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Wang Guozhen, a poet, died of cancer at the age of 59 0n April 26, 2015, one month before his latest book was to be published c), according to Beijing News.The poet's death has started heated discussions online. He was a graduate of Jinan University in Guangzhou, where he majored in literature. Wang began to write poems in 1985, when his works often appeared in news-papers and magazines. His books sold so well in 1990 that the people in the publishing business called it"The year of Wang Guozhen". In the following ten years he had written over 50 books.His works such as Going the Distance and Beyond Yourself have influenced a large number of readers born in the 60s and 70s and some of his poems are still often quoted by famous people and writers. During a speech at the 2013 APEC CEO Summit in Indonesia, Chinese President Xi Jinping quoted a sentence from Wang's poem, saying "There is no mountain higher than man, and no road longer than his feet", which made Wang's works more popular. "I was inspired by his poems and copied every sentence down on my notebooks, Wang Ling, a Sina wei bo user, wrote "I still miss the time when I had the patience to read poems and really believed in the world built by his words. Why did the people in the publishing business call 1990 "The year of Wang Guo zhen"? A. Because his books sold so well in 1990. B. Because he was the youngest writer in 1990. C. Because he took part in the 1990 APEC CEO Summit D. Because some of his poems are still often quoted by famous people. Answer: A After years of hearing drivers complain about scratches on their cars, Japan's Nissan Motor Company has officially announced the next big thing---a paint that not only resists scratches and scrapes, but actually repairs itself within a few days. The new material, developed by Nippon Paint Company, contains an elastic rubbery-like resin that is able to heal minor marks caused by car wash equipment, parking lot encounters, road debris or even on-purpose destruction. The automaker admits its results vary depending on the temperature and the depth of the damage, but adds this is the only paint like it in the world, and tests prove it works. Minor scratches, the most common type, are said to slowly fade over about a week. And once they're gone, there is no trace that they were ever there. The special paint is said to last for at least three years after it is first applied, but there is no word yet on whether more can be added after that period. Nissan claims car washes are the worst offenders for this type of damage, accounting for at least 80 percent of all incidents. But the complete auto-healing won't come without scratching your wallet. The vehicle maker notes the special paint adds about $ 100 U.S. to the price of a car. It plans to use its new chemical mixture only on its X - Trail SUVs in Japan for now, as it looks for a more widespread presentation. And while plans to offer the feature overseas haven't been made yet, if it's a hit there, you can be almost sure market forces will drive it to these shores, as well. From the article, we can find that _ . A. the paint has already been used on cars by now B. it beats other products of its kind in its lengthy effect C. car damage is mainly caused by scratches and scrapes D. marketing this paint in Europe is not under way Answer: D For many people, the story of cottages -- small vacation homes away from the city -- is a deeply personal one. For some families, cottages have been the scene of reunions, vacations and family adventures for generations. In North America, "cottaging " really began during the 19th century. At that time, crowds of people were moving from family farms to cities. Naturally, these people often felt a _ for the natural beauty of the countryside. Frequently located near lakes, in the mountains of woods, cottages provided a perfect solution. Traditionally small and rustic ,many cottages were once simple log homes without bathrooms, water or electricity. While in most cases that is no longer true, people still go to cottages in large numbers to escape the city and to enjoy "cottage life." Despite the peaceful setting, there is always plenty to do at a cottage. If you enjoy outdoor activities, try hunting, boating or hiking. Many cottages are located near a lake, so you have opportunities to go swimming, boating or sunbathing around. Enjoy a picnic with your family, or build a campfire to roast hot dogs. On rainy days, curl up on a comfortable chair inside and read, or enjoy board games with your friends and relatives. Want to get out and explore? Take a tour of the lake in a motorboat, or visit one of the many small villages located nearby. Many families rent cottages instead of owning them, but for those who do, there's always work to be done. Wood must be chopped for the stove. Leaves need to be gathered and gardens taken care of. Since many cottages are old buildings, there's usually something that needs to be fixed or painted. The story of cottages is one of families, traditions and memories. Are you ready to try cottaging with your family? What do we know about a cottage? A. It is far from lakes. B. It is not popular now. C. It was probably built of wood. D. It was built in a short time. Answer: C Many of us mistakenly believe that it's wrong to think we have any good qualities. We may spend a lot of time blaming ourselves for our negative qualities, thinking that self criticism is the key to improving our performance. However, a constant focus on our supposed shortcomings can stop our efforts to make friends with other people. How can we believe that others could like us if we believe our inner being is flawed? If someone seems to dislike you, the reason for that dislike might have little or nothing to do with you. The person who doesn't like you might be fearful, or shallow or busy or shy. Perhaps you and that person are simply a mismatch for each other at this particular time. Don't take yourself out of the game by deciding that your flaws are bigger than your good qualities. In fact, some of the very qualities you consider to be flaws may be irresistible to someone else. Although some factors that might cause one person to reject you, there are at least many factors that will work in your favor. You might be thirty pounds over your ideal weight, but you may have a wonderful laugh and a real enthusiasm for life. There are many people who don't mind your extra pounds. You may drive a shabby car, but you might be a great dancer and a loyal friend. There are people out there looking for loyalty, or fun, or sweetness, or wisdom, and the package it comes in is not important. If you are worried that you are not beautiful enough to attract friends, keep in mind that not everyone is looking for physical beauty in their friends. You can decide to feel inferior because you don't have much money and you don't drive a nice car. You can believe that this is the reason that you don't have many friends in your life. On the other hand, if you are very wealthy you may be suspicious that everyone is after your money and that nobody really likes you as a person. The point is that you can focus on just about anything and believe it's the reason you do not have friends and cannot make any. Which of the following is TRUE according to the author? A. It is important to lose weight. B. It is easier for a wealthy person to make friends. C. Inner qualities are more important than physical appearance. D. If you are not beautiful enough, try to improve your physical beauty. Answer: C Do you love holidays but hate the increase weight that follows? You are not alone. Holidays are happy days with pleasure and delicious foods . Many people , however , are worried about the weight that comes along with the delicious foods . With proper planning , though , it is possible to control your weight . The idea is to enjoy the holidays but not to eat too much . You don't have to turn away from the foods that you enjoy . The following suggestions may be of some help to you . Do not miss meals . Before you leave home for a feast ,have a small , low-fat snack . This may help to keep you from getting too excited before delicious foods . Begin with clear soup and fruit or vegetables . A large glass of water before you eat may help you feel full . Use a small plate ; a large plate will encourage you to have more than enough . Better not have high-fat foods . Dishes that look oily or creamy have much fat in them . Choose lean meat . Fill your plate with salad and green vegetables. If you have a sweet tooth , try mints and fruits .They don't have fat content as cream and chocolate. Don't let exercise take a break during the holidays. A 20-minute walk after a meal can help burn off excess calories . According to the passage , _ is necessary part to stop you from putting on weight . A. vegetables B. water C. calories of energy D. physical exercise Answer: D
Question: Do you have a lucky number? What is it? Many people have a special number that they hope will bring them good luck. In Chinese culture, some numbers are believed to be lucky or unlucky based on the Chinese word that the number sounds similar to. For example, the word for the number 8 sounds similar to the word for "making a fortune ". So, people consider it a very lucky number. Some people will even spend a lot of money to have 8s in their phone numbers or vehicle license plate numbers. The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics began at 8:08 p.m. on August 8, 2008. The number 9 is also a lucky number because of its connection to the emperors of China. There were nine dragons on emperors' robes and Chinese myth held that the dragon has nine children. The number 9 also stands for "long lasting". That's why a man always proposes to(---)a woman with 99 or 999 roses. So what's a "bad luck" number in China? It might be 4. Many Chinese people see 4 as a "bad luck" number because it sounds similar to the character for "death". Because of this, many buildings skip the fourth floor, and simply call it the fifth floor. In Hong Kong, some buildings even skip all floors numbered with 4, such as, 4, 14, 24, 34 and all 40-49 floors. Some buildings also skip the 13th floor, as this is considered an unlucky number in many Christian countries. As a result, a building whose highest floor is 50 may have only 35 physical floors. Chinese people regard the number 9 as _ ? A. becoming beautiful B. living a long life C. making a fortune D. living a happy life Answer: B. living a long life Question: Ternang, Mon, more than 10, 000 people were made homeless in Ternang after six days of continuous heavy rain. The wooden bridge across the river has been swept away, . The town is cut by flood waters. At the fifth mile Jalan Tengku, the water is not two metres deep. It is closed to all traffic. Motorists going south are advised to use Jalan Hisamuddin. Flooding first appeared at mid - afternoon yesterday along the river banks. People moving to higher ground were just in time to escape from the flood. Most of the people had to leave their possessions behind. Helped by the army, police, Red Cross Society, the whole town was moved out of danger. They are new houses near the town ofprefix = st1 /Tulang. "Everything possible is being done to help the unfortunate people, " a government official said, " In fact, money, food and clothing have begun to come in from organizations and people. " According to the latest reports it is still raining heavily at Ternang. The whole town is expected to be totally covered. So far nobody has been reported dead. The flood victims first escaped to _ . A. the nearby town B. Jalan Hisamuddin C. higher ground D. Tulang Answer: C. higher ground Question: One day several years ago,Josie went to collect her sister from her local Harvester pub in Brentwood,Essex,where they both worked.A few men came up with gulls in their hands.The robbers then tied up their arms and legs and told them to get down on the ground,while they _ the restaurant,fleeing withPS1,000. "As I lay on the ground I felt helpless and ashamed as they took time out to laugh at me,calling me fat cow,''Josie said.Shortly after that she was able to untie herself and raise the alarm,but it was just the beginning of her nightmare. "I was too terrified to go back to work,so I had to leave.I slept with the light on for more than a year.My confidence was totally destroyed.At school people would call me fatty and shout nasty things.When the robber called me fat that night,it just brought all those horrible memories back.''Over the next few months Josie ate more and piled on more pounds as she tried to cope with the sufferings. Two years went by and Josie stuck to the same bad habits,which worried her family a lot.In order to wipe the cloud off and cheer her up,her sister suggested a trip.It wasn't until returning from the family holiday on the island of Aruba that she decided to take action once and for all and signed up for Weight.Watchers the next day with her sister. Eighteen months 1ater,a slimmer and happier Josie flew to Turkey in summer in 2012 with her family,where she met sailor Fatih,26,at a party and the pair:plan to get married next summer."If you had told me three years ago that I would be marrying a handsome Turkish man, and looking for a size 10 wedding dress,I would have never believed you." By saying "it was just the beginning of her nightmare",the author means Josie would _ . A. suffer from arm and leg injury B. get laughed at by her schoolmates C. have to pay all the damages D. suffer from the incident for a long time Answer: D. suffer from the incident for a long time Question: Entering Space, astronauts can give us a fascinating account of a shuttle flight, describing the pressure of a countdown and launch, the complexities of living the days in the strange weightless environment, the challenges of working in space, the emotional effect of seeing earth from space, the drama of the meteoric landing. However, there are also plenty of things that astronauts can't do because of their weightless environment, and that's very sad. What's more, they can't even let their sadness show, because it's impossible to cry in zero gravity. Of course, astronauts can still produce tears. But crying is much more difficult in space, reported The Atlantic in January. Without gravity, tears don't flow downward out of the eyes like they do here on Earth. This means that when you cry in space, your tears have nowhere to go - they just stick to your eyes. In May 2011, astronaut Andrew Feustel experienced this during one of his spacewalks. "Tears," he said, "don't fall off of your eye... They just kind of stay there." Besides making your vision unclear, this can also cause physical pain. Back on Earth, tears are supposed to bring comfort to the eyes. But that's not the case in space. The space environment dries out astronauts' eyes, and when tears suddenly wet the eyes, it can cause pain rather than comfort. "My right eye is painful like crazy." Feustel told his teammate during the walk. Since gravity doesn't work in space, astronauts need some extra help to get rid of the tears. Feustel chose to rub his eyes against his helmet to wipe the tears away. Another choice is to just wait - "When the tears get big enough they simply break free of the eye and float around," astronaut Ron Parise told The Atlantic. There are lots of small things - things like crying - that we are so used to on Earth. We usually take them for granted, until they become a problem in a totally different environment, like space. There, astronauts can't talk to each other directly. They also can't eat or drink in normal ways. They can't even burp , because there is no gravity to hold the food down in their stomach. If they do burp, they just end up throwing up everything in their stomach, according to the UK National Space Center. Thus, perhaps it's only space explorers who can honestly say: "Gravity, you're the best." What can the astronaut do to get rid of the tears? A. Get the tears big enough to break away from his eyes. B. Get the tears big enough to fall off of his eyes. C. Rub his eyes against his helmet to let the tears float forward. D. Rub his eyes by hand to let the tears float around. Answer: A. Get the tears big enough to break away from his eyes. Question: Mr and Mrs Smith just open a small restaurant. In order to attract customers ,they put a notice in front of the restaurant, and it says,"Meals on the House for Three Days. " A foreign student comes to the place. He doesn't know much English. On the second day he happens to pass by the restaurant. It is lunch time and he feels Very hungry. "well, here is a restaurant. I am going to have something to eat."He walks to the restaurant when he sees the notice. "American people are really strange . They even eat dinners on the house! But how can I get up to the top of the house?"He says. He looks around and finds a ladder near the restaurant. He is Very glad. But when he gets to the top, he hears someone shouting at him, "Hey! What are you doing up there?" Mr Smith and a policeman are standing there and looking at him. "Doesn't your notice say 'Meals on the House for Three Days'? Is it a joke ?"the foreign student asks. When they hear this, both Mr smith and the policeman laugh ."Do you know what ON THE HOUSE means ?Look it up in the dictionary ,"the policeman says. The student feels _ when he passes by the restaurant. A. angry B. hungry C. strange D. sorry Answer: B. hungry
As an old Chinese saying goes, food is what matters most to people. A Bite of China Season Two, all about the history and culture of eating and cooking in China, broadcast on CCTV-1 from April 18 to June 6. Food plays an important role in our daily life. It is also one of the most important parts of Chinese culture. Besides the rich food culture in China, A Bite of China Season Two also wants to show the joys and sadnesses of ordinary Chinese in changing times through food. The documentary makes viewers long for home and the tastes of childhood. One Weibo user wrote, "A Bite of China Season Two makes me have so many words to say. It makes me think of my parents and grandmother. I remember my father taught me how to fish when I was a kid. I haven't been home for a long time, so I've decided to go back in a few days." The documentary uses food as a window to introduce China to the world. Viewers can see how Chinese people love life by loving food. The new season is not just an introduction to food. It also explores the relationship between Chinese people and their food. Anyone who wants to know more about Chinese food culture and Chinese society should have a bite of the programme. What type of TV programme is A Bite of China Season Two? Answer: Travel is fun and exciting, but it's not if you get sick. You may think, "Not me, I won't get sick in my holiday." But, for many people, that is what happens. Of course you don't want to spend your holiday sick in bed. So what can you do to stay in good health? There are three things you should remember when you travel: relax, sleep, and eat well. A holiday must be a time for relaxing. But very often it is not. Think about what you do when you are a traveller. There are many places to visit: museums, shops, parks, churches. You may spend most days walking around these places. This can be very tiring. You may have a terrible headache after a few hours. If this is the way you feel, you should take a rest. Don't ask your body to do too much. A tired body means a weak body. And a weak body gets sick easily. So sit down for a few hours in a nice place. In good weather, look for a quiet park bench . Or you can stop at a cafe. You can learn a lot by watching people while you rest. Sleep is also important. If you want to stay healthy, you need to get enough sleep. You may have trouble sleeping at night when you travel. There may be too many noises in your hotel or the bed may be uncomfortable. If this is true, don't be afraid to change rooms or hotels. Or you may get enough sleep for another reason. You may want to stay out late at night. In many cities, the nightlife can be very exciting. Then you should plan to sleep for an hour during the day. The extra hour can make a big difference. Finally, if you want to stay healthy, you must eat the right kinds of foods but you need to be careful about how much you eat. Lots of food is not good for you. So, remember this, if you want to enjoy your holiday, take care of yourself. Give your body some rest. Get enough sleep and eat good, healthy food. Your body needs sleep to _ Answer: I'd always dreamed of exploring Africa, ever since I read my first Tarzan(<<>> )comic as a child. Finally, in 2004, to celebrate my 60thbirthday, I went to Tanzania to experience a safari and climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Seated next to me on the flight was Tanzania's minister of water and wildlife development. We talked for thousands of miles, and he arranged me to visit a school. When I toured the school, I was shocked. The leaky roofs turned the dirt floors into mud during the rainy season, and the walls couldn't keep out the heat, cold or bugs . The school was in need of all material goods, but the kids possessed great human spirit. It broke my heart that these children had to struggle to survive, so I asked the headmaster what it would cost to feed them. As little as 20 cents per child per day, he told me. Immediately I got home, I founded Kids of Kilimanjaro. Since then we've grown to provide hot lunches for nearly 13,000 schoolchildren every day. The free lunch program has eased a major problem the youngsters face. I know a good education could really make a difference in these children's lives. My parents always stressed the importance of education. I paid my own way through college in Tokyo by teaching English to students and businesspeople. After attending university I moved to San Francisco, when I was 25 years old. In 1978 I realized my American dream when I founded my own company. My success all started with a good education. It's amazing that something as simple as a nutritious lunch can change and enrich so many lives. Giving young people a better, healthier life can inspire them to go all the way through college and lead a movement that transforms their country. What is the main purpose of Kids of Kilimanjaro? Answer: Many people go to church on Sunday, but others don't. Many people sleep late on Sunday morning, but others don't. Some people work on Sunday, but most don't. However, almost everyone reads the Sunday paper. Often the paper is waiting outside the door when the family gets up. The newspaper boy has put it there. The paper has many advertisements and many different parts. The parents in the family like the front page and the world news part. Many men also read the sports pages and the financial pages. Most men don't read the women's pages, but the mother of the family usually does. The women's pages have the news about parties and some good ideas about food, health and clothes. Most Sunday papers have interesting stories. Children enjoy them. Old people read the death notices. They tell about people who have died during the week. There is something for everyone in the Sunday paper. _ has something to read in the Sunday pages. Answer: Almost everyone stood when the bride walked down the aisle in her white dress,but not the wedding conductor,because she was fixed on her chair. The wedding was led by "IFairy",a 1.5meter tall seated robot with flashing eyes and plastic hair. Sunday's wedding was the first time a marriage had been led by a robot,according to manufacturer,Kokoro Co. "Please lift the bride's veil ," the robot said in a tinny voice,waving its arms in the air as the newlymarried couple kissed in front of about 50 guests. The wedding took place at a restaurant in Hibiya Park in central Tokyo,where the IFairy wore flowers and directed a rooftop ceremony. Wires led out from beneath it to a black curtain a few feet away,where a man clicked commands into a computer. Japan has one of the most advanced robotics industries in the world,with the government actively supporting the field for future growth. Industrial models in factories are now standard,but recently Japanese companies have been making a push to inject robots into everyday life. Honda makes a walking childshaped robot,and other firms have developed robots to entertain the elderly or play baseball. Kokoro,whose corporate goal is to "touch the hearts of the people",also makes giant dinosaur robots for exhibitions and lifelike Android models that can smile and laugh. The company is a subcompany of Sanrio Co.,which owns the rights to Hello Kitty and other Japanese characters. "This was a lot of fun. I think that Japanese people have a strong sense that robots are our friends. Those in the robot industry mostly understand this,but people mainly want robots near them to serve some purpose," said the bride,Satoko Inoue,36,who works at Kokoro. The IFairy sells for about 6.3 million yen ($68,000) and three are in use in Singapore,the US and Japan,according to company spokeswoman,Kayako Kido. Which of the following products is NOT made by Kokoro? Answer:
The melting point of a duck would be The ancient city is in Pingyao county, Shanxi Province. The city wall was first built during the Zhou Dynasty. Since 1997, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site. Now Pingyao city is the only one in China completely protected as it was hundreds of years ago. The perimeter of this square city is 6.4km long and the city wall is the earliest and largest city wall in China. It is 12 m high with width of 5 m. The wall was built with earth and covered with bricks. Outside the city wall there is a river, 4 m wide and 4 m deep. There are several gates of the city, two each on the east and west and one each on the south and north side. All the gates have two doors each. This has given the city the name "Turtle City" with the two gates on the south and north standing for the head and tail of the turtle and four gates on the east and west as the four legs. The doors on the south and north stand opposite each other, like the head of the turtle extending out and two wells just beyond southern gate are like a turtle's two eyes. Located on the trade route between Beijing and Xi'an, Pingyao developed into a merchant center where the local people set up the nation's earliest banks. These banks were the first in China to use checks. Several old courtyards have been turned into museums, most of which were homes and offices of Pingyao's old banks. One of the most unusual aspects of a visit here is realizing that this place was very important to China's financial history. How many gates are there in Pingyao city? Mr Smith is a teacher. He is near-sighted . But he doesn't wear glasses. One day, he is walking in a street. He is thinking something. Suddenly a strong wind blows his cap off his head. My Smith runs after it. He wants to catch it but he can't. At this time, an old woman from a door of the house says to him. " Hi! What are you doing, sir?" "Running after my cap." "Your cap? Aha......that's my black cat. "She says. "Your cat? Sorry, but where is my cap?" What colour is Mr Smith's cap? Dear Guys, I'd like to talk to you about the shame you subjected me to last night. Let me first refresh your memory: You, a group of fit, young men, were playing soccer on the field across from my apartment building. I, a better-than-average looking young woman, was walking along the sidewalk with my groceries. That's when your ball came flying over the fence and landed in front of me. One of you approached and asked politely if I would throw the ball back to you. Fighting the urge to drop my bags and run screaming down the street, I reluctantly agreed. Before I continue, let me explain something that I didn't have a chance to mention last night: I hate sports. More specifically, I hate sports involving balls. This results from my lack of natural ability when it comes to throwing, catching and hitting. I'm bad at aiming too. So you can understand why I'd be nervous at what I'm sure seemed to you like a laughably simple request. However, wanting to appear agreeable, I put my bags down, picked up the ball and, eyes half-shut, and threw it as hard as I could. It hit the middle of the fence and bounced back to me. Trying to act casually, I said something about being out of practice, and then picked up the ball again. If you'll remember, at your command, I agreed to try throwing underhand. While outwardly I was smiling, in my head, I was praying, oh God, oh please oh please oh please. I threw the ball upward with all my strength, terrified by what happened next. The ball hit slightly higher up on the fence and bounced back to me. This is the point where I start to take issue with you. Wouldn't it have been a better use of your time, and mine, if you had just walked around the fence and took the ball then? I was clearly struggling; my smiles were more and more forced. And yet, you all just stood there, motionless. Seeing that you weren't going to let me out of the trouble, I became desperate. Memories of middle school softball came flooding back. I tried hard to throw the ball but it only went about eight feet, then I decided to pick it up and dash with ball in hand towards the baseline, while annoyed thirteen-year-old boys screamed at me that I was ruining their lives. Children are cruel. Being a big girl now, I pushed those memories aside and picked up the soccer ball for the third time. I forced a good-natured laugh while crying inside as you patiently shouted words of support over the fence at me. "Throw it granny-style!" one of you said. "Just back up a little and give it all you've got!" another offered. And, most embarrassing of all, "You can do it!" I know you thought you were being encouraging, but it only served to deepen the shame. Anyway, I accepted your ball-throwing advice, backed up, rocked back and forth a little, took a deep breath and let it fly. It hit the edge of the fence and bounced back to me. I surprised myself--and I'm sure you as well--by letting out a cry, "DAMN IT!!!" I then willed myself to have a heart attack and pass out in front of you just so I'd be put out of my misery. Alas, the heart attack didn't happen, and you continued to look at me expectantly, like you were content to do this all night. I had become a sort of exhibition for you. I could feel your collective thoughts drifting through the chain-link: "Can she really not do it? But I mean, really?" Unfortunately for you, I wasn't really game to continue your experiment. Three failed attempts at a simple task in front of a group of people in a two-minute period were just enough blows for me for one night. I picked up the ball one last time, approached the fence and grumbled, "Please just come get the damn ball." And you did. And thanks to you, I decided at that very moment to never throw anything ever again, except disrespectful glances at people who play sports. Sincerely, Jen Cordery What the boys said before the writer's third attempt actually made the writer _ . In the morning Mr Smith comes into the garden at the back of his house. He sees much snow in the garden. Mr Smith wants to take his car out, so he asks a man to clean the road from his garage , to the gate. He says to the man, "Don't throw any snow on that side. It'll damage(, ) the flowers in the street, or policeman will come." Then he goes out. When he comes back, his road is clean. There is no snow on the flowers, on the wall or in the street. But when he opens the garage he sees the garage is full of snow, the snow from the road, and his car is under the snow! He opens the garage and _ .
My grandson, Daniel, and I have always been very close. When Daniel's father remarried after a divorce, Daniel, who was eleven, and his little sister, Kristie, came to live with us. My husband and I were more than happy to have kids in the house again. Things were going along just fine until the diabetes I've lived with most of my adult life started affecting my eyes, and then more seriously, my kidneys . Then everything seemed to fall apart. Three times a week, I had to go to the hospital to be hooked up to a dialysis machine . I was living, but I couldn't really call it a life -- it was an existence. I had no energy. I dragged myself through daily chores and slept as much as I could. My sense of humor seemed to disappear. Daniel, seventeen by then, was really affected by the change in me. He tried as hard as he could to make me laugh, to bring back the grandma who loved to clown around with him. Even in my sorry state, Daniel could still bring a smile to my face. But things were not improving. After a year on dialysis, my condition was deteriorating and the doctors felt that if I didn't receive a kidney transplant within six months, I would surely die. No one told Daniel this, but he knew -- he said all he had to do was look after me. To top it off, as my condition worsened, there was a chance that I would become too weak to have the transplant surgery at all, and then there would be nothing they could do for me. So we started the tense and desperate wait for a kidney. I was adamant that I didn't want a kidney from anyone I knew. I would wait until an appropriate kidney became available, or I would literally die waiting. But Daniel had other plans. The time that he took me to my dialysis appointments, he did a little secret research on his own. Then he announced his intention to me. "Grandma, I'm giving you one of my kidneys. I'm young and I'm healthy ..." He paused. He could see I wasn't at all happy with his offer. He continued, almost in whisper, "And most of all, I couldn't stand it if you weren't around." His face wore an expression of appeal mixed with determination. He can be as stubborn as a mule once he decides on something -- but I've been told many times that I can out-stubborn any mule! We argued. I couldn't let him do it. We both knew that if he gave up his kidney, he would also give up his life's dream; to play football. It was all he ever talked about. And he was good, too. Daniel was co-captain and star defensive tackle of his high school team; he expected to apply for a football scholarship and was looking forward to playing college football. He just loved the sport. "How can I let you throw away the thing that means the most to you?" I pleaded with him. "Grandma," he said softly, "compared to your life, football means nothing to me." After that, I couldn't argue anymore. So we agreed to see if he was a good donor match, and then we'd discuss it further. When the tests came back, they showed Daniel was a perfect match. That was it. I knew I wasn't going to win that argument, so we scheduled the transplant. Both surgeries went smoothly. As soon as I came out of the anesthesia , I could tell things were different. I felt great! The nurses in the intensive care unit had to keep telling me to lie back and be quiet -- I wasn't supposed to be that lively! I was afraid to go to sleep, for fear I would break the spell and wake up the way I had been before. But the good feeling didn't go away, and I spent the evening joking and laughing with anyone who would listen. It was so wonderful to feel alive again. The next day they moved me out of ICU and onto the floor where Daniel was recuperating three doors away. His grandfather helped him walk down to see me as soon as I was moved into my room. When we saw each other, we did not know what to say. Holding hands, we just sat there and looked at each other for a long time, overwhelmed by the deep feeling of love that connected us. Finally, he spoke, "Was it worthwhile, grandma?" I laughed a little ruefully . "It was for me! But was it for you?" I asked him. He nodded and smiled at me. "I've got my grandma back." And I have my life back. It still amazes me. Every morning, when I wake up, I thank God --and Daniel -- for this miracle. A miracle born of the purest love. How did grandma feel when Daniel announced his intention to give her one of his kidneys? A She was moved by his selfless decision. B She wasn't at all happy with his offer. C She felt relieved that an appropriate kidney was available. D She was enthusiastic about having a kidney of someone she loved. Answer: B Hello. My name is Liang Bin and I'm 13 year sold. I come from Wuhan. In the morning I get up at half past six, and then I run near my home. At twenty past seven, I have breakfast with my parents. Usually I have eggs and milk. Sometimes I have bread and fruit juice. but I don't eat meat. I go to school at twenty to eight. My favourite subject is English and I like talking with my friends in English. Hi , I'm Zhao Li and I'm 13 years old. I'm from Xi'an and I'm a student in Grade 7. There are four people in my family and my sister and I share the same room. Every morning my sister and I get up at half past six, and then we read our Chinese or English books after we walk near my home for twenty minutes. At half past seven, we go to school. We are in the same school but we are not in the same class. I'm in Class 1 and my sister is in Class 2. There is a black computer in our room. We do our homework and talk with our friends on it. What is Liang Bin's favourite subject ? A English B History C Geography D Maths Answer: A Lucy was a young lady bug. She always felt different from the lady bugs because her colors were reversed! Instead of a red body and black spots she had a black body and red spots! As you can imagine this left Lucy feeling pretty lonely so she spent a lot of time flying around to all the different areas to find other ladybugs like her. She loved to feel the wind in her wings as she flew. She spent so much of her time flying around so she could fly longer and faster than another other lady bug. She also loved flying so much because it gave her a feeling of being free. One day when she was flying around she heard a loud scream for help! She went as fast as she could towards the screams for help. She saw another lady bug with a broken wing lying on the ground. She knew the lady bug as Jessie. "What happened?!" asked Lucy. "I crashed into the tree flying home yesterday and I've been lost ever since. I can't fly because my wing is broken. Do you know the way back home?" asked Jessie "Don't worry Jessie, I know this area like the back of my wing I'll lead you home!" Lucy said happily. "Thank you so much!" Jessie said happily. Lucy led Jessie straight home where he was given medicine to fix his broken wing. She was rewarded a medal and called a hero. As she enjoyed her medal she knew she didn't need to find for any more ladybugs that looked like her. She now knew that even with her different colors, she was still a lady bug like everyone else. What happened to Jessie? A He was spending time with Lucy B He hurt himself playing with the other ladybugs C He was flying around looking for other ladybugs D He flew into a tree and broke his wing now he is lost Answer: D Health experts are calling for action to expand cancer care and control in the developing world. A medical research paper says cancer was once thought of as a problem mostly in the developed world. But now cancer is a leading cause of death and disability in poor countries as well. Experts from Harvard University and other organizations urge the international community to fight cancer aggressively, saying it should be fought in the way HIV/AIDS has been fought in Africa. Cancer kills more than 7.5 million people a year worldwide. Almost two-thirds are in low-income and middle-income countries. They discover cancer dills more people in developing countries than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. But the world spends only 5% of its cancer resources in those countries. Felicia Knaul from Harvard Medical School was one of the authors of the paper. She was in Mexico when she was found to have breast cancer. She received treatment there and her experience showed her the sharp difference between the rich and the poor in treating breast cancer. Felicia Knaul says, "And we are seeing how this is attacking young women. It's the number two cause of death in Mexico for women thirty to fifty-four. All over the developing world, it's the number one cancer-related death among young women. I think we have to again say that there is much more we could do about it than we are doing about it." Professor Knalul met community health workers during her work in developing countries. They were an important part of efforts to reduce deaths from the cancer. They were able to persuade people to get tested to prevent the illness. The experts say cancer care does not have to be costly. For example, patients can be treated with lower-cost drugs. Felicia Knaul's experience in Mexico shows that _ . A many Mexican women suffer from breast cancer B there is not enough medicine for cancer there C many Mexican women can't afford medical care D patients with breast cancer are treated differently Answer: D My grandparents have two sons and one daughter. They are my uncle, my aunt and my father. My uncle, Peter, is a doctor. He likes fish and chicken a lot. He has a son and two daughters. I like playing with them. My aunt, Mary, is a teacher. She teaches in No. 5 High School. All the students there love her. My father, Thomas, is a driver. My mother is a doctor. She likes fish and hamburgers very much. I have a sister, Rose. She is 8 years old. Her favorite food is fish. I love my family very much. Rose's family have _ people. A fifteen B ten C eleven D twelve Answer: C
Question: This year some twenty-three hundred teenagers (young people aged from 13 to 19) from all over the world will spend about ten months in US homes. They will attend US schools, meet US teenagers, and form impressions of the real America. At the same time, about thirteen hundred American teenagers will go to other countries to learn new languages and gain a new understanding of the rest of the world. Here is a two-way student exchange in action. Fred, nineteen, spent last year in Germany with George's family. In turn, George's son Mike spent a year in Fred's home in America. Fred, a lively young man, knew little German when he arrived, but after two months' study, the language began to come to him. Schools were completely different from what he had expected--much harder. Students rose respectfully when the teacher entered the room. They took fourteen subjects instead of the six that are usual in the United States. There were almost no outside activities. Family life, too, was different. The father's word was law, and all activities were around the family rather than the individual . Fred found the food too simple at first. Also, he missed having a car. "Back home, you pick up some friends in a car and go out and have a good time. In Germany, you walk, but you soon learn to like it." At the same time, In America, Mike, a friendly German boy, was also forming his idea."I suppose I should criticize American schools," he says. "It is far too easy by our level. But I have to say that I like it very much. In Germany we do nothing but study. Here we take part in many outside activities. I think that maybe your schools are better in training for citizens . There ought to be some middle ground between the two. After experiencing the American school life, Mike thought _ . A. German schools trained students to be better citizens B. A better education should include something good from both America and Germany C. American schools were not as good as German schools D. The easy life in the American schools was more helpful to students Answer: B. A better education should include something good from both America and Germany Question: If you ask someone why he or she wears clothes, the answer will probably be "to keep warm and to cover my body". These are the basic reasons why clothes are worn, but people also want to look attractive and appear successful to others. If people only wore clothes for warmth and to cover their bodies, most clothes would be simple and cheap. In most Western countries, however, clothes are sometimes very expensive. The main reason for this is not the cost of the cloth or the cost of making the clothes. The clothes are expensive because of fashion . Successful businessmen, for example, often wear very expensive suits, shirts and ties. Sometimes they pay thousands of dollars for a suit and hundreds of dollars for a tie. It's just a suit and a tie but they pay these prices because of the famous name of the designer. A suit costing much less would be just as warm and would cover the wearer's body just as well. Fashion is always changing, which means those who want to be fashionable have to buy new clothes every few months, even if last month's clothes have only been worn once or twice. Some people have wardrobes full of clothes that have hardly been worn but are no longer in fashion. Being fashionable, therefore, can be a very expensive pastime ! What do people basically wear clothes for? A. Looking attractive to others. B. Following the fashion. C. Appearing successful to others. D. Keeping warm and covering bodies. Answer: D. Keeping warm and covering bodies. Question: There is a group of people whose numbers the British Government desperately wants to see dropping. They're mostly in their early 20s, without jobs and not at university. They often wander the streets and are seen as a threat. The Office for National Statistics reported on Dec, 11, 2006 that the number of young people who are not in school and not working or in training inprefix = st1 /Britainhas risen sharply since 1997. Britainnow has 1.24 million people aged 15 to 24 who have nothing to do. That's a 15 percent increase over 1997. One in six people in this age group is _ . These people are most likely to be from lower-income families and be supported by their families or the government. Those over 18 can get a weekly job seeker's allowance ofPS46 (690 yuan) from the government. This is only enough to cover the basic cost of living. Housing benefits are also available. But for single people under 25, these only cover rent for very cheap accommodation, such as a shared room. So most unemployed young people choose to live with their parents, where they can have a room of their own. Some charities or local governments offer free housing for homeless young people as well. Nightstop UK, for example, offers help to young people aged 16--25. However, the housing is often only short-term. British politician Iain Duncan-Smith blames the breakdown of traditional families on the increasing number of unemployed or untrained young people. InBritaintoday, about one in 10 families are headed by a cohabiting couple. Cohabiting parents are twice as likely to break up as married parents, according to a Conservative Party report. Family breakdown is likely to lead to ignoring a child's education. Poor post-school vocational training programmes are also being criticized. Independent research suggests that some training programmes are a waste of time. The New Deal, a major programme to help the unemployed young, is one example. In 1998, 61 per cent of those leaving the programme could find jobs. That number is now down to 35 per cent. "It shows a failure of government policy. Even if you put in a large amount of money, if you haven't got the basic policies right, you won't get the results," said politician David Willetts. The best title for this news report might be _ . A. Success of Government Policy B. Vocational Training inBritain C. Jobless Youth Concerns D. Job Hunting Problems Answer: C. Jobless Youth Concerns Question: Nobody wants to be called a helicopter parent,who manages to be responsible for whatever a child does, however small a matter is--but parents want to protect their kids.At least no playing with sticks means no risk of lost eyes. Yet as Gever Tulley points out in Fifty Dangerous Things(You Should Let Your Children Do),children who grow up as safe as possible become adults who aren't adventurous,highly adaptable,or confident.Sometimes you have to fall out of a tree to figure out how to climb one the right way,and learning that you can accomplish such a thing on your own teaches you that you can be self--sufficient. With Fifty Dangerous Things,Gever Tulley,has written a handbook of activities that are,yes,dangerous at some level-like playing with fire,breaking glass,and opening batteries.The book is a blueprint to help parents and children explore the world,and ensure the children grow up,with a little common sense and a lot of curiosity. Both the advice and the warnings are down to earth.Yes,there are risks,but Tulley provides good ways to learn to avoid them through your own skill.It takes work to raise a child who can use a table saw or build a campfire.But with this book in hand,it'll be a satisfying adventure. We see a child climbing a tree and the first thing we think of is how they might fall and be disabled for life.We seldom say,"Look at how well Sarah is climbing that tree!" When we protect children from every possible source of danger,we also prevent them from having the kinds of experiences that develop their sense of self--reliance,their ability to deal with risks,and their sense of accomplishment. The author thinks the advice and warnings in Fifty Dangerous Things is_. A. practical for children to explore the world safely B. too abstract for the children to understand C. much too dangerous for most parents to accept D. risky for children to try all adventurous things Answer: A. practical for children to explore the world safely Question: The illegal ivory trade has been a major problem in Africa for decades. Poachers and hunters have killed off hundreds of thousands of elephants to obtain this precious material. Now, affected areas are taking action. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced on Wednesday that key states where poaching takes place have promised to stop the ivory trade and protect Africa's elephants. In the 1980s, as many as 1 million elephants across Africa were killed for their ivory tusks. This continued until 1989, when the Convention on International Trade in Species (CITES) voted to ban all trade in ivory. With trade , demand for ivory fell. Elephant populations slowly began to increase. However, this progress was short-lived. According to the IUCN, 2011 saw the highest levels of poaching and illegal ivory trading in at least 16 years. Around 25,000 elephants were killed in Africa that year. Preliminary data from the IUCN shows even higher levels of illegal trade may have been reached in 2013. "With about 22,000 elephants illegally killed in 2012, we continue to face a critical situation," said John E. Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General. "Current elephant poaching in Africa remains far too high, and could soon lead to local extinctions if the present killing rate continues." At the African Elephant Summit, key African states where elephants make their home agreed to develop a "zero-tolerance attitude" towards poaching. The deal calls for maximum sentences for poachers and hunters, and increased cooperation between affected states. Officials are determined to classifying wildlife trading as a serious crime -- and to making sure that the people who commit it are punished. All participants at the conference agreed to sign the deal. With these states coming together, there may yet be hope for elephants. (293 words) Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage? A. The CITES has helped to improve elephants' situation ever since 1989. B. Around one million elephants across Africa were killed for their ivory tusks in the 1980s. C. The poaching and illegal ivory trading in 2011 were very serious. D. The situation of elephants in 2012 was still terrible. Answer: A. The CITES has helped to improve elephants' situation ever since 1989.
Question: The Toyota Prius hybrids adapted by Google's engineers have covered 300,000 miles on the roads of California without a human at the wheel, but with only one accident by a human-controlled car.It's clear that driverless cars are much safer than human-controlled ones.40,000 people are killed every year in road accidents in the US, many of which are caused by human error.Besides, driverless vehicles could make better use of the road and reduce the size of car parks, too. With technology, a machine can perform a complex task without human involvement This means our thought about what machines can and cannot do needs updating urgently. However, ignore the beautiful words and think about what Google has done.This isn't just about care.Economists are increasingly puzzled by the fact that the rate of job-creation is much lower than expected and the length of time for which people are unemployed has rocketed to 40 weeks twice as long as that during any previous postwar recovery.Economic theory says that when companies begin to grow or become profitable again, they buy equipment and hire workers.But that isn't happening.Companies are still buying equipment, but they're not employing workers. So where did the jobs go? Andrew McAfee explains his view in his new book Race Against the Machine." Advances in self-driving car by Google represent the next wave of job-eliminating technology.Many skills (such as driving) may eventually become worthless, at least in the job market." And as for those thinking that driverless cars might appeal to most motorists, there is the uncomfortable fact that the car has peaked.We are driving less year on year.Traffic jams reduce the romance from driving.And young people no longer have the desire to own cars like they used to. What will be the influence of driverless cars according to Andrew McAfee? A. The economic recovery is to be sped up. B. Many companies may make higher profits. C. More people may lose their jobs. D. Traditional skills will be improved. Answer: C. More people may lose their jobs. Question: A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to warm themselves up during one particularly icy cold winter. They planned to stay at the very same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years ago. They both had jobs, so it was decided that the husband would fly to Florida on a Thursday, and his wife would follow him the next day. Upon arriving as planned, the husband checked into the hotel. There he decided to open his laptop and send his wife an e-mail back in Minneapolis. However, he accidentally left off one letter in her address and sent the e-mail without noticing his error. In the same time: In Houston, a woman had just returned from her husband's funeral . He was a minister of many years who had been "called home to glory" following a heart attack. The woman checked her e-mail, expecting message from family and friends. Upon reading the first message, she fainted and fell to the floor. Her son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor and saw the computer screen which read: To: My Loving Wife From: Your Departed Husband Subject: I've arrived! I've just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then. Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was. P.S. Sure is hot down here. What mistake did the husband make after checking into the hotel? A. He checked into a wrong hotel B. He forget to bring the laptop C. He misspelled her wife's address D. He forgot to mail his letter Answer: C. He misspelled her wife's address Question: If English means endless new words,difficult gramrnar and sometimes strange pronunciation,you are wrong.Haven't you noticed that you have become smarter since you started to learn a language? According to a new study by a British university,learning a second language can lead to an increase in your brain power,Researchers found that learning other languages changes grey matter.This is the area of the brain which processes information.It is similar to the way that exercise builds muscles. The study also found the effect is greater,the younger people learn a second language. A team led by Dr Andrea Mechelli,from University College London,took a group of Britons who only spoke English.They were compared with a goup of " _ .''who had learnt a second language before the age of five,as well as a number of later learners. Scans showed that grey matter density in the brain was greater in bilinguals than in people without a second language.But the longer a person waited before mastering a new language,the smaller the difference. "Our findings suggest that the structure of the brain is changed by the experience of learning a second language,"said the scientists. It means that the change itself increases the ability to learn. Professor Dylan Vaughan Jones of the University of Wales has researched the link between bilingualism and maths skills. ''Having two languages gives you two windows on the world and makes the brain more flexible,"he said."You are actually going beyond language and have a better understanding of different ideas." The findings were matched in a study of native Italian speakers who had learned English as a second language between the ages of 2 and 34. Reading,writing,and comprehension were all tested.The results showed,that the younger they started to learn,the better."Studying a language means you get an entrance to another world,''explained the scientists. We may know from the scientific findings that _ A. the experience of learning a second language has bad effect on people's brain B. there is no difference between a later second language learner and one who doesn't know a second language C. the earlier you start to learn a second language,the higher the grey matter density is D. the ability of learning a second language is changing all the time Answer: C. the earlier you start to learn a second language,the higher the grey matter density is Question: Global warming has a great influence on species all over the world. Polar bears are particularly at risk because their habitat is increasingly threatened by global warming. Lots of scientific research has shown that polar bear numbers are on the decline, and that if action is not taken quickly, polar bears may die out from the Earth. Pack ice is decreasing globally. In the wild, polar bears spend much of their lives wandering pack ice in search of food. In 2009, several polar bear deaths by drowning were recorded, which had never been heard of before. The polar bears had been trapped on isolated areas of floating ice, and had tried to swim for land. Due to the shrinkage of the ice, the polar bears tired and drowned before reaching the shore, though they are rapid and aggressive swimmers. This problem will only grow as the pack ice shrinks. The shrinkage of the ice has other consequences for polar bears. They are losing their natural prey , who are also affected by the shrinkage in habitat. Land animals also do not provide the high-fat diet that polar bears need, which will lead to starvation. Starving mothers will not be able to provide their babies with the nutrition they need, which will further contribute to the decline in polar bear numbers. While searching for food and habitat, polar bears have also fought with humans. With the disappearance of the sea ice, polar bears have begun to show up around inhabited areas looking for food and shelter. But they often end up being killed by hunters because they present a threat to human communities. The combination a deadly factors brought about by global warming put polar bears at a very high rate of risk. A global effort is needed to act against global warming before it is too late for polar bears, as well as many other species that call Earth home. The reason why several polar bears died in 2009 is that _ . A. they were too hungry to swim B. they were not as strong as others C. there was no ice for them to land on D. they were seriously hurt when hunting Answer: C. there was no ice for them to land on Question: Although I started learning English during my college years, when I entered the States, I only understood two English words "Yes" and "No". We learned many grammar rules but we could not make the language connections to the real English world. Language _ worries almost all first generation immigrants. For example, I got a letter from a Chinese-American who has lived in the States for a long time and has a good IT job saying "My 11-year-old girl writes quite well, but as her parents, we could not even read her article."In addition, my Chinese-American professor friend has difficulty reading a novel. Improving our English skills has become a long journey for all of us. Honestly, if I have a chance, I really want to reach out to everyone in the world who has had a similar experience: learning a second language in adulthood. I wish I could encourage them to speak out about the culture shock, frustration they felt about the differences between West and East. I have mainly focused on my English writing since 2008 after I found "Literacy Volunteers", an organization that specially focuses on helping immigrants improve their English. I decided to challenge myself, writing a story like an American. I saw many wonderful Americans there. As soon as I met my teacher Alice, I asked her to be my private language tutor and have taken Tims English class. Every week Alice and I have worked on my English essays sentence by sentence. To observe the culture differences between West and East, occasionally, I posted a few of my English essays online. I mentioned previously about American culture; when people read the same article or even face the same situation, American and Chinese act very differently. In my viewpoint, these differences make America the strongest country in the world. I know you have the right to express your own opinions, but accusing others without proof is not acceptable. The purpose of the passage is _ . A. to show how hard a Chinese-American lives in America B. to share her experience of improving her English C. to imply grammar rules are not important D. to warn Chinese-Americans of English Answer: B. to share her experience of improving her English
A baby carrier is like a backpack for carrying a baby. Ann Moore introduced the idea of a baby carrier to American people nearly 50 years ago. Ann spent two years in Africa in the early 1960s. She worked as a nurse there. Ann saw babies wrapped in bright cloth tied to their mothers' backs. The babies snuggled close to their mothers, and the mothers could use their hands to do other things. In 1964, Ann had her own baby. She tried making a carrier like the one African mothers used. The carrier was like a backpack. Everywhere Ann went with her baby in the carrier, people asked, "Where can I buy one?" In 1965, Ann and her mother began to sell handmade carriers. Ann received a patent for the baby carrier in 1969. By that time, the baby carrier had leg holes and straps that could be made longer or shorter. It could also be worn on the back or front. By 1979, the baby carriers were made in a factory. These baby carriers cost less to make and more than 25,000 were sold every month. When Ann made her first baby carrier, she just wanted to keep her baby close and still have her hands free to do other things. Now all over the world babies ride in baby carriers, close to their parents, safe and happy. ,. From the passage we can learn that people usually invent new things to _ . A. start a family business B. show they are better than others C. help people in poor areas D. make their lives easier Answer: D "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Well, milk may work in the same way! Milk is the natural food for mammalian babies. It helps them grow strong because it is rich in protein , calcium and vitamins. Milk can also help you sleep better because it calms you down. But remember to drink milk with care. Find out how old the milk is. Make sure it is fresh and hasn't gone bad. Don't drink milk when your stomach is empty. Eat some bread or corn at the same time. That'll help you take in more protein and vitamins. Doctors say teens need at least 500ml of milk a day. That's two or three cups. Milk-drinking started long ago, as early as 6,000-8,000BC. At that time people started to keep cows, sheep and goats to get their milk. Of course what you drink today isn't that fresh from the cow. People cool the fresh milk down to 40C to stop the bacteria growing. In factories, milk is pasteurized to stop it growing bad. After disinfections and packaging, it goes to the supermarkets. Yoghourt also comes from milk. People make some special bacteria to change the taste of milk and make the nutrients in it easier for people to take in. Maybe that's why it's getting more popular with people! Why is it better to eat some bread or corn while drinking milk ? A. Our body can take in more protein and vitamins in this way. B. That'll help us grow taller and stronger. C. That'll help us taste milk better. D. We'll still feel hungry without eating some bread or corn. Answer: A Mo Yan, the winner of this year's Nobel Prize for Literature, said he is not sure about whether he is happy after winning the prize. In an interview with China Central Television broadcast on Sunday night, Mo said "I don't know," when a reporter asked if he was happy."Happiness means a healthy body and a total absence of mental burdens, but now I'm under high pressure and bothered by worries. Can I say that I'm happy?" he said. "But if I say I'm not happy, people will consider that I'm striking a pose. How could you be unhappy after winning the Nobel Prize?" Mo, born into a farmer's family in East China's Shandong province, As a 12-year-old during the Cultural Revolution he left school to work, first in agriculture, later in a factory. In 1976 he joined the People's Liberation Army and during this time began to study literature and write. His first short story was published in a literary journal in 1981. "In his writing, Mo Yan draws on his youthful experiences and on settings in the province of his birth. This is apparent in his novel Hong gaoliang jiazu (1987, in English Red Sorghum 1993)," said the academy in a statement of Mo's biography. Red Sorghum was successfully filmed in 1987, directed by famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou. Mo won the Nobel Prize for Literature, which is worth $1.2 million, on Oct 11 for his "hallucinatory realism" which merges "folk tales, history and the contemporary". Dozens of his works have been translated into English, French and Japanese and many other languages. He is the first Chinese citizen to win the prize.The award sparked strong interest about contemporary Chinese literature among the public, and his books have been flying off the shelves in many bookstores across the country. The followings are TRUE except _ . A. He has won about 8 million yuan. B. His works are all about farmers. C. He has a big influence on Chinese contemporary literature. D. Reporters have interviewed him about his winning. Answer: B One year ago, I worked at a Chinese traditional medicine store. Business was not bad. Every day we mixed medicinal herbs for patients, so the store was always full of a strong herbal smell. After I had worked there for a time, a boy of 13 or 14 started coming and sitting on the stairs outside the store for a while every day. It seemed strange to me. "Do you like the herbal smell?" I asked him one day. "I grew up with this kind of smell," he said. He told me that his mother took herbal medicine for years, so he could mix herbs for his mother when he was very young. He mixed the herbs with deep love, hoping his mother would get better as soon as possible. "Is your mother well now? I asked. He shook his head. "My mother passed away three years ago." Looking up into the sky, he went on: "When I first passed by here and smelled the herbs, I thought of my mother. It is comforting to remember those days when she was alive. So I come here every day to sit for a moment. When I sit around this smell, I feel as if my mother is still alive and is waiting for her medicine in her room. The boy's mother passed away when he was _ years old. A. 6 or 7 B. about 10 C. 13 or 14 D. about 16 Answer: B Imagine life without the Internet -- not being able to chat with your friends or look up information for your homework or research project. That is the reality for nearly two-thirds of our world's population, either because they cannot afford WiFi access or are located in remote, inaccessible areas. Now Google has decided to do something about that. Google's Project Loon will attempt to send balloons high up into our earth's atmosphere in 2015. Each balloon will be equipped with a mini computer and a WiFi radio that will send Internet signals over the places it is floating over. The network equipment on Google balloons will communicate with a special antenna attached to each user's home. These antennae are in turn connected to a local Internet Service Provider. Each balloon will also communicate with each other to hand over signals as one floats out of an area, and another floats in. The balloons are 15 meters wide and made of a material that is three times thicker than the plastic bag at the supermarket. This helps them defend themselves against cold temperatures and changing air pressure. Google balloons will circle the earth at a height of 20 kilometers-- in a layer of our atmosphere known as the stratosphere . This is higher than the altitude at which planes fly. Once the balloons reach the desired altitude after being released from the earth, they will ride on air currents. What keeps these balloons from flying away? They will be controlled by people at the Project Loon command center. A pump operating on solar power will fill the balloon with gas to raise it or let gas out to lower it, based on instructions. This allows the balloon to float on different air currents which are moving either clockwise or anti-clockwise. There is no doubt that this technology can bring education to many children, weather information to farmers, and communication to natural disaster areas. However, one big question remains -- will some countries be comfortable with balloons above their heads? There could be concerns about spying and other problems. As for Google's Project Loon, the author may be_. A. excited and hopeful B. satisfied but worried C. surprised but embarrassed D. disappointed and annoyed Answer: B
Which would cause the most soil to erode from a river bank in just a few days? Answer: Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was crammed so full of goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little red-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guidebook for any pilgrim going on a long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and asked her to see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke to find their little books also, one grey-color1ed, the other blue, and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day. "Girls," said Meg seriously, "Mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. I shall keep my book on the table here and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good and help me through the day." Then she opened her new book and began to read. Jo put her arm round her and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face. Much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters' example, the other two started reading too. And then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting. "Where is Mother?" asked Meg, as she and Jo ran down to thank her for their gifts, half an hour later. "Your ma went straight off to see what was needed in a poor woman's home." Replied Hannah, who had lived with the family since Meg was born, and was considered by them all more as a friend than a servant. "She will be back soon, I think, so fry your cakes, and have everything ready," said Meg, looking over the presents which were collected in a basket and kept under the sofa, ready to be produced at the proper time." "There's Mother. Hide the basket, quick!" cried Jo, as a door slammed and steps sounded in the hall. The girls rushed to the table, eager for breakfast. "Merry Christmas, Mummy! Thank you for our books. We read some, and mean to every day," they all cried happily together. "Merry Christmas, little daughters! I'm glad you began at once, and hope you will keep on. But I want to say one word before we sit down. Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby. Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing, for they have no fire. There is nothing to eat over there, and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering hunger and cold. My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present?" They were all unusually hungry, having waited nearly an hour, and for a minute no one spoke, only a minute, for Jo exclaimed excitedly, "I'm so glad you came before we began!" Then the four girls put the cream, the muffins and the buckwheat bread into a big basket. "I thought you'd do it," said Mrs. March, smiling as if satisfied." You shall all go and help me, and when we come back we will have bread and milk for breakfast, and make it up at dinner time." They were soon ready, and the procession set out. A poor, bare, miserable room it was, with broken windows, no fire, ragged bedclothes, a sick mother, crying baby, and a group of pale, hungry children cuddled under one old quilt, trying to keep warm. How the big eyes stared and the blue lips smiled as the girls went in. "Ach, mein Gott! It is good angels come to us!" said the poor woman, crying for joy. "Funny angels in hoods and mittens ," said Jo, and set them to laughing. In a few minutes it really did seem as if kind spirits had been at work there. Hannah, who had carried wood, made a fire and stopped up the broken panes with old hats and her own cloak . Mrs. March gave the mother tea and gruel , and comforted her with promises of help, while she dressed the little baby as tenderly as if it had been her own. The girls meantime spread the table, set the children round the fire, and fed them like so many hungry birds, laughing, talking, and trying to understand the funny broken English. That was a very happy breakfast, though they didn't get any of it. When they went away, leaving comfort behind, there were not in all the city four merrier people than the hungry little girls. They gave away their breakfasts and contented themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning. It can be inferred from the passage that _ . Answer: Cities do not appear on the earth randomly, nor do they grow in a random fashion. They develop as the result of a complex interplay of environmental and social factors. Several factors in the natural environment determine the location of cities. Large cities, for example, are generally not found in inhospitable zones. Most major cities developed from villages and towns that grew up along shorelines, rivers, or railroads. The growth pattern of an urban settlement is also influenced by factors in the natural environment. For example, mountains must be skirted, lakes must be avoided, and housing and industry must be placed conveniently near water and raw materials. Social factors also influence the appearance and development of cities. For instance, a city may be established as a result of a political decision : prefix = st1 /Brazilcreated the new capital ofBrasiliain the midst of the jungle in order to stimulate the economic development there. Ideas about architecture and town planning also influence urban growth patterns. For instance, the pattern ofManhattanis the product of a planning decision made in 1811. Besides, the actual use to which land is put often depends on economic factors, because owners tend to devote their land to the use that gives them the greatest gain. The location of particular social group is also influenced by ecological factors. Certain kinds of land use , such as parking lots , may quickly generate a disliked area and result in a mass departure of the original inhabitants. The location of the neighborhoods of different groups is thus related to such factors as their income and to their feelings of group unity or prejudice against outsiders. Social inventions such as the automobile and mass transit systems also influence urban patterns. If workers have to walk to their factories every day, their homes must be near the workplace, but if they can drive to work , they can easily live fifteen miles away. If large numbers of the urban labor force move away from the city centre , services and facilities will tend to follow them , perhaps leaving the city centre greatly changed. According to the passage , the locations of cities are influenced Answer: As an American artist and writer of children's books, Tasha Tudor's art and nineteenth-century lifestyle have fascinated adults and children for decades. She received many awards and honors for her contributions to children's literature. When people talk about her creativity in artwork, she said, "I do it to support my dogs and my four children." Her great publishing record, the number of magazine stories that have been written about her over the years, and her admirers have no effects on her at all. Much of Tasha's artwork and her reading are done in the wintertime. "I love winter. It's delightful," she says. "I don't have to go anywhere because I work at home. If I'm snowed in, I can stay this way for months." She hopes for early, deep snow to protect her garden from the hardship of the New England winter, and when it comes she puts on snowshoes when she needs to get down the mile-long dirt path that leads to the road. Given her enjoyment of winter and her fantasy way of life, it's not surprising that Tasha's Christmas is a storybook holiday. She hangs flowers over the front door. Her tree comes from the woods, and it goes up on Christmas Eve, lit by homemade candles and decorated with her great- grandmother's collection that dates from 1850. In a place of honor on the tree are large cookies cut into the shapes of her animals. The grandchildren and friends get presents from Tasha's old dolls; so do the animals and they have their own Christmas tree. "Of course, it's a known fact that all the animals talk on Christmas Eve," she has written. Small, handmade gifts fill a big wooden box. At the end of each year, Tasha can look back and know that her life is perfect, that she has again ignored the twentieth century, and that the magic continues. And for the rest of us,here's a bit of advice, Tasha style: "Nowadays, people are so restless. If they took some tea and spent more time rocking on the porch in the evening listening to light music, they might enjoy life more." Which of the following is TRUE about Tasha? Answer: My six-year-old granddaughter stares at me as if she is seeing me for the first time. "Grandma, you are an antique," she says. "You are old. Antiques are old. You are my antique." I am not satisfied to let the matter rest there. I explain, "An antique is not only just old; it's an object existing since or belonging to earlier times such as a work of art or a piece of furniture. Antiques are valuable." We look around the house for antiques. There is a large desk that was handed down from an aunt to our family. "It's very old," I tell Jenny. "I try to keep it polished, and I show it off whenever I can. You do that with antiques." When Jenny gets older and understands such things, I might also tell her that whenever I look at the desk or touch it, I am reminded of the aunt who was dear to me and gave me the desk as a gift. I see her face again, though she is no longer with us. I remember myself as a little girl standing against this antique, listening to one of her stories. Our tour of antiques continues. There is a picture on the wall purchased at a yard sale. It is dated 1867, and it is not in very good condition. There is a vase on the floor. I'm not certain where it came from, but I didn't buy it new. And then there is an old-style bed, sent to me forty years ago from an uncle who slept in it for fifty years. "The one thing about antiques," I explain to Jenny, "is that they usually have a story." For a moment Jenny looks thoughtful. "I don't have any antiques but you," she says. Then her face brightens. "Could I take you to school for our antiques show?" "Only if I fit into your backpack," I answer. And then her antique lifts her up and gives her a big hug that will last through the years. What do the picture and the vase have in common? Answer:
Guide dogs are a big help to blind people. A guide dog helps its owner cross the street and do many other things. But it is not easy to become a guide dog. Here's what a dog must do to get the job: 1. When the dog is very young, trainers watch the dog to make sure it is friendly and quiet. 2. For one year, the dog goes to live with a testing family. The family teaches the dog some simple words, like "Sit!" and "Stay!" 3. Then the dog goes to school, where trainers teach the dog to lead a person. The dog must learn to _ cars and other dangers in the street or in the neighborhood. 4. The trainers take the dog into town to practice going into stores and banks. 5. If the dog has done well at school, it is ready to meet his blind owner. Now they will work as a team. Guide dogs learn the words "sit" and "stay" with the help of _ . A. school trainers B. their owners C. their parents D. testing families Answer: D Martha's high school teacher told her that she was going to receive a failing grade in history, which would prevent her from graduating. Furious, she reported to the principal that the teacher had fondled her, and the teacher was fired. A year later, still unable to get work because of the scandal, the teacher committed suicide. Martha, remorseful, confessed that her accusation had been false. If Martha is charged with manslaughter, her best defense would be that she A. committed no act that proximately caused the teacher's death. B. did not intend to cause the teacher's death. C. did not act with malice. D. acted under extreme emotional distress. Answer: A Sheep Challenge Evolution A species of sheep lives on the Scottish island of Hirta. Hirta has plenty of grass for the sheep to eat, and no natural predators of the sheep live on the island. Some sheep have dark wool, and some have light wool. The sheep with dark wool tend to be much larger and stronger than the sheep with light wool. However, researchers have found that in the last 20 years, the sheep with light wool have increased in number. Usually, strength and size help animals survive and breed. On Hirta, sheep with light wool outnumber sheep with dark wool because sheep with light wool A. produce more wool B. have a more restricted diet C. produce fewer offspring each year D. have a better chance of surviving and reproducing Answer: D Laughter healing benefits and healing with laughter have become synonymous with Norman Cousins, the man who laughed himself to wellness. Norman Cousins was the editor of SaturdayReviewfor over 30 years. His story began in 1964, when doctors found that the connective tissue in his spine was becoming worse, which is a condition known as Ankylosing Spondylitis . The doctors, one of whom was a close friend of Cousins, said that his chance of survival was approximately 1 in 500. He read about the theory that negative emotions do harm to the body, so he thought that if negative emotions were damaging to health, then positive emotions should improve health. Faced with the real possibility of his approaching death, Cousins thought long and hard and eventually did three things completely contrary to medical opinion. First he began his own research on all of the various drugs he was on. He discovered that his condition was removing Vitamin C from his body and, based on Cousins' personal research, doctors agreed to take him off several of the drugs he was on and inject him with large doses of this supplement , as Cousins felt this may be his last hope. Secondly, Cousins made a decision to check out of the hospital and into a hotel room. The third thing Cousins did was get a movie projector and a large supply of funny films. On his first night in the hotel Cousins found that he laughed so hard at the films that he was able to stimulate chemicals in his body that allowed him several hours of pain-free sleep. When the pain returned he would simply turn the projector back on and the laughter would help sleep, and he was able to measure the changes in his body by measuring his blood sedimentation rate , and found that this rate dropped by at least 5 points each time he watched one of these videos. The treatment proved to be so effective that in very little time Cousins was off all painkillers and sleeping pills. He found that the laughter relieved the pain and helped him sleep. He returned to work and wrote about his experimental treatment in his book Anatomy of an Illness. In 1989, it was finally acknowledged in the Journal of the American Medical Association that laughter therapy could help improve the quality of life for patients with chronic illness and that laughter has an immediate symptom-relieving effect. According to the passage, Norman Cousins used to be a(n) _ . A. writer B. doctor C. editor D. comedian Answer: C To live forever was the dream of many emperors in ancient China.People were ordered to call them Wansui,which means 10,000 years,but no human could live that long.How long can humans really live? According to the latest scientific discovery,humans are able to live up to the age of 120 or perhaps even longer. Several recent studies showed that our life span can be extended far beyond normal limits.Cynthia Kenyon,a professor at the University of California in San Francisco doubled the life of a worm from two weeks to a month.By changing the function of a single gene,known as daf-2,the scientist not only added extra days to the worm's life but also kept it a healthy as worms which were half its age. There are two similar genes in the bodies of mammals.By changing the function of on gene,scientists extended the life of a mouse by 1 8 per cent(or 4.5 months).Another gene is called IGF-1.Researchers still don't know how it affects our body.But by reducing its functions the life of a mouse increases by 33 per cent for 8.6 months).The average life span of a mouse is 26 months. In the experiment of extending life,an ancient saying,"you are what you eat." also seems to be true.Vegetables contain fewer calories than meat,and help to prolong life,scientists say. Research has found that taking in fewer calories affects our lives in a similar way to reducing IGF-1. US biologist John Phelan suggests low calorie diets could increase human life span,but there is no proof yet. Researchers are still waiting for the results of a study started in 1987.Monkeys are fed with low calorie food to see what happens.A monkey's typical life span is 40 years,so there is a little while to wait. In China,average,life expectancy has now reached 70,double that of 1949. Increasing the length of our lives may bring us closer to the dreams of our ancient emperors.But it may also cause social problems such as housing and employment,social scientists have warned. Which of the following is TRUE about statement of life span? A. A few emperors in ancient China could live up to 10,000 years. B. Creatures aren't able to lives up to 120 years. C. The dream of living forever is coming true. D. In China,the average life span is twice as long as it was half a century ago. Answer: D
If you thought taking vitamins would reduce the risk of lung cancer, think again. Researchers who studied 77,721 people said on Friday that people who took too much vitamin E,especially smokers,had a small but higher risk of developing lung cancer. They tracked the subjects'use of multi-vitamins,vitamin C and vitamin E to see if it offered protection from lung cancer.But they found that none of the vitamins was tied to a reduced risk. "If you could find some sort of magic pill--a pill you could take once a day to decrease your risk--that would be wonderful.But unfortunately.we didn't find that in our study,"lead researcher Christopher Slatore,of the University of Washington Seattle,said. The subjects of the study were followed for four years,and 521 developed lung cancer,the majority of them smokers or former smokers,Slatore's team reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Among those in the study who developed lung cancer, the researchers saw a small increased risk related with vitamin E supplements in addition to the expected connections to smoking,family history and age. This added up to a 28 percent increased risk of developing lung cancer for those taking 400 mg of vitamin E supplements daily for 10 years,the researchers said. "For people--especially smokers--I suggest that they not take vitamin E(as a supplement) unless they have a very strong reason to take it." Slatore said. The idea that vitamin supplements are healthful,or at least not harmful.comes from the desire of many people to match the benefits of a healthful diet with a convenient pill,Tim Byers of the University of Colorado School of Medicine.wrote in an essay. What is the main idea of the passage? A. Taking vitamins would reduce the risk of lung cancer. B. Vitamins are no guard against lung cancer. C. Vitamin supplements are convenient and magic. D. Vitamins ale harmful,or at least not healthful. Answer: B. Vitamins are no guard against lung cancer. According to a report published on the British medical magazine, , a study of 10 German mobile phone users found that when they turned on their phones, their blood pressure goes up by 5--10 millimeters of mercury . The word "The Lancet" is probably _ . A. the name of a magazine B. the name of the research team C. the name of a hospital D. the title of a medical report Answer: A. the name of a magazine "Last week," Dr. P said "I was invited to a doctors' meeting at the R. Hospital. In one of the rooms a patient, an old man, got up from his bed and moved slowly towards me. I could see that he hadn't long to live, but he came up to me and placed his right foot close to mine on the floor." "Frank!" I cried with surprise. He couldn't answer as I knew, but he tried to smile, all the time keeping his foot close to mine. My thoughts raced back more than thirty years--to the dark days of 1941, when I was a student in London. The scene was an air-raid shelter , in which I and about a hundred other people slept every night. Among them were Mrs. West and her son Frank, who lived nearby. Sharing wartime problems, we got to know each other very well. Frank interested me because he was not normal . He had never been normal, ever since he was born. His mother told me he was 37 then, but he had less of a mind than a baby has. Mrs. West, then about 75, was a strong, able woman, as she had to be of course, because Frank depended on her completely. He needed all the attention of a baby. One night a policeman came into our shelter and told Mrs. West that her house had been all destroyed. That wasn't quite true, because the West went on living there for quite some time. But they certainly lost nearly everything they owned. When that kind of thing happened, the rest of us helped the unlucky ones. So before we separated that morning, I stood beside Frank and measured my right foot against his. They were about the same size. That night, then, I took a spare pair of shoes to the shelter for Frank. As soon as he saw me, he came running--and placed his right foot against mine. After that, he always greeted me in the same way. When and where did Dr. P first meet Frank? A. At the R Hospital about ten days before. B. In an air-raid shelter during the war. C. In Mrs. West's house in 1941. D. In London after the West's' house was destroyed. Answer: B. In an air-raid shelter during the war. Crossroads International How does Crossroads work? Crossroads is a resource network. We take goods Hong Kong doesn't want and give them to people who badly need them. We collect those goods and give them out in the welfare arena in Hong Kong, Mainland China, elsewhere in Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa. So Crossroads is just that: a Crossroads between need and resource. Who do we help? The welfare agencies we help do not run on large budgets . They are grass-root groups who have seen a need and tried to meet it. They can't get the job done without back-up, though, so our task is to help them do their task. Our warehouse is full of goods, from computers to high chairs, clothing to books, stationery to medical provision, cupboards to dinning sets. They send us a list of their needs and we try to match it with the resource we have in stock. How do we operate? Crossroads itself also operates on a low budget. We do not buy the goods we send. They are donated. Similarly, rather than raising funds for freight ,we ask transport companies to donate their services. Nobody in our organization receives a salary. Even our full-time staff works on a voluntary basis. Those that donate goods and services: FactoriesManufacturers Hospitals Hotels Householders Offices Other Charities Transport Companies Educational Institutions One resource that we are always in need of is people. While we receive large quantities of goods and there is never a short supply of requests for them, we are always in need of hands to help sort and prepare them for shipping. What can I do? We are always in need of people. We have a lot of tasks. If you are volunteering regularly, we can offer work in some of the following categories, some of the time. You are welcome to number your top three choices and we will do our best to accommodate them. Clothing categorization Sewing Toy categorization Furniture handling Driving Book categorization Household goods categorization Office work Electrical goods categorization Book keeping Fund- raising Stationery categorization Medical categorization Where to find us? All volunteer work is done at out warehouse: Located in Basement Zone M of the Kai Tak Government Building Our warehouse hours: Tues.-Sat. 10:00am-5:30pm Postal address: 16 Man Tong, Silvermine Bay, Lantau Island, HK Office details: Ph: 2984 9309, 2740 9657 From the above brochure, we can conclude that _ . A. people who work at Crossroads get low pay from it B. Crossroads doesn't give goods directly to the people who need them C. You can do whatever you like if you offer help at Crossroads D. Crossroads has collected more goods than needed Answer: B. Crossroads doesn't give goods directly to the people who need them The United States has always been a country of many cultures. Before Europeans came to North America, many groups of Native Americans lived here. Different Native American groups had different cultures. The first Europeans in the United States were from England and Holland, but immigrants came from all European countries. Many people also immigrated from Asia and Africa. Sadly, many Africans were brought to the United States as slaves. Many immigrants come from Latin America too. Today, the United States has people from more cultures than ever. In the 19th century, people spoke of the United States as a " _ ." People thought that all immigrates should forget their native cultures and languages and become English-speaking Americans. They felt that people should assimilate - join American culture. However, not everyone wanted to assimilate completely. Many people tried to keep parts of their cultures, such as foods, customs, and languages. However, their children often forgot their parents' or grandparents' language. But most Americans, even those whose families have been here a long time, can tell the countries their s came from. And of course, new immigrants take great pride in their curare and language. For all of these reasons, melting pot is no longer a good way to describe the United States. Instead, people now call the United States a " _ ." They say salad bowl because in a salad, you can still see all of the individual parts (lettuce, tomato, and so on), but all the different parts mixed together and begin to take on the flavor of one another. The "melting pot" _ . A. is an accurate way to describe the United States B. is a place where people from different cultures should assimilate completely C. cannot accurately reflect the reality in the United States D. cannot be replaced by the "salad bowl" Answer: C. cannot accurately reflect the reality in the United States
One of the major problems in our economy is inflation , a situation in which prices are going up faster than salary . Thus, a person has to work more hours to pay for the same thing. For example, let's say that this year a loaf of bread costs $1.00 and average salary in the United Sates is $10.00 per hour. That means a person could earn enough money to buy a loaf of bread in one-tenth of an hour, or six minutes. Then, halfway through the year, the price of the bread goes up to $1.25, while salary stay the same. That means that a person now has to work one-eighth of an hour--seven and a half minutes to buy the same loaf of bread. Now let's say that at the end of the year, salary go up to $11.00 per hour, but the price of bread goes up to $1.50. Now a person has to work more than one-seventh of an hour--over eight minutes--to buy loaves of bread, employees will have less money left over to buy other things, Inflation means that the same money buys fewer things and everybody's standard of living goes down, even if salaries are going up. Some kinds of inflation are worse than others. Moderate inflation does not distort relative prices or incomes seriously. Galloping inflation happens rapidly, say at a rate of 100percent or more within a year. And then there's hyperinflation--inflation so serious that people try to get rid of their currency before prices rise further and make the money worthless. Times of hyperinflation are usually characterized by social and political disorder. What happens when prices go up but salaries remain the same? People must work longer to buy the same things "Dr. Papaderos, what is the meaning of life?" The usual laughter followed, and people stirred to go. Papaderos held up his hand and stilled the room and looked at me for a long time, asking with his eyes if I was serious and seeing from my eyes that I was. "I will answer your question." Taking his wallet out of his hip pocket, he fished into a leather billfold and brought out a very small round mirror, about the size of a quarter. And what he said went like this: "When I was a small child, during the war, we were very poor and we lived in a remote village. One day, on the road, I found the broken pieces of a mirror. A German motorcycle had been wrecked in that place. I tried to find all the pieces and put them together, but it was not possible, so I kept only the largest piece. This one, and, by scratching it on a stone, I made it round. I began to play with it as a toy and became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shine--in deep holes and crevices and dark closets. It became a game for me to get light into the most inaccessible places I could find. I kept the little mirror, and, as I went about my growing up, I would take it out in idle moments and continue the challenge of the game. As I became a man, I grew to understand that this was not just a child's game but a _ for what I might do with my life. I came to understand that I am not the light or the source of light. But light--truth, understanding, knowledge--is there, and it will shine in many dark places only if I reflect it. I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have I can reflect light into the dark places of this world--into the black places in the hearts of men--and change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of my life." How did Dr. Papaderos get the small round mirror when he was a child? He found it on the road and made it round. Mr Black is a football fan. Every morning he goes to work by train. As he has a long trip, he always buys a newspaper. It helps to make the time pass more quickly. One Wednesday morning, Mr Black turned the important football matches. He knew the Football World Cup would be held in his city soon. He decided to go to watch the football game. While Mr Black was excited to be at the Football World Cup, he was disappointed at the location of his seat. Peering across the stadium through his telescope he saw an empty seat far away and made his way there. Mr Black asked the man in the next seat, "May I sit here?" "Sure," the man replied. "This was my wife's seat. She was a super football fan, and we used to come to the games together all the time until she _ ." "I am sorry for your loss," Mr Black said. "But I am curious . Why didn't you give the extra ticket to a friend or a relative?" The man replied, "They are all at the funeral ." Who was the biggest football fan? The man. It's hard to imagine how an entire city can get lost but that's exactly what has happened to the following lost cities. There are actually many reasons why a city has to be abandoned. War, natural disasters, climate change and the loss of important trading partners to name a few. Whatever the cause, these lost cities were forgotten in time until they were rediscovered centuries later. Troy is a legendary city in what is now northwestern Turkey, made famous in Homer's epic, the Iliad. According to the epic, this is where the Trojan War took place. The archaeological site of Troy contains several layers of ruins. Sanchi site has a building history of more than one thousand year, starting with the stupas of the 3rd century BC and concluding with a series of Buddhist temples, now in ruins, that were build in the 10th or 11th centuries. In the 13th century, after the decline of Buddhism in India, Sanchi was abandoned and the jungle quickly moved in. The lost city was rediscovered in 1818 by a British officer. Palenque in Mexico is much smaller than some of the other lost Mayan cities, but it contains some of the finest architecture and sculptures the Maya ever produced. Most structures in Palenque date from about 600 AD to 800 AD. The city declined during the 8th century. An agricultural population continued to live here for a few generations, then the lost city was abandoned and was slowly grown over by the forest. In the 2nd century BC a new civilization arose in the valley of Mexico. This civilization built the flourishing city of Teotihuacan and huge step pyramids. A decline in population in the 6th century AD related to lengthy droughts. Seven centuries after the demise of the Teotihuacan empire the pyramids of the lost city were honored and used by the Aztecs and became a place of pilgrimage. What's the best title of the passage? Once Forgotten Cities England has a longstanding problem with youngsters dropping out of training. Almost half of 17-year-olds in some parts of England have dropped out of fulltime education or training. The statistics show 49% in Thurrock and 44% in Salford have dropped out of school or job training. Across England,31%of 17-year-olds are not in education or training. The figures also reveal deep regional divides,with wealthier areas such as Richmon and Harrow recording18% of 17-year-olds out of official education. The statistics confirm England's poor international standing for staying-on rates in education. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development considers England's drop-out rates as among the worst among the industrialised countries. Regionally,the statistics show Yorkshire and the Humber have the highest rate of 17-year-olds not in full-time education or work-based training at 35%. Outer London has the highest staying-on rate,with l3%of 17-year-olds having dropped out of official learning. In the east of England this figure stands at 31%and at 29%in the South West. Edward Davey,Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary,said the government "should be ashamed"that so many youngsters were dropping out of school. A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said the government had carried out a series of reforms,with aPS2.5 billion rise in funding for further education. This text mainly talks about _ the problem with 17-year-olds dropping out of school in England
Question: Inprefix = st1 /Kansas City,Missouri, a computer helps fire fighters. The computer, which works very fast, has information about all the 350,000 street addresses in the city. Within two or three seconds after a call is received, the computer provides necessary information for the fire fighters. The information is then sent to them by radio from the computer centre in the City Hall. The exact place of the burning building and its size, type and any other details are clear to them. TheKansas Citycomputer system also has a medical record of each of the city's 900 fire fighters. This kind of information is especially useful when a fire fighter is injured. With the information, doctors at hospital can treat the injured fire fighters more quickly and easily. The fire fighters themselves greatly appreciate the computer's help. They know about possible danger ahead of them and can prepare for it. Many times the computer information helps to save lives and property . Sometimes the lives are those of fire fighters themselves. Mike Horan, a fire fighter captain, says, "I feel as if the computer is watching over me to help me if I get hurt." What is the best help if you want to know the information about the street address in Kansas? A. The fire fighter. B. The policeman. C. The computer. D. The map. Answer: C. The computer. Question: When Hurricane Phailin hit India in late 2013, it became the largest storm to strike the subcontinent in over a decade. The storm affected more than 12 million people in India and neighboring countries, and damaged or destroyed many houses. However, good news is that cleverly-designed beach house created by architect Ray Huff can survive such strong winds and storm waves. Located on the shore of an Indian island, Huff's award-winning cube-shaped beach house was built to replace one smashed to pieces by Hurricane Phailin. Huff pointed out that many houses built along shoreline were poorly constructed, and enforcement of building codes wasn't strict. After Phailin's attack, all new shoreline houses are required to meet stricter, better-enforced codes. The new beach house should be able to stand a Category 3 hurricane with peak winds of 179 to 209 kilometers per hour. At first sight, Huff's house looks anything but hurricane-proof. Its redwood shell makes it resemble "a large party lantern" at night, according to one observer. But looks can be misleading. The house's wooden frame is reinforced with long steel rods to give it extra strength. To further protect the house from hurricane damage _ Huff raised it 2.7 meters off the ground on pilings---long columns of wood anchored deep in the sand. Pilings might appear insecure, but they are strong enough to support the weight of the house. They also balance the house above storm waves. The pilings allow the waves to run under the house instead of running into it. "These swells of water come ashore at great speeds and cause most of the damage done to beach-front buildings," said Huff. Huff designed the wooden pilings to be partially hidden by the house's ground-to-roof shell. "The shell masks the pilings so that the house doesn't look like it's standing with its pant legs pulled up," said Huff. In case of a storm wave, the shell should break apart and let the waves rush under the house, the architect explained. After Hurricane Phailin, new houses built along shore line are required _ . A. to be easily reinforced B. to look smarter in design C. to meet stricter building standards D. to be designed in the shape of cubes Answer: C. to meet stricter building standards Question: The robot moved into the fighting ring with confidence.Then it turned around quickly and knocked itself over. The team of Scouts that built the 8-inch -tall machine immediately realized one arm was too long.They would have to work fast---practice time was over , and the real robot matches were about to begin . "We tried to fix it , but by that time , the other teams had more advanced technology ," says Eagle Scout Matthew Patchen , 16. "They were a couple of steps ahead of us ." In the end , Matthew's team didn't win the robot competition . But they had a great time working on their Robotics merit badges at the 2011 Advance Camp in Antioch , Calif . Advance Camp is held the last Saturday in September at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch, Calif.Nearly 1,500 Scouts attended in 2011 and worked on different merit badges .Scouts choose from more than 50 merit -badge classes taught by counselors .They can earn merit badges from Fingerprinting to Nuclear Science to Swimming .Robotics is the most popular class . First , one of the counselors talked to Matthew and the other Scouts in his Robotic class about the many different uses for robots . "I learned how advanced it really is ," Matthew says . "Robots are used in medicine and industry ." After the talk , the Scouts were divided into five-person teams . Each team was required to build a basic robot . The next step was programming the tiny computer in the robot so it would make the right moves once it was in the ring . "We programmed our robot so its arm was moving all the time ," Matthew says . "That way , it would knock the other robot over." . That's when they discovered the arm on their robot was too long . As a result , their robot knocked itself over before it could fight with any other robots . "It was a learning experience ," Matthew says . "You have to think ahead." Why did Matthew's team lose the robot competition ? A. Their robot was too small . B. Their robot didn't work fast enough . C. Their robot knocked itself over . D. Their robot had the shortest arm . Answer: C. Their robot knocked itself over . Question: Mr and Mrs White live in the country( ). Christmas Day ( )is coming. They want to buy some clothes for their family in the city . In the morning, Mr and Mrs White have breakfast. Then they go shopping in their car at 8:30. They get to a store at 9:40. In the store they see a lot of clothes. Mrs White likes the clothes very much. So she buys a T-shirt for their son, a skirt for their daughter, and a sweater for Mr White. She buys a hat for herself , too. After that, Mr White is very tired and hungry . He looks at his watch. Then he says, "Oh, it's 4:00 in the afternoon, that's too late. I think we must go home now." So they begin to go home. But they lose their way. Mr White can't find the way home. He sees an old man and asks him, "Excuse me, sir. Where am I?" The old man looks at him and the car, "You're in your car, sir." he says. Mr and Mrs White go home _ . A. in the morning B. in the afternoon C. at noon D. in the evening Answer: B. in the afternoon Question: Peter's uncle lives in the country. He is a man full of humor . One day, Peter went to see his uncle. His uncle drove his car to the station to meet him. On their way home, they saw many people. His uncle waved to everybody. Peter was surprised and said,"Uncle,you wave to everybody. Do you know all of them?" "No,Peter," answered his uncle. "When I wave to someone who knows me, he'll feel happy. When I wave to someone and he doesn't know me, he will feel surprised and then he will have something to think about,he will make his road seem shorter . So I can make everybody happy." Peter's uncle is _ . A. a strange man B. a kind man C. a humor man D. a happy man Answer: C. a humor man
Human beings are the most intelligent of all animals because we are gifted with the ability to think and reason logically. Scientists and even common people with special intelligence have made a lot of inventions and contributions to modern lifestyle in the past. "Houses" have been the most popular area for discoveries and inventions in the past and even now. Many household items have been the result of inventions of people who desired better functioning of the existent products. Every individual has intelligence and if it is used properly for the right purpose it leads to invention of a new tool or device. Many new household inventions are made almost every day and there are specific companies, which particularly keep a record of all these inventions. A lot of inventions have been made recently in the household field. These products are patented and have trade mark licenses . The patented sliding cinch is a very simple but effective method to prevent shoulder stress and injury for those who work before computers all day long. Vanity PC is a type of computer furniture that specifically hides all the computer wires and keeps a clean and good look. All the outdoor dust, mud and snow can be kept out of the house by installing the dirt drain at the entrance of the door. Another important invention is the automatic toilet night-light, in which a small light starts when the lid of the toilet seat is opened and closes as soon as the lid is closed. These are some of the new household inventions invented mostly by common people. Thus, a variety of new household items are invented every day, which helps in a better functioning of household chores and in a more useful manner. What plays the most important role in causing people to invent new things? Answer: We use both words and body language to express our thoughts and opinions and to communicate with other people. We can learn about what a person is thinking by watching his or her body language. Words are important, but the way a person stands, folds his or her arms, or moves his or her hands can also give us information about his or her feelings. Just like spoken language, body language varies from culture to culture. Making eye contact --looking directly into someone's eyes -- is in some countries a way to show interest. In other countries, however, eye contact is rude or disrespectful. The gesture for Ok, making a circle with one's thumb and index finger, has different meanings in different cultures. In Japan, someone who sees another person making the gesture will think it means money. In France, a person seeing the same gesture will think it means zero. In Brazil and Germany, however, the gesture is rude. The thumbs-up gesture, meaning "great" or "good job" in the US is rude in Nigeria, but in Germany and Japan it means the number one. The "crazy" gesture, moving the index finger in a circle in front of the ear, means "you have a phone call" in Brazil. Even the gesture we use for "yes" and "no" are different around the world. In many countries, shaking one's head means "no", and nodding means "yes". In Bulgaria, parts of Greece, and Iran, however, the gestures have the opposite meaning. There are also differences as to how often we touch each other, how close we stand to someone we are talking to, and how we act when we meet or part. In some countries, for example, France and Russia, a visiting friend is greeted with a kiss on the check, in other countries people greet each other with a firm handshake, a loving hug, a bow or a simply a nod of the head. While there are many different interpretations of our body language, some gestures seem to be universal. Pressing one's palms together and resting one's head on the back of one's hand while closing the eyes as if sleeping means "I am tired." A good way of saying "I am full" is moving the hand in circles over the stomach after a meal. If a person pats his or her stomach before a meal, it usually means " I'm hungry." Perhaps the best example of universally understood body language is the smile. A smile can help us get through difficult situation and find friends in a world of strangers. A smile can open doors and tear down walls. It can be used to express almost any emotion. We can use a smile to apologise, to greet someone, to ask for help or to start a conversation. We can smile at ourselves in the mirror to make ourselves feel happier and stronger. And if we are feeling down or lonely, there is nothing better than to see the smiling face of a good friend. What does this passage mainly about? Answer: Long March exhibition The Shanghai History Museum is putting on an exhibition to mark the 80th anniversary of the Long March.On show are more than 220 photos and 40 items that explain with pictures how the communist Red Army drew back from its besieged bases in Jiangxi Province and fought its way to northern Shanxi Province in the mid-1930s.Explanations are all in Chinese.The show will end on November 20. Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Address: 1286 Hongqiao Road Admission: 8 yuan for Chinese /15 yuan for foreigners Thai elephants Eight elephants from Thailand are entertaining visitors at Changfeng Park by riding bikes, playing basketball, balancing on a pole, dancing and blowing a mouthorgan .People are encouraged to have a tug-of-war with the animals or lie on the ground and have the elephants walk over them.The elephants give three shows a day at 9:30 am, 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm and there is an additional show at l:30 pm at weekends.The show will end on November 15. Address: 189 Daduhe Road Admission: 30-40 yuan Dancing dolphins Dolphins jumping from the water to touch a ball, swaying their bodies to music, kissing people and doing math by tapping their tails have made the dolphinarium in Peace Park an attraction for children.Seals and sea lions also perform. Hours: 10:30 am, 4:00 pm, and 7:30 pm Admission: 20 yuan for adults and 10 yuan for children. (252 words) Which of the following is NOT done by the Thai elephants? Answer: When you are little, it's not hard to believe you can change the world. I remember my enthusiasm when, at the age of 12, I addressed delegates at the Rio Earth Summit. "I am only a child," I told them ."Yet I know that if all the money spent on war was spent on ending poverty and finding environment answers, what a wonderful place this would be. In school you teach us not to fight with others, to work things out, to respect others, to clean up our mess, not to hurt other creatures, to share, not to be greedy. Then why do you go out and do the thing you tell us not to do ? You grown-ups say you love us, but I challenge you, please, to make your actions reflect your words." I spoke for six minutes and received a standing _ . Some of the delegates even cried. I thought that maybe I had reached some of them, that my speech might actually spur action. Now, a decade from Rio, after I've sat through many more conferences, I'm not sure what has been accomplished. My confidence in the people in power and in the power of an individual's voice to reach them has been deeply shaken. When I was little, the world was simple. But as a young adult, I'm learning that as we have to make choices -- education, career, lifestyle -- life gets more and more complicated. We are beginning to feel pressure to produce and be successful. We are taught that economic growth is in progress, but aren't taught how to pursue a happy, healthy or sustainable way of living. And we are learning that what we wanted for the future when we were 12 was ideal and innocent. Today I'm no longer a child, but I'm worried about what kind of environment my children will grow up in. I know change is possible, because I am changing, still figuring out what I think. I am still deciding how to live my life. The challenges are great, but if we accept individual responsibility and make sustainable choices, we will rise to the challenges, and we will become part of the positive tide of change. The purpose of what the writer said at the age of 12 was to _ . Answer: prefix = st1 /Los Angeles' Shopping Malls Let's take a look around the mall . You will find various malls inLos Angeles. Stores vary by mall . To better understand shopping at the mall , let's take a look at the basic structure of malls. Basic Structure Most of the malls are two or three layer buildings including their parking lots. _ ), but some malls like Beverly Hills Center are located on top of the parking lot . Most of the malls have pathways between the department stores and a food court , a central place for dining . You can also find theaters in malls. Services of the mall It's easy to find the places you want to go from the directories in each mall. Usually the directory is located in several places throughout the mall . You can also carry printouts of the directory while shopping . If you have questions , ask employees for more details. Most shops do not wrap gifts so you will have to use the department gift service center for wrapping . Make sure you have your receipts when you go to have the gifts wrapped . Each mall has a variety of service facilities including restrooms . public phones , diaper changing rooms . ATM machines , stamp machines and vending machines. Which of the following doesn't make up the basic structure of a shopping mall? Answer:
Venice is the "Queen" of the Adriatic Sea . Every year thousands of people from all over the world travel to Italy to visit the city. Do you know why they like to go there for a visit? Venice is a very beautiful city. It is quite different from other cities in the world. There aren't any roads or streets in the city, so there aren't any cars or buses. There are many canals in the city. There is one big canal and one hundred and seventy-seven small canals. People move up and down the canals in boats to go to work, go shopping or visit their friends. But Venice is sinking It is going down and the water is going up. In 2040 Venice will be under water. The Adriatic Sea will cover the city. The Venetians love their city and want to stay there. So they want to save Venice form the sea. They do not want to leave. How can they save Venice? They can build some strong huge walls and gates in the sea. The gates will close to keep too much water out. In this way Venice will not sink. The Venetians usually go to work or visit their friends _ . A by bus B in boats C in cars D on foot Answer: B The latest beliefs are that the main purposes of sleep are to enable the body to rest, allowing time for repairs to take place and for tissue to be regenerated . Lack of sleep, however, can compromise the immune system, cause depression and promote anxiety. For many people, lack of sleep is rarely anything of choice. Some have problems getting to sleep, others with staying asleep until the morning. Despite popular belief that sleep is one long event, research shows that, in an average night, there are five stages of sleep. In the first light stage, the heart rate and blood pressure go down and the muscles relax. In the next two stages, sleep gets progressively deeper. In stage four, usually reached after an hour, the slumber is so deep that, if awoken, the sleeper would be confused and disorientated. It is in this state that sleep-walking can occur, lasting no more than 15 minutes. In the fifth stage, the rapid eye movement (REM) stage, the eyes move constantly beneath closed lids as if the sleeper is looking at something. During this stage, the body is almost paralysed . This REM stage is also the time when we dream.[:Z#xx#k.Com] Sleeping patterns change with age. One theory for the age-related change is that it is due to hormonal changes. The temperature rise occurs at daybreak in the young, but at three or four in the morning in the elderly. Age aside, it is estimated that roughly one in three people suffer some kind of sleep disturbance. Causes can be anything from pregnancy, smoking, and stress to alcohol and heart disease. Apart from self-help therapy such as regular exercise, there are psychological treatments, including relaxation training and therapy aimed at getting rid of pre-sleep worries and anxieties. Medication is regarded by many as a last option and often takes the form of sleeping pills. Which of the following can cause people's lack of sleep according to this passage? A Their burden from illness and drinking. B Their incomplete sleep stages. C Their body temperature change with age. D Their damaged immune system. Answer: A Swaying palm trees,turquoiseblue water and sugarwhite sand make beach lovers sigh with delight.But not all beaches have those ingredients.The most interesting beaches come in different shapes,sizes and colors. Those who want beauty and something unique can go to the Seychells' La Digue Island.Large granite rock formations overlook beautiful,whitesand beaches.The pinkishgrey rocks look like sculptures that have been forgotten on the beach.Tourists traveling to La Digue Island to see the unique rocks will also discover one of the world's most beautiful islands. Hawaii's Big Island has one of the rarest beaches of all--a beach made up entirely of green sand.The sand,which is formed by dark green crystals called olivine ,is deposited by volcanic activity.Green Sand Beach lies on the slopes of the world's largest active volcano,Mauna Loa. One of the world's most unusual beaches lies on the island of Santorini,Greece.The sand on Red Beach gets its reddish color from the red volcanic rocks that make up the cliffs around the beach.Tourists flock to see the red sand,making Red Beach one of Santorini's most popular beach destinations. Black sand makes up the huge beach of Karakare.Through the years,volcanic sand mixed with iron ash to form this black beach on New Zealand's wild,west coast.Many have seen Karekare in the movie The Piano and the TV show Xena:Warrior Princess. With all the beautiful beaches in the world,beach lovers have lots of choices.But for those ready for something different,a unique beach vacation might be just the ticket! Beaches on the island of Santorini is red because of _ . A the cliffs around the beach B the large granite rocks C the red volcanic rocks D crystals called olivine Answer: C A leading biologist has found the angels and fairies that sit at top of Christmas trees did not get there under their own power. Prof Roger Wotton, from University College London, found that flight would be impossible for angels with arms and bird-like feathered wings. "Angels cannot take off and cannot use powered flight," said Prof Wotton. "They would need to be exposed to very high wind velocities at take off - such high winds that they would be blown away." Some the world's most famous religious paintings and architecture make most Americans believe in angels. The study found that 68 per cent of the 36,000 adults thought that angels and demons were at work in the world. According to the latest study, angels lack the powerful muscles which allow birds to beat their wings. Prof Wotton's paper explores why there are so many stories about angels. "Angels are very powerful religious icons for people with faith. Their similarity to humans adds to their power. At the same time, they have wings on them because they are more than human. They take messages to heaven and therefore have to fly." said the academic. Which of the following is True? A Angels can't fly because they lack the powerful muscles which allow birds to beat their wings. B Most Americans don't believe in angels. C Angels can take off and can use powered flight. D Angels are not the same to the humans. Answer: A Bushwick is a tough place to grow up. This part of Brooklyn, in New York City, has a lot of crime. More than half of its 100,000 residents rely on aid from the government. Only 50% of students at Bushwick High School graduate in four years. Some people might say, "We should help these poor kids who have so many challenges." But Malaak Compton-Rock looks at the teens in Bushwick and says, " Go to help kids who have even bigger challenges than you do." She believes that once young people see the power they have to make things better, they can handle their own problems more easily. So her service group, the Angel Rock Project, took 30 Bushwick kids to Soweto, in South Africa, to help poor families there. Soweto is a township outside the city of Johannesburg. The effort, called Journey for Change, aims to show that any kid can change the world. "Kids in Bushwick face pressure to drop out of school or become involved in gangs and drugs." Says Compton-Rock. "We want them to live a life of purpose and service." In Soweto, many parents have died of AIDS, a deadly disease. When that happens, a grandparent or a child must lead the family. The Bushwick volunteers helped such families. They tended vegetable gardens, cared for babies and bought groceries. "The saddest thing was when we visited an orphanage and I helped a little boy who had been abandoned because he had HIV, the virus that causes AIDS," says Queen Clyde, 12. "It's been good to be on this trip. But what's also important is what we do when it's finished. That's what counts." " I never appreciated what I had until I saw some people who had nothing," says Sadara Lewis, 12 "It's really changed my attitude. I want to make a difference." The trip was two weeks long. But the kids, aged 12 to 15, will spend all year speaking about their experience, fund-raising and more. In Compton-Rock's opinion, the Bushwick kids _ . A have few challenges B should be kept out of schools C can learn to deal with their own problems by helping others D are living much better than people in Africa Answer: C
When sunlight shines on a plant, its leaves A. make food. B. absorb water. C. produce seeds. D. take in oxygen. Answer: A. make food. When I was a kid, I always used to wonder how in the world my father work outside in the winter without a coat. It could be minus 20 degrees centigrade and there'd be Dad, removing snow, or perhaps chopping some wood --- his coat thrown aside--- wearing a shirt , a cap, and a pair of gloves. "Aren't you cold, Dad?" I'd ask. "No," Dad would reply. "I'm not cold--- working too hard to be cold." Many times I wondered whether my father was an extremely tough man, or whether he was foolish. One time when I was quite young, perhaps five or so, I went ice fishing with Dad. It was a bright, clear day--and bitterly cold. After we'd been out on the ice for a little while, my feet started getting cold. "Daddy, my feet are cold." I said. "Yeah, it's cold out here today," he replied. "Tell you what," he said. "Walk around. Make some circles in the snow. See how many different patterns you can make. That will get your feet warm." Now, I was just a little girl at the time but I remember thinking, "How in the world will walking around in the snow make my feet warm? Dad must be out of mind. But he was my father, after all. I made circles in the snow. I made squares. Pretty soon I was having so much fun making patterns in the snow. I forgot about my feet being cold. Now, all these years later, I know, too, from personal experience how my father was able to take his coat off and work outside in the winter wearing just a shirt, a cap and gloves. Because I do it, too. "Aren't you cold?" my husband asked one winter day. "No," I replied. "I'm not cold--working too hard to be cold." I hope my husband has decided I'm both tough and smart. But I guess quite a bit of the time he thinks I'm foolish. Wherever Dad is in that great big farm in the sky--I'm sure he can't help but smile whenever I take my coat off while I'm working outside in the winter. The author's purpose of writing this passage is to _ . A. remember her tough and smart father B. show how her father cared about her C. describe memories of her childhood D. explain why her father loved her so much Answer: A. remember her tough and smart father Thanksgiving Day is a special holiday in the United States and Canada. Families and friends gather to eat and give thanks for their blessing. Thanksgiving Day is really a harvest festival. This is why it is celebrated in late fall, after the crops are get in. But one of the first thanksgivings in America had nothing to do with a good harvest. On December 4,1619, the Pilgrims from England landed near what is now Charles City, Virginia. They knelt down and thanked God for their safe journey across the Atlantic. The first New England Thanksgiving did celebrate a rich harvest. The Pilgrims landed at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. They had a difficult time and the first winter was cruel. Many of the Pilgrims died. But the next year, they had a good harvest. So Governor Bradford declared a three-day feast . The Pilgrims invited Indian friends to join them for their special feast. Everyone brought food. In time, other colonies began to celebrate a day of thanksgiving. But it took years before there was a national Thanksgiving Day. During the Civil War, Sarah Josepha Hale persuaded Abraham Lincoln to do something about it. He proclaimed the last Thursday of November in 1863 as a day of thanksgiving. Today, Americans celebrate this happy harvest festival on the fourth Thursday in November. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving Day in much the same way as their American neighbours. But the Canadian Thanksgiving Day falls on the second Monday in October. The first to celebrate thanksgiving were _ . A. some people from England B. the American Indians C. Sarah Josepha Hale D. Governor Bradford Answer: A. some people from England More than 50 people have responded to an advertise for "one of the most relaxing jobs on the market" - a bathtub TESTER. Bathstore is seeking a Bathroom Executive Officer (BEO) to test their range of products. It is sure to give the perfect candidate a stress-free life and possibly some pruned fingers and toes. And 12 month contract role pays a yearly salary of PS6,000, plus bathroom installation worth PS6and products worth PS4,000 to trial. For those expecting an easy life, this job isn't all about splashing around in the suds or playing with a rubber duck. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing written reports and analysis on the overall bathing experience. However, all that boring stuff can be done from the comfort of your own home. That's because Bathstore will regularly install their new baths into the BEO's home "ensuring that this is one job that can be taken lying down". Before you apply, make sure you meet the criteria, which is to be laid back, relaxed and bubbly! Bathstore's chief marketing officer Claire Bayliss said: "We are dedicated to making dream bathrooms easy, from design to installation, and this appointment demonstrates our commitment to deliver quality products and expert advice. "We've already received some great applicants for the BEO position and will be looking to produce a short-list in the upcoming weeks. "We're really looking forward to filling the role and won't rest until we find the right candidate". Other possible best jobs in the world range from a chief funster to a taste master. what is the advantage of the job for the perfect candicate? A. He will lead a stress-free life. B. He can have their fingers and toes washed. C. He can do the job at home. D. He can do the job comfortably. Answer: C. He can do the job at home. Which of the following needs soil A. a planter B. a painted house C. a bamboo stalk D. an industrial plant Answer: C. a bamboo stalk
Chris Rock was born in the state of South Carolina in the United States. When he was a child, his family moved, and he grew up in a poor area in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager, Rock left high school and started telling jokes in comedy clubs in New York City, Even at age 18, Chris Rock was very funny. He told jokes about his family (his parents were very strict) , and about growing up in Brooklyn in the 1980s. Many of his jokes were also about high school, which Rock says was terrible. Famous comedians went to see Rock's performances. One comedian (Eddie Murphy) helped him get work on television and in the movies. Chris Rock still acts in movies, but he does not want to be a serious actor. For him, comedy is more important. It makes people laugh, but it can also make people think. Today,Chris Rock still does live comedy shows around the world. He also created a TV show called "Everybody Hates Chris. " It is about his teenage years growing up and going to school in Brooklyn. In 2006, it was considered as one of the best comedy shows on American television. Which sentence about Chris Rock is true? A. As a teenager, he was not funny. B. He started working in clubs after he graduated from college. C. He loved going to high school. D. A famous comedian helped him get work on TV and in the movies. Answer: D. A famous comedian helped him get work on TV and in the movies. So much to do, so little time.So much information, so little time to read .In this age there is more information than ever before.There is not enough time to read everything we want to read.However, you can take in and understand more information in shorter time through speed-reading.This article will not make you read 3 000 words per minute, but it will show you how to increase your speed greatly.You will also learn the basic techniques of speed reading, along with the dos and don'ts of speed-reading. When you first learned to read, you would say the word out loud and sound it out.Then you might whisper the word because people can become annoyed when you read aloud.The stage you are now at is saying the word in your head.Most people tend to read this way.Saying the word in your head will cut your reading speed tremendously . How do you calculate your reading speed? The speed is measured by how many words per minute you can read.Get some reading material, preferably a book.Find out how many words are on the page.Time yourself one minute.Start your timer and start reading.When the timer sounds, stop at once.If you counted 500 words on the page and you read half of the page, then you are probably reading at 250 words per minute. The first thing about speed-reading is looking at the word and recognizing it.Don't say the word in your mind, just look at it and recognize its appearance.Later you will recognize groups of four words or more to increase your speed.This is the first and most important step in speed-reading. The next step is technique.As with any other skill, speed-reading requires technique.You should first be sitting up straight with your book on a horizontal surface, such as a table or desk.Next, should be able to see the entire page.This is necessary if you want to recognize clumps of words.Lastly, _ .It's hard to read a lot of noise.Find a quiet place to read.This will help your understand of the text.You need something to guide your eyes while reading.Then right, you should use your hand, Remember when you were little, you would read using your finger.That is a great technique, only now you're using your hand to underline each line.Move your finger smoothly across page.No need to go rush , start our slow.Keep your eyes focused on words as you recognize them while using your hand as a guide.This will increase you speed. The third step is practice.Practice makes perfect.Set time intervals .Read using different techniques, but make sure you understand what you're reading. What is the subject discussed in the text? A. What speed-reading is. B. Why we need speed-reading. C. Now it is much information time. D. People should practice speed-reading in different kinds of ways. Answer: A. What speed-reading is. Hi, everyone! My name is Wang Kai. I'm twelve. I'm in Class 5 Grade 7. Teachers' Day is coming. I want to give some presents to my teachers. Miss Zhang is my English teacher. She is twenty-four years old. She likes flowers very much. I want to give her some flowers from my garden. My Chinese teacher has a four-year-old son, Li Xin. He likes playing football a lot. I want to give my Chinese teacher a "special" present: playing football with Li Xin for a day! What about my maths teacher Mr. Zheng? He likes drawing pictures. I would like to draw a picture of him and give it to him. My friends, what presents do you usually give to your teachers? Please tell me! _ likes playing football a lot. A. Wang Kai's English teacher B. Wang Kai's Chinese teacher C. Wang Kai's maths teacher D. Li Xin Answer: D. Li Xin Chris Rock was born in the state of South Carolina in the United States. When he was a child, his family moved, and he grew up in a poor area in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager, Rock left high school and started telling jokes in comedy clubs in New York City, Even at age 18, Chris Rock was very funny. He told jokes about his family (his parents were very strict) , and about growing up in Brooklyn in the 1980s. Many of his jokes were also about high school, which Rock says was terrible. Famous comedians went to see Rock's performances. One comedian (Eddie Murphy) helped him get work on television and in the movies. Chris Rock still acts in movies, but he does not want to be a serious actor. For him, comedy is more important. It makes people laugh, but it can also make people think. Today,Chris Rock still does live comedy shows around the world. He also created a TV show called "Everybody Hates Chris. " It is about his teenage years growing up and going to school in Brooklyn. In 2006, it was considered as one of the best comedy shows on American television. Today, what does Chris Rock say is the most important? A. Being a serious actor. B. Making people laugh. C. Helping teenagers. D. Having his own club. Answer: B. Making people laugh. Movies coming soon The Croods Length of time:1 hour 32 minutes Style: Family, Action Release date : November 22, 2014 Directors: Kirk De Micco, Chris Sanders Starring: Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds Summary A prehistoric family are forced to flee their cave after it's destroyed by a disaster that threatens to change their lives forever in this animated film featuring the voices of Nicolas Cage and Emma Stone.As a protective caveman father leads his family out of harm's way, the clan crosses paths with a clever teen named Guy (voice of Ryan Reynolds), who offers to help them reach a distant land where they will be safe from a terrible disaster that will soon change the entire world. Admission Length of time: 1 hour 47 minutes Style: Comedy Release date: November 22, 2014 Director: Paul Weitz Starring: Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Nat Wolff Summary Tina Fey and Paul Rudd star in director Paul Weitz's comedy about an honest Princeton admissions officer.The officer meets a teenager who may be her long-lost son while recruiting students from an alternative high school.Years ago, Portia Nathan(Fey) quietly gave her newborn son up for adoption.Now she's got a great career recruiting students for Princeton university.Then, one day, she receives an unexpected call from her close college classmate _ , who runs an alternative high school that is home to some very gifted students.One such student is Jeremiah(Nat Wolff), who John believes could be the son that Portia gave up for adoption back in her youth.Meanwhile, as Portia puts her career in danger by changing Jeremiah's transcript , an unexpected love story begins to happen. In the movie The Croods, the escaping family is led by _ . A. Ryan Reynolds B. a smart teen C. the father D. the mother Answer: C. the father
I am an American student. My name is Vicky King. I have a big family. I have two brothers. They and I are in the same school. My grandma and grandpa live with us. They are my father's parents. My father is from England, but my mother's hometown is at the foot of the Great Wall of China. My brothers and I were all born in New York. Because my father works in a school in New York. He teaches English. People often ask us, "What do you like eating?" It is not easy to answer this question! Well, let me tell you. My grandpa has been to India, so he likes Indian food. My father likes hot dogs, potato chips and hamburgers. My mother likes rice, noodles and dumplings. She often does very nice Chinese food for us. So my brothers and I like Chinese food a lot but English food a little. We don't like Indian food at all. Her grandfather is _ . Answer: Please help! I live in Germany with my wife and three kids. My parents live in the UK. I want my kids to have as much contact with their grandparents as possible. The kids all use e-mail, Skype and SMS but my parents won't. I've bought them a laptop, paid for broadband, given them both mobile phones and a digital camera, but they won't use them. My parents say they hate computers and new technology. What can I do with these " _ "? Daniel, Buremburg, Germany Actually, the original technophobes were the Luddites, a group of cloth workers in 19thcentury Britain during the Industrial Revolution. The Luddite cloth workers, who traditionally made cloth by hand, were worried that machines were going to take away their jobs and way of life. These machines could make cloth much faster and cheaper than humans. In 1811 and 1812 the Luddites destroyed the machines that they hated so much, but the British government supported the factory owners. Many Luddites were arrested. Charlotte Bronte's novel Shirley will tell your parents all about it. Laura, Valencia, Spain Laura makes some interesting points, I think. Technophobes has been a common theme in science fiction. Frankenstein, one of the first science fiction, is a warning of what could happen if humans began to experiment with human life. Freda, Copenhagen, Denmark One thing you could try is to find hardware that is designed for older people to use. An example is the mobiles made by the US company, Jitterbug. Instead of icons and menus the Jitterbug phones ask users simple "yes/no" questions and have larger keypads. The company realized that there are potentially 100 million older users in the US alone. Graham, Patras, Greece The passage is probably taken from _ . Answer: We are all interested in equality, but while some people try to protect the school and examination system in the name of equality, others, still in the name of equality, want only to destroy it. Any society which is interested in equality of opportunity and standards of achievement must regularly test its pupils. The standards may be changed ---- no examination is perfect ---- but to have no external tests or examinations would mean the end of equality and of standards. There are groups of people who oppose this view and who do not believe either in external examinations or in any controls in schools or on teachers. This would mean that everything would depend on luck since every pupil would depend on the efficiency, the ideal and the purpose of each teacher. Without external examinations, employers will look for employees from the highly respected schools and from families known to them ---- a form of favoritism will replace equality. At the moment, the bright child from an ill-respected school can show certificates to prove he or she is suitable for a job, while the lack of a certificate shows the unsuitability of a dull child attending a well - respected school. This defense of excellence and opportunity would disappear if external examinations were taken away, and the bright child from a poor family would be a prisoner of his or her school's fame, unable to compete for employment with the child from the favored school. The opponents of the examination system suggest that examinations are an evil force because they show differences between pupils. According to these people, there must be no special, different, academic class. They have even suggested that there should be no form of difference in sport or any other area: all jobs or posts should be filled by unsystematic selection. The selection would be made by people who themselves are probably selected by some computer. These people are not just against school organization, but are at war with the whole idea of modem competitive society and they are using children in schools for their destructive purposes. There is no reason why we should allow such people to determine the way our schools are organized when it is to the obvious disadvantage of the pupils, of the schools and of our society as a whole. Which of the following sentences is TRUE? Answer: When Frida Kahlo's paintings were on show in London,a poet described her paintings as "a ribbon around a bomb".Such comments seem to suggest Kahlo had a big influence on the art world of her time.Sadly,she is actually _ today than she was during her time. Born in 1907 in a village near Mexico City,Kahlo suffered from polio at the age of seven.Her spine became bent as she grew older.Then,in 1925,her back was broken in several places in a schoolbus accident.Throughout the rest of her life,the artist had many operations,but nothing was able to cure the terrible pain in her back.However,the accident had an unexpected side effect.While lying in her bed recovering,Kahlo taught herself to paint. In 1929,she got married to Diego Rivera,another famous Mexican artist.Rivera's strong influence on Kahlo's style can be seen in her early works,but her later works from the 1940s,known today as her best works,show less influence from her husband. Unfortunately,her works did not attract much attention in the 1930s and 1940s,even in her home country.Her first onewoman show in Mexico was not held until 1953.For more than a decade after her death in 1954,Kahlo's works remained largely unnoticed by the world,but in the 1970s her works began to gain international fame at last. (2012*,C) The terrible pain Kahlo suffered was caused by _ . Answer: W Taipei The W Hotel is among the city's big-name luxury hotels. Futuristic and fancy, the W Taipei's setting is reminding you of a Lady Gaga video; perhaps that explains why the singer insisted on staying here on a recent visit. There are eight room types to choose from, with names such as Fabulous and Extreme Wow. They vary wildly in style. 10 Zhongxiao E. Road, Sect. 5, Xin Yi Area Taipei City Hall MRT; +886 2 7703 8888; from NT$8,900 (US$299); www.wtaipei.com Grand Hotel If sleeping in landmarks is your thing, the Taipei Grand Hotel is a must. The Grand is an expression of classical Chinese art mixed with Western construction principles. The Grand Hotel is attractive and full of history, but rooms are aging, so don't expect the inside to be as "grand" as the outside. You can enjoy yourself at a driving range of golf, year-round pools and no fewer than eight restaurants. No. 1, Lane 1, Zhongshan N. Road, Section 4 shuttle from Yuan Shan MRT; +886 2 2886 8888; from NT$4,800 (US$165); www.grand-hotel.org Dandy Hotel From free drinks and snacks in the lobby to seasonally themed decorations, this hotel takes care of the small _ . But what places the Dandy Hotel above others in the same price category are views over Da-An Park; they're reminders of those of New York's Central Park. Rooms with views are worth the extra money paid, but book early -- there are only two on each floor. No. 33, Xin Yi Road, Sect. 3, Dongmen MRT; +886 2 2707 6899; from NT$2,340 (US$80); www.dandyhotel.com.tw Homey Hostel Taiwanese brother and sister Josh and Kelly make guests feel right at home at this bargain Hostel. According to them, their motive in starting the hostel was to make friends, which is why they can often be found in the public area chatting with guests. There's a small kitchen, public computer, free coffee and tea, and luggage storage. 1/F, No. 7, Lane 180, Tonghua Street,) Liuzhangli MRT; +886 91900 2116; dorms from NT$500 (US$17); www.homeyhostel.com If you are a backpack traveller with a low budget, which would be your best choice? Answer:
Most children don't enjoy doing housework . Then like playing computer games rather than cleaning the rooms. But in Australia, Jim and Robert's mother, Mrs Black, has a good and proper method to get their children to do housework. Here is an example. "Mum, have you worked out next week's housework? Let Jim and me choose the cards. I can't wait. It's fun! " When Robert shouted out, his mother had already put all the cards on their big table. On the cards, there are some words like these, " sweep the floor, clean your bedroom, help mum cook, wash vegetables, make beds, feed the fish, cut the wood, clean the bathroom " and many others. Jim and Robert chose two cards for each day from Monday to Friday. Then they would hang them on the weekday task board. Jim likes to clean the bathroom, so he picked up the card "clean the bathroom ". Robert loves to make the bed so he picked up his favorite card. Jim again picked up "wash vegetables" and Robert chose " feed the fish ". Soon the two boys were happy to take away all the cards. To help the children do housework, their mother thought hard and came up with this idea. Of course, the couple did the housework on the weekends and left Jim and Robert two days free. Jim and Robert chose _ cards for the weekdays for a fortnight . A two B ten C .twenty D twenty-eight Answer: C. .twenty Recently a Beijing father sent in a question at an Internet forum asking what "PK" meant. "My family has been watching the 'I Am the Singer' singing competition TV programme. My little daughter asked me what 'PK' meant, but I had no idea," explained the puzzled father. To a lot of Chinese young people who have been playing games online, it is impossible not to know this term. In such Internet games, "PK" is short for "Player Kill", in which two players fight until one ends the life of the other. In the case of the "I Am the Singer" singing competition, "PK" was used to refer to the stage where two singers have to compete with each other for only one chance to go up in competition raking. Like this father, Chinese teachers at Middle schools have also been finding their students using _ which are difficult to understand. A teacher from Tianjin asked her students to write the compositions with simple language, but they came up with a lot of Internet jargons that she didn't understand. "My 'GG' came back this summer from college. He told me I've grown up to be a 'PLMM'. I loved to 'FB' with him together; he always took me to the 'KPM'," went one composition. "GG" means Ge Ge (Chinese pinyin for brother). "PLMM" is Piao Liang Mei Mei (beautiful girl)."FB" means Fu Bai (corruption)."KPM" is short for KFC, Pizza Hut and McDonald's. Some specialists welcome Internet jargons as a new development in language. If you do not even know what a Kong Long (dinosaur, meaning an ugly looking femal) or a Qing Wa (frog, meaning an ugly looking male ) is, you will possibly be regarded as a CaiNiao! The example of the Beijing father and the Tianjin teacher are used to show that Internet jargons _ . A are used not only online B can be understood very well C are welcomed by all the people D cause trouble to our mother tongue Answer: D. cause trouble to our mother tongue Cats and dogs aren't usually friendly but they can work together well when there's a common goal. Matt Hirst's pets were recently caught on camera conspiring to open the kitchen door while the master was away. According to his post on Reddit, Hirst -- who lives in the U.K. -- had been arriving home all week to notice one of the doors open, even though he knew he shut it before he left. After the fourth time the door was open he decided to set up a hidden camera. "The first time, I assumed I just must have left the door open. The second time, I checked the whole house thinking that someone was breaking in (and began to suspect the cat). The third time I figured it must be the cat, and decided to catch him out, so set the camera up and left it going all day," he wrote. Just three hours after leaving the house, the cat jumps up onto a scratch tower and starts pawing at the door. It takes the cat just over a minute to finally break through and then both cat and dog escape to the other side. Which of the following about cats and dogs are true? A Cats and dogs can never work together. B Cats and dogs can be friends if they work together. C Cats and dogs can get along well with each other if they live under the same roof. D Cats and dogs can cooperate with each other in order to finish something. Answer: D. Cats and dogs can cooperate with each other in order to finish something. The kite was originally called Zhiyuan in North China, and Yaozi in South China. Early in the Five dynasties, a man named Li Ye used to make and fly a kite in the emperor's court. He once attached a whistle made of bamboo to the kite. Sound was let out when the kite was flying. The kite was named after Zheng, a kind of Chinese music instrument. Then it was named Fengzheng in Chinese. The earliest kite in the world was made by Motse, a famous Chinese philosopher, who lived 2,300 years ago, for military purposes. He spent three years making an eagle and managed to fly it. The eagle was later regarded as the first kite in the world. Kite-flying became a recreation probably from the Tang dynasty when the royal family and people of the highest class were addicted to it. It was said that the Emperor Xuanzong in the Tang Dynasty once was interested in a kite named Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea flying in the air. Later, the paper-made kite was invented, which cost less and spread quickly among the common people. As time went on, kites flew to various countries in the world. 'The well-known British scientist, Dr. Needham, once described kites as an important scientific invention which spread to Europe from China in his book, A History of China's Science and Technology. The invention of the kite inspired men's dream of flying and led to the invention of the airplane. Why was kite-flying not a popular recreation among common people at first? A Because they were too busy to fly kites. B Because they were not allowed to fly kites. C Because it was difficult to make kites. D Because it was expensive to make kites. Answer: D. Because it was expensive to make kites. Today it is found that school students hardly pay much attention to sports.It is because they have no interest in sports? It may not be the fact.They often say they have other more important things to do. What are these important things? Examination! They have to spend much time on all kinds of examinations and tests at school,so many of them almost become bookworm .In the summer holidays of the last year,they had to put all the time to their study.So books stopped them from enjoying sports. Because of the pressure from their parents and teachers,they have to work harder and spend most of their time on books.As for the students themselves,they want to get good results so that they can go to famous high schools.So it seems necessary to stop their school sports for saving more time to study. In fact,education cannot go without physical exercise,because a quick mind hardly goes along with a weak body.If you don't have a strong body, you can never achieve anything,let alone a great success in your life. _ the greatest problem,so the school students don't pay attention to sports now. A Examinations are B No interest is C Books are D studies are Answer: A. Examinations are
A smuggler drove to the border. When a soldier looked in the truck, he was surprised to find six big bags. "What's in them?" the soldier asked. "Dirt," the smuggler answered. "Take them out," the soldier said. "I want to check them." The smuggler opened the bags, and sure enough, each one of them was filled with dirt. So the soldier let him go. A week later, the smuggler came back, and once again, the soldier looked in the truck. "What's in the bags this time?" he asked. "Dirt, more dirt," said the smuggler. Not believing him, the soldier checked the bags and, once again, he found nothing but dirt. The same thing happened every week for six months, and the soldier finally became so frustrated that he left and worked as a waiter in a restaurant. Then one night, the smuggler went to the restaurant and had a drink. The waiter saw him and said, "Listen! Drinks are free tonight if you tell me what you were smuggling all that time." Slowly, the smuggler got close to the waiter and said, "Trucks." The soldier found _ bags in the smuggler's truck for the first time. A four B five C six D seven Answer: C. six Once there was a dog named Noodle. Noodle had two brothers named Puff and Fluff, and a sister named Polly. Noodle's best friend was a boy named Jack. Jack went to school, but the dogs stayed home all day. Jack liked to feed Noodle chicken and beef. One day Jack went to the store and bought chicken for Noodle. Jack put too much chicken in Noodle's bowl. Noodle ate up all the chicken, but then his belly hurt. Poor Noodle! Jack was sad that he had made Noodle feel sick. Jack took Noodle, Puff, and Fluff to the park to run and play. Polly stayed home because she was sick. There were so many things to see at the park. Puff found a little red ladybug. Fluff found a big gray mouse. Noodle found a long brown stick. Jack found a deep pond with three ducks in it. Everyone had a great day at the park. Then the three dogs and Jack all went back home. When they got home, Polly was asleep on the bed. Polly said she was feeling better. Jack brought Polly some chicken noodle soup to eat. Noodle, Puff, and Fluff sat on the bed with Polly eating bones and drinking milk. What did Puff see at the park? A stick B ducks C ladybug D mouse Answer: C. ladybug There are a lot of school rules around the world. For example, in Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States, students have to wear uniforms, and they are not allowed to wear earrings. Some schools in Japan and other countries have rules about hair. For example, students are not allowed to change the color of their hair. In the United States, boys can not have their hair grow long. For safety at some US schools, students must have a pair of indoor shoes at school every day. This makes sure students won't fall over on the wet floors and keeps the schools clean. Gum chewing is not allowed in many US school buildings, as it is difficult to clean up. And if students chew gum in class, they may not pay much attention to their studies. In most foreign countries, school students are allowed to work part-time. But differently, Japanese school students are not allowed to work part-time or change the color of their hair. ,. (5,2,10) Which countries should students not be allowed to wear earrings in ? A England and Japan. B Australia and Japan. C Canada and China D The USA and France. Answer: B. Australia and Japan. Nectar is a sweet liquid that some flowering plants produce. A hummingbird drinks nectar from a flower. When a hummingbird drinks nectar, pollen from the flower sticks to the hummingbird's beak. The picture shows a hummingbird drinking nectar from a flower. Which statement explains the role of a hummingbird in the life cycle of a flowering plant? A A hummingbird carries food to the plant. B A hummingbird helps the plant reproduce. C A hummingbird protects the plant from predators. D A hummingbird makes the flowers produce nectar. Answer: B. A hummingbird helps the plant reproduce. The Five Rules for Keeping Fit Hi,there! I'm Crystal Collins and I'm very happy to share some time with you.So,you want to keep fit,huh? Well,you surely came to the right place.Together we can keep fit and healthy and succeed in doing that.It's easy.Everybody can do it,you hear? Just remember the five golden rules. Number one:Always wear comfortable clothes when you are exercising.You need to feel comfortable and relaxed . Number two:You should always do some warming--up exercise first,to get your body ready for the real thing. Number three:Never try to do too much exercise too soon.Take it nice and easy now,you hear ?There's no rush about this. Number four:Don't forget to relax for about five minutes when you've finished your exercise.You need to rest a little bit after you've been exercising. 1 And here is the golden rule number five.Stop at once if you feel any pain in your neck,head or any part of your body. Crystal Collins may most probably say this _ . A before the exercise starts B when the exercise is over C during the exercise D as soon as the exercise has started Answer: A. before the exercise starts
The UK's education system is ranked sixth best in the developed world, according to a global league table published by education firm Pearson in October,2012. The first and second places are taken by Finland and South Korea.The rankings combine international test results and data such as graduation rates between 2006 and 2010. Sir Michael Barber, Pearson's chief education adviser, says successful countries give teachers a high status and have a "culture" of education. International comparisons in education have become increasingly significant - and this latest league table is based upon a series of global test results combined with measures of education systems, such as how many people go on to university. The two education superpowers - Finland and South Korea - are followed by three other high-performing Asian education systems - Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. The UK is then only ranked at the head of an above-average group including the Netherlands, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland. These are ahead of a middle-ranking group including the United States, Germany and France. At the lowest end are Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia. These _ draw upon tests that are taken every three or four years, in areas such as maths, science and literacy - and so present a picture lagging by several years. Looking at education systems that succeed, the study concludes that spending is important, but not as much as having a culture that is supportive of learning. It says that spending is easier to measure, but the more complex impact of a society's attitude to education can make a big difference. The success of Asian countries in these rankings reflects the high value attached to education and the expectations of parents. This can continue to be a factor when families migrate to other countries, says the report. Looking at the two top countries - Finland and South Korea - the report says that there are many big differences, but the common factor is a shared social belief in the importance of education and its "underlying moral purpose". All of the following statements is NOT true EXCEPT _ . Answer: Forget famous goal celebration such as "The Robot" by Peter Crouch and "The Dive" by Juergen Klinsmann, here comes the South African "Diski dance". The Diski dance, which is performed through heading and kicking an imaginary ball, may be a goal celebration to watch in the following matches. South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala and his teammates performed this different dance when they celebrated his goal against Mexico in the opening World Cup game on Friday. The dance is already popular on YouTube and many soccer fans may want to learn the moves. Even South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has learnt the Diski dance which could be better than Cameroon Roger Milla's corner flag dance celebration in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. US actor John Travolta performed the dance shortly after landing his Boeing 707 at Lanseria airport, north of Johannesburg, on Wednesday morning. Goal celebrations are now part of the biggest sporting event and players plan them in advance just in case they find the back of the net. In football, a goal celebration is the practice of celebrating the scoring of a goal. The celebration may be performed by the goal-scorer, his or her teammates, the manager or coaches and the supporters of the team. The Robot goal celebration was so popular that England fans were surprised when Crouch, an English international footballer, said that he wouldn't be doing it any more unless England won the World Cup. The word Diski is the word used by the local people for soccer and may also describe the local style of football which focuses on dribbling and other tricks. What do we learn about the word "Diski"? Answer: Accidents happen, but when they destroy the delicate balance of nature and cause the whole world to suffer, they become disasters, and we should do all we can to prevent them from happening again. Bhopal chemical leak, December 1984, Bhopal, India An explosion in the Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India, released a deadly gas called methyl isocyanate , which is used to make pesticides. The gas formed a cloud that killed 2500 people; another 50000- 100000 people became ill. Trees and plants in the area became yellow and brittle. The explosion was caused by a mechanical failure that was not noticed in time to stop it. Exxon Valdez oil spill, March 1989, Alaska, U.S. On March 24, 1989, 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled into Prince William Sound from the tanker Exxon Valdez when its hull hit a reef and tore open. The oil, which is not yet cleaned up after billions of dollars have been spent and the millions of birds, fish, and other wildlife have died, was caused by human error and could have been avoided. Chernobyl, April 1986, USSR At 1:23 A.M. on Saturday, April 26, 1986, the reactor blew at nuclear power plant in Chernobyl, ripping open the core, blowing the roof off the building, starting more than 30 fires, and allowing radioactive material to leak into the air. Some 31 people were killed and 200 people were treated for radiation poisoning. Still at risk are 135000 people from the 179 villages within 20 miles, of the plant who were exposed to the radiation before being evacuated. Glaring violations of safety rules were at the bottom of this tragic event. Love Canal, 1953, New York, U.S. Love Canal, a small town in upstate New York near Niagara Falls, was destroyed by waste from chemical plants. Beginning in 1947, chemical companies could legally dump their waste products into the canal. The area developed a foul smell, trees lost their bark, and leaves fell throughout the year. A health survey found that the drinking water contained excessive levels of 82 industrial chemicals, 7 of which were thought to cause cancer. The people of Love Canal had an unusually high rate of cancer and birth defects. Eventually, many of the houses had to be abandoned. Today, the town has been partly cleaned up and some families have moved back to the area. Three Mile Island, 1979, Pennsylvania, U.S. On March 28, 1979, the worst accident in U.S. nuclear reactor history occurred at the Three Mile Island power station, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. No one was killed, and very little radioactivity was released into the air when coolant (the fluid that keeps a machine cool) escaped from the reactor core due to a combination of mechanical failure and human error. After 10 years and $ 1 billion in cleanup costs, the lower extremes of the reactor are still so radioactive that workers must use remote - control equipment to remove the remaining fragment of fuel core. This passage mainly discusses _ . Answer: Mr. Brown is a very old man. Every morning he goes for a walk in the park. And he comes home at 12:30 for his lunch. But today a police car stops at his house at twelve o'clock. Two policemen help him out. One of them says to Mr Brown's daughter," The old man can't find his way in the park. He asks us to take him home in the car." The daughter thanks the policemen. After they leave, she asks her father, " Dad, you go to that park every day. But today, you can't find the way. What's wrong with you?" The old man smiles like a child and says, " I can find my way home. I don't want to walk home today, you know?" The policeman says Mr Brown _ . Answer: Dear Sir, I recently found your website of Chinese Culture a very good source. I am a professor teaching at Soochow University in Taipei Taiwan, and I would plan to quite often use some articles on your website for my course of Introduction to Chinese Culture. Therefore, I'd like to inform you of my use for educational purposes and hopefully to have your permission. Meanwhile, I do wish I could have more materials from your service. Much grateful to you. Yours sincerely, Byron Gong Dear Mr. Byron Gong, It is a pleasure to know that our website has been of help for you to introduce Chinese culture in your class. Sharing the same mission in promoting Chinese culture, we are glad to grant you the permission in using the sources of our website for your educational purposes, under the condition that all the sources are credited. However, if the pictures or articles are to be used for publications, you can mail us and further discuss on that. We are happy to provide you some further material, but we would like to know what kind of information would be of interest to you. Thank you again for attention to our website. Any suggestion is welcome, and we would very appreciate your help if you could tell us what contents in our website are of most interest and significance to you and what parts should be given more attention. Sincerely yours, Chinaculture.org What's the response of the website after they received the letter? Answer:
Question: Last summer I went to India with my family. We spent 10 days traveling around Rajasthan and I will never forget it. We saw lots of things like the Taj Mahal and we went to a tiger reserve . Our guide was called Krishna and he was really nice especially when I didn't always understand things he would explain it to me and answer all my stupid questions. Also when I got ill with a fever, he was really kind and gave me medicine and got a priest to give me a _ in a Hindu temple we visited, and then I got well again very quickly. There were lots of amazing parts of the holiday. One was when we got to ride on elephants in Jaipur. My sister and I rode an elephant called Lucky. We were in a camel cart but Krishna talked to the camel's owner and we were allowed to ride on them, which was really cool. I also really liked the Taj Mahal because it was even prettier than I imagined. My sister lost her shoes. But the people in India are really kind, so we found them again. The weather was really hot which was nice because Krishna gave us lots of time to spend in the pool and relax in-between going to see all the amazing places. This was the best holiday that I have ever been on. I wish I could come back another year. What does the passage mainly talk about? A. A stupid tourist. B. A kind tour guide. C. A terrible trip. D. A holiday experience Answer: D Question: One day in summer, little Jack was playing on the beach with his father. Suddenly, he saw a little tortoise moving slowly on the sand. He started to look at it carefully and began to touch it with his hand. To his surprise, the tortoise stopped moving. It pulled in its head and legs, and closed its shell tightly. He touched it again but the tortoise didn't move at all. Jack became angry. He used a stick and tried to make it open. When his father saw this, he stopped him and said, "No, son, you mustn't do that! You will kill the tortoise. You won't get it open with a stick." Jack asked, "Why?" "Just wait and see," his father answered. Then he picked up the tortoise and put it in a bag. After they came back home, the father took the tortoise out of the bag. He put it near the fireplace . After a few minutes, the tortoise began to move a little. Then the tortoise stretched out its head and legs. At last, the tortoise began to move across the room. How excited Jack was when he saw this! "Son, now you see," said his father, "sometimes, you can't make someone do things he doesn't like. But if you get him warm first, he will do what you want him to do." The writer may want to tell us that _ . A. people will do things we want them to do B. people won't do things we want them to do C. we can make people do things they don't like D. we can't make people do things they don't like Answer: D Question: The Japanese government has launched a campaign encouraging people to go to bed and get up extra early in order to reduce household carbon dioxide emissions . The Morning Challenge campaign, launched by the Environment Ministry, is based on the belief that changing late night electricity for an extra hour of morning sunlight could greatly cut the nation's _ . A typical family can reduce its carbon dioxide footprint by 85kg a year if everyone goes to bed and gets up one hour earlier, according to the campaign. The amount of carbon dioxide emissions that might be saved from going to bed an hour earlier equals 20% of annual emissions from household lights. "Many Japanese people waste electrical power at night-time, for example, by watching TV until very late," a ministry spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph. "But going to bed early and getting up early can avoid wasting electrical power which causes carbon dioxide emissions. If people change their lifestyle, we can save energy and reduce emissions." The campaign also suggests that people take advantage of an extra hour of morning sunlight by improving their lifestyle in general by running, doing yoga and eating a nutritious breakfast. It is the latest initiative fighting climate change by the Japanese Environment Ministry, which is faced with the challenge of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25% from the level of 1990 within the next decade. It was the same government department that launched the Cool Biz campaign five years ago, which encourages workers to wear short-sleeved shirts and offices not to turn air conditioner lower than 28 degrees Celsius during summer. Getting up an hour earlier, people are advised to _ . A. work out together B. exercise outdoors C. enjoy the sunshine D. live a healthier life Answer: D Question: First lady Michelle Obama urged students to visit China at the "100,000 Strong" China Study Abroad Forum at Howard University. President Barack Obama announced the "100,000 Strong" Initiative during his 2009 visit to China. The program aims to increase the number of American students studying in China by making study abroad more affordable. During the event at Howard, Mrs. Obama spoke about the importance of studying abroad. "Studying in a country like China is about so much more than just improving your own prospects in the global market. The fact is that with every friendship you make and every bond of trust you establish you are shaping an image of America projected to the rest of the world and making America known better." she said. Mrs. Obama encouraged students to set aside the opinion that studying abroad is for "rich kids only" or for those attending "certain schools". The first lady also announced that the Chinese government is giving 10,000 "Bridge Scholarships" to cover costs for American students studying in China. Some students who had studied in China shared their experiences. David Marzban from Pepperdine University recalled a time when he formed a cross-cultural bond with a complete stranger at a restaurant near Fudan University in Shanghai. He noticed a young chef signaling him to come over. "He pressed the play button on his media player and started singing California Dreaming and wanted me to sing along with him," Marzban said. "At that time I knew a great friendship had started during my first two weeks in China." Nicole Baden from Howard University recalled how her time in China really helped her master the language. "You have to experience the culture while learning the language to really master it to understand why things are how they are compared to your own culture," Baden said. 12-year-old Sarah Davis, who studied in China last summer, said she was very excited to hear Michelle Obama talk about the country. "I love Chinese. Out of all the languages I've learned, Chinese is the most difficult and interesting." She said. According to the passage, the "100,000 Strong" Initiative _ . A. provides convenience for American students to study in China B. was made by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009 C. got little support from the Chinese government D. isn't well-accepted among American students Answer: A Question: I cheated on a unit test in math class this morning during second period with Mr Burke Afterward, I was too sick to eat lunch just thinking about it. I came straight home from school, went to my room, and lay on the floor trying to decide whether it would be better to run away from home now or af _ It wasn't even an accident that I cheated. Yesterday Mr.Burke announced there'd be a unit test and anyone who didn't pass would have to come to school on Saturday, most particularly me, since I didn't pass the last unit test I did plan to study just to prove to him that I'm plenty smart - which I am.mostly - except in math. Anyway, I got my desk ready to study on.Just when I was ready to work, Nicho came into my room with our new rabbit and it jumped on my desk and knocked the flashcards all over the floor.What a mess! Nicho and I finally took the rabbit outside but then Philip came to my room and also Marty from next door and before long it was dinner. After dinner my father said I could watch a special on television if I'd done all my homework.Of course I said I had.That was the beginning.I felt terrible telling my father a lie about the homework. It was nine o'clock when I got up to my room and that was too late to study for the unit test so I lay in my bed with the light off and decided what I would do the next day when I was m Mr.Burke's math class not knowing the 8- and 9-times tables. So, you see, the cheating was planned after all. The next day, I'd go into class as usual, acting like things were going just great.I'd sit down next to Stanley Plummer - he is so smart in math it makes you sick - and from time to time, I'd glance over at his paper to copy the answers.Everything was okay except that my stomach was upside down and I wanted to die. The fact is, I couldn't believe what I'd done .in cold blood.I began to wonder about myself.I've never been a wonderful kid that everybody in the world loves.I have a bad temper and I like to have my own way and I argue a lot.Sometimes I can be mean.But most of the time I've thought of myself as a pretty decent kid.Mostly I work hard, I care for little kids, and I tell the truth.Now all of a sudden I've turned into this criminal.It's hard to believe I'm just a boy.And all because of one stupid math test. Lying on the floor of my room, I begin to think that probably I've been bad all along.It just took this math test to clinch it.I'll probably never tell the truth again. I tell my mother I'm sick when she calls me to come down for dinner.She doesn't believe me, but puts me to bed anyhow.1 lie there in the early winter darkness wondering what terrible thing I'll be doing next when my father comes in and sits down on my bed. "What's the matter?" he asks."I've got a stomachache," I say.Luckily, it's too dark to see his face."Is that all?" "Yeah." "Mommy says you've been in your room since school." "I was sick there too," I say."She thinks something happened today and you're upset." That's the thing that really drives me crazy about my mother.She knows things sitting inside my head the same as if I was turned inside out. "Well," my father says.I can tell he doesn't believe me."My stomach is feeling sort of upset." I hedge."Okay," he says and he pats my leg and gets up. Just as he shuts the door to my room I call out to him in a voice I don't even recognize as my own."How come?" he calls back not surprised or anything.So I tell him I cheated on this math test.To tell the truth, I'm pretty much surprised at myself.I didn't plan to tell him anything. He doesn't say anything at first and that just about kills me.I'd be fine if he'd spank me or something.And then he says I'll have to call Mr.Burke.It's not what I had in mind."Now?" I ask surprised."Now," he says.He turns on the light and pulls off my covers."I'm not going to," I say. But I do it.I call Mr.Burke, and I tell him exactly what happened, even that I decided to cheat the night before the test.He says I'll come on Saturday to take another test, which is okay with me, and I thank him a whole lot for being understanding and all. "Today I thought I was turning into a criminal," I tell my father when he turns out my light. Sometimes my father kisses me good night and sometimes he doesn't.I never know.But tonight he does. After he was informed of what he had done, the father _ . A. scolded the author severely B. didn't say anything and left C. called Mr.Burke immediately D. let the author make a call to Mr.Burke Answer: D
Question: People use money to buy food, furniture, books, bicycles and hundreds of other things they need or want. Most of the money today is made of metal or paper. But people used to use all kinds of things as money. One of the first kinds of money was shells. Shells were not the only things used as money. In China, cloth and knives were used. In the Philippine Islands, rice was used as money for a long time. Elephant tusks, monkey tails, and salt were used as money in parts of Africa. Some animals were used as money too. The first metal coins were made in China. They were round and had a square hole in the center. People _ them together and carried them from place to place. The first coins in England were made of tin . Sweden and Russia used copper to make their money. Later countries began to make coins of gold and silver. Later the Chinese thought of a way to improve money. They began to use paper money. Money has had an interesting history from the days of shell money until today. The best topic of the article is"_." A. How Many Kinds of Money Are There in the World B. The History of Money C. Money in Different Countries D. The Use of Money Answer: B Question: New research shows how kids' brains reorganize as they learn math. All the time you spent memorizing multiplication tables may have made you a better mathematician, according to a new study. A team of scientists from Stanford University, in California, have shown how the brain reorganizes itself as kids learn math. After a certain amount of time spent practicing math, kids can put away the calculator . They don't even need to count on their fingers. They simply know the answers to subtraction , addition, and multiplication facts. The quicker kids can recall basic math facts, the easier it is for them to solve more complicated math problems. The Stanford University researchers observed the brain activity of 28 students aged 7to 9 for the study. They took scans of the students' brains as the students solved math calculations without the help of a calculator, pen or paper. A calculation--three plus four equals seven, for example--flashed on a screen. The students pushed a button to say if the answer was right or wrong. The scientists also recorded the response speed, and what parts of the brain became active as the kids pushed the button. These observations showed a process called fact retrieval . Rather than using their fingers to count, or writing out answers on a piece of paper, the students pulled the answers from memory. It's as if the answers to basic math problems are kept in a long-term storage area in the brain, which was built from repetition. "Experience really does matter," said Dr. Kathy Mann Koepeke. Children make the shift from counting to fact retrieval when they are 8 to 9 years old, the study shows. This is the time when most students are learning basic addition and subtraction. When kids have basic math facts memorized, the brain has more free space to learn more complicated math. This process has benefits for the future. The study shows as kids grow older, their answers rely more on memory and become quicker and more accurate. Less brain activity is devoted to counting. Some children make this shift quicker than others. What happens to kids when they are 8 to 9 years old? A. Their brains are more active than before. B. They depend on fact retrieval for answers. C. They become more interested in learning math. D. They work out complicated problems more quickly. Answer: B Question: Nearly all kids have had the same experience. They are eating in a restaurant with their parents. They finished the spaghetti minutes ago. Now, they are bored. Their little brother is kicking them under the table. He is also complaining about the desserts . Yet their parents are still eating and talking...and talking...and talking. "Be patient." One parent says. "We'll have dessert soon." All kids know what happens next. After dessert, their parents drink coffee. Then they talk some more. Again, the children must wait. They have been in school all day and would rather be running and playing. Instead, they must sit in a chair and stare at a wall. Going to a restaurant doesn't have to be this way. Many restaurants say they are "family-friendly". Family restaurants, such as fast-food restaurants should play areas for children. At these restaurants, almost every play area is a big room full of climbing equipment. The room is usually, packed with happy kids. Parents can eat while the children play. Everyone is happy. The real problem begins when families want to eat a fancier meal . The parents don't want to hurry through the meal but talk to each other. They do not have bored children pestering them about leaving. That's no fun for kids either. For them, going to a nicer restaurant means just one thing: sit still and be quiet. On family blogs across the Web, dozens of parents post the same question all the time; are there any nicer restaurants with play areas for kids? Research shows that some nicer restaurants do have play areas. In warmer cities, it is easier for restaurants to build play areas outside. For example, at one restaurant kids can sail tiny little motor boats in a small, shallow pond. Parents can sit on a beautiful yard and watch the kids play. Some nicer restaurants even have indoor play areas. Research also shows that these restaurants serve more than just burgers, chickens and fries. So, it's possible for a restaurant to provide both food and a place where kids can play. These restaurants seem to be popular, too. For some, families must have reservation days in advance. For others, families might be forced to wait in long lines. Clearly, quality food and safe play areas are both good for business. What does the writer mainly want to tell us? A. Cities need to help develop restaurant business. B. Children are supposed to be much more patient. C. Restaurants are supposed to give kids some space. D. Parents need to care more about their kids when eating. Answer: C Question: Britain is facing a sharp rise in its rat population as growing numbers of people leave what they cannot finish of the fast food in the street, an environment group warned .Keep Britain Tidy said the rats were stopping their traditional hunts underground and were running across the streets, invited by burgers, pizzas and crisps left behind by man. "The rat population is on the rise and soon it'll be as common to see a rat on our street as it is to see a dog or a cat," said group Director, Sue Nelson. The practice of spreading fast food litter and scraps on the street rather than in the dustbin--with young men the worst group--was behind the rise. According to the National Rodent Survey in 2005, Britain's rat population has grown by nearly one quarter since 2000 and is now estimated at 60 million, two million more than the human population. On average a rat can give birth every 24-28 days and just a single pair of rats can produce a family of 2,000 a year. Around 200 people a year get Weil's Disease -an infection which can lead to liver or kidney failure and eventually death and which is carried in rats' waste. To attract people's attention to the problem, Keep Britain Tidy produced a cinema ad with a title "How close do you want them to get?" The ad gave a shocking image of a young woman sleeping in a bed of rats--reminding people of the terrible scene from James Herbert's classic horror tale The Rats, in which rats begin to hunt for humans. We may infer from the passage that _ . A. Weil's Disease will finally end the world B. pizzas and crisps will become unpopular C. rats will put human beings' life in danger D. young people should take the responsibility for the rat population Answer: C Question: When you make soap bubbles, what is inside the bubbles? A. Air B. Soap C. Water D. Nothing Answer: A
Question: What is an example of hunting? A. Cats eating cat food B. sea otter cracking open clams with a rock C. Humans going to restaurants D. A dog eating dog food Answer: B Question: Ashlyn Blocker could break her arm and not know it. That's because Ashlyn, 13, can't feel pain. That might sound like a cool superpower. But without pain, everyday activities can be hazardous for Ashlyn. In fact, they could kill her. When Ashlyn was born, no one knew that she couldn't feel pain. But soon there was hints that something was wrong. When Ashlyn's teeth grew in, she almost chewed off part on her tongue. Ashlyn's parents took her to doctor for tests. The doctors discovered that Ashlyn couldn't feel pain, a condition called congenital insensitivity to pain(CIPA). Fewer than 100 people in the United States have it. There is no cure. . "Sometimes it's frustrating," she admits. But Ashlyn doesn't let anything stop her from doing things she wants to do. "I just have to be careful," she says. For years, Ashlyn didn't know anyone else who had CIPA. That made it harder to deal with her condition. "I felt alone," she says. One night she dreamed that there was a camp for kids like her. In 2011, Ashly's mom made the dream come true. She started Camp Painless But Hopeless. The camp is for children who have CIPA. Every November, they and their families spend four days together. The campers get to do daring activities like rock climbing--wearing safety equipment. Someday, Ashlyn wants to be a director at the camp so she can help others who can't feel pain. In fact, Ashlyn is already helping others. Since 2004, she has let scientists study her to learn more about her condition. What they are finding out could one day help people who suffer from the same disease. That makes her feel great. "I believe there is a reason for everything, " she says, "There is a reason for me." What can we learn about Ashlyn's illness? A. She was born that way. B. It is a common disease C. It is sometimes helpful to her D. She is getting better and better now. Answer: A Question: Hello, I'm Peter in the second grade. Now I have one thing to say: It's not easy being a kid. Being a kid might look like fun, but sometimes it's not fun at all. Yesterday I was playing outside with my friend. We were having a good time. But suddenly, my mother said, "Peter, it's time to come inside now. It's getting dark." When you're an adult, no one can tell you what to do or when to do it. When you are a kid, you have to get up early in the morning and go to school. At school, you have to study math, English, science and history. After school, you have to do your homework. When you are an adult, you do not have to go to school and you never have homework to do. When you are a kid, the older kids sometimes _ you. When I was walking home from school on Monday, Tom and Steve bothered me. Steve took my schoolbag and put it in a tree. It made me very mad. When you are an adult, no one can pick on you. When you are a kid, you have to go to bed early. On school nights, my mom asks me to go to bed at 9:00 pm. But I do have parents who love me, which is really great. So I think I like being a kid, even though it's not easy being a kid. ,. As a kid you do the following things EXCEPT _ . A. go to school B. do your homework C. get up early and go to bed early D. go anywhere without telling anyone Answer: D Question: Does money buy happiness? Not! Ah, but would a little more money make us a little happier? Many of us smirk(,) and nod. There is, we believe, some connection between financial fitness and emotional fulfillment. Three in four American college students--nearly double the 1970 proportion-- now consider it "very important" or "essential" that they become "very well off financially". Money matters. But a surprising fact of life is that in countries where nearly everyone can afford life's necessities, increasing wealth matters surprisingly little. The connection between income and happiness is "surprisingly weak," observed University of Michigan researcher Ronald Inglehart in one 16-nation study of 170,000 people. Once comfortable, more money provides diminishing returns . The second piece of pie, or the second $100,000, never tastes as good as the first. Even lottery winners and the Forbes' 100 wealthiest Americans surveyed by University of Illinois psychologist Ed Diener have expressed only slightly greater happiness than the average American. Making it big brings temporary joy. But in the long run wealth is like health: its complete absence can create suffering, but having it doesn't guarantee happiness. Happiness seems less a matter of getting what we want than of wanting what we have. Has our happiness, however, floated upward with the rising economic tide? Are we happier today than in 1940s, when two out of five homes lacked a shower or tub? Actually, we are not. Since 1957, the number of Americans who say they are "very happy" has declined from 35 to 32 percent. Meanwhile, the divorce rate has doubled, the teen suicide rate has increased nearly three times, the violent crime rate has gone up nearly four times, and depression has mushroomed. Economic growth has provided no boost to human morale. When it comes to psychological well being, it is not the economy. I call this soaring wealth and shrinking spirit "the American paradox." More than ever, we have big houses and broken homes, high incomes and low confidence, secured rights and reduced civility. We are good at making a living but often fail at making a life. We celebrate our prosperity but long for a purpose. We treasure our freedoms but long for connection. In an age of plenty, we feel spiritual hunger. Which of the following statements best expresses the author's view? A. The more money we earn, the less returns we have. B. The more money we earn, the happier we would be. C. In the long run, money cannot guarantee happiness. D. In the long run, happiness grows with economy. Answer: C Question: Laura and Graham were having a party for their good friend Judy. Judy had graduated high school and they wanted to show her how proud they were of her, and Judy would be moving far away at the end of the year. Judy was going to college to become a doctor. She thought about becoming a lawyer or an engineer. She even thought about being a scientist. Judy would be bringing her friend Mike. There wouldn't be many people at the party, since this was a celebration with close friends. Laura set out drinks and snacks for Judy and the other guests. The snacks she set out were salty pretzels. Who set out drinks and snacks? A. Laura B. Graham C. Judy D. Mike Answer: A
Spanish men will have to learn to change diapers and do dishwashing under the terms of a new law designed to strike a blow. The law, due to be passed this month, is likely to cause a revolution in family affairs in a country where 40% of men reportedly don't do housework at all. It will oblige men to "share domestic responsibilities and the care and attention" of children and elderly family members, according to the draft approved by the Spanish parliament's justice commission. "This will be a good way of reminding people what their duties are. It is something feminists have been wanting for a long time," said Margarita Uria, of the Basque Nationalist Party, who was behind what is an amendment to a new divorce law. Failure to meet the obligations will be taken into consideration by judges when determining the terms of divorces. Men who refuse to do their part may be given less frequent contact with their children. Spanish women spend five times longer on housework than husbands. Even when both have jobs outside the home, Spanish women still do three times as much work in the house. "It is not just about housework, though," said Ms. Uria. A study five years ago by Spain's Center for Sociological Investigation concluded that fathers spent an average of 13 minutes each day looking after their children. Only 19 % of Spanish men thought it was right for mothers of school-age children to have a full-time job. More than a third thought mothers should not work outside the home at all. The Change to the Spanish legal code will see domestic obligations added to a list of marital duties that currently includes fidelity, living together and helping one another. That should guarantee that, when the law--which will also make divorce proceedings faster and easier--is voted on in parliament in the next few weeks, the obligation to share domestic chores will be added to the statute books. What is the general topic of the passage? A Spain will pass a new law to oblige men to share domestic responsibilities. B Men have to share more domestic responsibilities. C There will be a revolution by provoked feminists. D Marital laws in Spain are not enough yet. Answer: A Which of these would best help a scientist discover a new planet? A making a model of outer space B asking questions to other scientists C collecting information about planets D looking at the night sky with a telescope Answer: D Many years ago,there lived a very rich man who wanted to do something for the people of his town. But first he wanted to find out whether they were good enough to get his help. So he placed a very large stone in the center of the main road into town. Then he hid behind a tree and waited. Soon an old man came along with his cow. "Who put this stone in the center of the road?" said the old man,but he did not try to move the stone away. Instead,he passed around the stone and continued on his way. Another man came along and did the same thing; then another came,and another. All of them complained about the stone in the center of the road,but none of them tried to move it away. Late in the afternoon, a young man came along. He saw the stone and said, "It will be very dark at night. Some people will come along later in the dark and will fall against the stone." The young man then began to move the stone. He pulled with all his strength to move it to one side. But imagine his surprise when he found a bag full of money and this message under the stone: "This money is for the thoughtful person who takes this stone away from the road. Thank you." What's the main idea of this passage? A We should move the stone on the road. B Think for others sometimes is think for yourself. C We can make money by moving stones. D A luck man get much money from a rich man. Answer: B A plant needing to photosynthesize will want to be placed nearest to a A fridge B bed C skylight D basement Answer: C What is involved in creating genetically modified bacteria? A allowing them to reproduce freely B changing their food source C using biotechnology techniques D growing them on selected plants Answer: C
Relax. He is the same little boy you loved yesterday. I smiled trying to hold back the tears. "No, he isn't. Yesterday I dreamed he would be an astronaut. Today I am hoping he will learn to talk." It was like some sort of cosmic joke. I could still recall the day that determined my fate. It was October in Ottawa and the summer breezes had given way to the autumn rainfall of leaves. The snow would begin soon. The crispness of coming frost was in the air. My casually mentioning Wyatt's behavior to Dr. Martin aroused his worries. He started asking me questions about Wyatt's activities speech pattern and emotions. I still see clearly in my mind the cleanness of the room and all its belongings when the doctor turned to me and said, "He almost sounds autistic ." I couldn't face that picture in my mind. I had to run to get away from this all too painful place that was reminding me of what was to be my child's life-being strange. I could not remember how many times I told myself, "This is normal. He is a little boy who is not talking yet," when my asking questions met with his blank-eyed response in a restaurant; how many times I would tell myself, "He loves to play on his own for hours at a time and he never gets into trouble," when Wyatt was playing games that no one else could imagine, let alone join in while other boys in the park were playing together or in small groups played around a sand pail or toy truck. My life was changing direction. So was Wyatt's. I started to hide Wyatt from my friends and neighbor especially from a good friend. It was too painful to let others know about my boy acting strange. It was a Thursday afternoon and I found one half of a great pair of kitchen scissors was missing. They were unbelievably sharp and could be taken apart so they could be washed or the blades sharpened. I knew Wyatt had taken the missing blade. "Wyatt," I began as patiently as I could, "Do you see this?" I held up the blade. "Do you know what this is?" Wyatt put a bunch of Fruit Loops in his mouth. No response. "Wyatt!" I forced eye contact with him. "Where are the other scissors? See these." I showed him the half pair. He smiled big. Ate Fruit Loops. Turned the TV on and off. Still no response. I didn't know what to do. It was really hard. "Wyatt," I tried once more, "Mommy wants these scissors. Can you go get them for Mommy? It will make Mommy so happy if you bring me the scissors." "Watch Spongebob." Wyatt asked as he slid down from his kitchen stool and ran off, leaving me shaking my head and wondering in exactly which way this situation was going to end badly. Five minutes later, I turned my head to see Wyatt coming downstairs, his favorite doll in one hand, the missing half pair of kitchen scissors in the other. I immediately ran over and took it from him. "Wyatt!" I hugged him. "Thank you for bringing me the scissors! Good job! You did it! These scissors need to stay in the kitchen. These are Mommy's scissors!" Wyatt laughed, looked at me straight in the eye and said, "Mommy so happy!" I came close to tears. A realization dawned on me that he was the best gift I had ever gotten even though he was not as normal as other children. And why did I hide him from others as if he were some dark and terrible secret. No! He was my pride. It was a long, hard battle to get him to this point, expressing his wants and needs without turning to violence in embarrassment. With love and patience I have found the beautiful, happy boy who would teach me more about life. And that is the solution. From the first part of the story we can get to know that the son's problem was _ to the mother. A a heavy blow B a white lie C an unforgettable lesson D a ridiculous experience Answer: A. a heavy blow I was hurrying to our basketball game one morning when Hillary Barnes,the most popular girl,in school,stopped me."Are you the twin who won the art competition?"she asked. "No,that's Christine.I'm Katie."I said. We were not identical twins;we looked quite different.She could defeat Snow White in a beauty contest!Compared to Christine,I felt like one of Cinderella's stepsisters. One Saturday Christine gave me a painting lesson because I was always attempting to be artistic too.But I knocked over the vase of flowers,spilling water onto Christine's painting.Instead of becoming angry,though,she turned the whole mess into a dreamy masterpiece .You could look at it five different ways and see five different things.With this brilliant creation,she won First Prize in the art competition.I really envied her,but I knew it wasn't her fault and I was the one with wild,unmanageable hair and no talent. Joining Christine's basketball team was my latest effort to be like her. On the way to the gym,I'd made up my mind to give my best performance in that day's game.I made preparations with great enthusiasm."Christine,here!"I tossed her a ball.But it was too high,she leapt for it,it slipped through her fingers and crashed into the tape recorder that was used to play the national anthem before each game. I muttered apologies as I picked up the broken pieces of the recorder.Coach looked at the mess and asked,"How are we going to play the song now?" Christine suggested,"Let Katie sing it!She's always singing at home." Coach asked."Would you?"I found myself nodding. Coach announced the national anthem and everyone stood.Standing before a microphone,I looked up to the flag.The notes seemed to flow from deep inside me,and my voice was steady and clear.When I finished,the gym was silent Then it was filled with applause.As the game started.teammates patted my back and gave me the"thumbs up"sign.Laura Jamison said."You should try out for the school musical!"I Nodded and said that I might. The next morning Hillary Barnes stopped me in the hallway and asked,"Are you the twin who sings?" "Yes,that's me,"I answered,grining as I walked to class. Christine recommended Katie for the national anthem because _ . A she knew perfectly well what Katie had a gift for. B she wanted to repair the damage she had caused. C she thought Katie should be punished. D she would like to help the coach. Answer: A. she knew perfectly well what Katie had a gift for. There is one language that is used in every country in the world. The people who use it are young and old, short and tall, thin and fat. It is everybody's second language. It is easy to understand, although you can't hear it. It is sign language. When you wave to a friend who is across the street, you are using sign language. When you smile at someone, you are saying, "I want to be friendly", but you are not using speech. You are using body language. When you raise your hand in class, you are saying, "Please ask me. I think I know the correct answer." Babies who can't talk can point at things. They are using sign language. A policeman who wants to stop traffic holds up his hands. He is using sign language. Many years ago, a French priest, Charles Michel de Epee, became interested in education for deaf people. He invented a finger alphabet . It is still in use. People can make the sign for letters and spell words with their hands, and deaf people can read and understand them. Soon there were schools for the deaf in many countries. The only university for the deaf is Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C. Today, in the United States, there are special TV news programs for deaf people. The newsreader tells the news in sign language. At the same time, the words appear on the TV screen. The actors in the Theatre of Deaf don't spell every word. Sometimes they use hand signs. When they put two hands together, it means sandwich. They can make a roof with their hands when they want to show a house. One finger in front of an actor's mouth can mean quiet. You can talk to people who are behind windows that are closed. And when you go swimming with your friends, you can have conversations under water. How many hand signs do you use every day? The passage is mainly about _ . A an introduction to sign language B the importance of sign language C a famous priest in France D how to use sign language Answer: A. an introduction to sign language In films, dads change from cruel men to loving souls. Here is a list of good and bad movies dads .Atticus Finch in To kill a Mockingbird GOOD DAD:A man whose wife has died with a young family and a busy job as a lawyer, Gregory Peck's character in the 1962 film is one of the great heroes of American cinema Firm but fair he teaches his children respect and human decency .Harper Lee's novel gets a respectable transposition to film, thanks to Gregory Peck's perfect performance. Jack Torrance in The Shining BAD DAD: When Jack Torrance ,his wife ,Wendy ,and son, Danny ,escaped from the cold winter to the Overlook Hotel we know that Jack has hardly been a model father But when Jack becomes extremely angry and tries to murder his family with an axe, Danny used his intelligence to defeat him and left him to freeze to death. George Bailey in It's a Wonderful life GOOD DAD: James Stewart's character is a father-of-four who is saved from the edge of suicide and realizes his positive effect on others lives.Much of the film is unpleasant, with George shouting at his children as he faces financial problems. But finally the lovable father realizes the worth of his own life, the value of friendship and the importance of being a loving dad Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back BAD DAD: When the unfriendly cyborg told Luke Skywalker that he was his father ,the son's reaction says it all: "No! No!" It's hardly a joyful welcome to the family. For most of his son's life, Darth Vader has been an absent dad--and he has just cut off Luke's hand You can understand why Father's Day cards might not be available. Who is Harper Lee? A An actor. B A novelist C A movie director. D A translator. Answer: B. A novelist There is no place like home--as long as it is far enough away, it seems. Britain has become a nation of nomads ,with nearly half of us living more than 100 miles from the town or village where we grew up, research shows. The trend is being fuelled by the Internet, better communications and property wealth. People who move away fit into four separate categories--Sheep, Hens, Cows or Pigs. Sheep are people who change home for economic and emotional peace. Hens are home and environment care-seekers. Cows are career or work shifters, while pigs are people caught up in grand parental support. It is far from the common believed idea of Coronation Streets, where close-knit generations of the same family live within a few streets of each other throughout their lives. Less. Than 20 percent of people now live in the town where they were born. Instead, young adults move away to find work, get married or seek adventure. Many use the Internet to work from a home which need not be within easy traveling distance of their workplace. Also joining the moving crowd are older people who either move to be near grandchildren or retire to new homes. One in ten of those who do make away makes a complete break, and now lives 500 miles or more from where they grew up. Women are likely to leave as men, a sign of independence that would not have excited in the 1950s and 60s. People in the North-East, North-West, Yorkshire and prefix = st1 /Scotlandare the most likely to live in the community where they were born, the study found. Which of the following is not a reason for the trend mentioned in the text? _ . A The wide use of Internet B Improved communications C People becoming richer D More job opportunities Answer: D. More job opportunities
HAVE FUN IN SPRING! Special four-week mini-session April -- May Acting Classes for Ages 4+ and Teens! Classes meet once a week for four weeks. All classes are led by highly experienced Dallas Children's Theater (DCT) artists. Since this is a mini-session, classes will not present a show. Pre-K (Pre-Kindergarten) students will explore stories and characters from the world of books and literature. For students in Act It Up (K-1st && 2nd-3rd) and Acting (4th-6th), the classes will explore characters, expression and creativity through creative dramatics activities. Full $80 payment per student is required for enrollment . Classes will be filled first-come-first-served. For questions or to enroll, contact Nancy Schaeffer at 214-978-0110 or nancy@dct.org. Tuesdays 4:00-5:30 April 22-May 13, 2008 Play Days -- Pre-K Explore the wonderful characters from your favorite books Act out the stories you know so well and maybe a few new ones too! Take turns being on the stage with your class as you become many fun and creative characters Act It Up! Grades K-1 & Grades 2-3 Explore the most important aspects of acting: Characters: Who are You? * Imagination: See where it takes you -- be creative! Wednesdays 4:30-6:00 April 23-May 14, 2008 Acting -- Grades 4-6 Explore the most important aspects of acting: * Characterization: Movement and Voice * Imagination: Listening, Learning and Taking a chance Auditions and Monologues -- Grade 7+ * Work on a monologue that you can use for any audition Learn the tricks for how to do your best at your next audition -- at school, church or local theater Get feedback from a professional and make improvements to your auditioning skills The ad is about _ . training classes for students TV Shows and Long Bus Trips Long bus rides are like television shows. They have a beginning, a middle, and an end-- with ads thrown in every three or four minutes. The ads are unavoidable. They happen whether you want them or not. Every couple of minutes a billboard appears outside the bus window."Buy Super Clean Toothpaste.""Drink Good'n Wet Root Beer.""Fill up with Pacific Gas." Only if you sleep, which is equal to turning the television set off, are you spared the unending cry of "You Need It! Buy It Now!" The beginning of the ride is comfortable and somewhat exciting, even if you've traveled that way before. Usually some things have changed--new houses, new buildings, sometimes even a new road. The bus driver has a style of driving and it's fun to try to figure it out the first hour or so. If the driver is particularly daring, the ride can be as exciting as a suspense story. Will the driver pass the truck in time? Will the driver move into the right or the left-hand lane?After a while, of course, the excitement dies down. Sleeping for a while helps pass the middle hours of the ride. Food always makes bus rides more interesting. But you've got to be careful of what kind of food you eat. Too much salty food can make you very thirsty between stops. The end of the ride is somewhat like the beginning. You know it will soon be over and there's a kind of expectation and excitement in that. The seat, of course, has become harder as the hours have passed. By now you've sat with your legs crossed, with your hands in your lap, with your hands on the arm rests--even with your hands crossed behind your head. The end comes just at the right time. There are just no more ways to sit. According to the passage, what do the passengers usually see when they are on a long bus trip? Advertisements on billboards. I'm a teacher. But there are days, like today, when I wonder why. The results of an English quiz taken by my fifth-graders were depressing. Despite my best efforts, the world of pronouns remains a mystery to them. How I wish there were a way to make the study of our language as exciting as a computer game, so the glazed looks would not appear in their eyes at the mention of the word "grammar." I remember my husband's words: "Why don't you quit? You'd probably make more money by doing something else, and you wouldn't have papers to grade every night." Tonight I have a stack of papers to grade, which I promised my students I would return tomorrow. But a friend, whom I haven't seen in a year, is visiting from Belgium, and I told her I would keep this evening free. Sitting in traffic behind a distant stoplight, it's hard not to replay the day. A voice reports the body of a local youngster, missing for weeks, has been identified. This missing child has had a deep effect on my students. They wondered, "If it happened to her, could it happen to me?" My children had found the answer themselves. They got out their pencils, markers and made cards. Cards were written with words of compassion and love for a mother and father they didn't know. Cards were filled with red hearts, golden crosses, flowers and angels. Their cards, intended to comfort others, comforted the children themselves by leading them past the anxiety, back into the world of security that should be theirs. And then I remember why I'm still teaching. It's the children. They're more important than a lifetime filled with quiet evenings and more valuable than a pocket filled with money. My classroom, a child-filled world of discovery, of kindness and of caring is the real world. It's time to call my friend. I have promises to keep. She'll understand. After all, she's a teacher. The writer wonders why she is a teacher because _ . she feels frustrated at teaching Cats like climbing trees and there are logical reasons behind this behavior. Interestingly, due to some of their physical features, cats will meet trouble getting down from the trees after climbing up, which may seem unusual. There are several reasons why cats climb trees, mostly to do with defensive purposes. Cats, as predators , like to understand their environment well. As they are small animals, their scope of vision is considerably smaller. Cats often climb trees to get a better view of their surroundings to help them see any potential dangers. While cats are predators, they are also easy to get attacked from larger animals, such as dogs or even other cats. A tree often provides a safe hiding place. In the wild, cars climb up trees to give them a resting or napping place that is out of predators' range. It also helps disguise their presence. Some cats may climb trees for fun, on occasion, or possibly to work on improving their climbing abilities. Small cats frequently test out their claw skills by trying to climb up anything and everything, from bookcases to trees to a person's leg. Climbing practice is good for cats; it can improve their strength and flexibility and teach them an important defensive skill. If a cat has gotten up a tree and cannot get down, the owner may wonder why its remarkable climbing abilities only work in one direction. A cat's claws curve inward, allowing it to grip onto surfaces while going up head first. Unfortunately, this useful climbing curve does nothing to help the animal get back down again. Eventually, most trapped cats will either jump out of the tree or realize that they can get down by going tail first. Either way, a cat up a tree is usually nothing to worry about; they are intelligent animals and will figure out how to get down sooner or later. Why do cats have trouble getting down from a tree? Their climbing ability doesn't help when climbing down. Everyone knows that there's not enough land in Hong Kong. If you go there by air, you will land at Kai Tak Airport. It was built out into the sea. It is in the part of Hong Kong called Kowloon. Kowloon is one of the two big islands in Hong Kong. The other island is Hong Kong itself. You can get there by ship or through a tunnel under the sea. The population of Hong Kong is more than six million. Chinese and English are spoken by many people there. Clothes, computers, radios, televisions are made in Hong Kong. It is a shopping center. You can buy all kinds of things there. Hong Kong is also a beautiful city. It is a good place for traveling. People from all over the world visit Hong Kong every year. You can watch dog-racing and motor-racing there. When you are hot and tired, you may rest in the small cool gardens. There are also a lot of tall buildings with comfortable rooms to live in. If you enjoy eating out, you can easily find a good place for delicious food. Foods of different flavors are served in Hong Kong. According to the passage, we know that _ . Hong Kong is a big city with a large population
May 5 is Japanese Children's Day. In fact, it is usually called Boy's Day because it is mainly celebrated ( ) by boys. The celebration of Boy's Day has a long history. It is said that the festival comes from the Dragon Boat Festival in China. On Boy's Day, Japanese boys eat a special kind of rice cake. It is covered with a leaf and filled with bean paste ( ). Children love to eat it very much. On this day, children don't have to go to school. Each family with a boy hangs up huge carp-shaped flag ( ). The flags are usually three colors: black, red and blue. Black stands for the father, red stands for the mother and blue stands for the son. Japanese parents believe that the flags will bring their boys good luck and give them courage and power. Black of the carp-shaped flags stands for _ . A the father B the mother C the son D the parents Answer: A Carnival does not take place only in Louisiana. There are many celebrations around the world. In Brazil, the celebration is supposed to go on from the Saturday before Mardi Gras to Mardi Gras Day, but in some Brazilian cities the celebration can last seven or eight days. Just like New Orleans, not many important things are decided in Brazil from New Year's Day to Mardi Gras Day because everyone is preparing for or celebrating carnival. Most Brazilian parades have a subject, which could be political or historical. The parades had to have a subject related to Brazil until 1996. Some cities in Brazil do not have a street carnival, but they might have an indoor party. Bolivia has carnival parades for children and then more parades for adults. The children dress up in costumes and march in the streets. The adults make traditional dance groups and dance in the streets. But the main part of Bolivia's carnival is getting wet. Almost everyone gets wet from water balloons and water buckets. In Oruru, Bolivia, their carnival is held in the last ten days of the carnival season. People there join in dancing, but their main carnival event is a ceremonial parade that lasts for twenty hours and parades for four kilometers. Over 20,000 dancers are involved as well as 10,000 musicians. This parade attracts at least 400,000 people. The carnival in Venice, Italy is often regarded as the most carefully prepared carnival and lasts ten days before Lent . Many events are held in the canals including shows, concerts, dances and water processions . The official ending to the celebration is the party held in St. Mark's Square. Which of the following areas or countries prepares the most carefully for their carnival? A Louisiana. B Bolivia. C Venice. D Brazil. Answer: C Do you still get free plastic bags from the supermarket ? Things will change soon. To protect the environment, supermarkets in China will stop providing free plastic bags after June 1st. If you don't want to pay money to buy them, you'll have to bring your own shopping bag. What kind of bags will be the best to bring? Students in Kunming Xinying Middle School have some good ideas. Recently 54 students of the school held an activity in which they made their own environmentally-friendly shopping bags. Most students used old clothes to make their bags. They painted pictures like the Olympic rings on them. But Wang Shuncheng, a Junior 2 boy, chose a different material . He made his bag with old newspaper. Is a newspaper bag strong enough to hold shopping? Wang says it is, "No problem. I put six bottles of water in the bag," he said. "It's strong enough!" Chen Lisi, a girl, had a more traditional way to make her bag - she weaved a bamboo basket. It was not an easy job. With her grandfather's help, Chen spent a whole afternoon making it. She also weaved wool flowers on the basket. Making bags was not all the students did. They had another job: to persuade their parents and relatives to use environmentally-friendly shopping bags instead of plastic ones. The school will show the bags so that shops and stores can get inspiration from the students' work. Supermarkets in China stop providing plastic bags because _ . A they want to save money B markets want to make more money C plastic bags are very expensive D they want to protect the environment Answer: D Worried about how many calories( ) you are going to get in that piece of pizza, chocolate cake or bag of chips? A new iPhone application that takes a picture of the meal with the phone and gives a calorie read-out almost at once, may help. The MealSnap was developed by DailyBurn, a fitness social network that has created several other fitness and diet-related iPhone applications. Within minutes of taking a picture of a meal and matching it to the given information of some 500, 000 kinds of food, the application sends users a warning with a range of calories for the meal that was photographed. To start with, we sent it something simple--a Braeburn apple. A couple of minutes later the application replied that it was between 64 and 96 calories. Andy Smith, chief director at DailyBurn, said: "The database can also quickly help recognize the food, how many calories there are, proteins, fat, carbs, vitamins, whatever you may want to know." Mr Smith added that it will take some time to complete calorie counting but the application makes it easier to record the calories in food. That is why it is so popular among those who are trying hard to lose weight. "The pure act of recording something can cause a psychological change that can help people on their health and fitness plan. Just the simple fact of recording it makes me more understand what I'm eating," he said. In addition, MealSnap can serve as a food diary, allowing users to keep a readable record of the meals they have eaten. Mr Smith said:"It's like a food journal, but easier. All you do is take the picture." MealSnap is available on the iTunes store for PS1.79, or $2,99 in the US. Which of the following statements about MealSnap is TRUE? A People have to link iPhone with the Internet to use it. B It has been put into the market. C People will have a physical change by using it. D It's popular because it was developed by DailyBurn. Answer: B Let's say you took violin lessons all through elementary school, but you haven't got the instrument out of its case for years. Were all those lessons a waste of your parents' money because you didn't become a violinist? Even though it has been a long time since you played the violin, a new study shows that as little as one year of music training can have a positive impact on your brain that will last the rest of your life. In an experiment, researchers compared children who had taken music lessons to those who hadn't. Laurel Trainor, who studies music and the mind, discovered that the musically-trained children had better brain responses in certain sound recognition exams. Trainor's findings show the possibility that musical education can actually improve the brain's hearing cortex . "The study's results show that music training affects attention and memory, and helps children develop learning skills. In this way music training might lead to better learning across a number of fields," Trainor said in a statement. The effects of music education are even more obvious on children with difficulty in reading and writing and other language-related disabilities. So, whether you can play a good piece of music or not, it's likely that your years of music lessons have prepared your brain for all the speeches, emails, and adult conversations that are part of your life today. We should help make sure that children today have the same opportunities for music, and help out by volunteering with or donating instruments to your school's music education department. According to the study, we know musical education can _ . A change the structure of the brain B improve children's learning skills C help children focus their attention D provide more memorizing methods Answer: B
I shall never forget the night, a few years ago, when Marion J. Douglas was a student in one of my calsses. (I have not used his real name for personal reasons. As he requested.) But here is his real story as he told it before one of our adult - education classes. He told us how tragedy had struck at his home, not once, but twice. The first time he had lost his five-old daughter, a child he adored. He and his wife thought they couldn't bear that first loss; but, as he said:"Ten months later, God gave us another little girl and she died in five days." This double was almost too much to bear. "I couldn't take it," this father told us. "I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, I couldn't rest or relax. My nerves were entirely shaken and my confidence gone." At last he went to doctors; one recommended sleeping pills and another recommended a trip. He tried both, but neither helped. He said:"My body felt as if it was surrounded in a vice , and the jaws of the vice were being drawn tighter and tighter." The tension of grief ----if you have ever been paralyzed by sorrow, you know what he meant. But thank God, I had one child left ----a four --year-- old son. He gave me the solution to my problem. One afternoon as I sat around feeling sorry for myself, he asked; 'Daddy, will you build a boat for me?' I was in no mood to build a boat; in fact, I was in no mood to do anything. But my son is a persistent little fellow! I had to give in. Building that toy boat took me about three hours. By the time it was finished, I realized that those three hours spent building that boat were first hours of mental relaxation and peace that I had had in months! I realized that it is difficult to worry while you are busy doing something that requires planning and thinking. In my case, building the boat had knocked worry out of the ring. So I determined to keep busy. The following night, I went from room to room in the house, making a list of jobs that ought to be done. Scores of items needed to be repaired: bookcase, stair steps, storm windows, window-shades, locks, leaky taps. Amazing as it seems, in the course of two weeks I had made a list of 242 items that needed attention. "During the last two years I have completed most of them. I am busy now that I have no time for worry." No time for worry! That is exactly what Winston Churchill said when he was working eighteen hours a day at the height of the war. When he was asked if he worried about his huge responsibilities, he said :"I am too busy. I have no time for worry." Marion felt his body as if it was caught in a vice because _ . A he couldn't earn enough money to support his family B he was suffering from sleeplessness disease C he couldn't get out of mental pressure D he felt tired of adult-education classes Answer: C. he couldn't get out of mental pressure Today, due to numerous medical and scientific advances, people are living longer than ever before. But you have to be good to your body, mind, and soul. The following tips are a good start for getting you on your way to living a long and healthy life. Eat a balanced diet -- one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber and low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. A well-balanced diet can provide your body with the essential nutrients needed to achieve and maintain optimum health. Be physically active -- try to incorporate 30 minutes of activity into your day, every day. The options are endless; start walking on the beach in the mornings, try jogging with a friend, or go for a bike ride in the afternoons. Make sure you choose activities that you enjoy, that way you'll be more likely to make them a habit. Get regular preventive check-ups --see your doctor regularly; remember your doctor is your partner in health care. By having regular check-ups, you may be able to catch small problems before they become big ones. Be safe -- use common sense and be streetsmart . Don't put yourself in situations that are questionable. Always wear your seatbelt and bike helmet. Don't go for a run, walk, or jog at night by yourself. Keep your home well lit and free of things that could make you fall. Stay in touch with family and friends -- get to know your neighbors. Take the time to be involved with your community. By creating a strong social network, you will not only have friends to celebrate with when good things happen, but also a support system in difficult times. Keep a positive attitude -- studies have shown that people who have a positive attitude tend to live longer, and lead healthier and happier lives. Try to find the humor in life. And remember to laugh. What should you do to keep a positive attitude? A Try to be humorous and happy. B Keep laugh all the time , C Have a good mood. D Exercise every day. Answer: A. Try to be humorous and happy. Desalinating water from the what deals with removing salt? A helps them out B rain from mountains C oceanic liquids D trees watered Answer: C. oceanic liquids C Last year my summer holiday was spoiled by my bringing along a modern convenience that was too convenient for my own good: the iPad.Instead of looking at nature, I checked my e-mail.Instead of paddling a small boat, I followed my Twitter feed .Instead of reading great novels, I stuck to reading four newspapers each morning.I was behaving as if I were still in the office.My body was on vacation, but my head wasn't. So this year I made up my mind to try something different: withdrawal from the Internet.I knew it wouldn't be easy, since I'm bad at self-control.But I was determined.I started by giving the iPad to my wife. The cellphone signal at our house was worse than in the past, making my attempts at cheating an experience in frustration .I was trapped, forced to go through with my plan.Largely breaking away from e-mail, Twitter and my favorite newspaper websites, I had few ways to connect to the world except for the radio--and how much radio can one listen to, really? I had to do what I had planned to do all along: read books. This experience has had a happy ending.With determination and the strong support of my wife, I won in my vacation struggle against the Internet, realizing finally that it was I, not the iPad, that was the problem.I knew I had won when we passed a Starbucks and my wife asked if I wanted to stop to use the Wi-Fi."I don't need it," I said. However, as we return to post-vacation life, a harder test begins: Can I continue when I'm back at work? There are times when the need to know what's being said right now is great.I have no intention of giving up my convenience completely.But I hope to resist the temptation to check my e-mail every five minutes, which leads to checking my Twitter feed and a website or two. I think a vacation is supposed to help you rest your brain to become more productive.Here I hope this one worked. What did the author do to keep away from the Internet this year? A He cut off his cellphone signal. B He handed his iPad to his wife. C He refused to cheat in his house. D He listened to the radio most of the time. Answer: B. He handed his iPad to his wife. There are some special traditions in Hawaii . People there are very friendly and always welcome visitors . They give visitors a lei , a long necklace of beautiful fresh flowers . Men wear bright flowered shirts , and women often wear long flowered dresses . In Hawaii you may find some traditional Chinese , Japanese and Philippine holidays . Of course , many holidays are from the United States . People call Hawaii the Aloha State . Aloha means both "hello" and "good--bye". It also means "I love you " . Usually when people from different countries , races or traditions lives together , there are serious problems . But in Hawaii there are few problems , people have learned to live together in peace . Hawaiians earn most of their money from tourists , most of whom come from the mainland and from Japan . The families of the first people who came from the U.S. mainland own the important banks and companies . Japanese are also starting business and buying more and more land . The holiday in Hawwaii come from _ . A America B Philippines C China and Japan D All the above Answer: D. All the above
Taking the train is a wonderful way to see America. In the 19th century, train routes appeared from coast to coast, carrying both people and goods Today, a long-distance Amtrak train trip is a different way to experience the United States. The long-distance Amtrak trains have lots of room. Coach seats have lots of leg room and wide aisles ,sightseeing lounges have large windows, and sleeping areas can provide a good night's rest. On a train trip, there's time to talk, play cards or board games, and read to one another. On a car trip, parents have to drive while on a train, parents can sit back and watch the scenery go by. Unlike an airplane, traveling by train is not the quickest way to arrive at your destination; the train is the destination in itself. Amtrak manages long-distance trains that run through the United States. Routes have different names, such as Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Sunset Limited and Southwest Chief. The long-distance trains have double-decker cars(Superliners), sightseeing lounges, and a real dining car. On shorter trains, such as from New York to Washington. DC, the cars are single level and only have a snack bar. In the Superliner trains, the sightseeing lounge is lined with windows on the second level while on the lower level a snack bar and tables can be found. In the evening, videos are shown in the lounge car--either entertaining movies or documentaries. Tip: As delays are common on Amtrak trains, always call the station before you go there. Otherwise, . What's the advantage of seeing America by train? Seedy the watermelon was a very special type of watermelon. He didn't have any seeds. He was green and he had stripes. All of his cousins had seeds, but he didn't have any. He felt very left out. He couldn't thing of why he was different. His mom told him it was because he was a very special watermelon. She also tells him she loves him the way he is. But Seedy didn't think it was a good thing. He wished he could be like everyone else and have seeds. One day, he rolled out to the lawn and looked at all of his new cousins growing in the garden. He rolled around until he found a little baby watermelon that didn't have any seeds either. He sat next to him and talked to him. He told him that he was very special, and was excited for him to be picked off the vine and be his special best friend. He would name him Seedy, Jr. What does Seedy's mom say about him? A study found that young people have a stronger and more unpleasant scent than the elderly,while elderly people's smell was the most distinctive,less intense and unpleasant. Researchers said the change in our smell is driven by the chemicals we release through our glands and the bacteria on our skin. To test whether or not it really exists,scientists collected a series of samples from three groups of 12 to 16 donors,aged 20 to 30,45 to 55 and 75 to 95.Volunteers wore special T-shirts fitted with underarm pads as they slept for five nights,after which the pads were cut up and put in glass jars. A separate group of 41 people aged 20 to 30 was then asked to smell two jars at a time and asked which group of the donors was older,as well as rating how strong and unpleasant each smell was. When asked to specify whether a particular sample was from a young,middle aged or old person,they were much more successful at identifying older people. Despite being the most distinctive,the older people's smell was also rated as being obviously less intense and less unpleasant than those from the other groups. Researchers said their findings appeared to contradict people's negative ideas about the old person's smell but admitted other factors,like smelly breath or skin,could be to blame for its bad reputation. "Similar to other animals,humans can give off body scents that allow us to identify biological age,avoid sick individuals and pick a suitable partner. Elderly people have a distinctive scent that younger people consider to be not very unpleasant. This was surprising given the popular conception of old age scent as smelly. However,it's possible that other sources of body scents,such as skin or breath,may have different qualities," said Dr Johan Lundstrom,who led the study. Which of the following ages of people have the chance to participate in the study? "Any time! Any where! Decades ago there was no such thing" - "Communication". Then, September 7th 1987, the global system for mobile communication or GSM was born. And international agreements that laid out the standards, regulations and practices gave rise to a global mobile phone industry. To be honest, the world's first mobiles were not so attractive and the range of effectiveness wasn't very good. But they became a must-have among those wealthy people who could afford that. However, by advantage of GSM which has many different elements to it, we can all enjoy the ability to go around the world in 217 countries, land in that country and know that a phone would work. There are other cell phone systems using different technology in the world. The majority of the United States and parts of South America have been using something called CDMA which is very rare in Europe. In some Asian countries like China, GSM and CDMA both exist at the same time. But the GSM Association claims 85% of the global mobile phone market. They estimated there are now about 2.5 billion different users who make more than 7 trillion minutes of calls everyday, and that's not all. 20 years later, the mobile phone is so much more than just a phone. You can use it to send text messages, take pictures, show video, even surf the internet. "The phone itself is involved from just being a communication tool, to be a tool for round-the-clock connectivity, you can not live without it even in a minute." Mobile consultant Nick Lane also points out with so many customized styles and features, your mobile phone will become a symbol of you. Where will the global mobile phone industry be in another 20 years? Certainly, there will be more connections than better coverage. As for where else technology will take us, one can only imagine. By pointing out "your mobile phone will become a symbol of you", what does Nick Lane want to tell us about the mobile phone in the future? It is a very nice Sunday morning. Ann and her mother are on a big bus. There are many people on it. Some are from America. Some are from England and Japan. They are all friends. They are going to the Great Wall. There are two Chinese on the bus, too. They are a young man and a young woman. They can speak English. The young man is the driver of the bus. The woman is talking about the Great Wall. The others are all listening to her. They all like the Great Wall. The driver of the bus is _ .
Illustrated Talks at London Canal Museum Illustrated talks are held at 7:30 pm, on the first Thursday of each month except August. Admission to talks and museum is charged at the usual museum admission charges. 3rd September: Protecting our Waterway Heritage by Nigel Crowe. Nigel is the Conservation Adviser to the Canal and River Trust . He undertook a comprehensive survey of the heritage of the waterways when first appointed, and now advises the CRT on its protection. 1st October: The Canal and River Trust by John Dodwell. Founding trustee and long standing waterways enthusiast John Dodwell will detail the Trust's progress to date. He will explain the issues they face and the limits under which they work. 5th November: The work of the Thames Ironworks Heritage Trust by Gavin Redknap. Gavin was one of the founders of the Trust that is working to save and restore some of the few surviving craft built at the Thames Ironworks Yard at the mouth of Bow Creek. The Trust plans to use the fleet of restored one-hundred-year-old lifeboats for community projects on the Lower Lee. 3rd December: The River Thames Society and the River Thames by Peter Finch. Peter, who is Chairman of the River Thames Society, will explain the role and function of the society and then go on to talk about London's river and some of the issues it faces. When is the talk on the waterways' protection? A. 5th November. B. 1st October. C. 3rd September. D. 3rd December. Answer: C When you watch TV programs about wild animals, it is surprising to see how an antelope can escape a lion's attack. In the wilderness, everyone has a stunt. Even plants have their own ways of fighting off enemies. Over millions of years of evolution, plants have developed a unique defence system. Chemicals are wildly used for survival. By making their leaves, flowers, roots and fruits distasteful or poisonous to enemies, plants can fight back. One such plant is the Golden Wattle tree. The British scientist David Cameron has found when an animal eats the tree's leaves, the amount of poison increases in the other leaves. "It's like the damaged leaves telephoning the others telling them to fight together against the enemy, " he said. The tree also sends defence messages to neighboring plants by giving out a special smell. Golden Wattle trees in the surrounding 45 meters will get the message and produce more poison within 10 minutes. Now, if an enemy eats too many of the trees' leaves, it will die. Every species of plant or tree is good at the production of a particular set of chemicals. A _ that can safely eat the leaves of one tree may be poisoned by its neighbor. In this way, plants have developed not only individual defence system, but also shared it with others. This makes it impossible for a single animal to destroy even a small area of forest. Which of the following can be the best title of the passage? A. Plants Fight back with Poisons B. Plants Can Kill Animals C. Animals and Plants D. Lions and Antelopes Answer: A I began to work as a salesgirl in a department store.I got there that morning and was introduced to all the salesmen and saleswomen.Throughout the day,one of the salesmen talked with me.I thought we might become friends.That evening after work we went out for dinner.We sat together and talked,but our numbers were never exchanged. Around 10 p.m., I began my 2hour drive back. For the first part of the drive, I was thinking to myself how stupid I had been for not giving him my number.Then all of a sudden,when I had gone around a corner, I was completely over in another lane.There was no time to even hit the brakes.I hit at once.The police came and cut the top of my car off to get me out.They sent me to the hospital quickly. My mother got there late that night,and saw me lying in the emergency room.The next morning,mom called the manager and told him what had happened and that I would be in the hospital for a long time.A few hours later,I received a phone call--it was the guy I hadn't given my number.Well,he came to visit me that night and the next night.We spent a lot of time together. It was months before I would be walking and driving again,but he'd sit by me.I don't think I could have pulled through it without him.Now I can walk freely,and just this week we are planning on getting married one year after the day we met.It's just amazing how a tragedy like a car accident could bring about such a wonderful relationship! We can infer that the girl . A. couldn't say anything at hospital B. would lose her job in the store C. was badly injured in the accident D. was careless with making friends Answer: C It's certain:for twins,life really does imitate art.My twin brother,Kirk,and I grew up being constantly mistaken for each other.Classmates,friends,teachers,even relatives couldn't tell us apart. As a result,we were often unfairly punished or rewarded. Eventually,we learned how to use the Mistaken Identity Syndrome (MIS) to our advantage.For example,we would play tricks on our friends and classmates,pretending to be the other twin.Nor were teachers immune to our tricks.On at least one occasion,when Kirk was sick,I covered for him by taking his tests.We also tried our little game out on Mom,but she always knew who was who.Once we grew up,we even covered for each other at work.We didn't mean any harm;we simply started this as an experiment to see whether our bosses and co-workers could tell the difference. As a bank manager, I meet with dozens of clients on a daily basis, while my brother manages a staffing service for local employers. As a result, Kirk is constantly approached by people who want to discuss their various money accounts, while I'm frequently thanked on the street as a department store customer service representative. However, the MIS took a truly embarrassing turn when Kirk and I found ourselves unable to tell each other apart. Once, my brother and I were traveling in a car with several friends. My brother's hair must always be in place. Kirk was driving when he noticed in the rearview mirror that his hair was a bit messy. He lifted his right hand to brush his hair back into place and was disturbed when his hand didn't appear in the mirror. Several times he repeated this action. Finally, he started laughing. It can be inferred that when the author covers for his brother at work,_. A. he is often successful B. he means to harm his boss C. his brother is seriously ill D. he often behaves strangely Answer: A John and Bobby joined a wholesale company together just after graduation from college the same year. Both worked very hard. After several years, however, the boss promoted Bobby to the position of manager but John remained an ordinary employee. John couldn't understand it anymore, gave his resignation to the boss and complained that the boss didn't value hardworking workers, but only promoted those who flattered him. The boss knew that John worked very hard for the years. He thought for a moment and said, "Thank you for your criticism , but I have a request. I hope you will do one more thing for our company before you leave. Perhaps you will change your mind and take back your resignation." John agreed. The boss asked him to go and find out anyone selling watermelon in the market. John went and returned soon. He said he had found out a man selling watermelon. The boss asked how much per kg? John shook his head and went back to the market to ask and returned to tell the boss $1.2 per kg. Boss told John to wait a second, and he called Bobby to come to his office. He asked Bobby to go and find anyone selling watermelon in the market. Bobby went, returned and said, "Boss, only one person selling watermelon. $1.2 per kg, and $10 for 10kg. He has 340 melons in all, 58 of which are on the table. Every melon weighs about 2 kg. Bought from the South two days ago, they are fresh and red, good quality." John was very impressed and realized the difference between himself and Bobby. He decided not to resign but to learn from Bobby. My dear friends, chances exist in the daily details. For the same matter, a more successful person sees more and farther so that he can find out an opportunity and catch it to realize his aim. The boss told John and Bobby to go to find anyone selling watermelon in the market in order to _ . A. show watermelons were in great need on the market B. test their abilities to make market research C. make John find out the differences between them two. D. convince John of Bobby's ability to do business Answer: C
Robinson Diaz lives in a small cottage high in the Andes Mountains of South America. Diaz is a "cable racer", and every morning he faces the difficult task of taking the local teacher to her school. To do this, he first walks for an hour up to a place the locals call Los Pinos, right at the edge of the 400-foot deep gorge of the Negro valley. Here, one end of a thick metal cable has been fixed to a wooden post. The cable stretches right across the deep valley to the other side, a kilometer away. A metal hook is fixed to the cable, with leather straps hanging from it. Diaz fastens the straps around his shoulders and waist, does a quick safety check and then, without hesitating, throws himself off the edge of the mountain. Attached to the cable by only the metal hook, he rapidly picks up speed and soon he is racing through the air. Crossing the valley by wire takes him 30 seconds, instead of the two hours it would take him to walk down through the rain forest and climb up the steep muddy slopes on the other side. As Diaz begins his trip, Diana Rios, a 23-year-old elementary teacher, is waiting on the other side of the gorge for the moment when he will come racing through the mist towards her at 100 mph. She will then return with him, hanging on to him as he goes back along the cable. Diana had no idea when she took the teaching job that just getting to work in the village school would be dangerous. "At first I wanted to cry," she says, clutching her hook as the metal cable starts to rattle violently at Diaz's approach. "But I soon got used to it." She still prefers to go with Diaz, though, rather than making the frightening and dangerous crossing on her own. For the inhabitants of Los Pinos, the wire cable is a lifeline. For more than 50 years, it has served the community as a form of transport to and from the rest of the world. Everything that comes arrives via the cable----bricks and wood for building, sacks of rice and corn. Pregnant mothers, who must get to the nearest clinic, cross the wire during the darkness of the night, returning with their newborn babies. It is dangerous, but they have no choice. This time Robinson Diaz makes a perfect landing on Diana's side of the gorge. For him, the dangers of this daily journey are insignificant. "What I'm really scared of are snakes," he says. "This is nothing in comparison." Then Dianna straps herself into her harness and hooks herself up to the wire behind Diaz, holding on to him tightly. He turns, flashes her a smile, releases the brake and kicks away. Within seconds, the teacher and the cable-racer have disappeared back into the mist. What is Diana's opinion about the journey now? A. She enjoys it. B. She no longer finds it a problem. C. It makes her feel very frightened. D. It would be impossible without Diaz. Answer: B Directions: Read the following three passages. Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are 4 choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage. "Excuse me",said a young man,standing shyly at the open church door. "I'm here to pick up an Easter basket for my daughter. Am I in the right place?""Well,we have baskets,but they're not Easter baskets for kids;they're food baskets,"I explained. That morning I arrived at St.Michael's Church in Carmichael,California,to help give out the baskets to needy families for Easter. To make sure every family would receive one,we had handed out numbers to them that matched the basket they were supposed to receive. Each one contained a whole ham,potatoes,bread,vegetables,and a pie--enough food to help feed a family for a week. "Why don't you come in?"I said to the man. He looked disappointed. He shook his head and said,"I can't...My daughter is waiting for me over there. I'm grateful for the food,but when I heard you were giving away baskets for Easter...well,I thought they would be Easter baskets for children." He continued,"I promised my daughter one,and I wanted to surprise her." I felt bad,but there was nothing I could do. The man handed me his number,and I walked over to the baskets. A bulge in one of the baskets caught my eye. "What is that?"I wondered. Leaning over and looking more closely,I could see,unmistakably,an Easter basket--filled with candy,chocolate,and Easter eggs. One of the volunteers must have added it by mistake!I thought. Then I looked at the man's number in my hand. Well,he'll be... "Happy Easter,"I said to the man,handing him the only food basket with an Easter basket inside--the very same basket with his number on it. "Someone knew just what you needed." The young man had thought that _ . A. he would have an Easter basket and a food basket B. there would be Easter baskets for children C. there would be children's toys in the food basket D. he would get enough food for the whole year Answer: B Australians have been warned that they face a life or death decision over their water--drink recycled sewage or die. With the drought continuing, the country is set to be forced to use purified waste water for drinking, even though there is great opposition to the measure. Queensland has become the first state to introduce the policy after a warning from its premier. "I think in the end, because of the drought, all of Australia is going to end up drinking recycled purified water," said Peter Beattie. "These are difficult decisions, but you either drink water or you die. There's no choice. It's liquid gold; it's a matter of life and death." Beattie said Australia's second largest state would become the first to use recycled water for drinking. Water is recycled in Britain and parts of northern Europe along with the US and Israel. But Australians have never liked the idea. To try to change the way Australians think, Prime Minister John Howard and Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull have _ Queensland's move. "I am very strongly for recycling and Mr. Beattie is right and I agree with him completely," Howard said. "Australian cities, all now facing water shortages because of the worst drought on record, must start to use recycled water." added Turnbull, "All of our big cities have to widen the range of water sources to include sources which are not dependent on rainfall." It can be inferred from what Premier Peter Beattie said that _ . A. he gives orders to drink purified waste water. B. it is painful for him to see his people drink recycled sewage. C. if the decision is made, people won't survive the drought. D. it's up to you to either make a life or death decision. Answer: B More than 50 people have responded to an advertise for "one of the most relaxing jobs on the market" - a bathtub TESTER. Bathstore is seeking a Bathroom Executive Officer (BEO) to test their range of products. It is sure to give the perfect candidate a stress-free life and possibly some pruned fingers and toes. And 12 month contract role pays a yearly salary of PS6,000, plus bathroom installation worth PS6and products worth PS4,000 to trial. For those expecting an easy life, this job isn't all about splashing around in the suds or playing with a rubber duck. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing written reports and analysis on the overall bathing experience. However, all that boring stuff can be done from the comfort of your own home. That's because Bathstore will regularly install their new baths into the BEO's home "ensuring that this is one job that can be taken lying down". Before you apply, make sure you meet the criteria, which is to be laid back, relaxed and bubbly! Bathstore's chief marketing officer Claire Bayliss said: "We are dedicated to making dream bathrooms easy, from design to installation, and this appointment demonstrates our commitment to deliver quality products and expert advice. "We've already received some great applicants for the BEO position and will be looking to produce a short-list in the upcoming weeks. "We're really looking forward to filling the role and won't rest until we find the right candidate". Other possible best jobs in the world range from a chief funster to a taste master. What can be inferred from the passage? A. The job is not as relaxing as the advertisement says. B. No people have applied for the job. C. The company will have a rest until we find the right candidate D. Claire Bayliss is in charge of designing and installing the bathtub. Answer: A (2013*,D)When asked about happiness,we usually think of something extraordinary,an absolute delight,which seems to get rarer the older we get. For kids,happiness has a magical quality.Their delight at winning a race or getting a new bike is unreserved . In the teenage years the concept of happiness changes.Suddenly it's conditional on such things as excitement,love and popularity.I can still recall the excitement of being invited to dance with the most attractive boy at the school party. In adulthood the things that bring deep joy-love,marriage,birth-also bring responsibility and the risk of loss.For adults,happiness is complicated . My definition of happiness is "the capacity for enjoyment".The more we can enjoy what we have,the happier we are.It's easy to overlook the pleasure we get from the company of friends,the freedom to live where we please,and even good health. I experienced my little moments of pleasure yesterday.First I was overjoyed when I shut the last lunchbox and had the house to myself.Then I spent an uninterrupted morning writing,which I love.When the kids and my husband came home,I enjoyed their noise after the quiet of the day. Psychologists tell us that to be happy we need a mix of enjoyable leisure time and satisfying work.I don't think that my grandmother,who raised 14 children,had much of either.She did have a network of close friends and family,and maybe this is what satisfied her. We,however,with so many choices and such pressure to succeed in every area,have turned happiness into one more thing we've got to have.We're so selfconscious about our "right" to it that it's making us miserable.So we chase it and equal it with wealth and success,without noticing that the people who have those things aren't necessarily happier. Happiness isn't about what happens to us-it's about how we see what happens to us.It's the skillful way of finding a positive for every negative.It's not wishing for what we don't have,but enjoying what we do possess. What can be inferred from Paragraph 7? A. Psychologists think satisfying work is key to happiness. B. Psychologists' opinion is well proved by Grandma' case. C. Grandma often found time for social gatherings. D. Grandma's happiness came from modest expectations of life. Answer: D
Steve Sparks was a young successful lawyer when a bruise on one of the legs of his 3-year-old daughter changed his life. The bruise led to a doctor's visit. The doctor said his daughter was suffering from leukemia . Steve said that in a moment his life changed from what restaurant he was going to take his clients to lunch to whether his daughter Katie was ever going to see her fourth birthday. For three years Katie received a lot of treatment at the Nemours Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware and with the help of wonderful doctors, kind nurses, whom Steve and his wife Michelle called heroes, Katie's leukemia was cured . Forever changed by the experience and encouraged by the heroes at Nemours who saved his daughter's life, Steve felt he couldn't go back to business as usual. He felt there was something else he was meant to do and that something else led him to join the Nemours Foundation at the age of 28. The job change came with a 65% pay cut from what he was making as a lawyer, but Steve thought he was right and it was more important to help those who need help. Steve is glad to have made such a choice. Katie is now a healthy 20-year-old college student and Steve is one of the leaders of the Nemours Foundation. In three weeks Steve will have a party for Katie's 21st birthday, and give big thanks to the Nemours by riding his bicycle from Nemours in Jack-sonville, Florida to Wilmington, Delaware. He'll ride 900 miles in 9 days and raise $100,000 for the Nemours Foundation with the hope of saving more children's lives. What did Steve and his wife think of the doctors and nurses? A. They were unfriendly. B. They were great. C. They were inexperienced. D. They were clever. Answer: B A Battery's Nightmare Portable electronics that can be carried about easily are only as good as their batteries and, let's face it, batteries aren't very good, especially when compared with, say, petrol, which packs 100 times a battery's energy into an equal space. That's why a large group of mechanical engineers (centered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but with partners at other universities and companies) are hard at work in an effort to replace batteries with a tiny engine that runs on fuel. Imagine a battery-free life! When the fuel runs out in your mobile phone, you just fill up and go. The engine---about the size of a ten-cent coin---starts with a combustion chamber that burns hydrogen. Its tiny parts are etched onto silicon wafers in the same manner that computer parts are etched onto integrated circuits . The first engine is made up of five wafers. And since these wafers could be produced in much the same way as computer chips, they could probably be produced quite cheaply. But the _ in all this nice detail is efficiency. Tiny engine parts don't always behave like the bigger parts of the first engine. Something between the parts can slow down the works, according to Columbia University Professor LucFrechette, one of the engine's designers. Extreme heat from the combustion chamber is also a problem, often leaking to other parts of the engine. The scientists' goal is to create an engine that will operate 10 times better than batteries operate. Frechette says that a complete system, with all parts in place and working, will be set up in the next couple of years, but commercial models aren't likely until at least the end of the next ten years. What can we infer from the passage? A. The new invention doesn't need any fuel. B. The new engine has been produced in large quantities. C. The new invention is much cheaper than the battery. D. The new engine needs to be improved before it's on sale. Answer: D Amoebas have zero options and must preform A. zero duties B. most duties C. all responsibilities D. some duties Answer: C Buying books on the internet is a great way to save time and money. Online bookstores offer new books and used books that can save you lots of money. They are far better compared to traditional bookstores as they offer much broader kinds of books. Another advantage of shopping online is that you can also read the book reviews as well as readers' reviews to get an idea whether the book is worth buying. Online bookstores offer great discounts to regular customers which is a big attraction for book lovers. For book lovers, the most important thing is to get books on time. Therefore, you need to find a reliable online bookstore that will be able to provide fast deliveries . Here are some tips to use when choosing an online bookstore. Some online bookstores are popular for fiction books; some are for non-fiction books or novels, etc. Understanding their specialization will help you get the right kind of books in time. Check whether you will be buying the books from a third-party seller or directly from the website. Although the website could be reputable ,third-party sellers advertised on their site may not have a good reputation. Never jump at stores that offer super cheap prices, as books sold at such low prices could be in very bad condition. Most of the popular online bookstores offer useful tools. One tool is a wish list tool on its website. You can update the list of books you wish to buy in the future. The bookstore will know what you want and will e-mail you immediately when the book of your choice is available. The wish list tool can help readers_. A. learn about the number of the books B. get to know more reliable booksellers C. pay for their books more quickly D. buy their favorite books in time Answer: D An 18-year-old girl Anna Meier from Austria is taking her parents to court for posting over 500 photos of her on Facebook since 2009,without her permission. Anna has apparently become fed up with her parents' refusal to take down the embarrassing photos of her at an early age,and is now seeking justice in court.She told the magazine that even though she was 11 years old when her parents started sharing her photos with several hundreds of Facebook friends,they went as far as to post pictures of her as a baby,without ever asking if it was alright with her."They knew no shame and no limit--and didn't care whether it was a picture of me sitting on the toilet or lying naked in my bed--every stage was photographed and then made public,"the girl said. The girl added that she was only able to see the photos posted on Facebook by her parents when she was 14,after setting up her own account on it.Again and again,Anna asked her parents to remove the photos of her immediately,but they refused.Angry and upset,she felt that she had no other way but to take them to court,which she did as soon as she turned 18 this year."I'm tired of not being taken seriously by my parents,"she said. Anna's lawyer claims they have a good chance of winning the case in court,if it can be proven that the images have violated her rights to a personal life.But,based on similar cases and according to Austrian privacy laws,if the parents lose,they may be forced to pay their daughter a fine of EUR 3,000 to EUR10,000. But Anna's parents,however,see nothing wrong with posting baby photos of her."I consider it my right to publish these photos,"her father said. "We have posted no more photos of our daughter since she stopped allowing us to photograph her.We also have baby photos of her that can only be seen by a limited group of 700 Facebook friends." It's reported that Anna has moved out of her parents' home and is living with some girls in a rented apartment. What can we infer from the passage? A. The girl will surely win the case in court. B. The girl and her parents have made peace. C. The author supports the girl accusing her parents. D. The girl has a tense relationship with her parents. Answer: D
Question: .Sarah and Mariam looked at the glass fragments on the floor in panic . They could not believe what had just happened. Mariam was Sarah's best friend. They had spent the entire day drawing and painting. Sarah's mother had gone to the market to buy some goodies and the two friends were alone at home. Sarah decided to show her friend a very expensive vase that her father had gifted her mother on their wedding anniversary . She took her friend to the drawing room and carefully removed the vase. She knew it was not allowed by her mother but she wanted to show off a bit. Mariam looked at the vase with wonder. When she was giving back the vase to Sarah, a disaster happened. The vase slipped between their fingers and fell on the floor with a crash. "Oh no!" cried Sarah in panic. "What shall I do now? Mother will be so angry." Mariam felt equally guilty . "I know! Let us sweep up the pieces and hide them. Mother will not know that I have broken it." "But she will ask when she sees it missing. What will we say then?" Mariam asked. "I think the best thing would be to own up ." Sarah took a deep breath. "You are right." When Sarah's mother came back, Sarah and Mariam poured out their tale. At first, her mother looked angry. Then she saw how unhappy and guilty they both looked. She hugged them both tightly. "I am so glad you were brave enough to own up, Sarah. I am very upset about the vase but I am happy you are both such truthful girls." "It was Mariam's idea that we should own up, Mother," Sarah added honestly. The girls laughed. They felt as if a huge load had been taken off their shoulders. According to the passage, the vase _ . A. was not expensive at all B. was not important to Sarah's mother C. was a present from Sarah's father D. caused Sarah's mother a lot of trouble Answer: C. was a present from Sarah's father Question: Can dolphins talk? Maybe they can not talk with words,but they can talk with sounds. They show their feelings with sounds.Dolphins travel in a group.We call a group of fish a"school".They do not study,but they travel together.Dolphins are mammals ,not fish,but they swim together like fish in a schoo1.Dolphins talk to the other dolphins in the schoo1.They give information to the others.They talk when they are happy,sad or afraid.They say"welcome"when a dolphin comes back to the schoo1.They talk when they play. They make some sounds above water.They make many more sounds under water.People cannot hear these sounds because they are very,very high.Scientists make tapes of the sounds and study them.Sometimes people catch dolphins for a large aquarium .People can watch dolphins in a show.Dolphins do not like to be away from their school in an aquarium.They are sad and lonely.There are many stories about dolphins.They help people.Sometimes they save somebody' s life.Dolphins' meat is good,but people do not like to kill them.They say that dolphins bring good luck.Many people believe this. The best title for this passage is _ . A. Dolphin's talk B. Schools of dolphins C. The dolphin D. Man's friend Answer: C. The dolphin Question: The breaking news of Mo Yan's Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday evening soon aroused public curiosity of the 57-year-old Chinese writer: Why was he favored by the Swedish Academy? Less than half an hour after the announcement from Stockholm, Mo's works turned to "sold out" status at China's major online book sellers. One lucky buyer wrote in an online comment: "Rushed to purchase, but to my shame, I have not read any of his novels." Although Mo was entitled one of the top China's literature awards before the Nobel Prize, he is not the most popular novelist in China, in either the book market or in reputation. Chinese media seemed to be shocked as some journalists were reported to be on their way overnight to Gaomi City of East China's Shandong Province, Mo's birthplace where he stayed with his family. Born in 1955 into a rural family, Mo dropped out of school and became a farmer when he was a teenager. He joined the army and devoted himself to writing. Mo's novels were translated into several languages. For more than a century, Nobel Prize has been regarded by the world as recognition to an individual or even a nation's cultural and scientific advances. "I think the reason why I could win the prize is that my works present lives with unique Chinese characteristics, and they also tell stones from a viewpoint of common human beings, which transcends differences of nations and races," Mo said on Thursday evening to Chinese journalists. Mo also said many folk arts originated from his hometown, such as paper cuts and traditional new year paintings, have inspired and influenced his novels. Mo's prize may give powerful encouragement to the country's writers as the more reflective of Chinese lives their works are, the more possible they arise as world literature. From this passage we know that the news of Mo Yan's Nobel Prize in Literature was_. A. a shock to online booksellers B. curiosity to the Swedish Academy C. contrary to the belief of the Chinese media D. beyond the expectation of most Chinese people Answer: A. a shock to online booksellers Question: The kings of ancient Egypt planned strong tombs to keep their bodies safe after death and to hold their treasure.The Great Pyramids along the Nile are on its west bank.The ancient Egyptians compared the rising of the sun to the beginning of life and the setting of the sun to the end of life.This is why their dead bodies were buried on the west bank of the Nile. The people of Mexico also built pyramids.They did not build the pyramids for tombs.They used to build a pyramid and then a temple on top of it.The pyramids of Mexico are not as high as the pyramids of Egypt,but they are bigger.Each of the pyramids has a wide stairway that goes from the bottom to the top. The biggest pyramid in Mexico is almost 2,000 years old.Scientists think it took 10,000 men more than ten years to build it.On the top they built a temple of the sun.The temple is no longer there,but people still call it the Pyramid of the Sun.Near it is another huge pyramid,the Pyramid of the Moon. In ancient Egypt pyramids were built _ . A. in honour of the gods B. for the kings' tombs C. for visitors to see D. as places of interest Answer: B. for the kings' tombs Question: Who is smarter? A human being or artificial intelligence ? The question swept the world last week when a Google-developed program called AlphaGo defeated the world top player, South Korean Lee Se-del, 4-1. So, what comes next? Some people have been arguing that artificial intelligence, or AI in short, will be a bad thing for humans. In an interview with the BBC in 2014, UK scientist Stephen Hawking warned that "the development of full artificial intelligence could mean the end of the human race." So are we really about to live in the world shown in the Terminator movies? "Not quite," answered The Economist. After all, it's not hard to get a computer program to remember and produce facts. What is hard is getting computers to use their knowledge in everyday situations. "We think that, for the human being, things like sight and balance , are natural and ordinary in our life." Thomas Edison, founder of Motion Figures, a company that is bringing AI to boys, told the newspaper. "But for a robot, to walk up and down just like human beings requires various decisions to be made every second, and it's really difficult to do." As The Economist put it, "We have a long way to go before AI can truly begin to be similar to the human brain, even though the technology can be great." Meanwhile, John Markoff of The New York Times said that researchers should build artificial intelligence to make people more effective. "Our fate is in our own hands," he wrote. "Since technology depends on the values of its creators, we can make human choices that use technology to improve the world.".Com] What was the result of the match? A. Lee Se-del won AlphaGo 4-1. B. Lee Se-del was defeated. C. Google program beat AlphaGo. D. Neither side won the match. Answer: B. Lee Se-del was defeated.
Question: Parents need to be good role models to help their children make sensible financial decisions, according to Adam Hancock and his team, from East Caronlina University in the US. Their work highlights that parents who argue about finances contribute to increasing credit card debt among their children during their students years. Their work is published online in Springer's Journal of Family and Economic Issues. Credit card debt among college students has been a growing concern for researchers and policymakers over the last decade. In addition, there is growing concern among educators that more students are dropping out of school, not because of academic failure, but because of financial reasons, and credit card especially. Hancock and colleagues' study is the first to examine how parental interactions, and financial knowledge and attitudes may have a cumulative effect on the number of credit cards students own and their level of credit card debt. The researchers analyzed data for 420 undergraduate students from seven different American universities, who took part in the College Student Financial Literacy Survey. According to the online survey, nearly two-thirds of students had a credit card, and nearly a third had more than one. Those students who reported that their parents argued about finances were more likely to have more than two cards than the students whose parents who did not argue about finances. In terms of debt, those students who had two or more credit cards were nearly three times more likely to report having credit card debt over $500. The researchers conclude, "It is clear that the influence of parents cannot be neglected. Researchers, educators and policymakers should work in finding effective ways to increase the positive financial behaviors for college students. We need to help students learn financial skills and establish healthy financial attitudes at earlier ages to prevent poor financial habits from taking root. " In Adam Hancock's research, student's credit card debt is related to their _ . A. knowledge B. concerns C. school D. parents Answer: D Question: Men who wear pink shirts to work earn more and are easier to get a higher position than those who prefer traditional shirt colors, such as white and blue, according to a recent survey. Researchers also found that men who wore pink were more likely to get praise from female co-workers and were more confident in the office. A classical pink shirt wearer earns PS1,000 more a year than those who choose other colors, researchers surveyed among 1,500 male office workers. Men who wear pink are also twice as likely to have the Master's degree as those who prefer white shirts, with one in ten pink shirt wearers having a PHD. Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, International Marketing Manager for Cotton USA, who took charge of the study, said, "You can tell a lot about someone by the color he wears. Pink is a color that more and more men have been embracing recently, and it is encouraging that they are not afraid to experiment with that bright color. They spend most of their days at work and their own confidence needs to remain smart. It is good for company standards, but that doesn't mean that they have to wear boring clothes." Pink shirt wearers on the other hand are more likely to have a low-carbon life for half of them prefer to choose public means of transportation to go to work. The report also found men who preferred green shirts were the most likely to be late for work, while white shirt fans were the most punctual . We can learn from the passage that _ . A. the color a man wears can influence his personality B. the color a man wears can show a lot about him C. pink is the best of all the colors a man likes D. wearing pink can make a man become happy Answer: B Question: Welcome to the Kids' Science Challenge! Do you like science projects and winning some awesome gifts? This is the challenge for you. What's even better is that you don't have to build anything -- Simply come up with an original idea or design that relates to one of three topics given below. Wonderful Sounds Ready for Wonderful Sounds? Click on Science Secrets to meet our sound specialist. And be sure to download fun activities with crazy new sounds and musical instruments in the Dig In section! Now what kind of new musical instrument can you invent? Super Material for Sports Ready for Super Material for Sports? You'll discover the amazing world of Materials Science, where scientists and engineers develop new materials for everyday functions--like sports! Click on Science Secrets for information about our scientist. And don't forget to download the fun activities in the Dig In section! Now can you come up with a new sports material that would help you play your favorite sport? Magical Microbes Ready to discover Magical Microbes, the tiniest living things on earth? Click on Science Secrets for information about our scientists. And be sure to download all the fun activities in the Dig In section! Now can you think of a brand new way that microbes can help people? Which topic will Tom probably choose if he shows interest in biology? A. Magical Microbes. B. Super Material for Sports. C. Wonderful Sounds. D. All the three. Answer: A Question: Assume for the purposes of these questions that you are counsel to the state legislative committee that is responsible for real estate laws in your state.The committee wants you to draft legislation to make all restrictions on land use imposed by deeds (now or hereafter recorded) unenforceable in the future so that public land-use planning through zoning will have exclusive control in matters of land use. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a consideration in the drafting of such legislation? A. Compensation for property rights taken by public authority. B. Impairment of contract. C. Sovereign immunity. D. Police power. Answer: C Question: Now more and more people like to visit South Korea. People are interested in the tradition,clothes,songs,movies,TV series and presents.Do you want to know good manners about giving gifts?In South Korea,you should remember these things when you are giving a gift. 1.Wrap gift nicely. You can wrap gifts in red or yellow paper because these are lucky colors.In their minds,yellow or pink means happiness.Do not wrap gifts in green,white,or black paper.Learn to use the correct color when you wrap gifts. 2.Do not buy four gifts. In their minds,the number 4 is unlucky. So you should not prepare 4 things as a gift. The number 7 is lucky, so giving 7 small gifts is lucky. 3.Use both hands when you give a gift. If you use one hand to give a gift, people will think you are rude. Of course, people who receive a gift should use both hands, too. In South Korea, you should use _ when you give a gift. A. the right hand B. the left hand C. both hands D. one hand Answer: C
When a wildfire happens what catches fire? timberland If a hive of bees used to sleep through cold snaps, but now stay awake and productive during them, the hive probably adjusted A few years ago it was popular to speak of a generation gap, a disagreement between young people and their elders.Parents said that children did not show them proper respect and obedience , while children complained that their parents did not understand them at all.What had gone wrong? Why had the generation gap suddenly appeared? Actually the generation gap has been _ for a long time.Many people argue that a gap is built into the fabric of our society. One important cause of the generation gap is the chance that young people have to choose their own ways of life.In more traditional societies, when children grow up, they are expected to live in the same area as their parents, to marry people that their parents know and agree to, and to continue the family occupation .In our society, young people often travel great distances for their education, move out of the family home at an early age, marry or live with people whom their parents have never met, and choose occupations different from those of their parents. In our easily changing society, parents often expect their children to do better than they did: to find better jobs, to make more money, and to do all the things that they were unable to do.Often, however, the strong desire that parents have for their children are another cause of the disagreement between them.Often, they discover that they have very little in common with each other. Finally, the speed at which changes take place in our society is another cause of the gap between the generations.In a traditional culture, elderly people are valued for their wisdom, but in our society the knowledge of a lifetime may become out of date overnight.The young and the old seem to live in two very different worlds, separated by different skills and abilities. No doubt, the generation gap will continue to be a feature of American life for some time to come.Its causes are rooted in the freedom and changes of our society, and in the rapid speed at which society changes. In American society, young people often _ . have very little in common with their parents Every English learner hopes to find a patient native speaker who will politely correct mistakes and teach him some useful new vocabulary. But native speakers can be hard to find. If you're having trouble communicating in English, American situation comedies are one good way to help. They can not only give you a lot of information about American culture, but also offer some useful daily expressions. Watching them will help you enlarge your vocabulary and teach you correct language usage in different situations. Best of all, situation comedies are a fun way to learn. The Apprentice The American reality TV show is hosted by the famous businessman Donald Trump. It's based on the idea of the final job interview for the final job. The show picks 16 people to compete for a job with Trump's business. Those who fail their weekly tasks have to meet with Trump. They have to explain why they should not be fired . The Apprentice is useful for English students who want to learn how to make up a persuasive argument. For example, rather than say "I think I did a good job", one may also learn to throw off the possibility of uncertainty by saying, "I did a good job." Desperate Housewives (DH) Desperate Housewives is set in an invented American town, Wisteria Lane. It follows a group of middle-aged women as they go through their daily family lives. But in fact, those women live a life of lies, secrets, criminal acts, and mystery. This program is good at expressing the funny life of American neighbors. And, it's the perfect comedy series for foreign learners wanting to see how to hold a relaxed daily conversation. Another reason for watching DH is to learn some expressions American families use that are not in your English language textbooks. For example, the mothers often use words such as "sport" and "you guys" to speak about their kids. Through watching the two American comedy series, English learners can do the following EXCEPT _ . communicate with native speakers Everyone looks forward to progress, whether in one's personal life or in the general society. Progress indicates a person's ability to change the way he is living at the moment. Progress must lead a better way of doing things. All these, however, remains true only in so far as people want to accept technology and move forward by finding new and more efficient ways of doing things. However, at the back of the minds of many people, especially those who missed the "good old days", _ . When communication becomes efficient, people are able to contact one another no matter where they are and at whatever time they wish to. The click of a button allows people miles apart to talk or to see each other without even leaving their homes. With the communication _ , such as mobile phones and ipads, people often do not take the effect to visit one another personally. A personal visit carries with it the additional feature of having to be in the person's presence for as long as the visit lasts. We cannot unnecessarily excuse our selves or turn the other person off. With efficiency also comes mass production. Such is the nature of factories and the success of industrialization today. Factories have improved efficiency. Unskillful tasks are left to machines and products are better made and produced with greater accuracy than any human hand could ever have done. However, with the improvements in efficiency also comes the loss of the personal touch when making these products. For example, many handcrafts are now produced in a factory. Although this means that supply is better able to increase demand, now that the supply is quick and efficient, the demand might fall because mass production lowers the quality of the handicraft and it is difficult to find unique designs on each item. Nevertheless, we must not commit the mistake of analyzing progress only from one point of view. In fact, progress has allowed tradition to keep up. It is only with progress and the invention of new technology that many old products can be brought back to their old state. New technology is required for old products to stay old. It is people's attitude towards progress that causes the type of influence that technology has on society. Technology is flexible. There is no fixed way of making use of it. Everything depends on people's attitude. The worst effects of progress will fall on those who are unable to rethink their attitudes and views of society. When we accept progress and adapt it to suit our needs, a new "past" is created. Compared with home-made handicrafts, machine made products _ . lack the personal touch
Question: Department stores sell ready- to-wear clothing, which is also called ready-made clothing. Such clothing is made in fixed sizes. Those people who find that ready-made clothing fits them well can save money by buying it. Most often, people do not fit exactly into a producer's size. Their clothing must be altered to make it fit better. However, most alterations are not very expensive. The small cost of most alterations means that ready-made clothing can meet the needs of most customers. Those who can afford it often get someone to design and make their clothing. Such clothing is called custom-made. The person who makes it measures the customer, and then sews it so that it fits perfectly. Alterations are not needed. Custom-made clothing is largely sewn by hand, has better quality, better material, and is of the style you have chosen. Of course, it costs much more than ready-to-wear clothing. You need to pay the difference for the special fitting and better skill that you are receiving. This often means that you spend double or more than you would for a ready-made garment. Custom-made clothing is not always that much better than ready-made clothing. It costs more partly because only one garment has been made, just for you. Companies that produce ready-made products make thousands of garments at a time. This means they can buy large quantities of material. Workers cut each size by the hundreds. Companies work out ways to make the garments quickly by machine and pay workers according to their skill. Thus they can sell the finished products at a low price while still making money. Most of the clothing sold in the United States is made in this way. Customers gain from the lower prices which are made possible by mass production. It may or may not give them high quality. We can learn from the passage that custom-made clothing is _ . A. specially made B. fashionably designed C. chosen by few people D. made with difficulties Answer: A Question: Have you ever seen a real night sky that looks like Van Gogh's Starry Night? I hope not! So, why would an artist paint the sky this way? Perhaps I can answer that with another question. When you're happy, why do you sing instead of speaking? Or when you're in love, why do you speak of roses and honey? When we do these things, we, too are artists. We're using something that goes beyond a mere scientific description in order to communicate our feelings more powerfully than straightforward words can. So consider for a moment that Van Gogh might not have been hallucinating on the night he painted this. Maybe he felt something so powerful that he had to go beyond the familiar to express it. I hope I'mreminding you of something you already know as I describe the experience of being outside at night under a crystal clear sky that makes everything seem clean and refreshing. So you look up. And suddenly you see the sky that you've seldom seen before. It's not just the same old dark night sky tonight. Instead, the blackness is a deep, rich blue that is more bottomless than any ocean. The stars are not spots of light but brilliant, magical diamonds that dance like tiny angels. In just this special moment, the sky is somehow alive, and it seems to speak to you silently about the meaning of infinity. Now look at the painting again. Can you see something of what makes this such a famous and well-loved image? But there's more here than that. Van Gogh paintedthis while he was quite struck down by a mental disease. It is natural to imagine that he frequently battled the fear that he would never escape hisprisonto true freedom. It is natural for us to imagine this because each of us has faced our own personal prison, whether it be disease, the loss of a loved one, serious financial problems ... In such moments it is tempting to give up to despair and collapse in hopelessness. Looking at this painting, I imagine Van Gogh in just such a moment of despair, when he isstruck by the memory of one of those amazing night skies. He recalls the sense that he is not alone, that there is a living, infinite world with rich colorful creatures and scenes all around. And so the sky flows across the canvas full of vitality and power. The stars don't just sparkle; they explode. Looking closer, we notice that the earth itself seems to respond to the movement in the sky, forming its own living waves in the mountain and rolling trees. In the sleepy village, the windows of the houses glow with the same light that brightens the universe. The giant trees at the left seem to capture the joy by stretching upwards toward the sky. What a tremendous message of hope there is in this masterpiece! Even if our troubles persist, the world around us assures us that life is worth living. That's what the angels sing about. Doesn't it make you want to sing, too? Van Gogh does NOT describe a feeling of _ through theStarry Night. A. happiness B. vitality C. power D. despair Answer: D Question: Jones, who was driving his car at night, stopped the car and went into a nearby tavern for a drink. He left the car standing at the side of the road, projecting three feet into the traffic lane. The lights were on and his friend, Peters, was asleep in the back seat. Peters awoke, discovered the situation, and went back to sleep. Before Jones returned, his car was hit by an automobile approaching from the rear and driven by Davis. Peters was injured. Peters sued Davis and Jones jointly to recover the damages he suffered resulting from the accident. The jurisdiction has a pure comparative negligence rule and has abolished the defense of assumption of risk. In respect to other issues, the rules of the common law remain in effect. Peters should recover A. nothing, if Peters was more negligent than either Davis or Jones. B. nothing, unless the total of Davis's and Jones's negligence was greater than Peters's. C. from Davis and Jones, jointly and severally, the amount of damages Peters suffered reduced by the percentage of the total negligence that is attributed to Peters. D. from Davis and Jones, severally, a percentage of Peters's damages equal to the percentage of fault attributed to each of the defendants. Answer: C Question: When I was in medical college, I went camping with some of my friends. The season was summer; therefore, we chose to go to the seaside. After arriving there, we rent a room and left our luggage there. We finished lunch and then decided to rent a boat because the sea and the weather were beautiful. We started to row, but about one mile out, the weather suddenly changed. Although the weather was not good, we didn't want to give up, but finally my friends and I agreed that we should go back. We tried to change the boat's direction, but as soon as we changed it, the oarlock broke. Therefore, we were unable to turn back. We had to wait for help because we couldn't do anything. After seeing the change of weather, we shouldn't have continued to row, but it was too late. We regretted it. The sea changed a lot, the waves got very high, and the boat began to shake like a cradle . One of my friends started to cry; another started to vomit . Three hours passed, and nobody came to help us. We were just praying. Fortunately, after five long hours of waiting, two big boats came to rescue us and we escaped. If they hadn't come to get us, we would have crossed the border between Turkey and Greece because the border was very close. This story is the most exciting story of my life because we could have died, but luck was with us and we escaped. What does the author mainly tell us in this passage? A. An experience at sea. B. An exciting experience when swimming. C. The changeable weather at the seaside. D. It is dangerous to boat at sea. Answer: A Question: Toggling a light switch on A. completes a circuit B. makes black holes C. opens a circuit D. breeds contempt Answer: A
"Humans should not try to avoid stress any more than they would _ food, love or exercise," said Dr. Hans Selye, the first physician to document the effects of stress on the body. While here's on question that continuous stress is harmful, several studies suggest that challenging situations in which you're able to rise to the occasion can be good for you. In a study of 158 hospital nurses, those who faced considerable work demands but deal with the challenge were more likely to say they were in good health than those who felt they couldn't get the job done. Stress that you can manage also promote immune function. In a study at the Academic Center for Dentistry inprefix = st1 /Amsterdam, researchers put volunteers through two stressful experiences. In the first, a timed task that required memorizing a list followed by a short test, subjects believed they had control over the outcome. In the second, they weren't in control. They had to sit through a bloody video on surgical procedures. Those who did the memory test had an increase levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that's the body's first line of defense against germs. However, the video-watchers experienced a fall in the antibody. Stress encourage body to produce certain stress hormones . In short bursts these hormones have a positive effect, including improved memory function. "They can help nerve cells handle information and put it into storage," says Dr. Bruce McEwen of Rockefeller University inNew York. But in the long run these hormones can have a harmful effect on the body and brain. "Continuous stress is not good for you," says Richard Morimoto, a researcher at Northwestern University in Illinoisstudying the effects of stress on one's life, "It's the occasional burst of stress or brief experience of stress that could be protective. " We can conclude from the study of the 158 nurses that _ . Answer: doing challenging work may be good for one's health Every week in China, millions of people will sit in front of their TVs watching teenagers compete for the title Character Hero, which is a Chinese-style spelling bee . In this challenge, young competitors must write Chinese characters by hand. To prepare for the competition, the competitors usually spend months studying dictionaries. Perhaps the show's popularity should not be a surprise. Along with gunpowder and paper, many Chinese people consider the creation of Chinese calligraphy to be one of their primary contributions to civilization. Unfortunately, all over the country, Chinese people are forgetting how to write their own language without computerized help. Software on smart phones and computers allows users to type in the basic sound of the word using the Latin alphabet. The correct character is chosen from a list. The result? It's possible to recognize characters without remembering how to write them. But there's still hope for the paint brush. China's Education Ministry wants children to spend more time learning how to write. In one Beijing primary school we visited, students practice calligraphy every day inside a specially decorated classroom with traditional Chinese paintings hanging on the walls. Soft music plays as a group of six-year-olds dip brush pens into black ink. They look up at the blackboard often to study their teacher's examples before carefully attempting to reproduce those characters on thin rice paper. "If adults can survive without using handwriting, why bother to teach it now?" we ask the calligraphy teacher, Shen Bin. "The ability to write characters is part of Chinese tradition and culture," she reasons. "Students must learn now so they don't forget when they grow up." says the teacher. Why are Chinese people forgetting how to write the characters? Answer: Chinese people needn't write by hand as often with the help of technology. About the year 1900,a small,darkhaired hot boy named Charlie Chaplin was often seen waiting outside the back entrance of London Theatre.He looked thin and hungry.He was hoping to get work in show business.He could sing and dance;above all,he knew how to make people laugh.But he couldn't get work and so he wandered about the city streets.Sometimes he was sent away to a home for children who had no parents. But twenty years later this name Chaplin became the greatest,bestknown,and bestloved comedian in the world.Any visitor to the cinema must have seen some of Chaplin's filmstrips .People everywhere have sat and laughed at them until the tears ran down their faces.Even people who don't understand English can enjoy Chaplin's films though most of them are silent.It isn't what he says that makes people laugh.His comedy doesn't depend upon words and languages.It depends upon little actions which mean the same thing to people all over the world.Acting out,without words,common human situations play an important part in the dances and plays of many countries.It's a kind of world language. Chaplin lived most of his life in America and died in Switzerland on Christmas Day,1977,at the age of eightyeight.The world was astonished at the news of the death and burst into sadness. What's the best title of this passage? Answer: Charlie Chaplin,A Famous Humorous Actor When someone says, "Well, I guess I'll have to go to face the music", it does not mean he is planning to go to a concert. It is something far less pleasant, like being called in by your boss to explain why you did this or that, and why you did not do this or that. Sour(; )music, indeed, but it has to be faced. The phrase "to face the music" is familiar to every American, young and old. It is at least 100 years old. Where did the expression come from? The first information comes from the American writer James Fennimore Cooper. He said in 1851 that the expression was first used by actors while waiting in the wings to go on stage. After they got their cue(,) to go on, they often said, "It's time to go to face the music." And that is exactly what they did--- face the orchestra which was just below the stage. An actor might be frightened or nervous as he moved on to the stage in front of the audience that might be friendly or perhaps unfriendly especially if he forgot his lines. But he had to go out. So, "to face the music" came to mean having to go through something, no matter how unpleasant the experience might be, because you knew you had no choice. The other explanation comes from the army. Men had to face inspection by their leader. The soldiers worried about how well they looked. Was their equipment clean--shiny enough to pass inspection? Still, the men had to go out, and face the music of the band, as well as the inspection. What else could they do? to face the music" is also used to mean that soldiers were not willing _ . Answer: to be inspected by their leader The Antarctica is actually a desert. It is the only continent on the earth without a river or a lake. The Antarctica is all ice all year round. The warmest temperature ever recorded there is zero, at the South Pole. Explorers used to think that a place so cold would have a heavy snowfall. But less than ten inches of snow falls each year. That is less than half an inch of water. Ten times that much moisture falls in parts of the Sahara. The little snow that falls in Antarctica never melts. It continues to pile up deeper and deeper year after year and century after century. When the snow gets to be about eighty feet deep it is turned to ice by the weight of snow above it . Antarctica is called a desert because it _ . Answer: has little moisture and no lakes or rivers.
In ancient times the most important examinations were spoken, not written. In the schools of ancient Greece and Rome, testing usually was made up of saying poetry aloud and giving speeches. In the European universities of the Middle Ages, students who were working for advanced degrees had to discuss questions in their field of study with people who had made a special study of the subject. This custom exists today as part of the process of testing candidates for the doctor's degree. Generally, however, modem examinations are written. The written examination, where all students are tested on the same questions, was probably not known until the nineteenth century. Perhaps it came into existence with the great increase in population and the development of modem industry. A room full of candidates for a state examination timed exactly by electric clocks and carefully watched over by managers, looks like a group of workers at an automobile factory. Certainly, during examinations teachers and students are expected to act like machines. One type of test is sometimes called an "objective" test. It is intended to deal with facts, not personal opinions. To make up an objective test, the teacher writes a series of questions, each of which has only one correct answer. Along with each question the teacher writes the correct answer and also three statements that look like answers to students who have not learned the material properly. It may be concluded that testing _ . Answer: has changed since the Middle Ages We have information about over 300 volunteering opportunities with more than 250 local organizations (charities, statutory organizations such as hospitals and social services and community groups). We are a registered charity and our service is free of charge. We do not run volunteering projects ourselves bur recruit volunteers for a whole range of organizations across Cambridge and South Cambs. Volunteering Links National Council for voluntary Organizations A center to champion and strengthen the voluntary sector in the UK with advice, support and public policy. Cambridge Council for voluntary Service An independent registered charity to help community and voluntary groups in Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire and Fenland. Volunteering Wales Voluntering and volunteer Centers in Wales. Volunteer Development Scotland Volunteering and Volunteer Centres in Scotland. Community Service Volunteers Volunteer placements in the UK. Student Hubs A branch of Student Hubs, a youth-led charity working across the UK to transform student involvement in charitable activities. Timebank A national campaign inspiring and connecting people to share and give time. Registration Information If you spot an opportunity that you like, you can go through a simple online registration process and then we will send you the details. Alternatively you can down load a VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM (please save it to your own computer before editing) and email the completed form to us at info@carn-volunteer.org.uk. If you need a bit more help, then we can offer you a confidential one-to-one chat with a member of staff to discuss what you would like to do. But you must make an appointment beforehand. You don't have to visit the Volunteer Centre in person to get help. We can also provide information by e-mail, post or over the telephone. If a students wants to volunteer through the center, he must _ . Answer: get registered at the center for recruitment Meet Jeff Wilson AKA Professor Dumpster , an environmental scientist and the Dean of Huston Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. The reason for his unusual nickname? He has decided to live in a dumpster for the next year. Yes, the kind that you might find filled with trash behind a restaurant. Wilson says the inspiration to do something first hit him two years ago, when he was working on an article at a neighborhood coffee shop and caught sight of an eight-yard dumpster. Now that he has found one, Professor Dumpster is putting his students to work. After all, the point of this project isn't just to spend his life living out of a garbage can: there is, a much greater purpose involved. As an environmental scientist, the professor constantly thinks about sustainable living and how every person should try to minimize his/her impact on our already stretched resources. That, is the challenge Wilson wanted his students to step up to, this entire year. Using their math, science, engineering and technology skills, he wants them to retrofit his 33 square-foot dumpster into a modern space that includes a shower, a toilet, a kitchen and a bed and is fitted with conveniences like air-conditioning and even WiFi. The demand? It all has to be green and sustainable. www.ks5u.com So why is Wilson planning to go through such hardship? That is because he wants to equip his students with the tools to survive in a world that is rapidly heading towards a population of 10 billion people. A large majority of the population adjust to living in tighter spaces in the world where resources and space should be limited to be used. By promoting awareness and education on these subjects, Wilson is helping students everywhere see that living "small" and sustainably is certainly possible. And while the dumpster project may seem a little crazy to some, the professor thinks of it as a "playful and imaginative" educational experiment and conversation-starter to discuss the fact that all of us can do with less as we move into the future. Why does Jeff Wilson make his students do such a hard job? Answer: To help them find survival ways in the limited world. Car sharing is another way to drive green that's gaining in popularity, especially in urban areas.People who may not drive every day but still want a car to run errands or drive on weekends benefit most from car sharing.Car sharing is usually run by a service like Zipcar, though there are non-profit and informal car sharing services.Members pay a monthly fee and have access to an entire fleet of cars when they need one.The cars are parked in fixed spots around the city, so members only need to make a reservation, and then go to the pickup spot. Car sharing has major environmental benefits because it reduces the number of cars on the road.Members don't drive just because they are in a car.They plan trips, and if they don't need a car, they don't use one.Still, a car is available to them if they need to make a big trip to the grocery store, pick someone up at the airport or if they want to go to the beach for the day.Members also benefit by having access to a car without any of the headaches of ownership.They usually don't have to pay for the gas, insurance or maintenance , and the monthly membership fee is less than a typical car payment.So if you really want to go green but aren't ready to totally give up a car yet, car sharing may be the way to go. If you still need to get around, but want to go even greener than sharing a car, share a bus! Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage? Answer: Zipcar is the largest company offering car sharing services. Today is Sunday. It is sunny. Kate and her friends go to the beach. There are lots of people here now. Some are playing volleyball. Others are swimming in the sea. Look at this group of people singing and taking a sunbath on the beach. After swimming for some time, Kate feels very tired. So she has a rest at the swimming club on the beach. Where are Kate's best friends? Susan is learning to swim in the water. Gina is helping her to learn swimming. Susan is clever. I think she can swim soon. ,. There are some people on the beach.Some are _ .Others are _ . Answer: playing volleyball;swimming
Question: Jolly Joe always arrived at my neighborhood at exactly half past noon. The clang of the bell on his red and black truck was then the sweetest sound in the world. Brightly colored stickers advertising his amazing kinds of treats could be found on all sides of his truck. The whole neighborhood would magically come to life. Holding a nickel , I'd run to the back of the vehicle, where children were already gathering. Jolly Joe would jump out of his truck, the sun shining on his hair. He was an older man, short and round, with a pleasant face and a welcoming smile. I don't know how, but he knew us all by name, as well as which treats we preferred. My favorite was the Buried Treasure. By eating all the ice cream, you'd discover the treasure inside: a lion, a dog or even a funny clown -- printed onto a plastic stick. When it was finally my turn, he'd put his arm deep inside one of the boxes, and pause for a moment, a puzzled look crossing his face. Then, suddenly, he'd pull it out: the Buried Treasure! I couldn't wait to enjoy the cool, sweet ice cream. As quickly as he arrived, it was time for Jolly Joe to go, leaving behind laughing, excited children with sticky hands and faces. Soon the sound of his clanging bell would slowly disappear in the distance. I always hated to see Jolly Joe go, because I knew the rest of the day would be as hot and boring as before. But I took some comfort in knowing that the next day he'd come round the corner at half past noon and once again spread his magic. Jolly Joe was liked mostly by _ . A. children B. passengers C. advertisers D. drivers Answer: A Question: Two recent studies have found that punishment is not the best way to influence behavior. One showed that adults are much more cooperative if they work in a system based on rewards. Researchers at Harvard University in the United States and the Stockholm School of Economics in Sweden did the study. They had about two hundred college students play a version of the game known as the Prisoner's Dilemma. The game is based on the tension between the interests of an individual and a group. The students played in groups of four. Each player could win points for the group, so they would all gain equally. But each player could also reward or punish each of the other three players, at a cost to the punisher. Harvard researcher David Rand says the most successful behavior proved to be cooperation. The groups that rewarded it the most earned about twice as much in the game as the groups that rewarded it the least. And the more a group punished itself, the lower its earnings were. The group with the most punishment earned twenty-five percent less than the group with the least punishment. The study appeared last month in the journal Science. The other study involved children. It was presented last month in California at a conference on violence and abuse. Researchers used intelligence tests given to two groups. More than eight hundred children aged two to four the first time they were tested. More than seven hundred children aged five to nine. The two groups were retested four years later, and the study compared the results with the first test. Both groups contained children whose parents used physical punishment and children whose parents did not. The study says the IQs--or intelligence quotients--of the younger children who were not _ were five points higher than those who were. In the older group, the difference was almost three points. Murray Strauss from the University of New Hampshire worked with Mallie Paschall from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation. Professor Strauss has written extensively about physical punishment of children. He says the more they are spanked, the slower their mental development. He also looked at average IQs in other nations and found them lower where spanking was more common. According to the passage, the researchers may agree the best way to influence behavior is _ . A. rewarding good behavior B. correcting bad behavior C. punishing badly-behaved children D. praising well-behaved children Answer: A Question: While all my classmates seen to be crazy about a one-way ticket to Mars , I'd rather say Mars is totally unsuitable for human existence. People won't have enough food supplies there, and the terrible environment would make it impossible for them to live a long life. Besides, the journey won't be safe. Can anybody explain to me just why people would go to Mars, never to return? Steve Minear, UK Here are the things you can think of: the desire to explore a foreign and unique environment, the excitement of being the first humans to open up a new world, the expectation of fame and glory...For scientists there is another reason. Their observations and research will probably lead to great scientific achievements. Donal Trollop, Canada There are already too many people on the Earth. I think that sometime before the end of the century, there will be a human colony on Mars. It will happen when people finally realize that tow-way trips to the red planet Mars are unnecessary. Most of the danger of space Flight is in the launches and landings. Cutting the trip home would therefore reduce the danger of accidents, save a lot of money, and open the way to building an everlasting human settlement on another world. Enough supplies can be sent on ahead. And every two years more supplies and more people will needs, and Mars is far more pleasant than the other planets in the outer space. Paul Davies. USA What does Paul Davies think of human existence on Mars? A. Humans will have to bring all they need from the Earth. B. Humans will find Mars totally unsuitable for living. C. Humans can produce everything they need. D. Humans can live longer in the colony on Mars Answer: C Question: The purpose of students who come to school is to study.But studying needs right ways,or we would waste the time or the money.The followings are ways for studying. The best time for reading is morning.Because in the morning,the air is fresh and our minds are clear.For that reason,we can get good results. When we study we must be patient.If we don't understand a text well,we must read it again.We should not read the next until we have learned the first one well. When we are studying,we must put our hearts into the book.We cannot read absent-mindedly ,or we could get nothing from the book while we are reading. We must always ask"why".If we can't understand well,write it down and ask our teachers or parents,brothers or friends,in some possible ways.We must know it completely and then our knowledge can be used well. Though there are many ways for studying,however,the above mentioned will be helpful if we can keep them in heart. When we are studying, _ . A. we must chat with friends on the phone B. we'd better listen to pop music C. we have to eat something D. we should put our hearts into the book Answer: D Question: This is a room in Kate's house. There is a big bed, a table, a computer and some chairs in it. There's a glass and some books on the table. There is a picture on the wall. Kate is in the room. She is looking at the picture. Her father and mother are in the school. They work hard. Is there anything on the table? A. Yes, there is. B. No, there isn't. C. Some books. D. A glass. Answer: A
Teenagers in the UK and the US get to watch some wonderful TV shows. Why not have a look at a few of them yourself and take the chance to practice your English at the same time? Modern Family Network: ABC Number of seasons: 3 The TV drama features two families, modern and traditional. The first is a typical American family with 3 adolescent children. Claire is a traditional mom, while Phil, the father, wants to be friends with his three children; he can name all the songs in the hit film High School Musical. The second family is made up of a 60- year-old man, Jay, his attractive young Latin American wife, Gloria , and her 11-year-old son, Alex. Jay is 30 years older than Gloria and everyone thinks they are father and daughter. 2 Broke Girls Network: CBS Number of seasons: 1 Max Black is a cafe waitress and babysitter in Brooklyn, New York; Caroline Channing is the daughter of a Manhattan millionaire. Neither of them ever imagined making friends with the other. But when Caroline loses all of her fortune after her father goes to prison, she applies for a job as a waitress in the same cafe and has to learn from Max. Problems are unavoidable, but luckily, kind-hearted girls can always make things work out. They turn out to be great at helping each other out in their endless struggle against strange customers and picky bosses. Gradually a friendship develops. True Blood Network: HBO Number of seasons: 4 Vampires live on in countless books, movies and television shows. If the Twilight series got you interested in vampire myths, then look no further than True Blood for another exciting adventure. Sookie Statckhouse is a small-town waitress. She is also telepathic . A meet with Bill Compton in a bar turns her life upside down. Bill is a vampire and that night Sookie saves him from a murder attempt. Sookie then becomes involved in a series of murder cases. The love between Sookie and Bill adds a touch of romance to a thrilling story. Merlin Network: BBC Number of seasons:4 King Arthur is one of the most important mythical figures in England. But the BBC tells a slightly different story from the legend. Instead of focusing on Arthur, it is Merlin, the wizard who helps Arthur all the way through his adventures, who takes the lead role. Rather than the wise old wizard who instructs Arthur in the legend, the TV dram turns him into a handsome young man. Merlin meets Arthur in the kingdom of Camelot and believes that he is an arrogant bully . Arthur, likewise, has a less than great opinion of Merlin. The series focuses on how a friendship grows between the two. The passage is written to _ . recommend popular TV shows Sitting on the peaceful coast of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, watching the sun move quietly into the sea, you shouldn't forget that Charles Darwin (1809-1882) arrived here in 1835. He stayed on the islands for five weeks, observing various animals. This finally inspired his famous work,On the Origin of Species. You can certainly follow Darwin's footsteps and enjoy a trip from four to seven days to the islands. The islands are certainly a paradise for wildlife, as there are no natural killers on the islands and the number of boats and visitors is under government control. Though you cannot walk freely as Darwin did about 200 years ago, each day is as impressive as it could be. The most well-known animals of the Galapagos is the giant tortoise , which can be seen moving slowly around the highlands of Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the archipelago . Some of these creatures are so old that they might have been seen in their youth by Darwin himself. Despite strict control over activities and timing, your stay on the Galapagos will be remembered as a chain of incomparable pictures: diving with sea lions that swim and play within inches of you; feeling small sharks touch your feet as you swim; and, most magically, seeing a whale and her baby surface with a great breath of air. Travelling between the islands and observing the wildlife that so inspired Darwin, you will feel as though you are getting a special view of an untouched world. At night you will sleep on board the ship, leaving the wildlife in complete occupation of the islands, which are as undisturbed now as they have been since the beginning of time. Which of the following plays a role in making the islands "a paradise for wildlife"? People cannot visit the islands as they wish. Louis Pasteur created a process that reduced the amount of bacteria in milk. How does this process most likely benefit people? by helping to keep people from becoming ill (BBC World Service) Two separate surveys suggest that Britain s teenagers are amongst the heaviest drug - users and drinkers in Europe.The British government has introduced a number of measures to deal with the use and supply of drugs, particularly among young people. The European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs infervt6wed 15 and 16 - year olds in 35 countries.26% of boys and 29% of girls in the UK had been addicted to uncontrolled drinking at least three times in the previous month.In the same survey, 42% of boys and 35% of girls admitted they had tried illegal drugs at least once. According to another survey, by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, two in five 15 - year - olds in the UK have tried cannabis .This number is higher than anywhere else in Europe.The UK has also the common highest number of young cocaine users, together with Spain. The British government has recently made new plans to fight the problem of drug abuse in the United Kingdom, also among teenagers.According to the new proposals, young offenders will have to attend drug treatment as part of community service.British police will be able to give people blood tests for drugs when they arrest them, not just when they charge them with an offence.Drug sellers working near a school or using children to help sell drugs will face tougher penalties . But schools also try to fight the problem of drug use themselves.At the beginning of 2005 a British state school has introduced for the first time _ .Students from a school in Kent will have mouth swabs taken to discover drug use.Each week 20 names will be selected by computer and the swabs sent off to a drug testing laboratory.Results will be available three days later.The school' s head teacher says that no child will be tested against his or her wishes.Children who test positive will not be forced to leave the school, but those who sell drugs will. What's the best title for this passage? Teenagers and Drugs Growing up, I wanted to be just like my mom. She was kind. People always seemed to feel comfortable in her presence. For years, she was a volunteer in our community. I loved going to the local nursing home with her where she taught a ceramic class. On one summer day, Mama told me to get changed and meet her at the car. I had planned to spend the day at the lake with friends. Why did she have to ruin everything? I imagined the cool lake water. Irritated, I climbed into the car and slammed the door shut. We sat in silence. I was too upset to make conversation. "Tasha, would you like to know where we are going?" Mama asked calmly. "No," I said. "We are going to volunteer at a children's shelter today. I have been there before and I think it would benefit you," she explained. When we reached the shelter, Mama rang the doorbell. Moments later, we were greeted by a woman. She led us to the front room where all of the children were playing. I noticed a baby whose body was scarred with iron marks. I was told it was because she wouldn't stop crying. The majority of the children had noticeable physical scars. Others hid their emotional wounds. As I took in my surroundings, I felt a gentle tug on my shirt. I looked down to see a little girl looking up at me. "Hi. You want to play dolls with me?" she asked. I looked over at Mama for _ . She smiled and nodded. I turned back and said, "Sure." Her tiny hand reached up and held mine, as if to comfort me. My mom taught me a valuable lesson that summer. I returned to the shelter with her several times. During those visits, some of the children shared their troubled pasts with me and I learned to be grateful for what I had. Today as I strive to instill these values in my own child, I reflect back to that experience. It was a time that I will never forget. From the passage we learn most children in the shelter _ . were once treated badly
Question: With the World Cup always held in the European off-season in June and July, when the tiny nation of Qatar beat out USA Australia, Japan and South Korea, as the venue of the 2022 World Cup Soccer, there were gasps of surprise from the fans - it was not just because of the size of the competitors, but also the fact that Doha sees an average top temperature of 41 degrees Celsius in June and July with the possibility of top temperatures as high as 50degC. Since the World Cup cannot be moved to the 'cooler' season in January or to a neighboring country with milder weather, Qatar has to figure out a solution to make the game more comfortable. A team of engineering scientists from Qatar University (QU) have taken a more high-tech approach to solving the problem - they've reportedly developed a type of artificial "cloud" designed to float above the World Cup venues and provide fans and players with relief from the blazing sun. The artificial clouds system was invented by a team led by Dr Saul Abdul Ghani, Head of the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department at QU, who told Gulf News that the "clouds" would be made from a lightweight carbon structure carrying a giant envelope of material containing helium gas. The "cloud" would also feature solar panels on its upper surface to power engines that allow the cloud to be moved via remote control. While the country officials have promised to improve some of the issues with solar-powered stadiums capable of reducing the temperatures inside, to a comfortable 20degC, there is still concern of how the players will be able to function in the practice fields. The system would initially cost around US$500,000, with prices coming down with commercial scale production. However, since Qatar needs to find a solution, the money is probably to the issue. The bigger question is, will this team of scientists actually be able to conjure up something that they have promised? We will all find out in about eleven years! The artificial clouds system aims to _ . A. carry a giant envelope of material containing helium gas B. air-condition the venues via artificial cloud system C. feature solar panels on its upper surface D. allow the cloud to be moved via remote control Answer: B Question: English people like to say "Thank you" when others help them or say something kind to them. In fact, people all around the world do so. It's a very good habit. You should say "thank you" when someone passes you the salt on the table or opens the door for you, or say you have done your homework well. "Thank you" is used not only between friends but also between parents and children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives. "Excuse me" is another useful short expression. When you hear someone say so behind you, you know he or she wants to walk past you without touching you. It's not polite to interrupt others when they are talking. So if you want to speak to one of them, say "Excuse me" first. You should also do so when you want to make any noises that may trouble others or you have to leave early at a party. Let's all learn to say "Thank you" and "Excuse me". It's really important to get into the good habit. What's the best title of this passage? A. Polite Words B. Thank you C. Excuse me D. English People's Words Answer: A Question: IQUIQUE, Chile (Reuters) -- Rescue workers at the San Jose gold and copper mine in northern Chile had reason to sing this week. A small hole drilled into the earth became a passage to freedom for 33 trapped miners, who spent 69 days underground. "Never have people been trapped for so long so deeply," says a doctor at NASA, the American space agency, which helped in the rescue. But the chief medical officer for the miners said most are in good enough health to leave the hospital within a day or so. The first three recovered and went home Thursday night. For much of the day the miners relaxed with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. The 32 Chileans and 1 Bolivian still wore special sunglasses to protect their eyes. A partial mine collapse on 5th August trapped them more than half a kilometer underground. They had to stretch a two-day food supply. For two weeks no one knew if they were alive or dead. Later, they received supplies. The first miner rescued on Wednesday was Florencio Avalos. The second was Mario Sepulveda, who talked about how the experience tested his faith. The last miner up was Luis Urzua, who was the shift leader when his crew became trapped. Rescuers used a metal cage to pull the miners to safety in less than 24 hours -- faster than expected. The rescue capsule was a half-meter wide and known as the Phoenix, an imaginary bird from ancient stories. It bursts into flames but is continually reborn and rises from the ashes. Chile's Navy built the capsule with advice from mining experts and NASA engineers. It worked like an elevator, traveling up and down on a cable through a shaft drilled 622 meters into the rocks. Millions of people around the world watched the rescue. More than one thousand journalists traveled to the mine in the Atacama Desert to report on the rescue. They joined family members of the miners and rescue crews housed in an area of tents known as Camp Hope. Which of the following is true of the Phoenix? A. It was a wooden cage like a capsule. B. It worked efficiently in the rescue. C. It was named after a real Chilean bird. D. It was built by NASA engineers. Answer: B Question: If you know exactly what you want, the best way to get a job is to get specialized training. A recent survey shows that companies like graduates in such fields as business and health care who can go to work immediately with very little on-the-job training. That's especially true of booming fields that are challenging for workers. At Cornell's School of Hotel Administration, for example, bachelor's degree graduates get an average of four or five job offers with salaries ranging from the high teens to the low 20s and plenty of chances for rapid advancement. Large companies, especially, like a background of formal education coupled with work experience. But in the long run, too much specialization doesn't pay off. Business, which has been flooded with MBAs, no longer considers the degree an automatic stamp of approval. The MBA may open doors and command a higher salary initially, but . As further evidence of companies gradually losing faith in specialized degrees, Michigan State's Scheetz mentions a pattern in hiring practices. Although companies tend to take on specialists as new hires, they often seek out generalists for middle and upper-level management. "They want someone who isn't constrained by details to look at the big picture," says Scheetz. This sounds like a formal statement that you approve of the liberal-arts graduates. Time and again labor-market analysts mention a need for talents that liberal-arts majors are assumed to have: writing and communication skills, organizational skills, open-mindedness and adaptability, and the ability to analyze and solve problems. David Birch, manager of the Boston Red Sox, claims he does not hire anybody with an MBA or an engineering degree, "I hire only liberal-arts people because they have a less-than-canned way of doing things," says Birch. For a liberal-arts degree, students focus on some basic courses that include literature, history, mathematics, economics, science, human behavior--plus a computer course or two. With these useful and important courses, you can feel free to specialize, "A liberal-arts degree coupled with an MBA or some other technical training is a very good combination in the marketplace," says Scheetz. What kinds of people are in high demand on the job market? A. Students with a bachelor's degree in humanities. B. People with an MBA degree from top universities. C. People with formal schooling plus work experience. D. People with special training in engineering Answer: C Question: Do you remember the good old days? Innocent times spent sharing documents and executable files without a care in the world. Okay, every month or so you might encounter a boot sector virus -- but they were easy to deal with even if the anti-virus software didn't pick them up. But those long lazy summers disappeared too fast. Macro viruses made Information Technology (IT) administrators grow up fast as they realized there was a type of virus which could spread very quickly throughout an organization. It wasn't unusual to find hundreds of computers within personal company infected by viruses transmitted via email attachments. The IT staff were amongst the fittest departments in your company, running from Personal Computer (PC) to the next cleaning them up. There had to be a better way. Companies now realize that viruses aren't "urban myths", and can have a serious impact on their operations. They invest in anti-virus software on the desktops, servers and email gateways and even put in place procedures to ensure their anti-virus is up-to-date with the very latest detection routines. It sounds like companies have put in place adequate defenses to protect against viruses. But have they? Anti-virus software detects most of the viruses your users are likely to encounter -- often without the user even knowing. However, the software must be updated regularly, preferably daily in any large company. Even then, a very new virus can infect your users. With the rapid transmission of files through networks and the Internet, a virus can spread a considerable distance before it can be identified and protected against. Fortunately, only a few viruses ever do this but the likes of Melissa and the Love Bug can inflict serious damage before their progress is stopped. While employees become suddenly aware during the ensuing media excitement, they soon forget about the virus threat as the stories disappear from the news headlines. This is the danger. Complacency can set in when there is no perceived "action" on the virus front with no global crisis, and the importance of being vigilant about viruses recedes in your users' minds. They forget what the big deal was in the first place -- after all, anti-virus software deals with the viruses, doesn't it? And isn't it the IT department's job to look after this sort of thing? Before you know it your users are opening unsolicited attachments once more, downloading unauthorized software, and putting your company's data and credibility at risk. All because the users think that they are working in a safe environment. Employees see anti-virus software, firewalls and IT departments as guarantees that their computers will work and be safe. Of course, there aren't any guarantees. Anti-virus software plays one, albeit important, part in the defense of your company from malicious attack but the security of your computer system is only as strong as the weakest link. And that, more often than not, is the human factor. No employer wants to come across as a killjoy or an ogre. Most will willingly accept that the happiest employees are those who feel that they are respected and trusted by their employer. Many companies accept that employees will send and receive a certain amount of personal email and make the odd personal telephone call. However, the worry comes when employees start risking company security in pursuit of personal amusement. Funny screensavers and games downloaded from the Internet can seem harmless enough but they could easily be harboring a dangerous virus. Software downloaded from the net is often unlicensed and unsupported, and may cause conflicts with existing software in use at your company. Unlicensed, pirated software is an ideal vector for a computer virus. Virus writers and hackers often use such software as the ideal "kick-start" for their virus distribution. It is vitally important that employees be educated about the virus threat but this cannot be a one-off event. The potential threat should always be in the back of an employee's mind and precautionary measures should be taken as a matter of course. There is no harm in reminding people about what could happen if they let their guard down. In the end, education is the key to a virus-free environment and this is a continual process. It may not be the most exciting thing on the agenda but it works. The lesson is simple. You can have the best software in the world protecting your company's defenses; you can even be the biggest IT company in the world; but without your users practicing safe computing they will always be the weakest link. The best way to minimize the negative influence that computer viruses may bring is _ . A. to get the best, up-to-date software B. to have the best IT department C. to educate computer users D. to download free software Answer: C
Would you believe that the first outstanding deaf teacher in America was a Frenchman? His name was Laurent Clerc. He became a friend of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and together they founded America's first school for the deaf. Laurent Clerc was born in a small village near Lyons, France, on December 26, 1785. When he was one year old, he fell into a fire, losing both his hearing and his sense of smell. At 12, Laurent entered the Royal Institution for the Deaf in Paris where he did well in his studies. After he graduated, the school asked him to stay on as an assistant teacher. Meanwhile, in America, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was studying to be a minister. He was very concerned about the lack of educational opportunities for the deaf. Therefore, in 1815, Gallaudet sailed to London, England to seek ideas on how to teach deaf people. While he was there, he met a French educator of the deaf who invited him to go to Paris to spend three months learning at the Royal Institution for the Deaf, the school where Laurent Clerc was teaching. Gallaudet accepted the offer. The two worked and studied well together. When the time came for Gallaudet to return, he asked Clerc to come with him. Clerc accepted on one condition: that he would stay in America only a short time. The two men set sail on June 18, 1816. The voyage across the Atlantic Ocean took 52 days; however, Clerc and Gallaudet put the time to good use. Clerc studied English, and Gallaudet studied sign language. They discussed the school for the deaf which they planned to open. On the long trip, they had many conversations about education and deafness. The year after they arrived, they founded a school for the deaf in Harford, Connecticut. At the school, Clerc led a busy life. He taught signs to Principal Gallaudet; he taught the pupils; and he taught hearing men who came to the school to study deaf education. In 1819, Clerc married Eliza Crocker Boardman, one of his pupils. They had six children. He retired from teaching in 1858. Although he had intended to return to France, he never did. He died on July 18, 1869 in the United States. Why did Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet sail to London? A. He needed to finish his studies to become a minister. B. It was the easiest way to get to France. C. He wanted to study their system of deaf education. D. He wanted to marry Alice Cogswell. Answer: C Watching the Olympics probably made some people feel a little guilty about not exercising.The truth is that, if physical inactivity were a sport, a lot of us could give a gold-medal performance.Or should we say non performance? Public health experts say physical inactivity is the world's fourth leading cause of death. They estimate that inactivity plays a major part in six to ten percent of deaths from non-communicable diseases. These include conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and colon and breast cancer. Min Lee at the Harvard School of Public Health worked with a team that studied inactivity. She says the findings are conservative and may even underestimate the problem and that Physical inactivity is harmful to health, as harmful as far as deaths are concerned as smoking." So when we did our analysis, we looked at increased risk of disease after taking into account other health habits that might be associated with physical activity. For example, we know that if you are active, you probably smoke less. Additionally we factored out obesity, independent of the fact that active people also tend to weigh less. The researchers compared data on physical inactivity with disease rates in one hundred twenty-two countries. They find high income countries are the most inactive around the world, but low to middle income countries are not going to be far behind as things change, as their economies improve and their people rely more on the improvements that basically engineer physical activity out of our daily lives. It is not just telling someone to go out and be physically active, but how we rely on the transportation sector or how our cities or neighborhoods are designed, how crime can be minimized to help people become more physically active in their neighborhoods, simply walking to the store or walking down and being outside with friends and family and so on. These broader environmental issues are becoming much clearer in terms of their effects. When watching the Olympics, some people may feel sorry because of _ . A. their not joining in the competition B. their losing the Olympres medal C. their not doing physical exercisgs D. their not practicing as athletes Answer: C FRIDAY, Aug. 3 (Health Day News) -- Middle school students who are physically fit are likely to score higher on standardized tests measuring reading and math abilities, a new study has found. And, the average scores went up in connection with levels of fitness, the findings showed. "The more physically fit kids were, the higher their scores," said the study's lead author, Trent Petrie, director of the Center for Sport Psychology at the University of North Texas in Denton. "Parents should encourage their kids to be physically active. There are some real cognitive and academic benefits that come from physical fitness", Petrie said. Results of the study are scheduled to be presented Friday at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in Orlando, Fla. The study included more than 1,200 middle school students from five schools in a suburban area of Texas, with 561 boys and 650 girls. About 57 percent of the children were white, and nearly one-quarter were Mexican American. Nine percent were black and about 2 percent were of Asian descent. The school district provided the researchers with information on the children's race, age, grade level and whether they qualified for the free school lunch program, which was an indicator of the family's socioeconomic status. The schools also provided scores to the tests, which were given between one and four months after the researchers had assessed the children's levels of fitness. Fitness tests were administered during physical education classes to determine the youngsters' heart and lung health (cardiorespiratory fitness), as well as their body mass index (BMI), an indicator of how much body fat a person has. The children also filled out questionnaires that helped the researchers determine factors such as self-esteem and social support. After accounting for factors such as age, sex, family income and self-esteem, the researchers found that for both boys and girls, higher levels of heart and lung health predicted better scores on both the math and reading tests. For boys, perceived social support also seemed to increase their reading scores, the investigators found. In girls, while being physically fit predicted higher reading scores, so too did a higher BMI-- which indicates more body fat. "We were a little surprised by this finding," Petrie said. "It was not as strong an association as the one with physical fitness," he added. The authors suspect it may have something to do with girls this age entering adolescence, which may be related to a higher BMI and slightly higher brain development. He said he plans to make great effort to look for this relationship again in larger studies to see if it was a chance finding, or if the association holds up. "While we can't say 100 percent that physical fitness causes better academic performance, we can say that there is a strong and predictive relationship between physical fitness and academic performance," Petrie said. "It's hard to tease apart the exact reason for this association," said Becky Hashim, an attending clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the departments of psychiatry and pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Montefiore, in New York City. "It may be that the children are getting more oxygen. When the heart and lungs are working at a higher capacity, it may allow the brain to work at peak performance. Children who are less fit may be sleepier during school," she noted. "I personally feel that there's probably a strong relationship between the confidence you get from being able to do something physical well and academic performance." Whatever the reason behind this association may be, "there's certainly no harm in pushing physical fitness," Hashim added. "Physical fitness may make you feel better, give you more confidence and improve your performance across the board," she said. Petrie agreed. "Physically fit kids are happier, have higher self-esteem and, tend to have better relationships, and now we're beginning to see that there also seem to be benefits cognitively and academically. Our study sends a strong warning to policymakers to reconsider the service program of physical education classes for kids," he said. How did the school district help the researchers carry out the study? A. By analyzing the data of fitness tests. B. By giving some basic information. C. By completing some questionnaires. D. By offering a certain amount of Money. Answer: B Paul and George wanted to get something to eat for lunch. Sam and Ralph went to school lunch room, but Paul and George wanted to leave and get something outside. They both go to the same school and have the same lunch period, which is how they know each other. They are allowed to leave school for 1 hour for lunch. They get together and rule out pizza, pasta, spicy food and chips. They also want to go somewhere close because they only have an hour. They know there are two places that have burgers and fries close by. Paul loves burgers and George loves fries. Paul says that Great Burger has good burgers. George says that Best Burger has good fries. They now have a problem. "How are we going to pick where we are going to go?" says George. Paul answers "Let's go to Great Burger today and tomorrow let's go to Best Burger." George, being a good friend, says OK. They leave school and go to eat burgers and fries. Who picks where they went for lunch? A. Paul B. Ralph C. George D. Sam Answer: A Close your eyes for a minute and imagine what life would be like if you couldn't see. Imagine having to read this page, not with your eyes but with your fingers. How do you feel, then? With medical knowledge and skills today, two-thirds of the world's 42 million blind people should not have to suffer. Unluckily, rich countries have this knowledge, but developing countries do not. ORBIS is an international charitable organization. Its goal is to help fight blindness all over the world. Inside a DC-8 airplane, there is a teaching hospital with television room and classroom. Doctors are taught the latest technology of helping the blind get sight again here. ORBIS is always trying to keep a closer relation among countries. ORBIS helps those developing countries by providing sight-saving training. It has taught over 35,000 doctors and nurses. They continue to treat thousands of blind people every year. They have traveled around the earth 3 times, visited 76 countries and treated over 20,000 blind people. They need your help to continue their work and free people from blindness. For just $ 38, you can help one person see; for $ 380 10 people can see; $ 1,300 helps train a doctor new skills; and for $ 13,000 you can provide a training program for a group of doctors who can make thousands of blind people see again. Your love can help them open their eyes to the world. According to this passage, ORBIS helps fight blindness by doing the following EXCEPT _ . A. writing this kind of articles to ask for help B. providing sight-saving training C. treating thousands of blind people every year D. trying to keep a close relation among countries Answer: A
Psychologists in Britain have said that the last full week of January is the most depressing time of year, and labelled next Monday 'Blue Monday'. Blue is a slang way of saying unhappy. Mondays are generally seen as the worst day of the week because people feel grumpy and tired at having to go back to work after a weekend with a different sleep pattern. There are various reasons why more people feel depressed at this time of year. Many people have unpaid credit card bills for the Christmas presents they bought, and pay day is often not until the end of the month. As the party season is over, people feel stressed because they have to go back to real life - work and commuting; and they may be unhappy with their body image after bingeing on booze, chocolates, and other food at Christmas-time. People may have already failed in their New Year's resolutions, such as giving up smoking. The bad weather in January can also contribute to people feeling fed up. Some companies are taking this quite seriously and offering counselling for any staff who are feeling depressed. They hope that helping people as soon as there are signs of depression will avoid absenteeism . Evidence shows that unreasonable managers who contribute to their staff feeling fed up at this time can expect an uncooperative workforce. However, it's not all bad! Many people feel optimistic at this time, that things can only get better. Psychologists offer suggestions of how to combat feeling blue. These include spending 15 minutes doing a 'gratitude exercise' thinking about and writing down what you are grateful for, such as health, family, friends and so on. Taking up a new hobby, doing some exercise, going to bed earlier, eating a healthy breakfast, and listening to some uplifting music, are all recommended as ways to feel more cheerful. To avoid feeling blue next January, experts say that the best thing to do is to plan better next December. Spend less on presents, eat and drink less over the festive period, and make more realistic New Year's resolutions. What's the best title of the passage? Answer: Blue Monday. People in the UK spend their free time in different ways. They usually use it to relax. They spend a lot of their free time at home. The most popular activity is watching TV. People in the UK watch TV for about 25 hours a week. They often record programs so they can watch them later. Reading is also a popular way of spending free time. People in the UK spend a lot of time reading newspapers and magazines. Many people in the UK have pets. They like playing with their pets in their free time. In summer, gardening is popular. And families often have a "day out" on the weekend. They often go to a festival or see a show. Young people like to go to clubs, and people of all ages like to go to the cinema. In winter, "do-it-yourself" is popular. People often spend their free time repairing houses. Some free time activities are with friends. Asking friends for a drink or a meal at home is the most usual one. Sometimes people and their friends have dinner in a restaurant. On the weekend, people in the UK like to spend their free time doing sports. The popular kinds of sports are soccer, horse racing, swimming, tennis, skating, climbing and hill walking. . Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage? Answer: People in the UK often record TV programs. The most common use of intelligence test scores is to predict degree of academic success. Such scores are used in some communities as bases for admitting able children to schools at ages younger than normal, and they are very generally used to determine admissions to schools beyond public secondary school. Another use common in elementary schools involves comparing such scores with performances in various subjects to identify children who are working below capacity. The greatest problem in using intelligence tests for the purpose of prediction is that no dependable criterion of their accuracy exists. The ideal criteria would be objective and reliable achievement tests following instruction in each subject, but there are few such tests, especially at the college level. Studies have shown that correlations between intelligence tests and achievement tests in various subjects through secondary school range roughly from 0.5 to 0.8. Such correlations are fairly high, but they do not suggest anywhere near complete agreement. At the college level there are two major tests used as criteria of admission. By far the more important is the College Entrance Examination, constructed by the Educational Testing Service authorized by the College Entrance Examination Board. These tests are returned to the Educational Testing Service for scoring, and the results are then made available to the various colleges authorized by the students to receive them. The second test of this type is the American College Test, which operates in essentially the same fashion. Both tests constitute measures of certain skills, abilities, and knowledge that have been found to be related to success in college. Their correlations with academic success are limited for three outstanding reasons. First, measures of achievement in college are themselves perhaps no more reliable than those in elementary and secondary schools. Second, intellectual factors do not alone determine academic success, especially at the college level. Many students drop out of schools because they are inadequately motivated or because they dislike the instructional programme. Third, correlations are lowered because the use of such tests for denying admission to some students means that the range of scores for those admitted is restricted, and such restriction tend to reduce correlation. The results of the College Entrance Examination will be _ . Answer: sent to the college that the students chose Oscar-winning director Ang Lee' s new epic "Life of Pi" reveals the relationship between a teenage Indian boy and a Bengal tiger. But in reality, the predators are under increasing threat from humans. Animal rights group PETA is hoping to use the popularity of the film to focus people's attention on the real life of Bengal tigers. With the rising demand for tiger parts from East Asia, illegal hunting remains a tremendous danger for the remaining cat population. Back in 1947, there were 40,000 tigers in India, but the number is experiencing a sharp decline t0 1,706 despite campaigns to protect the animal. Rising man-animal conflict is also one of the leading causes of decline in tiger numbers. In one of numerous reported attacks on the endangered big cats, villagers near The Bangladesh-India border, armed with sticks and boat oars, set upon the animal suspected to have attacked a local fisherman and beat it to death earlier this month. So far this year, 58 tiger deaths have been reported in the country. "The first instinct when a tiger is spotted is to just kill it,"grieved Gurmeet Sapal, a wildlife filmmaker. "The feeling of fear and revenge is so strong that it shuts out any other emotion. What we don' t realize is that the tiger never attacks humans until it is forced to. "' India has been struggling to stop the tiger's decline in the face of the loss of habitat as well that encourages the animals to leave the forest for food. " The tiger's rapidly exhausted prey base causes the predator to go al! out to get its food. Consequently, livestock and human beings become easy prey, which leads inevitably to conflict," says a wildlife conservationist. Filmmaker Sapal says it is only normal for people to think of the tiger as a dangerous animal, but its image as a human killer bears some injustice. "Tigers never kill for sport nor store meat. They kill their prey only in case of hunger. " What contributes to the facts that livestock and human beings become easy target of tigers? Answer: Tigers are losing their habitat and forced to go out of the woods. According to Pete Singer, a researcher who wrote a number of books on the military, active involvement of robots in battles could worsen warfare by making machines do all the dirty work for humans. He says that humanity is currently at point of breakthrough in war, like the discovery of the atomic bomb. "What does it mean to go to war with US soldiers whose hardware is made in China and whose software is made in India?" The research predicts that by 2015 American soldiers will be half robots, half humans. It is worth mentioning that attack drones and bomb-handling robots are just some of the devices that armies use in battles. Besides having no mercy in battle, robots, in contrast to humans, also cut off living soldiers from horrors. "The United States is ahead in military robots, but in technology there is no such thing as a permanent advantage," Mr. Singer said, adding that currently Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran are working on the development of military robots as well. The researcher mentioned that robotics is something terrorists can take advantage of as well. "You don't have to make robots believe they are going to get 7 million dollars when they die to get them to blow themselves up," he said. In addition, Mr. Singer mentioned that military robots feature cameras that record everything a machine sees, providing digital video that is uploaded on You Tubein graphic clips, which soldiers call "war porn". "It turns war into entertainment, sometimes set to music. The ability to watch more but experience less," he said. David Hansco, who is a robotics designer, creates robots that have more features of a human. For example, his robots feature synthetic flesh faces and have the ability to read human facial expressions and copy them. The engineer states that the main idea is to create robots that can show empathy . Which of the following statements is NOT true? Answer: The future robots can have a feeling of enjoying the war.
One little miracle has been happening to me recently, and it gives me a special joy. A few months ago, I was telling my daughter, Sally, some stories about my mother. Mydaughter was so young when my mother died that she doesn't remember her well. I told her allI could remember, like how wonderful my mother was and how much she meant to me. One day, Sally was sad because her grandmother was in heaven and she couldn't see her. I explained that though her grandmother was dead, now she was still watching over usand could send us something to let us know she was there. She could be anywhere, even ridinginvisibly on the back of a butterfly . Just after I said this, a butterflyflew down right by us, and we laughed happily. Now many people would say it was just luck that the butterfly flew down at that time. A funnything, however, has happened since then. Every time I go out in any type of weather I seebutterflies. Very often they fly right by my face to get my attention. I always say hi to Mom,send her my love, and thank God for little miracles. Everyone is always looking for some big miracles to come out and save them when they are introuble, but they don't notice the little miracles that happen every day right in front of theireyes. I know what they really are, however. For me little miracles are the best kind. So manylittle miracles happen around me all the time that I know _ are not just luck. ,. One day Sally was sad because _ . Answer: she couldn't see her grandmother BEIJING, June. 30(Xinhua)----There are ten times as many Chinese newspapers and magazines than there were 30 years ago. That's when the country adopted the reform and opening-up policy. Figures from the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP)show there were 186 newspapers and 930 magazines in China in 1978. Today, the country has 2,081 newspapers and 9,363 different magazines. In the meantime, official figures show China has some 600 publishing houses producing nearly 300,000 kinds of books. That's a dramatic increase from the 105 publishers of the past that produced only 10,000 different books. Rapid economic development and universal education since China adopted the reform has helped fuel the need for more information sources. Under the market economy, hundreds of publishing houses and newspapers have taken steps to restructure management systems into corporations listed on the stock market. The legal system overseeing the news and publishing industries in China has also changed over the last three decades. Since 1990 a law and five relevant regulations were adopted in 1990 to govern the sectors. Since it started in 1993, digital publishing has _ . Its industrial volume amounted to 20 billion yuan (2.93 billion U.S. dollars) in 2006. More than 500,000 kinds of digital books were produced last year alone in China, which is more than any other country in the world. Which is true according to this text? Answer: China produces more digital books than any other country. I'd just got in a taxi at the railway station when suddenly I found one of my suitcases missing. Just then, I saw a young fellow about 30 walking away with it, opening it and drawing out the valuables. "Stop thief! Stop thief!" I shouted and threw open the car door and rushed out to him, followed by the driver and half a dozen passers-by. Very soon the thief was cornered at the turn of the road. My driver caught the thief by the neck and put his hand into his trouser pocket, drawing out money, credit card, telephone book and so on and put them back into my suitcase. Half an hour later, the car was running at full speed on the express highway. I sat back and breathed a long sigh of relief . But as I pulled out those stolen things from the suitcase and started to check them, I became dumbfounded . Before my eyes were 200 yuan instead of 100. And a blood test report of a 58-year-old woman appeared. I suddenly realized that the taxi driver must have mistaken the thief's belongs and put his into my suitcase. The pitiful and begging look of the poor young man flashed across my mind again. My heart began to sink. Two years has passed since then. But this event keeps coming back to me. Was the young man a habitual robber or a dutiful son who had been driven to desperation to find money to save his mother's life? My heart aches for him. How I wish I had gone back that summer afternoon to return the 200 yuan and say sorry to him. For the first time in my life, I realized that hate and love are very close. What was one of the reasons for the young man to steal in the writer's opinion? Answer: The young man couldn't afford to pay for his old mother's medical treatment. Great young stars make Chinese people proud, like Yao Ming in the NBA, and Liu Xiang in track and field . Now maybe we can add one more name: Ding Junhui. The teenage player has become China's hero at snooker . Two days after his 18th birthday, Ding reached the top of the 2005 World Snooker China Open on Sunday. He's the second youngest ever to win a world ranking title ! In the final, Ding beat the world champion 9:5. He came from far behind to win. "I didn't feel nervous because I just looked at it as a practice match," said Ding. "I was able to learn from the other players." Ding doesn't talk much. Besides snooker, he hasn't many outside interests. He says he doesn't want anyone to beat him at snooker. He has been in Britain since he was 16. He can play with the world's best players there. He practices many hours a day. "Every game is so different for me. I have to think a lot before I win. That's why I enjoy snooker so much," he said. Ding has been in Britain since he was 16 so that _ . Answer: he can play with the world's best players there 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. How many museums were there in the United States and Canada 25 years ago? Answer: About 3,000.
Mary Jean Price Walls graduated second in her class in 1950.She had high hopes when she applied to a local college,Southwest Missouri State College.But after sending off her application,she spent months waiting for a reply.It never came. Worse than simply being denied admission ,the school didn't reply to her at all.It wasn't a matter of her school records,but of her skin color:Wallsis African American,and in those days,that fact alone closed a lot of doors. "I was sad and I was hurt,"Walls toldABCNews."I did not expect the skin color would affect my application.I thought I could go to university like other students." Four years later,the government declared that all schools should not discriminate against African Americans-- but it was too late for Walls.She'd moved on with her life, becoming a wife and a mother,and working as an elevator operator.She retired last year,at the age of 77. She stayed quiet about the unfairness she'd faced in Missouri State.Her son,Terry,went through school records and found that she'd been the first black student to ever apply to the college.Today,four percent of the Southwest Missouri State College body is African American--including Terry. Although it's too late for Missouri State to change the past,the school is awarding Walls with an honorary degree from the school.While she knows it's too late for herto change the course of her own life with the degree,it's a chance for her to show her family that Missouri State has changed in the last 60 years,and there's not a single door closed to them anymore. What can we infer from the passage? Answer: Paris in the springtime was, is and always will be, something rather special. Why not experience it for yourself with this excellent break for four days? This attractive city has something to offer to everyone and with prices at just PS129. Your break begins with comfortable bus transfer from local pick-up points and travel to Paris is via cross-channel ferry, arriving at your hotel in the evening. The Ibis is an excellent quality hotel with private equipments in all rooms: satellite TV, radio, telephone and alarm clock. It has a bar and restaurant and is situated about two miles south of Notre Dame enabling you to explore Paris with ease. The following day, after continental breakfast (included), the bus takes you on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the city, during which you will see the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, L'Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, in fact almost every famous landmark you have ever heard of. You then leave Paris and take a short drive to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the home of Louis XIV. The tour ends mid-afternoon back in Paris where you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure. In the evening there is a "Paris by Night" tour showing you the beautiful buildings with bright lights. Day three takes you to Montmarter, perhaps the most attractive quarter of Paris and home of the Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge. In the afternoon you are free to explore this beautiful city as you wish, perhaps a pleasure voyage on the River Seine, wander around the beautiful gardens or look among the antique shops . In the evening you will have the opportunity to visit the best nightclub in the city, the splendid Paradis Latain. On the final day it's back to the UK via channel ferry. Included in the price of PS129 per person : Return comfortable bus travel to Paris Return ferry crossings 3 nights housing in a twin bedded room in a Central Paris hotel with private facilities Continental breakfast during your stay Guided sightseeing tour of "Paris by Day" and Paris by Night" Visit to the Chateau of Versailles (admission not included ) Tour around Montmartre Services of experienced bi-lingual tour guide at all times 67. According to the passage , which of the following is true ? Answer: The Voice of China Many Chinese like watching The Voice of China, because the songs sound really good. My daughter, my wife and I like it, too. We watch the programme every Friday. Some famous singers like Wang Feng, Zhang Huimei, Na Ying, Harlem Yu are the _ . The coaches listen to the songs, and find their favorite singers. They can listen to the singers , but they can't watch the singers sing . Then they teach their favorite singers. The singers sing songs again. The Voice of China is to find the best voice. Many _ like watching The Voice of China. Answer: Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? What about traveling into the future? There's an easy way to do it. One way you can make a time travel journey is by writing a letter to your future self to be opened in the future. To your future self, the letter will be a visit from the past. What can be gained by writing a letter to yourself? Depends on how good your letter is. You have the chance to say something to your future self. What would you want to say? You'll be able to talk to yourself 5,10,15 years down the road. There may be instructions for your future self, or you may have goals that you will want to reach. There are a lot of things you could include in your letter or letters to yourself. The more you include, the better the letter will be to you. Be creative with what you put in your letter. Include a picture of yourself or family to show the period from which the letter came. You can store your letter in many different ways. You can give your letter to a friend or family member to keep and mail to you. If you can get others to take part, have them write letters to themselves as well and ask someone to be the letter holder until it's time to send the letters. You can also use a service online to store your letter and e-mail it to you. Ready to write to yourself two and a half years down the road? If you want to gain more in the future, you should _ . Answer: In 1986,when Carlo Petrini first coined the term "Slow Food," he organized locally in his native Italy to preserve the food and wine culture and protest fast food. Today, slow food has spread to 132 countries with over 85, 000 members, addressing worldwide issues like farmer equity and _ --the actions people take to respect the rights of all living things and all environments, to contribute to healthy and livable communities. Characterized by Slow Food International as "good, clean, and fair food," slow food must enrich the eaters' life,have no negative impact on human or environmental health,and compensate fairly for food producers' work. The average American meal travels about 1,500 miles to its final destination, with producing of food traveling by plane from overseas and other items shipped across the country. However,cost for food travel and heavy processing are not the only problems in the food industry that the environment faces. Industrial agriculture also has unsustainable practices like inefficient water use and decreased biodiversity. Our ideas in feeding ourselves are exceptional, but at various points our technologies come into conflict with nature's ways of doing things. A great many of the health and environmental problems created by our food system owe to our attempts to oversimplify natures complexities, at both the growing and the eating ends of our food chain. "Slowing" food, by purchasing locally and sustainably, allows consumers to reduce the impact of "food miles" and develop a closer relationship with their food producers." We need to change our food system," said David Prior, organizer of Slow Food Nation EatIn. "Our current food system is sick and we need to support farmers and agriculture to ensure that everyone has the right to nutritious food." What is David Prior's attitude towards current food system? Answer:
Question: The classical Chinese theatre developed during the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368). Plots of Yuan plays came from story cycles made familiar by storytellers. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the drama used the plots of popular novels. Until the 19th century, Chinese drama was not spoken; it was a mixture of music and declamation . Like the Sanskrit drama, Chinese drama avoids tragedy as that term is understood in the West. However, it is frequently filled with a feeling of pity and sympathy, often involving the deaths of women. Chinese drama is more social and less concerned with romantic love than the Sanskrit. One's family and country are frequently regarded as more important than the individual. In contrast to the Sanskrit drama, Chinese drama was written for the popular audience, and dramatic performances took place in every village. There are many Chinese plays in existence. Among the _ of them areThe Injustice Suffered by Dou Eby Guan Hanqing,The Western Chamber by Wang Shifu,The Peony Pavilionby Tang Xianzu, andThe Palace of Eternal Youthby Hong Sheng. In the West, Chinese drama has traditionally been regarded as an entertainment rather than a serious art form. One of the reasons for this judgment is the formlessness of Chinese plays. For example, Hong Sheng's The Palace of Eternal Youth, a play in 49 scenes doesn't have any act divisions. In Chinese drama, no attempt is made at realism. The scenery is symbolic. For instance, a flag represents an army and characters at times directly address the audience. Since the early 19th century, the Beijing opera has been the leading force in the Chinese theatre. After World War I, a realistic, spoken drama, patterned after Western plays, developed. From the passage, we can infer that _ . A. the Beijing opera has been the most popular theatre for almost 200 years in China B. Chinese drama developed faster than the western plays after the First World War C. In Chinese drama, a flag is used to represent an army. D. Chinese drama is not thought of as a serious art of form traditionally in the west Answer: A Question: In snapdragon plants, red flowers are dominant to white flowers. When red-flowered plants are crossed with white-flowered plants, pink flowers are produced. If a researcher wants to produce plants with only white flowers, what color should the parent plants be? A. both red B. both white C. one red and one white D. one white and one pink Answer: B Question: Once, a king had a great highway built for his people. Just before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest . He invited his people to take part in the contest. Their challenge was to see who could travel the highway the best. On the day of the contest, some people came to the highway in fine clothing; some had fancy hairstyles or brought great food. Some young men came in their sports clothes and ran along the highway. People raveled the highway all day. But each one, when he or she completed the trip, complained to the king that there was a large pile of stones in the way that had blocked his or her travels. At the end of the day, a lonely traveler crossed the finishing line and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he showed the king great respect and handed him a bag of gold. He explained: "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of stones that was _ the road. This bag of gold was under it all. I want you to return it to its rightful owner." The king replied: "You are the rightful owner. You've earned this gold, for you won my contest." The man won the contest just because he was the only one who stopped to make the road smoother . Sometimes, the greatest prize comes not from helping yourself, but from helping others. What did the man do during the contest? A. He complained as the other people had. B. He gave up before he got to the stones. C. He cleared the pile of stones. D. He blocked the road with stones. Answer: C Question: It's hard to track the blue whale, which has almost been killed off by commercial whaling. Attaching radio devices to it is difficult and visual sightings are too unreliable to give real insight into its behavior. So biologists were delighted early this year when, with the help of the US Navy, they are able to track a particular blue whale for 43 days recording its sounds. This was possible because of the Navy's former top secret system of underwater listening devices across the oceans. Tracking whales is but one example of an exciting new world just opening to civilian scientists after the cold war as the Navy starts to share and partly uncover its global network of underwater listening system built over the decades to track the ships of potential enemies. Earth scientists announced at a news conference recently that they had used the system for closely observing a deep-sea volcanic eruption for the first time and that they planned similar studies. Other scientists have proposed to use the network for tracking ocean currents and measuring changes in the ocean and global temperatures. Different layers of ocean water can act as channels for sounds focusing them in the same way a stethoscope does when it carries faint noises from a patient's chest to a doctor's ear. This focusing is the main reason that even relatively weak sounds in the ocean, especially low-frequency ones, can often travel thousands of miles. What is the passage chiefly about? A. An effort to protect an endangered marine species. B. The civilian use of a military detection system. C. The exposure of a US Navy top-secret weapon. D. A new way to look into the behavior of blue whales. Answer: B Question: Explosions can cause harm to what? A. clouds B. radio waves C. ground crawlers D. airflow Answer: C
A child, who has once got interested in a tale, likes, as a rule, to have it retold in almost the same words, but this should not lead parents to treat printed fairy stories as formal texts. It is always much better to "tell" a story than just "read" it out of a book, and, if a parent can produce his own as an improvement on the printed text, according to his child's actual situation, so much the better. There is a charge made against some fairy tales, as they probably harm children by frightening them or leaving them sad feelings. To prove it, an experiment has been done to show that children who have heard terrible fairy stories often feel more uneasy than those who have not. As for fears, there are some cases where children get timid by some fairy story. Often, however, this arises from the child having heard the story once. Familiarity with the story by repetition may weaken the pain of fear. There are also people who object to fairy stories on the grounds that the stories are not objectively true, and that those giants, witches, two-headed dragons, magic carpets etc. do not really exist, so children should be taught to learn the reality by studying history, instead of being got fond of the strange side in fairy tales. Those, who prefer to create such stories, are so peculiar that it is hard to argue with them. If their creative exaggeration were _ , the world should be full of mad men attempting to fly from New York to Philadelphia on a stick or covering a telephone with kisses in the belief that it was their beloved girl-friend. Not once is a fairy story ever declared to be a description of the real world, but not every child is clever enough to be aware of it. Parents should choose their children's "bed-time" reading materials with much care. Only the fairy stories containing positive effect will make a clever and caring child with rich imagination. According to the passage, when a child hears a terrible fairy story, _ . It is not always easy to understand inventions and new developments in science. To understand fiber optics , however, you can try an experiment. Put a drop or two of milk into the glass of water. Turn off the lights. Shine the light from your flashlight through the top of the glass at an angle of about 45 degrees. Put a piece of white paper against the glass when the beam of light is shining. Move the paper so you can see where the beam is coming out of the glass. You should see a spot of light. Some of the light has passed through the water and through the glass. You see it on the paper. You also see another beam going down into the glass. It is being reflected down into the glass. Next move the flashlight so that the beam is coming straighter down(30 degrees) into the water. You will see the same phenomenon: some of the light is reflected back into the glass. And some escapes out. Now move the beam of light from the flashlight slowly up until you cannot see any light escaping. This point is called the "point of total internal reflection." The word internal means "inside." All the light is staying inside the glass. There is no beam showing a bright spot on the white paper. All the light energy is inside the glass. The glass of milky water is like a strand of glass. A fiber optic tube is a bundle of long thin strands of glass, really many tubes. However, the principle is the same: at a certain angle, all the light energy that goes into the glass fiber comes out the other end. Light is energy. Sound is energy. Radio waves and electricity are both energy. They can all be changed into light, and as light they can all travel along a glass fiber. Light travels at the rate of 186,000 miles per second. Therefore, a message can travel that fast in a glass fiber. This is the principle, or law of nature, that makes fiber optics work. The last step is to prove_. Would the voice of Amanda Holden saying "your city had talent" encourage you to use a litter bin? Or maybe former Monty Python star Michael Palin telling you no one had expected "the Spanish bin-quisition"? Organizers of a plan persuading celebrities to lend their voices to "talking bins"believe it can make a real difference to keeping Britain tidy. They hope that by using humor, they will succeed where fines and warnings have failed in keeping streets and parks clean. A similar experiment in Sweden found a talking bin received nearly three times as much rubbish as an ordinary one because people were attracted by its quality of being new and unusual value. Twenty-five specially adapted bins to be installed in the streets of London and Liverpool next month will use a sound card to play a themed message when litter is placed inside. For example,one near the Royal Opera House will play a "thank-you" message sung by Janis Kelly to the tune of Nessun Dorina. Bins installed in Liverpool will play Beatles-themed messages. For others,Britain's Got Talent judge Holden is expected to record the message:"This is Amanda, and this city's got talent." The campaign,entitled Bin Thinking, is being organized by art group Sing London. If successful,talking bins could become a familiar feature on Britain's streets. Colette Hiller, director of Sing London, said, " The idea is to reward people in a small way for changing their behavior and raise awareness through a sense of fun." What would be the best title for the text? the lunar surface contains Tomorrow is my best friend's birthday and I don't know what to get him. He's eleven years old like me, and to be honest, everyone likes to always mix us up. It's not that we look alike or sound alike or even dress alike, but it's our names, Tim and Tom, that do it. Anyways, he likes dinosaurs, board games, and toy cars so I'm not sure if anything under ten dollars has both of those in it. He also told me not to get anything that has feathers included in it as his mom always gets headaches when she's around them. My mom took me to the store and I looked around for something Tom would like. We had to pass through the clothing, medicine, and jewelry sections before we got to the toy aisle. My mom told me to not let her forget that we need to go to the garden section to get a new sprinkler before we go, but I was too into the toys to understand her. Finally, I found a board game where you play as different cars to try and finish a race first and thought that was perfect even without the dinosaurs. From there, we checked out and I gave the present to Tom on his birthday. He loved it and we played with our other friends, Daryl, John, and Angie. Sadly our other friend, James couldn't make it as he was sick, but we still had so much fun together. Which of Tim and Tom's friends didn't go to Tom's birthday party?
In South Korea, children get used to the Internet at an early age. A survey last year by the Ministry of information and Communication showed that nearly half of children between the age of 3 and 5 use the internet. "In south Korea, _ , said Lee Kyong Ko, a professor at Duksing, Women's University in Seoul. Online role-playing games, where participants make friends and band together, have a strong appeal to Koreans,"One problem with those games is that you build your online person through countless hours of battles, and you develop a huge emotional attachment to your game character,"said Chang Woo Min, a one-time online gamer. Parents report that their children steal money and do not come home for days and even weeks, practically living in Internet Cafes, and sometimes they refuse to look for jobs and play games all night and sleep during the day. The authorities require Internet cafes to keep their distance from schools, and they open camps for teenage addicts and distribute booklets on the dangers of game addiction. In addition, they are training hundreds of counselors, who visit schools and Internet Cafes. In the 28,000 Internet Cafes in South Korea, persons under 18 are banded from entry after 10 p.m.. The authorities have even discussed reducing the points of gamers who play for more than three consecutive hours, But such talks have produced no agreement, amid concerns that such restrictions would put a high-growth industry in danger and worse the problem of teenagers stealing adult online identification numbers,"Sooner or later we will be able to announce our measures,"the minister of Information and Communication, Rho Jun Hyoung, said at a news conference in May."Since South Korea is one of the most active and developed countries in the Internet, the world is paying great attention to What policy we will adopt on this problem." According to the passage, in order to solve the Internet problem, the authorities of South Korea took the following measures EXCEPT _ Answer: banning all the people from entering the Internet after 10 p.m. Research shows that much of our predisposition towards determination, sociability and self - control and sense of purpose is in our genes.In fact, our DNA plays a bigger role in influencing these traits ( characteristics)than our upbringing and the company we keep.Taken together, these aspects of personality can make the difference between success and failure, say the Edinburgh University researchers. They questioned more than 800 pairs of twins about their attitudes to life to tease apart the influences of nature and nurture.Comparing identical twins, who share all their DNA and their up bringing, with non-identical twins, who have a shared background but are no more genetically alike than other brothers and sisters, is a technique often used by researchers to quantify the influence of genetics. The results, published in the Journal of Personality, showed that genes play a much bigger role than lifestyle, with self-control particularly etched into our DNA. Our genes a222so largely determine how determined and persistent we are.This is important in terms of success, as someone who refuses to give up is more likely to achieve their dreams than someone who _ Researcher Professor Timothy Bates said, "Ever since the ancient Greeks, people Lave de hated the nature of a good life and the nature of a virtuous life.Why do some people seem to manage their lives, have good relationships and cooperate to achieve their goals while others do not? Previously, the role of family and the environment around the home often controlled people' s ideas about what affected psychological well-being.However, this work emphasizes a much more powerful influence from genetics." However, those who haven' t been dealt a helpful hand of genes shouldn' t he too depressed.The professor says a sense of purpose is the key and advises those who are eager for success to focus their thoughts on making a difference. What is the best title for the passage? Answer: DNA determines success or failure Bali is a tiny island that is part of Indonesia today. It is a pretty island that has many mountains and a pleasant climate. For a long time, Bali was cut off from much of the world. The people of Bali were happy and had a peaceful life. They were not allowed to fight. At one time there had been terrible wars on Bali. Then the people decided it was wrong to fight or have wars. They made rules to keep apart those people who wanted to fight. Bali was divided into seven small kingdoms. The land around each kingdom was kept empty, and no one lived there. Since the kingdoms did not share the same borders , the people could not fight about them. On Bali, even children were not allowed to fight. If two children started a fight over a toy, someone separated them. When two boys argued, they would agree not to speak to each other. Sometimes they did not talk together for months; this gave the boys a chance to forget their anger. Families who were angry with each other also promised not to speak. Their promise was written down, and the whole village knew about it. If they broke their promise, they had to offer gifts to their gods. The people of Bali _ . Answer: lived a happy and peaceful life My mother is the only living person who has never communicated via email or text. She has never turned on a computer, registered an email account, used data storage media or searched the Internet. Since 1955, she has settled in Silicon Valley, married to an extremely technical specialist in applied physics and engineering, designing photometric systems for NASA. Only when Dad suffered from cancer could we convince her she needed a cell phone. Mom's being separated from the information age is voluntary and deliberate. Mom is still that farm girl, and she takes the most pride in it. She sees her neighbor and her community "real". She shows no interest in the digital and virtual life. My mother saw Depression, World War II and the beginning of the Cold War before reaching voting age. She enjoyed country music on "The Sons of the Pioneers", a Canadian broadcast. The battery was so precious a resource that radio was limited to the barn because Grandma thought it helped cows produce milk. In the age when Churchill moved millions for the first time with radio broadcasts, she only experienced live media monthly, if at all. In her early twenties, Mom completed nurses' training and worked in that field before marriage, family and church became her life's concerns. She never really warmed up to television, though I think she appreciated a few of the series we watched, comedies like All in the Family. Computers, the Internet and mobile apps are simply not part of her experience. Mom disagrees with the opinion that technology simplifies life. In her life, she sees online records, email and paperless systems as mysteries in which no written reference can assist her. However, I can partly understand: I like such kind of experience and relationship one has with physical books. I am a child of television who only recently switched to online viewing. I've written down my awkward, love-hate relationship with my devices. _ , but it works for her. She's happiest as she is. The author's mother began to use mobile phone when _ . Answer: her husband suffered from cancer Papa, as a son of a dirt-poor farmer, left school early and went to work in a factory, for education was for the rich then. So, the world became his school. With great interest, he read everything he could lay his hands on, listened to the town elders and learned about the world beyond his tiny hometown. "There's so much to learn," he'd say. "Though we're born stupid, only the stupid remain that way. " He was determined that none of his children would be denied an education. Thus, Papa insisted that we learn at least one new thing each day. Though, as children, we thought this was crazy, it would never have occurred to us to deny Papa a request. And dinner time seemed perfect for sharing what we had learned. We would talk about the news of the day; no matter how insignificant, it was never taken lightly. Papa would listen carefully and was ready with some comment, always to the point. Then came the moment--the time to share the day's new learning. Papa, at the head of the table, would push back his chair and pour a glass of red wine, ready to listen. "Felice," he'd say, "tell me what you learned today. " "I learned that the population of Nepal is .... " Silence. Papa was thinking about what was said, as if the salvation of the world would depend upon it. "The population of Nepal. Hmm. Well . . . . " he'd say. "Get the map; let's see where Nepal is. " And the whole family went on a search for Nepal. This same experience was repeated until each family member had a turn. Dinner ended only after we had a clear understanding of at least half a dozen such facts. As children, we thought very little about these educational wonders. Our family, however, was growing together, sharing experiences and participating in one another's education. And by looking at us, listening to us, respecting our input, affirming our value, giving us a sense of dignity, Papa was unquestionably our most influential teacher. Later during my training as a future teacher /1 studied with some of the most famous educators. They were imparting what Papa had known all along--the value of continual learning. His technique has served me well all my life. Not a single day has been wasted, though I can never tell when knowing the population of Nepal might prove useful. It can be learned from the passage that the author . Answer: appreciated his father's educational technique
The common cold is the world's most widespread illness, which is plagues that flesh receives. The most widespread fallacy of all is that colds are caused by cold. They are not. They are caused by viruses passing on from person to person. You catch a cold by coming into contact, directly or indirectly, with someone who already has one. If cold causes colds, it would be reasonable to expect the Eskimos to suffer from them forever. But they do not. And in isolated arctic regions explorers have reported being free from colds until coming into contact again with infected people from the outside world by way of packages and mail dropped from airplanes. During the First World War soldiers who spent long periods in the trenches , cold and wet, showed no increased tendency to catch colds. In the Second World War prisoners at the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp , naked and starving, were astonished to find that they seldom had colds. At the Common Cold Research Unit in England, volunteers took part in Experiments in which they gave themselves to the discomforts of being cold and wet for long stretches of time. After taking hot baths, they put on bathing suits, allowed themselves to be with cold water, and then stood about dripping wet in drafty room. Some wore wet socks all day while others exercised in the rain until close to exhaustion. Not one of the volunteers came down with a cold unless a cold virus was actually dropped in his nose. If, then, cold and wet have nothing to do with catching colds, why are they more frequent in the winter?Despite the most pains-taking research, no one has yet found the answer. One explanation offered by scientists is that people tend to stay together indoors more in cold weather than at other times, and this makes it easier for cold viruses to be passed on. No one has yet found a cure for the cold. There are drugs and pain suppressors such as aspirin, but all they do is relieve the symptoms. Which of the following does not agree with the chosen passage? Answer: People suffer from colds just because they like to stay indoors. America's greatest technological achievement, the Hoover Dam, now has a companion piece, a bridge held up by the longest arch in the Western Hemisphere . The Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which opened this month and connects the U.S. states of Arizona and Nevada, crosses the vast chasm 890 feet above the Colorado River that is controlled by the dam. The striking 1,900-foot-long structure will improve traffic in the region and help protect the dam from being destroyed. It is the seventh highest bridge in the world, behind four in China, one in Papua New Guinea and one in the US state of Colorado. "The Hoover Dam is the greatest civil engineering achievement in America's history," said the bridge project manager Dave Zanatell. "Our goal was not to outdo or outshine it. Our goal was to, in a respectful way, do something that would be great for our generation and that would stand besides Hoover Dam in a respectful and quality way that would become a part of Hoover's legacy ." Just as the Hoover Dam was built in the heart of the Great Depression and was seen as an example of the nation's can-do spirit, some hope this project can also provide some _ . The bridge is surprising: at 1,050 feet, its support arch holds up a roadway that lies on 300-foot-long concrete pillars , some of the tallest in the world. It contains 16 million pounds of steel. The idea of the bridge came into being in the 1960s because the top of the Hoover Dam has been a narrow two-lane road that is the fastest route from Arizona to Las Vegas and then the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Access to the dam from each direction is a dangerously winding route, but massive trucks and passenger vehicles shared it for decades. During the day, when thousands of tourists travel to the dam from Las Vegas three times as many accidents as on a normal road will happen. The bridge has a sidewalk on the side facing the dam. The wall on both sides is 54 inches high, so walkers can take photos there. The text is mainly about _ . Answer: a recently built bridge Mom was a teacher most of her life. When she wasn't in the classroom, she was educating her children or grandchildren: correcting our grammar; starting us on collections of butterflies, flowers or rocks; or inspiring a discussion on her most recent "Book of the Month Club" topic. Mom made learning fun. It was sad for my three brothers and me to see her ailing in her later years. At eighty-five, she suffered a stroke and she went steadily downhill after that. Two days before she died, my brothers and I met at her nursing home and took her for a short ride in a wheelchair. While we waited for the staff to lift her limp body back into bed, Mom fell asleep. Not wanting to wake her, we moved to the far end of the room and spoke softly. After several minutes our conversation was interrupted by a muffled sound coming from across the room. We stopped talking and looked at Mom. Her eyes were closed, but she was clearly trying to communicate with us. We went to her side. "Whirr," she said weakly. "Where?" I asked. "Mom, is there something you want?" "Whirr," she repeated a bit stronger. My brothers and I looked at each other and shook our heads sadly. Mom opened her eyes, sighed, and with all the energy she could muster said, "Not was, say were!" It suddenly occurred to us that Mom was correcting brother Jim's last sentence. "If it was up to me..." Jim leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Mom," he whispered. We smiled at each other and once again shook our heads...this time in awe of a remarkable teacher. When Mom said, "Whirr", what did she really want to do? Answer: She wanted to correct the mistakes Jim made while talking. While you are in trouble, what are you going to do? What? Cry? Or escape? Those are all the wrong way! Robinson Crusoe can tell you the right answer! It is an exciting story: Robinson Crusoe hated the comfortable life in his home town. So, he want to be a seaman and travelled around the world. But one day, a terrible thing happened. A great storm came and their boat crashed! No one was alive in this accident except Robinson. He was the luckiest man in the world--Because all his friends were dead but he was alive. However, at the same time he was the most _ man of all--He must face the fact .Alone on an island without food, water or gun!But, all roads lead to Rome!He just used his hands to work hard!Then, he made a cave, built a house, grew corn and kept goats. In the end, he could enjoy the life on the island. In his twenty-fourth year on the island, he saved a wild man, and gave him the name of "Friday". With Robinson's teaching, "Friday" became a good servant. Friday, they got a boat and escaped from the island. Surely, the writer of Robinson Crusoe is really a hero! It's too hard to describe Robinson with words. We could say that Robinson was very clever, and also he was brave,...Certainly, too many good words can describe him. But now, I think it isn't important. However, the most important thing is what we have learned from the story. That is, use our own hands to work hard with confidence! Robinson wanted to be a sailor because _ . Answer: he didn't like the quiet life in his home town My bike was a three-speed English "racer", purchased during my second year in college in November 1964 for $44. Most of the money was earned by myself in my spare time, but I had to get my mother to help me out a little. At that time, bikes were rare on a college campus. My reason for getting a bicycle was a little strange. A friend of mine convinced me to take a summer job selling door-to-door and suggested that I should use a bicycle to travel between houses. The job didn't work out, but was in my brain. That fall, I borrowed another student's bike and rode 45 miles on the first day, but his bike soon had a flat which he didn't like fixing. So I had to buy one. I immediately started using mine almost every day. Before getting the bike, I sometimes walked 28 miles to my parents' house. Now the bike gave me a quicker method, but my first trip took four hours due to strong headwinds that had me fight for every foot. Once I made a trip of 100 miles in one day. I decided to use the bike to go camping in the Smokies. During the trip, I recognized the need for handlebars and more gears, so I bought a ten-speed after just one year though I loved this bike. The first bike "hung around" for a couple of years, and then I gave it to my sister's kids who let it become part of their lives. According to the passage, we can learn that the first bike was _ for him. Answer: very useful
We humans love to scare ourselves. Newspapers and TV news are full of shock-horror stories about the killer flu virus but are there things we can do to cut our risk of catching it? Every year, people in Britain catch the flu virus and some of those who are already ill, or are very young, may die. It is very sad, but modern treatment means that many deaths can be avoided. Experts tell us that the world is another flu epidemic and that the latest bird-flu virus would be the most likely cause. Humans can catch the disease only after closely contacting with a sick bird. However, if someone who had normal flu was to come into contact with bird flu, this could be very dangerous. The bird flu virus could attach itself to the human flu virus, _ and then start to spread from person to person. Coughs and sneezes always have spread diseases, especially colds and flu, and they still do. If bird flu does begin to infect humans, it will spread through coughs and sneezes. If you want to stay free of flu and someone coughs or sneezes at you, what should you do? First, keep your hands away from your face and wash them and your face as soon as you can. If a cough or a sneeze spray misses your face and you accidentally touch a droplet with your hands and then touch your face, the flu or cold bug could creep into your system. The chances of most people catching bird flu are very small because _ . Answer: India first, college can wait! It was an opportunity 19-year-old Jodi Sagorin felt she couldn't pass up. The California student had received an admission letter to New York University, but she wanted to follow a calling to volunteer in India. When she got an offer to do just that, she decided there would be no better time to do it. "It matches everything I'm interested in," she said. "It's just one of those things; it was meant to be." Last month, Sagorin packed up her belongings and headed over to Uttar Pradesh as an intern for Drishtee, an organization that works for the economic and social development for the needy in India. During her stay in India -- for up to seven months -- Sagorin will help with programs involving micro-finance, entrepreneurship , healthcare and women's empowerment. Since her younger days, Sagorin had read inspiring stories of change makers throughout the world and decided she wanted to get involved somehow. She decided volunteering would be the path she'd take and NYU could wait. She wanted to make a difference even when others said it wouldn't be possible. When Sagorin broke the news about deciding to put off college, her parents felt pride, nervousness, fear and excitement. "We're really proud of her of wanting to do this," said Mike Sagorin, her father. "We're a little concerned about a 19-year-old girl going out there by herself and hope she'll be safe." Sagorin and her family researched everything they could about the organization and bought more than a dozen books about the country. Before her trip to India, Sagorin raised $3,500 to pay for her travel and living expenses, along with some to donate to the people she would work with in India. She has promised to send various levels of gifts -- from a personal postcard to a personalized video touring the Taj Mahal -- to those who _ money towards her trip. (Visit Sagorin's blog at ifyouneverdid. com for more information.) What is the main point of the article? Answer: There is a park near our school. We can see many trees and flowers there. We can see a hill behind the park, too. At the foot of the hill we can see a river. There are some boats on it. It is Sunday today. There are many Young Pioneers in the park. Some are walking and singing. Some are dancing or playing games. Ann and her sister Kate are flying a kite. Tom and his brother Sam are throwing a frisbee . Their parents are sitting under a tree. All the family are having a good time. Where is the hill? Answer: As time goes by, sports have become more and more important in people's modern life. People take part in different kinds of sports, like football, basketball, table tennis, swimming and so on. Sports are popular all over the world. People also like watching sports matches . Sports stars are very popular with people, especially students. There are sports matches all over the world nearly every year, but the most important and famous is the Olympic Games. Every player wants to win the game. At that time all sports fans sit in front of TVs to watch games. Some even go to the stadium to watch. Why are sports so popular? Because sports can keep our body strong. Do you like playing sports? How often do you exercise? ,. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? Answer: At the end of eight grade, our class went to Washington, D.C. For a group of 14-year-olds, this was a big deal! The first day was so tiring; we could hardly remember where we were and what we were seeing. The next morning, we were off to seemonuments ,starting with Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson. We walked along the paths through trees. Then the Wall came into view--the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. As I moved slowly closer to the Wall, I heard abagpipe in the distance, which seemed to show respect to the lives lost in the jungles of Vietnam . We continued walking and felt surprised at the number of names carved in the black stone. I was determined to find a soldier with my last name, but my hunt was stopped when a man caught my eyes. He waskneeling at the Wall, a single rose at his feet. His head was bowed and he was rubbing his fingers over one name. I thought how sad he was, and then moved on . After a few minutes I found one with my last name, but my eyes returned to the kneeling man. He was still rubbing his fingers over the same name. He never knew I was watching him, lost in deep sorrow. It was time for me to leave the kneeling man and the Wall. On the way home, I couldn't help thinking of the kneeling man and his sad face. I wasn't sure of the effects of war before, but at that moment I realized how much that man suffered from losing his loved one. Maybe he was the only one of so many families who experienced the same . I never knew the full effects of war until I saw that man. I only know about war from history classes. The kneeling man taught me more about war and the effects it has on people than any history book . Which of the following makes the author feel the suffering that war brings to human beings? Answer:
When you get tired of homework, several minutes' walk in a nearby green park helps you relax at once. Or you may stand facing the lake or the seas. They will calm (not to be excited or nervous) you just like the green plants. Wonder why? Color is a key part of the answers. Since it is so, green and blue help make people feel more quiet and safe. All colors have special power. Scientists have found that many colors have specific effects on people's mind and feelings. Try an easy and interesting experiment and you'll see how color " _ " you sometimes. Wrap two boxes of the same size with colored paper, one red and the other white. Then weigh the two boxes with your hands. Which one is heavier? Most people will think that the red box is heavier, even though they weigh the same. Colors can affect learning. Scientists have found that students spend more time reading if they read information written in blue text. Blue helps most people calm down and think more. Clever uses of colors in daily life are to be seen everywhere. Hospitals and libraries seldom paint their walls, tables and desks red. They use light colors, like light blue or green. Red makes people excited while light colors help them relax. Haven't worked out how color affects your daily life? Start with your small room. Try to make some changes in it and you'll get to know how important color is! Which of the following is NOT true? A When you are going to have a rest, you'd better sit in the room painted green B Scientists have known some differences among some colors C When you get tired of homework, you should look at the green plants far away D The passage has told us clearly why some colors are warm and other colors are cool. Answer: D. The passage has told us clearly why some colors are warm and other colors are cool. I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband unexpectedly died of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her views with a classroom of students. As the sunlight came in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there. She paused and said, "Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is important. Each of us comes to this world to learn, share, love, appreciate and give. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment." Her eyes beginning to water, she went on: "So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see. It could be a _ of freshly baked bread from someone's house, or it could be the sound of the wind slightly rustling the leaves in the trees..." The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and left the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school. Take notice of something special you see on your way home today. Go barefoot on the beach at sunset. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do. What do we learn from the last sentence? A We will be happy when we are old. B We will regret the mistakes that we made when we were young. C We will regret what we didn't do though we might do it. D We will do what we couldn't do in the past Answer: C. We will regret what we didn't do though we might do it. Ellen Parker was worried about her health. She couldn't walk very quickly and it was difficult for her to climb stairs,she was soon out of breath. "I suppose I had better go to the doctor," she thought. She went to the doctor and told him her problem. "I'm not at all surprised," he said. "It's clear what your problem is." He examined her and then gave her some advice. "If you don't do what I say,Mrs Parker," he said,"then you will have a heart attack. It could kill you. " Ellen was very worried as she left the doctor's. She knew that she had to take his advice but that it would not be easy and that it would take time. The next day she went shopping.The first shop she went into was a butcher's shop. "I'd like ten pounds of steak,please," she said. "Certainly,madam," the butcher replied and went into the cold storage room and found a large piece of steak. He brought the huge piece of meat back into the shop and placed it on the scale . "That's just under ten pounds," he said. The butcher worked out the price. "At $4.99 a pound that will be $45.50 please. Shall I cut it up into small pieces for you?" "Oh,I don't want to buy the meat," Mrs Parker said. "If you don't want to buy it," the butcher replied,"why did you ask me to get it for you?" "I just wanted to see what 10 pounds of meat looked like. " Mrs Ellen Parker's real problem was that _ . A she ate too much steak B she couldn't walk quickly C she weighed too much D she couldn't climb stairs Answer: C. she weighed too much Different countries have different greeting customs.Now let's learn more about the greeting customs in different cultures. France France people greet each other with a handshake ,but close friends kiss each other on the cheek when they meet.They do this when meeting and before leaving. Korea In Korea ,it is a sign of respect for people to bow when greeting each other.In Korea, a bow is followed by a handshake.However ,Korea 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 the palm must directly touch the palm of the other.It's considered impolite to touch the back of the hand. Which is probably the BEST title for the passage ? A Greeting Customs in Different Cultures B How to Behave Politely C All Bad Ways to Greet People D Friends Should Greet Each Other Answer: A. Greeting Customs in Different Cultures Rail passengers are being forced to pay thousands of pounds more in fares as a result of poor advice from the national telephone helpline and individual stations, a consumer organisation reveals today. Research by Which? found that in some cases passengers are being charged almost double the cheapest price because of errors made by staff . Which? asked 25 questions of both station staff and the National Rail Enquiries (NRES) helpline. Only half of the 50 questions were answered correctly. If customers had followed all the advice given ,they would have been PS1,263.60 worse off . Bad advice was given for the cheapest fare for a single journey between London and Grantham .For a ticket bought on the day of travel, both NRES and a King's Cross station clerk quoted GNER'sPS44.50 fare ,ignoring a Hull Trains service which leaves 10 minutes earlier and costs just PS20. Some of the most costly misinformation was given for journeys where season tickets should have been recommended .Passengers making a return journey between Swindon and Penzance twice in a week could buy a ticket from one company for PS70 which would cover all the travel. But both NRES and station staff quoted PS67 for each journey, making PS134.However, the NRES website proved to be a much more reliable source of information . Which ? also checked "the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket" claims by five companies and found this was not always the case .On some services, prices went up and down _ . Ithiel Mogridge,52,gave one example of poor advice :"Last Christmas I found my brother a ticket on the _ to travel from Blackburn to Yate. While the direct route wasPS51, this one involved a change in Newport and cost just PS21. I emailed the details to him and his partner. They went to Blackburn station ,where the clerk insisted the fare was PS51." Malcolm Coles, editor of _ ,said. "Staff training needs to be improved. In the meantime ,we've designed a checklist, available at _ " When the author said that customers "would have been PS1,263.60 worse off", he was telling us that customers would have A saved PS1,263.60 if they had followed the advice B spend PS1,263.60 more than the lowest price C used PS1,263.60 for the survey of 25 questions D been cheated of PS1,263.60 from the poor advice Answer: B. spend PS1,263.60 more than the lowest price
Are you looking for something different this summer? We've lined up a list of some unusual camps. Learn to fly a jet This is the real training that all fighter and test pilots have . Learn the cockpit and how to put your plane through its paces . Finally, you fight a _ battle with your teammates. It's held at the U.S . Space &Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alaska. There are both weekend and summer camps for anyone 9 and up. Kids 7 to 12 also can pair with a parent. The cost is $749 for kids-only camps and $349 each for parent /child camp. Be Steven Spielberg At Film Camp, you will get to write, direct, shoot and edit your own movie. Run by the New York Film Academy, you can choose from a variety of camp locations: New York, Disney-MGM Studios in Florida, Universal Studios in Los Angeles, Harvard University, Paris or Florence, Italy. Everyone helps one another by working behind the camera. Tuition for a one--week camp is$1,500, while a four or six week training run $5,900 to $6,900. Join the circus At Circus Smirkus you can learn how to ride a unicycle, and throw a pie in someone's face . Kids 8 to 16 can choose between one--or two-week sessions, with the two-week camp ending in a circus show for the families. The camp is located in Craftsbury Common, Vermont. The cost is $825 for one week ($300 extra with a parent ) and $1,500 for two weeks ( $ 500 extra with a parent). Live the ultimate summer fantasy Learn to ride the waves this summer and tour one of the world's only sea turtle hospitals at Surf Camp. The week long camp also includes trips to local islands. Surf Camp is located at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The cost is $475 per week for kids 8 to 12, $595 per week for teens 12 to 18. Check it out at wbsurfcamp. Com. Strike a chord At Power Chord Academy, teens 12 to 18 will be placed in a band that best meets their age, experience and style. You will lead the life of a band member: recording in a studio, playing a concert and making a video. Which camps can you join if you want your father to be able to take part? A The camp at the U.S Space &Rocket Center and Circus Smirkus B The Power Chord Academy and Film Camp C The camp at the U.S Space & Rocked Center and Film Camp D Circus Smirkus and Surf Camp Answer: A. The camp at the U.S Space &Rocket Center and Circus Smirkus Dear editor, Mary is my friend and she is a very good-hearted girl. She's always the first to help out others. But her habits make me mad sometimes and she just won't change her ways. For most situations, that's just fine with me, as I know it's what make her who she is. However, sometimes it's just so hard for me to bear her behavior. She has recently got a cellphone, but she often borrows mine to make calls. My phone has a chain with it. She always tries to open it like her own phone. I usually open it for her, but not always, as sometimes I'm driving my car, so she needs to get it out of my purse and open it herself. This weekend we were at a party in a faraway village. She borrowed my cellphone. As it was cold outside, I let her take it outside without opening it. Now it's broken because she didn't open it properly. I wouldn't be so mad, but over the weekend she also borrowed my car and never offered to pay for the gas, which made me very angry. She should have offered to pay for the gas. As I have mentioned, she's the type to help out others when and where she can. Perhaps because of that, she thinks others should also do the same for her. Sometimes I just think she is very childish. I don't want to hurt her, but I do want to let her know that not everyone can accept that. What should I do to let her know that? Yours, Lily What is Lily's purpose in writing this letter? A to advise us to be careful when making friends. B To tell others what kind of person Mary is. C To tell Mary what she thinks of her. D To ask for advice from an editor. Answer: D. To ask for advice from an editor. if a person found a toad in the water, where else would it normally be? A it would be on the ground B it would be in the air C it would be in the sea D it would be in a volcano Answer: A. it would be on the ground Hello, everyone! Welcome to Haikou. You are going to stay in Mandarin Hotel, a 5-star hotel. It was built in 1998 and is one of the best hotels in Haikou. It is near Wanlu Garden on Binhai Road. It is 5 minutes' walk from the seaside and 10 minutes' ride from the city centre. Buses No. 7 and No. 41 can take you there. The hotel has large rooms with computers, TV sets and telephones. Hot water is offered 24 hours. There is a shopping center which is open from 9 am to 22:30 pm. The coffee bar is open at the following time 10:00-23:00. _ . You can enjoy yourselves there. Hope that you will have a great time during your stay in Haikou. How can we get to the Mandarin Hotel from the center of the city? _ . A By plane B By train C On buses D By bike Answer: C. On buses One thing we love about soup is that it's easy to make and it only needs a few simple ingredients .Here are four of our favorite, simple homemade soups.Enjoy! What is the most difficult part when making French onion soup? A Getting good onions. B Cutting up the onions. C Making the soup look good. D Buying the ingredients. Answer: B. Cutting up the onions.
Miss Li is my English teacher. She is from Shanghai. She has one English class every day. Oh, no! She has two English classes on Tuesday. Miss Li has two daughters. One is in our class, Class Two. Sally likes sports. She plays soccer every day. Her favorite soccer player is Ronaldo from Brazil . Sally's twin sister Susan is in Class One. She doesn't like any subjects. She doesn't like to do her homework. She only likes playing with her friend, Jeff. Jeff is a white cat. Does Sally have a twin sister? Yes, she does. Country-dwellers often say the constant noise, heavy traffic and crowds of the city would drive them mad. Well, they might be right, according to the latest research. City residents are more likely to develop mental illnesses than those who live in villages, a study has found. Researchers from Cardiff university examined the lifestyles of more than 200,000 people in Sweden and found that those who lived in urban areas were more at risk from mental illnesses than people who lived in villages. The experts don't know exactly why this is but they suggest that town and city residents are more likely to be ostracized by those around them. They are more likely to experience discrimination if they do not fit in, which can lead to them feeling anxious and even developing mental illnesses. Dr Stanley Zammit, who led the research said that people living in towns and cities are more likely to develop other mental illnesses that result in personality changes -- a condition known as non-affective psychosis . Earlier this year an official report found that village-dwellers live an average of two years longer than those living in towns and cities. According to figures from the Office of National Statistics in the UK, men who live in villages are likely to live for between 78 and 79 years, while those in towns and cities can expect to survive to an age of 76. Women on average survive to their 81stbirthday in towns and cities, but live to between 82 and 83 in villages. The small marked town of Wimborne Minster in rural Dorset was named the healthiest place to live in. It can be inferred that _ . village-dwellers get along better with their neighbors than city-dwellers. Johnny wakes up early this morning. He is so happy. Today Daddy is taking him to the aquarium. Johnny wants to see blue fish, red fish, yellow fish, and green fish. He also wants to see really big fish. Daddy and Johnny are at the aquarium. "Look!" Johnny says. "There's a big red fish!" The fish swims away. A small yellow fish swims up to the glass and looks at Johnny. "A yellow fish!" says Johnny, "He's tiny." Lots of blue fish swim by behind the yellow fish. "Look at all of those blue fish!" says Johnny. "They stay together." Daddy points at a long fish and says "That one is as big as me!" Johnny laughs. He still wants to find a green fish. He sees a lot of fish, but none of them are green. "Daddy, I can't find a green fish. I want to see a green fish." Daddy laughs. "Let's go to the next window and look." Johnny looks through the next window and sees lots of fish, but none of them are green fish. "I still don't see any green fish," says Johnny. "Look there," Daddy tells him. Johnny sees a green sea turtle! It's a lot bigger than a fish. After looking at all the fish, Daddy and Johnny go home again. Where did Johnny and Daddy go? to the aquarium. 8-year-old Mario spent one day selling lemonade in New Jersey. But he didn't do it for spending money. "The people in the hospital need more medicine," Mario said. Mario's lemonade stand raised money after a group called Alex's Lemonade Stand, which is an organization that raises money for research on cancers that affect kids.Their research might one day lead to a cure.The organization is named for Alexandra Scott, a girl who died of cancer eight years ago when she was eight years old.Alex' s Lemonade Stand actually began four years earlier before she died.That's when she announced that she wanted to sell lemonade to raise money for a cancer cure for all kids. This year, thousands of kids across the country are selling lemonade to raise money for Alex's foundation.In Maryland, a group of kids at the Children's Guild held a fund - raiser for Alex in April. And in Florida, Harrison began raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand last year, when he was seven.This year, he raised more than $ 500 dollars.Harrison hoped it could help kids by scientists finding a cure.He also dreamed of finding a cure himself."When I grow up, I'm going to invent these little 'nano-bots' that can swallow cancer.They can fight cancer for you with their little mini - lasers and stuff," Harrison said. "To see how that one simple idea grew into this national foundation, all of these supporters coming out in Alex's memory , it' s really special for me.It' s against my expectation,"said Liz Scott, Alex' s mother. What made Mario's lemonade stand even more special and amazing than most is that he, too, has cancer--six brain tumors.But Mario is not giving up.And he is determined to help other kids like him--in memory of Alex." He lost a lot of friends who were in the hospital,"said Mario's mom, Anna."And he wants to be sure that he doesn't lose anymore." Why did Mario start to run his lemonade stand? To support the research on kids' cancers. People give gifts on many occasions. At weddings ,people give gifts such as tea sets and tableware . When someone has a baby, people express their wishes by giving gifts of baby clothes and food. In western countries, food and drinks are the most traditional gifts for friends. For example, a bottle of champagne is perfect for Christmas. In some Asian countries like China and Japan, tea and wine are common gifts. Greeting cards are excellent gifts for friends and family around the world. Here are some popular gifts for Christmas and New Year. Let's have a look. A message in a bottle--If you want to send a birthday message or a thank- you note, why not write on a piece of paper and put it inside a glass bottle? The person who receives this special gift will remember the words forever. A Christmas stocking--People will look forward to seeing it each Christmas. It is a very traditional and useful Christmas gift. Many people hang the stocking up in their rooms as a decoration. A necklace with a name--This is a special and popular gift among mothers and young people. For example, a mother can put her child's name on the necklace. It seems that the necklace can bring her child close to her heart. From the passage we learn champagne is a kind of _ . drink
With the development of science, more and more students don't like taking notes by hand. Instead, they use digital cameras to take pictures of the words that their teachers write on the blackboard or record what their teachers say in class. The children might think there are too many notes to take or their teachers write or speak so fast that they can't take more specific notes. They are trying to find ways to make things easier, so they use digital cameras. In fact, children are very clever to make use of technology . But do digital cameras really make taking notes easier? Not really. Before you read notes from digital cameras, there are a lot of things you have to do. To begin with, you have to find a computer. Then you need to copy the photos into the computer. Next, you have to find a printer to print the photos. Another thing is that you can't hear the sound from the digital cameras clearly because there is usually lots of _ . You will have to listen to it slowly several times before you understand everything. In fact, taking notes by hand has many advantages. For example, it can help you remember and understand what you are learning. In order to save time, you can choose the most important things or the things you don't understand to write down. You don't have to write down everything. Don't be afraid to take notes by hand. It's really an effective way. Why do more and more students take notes with digital cameras but not by hand? Answer: Because they want to make taking notes easier. Water causes weathering when it Answer: erodes rock in its path. We live in a sweet world. The average American kid eats more than 20 teaspoons of sugar per day, and adults eat 50% more sugar today than they did in the 1970s. We all know that too much sugar isn't good for you. But did we know it could be dangerous? A team of researchers at the University of Utah used mice to do a study on the bad effects of sugar. They found it could have serious effects on people's health. Sugar is found not only in sweets and candies, but also in many household items like pasta and crackers. During the 58-week-long study, mice were fed a diet containing 25% more sugar. This percentage equals a healthy human diet along with three cans of soda daily. The team found that these mice were twice as likely to die as mice fed a similar diet without the sugar. Though the mice did not show signs of obesity or high blood pressure, male mice produced 25% fewer offspring than the other mice. Scientists often use mice for research because they have a similar genetic structure to humans. "Since most substances that are dangerous in mice are also dangerous in people, it's likely that those physical problems that cause those mice to have increased deaths also work in people,"says study author James Ruff of the University of Utah. Findings from this study show bad effects that are not as noticeable as weight gain or heart problems. Sugar can contribute to long-term changes in the body that can change development and even shorten lives. Cutting sugar out of the American diet altogether may be difficult. But making the effort to control our nation's sugar need will provide for a truly sweeter future. From the passage we can infer _ Answer: sugar plays a very important role in Americans' diet It had been a difficult move. I'd left my family and friends in Indiana, the beloved state where I'd lived most of my life. My new home in Florida was thousands of miles away from anything I knew. It was hot--all the time. Jobs were hard to come by, but I was up for almost any challenge. At last, I taught in a special school where students have severe learning and behavioral difficulties. Another teacher and I had spent weeks teaching the children appropriate behavior for public outings. Unexpectedly, only a few students, including Kyle, had not earned the privilege of going. He was determined to make his disappointment known. In the corridor between classrooms, he began screaming, cursing, spitting, and swinging at anything within striking distance. Once his outburst died down, he did what he'd done when he was angry at all his other schools, at home, even once at a juvenile detention center. He ran. People watched in disbelief as Kyle dashed straight into the heavy morning traffic in front of the school. I heard someone shout, "Call the police!" But I ran after him. Kyle was at least a foot taller than me. And he was fast. His older brothers were track stars at the nearby high school. But I could run long distances without tiring. I would at least be able to keep him in my sight and know he was alive. After several blocks of running directly into oncoming traffic, Kyle slowed his pace. He took a sharp left. Standing next to a trash bin, Kyle bent over with his hands on his knees. I must have looked ridiculous. But his was not a look of fear. I saw his body relax. He did not attempt to run again. Kyle stood still and watched me approach. I had no idea what I was going to say or do, but I kept walking closer. He opened his mouth to speak when a police car pulled up, abruptly filling the space between Kyle and me. The school principal and an officer got out. They spoke calmly to Kyle, who willingly climbed into the back of the vehicle. I couldn't hear what was said, but I didn't take my eyes off Kyle's face, even as they drove away. I couldn't help but feel that I had failed him, that I should have done or said more, that I should have fixed the situation. I shared my feelings with a speech therapist who was familiar with Kyle's history. "No one ever ran after him before, Rachel," she said. "No one. They just let him go." Things changed the day he ran and I ran after him, even though I didn't have the right words, even though I wasn't able to save him from the mess he was in. It was the day I didn't throw my hands in the air and decide he was too fast, a waste of time and effort , a lost cause. It was the day my mere presence was enough to make a profound difference. What is the best title of the passage? Answer: The Teacher Who Ran. There is a long history behind the first T-shirts and today's colorful outerwear . Many stories talk about the first T-shirts and the reason why people wear them. One says the first T-shirt had something to do with war. In World War I Some American soldiers found that European soldiers' undershirts were cooler and more comfortable. They started to wear the same kind. Because the design of the undershirts was simple and looked like the letter T, Americans called the clothes T-shirts. By World War II Many soldiers started to wear T-shirts as under-wear. In the 1930s Many American students started wearing white T-shirts for playing sports. In 1951 Marlon Brando, a very famous American actor, wore a tight-fitting T-shirt in a film. After this, many American men started to dress like him. In the 1970s T-shirts became the favorite kind of clothing for young people in many countries. At that time, they were a sign of being cool and different from others. In the 1980s T-shirts started to be hot in China. Now many young people show their own ideas on their T-shirts; special pictures, funny words... T-shirts are more like artworks than just simple summer wear Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage? Answer: Many soldiers had begun to wear T-shirts by World War II.
Pride and Prejudice for the Modern Woman Let us imagine how Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen's most famous work, might be updated, 200 years on. Austen's popularity is rooted in her intelligence. But today she would certainly have had a very different life, as would her characters. Here's my own suggestion. . . It is a truth finally and universally acknowledged that a single woman with brains deserves to have equal opportunities to men, however disadvantaged she may feel by sexism. " My dear husband," said his hopeful wife one day, " have you heard that the local store, standing empty for so long, is taken over by a bright young businesswoman?" Her dull and indifferent husband replied that he had not. "But it is, it is," she replied excitedly. Mr Dull-Husband made no reply. "Don't you want to know her plans?" she cried with some impatience. "Well, clearly you think it matters to your silly little head. .. so I'd better listen. " "Well, my dear, the rumour is that she has already set up a string of successful businesses in northern England, though _ She will move in herself next month. " "What is her name?" "Bingley. " "Is she married or single?" "What a question! And none of your business. But her coming will be a fine thing for our five boys. " "How so? How can it possibly affect them? " "My dear love; those lazy boys need something to wake them up. There are bound to be jobs going. " " Is that her point in settling here? Surely as a woman she has simply taken a fancy to the place. " " Nonsense, my love, how little you've noticed the world has changed. She's got a first-rate degree and some sort of business qualification, I'm told. She surely needs one of our boys! Perhaps you might give her a call. " " Me? No. Perhaps you can take an interest. You still have your looks, after all. She may even offer you a job. " "Oh, that's not likely. These new chances belong to the younger generation. But now you mention it, I think I'll go along all the same. " And Mrs Bennet went along. That was 10 years ago. She is now managing director of a FTSE-listed company. ... It would remain the case, of course, that Mrs Bennet would be one of very few women on the company board, that her salary would be lower than her male colleagues, her bonus of a more "female" dimension and her lifespan among the city's business leaders shorter than theirs. Still, she'd no doubt have enjoyed Davos--and might even have hobnobbed with influential figures. In the eyes of Mrs Bennet, Bingley surely needed one of their boys to _ . Answer: work for her Loneliness is like a disease, and what's worse, it's contagious. It can spread from one person to another, according to the recent research that stresses the power of one person's emotions to affect even people they don't know. The new analysis, involving 4,793 people who were interviewed every two years between 2005 and 2015, showed that a friend of a lonely person was 52% more likely to develop feelings of loneliness by the time of the next interview. A friend of that person was 25% more likely, and a friend of a friend of a friend was 15% more likely. ''Loneliness is not just the property of an individual. It can be transmitted across people--even people you don't have direct contact with," said John T. Cacioppo, a psychologist of University of Chicago who led the study published in the December issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Loneliness has been linked to medical problems, including depression, sleep problems and generally poorer physical health. Identifying some of the causes could help reduce the emotion and improve health, experts said. Although the study did not examine how loneliness spreads, Cacioppo said another research has provided clues. "Let's say for whatever reason you get lonely. You then interact with other people in a more negative fashion. That puts them in a negative mood and makes them more likely to interact with other people in a negative fashion and they _ their social ties and become lonely," Cacioppo said. According to Cacioppo, loneliness spread more easily among women than men, perhaps because women were more likely to express emotions. Lonely people become less and less trusting others. This makes it more and more difficult for them to make friends--and more likely that society will reject them. Therefore, it is important to recognize and deal with loneliness. Cacioppo emphasizes people who have been pushed to the edges of society should receive help to repair their social networks. What should lonely people do to get rid of loneliness? ' Answer: Admit and try to solve it. Humans: It's time to abandon the earth or face extinction. This prediction isn't science fiction. It's a glimpse of the future, according to famed British scientist Stephen Hawking. "I see great dangers for the human race," he said in an interview with global forum Big Think. "There have been a number of times in the past when its survival has been a question of touch and go ." Hawking says humans must _ our home planet within the next two centuries and expand into space to survive. "I believe that the long-term future of the human race must be in space," he said. "It will be difficult to avoid disaster on our planet Earth in the next hundred years, let alone the next thousand, or million." He also voiced some concerns about the future of life on the earth. In April, he spoke about his fear of aliens in an interview for the Discovery Channel. "If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans," he said. "Such advanced aliens would perhaps become wanderers, looking to conquer and colonize whatever planets they can reach." But Hawking says he is still hopeful for the future of humanity. "I'm an optimist," he told Big Think. "We have made remarkable progress in the last hundred years. But if we want to continue beyond the next hundred years, our future is in space." Getting to another planet will prove a challenge, not to mention colonizing it for humanity. University of Michigan astrophysicist Katherine Freese told Big Think that "the nearest star to Earth is Proxima Centauri which is 4.2 light years away. That means, if you were traveling at the speed of light the whole time, it would take 4.2 years to get there" --- or about 50,000 years using current rocket science. How long will it take to reach Proxima Centauri by current rocket? Answer: About 50,000 years. Mip Mip, a playful robot, was developed by a Canadian toy maker named Wowwee. It stands 19 cm tall. You can control it just with your gestures or a smart phone. Mip can run, balance and dance on two wheels. It can also bring you a bottle of water. Android Wear Google is developing a smart watch called Android Wear. The watch uses a touchscreen and voice control. Just say "OK, Google" to ask what ever you want to know. For example, say "OK, Google. Where's the nearest toy store?" Your watch will tell you the answer on Google Maps. Le Pen Do you like listening to music while doing homework? If you do, you will like Le Pen. With a music player planted inside, Le Pen plays music while you write on paper. The music stops when you stop writing. So if you want to enjoy more of your favourite songs, keep on writing. One wheel In the near future you may find a new way to escape traffic: a self-balancing skateboard called Onewheel. It can go as fast as 19 km an hour. On a single charge , it can take you as far as 7-10 km. In which part of a newspaper can you find this passage? Answer: Science. SAN FRANCISCO--A phone app in San Francisco gives information about open parking spots.City officials in San Francisco introduced the app to try to reduce traffic jams in the city, but some say it raises safety concerns. In this city, drivers searching for parking spots lead to 30 percent of all downtown jams, city officials think.Now San Francisco has found a solution -- a phone app for spot-seekers that shows information about areas with available spaces.The system, introduced last month, relies on wireless sensors fixed in streets and city garages that can tell within seconds if a spot has opened up. But the system could come with serious consequences.Some people say that drivers searching for parking could end up focusing on their phones, not the road."It could be really distracting ," said Daniel Simons, a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois. City officials admitted the hidden problem.They are urging drivers to pull over before they use the city's iPhone app, or to do so before they leave home. Nathaniel Ford, executive director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said safety could actually improve if drivers quickly found a spot instead of circling and getting frustrated. San Francisco has put sensors into 7,000 parking spots and 12,250 spots in city garages.If spaces in an area open up, the sensors communicate wirelessly with computers that in turn make the information available to app users within a minute, said Mr. Ford, of the transportation agency.On the app, a map shows which blocks have lots of places(blue)and which are full(red). More than 12,000 people have downloaded San Francisco's app, which is available now only for the iPhone. What's the main idea of the passage? Answer: A phone app has been introduced to relieve the pressure on traffic in the city.
Question: Which of these helps some animals find mates by color? A. hearing B. smell C. eyesight D. nose Answer: C Question: Name: Container Gardens by Number Cover price: $l5.95 Our price: $9.49 A book covers 50 easy-to-follow container designs. Each design provides a simple numbered planting plan that shows exactly how to create each display, with an instruction of the finished container and in-depth plant information. The plans are easy to follow and for any type of living space or garden. Name: Off the Beaten Path Cover price: $30.00 Our price: $l9.80 The best-selling Reader's Digest travel book has 40% new content including over 200 new places of interest, over 200 new full-color photographs, and all-new, up-to-date maps. It introduces over l, 000 of the United States' most beautiful must-see sights. Name: l80l Home Treatment Cover price: $40.00 Our price: $29.96 Plenty of health problems can be solved at home. Each and every treatment will be tested by a doctor to make sure it is safe and sound. Lots of conditions are covered, from headaches, sunburn and bad breath to hiccups . Name: Best Weekend Projects Cover price: $l7.95 Our price: $l3.96 Choose from 80 ideas to create an unusual living space. The projects are practical, as well as attractive, and will improve your home and yard and can be made in a weekend. These 80 well-designed projects are presented in a clear, easy-to-follow style. The writer writes the passage in order to _ . A. develop people's reading habit B. try to ask readers to buy the books C. teach how to design your living space D. introduce places of interest in the USA Answer: B Question: Below is a selection about interesting hotels. Tayka Hotel de Sal Where: Tahua, Bolivia How much: About $95 a night Why it's cool: You've stayed at hotels made of brick or wood, but salt? That's something few can claim. Tayka Hotel de Sal is made totally of salt-including the beds (though you'll sleep on regular mattresses and blankets). The hotel sits on the Salar de Uyuni, a prehistoric dried-up lake which is the world's biggest salt flat. Builders use the salt from the 4,633-square-mile flat to make the bricks, and glue them together with a paste of wet salt that hardens when it dries. When rain starts to dissolve the hotel, the owners just mix up more salt paste to strengthen the bricks. Green Magic Nature Resort Where: Vythiri, India How much: About $240 a night Why it's cool: Taking a pulley -operated lift 86 feet to your treetop room is just that start of your adventure. As you look out of your open window, there is no glass! You watch monkeys and birds in the rain forest canopy . Later you might test your fear of heights by crossing the handmade rope bridge to the main part of the hotel, or just sit on your bamboo bed and read. You don't even have to come down for breakfast-the hotel will send it up on the pully-drawn "elevator". Dog Bark Park Inn B&B Where: Cottonwood, Idaho How much: $92 a night Why it's cool: This doghouse isn't just for the family pet. Sweet Willy is a 30-foot-dog with guest rooms in his belly. Climb the wooden stairs beside his hind leg to enter the door in his side.You can relax in the main bedroom, go up a few steps of the loft in Willy's head, or hang out inside his nose. Although you have a full private bathroom in your quarters, there is also a toilet in the 12-foot-tall fire hydrant outside. Gamirasu Cave Hotel Where:Ayvali, Turkey How much :Between $130 and $450 a night Why it's cool: Experience what it was like 5,000 years ago, when people lived in these mountain caves formed by volcanic ash. But your stay will be much more modern. Bathrooms and electricity provide what you expect from a modern hotel, and the white volcanic ash, called tufa, keeps the rooms cool in summer. (Don't worry- there is heat in winter.) How are the hotels similar? A. Expensive. B. Comfortable C. Natural D. Unique Answer: D Question: Danielle Steel, America's sweetheart, is one of the hardest working women in the book business. Unlike other productive authors who write one book at a time, she can work on up to five. Her research before writing takes at least three years. Once she has fully studied her subjects, ready to divide into a book, she can spend twenty hours nonstop at her desk. Danielle Steel comes from New York and was sent to France for her education. After graduation, he worked in the public relations and advertising, industries. Later she started a job as a writer which she was best fit for. Her achievements are unbelievable: 390 million copies of books in print, nearly fifty New York Times best-selling novels, and a series of "Max and Martha" picture books for children to help them. Deal with the real-life problem of death, new babies and new schools. Her l998 book about the death of her was shot to the top of the New York Times best-selling list as soon as it came out. Twenty-eight of her books have been made into film. She is listed in the Guinness Books of World Records for one of her books being the Times best-seller for 381 weeks straight. Not content with a big house, a loving family, and a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Danielle Steel considers her readers to be the most important resource and has kept in touch with them by e-mail. While she is often compared to the heroines of her own invention. Her life is undoubtedly much quieter. But if she does have anything in common with them, it is her strength of will and her inimitable style. There is only one Danielle Steel. Danielle Steel is different from other writers in that _ . A. she is one of the most popular American women writers B. she often does some research before writing a book C. she can write several books at the same time D. she can keep writing for quite a long time without a break Answer: C Question: If a river is flowing down the east side of a hill, then the hill A. drops at a slow rate B. drops sharply right there C. drops sharply on the west D. is evenly sloped everywhere Answer: B
Twelve years ago, when I was 50,I wondered what 60 or 70 would be like? I looked around and saw only one style of living. It's not fair, I thought. Young people have so many styles to choose from, but older people have just one choice. So I decide to do something about it , something practical. I worked on my fitness by joining exercise classes in town. A few years later, my husband and I moved to a retirement community, and I wanted to teach aerobic classes. The community center wouldn't give me a room to teach in, so I had to walk around and find any available empty room. One day, the community center staff came to me and asked if I would help with the entertainment for a Hawaiian luau they were putting on. I said yes. Then I talked five other ladies into dancing with me. We performed the hula and a war chant and brought the house down. Someone had a camera and took pictures, and then sent them to our local paper. We got requests for more engagements, which in turn led to more publicity and yet more engagements. Soon we had invitations from all over the country. The Dancing Grannies were born! I think the real secret of the Dancing Grannies is out attitude. I was raised extremely poor ---no-food poor. If we wanted toys we had to make things up to play with ,so I learned early to be very creative. And you know,I think being poor was one of the best things that ever happened to me because I learned to look for treasures. That's what I'm still doing today--looking for the treasure in growing old. I'm getting better and better. It's true that _ have to be treated a bit differently, with a little care, but they still have a beauty of their own. What made the writer learn to look for treasures? Answer: Being poor Happy birthday The China National Opera (CNO) will give a concert to celebrate its 50th birthday . Different generations of CNO vocalists , like Li Guangxi , Yao Hong and Ma Mei , will present the concert which will feature both songs from famous Chinese operas like "The White-haired Girl" and "The Hundredth Bride", as well as , arias of such Western opera classics as "Madame Butterfly", "La Traviata" and "Rigoletto". Time/ date : 7:30 pm , September 7, 8 Location : Tianqiao Theatre Tel : 6551-4787, 8315-6170 Tickets : 60--500 yuan (US $7.2-- 60.2) Folk music A concert will be held to feature some recently composed traditional Chinese music works . The concert , given by the Folk Orchestra of the China Opera and Ballet Theatre , will include such pieces as "Memory of Childhood ", "Memorial Ceremony for God "and "Wine Song". Time/date: 7:30pm, September 13 Location: Concert hall at the National Library of China Tel: 6848 -5462, 6841-9220 Tickets: 30-200 yuan (US$3.6-24.1) Moon music A concert of traditional Chinese music will be given on the eve of the Moon Festival which falls on September 21st this year. The concert will feature a number of famous pieces centered on the theme of the moon, such as "Moonlight", "Spring night on a Moonlit River" and "Lofty Mountain and Flowing River." A number of established traditional Chinese music performers like Zhou Yaokun and Fan Weiqing, will play solos as well as collaborate with the folk music orchestra. Time / date: 7:30 pm, September 21st Location: Grand Theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities Tel: 6606--8888, 6606--9999 Madame Butterfly is_. Answer: a Western opera When I was growing up in the suburbs of New York, our first local Earth Day was organized around a drive to a town field where families were urged to empty items from their basements for recycling rather than dropping them in the dustbin. It was an eye opening idea for a kid in 1970. But as an environmental reporter, I'm bored of the large amount of deals and promotions that arrive by email or in my office or home mailbox on Earth Day. Like Valentine's Day, Earth Day has become a huge marketing opportunity--a way to promote consumption. In fact, Earth Day is such a good sales opportunity that some shops, like Target, have expanded Earth Day into Earth Month. There isn't time to give you a variety of the Earth Day shopping opportunities I was informed of this past week. They included deals on buying bottled water and earth-friendly wipes. My award for the silliest promotion: a plan to gift 25 of the most environmentally conscious stars with unique, useful and "green" products and services, including skin care products, cheese-cake and artwork. My guess is most of the stuff will end up in celebrities' garbage. Is buying and selling a good way to celebrate and protect the environment? I would argue that Earth Day might be an occasion to consider giving up purchases or habits that are environmentally questionable or that we could happily do without. How about not buying bottled water, but refilling a water bottle? How about not buying foods--even "organic" foods--that are packed in non-recyclable plastic? Don't get me wrong. The company of Bridgestone is celebrating Earth Day by promising to repurpose a spent tire for every tire that it sells. Verizon will plant a tree for each cell phone you trade in. Some coffee stores will even refill reusable cups at no charge. Target is giving out free reusable carrier bags without requiring a purchase. But few shopkeepers are taking the next step-charging a fee at the cash register for disposable plastic bags, a common practice in Europe-to encourage customers to use those new reusable carriers. Earth Day is transient . If you only showed love on Valentine's Day, would that really mean anything at all? The author's first local Earth Day was celebrated by _ . Answer: emptying waste for recycling Many private institutions of higher education around the country are in danger. Not all will be saved, and perhaps not all deserve to be saved. There are low-quality schools just as there are low-quality businesses. We have no duty to save them simply because they exist. But many promising institutions that deserve to continue are threatened. They are doing a fine job educationally, but they are caught in a financial squeeze, with no way to reduce rising cost or increase income significantly. Raising tuition doesn't bring in more income, for each time tuition goes up, the enrollment goes down, or the amount that must be given away in student aid goes up. Schools are bad businesses, whether public or private, not usually because of mismanagement but because of the nature of the enterprise. They lose money on every customer, and they can go bankrupt either from too few students or too many students. Even a very good college is a very bad business. It is such colleges, promising but threatened, that I worry about. Low enrollment is not their chief problem. Even with full enrollment, they may _ . Efforts to save them, and preferably to keep them private, are a national necessity. There is no basis for arguing that private schools are inherently better than public schools. There are many examples to the contrary. Anyone can name state universities and colleges that rank as the finest in the nation and the world. It is now inevitable that public institutions will be dominant, and therefore diversity is a national necessity. Diversity in the way we support schools tends to give us a healthy diversity in the forms of education. In an imperfect society such as ours, uniformity of education throughout the nation could be dangerous, In an imperfect society, diversity is a positive good. Supporters of public higher education know the importance of sustaining private higher education. The author used the phrase "go under" (Sentence 3, Para. 3) to mean _ . Answer: get into difficulties You maybe surprised to learn that one of the best steps you can take to protect your health is to step outside and spend some time in the grass, dirt and water. Our ancestors enjoyed the healing power of nature , and now scientists are starting to catch up.According to research in recent years, just having a view of nature has been shown to improve hospital patients' recovery and reduce illness rates among office workers.Also, exposure to wildlife, horseback riding, hiking, camping and farms can be helpful for a variety of health conditions in adults and children. Much of this type of research is focusing on children, and in fact an entire movement has quickly developed to connect kids with the healing power of nature. Obesity .Rates of childhood obesity have grown sharply in recent years, and this is partly because of reduced outdoor activity time.Increasing the time students spend learning about nature, both in and outside the classroom, would help solve this problem.Such lessons are often more attractive for students and often lead them to become more active outside. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .Exposure to ordinary natural settings in the course of common after-school and weekend activities may be effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children.Participation in green activities --such as nature walks--helped ADHD patients from a wide range of backgrounds to stay focused and complete tasks. Stress.Access to nature, even houseplants, can help children cope with stress. Depression and seasonal emotional disorder.Major depression requires medical treatment, but physical activity, especially outdoors, can help ease symptoms.For your average case of winter blues, experts suggest spending time outside every day and, if possible, taking the family to a sunny vacation spot in mid-winter. Experts emphasize that you needn' t go to wilderness preserves to enjoy nature' s benefits--simply walking in a city park or growing in a rooftop garden can make a difference. Exposure to green areas in neighborhoods can _ . Answer: help reduce ADHD symptoms
The government in China plans to end its one-child policy and let families have two children instead. The plan was announced on Thursday after high -level political meetings in Beijing. A Chinese Communist Party statement gave a number of reasons for the change in policy. The statement said the change is meant to balance population development, stop a falling birth rate and strengthen the country's labor force . China, with the largest population in the world, started the one -child policy in 1980. But the government allowed only a small number of couples to have two children. For example, some families in the countryside could have two children, if the first-born child is a girl. In 2013, the Chinese government gave other couples a chance to have two children if one of them was an only child. Jiang Quanbao, a teacher and population expert, explained how Chinese families react to the newest policy. "Too many young people in the cities are no longer interested in having a second child," he said. "People in the countryside are more interested. But some of them are already allowed to have two children. " At the end of 2014, China had a population of 1.37 billion people. A total of 800 million of them have jobs. But the labor market population will drop in 35 years. That is to say, the country will be in great need of labor by the year 2050. With the two-child policy, an increase in births can solve this problem. Boys and girls, what do you think of the two-child policy? Do you want to have a new-born brother or a sister? The Two-Children Policy mainly _ . helps solve the problems of aging population and labor shortages. Americans eat breakfast and lunch quickly unless it is a social business or family occasion. The evening meal is usually longer and a time for families to gather together. Rushing through daytime meals is part of the fast pace in America. Another reason for rushing through daytime meals is that many people eat in restaurant that are usually crowded with people waiting for a place so that they can be served and return to work at the proper time. So each one hurried to make room for the next person. As there are busy people everywhere, there is a real difference with meals that are eaten in a hurry and those that can be enjoyed slowly with friends. What is NOT mentioned in the passage? _ What time Americans eat dinner. There was once a family called the McAllisters. There was a dad, John McAllister, a mom, Amy McAllister, and their two twins, Ally and Jonah McAllister. This family was a family family, but when it came time to eat dinner, they sometimes argued. This is because different people liked different meals. John liked chicken most of all, and Amy liked vegetables. The twins, Ally and Jonah, preferred hotdogs, but Ally preferred ketchup, and Jonah preferred mustard. When it came to every day dinners, they took turns eating what each person liked. However, when it came to special meals like thanksgiving, it was difficult for the family to choose what to have. There would be frequent fights between all of them on what they would eat. Finally, they all had the answer. They would invite their grandpa over, because their grandpa was a great cook and could make everyone's favorite food, including chicken, vegetables, and hotdogs. On Thanksgiving, everyone was happy. How did the twins like? Ally preferred ketchup and Jonah preferred mustard One of the main decisions you must make when traveling is deciding where to stay. A good place to stay can often make a holiday. Whether you are looking for a classy hotel or a night under the stars, we can guide you through your different options. Bed and Breakfast An English invention, bed and breakfasts offer exactly what they suggest, a bed for the night and breakfast in the morning. People who hate the anonymity of hotels but want more luxury than a hostel often choose to stay at bed and breakfasts. "B&B's", usually someone's private home, are often found in the countryside. Hostels For those traveling on a tight budget, hostels are the best accommodation option. Informal places usually with a friendly youthful vibe , they offer dormitory beds for rent. Bathrooms are usually down the hall. Remember to check reviews by previous guests online before you book your hostel. Couch Surfing An unusual but interesting option, couch surfing is a growing trend among young internationals. The idea is that you become a member of the online couch-surfing community (www. couchsurfing. com) and then when you travel, look up other members in that country and ask to stay on their couch . Most hosts will suggest sightseeing trips and take you out in the evening, making it a great way to see things that aren't in your guidebook. And remember, it may be free but don't forget to offer to buy your host a drink or dinner. Camping Sleeping under the stars! For budget travelers staying at camping grounds is the cheapest way to travel. The drawback is that you have to carry a tent with you. Camping grounds can be found across Europe, America and Australia. However, if you intend on camping in busy cities, check first where the nearest campsite is. More often than not, they are on the outskirts, which can mean lengthy bus rides into town when you want to eat or see the sights. The disadvantage of camping is that you have to _ . take some extra articles Once there was a granddaddy named Tom who hadn't seen his daughter Rachel in many years. Rachel had a daughter of her own named Melissa, but she and Tom had had a fight before Melissa was born. Because of that, Tom had never met Melissa. Tom's wife Marge had died many years before, so he lived alone. He liked living alone, but he missed Rachel. Tom spent most of his time working in his garden. He liked to plant pumpkins, peppers, and tomatoes. He hated peas and broccoli, so he never planted them. He liked zucchini and spinach, but he didn't have any of those plants to plant. One day Tom got a call on his phone. He picked it up and asked who it was. The voice on the other end of the line said, "It's me, Rachel." Tom was so surprised he almost dropped the phone. He said, "Rachel, is it really you? I can't believe it." Rachel said that she had been thinking about Tom and she wanted to make up for their fight. Tom was so happy. They were going to meet the next weekend. Even before he hung up, Tom could imagine himself hugging his daughter. He sat down and thought about everything he wanted to say to her. What did Tom plant in his garden? pumpkins, peppers, and tomatoes
A cell that is unable to import substances required to process chemical energy is most likely a result of a malfunctioning Answer: cell membrane. It is common sense that children who walk or cycle to school have a lower risk of obesity than those by car. But driving your youngsters to the gates could also cause their academic work to suffer. Researchers found children who were driven to school, or who took public transport, had poorer concentration levels than those who took a more active route such as walking or cycling. The joint study by researchers at two Danish universities found the regular exercise could advance a student up to half a year in their studies. Children who were driven to school, or who took public transport, performed less well in a test measuring concentration levels, than those who had walked or cycled. The results surprised the researchers, as their hypothesis originally focused on the effects of eating breakfast and lunch on pupils' ability to concentrate. "The exercise one uses to transport oneself to school is reflected in the level of concentration one has about four hours later," Niels Egelund, a co- author of the report said. "The results showed that having breakfast and lunch has an impact, but not very much compared to having exercise." "As a third-grade pupil, if you exercise and bike to school, your ability to concentrate increases to the equivalent of someone half a year further in their studies," he added. In the survey, taken by 19, 527 pupils aged five to 19 years old, participants were asked about their exercise habits and were then given a basic test measuring their concentration. "Most people know the feeling of being refreshed after having exercised, but it is surprising that the effect lasts for so long," Egelund said. Previous research from the university of Montreal has found that exercise helps our brains make better use of oxygen. It may also reduce mental fatigue and sharpen your thinking in between gym sessions. And last week Swedish researchers said they found that muscular boys will live longer than their weaker friends. And even if they are overweight by the time they get to adulthood, those with stronger muscles tend to live longer. What is the best title of this passage? Answer: Exercise ---- Learn faster Which of these is an inherited behavior? Answer: a spider spinning a web Considered one of Europe's two "bicycle capitals" along with Amsterdam, Copenhagen counts more bicycles than people and cycling is so popular that its numerous bike paths can become crowded. Two-wheeler traffic jams are especially regular on the main Noerrebrogade road used by around 36,000 cyclists a day. "You have to elbow your way in to go forward and some cyclists aren't always thoughtful," complains 22-year-old university student Lea Bresell. The creation of bike highways "comes right on time", says Danish Cyclist Federation Spokesman Frits Bredal. "Copenhagen's roads are overloaded with people who want to ride their bicycles in all kinds of weather," he says. "If in the 1960s Danes viewed the car as the symbol of freedom, the bicycles have supposed that role today," Bredal says. "It's a _ of transportation used by all social classes, even politicians ride bikes," he says. It is on crowded Noerrebrogade--the busiest bicycle street in Europe, according to the cyclist association--that city planners have decided to build the first of Copenhagen's environmentally friendly roads. The jammed bike paths will be widened up to four metres on either side of the road, which itself will be reserved for bikes only. The idea is to make Noerrebrogade "Europe's great cycling street", says Andreas Roehl, Copenhagen government's bicycle program manager who is also known as "Mr. Bike". But Roehl is not content with making life easier for Copenhagen's inner-city cyclists: He wants to get suburbanites out of their cars and onto two wheels as well. His goal is to hike the percentage of suburban commuters cycling to and from the city from the 37 percent it is today to 50 percent by 2015. Why do people in Copenhagen want to ride their bicycles in all kinds of weather? Answer: Because the bicycle is viewed as the symbol of freedom nowadays. What do you call a school with no tests, no grades, no classes, and no teachers? Students of the Met School and their parents think it to be the best school in the world. The school is in Rhode Island, USA. Dennis Littky opened it in 1996. He was fired from two other schools, because many parents of the school students were happy with his unusual ideas. The school takes poor kids who are failing at schools. Nearly everybody has already given up these students and their parents want to try anything. The Met School gives Littky a great place to try out his new ideas. "The word that most kids use when they talk about high school is 'boring'," says Littky. "But no one would say the Met was boring." Advisors (not teachers) work with small groups of students for four years. Students spend almost half of their school time learning real-life skills , such as working for business , spending time with government people, and helping teach younger children. Instead of tests, the students give shows about their work outside school. In fact, students work harder here than in other schools. All the students from the Met graduate and can choose to go to a good university . Now, Bill Gates is starting schools like this one around the USA. What do the students do at the Met School? Answer: Almost half of the time, they learn real-life skills.
Look at the light and beautiful snowflakes falling. Ever wanted to hold them in your hands? They are always lost when they meet your hands. Well, this isn't just a problem for you. It was a problem for Wilson Bentley, too. In the 1870s, Wilson Bentley was just a teenager. His family lived in a small town in northeast America. Winters there were long and hard. Bentley's mother was once a school teacher. She taught him at home. Bentley didn't go to school until he was 14. He was a quiet boy, and loved reading his mother's books. But he was interested in his mother's microscope . When the other boys were playing with balls, little Bentley was studying things like drops of water, flowers and snowflakes. Bentley loved watching snowflakes. For the next two years, young Bentley spent many winter days in a cold room watching these _ under his microscope. The boy thought they were beautiful enough for him to start to draw pictures of them. But there were so many snowflakes that he couldn't draw them all. How could he keep their beauty all the time? Bentley thought of buying a camera. The boy and his mother asked his father to buy one. But, his father didn't agree. He thought the whole thing was a bad idea. He thought the only thing a farmer should do was farming. But finally Bentley did get a camera. For more than a year he tried to take pictures of snowflakes. On January 15, 1885, during a snowstorm, Bentley took the first ever photo of an ice crystal with his camera. "It was the greatest moment of my life," Bentley said later. For 13 years, Bentley worked quietly and took thousands of photos of ice crystals. Later he became famous as "Snowflake" Bentley. Which of the following statements about Bentley is TRUE? He was crazy about the beauty of snowflakes. Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, It's my honor to attend this conference. I hope to tell you, with my own experience, how I benefit from the rapidly developing information technology. I injured my neck and became disabled in a diving accident in May 1997. I was desperate then and even thought of killing myself. During that time, however, I met Ms. Yatani, a Japanese specialist, who was carrying out a teaching task there. She encouraged me and gave me an English copy of JONI before she returned to Japan. The book is the autobiography of Ms. Joni Earckson. Her experience was similar to mine. She injured her neck and became disabled in a diving accident in 1967. With a strong will, she tried very hard. Finally, she became a famous artist. From her story I found enlightenment and felt hopeful. My doctor, Dr. Guan, saw me reading the book. He suggested that I translate it into Chinese in order to benefit more disabled people in China. I agreed, and in one and a half months the translation was finished. Then I contacted Joni through the Internet for the copyright. It was then that I saw how useful modern information technology can be. Highly developed information technology brings me hope and makes my dreams come true. I am really lucky to live in the Age of Information. I could not imagine what my life would be like without it. It makes my life color1ful and more meaningful. I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Guan, and thanks to all of my friends who love and care for me. It is their love and efforts that helped to make my dreams come true. I hope to send my love and thanks to everyone in the world through the Internet. Thanks again! What can we learn from the passage? The speaker wanted his translation of the book to be published. Phil is suing Dennis for injuries suffered in an automobile collision. At trial Phil's first witness, Wanda, testified that, although she did not see the accident, she heard her friend Frank say just before the crash, "Look at the crazy way old Dennis is driving!" Dennis offers evidence to impeach Frank by asking Wanda, "Isn't it true that Frank beat up Dennis just the day before the collision?" The question is proper, because it tends to show the possible bias of Frank against Dennis. Many plant species can only reproduce if the environment includes bees Yves Gomes is now a university student in Maryland, but he may soon have to leave the country. "I still want to continue with my college education and I want to be able to study here and go to medical school," he said. Gomes is one of thousands of young illegal immigrants who grew up in the United States and are now studying at American colleges and universities. He is doing well in his studies, but he is fighting deportation to India, a country he left with his parents when he was just 14 months old. They were deported more than a year ago. "If I was to go back to India I would just feel like all of that would have gone to waste because here at least I am still able to go to college," he said. Immigration is a divisive political issue in the United States with some 11 million people in the country illegally. One element of the debate is the hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the United States before the age of 16. Pending legislation know as the DREAMAct would give them a chance to become legal residents if they complete two years of college or join the military. Milanie Schwartz, a politically conservative student at the University of Texas, explains why some Americans oppose the legislation. "We think it's unfair that students who are illegal immigrants would get a fast track to citizenship, while people who did come here legally wouldn't have those same opportunities," she said. "The question is legalization or not, " said Jon Feere, who also opposes the DREAM Act. He is a policy analyst with the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington and is concerned about the act's effect on the economy. "There's a lot of unemployment in the United States right now. And there are already many legal immigrants who are already here who are desperate for those jobs," he said. But supporters of the DREAMAct say well-educated immigrants would help the economy. Raul Hinojosa is an immigration research analyst at UCLA." Not letting them contribute to the economy would not only lose all the financial investment we have already made in these youths, but we would lose literally trillions of dollars of potential value because they want and are ready to contribute to the US economy," he said. That's exactly what Yves Gomes wants to do -- finish school and become a doctor. He says without the DREAMAct, many students' dreams will be lost. "They are studying at Harvard, they are studying at UCLA--the top universities -- and they all have bright futures and because of the system they are going to be told to go home, go back to a country they don't even know, " he said. The DREAMAct has failed to win passage in Congress since it was first introduced 10 years ago. Now time is running out for passage this year, and opposition Republicans have threatened to block it. Yves Gomes hopes that won't happen. He wants to finish school and eventually become a US citizen. Which of the following is in favor of the DREAMAct ? Raul Hinojosa.
One of our biggest fears nowadays is that our kids might some day get lost in a "sea of technology"rather than experiencing the natural world.Fear-producing TV and computer games are leading to a serious disconnect between kids and the great outdoors,which will change the wild places of the world,its creatures and human health for the worse,unless adults get working on child's play. Each of us has a place in nature we go sometimes,even if it was torn down.We cannot be the last generation to have that place.At this rate,kids who miss the sense of wonder outdoors will not grow up to be protectors of natural landscapes."If the decline in parks use continues across North America,who will defend parks against encroachment ?"asks Richard Louv,author ofLast Child in the Woods. Without having a nature experience,kids can turn out just fine,but they are missing out a huge enrichment of their lives.That applies to everything from their physical health and mental health,to stress levels,creativity and cognitive skills.Experts predict modern kids will have poorer health than their parents--and they say a lack of outside play is surely part of it:research suggests that kids do better academically in schools with a nature component and that play in nature fosters leadership by the smartest,not by the toughest.Even a tiny outdoor experience can create wonder in a child.The three-year-old turning over his first rock realizes he is not alone in the world.A clump of trees on the roadside can be the whole universe in his eyes.We really need to value that more. Kids are not to blame.They are over-protected and frightened.It is dangerous out there from time to time,but repetitive stress from computers is replacing breaking an arm as a childhood rite of passage. Everyone from developers,to schools and outdoors' citizens,should help regain for our kids some of the freedom and joy of exploring,taking friendship in fields and woods that cement love,respect and need for the landscape.As parents,we should devote some of our energies to taking our kids into nature.This could yet be our greatest cause. In writing this passage,the author mainly intends to _ . A blame children for getting lost in computer games B encourage children to protect parks from encroachment C show his concern about children's lack of experience in nature D inspire children to keep the sense of wonder about things around Answer: C. show his concern about children's lack of experience in nature In one study, college students who had important and reality-based conversations were more content than their peers who changed mere amusing remarks. But don't deny small talks just yet. Psychologists have long said that connecting with others is important to well-being, but just how much conversation we require is under investigation. In one study, researchers overheard undergraduates for four days, and then cataloged each overheard conversation as either "small talks" ("What do you have done? Popcorn? Yummy!") or "substantive" ("So did they get divorced soon after?"). They found that the second type correlated with happiness --the happiest students had roughly twice as many substantive talks as the unhappiest ones. Small talks, meanwhile, made up only 10 percent of their conversation, versus almost 30 percent of their conversation among the least content students. But don't deny small talks just yet. Scientists believe that small talks could promote bonding. Researchers found that a small talk maintains closeness with loved ones after studying ring-tailed lemurs' call-and-response conversations, similar to human small talks. Still, joking with strangers could brighten your morning. In a series of experiments, those bus-takers told to chat with others are reported a more pleasant journey than those told to "enjoy your solitude" or to do whatever they normally would. Small talks can also help us feel connected to our surroundings. People who smiled at, made eye contact with, and briefly spoke with their Starbucks baristas reported a greater sense of belonging than those who rushed through the transaction. Of course, some of us are better than others at turning small talks into something bigger. All the differences come to what researchers call "a curious mindset". So go ahead to talk and inquire. Small talks needn't be idle. And being curious about others' business isn't all bad. What's the author's attitude to small talks? A Negative. B Supportive. C Neutral. D Critical. Answer: B. Supportive. It was one week before Halloween and Thomas still needed to find the perfect costume for trick-or-treating. Last year Thomas was a scarecrow, so his mother had stuffed his clothes with straw. Thomas thought that it was okay for a nine year old, but now he was ten and had to do even better. His friends Michael and Brianna were going as a ghost and angel, but Thomas wanted something that was both scary and real. Finally he came up with an idea and headed off to the store with his mother to collect the items. He picked up a black jacket, black gloves, and black cloth. After working through the whole weekend he had finally finished. When he got to school he wouldn't tell anyone what his costume was. He even kept quiet when his teacher, Ms. Frazier, asked him. The next day was Halloween, so Michael and Brianna came over to Thomas's house to meet him for trick-or-treating. They rang the doorbell and were waiting for the door to open when a wolf came running out of the bushes nearby. They both shouted and began to run, but then they heard someone say, "wait for me" from the same direction as the wolf. When they looked again they saw Thomas standing up and laughing. His costume was so real that it had tricked them both. "Great costume," they thought, "we'll have to do better next year" and went off to collect candy from the neighbors. What was not part of Thomas's costume? A Black cloth B A black jacket C Black gloves D Angel wings Answer: D. Angel wings Here is an astonishing and signficant fact:Mental work alone can't make us tired. It sounds absurd. But a few years ago, scientists tried to find out how long the human could labor without reaching a stage of fatigue . To the amazement of these scientists, they discovered thett blood passing through the brain, when it is active, shows no fatigue at all! If we took a drop of blood from a day labourer, we could find it full of fatigue toxins and fatigue products. But if we took blood from the brain of Albert Einstein, it would show no fatigue toxing at the end of the day. So far as the brain is concerned, it can work as well and swiftly at the end of eight or even twelve hours f efforts as at the beginning. The brain is totally tireless. So what makes us tired. Some scientists declare that most of our fatigue come from our mental and emotional attitudes. One of England's most outstanding scientists. J. A. Hadfield,says,"The greater part of the fatigue from which we suffer is of mental origin. In fact,fatigue of purely physical origin is rare." Dr. Brill, a famous American scientist, goes even further. He declares,"One hundred percent of the fatigue of a sitting worker in good health is due to emotional problems." What kinds of emotions make sitting workers tired?Joy?Satifaction?No!A feeling of being bored,anger,anxiety,tenseness,worry,a feeling of nt being appreciated---those are emotions that tire sitting workers.Hard work by itself seldom causes fatigue.We get tired because our emotions produce nervousness in the body. What surprised the scientists a few years ago? A Fatigue toxinscould hardly be found in a labour's blood. B Albert Eistein didn't feel worn out after a day's work. C The brain could wrk for many hours without fatigue. D A mental worker's blood was filled with fatigue toxins. Answer: C. The brain could wrk for many hours without fatigue. David Brown and Anne are two patients in the Adult Day Care Program at Mercy Hospitals. David Brown is seventy-two years old. He's friendly and likes to talk. He lives with his wife in the city. But David is becoming forgetful. His wife says, "He'll heat up some soup, then forget to turn off the gas." She is sixty-one and still works. She is worried about leaving her husband alone. Anne is eighty and lives with her 60-year-old daughter. Her daughter says that she needs a rest. "Mom follows me everywhere. She follows me when I read newspapers. I need a rest and she does, too." And so, several times a week, David and Anne's families take them to the Adult Day Care Center. Many hospitals have this program. Patients come to the Center for a full or half day, from one to five days a week. All the patients live with their families and most are old people. Mrs. Carol Johnson is the director of the Center. She says, "We are offering both the patients and their families a service of great value. Patients have the chance to get out of their houses. Husbands, wives or grown children can work or have a rest. Most important of all, families are able to stay together." Adult Day Care Center is run by _ . A hospitals B schools C churches D government Answer: A. hospitals
Miss Williams is a teacher, and there are thirty children in her class. They are nice children, and Miss Williams like them all, but they often lose some of the clothes. It's winter, and the weather is very cold. The children's mothers always take them to school with warm coats and hats and gloves . The children come into the classroom in the morning and take off their coats and hats and gloves, and put the gloves in the pockets of their coats. Last Tuesday, Miss Williams found two small blue gloves on the floor in the evening, and the next morning, she asked the children, "Whose gloves are these?" But no one answered. "Haven't you got blue gloves, Dick?" she asked him. "Yes, Miss Williams," he answered, "but those can't be mine. I've lost already." The two small gloves were for _ . Dick I try to be a good son, but no matter how hard I try, my parents never seem to be satisfied. They think I should eat healthier food, should wear cleaner clothes, and I should get better grades. And according to them, my hair should be shorter, my room should be neater, and my friends should be more polite when they come to visit. You know it isn't easy to be a teenager. We try to be good parents, but no matter how hard we try, our children never seem to be satisfied. They think we should wear more fashionable clothes, we should buy a faster car, and we should listen to more beautiful music. And according to them, we should be more patient when they talk about their problems, we should be more friendly when their friends come to visit, and we should be more understanding when they come home late on Saturday night. You know it isn't easy to be parents, either. Do you and your parents also have such problems? Well, why don't you take a walk and have a talk on Saturday? May 15th is the International Day of Families. On that day, people around the world give thanks for good things about their families and work on family problems. A study last year showed that many Nanjing families had the same problem like this. The children, 12 to 15 years old, didn't like talking with their parents much. They weren't happy at home. Of course, lots of kids have the same feeling like that. But you and your parents will be much happier if you can be friends. Parents are the closest people to you in the world. They love you just because you're their child. And they would do anything for you. Why do people usually take a walk and have a talk on May 15th? Because it's the International Day of Families and people work on family problems on that day. My day began on a definitely sour note when I saw my six-year-old wrestling with a limb of my azalea bush. By the time I got outside, he'd broken it. "Can I take this to school today?" he asked. With a wave of my hand, I sent him off. I turned my back so he wouldn't see the tears gathering in my eyes. The washing machine had leaked on my brand-new linoleum. If only my husband had just taken the time to fix it the night before when I asked him instead of playing checkers with Jonathan. It was days like this that made me want to quit. I just wanted to drive up to the mountains, hide in a cave, and never come out. Somehow I spent most of the day washing and drying clothes and thinking how love had disappeared from my life. As I finished hanging up the last of my husband's shirts, I looked at the clock. 2:30. I was late. Jonathan's class let out at 2:15 and I hurriedly drove to the school. I was out of breath by the time I knocked on the teacher's door and peered through the glass. She rustled through the door and took me aside. "I want to talk to you about Jonathan," she said. I prepared myself for the worst. Nothing would have surprised me. "Did you know Jonathan brought flowers to school today?" she asked. I nodded, thinking about my favorite bush and trying to hide the hurt in my eyes. "Let me tell you about yesterday," the teacher insisted. "See that little girl?" I watched the bright-eyed child laugh and point to a colorful picture taped to the wall. I nodded. "Well, yesterday she was almost hysterical. Her mother and father are going through a nasty divorce. She told me she didn't want to live, she wished she could die. I watched that little girl bury her face in her hands and say loud enough for the class to hear, 'Nobody loves me.' I did all I could to comfort her, but it only seemed to make matters worse." "I thought you wanted to talk to me about Jonathan," I said. "I do," she said, touching the sleeve of my blouse. "Today your son walked straight over to that child. I watched him hand her some pretty pink flowers and whisper, 'I love you.'" I felt my heart swell with pride for what my son had done. I smiled at the teacher. "Thank you," I said, reaching for Jonathan's hand, "you've made my day." Later that evening, I began pulling weeds from around my azalea bush. As my mind wandered back to the love Jonathan showed the little girl, a biblical verse came to me: "...these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." While my son had put love into practice, I had only felt anger. I heard the familiar squeak of my husband's brakes as he pulled into the drive. I snapped a small limb bristling with hot pink azaleas off the bush. I felt the seed of love that God planted in my family beginning to bloom once again in me. My husband's eyes widened in surprise as I handed him the flowers. "I love you," I said. Why did the woman cry when seeing her son had broken the azalea bush? Because it made her bad mood even worse. A new study said about 65 percent of the online payments last year were done with mobile devices. Along with the rapid growth of the online to offline business, the mobile payment has been further changing people's everyday life. According to findings published by Alipay, the mobile payment is more _ in China's underdeveloped areas. In Tibet, 83.3 percent of the online payments were done with mobile devices in 2015. The region was followed by Guizhou, Gansu, Shanxi and Qinghai. Nearly 80 percent of the mobile payments were done in these regions and provinces. Li Chao, a researcher from iResearch Consulting Group, said that the lack of traditional business was the main reason why people used mobile payment more often. Although people in developed areas in China used mobile payments less often, they spent much more money. The study showed that people in Shanghai spent more than 100,000 yuan(15,210dollars) on average through Alipay, becoming the top Alipay users in China in 2015. As more and more companies are entering the mobile payment field in China, such as mobile payments in convenience stores and movie theatres, online payment is sure to develop much more quickly. In the near future smartphones may replace wallets. About _ percent of the online payments in 2015 were done through mobile devices. 65 A 44-year-old Swedish man, Peter Skyllberg, was found in a car buried under snow, at the end of a forest track more than 1 km from a main road in northern Sweden. He survived for two months without food by eating handfuls of snow. But how long can people go without food? Skyllberg had been inside the car since 19 December, 2011. Experts believe it's possible for the human body to survive without food for up to two months. Last year, a 56-year-old woman from British Columbia survived nearly 50 days in the Nevada wilderness on sweets and water after being stranded in the mountains while her husband went in search of help. In fact there're many causes that can influence a person's ability to survive, such as the way the body's metabolism slows down to keep energy. When the body stops getting food, it has to live on the stored sugars. When this runs out, fat is then turned into the second energy supply. After the fat runs out, the body must take recycled protein from the system and finally from the muscles. But this is very expensive fuel for the body. It's like being in a cold house and burning furniture instead of firewood. However, the muscle loss slows the body's work, causing it to burn calories at a slower rate. Being trapped into a small space would have helped Skyllberg keep precious calories. The car was covered in snow, creating what some experts have described as an "igloo effect" on the car. A person's mental state can play a key role in how long they survive, according to Stephen Joseph, a professor at the University of Nottingham. "In dangerous situations survival depends on personalities. Some might lose hope, while others are more hopeful." says Joseph. "Hope is probably a big key to this." What may partly lead to Peter Skyllberg's survival of two months according to the text? High spirits.
Question: Many jobs must be done with two people. One person takes the lead. The other helps. So it is with the human body. Much of our body depends on the cooperation between substances. When they work together, chemical reactions take place smoothly. Body systems are kept in balance. Some of the most important helpers in the job of good health are the substances we call vitamins. The word "vitamin" dates back to Polish scientist Casimir Funk in 1912. He was studying a substance in rice. Funk believed the substance belonged to a group of chemicals known as amines . He added the Latin word "vita", meaning life. So he called the substance a "vitamine"--an amine necessary for life. Other studies found that not all vitamins were amines. So the name was shortened to vitamin. But Funk was correct in recognizing their importance. Scientists have discovered 14 kinds of vitamins. They say vitamins help to carry out chemicals changes within cells. If we do not get enough of the vitamins, we are at risk of developing a number of diseases. _ brings us back to James Lind of Scotland. In the 1740s, Lind was a doctor for the British Navy. He was investigating a problem that had existed in the Navy for many years. The problem was the disease scurvy . The sailors were weak from bleeding inside their bodies. Even the smallest wound would not heal. Doctor Lind thought the sailors were getting sick because they failed to eat some kinds of foods when they were at sea for many months. Doctor Lind separated twelve sailors who had scurvy into two groups. He gave each group different foods to eat. One group got oranges and lemons. The other did not. The men who ate the fruit began to improve within seven days. The other men got weaker. However, which foods should be eaten to keep us healthy? Let us look at some important vitamins for these answers. Doctor Lind proved eating fruits can prevent scurvy by means of _ . A. comparing B. analyzing C. surveying D. questioning Answer: A Question: It was a sunny winter day. I had gone down the tower when a blind man came toward me. He kept close to the wall, touching it lightly with his arm. I stood still and looked at him walking toward the tower. "What does a blind man want to climb up the tower for?" I wondered, "Not the view certainly, perhaps he wants to jump. "Thinking of this terrible reason, I thought I should follow him. He went up slowly and stopped from time to time. I followed him a few steps behind. When he got to the first corner of the bell tower, I came close to him. "Excuse me," I said as politely as I could, "but I wonder why you came up." "You'd never guess." he said. "Not the view or the fresh air on this winter day?" "No." he said. "Tell me, then." He smiled, "Perhaps climbing up the tower. You have noticed - and yet, not being blind, perhaps you won't - how the sun shines into the tower through the windows here and there, so that one can feel the cool steps suddenly become quite warm, even in winter. But behind the wall there is shade . There is no place so good as this for feeling the difference between light and darkness. Though I'm blind, I also want to feel the happiness brought by the sunlight. In fact, it isn't my first time to be here." He said and seemed as pleased as a child. I had never thought that even a blind man could have his way to enjoy the beautiful life. But we often paid no attention to its value because we never lost it. We went down the tower together and I left him. From then on, I began to treasure what life has given me. The writer thought the blind man wanted to _ . A. see the view B. breathe the fresh air C. warm himself D. jump off the tower Answer: D Question: What to do if you don't feel popular? Try to take part in activities. Call your friends. Plan to do something. The worst feeling is staying home alone, because it makes you feel even more lonely. Try to make new friends. Choose friends carefully, not just because you think they're popular. And remember, making good friends takes time. Choosing a popular person to be friends with is okay. If they are nice. Be yourself . If you want to become friends with someone who's popular, don't make yourself into someone you are not just to impress that person. Be nice. Be friendly. Be outgoing . But don't overdo it!Talk to trusted friends if you are feeling really bad. Or you might want to write it down in a journal or diary. Do something special for yourself. You could take pictures of your friends, or collect their school pictures, and take a collage to hang on your wall. This will remind you, when you are feeling unpopular, that you really do have friends. Think up your own ideas. These suggestions might not work for everyone. What to do if you have a problem with your teacher? Talk to your parents, or another adult who will listen to you and perhaps can help. Talk to your friends. Maybe they have had problems with the same teacher, too. Don't give the teacher a reason to have problems with you. Do your work, complete your task, attend the class seriously and take notes. Maybe you just need to give the teacher a chance . Try to find out what the problem is. Talk to the teacher if you feel comfortable doing this. Don't be nasty , but express your concerns . Listen to the teacher, as well. *Just accept the fact that you're not going to love all your teachers. What's the best title of this passage? A. Why We Have Problems at School? B. Always be yourself. C. How to Handle Problems at School? D. Don't Be Afraid of Problems With Others. Answer: C Question: With the growth of the European Union and increased globalisation, English is increasingly the lingua franc a in European businesses, and those who speak it have become the elite of the workforce. In the past, only a few specialists in a company were needed to communicate with foreign businesses.However, in these days of multinational companies, where workers are required to communicate with other employees from several countries, a common language is essential and English has become the logical choice. Nowadays, even blue-collar workers in many companies are required to speak English.For example, just over three years ago, a Dutch company.United Pan-European Communications (UPC), was contracted to build a TV studio in Amsterdam.The job involved many electricians--more than the company could find in the Netherlands.There were plenty of qualified electricians in nearby France and Belgium, but the American and Dutch executives of UPC wanted everyone on the job to speak and understand the same language.So, the UPC hired British electricians and flew them to Amsterdam every Monday, accommodating them in hotels all over the city, and flying them home on Friday evenings. Increasingly, workers who can speak English earn salaries 25-35% higher than those who can' t.They are also eligible for a wider range of high-level jobs. The problem is that, while the ability to speak English is fast becoming essential for getting a good job, there is a shortage of people who can speak it.According to a recent European Commission report, only about 41% of continental Europeans can speak English, and only 29% speak it well enough to carry on a conversation.Many companies are solving this problem by setting up English language schools within the workplace.English language schools all over Europe are expanding at a huge rate, and governments are looking at ways to improve English tuition in schools. One result of this modem urge to learn English is that a generation gap is appearing. According to a European Union study, 67% of Europeans between 15 and 24 say they can speak English while only 18% of those over 55 say they can.Increasingly, all over Europe, it is the children who are leading the parents. In European companies, workers who speak English _ . A. find it easy to carry on a conversation B. have an advantage over other workers C. must be white-collar workers D. travel to many different countries Answer: B Question: The dream of flying into outer space, cherished by the Chinese people for centuries, will soon come true. China launched its fourth unmanned spacecraft "Shenzhou IV" on December 30 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu Province. It was the 27th consecutive( )and successful launch of China - made rockets since October 1996. This launch has made it more realistic for China to send a person into space on its own following Russia and the USA. Qi Faren,leading designer of the spacecraft system, said all the functions designed for manned flights have withstood the test of three previous, successful launches and return landings of the "Shenzhou" spaceships. China launched the "Shenzhou I ", "Shenzhou II "and "Shenzhou III "spacecrafts in 1999,2001 and 2002 respectively. "Shouzhou IV" was to make it a more comfortable place in which astronauts can live and work. All parts of the application system for manned flight are aboard the "Shenzhou IV"craft in all test flights. China's manned flight programme began in 1992. A number of unmanned test flights will be launched before Chinese astronauts are sent into space. Leading scientists in charge of China's manned space programme said the successful launch of the "Shenzhou IV" laid a solid foundation for the country's future task of sending Chinese astronauts to outer space. The spacecraft returned to the earth on January 5, after completing seven experiments in space. Officials at the centre said that" Shenzhou V", a manned spacecraft, is expected to be launched later this year. .Which is the most suitable title for the passage? A. The Successful Launching of "Shenzhou IV ". B. The Landing of "Shenzhou IV ". C. Chin a's Manned Flight Programme. D. The Third Country Sending a Person into Outer Space. Answer: A
In a world with limited land, water and other natural resources , the harm from the traditional business model is on the rise. Actually, the past decade has seen more and more forests disappearing and the globe becoming increasingly warm. People now realize that this unhealthy situation must be changed, and that we must be able to develop in sustainable ways. That means growth with low carbon or development of sustainable products. In other words, we should keep the healthy while using its supply of natural resources. Today, sustainable development is a popular trend in many countries. According to a recent study, the global market for low-carbon energy will become three times bigger over the next decade. China, for example, has set its mind on leading that market, hoping to seize chances in the new round of the global energy resolution. It is now trying hard to made full use of wind and solar energy, and is spending a huge amount of money making electric cars and high-speed trains. In addition, we are also seeing great growth in the global markets for sustainable products such as palm oil , which is produced without cutting down valuable rainforest. In recent years the markets for sustainable products have grown more than 50%. Governments can fully develop the potential of these new markets. First, they can set high targets for reducing carbon emissions and targets for saving and reusing energy. Besides, stronger arrangement of public resources like forests can also help to speed up the development. Finally, governments can avoid the huge public expenses that are taking us in the wrong direction, and redirecting some of those expenses can accelerate the change from the traditional model to a sustainable one. The major challenge of this century is to find ways to meet the needs of a growing population within the limits of this single planet. That is no small task, but it offers a large of new chances for sustainable product industries. The traditional business model is harmful because of all the following EXCEPT that _ . A it makes the world warmer B it consumes natural resources C it brings severe damage to future D it makes growth hard to continue Answer: B Look at your classmates around you. You all wear the same uniform and similar sneakers. Do you want to stand out among them? A fashionable and useful backpack can be a great idea! Backpacks are lightweight and easy to carry. They are great tools for students. They help you to stay organized. You can keep school things, books and personal items like cell phones and keys neatly . With a _ backpack, you can also stand out among your classmates. Tourists also love backpacks. With convenient backpacks, backpackers can move freely from one place to another. Meanwhile, they can also free their hands to do other things like taking photos. But in the very beginning backpacks were not what we see today. It is thought that US hiker Dick Kelty invented the first modern backpack in 1951. He used nylon and aluminum tubing to make backpacks lightweight. Then he added shoulder straps and waist straps to transfer much of the weight to the hips . Today, backpacks come in different styles. Rolling backpacks have wheels on the bottom. Users can pull them along the ground if they are too heavy to carry on their shoulders. And with more people bringing laptops to school and work, backpacks also offer space for lightweight electronics. Backpacks are useful for tourists because _ . A they have wheels on the bottom B it frees tourists' hands to do other things C tourists can feel fashionable D they make tourists feel special Answer: B One of the greatest gifts one generation can give to other generations is the wisdom it has gained from experience. This idea has inspired the award-winning photographer Andrew Zuckerman. He interviewed and took photos of fifty over-sixty-five-year-olds all over the world. His project explores various aspects of their lives. The photos and interviews are now available on our website. Click on the introductions to read the complete interviews. Let us now have a culture of peace. ----Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Spain Federico Mayor Zaragoza obtained a doctorate in pharmacy from the Complutense University of Madrid in 1958. After many years spent in politics, he became Director-General of UNESCO in 1987. In 1999, he created the Foundation for a culture of Peace, of which he is now the president. In addition to many scientific publications, he has published four collections of poems and several books of essays. Writing is a discovery. ----Nadine Gordimer, South Africa Due to a weak heart, Nadine Gordimer attended school and university briefly. She read widely and began writing at an early age. She published her first short story at the age of fifteen, and has completed a large number of works, which have been translated into forty languages. In 1991, Gordimer won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Jazz is about the only form of art today. ----Dave Brubeck, USA Dave Brubeck studied music at the University of the Pacific and graduated in 1942. After World War Two he was encouraged to play jazz. In 1951, he recorded his first album . Brubeck's 1959 album has become a jazz standard. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. For more figures CLICK HERE. Who most probably said "My education has been the library and books" in the interview when reflecting on his/her experience? A Nadine Gordimer. B Federico Mayor Zaragoza. C Andrew Zuckerman. D Dave Brubeck. Answer: A In America, people change jobs ten times during their lives. They change their homes eleven times. Americans like change because they think it _ their lives. In China, some people, of course, don't like change. They want life to be predictable . They want to do the same things every day and to see the same people every day. When something changes, it makes them feel uncomfortable, like a child who can't go to sleep unless all his toys are in their proper places. But can't you see there are many changes in China? People are healthier and they are living longer. People have more money, more food and they are better educated . Without change, our lives would be very boring. It would be like listening to the same song over and over again. Change is a big part of life and we all change in small ways every day --the young get stronger, the old get weaker; we meet new friends; we find new interests. Change is good for China and it will be good for you, too. Some Chinese people don't like change because it makes them feel _ . A boring B comfortable C interesting D uncomfortable Answer: D Name: Edward Scott School: Revin Grove State High School Grade: 7 Term ending: 6 May Subjects : Mathematics He is a little weak in this, but he has tried his best to catch up with others. Science He can work out many difficulties.Well done! French He is the best in the class.Keep it up. History He is not so good at this, but has done better than before. Geography He is familiar with the names of many places in the world. Music He doesn't like pop songs, though sings very well. Conduct: Fair No.in class: 9 Absences: 8 Remarks : Edward has the ability to do a lot better.More work is needed next term. Class teacher: Ivy Principal: M.L.Martin School reopens: 11 September According to the passage, which of the following sentences is TRUE? A Edward can't sing songs very well. B Edward doesn't do well in science. C Edward can do better if he works harder next term. D Edward learns two foreign languages in school. Answer: C
A gallon of water in a pot is placed over a fire. After an hour there will be Most people can only dream of living for 100 years, let alone fathering a child nearly a century after being born themselves. But that is apparently a reality today, as a 96-year-old Indian man claims to have fathered a child, his second in recent years. Ramajit Raghav and his 52-year-old wife, Shakuntala Devi, reportedly gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Ranjeet, on Oct. 5, according to the Times of India. Just two years ago, Raghav set the world record when he and Devi gave birth to their first son, Vikramajeet. "I didn't take any medicine. ... I just prayed to God to complete my family, either a boy or a girl," Raghav told the paper. India is often the source of unusual stories about a person's age. However, the life expectancy of the average Indian actually falls into the lower-third of UN global statistics (139 out of 194 counties), at 64.7 years. The average Indian man lives 63.2 years. By comparison, Japan has the longest worldwide life expectancy, with its residents living an average of 82.7 years. The US comes in at No. 38, with Americans living an average of 79.2 years. While male fertility rates are not as directly correlated to age as are women's, male fertility rates do decline with age, according to a study published in the 2004 issue of Human Reproduction Update. Raghav says that he credits his diet of butter, milk and almonds for his longevity, along with abstaining from drugs and alcohol. "I feel lucky to have two healthy sons. It will be tough, but I'm a happy man," he said. Interestingly, the previous record holder for world's oldest dad was also Indian: Nanu Ram Jog, who reportedly fathered his 21st at the age of 90. For his part, Raghav doesn't plan to set any more paternal records. He said. "I don't want more children, we can't afford it." According to the passage, people live the longest in _ . Long long ago, an old scientist made a few tests on different animals to find out which was the cleverest of all the animals. In one test the old scientist put a monkey in a room. In the room there were many boxes. Some boxes were inside other boxes. The smallest box had some food in it. The scientist wanted to watch the monkey and to find out how long it would take the monkey to find the food. The scientist left the room. He waited for a few minutes outside the door. Then he put his eye to the keyhole . What did he see? To his surprise, he found himself looking into the eye of the monkey. The monkey was on the other side of the door and looked at the scientist through the keyhole. The scientist wanted to know _ . Jack Brown, an office worker, lives in Washington. He inherited a million dollars when he was 23, but he wasn't happy at all.When his college friends were looking for their jobs, he didn't have to. Jack decided to keep living a simple life like everyone else. He gave $ 10,000 of his money to a charity to help poor children live a happy life. Today he is 36. He still wears cheap shoes and clothes and drives a small car only, but he is very happy. Up to now Jack has helped some children from poor countries all over the world, by sending them each $200 a month. The money is used for the children's study, food, medicine and clothing. Jack receives a report each year on the children's progress They can write to each other, but usually the children do not speak English. When Jack first heard about these children, he wanted to help them. "It was nothing special,"he said."Until I went to these countries and met the children I was helping, I didn't know anything about their life." Once Jack went to meet a little girl in Africa, he said that the meeting was very exciting. "When I met her, I felt very,very happy,"he said."And I saw that the money was _ . It brought me happiness. I want to do everything I can to go on helping these children." What's the main idea of the story? Cut out part of a healthy person's liver and transplant it into a sick person--it sounds like a complicated and dangerous operation , not to mention very expensive. But it is sometimes the only possible cure for a seriously ill patient with liver disease. Until now British scientists have just announced a new stem cell technique, which allows them to grow healthy liver cells outside human bodies. According to the researchers, it could be another five to ten years before the technique can actually be used to help patients with liver disease. However, they say the method might one day replace liver transplants altogether. The study was led by the University of Cambridge and the Welcome Trust Sanger Institute, a British genomics and genetics research institute. It was published in the journal nature on October 12,2011. The researchers took skin cells from a patient with a mutation in a gene called alphal-antitrypsin (a-l). This gene makes a protein that protects our bodies against inflammation . People with changed or damaged alphal-antitrypsin are not able to release the protein correctly from the liver, so the protein is trapped there and eventually leads to liver cirrhosis . Scientists then used an advanced technique to cut away the faulty section of DNA from a stem cell and replace it with a corrected one, according to the journal. The stem cells went on to produce fresh and healthy liver cells with normal protein levels. Scientists put the new liver cells into mice and found that they worked very well. Stem cells are the life source of all other cells in the body. They could transform medicine, providing treatment for blindness, spinal cord injuries and other serous injuries. They could also be used to produce new cells for damaged organs. David Lomas, a Cambridge biology professor who worked on the team, said: "If we can use a patient's own skins cells to produce liver cells that we can put back into the patient, we may prevent the future need for transplantation. " What can be inferred from the passage?
In 1977 , a dead author of detective stories saved the life of a nineteen-month-old baby in a most unusual way. The author was Agatha Christie, a gentle married lady and one of the most successful writers of detective stories in the world. ks5u In June 1977 , a baby girl became seriously ill in Qatar , near Sandi Arabia . Doctors were unable to find out the cause of her illness, so she was flown to London and sent to Hammersmith Hospital. A team of doctors hurried to examine the baby only to discover that they, too, were puzzled by the very unusual signs of illness. While they were having a discussion about the baby's illness, a nurse asked to speak to them. "Excuse me," said Nurse Marsha Maitland, "but I think the baby is suffering from thallium poisoning ." "What makes you think that?" Dr. Brown asked. "Thallium poisoning is very rare." "A few days ago, I was reading a novel called 'A Pale Horse' by Agatha Christie," Nurse Maitland explained. "In the book, somebody uses thallium poison, and all the signs are exactly the same as the baby' s . " "You are very careful and you may be right," another doctor said. "we'll carry out some tests and find out whether it' s thallium or not." Tests showed that the baby had indeed been poisoned by thallium. Once they knew the cause of the illness, the doctors were able to give the baby the correct treatment. She soon recovered and was sent back to Qatar. Later on it was proved that the poison might have come from an insecticide used in Qatar. Nurse Maitland spoke to the doctors A when she heard them discussing the possibility of thallium poison. B because she could see that the doctors had made a mistake. C to suggest a possible reason for the patient' s illness. D after she had read about a horse which had been poisoned. Answer: C Teens' lives hit by economy Some teenagers are crossing their dream colleges off their lists. Others are thinking of skipping their senior trips or reducing prom costs. Many are finding their work hours cut while their expenses rise. So, who exactly is punishing them?Is it their parents, teachers or employers?No, it's the economy . If you are like most teenagers, you probably don't understand what "recession", "negative economic growth" and "subprime mortgage crisis "actually mean. And you probably don't spend your days watching the ups and downs of the stock market. It's safe to say that most teens don't know much about the economy except for one thing:it's bad. But just how exactly is the economy affecting teens? "The single largest thing I have noticed is the recession's ability to affect my college choice, "said Heather Richars from Downey High School in California, US. "With the economic situation the way it is, I have thought less about going to a private or out-of-state university, and more about public schools in California, mainly because of the price of tuition, "said Richars. "I had been a fan of attending a private school up until this year." The economy cuts into other areas of teenagers' lives, too. Joey Camarda, a student at Modesto High School in California, who works at an ice cream store, said," Probably due to the economy, I have been getting less hours at my job, and because of that, I am not getting enough money to help pay for college." Tara Mooney, a senior at Beyer High School, has also begun to notice that money is tight. "Things are getting expensive," she said. "When it comes to applying for colleges and wanting to go on senior trips, I have to pick and choose instead of doing it all." Because of the bad economic situation, Heather Richars will most probably _ . A go to a private university B attend an out-of-state college C attend a public college in California D find a good university as he planned Answer: C My name is Lin Hui. I like to tell stories about people who work together. What is even better is when countries help each other and build a good friendship. An excellent example of this happened when Britain and China worked together to bring the Milu deer back to China. Milu deer, a kind of animal with large horns , used to be common in China long ago. Like other deer they lived together and ate grass and the soft parts of trees. Milu deer were often killed for food or sport. The Ming and Qing dynasties did not protect them and many were killed. That is how the Milu deer disappeared from China. Luckily before all of them were killed, some were taken to Britain to improve the environment of the beautiful park which belonged to the Duke of Bedford. He liked them so much that he took them from China to Britain. Milu deer liked the cool, wet weather in England and their number increased year by year. As a result, when in 1985 the government of China wanted to bring back the Milu deer, the Duke of Bedford was able to help. The first deer came back to China to the Nanhaizi Milu Park 20 kilometers south of Beijing and the centre in Dafeng, Jiangsu province. The deer certainly seem happy to be back in China because their number has grown quickly. There are now so many of them that a new park has been opened for them in Hubei Province. At the moment the Milu deer live in centres where they are being well protected and cared for. It is hoped that one day there will be enough animals to let them live in the wild again. 294words After some of the Milu deer were taken to Britain,_. A people used them to carry things B the Duke of Beford sold them all C they didn't like the weather there D their number became larger and larger Answer: D A cat is shown that food is placed on a high surface. The cat needs to eat the food to live, so the cat A learns to wear clothes B learns to eat bees C learns to jump higher D learns to cook food Answer: C I consider Lily to be my best friend because she is always very good to me. She's always with me in times of difficulties and she is always there waiting for me. When I have problems and feel empty and upset, she's always by my side to comfort me. We've been together for two years. I met her during our college days. She was my classmate, but I can tell that we were not so close at that time, maybe because we had our own friends and maybe our attention was always on them, so I didn't even notice her. Yet there were times that she was with me during my lunch break. That is why we slowly became close. We had our lunch together in the boarding house but sometimes not, probably because we had our own friends. And when we took our break, we bought our favorite food together, but not that often since we didn't have enough money. Furthermore, we were together in the student union, which was nice for me to know her better. I can say that she is really a nice friend. She is the kind of person that is very approachable in times of emptiness. She is a friend whom I can call every time I need help. Definitely, I am so glad that I have her. Currently, we are working together as freelance writers online. We both work as contractors in oDesk. We are very happy with working together, and we are looking forward to earning some money so that we can go on vacation together. Friendships may not last. Friendships can lose importance and die gradually. However, I believe she will be a lifelong friend of mine. According to the passage, the author is _ about their friendship. A optimistic B embarrassed C nervous D unsure Answer: A
The stinker was that no one let the elf in. He had waited at the door for four whole hours, but was afraid to knock in case the noise would wake the humans. This elf was the tooth fairy's helper, but one day hoped to work in the North Pole. That would never happen if he couldn't even help the tooth fairy with teeth on his first day working for her. It was almost morning now. Soon the children would wake up and run out the front door with their books for school. Inside, the tooth fairy would be wondering what was keeping him. "It's too dangerous to stay at this door," the elf thought, "The children might see me." Just then he heard the alarm clocks go off inside. He dove into a nearby bush and hid, hoping that his green uniform would help him match the color of the bush's leaves. Who does the elf work for? A. The children B. The North Pole C. The Tooth Fairy D. The Humans Answer: C. The Tooth Fairy A person cuts down a living oak tree. The person burns the wood from the oak tree to boil water. Which sequence correctly orders the energy transformations that occurred from the living tree to the boiling of water? A. light energy → chemical energy → thermal energy B. thermal energy → chemical energy → light energy C. chemical energy → mechanical energy → electrical energy D. electrical energy → mechanical energy → chemical energy Answer: A. light energy → chemical energy → thermal energy Look ! What's this in English? Ah, it's a photo. Who's that in the photo? It's Li Yan. Li Yan is my good friend. She is a beautiful girl. Who's that? The boy in black? It's Jim. He is an English boy. He is very cool . He is my friend, too. We are all in the same school. I like Jim and Li Yan. Who's English? A. I B. Jim C. Li Yan D. Jim and Li Yan Answer: B. Jim Sarah Outland's weeklong "staycation" gave her a chance to explore her new surroundings after moving to Chicago. A day after moving to the Windy City last year, Outland started a new job and never got a chance to explore her new surroundings. After nine months as a resident, she finally took a week off work to visit famous landmarks, museums and shopping centers that were right under her nose. If you glance through a newspaper or listen to a news broadcast recently, you may hear or spot a strange word, "staycation". Staycation is a new word the American press is employing to describe a vacation very close to your home, or simply staying at home during your vacation. It is a combination of words "stay"and "vacation". According to many news reports, these staycations are achieving great popularity among American families this year. When asked about the reason for their expected staycation, respondents stated "gas prices are too high" (61 percent), "travel in general is too expensive (44 percent). The high price of gas for cars and airplanes has made it very expensive for Americans to travel compared to past years. When you combine this with the weak American dollar, it all adds up to people deciding to stay close to home during their traditional summer vacations. For aggressive young Americans who are trying to balance family and work, a staycation can be a great concept. They want to enjoy their homes and the attractions in their area without the stress of packing or making reservation. They won't be paying high fuel prices either directly, at the pump, or indirectly, in airfare, other than the gas required to drive around town. Absolutely, it's friendlier on the environment when locals take trips to attractions in their own area, and not everyone is game for a vacation that involves staying on a hotel compound. Few people live close enough to a real destination to make this worth their while. How long after moving to Chicago did Sarah Outland take a staycation? A. A day B. A week C. A month D. Nine months Answer: D. Nine months I have returned to my hometown after I was away ten years ago. So many things have changed around here. It has become better and better. When I left here, there was a small pool on the right of my house. Now the pool has gone and people have built a large shopping mall there. The biggest changes have taken place in the center of the city. There are sidewalks on both sides of the street. You can see a street center with so many tall buildings around. You can't drive there any more because no vehicle is allowed to pass there. A European-style fountain has been built in the street center garden. There used to be an old school near my house. I spent my five years studying there. There was a small payground in front of the school. But now what I can see are five tall buildings standing there. There are two big classroom buildings and a library. A new post office has also been built just across from the new school. I have been away from my hometown for _ . A. ten months B. one year C. five years D. ten years Answer: D. ten years
This week in our Foreign Student Series,we discuss rules about getting a job while studying in the United States. International students are permitted to work for the college or university they attend or for a business at the school.But the business must directly provide a service to students.You could work at the bookstore,for example,but not for a construction company that is building something on campus .Also,a foreign student cannot displace an American citizen in a job.International students can work twenty hours a week while attending classes;more during school breaks.You can work until you complete your studies. Foreign students normally cannot take a job that has no connection to their school.But the government may give permission if students are suddenly faced with a situation that is out of their control.Examples include large medical bills. The loss of financial aid or an unexpected change in the financial condition of their source of support.Students must also meet other conditions.They must have attended their American school for at least one year.Government approval is given on a case-by-case basis.Students must re-apply after a year if they want to continue all off-campus job. Foreign students who will be attending graduate school can apply for some jobs before they come to the United States.A good example is a university job like a teaching or research assistantship.Some schools pay their assistants.Others provide free education in return. Many do both.Graduate assistants might teach, give tests,grade work, assist professors with research and hold office hours.Many universities now provide language training to foreign teaching assistants to help them improve their English.Some schools require foreign students to pass an English speaking test before they arc permitted to teach. International student offices at schools have to provide information on students each term to the Department of Homeland Security.Students who violate the terms of their visa--for example, By working off-campus without permission--could be sent home. It can be inferred from the passage that Graduate assistants who assist professors Answer: People who eat at home most of the time have better nutrition than those who go out to eat , a recent study shows. Cornell University professors Lana Hall and Karen Bunch interviewed(,) 3900 people in the survey. "People who eat less than 30 percent of their food away from home eat the most nutritiously," they said. "In general, Americans don't have nutrient, except for iron and calcium," they reported. They have the opposite problem----over--consumption , especially of fat. The food at many fast food restaurants is often low in vitamins. "People who eat more than 30 percent of total calories away from home eat foods that are generally low in nutrients per calorie," the professors said. More calories and enough nutrient intake are required to achieve. One of the major health risks is eating too much fat. The professor found than fat consumption became greater as income went up. It also went up in houses where the female worked. This is probably because these people eat more highly processed foods. Nowadays, a major health risk that people face is _ . Answer: Besides giving off gases and dusts into the air, humans produce waste that is poured on the environment. Often, this waste produced by major industries and people is harmful to both nature and human life. One of the main causes of the large amount of dangerous waste is that people do not realize how large a problem it is. Because it can be simply removed and sent to a landfill ,the problem is often believed to end there. In addition, industries have often shown an unwillingness to find ways to deal with dangerous waste because of the related expenses. Many industries and governments build simple landfills to store waste, and often just pour waste chemicals into nearby bodies of water. Often, chemicals used for industrial production cause dangerous forms of waste.The amount of these chemicals has increased greatly in the past, but it is often difficult and expensive to get rid of these chemicals or to store them in a way safe to human life and the environment. Every year, major health problems result from dangerous waste. Sadly, it is often only after someone has died or become seriously ill that governments will take measures to reduce levels of harmful waste. Some governments have realized how serious the dangerous waste problem is and are now trying to settle this problem. They are also trying to limit the amount of waste industries are allowed to produce. Not only governments but ordinary people as well must work together to solve the problem. They can choose not to buy those products which require the production of dangerous waste, and produce less harmful waste themselves. Many scientists think that waste production can be cut. The waste can be reduced by at least one third using existing technologies and methods. What can be inferred from the passage? Answer: Matter that is vibrating is producing ___. Answer: Buying a house for most of the people is a once in a lifetime decision, which means people decide to do so only after coming across the ideal house. Surprisingly, eight in every 10 home buyers are unhappy with their houses. A survey conducted by the Beijing Consumers' Association (BCA) recently shows about 80 percent of the 2,315 respondents in 23 residential complexes of Beijing are dissatisfied with the soaring house prices. They think the reasonable price in Beijing should be between 3,000 yuan and 7,000 yuan per square meter. The quality of the buildings, the surrounding environment and traffic and property management are the other factors that play a role in people's decision to buy a house. The BCA has suggested strict sales regulations and contracts to ease house-owners' sufferings. It has urged the authorities to impose severe punishment on developers found violating building and other rules and joining hands with others to bid up property prices, About 41.2 percent of the respondents have complained that their house have defective designs, while nearly 40 percent say the lighting and ventilation are far from satisfactory. The landscapes in the residential areas are a source of unhappiness for 43.2 percent of the respondents, and about one-third say they were " " into buying "third grade" house. And more than half are not satisfied with the sport and entertainment facilities in their neighborhood. Property management in the buildings, 56.5 percent of the respondents say, is way below standard compared to the high fee charged by the complexes. 60 percent of the consumers doubt the contents of developers' advertisements, with only 6.3 percent being satisfied. Experts have suggested consumers gather thorough knowledge about a developer and their work before deciding to buy a house from it. They should check the day-light conditions and ventilation in different weather conditions in advance, if possible. If you want to buy a flat, according to the survey, you will consider the following EXCEPT _ . Answer:
Every child has his own dream. Every child hopes to be an adult. However, is it truly like what they imagine? As a boy who lives in modern times and in a modern city, I feel greater pressure on me with the city's development. Although we seldom worry about money, we still have a lot of things such as competition among classmates and expectations from parents. These experiences are very helpful to our future. But in fact they really give me a lot of pressure. I still clearly remembered the happiness of my childhood. Unluckily, we had to face the fact with time passing by. We began to feel this invisible pressure come upon us. We get up before sunrise and return after sunset. We work and study like an adult, even harder. What we do is to get an excellent mark. Oh, growing up is completely boring. We must try to find happiness while growing up. I think the friendship among our friends, the support from our parents and the encouragement among our teachers can help us. Why not enjoy the pleasure of growing up? As time goes on, the writer seems to think that being an adult is _ A easy B hard C funny D interesting Answer: B Beach volleyball is one of those sports that can be an exciting game to play and watch, or, can just be about some friends getting together to have a great time. It's really easy, and all you need is sand, a net and a group of people, of any age or fitness level, who want to have fun. Beach volleyball can be played with as few as two people on each team, making a total of four people. However, if you are less skilled and experienced in the game, it will be easier to play with a larger team. The more players you have, the less ground each person will be responsible for covering and the more time they will have to recover in between shots. If you only have a few players, each of you will get quite a workout running for the ball after each volley. If you are looking for that relaxing, fun, low-key experience, choose larger teams. Beach volleyball is similar to regular volleyball in its rules. However, even experienced volleyball players do not realize how much more difficult it is to run and jump on sand. Since it is harder to move quickly on sand than a hard ground, play will be much slower than regular volleyball on a playground. When a player trains for beach volleyball, he will focus on building lower body strength as well as upper body. While he needs to be able to hit the ball with a great deal of power and accuracy , strengthening his legs is extremely important. Whether you are in it for the competition, or just to have a great time with your friends, beach volleyball can be very exciting and fun. You may even start out with friends and fall in love with the sport. The passage mainly tells us _ . A the game of beach volleyball B how to become an excellent volleyball player C why beach volleyball is one of exciting sports D what we should pay attention to when playing beach volleyball Answer: A My name is Donna and I have two sisters, Liza and Rita. We like hamburgers and milk for lunch. Lisa and I like chicken, but Rita doesn't. I don't like noodles for breakfast, but Liza and Rita do. I like porridge for breakfast. We really like vegetables and eggs for dinner. _ like noodles for breakfast. A Donna and Liza B Rita and Donna C Liza and Rita D Donna, Liza and Rita Answer: C OK, I admit it: emoticons are popular. Some people even think they are fun. Many seem unable to get through an e-mail or Instant Message chat sentence without using one. Some feel that they add feeling and character to otherwise cold digital communications. Some, however, such as editor and Hollywood scriptwriter John Blumenthal, blast the use of emoticons as "infantile just like the people who use them" He believes that words themselves should be enough. "If you're being funny, happy or sad, that should be apparent from the comment that goes before the emoticon," he argues. In the eyes of Blumenthal, the use of emoticons is a gender issue. "Men don't use emoticons very much. Maybe not at all," he said. "Teenage girls and women seem to use them a lot. Maybe there' s an emoticon gene." It's an interesting opinion, but it is not shared by all. In an interview with The New York Times, Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at the University of California, said that emoticons are popular because our brains are programmed "to seek out representations of humanity". He believes that they appeal not because they are shortcuts for the lazy, but because they tap into something beyond language. They reach to our need to be with and communicate with people. All of these arguments may be somehow valid . Each one of us will choose to communicate in our own way. I do not have much time for emoticons. I tried to use one once and felt like I was stealing into a primary school class that I had no place being in. I'd rather let my words do the talking. Friends, however, send me messages and e-mails full of emoticons. I have no problem with this. I don't regard any of my friends as lazy or immature . It's just a question of individuality. :) Which of the following views would John Blumenthal agree with? A Instant Message chatters are childish.[:Zxxk.Com] B It's enough to use language in digital communication. C Men never use emoticons. D There is an emoticon gene in everybody. Answer: B Paper was first made in the year 105. It was made by a Chinese named Cai Lun. People in Japan learned of paper around the year 600. As years went by, people in other places began to make paper. The lead pencil is not made of lead. It is made of graphite . People found graphite in 1564. They thought it was a kind of lead. Today we still call pencils "lead pencils". The first pencils were made by putting strings around sticks of graphite. The first wooden pencils were made by Kasper Faber from Germany in 1761. Erasers like those we use today were first made in France by a man named Magellan in 1752. It was Hyman L. Lipman who first put eraser on the ends of pencils. And that is how the pencils come to be. How many years earlier was paper made in China than in Japan? A About 100 years. B About 400 years. C More than 500 years. D 495 years. Answer: D
In every little girl's toy box. there might be a Barbie Doll. Barbie is 50 years old this, year. It was designed in 1959 by an American businesswoman named Ruth Handler. She and her husband Elliott started the toy company Mattel. She named the new doll after their daughter Barbara. The first Barbie Doll appeared at the toy fair New York on March 9th, 1959. This date is used as Barbie's birthday. Mattel sold three hundred thousand Barbie Dolls in the first year at a price of three dollars. Today, a fifty-year-old Barbie in good condition might cost more than twenty-seven thousand dollars. Mattel says 90% of the girls in the United States aged from three to ten own at least one Barbie Doll. And girls aged three to six own an average of about twelve. When Mattel created Barbie Dolls half a century ago, they never thought this doll would become a legend. Now Barbie Dolls are famous all over the world. They are sold in one hundred and fifty countries, and every second three Barbie Dolls are sold around the world. Who designed the first Barbie Doll in 1959? Answer: Ruth Handler. Repeating experiments improves the likelihood of accurate results because the overall results are Answer: more likely to be correct due to fewer errors being made. Here are six steps to better studying. Pay attention in class Do you have trouble paying attention in class? Are you sitting next to a loud person? Tell your teacher or parents about any problem that is preventing you from paying attention. Take good notes Write down facts that your teacher mentions or writes on the board. Try to use good handwriting so you can read your notes later. It's a good idea to keep your notes organized by subject. Plan ahead for tests and projects Waiting until Thursday night to study for Friday's test will make it hard to do your best. One of the best ways to make sure that doesn't happen is to plan ahead. Write down your test dates. You can then plan how much to do after school each day, and how much time to spend on each topic. Break it up When there's a lot to study, it can help to break things into several parts. Let's say you have a spelling test on 20 words. Instead of thinking about all of the words at once, try breaking them down into five-word groups and work on one or two different groups each night. Ask for help You can't study effectively if you don't understand the material. Be sure to ask your teacher for help. If you're at home when the confusion occurs, your morn or dad might be able to help. Sleep tight So the test is tomorrow and you've followed your study plan--but suddenly you can't remember anything! Don't panic. Your brain needs time to digest all the information you've given it. Try to get a good night's sleep and you'll be surprised by what comes back to you in the morning. By saying "Sleep tight", what does the author mean? Answer: Get a good night's sleep. On a cold winter afternoon, Susan was walking home from a supermarket. She was feeling a little tired, as she was carrying her shopping bags. They were so heavy that she decided to have a rest in the park. She walked towards the gate of the park. She noticed a poor man walking out of a restaurant in front of her. The man was holding a paper bag. He walked to a rubbish bin and started looking through it. Susan suddenly felt sad. She knew this man would take all that he could get, so she went up to him and gave him some fruit. The man looked up in surprise and took what she gave him. A big smile appeared on his face and she felt very happy. Then he said, "Wow! First someone gave me this sandwich, then the orange juice and now some delicious fruit. This is my daughter's lucky day. Thank you, girl." Then he went away, singing a song. Just then, Susan understood what the saying "Giving is getting" really meant. Everyone in the world needs help, everyone can offer help and everyone will be helped by showing kindness. Giving sometimes doesn't cost much, but it means a lot to the people who you help. The man's happiness at that moment comes into Susan's mind every time she has the chance to help others. The passage mainly tells us that _ . Answer: giving is getting "Well, what did I say?Buck's a real fighter, all right," said Francois the next morning when he discovered that Spitz had disappeared and that Buck was covered in blood. "Spitz fought like a wolf," said Perrault, as he looked at the bites all over Buck. "And Buck fought like ten wolves," answered Francois. "And we'll travel faster now. No more Spitz,no more trouble." Francois started to harness the dogs. He needed a new lead-dog, and decided that Solleks was the best dog that he had. But Buck jumped at Solleks and took his place. "Look at Buck!" said Francois,laughing. "He's killed Spitz,and now he wants to be lead-dog.Go away, Buck!" He pulled Buck away and tried to harness Solleks again.Solleks was unhappy too. He was frightened of Buck, and when Francois turned his back,Buck took Solleks' place again. Now Francois was angry. "I'll show you! " he cried,and went to get a heavy club from the sledge. Buck remembered _ ,and moved away. This time,when Solleks was harnessed as lead-dog,Buck did not try to move in.He kept a few meters away and circled around Francois carefully. But when Francois called him to his old place in front of Dave, Buck refused.He had won his fight with Spitz and he wanted to be lead-dog. For an hour the two men tried to harness him.Buck did not run away,but he did not let them catch him.Finally,Francois sat down,and Perrault looked at his watch.It was getting late. The two men looked at one another and smiled. Francois walked up to Solleks,took off his harness, led him back and harnessed him in his old place.Then he called Buck. All the other dogs were harnessed and the only empty place was now the one at the front. But Buck did not move. "Put down the club," said Perrault. Francois dropped the club, and immediately Buck came up to the front of the team.Francois harnessed him, and in a minute the sledge was moving. Buck was an excellent leader. He moved and thought quickly and led the other dogs well. A new leader made no difference to Dave and Solleks; they continued to pull hard.But the other dogs had had an easy life when Spitz was leading.They were surprised when Buck made them work hard and punished them for their mistakes. Pike,the second dog,was usually lazy;but by the end of the first day he was pulling harder than he had ever pulled in his life. The first night in camp Buck fought Joe,another difficult dog,and after that there were no more problems with him.The team started to pull together,and to move faster and faster. "I've never seen a dog like Buck!" cried Francois, "Never! He's worth a thousand dollars. What do you think, Perrault? " Perrault agreed.They were moving quickly,and covering more ground every day. The snow was good and hard,and no new snow fell.The temperature dropped to 45degC below zero, and didn't change. This time there was more ice on the Thirty Mile River, and they crossed in a day.Some days they ran a hundred kilometers,or even more. They reached Skagway in fourteen days; the fastest time ever. Which of the following best shows that Buck was an excellent leader? Answer: They reached Skagway in the fastest time ever.
Drinking green tea is known to be good for you. Some people suggest drinking 2-3 cups of it a day, and I would say at least one is highly advisable. As many people have already known, tea is filled with powerful antioxidants that will help stop free radicals . Free radicals are harmful to our systems in that they can lead to cell and DNA change, even cell death, and can lead to cancer. Green tea has been drunk throughout Thailand, China, India and Japan for centuries. It is known in these places that green tea can help improve digestion and mental clearness and lower one's blood sugar. It can also help control bleeding, so that injuries can be cured more quickly. Some studies even suggest that drinking green tea on a regular basis can help a person lose weight. Green tea can help a person feel fuller throughout the day with its pleasant smell and taste, and just taking the time to smell it can help ease one's hunger. In short, both studies of green tea and its history show that it is a great thing to drink for your health. Which of the following can cause DNA change and even cell death? A Cell change. B Blood sugar. C Free radicals. D Antioxidants. Answer: C In her new book, "The Smartest Kidsin the World", Amanda Ripley, an investigative journalist, tells the story of Tom, a high-school student from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, who decides to spend his senior year in Wroclaw, Poland. Poland is a surprising educational success story: in the past decade, the country raised students' test scores from significantly below average to well above it. Polish kids have now outscored American kids in math and science, even though Poland spends, on average, less than half as much per student as the United States does. One of the most striking differences between the high school Tom attended in Gettysburg and the one he ends up at in Wroclaw is that the latter has no football team or teams of any kind. That American high schools spend more time and money on sports than on math is an old complaint. In December, when the latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results are announced, it's safe to predict that American high-school students will once again show their limited skills in math and reading, outscored not just by students in Poland but also by students in places like China, Finland, Singapore, and Japan. Meanwhile, they will have played some very exciting football games, which will have been breathlessly written up in their hometown papers. Why does this situation continue? Well, for one thing, kids like it. And for another, according to Ripley, parents seem to like the arrangement, too. She describes a tour she took of a school in Washington D.C., which costs thirty thousand dollars a year. The tour leader -- a mother with three children in the school -- was asked about the school's flaws . When she said that the math program was weak, none of the parents taking the tour reacted. When she said that the football program was weak, theu mean?" One of the ironies of the situation is that sports show what is possible. American kids' performance on the field shows just how well they can do when expectations are high. It's too bad that their test scores show the same thing. The purpose of this article is to _ . A compare Polish schools with those in America B call on American schools to learn from the Polish model C draw public attention to a weakness in American school tradition D explain what is wrong with American schools and provide solutions Answer: C Dear Dad and Mom, How are you? I'm happy here, but I miss you very much. It's Sunday today, I don't have any classes. I am writing an e-mail to you in the computer room now. There are lots of students in the computer room. Some students are talking with their friends on QQ. Some students are playing computer games. Some students are watching movies on computers. My new friends, Peter and Bill, are here with me. Peter is buying a T-shirt on the Internet. And what is Bill doing? Oh, he is reading a book on the computer. They're friendly and they often help me with my study and life. When you come to Shanghai, I want you to meet them. I'm OK in Shanghai. Please don't worry about me. I hope you are happy and well. Love, Jenny What is Bill doing? A He is talking with his friends on QQ. B He is playing computer games. C He is reading a book on the computer. D He is watching a movie on the computer. Answer: C What does little birdie say, In her nest at peep of day? Let me fly, says little birdie, Mother, let me fly away, Birdie, rest a little longer, Till the little wings are stronger. So she rests a little longer, Then she flies away. What does little baby say, In her bed at peep of day? Baby says, like little birdie, Let me rise and fly away. Baby, sleep a little longer, Till the little limbs are stronger. If she sleeps a little longer, Baby too shall fly away. In the poem, which words rhyme with "say"? A longer, stronger B say, day C day, away D A, B and C Answer: C A public high school in the rural town of Boonsboro,Maryland,offers a special program recently. Top students in the ninth and tenth grades can attend single-sex classes for math,science,English and social studies. The aim is to help teenagers keep their mind on their work by keeping males and females apart. Rebecca Brown chooses the students for what Boonsboro High School calls the Academy. "What we really want to do is take that top group of kids and take them to the very highest level they can achieve here,so that they're prepared for college," she said. They need high marks and test scores and strong teacher recommendations. They also need to be involved in activities. Michael Bair has been at Boonsboro High School for twenty years and directs the Academy. His ninth-grade English class for boys centers on books that he believes boys find interesting. "The novels they're reading now,are very manly novels. They're novels that deal with the arrogance of man and the pride of man." One of those books,for example,is "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London. This classic story tells of a dog stolen from his home and sold to work as a sled dog in Canada's Klondike Gold Rush. On this day,the students are working in small groups. Vincent and Logan explain why they're drawing pictures that relate to the story. Vincent said,"The main character,Buck,gets abducted , and they send him off to the Yukon in a train. So I'm drawing part of the story where he's in the train. It gets you to _ the setting of the story and gets you to think more about what's going on in the story,the important events of the story."" Instead of just doing work sheets about it,this is a lot more fun," Logan added happily. Morgan Van Fleet likes being in the Academy. She says boys and girls act differently when they are together in a classroom. "To me,it almost seems like it's hindering your chances at developing yourself because you're more focused on 'Oh,I wish they'd shut up. Oh,what do they think of me?' instead of focusing on what's the homework or what's going on in this class,what's the lesson." The text is probably taken from _ . A a school's introduction B a teacher's diary C a headmaster's speech D a news report Answer: D
Question: The British Museum first opened in the 18th Century largely based on the collections of the scientist Sir Hans Sloane. The current neoclassical building was founded nearly a century later and is quadrangular with four wings and a great classical appearance. Inside is a courtyard, the Great Court, covered with a special modern addition--a spiraling glass and steel roof which was designed by Norman Foster and completed in 2000. The courtyard surrounds the round Reading Room with a copper domed ceiling the same size as the dome of St Peter's in Rome. The museum, one of the oldest in the world, is Britain's largest museum, and widely considered to be one of the world's greatest museums of human history and culture. The permanent collection is made up of over 8 million objects spanning the history of the world's cultures from the stone tools of early man to twentieth-century prints. The collection includes controversial items including the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Greece, Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone. The expansion of the museum over the years has resulted in the creation of several branch institutions including the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. The British Library previously occupied the Reading Room but in 1997 moved to a new site next to St Pancras Station on Euston Road. There are frequent special exhibitions of international significance. Opening Times: The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. On Fridays it stays open until 8:30 pm. Entry to the museum is free, although a charge may be made for entry to temporary exhibitions. Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Nearest Underground Station: Tottenham Court Road (5-minute walk), Russell Square (6-minute walk) and Holborn (7-minute walk).Website: http://www. britishmuseum. org/. People would like to visit the British Museum on Friday probably because they _ . A. can't visit its website B. are busy with work in the daytime C. can see exhibitions free of charge D. can pay less money for the ticket Answer: B. are busy with work in the daytime Question: Since last year, Where Are We Going, Dad? has become one of the most popular TV shows. On the show, the five fathers and their children traveled around China, riding camels through the western desserts , fishing on the east coast, and selling vegetables for their bus fare( )home in southwestern Yunnan Province. One dad doesn't know how to do his daughter's hair, so some people try to help him. Another one must survive with his son for three days in the desert. Because the father can't cook, they only eat instant noodles . Why is Where Are We Going, Dad? so popular? Because it is about how Chinese parents look after their kids. The show makes modern parents think about what they should do with their kids. "In traditional Chinese culture, the father is strict and the mother is kind. But on the show, we see fathers who are much kinder on their kids and more involved in their upbringing ."said Li Minyi, a professor of early childhood education. In the past, children were taught to follow their parents' wishes and look after _ in their old age. But today Chinese parents start to realize that respecting their children's choices may be a better way to be ready for modern society. As they raise their children, parents are growing up at the same time. Which of the following is NOT true? A. Fathers are much kinder on their kids on the show B. Children were told to follow their parents' wishes in the past C. Parents can also learn something when they raise their children. D. In traditional culture, parents are both strict with their children. Answer: D. In traditional culture, parents are both strict with their children. Question: Randy Grim brought home his first stray dog when he was only 5 years old. The fear that he saw in the eyes of that first dog-eventually replaced by gratitude and love-moved Grim so deeply that even at that young age he knew he had found his life's work. In 1998, Grim formed a nonprofit group called Stray Rescue. The group's goal: to save as many of St. Louis's stray dogs as possible. Today, Grim heads up an organization with a $3 million annual budget, a staff of more than 50 paid workers, thousands of volunteers, and a well-equipped shelter that houses as many as 200 dogs. The money that supports Stray Rescue has been raised through donations and through the force of Grim's outspoken advocacy . A man who sees himself as shy is anything but that when it comes to speaking out for dogs. The impact has been significant. While there are no good estimates as to the number of stray dogs on the streets of St. Louis, today 40% more dogs are being picked up off the streets than just two years ago, about 98% are now adopted into homes. Stray Rescue also funds a massive education campaign. The group's bill-boards advocating adoption and neutering of dogs are everywhere, as are brochures informing the public of free medical care for dogs and volunteer opportunities at Stray Rescue. "The whole landscape has changed,"says Pam Walker, St. Louis city health director. Since Grim's involvement, she says, St. Louis has become a model for good practices in the area. Officials elsewhere sometimes ask how St. Louis deals with its dog problems. Walker says,"My answer is:We have Randy Grim." Grim says he is delighted at the way the city has responded. Many St. Louis citizens"were already there,"he says, in terms of concern for dogs. "I'm really proud of my city." What can we learn about Stray Rescue? A. It has got a big profit since it was founded. B. It has adopted as many as 200 dogs. C. It aims to rescue more stray dogs. D. It doesn't run well for lack of money. Answer: C. It aims to rescue more stray dogs. Question: World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenpeace are two famous organizations in the world. They both aim at making our planet a better place to live. World Wildlife Fund works to protect wild animals and plants. It began in Switzerland on September 11, 1961. Now, it has offices in 100 countries and nearly 5 million members all over the world. The members are from different groups, including government officials, businessmen, scientists and farmers. They have played an active role in saving animals and rainforests. One recent WWF project is protecting the Amazon rainforest. WWF has done plenty of research to find creative ways that meet the need of both people and nature. Greenpeace was set up in 1971, with an idea of working for world peace at the very beginning. Now it is active in protecting oceans, forests, and animals as well. It also calls for the use of clean energy, like wind power and solar power. Greenpeace has offices in 45 countries such as America and Canada. Its head office is in Netherlands. Greenpeace has about 3 million members at present. Small steps lead to big changes. It has encouraged more and more people to take action. According to the passage, both WWF and Greenpeace _ . A. protect animals B. do plenty of research C. work for world peace D. use more clean energy Answer: A. protect animals Question: A refrigerator A. requires an electrical outlet to work B. requires an ice maker to work C. requires AA batteries to work D. requires a crisper to work Answer: A. requires an electrical outlet to work
Question: Barack Obama has really gone wild. The US president has taken part in the survival television show Running Wild With Bear Grylls, which will air on NBC later this year. In the show, Obama goes on an adventure with host Bear Grylls, learning how to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. Edward Michael "Bear" Grylls, 41, has become known around the world as one of the most famous outdoor adventurers. The Briton has appeared on a number of wilderness survival shows in which he has climbed, sailed, and eaten bugs or cow tongue. Obama doesn't have to eat bugs or cow tongue on his adventure with Grylls. But he does have to eat leftovers - a bloody salmon . It was partly enjoyed by a bear that left some meat behind. Although he is far from the White House kitchen, Obama seems to enjoy the outdoors. "As president, I am in what's called the bubble , and the Secret Service makes sure that I'm always out of danger ... but I sometimes want to get out," he said in a video. However, Obama's appearance on the show isn't just for fun. He took part to raise awareness of the effect global warming has had on the US's largest state, Alaska. On his adventure, Obama _ . A. has to eat something strange like bugs B. enjoys cow tongue with Grylls C. takes in some unusual food D. never has any difficulty Answer: C Question: One morning I was woken by my mother's angry voice. I opened my eyes and found it was seven forty, so I jumped out of bed and rushed to a nearby bus stop without breakfast. Fortunately the bus started going as soon as I got on it. I was sure I could reach the school before the bell rang. However, the bus suddenly stopped. There was something wrong with it and we had to get off and wait for another one. I felt I couldn't wait and the school was only fifteen minutes' walk, so I ran to the school as fast as possible. Just at this moment, it began to rain hard. I reached the classroom with all my clothes wet through. Mr. Smith, our physics teacher, had begun his class. I was always afraid of him. I hesitated for a moment, and then I opened the door. "It's you again, Jim," Mr. Smith said angrily. I've told you not to be late, but you ...". Then he suddenly stopped when he noticed my wet clothes. He quickly took off his own jacket and asked me to put it on. "I don't want you to catch a cold," he said kindly. I went to my seat with Mr. Smith's jacket on. It was a bit large for me but I felt very warm in it. I found, for the first time, Mr. Smith's physics class so interesting and I changed my mind, there and then, about being afraid of him. According to this passage, classes in Jim's school probably began at _ . A. 9 B. 8am C. 7am D. 7:30 am Answer: B Question: In October, Ubayd Steed, a sixth grader in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was taking a math test when he noticed a classmate looking at his paper. " I quickly turned my paper over," he said. Later that day, Ubayd met the cheater and told him not to do it again. Unfortunately, Ubayd' s experience is not unusual. Whether it's kids copying class -mates' answers during tests or friends sharing homework, cheating happens in schools every day. Experts say the behavior starts in the lower grades. Surveys show that one in three elementary students admits to cheating. Jacob Harder, a fourth grader in Ware, Massachusetts, has had classmates ask to copy his homework. "I wouldn't want to just tell them the answers," he says. So instead, he explains the task and encourages his classmates to do it themselves. But many kids find it hard to say no. "l hear from kids all the time, ' I can' t say no to a friend,'" says Eric Anderman, a professor at The Ohio State University who studies cheating in school. He says it' s important to say no from the start. "Then you _ , and the other kid gets the message," he says. Plus, he points out, "a real friend is not going to disown you because he or she couldn't copy your math homework." The kids doing the copying may feel they need to cheat to be accepted by other kids. And some students may cheat simply because others do. "If you' re in an atmosphere where cheating is common, you may think that if you don' t cheat, you' re at a disadvantage," says Michael Josephson, founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics. But Josephson says students shouldn't think that way. "There are a lot of things kids do," he says. "You have to decide what kind of person you' re going to be." When school becomes too challenging, Anderman suggests going to the teacher rather than relying on the work of others. "It' s good to ask for help," he says. We learn from the text that cheating in elementary school _ . A. results from difficult tasks B. is popular among students C. mainly happens during tests D. is unusual in lower grades Answer: B Question: Everyone must go to bed early and get up early, or we won't be healthy and clever.Is this true? Maybe it is.The body must have enough sleep.Children of your age need ten hours'sleep every day.If you don't go to bed early, you won't have enough sleep .Then you can't think properly and can't do your work properly.You will not be clever.Some people go to bed late and get up late.This is not good for them.We must go to bed at night when it is dark.The dark helps us to sleep soundly.When the daytime comes, we must get up.This is the time for exercise.If you lack exercise, you will become weak.Exercise keeps a strong body.Exercise helps the blood flow around inside the body.This is very important.Blood takes food to all parts of our body.The brain also needs blood, we think with our blood.If we keep our body healthy and take exercise, we can think better. The best time to sleep is when _ . A. daytimes B. it is dark C. we are taking exercises D. it is late afternoon Answer: B Question: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Well, milk may work in the same way! Milk is the natural food for mammalian babies. It helps them grow strong because it is rich in protein , calcium and vitamins. Milk can also help you sleep better because it calms you down. But remember to drink milk with care. Find out how old the milk is. Make sure it is fresh and hasn't gone bad. Don't drink milk when your stomach is empty. Eat some bread or corn at the same time. That'll help you take in more protein and vitamins. Doctors say teens need at least 500ml of milk a day. That's two or three cups. Milk-drinking started long ago, as early as 6,000-8,000BC. At that time people started to keep cows, sheep and goats to get their milk. Of course what you drink today isn't that fresh from the cow. People cool the fresh milk down to 40C to stop the bacteria growing. In factories, milk is pasteurized to stop it growing bad. After disinfections and packaging, it goes to the supermarkets. Yoghourt also comes from milk. People make some special bacteria to change the taste of milk and make the nutrients in it easier for people to take in. Maybe that's why it's getting more popular with people! Milk helps people grow strong because it is rich in _ . A. Calcium B. protein C. vitamins D. A, B and C Answer: D
One day a rich man meets Sam. The rich man asks, "I hear you're very clever and nothing is difficult to you. Can you tell me why you are so clever?" Sam answers with a smile, "Oh, I am not clever. Instead , you are too foolish ." The rich man becomes very angry. Sam says, "Please don't be angry. If you don't believe me, now let me ask you a question. If you put together one group of sheep and another group of sheep, how many groups of sheep do you have?" "Why! That's an easy question. One and one is two, and anybody knows that. I have two groups of sheep." Sam laughs and says, "You are wrong. When two groups of sheep are put together, there is still one group. That's the easiest question in the world." Two groups of sheep put together is _ . A one group B two groups C many groups D many sheep Answer: A A.Choose the best answer (,) Carole's Cooking Journal Monday, April 6 This month, we had to choose an optional activity. Should it really be called "optional" if you have to do it? Unfortunately, I waited until the last minute to sign up. Many of the activities were already full, but I made a decision to join the Cooking Club because at least that way I would get a snack to eat. Tuesday, April 7 It was the first time to be here. Like many of my ideas, joining the Cooking Club made sense at first but was turning out to be a disaster. Most people have been in the club for more than a year, so they already know what they're doing. And since they all know each other, they weren't exactly interested in a newcomer. Thursday, April 9 What a terrible day! How could I know that if a recipe says to beat cookie batter , you couldn't do it with your fists ? I thought the other kids would never stop laughing. And it was not easy to get cookie batter off your clothes. Friday, April 10 I have more funny things in Cooking Club. Now I know that chocolate mousse is a dessert and it isn't spelled m-o-o-s-e. "Mousse" and "Moose" sound exactly the same. So I don't think my question about whether vegetarians can eat chocolate mousse was really that silly. Monday, April 13 One of my bright ideas worked out for a change! Everyone laughed when I handed out the chocolate "moose" cookie that I made yesterday, but this time I was laughing, too. The peanut butter antlers were a _ . We're even planning to bake more cookies for the school food festival next week. Carole chose the Cooking Club because _ . A She liked making different kinds of food. B Cooking club was the only activity she could choose. C She could get some food in the Cooking Club. D It was not open to the students until the last minute. Answer: C Naps--short sleeps during the day--may improve memory, experts said recently. New research conducted by brain researcher Avi Karni of the University of Haifa in Israel explores the possibility that naps help lock in sometimes long-term memories. "We still don't know exactly how memory system works during sleep, but the results of this research suggest it is possible to speed up memory consolidation ," Karni said. Long-term memory refers to memories that stay with us for years, such as "what" memories -- a car accident that happened yesterday-- or "how to" memories, such as one's learned ability to play the pianos. Karni, also one of the authors of the study published in a recent issue of the journal Nature Neuroscience, instructed participants to learn a difficult set of finger games, then divided the study _ into two groups: one that napped for an hour, and one that didn't. The people who took an afternoon snooze showed obvious improvement in their performance by that evening. "After a night's sleep the two groups were at the same level, but the group that slept in the afternoon improved much faster than the group that stayed awake," Karni said. And the study also showed just how much faster a 90-minute nap could help lock in long-term memories. "Daytime sleep can shorten the time 'how to' memory weakens and forgetting starts,"Karni said, "Instead of 6 to 8 hours, the brain consolidated the memory during the 90-minute nap." The text is most probably taken from _ . A a newspaper report B a library guide C a project handbook D a science site Answer: D With only a click of the mouse, rumours can be forwarded between microblogs very quickly. As an example, recently, sensitive netizens discovered that some photos displayed on microblogs describing Beijing's June rainstorm had actually been Sina.com is one of the major Internet portals in China with hundreds and thousands of users, and a majority of celebrities and famous citizens have their microblog accounts on this portal. As recently as six months ago, the website decided to establish a specialized team to prove rumours and provide accurate information for its users. Tan Chao is in charge of the team. " Before I took the job, I usually couldn't identify what information was real and what was fake. But during the process of identification, we discovered that a lot of information was false, including fake photos, fake news stories and rumours that had been spread through microblogs." It's not just website portals which are taking on fact-checking responsibilities, but also a number of civic-minded netizens, who recently set up a Rumour Identification Federation on Sina.com's microblog system to help netizens identify fake information online. Dian Zizheng is the team leader of the federation. He says they've publicized more than 150 pieces which contradict rumours, which attracted more than 10 thousand visitors within two months. "We live in an age of new media, so we can't use the old methods to prove rumours. We can't wait for the media to prove the facts with related administrative departments and then release a formal announcement. We can't allow rumours to run wild and then deal with it, we need to fight rumours while they're spreading. I think that this is the best way to deal with rumours nowadays." Some experts say this displays the advantages of the internet compared to other traditional media. The open platform allows information to be examined and clarified by netizens. But experts like Ding Wengguo,President of the Journalism and Communication College at the China University of Political Science and Law says this self-correction function of the Internet is still quite limited. "It's still quite different to tell which information is true in such an open environment by just reading a number of different opinions on the same issue. This is something which we need to pay attention to. If society is flooded with too much false information, and it's allowed to spread in such a fast manner, then people will be suspicious of all kinds of information including important information from authorities. It also worsens problems relating to social communications and mutual-understanding, which in turn harms society as a whole." Experts suggest that the government should react more quickly in the Internet age. Once a rumour begins to spread, administrative departments should make announcements as early as possible to drive away rumours before they lead to bad outcomes. What's the writer's attitude towards the rumours from microblogs according to the passage? A Negative. B Sympathetic. C Supportive. D Changeable. Answer: A Peter Woolf and Will Riley, both 55, greet each other with a large hug whenever they meet. They're now really good friends, but they weren't ten years ago. Before the men ever had a proper conversation, they had a serious physical fight. Peter hit Will over the head with a heavy pot, and then they both rolled down the stairs of Will's North London home before Peter hit him again with a pot. Will was knocked out and bleeding from the back of the head, but he refused to give in to Peter-a desperate heroin addict with a 30-year habit who had broken into Will's home to steal whatever valuables he could then sell to buy drugs. It was 5 p.m. on March 2002, when Peter forced the front door of Will's five-storey Georgian home in Islington. And when Will walked into his bedroom to get something, he was shocked to find an unpleasant-smelling man in front of him. "I asked him what he was doing in my house, and he said he was a neighbor who had heard a noise and was worried," says Will. "I was sure he was a thief, so as he went past me, I grabbed him and pushed him to the floor. "I managed to get him downstairs and out into the street after pulling his jacket down to trap his arms. I was shouting, 'Thief! Thief!' Someone had heard me shouting and called the police, who arrived within minutes." The police put Peter into the back of their police car. He soon began a three-year sentence in London's Pentonville Prison on a charge of breaking and entering. Despite having spent 18 years of his life in prison, Peter somehow remained hopeful that he could clean himself up, stop taking drugs and go on to do something useful on his eventual release. A few weeks later, Will received a telephone call from police officer Kim Smith, who explained that a trial in restorative justice was about to take place and he wondered if Will would like to meet Peter, who was waiting for sentencing. Will met Peter again. He says, "I thought I might be able to help him change _ ." Will saved Peter's life. "We're great friends, we get on extremely well, and when we meet, we talk about everything," says Will. "Peter's a fine man." When Peter broke into the house, _ . A he hit Will on the head B he was pushed to the floor at once C he wasn't found immediately D he met a neighbor of Will's Answer: C
Question: 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. More than 100 countries celebrate World Teacher's Day on _ . A. October 5 B. May 15 C. September 10 D. May 5 Answer: A. October 5 Question: It is that time of the year when the warm, late Summer days meet the cold, early Autumn nights. The skies on days like these are bright and clear. The air is cool, fresh, and full of the smell of wild flowers. The leaves on the trees are dark green but with splashes of red appearing here and there. It is a really beautiful time of the year. Every where and in everything you can see change. Birds are starting to migrate. Children are getting ready for another school year. People are looking back on the fun days of Summer and forward to the busy days of Fall. It is days like these that remind me that while seasons, weather, and nature's colors may change it is all beautiful and it is all joyful. And I am changing too. My thick wavy hair is now pretty thin on top. Its dark brown color is now getting some gray sprinkled in it. The smile lines around my eyes and mouth are deeper now and stay with me even when I stop smiling. My glasses continue to get thicker with each new pair and the music I love is now referred to as "oldies". Still, I feel so happy and joyful in my life. I am grateful for my younger years because they taught me so much. What I have learned and experienced has gotten me to where I am today. I am grateful for my present because _ I feel happiness in every moment that God has given me, and I take great delight in all the changes life brings. Life is a never ending journey of change and growth. Life's changes never stop but neither does life's joy. From the passage we can see the author's attitude to life is full of _ . A. excitement B. appreciation C. compassion D. complaint Answer: B. appreciation Question: It is common to have difficulties sleeping during the day. Humans are naturally wired to sleep best at night and be awake during the day. However, modern work schedules require some people to try to accommodate the unnatural schedule of shift work -- being awake at night and sleeping during the day. In order to make this adjustment, you need to pay special attention to your sleep environment and your preparation for sleep. If shift work is a necessary part of your work life, here are some suggestions that may help. Arrange to sleep uninterrupted in a quiet, dark room. This means you may have to turn off or unplug your phone, hang darkening curtains on the windows or wear a sleep eye mask, and train your family and friends to leave you alone while you sleep. Fit in a nap . When your daytime sleep period is too short, taking a short nap of less than 30 minutes just before work or on a break has been shown to improve alertness and enhance performance. Develop and follow a sleep routine. It's best if you go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Try not to vary this too much on weekends. Your body likes routine. Take extra care to make healthy choices. You may be tempted to reach for unhealthy foods or nicotine to stay awake or alcohol to try to sleep. But ultimately these choices are more harmful than helpful. If you have tried all these things and are still having problems getting enough quality sleep during the day, talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist. Sometimes medications may be helpful and safe. In other cases, there may be an underlying sleep disorder that needs to be addressed. On which condition should a person turn to a sleep specialist for help? A. If he suffers from a sleep disorder for the first time. B. If a good sleep environment is greatly needed for him. C. If he falls to get quality sleep through his own efforts. D. If he has the problem of bailing to sleep in the daytime. Answer: C. If he falls to get quality sleep through his own efforts. Question: When Nathan Winograd announced that he was leaving his job as a lawyer in California to run an animal shelter in Tompkins County, New York, his father looked at him for a long minute and then asked, "What do dogs and cats need a lawyer for?" The move meant giving up eight weeks' vacation, an office with a view of the San Francisco Bay and a big house among the redwoods, and moving to a rural area know for its harsh winters. But Winograd's wife, Jennifer, also an animal lover, was all for it. So they packed everything they owned, and with two young children, plus two dogs, and a bunch of cats Winograd had rescued, drove cross--country. On the second day, they had no room for six more puppies they received. They found an old horse trough, filled it with hay and nestled the animals inside. They placed it next to the front desk, and within a day or two, all six had homes, adopted by people who walked into the shelter and couldn't resist. Blind dogs, cats with missing limbs--all find homes. "There is no dog or cat too old, too ugly or too undesirable not to be adopted by someone," says Winograd. Today, Tompkins County is considered the only no-kill county in the United States. Nine out of ten dogs cats that come through the shelter doors are saved. Only animals with incurable injuries or illnesses, and the truly evil, are put down. The national average is half of all dogs and 70 percent of cats, totaling more than four million animals last year alone. Even though he drives an old car that leaks when it rains, and his family lives on a tight budget while his classmates from Stanford Law earn six-figure salaries, Winograd says he's doing what he'd always wanted to do when he grew up; run an animal shelter and save all the animals. As a young district lawyer, he kept his goal in mind, starting when he raised his first animal cruelty case. A man was accused of intentionally setting his brown cat on fire. Winograd made his case, and the abusive owner was sentenced to prison. It was the first of many such cases, and he raised each with vigor. But the senseless violence, neglect and ignorance never failed to shock him. He decided simply, "I need to get to the other side and start saving these animals." Now, Winograd is helping to save thousands, even millions, "I'm convinced that a no kill nation is possible, I'm just here trying to shorten the time until it arrives." How did Winograd successfully save so many animals? A. He kept all the rejected animals in a large shelter. B. He let the animals adopted by people who visited the shelter. C. He sold some of the animals and get some money. D. He delivered the animals to the local government. Answer: B. He let the animals adopted by people who visited the shelter. Question: Are people less happy or happier when they get older? If your answer is"happier", then you are right,based on a study published seven years ago.It found that people become happier and experience less worry after age fifty.In fact,it found that by the age of eighty-five,people are happier with their life than they were at eighteen. The finding came from a Gallup survey of more than three hundred and forty thousand adults in the United States in 2008.At that time,people were between the ages of eighteen and eighty-five. Arthur Stone in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stony Brook University in New York led the study.His team found that levels of stress were the highest among adults between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-five.Stress levels dropped sharply after people reached their fifties. Levels of happiness were the highest among the kids and those in their early seventies. The survey also found that men and women have similar emotional patterns as they grow older.However, women at all ages reported more sadness,stress and worry than men did. So why would happiness increase with age? One theory is that,as people get older, they become more thankful for what they have and have better control of their emotions.They also spend less time thinking about bad experiences. Which of the following is the best title of this passage?[:&&] A. Differences Between Stress and Happiness B. Differences Between Age and Happiness C. Relationship Between Stress and Happiness D. Relationship Between Age and Happiness Answer: D. Relationship Between Age and Happiness
If a thing is a producer of pollen and seeds, it may be located in As has been all too apparent in recent days at Balcombe, few issues cause greater concern than energy policy. Many village communities feel their countryside is being ruined by the power-producing machines of wind farms; yet they never take "direct action", even though the planning laws put them at a severe disadvantage. And the generous subsidies , which encourage the expansion of wind power, are not favorable to the village communities and set landowners in conflict with other residents . Those who disagree with the rapid expansion of wind farms state that the damage they cause is out of proportion to the benefits they bring, because their energy output cannot match that of the carbon-based power stations they are supposed to replace. Supporters insist that wind must be part of a mix of renewables, nuclear and carbon, and that the country is committed to meeting EU ( European Union) targets for non-carbon energy generation. ZXXK Against this background, the fact that there is an argument within the Government over whether to publish an official report on wind farms' impact on the countryside becomes even more extraordinary. The two parties in the coalition government are in disagreement over what it should say. We have some advice for the two parties: publish the report, and let the country be the judge. Even if it contains evidence that wind farms are harmful, it will hardly be a pleasant surprise to people who do not like them. Equally, supporters must argue their case by acknowledging the concerns and explaining why they are either misplaced or worthy of much attention. The suggestion that further negotiations are to take place to produce an "acceptable" report suggests that the politics of coalition government are doing the country harm in a certain way. Given the sensitivities involved, all the information should be available so that people can reach their own conclusions, rather than being left with the suspicion that facts are being replaced by political beliefs. It can be inferred from the passage that _ . A Robot Fish has been developed by National University of Singapore's researchers from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.This robot fish has movements which have been inspired by the movements of the carp . There are various purposes that it can be used for.It can help in underwater archaeology ( ).For example, it can enter a sunken city where human divers cannot enter.Just like a fish , it can also look at all the comers of particular wreckage.This robot can also be used for general purposes such as detection of leakages in a pipeline or for laying down communication cables across oceans.It also has possible military uses. In order to copy carp movements, Mr.Fan studied the movements of the fish for around 3 months.He studied all the different movements of carp using different cameras and then converted these movements mathematically to transfer this data to the robot using many actuators . Professor Xu commented on the robot that the current models that copy fish movements are capable only of 2D movements which limits their capability as they are not able to dive into water.He said that his model is the first model with 3D movements which allows it to dive as well as float with the help of its fins, just as a normal fish would do.Hence, this fish model robot has much greater movement capability.It would be much harder for enemies to detect as compared to traditional ones when used for military purposes. The researches want to make their robot fish even smaller, more realistic while adding more sensors such as GPS and video camera to it.This will improve its autonomous 3D movement.They are also planning to test the fish by giving it more difficult tasks such as detecting various objects. Which of the following would be the best title for the text? Shopping in Singapore is really a pleasure for tourists. The Great Singapore Sale is held every year, usually during the summer months. Singapore's famous shopping stores welcome a great number of visitors from all over the world. Their shopping hours last till midnight. During this time, nice and cheap goods are on sale for tourists to choose from. Tourists can also try delicious foods there and experience the Singaporean nightlife. Certain stores offer discounts of up to 70 percent or even higher if people use their credit cards. For tourists that hold a special Tourist Card, they can enjoy a lot of benefits , such as discounts on watches, jewellery and cosmetics . The card also gives discounts when you visit local attractions such as Singapore Zoo. It is well worth checking out in the different shopping districts of Singapore during this 8-week Shopping Marathon. Orchard Road is surely the best place for shopping in the city. A large number of restaurants and clubs can be found in this area. Marina Bay includes both big department stores as well as small shops, so everything you would want to buy can be found here. Advice for tourists planning to enjoy this festival of shopping: travel light and take a comfortable pair of shoes with you, for you are sure to do a lot of walking and return with your bags much heavier. You will see the Great Singapore Sale if you go to Singapore in _ . Tony and Anna are brother and sister. They are Americans. Tony likes sports very much. He can play football, basketball and volleyball. Anna likes music very much. She can't play ball games. But they both like playing games on computers. They like eggs, bread and milk for breakfast. For lunch, Anna likes eating vegetables and fruit, but Tony likes chicken and fish. They both like hamburgers. But they don't like ice cream or cheese. For breakfast, they like _ .
Question: Guitar Player Wanted Are you a lover of music? Can you play the guitar? Can you sing or dance? Welcome to our Sunshine Rock Band. Please call Mike at 5487-6598 or send an email tosunshine@yahoo.com. Hot Club Do you like to play table tennis? Do you want to play it well? Mr. Zhang is a good teacher. You cancome here every Saturday afternoon from 2:30 to 5:30. Telephone: 8665-7868 Address: Room105, Lantian Hotel. Swimmer Wanted Can you swim? Do you like children? Can you teach them to swim on Sundays? Come and join us. Call Joe at 8472-9999 for more information. Summer Job Do you like to talk with people? Do you like to write stories? Would you like to work for a magazine? Then come and work as a reporter. Please call Karen at 5561-8823. ,. Who can teach you to play table tennis? D. Karen. A. Mike. B. Joe. C. Mr. Zhang. D. Karen Answer: C. Mr. Zhang. Question: When we think of leadership, we often think of strength and power. But what are these really, and how do they operate? Leadership today is not about forcing others to do things. If this is even possible, it is short-term, and tends to backfire. If you order someone to do something against their will, they may do it because they feel they must, but the anger they feel will do more harm in the long-term, They will also experience fear. Fear causes the thinking brain to shut down, making the person unable to function at his or her best. If they associate you with this emotion of fear. They will become less functional around you, and you will have succeeded in not only shooting yourself in the foot, but possibly making a very good employee or partner unable to perform effectively. Fear has no place in leadership. The way we influence people in a lasting way is by our own character, and our understanding and use of emotion. We can order someone to do something, which may be part of the work day; or we can employ them at the emotional level, so they became fully devoted to the projects and provide some of their own motivation . Today's work place is all about relationships. Anyone works harder in a positive environment in which they are recognized and valued as a human being as well as a worker. Everyone produces just a bit more for someone they like. Leaders understand the way things work. They know the pay check is not the single most motivating factor in the work life of most people. The true strength of leadership is an inner strength that comes from the confidence of emotional intelligence--knowing your own emotions, and how to handle them, and those of others. Developing your emotional intelligence is the single best thing you can do if you want to develop your relationships with people around you, which is the key to the leadership skills. An employee may have a feeling of fear in the work place when _ . A. he is forced to do thing B. he cannot work at his best C. he feels his brain shut down D. he thinks of his work as too heavy Answer: A. he is forced to do thing Question: With the development of science and technology, our dailylife is becoming more colorful and more convenient. An Underwater Hotel It looks like a spaceship but it is actually a picture of an underwater hotel. A company plans to build the hotel in the sea which is about 15metres below the surface .The whole building is underwater and you can get to it by swimming and diving. Google Glass Google Glass is a pair of glasses with a battery hidden inside the frame . It can perform many of the same tasks as smart phones. The glass has hidden camera and a tiny screen. It is designed to take hands-free photos or videos of anything people are doing. A New Kind of shirt Hate washing clothes? You're going to love this kind of shirt made by an American clothing company, Wool Prince. This shirt can be worn for 100 straight days without washing! The Wool Prince shirt never needs ironing . The Digital Library Can you imagine walking into a library and finding all books have turned into companies? The first bookless public library is planned to open in San Antonio, Texas, America. Computers will take the place of books soon. The digital Library tells us something about a library without _ . A. books B. computers C. bookshelves D. reader Answer: A. books Question: For most teenagers, swapping an old mobile phone with a friend for the latest album or movie ticket might be considered a good trade.But 17-year-old Steven Ortiz set his sights a little higher, and -- after a series of swaps -- is now driving himself to school in a Porsche.The youngster started exchanging items two years ago after a schoolmate gave him an unwanted phone.Through a series of online swaps, Steven worked his way up through newer phones, laptop computers, and street bikes before landing the prized Porsche. Steven developed a love for online trading long before taking up the swaps that led to the Porsche.As a young teenager, he would buy his friends' unwanted mobile phones for around PS20, clean them up and sell them over the Internet for three times that amount. His father, Esteban Ortiz, said Steven was also useful to have around when the family needed something like a new washing machine, as he would use his nose for a bargain to pick up somebody's discarded appliance for next to nothing and fix it up cheaply."I think this is teaching him something.I want him to go to college, and make something of his life.He is learning the value of things, responsibility and negotiation skills." Steven got his first car at 15, but he was too young to drive, so he traded for a golf cart before moving back into cars when he got his license a year ago.Steven said swapping the Bronco, worth about PS10,000 at the time, for the Porsche was actually a trade down because the car was valued at PS6,000.Another downside is the running costs.He must pay PS100 every time the Porsche needs an oil change, and $1,000 for a routine service. Steven, however, still has some way to go before matching the achievement of Canadian Kyle MacDonald, who became famous four years ago for turning a single red paperclip into a two-storey farmhouse through a series of trade. What does Steven's father think of him? _ . A. He took on heavy responsibilities at a young age. B. He could always get real bargains. C. He has made some progress and is promising. D. He has spent too much time bargaining. Answer: C. He has made some progress and is promising. Question: China is a country with a large number of disabled persons. Almost 60 million people have vision, hearing, speech, limb, intellectual or mental disabilities. There is one disabled person in every 20 Chinese, and one out of every five households on average has a disabled family member. According to nationwide surveys of the disabled children under 14 account for 16 percent of the total disabled population, and they display the greatest need for rehabilitative training as they display the highest recovery rates after early treatment. Those disabled between the ages of 15 and 59 account for 44 percent, but often their disabilities are not very serious. Although they are more or less able to work, they require vocational training, cultural education and special employment. The disabled over 60 years of age account for 40 percent. Many of them become disabled due to illness or loss of various functions. Some live alone without any income, and therefore their insurance, rehabilitation, and medical needs have become a social issue. The illiterate and semi-illiterate suffer from limited employment opportunities, and often they become socially disabled as well. These people, often neglected , pose another social problem. According to the passage, "disabled people" refers to_. A. those who are physically disabled B. those who are mentally disabled C. those who are socially disabled D. all of the above Answer: D. all of the above
Sunny countries are often poor. A shame, then, that solar power is still quite expensive. Eight19, a British company by Cambridge University, has, however, invented a novel way to _ this. In return for a deposit of around $10 it is supplying poor Kenyan families with a solar cell able to generate 2.5 watts of electricity, a battery that can deliver a three amp current to store this electricity, and a lamp whose bulb is a light-emitting diode . The firm thinks that this system, once the battery is fully charged, is enough to light two small rooms and to power a mobile-phone charger for seven hours. Then, next day, it can be put outside and charged back up again. The trick is that, to be able to use the electricity, the system's keeper must buy a scratch card--for as little as a dollar--on which is printed a reference number. The keeper sends this reference, plus the serial number of the household solar unit, by SMS to Eight19. The company's server will respond automatically with an access code to the unit. Users may consider that they are paying an hourly rate for their electricity. In fact, they are paying off the cost of the unit. After buying around $80 worth of scratch cards--which Eight19 expects would take the average family around 18 months--the user will own it. He will then have the option of continuing to use it for nothing, or of trading it in for a bigger one, perhaps driven by a 10-watt solar cell. In that case, he would go then through the same process again, paying off the additional cost of the upgraded kit at a slightly higher rate. Users would therefore increase their electricity supply steadily and affordably. According to Eight19's figures, this looks like a good deal for customers. The firm believes the average energy-starved Kenyan spends around $10 a month on oil--enough to fuel a couple of smoky lamps--plus $2 on charging his mobile phone in the market-place. Regular users of one of Eight19's basic solar units will spend around half that, before owning it completely. Meanwhile, as the cost of solar technology falls, it should get even cheaper. How much would users pay for the cell and scratch cards before they own a 2.5-watt solar cell? Answer: Around $90. Holidaymakers who are bored with baking beaches and overheated hotel rooms head for a big igloo. Swedish businessman Nile Bergqvist is delighted with his new hotel, the world's first igloo hotel. Built in a small town in Lapland, it has been attracting lots of visitors, but soon the fun will be over. In two weeks' time Bergqvist's ice creation will be nothing more than a pool of water. "We don't see it as a big problem," he says. "We just look forward to replacing it." Bergqvist built his first igloo in 1991 for an art exhibition. It was so successful that he designed the present one, which measures roughly 200 square meters. Six workmen spent more than eight weeks piling 1,000 tons of snow onto a wooden base; when the snow froze, the base was removed. "The only wooden thing we have left in the igloo is the front door," he says. After their stay, all visitors receive a survival certificate recording their success. With no windows, nowhere to hang clothes and temperatures below 0degC, it may seem more like a survival test than a relaxing hotel break. "It's great fun," Bergqvist explains, "As well as a good start in survival training." The popularity of the igloo is beyond doubt: it is now attracting tourists from all over the world. At least 800 people have stayed at the igloo this season even though there are only 10 rooms. "You can get a lot of people in," explains Bergqvist. "The beds are three meters wide by two meters long, and can fit at least four at one time." When the writer says "the fun will be over," he refers to the fact that _ . Answer: Bergqvist's hotel will soon become a pool of water This holiday my sister and I went to Shanghai. My sister had just graduated and she wanted to find a job in Shanghai. My uncle lived in Shanghai, so we lived with him after we got there. On the first day we went to a lot of interesting places, including Waitan and Huangpu Park. We spent the next few days helping my sister find a job. We read many advertisements in newspapers to find one. My sister couldn't get the first job because they said she was too young. Then we lost our way and couldn't find the second company. We had a map but the city is so big, so we had to ask someone for help and finally found the second company. The boss had a talk with my sister and asked her to wait at home for their decision. A month later we went home. My sister couldn't find a job in Shanghai because she was not knowledgeable enough or she didn't have enough experience. In this holiday we learned that if we want to succeed in life, we have to work hard and get a lot of knowledge. How did we spend the next few days? Answer: Helping my sister find a job. YANGON -- Myanmar has officially accepted an offer of the United States to send humanitarian aid to the country's cyclone(;)victims, state radio reported Friday in a night broadcast Myanmar Deputy Foreign Minister U Kyaw Thu gave the assurance Friday, saying that the country is receiving such relief aid from any country without limit at this time according to its policy of dealing with the disaster, the report said. Kyaw Thu denied rumors about Myanmar's turning down of such relief materials from Western countries but accept those from nations in good relations with Myanmar, saying that the country has never done so in this case. Kyaw Thu said that well wishers abroad may make cash donation through Myanmar embassies stationed there, while those who like to donate relief goods may present at the Yangon International Airport and seaports. According to the report, the US relief aid would arrive in Yangon in days. A foreign ministry's statement said earlier on Friday that at this moment, the international community can best help the victims by donating emergency provisions such as medical supplies, food, cloth, electricity generator, and materials for emergency shelter or with financial assistance," adding that "Myanmar will wholeheartedly welcome such course of action". The government and the people of Myanmar are grateful to the friendly nations, the United Nations, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, private individuals and others for their sympathy and generosity." it said. We Chinese may denote money to help the country's cyclone victims through _ . Answer: Myanmar embassies in Beijing. Most American schools have boys and girls in the same classroom. But a public high school in the small, rural town of Boonsboro, Maryland, offers a special program called the Academy. Top students in the ninth and tenth grades can attend single-sex classes for math, science, English and social studies. The aim is to help teenagers keep their mind on their work by keeping males and females apart. What they really want to do is take that top group of kids and take them to the very highest level they can achieve there, so that they're prepared for college. Students are invited to enter this program after they finish middle school, and placement in the Academy is voluntary. However, they need high marks and test scores and strong teacher recommendations. They also need to be involved in activities. Almost 350 students have taken part in the Academy. It began as an experiment in 2010. Michael Bair has been at Boonsboro High for twenty years and directs the Academy. His ninth-grade English class for boys centers on books that he believes boys find interesting. He says that the novels the students are reading now are very manly novels. These novels deal with the arrogance of man and the pride of man which finally leads to man's downfall. One of those books, for example, is The Call of the Wild by Jack London. This classic story tells of a dog stolen from his home and sold to work as a sled dog in Canada's Klondike Gold Rush. Morgan Fleet, a senior at Boonsboro High, likes being in the Academy. She says boys and girls act differently when they are together in a classroom. She believes this difference seems to prevent her from developing herself because she's more focused on thoughts like "Oh, I wish they would shut up. Oh, what do they think of me?'' instead of focusing on "What's the homework? What's going on in this class? What's the lesson?". There is one activity that girls and boys in the Academy do together. At the end of the day, many of them stay and help tutor students who are having trouble in school. What is the purpose of the Academy program? Answer: To help students concentrate on study.
Question: Report Card Name: James Stuart Time: January 24th, 2012 Subjects Grades Comments English B+: Your reading and writing are good. But you have a strong accent , so you are not good at speaking. And you do not put much effort into this subject. If you work hard, you can get a better grade in this subject. Physics A+:You are good at this subject. You are hard-working. I am glad that you do best in this subject Math C:You like this subject. But you are not good at this subject because you are a little bit lazy. It is disappointing. You can do better if you try your best. Music B:It is a happy thing to hear you play the piano. You are crazy about the music. Although you like this subject best, your accent has a bad influence on your singing. From this passage, we know that _ . A. James is a bad student B. effort can make one get good grades C. all the teachers are happy with James D. James had the exams on January 25 th Answer: B. effort can make one get good grades Question: Felicia investigated whether water color affected how fast the water heated in sunlight. She poured tap water into five beakers and placed food coloring in four out of the five beakers. Felicia then used a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in each of the beakers. Which of these was used as control in her investigation? A. mixing the food coloring in water B. testing the beaker of uncolored tap water C. using the same amount of water in each trial D. testing the colored water samples at different times Answer: B. testing the beaker of uncolored tap water 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. The survey was carried out in _ . A. Britain B. Italy C. Denmark D. Europe Answer: D. Europe Question: Nancy and Sheila are in the same class. They are friends. Nancy wants to invite Sheila to dinner on Sunday. But Sheila doesn't know the way. Now Nancy is telling her. "It's easy. You can take No. 4 bus. After you get off at Red Road. cross it and take the first turning on the left. Walk along the road for about five minutes. and then you'll see a big tree. Go straight on for about a hundred meters. and you will see a big red house. This is not my home. Go past the big house about four hundred meters. and you'll see a small yellow house beside a little tree. Then you can open the door with your foot." "With my foot?" asks Sheila. "Why?" "Well. you won't come to my house empty-handed , will you?" answers Nancy. How far is it from the big tree to the small yellow house? A. It's five minutes' walk. B. It's a hundred minutes' ride. C. It's about two hundred meters. D. It's about five hundred meters. Answer: D. It's about five hundred meters. Question: New Orleans, Louisiana, was established as part of the French Empire in 1718. Its location on the east bank of the Mississippi River gave it control of the American hinerland and it became strategically important to many nations. It was transferred from France to Spain, returned to France, and finally sold by Napoleon to the United States in 1803. The city was the site of a famous battle fought in 1815 between the British, who hoped to control it, and the Americans under General Andrew Jackson. The riverbed of the Mississippi is constantly silting and the river is now actually higher than the city. Levees hold back the river and giant pumps are used to move water from the city into the river. Although New Orleans has been a part of the United States for almost two centuries, its population takes great pride in its French heritage. Louisiana still retains parts of the Code Napoleon which, for many years, was its only law. New Orleans is carefree city and it boasts its hot, spicy Creole seafood and its native Dixieland Jazz. The Jackson Square neighborhood maintains its French colonial homes and in other sections are pre-Civil War mansions. Visitors are surprised to find that behind this interesting surface of yesteryear is a busy industrial and port city. Grain and coal come from the Midwest and foreign goods are unloaded here. New Orleans is no longer a sleepy Southern town----but it's still fun to visit. According to the passage, the Code Napoleon was _ . A. an agreement to sell Louisiana B. a body of laws C. a city plan D. a military code for the army Answer: B. a body of laws
Long long ago, a God called Ratu lived in the sky. Ratu liked to play games and make people angry. The game he liked best was to fly down into the sea and frighten all the fishes. The fishes became very tired of his game. They asked Hemi, the God of the sea, to help them. So Hemi tried to catch Ratu the next time he flew into the sea, but he was too slow. Ratu laughed at Hemi as he flew past him. This made Hemi angry and he had an idea. He asked the fishes to bring him a lot of seaweed. Hemi tied it all together and made a large net from it. Soon Ratu flew down and Hemi threw the net over him. Ratu fought and fought but could not get free. He was caught. Ratu promised never to frighten fishes again if Hemi would set him free. But Hemi did not believe him. Instead, he changed Ratu into a mountain in the sea. Ratu was so angry that when he opened his mouth to shout at Hemi, fire and smoke broke out. And that is why the Island of Ratu is a volcano . This story is a _ . A joke B humor C true story D fairy tale Answer: D People in China are among the most fearful of getting old, a new global survey suggests. According to Bupa, a British healthcare organization, which asked 12262 people in 12 countries about their attitudes toward aging, 28 percent of the Chinese polled said they feel depressed when they think about getting old. And although 72 percent of all respondents aged 65 and over said they do not feel old, the survey conducted in June and July this year found more than half of those aged 45 to 54 in China already consider themselves to be elderly. About 30 percent of Chinese respondents said they worry about who will look after them in later years, while 91 percent agreed the government of the world's most populous nation should improve care for the elderly. However, because people in China think about their future earlier, research suggests the country could be one of the best prepared for addressing the aging problem. About one third of Chinese respondents--more than double the global average--said they have put money aside for retirement, while 46 percent have taken out insurance, the poll showed. Despite being one of the best prepared nations, three fifths of those surveyed in China expect their family to care for them when they can no longer do so themselves. A Bupa-sponsored report,however, revealed that the "informal care network" (the traditional pattern of families looking after the elderly) is disintegrating. This is due to a number of factors, said the report, including structural changes to the population, the increase of women in employment, the increase of one-person households and the rise in divorce rates. The first batch of Chinese couples with only one child are largely in their 50s or 60s because the country's family planning policy was adopted in the late 1970s. Li Yinping, 55, a retired accountant, said she thinks only people in their 70s can be called old. She said her pension is enough to support her in later years and that her only hope is that her son can visit regularly. "I don't worry about my later years at all," said Li. "When I'm old, I can turn to a rest home. The local hospital can deliver the medicine I need with just a phone call." Xiao Zhe, a 26-year-old computer engineer in Beijing, is an only child whose parents live in his hometown of Chongqing. "I'm so busy with my work that I can't go back to visit them often," he said. "When they're not able to care for themselves, I will hire a nurse to look after them." China will become the oldest society in the world by 2030, according to a recent report by a Beijing-based government think tank. The United Nations also forecasts that people aged 60 and over will account for 28 percent of the country's total population by 2040. Which of the following can be best title of the passage? _ . A the Aging problem of China B Who is to look after the elders C Chinese are afraid of getting old D Old Home Is Popular in China Answer: A Flying a kite can be dangerous. When I was eight years old I went to the park with my dad to fly my new kite. We stood on the top of a hill and tried to catch the wind. It took us almost half an hour, but we finally got the kite into the air. As it lifted into the sky, the kite caught the edge of my jacket and I was pulled up into the wind with the kite. I flew higher and higher into the air until I my dad looked like an ant on the ground. The park was beautiful from up high, and I could see our car getting smaller. I flew all the way out of the city and over the lake. Eventually, the wind started to die down and I fell closer to the water. I called out to some people on a boat and they sailed over so I could land on their boat. I told them about my adventure and they sailed me back to land, where my dad picked me up. He took me out for ice cream and we went home. What does the main character say her dad looks like on the ground? A A black dot B A bear C An ant D Nothing Answer: C Below is adapted from an English dictionary. Use the dictionary to answer the following questions. figure / fig@ / noun, verb * noun 1. a number representing a particular amount, especially one given in official information: the trade / sales figures 2. a symbol rather than a word representing one of the numbers between 0 and 9: a six-figure salary 3. (informal) the area of mathematics that deals with adding, multiplying, etc. numbers 4. a person of the type mentioned: Gandhi was both a political and a religious figure in Indian history. 5. the shape of a person seen from a distance or not clearly 6. a person or an animal as shown in art or a story: a wall with five carved figures in it 7. the human shape, considered from the point of view of being attractively thin: doing exercise to improve one's figure 8. a pattern or series of movements performed on ice: figure-skating * be / become a figure of fun: be / become sb. that others laugh at * cut a...figure: sb with a particular appearance: He cut a striking figure in his dinner jacket. * put a figure on sth: to say the exact price or number of sth. * a fine figure of man / woman: a tall, strong-looking and well-shaped person * figure of speech: a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meanings in order to create a particular mental image or effect * figurehead: someone who is the head or chief in name only (with no real power or authority) * verb 1. to think or decide that sth. will happen or is true: I figured that if I took the night train, I could be in Scotland by morning. 2. to be part of a process, situation, etc. especially an important part: My opinion of the matter didn't seem to figure at all. 3. to calculate an amount or the cost of sth: We figured that attendance at 150,000. * figure in: to include (in a sum): Have you figured in the cost of hotel? * figure on: to plan on; to expect sth. to happen: I haven't figured on his getting home so late. * figure out: to work out; understand by thinking: Have you figured out how much the trip will cost? * It / That figures!: That seems reasonable. The phrase "watch my figure" in the sentence "Don't tempt me with chocolate; I am watching my figure." means " _ ". A add the numbers B have sports C try not to get fat D watch games Answer: C After a period of discomfort, weight gain, and sharing the body with a growing parasite, a female creature will have A a doughnut B a prodigy C a meal D a clone Answer: B
Emily was a princess that lived in a castle made out of rainbows and chocolate. Her mom and dad were very kind to her. Her favorite thing to do was to play on the swings on the chocolate tree in their front yard with her friend Daisy. Emily always got first turn on the swings, and Daisy always pushed her, until it was Daisy's turn, and Emily would push Daisy. One day, Daisy said that she wasn't going to push Emily on the swings if Daisy didn't get to swing first. This made Emily very mad. Her turn was always first, and Emily thought that it wasn't fair that Daisy wasn't going to push her if she didn't get to swing first. So she ran into the castle to tell her mom and dad the Queen and King. The Queen and King listened to Emily's story, and they told Emily that it was Daisy's turn. "What?" said Emily. She was so mad! Emily always got the first turn! "It's only fair to Daisy, Emily." said her mom. "Now go out there and push your friend on the swing." Emily went outside and pushed Daisy on the swing. After Emily pushed Daisy, Daisy pushed Emily, and Emily came inside still upset. "Why did you make me push her on the swing first?" said Emily. "Because that's how you keep friends, sweetie." said her mom the Queen. "If I were Daisy and I never got to get a turn first, I don't think I'd want to be friends." "Okay, I think I understand that." said Emily. From then on, Emily and Daisy took turns being first on the swing, and they were friends for the rest of their lives. What was Emily? Answer: A princess. What do you need to see a rainbow? Answer: water A recent survey made by BUPA, an international healthcare provider, shows that 54 percent of Chinese people aged between 45 and 54 consider themselves old, while 28 percent say that the thought of getting old upsets them. 25 percent are afraid of getting old, and a third worry about life in old age. BUPA made the survey among 12,262 people from 12 countries over 2 months, starting in June 2010. The survey shows that 72 percent of international participants aged over 65 don't feel old and that 67 percent still feel healthy. On the other hand, 65 percent of Chinese feel old even before reaching 60. About one third of those surveyed in China said they have enough savings , and 46 percent are insured . Around 60 percent of the Chinese participants hope they will be taken care of by family members. According to the survey, the French hold the most positive attitude towards getting old, with 32 percent of them considering age 80 and up old. 17 percent of Brazilians look forward to old age, compared with 3 percent globally. Indians are not bothered by old age, as 70 percent said that they don't feel that they will be affected by old age and 71 percent say they have already made preparations for this stage of life. The illnesses that most people around the world are worried about are cancer and Alzheimer's disease. According to the survey, many Chinese people surveyed feel old before they are _ . Answer: 60 years old There are many great movie directors of all time and the following are five of those who have largely impressed audience with their body of work. As a member of the New Hollywood gang, Francis Coppola is best remembered for The God Father series. His decision to cast Marlon Brando in the lead also met with fierce opposition from the studio bosses. Good sense became popular, and The God Father went on to become one of the most memorable movies ever. Critics may point out that he has become less creative after his seventies, but try as one might, no one can possibly take the place of this great director's work. Stanley Kubrick's movies focus on the themes like sci-fi, horror, dark humor and war. He used symbolism in most of his movies, giving us some wonderful screen visuals, as shown in 2001: A Space Odyssey. His actors in Hollywood complained about the endless number of retakes, but they appreciated the performance he milked out of them. People argue about films like Lolita, A Clockwork Orange and Paths of Glory, but these are now seen as classics. Steven Spielberg is a great success at the box office, and he is one of the world's most popular filmmakers today. As the creator of classics like Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, ET, Indiana Jones series, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan, no one can win his hold over the audience. His critics accuse him of being emotional and over the top, _ Woody Allen is a director who directs movies full of crime and hate. This comic genius has given us Annie Hall, Hannah and Her Sisters and Midnight in Paris, which have also become classical. His movies constantly include characters who arouse the audience's sympathy and laughter at the same time, as they set out on a journey of self-discovery. Hollywood star power has never fazed Allen. Thankfully, awards and honors do not interest him, which results in creativity that is original. The movie Indiana Jones series is directed by _ . Answer: Steven Spielberg Many English people have three ninny, a first name, a middle name and a last name (or a family name).For example , my name is James Allen Green.James is my first name.Allen is my middle name.Green is my last name.People don't use Mr. , Mrs., Ms.or Miss before their first names.People should use them before their family names. But in China, people use Mr. Mrs. Ms.or Miss before their first names.Because( ) the first name is the family name.For example, my name is Lin Tao."Lin" is my family name, and "Tao" is my given name. ,. We use "Mr. " before _ in the name "James Allen Green". Answer: Green
Whether you're up for a Crocodile Dundee adventure or you'd just like a taste of the Australian sun, the beaches in and around Sydney can offer you all that and more. Sydney Beach Sydney Beach is located at Sydney's northernmost tip on an extension of land ending at Palm Beach. Before checking out the golden sand, take a quick tour of the houses of millionaires from the art and film industries. Palm Beach Only about an hour from downtown Sydney, Palm Beach offers a long stretch of clean sand and water. With parking near the center of the beach, that leaves the rest of it as a _ population and peaceful location from which you can surf or body board--but take care; without the huge crowds of other Sydney beaches, Palm Beach doesn't afford quite the safety level to be found elsewhere; volunteer lifesavers are on duty only on weekends and holidays. Bondi Beach For the big name beach, Bondi Beach has to be your choice. Parking is difficult to find even on slow days, so consider taking public transport to this world-known beach in the eastern Sydney suburbs. Easily reachable by taxi, bus, and rail, Bondi Beach offers sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling, and all sorts of water sports fun. If you're in the mood for a bit of exercise, two scenic coastal walks will afford you great views and sights along the shore. Take in views from Mackenzie's Point. It starts at Bondi and heads south to Bronte Beach. But don't try to swim in Mackenzie's Bay--it holds dangers such as hidden rocks. Bronte Beach Your second choice for a scenic coastal walk covers a little under two miles and takes you from Bronte Beach to Waverly Cemetery, where many famous Australians are buried, including poets Henry Kendall, Doreothea Mackellar, and Henry Lawson. The author intends to _ in and around Sydney. Bill Javis took over our village news-agency at a time of life when most of us only want to relax. He just thought he would like something but not too much to do, and the news-agency was ready-made. The business produced little enough for him, but Bill was a man who only wanted the simplicity and order and regularity of the job. He had been a long-serving sailor, and all his life had done everything by the clock. Every day he opened his shop at six a.m. to catch the early trade; the papers arrived on his door-step before that. Many of Bill's customers were city workers, and the shop was convenient for the station. Business was _ by 10 o'clock, so at eleven sharp Bill closed for lunch. It was hard luck on anybody who wanted a paper or magazine in the afternoon, for most likely Bill would be down on the river bank, fishing, and his nearest competitor was five kilometers away. Sometime in the afternoon, the evening paper landed on the doormat, and at 4 o'clock Bill reopened. The evening rush lasted till seven, and it was worthwhile. He lived in a flat above the shop, alone. Except in the very bad weather, you always knew where to find him in the afternoon, as I have said. Once, on a sunny afternoon, I walked home along the river bank from a shopping trip to the village. By my watch it was three minutes past four, so I was astonished to see Bill sitting there on his little chair with a line in the water. He had had no luck, I could see, but he was making no effort to move. "What's wrong, Bill?" I called out from the path. For answer, he put a hand in his jacket and took out a big, golden object. For a moment I had no idea what it could be, and then it suddenly went off with a noise like a fire engine. Stopping the bell, Bill held the thing up and called back, "Ten to four, you see, and this is dead right." I had never known anyone carrying a brass alarm clock round with him before. On that sunny afternoon, the writer was surprised when he saw Bill because _ . My name is Jane King. Jane is my first name and King is my family name. I'm twelve. I'm also an English girl.I have a brother. His name is John. He is only five. He is very lovely. Both my father and mother are teachers. They love their work. They work very hard. We have a house with a garden. The house is big and nice. The garden is not big but nice. There are some flowers and small trees in it. We often play games there. We all like our house and garden. What is Mr King? He is _ . The crude oil extracted today was formed millions of years ago from the fossilized remains of algae and other tiny marine organisms. Most parts of the organisms decomposed soon after they died. Which biomolecules decomposed more slowly and became the basis of crude oil? Teachers Wanted Are you a teacher? Do you like kids? Can you help them with Chinese? Come to join us. Call John at 378-5788. Ping-pong Club Do you like to play ping-pong? Do you want to play ping-pong well? Mr. Cai can teach you. You can come here every Saturday afternoon. Tel: 368-5778 Add: Room 212 in School's P.E. Buliding. Bob wants to play ping-pong, he can at _ .
Question: Less TV Reduce Kids Weight PALO AITO, California--"Switching off the television may help prevent children from getting fatter--even if they do not change their diet or increase the amount they exercise," US researchers said last week. A study of 192 third and fourth grades, generally aged eight and nine, found that children who cut the number of hours spent watching television gained nearly two pounds (0.91 kg) less over a one-year period than those who did not change their television diet. "The findings are important because they show that weight loss can only be the result of a reduction in television viewing and not any other activity," said Thomas Robinson, a pediatrician at Stanford University. " American children spend an average of more than four hours per day watching television and videos or playing games, and rates of childhood being very fat have doubled over the past 20 years," Robinson said. In the study, presented this week to the Pediatric Academic Societies' annual meeting in San Francisco, the researchers persuaded about 100 of the students to reduce their television viewing by one-quarter to one-third. Children watching fewer hours of television showed a significantly smaller increase in waist size and had less body fat than other students who continue their normal television viewing, even though neither group ate a special diet nor took part in any extra exercise. "One explanation for the weight loss could be the children unstuck to the television may simply have been moving around and burning off calories," Robinson said. "Another reason might be due to eating fewer meals in front of the television. Some studies have suggested that eating in front of the TV encourages people to eat more," Robinson added. Which of the following is right ? A. Children usually eat fewer while watching TV. B. Children usually eat more while watching TV. C. Children eat the same amount of meals while watching TV. D. Children usually eat nothing while watching TV. Answer: B. Children usually eat more while watching TV. Question: 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 are Lucy and Lily doing now? A. They are fishing. B. They are reading. C. They are flying a kite. D. They are drinking some water. Answer: D. They are drinking some water. Question: Little Robby, our neighbour's nephew, carefully drew some water into a bowl and started for the door. How I hated this water rationing . We were forced to bathe in the deep little pond we shared with Jessie, our cow. Wells were dry, and crops transformed to dust. I watched Robby sitting down onto the steps to my house. Bees buzzed circling his hair, and he buzzed with them. I remembered his aunt's words: I don't know what I was thinking when I took him in. The crash killed my sister, and he wasn't hurt, but he can't talk. He's in a world of all his own. Why couldn't she see _ this boy possessed? He was blessed with a loving nature and a deep admiration for all living things, and I knew he could talk to animals. My heart ached for Robby, who was to stay with us for the summer, and had already been the dearest part of our world, eagerly tending the garden with me and my husband, Tom. On a string around Robby's neck hung a whistle, in case he was ever lost or in danger. After all, he could not call out for help. But he knew perfectly well that the whistle was not a toy. Blowing on it would bring us both running. I had told him the story of the boy who cried wolf, and I knew he understood me. I sighed as I cleared up the last supper dish. Every ounce of recycled water was saved for a tiny vegetable garden Robby had planted. Tom turned to me. "You know, honey, I've been thinking about..." Before he could continue, a scream from the yard made us jump. My God! It's Robby's whistle! When we reached him, he was pointing excitedly to the sky. Looking up, we saw the most magnificent sight: Rain Clouds! "Robby! Quick! We need all the pots and pans!" Robby raced with me to the house. A drop of water fell on my pot and then another. Soon the yard was enveloped in soaking, glorious rain. We all stood with faces held upward to feel the comfort of it. Tom picked up Robby and danced about the pots, shouting and whooping, "Rain for Robby!" Tom swung about to show me Robby's face: he was laughing right out loud, "W-W-Wobby's!" "Wobby's ... wain ... Mom," giggling , and stretching out one tiny hand in the shape of a cup to catch the rain. I hugged them both, tears of joy mixing with the rain. It can be concluded from the passage that _ . A. we should show mercy for the disabled children B. every child has his own talent however young he is C. children from poor families take responsibilities earlier D. children's sensitive hearts are worthy to be taken care of Answer: D. children's sensitive hearts are worthy to be taken care of Question: Commuters who drive to work will face a parking charge of up to PS350 a year.Ministers are backing a workplace parking charge which will come into force in Nottingham in 2013 and is likely to be adopted across the country.The scheme will see firms with more than ten parking places for staff charged PS350 a year for each space in two years. Employers would be free to pass on the charge to their staff--meaning it would effectively be a tax on driving to work.The scheme aims to reduce traffic by preventing unnecessary car journeys and raise funds to improve public transport,but critics say it is just an excuse for councils to fill their coffers . Some ten million Britons drive to work each day,and the British Chambers of Commerce says the new charge could total PS3.4 billion a year if rolled out nationwide. Already some firms in Nottingham have threatened to leave the city,where 40,000 commuters use their cars to get to work.A spokesman said the scheme was nothing more than a tax on jobs."It is very unfair to discriminate against those employers who have parking spaces,which get vehicles off the streets," he said."And these charges apply around the clock,which is especially unfair on shift workers who rely on their cars because public transport is not available.This is more about increasing the government's income than reducing traffic." However,Transport Minister Sadiq Khan gave the plan an official approval during a visit to Nottingham. The council says the tax will raise as much as PS100 million over ten years--one fifth of the cost of a new transport system for the city. Another transport spokesman Theresa Villiers said the tax would have a devastating impact on businesses struggling to cope with the economic decline. But Richard Hebditch of the Campaign for Better Transport said the tax would raise money to invest in better transport."We put forward the idea of workplace parking taxes as a fairer way to raise money to invest in the future local transport services.We are pleased that the people of Nottingham will be the first to benefit." Supporters argue that the scheme _ . A. can help improve the parking conditions for the staff B. should be applied to ail commuters driving to work C. is certain to be carried out despite the objections D. will relieve traffic pressure and improve public transport Answer: D. will relieve traffic pressure and improve public transport Question: Alexia Sloane is from Cambridge. She was told by the doctor she had a brain tumor when she was on holiday "with her parents in France. After that the two-year-old girl became blind. Though the little girl can't see anything, she has great talent for languages and at the age of 10 she is already fluent in English, French, Spanish and Chinese-and is learning German. Now her dream of working as an interpreter has come true. East of England MEP Robert Sturdy invited her to the European Parliament . "Usually a person who enters the European Parliament should be 14 at least. So it was amazing for Alexia to work there at the age of 10. " said Alexia's mother Isabelle. Alexia can speak three languages since birth. As her mum is hah" French and half Spanish and her dad Richard is English. " She has always been very good at languages and shown an interest from a very young age. " added Isabelle, who also has a four-year-old daughter Melissa. Alexia has dreamed of becoming an interpreter since she was six and chose to go to the European Parliament as her prize when she won the Young Achiever Community Award of the Year . She asked if she could learn from the interpreters and HEP Robert Sturdy agreed to take her along as his guest. " It was fantastic and I decided to become an interpreter, "said Alexia. "Nothing can stop me. " Who offered Alexia the chance of working as an interpreter? A. Richard. B. Isabelle. C. Melissa. D. Robert Sturdy. Answer: D. Robert Sturdy.
ONE of Britain's favorite pastimes, gardening is to be celebrated during the Olympics. Last week, the Olympics minister Tessa Jowell announced a public competition to design a typically British garden within London's new Olympic park. Jowell said the idea behind the competition was to show off to the world one of the nation's favorite hobbies. It's likely the government also hopes that the competition will inspire more Brits to take an interest in the Olympics. It's a good plan, as the British love gardens almost as much as they love tea. In many ways gardening defines Brits, perhaps because they are some of the world's keenest gardeners. The garden is seen as a private place in the UK. Most Brits would far rather sit in their garden than visit a park. They see their garden as an extension of their house outdoors, which is why so many Brits are as garden-proud as they are house-proud. There also seems to be something about the nourishing act of gardening that appeals to the nation's gentle temperament . Interestingly, gardening has never been as widely enjoyed as it is today in Britain. Its growing popularity is no doubt due to people's increased awareness of the environment and the success of several popular gardening programs. Historically, Brits are also skilful gardeners. As Jowell noted when she made her announcement, if gardening were an Olympic sport then green-fingered Brits "would win gold, silver and bronze." Of course, the irony of Brits' passion for gardening is that their climate is so wet that there are very few months in the year they can sit outside and enjoy their gardens. In fact, it may be the very valuableness of these few warm months that make gardens so prized and valued by Brits. All of the following are true EXCEPT _ . Answer: Parents often believe that they have a good relationship with their teenagers . But last summer , Joanna and Henry noticed a change in their older son : suddenly he seemed to be talking far more to his friends than to his parents . " The door to his room is always shut ." Joanna noticed . Tina and Mark noticed similar changes in their 14-year-old daughter . "She used to cuddle up with me on the sofa and talk ," said Mark . "Now we joke that she does this only when she wants something . Sometimes she wants to be treated like a little girl and sometimes like a young lady . The problem is figuring out which time is which ." Before age 11, children like to tell their parents what's on their minds . "In fact , parents are first on the list ." said Michael Riera, author of Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers . "This completely changes during the teen years ." Riera explained . "They talk to their friends first , then maybe their teachers , and their parents last ." Parents who know what's going on in their teenagers' lives are in the best position to help them . To break down the wall of silence , parents should create chances to understand what their children want to say , and try to find ways to talk and write to them . And they must give their children a mental break , for children also need freedom , though young . Another thing parents should remember is that to be a friend , not a manager , with their children is a better way to know them . The door to his room is always shut suggests that the son _ . Answer: The air was cold, so all night the sheep kept Answer: Has a doctor ever given you a note to take to the chemist for some medicine? Are you able to read the note easily? Some doctors write clearly , but most doctors do not. Chemists have more chances to read doctors' notes, but sometimes doctors write so badly that even the chemist can't read them. One day a lady wrote to a doctor inviting him to have dinner at her house. The doctor wrote an answer, but he didn't write clearly and the lady couldn't read it. "What shall I do?" she said to her husband, "I don't know whether he is coming or not. I don't want to give him a telephone call and say that I can't read his writing." Her husband thought a moment, then he had an idea. "Thank you," said his wife. "That's a very good idea." She went to the chemist's shop and gave the doctor's note to the chemist. The chemist looked at it very carefully. Then he said politely, "Could you wait a moment, madam?" He went to the back of the shop. After a few minutes he returned carrying a large bottle. He gave the bottle to the lady and said, "Three times a day and one spoonful at a time." A chemist is a person who _ . Answer: I live in a new town with my family. There are lots of tall buildings in the town. The streets are busy and the traffic is heavy, but the pollution is not very serious . In our town, more than half of the buildings have fifteen to thirty floors. Most of the people live in such tall buildings, but they don't have to climb the stairs. They use lifts to go up and down. Many restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas and theatres are in very tall buildings. They are big, bright and modern. So people enjoy eating, shopping, seeing films and watching plays in them. The streets in our town are wide, but because there are too many cars, they are still very busy. Sometimes when you come to the street crossing, you have to wait for the green lights for a long time. The people in our town never put _ everywhere or put dirty water into the river, so you cannot see much pollution in our town. I hope you'll come to visit our town if you like. The writer feels _ when he talks about his hometown. Answer:
Something was crying outside. So I went out to see what was happening. A big cat sat by the door. It must run for a long time as it looked tired and dirty. I let it in my house and took out some food; this poor cat ate all, but still looked starving..., so I got my own cats' fish, and the cat ate that too! My five-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter were interested in the cat. They bathed (......) it and fed it more food. They wanted to keep it. But I didn't agree. It was not because I didn't love it. We already had 2 cats and 2 dogs and our house was not big enough to keep more. Another reason was that I thought maybe it got lost. And its owner must be worried about it. Then I posted notices all over the town in the hope of finding its home. I also bought an ad time on a radio station. Three weeks passed, but there was no response . Finally, I decided to keep the cat. Our house was small, but I would take good care of it as possible as I could. What did the cat look like when it came to the writer's home? Tired and dirty. If you want to improve your child's results at school, you could do a lot worse than ensuring that they do plenty of exercise. Scientists have already shown that physical activity can make you brainier. But a team in America has used scans to show that an important part of the brain actually grows in children who are fit. These youngsters tend to be more intelligent and have better memories than those who are inactive. Scientists also found that one of the most important parts of their brains was 12 percent larger than those of unfit children. They believe that encouraging children to take exercise from a very young age could help them do better at school later. Researchers from the University of Illinois, in the U.S., studied the brains of 49 children aged nine and ten using a magnetic resonance imaging scan , a technique which provides very detailed pictures of organs and tissues in the body. They also tested the fitness levels of the children by making them run on a treadmill . The scientists found that the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory and learning, was around 12 percent larger in the fitter children. Professor Art Kramer, who led the study published in the journal Brain Research, said the findings had important implications for encouraging individuals to take part in sport from a young age. "We knew that experience and environmental factors and socioeconomic status all impact brain development," he said. "If you get some terrible genes from your parents, you can't really fix that, and it's not easy to do something about your economic status. But here's something that we can do something about." According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true? You can do something about the genes from your parents. How Women Were Freed From Their Homes As late as 1800, a woman's only place was in her home. Women in business were unheard of. No respectable woman would dream of entering what was strictly a "man's world". Even if she would, what could she do? Men were sure that no woman could do a job well outside her home. This was a widely-accepted idea. When the famous Bronte sisters began writing books in 1846, they had to resort to using men's names as aliases. Teaching was the first profession opened to women, soon after 1800. But even that was not easy for women to take because most high schools and colleges were open only to men. Oberlin College in Ohio was the first college in America to take in women. Nursing was regarded as a respectable profession for women only after Florence Nightingale won high credit for her nursing career and became famous. Miss Nightingale opened the first training school for nursing in 1860 in England. The invention of typewriters in 1867 helped to bring women out of their homes to join the business world. Because women are careful and have nimble fingers, businessmen found that they were well suited to this kind of work. By 1890, tens of thousands of women were working in schools, hospitals, shops, offices, and factories both in England and the States. Some even managed to become doctors or lawyers. The idea of women working in business and other circles was accepted. It can be inferred from the text that besides nursing, Florence Nightingale was also _ . a teacher I am a long distance runner. When I was thirty-one, I was in a serious car accident. The doctor told me that they would try to get me to walk "normally" but I would never run again--terrible news for someone who views running as the oxygen she breathes. The doctors were right. For the next nine and a half years, I was unable to run more than twenty-five feet. In 2006, I began self-training to take part in a 60-mile walk. Three months into preparing, I realized that walking 4-5 hours a day was too long. If only I could jog part of it--that would cost me less time. I started jogging without my knees aching. Slowly, I increased the distance. The doctor were proved wrong--it only took nine and a half years to do so. While practicing, I suffered a loss--a dear friend suddenly died. His work had been to help women to accept themselves and reach their fullest potential . He believed that people should let nothing hold them back from achieving their goals. Soon after his death, a crazy thought entered my mind: what if I could run the LA Marathon? I knew that if I didn't train to my fullest, the doctor would win. So I trained seven days a week. And I succeeded in crossing the finish line of the LA Marathons all over the United States to the _ of my doctors. They never believed that I would achieve that. The aches and pains I experience while training and racing are nothing compared to the suffering people whom I respect must accept. Why did the author decide to join in the marathon? Because she was encouraged by her dead friend's words. Mr Black is a football fan. Every morning he goes to work by train. As he has a long trip, he always buys a newspaper. It helps to make the time pass more quickly. One Wednesday morning, Mr Black turned the important football matches. He knew the Football World Cup would be held in his city soon. He decided to go to watch the football game. While Mr Black was excited to be at the Football World Cup, he was disappointed at the location of his seat. Peering across the stadium through his telescope he saw an empty seat far away and made his way there. Mr Black asked the man in the next seat, "May I sit here?" "Sure," the man replied. "This was my wife's seat. She was a super football fan, and we used to come to the games together all the time until she _ ." "I am sorry for your loss," Mr Black said. "But I am curious . Why didn't you give the extra ticket to a friend or a relative?" The man replied, "They are all at the funeral ." How does Mr Black go to work every morning? By train.
Humans need food to grow and survive. Food that is not used immediately by the body for energy is Answer: A crop of corn plants is genetically modified so that the plants produce a natural pesticide. People are concerned that these corn plants might transfer modified genetic material to other plants. Which of the following is the best way to further modify the plants to prevent them from transferring their genetic materials to other plants? Answer: Which change is most likely caused by a thunderstorm? Answer: _ (from How Do Animals Move?) Many animals scurry up tree trunks to escape enemies or find food. Some live in the treetops. Many of these animals are not only expert climbers, but they also have found interesting ways to get from tree to tree. How Do Animals Adapt?andHow Do Animals Move? are comprehensive explorations of animal adaptations and movement for young readers. Both are part of a 21 book series,The Science of Living Things. InHow Do Animals Adapt?readers learn how animals adapt to survive with respect not only to climate, darkness, food and defenses but also to offspring and people. These adaptations are well explained in double page spreads with examples clearly depicted in photographs and diagrams and developed through their accompanying captions . As the title suggests, movement is the focus ofHow Do Animals Move?Beginning with a description of the explanation of movement, the reader is exposed to the many different ways of animals movement in the air, on land, under ground and in the water. Several unconventional variations (e.g. looping of inchworms, the rectilinear motion of snakes) are included. Once again, the photographs and diagrams plainly support the double page spread discussions of animal movement. The language of both titles is simple enough for young readers without talking down to them. In both books, terminology is featured in . Some of these words are explained in the basic glossary while the majority are explained clearly in the text. Many of these terms provide readers with some fascinating, uncommon words (e.g. brachiation, potassium, skein, and estimate). As do many of Kalman's book, both of these titles have a table of contents, glossary and index which are all enough to introduce young readers to the nature of these tools. Both titles would make excellent additions to any science collection for young readers. The passage is a/an _ . Answer: Do you know how to tell a story? The following are some tips: Who Will Listen? Will you tell your story to children of your own age? Will they be friends or young people you haven't met before? Perhaps you will tell it to younger children.Or, will it be an audience of adults? Will it be just a few people, a small group, or a large audience? Why Are You Telling It? There are many reasons for telling a story.Knowing why you are telling it may be the most helpful reason for choosing a story for a particular audience. Many storytellers choose tales just to entertain .They tell jokes or silly stories.Others want to teach something, such as how to be kinder to animals, the environment, or other people.One storyteller likes to encourage his listeners to try new things.Some babysitters tell stories to help children feel not afraid of thunder, lightning or scary shadows in their rooms.Others want to make people think or to help people remember.Some like to frighten their audiences with ghost stories. Where Will You Speak? How you tell your story and what story helpers you use depend on where you will be speaking.Will you be talking at an evening party, in your classroom, in a library storytelling program, at a family dinner, at a museum, at a storytelling festival, or during a religious program? The author mainly shows his ideas by _ . Answer:
Question: Years ago, as we know, zoos kept animals in cages. Cages made it easy for visitors to see the animals, but a small cage is not a good place for an animal to live in. Today animals live in open areas. There are usually plants and a little lake around, like the animals' habitats. Visitors usually stay in the bus to see the animals outside. Zoos help to protect all kinds of animals. They protect animals in the zoo as well as animals in the wild. How do they do this? Zoos tell people how animals live in the wild and how to help protect their environment. The number of many kinds of plants and animals is becoming smaller and smaller. Mammoths, which are related with Asia elephants, are now extinct(.Scientists say that 74 different kinds of living things are disappearing a day! Zoos are working together to help animals-our friends. In the past, zoos kept animals in cages so that people can _ . A. protect them B. see them better C. feed them D. save them Answer: B. see them better Question: Mr. Peter Johnson, aged twenty-three, battled for half an hour to escape from his trapped car yesterday when it landed upside down in three feet of water. Mr. Johnson took the only escape route -- through the boot . Mr. Johnson's car had finished up in a ditch at Romney Marsin, Kent after skidding on ice and hitting a bank."Fortunately, the water began to come in only slowly", he said. "I couldn't force the doors because they were jammed against the walls of the ditch and dared not open the windows because I knew water would come flooding in." Mr. Johnson, a sweet salesman of Sitting Home, Kent, first tried to attract the attention of other drivers by sounding the horn and hammering on the roof and boot. Then he began his struggle to escape. Later he said, "It was really a half penny that saved my life. It was the only coin I had in my pocket and I used it to open the back seat to get into the boot. I hammered desperately trying to make someone hear, but no help came." It took ten minutes to open the seat, and a further five minutes to clear the sweet samples from the boot. Then Mr. Johnson found a tool and began to work on the boot lock. Fifteen minutes passed by."It was the only chance I had. _ , but as soon as I moved the boot lid, the water and mud poured in. I forced the lid down into the mud and climbed out of my car as it filled up." His hands and arm cut and bruised, Mr.Johnson got to Beckett Farm nearby, where he was looked after by the farmer's wife, Mrs.Lucy Bates. Covered with a blanket, he said,"That thirty minutes seemed like hours.""Only the tips of the car wheels were visible,"police said last night. The vehicle had sunk into two feet of mud at the bottom of the ditch." It can be inferred from the passage that _ . A. the police helped Mr. Johnson get out of the ditch B. the accident happened on a clear warm day C. the ditch was along a remote country road D. Mr. Johnson had a tender wife and was well attended Answer: C. the ditch was along a remote country road Question: The Celerifere, an early version of the bicycle, was built around 1791 by a French man, Comte Mede de Sivrac. It was basically a scooter with a high seat. There were no pedals---you had to push with your feet like you do with a skateboard or a scooter. Around 1816 Baron Karl Drais de Sauerbrun in Germany added a moveable steering handle. These early machines were often known as dandy horses or hobby horses, but weren't very popular. The improvement that made them popular was added by a Scottish blacksmith around 1839. Kirkpatrick Macmillan added pedals to enable it to get up hills. It was this improvement that made the bicycle a serious form of transportation. Bike were called velocipedes or bone-shakers, because of the lack of the proper tires made for a rough ride! It wasn't until around 1869 that they began to be called bicycles ("two-wheels"). Carriage makers in Paris (either Pierre and Ernest Michaux, or their employee Pierre Lallement) switched the pedal to the front wheel. That's why it is usually either Lallement or the Michauxs, not Macmillan, who are considered as the inventor of the bicycle. In 1869 the penny-farthing or high-wheeler was invented. With the large wheel the rider could go much farther with each push of the pedal, but caused many accidents because the seat was so far off the ground. In the mid-1880s Englishman James Starley manufactured what he called the "safety bicycle" , which had two similarly-sized wheels and a major improvement--- a chain and sprocket driven rear wheel, with the pedals between the two wheels like modern bicycles. One more historical note---it's possible that the idea of the bicycle was thought of almost 400 years before it was actually invented. There is a drawing of a bicycle-like machine in one of Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, which dates back to about 1493. Why was the bicycle not popular in the early 1800's? A. It was too expensive. B. The seat was too high. C. There were no pedals. D. It had no tires. Answer: C. There were no pedals. Question: BEIJING -- The rescue operations at a coal mine accident have ended with 105 miners dead. The State Council has organized an investigation team to probe into what caused the disaster in the city of Linfen, North China's Shanxi Province. Preliminary investigations show the illegal mining of an unauthorized seam , and the number of miners who had been sent down the shaft far exceeded its capacity. This mine was found to have long ignored the rules to steal state coal, and did not have a list of miners employed to check the number of miners missing after the accident. How did such a coal mine get all the necessary licenses for production? How did it pass the three safety inspections the local government organized last month? In response to this disaster, the Shanxi governor promised to set up hotlines for people to report illegal coal mines and rewards as high as 100,000 yuan for _ We appreciate the action this governor has taken to solving the coal mining problems, and we believe that the reporting scheme will help to stop the existence of illegal coal mines. But at the same time we have reason to question how governments at various levels supervise these mines. The sad fact that such a mine with serious safety problems could pass three consecutive local government safety inspections in a month is enough to tell us how ineffective the safety inspections were. What if these inspections were just a formality ? What if the inspectors were bribed by the mine owners to turn a blind eye to the safety dangers? We can well imagine what would happen if reports about mine problems were handled by such officials. So a thorough probe must find out who are responsible for the death of so many miners. A real safety inspection and management system must be established to guarantee that safety dangers will be removed. What is NOT one of the causes of this coal mine accident? A. The workers didn't operate properly. B. The mine didn't obey the rules to mine for coal. C. A lot more miners than allowed were working under the mine. D. The safety inspections were ineffective. Answer: A. The workers didn't operate properly. Question: One day in April, a special activity called"Food Street"was held on the playground at Railway No. 1 Middle School in Xi'an. This activity was part of the English Art Festival in the school. The students in each class were divided into some groups. Each group sold different kinds of foods. The students did the shopping and the cooking all by themselves. The students cooked delicious food such as fried chicken, potato chips and vegetables. They all worked hard and sold the food at low prices. The customers were all the students, teachers and parents. They were all pleased with the nice food. "It's really hard work," said one of the students who took part in the activity. "We must make a plan before the cooking. We must know how much we should spend on the things we need. Also, we must learn how to serve customers well." "This activity is to give a chance to students to develop their practical abilities ," said one teacher, "What's more, the students will not only learn how to make money by their own hands, but also know the meaning of life. " Food Street was _ . A. a street for students to sell food along B. a kind of food sold by the students C. part of the activity about the English Art Festival D. an activity for food prices among the students Answer: C. part of the activity about the English Art Festival
It remained a question who had to be the pioneer life on a new island. In fact, few people knew it. Thousands of years ago, in the middle of an ocean, miles from the nearest island, an undersea volcano broke out. The hot liquid rock piled higher and higher and spread wider and wider. In this way, an island rose up in the sea. As time went on, hot sun and cool rains made the rock split and break into pieces. Sea waves dashed against the rock. In this way, soil and sand came into being. It is well known that nothing lived on the naked soil. And then the wind and the birds brought plant seeds, spiders and other creatures there. Only plants could grow first. Only they, in sunlight, could produce food from the minerals of the soil, water and air. While many animals landed on the island, they could find no food. A spider spun its web in vain , because there were no insects for its web to catch. Insects could not stay until there were plants for them to eat. So plants had to be the pioneer life on his new island. The order of coming into being on the island is _ . A. soil, plants and animals B. soil, human beings and animals C. soil, little creatures and plants D. soil, birds and plants Answer: A Cats are the most popular pets among Americans. So it is not surprising there are many expressions about cats. Do you know any of them? Now let me introduce some to you. Some cats like to catch small birds, like canaries. If someone looks very proud or satisfied with himself, we say he looks like the cat that ate the canary. Sometimes, a cat likes to play with a small animal it catches. So if you play cat and mouse with someone, you change between different kinds of behavior when dealing with another person. For example, a child might offer something sweet to her little brother, and then take it away when reaches for it. A cat will often catch a small animal and present it to its owner. The saying that looks like something the cat dragged in describes something in bad condition. A fat cat is a person with a lot of money. There are many other expressions about cats in America. How interesting! Which kind of cat are you, or which kind would you like to be? The passage introduces us _ expressions about cat. A. one B. two C. three D. four Answer: D We grow up, even if we don't want to. But hey, you're not the only one. Read this article. It can help you look at life the way you did as a kid. Read a lot of Chicken Soup for the Soul----they have so many good stories about kids and getting the right feeling. Also try reading children's books, it helps you keep _ When you feel sad, smile. If you can, jump up and down, or move around until you feel sick. Act like a kid! But whatever you do, SMILE! This can help cheer you up if you feel unhappy. Spend time with little kids. Although you won't be one again, spending time with them can make you smile more. If you have children of your own, great! Spend lots of time with them. Think back on a time when you were a kid. Then, try to remember how old your parents were. If you're not as old as they were when you were 8, you will get the feeling that you are 8 again. If you are a kid, take a piece of paper and write " In 15 years I am going to do." Then, put the letter in an envelope and read it once every five years. This will make you feel like a kid again. You can feel that you are young again if _ A. you often do some writing B. you talk with your parents C. you think back of your childhood D. you often help the old people Answer: C Dear Sharon Draper, A lot of books have flashes of insight, but only few of them can open the readers' mind and make them realize something new. Your book, Out of My Mind, filled me with those sparks. I enjoyed getting to know Melody. Despite the fact that she had cerebral palsy ,Melody had an amazing character that shone brightly. Out of My Mind helped me learn a life-long lesson. Your book has changed my point of view. I never teased those who had special needs, but I never really felt comfortable around them either. When I started reading your novel, I saw how Melody was a smart and talented girl. At the beginning of the book, I asked myself, "Would I be Melody's friend?" The voice in my stomach told me the sad truth: no. I carried on with your book from start to finish, and when I closed it, I asked myself the same question, "Would I be Melody's friend?" I realized, with a smile, that the answer was right in front of me. Throughout Out of My Mind, I had become Melody's friend. Last year, there was a boy in my class who had Asperger's syndrome . I didn't really know him; he just seemed different to me. This was around the time that I read your novel. Melody showed me how she was just as good as anyone else in her classroom and how the same goes for anyone else with disabilities. The boy in my class amazed me by what he was capable of doing. As the days went by, I started helping him instead of avoiding him. Melody opened my eyes and cleared the world around me. She showed me how a girl with cerebral palsy was the same as a girl like me. Now it is time for me to thank you for writing this amazing novel. I will never forget your fantastic book. Sincerely, Margaret Lim According to the passage, the author mainly thinks Out of My Mind is _ . A. beautiful in words B. influential to readers C. skillful at writing D. successful in sales Answer: B Chances I really love my job because I enjoy working with small children and like the challenges and awards from the job. I also think my work is important. There was a time when I thought I would never have that sort of career . I wasn't an excellent student because I didn't do much schoolwork. In my final term I started thinking what I might do and found I didn't have much to offer. I just accepted that I wasn't the type to have a career. I then found myself a job, looking after two little girls. It wasn't too bad at first. But the problems began when I agreed to live in, so that I would be there if my boss had to go out for business in the evening. We agreed that if I had to work extra hours one week, she'd give me time off the next. But unfortunately, it didn't often work out. I was getting extremely tired and fed up, because I had too many late nights and early morning with the children. One Sunday, I was in the park with the children, and met Megan who used to go to school with me. I told her about my situation. She suggested that I should do a course and get a qualification if I wanted to work with children. I didn't think I would be accepted because I didn't take many exams in school. She persuaded me to phone the local college and they were really helpful. My experience counted for a lot and I got on a parttime course. I had to leave my job with the family, and got work helping out at a kindergarten. Now I've got a fulltime job there. I shall always be thankful to Megan. I wish I had known earlier that you could have a career, even if you aren't top of the class at school. Why did the author leave her first job? A. She decided to attend a parttime course. B. She found a fulltime job. C. She was fed up with children. D. She needed a rest after working extra hours. Answer: A
Question: The average college student in America spent an estimated seven hundred dollars on textbooks last year. The National Association of College Stores reported more than five billion dollars in sales of textbooks and course materials. Association spokesman Charles Schmidt says electronic textbooks now represent just two to three percent of sales. But he says that is expected to reach ten to fifteen percent by 2012. Online versions are now available for many of the most popular college textbooks. E-textbooks can cost half the price of a new print textbook. But students usually lose access after the end of the term. And the books cannot be placed on more than one device so they are not easy to share. So what do students think of e-textbooks? Administrators at Northwest Missouri State University wanted to find out. Earlier this year they tested them with five hundred students in twenty classes. The university is unusual. It not only provides laptop computers to all seven thousand of its full-time students. It does not require students to buy their textbooks either. They rent them to save money. The school aims to save even more by moving to e-textbooks. The students in the survey reported that downloading the books from the Internet was easy. They liked the idea of carrying lighter backpacks. And fifty-six percent said they were better able to find information. But most found that using e-textbooks did not change their study habits. And sixty percent felt they read more when they were reading on paper. In all, almost half the students said they still liked physical textbooks better. But the survey found that cost could be a big influence. Fifty-five percent said they would choose e-textbooks if using them meant their textbook rental fee would not increase. Roger Von Holzen heads the Center for Information Technology in Education at Northwest Missouri State. He tells us that administrators are disappointed with the e-textbooks now available because the majority are not interactive. He thinks growth will come when more digital books include video, activities, games and other ways to interact with the information. The technology is improving. But for now, most of the books are just words on a screen. It can be inferred from the passage that e-textbooks _ . A. will replace physical textbooks B. are available at any time C. have a very bright future D. still have a lot to improve Answer: D. still have a lot to improve Question: Mark Rothko, one of the greatest painters of the twentieth century, was born in Daugavpils, Latvia in 1903. His family immigrated to the United States in 1913, after a 12-day voyage. Mark moved to New York in the autumn of 1923 and found employment in the garment trade and settled down on the Upper West Side. It was while he was visiting someone at the Art Students League that he saw students painting a model. According to him, this was the start of his life as an artist. He was twenty years old and had taken some art lessons at school, so his initial experience was far from an immediate calling. In 1936, Mark Rothko began writing a book, which he never completed, about the similarities in the children's art and the work of modern painters. The work of modernists, which was influenced by primitive art, could, according to him, be compared to that of children in that "Child art transforms itself into primitivism, which is only the child producing a copy of himself." In this same work, he said that "The fact that one usually begins with drawing is already academic. We start with colour." It was not long before his multiform developed into the style he is remembered for. In 1949 Rothko exhibited these new works at the Betty Parsons Gallery. For reviewer Harold Rosenberg, the paintings were unique and primitive. Rothko had, after painting his first multiform, separated himself from the world in East Hampton on Long Island, only inviting a very few people, including Rosenberg, to view the new paintings. The discovery of his works' specialty came at a period of great sorrow: his mother Kate died in October 1948. As part of this new uniformity of artistic vision, his paintings no longer had individual titles. From this point on they were simply untitled, numbered or dated. However, to assist in distinguishing one work from another, traders would sometimes add the primary colours to the name. Additionally, for the next few years, Rothko painted in oil only on large vertical tents. This was done to surround the viewer, or, in his words, to make the viewer feel enveloped within the picture. How long did Rothko stay in the United States before he moved to New York? A. 10 B. 20 C. 16 D. 33 Answer: A. 10 Question: Cloning is suggested as a means of bringing back a relative, usually a child, killed tragically. Some parents can understand that wish, but it must first be recognized that the copy would be a new baby and not the lost child. Here lies the difficulty, for the sad parents are seeking not a new baby but a return of the dead one. Since the original would be fondly remembered as having particular talents and interests, would not the parents expect the copy to be the same? It is possible, however, that the copy would develop quite differently. Is it fair for the new child to be placed in a family with such unnatural expectations? Copying is also suggested as a means by which parents can have the child of their dreams. Couples might choose to have a copy of a film star, baseball player or scientist, depending on their interest. But because personality is only partly the result of genetic inheritance , conflicts would be sure to come up if the cloned child failed to develop the same interests as the original. What if the copy of Einstein shows no interest in science? Or the baseball player turns to acting? Success also depends upon fortune. What if the child does not live up to the hopes and dreams of the parents simply because of bad luck? Every baby should be wanted for itself, as an individual. In making a copy of oneself or some famous person, a parent is carefully specifying the way he or she wishes that child to develop. In recent years, particularly in the United States, much importance has been placed on the right of individuals to reproduce in ways that they wish. So I suggest there is a greater need to consider the interest of the child and to refuse these suggested uses of cloning. What, in the author's opinion, affects the success of parents' dreams? A. The efforts of the parents. B. The cloned child's personality. C. The cloned child's interest in Einstein. D. The cloned child's natural talent. Answer: B. The cloned child's personality. Question: Dear David, How are you? I'm fine. I'm in London , at a school of English. I'm in Class Seven. It has eight students. They are from different countries ----Spain, Japan , Argentina, Switzerland and Thailand. Our teacher's name is Henry Briscall. He's very nice. He's a good teacher. I live with an English family, Mr. and Mrs. Brown. They have two sons and a daughter. Thomas is fourteen, Catherine is twelve, and Andrew is seven. They are all very friendly to me, and we are good friends. London is very big and very interesting. The weather is good and the parks are nice! Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James' Park are all in the city center . English food is OK, but the coffee is not good! Are you all right at home in Shanghai? Is everything OK? Write to me. Love, Paul The letter is NOT about _ . A. the writer's classmates B. the writer's teacher C. the writer's dinner D. London Answer: C. the writer's dinner Question: I began to grow up that winter night when my parents and I were returning from my aunt's house, and my mother said that we might soon be leaving for America. We were on the bus then. I was crying, and some people on the bus were turning around to look at me. I remember that I could not bear the thought of never hearing again the radio program for school children to which I listened every morning. I do not remember myself crying for this reason again. In fact, I think I cried very little when I was saying goodbye to my friends and relatives. When we were leaving I thought about all the places I was going to see--the strange and magical places I had known only from books and pictures. The country I was leaving never to come back was hardly in my head then. The four years that followed taught me the importance of optimism, but the idea did not come to me at once. For the first two years in New York I was really lost--having to study in three schools as a result of family moves. I did not quite know what I was or what I should be. Mother remarried, and things became even more complex for me. Some time passed before my stepfather and I got used to each other. I was often sad, and saw no end to "the hard times. " My responsibilities in the family increased a lot since I knew English better than everyone else at home. I wrote letters, filled out forms, translated at interviews with Immigration officers, took my grandparents to the doctor and translated there, and even discussed telephone bills with company representatives. From my experiences I have learned one important rule: Almost all common troubles eventually go away! Something good is certain to happen in the end when you do not give up, and just wait a little! I believe that my life will turn out all right, even though it will not be that easy. How did the author get to know America? A. From her relatives B. From her mother C. From Books and pictures D. From radio programs Answer: C. From Books and pictures
The Milky Way Galaxy is visible as a bright region in the night sky. Modern telescopic observation has made it possible to discover that the brightness of the Milky Way Galaxy is due primarily to which structure? large numbers of stars The children's Theater was actually an old mill building with cement walls, twisting passages and big staircases. One afternoon, my eight-year-old sister Brittany and I were with the drama group rehearsing A Little Princess, a children's play. "Good luck!" I whispered as Brittany adjusted her boarding school costume. "Take your places for act one, please. Everyone, places for act one!" called the director. The lights went out and the rehearsal began. Halfway through the first act, Brittany finished her part and went backstage. She grabbed her script from the table and read along with the rehearsal that was still going on in front of the curtain. A small group of fellow actors joined her, and started practicing lines. Suddenly, something wet exploded on the back of Brittany's head! Turning around, she saw a tall girl with a beverage bottle in her hand. Sticky blue liquid slid down Brittany's face. The older girl laughed . Brittany glanced at her, expecting someone else to speak up and defend her. However, they all screamed with laughter and pointed mocking fingers at Brittany, who ran out of the make-up room in dismay. Ten minutes later, Brittany met me backstage. "A big girl just sprayed me with this stuff and laughed at me," she said, trying to wipe the liquid out of her curly hair. "All the other girls laughed, too." I didn't even know the girl's name, and she was bullying my sister ! When we got home, we looked at the cast list and found that the girl's name was Jessica. Our mom e-mailed the director, who said she would talk to Jessica and arrange time for an apology right before the next rehearsal. Nobody really expected a heartfelt apology from Jessica but Brittany was prepared to forgive her. Before the next rehearsal, the director met Brittany at the door and announced that we had a problem on our hands. "Jessica swears that she was never even near you yesterday," she said. But Brittany knew the truth. As she glanced across the room full of young actors, she glimpsed Jessica sitting in a metal folding chair. For a split second, their eyes met. Jessica quickly turned away to stare in the opposite direction. For weeks afterwards, no matter how hard Brittany tried to talk to her, Jessica refused to look her way. It was very difficult for Brittany to work with Jessica during every rehearsal , for three hours each week. But finally, we were ready to perform. There would be three performances over the course of the next weekend. Brittany and I were glad that the ordeal was almost over. After the first show, Brittany and I each got a beautiful bouquet from our church's pastor and his wife. Jessica didn't get a single flower. The second night, we received flowers from our grandparents. Again, Jessica received nothing. On the way home, Brittany spoke up. "Mommy", she said quietly from the back seat of the car, "I've been thinking, and I decided to buy some flowers for Jessica," Mom smiled in surprise and replied, "That would be very nice." Before the last performance, Brittany met Jessica on the way to the theater. She handed the older girl a big bunch of yellow roses, bought with her own savings. "Great job with the show last night, Jessica. These are for you." Jessica was astonished. "For me?" she said. "These flowers are for me? Are you sure?" "Yes I want you to have them!" Brittany skipped towards the dressing room, leaving Jessica staring at her with a confused look on her face and a bouquet of beautiful flowers in her arms. That night, Jessica finally received some flowers from her dad. She pulled out a spring of carnations and smiled shyly as she gave them to Brittany. Maybe Jessica will never apologize to Brittany. Maybe she won't ever even admit her mistake. But she is just beginning to realize what wonderful things a person's love does in people like Brittany. What would be the best title for the passage ? Flowers of forgiveness . Facebook friends cannot replace the real thing, say psychologists . People are happier and laugh 50% more when they talk face to face with friends or via webcam (web camera) than when they use social networking sites, a study has found. Dr. Roberts, a famous lecture at the University of Chester, said such websites don't appear to help make true friendships. Based on two questionnaires , he found there was no link between Facebook use and people with larger groups of friends. Dr. Roberts, whose work will be presented at the British Psychological Society conference in Harrogate, said, "The bottom lime conclusion is that our relationships are not dependent on the quantity of communication. They depend on quality, and even Skype is better at increasing the quality of our communication than time on Facebook." Even talking on the phone or texting does not make people feel as good as sharing a smile, the research says. The studies suggest quality, not quantity, of communication is the most important for keeping friends for life. People find the most satisfying relationships come from a small number of close friends, with an outer "ring" of 10 significant others. With these people, it doesn't matter what type of social media you use for communication. But people who want to "contact the world at large" using Facebook can be disappointed because _ , claim researchers. In a third study, Dr. Roberts asked people to communicate with friends face to face or via Skype and keep a 14-day diary. This was compared with communicating via phone, text messages or social networking sites. People communicating face to face on Skype were 50% more likely to laugh, and they rated themselves as significantly happier. What is Dr. Roberts's attitude towards the use of Facebook? Unsupportive. Dolphins are not fish. They are mammals .They live in groups and speak to each other in their own language. But they are quite different from almost all land animals. Their brain is as big as men's and they live a long life at least 20 or 30 years. Like some animals, dolphins use sounds to help them find their way around. They also use these sounds to talk to each other and to help them find food. They do not use their ears to receive sounds,but use the jaw--the lower part of the mouth. It is strange that dolphins are friendly to men, and for thousands of years, there are many stories about dolphins and men. In the 19th century, in a dangerous part of the sea near New Zealand,there was a dolphin. The seamen liked him very much and gave him a very good name, Jack. From 1871 to 1903 ,Jack met every boat in the area and showed it the way. In 1903 a passenger on a boat with the name of The Penguin shot and hurt Jack. Luckily the dolphin didn't die, and after a long time he was well again. He guided the ships through the area for nine more years, but he refused to help the boat of the Penguin. Today, some people still kill dolphins, but many countries in the world now protect them. In these places, people are not allowed to kill them. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT right? Dolphins don't live in groups. The arrival of autumn starts the traditional fall festivals which aim to welcome the new season. Here's a guide to several fall festivals that are held in the Roanoke region each year. Boones Mill Apple Festival It is held the third Saturday in September every year.The festival is hosted by the Boones Mill Lions Club and attracts people from all over Virginia. The most important things of the festival include art shows, fried apple pies,and a high school band. There are lots of food,crafts,music,and games for every age group. Admission is free. For more information, call 540-334-5975. Blue Ridge Folklife Festival Ferrum College hosts the festival as an October celebration of the harvest every year.The festival shows some farm fresh produce and the farming practices of the last year.Children can enjoy playing many of the games.The festival begins at 10:00 a.m.Admission is $ 10 for adults and $ 5 for children and senior citizens.You can call 540-365-4412 or visit the website:http://www,blueridgeinstitute.org. Mountain Magic Fall Festival The town of Buchanan on the outskirts of Roanoke is the place where the Mountain Magic Fall Festival is held.The festival is held in October and has two to four groups of crafters,antique dealers,and food vendors.Live Bluegrass music plays all day and children enjoy visiting the pet zoo. The auto show and farmers' market are also big attractions. Call 540-357-2509 for more information. Vinton Fall Festival A 5K walk, a truck ride, and a civil war group are just some of the exciting parts of the Vinton Fall Festival.The festival is held in October under the golden shade trees in downtown Vinton.Other attractions include hayrides,agriculture judging, health education,and children's activities.Phone: 540-343-1364. By visiting the website you can learn more information about _ . Blue Ridge Folklike Festival
If a season switches from one to another in a place, the earth has A. exploded B. stayed in place C. moved more D. frozen Answer: C If a sitcom that lasts for l0 years is considered popular, then surely one that still arouses emotions after 20 must be considered a classic. Friends first aired in the US in 1994, telling about six young men and women in New York.Since then, it's become one of the most famous titles in the sitcom style, aired in over 100 countries and regions in the world. The show is typical among those who grew up in the 1990s because it explores basic yet important themes like friendship, struggling to survive in a big city, and finding independence and identity, all of which are still relevant to young audiences today. Against the background of the Internet age, IT staff who were once marginalized and laughed at have been brought back to life due to the popularity of hit show The Big Bang Theory, in which four talents lacking normal social skills make an attempt at living on a college campus. At the same time, Gossip Girl, describing a young cast of New Yorkers born with silver spoons in their mouths, showing the difficulties upper-class adolescents experience. The play's fashion and mature subject matter allowed it to draw the interest of both teenagers and adults. Although these typical TV shows cover a wide timeline and a variety of themes, they all have a universal topic. Why are they still appealing? It remains to be found out. Why is the sitcom Friends typical among young people in the 1990s? A. Because it is a breakthrough in the producing style. B. Because it is the most influential sitcom of all time. C. Because it predicts the future of the young at that time. D. Because it addresses the subjects faced by the youth. Answer: D These days haze is around us here and there. In fact,everyone has the power to change their living habits to help reduce it. Many local governments call on their people to take action to make the air cleaner. Transport is one of the biggest contributors to haze. When,where,how,why and what you drive all affect air quality. When one drives to work for one year,he uses as much energy as a bus rider uses in 10 years. So walk or ride your bicycle to work or school whenever possible. If it is necessary,you can use public transport instead of your car. Each person using public transport for a year instead of a car can save nearly a tonne of pollutants,including CO2,from going into the atmosphere. Carpooling is another way to reduce carbon emissions .Carpooling is the sharing of car journeys so that more than one person travels in a car. It immediately reduces your car's emissions by half. What you do inside your living space can have a big effect on the air quality outside it. You can do a lot of things inside and around your home that will help you pollute less and save some money. A large amount of our energy supply comes from burning coal,another contributor to haze. By cutting down your electricity use,you are cutting down on haze. So you may try to reduce your use of electricity by turning off lights,using your air conditioner wisely during the summer months,or updating some of your electrical appliances to low-energy models. For example,you can use energy-saving lamps that require less energy and last 10 times longer than common bulbs. Which can be the best title for the passage? A. What are causing haze around us B. What you can do to reduce haze C. How dangerous haze is to our life D. How important it is to reduce haze Answer: B How many times does the Earth complete a revolution around the sun in a decade? A. twelve B. one C. ten D. two Answer: C Asia is home to more than half of the world's population and three of the four most crowded countries are in Asia. China, India, and Indonesia alone have more than 2.5 billion people. Until recently, most Asian nations fell behind the western countries in many fields. Government reform , however, has led to important progress in each of these Asian countries. Across the area, education systems have been improved and economies have been growing. Most Asian countries now have a system of compulsory education. Many countries have recently allowed private universities to be built, which was not allowed before. There are more chances for students to go to university now. However, in Asia, there are still not enough chances for students to get higher education and many people prefer to go abroad for further study. As a result, India, China, South Korea, Japan and other Asian countries send thousands of students to study in the United States and Europe each year. Part of the people in Asian countries can speak English, and English has become the most important language for business across the area. The percentage is the largest in Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, SriLanka and South Korea. Many people in China, India and Malaysia can also speak English. Some countries have made English part of the primary and secondary education program. In some countries, children begin to study English even at the age of 4 or 5. The population of Asia is about _ . A. 2.5 billion B. half of the world's population C. 1.3 billion D. 6 billion Answer: B
Extinction of a species is most likely to occur as a result of A. evolution B. migration C. selective breeding D. environmental changes Answer: D. environmental changes This is a true story that happened in Japan. In order to _ the house, a Japanese tore open the walls. Japanese houses normally have a empty space between the wooden walls. When tearing down the walls, he found that there was a lizard stuck there because a nail from outside was hammered into one of its feet. He saw this, feeling pity and curious. When he checked the nail, he found it was nailed 10 years ago when the house was first built. What happened? The lizard had survived in such a position for 10 years! It has been in a dark wall partition for 10 years without moving! Then he wondered how this lizard survived for 10 years without moving a single step--since its foot was nailed! So he stopped his work and observed the lizard: What has it been doing? What and how has it been eating? Later, he didn't know from where another lizard appeared, with food in its mouth. Ah! He was astonished and touched deeply. The free lizard had been feeding the stuck one for the past 10 years. Such love, a beautiful love! Such love happened with this tiny creature... What can love do? It can do wonders! Just think about it: one lizard had been feeding the other one untiringly for 10 long years, without giving up hope on its partner. If a small creature like a lizard can love like this, just imagine how we can love if we try. Why did the Japanese stop his work? A. To watch how long the lizard can still live here. B. To take out the nail and set the lizard free. C. To have a rest by watching the lizard. D. To find out why the lizard had survived here for 10 years. Answer: D. To find out why the lizard had survived here for 10 years. "People should have one meat-free day a week if they want to make a personal and effective sacrifice that would help deal with climate change," the world's leading authority on global warming has told The Observer. Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said that people should then go on to reduce their meat consumption even further. Pachauri, who was re-elected the panel's chairman for a second six-year term last week, said diet change was important because of the huge greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems associated with raising cattle and other animals. "It was relatively easy to change eating habits compared to changing means of transport," he said. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation has estimated that meat production accounts for nearly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. These are produced during the production. For example, ruminants , particularly cows, give off a gas called methane, which is 23 times more effective as a global warming agent than CO2. Pachauri can expect some opposite responses from the food industry to his advice, though last night he was given unexpected support by Masterchef presenter and restaurateur John Torode. "I have a little bit and enjoy it," said Torode. "Too much for any person is bad. But there's a bigger issue here: where the meat comes from. If we all bought British and stopped buying imported food, we'd save a huge amount of carbon emissions." Professor Robert Watson, the chief scientific adviser for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, said government could help educate people about the benefits of eating less meat, but it should not regulate. "Eating less meat would help, there's no question about that," Watson said. However, Chris Lamb, head of marketing for pig industry group BPEX, said the meat industry had been unfairly targeted and was working hard to find out which activities had the biggest environmental impact and reduce them. "Some ideas were contradictory," he said. "For example, one solution to emissions from cattle and other animals was to keep them indoors, but this would damage animal welfare. Climate change is a very young science and our view is there are a lot of simple solutions being proposed." What is directly related to global warming? A. Consumption of meat. B. Growth of cattle. C. Methane from ruminants. D. Processing of meat. Answer: C. Methane from ruminants. Hans Christian Andersen put Denmark on the map of the world literature with his stories The Emperor's New Clothes,The Little MermaidandThe Ugly Duckling. Now Copenhagen, the country's capital, has become the center of the world political map, with 190 world leaders attending the climate talks there, not to mention thousands of reporters. Just how much do you know about the Scandinavian country? Denmark is famous for its design culture. At the heart of "Danish Design" is the idea that, as poet and designer Piet Hein puts it: "There is one art, not more, nor less, [and that is] to do all things with artlessness ." Danish design places equal emphasis on practicality and quality. From Lego toys to furniture, Danish products are known for their clean lines, simplicity and functionality. "Remove material where it's not needed. Keep things simple and functional and make them carefully," explained Hans J. Wegner, the first Danish designer to achieve worldwide fame: "The aim is not to create a work of art, but to produce a good chair." "The Danes have done a better job than most in promoting arts in Europe, considering their country's size and population, in the fields of architecture, sculpture and design," writes Helena Smith, reporter with British newspaper the Guardian. The simplicity of Danish design may extend to the quality of life there. Some even claim that the Danes have the highest quality of life of any nation in the world. Kate Vial, a 55-year-old American who has lived and worked in Denmark for more than 30 years, explaining why she chooses to live in Denmark rather than the US, told Germany's biggest news weekly Der Spiegel: "I just chose a simpler lifestyle, one where I could ride my bike all over and where I don't have to make a great living to survive." What's the writer's purpose of mentioning Denmark's literature? A. To show the readers that Denmark is best known for its stories. B. To arouse readers' interest in Denmark. C. To tell the readers that this passage is related to literature. D. To show why Denmark can attract so many political leaders. Answer: B. To arouse readers' interest in Denmark. Paris Passengers carried per day: 4.4m Cost of ticket: 80p flat fare Length: 131 miles Lines: 14 Stations: 297 In Paris there are pleasures for those who use the Metro -- many of them artistic. The graceful Art Nouveau dragon-fly entrances are just the most noticeable on a Metro system which celebrated its 100thanniversary by spending 30 million francs (PS2.9million) on making its stations works of art. On my way home I pass Bonne Nouvelle station in the heart of Paris's cinema district. There, during the cinema festival this summer, special lighting effects dot the platforms and films are projected onto the large advertising boards. More than anything the metro is efficient. "When I worked on line 4", says a retired driver, "we had exactly 30 minutes and 15 seconds to complete the journey. If it took any longer, they cut our pay." But there are problems. Many Metro stations have too many stairs, and changing lines at big interchanges can be tiresome. Moscow Passengers carried per day: 9m Cost of ticket: 12p Length: 164 miles Lines: 11 Stations: 162 The first underground passage for the Moscow Metropolitan started in 1932. Three years later the trains started running. They haven't stopped since-- every 90 seconds or two minutes during rush hour, every five minutes the rest of the time, from 6 a.m. till 1 a. m. There may be a crowd of people but there is seldom a wait. The trains take you through spacious and spotless stations. For tourists it's a major sightseeing attraction: from Russian Art Deco to neo-classical, the Metro stations are not to be missed. Tokyo Passengers carried per day: 7m Cost of ticket: 90p ~ PS1.68 Length: 177 miles Lines: 12 Stations: 209 Trains do not just arrive on time in Tokyo. They stop right on the platform mark so that passengers can line up knowing exactly where the doors will open. Train driving is a respectful job for life, for which the applicants must pass a strict screening of health checks, interviews and written exams before they can put on the enviable uniform, cap and white gloves. However, overcrowding means it is far from perfect. At rush hours, some stations employ part-time platform staff to push in passengers. Carriages can be filled to 184% of capacity . The main reason for such conditions is that the Tokyo subway station system has only 15 miles of track for every 1 million people, compared to 36 on the London Underground. New lines are under construction, but at a cost of PS500,000 per meter of rail. Progress has been slow. Mexico City Passengers carried per day: 4.2m Cost of ticket: 11p flat fare Length: 99 miles Lines: 11 Stations: 175 Fast, relatively safe, and very cheap, Mexico City's underground is an ideal place of order and efficiency compared to the disorders above. The Mexican capital's underground system is the biggest in the continent and one of the most subsidized networks in the world. The first trains leave the station at 5 a.m. and the last after midnight as the crowd move from the outskirts of the 20 million-strong megacity . Mexico City's Metro also attracts a sizeable group of passengers who are unwilling to spend hours in traffic jams. There is a master plan to build new lines and extend existing one, but financial constraints complicated by the fact that the system runs through different jurisdicitons mean progress is slow. Why is the expansion of the underground system in Mexico City slow? A. The plan to extend existing lines is impractical. B. The government offers little financial support. C. People are unwilling to help build new lines. D. The lines involve several authorities. Answer: D. The lines involve several authorities.
Imagine a world where air pollution is no longer a problem. Clean air is all around us. People don't have to worry about polluting the air every time they drive their cars. They no longer need to face the problem of not having enough fuel either. Although scientists have been trying for many years to develop a new kind of car that does not need gasoline , _ have been unsuccessful. Recently, however, car engineers have succeeded in creating a new kind of car that runs on gasoline and electricity . This is the famous "hybrid car". This car gets its name from the fact that it has a gasoline engine and an electric motor inside. Hybrid cars do not pollute the environment as much as the cars that are commonly used today. They also cost drivers less money because they need less fuel than ordinary cars. Hybrid cars are becoming widely popular in the United States. They are soon expected to become widely used around the world. If scientists and engineers continue to work on car development, perhaps the world with clean air that we imagined earlier just might become real in the future. The best title for the passage would be _ . Answer: The Car of the Future Electrical flow can be slowed down if there is an insulator Answer: active Three "Great Walls" built around the United States' Tornado Alley could reduce tornadoes from destroying billions of dollars in property and endangering millions of lives, a physicist has claimed. Professor Rongjia Tao of Temple University, Philadelphia unveiled a proposal this week calling for the construction of three 1,000-foot barriers up to 100 miles long, which would act like hill ranges and soften winds before tornadoes could form, the BBC reports. The $16.9 billion plan would call for the faux hill ranges in North Dakota, along the border between Kansas and Oklahoma, and in Texas and Louisiana, ostensibly saving billions of dollars in damage every year, Tao said. The walls would not shelter towns, he said, but instead would soften the streams of hot southern and cold northern air that form tornadoes when they clash in the first place. But critics laughed at Tao's proposals. Leading tornado experts pointed to areas that are already protected by hill ranges the size of the barriers Tao is proposing, yet still have plenty of tornados, like parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. And even if the plan did work, it would create more problems than it would solve, scientists said, by creating catastrophic weather side effects. "Everybody I know is of 100% agreement - this is a poorly conceived idea," Professor Joshua Wurman of the Center for Severe Weather Research. "From what I can gather his concept of how tornadoes form is fundamentally flawed . Meteorologists cringe when they hear about 'clashing hot and cold air'. It's a lot more complicated than that." Which of following statements is true according to the passage? Answer: the plan will not be carried out because it will creating serious weather side effects. Bicycles, roller skates and skateboards are dangerous. I still have scars on my knees from my childhood run-ins with various wheeled devices. Admittedly, I was a foolish kid, but I'm glad I didn't spend my childhood trapped indoors to protect me from any injury. "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." But parents can't handle it when teenagers put this theory into practice. And now technology has become the new field for the age-old battle between adults and their freedom-seeking kids. Locked indoors, unable to get on their bicycles and hang out with their friends, teens have turned to social media and their mobile phones to gossip and socialize with their friends. What they do online often mirrors what they might otherwise do if their mobility weren't so heavily restricted in the age of helicopter parenting. Social media and smartphones have become so popular in recent years because teens need a place to call their own. They want the freedom to explore their identity and the world around them. Instead of climbing out of windows, they jump online. As teens have moved online, parents have projected their fears onto the Internet, imagining all the potential dangers that youth might face. Rather than helping teens develop strategies to deal with public life and the potential risks of interacting with others, fearful parents have focused on tracking, monitoring and blocking. These approaches don't help teens develop the skills they need to manage complex social situations. "Protecting" kids may feel like the right thing to do, but it denies teens the chances of learning as they come of age in a technology-soaked world. The key to helping youth in the modern digital life isn't more restrictions. It's freedom -- plus communication. Urban theorist Jane Jacobs used to argue that the safest neighborhoods were those where communities collectively took interest in and paid attention to what happened on the streets. Safety didn't come from surveillance cameras or keeping everyone indoors but from a collective willingness to watch out for one another and be present as people struggled. The same is true online. What makes the digital street safe is when teens and adults collectively agree to open their eyes and pay attention, communicate and work together to deal with difficult situations. Teens need the freedom to wander the digital street, but they also need to know that caring adults are behind them and supporting them wherever they go. The first step is to turn off the tracking software. Then ask your kids what they're doing when they're online -- and why it's so important to them. Teens go online mainly because _ . Answer: they need a space of their own Aava Whistler Hotel Star Ratings: Location: Whistler Rooms:192 Stay at the Aava Whistler Hotel (formerly Coast Whistler Hotel) and experience a great vacation. The Aava Whistler Hotel is within minutes from over a hundred shopping malls and restaurants. It also has a great number of recreational facilities, including swimming, diving and even skiing. Hotel services include 24-hour reception, laundry and room service. Guests can stay in cozy rooms equipped with air-conditioning, bathroom and television. From CNY=496 per night. Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel Star Ratings: Location: East Lundy's Lane Room:l66 Relax and unwind at the Best Western Cairn Hotel. This resort-style hotel is located just minutes from the airport. At the Best Western Cairn Croft, guests can enjoy a large number of recreational facilities, including children's activities, sightseeing and a swimming pool. Business travelers can also take advantage of spacious meeting and banqueting facilities for hosting corporate events. All rooms come with basic amenities . From CNY=439 per night. Clarion Hotel&Suites Downtown Montreal Star Ratings: Location:Montreal Rooms:266 Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the airport, the Clarion Hotel&Suite Downtown Montreal is a moderately-priced three-star hotel that provides services to both business and leisure travelers. The Clarion has spacious meeting facilities and modern business centers for business travelers. It also has a sauna and whirlpool where guest can relax. All rooms come with basic amenities, including cable TV and a kitchenette. From CNY=553 per night. Delta Bow Valley Hotel Star Ratings: Location:Calgary Rooms:398 The Delta Bow Valley Hotel is located a couple of blocks north of Olympic Plaza, east of James Short Park, and north-east of the Petro-Canada Centre. Apart from business and recreational services such as a business centre, fitness centre and restaurant, all rooms in the Delta come with a mini-bar and in-house movies. From CNY=l, 227 per night. If you want to check in to a hotel at three o'clock in the morning you can stay at _ . Answer: Aava Whistler Hotel
Daniel Hillel developed drip irrigation techniques. The techniques make farming possible in places where there is not enough water. Because of this, he won this year's World Food Prize. Hillel is using the techniques in his orchards near his home in Israel. Irrigating drop by drop -- called drip irrigation -- has changed agriculture by greatly reducing the amount of water needed. Farmers now rely on it in places from Spain, to Africa, to America. "We in California grow about 50 percent of the fruits and vegetables of the continental United States," says Jan Hopmans from University of California at Davis. "And these drip irrigation techniques make it possible." Hillel got his start in dry land farming in Israel's Negev Desert in the 1950s. "The key was making good use of water," he says. "There's much land. Water is limited." These farmers did not have the advantage of running irrigation water through channels to their crops. So Hillel and others gave plants just what they needed and just where they needed it. "The idea is to use water little by little," Hillel says. It worked so well that Hillel was soon traveling around the world, showing others how to do it. Experts say drip irrigation's importance is growing, as climate change and rising population make water supplies become few in many parts of the world. "This is where water use, climate change and crop production all meet at one point," Hillel says. "And this has been really the essence of my career." A career whose importance can be measured drop by drop. Drip irrigation is popular because _ . Answer: What do people do with their old, out-of-date but still useful computers? Most people don't know what to do with them. Many old computers are put away in homes. Many more are simply thrown out with the rubbish. Finally, some companies are thinking of ways to bring down the number of old computers. Sony has agreed to help recycle old Sony products . Dell, Hewlett-Packard and other companies now also take back some old computers. In some countries, laws are being passed, too. Computer companies will have to pay for collecting and recycling their used products. And 70% of computer waste must be recycled. The idea behind the laws is that computer companies themselves should pay the cost. That will encourage them to make computers that are easier and cheaper to repair and upgrade . Yet while many people are throwing away good computers, others cannot afford them at all. Hundreds of organizations are working to solve this problem. They collect and repair old computers. Some also teach others how to repair computers. The computers then go to schools, charities and people who need them. Giving a used computer to one of these organizations can turn one person's rubbish into someone else's useful things--and cut down on waste, too. According tothe laws in some countries, computer companies must _ . Answer: Group buying is one of the fastest growing trends in South Africa today. Industry leaders are confident the growth potential remains strong since group buying is location-specific. Start-up costs are low and profit room remains high, so many sites continue to receive invested money despite widespread criticism and Facebook's decision to _ deal business due to privacy concerns. In the early stages of all industries, some companied fail because they cannot compete with stronger companies in difficult economic conditions. To deal with difficult conditions, an alarming number of businesses are developing group buying websites in places like China and India, so the increase of group buying in South Africa is nothing more than a natural progression into the international mainstream. The group buying concept is fairly new and consumers have accepted this concept because they can now make full use of the rich information available on the Internet. Group buying is convenient and easy so it works. Anyone can view a site, join a mailing list, subscribe to RSS or print out a coupon . The current group buying structure offered by the industry leaders works although there are still challenges to overcome. Perhaps, the future of group buying is tied to the joining together of social media and mobile devices. Mobile devices are with us wherever we go and almost everyone is using some type of social media site like Facebook or Twitter to stay informed. Using GPS and social media technology to provide real time location-specific promotions would be beneficial to every consumer looking for the best deals in town. Pause for a moment and think about it! What is better than signing on to your phone while having fun in town and you receive a real time information that your favorite shop across the street is offering a killer dial? The future of the group buying in South Africa is bright and we can expect to see more advanced approaches to this concept in the future. In addition to the technological advances consumers will see the range of promotions expand to include new products and services. The author sets China and India as examples to show that _ . Answer: Antifreeze is a liquid that is added to water to keep it from freezing. When water freezes and turns to ice,it expands .The force of water expanding is so great that it will break the hardest metal.Water is used in car engines to keep them cool while they run,and if this water is allowed to freeze in winter it can break the iron block of the engine.That is why antifreeze is necessary. Water freezes at 0degC;the usual kind of antifreeze will not freeze until the temperature is-40degC.A mixture of five parts of water and four parts of antifreeze will prevent freezing at-18degC;four parts of water and five parts of antifreeze reduce this to -22degC. Alcohol is a kind of good antifreeze,but when the air is running it becomes hot and the alcohol boils away,so it must be changed very often.Most people use antifreeze that does not boil away when the engine is running.There are several chemicals that do this.One of the most popular is called ethylene glycol. We use antifreeze in order to _ . Answer: Most animals protect their young until they are old enough to take care of themselves. A fish that swims in the rivers of South America protects its young in a very strange way. This fish, a kind of catfish, uses its mouth to keep its babies from danger . When this catfish lays its eggs, it carries them in its mouth. From what we know, it does not eat during this time. After the eggs hatch , the fish swims with its young to protect them. It opens its mouth when danger appears , and the tiny fish swim inside. They swim out only when it's safe again. These catfish may have a _ way to protect their young, but it seems to work. The catfish in the story live in _ . Answer:
Doing homework not only can help children master the knowledge they have learned, but also can train their abilities of finishing the work alone, planning the time and doing the duties. But some children don't like to complete the work. Why? There are some reasons. Some children feel it is very difficult to do their homework, because they can't understand their teacher clearly, and can't follow their teacher's teaching process. Maybe there is something wrong with their _ But some children's intelligence is normal. They are even cleverer, but they don't listen to the teacher carefully. It is hard for them to sit well and pay attention to anything. It needs to carry on the attention centralized training to help the children. Some children love their teacher and then they like the subject. Their interest depends on the teacher who teaches them. So every teacher should be helpful and kind. It can make children love you and the subject you teach. So they can do their homework happily. Doing homework can help children _ . A master the knowledge B train their abilities C lean new lessons D Both A and B Answer: D. Both A and B Phil Donahue,the former television talk show host,had something of a reputation for giving clergy a hard time,and he has said the reason he's that way is that he has little respect for them.Most clergy will do anything for some media attention,he says.In his autobiography ,however, he tells about an encounter with a minister who was different.It happened while Donahue was a young television reporter in Ohio,and one day he was sent to West Virginia in the bitter cold winter to cover a mine disaster.He went by himself in a battered little car, carrying a mini camera to film the story. It was so cold when he got there,however, the camera wouldn't work.So he put it inside his coat to warm it up enough to run.In the meantime,the families of the trapped miners were gathered around.The),were just simple mining people--women,old men,and children.Several of the trapped men were fathers. Then the local minister arrived.He was tall and thin,and he didn't speak well at a11.But he gathered all the families around in a circle,and the held one another in their arms while he prayed for them. As this was going on,Donahue was still trying to get his camera to work,and he was extremely disappointed because he couldn't film the scene.Finally,after the prayer was over,Donahue managed to get his camera operating.So he told the minister he had his camera working now and asked if the minister would please do the prayer again so he could film it for the evening news. This simple West Virginia preacher, however,told Donahue,"Young man,we don't pray for the news.I'm sorry,but we've already prayed,and I will not pose." To this day,Donahue remembers that minister with respect.You don't forget that kind of character,no matter who you are or what you believe. For what purpose did Donahue go to West Virginia one day? A To report on an accident. B To rescue the miners. C To film the praying of a minister. D To witness a disaster. Answer: A. To report on an accident. Welcome to the zoo Day open : Fees : Monday to Friday Adults : $ 8. 00 10:00 am~6:00 pm Ages 8~14: $ 3. 00 Saturday to Sunday Ages 15~18 : $ 6. 00 8 :00 am~8 :00 pm Under 8 : Free Try our train ride for $ 2. 00 per person! ,. . If you are 13 and your brother is 7, how much do you pay for the train ride? A 3 dollars. B 4 dollars. C 6 dollars. D 7 dollars. Answer: B. 4 dollars. Thirteen-year-old Greg Hoffman had been begging his parents for an iPhone all year. So on Christmas morning he was thrilled to find the object of his desire under the tree, but there was a _ . The phone came with an 18-point set of terms and conditions that he had to agree to before the phone could be his. And the agreement did not come from Apple or the phone provider, it was from his mother. His mom, Janell Hoffman, included a contract along with the iphone that listed eighteen conditions or rules that Greg has to follow if he wants to keep it. Some of the rules limit the time he can use the phone; not after 7:30 p.m , and he can't take it to school. He also has to promise not to send "hurtful" text messages and e-mails to people; give his passwords to his parents, and always answer the phone when his mom or dad calls. Greg also has to use his own money to replace the phone if it's broken or lost Janell says the idea behind the contract is to teach her son to have a sense of responsibility and to learn to "co-exist with technology, not be ruled by it'. She told him not to use this technology to lie, fool, or cheat another human being. Most of the terms do not just apply to the iphone, but to life. She also advised him to, "keep your eyes up. See the world happening around you," "Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Take a walk. Talk to a stranger. Wonder without Googling." "You are growing up in a fast and ever changing world. It is exciting and enticing. Trust your powerful mind and giant heart above any machine. I hope that you understand it is my job to raise you into a well rounded, healthy young man that can function in the world and coexist with technology, not be ruled by it," "I love you. I hope you enjoy your awesome new iPhone. Merry Christmas!" Mom gave her son the 18-point contracts with the iphone in order to _ A keep in touch with him at any time B teach him to have a sense of responsibility C let him learn to use new technology D adjust himself o the ever changing world Answer: B. teach him to have a sense of responsibility Ever since farmers began to grow grain, they have had to protect their crops from birds. In the 1300's, English farmers hired children to protect their crops. They were called "bird scares". The children chased birds and threw stones at them. Bird scares were replaced in the 1800's by scarecrows. A scarecrow is anything that is set in a field to scare birds away. Often it is a pole dressed like a person. Some farms with small fields still use scarecrows today. Farming became big business in the twentieth century. Scarecrows could no longer protect the huge fields of grain, so farmers used poisonous chemicals on the fields. The poison made the grain bitter. The birds usually would not eat the bitter grain. Although they can prevent crops from being destroyed by insects and birds, some chemicals can be harmful to humans. Therefore, farmers are using fewer chemicals now than they did twenty years ago. Perhaps scarecrows may be seen more often in the fields in the future. Which statement from the passage supports the idea that scarecrows may be seen more often in the fields in the future? A Scarecrows could no longer protect fields. B They were called "bird scares". C English farmers hired children. D Farmers are using fewer chemicals. Answer: D. Farmers are using fewer chemicals.
Nowadays the problem of the generation gap is becoming more and more serious. Poor relationship between parents and their children are very common. Whether we like it or not, our parents are responsible for us at least until we're out of high school. So rather than get upset about that fact, maybe we should focus on some ways to make our relationship better. The best way, in my opinion, is to learn to really communicate with my parents. When I find myself arguing with my mom and dad, I try to stop. If I can manage to stop myself from talking, I usually find that I can calm down quickly. I guess I'm usually acting out of emotion rather than logic . But if I can stop arguing for a minute, it seems that my opinion changes and I start to realize that I'm a bit childish. Emotionally I may still be upset, but logically I understand that yelling and fighting surely won't make things better. Once I've stopped arguing, I look at my parents in the eye. You'd be amazed at how much easier it is to communicate with your parents when you've actually looking at them. Looking away doesn't do much of anything except for giving them the impression that I'm not listening or that I don't care. It's much easier to see things eye to eye when you're physically seeing them eye to eye. Finally, I listen to what they're saying (or at least I try). Communication can't happen unless both sides hear and listen to each other. There is nothing wrong with my hearing, but that doesn't mean I always listen to the sounds that people are making. When I argue with my parents, I can physically hear what they're saying without mentally listening to it. Whether I admit it or not, my parents' experience can actually help them give me some pretty sound advice at times. I don't always agree with them, but I think it's safe to say that it has truly helped our relationship in the long run. Which of the following advice is NOT mentioned in the passage? A. Looking B. Smiling warmly C. Listening D. Stopping arguing Answer: B Do you know electricity can change the way we taste food?Proving this fact is a revolutionary electric fork designed by Japanese researchers that can make any dish taste salty. According to Hiromi Nakamura,a Post Doc Research Fellow at Tokyo's Meiji University,the technology can be very useful for people on special diets.Patients with high blood pressure,for instance,can easily go on a low-salt diet and still enjoy delicious food.And with the fork,there's ly no risk of over-salting their food.Luckily,the voltage is so small that there is no risk of electrocution either. The idea of adding electricity to food was first exposed as an experiment at the Computer Human Interaction Conference in Austin,Texas,in 2012.Nakamura and her team connected a wire to a 9-volt battery and passed it through a straw placed in a cup of sweet lemonade.Volunteers reported that the charged lemonade tasted'blander',because the electricity created the taste of salt. Nakamura has improved the technology to be able to transfer an electric charge to food through forks and chopsticks."The metallic part of the fork is one electrode ,and the handle is the other,"Nakamura explained."When you take a piece of food with the fork and put it in your mouth,you connect the circuit.When you remove the fork from your mouth,you disconnect the circuit.So it actually works as a switch." Simon Klose,host of food program Munchies,who recently visited Nakamura to try out the fork himself,called this form of'food hacking'one of the greatest eating experiences he'd ever had. "When I first heard of electric food,it sounded scary,"he said.He later continued to use a charged fork to eat pieces of fried chicken,and found that the saltiness considerably increased as the electricity was connected. Nakamura has been eating'electric'food for the past three to four years in an attempt to understand it better."For me,'food hacking'is about strengthening or weakening real food,"she said."It may seem like we're cooking but we're actually working on the human senses." From the passage,we learn that the electric fork . A. creates virtual taste B. changes people's diets C. helps cure diseases D. replaces salt in cooking. Answer: A B Gift Idea The other day I was shopping for Grandma when I realized I had no gift ideas at all. It was not a birthday gift or anything like that. It was simply sort of a hello gift. That is how we do things in my family. We don't really give gifts for special occasions. Instead, we occasionally just give presents to each other to tell other people that we are thinking about them. That was why I wanted a gift for Grandma. But it was like my imagination had dried up. I have gone through all of the gift ideas in previous years, fruits, wines, cheeses, little handmade crafts, and anything else that you can give to a grandmother. I had even given her gift watches, and CDs. What else was there? I have always found gift ideas for men a little bit easier than for women, because for men, you can always get the usual things, such as video games, power tools and things like that. With a woman's gift idea, however, you have to know more about her. You cannot just get someone a book or a CD. You have to know all about her taste in movies, music, and literature. My grandmother likes to read a lot, but what she likes is always pretty popular. I didn't want to get her a book that she might not like, but I was running out of time. I needed a gift idea for this weekend and went to visit her. After all, I hadn't seen her for a long time. I wanted to give her a gift so she would not feel ignored. Finally, I came up with the perfect gift idea. I made a collection of all the stories I had written in the past year. It wasn't a typical gift idea like a bunch of flowers, but it really worked in the situation. You see, I am a writer and my grandma has always been my fan. Anyway, I had been learning about bookbinding recently, and had pretty much mastered the art. I figured that I would add a little bit of handmade artwork to the stories, bind it altogether, and give it to her. It took hours to complete, but it was well worth the effort. She ly loved it. We can learn from the passage that _ . A. the writer is a successful novelist B. most people are particular about gifts C. the writer's grandma has a good taste in art D. the writer's family will give gifts on regular days Answer: D Can you communicate with others when you live in a foreign country with no or little knowledge of its language? Of course, it is possible. You can communicate your moods and intentions to one another without words, because all human beings share a lot of common visual signals. These signals are as effective as words during communication. The gestures of the head play a key role in body language. The movements of eyes and eyebrows are as important as head movements in body language. Besides the gestures of the head or the movements of the eyes and eyebrows, the action of arms, hands and legs is also a large part of body language. Extending one's arm and shaking hands with others is a greeting in both formal and informal cases. This part of body language might date back to primary tribes . Like handshaking, there are still many other forms of body language presented by hands. Raising one's hand and making a circle with his thumb and for finger signals, that something is OK. Clasped hands raised above the head, a traditional picture accepted by sportsmen after winning a fight, is a display of triumph that grows out of a kind of feeling following a victory. Waving one's hands, a speaker can make his words more powerful and vigorous . Besides hand gestures, there are times when a person says something with his legs as well as with his head and eyes. The leg gestures often reflect one's attitude towards something or someone that person is with. According to the above facts, body language has offered a more reliable way to understand one's mind by means of gestures. Though it is soundless and wordless, once you understand it, you will feel the world is bigger than you realized. What's the characteristic of body language? A. Soundless and wordless. B. Difficult to understand. C. Powerful and vigorous. D. Effective and normal Answer: A Teachers' Day is, interestingly, not celebrated on the same day all over the world. In some countries it is marked by a holiday, in others it is a working day. International Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 5. Being held ever since 1994, it is in honor of teachers' organizations worldwide. Its aim is to encourage supports for teachers and to meet the needs of students. China--In 1939, Teachers' Day was set for August 27, Confucius' birthday. In1951, the celebration was stopped. However, it was founded again in 1985, and the day was changed to September 10. India--Teachers' Day is celebrated on September 5 in honour of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second president of India, whose birthday falls on that day. Russia--In Russia, Teachers' Day was celebrated on the first Sunday of October between 1965 and 1994. Since 1994, the day is _ on October 5, just the same day as World Teachers' Day. The US--In the US, Teachers' Day is non-official holiday. It is celebrated on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. A number of activities are organized in schools to honor teachers. The celebrations can continue for the whole week of May. Thailand--In Thailand, National Teachers' Day is celebrated every year on January 16. The first Teachers' Day was held in 1957. The day is a holiday in schools. From the passage we can learn that _ . A. The first Teachers' Day was held in 1965 in Thailand. B. Teachers' Day falls on Confucius' birthday in China. C. International Teachers' Day aims to benefit the students. D. Teachers' Day is celebrated on the same day all over the world. Answer: C
In most parts of the world, many students help their schools make less pollution.They join environment clubs.In an environment club, people work together to make our environment clean. Here are some things students often do. No-garbage lunches.How many lunch bags do you throw away after lunch? Environment clubs ask students to bring their lunches in bags that can be used again.Every week they will choose the classes that make the least garbage and report them to the whole school. No-car day.On a no-car day, nobody comes to school in a car including the students and the teachers.Cars give pollution to us, so remember: Walk, jump, bike, or run! Use your legs! It's lots of fun! Turn off the water! Do you know that some toilets can waste twenty to forty cubic meters of water an hour? In a year, that would fill in a small river. In the environment clubs, students mend those broken toilets. We love our environment.Let's work together to make it better. Environment clubs ask students _ . Answer: Do you plan to study at American University ?It takes a long time to get accepted at most American schools,perhaps as much as a year.That's why you should start choosing a school as soon as possible.It's also a good idea to apply to several different schools,so that you'll have a better chance of being accepted at one. You should start looking for information now ,because the more information you have about each college,the better choice you can make. There are two good ways to get information you need.One is a general reference book,called Guide to American Colleges and Universities.The other good source of information is the catalogue published by each school. You can study the general guide in almost any American library.This book has a lot of useful information,such as the number of students,the average test score for people accepted to the school,and the number of books in the library.You can also find the address of each school in this book. Although the general guidebook has helpful information,some of the facts may be out-of-date.For example,many school raise their tuition every year.Since you'll need to know what your education will cost,out-of-date information will not be good enough.To be sure that you are getting the latest information,write to the university and ask for its catalogue.The catalogue not only has more detailed information.For example,the catalogue can tell you what kinds of courses are offered,and what kind housing there is in the school.Some universities have places for you to live in,but at others you have to find your own place to live. With all this information,you should be able to pick out several good schools. What is the main topic of this talk? Answer: It may seem to be a hard task to trace back the history of rap music, though you often see the informal music associated with highly informal dance style. As far as the origin of rap music is concerned, most people agree that it is from Afro-American and Latino Street culture of New York City. Not only in this city but in the surrounding areas there is the influence of African people and their culture. Rap is a vocal style in which the performer speaks rhythmically and in rhyme, generally to a beat. The term of rap music is the same with hip-hop music typically-consisting of a rhythmic vocal style called rap. If we see it carefully, then we will definitely notice that the music usually is sung at higher pitches . Most of the time rap music is associated with chorus. Though rap music was primarily an American music style with African influence over its music and lyrics, recently it has been spread to almost the entire world. There is hardly any country or nation where rap music cannot be seen in some form or another, and it is one of the most popular music styles among the youngsters. However, when it comes to its history, it is believed that hip-hop or rap music started in the early 1970s,and gained much popularity throughout the world during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The history of rap music and hip-hop music is full of controversies and bans, as the lyrics sometimes relate to drugs and crime; even most famous pop stars and hip-hop musicians and singers were found to be associated with the controversies in their life. For that reason, no matter how popular this music style was or still is, it has always had a bad reputation in the eyes of mainstream society. Rap music is now one of the music styles mostly run after by _ . Answer: Ellie and her grandfather went to the beach late in the afternoon. "Why are we going to the beach, Grandpa?" Ellie asked. He smiled a big old smile. "We're looking for treasure," he said. He carried two small plastic shovels and a basket. "What's in the basket?" she asked. "Some pie and soda to celebrate when we find our treasure." He gave his granddaughter a happy laugh. They picked a spot and started digging. They found only sand. They picked another spot by some rocks and found all sorts of small and interesting little stones. Ellie grinned at their odd shapes and colors. They dug further away from the water and found an old bottle. Ellie threw it away into the trash can. They dug closer to the water and found many sea shells. Ellie clapped happily at how smooth and nice they felt. They had much fun digging, but it started to get late. Her grandpa seemed sad. "We did not find any treasure after all," he said. "How about that, grandpa?" she said, pointing toward the pretty sunset that made the water appear yellow and bright. He grandfather laughed. "That is a great treasure after all." Ellie and her grandfather laughed and hugged. They ate pie happily and watched the sun set. What did they eat when they watched the sunset? Answer: When two unequal forces act in opposite directions on a moving object, the object will Answer:
Everyone makes mistakes in life, but for whales and dolphins, the "mistake" of landing on the shore costs the highest price---their lives. People living along the coast of Australia and New Zealand have been shocked and saddened by the number of whales and dolphins that they have found on their beaches recently. Since November 28th, 96 whales and dolphins have died in Australia and 53 whales died in New Zealand. Although 20 whales were saved, some of these were not expected to live, as they were too weak to swim with the others back to sea. Bob Brown, leader of Australia's Green party, said the mass beaching was caused by the recent "sound bombing" of the ocean floor between the two countries. This is a method of testing for oil and gas reserves . But mass beaching of whales has long puzzled scientists. Typically most members of the stranded group will appear to be perfectly healthy. "Some researchers believe that close relationship within the group causes the problem, if one gets into trouble, the others will not leave" said Shery Gibney, a leading biologist in New Zealand. "Some will come in and try and assist it; if they get trapped on the beach, then more will come." Another common theory is that the whales' navigation system are thought to break down in some way. It has been said that whales follow electromagnetic patterns in the sea-bed. The whales can get confused because these patterns sometimes change. That would be a bit like a new roundabout being built on a road you were used to driving on. You might be confused for a minute when you come to it for the first time, and you might even take a wrong turning before getting back on your route. A different idea is that when whales chase fish for food they end up in shallow waters because they are not paying attention to where they are going. And yet, from time to time a group will swim on purpose into shallow waters and end up on the beach, where they die. If returned to the sea, some whales often show great determination in restraining themselves. Which of the following couldn't probably lead to the mass beaching of whales? A A change in the electromagnetic patterns that whales follow. B New roundabout being built on a road. C Their full attention to the search for food. D Exploiting natural resources in oceans. Answer: B. New roundabout being built on a road. When Ben Franklin was only a boy, he always wanted to know about things. He was always asking his father and brothers 'What?' and 'How?' and 'Why?' They couldn't always tell him what he wanted to know. When they couldn't tell him, Ben tried to find out for himself. Many times Ben did find out things that no one knew before. The other boys would say, 'That is Ben Franklin! He's always finding out something new!' Ben lived close to the water. He liked to go there to see the boats. He saw how the wind blew them across the water. One day Ben said to himself: 'Why can't the wind help me float across the water? And I'm going to try.' Ben got his big kite.He took hold of the kite string and ran with it. The wind took the kite up into the air.Then Ben jumped into the water. The wind blew the kite high into the air.Ben began to float across the water.Soon he was on the other side, and he had not worked at all. One boy shouted, 'Look at Ben floating across the water! His kite takes him to the other side without any work!' 'Yes,' said another. 'He's always finding new ways to do things.' When he was only a child, Ben _ . A liked to fly a kite by himself B always asked easy questions C always liked to play with water D always liked to find out how things worked Answer: D. always liked to find out how things worked I became a stand- up comic at 12:45 yesterday afternoon when I walked onto a comedy club stage and did a "bit". It was an audition in which people had exactly two minutes each to perform for a producer. I am not a comic, have never appeared onstage, am awkward before many people, and have no social skills. But I have written some funny things in the newspapers, and I figured that if you can write funny, you can be funny. That was my first mistake. Good stand - up comics improve their acts over months if not years, practicing before bathroom mirrors or their friends. I developed the key skill the morning I went on. I also brought a box of plastic beads , because I figured they could be useful. For the first few seconds, I was simply staring forward, mouth open, expressing the concept:"Uuungh". Finally I said, "This is my first performance as a stand - up comic. It's a kind of a special moment for me. I'd like to take this opportunity to say something to my mother, who was an inspiration to me throughout my life. My mother passed away a few years ago, but I feel she is still with me. All the time, wherever I go, I feel her presence. Day in and day out. So I would like to say this to her. LEAVE ME ALONE, MA!" Some people actually laughed. Then I said, "Anyway, this really is my first time onstage, and I'm pretty nervous because I'm not all that funny and I have a really bad stage presence. But I've been working on the problem. A long time ago a Greek guy named Demosthenes had the same problem I have, and he became a great speaker by sticking pebbles in his mouth, so I thought I would (and here I began putting the beads in my mouth) try that. See, the idea is that if you can talk through the pebbles ( now I was putting them in by the handful) you can learn to talk better and wfnm fmuff frmphm grphnm . . ." More laughter. I looked at my watch, said something that might have sounded like "My time is up," and left to somewhat spirited applause. What the audience did not know was that I was quietly choking on a slippery bead. What made some people laugh at first? A The author's words. B The author's life story. C The author's facial expression. D The author's body movements. Answer: A. The author's words. Joe:What do you do on weekends? David:Well, I usually have to study on Saturdays. Joe:And how about Sundays? David:Well, we have lunch together. You know, all of the members of my family. Then after lunch, I go to the park and meet my friends. Joe:Oh? What do you do there? David:We play football. After that I usually go to see a film outside the city. Joe:Do you often go out of the city? David:About once a month. My uncle has a small farm. Joe:It's nice. Do you go alone? David:No, my mum, my two sisters and some of my friends go there, too. Joe:But why do you go there? David:Many things: green trees, clean air, and there are few people. What does David do on Saturdays? A Study. B Go to the park. C Play football. D Go out of the city. Answer: A. Study. Once I mentioned the story of a friend getting something made for me to give my daughter as a present, and then not letting me pay her back. Writing about that made me think about the problem of communicating feelings, particularly in cross - cultural situations. Let me explain. If I say to a fellow English - speaker, "I know how you feel," what I am actually saying is that I can imagine myself in the same position, and therefore can imagine how I would feel. But my friend could perfectly correctly reply, "No, you don't! You can't." In truth we can communicate how strongly we feel, but we cannot communicate exactly what we feel. But if we come from the same linguistic and cultural background, the match can be close enough. Culture and language cannot be separated, and I think that we have the feelings that are recognized in our culture and therefore represented in our language. One might say that we feel the things that our language allows us to express. So when it comes to trying to explain feelings to someone of a different mother tongue, the difficulties are huge. I could not explain to my friend how I felt about her not letting me repay her, because Chinese culture, it seems, does not recognize the same feelings on such occasions. She could understand the words that I was using, but could not understand what I was trying to say. Some time ago, I was going up in the lift, and a colleague with whom I merely have a nodding acquaintance was offering round some sweetmeat. I knew that I really could not eat it, so I refused politely, only to be told that I was making her lose face. I have no idea how serious the colleague was being. Causing someone to lose face is a serious social mistake. We have to do all we can to learn the types of situation in which it happens, and to try to avoid them. But we can only know about losing face, we can't feel losing face, as the term is merely a literal translation of Chinese, not one that is native to English. What does the author mean by saying "... the match can be close enough." A They can share similar opinions and thoughts. B They can make a perfect couple. C There can be some competition between them. D They are even in a match. Answer: A. They can share similar opinions and thoughts.
There was once a leprechaun named Tony who spent his days at the end of a rainbow guarding his golden bowl of cereal. Tony was one of the toughest leprechauns in all the land, so no one dared to mess with him or try to take his bowl. That is, until an angel named Jess fell from Heaven. Jess had broken her wing, so she had no choice but stay on Earth, and could not return to the sky. So she chose to make the best of it and went to see all of the beautiful and interesting things on Earth. One day, she came across Tony's rainbow, and was amazed by it. She followed the rainbow to the end, wondering what could be there. Then she saw it: Tony's golden bowl. From the time she saw the bowl, she knew she wanted it. She had heard about how tasty cereal was when she lived in Heaven, but she never tried it for herself. When she went to have some of the cereal, Tony the Leprechaun popped out from behind the rainbow and laughed at her. "Don't you know," he said, "that I'm the toughest leprechaun in all the land? What makes you think you can eat a box of cereal from my golden bowl?" The angel saw that he was right, and she couldn't argue with him. So she left to find something to trade. She came across a seesaw which looked very interesting. She thought that Tony might like it, so she brought the seesaw to his rainbow and said, "I've come bearing a seesaw." When Tony saw the seesaw, he loved it. He didn't argue or laugh at Jess, and traded for his bowl right there. Jess ate from it, and it was delicious. What did Jess want? If you happen to find "On the Road" at a gas station or "Who Moved My Cheese?" in your grocery store, it might not be and accident. You could be the unwitting beneficiary of a "bookcrosser"---- a person who on purpose leaves books in public places hoping they'll be found by strangers. The idea o leaving a book for someone else to find and enjoy is not new ---- some people have been leaving just-finished books in airports and on buses since the dawn of the hurry-up-and-wait. Creating a system for book-leavers to find out what happened to those books adds a new way to the practice. Bokcrossing.com, the website that encourages books to be "released into the wild", has more than 18,000 members since its start last year, and averages 112 new participants daily. Its members have scattered more than 42,000 novels, self-help books, memoirs, technical manuals and biographies in 45 countries, leaving them in public restrooms, movie theatres, coffee studios or anywhere that they can imagine. The result: a worldwide living library. Peri Doslu, a California yoga instructor, has dropped three--- one on top of a telephone booth, one on a rock wall at remote Mono Lake in the eastern Sierra Nevada, and another in one of the studios where she teaches. "I'm always looking for paces to pass on books," said Doslu. "To think my book's going to go off and have this future, and I might even get to know a little bit about it down the road." A bookcrosser may not leave books in _ . When you sit in the classroom, do you suddenly feel that summer flew by so quickly? I'm still thinking about taking walks in the park and meeting my friends at night. But I know that the school season is beginning. And homework, tests and routine all come with it. When I stay in my room and write my homework, I often look out of the window and look back at this summer. In the past two months of summer break, I spent many evenings in my backyard. I listened to my parents telling stories about their childhood. My brother caught fireflies . Once in a while, we made a barbecue and ate chicken and corn. Now I'm back to school. It's difficult to find time to do everything that I want to do, like dancing, reading, and sleeping. How I hope to have another break in my studies! I could read a fun book instead of the boring ones that we have to read for English class. Still, I should not feel sad. Summer gave me time to relax, good memories, laughter, and the experience of new friendships. But without school, I would never appreciate the happy moments in summer and the responsibilities that I have now. What's more, there are only 10 more months to go until summer comes again. And in the meantime, I can have lots of fun with my friends as we begin our high school experience together. What does the writer think of the reading for English class? Which has renewable resources? Babies are born yogis. Once we were all able to pull our toes up by our ears and laugh about it. Then we aged, got injured, and began carrying stress in our shoulders and back. In short, we lost our balance. Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit. It brings us balance. I was seriously out of balance when I started practicing yoga in 1999. I had plantar facilities in both feet, and my doctor had warned me against all the things I loved to do: walking, hiking, and playing tennis. I was desperate for exercise. Yoga became my salvation and even enhanced my other fitness activities. I practice yoga at least twice a week, but I consider yoga to be part of my daily life because after a while you no longer just practice yoga--you love it. Yoga becomes part of your physical life. Your body grows stronger, more toned, and more flexible as you move from one pose to the other. I spent a week in Mexico at a yoga retreat, and it was the first vacation on which I lost weight. "Rather than building muscle, yoga builds muscle tone," says Shakta Kaur Khalsa, author of the K.I.S.S. Guide to Yoga. "Because yoga helps maintain a balanced metabolism , it also helps to regulate weight. Additionally, yoga stretches muscles lengthwise, causing fat to be removed around the cells." I do yoga poses throughout the day. After hours at my computer, I stretch my stiff shoulders and arms. When I need a boost of energy, I do energizing poses. When I am feeling exhausted at the end of the day, I do restorative poses. Yoga becomes part of your mental life. Yoga teaches you to focus on breathing while you hold the poses. This attention to breath is calming; it dissolves stress and anxiety. I use yogic breathing on the tennis courts, in the dentist's chair, and in traffic jams. You should always leave a yoga practice feeling energized, not tired. If you feel tired after yoga, it means you spent the time "fighting" yourself, trying to force yourself into poses. In yoga, you "surrender" to the pose by letting go of the tension. Yoga becomes part of your spiritual life. Yoga is practiced by people from all religions; it is not restricted to any religious group. Yoga teaches "right" living in how we deal with ourselves and others. As I work on a difficult pose, I learn patience, forgiveness, and the value of gentleness. Yoga advocates proper eating, but you don't have to be a vegetarian to practice yoga. What would be the best title for this passage?

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