Split (1)

train · 20k rows

text stringlengths 1.53k 16.3k
Question: This morning as I was getting the children ready or school, I helped them prepare breakfast and pack their lunches. I reviewed spelling words with them and made sure that their homework was collected in their bags. I had seen the weather forecast for the day and knew it was going to remain cool all day. I suggested they wear sweaters for the walk to the us stop. My kids chose to _ my advice. My son decided that all he needed was a T-shirt, not a sweater. I didn't force them to wear sweaters and we went to the bus stop. It is a full kilometer walk to the top of a treeless hill and the wind felt like a knife cutting through the skin. My children endured the cold until halfway, when I gave them with the sweaters I had quietly carried under my arm. Then took them without complaint, and I bit my tongue from saying, "I told you so." What I was asking my children to do was to trust me. Trust Mom to have their best interests in mind. Trust Mom to know what she is talking about. Even though they didn't know that I had read the outdoor thermometer before they woke up and I had seen the day's weather forecast, I wanted them to trust me. By ignoring me, they were saying that they didn't believe I knew what was best for them. What they knew was that yesterday was a warm enough day for shorts. What they knew was that it was warm enough in the house to wear shorts. Therefore, they felt sure enough to make their own decision on what to wear outside. Too many times we depend on what we know of yesterday, and how we feel today, and so we make decisions based on them. Too many times we think that we know better, so we can deal with things better. But we are wrong. The author writes this passage to _ . A. tell the readers how to ask for advice B. offer advice on how to teach children C. explain the importance of trusting others D. give advice on how to make decisions Answer: C Question: Once Lu Xun spoke to the young men about the study of foreign languages. He said: " You must not give up studying foreign languages for even a day. To master a language, words and grammatical rules are not enough. You must do a lot of reading. Take a book and force yourself to read it. At the same time, turn to dictionaries and memorize grammatical rules. After reading a book, it's only natural that you won't understand it all. Never mind. Put it aside, and start another one. In a few months or half a year, go over the first book again; you are sure to understand much more than before ... Young people have good memories. If you memorize a few words every day and keep on reading all the time, in four or five years, you will certainly be able to read works in the foreign language. What's Lu Xun's advice on how to learn foreign languages? A. Memorize as many new words as you can when you are young B. Keep on reading all the time. C. Force yourself to read a book until you can understand it all. D. Never give up reading and try to remember new words in reading books. Answer: D Question: During the next several weeks I went completely to the wolves. I took a tiny tent and set it up on the shore of bay. The big telescope was set up in the mouth of the tent in such a way that I could observe the wolves by day or night. Quite by accident I had pitched (set up) my tent within ten yards of one of the major paths used by the wolves. Shortly after I had taken up residence one of the wolves came back and discovered me and my tent, but he did not stop or hesitate in his pace. Later, one or more wolves used the track past my tent and never did they show the slightest interest in me. I felt uncomfortable at being so totally ignored. The next day I noticed a male wolf make boundary markers by passing water on the rounds of his family lands. Once I had become aware of the strong feeling of property rights which existed among the wolves, I decided to use this knowledge to make them at least recognize my existence. One evening, after they had gone off for their regular nightly hunt I staked out a property of my own, including a long section of the wolves' path. In order to ensure that my claim would not be overlooked, I made a property mark on stones, dumps of moss, and patches of vegetation with a lot of tea. Before the hunters came back, task was done, and I retired, somewhat exhausted, to observe results. A few minutes later, the leading male appeared. As usual he did not bother to glance at the tent, but when he reached the point where my property line intersected (cut across) the trail , he stopped as suddenly as if he had run into an invisible wall. Cautiously, he extended his nose and sniffed at one of my marked bushes. After a minute of hesitation he backed away a few yards and sat down. Then, he looked directly at the tent and at me. His glare seemed to become more fierce as I attempted to stare him down. The situation was becoming intolerable. To break the impasse I turned my back on the wolf. Then quickly and with an air of decision, he turned his attention away from me and began a systematic tour of the area I had staked out as my own. As he came to each boundary marker he sniffed it once or twice, then carefully placed his mark on the outside of mine. What was the author's discovery? A. Wolves were not settled beasts , as is almost universally believed. B. Wolves were settled beasts and the possessors of an estate with definite boundaries. C. Wolves were not interested with strangers. D. Wolves' family was dominated by a female. Answer: B Question: Santa Claus is someone who will remain in the hearts of children forever. Santa C1aus also has some other names: Saint Nicholas, St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Pelznickel. Two of his names-Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas-both come from the Dutch who settled in New York long ago. The Dutch honored this kindly saint with a yearly festival on December sixth. The Dutch spoke the name "Saint Nikolas" very fast. It sounded like "sinterklaas". And so, when the English said this word, it sounded like "Santa Claus". West of New York, in Pennsylvania, many German farmers had also heard of Saint Nikolas. But they cal1ed him "Pelznickel". This word came from "pelz", meaning fur, and "nickel" for Nicholas. So, to the Germans of Pennsylvania,"Pelznickel" was a man dressed in fur who came once a year with gifts for good children. Soon, people began to feel that the 1ove and kindness Pelznickel brought should be part of a celebration honoring the "Christkindl", as the Germans ca1led the Christ child. After a time, this became Kris Kringle. Later, Kris Kringle became another name for Santa Claus himself. Whatever he is called, he is still the same short, fat, jolly old man with a long beard, wearing a red suit with white fur. The picture of Santa Claus as we see him came from Thomas Nast. He was an American painter born in Bavaria. Someone asked him to paint a picture of Santa Claus. Nast remembered when he was a little boy in southern Germany Every Christmas, a fat old man gave toys and cakes to the children. So, when Nast painted the picture, his Santa Claus looked like the kindly old man of his childhood. And through the years, Nast's painting has remained as the most popular picture of Santa Claus. Santa can be seen almost everywhere. It is easy to find them by the long lines of children waiting to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Which of the following names came from German? A. Saint Nicholas. B. Santa Claus. C. Pelznickel. D. St. Nick. Answer: C Question: During the rainy season in a city, the amount of sunlight in the city will A. stay the same B. decrease C. expand D. increase Answer: B
The most complex object known to humanity is the human brain -- and not only is it complex, but it is one of the few natural phenomena that science has no consciousness of. To try to replicate something that is so poorly understood may therefore seem like pride. But you have to start somewhere, and International Business Machines (IBM) and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), in Switzerland, propose to start by replicating "in silico", one of the brain's building blocks. In a partnership announced, the two organizations said they would be working together to build a simulation of a structure known as a neo-cortical column on a type of IBM supercomputer that is currently used to study the molecular functioning of genes. If that works, they plan to use more powerful computers to link such simulated columns together into something that mimics a brain. In a real brain, a neo-cortical column is a cylindrical element about a third of a millimeter in diameter and three millimeters long. It is these columns, arranged side by side like the cells of a honeycomb, which make up the famous "grey matter" that has become shorthand for human intelligence. The Blue Gene/L supercomputer that will be used for the simulation consists of enough independent processors for each to be programmed to mimic an individual nerve cell in a column. The EPFL's contribution to the Blue Brain Project will be to create a digital description of how the columns behave. The database from its Brain Mind Institute will provide the raw material for the simulation. Biologists and computer scientists will then connect the artificial nerve cells up in a way that mimics nature. They will do so by assigning electrical properties to them, and telling them how to communicate with each other and how they should modify their connections with one another depending on their activity. That will be no mean feat. Even a single nerve cell is complicated, not least because each one has about 10,000 connections with others. And nerve cells come in great variety--relying, for example, on different chemical transmitters to carry messages across those connections. Eventually, however, a digital representation of an entire column Should occur. Assuming that the growth of computing power continues to follow Moore's Law, the leader of IBM's side thinks it should be practical to mimic an entire human brain in silico this way in ten to fifteen years. Such an artificial brain would, of course, be a powerful research tool. It would allow neurological experiments that currently take days in a "web lab" to be conducted in seconds. The researchers hope that their simulated brain will reveal the secrets of how certain psychiatric and neurological, disorders develop. But that is probably not the real reason for doing it. The most interesting question, surely, is whether such an artificial brain will be intelligent, or conscious, or both. What type of writing is this passage? Barbara and Barry Zucker - Pinchoff, both doctors from New York City, took their three daughters on a walking safari last year in Tanzania. Barbara told about their experience in Kinbero, "It is the most remote place we have ever been to," camping with a few other Americans, two Tanzanian guides, and several Hadza who had time to sit and chat because they had just killed a giraffe. About 400 members of the Eastern Hadza tribe live in Tanzania today, the only hunter-gatherers who remain in Africa. The Hadza hunt game, gather edible plants and honey, and move from place to place whenever the weather changers. Every two weeks or so, they move to a new campsite. At the Pinchoffs' campsite, three Hadza men stopped by to visit and ended up staying three days. One of the guides gave the men a cigarette. They took out the tobacco, put it in a pipe, and lit the pipe with fire they started. It takes less than two hours for Hadza women to build a new camp. They make huts by bending branches into round structures about six feet high, and then covering them with long, golden grass. If the weather is very wet, the women may choose a dry cave to set up a camp. Some rock caves have been used over thousands of years and are decorated with ancient rock paintings. Whether they sleep in huts, caves or in the open, the Hadza cover themselves only with thin cloths and depend on fire to keep them warm. The Hadza refuse to be "settled" into villages or to have the life of farmers. By 1979, almost all of them had returned to their old ways. They Hadza may be the only tribe in Africa the has never paid taxes. The passage mainly tells up_. At least eight babies in East China'sprefix = st1 /AnhuiProvincehave died since last year. they died of serious deficiency disease which happened to them because of fake milk powders. More than 100 other babies in Fuyang, mostly between three and five months old, are still in poor nutrition after drinking different kinds of cheap milk powders produced in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and Beijing. The baby victims were born healthy, but they became thinner and thinner, and had large heads for their bodies after fake milk powders were fed to them. "My girl, the first child of mine, died when she was only four months old after drinking the 'Haobaobei'milk powder."said Zhang Linwei, a 32-year-old villager of the Wangzhuang Village in Fuyang. Zhang found that his daughter got ill after the girl didn't want to drink the milk powder any more half a month before. "Before that , I though my daughter's face was becoming fatter and fatter because she was fed well and grew fast."the baby's father said. The girl died nine days later after she was sent to hospital and all of the family's savings were spent on her medical treatment. "It is like a terrible dream. I never thought that my baby would _ like this ."he said. Zhang said he tried to telephone and write to the producer of the milk powder by the address on the packing bag but never made it. "The fake milk powders only have 5-6 per cent protein and the lowest is has only 1 per cent. For babies, drinking such fake milk powder is no different from drinking water,"Zhang Fangjun, said a medical expert with the Fuyang People's Hospital. "Such so-called milk powders cannot afford any nutrition for babies' growth," Zhang said. pass awayin the passage means_. Lose yourself in the sights and sounds of Madrid -- a three-night break from PS175 per person. * Have a three-night break in Madrid, with a four-star hotel. * Prices range from PS175 to PS245 per person, depending on when you travel (PS350 as usual). * Stay in the Hotel Santo Domingo in the heart of the city. * Return flights are included in the cost of the voucher . Details * The voucher is valid from January 9th, 2014 to March 25th, 2014 (no discounts during January 16th -18th, February 1st-2nd, 12th-16th, March 1st-2nd). * PS175 per person for arrivals between January 9th and January 31st; PS210 per person for arrivals between February 1st and February 28th; PS245 per person for arrivals between March 1st and March 25th. * Once you have bought the voucher, book by calling 0800 368 0300. Book as early as you can. You cannot call off your deal once you book one. * One voucher can only be used for one stay. You cannot use more vouchers to extend your stay. It's not available with any other discounts. The unused parts of the deal are not exchanged for cash or any other service. What you will get Madrid's mix of culture, wisdom and fun makes it one of Europe's most exciting capital cities. By day, go to the Golden Museum Triangle to enjoy works of art by Picasso and Van Gogh, and visit the Royal Palace. At night, go to clubs to experience the culture. When it comes to the food, no words can describe it. In the hotel, you can have free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, LCD televisions and bathrooms. As well as being based in the best shopping area in Madrid, the hotel is also close to the biggest museum. What do we know about the Hotel Santo Domingo? The other day, my friend Jane was invited to a 40th birthday party. The time printed on the invitation was 7:30 pm.Jane went off with her husband, expecting a merry evening of wine, food, and song. By 9:45, everybody was having great fun, but no food had appeared. Jane and David were restless. Other guests began whispering that they, too, were starving.But no one wanted to leave, just in case some food was about to appear. By 11:00, there was still no food, and everyone was completely _ . Jane and David left hungry and angry. Their experience suggests that the words on the printed invitations need to be made clearer. Everyone reads and understands the invitations differently. Most of us would agree that 6:30 - 8:30 pm means drinks only, go out to dinner afterwards; 8:00 pm or 8:30 pm means possible dinner, but 9:30 pm and any time thereafter means no food, eat beforehand, arrive late. But this is not always the case.If asked to a students' party at 6:30 pm, it is unaccepted for guests to appear on time. Being the first to arrive -- looking eager -- is social death. When my mother is asked to a party at 6:30, she likes to be there, if not on time, then no later than seven.My age group (late thirties) falls somewhere between the two, but because we still think we're young, we're probably closer to student-time than grown-up time. The accepted custom at present is confusing, sometimes annoying, and it often means you may go home hungry, but it does lend every party that precious element of surprise. What is the general idea of the text?
Question: A butcher watching over his shop was really surprised when he saw a dog coming inside the shop. He went over to the dog and noticed it had a note in its mouth. He took the note and it read "Can I have 12 sausages and a leg of lamb, please. The dog has money in his mouth, as well." The butcher looked carefully and was surprised to find that there was really a ten-dollar note there. So he took the money and put the sausages and lamb in a bag, placing it in the dog's mouth. The butcher was so impressed, and since it was about closing time, he decided to shut up shop and follow the dog. So off he went. He followed the dog to a bus stop. The dog stopped and started looking at the timetable. The dog checked out the time, and then sat on one of the seats provided. Along came a bus. The dog walked around to the front, looked at the number, and went back to its seat. Another bus came. Again the dog went around to the front, looked at the number and climbed on. The butcher, by now, open-mouthed, followed it onto the bus. The bus traveled through the town and out into the suburbs. Eventually the dog got up, and moved to the front of the bus. It stood on two back paws and pushed the button to stop the bus. Then it got off with groceries still in its mouth. Well, the dog and the butcher were walking along the road, and then the dog turned into a house. It walked up the path, and dropped the groceries on the step. Then it walked back down the path, took a big run, and threw itself against the door. Then again, it threw himself against it. There's no answer at the house. so the dog waited at the door. The butcher watched as a big guy opened the door, and started shouting at it. The butcher ran up, and stopped the guy. "Why do you shout at the dog? It is really a genius." The guy responded, "You call this clever? This is the second time this week that this stupid dog's forgotten its key." Which of the following statements is NOT true? A. The butcher was curious so he followed the dog. B. The dog didn't get on the first bus because it was the wrong number. C. To get off the bus, you should let the driver know by pressing the button. D. The dog would be driven away by the big guy. Answer: D. The dog would be driven away by the big guy. Question: Now many people like fast food. We all know that fast food is notverygood for our health. So more and more fast food restaurants are serving healthier food and you can make healthier choices. Here are some tips for ordering healthy food at fast food restaurants. Don't order the biggest size. The biggest size seems cheaper, but it is not good for your health. The biggest size has the most fat, sugar and so on. A smaller size is probably enough for you. Some drinks are full of sugar. So when you are thirsty, you should choose milk or water. Usually fried food is not the best choice. You should choose baked food. It is healthier. Go for the kids menu, because the sizes of kids food are usually smaller. You can eat less. *Today, more and more fast food restaurants are starting to serve healthier food. You can order the food with words like "healthy'' or" _ "on the menu. By making smart choices, eating at fast food restaurants can be not that bad. ,. Which menu is healthier according to the tips from the passage? A. A large hamburger; coke, French fries. B. A small hamburger ;coffee; fried chicken . C. A glass of water; baked chicken; rice. D. A glass of beer; fried chicken; cakes. Answer: C. A glass of water; baked chicken; rice. Question: Many people have been talking about the way in which the world will come to an end in 2012. Everybody wants to find out if December 21, 2012 is the last day of the earth. The rumor has already been spreading for a very long time. The Mayan's predictions can account for the rumor. According to the rumor, the earth will experience dramatic changes in 2012 and the changes will be disastrous to all of the living creatures on earth .It is widely assumed that a Planet X will return to orbit the solar system. The return of Planet of Planet X will have a destructive effect on the solar system as well as on some planets including the Neptune , the Jupiter and the earth. Planet X will cross into their orbits. There's a possibility that Jupiter will change into a little sun at this time, so folks will be well placed to see two suns in the sky in 2012. The solar flares that occur in a l1-year cycle will reach their highest point in 2012. The powerful solar flares will affect the magnetic field of the earth and cause disasters. On December 21,2012,the sun and the earth will line up in the same line at the equator . The winter solstice only occurs once every 25,800 years.The events in the universe are signals that the world will come to an end.As a result of the solar flares, lots of disasters will happen that will destroy the face of the whole earth.Scientists are making the guess primarily based on the Mayan Long Court Calendar. Many films have been made about the end of the world including End Game by Alex Jones and End Clock:Nostradamus 2012.The former provides insights about the way the world will become one state.After the world government is in place,it's going to be easy to _ 80%of the people in the world.The rest will continue to live with assistance from advanced technology. No one knows whether the world will end on December 21,2012,There is no clear answer until the day arrives.Just as the Mayans claims,it will not be the time for the world to end.Instead.it will be the dawn of a flesh start. Which of the following things will NOT happen if the end of the world really happens? A. Humans will see two suns at the same time. B. The earth will look completely different. C. The earth and the moon will line up in the same line. D. The solar flares will become stronger than before. Answer: C. The earth and the moon will line up in the same line. Question: Traffic Management Traffic lights are key tools for regulating traffic How.They are not, however, perfect.Drivers exchange the traffic jams that would happen at unmanaged crossings for a pattern of stop-go movement that can still be annoying, and which bums more fuel than a smooth passage would. Creating such a smooth passage means adjusting a vehicle's speed so that it always arrives at the lights when they are green.That is theoretically possible, but practically hard.Roadside signs wired to traffic lights can help get the message across a couple hundred metres from a crossing, but such signs are expensive, and are not widespread.Margaret Martonosi and Emmanouil Koukoumidis at Princeton University, and Li-Shiuan Peh at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, however, have an idea that could make the process cheaper and more effective.Instead of a hardwired network of signs, they propose to use mobile-phone applications. For a driver to benefit, lie must load the team's software , named SignalGuru, into his phone and then put it on a special thing attached to the inside of his car's windscreen, with the camera lens pointing forward.SignalGuru is designed to detect traffic lights and track their status as red, yellow or green.It broadcasts this information to other phones in the area that are fitted with the same software, and --if there are enough of them ?the phones thus each know the status of most of the lights around town.Using this information, SignalGuru is able to calculate the traffic-light schedule for the area and suggest the speed at which a driver should travel in order to avoid red lights. Tests in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where five drivers were asked to follow the same route for three hours, and in Singapore, where eight drivers were asked to follow one of two routes for 30 minutes, revealed that SignalGuru was capable of predicting traffic-light activity with an accuracy of 98.2% and 96.3% respectively, in the two cities.This was particularly impressive because in Cambridge the lights shifted, roughly half-way through the test, from their unbusy schedule to their afternoon-traffic schedule, while in Singapore lights are adaptive, using detectors fixed under the road to determine how much traffic is present and thus when a signal should change.In neither case was SignalGuru fooled. Fuel consumption fell, too --by about 20% .SignalGuru thus reduces both annoyance and fuel use, and makes going back and forth to work a slightly less horrible experience. With the information it collects and processes, SignalGuru is able to _ . A. help drivers avoid traffic accidents B. allow drivers to adjust their speed C. change the traffic lights in advance D. send information to all cell phones Answer: B. allow drivers to adjust their speed Question: What do you usually do in your free time? Play sports? Watch TV? How about reading books? You must know the Chinese saying: " _ " .Books are important in our life. Reading books is good for us. It can help us know and understand the world better. It can help us get a lot of knowledge . It brings us a new and different world that we have never been before. Almost all the great men like reading, like Chairman Mao and Madame Curie. In a word, books are treasure and we must love them. But before you read, remember to choose a good one. Ask your parents or teachers about what books to read. Be sure you are interested in them. There are many different kinds of books. I like biography because I can learn something from the characters . What about you? Young friends. Please love books and read them. They are very helpful to you. Reading books can help people _ . A. to get more sleep B. to know little about themselves C. to get money from others D. to understand the world better Answer: D. to understand the world better
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. Why did Jim hesitate before he opened the door? A. He was afraid of facing Mr. Smith. B. He didn't like to have the physics class. C. Mr. Smith didn't let him go into the classroom. D. He didn't want to interrupt others. Answer: A Question: The Legend of Bruce Lee was a very popular TV play. The surprising life of Brue Lee came to the small screen in the play. The play followed the 32 vears of Bruce Lee's life, from his hard young age to his experience in the U.S.A. and his movie-making life. Lee was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in Hong Kong. He loved his motherland China and Chinese kung fu. His Hong Kong and Hollywood films were quite different from the traditional kung fu films. He started a new kung fu film age. Because of his films, the west began to show great interest in Chinese culture. He affected Chinese kung fu and Chinese kung fu films in Hong Kong and the rest of the world. Lee showed Chinese national pride( )in his movies. What's this article about? A. Bruce Lee's kung fu. B. Bruce Lee's films. C. Bruce Lee and his wife. D. Bruce Lee and The Legend of Bruce Lee. Answer: D Question: A plant that using transpiration is A. filtering liquid nicotine B. adjusting water content C. evaporating oils D. flavoring leaves Answer: B Question: Although there are many ways in which people communicate through speech, public speaking has probably received more study and attracted more attention than any other. Politicians winning an election, salespeople presenting products and etc. All depend upon this form of public communication. Even people who do not make speaking a part of their daily work are often asked to make public speeches: students at graduation, for instance, or members of churches, clubs or other organizations. Nearly everyone speaks in public at some time or other, and those who perform the task well often become leaders. There are many reasons for speaking in public. A public speaker may hope to teach an audience about new ideas, or provide information about some topic. Creating a good feeling or entertaining an audience may be another purpose. Public speakers, however, most often seek to persuade an audience to accept new opinions, to take certain actions, or to see the world in a new way. Public speakers usually know well in advance when they are scheduled to make a speech. Consequently, they are able to prepare their message before they deliver it. Sometimes, though, speakers must deliver the message unprepared, or off the cuff, such as when they are asked to speak at a wedding reception or to participate in an interview. When they do not have to speak unprepared, most speakers write their own speeches. Politicians and business managers sometimes employ professional writers who prepare their speeches for them. These professional writers may work alone or in small teams. Although the speaker may have some ideas into the contents of the speech, the writers sometimes have a great influence over the opinions expressed by their employers. Regardless of how a speech is prepared, the person who delivers it is given credit for its effect upon its hearers. No matter who writes a speech, the audience _ . A. do not believe what the speaker says B. know very well whom the speaker is C. know whose idea the speech really expresses D. believe it expresses the speaker's idea Answer: D Question: It seems more and more Americans want schools to teach foreign languages to children younger than five years old.The most popular way to teach these young children another language is called immersion . Children in immersion programs hear only the new language in the classroom.The children play games, sing songs and talk to one another in the new languages, some experts say immersion programs are the most effective way for young children to learn a language.But there can be a problem when children in the United States begin to learn another language at such an early age.Not many elementary schools continue to teach a foreign language.Only seven of the fifty states require schools to teach a foreign language to students between the ages of six and twelve.Language experts say it is easier for younger children to learn a language.Still, American schools generally do not begin to teach foreign languages until secondary schools.By then, students are about thirteen years old. American schools face difficult choices about the cost of educational programs.The government has increased support for foreign language study in its education law called No Child Left Behind. At the college, the Modern Language Association says more students than ever are studying foreign languages and more languages are being studied now than in the past.Spanish is the most widely taught in American colleges and universities.French, German, Chinese and Italian are also popular. Students in immersion programs can do the following things EXCEPT _ . A. talking to one another in the new language B. hearing their native language C. playing games in the new language D. hearing the new language Answer: B
Daniel Boone was born in the United States in 1734. He didn't go to school and couldn't read, although he learned all about the forests, streams and hunting. He could move silently like an Indian leaving no marks. He loved to live alone in the woods where nothing frightened him. When he grew up, he married and tried to settle down on a farm. A year later, however, he wasn't satisfied and decided to go into the unknown western lands, crossing the Appalachian Mountains. When he returned after two years, he became famous for his long journey. He brought valuable animal skins and told stories about the Indians. After this, he chose to keep travelling to unknown places. Once he lost to the Indians in battle and was taken away. The Indians liked him and became his friends. Daniel Boone died at the age of 86. He is remembered as an explorer and a pioneer who lived an exciting life in the early years of American nation. Daniel Boone's early life was mainly spent in _ . Answer: learning about nature When scientists accidentally killed what turned out to be the world's oldest living creature, it was bad enough. Now, their mistake has been worsened after further research found it was even older - at 507 years. The ocean quahog, a type of deep-sea clam, was dredged alive from the bottom of the North Atlantic near Iceland in 2006 by researchers. They then put it in a fridge-freezer, as is normal practice, unaware of its age. It was only when it was taken to a laboratory that scientists from Bangor University studied it and concluded it was 400 years old. The discovery made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. However, by this time, it was too late for Ming the Mollusc , named after the Chinese dynasty when its life began. Unfortunately researchers who calculated Ming's age killed it instantly by opening its shell. The researchers opened the ancient clam up to judge its age by counting growth rings inside. But the rings were so close together that scientists ended up having to count the rings on the outside to be accurate, leading CBS journalists to point out that if scientists had just started there, Ming could have lived on. Now, after examining the quahog more closely, using more advanced methods, the researchers have found the animal was actually 100 years older than they first thought. Dr Paul Butler, from the University's School of Ocean Sciences, said: "We got it wrong the first time and maybe we were a bit hasty publishing our findings back then. But we are absolutely certain that we've got the right age now." The mollusc was born in 1499 - just seven years after Columbus discovered America and before Henry VIII had even married his first wife, Catherine of Aragon in 1509. A quahog's shell grows by a layer every year, in the summer when the water is warmer and food is plentiful. It means that when its shell is cut in half, scientists can count the lines in a similar way that trees can be dated by rings in their trunks. Jan Heinemeier, associate professor at the University of Denmark, who helped date Ming, told Science Nordic: "The fact that we got our hands on a 507-year-old animal is incredibly fascinating, but the really exciting thing is of course everything we can learn from studying the mollusk." Why did the scientists open the ancient clam up? Answer: To study how old the clam was. Amy was looking for a gift for her little daughter. Suddenly she stopped before a store of dolls. "Girls like dolls," she thought as she was walking into it. Looking around, she saw a grandma doll - one with gray hair and a pair of glasses. In her mind appeared Joyce, her mother. When Amy was a little girl, she got her first doll from Joyce for her birthday. Then the second, the third...A doll a year from Joyce never arrived late. "Why always a doll?" This question had been in Amy's mind until one day her father gave the answer, Little Joyce dreamed to have a doll. Her parents promised one for her fifth birthday. Sadly, they both died in a traffic accident before it arrived. The never-received gift was the most _ in her eyes. Her mother's story being recalled , Amy got an idea. It was Joyce's 60th birthday. A package was delivered to her, with a card that read: Dear Joyce, I forget to send you the package that you should have received on May 20, 1956, your fifth birthday. The gift inside has aged, but I felt that you might still wish to have it. Angel of Joy Joyce opened the package and saw a lovely grandma doll. She held the doll that she had waited for so many years, with tears running down her face. The doll, given by "Angel of Joy", made her the happiest "child" in the world. We can tell from the story that Joyce is _ . Answer: Amy's mother The extraordinary Eastgate Building in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital city, is said to be the only one in the world to use the same cooling and heating principles as the termite mound . Architect Mick Pearce used precisely the same strategy when designing the Eastgate Building, which has no air-conditioning and almost no heating. The building--the country's largest commercial and shopping complex--uses less than 10% of the energy of a conventional building of its size. The Eastgate's owners saved $3.5 million on a $36 million building because an air-conditioning equipment didn't have to be imported. The complex is actually two buildings linked by bridges across a shady, glass-roofed atrium open to the air. Fans suck fresh air in from the atrium, blow it upstairs through hollow spaces under the floors and from there into each office through baseboard vents . As _ rises and warms, it is drawn out via ceiling vents and finally exists through forty-eight brick chimneys. During summer's cool nights, big fans blow air through the building seven times an hour to cool the empty floors. By day, smaller fans blow two changes of air an hour through the building, to circulate the air which has been in contact with the cool floors. For winter days, there are small heaters in the vents. This is all possible only because Harare is 1600 feet above sea level, has cloudless skies, little dampness and rapid temperature changes--days as warm as 31degC commonly drop to 14degC at night. "You couldn't do this in New York, with its hot summers and cold winters," Pearce said. The engineering firm of Ove Arup&Partners monitors daily temperatures. It is found that the temperature of the building has generally stayed between 23degC and 25degC, with the exception of the annual hot period just before the summer rains in October and three days in November, when a doorkeeper accidentally switched off the fans at night. And the air is fresh--far more so than in air-conditioned buildings, where up to 30% of the air is recycled. Why would a building like Eastgate Not work efficiently in New York? Answer: Its temperature changes seasonally rather than daily. Successful people have developed habits leading to success. Those are the people you want to study and follow. Do what they do. Read what they read. If they are local, see if you can take them to lunch and ask questions. If not, get a hold of some of the things they have written about or listen to them. Most successful people enjoy the opportunity to coach people along and to help them become successful. It is their way of giving back. The trouble is that most people won't ask. They come up with excuses. They say to themselves, " I am not important enough for this person to talk to me." The successful people understand that life is a learning experience and it doesn't stop in school. They always strive( ,) to reach the next level. Life will always give you the results of your actions. Ask yourself what actions are you taking? What are you creating? You create what you think about. Willie Hooks calls it our h. a. b. e.'s. Our habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations. Before starting any new habit we have to know what we want. So how do we permanently change our habits? Start your action plan. Put your plan together. What do I need to do first? Set my goals. Then next I would put a diet plan together. Then I would start an exercise program. You get the idea. Put a good solid plan together. So there it is in a nutshell. We have the power to change any bad habit that we don't like. Will it be easy? Probably not, but it might not be as hard as we think either. The hard part is to get started. Remember that these habit have been a part of us for a long time so don't expect miracles at first. Use the process described above and you cam overcome and change any habit that you want to change. What does h. a. b. e's stand for? Answer: Habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations.
The crust is made of different kinds of Answer: Picture the scene: the battery on your mobile phone has run out. You can't make any calls for help and no one can contact you. You are all alone - well, not quite. Just reach into your pocket and take out a piece of sugar.Put it into the battery, wait a minute, and you're back on the phone. Thanks to a couple of American scientists, this situation could become real.Swadesh Chaudhuri and Derek Lovely have invented the "bacteria battery" - powered by bacteria that eats sugar and turns it into electricity. "This is a special organism," Lovely said."You ean harvest enough electricity to power a cell phone battery for about four days from a spoonful of sugar." In the past, bacteria batteries have been expensive and not long-lasting. But this battery uses more efficient bacteria that can turn 80 percent of sugar into electrical energy. This is 30 percent more than similar batteries can manage. The bacteria battery could become as small as a household battery. It's also cheap and stable, as sugar can be taken from waste and crops. But the sugar to electricity process is slow: it could take weeks for the bacteria to digest a cup of sugar.And it produces "greenhouse" gases which pollute the environment. The scientists understand there is a lot more work to be done. "It is still young," said Lovely."Where we are now is where solar power was 20 0r 30 years ago." But he believes the battery could be used in scientific equipment at the bottom of the ocean.Other ideas include using sugar in the blood to run medical devices in the human body, and taking sugar from animal waste to provide energy to power homes in rural areas. According to the passage, who will find the bacteria battery less useful? Answer: In any family with more than one child, children seem to naturally compete for their parents' love and attention. Parents say they love every child equally. But is that true? Susan, founder of a consulting firm in Chicago, interviewed 216 women and found that even though none of her questions asked directly about a parent favoring one child over another, about two-third of the women said there was a favored child. And they also remembered their experience when they were young. One of the women said, "My mother always liked my brother better, and he got to summer camp in 1968 and I didn't. Plumez, who interviewed parents with both biological children ( ) and adoptive children for an adoption book in 2008, found that what matters most is whether your temperaments ( ) are pleasing. "In some cases, parents would say they felt closer to their adopted children, "she says. "Some parents like the children with characters similar to theirs. Two people who are shy and withdrawn might get along well, unless the shy parent doesn't like that aspect of themselves and they try to push the naturally withdrawn child to be more _ ." It could be a result of gender, birth order or how easy or difficult a child's temperament may be, but a parent's different treatment has far-reaching effects. Studies have found that less-favored children may suffer emotionally, with decreased self-esteem and behavioral problems in children. Favoritism is a reason for the next generation not to like each other. Experts say it's not realistic to say everyone should be treated equally, because no two people are the same and they related differently to others. "It does not mean the parent loves or likes one child more. It has to do with which one of them is independent," says psychologist Lauriet Kramer of the University of Illinois. What's the best title for the passage? Answer: Cancer is among the top killer diseases in our society today and scientists have found out that stress helps to bring it on. We need to consider, therefore, what are the causes of stress in our life, and whether we can do anything about them. Are we under-employed, or overburdened with too many responsibilities? Do we have a right balance of work and leisure in our lives? Are our relationships with family, friends or fellow workers all that they should be? All these things can be a cause of stress, and it is best to face them directly, and to bring our frustrations into the open. People who have a good _ and then forget it are doing their health more good than those who bottle up their feelings. If our self-examination has brought any causes of stress to light, let us consider what we can do about them. It is possible to change jobs. We can make more leisure and fill it more happily, if we will accept a different living standard. We can improve our personal relationships by a different attitude. It is we who allow other people to make ourselves unhappy. Often the little things that disturb us are not worth an hour's anger. The teaching in the Bible "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath " is good advice from the health point of view as well as religion. Which of the following is not mentioned as a way to reduce our stress? Answer: Have you ever thought about developing your kids'interests in a positive manner? Have you thought about using music to help them focus their energies on a wonderful pursuit ? Do you realize that by doing so, you will better equip them in life? Your little child will love you all his or her life for the first music lessons that you may give. Most kids have an interest in music. The only thing to do for you is to give direction to their interests so that they can focus on learning the fine art. Music teaches children to be persistent and disciplined. It also teaches them to try towards perfection and be a good team player. All this helps them not only in their studies but also in facing the challenges of life. Thus music at home and home recording are the first lessons you can present to your children. How to maintain the interests of kids in various kinds of music and instruments? To solve this problem, it is important that at the beginning you bring home something that can hold the child's interest for quite some time. This would include instruments such as electric guitar or drums. Encourage them to download music which is free over the Internet. Another thing to remember is that no one becomes an expert overnight. Have patience with your child. _ . A few words of appreciation will mean the world to them. Ask for their opinions and stick to the choice for quite some time. Be generous in praise. Music is the perfect gift you can present to your kids. It is never too late and the sooner you start, the better. The intended readers of the passage are _ . Answer:
The doctor examined Nuala's leg. Nuala tried not to cry, but it was a challenge. Her leg really hurt. "How did you hurt yourself?" asked the doctor. "I jumped off a swing ," said Nuala. "Is it broken?" "It sure is," said the doctor, holding out the X ray. "See right here?" Two hours later, Nuala left the hospital on crutches . Her leg was in a cast . "What will I tell Ms. Chang?" she asked her mother in the car. Ms. Chang was Nuala's dance teacher. The spring dance performance was only two weeks away. Nuala's cast would be on for at least six weeks! "She's going to be so mad at me!" cried Nuala. But Ms. Chang wasn't mad. She said, "We'll think of something." Nuala was unwilling to go on stage with her crutches. "I look stupid," she complained. "I can't dance with these." "Have you ever heard the expression 'The show must go on'?"said Ms. Chang. Together, they went through the show. They thought of how Nuala could move to the music. They thought of ways for her to dance on crutches. The night of the performance, Ms. Chang almost had to push Nuala on the stage. Nuala's cast looked big and clumsy , but she went out and danced. In the end, the audience went wild clapping. Lots of roses were thrown to Nuala's feet! The show did go on! How did Nuala hurt her leg? Answer: Which has the greatest effect on aiding the movement of blood through the human body? Answer: I was interested to read a newspaper article about a new concept in old people's homes in France. The idea is simple, but revolutionary----combining a residential home for the elderly with a nursery school in the same building. The children and the residents eat lunch together and share activities. In the afternoons, the residents enjoy reading or telling stories to the children, and if a child is feeling sad or tired, there is always a kind lap to sit on and a cuddle . There are trips out and birthday parties too. The advantages are enormous for everyone concerned. The children are happy because they get a lot more individual attention, and respond well because someone has time for them. They see illness and death and learn to accept them. The residents are happy because they feel useful and needed. They are more active and more interested in life when the children are around and they take more interest in their appearance too. Nowadays there is less and less contact between the old and the young. There are many reasons for this, including the breakdown of the extended family, working parents with no time to care for aging relations, families that have moved away, and smaller flats with no room for grandparents. But the result is the same----increasing numbers of children without grandparents and old people who have no contact with children. And more old people who are lonely and feel useless, along with more and more families with young children who desperately need more support. It's a major problem in many societies. That's why intergenerational programmes, designed to bring the old and the young together, are growing in popularity all over the world. There are examples of successful attempts all over the world. Using young people to teach IT skills to older people is one obvious example. Using old people as volunteer assistants in schools is another, perhaps reading with children who need extra attention. What is the best title for the passage? Answer: Sports shoes that work out whether their owner has done enough exercise to promise time in front of the television have been devised in the UK. The shoes- named Square Eyes- contain an electronic pressure sensor and a tiny computer chip to record how many steps the wearer has taken in a day. A wireless transmitter passes the information to a receiver connected to a television, and this decides how much evening viewing time the wearer deserves , based on the day's efforts. The design was inspired by a desire to fight against the rapidly ballooning waistlines among British teenagers, says Gillian Swan, who developed Square Eyes as a final year design project at Brunel University in London, UK. "We looked at current issues and childhood overweight really stood out," she says. "And I wanted to tackle that with my design." Once a child has used up their daily allowance gained through exercise, the television automatically switches off. And further time in front of the TV can only be earned through more steps. Swan calculated how exercise should translate to television time using the recommended daily amounts of both. Health experts suggest that a child take 12,000 steps each day and watch no more than two hours of television. So, every 100 steps recorded by the Square Eyes shoes equals exactly one minute of TV time. Existing pedometers normally clip onto a belt or slip into a pocket and keep count of steps by measuring sudden movement. Swan says these can be easily tricked into recording steps through shaking. But her shoe has been built to be harder for lazy teenagers to cheat. "It is possible, but it would be a lot of effort," she says. "That was one of my main design considerations." Which of the following would be the best title for the text? Answer: I receive many letters from children and can't answer them all--there wouldn't be enough time in a day. I'll try to answer some of the questions that are mostly asked. Where did I get the idea for Stuart Little and for Charlotte's Web? Well, many years ago, I went to bed one night in a railway sleeping car, and during the night I dreamed about a tiny boy who acted rather like a mouse. That's how the story of Stuart Little got started. As for Charlotte's Web, I like animals and my farm is a very pleasant place to be--at all hours. One day, when I was on my way to feed the pig, I began feeling sorry for the pig because, like most pigs, he was going to die. This made me sad. So I started thinking of ways to save his life. Three years after I started writing it; it was published . ( I am not a fast writer, as you can see.) Sometimes I'm asked when I started to write, and what made me want to write. I started early -as soon as I could spell. Children often find pleasure through trying to set their thoughts down on paper, either in words or in pictures. I was not good at drawing, so I used words instead. As I grew older, I found that writing could be a way of making a living. Well, here is the answer to the last question. No, they are imaginary stories. In real life, a family doesn't have a child who looks like a mouse and a spider doesn't write words in her web. Although my stories are imaginary, I like to think that there is some truth in them, too--truth about the way people and animals feel, think and act. What is probably the last question? Answer:
Hello, everyone! My name is Steve. Lunchtime is my favorite time. I love the school lunch. Many students don't like the school lunch. They take their own lunch to school. Their mothers may make hamburgers and salad for them for lunch. Some students take leftovers for lunch. But I don't! The lunch is very _ . For only $1.3, I can eat a lot of good and healthy food. Then I take my food to my lunch table and sit with my friends. Boys don't sit with girls. We eat lunch and we like to talk about sports and TV shows . We also talk about school life : our favorite subjects, our favorite teachers and our favorite days. After our lunch, we usually play games. At school, I love lunchtime. For me it is the best time of my day! What's the title to the passage ? My Lunchtime An example of how melting is achieved is seen in using a hairdryer to turn ice to water Donny, an 11 year-old boy, is playing with a ball. The ball goes into the street, and Donny runs for the ball. A car hits Donny. An ambulance takes Donny to the hospital. The doctors at the hospital tell Donny's parents, " _ ". Every day Donny's parents visit him at the hospital. They sit next to Donny's bed and talk to him. But Donny never talks to them. He just sleeps. One day Donny's father says, "Wake up, Donny. Wake up and come home. Come home and play with Rusty. " When Donny's father says "Rusty", Donny moves his arm. "Rusty! " Donny's father says again. Again, Donny moves his arm. Donny's parents have an idea. They tell the nurses, "We want to bring Rusty to the hospital". The nurse says "OK". The next day, Donny's parents bring Rusty to the hospital. When they put her on Donny's bed, Donny opens his eyes and hugs her. Donny's parents bring Rusty to the hospital every day. One day, Rusty jumps on Donny's bed and scratches Donny's arm. Donny says his first words: "Bad dog!" After seven weeks, Donny is well. He leaves the hospital and goes home. Donny is _ in the street when a car hits him. running for a ball All the wisdom of the ages, all the stories that have delighted mankind for centuries, are easily and cheaply available to all of us within the covers of books but we must know how to avail ourselves of this treasure and how to get the most from it. The most unfortunate people in the world are those who have never discovered how satisfying it is to read good books. Readingis pleasure of the mind, which means that it is a little like a sport: your eagerness and knowledge and quickness make you a good reader. Reading is fun, not because the writer is telling you something, but because it makes your mind work. Your own imagination works along with the author's or even goes beyond his. Your experience, compared with his, brings you to the same or different conclusions, and your ideas develop as you understand his. Every book stands by itself, like a one family house, but books in a library are like houses in a city. Although they are separate, together they all add up to something, they are connected with each other and with other cities. The same ideas, or related ones, turn up in different places; the human problems that repeat themselves in life repeat themselves in literature, but with different solutions according to different writings at different times. Books influence each other; they link the past, the present and the future and have their own generations, like families. Wherever you start reading you connect yourself with one of the families of ideas, and in the long run, you not only find out about the world and the people in it; you find out about yourself, too. Readingcan only be fun if you expect it to be. If you concentrate on books somebody tells you "ought" to read, you probably won't have fun. But if you put down a book you don't like and try another till you find one that means something to you, and then relax with it, you will almost certainly have a good time -- and if you become, as a result of reading, better, wiser, kinder, or more gentle, you won't have suffered during the process. What of the following can be the best title of the passage? The pleasure of reading When we're little, our mother is the center of our attention, and we are the center of hers. So our mother's characteristics leave an indelible impression, and we are forever after attracted to people with her facial features, body type, personality, even sense of humor. If our mother is warm and giving, as adults we tend to be attracted to people who are warm and giving. If our mother is strong and even-tempered, we are going to be attracted to a fair-minded strength in our mates. The mother has an additional influence on her sons: she not only gives them clues to what they will find attractive in a mate, but also affects how they feel about women in general. So if she is warm and nice, her sons are going to think that's the way women are. They will probably grow up to be warm and responsive lovers and also be cooperative around the house. Conversely, a mother who has a depressive personality, and is sometimes friendly but then suddenly turns cold and rejecting, may raise a man who becomes a "dance-away lover". Because he's been so scared about love from his mother, he's afraid of commitment and may pull away from a girlfriend for this reason. While the mother determines in large part what qualities attract us in a mate, it's the father--the first male in our lives--who influences how we relate to the opposite sex. Fathers have an enormous effect on their children's personalities and chances of marital happiness. Just as mothers influence their son's general feelings toward women, fathers influence their daughter's general feelings about men. If a father _ praise on his daughter and demonstrates that she is a worthwhile person, she'll feel very good about herself in relation to men. But if the father is cold, critical or absent, the daughter will tend to feel she's not very lovable or attractive. In addition, most of us grow up with people of similar social circumstances. We hang around with people in the same town; our friends have about the same educational backgrounds and career goals. We tend to be most comfortable with these people, and therefore we tend to link up with others whose families are often much like our own. Which of the following is NOT true? Mother not only gives her children clues to what they will find attractive in a mate, but also affects how they feel about women in general.
Shirley Temple(1928--2014),an American actress,was considered among the most successful child stars in the history of film.Born by an ambitious mother,Temple first appeared in a film at the age of three,and at six she starred in Stand Up and Cheer (1934).Known and recognized for her ability to sing and tapdance in several films,Temple became a famous figure in 1934.At the end of that year she was given a special Academy Award "in grateful recognition of her outstanding contribution.'' During the Great Depression of the l930s,Temple was celebrated by an adoring public.At the height of her popularity,from l935 to 1938,Temple was the biggest box-office attraction in Hollywood.Temple made a number of films as a teenager,but her appeal had faded,and the films were not successful.In l949, Temple depaaed elegantly from Hollywood. Two decades later,she reappeared into the spotlight by announcing her qualification as a candidate for Congress.She lost the election,but Temple displayed her determination and went on to enjoy a long and successful:career with the United Nations and the State Department. After retirement,she reposed that she was at peace with her life and proud of her accomplishments in two of the nation's most influential areas."If I had to do it all over again.''Shirley Temple once declared,''I wouldn't change anything.'' Temple became famous at the age of Answer: Pairs has the Eiffel Tower; New York has the Statue of Liberty; and Brussels, the Manneken Pis. Think of the Belgian capital and , if anything, you think of the small peeing boy -- a 60-meter-high bronze figure standing on a block, supplying a constant stream of water of the basin under him. Some might laugh. But for Jacque Stroobants, the statue is up there with the best of them. "I'm proud of him. People come from all around the world to see him," says 60-year-old Stroobants with a fatherly glance at the little boy. As the most famous landmark of Brussels, Manneken Pis has a very special place in the heart of Belgians. The original Manneken Pis dates back to 1388, but the statue tourists see today dates from 1619 when the city built a second one after the original was destroyed. Many stories go round Manneken Pis. Nobody knows why he was made. One story is that he saved Brussels by putting out the flames of a deadly fire with his well-aimed pis. But the most believable story is that the boy, the son of a wealthy man, was kidnapped . The father had a statue built in honor of the way his son was found - peeing against a tree. Perhaps best-known for his naked beauty, the "peeing boy" has also been clothed in some of the finest clothes money can buy. Stroobants has been changing his clothes for the last 29 years. On average, he has clothes on 300 days a year. And on special days, he pees beer. A few of the ways he's been dressed are: a football player, Mozart and an army general. Now, he has more than 600 pieces of clothes. There is no strict charge for those wishing to provide clothes for the little boy. But certain condition must be met. "The clothes cannot include either advertising or political message." said Stroobants, because they would cheapen the national treasure. But Manneken Pis is still something local people can make money from--by selling all kinds of souvenirs. We can learn from the passage that _ . Answer: Three high students become heroes after their act of saving a baby's life. Andrew Willis, 15, his brother Chris, 13, and friend Reece Galea, 14, were walking along Swallow Drive on their way to school on May 23, when Nicholle Price ran out of her house, shouting for help. Her six-month-old son Corey had swallowed an earring and the young mother couldn't ring for help because something was wrong with her phone. The three teenagers rushed to the aid of Ms Price, called an ambulance , calmed her down and waited with her until the ambulance arrived before heading to school. Ms Price, Corey and his grandmother Joyce Finnie visited the school last Thursday to thank the boys for their kind action. "It's good to know that there are still some good people who will stop and help," Ms Price said. "While I was shouting for help, a woman walking her dog went straight past, without stopping. I don't know what would have happened if these boys had not stopped." The teenagers were shocked at the attention they received at school for their heroic act but admitted that the incident was nerve-racking . "We heard her shouting so we knew something wasn't right," Andrew said. "We thought someone had died. It was scary but we just did what we had to do." Just as proud as the boys' parents is their principal, Tim McCallum. After two days in hospital, Corey has now fully recovered. "He's got two new teeth to show," Ms Price said. "I have to keep a closer eye on him. He's into everything now and grabs whatever he finds to put it straight into his mouth." The three high students were _ when a woman ran out of her house shouting for help. 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 and streets in the city. So there aren't any cars and 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 2040Venice 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? They can build some strong huge walls and gates in the sea. The gates will close to keep too much water out. Thus Venice will not sink. Because the Adriatic Sea will cover it, the Venetians _ . Answer: Do You Want To Change the Future of Education? Our goal is to give a world-class education to everyone, everywhere, regardless of gender, income or social status. Today, edx.org, a not-for-profit website, provides hundreds of thousands of people from around the globe with access to free education .We offer amazing quality classes by the best professors from the best schools. We enable our members to find out a new passion that will transform their lives and their communities. Around the world from coast to coast, in over 192 countries, people are making the decision to take one or several of our courses. As we continue to grow our operations, we are looking for talented passionate people with great ideas to join the edX team. We aim to create an environment that is supportive ,diverse, and as fun as our brand.If you're hardworking and ready to contribute to an unparalleled member experience for our community, we really want you to apply. As part of the edX team, you'll receive: Competitive compensation Generous benefits package Free lunch every day A great workplace where everyone cares and wants to change the world While we appreciate every applicant's interest, only those under consideration will be contacted .We regret that phone calls will not be accepted. We promise that every applicant will be treated fairly. All positions are located in our Cambridge offices. According to the text, edX _ ? Answer:
How did a ban on smoking in public places come into place? In 1998 the Smoking Kills White Paper set out a national strategy to reduce smoking prevalence and passive smoking, including in public places. The measures were voluntary and poorly carried out. After a public conference in England in 2004, the Government decided to choose for lawmaking. Scotland went first, with a ban in 2006, followed by the other nations a year later. What is the current law? Any person who smokes in enclosed public places, including pubs, offices, on public transport and work vehicles, is breaking the law. It does not extend to private houses. It is also an offence for people in charge of premises to permit others to smoke in them. How was it received? It was welcomed by most organizations except for some pub owners and restaurateurs. Many workplaces in the UK had already introduced smoke-free policies consistent with the legislation (,) before it was carried out, while others have gone beyond its basic requirements. All railway facilities, including platforms, footbridges and other areas--whether or not fitting the definition of an enclosed public space--are covered, as are all football grounds and some cricket and athletics stadiums. School grounds are not required to be smoke-free under the legislation, but the majority now are. How has it been forced? Compliance in public premises has been high, with inspections suggesting that 99 per cent of places were sticking to the rules. The number of people charged for smoking in cars has been very low, which was due to the problems defining and identifying "work" vehicles. They said that a total ban on smoking in vehicles would end this confusion. Has it improved health? Studies in early adopters of the law, including in Scotland, suggest a reduction in hospital admissions for heart disease, which has been shown to be linked to passive smoking. There is also strong evidence of improved rates of smoking end and a drop in the number of cigarettes consumed by those who continue to smoke. Which of the following behaviors may NOT be against the law? A. Jack often smokes in the office when he is alone. B. A taxi driver is smoking with a lady in his car. C. Tom smokes while thinking of his future at home. D. Max smokes for relaxation during time-out in the stadium. Answer: C 35 percent of what depends on pollination? A. flowers B. people C. crops D. bees Answer: C Finding time to enjoy life is becoming harder and harder. As the average workweek lengthens, leisure time drops. Yet some of the world's busiest people are able to develop rewarding careers and also make time for family and leisure activities. Here is their best advice plus that of time-management experts: 1. Use your peak hours wisely. People tend to be most alert in late morning and midevening. Afternoon brings an increase in sleepiness. Use your high-efficiency hours to handle difficult jobs or engage in creative thinking. For low-efficiency times, concentrate on cleaning up or sorting your mail. By adapting to your mental condition, you can accomplish more in less time. 2. Make a plan. Just 20 minutes of organizing can save an hour of extra effort remembering what must be done. "Don't try to carry your life around in your head," says Lucy Hedrick, author of Five Days to an Organized Life. "Write things down so you can free your brain for more inventive pursuit ." 3. Discourage drop-ins. The person who welcomes every visitor will get plenty of conversation but won't accomplish much. The trick is to develop harmless ways to protect yourself from minute-stealing interruptions. David E. Levy, a public-relations consultant , uses an alternative to the open-door policy by keeping his door half open. The message is clear: he really doesn't want you to come in, but you can if it is important. 4. Tame the telephone. Few devices save more minutes--or waste so many more--than the telephone. Signal the end of your conversation with a phrase such as "Before we hang up..." You can save even more time by not taking every incoming call. Keep a record of when people you call regularly are least busy and call them at those times. Even better, make appointments to call important contacts. To help us gain an extra hour every day, a clockmaker in Dallas has created a timer measuring each minute at 57.6 seconds. The 2.5 seconds borrowed from each minute add up to an extra 60 minutes at the end of each day. What's the best title of the passage? A. Gain an Extra Hour Every Day B. Live One Day at a Time C. How to Live Your Life to the Fullest D. Create Your Own Opportunities Answer: A Bob was only seven years old. One night Bob was at home alone while his parents were out for a party. He had often stayed alone before,so he wasn't afraid. As he waited for his parents to return home,he watched a film on TV. His eyes became heavier and heavier as time passed by. Suddenly Bob's eyes opened wide--what was the sound in the next room? Bob heard the window being opened slowly. For a minute,Bob was so frightened that he could not move,and his body felt like ice. He knew that he couldn't lose his head and began to think of the things he could do. Again he heard the sound of someone trying to climb into his home through the window. Bob's drums were standing in the corner near the TV. "Wait,maybe there is something I can do,"thought Bob. He beat on his drums as hard as he could. The sound was so terrible that Bob surprised even himself. He also surprised the man in the window,who ran away as fast as possible.How clever he was! How did Bob do to make the man run away? A. He turned up the TV. B. He called the police. C. He beat his drums. D. He asked his parents for help. Answer: C Americans have developed an olive oil habit. Out to dinner recently, I saw a man dipping his white bread in olive oil and then pouring it all over his salad, saying, "Wow, this is so good for me!" But is olive oil the healthiest fat? No, it's not. You might ask, doesn't it lower cholesterol ? Well, only when you substitute olive oil in equivalent amounts for butter or oils that are higher in saturated fat. Olive oil doesn't lower cholesterol; it just doesn't raise it as much. You may be better off with canola oil. The 1999 Lyon Diet Heart Study found that a Mediterranean diet significantly reduced heart attacks and premature deaths. Many people attributed this to eating a lot of olive oil. But it was increased consumption of canola oil that accounted for these improvements. Also, study participants ate more whole-grain bread, vegetables, fish and fruit, and less meat. Butter and cream were replaced with man-made butter made from canola oil, which has more healthy omega-3 fatty acids than olive oil does. Another study found that olive oil reduced blood flow by 31%. Canola oil and fish oil don't. (You want to increase blood flow to all body parts.) I like the taste of olive oil, and I use it sometimes. It's a healthier fat than many others, but it's not nearly as healthy as canola oil -- or fish oil and flaxseed oil, for that matter, which also have lots of omega-3s. And a tablespoon of any oil has 126 calories. Think about that before you pour it on. The author may advise people _ . A. to choose canola oil instead of olive oil B. to think over before choosing new products C. to keep on eating olive oil to keep healthy D. to consult the researchers before accepting a trend Answer: A
Technology helps people do everything from planning to meet for a movie to keeping in touch with a friend who lives in a different country. When planning to get together with friends, Julian said , " If I want to go and see a movie with a few friends, I usually send them text messages. By telephone, you have to call every single friend one by one. But text messaging allows you to send the same message to as many people as you'd like, which saves a lot of time." Email, IM, and other low-cost methods of communication also help people keep long-distance friendships in ways they couldn't have even a few years ago. Mike told us, "I had this friend when I was 8 or 9 , and then she moved away to the country. We promised to stay friends and to send letters, and at the start we did. Then the letters got fewer and fewer and we at last stopped writing to each other. I think if we had had email, we would still be in touch." James found out about cost the hard way. He said, " I called my friend in New Zealand, which is halfway around the world, and it cost me over $200! So now I just stay up late to see if I can catch him on MSN or I write an email." Email, IM, and other low-cost ways of keeping in touch also allow people to develop brief acquaintances into long- lasting friendships. Andrea told us, " I met this really cool girl. We've been in touch over half a year and it's nice to talk to her." How does Julian usually get in touch with a group of friends? Answer: Are you good with money?I learnt to be careful with it during my childhood. My father would give me some pocket money and tell me it should last for a whole week. So,I learnt I had to save some if I didn't want to run out of cash quickly. No surprise there:my dad was an accountant! It's never too early to become money savvy .That's what British personal finances expert Martin Lewis thinks. He was part of a successful campaign to include financial education on the school curriculum in England. It will be embedded in maths and citizenship education. This includes children from 5 to 16 years old. Lewis says:"We desperately need to break the cycle of financial illiteracy in the UK--one of the causes of our current economic crisis and a huge contributor to continued mis-selling epidemics ." Being careful with money pays off. Banks in Britain recently found themselves having to pay a large number of people who were persuaded to spend money and buy insurance policies they didn't need. Many wasted their money on investments which were not for them. Few have the patience to read the small print. The British say'take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves'.It means you have to watch your daily expenses and not just the big purchases in your life such as houses. Martin Lewis has made millions from his website which advises people to be thrifty and refuses any suggestion that he is mean. The expert says in an interview with the English newspaper the Daily Express:"the better you are with your cash,the better your life can be. People think I am telling them to stop spending money but I am simply telling them to spend it wisely." What's the financial problem of some people in Britain? Answer: What is TOVIAZ? TOVIAZ is a medicine used in adults to treat the symptoms of a condition called overactive bladder . Who is TOVIAZ for? Adults 18 years older with symptoms of overactive bladder. Don't take TOVIAZ if you: Your stomach empties slowly. Have eye problems. Are allergic to any ingredients of TOVIAZ. Possible side effects of TOVIAZ Dry mouth. Constipation Dry eyes. Trouble empting the bladder These aren't all possible side effects of TOVIAZ. For a complete list, ask your doctor. How to take TOVIAZ: Your doctor may give you the lower 4mg dose of TOVIAZ if you have severe kidney problem. Take TOVIAZ with liquid and swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, divide or crush the tablet. You can take TOVIAZ with or without food. If you miss a dose of TOVIAZ, start taking it again the next day. Things you should keep in mind when taking TOVIAZ: Decreased sweating and severe heat illness can occur when medicines such as TOVIAZ are used in hot environments. Drinking alcohol while taking TOVIAZ may cause increased sleepiness. What can be inferred from the passage? Answer: The world itself is becoming much smaller by using modern traffic and modern communication. Life today is much easier than it was hundreds of years ago, but it has brought new problems. One of the biggest problems is pollution. To pollute means to make things dirty. Pollution comes in many ways. We see it, smell it, drink it and even eat it. Man has been polluting the earth. The more people, the more pollution. Many years ago, the problems was not so serious because there were not so many people. When the land was used up or the river was dirty in one place, man moved to another place. But this is no longer true. Man is now slowly polluting the whole world. Air pollution is still the most serious. It's bad for all living things in the world, but it is not the only one kind of pollution. Water pollution kills our fish and pollutes our drinking water. Noise pollution makes us angry more easily. Many countries are making rules to fight pollution. They stop people from burning coal in houses and factories in the city, and from putting dirty smoke into the air. Pollution by SO2 is now the most dangerous kind of air pollutions. It is caused by heavy traffic. We are sure that if there are fewer people driving there will be less air pollution. The earth is our home. We must take care of it. That means keeping the land, water and air clean. And we must take care of the rise in pollution at the same time. : Air pollution is the most serious kind of pollution because _ . Answer: Woman Uses Daughter's Key to "Steal" Car Charlie Vansant, a college student of Athens, Ohio, who reported that his car was stolen, got a surprise when he learned that a woman had mistaken it for her daughter's car and driven it home--using her key. Kate Anderson became an accidental "car thief" when picking up her daughter's car near an Ohio University building last week. Anderson found the Toyota Camry and used her daughter's car key to unlock the car, start the engine and drove it home--without realizing that the car didn't belong to her daughter. When Charlie Vansant left class a short time later, he found only an empty parking spot. He first assumed the car had been towed , but when the police couldn't find a record of it, then they took a theft report. That morning, after Anderson drove the car home, her daughter discovered the Camry in the driveway wasn't hers. Anderson said she was able to find Vansant's name on the paperwork in the glove compartment and look up his phone number on the website for the university. When Anderson told Charlie the car was in her driveway, "It sounded really suspicious at first, as if she wanted to hold the thing for ransom ," said Vansant. He eventually went to the house with a police officer, where he was reunited with his car. According to the police report, the case was closed "because of mistaken car identity", and Anderson wasn't charged. Vansant blamed the car company more than the "thief". "Her key fit not only my lock, but my ignition as well--so high-five for Toyota, I guess," he said. (307 words) Why did Kate Anderson drive Charlie Vansant's car home? Answer:
Question: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a novel about a 15-year-old autistic boy named Christopher Boone. After discovering the dead body of Wellington, his neighbor's dog, Christopher decides to find out the cause of the dog's death. He records his findings, as he has decided that he will create a "murder mystery novel" of the situation. But like any murder mystery novel, nothing is as simple as it seems. Christopher runs into many difficult situations because of his disability. He again and again mentions how he admires Sherlock Holmes (a fictional detective), which gives me an understanding as to why he continues to look into Wellington's death even after his father makes him promise not to. Christopher's story seems so true and heartfelt and that makes the novel an entertaining read. The author, Mark Haddon, had me wanting to keep reading to find out what Christopher would get himself into next. Haddon shows how Christopher' s disability affects how he goes about solving the mystery. Christopher has difficulty in communicating or forming relationships with others, but he has a great visual memory and ability to understand difficult math. This book was required reading at my school, but it became more than something I had to read. Haddon showed how these disabilities affect the lives of not only the children diagnosed with them, but also those around them. The novel feels real because it was written from Christopher's point of view. For example, when Christopher explains that when he was little he didn't understand much about other people having minds, it gives the impression that he's a real person. I believe that teenagers sometimes aren't sensitive to kids with mental disabilities. I think that when people read this novel, they will have a better understanding of what people with mental disabilities and those around them have to deal with on a daily basis. In the writer' s opinion, Haddon makes the story feel real by _ . A. telling us the story can happen around us B. writing from Christopher's point of view C. making it easy to understand the story D. giving a lot of explanations Answer: B. writing from Christopher's point of view Question: We're trying to decide where to go on our vacation this summer. We usually go to Lake Arrowheads for a few weeks, but we'd like to go somewhere else this year. We're tired of doing the same thing summer after summer. Some friends of ours suggested us go to Hawaii. That would be wonderful. I' m sure we would enjoy a trip like that, but of course it's impossible. First, it would be rather expensive, and second, there would not be enough time. If we're lucky enough to save some money between now and next summer, and if I'm lucky enough to get four weeks of vacation instead of two weeks, maybe we can go to Hawaii next year. In fact, if we wanted to plan a trip like that, it would be good to stay home and not to go to any place. That's one way we could begin to save some money for next year's trip. Also, if we were to stay here, I would like to work instead of taking two weeks off: then maybe my boss would suggest that I should be given four weeks' vacation instead of two weeks. If they had decided to go to Hawaii this summer, the writer _ A. would go there , too B. would go to Lake Arrowhead C. would stay home or work D. would stop them going there. Answer: C. would stay home or work Question: Residence Inn Milford Within 15 minutes from historic Yale University and New Haven, the Residence Inn Milford offers great facilities and first-class service for business or leisure travel. Our all-suites hotel near New Haven is 1 hour from Bradley International Airport and 10 minutes from a Metro North train station that can get you to NYC in under an hour and a half. At our Milford, CT hotel, enjoy spacious studio, suites that are 50 percent larger than traditional hotel rooms. Our suites offer hot breakfast buffet and a nightly social hour (Monday - Wednesday), on-site exercise room and outdoor swimming pool. Price: $ 119 per night Pet Policy: Pets allowed Check in time: 3 pm Marriott Detroit Southfield Newly renovated , the Marriott Detroit Southfield Hotel is one of Detroit's most desirable hotel destinations. With excellent public areas, enhanced meeting spaces and carefully redesigned guest rooms, the Marriott Detroit Southfield Hotel meets the needs of business, leisure and group guests travelling to the Detroit area. This suburban Detroit hotel has a prime location that allows for easy access to the Detroit Zoo, Henry Ford Museum, Comerica Park, Ford Field and many of the other local activities in the area. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Price :$ 75 per nightCheck in time : 4 pm Comfort Suites Kodak 100 percent smoke free and pet free hotel conveniently located at the main gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains off Interstate 40 at exit 407, close to all the fun and excitement in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville, including Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, Smokies Park, Sevierville Events Center, Tanger Outlet Mall, University of Tennessee and more. Guests enjoy waking up in our well-appointed guest suites featuring contemporary furnishings and LCD flat screen televisions, starting their day with our free breakfast, and relaxing in our indoor pool and exercise room. Price: $55 per night Check in time: 3 pm The Swinton Hotel Located in the very heart of the centre of London, the Swinton Hotel is one of the leading Kings Cross hotels offering free breakfast. It allows easy access to all tourist attractions, shopping areas and transport connections; you have come to the right place if you are looking for brilliant Kings Cross Hotels. Whatever reason you are looking for cheap hotels in London and whether you are visiting on business, as a tourist or to enjoy the vast varieties of entertainment and nightlife, we will be more than happy to provide you with a safe and comfortable environment. The Swinton Hotel is situated in an ideal location for those travelling to or from London by rail. Price :$45 per night Check in time: 3 pm If you want to go climbing, you may choose _ . A. Comfort Suites Kodak B. Marriott Detroit Southfield C. Residence Inn Milford D. The Swinton Hotel Answer: A. Comfort Suites Kodak Question: What will power your house in the future? Nuclear, wind, or solar power? According to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, it might be leaves -- but artificial ones. Natural leaves are able to change sunlight and water into energy. It is known as photosynthesis . Now researchers have found a way to imitate this seemingly simple process. The artificial leaf developed by Daniel Nocera and his colleagues at MIT can be seen as a special silicon chip with catalysts . Similar to natural leaves, it can split water into hydrogen and oxygen when put into a bucket of water. The hydrogen and oxygen gases are then stored in a fuel cell, which uses those two materials to produce electricity, located either on top of a house or beside the house. Though the leaf is only about the shape of a poker card, scientists claimed that it is promising to be an inexpensive source of electricity in developing countries. "One can imagine villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology," said Nocera at a conference of the American Chemical Society. The artificial leaf is not a new idea. The first artificial leaf was invented in 1997 but was too expensive and unstable for practical use. The new leaf, by contrast, is made of cheap materials, easy to use and highly stable. In laboratory studies, Nocera showed that an artificial leaf prototype could operate continuously for at least 45 hours without a drop in activity. The wonderful improvements come from Nocera's recent discovery of several powerful, new and inexpensive catalysts. These catalysts make the energy transformation inside the leaf more efficient with water and sunlight. Right now, the new leaf is about 10 times more efficient at carrying out photosynthesis than a natural one. Besides, the device can run in whatever water is available; that is, it doesn't need pure water. This is important for some countries that don't have access to pure water. With the goal to "make each home its own power station" and "give energy to the poor", scientists believe that the new technology could be widely used in developing countries, especially in India and rural China. The purpose of the scientists at MIT in developing the new artificial leaf is to _ . A. offer people in developing countries access to pure water B. provide cheaper energy for developing countries C. gain a deeper understanding of the photosynthesis process D. build up more power stations in the world Answer: B. provide cheaper energy for developing countries Question: The very wealthy English Baron Fitzgerald had only one child, a son, who understandably was the apple of his eye. His wife died when the child was in his early teens. So Fitzgerald devoted himself to (...) fathering the kid. Unfortunately the son died in his late teens. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald's wealth greatly increased. He spent a lot on art works of the masters . Later Fitzgerald himself became seriously ill. Before his death, he had carefully prepared his will as to how his wealth would be settled - to sell his entire collection at an auction . Because of the large quantity and high quality of his collection, a huge crowd of possible buyers gathered for the auction. Many of them were museum directors and private collectors eager to bid . Before the auction, the art works were shown, among which was a painting of Fitzgerald's son by an unknown artist. Because of its poor quality, it received little attention. When it was time for the auction, the auctioneer gaveled the crowd to attention. First the lawyer read from Fitzgerald's will that the first art work to be auctioned was the painting of his son. The poor-quality painting didn't receive any bidders, except one old servant who had served the son and loved him, and who for emotional reasons offered the only bid. As soon as the servant bought the painting for less than one English pound, the auctioneer stopped the bidding and asked the lawyer to read again from the will. The crowd became quiet, and the lawyer read from the will: "Whoever buys the painting of my son gets all my collection." Then the auction was over. The result of the auction would be the followings, except _ . A. Expected B. Puzzled C. Surprised D. Unbelievable Answer: A. Expected
Jeff noticed that the big dipper was in a different spot in the sky at 2am than where it was at 10pm. Why? Answer: Welcome to our food shop. All kinds of food are on sale! Do you need vegetables? We have many kinds of vegetables. They are not dear. Do you like milk? We have good milk, like Guangming, Mengniu and Yili, for just two yuan a bottle. Do you like chicken? Chicken is for just twelve yuan a kilo. Beef is for just eighteen yuan a kilo. Fish is for eight yuan a kilo. Come with your family and friends! ,. We can buy _ in the shop. Answer: How old is "old"? The answer has changed over the years. Two hundred years ago,you were old at 35.At the beginning of the 20 th century,the average life span was 45. In 1950,70-year-olds were really old.Today,a healthy 70-year-old is still thought young. So,how old is old? The answer is one you've heard many times,from all kinds of people."You are as old(or young)as you feel."Your age simply tells you how many years you have lived.Your body tells you how well you've lived. "Nobody grows old by living a number of years." wrote a writer."People grow old when they don't have their ideas." People shouldn't have the wrong ideas about _ Sometimes,older minds can be as bright as young minds.Alice Brophy once said,"It makes me unhappy when people say,'You look young for your age. ' What does that mean?You know you can die old at 30 and live young at 80. " In 1950, the average life span was _ Answer: Dadi Computer Company LiuYing Manager 45Nantou,Shenzhen 518000 Tel:0755-6561382 E-mail:ly@hot mail.com Fax:0755-6660388 Chaoyang Foreign Language School Chen Lijun Music Teacher 65 Xigang,Dalian 116000 Tel:0411-4313861 E-mail:Chenlj@shoul.com Fax:0411-4312789 Dongfang Children's hospital Zhang Jing Doctor 23 Taiping Road,Qingdao,Shandong 266000 E-mail:zhing@yahoo.com Fax:0532-4313861 New Century Bus Company SongWei Baiwanzhuang,Beijing,China 100037 Tel:010-88488970 13501368855(mobile) BP:63987120-30926 What does Chen Lijun do? Answer: Nine years ago, after Leo had died, people said to me. "I never knew he was your stepfather." You see, I never called him that. At first, he was no one special in my life. Then he became my friend. In time, I felt he was also my father. Leo married my mother when I was eleven. Two years later we moved into a house in a new suburban development, where we put down roots. At first our lawn was just a mud with wild grass, but Leo saw bright possibilities. "We'll plant trees there to give us shade as well as some flowers," he said. And just these little touches made our house different from all the others. More important, a real family was forming. Leo was becoming a full-time parent, and I was learning what it meant to have a father. Weekday mornings when the weather was bad, Leo often drove me to school. Having a father drop you off may have been something my classmates took for granted, but I always thought it was wonderful. Saturday mornings, we went to the hardware shop, then stepped into the five-and-ten, buying a sports magazine or something else. Some people might think that doing shopping together is nothing special, but I, who had ever before spent my childhood watching other families do their everyday activities, experienced them now with extreme delight. Looking back, I realized that Leo gave me what I needed most--the experience of doing ordinary things together as a family. Soon after we moved to the suburbs, one of our new neighbors introduced herself to me. She had already met my mother and Leo. "You know," she said, "you look just like your father." I knew she was just making conversation--but even so... "Thank you", I said. Why tell her anything different? In the writer's opinion, _ . Answer:
From furniture to jewelry, from the medical industry to civil engineering,three--dimensional printing can turn all sorts of ideas into objects. "I wanted to print large objects such as buildings,"said Behrokh Khoshnevis,professor of the University of Southern California.He planned to construct a house in 24 hours by applying 3D printing techniques,but he admitted there would be difficulties in meeting his goal. "For example,if you run out of ink while printing on paper,you will throw that paper away.But you cannot throw half completed buildings away if your material gets stuck,"he said.Although the printed house is not available to visit,there is a chance for people in Shanghai to see items printed in 3D. The Belgium-based company Materialize NV is currently holding a 3D printing exhibition in Shanghai that started in late 2012 and will continue until the middle of this year.The company is eager to show Asia what is possible with 3D printing. "All the pieces shown here are what cannot be made through traditional techniques. A good example of this customization is hearing aids More than l0 million people already use 3D printed hearing aids.all made according to the size of their ear."said Wim Michiels, executive vice-president at Materialise NV. "You can produce anything whenever and wherever you like.You don't need to set-up production lines for pieces that only need a limited amount of product.Setting up a production Line is a tot of work, takes a long time and is very expensive for a limited number of pieces" said Michiels. Kim Francois,managing director of Matcrialise China,said their European and American clients have at ready made the next step toward additive manufacturing with small-series production such as hearing aids. Which of the following is NOT true according to the text'? Answer: The printed house is on show in Shanghai. When couples get married, they usually plan to have children. Sometimes, however, a couple can not have a child of their own. In this case, they may decide to adopt a child. In fact, adoption is very common today. There are about 60 thousand adoptions each year in the United States alone. Some people prefer to adopt _ , others adopt older children, some couples adopt children from their own countries, and others adopt children from foreign countries. In any case, they all adopt children for the same reason ---- they care about children and want to give their adopted child a happy life. Most adopted children know that they are adopted. Psychologists and child-care experts generally think this is a good idea. However, many adopted children or adoptees have very little information about their biological parents. As a matter of fact, it is often very difficult for adoptees to find out about their birth parents because the birth records of most adoptees are usually sealed. The information is secret so no one can see it. Naturally, adopted children have different feelings about their birth parents. Many adoptees want to search for them, but others do not. The decision to search for birth parents is a difficult one to make. Most adoptees have mixed feelings about finding their biological parents. Even though adoptees do not know about their natural parents, they do know that their adopted parents want them, love them and will care for them. Adoptees find it hard to make the decision to search for their birth parents, because _ Answer: They have mixed feelings about finding their natural parents. There once lived in China a very foolish king and queen. One day the queen had a baby daughter. When they saw their baby, they both cried out, "My goodness! How small it is! It's hairless and toothless! It's a monster!" They sent for all the doctors in the country and ordered them to prepare some medicine for her. "When she drinks your medicine, she must grow to the right size and have hair and teeth," the king said, "If you don't do this, you'll have a beating." The doctors thought it impossible, but they dared not say anything against the king's order. Just then and old doctor stepped forward. "Oh, we shall certainly obey your order," he said, "but it takes time. We have to dig a mineral from the Kun Lun Mountains when the snow melts for the second time. The snow melts on those mountains only once in six years. So we need twelve years." At last the king agreed and the doctors took away the little princess. On her twelfth birthday, they brought her back to her parents with long black hair and beautiful teeth. The king and queen were very happy and gave the doctors expensive presents. Which of the following words makes the sentence untrue? The baby was _ . Answer: unusual Children and teenagers who spend lots of time in front of screens---especially TVs---are easier to get more weight as they grow, according to a new study. The findings agree with the research suggesting all that inactive sitting and always watching advertisements may lead to poor eating habits. Researchers used results from a long-term study of children who took part in the surveys every two years. Children were between ages 9 and 16 when the study started. Out of 4,300 girls in the study, 17 percent were overweight or obese . Twenty-four percent of the 3,500 boys were also above a healthy weight. The surveys included questions about their height and weight as well as how much time they spent watching TV and DVDs and playing computer and video games. From one survey to the next, each one-hour increase in children's daily TV watching was in connection with an increase of about 0.1 points on a body mass index (BMI) , which measures weight in connection with height. There's an increase of about half a pound in weight per extra hour of TV. "The weight of the evidence is so strong that television watching is connected with unhealthy changes in weight among youth," says Jennifer Falbe, who led the study while at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. "It's important for parents to know that all the obesity-causing screens really should be limited in their children's lives." Falbe says. "When children watch TV, there are many food advertisements on TV that might lead them to eat a cookie or drink a soft drink." What's more, she says, "they can get into a hibernating state on the sofa, even if children are sitting down while playing a computer game." Which of the following statements can be the best title for the text? Answer: Too much screen time leads to obesity. What would need electrical energy to function? Answer: A Dyson
While going to the office, I found an old man lying by the side of the bus stop.He seemed very sick and poor.Instinctively.I gave him some money.After a few minutes, I realized that he was probably too sick to get up and buy something with that money.I was thinking about how to help him when my bus arrived, halting my brainstorm.I quickly got on and rode off. However, that night I couldn't sleep.I felt very angry at my own heartless and selfish behavior.How could I just walk away from that man without a thought for his suffering? I felt restless and very upset. The next morning, while waiting at the bus stop, I hoped to run into him again.But he wasn't there.I thought he may have gone to the sidewalk to sleep for the night.I looked around for him, but he had disappeared.Disappointed, I decided to check for him again on my way back. While returning from work that day, I came back to the bus stop and resumed my search for him. Thankfully, he was there.I quickly went to a nearby store and got him a blanket, some bread, and biscuits. When I handed them to him, he seemed very grateful."Now I will be safe from the cold," he smiled. I also gave him some more money and told him to keep it safely.After being able to help him, I felt very at peace. What can we possibly conclude from the moving story? Answer: The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose. It may help you to know that there is no such thing as a perfect speech.At some point in every speech, every speaker says something that is not understood exactly as he has planned.Fortunately, the moments are usually not obvious to the listeners. Why ? Because the listeners do not know what the speaker plans to say. They hear only what the speaker does say. If you lose your place for a moment, wrongly change the order of a couple of sentences, or forget to pause at a certain point, _ .When such moments occur, don't worry about them. Just continue as if nothing happened. Even if you do make an obvious mistake during a speech, that don't really matter. If you have ever listened to Martin Luther King's famous speech - " I have a dream", you may notice that he stumble his words twice during the speech.Most likely, however, you don't remember.Why? Because you were fixing your attention on its message rather than on his way of speech-making. People care a lot about making mistakes in a speech because they regard speech-making as a kind of performance rather than as an act of communication. They feel the listeners are like judges in an ice-skating competition.But, in fact, the listeners are not looking for a perfect performer. They are looking for a well-thought-out speech that expresses the speaker's ideas clearly and directly.Sometimes a mistake or two can actually increase a speaker's attractiveness by making him more human. As you work on your speech, don't worry about being imperfect.Once you free your mind of this, you will find it much easier to give your speech freely. It can be inferred from the passage that _ . Answer: one to two mistakes in a speech may not be bad Last week, I bought an alarm system for about $ 450. It consisted of a control unit with three small units. I put the control unit in the sitting-room and fastened the other units by the front door, back door and living-room windows. The instructions told us to choose three numbers, so we chose 491, the last three numbers of our telephone number. Now I will explain how the alarm works: 1. There is a power siren in the control unit. It makes a very loud noise. 2. Each of the small units sends out beams or rays in different directions. If anything moves, it breaks a beam. This sends signal to the control unit. The siren makes a noise which you can hear 50 meters away. 3. When we go to bed, I press the three buttons numbered 4, 9 and 1. Then we have 30 seconds to get out of the room before the alarm starts to work. That night I slept soundly because I was sure that no burglar could get into our house. However, at about 2:10 a. m. , I woke up and heard the siren. "There must be a burglar in the house?" Mary said, "What shall we do?" "I'll go and see who's there," I said, "Stay here. Don't make a noise. " I went down stairs quietly. When I reached the living-room, I switched on my torch and looked round the room. Then I turned the light on. I switched the siren off and searched the rooms downstairs. There was nothing wrong except that the back door was unlocked. I locked it, re-set the alarm and went back to bed. About an hour later, the alarm started again. I jumped out of bed, fell over a chair in the dark and bumped into the bedroom door. Mary woke up and started hitting me with a torch. "Hey! Wait a minute!" I whispered, "It's only me. I'm going downstairs to see what's wrong." I went down into the living-room and listened for a moment. The only sound I could hear was the siren. I tamed on the light and switched the siren off. As I did so, I glanced across at the curtains in front of the windows. I saw a house lizard (a kind of small animals) disappear behind the curtains. "Oh!" I said to myself. "That's our burglar." When the lizard moved, it started the siren. I guessed the alarm had been made in Europe, where there are no house lizards. Well, I won't finish this story but if you want an alarm system free of charge, let me know. I'll send you ours. We bought a dog this morning. It knows the difference between a lizard and a burglar . The purpose of the writer in writing the passage is to _ . Answer: tell us an interesting experience Whenever anyone measures educational success, East Asian countries are always top scorers. But in a recent league table, a European country, Finland, was top of the class. South Korea was still in second place, though. Britain was at number 6. In Korea the school day is long--typically 7 or 8 hours, followed by hours of private tutoring in the evenings. _ leaves Korean students so tired, they sometimes fall asleep in class next day. Worries about the effects of late night cramming led the government to force cramming schools to close by 10 p.m. Finnish children spend the least time in class in the developed world, often finishing just after lunch, with about one hour of homework a day. Private tuition is uncommon. The British and American school day is quite long in comparison, around 6 hours, and secondary school pupils do 2 or 3 hours of selfstudy a night. The Korean education system, like many in Asia, is intensely competitive, with students even competing to get into the best cramming schools, to help them get ahead. Finnish education is far less cutthroat. Classes are all mixed ability, and there are no league tables. British schools again occupy the middle ground, with quite high levels of competition for places at university, and schools and universities battling to come top of league tables for everything from exam results to student satisfaction. Korea and Finland both do well, yet their education systems are so different. However, there are some similarities between Korea and Finland. In those countries, teachers have high status in society, and education is very highly valued. Those attitudes can't change quickly. But it can be done. They might be the star pupils now, but until the 1970s, Finland's education system was poor. Their thoroughly different approach to schooling has taken them to the top in just a generation. According to the text, we think in Korea _ . Answer: students spend more time in studying Scientists have found that human eyes are more likely to be damaged by UV rays while skiing in the snow-covered areas than sitting on the beach, according to a report by the UK newspaper The Telegraph. The researchers at Kanazawa Medical University, Japan and American company Johnson conducted the study together. They looked at the effects of light reflection on newly fallen snow on a ski trail (a rough path) in Ishikawa District, northern Japan. They compared the results with the levels of UV rays on a sand beach in southern Japan's Okinawa District. They found that on the beach, eyes are exposed to a daily 260 kilojoules of UV a square meter compared to 658 kilojoules in snow-covered areas. The findings are supported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. According to the agency, the reflection rate of UV light on beaches is often between 10 and 25 percent, compared to 80 percent in the new snow areas. The amount of light increased 4 percent with a 300-meter rise in height. Most of us know that UV rays can harm the skin. That's why we wear sunscreen on our skin before we get out in the sun. But many of us may not realize that UV rays are also harmful to the eyes. If your eyes are exposed to large amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you may experience a kind of sunburn of the eye, which is harmful. Your eyes will become red and feel a strange feeling. They may be sensitive to light. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and seldom causes permanent damage to the eyes. Long-term exposure to UV radiation, however, can be more serious. Scientific studies and researches have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of eye damage, which could lead to total blindness. If a place is 1500 meters higher, the amount of light increases _ . Answer: 20 percent
Question: Have you ever noticed the colour of the water in a river or stream after a heavy rainfall? What do you think caused this change in colour? It is soil that has been washed into the river from the riverbank or from the nearby fields. Components of Soil Soil is made up of a number of layers, each having its own distinctive colour and texture. The upper layer is known as the litter. It acts like a blanket,limiting temperature changes and reducing water loss. The topsoil layer is made up of small particles of rock mixed with rotten plant and animal matter called humus , which is black and gives the topsoil its dark colour. This layer is usually rich in nutrients, oxygen, and water. Below the topsoil is the subsoil, a layer that contains more stones mixed with only small amounts of organic matter. This layer is lighter in colour because of the lack of humus. Beneath the soil lies a layer of bedrock. Soil forms from the bottom up. Over time bedrock is attacked by rain, wind, frost, and snow. It is gradually broken down into smaller particles in a process called weathering. Plants begin to grow,and rotten materials enrich the topsoil. Most of the soil in Eastern Canada ,for example ,was formed from weathered rock that was exposed when the ice disappeared 12,000 years ago. Water Beneath the Soil Surface water collects and flows above the ground in lakes ,ponds, and rivers. Once in the soil or rock, it is called groundwater. Gravity pulls groundwater through the soil in a process called percolation . Eventually the water reaches a layer called the water table. Under this is bedrock through which water cannot percolate. As water percolates downward, it _ organic matter and minerals from the soil and carries them to deeper layers.This causes a serious problem because plants require these nutrients for growth. Soil pH Soil can be acidic, neutral, or basic. The pH of the soil is determined by the nature of the rock from which it was formed,and by the nature of the plants that grow and rot in it. The acidity of rain and snow can lower the pH of the groundwater that enters the soil. By burning fossil fuels such as coal ,oil and gasoline,humans have been contributing to higher levels of acidity in many soils. When fossil fuels are burned,gases are released into the air and then fall back to earth as acid rain. Acid soil increases the problem of carrying nutrients to lower soil levels. As nutrients are removed,soil is less fertile. Plants grow more slowly in acidic soil,and also become easily attacked by diseases. The layer of soil that provides necessary nutrients for plant growth is called _ . A. litter B. subsoil C. humus D. topsoil Answer: D. topsoil Question: One day, a little boy comes into a shop and says to the shop worker, "I want to buy twelve exercise books of 6 cents each and nine pencils of 10 cents each. How much is that altogether ?" The shop worker writes these numbers down on a piece of paper and thinks for a minute. Then she says, "1 dollars 62 cents." "If I give you ten dollars, how much money will I get back?" "You will get 8 dollars 38 cents for _ Here you are. These are the things you want." "No, thank you. I don't want to buy anything." The boy looks at the piece of paper and says politely, "This is my math homework. Thank you. Can I take it away?" The story happens _ . A. at school B. at a station C. in a shop D. in a supermarket Answer: C. in a shop Question: Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 and died on December 5 , 1791. When he was three, he often had lessons with his elder sister. His father took him through many different countries, where he played music for lots of people. But some people didn't believe a little boy could write such beautiful music. They asked him to stay in a room all by himself for a week and somebody watched the room all the time . In a week , he finished a new piece of music . After that, people believed that he could write beautiful music. Mozart died when he was still a young man. During his short life he studied music and taught music and played music and wrote music. Even by working so hard, he couldn't make much money . Often he had to borrow money from his friends. But his music made him happy and for more than two hundred years his music has made other people happy, too. Although Mozart was famous , he was _ . A. hard B. rich C. happy D. poor Answer: D. poor Question: A battery that is placed in vinegar will cause the vinegar to A. be a good chemical copy B. have new chemical properties C. be safe to drink D. attract groups of deer Answer: B. have new chemical properties Question: Sandpiper Lounge area with colour TV/DVD and log fire --one welcome basket of logs on arrival. Fully fitted kitchen/dining area with cooker, microwave, dishwasher etc. Newly fitted shower unit with electric shower and WC. Four bedrooms with one twin bedded room and one bunk bedded room. There is a beautiful wooden divider between the kitchen and lounge. There are no steps in the cottage, which makes it suitable for anyone who has a little difficulty walking or managing stairs. Smugglers Cove Cottage Large ground floor cottage, attractive lounge with log fire, colour TV/ DVD and lovely views of the castle and lake. Four bedrooms and two twin bedded rooms plus double bed. Separate fitted kitchen with cooker, microwave, dishwasher and fridge etc.and big dining area.Basket of logs provided on arrival.Bathroom with electric shower and separate WC.Separate entrance passage with own yard and barbecue. Smugglers Cove is perfect for larger families and groups or couples wishing to enjoy themselves! Driftwood Ground floor cottage.Lounge area with colour TV/DVD, with dining area complete with fully fitted kitchen, cooker, dishwasher, microwave, etc.Bathroom with electric MIRA shower and WC.Four bedrooms and one twin bedded room.People(and luggage)can be offloaded at the door itself.Pretty bay window overlooking garden with own yard and barbecue. Tidesreach Cottage One double bedroom and one bunk bedded room. Tidesreach is a bright and airy, first floor cottage apartment fit for couples or small families Tidesreach is a comfortable, well-equipped holiday cottage apartment with woodland views towards Watennouth castle and over the courtyard. Tidesreach Cottage is dog friendly.Well behaved pets are welcome. If a family of four travel with their cat, the best place for them to stay at might be _ . A. Sandpiper B. Driftwood C. Tidesreach Cottage D. Smugglers Cove Cottage Answer: C. Tidesreach Cottage
In some countries, the most common unlucky number is thirteen. People don't like to live in a house that is number 13. People don't like to have parties with thirteen people. People don't like to do important things on the thirteenth of the month. Also, when you add the Japanese unlucky numbers together---nine and four ---they make thirteen. There aren't many business meetings on the thirteenth of the month especially when the thirteenth is on a Friday. Friday is always unlucky. Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden on a Friday. Jesus Christ died on a Friday. There were thirteen people at his last supper. In Europe, they kill criminals on Fridays. For some people, unlucky numbers do the opposite things. My elder brother was born on the thirteenth. He passed his exams on the thirteenth. He married on the thirteenth. He became a pilot on the thirteenth. It was always a lucky number for him. ,. Which of the following is NOT true? The author was born on the thirteenth. One day the Smith family went to the zoo. Ann Smith rode her bike from place to place. Joe Smith crawled everywhere he went. Their parents, Katie and Mike Smith, walked. After visiting many animals they all met up at the monkey cage. There was a long line to feed the monkeys. The line was so long that Joe fell asleep for a bit. Finally, it was time for the Smith family to feed the monkeys. The daughter, Ann, feed the monkeys a banana. The son, Joe, fed the monkeys a cracker. The mother, Katie, fed the monkeys a piece of cheese. The father, Mike, fed the monkeys an apple. After the monkeys were done eating the zoo worker told them to pick their favorite treat, and give the person who gave it to them a hug. The monkeys all hugged Joe. Joe's parents were proud of him for picking the treat he liked best. As a reward, they gave him a special prize. Joe got the bike he had always wished for. At the end of the day he left the zoo a very happy child. What is the name of the daughter? Ann City Varieties The Headrow, Leeds. Tel. 430808 Oct. 10 - 11 only A Night at the Varieties. All the fun of an old music hall with Barry Cryer, Duggle Brown, 6 dancers, Mystina, Jon Barker, Anne Duval and the Tony Harrison Trio. Laugh again at the old jokes and listen to your favourite songs. Performances: 8 pm nightly. Admission L5; under 16 or over 60: L4 York Theatre Royal St. Leonard's Place, York. Tel. 223568 Sept. 23-Oct. 17 Groping for Words-a comedy by Sue Townsend. Best known for her Adrian Mole Diaries, Townsend now writes about an evening class which two men and a woman attend. A gentle comedy. Performances: 8pm Admission: First night, Mon.: L2; Tues-Fri: L3.25-5.50; Sat.: L3.35 -5.75. Halifax Playhouse King's Cross Street, Halifax. Tel. 365998 Oct. 10 - 17 On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson. This is a magical comedy about real people. A beautifully produced, well-acted play for everyone. Don't miss it. Performances: 7:30 p. m. Admission: L2. Mon.: 2 seats for the price of one. Grand Theatre Oxford Street, Leeds. Tel. 502116 Oct. 1 - 17 The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13. Sue Townsend's musical play, based on the best-selling book. Performances: Evenings 7:45pm. Oct. 10 - 17, at 2:30 pm. No Monday performances. Admission: Tues-Thurs: L2 - 5; Fri. & Sat. : L2 - 6 From the text we know that Sue Townsend is _ . a writer A wise man once said that the only thing necessary for the victory of evil is for good men to do nothing. So, as a police officer, I have some urgent things to say to good people. Day after day my men and I struggle to hold back a tidal wave of crime. Something has gone terribly wrong with our once-proud American way of life. It has happened in the area of values. A key ingredient is disappearing, and I think I know what it is: accountability. Accountability isn't hard to define. It means that every person is responsible for his or her actions and liable for their consequences. Of the many values that hold civilization together --- honesty, kindness, and so on --- accountability may be the most important of all. Without it, there can be no respect, no trust, no law --- and, ultimately, no society. My job as a police officer is to impose accountability on people who refuse, or have never learned, to impose it on themselves. But as every policeman knows, external controls on people's behavior are far less effective than internal restraints such as guilt, shame and embarrassment. Fortunately there are still communities --- smaller towns, usually --- where schools maintain discipline and where parents hold up standards that declare: "In this family certain things are not tolerated --- they simply are not done!" Yet more and more, especially in our larger cities and suburbs, these inner restraints are loosening. Your typical robber has none. He considers your property his property; he takes what he wants, including your life if you annoy him. The main cause of this breakdown is a radical shift in attitudes. Thirty years ago, if a crime was committed, society was considered the victim. Now, in a shocking reversal, it's the criminal who is considered victimized: by his underprivileged upbringing, by the school that didn't teach him to read, by the church that failed to reach him with moral guidance, by the parents who didn't provide a stable home. I don't believe it. Many others in equally disadvantaged circumstances choose not to engage in criminal activities. If we free the criminal, even partly, from accountability, we become a society of endless excuses where no one accepts responsibility for anything. We in America desperately need more people who believe that the person who commits a crime is the one responsible for it.. What the wise man said suggests that it's _ . certain that evil will be widespread if good men do nothing about it Mr. Li was in bed and was trying to go to sleep when he heard the bell ring . He turned on the light and looked at his clock. It was half past twelve. "Who can it be at this time of night?" he wondered. He decided to go and find out .So he got out of bed, put on his dressing gown and went to the door. When he opened the door, there was nobody there. "That's very strange." He thought. Then he went back to his bedroom, took off his dressing gown, got back into bed, turned off the light and tried to go to sleep. A few minutes later he heard the bell ring again. Mr. Li jumped out of bed very quickly and rushed to the door. He opened it, but again he found no one there. He shut the door and found a piece of paper with some words on it: "It is now after midnight, so it is April 1st. April fool to you!" "Oh, it was the English boy next door!" Mr. Li exclaimed, and almost smiled, He went back to bed and fell asleep immediately. The bell did not ring again. When he opened the door for the first time, there was _ there. nobody
At a day care center in Taxes, children were playing outside. One of the children was Jessica McClure. She was 18 months old. Jessica's mother, who worked at the day care center, was watching the children. Suddenly Jessica fell and disappeared. Jessica's mother cried and ran to her. A well was in the yard of the center. The well was only eight inches across, and a rock always covered it. But children had moved the rock. When Jessica fell, and she fell right into the well. Jessica's mother reached inside the well, but she couldn't feel Jessica. She ran to the phone and called 911 for help. Men from the fire apartment arrived. They discovered that Jessica was about 20 feet down in the well. For the next hour, the men talked and planned Jessica's rescue . Then they told Jessica's parents their plan. "We can't go into the well. " they said "It's too narrow. So, we're going to drill a hole next to the well. Then we 'll drill a tunnel across Jessica. Then we'll bring her up through the hole. " The man began to drill the hole on a Wednesday morning. "We'll reach Jessica in a few hours ", they thought. The men were wrong. They had to drill through the solid rock. Two days later, on Friday morning, they were still drilling,. And Jessica McClure was still in the well. During her days in the well, Jessica sometimes called her mother. Sometimes she slept, sometimes she cried, and sometimes she sang. All over the world people waited for the news of Jessica. They read about her in the newspapers and watched her rescue on TV. Everyone worried about the little girl in the well. At 8 P. M. on Friday, the men finally reached Jessica and brought her up from the well. Jessica was dirty, hungry, thirsty and tired. Her foot and forehead was badly injured. But Jessica was alive. A doctor at the hospital said, "Jessica was lucky she was young. She's not going to remember this very well. " Maybe Jessica will not remember her days in the well. But her parents, her rescuers, ans many other people around the world will not forget them. After Jessica's rescue, one of the rescuers made a metal cover for the well. On the cover he wrote, "To Jessica, with love from all of us. " We learn from the passage that _ . A Jessica got many people's attention B Jessica didn't make a sound in the well C it took the whole Friday for the men to rescue Jessica D Jessica's parents made a new cover for the well Answer: A. Jessica got many people's attention I bought a Paul Smith shirt three months ago. For those who don't know, Paul Smith is an English designer brand. His shirts cost about 1,000 yuan and upwards. I paid 50 yuan for my colorful shirt from a street vendor in Beijing. Of course my shirt was a knockoff, a cheap copy of the brand. After a few washes, little balls formed on the surface of the thin material. Do I care? Not at all. You get what you pay for. I have to admit I hate shopping. _ I have other priorities. In You Are What You Wear, US writer Jennifer Baumgartner says people's clothes tell a story about their personality. She writes: "The clothes you choose to wear provide important information about you as a person: your approximate education level, your income, social status and even your level of self-esteem ." When I started work as an undercover crime reporter, I had to shop for jeans and a hoodie in order to fit in with a rough and ready social group. I bought the hoodie in a charity shop. My daughters were shocked. They thought I looked bad, but I knew my disguise was perfect. Elizabeth L. Cline thinks she knows best when it comes to cheap clothes in her book Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. She expresses sadness that clothing has been turned into a good that is thrown away after being used once or twice. She looks down her nose at cheap fashion and longs for the good old days when department stores sold quality clothes at high prices. I don't agree. At least people now can choose what to wear without breaking the bank. Which of the following might be the best title for the story? A The variety of clothes B You are what you wear C High cost of cheap fashion D You get what you pay for Answer: D. You get what you pay for Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Chinese Moon Festival, takes place at the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month. The reason for celebrating the festival during that time is that it is the time when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. The Mid-autumn festival is one of the two most important occasions in Chinese calendar (the other being the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year) and it is an official holiday. It is a time for families to be together, so people far from home will gaze longingly at the moon and think about their families. The traditional food for mid-autumn festival is the moon cake which is round and symbolizes reunion. Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival takes place at ( ). A the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month. B the 16th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month. C the 15th day of the ninth Chinese lunar month D the 15th day of the eighth Chinese month. Answer: A. the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month. It was a Saturday in May. When Mrs. Black opened the door and looked out, she smiled and said,"It's going to be a beautiful day." She woke her little son up at eight thirty and said to him,"Get up, Todd. We're going to the zoo today. Wash your hands and face, brush your teeth and have breakfast quickly. We are going to New York by train. Todd was six years old. He was very happy because he liked going to the zoo very much, and he also liked going by train. He said,"I dreamed about the zoo last night, Mum." His mother was in a hurry, but she stopped and smiled at her little son,"What did you do in the zoo in your dream?" Todd laughed and answered,"You know. You were there in my dream, too." What did Todd do in the zoo in his dream? A He saw a lot of animals. B He played with a monkey. C He saw some beautiful birds. D The story doesn't tell us. Answer: D. The story doesn't tell us. Although English is not as 0old as Chinese it is spoken by many people around the world every day. English speakers are always creating new words, and we should be able to know where most words come from. Sometimes, however, no one may really know where a word comes from. Did you ever think about why hamburgers are called hamburgers, especially when they are not made with ham ? About a hundred years ago, some men went to America from Europe. They came from a big city in Germany called Hamburg. They did not speak good English. But they ate good food. When some Americans saw them eating round pieces of beef ,they asked the Germans what it was. The Germans did not understand the question and answered, "We came from Hamburg." One of these Americans owned a restaurant, and had an idea. He cooked some round pieces of beef like what the men from Hamburger ate. Then he put them between two pieces of bread and started selling them. Today "hamburgers" are sold in many countries around the world. Whether this story is true or not, it certainly is interesting. Knowing why any word has a certain meaning is interesting, too. The reason may be found in any large English dictionary. According to the story, _ . A few Americans like hamburgers B hamburgers are made with beef C hamburgers are made with ham D Hamburgers were sold all over the world about a century ago. Answer: B. hamburgers are made with beef
Can animals do work for us? Some scientists think that animals may do a lot of jobs. They say that we may see many elephants, monkeys, dogs, bears and other animals do a lot of things. Animals can get something to eat if they do some work for people. Some scientists say that many different animals may do lots of jobs if they know they will get something to eat. Of course, dogs can guard a house, and elephants can do some heavy jobs. And we can also teach animals to work in factories. In America apes can help people make cars. Scientists believe that these big monkeys may drive cars. What kind of animals can guard a house? A A dog B An elephant C An ape D A monkey Answer: A A statute of State X permits a person's name to appear on the general election ballot as a candidate for statewide public office if the person pays a $100 filing fee and provides proof from the State Elections Board that he or she was nominated in the immediately preceding primary election by one of the state's two major political parties. It also permits the name of an independent candidate or a candidate of a smaller party to appear on the general election ballot if that person pays a filing fee of $1,000, and submits petitions signed by at least 3% of the voters who actually cast ballots for the office of governor in the last State X election. State X maintains that these filing requirements are necessary to limit the size of the election ballot, to eliminate frivolous candidacies, and to help finance the high cost of elections. Historically, very few of State X's voters who are members of racial minority groups have been members of either of the two major political parties. Recently, a new political party has been formed by some of these voters. Which of the following constitutional provisions would be most helpful to the new political party as a basis for attacking the constitutionality of this statute of State X? A The First Amendment. B The Thirteenth Amendment. C The Fourteenth Amendment. D The Fifteenth Amendment. Answer: C A 13-year-old boy traveled to Washington, D.C. to raise money for homeless kids. Zach Bonner was pretty tired. Instead of going to camp last summer, Zach decided to walk 668 miles from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. He hoped more people would help homeless kids. His journey to help others began six years ago. Zach walked from his home in Tampa to Tallahassee. Then, in 2008, Zach Bonner went on a 270-mile walk from Tallahassee to Atlanta. In 2010, he did it again, from Tampa to Los Angeles. Last summer, Zach traveled 12 miles every day on foot. Along the way, he collected more than 1000 letters about homeless children. He hoped to give the letters to President Obama. Zach says he wants his walk to make a difference. More than 1 million children in the U.S. have nowhere to live. During his journey, Zach spent 24 hours with some homeless children so he could learn the difficulties they face. When Zach walked the last mile of his long journey, more than 500 supporters, including 300 homeless kids, joined Zach. They went with him down the National Mall. "It was a long walk," Zach says, "but it was meaningful." Although the journey is difficult and tiring, Zach won't give up. "When homeless kids get tired of being homeless, they don't get to stop. So why should I stop when I get tired of walking?" Last summer, Zach Bonner _ . A went to camp B learnt to face difficulties C wrote letters to President Obama D walked from Atlanta to Washington Answer: D Mr and Mrs Green come from Australia .They are in Beijing now .Mr Green is a teacher in a high school .He teaches English ,He likes reading and running .His son, Jim, is a student.He likes playing football very much .He likes school, too. He does his homework every day . Mrs Green is a teacher ,too. She can speak a little Chinese. She likes Chinese food .She doesn't like doing housework at all, but she likes cooking .They all like China a lot. They all like _ very much. A China B Chinese people C playing D school Answer: A Every day I check my e-mail. Most of the time I am simply doing finger exercises, another form of piano practice without the beautiful tones. Sometimes, however, I receive a gift, reminding me of the gifts in my life. The following passage is one of those gifts. Peter Jones is a 92-year-old, small but proud man. Every morning he is fully dressed by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and his face shaved perfectly, even though he is actually blind. He would move to a nursing home today because his wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the entrance hall of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he moved his walker skillfully to the elevator, the nurse provided a visual description of his tiny room, "I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait." Said the nurse. "That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged... it's how I arrange my mind. I have already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice: I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. May each of our days continue to be a gift. What would be the best title for the text? A Each day is a gift B Be always grateful C Living in a nursing home D Arrange your mind every day Answer: A
Donald had his own difficulties in sleeping that night. Not just because of the bright lights of the shelter or people's constant voices, it was the happening repeatedly nightmare that caused him to stay awake, to fear sleep. Donald was back in his small house. He did his best to ignore the howling winds outside his window. Yet he could not turn out the fearful whimpers of his little dog, or the uncomfortable sounds of his mother anxious in her room next door, unable to sleep through the storm despite her insistence they would be all right. Donald did not want his mother to be upset, but on some level, he was glad to hear she was awake, It meant he was not alone in the dark. Though he was 12, until recently it was impossible for Donald to fall asleep unless his mother lay down by his side. Suddenly there was a crash. Their living room window is shattered by 125 miles an hour winds. Troy rushed to Donald and sat anxiously on the edge of his bed. He did his best to calm his mother, and she had to comfort him. Soon water was seeping into the single floor house. Quickly it rose from ankle level to leg level. At Donald's insistence, they pushed their way through the water --- now chest high --- toward the front door. When they fought their way into the living room, water rose to their chins. It was a struggle for the boy and mother to stay afloat. In a total panic, desperate to hold on to something, Troy caught a curtain rod. She was breathing hard, shouting that she couldn't swim. Donald cried out, "Mom! Hold on!" Just then Donald also caught a floatable wood board. Which phrase can describe Troy's feelings at the beginning of the storm most suitably? A In excitement. B In calm. C In anxiety. D In despair. Answer: C When in 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States, there was no permanent capital in which to house the government. During the Revolutionary War several different cities had served as the national capital. In addition, members of congress could not agree as to where this permanent capital should be located. Some officials wanted it in the north, others wanted it in the south. Each of the states hoped that the capital might lie within its own state lines. At last it was decided that the capital should occupy a section by itself, separate from any of the states. The place chosen was situated on the Potomac River. The land belonged originally to the state of Maryland, but Maryland agreed to the national government. The section was named the Washington. Work was begun on the new capital in 1791. in the year 1899 Congress occupied the new capital building at the same time the White House was opened as the home of all future presidents. Before the year 1800, the capital of America had been located in _ . A Maryland B Washington C New York D several cities Answer: D When I was seven, my parents gave me a doll, a doll's house and a book. The Arabian Nights, came wrapped in red paper. I was just ready to read when my mother walked into my room. "Isn't your doll just beautiful?" my mother asked. I looked at the doll, with fair hair in a pink dress----I'll have to call her "she" because I never gave her a name. I folded my lips and raised my eyebrows, not really knowing how to let my mother down easily. "This doll is different." My mother explained, trying to talk me into playing with it. Thinking the doll needed love, I hugged her tightly for a long time. Useless, I said to myself. Finally, I decided to play with the doll's house. But since rearranging the tiny furniture seemed to be the only active possible, I lost interest. I caught sight again of the third of my gifts The Arabian Nights, and I began to read it. From that moment, the book was my constant companion. Every day I climbed our garden tree, nestled among its branches, I read the stories in The Arabian Nights to my heart's content. My mother became concerned as she noticed I wasn't playing with either the doll or the little house. She insisted that I take the doll up the tree with me. Trying to read on a branch 15 feet off the ground while holding on to the silly doll was not easy. After nearly falling off twice, I tied one end of a long vine around the doll's neck and the opposite one around the branch, letting the doll hang in mid air while I read. I always looked out for my mother, though. I sensed that my playing with the doll was of great importance to her. So every time I heard her coming, I lifted the doll up and hugged her. The smile in my mother's eyes told me my plan worked. The inevitable happened one afternoon. Totally absorbed in the reading, I didn't hear my mother calling me. When I looked down, I saw my mother staring at the hanging doll. Fearing the worst of scolding, I climbed down in a flash, reaching the ground just as my mother was untying the doll. To my surprise, she didn't scold. She kept on staring at the doll. The next day, my father came home early and suggested he and I play with the doll's house. Soon I was bored, but my father seemed to be having so much fun, I didn't have the heart to tell him. Quietly I slipped out, picking up my book on my way to the yard. So absorbed was he in arranging and rearranging the tiny furniture that he didn't notice my quick exit. Almost 20 years passed before I found out why the hanging-doll incident had been so significant for my parents. By then I was a parent myself. After recalling the incident, my mother said all those years she had been afraid whether I would turn out to be a most loving and understanding mother to my son. My mother often thanks God aloud for making me a good parent, pointing out that with education I might have been a rich dentist instead of a poor poet. I look back on that same childhood incident, recalling my third gift, the book in red-paper, and I take advantage of the experiences that have made me who and what I am. Sometimes I pause to wonder at life's wonderful ironies . The author's account of a childhood incident shows that, as a young girl, she viewed her parents as people who _ . A hoped to shape their children's future B were unconcerned about their behavior C ruined their children's dreams completely D might withdraw their love at any moment Answer: A A plastic bag is filled with milk and is placed in a chest. The chest has a device which takes all of the warm air away, so eventually, the milk will A quake B be seared C be solid D melt Answer: C In the mid 1990's, people started doing business on the Internet. At that time, there were two kinds of companies. First, there were traditional companies. They sold things in stores. Then there were Internet companies. They didn't have a store, and they only sold things on the Net. Traditional companies didn't want to lose any business. Quickly they made their own websites and began selling things on the Net. These are the so-called "brick and click" companies. Many stores are made of brick. And you click on your mouse to buy things with your computer. That's where the name "brick and click" comes from. By the late 1990's, e-business like amazon com , buy com. and etoys com. were in trouble. Their profits were not very high. Competition was great. Many of these businesses were losing lots of money. In 2000, many e-business went out of business. Why are "brick and click" companies, like Barnes and Noble, Toys RVs and Walmart so successful? First, many customers know and trust their names. Their websites like walmart.com. are easy to remember. These companies also have lots of experience. They know how to run a successful business. In the world of e-commerce, companies are fighting for every dollar and every customer. Will "brick and click" companies win the war? Only time will tell. What did many traditional companies do in the mid 1990's?_. A They went out of business. B They made their websites. C They bought Internet companies. D They sold their companies. Answer: B
Movie Extras Would you mind lying in a coffin ? Would you shave your head? Are you willing to take out your false teeth? These are just a few of the questions Anne Marie Stewart and her staff sometimes ask the "talent" who serve as non-speaking "extras" in special films, television series, and made-for-TV movies produced in Toronto. Of course, the majority of extra calls are for more ordinary people, and Stewart has a list of about 650 registered extras. Crowd scenes, which are common, call for everyday people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and sizes. Over at Movie People, last-minute requests are not unusual. "We got a request once for an entire brass band of 30 people. They wanted it within the hour," said manager Yvonne McCartney. Another time, the company got a last-minute request for a newborn baby. "We found a baby that was three weeks premature," said Jonathan Aiken, an owner of the company. Then there was the worried call from a casting director whose "Star" got doggone stubborn one day and decided to just lie down and not work. The director needed a replacement dog, fast. "We got them two in one hour." said Aiken. "It was a matter of good connections and fast phone work." The eight phone lines needed to make 350 to 400 calls a day are one of Movie People's major expenses. Phone lines are the only way to stay in touch with casting directors and extras; but the latter are a group not necessarily interested in a long-term relationship. Most extra jobs pay only $7 an hour (with a six-hour minimum), while most agencies charge an annual $75 registration fee and get 10 to 15 per cent of extras' earnings. It's no wonder that the _ rate is fairly high. Some people who are between jobs do extra work as a temporary measure, said McCartney. But professionals, such as lawyers, also do the work because it's interesting. Others with flexible jobs have a desire to do something different. Some homemakers want to get out of the house and onto a movie set. Money's not the motivating reason. "One of the first things I say to people who walk in and ask about being an extra is, 'You have to be available,' "said a person at Karen Clifton Agency. Inc. "The next thing I say is, 'You can't make a living at this.' " What kind of people are movie extras? Answer: Non-professional movie actors. Bats hunt through echolocation because Answer: their chirps are sent back after bouncing The most important holiday in spring, especially for Christians, is Easter. This Christian holiday is not on the same date every year,but it's always on a Sunday. It can be any Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Many people celebrate Easter by buying new clothes. Children celebrate by hunting for colored eggs that their parents have hidden around the house. People also give Easter baskets filled with candy and other goodies to one another to celebrate the day. But the holiday is more than new clothes and good things to eat. On Easter, many people go to church to celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Most people color Easter eggs. Some people hide them. Others just eat them. But no matter what one does with Easter eggs,they are an important Easter tradition throughout the Western world. People from many different cultures celebrate Easter. In both America and Belgium, children look for Easter eggs hidden on lawns and in bushes. In America, children believe the eggs are hidden by the Easter bunny .But in Belgium, the hidden eggs are supposed to have fallen from church bells. In Bulgaria , red Easter eggs are lucky in churches. Bulgarian families also hit these Easter eggs together to see whose is the strongest. The winner looks forward to good fortune that year. Still dozens of other Easter traditions exist. In parts of Austria,for example,children sing from door to door and are rewarded with colorful eggs. Easter comes _ . Answer: on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25 You've got plenty of emails from your mom, and maybe even a few from dear old grandma. But have you ever received a message from a river? Now, Ireland's River Lee is sending out much information, thanks to wireless technology. In a program called the DEPLOY project, scientists have put some sensors in rivers that can find pollution levels. Instead of asking scientists to collect water _ several times a day, the government can now examine pollution levels in the water, and find out if there is anything polluted entering the river. This makes it much easier for scientists to protect the environment, since problems can be discovered before a serious pollution accident really happens. People in the area can also receive free reports from the river, so that they can find out whether the water is safe for swimming or boating on a certain day. And people can also know if the water is clear enough for them to drink and use. The DEPLOY project has not only started in Ireland, also the same programs have started in thousands of places around the U.S. Now you live in a world in which you could receive information with your mobile phone about environment. The technology should help to make us know more about the pollution that surrounds us--which just might get us all a little more involved with trying to clean up our world. Which of the following is TRUE? Answer: You can receive information about environment with your phone. One in ten teens says they use"study drugs"to improve their performance in school. So-called "study drugs"refer to prescription medicines that are used to treat ADHD .But most parents have no understanding of the problem, a new study finds. In January, 2013, researchers from the University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital did a national survey of more than seven hundred families with teens. They found that only one percent of parents believe their child has taken a study drug. Yet in a 2012 University of Michigan study, ten percent of second-year high school students and twelve percent of third-year high school students say they use a study drug. The misuse of study drugs didn't come to the attention of almost all parents."What we found in this survey is a clear mismatch ,"said Dr. Matthew Davis, one of the researchers. It is a mismatch between what parents believed and what their kids were reporting. "We know teens are spreading the word that these drugs can improve their grades,"Davis said."But these prescription medicines are drugs. And teens who use them without a prescription are taking a serious risk." The new survey showed that fifty-four percent of white parents were"very concerned"about their child taking study drugs, compared with thirty-eight percent of Hispanic parents and thirty-seven percent of black parents. However, just twenty-seven percent of parents surveyed have talked to their teens about using study drugs. Of these parents, forty-one percent were black, twenty-seven percent were white and seventeen percent were Hispanic. Students with a prescription for an ADHD drug should be required to keep their medicines in a safe place, such as the school nurse's office. Seventy-nine percent of parents think so, the survey shows. This may help prevent _ from being shared or used by other students. What is the purpose of this text? Answer: To report a research result
A man went to buy a piece of meat. As he didn't know how to cook meat, he asked the butcher to tell him the way of cooking it. The butcher told him how to cook it, "But I can't remember your words," the man said. "Will you please write them down for me?" The butcher was kind enough to write them down for him. The man went home happily with the meat in his hand and the note in his pocket . A dog followed him on the way. It jumped at him, took the meat away and ran off. The man stood there, not knowing what to do. Then he laughed and said, "never mind. You don't know how to eat it. The note is still in my pocket." Why did the man asked the butcher to tell him the way to cook meat? Answer: Most people agree that honesty is a good thing. But does Mother Nature agree? Animals can't talk, but can they lie in other ways? Can they lie with their bodies and behavior? Animal experts may not call it lying, but they do agree that many animals, from birds to chimpanzees, behave dishonestly to fool other animals. Why? Dishonesty often helps them survive. Many kinds of birds are very successful at fooling other animals. For example, a bird called the plover sometimes pretends to be hurt in order to protect its young. When a predator gets close to its nest, the plover leads the predator away from the nest. How? It pretends to have a broken wing. The predator follows the "hurt" adult, leaving the baby birds safe in the nest. Another kind of bird, the scrub jay, buries its food so it always has something to eat. Scrub jays are also thieves. They watch where others bury their food and steal it. But clever scrub jays seem to know when a thief is watching them. So they go back later, unbury the food, and bury it again somewhere else. Birds called cuckoos have found a way to have babies without doing much work. How? They don't make nests. Instead, they get into other birds' nests secretly. Then they lay their eggs and fly away. When the baby birds come out, their adoptive parents feed them. _ After a fight, the losing chimp will give its hand to the other. When the winning chimp puts out its hand, too, the chimps are friendly again. But an animal expert once saw a losing chimp take the winner's hand and start fighting again. Chimps are sneaky in other ways, too. When chimps find food that they love, such as bananas, it is natural for them to cry out. Then other chimps come running. But some clever chimps learn to cry very softly when they find food. That way, other chimps don't hear them, and they don't need to share their food. As children, many of us learn the saying "You can't fool Mother Nature." But maybe you can't trust her, either. Which of the following is true according to the passage? Answer: Young children from poor families are more likely to consume junk food and fizzy drinks than their richer companions. A study of 1,800 four- and five-year-olds found more than half of those from poor backgrounds drank at least one a week, compared to just four in ten _ kids. They also drank less milk and consumed more fruit juice which is also linked to child obesity caused by high sugar intake . The phenomenon also relates to children who spend more than two hours a day in front of a TV or playing computer games--whatever their social circumstances. A companion study also found children from poor families were more likely to eat chips, sweets and chocolate. Professor Kate Storey said, "when you are looking at that age group, and such a large percentage of very young kids in the study are consuming a large amount of soda ,it is quite concerning. " The researchers carried out the study by surveying the parents of their participants to find out their dietary habits. Professor Storey said, "If you are drinking a lot of soda and fruit juice, they can displace consumption of water and milk, which are important not just for ending thirst, but for developing healthy bones and teeth, and health and wellness in general." Co-researcher Dr John Spence said, "Dietary behavior and intake patterns are influenced heavily by what happens in the first few years with children, and they maintain those patterns throughout childhood and into adolescence ." In addition to basic health education, this study identifies a need in how we are dealing with poverty and recognizing there is more to poverty than simply the number of dollars people have. Professor Storey said that shows how education can make a difference and lead to healthier eating habits, regardless of what is happening at home. "Many families live in places that might not be very healthy for them and, as a result, they make unhealthy food choices. You can start making a difference in different places. It calls for action in multiple settings, schools and communities, for example. That light-bulb moment can happen in a variety of places," Professor Storey added. Professor Storey considers that healthier eating habits can be _ . Answer: February 11th is the birthday of the most famous American inventor,Thomas Alva Edison.Edison was born in 1847.He was not a good student when he was a young boy.His teacher said he was one of the most dumb headed students .He did badly in many subjects and left school after only three months.So his mother took him home and taught him herself.Edison didn't like school at all,but he loved science.He liked to ask questions. One day his father found him sitting on some eggs.His father asked him why.The boy didn't answer.He asked his father instead,"Why can't I hatch chickens,but hens can?" Edison invented 1328 things in his life,and these things made our lives more comfortable and the world more beautiful.People will never forget him. One day Edison sat on some eggs.He _ . Answer: Just like with humans, if another organism consumes more calories than it burns off, it will inevitably Answer:
Amsterdam is a city like Venice founded on and around water or waterways. However, unlike Venice, Holland's largest city isn't only a museum. Amsterdam is a real, living and large city. The Dutch capital has clearly come a long way since it was founded. A story goes that two fishermen and a seasick dog first came there. The dog jumped ship to pour out the con- tents of his stomach and the two fishermen became the founders of Amsterdam. The reality of its founding might have something to do with the River Amstel which was built in the 13th century. Settlement developed slowly there and it took its name. Amsterdam is built on numberless canals, which neatly divide the city into easily navigable districts. There seems to be a canal around every corner in Amsterdam. This is not too surprising when you consider that the city is home to 165 canals, which are more than Venice. During the summer, people come together in Vondel park, where locals and tourists alike relax in the. fine weather. Amsterdam might be one of Europe's wettest capitals, but as soon as the clouds are clear and the sun shines, its citizens go out into the streets to sit in cafes, go boating on a canal, or even ride bicycles; the number of bikes in the city is more than double that of the city's population. Amsterdam's winters tend to be cold with plenty of rain, but this seldom seems to stop the tourists from gathering together in the city. Particularly cold winters also offer a good chance for visitors to watch the local people skating across the frozen canals. These days, with plenty of rail, bus and air connections to all over Europe, the Dutch capital is a year-round tourist destination as well as one of the world's key business centers. We can conclude from the passage that Amsterdam is A. as big as Venice B. similar to Venice in certain aspects C. the largest city in Europe D. a big inland city Answer: B. similar to Venice in certain aspects Choose the best answer (,): David Copperfield is one of the world's most famous magicians . He became the youngest member of the Society of American Magicians when he was 12. Now he is famous all over the world. In 1983, he made the Statue of Liberty in New York disappear for a few minutes. In 1986, Copperfield first came to China. He walked through the Great Wall in Beijing! During his second visit in 2002, lots of Chinese people were lucky enough to enjoy his shows. Copperfield's shows are not just magic. He also dances and does lots of interesting things to make his fans happy. He even asks his fans to help him do tricks ! One of Copperfield's greatest tricks is flying. In his shows in China, he even made some fans fly around the theatre! In another trick, an electric saw cut Copperfield's body into two halves. Copperfield's magic is different each time. What do you think he will do next time? It will be fun to wait and see! Which of the following sentences is TRUE? A. Copperfield has never been to Beijing. B. Copperfield once flew over the Statue of Liberty. C. Copperfield is also a famous singer. D. Copperfield also dances in his shows. Answer: D. Copperfield also dances in his shows. Before I spoke to his school, Matt was waiting for me. He sat in his wheelchair barely able to move. As soon as he saw me he started smiling. He could not talk but I pretended the sharks were eating his cereal and his laugh melted the hearts of everyone walking by. One of the teachers told me that he was actually very smart, he just could not control his muscles due to a childhood disease. He was happy and very popular at his school-his'parents' love and encouragement made all the difference. On the contrary--at a book signing session, I met a girl by the name of Anne. She walked up with her mom with a bright smile. Anne asked about my book with a slur in her speech indicating a slight head-injury. I told her about it and she smiled the whole time and asked me to sign one for her. I did. Five minutes later, I heard a voice from Anne's father, "you know you will not understand the book. You can't read well enough. You aren't smart enough." He said it so loudly that people were staring in their direction. She was ly crushed and her bright smile was now replaced with a look of total despair. He pried the book from her and brought it back to me and asked me to take it back. I asked him if he would allow me to purchase the book for Anne. He said no with a heartless response. I thought back to Matt. He could not speak, walk, run or play but was actually very happy and even doing well in school because of the love and encouragement of his parents. Anne on the other hand had a slight learning problem and may never know happiness of success because of a stern father. What kind of parent are you? The truth is that whatever you are telling your kids-makes the difference between their success or failure in life. Hearing her father's words, Anne felt _ A. light-hearted B. doubtful C. cautious D. heart-broken Answer: D. heart-broken Going to school means learning new skills and facts in such subjects as reading, math, science, history, art or music. Teachers teach and students learn, and many scientists are interested in finding ways to improve both the teaching and learning processes. Some researchers, such as Sian Beilock and Susan Levine, are trying to learn about learning. Beilock and Levine are psychologists at the University of Chicago. Psychologists study the ways people think and behave, and these researchers want to know how a person's thoughts and behavior are related. In a new study about the way kids learn math in elementary school, Beilock and Levine found a surprising relationship between what female teachers think and what female students learn: If a female teacher is uncomfortable with her own math skills, then her female students are more likely to believe that boys are better than girls at math. "If these girls keep getting math-anxious female teachers in later grades, _ ," Levine toldScience News. The study suggests that if these girls grow up believing that boys are better at math than girls are, then these girls may not do as well as they would have if they were more confident. Just as students find certain subjects to be difficult, teachers can find certain subjects to be difficult to learn--and teach. The subject of math can be particularly difficult for everyone. Researchers use the word "anxiety" to describe such feelings: anxiety is uneasiness or worry. (Many people, for example, have anxiety about going to the dentist because they're worried about pain.) The new study found that when a teacher has anxiety about math, that feeling can influence how her female students feel about math. The study involved 65 girls, 52 boys and 17 first- and second-grade teachers in elementary schools in the Midwest. The students took math achievement tests at the beginning and end of the school year, and the researchers compared the scores. The researchers also gave the students tests to tell whether the students believed that a math superstar had to be a boy. Then the researchers turned to the teachers: To find out which teachers were anxious about math, the researchers asked the teachers how they felt at times when they came across math, such as when reading a sales receipt. A teacher who got nervous looking at the numbers on a sales receipt, for example, was probably anxious about math. Boys, on average, were unaffected by a teacher's anxiety. On average, girls with math-anxious teachers scored lower on the end-of-the-year math tests than other girls in the study did. Plus, on the test showing whether someone thought a math superstar had to be a boy, 20 girls showed feeling that boys would be better at math--and all of these girls had been taught by female teachers who had math anxiety. According to surveys done before this one, college students who want to become elementary school teachers have the highest levels of anxiety about math. Plus, nine of every 10 elementary teachers are women, Levine said. This study was small, and it's often difficult to see large patterns in small studies, David Geary told Science News. Geary, a psychologist at the University of Missouri in Columbia, studies how children learn math. "This is an interesting study, but the results need to be interpreted as preliminary and in need of replication with a larger sample," Geary said. That means that the results are just showing something that might be happening, but more studies should be done. If more studies find the same trend as this one, then it's possible that a teacher's anxiety over math really is affecting her female students. What is the finding of the new study? A. No male students were affected by their teachers' anxiety. B. Almost all the girls got lower scores in the tests than the boys. C. About 30% of the girls thought boys are better at math than girls. D. Girls with math-anxious teachers all failed in the math tests. Answer: C. About 30% of the girls thought boys are better at math than girls. Men have always believed that they are smarter than women. Now, a study has found that while this is certainly true, men also have to deal with the fact that they are also more stupid than the fairer sex. In the study, scientists measured the IQ of 2500 brothers and sisters and they found an uneven number of men not only in the top two percent, but also in the bottom two percent. The study's participants were tested on science, maths, English and mechanical abilities. Though there were twice as many men as women in the smartest group, there were also twice as many men among the foolish. The total scores of men and women were similar. One of the study's authors, psychology professor Timothy Bates, said that the phenomenon may be because men have always been expected to be high achievers and women have been restricted to spend more time taking care of their home. "The female developmental program may be tilted more towards ensuring survival and the safety of the middle ground."the Daily Mail quoted Professor Bates, of Edinburgh University, as saying. The research agrees with past results that men were more likely than women to receive first class University degrees or thirds and women secured the seconds. It has been said that men are more ready to take a risk when it comes to academics. While women have always been found to be steadier in their learning. A past study has shown that women are securing more firsts and seconds, while men are continuing to receive more thirds. The argument for the change is that the increase of coursework at the cost of exams favors women's steady approach. The reason for the change that women are securing more firsts and seconds is that. A. More women are growing like men B. .higher expectation is given to more women C. Women's steady approach is more suitable for the exams D. More women have the chance to receive first class university Answer: C. Women's steady approach is more suitable for the exams
Question: Getting in touch with nature can help keep people fit, reducing the burden of sickness on the health service, conservation experts say. Natural England is starting a campaign to get people to spend more time outside among the country's wildlife and natural environment. The aim of the campaign is to get people to have more contact with nature by promoting green spaces and encouraging health professionals to incorporate (......) the thought into the advice and care plans that they give to patients. Being close to nature can cut stress and increase physical activity. Dr. William Bird from Natural England said: "Increasing evidence suggests that both physical and mental health are improved through contact with nature. Yet people are having less contact with nature than at any time in the past. This has to change. Children with attention disorders have been shown to improve when they have contact with nature. People recovering from operations have been shown to need fewer painkillers if they look out at green fields." He also said people were more likely to keep up with their regular exercise in natural settings, rather than in a gym or leisure centre. Natural England is working with the BBC and more than 300 partners to promote its campaign, which will be the first of four campaigns to get people more involved in nature. Liz Cleaver, from the BBC, said: "These campaigns now provide the public with the opportunity to get outside and to get actively involved in nature close to where they live. That's great for wildlife --but it's also fantastic for everyone's health and well-being." The campaign has also received support from the government. Dr. Fiona Adshead, England's deputy chief medical officer, said: "I welcome Natural England's commitment to encourage and enable people to make use of the country's outdoor space for physical activity." What attitude does Dr. Fiona Adshead have towards the campaign? A. Unconcerned. B. Objective. C. Supportive. D. Disappointed. Answer: C Question: Dear Peter, I'm very happy you'll come to my city at 3:00 pm this Sunday. Now let me tell you the way to Haitian Restaurant .Take a taxi from the airport and go down Renmin Road. Go across the big bridge. When you see a bank, turn right and go straight. It's down Songshan Road on the left. It's across from a big supermarket. I'll meet you there. Have a good trip! Kangkang Kangkang will meet Peter _ . A. at the airport B. in a bank C. in a restaurant D. in a big supermarket Answer: C Question: The reverse of evaporation in terms of weather phenomena is A. cloud formation B. condensation C. transpiration D. precipitation Answer: D Question: LONDON--A morning's train ride away, across the Channel, English kids talk about Liverpool's soccer team in aprefix = st1 /Parispub. Some Parisians have even started to go to work in London. In the 19thcentury, Charles Dickens compared the two great rival cities, London and Paris, in "A Tale of Two Cities." These days, it might be A Tale of One City. Parisians are these days likely to smile in sympathy at a visitor's broken French and respond in polite English. As jobs grew lack at home over recent years, perhaps 250,000 Frenchmen moved across the Channel. With an undersea tunnel, they could travel between cities in three hours. The European Union freed them from immigration and customs. Paris, rich in beauty, is more attractive. But Londonfeels more full of life, and more fun until the pubs shut down. "For me, the difference is that Londonis real, alive," said Trevor Wheeler, a banker. Chantal Jaouen, a professional designer, agrees. "I am French, but I'll stay in London," she said. There is, of course, the other view. Julie Lenoux is a student who moved to Londontwo years ago. "I think people laugh more inParis," she said. In fact, London and Paris, with their obvious new similarities, are beyond the cold descriptions. As the European Union gradually loosened controls, Londoners _ intoParisto shop, eat and buy property. "Both cities have changed beyond recognition." Said Larry Collins, a writer and sometimes a Londoner. Like most people who know both well, he finds the two now fit together comfortably. "I first fell in love with Parisin the 1950s, and it is still a wonderful place," Collins said. "But if I had to choose, it would be London. Things are so much more ordered, and life is better." But certainly not cheaper. In fancy parts of London, rents can be twice those on Avenue Foch in Paris. Deciding between London and Parisrequires a lifestyle choice. Like Daphne Benoit, a French journalism student with perfect English, many young people are happy to be close enough so they don't have to choose. "I love Paris, my little neighborhood, the way I can walk around a centre, but life is so structured," she said. "InLondon, you can be who you want. No one cares." We can infer from the text _ . A. Paris andLondonhas become perfect partners. B. London feels more full of life. C. life inParisis structured. D. Paris andLondonhave become fierce competitors. Answer: A Question: Taiwan police cannot decide whether to treat it as an extremely clever act of stealing or an even cleverer cheat .Either way, it could be a perfect crime , because the criminals are birds----homing pigeons. The crime begins with a telephone message to the owner of a stolen car: if you want the car back, pay some money. Then, the car owner is directed to a park, told where to find a bird cage and how to attach money to the neck of the pigeon inside. Carrying the money in a tiny bag, the pigeon flies off. There have been at least four such pigeon pick-ups in Changwa. What at first seemed like the work of a clever stay-at-home car thief, however, may in fact be the work of an even lazier and more inventive criminal mind---- one that avoids not only collecting money but going out to steal the car in the first place. Police officer Chen says that the criminal probably has pulled a double trick: he gets money for things he cannot possibly return. Instead of stealing cars, he lets someone else do it and then waits for the car owner to place an ad in the newspaper asking for help. The theory is supportd by the fact that, so far,none of the stolen cars have been returned. Also, the amount of money demanded----under 3,000 Taiwanese dollars-----seems too little for a car worth many times more. Demands for pigeon-delivered money stopped as soon as the press reported the story. And even if they start again, Chen holds little hope of catching the criminal. "We have more important things to do,"he said. We may infer from the text that the criminal knows how to reach the car owners because _ . A. he reads the ads in the newspaper B. he lives in the same neighborhood C. he has seen the car owners in the park D. he has trained the pigeons to follow them Answer: A
Some children wish to be writers when they grow up. They mean that they want to write stories or books. They would be happy if many people read their stories or books some day. But I would like to tell these children that they will need to be good readers and read a lot before they become good writers. Nearly all great writers listened to others tell stories long before they started school. They also kept on reading for hours and hours for years. Even when they have become writers, they spend much of their time reading books instead of watching TV in the evening. If you are a good reader, it won't take you long to do the reading homework your teacher ask you to do. Then you will have time to read other books for fun. You read so well that you always want to look for more books to read. If you want to be a writer, reading is very important. When you decide to become a writer, you had better tell yourself, "I must read more and more if I really want to become a good writer." Which is the best title of this passage? A. Great writers B. How to become a writer C. How to be a good reader D. Books and stories Answer: B. How to become a writer How do you know if your home is an easy aim for thefts ? Around the holidays, many families don' t consider taking proper measures to prevent t heir homes from suffering holiday thefts. With just a few simple steps, you can better make sure of the safety of your home during all of the holiday celebrations. Here are a few tips for making it difficult to tell you are away from home. * Either have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers, or tell your mailperson to hold your mail until you return. Nothing says"Hey, we are not home! "like when your postbox is filled with all kinds of mails and you have many different newspapers in your driveway. * Set several different lights in your house on random timers .Don' t leave your outdoor lights on all the time. Instead, put your outside lights on timers to be on during the nights. If an outdoor light remains on for days at a time, it means that nobody is home to turn it off. * If you have pets that you are not taking with you on vacation, leave them with a friend, rather than having someo ne come into your house every day to take care of them. When thefts see a neighbor or friend entering your house every day, they will know you are not home. * Close all your curtains when you leave town. This is effective to deter possible thefts, as no one can see what is in your house. If they don' t know what there is to take, then the risk is even greater for them to break in. * This article just has suggested a few tips to help you keep your house safe while you are on holiday. Nothing can truly protect your home unless you have it monitore d by a professional home security system. If you are on holiday in other places, the lights in your house should _ . A. be lit in an irregular way B. be kept on all the night C. be replaced by random timers D. be turned on only once one day Answer: A. be lit in an irregular way A willow can make its own A. rain B. energy C. sunshine D. snow Answer: B. energy The capsized accident which happened in Yangtze River on June 1st, 2015 shocked the whole country.There are so many people related to this accident.Zhang Shunwen, the captain of the vessel , has been probably the person being mostly discussed now. Born in 1963, Zhang has been working on this ship for 35 years and became captain of it in 2007.Until the accident, Zhang was regarded as an effective captain and his experience as a sailor was flawless with numerous awards. Zhang Shunwen said the wind was coming from the South, and the wind then was about three to four grade.He first tried to ride the ship northward on the leeside in an effort to counter it with the vessel's speed.However, the wind suddenly gathered speed and he lost control of the ship."We couldn't fend off the wind even if we made a full left turn." he said. Zhang escaped alive and is under watching by police, although he has not yet been accused of any wrongdoing. Every person has his opinion toward this kind behavior of police. Some of them think of it to be improper because the captain himself is also a victim in this accident, what's more, his wife, who also boarded on this boat, remains missing now. While others are in support of this action, to them, it is the captain who should shoulder the responsibility. For me, I agree with the former. Because the captain has made every effort to deal with the accident. According to the description of Zhang, the situation of the accident then is _ . A. Fierce. B. Calm. C. Not so bad. D. secure Answer: A. Fierce. Having a child may improve a woman's memory, a new study suggests. In the study, women who were new mothers scored better on tests of visuospatial memory - the ability to understand and remember information about their surroundings--compared with women who didn't have children. The findings contradicts the old belief that women develop"baby brain" or a decline in memory and cognitive function, after they have kids, said study researcher Melissa Santiago, a doctoral student at Carlos Albizu University in Miami. "You don't have to feel that because you have kids, your memory isn't the same," Santiago said. The study was small, and the findings will have to be tested in larger groups of people, Santiago said. Previous studies on the topic have had mixed results--some showed motherhood hurts cognition, and others showed the opposite. Studies on rats show those with pups have better memory than those without offspring. Santiago analyzed information from 35 first-time mothers whose children were ages 10 to 24 months, and 35 women who had never been pregnant. Both groups scored similarly on intelligence tests. The average age of mothers was 29 and the average age of never-pregnant women was 27. To test visuospatial memory, the women were shown a paper containing six symbols for 10 seconds, and then asked to draw what they remembered. This task was repeated several times. The first time women were shown the paper, both groups remembered about the same amount. But on the second and third pass, mothers performed better than those without children, indicating that the mothers collected more information each time than the other women. Later, the women were shown a variety of different symbols, and asked to remember which ones were presented on the earlier task. Mothers did not make a mistake in this task--they remembered every symbol correctly--but those without children made one or two errors, Santiago said. Which of the following was discussed in the text? A. Ways to test visuospatial memory. B. Why having kids improves memory. C. How young mothers are different from never-pregnant women. D. The negative effects that worries of women without children have. Answer: A. Ways to test visuospatial memory.
The last few days before Christmas passed quickly and it was soon Christmas Eve. That night when everyone went to bed, Bunny couldn't sleep. He still couldn't think of what he wanted his special Christmas gift to be. He wondered how Santa Claus would know what to bring him if he didn't know himself. As he was sitting up in bed , Bunny heard a big noise on the roof and a sound downstairs. It was Santa Claus, he realized. Bunny jumped out of bed and raced down the hall to the stairs hoping to have a look at the old man with his own eyes. By the time Bunny reached the bottom of the stairs, though, everything was again silent .Beautiful gifts were piled under the Christmas tree, but Santa Claus was gone. He looked for him for a few minutes, but it was already too late. Bunny turned to climb back upstairs when he heard a cry. "Hello," said Bunny. "Is somebody there?" He was answered by another cry. Bunny looked around the big pile of gifts to see what was making the noise. Right under the tree was a funny looking brown animal with big feet and sad eyes. Bunny might have mistaken it for a dog, if it hadn't been for the antlers on its head. "Are you a reindeer?" asked Bunny. "Yes," replied the animal, "my name is Ralph." "And you were pulling Santa's sled ?" "I was until I got air-sick," replied Ralph," I'm afraid I wasn't _ the job. Now I'm stuck here and I don't know how to get back to the North Pole." "Well, if you like, you can stay with us as a friend," said Bunny. As he made the offer, Bunny suddenly realized the gift he wanted from Santa Claus was a new friend! As soon as Bunny came downstairs, he _ . Answer: was probably very sad Charlie studied in a famous college for four years. He studied hard and did well in all his subjects. He hoped to become a good teacher. This year he left the college and began to work in a middle school. He likes his students and is strict with them. He does his best to make his classes lively and interesting. One day he carefully explained a chemical reaction to the students of Grade 2 in the chemistry lab. "Be careful, everyone," he said loudly. "Before I make the experiment,there're twenty five atoms of carbon ,but after I finish it, there're twenty four atoms of carbon left!" He stopped to watch the classroom and hoped his students would go on explaining it. But the young men looked at each other and nobody answered him. He had to ask, "What happens? What makes the atom lost?" The classroom was very quiet and none of the students looked at their teacher. "Who can tell us where it has gone?" Suddenly a soft voice came from the back row, "We did not see anybody leave the lab!" That day Charlie wished _ . Answer: his students could learn the chemical reaction Ginny Ruffner is one of the best-known glass artists in the United States. Her one-of-a-kind pieces are colorful, detailed and often humorous. Over the years, she became famous for a method called lamp working, also known as flame working. It involves using a torch to melt and shape the glass instead of blowing on it. Ginny Ruffner almost died in a three-car accident in 1991. No one thought the Seattle-based artist would ever walk or talk again. An award-winning film documentary explores that period of her life. "It's scary when you can't talk, you can't do... all your life." said Ruffner. Ms. Ruffner was in a coma for five weeks and a wheelchair for five years. But she overcame her injuries. And although she still has difficulty walking and talking, she has willed herself back to work. Now, she has a team that helps bring her dream to life. Her team recently finished an eight point five meter-high flowerpot made of steel and aluminum. It is now in downtown Seattle. Ms. Ruffner was recently honored in Washington, DC. The Renwick Gallery presented a special showing of the film, "A Not So Still Life, the Ginny Ruffner Story." Ms. Ruffner says "it has been a long battle, but the hardest part has not been the physical problems. I hate being taken for granted, being ignored. The way I talk, people assume that I'm either really old, or kind of retarded , and that is so frustrating." But she is firm. She says "Fortunately I've done a lot of stuff in my life, so I know that the best thing is to be open to the mystery, who knows what great things will happen. I'm sure they're many more to come." Ginny Ruffner's art can be seen in more than forty museums around the world. Her work and her life continue to motivate people of all ages. Within five years after a car accident, Ginny Ruffner _ . Answer: had trouble walking and talking In 1977, Irene Pepperberg of Harvard University began studying what was on another creature's mind by talking to it. Her first experiments began with Alex. Alex was a one-year-old African grey parrot and Irene taught him to produce the sounds of the English language. "I thought if he learned to communicate, I could ask him questions about how he sees the world." At the time, most scientists didn't believe animals had any thoughts. They thought animals were more like robots but didn't have the ability to think or feel. Of course, if you own a pet you probably disagree. But it is the job of a scientist to prove this and nowadays more scientists accept that animals can think for themselves. "That's why I started my studies with Alex," Irene said, "Some people actually called me crazy for trying this." Nowadays, we have more and more evidence that animals have all sorts of mental abilities. Sheep can recognize faces. Chimpanzees use a variety of tools and even use weapons to hunt. And Alex the parrot became a very good talker. Thirty years after the Alex studies began. Irene was still giving him English lessons up until his recent death. For example, if Alex was hungry he could say "want grape". Alex could count to six and was learning the sounds for seven and eight. "He has to hear the words over and over before he can correctly say them." Irene said, after pronouncing "seven" for Alex a few times in a row. Alex could also tell the difference between colors, shapes, sizes, and materials (e.g. wood and metal). Before he finally died, Alex managed to say "seven". Another famous pet that proved some animals have greater mental skills was a dog called Rico. He appeared on a German TV game show in 2011. Rico knew the names of 200 different toys and easily learned the names of new ones. When Rico became famous, many other dog owners wanted to show how clever their pets were. Another dog called Betsy could understand 300 words. One theory for dogs' ability to learn a language is that they have ben close companions to humans for many centuries and so their ability to understand us is constantly evolving . While animals can't do what humans do yet, some scientists believe that examples like Alex and Rico prove that evolution develops intelligence, as well as physical appearance. The article concludes that _ . Answer: mental ability can evolve in animals "It's So Good" in French, was one of Eartha Mae Kitt's first hit songs. But her childhood wasn't so good. She was born into a poor family in South Carolina in nineteen twenty-seven. When Eartha was eight, her mother remarried. Her stepfather did not like her so she was sent to New York City to live with an aunt, who helped pay for her piano and dance lessons. Eartha Kitt worked in a factory as a young teenager. But she kept up her dance lessons. One day she tried out for a famous African-American dance company. Soon, Eartha was performing in shows around the world with the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe. In Paris, Eartha left the dance company to sing in a nightclub. Her voice was very attracting. She learned French quickly and gained French fans. Soon the film director Orson Welles discovered Eartha Kitt singing in Paris. Welles asked her to play a lead part in a play he was directing. The play made her find her acting talent for the first time. After that Eartha Kitt returned to New York and appeared in the Broadway show with "Monotonous", a song about a bored woman, and it became famous. She soon signed with a record company. Then Eartha Kitt acted her first role in a film in nineteen fifty-seven in "Mark of the Hawk". Kitt was very careful about choosing her roles in films. She refused parts that were not respectful to black people. In nineteen sixty-seven, Eartha Kitt got the part of Catwoman on the popular television series "Batman". Fans loved the special way she said her "r"s to create a sound like a cat, which made her an unforgettable Catwoman. She was strongly against the Vietnam War and in nineteen sixty-eight she became blacklisted in America. For about ten years, she could only find work in other countries. But that brought her a greater international achievement. What made Eartha Kitt an unforgettable Catwoman in "Batman"? _ . Answer: Her way of speaking "r".
I love music. I learned to play the guitar at 11 and I wrote my first song four years later. My dream -----to become a country singer. After years of hard work, a record company was showing interest in me. One day during a trip to mountains, a friend gave me a bit of meth, a kind of drugs . I smoked it. And that was all that I thought about for the next year and a half. I couldn't live without it. When the police came to me, I looked like death. The first seven days in prison , I just slept. When I woke up on the eighth day, I had never known such shame and guilt . I walked down the hall to the pay phone. My mama is the best person on the earth, and I knew this was going to break her heart. When I heard her voice on the phone, I told her where I was. She just said, "Son, no matter what you did, I love you forever . Her words gave me the confidence to face my trouble . And I also realized this was my chance to start a new life. When people hear my words, I hope they will not make the same mistake as I have, but I know that you can overcome almost anything, especially smoking drug. That's why I share my story here. Which is right according to ( ) the passage? A. He will start a new life. B. He gave his friends a bit of meth. C. His father helped him a lot. D. He goes on smoking drug. Answer: A. He will start a new life. 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. Mary works _ . A. on a farm B. in a hospital C. in a school D. in an office Answer: C. in a school Most people want to work, but it has become more difficult in today's world to find work for everyone. The economy of the world needs to grow by 4% each year just to keep the old number of jobs for people. Often this is not possible, and so more people are out of work. Some people have no jobs now because new machines can do the work of many people in short time. Also, machines do not ask for more money and longer holiday. In all of the countries of the world, machines are taking work from people, not only in factories but also on the farms. One machine can often do the work from forty people. About 75,000 people are moving to the cities a day to look for jobs, but only 70% of them can find jobs. Which of the following is NOT true? A. Machines are taking work instead of people. B. Now more people are out of work. C. Machines need more money and longer holidays. D. Most people want to have jobs. Answer: C. Machines need more money and longer holidays. In 2007.five young people in the American state of Massachusetts developed an idea. The team knew that the world is filled with mobile phones.About eighty percent of all people are said to live within reach of a wireless telephone signal. The idea was to use mobile phones and the Internet to connect job seekers with employers.The young people wrote a business plan and formed a company called Assured Labor. Assured Labor won a development competition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).Three of the founders were graduate students there. ' Assured Labo is an electronic market place.It has two parts.One is for;the United States.That operation was launched in January in Boston.It links people with employees offering temporary jobs. The other arm of the business is for developing markets.That operation is meant to help people get mbfe permanent jobs.A representative is currently building partnerships with universities,and international companies in Central America. Assured Labor's president David Reich,says the companies now place job advertisements on radio or in newspapers.Some even drive around in cars with loudspeakers announcing that jobs are available.He says the companies are interested.in having more modem hiring practices. Through Assured Labor, companies will list open positions on the Internet.People who think they could do the job could reply by text messages or on their cellophanes. This is how the system works inprefix = st1 /Boston. The jobs available include house cleaning.Dog walking and home repay. People who want their house cleaned,for example,can look online at a list of twenty housekeepers.The list tells what services.they offer,and how much they want to be paid.People need two letters praising their work to get on the list of service providers. The employer chooses workers they would like jot hire ,The company then sends the workers a text or e-mail message so they can respond quickly to an offer. After a job is completed,the employer and employee rate each other, The rating is kept for future use.Assured Labor is not charging anyone,right now, but the plan is to have employers pay for the service. Which of the following can be the best title of the passage? A. An Electronic Market Place B. Mobile Phones and Markets C. Getting Into Job Market by Mobile Phone D. .Job Seekers and Markets Answer: C. Getting Into Job Market by Mobile Phone When I was a baby, I interested you and made you laugh. Whenever I was "bad", you'd shake your finger at me and ask: "How could you?"--but then you'd give up, and roll me over for a belly scratch and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. My housetraining was a long process, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. We went for long walks, runs in the park and car rides. We stopped for ice cream. I took long sleeps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Step by step, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human friend. Finally, you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a dog person, but I still welcomed her into our home. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement, I was attracted by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them too. Your wife was afraid I would bite them. However, as they began to grow, I became their friend. Now, you have a new job in another city and you and they will be moving to a flat that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family", but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the dog pound . It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said: "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look.The children were in tears as they waved me goodbye. And "How could you?" were the only three words that swept over my mind. Is it better to live with hope or without hope? At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you, that you had changed your mind and that this was all a bad dream. My beloved master, I will think of you and wait for you forever. I hope you receive more faithfulness from your family than you showed to me. Which is true about the dog when it lived at the pound? A. It hoped to be kept by another family. B. It did not trust humans any more. C. It was excited about the pound. D. It continued to love its former owner. Answer: D. It continued to love its former owner.
Three rich ladies met every day by the river. They sat there and talked the whole day. Once the three ladies quarreled . One of them said. "Look, how white and beautiful my hands are!" Another one said, "My hands are more beautiful." The third one said, "Mine are the most beautiful ones." An old beggar woman came up to them. "Beautiful ladies," she said, "I'm hungry. Please give me something to eat." But the three ladies gave her nothing. They only asked, "Tell me, old woman, which one of us has the most beautiful hands?" A peasant woman was also sitting by the river. She was poor and her hands were rough because of hard work. The old woman came up to her and said, "I'm hungry. Please give me something to eat." The peasant woman took out her only cake she had and gave her a half. The old woman ate it and drank some water. Then she took the peasant woman by the hand, brought her before the rich ladies and said, "Now, I shall tell you whose hands are the most beautiful. The hands of the poor peasant woman are rough because of work, but they give us food; they are far more beautiful than your hands which have done nothing." The peasant woman's hands were not so white as the three ladies' _ . A because of the hard work she had done B but she was stronger than any of them C so she didn't quarrel with the three ladies D but she was more beautiful than any of them Answer: A A yoga master made a shocking statement that Abraham Lincoln had been a Himalayan yogi in a past life.Lincoln delivered a proclamation setting up Thanksgiving as an American holiday in 1863.Research throws light on a possible Hindu origin for the American celebration of Thanksgiving. "The holiday of Thanksgiving has a Hindu origin," says Richard Salva, author of a book on the reincarnation of Abraham Lincoln entitled Soul Journey: From Lincoln to Lindbergh which is based on a statement by the great master of yoga, Paramhamsa Yogananda, who declared that Abraham Lincoln had been a Himalayan yogi in a past life, and that he was reborn as the famous pilot, Charles Lindbergh. "During my search for signs of a past-life yoga practice," SaIva said, "I noticed that President Lincoln repeatedly chose Thursdays as national days of prayer, fasting ,and thanksgiving.This was interesting, because Thursday is considered a holy day -- a day for prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection -- among Hindus, who call it "guru day"." "Lincoln also set aside time on Thursdays to grieve for his son,Willie, who died in Washington.Clearly, Thursdays had a spiritual significance in Lincoln's mind. In his book, Richard Salva presents more than 500 connections between Lincoln, Lindergh, and the ancient spiritual science of yoga. The connections run through every aspect of the human condition and provide convincing evidence that Lincoln had had a Hindu past life. More than one out of every five Americans today believes in reincarnation--yet few are aware of how past-life patterns affect them. Soul Journey tries to fill this gap, by offering a substitute experience of reincarnation. Through clear and persuasive similarities between the lives of Lincoln and Lindbergh, the book discovers how the hidden laws of fate and reincarnation impact the events of his or her daily life. It addresses other issues, such as the secret spiritual history of America's greatest president, including his past life as a Himalayan yogi; the hidden clues that reveal past lives; the greatness he achieved; and the spiritual principles behind the yoga postures that millions now practice. We can draw a conclusion from the passage that _ . A in India all the prayers are done on Thursday B in India Thursday is a religious day C Abraham Lincoln was once a famous pilot D Paramhamsa Yogananda once taught Lincoln yoga Answer: B It had been snowing very hard for days. Jigs and Reads had nothing to eat for a day. They know that things weren't right at home. So yesterday morning they wanted to go out. Bob helped them get out through a window, because the snow was so deep outside that he couldn't open the door. Last night, they didn't come back. Bob said to himself, "They are only five months old. This weather will kill them." But just then Bob heard them calling him. He looked out and could not believe ----they were drawing a big hare through the snow. They dropped it through the window into Bob's hands. A hare for dinner. Jigs and Reads in the story were _ . A Bob's children B dogs C hares D neighbours Answer: B Pollution is a source of what? A dirtying agents B purity C fertilization D cleanliness Answer: A Cooking is an important skill with an interesting history. Every culture has their own types of foods and methods of cooking. Most cities and towns have local specialties and dishes. Families often have special recipes and meals that nobody else knows how to cook. Food comes in almost as many shapes, sizes, and varieties as people do. And behind every meal and every dish there is a cook. In many cultures, especially in the West, cooking has traditionally been a task more often performed by women than by men. Today, however, it would be foolish to say cooking is only for females. Even though people are becoming busier and busier with their jobs, more and more people are cooking, including men. People cook to relax, to save money, to eat healthier foods, or just to eat tastier foods. This activity has become so popular that in the United States there is a television channel that does nothing but teach you how to cook. The internet has made it easier and easier to get all kinds of recipes. Because of globalization more types of spices and ingredients are available to more people at cheaper prices. This has helped contribute to new types of foods, dishes, and styles of cooking. Simply put, cooking is on the rise. In most places you can survive without knowing how to cook. But in my opinion if you don't know how to cook, you had better know somebody else that can cook, or life just won't be as enjoyable. In many Western countries, cooking has traditionally been a job that: A Only females do B Females and males both do. C Females do more often than males. D Males do more often than females. Answer: C
Broker needed a certain rare coin to complete a set that he had contracted to assemble and sell to Collecta. On February 1, Broker obtained such a coin from Hoarda in exchange for $1,000 and Broker's signed, written promise to re-deliver to Hoarda "not later than December 31 this year" a comparable specimen of the same kind of coin without charge to Hoarda. On February 2, Broker consummated sale of the complete set to Collecta. On October 1, the market price of rare coins suddenly began a rapid, sustained rise; and on October 15 Hoarda wrote Broker for assurance that the latter would timely meet his coin-replacement commitment. Broker replied, "In view of the surprising market, it seems unfair that I should have to replace your coin within the next few weeks." 177. For this question only, assume the following facts. Having received Broker's message on October 17, Hoarda sued Broker on November 15 for the market value of a comparable replacement-coin as promised by Broker in February. The trial began on December 1. If Broker moves to dismiss Hoarda's complaint, which of the following is Broker's best argument in support of the motion? For this question only, assume the following facts. After receiving Broker's message on October 17, Hoarda telephoned Broker, who said, "I absolutely will not replace your coin until the market drops far below its present level." Hoarda then sued Broker on November 15 for the market value of a comparable replacement-coin as promised by Broker in February. The trial began on December 1. If Broker moves to dismiss Hoarda's complaint, which of the following is Hoarda's best argument in opposing the motion? A Hoarda's implied duty of good faith and fair dealing in enforcement of the contract required her to mitigate her losses on the rising market by suing promptly, as she did, after becoming reasonably apprehensive of a prospective breach by Broker. B Although the doctrine of anticipatory breach is not applicable under the prevailing view if, at the time of repudiation, the repudiatee owes the repudiator no remaining duty of performance, the doctrine applies in this case because Hoarda, the repudiatee, remains potentially liable under an implied warranty that the coin advanced to Broker was genuine. C When either party to a sale-of-goods contract repudiates with respect to a performance not yet due, the loss of which will substantially impair the value of the contract to the other, the aggrieved party may in good faith resort to any appropriate remedy for breach. D Anticipatory repudiation, as a deliberate disruption without legal excuse of an ongoing contractual relationship between the parties, may be treated by the repudiatee at her election as a present tort, actionable at once. Answer: C. When either party to a sale-of-goods contract repudiates with respect to a performance not yet due, the loss of which will substantially impair the value of the contract to the other, the aggrieved party may in good faith resort to any appropriate remedy for breach. The Bronte sisters were three sisters who became famous novelists. Their lives and works are connected with the lonely moors of Yorkshire, England, where they lived. Patrick Bronte, the sisters' father, was a poor Irishman who became the parish clergyman of the small, isolated town of Haworth, Yorkshire. Bronte was somewhat strange and tended to be strict. His wife died in 1821 and her sister brought up the family out of duty, but with little love or understanding. The sisters went to several boarding schools where they received a better education than usual for girls at that time, but in a bad atmosphere. Few jobs were available for women at that time, and the Bronte sisters, except for occasional jobs as governesses or schoolteachers, lived their entire lives at home. They were shy, poor, and lonely, and occupied themselves with music, drawing, reading and ---above all---writing. Their isolation led to the early development of their imaginations. In 1846, under the male pen names of Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, the sisters published a joint volume of poems.Although only two copies were sold, all three sisters soon had their first novels published. Charlotte Bronte's most famous novel Jane Eyre (1847) is largely _ . Through the heroine, Charlotte relived her hated boarding school life and her experiences as a governess in a large house. Rochester, the hero and master of the house, is fictional. Jane Eyre was enormously successful, but many readers were shocked that Rochester, who tried to make Jane his mistress, should be rewarded by marrying her. Some readers were also shocked because Jane wanted to be regarded as a thinking and independent person, rather than as a weak female. Charlotte Bronte wrote three other novels. The first one, The Professor, was not published until 1857, after her death. Shirley (1849) is set among the labour riots of the early 1800s. Villette (1853) the most popular of the three, is based on Charlotte's unhappy experiences as a governess in Brussels. In many readers' eyes, Rochester, _ . A acted too rudely towards Jane B did not deserve to be Jane's husband C was too bad to be truthful D should be Jane's master as well as her husband Answer: B. did not deserve to be Jane's husband Cities with high levels of homeownership--in the range of 75%, like Detroit and St. Lous -had on average considerably lower levels of economic activity and much lower wages and incomes. Far too many people in financial problems are trapped in homes they can't sell, unable to move on to new centers of opportunity. The cities and regions with the lowest levels of homeownership--in the range of 55% to 60% like Los Angeles and New York--had healthier economies and higher incomes. They also had higher levels of happiness and well-being. I was shocked to read these interesting points that Richard Florida made in his recent article. Let me try to understand. The people in Detroit and St. Louis are less happy than the people in New York, and Los Angeles. And, the reason is because of home ownership rates? First, to compare them to New York City (the economic capital of the world), Los Angeles (the entertainment capital of the world) seems unfair. Most people in almost any other city in the world might be less happy! Next, let's try a different way of determining whether renters are happier than homeowners. Why don't we ask them? Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey 2010 reported: 75% of current renters believe owning a home makes more sense. 67% plan to buy a home at some point in the future. When they asked current renters for the major reason to buy a house, these were their answers (they could pick several answers): 78% said it was a good place to raise children. 75% said because they would feel safe. 70% said because you have control your own space. If you believe renters are happier, you would also have to believe the majority enjoy living in a less safe environment, which wouldn't be a good place to raise children and would be a place where they have less control of their space. ks5u The writer believes that New York Cities and Los Angeles _ . A pay employee highest wages in America B benefit from low levels of homeownership C are leading cities across the globe D are best American cities to live in Answer: C. are leading cities across the globe Someone stranded in the Sahara can potentially save their life with a A dried plant B prickly plant's trunk C water buffalo D dead cactus Answer: B. prickly plant's trunk As we all know, millions of people worldwide cook their food over smoky fire every day. It is often difficult to find wood for the fire. People who do not have wood must spend large amounts of money on cooking fuel. However, there is a much easier way to cook food using energy from the sun. Solar cooker, or ovens, have been used for centuries. A Swiss scientist made the first solar oven in seventeen sixty-seven. Today, people are using solar cookers in many countries around the world. People use solar ovens to cook food and to heat drinking water to kill bacteria and other harmful organisms. There are three kinds of solar ovens. The first is a box cooker, It is designed with a special wall that shines or reflects sunlight into the box .Heat gets trapped under a piece of glass or plastic covering the top of the cooker. A box oven is effective for slow cooking of large amounts of food. The second kind of solar oven is a panel cooker. It includes several flat walls or panels that directly reflect the sun's light onto the food. The food is inside a separate container of plastic or glass that traps heat energy. People can build panel cookers quickly and with very few supplies. They do not cost much. In Kenya ,for example ,panel cookers are being manufactured for just two dollars. The third kind of solar oven is a parabolic cooker. It has rounded walls that aim sunlight directly into the bottom of the oven .Food cooks quickly in parabolic ovens .However, these cookers are hard to make. They must be re-aimed often to follow the sun .Parabolic cookers can also cause burns and eye injuries if they are not used correctly. You can make solar ovens from boxes or heavy paper. They will not catch fire. Paper burns at two hundred thirty-two degrees Celsius. A solar cooker never gets that hot. Solar ovens cook food at low temperatures over long periods of time. This permits people to leave food to cook while they do other things. If you have much food to cook , you'd better choose _ . A a box cooker B a panel cooker C a parabolic cooker D a paper cooker Answer: A. a box cooker
Last Friday, after doing all the family shopping in town I wanted a rest before catching the train, so I bought a newspaper and some chocolate and went into the station coffee shop. It was a cheap self-service place with long table to keep a place and went to get a cup of coffee. When I came back with the coffee, there was someone in the next seat. It was one of those wild-looking boys, with dark glasses and old clothes, and his hair was colored bright red at the front. What did surprise me was that he'd started to eat my chocolate. I was rather uneasy about him, but I didn't want to make more trouble. I just looked down at the front page of the newspaper, tasted my coffee and took a bit of chocolate. The boy looked at me closely. Then he took a second piece of chocolate. I could hardly believe it. Still I didn't say anything to him. When he took a third piece, I felt angrier. I thought, well, I shall have the last piece. "And I got it." The boy gave me a strange look, and then stood up. As he left he shouted out, "There is something wrong with the woman," Everybody looked at me, but it was worse then I finished my coffee and got ready to leave. My face turned red when I knew I'd made a mistake. I wasn't my chocolate that I had eaten. There was mine, just under my newspaper. How do you think the writer felt at last? A. She felt disappointed B. She felt ashamed C. She became angrier. D. She thought it very funny. Answer: B. She felt ashamed There are also two big elephants and a baby. Children like to ride on one of them. The elephants are very kind and friendly. They eat much grass and bananas. In the zoo, we can see different kinds of bears, brown bears, black bears and white bears. They are all slow and clumsy . They stand on their back legs and lift their front legs to ask for food . They like cakes very much. Do you like pandas? There's only one in the zoo . Her name is LIngling. She is very cute. She likes eating bamboo a lot . She is kind of shy. She's very interesting. Which one of the following is NOT right ? A. There are a lot of different animals in the zoo . B. The elephants are very friendly to people . C. The bears always ask for food with their back legs . D. Pandas like bamboo very much Answer: C. The bears always ask for food with their back legs . During these past few days I have been reflecting a lot on everything that happened this past year and thinking of what I can do differently so that the coming year will be much better! Here I want to share some tips so you can also do your resolution and you can achieve them all! Be realistic: You should always try to reach for the skies with your goals, but things like "I want to win the lottery " or "I want to lose 80 pounds in 1 month" are things you shouldn't have on your list because they will only become frustrations. Be detailed: It's a lot easier to accomplish more specific plans than general ones. Instead of writing "I want to lose weight," put things like "I will start my Yes You Can! Diet Plan the first Monday of the year" or "I will start a movement routine 3 times a week for 35 minutes." When we put down concrete activities, we _ ourselves to them and it becomes a lot harder to come up with excuses. Think of alternatives: At the beginning of this past year, you put that you were going to start going to the gym as one of your annual plans. During the whole year you intended to take action but you always said that you couldn't because you came home so tired from work. If this is one of your plans for this year, you should write down how you're going to achieve it. For example, "I will start going to the gym in the mornings, before work." That way you prevent what stopped you from achieving your goal last year. Focus on goals which depend on YOU: It is very important that all of your plans are for YOU to accomplish, and it is important that you write them down that way. If one of your goals this coming year is to improve a relationship with one of your family members, make sure that you clearly put down what you are going to do for this to succeed. For example, "I will call my sister at least three times a week and I will visit her in the middle of the year." Well, I hope that you use these tips so that this year you will accomplish everything you want, and make it the best year ever! Thank you for being with me during everything this past year, and I hope that you keep showing me all of this love and support during the next. Happy new year! When you failed to accomplish your plan last year, you're advised to _ . A. take action instead of writing it down B. give up the same plan this year C. put down the way to realize it D. stop making any plans Answer: C. put down the way to realize it A thermal insulator between a stove and a pan would make the pan get hot A. slower B. immediately C. same speed D. faster Answer: A. slower A trip to London My family had dreamed of a trip to London for a long time.Luckily it was possible for us to realize our dream because all of us were free on the weekend. We planned to drive into Cambridge and caught the 7:34train to Liverpool Street Station.Then my wife and I would separate from Joan,my wife's sister,to do different things and finally meet again for lunch.And after lunch,we would go to the concert. But we were late because of a thick London fog.The train had to move along so slowly that it was not until 10:30that it got there.In spite of our late arrival,Joan decided that she would go to see the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London while we went shopping.It was only after her sister had disappeared into the fog that my wife realized that we hadn't decided where we should meet for lunch.Since I had our three tickets for the concert in my pocket,this was indeed a problem.We didn't have any mobile phones at that time.There seemed to be nothing we could do except taking a taxi to the Tower of London,and try to find her there.Needless to say,we didn't find her. It was now one o'clock,and the concert began at 2:30."Perhaps she will think of waiting outside the concert hall,"said my wife hopefully.By this time the fog was so thick that road traffic had to stop,and the only way to get there was by subway.Hand in hand we felt our way along the road to where we thought the nearest station should be.An hour later we were still trying to find it.Just when I was about to become angry,we met a blind man tapping his way confidently through the fog.With his help we found the subway station which was just fifty meters down the road. By now it was far too late to get to the concert hall before the performance began at 2:30,so we decided to return to Cambridge.It took seven hours instead of the usual two to make that journey.Nor were we able to get any food and drink on the train.We were tired and hungry. We finally reached home at ten.Opening the door we were amazed to find Joan at home; she had seen the Crown Jewels,had managed to get another ticket for concert,and had had a wonderful dinner at a restaurant.Of course,she managed to get home,too.Oh my god! What did the writer plan to do after lunch that day? A. Go to the concert. B. Return to Cambridge. C. Go shopping. D. See the Crown Jewels. Answer: A. Go to the concert.
The writer Margaret Mitchell is best known for writingGone with the Wind, first published in 1936. Her book and the movie based on it, tell a story of love and survival during the American Civil War. Visitors to the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta, Georgia, can go where she lived when she started composing the story and learn more about her life. Our first stop at the Margaret Mitchell House is an exhibit area telling about the writer's life. She was born in Atlanta in 1900. She started writing stories when she was a child. She started working as a reporter for theAtlanta Journalnewspaper in 1922. One photograph of Ms. Mitchell, called Peggy, shows her talking to a group of young college boys. She was only about one and a half meters tall. The young men _ her, but she seems very happy and sure of herself. The tour guide explains: "Now in this picture Peggy is interviewing some boys from Georgia Tech, asking them such questions as 'Would you really marry a woman who works?' And today it'd be 'Would you marry one who doesn't?' " The Margaret Mitchell House is a building that once contained several apartments. Now we enter the first floor apartment where Ms. Mitchell lived with her husband, John Marsh. They made fun of the small apartment by calling it "The Dump " . Around 1926, Margaret Mitchell had stopped working as a reporter and was at home healing after an injury. Her husband brought her books to read from the library. She read so many books that he bought her a typewriter and said it was time for her to write her own book. Our guide saysGone with the Windbecame a huge success. Margaret Mitchell received the Pulitzer Prize for the book. In 1939 the film version was released. It won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Which is the best title for the passage? Answer: Imagine going to sleep then waking up speaking another language. It may sound impossible, but it's actually happened. The phenomenon of being able to suddenly speak another language is known as"Xenoglossia", from the Greek words"xenos"(foreigner)and "glossa"(language). _ once happened to a 13yearold girl from Croatia. After being unconscious because of a disease for 24 hours in 2010,she woke up speaking fluent German. The girl, who came from the town of Knin in the south of Croatia,was studying German at school but she'd only started recently. Her parents said that she'd been reading German books and watching German TV at home, but that she wasn't fluent in the language.However ,since waking up, she's been able to communicate "perfectly"in German.What's really strange is that she's now unable to speak Croat,her mother language.Doctors at Split's KB Hospital have asked some experts to examine the girl as they try to find out what caused the change.Dr Mijo Milas said,"In earlier times this would have been considered as a miracle ;we prefer to think that there must be an explanation--it's just that we haven't found it yet." In 2007,Matej Kus from Czech became unconscious after a motorbike accident. On waking up 45 minutes later,he could speak fluent English.Matej was only 18 years old at the time, and had just started studying the language and so was at a low level.Peter Waite,Kus's teammate said,"I couldn't believe what I was hearing.It was really clear English.It was unbelievable to hear him talk in unbroken English."Unluckily,Matej's new language skills didn't last.Two days later, when he recovered fully from the accident, he'd completely forgotten his English. We still don't know exactly what happened to the two people. Perhaps scientists will discover something new and exciting. But until then, keep studying! According to the passage,what is"Xenoglossia"? Answer: Once a great boxer ,Tom Black, went to a restaurant for supper. He took off his coat and left it at the door, but he was afraid that somebody would take it away. So he took out a piece of paper and wrote on it,"The great boxer, Tom Black, has left his coat here.He'll be back in a few minutes."He put the paper on his coat and went to have his dinner. When he returned, however, his coat was not there. He just found a piece of paper in its place. It said,"A great runner has taken away you coat, and he will never come back again." ,A, B, C, D(10) Who wrote the second piece of paper? Answer: What property of waves matter when the ground shakes? Answer: School children are using mobile phone applications to do their homework, which seem to beincreasing during summer vacations. But instead of blaming students for their behavior, we should say noto too much homework. This is important because by using mobile phone applications to do theirhomework, students don't add much to their knowledge, says an article in Guangzhou-based YangchengEvening News. Excerpts : Using mobile phone applications to do homework is no different from copying from someone else'swork. This is the opinion of a vast majority of teachers. Students who seek cell phone apps help to do theirhomework will pay dearly during major exams when they cannot seek the help of such applications, theteachers say. The heavy load of homework Chinese students are burdened with, said to be the heaviest in the world,has led to the popularity of these applications. Senior high school students in China rarely go to bed before 11 pm. A report in Shanghai published in2013 showed that students in the city on average spend 28.2 hours in class every week, the 9th highestamong 65 countries and regions surveyed. Also, they spend an average of 13.8 hours a week doinghomework, most in the world. There is no association between the amount of homework one does and the amount of knowledge onegathers. In fact, a research by Australian experts shows that the result is exactly the opposite: the morehours students spend doing homework, the less effective they will be in gaining knowledge. The United States is one of the countries where students do little homework, but that has not damagedthe country's academic status in the world. So, it's time Chinese schools understood this fact and freed students of the unnecessary burden ofhomework. Which of the following is probably the best title? Answer:
No one knows exactly how many disabled people there are in the world, but estimates suggest the figure is over 450 million. The number of disabled people in India alone is probably more than double the total population of Canada. In the United Kingdom, about one in ten people have some disability. Disability is not just something that happens to other people: as we get older, many of us will become less mobile, hard of hearing or have failing eyesight. Disablement can take many forms and occur at any time of life. Some people are born with disabilities. Many others become disabled as they get older. There are many progressive disabling diseases. The longer time goes on, the worse they become. Some people are disabled in accidents. Many others may have a period of disability in the form of a mental illness. All are affected by people's attitude towards them. Disabled people face many physical barriers. Next time you go shopping or to work or visit friends, imagine how you would manage if you could not get up steps, or on to buses and trains. How would you cope if you could not see where you were going or could not hear the traffic? But there are other barriers: prejudice can be even harder to break down and ignorance inevitably represents by far the greatest barrier of all. It is almost impossible for the able-bodied to fully appreciate what the severely disabled go through, so it is important to draw attention to these barriers and show that it is the individual person and their ability, not their disability, which counts. It can be concluded from the passage that _ . Answer: The massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck the west coast of Chile moved the entire city of Concepcion at least 10 feet to the west, and moved other parts of South America as far apart as the Falkland Islands and Fortaleza, Brazil. These measurements, produced from data gathered by researchers from four universities and several agencies, paint a much clearer picture of the power behind this earthquake, believed to be the fifth-most-powerful since instruments have been available to measure earthquake. Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina moved about 1 inch to the west. And Chile's capital, Santiago, moved about 11 inches to the west-southwest. The cities of Valparaiso and Mendoza, Argentina, northeast of Concepcion, also moved. The quake's epicenter was in a region of South America that's part of the so-called "ring of fire," an area of major seismic stresses which encircles(,) the Pacific Ocean. All along this line, the plates on which the continents move press against each other. Mike Bevis, professor of earth sciences at Ohio State, has led a project since 1993 that has been measuring crustal movement in the Central and Southern Andes. The effort is called the Central and Southern Andes GPS Project, or CAP. Ben Brooks, an associate researcher with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawaii, said that the event, offers a unique opportunity to better understand the seismic processes that control earthquakes. "We now have modern, precise instruments to evaluate this event, and because the site borders a continent, we will be able to get evidences of the changes it caused." said Brooks. What do we know about CAP? Answer: Do you know the game "Rock, paper or scissors"? Maybe you think it's just a simple game for children. But in fact, some adults use it to make decisions and solve their problems. It is also popular in many countries. There are different stories about the history of the game. But many people believe the game came from Japan, and Japanese have played it for a long time. Later it came to Europe in the middle of the 18th century. In 1842, England founded the Paper Scissors Stone Club and from then on people could get together to play the game for honor . There is even an international club named the World Rock Paper Scissors Club in Toronto. The club makes "Rock, paper or scissors" more and more popular. It holds the world championship every year. Top players from around the world take part in it and the champion can get a lot of money and the honor of all the fans of "Rock, paper or scissors". What will the champion of this game get? Answer: At the Presbyterian Church in downtown Harare, Zimbabwe, 15-year-old Lovemore and other children crowd around tables in a small room, answering questions in their workbooks. Their uniforms are clean and worn with pride, and in many ways it would be difficult to distinguish this classroom from any other. These children, like Lovemore, live at the Mbare bus station, a crowded, dirty and dangerous place for anyone, especially at night. Lovemore said that he started to face problems once his mother died and his father stopped paying school fees. When Lovemore's father remarried, Lovemore was forced onto the street, no longer welcome at home. After meeting a worker from the Presbyterian Children's Club (PCC), Lovemore felt encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to get an education. Since joining the program, he is always at the top of his class. He spends his mornings at the PCC, where he receives his only meals for the day. At night, he sleeps on the ground at the bus station. The few clothes he owns are hidden in secret places around town so that no one will steal them. At the end of each day, Lovemore and his classmates take their books with them to study at night in the market square. "We read by the street lights, but sometimes the guards drive us away." Each year, the top three students are given a chance to go to formal school. Those who successfully complete their grade-seven exams will be given a PCC scholarship to attend a boarding school , proving there is hope for forgotten children like Lovemore. Started in 1996, the program provides free education, basic meals, health care and clothing to more than 70 children. "There are people who care here, and other kids like me," Lovemore said. "It feels like this is my family." What's Lovemore's opinion of the PCC? Answer: Long, long ago there was a very foolish thief. Do you know what he did one day? When he wanted to steal the bell on his neighbor's door, he walked up to the door, took hold of the bell and pulled hard. The bell made a very loud noise. The thief was afraid and went home. Then he sat down to think, "I must do something about the noise," he said. He thought and thought. At last he had an idea. "Ah, I'll put some cotton in my ears. Then I won't be able to hear the noise." The next day he went to the door of his neighbor, and took hold of the bell. This time he pulled even harder. The bell rang loudly, but the thief did not hear anything. With another hard pull he got the bell out. Just then the neighbor came running out. "Steal my bell? I'll teach you a lesson ,"the angry man shouted. And he hit the thief on the nose. The foolish thief did not know how the neighbor found out he was stealing the bell. "Why did he come out just then?" he wondered . Which of the following is TRUE? Answer:
Question: Dear Eric, How are you? This is a picture of my room. You can see a nice computer on my desk. It is my birthday present from my uncle. A tape player is next to the computer, and some tapes are on the computer. My school-bag is on the chair. My pencil-box and two books are in the schoolbag. And you can see a set of keys in the schoolbag, too. My bed is blue, and my green quilt is on it. Under the bed, you can see a baseball, and I can play it well. My books are in the bookcase, and my white model plane is in it, too. My room is tidy, isn't it? Do you have a room? Can I have a picture of your room? Yours, Liu Peng Which of the following is TRUE? A. The tape player is on the computer. B. The schoolbag is under the chair. C. The bed is green D. A baseball is under the bed. Answer: A. The tape player is on the computer. Question: Renault's new Twizy could be the future of motoring ... or at least a big part of it. This is not some crazy future concept -- this is a real vehicle, fully electric, and on sale now. Prices for the Twizy start at PS6,690, with battery hire from PS45 a month. But is it a car? Technically no, it' s classified under UK law as something closer to a moped . A two-seater (the passenger sits behind the driver), the Twizy runs on electric power only, and is designed to cover all those little trips we do. And as 87 percent of Europe's drivers do less than 37 miles a day -- 50 per cent less than 12--there's really no need to be burning gas for that sort of journey. The Twizy is arguably the most unusual vehicle in this country. Other cars have been beautifully designed, others have been small, but no car has turned motoring on its head in quite the same way. The Twizy's batteries have a range of 62 miles, and it plugs into a standard socket like any other electrical equipment, going from flat to full power in three and a half hours. There are no full doors on the vehicle, so think of it like a covered moped with four wheels, but no noise and no need for a helmet. There's also a lower-powered type being designed, the Twizy 45, for which you don' t need a license. Seeing the Twizy in the flesh, you' re surprised by how striking it looks. Sit in it and everything feels right --just car enough to be easy, but different enough to be exciting. With the battery underneath you, the vehicle is suckered to the road, and the electric power means it accelerates with real energy up to about 50 mph. You don't feel you need any more. In the UK, the weather alone may make it a good buy, but the lack of easy access to outdoor sockets is the biggest challenge. Only time will tell if this brave move answers enough problems to find a place in our lives. Which of the following is TRUE about the appearance of the Twizy? A. Attractive. B. Awkward. C. Traditional. D. Colorful. Answer: A. Attractive. Question: Before we start a voyage, we usually try to find out more or less definitely where we are bound and how we are supposed to get there. I happen to have the "Concise Oxford dictionary" on my desk and that will do as well as any other. The word I am looking for appears at the bottom of Page 344. edition 1912. "Geography: the science of the earth's surface, form, physical features, natural and political divisions, climate, productions and population." I could not possibly hope to do better, but I still stress some of the aspects of the case at the expenses of others, because I intend to place man in the centre of the stage. This book of mine will not merely discuss the surface of the earth and its physical features, together with its political and natural boundaries. I would rather call it a study of man in search of food and shelter and leisure for himself and for his family and an attempt to his background or has reshaped his physical surroundings in order to be comfortable and well nourished and happy with his limited strength. Among the two million human beings in the world, there is of course the widest possible range for all sorts of experiments of an economic and social and cultural nature. It seems me that those experiments deserve our attention before anything else. For a mountain is after all merely a mountain until it has been seen by human eyes and has been walked on by human feet and until its and slopes and valleys have been occupied and fought over and planted by a dozen generation of hungry settlers. The Atlantic Ocean was just as wide and deep and as wet and salty before the beginning of the 13th century as after, but it took the human touch to make it what it is today--a bridge between the New World and the Old, the highway for the commerce between East and West. For thousands of years the endless Russian plains lay ready to offer their abundant harvest to whoever should take the trouble to sow the first grain. But the aspect of that country today would he a very different one if the hand of a German or a Frank, rather than that of a Slav, had guided the iron-pointed stick that plowed the first furrows . The island of Nippon would shake and quake just as continually, whether they happened to be settled by Japanese or by the Tasmanian race, but in the latter case they would hardly be able to feed 60,000,000 people. Generally speaking, I have paid more attention to the purely "human" side of geography than to the commercial problems which are so important in a day and age devoted to mass production. The author mentioned the Russian plains and the island of Nippon to show that _ . A. they both feed a lot of people B. they enjoy very good natural conditions C. different people may make the same place different D. their natural conditions haven't changed for many years Answer: C. different people may make the same place different Question: It is probably the strangest sport anyone has ever invented.And at first sight,it looks like the easiest.Competitors have to do two things.The first is to stand still.The second is to place their hands anywhere on the body of a car,and keep it there. This is where things start getting difficult.Lots of people are doing the same thing.And the winner of the "handathon" contest is the person who can carry on doing it for the longest time.That person gets to own the car. It still seems to be an easy thing to do.At the beginning it is.Anyone can stand still.But when the contest has been going for four or five days,standing still seems like the most difficult job in the world.And keeping the hand in place over this time becomes an act of serious attention.After a few days,the hand seems to belong to someone else--someone who wants to go home and get some sleep. Competitors are allowed to take a five-minute break every hour to eat,drink or do whatever else is necessary.No one is allowed to lean on the car for support.Winners need to be able to show great powers of attention.They also need to be able to develop special skills. Maybe the popularity of the handathon is due to the fact that it is not necessary to be a trained athlete to enter.Entrants in the Longview handathon certainly don't seem to do much preparation.Most say they will prepare by "getting lots of sleep".Others say they will "eat healthy food" or "pray for success".The whole event gives ordinary people the chance to do something interesting and win something in the end. Handathons are competitions,but there is little rivalry between competitors.They help each other out and keep each other's spirits up.People who drop out early return with food,drink and encouragement. What is the writer's opinion about handathon? A. It is not as easy as it looks at first. B. It is the easiest of all sports. C. It can purify people's spirits. D. It is not good competing in a handathon. Answer: A. It is not as easy as it looks at first. Question: These days, young children can enjoy directly what it is like to be a marine biologist at a marine association. What they discover can lead them to appreciate and protect the ocean and also the animals living in it. At the present time, learning isn't only limited to the classroom. It's quite common for kids to learn from outdoor experiences. Teachers commonly take their pupils on field trips to museums as well as other interesting areas. If you wish to help pupils to take care of the ocean, one of the best areas to take them to is a marine association, the place where the ocean biome is shown. Taking your pupils to a marine association is a prefect way to help them learn. Education professionals agree that there are topics that children can learn more successfully whenever they experience them directly. Several organizations that focused on protecting the ocean now operate on the coast of different areas in America and all around the world. It's quite common for marine associations nowadays to open their doors several times a week to kids, parents, and ocean lovers to learn more about the ocean biome. A marine association has different programs for children of different ages. You'll find programs that are developed specially for pupils. Pupils are involved in interactive learning. This learning experience allows young children to recognize the value of the role each species performs in their environment. They not only get to research creatures from the ocean, but they also get to see, touch, and smell most of these animals and plants. This type of _ offers students an idea about the life of a marine scientist. It could help them choose a career afterwards. These programs are generally held on Saturdays and Sundays in order that kids and parents can have more hours in which to have fun. Teachers who want to arrange these activities for their students can call a local marine association near them. According to the text, pupils can have a better understanding of the ocean biome by _ . A. learning about it from books B. going to a marine association C. attending marine biologists' meetings D. taking part-time jobs at marine associations Answer: B. going to a marine association
Question: Where would algae be safe from predators but likely die? A. a lake B. a delta C. the ocean D. the desert Answer: D Question: The stars have come together for the 2014 QUT Classic fun run on Sunday, May 4! This year's fun run around central Brisbane not only promises a fantastic family day out--it also happens to be International Star Wars Day. Hundreds of seriousand not so seriousparticipants will contest a choice of scenic l km , 5km or l0km routes around QUT (Queensland University of Technology), South Bank and the CBD on Sunday, May 4. May 4 has become Star Wars Day for fans around the globethe date being chosen as a play on "May the Force (fourth) be with you" To celebrate, Yoda will make a special guest appearance at the QUT Classic at 7:20am to help kids warm up for the l km event while the Indie Chamber Orchestra does a live performance of the Star Wars theme. The special visit has been organized by Healthstream QUT, who operate the university's pools and gyms. Classic organizer Cheryl Goodwin from QUT Student Engagement said the second annual event would also be combined with a buskers festival, ensuring plenty of entertainment around Gardens Point and along the route. "The Classic Buskers Festival is being organized by the QUT Music Society and will Feature some of Brisbane's best buskers and bands as well as QUT talent.There's going to be a mix of music,dance,circus and comedy."she said. The QUT Classic will also raise funds for QUT's Learning Potential Fund,which provides scholarships for low income students.About 1200 people registered for last year's event and organizers are hoping for a similar--if not bigger-turnout in 2014. The race will begin and end at QUT Gardens Point,where breakfast will be available for purchase.Both the 5km and 1 0km events will begin at 8:00 am,with the l km event starting at 7:30 am. QUT Classic registration costs$25 for the l km event,$30 for 5km and$35 for 10km. People can register as individuals or in teams.One of the biggest teams is expected to be the Learning Potential Fund team,which is open to QUT staff ,students and the general public. Participants who register before 30 April will receive a race pack.The first 1 000 participants will also receive a free 1imited edition QUT Classic T-shirt. QUT Running is offering all registrants free training sessions in the six weeks leading up to this event. For more information on the QUT Classic,contact Cheryl Goodwin on 07 3138 9447 orc.goodwin@qut.edu.au. Media contact:Mechelle McMahon,QUT media,media@qut.edu.au The purpose of the passage is to introduce _ . A. a fun run around central Brisbane B. an international Star Wars Day C. a buskers festival in QUT D. QUT's learning Potential Fund Answer: A Question: The casual Friday concept was one of the first signs that strict dress rules for offices were starting to relax. The principle of casual Fridays seems to have appeared around the 1950s. It was probably in response to the changing attitudes towards workplaces. Over time, some offices have relaxed their dress rules even more by using a "business casual" dress rule. On casual Fridays, employees may wear clothes which are considered to be "business casual", meaning they still obey certain standards . Clothes must be clean and in good condition, with no spots. Men are generally allowed to wear casual trousers and bright-colored clothes, and in some offices they may be allowed to wear button-down shirts or polo shirts, with or without a tie. Women often wear neat skirts or dresses; casual trousers are common and generally allowed to wear, except in very formal workplaces. As a general rule, extremely casual clothes, like jeans, shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, and so on, are not encouraged on casual Fridays. Employees are still expected to make an effort to look professional, out of respect for their offices and their customers. Many people feel that casual Fridays are good for employees'mood because they encourage employees to express their individuality and feel more comfortable in the offices. Others feel that business casual clothing and the concept of casual Fridays don't show respect for the workplaces. Casual Fridays are dealt with differently, depending on the industry and the nation. The technology industry, for example, is well known for casual clothes in general, while major financial companies still dislike casual clothes. We can learn from the passage that _ . A. the casual Friday concept has been out of fashion B. people were required to wear formal clothes in offices before casual Fridays concept appeared C. the casual Friday concept had appeared before the 1950s D. employees who wear formal clothes lack individuality Answer: B Question: To be a good teacher, you need some of the _ of a good actor; you must be able to hold the attention and interest of your audience; you must be a clear speaker, with a good, strong, pleasant voice which is fully under your control; and you must be able to act what you are teaching, in order to make its meaning clear. Watch a good teacher, and you will see that he doesn't sit still before his class; he stands the whole time he is teaching; he walks about, using his arms, hands and fingers to help him in his explanations, and his face to express feelings. There are very important differences between the teacher's work and the actor's. The actor has to speak words which he has learnt by heart; he has to repeat exactly the same words each time he plays a certain part, even his movements and the ways in which he uses his voice are usually fixed beforehand .What he has to do is to make all these carefully learnt words and actions seem natural on the stage. A good teacher works in quite a different way. His audience take an active part in his play: they ask and answer questions, they obey orders, and if they don't understand anything, they say so. The teacher can't learn his part by heart, but must invent it as he goes along. I have known many teachers who are fine actors in class but are unable to take part in a stage-play because they can't keep strictly to what another has written. From the passage, we know _ . A. a good teacher should be a good actor B. a good teacher may be unable to act well on the stage C. a good actor should be a good teacher D. a good actor may act well in class Answer: B Question: One day while shopping in a small town in southern California, it was my misfortune to be approached by a clerk whose personality conflicted with mine. He seemed most unfriendly and not at all concerned about my intended purchase. I bought nothing, and marched angrily out of the store. My _ toward that clerk increased with each step. On the outside, standing by the road, was a dark-skinned young man in his early twenties. His expressive brown eyes met and held mine, and in the next instant a beautiful, dazzling smile covered his face. I gave way immediately. The magnetic power of that smile dissolved all bitterness within me, and I found the muscles in my own face happily responding. "Beautiful day, isn't it?" I remarked in passing. Then, I turned back. "I really owe you a debt of gratitude," I said softly. His smile deepened, but he made no attempt to answer. A Mexican woman and two men were standing nearby. The woman stepped forward and eyed me inquiringly. "Sir, but he doesn't speak English," she volunteered. "You want I should tell him something?" At that moment I felt transformed. The young man's smile had made a big person of me. "Yes," my reply was enthusiastic and sincere, "tell him I said 'Thank you!' " "Thank you?" The woman seeded slightly puzzled. I gave her arm a friendly pat as I turned to leave. "Just tell him that," I insisted. "He will understand; I am sure!" Oh, what a smile can do! Although I have never seen that young man, I shall never forget the lesson he taught me that morning. From that day on, I became smile-conscious, and I practice the art diligently, anywhere and everywhere, with everybody. The author asked the woman to say "Thank you!" to the young man because the young man _ . A. taught the author a valuable lesson B. taught the author how to smile C. had offered help to the author D. was a friendly employee of the shop Answer: A
You need to be of a certain age to understand why so many people in Hollywood are caring about the possible closing down of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer .For the past 40 years, its output has been good, but now it is on the ropes, with debts of $ 3.7 billion and will have to sell off its most valuable assets. In its golden time, MGM stood for something.If Warner Brothers meant social dramas and gangster movies, and Disney meant cartoon films, then MGM was healthy fantasy.This business model found its most glorious expression in its musicals of the post-war era.It also featured such many famous stars as Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. But MGM had always put its hopes on the quality of stars it could attract.From the time MGM became a company in 1924, the studio and his associate proved themselves good at creating big names. For 35 years, this worked well enough, but the growing power of television disturbed Hollywood.MGM continued to throw money into making gorgeous-looking musicals, but despite some big successes audiences gradually started to drift away.Throughout the sixties, MGM's decline set in.Things went from bad to worse.In 1973, MGM stopped distributing its own films.Since then, the Lion's roar has been reduced to a whimper . How far MGM has fallen can be shown by its recent releases.This was a studio that for years offered a reliable supply of first-class films.Yet last year its total output was three.To make it worse, all were co-produced with other studios.And this year? Only one so far, and maybe the last. What now? MGM will probably be sold, though recent buyers have been cautious about a price thought to be around $ 2 billion. What can we learn about MGM from the text? It made a wrong decision for its development. A small rodent will fear a creature such as a fox because foxes enjoy rodent dinners After a lot of weightlifting and 25 exhausting days training, a 52-year-old woman recently became the first female "gripman" on San Francisco's historic cable cars. Fannie Barnes passed her written test and completed a final run under the watchful eye of a supervisor, Municipal Railway spokesman Alan Siegel said. Deep calluses are already forming at the base of her fingers and there is a hole in her glove. Two other women quit after a single day with injured muscles. "Now they're going to have to change the word from gripman to grip person, just because of me," Barnes said earlier, "I'm so excited." After almost a year of serious workouts, Barns can pull more than 61 kilos, only 23 kilos less than her body weight. And she'll need the muscle, for this is no modern, push-button technology. Every time a car starts up again after making a stop, the gripman must haul back on a lever controlling a device that grips the cable, which runs continuously at 14 kilometers per hour. If the grip slips, so does the car. A second person operates the brakes. In addition to having to throw her weight around on the job, she's got to throw out some attitude to men who were hard to convince. The city employs 76 men in the job. "A lot of men said mean things to me and didn't want to help train me. But I would like to thank the guys who were against me because they gave me even more inspiration to do it." she said. Not all the men were against her. Many of the male colleagues yelled out support as she did her training runs. One of her biggest tests was drizzly December morning. She first went down the Hyde Street Hill, considered the most dangerous incline on the cable car routes. "I had to have the will and I had to believe I could do it," she said. "It was scary, but as I started going down full grip and felt that I was in control, I knew I was on my way," Barnes already is a pioneer of sorts. She started working as a cable car conductor six years ago, collecting fares and assisting on the back brake. She is one of only three women to have that job. But she said she always wanted the job up front on the car. (400) It can be inferred from the passage that Fannie Barnes is _ . strong-willed and self-confident Dick was a twenty-year-old man. His father was a teacher and taught chemistry in a middle school and his mother worked in a shop. They lived a happy life until his parents died one night when suddenly an earthquake broke out. Luckily his sister took him to see their aunt in the city and they did not stay at home. Everything was destroyed in the earthquake and the two children got into trouble. Thanks to their aunt who was not rich enough, they grew up but they lived a hard life. His sister was so sad that she became a nun . After he finished middle school, he was introduced to an owner of a hotel and began to work there. One day the young man fell to the ground while he was cleaning a window on the second floor. He was sent to the hospital and the doctor looked him over. One of his legs was broken and he had to be in hospital. He said to the nurse, "I'm a poor man, madam. Arrange a third-class ward for me, please." "Can't anybody help you?" "No, madam," answered Dick. "I have only a sister. She's a nun and she's poor, too." "I don't think so," the nurse said angrily. "Nuns usually marry God. And God is the richest in the world, you know!" "Well, then," Dick said with a smile. "Please arrange a first-class ward for me and post the bill to my brother-in-law." Dick and his sister escaped from the earthquake because _ . they were in a safe place Many children would start school hungry without breakfast clubs, teachers have claimed. A new survey suggests these clubs are the only way many students can get a meal before lessons. About 54% of the 552 school staff questioned by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers(ATL)said their school provides a breakfast club for pupils. The biggest reason for them to attend these clubs is that their parents or carer goes to work early, cited by 76.8% of those questioned. About 22.6% said children attended due to lack of money at home because parents or carers are unemployed and 15.2% said lack of money at home due to changes or cuts to benefits. About 17.6% said pupils mainly attend breakfast clubs to socialize. The survey found that teachers believe that offering breakfast to pupils often helps improve their concentration and ability to learn. One primary school teacher said: "Although there is a charge for our breakfast club, we have accessed funding for those pupils on free school meals and the breakfast club had an effect on their attendance, concentration and being in school for the start of lessons. ATL general secretary Dr Roper said a nutritious meal at the start of the day has a huge impact on pupils' ability to learn. "Many schools do everything they can to ensure children eat well during school term-time. But there are many children living in poverty, who we fear won't be getting a decent meal a day in the holidays and this is something the government needs to address," she said. A Department for Education spokesman said: "We know how important it is for children to have a good breakfast. We want schools and local authorities to use their budgets to best meet the needs of their children. Many provide breakfast clubs which offer a free meal to children from poorer families. The Pupil Premium, which will double to PS 2.5 billion in 2014-2015, targets extra money to help schools to provide support such as this to the most disadvantaged children. The free school meal scheme also ensures that these children have access to a nutritious lunch every day. The pupil Premium and the free school meal scheme are mentioned in order to show _ . many efforts are made to provide a good and free meal
TUVALU, a tiny country in the Pacific Ocean, has asked for help as it will be swallowed up by the sea. Storms and huge waves are a constant threat and none of Tuvalu's nine little islands is more than five meters above sea level.Salt water is already entering the country's drinking water supply, as well as damaging plants that produce fruit and vegetables.Without urgent help, the country's days are numbered. But Tuvalu is not the first place to face sinking into the sea.Venice, a historic city in Italy best known for its canals, has sunk about 24cm over the past 100 years.Experts say that it will have sunk another 20-50cm by 2050.A century ago, St.Mark's Square, the lowest point city, flooded about nine times a year.Nowadays, it happens more than 100 times.While Venice is slowly sinking into the mud on which it stands, global warming causes Tuvalu's rising sea level. The average global temperature has increased by almost 0.5 centigrade degrees over the past century; scientists expect it rise by extra 1-3 degrees over the next 100 years. Warmer weather makes glaciers melt, and adds more water to the ocean.The warmer temperatures also make water expand, so it takes up more space, causing the sea level to rise.The sea level has risen about 10-25 cm in the last 100 years. The main cause of global warming is human pollution.Through burning coal, oil and gas, people have been increasing the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2.This adds to the power of the greenhouse effect, making the planet even warmer. Many scientists believe that, if the warming is not stopped, there will be huge climate changes.The sea level could rise by one meter this century. Should this come true, the sea would swallow up millions of homes and the world will be flooded with "climate refugees" looking for somewhere to live. What does "climate refugees" mean? Answer: People forced away from their homeland by climate. Bring the Family? Port Regis School is well situated for exploring the beautiful South and West of England Wales. Sibford School is located in Oxfordshire with easy access to London, Oxford and Stratfordupon-Avon. Each school has excellent hotels and guest houses nearby for parents who are dropping off or collecting children from school. Please note: All students attending English Country Schools must live residentially on site. We do not recommend that parents live locally while their child is in school:experience suggests that this often upsets the child and disrupts progress. Howard's House Country Hotel & Restaurant About 15 minutes from Port Regis School, Howard's House is set in large gardens hidden away in the quietness of the lovely Nadder valley. Plumber Manor Plumber Manor is a comfortable Jacobean manor house built of local stone, situated about 20 minutes from Port Regis School. The 17th-century house is surrounded by lawns and is set in the tranquil Dorset countryside. Woodville Farm Bed & Breakfast+Self-catering Woodville Farm is family-run arable & livestock farm set in the Dorset countryside about 5 minutes from Port Regis School. Bed and Breakfast accommodation:one double bedroom & one twin bedroom both with bathrooms, tea & coffee making facilities, color1 television & hairdryer. There is also a self-catering 2-bedroom house nearby. Stock Hill Country House Hotel and Restaurant Stock Hill Country House Hotel and Restaurant is a late Victorian mansion set in eleven acres of mature and beautiful wooden grounds on the borders of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. About 10 minutes from Port Regis School. The passage is mainly written for _ . Answer: parents Hannah Levine decided she wanted to give hugs to all of the children and families in need at local hospitals. Because she couldn't give them one by one, Levine, then a sixth-grader, decided she would use her talents to do the next best thing. She began to knit hats, scarves, and blankets for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. Her creations also went to Bundle of Joy, a program that provides newborn baby items for families in need, and to Knitting Pals by the Bay, a local organization that provides hand-knitted caps to cancer patients. "I love to knit, and I thought it would be a great idea to make all these handmade items for kids and adults who need them. It would be like a hug for them," Levine explained. Levine started the project about a year ago. "I think it's just really fun to do, and it keeps me busy," said Levine, now 13. Once she got started, Levine realized that her project could be much bigger than the goods she was able to produce with just her own hands. So she sent emails to her school and communities , asking for knitted donations to the project she named "Hannah's Warm Hugs". She also posted advertisements at Starbucks and other locations in her area. The warm goods began to _ . "It was amazing; more strangers than people she knew started dropping donations at our door," said Levine's mother, Laura Levine. "We ended up with this huge box of items she was donating." The knitted items numbered in the hundreds. Levine made her first round of donations around Hanukkah (an eight-day Jewish holiday in November or December) and later received thank-you letters from the organizations. Levine is still knitting, and she said the project will continue. "It has turned into a bigger thing than she had thought," her mom said. "It made her feel pretty good; it made us feel pretty good." What would be Laura Levine's attitude toward Hannah Levine's project? Answer: Proud and supportive. Today, one can trace Venice's rich past from its buildings. Most cities can claim at least a handful of outstanding churches, palaces or houses of historical interest, but in Venice very nearly everything is remarkable, from the magnificent Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square ) and the palaces that line the Grand Canal to the centuries-old homes of simple fishermen. It would be easy to say that the city itself is an enormous museum if it were not for the fact it is so obviously alive. At first sight, Venice looks unbelievably permanent, an apparently complete Renaissance city so untouched by time that there seems no reason why it should not go on forever. Now the city is slowly sinking, as the clay on which it is built loses its elasticity and the massive wooden piles rot away. Flooding, such a rare occurrence a hundred years ago now happens several times each winter. The damage caused by the flooding is immense, and the fabric of the ancient buildings is now being further damaged by pollution from the mainland town as well as by the wash produced by the constantly increasing number of motor boats that speed up and down the canals. A further threat to Venice comes from the Venetians themselves, some of whom are not particularly interested in preserving the city as one of the wonders of the world and would prefer to see it modernized. "What better place is there for the meeting of dear friends? See how it glows with the advancing summer; how the sky and the sea and the rosy air and the marble of the palaces all glimmer and melt together." Thus wrote the famous author Henry James, of Venice, which provided the setting for his story "The Aspern Papers", in the nineteenth century. The Splendor of Venice has captured the imagination of artists for centuries --- and not just of the great painters and novelists. How tragic now that she is faced with the double threat of man and nature. Venice indeed will be lucky to survive. Venice proudly boasts _ . Answer: its marvelous ancient buildings I suddenly heard an elephant crying as though frightened. Looking down, I immediately recognized that something was wrong, and ran down to the edge of the near bank. There I saw Ma Shwe with her three-month-old calf struggling in the fast-rising water, and it was a life-and-death struggle. Her calf was floating and screaming with fear. Ma Shwe was as near to the far bank as she could get, holding her whole body against the rushing water, and keeping the calf pressed against her huge body. Every now and then the rushing water would sweep the calf away. There was a sudden rise in the water and the calf was washed clean over the mother's body and was gone. Ma Shwe turned quickly to reach it and pressed the calf with her head and trunk against the rocky bank. Then with a huge effort, she picked it up in her trunk and tried until she was able to place it on a narrow shelf of rock. Just at this moment, she felt back into the river. If she were carried down, it would be certain death. I knew, as well as she did, that there was one spot where she could get up the bank, but it was on the other side from where she had put her calf. While I was wondering what I could do next,I heard the sound of a mother's love.Ma Shwe had crossed the river and got up the bank and was making her way back as fast as she could,roaring all the time,but to her calf it was music. How did Ma Shwe manage to save her calf from the fast-flowing water? Answer: By putting it on a safe spot.
Though chopsticks are used in many Asian countries, they have their beginning in China. Chinese history says that the Chinese had chopsticks as far as the Xia Dynasty (about 4, 00 years ago). In the Spring and Autumn Period copper and iron chopsticks appeared. With the Han Dynasty lacquered chopsticks came, followed by gold and silver chopsticks still later. Today we have chopsticks made of plastics. The most expensive are made of part of tusks of elephants and hard green stone. Chopsticks tell Chinese tradition in their way. In ancient times the rich used hard green stone or gold chop-sticks to show their wealth . In history many kings used silver chopsticks to take their food to see if it was poisonous . It was said that if it was, the silver chopsticks would turn colour. Chopsticks are traditionally given to a daughter when she marries to show that they should have a son very soon, for "Chopsticks" in Chinese is pronounced like "quick a son"! Tianzhu chopsticks from Hangzhou, wooden chopsticks from Shanyang of Shanxi Province, and Beijing's chopsticks are well-known. Many westerners, businessmen, tourists put aside their knives and forks in favour of chopsticks in China. Chopsticks appeared in the old Chinese story: an old man teaches his sons a lesson by showing how he could easily break a single chopstick but not a number of them. In China, chopsticks are connected with good luck. So on the country's New Year's Eve many families will lay out new chopsticks at dinners as a way of making requests for luck. Chopsticks have their beginnings in _ . Unknown to most Facebook users, the social network actually offers a lot of privacy controls and security features which can help you lock your account, so you can speak freely. If it's used properly, you'll never have to worry about whether you will have to "friend" your boss or your mom. You can friend anyone you want while staying comfortable in the knowledge that not everyone gets to see everything you post. The problem with carrying out these privacy options is that they're just too confusing for most non-tech clever people to handle. And often, most people don't want to bother to take the time to learn. To simplify the process, we're offering one easy step you can take today to help make your Facebook experience safer, more secure, and more private. Just make "Friend Lists". Yes, it will take some time, especially if you're connected to a couple of hundred friends already. But this step, while not the quickest, is fairly simple. And it will be one of the most useful things you can do on Facebook. Friend lists, as the name suggests, are lists for classifying your friends into various groups. The nice thing about this feature is that once you set these lists up, you won't have to do it again. We suggest that you put your work colleagues and professional acquaintances into a friend list named "Work", personal friends you're not very close with into a list called "Acquaintances", and people you're related to into a list called "Family". Those three main categories will separate out the groups of "friends" who you may want to hide some information from. To create a friend list, click on "Friends" at the top of the Facebook homepage. In the left-hand column, click "Friends" again under the "Lists" section. Now you'll see a button at the top that says "Create New List". Click it. In the pop-up that appears, you can name your list and pick members. If you've ever shared an application with your friends, the process of doing this will be very familiar. When you've finished making lists, you'll be able to use them when selecting who can see what (or who can't!) when configuring the security settings described below. What advantage can we get from making friend lists? Early one morning the sub-inspector at a station at the other end of the town rang me. An elephant was damaging the town. Would I please come and do something about it? I did not know what I could do, but I got onto a horse and started out. I took my gun, maybe too small to kill an elephant, but I thought the noise might scare him. Various local people stopped me on the way and told me about the elephant's doings. It was not, of course, a wild elephant, but a tame one. It had been chained up but last night it had broken its chain and escaped. Its owner had set out to run after it, but had taken the wrong direction. He was now twelve hours' journey away, and in the morning the elephant had suddenly appeared in the town. It had already destroyed somebody's bamboo hut , killed a cow and turned over fruit!stalls. I came round the hut and saw a man's dead body sprawling in the mud. He was an Indian, and he could not have been dead many minutes. The people said that the elephant caught him with its trunk, put its foot on his back and grounded him into the earth. This was the rainy season and he was lying on his stomach in the soft mud, _ standing beside, looking innocent. As I lifted my gun, I hesitated a few seconds. Then I fired. That was a shot for him. You could see the pain of it knocking the last strength from his legs. But in falling he seemed for a moment to rise, his trunk reaching skyward like a tree. He trumpeted, for the first and only time. And then down he came, with a crash that shook the ground. The elephant made so much trouble because _ . Life in the 2100s will be very different from life today. Between then and now many changes will take place. What will the changes be? The population is growing fast. There will be more people in the world and most of them will live longer than people do now. Computers will be much smaller and more useful, and there will be at least one in every home. And computer studies will be one of the important subjects in schools then. People will work fewer hours than they do now and they will have more free time for sports, watching TV and traveling. Traveling will be much easier and cheaper. More people will go to other countries on holiday. There will be changes in our food, too. Maybe no one will eat meat every day. Instead, they eat more fruit and vegetables. Maybe people will be healthier. Work in the future will be different, too. Dangerous and hard work canl be done by robots, because of this, many people will not have work to do. This will be a problem. In the future the computer will be _ Nerve cells transmitting messages to the body best demonstrate which primary function?
Some people can stay up all night and still get work done the next day. I'm not one of them. After a night without enough sleep, I feel bad-tempered. I have trouble remembering things. And all I want to do is go to bed. How do you feel after you've stayed up late to finish schoolwork or the day after an overnight party? Scientists now say that your answers to these questions may depend on your genes. New research suggests that a gene called "period 3" influences how well you function without sleep. The "period 3" gene comes in two forms: short and long. Everyone has two copies of the gene. So, you may have two longs, two shorts, or one of each. Your particular combination depends on what your parents passed on to you. Scientists from the University of Surrey in England studied 24 people who had either two short or two long copies of "period 3". Study participants had to stay awake for 40 hours straight. Then, they took tests that measured how quickly they pushed a button when numbers flashed on a screen and how well they could remember lists of numbers. Results showed that the people with the short form of "period 3" performed much better on these tests than the people with the long form did. In both groups, people performed worst in the early morning. After the first round of experiments, participants were finally allowed to sleep. People in the group that performed well on the tests (those with the short form of "period 3") took about 18 minutes to nod off. While people with the long "period 3" gene fell asleep in just 8 minutes. They also spent more time on deep sleep. That suggests that people with the long form of the gene need more and deeper sleep to keep their brains working in top form. I think I must have the long form of "period 3". What about you? If one lacks enough sleep, one should avoid doing important or dangerous things _ . A. at noon B. at night C. at dawn D. in the afternoon Answer: C Recently I was asked,"Are we anywhere near the day when you can climb into a car on Long Island, program it to take you to your niece's house in Chicago, hit enter, and after the first hundred yards, once you hit a main road, the car takes over automatically and you just sit back and enjoy the ride?" It is a question I worry. But I had to answer truthfully:"Absolutely. We are without a doubt near that day."Look, we're already doing it with airplanes. Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk takes off at an air base in the U.S., climbs to 50,000 feet, flies to Australia, and lands at an Australian air base, where there is a grandstand filled with military officials=with no human pilot. The necessary technology is already here. We have radar technology that can be tied to cruise control and brakes, which automatically adjusts your speed based on following distance and preprogrammed settings. It's still a little bit raw, but it does work great. The technology can allow cars and trucks to follow each other in very closely spaced roads. GPS can also change speed with location. Let's say you're in a state with a 75-mph limit and you cross into a state with a 65-mph limit. GPS knows that and adjust your speed accordingly. It's not out of the question to imagine that someday soon you'll be able to start the car, make proper settings, then turn the front seats around and play cards and eat lunch as if you're riding on a train. All in perfect comfort and safety, all the way to that niece's place inprefix = st1 /Chicago. If asked to estimate just how far time is, I'd say a working system is ten years out, practice maybe 20 years. What does the author think of the change in car driving? A. It's a terrible thing to come B. It's a wonder to drive such a car C. It's a pity to give up the skill of driving D. It is very likely to come true in the near future Answer: D Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and self-conscious; that is, they are over concerned with their own appearance and actions. Worrisome thoughts are constantly occurring in their minds: what kind of impression am I making? Do they like me? Do I sound stupid? Am I wearing unattractive clothes? It is obvious that such uncomfortable feelings must affect people unfavorably. Adperson's self concept is reflected in the way he or she behaves and the way a person behaves affects other people's reactions. In general, the way people think about themselves has a deep effect on all areas of their lives. Shy people ,have low self-esteem , are likely to be passive and easily influenced by others. They need reassurance(,) that they are doing "the right thing". Shy people are very sensitive to criticism. It makes them feel inferior .They also find it difficult to be pleased by praises because they believe they are unworthy of praise . A shy person may respond to a praise with a statement like this one:" You're just saying that to make me feel good .I know it's not true." It is clear that, while self-awareness is a healthy quality, overdoing it is harmful. Can shyness be completely got rid of ,or at least reduced? Fortunately, people can overcome shyness with determination. It is important for people to accept their weaknesses as well as their strengths, for example, not fair for them to label themselves inferior because they have to be realistic. Living on the impossible leads to absence of inferiority. Each one of us has his or her own characteristics. We are interested in our own personal ways. The better we understand ourselves. the easier it becomes to live up to our chances for a rich and fulfilling life. What is the shy people's reaction to praise? A. They are pleased by it B. They feel it is not true C. They are very sensitive to it D. They feel they are worthy of it Answer: B Mr. and Mrs. Turner live outside a small town. They have a big farm and they are always busy working on it. Their son, Peter, studied at a middle school. The young man studied hard and did well in his lessons. It made them happy. Last month Peter finished middle school and passed the entrance examination . Mrs. Turner was very happy and told the farmers about it. Yesterday morning the woman went to the town to buy something for her son. On the bus she told one of her friends how clever and able her son was. She spoke very loudly. All the people in the bus began to listen to her. "Which university will your son study in?" a woman next to her asked. "In the most famous university in our country!" Mrs. Turner said happily. "The most famous university?" "Oxford University ." Most of the passengers looked at her carefully. Some of them said to her, "Congratulations!" A woman said, "I'm sure he'll know Fred Smith." "Who's Fred Smith?" "He's my son." "Does he study in the university, too?" "No, "said the woman. "He is one of the professors ." The story happened in _ . A. America B. France C. Germany D. England Answer: D Nearly a quarter-century after a German boy threw a message in a bottle off a ship in the Baltic Sea, he's received an answer. A 13-year-old Russian, Daniil Korotkikh, was walking with his parents on a beach when he saw something lying in the sand. "I saw that bottle and it looked interesting," Korotkikh told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "it looked like a German beer bottle and there was a message inside. " It said, "My name is Frank, and I'm five years old. My dad and I are traveling on a ship to Denmark. If you find this letter, please write back to me, and I will write back to you." The letter, dated 1987, included an address in the town of Coesfeld. The boy in the letter, Frank Uesbeck, is now 29. His parents still live at the letter's address. The Russian boy and the German man met each other earlier this month through an internet video link. The Russian boy said he did not believe that the bottle actually spent 24 years in the sea. He believed it had been hidden under the sand where he found it for a long time. Uesbeck was especially happy that he was able to have a positive effect on a life of a young person far away from Germany. "It's really a wonderful story," he said. "And who knows? Perhaps one day we will actually be able to arrange a meeting in person. " Why was Uesbeck very happy when he got the information of the 24 years' beer bottle? A. Because he could have a new friend. B. Because the two boys could surf the internet together. C. Because he could have a positive influence on a life of a young person. D. Because he finally got what he had lost. Answer: C
I am not just a successful architect . I also like to play the piano. In my spare time I often turn some dry musical symbols into beautiful music. Many years ago, while I was in a university studying architecture, I worked in a workshop. During the break I found an old piano in the corner of the room. With the allowance of the boss I sat down to have a try. Following my fingers the keys danced brilliantly and at the same time beautiful music flew out and then to every part of the room. All my workmates suddenly stopped talking and made their ears ready for my music. After graduation, I began to devote myself to my profession. All my musical talent was wasted into zero. Then one evening we went to a concert at which Mr. Stevenson, one of the ordinary workers in my company, sang us some beautiful songs. His musical talents made us all surprised. We all enjoyed ourselves with his beautiful voice so much that we even thought him a professional singer. I was also reminded of my musical talent. I began to train in a training center. My teacher was strict with me. He encouraged me to train every weekend and each time he asked me to play better than the last. Now I can proudly say I am also a successful pianist because every time I played on the stage fresh flowers and warm clapping would come from my audience. So I say, my friends, don't busy yourself with your work too much. Find some time to develop your potential talent and your life will become more wonderful. After graduation, why did the author waste his music talent? My name is Zhang Lin. Today is my birthday. I am nine years old. Mom and Dad get a big cake for me. I like it very much. It is on the table now. There are some other things on the table, too. Such as apples, oranges, juice, chicken and some fish. I'm thirsty now. I want a bottle of orange juice. My friends Li Fan and Bing Jie are coming. They are knocking at the door. I have no time to drink. I must open the door now. Zhang Lin is _ now. About three hundred words in the English language come from the names of people. Many of these words are technical words. When there is a new invention of discovery, a new word may be coined after the inventor or scientist. It is interesting to observe how many common words have found their way into the language from the names of people. Lord Sandwich, who lived from 1718-1792, used to sit at the gambling table eating bread with meat in between. As the Lord was the only one among his friends who ate bread in that way, his friends began to call the bread "sandwich" for fun. Later on,the word became part of the English language. The word "boycott" means to refuse to have anything to do with somebody or something. It comes from a man called Captain Boycott. He was a land agent in 1880 and he collected rents and taxes for an English landowner in Ireland. But the Captain was a very harsh man. He treated his poor tenants very badly. His tenants decided not to speak to him at all. Eventually word got back to the landowner and the Captain was removed . The word "boycott" became popular and was used by everyone to mean the kind of treatment that was received by Captain Boycott. A few hundred _ come from the names of people. Grandma celebrated her fifty-third birthday just weeks before grandpa died of cancer in 1965. Although his passing was very difficult for her, I think their shared struggle to make his life longer taught grandma that good health was not to be taken for granted, and she made up her mind to live the rest of her own life as fully and as long as she could. One day, when she announced to attend lessons at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Portland, Oregon, where she lived, we rolled our eyes in embarrassment and helplessly wished she would just stay home and bake cookies as normal grandmothers did. Many years filled with countless dance lessons passed before we learned to appreciate the wonder of having a dancing grandma. I suppose grandma's primary motivation for wanting to learn to dance was social. She had been a shy girl, always very tall and heavy, and had married into grandpa's quiet lifestyle before developing any elegance or confidence in her personal appearance. Dancing, on the other hand, filled her life with flash lights, wonderful parties, beautiful dresses, handsome young dance instructors, and the challenge of learning. Although the weekly dance lessons did not change her ample, two-hundred-pound figure, grandma surprised everyone with energetic performances on the dance floor, which soon gave her as much elegance and confidence as any Miss American competitor. Having taken weekly dance lessons for years, my grandma learned various dances easily and was soon participating in dancing matches all over the Northwest. When I was fourteen, grandma proudly invited me to watch her compete in one of these matches to be held in the grand ballroom of the Red Lion Inn. My attitude was still unenthusiastic at that point, but to make her happy, my mother and I attended the match. As if to prove me wrong, grandma made a wonderful showing in every event she entered. I thought she was truly the queen of the ball during the dance, and my thoughts were shared by the judges a short time later when she was awarded a gold cup for her outstanding performance. Normal grandmas usually _ in the author's point of view? We all see and hear about extraordinary people around us and wonder why we can't be more like them. It's not the big things that make someone extraordinary. It's the small things. They become extraordinary by making a difference in someone's life. Here are some of the things extraordinary people do every day: Praise someone. It can make the others feel great about themselves. A compliment can have a positive impact on their lives. Your team or family will love you for it. It's OK to admit you were wrong. You will not only gain the respect of your team mates, but you will also gain credibility . When you need help, don't be shy or stop yourself. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. When you ask for help, you receive help. You're willing to listen; you also need support at times. When you don't understand how something works, let an expert show you. When you let someone teach you something, you are telling the person that you respect his talent, time and what he is talking about. Sometimes it is very important to stay silent. Especially when you're angry, process your emotions, think back to what happened, and then come to a decision about how to deal with it. Before you say anything, consider others' feeling. Never be rude with words or actions. In the passage, how many points about being an extraordinary person does the writer refer to?
Kangkang's father is a doctor. When SARS, a kind of serious disease, spread in Beijing, he took an active part in the battle against it. He left his wife and his son to work in the Xiaotangshan Hospital. He cared for the patients day and night. He couldn't go home and he could only talk with family on the telephone. "Do you miss your family?" asked a reporter. "Yes, of course. It's my duty to save the patients," Doctor Lee answered. What happened at that time? Answer: Old Fossils Scientists have found what they think is probably the oldest fossil on Earth, a remnant of life from 3.7 billion years ago when Earth's skies were orange and its oceans green. In a newly melted part of Greenland, Australian scientists found the leftover structure from a community of microbes that lived on an ancient seafloor. Based on their analysis of the fossils, the researchers determined that they are 220 million years older than those discovered in Western Australia, which were 3.48 billion years old. The discovery shows life may have formed quicker and more easily than once thought, about half a billion years after Earth formed. And that may also give hope for life forming elsewhere, such as Mars, said study co-author Martin VanKranendonk of the University of New South Wales and director of the Australian Center for Astrobiology. "It gives us an idea how our planet evolved and how life gained a foothold," VanKranendonk said. Scientists had thought it would take at least half a billion years for life to form after the molten Earth started to cool a bit, but this shows it could have happened quicker, he said. That's because the newly found fossil is far too complex to have developed soon after the planet's first life forms, he said. In an outcrop of rocks that used to be covered with ice and snow which melted after an exceptionally warm spring, the Australian team found stromatolites , which are layered structures that are often produced by a community of microbes. The stromatolites were about 1 to 4 centimeters high. "It is like the house left behind made by the microbes," VanKranendonk said. "Scientists used the layers of ash from volcanoes and tiny zircon with uranium and estimated that they date back to 3.7 billion years ago." The dating seems about right, said Abigail Allwood, a NASA astrobiologist who found the previous oldest fossil, from 3.48 billion years ago, in Australia. But Allwood said she is not completely convinced that what VanKranendonk's team found once was alive. She said the evidence wasn't conclusive enough that it was life and not a geologic quirk . "It would be nice to have more evidence, but in these rocks that's a lot to ask," Allwood said in an email. What is Abigail Allwood's attitude towards the newly found fossil? Answer: My cat Toto is aging,and as she ages,her body is failing her.Mentally,she seems sharp,but after nearly sixteen years,Toto's hips are causing her obvious trouble.In fact,they make it so that she can't use a litter box effectively.She tries to squat ,but mostly she just pisses out the back end of the box. I spent the summer working with my vet to find things to help Toto,but nothing works.Since we can't stand the smell of cat urine in the house,two weeks ago I took drastic measures.I _ Toto outside.(She gets to come in while I work,but I put her out for 80%of the day and night.) Because Toto now lives outside,she eats and drinks outside.I' ve set up a heating pad on the porch.and given her own food and water area nearby.She seems perfectly content with this arrangement except when she's out of food,or she wants to be petted. Strangely enough,she's been out of food a lot lately."I think another cat is eating Toto's food."I told Kris when I first noticed how quickly she was going through her bowl. "Actually,"I said a couple of days later,"maybe it's a dog.Whoever is eating Toto's food keeps knocking the bowl over." But a few days after that,I realized that the food thief probably wasn't even a dog.Whatever the critter was,it was messy. Every morning,Toto's water dish was filled with mud.The food bowl was tipped over and the porch scattered with mud and debris ."I' ll bet it's a coon ,"I told Kris.Though we live in a residential neighborhood not far from Portland,we' ve seen plenty of raccoons in the six years since we moved in. Today I got to see the cat-food thievery first-hand.Turns out it's not one raccoon-it's a family of four.I was lucky enough to have my camera handy as they performed their daring raid:My favorite part of this video is how Toto simply sits on her heating pad and watches the raccoons eat her food.She isn't bothered at all. What would be the best title of the passage? Answer: Last week, President Barack Obama gave a back- to-school speech to students at the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students in schools across the country also tuned in to watch the President's speech on TV. He stressed the importance of trying new things, working hard and believing in yourself. While admitting that times are tough for families across the country, Obama reminded students that hard work now can mean big success later. "Nobody gets to write your destiny but you," he said. "Your future is in your hands. Your life is what you make of it. And nothing--absolutely nothing--is beyond your reach." Obama spoke about his own life, and lessons he learned from his mother, who had to remind him to stay focused on his studies. He told students the recipe for success: "Showing up to school on time. Paying attention in class. Doing your homework. Studying for exams. Staying out of trouble. " Obama encouraged students to embrace what makes them different. "We shouldn't be embarrassed by the things that make us different," he said. "We should be proud of them." He also suggested taking advantage of all of the opportunities at your school, and always being open to trying new things. "Just because you're not the best at something today doesn't mean you can't be tomorrow," he said. "Even if you don't think of yourself as a math person or as a science person--you can still _ those subjects if you're willing to make the effort. And you may find out you have talents you'd never dreamed of." Obama suggested the students should _ . Answer: BEIJING, July 21-More and more parents in Shanghai have found that their children are forgetting how to use Shanghai dialect to express themselves, according to a report in the city's Jiefang Daily on July 11, and some have begun forcing them to speak it at home. Language experts say that the promotion of Putonghua, and the large number of non-Shanghainese setting down in the city have meant that the local dialect has lost its previous high social status, according to the report. They have urged that the dialect be protected alongside Putonghua (also known as Mandarin), the nation's common tongue that has been systematically promoted since new China was founded in 1949. In their opinion, dialects carry and preserve local culture . They say that a dialect is not only a linguistic tool. But is also like a person's "birthmark" and part of their local identity and feeling of belonging. They recommended that TV and radio stations set up channels and programs using dialects , and that schools offer selective courses in which the dialects are taught. The experts also suggested that dialect be protected while maintaining high standards of Putonghua and a multicultural environment in the city. Why should local dialects be protected ? Answer:
Alex London Research Laboratory (ALRL) is part of Alex Co., Ltd., a major Australian medicine-making company. Opened in 1992, ALRL specialises in the development of new medicines for the treatment of heart diseases. A position is now open for a Research Operations Manager(ROM) to support our growing research team at the new laboratories in Hatfield,due to open in the autumn of 2012. Reporting to the Director,you will help set up and run the technical and scientific support services of our new laboratories now under construction.You will be expected to provide expert knowledge about and be in charge of all areas of ALRL'S Health and Safety,and to communicate with support employees at ALRL'S laboratories based at University College London.Working closely with scientists and other operations and technical employees,you will manage a small number of research support employees providing services to help with the research activities to be carried out at the new laboratories. Candidates will have experience of both management and research support/technical services.Knowledge of research operations and excellent communication skills are necessary. Education to degree level is also desirable. If you are interested in this position,please send your CV to Alex London Research Laboratory,University College London,Hatfield,London,W1E 6B7 or by email to ALRL@alex.co.uk. For more Information.please visit www.alex.co.uk. What can be learnt about the new laboratories from the text? They have not yet been set up. The need to feed a growing population is putting much pressure on the world's supply of water. With 97% of the world's water too salty to be drunk or used in agriculture, the worldwide supply of water needs careful management, especially in agriculture. Although the idea of a water shortage seems strange to someone fortunate enough to live in a high rainfall country, many of the world's agricultural industries experience constant water shortages. Although dams can be built to store water for agricultural use in dry areas and dry seasons, the costs of water redistribution are very high. Not only is there the cost of the engineering itself, but there is also an environmental cost to be considered. Where valleys are flooded to create dams, houses are lost and wildlife homes destroyed. Besides, water may flow easily through pipes to fields, but it cannot be transported from one side of the world to the other. Each country must therefore rely on the management of its own water to supply its farming requirements. This is particularly troubling for countries with agricultural industries in areas dependent on irrigation . In Texas, farmers' overuse of irrigation water has resulted in a 25% reduction of the water stores. In the Central Valley area of southwestern USA, a huge water engineering project provided water for farming in dry valleys, but much of the water use has been poorly managed. Saudi Arabia's attempts to grow wheat in desert areas have seen the pumping of huge quantities of irrigation water from underground reserves. Because there is no rainfall in these areas, such reserves can only decrease, and it is believed that fifty years of pumping will see them run dry. The text is mainly about _ . water use management and agriculture I'm Zhang Yue. I come fiom Beijing. I'm twelve years old and I'm a student. I have a bike. I go to school by bike. I can speak Chinese and English. This is my friend. Her name is Alice Brown. She is twelve years old. Too. She likes red. We are in the same class. The man in the photo is Alice's father. He is my English teacher. His name is Peter Brown. He has small eyes and a big nose. He likes black and white. He is a good teacher.our classmstes and I all like him. . (10) What does Alice's father look like? He has small eyes and a big nose. You have the ability to decide if you are happy or not. Happiness is a choice. You can't depend on someone else to make you happy. That is a lesson I learned early on in my marriage. I realized that I couldn't rely on my husband as my source of happiness. I learned that my happiness depended on me and not my husband's actions. I learned that you have to choose to be happy. You can choose your emotions. True happiness comes from within; it can't be forced by outside forces. So how do you choose happiness? The same way you choose to smile or choose to wear a certain outfit. You choose it because that's what you want to experience in your life. You want to buy a new pair of shoes so you choose a pair that you like and feel good. You wouldn't buy a pair of shoes that you don't like or that don't fit well, right? So why do we keep choosing emotions and feelings that don't make us feel good? Choosing to be happy after you realize your anger has shown up (or even choosing to be calm) can be beneficial. We choose our feelings; no one can do that for us. If we let others get to us, influence our emotions - we are giving them power over us. When others cause us anger or pain, we are giving them our power. We need to keep our feelings in check and not react automatically to what is thrown at us. We need to think our actions out instead of just reacting to what someone says or does. Remember that we can always choose happiness. At first it will be difficult to just switch your thoughts and feelings from anger, self-doubt, or fear to joy and happiness. But it is only a thought away. Don't dwell on what happens to you unnecessarily but realize what is causing you to feel that way. Realize that thoughts, feelings and emotions can change. Then move on and choose to be happy. The lesson the writer learned in her marriage is _ . one can't rely on someone else to make himself or herself happy Bad news sells. If it bleeds, it leads. No news is good news, and good news is no news. Those are the classic rules for the evening broadcasts and the morning papers. But now that information is being spread and monitored in different ways, researchers are discovering new rules. By tracking people's e-mails and online posts, scientists have found that good news can spread faster and farther than disasters and sob stories. "The 'if it bleeds' rule works for mass media", says Jonah Berger, a scholar at the University of Pennsylvania. "They want your eyeballs and don't care how you're feeling. But when you share a story with your friends, you care a lot more how they react. You don't want them to think of you as a Debbie Downer." Researchers analyzing word-of-mouth communication--e-mails, Web posts and reviews, face-to-face conversations--found that it tended to be more positive than negative, but that didn't necessarily mean people preferred positive news. Was positive news shared more often simply because people experienced more good things than bad things? To test for that possibility, Dr. Berger looked at how people spread a particular set of news stories on The New York Times' website. He and a Penn colleague analyzed the "most e-mailed" list for six months. One of his first findings was that articles in the science section were much more likely to make the list than non-science articles. He found that science amazed Times' readers and made them want to share this positive feeling with others. Readers also tended to share articles that were exciting or funny, or that inspired negative feelings like anger or anxiety, but not articles that left them merely sad. They needed to be aroused one way or the other, and they preferred good news to bad. The more positive an article, the more likely it was to be shared, as Dr. Berger explains in his new book, "Contagious: Why Things Catch On." What can we infer about people like Debbie Downer? They are inconsiderate of others.
The ability to memorize things seems to be a vanishing technique.So what can we do to bring out brain cells back into action? A newly published book on memory, Moomvalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything, by American journalist Joshua Foer, makes a telling point, one that is an analysis of the importance of memorising events and stories in human history; the decline of its role in modem life; and the techniques that we need to adopt to restore the art of remembering. As For points out, we no longer need to remember telephone numbers.Our mobile phones do that for us.We don't recall addresses either.We send emails from computers that store electronic addresses.Nor do we bother to remember multiplication tables .Pocket calculators do the job of multiplying quite nicely.Museums, photographs, the digital media and books also act as storehouses for memories that once we had to keep in mind. As a result, we no longer remember long poems or folk stories by heart, feats of memory that were once the cornerstones of most people's lives.Indeed, society has changed so much that we no longer know what techniques we should employ to remember such lengthy works.We are, quite simply, forgetting how to remember. And let's face it, there is nothing sadder than someone who has lost their mobile phone and who finds they cannot even phone home or call their parents or partners because they cannot remember a single telephone number.That is a sad example of loss of personal independence.So, yes, there is a need for us to he able to remember certain things in life. Therefore, Foer's book outlines the methods that need to be mastered in order to promote our memories and regain the ability to recall long strings of names, numbers or faces.In the process, he adds, we will become more aware of the world about us. The trick, Foer says, is to adopt a process known as " elaborative encoding", which involves transforming information, such as a shopping list, into a series of "absorbing visual images".If you want to remember a list of household objects--potatoes, cottage cheese, sugar and other items, then _ them in an unforgettable manner, he says.Start by creating an image of a large jar of potatoes standing in the garden.Next to it, imagine a giant tub of cottage cheese--the size of an outdoor pool--and then picture Lady Gaga swimming in it.And so on.Each image should be as fantastic and memorable as possible. Using methods like this, it becomes possible to achieve great feats of memory quite easily, Foer says.It certainly seems to have worked for him: he won the annual US Memory Championships after learning how to memorize 120 random digits in five minutes; the first and last names of 156 strangers in 15 minutes; and a deck of cards in under two minutes."What I had really trained my brain to do, as much as to memorise, was to be more mindful and to pay attention to the world around," he says. These techniques employed by Foer to master his memory were developed by Ed Cooke--a British writer and a world memory championship grandmaster.He acted as Foer's trainer during preparations for the book and helped him achieve his championship performances." Memory techniques do just one thing: they make information more meaningful to the mind, making the things we try to learn unforgettably bright and amusing," said Cooke. According to Joshua Foer, people no longer memorize information today because _ . Answer: they have things that can act as storehouses for memories. David is eight. One day his friend Rose says to him, "This Sunday is my birthday. Can you come to my birthday party?" David says, "Yes". On Sunday, David asks his mother if he can go to the party. His mother says, "Yes, you can go, but you must be polite. Don't ask for any food. They will give you some." "All right, Mum." David answers and he goes to Rose's house on his bike. There are lots of kids at the party. They play together for some time, and then Rose's mother gives them some food, but she forgets David. He waits and waits and then he takes his plate up and asks, "Do you want a nice clean plate?" The birthday party is in _ . Answer: Rose's house If you need to spend time on the road,it's important to find ways to keep safe on your feet. Don't suppose it's your right of way. Yes, you might be crossing at the right place, at the right time, within the crosswalk area, but you are still exposed to danger. It could be a distracted driver, or a cyclist with a loose sense of traffic rules, so you could still get hurt. You can be in the right legally, but that won't be much help when you're in the hospital. Follow pedestrian signals. Just as drivers aren't supposed to speed up to beat a light when crossing through an intersection, pedestrians need to take the same care when obeying their own signals. If the hand is flashing and the countdown is into single digits ,stay where you are. Trying to outrun the flashing hand is unsafe,especially as cars try to clear the intersection before the light turns red. Give drivers enough time to stop when crossing. Don't suppose that drivers will jam on their brakes when you hit the crosswalk signals. Some provinces, such as Alberta, issue a ticket if you don't give drivers enough time to brake. Cross quickly. Once you've followed all of the other rules, and it is safe to cross the street, don't then just wander along in front of six lanes of traffic. There's no need to run or jog, but respect the drivers who respected you enough to stop for you. Who is the text intended for? Answer: Pedestrians. An allowance is an important tool for teaching kids how to make plans for the use of money, save and make their own decisions. Children remember and learn from mistakes when their own dollars are lost or spent foolishly. How large an allowance is suitable? Experts say there is not right amount. Actual amounts differ from region to region, and from family to family. To set an suitable allowance for your child, work up a weekly plan. Allow for entertainment costs such as movies and snacks. Next, include everyday expenses such as lunch money, bus fare, school supplies. "If you make the child responsible for these bills'," says Josephine Swanson, a consumer specialist, " he or she will learn to plan for necessary costs." Finally, add some extra money to make saving possible. If you can keep your child's allowance in line with that of his friends. A child whose buying power falls away below his peers' can feel left out. It can be tough, but don't excuse your children when they make a mistake with their allowance. When Brooke Stephens was ten and growing up in Jacksonville, her mother gave her $5 a week, $1.75 of which was for bus fare and lunch." If you lose your money," Brooke's mother told her, "you walk home." One week the girl spent all her allowance in a candy store, then she called home for a ride. " Mom made me walk home," recalls Stephens, now a financial planner in Brooklyn. " At first I was angry. But I finally realized that she was trying to teach me an important lesson. " Experts advise that an allowance should not be tied directly to a child's daily housework at home. Kids should help around the house not because they get paid for it but because they share responsibilities as members of a family. You might, however, pay a child for doing extra jobs at home, which can develop his or her early habits. Which of the following is the possible title of the passage? Answer: How to teach a child about money. Blood gets directed around beneath skin and bone by Answer: long passages
Behind the traffic noise and modernday confusion on Stoney Creek Road in Bexley lies a small but amazing piece of history.Just a century ago,Mr Harold Chapman Snr.founded Sydney's Famous Original Doll Hospital and,although the Hospital has relocated several times,you cannot help but get a sense of days gone by when you walk through the doors. In 1913 Sydney's first Doll Hospital was opened in Beamish Street.Campsie by Mr Harold Chapman Snr as part of his General Store,all beginning from a simple shipping accident.Harold's brother was in the business of importing dolls from Japan and during the shipping process the rubber bands holding the dolls together would go rotten and it was Harold who found a way to repair them.From such a small beginning grew quite a successful business as demand for doll repairs increased. The business was taken over in the 1930's by Harold's son,also Harold Chapman who relocated the Doll Hospital to Her Majesty's Arcade in Sydney where the business expanded.The real boom came in 1939 with World War II and the extreme restrictions on production and import.Suddenly new dolls were no longer an option so little children had to have their "best friends" lovingly repaired. In 1968 the Doll Hospital moved to its present location.It is now run by Mr Geoff Chapman,Harold Jnr's son.The Hospital is not only in its third generation of owners,but also its third generation of "doctors",the skills and knowledge being passed down through the family of repairers. Flipping through the "Before and After" photo album,you can see just how many wonderful repairs have been carried out and you can just imagine the stories behind them.It is estimated that the Doll Hospital has treated over 2.5 million "patients" so far--that's a lot of childhood memories revived! What can you see in the "Before and After" photo album? Answer: The dolls before and after their repairs. While other countries debate whether to fix wind turbines offshore or in distant areas, Denmark is building them right in its capital. Three windmills were recently introduced in a Copenhagen neighbourhood, and the city plans to add another 97. "We've made a very ambitious commitment to make Copenhagen CO2-neutral by 2025," Frank Jensen, the mayor, says. "But going green isn't only a good thing. It's a must." The city's carbon-neutral plan, passed two years ago, will make Copenhagen the world's first zero-carbon capital. With wind power making up 33% of Denmark's energy supply, the country already features plenty of wind turbines. Indeed, among the first sights greeting airborne visitors during the landing at Copenhagen's Kastrup airport is a chain of sea-based wind towers. By 2020, the windswept country plans to get 50% of its energy from wind power. Now turbines are moving into the city and these ones will cost less than half the price of those sea-based. Having the energy production closer makes it cheaper, and land-based turbines are the cheapest possible source of energy available today. Fixing them also makes the locals more aware of their energy consumption. Though considerably less attractive than it was in ancient times, the windmill is enjoying popularity in the 21st century. "Windmills are a symbol of the new and clean Copenhagen," says resident Susanne Sayers. Meanwhile, fellow Copenhagen citizen Maria Andersen worries about the noise, explaining that she wouldn't want a wind turbine in her neighbourhood. While Copenhagen citizens approve of the windmills, they're less willing to live close to one. The answer, the city has decided, is to sell turbine shares. Each share represents 1,000 kW hours/year, with the profit tax-free. With a typical Copenhagen household consuming 3,500 kW hours/year, a family buying four shares effectively owns its own renewable energy supply. To date, 500 residents have bought 2,500 shares. Involving the local population was a smart move. "There are a lot of things you can do close to people if it's not too big and if there's a model where locals feel involved and get to share in the profit. Knowing that you, or your neighbours, own a technology creates a very different atmosphere than if a multinational owned it," says Vad Mathiesen. Going green? Yes. Accepted by the population? Yes. Going with centuries-old city architecture? Hardly. Certainly, the three turbines don't exactly _ the 18th-century city centre, as they are in a neighbourhood 3 km away. According to the mayor's office, none of the remaining 97 turbines will rise in architecturally sensitive areas. But Sascha Haselmayer, CEO of city creation group Citymart, warns, "With Denmark being a world-leading producer of windmills, there is a risk that the answer to every energy question is windmills." "We've destroyed mountains and lakes in order to support our lifestyle," notes Irena Bauman, an architect and professor at Sheffield University. "Wind turbines are a sign that we're learning to live with nature. I hope we'll have them all over the world," she says. "They may be unpleasant to some, but better-looking ones will come. It's just that we don't have time to wait for them!" Sascha Haselmayer's attitude to building windmills can best be described as _ . Answer: cautious Women should not drink any alcohol during pregnancy. A report released by NICE says. It says if they must drink, they should not do so in the first three months and should limit to one or two ounces once or twice a week afterwards. It replaces previous guidance of saying small daily amounts were fine. NICE decided to tighten its guidance partly because of the concern that people are now drinking more than in the past. Previous draft guidance suggested women should drink an ounce of alcohol a day once they were past the first three months of pregnancy. The Department of Health in England changed its guidance last year, calling for no drinking while pregnant or while trying to get pregnant. Drinking heavily in pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome , which can leave children with features like small heads, widely spaced eyes and behavior or learning problems. The experts said there was no evidence that several ounces once or twice a week would do any harm to the baby but could not categorically rule out any risk. National Childbirth Trust agreed women should limit their drinking during pregnancy. "Pregnant women who have had a few drinks often worry a great deal about whether they have harmed their baby. In general, it is believed that if a light infrequent drinker, in good health, drinks to the point of drunkenness on one occasion, the risk to her baby is small." NICE also made a number of other recommendations for the care of women in the UK who were pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It said vitamin D and folic acid supplements should be offered by health staff to help avoid conditions such as rickets and spina bifida . Officials also called for local health officials to ensure equal support plans where mothers encourage new parents to breastfeed are set up. NICE also called for improvements in the care of pregnant women with diabetes. About 20;000 pregnancies each year are affected by diabetes and, therefore, carry, higher risk of miscarriage and still birth. The guidance said women should get access to advice and support, in particular to achieve good blood sugar control before they get pregnant. What is the advice made by the Department of Health on drinking alcohol during pregnancy? Answer: No drinking for pregnant women. It is early in the morning, about seven o'clock. Peter is on the bus. He's going to school. There are many people on the bus and it is a bit hot. Peter is sitting by a window with a book in his hands. The bus driver is driving slowly . Most people on the bus are using their mobile phones. A girl in a red sweater is standing near Peter. She looks very happy. She is reading some funny things on her mobile phone. A fat boy behind him is busy playing games on his mobile phone. A tall man is Jack. He is listening to music on the mobile phone. He's about thirty years old. They are all busy and happy. Where is Peter? Answer: On a bus. Sir Steven Redgrave--Winner of 5 Olympic Gold Medals "In 1997 I was found to have developed diabetes , believing the profession trained for the whole of my life ended, I felt very sorry. Then one of my friends said there was no reason why I should stop training. That was it--the encouragement I needed. I could still be a winner if I believed in myself. I am not saying that it isn't difficult sometimes. But I wanted to prove to myself that I wasn't finished yet. Nothing is to stand in my way." Karen Pickering--Swimming World Champion "I swim 4 hours a day, 6 days a week. I manage that amount of work by putting it on top of my diary. This is the key to success--you can't follow a profession in any field without being well-organized. Make a list of what you believe you can achieve. Trust yourself, write down your goals for the day, however small they are, and you'll be a step closer to achieving them." Kristen Stewart--Actress "When things are getting hard, a voice inside my head tells me that I can't achieve anything. Then, there are other _ , such as family or hobbies. The key is to give most of your attention to one thing. When I feel nervous, it helps a lot to repeat words such as 'calm', 'peace', either out loud or silently in my mind. It makes me feel more in control and improves my confidence. This is a habit and is a powerful psychological tool." The same character of the three people is _ . Answer: self-confidence
Since the 1990s, education has been required for all South Africans from age seven to fifteen. Last December, the government announced that 70% of students passed their final examination to finish high school. In 2008, the pass rate was about 63%. There have been increases each year since then. Professor Shireen Motala says basic education is no longer a problem in South Africa. Most children stay in school until they are about sixteen. The problem is that large numbers of them leave without completing high school. Students take an examination known as the "matric" in Grade Twelve. Professor Motala says, "Less than half of the children who started school in 2000 sat for the matric last year. Many dropped out of school, so only around 45% took the matric. And the worry is where those students actually go." Those who drop out have to compete with better educated people for jobs. Educational researchers also point to another problem. South African schools do not produce enough students with the skills for higher education in maths and science. Many schools are not well-equipped. Children do not see laboratories, and, as a result, their science marks are not very good. They do not have libraries at school. Also, many teachers do not have the skills or training to do their jobs. In South Africa, a number of teachers were poorly trained before. Secondly, teachers have been confused by the many educational reform efforts in the last fifteen years. Finally, language differences in the classroom have not got as much attention as they should, which is a huge problem. Subjects such as maths and science are taught in English starting at about the age of ten. But South Africa has eleven official languages. South Africa's minister of basic education promises a number of improvements. Angie Motshega says teacher development efforts will focus on subject and content knowledge, making sure that the correct teachers are in the correct jobs. With which of the following would Shireen Motala most probably agree? Answer: More attention should be paid to language differences in maths and science classes. Parents are anxious about their children's education and should be more detached to allow them to develop naturally,a leading headteacher,Peter Tait,says. Writing in Attain,the magazine of the Independent Association of Prep Schools,Mr Tait said:"While parents are determined to do the very best for their child,they can end up doing the opposite."He said parents need to exercise"common sense and parental nature"when it comes to raising their children. He added:"Parents also need to have confidence in those whose job it is to look after their children's education.To do this requires a certain detachment,a willingness to trust the passage of time,focusing on whether their children are happy,challenged and purposeful and are learning the right values.If so,they will be fine." However,he said,some parents are changing from"sensible"and"moderate "people,who have faith in their schools and teachers,and are"turning into fighters ready to battle with anything and anyone on behalf of'their'child."What has made some parents put their own child at the centre of the universe and never to care about the rest?" And he also blamed the obsession over league tables for some parents'anxiety.He said:"League tables have caused too much anxiety for parents and have led to a boom in the number of tutoring agencies as parents feel they have no choice but to give their children a chance." Mr Tait acknowledged that being a parent has become increasingly difficult.He concluded:"While teachers may occasionally feel discouraged by over-sensitive and demanding parents,they should note that this parenting lark is rather more difficult than it used to be." Why does Mr Tait say parents should be more detached? Answer: Their effort doesn't pay off. Self-employed private physicians who charge a fee for each patient visit are the foundation of medical practice in the United States. Most physicians have a contract relationship with one or more hospitals in the community. They send their patients to this hospital, which usually charges patients according to the number of days they stay and the facilities(operating room, tests, medicines that they use). Some hospitals belong to a city, a state or, in the case of veteran's hospitals, a federal government agency. Others are operated by religious orders or other non-profit groups. Some medical doctors are on salary. Salaried physicians may work as hospital staff members, or residents, who are often still in training. They may teach in medical schools, be hired by corporations to care for their workers or work for the federal government's Public Health Service. Physicians are among the best paid professionals in the United States. In the 1980s, it was not uncommon for medical doctors to earn incomes of more than $ 100 000 a year. Specialists, particularly surgeons, might earn several times that amount. Physicians list many reasons why they deserve to be so well rewarded for their work. One reason is the long and expensive preparation required to become a physician in the United States. Most would be physicians first attend college for four years, which can cost nearly $ 20 000 a year at one of the best private institutions. Prospective physicians then attend medical school for four years. Tuition alone can exceed $ 10 000 a year. By the time they have obtained their medical degrees, many young physicians are deeply in debt. They still face three to five years of residency in a hospital, the first year as an apprentice physician. The hours are long and the pay is relatively low. Setting up a medical practice is expensive, too. Sometimes several physicians will decide to establish a group practice, so they can share the expense of maintaining an office and buying equipment. These physicians also take care of each other's patients in emergencies. Physicians work long hours and must accept a great deal of responsibility. Many medical procedures, even quite routine ones, involve risk. It is understandable that physicians want to be well rewarded for making decisions which can mean the difference between life and death. The expenses for becoming a doctor are spent on _ . Answer: education he or she receives Which would best aid a scientist in discovering how Earth may have changed over time? Answer: discovering a fossil of a seashell in a wooded area 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. What promise will the writer keep? Answer: To grade papers that night.
Agatha Christie went out at night.She never forgot the night when she met a robber many years ago. That evening, she was invited to a birthday party which lasted until 2 o'clock in the morning.Agatha walked in the quiet street alone. Suddenly from the shadow of a dark building a tall man with a sharp knife in his right hand ran out at her. "Good morning, lady," the man said in a low voice, "I don't think you wish to die here!" "What do you want?" Agatha asked. "Your earrings . Take them off!" Agatha suddenly had a bright idea. She tried to cover her necklace with the collar ( ) of her overcoat while she used the other hand to take off both of her earrings and then she quickly threw them on the ground. "Take them and let me go," she said. The robber saw that the girl didn't care for the earrings at all, only trying to protect the necklace. He thought the necklace would cost more, so he said, "Give me your necklace." "Oh, sir. It's not worth much. Please let me keep it." "Stopping rubbish . Quick!" With shaky hands, Agatha took off her necklace. As soon as the robber disappeared, she picked up her earrings and ran as fast as she could to one of her friends. The earrings cost 480 pounds and the necklace the robber had taken away cost only six pounds. Agatha never forgot the night, for she _ . Answer: There once was a very honest shopkeeper whose business was to provide goods to the local people. He would open his shop at 8:00 a.m. after having his breakfast and at 1:00 p.m. he would go for lunch. In the evening at 8:30 p.m. he closed his shop to complete his daily routine. However, to get time for lunch was really difficult because he didn't have anybody to help him at that time. Therefore, it was his daily practice that whichever customer was shopping at 1:00 p.m. would be asked to oversee the shop until the shopkeeper returned from lunch. One day, a group of four thieves planned to steal from his shop while he was gone for lunch. One of the thieves went at 1:00 p.m. to be the customer that would be asked to oversee the shop. The thief, pretending to be a customer, went in at 1:00 p.m. and started buying several items. As planned, the shopkeeper asked the thief to sit on his chair for thirty minutes until he returned from lunch. Then, the other three thieves quickly came and told the pretend customer to help, but something had changed within him and he knew deeply in his heart that if he was given responsibility for the shop, he should not perform any dishonest acts during that time. His friends did not agree. As the now honest man tried to stop them, they resisted and a fight started. And at the same time the shopkeeper returned and asked why there was a fighting. The now honest man explained the entire plan. The shopkeeper had been searching for an honest man who could take ownership of the shop and run it. The shopkeeper felt that he had found the right man. From the passage, we can infer that _ . Answer: Lisa has a pet cat named Whiskers. Whiskers is black with a white spot on her chest. Whiskers also has white paws that look like little white mittens. Whiskers likes to sleep in the sun on her favorite chair. Whiskers also likes to drink creamy milk. Lisa is excited because on Saturday, Whiskers turns two years old. After school on Friday, Lisa rushes to the pet store. She wants to buy Whiskers' birthday presents. Last year, she gave Whiskers a play mouse and a blue feather. For this birthday, Lisa is going to give Whiskers a red ball of yarn and a bowl with a picture of a cat on the side. The picture is of a black cat. It looks a lot like Whiskers. What day is Whisker's Birthday? Answer: In the United States and several other countries , 2.5 million children play baseball in an organization called Little League . They play on teams in their hometowns . Their parents and other adults in the community coach or instruct them and serve as umpires to make sure that everyone follows the rules . Local businesses give money for the ball fields and the uniforms . Local teams compete against each other and the winners get to play teams that are more distant . Eventually , the top teams go to the Little League World Series . One hundred years after Abner Doubleday invented baseball in Cooperstown , New York , in 1839 , Little League got started in Pennsylvania . Three men started the game for neighborhood boys with a smaller playing field and fewer innings than adult baseball . Little League became popular after World War II when the game spread across the United States . By 1955 it was played throughout North America and within five years it had spread to Europe . Children's baseball really caught on in Japan and Taiwan of China and teams from those areas won the World Series seven out of eight years . After this , the organization tried banning foreign teams from the World Series , but the ban came to an end after one year . At first , Little League was only for boys aged nine to twelve . However , in 1974 , the parents of girl baseball players brought a law suit . The courts ruled that Little League had to include both boys and girls . Later Little League added on softball and other games for teenagers up to age eighteen . Occasionally , a Little Leaguer becomes a professional player . For example , Gary Carter went from Little League to play nineteen seasons in the Major Leagues , ten of them as an All-Star player . By and large , youngsters play baseball for fun , but their parents are pround of them . The mothers and fathers of Little League players _ . Answer: Dear Anne, I like your column very much. I met a girl four years ago at a gym. She was the one who originally approached me and we became good friends. Then one day, she made me really angry, so angry that I just left and we never saw each other again. Looking back, I really regret ending things that way. It was a cowardly act on my part, but I had a terrible temper at that time and let the smallest thing get to me. Recently, I've started thinking about her again and I looked up her e-mail address. I thought about writing to say "Hi" and apologize for what I did but I'm not sure. She could still be angry with me, or maybe she has forgotten me. I feel very lonely and I want to see her again. What should I do? Tom Dear Tom, She may still be angry with you, and she may have forgotten the friendship between you, but that doesn't mean she doesn't deserve an apology. Tom, how many of us have wished for the day that someone who treated us badly saw the light and finally owned up? But we rarely get that kind of expected result. So sure, e-mail her and say "Hi". Tell her you have been thinking about her and just want to apologize for getting angry and being a coward by walking out on her. But you should remember if she thinks you're apologizing just because you are lonely, she might dismiss your sincerity. Therefore, don't mention that. If she wants to see you again, she'll make sure that happens. Even if she doesn't want to be your friend, I can assure you, she'll appreciate the gesture. And it might make you think twice next time you get angry. Anne Which of the following is what Anne advises Tom to do? Answer:
Are you planning to visit Britain? Here are a few suggestions for a beautiful weekend away. Bournemouth This famous tourist town has 11 km of beautiful beaches. Last year, 10,000 tourists visited this beautiful town. It's the perfect place to go swimming or sailing. There are lots of lovely parks and gardens to visit and it's a great place to eat out. You can also go to a classical concert or go dancing in one of the nightclubs. Stratford-upon-Avon This was William Shakespeare's hometown. He spent most of his life in this town and wrote his plays here. You can visit his house or see his plays at one of the Royal Shakespeare Company's theatres. There are some interesting museums and lots of beautiful 500-year-old house. You can also go on boat trips and visit traditional English villages. Alford Deep in the Lincolnshire countryside is the pleasant market town of Alford. It is known for its five-sailed windmill . Have a walk round this lovely old place and you'll see many pleasant houses from as far back as the 17thcentury. Captain James Smith, who was one of the founders of James town in Virginia, USA, was educated in Alford. Bath Most people come here to see the 2,000-year-old Roman Baths. But this city is also famous for its beautiful 18thcentury buildings and was the home of the writer Jane Austen. You can learn about her life at the Jane Austen Centre near Queen's Square. In the past, Bath was also popular with the royal family and Queen Elizabeth I spent one or two weeks every year here. What can visitors do in Bournemouth? Do sea sports. With both hands resting on top of the steering wheel, Oshima looks over at me: "That's where you will be living now, Kafka. In the room where Miss Saeki used to spend time with her boyfriend. As I said, there is some change to the library, but it's the very same room. " Silence on my part. "Miss Saeki's life stopped at age 20,when her lover died. No, maybe not age 20, maybe much earlier... I don't know the details, but you need to know of this. The hands of the clock inside her soul stopped then. Time outside, of course, flows on as always, but she isn't affected by it. For her, what we consider normal time is meaningless." "Meaningless?" Oshima nods. "Like it doesn't exist. " "What you're saying is Miss Saeki still lives in that frozen time?" "Exactly. When you get to know her better you'll understand." Oshima reaches out and lays a hand on my knee on a totally natural gesture. "Kafka,in everybody's life there's a point of no return. And in a very few cases, a point where you can't go forward any more. And when you reach that point, all we can do is quietly accept the fact. That's how we survive." We're about to get onto the main highway. "There's one other thing I'd like you to know of," he goes on. "Miss Saeki has a wounded heart. To some degree that's true of all of us. But Miss Saeki has a special wound that goes beyond the usual meaning of the term. Her soul moves in mysterious ways. I'm not saying she's dangerous-don't get me wrong. On a day-to-day level she's certainly got her act together, probably more than anyone else I know. She's attractive, deep, smart. But just don't let it worry you if you notice something strange about her sometimes." "Strange?" I can't help asking. Oshima shakes his head. "I really like Miss Saeki, and respect her. I'm sure you'll come to feel the same way." This doesn't really answer my question, but Oshima doesn't say anything. The conversation takes place_. in a moving car A night out in Tokyo is much the same as a night out in Milan these days, according to a survey about socialising, conducted amongst 16 to 34-year-olds around the world. Wherever you live, a typical night out is spent eating burgers, seeing American films or listening to English-language music in clubs and bars. Individual differences do survive but American culture is everywhere. Differences in the social behavior of the two sexes are also disappearing. Most people surveyed felt that it was 'perfectly normal' for groups of young women to go out alone, that it was 'equally acceptable' for young women to smoke and drink, and that a couple should split the bill when they go out together. For most young people these were the biggest differences between their own generation and their parents'. Interestingly, however, most young people interviewed said that parents are still stricter with daughters than sons about where they go and who they go with. Overall, only 10 per cent thought that parents treat their sons and daughters equally, and almost no one thought parents were stricter with their sons! Important national differences appear, however, when it comes to time-keeping. In the Far East and Eastern Europe a night out starts --- and finishes --- much earlier: there seven o'clock was the average time for meeting up with friends. For many Southern European and South Americans, on the other hand, an evening out doesn't even start until ten or eleven o'clock, by which time many of their South Korean or Japanese counterparts are safely home in bed! Parents' rules reflect this. Most Japanese parents expect their teenagers home by ten o'clock or even earlier, whereas in Europe it is more likely to be eleven or twelve o'clock. The most surprising findings came from Argentina, however, where it is apparently quite normal for 15 and 16-year-olds to stay out all night. But then perhaps this is because their parents have less to worry about --- 80 percent of Argentine youngsters claimed that they rarely or never drink alcohol! What is the passage mainly talking about? The similarities and differences in social behaviors. Most people think talking is the most important communication skill.They care little about listening.A research about our waking day communicating time shows that 9% is spent writing, 16% reading, 30% talking and 45% listening. Many of us can remember only 50% immediately after hearing something.But within two to eight weeks, we can only remember 25% or less of the message.Sometimes it will make us fail if we really forget something important. Here are some suggestions to be a good listener. Stop talking -- you can't listen well when you speak. Ask questions -- when you don't understand, when you want to catch their attention or when you want to be liked. Be polite -- give them time to say what they have to say. Listen carefully and actively to what they are saying -- pay attention to their words, their ideas and their feelings as those things relate to the subjects. Understand the main points. Look at each other -- you will feel confident by looking. Don't argue with other people when you are trying to understand them, especially when they are speaking. Try not to bring your worries and problems -- when you listen, they will stop you from listening well. Learn to listen and you'll achieve a great success in your life. From the passage we know that _ . you'd better leave your worries and problems behind when you listen As soon as you meet, or even see, a person, you form an impression of him based on his posture, gesture and facial expressions. This is why it is important to make a good first impression on the person who will be interviewing you. Within the first 60 seconds of meeting you, the interviewer will have formed an impression about what type of person you are and what kind of employee you would become, and 55% of this will be based only on your body language. Here are some tips to make you that impression a good one. First of all, relax. Think positive thoughts and you are more likely to come across as a positive, confident person during the interview. Dress smartly, as your appearance is one of the first things an interviewer will notice you. Stand up straight, and walk in with your shoulders back and your head up. Try to avoid slowing down as you walk into the room because this suggests fear and uncertainty. Shake hands with the interviewer firmly. You should have a positive handshake and a warm smile. Open your coat or jacket as you sit down shows that you, too, are open. Posture is important. You should be sitting well back in your seat. Sit up straight and lean forward slightly, but not too much. Sitting at too much of an angel expresses discomfort and distrust. Two of the most common signals are crossing your arms and legs, so try to avoid them. Another important issue is eye contact. Looking someone in the eye shows confidence in yourself and trust in the other person. However, don't overdo it, as too much eye contact or starring will make the other person uncomfortable. Use more eye contact when listening than when talking, and when you look away, look down. Looking up at the ceiling will make you seem bored and rude. What is the best title for the passage? How to use body language to win an interview
All students need to have good study habits .When you have good study habits, you will learn things quickly and also remember them easily. Do you like to study in the living room? This is not a good place because it is usually too noisy. You need to study in a quiet place, like your bedroom. A quiet place will help you only think about one thing. When you study, don,t think about other things at the same time. Only think about your homework. If you do so, you will do your homework more quickly , and you will make fewer mistakes. Good study habits are very important. If you do not have them, try to learn them. If your study habits are already good, try to make them better. After reading this passage, we know that good study habit are very _ . Answer: important In the United States,boys and girls start school when they are five years old.In some states they must stay in school until they are sixteen.Most students are seventeen or eighteen years old when they graduate from secondary school.another name for high school.Most children go to public elementary and secondary schools .The parents of public pupils do not have to pay for their children's education because taxes support the public schools.If a child goes to a private school ,his parents have to pay for the child's education.Today about half of the high school students go on to colleges and universities .Some colleges and universities receive money support from the government .A student at a state university does not have to pay very much if his parents live in that state.Private schools are expensive,however.Almost half of the college students in the USA work while studying.If a student's family is not rich,he has to make money for part of his college expenses . _ support(s) some colleges and university. Answer: The government Our surroundings are being polluted faster than nature and man's present efforts cannot prevent it. Time is bringing us more people, and more people will bring us more industry, more cars, larger cities, and the growing use of man-made materials. What can explain and solve this problem? The fact is that pollution is caused by man--by his desire for a modern way of life. We make "increasing industrialization" our chief aim. So we are often ready to offer everything: clean air, pure water, good food, our health and the future of our children. There is a constant flow of people from the countryside into the cities, eager for the benefits of our modern society. But as our technological achievements have grown in the last twenty years, pollution has become a serious problem. Isn't it time we stopped to ask ourselves where we are going--and why? It makes one think of the story about the airline pilot who told his passengers over the loudspeaker, "I've some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we're making rapid progress at 530 miles per hour. The bad news is that we're lost and don't know where we're going." The sad fact is that this becomes a true story when spoken of our modern society. The story about the airline pilot tells us that _ . Answer: the writer is worried about the future of our society Myth: If you cut your hair, it will grow long faster. Truth: That's not true. "Your hair isn't like a lawn or a rosebush, where cutting can stimulate fresh growth," says Phillip Kingsley. The length of your hair is genetically determined. When it reaches a certain length, it stops growing. When you clear up the dead split ends, this make your hair look healthier, but not necessarily longer. Myth: If you skip meals, you lose weight fast. Truth: There's no truth in this advice. Not only will you lose weight by starving yourself, but according to Carol Ann Rinzler, this may actually cause you to gain weight. Rinzler reasons that missing a meal causes your metabolism to slow down so that you burn food more slowly. This only makes you feel hungrier and by the time you finally do reach the table you will probably eat more food. Strange as it may seem, studies show that eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day is a more healthy way to lose pounds. Myth: If you swallow gum,it will stay inside your stomach for seven years. Truth: Actually, it takes just a few days for gum to make its exit---not seven years, says NeiIzenberg, M. D., editor of Kids Health Organization. But because gum is made of the same thing as rubber, it cannot be fully digested in your stomach--- so if you gum up the works on a regular basis, you might find yourself in a sticky situation. Myth: The best way to stop a nosebleed is to lift your head back. Truth: Now that's bad advice. Bloody noses are caused by broken blood vessels, so while lifting your head back might stop the fluid from rushing out of your nose, it won't stop the bleeding; you'll just end up swallowing lots of blood. Your best bet? "Rest quietly. Don't poke or pick, and the blood will naturally clot within a minute or two". Suggests Dr. Izenberg. Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage? Answer: Gum can stay inside your stomach for seven years if you swallow it When I entered college in the early 1980s, I had my heart set on being a first-grade teacher. I did all of my observations in others' first-grade classroom. I interviewed for my first job in a first-grade classroom. At last the district offered me a job---as a fifth-grade teacher in an inner-city building, considered at the time to be one of our district's most difficult tasks. It wasn't the first-grade classroom after I had hoped for, but it was my classroom after I had made such great efforts! I managed to deal with everything in first year successfully, while working to form relationships with my students was no easy thing, especially with Alexader. He had learning disabilities in both math and reading. The other children were sometimes unfriendly to him. He was a difficult child to get to open up, but I was determined to make efforts. You can imagine my delight when finally, in late spring, Alexander raised his hand during the math class discussion for the first time ever. Thrilled, I immediately called him. Well, you can imagine my surprise when he suddenly told a story about his grandma, who had a hole in her head. You see, we were studying fraction that day, and I had just explained that a fraction is "a part of a whole". Alexander obviously didn't realize the difference between "whole" and "hole". "Homophones ''I told myself,"had better be tomorrow's English lesson." Acknowledging Alexander that day was exactly what he needed from me. We had suddenly developed a special relationship. Alexander felt such a connection to me after that, that he even went one step further. I arrived at the school the following morning and was surprised to find Alexander and his grandma waiting for me. Grandma began by saying,"Alexander said he told you that I had a hole in my head."I smiled nervously and said ,"Don't worry. You know kids! They have great imaginations"Grandma replied,"You didn't believe him, did you?""No, of course not,"I said .Well, just at that time, Grandma proudly showed the hole in her head. I will never forget that day, and the lesson that I learned from being Alexander's teacher. If a child ever again tells me about a family member with a hole in his or her head, I will believe him or her! What did the writer probably do in class after she heard Alexander's story? Answer: she pretended to believe it was true
In recent years, a growing body of research has shown that our appetite and food intake are influenced by a large number of factors besides our biological need for energy, including our eating environment and our perception of the food in front of us. Studies have shown. for instance. that eating in front of the TV (or a similar distraction) can increase both hunger and the amount of food consumed. Even simple visual cues( ). like plate size and lighting, have been shown to affect portion size and consumption. A new study suggested that our shot-term memory also may play a role in appetite. Several hours after a meal, people's hunger levels were predicted not by how much they'd eaten but rather by how much food they'd seen in front of them --- in other words, how much they remembered eating. This difference suggests the memory of our previous meal may have a bigger influence on our appetite than the actual size of the meal. says Jeffrey M . Brunstrom , a professor of experimental psychology at the University of Bristol. "Hunger isn't. controlled solely by the physical characteristics of a recent meal. We have identified an independent role for memory for that meal." Brunstrom says. "This shows that the relationship between hunger and food intake is more complex than we thought." These findings echo earlier research that suggests our perception of food can sometimes trick our body's response to the food itself. In a 2011 study, for instance, people who drank the same 380-calorie milkshake on two separate occasions produced different levels of hunger-related hormones, depending on whether the shake's label said it contained 620 0r 140 calories. Moreover, the participants reported feeling more full when they thought they'd consumed a higher-calorie shake. What does this means for our eating habits? Although it hardly seems practical to trick ourselves in to eating less, the new findings do highlight the benefits of focusing on our food avoiding TV and multitasking while eating. The so-called mindful-eating strategies can fight distractions and help us control our appetite, Brunstrom says. What would happen at meal time if you remembered eating a lot in the previous meal? You would not feel so hungry. If you are going to Europe, you might consider taking some time to visit Provence. Whether you are interested in beautiful places, ancient history, good food, or music and theater, Provence has something to offer to you. Provence once was a Roman province and is in the southeast of France now. You will be attracted by its green hills, olive trees, and old towns with pretty houses. Visitors can find forests, colorful flowers, horses, and people with smiles there. Provence is also "the city of dream in Europe." Some people say it is Provence that makes France so romantic. The place should play an important part in the romantic stories. The Flowers: Provence is the hometown of lavenders and sunflowers. Lavender means "waiting for love". It also means beautiful. The mountains of Lubero is the most beautiful area across France. And there are also many kinds of lavenders. Compared with the fantastic flowers Lavender, sunflower is a lot warmer. Under the sunlight, thousands of yellow sunflowers are smiling at the sun. The Food: The people there are well-known for keeping their traditional lifestyles. And in the restaurant, you will have the experience of eating the food that has the too much use of olive oil. The food is fresh and healthy. All the things make Provence become the heaven to those who like delicious food. The other activities: Provence is the Kingdom of city. They hold many parties, dance, and festivals. You can even see a bullfight in the towns of Arles and Nimes, or enjoy great shows with the famous stars. May to July are the best tourist months. Not only the red sky, the sweet smell of olive, but also the wonderful lavenders, make Provence send out the breath of romantic. The Provence lies _ . in the southeast of France Moving to a new town or even a new neighborhood is stressful at any age, but a new study shows that frequent moves in childhood are related to poorer well-being in adulthood, especially among people who are more introverted or neurotic . The researchers tested the relationship between the number of childhood moves and well-being in a sample of 7108 American adults who were followed for 10 years. "We know that children who move frequently are more likely to perform poorly in school and have more behavioral problems," said the study's lead author Shigehiro Oishi. "However, the long-term effects of moving on well-being in adulthood have been overlooked by researchers." The study's participants, who were between the ages of 20 and 75, were contacted in 1994 and 1995 and were surveyed again 10 years later. They were asked how many times they had moved as children, as well as about their psychological well-being, personality type and social relationships. The researchers found that the more times people moved as children, the more likely they were to report lower life satisfaction and psychological well-being at the time they were surveyed. The research also showed that those who moved frequently as children had fewer quality social relationships as adults. The researchers also looked to see if different personality types affected frequent movers' well-being. Among introverts, the more moves participants reported as children, the worse off they were as adults. "Moving a lot makes it difficult for people to keep long-term close relationships." Said Oishi. "This might not be a serious problem for outgoing people who can make friends quickly and easily." The findings showed neurotic people who moved frequently reported less life satisfaction and poorer psychological well-being than people who did not move as much and people who were not neurotic. However, the number and quality of neurotic people's relationships had no effect on their well-being, no matter how often they had moved as children. In the article, Oishi thinks this may be because neurotic people have more negative reactions to stressful life events in general. "We can guess that moving often creates more stress," Oishi said. "But we need more research on this link before we can conclude that moving often in childhood can, in fact, be dangerous to your health in the long-term." What can be learnt about the new study from the passage? It was carried out in two periods of time. Envy seems to be bad-but it doesn't have to be. Researchers are finding that, if approached the right way, there can actually be an advantage. Psychologists classify envy in two ways: negative and positive. With positive envy, you are motivated by another person's success and struggle to follow it. With negative envy, you want to cut the advantaged person down so you look better by comparison. Let's say you feel sufferings of envy after your rival at another firm gets promoted. Negative envy might drive you to destroy his success, but positive envy would inspire you to work harder and get promoted, too. Studies show positive envy can be a great motivator . In a 2011 study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, researchers in the Netherlands conducted a series of experiments with more than 200 university students. Researchers found that when they caused feelings of positive envy----as opposed to admiration or negative envy----in the students, it drove them to want to study more and perform better on a test measuring creativity and intelligence. While admiration may feel better, the researchers found, it doesn't motivate performance like the pain and frustration of envy. "Those painful sufferings of envy are there for an evolutionary reason," says Texas Christian University researcher Sarah E. Hill, "warning us that someone has something of importance to us." Building on this theory, Dr. Hill and others conducted a series of experiments, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, to test whether envy improves attention and memory----the tools needed to copy a rival's steps to success. In one experiment, half of the participants were asked to recall past feelings of envy; the other half weren't. The two groups were then shown mock interviews of imaginary peers. The group filled with envy paid closer attention and better recalled details about the interview subjects. In other words, envy made them more astute . Not only can envy motivate us to reach for higher goals, it may even give us the cognitive push to get there. What's the bad effect of negative envy? It makes you harm or hurt others on purpose. Today most Chinese teenagers are happy to be favored by two parents and four grandparents in their families. But have you ever thought about how to take care of four to twelve old people when you grow up and get married? This could be a problem for most Chinese youths as China is entering a new stage of an aging society. An aging society refers to one where 10 percent or more of its population is over 60. By the end of 2007, Chinese over 60 years old have made up 11.7 percent of the nation's total population. "China is getting old before becoming rich,"said Cai Chuang, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The population increase that has powered Chinese growth for three decades will give way over the next ten years to a rapid aging of the society. This will lead to weaker economic growth, because of a lack of labor resources. As a result of the family planning policy, it is expected that the country's total working population will decrease after 2015. China is not the only country getting old. More that 60 countries have become aging societies and one in three people in the European Union is a senior citizen. However, experts said that China doesn't have a highly developed social security network to support the old. Social security is an insurance program protecting those in need, including the old, the disabled and others. An aging society is a society that _ . 10% or more of its population is over 60
A lot of people today are used to working, going on holiday, and having money---but many of them aren't happy. Yet other people seem to be really happy , even if they are poor. Why? Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, from the University of Chicago, has interviewed thousands of people who have a happy life to find out how they do it. "I've been studying happiness for over 30 years," he says. "My interest in the subject came from my own experience as a child during World War II , when I saw many adults destroyed by the terrible events. But there were always a few who kept their courage, helped others, and were able to give a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives. I wanted to find out how a person could build a fulfilling and enjoyable life." In general, his research showed that people were unhappy doing nothing. The professor stresses that happy people didn't waste time, either at work or when they are free. "Many people feel that the time they spend at work or at school is wasted. But often their free time is also wasted. Many people are used to doing passive things----watching television, for example----without using any skills. As a result, life goes past in a series of boring experiences." But it doesn't have to be this way. The professor has found that people are happy when get into something he calls "flow". When people get very involved in a task that they have chosen, and which is well-defined and challenging , they experience "flow", a state where they don't notice time passing. They also experience enjoyment. Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, makes a contrast between enjoyment and pleasure. "I used to think they were the same thing---- but they're not! Pleasure is a big bowl of ice cream, or taking a hot bath on a cold day ---nothing bad at all! But enjoyment is about doing something and achieving something. It isn't really important what we do, it's more important to do something, and feel positive about it, and to try to do it well." People who are not used to happiness can learn how to be happy, says the professor, if they constantly get into "flow" states. Is happiness as easy as that? Perhaps it is. When a person is in a "flow" state, he/she _ . A. is guilty about wasting time B. feels stressed doing challenging jobs C. easily forgets what time it is D. has a strong desire to finish a boring task Answer: C Mitsuaki recently arrived in the United States to enter university.He wants to do well in his studies and fit the new culture.But Mitsuaki has a problem.It's not his teachers.It's not even his English ability.His problem is that he doesn't have a car.Mitsuaki has already discovered a basic fact of American culture: Driving is a way of life. There are different transportations in America.Many cities have taxis, buses and subways. But most people find it the easiest to drive, even if they do have to deal with heavy traffic. Nowadays busy families often have more than one vehicle.Many people think their car as a status symbol.But no matter what their social status are, people without wheels feel stressed. When Mitsuaki first arrived, he was amazed at how young many American drivers there were.Young people in America often get their driver's license around age 16 by passing a written test and a driving test.Before they can get their license, they have to take a driver education course, For teenagers, being able to drive is important. It's hard to find an American teenager without one. Mitsuaki finally decides that he needs a car. His host family helps him find a good used car to buy. But before he gets his license and starts driving, he has to understand the American style of driving, He also needs to learn some of the basic rules of the road that good drivers follow. Driving to Americans is what flying to birds.It's almost part of their nature.For many Americans, being behind the wheel is like their natural home.But if they don't drive carefully, they can become an endangered animal. The best title of the passage is _ . A. How to get driving license in the USA B. Do we have to buy cars in the USA C. It's not easy to live in the USA D. Driving is a way of life in the USA Answer: D The best way to cure sadness is not shopping, according to a recent study. The so-called shopping method has become common practice these days, but that can put your wallet under a lot of pressure. So if you are sad and feel like shopping, don't! According to the recent study, sadness leads to self-focus thinking. In other words, sad people are willing to spend more money on the same thing than calm people. "It is the result of sadness and self-focus, and it turns out that sadness leads to an increase in self-focus," said Cynthia Cruder. "What we think is that sad and self-focused people are feeling pretty bad about themselves, and one way to deal with this is buying material goods." In a perfect situation, when you know you are sad, you should avoid making decisions and spending money. Sounds simple? Sadly, it is not. Most people don't even know they're sad, the study shows, and they are not aware that their feelings influence their decisions. What to do? The study showed that those who watched a tragedy were more likely to spend three times more money for a simple bottle of water than those who watched a comedy. The solution: well, for starters, don't go shopping! If you can't help it, it is probably better to see a doctor. When you can't help shopping after feeling sad, you'd better _ . A. talk to your friends B. go to the store directly C. go to bed and rest D. go to hospital and get checked out by a doctor Answer: D Singles Day falls on every November 11th, and as the name indicates, this relatively new holiday is one exclusively for people who are still living the single life. I was a bit surprised when I googled "Singles Day" on the Internet, to find that China is the only country in the world that has set aside a special day for singles to celebrate their lives. To find out more about this celebration, please read on. An old story goes that once there were four single men, leading very boring lives. None of them were married, or had lovers, or did anything exciting. They just sat around all day and played Mahjong. One day they played Mahjong from 11 in the morning until 11 at night. During the game, no matter who won, the winning card was always the "four columns" card (the card shows four independent, parallel columns in two lines). Even more of a coincidence, it was Nov 11, or 11/11. In order to commemorate the day, they nicknamed it Singles Day. Singles Day was first celebrated at various universities in Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu Province during the 1990s. It got the name Singles Day because the date consists of four "ones". These college students have since graduated, and carried their university tradition into society. Singles Day is now a special day for all fashionable youths. The main way to celebrate Singles Day is to have dinner with your single friends, but it's important that each person pay their own fee to show their independence. People also hold "blind date" parties in an attempt to say goodbye to their single lives. Many singles also choose to say goodbye to their single lives on this day. Many attend "blind date" parties and many people choose to marry on this day. In addition to meaning "single" the four "ones" of the date can also mean "only one" as in "the only one for me." Some people will use this date and this meaning to tell their special someone that they are the only "one" in their heart. We can infer from the passage that _ . A. the four singles did not get married B. Singles Day receives great popularity among young people C. when having dinner, one pays the fee for all his friends D. on Singles Day many attend parties where blind people were present Answer: B Marry me! During the "Idol" finale, season 5 singer Ace Young proposed live to season 3 runner up Diana DeGarrno. She was genuinely surprised in one sense but the two have bonded closely since they met on Broadway during a production of"Hair." The first true"ldol' couple (though others have dated) have already set a wedding date on June l of 2013, Ten years and still relevant. Season one winner Kelly Clarkson has survived a decade in the brutal music business with her dignity intact and enough chart-topping songs to generate a greatest hits album at the tender age of 30. Her career is as strong as ever. She sang the "Star Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl. Her song "Stronger" was a No. I hit. She was a mentor on an ABC summer series"Duets." She became engaged to Reba McEntire's stepson in November. All in all, life is good for Clarkson and we as"Idol" fans couldn't be more proud. Keep calm and Carrie on! Season four victor Carrie Underwood has now sold more albums than any other "Idol" with about 14 million to date. Her current album "Blown Away" has generated two top two hits in 2012: "Good Girl" and the title track. That makes 15 consecutive top 2 hits on the Billboard country chart over seven years dating back to "Jesus, Take the Wheel." She hosted the CMAs for a fifth year with Brad Paisley. Last month, she landed a role as lead in a remake of"The Sound of Music." She toured to sold-out crowds again, hitting Gwinnett Arena earlier this month, where she thankecl "Idol" for getting her to where she's at, something, she certainly no longer needs to do but still does. Class act, that lady. What may the ldol probably be? A. A popular Ainerican singer B. A American year figure of C. A popular American programme D. A famous American avenue Answer: C
If you are a recent social science graduate who has had to listen to jokes about unemployment from your computer major classmates, you may have had the last laugh. There are many advantages for the social science major because this high-tech "Information Age" demands people who are flexible and who have good communication skills. There are many social science majors in large companies who fill important positions. For example, a number of research studies found that social science majors had achieved greater managerial success than those who had technical training or pre-professional courses. Studies show that social science majors are most suited for change, which is the leading feature of the kind of high-speed, high-pressure, high-tech world we now live in. Social science majors are not only experiencing success in their long-term company jobs, but they are also finding jobs more easily. A study showed that many companies had filled a large percentage of their entry-level positions with social science graduates. The study also showed that the most sought-after quality in a person who was looking for a job was communication skills, noted as "very important", by 92 percent of the companies. Social science majors have these skills, often without knowing how important they are. It is probably due to these skills that they have been offered a wide variety of positions. Finally, although some social science majors may still find it more difficult than their technically trained classmates to land the first job, recent graduates report that they don't regret their choice of study. According to the text, what has made it easy for social science graduates to find jobs? A Willingness to take low-paid jobs. B Readiness to gain high-tech knowledge. C Skills in expressing themselves. D Part-time work experience. Answer: C. Skills in expressing themselves. Almost everyone is afraid of something --- snakes, heights, public speaking and so on. It is normal and can even be helpful to experience fear sometimes. In dangerous situations, fear can keep our bodies alert so that we can act quickly to protect ourselves. But for some people, fear develops into a "phobia", which is a strong and unreasonable fear of something. For example, the majority of us feel a little scared when looking down from a tall building. But people with height phobia may have trouble breathing, feel dizzy or turn down a great job just because the company is on the 20th floor. Phobias can prevent you from living a normal life. "People with spider phobia would stay out of their home or dormitory room for days if they thought a spider was present," Katherina Hauner, a researcher at Northwestern University, US, told ABC news. This is why scientists have been trying to find a cure for this disease. Since fear comes from experience --- from what we are told, what we see others experience and what happens to us --- some scientists think if they can "rewrite" these unpleasant memories, they might be able to help people overcome their phobias. In a study by Hauner and other scientists, participants with spider phobia were asked to first touch a spider with a paintbrush. Seeing that it was not actually dangerous, they then tried touching it while wearing a glove. Finally, they could hold it with their hands. Certain medicine has also been found to be helpful. Back in 2010, researchers at the University of Hiroshima, Japan, injected a special medicine into a fish --- who was afraid of light --- to turn off the fear center in its brain. From then on, the fish no longer feared light. While the search for solutions to phobias is making great progress, it's an open question whether getting rid of fear is good. Some people want to use these methods to make soldiers fight harder in wars by taking away their sense of fear. Dave Smithson of the charity Anxiety UK thinks that's a bad idea. "It's fear that prevents us from doing crazy things," he says. "There's a name for people who don't have fear of consequences: psychopaths . The main point of the article is to _ . A show us what kind of role fear plays in our lives B discuss if it is good to try to get rid of fear C inform us of fear and phobia D discuss scientific studies related to fear Answer: C. inform us of fear and phobia Dear editor, I am 14. I am really outgoing when I am with my family at home, but I almost never talk at school. I really want to get over it, but I just don't know how. What should I do? A shy girl Rachel Dear Rachel, The following ways may be able to help you out. To begin with, you need to SMILE to others. If you are meeting someone and they look scared and angry, would you talk to them? Probably not. This may be how people feel about you. If you are smiling and if your eyes are saying that you're happy to see others, the conversation will be easier for you and them. Next, do some volunteer work at school. Many shy kids don't do these because they always wonder if they can do very well. In fact, when you take part in activities that interest you, you'll find you can really do very well, and you will meet people with the same interests. Start today one small step with one welcoming smile or one volunteer work and show the world inside you, and then you'll become a person who has interests and talents and self confidence. I believe that this is the person you want to be. Only you can make it happen. You can find the information in _ in the website. A Advertisement B Volunteer Work C Opinions and Views D Questions and Advice Answer: D. Questions and Advice If your life is just too busy for the added stress of planning a birthday party, consider having someone else do all the work. There are several great places in Amarillo that would be happy to host the party for you. Here are a few party places for children's birthday parties in Amarillo, Texas. Jump'n Jive Jump' n Jive birthday parties are a hit in Amarillo. It is basically a giant indoor playground full of inflatable jumpers and slides. The kids will enjoy pretending to be popcorn, and you'll enjoy not having to plan the activities. It's great exercise and parents may content for wearing out their kids for a good short sleep. They can supply the cake, ice cream, tableware, pizza, good bags and much more. They are located at 7302 W. 34th Street and you can reach them at (806) 367-8954. Brush With Art If you've ever found your child color1ing on the wall (or even if you haven't) Brush With Art is a fantastic birthday party place. It is a paint-you-own pottery studio where the guests and your birthday star will enjoy painting items such as a plate, a cup and other items. Brush With Art is located at 1948 Civic Circle in Wolflin Square. You can reach them at (806) 355-7911. The Amarillo Zoo Want to celebrate the birthday with monkeys, lions and pot-bellied pigs? The Amarillo Zoo is a great place for a birthday party. The kids will enjoy seeing and talking about the animals. It will definitely provide a memorable experience. It even includes a private encounter with an animal such as a snake or a rabbit. For more details on birthday parties at the Amarillo zoo, call at least 3 weeks in advance at (806)381-7911. Don Harrington Discovery Center Want an entertaining birthday party with an educational twist? The Don Harrington Discovery Center is a fantastic place to go. Kids will enjoy interacting with fun exhibits such as a bubble area where you can make giant bubbles. Their birthday parties include the use of a private party room for two hours. It also includes a hands-on activity with a staff person. It definitely makes for a unique, but exciting birthday party. To learn more about their party packages, give them a call at (806)355-9547. The museum's address is 1200 Streit Drive in Amarillo. We can infer that children attending a Jump'n Jive birthday party will be _ . A disappointed B worried C frightened D tired Answer: D. tired More surprising,perhaps,than the present difficulties of traditional marriage is the fact that marriage itself is alive and thriving.As Skolnick notes,Americans are a marrying people: to Europeans,more of us marry and we marry at a younger age.Moreover, after a drop in the early l950s,the rate of marriage in the United States is now increasing.Even the divorce rate needs to be taken in this pro-marriage context:some 30 percent of divorced individuals remarry. Thus,marriage remains by far the preferred way of life for the vast majority of people in our society. What has changed more than marriage is the nuclear family.Twenty five years ago,the typical American family was made up of a husband,a wife,and two or three children. Now there are many marriages in which couples have decided not to have any children.And there are many marriages where at least some of the children are from the wife's former marriage,or the husband's,or both.Sometimes these children spend all of their time with one parent from the former marriage;sometimes they are shared between the two former spouses . Thus,one can find every type of family arrangement.There are marriages without children;Marriages with children from only the present marriage;Marriages with "full time" children from both the present and former marriages;Marriages with "full time" children from the present marriage and "part time",children from former marriages.There are stepfathers,stepmothers,half brothers, and half sisters.It is not all that unusual for a child to have four parents and eight grandparents! These are great changes from the traditional nuclear family.But even so,even in the midst of all this,there remains one constant:Most Americans spend most of their adult lives married. Even though great changes have taken place in the structure of American families,_. A the vast majority of Americans still have faith in marriage B the functions of marriage remain unchanged C most Americans prefer a second marriage D most divorced Americans would rather not remarry Answer: A. the vast majority of Americans still have faith in marriage
When a 13-year-old Virginal girl started sneezing, her parents thought it was merely a cold. But when the sneezes continued for hours, they called in a doctor. Nearly two months later the girl was still sneezing, thousands of times a day, and her case had attracted worldwide attention. Hundreds of suggestions, ranging from poured in. But nothing did any good. Finally, she was taken to Dr. Leo Kanner, one of the world's top authorities on sneezing, who solved the problem with great speed. He used neither drugs nor surgery for, curiously enough, the clue for the treatment was found in an ancient superstition about the amazing bodily reaction we call the sneeze.It was all in her mind, he said, a view which Aristotle, some 3,000 years earlier, would have agreed with heartily. Dr. Kanner simply gave a modern psychological interpretation to the ancient belief that too much Sneezing was an indication that the spirit was troubled; and he began to treat the girl accordingly. "Less than two days in a hospital room, a plan for better scholastic and vocational adjustment, and reassurance about her unreasonable fear of tuberculosis quickly changed her from a sneezer to an ex-sneezer," he reported. Sneezing has always been a subject of wonder, awe and puzzlement. Dr Kanner has collected thousands of superstitions concerning it. The most universal one is the custom of begging for the blessing of God when a person sneezes-- a practice Dr. Kanner traces back to the ancient belief that a sneeze was an indication that the sneezer was possessed of an evil spirit. Strangely, people over the world still continue the custom with the traditional, "God bless you" or something else. When scientists look at the sneeze, they see a remarkable mechanism which, without any conscious help from you, takes on a job that has to be done. When you need to sneeze you sneeze, this being nature's clever way of getting rid of an annoying object from the nose. The object may be just some dust in the nose which nature is trying to remove. The girl sneezed continuously because she _ . Answer: had heavy mental burden Steven Jobs was born on February 24,1955,in San Francisco,California,and was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs.In 1961 the family moved to Mountain View, California.At that time people started to refer to the area as "Silicon Valley". As a child, Jobs preferred doing things by himself, not interested in team sports or other group activities.He enrolled in the HewlettPackard Explorer Club. There he saw his first computer at the age of twelve. He was very impressed, and knew right away that he wanted to work with computers. At that time almost all computers were so large that one could fill a room, and so costly that individuals could not afford to buy them.Advances in electronics, however, meant that the parts of a computer were getting smaller and the power of the computer was increasing. By 1980 the personal computer era was well underway.Apple was continually forced to improve its products to remain ahead, as more competitors entered the marketplace. Apple introduced the Apple III, but the new model suffered technical and marketing problems.It was removed from the market. Early in 1983 Jobs unveiled the Lisa.It did not sell well,however, because it was more expensive than personal computers sold by competitors.Apple's biggest competitor was International Business Machines (IBM). By 1983 it was estimated that Apple had lost half of its market share ( part of an industry's sales that a specific company has) to IBM. In 1984 Apple introduced a revolutionary new model, the Macintosh.The Macintosh did not sell well to businesses,however.It lacked features other personal computers had, such as a corresponding high quality printer. The failure of the Macintosh signaled the beginning of Jobs's downfall at Apple. Late in 1988 the NeXT computer was introduced, aimed at the educational market.The product was very userfriendly,and had a fast processing speed, excellent graphics displays,and an outstanding sound system.Despite the warm reception,however, the NeXT machine never caught on. It was too costly, had a blackandwhite screen, and could not be linked to other computers or run common software. According to the passage, the Apple III _ . Answer: turned out to be a failure An interesting study posted on Facebook recently shows how men and women develop new interests as they mature . While women tend to take exercise seriously from the age of 34, men will wait until their 45th birthdays before working hard to get in shape. The average woman spends more time talking about sports, politics, career and money as she gets older. Women's interest in books reaches its peak at the age of 22, while that of men does so when they are in their 50s. Men start to change their focus from the workplace to other things after age 30, while women do not do so until eight years later. Both, however, care most about fashion at age 16. The research used anonymous data donated by thousands of Facebook users, recording the statuses, 'likes' and 'interests' they had posted on their profiles. It found the average woman talks about television most at 44, while men peak much younger, at age 31. Men are also most likely to see a film in a cinema at age 31, while women go out to see films most when they are only 19. Men are most interested in travel at 29, women at 27, while women talk most about food and drink at 35, and men at 38. And if you are middle aged, a safe topic for any audience is the weather, which is a key interest for many as they approach 60. Stephen Wolfram, the British scientist who carried out the research, says, "It's almost shocking how much this tells us about the changes of people's typical interests. "People talk less about video games as they get older, and more about politics." What does Stephen Wolfram think about the result of the research? Answer: People's interests change greatly with age. New Baby Brother I was sitting in school when I heard the news. "Your baby brother is born,and wants to see you!" Dad got me from school and to the hospital with no delay. Hurrying on our journey,he almost forgot the way! My brother's hands were tiny,and wrinkly soft, like a prune. After he smiled at me,Mom said, "He'll come home soon!" Everyone "oohing" and "aahing",they say "He is so sweet. And one day he'll walk around on those little baby feet!" The writer was _ when hearing the news. Answer: at school The Sydney Opera House is a very famous building in the world. It has become Sydney's best-known landmark and international symbol. The Opera House with a " sailing roof" was designed by a famous Danish architect ,Utzon. The base for the building was started in 1959, years before the designs were finished. Utzon spent four years designing the Opera House. In 1962, the designs were finalized and the construction began. In 1967, they started the decoration inside. It took 14 years in total to build the Opera House. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened it on October 20th, 1973. The Sydney Opera House cost around $100 million and was paid for by the public 6,225 square meters of glass was used to build it. The Opera House includes 1,000 rooms. It is 185 meters long and 120 meters wide. The building's roof sections weigh about 15 tons. Each year, this fantastic building attracts 200,000 tourists to come for a visit or enjoy events in it. The Opera House reaches out into the harbour . It is amazing and unforgettable, offering people a strong sense of beauty. Building the Sydney Opera House lasted _ . Answer: from 1962 to 1967
Deserts are found where there is little rainfall or where rain for a whole year falls in only a few weeks' time. Ten inches of rain may be enough for many plants to survive if the rain is spread throughout the year. If it falls within one or two months and the rest of the year is dry, those plants may die and a desert may form. Sand begins as tiny pieces of rock that get smaller and smaller as wind and weather wear them down. Sand dunes are formed as winds move the sand across the desert. Bit by bit, the dunes grow over the years, always moving with the winds and changing the shape. Most of them are only a few feet tall, but they can grow to be several hundred feet high. There is, however, much more to a desert than sand. In the deserts of the southwestern United States, cliffs and deep valleys were formed from thick mud that once lay beneath a sea more than millions of years ago. Over the centuries, the water dried up. Wind, sand, rain, heat and cold all wore away at the remaining rocks. The faces of the desert mountains are always changing--very, very slowly--as these forces of nature continue to work on the rock. Most deserts have a surprising variety of life. There are plants, animals and insects that have adapted to life in the desert. During the heat of the day, a visitor may see very few signs of living things, but as the air begins to cool in the evening, the desert comes to life. As the sun begins to rise again in the sky, the desert once again becomes quiet and lonely. What' the best title of this passage? Answer: Deserts. Mr. and Mrs. Green had different ideas about where to go last weekend. Mrs Green wanted to go to Florida to see her sister, but Mr Green didn't like to go there. He wanted to go to Maine . "Florida is too hot in summer," Mr Green said to Mrs Green. "Maine is quite cold," said Mrs Green, "I like swimming, but the water in Maine is usually not warm enough." "Florida is too far," said Mr Green, "We don't have enouh time to drive there. It'll take us more than two days." Just then, the telephone rang. Mr Green answered the phone. It was his mother. "Is that Jim speaking? Please cme quickly. I need help. I'm calling from the hospital in Boston." She said. They stopped the discussion , and they left for Boston at once. What did Mrs Green want to do last weeekend? Answer: To see her sister. A young father was visiting an old neighbor.They were standing in the old man's garden,and talking about children.The young man said,"How strict should parents be with their children?" The old man pointed to a string between a big strong tree and a thin young one. "Please untie that string,"he said.The young man untied it,and the young tree bent over to one side. "Now tie it again, please."said the old man."But first pull the string tight so that the young tree is straight again.'' The young man did so.Then the old man said,"There,it is the same with children.You must be strict with them, but sometimes you must untie the string to see how they are getting on.If they are not yet able to stand alone,you must tie the string tight again.But when you find that they are ready to stand alone,you can take the string away.'' At last the old man told the young man _ . Answer: that he should be strict with his children if they could not stand alone Huttopia Created in Europe, but tailored to perfection in Quebec, Huttopia tents provide convenient, comfortable accommodation in 16 of Quebec's 23 national parks. Built atop a 4 by 7 meters wooden platform, the walls and roof enclose a roomy space that can sleep up to 5 people. Beds, lighting, heating, a small fridge, dishes, and an outdoor twoburner stove provide comforts. Open summer through fall, Huttopia tents can be booked for as little as $ 99 per night. Tree Sphere This creative option takes wilderness camping to a whole new level. Setting up camp in a Free Spirit Sphere you can sleep among the trees and stretch your wings in Qualicum Bay, Vancouver Island. Part tree house, part space capsule, founder Tom Chudleigh's handcrafted wooden spheres gently _ in the breeze thanks to a series of ropes tied to the forest's cover. Suspended at 3.1, 4.3 and 4.6 meters off the ground, each of the three spheres offers comfortable and unique lodging for adults age 16 and over. Four-Season Tents Gatineau Park's Philippe Lake has the perfect winter accommodation for you. Standing above the freezing ground on wooden platforms, two four-season tents are attractive with amenities that will keep you comfortable. With sleeping space for up to four people, the park's four-season tents feature double-sized beds, a fridge and a stove for cooking meals. Houseboats Why limit your camping adventures to dry land? Lakeway Houseboat Vacations in New Brunswick offers grand accommodation in their "cottages on the water". Choose from three luxurious floating vacation homes with full kitchens, full bathrooms, multiple bedrooms ( one boat sleeps 14!) , TVs, hot tubs, fireplaces and even waterslides. Sail along the St. John River, sunbathe on the upper deck, or stop at picturesque Mactaquac Provincial Park for a round of golf. Do as little or as much as you desire. Which statement is correct about the houseboat? Answer: By house boat, you can find a place to play golf. Everyone is busy nowadays.It's hard to find time for anything.From the time we wake up in the morning until the time we go to bed, it's hard to find 30 minutes to simply be by yourself.If you are married with children, I know you can relate to what I am saying. I would love to have a few days when I come home to an empty house with peace and quiet. There are days when you wish everyone on the other side of the door would simply disappear for about an hour so you can come home and relax without having to start dinner, bathe children, iron clothes for the next day. In fact, finding time to be by yourself is totally necessary if you wish to live a happy, and purpose driven life. If there is noise going on around you it's impossible to hear the quiet voice that speaks inside of us--that guides us and gives us direction on which path we should take and that is no good. Most of the stuff that we need- to get done, does nothing towards our personal development.If you simply let life direct you, you will find that there is never time to take simply for yourself. Yes, you can schedule a vacation every now and then and that is great. No matter how busy your life may be, spend time each day by yourself to think and reflect on life and listen to that inner voice. So by yourself! Go somewhere you won't be disturbed by the children, the _ , the phone, the television, the radio, or your emails. Go somewhere you can have total peace and quiet.Pick a time that is convenient for you. If you wish to live a happy, and purpose driven life, you can do the following except _ Answer: go to a totally peaceful and quiet place with your children
When I looked at the grade on my math paper my jaw almost dropped to the ground: a big "65" in bright red ink. I had never received such a terrible grade before. I was so ashamed that when I got home that afternoon I lied to my dad. I told him I got 85 and that the report wouldn't come until the end of the month. Dad smiled. His daughter would never lie about her grade, so he didn't doubt the unusual delay of my report. A month later, Dad casually asked me again about the report at the dinner table. He looked right into my eyes and asked for an answer. Having no choice, I told him that I had in fact got just 65 in my math final. I had lied because I didn't want to let him down. For a moment, he just looked at me. I would have preferred a telling off than that silence. Finally, Dad said, in a hurt voice, "You have already let me down, with your lie. I am not disappointed at your math score. That is no big deal - no one can be perfect all the time. But I am very disappointed in you. If you can't be honest with your dad, who can you be honest with? It's much easier to achieve a better grade than rebuild someone else's trust in you." Dad's words touched my heart. I couldn't forgive myself for having hurt his feelings. I took out the report that I had been hiding for weeks, handed to him and apologized, sincerely. I realized that my honesty is not only important to me personally, but to those around me that truly care about my well-being. In one of Shakespeare's plays a character says: "No legacy is so rich as honesty." After the crisis between Dad and me, I began to understand those words. . Why did her father stay silent after his daughter told him that she had lied? Answer: He was hurt that his daughter had lied to him. The events of Saturday night in Kunming are deeply engraved in the mind of Xie Qiming, who narrowly escaped death in the terrorist attack at the city's railway station. The 48-year-old policeman intervened to stop the butchering of unarmed civilians, saving many from death and injury, but he was injured in the process. Lying in a hospital bed, his head and nose marked by serious hacking wounds - one more than 20 centimeters long - Xie recounted his actions on the day he describes as a nightmare. "I shot at them but fell to the ground during the fighting. After the shots, the terrorists turned their attention to the police and several of them surrounded me and stabbed me like crazy," he said. "There is no humanity in them." Xie is from the Beijinglu Police Station, the closest to the attack, and four police officers from the station were the first to respond. He survived because he was wearing a bulletproof vest, which was damaged by the attackers. When the officers arrived, the attackers were running out of the ticket hall, attacking people with long knives. Xie and his colleagues tried to stop the attack, which is when Xie was injured. In addition to the deep cuts, his skull was fractured, and at the time of writing he was awaiting further surgery. "A wave of fierce anger rose up in my mind, and we all forgot to think about the possible danger to us," said Hu Zhe, 23, a police officer trainee at the Beijinglu Police Station. Having no firearm, he fought the terrorists with a wooden baton, but it got broken in the fighting. He sustained a 6-centimeter wound to his left eyebrow. Wan Weiqing, a neurosurgeon from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, learned of the attack at 2 am on Sunday and took the first flight to Kunming, where he has been helping the victims. He said that 71 victims are being treated at the Kunming First People's Hospital, most of them with severe multiple injuries. "There is one victim whose rib, breastbone, lung and even heart were all injured in one chopping action. The attackers had obviously prepared and practiced for a long time," he said. Zhou Hongmei, director of the Medical Reform Office at the Yunnan Health Department, said a team of medical experts including 29 doctors had arrived in Kunming by Monday night. They have been working at the five hospitals treating victims of the attack. Chen Min, a Neurology Department nurse at Kunming First People's Hospital, said the department usually had seven nurses in the daytime and three at night. "But all the other nurses who were not on duty returned to the hospital voluntarily on Saturday night," she said. In the past three days, none of them had more than 10 hours of rest. "The crucial factor in saving lives in such incidents is treatment without delay," said Chai Wenzhao, associate director of the Intensive Care Unit in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Chai has participated in many emergency rescue efforts. He said that the victims will need psychological counseling once their physical injuries have been dealt with, because the emotional impact of such an incident can be severe. Four psychologists from Anding Hospital in Beijing have begun treating some of the victims. How did Xie Qiming survive? Answer: He was protected by his bulletproof vest. You may have noticed that the world's population is not evenly distributed around our planet. There are some countries where people seem to be living nearly _ each other because conditions are overcrowded. Then there are others where it seems that hardly anybody lives. What influences this unequal distribution of people? There are specific advantages and disadvantages of *diving in a certain area. The two main factors that influence people`s choice of location are climate and resources. Climate is the usual weather conditions in a region. Areas that have bad weather are generally less deal as places to live in. The north and south poles at the top and bottom of the world may be beautiful in their rugged, natural way, but the disadvantage of the bitterly cold and windy conditions usually keeps people away. When it comes to climate, warm conditions and a normal amount of rainfall are advantages that attract people. Natural resources are things that we get from nature that help us survive. Each region offers different resources, and therefore attracts different groups of people. People who enjoy the beach can make their living by catching and selling the ocean's many fish and other sea creatures. Those who prefer farming can take advantage of rich soil in valleys near rivers. Some people are willing to accept the disadvantages of the terrible conditions of deserts or mountains in order to take advantage of the resources like oil or woods. Why do people go and live in valleys near rivers? Answer: It's easier for people to grow plants or keep animals. strumming a string can cause what type of wave? Answer: Pressure Don't Allow Your Weaknesses to Limit You We all have weaknesses and strengths-no matter who we are. Sometimes the weaknesses seem to outweigh the strengths and sometimes it's the other way around. Some people get sick easily. Some struggle to manage their finances properly. Some people are hopeless communicators and struggle with relationships. Many people leave it and accept it as just bad luck but not everyone. Some people are facing huge limit. Bret! Eastburn has no arms or legs and yet is an inspirational speaker and find still manage to achieve tremendous things. They rise above their weaknesses and do not allow limit their possibilities. I attended a school prize-giving ceremony not so long ago and the guest speaker was Andrew Becroft, who had a severe stutter as a child. Instead of allowing this to limit him, he chose to work hard to overcome it. He is now the Principal Youth Court Judge for New Zealand. Not only did he become successful, but he did so in a profession where he had to speak in front of others regularly where his weakness is front and center for all to see. If he hadn't worked on his speaking ability, it would have been very limiting to his life and career prospects. You can find similar people on New Zealand News channels, and I suspect the same in other countries. There are a number of presenters and reporters who have a noticeably unusual manner of speaking. Perhaps they have a peculiar accent or pitch of voice. These people have succeeded in spite of what would appear to be a weakness in their profession. Lots of people face far more significant limitations than you do. They may be missing limbs or are born into extreme poverty. But no matter what the limitation, you will always find people who have overcome it. What kind of people who are in trouble are not mentioned in this passage? Answer: trainers
Allen : I've never been a big fan of the bears ,especially the vacation show .On my last trip to Disneyland (1999) we passed it by ,because we didn't want to spend the time on something we didn't really enjoy. If we'd known it would be closed by our next visit, I'm sure we would have watched it one more time. I was just making the point that it wasn't until Disney announced the closing that this feeling suddenly sprang up for the Country Bear show at Disneyland. But I think the idea of keeping some attractions open forever regardless of the number of visitors it gets is a mistake .We all have great memories of the Bears ,but clearly very few kids today (or I should say families today) are making those same memories from this show . That may be a sad fact ,but it's a fact. For whatever reason, the show doesn't pull in the numbers. Isn't it right to use the Country Bear space to bring in a more popular attraction so that more kids today can make those magic memories of an attraction THEY like? Otherwise aren't we just telling kids today that they "have to" make great memories of the Bears ,when it's obvious that the kids themselves are not enjoying the Bears like we did? Roger: I am very disappointed that they have decided to retire the Country Bear Playhouse. I remember going to the show as a child ,and still enjoyed it as a teenager, and now young adult .It is true that there aren't a lot of shows left at DL and with this one closing even less .Being at DL does require a lot of walking ,and it is nice to have a few attractions that are a place to sit and enjoy a good show. I understand that DL has to develop ,but there has to be some history to the Disneyland that Walt Disney first designed .There should be some parts of DL that just never go away ,and this is one of them . By the time I have children it looks like there won't be any attractions that I can say I went to as a child at the rate they are going. Now the Bears are leaving .What I want to say is : stop trying to compete with everyone! DL is the best ,because of attractions like the Country Bears. If DL insists on destroying all of its magic to make way for the latest ,well ,then it might as well be just another theme park. Where can this passage be found? A In a web discussion zone. B In a suggestion book. C In a report on the popularity of the Country Bears. D In high school students' compositions. Answer: A Starting next month, people in prefix = st1 /Washingtonwill be able to rent a bicycle day and night with a membership card. A new company called SmartBike will make 120 bicycles available at 10 spots in the city. "There's a lot of stress on our transit systems," said Jim Sebastian, who manages bicycle and pedestrian programs forWashington's Transportation Department. Offering another choice, Mr Sebastian said, "It will help us reduce traffic jam and pollution, as well as parking problems." In the deal, the company will have the advertising rights in the city's bus shelters and it has reached a similar deal with San Erancisco. Chicago andPortland,Ore., are also considering the program. For a $40 annual membership fee, SmartBike users can check out three-speed bicycles for three hours at a time. The program will not provide helmets but does encourage their use. Similar programs have proved successful in Europe. The Ve1ib program in Paris and Bicing in Barcelona, Spain, both started around a year ago and already offer thousands of bicycles. Mr Sebastian, who started trying to bring bike-sharing to Washington even before its success in Paris and Barcelona, said he believed that the program could grow within a year and hoped that it would eventually offer 1 000 bicycles. "But studies showed that many bikes would get stolen in a day, or within a few weeks," said Paul DeMaio, a Washington-area bike-sharing consultant. Improved technology allows programs to better protect bicycles. In Washington, SmartBike users who keep bicycles longer than the three-hour maximum will receive demerits and could eventually lose renting privileges. Bicycles gone for more than 48 hours will be considered lost, with the last user charged a $200 replacement fee. The low cost could be one of the program's major selling points. At GeorgeWashingtonUniversityin Foggy Bottom, one of the program's 10 locations, students were unsure how often they would use SmartBike, but said its price made it worth a try. What is the problem the SmartBike DC facing? A The bike technology should be improved. B Their bikes would get lost. C There are too few renting spots available. D There are too few bikes. Answer: B Mary and Her Friends Mary has some friends. They are Betty, Peter, Alice and Mike. Mary is the oldest of the five. Betty is thirteen years old. She is younger than Mary and older than Peter. Alice is nine and Mike is seven. Betty and Peter are good runners . But Peter runs faster. Mary and Betty like to play basketball. Mary plays better than Betty. Alice sings best of them. Mary and Betty study in a middle school. Peter, Alice and Mike study in a primary school. They all work hard at school. But Betty works hardest. Her handwriting is good, too. They all _ . A study in the same school B like to play basketball C good runners D work hard Answer: D October 7th Dear Liu Qi. I'm writing to tell you that the students of our school are planning to go for a school trip to Beijing near the end of this month, from October 20thto 27th. I'd like to invite you to come and join us. I remember you told me that you liked travelling. We'll visit many places of interest. Such as the Great Wall, the Palace Museum and the Summer Palace. If it doesn't rain, we'' also go camping at the foot of the Great Wall. We'll stay at the Beijing Holidday Village. During these days, we'll have parties. At the parties, the students will sing, dance and play games together. Would you please write back to let me know if you come? We need to buy the train tickets ahead of time . I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. Yours, Lin Yun How will the students go to Beijing? _ . A By bike B By bus C By train D By air Answer: C We were going to play against a team from a country school. They didn't come until the last minute. They looked worse than we had thought. They were wearing dirty blue trousers and looked like farm boys. We sat down for a rest. We felt that we didn't need any practice against a team like that. The game began. One of us got the ball and he shot a long pass to our forward . From out of nowhere a boy in an old T-shirt stopped the ball and with beautiful style he shot and got two points. Then another two points in a minute. Soon the game was all over. We were beaten by the country team. After that, we thought a lot. We certainly learned that even though your team is very good, you can't look down upon the others and still need to do you best. And the most important lesson we learned was: One can't judge a person or a team only by their clothes. The team from the country were in old clothes so the writer's team _ . A looked down upon them B couldn't win C didn't like the city boy D were afraid of them Answer: A
External bleeding Apply direct pressure. Place a clean, folded cloth over the injured area and firmly apply pressure. If blood soaks through, do not remove it. Instead, cover that cloth with another one and continue to apply pressure to the wound for 7~10 minutes. If the bleeding is from the ear, place a clean bandage over the ear, lay the victim on his side, and allow the blood to drain out through the bandage. Elevate the injury. Position the wounded part of the body above the level of the heart if possible while you apply direct pressure. Know the pressure points. If direct pressure and elevation don't sufficiently slow the blood-flow, find a pressure point. Large arteries found close to the skin's surface supply blood to the head and to each arm and leg. The most common pressure points used during the first aid are located in the upper arms and in the creases above the upper legs. Apply pressure to the closest pressure point to the wound so that the artery is pressed between your fingers and the bone directly behind the artery. If using the pressure point on a leg, you may need to use the heel of your hand instead of your finger. Resort to a tourniquet (,). On very rare occasions everything listed above may fail. To prevent the victim from dying, you should apply a tourniquet. Once a tourniquet is applied, it should not be loosened or removed until the victim has reached medical help. Use a tourniquet ONLY if everything listed above has failed. If you use a tourniquet, write down somewhere on the victim the time when it was applied, so medical personal will know how long it has been in place. According to the passage, we know that _ . A. it is better to put the injured part above the head to stop bleeding B. large arteries deep in the muscle supply blood to the head and to each arm and leg C. the most common pressure points lie in the upper arms and in the crease above the upper legs D. we should use a tourniquet first to stop bleeding Answer: C. the most common pressure points lie in the upper arms and in the crease above the upper legs I met the old man at a cafe. "Did you hear the radio news yesterday?" he asked me. "No," I replied. "Anything exciting?""Exciting? NO! Something very sad. A group of hungry dogs killed and ate my best friend." "Oh, dear!" I cried. "How did it happen?""He was working on the hillside when the dogs attacked him. When he didn't return, I went to the hillside and found...""His body?" I asked. The old fellow drank half of his coffee. "No. I told you they were hungry dogs, didn't I? The big bones were lying every where. But they found this." He pushed open a match box he was holding in his hand. In it was a man's thumb, lying on some white bloody material. "This is my friend's right thumb. The dogs ate the rest of him". The old man began to cry. He finished his coffee quickly and left the cafe. I drank mine and called the waiter. "I'll pay the gentleman's bill. His poor friend--how terrible!""You've heard the news?" The waiter laughed. "Sure. There's a hole in the bottom of the match box. He put his own thumb through the hole. The blood is red ink, I believe. Is the story worth a cup of coffee, sir?""But he held the box in his right hand.""Yes, but listeners look into the box. They just can't take their sight off that terrible thing.""And when he tells the story, he gets free cup of coffee!" I said, laughing. "Yes, sir, but only from strangers who come to this town, and, of course, he does us no harm!" Having heard the old man's story, the writer _ . A. couldn't help laughing immediately B. showed great mercy upon him C. didn't believe him at all D. bought the old man another cup of coffee Answer: B. showed great mercy upon him Mom noticed that something was wrong when I started getting so thirsty, I'd have a lot to drink before bed, which was unusual for me. One time, I opened a big container of apple juice and kept refilling my glass. Before I knew it, I'd drunk the entire container! My mom call my doctor. I then had a few blood tests, and the results were certain ------ I had diabetes, which meant that the amount of sugar in my blood was very high. That can be dangerous, so I had to learn how to control my blood-sugar level. My eating habits had to change in a big way. With diabetes, I can't eat a lot of sugar or carbohydrates. I have to figure out exactly how much sugar I plan to eat, and then I get an injection of insulin before the meals to help my body process the food. Also, I test my blood-sugar level often. I'm always trying to keep my blood sugar at a healthy level. The level can drop when I exercise, but that doesn't keep me out of gym class or off the basketball court ------ I just keep some juice boxes around to _ my blood sugar if I need to. It's a lot of work ------ and not a lot of fun ------ to keep track of everything, but I've gotten used to my new habits. I was a little scared at first because I wasn't sure how my life would change. Once I knew what I needed to do, though, it wasn't a big deal. My life is different now from what it was before, but it has become completely regular to me. What's the author's attitude towards her having diabetes now? A. Worried. B. Frightened. C. Pessimistic. D. Positive. Answer: D. Positive. Until last summer I had a very comfortable life: winter vacations skiing and summer cruises. My parents spent a lot of money on a private school, so they could get me into a competitive middle school. Everything was about tomorrow, next year, my graduation. We never had to worry about today. Before last summer I never thought much about the people in the world who live day to day, every day, whose lives are controlled by poverty and hunger. Then I enrolled in a two-week intensive program. We lived in a "Tribal Village," in a hot, dry open grassland in Arkansas, a state of the south-central United States. I am a tribal member in Mozambique, a country of southeast Africa. Every meal, I make the fire for my family, and feel the flames lick up my nostrils as I blow to keep the fuel alive. I cook mush with vegetables. This is all my family is ever given. I feed the hen and three rabbits their dinner. I grow attached to the rabbits, even though I know I shouldn't. I name them. I'm not getting enough to eat; it's time to decide whether or not to kill the rabbits. I feel pain but it's a privileged child's pain because I know I will soon be eating again. That's not true for a lot of other children around the world. Growing up comfortably in the U.S., I've never had to worry about my dinner, and even though this whole process was only a _ , it changed my life. Now I believe in doing whatever I can to help find practical ways to defeat hunger. So I've become president of Roots and Shoots, a group working to improve local environments for people and animals. I'm also working to create a program at my high school called the "Safe Passage" trip to help young people in the Guatemala City dump. And I've got plans to do more. I'm often thinking of laboring in the hot sun and the millions who still do. Now, I try to live for today and stop worrying so much about the future. When I eat or feel full, I am grateful for this fortunate life and want to extend the same feeling to others. I believe in offering help to those who need it. The author feel pain because _ . A. she is a privileged child B. she is not getting enough to eat C. she doesn't want to kill the rabbits D. she can't go back to her regular life Answer: C. she doesn't want to kill the rabbits Nate Robinson is unlike any other player in the NBA. This player is the shortest in the NBA, but he is one of the most fearless players. He is 1.75m tall. "In NBA, he looks like a fourth-grader among a group of high school students," according to The Atlantic. How can he compete with them? Robinson _ for this with his ability to jump. Without moving forwards or backwards, he can jump up to 110cm. However, confidence helps him more. "People talk about my height all the time, but I don't really feel smaller than anyone else," said Robinson. "I always think I'm on fire ." No matter who you are or what you've won, he's going to come at you. With that spirit, he has won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three times. Also, he has made many wonderful blocks . Chicago Bulls played Miami Heat on May 10, 2013. LeBron James, the 2.03-meter-tall player from Miami Heat, went to shoot. But Robinson blocked him. He also blocked Shaquille O'Neal in Cleveland Cavaliers and even Yao Ming in Houston Rockets. Nate Robinson is a hero. He has given many basketball fans hope. Maybe one day, you can also block big guys like LeBron James! According to the report, Nate Robinson once played for _ . A. Chicago Bulls B. Miami Heat C. Houston Rockets D. Cleveland Cavaliers Answer: A. Chicago Bulls
Two kittens were playing. They had come in from outside. Now they were in the living room in the house. One kitten was named Snowball and one kitten was named Fuzzy. Suddenly, Snowball saw something interesting. "Look at that!" said Snowball. "What is it?" asked Fuzzy. "It's a ball of yarn. On the top shelf!" said Snowball. She had seen the yarn that was kept in a basket up there! "That looks like it's fun to play with!" said Fuzzy. "But how could we get to it? It's so high up," he wondered. "I have an idea," said Snowball. "Watch this!" Suddenly, Snowball jumped up on to the couch. "What are you doing?" asked Fuzzy. "Just watch!" said Snowball. Snowball then jumped to the table next to the couch. Then, she jumped to the middle shelf. "That's dangerous!" said Fuzzy. Snowball and Fuzzy were still small kittens. They weren't used to jumping very high yet. "Don't worry, I'll be careful. I think we're allowed to be up here." said Snowball. Then, she jumped all the way to the top shelf, where the yarn was. "Look out below!" she yelled, and pushed the ball of yarn off the shelf and on to the floor. "Whoa!" said Fuzzy. "Thanks!" Snowball then jumped down to the middle shelf, and down to the table, and down to the couch, and back to the floor. There, she and her brother played with the ball of yarn until they got tired and took a nap. Where were the kittens playing? Answer: In the living room in the house When I was a kid, my siblings and I used to have ice cream for dessert.Every day, we would choose which ice cream flavor to have, whether to eat it in a cone or a bowl. Then we would happily wolf down our treat as fast as we could. Once, though, when I was probably about 10 0r 11, our grandpa came to visit. Grandpa always had a unique view on things. On this particular occasion, my sister and I were making bets as to who could finish their ice cream first. With a smile, Grandpa said, "Why would you want to finish first? If you eat slowly, it will last longer. You should have acompetition to see who can finish last." Even now, I always try to taste my ice cream, but of course this is about more than just dessert. Too often, kids want to scramble for more, whether it's more ice cream, more toys, or more friends. This habit persists into our adult years, and we end up constantly scrambling for more. We never develop the skill of appreciating what we have. If we learn to recognize this pattern and change it, we can raise our kids a little differently, giving them the tool of tasting their proverbial dessert, which could lead to a happier life for them. What my grandpa taught me that day was really that if you take the opportunity to enjoy what's in front of you, the pleasure will last longer and be more rewarding than if you rush through life always trying to get the next treat. It's a lesson that, I think, has made my adult life happier, as well. These days, when I want something, I wait as long as I can before I allow myself to have it. Then, when I finally get it, I make sure to treasure it as long as possible, because I know that, no matter what it is, it will be gone all too soon. What advice does the author give us in the passage? Answer: Value what you have. More sunlight will be absorbed by Answer: a tree with wide, smooth leaves Every year landslides {} cause 25 to 50 deaths and $1.5 billion in damage in the United States.They account for 15 percent of the deaths from natural disasters in Europe.And in December, a single event killed more than 200 people in the Philippines.Sending workers to stabilize mountainsides using steel bars and cement can help prevent disaster, but it introduces new difficulties.Shaking drills produce harmful dust and loosen heavy, dangerous debris ."It's quite a risky job," says Giorgio Pezzuto of D'Appolonia, an engineering company in Italy. D'Appolonia, working with eight other companies, may have an answer: a three-ton robot called Roboclimber."The idea is to operate a machine far away that can drill without a human being on board,'" says Pezzuto, manager for the project, which is supported by the European Commission.Engineers claim that the machine will be faster and cheaper than manual labor.The robot, a large radio-controlled four-legged mechanical spider , has cost at least $2 million so far.The final product should be able to climb unstable mountainsides, drill holes, insert bars and cement, and collect data on the slope' s stability.Testing should begin in May. The purpose in writing this text is _ .. Answer: to introduce a product that can be used to stabilize mountainsides A man was looking for things of old times.One day he came to a village and found a blue bowl which looked very old.The bowl was on the ground and a cat was drinking milk from it.A farmer,the owner of the cat.was lying beside the bowl.In order not to draw the farmer's attention to the value of the bowl,the man said to him in a soft voice,"What a nice cat you have! Won't you sell it to me?" "How much would you give me for it?" the farmer opened his eyes and asked. "Twenty dollars. Would it be enough?" A few minutes later,the farmer agreed.After he paid the farmer,the man said,"My cat will feel thirsty.May I take the bowl so that the cat can have milk?" But the farmer said, "I'm sorry I can't give it to you.Thanks to the bowl,I can sell twenty cats." Why did the man want to buy the cat? Because _ . Answer: he thought he could easily get the bowl if he bought the cat
With the beautiful music, the first lesson of the new term in 2014 began at 8:05 on the evening of September 1st, 2014. The program includes four parts: be nice to your parents, be polite to others, love others and be self-improved. It really makes a great difference to the students and the parents' ideas. Family education plays an important role to the children. The "king" of fairy tales Zheng Yuanjie told us the story between his father, his son and him. His father helped him fill the pen in order to let Zheng focus on writing. His father set us a good example on how to be a nice father. Zheng is nice to his father, too. He bought a TV for his father and his son learnt from him. The moving story really touched my heart. It made me know how important it is to teach by precept and example role. Joey Yung told us that how her mother taught her to be a polite girl. We should think about others when we do something we like. We need try to be popular people. She reminded us of good manners in our daily life. Qin Yong, a famous rock star, gave up his career and put all his heart in educating his sick son. Though he felt too tired, he never quitted. It's his duty to bring his son up. When he found that his son made great progress, he felt very happy. The orphans' life made us deeply moved. From their father, we know that if we encourage a person, he will have self-improvement. From this program, we know that we should love the people around us. Then, our world will be better and better. The program begins at _ . Answer: News Review APEC Blue People in Beijing got the saying after the APEC meeting in Beijing. It refers to the clear blue sky during the meeting. To get such a blue sky, many factories in Beijing and nearby cities stopped work, and the number of cars on the road was cut. A Warning Ticket A 24-year-old woman in Nanjing was given a warning ticket for eating food on the subway. Eating is not allowed on Nanjing subway. Up to now, 2,698 people have been punished because of their eating, smoking or selling goods on the subway. A Teacher-free Exam Recently, students at Ningbo Huamao Foreign Language School in Zhejiang took their mid-term exam -a teacher-free exam. After handing out the exam papers, the teachers left the classroom, leaving the students to take the exam without being watched. They only came back to collect the papers at the end. A Tomato Fight Do you want a tomato shower? Come to the "tomato fight" in Spain! Once every year, people in the town of Bunol throw tomatoes at each other. Don't worry. It's not a real fight. People do this only for fun. In a teacher-free exam, students take their exam _ . Answer: When William Stidger taught at Boston University, he once thought about the people he hadn't thanked in his life. They taught him, encouraged him or cared a lot about him. One was a teacher. She once taught William geography, and William loved geography all his life. So he wrote a letter of thanks to her. He got the teacher's letter later. It began, "My dear Willie." He was very happy. Now over 50, he didn't think someone would call him "Willie". Here is that letter. My dear Willie, I can't tell you how much your letter meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room and cooking my own meals. You will be interested to know that I taught school for 50 years and yours is the first letter of appreciation I ever got. It came on a cold morning and it made me feel very warm. ... William cried when he read the letter. She was one of the people that William hadn't thanked in his past. She helped him to believe in himself. He would never forget her. There are some people we should always remember, because they helped to shape our life. William Stidger found a way to show his appreciation--he wrote them letters. Who are some of the people that you need to say thank you to in your past? It may not be too late to say "Thanks". The teacher _ when William was young. Answer: New Zealand is beautiful no matter what time of the year or season you visit. The best time to visit New Zealand is the time that suits you best. The weather in New Zealand is fine all year round. However, if you have more than one date in mind, the following information may help with your travel plans. The warmest months of the year are from September to April. December, January and February are the three hottest months of the year. It is summer. The long summer days are wonderful for water sports. Spring is from September to November. It can be hot, warm or cool. The weather is quite different. That depends on the places you visit. You can travel to Alexandra in Central Otago and Hastings in Hawk's Bay. Autumn is from March to May. It is a pleasant season in New Zealand. The temperature is a few degrees lower than that of summer. The winter season runs from June to August. The mountainous areas are covered with snow during winter and there is a little rainfall in some places. This is a good time for skiing. Which sport is suitable in December and January in New Zealand? Answer: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and her family have just ended their one-week trip in China. The whole world has paid attention to the two elegant and beautiful first ladies who have made a difference in the relationship between China and the U.S.A. Mrs. Obama has visited the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the pandas. She has tasted Peking Duck and experienced some other Chinese traditional culture. It is hoped that this trip to China can bring a real understanding of our eastern world to the first family of the United States. Today, the number of exchange students between China and the U.S. has reached more than 4 million every year. There are more than 11,000 people traveling to and from each side of the Pacific. If the two countries can increase the exchange in travel, language, cuisine, and cultural understanding, this will help a lot in improving the understanding between the two countries. Education was an important theme of Mrs. Obama's visit, and it is crucial to the development of Sino-US relationship. China has an ancient tradition of placing a high value on education, and the first lady herself is an outstanding example of a person who changed her own destiny through education. She took education as the key theme of her speech at Peking University, encouraging students from the two countries to learn more about and get wider experience of each other. The theme of Mrs. Obama's speech at Peking University is _ . Answer:
Amazon is taking a leap into movie production, planning to fund a dozen original feature films each year, and to _ the time it takes to move them from theatres to viewers' homes. The first film projects are expected to begin production at Amazon Studios later this year, and to make their first public appearance in U.S. theatres. But Amazon plans to push them to its Prime Instant Video subscription service as little as 30 to 60 days later. The long-standing timeline for movie releases is already under pressure, and Amazon's latest move is another step toward collapsing it to satisfy increasingly impatient audiences. But where competitor Netflix Inc. has sought to do away with wait times entirely. When Netflix promised last October to commission a sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and to release it on its streaming site the same day when it would open in theatres in the fall of 2015, cinema owners refused. "We believe the theatrical window is an important part of the overall movie sales cycle," a spokesperson for theatre chain said. Paul, a senior media analyst, expects many of Amazon's original movies will have the feel of independent films with their more challenging subject matter, often made for $10-million or less. The goal isn't to go toe to toe with "the big blockbuster machine," with their $100-million-plus production budgets."I don't see this as laying down the gauntlet," Mr. Dergarabedian said. "It's a strategy of co-existence." Prime Instant Video offers online access to a wide array of films and television shows for $99 (U.S.) a year. But it is not currently available in Canada, unless viewers use a virtual private network to disguise their location. The new company, Amazon Original Movies, will be led by Ted Hope, an American independent filmmaker. "Audiences already recognize Amazon has raised the bar with productions in the episodic realm, coping with bold material in unique ways and teaming with top talent, both established and emerging," Mr. Hope said. From the passage we can infer the theatre _ . A doesn't want to show Amazon's new films B prefers to co-operate with Netflix Inc. C will make more profits because Amazon' films cost less. D doesn't like the time being shortened from theatres to homes Answer: D It's getting hotter and hotter outside. Summer is already here! Summer means high temperature, more outdoor activities and all kinds of fruit and vegetables. How can we stay fit in this exciting season? Here are some good suggestions: Eat and drink properly What is healthy to eat in summer? Fresh and light food. Fish can be a good choice. It can keep your body energetic and help fight against the burning sun. Another good choice is colorful fruit and vegetables.They not only _ our eyes, but are full of healthy chemicals ( ) .Tomatoes can help protect your skin against sunburn. Blueberries are good for your brain and eyes. The more color,the better! With all those summertime activities you will be thirsty. What to drink ? Water. Water has zero calories ( ) and is the perfect drink to stop your thirst ( ) . Try not to drink too many energy drinks, sports drinks and soda drinks which have lots of sugar and caffeine ( ) in them. Stay active and cool Summer is a great season to enjoy outdoor activities and play. It s also a goodtime to lose weight. If you are lucky enough to be near a body of water, try water sports like swimming, surfing, water skiing and so on. These sports keep you cool and active at the same time. You'll have no problem beating the heat and keeping fit as well. Be careful of the sunshine. Summer allows us more chances to get outside, but it also means more possibilities to get burnt by the sunshine. If you are going outside, keep away from the sun when it's the strongest--usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you have to stay in the sun for a long time, sun cream ( ) ,a big hat and a long - sleeve jacket will be necessary. Which of the following is NOT right? A Water sports can help you feel cool and active in summer. B You d better not go outside from 12 a.m. to 2 p.m. in summer. C Energy drinks are better than water to stop thirst. D Summer is a good time to lose weight. Answer: C Every parent wants their child to grow up to enjoy life and be successful. Each and every one of us has something that we don't want our children to experience as they get older. We protect them hoping they will never experience hurt, yet as they get older they come across their own struggles. We often do everything we can to keep them from making the mistakes that we have made. Your children are not you. They are incredible little beings that choose you to experience life with. They are not little "mini me's" that will make the same mistakes we have made or learn the way we learn from our own experiences. They go to school, have experiences that they only tell us about, and understand the experiences through their own thoughts and feelings mixed in with family behavioral patterns. This is where you can make a difference. Be an example. Teach your child how to live life by being the person you would want them to be--helping others, loving yourself and making no judgments about other people. As you learn this in your own self and apply it, your child won't need you to speak a word. If little Joannie doesn't want to share with another child, show them how to share. Show by example. If you don't want other to _ , treat others as you want to be treated because there is a child learning behaviors from you. Be the example of what you want your child to be through your own positive thoughts and feelings. It is the best thing you can do for your child and yourself to ensure your child feel accepted and loved as they get older. Which of the following will be the best title for the passage? A Make no judgments about others B Be the example in your child's life C Treat others as you want to be treated D Keep your child from making your mistakes Answer: B The way people hold to the belief that a fun-filled,pain-free life equals happiness actually reduces their chances of ever attaining real happiness.If fun and pleasure are equal to happiness then pain must be equal to unhappiness.But in fact,the opposite is true:more often than not things that lead to happiness involve some pain. As a result,many people avoid the very attempts that are the source of true happiness.They fear the pain inevitably brought by such things as marriage, raising children, professional achievement,religious commitment,self improvement. Ask a bachelor why he resists marriage even though he finds dating to be less and less satisfying.If he is honest he will tell you that he is afraid of making a commitment.For commitment is in fact quite painful.The single life is filled with fun,adventure,excitement.Marriage has such moments,but they are not its most distinguishing features. Couples with infant children are lucky to get a whole night's sleep or a three-day vacation.I don't know any parent who would choose the word fun to describe raising children.But couples who decide not to have children never know the joys of watching a child grow up or of playing with a grandchild. Understanding and accepting that true happiness has nothing to do with fun is one of the most liberating realizations.It liberates time:now we can devote more hours to activities that can genuinely increase our happiness.It liberates money:buying that new car or those fancy clothes that will do nothing to increase our happiness now seems pointless.And it liberates us from envy:we now understand that all those who are always having so much fun actually may not be happy at all. Raising children,in the author's opinion,is _ . A a moral duty B a thankless job C a source of inevitable pain D a rewarding task Answer: D Today is Linda's mother's birthday. It is also Teachers' Day. Linda's mother is a math teacher. So today is her birthday and also her festival. Linda and her brothers buy presents for their mother. Linda buys a good skirt for Mother. Her two brothers buy Mother a big birthday cake. Linda's father also has a present. He prepares a ring for his _ . Linda's mother is very happy. The family love her so much. It is a great birthday for her. Linda's mother teaches _ . A English B Chinese C art D math Answer: D
Meadow vales are Answer: hard of hearing Robert is sixteen now. He'll finish middle school in two years. His father has a shop and got much money. He hopes his son can go to university and makes him study hard. But the young man likes to play cards. He has to go out when his parents fall asleep. One night, when Robert came back, his father happened to see him. The old man was very angry and told his son to live upstairs. Robert has to go up and down quietly. Of course it troubles him. He thought and thought but didn't find a way. Last evening Robert listened carefully. And he was sure his parents went to sleep, he went out to play cards with his friends. He won some money and was happy. And he got back, he took off his shoes and was going upstairs. He heard a noise in his parents' bedroom. He stood behind the door and saw a man come out. He understood it was a thief . He stopped him at once. The man was very afraid and brought out all the things he stole in the room. "Tell me how you didn't wake my parents up," said Robert. "Or I'll take you to the police station!" Robert wanted _ . Answer: to learn how he couldn't wake his parents up It must be something in the air as every company that possibly can is having a baby contest. Of course, babies are wonderful , and many parents would be the first to agree. Companies really bring in much money. Walgreens Baby Contest If you play the new Baby Milestones Challenge Contest by BabyCenter & Walgreens, you could be entered to win $1,000 in Walgreens & Beauty.com Gift Cards and Certificates. You can play the instant win to see if you get a $25 Walgreen's gift card, but you have to plug in your email address and receive all their sales and other information for the contest. Kids and Babies Kids and Babies are accepting entries for May 2012 Free Photo Contest. Baby Photo Gallery with theme albums and age group albums is moved to the new website Cute Baby Gallery. Check KidsandBibs.com for their Baby Photo Contest blog's latest update. Grand prize is $25,000. The catch: Winners are decided by the visitors coming to the site and voting for their favorite babies, so you have to advertise their site for them. Parents.com Perents.com has a website only for their members, but if you are into "baby" photos, it is well worth surfing. You could receive offers on free samples, money- saving coupons , and chances to win the latest contests. Avon Avon is another company that has a baby photo contest this spring. Avon is advertising their newest collection. It is Avon's only collection for the photos of babies. Babies' age: newborn to 2 years. Just go to TinyTillia.com and upload your recent baby's photos. First place Baby will be featured in a Tiny Tillia Storybook and win a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond. The Cuties will win $300 in Tiny Tillia products. The tip is to run a search engine for all the latest contests going on and start entering them today. You could be lucky and win enough to put "Baby" through college! Have fun! In the author's opinion, holding a baby contest _ . Answer: attracts parents' attention 3D printing technology may not be a new thing in some foreign countries. But in May this year, at Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. Many visitors were attracted by a 3D printer. The machine looks similar to an ordinary printer and can print a "statue" in about 90 minutes after scanning anything, including a person. The printer prints layer by layer. For example, if we want to print a 30-cm-tall statue, the computer will calculate* the layers and print 460 layers in total*. It can also print people and clothes. You can stand for scanning for just about three minutes, and a statue will be finished about two hours. The cost for a statue of a man is about 1000yuan. The printer, which costs about 500,000yuan, is from the USA. "We want to introduce this technology to people, and find more chances here." said an engineer, "There is a company in USA that offers 3D printing services to people. Many people come to design their own thing. It is very cool. We hope that the printer will encourage more Chinese people to be more creative." How much should you pay if you want to have a statue of yourself printed? Answer: 1000yuan A house of cards? Sounds unbelievable, doesn't it? Not if the architect is 31-year-old Bryan Berg. He's made a career out of building fantastic card houses, stadiums, capitols, castles -- and the world's tallest card tower. How does he do it? Bryan's structures are amazing because they are made entirely of perfectly balanced, freestanding playing cards. He never uses glue, tape, or anything else to hold the cards together. Nor does he fold the cards. He's discovered another way to make a strong house of cards, using a trick from nature. To make plants strong, nature builds them with cells that have tough walls. Rows and rows of these cells form a grid that helps leaves and stems keep their shape. Bees use the same kind of repeating pattern to create strong honeycombs, where they live and store honey. Bryan designs similar grids, using cards to create a repeating pattern of cells. He begins with a single cell made by balancing four cards against one another to form a box. Then he repeats the cell over and over, expanding outward to form the grid, which makes a good foundation for a strong card structure. The larger the grid, the more weight it can carry. Sometimes Bryan uses several cards, instead of just one, to construct the cell walls, making the grid even stronger. The trick, he tells kids when he speaks in classrooms, is to place your cards as tightly together as possible when laying out your grid, making sure the cards are not leaning at all. After building this solid base, Bryan lays cards across the top to make the floor for the next "story" of the building. He may add towers, columns, steeples, or domes. Using the principle of repeating cells, Bryan builds structures of amazing strength. In the Cards Not surprisingly, Bryan has always been interested in building things. Growing up on a "big, old farm" in rural Iowa, he had plenty of room to play. "We were in the middle of nowhere," Bryan remembers, "with lots of space to do whatever we wanted. I was always making something, using things like sticks or bales of hay." Bryan's grandfather taught him how to stack cards. Bryan's two interests -- building and card stacking -- soon combined. But stacking in his family's farmhouse was challenging. "Our old house had wood floors that weren't all level," he reports. "And they weren't very firm. When people walked around, it was like 'earthquake action.' It was a challenge to build something that wouldn't fall down immediately." Bryan constructed tower after tower; he went through a lot of trial and error before he built anything taller than himself. When he placed a few decks of cards on top of his grid, he discovered how strong it was. Bryan's towers began to grow taller. How Tall Is Too Tall? Bryan's first Guinness World Record for the world's tallest card tower came in the spring of 1992, when he was in high school. Learning that the world record was 12 feet 10 inches, Bryan built a slim tower that topped out at 14 feet 6 inches. Done as a project for his geometry class, it took him 40 hours and 208 decks of cards. Since then he's gone on to win world records for even taller buildings. His latest winner measured 25 feet 3.5 inches and used about 2,400 decks of cards. _ Why don't these towers fall down? The key is in a good solid base, a repeating pattern of stories, and a tapering top. Bryan likes to point out how card buildings resemble real ones. They are built cell by cell, story by story. The separate parts make one strong whole. The heavier the building, the stronger and more stable it is. But the weight can't all be at the top. After spending so much time building something so cool, Bryan admits it's sometimes painful to see his structures destroyed. But he compares his work to the building of a sandcastle or an ice sculpture. "They wouldn't be as special if they were permanent," he points out. "My buildings are like snowdrifts, or clouds in the sky. They can't last forever. Bryan's hobby is the result of combining which two boyhood interests? Answer: Building things and stacking cards.
More college graduates in China are seeking for work experience instead of advanced degrees, a survey shows. The practical approach, coupled with a record number of students graduating from college, is expected to strengthen competition in the job market, analysts said. More than 76 percent of university students said they wanted to work after earning their degrees this summer, up from 68.5 percent in 2012 and 73.6 percent last year, according to poll results from Zhaopin.com, a major online agency, Zhu Bo. The annual survey also shows that about 20 percent university graduates chose to further education after graduation, while about 3 percent wanted to start their own businesses. Zeng Hao ,a 25-year-old media major, managed to land a job in a publishing company in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, before he received his master's degree from the University of Macau in June. " Work experience really matters in the publishing industry" he said. Wei Guihong , a program administrator at Nanjing University, said about 60 percent of the school's graduates entered the labor market every year. "More and more students majoring in a foreign language choose to go abroad to continue their studies to improve their language skills," she said continuously, "That's perhaps a bright future." Liu Junsheng , a researcher at the Labor and Wage Institute of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, believes that economic conditions play a vital role in shaping college graduates' choices ."There were fewer job opportunities in the market. " he said. "Although academic degrees still matter, more and more employers value job seekers' work experience." he said. The Zhaopin.com survey shows that each of the graduates sent resumes on average to about 28 potential employers and received five interview opportunities. What is Wei Guihong's attitudes towards her students' going abroad for their studies? _ . Answer: Two travelling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was impolite and refused to let the angels stay in the guest room. Instead the angels were given a space in the cold underground room. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem." The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very kind farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning, the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their only income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was very angry and asked the older angel, "How could this happen? Why did you not watch out for the cow? The first man had everything, yet you watched over his house," she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you did not help." "Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the underground room , I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so greedy and unwilling to share his good fortune, I asked God if I could seal the wall so he couldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmer's bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I asked God if the angel could take the cow instead. You see, things aren't always what they seem. " The story tries to tell readers that _ . Answer: As we all know , the language is a very important tool for people to communicate with each other. In most of the languages , people usually begin their conversations by a kind of small talk -a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward silence between people . That is to say , small talk means the little things we talk about to start a conversation . In English-speaking countries such as Britain, people often make small talk about the weather. " Nice day, isn't it?" "Terrible weather , isn't it?" However, we still have something special about small talk. It must be about something which both people have the same opinion about. The purpose of small talk is to let both people agree on something. This makes meeting people easier and more comfortable . People usually agree about the weather, so it is a safe topic for small talk. But people often disagree about religion or politics so these are not suitable topics for small talk. The topics for small talk also depend on where the conversation is taking place. At basketball matches, people make small talk about the game they are watching. "Great game , isn't it?" At train stations, people may talk about the transport system . " The train service is terrible, isn't it?" The purpose of small talk is _ . Answer: The biggest danger facing airlines nowadays may not be a terrorist with a gun, but the man with portable computer in business class. In the last 16 years, pilots have reported well over 100 incidents that could have been caused by electromagnetic interference . The source of this interference remains not proved, but increasingly, experts are pointing the blame at portable electronic devices such as portable computers, radio and cassette players and mobile telephones. RTC.A. an organization which advises the aviation ( )industry, has suggested that all airlines ban such devices from being used during "critical" stages of flight particularly take-off and landing. Some experts have gone further, calling for a total ban during all flights. Currently , rules on using these devices are left up to individual airlines. And although some air- lines prevent passengers from using such equipment during take-off and landing, most are unwilling to carry out a total ban, given that many passengers want to work during flight. The difficulty is predicting how electromagnetic fields might affect an aircraft's computers. Experts know that portable devices send out radiation which affects those wavelengths which aircraft use for navigation and communication. But, because they have not been able to reproduce these effects in a laboratory, they have no way of knowing whether the interference might be dangerous or not. The fact that aircraft may be fragile to interference raises the risk that terrorists may use radio systems in order to damage navigation equipment. As worrying,though, is the passenger who can 't hear the instructions to turn off his radio because the music's too loud. What is said about the over 100 aircraft incidents in the past 16 years? Answer: The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Aron Presley was born on 8 January 1935 in Tupelo. His talent in singing did not come up as a surprise, as he had a good voice right from his childhood. When Elvis was ten years old, he participated in a Talent Contest at Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show and won a prize for the song he sang. When Elvis was 13 years old, his family moved to Tennessee. To support himself and his father, Elvis took on a job as a truck driver. A disc containing two ballads that Elvis had recorded for his mother as a birthday gift was first heard by Sun Studio's president Sam Phillips. After listening to Elvis, Sam made Elvis an offer and that was the birth of a new singing sensation ; a new superstar was born. In 1954 his first record was released from Sun Studio. In 1955, Elvis singed a $35,000 recording contract with RCA Victor (through Thomas Parker), who promised to help in projecting Elvis Presley (a Local Star) as a National Level Star. As promised, Elvis was shown in newspapers, television appearances, photographs where he was claimed to be the next superstar of the music world. In 1956, his first performance with "Heartbreak Hotel" on The Milton Berle Show successfully put Elvis on the top list of the superstars and the nationwide "Elvis Craze" was started. Elvis became the prince who ruled hearts of his millions of fans. In 1960, he quit performing in concerts and concentrated in making movies. As his first movie Love Me Tender was a big hit, he had no problem in marking his comeback in movies. After making several very successful and hit movies, Elvis returned to the world of music. In 1968, Elvis once again started working with his old band and gave some more smashing hits to the world. In 1972, he released his last top-ten single Burning Love. It's nearly impossible to measure the level of popularity he had reached in his career. Elvis Presley had more than 100 records on the billboard charts and out of which, about 18 records were on number one position on the charts. During his lifetime, he worked in about 31 movies; all of them were huge success. What is the main idea of the text? Answer:
The Cambridge Science Festival Curiosity Challenge Dare to Take the Curiosity Challenge! The Cambridge Science Festival (CSF) is pleased to inform you of the sixth annual Curiosity Challenge. The challenge invites, even dares school students between the ages of 5 and 14 to create artwork or a piece of writing that shows their curiosity and how it inspires them to explore their world. Students are being dared to draw a picture, write an article, take a photo or write a poem that shows what they are curious about. To enter the challenge, all artwork or pieces of writing should be sent to the Cambridge Science Festival, MIT Museum, 265 Mass Avenue, Cambridge 02139 by Friday, February 8th. Students who enter the Curiosity Challenge and are selected as winners will be honored at a special ceremony during the CSF on Sunday, April 21st. Guest speakers will also present prizes to the students. Winning entries will be published in a book. Student entries will be exhibited and prizes will be given. Families of those who take part will be included in the celebration and brunch will be served. Between March 10th and March 15th, each winner will be given the specifics of the closing ceremony and the Curiosity Challenge celebration. The program guidelines and other related information are available at: http://cambridgesciencefestival.org. What type of writing is this text? Answer: An announcement. A father in Wuhan, nicknamed "Eagle Dad" for his controversial parenting style, has dismissed critics' claims that he pushes his 4-year-old son too hard. Police officer Wang Shaoyan came under the spotlight this month after his child took part in an 18-kilometer race in the Hubei provincial capital. Some parents attacked his methods of extreme physical training, while others reacted strongly to his admission that he regularly exposes the youngster to cold showers. "I just want my son to reach his full potential," Wang said, adding that 4-year-old son not only runs 3 km every day he also takes cold showers from time to time to strengthen his body's resistance and willpower. "He has never taken any sick leave from kindergarten," he said proudly. However, some parents find his methods too extreme. "I'm not sure a 4-year-old is prepared for such intense training," said Zhang Ruxia a woman who gave birth to two boys in October in Tianjin. "You can have good intentions to train your child at an early age but you also have to consider whether he can take it." Wang responded by saying children are too young to make decisions, and it is up to parents to lead them on the right path. "I read many materials before and the whole process is step-by-step without pushing or imposing on my son," Wang said. The father said he was not acting rashly but following a scientific way of education. He said the doubts about his methods reflect the declining standards of modern education. "Many people in Japan give their children cold showers too ,and no one is fussing about it," he said. The traditional way of education applied by most of his peers might not necessarily help bring the best out of a child he said. Wang said in addition to the physical training, he has also laid out a detailed and particular program to strengthen the intelligence of the child. "I have hired some university students to expand his knowledge in natural sciences, while playing the video for English-language teaching as well," he said. In Eagle Dad's opinion, his extreme parenting was questioned because _ . Answer: modern education is not challenging enough A person approaching a dog from across a street can note that the dog Answer: looks more sizable after approaching It was a beautiful day. In the morning Tommy and I went to the park to play. We rode our bikes around and went down to the lake. We swam around in the lake and splashed water on other kids. We got back on our bikes and rode back home. Mommy made lunch. It was yummy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk. Then it was time for our nap. We woke up and watched some TV. Mommy gave us some money for candy later. Tommy and I went back to the park to play. Tommy and I played with a baseball with some other kids. Then we played with the football. We went to the store across the street. We bought some candy with the money Mommy gave us. We went back to the park and watched the other kids play as we ate our candy. It was hot, so we went swimming again. It was fun! We like swimming so we go swimming almost every day. We swam all afternoon until Mommy came down to the park at told us to come home. Mommy was very upset because we were gone so long. Mommy was worried that something might have happened to us. Mommy was not paying attention to her kids and what they were doing for hours. Tommy and I told Mommy she needs to pay more attention to us. Mommy started crying, then Tommy and I started crying. Mommy said from now on, I must pay more attention to you two. Daddy came home from work and playing softball for his company team. Daddy wanted to know what was going on. Daddy saw that we were all crying. Daddy started to cry too. We all said that we would pay more attention to each other. We all said that we would do more things together like going to the park. We all said we would eat together more often. How did Mommy feel and what did she do when she brought the kids home? Answer: She cried A jobless man applied for the position of "office boy" at Microsoft, The HR manager interviewed him and then watched him cleaning the floor as a test. "You are employed," he said. "Give me your e-mail address and I'll send you the application form to fill in, as well as the date when you may start." The man replied, "But I don't have a computer or an e-mail." "I'm sorry,"said the HR manager, "If you don't have an e-mail, that mean you do not exist. And the one who doesn't exist cannot have the job." The man left with no hope at all. He didn't know what to do. With only $10 in his pocket, he decided to go to the supermarket and buy 10kg tomatoes. He then sold the tomatoes from door to door . In less than two hours, he succeeded in making his money double. He repeated the operation three times, and returned home with $60. The man realized that he could survive in this way, and started earlier and returned late. Thus, his money doubled or tripled every day. Shortly, h e bought a cart, then a truck and then he had his own _ to send food . Five years later, he became one of the biggest food sellers in The US. He started to plan his family's future, so he called an insurance broker to Have a discussion. When the conversation was over, the broker asked him for his e-mail. The man replied again,"I don't have an e-mail." The broker answered in surprise, "You don't have an e-mail, and yet have succeeded building an empire. Can you imagine what you could have been if you had had an e-mail?" The man thought for a while and replied, "Yes, I would be an office boy at Microsoft ,. What does the insurance broker's answer mean? Answer: The man could be more successful if he had an e-mail.
The World Bank is warning that the West Africa Ebola outbreak could seriously harm the economies of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone unless action is taken quickly. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim spoke to reporters recently to discuss the effects of the Ebola spread. "Our findings show that if the virus continues to spread, the economic cost to these countries could grow eight times by 2015. This would be a big _ to their already weak economies," said Kim. Mr. Kim says, "saving lives and preventing new spread" is most important. The bank has given $117-million for an "immediate help." The World Bank President says the SARS outbreak between 2002 and 2004 showed how a disease could damage economies. 800 people died from SARS and the economic losses were up to $40-billion. Mr. Kim says SARS and the H1N1 outbreak of 2009 taught that fear and avoidance resulted in about 90-percent of the economic losses. That means the disease is causing two levels of economic damage. "There are two kinds of contagion . One is connected with the virus itself and the second is connected with the spread of fear about the virus," said Kim. The World Bank thinks the losses to the economies of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea will be big .Mr. Kim says losses could be about $97-million at the moment. Mr. Kim says fast action is necessary. He says getting the disease under control is still far away. That is because there are not enough health care workers in the affected areas. The World Bank President says the most important measure is to act quickly in order to limit economic losses. What's the main idea of the whole passage? Ebola will harm economies in the West Africa seriously without quick action. A man wakes up with a big hangover the morning after attending his company's annual Summer Party. He can't even remember how he got home from the party, let alone how he got so drunk and is deathly afraid of what he may have done or said the night before to make his wife angry. The man forces his eyes open and the first things he sees are two headache tablets next to a glass of water on his table, and, next to them, a single red rose! He sits up with difficulty and sees his clothing hung on the back of his chair all clean and pressed and the rest of the house all in perfect order. Incredulous , the man takes the tablets and sees a black eye looking back at him from the bathroom mirror. Then he finds a note next to the red rose on the table, "Sweetie, breakfast is waiting for you on the stove. I left early to buy the cooking materials to make your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling! " The note was signed, "Your loving wife." The man then walks into the kitchen. His daughter Jessie is at the table, eating. "Jessie...what happened last night?" The man asks, with great fear. "Well, you came home around four o'clock in the morning, drunk and out of your mind. You tripped and fell onto the coffee table and broke it, and got this black eye when you crashed into the table's edge." Puzzled, the man asks Jessie, "Then why is there a rose on my table and breakfast on the stove waiting for me?" "Oh that," Jessie replies, "well, Mom pulled you into your bedroom, and when she tried to undress you, you yelled, 'Leave me alone; I'm married and I love my wife!'" Why did the man have a black eye? He fell over and crashed into the table. When 47yearold volunteer Susan Boyle stepped onto the stage of Britain's Got Talent and announced she was unemployed, had never been married and "never been kissed, actually", few in the audience would have wondered why. This Ms Boyle, looking unfashionable, from a village in Scotland, shocked the three judges and the audience with the song I dreamed a dream on a show of Britain's Got Talent. She couldn't hide the awkwardness when walking to the center of the stage in a house dress, and everyone -- including the judges -- seemed laughing at her when she said she wanted to be as successful as Elaine Paige. As soon as she began singing, however, everyone in the hall fell silent, then rose within seconds to admire her wonderful voice as the celebrity judges sat openmouthed, and remained standing to the end. After her performance, one of the judges Piers Morgan said,"Without doubt that was the biggest surprise I've had in three years of this show. When you stood there everyone was laughing at you. No one is laughing now. That was amazing." Actress Amanda Holden followed,"I'm so thrilled because I know that we everybody were against you. I honestly think that we were all being very cynical and I think that's the biggest wakeup call ever." Susan obviously won over the hearts of millions around the world with success spreading across the Atlantic. Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher, who has nearly 1.5 million followers, speaks highly of her. Kutcher posted a link to the video clip . The Scottish talent made her live American show via satellite connection on CBS's The Early Show, doing an interview and singing live from her room. And she already accepted an invitation from talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey. Now Boyle has become one of the world's hottest celebrities. The video clip of her performance has been viewed more than 50 million times on Youtube, becoming a hit on the Internet. We learn from the passage that Susan Boyle _ . rose from a low social class People do not analyze every problem they meet. Sometimes they try to remember a solution from the last time they had a similar problem. They often accept the opinions or ideas of other people. Other times they begin to act without thinking. They try to find a solution by trial and error. However, when all these methods fail, the person with a problem has to start analyzing. There are six stages in analyzing a problem. First the person must recognize that there is a problem. For example, Sam's bicycle is broken, and he cannot read it to class as he usually does. Sam must see that there is a problem with his bicycle. Next the thinker must define the problem. Before Sam can repair his bicycle, he must find out the reason why it does not work. For instance, he must determine if the problem is with the gears, the brakes, or the frame. He must make his problem more specific. Now the person must look for information that will make the problem clearer and lead to possible solutions. For instance, suppose Sam decided that his bike does not work because there is something wrong with the gear wheels. At this time, he can look in his bicycle repair book and read about gears. He can talk to his friends at the bike shop. He can look at his gears carefully. After studying the problem, the person should have several suggestions for a possible solution. Take Sam as an illustration. His suggestions might be: put oil on the gear wheels; buy new gear wheels and replace the old ones; tighten or loosen the gear wheels. Eventually one suggestion seems to be the solution to the problem. Sometimes the final idea comes very suddenly because the thinker suddenly sees something new or sees something in a new way. Sam, for example, suddenly sees that there is a piece of chewing gum between the gear wheels. He immediately realizes the solution to his problem: he must clean the gear wheels. Finally the solution is tested. Sam cleans the gear wheels and finds that afterwards his bicycle works perfectly. he has solved the problem. As used in the last sentence, the phrase "in short" means _ . in a word Learners report two main difficulties in reading, which may be linked. There are too many unknown words and as a result reading is simply not a pleasure. For some students, even reading in their own language is a chore. Having a wide vocabulary is essential to making sense of written language. Of course, this is a circular argument, because the more you read the more vocabulary you learn and the more words you know the more easily you can read. Don't make the mistake of reading with your dictionary beside you, looking up every single new or doubtful word. This is laborious and prevents you from practicing the skill of prediction. Sometimes in reading you find a word you know but the sense doesn't seem to fit in. This is not surprising because words have so many meanings and degrees of meaning. What is more, part of their meaning is shaped by the words around them. Keep looking at the surrounding words and asking yourself "what sort of meaning would make sense here?" The more that people study the reading process, the better they can pass on to language learners a range of advice to choose from. People have learned to read in all kinds of ways. Here is some information that could help you plan to be a better reader in the foreign language you are studying. 1)Work out the general meaning first When people read in a new language they often feel they must take a detailed approach, focusing on every word, particularly those they don't know. They read as if they were using a microscope, looking carefully at each of the small pieces(the individual words), but not necessarily seeing the whole picture at first. This is called the "bottom-up" approach. Other readers try to look first at the big picture(the "top-down" approach), attending to individual bricks only as necessary, a process that involves some intelligent guesswork. Generally this second approach is recommended by successful learners. 2)Interactive reading Another way of thinking about reading is to describe it as an interactive process, where the text brings something to you and you bring something to the text. Readers bring together all their knowledge of the world with what they see on the page in front of them. That is why, when reading in our own language, we don't need to read every word. We add meaning which is not actually stated. 3)From supported reading to independent reading Language learners start by needing considerable support as they read. Textbooks supply this support in the form of introductions that summaries the contents, glossaries, pictures, explanations of new grammar points. In your reading you need to move gradually from this support to reading more the text itself. . According to the author, _ . reading more promotes the gaining of vocabulary
Believe it or not, going to school is not a legal requirement in the United States. It is a legal requirement that all kids be educated, though. When parents believe they can give their kids a better education--- or have other reasons for not wanting to send their kids to a local school --- they may choose home schooling. However, if a kid hates school, home schooling is probably not the escape he is looking for. Home schooled students can learn just as much as they would in regular school if they and their parents work hard to cover all the subjects and experiences necessary. Parents who home school usually have higher levels of education than parents who do not. They already have the skills to educate themselves about teaching their kids. Parents who home school have to be able to put the time and skill into not just teaching, but also researching lesson plans and resources . So they have to know how to find the information necessary to teach their kids. State schools often provide home-schooling parents with a curriculum , books and materials and places to meet. Some state schools will point parents to other resources for _ forgotten subjects. Or parents may receive continuing education at local colleges or universities. According to the text, most home-schooling parents _ . Answer: All Ric O Barry wants is to stop the dolphinkilling, so he is headed to this seaside Japanese town, Taiji.The American activist, who is the star of a new awardwinning documentary that portrays the dolphinkilling here, got an unwelcome reception when he showed up here this week for the start of the annual hunt. His movie, The Cove , directed by National Geographic photographer Louie Psihoyos, was released in the United States a month ago but has not yet to come out in Japan. Scenes in the film, some of which were shot secretly, show fishermen banging on metal poles stuck in the water to create a wall of sound that scares the dolphins-- which have supersensitive sonar --and sends them fleeing into a cove. There, the fishermen sometimes pick a few to be sold for aquarium shows, for as much as $150,000. They kill the others, spearing the animals repeatedly until the water turns red. The meat from one dolphin is worth about 50,000 yen, and is sold at supermarkets across Japan. Greenpeace and other groups have tried to stop the hunt for years.Activists hope The Cove will bring the issue to more people internationally--and eventually in Japan. Already,the Australian town of Broome dropped its 28year sistercity relationship with Taiji last month,partly because of the movie. "Some regions have a tradition of eating dolphin meat," said fisheries official Toshinori Uoya. "Dolphinkilling may be negative for our international image, but it is not something orders can stop." The town government in Taiji--which has made whales and dolphins its trademark--refused to comment about The Cove, or the growing international criticism against dolphinkilling. Many in Taiji take the dolphin hunt for granted as part of everyday life. They are _ about The Cove,seeing themselves as powerless victims of overseas pressure to end a simple and honest way of making a living. What is the response to The Cove on the Japanese side? Answer: The oil resources which are left will not last very long. This means that all vehicles such as cars, trains, buses, planes and ships that need oil to work will not be able to run. So it will be necessary to develop a new system of transport which uses a fuel more than oil. Electric vehicles are one possibility. In Britain, most families have at least one car and this car is used every day. It could be that only one person in the family drives the car to work or for shopping. The number of cars on the road which are almost empty perhaps helps to explain why the oil is used up so quickly. The family car is a very useful form of transport but it is also a great waste of energy, especially if it is compared with buses or trains. Much petrol is used by a car which is traveling at 120 kilometers an hour. Clearly, it would be better if there were fewer cars on the road and more speed limits so that the oil which is left will last as long as possible. About 25% of Britain's total consumption of energy is _ --it is used only in the home. Just over 20% is used for transport. Most of the energy is used in industry. It is difficult to suggest any possible energy conservation in industry because many of the suggestions would mean that some people would lose their jobs. It is important that industry produces the same amount of products using the same amount of workers. Obviously, conservation is not going to be the answer to the energy crisis . The most it can do is to give more time for a better solution to be found. The more time which is available for new sources of energy to be developed, the better it is because there is still a lot of work to be done in order to find suitable, safe methods of producing energy. In Britain, what reason could help to explain why oil is used up very quickly? Answer: An unemployed man is desperate to support his family. His wife watches TV all day and his three teenage kids have dropped out of high school to hang around with the local toughs. He applies for a cleaner's job at a large firm and easily passes an aptitude test. The human resources manager tells him, "You will be hired at minimum wage, $5.15 an hour. Let me have your e-mail address so that we can contact you easily. Our system will automatically e-mail you all the forms and advise you when to start and where to report on your first day." Greatly surprised, the man protests that he has neither a computer nor an e-mail address. To this, the manager replies, "You must understand that to a company like ours that means you virtually do not exist. Without an e-mail address you can hardly expect to be employed by a high tech firm. Good day." Unable to believe what he heard, the man leaves. Not knowing where to turn and having $10 in his wallet, he walks past a farmers' market and sees a stand selling beautiful tomatoes. He buys a crate , carries it to a busy corner and displays the tomatoes. In less than two hours he sells all the tomatoes and makes 100% profit. From that day on, he repeats the tomato business and becomes increasingly successful as time goes on. By the end of the fifth year he owns a fleet of nice trucks and a warehouse. The tomato company has put hundreds of homeless and jobless people to work and the business grossed a million dollars. Planning for the future, he decides to buy some life insurance. The insurance adviser asks him for his e-mail address in order to send the final documents electronically. When the man replies that he doesn't have time to mess with a computer and has no e-mail address, the insurance salesman is surprised, " No computer? No Internet? Just think where you would be if you'd had all of that five years ago!" "Ha! If I'd had all of that five years ago, I would be sweeping floors at Microsoft and making $5.15 an hour!" the man replies. The man's kids drop out of school because _ . Answer: A Bite of China Season Two(<< >> ) is coming! The program is shown at 9 : 00 0n CCTV-1 every Friday night from April 18 to June 6, 2014. There are altogether eight episodes , all about history and culture of food, eating and cooking in China. The directors spent one year visiting more than 150 different parts of China. More than 300 types of food are covered in the documentary . As an old Chinese saying goes, food is what matters most to people. It plays an important role in our daily life, and the rich food culture is also one of the most important parts of Chinese culture. A Bite of China Season Two wants to show the joys and sadnesses of ordinary Chinese in changing times through food. A Bite of China Season One was shown on CCTV in 2012. It attracted more than 100 million viewers. It is all about food, while the second season cares more about the relationship between the people and the food. For example, the first episode shows a young man spent four hours climbing a 40-metre-high tree to get something nice for his brother. The show reminds viewers of their homes and the tastes of childhood. One Weibo user wrote, "A Bite o f China Season Two makes me have so many words to say. It makes me think of my parents and my grandmother. I haven't been home for a long time, so I have decided to go back in a few days. " The show uses food as a window to introduce China to the world. Viewers can see how Chinese people love life by loving food. Anyone who wants to know more about Chinese culture and Chinese society should have a bite of the program. The type of the TV program A Bite of China is _ . Answer:
Why is music so important to children? Here are some of my ideas. Music has a positive influence on children's intelligence ! New research shows that music can offer children an interesting environment. It has a good influence on children's intelligence. Children can learn, understand and think in a logical way if they study music at an early age. Playing music with others gives children a feeling of belonging to the group! Some children might have trouble _ activities with others because they are shy, they have limited language ability or they don't like doing sports, but they usually feel relaxed when they take part in a music activity. Playing music with others gives children a wonderful feeling of belonging to the group. Music makes children happy! Children seem to experience much pleasure in music. Whether they are listening to music, singing along with a song, playing an instrument or dancing to music, they seem totally absorbed(......) in music. The writer tells us the influence of music on children from _ aspects . A. two B. three C. four D. five Answer: B. three Dear friends, My name is Tony. I am English. I am thirteen years old this year. I am tall, and I am good at playing football. I am in Grade Seven. There are thirty boys and twenty girls in my class. We are learning Chinese in our school. Our Chinese teacher is Mr. Wu. He is a little short, but he is very strong. He is very nice to us. I have some good friends in my class. Tom is a tall boy and has short black hair. He is good at playing football, too. Alice is short and she loves wearing red dresses. She is good at English. Shelly has long hair. She can speak Japanese and she likes running. We all study hard. What about your school and your friend? Please write soon. Yours, Tony Who writes this letter? A. Tony B. Tom C. Shelly D. We don't know Answer: A. Tony "I'd be better off dead." he said, without any hesitation . Hearing those words come out of my best friend's mouth tore my heart apart. He has repeated that phrase more than once, and my mind continually plays it over like a voice recording. I met him about three years ago. After knowing me for six months, he told me about his struggles with depression . Sadness was not the only feeling that came over me; I was shocked. He seemed so outgoing and happy all the time. I soon learned that he was hurt physically and mentally as a young child, causing him to have the thought of killing himself. He refuses to talk to others about his depression because he now distrusts adults, especially those in his family. However, he feels as if I understand him and that I know the right words to speak. Therefore, when it comes to helping him, convenience is not in my vocabulary. It does not matter where I am or what I am doing, for he always comes first. Many students at his school laugh at him when they notice scars on his arms from cutting. As he sees it, other kids have every right to make fun of him. But no one holds such a right, so I encourage him to ignore the heartless kids who treat him badly. When he feels the weight of judging eyes or hateful voices, I always remind him that I care about him unconditionally. Just hearing me say I will always be his best friend seems to give him the safety he needs to keep on going. My best friend once told me that if he had not had me, he would not be alive. He said that my encouraging words helped him not to take his life. Our friendship has taught me that a single kind word can influence someones life. Life is not easy for every one, which makes me strongly believe in the necessity of encouragement. What is the best title for the passage? A. I enjoy friendship B. My friend and I C. I believe in encouragement D. The story of my friend Answer: C. I believe in encouragement It does not come as a surprise that Dubai has a growing problem with "tragic". The local rulers have explored all the conventional ways to get traffic moving again,including higher prices for parking,fuel and insurance. But at a recent conference in Hamburg, Hussain Lootah said that the city may adopt a more strict approach: setting an income level for vehicle ownership. Mr Lootah's approach is unlikely to be copied widely, but mayors of other big cities around the world are starting to think about taking severe actions of their own, including complete car bans in inner cities.But the efforts may not be enough to reduce traffic and pollution. The problems will only get worse: the number of vehicles sold globally each year will grow from around 80 million today to more than 100 million by the end of the decade, according to IHS Automotive. There are already a handful of car-free communities around the world.But these are typically small and often tourist destinations that seek to create a throwback(;) in time, such as Sark Island, in the English Channel. The largest car-free urban area is probably Venice, where it is impossible to build roads and bridges to link the more than 100 small islands the city sits on. Yet pedestrian malls and other car-free zones keep popping up in cities around the world. Some cities are considering ways to limit central city access to "green" machines, such as battery-electric vehicles. Hamburg is perhaps the furthest along. Such extreme plans may fly in a city such as Hamburg. But in many other cities the political resistance even to less far-reaching measures is hard to overcome. Michael Bloomberg, New York's former mayor, tried twice to introduce a jam charge for much of Manhattan, but his plans were rejected by state lawmakers. What causes Venice to be the largest car-free urban area? A. Its natural geographical characteristics. B. Its too many tourist destinations. C. Its reduced number of cars. D. Its government law on car free. Answer: A. Its natural geographical characteristics. One day, Jack threw some papers on my desk. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Next time you want to change anything, ask me first," he said, and left. I had made just one small change. But it's not that I hadn't been warned. My colleagues had said he was responsible for the resignations of the two previous secretaries. As the weeks went by, I came to look down on Jack. After another of his episodes had left me in tears I stormed into his office. "what?" he said suddenly. "Jack, the way you've been treating me is wrong. I've never had anyone speak to me that way. As a professional, it's wrong for me to allow it to continue," I said. Jack smiled nervously, "Susan, I make you a promise that I will be a friend. I will treat you as you deserve to be treated, with respect and kindness." Jack avoided me the rest of the week, and never questioned my work again. I brought cookies to the office one day and left some on his desk. Another day I left a note: "Hope your day is going great. " Over the next few weeks, there were no more Jack episodes. One year later I discovered I had breast cancer, and was scared. The statistics were not great for my long-term survival. One day, however, Jack visited me in the hospital and silently handed me a bundle with several bulbs inside. "Tulips ," he said. I smiled, not understanding. "If you plant them when you get home, they'll come up next spring. I think you will be there to see them when they come up. Next spring you will see the colours I picked out for you." Tears clouded my eyes and he left. I have seen those red and white striped tulips push through the soil every spring for over ten years now. This past September the doctor declared me cured. At a moment when I was praying for just the right word, a man with very few words said all the right things. After all, that's what friends do. We can infer from the passage that _ . A. a friend in need is a friend in deed B. a few words can be as meaningful as many C. a friend who says little must be a good friend D. we must treat disrespectful people with disrespect Answer: B. a few words can be as meaningful as many
One night, I was sitting in my room half listening as my 15-year-old brother Tommy fought with my 12-year-old brother Kevin. I didn't pay attention when Kevin rushed up the stairs with the hurt on his face. About 20mintes later, as I was walking up-stairs I heard Kevin crying inside the bathroom. I knocked on the door and asked, "Hey, Kevin, do you want to talk?" No answer. I tried again, "Why don't you come out of there?" Again, on answer. I tried again, "Why don't you come out of there?" Again, on answer. So, looking around, I grabbed a stack of cards and a pencil and wrote, "if you don't want to talk, we can write notes to each other.." An hour later, I was still sitting on the floor outside the bathroom with two stacks of cards in front of me. One was blank and one was cards from Kevin on which he had translated all his _ feeling into words for me. As I read one of Kevin's notes, tears came to my eyes. It said, "No-body in this family cares about me. I'm not the youngest, and I'm not the oldest. Tommy thinks I'm silly and Dad wishes he had the other Kevin as a kid because he's better at basketball. And you're never around to even notice me." Tears came to my eyes as I wrote back to him. "You know Kevin, I really do love you and I'm sorry I don't always show it . I am here for you and you are loved in this family." There was no answer for a while, but then I heard a tearing sound coming from inside the bathroom. Kevin, who had run out of words wrote on a torn paper cup. "Thanks." I wrote back, "For what?" It returned to me with "Loving me." On it. Since then, I try my best to never only half-notice my family members any more. Kevin and I have a closer relationship now. And sometimes when one of us notices that the other is upset, we'll smile and say "Write it on a paper cup." ,. Why did Kevin stay inside the bathroom alone crying? Friends around the word The sun shines on new friends in new places. Some of the places are similar to the places where you live and some are not. But all of these friends love to sing and play. A Friend in Korea Hi, I'm Chang--Yong, and I'm 15 year old. My family lives in an apartment in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The spring here is warm and beautiful. On special days, I dress in a silk jacket called Hanbok. A Friend in Australia Hi, John is my name. I'm an Aboriginal Australian, Aborigines have lived in Australia for many years. I live with our mother in the country. My favorite season is autumn. It's cool. We often wear T--shirts. A Friend in Tanzania Hello, my name is Manka, and I live in Tanzania. It's always hot here. Most of us live in wooden huts with grass roofs. My father takes care of the cattle. Cattle are very important for us. A Friend in Canada Hi, I am called Kipanik . We live in northern Canada .near the North Pole. It is snowy and cold most of the time here. So I often wear a heavy coat. My family often uses a dog sled to travel through areas covered with snow. Most of people in Tanzania live in _ . "It was amazing, just impressive," Holly Budge, a 29-year-old British woman, said after making a safe landing at a spot 12,350 feet (3,765 meters) above sea level -- the highest "drop zone" achieved by a parachutist . "We had one minute of freefall and while we were above the clouds you could see Everest and the other high mountains popping out of the top," she said. Ms Budge and her two fellow daredevils, Wendy Smith, from New Zealand, and Neil Jones, from Canada, jumped out of an aircraft at about 29,500 feet, just higher than the peak of the world's highest mountain. They fell at speeds reaching 140mph, past the highest ridges of the snow-covering Himalayas, before each released a parachute . The jumpers wore oxygen masks to keep their lungs working as they fell. Wearing neoprene underwear was compulsory -- to prevent them from being frozen to death. The adventure, advertised by its organizers as "a feast for those who seek to stimulate all their senses to the full", appeared to have lived up to its billing. "I had never seen so many mountains before," Ms Smith said. "To be on top of the world was simply stunning ." The expedition also offered a way by which to celebrate her 30th birthday later this month, she said. Besides, her jump raised funds for charities in Britain and Nepal, including more than PS10,000 for the Hampshire Autistic Society. In the next few days the feat will be repeated by about 30 others, weather permitting. Each has paid at least PS12,675 to High and Wild, the British adventure travel company behind the project. Ms Budge said: "It was worth the money. It is something that has never been done before." Which of the following must the skydivers make sure of according to the passage? In the 1950s, a family that owned a farm near Beulah, Michigan kept a bull chained to an elm . The bull paced around the tree, dragging the heavy iron chain, which led to a groove in the bark . The groove deepened over the years. Though for whatever reason, it did not kill the tree. After some years, the family took their bull away. They cut the chain, leaving the loop around the tree and one link hanging down. Then one year, agricultural disaster struck Michigan in the form of Dutch Elm Disease. All of the elms lining the road leading to the farm became infected and died. Everyone thought that the old elm would be the next. The farm owners considered doing the safe thing: pulling it out and cutting it up into firewood before it died. But they simply could not bring themselves to do it. It was as if the old tree had become a family friend. So they decided to let nature take its course. Amazingly, the tree did not die. Nobody could understand why it was the only elm still standing in the county! Plant experts from Michigan State University came out to observe the tree. They observed the scar left by the iron chain, now almost completely covered by bark. The experts decided that it was the chain that saved the elm's life. They reasoned that the tree must have absorbed so much iron from the chain that it became immune to the virus. It's said that what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. Or, as Earnest Hemingway put it, "Life breaks us all, but afterwards, many of us are strongest at the broken places." Which of the following statements is TRUE? In 1955, Walt Disney himself opened the first Disney Park in Los Angeles, the USA. Later Disney World was opened in Florida in 1971. It cost between $500 and $600 million to build. Tokyo Disney Park opened in Japan in 1983, and Europe Disney opened in France in 1992. Now Hong Kong is going to build a Disney Park and it will be open in 2005. More than 80% of Hong Kong's population would like to visit the Disney Park when it is opened. But about half of them thought the adult admission fee , of between HK $250 to HK $300 (US $32 to US $38), was too high. The children's admission fee is not known yet. But children may not mind paying any entrance fee. "If I start saving money now, I'll have enough money to pay the entrance fee in five years' time." Said Chan Posang, a 12-year-old girl. " I can't take my son to the Disney Park in the USA." Said Mrs Yu, mother of a small boy, "That's why I agree with the government's plan to build one here. There I'll be able to take my son there. The admission fee of several hundred dollars is nothing compared with (......)the price of an air ticket to the USA." How many Disney Parks will there be in Asia by the year 2005?
Question: The Big Brother in the novel 1984 listens to everything and nothing can escape his ears . Now in reality , we have Facebook . The social media giant has never denied that it's keeping track of conversations you have near your phone ( if the Facebook app is open , that is ) , but not , one expert has told NBC that Mark Zuckerberg's empire may be keeping ears on you at a more regular basis . According to Professor Kelli Burns , who teaches mass communication at the University of South Florida , it may be listening more often than it lets on . To prove her point , Burns turned on the microphone feature on her phone , and said , " I'm really interested in going on an African journey . I think it'd be wonderful to ride in one of those jeeps . " Less than a minute later , when she checked her Facebook page , she was met by a story about a journey - the first post on her newsfeed . There was also a car ad on her page . While Facebook says that it's only keeping its ears open to help " identify the music you're listening to and TV matches you're watching , " Burns' little experiment suggests that there may be other motivations at play as well . But the social media company has denied claims that it records any conversations , and told The Independent , " Facebook does not use microphone audio to inform advertising or News Feed stories in any way . Businesses are able to serve related ads based on people's interests and other statistic information , but not through audio collection . " Whether you believe this statement or not , there are ways to stop Facebook from listening in at all . Simply turn off your phone's microphone by heading over into Settings ( if you're an iPhone user ) , going to the Privacy tab , then clicking on Microphone . From there , you can remove Facebook's mic privileges , and probably , stop the company from hearing your conversations . On Android , you can also go to Privacy under the Settings tab , and change Facebook's permissions . So the next time you're chatting with your friends about your summer vacation plans , keep an eye on your Facebook feed . There may be more participants in your conversation than you realize . What might Facebook do if it is turned on ? A. Chat with you like a real friend . B. Turn on your phone's microphone . C. Identify the movie you are watching . D. Show ads based on your conversation . Answer: D Question: A horse barn fire A. damages only the pastures B. would be easy to handle C. damages the structure and animals trapped inside D. would cause very few issues Answer: C Question: When I was a child, I often dreamed of the time when I could leave home and escape to the city. We lived on a farm and, in the winter especially, we were quite cut off from the outside world. As soon as I left school, I packed my bags and moved to the capital. However, I soon discovered that city life has its problems too. One big disadvantage is money---it costs so much to go out, not to mention basics like food and housing. Another disadvantage is pollution. I suffer from asthma , and at times the air is so bad that I am afraid to go outside. Then there is the problem of travelling round. Although I have a car, I seldom use it because of the traffic jams. One choice is to go by bicycle, but that can be quite dangerous. Of course there are advantages. First, there is so much to do in the city, whatever your tastes in culture or entertainment. Besides, there are wonderful jobs and greater chances of moving to a more important job or position. Finally, if you like shopping, the variety of goods is very surprising---and, what is more, shops are often only a short walk away. Is life better then, in the city? Perhaps it is, when you are in your teens or twenties. However, as you get older, and especially if you have small children, the peace of the countryside may seem better. I certainly hope to move back there soon. In the passage, the writer tries to _ . A. express his opinions about way of life B. describe his life in the countryside C. show an interest in the outside world D. ask the reader to live in the city Answer: A Question: Bob has a good friend, Caesar. He is a brown dog. He is not very old. Bob gets him from Mr. Mason. One day Bob's father, mother and Bob go to the Mason's farm for lunch. After lunch, Mr. Mason says, "I'm going to a big city. So I can't take him there. You can't have a young dog in a big city." " Let me have him, Mr. Mason. He knows me well and we have no dog, " Mr. Mason looks at Bob's mother and father. "Please , Mother, let me have him," says Bob. "Ask your father," says she. "Please, Dad?" "Yes, you can have him." "Thank you, dear dad. Thanks, Mr. Mason. Come here, Caesar." "See! The dog is his now," says Mr. Mason. Mr. Mason wants to _ . A. take the dog to a big city B. give Bob the dog C. leave home with the dog D. sell the dog Answer: B Question: "Life is speeding up . Everyone is getting unwell." This may sound like something someone would say today. But in fact, an unknown person wrote it. Inventions can change our lives. But have all these things really improved our lives? Imagine this. You're doing your homework on the computer. Your mobile phone rings and the noise from the television is getting louder and louder. Suddenly the computer is turned off and you lose all your work. How do you feel? Inventions have speeded up our lives, but they often leave us feeling tired. One family in England went "back in time" to see what life was like without these inventions. The grandparents, with their daughter and grandsons Ben 10 and Tom 7, spent nine weeks in an old house. They had no computers or mobile phones. The grandmother, Linda, said, "The more things you have, the harder life becomes." And Ben also noticed that his grandmother had changed. She cooked delicious food for them! ,. The family chose to spend some time in an old house because _ . A. they loved to live simple lives B. they wanted to know how people lived without modern inventions C. they were troubled by modern inventions D. living in a different way would be fun for them Answer: D
You'd be forgiven for thinking that running after children each day would leave parents in the best shape of their lives.But a study has found that the mothers and fathers of young children are more unhealthy than their childless peers . Mothers with young children are heavier and eat more calories and fatty foods,and consume more sugary dinks than chidless women,scientists said.And both sexes are less active than those in their age group without children. Parents often choose quick,easily preparesd foods that are high in fat and calories,and by choosing these foods they may in turn serve them to their children,forming a cycle of unhealthy diet. Dr.Berge,one of the study authors,said:"This isn't a study about blame,this is about spotting a very high-risk time period for parents that doctors should be aware of ,so they can offer solutions ." According to the study ,mothers ate more fatty foods and drank about seven sugary drinks weekly,equal to about four chidless women.They also had an average of 2,360 calories daily,368 calories more than women without children,With that many calorise,women that age would need to be active to avoid to avoid gaining weight. Fathers ate about the same amount of daily calories childless men and both had an average boby-mass index ,but fathersgot less physical activity--about five hours weekly ,compared to almost seven hours among chidless men. The study has several limitations-there's no data on how many women reccently had babies.Ther's also no information on the number of single parents,who likely face diet and exercise challenges.Sarah Kriger,an American dietician who works with new mothers said some of the mothers may have had postpartum depression,which might affect their eating and exercise habits. Which of the following is NOT mentioned about mothers with children? Answer: They may lose their jobs aftre having babies The year is 2094. It has been announced that a comet is heading towards the Earth. Most of it will miss our planet, but two pieces will probably hit the southern half of the Earth. On 17 July, a piece four kilometers wide enters the Earth's atmosphere with a massive explosion. About half of the piece is destroyed, but the remaining part hits the South Atlantic at 200 times the speed of sound. The sea boils and a huge hole is made in the sea bed. Huge waves are created and spread outwards from the hole. The wall of water, a kilometer high, rushes towards southern Africa at 800 kilometers an hour. Cities on the African coast are totally destroyed and millions of people are drowned. Before the waves reach South America, the second piece of the comet lands in Argentina. Earthquakes and volcanoes are set off in the Andes Mountains. The shock waves move north into California and all around the Pacific Ocean. The cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo are completely destroyed by earthquakes. Millions of people in the southern half of the earth are already dead, but the north won't escape for long. Because of the explosions, the sun is hidden by clouds of dust, temperatures around the world fall to almost zero. Crops are ruined. The sun won't be seen again for many years. Wars break out as countries fight for food. A year later, no more than 10 million people remain alive. Could it really happen? Will we meet the same end? Why can't the northern half of the earth escape for long? Answer: Because the light and heat from the sun can not reach the earth. The five Shakespeare Houses in and around Stratford - upon - Avon offer you an authentic experience of the prefix = st1 /Stratfordworld in which the famous dramatist was born, lived and died. Intimately connected with William Shakespeare or his immediate family, these original houses are now owned and cared for by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. OPENING TIMES September - May Mon - Sat : 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday: 10:30 am - 4:00 pm June - August Mon - Sat : 9:00am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:30am - 5:00 pm BEST VALUE TICKETS THE THREE IN - TOWN SHAKESPEARE HOUSES Adult PS8.50 ChildPS4.20 FamilyPS20.00 ALL FIVE SHAKESPEARE HOUSES Adult PS12.00 ChildPS6.00 FamilyPS29.00 CHILDREN AND STUDENTS TICKETS Under 5: Free Between 5&16: Child rate 17 and over: Adult rate 17 and over and in secondary education: Family ticket GROUP VISITS Groups of 20 or more visitors qualify for a 10% discount on ticket prices. For more information telephone 01789 201806 or 201836. SPECIAL VISITS The Houses are open out of hours by special arrangement. They offer a unique setting for functions, dinners, receptions and other events. For more information telephone 01789 201808. EDUCATION GROUPS We welcome visits by organized groups. One member of staff is admitted free with every 10 pupils or students. Additional adults and helpers will be charged at the adult rate. Pupils of primary and secondary schools will be charged at the child rate (valid student ID may be requested). Education groups of 20 or more visitors also qualify for a 10% discount on admissions. For more information telephone 0178 201806 or 201836. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT The Education Department at the Trust organizes many special projects, day schools, courses and lectures. If you would like further information telephone 01789 201805. If you are a British travel agent, most probably you will call_to know more about group visits. Answer: 201806 Running Man is a variety show which is aired in SBS, a famous South Korean TV channel. The show broadcasts on Sunday every week. The translation can be watched on the Internet every Monday. It's very interesting and funny. In the program, everyone should keep running. Here are some information of its hosts and hostess. Liu Zaishi, the main host of the show, is known as National Moderator(,). His friendly, witty and lovely hosting style makes him become one of the most popular hosts and comedians in South Korean. Jin Zhongguo, the strongest man on the show, is known as Sparta-kooks . During the race, he can capture others quickly. But sometimes, he can be very cute. Song Zhixiao, the beautiful actress who is also called Mong Zhi, where "mong" means "confused", because of her facial expressions which makes her seem confused. During the race mission, she is ace because of her superior ability to capture. Young people in Korea love the program very much. Why? Because some South Korean stars will be invited to take part in the race every week . They are divided into several teams with MCs. Many stars have participated in the program, for example, Li Minhao, Girls'Generation , Jin Xiuxian etc. What's more, the program is not only relaxing but also educational--- It teaches people the importance of team spirit. What should everyone do in the program? Answer: Everyone should keep running. Aluminum is an element. Which of the following best describes the smallest particle of aluminum that retains all the properties of aluminum? Answer: an atom
What is the definition of "happiness?" Is it material wealth filled with fancy cars, a dream house or jewelry? Or does happiness simply mean having a roof over your head? Food in the fridge? Having a swimming pool? A designer Gucci bag? Love? Money? A perfect job? Do you recall a time----let's say when you were about 5 years old-----what defined happiness back then? Was it getting a puppy for Christmas? Or maybe, you were a child of divorce; and all you wanted was for Mom and Dad to get back together again? Then as you got older, you were hoping that someone would ask you to the party that would have made your day. During college, good grades made you happy, but it was short-lived. Because in the real world, you had to look for a job, and competition was fierce. But then, you got a perfect job, could you be happy? We like having and accumulating things. We work so we can pay our rents, credit card debts, school loans, car payments... The list goes on and on. And at some point, we realize that apart from having most of what we want, we still aren't happy. Now since we've learned to adapt to new standards which we've created for ourselves, we find that we have less time, less patience, less sleep, which leads to more stress and more anxiety. Therefore, don't stupidly make a conclusion that happiness is just based on "things". Sometimes, we trade our lives for not only basic necessities, but for excessive items and services as well. Certainly, you've heard of individuals trying to "find themselves", or to "rediscover themselves". But the point has been missed: happiness is already there. Disappointments and tragedies in life will come and go, but happiness never leaves you. We can lose our jobs, but be grateful for those who love us. We can lose our homes to nature, but be thankful to be alive. If we think we are happy, we are indeed happy. Happiness is merely a perception of each individual. Happiness is part of love, and love is an ocean. Go dive in and get some, and then share it with everyone, which can be an endless supply. But sharing happiness with people around demands skilful techniques. Individuals trying to "rediscover themselves " fail to realize that _ . A they haven't got lost in the material life B each individual has different opinions on happiness C there has existed something worth making them happy D it is not necessary for them to bear heavy financial burden Answer: C Recently,I came across an interesting article on the differences between British English and American English. I had a lot of fun reading it and thinking of as many differences as I could as an American. Their cars have "bonnets ", while ourselves have "hoods". They park their cars in a "car park" while we leave ours in a "parking lot". Our "cookies" are their "biscuits", while their "rubbers" are our "erasers". Then there are the food words. Would you want to eat something called "Toad in the Hole" or "Bangers and Mash" or "Spotted Dick"? I'm here to report they are all very tasty. There are American equivalents ,of course. We've got "Shoofly Pie", "Chicken Fried Steak" and "Mississippi Mud Pie". What they call "crisps" is what we call "potato chips" and when we ask for "chips" in England we will get what we know at home in America as "French fries". They find it _ that we call the "toilet" the "bathroom" and they really double over with laughter when we ask for the "restroom". American ladies in England who ask for the "little girl's room" or the "powder room" will be met with blank stares. A "fag" is a "cigarette" in the UK, which can lead to endless confusion for British visitors looking for a cigarette in America. Americans on the other hand are endlessly confused by English signs put up over doorways saying "Way Out". We Americans walk on the sidewalk not the pavement. "Pavement" in America is the actual cement the sidewalk is made of. It would be difficult for British people to look for a cigarette in America because _ . A American people don't like giving others cigarette B it is not allowed to smoke in public in America C Americans don't know a "fag" means a "cigarette? D American people don't smoke often Answer: C Providing small classes for at least several grades starting in early primary school gives students the best chance to succeed in late grades, according to groundbreaking new research from a Michigan State University scholar. The research by Spyros Konstantopoulos, a professor of education, is the first to examine the effects of class size over a period and for all levels of students. The study appears in the American Journal of Education. He is also a member of a group for the Department of Education's Instiute of Education Sciences that will give official advice on class size to the states. He said the advice will mirror his research: the best plan is to provide continuous small classes(13 to 17 students) for at least several years starting in kindergarten or first grade. "For a logn time states thought they could just do it in kindergarten or first grade for one year and get the benefits," He said. "I don't believe that. I think you need at least a few years in a row where all students, and especially low-achievers, receive the treatment, and then you see the benefits later." His research used data from the Project Star study in Tennessee that analyzed the effects of class size on more than 11,000 students in primary and middle school. He found that students who had been in small classes from kindergarten through third grade had actually higher test scores in grades four through eight than students who been in larger classes early on. Students from all achievement levels benefited from small classes, the research found. "But low-achievers benefited the most, which narrowed the achievement gap with high -achievers in science, reading and math, " he said. Although the study didn't consider classroom practices, he said the reason for the narrowing gap is likely due to low-achieving students receiving more attention from teachers. " _ is especially important in poorer schools because teacher effectiveness matters more in schools with more disadvantaged and low-performing students, " he said. What can we infer from the passage? A High achievers will not benefit from small classes. B Continuous small classes have not been widely accepted. C Low-achievers should be separated from high-achievers. D Teachers' attention matters less than classroom practices. Answer: B What causes a person to have blue eyes? A eating foods high in protein at a young age B having a brother or sister with blue eyes C being overexposed to the Sun at a young age D receiving a gene for blue eyes from each parent Answer: D They say that sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Yet childhood bullying really can damage your long-term health. Gone are the days when bullying was considered an unavoidable and finally harmless part of growing up -- just last month we learned that childhood bullying can lead to poorer mental health even into middle age. Now William Copeland at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and his colleagues have shown that it can have lasting physiological effects too. They tracked 1,420 nine-year-olds right through their teens. Each child was seen up to nine times during the study and asked about bullying. The team then measured levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in their blood. CRP is a marker of inflammation linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease and problems like diabetes. "Because we were collecting biological samples throughout, we were able to look at CRP levels in subjects _ their bullying involvement." says Copeland. "This really gives us an idea of the changes bullying brings about." Although CRP levels naturally rise in everyone during adolescence, levels were highest in children who reported suffering from bullies. Even at the ages of 19 and 21, children who had once been bullied had CRP levels about 1.4 times higher than peers who were neither wrongdoers nor victims. In a cruel twist, the bullies had the lowest levels of all, suggesting they didn't suffer the same health risks. They may even see a benefit from their behavior, though Copeland stresses it doesn't defend their actions. "The goal would instead be to find other ways to produce this protective effect without it being at someone else's expense." he says. Andrea Danese at King's College London has before shown that ill-treatment during childhood can lead to high levels of inflammation in adult life. "This new study is a helpful addition in showing that these effects extend to another important childhood stressor." he says. He suggests that care workers monitor levels of CRP in children having psychotherapy to see if it is helping to reduce the stress of being bullied. What does Andrea Danese think about childhood ill-treatment? A Copeland's study shows nothing related to it. B It doesn't have much to do with inflammation in adult life. C The stress of being bullied is reduced through psychotherapy. D Psychological treatment might help solve the problem caused by ill-treatment. Answer: D
There are an extremely large number of antsworldwide. Each individual ant hardly weigh anything, but put together they weigh roughly the same as all of mankind. They also live nearly everywhere, except on frozen mountain tops and around the poles.Foranimals their size, ants have been astonishingly successful, largely due to their wonderfulsocial behavior. In colonies that range in size from a few hundred to tens of millions, they organize their lives with a clear division of labor. Even more amazing is how they achievethis level of organization. Where we use sound and sight to communicate, ants dependprimarily on pheromone , chemicals sent out by individuals and smelled or tastedby fellow members of their colony. When an ant finds food, it produces a pheromone that will lead others straight to where the food is. When an individual ant comes under attack or is dying, it sends out an alarm pheromone to warn the colony to prepare for a conflict as a defense unit. In fact, when it comes to the art of war, ants have no equal. They are completely fearless and will readily take on a creature much larger than themselves, attacking in large groups and overcoming their target. Such is their devotion to the common good of the colony that not only soldier ants but also worker ants will sacrifice their lives to help defeat an enemy. Behaving in this selfless and devoted manner, these little creatures have survived on Earth, for more than 140 million years, far longer than dinosaurs. Because they think as one, they have a collective intelligence greater than you would expect from itsindividual parts. Ants can use pheromones for _ . Answer: Down by the salley gardens Down by the salley gardens my love and I did meet; She passed the salley gardens with little snow-white feet. She bid me take love easy, as the leaves grow on the tree; But I, being young and foolish, with her would not agree. In a field by the river my love and I did stand, And on my leaning shoulder she laid her snow-white _ . She bid me take life easy, as the grass grows on the weirs; But I was young and foolish, and now am full of tears. The writer wants to tell us that _ . Answer: A setting of a story acts as a photographic backdrop to your plot and interacts with the characters. And the following are the elements that make a setting: Time is the starting point of your setting. You develop your story and combine characters with respect to your chosen time period. Likewise, your story could evolve from a specific time of the day. A locale, in other words, is the clothing of your story. This could be just about any place you have heard of or created. What follows your locales is the architecture of the place -- for example, if your character is born in a Victorian-style house then you will need to add in details like color1ed brickwork or a fireplace to go with your character. Atmosphere has got to do with the climatic influences in your story. This could mean the heavy rain, mild wind or big earthquakes. Wrapping your story with weather details is a safe way of lightening the mood of your story. Geography of a place, again, helps to set the tone and mood of your story. It could be mushy lowlands, strange forests, steep mountains, lifeless rivers, dead lakes, a snow-covered house in Switzerland. Your description of the geography is an important element of the setting. Likewise, your geographic setting could also involve imagery of ports, farms, temples, yards, etc. that will interact with your plot and characters. Your cultural setting greatly helps with your character. The social practices, religious beliefs, political situations of a particular time, cultural trends, tradition, history, cuisine, clothing, music, etc.are some of the cultural factors that you can use to lead your characters through a complex plot or to give a direction to the characters to advance the story. The characters you create are affected by these cultural factors as well as act as their guiding factor throughout the story. Senses are extremely vital as they not just add more belief to your story, but also help to bring memories of the reader. Imagine being wakened by the sweet of freshly-cut grass on a summer morning, or sitting by the side of a fireplace while the logs crepitate , or enjoying Belgian chocolate, or watching the rolling golden reflections of water on cave walls, or moving one's fingers tenderly through someone's thick hair; these sensory descriptions make sure they make your readers more curious. While you can add many layers to your story through the setting elements above, there are chances that you will most likely lose the sight of the plot as a whole. Therefore, you must know what color1s are appropriate for your imagery, as overloading your painting with too many color1s will make you lose your sense of thesubjectand of your readers as well. What contribute a lot to the mood of a story according to the passage? Answer: After a busy day of work and play, the body needs to rest. Sleep is necessary for good health. During this time, the body recovers from the activities of the previous day. The rest that you get while sleeping enables your body to prepare itself for the next day. There are four levels of sleep, each being a little deeper than the one before. As you sleep, your muscles relax little by little. Your heart beats more slowly, and your brain slows down. After you reach the fourth level, your body shifts back and forth from one level of sleep to the other. Although your mind slows down, from time to time you will dream. Scientists who study sleep state that when dreaming occurs, your eyeballs begin to move more quickly (Although your eyelids are closed). This stage of sleep is called REM, which stands for rapid eye movement. If you have trouble falling asleep, some people recommend breathing very deeply. Other people believe that drinking warm milk will help make you _ There is also an old suggestion the counting sheep will put you to sleep! This passage suggests that not getting enough sleep might make you _ . Answer: Lee Kuan Yew emerged onto the international stage as the founding father of the state of Singapore, then a city of about 1 million. He developed into a world statesman who acted as a kind of conscience to leaders around the globe. Fate initially seemed not to have provided him with a stage on which to achieve more than modest local success. In the first phase of decolonization, Singapore emerged as a part of Malaya. It was cut loose because of tensions between Singapore's largely Chinese population and the Malay majority and, above all, to teach the city a lesson of dependency, _ But great men become such through visions beyond material calculations. Lee challenged conventional wisdom by opting for statehood. The choice reflected a deep faith in the virtues of his people. He asserted that a city located on a sandbar with no economic resource to draw upon, and whose major industry as a colonial naval base had disappeared, could nevertheless thrive and achieve international reputation by building on its principal asset : the intelligence, industry and dedication of its people. A great leader takes his or her society from where it is to where it has never been ---- indeed, where it as yet cannot imagine being. By insisting on quality education, by suppressing corruption and by basing governance on merit. Lee and his colleagues raised the annual per capita income of their population from $500 at the time of independence in 1965 to roughly $55,000 today. In a generation, Singapore became an international financial center., the leading intellectual metropolis of Southeast Asia, the location of the region's major hospitals and a favored site for conferences on international affairs. It did so by adhering to an extraordinary pragmatism: by opening careers to the best talents and encouraging them to adopt the best practices from all over the world.. Superior performance was one component of that achievement. Superior leadership was even more important. As the decades went by, it was moving ---- and inspirational ---- to see Lee., the mayor of a medium-size city, become a mentor of global strategic order. The great tragedy of Lee's life was that his beloved wife was felled by a stroke that left her a prisoner in her body, unable to communicate or receive communication. Through all that time, Lee sat by her bedside in the evening reading to her. He had faith that she understood despite the evidence to the contrary. Perhaps this was Lee Kuan Yew's role in his era. He had the same hope for our world. He fought for its better instincts even when the evidence was ambiguous. But many of us heard him and will never forget him. Why did Lee Kuan Yew choose to lead Singapore to be independent? Answer:
Which system absorbs and carries food from the digestive system to the rest of the body? Answer: circulatory system In my thirty years as a Time Management speaker, I have observed a lot of what we can and should not do to increase our daily success. Time management is not necessarily working harder, but quicker and more smartly. Sometimes our mistakes will keep us from running at a full pace. Here are the top four Time Management mistakes we should all avoid to help us to increase our daily success. a. Start your day without a plan of action in the morning. If so, you will have worked hard but may not have done enough of right things. Time Management is not doing the wrong things. b. Work with a messy desk or work area. Studies have shown that the person who works with a messy desk spends one and a half hours per day looking for things. If you have ever visited the office of a top manager who is working with a clean desk, you will find that the manager works efficiently . c. Don't get enough sleep. Studies show that nearly 75% of the people around us complain about not having enough sleep, and then throughout their days they are tired. For most people, they get the quantity of sleep, but they lack the quality of sleep. Their days are filled with so much stress; they are out of control, working harder but maybe not more smartly, so it's difficult for them to get a full night's sleep. d. Don't take a lunch break. Many do not take a lunch break, working through that period in the hope that it will give them more time to increase their success. Studies have shown that it may have the opposite effect. After doing what we do for several hours, we start to feel tired. A lunch break, even short, gives us a chance to get our energy back again. According to the passage, if you want to increase daily success, you'd better _ . Answer: work with a clean desk For some time past,it has been widely accepted that babies--and other creatures--learn to do things because certain acts lead to "rewards ",and there is no reason to doubt that this is true. But it used also to be widely believed that effective rewards, at least in the early time, had to be directly connected to such basic physiological "drives" as thirst or hunger. In other words, a baby would learn if he got food or drink or some sort of physical comfort, not otherwise. It is now clear that this is not so. Babies will learn to behave in ways that produce results in the world with no reward except success in sight. Papousek began his studies by using milk in the normal way to "reward" the babies and to teach them to carry out some simple movements, such as turning the head to one side or the other.Then he noticed that a baby who had had enough to drink would refuse the milk but would still go on making the learned response with clear signs of pleasure. So he began to study the children's responses in situations where no milk was provided. He quickly found that children as young as four months would learn to turn their heads to right or left if the movement "turned on" some lights--and indeed that they were able to learn some more turns to bring about this result,for example,two left or two right,or even to make as many as three turns to one side. Papousek's light experiment was placed directly in front of the babies and he made the interesting observation that sometimes they would not turn back to watch the light closely although they would "smile and speak" when the light was on.Papousek concluded that it was not the sight of the lights which pleased them.It was the success they were achieving in solving the problem,in mastering the skill,and then there is a basic human nature to make sense of the world and bring it under control. Papousek noticed in his studies that a baby _ . Answer: would continue the simple movements without being given milk You can eventually obtain water from a lake even if it's Answer: frozen In the middle of the first term of school, the entire seventh grade was tested for basic skills. Steve hurried through his tests, and continued to dream of other things. His heart was not in school, but in the woods. One day, Miss White's impatient voice broke into his daydreams. "Steve! Pay attention!" Steve turned to look at her, fixing his eyes on Miss White, as she began to go over the test results for the seventh grade. "You all did pretty well," she told the class, "except for one boy, and it breaks my heart to tell you this, but..." She hesitated, her eyes searching his face. "...The smartest boy in the seventh grade is failing my class!" She just stared at Steve. Steve dropped his eyes. After that, it was war! Steve still wouldn't do his homework. Even as the punishments became more severe, he remained _ "Just try it! ONE WEEK!" He was unmoved. "You're smart enough! You'll see a change!" Nothing touched him. "Give yourself a chance! Don't give up on your life!" Nothing. "Steve! Please! I care about you!" Wow! Suddenly, Steve got it! Someone cared about him? Steve went home from school, thoughtful, that afternoon. Walking into the house, both parents were out. He, quickly, gathered up a jar of peanut butter, a loaf of bread, a bottle of water, and this time...his schoolbooks. The following Monday he arrived at school on time, and he waited for Miss White to enter the classroom. She walked in, all smiles! God, she was beautiful! Miss White, immediately, gave a quiz on the weekend homework. Steve hurried through the test and was the first to hand in his paper. With a look of surprise, Miss White took his paper. Obviously puzzled, she began to look it over. Miss White's face was in total shock! The smartest boy in the seventh grade had just passed his first test! From that moment nothing was the same for Steve. Life at home remained the same, but life still changed. He discovered that not only could he learn, but he was good at it! He discovered that he could understand knowledge and translate the things he learned into his own life. Steve began to go ahead! Steve used to be bad at his lessons because _ . Answer: he hadn't put his heart into his studies
Mark Twain's First Money Mark Twain was asked one day if he could remember the first money he ever earned. He thought a long time and then said , "Yes, it was at school.I can remember everything about it .School boys in those days did not take good care of their chairs and desks.There was a rule in our school that if anyone damaged his desk or chair, he would have to pay five dollars or the teacher would beat him in front of the whole school." "One day I damaged my desk in some way, I had to pay five dollars or be beaten before the whole school.My father said it would be too bad to have our family disgraced in front of the whole school.He agreed to give me five dollars to hand over the teacher.But before he gave me the money, he took me upstairs and gave me a beating." "But as I had one beating and I decided I would take another beating at school and keep the five dollars.So that's what I did.That was the first money I ever earned." Mark Twain's father _ . Answer: Are you a saver or a spender? "A penny saved is a penny earned." This old saying calls attention to the wisdom of saving money. " _ " is another way to talk about saving for the future. People who hate to spend money are known as "tightwads," while those who like to get the most value for their money are called "thrifty." A thrifty person is different from a "spendthrift." A spendthrift is someone who spends wastefully. People like that are often said to spend money "like a drunken sailor" or "like there's no tomorrow." In the United States, people who want to start a savings account have different choices of where to put their money. These include banks and credit unions. Credit unions are cooperatives for people who have some kind of connection. For example, the members might work for a university or a government agency. Most credit unions are nonprofit organizations. Credit unions, banks and other financial institutions pay interest on savings accounts. But the interest rates are low. Certificates of deposit pay higher returns. With a certificate of deposit, or CD, a person agrees not to withdraw the money for a certain period of time. This term could be anywhere from a few months to several years. Longer terms, and larger amounts, pay higher interest. People can withdraw their money early but they have to pay a fine. In a number of countries, people have been saving less over the years. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is a group of thirty-four countries. The OECD says in 1990, Americans had a household savings rate of seven percent. This year, that rate is expected to be a little more than four percent and many European countries have higher rates like the UK and France , but Americans save more than families in countries like Japan and South Korea. If you have $10,000, which of the following may help you get higher interest ? Answer: Consuming from an aluminium container, a human is likely enjoying Answer: We live in a culture that sends out very mixed messages about mistakes: We're told we learn by making them, but we work hard to avoid them. So the result is that most of us know that we are going to make mistakes, but deep down, we feel we shouldn't. Experiments with schoolchildren who did well on a given test show that those who were praised for being smart and then offered a more challenging or less challenging task afterward usually chose the easier one. On the other hand, children praised for trying hard-- rather than being smart--far more often selected the more difficult task. If we try hard to avoid mistakes, we aren't open to getting the information we need in order to do better. In a writing study, experiments showed that those who are so scared to make mistakes perform worse in writing tasks than those who aren't as worried about being perfect. They fear receiving any kind of negative feedback, so they don't learn where they went wrong and how to get better. We don't just learn more when we're open to mistakes, we learn deeper. Research tells us that if we're only concerned about getting the right answer, we don't always learn the underlying concepts that help us truly understand whatever we're trying to figure out. Mistakes need to be seen not as a failure to learn, but as a guide to what still needs to be learned. As Thomas Edison said, "I am not discouraged, because every abandoned wrong attempt is another step forward." Furthermore, we often make mistakes because we try new things--we wander away from accepted paths. Teflon, penicillin--these are examples of great discoveries made by mistake. Take a page from Albert Einstein, who said, "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. " What's the main idea of the passage? Answer: 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. The best title of this passage is _ . Answer:
Paris in 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 everyone with prices at just PS 129. It's of great value too. Your break begins with executive coach transfer from a regional pick-up point and you travel to Paris via cross-channel ferry and arrive at your hotel in the evening. The Ibis is an excellent quality hotel with private facilities in all rooms: a satellite TV, a radio, a telephone and ban alarm clock. The following day, after a continental breakfast (included), the coach 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 for your leisure. In the evening there is a "Paris By Night" tour that shows you the beautiful buildings with bright lights. Day three takes you to Montmartre, perhaps the most charming 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. In the evening you will have the opportunity to visit the best nightclub in the city. On the final day it's time to go back to the UK via channel ferry. Included in the price of PS129 per person are the following: Return executive coach travel to Paris Return ferry crossings * 3 nights accommodation in a two-bed 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 Palace of Versailles (admission not included) * Tour on Montmartre * Services of an experienced tour guide at all times During the stay in Paris, the tourists will Answer: have half a day free on the third day An increase in students applying to study economics at university is being attributed to the global economic crisis awakening a public thirst for knowledge about how the financial system works. Applications for degree courses beginning this autumn were up by 15% this January, according to UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. A spokesman for the Royal Economic Society said applications to do economics at A-level were also up. Professor John Beath, the president of the society and a leading lecture at St Andrews University, said his first-year lectures which are open to students from all departments--were drawing crowds of 400, rather than the usual 250. "There are a large number of students who are not economics majors, who would like to learn something about it. One of the things I have done this year is to relate my teaching to contemporary events in a way that one hasn't traditionally done. " He added. University applications rose 70% last year. But there were rises above average in several subjects. Nursing saw a 15% jump, with people's renewed interest in careers in the pubic sector , which are seen as more secure in economic crisis. A recent study showed almost two thirds of parents believed schools should do more to teach pupils about financial matters, and almost half said their children had asked them what was going on, although a minority of parents felt they did not understand it themselves well enough to explain. Zack Hocking, the head of Child Trust Funds, said: "It's possible that one good thing to arise from the downturn will be a generation that's financially wiser and betterequipped(...) to manage their money through times of economic uncertainty." Careers in the public sector are more attractive because of their _ . Answer: greater stability What is the main testing ground of fears about incomplete or inadequate child reariry? The college admission process. If you are afraid you don't discipline your children enough,the evidence of parental failure is right there in front of everyone. The child is not filling out her college applications ! lf you are afraid that you have allowed your children to watch too much television and settle for low grades,you will have to answer for the consequences. The over-involvement of many parents in the process is,from my perspective,a cover for this deep parental anxiety: Did I do a good job with this child? Did I do everything I needed to do for this child? Is this child going to have a good life? I have seen manv parents,dive back into their children's lives at college admission time, trying to fill all of their wisdom and discipline into their children at the last moment. Parents may need to be sure as their children leave the nest that they reall} have taught them how to fly. Since it is impossible to assess the quality of what parents have done for their children at this point,the next best thing is the status of the colege to which the child is admitted. From the point of an anxious parent,an "Ivy l,eague college" child is proof of better child rearing than a "small college" child. I once sat with a talented,weak senior girl and her brilliant parents. She,they,and the school had to decide whether she should remam m school or go into a hospital. In light of her anorexia( ) ,the school recommended strongly that she not file her early application to Princeton. Upon hearing this,the girl looked at the adults in the room and said,"If I can't apply early to Princeton,l'll die. " Her parents were also eager to have her get into Princeton. Why did they all need this so desperately? Because,in this case,something was wrong in the family. Due to some weakness in her upbringing,this child was not happy or self-confident. Yet she was eighteen,the culture required her to leave home. The psychological solution for them all was the comforting vision of a great college. Somehow going there would make her life fine and defend her parents' child rearing. Such fears about letting go of an unfmished child exist in all families. How can we let go of a child who is still so young in so many ways? It is painful and has no cure except time and hope. For parents looking for a painkiller,the college admission process is where they can work out their anxieties. What should parents do according to the author? Answer: Prepare children for the future before they leave home. It was a wet, rainy day during the school holidays. Lily looked out of the window and thought about her parents. They were on a long holiday. They said Lily was too young to go. So Lily was staying with her Aunt Bella. Today Lily was unhappy. She was all alone --Aunt Bella was out shopping. Lily decided to go to the top floor. Maybe there was something interesting. She arrived at the top. There was an old door. Lily opened the door and walked in. The walls were changing colours. A sofa wasn't on the floor! It was in the air. Suddenly she heard a sound "Whoooosh" and after a minute she saw a boy appear . "Hi," he said. "I am the genie . Who are you?" "I'm Lily," she answered, "but you don't look like a genie." The boy looked at her. He said, "Hocuspocusinversus!" And then suddenly Lily was in the air. "OK! I believe you," she shouted. "Get me down!" "So, how many wishes do you want?" the boy said. Then she told the cool genie she was lonely. She told him about having no friends. The cool genie just nodded his head . When Lily finished her story, she felt better. The genie said, "Well, I must go now!" Then suddenly he was gone. Lily went downstairs and found a postcard from her parents. It said, "Dear Lily. Miss you, back next week, love Mom and Dad." Then the front door opened and she heard Aunt Bella arriving with her shopping. The next day Lily decided to say "Thank you" to the genie. She went to the top floor and opened the door. But there was nothing there except a dark old room with a few boxes. How did the genie make Lily believe that he was a true genie? Answer: He made Lily in the air. The Field Museum Hours Regular hours are 9:00 a.m.--5:00 p.m. , daily. Last admission at 4:00 p.m. Open every day except Christmas. Admission We have several ticket choices for you to choose from. Advance tickets may be purchased at the will- call booth in person at the museum before 4:00 p.m. Getting Here The Field Museum is located on Chicago's Museum Campus; at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, just south of Roosevelt Rd. How to get here : by car or public transit or free trolley. Parking Visitor parking in all lots on the Museum Campus is $ 15.00 per day .This includes the Adler lot, the north garage, the Waldron garage and the east museum lot. Hours for the north garage and Adler lot are 5:00 a.m.--5:00 p.m. Mon--Fri and 6:00a.m. --5:00p.m. weekends; east museum lot9:00 a.m.--3:00p.m. Designated handicapped parking is available in every lot. When all other lots are full , parking will be made available in the remote south lot for$ 8.00 per day. From Memorial Day to Labor Day , the parking lot will only accept cash payments , which will need to be paid upon entering the garage. Please note : These hours and rates are for daytime only and do not apply when special events are scheduled at the museums or Soldier Field. Getting Here During Chicago Bears Home Games During bears home games and other major special events at Soldier Field , access to the Museum Campus can be challenging. No museum visitor parking is available on the Museum Campus during bears home games. However, public transit remains a great way to get to the Campus every day of the year. For more information, call the Regional Transportation Authority at (312) 836 -- 7000 or visit www. rtachicago.com. Additional parking is available at the Monroe Street garage , located at 350 East Monroe Street. Where can you park your car for the least cost? Answer: The south lot.
Urban citizens can enjoy a more colorful life than rural citizens.Townspeople are wellinformed because they have the easier access to news,while country people are uniformed because these districts are hard to get to.Urban traffic is so welldeveloped that the residents there often visit exhibitions and parks which are only a short bus ride away. For country people this is a major operation which involves considerable planning.Shopping,a necessary activity in everyday life is more convenient in the city than in the countryside. Townspeople can buy what they want at any time of a day.But rural residents go to town at most once a week.So after shopping they always stagger home loaded with heavy purchases. As for as meals and clothes concerned,townspeople are wellfed and welldressed as there is an adequate supply of goods.But rural residents are too busy to pay particular attention to them.It is for these reasons that more and more people are moving into the city and looking for a rest there. On the contrary,some people are attracted by the rural area.Air pollution,noise and overcrowding which are the biggest problems confronting townspeople seem strange for rural residents.Medical studies have proved that rural residents can live longer than urban residents, because they are free from a polluted environment. In addition,the crime rate in the city is several times higher than in the countryside.As is known to all,the life in any city is much more expensive than in the countryside.So the safe, quiet and cheap life in the country appeals to(......)many city residents. Either an urban or a rural area gives pleasure and trouble.But,I believe,the suburban area has the excellencies of both and is superior to both.As the automobile industry develops,more and more people will make their homes in suburban areas. According to the passage,rural people are not as welldressed as urban citizens mainly because _ . they are busy with their work The street food stands are very popular in Korea . They take their name from the two kinds of hot foods they sell : Dukbokgi and Odeng . Dukbokgi is a spicy hot food made of rice cakes and some vegetables . These rice cakes are finger-shaped . They are white , and they are about ten centimeters in length . They are mixed with sliced vegetables in a pan with a spicy red dressing . Fifteen minutes later , they are ready to eat . Odeng is made of ground fish . It comes in many shapes : some are square , others are round , and still others are stick style . You can buy big or small ones . At these food stands , you can also eat Odeng , which has been boiled in a pot . It is served on a long stick so can eat it easily . The food sold at these stands is not expensive , compared to what other foods in Korea cost . Each Dukbokgi and Odeng costs about twenty to fifty cents , depending on the owner . Each food stand has its own recipes for its food ; for example , some like to add sugar or other special ingredients in the food . Usually , there is just one owner , but if the food stand is big , there may be two or three owners . When I was an elementary school student , I used to stop at street food stands every day after school to eat street food because I like it so much . Which of the following is NOT true ? Street food costs too much but is very tasty . Black is the color of power. It has the meaning of submission . It is popular in fashion because it makes people look thinner. White is the color for brides . White is considered a summer color. White is popular in fashion because it is light and goes with everything. Red is a hot and strong color. It can make the heart beat faster. It is also the color of love. Red clothes can make people look heavier. And red things get noticed more than things that are another color. The color of the sky and the ocean, blue, is one of the most popular colors. It is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and make people feel sad. Green means nature. It is the most comfortable color on the eyes and can improve vision . It is a calming color. Hospitals often use green because it can make patients relax. Yellow is the most difficult color for the eyes to take in. Yellow is the color of sunshine. It is a warm color like red. On the one hand, it is the color of happiness and joy. On the other hand, it means fear and dishonest behavior. Red is the color of _ according to the passage. love The Four Treasures In the 5th or 6th century prefix = st1 /Japanadopted the Chinese writing system. It is of no surprise then that the Japanese, being the industrious people that they are, adopted the methods and ideology of the Chinese writing system as well. As proof of the Japanese single mindedness they have stuck to this rigid style of writing for the past 1500 years. The Chinese belief that that government has its foundation in writing dedicated great importance to the Four Treasures of Writing: brush, ink, inkstone, and paper. Upon copying the Chinese bureaucratic system of government the Japanese also adopted the Chinese idea of the Four Treasures. One can trace this back to Japan's earliest records from the 8th century where the brush, ink, inkstone and paper appear as objects of adoration. The Japanese adopted those of Chinain _ ways. three Every year landslides cause 25 to 50 deaths and $2 billion in damage in the United States. And in December, a single _ killed more than 2000 people in the Philippines. Sending workers to stabilize mountainsides using steel bars can help a lot, but it introduces new difficulties because of dust and loosen heavy, dangerous debris from the work. "It's a quite dangerous job," says Giorgio Pezzuto of D' Appolonia, working with eight other companies. Now there may be an answer: a three-ton robot called Roboclimber. "The idea is to operate a machine far away that can do the stabilizing job without a human being near,"says Pezzuto, manager for the project, which is supported by a European organization. Engineers say that the machine will be faster and cheaper than manual labor. The robot, a large radio-controlled four-legged spider, has cost at least $2 million so far. It should be able to climb mountainsides, drill holes and insert steel bars there. Testing should begin in May. What does the robot look like? spider
The young turtle has been swimming for three months now in the same warm shallow bay, dreaming of calm water and plenty of food. But as the days begin to shorten and the night comes earlier and earlier, the water grows colder. It drops to fifty degrees Fahrenheit . Swimming is harder. Its heartbeat slows--and almost stops. The young turtle is in danger of losing its life. Ten days before Thanksgiving, Max Nolan, a ten-year-old boy, and his mother begin their _ . The Nolans are among volunteers who walk Cape Cod's beaches during November and December to search for turtles who are often cold and trapped and seem dead--turtles whose lives they may be able to save. Max and his mother and the other volunteers do an important job. All sea turtles are threatened or endangered. Among them Kemp's ridleys are the most endangered. Right now on our planet there are fewer than eight thousand Kemp's ridley turtles left. Max is far in front of his mother when he sees a turtle washed up by the surf. He runs up to it and shouts to his mom, "Got one!" The turtle is cold. Its eyes are open, but the turtle is not moving at all. It might be dead or still alive. Max remembers the instructions given to all the volunteers. He picks up the turtle, which weighs about five pounds, and moves it above the high-tide mark to keep it from washing out to sea. Then he runs to find seaweed to protect it from the wind. He finds a stick to mark where it is, and next, he and his mother go to the nearest telephone and call the sea-turtle hot line for help. In order to prevent the turtle from washing out to sea, Max _ . A runs to find seaweed B calls the sea-turtle hot line C finds a stick to mark where it is D moves it above the high-tide mark Answer: D Which term identifies a group of cells that work together to perform a similar function? A molecule B organ C organism D tissue Answer: D In ancient times, there was a painter. He was good at painting flowers and birds. But he never stopped practicing until he became very famous. An emperor of China also loved paintings,especially roosters . So he asked the famous painter to paint a rooster for him. He wanted the rooster to be the best among all his collections. The painter promised to do so. The emperor waited and waited for one year.,but he didn't get the picture. He couldn't waited to see the painter. He became angry and wanted to kill him. So the painter hurried into the palace with paper,paint and a brush. In five minutes, a perfect rooster was on the paper. After seeing this,the emperor became much angrier. "Since you can paint a rooster in five minutes, why did you keep me waiting for over a year?"he asked. "Your Majesty ,"said the artist. "I will let you know why.But you'll have to come with me. " he invited the emperor to his house. There, there were piles and piles of paper. On every piece of paper was a painting of a rooster. "Your Majesty ,"said the painter. "It took me more than one year to improve my painting skill in order to paint a perfect rooster for you. The painter spent _ practicing painting roosters for the emperor. A only a few months B only five minutes C more than a year D five minutes every day Answer: C The USA, New York--Whales and dolphins are facing increasing threats from climate change, according to a new report published by WWF and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS). The report "Whales in hot water?" draws attention to the growing impacts of climate change on whales.They range from changes in sea temperature and the freshening of the seawater because of the melting of ice and increased rainfalls, to a sea level rise, loss of icy polar habitats and the _ of krill populations in key areas.Krill, a tiny shrimp that is dependent on sea ice, is the main source of food for many of the great whales. The speeding up of climate change adds greatly to trouble from other human activities, such as chemical and noise pollution, which kills some 1000 whales every day. "Whales and dolphins have an ability to adapt to their changing environment," said Mark Simmonds, International Director of Science at WDCS."But the climate is now changing at such a fast pace that it is unclear to what extent whales and dolphins will be able to adjust." Climate change impacts are currently greatest in the Arctic and the Antarctic.According to the report, cetaceans that rely on polar, icy waters for their home and food resources are likely to be greatly affected by the reduction of sea ice cover. WDCS and WWF are urging governments to cut global production of C02 by at least 50 percent by the middle of this century.The latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change showed it was possible to stop global warming if the world's emissions start to decline before 2015. In what place is climate change greatest? A The Pacific Ocean B Asia. C Two polar areas. D Equator. Answer: C We all long for friendship, but how to make a friend? "The best time to make a friend is before you need one." Joy Steven said. The following are some tips for you. People equal friends Friends usually begin with strangers. Getting in touch with other people is the first step to make a friend. Friends can't be made in empty air. Best friends take time to make. Friends understand friends Friends understand each other when talking. Many unpleasant personal quarrels can be avoided if you will take the time to understand others' feelings and points of view. Friends touch friends Touching is a warm from of communication between friends. When you see best friends communicating, you will notice them stand close together, touch each other comfortably and listen to each other. Sometimes a friendly touch is more powerful than words. Friends praise friends Praise is a powerful tool to make a friend. Honest praise can affect your friends' lives. So try to praise your friends, including your general ones. Friends can loyal and trustworthy Trust and loyalty go hand in hand for friends. Friends can share secrets with you, because good friends never break confidence and are loyal forever. From Joy Steven's words, we can conclude that _ . A a friend in need is a friend indeed B it is never too late to make a friend C it is late to make a friend when you need one D everyone needs a friend in his life Answer: C
Plants, like animals, are subject to diseases of various kinds.It has been estimated that some 30,000 different diseases attack our economic plants; forty are known to attack corn, and about as many attack wheat.The results of unchecked plant disease are all too obvious in countries which have marginal food supplies.The problem will soon be more widespread as the population of the world increases at its frightening rate.Even in countries which are now amply fed by their agricultural products there could soon be the major crops; the resulting famines could kill millions of people, and the resulting hardship on other millions could cause political upheavals disastrous to the order of the world. Some plants have relative immunity to a great many diseases, while others have a susceptibility to them.A blight may be but a local infection easily controlled; on the other hand it can attack particular plants in a whole region or nation.An example is the blight which killed virtually every chestnut tree in North America.Another is the famous potato blight in Ireland in the last century.As a result of that, it was estimated that one million people died of starvation and related ailments. Plant pathologists have made remarkable strides in identifying the pathogens of the various diseases.Bacteria may invade a plant through an infestation of insect parasites carrying the pathogen.A plant can also be inoculated by man.Other diseases might be caused by fungus which attacks the plant in the form of a model or smut or rust.Frequently such a primary infection will weaken the plant so that a secondary infection may result form its lack of tolerance.The symptoms shown may cause an error in diagnosis, so that treatment may be directed toward bacteria which could be the result of a susceptibility caused by a primary virus infection. How many diseases are known to attack wheat? Answer: Around 40 When my friend Lesa was diagnosed with cancer, another friend and I went to the hospital to spend some time with her. We bought her a small toy and named him Lemon-Aide. We gave Lemon-Aide to Lesa and told her he was to go with her to all of her treatments to remind her that we were thinking of her and caring about her even though we could not always be with her. When the treatments were completed, she said when someone else needed him she would pass him along. A few months later,much to my surprise, it was me that she passed him to. Lemon-Aide went with me to all of my treatments. One day while waiting for my doctor I decided we could market the idea to fight cancer. Lesa thought it was a great idea so we founded the organization that came to be known as Lemon-Aide' s Friends, Inc. We designed our organization to remind people fighting cancer that there are people who love and care about them all the time. Today we have totally 5013 volunteers. The money raised is donated to cancer patients who do not have insurance. The physicians on our Board of Advisors determine how and where our money is donated. Lemon-Aide is for men, women, and children of all ages and to date has been sent to 34 states and 33 countries to provide smiling support for people fighting cancer. When life gave us lemons we made Lemon-Aide, a soft smiling toy that represents love, support, and encouragement. The author went to the hospital with her friend _ . Answer: to accompany Lesa Dear Reader, Today I'm going to ask you to support Wikipedia with a donation. Sounds unusual: Why does one of the world's five most popular websites ask for financial support from its users? Wikipedia is built differently from almost every other top 50.We have a small number of paid staff, just twentythree. Wikipedia content is free to use by anyone for any purpose. Wikipedia is run by the nonprofit Wikipedia Foundation, which I founded in 2003. Wikipedia's driven by a global community of more than 150,000 volunteers, all devoted to sharing knowledge freely. More than 275 million people come to our website every month to access information, free of charge and free of advertising. Your donation helps us in several ways. Most importantly, you will help us cover the increasing cost of managing global traffic to one of the most popular websites on the Internet. Funds also help us improve the software that runs Wikipedia, making it easier to search, easier to read, and easier to write for. We're bent on growing the free knowledge movement worldwide, by employing new volunteers, and building strategic partnerships with institutes of culture and learning. Wikipedia is different. It's the largest encyclopedia in history, all written by volunteers. Like a national park or a school, we don't believe advertising should have a place in Wikipedia. We want to keep it free and strong, but we need the support of thousands of people like you, for your donation will help keep Wikipedia free for the whole world. Thank you! Jimmy Wales Which of the following is TRUE about Wikipedia? Answer: Unlike others, Wikipedia, the largest encyclopedia in history, is written by volunteers. There is a student from China in our class. He is very good at his lessons, but he is also very shy. He doesn't talk too much with us because he thinks that there are so many differences. When he came into our classroom for the first time, he was so frightened that he cried out. That's because of our appearances. For example, his hair is short, black and straight, but ours are all different from his. Jim's hair is yellow and much longer than his. Dave's hair is curly and brown. Kitty's hair is blonde. Our builds and clothes seem to be strange in his eyes,too. Peter is a boy. He is tall and thin, but he wears a colorful T-shirt. How many students are described in the passage? Answer: Five. You can improve your child's hearing memory considerably . Once his hearing memory has been greatly improved, he'll be able to use and remember what he listens to in class. The success of these suggestions depends upon your ability to use your child's natural desire to get involved in games he finds simple and fun. A good way to begin is to read aloud a sentence from a book suitable for your child's reading age. Then ask your youngster to repeat the sentence back to you correctly. Next, reread the sentence, leaving out a particular word. See if your child can identify the word you left out. At the beginning use only simple sentences. Gradually, increase the length of the sentences. Make sure you don't rush things along too quickly, or your child may become discouraged and tired of the game. Take your child shopping with you often. He's to remember a list of items you want to buy in the supermarket. First , ask him to remember only a few things. Then, as he shows increased ability to remember, make the list longer and longer. Praise him often and warmly when he shows increased ability to remember things. He'll become proud of his 'good' memory and will happily play the game. Encourage your child to learn easy and short poems. As his ability to do this becomes stronger, encourage him to remember longer poems. Do the same with songs. The purpose of asking your child to repeat what you say is _ . Answer: to help him remember what he hears
From the beginning rivers have played an important in the life of man.Man of the earliest times used the rivers as a means of travel.Today rivers still serve as a great waterway for the transport and people. In ancient times, man settled near rivers or on river banks and built up large empires. Water is nature's most valuable gift to man.Man needs water to irrigate his crops, to cook and to wash.In nations all over the world, rivers mean life and wealth.They feed and clothe the nations around them. Water is also a source of energy and power.Man build huge dams across the rivers to control the water for irrigation and get the energy needed to drive generators.The electrical power is then directed to homes, cities, factories and television stations. Man uses water each day.In a small way rivers help to keep man in good health and provide for his amusements.Various forms of water sports keep man strong and healthy. Man in old times traveled from one continent to another _ . A by air B by sea C by train D by bus Answer: B We have heard about people who have special memories. Recently there has been a report about a woman from Australia who can remember almost every detail of all the events in her daily life. Rebecca Sharrock, 25, is one of just 80 people worldwide who have been identified as having Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory ( HSAM,). It means she can remember every small event-which most people would forget with in (......) days-as if it had happened just minutes ago. "I remember my mum putting me in the driver's seat of a car and taking a picture of me when I was 12 days old," she said. "That's my earliest memory. I remember every day since then. I can't tell all the dates exactly because I was too young to understand calendars, but I remember what I did that every day, what the weather was like and so on." Rebecca can also re-experience taste. If she's eating something that she doesn't like, she thinks about Black Forest cake, her favorite food, and the memory will be so strong that she can nearly "taste" it. However, sometimes her memories prove to be painful. Because they're not just events that she remembers. "When I relive memories, the feelings return, too," Rebecca said. "For example, I remember falling over when I was three at my grandparents' house and hurting my left knee. Talking about it now, I feel painful in my left knee. " "At night, I have to sleep with the radio/recorder and a soft light on, she added. "1f it's too dark or quiet, my mind would be filled with all these memories and I can't sleep. " From the passage, we can infer that _ A HSAM can do her good, but it also brings her pain B she feels painful if she recalls her experiences C she can fall asleep while she is re-experiencing memories D HSAM can greatly improve her living conditions Answer: A Kate's parents planned a family trip to Europe! This would be Kate's first big vacation out of America. She loves to be on planes. The plane ride was fun and they landed in Paris, France. They went to the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. Kate even learned how to say hello in French! They ate delicious food. Then they took a train to London, England. They drank tea and toast and went to see art. Then they took another plane to Spain. They went to the beach and ate delicious Spanish food. Spanish food was her favorite so far. A new friend taught her "Hola," which is hello in Spanish. Finally, they went to Italy. They ate pasta and pizza and saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Her mom took a funny picture of her pretending to hold the tower. She learned to say hello in Italian, too. Kate had such a fun time on her vacation. She took a lot of pictures and then made a photo album to show to her friends at school. Kate wants to go back to Europe one day. She loves to travel and see new and different places. How many different places did Kate and her family visit? A 5 B 3 C 6 D 4 Answer: D Switzerland is famous for its watches. However, this country didn't invent the watch. It was the British who did it. Here is a story of how the watch was brought to Switzerland. Many years ago, an Englishman was traveling to Italy, on his way he stopped in a small town in south Switzerland. This Englishman traveled in a carriage inside which there was a carriage watch. This was the earliest kind of watch. A native shop assistant happened to see the watch. He wondered what it was and asked the Englishman about it, "it is a carriage watch," said the man. "This machine tells the time but now it isn't working." At once the shop assistant offered to try to repair it. So the traveler handed him the watch. The assistant was a very wise man. So it was not very surprising that he managed to repair it. He even remembered how it was made. As soon as the traveler had gone on his journey, he made a watch exactly the same type. Thus the watch-making was started in Switzerland. Today Swiss watches are sold in stores all over the world. The first Swiss watch was made by _ . A an Italian shop assistant. B an English shop assistant. C a shop assistant in Switzerland. D a man who was traveling to Italy. Answer: C Rembrandt was an extraordinary Dutch painter. He was most well-known for his brushwork and the way in which he connected with the human soul. His life, however, was not happy. He was born on July 15,1606 in Leiden, the Netherlands. His father wanted him to have a real, learned profession but Rembrandt left the University of Leiden after becoming bored. He began studying art under a local teacher but soon left and studied in Amsterdam where he mastered all his lessons in six months! At the age of 22, he moved back to Leiden and began to get his own students. One of his students was the famous artist Gerrit Dou. In 1631 he returned to Amsterdam where he became the most popular portrait painter in Holland. Rembrandt met Saskia and married her in 1634. She was a cousin of a very successful art dealer and she helped him to meet wealhy people who commissioned many paintings from him. He used her as a model in many of his paintings. Rembrandt's private life, however, was very unfortunate. He had four children with Saskia but only one, Titus, survived. Saskia died in 1642 at the age of only 30. In 1649, his housekeeper became his second wife and was also a model for many of his paintings. Even though Rembrandt was very successful as an artist, art dealer and teacher, he lived in a careless way and had to declare bankruptcy in 1656. He even had to sell his whole art collection and his house to pay off his debts. His unfortunate life, however, didn't affect his art. He painted many great paintings during that time. His new love, Hendrickje, died in 1663 and his 27-year-old son, Titus, died in 1668. Eleven months later, on October 4, 1669, Rembrandt died in Amsterdam. He produced more than 600 paintings and over 2,000 drawings! What's the best title for this passage? A A brief biography of Rembrandt B A great Dutch painter C The greatest painter in the world D Rembrandt's unhappy family Answer: A
Question: Britain's Solo Sailor Ellen MacArthur started sailing with her aunt when she was eight. She loved it so much that she saved her money for three years to buy her first small sailing boat.When she was 18,she sailed alone around Britain and won the "Young Sailor of the Year" award. But Ellen really became famous in 2001.Aged only 24,she was one of only two women who entered the Vendee Globe round the world solo race,which lasted 100 days.Despite many problems,she came second in the race out of 24 competitors and she was given a very warm welcome when she returned. Ambition and determination have always been a big part of Ellen's personality.When she was younger,she lived in a kind of hut for three years while she was trying to get sponsorship to compete in a transatlantic race.Then she took a one-way ticket to France,bought a tiny seven-meter Class Mini yacht,slept under it while she was repairing it,and then she raced it 4,000 kilometers across the Atlantic in 1997,alone for 33 days. Ellen has had to learn many things,because sailing single-handed means that she has to be her own captain,electrician,sail maker,engineer,doctor,journalist,cameraman and cook.She also has to be very fit,and because of the dangers of sleeping for long periods of time when she's in the middle of the ocean, she has trained herself to sleep for about 20 minutes at a time. And she needs courage.Once,in the middle of the ocean,she had to climb the mast of a boat to repair the sails at four o'clock in the morning with 100 kph winds blowing around her.It took her many hours to make the repairs.Ellen says,"I was exhausted when I came down.It's hard to describe how it feels to be up there.It's like trying to hold onto a big pole,which for me is just too big to get my arms around,with someone kicking you all the time and trying to shake you off." But in her diary,Ellen also describes moments which make it all worthwhile: "A beautiful sunrise started the day,with black clouds slowly lit by the bright yellow sun.I have a very strong feeling of pleasure,being out here on the ocean and having the chance to live this.I just feel lucky to be here." How does Ellen feel about the Vendee Globe race? A. It is enjoyable. B. It is relaxing. C. It is surprising. D. It is dangerous. Answer: A Question: What tastes flavors? A. flamingos B. metals C. stars D. bicycles Answer: A Question: Close your eyes and picture the city of Paris.Now imagine the city without its most famous landmark:the Eiffel Tower. The unthinkable almost happened. When French engineer Gustave Eiffel built this tower for the Paris World's Fair of 1889,it was controversial.The iron structure contrasted sharply with the historic stone buildings of Paris.Eiffel's four-legged iron archway was supposed to last only 20 years.That's when Eiffel's permit to operate the building would expire and the city could choose to tear it down. Yet from the beginning.Eiffel had a strategy to save his building.If the Tower was linked to important research,he reasoned,no one would dare to take it down.So he would make it a grand laboratory for science. Scientific research began just one day after the Tower opened to the public on May 6,1889.Eiffel installed a weather station on the Tower's third(and highest)floor.He connected instruments by wire to the French weather bureau in Paris.With these,he measured wind speed and air pressure. In 1903,still worried that his building might be torn down,Eiffel got a clever idea.He asked the French military to conduct its own research on radio communications at the Tower.He even paid the army's costs. French army captain Gustave Ferrie worked from a little wooden house at the base of the Tower's southern pillar.From there,he made radio contact with forts around Paris.Convinced of the importance of radio communications,the army set up a permanent radio station at the Tower.In 1910,the city of Paris renewed the structure's permit for another 70 years. This year marks the iconic structure's 125th birthday.Over the years,research conducted there has brought dramatic and unexpected payoffs.During World War I,for instance,the French army used the Tower as a giant ear to receive radio messages.It even led to the arrest of one of the war's most famous spies. The Eiffel Tower was controversial because _ . A. it was giant and ugly B. it would expire too soon C. some historic buildings had to be removed D. it didn't match the historic buildings of Paris Answer: D Question: A poor farmer had never left his small village. After he made a lot of money, he decided to spend a holiday in an excellent hotel in a big town. When lunchtime came on his first day there, he went to eat it in the restaurant of the hotel in his new clothes. The headwaiter showed him to the table, took his order and went away. When he returned and looked at the farmer again, he was surprised. The farmer had tied his table cloth round his neck. The headwaiter immediately told another waiter to go to the farmer and tell him that people mustn't do such a thing in his restaurant. So the waiter went to the farmer and said in a friendly voice, "Good morning, Sir. Would you like a haircut.?" To his surprise, the headwaiter found that the farmer _ . A. was sitting at the table along B. he wore his new clothes C. used the table cloth as a napkin D. took the restaurant for a barber's shop Answer: C Question: China is having such a huge influence on the United States that many Americans are struggling to learn the Chinese language in a bid to keep competitive. "Interest in learning Chinese among American youth and their parents has grown quickly in the past five years," said Vivien Stewart, vice president at the Asia Society. China's quick rise to near-superpower and its effects politically, economically and culturally are driving the American's interest to learn the language, experts say. From kindergartens to high schools, studies by the Asia Society show, there is a "rapid rise" in interest among pupils to study the Chinese language. "The Chinese rich cultural traditions and _ economy mean that it is now important for all of our students to be better prepared," said Michael Levine, Asia Society's executive director of education. A survey found that 2,400 high schools - an unbelievably high number - would be interested in offering the Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Chinese language and culture when the courses become available in 2016. China, the world's most popular nation, is important to the United States because it is a leading trader, consumer and investor. Its political influence is also rising across the world. It has replaced the United States as the world's largest consumer and could become the second largest economy in the world, after the United States, in the next two to three decades. Even though the US State Department has described the Chinese language "critical" to national prosperity and security, "the current facilities to support recruitment of students and teachers as well as the growth of high quality programs is terribly not enough," an Asia Society study says. The Society has set an aim of having at least five percent of American high school students learning Chinese by 2015. "Millions of Chinese are learning English, but only 24,000 Americans are learning Chinese," said Andrew Corcoran of the San Francisco-based Chinese American International School. The most popular languages after English in US schools at present are Spanish and French while Japanese is the most popular Asian language. What is the best title for this passage? A. Foreign Language Learning B. Danger from China C. The Chinese Language gets More Popular D. Difficulties in Learning the Chinese Language. Answer: C
One potential problem with allowances is that children's responsible behavior can become about earning the allowance rather than the intrinsic value of their family responsibilities. For example, if you pay your children for taking out the rubbish, they see this chore as a job that they should be rewarded for instead of a responsibility they must fulfill as part of the family. But giving children an allowance for weekly chores is not necessarily bad. You are rewarding them for fulfilling their family responsibilities, but it is not for a specific act. It is an appreciation of their commitment to your family values. You are also conveying another important message that their actions have consequences: if they do good things, good things happen. They also learn a lesson about the market economy, namely that work is rewarded. Allowances can also be used as punishment and to teach children lessons about family values. For example, if your children join a group of kids smashing pumpkins on Halloween, a part of a reasonable punishment might be to require them to pay the families out of their allowance to replace the pumpkins. Thus, your children learn that bad behavior has financial consequences. Meanwhile, by relating the punishment to the misdeed, you ensure that your children see the connection and learn the value lesson. How much allowance should you pay your children? The precise amount depends on your family's financial situation, the cost of living and your children's needs. Children can start to earn a weekly allowance as early as 5 years of age. An increase of $ 1 per week for each year of your children's lives is realistic until they reach their mid-teens. When they begin to drive and date, you can calculate their expenses and establish a reasonable allowance that covers their needs. When your children join a group of kids smashing pumpkins on Halloween, _ . A you should give them some allowances to pay for the pumpkins B they should be rid of their opportunity to celebrate Halloween C you should ensure your children see the connection with their lessons D they should face the consequence of losing their own money Answer: D A small pile of worms can do what to a yard of dirt with dead squirrels in it? A blow it up B make it glisten C pull it apart D set it ablaze Answer: C There are many unusual hotels around the world. In Greenland , there is a hotel made of ice, open between December and April every year. In Turkey , there is a cave hotel with a television, furniture, and a bathroom in each room. And in Bolivia , there is a hotel named the Salt Palace Hotel. Thousands of years ago, the area around the Salt Palace Hotel was a large lake. But today, the area has only two small lakes and two salt deserts . The larger of the two deserts is called Uyuni salt desert. During the day, the desert is bright white because of the salt. There are no roads across the Uyuni desert, so local people must show guests the way to the hotel. In the early 1990s, a man named Juan Quesada built the hotel. He cut big blocks of salt from the desert and used the blocks to build it. Everything in the hotel is made of salt: the walls, the roof , the tables, the chairs, the beds, and the hotel's bar. The sun makes the walls and roof warm during the day. At night the desert is very cold, but the rooms are warm. The hotel has twelve rooms. A single room costs$40 a night, and a double room costs$60. A sign on the hotel's wall tells guests, " Please don't lick the walls." [:Zxxk.Com] Which sentence about the area around the Salt Palace Hotel is NOT true? A It was a lake many years ago. B It is white during the day. C There are several roads to the hotel. D There are only two small lakes now. Answer: C "An old village woman in her seventies from Zhenjiang Province rented a small house in Shanghai and let visitors to the World Expo live there for free while she slept on a little couch. Her kindness moved _ people." Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said so at the Expo 2010 Shanghai China on October 31 when it ended. It is a true story. The heroine of it is Ying Miaofang, an old woman from a village of Zhuji City in Shaoxing of Zhejiang Province. "I rented a house in Shanghai and received more than 330 Expo visitors during three months' time. My house was never empty during that period." Ying told reporters. She also said it was worth helping so many people to visit the Shanghai World Expo and she was praised by Premier Wen. In the late of last May. Ying Miaofang paid 1,800yuan per month to rent a small house near Changning Road in Shanghai, and spent more money on a new air conditioner, a refrigerator, a TV set and other things. She published her phone number in the newspaper and opened the house for Expo visitors for free on June 23. Besides providing a free living place., Ying got up very early every morning to buy food, cook breakfast, clean rooms and wash clothes for those guests. Many of her guests wanted to pay some money to her when they left, but she refused. In order to support the Shanghai Would Expo, Ying spent about 20 thousand yuan in all, which could not be regarded as a little money for a woman from a village. Ying Miaofang was very happy to _ . A have a good time with her friends B help the visitors during the World Expo C make money for her family D have a good harvest in autum Answer: B The holidays are coming up, and if you are looking for some great things to do with your kids to celebrate the season, look no further. The more you let them in on the holiday planning fun, the more exciting it will be for them, and the more pride they can take in a successful holiday. There is a tendency to exclude kids from the holiday preparations for many reasons: we want everything to be perfect or maybe we don't trust that they'll do it right. However, involving kids in holiday preparations can be good for them, as well as fun for you. Kid-created decorations are often the best part of any holiday table. People always love the handmade decorations the best, because they are truly made with love, and they're usually the most fun. Find small things your kids can do, like creating centerpieces or paper rings, and direct their creations. Be sure to put these things out where people can see them when they come over, because there's nothing worse than creating something you're proud of and having it hidden. Let them show your guests what they've made and talk about it. They'll be happy to do so! What is a better way to get into the spirit of the season than to go shopping? Kids love to pick out gifts for others. Let them choose whatever they think the person they're buying for would like. This will help them to be proud of their gifts, as well as try to budget according to the amount of money you have given them. You can also let them pack their own gifts. Give them options of gift bags or packing paper and watch them go to town. It may not be perfect, but it will be precious, for sure. Kids love to cook. They love to get their hands dirty and create fun meals with the help of their parents. They also feel a sense of pride in the food items they create, and they love it when people eat what they make and talk about how delicious it is. Allowing your kids into the kitchen can help them learn cooking and baking, and can also give them ownership of the holiday meal. Of course, you'll have to help them along the way, but taking that time can really make a kid's day. Holiday crafts are the best. Creating centerpieces and ornaments is fun, but you can also look to nature for inspiration. Leaf collages or prints are a fun way to capture the fall. Jack-o'-lanterns are an excellent way to celebrate Halloween, and there is endless inspiration to take from the first snowflakes that fall in winter. Your imagination is the key! What should parents do as for the handmade decorations? A Try to take full advantage of kids' creativity. B Take pride in them and show them to others. C Ask kids to make them with great care and love. D Allow kids to make them entirely by themselves. Answer: B
For most seventh graders,life doesn't get much harder than a history test.But for Grant Reed of Bellville,Ohio,it's his own current events that are so painful."Honestly,I don't want to die,"Grant says.Last year,doctors at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus found a tumor in Grant's brain.They cut it out,but the surgery left him with stroke--like symptoms.Plus,he had to go through months of radiation and chemotherapy to try to stop the spread of the disease. Yet,through it all,Grant has shown remarkable determination,which he owes, partly,to Ohio State football.His parents,Troy and Denise,were both in the OSU marching band and fell in love during halftime of the Michigan game.His cat is named after the team Buckeye.His wardrobe is painted scarlet(the color1 of the team's sportswear).The point is,almost nothing mattered more to Grant than Ohio State football-until he got sick,of course. ''I didn't like the word cancer,"Grant says.So he decided not to use the word.Instead,the kid named his cancer Michigan and insisted everyone in his life refer to it as such,because Ohio State always beats Michigan.That was something he could understand and make it into a competition.He was going to beat this disease. It's now been more than a year since Grant issued that announcement."And if you look at his scans,"Dr.Randal Olshefski at Nationwide Children's says,"There's nothing there.There's a big space,but there's no tumor.'' "Grant is beating Michigan.And although much of it has to go to science,don't discount the semantics .You have to do something to make it a disease you can fight.And for Grant,that was naming it Michigan."his parents say. This weekend,Ohio State and Michigan will be battling like their lives depend on it.But in this house,the Reed family will be watching with a calm insight:it's just a game. Apart from radiation and chemotherapy, is helping Grant beat the disease. A the semantics B his strong determination C the football game D his cat Buckeye Answer: B. his strong determination NANJING -- Another human H7N9 case has been found in east China's Jiangsu Province, the provincial health department confirmed on January 31. The patient, a 75-year-old woman from the provincial capital of Nanjing, is in a critical condition. The case brings the number of infections in the province to eight this year. H7N9 has killed 19 in China this year, and the total number of human infections reached 96 on January 26, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With bird flu cases increasing on a daily basis, public concern over people-to-people transmission during Spring Festival is growing. Li Lanjuan, researcher at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a specialist in H7N9 prevention, said so far there have not been any cases in which one person transmits the flu to another, and the latter transmits the virus to a third person. Her team has identified H7N9 virus mutations this year, but the _ are not large-scale. "Inter-human transmission is very unlikely," said Li, who added that the virus has not evolved to be extensively drug resistant. The National Health and Family Planning Commission said on Wednesday live poultry markets should close if any case of H7N9 avian flu is detected. The southern metropolis of Shenzhen has closed all live poultry markets until February 13 for a thorough cleaning. The city near Hong Kong has reported 14 human H7N9 cases since December 18. Live poultry trading has been halted in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Jinhua cities in Zhejiang, which reported the largest number of human H7N9 cases. China has stepped up research for an H7N9 vaccine in the face of the increasing threat from the virus. Beijing's Snovac Hotech Ltd.,which developed the A/H1N1 and H5N1 vaccines, said in a press release on Wednesday that it has completed preclinical studies of an H7N9 vaccine arid prepared several types for clinical testing. The company has submitted an application to the China Food and Drug Administration to start clinical trials. Which of the following is true about Beijing's Sinovac Biotech Ltd? A It has cured a number of H7N9 cases. B It once developed the A/H1N1 and H5N1 vaccines. C It has finished clinical studies of an H7N9 vaccine. D It is in charge of China's food and drug sales. Answer: B. It once developed the A/H1N1 and H5N1 vaccines. Although most of Pakistanis live in the countryside, still many Pakistanis live in cities. Karachi has over 5 million people and Lahore has over 3 million people. Islamabad was built to be Pakistan's capital. The rich city people live in large, air conditioned houses. Pakistan has 121,000 miles of roads. Bus services and minibuses are available to the public. The trains are still the most common transport of long-distance travel for Pakistanis. Pakistan also has an airline that operates domestic and international flights. It is difficult to identify Pakistani food because the country shares food traditions with its neighbour, India. The main difference between Pakistani and Indian food is that Pakistani food is less spicy . Pakistani dishes are often made with yoghurt , which reduces the effect of the hot spices used in cooking. Wheat is the main food for most of the people. It is eaten in the form of bread named chapattis or roti, together with vegetables in season. Sweet tea, milk, or lassi, a drink made from yoghurt, makes the meal perfect. Those who can afford to buy it eat meat, although in the countryside these are usually festival foods. Goat meat is a favourite. Pakistanis will not eat pork by the way. The most common transport of long-distance travel for Pakistanis is _ . A trains B minibuses C buses D planes Answer: A. trains London, April 28---The Man Group, a British hedge fund, is betting that investors will want to read more than the latest how-to- get -rich-quick business book. In a five-year deal worth roughly $3.6 million announced last week, Man has agreed to sponsor the Booker Prize for Fiction, which will be renamed the Man Booker Prize. Since creating the award in 1969, Booker P.L.G., a British food group, in June 2000, executives began considering attracting outside sponsors. Man will be the first of these. Bill Grimsey, the chief of the Big Food Group, saw little business sense in a link between a food supplier and a literary prize, explained Dotti Irving, a spokeswoman for the Booker Prize foundation. Such dissimilarities have not reduced Man's enthusiasm for the prize which is expected to be open for the first time to American authors. David Browne, a spokesman for Man, said most of the firm's investors are high-net-worth individuals who appreciate literature. "The people who buy hedge funds," Mr. Browne said, "also read." Under the new agreement, authors will get more money. The winner of the annual prize, to be awarded in October, will receive $73,000 , up from $30,000 the Australian writer Peter Carey won last year for his novel "True History of the Kelley Gang." The six short-listed authors will each receive $3,600, up from $1,500. Having a hedge fund as a backer apparently has its perks. . Who is the spokesman for Man? A David Browne B Peter Carey C Bill Grimsey D Dotti Irving Answer: A. David Browne You may have seen a talking parrot on a TV show, in a movie, or even in someone's home. The parrot has learned to copy sounds that people make. Birds are not the only animals that can copy the noises they hear. Dolphins, bats, and some apes also copy sounds. Now we can add elephants to this list of copycats. Dr. Joyce Poole is a zoologist. She studies the sounds of elephants. While she was in Kenya, she would hear strange noises made by Mlaika after sunset. Mlaika was a 10-year-old African elephant. Mlaika lived near a highway. Dr. Poole says, "I could not tell the difference between Mlaika's call and the distant truck noise." She and other scientists studied Mlaika's sounds. It turned out that Mlaika was copying the sounds of the trucks driving by. Why would Mlaika copy trucks that she heard going by on the highway? Animals that are able to copy sounds may enjoy practicing new sounds. When they are kept outside of their natural environment, they may copy unusual sounds. That may be why an elephant would copy the sound of a truck. "Mlaika was not the only copycat elephant," Dr. Poole says. Calimero is a 23-year-old male African elephant. He spent 18 years with two female Asian elephants. Asian elephants make chirping sounds (sounds made by birds) to talk with one another. African elephants usually do not make chirping sounds. But Calimero now does. He is copying his Asian elephant friends. Dr. Poole says that elephants need to form bonds with their family and friends. She says, "They make sounds to communicate with each other. When they are separated, they use sounds to keep in contact." Parrots, dolphins, humans, and elephants show that being a copycat is one way that animals and people make new friends and keep old ones. Why is Calimero mentioned in the passage? A To clarify the meaning of copycat elephants. B To show the cleverness of African elephants. C To add another example of copycat elephants. D To introduce a special life skill of Asian elephants. Answer: C. To add another example of copycat elephants.
Question: Have you ever felt tired or had too much stress? Do you know how to deal with them? Here is some advice about these. Learn to relax. Overwork is the main reason why so many students feel tired and stressed. Cut down some of the jobs you need to do each day so that you can only concentrate on the most important things. Leaving time for activities that are relaxing and fun. This might mean reading a good book, listening to the music, going for a walk or taking a relaxing bath. Get a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep will help you keep your body and mind in the best form. If you stay up late and need to get up early for school the next day, you may not be able to concentrate on the things you need to do. Exercise regularly and eat well. Don't rush through your meals. Eat less junk food or fast food. Eat healthy food instead. Get to know pleasant people. Some people are _ , while others not. Choose optimistic people as your friends and spend more time with them and you'll be as happy as them. Learn to be calm when you face any problem. Find out the best option from those that are in your mind. Knowing that you are able to solve problems is a good way to build up your self-confidence. Have a happy attitude . Your attitude decides the way you see things. Is your cup half full or half empty? Learn to think more positively about the difficulties you face. Don't look at the half empty cup in your life. What's the main idea of the article? A. How to feel relaxed and happy under the stress of study and work. B. Some kinds of relaxing activities. C. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating healthily are very important. D. Don't work or study too hard. Answer: A Question: The longest bull run in a century of art-market history ended on a dramatic note with a sale of 56 works by Damien Hirst, Beautiful Inside My Head Forever, at Sotheby's in London on September 15th 2008. All but two pieces sold, fetching more than PS70m, a record for a sale by a single artist. It was a last victory. As the auctioneer called out bids, in New York one of the oldest banks on Wall Street, Lehman Brothers, filed for bankruptcy, starting the most severe financial crisis since the 1920s. The world art market had already been losing momentum for a while after rising confusingly since 2003. At its peak in 2007 it was worth some $65 billion, thinks Clare McAndrew, founder of Arts Economics, a research firm -- double the figure five years earlier. Since then it may have come down to $50 billion. But the market generates interest far beyond its size because it brings together great wealth, enormous egos , greed, passion and controversy in a way matched by few other industries. In the weeks and months that followed Mr. Hirst's sale, spending of any sort became deeply unfashionable. In the art world that meant collectors stayed away from galleries and salerooms. Sales of contemporary art fell by two-thirds, and in the most overheated sector, they were down by nearly 90% in the year to November 2008. Within weeks the world's two biggest auction houses, Sotheby's and Christie's, had to pay out nearly $200m in guarantees to clients who had placed works for sale with them. The current downturn in the art market is the worst since the Japanese stopped buying Impressionists at the end of 1989. This time experts suppose that prices are about 40% down on their peak on average, though some have been far more volatile . But Edward Dolman, Christie's chief executive, says, "I'm pretty confident we're at the bottom." What makes this fall different from the last, he says, is that there are still buyers in the market, while in the early 1990s, when interest rates were high, there was no demand even though many collectors wanted to sell. Christie's earnings in the first half of 2009 were still higher than in the first half of 2006. Almost everyone who was interviewed for this special report said that the biggest problem at the moment is not a lack of demand but a lack of good work to sell. The three Ds -- death, debt and divorce -- still deliver works of art to the market. But anyone who does not have to sell is keeping away, waiting for confidence to return. What is mainly discussed in the passage? A. Art market in decline. B. Up-to-date art auctions. C. Volatility of art prices. D. Shifted interest in arts. Answer: A Question: More than 700 business leaders, government officials and investors gathered in Mountain View, California in December,2012 to attend the Social Innovation Summit. It is an invitation-only conference aimed at finding new ways to deal with old problems. Traffic jam is a problem that Bruggemann hopes to solve."Traffic is really bad in most countries and we thought there must be some way of doing something about it."Last week, his team, winning the prize for its"nunav"traffic management system, received a Microsoft Imagine Cup Grant of $100,000."Everyone that's using our system sends his present position as well as the destination to our servers every 30 seconds. And with that information our central system can reroute all of the cars in a way that everyone gets his individual best possible route." Bruggemann says early research with the system has been promising."We found out that it could be possible to save up to 20 percent of the fuel consumption. Even more interesting, it can save up to 50 percent of the time you spend in traffic so you could get to your destination twice as fast." Team Cypher256 from Uganda also was invited to the Social Innovation Summit. They developed a device ,called WinSenga, aimed at improving health care for pregnant women in Africa. It measures the early baby's heart sounds to help test the heart rate, age and position of the baby in the mother. The device is similar in operation to an ultrasound test, but is far less costly and very practical in Africa. This is the third year for the Social Innovation Summit. The event is held twice a year, once in New York and once in California. The first one in 2012 was held in May. The United Nations'Office for Partnerships helped to organize the event. The"nunav"system has the following advantages EXCEPT _ . A. reducing the fuel consumption B. reaching the destination quickly C. saving the time in the trip D. improving driving skills Answer: D Question: The day my husband fell to his death,it started to snow,just like any November day.His body,when I found it,was lightly covered with snow.It snowed almost every day for the next four months,while I sat on the couch and watched it pile up.One morning,I _ downstairs and was surprised to see a snow remover clearing my driveway and the bent back of a woman shoveling my walk.I dropped to my knees,crawled through the living room.And back up stairs so those good people would not see me.I was embarrassed.My first thought was,how would I ever repay them? I didn't have the strength to brush my hair let alone shovel someone's walk. Before John's death,I took pride in the fact that I rarely asked for help or favors,I defined myself by my competence and independence.So who was I if I was no longer capable and busy? How could I respect myself if all I did was sit on the couch every day and watch the snowfall? Learning how to receive the love and support that came my way wasn't easy.Friends cooked forme and l cried because I couldn't even help them set the table."I'm not usually this lazy,"I wept.Finally,my friend Kathy sat down with me and said,"Mary,cooking for you is not a burden. I love you and I want to do it.It makes me feel good to be able to do something for you." Over and over,I heard similar emotions from the people who supported me during those dark days.One very wise man told me,"You are not doing nothing.Being fully open to your sorrow may be the hardest work you will everdo." I am not the person I once was,but in many ways I have changed for the better.My heart is now filled with thanks for people around me.I have been surprised to learn that there is incredible freedom that comes from facing one's worst fear and walking away whole.I believe there is strength,for sure,in accepting a dark period of our life. The writer wrote the passage to _ . A. share her sad story with us B. express her guilty conscience to the people who helped her C. show her thanks to the people who love and support her D. tell us the changes she has made because of her husband's death Answer: C Question: At 10 years old, Flynn Mc Garry became sick of the meals his mother cooked for him. So the Los Angeles native took matters into his own hands and started making his own dinners. One of his specialties? Trout with braised leeks . Now 13, the young chef is being praised as a "food prodigy ". He will spend his summer apprenticing with some of the best chefs at LA's famous restaurants, MSNBC Nightly New reports. Mc Garry began making a name for himself in the culinary world when John Sedlar, owner of the trendy Playa Restaurant, let Mc Garry take over the kitchen for a special nine-course meal. The meal sold out almost instantly. "Flynn is a very unusual young man, and he's very, very passionate," owner John Sedlar told MSNBC. By usual teenage boy standards, it's true. So strong is his passion for cooking that the young man has turned his bedroom into an experimental kitchen laboratory. Instead of video game consoles, baseball trophies and movie posters, Mc Garry's room is lined with mixers, pots and pans, cutting boards and a stainless steel worktable. It's where Mc Garry cooks his monthly pop-up dinners, which are served from his family's dining room, a monthly supper club he calls Eureka. Mc Garry is deft and confident in the kitchen, with skills he's been practicing since he was a child. What started out as a means of self-preservation from his mom's unsatisfactory cooking has turned into a passion that the teen hopes to develop into a career. "My goal? Michelin three stars, a restaurant in the top 50 list," he told MSNBC. "Hopefully the top five." Meanwhile, Mc Garry's 13-year-old resume is already richer and more impressive than most cooks many times his age. Mc Garry isn't the only talented young prodigy to surprise experts in his field in recent years. At just 17 years old, physicist Taylor Wilson is already teaching graduate-level courses in physics and has built a functioning nuclear reactor. Mc Garry first started cooking _ . A. for himself B. as an experiment C. in his own bedroom D. with a teacher's guidance Answer: A
Will there be a time in our lives when cars don't crash? When we can just sit back and relax and our cars will drive themselves. Auto technology experts say "yes". And they say that some of those advances may happen quicker than you might think. They will require the users to input the name of the destination or the complete address of the location that they want to go and the cars' artificial intelligence takes them there automatically without a driver. They will run on solar power in the daytime and ethanol fuel at night. Toyota, BMW and Honda will completely control the trade of driverless car business together and will have the cheapest driverless cars. Fossil fuels will be completely incompatible with these cars. Driverless cars will not require a driver's license of any grade to operate. Anyone with basic literacy and computer skills who are at least 16 years of age will be legally allowed to operate the vehicle with absolutely no restrictions. This would give the young users permission to operate the driverless cars on major highways as well as secondary roads without needing a separate classification. In addition to all this, drunken people will be able to use their own automobiles to return home because they are not "driving" the vehicle. What's more, car insurance will become _ because there will be no more automobile accidents after the year 2025. This is because the driverless car will have all safety methods in place by the car's artificial intelligence to prevent automobile accidents. Global positioning systems will become mandatory in all newly-manufactured cars after 2010, and will be the most important part in the driverless car. What will prevent the driverless car from crashing? Answer: As a boy, Sanders was much influenced by books about the sea, but by the age of fifteen he had decided to become a doctor rather than a sailor. His father was a doctor. So he was often with the doctors and got along very well with them. When he was fourteen, he was already hanging around the hospital where he was supposed to be helping to clean the medicine bottles, but was actually trying to listen to the doctors' conversations with patients in the next room. During the war Sanders served in the army as a surgeon . "That was the happiest time of my life. I was dealing with real sufferers and on the whole making a success of my job." In Rhodes he taught the country people simple facts about medicine. He saw himself as a life-saver. He had proved his skill to himself and had a firm belief that he could serve those who lived simply, and were dependent upon him. Thus, while in a position to tell them what to do he could feel he was serving them. After the war, he married and set up a practice deep in the English countryside, working under an old doctor who hated the sight of blood. This gave the younger man plenty of opportunity to go on working as a life-saver. At the age of 14, Sanders _ . Answer: I'm Jack, and I am a middle school student. Yesterday was the most exciting day in my life. I was on TV! This is my first time on TV. In the evening, Mum, Dad and I were watching a TV programme in the sitting room and there I was! This is how it happened. I was playing soccer in the park with my friends when a man and a woman came to us. The man had a camera. The woman had a microphone. "I'm from Channel 9," she said. "Do you know the programme Kid's Speak Out?" I did know it. I watched it often. It's a weekly programme where kids say what they think about different things. "Would you like to be on it?" the woman asked me. I wanted to be on it and I thought my friends might also want to be on it, so I asked, "Can my friends be on it too?" "Sorry, only one of you can," the woman said. "You can talk about it and decide which of you is going to be on the programme." I asked my friends if they wanted to be on the programme. They didn't, so I went on it. The woman asked me a lot of questions. I thought carefully and tried to give _ answers. When she finished, she said I was one of the best kids she'd spoken to! I felt very proud of myself. My mum and dad were proud of me too! Jack was excited yesterday because he_. Answer: We are now accepting submissions for our 13th annual photo contest. As always, we want creative and beautiful photos. The topic of travel is broad, so have some fun with it: Experiment with lighting, angles, subjects and composition. One photo per person, and the photo should be taken since July 31, 2013. If you submit several entries, we will consider only the first photo received. Also, you may submit only an image that you have taken yourself. Please submit clear photos online at wapo.st/travelshot. Include caption information and the date the photo was taken, plus your name, e-mail address and phone number. We promise that we will not publish your personal information online or in any other way. We're looking for amateurs only; professional photographers (i.e., anyone who earns more than 50 percent of his or her annual income from photography) need not apply. Employees, officers, directors and representatives of The Washington Post, and their family members are not allowed to enter the contest. Please do not submit images that have been greatly edited. It is acceptable to adjust images to achieve color1 balance that reflects the scene as you observed it. Cutting is also acceptable. The Washington Post keeps the right to disqualify any image that it feels has been overly changed. The deadline for entries is July 20, 2014. By entering, you give The Washington Post a license to use your photos, including to edit, publish, spread and republish them in any form. Photographers keep the rights to their images. The winners will be determined by the Travel staff of The Washington Post and world-famous photography professionals invited. Only US residents can enter. The winning photos will be published on or around Aug 25. The contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws. For complete rules and prize information, go to wapo.st/travelshotrules. Now, it is time to take out your camera and start shooting. Surprise us with your excellent works. Maybe you will be the winner! According to the passage, the participants _ . Answer: There once was a master who went to India. In those times, we didn't have the communications or airplanes or many kinds of transportation that we do now. So the master went to India on foot. He had never been to India before; perhaps he came from Persia. And when he got there, he saw a lot of fruit. In India they have plenty of fruit to sell, but much of it is expensive because they can't grow much due to the water situation. So he saw one basket, a big basket of some very red, long fruit. And it was the cheapest in the shop, not expensive at all. So he went up and asked, "How much per kilo?" And the shopkeeper said, "Two rupees ." Two rupees in India is nothing; it's like dirt. So he bought a whole kilogram of the fruit and started eating it. But after he ate some of it: Oh, my God! His eyes watered, his mouth watered and burned, his eyes were burning, his head was burning and his face became red. As he coughed and choked and gasped for breath, he jumped up and down, saying, "Ah! Ah! Ah!"But he still continued to eat the fruit! Some people who were looking at him shook their heads and said, "You're crazy, man. Those are chilies ! You can't eat so many; they're not good for you! People use them as a condiment , but only a little bit to put into food for taste. You can't just eat them by the handful like that; they're not fruit!" So the stupid master said, "No, I can't stop! I paid money for them, and now I'll eat them. It's my money!" And you think that master was stupid, right? Similarly, we sometimes do a lot of things like that. We invest money, time or effort in a relationship, business or job. And even though it's been a long time, bitter experience tells us it won't work, and we know there's no more hope that things will change in the future -- this we definitely know by intuition -- we still continue just because we've invested money, time, effort and love into it. Just like the man who ate the chilies and suffered so much but couldn't stop because he didn't want to waste the money he'd paid. What can we infer about the master according to the passage? Answer:
In America, each of the states likes to promote itself with a slogan .I currently live in Utah, where the slogan is "Life Elevated". It's a nod to outdoor entertainment in the high country,including the ski industry. I previously lived in Colorado, a land with red dirt, great mountains and golden plains. T he slogan there is "Colorful Colorado". Years ago I lived in the "Peach State" of Georgia, and I grew up in New Mexico as a little boy, whose slogan is "Land of Enchantment ". We never seemed to get away from dust in New Mexico, so I appreciate the story of a newcomer to the Land of Enchantment who learned about dusty breezes. She was visiting an antique shop and the owner wiped down every item before showing it. The newcomer said," Everything gets dusty here pretty quickly, doesn't it?""That's not dust, honey," the shop owner replied, "That's ENCHANTMENT.". That made the problem more acceptable. That an escalator broke. He posted a sign to warn customers. He chose not to use the traditional "Out of Order" or "Do Not Use" warnings. Instead, his sign read,"This Escalator Is Temporarily a Stairway."He turned a minus into humor and made it a plus. And in fact there are some things, like the weather, we can't change. All we can change is our ways that we think and feel about them. I believe one of the best techniques to do this is to find some humor in the situation. Finding something amusing or enjoyable of difficulty, an irritation or a troublesome problem can be one of the most creative and effective things we can do. Sometimes the only sense you can make of a situation is a sense of humor. How would the newcomer probably feel after hearing what the shop owner said? Answer: Somepeoplethinkthatsingingcanliftourspirits ,whilesomeotherpeople don'tthinkso.Theydon'tlikesingingandtheythinksingingcannevermakethemhappy.Ido thinksingingcanmakeusfeelgood,anditcanliftourspirits.Letmetellyoumoreaboutthat. Someresearchers oncedidsomesurveysandprovedit.Thesurveysshow thatsingingcanbringalotofhealthbenefits .Ifyousingwithyourfriends,theeffectsmay be evenbetter. JohnLennonwasonceateacherofVocalPerformance atEmporiaState University.Hesays,"Singingisaninborn need.Babiessingtothemselvesandthey seemsohappy.Likebabies,whenwesing,wefeelsogoodandsingingmakesusfeelevenbetter.I likesingingandIamhappyeveryday." Musicisapartofhumannature.Andsingingisaformof _ thatcanbeunderstoodby everyone.Somepeoplesaythatmusicislikeakindoflanguage.Thelanguagecanshow people'sopinionsandattitudes totheirlife.Somesongscancheerpeopleupwhentheyarein trouble.Somesongscanmakepeoplehappyandexcited.That'swhytheTVshowTheVoiceof Chinaissopopularwithpeople. WhichofthefollowingisTRUEaccordingtothepassage? Answer: Pessimistic,anxious and depressed people may have a higher risk of dementia ,US researchers reported on Thursday. A study of a group of 3,500 people showed that those who scored high for pessimism on a standardized personality test had a 30 percent increased risk of developing dementia 30 to 40 years later. Those scoring very high on both anxiety and pessimism scales had a 40 percent higher risk,the study showed. "There appears to be a doseresponse pattern.That is,the higher the scores,the higher the risk of dementia,"Dr Yonas Geda,a neuropsychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,Minnesota who led the study,said in a statement. Geda and his colleagues looked at the medical records of 3,500 men and women who lived near the clinic between 1962 and 1965. They all took the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory,a standard personality and life experience test,Geda's team told a meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Miami. In 2004,the team interviewed the participants or family members. Those who scored higher for anxiety and pessimism on the test were more likely,as a group,to have developed dementia by 2004,including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. This did not mean a person who is pessimistic could assume he or she has a higher risk of developing dementia. "One has to be cautious in interpreting a study like this,"Geda said. "One cannot make a leap from group level data to the individual.Certainly the last thing you want to do is to say,'Well,I am a pessimist;thus,I am doomed to develop dementia 20 or 30 years later,'because this may end up becoming a selffulfilling prophecy ." And there is NOT any specific way to prevent dementia,although many studies have shown that a healthy diet,exercise,keeping active in other ways,doing puzzles and other activities lower the risk. Which of the following words is not close to the meaning of the word "pessimistic"? Answer: Once there was a group of adventurers who went on an adventure in a place named Hyperion where there was a lot of snow. Their names were Thor, Bravos, and Pierre. Thor and Bravos were from Norway, but Pierre was from Paris, France. Because of where he was from, he wasn't used to the cold. To stay warm, Pierre wore three jackets. One day during their adventure the men saw a strange cave. Thor and Bravos wanted to go inside, but Pierre was afraid. He had heard that a horrible bug monster named Vlastos lived in the caves of Hyperion. Thor and Bravos told him that was only a fairy tale. They told him the only thing he really needed to worry about was hitting his head on a rock in the cave. Finally they got Pierre to go into the cave. Inside there were lots of tunnels. They chose the middle tunnel. The tunnel went down into the earth. After a long time it ended. The men were in a huge room. There were beautiful ice shapes on the walls. How did Thor and Bravos make Pierre go into the cave? Answer: Dear Kitty: News! We have a new flat! The rooms are small, but they are comfortable. There are more rooms here than in our old flat. This is good because now I have my own room. In the old flat, I share with my sister. My bedroom is my favourite room in our flat. I can be alone in it. I can read or draw. I can listen to my radio or play CDs. I can play games on my computer and send e-mails to my friends. My second favorite room is the kitchen. I love helping my mother cook our meals. She is a very good cook. She is teaching me how to make many different kinds of dishes. She lived in Morocco when she was a girl, and she can cook Moroccan food. It's very delicious. That's all for now. Write soon and tell me about your home. Please get on the Internet so that we can send e-mails to each other. All good wishes! Anna Why is Anna very happy with the new flat? Answer:
Not so long ago, most people didn't know who Shelly Ann Francis Pryce was going to become. She was just an average high school athlete. There was every indication that she was just another American teenager without much of a future. However, one person wants to change this. Stephen Francis observed then eighteen-year-old Shelly Ann as a track meet and was convinced that he had seen the beginning of true greatness. Her time were not exactly impressive, but even so, he seemed there was something trying to get out, something the other coaches had overlooked when they had assessed her and found her lacking. He decided to offer Shelly Ann a place in his very strict training seasons. Their cooperation quickly produced results, and a few year later at Jamaica's Olympic games in early 2008, Shelly Ann, who at that time only ranked number 70 in the world, beat Jamaica's unchallenged queen of the sprint . "Where did she come from?" asked an astonished sprinting world, before concluding that she must be one of those one-hit wonders that spring up from time to time, only to disappear again without signs. But Shelly Ann was to prove that she was anything but a one-hit wonder. At the Beijing Olympic she swept away any doubts about her ability to perform consistently by becoming the first Jamaican woman ever to win the 100 meters Olympic gold. She did it again one year on at the World Championship in Briton, becoming world champion with a time of 10.73--- the fourth record ever. Shelly-Ann is a little woman with a big smile. She has a mental toughness that did not come about by chance. Her journey to becoming the fastest woman on earth has been anything but smooth and effortless. She grew up in one of Jamaica's toughest inner-city communities known as Waterhouse, where she lived in a one-room apartment, sleeping four in a bed with her mother and two brothers. Waterhouse, one of the poorest communities in Jamaica, is a really violent and overpopulated place. Several of Shelly-Ann's friends and family were caught up in the killings; one of her cousins was shot dead only a few streets away from where she lived. Sometimes her family didn't have enough to eat. She ran at the school championships barefooted because she couldn't afford shoes. Her mother Maxime, one of a family of fourteen, had been an athlete herself as a young girl but, like so many other girls in Waterhouse, had to stop after she had her first baby. Maxime's early entry into the adult world with its responsibilities gave her the determination to ensure that her kids would not end up in Waterhouse's roundabout of poverty. One of the first things Maxime used to do with Shelly-Ann was taking her to the track, and she was ready to sacrifice everything. It didn't take long for Shelly-Ann to realize that sports could be her way out of Waterhouse. On a summer evening in Beijing in 2008, all those long, hard hours of work and commitment finally bore fruit. The barefoot kid who just a few years previously had been living in poverty, surrounded by criminals and violence, had written a new chapter in the history of sports. But Shelly-Ann's victory was far greater than that. The night she won Olympic gold in Beijing, the routine murders in Waterhouse and the drug wars in the neighbouring streets stopped. The dark cloud above one of the world's toughest criminal neighbourhoods simply disappeared for a few days. " I have so much fire burning for my country,"Shelly said. She plans to start a foundation for homeless children and wants to build a community centre in Waterhouse. She hopes to inspire the Jamaicans to lay down their weapons. She intends to fight to make it a woman's as well as a man's world. As Muhammad Ali puts it, " Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them. A desire, a dream, a vision." One of the things Shelly-Ann can be proud of is her understanding of this truth. What is the best title for the passage? A. The Making of a Great Athlete B. The Dream for Championship C. The Key to High Performance D. The Power of Full Responsibility Answer: A One day I was driving home with a woman. She rolled down the window, fifty feet away from the driveway and spit her gum out of the window. "Couldn't you just wait five seconds and put your gum where it belongs?" I asked, annoyed. She was not the only one who was gum-lazy. Consider the following. Every time I brush chewed gum under my desk, I shake with fright. At Folsom Middle School, whenever I had to walk by the gum wall next to the girls' locker room, I felt totally disgusted. When I was young, I walked outside during my dance show in my ballet shoes, always stepping right on a big and juicy piece of bubble gum. I was extremely upset. The worst part of all these incidents is that a trash can is located near. But some people are too lazy to walk towards it. If you can't be a responsible gum chewer, don't chew at all. That's all I'm going to say. Take Singapore as a good example. The chewing gum ban in Singapore was placed. It bans the import and sale of chewing gum in Singapore, whether for the purpose of trade or personal chewing. However, the ban has been partly lifted with some types of gum, such as medical gum, allowable. This comes with the warning that it is sold only by a druggist, who has to take down the names of buyers. Obviously, the Singapore government gets angry at gum stuck in keyholes of mailboxes and on elevator buttons. Not only is it annoying, but chewing gum can actually do harm to the health. Most gum contains aspartame , a chemical sweetener that the US government is now deciding whether or not it is a deadly chemical. If it is, it may cause cancer. Other studies suggest that aspartame may cause neurological disorders. Therefore, aspartame is not allowed to use in the US. So just say no to chewing gum. What did the author think of the woman's behavior? A. It was strange. B. It was unacceptable. C. It was dangerous. D. It was violent. Answer: B To grow, bamboo will require both of the following: A. light and electricity B. light and money C. light and mud D. oil and water Answer: C A troubled young man in Connecticut laid his hands on the kinds of guns that no civilian should ever have and shot 20 children and 6 adults . It was a tragedy that " broke the hearts of America " , as President Barack Obama said . The obvious way to prevent the next such _ is gun control . And , yes , we need it now . Voters need to be loud , politicians need to be brave , and the gun lobby needs to be defeated . Perhaps Barack Obama , no longer up for election , will no longer be chicken . But American violence doesn't just come from the weapons we buy and the gun shows we frequent . It's much deeper than that . This is also the country that supplies three-quarters of the world's arms trade . These are weapon sales authorized by our government and by a Democratic President . International weapon sales by America between 2010 and 2011 tripled . The same Democratic President continues a policy of targeted ( often poorly ) assassinations in Pakistan . This country also supplies most of the world's violent entertainment . America leads the world in massacres in life , and in film too . The most popular movie this week , " SKyfall , " is a load of fun ; but every emotional climax involves a shooting , sometimes with small guns sometimes with large ones . Firearms have long been identified with manliness in popular culture . Ever more they are identified with womanliness , too . The most popular culture . Every more they are identified with womanliness , too . The most popular video game this week is " Halo 4 ; " the most popular novel is Tom Clancy's " Treat Vector ; " the second and s\third best-selling works of nonfiction are " Killing Kennedy " and " Killing Lincoln , " respectively . Every author , and every creator , should have the right to make what they want . Still , every civilian has a right to choose what to see and what to buy . Violence is sometimes essential to art , and often to foreign policy , too . But the cruel killing in Newtown , the worst single event in this country in eleven years and three months , should lead to a moment of deep reflection . It's time to talk about guns ; but it's also time to talk about a lot more . The author lists some examples of violent entertainment EXCEPT _ . A. movies B. books C. songs D. games Answer: C One day a young princess named Amelia was looking out of the window of her castle. Amelia loved to sing, but was tired of singing only the songs her mother, Queen Anne, allowed her to sing. Princess Amelia thought it might be fun to write her own songs instead. So, on Saturday Princess Amelia went to the garden with a pen and paper. She thought and thought, but couldn't come up with any words for a song. What could she write about? Daisy, her cow? Her frog, Pete? Nothing came to mind. She sat there all day. And the next day too. Amelia was tired and hungry. But she wanted to stay until she had a song. Finally, on Monday, Queen Anne came looking for Amelia and forced her to return to her room. She gave Amelia a large book of songs to sing. Amelia was happy. What is the name of the princess? A. Pete B. Amelia C. Daisy D. Anne Answer: B
Which can view an ocean? A. bogs B. logs C. pogs D. dogs Answer: D. dogs WASHINGTON The head of the World Bank says for the first time in human history, it is possible to end poverty around the world. Jim Yong Kim told a Washington audience Tuesday, he wants to make ending world poverty by 2030 a top goal for the bank and governments around the world. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim says that the problems of poverty, hunger and inequality are wide, urgent and a matter of survival of millions. "We know that despite the great successes of the last decade, there are still about 1.3 billion people living in extreme poverty, 870 million who go hungry every day, and 6.9 million children under five dying every year," he said. But Kim told a Washington audience that the previous successful efforts to cut the number of people living in extreme poverty by half give them hope. "We are at an moment in history, when the successes of past decades and an increasingly favourable economic outlook combine to give developing countries a chance-for the first time ever-to end extreme poverty within a generation," he said in a speech at Georgetown University. "Our duty now must be to ensure that these favourable circumstances are matched with deliberate decisions to realize this historic opportunity." Kim says success will require increasing the speed of economic growth, particularly in South Africa and South Asia. But he warned that civil unrest could happen if economic growth does not help people at all income levels, and also include women and youth. Kim says that the World Bank and other development agencies will have more resources to get this job done right. "Meeting this 2030 goal will take extraordinary effort," he said. However, Kim warned that all the progress in fighting poverty could be destroyed by climate disasters unless the nations of the world do more to prevent climate change. What's the passage mainly about? A. The key of ending world poverty is preventing climate change. B. A top goal-ending world poverty will possibly be achieved by 2030. C. The success of ending poverty-economic growth. D. The progress in fighting poverty. Answer: B. A top goal-ending world poverty will possibly be achieved by 2030. Which is a reason for Arkansas having multiple seasons? A. the tilt of Earth's axis B. the speed of Earth's orbit C. Earth's distance from the Sun D. Earth gravitational pull toward the Moon Answer: A. the tilt of Earth's axis At first all films were in black and white, but in 1932 the first color film was made. It proved as unpopular as making films had done in the late 1920's. It was not until 1938 that a full length color film was made, and the success of this film made producers everywhere change from black and white to color. This first full-length color film was translated into ten different languages and made Hollywood the main center( )of film industry In the early days of the cinema, other countries had also film industries. Very good films were made in Sweden, Britain, Russia and France. However, because Holleywood had so much money to spend, it kept its position as the world's most important film center. Film actors went to America because they knew they could get a lot of money for every film they made. In 1918 Charlie Chaplin (*)received $5 each day. However, life was not always easy for the film actors. Newspapermen followed them everywhere, and after Charlie Chapine married for the fourth time he became so unpopular with the American public that he had to leave the country and live in Europe. . Which of the following is correct? A. People liked the color film as soon as it was made. B. At first making films were not popular. C. Color films were at first silence. D. Talking films were all color films. Answer: B. At first making films were not popular. If you feel at present that you don't have enough friends in your life,one reason may be that you have let yourself become too busy to make time for the relationships you already have.Starting and keeping friendship requires effort and commitment. Many of us let our lives become so busy with work and other commitments that we don't get around to scheduling time for pleasure and renewal with the friends,relatives and acquaintances we already have. Making the effort to call your friends more regularly and to accept more of the invitations you receive from others can improve your social life in a hurry! Are there any people you could call right now and be assured of a pleasant welcome? Are there people that you could count on to help you in time of difficulty? Can you have close talks with them? Do you have fun when you are together? Are you happy to have them in your life? If you haven't seen much of them lately. is it because you have become too busy? Have you grown apart? Was there an argument? If the main reason you haven't been getting together with the people you already know is that you have gotten too busy,take a good look at how you spend your time.Compare it with your real values and priorities in life.Is your busy lifestyle really bringing you the quality of life that you want? If you have become too busy for friends,why has this happened? Are you seeking material toys in your life at the expense of relationships with other human beings? Have you allowed your time to be over.committed because you never say"No"to anyone? Do you insist on doing things yourself that could be delegated to others? If so,why? Do you believe that everything depends on you? Examine whether the way you are now spending your time accurately reflects your deepest values and priorities.Make sure that you schedule enough time for the things that are truly most important to you. If you really want to keep friends in your lire,make a space in your schedule,and a space in your heart for them. Which of the following doesn't indicate a good relationship? A. You have someone to count on when you are in trouble. B. You have someone to have close talks with. C. You feel depressed with others in life D. You have fun when you are with someone Answer: C. You feel depressed with others in life
Kim's birthday was the next day. Every year on her birthday, her mother would make her favorite meal, and they would give Kim her birthday presents. Kim wanted spaghetti for dinner, and a special dollhouse as her present. On the morning of her birthday, Kim's brother Jamie woke her up by pretending to be a monster and making her scream. She was tired for the rest of the day because she could not go back to sleep. Her father thought it was funny and didn't yell at Jamie for teasing his sister. Kim's other brother, Danny, came back home for her birthday, and was helping Jamie tease her. They hid behind the soda and made funny noises. They hid her shoes. They switched where her toys were and made her think she had lost them. By the time dinner was ready, Kim was upset. Then it appeared that her mother had not made the meal she had hoped to have after all. Just as Kim was about to start crying and leave the table, her brothers surprised her with a huge box. Excited, Kim tore open the box to see that it was the dollhouse she wanted. Her mother showed her she had made spaghetti like Kim wanted. Jamie said he was sorry for scaring her, and she, Jamie, and Danny hugged. What did Kim want her mother to make for her birthday? Answer: When I was 12, I got a part-time job on a dairy farm, milking cows. We milked 65 cows twice a day. One day, I complained to my father about having to go milk those cows, saying it was tiring. He said, you know, boy, to work is a blessing. I looked at the men who'd worked harder. I had a feeling I had been told something really important, but it took many years before it sank in. Back then, going to college was a rare privilege. My father told me if I'd picked something to study that I liked doing, I'd always look forward to my work. But he also added, even having a job you hate is better than not having a job at all. I wanted to be a farmer, but I joined a military program to help pay for college. And what started out as an obligation to the Army became a way of life that I had been devoted to for 37 years. In the late 1980s, during a visit to Bangladesh, I saw a woman with her baby on her back, breaking bricks with a hammer. I asked a local officer why they weren't using a machine to make the work easier. He told me a machine would put that lady out of work. And as bad as that woman's job was, it was enough to keep a small family alive. It reminded me of my father's words: to work is a blessing. After seeing a lot of people like that woman in Bangladesh, I've come to believe that people without jobs are not free. They're victims of crime, poor health, and depression. People who have jobs can have a home, send their kids to school, develop a sense of pride, contribute to the good of the community and even help others. When we can work, we are free. We are blessed. Which can be the best title of the text? Answer: 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 advantage of couch surfing is that _ . Answer: Skateboarding has become one of several non - traditional activities that PE teachers around America are introducing to inspire kids to exercise regularly. Some PE classes feature in-line skating, yoga, and even rock climbing. Experts have called those types of activities "the new PE". Such activities are part of a larger effort to help kids develop lifelong fitness habits and to keep them from becoming overweight. Now, 9 million U.S. children and teens are overweight. Obesity can lead to health problems such as diabetes and heart disease later in life. "Our children and youth are becoming unhealthy and obese," says Lindsey Johnson. "Skateboarding is a great activity that keeps kids doing physical movement and gives them new skills and interest." Some schools don't allow skateboarding because they say it is dangerous. Cendali, however, argues that regular practice _ a great deal of the danger. "We teach students how to do it and how to do it safely," he says. Some people say skateboarding teaches life lessons. "Skateboarding teaches kids to believe that if they stick with something they will finally succeed," says education expert Richard Sagor of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Skateboarding inspires kids not to give up in learning difficult skills. "It's natural for kids to want to learn and get better at things," adds Sagor. "When it comes to skateboarding, they'll try a trick hundreds of times before they succeed." That same effort could be made in schoolwork. Eric Klassen agrees that skateboarding requires kids to stop saying a task is too hard for them. "A baby will attempt to walk 600 to 900 times before he or she is successful," says Klassen. "We tell students that they shouldn't say 'I can't do it' unless they've tried 600 to 900 times." Skateboarding is introduced into American schools to _ . Answer: My grandma whom we all called Nanny was a solid, first-generation, Italian immigrant. She came to this country with her family on a tiny ship during World War I when she was only 8 years old. During the trip she survived stormy seas,little food, and an attack by a German U-boat. After getting here,her large family worked hard to build a new life in America. They never had much money but were rich in love. One day,when I was about 5 or 6 years old, my parents and brothers went on a trip. It was just me and Nanny in the house for the weekend. Nanny seemed so happy to be taking care of me all by herself. She made me a special breakfast that first morning. However, all I could do was to complain about how the food was not how Mom always made it. Nanny quietly put down the plate and went into the living room. I followed a minute later and saw that she had tears in her eyes. It was the first time I had ever seen my strong and proud grandmother cry and I was the one who had caused it. I walked over to Nanny, climbed on her lap, and for the first time in my short life I did something else too. I apologized without being told to and asked Nanny to forgive me. She smiled, rubbed my head, and told me I was a good boy even though I didn't feel like one then. That memory just like my Nanny's love will stay in my heart forever. It is a sign of both strength and wisdom. Asking for forgiveness helps us to learn, to grow, and to love. When seeing Nanny crying in the living room, the author felt _ . Answer:
A man had two large pots. One of the pots had a crack in it, so while the other pot always delivered a full pot of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to his house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. This went on every day for years. One day a neighbor asked the man, "One of your pots has been broken for years. It can only deliver half its load, so you don't get full value from your efforts. Why don't you buy a new one?" The man smiled and said, "Please follow me to my house, and you may see some beautiful flowers." On the way to the man's house, the neighbor took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path. The man said to the neighbor, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on one side of the path, but not on the other side? That's because I have always known about the flaw of my pot. I planted flower seeds on one side of the path. Every day when I walk back from the stream, the broken pot waters them. For years, I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my house. Without the broken pot, I would not have this beauty." What did the man do with the broken pot? Answer: He used it to water flowers. Many people are so busy these days that they have no time to cook at home. This becomes a problem because most families love home cooking! The food tastes good and a family meal can bring everyone together. In some families, meals are often the only chance everyone gets to see each other at the same time during the day. Another reason people enjoy home cooking is that it is a way of showing love. A parent who makes some cookies is not just satisfying a child's sweet tooth. He or she is sending a message . The message says, "I care about you enough to spend an hour making cookies that you will eat up in 15 minutes if I let you." There is also something about the smell of home cooking. The smell of cooking makes people happy. It makes most of us feel good and loved--even if we're the ones doing the cooking! Next time you smell a cake making, stop for a moment and pay attention to your mood (,). Home cooking is _ . Answer: Both A and B Once there was a baby eagle living in a nest on a cliff .The baby eagle loved his nest.It was warm, soft and comfortable.And even better, he had all the food and love that his mother could give.Whenever the baby eagle was hungry, his mother would always come just in time with the delicious food he liked. He was growing happily day after day.But suddenly his world eagle changed.His mother stopped coming to the nest, he was full of sadness and fear.He thought he would die soon.He cried, but nobody heard him. Two days later mother appeared with some nice food.The baby eagle was wild with joy.But his mother put the food at the top of the mountain and then looked down at her baby. The baby eagle cried out, "Mum, why did you do this to me? I'm hungry.Don't you know I will die if I have nothing to eat?" "Here is the Last meal I give you.Come and get it by yourself." his mother said.Then she flew down and pushed the baby eagle out of the nest. The baby eagle fell down, faster and faster.He looked up at his mum." Why do you abandon me?" He looked down at the earth.The ground was much closer.Then something strange happened.The air caught behind his arms and he began to fly! He wasn't moving to the ground any more.Instead, his eyes were pointed up at the sun. You are flying! You can make it!" His mother smiled. How did the baby eagle feel as soon as lie saw his mother coming again? Answer: Happy What seemed like an unplanned comment about Syria's chemical weapons had a major effect on world events this week. American Secretary of State John Kerry spoke last Monday at a press conference in London. He was reacting to questions about possible American action to answer a chemical weapons attack believed to be likely in Syria. One reporter asked the secretary whether there is anything Syria's president can do to avoid an American military strike. "Sure, he can turn over every single bit of his chemical weapons to the international society in the next week."www.ks5u.com Mr. Kerry made it clear that he was speaking theoretically, and did not expect anything like that to happen. But Russia seized on the idea and persuaded Syria to do the same. That brought plans for American congressional votes on military action to a halt. President Obama has said he would accept a diplomatic settlement if it can be carried out. But that would likely take weeks, at least. Mr. Obama has said the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must be punished for breaking the nearly century old ban on the use of chemical weapons. He called for American action to prevent future use of chemical weapons in Syria. He suggested limited airstrikes on government targets. The airstrikes could happen quickly if Congress approves. Joanna Kidd is a security expert with London's King's College. She says any move to place Syria's chemical weapons under international control would take a long time, if it could be done at all. According to the passage, which of the following statement is TRUE? Answer: Russia is against the American military strike on Syria. What is the greatest contributor to air pollution in the United States? Answer: automobiles
Fighting racial stereotypes on US campuses often begins by putting students of different ethnic backgrounds together -- under one dormitory roof. Sam Boakye was a freshman at Ohio State University and the only black student on his floor. He was determined to get good grades -- in part to make sure his white roommate had no basis for negative racial views. "You're pushed to do better, to challenge the stereotype that black people are not that smart," he told theNew York Times. Several recent studies have found that having a roommate of a different race can reduce prejudice , diversify friendships and even promote students' academic performance. In a study by Ohio State psychology professor Russell Fazio, black freshmen who came to college with high test scores earned better grades if they had a white roommate--even if the roommate's test scores were low. Another study on student interaction by Duke University suggests that freshmen with roommates of a different race were the most likely to diversify their friendships. "Just having diversity in classrooms doesn't do anything to increase interracial friendships," said Claudia Buchman, an author of the Duke study. "But living together with a different-race roommate does lead to more interracial friendships." There are, however, some problems with such room assignments. Fazio's study found that three times as many randomly assigned interracial roommates weren't living together at the end of the semester, compared with white roommates. Interracial roommates also spent less time together, had fewer joint activities and were less involved with each other's friends than white pairs. As for Boakye, this is not the case. "A lot of white students come without much exposure to diversity, so when their first interaction with a black guy isn't bad, they will make more black friends. I think I made a good impression on my freshman roommate. I saw him this year, and he said, 'Hey dude, you're not the only black friend I have.' That felt good." Sam Boakye was determined to get good grades partly because _ . Answer: he wanted to show black people are as smart as white people If your mother wants to tell you something, she uses words. Birds can not talk as we do. But some birds can make sounds to warn their young of danger. They have their own way to make the young birds know or do certain things. The jackdaw is a kind of blackbird that lives in Europe. Jackdaws live together in groups. Young jackdaws do not know their enemies. When the older jackdaw sees a dog, it makes a loud rattling sound. The younger birds know this sound means an enemy is nearby. The sound warns them to know their enemies. If a young jackdaw is in a dangerous place, a jackdaw parent flies over him from behind. The parent bird flies low over the younger bird's back. The parent's tail feathers move quickly from side to side. It is trying to say, "Follow me." At the same time, the parent calls out, "Key-aw, Key-aw." The parent means, "Fly home with me." Young jackdaws do not have to learn what certain sounds mean. They know the meanings of these sounds from the time they are _ . A young jackdaw understands its parents _ . Answer: as soon as it is hatched 3D printers are certainly the superstar today---they are being put to all kinds of uses, including creating model cars for movies. However, none of these ideas are as crazy as the one suggested by Anjan Contractor, who believes that they will be the key to ending world hunger . If you think that sounds a little crazy, you are not the only one, but after hearing scientists, the idea seems to become true. According to scientists, food will become _ expensive and possibly, even out of reach, for billions of people in the future. It means billions of people won't have enough food. This is where 3D printers may save the day. Anjan, an engineer says that the only way to support the large population will be to provide every kitchen with a 3D printer and print out meals. More importantly, it would be to make the basic food from things that we now do not think can be eaten. Anjan thinks that we could easily get the meat protein from insects . Similarly, the vegetable nutrition could be made from greens like grass. Would you want to try 3D printed food? From the passage we know that _ . Answer: 3D printers are being put to many uses A man accused of failing to return more than 700 children's books to five different libraries in the county was released from prison after a book publisher agreed to post his bond of $1,000.The publisher said."There's a story here.This is a man who loves books.He just can't let go of them.He hasn't stolen a single book.So what's the crime ? We think that Mr.Banish has story to tell.We plan to publish his story." When asked why he didn't return the books, Mr.Banish said,"Well,how could I? They became family to me.I was afraid to return them,because I knew that kids or dogs would get hold of these books and chew them up,throw them around,tear the pages,spill soda on them,get jelly on them,and drown them in the toilet. He continued,"Books are people,too! They talk to you,they take care of you,and they enrich you with wisdom,humor and love.A book is a guest in my home.How could I kick it out? I repaired tor n pages.I dusted them with a soft clean cloth.I turned their pages so they could breathe and get some fresh air." "Every week I reorganized them on their shelves so they could meet new friends,My books were HAPPY books.You could tell just by looking at them.Now they're all back in the libraries,on the lower shelves,on the floors,at the mercy of all those runny-nosed kids I can hear them calling me.I need to rescue them.Excuse me.I have to go now." What is mainly talked about in this passage? Answer: A person who refuses to return borrowed books and wants to look after them. It was a cold and wet night. Over the radio came the message to deal with an accident in one of the side streets of the city. The scene of the accident wasn't far away and we arrived after 10 minutes. Two cars had crashed. Two women were lying on the street and one driver was still in the car. The driver was quite drunk and kept shouting to us. He didn't get badly hurt. A young woman died at once when the two cars crashed. I was holding the other woman and tried to stop the bleeding, but at last I had to watch her die in my arms. Three months later, I saw the driver in court and found him to be a normal person. He was sorry for his actions. In the end, he was put into the prison for several years. A man isn't a man if he drinks 10 beers in an hour. A man is a man when he knows his limit and takes responsibility . When he can stay away from wine, he can drive more safely. In the writer's opinion, a man can't drive _ . Answer: after drinking wine
Just saw the superhero movie, Kick-Ass, and it raised an interesting question: just because we are not superhuman, can we lead a super-heroic life? I believe we can do it in some easy steps! Activate our super powers. Superheroes are all good at different things. Some are really fast, some can see things others can't, and some can move things with their mind. Also we all have special talents and passions. We just have to know what they are and develop them. Try this. List several things you're especially good at-- we'll say these are your core super powers. Next, write down what makes each of your core super powers and look for chances to use them and improve them. Get a _ or two. Superheroes are out there all day, fighting the good fight. And who's there to help? Every superhero has teamed up with someone else to defeat some enemies they couldn't deal with alone. We need a support team: one or more who can be trusted and will help us when necessary. Our team members should bring different, constructive perspectives and all kinds of super powers. But we must choose wisely. Be brave and bold. Does it take more courage to venture down a dark road or to face a life of no ventures at all? Both can be pretty scary. But we should be brave and bold just as some successful person said: "Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition ." Live the code. Superheroes die to protect others. They don't cheat or lie or steal. They're good role models, and they do the right things even when nobody is watching. Though nobody's perfect, yet we should learn from superheroes and struggle not to disobey the superhero code. Turn a friend down who trusts me? Of course I won't. What is the passage mostly about? A. How we can become a superhero. B. What a superhero should be like. C. How we can live like a superhero. D. Why we should learn from a superhero. Answer: C. How we can live like a superhero. A study has found, spending hours playing violent video games prevents teenagers from their moral growth. It is thought that regular touch to violence and lack of contact with the outside world makes it harder for them to tell right from wrong.They also struggle to trust other people,and see the world from their viewpoints. Researchers from Brock University in Ontario found that those who spend more than three hours each day in front of the screen are particularly unlikely to have developed the ability to empathize . The Canadian researchers surveyed 109 boys and girls,aged 13 and 14,about whether they played video games,which games they liked,and how long they spent playing them.Their findings found that 88 percent of teens said they played games,and more than half admitted to playing games every day.Violent games were among the most popular. The teenagers also filled in a questionnaire designed to measure their moral development.For example,they were asked how important it is to save the life of a friend. Previous studies have suggested that a person's moral judgment goes through four phases as they grow from children and enter adulthood.By the age of 13 or 14,scientists claim young people should be entering the third stage,and be able to empathize with others and take their viewpoints into account.The research found that this stage appeared to be delayed in teenagers who regularly played violent video games. It is also thought that teenagers who play games regularly did not spend enough time in the real world to learn to take others' thoughts into consideration.Researcher Mirjana Bajovic said:"The present results indicate that some teenagers, who spent three or more hours a day playing violent video games,are deprived of such opportunities." he added:"Touch to violence in video games may influence the development of moral reasoning because violence is not only presented as acceptable but is also justified and rewarded." They concluded that rather than trying to enforce an 'unrealistic' ban on the games,parents and teachers should encourage teenagers to do charity work and take up after-school activities. Why did the Canadian researchers carry out the studies? A. To develop teenagers' ability to communicate. B. To enrich teenagers' awareness of social life. C. To discuss how to save the life of a friend. D. To measure teenagers' moral development. Answer: D. To measure teenagers' moral development. Do you feel you have enough time to do all the things you have to do or want to do? How do you think you could plan your day better? A daily schedule will help you plan every part of it. If you learn to manage your time, you will probably feel less worried. Here is how to do it. 1. Take out a piece of paper and a ruler. Draw a form of your waking hours, using one square for each half an hour. If you're awake for 16 hours each day, you will need 32 squares: 8 across, 4 down.2. Sit down and examine your day. Make a list of all the things you need to do. Think about when you should do them. 3. Fill out your schedule. 4. Remember to give yourself breaks. If doing all of your homework at one time is too much, schedule a little bit of free time in the middle of it. 5. If you have an important thing to do but it's not on your schedule, _ other activities around it. 6. Think about using different colored pens for your different activities. In this way, you'll clearly know how your day is planned out. In the writer's opinion, if something unexpected takes place, you should _ . A. not mind it B. work according to your schedule C. adjust your other activities D. forget about your schedule Answer: C. adjust your other activities There are some differences between American English and British English. Some differences are quite interesting. When my friend Lily from London used the word "larder", I didn't know what it meant. Realizing I didn't follow her, she used another word. I finally knew she wanted to find something to keep some food. The next word came up when we were planning a lunch date. She _ the date and time in her diary, while I marked my calendar. If she called me on the phone, she would ring me up. But if the line was busy, she would say the line was engaged. Most times, I can know what Lily means. Last week, she regretted sending her boys to watch an early morning tennis game without their fleeces. I thought that she meant without their jackets or something like that. Other times, we have to ask each other. She recently told me a funny tale about a pissed woman. I wondered what had made the lady angry. It turns out that pissed means drunk. Here is one more example. My British friend Jane was filling out a ticket at the grocery store recently. She asked the young man to help her if he had a rubber. When she noticed he didn't follow her, she quickly asked for an eraser, which, in England, is often called a rubber. In order to communicate well with British people, we Americans should learn some words that the British use differently. And I think people who learn English as a second language should also realize that there are differences between American English and British English. What is the passage mainly about? A. The British way of using words. B. Some new words the writer's British friends taught her. C. The reasons why Americans can't followed the British at times. D. Some words used differently in British English and American English. Answer: D. Some words used differently in British English and American English. What motion causes day and night? A. revolution of Earth B. revolution of the Moon C. rotation of Earth D. rotation of the Moon Answer: C. rotation of Earth
The introduction to Music Bibliography Site Welcome to the introduction to Music Bibliography Site. In the site Friedheim Library will establish Music Bibliography Course. This year four sections of this course will be offered: two sections in fall and two sections in spring. Time and Place Section 1: Tues. & Thurs. 9:30---10:20 a.m. (Room 214) Section 2: Wed. & Fri. 4:30---5:20 p.m. (Room 116) The goals of Music Bibliography To build a tool box of music reference sources To write an article with footnotes/endnotes and a bibliography about a major musical work. Note: The Music Bibliography Site serves all the teachers and students of the Peabody Conservatory of Music. ID card is required. If you are a student with a disability for which you require accommodations , please contact Dr. Eileen Soskin, Associtate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University at 410-659-8100, extension 4405, at website esoskin@peabody.jhu.edu, or Ms Peggy Hayeslip, University Coordinator of Disability Services on the Homewood Campus of the Johns Hopkins University at 410-516-6225, at website phayeslip@jhu.edu to discuss reasonable and appropriate accommodations. If somebody wants to get in touch with Dr. Eileen Soskin, he can dial _ . A 410-516-6225 B 410-659-8100 C 410-659-8100, extension 405 D 410-659-8100, extension 4405 Answer: D. 410-659-8100, extension 4405 If you go into the forest with friends, stay with them .If you don't , you may get lost , this is what you should do .Sit down and stay where you are .Don't try to find your friends -let them find you instead .You can help them find you by staying in one place. There is another way to help your friends or other people to find you .You can shout or whistle three times .Stop .Then shout or whistle three times again .Any signal given three times is a call for help . Keep up shouting or whistling . Always three times together. When people hear you ,they will know that you are not just making a noise for fun . They will let you know that they have heard your signal . They will give you two shouts or two whistles. When a signal is given twice ,it is an answer to a call for help. If you don't think that you will get help before night comes ,try to make a little house with branches Make yourself a bed with leaves and grass. When you need some water ,you have to leave your little branch house to look for it .Don't just walk away . _ When you are lost , the most important thing to do is to stay in one place . When you hear two shouts or two whistles ,you know that _ . A someone is afraid of an animal B people will come to help you C someone needs help D something terrible will happen. Answer: B. people will come to help you The moon looks bigger than the stars at night. But in fact, it is smaller than any of them. The moon looks big to us, because it is closer to us than any star. The moon goes around the earth. It makes one trip about four weeks. The moon is a round ball and looks beautiful. Don't you think so? Now people know quite a lot about the moon. There is no air or water on the moon so there are not any trees or animals, or people on the moon. The moon gets its light from the sun, but some places on the moon are quite dark. Then days on the moon get hotter than boiling water. The nights get colder than the North Pole on the earth. People know quite _ about the moon now. A a few B a lot C little D some Answer: B. a lot Sir John a British scientist who won last year's Nobel prize for medicine, said he had predicted at the time of his frog experiments that the successful cloning of a mammal would happen within 50 years.and that "maybe the same answer is appropriate" far the step to human cloning. Parents who lose children in accidents may be able to clone "copies" to replace them then. Although any attempt to clone an entire human would raise complex moral issues, the biologist claimed people would soon overcome their concerns if the technique became medically useful.Cloning was regarded with extreme doubts when it was first developed but became widely accepted after the birth of Louise Brown, the first "test tube baby" He said, "When my first frog experiment.s were done, an American reporter asked how long it will be before these things can he done in mammals or humans I said, 'Well, it could be anywhere between 10 years and 100 years-how about 50 year ?' It turned out that it wasn't far off the mark as far as Dolly was concerned.Maybe the same answer is appropriate." Sir John added that cloning a human being effectively means making an identical twin, and doctors would therefore simply be "copying what nature has already produced" The average vote on allowing parents of deceased children, who are no longer fertile , to create another using the mother's eggs and skin cells from the first child, thinking the technique was safe and effective, is 60 per cent in favor.The reasons for "no" are usually that the new child would feel they were some sort of a replacement for something. . According to the text, which statement is NOT true? A Louise Brown is the first "test tube baby". B Human cloning is still a controversial topic. C Sir John is positive about the future of human cloning. D Human cloning is creating something that didn't exist before. Answer: D. Human cloning is creating something that didn't exist before. Apparently everyone knows that global warming only makes climate more extreme. A hot, dry summer has caused another flood of such claims. And one of the players that benefit the most from this story is the media: the idea of "extreme" climate simply makes for more exciting news. Consider Paul Krugman writing breathlessly in The New York Times about the "rising incidence of extreme events." He claims that global warming caused the current drought in America's Midwest, and that supposedly record-high corn prices could cause a global food crisis . But the United Nations's latest assessment tells us precisely the opposite--there has an overall slight tendency toward less dryness in North America. Moreover, there is no way that Krugman could have identified this drought as being caused by global warming without a time machine since climate models estimate that such detection will be possible by 2048, at the earliest. And, fortunately, this year's drought appears unlikely to cause a food crisis, as global rice and wheat supplies are plentiful. Moreover, Krugman overlooks inflation :Prices have increased six-fold since 1969.So, the inflation-adjusted price of corn was higher throughout most of the 1970s. Finally, Krugman forgets that concerns about global warming are the main reason that corn prices have skyrocketed since 2005.Nowadays 40 percent of corn grown in the United States is used to produce ethanol ,which raises the price of corn -at the expense of many of the world's poorest people. Bill Mickbben similarly worries in The Guardian About the Midwest drought and corn prices.He confidently tells us that fierce wildfires from New Mexico and Colorado to Siberia are "exactly" what the early stages of global warming look like. In fact, the latest study on global wildfire suggests that fire incidence has declined over the past 70 years and is now close to its preindustrial level. When well--meaning campaigners want us to pay attention to global warming, they often end up making overstatements. And exaggerated claims merely fuel public distrust and unconcern. That is unfortunate, because global warming is a real problem, and we do need to address it. What is the chief reason for the rise in corn prices according to the author? A Inflation rates have been skyrocketing since the 1970s. B A considerable part of corn is used to produce green fuel. C Climate change has caused corn supply to drop markedly. D Demand for food has been rising in the developing countries. Answer: B. A considerable part of corn is used to produce green fuel.
When a lady beetle is grown up, she may spend time A. laying a clutch B. making a memory C. making friends D. seeing the sights Answer: A. laying a clutch The American newspaper has been around for about three hundred years. In 1721, the printer James Franklin, Benjamin's older brother, started the New England Courant,and that was what we might recognize today as a real newspaper. He filled his paper with stories of adventure, articles on art, on famous people, and on all sorts of political subjects. Three centuries after the appearance of Franklin'sCourant,few believe that newspapers in their present printed from will remain alive for long. Newspaper companies are losing advertisers ,readers, market value, and in some cases, their sense of purpose at a speed that would not have been imaginable just several years ago. The chief editor of theTimessaid recently, "At places where they gather, editors ask one another, 'How are you?', as if they have just come out of the hospital or a lost law case." An article about the newspaper appeared on the website of theGuandian, under the headline "NOT DEAD YET." Perhaps not, but the rise of the Internet, which has made the daily newspaper look slow and out of step with the world, has brought about a real sense of death. Some American newspapers have lost 42% of their market value in the past three years. The New York Times Company has seen its stock drop by 54% since the end of 2004, with much of the loss coming in the past year. A manager at Deutsche Bank suggested that stock-holders sell off their Times stock. The Washington Post Company has prevented the trouble only by changing part of its business to education; its testing and test-preparation service now brings in at least half the company's income. What can we infer about the newspaper editors? A. They often accept readers' suggestions. B. They care a lot about each other's health. C. They stop doing business with advertisers. D. They face great difficulties in their business. Answer: D. They face great difficulties in their business. 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 is the speech mainly about? A. How the speaker translated a book. B. How the speaker was injured in an accident. C. How the speaker benefited from hi-tech. D. How the speaker got over the injury. Answer: C. How the speaker benefited from hi-tech. Accidents and illness are unhappy things to talk about, but no one can expect to live a lifetime without having some kind of accident or becoming ill. Some accidents and illnesses are serious and may result in long periods of invalidism. The newspapers contain spectacular accounts of accidents in the street and highways and public places, but nearly as many accidents occur around the home. Somebody trips on a rug. Somebody falls off a stepladder. Somebody is careless in cooking dinner, and is burned. Accidents incurred in the playing of sports and swimming also accounts for a large number of injuries, big and little. Despite constant campaigns to reduce the number of accidents, there are still approximately 100,000 accidental deaths and nearly 9,000,000 nonfatal injuries in the United States each year. It has been estimated that around 3,000,000 people are constantly ill in the United States throughout the year and that over half the illness is caused by respiratory diseases, chiefly colds and influenza. The pain and suffering caused by accidents and illness tell only half the story. Loss of time from school and work and medical and hospital expenses often make the pain seem worse. Money spent in this country for doctors, services, hospitalization, nursing care, drugs, medicines, Xrays, and special treatments, amounts to a huge annual sum. Added to this expense is another much larger amount that is lost to wage earners throughout the nation by reason of their loss of wages or income while sick or otherwise disabled. Accident and health insurance is a form of insurance devised to protect against these economic losses. It protects the earning of wage earners and finishes financial aid to the family of the breadwinner by the payment of his doctor and hospital bills. Today, business and professional men, farmers, industrial workers, clerks and those engaged in various occupations, whose earning power is shut off for a week, a month, or sometimes years, because of accidents or illness can insure themselves against this financial loss by accident and health insurance. Protection is available to all types of workers and the cost(called the premium)ranges from a few cents a day for small or limited policies to a month for policies paying larger amounts(called indemnities). Policy is another name for an insurance contract . Most accident and health policies are cancelable policies--that is, they are sold for a definite term such as a week, a month, or a year, similar to contracts of fire insurance and automobile liability insurance. There are, however, policies which cannot be canceled or terminated by the insurance company until the policyholder reaches an age at which he usually has no further earning power--most often at sixty or sixtyfive years. These noncancelable policies cost more than the cancelable policies. Accident and health insurance will protect people by _ . A. covering their medical expenditure B. paying their wages C. restoring their earning power D. providing policyholders with the money they need to survive Answer: A. covering their medical expenditure Expand your knowledge of natural history! The University of Michigan Exhibit Museum is located on central campus in the historic Alexander B.Ruthven Museums Building.With over 300displays on four floors,the museum offers unlimited opportunities for discovery.Exhibits,artifacts and habitat scenes help you expand your knowledge of prehistoric life,wildlife,geology,astronomy and more. Hours and Admission Fees The museum is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday.The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays.There is no general admission fee for individuals. Groups All groups of more than 10must make reservations to visit the museum at least two weeks in advance,even if the group is only planning to browse in the museum on an"unguided visit".Unguided visits can be arranged for any day the museum is open.Groups may schedule guided tours,multimedia shows,and planetarium shows for any day Tuesday through Friday.Call the reservation desk at 313-555-1234between 9am to 4pm to make group reservations. Parking Parking is available in many of the nearby public parking structures for a $5.00daily fee.Buses may park in the museum lot only on weekends.Parking is free in the museum lot. Museum Shop The Exhibit Museum Shop is located on the basement level of the museum.The shop carries items for children and adults,including rocks,minerals,fossils,books,a variety of dinosaur merchandise,T-shirts and posters.A subscription to the quarterly Newsletter of the Exhibit Museum is also available there. Planetarium Shows The planetarium is located on the fourth floor of the Exhibit Museum.On weekends,regularly scheduled planetarium shows are open to the general public.Show topics change seasonally.Currently showing:"The Brightest Stars"(no age limits) Sat.at 10:30and 11:30;"The New Solar System"(for age 8 up) Sat.at 12:30and 3:30; Sun.at 2:30.Tickets are 2.5per person.Planetarium shows are free for members of the Exhibit Museum Club. Visitors can make a subscription to the museum newsletter . A. at the reservation desk B. in the museum lot C. at the Museum Shop D. on the fourth floor Answer: C. at the Museum Shop
Put yourself in these tourists' position. You are walking an icy mountain path in the Alps in Europe. Suddenly you spot a body on the ground,face downward and stuck to the ice. You think someone may have been murdered or in an accident. So you rush back and call the police. The police,however,quickly realize that this body is different from others they've found on the mountain. For one thing,it is mostly undamaged. For another,its skin is dried out,like a mummy's. And with it is a knife with a small stone knife. The body turned out to be much older than the tourists could have guessed. When specialists had a chance to examine it,they discovered it had been there for about five thousand years! How could a body stay preserved for all this time?Two things probably helped. First,the place where the man died was somewhat sheltered,so animals couldn't get at it. Then he was quickly covered by falling snow. Wind blowing through the snow probably "freezedried" his body,removing all _ from it. Objects found with the body told something about the Iceman's life. He wore a thick fur overcoat and trousers. He clearly had been hunting,for he carried arrows,and animal bones were nearby. He also had a grass cushion for sitting or sleeping on. Perhaps he was exhausted when he lay down for the last time. The body was found in 1991,when some of the ice on the mountain melted. Searching for the cause of the Iceman's death,scientists put the body back into cold conditions and hoped... The time of the year that the Iceman died was probably _ . A early fall B late spring C summer D winter Answer: D It is 1965, a 1ittle boy is on the beach with his parents. He is four years old. The boy plays near the water. He walks into the water. His parents aren't watching him. The water is over the boy's head! A woman sees the boy. She _ the boy and carries him to his parents. The woman's name is Mrs. Blaise. It is 1975, ten years 1ater.The boy is on the same beach. He is 14 years old now. He is big and strong. He is a good swimmer. A man is in the water. The man can't swim. "Help! Help!" the[:]man cries.The boy runs into the water. He swims to the man and pulls the man to the beach. "Thank you." says the man. Who is the man? His name is Mr Blaise. He is Mrs Blaise's husband Where is the boy when Mrs. Blaise sees him? A He is in a park. B He is near his home. C He is with his parents. D He is in the water. Answer: D A couple had a son eleven years after they married. They were a loving couple and the boy was _ . When the boy was around four years old, one day the father was very tired after work so he asked his wife to pick up their son. The mother, who was very busy in the kitchen, totally forgot about it. Later the boy lost his way on the street. When the son was found missing, the mother hurried to look for him, but she didn't find him. The mother felt very sad and didn't know how to face her husband. When the father went to the police station after hearing that the son was missing, he looked at his wife and said just four words. What do you think the four words were? The husband just said "I love you, darling." www.zxxk.com The son was missing. If she had picked him up earlier, this would not have happened. There is no point in blaming anyone. His wife had also lost her only child. What his wife needed at that moment was comfort and understanding from her husband. That is what the husband gave his wife. Several weeks later, with the help of the police, the couple finally found their lost son. The family's relationship became stronger over that time. Sometimes we spend lots of time asking who is to blame. We miss many chances to give each other support and let each other feel the warmth of human relationships. Get rid of all your unwillingness to forgive, selfishness, and fears and you will find the world is much more wonderful. What can we learn from this passage? A Be careful in everything you do. B Love is the most important thing. C Learn to forgive others. D Everyone can make mistakes. Answer: C The Chinese boy is Li Lei. He's thirteen. He's in No.3 Middle School. He's in Class Two, Grade One. His good friend is Jack. He's English. He's in Li Lei's school. He's in Class One, Grade Two. Mrs. Read is an English teacher in their school. She is an English woman and she teaches Grade 3. Jack and Li Lei have a secret . Jack is their English teacher's son. What grade is Jack in? A Grade One B Grade Two C Grade Three D Class Two Answer: B It is easier to go down a hill than to climb up a hill, so it is to fall into bad habit than into good ones. Bad habits do not come suddenly. They come little by little while people do not notice their danger. Some schoolboys first pick up bad habits in school and on the streets. When they cannot finish their lessons, they copy from their classmates. If they see bigger boys smoking, they also want to learn to smoke. When they are older, the habits become so strong that they can never get rid of them. From copying, they fall behind, then learn to steal, and smoking is bad for their health. At last they become worse and worse. How necessary it is that we get rid of the bad habits at the very beginning. When they grow, bad habits will _ . A become too strong to get rid of B become smaller C run away D leave Answer: A
India was once part of the British Empire, but thanks to modern technology and a booming economy, it has turned the tables on its former colonial master. Indian tutors are helping to teach math to British children over high-speed Internet connections. Early results suggest the idea is improving exam results. But not everyone is happy at this "outsourcing" of tutoring. It's 3:30, and pupils at Raynham Primary School in London are gathering for their after-school maths lessons. Five time zones-- thousands of kilometers away--their math tutors are also arriving for class. High-speed Internet has made it possible for Indian tutors to teach British pupils in real time. Each pupil gets a dedicated one-to-one online tutor. The students work with activities on their computer screen and wear a headset and microphone to talk to their tutor. The class teacher, Altus Basson, says he has seen an improvement in results. "There are some children who've really rocketed in their results. Children who struggleto focus in class focus a lot better on the laptops. The real advantage is that each child gets a focused activity and a single tutor," he said. Such individualized teaching is the core idea of Brightspark Education, the company that provides the online tutoring, says founder Tom Hooper. "Children today feel very confident online; they feel very engaged; they feel very in control. And that's half the battle with education.Give them control, make them feel confident and enjoy their learning and you'll see them start to improve and embrace it," he said. Raynham Primary School is among the first in Europe to try online tutoring. At between $20 and $25 an hour, it's about half the cost of face-to-face coaching. But some people say an Internet connection is not enough of a connection for teaching and learning. Kevin Courtney is deputy General Secretary of Britain's National Union of Teachers. "We think, there's a really important emotional connection between a teacher and a child whether it's a whole class or whether it's one-to-one. You need that immediacy of feedback and we're not convinced that that can happen across an Internet connection. In one of the wealthiest.countries in the world, we think that we can afford to have teachers with genuine emotional connection there with the children," he said. Brightspark Education says the online tutoring is used only as an addition to supplement regular teaching. The company says its service does not represent a threat to teachers' jobs in Britain. Parents say they're very satisfied with the results they've seen. And what about the children?Children: "I love it!"I love it!"I hate maths!" So math--or, as the British call it, maths--is still not everyone's favorite subject even with the latest technology to teach it. What do we know about the online tutoring? A. Indian tutors are helping to teach math in Britain. B. Tutors and students are in different places. C. An online tutor helps several students at the same time. D. Tutors and students communicate by telephone. Answer: B. Tutors and students are in different places. The Cat in the Hat takes place on a cold, wet day with two kids awaiting their mother's return. Instead of their mother, a strange cat enters the house. He begins balancing a fish bowl on the tip of his umbrella while balancing himself on a beach ball! The two kids and their pet fish worry and worry. But readers around the world laughed and laughed over the Cat and the Hat. Theodore Seuss Geisel, known to fans as Dr. Seuss, wrote the book. It was first published in 1957. Geisel liked to have fun and make people laugh, but he had a serious reason for writing the book. In 1954, a Life magazine article argued that kids couldn't read because the books used to teach them how to read were too boring. John Hersey, the Pulitzer-prize winning author of the article, suggested Geisel write a story that "first graders wouldn't be able to put down". To write the book, Geisel had to have a good knowledge of a beginning reader's word list. Geisel says that he came up with the title by looking for the first two words on the list that rhymed . And so The Cat in the Hat was born! But it wasn't an easy book to write. It took Geisel one and a half years to complete. To celebrate The Cat in the Hat's birthday, Random House, the book's publisher, created Project 236. The number 236 represents the number of words Geisel used to write the book. As a part of Project 236, there will be a nationwide read-aloud of The Cat in the Hat at 2:36 on March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday. What is Dr. Seuss's purpose in writing The Cat in the Hat? A. To improve children's reading. B. To support John Hersey. C. To develop educational system. D. To make readers laugh. Answer: A. To improve children's reading. Someone in a room without any lights on, but that has mirrors in it, can still have light in that room if A. lights are turned on in another house B. a joined room is dark C. the room is completely dark D. a joined room is lit Answer: D. a joined room is lit Have you ever known someone with a "photographic memory"? It's easy to assume that people with super memories are super intelligent, but the key to their ability is in the methods that they use to remember information. By learning and mastering some basic techniques, you can also boost your memory. Here are some tips to make it happen. Get enough sleep Sleep is our body's way of "rebooting" out systems. Besides allowing our bodies to recover, sleep also helps our brains to process all of the information that they have received during the day. When we fail to get enough sleep, our brains experience an overload of memory. Organize before you memorize It turns out that brains work much like today's computers do. The more efficiently we store information, the more available storage space we'll have. So when memorizing information, store it into chunks that are logically grouped. Use visual and auditory input Our senses have a crucial role in creating our memories. Pictures, graphs, and recordings can help to make our memorization more concrete. These types of techniques are particularly effective for those who are "visual" or "auditory" learners. Certain _ techniques work better for certain people. Make memorization meaningful It's one thing to memorize facts and figures for the sake of doing it. It's quite another thing to make the information meaningful. Make it personal and seek a deeper understanding of the information. These basic steps will help you to memorize more information, and memorize it faster. Connect new information with previous knowledge You'll be able to store information faster, by linking new information that you memorized, with information that you memorized in the past. By linking new information with old information, you'll improve both your short-term and long-term memories. While not all of us are born with a photographic memory, by using these tips you can transform you brain into a super computer. Forget about needing to say "I forgot" throughout the day. According to the passage, the term "photographic memory" is used to _ . A. prove that everyone can have a good memory B. stress that a person has a very good memory C. show what matters much to a good memory D. tell us a good memory is important for everyone Answer: B. stress that a person has a very good memory Youth Basketball Scorekeeper/Referee If you are interested in working as a referee/scorekeeper during the Jr.Warriors basketball season, please submit an application. Applications are available on the City website www.ci.dublin.ca.usor by calling 556-4500 or emailing damian.sandhoIm@ci.dublin.ca.us. The minimum age is 15 and the pay range is $8.75 to $19.95 per hour, based on experience. Personal Vacation Consultants! Cruise Industry!! Company:ICE(International Cruise&Excursions) Location:Phoenix,AZ CONTACT Information Name:Melody Nelson Job Description Are you looking for an exciting career where you can earn top dollar and enjoy excellent benefits, including free&discounted travel? Then International Cruise&Excursions,Inc.(ICE) would like to speak with you! If you are interested in joining our Inbound Call Center Sales Team,here's what you need to do first: Then join us on Tuesday, November 24th for our Career Fair!! Where:10030 N.25th Ave.Off 25th Ave.between Peoria and Dunlap Time:Between l0 am and 3 pm Remember, take the assessment first and then we'll see you on the 24thfor an on--the--spot interview!! Take part in our pre-employment assessment by clicking on the link below. Pizza Hut Team Members and Delivery Drivers Working at Pizza Hut is about making hungry people happy.It's about being independent and having fun,making new friends and earning extra cash That's right,we'll pay you to cruise a round in your mobile office-your car-listening to your own tunes and delivering great pizza--and pasta.What more could you want? Independence,good music mad great food--with tips! Sound good? Besides your smile,energy and reliable set of wheels,you should be a fun and friendly person who values customers and take pride in everything you do. By saying"reliable set of wheels", the author means _ . A. your car should have wheels of good quality B. you should be dependable to do the job C. you should realize the difficult situation D. your car should be in good condition Answer: D. your car should be in good condition
All too often, a choice that seems sustainable turns out on closer examination to be problematic. Probably the best example is the rush to produce ethanol for fuel from corn. Corn is a renewable resource --you can harvest it and grow more, almost limitlessly. So replacing gas with corn ethanol seems like a great idea. One might get a bit more energy out of the ethanol than that used to make it, which could still make ethanol more sustainable than gas generally, but that's not the end of the problem. Using corn to make ethanol means less corn is left to feed animals and people, which drives up the cost of food. That result leads to turning the fallow land -including, in some cases, rain forest in places such as Brazil--into farmland, which in turn gives off lots of carbon dioxide (CO) into the air. Finally, over many years, the energy benefit from burning ethanol would make up for the forest loss. But by then, climate change would have progressed so far that _ might not help. You cannot really declare any practice "sustainable" until you have done a complete life-cycle analysis of its environmental costs. Even then, technology and public keep developing, and that development can lead to unforeseen and undesired results. The admirable goal of living sustainably requires plenty of thought on an ongoing basis. The author thinks that replacing gas with corn ethanol is _ A impractical B acceptable C admirable D useless Answer: A. impractical Paul and Jason were brothers who lived and worked on neighbouring farms.For 35 years they farmed side by side,sharing machinery and goods as needed,without a single problem. However,one autumn,things changed.It began with a tiny disagreement about a horse,which grew into a major difference.The difference led to angry words,followed by weeks of silence between the two brothers. One morning there was a knock on Paul's door.He opened it and saw a builder holding his toolbox."I'm looking for a few days'work,"the builder said."Are there any jobs here I could help with?" "Yes,"answered Paul,extremely pleased to see the builder."I do have a job for you.Look at that farm across the creek .That's my brother's farm.That creek used to be a grass field,but last week my brother dug a path from the fiver and made the creek.But I'll _ .See that pile of wood?1 want you to build me a fence,two metres tall,so 1 won't need to see him anymore." The builder said thoughtfully."I think I understand the situation and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." Paul had business in town that day and left the builder to his work.When he returned,the builder had just finished his job.Paul was shocked.Instead of a fence there was a bridge,stretching from one side of the creek to the other. As Paul stood on the bridge,staring in amazement,his younger brother Jason,came across,and took Paul's hand."You are a good man to have built this bridge after a11 I've done,"said Jason. Then,Paul,with tears in his eyes,said to the builder who was packing his bag to go,"Thank you so much. Please stay.I have much more for you to do." "I'd love to."the builder said quietly,"but,I have many more bridges to build." What do we know about the brothers? A They had been fighting for many years. B Their farms were not very successful. C They finally realized their mistakes. D They liked building bridges. Answer: C. They finally realized their mistakes. English as a second language (ESL) websites for children can help build vocabulary, teach correct spelling and pronunciation of words, and assist with basic grammar such as understanding sentence structure, parts of speech, tenses, and singular and plural word forms. English learning websites for children include: * ESL Kid is an organized website that serves as a comprehensive directory of English as a second language resources for children, teachers, and parents. There are categories for different subjects, such as ABC games, dictionary, spelling, literature and music. Since this is just a directory, parents should help children explore the sites linked to it. * MES Games has several categories of interactive games. Some games are more suited to younger children and beginning learners, such as the vocabulary building games in which players must first listen to a spoken word and then identify the correct items. More advanced children will enjoy online sport games based on grammar concepts that go with multiple choice questions. * ESL Kids Lab has many resources for helping children learn English as a second language. These include free video English lessons categorized by grade level, ideas for games, and printable worksheets. However, the inferiority of this website is also obvious -- it contains lots of advertisements. * ESL Kid Stuff has a variety of resources, including a list of select online English learning games and song lyric sheets. Downloading worksheets and flashcards requires a yearly membership fee, however. * English Interactive lets children and beginning ESL students click on words to hear their pronunciation and build essential vocabulary skills. After viewing the words, students can try an interactive quiz. * English Vocabulary Games has a variety of interactive games designed to help ESL children build vocabulary. The best title for this passage would be _ . A Children Enjoy Learning English Online B Children Learn English Through Games C Welcome to MES Games D ESL Websites for Children Answer: D. ESL Websites for Children Tommy was watching the shutters open and then shut, open and then shut. "Mom," he said, "may I go outside?" "Be careful," she said. "It's so windy today." Outside, leaves were flying here and there. Tommy watched in _ . "If I was a leaf, I would fly across the world," Tommy thought and then ran out into the yard among the colors. Mrs. Pennington came out. "Tommy, I have your jacket. Please put it on." However, there was no Tommy. He was a leaf. A maple leaf came to him and moved ahead. Tommy followed him. "Where do you think we are going?" Tommy asked the leaf. "Does it matter?" the leaf replied. "If you are blown in that direction, you will fly high into the air and see things that no leaf has seen before." "Okay," Tommy said, "I will go with you to the dump ." Suddenly, a car stopped. It was Tommy's mom. Mrs. Pennington didn't want to let her little boy run into the city dump. "Not so fast," she said getting out of the car. "You are not allowed to play there. Don't you see the smoke?" She walked over and took the leaf. She put it in her pocket. "There," she said, "it will be safe until we get home." Tommy smiled, ran to the car and got in. What's the best title for this passage? A The Maple Leaf and a Boy B A Boy Who Became a Leaf C A Poor Mom and Her Son D A Boy Who Was Bored Answer: B. A Boy Who Became a Leaf When a car engine is started, gasoline is mixed with air and burned. Heat, sound, and chemical products are released. As the engine operates, which of these remains constant? A the masses of compounds found in the engine B the amount of heat in the engine C the total mass of gasoline D the total amount of energy Answer: D. the total amount of energy
Dana Cummings was in his thirties before he first went surfing. But, even more interesting is that Dana Cummings chose to learn the sport after losing a leg in a car accident. Now, nine years later, he helps other disabled people learn how to ride the waves in AmpSurf. On the coast of Maine, he is working with 27-year-old Matthew Fish, who is partly blind. Cummings takes hold of Fish and leads him into the ocean. The surfboard floats next to them. Fish lies on the surfboard. He tries to stand up on it. After a few attempts he is up and riding all the way back to land. "That was exciting," Fish says. A car accident in 2002 took Dana Cummings' leg. He says the crash changed him more than just physically. "Losing my leg made me realize how precious life is and get off the couch and start living. I do more things now than I ever did before. Next week I am going to compete in a contest in Hawaii," Dana says. One year later Dana Cummings formed AmpSurf. AmpSurf is a group that volunteers to hold surfing classes and events for people with all kinds of disabilities. Recently, AmpSurf took its training programs to the East Coast. Eleven students attended the class in Maine. They came from all over the northeastern United States. Dana Cummings thinks AmpSurf can change the way a disabled person thinks. "Most people with disabilities consider himself or herself unlucky and useless, but we want them to see what they can do. Who cares you lose your leg or you are blind, whatever? Have fun. Just enjoy life. Take the most advantage of _ you can," Dana says. Matthew Fish thinks learning to ride the waves is _ . Answer: A ferromagnetic metal, such as in paper clips, can stick to other paper clips without hooking together Answer: I receive many letters from children and can't answer them all--there wouldn't be enough time in a day. I'll try to answer some of the questions that are mostly asked. Where did I get the idea for Stuart Little and for Charlotte's Web? Well, many years ago, I went to bed one night in a railway sleeping car, and during the night I dreamed about a tiny boy who acted rather like a mouse. That's how the story of Stuart Little got started. As for Charlotte's Web, I like animals and my farm is a very pleasant place to be--at all hours. One day, when I was on my way to feed the pig, I began feeling sorry for the pig because, like most pigs, he was going to die. This made me sad. So I started thinking of ways to save his life. Three years after I started writing it; it was published . ( I am not a fast writer, as you can see.) Sometimes I'm asked when I started to write, and what made me want to write. I started early -as soon as I could spell. Children often find pleasure through trying to set their thoughts down on paper, either in words or in pictures. I was not good at drawing, so I used words instead. As I grew older, I found that writing could be a way of making a living. Well, here is the answer to the last question. No, they are imaginary stories. In real life, a family doesn't have a child who looks like a mouse and a spider doesn't write words in her web. Although my stories are imaginary, I like to think that there is some truth in them, too--truth about the way people and animals feel, think and act. The writer wrote this passage to _ . Answer: Malaria, the world's most widespread parasitic disease, kills as many as three million people every year--almost all of whom are under five, very poor, and African. In most years, more than five hundred million cases of illness result from the disease, although exact numbers are difficult to assess because many people don't (or can't) seek care. It is not unusual for a family earning less than two hundred dollars a year to spend a quarter of its income on malaria treatment, and what they often get no longer works. In countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, and the Gambia, no family, village, hospital, or workplace can remain unaffected for long. Malaria starts suddenly, with violent chills, which are soon followed by an intense fever and, often, headaches. As the parasites multiply, they take over the entire body. Malaria parasites live by eating the red blood cells they infect. They can also attach themselves to blood vessels in the brain. If it doesn't kill you, malaria can happen again and again for years. The disease passed on to humans by female mosquitoes infected with one of four species of parasite. Together, the mosquito and the parasite are the most deadly couple in the history of the earth--and one of the most successful. Malaria has five thousand genes, and its ability to change rapidly to defend itself and resist new drugs has made it nearly impossible to control. Studies show that mosquitoes are passing on the virus more frequently, and there are more outbreaks in cities with large populations. Some of the disease's spread is due to global warming. For decades, the first-choice treatment for malaria parasites in Africa has been chloroquine, a chemical which is very cheap and easy to make. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world, malaria parasites have become resistant to it. Successful alternatives that help prevent resistance are already available, but they have been in short supply and are very expensive. If these drugs should fail, nobody knows what would come next. Which of the following questions has NOT been discussed in the passage? Answer: Thid is a true story of a mother's sacrifice in an earthquake. When the rescuer reached the ruins of a young man's house, they saw her dead body through the cracks. Her pose was somehow strange--she knelt on the ground like a person who was worshiping ;her body was leaning forward, and her two hands were supported by an object. However, the cold and stiff body told them that she had passed away for sure. The rescuers left this house and were going to search the next collapsed building. For some reason, the team leader was driven by a strong force to go back to the ruined house. Again, he knelt down to search the little space under the dead body. Suddenly, he screamed with excitement, "A child! There is a child1" The whole team worked together; carefully they removed the piles of ruined objects around the dead woman. There was a 3-month-old little boy wrapped in a blanket under his mother's dead body. Obviously, the woman had made great sacrifice in order to save her son. When her house was falling, she used her body to make a cover to protect her son. The little boy was still sleeping peacefully when the team leader picked him up. A doctor came quickly to examine the little boy. After he opened the blanket, he saw a cellphone inside the blanket.There was a text massage on the screen. It said, "If you can survive, you must remember that I love you." Everybody that read the massage cried Why did the young woman kneel on the ground? Answer:
Frogmore House has been a royal place since the 18th century and is today used by the Royal Family for private entertaining. It is especially linked with Queen Charlotte, The wife of George III, and her daughters, whose love of botany and art is reflected throughout the house. Unfortunately, parts of a visit to Frogmore are unsuitable for wheelchair-users. For information about access, please telephone 020 7766 7324. _ 18, 19, 20 May 10:00 - 17:30 (last admission 16:00) 28, 29, 30 August 10:00 -17:30 (last admission 16:00) Please telephone 020 7766 7305 for admission prices. _ 3 August - 30 September every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10:00- 15:00. Adult: PS 10.50 0ver 60/Student (with valid ID) : PS 8. 80 Child ( under 17) : PS5. 80 Child ( under 5) : Free Price includes a guided tour of the house. _ 17:30 - 19:00. ~ 25. 00 per person. Price includes a guided tour, a copy of the official guidebook and a glass of champagne. The maximum group size for all visits is 10 people. Please note that there is no access for private cars. To make a group booking, please telephone 020 7766 7315. For more information including BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation, please telephone 020 7766 7326. When can you enjoy a visit to Frogmore House and Garden? Answer: Several European countries rang in the New Year in new ways. The smoke -filled cafe became a thing of memory inprefix = st1 /France. Cigarettes were forbidden in all indoor locations such as dance clubs, restaurants, hotels, casinos and cafes from Jan. 1, 2008. President Nicolas Sarkozy gave the first traditional New Year's greeting of his presidency, with a "message of hope, faith in life and in the future". In Russia, Vladimir Putin delivered the last New Year's Eve address of his eight - year presidency, boasting of economic improvements and claiming to have restored a sense of unity among Russians, who are likely to see him stay in power as Prime Minister after he steps down in a few months. In Moscow, thousands gathered in Red Square, watching a concert beneath the onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral, and fireworks above. Along with the _ , old traditions were maintained. More than a million people in New York's Times Square cheered at the 100th drop of a giant ball. A century ago the tradition began with a 700 - pound ball of wood and iron, lit with 100 25 - watt bulbs. This year's event featured an energy - efficient ball clothed in Waterford crystals , with 9,576 light - shining diodes that generated a lot of color1s. InLondon, people gathered inTrafalgar Squareand along the banks of the River Thames to watch a firework display and hear Big Ben welcome the New Year with 12 resounding bongs. In Sydney - one of the first cities to celebrate the New Year - one million people cheered as fireworks were launched from theHarborBridgeon New Year's Eve. The word "innovations" here means _ . Answer: Sam Trafton was my violin teacher and what he said during one of my lessons often came back to me years later. One day he asked me how much I practiced, I said three or four hours a day. "Do you practice in long stretches, an hour at a time?" "I try to." "Well, don't," he shouted. "When you grow up, time won't come in long stretches. Practice in minutes, whenever you can find them five or ten before school, after lunch, between household tasks. Spread the practice through the day." When I was teaching at Boston, I wanted to write a novel, but for two years I got practically nothing down on paper, and my excuse was that I had no time. Then I remembered what Sam had said. During the next week I did an experiment. Whenever I had five minutes unoccupied, I sat down and wrote a hundred words or so. To my surprise, at the end of the week I had finished a chapter. Later on I continued my novels by the same piecemeal method.Though my teaching schedule had become heavier than ever, every day there were unoccupied moments that could be caught and put to use. However, you must get into your work quickly. If you have only five minutes for writing, you can't afford to waste four chewing your pencil. You must make your mental preparations beforehand, and concentrate on your task almost instantly when the time comes. Fortunately, rapid concentration is easier than most of us realize. Sam Trafton has had a great influence on my life. He let me know that life can be _ to supply you short moments and even very short periods of time can add up to all useful hours you need, if you start without delay. Which of the following statements is TRUE? Answer: Chen Guangbiao was born in Jiangsu in July,1968. He is the chairperson of a company in Jiangsu. Now he is one of China's richest men and he has donated a great amount of money to charity projects. He says he will donate everything he has to charity after he dies. When people are in need of help, he will appear at once. He helped people during the Wenchuan earthquake, the Yunnan earthquake and the Taiwan earthquake. He also gave a helping hand in Japan's earthquake. He has built many Hope Primary Schools to support the education in poor areas. He doesn't do charity for honour. He wants to encourage more people to make contributions to charity. After announcing he would donate everything to charity after his death, many businesses, overseas Chinese people and common people encouraged by him have also promised to do something for charity. As a philanthropist , he is asked for help every day. Sometimes he gets very tired, but he has never stopped caring. So far, he has received a lot of awards, including Pioneer of the Year, and National May Day Labour Medal. He is considered as one of China's top philanthropists. What does he do charity for? Answer: Isn't it amazing how one person, sharing one idea, at the right time and place can change the course of your life's history? This is certainly what happened in my life. When I was 14, I was hitchhiking from Houston, Texas, through El Paso on my way to California. I was following my dream, journeying with the sun. I was a high school dropout with learning disabilities and was set on surfing the biggest waves in the world, first in California and then in Hawaii, where I would later live. Upon reaching downtown El Paso, I met an old man, a bum , on the street corner. He saw me walking, stopped me and questioned me as I passed by. He asked me if I was running away from home, I suppose because I looked so young. I told him, "Not exactly, sir," since my father had given me a ride to the freeway in Houston and given me his blessings while saying, "It is important to follow your dream and what is in your heart. Son. " The bum then asked me if he could buy me a cup of coffee. I told him, "No, sir, but a soda would be great." We walked to a corner shop and sat down on a couple of swiveling stools while we enjoyed our drinks. After talking for a few minutes, the friendly bum told me to follow him. He told me that he had something grand to show me and share with me. We walked a couple of blocks until we came upon the downtown El Paso Public Library. We walked up its front steps and stopped at a small information stand. Here the bum spoke to a smiling old lady, and asked her if she would be kind enough to watch my things for a moment while he and I entered the library. I left my belongings with this grandmotherly figure and entered this wonderful hall of learning. The bum first led me to a table and asked me to sit down and wait for a moment while he looked for something special amongst the shelves. A few moments later, he returned with a couple of old books under his arms and set them on the table. He then sat down beside me and spoke. He started with a few statements that were very special and that changed my life. He said, "There are two things that I want to teach you, young man, and they are these: "Number one is to never judge a book by its cover, for a cover can fool you." He followed with, "I' ll bet you think I'm a bum, don't you, young man?" I said, "Well, uh, yes, I guess so, sir. " "Well, young man, I've got a little surprise for you. I am one of the wealthiest men in the world. I have probably everything any man could ever want. I originally come from the Northeast and have all the things that money can buy. But a year ago, my wife passed away, bless her soul, and since then I have been deeply thinking about life. I realized there were certain things I had not yet experienced in life, one of which was what it would be like to live like a bum on the streets. I made a promise to myself to do exactly that for one year. For the past year. I have been going from city to city doing just that. So, you see, don t ever judge a book by its cover, for a cover can fool you. "Number two is to learn how to read, my boy. For there is only one thing that people can't take away from you, and that is your wisdom." At that moment, he reached forward, grabbed my right hand in his and put them upon the books he'd pulled from the shelves. They were the writings of Plato and Aristotle--forever classics from ancient times. The bum then led me back past the smiling old woman near the entrance, down the steps and back on the streets near where we first met. His parting request was for me to never forget what he taught me. Which of the following is true? Answer:
Spending a lot of time watching TV, playing video games and surfing the Web causes a lot of healthy problems to children such as overweight and smoking, US researchers said yesterday. U.S. experts analyzed 173 studies on how media sources influence the physical health of children and adolescents . The studies, mostly carried out in the prefix = st1 /United States, largely focused on television, but some looked at video games, films, music, computer and Internet use. Three quarters of them found that increased media viewing was connected with poor health. The studies offered strong evidence that children who get more media exposure are more likely to become overweight, start smoking and begin earlier sexual activity than those who spend less time in front of a screen, the researchers said. Studies also showed more media exposure is linked to drug and alcohol use and poorer school performance. "We were pretty surprised by the number of studies that showed these negative health results," said one of the researchers in the report. For decades, experts have worried about the effect on young viewers of the violence and sexual content in some TV programs, movies and video games. Another issue is that kids are spending time sitting on a couch watching TV or playing computer games when they could be running around outside. One study found that children who spend more than eight hours watching TV per week at age 3 are more likely to be overweight at 7. And research showed that many USchildren watch far more. Another study showed TV and other media content can have a deep influence on children's attitudes and beliefs, particularly among teens. A US study published in November showed that adolescents who watched more programs with sexual themes had a higher risk of becoming pregnant or causing a pregnancy. Thirteen of 14 studies that evaluated sexual behavior found a connection between media exposure and earlier sexual behavior, the researchers said. What's the best title for this passage? Answer: Lots of TV, Video, Web Harms Kids' Health. Mrs. Brown lives in a small village. Her husband is dead. She has a son but no daughters. His name is John and he is twenty-five. After John finishes college , he gets work in a big city, New York, and he lives there. It's quite a long way from his mother's home, and she is not happy about it. But John says, "There is no good work for me in this small village, Mother, and I can get a lot of money in New York. Then I can give much to you." One day Mrs. Brown is very angry. She takes a train to her son's house in New York. Then she says to him. "John, why do you never call me?" "But mother," John laughs and says, "You don't have a telephone with you." "No," she says, "I haven't, but you have one." How does Mrs. Brown go to New York one day? Answer: By train Interested in soccer? Join us now! King's School is organizing a soccer camp for children aged 12-15. Join us for 5 days of fun when you learn to play this exciting sport! When 13-17 January, 2014 (Monday to Friday) 3:00 p.m --5:00 p.m Where City Sports Hall 267 State Street Cost $ 10 each Our special service: Players from the National Soccer Team will be your coaches for the 5 days of camp! After the camp, you will be able to: * understand the rules of the game * carry the ball with your feet * pass the ball to other players using your feet * kick the ball towards the goal Please come in comfortable clothes and sports shoes. For more information, please call us at 01159515092, or e-mail us at kssoccercamp@hotmail.com.uk. When will the camp start? Answer: On Monday Suppose you become a leader in an organization. It's very likely that you'll want to have volunteers to help with the organization's activities. To do so, it should help to understand why people undertake volunteer work and what keeps their interest in the work. Let's begin with the question of why people volunteer. Researchers have identified several factors that motivate people to get involved. For example, people volunteer to express personal values related to unselfishness, to expand their range of experiences, and to strengthen social relationships. If volunteer positions do not meet these needs, people may not wish to participate. To select volunteers, you may need to understand the motivations of the people you wish to attract. People also volunteer because they are required to do so. To increase levels of community service, some schools have launched compulsory volunteer programs. Unfortunately, these programs can shift people's wish of participation from an internal factor (e.g., "I volunteer because it's important to me") to an external factor (e.g., "I volunteer because I'm required to do so"). When that happens, people become less likely to volunteer in the future. People must be sensitive to this possibility when they make volunteer activities a must. Once people begin to volunteer, what leads them to remain in their positions over time? To answer this question, researchers have conducted follow-up studies in which they track volunteers over time. For instance, one study followed 238 volunteers in Florida over a year. One of the most important factors that influenced their satisfaction as volunteers was the amount of suffering they experienced in their volunteer positions. Although this result may not surprise you, it leads to important practical advice. The researchers note that attention should be given to "training methods that would prepare volunteers for troublesome situations or provide them with strategies for coping with the problem they do experience". Another study of 302 volunteers at hospitals in Chicago focused on individual differences in the degree to which people view "volunteer" as an important social role. It was assumed that those people for whom the role of volunteer was most part of their personal identity would also be most likely to continue volunteer work. Participants indicated the degree to which the social role mattered by responding to statements such as "Volunteering in Hospital is an important part of who I am." Consistent with the researchers' expectations, they found a positive correlation between the strength of role identity and the length of time people continued to volunteer. These results, once again, lead to concrete advice: "Once an individual begins volunteering, continued efforts might focus on developing a volunteer role identity.... Items like T-shirts that allow volunteers to be recognized publicly for their contributions can help strengthen role identity". What can we learn from the Florida study? Answer: Volunteers should get mentally prepared. One example of avoiding waste when grocery shopping is to bring your own Answer: cloth satchel
Look at the picture. This is our school. There are five buildings in our school. There are thirty- two classrooms in the Teaching Building. Our gym is behind the Teaching Building. The teacher's offices are in the Office Building. Our Library Building is next to the Office Building. There are many books and magazines in the library. Is the Library Building next to the Science Lab Building? No, it's in front of it. There are seven labs in it. Behind the Science Lab is the dining hall. In the dining hall there are many tables and chairs. We have meals there. Welcome to our school. Our school has got _ buildings. Answer: 5 Spam mail is a fact of Internet life. Some of it carries bad things, but the main problem with spam is that it is unpleasant because it fills your mail box with pointless messages. Most email programs have built-in filters that will discover unwanted messages and put them into a junk folder . You can make the filter learn what you consider to be spam or block certain senders. Avoid letting your email address appear on websites--spammers search the Internet for email addresses. Be careful who you give your email address to, and if you need to send out several copies of an email, use blind copy instead to cover the other people's addresses. Delete spam emails without opening them. Signs of possible spam are bad spelling in email headers, strange sender addresses, or emails sent at unusual hours. If you do open a spam mail, never reply to it or click on any pictures it may have. If you receive an unexpected email pretending to come from your bank, credit card company or other suppliers, be very careful. If the email asks you to reply, don't do it! Instead, call up these places or visit their websites. Consider setting up a second email address and keep one address for your personal use and another for your online communication. What should you do if you receive a spam email? Answer: Delete it at once. Plants derive what from soil? Answer: life sustaining substances Caught in the Web A few months ago, it wasn't unusual for 47-year-old Carla Toebe to spend 15 hours per day online. She'd wake up early, turn on her laptop and chat on Internet dating sites and instant-messaging programs - leaving her bed for only brief intervals. Her household bills piled up, along with the dishes and dirty laundry, but it took near-constant complaints from her four daughters before she realized she had a problem. "I was starting to feel like my whole world was falling apart - kind of slipping into a depression," said Carla. "I knew that if I didn't get off the dating sites, I'd just keep going," detaching herself further from the outside world. Toebe's conclusion: She felt like she was "addicted" to the Internet. She's not alone. Concern about excessive Internet use isn't new. As far back as 1995, articles in medical journals and the establishment of a Pennsylvania treatment center for overusers generated interest in the subject. There's still no consensus on how much time online constitutes too much or whether addiction is possible. But as reliance on the Web grows, there are signs that the question is getting more serious attention: Last month, a study published in CNS Spectrums claimed to be the first large-scale look at excessive Internet use. The American Psychiatric Association may consider listing Internet addiction in the next edition of its diagnostic manual. And scores of online discussion boards have popped up on which people discuss negative experiences tied to too much time on the Web. "There's no question that there're people who're seriously in trouble because they're overdoing their Internet involvement," said psychiatrist Ivan Goldberg. Goldberg calls the problem a disorder rather than a true addiction. Jonathan Bishop, a researcher in Wales specializing in online communities, is more skeptical. "The Internet is an environment," he said. "You can't be addicted to the environment." Bishop describes the problem as simply a matter of priorities, which can be solved by encouraging people to prioritize other life goals and plans in place of time spent online. The new CNS Spectrums study was based on results of a nationwide telephone survey of more than 2,500 adults. Like the 2005 survey, this one was conducted by Stanford University researchers.About 6% of respondents reported that "their relationships suffered because of excessive Internet use." About 9% attempted to conceal "nonessential Internet use," and nearly 4% reported feeling "preoccupied by the Internet when offline." About 8% said they used the Internet as a way to escape problems, and almost 14% reported they "found it hard to stay away from the Internet for several days at a time." "The Internet problem is still in its infancy," said Elias Aboujaoude, a Stanford professor. No single online activity is to blame for excessive use, he said. "They're online in chat rooms, checking e-mail, or writing blogs. not limited to porn or gambling" websites. Excessive Internet use should be defined not by the number of hours spent online but "in terms of losses," said Maressa Orzack, a Harvard University professor. "If it's a loss you're not getting to work, and family relationships are breaking down as a result, then it's too much." Since the early 1990s, several clinics have been established in the U. S. to treat heavy Internet users. They include the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery and the Center for Internet Behavior. The website for Orzack's center lists the following among the psychological symptoms of computer addiction: * Having a sense of well-being or excitement while at the computer. * Longing for more and more time at the computer. * Neglect of family and friends. * Feeling empty, depressed or irritable when not at the computer. * Lying to employers and family about activities. * Inability to stop the activity. * Problems with school or job. Physical symptoms listed include dry eyes, backaches, skipping meals, poor personal hygiene and sleep disturbances. People who struggle with excessive Internet use maybe depressed or have other mood disorders, Orzack said. When she discusses Internet habits with her patients, they often report that being online offers a "sense of belonging, and escape, excitement fun," she said. "Some people say relief...because they find themselves so relaxed." Some parts of the Internet seem to draw people in more than others. Internet gamers spend countless hours competing in games against people from all over the world. One such game, called World of Warcraft, is cited on many sites by posters complaining of a "gaming addiction." Andrew Heidrich, an education network administrator from Sacramento, plays World of Warcraft for about two to four hours every other night, but that's nothing compared with the 40 to 60 hours a week he spent playing online games when he was in college. He cut back only after a full-scale family intervention , in which s told him he'd gained weight. "There's this whole culture of competition that sucks people in" with online gaming, said Heidrich, now a father of two. "People do it at the expense of everything that was a constant in their lives." Heidrich now visits websites that discuss gaming addiction regularly "to remind myself to keep my love for online games in check." Toebe also regularly visits a site where posters discuss Internet overuse. In August, when she first realized she had a problem, she posted a message on a Yahoo Internet addiction group with the subject line: "I have an Internet Addiction." "I'm self-employed and need the Internet for my work, but I'm failing to accomplish my work,to take care of my home, to give attention to my children," she wrote in a message sent to the group."I have no money or insurance to get professional help; I can't even pay my mortgage and face losing everything." Since then, Toebe said, she has kept her promise to herself to cut back on her Internet use. "I have a boyfriend now, and I'm not interested in online dating," she said by phone last week. "It's a lot better now." Jonathan Bishop believes that the Internet overuse problem can be solved if people _ . Answer: can realize what is important in life Which is true? Answer: humans on the equator can go either north or south to change season
Have you ever thought of joining a book club and buying new books through the post? Here at the International Book Club, we already have many members buying books from us by mail. Immediate benefits: As a special offer, you may choose any reduced-price books from our new members' book list, to the value of $6 in total (plus postage and packing). By doing this, you will save pounds on the publishers' prices. Tick the box on your form to order a free watch. If you reply within seven days, we will send you another free gift carefully chosen from our book list by our staff. Order a DVD from the many on offer in our list, at half the recommended retail price. *When you've joined: As a member, you'll enjoy savings of between 30% and 50% off the publisher's price on every book you buy, and what's more, they'll come straight to your door. Your free club magazine arrives once a month, to keep you up-to-date with the latest bestsellers. This means that every year we offer over 1,000 books to choose from. On the Internet, you can find all our titles for the year on our exclusive members' website. Being a member: All we are asking you to do while you are a member is to choose four books during your first year. After that, you can decide on the number of books you wish to take. In each of our monthly club magazines, our experienced staff choose a Club Choice book -- a work of fiction or a reference title which they feel is particularly worth buying, and which is offered at an extra-special price. However, if you do not want this book, just say so in the space provided on the form. We will always send the book if we do not receive this. So, return your application form today, but hurry -- it's not every day we can make you an offer like this. To apply to become a member, all you need to do is simply fill in the enclosed form and return it in the envelope supplied. Before you know it, your books will be with you. Please don't send any money now, as we will send you your bill with the books. And remember, you have up to a fortnight to decide if you wish to keep the books you have ordered. You should then either return the books or send your payment. If a book is worth $100, how much will a member probably save if he buys one? 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. To the scientist's surprise, _ . Culture is one of the most challenging elements of the international marketplace. This system of learned behavior patterns characteristic of the members of a given society is constantly shaped by a set of dynamic variables : language, religion, values and attitudes, manners and customs, aesthetics, technology, education, and social institutions. To deal with this system, an international manager needs both factual and interpretive knowledge of culture. To some extent, the factual knowledge can be learned; its interpretation comes only through experience. The most complicated problems in dealing with the cultural environment lie in the fact that one cannot learn culture--one has to live it. Two schools of thought exist in the business world on how to deal with cultural differences. One is that business is business the world around, following the model of Pepsi and McDonald's. In some cases, globalization is a fact of life; however, cultural differences are still far from disappearing. The other school suggests that companies must adjust business approaches to individual cultures. Setting up policies and procedures in each country has been compared to an organ transplant; the critical question centers around acceptance or rejection. The major challenge to the international manager is to make sure that rejection is not a result of cultural myopia or even blindness. Fortuneexamined the international performance of a dozen large companies that earn 20 percent or more of their revenue overseas. The internationally successful companies all share an important quality: patience. They have not rushed into situations but rather built their operations carefully by following the most basic business principles. These principles are to know your rivals, know your audience, and know your customer. The two schools of thought _ . Just as some people think that certain numbers are lucky or unlucky, others believe that we can use numbers to understand our personalities, or predict what will happen to us in the future. Numerology is a way of using numbers to describe a person's character, and to make predictions about future life events. Numerologists use the numbers 1-9, 11 and 22 -- also known as the "master" numbers -- to help a person understand his or her personality, life goals, and destiny. Numerologists consider yourLife Path number to be the most significant because this number describes your character. To find this number, add together all the numbers in your date of birth. For example, a person born on April 25, 1985 would add the month (4), to the numbers of the date (2+5), plus the numbers of the birth year (1+9+8+5). In this case the total is 34, so this person's life path number is 7(3+4). Numerologists believe that people with this number are peaceful and affectionate but can also be very reserved. Your Expression numberdescribes your talents and predicts how you should use these to fulfill your destiny in life. Numerologists assign a number between 1 and 9 to each of the letters in your name. These numbers are then added together in the same way as before to find your Expression number. Numerologists can also do calculations to predict when the most challenging periods of your life will be. Numerologists also believe that the day a person is born is important. Each day of the month has a character description. People born on the fourth are said to be responsible, honest, and stubborn. People born on the fifteenth have very strong attachments to family and home. Those who celebrate their birthday on the thirtieth are artistic, creative, and imaginative, and often make good writers. If we calculate the numerical value of our name and birth date, numerologists believe that we can learn more about our personalities. They also believe that we can predict our destinies, how our lives will progress, and what challenges we may face along the way. To the numerologist, numbers can be used in many more ways than we think. The function of the passage is _ . 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. _ of the people on the bus are Chinese.
In Wiltshire, England, volunteers are being sought to visit a nature protection area to count the butterflies living there and on surrounding fields. The project is promoted by an environmental protection organisation,which has contributed to improving the living environment for wild animals. Recently, the organisation has issued an appeal to help it observe environmental changes based on the record of butterflies and protect the environment. In the area, the local people have planted many special flowers with the help of the organisation, aiming to see whether these flowers will interest the rare and beautiful butterflies. The Project officer Sarah Marshall says, "It will be a suitable habitat for butterflies. They are great 'indicator species' as they are easily affected by climate changes so they make a brillian early - warning system for the environment." She also points out that volunteers are needed to recourd the number or species of butterflies,and based on the change happening to the butterflies, the hidden environmental problems in the area can be found out in time. The organisation is seeking volunteers to help monitor butterflies from April through to September. They will walk a fixed route and record the different butterflies they encounter along the way.Each visit should take no more than two hours, and each volunteer is expected to visit once a month to count the wildlife. "Staff will provide back up, so if the weather is poor on the day you are to visit(butterflies don't like to fly in the rain, wind or if it's too cloudy) we can have someone else do your job," Sarah points out. No previous experience is necessary as training and support will be provided,but a keen interest is essential. If you are interested, P1ease contact Sarah on (0l380) 725670,ext 278, email What is the text mainly about? A. Visitors are being trained to identify butterflies. B. Wildlife areas are being protected by butterflies. C. Volunteers are being needed to count butterflies. D. Organisations are being put up to protect butterflies. Answer: C. Volunteers are being needed to count butterflies. Recently I had a conversation in Beijing with an adult Chinese friend who was complaining how difficult it was to study English. No surprises there. It is a difficult language to master, just like Chinese. I made a few suggestions based on my experience. One involved a very valuable fact which I learned from my high school Latin and Greek teacher, Dr. Smith.He is a gifted linguist ,and has an amazing ability to remember things, like poetry, essays, speeches, etc.His advice to us students is that for memorization purposes, there is forty minutes each day in which our memory is more acceptable than it is during the other 23 hours and 20 minutes. This 40-minute "super memory" period is divided into two parts: the 20 minutes before we sleep, and the 20 minutes after we first awake. The theory supporting this is pretty simple. First, the last information we input into our brain before bed has a better chance of taking root than information gained during the noisy daytime; and second, our mind is free of disturbance when we first awake in the morningso more receptive to inputs, like a blank slate . I took the advice to heart and it served me well in my school years. In my university days, our Chinese teacher would assign us 200 new vocabulary words each day, on which we would be quizzed the following day. Without the "magic" 40-minute technique, there's no way I would have passed those daily quizzes. As far as language study goes, it's not only useful for memorizing vocabulary. It's also a very useful window of time to listen to the language we're studying even with background noise, and even if it's at a level we find difficult to understand. It might be audio language study, aids, or just radio, TV or whatever. Beyond our years of formal education, memory skills are hugely important in any career. How many times have we heard a speaker read their speech from a prepared text, or read the word-by-word content of a PowerPoint presentation as they present each slide ? These are annoying, boring, and less effective ways of communicating. They are almost guaranteed to lose the audience's close attention and interest, let alone persuade or inspire anyone to do anything. And yet lots of people still make this mistake. If we use the 40-minute technique, we may not succeed in memorizing our presentation content on a 100% word-by-word basis, but we'll be familiar enough so that we can spend much more time making eye contact with our audience. We will get them in the process, while looking at our text instead of staring at it. This will also free up our hands and arms to convey some extra messages through gesture. As you see, the technique really works, but like many things, it takes practice to perfect it. Therefore, we'd better find ways to use the language outside of the classroom, as regularly and frequently as possible. One basic rule of language learning is, "Use it, or lose it*" Seize the forty-minute learning window and we'll bring in a rich harvest of language learning. We can learn from the passage that the 40-minute technique _ . A. ensures that we understand the difficult language B. helps a speaker in reading his speech from a prepared text C. helps the author pass those daily quizzes in his university days D. makes a speaker remember the presentation content completely Answer: C. helps the author pass those daily quizzes in his university days Here comes the last term of Junior 3. Terrible! The big exam is coming in less than two months. You still have a lot to do. How will you spend it? We invited three students to share their stories. Dou Yi, 15,Beijing My chemistry used to be poor in the past. I got scores of around 40 on every test. During the last term, I decide to beat chemistry. I will start to work hard. In class I take every possible note. After school, I spend most of my time studying chemistry. My parents also ask their friend, a chemistry teacher, to help me . Finally in the latest exam, I got 65! How happy I am! Wang Zhaolin, 16, Chongqing My foot got hurt a week before the big PE exam . Luckily, I recovered in time. For PE , all you need is to practice. Sports can also help you relax. Be careful not to get hurt as I did. Wang Feixuan, 15, Xi'an My experience is that for Junior3, every minute of the last term is important. Don't waste any of them. I try to remember English words while waiting in line to get my lunch. I read textbooks on the bus to and from school. I work hard at home and sometimes stay up late studying. Want to have fun? Leave it for the summer holiday after the big exam! Dou Yi, from Beijing, works hard on chemistry by _ . A. taking every possible note B. spending all his time playing C. asking a chemistry teacher for help D. Both A and C Answer: D. Both A and C A new Australian research indicates that children with a stutter do not suffer disadvantages at school, More than ten percent of children have a stutter by the age of four but they score just as high as other children on tests designed to judge their language, thinking skills and character. Professor Reilly's team studied over 1600 children from Melbourne, Australia. Their mothers had been filling out regular questionnaires since their babies were eight months old and the children were judged by a range of language and behaviour tests when they reached the age of four. Reilly and her colleagues asked the parents to call the study group if their children started showing signs of stuttering. Diagnoses were confirmed by a researcher, who then visited the homes of children with a stutter every month to check on their progress. By the age of four, 181 of the children studied had been diagnosed with a stutter. Follow-up visits to the 181 children who were judged after diagnoses showed just nine no longer had a stutter one year later. Stuttering children scored 5. 5 points higher than that of their non-stuttering children on language tests and 2. 6 points higher on the test of non-verbal intelligence. The researchers said it was possible that stuttering could improve language skills, or that stuttering could result from very fast language development among some children. The research suggests parents of children who stutter are usually advised to wait a year before looking for treatment --which can be expensive -- to see if the stutter goes away by itself, unless the children become very unhappy or stop talking. Children with a stutter at school _ . A. are poor in their lessons B. have normal language skills C. work much harder than others D. are looked down upon by others Answer: B. have normal language skills My name's Mary. This is my family tree. These are my parents. Their names are Bill and Grace Brown. Those are my grandparents. Their names are Hery and Linda Brown. This is my uncle. His name is John. That boy is my brother. His name is Tony. This is Susan. She is my uncle's daughter. ,. (2,10) Grace is Susan's _ . A. sister B. mother C. aunt D. grandmother Answer: C. aunt
Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to the patients at the clinic. One evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful-looking man. He's hardly taller than my eight-year-old son. "Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there's no bus till morning." He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon but with no success. "I guess it's my face...I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments..." For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: "I could sleep in this chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning." I told him we would find him a bed. When I had finished the dishes, I talked with him. He told me he fished for a living to support his five children, and his wife, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn't tell it by way of complaint. Next morning, just before he left, as if asking a great favor, he said, "Could I come back and stay the next time?" He added, "Your children made me feel at home." On his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and the largest oysters I had ever seen. I knew his bus left at 4:00 a.m. and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us. In the years he came to stay overnight with us and there was never a time that he did not bring us vegetables from his garden. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned how to accept the bad without complaint when facing the misfortune. The author's family were grateful to know the man because _ . he taught them how to accept the bad without complaint In England people don't usually talk too much .You can go on a bus, or in a train, and everyone sits looking out of the window. Often they read .They read books and papers .But they don't talk much. When you meet English people, they often talk about one thing, the weather. So when you meet somebody in English, you can say, "Nice weather for the time of year!" "But it was a little cold yesterday, "somebody may answer . "But it got a bit warmer later!" you can say. Talk like this, and the English will think ,how friendly you are ! English people often _ on a bus . read papers Scientists Alan M.Goldberg and Thomas Hartung describe recent advances in replacing the use of animals in toxicology testing.Improvements in cell and tissue culture technologies,for example,allow a growing number of tests to be performed on human cells alone.Computer models are becoming increasingly complex and many could one day become more accurate than trials in living animals. Since the late 1990s,Huntingdon Life Sciences--a company that conducts testing of substances on animals conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration--has become a proving ground for aggressive strategies by animal-rights militants .At a hearing,a Senate.committee listened to testimony against Huntingdon employees and financial institutions providing services to the company.One experimentation witness at the hearing insisted that any means necessary were justified to spare animals' lives;he has previously accepted the idea of murder to that end. Use of animals in testing and in biomedical research continues to be necessary in many instances and is ethically preferable to experimenting on humans or giving up cures that could save human lives.But for the sake of people and animals alike,the development and acceptance of animal substitutes deserve enthusiastic support. In some instances, substitutes are already thought as good or better than animals,but supervising agencies have yet to catch up.In both the European Union and the U.S.,scientists and companies wanting to use the new alternative tests complain that regulatory standards for proving a drug or chemical to be safe for humans force the continued use of animals.Thus,animal-loving Americans might turn to persuading the EPA and the FDA to speed validation of new methods so that they can be more widely employed.And animal advocates who want to influence business could consider investing in the small biotech's and large pharmaceutical companies that are working to develop alternatives to animals in research. What's the main idea of the passage? The new trend in toxicology testing Some expressions in English can be really puzzling. Have a look at the following to see how it challenges your brainpower. Homeric laughter The "Homer" in this expression is the Greek poet. People laugh differently. Some laugh silently, while others tend to laugh loudly. "Homeric laughter" refers to laughter of the latter kind. It is at times uncontrollable, and the entire body shakes during the process. This kind of laughter is called Homeric laughter because this is how the gods laughed in Homer's classics. A three-ring circus When you refer to a situation as being a three-ring circus, you are saying that it is a situation of complete confusion. There are so many activities taking place all together that they leave you confused or annoyed. The expression comes from the world of entertainment -- the circus. The area where the artists perform their acts is called the "ring". In the past, some of the circuses were so grand that they had three acts taking place _ in three different "rings". The audience had to decide which "ring" they wanted to focus on. In the swim (of things) When someone is in the swim of things, the individual is actively participating in the things happening around him, as in "I've been ill, but soon I'll be back in the swim of thing." In the world of fishing, fishermen use the word "swim" to refer to the section of the lake/river where fish can be found in plenty. So, if you are a fisherman and wish to catch a lot offish, where would you be? You would be "in the swim". Chickens have come home to roost The word "roost" refers to the place where birds rest. It could be anything -- the branch of a tree, a henhouse, etc. The expression is normally used to mean that the bad things that someone did in the past have come back to bite or upset the individual. In other words, one has to face the consequences of the deeds done in the past. The original form of this 700-year-old expression was "curses are like chickens; they always come home to roost". lf you want to know more about such expressions, which website will you probably visit? www.chinadaily.com.cn/culuture/language.html Several days ago, a Beijing - based IT company fired about 400 people overnight. No one had expected the job cuts, which broke with traditional ways of letting go of workers in China. Moreover, what was special about this case was that the day before the 400 were fired, they all received from their boss a gift - the book "Who Moved My Cheese?". The book - a bestseller in the US - is being used by men and women to deal with changes in their lives and work. Some large organizations, including Coca- Cola, Kodak and General Motors, ask their employees to read it in order to encourage them to be active towards changes. Cheese is something related to everyone's livelihood - our jobs, the industries we work in, relationships and love as well. With China's official entry into WTO, the whole nation will face up to more changes and challenges. So what should we do once this "cheese" on which we are so dependent is moved? "Whatever challenges and changes we meet, we should face up to them bravely" Jiang Hengwei, a civil servant said after reading the book. Professor Yang in Renmin University of China agrees. "We should change our way of thinking. The coming competitive foreign companies and products provide us with great chances to learn from them and improve our own products to meet international standards and be more competitive." "With hard work and wisdom, we will create a much larger and better piece of cheese. "Zhang smiled confidently. The word "cheese"in the passage can refer to _ . something we depend on for a living

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.