owning a smartphone may not be as smart as you think. It may let you surf the Internet, listen to music and snap photos wherever you are...but it also turns you into a workaholic, it seems. A study suggests that, by giving you access to emails at all times, the all-singing, all-dancing mobilephone adds as much as two hours to your working day. Researchers found that Britons work an additional 460 hours a year on average as they are able to respond to emails on their mobiles. The study by technology retailer Pixmania reveals the average UK working day is between 9 and 10 hours, but a further two hours is spent responding to or sending work emails, or making work calls. More than 90 percent of office workers have email-enabled phones, with a third _ them more than 20 times a day. Almost one in ten admits spending up to three hours outside their normal working day checking work emails. Some workers confess they are on call almost 24 hours a day, with nine out of ten saying they make work emails and calls outside their normal working hours. The average time for first checking emails is between 6 am and 7 am, with more than a third checking their first emails in this period, and a quarter checking them between 11 pm and midnight. Ghadi Hobeika, marketing director of Pixmania, said, "The ability to access literally millions of apps, keep in contact via social networks and take photos and video as well as text and call has made smartphones invaluable for many people. However, there are drawbacks. Many companies expect their employees to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and smartphones mean that people literally cannot get away from work. The more constantly in contact we become , the more is expected of us in a work capacity ." What can we conclude from the text? Every coins has two sides Oprah Winfrey, the queen of American daytime talk TV, is considered one of the most powerful women in the world.Now, after 25 years' hosting The Oprah Winfrey Show, the star has announced she is calling it quits. According to the Los Angeles Times, the move "signals the beginning of the decline for the daytime talk show." More women are working full-time jobs, and people are turning to cable and pre-recorded shows for their entertainment. It may be that Oprah isn't quitting so much as moving on.She has created the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), and will most likely move her show to the network.If audiences around the world need Oprah, they well know where to look. Oprah Winfrey was born to a single teenage mother in a small town in rural Mississippi, US.As a child, she lived with poverty and abuse.But she got a job at a local radio station, where her honesty, emotional style won her many fans.She quickly rose through the ranks of radio and television before launching her own production company and starting her own show. Oprah's talk show was not the first of its kind, but it quickly became the best and most popular.It made talk shows popular, and others jumped in to start similar shows.But while other talk shows turned ugly, featuring guests who argued and attacked each other with chairs, _ "Part of her power lies in the fact that her life story resonates with her audience, as a kind of version of the American dream," writes Kevin Connolly, a reporter with the BBC. She became a star because of the way she opened up about her problems to her audience.She shared her own struggles with relationships and weight.She focused on self-help.Connolly believes "something in her honesty and her sometimes painfully emotional directness struck home with a certain type of American". Which of the following statements is NOT true? American talk show was pioneered by Oprah. With smart phones taking the world by Storm, a phone that can only send and receive voice calls and text messages may seem like a relic from a bygone age. Yet in East Africa,simple phones like these are changing the face of the economy, thanks to the mobile money services that are spreading across the region. Using the text-messaging function built into the GSM system used by most cell phone networks, these services allow people without a bank account or credit card to use their phone as an electronic wallet that can be used to store. send or receive cash. It works like this: you pay cash to your local agent who then tops up your mobile money account using a secure form of text messaging. That money can be transferred to another person by sending a message to their cell phone account. For some the system is a lifeline. "If I didn't have my mobile phone. I would be very poor, "says Neyasse Neemur, a mother of four children who lives in northern Kenya. "Now I can sell fish." Neemur took up fishing in July last year, but making money from it was a little tricky, especially as Turkana people do not usually eat fish. A truck from Ethiopia to Tanzania passes through her village once a week, and she arranged to have the driver transport the fish several hundred kilometres south to market in Kisumu, where her s sell the fish. "I get the money transfer immediately." says Neemur. "Then I can pay for my children to go to school and for vegetables and beans," she adds, "so I don't need to eat fish." According to the Central Bank of Kenya, payments worth around l billion Kenyan shillings($13 million)per day were transferred through Kenya's mobile money systems in 2009, equaling the country's credit card transactions . The bank expects mobile money transfers to overtake credit cards in 2011. What can we learn about the simple phones in East Africa? They provide a safe means for the locals to do business. Teenagers who spend hours in front of the television may have a poorer diet as young adults. A study,which included nearly 1,400 high school students,found those who watched TV for five hours or more per day had less healthy diets than peers five years later. Why does this happen? Should the parents take any measures? On the one hand,people who spend a lot of time in front of the TV, especially teenagers,may snack more,and that may affect their long-term diet quality. On the other hand,TV ads for fast food,sweets and snacks tempt teenagers to eat more of those foods. And TV time might also replace exercise time for some kids. Lead researcher Dr. Daheia J. Barr-Anderson,of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis,told Reuters Health a clear correlation between TV time during high school and diet quality in young adulthood. While the heaviest TV viewers were eating the most junk food , those who'd watched less than two hours per day had the highest intake of fruits,vegetables, whole grains and high-calcium food. In her opinion,parents should limit and monitor TV viewing. As far as I am concerned,children should watch no more than two hours of television per day. And parents should set a good example by eating right,being physically active and their own TV time. According to the passage,heavy TV viewers tend to _ . take in fewer vegetables These days, young children can enjoy directly what it is like to be a marine biologist at a marine association. What they discover can lead them to appreciate and protect the ocean and also the animals living in it. At the present time, learning isn't only limited to the classroom. It's quite common for kids to learn from outdoor experiences. Teachers commonly take their pupils on field trips to museums as well as other interesting areas. If you wish to help pupils to take care of the ocean, one of the best areas to take them to is a marine association, the place where the ocean biome is shown. Taking your pupils to a marine association is a prefect way to help them learn. Education professionals agree that there are topics that children can learn more successfully whenever they experience them directly. Several organizations that focused on protecting the ocean now operate on the coast of different areas in America and all around the world. It's quite common for marine associations nowadays to open their doors several times a week to kids, parents, and ocean lovers to learn more about the ocean biome. A marine association has different programs for children of different ages. You'll find programs that are developed specially for pupils. Pupils are involved in interactive learning. This learning experience allows young children to recognize the value of the role each species performs in their environment. They not only get to research creatures from the ocean, but they also get to see, touch, and smell most of these animals and plants. This type of _ offers students an idea about the life of a marine scientist. It could help them choose a career afterwards. These programs are generally held on Saturdays and Sundays in order that kids and parents can have more hours in which to have fun. Teachers who want to arrange these activities for their students can call a local marine association near them. Which of the following is TURE? Children can learn the topics more successfully when they experience them directly.
How would you like to have been born without any ability to feel pain? There are such people. One of them is being studied by doctors at a hospital in New York City. He is a 22-year-old clerk who really does not know the meaning of pain. But he wishes he did. Not long ago a packet of matches flared up in his hand. Luckily the burn was not serious. It caused large blisters but still did not bother him. He said the burn felt like a fly crawling(......) on his fingers. It has been the same story as far back as he can remember. He has never had headaches or sore muscles. Bee stings, cuts and bruises do not hurt. Being free from pain is not as wonderful as you may think. The young man has had to have rotted teeth pulled because he never felt toothache warnings. A sudden attack of appendicitis could be deadly. Life without pain is as risky as trying to run a cruise ship without fire alarms. The young man had to have teeth pulled because _ . A. he did not know his teeth were decaying B. he did not take care of his teeth properly C. he did not like to visit the dentist D. he was born with soft teeth Answer: A Human beings have used tools for a very long time. In some parts of the world you can still find tools that people used more than two million years ago. They made these tools by hitting one stone against another. In this way, they broke off pieces from one of the stones. These chips of stone were usually sharp on one side. People used them for cutting meat and skin from dead animals, and also for making other tools out of wood. Human beings needed to use tools because they did not have sharp teeth like other meat eating animals, such as lions and tigers. Tools helped people to get food more easily. Working with tools also helped to develop human intelligence. The human brain grew bigger, and human beings began to invent more and more tools and machines. The stone chip was one of the first tools that people used, and perhaps it is the most important. Some scientists say that it was the key to success of mankind. Since 1960 a new kind of tool has appeared. This is the silicon chip . It is smaller than a finger nail, but it can store lots of information. It is an electronic brain. Every year these chips get cleverer, but their size gets smaller, and their cost gets less. They are used in watches, calculators and intelligent machines that we can use in many ways. In the future we will not need to work with tools in the old way. Machines will do everything for us. People will have plenty of spare time. But what will they do with it? Human beings used stone chips for more than two million years, but human life changed very little in that time. We have used silicon chips for only a few years, but life is changing faster every day. What will life be like twenty years from now? What will the world be like two million years from now? At the end of the passage the author seems to suggest that life in future is _ . A. out of order B. less colorful C. hard to predict D. full of meanings Answer: C The composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's remarkable musical talent was apparent even before most children can sing a simple nursery rhyme. Wolfgang's older sister Maria Anna (who the family called Nannerl) was learning the clavier, an early keyboard instrument, when her three-year-old brother took an interest in playing. As Nannerl later recalled, Wolfgang "often spent much time at the clavier picking out thirds , which he was always striking, and his pleasure showed that it sounded good." Their father Leopold, an assistant concertmaster at the Salzburg Court, recognized his children's unique gifts and soon devoted himself to their musical education. Born in Salzburg, Austria, on January 27, 1756, Wolfgang had composed his first original work by age five. Leopold planned to take Nannerl and Wolfgang on tour to play before the European courts. Their first venture was to nearby Munich where the children played for Maximillian III Joseph, elector of Bavaria. Leopold soon set his sights on the capital of the Hapsburg Empire, Vienna. On their way to Vienna, the family stopped in Linz, where Wolfgang gave his first public concert. By this time, Wolfgang was not only a skilled harpsichord player, but he had also mastered the violin. The audience at Linz was amazed by the six-year-old, and word of his genius soon traveled to Vienna. In a much attended concert, the Mozart children appeared at the Schonbrunn Palace on October 13, 1762. They completely attracted the emperor and empress. Following this success, Leopold received a lot of invitations for the children to play, for a fee. Leopold seized the opportunity and booked as many concerts as possible at courts throughout Europe. A concert could last three hours, and the children played at least two per a day. Today, Leopold might be considered the worst kind of stage parent, but at the time, it was not uncommon for prodigies to make extensive concert tours. Even so, it was an exhausting schedule for a child who was just past the age of needing an afternoon nap. Each of the following statements about Wolfgang Mozart is directly supported by the passage except _ . A. Mozart's father made full use of his children's talent B. Maria Anna was also talented in music C. Wolfgang's childhood was devoted to his musical career D. Wolfgang preferred the violin to other instruments Answer: D If you bought some candy months ago but never ate it, how can you tell whether it's still safe to eat? The easiest way is to check the "expiration date " printed on the wrapper. If that date has already passed, you're likely to throw the candy away. But is that really necessary? According to a new report from the US Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), tons of food is wasted each year, largely because people don't fully understand what expiration dates, or "use-by dates", actually mean. Food dating was introduced in 1970s because customers wanted more information about the things that they were eating. When they first showed up, use-by dates were only supposed to indicate freshness because producers wanted their products to be tasted in their best conditions. But the truth is that these dates aren't related to the risk of food poisoning or food-born illness, according to Time News. However, most customers misinterpreted use-by dates and related them to the safety of the food, and they still largely do now. Eggs, for example, can still be eaten three to five weeks after purchase even though the use-by date is much earlier. When their use-by dates pass, strawberry juice may lose its red color and biscuits may lose their crunch , but they are not harmful. "It's a confusing subject, the difference between food quality and food safety," said Jena Roberts, vice president of National Food Lab, a US food testing company. "Even in the food industry I have colleagues who get confused." This is why scientists are calling for a standard explanation to be printed following the use-by dates. "We want this to be clearly communicated so customers are not misinterpreting the date and contributing to a lot of waste," said Dana Gunders, a staff scientist with the NRDC. But this won't be a mistake that is easy to correct since people have believed it for so long. Another problem is that the quality levels of different foods change differently-some are still eatable long after their use-by date while others are not. As a result, food industry officials are now thinking of changing the use-by date to a date indicating when food is most likely to throw away. Scientists are calling for a standard explanation to be printed together with the use-by dates because _ . A. Most consumers often misunderstand use-by dates B. use-by dates are not helpful or reliable C. more consumers get worried about food safety D. the quality level of different foods changes differently Answer: A Hans Christian Andersen Hans Christian Andersen is a great writer. He wrote many popular stories for children all over the world. April 2 is his birthday and it is also Children's Book Day. Andersen was born in 1805. When he was a little boy, his father read him a story every day. He felt very happy at that time. But his father died when he was 11 years old. Then he had to leave school. Andersen started working as an actor and singer. He loved reading books so much that he went back to school at 17. His first book _ in 1835. From then on, he wrote about one book a year for 37 years. There will be a park about Andersen's sales and life in Shanghai. If you like Andersen, you can go there to learn about his life and tales, and you can play games too. ,. Andersen liked stories because of _ . A. his jobs B. his father C. his school D. his friends Answer: B
Most American families like to have a vacation in summer. Summer is a good season for vacation. It is often hot in July and August. Children do not go to school in those two months. Some people like to stay at home, read books, or watch TV. Many families take their lunch to eat at a place with many trees or a nice lake. Some people have enough time and money to travel to other countries like France, Japan and Australia. They usually fly to these countries. Many families travel by car or train to see interesting places in their own countries. Their favorite cities are New York, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Not everyone likes to go to busy cities. Some families travel to mountains or beautiful valleys. ,A, B, C, D,. (5,1,5) Many people don't _ during their vacation. A. read books B. travel C. watch TV D. go to work Answer: D. go to work After graduation I returned home to my small town in Indiana. I didn't have a job yet. Mr. Hobbs, a friend of my father's, owned a small shirt factory in town. Within the past five years it had grown from twenty to eighty workers. Mr. Hobbs was worried that his plant was getting too big and inefficient, so he asked me to come in on a short-term basis as a consultant. I went to the plant and spent about a week looking around and making notes. I was really a mazed at what I saw. Most curious of all, there was no quality control at all. No one inspected the final product of the factory. As a result some of the shirts that were put in boxes for shipment were missing one or two buttons, the collar, and even a sleeve sometimes! The working conditions were poor. The tables where the workers sat were very high and uncomfortable. Except for a half hour at lunchtime, there were no breaks in the day to relieve the boring work. There was no music. The walls of the workrooms were a dull gray color. I was amazed that the workers hadn't gone on strike. Furthermore, the work flow was irregular. There was one especially absent-minded young man in the assembly line who sewed on buttons. After a while I recognized him as "Big Jim", who used to sit behind me in math class in high school. He was very slow and all the shifts were held up at his position. Workers beyond him in line on his shift had to wait with nothing to do; therefore, a great deal of time and efficiency were lost as Big Jim daydreamed while he worked. All week I wondered why he wasn't fired. After I made observations for a week, Mr. Hobbs asked me for an oral report of my findings. Which is not likely to happen in the factory? A. The workers will have more rest in the day. B. Someone will examine the final product. C. New machines will be bought. D. The factory will be repainted. Answer: C. New machines will be bought. Worst Game Ever? E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a video game that came out for the Atari 2600 game system in 1982. It was based on a very popular film of the same name. Star programmer Howard Warshaw created it with consultation from the film director Steven Spielberg. It was July 27th, 1982. Howard Warshaw was hot off the success of his most recent game, Raiders of the Lost Ark. He received a call from Atari C.E.O, Ray Kassar. Atari had bought the rights to make a video game version of Spilberg's Movie, E.T., which had just been released in June. Kassar told Warshaw that Spielberg had specifically asked for Warshaw to make the game Warshaw was honored, but there was one huge problem. Atari needed the game finished by September 1stin order to start selling it during the Christmas season. It had taken Warshaw six months to create Raiders of the Lost Ark. The game he made prior to that took him seven months. He was expected to create E.T. in around five weeks. Warshaw accepted the challenge anyway and production began. Spielberg wanted Warshaw to create a simple maze game similar to Pac-man, but V had a bigger vision. He wanted players to explore different environments in 3D world. Usually companies like Atari have people test games before releasing them, but they decided to skip testing due to time limitations. The game was a hot holiday item at first. Unfortunately, Atari overestimated how many they would sell. They made 5 million copies and they only sold 1.5 million. Most people who played the game hated it. The graphics were bad. Game play was awkward. Players got stuck in holes that they couldn't escape. Some people who stuck with the game grew to like it, but it wasn't the mainstream success that Atari had hoped it would be. Too many copies of the game sat on store shelves. One employee remembers the game being discounted five times, from $49.95 to less than a dollar. A newspaper in New Mexico reported that between 10 and 20 semitrailer truckloads of Atari products were crushed and buried at landfill in Alamogordo. Atari lost over $100 million on E.T.. The game was so bad that it was said to have affected Atari's reputation. The video game industry soon fell into a deep depression, with a profit $3.2 billion in 1983 to just over $100 million in 1985, almost a 97% drop. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial will long be remembered as one of the worst games ever made, if not one of the causes of the decline of entire video game industry. What can we learn about Howard Warshaw from the passage? A. He was ambitious. B. He was cautious. C. He was unreliable. D. He was inexperienced. Answer: A. He was ambitious. It was a lovely day at the park and Stella Bianchi was enjoying the sunshine with her two children when a young boy, aged about four, approached her two-year-old son and pushed him to the ground. "I'd watched him for a little while and my son was the fourth or fifth child he'd pushed," she says. "I went over to them, picked up my son, turned to the boy and said, firmly, 'No, we don't push.'" What happened next was unexpected. "The boy's mother ran toward me from across the park," Stella says, "I thought she was coming over to apologize, but instead she started shouting at me for blaming her child. All I did was let him know his behavior was unacceptable. Was I supposed to sit back while her kid did whatever he wanted and hurt other children?" Getting your own children to play nice is difficult enough. Dealing with other people's children has become a hidden danger. In my house, jumping on the sofa is not allowed. In my sister's house it's encouraged. I find myself saying "no" a lot when her kids are over at mine. That's OK between sisters but becomes dangerous when you're talking to the children of friends or acquaintances. "Kids aren't all raised the same," agrees Professor Naomi White of Monash University." But there is still an idea that they're the property of the parent. We see our children as a mirror of ourselves, so if you're saying that my child is behaving improperly, then that's somehow a criticism of me." In those situations, it's difficult to know whether to approach the child directly or the parent first. There are two opinions. "I'd go to the child first," says Andrew Fuller, author of Tricky Kids. "Usually a quiet reminder that 'we don't do that here' is enough. Kids have antennae for how to behave in different settings." He points out bringing it up with the parent first may make them feel careless, which could cause problems. Of course, approaching the child first can bring its own headaches, too. This is why White recommends that you approach the parents first. Raise your concerns with the parents and ask them to deal with it," she says. Asked how to approach a parent in this situation, psychologist Meredith Fuller answers: "Explain your needs as well as stressing the importance of the friendship. Start with something like: 'I know you'll think I'm silly but in my house I don't want...'" According to professor Naomi White, when one's kids are criticized, their parents will probably feel _ . A. discouraged B. hurt C. puzzled D. affected Answer: B. hurt Johnny lived with his mother and father in a small town in the mountains One day there was an earthquake near the town. Many houses were damaged . Everyone thought that there would soon be another earthquake. They were worried that the second earthquake would be worse than the first. "We must send Johnny to a safe place," Johnny's mother said to her husband. "Many of our friends are sending their children to relatives in other towns,' "We'll send him to my brother, Peter," Johnny's father said. "He lives a long way away. Johnny will be safe with him.' He telephoned Johnny's Uncle Peter and asked him if he would let Johnny live with him. "He's a good boy," he said. "He won't give you any trouble.' "All right,' Johnny's Uncle Peter said, "but I'm not used to children. I live a very quiet and peaceful life." "You won't know Johnny's in the house," his father told him. So Johnny, who was five, went to live with his uncle. Two days later, his mother and father received a telegram from Peter. It said: "I am returning the child. Please send an earthquake." Why did Uncle Peter send Johnny back home? A. There was an earthquake in his town. B. The boy was more trouble than an earthquake. C. Johnny was not happy with him. D. His parents wanted him back. Answer: B. The boy was more trouble than an earthquake.
Which of these provides most of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere? Answer: ocean phytoplankton WASHINGTON -- President Obama brought together the leaders of Japan and South Korea to discuss cooperation on containing North Korea and its nuclear weapons programs. Japan and North Korea have had tense relations over unresolved issues, some of them dating back 100 years. The three leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation in dealing with North Korea. The meeting took place Tuesday in the Hague, after a twoday nuclear security summit. President Obama praised South Korean President Park Geunhye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for overcoming their differences to discuss a serious threat to regional peace. He emphasized the importance of cooperation on the North Korean nuclear issue. Obama said the three discussed steps to deepen diplomatic and military cooperation, including joint military exercises and missile defense against Pyongyang. He said further discussions would take place next month, during his visits to Seoul and Tokyo. The South Korean president stressed the importance of a united response to North Korea, but also called on the North to choose a peaceful path. "I sincerely hope that this meeting will offer a chance for us to reconfirm our trilateral coordination and strengthen the cooperation on the nuclear front," said Park. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed. "Particularly it is extremely important that we were able to confirm close cooperation among Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea on the issue of North Korea, the three countries who would like to cooperate so that North Korea will be able to take a positive position with regard to nuclear and missile issue," said Abe. Japan and South Korea have several unresolved issues, including Japan's refusal to apologize again for crimes committed 70 years ago. Former U.S. diplomat Richard Armitage told an audience this week that painful historic injustices take a long time to heal, and that it is in Japan's interest to continue apologizing for as long as necessary. "There is a historical record of enormous generosity, achievement and respect for human rights and human freedom," said Armitage. What can we learn from the article? Answer: The three leaders attended a nuclear security summit before the meeting. "In the old days," as one wife said. " The husband was the husband and the wife was the wife." In the past husbands each had their own way of going on. The wives' jobs were to look after them. "The wives wouldn't stand for it nowadays. Husbands help with the children now. They stay more, as well as have more interest, at home." We shall give some examples of what husbands do, firstly in sharing work with their wives; and secondly, in their largely independent domain of house repairs. "Some husbands, as well as doing much of the heavy work in the home, carrying the coals, and emptying the rubbish, act as assistants to their wives for at least part of the day." Mr. Hammond washes up the dishes every night and lays the breakfast for the morning. Mr. Clark said that on Sunday mornings he usually hovered around and read plays aloud for his wife while she did a bit of washing. Mr. Davis polishes the floors and helps to make the beds at weekend, and during weekdays, takes the dog out for one of his twice-daily walks. So it goes on.... the meaning of the wife's words at the beginning of the passage were that _ . Answer: in the past there was a clear division of role in the family. "The world's oceans are slowly getting more acidic." say scientists. The researchers from California report that the change is taking place in response to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The lowering of the waters' PH value is not great at the moment but could cause a serious threat to current ocean life if it continues, they warn. Ken Caldeira and Michael Wickett, from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, report their concerns in the journal Nature. Increasing use of oil fuels means more carbon dioxide is going into the air, and most of it will eventually be absorbed by seawater. Once in the water, it reacts to form carbonic acid. Scientists believe that the oceans have already become slightly more acidic over the last century. These researchers have tried to predict what will happen in the future by combining what we know about the history of the oceans with computer models of climate change. "This level of acidity will get much more extreme in the future if we continue releasing CO2into the atmosphere," said Dr Caldeira. "And we predict the amount of future acidity will exceed anything we have seen over the last several hundred million years." However, it is not ly clear what that means for ocean life. Most organisms live near the surface, where the greatest PH change would be expected to occur, but deep-ocean life forms may be more sensitive to PH changes.Coral reefs and other organisms whose shells contain calcium carbonate may be affected if the water's acidity levels keep going up, the team predict. In recent years some people have suggested storing carbon dioxide from power stations in the deep ocean as a way of dealing with global warming.But Dr Caldeira said that such a strategy should now be re-considered. "Previously, most experts had looked at ocean absorption of carbon dioxide as a good thingbecause in releasing CO2into the atmosphere we warm the planet, and when CO2, is absorbed by the ocean, it reduces the amount of greenhouse warming." If the water's acidity level keeps rising, _ . Answer: ocean life whose structures contain calcium carbonate may be affected People often complain they face too many problems. Every day and everywhere there are problems. Many times we find it hard to stay happy. When one problem is solved, another one comes up. People have money problems, work problems, family problems, health problems..... the list goes on. And we usually think that people who are happy and successful are having fewer problems than us. Look at the successful people we often mention. They have money they need, they have jobs they love, they have good friends, they have obedient kids, they have the successful business, they have loving families etc. Everything goes well with them. That is why they are happy and successful. But in fact, the more successful you are, the more problems you have to face. More success means more challenges they have to face, and more success means more risks they have to take. Young and old, rich and poor, successful and unsuccessful, educated and uneducated, all have problems. The difference is that their problems are different from each other. Rich and successful have big problems. Poor and unsuccessful have small problems. Still they all have problems which they can face. Successful people are successful just because they are ready to face challenges larger than ordinary people. Winning the US elections makes Obama very happy. As a new US president, he has to face bigger challenges. He has to be more careful about his work he does, or he will lose his position . Looking at him, we may say he is lucky, happy and successful. But, I think, as the US president, he has more pressure than an ordinary person. From this article we know that President Obama _ . Answer: takes more risks
About ten men in every hundred suffer from colour blindness in some way. Women are luckier. Only about one in two hundred is affected in this matter. So some people say it is safer to be driven by women. There are different forms of colour blindness. In some cases a man may not be able to see deep red. He may think that red, orange and yellow are all shades of green. Sometimes a person cannot tell the difference between blue and green. In rare cases an unlucky man may see everything in shades of green--a strange world indeed. Colour blindness in humans is a strange thing to explain. In our eyes there are millions of very small things called "cones". These help us to see in a bright light and to tell differences between colours. There are also millions of "rods", but these are used for seeing when it is nearly dark. They show us shapes but no colour. Some insects have favourite colours. Mosquitoes like blue but do not like yellow. A red light will not attract insects, but a blue lamp will. In a similar way humans also have favourite colours. Yet we are lucky. With the aid of the cones in our eyes we can see many beautiful colours by day, and with the aid of the rods we can see shapes at night. One day we may even learn more about the invisible colours around us. This passage is mainly about _ A colour and its surprising effects B danger caused by colour blindness C colour blindness D the invisible colours around us Answer: C Just 50 years ago Manx seemed to be on the point of disappearing. "If you spoke Manx in a pub on the island in the 1960s, it was considered provocative and you were likely to find yourself in a fight," recalls Brian Stowell, a 76-year-old islander who has written a Manx-language novel,The Vampire Murders, and presents a radio show on Manx Radio spreading the language every Sunday. The language itself is similar to the Gaelic tongues spoken in the island's neighbours, Ireland and Scotland. A century ago, "Moghrey mie" would have been commonly heard instead of good morning on the island. "In the 1860s there were thousands of Manx people who couldn't speak English," says Stowell. "But only a century later it was considered to be so backwards to speak the language that there were stories of Manx speakers getting stones thrown at them in the towns. "I learnt it myself from one of the last surviving native speakers back in the 1950s." Recession( ) in the mid 19th Century forced many Manx residents to leave the island to seek work in England. And parents were not willing to pass the language down through the generations, with many believing that to have Manx as a first language would affect job opportunities overseas. There was a fall in the language. By the early 1960s there were perhaps as few as 200 who spoke the tongue. The last native speaker, Ned Maddrell, died in 1974. Unesco pronounced the language died out in the 1990s. Now there is even a Manx language primary school in which all subjects are taught in the language, with more than 60 pupils attending. Manx is also taught in other schools across the island. What does "Moghrey mie" mean according to the passage? A All the best. B Congratulations. C Never mind. D Good morning. Answer: D Mr. Green worked in an office in London, but he lived in the country and came to work by train every day. The station was not very far from his office, and he always went on foot from the station to his office and back from his office to the station. Every evening he walked past a poor man near a bridge. The man sat at the road and sold matches, and there was a dog near him. There was a piece of wood round the dog's neck, and the words "I AM BLIND" were on the piece of wood. Mr.Green was a kind man. He always stopped and gave a penny to the man, but he did not take any of his matches. One day, Mr.Green had a lot of work in his office and left the office very late. He came to the man and his dog, but he did not stop. The poor man stood up quickly, ran after him and said, "You're always very kind to me. Give me a penny today. I'm a poor man." Mr.Green stopped and he was surprised. Then he said, "You're a blind man. How did you see me?" The poor man said, "No, I'm not blind. My dog is." Mr.Green lived in _ . A London B the city near London C the country near London D the country not far from his office Answer: C Sure,it's good to get along well with your teacher because it makes the time you spend in the classroom more pleasant. And yes,it's good to get along well with your teacher because,in general,it's smart to learn how to get along well with the different types of people you'll meet throughout your life. In fact,kids who get along well with their teachers not only learn more,but they're more comfortable about asking questions and getting extra help.This makes it easier for them to understand new materials and do their best on tests.When you have this kind of relationship with a teacher,he or she can be someone to turn to with problems,such as problems with learning or school issues. Here is a question:what if you don't get along well with your teachers? In fact,teachers want to get along well with you and enjoy seeing you learn.But teachers and students sometimes have personality clashes ,which can happen between any two people.If you show your teacher that you want to make the situation better,he or she will probably do everything possible to make _ happen.By dealing with a problem like this,you learn something about how to get along with people who are different from you. However,if a certain teacher isn't your favorite,you can still have a successful relationship with him or her,especially _ .Here are some of those responsibilities: Attend class ready to learn. Be prepared for class with the right pencils,books,and completed assignments. Listen when your teacher is talking. Do your best,whether it's a classroom assignment,homework,or a test. The passage is written for _ . A teachers B advisers C students D parents Answer: C "We're going to move," Jimmy said to Mr. James,her teacher, with tears in her eyes. "Dad lost his job and now we don't have enough money to live in our house." Pam was walking by and just heard Jimmy's talk with Mr.James. In the lunchroom Pam met Carol and said, "I've got something to tell you about Jimmy." As she started to tell Carol about Jimmy's dad, several other classmates stopped to listen. Pam felt bad telling what she had heard but she went on anyway. After school, Pam saw some of her classmates talking to Jimmy. "Where does your dad work?" one of the boys asked. Jimmy's face turned red. She left without answering. Pam felt terrible, because she didn't mean to hurt Jimmy. And she hadn't thought that some of the classmates would make jokes and laugh at Jimmy about her father's losing the job. Pam didn't know what she could do to help Jimmy. Jimmy's family had to move because _ . A her father lost his job B they had a better place to live in C her classmates were not kind enough D her father changed his job Answer: A
Searching the Internet may help middle-aged and older adults keep their memories sharp,US researchers said. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles ,studied people doing web searches by recording their brain activity. "What we saw was people who had Internet experience used more of their brain during the search,"Dr.Gary Small, a UCLA expert on aging, said,"This suggests that just searching on the Internet may train the brain and that it may keep it active and healthy." "This is the first time anyone has simulated an Internet search task while scanning the brain,"Small said. His team studied 24 normal volunteers between the ages of 55 and 76. Half were experienced at searching the Internet and the other half had no web experience. However, the two groups were similar in age, gender and education. Both groups were asked to do Internet searches and book reading tasks while their brain activity was monitored. "We found that in the book reading task, the visual cortex-- the part of the brain that controls reading and language -- was activated,"Small said,"In doing the Internet search task, there was much greater activity, but only in the Internet-savvy group." He said it appears that people who are familiar with the Internet can engage in much deeper level of brain activity. Activities that keep the brain engaged can preserve brain health and thinking ability. Small thinks learning to do Internet searches may be one of those activities. Which of the following is TRUE? When you run, you put force that is equal to three times your body weight on your feet. The human foot contains twenty muscles. This means that there is a lot that can go wrong when you run. Most sports have some kind of running or jumping So experts at many shoe companies work hard to design good sport shoes. First, a designer enters a plan for a shoe into a computer .Engineers then improve the design. A second computer designs a model for the shoe. Then a few pairs are made. Next, the shoe is tested. Different kinds of sports shoes are made for different uses. Some are made to help marathon runners save energy during a race. Some are made for the stop-and-go kind of running tennis players. But all sport shoes have one thing in common: they are designed to help people's feet comfortable during sports. Today, nearly every sport has its own special shoe designed for just the kind of running that sport needs. What is not talked about in the passage? Everyone needs friends. Friends bring us happiness and hope in our lives. But the ability to make friends changes from person to person. To some people, making friends is easy, and to others it's very difficult. Making friends is a skill, and the first thing is to know how to get along with others. If you have trouble in making friends, maybe I can tell you how to do it. Realize your own good points. You have skills and talents that others will like. Believe that you are a good person and have something nice to share with others. Be humorous. Learn to laugh at yourself and your weakness. Remember to smile to others. Respect others. Everyone has his own idea. Learn how to listen to others' ideas without trying to make them accept yours. Be kind. If you are kind to others, they will usually be kind to you. There are hundreds of little things you can do to show kindness. Open the door for someone. Wave to a friend and so on. Don't complain. Learn to accept what you can't change, and work hard to change what you can. No one is willing to hear your complaining all the time. Never give up. Even if you are faced with some closed-minded people, never give up. And try to find someone who will understand you. Why do we need friends according to the passage? Some health care professionals recommend that children use insect repellent before going outside. Using insect repellent is a good way to keep the insects from "Folk singers are more like poets than singers," Li Yahe, a music businessman, once told China Youth Daily. That saying perfectly describes Zhang Lei, the 34-year-old champion of the fourth "Voice of China" singing competition, which ended on Oct 7. Critics thought Zhang's success as a victory for folk singers. The Voice of China used to attach great importance to singing skills and vocal techniques, which are not necessarily what folk singers are good at. "Folk songs are more about emotions and storytelling," said Li. Folk is one of the oldest musical styles. It dates back to ancient times, when people sang about their everyday lives and the society around them. A powerful comeback Folk music became popular again in the Western world in the 1960s. During social revolutions, many young Westerners turned to the simple rhythms of folk. Pioneers included US singer Bob Dylan, whose songs are reflections of some social issues like the Vietnam War. Singers at that time used traditional folk instruments like the banjo, the upright bass, the mandolin and the piano. In the late 1970s, folk music was introduced to Taiwan. The rise of singers like Lo Tayu and Chyi Yu popularized folk music, particularly among young Chinese people. At that time, folk tunes were based on simple song structures, with pleasant chord progression and pretty lyrics, just like during old times. But they focused more on the dreams and sorrow of youth than on politics. This continued to be the case when the folk "wave" swept Chinese mainland in the 1990s. Folk pioneers Sadly, _ didn't last long in China. Folk gave way to pop in the late 1990s, when people started living more fast-paced lives. But that didn't mean folk music had disappeared from the music world entirely. "The drop in the popularity of folk songs is because the business mode of the music industry is outdated, not because of the music itself," folk singer Song Ke once said. He was right. Recent years have seen folk songs gaining popularity, with the appearance of singers like Li Jian and Song Dongye. "The popularity of the Internet has shocked the traditional profit model in music industry," Lu Zhongqiang, manager of 13-Month, a music recording and publishing company, told Tencent Entertainment. "Not-so-well-known music starts showing its strength when the production of mainstream music is declining," he added. Which statement is true according to the passage?
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1904. He was famous because of the books he wrote for children. They combine funny words, pictures, and social opinions. Dr Seuss wrote his first book for children in 1937. It is called And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. A number of publishers refused to publish it. They said it was too different. A friend finally published it. Soon other successful books followed. Over the years, he wrote more than forty children's books. They were fun to read. Yet his books sometimes dealt with serious subjects. By the middle 1940s, Dr Seuss had become one of the best-loved and most successful writers of children's books. He liked helping children. In 1954, Life magazine published a report about school children who could not read. The report said that many children's books weren't interesting. Dr Seuss decided to write books that were interesting and easy to read. In 1957, Dr Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat. He used less than 225 words to write the book. This was about the number of words a six-year-old should be able to read. The story is about a cat who tries to entertain two children on a rainy day while their mother is away from home. The cat is not like normal cats. It talks. The book was an immediate success. It was an interesting story and was easy to read. Children loved it. Their parents loved it, too. Today many adults say it is still one of the stories they like best. What do we know about Dr Seuss's first book for children? Answer: Li Lei, Beijing I found the summer vacation was not so interesting as I imagined . It was very hot, so I had to spend most of the time staying at home, watching TV, listening to the radio and playing with my dog. Sometimes, I went to visit my relatives . Gina, New York I went to the countryside with my family and stayed there for about two weeks. The air there was nice and clean. Every day, we fed the chickens, milked the cows, played with the dogs and went fishing. We enjoyed ourselves very much. We wished to go there again. Alice, London My summer vacation was great. I went to Switzerland with my friends and stayed there for a week. It wasn't very hot there. We went to a climb the Alps . We felt very tired but excited. We also saw some beautiful lakes, went boating and took many photos. Where did Gina spend the summer vacation? Answer: Mr. and Mrs. Clark are 70 years old. They look young and they are very healthy. Why? Let me tell you. That's because they have a healthy lifestyle. They exercise every day, and every morning they exercise in the park. After that they usually go to the supermarket. They walk there for about half an hour. They don't take buses. Because they think walking is good for their health. They often take a walk after dinner. They also have a good eating habit. They drink milk every morning. They eat fruit and vegetables every day. As for meat, they only eat it twice a week. Besides (...) that, they never eat junk food. They don't drink coffee or cola at all. You see, they look after their health very well. Mrs. Clark likes watching soap operas and reading books. She reads books every day. Mr. Clark likes Chinese paintings. They usually go to bed at 9:00 pm and sleep for eight hours every night. Where do Mr. and Mrs. Clark exercise every morning? Answer: Nasreddin woke up in the middle of the night and saw something white in his garden. It seemed to be moving towards the house. That is a thief ! He thought, and he took his gun and shot at him. Then he went back to bed, because he was too frightened) to go out of the house in the dark. The next morning Nasreddin went out and saw one of his white shirts hanging on the clothes-line in the garden, his wife had washed it the day before and hung it out to dry. Now it had a bullet- hole right through middle of it. My God, said Nasreddin, I was lucky last night. If I had been wearing that shirt, the bullet would have killed me! And he called his neighbours together and asked them to thank God for saving him. The next morning Nasreddin found _ . Answer: Different from popular thoughts, colds are not caused by bad weather. Colds are caused by viruses in the body, and you are better out on the snowy day than you are in a warm room, with your friends, who just may be passing the virus around. If you feel a chill when you are coming down with a cold, you are already sick. A chill is an early sign of the cold. The virus can spread through air when a cold - sufferer coughs or sneezes. Surprisingly, this is not the most usual way of spreading, Many studies have now shown that most colds are " caught " by hands. A cold - sufferer rubs her nose, so spreading the virus to her hand. Then a friend comes to visit her. They shake their hands. The friend then gets something to eat by hand, and several days later she catches a cold. Although some parents pick up their children's tissues and carefully throw them away, they fail to wash their hands. They'll catch the colds, too. Cold viruses can also be spread by objects, for example, telephones, plates. The cold - sufferer as well as other members of the house, by washing their hands often, will stop the viruses from spreading in a way . The passage mainly tells us that _ . Answer:
My son Paul got a job in a large chain of guitar stores. It was the first time for him to do such a job. The pay was based on a small salary and his sales. They offered him some training on how to get close to a customer, introduce the product and make the sale. However, he wasn't doing well. He was very _ . One morning Paul said to me, "Mum, you used to be a sales trainer. Can you tell me why I'm not doing well?" I said, "The key is that you must love the people you are selling your product to, not count the money you will make in your mind. Do what is best for them even though they are just buying something small or a cheap guitar." He promised he would try it. After some time, his sales began to increase. He became the top salesman in the store and his salary was increased. Within six months, he was one of the top ten salespeople in the whole chains of guitar stores around the country. His company held a big party to honor the top ten salespeople. New cars, great hotels and delicious dinners were the prizes. Paul was of course included. After the dinner, the boss of the company asked, "Paul, how did you make it?" Paul answered, " I don't want to tell you. You won't believe me." "Of course I'll believe you. Tell me." "I started loving the people who came in," Paul told him. The boss replied, "Okay Paul, now tell me how you REALLY make it." The passage mainly tells us _ . A why Paul was not doing his job well B how difficult Paul's job as a salesman was C the big influence of Paul's mother on him D the story of Paul's becoming a successful salesman Answer: D Hi, my name is Amy. I am a Grade 7 student, and I would like to tell you something about my class and myself. There are ten classes in Grade 7.In each class, there are about forty students. I think that my class, Class 4 is the best .That is because all the students in my class work very hard and the teachers are all very nice to the students. But I am not one of the best students in the class. I love reading, and I am very good at Chinese and English. I don't find Maths very interesting, so I am not good at it. I want to work hard at it. My teacher, classmates and my parents would like to help me with my Maths. What is Amy not good at? A Chinese B P.E. C English D Maths Answer: D Lady Bird Johnson was born Claudia Alta Taylor in nineteen twelve. The Taylor family lived in the small town of Karnack, Texas. Claudia's father, Thomas Jefferson Taylor, owned two stores as well as thousands of hectares for cotton production. Her mother, Minnie Taylor, died when Claudia was only five years old. A woman who worked for the Taylor family gave Claudia her nickname. Alice Tittle said the small child was "as purty as a lady bird." As first lady, Missus Johnson became an energetic activist for educational and environmental issues. She helped support Head Start, a public program aimed at giving educational and health services to young children from poor families. She started the Society for a More Beautiful National Capitol. Its aim was to improve the beauty of Washington by planting trees and flowers in public areas and parks. Missus Johnson understood that these improvements were also linked to important issues such as pollution, public transportation, mental health, and crime rates. Lyndon Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson had a difficult four-year term. The president faced strong opposition about the United States involvement in the war in Vietnam. In nineteen sixty-eight, President Johnson surprised the nation by announcing that he would not seek reelection as president. The Johnsons left politics and returned home to Texas. Mister Johnson died of a heart attack in nineteen seventy-three. Lady Bird Johnson continued her tireless work to improve the country's natural environment. She created the National Wildflower Research Center in nineteen eighty-two. The center helps to educate people about the environmental importance and value of native plants. Missus Johnson died in two thousand seven at the age of ninety-four. Her memory lives in the many fields of wildflowers that color the roads of America. The passage inicates that Mrs. Johnson was the best know for _ A the National Wildflower Research Center B her contribution to environmental improvement C her concerns about the helth of poor young children D her influence on other activists Answer: B A resource that can be endlessly retrieved is A knobs B bricks C panels D droplets Answer: D Many people like to travel by plane, but I don't like it because the airport is usually far from the city. You have to get there early and wait for hours for the plane to take off. You can't open the windows. You can't choose the food. Planes are fast, but it still takes hours to get out of the airport and into the city. I like travelling by train. I think trains are safe. Railway stations are usually good in cities. When you are late for a train, you can catch another one. You can walk around in the train and open the window. You can see many interesting things on your way, though it takes a little more time. I also like cars. You can start your journey whenever you want to, and you don't need to get to a railway station or a bus stop. Also you can carry many things with you in a car. But sometimes there are too many cars on the road. ,. If you want to take a lot of things with you, what kind of transportation will you take for travelling? A A plane B A car C A train D A bus Answer: B
Question: When you are not happy, there are six ways to make you happy or feel good about yourself. (1) Look in the mirror and say to yourself, "I'm a special person and there's no one in the world like me. I can do anything!" It really works! (2) Do something nice for someone. Helping others always makes you feel good. (3) Smile! Be friendly to people around you. Look for the good things in your friends and family. (4) Learn something new! Do you always want to learn how to swim? Go for it! (5) Read and start a diary . Turn offthe TV and let your imagination fly! If you have any ideas or dreams, write them down! (6) Stay with your family. We all need our family time. Talk with your mum and dad or maybe even your cousin. Where can you read this passage? A. In a story book. B. In a dictionary. C. In a magazine. D. In a diary. Answer: C Question: It is generally believed that we are getting cleaned when we step under a shower. We are, but we're also giving a home to lots of tiny little creatures we didn't even know about. A showerhead carries thousands of bacteria called Mycobacterium.These can cause problems like coughs and tiredness, and a general feeling of poorliness . When you turn on the water, the bacteria go from the showerhead onto and into your body. This is a finding of Norman R. Pace and his team at the University of Colorado, in the US. The scientists investigated bacteria in all kinds of human environment, including showers.Pace's team looked at 45 showerheads in nine American cities. They discovered that 30 percent of them had large amounts of flying Mycobacterium. But Pace said that they _ few threats to the health.Only those with a weak immune system might need to worry.He told the New York Times that the bacteria are not as unpleasant as might be thought.He said that having a shower is no more dangerous than anything else we do in the morning. But for those who feel sick about the idea of all those microorganisms , he had some advice. Let the water run for 30 seconds before getting into the shower. Why? The number of bacteria is smaller than that when the water is just turned on. If that seems like a waste of water, he added that you could also change your showerhead every few months. However, Pace had good news too. He has also been testing the air in US subways. Apart from iron particles , which are ground off the track by the wheels of trains, subway air is fresh. The reason is that a train's movement pumps fresh outdoor air into the tunnels. Pace explained that he wanted to understand the natural microbial environments of public places. This kind of knowledge might help discover the microbes to be used in a bioterrorist attack. From the finding of Norman R. Pace, after taking a shower, we might cough or feel tired because _ . A. it's easy to get a cold when taking a bath B. the showerhead carries many bacteria causing illness C. we don't get cleaned while showering D. we don't get a weak immune system Answer: B Question: Have you ever wondered what a Degree might be worth to you in your job or career ? It means that a lot of Americans with an Associate Degree average nearly $10,000 more in yearly earnings than those with just a High School Diploma . Harcourt Learning Direct offers you a way to get a Specialized Associate Degree in 11 of today's growing fields without having to go to college full time. With Harcourt, you study at home, in your spare time-so you don't have to give up your present job while you train for a better one. Choose from exciting majors like Business Management, Accounting, Dressmaking &Design, Bookkeeping, Photography, Computer Science, Engineering, and more! Your training includes everything you need! Books, lessons, learning aids-even professional-quality tools and equipment-everything you need to master your training and move ahead to a new career is included in the low tuition price you pay. Most importantly, your education is nationally recognized! Nearly 2, 000 American companies-including General Electric, IBM, Mobile, General Motors, Ford, and many others have used our training for their employees. If companies like these recognize the value of our training, you can be sure that employees in your area will, too! Earn your degree in as little as two years! Get a career diploma in just six months! The career of your dreams is closer than you think! Even if you have no experience before, you can get valuable job skills in today's hottest fields! Step-by-step lessons make learning easy. Prepare for promotions , pay raises, even start a business of your own! Send today for FREE information about Harcourt at home training! Simply fill in your name and address on the coupon above. Then write in the name and number of the one program you're most interested in, and mail it today. We'll rush your free information about how you can take advantage of the opportunities in the field you've chosen. Act today! Mail coupon today! Or call the number below 1-800-372-1589. Call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www. Harcourt-learning. com. E-mail:Harcourt@learning. com. This advertisement is meant to persuade people into _ . A. earning their degrees in different ways that suit them B. working part time to further their education C. improving their education at home to get better jobs D. giving up their present jobs to attend a university Answer: B 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. When their daughter received the letter she would _ A. wonder why their parents posted the plane tickets to her B. remember to lock the front door C. write back to her parents as soon as possible D. fly to New York too Answer: A Question: According to the Daily Telegraph on February 10, a British woman who was "pushed to the edge" by a _ fire alarm that sounded non-stop for several days discovered that the sound was in fact made by a parrot in her garden. Shanna Sexton, 25, from Devon, UK, even called in workmen to try and solve the problem. But she was amazed to see an African Grey Congo parrot stopped on a water bucket The noisy parrot, called Sammi, had escaped from neighbor Louise Ledger's house a week earlier and spent seven days in the garden imitating a smoke alarm. Ledger, 38, was worried and spent hours searching for her beloved pet and she even pasted the neighborhood with missing posters hoping for Sammi's return. " _ . I am going to give Shanna a huge bunch of flowers. When I found out where he was I could not have got there any faster. He is always making funny noises from anywhere and everywhere. I think he must have heard me burning the toast once so he made the smoke alarm noise," said Ledger. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? A. Shanna Sexton was amazed to see a parrot in her garden. B. Ledger loved her parrot very much and worried for his missing. C. The parrot has been missing for a week. D. The parrot imitated the fire alarm at Shanna's house. Answer: D
Almost no young people today know who the cartoon character Oswald the Rabbit is, but they certainly recognize his successor, Bugs Bunny. Oswald, Bugs, and hundreds of other characters were created by Walt Disney, perhaps the most famous cartoonist in history. Born in prefix = st1 /Chicagoin 1901, Walt Disney always wanted to be an artist. After returning from World War I, in which he drove an ambulance, Disney worked as a commercial artist. He enjoyed drawing cartoons more than anything else, and decided to try his hand at a technology that was new at the time, moving pictures. In the 1920's, he produced several films where he made cartoon characters move as if by magic. The technique Disney used was painstaking. He made hundreds or even thousands of repeated drawings of the same character. In each drawing, the character was changed just a bit. A film was taken of the series of drawings, and when it was shown, the characters appeared to move. The process, called animation, is still used today, although computers have made the process much easier. In 1928, Disney created his most famous character, Mortimer Mouse, who we know today as Mickey. The mouse starred in a cartoon called Steamboat Willie, which was unusual because it involved the use of a sound track. Within the next few years, Disney invented many of his other characters. The list of Disney's animation successes is long and memorable. It includes Pinocchio, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, and Peter Pan. Perhaps his most remarkable animated film is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Created in 1937, it was an immediate success. Today, more than fifty years later, it is still one of the most popular films for children. Which of these words best describes Walt Disney? A Creative. B Athletic. C Exciting. D Quiet. Answer: A. Creative. Traveling without a map in different countries,I find out about different"styles"of directions every time I ask "How can I get to the post office?" Foreign tourists are often confused in Japan because most streets there don't have name signs:in Japan,people use landmarks in their directions instead of street names.For example,the Japanese will say to travelers,"Go straight down to the corner.Turn left at the big hotel and go past a fruit market.The post office is across from the bus stop." People in Los Angeles,the US,have no idea of distance on the map:they measure distance by time,not miles."How far away is the post office?"you ask."Oh," they answer,"it's about five minutes from here." You don't understand completely,"Yes,but how many miles away is it,please?"To this question you won't get an answer,because most probably they don't know it themselves. People in Greece sometimes do not even try to give directions because tourists seldom understand the Greek language.Instead,a Greek will often say," Follow me."Then he'll lead you through the streets of the city to the post office. Sometimes a person doesn't know the answer to your question.What happens in the situation? A New Yorker might say,"Sorry, I have no idea."But in Yucatan,Mexico,no one answers "I don't know." People there believe that "I don't" is impolite.They usually give an answer,but often a wrong one.So a tourist can get lost very easily in Yucatan! However,one thing will help you everywhere in the world.It's body language. How do Greeks give directions? A Using street names. B Using landmarks. C Leading people the way. D Giving people a wrong direction. Answer: C. Leading people the way. One of the most striking findings of a recent questionnaire in the UK is that of the people interviewed, one in two believes that it is becoming more difficult to meet someone to start a family with. Why are many people finding it increasingly difficult to start and keep close relationships? Does modern life really make it harder to fall in love? Or are we making it harder for ourselves? It is certainly the case today that nowadays couples benefit in different ways from relationships. Women no longer rely upon partners for economic security or status. A man doesn't expect his wife to be in sole charge of running his household and raising his children. But perhaps the knowledge that we can live perfectly well without a partnership means that it takes much more to persuade people to abandon their independence. In theory, finding a partner should be much simpler these days. Only a few generations ago,your choice of soul mate was limited by geography, social convention and family tradition. Although it was never clear, many marriages were essentially arranged. Now those barriers have been broken down. You can approach a builder or a brain surgeon in any bar in any city on any given evening. When the world is your oyster , you surely have a better chance of finding a pearl. But it seems that the traditions have been replaced by an even tighter restriction:the limitation of choice. The expectations of partners are made greater to an unmanageable degree:good looks, impressive salary, kind to grandmother, and so on. There is no room for error in the first impression. We think that a relationship can be perfect. If it isn't,it is intended to be thrown away. We work to protect ourselves against future heartache and don't put in the hard emotional labor needed to build a strong relationship. Twelve-hour work at the office makes relaxed after-hours dating difficult. The cost of housing and child-raising creates pressure to have a stable income and career before a life partnership. People don't want to give up their independence because _ . A they can't bear arranged marriages B they want to have more choices C they don't want to follow traditions D they think they can live happily alone Answer: D. they think they can live happily alone Although I'm not in my childhood, I still prefer reading fairy tales. They often make me think of some special experiences and feelings. This summer I've reviewed this kind of tales, The Little Prince. It was published in 1940. It's the world-famous fairy tale by the French author Antoine. "I", the narrator of the story, is a pilot. His plane has something wrong and lands in the Sahara. The little prince lives on a small planet, and he grows a flower called ROSE there. One day they have a quarrel , so the little prince runs away. On his all-alone journey, he meets different kinds of people. From these people he gets a conclusion that grown-ups are strange. And with the help of the man he meets, he descends in the Sahara. This book moved me a lot. It is not only a fairy tale for children and teenagers, but also for grown-ups. ,. The little prince runs away, because _ . A he doesn't love his hometown B he is a naughty boy and loves adventures C he has made mistakes D he has quarrelled with ROSE Answer: D. he has quarrelled with ROSE Randy was a boy who loved to eat spaghetti. One day he met a girl named Hilda. People said that Hilda made the best spaghetti in the world. So Randy wanted to try some of Hilda's spaghetti. He asked Hilda, "Hilda, would you make me some spaghetti please?" Hilda said, "Sure! Just come to my house tomorrow!" So the next day Randy went to Hilda's house, sat down in the dining room, and waited. Then Hilda came out with a big plate of spaghetti with spinach soup. The only problem was that the spaghetti was bright blue. Randy said, "This spaghetti is blue! The soup is blue also! I hate the color blue and I won't eat any blue food!" This made Hilda sad, and she started to cry. This made Randy feel bad so he said, "It's okay, Hilda. Don't cry. I'll let you try again." So Hilda made a new plate of spaghetti for Randy. This time it wasn't blue and came with a salad with cheese. Randy said, "That's much better!" Then he started to eat. Suddenly Randy spit out all the spaghetti because there was a big nasty bug in it. This made Randy very angry and he threw all the spaghetti on the floor. Hilda said, "I'm so sorry, I don't know how that got there!" Randy calmed down and said, "I'm sorry too. Let's forget the spaghetti. I can eat the salad instead." When Randy finished the salad, Hilda asked if Randy wanted dessert. Randy said "no" because he was too full. What did Randy find in the spaghetti the second time? A A bug. B Dessert. C Cheese. D Spinach. Answer: A. A bug.
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. Why do some people think that texting is bad? A It has been replaced by voice message B It's too difficult to type. C Teenagers won't learn to write correctly. D It's not comfortable. Answer: C Before summer ends, you might want to consider reading The Shaping of A Christian Home by Elizabeth Elliot. She writes beautifully of her family summer cottage in Franconia, Maine. She mentions that every family should have a place to get away together. The summer of my fourteenth year, Dad and Mom planned a wonderful family vacation that I'll never forget. We took a road trip in our 1969 Chrysler. We camped through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and back home by way of Washington D.C. To save money, we stayed in a tent and cooked our own meals on a camp stove. It was a wonderful vacation. Whenever we could, we talked Dad into staying at a campground with a swimming pool. We camped in a large tent big enough to sleep eight average-sized people who didn't mind sleeping close enough to hear one another breathe. It wasn't a cottage in Franconia, but served a similar purpose for our family. Most nights I slept in my own small tent. Each night I went to sleep listening to the music or sleep to the sound of frogs. In Maine, we didn't have a cottage in the mountains or a house on the lake. I doubt if we ever will. But I have happy memories of a family vacation, looking into a campfire, swimming with my brothers and my sister and walking under the stars. What did the author think of his family vacation? A Great. B So-so. C Terrible. D Boring. Answer: A Our new foreign students are going to arrive very soon, and here are some ways to communicate with them politely. How close do you stand when you talk to a friend? You can stand close to people in the Middle East but don't stand too close to North Americans! Give them more personal space. Do you know How to _ people correctly? Chinese girls often walk arm in arm with their friends. South Americans sometimes hold your arm when they talk to you, so you can't move away! But in Britain many people don't like other people to touch them at all. Do you look at people when you talk? In some places, it isn't polite to look at people when you talk, but in other countries it isn't polite to look somewhere else. In Britain and the US, people usually look at each other when they talk. And how do you say goodbye? That's easy, wave to say goodbye. But be careful! In Greece, it's not at all polite! In fact, it's very rude! We can't wave to say goodbye in _ . A America B Japan C Britain D Greece Answer: D Have you ever wondered where the chocolate in your favorite candy bar comes from?Chocolate comes from the cacao tree,which grows in warm,tropical areas of West Africa,Indonesia,Malaysia,Mexico,and South America.And who eats the delicious chocolate made from the cacao grown in these places?The majority of chocolate is consumed in Europe and North America.This probably sounds like a familiar story-developing countries produce inexpensive raw materials that are manufactured and sold as finished goods in developed countries,and generally,that is what happens with chocolate.Large chocolate companies buy cacao beans at a low price and produce cocoa and chocolate products to sell at a ly high price. But the familiar story has a new chapter.Beginning in the 1980s,some consumers learned that cacao farmers were living difficult and uncertain lives.The farmers received money for their crops based on world markets,and the market price for cacao was sometimes so low that farmers received less for their crops than the crops had cost to produce.In response,groups of consumers in Europe and the United States developed"fair trade"organizations to guarantee that farmers of cacao,as well as coffee and tea,would receive fair and consistent prices for their crops. Fair trade organizations benefit farmers by buying cacao beans or other products from them directly at higher-than-market prices and eliminating "middle men"such as exporters.Fair trade organizations also encourage farming techniques that are not harmful to the environment or to farm workers,for example,growing cacao without chemical pesticides or fertilizers in the shade of rain forest trees.One organization,Equal Exchange,helps farmers set up farming cooperatives in which they can share resources and work on projects such as community schools.Another,Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO),guarantees that products bearing its label meet standards that improve the lives of growers and producers. The results of fair trade are a better standard of living for some farmers and nicer chocolate bars made with organically produced cocoa that consumers don't feel guilty about buying.And although fair trade chocolate is somewhat more expensive than other chocolate and now makes up only 1% of chocolate sold,the fair trade idea is spreading quickly.You may soon see fair trade chocolate right next to the more famous bars in your favorite store. The organization Equal Exchange aims to . A promote chocolate sales B offer support to the farmers C reduce the cost of growing crops D increase the production of chocolate Answer: B Students are leaving the junior high school . What are they taking with them ? A lot of things for sure , but the most important thing is friends . We asked some teachers to give us one last lesson . The lesson is proverbs(, ) about friends . Proverbs teach people about life . Older people often teach proverbs to younger people . Every culture has proverbs . They are short and easy to remember . Mrs Minelli says , " It is important to remember this Sicilian proverb , ' Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty .' It means that only good friends tell you when you are making a mistake ." Mr Tulga says , " I have a favorite proverb about friends , ' Friendship is a plant we must water .' It is German . It means that everyone needs to take care of friendship like we take care of a garden ." Mr Tulga says , "My grandfather in Turkey told me , 'Nobody is so rich that he can throw away a friend .' It means that everyone needs friends . Be good to them ." The good news is :there is no test for this lesson ,. The bad news is :We will miss you . Goodbye , friends ! Don't forget us ! Which of the following is true from the passage ? A Only some countries have their proverbs about friends . B After the last lesson , the students will have a test for it . C If you are rich enough , you can throw away your friends . D Proverbs are usually short , and they teach people about life . Answer: D
Question: Showering typically sends water down the drain, but a new space-age shower could change that. The design, inspired by NASA, saves water and money. Astronauts have no choice but to recycle the water they use in space. _ This futuristic shower comes from Orbital Systems, a Swedish advanced technology company. Its CEO, Mehrdad Mahdjoubi, invented the product. "The shower of the future is a water-recycling shower, thus enabling water savings up to 90 percent, energy savings up to 80 percent, at the same time increasing comfort and hygiene. The water is being collected in the drain, it's being analyzed, purified and then pumped back up to the shower head. So what is so special about the purification technology? Well, it's based on a patented purification capsule system that makes sure that the water is always crystal clear," he explained. Mahdjoubi was inspired by a project between NASA and Sweden's Lund University to come up with designs for a mission to Mars. He adapted the closed-loop system that allows astronauts to re-use shower water again and again. The product already has been tested in Sweden, where it saved up to 100,000 liters of water over four months. Based on those results, Mahdjoubi is confident his company can distribute the shower system worldwide. "Our market is anyone who takes a shower, actually, and the biggest benefit it gives is to the market segment where the water consumption is the highest, such as bathing establishments, gyms, sports centers. Also, private households where the water consumption and the prices are high," said Mahdjoubi. The "out of this world" design has won several business and innovation What's Mahdjoubi's attitude towards the new product? A. Optimistic B. Uncertain C. Negative D. Indifferent Answer: A. Optimistic Question: No one knows yet the _ number of lives which have been lost in this terrible fire .But reports suggest that it is more than one hundred . A wall of flames fifty feet high and at least one hundred and fifty miles wide is now racing towards the forests and rich farmlands of southern Victoria . Towns less than one hundred miles from Melbourne will be in danger unless the wind changes . People are rushing excitedly into the streets . The police have warned them not to see the fire but many people are doing so . The cause of the fire is unknown . No rain has fallen in this part of Australia for three months , and the hot , north-west wind from the great central desert is blowing at more than thirty miles an hour . The firefighters are travelling to the fire by road , rail and air . But it is not easy to get there . Flames and fallen trees have cut off or blocked roads and railway lines . The thick smoke often prevents them from finding the air strips . It is said that the fire has brought the greater danger to the country since the Second World War . By the time the article was written , the fire _ . A. had just broken out B. had been put out C. was spreading violently D. was coming to an end Answer: C. was spreading violently Question: How would you like to sleep with one half your brain asleep and the other half awake? Dolphins sleep this way. Recently, scientists at Indiana State University have discovered that ducks sleep this way too. They found that ducks sleep half awake so they can rest and watch for danger at the same time. After putting their ducks in a row and videotaping them, some researchers found ducks on the end of each row spent more time asleep with one eye open, apparently looking for _ "The more the ducks felt threatened, the more they slept with one eye open," said lead author Niels C. Rattenborg, a graduate student at Indiana State University, Terre Haute. "The unique aspect is not that they do it, but that they control it. When they sleep at the edge of a group, they tend to realize greater danger, so they spend more time sleeping with one half of their brain." Ducks with one eye open were still awake enough to detect predators, said the authors of the study, which appears today in the journal Nature. The researchers studied four groups of four ducks held in plastic boxes, which were arranged in a row. Ducks on the end were found to sleep with one eye open 31.8 per cent of the time, compared to 12.4 percent of the time for ducks in the central position. Also, ducks in the central position did not open one eye more than the others, while ducks on each end kept the eye facing away from the group open 86.2 per cent of the time. Brain wave readings of the ducks showed that the half of the brain receiving signals from the closed eye indicated that half of the brain was sleeping. Signals from the half of the brain receiving signals from the open eye showed a state between fully awake and asleep. Ducks at the end of each row sleep with one eye open because _ . A. they are looking for food B. they are watching out for danger C. they want to enjoy the scenery D. they are unique in their sleeping habit Answer: B. they are watching out for danger Question: One day a family visited the school where I taught deaf children. They said they would move here and planned to send their deaf daughter to my school as a first grader. They were upset that their child's kindergarten teacher told them not to have high hopes for her. Standing behind them was Katherine, a beautiful five-year-old with long hair and dark eyes. The whole time her parents were there, she didn't make a sound or use sign language, even when her parents asked her to do so. After a few weeks with Katherine, I discovered she was a very smart child. Although she joined in different learning activities, writing was always a problem . I tried all kinds of ways to get her interested in writing, but she always refused to write. One day Katherine got off the school bus and stood in front of the school crying. The teachers there did not know enough sign language to ask her what happened. Finally they led her into the office and gave her a pen and a piece of paper. Katherine wrote:"PACBAK". Then the teachers realized she had left her backpack on the bus. They called the bus driver back to school and soon Katherine got her backpack back. That day _ . From then on she fell in love with writing. She is a young woman now and has become an excellent writer, public speaker and student leader. What was Katherine like when the writer first saw her? A. She was active. B. She was upset. C. She smiled a lot. D. She kept silent. Answer: D. She kept silent. Question: Students and Technology in the Classroom I love my blackberry -- it's my little connection to the larger world that can go anywhere with me. I also love my laptop computer,as it holds all of my writing and thoughts. Despite this love of technology, I know that there are times when I need to move away from these devices and truly communicate with others. On occasion, I teach a course called History Matters for a group of higher education managers. My goals for the class include a full discussion of historical themes and ideas. Because I want students to thoroughly study the material and exchange their ideas with each other in the classroom, I have a rule -- no laptop, iPads, phones ,etc .When students were told my rule in advance of the class, some of them were not happy. Most students assume that my reasons for this rule include unpleasant experiences in the past with students misusing technology. There's a bit of truth to that. Some students assume that I am anti-technology. There's no truth in that at all. I love technology and try to keep up with it so I can relate to my students. The real reason why I ask students to leave technology at the door is that I think there are very few places in which we can have deep conversions and truly _ complex ideas. Interruptions by technology often break concentration and allow for too much dependence on outside information for ideas. I want students to dig deep within themselves for inspiration and ideas. I want them to push each other to think differently and make connections between the course the material and the class discussion. I've been teaching my history class in this way for many years and the evaluations reflect student satisfaction with the environment that I create. Students realize that with deep conversation and challenge, they learn at a level that helps them keep the course material beyond the classroom. I'm not saying that I won't ever change my mind about technology use in my history class, but until I hear a really good reason for the change, I'm sticking to my plan. A few hours of technology-free dialogue is just too sweet to give up. According to the author, the use of technology in the classroom may _ . A. keep students from doing independent thinking B. encourage students to have in-depth conversations C. help students to better understand complex themes D. affect students' concentration on course evaluation Answer: A. keep students from doing independent thinking
Question: After graduation I returned home to my small town in Indiana. I didn't have a job yet. Mr. Hobbs, a friend of my father's, owned a small shirt factory in town. Within the past five years it had grown from twenty to eighty workers. Mr. Hobbs was worried that his plant was getting too big and inefficient, so he asked me to come in on a short-term basis as a consultant. I went to the plant and spent about a week looking around and making notes. I was really a mazed at what I saw. Most curious of all, there was no quality control at all. No one inspected the final product of the factory. As a result some of the shirts that were put in boxes for shipment were missing one or two buttons, the collar, and even a sleeve sometimes! The working conditions were poor. The tables where the workers sat were very high and uncomfortable. Except for a half hour at lunchtime, there were no breaks in the day to relieve the boring work. There was no music. The walls of the workrooms were a dull gray color. I was amazed that the workers hadn't gone on strike. Furthermore, the work flow was irregular. There was one especially absent-minded young man in the assembly line who sewed on buttons. After a while I recognized him as "Big Jim", who used to sit behind me in math class in high school. He was very slow and all the shifts were held up at his position. Workers beyond him in line on his shift had to wait with nothing to do; therefore, a great deal of time and efficiency were lost as Big Jim daydreamed while he worked. All week I wondered why he wasn't fired. After I made observations for a week, Mr. Hobbs asked me for an oral report of my findings. The shirts from Mr. Hobbs' factory can be described as _ . A. of low quality B. of high quality C. fashionable D. unfashionable Answer: A. of low quality Question: Kate White has a big family. There are nine people. Her grandfather's name is James White. He is a doctor. Her grandmother's name is Alice White. She is a housewife . They have a son and a daughter. Her father's name is Thomas White and he is an actor. Her mother's name is Jenny White and she is a nurse. Kate is 13 years old and she is a junior high school student. She has a little brother, Jimmy. Jimmy is three. Charles in her uncle, and Casey is her aunt. They are teachers. They have a baby. His name is Tommy. Kate likes her family very much. ,. What's Kate's family name? A. Green. B. White. C. Black. D. Smith. Answer: B. White. Question: Earthquakes happen without warning .They can happen any time of a day,at any point during the year.But don't worry because most are so weak that they cannot be felt. Only a few big ones hurt people. However,it's important to know what to do when an earthquake is happening. Do NOT go outside.You could get injured from falling glass or parts of buildings.If you are outside,stay away from buildings and power lines . Stay under a desk,table,or other strong furniture .Hold on to it.Or stay in a corner of the building.Cover your face and head with your arms and cover your mouth with a towel or clothing.Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Keep away from windows,pictures or advertisements on the wall or the building,and anything else that could fall and hurt you.Most people get injured by falling things during an earthquake,not by the shaking itself. Also keep away from a fire.You could fall down and burn yourself on the fire. If you are driving when an earthquake happens,stop the car if it's safe.Stay inside your car until the earthquake stops,and don't drive near bridges. Try not to stop by power lines or trees.These could fall and hurt you. The best title for this passage should be" ". A. How Earthquakes Happen B. How to Drive a Car C. What We Should Do in Earthquakes D. Why Earthquakes Happen Answer: C. What We Should Do in Earthquakes Question: Many French academics,teachers and parents complain because they feel that intellectual levels are falling rapidly!The figures prove it:young people visit museums less,spend their lives chatting on the Internet,read nothing but Stephen King,while watching American soaps such as Friends or reality shows like Star Academy on television,music player glued to their cars,and the games console handy. It is,however,easy to see these habits in a positive light.Music is the favorite leisure activity:86% of 14-to18-year-olds put it at the top of their activities,above the cinema(71%),clubbing(68%),sport(56%) and television(48%).For 90% of young people aged 14to 18,radio is also very popular:they listen to it every day without exception.International popular music has a strong showing,but songs in French are still in the majority(60%). Young people do,of course,watch a lot of television,but less than their elders,and if they tend to choose mostly soaps and reality TV shows,that is because these are the programs people talk about,which encourages social interaction.Do young people read less than they used to?Maybe,but that's also true of the elders.Young people still read more than their elders.When asked,"Do you like reading?",94% of 14-to-18-year-olds say they do,and 81% are convinced that computers will never replace books. Contrary to popular belief,reading continues to occupy an extremely important place in leisure-time activities,but the reading matter young people choose has changed considerably:there is a greater variety of media(computers and new technologies) and young people admit to taste they would perhaps have been ashamed of in the past.For example,comic strips,Stenphen King or other authors not recognized by mainstream culture,such as Betty Mahmoody (Not Without My Daughter),Mary Higgins Clark or Jostein Gaader (Sophie's World).As Beatrice Toulon,Editor in Chief of the magazine Phosphore,see it,"They don't read the same things as their parents did,but they are not afraid to admit it.They have their own culture,which they flaunt openly!" We can infer that young French people . A. are ashamed of their tastes B. are proud of their own culture C. share their parents'tastes in reading D. admit that they read less than their parents Answer: B. are proud of their own culture Question: If you want to stay young,sit down and have a good think. This is the research finding of a team of Japanese doctors, who say that most of our brains are not getting enough exercise, and as a result,we are ageing unnecessarily soon. Professor Taijiu Matsuzawa wanted to find out why otherwise healthy farmers in northern prefix = st1 /Japanappeared to be losing their ability to think and reason at a ly early age, and how the process of ageing could be slowed down. With a team of partners at Tokyo National University,he set about studying the brain volumes of a thousand people of different ages and various jobs. Computer technology enabled the researchers to get exact measurement of the volume of the front and side sections of the brain,which relate to intellect and feelings,and determine the human character. The back section of the brain,which controls functions like eating or breathing,does not connect with age. One can continue living without intellectual or feeling abilities. Contraction of front and side parts - as cells die off - was observed in some subjects in their thirties, but it was still not obvious in some sixty and seventy year olds. Matsuzawa concluded from his tests that there is a simple cure for the contraction normally connected with age using the brain. The findings show in general conditions that contraction of the brain begins soon among people in the country than in the town. Those are at least at risk,says Matsuzawa,who are lawyers,followed by university professors and doctors. White collar workers doing regular work in government offices are, however,as likely to have shrink as the farm workers,bus drivers and shop assistants. Matsuzawa's findings show that thinking can prevent the brain from shrinking. Blood must flow through a circle properly in the head to supply the fresh oxygen the brain cells need. "The best way to keep good blood movement is through using the brain,"he says. " Think hard and engage in conversation. Don't depend on pocket calculators. " On what are their research findings based? A. A study of farmers in northern Japan. B. Tests performed on a thousand old people. C. The study of brain volumes of different people. D. The latest development of computer technology. Answer: C. The study of brain volumes of different people.
In Britain, some people say they will do anything if a famous person they love asks them to. One in three people in Britain have a new kind of disease --they love a famous person too much. Some people love famous stars like Britney Spears, David Beckham or even Tony Blair. It is not just the young, grown-ups have the same problem. One in four people are so interested in their heroes that it affects their life. There are two ways of worshipping famous people. One way is just to follow them or talk about them with friends for fun. The other is a more serious way. People have very strong feelings for them and think they are their friends. People who do so for fun are found to be happier. But those who have strong feelings for a famous person are perhaps to feel more lonely and worried. "Worshipping famous people is not certainly a bad thing," Dr.John, an expert said, "But like many things, overdoing it may not always be good for you." ,,. From what some people say, we know _ . A. they are friends of the famous people B. famous people can pay them a lot of money C. they must go to the hospital D. there is something wrong with their mind Answer: D The 4-year-old boy was mentally disabled, unable to speak in complete sentences and unable to play with other children because of his violent fits of hitting and biting. The decision facing one Brooklyn jury was how much a landlord should pay in damages to the boy -- named "G.M.M." in court documents -- after an investigation showed he had been living in an apartment illegally coated with lead paint. Attorneys representing G.M.M. said $3.4 million was the right number, arguing that the boy would have had a bright career ahead of him; both of his parents had graduated from college and his mother received a master's degree. But the landlord's defense put the figure at less than half that -- $1.5 million. Attorney Roger Archibald noted that because the boy was Hispanic, G.M.M. was unlikely to attain the advanced education that would provide to such a large income. The 4-year-old's case is a rare public look at one corner of the American legal system that explicitly uses race and gender to determine how much victims or their families should receive in compensation when they are seriously injured or killed. As a result, white and male victims often receive larger awards than people of color and women in similar cases. These differences largely derive from _ of how much more money individuals would have earned over their lifetimes had they not been injured -- projections that take into account average earnings and employment levels by race and gender. What is the passage mainly about? A. Description of the boy's damage. B. Situation of the boy's family. C. Compensation for the boy's damage. D. Advantages of American legal system. Answer: C In the summer of 2011 my friend and I decided to go to Italy for a holiday and we decided to travel there without going through a travel agency. You know, you would not be seen among the tourists and lose lots of chances to get familiar with the country more closely. We started to think over our trip and tried to come up with a free tour to Italy. The trip was not very long but it was so exciting that we never forgot. We look forward to going there again! Of course, we spent lots of time arranging the trip, but it was well worth it! Of course I was afraid that something would go wrong and I was especially worried about my visa, but everything went quite well in the end. The most difficult part was getting a visa without an invitation. In the Italian consulate , one must hand in some official paper proving that one has a hotel booked for oneself in order to get the visa. Then we had to solve the ticket problem. Airlines often sell cheap tickets and we bought ours far earlier. The next step was to book a hotel. We finally booked a hotel about 30 km away from the centre of Rome and it was the perfect choice for our trip. Every day we took a train that carried us to the centre of Rome. Our big house was among the forest. The beautiful views, nice hosts, comfortable living conditions made us happy to no end. Besides this, we were very lucky that our hostess was Russian. She gave us a lot of advice that was of great use. She told us what transport to choose and where the best places to go. Don't be afraid to arrange your trip by yourself. It's not difficult! The only thing I'll say right now is that we really enjoy travelling by ourselves. We walked with a map and a guide-book wherever we wanted to go and we even met some of our countrymen on the way just two or three times. So, if you're also planning a "single" trip, don't forget to take a Russian-Italian phrasebook as people in Italy prefer to speak in their local language. From the article, we can know the writer _ . A. likes to travel with tour guides B. met a lot of his countrymen in Italy C. advises us to arrange trips by ourselves D. enjoys travelling everywhere in the world Answer: C When I arrived in Beijing more than five years ago, I had already given blood 79 times. I wanted to continue to be a donor and asked around if there was a Red Cross clinic in Beijing. There was one, and I went. I was very surprised to be received as a hero; for me, a blood donation was simply a good habit and a gift of love to Humanity. In Canada, donors can give 450ml each time every 51 days. That means six times a year. In China, we can give only 200ml, every four months. In 1984, there were only 19 donors in Beijing who offered their blood for free. One year later, there were 141. In 1986, 1,083, and so on until the figure reached 10,046 in 1990,14,016 in 1992 and more than double that the following year. There were 41,037 in 1994, and my statistics stop here. I'm so glad to see that the Chinese have understood that giving blood is not dangerous, and that it's a way to say, in a real communist spirit, "brother, I love you". In fact, every time I give blood, I think of my blood running in a man or a woman's veins, someone who has become my brother or my sister through a transfusion. Thirteen Chinese have become my s now; isn't that great? Giving blood is like giving birth. Some of these thirteen people may have died without my donation; doesn't that make it worth becoming a volunteer? What makes me even happier is when I can convince a Chinese friend to come with me and become a donor too. From the third passage we can infer that _ . A. before 1984, most Chinese thought giving blood was a dangerous thing B. in 1993, the number of donors who offered blood for free was less than 28032 C. donors are received as heroes D. people like to give blood Answer: A Archaeologists believe they are on the turning point of throwing light on the life of William Shakespeare -- by excavating what may have been the playwright's dust hole. Experts have begun excavating the ruins of New Place, Shakespeare's former home in Stratford-upon-Avon, which was destroyed 250 years ago. Although little remains of the property, the team, led by Birmingham Archaeology, believes it has identified a dust hole used by the 16th century poet. Small pieces of pottery and broken clay pipe have already been found from a muddy hole on the site, which they claim could yield some of the most significant discoveries about Shakespeare in decades. The dig focuses on three areas of the property, which Shakespeare bought in 1597 when he returned to his home town from London having achieved fame -- including the so-called knot garden at the back of the building. Dr Diana Owen, Director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which owns the site, said, "We do not know if the knot garden was an area used by Shakespeare -- it may have been a yard simply used by his servants. But this could actually yield some fantastic results, especially if it was an area where rubbish was thrown or the dust hole was located." Kevin Colls, from Birmingham Archaeology,added, "Through documentary evidence we know Shakespeare lived at New Place but we have very little information regarding the layout of the house and gardens at this time. Through archaeological fieldwork, in particular the dig of structural remains and the recovery of artifacts, we hope to fill in the blanks." Until October, visitors will be able to watch archaeologists and volunteers at work as they excavate the remains of the house, which was knocked down in 1759. Experts hope to unearth evidence to support theories that Shakespeare wrote many of his most famous works at the property. Small pieces of pottery and broken clay pipe on the site _ . A. could show Shakespeare's luxurious life B. could lead to important discoveries about Shakespeare C. could show us that Shakespeare lived at New Place D. could prove when New Place was knocked down Answer: B
Australia is the largest island in the world. It is a little smaller than China. It is in the south of the earth. Australia is big, but its population is small. The population of it is nearly as large as that of Shanghai. We cannot believe it is such a big country with so small population! Enough laws have been made to fight against pollution. The cities in Australia have little air or water pollution. The sky is blue and the water is clean. You can clearly see fish swimming in the rivers. Plants grow very well. Last month we visited Perth, the biggest city in Western Australia, and went to a wild flowers. Exhibition In spring every year Perth has the wild flower exhibition. After visting Perth, we spent a day in the countryside. We sat down and had a rest near a path at the foot of the hill. But what we saw made us pick up all our things and run back to the car as quickly as we could--there were about three hundred sheep coming towards us down the path! Australia is famous for its sheep and kangaroos. After a short drive from any town, you will find yourself in the middle of white sheep. Sheep ,sheep, everwhere are sheep. Enough laws have been made to _ . Answer: There are records of fingerprints taken many centuries ago. The ancient Babylonians pressed the tips of their fingerprints into clay to record business trade. The Chinese used ink-on-paper finger impressions for business. However, fingerprinting wasn't used as a method for identifying criminals until the 19th century. In 1858, Sir William Herschel was working as an official of the Hooghly district in Jungipoor, India.In order to reduce fraud , he had people living in the district record their fingerprints when signing business documents. A few years later, Scottish doctor Henry Faulds was working in Japan when he discovered fingerprints left by artists on ancient pieces of clay.This finding inspired him to begin investigating fingerprints.In 1880, Faulds wrote to his cousin, the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, and asked for help with developing a fingerprint classification system.Darwin refused, but sent the letter to his cousin, Sir Francis Gallon, who was an eugenicist . Gallon began collecting fingerprints and eventually gathered some 8, 000 different samples to analyze. In 1892, he published a book called "Fingerprints", in which he outlined a fingerprint classification system--the first existence. Around the same time, Juan Vucetich, a police officer in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was developing his own version of a fingerprinting system.In 1892, Vucetich was called in to assist with the investigation of the two boys murdered in Necoche, a village near Buenos Aires. Their mother, Francisca Rojas, accused a neighbour named Velasquez. But when Vucetich compared the fingerprints found at the murder scene to those of both Velasquez and Rojas, _ matched Rojas' exactly.She admitted her crime. This was the first time fingerprints had been used in a criminal investigation.Vucetich called his system comparative dactyloscopy . It's still used in many Spanish-speaking countries. Sir Edward Henry, in charge of the Metropolitan Police of London, soon became interested in using fingerprints to catch criminals. In 1896, he added to Gallon's technique, creating his own classification system, the Henry Classification System. It is the primary method of fingerprint classification throughout most of the world. What is the text mainly about? Answer: A camera and a computer can "see" something that perhaps millions of pairs of eyes failed to see for 480 years: the Mona Lisa's necklace. The discovery about the famous painting was made by an American physicist. The Mona Lisa, painted by the Italian, Leonardo da Vinci, has been on show for many years in Paris. Now a row of white spots on the neck have been "seen". They are said to be the remains of a necklace which the artist later painted over. The painting will be examined further by using infrared scanning techniques. Laser technology can be used to show what lies directly under the surface of the finished work, too. This will help us to understand how the artist drew the picture: Did he begin with a quick-made drawing or have second thoughts as he painted the picture? This kind of knowledge will show us the famous artist at work. It may also help to explain Mona Lisa's smile, which has puzzled art lovers for centuries. In this passage, "the Mona Lisa's lost necklace" suggests that _ . Answer: I was born in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Caracas. By the time I was fifteen, my parents had discussed what I wanted to do when I grew up. Mom was very excited about my future. One day she came home with a booklet from one of the best colleges in the country, which happened to be located fairly close to our neighborhood. That was one of the most expensive colleges in the country, so we could not afford it. At that point she smiled and opened the booklet. Among the descriptions was a very small paragraph indicating that there was a scholarship program. I decided to let her dream a little bit longer, so I agreed to submit my application. I didn't pay attention to the subject until the day of the admittance test. I have to confess I took the exam to humor my mom. The first surprise came when I saw my name on the list. I was accepted! My dad was terrified. How were we going to pay the tuition? My mom used one of her typical answers, "I don't know, but we will. Even if we have to work day and night, our daughter is going to that college." Her determination was so strong that we didn't dare say anything. We filed the papers for the scholarship and for weeks we waited. Finally I got a scholarship that would cover eighty-five percent of the tuition for three years. I won't say college was easy. I had to borrow material and books because we could barely find the money to pay the fifteen percent the scholarship didn't cover. The day I graduated, I gave my mom the medal. She was so proud. I remember telling her that if it hadn't been for her, I would have never even tried. She said, "Don't worry about it, baby. Even before you were born I would pass in front of this university every day. I saw the students lying on the grass, and I would think: one day a daughter of mine is going to study there. I dreamed of this green grass too many times; it had to come true." I found a good job after college. But I never forget that it was my mom's dream that made me do what everyone thought was impossible. What is the best title of the passage? Answer: On the broad landing between Miss Havisham's own room and that other room in which the long table was laid out, I saw a garden chair -- a light chair on wheels that you pushed from behind. It had been placed there since my last visit, and that same day I pushed Miss Havisham in this chair (when she was tired of walking with her hand upon my shoulder) round her own room, and across the landing and round the other room, which, from that day on, became my regular job. As we began to be more used to one another, Miss Havisham talked more to me, and asked me such questions as what had I learnt and what was I going to be? I told her I was going to be apprenticed to Joe, my sister's husband; then I explained my knowing nothing and wanting to know everything, in the hope that she might offer some help. But, she did not; on the contrary, she seemed to prefer my being ignorant. Neither did she ever give me any money - or anything but my daily dinner - nor even mentioned that I should be paid for my services. Estella was always about, and always let me in and out, but never told me I might kiss her again. Sometimes, she would coldly tolerate me; sometimes, she would be seemingly kind to me; sometimes, she would be quite familiar with me; sometimes, she would tell me energetically that she hated me. Miss Havisham would often ask me in a whisper, or when we were alone, "Does she grow prettier and prettier, Pip?" And when I said yes, Miss Havisham would seem to enjoy it greedily. Also, when we played at cards Miss Havisham would look on Estella's moods, whatever they were. And sometimes, when her moods were so many and so contradictory of one another that I was puzzled what to say or do, Miss Havisham would hold her tightly with great fondness, saying something quietly in her ear that sounded like "Break their hearts my pride and hope, break their hearts and have no mercy!" What's Estella's attitude towards Pip? Answer:
My son Xiao Guang is 11 years old. He is a tall boy. He is a student at Yucai Primary School. He loves table tennis and he is good at it. He often plays table tennis with his classmates. The training makes him strong. After training, he enjoys watching table tennis games on TV. I am a worker and I also play table tennis. I play it because my son enjoys playing it and I want to be his partner . At weekends, I go to a table tennis club with my son. There are many players there. They are friendly. Sometimes, we play table tennis with other players. I think it is a good sport. It helps me feel good. In my eyes, my son plays better than me. But in his eyes, I am a better player. I hope my son will play in the national team in the future. Why does the father play table tennis? Answer: Because his son loves playing it. Liu Jiaoyang,16,carefully winds a bobbin with thread, places it on her sewing machine and then presses her foot down to begin sewing. While she's doing this,she pretends to guide cloth through the machine. Each Tuesday afternoon,after the bell rings for the fourth period, Liu becomes a fashion designer. At the same time,the rest of the students at the High School Attached to Yunnan Normal University in Kunming are also having classes a little bit different from the usual ones. Some students dance,others create robots,and still others review films. These are just a few of the 28 elective courses the school began to offer last month. "The fashion design class has become the bright point of my week. I learn how to choose color1s and cloth as well as sewing and sketching skills. It's all helping me to realize the dream of becoming a fashion designer I've had since I was a little girl," Liu said. Design is Liu' s passion,but for other students the electives are more an opportunity to take a fun course that relieves the pressures of schoolwork. Some students,for example,are learning how to play bridge. Chen Xiejiao,15,is one of them. "Many people think that playing a card game like this in class is a waste of time. But in fact,bridge is a very challenging game that helps develop memory and math skills," she said. Li Ke,15, is studying robotics. "I hope to have built and designed my own robot by the end of the semester. It will be able to complete a task,like moving a bail from one place to another," he said . By taking part in different el elective courses, students can _ . Answer: be offered chances to realize their dreams and reduce their pressure I was on holiday in a strange place.One morning I got up early and went off into the forest looking for beautiful birds.But I lost my way,and don't know how to come back.I took a cell phone with me,but it didn't work there.It was night and I was frightened because I was alone and there were full of dangerous animals.I climbed up to a tree and was afraid of sleeping.Next morning I was tired.I thought what I should do to save myself.I tore my clothes into small pieces and tied them to the trees that I passed.At last my friend found me according to the pieces that I left.I was saved.That is an unforgettable experience in my life. What's wrong with his mobile phone? Answer: We don't know. Hi! I am Jack. I am thirteen years old. I'm an English boy. Now I'm in China with my parents. I go to a middle school in Tianjin. This is my school day. I get up at half past six. I go to school at seven o'clock and I go to school in my dad's car. I want to walk to school, but the school is far from my home. I usually eat breakfast in the car. School starts at half past seven in the morning. We have five lessons in the morning and we have four lessons in the afternoon. I go home at six o'clock. I eat dinner at seven o'clock. I do my homework at half past seven. After that, I play the guitar. I go to bed at nine thirty. This is my school day. It is happy! Jack goes to school by car because _ . Answer: his home is far from school A father was sitting at his desk and looking at his bills when his little son rushed in and said, "Dad, because today is your birthday and you're 40 years old, I'm going to give you 40 kisses, one for each year!" When the boy started kissing, the father shouted, "Oh, Andrew, don't do it now. I'm too busy!" The boy soon became silent as tears fell down from his big blue eyes. Feeling sorry, the father said, "You can finish the kisses later ." The boy said nothing but quietly walked away. That evening the father said, "Come and finish the kisses now, Andrew!" But the boy didn't. Unluckily, a few days later, the boy had an accident and died. His sad father wrote,"If only I could tell him how sorry I am for my thoughtless words and how much my heart is hurt." Love is a two-way street. We must warmly accept any loving acts, or others will take it as a "No" and it may leave a scar . If we don't have love, our life will lose its true meaning. If we are too busy to give and receive love, we are too silly! Nothing is more important than loving the people who are important to us. On his father's birthday, the boy wanted to _ . Answer: give40 kisses to his father.
US track star Marion Jones owned a trophy case filled with medals. She had worldwide fame. She held the high honor of being the first female track and field athlete to win five medals at an Olympics -- the 2000 Sydney Games. But last Friday, the 31-year-old track star tearfully confessed that she had lied to fans, sports official and US federal agents about taking steroids. The five Olympic medals in her trophy case? Gone. Meaningless. The worldwide fame? Exchanged for infamy. The honor of being the first female track and field athlete to win five medals at an Olympics? Forgotten, wiped off the record books. "It is with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust." Jones confessed. She'd posed for pictures with fans. She'd attended parties and talked about her accomplishments. But for years she'd slept --- or tried to sleep -- knowing that much of what she had done was built on a lie. Now, finally, she'd decided to tell the truth. "If she had trusted her own natural gifts and allied them to self-sacrifice and hard work, I sincerely believe that she could have been an honest champion at the Sydney Games." IAAF President Lamine Diack said over the weekend. "Instead, Mario Jones will be remembered as one of the biggest frauds in sporting history." Sadly, she won't be the last. There are still others lurking behind their trophies. They too appear to have everything. They're superstars, the envy of every young person who has played a sport. But for how long? And at what cost? Every time they look at their trophies and medals they remember that the awards really belong to someone else. It is still a worry that _ . A. Marion Jones has cheated the public so long B. Marion Jones may be remembered as a fraud in sporting history C. IAAF president will not forgive Marion Jones D. cheating is still widely existing in sports competition Answer: D You have heard of Webster Toys. Websters have made good safe and interesting toys for more than a hundred years. Now we sell them, and children play with them, in countries from New Zealand to Norway , and from Japan to Brazil . We are looking for someone to sell our toys in the Far East. He(She) will be between the ages of thirty and forty. He will already have some years of selling in world markets behind him. He will speak good English and at least one other language of the Far East. The person we are looking for will live in Singapore, and work in our office there but he will travel for up to six months in other countries in one year. He will know the Far East well. He should know how to sell in established markets and where to find new ones. He will know to make more money than ever, for himself and for Webster Toys. Websters want someone who can stand on his own feet. If you think you are the person we are looking for, write to Mr.J.Sloman at our office. Webster Toys Company Church Mill Watford. . We can most probably read the text _ . A. in a book B. in a dictionary C. in a novel D. in a newspaper Answer: D The interview is an important event in the job-hunting process, because the 20 or 30 minutes you spend with the interviewer may decide whether or not you get the particular job you want. Therefore, it is important to remember that your purpose during the interview may differ from that of the potential employer. You want to make yourself stand out as a whole person who has personal strengths and should be considered the right person for the job. It is encouraging to know that the interviewer's task is not to embarrass you, but to hire the right person for the job. Remember, job-hunting is very competitive. Anything you can do to improve your interview techniques will be to your advantage. The following suggestions may help you land the most important job. Your goal in this interview is to make sure your good points get across. The interviewer won't know them unless you point them out, so try to do this in a factual and sincere manner. Don't say anything bad about your former employers. If you have been fired from a job and the interview asks about it, be honest. Show the interviewer that you are interested in the company by asking questions. Ask about responsibilities, working conditions, promotion opportunities and benefits of the job you are interviewing for. If at some point you decide the interview is not going well, do not let your discouragement show. You have nothing to lose by continuing a show of confidence, and you many have much to gain. It may be real, or it may be a test to see how you react to _ conditions. Some interviewers may bring up salary early in the interview. At this time, you may indicate that you are more interested in a job where you can prove yourself than a specific salary. This politely passes the question back to the interviewer. If possible, you should negotiate for salary after you have been offered a job and have completed the paperwork. To get the job you want, during the interview you should _ . A. avoid the interviewer's questions that are designed to embarrass you B. remember that you are the best C. make yourself stand out as the right person for the job D. tell yourself that you want to get the job Answer: C The associates I hired in my bicycle and lawn mower shop like myself were never perfect; however, they were excellent. Working with them as they improved taught me new ways to show forgiveness, understanding, and patience. One day the placement officer asked me to interview a young man who was having trouble finding a job. He told me that David was a little shy, did not talk much and was afraid to go on with interviews. He requested that I give David an interview just for practice. He plainly told David that I had no positions open at the time and the interview was just for practice.[:] When David came in for the interview, he hardly said a word. I told him what we did at the bicycle shop and showed him around. I told David to keep showing up because the number one thing an employer wanted in an associate was dependability. David was very quiet ( he was evaluated as a slow learner in school). Every ten days or so, for weeks after the interview, David walked into the bicycle shop and stood by the front door. He never said a word, just stood by the door.[:,,Z,X,X,K] One day, shortly before Christmas, a large truck came to the shop, packed with 250 new bicycles. It had to be unloaded right away or the driver would leave. It was raining. Some of my workers (without physical limitations) chose not to brave the weather to get into work, so I was short-handed. It seemed everything was going wrong and on top of it, David came in the front door and just stood there. I looked at him and shouted, "Well, all right! Fill out a time card and help me unload this truck!" David worked for my bicycle shop for eighteen years. He came to work every day thirty minutes early. He could talk; however, he rarely chose to. He drove my truck and made deliveries. The customers would praise David, saying, "He doesn't talk, but he really shows you how to operate a lawn mower!" The author's tone in describing David is full of _ A. pity B. wonder C. disappointment D. appreciation Answer: D WHAT do you do when you feel lonely? Hide yourself away and spend your time reading, watching TV or walking around? You might think that feeling lonely is just like feeling happy, sad or scared - that it's just one of your various moods . That is true. However, if you let yourself be lonely for too long without dealing with it, you could be making a serious mistake. Doctors have known for some time that feeling lonely is bad for the mind. It can lead to mental health problems such as depression ,stress and reduced confidence. "Being lonely means not feeling connected or cared for, it's not about being physically alone," Lisa Jaremka, scientist from Ohio State University, US, told Live Science in January. But there's growing evidence that not having friends is connected with physical illness as well. In 2006, for example, scientists studied 2,800 women who had cancer. They found that those who had few friends or family were five times more likely to die of their disease than women with many social contacts. Also, even healthy people had a better chance of falling ill if they felt left out by others, according to the BBC. The results have scientists thinking that loneliness might hurt the immune system , which protects the body from diseases. Hoping to prove this theory, Jaremka and her research team put volunteers through a stress test. During the test, volunteers were asked to make an unprepared speech in front of a group of stony-faced people. The researchers found that volunteers who said they were lonely in their daily lives felt more stress during the test. And their blood samples showed that all the stress had managed to cause harmful changes to their immune system. "Loneliness has been thought of in many ways as a chronic stressor --- a socially painful situation that can last for quite a long time," explained Jaremka, who led the study. The number of people suffering from loneliness is increasing all over the world. However, solving the problem is easier said than done. It won't work to just "tell anyone to go out and find someone to love you", said Jaremka. " We need to create support networks." We can conclude from the article that _ . A. loneliness has become the No 1 killer in the world. B. loneliness is increasing due to advanced technologies. C. lonely people lack the courage to make friends D. much more work needs to be done to fight loneliness Answer: D
A plane travels through the air surrounding a A. planet B. black hole C. submarine D. cave Answer: A. planet Hi! We are Lucy and Lily. We are sisters. We are studying in a high school. We are always wanting the weekends to come. Because on weekends there are different kinds of outdoor activities, such as going to the park, going shopping, playing ball games and so on. We usually go to the park on Saturdays. We often take some bread, meat, water and milk with us. It's Saturday today. We are in the park again. Father is fishing in a boat on the lake . Mother is sitting and reading under the tree. Now we are drinking some water. Do you think we are happy? What do Lucy and Lily usually do on Saturdays? A. Play ball games. B. Go to the park. C. Go for a picnic. D. Go shopping. Answer: B. Go to the park. Easter Eggs Easter falls officially on the Sunday following the first full moon after March 21. The name Easter itself derives from Europe, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of springtime and sunrise. Christians relate the rising of the sun to resurrection of Jesus, Son of God, and therefore Easter, like Easter, represents rebirth of the soul. It is because of this association of the holiday with rebirth that the egg has long been its chief symbol. The egg was a symbol of spring and fertility (for the egg is the original germ from which all life proceeds) long before the Christian era. The ancient Persians, Greeks and Chinese exchanged eggs at their spring festivals. In Christian times the egg took on a new meaning, symbolizing Christ's tomb---a cold and hard casket from which new life finally broke forth in triumph. In modern times the egg is still the most important part of Easter customs. Egg-rolling contests, egg hunts and egg-dyeing are still very popular with Americans at Easter time. Today Easter is more a family day than a religious holiday. Relatives and friends get together for large Easter dinners. Many American and friends get together for large Easter dinners. Many American cities have Easter parades. People enjoy the return of the milder weather by walking outdoors to display their new spring clothes. Christians compare the resurrection of Jesus to_. A. The rising of the sun. B. The return of the spring. C. Easter. D. The egg. Answer: A. The rising of the sun. BLOOMINGTON --- Once Staci Roper, 14, starts sending text messages, she finds it hard to stop. " Sometimes I text from the time I get up until I go to bed, except during school," said the eighth-grader at Kingsley Junior High. Her sister Sara Roper, 18, also texts a lot, saying "It is a lot easier than using the telephone." For teens, technology has become a common way to start and keep social contacts. Richard Sullivan, a teacher at Illinois State University, said text messaging has become "the new way of passing notes." "It is an important tool for social communication, especially for the youth," Sullivan said. But the girls have to store their mobile phones during school because they can be a distraction , Sullivan said. That is why parents must monitor their children's mobile phone use, said Tim Shannon, a child psychologist at Carle Clinic in Bloomington. The same technologies that can help communication can be _ if children use them to ignore their family at supper, Shannon said. While Linda Roper does not allow her children to text massages during meals, she usually does not need to intervene . "My kids are both very disciplined and good about doing their homework," she said. Gary and Mary Carstens also do not allow their children to text at supper or at family get-togethers. Their daughter, Kayla, 14, usually texts more on weekends when she has more free time. Kayla likes text messaging "because others can't hear you." The Carstens got Kayla a mobile phone several years ago because she is active in after-class sports and the phone allows her parents to keep in touch with her. Mary Carstens believes all the communication allowed by modern technology is good for her kids. What do Sullivan and Tim Shannon think of teenagers' sending messages? A. They hate it. B. They encourage it. C. They think children should text properly. D. They think parents should text for children. Answer: C. They think children should text properly. A group that rescues wildlife has started to search for land and money to build a bird and wildlife hospital in San Francisco. "About 40 volunteers care for injured animals in their homes," founder Jamie Ray said. Ray presented her proposal to build a $2 million wildlife hospital and nature center to environment commissioners recently. "What we need is to be able to build a 100-foot-long flight aviary for hawks that are recovering and to have water pools for recovering water birds," Ray said. She hopes they will open by the end of 2010, and will be able to care for oiled birds after more than 50,000 gallons of fuel flowed into the Bay. "For any animal, whether it is oiled, injured or anything else, getting it immediate care is important to its survival," she said. Department employees drive as many as 350 injured animals every year to a wildlife hospital, according to Friedman. He said around 80 percent of those animals are birds. "It would be wonderful to have a wildlife rehabilitation center here in San Francisco," Friedman said. Ray's proposal includes aviaries as well as a nature education center and outdoor picnic area. She has suggested building the center at Lake Merced or in western Golden Gate Park. A parking lot, soccer field and storage area are presently being planned for construction at the Golden Gate Park site. Any changes to those plans would need to be _ by department commissioners. The Board of Supervisors is also in charge of those plans. We told in the passage that _ . A. there are already wildlife rehabilitation centers in San Francisco B. the bird and wildlife hospital in San Francisco will be built in 2010 C. it is important for injured animals to get timely care D. there are about 40 volunteers working in the wildlife hospital Answer: C. it is important for injured animals to get timely care
A green house is a building made of glass which is used for keeping warm when the outside temperature is low. In a similar way there are several gases in the atmosphere (mixture of gases that surround the earth) which trap the heat produced by the sun and prevent it from escaping. These gases are known as "greenhouse gases". And the way in which they trap heat in the atmosphere is called the "greenhouse effect". This is not simply air pollution. Most of the main greenhouse gases exist naturally in small amounts in our atmosphere, and without them the earth would be 30 degrees colder and human life would not exist. In other words, the greenhouse effect is a natural course which is to some degree helpful to us. The problem is that in the last century and a half, we have been putting too many of these gases into the earth's atmosphere by burning large quantities of coal and oil and by cutting down forest. The rapid increase in greenhouse gases is making the world warmer. The world's temperature has already gone up by half a degree this century, and the sea level has risen by 10 centimetres. If the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere doubles, there will probably be a rise in the earth's temperature of between I and 4degC;. This may seem a small increase, but it would be enough to cause major changes in geography and agriculture. Large areas of the world would be flooded, and some areas would become dry and unable to produce crops. It is important, too, to consider that there may be a delay of about 30 years in the greenhouse effect. This means that we are probably experiencing only now the effect of the gases put into the atmosphere before the 1960s. Since then, our use of these gases has greatly increased. If there were no greenhouse effect, _ . Answer: soil would reduce the temperature by 30 degrees Aside from doing schoolwork and studying, American students must also participate in various extra-curricular activities. Many students get involved in their communities by doing volunteer work at various local organizations. In fact, the school I attend even requires students to perform a certain number of hours of volunteer work per semester. It is part of our study hall grade, as well as a graduation requirement. There are many places to do volunteer work in the community. Some of my classmates volunteer at the local animal shelter, the community table (which provides free meals for needy families), charity stores, and many others. Finding a suitable place to volunteer usually depends on what's available, as well as personal interests. For example, a friend of mine who enjoys swimming volunteers at the recreation center to teach young children how to swim. With all these options out there, I ended up doing most of my volunteer work at a school library and a non-profit bookstore called Friends of the Library. This bookstore sells donated books at cheap prices, and all the profits made are donated to the local library. I thought it was very fitting that I do my volunteer work at a library and a bookstore, because reading has always been very important to me. I love working in the bookstore now, because every sale we make helps our public library expand, and gives it the funds needed to purchase new books. I think everyone should have the opportunity to read, and that we each should do our part to help those who don't have the chance. There is a charity event, called One Book for A Window of Opportunity, in which Chinese students can donate a book to the children of the poor village Fangmaping. They don't have a lot of resources, so reading can be a challenge. To find out more about this event, please visit: http://bbs.enfamily.cn/thread-739278-1-1.html. By writing the article, the writer hopes to _ . Answer: encourage people to offer help Last year, Jack Bleed cut through the bone of his ring finger while working. The 31-year-old resident of North Little Rock, Arkansas, waited for about six hours at a nearby medical center while the medical staff there called all over town -- even as far away as Dallas and Memphis -- to find a hand surgeon to reattach his finger. Finally, a willing doctor was located in Louisville, Kentucky. But even though Bleed had insurance , he would have to hire a private plane to get himself there, at a cost of $4,300. In the end, he charged the cost to two credit cards, and his finger was saved. His insurance company eventually covered the cost of the plane, but his experience makes people aware of the fact that trauma care in the United States is not only geographically limited, but in many places, non-existent. Only eight states -- New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, New Mexico, California, Oregon, and Washington -- have local, fully functional trauma systems. The remaining states have partial systems, and 12 -- including Arkansas -- have no trauma system at all. Although the President has signed a bill of $12 million for the purpose of supporting trauma care systems nationwide, many in Congress are unwilling to spend government money for a service they think should be paid for by states, says Wayne Meredith, medical director for trauma programs at the American College of Surgeons. Meanwhile, many states have also failed to find the dollars to support trauma systems. To make matters worse, many people without insurance depend heavily on the emergency care services, placing a huge financial burden on the medical centers that serve them. For the same reason, doctors, too, often go unpaid. They are unwilling to perform emergency care, worsening critical shortages of neurosurgeons, orthopedists, and hand surgeons -- the very types of specialists Bleed needed at short notice. Supporting a trauma care system doesn't take much. A half-penny sales tax in Miami-Dade County makes its outstanding system work. In Arkansas alone, says Wayne Meredith, a well-funded trauma system would possibly prevent 200 to 600 deaths each year. If trauma care systems were to work well across the nation, experts say, many thousands of lives each year could be saved. "You don't get much better return on your investment than that," Meredith says. In Paragraph 1, the writer uses Bleed's case to _ . Answer: introduce a topic I'm Wang Ping. I'm in Beijing. I like healthy food. I have milk and fruit for breakfast; rice , chicken and vegetables for lunch; vegetables, fruit and salad for dinner. Here is what my friends like eating. Let's have a look! Zhang Jian(inBeijing)Like: Li Ming(inShanghai)Like: Zheng Hui(inBeijing)Like: ,. _ likes tomatoes. Answer: Li Ming The kiwi bird The kiwi bird is a flightless bird,about the size of a chicken. It sleeps during the day and is active at nighttime. It has a long beak that is onethird the length of its body, and its beak actually has nostrils at the end. The kiwi is the only bird with this feature. Another unique feature of the kiwi is that it has no tail. It has thick brown hairlike feathers. This bird has many physical features unlike any other bird on earth. Kiwi birds have been called a genetic leftover. Their characteristics seem very odd to us probably due to the fact that they haven't evolved much at all. They are suspected to be about 8 million years old. That's 7 million years older than humans. Due to New Zealand's isolated environment, it has been safe from predators and hasn't needed to do much adapting. They just hang around. With its long beak, the kiwi digs up and chows down on worms. A kiwi is almost blind; it can see about six feet at night and around two feet during the day,so when it comes to hunting the kiwi is not well equipped.It uses the nostrils on its beak to find its food and then picks up the worms with its beak. The kiwi bird is native of New Zealand.It is the island country's national bird, and is rare anywhere but here and a few Pacific island neighbors. Of course,it is available for viewing at certain zoos.It has stayed in its native land due to the facts that it is an isolated island and that kiwis can't fly. Kiwi birds are extremely unique in the bird world. Though they are the size of chickens, they lay eggs the size of ostrich eggs, weighing around a pound each.Their enormous eggs are the largest in the bird world, compared to their bodies. These birds were named after their distinctive shrill cry "keewee keewee". Kiwi birds haven't evolved much over the past 8 million years probably because _ . Answer: they have no enemy
Question: You either have it, or you don't -- a sense of direction, that is.But why is it that some people could find their way across the Sahara without a map, while others can lose themselves in the next street? Scientists say we're all born with a sense of direction, but it is not properly understood how it works.One theory is that people with a good sense of direction have simply worked harder at developing it.Research being carried out at Liverpool University supports this idea and suggests that if we don't use it, we 1ose it. "Children as young as seven have the ability to find their way around, '' says Jim Martland, research director of the project."However, if they are not allowed out alone or are taken everywhere by car, they never develop the skills.'' Jim Martland also emphasizes that young people should be taught certain skills to improve their sense of direction.He makes the following suggestions: 1.If you are using a map, turn it so it relates to the way you are facing. 2.If you leave your bike in a strange place, put it near something like a big stone or a tree--something easy to recognize.Note landmarks on the route as you go away from your bike.When you return, go back along the same route. 3.Simplify the way for finding your direction by using lines such as streets in a town, streams, or walls in the countryside to guide you.Count your steps so that you know how far you have gone and note any landmarks such as tower blocks or hills which can help to find out where yon are. Now you will never get lost again! According to the passage, the best way to find your way around is to _ . A. take a bike as a landmark B. use walls, streams, and streets to guide yourself C. remember your route by asking a policeman for help D. remember the number of landmarks that you see Answer: B. use walls, streams, and streets to guide yourself Question: "USA? Britain? Which country is better to study in?" We often hear such discussions. As China opens its doors, studying abroad has become a dream for many Chinese students. They want to learn about the world. It's true that studying abroad can help students develop themselves. Language skills will improve and it may be easier to find jobs. But there are problems that should be considered. Language is the first. Students must spend a lot of time learning another language and getting used to a different culture. Students must also learn to live without parents' care and deal with all kinds of things they haven't had to do before, like looking after themselves. There are reports about Chinese students abroad sinking into an ocean of difficulties and giving up easily. When they have to take care of themselves, it is hard for students to study well. Finally, studying abroad brings a heavy burden to the family. For most Chinese parents, the cost of studying abroad is very high. But is it worth it? We know that there are many famous people who succeed in great things through their hard work in China. Liu Xiang is a good example. Once an American teacher invited him there but he refused. He kept training hard with his Chinese teacher. He surprised the world when he won a gold medal at the Athens Olympics. So when you wonder which country is better to study in, consider whether studying abroad is the right choice. The writer thinks _ should be considered first before students study abroad. A. places B. time C. money D. language Answer: D. language Question: Nowadays, many children spend hours a day looking at computer screens or other digital products. Some eye care doctors say all the screen time has caused more children to have what they call computer vision syndrome . Nathan Warford is an optometrist in the US. He says he has seen more children having eye problems. "More children come into my office because their parents have noticed that they have headaches or red eyes, or because their degree of short-sightedness appears to be increasing very fast and they're worried," he said. Dr. Warford says part of the problem is that even if their eyes start to feel uncomfortable or they start to get a headache, some children don't tell their parents, because they don't want their games or the computer to be taken away. Another part of the problem is that people blink less often when they look at the screen.A person who uses a computer or a digital product blinks about a third as much as we normally do in everyday life. If eyes can't stay wet or are too tired, they will not be protected like normal. Which of the following may be caused by too much screen time? A. Having wet eyes. B. Having headaches. C. Having small eyes. D. Having a toothache Answer: B. Having headaches. Question: There was once a farmer who had a fine olive orchard. He was very hardworking, and the farm always prospered under his care. But he knew that his three sons despised the farm work, and were eager to make wealth, through adventure. When the farmer was old, and felt that his time had come to die, he called the three sons to him and said, "My sons, there is a pot of gold hidden in the olive orchard. Dig for it, if you wish it." The sons tried to get him to tell them in what part of the orchard the gold was hidden, but he would tell them nothing more. After the farmer was dead, the sons went to work to find the pot of gold. Since they did not know where the hiding-place was, they agreed to begin in a line, at one end of the orchard, and to dig until one of them should find the money. They dug until they had turned up the soil from one end of the orchard to the other, round the tree-roots and between them. But no pot of gold was to be found. It seemed as if someone must have stolen it, or as if the farmer had been wandering in his wits. The three sons were bitterly disappointed to have all their work for nothing. The next olive season, the olive trees in the orchard bore more fruit than they had ever given. When it was sold, it gave the sons a whole pot of gold. And when they saw how much money had come from the orchard, they suddenly understood what the wise father had meant when he said, "There is gold hidden in the orchard. Dig for it, if you wish it." What would be the best title for the passage? A. Laziness leads to success B. Like father, like son C. No money, no talk D. No pains, no gains Answer: D. No pains, no gains Question: Today I was at the mall waiting for friends, when a lady wearing a knit hat and a sweater came up to me and, shivering, said, "I'm homeless. Would you mind buying me some food?" In that split second, everything I'd learned since kindergarten flashed through my mind. Don't talk to strangers ... Be a good citizen ... People will take advantage of you ... Treat others as you wish to be treated ... The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return ... I guess love won the debate. "Sure," I said. "What would you like?" She thought and then said, "I'd like to get Chinese food." We headed upstairs. On the way she told me about when she was a teenager. She remembers taking pictures for the yearbook with her best friend. She was in the band and played basketball. She got good grades and was a good student. She ordered soup, an egg roll, white rice, and pepper chicken. I would normally think that was a lot, but she had probably barely eaten in the last few days. I got my usual - lo mein and General Tso's chicken. As we ate, we got to know each other. She asked if I played any instruments. I replied that I played the violin, cello, and guitar. She told me she played the flute, piano, guitar, and violin. In the middle of our meal, I realized something. And she thought of it at exactly the same time. "So, what's your name?" she asked. "I'm Claire," I said, startled at our exact same thought. "What's yours?" "Joyce," she said with a smile. We continued talking, and she asked my favorite subjects in school and if I wanted to go to college. "Hopefully," I replied. "I'm interested in nursing." "I went to college for nursing," she said. I was taken aback. How could we have so much in common? Was she pretending so I'd feel sympathy for her? But her eyes were genuine as she said this. Meanwhile I was eating my lo mein, picking around the cabbage and the other vegetables. Joyce said, "If you don't like it you can take it back." I told her that I liked it, but was not fond of the vegetables. She broke into a big grin. "You don't like vegetables, huh? Neither did I. But now I do." I immediately felt guilty. How could I be picking at my food across from someone who barely gets to eat at all? I tried my best to finish, but she seemed to sense my guilt and said, "You don't have to eat it if you don't want it." How could she know what I was feeling? I told her the dish was my favorite, but I just eat slowly. She replied, "I used to like lo mein, but pepper chicken was my dad's favorite, so I get that now." Noticing that she used the word "was," I assumed her dad had passed away. I found it sweet that she gave up her favorite in order to honor her dad. She asked why I was at the mall. "I'm waiting for friends. We're going to see 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,'" I replied, stumbling over the words a bit. "'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,'" she echoed in awe. "What's that about?" I realized that she didn't see commercials for movies. I explained the basic plot and she chuckled. "A man who is born 80 years old and ages backwards! That sounds interesting." She got up to get a to-go box. "Would you like one?" she asked, but I refused. I realized that this food would probably last her for a few days, and I was glad she had ordered a lot. "Would you like these?" I asked, gesturing at the food I had left untouched. "Oh, no, thank you," she said. "This is enough." I got up to throw my tray away, feeling guilty about wasting so much. "I need to meet my friends now," I explained. "It was so nice to meet you, Joyce." "You too, Claire," she replied with a smile. "Thank you." I headed to the theater, and she went back downstairs. It sounds like a perfect coincidence, but I can't help but think that some force compelled us to meet. I kept puzzling, Why is Joyce homeless? It seems so unfair. She shouldn't need people to buy her dinner. She was a nurse. She got good grades. She took pictures for her yearbook. She was the person I hope to be in the future. What went wrong? How could such a good life be rewarded with horrible luck? I feel lucky to have run into Joyce. She changed my outlook. She is still a wonderful person, despite what the world has done to her. I wish her the best, and can only hope that the force that brought us together will help her find what she deserves in life. The writer felt guilty for a moment because _ . A. she was particular about food and also wasted so much B. she was a strict vegetarian who ate very little C. she didn't order enough food for the girl D. she urged the girl to take her share of food Answer: A. she was particular about food and also wasted so much
When a wolf is buried what will happen to other wolves? A small change B learn to fly C less of them D more of them Answer: C Do you know Xishuangbana? It's a very beautiful place. It lies in Yunnan. The Dai people live there. Their homes are wonderful. The houses are very big and have long legs to hold them up. Sometimes those legs are over two metres tall. It can be very hot in Yunnan. But the Dai people do not need air conditioners to keep cool. Their houses usually have two floors. One half of the second floor is the living room. The living room has a balcony. The other half of the second floor is their bedroom. There is a long corridor between the living room and the bedroom. You must always take off your shoes before you go into a Dai family's house. They like to keep their houses clean. The bed is made of bamboo . The family's tables, chairs and cupboards are all made of bamboo too. It often rains in Yunnan. Pigs and chickens live on the first floor, because it is a good place to stay _ . Where do the Dai people live? A In big flats. B In small flats. C In big houses. D In small houses. Answer: C It was an early September day, cool and bright and just right for running, and I was in the first few miles of a lO-knownmile race over a course with a few high hills. Still, I felt energetic; despite the hills it was going to be a fine run. Just ahead of me was Peggy Mimno, a teacher from Mount Kiseo, New York. She too was running easily, moving along at my speed. The pace felt comfortable, so I decided to stay where I was; why pay attention to pace when she was setting such a nice one? I'd overtake her later on when she tired. So I ran behind her. The course headed north for miles, wandered west for a hilly mile, then turned south again along a winding road. The race was getting harder. We had four miles left and already it was beginning to be real work. Peggy overtook a young runner. She seemed to know him, for they exchanged a few cheerful words as she passed him. Their exchange worried me. You don't chat during a race unless you feeling good, and Peggy plainly was. Still, I was close enough to overtake her if she tired, so I didn't give up hope completely. We were getting nearer to a long, punishing hill now and it would be the test. We were a mile from the finish line, so whatever happened on the hill would almost determine who crossed it first. As I moved up the hill, my attention wandered for a few minutes. When I looked up, Peggy was moving away--first five yards, then ten, then more. Finally it was clear that there was no help of catching her. She beat me soundly. There is an important lesson in that race. Women are thought to be weaker, slower and not nearly as skilled in sport. Yet as Peggy Mimno so clearly showed, the similarities between men and women runners are more important than differences. I have run with a number of women, and I can say it is often hard work. What lesson does the writer learn from the race? A Women are as good as men in sport. B Women are better at climbing hills. C He should have more training in a cross-country race. D He should set a quicker pace at the beginning of a race. Answer: A When people introduce themselves,I always hear them say"I'm just a housewife."I don't understand why their introduction is always filled with regret and self-pity.Is it,really a crime to be a housewife?Is it really embarrassing when you choose not to work outside and instead choose to work in your home? How could you be"just a housewife"when the basic social unit of society depends on you and your service?A housewife works for the longest hour,supporting your husband,child studies,caring for elders,managing finances,paying bills,grocery shopping,cooking according to individual taste,cleaning,etc.A housewife could be anyone:daughter,wife,mother,teacher,financial advisor,fashion designer and nurse,gardener,driver,cook,and so on.Don't think you are not being paid for it.You get the reward that no money can offer----the love and affection of your family,their trust in you,a happy home and your own satisfaction. It is you who choose to be in this occupation,willingly or for any other reason.After a busy day,all wait to return to the comfortable home set by you.They know you will be there to absorb all their stress and tiredness and relax them.Would the life have been the same had you been working outside to earn some money?Would you along with your family have been able to buy all the content in life that you are enjoying now with that money? Respect yourself for what you are.Introduce yourself to the world with the same dignity.The world understands the importance of your job; it's time to make them accept it.Introduce yourself with pride and with twinkle in your eyes"I am a housewife".Kick that"just"out. What is the author's attitude toward housewives? A Supportive. B Doubtful. C Opposed. D Tolerant. Answer: A Coal mines are an essential for what industries? A soft drink manufacturing B textiles C energy generation D powering airplanes Answer: C
Billy went to the farm to buy some beef for his brother's birthday. When he arrived there he saw that all six of the cows were sad and had brown spots. The cows were all eating their breakfast in a big grassy meadow. He thought that the spots looked very strange so he went closer to the cows to get a better look. When he got closer he also saw that there were five white chickens sitting on the fence. The fence was painted blue and had some dirty black spots on it. Billy wondered where the dirty spots had come. Soon he got close to the chickens and they got scared. All five chickens flew away and went to eat some food. After Billy got a good look at the cows he went to the farmer to buy some beef. The farmer gave him four pounds of beef for ten dollars. Billy thought that it was a good deal so he went home and cooked his brother dinner. His brother was very happy with the dinner. Billy's mom was also very happy. How many chickens were on the purple fence? Five Historians say Harriet Tubman was born in the year 1820.Nobody really knows.But we do know that Harriet Tubman was one of the bravest women ever born in the United States. From a very early age, Harriet knew how slaves suffered.At six years old, she was sent to the fields.Working outside not only made her body strong but also made her learn about the Underground Railroad, through which she helped hundreds of people escape from slavery later.She also learned many things from other slaves, which one day would help her lead her people to freedom.She became more of a rebel . In 1844, at about age 24, she married a free black man named John Tubman.By now, Harriet was sure she wanted to try to escape.Suddenly, the time came.Her owner died.Though opposed by her husband, she decided to escape.With the help of the Underground Railroad, and through a variety of suffering she finally crossed the border into Pennsylvania, where slavery was banned .Later, she told a friend, "I felt like I was in heaven." Now that Harriet was free, she did not forget the hundreds of other slaves back in Maryland.Harriet traveled back and forth eighteen times, helping about 300 slaves escape into free territory.She became an expert at hiding from slave hunter.The people she helped called her Moses.At one time anyone finding Harriet was promised $40,000 for catching her --dead or alive. During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman went into enemy territory to spy for the North.She also served as a nurse.After four years of bloody fighting, the North won the war. After the fighting ended, Harriet Tubman returned to Auburn, New York.She kept working.She traveled and gave speeches to raise money for better education for black children.She also worked for women's rights and housing.Harriet Tubman died in 1913.She was about 93 years old.By that time, she was recognized as an American hero.The United States government gave a funeral with military honors for the woman known a Moses. Which is true according to the text? Harriet worked for the blacks till her last. Every year there is the Spring Festival in China. Usually it is in January or February. It's the most important festival in China. So before it comes, everyone has to prepare things. They buy beef, pork, chicken, fruit and many other things. And they often make a special kind of food called "dumplings". It means "come together" in Chinese. On the day before the festival, parents buy new clothes for their children and children also buy presents for their parents. On the festival eve, all the family members come back to their home. This is a happy moment. They sing, dance and play cards. When they enjoy the meal, they give each other the best wishes for the coming year. They all have a good time. ,. (5) What's the special kind of food for the Spring Festival in China? _ . Dumplings Hello, Listeners. Welcome to Henton Hospital Radio. Before our music programme at four, I'm going to repeat some of our hospital rules. The hospital can sleep 800 patients. There're 8 beds in each ward . The visiting hours are in the afternoon from 2:30 to 3:30 and in the evening from 7:00 to 8:00. But remember only two people can see you at the same time. Sorry about that, but you can see what would happen if we didn't have these rules. The other rules are about our hours. We start quite early---you might not be used to that. We wake you at 6 o'clock, and breakfast is at 8 o'clock, lunch is at noon. There's tea at 3:30 and supper is at 6 o'clock. You can see the non-smoking sign---we don't allow smoking in the wards. I'm sure you understand why. However, if you do need to smoke, there are some smoking rooms where it is allowed. You will find the radio switch on the wall near your bed, with your own headphones, if you want to listen. It's our own hospital radio wishing you a quick recovery. What programme will follow this radio talk? A music programme. Aggie Bonfire was a long-standing tradition at Texas A&M University as part of the college rivalry with the University of Texas at Austin. For 90 years, Texas A&M students--known as Aggies--built and burned a bonfire on campus each autumn. Known to the Aggie community simply as "Bonfire", the annual autumn event symbolized Aggie students' "burning desires". The bonfire was traditionally lit around Thanksgiving in connection with festivities surrounding the annual college football game. Although early Bonfires were little more than piles of trash, as time passed, the annual event became more organized. Over the years the bonfire grew bigger, setting the world record in 1969. Bonfire remained a university tradition for decades until, in 1999, a collapse during construction killed twelve people--eleven students and one former student--and injured twenty-seven others. The accident led Texas A&M to declare a pause on an official Bonfire. However, in 2002, a student-sponsored-and-off-campus "Student Bonfire" came up. In 2003, the event became known as Student Bonfire. In a design approved by a professional engineer, Student Bonfire uses a wedding cake design, but, in a departure from tradition, every log in the stack touches the ground. For added support, four 24 feet poles are spaced evenly around the stack and then bolted to the 45 feet center pole with a steel pipe. Since the group does not receive funding, Student Bonfire charges a fee to each attendee to cover expenses. Attendance for Student Bonfire ranges from 8,000-15,000 people and the event is held in Brazos County or one of the surrounding counties. Which of the following statements is true according to the above passage? Texas A&M University started Aggie Bonfire.
Twenty years ago almost all nurses were women, and almost all pilots were men. Today women fly planes, and men care for patients. The jobs are the same, but not both men and women are working as nurses and pilots. There are many other examples of changing job roles for men and women. Forty years ago there were no women news reporters on television. Now women report the news, the weather, and even men's sports. Women are reporting games and interviewing athletes. Fifty years ago there were almost no women lawyers or doctors, but today over half of all medical students are women. Today men teach very young children. Men work as librarians and secretaries. Some men stay at home to take care of the house and children. They are called "househusbands" or "stay-at-home dads". However, many women still work as homemakers. Jobs are changing. Today men and women are working in every field. What is the main idea of this passage? Answer: Lamu was a 12-year-old Tibetan girl. She wanted to go to Beijing to watch the 2008 Olympics. Only one month ago, Lamu still thought it would be difficult. In the past Tibet had no railroad . If Lamu took a bus, it would take her a long time to reach Beijing. And a plane ticket would cost lots of money. However, things changed for Lamu. She was able to buy a ticket to the world's highest railroad. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway had been completed! The 1,142-kilometer railroad runs on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau . Lamu could reach Beijing by train in 48 hours! About 550 kilometers of the railroad are constructed on the frozen earth . When the frozen earth warms in summer, it can move the track. But Chinese scientists have built a special structure to solve the problem. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway has been designed with the wild animals in the designers' minds. It also has special underpasses for animals like Tibetan antelopes to go through. "The new railroad greatly helps Tibet's tourism,"said Liu Yueqin, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences . As more tourists take trains to Tibet, there are more money for Tibetans. With the money, more kids can go to school. The railroad also makes things less expensive in Tibet. Now one can buy a TV set for about 1,500 yuan. It used to be much higher than that price. When there was no railroad, it had been difficult to send things in and out of Tibet. With the new railroad, shopping can be more convenient and faster. The best title of the passage is " _ ". Answer: Extraordinary Teens The book will inspire young adults with its tales of teenagers achieving great success. It includes personal stories from many well-known young athletes, businessmen, actors, writers and filmmakers. Every person shares his or her story along with valuable advice that will show you how you can also achieve success. Learn from these people who are walking examples of possibility. Teens Talk High School This book is written for high school kids, aged 14-18. Teens in high school have mainly moved past worrying about puberty , so the stories in this book cover topics of interest to older teens, such as sports and clubs, driving, faming relationships, friends, and preparing for life after high school. High school students will find comfort and inspiration in the words of this book, referring to it through all the four years of their high school experience. Getting into College Every year colleges receive a lot of applications, and the application process has become something hard that students and parents experience together. This book isn't about how to get into college. It's about providing emotional support. The stories in this book are written by kids who have been there and want to pass on their words of support to others. Parents and students will find this book a great source of inspiration. Campus Stories College life can be fun, exciting, and educational in more ways than one. Campus Storesis a book for any current or future college student who wants to know what really goes on the campus. Campus Storesis about growing up, making choices, learning lessons, and making the best of your last as a student. What does Getting into Collegemainly talk about? Answer: Is there someone you hate? Well, maybe you don't really hate them. But you get really angry every time you think of them. If you don't let this anger go, it can turn into bitterness Bitterness appears when we can't forgive someone who has hurt us or made us angry. Someone might say or do something that hurts us. But Instead of controlling the anger, we keep it deep inside. Before long, a bitter feeling begins to grow. We may think we're hurting that person by criticizing him or her often, but we're really only hurting ourselves. Bitterness can not only lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, but also hurt our relationships with friends and family members. No one enjoys being around an anger person for very long. If you see bitterness in your life, here are some ways to deal with it. Accept it Instead of trying to your anger, make it clear to yourself and accept it. See your anger for what it is and quickly deal with it. Stop making excuses for it You may feel you have a right to be anger. You may think you're right and the other person is wrong. You may even secretly enjoy making the other person look bad. But in the end, bitterness hurts you much more than the other person. The bitterness will hold you back, and the other person will go on with his or her life. Forgive and forget it You probably can't completely put the anger out of your mind. But you can decide to forgive the other person. Forget it and move on. You'll enjoy better health and peace of mind. ,, bitterness comes from _ . Answer: Christmas came in extravagant fashion to the Muslim desert emirate of Abu Dhabi as a shining hotel uncovered a bejeweled Christmas tree valued at more than 11 million dollars on Wednesday. It is "the most expensive Christmas tree ever" with "a value of over 11 million dollars", said Hans Olbertz, general of Emirates Palace Hotel, at its inauguratuion . The 13-metre (40-foot) evergreen, located in the gold hall of the hotel, is decorated with silver and gold bows, ball-shaped decorations and small white lights. But the necklaces, earrings and other jewellery hung around the tree's branches are what give it a record value. "It holds a total of 181 diamonds, pearls, sapphires and other precious stones," said Khalifa Khouri, owner of Style Gallery, which provided the jewellery. "The tree itself is about 10,000 dollars," Olbertz said. "The jewellery has a value of over 11 million dollars--I think $1,141,150." "This will probably be an entry into the Guinness book of world records," Olbertz said, adding that Emirates Palace planned to contact the organization about the tree which is to stay until the end of the year. Asked whether the tree might be against religious sensibilities in the United Arab Emirates, where the vast majority of the local population are Muslim, Olbertz said he did not think it would. "It is a liberal country," he said. The hotel has had a Christmas tree up in previous years, but this year "we have to do something different", and the hotel's marketing team _ the plan, said Olbertz. Why is the Christmas tree said to be "the most expensive Christmas tree ever"? Answer:
Cindy, Jerry and Mary are giving their opinions about a good friend. Cindy: I think a good friend should be honest . That's more important than any other thing and is where a good friendship starts. _ Jerry: I think a good friend has to be generous. Here "generous" doesn't mean he has to give his friends his lunch money or his clothes. It means he should share his ideas and feelings with his friends. In fact, his friends can know him better in this way. Mary: In my opinion a good friend should understand his friends. When there's something wrong between him and his friends, he must put himself in his friends' place and think more for his friends. Jerry would like to make friends with people who _ . tell him their ideas and feelings What likely directly came from a sprouted seed? a jackolantern if a book was intact on the desk in the morning, but in shreds in the afternoon, what happened? it underwent a tearing process Andy was still traveling in Spain when he realized he had to confirm his flight home with the airline company . He was visiting Spain in order to improve his Spanish. When he was speaking to people face to face, he had no difficulty understanding what they said. However, when he was speaking on the phone, he still had a problem. Andy called the airline. And the clerk confirmed that his plane was leaving at nine o'clock three days from that day. She also told Andy to be at the airport two hours earlier in order to check in his luggage and get a seat. Since he was leaving in three days, Andy didn't lose any time. He visited as many places as he could. He thought that it would probably be a while before he had enough money again. He wished he could come back and spend a year in Spain. Too quickly, the final day arrived. Andy left early for the airport to arrive two hours before take-off. He hated to rush. He went to the clerk to show his ticket. The clerk looked at the ticket in surprise. "Why, sir, but your flight was at nine o'clock in the morning, and now it is eight in the evening." "But I confirmed my flight," insisted Andy. "Will I have to pay for another ticket?" "No, sir. However, the next flight out will be three days from now." Andy's look of shock turned to pleasure as he realized that now he could continue his vacation. Why was Andy in Spain? He hoped to learn Spanish better. Boris Worm of Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, led the international team that did the study. Professor Worm says species have recently been disappearing from oceans at increasing speed. At this rate, he says, all seafood species could collapse by 2048 and seafood supplies from the world's ocean could be almost gone by then. Other studies have also warned about the dangers of overfishing and the effects on ocean environments. But not everyone thinks the oceans are likely to be empty in fifty years. Some scientists said parts of the world do have problems, but others are doing a good job of protecting fish populations. Government officials in several countries with large fishing industries also questioned the research. The study appeared earlier this month in Science magazine. The researchers say damage to oceans affects not only fish populations but also the productivity of ecosystems. These complex systems help control water quality. The scientists say the loss of different kinds of sea life appeared to increase the risk of fish kills and beach closures from harmful algae growth. The scientists examined the results of thirty-two experiments and observed forty-eight protected areas. They also looked at records of catches worldwide. They studied records from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization for nineteen fifty to two thousand three. And they examined archeological information and other historical records for twelve coastal areas. That research reached back over a thousand years. Boris Worm says the findings were, in his words, "beyond anything we suspected." But he also said the situation is not too late to correct. He said that with good fisheries management, some species could completely recover in three to ten years. The conclusion of the research led by Boris Worm is _ . Convincing
Two men are working in the park. One is Mr. Brown, a worker, and the other is Mr. Black. Mr. Brown is going to a chair. It is next to the road. Mr. Black is after him. Mr. Brown finds Mr. Black. Now Mr. Black begins to walk faster. Because he wants to get to the chair before Mr. Brown. Now Mr. Brown begins to walk faster because he also wants to get to the chair first. Then they both run. Mr. Black runs faster than Mr. Brown. So he gets to the chair first and sits down on it. Mr. Brown runs after Mr. Black. When he gets to the chair. He sees Mr. Black sitting on it. He is sorry to show a notice with the words. "Wet Paint" to Mr. Black. Now Mr. Black knows Why Mr. Brown is going to the chair. _ is after _ at first. A. Mr. Black ; Mr. Brown B. The worker; Mr. Brown C. Mr. Brown; Mr. Black D. Mr. Brown; the worker Answer: A As a glacier melts and retreats, a layer of bedrock is exposed. Which term best describes the process that establishes a community on the bedrock? A. disturbance B. succession C. weathering D. stabilization Answer: B One day, a little monkey and a little fox went out to play. They saw an apple tree on the other side of the river. There were many big and red apples on it. But there was no bridge over the river. The monkey thought hard and had an idea. They pulled down a tree and put it over the river as a bridge. The monkey said, "My old friend, you go there first." But after the fox went to the other side, he kicked the tree into the river and ran to the apple tree. "How can I get 'there without the tree?" cried the monkey. The fox laughed and said, "You just stand there and watch me eating the apples." The monkey was very angry. Suddenly it began to rain. The water level in the river rose and the tree flew away with the water. "You can eat all the apples. But you can't come back," shouted the monkey. The fox stopped eating and looked at the monkey sadly. ,. The fox was sad because _ . A. the monkey was laughing B. he couldn' t reach the apples C. he couldn' t go back D. the monkey went home first Answer: C Do many people you know drive a car? How do you get a license to drive a car in your hometown? Head the following handbook and you will find out how to get a learner License and how to drive safely in Australia. About your Learner License To prepare new and young drivers for the complex task of driving, all learner driver applicants must successfully complete a special "Road Ready" course to qualify for their Licenses. About the Road Ready Course In the Road Ready course, you will take part in exercises to help raise awareness of the complexities of safe driving.You will he assessed on your level of participation and understanding of the topics.The final stage of the course is computerized, multiple choice road rules knowledge test. The course is conducted over several sessions and takes up to 15 hours to complete. Obtaining a Learner License Any person aged 15 years and 9 months or more may apply for a Learner License to drive a car. The Learner License is valid for 24 months but must be held for a minimum of six months.The driver must attain the age of 17 years before attempting a practical driving test. To obtain a Learner License an applicant must: Provide proof of identity, age and residence. Complete and pass a Road Ready course. Pass a knowledge test on the road rules and safe driving practices. Pass an eyesight test. When driving, learner drivers must be accompanied by a person holding a FULL license.Learner plates must be displayed on the front and the back of the vehicle while it is being driven by the learner. Drive and Survive, Avoid Driver Fatigue Driving when you are fatigued can be deadly.30% of single vehicle crashes in country areas involve a fatigued driver. For long trips over 2 hours: Have plenty of rest breaks at least every two hours.Have a coffee break or walk around and stretch your muscles. Slay somewhere overnight if it's a really long distance. Don't drive when you would normally be asleep. Get a good night's sleep before the trip. Share the driving. Take a passenger who will chat and keep you alert. Don't drink and drive.Before and during the trip eat properly, avoid any alcohol and don't take medicine that may cause tiredness. When you feel sleepy, stop and sleep. Remember that you can become drowsy even on short trips.If you have been working or partying hard, avoid driving if possible. According to the handbook, to get a Learner License in Australia, an applicant must do the following EXCEPT _ . A. finish and pass a Road Ready course B. pass a knowledge test on the road rules and safe driving practices C. provide proof of identity, marriage and educational background D. take an eyesight test and meet the requirements Answer: C UGG boots have been a winterweather fashion for several years now, combining function, comfort, warmth and even some style. What many UGGenthusiasts don't know is that their boots are a breeding ground for bacteria and cause foot problems. Doctors believe the boots, which are particularly popular among young teenage girls, are leading to a rise in the number of people suffering pains in their feet and knees. Dr. Ian Drysdale, head of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, believes because the foot does not get the proper support on the inside, it will lead to more ankle, knee, hip and back problems. "These boots are not designed for outside wear. Just because something becomes a trend or fashionable doesn't mean it's good or right," he said. "The particular problem with this type of footwear is that it is unsupported. It's a slipper. You wouldn't normally expect to be doing outdoor activities from something that's indoor. If you decide to wear your pajamas outside all the time, someone will come up and say it's not a good idea." Dr. Drysdale explained that the feet issues become a particular problem among young teenage girls, whose bones are "plastic" and developing when they are growing. "If that structure is developing in an inappropriate way," he said,"then the ultimate structure will be _ ." Mike O'Neill, a consultant surgeon, said,"As the foot slides around, you get wear and tear on the joints on the inside of the foot. The ankle is in the wrong position, the thigh bone also changes position, and you get an abnormal movement in the pelvis, which leads to back problems." UGG Australia, who makes the designer version of the boots, told The Daily Wirror that their boots are "comfort" rather than "performance" footwear and consumers should be aware of "knockoffs " which lack reinforced heels in their boots. Teenage girls prefer to wear UGG boots because of the following EXCEPT _ . A. design B. comfort C. quality D. warmth Answer: C
John Denver has got international fame as a pop star, songwriter, actor and environmental activist ( ). Songs like Take Me Home, Country Road, Rocky Mountain High and Annie's Song have become very popular. But less than thirty years ago, John Denver was a young man with little more than a fine voice, a guitar, and a dream. Growing up in conservative family, he was not believed to drop out of college and head to Los Angeles, where the music scene was flowering. Nor was he believed to succeed. In Take Me Home, John Denver talked about the story that shaped his life, with the story of the rich inner journey of a shy Midwestern boy. With honesty and cleverness, he wrote about his childhood, the feeling of moving to Los Angeles as the 60s came, his first lucky breaks, his first songwriting success with leaving on a Jet Plane and finally got a world fame. He also wrote about his relationship with his first and second wife, as well as his parents, his children, his partners through his life and his friends. Honest and rich in the book that only a natural-born storyteller could write so well, Take Me Home is very good from the beginning to the end. It's like spending a few days with a good friend. John Denver wrote his songs about many things except _ . A his first success in songwriting B his family members including his parents, his wives and his children C the problems of environment D his life in los Angeles Answer: C Just 10 years ago, I sat across the desk from a doctor. "Yes," he said, "there is something wrong with the left, upper lobe . You have a moderately advanced case... You'll have to give up work at once and go to bed. Later on, we'll see." Feeling like a man who is in midcareer has suddenly been placed under sentence of death, I left the doctor's office, walked over to the park, and sat down on a bench. I needed to think. In the next 3 days, I cleared up my affairs, then I went home, got into bed, and set my watch to tick off not the minutes, but the months. Two years later, I left my bed and began the long climb back. It was another year before I made it. I speak of this experience because _ that passed so slowly taught me what to value and what to believe. I realise now that this world I'm living in is not my oyster to be opened but my opportunity to be grasped. Each day, to me, is a precious thing. The sun comes up and presents me with 24 brandnew, wonderful hours--not to pass, but to fill. I've learned to appreciate those little, allimportant things I never thought I had the time to notice before:the play of light on running water, the music of the wind in my favourite pine tree. I seem now to see and hear and feel with some of the recovered freshness of childhood. How well, for instance, I recall the touch of the springy earth under my feet the day I first stepped upon it after the years in bed. Frequently, I sit back and say to myself, "Let me make note of this moment I'm living right now, because in it I'm well, happy and hard at work doing what I like best to do. It won't always be like this, so while it is, I'll make the most of it--and afterwards, I remember--and be grateful. All this, I owe to that long time spent on the sidelines of life." How long did it take the author to recover from his disease? A Two years and a half. B Three years. C Three years and a half. D Four years. Answer: B OUR children grew up on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The right jelly makes them very happy, and homemade is the only choice. I wasn't the jelly maker in this family. My mother-in-law was. She didn't provide a wide range of flavors , either. It was either grape or blackberry. And since we liked both flavors, we usually picked whatever jar was at the front of the pantry . It was always there. Jelly making was just a way of life for her. She always did it, following the same habits ---from picking the fruit to setting the finished jelly on the homemade shelves. This past December, my mother-in-law passed away. Among the things in the house to be divided up were the remaining canned goods. Each of us chose from the many jars of tomato juice, green beans and jelly. The other day I reached in there to get jelly for a quick sandwich, and there it was. Sitting all alone on the far side of the shelf was a small jar of grape jelly. Written on the lid with a black marker was "GR" for grape and the year the jelly had been made. As I picked up the jar, I suddenly realized something that I had failed to see earlier. This was the last jar we would ever have from my mother-in-law's patient, loving hands. Our children had never known a day without their grandmother's jelly. It seems like such a small thing, but it was a great treasure. Holding that last jar in my hand, my heart traveled back to meeting my mother-in-law for the first time. I saw her crying on our wedding day, and later, kissing and loving our children. I saw her walking in the woods or riding the wagon . I saw her surrounded by loving children at her funeral. I put the jelly back on the shelf. No longer was it just a jar of jelly. I guess I believed that as long as it was there, my mother-in-law would always live on. When the author found the last jar of jelly, _ . A she decided to share it with her children B she realized she had to learn to make jelly herself C she was filled with memories of her mother-in-law D she cried because of her great love for her mother-in-law Answer: D Seated in a convertible with the top down at 60 miles an hour, Mary looked at the flies that sat on top of Mark's hair. How could they stay there? She wondered. Mary had not seen Mark in years, until the other day when he came into the cafe where she worked. His appearance was different from when he was in high school. Now, he was a bit fat and thick glasses covered his eyes. However, that didn't change Mary's feelings for him at all. He had just bought a brand new red sports car and asked her if she would like to go for a ride and then have dinner with him. Her heart beat with excitement as he opened the door for her. She noticed something very strange as Mark got into the car and started to drive away. On the hair was a group of flies just sitting there. Mary stared in amazement. It seemed the faster they drove, the more determined the flies were to stick to his hair. Mary remained silent. She leaned forward and turned the radio on, to try to _ her attention away from the flies, but she couldn't help thinking about them. She looked up at Mark, who was completely devoted to what was going on and continued to sing to the music while driving merrily along. Finally, Mark pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road beside a diner and looked in the mirror and said, "Mary, I would like to comb my hair before we get something to eat. Could you reach under the seat and give me my hair cream?" Mary reached under the seat and pulled out a camping backpack, which contained a round jar and started to laugh wildly as she pointed to the label . "That's not hair cream on your hair, Mark! It says it's Fly Trap Glue!" What can we learn from the text? A Mark had bought a new sports car for Mary. B Mark used to be a thin, handsome boy. C Mark and Mary had been in love for years. D Mary felt strange when she saw the red car. Answer: B Jane arrives at Thornfield, having been met at the George Inn. Mrs. Fairfax confuses her a little at first, because _ is so informal and welcoming. But in due course Jane discovers that Mrs. Fairfax is the housekeeper. Jane's pupil, Adele Varens, is the eight-year-old French child under the legal protection of Mr. Edward Rochester, the owner of the house. (We learn later that her mother had claimed she was his illegitimate daughter. Mr. Rochester is not convinced by this claim, but felt he could not leave the little girl poor when her mother died.) Adele is a pleasant little girl, even if she is not a particularly eager student. Life goes on very peacefully for three months, until the return of Mr. Rochester. Jane first meets him on his horse, and her description of him is quite fanciful. He takes a fall and Jane helps him, although she does not know who he is until they are both back at Thornfield. It is obvious to the reader, although not to Jane, that the reason why Mr. Rochester stays at Thornfield much longer than usual is that he finds her company enjoyable. Jane, unknowingly at first, falls in love with him. Their closeness is very apparent. There is something about Thornfield that is mysterious. Jane is encouraged to focus her attention on the servant Grace Poole, who is Mr. Rochester's mad wife Bertha Mason's keeper at Thornfield, and whose drunken carelessness frequently allows Bertha to escape and do something violent. It is clear to the reader, though, that Mr. Rochester's emotional engagement is immense. When his bed is set on fire, Jane rescues him, but does not understand why the matter is not pursued, despite Mr. Rochester assuring her the criminal is Grace. The next morning Grace behaves as though she has done nothing wrong. Eventually, Mr. Rochester leaves, to go to a house party. He brings everyone at the party back with him, transforming the atmosphere in the house, and delighting Adele. One of the guests is Blanche Ingram, whom Mr. Rochester is confidently expected to marry. However, it is clear from the way she is portrayed in the book that she is too proud; our sympathies are not with her. Mr. Rochester is called away from the house, and when he returns he chooses to play the role of a fortune teller. It is clear to the reader that one of his motives is to try to turn Blanche against the idea of marriage to him. While he has clearly bothered her, he is unsuccessful. One afternoon, Jane hears that her cousin John Reed is dead and Mrs. Reed, who is probably on her deathbed, has been asking for her. With strict instructions from Mr. Rochester to return quickly, she sets off to Gateshead. On arrival, she realizes she no longer hates her cousins. However, Mrs. Reed is still bitter towards her, owing to the fact that Jane's mother was Mr Reed's favourite sister and this resulted in him apparently favouring Jane over his own children. A short time later, Mrs. Reed gives Jane a letter from her uncle, John Eyre, that was written three years earlier. It explains how he planned to adopt Jane and allow her to inherit his fortune. Mrs. Reed never handed the letter over because of her bitterness. Jane tries once more to seek reconciliation , but without success; her aunt dies that night. Why is Mrs. Reed bitter towards Jane? A Because Jane inherited Mr. Reed's fortune. B Because Jane didn't get along well with her cousins. C Because Jane's mother was more beautiful than Mrs. Reed. D Because Mr. Reed loved Jane more than his own children. Answer: D
The coast of the State of Maine is one of the most irregular in the world. A straight line running from the southernmost coastal city to the northernmost coastal city would measure about 225 miles. If you followed the coastline between these points, you would travel more than ten times as far. This irregularity is the result of what is called a drowned coastline. The term comes from the glacial activity of the Ice Age. At that time, the whole area that is now Maine was part of a mountain range that towered above the sea. As the glacier descended, however, it applied enormous force on those mountains, and they sank into the sea. As the mountains sank, ocean water charged over the lowest parts of the remaining land. And the highest parts of the former mountain range, nearest the shore, remained as islands. Marine fossils found here are 225 feet above sea level indicating the level of the shoreline prior to the glacier. The 2,500-mile-long rocky and jagged coastline of Maine keeps watch over nearly 2,000 islands. Many of these islands are tiny and uninhabited, but many are home to blooming communities. Mt. Desert Island is one of the largest, most beautiful of the Maine coast islands left behind by the glacier. Measuring 16 miles by 12 miles, Mt. Desert was very nearly formed as two distinct islands. It is split almost in half by Somes Sound, a very deep and very narrow stretch of water seven miles long. For years, Mt. Desert Island, particularly its major settlement, Bar Harbor, has afforded summer homes for the wealthy. Recently, though, Bar Harbor has become a new arts community as well. But the best part of the island is the unspoiled forest land known as Acadia National Park. Since the island sits on the border between two different geographical zones, the park supports the plants and animals of both zones. It also lies in a major bird migration lane and is a resting spot for many birds. The establishment of Acadia National park in 1916 means that this natural monument will be preserved and that it will be available to all people, not just the wealthy. Visitors to Acadia may receive nature instruction from the park naturalists as well as enjoy camping, hiking, cycling, and boating. Or they may choose to spend time at the museum learning about the Stone Age inhabitants of the island. What CANNOT be inferred about the Acadia Nation Park? Answer: It is a border between the two geographical zones. Tropical storms get their fuel from the Answer: ocean New York University (NYU) is one of the best universities in the United States and it has just opened a school in Shanghai in partnership with East China Normal University(ECNU). The arrival of the American university on China mainland is an example of what is being called the "globalization" of education and it is hoped that this trend will influence the quality of education in all of China's universities by raising the standard of teaching. NYU Shanghai's class of 2017(students will graduate in 2017) is made up of 295 students from China, America and other countries. The students will study liberal arts courses for two years before choosing a major and when they graduate, they will receive a degree from NYU and a degree from ECNU. All the classes will be taught in English, using the teaching methods in American universities. Students will be pushed to take risks in the classroom, pushed to speak up and pushed to say things that are not completely correct, which can make them understand that it's OK for them to make mistakes in class. This style of learning will be challenging for many Chinese students, because they will be mixed with the foreign students both in the classroom and in the dormitory. Living and studying with foreigners day to day will provide Chinese students with a cultural as well as academic education and it's hoped that this cross-cultural experience will benefit them when they seek jobs in the competitive global market. China's interest in partnering with foreign universities comes at a time when western universities are trying to expand. They realize that information, technology and business are now borderless; they also realize education should be borderless too. This trend will have a deep effect on bringing the world closer together and the students at NYU Shanghai should be excited to be on the leading edge of this trend. The opening of NYU Shanghai class may help _ . Answer: improve the quality of China's university education Among various programs, TV talk shows have covered every inch of space on daytime television. And anyone who watches them regularly knows that each one is different in style . But no two shows are more opposite in content, while at the same time standing out above the rest, than the Jerry Springer and the Oprah Winfrey shows. Jerry Springer could easily be considered the king of "rubbish talk". The contents on his show are as surprising as can be. For example, the show takes the ever-common talk show titles of love, sex, cheating, and hate, to a different level. Clearly, the Jerry Springer show is about the dark side of society, yet people are willing to eat up the troubles of other people's lives. Like Jerry Springer, Oprah Winfrey takes TV talk show to its top. But Oprah goes in the opposite direction. The show is mainly about the improvement of society and different quality of life. Contents are from teaching your children lessons, managing your work week, to getting to know your neighbors. Compared to Oprah, the Jerry Springer show looks like poisonous waste being poured into society. Jerry ends every show with a "final word". He makes a small speech about the entire idea of the show. Hopefully, this is the part where most people will learn something very valuable. Clean as it is, the Oprah show is not for everyone. The show's main viewers are middleclass Americans. Most of these people have the time, money, and ability to deal with life's tough problems. Jerry Springer, on the other hand, has more of a connection with the young adults of society. These are 18-to-21-year-olds whose main troubles in life include love, relationship, sex, money and drug. They are the ones who see some value and lessons to be learned through the show's exploitation. We can learn from the passage that the two talk shows _ . Answer: attract different people. I've reported about tigers on the news, however, nothing could have prepared me for what I found in India. I didn't know what to expect, so when I saw my first tiger in the wild, I was shocked. What a beautiful and powerful creature it is! But they live with a price on their heads -- a single tiger skin is worth up to PS8,000, and their bones possibly more. Another problem is that farmers need to clear a large number of areas of the forest for their cattle. This means deer are losing their living places. As a result, tigers are losing their natural prey, so they end up eating the cattle. Tigers are not easy to live close to. I met a farmer who had been _ by one. But despite that, he told me everything had its place in the world and he had no right to kill the tiger. He was really kind. Those who work for the Tigers Forever Project realize that to ensure their survival, tigers don't only need space. They need space away from people. They are working to stop the conflict between tigers and people by separating them. I visited a new town. People had been moved to it from a settlement in the forest. And it really has worked. It has given tigers a better life and better opportunities for the children of the resettled people. Only 2,500 tigers are now left in the wild in India. Three out of eight tiger sub-species have already disappeared. Tigers that once lived across Asia only survive in 7% of their original living places now. The following statements are all the factors reducing the population of tigers EXCEPT that _ . Answer: people live far from where tigers live
During the tsunami disaster of 2004,over 300,000 people died.No one has counted the number of animals killed,but we know that it wasn't many.All over the region,before the disaster struck,animals were behaving strangely. Shortly before the tsunami,in Khaolak,Thailand,twelve elephants that were giving tourists rides became _ .They suddenly left their usual habitat,carrying four surprised Japanese tourists to safety.On the eastern coast of India,flamingos ,which should be breeding at this time of year,suddenly flew to higher ground.Of the two thousand wild pigs that live in an Indian nature reserve,only one was found dead after the tsunami. The idea that the animals are able to predict disasters is nothing new. In fact,it has been well-recorded over the years. Twelve hours before Hurricane Charlie hit Florida in 2004,fourteen sharks left their natural habitat and stayed in deep waters for two weeks. The sharks,which were being observed by US scientists,had never done this before.They escaped the hurricane.In the winter of 1975 in Haicheng,China,snakes which would normally have been hibernating were seen on the ground.Days later there was a big earthquake striking. Unlike human beings,wild animals' senses are sharper and they can feel even the smallest changes in the environment.In other words,they see natural warnings that are invisible to the human eye.Ancient people probably had the similar"senses", which they needed to survive,but these have been lost to us as modern technology leads us further away from the danger that nature creates. The real question is,can we use the reactions of animals to save ourselves from natural disasters? Animal behaviour expert,Rupesh Kaneira,believes we have no choice."The technology which we rely on isn't always perfect,and in poorer countries it isn't even available .Animals know the environment better than any of us.When they run for their lives,we must follow." The wild animals can predict the natural disasters because they _ . Have you ever imagined what kind of car we will be driving in 2020? It will be rather different from the type we know today, with the next 20 years bringing greater change than the past 50. The people who will be designing the models of tomorrow believe that environmental problems may well accelerate(,)the pace of the car's development. Today they are students on the transport design course at London's Royal College of Art. Their vision is of a machine with three wheels instead of four, electrically powered, environmentally clean, and able to drive itself along "intelligent" roads equipped with built-in power supplies. Future cars will pick up their fuel during long journeys from a power source built into the road, or store it in small quantities for traveling in the city. Instead of today's seating arrangements--two in front, two or three behind, all facing forward--the 2010 car will have a versatile interior with adults and children in a family circle. This view of the future car is based on a much more sophisticated road system, _ Cars will not need drivers, because computers will provide safe driving control and route finding. All the driver will have to do is to say where to go and the computer will do the rest. It will become impossible for cars to crash into one another. The technology already exists for the car to become a true automobile. A future car will use electrical power, because it is _ . Basketball Statistician Help Wanted The Athletic Department is looking for students to help assist staff during the Fall 2016, Winter 2016-17 and Spring 2017 semesters. Students in this position will be keeping live statistics during basketball games. Students must meet all of the following requirements: Good computer skills Available evenings and weekends Knowing basketball rules and statistics Students interested in working for the Athletic Department should contact the Athletic Coordinator at their respective campuses. TP/SS Athletic Coordinator, Michael Simone,240-567-1308 Rockville Athletic Coordinator, Jorge Zuniga,240-567-7589 Springfield Athletic coordinator, Gary Miller,240-567-2273 Germantown Athletic Coordinator, GavriChavan, 240-567-6915 Whom should you contact if you want to apply for the job in Rockville? Look at these two photos. They are John and Ann. They're my good friends. All of us like music and we often sing together . John lives near my house and we are in the same class. John is 15 years old and 1.68 metres tall. He has blond hair and blue eyes. John's English is very good and sometimes he helps me with my homework. He often wears a T-shirt and shorts. But in the photo, he is wearing a yellow shirt and black pants. Ann is in another school. She is short with brown hair and brown eyes. She looks very pretty. She has dance classes every Saturday afternoon and Ann can dance very well. Her favourite clothes are blouses and skirts. In the photo, she is wearing a dress and a hat. What are Ann's favourite clothes? A mental professor walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired : "How heavy is this glass of water?" Different answers called out from the audience. She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "The stress and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed--incapable of doing anything." It's important to remember to let go of your stress. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down! Comments Aye Chan Aung---October 27, 2015 at 11:37 am Short but valuable! It has clearly taught me how to deal with stress. Nelson Malicdem--October 28, 2015 at 8:23 pm Wow! Thanks to the author and to the one who submitted this article. I am experiencing a challenge, as I read this it gives me peace. What exactly is in the article is what I am doing. My burden actually paralyzes me without my knowing it. I should put down the glass of water that I'm holding. Thank you so much! The professor tells a lesson by _ .
Question: Which factor best explains how many diseases, such as cancer, are formed within the body? A. A traumatic injury to the body has occurred. B. A disruption in the cell cycle has taken place. C. A response by the immune system was triggered by an allergic reaction. D. A mutation occurred during the process of crossing over. Answer: B Question: Which of the following is the best estimate of the number of stars in a typical galaxy? A. tens B. hundreds C. thousands D. billions Answer: D Question: Frogs withstand noisy areas easily when they eat insects because they have A. croaking sounds B. problems jumping C. zero eardrums D. slimy skin Answer: C Question: Read the following directions on a bottle of medicine: "Take two tablets with water, followed by one tablet every eight hours, as required, For maximum night-time and early morning relief, take two tablets at bed - time, Do not take more than six tablets in twenty-four hours. For children six to twelve years old, give half the amount for a grownup. For children under six years old, ask for your doctor's advice. Reduce the amount if nervousness, _ , or sleeplessness occurs," We can infer from the directions that _ . A. the medicine could cause some people to feel nervous. B. children may take the same amount that grown-ups take. C. one may not take this medicine before going to bed. D. the medicine is a liquid. Answer: A Question: Apply for a Library Card Any person who lives, works, attends school or pays property taxes in New York State is eligible to receive a New York Public Library card free of charge. Adult and teen users may either apply online or in person at any New York Public Library location. Applications for children ages 11 and under must be completed in person, and require the signature of a parent. When you apply for a card online, you will receive a 7-digit temporary barcode . This allows you to set a secret code. After you receive your permanent barcode, which is required to borrow materials, search Library databases, or reserve a computer, you must renew your card. Renew or Validate Your Card All adult, teen and child library cards for cardholders must be renewed every three years. New library card applicants who applied for a card online must renew their card before full cardholder privileges can be extended. Cardholders can visit any New York Public Library location to present the required forms of identification in order to renew or validate their card. Cardholders may also email copies of the required forms of identification to patronaccounts@nypl.org. Alternatively, this information may be faxed to 212.621.0278. Forget Your Secret Code? If you forget your secret code, you can provide the library with a valid email address, and click on the link ---"Forgot Your secret code?" A link with instructions on changing your secret code will be sent to the email address on your account, giving you a brief period of time to update your information. You must select a 4 digit numeric secret code, with no repeating or obvious numbers (e.g. 1234 or 2222). If you have not provided us with a valid email address, you may visit a library location to reset your secret code. Replace a Lost or Stolen Card Cardholders are responsible for all items on a card, all use made of the card and all charges made against it until it is reported lost or stolen. If your card is lost or stolen, inform the library immediately. Call 917.ASK.NYPL (917.275.6975), email Ask NYPL, or visit to your nearest library to report the card lost. Which of the following can be a secret code? A. 1368 B. 5188 C. 5678 D. 8888 Answer: A
Bananas are one of the world' s most important food crops. They are also one of the most valuable exports. Bananas do not grow from seeds. Instead, they grow from existing plants. Bananas are threatened by disease because all the plants on a farm are copies of each other. They all share the same genetic weaknesses. For example, the Cavendish banana is most popular in North American and European markets. However,some kinds of fungus organisms easily infect the Cavendish. Black Sigatoka disease affects the leaves of Cavendish banana plants. The disease is controlled on large farms by putting chemicals on the plant' s leaves. Farmers put anti-fungal chemicals on their crops up to once a week. Another fungal disease is more serious. Panama disease attacks the roots of the banana plant. There is no chemical treatment for this disease. Infected plants must be destroyed. Panama disease has affected crops in Southeast Asia, Australia and South Africa. There is concern that it may spread to bananas grown in the Americas. This could threaten an important export product for Central and South America. The International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain supports research on bananas. The group has headquarters in France and other offices in the major banana-growing areas of the world. The group says that more research must be done to develop improved kinds of bananas. The group says that fungal diseases mainly affect only one kind of banana. In fact, there are five hundred different kinds of bananas. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has said that the Cavendish banana represents only 10% of world production. The U.N. agency says farmers should grow different kinds of bananas. This protects against diseases that affect only one kind. Experts warn that disease may cause the Cavendish banana to disappear. This happened earlier to another popular banana because of its genetic weakness against disease. Bananas are threatened by disease because _ . A. they grow from seeds B. they are one of the most valuable exports C. the only way to prevent it is to put chemicals on their leaves D. they have genetic weaknesses against disease Answer: D. they have genetic weaknesses against disease If a young tern is found in a locked box, dead, without marks on it, a the most likely cause of death was A. violent stabbing B. accidental shooting C. ceremonial burning D. untouched asphyxiation Answer: D. untouched asphyxiation What is the process called when an acid and a base combine to produce water and salt? A. neutralization B. dilution C. titration D. physical reaction Answer: A. neutralization Although in 1947 we were still very new to the atomic age, we knew about mushroom clouds. A huge crack spread across the library wall upstairs, sending teachers and students screaming down the hall. Had a new world war started? Pale-faced, our young science teacher quickly organized us for a fire drill. We huddled in little groups on the beach side of the school grounds and watched the spreading cloud darken the bright spring sky. Rumors flew every which way, although two hours would pass before we got the full story.One rumor we heard was that the Texas City Monsanto Chemical plant had blown up; children whose parents worked there began to weep. I froze--that was where my father was working that day. The school bell called us back inside, and we were dismissed to find our way home the best way we could. I-d walked a quarter of the three-mile trip to my home when a car horn startled me to attention. My Uncle Barney pulled up alongside me in his old Ford. The instant I saw him, I knew my father was gone. Otherwise, Papa would have come for me himself. As if in slow motion from a great distance, Uncle Barney motioned for me to get in. Numb with grief, I crawled into the back seat. I barely took notice of the man sitting there, and didn't recognize him until he reached for me. When Papa put his strong arms around me, I forgot for a moment that Cherokees aren't supposed to cry. Many of my fellow students lost their parents in the explosion. Tragedy would one day come to our family, as it inevitably comes to all, but on the day Texas City blew up, it miraculously passed us by. Because he lost his keys on that April morning, as he explained, my father lived for another 32 years-we were to have a second lifetime forever. The author cried because _ . A. she was grateful that her father had survived B. her father was killed in the accident C. she was sad over the tragedy that day D. her father didn't meet her after school Answer: A. she was grateful that her father had survived If we find a bird nest, we will have a good place of observing and knowing about birds. Birds sit on eggs and take care of their baby birds from April to June. Because the baby birds are too young to leave the nest, mothers often leave and come back to the nest during the time to look for food. So it is good to observe birds. When we observe birds, we'd better hide ourselves in a close place to the nest, and it's better to use binoculars . But how to make a bird nest? It's very easy. If you want to make one, please follow these: Making a nest: A good nest must be very fine, strong, thick and easy. a) Each nest must have six boards. Don't make the boards too slippery. [:Zxxk.Com] b) Dig a small hole in the front of the nest as a door. The "door" is from 3cm to 5cm. So the bird can fly in or out easily. c) Make sure the rainwater doesn't go into the nest. d) One piece of the boards should be easy to open. e) Please don't forget to color the nest. The most important thing in observing birds is to _ . A. look for a place near the nest B. climb trees C. write down notes every day D. make a bird nest Answer: A. look for a place near the nest

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