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<extra_id_5>While shopping for my groceries a few years ago, I decided on an idea to buy one of those little potted basil plants instead of the package of basil leaves. It was about the same price and I figured I would plant it in my yard and maybe get a few meals worth out of it before it died. Little did I know that the little $4 basil plant would survive for almost 3 years and provide enough fresh basil for at least 2-3 meals per month (that's about 60 basil-filled meals)! What I learned was that the plant likes quite a bit of sun and warm temperatures (it went nearly into rest in the winter when temperatures in Arizona drop to below zero overnight). My husband and I had enjoyed so many meals with fresh basil that after the original one died, we immediately got another basil plant to replace it. If you like to cook, you know that basil fresh off the plant transforms a good meal into an amazing one. To make the case for always keeping a basil plant in our yard even stronger, I just opened the latest issue of All You magazine and saw this picture of a beautiful basil plant. Then I read the first sentence of the accompanying article, "Did you know a basil plant can produce nearly $80 worth of leaves each year?" I knew that I had gotten my money's worth from the little plant, but I had no idea that I saved about $200 in the time I had that plant. $4 to produce $200? That's a great return on investment no matter how you slice it! Whether you buy your live herbs as seeds or plants, and plant them in coffee cans or your front yard, growing herbs can be a great way to save money and enjoy even better-tasting meals. Try it for yourself and see how much you can enjoy fresh herbs in your meals. We know from the text that Basil _ . <extra_id_0>will survive for more than 3 years <extra_id_1>must be planted in your front yard <extra_id_2>can produce $80 worth per month <extra_id_3>can become meals after being planted <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>prefix = st1 /San Francisco is going to do what many other cities have already done --- provide free bicycles to the public. The mayor of San Franciscosupports the bicycle program. He wants to improve the terrible traffic problems in the city. At first, 40 to 60 bikes will be available only to city workers. People will give their old bikes to the city to use in the program. If this program is successful, one day more than 1000 bicycles will be available. Everyone, not just city workers, will be able to use these bicycles. People in Fresno,Californiaalready have a free bicycle program. In fact, this idea began inAmsterdamover 40 years ago. These programs encourage citizens to get out of their cars and onto pollution-free bikes. Fresno's Yellow Bike Program puts about fast bicycles around the city. The bikes are painted bright yellow so people know they can take them. When people take a yellow bike, they can ride to work or to shopping areas, and then leave the bike for the next rider. Some people worry that the free bikes will be stolen. However, theft hasn't been a problem in other free-bike cities. While most people think the bike program is a good idea, only a few say they will use it. "I will still drive my car," says Joanna Greene. "San Franciscohas a lot of hills. My office is at the top of Potrero Hill. I don't think _ . And, wouldn't I have to carry a helmet with me all the time?" Phil Chung agrees, "There is too much traffic. Riding a bicycle can be dangerous. There are not very many bike lanes ." He continues, "Plus, it's too cold in the winter. And what if you ride a bike to work, and then there isn't one to ride home?" Program leaders know there will be problems. But they think it's worth trying. "It's not the solution for everyone," states Sylvia Pass. "But if just one hundred people use it every day, that's one hundred cars that aren't on the streets, one hundred parking spaces that aren't used. I think it's a great beginning." The program leaders think the program is worth trying NOT because _ . <extra_id_0>there will be more problems <extra_id_1>they can't solve problems for everyone <extra_id_2>there will be less cars on the streets anyway <extra_id_3>there will be more parking spaces <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Sartorial, Inc., a new business enterprise about to commence the manufacture of clothing, entered into a written agreement to purchase all of its monthly requirements of a certain elasticized fabric for a period of three years from the Stretch Company at a specified unit price and agreed delivery and payment terms. The agreement also provided: 1. The parties covenant not to assign this contract. 2. Payments coming due hereunder for the first two months shall be made directly by Sartorial to Virginia Wear and Son, Inc., a creditor of Stretch. Stretch promptly made an "assignment of the contract" to Finance Company as security for a $100,000 loan. Sartorial subsequently ordered, took delivery of, and paid Stretch the agreed price ($5,000) for Sartorial's requirement of the fabric for the first month of its operation.Assume for this question only that, two weeks after making the $5,000 payment to Stretch, Sartorial by written notice to Stretch terminated the agreement for purchase of the elasticized fabric because market conditions had in fact forced Sartorial out of the clothing manufacture business. In an immediate suit by Finance Company against Sartorial for total breach, which of the following would be useful in Sartorial's defense? <extra_id_0>Stretch's rights under its agreement with Sartorial were personal and therefore nonassignable. <extra_id_1>Stretch's "assignment of the contract" to Finance Company to secure a loan would normally be interpreted as a delegation of Stretch's duties under the contract as well as an assignment of its rights; and its duties, owed to Sartorial, were personal and therefore nondelegable. <extra_id_2>The original contract between Sartorial and Stretch was unenforceable by either party for want of a legally sufficient consideration for Stretch's promise to supply Sartorial's requirements of the elasticized fabric. <extra_id_3>Sartorial ceased in good faith to have any further requirements for elasticized fabric <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A cancer-stricken British teenage girl said Thursday she had been moved by messages of support from around the world after writing an online "Bucket List" of things she wanted to do before dying. Alice Pyne, l5, created an Internet blog in which she described her fight against a cancer of the white blood cells. " I've been fighting cancer for almost four years and now l know that the cancer is gaining on me and it doesn't look like I'm going to win this one," she wrote. For her list, the teenager took inspiration from the 2007 film "The Bucket List", in which two terminally ill men, played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, draw up a list of things they wish to do before they die. On her list, at the site www. alicepyne. blogspot. com, she has included making everyone sign up to be a bone marrow donor , swimming with sharks, meeting boy band Take That and getting a purple iPad computer. Messages of support and offers of help quickly flooded her webpage and it became one of the most talked about subjects on Twitter. "Oh dear and I thought that I was just doing a little blog for a few friends!" she wrote after her site attracted huge attention. "Thank you so much for all your lovely messages to me." Pyne, who lives with her family in the northwest English town of Ulverston, revealed the management of Take That had arranged for her to see the band after reading her blog. A group of local lawmakers have also joined forces with the Anthony Nolan blood cancer charity to encourage people to join its stem cell register. Take That will arrange to _ . <extra_id_0>invite Pyne to join the band <extra_id_1>help Pyne in any possible way <extra_id_2>donate money to Pyne <extra_id_3>meet Pyne in person <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>When I was a little kid, a father was like the light in the fridge. Every house had one, but no one really knew what either of them did when the door was shut. My dad left the house every morning and always seemed glad to see every one again at night. He opened the jar of pickles when no one else at home could. He was the only one in the house who wasn't afraid to go into the basement by himself. Whenever it rained, he got into the car and brought it around to the door. When anyone was sick, he went out to get the prescription filled. He set mousetraps. He cut back the roses so the thorns wouldn't hurt you when you came to the front door. He oiled my roller skates, and they went faster. When I got my bike, he ran alongside me for at least a thousand miles until I _ . He signed all my report and cards. He took a lot of pictures, but was never in them. He tightened up Mother's sagging clothesline every week or so. I was afraid of everyone else's father, but not my own. Whenever I played house , the mother doll had a lot to do. I never knew what to do with the daddy doll, so I had him say, "I'm going off to work now," and threw him under the bed. When I was nine years old, my father didn't get up one morning and go to work, he went to the hospital and died the next day. There were a lot of people in the house who brought all kinds of good food and cakes. We had never had so much company before. He never did anything; I didn't know his leaving would hurt so much. Father did a lot of things at home including _ . <extra_id_0>making roller skates <extra_id_1>helping mom wash clothes <extra_id_2>watering the flowers in the garden <extra_id_3>taking photos for the family <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Annabelle Smith and her two best friends, Samantha and Kristy, loved going to Sand City School. Mrs. Lemming, their teacher, would read them a story. That Monday afternoon, Mrs. Lemming read them a story called Super Sophie Saves the Day. After school, Annabelle, Samantha and Kristy walked home together. "I decide that from now on I'm going to be a superhero like Sophie," Annabelle told her friends. "You mean heroine," Kristy said. "You're a girl, Annabelle." The next day Kristy and Samantha picked Annabelle up on their way to school. Annabelle had a red towel taped to her blue shirt. "I am Super Annabelle," Annabelle said. "I'll save someone on the way to school." Charlotte, another second-grader, walked past the girls. Her sweater was tied around her waist. She ran a little faster, and her sweater was nearly on the ground. Annabelle wondered what she would do. Giving her a dirty look, Charlotte ran away. Annabelle walked into her father's study when she got home. She had a homework question for him. A note on her father's desk said he was lending some books to Charlotte's father. She noticed a magazine on his desk that said Go Green. "Homework can wait," Annabelle thought. "Maybe Charlotte goes green!" In the woods, Annabelle saw a man cutting down a tree. Trees were good for the environment. She prevented him from cutting down the tree, and then she fell on the hard ground. Annabelle walked farther in the woods, where she found Charlotte picking up litter. Annabelle said, "You are the second-grade's hero, Charlotte." Charlotte stared at Annabelle. "I'm picking up litter to make the earth a better place," she said. "I don't care about being famous." Annabelle felt slightly ashamed of herself. When Annabelle wanted to help Charlotte, Charlotte felt _ . <extra_id_0>glad <extra_id_1>proud <extra_id_2>regretful <extra_id_3>angry <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Today, at 28, the young German Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter is at the top. "She gives radiance to the music," wrote Geoffrey Norris in The Daily Telegraph, prefix = st1 /London. Mutter is also one of the world's youngest professors. Born in Rheinfelden on June 29, 1963, Anne-Sophie grew up in Wehr, a small town just five kilometers from the Swiss border. Her father, Karl Wilhelm Mutter, and her mother, Gerlinde, considered music lessons part of a good education. Thus, their son, Andreas, began practicing the violin at eight, and his younger brother, Christoph, had piano lessons. It came as no surprise when Anne-Sophie said she wanted a violin for her fifth birthday. Her parents thought she was too young for the violin, and persuaded her to start on the piano. But Anne-Sophie has always had a mind of her own. "I longed to play the violin," she says. "It seemed to me a much more interesting instrument." After six months, her parents gave in. The famous violin teacher Erna Honigberger, who lived nearby, became Anne-Sophie's tutor. After only nine months of lessons, she entered the six-year-old in a nationwide competition for young musicians. With Christoph accompanying her on the piano, Anne-Sophie won first prize. In 1974, Erna, Erna Honigberger died. Anne - Sophie's new teacher was Aida Stucki. She taught Anne-Sophie to develop her own ideas on how a piece should be played, not just to imitate others. This is one of the violinist's strongest most distinctive characteristics today. Though the Mutters were short of money at time, they limited their daughter's performances to one or two a year. "We are glad we went the family road," says her father. "No outsider can ever have an effect on our daughter's career or push her into playing more concerts than she wants to." Later she was allowed to give six to eight concerts a year and make some recordings. Only when she turned 18 did she begin her professional career. The virtue the Mutters have is that they believe_. <extra_id_0>children should learn music <extra_id_1>money is not everything <extra_id_2>Anne-Sophie was too young to give concerts <extra_id_3>parents have a great effect on their children <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>I got your letter and was glad to find that you had not forgotten Jourdon, and that you wanted me to come back and live with you again in Tennessee, promising to do better for me than anybody else can. Although you shot at me twice before I left you, I did not want to hear of your being hurt. It would do me good to go back to the dear old home again and see Allen, Esther, Green, and Lee. Give my love to them all, and tell them I hope we will meet in the better world, if not in this. I want to know particularly what the good chance is you propose to give me. I am doing tolerably well here in Ohio. I get twenty-five dollars a month, with food and clothing; have a comfortable home for Mandy, the folks call her Mrs. Anderson; and the children--Milly, Jane, and Grundy--go to school and are learning well. The teacher says Grundy has a head for a preacher. We are kindly treated. Now, if you will write and say what wages you will give me, I will be better able to decide whether it would be to my advantage to move back again. We have concluded to test your sincerity by asking you to send us our wages for the time we served you. This will make us forget and forgive old scores and rely on your justice and friendship in the future. I served you faithfully for thirty-two years, and Mandy twenty years. At twenty-five dollars a month for me, and two dollars a week for Mandy, our earnings would amount to eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. Add to this the interest for the time our wages have been kept back, and deduct what you paid for our clothing, and three doctor's visits to me, and pulling a tooth for Mandy. If you fail to pay us for faithful labors in the past, we can have little faith in your promises in the future. In answering this letter, please state if there would be any safety for my Milly and Jane, who are now grown up, and both good-looking girls. I would rather stay here and starve--and die, if it should come to that--than have my girls brought to shame by the violence and wickedness of their young Masters. You will also please state if there has been any schools opened for the colored children in your neighborhood. The great desire of my life now is to give my children an education and have them form virtuous habits. Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me. The writer's description of his present situation implies that _ . <extra_id_0>he shows his intention of going back in Tennessee <extra_id_1>he is somewhat richer and does not need to go back <extra_id_2>his life is relatively good but still needs improvement <extra_id_3>he is not a little satisfied with his present life in Ohio <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Sir Nicholas Winton, rescuer of children, died on July 1st,2015,aged 106. When the letters and the honor came knocking on the door of his house in Maidenhead, and the filmmakers came calling, Nicholas Winton always protested that he was no hero. Heroes faced danger; he never had. They put their lives on the line; he had just worked at home in Hampstead, after a day being a stockbroker in the City. They avoided bullets and the secret police; he wrote letters, made telephone calls,and composed lists. The fact that he had rescued 669 children from Czechoslovakia just as the Nazis invaded did not, in his mind, constitute heroism. He hadn't gone out there in 1938 with any burning urge to do good; just for a holiday, in fact. Nor had he gone looking for children to rescue. Instead they and their parents had come to him, as soon as word got round that he might be able to help them leave Prague and get to the West. From 6.00 a.m. the knocks would come at the door of his room in the Europa Hotel, and he would open it to find some shivering, starving, desperate figure. When faced with a problem, his instinct was to solve it. So he made lists of the children, took their photographs, got them Home Office entry permits, found them foster families and organised their departure on trains, via the Netherlands, to Liverpool Street. After just three weeks in Prague, he went back to Britain and carried on the work from there. The British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia gave him almost no help, so he took sole charge himself. The Home Office was slow with entry permits, so he copied some illegally. In search of foster-parents for the children he put their photos in Picture Post; in the hope of farther havens for them he wrote to governors and senators in America and even to President Roosevelt, to no avail. He could have rescued at least 2,000 more, he said later, if America had been willing to take any. A hero might have got involved in the stress and distress of individual cases. He avoided that by treating them like a commercial transaction: like the world he knew, in fact. A market was created, takers were sought and any likely bidder would do. Siblings were separated, if necessary. Jewish children they were almost all Jewish were often placed with Gentile families. Mr Winton did not care and he just had to get the children out alive and fast. When they arrived, exhausted, at Liverpool Street he seldom greeted them himself, preferring to stay calmly at a distance. Only one event traumatised him: the disappearance of 250 children on the last transport of September 1st 1939,as war was declared. But this awful thing too he stored at the back of his mind, realising that he had done all he could and his part was over. The scrapbook of lists, photographs and begging letters went up to the attic; he said nothing about it, and moved on. He liked it that way. The silent background suited him very well. For 50 years he sat on the Czech story, not supposing anyone would want to know, until in 1988 the scrapbook came to light and, with it, a blaze of publicity, culminating in an evening on Esther Rantzen's "That's Life" TV show when the whole audience suddenly stood up round him, applauding him,and every one was a child he had saved. It was " ly awftil",he thought; and wept with long-suppressed joy. He was still no hero, though, in his own book. He had had no desire to improve the world: indeed, not even much idea which job he was best suited for. At his father's suggestion he had tried banking first, having left Stowe with nothing much to show for it. After the war he dabbled in business,but it didn't take. In later years he worked for a mental-health charity and helped to set up homes for the elderly; and wondered why saving the Czech children was deemed more heroic than those things. He had simply done what needed doing at that time, in that place. Surely any decent person would have done the same? Why did Mr Winton show little enthusiasm after children arrived in Britain? <extra_id_0>He didn't want the rescue to have great impact on his future life. <extra_id_1>He merely wanted the children to be adopted as soon as possible. <extra_id_2>He felt sorry for the disappearance of 250 children on the last transport. <extra_id_3>He was satisfied with the effort that he had made to rescue the children. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Entire populations of American toads breed within the same few days at the same time each year, usually late April or early May. The toads hop to their breeding ponds after the ground has warmed and the first hard spring rain falls. To get there, many of the toads will cross roads that cut through their habitat. It will be a grand view of hopping toads as well as a disastrous killing by cars! The toads are "slow in moving at that time of year--it's still cool, they've been inactive--and they get killed" by cars when crossing roads, said Serrao, a naturalist. An April night five years ago, when Serrao went out to a country road to watch the moving of the toads, he counted 100 toads; 95 were hit by cars. A similar story can be told for several other species of toads, frogs, crocodiles and turtles around the world. The world's amphibians are reducing, and road-killing is just one factor behind it. Other better-known causes of the decline include global warming, insecticides , and the loss of wetlands. Serrao says unless these animals get help crossing the road, their local populations will disappear. Jackson, a biologist, said one way to help amphibians survive road crossings is to construct "amphibian tunnels" beneath the road. Jackson says tunnels should be a 0.6-meter-by-0.6-meter box, open at the top, and fitted with an iron grate to allow enough air and light into the tunnel. In addition, fences or walls should extend out from either side of a tunnel for about 30 meters, which guide amphibians toward the tunnels. European countries have built amphibian tunnels for decades. Jackson led a team that installed the first such tunnel in prefix = st1 /Americain 1987, which helped over 3/4 of the local amphibian population safely cross the road. Jackson says that there are about a hundred amphibian tunnels in the UStoday, but many of them were not carefully designed and probably not working well because land developers wanted to save money. Which is notthe cause of the quick decline of the amphibian population? <extra_id_0>The use of chemicals to kill insects. <extra_id_1>The reduce of wetlands. <extra_id_2>The development of car industry. <extra_id_3>The green house effect of the earth. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>The police had, over time, accumulated reliable information that Jason operated a large cocainedistribution network, that he and his accomplices often resorted to violence, and that they kept a small arsenal of weapons in his home. One day, the police received reliable information that a large brown suitcase with leather straps containing a supply of cocaine had been delivered to Jason's home and that it would be moved to a distribution point the next morning. The police obtained a valid search warrant to search for and seize the brown suitcase and the cocaine and went to Jason's house. The police knocked on Jason's door and called out, "Police. Open up. We have a search warrant." After a few seconds with no response, the police forced the door open and entered. Hearing noises in the basement, the police ran down there and found Jason with a large brown suitcase with leather straps. They seized the suitcase and put handcuffs on Jason. A search of his person revealed a switchblade knife and a .45-caliber pistol. Jason cursed the police and said, "You never would have caught me with the stuff if it hadn't been for that lousy snitch Harvey!" The police then fanned out through the house, looking in every room and closet. They found no one else, but one officer found an Uzi automatic weapon in a box on a closet shelf in Jason's bedroom. In addition to charges relating to the cocaine in the suitcase, Jason is charged with unlawful possession of weapons. Jason moves pretrial to suppress the use as evidence of the weapons seized by the police and of the statement he made. As to Jason's statement, his motion to suppress should be <extra_id_0>granted, because the entry by forcing open the door was not reasonable. <extra_id_1>granted, because the police failed to read Jason his Miranda rights. <extra_id_2>denied, because the statement was volunteered. <extra_id_3>denied, because the statement was the product of a lawful public safety search. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Good evening parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. I would like to thank you all for coming on this very special day for every student on this stage. I know how proud you must be. As we have grown over the years, there are many steps and stages we all have gone through. From learning our shapes and color1s, to getting our first kiss in middle school, or how about explaining to our parents why we skipped school because the headmaster called home. As we remember these days, things that we've done will be with us forever. But this is only the start of our journey. To graduate is one more step we've taken in our lives. Now I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has helped me get this far. First of all, thank you to all the teachers. None of us would be here without you always pushing our studying abilities to the fullest. My brother Jeramie who always said, "If anyone is meant to you, I'll take care of it." My mom, thank you for always believing in me and putting up with me. And last but not least, my dad, for proving to me that I always need to take responsibility for my actions and deal with the results. Thank you all! I love you. Now, advice to the students! Many of you think, "This is as good as it gets!" but the future holds a bigger plan for all of us. So good luck and congratulations to the class of 2015. We did it! This passage is most probably _ . <extra_id_0>a suggestion letter <extra_id_1>a greeting card <extra_id_2>a graduation speech <extra_id_3>a letter of congratulations <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Having just quit a highly moneymaking job with tech giant Microsoft in the United States,where he'd made millions working as a program manager, _ What Awuah wanted was to create a university in his native Ghana.a state-of-the-art education centre that would help educate the country's next generation of leaders.Awuah moved with his family,back to Ghana.There,he invested his own money and with the help of other donors he founded Ashesi University. "Africa needs to have a renaissance ," says Awuah as he explained what drove him to take the risky decision."The world needs to change in this way and I strongly believe that people like me need to be part of the solution;I need to be really actively involved in helping to drive this change in Africa'' Located about an hour's drive from the capital Accra,Ashesi,which appropriately translates to "beginning," is the first Ghanaian university to combine technical majors with a liberal arts approach.Its campus,set on 100 acres in a town called Berekuso,was designed to be inspiring for the more than 500 young Ghanaians studying there. "So when I look at universities I see Africa fast--forward 30 years.When this 20-year-old is now in his or her 50s,that person is going to be a leader." Today Ashesi,which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year,offers degrees in business, information systems and computer science.There are plans to offer engineering and economics majors in the near future.The school's graduation rate is between 70%and 90%,according to Awuah. In our last freshman class,50% of the students paid full tuition ,25%were on full scholarships and 25%on partial scholarships ,"he said."The reason why variety is so important is that the most important conversation on campus is a conversation about the good society--what is the good society we would like to see in Africa? That conversation is a lot more interesting if you have variety in the classroom,"adds Awuah. . Which of the following is TRUE according to the text? <extra_id_0>Ashesi has offered five degrees since it was founded. <extra_id_1>Ashesi had earned millions of dollars before he left Microsoft. <extra_id_2>50% of the new students in Ashesi receive education for free. <extra_id_3>Awuah was the only investor in setting up Ashesi University. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A new Barbie doll was presented at a toy fair in Germany.It has been modelled after the German Chief Minister Angela Merkel as part of 50th birthday celebrations for the popular toy.It wears a hairstyle and a dark coat like Merkel wears. Lim Ding Wen, a nine-year-old pupil in Singapore, wrote some programs for Apple's popular iPhone.His painting program named "Doodle Kids" has been downloaded over 40,000 times in two weeks. Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama answered questions from some pupils in Washington.During his surprise visit, Obama told the children, "We are just tired of being in the White House" On February 5, China declared a top level emergency in the drought-hit provinces.The drought, which has rarely been seen in prefix = st1 /China's history, has left many people without proper drinking water and is affecting large amounts of crops. Big flames burned entire towns in southeastern Australia and some locals in their cars, making it the country's deadliest fire disaster.Officials believed arson, which means criminal act of setting fire to possessions in order to cause destruction, may be behind some of the fires. At the beginning of February, snow storms paralyzed(...) parts of London, costing businesses millions of pounds.The snow storms are the worst Britainhas seen in 18 years. Some of the big fires in Australia may result from the fact that some people _ . <extra_id_0>started the fires on purpose <extra_id_1>were smoking in their cars <extra_id_2>were killed by the big fire <extra_id_3>attempted to destroy Australia <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Breathe, wave and smile. Along with more than 300 other seniors, I marched into the stadium on the afternoon of May 10. The audience burst into deafening cheers. The huge stadium shook with all the whistling and clapping. It was as if a Hollywood superstar had walked on stage. And indeed, every single senior that day was a star of the moment. Each deserved it. The seniors had been preparing for four years for this once-in-a-lifetime moment--the commencement . Seated, I waited anxiously for the opening address. As a foreign exchange student, I was not able to receive a diploma. However, I still had the wonderful feeling of being part of things. Like the other graduates, I was dressed in marron cap and gown . Our principal, Mr. Glover, delivered a short, warm greeting. The US national anthem followed and then, hands on chests, a solemn Pledge of Allegiance . Students who had excelled academically gave farewell speeches. The tears in some eyes convinced me that many had deep feelings about the occasion. It was as the class motto says, "Life brings us tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry; the smiles fade; but the memories last forever." Then came the core of the commencement. Hundreds of names were announced. Each graduate walked across the stage to receive his or her diploma from the principal. From the different cheers each graduate got, we had the funny sense that it was a kind of competition of who could cheer the loudest. To be honest, the presentation of diplomas got boring. A girl sitting next to me even started yawning. But it wasn't boring for those receiving the diploma: they would treasure the moment the principal placed the sacred brown document in their hands for the rest of their lives. A new page in the book of that person's life had turned. They were glimpsing their futures: futures of challenge, hardship, perhaps loneliness too, which would take all of their courage. What's the article mainly about? <extra_id_0>An American high school's graduation ceremony <extra_id_1>The opening ceremony of a sports meeting. <extra_id_2>A presentation of college diplomas. <extra_id_3>A US college's farewell party. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Late that afternoon I took the train back to Sydney . There I found another surprise waiting for me . My room at the hotel had been given to somebody else and they had no room for me. Harkin had known my travel plans and had planned everything . How could he have booked the room only for three days ? There was nothing to be done but to find another hotel. The waiters were happy to find me a new hotel , and when I said that I was happy to stay at the airport , thinking it might be cheaper than staying in the city , they suggested the Holiday Inn at the airport . There was one small matter : the room rate was $ 300 per night . The best hotel in Katoomba had wanted only $ 145 . I asked if there was anything cheaper they might suggest but they warned that most hotels would already be full by this time. The hotel was far from the train station , so I had to take a taxi , at $ 25 . On the way to the Holiday Inn , we passed a hotel just two blocks from the Holiday Inn that advertised a room rate of $ 104 . At the desk I asked if their room rate could go down a lot . " No , this is a 4-star hotel," the waiter told me . " In that case ," I replied , " I'll just walk the two blocks to the cheap hotel." But she warned me that they were probably full and that if I didn't take the room , it might not be available when I came back . Finally , I decided to take the room. The room itself was big , but the air conditioning couldn't keep up with the Australian heat . I couldn't sleep until about 1:00 am. Why did the writer take the room finally ? <extra_id_0>It's a 4-star hotel . <extra_id_1>It's around the station. <extra_id_2>It was mid-night then. <extra_id_3>The room was in great demand. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>I'm glad to find this comment which has some sort of support in this quest I have to eat raw foods. I'm an unhealthy 49 years old and have come to the conclusion that it's now or never, so I am taking a dive into the raw eating lifestyle. I have to cook for my family and prepare what they want to eat. I'm trying to plan out this better so I have some of these unusual foods ready for myself. I've read several books written by Ann Wigmore and like her approach to the living foods. Last week I attempted fasting and failed. I lasted five days by having carrots, spinach, apples and other vegetarian diets I could get my hands on. I was doing fine until I drank some coffee. I kind of proved it in my mind to have the coffee but it only made me excited and then I couldn't sleep well and felt hungry and weak. So I stopped and went back to the old way of eating with the family. This week I started to make a drink called rejuvelac made of sprouted wheat . This is fairly new to do for me and the drink smelled sort of musty and tasted kind of like a musty lemon. The kids tasted it and almost threw up but surprisingly it tasted good to me. It is supposed to help in digestion . I've made some attempts to grow wheat grass. I think I have figured that out as long as I keep it away from birds and our horses. I have two habits to get rid of, drinking coffee and smoking. I quit smoking last month but something happened, so I started up again. I'm very frustrated with the smoking and really have a desire to quit for good. Anyhow I will keep this updated on my progress. The books written by Ann Wigmore which the author has read are probably about _ . <extra_id_0>fasting <extra_id_1>losing weight <extra_id_2>how to be on a diet <extra_id_3>approaches to eating raw foods <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Parents in three Midwestern states will soon know just how good or bad their kids' driving is when their children take the car for a spin . Starting today, American Family Insurance is offering customers with teen drivers free cameras that record what happens when a sudden change in the car's movement occurs. The cameras record the action inside and in front of the car in 20-second audio-video clips . The clips are then transmitted to Drive Cam, a prefix = st1 /San Diegocompany that analyzes the clips for risky behavior. Among things the analysts look for is the response time of the drivers and if they are paying attention to the road. Parents can receive a report on their kids' driving and view the clips on a home computer. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among U. S.teens, according to the NHTSA(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). "There will be fewer accidents," Rick Fetherston, vice president at American Family said of the new system. American Family will test the system out by offering it for free for one year to 30.000 families in Wisconsin, Indiana and Minnesotato see whether the system results in fewer accidents. If the system is proven to prevent accidents, customers who volunteer to use it might see their insurance premiums drop. The company would not be viewing the videos or individual score cars, unless there is an accident. Bruce Moeller, president of Drive Cam, says his company's system is already being used by companies with lots of cars. "Some of our customers are reporting a 30% to 90% reduction in their risky driver events," Moeller says. But a lawyer in Minneapolissays. "If I felt I needed a camera in the car to watch over my kids, I shouldn't be letting them drive." American Family tested the system in two high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Megan Ireland, 17, said the camera caught her stopping too late and taking turns too fast. The student at Prior Lake High School in Savage, Minn., said she didn't like it because she felt it invaded her privacy but has warmed up to the system. "Now I don't really have a problem with it because it's made me a better driver," she says. "For real." The best title for this passage might be _ . <extra_id_0>Teens, drive carefully <extra_id_1>A free camera for kids <extra_id_2>Cameras invade Privacy <extra_id_3>Cameras keep watch on teen driving <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Monitoring global warming usually requires a Ph. D. and enough maths to glaze your eyes. But that Francisco Lopez and Ruby Nostrant track what climate change is doing to five different plants in Tucson, Arizona and they are only in the second grade. "We are collecting data because the weather is changing and the plants are blooming," Ruby explained. Scores of other students at Borton Primary Magnet School and Sunnyside High School in Tucson are heading outdoors to be part of a new scientific push to figure out how the biological timing of the earth is changing. It's a research project that the average person, even a kindergartner, can join in. The National Phenology Network is calling on volunteers to help track early spring blooms and eventually changes in animals caused by global warming. It's called Project Budburst. When it was first open to the public last year, thousands of people participated in 26 states. "All people can contribute to it by tracking the timing of flowering events or leaf-out events for plants and animals in their backyard," said Phenology Network director Jake Weltzin. He calls the volunteers "citizen-scientists." The idea is that tracking flowers blooming--especially lilacs ; which everyday people have helped track for decades--is fairly simple. The Website http://www.Windows.ucar.edu/ citizen _ science/budburst/index.html gives directions on what to look for in different parts of the country. University of Maryland professor David Inouye said it's so easy to figure out what's blooming that a lack of special knowledge isn't a problem. University of Arizona ecology graduate student Lisa Benton coordinated the Tucson high school students as they looked at plants five minutes from their high school. Each student has specific guidelines and she's been happy so far with the data she is getting. For his part, second-grader Francisco said he had fun helping out. "I like going out in the desert," he said. "I want to be an Einstein." What David Inouye says suggests that _ . <extra_id_0>the study carried out by students is convincing <extra_id_1>the students still need special training to study climate change <extra_id_2>it is difficult to study climate change <extra_id_3>to figure out what's blooming needs special knowledge <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>My name is Amy. I'm a 25-year-old graduate student who likes yoga, home-decorating shows and eating spoonfuls of peanut butter straight from the jar. Oh yeah, and I'm an iPhone addict. I wasn't always an addict. In fact, for many years I told myself I didn't want a fancy cellphone. They seemed like too much work, always ringing and demanding attention. I was perfectly content with my simple cellphone, and I didn't feel like changing my mind any time. However, about a year ago, I found myself envious of all those proud iPhone owners, holding their shiny new phones and showing them off to all their friends. I started to _ conversations about "iPhone apps", feeling like a tourist listening to a language I couldn't speak. Eventually I couldn't ignore my iPhone instinct any longer, and I welcomed my new iPhone into my life. I instantly fell in love with the little bundle of joy, and could no longer imagine a life without it. To my surprise, I suddenly found myself with a whole new circle of friends--other iPhone owners I could go to for advice and support as I learned the various functions of my new device. They responded to my iPhone-related queries when my other friends couldn't, and didn't roll their eyes when I bragged about all the things little Eloise (yes, I named her) could do. For a couple months I built my new life with Eloise. However, I realized I had a problem when one day I found myself Google-mapping my way to my mailbox, which happens to be right outside my front door. When I reflected upon the past few months, I couldn't believe I didn't see this coming. All the warning signs were there. Eloise slept right beside me and was the first thing I reached for in the morning. I checked my e-mail about 20 times a day. I also experienced attachment anxiety when I left poor Eloise in the changing room at the gym. What if she rang and needed my response? Or, even worse, what if a careless gym-goer knocked her out of my bag and caused her screen to crack? Once I admitted I had a problem, things started to change. What used to feel like friendly messages now felt like constant complaining to respond. I hated that I could no longer leave the house without Eloise in my hand. Eventually, I felt angry with Eloise so much that I wanted to throw her at the wall. I decided something had to be done. But, as I quickly realized, iPhones are like cigarettes and not easy to quit. Then, while taking the bus to work one day, I was unexpectedly forced to quit--at least temporarily. When I reached into my purse to grab Eloise, I found her overcome by fever. My head swam with panic as I attempted to solve the problem, but without result. I couldn't call anyone for advice. I couldn't Google whether this had happened to any fellow iPhone owners. The Apple Store was closed by the time I finished work, so I headed home with fear into an Eloise-less night. But, after a couple hours without any text alerts, push notifications, or even good old-fashioned phone calls, I felt ... calmer. Without my electronic bed partner, I drifted off into the deepest sleep I'd had in months. The next morning, I read the news from the simplicity of the newspaper, instead of from my iPhone. I even noticed the cherry blossoms blooming. My goodness, what had I been missing? IPhones' _ can not be listed among the reasons why the writer was addicted to it. <extra_id_0>diverse application <extra_id_1>excellent service <extra_id_2>bundle of joy <extra_id_3>good company <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Years ago, when I started looking for my first job, wise advisers advised, "Barbara, be enthusiastic ! Enthusiasm will take you further than any amount of experience." How right they were! "Nothing great was ever done without enthusiasm," wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. It is the paste that helps you hang in there when the things get tough. It is the inner voice that tells you, "I can do it!" when others shout, "No, you can't!" It took years and years for the early work of Barbara McClintock, a geneticist who won the 1983 Nobel Prize in medicine, to be generally accepted. Yet she didn't stop working on her experiments. We are all born with wide-eyed, enthusiastic wonder and it is the childlike wonder that gives enthusiastic people such youthful air, whatever their age. At 90, cellist Pablo Casals would start his day by playing the cello . As the music flowed through his fingers, his shoulders would straighten and joy would reappear in his eyes. As writer and poet Samuel Ullman once worte, "Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul." Enthusiastic people also love what they do, not considering money or title or power. Patricia Mellratl, a retired director of the Missouri Rpertory Theater in Kansas City, was once asked where she got her enthusiasm. She replied, "My father, long ago, told me, 'I never made any money until I stopped working for it.'" We can't afford to waste tears on "might-have-been". We need to turn the tears into sweat as we go after "what-can-be". We need to live each moment whole-heartedly, with all our senses finding pleasure in the sweet of a backyard garden, the simple picture of a six-year-old, and the beauty of a rainbow. What is the passage mainly talking about? <extra_id_0>Enthusiasm is more important than experience. <extra_id_1>Enthusiasm can give people more success and fame <extra_id_2>Enthusiastic people will never get old <extra_id_3>Enthusiasm can make you succeed and enjoy life. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Did you watch the magic shows played by Liu Qian from Taiwan in the 2009 CCTV Spring Festival Gala ? They attracted great attention and wide interests of the audience . During the gala, Liu mangaged to drop a coin into a glass which was placed upside down and _ a finger ring into an egg. The two magic shows were so successful that everyone is now mad about him and all want to know how to play magic tricks. "I saw the surprise on everyone's face. It was cool, "Liu said. However, you may not believe that Liu didn't go to any magic school. He just learned by himself. When Liu was seven, he saw a coin trick in a big store. At that moment Liu decided to learn magic. He worked hard at it. He practiced hard to improve his skills. Then one day he was able to put on a show for his class. After years of hard work, now Liu is a great magician. But he isn't satisfied with what he has got and keeps on trying every day. He may spend three years working out a new show. Liu Qian becomes famous _ . <extra_id_0>because he is from Taiwan <extra_id_1>for his magic shows. <extra_id_2>only in Taiwan <extra_id_3>when he was seven. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A new study by the Pew Research Center shows that the number of dads who choose to stay home and care for their children and families has quadrupled over the past 25 years. Can social and economic factors explain the change? Make no mistake; _ . In fact, they are only 16% of all stay-at-home parents.but that number is up from 10% since 1989. When pew started analyzing data. The steady growth since then suggests that these numbers represent a growing trend. "It's up from 1.1 million to 2 million," says Gretchen Livingston, one of the study authors. " More significantly, the number of man who say they stay at home specially to take care of their home and children is at an all-time high, more than four times the rate of fathers who gave that same answer in 1989." As women have taken on more high-paying careers, the assumption that they'll stay home with the children has become less automatic. "My wife and I were earning about the same income at the time just after our daughter was born. We felt that if someone was going to raise our children it would have to be one of us," says Al Watts, the president of the national At-Home Dad Network. "My wife was promoted shortly after she got back from maternity leave and that rise in pay would allow us to live on one income." In 1989, 10% of fathers were stay-at-home parents. In 2014, 16% are. Fourteen percent of the fathers without a high school diploma stay at home, compared to 3% of those with a college degree. In 1989, more than half (56%) of dads who stayed at home cited illness or disability ass the top reason. Thirty-five percent cite that reason now. Only 5% of stay-at-home dads in 1989 said caring for family was the main reason for staying at home. Now, that number is 21%. The rise in stay-at-home dads coincides with a change in social and economic trends regarding women in the workforce, says Farnoosh Torabi, author of When She Makes More. "We know that before they even get married, women are out-earning and out-earning men," she says, noting that younger women are now getting more degrees and better paying jobs, on average, than men. In Farnoosh Torabi's opinion, the rise in stay-at-home dads results from _ . <extra_id_0>the terrible economic environment <extra_id_1>the rise in women's economic status <extra_id_2>the ever-increasing cost of raising children <extra_id_3>the change of men's attitude towards family <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>One day I took several pairs of shoes to the shoemaker to be mended. After a week I went to take them back. Four months later, my husband and I were invited to dinner. I took out a pair of shoes. I hadn't worn them since they were mended. I put one shoe on my right foot, and then I put the other on my left. But I felt that the other one was on the wrong foot. I took both shoes off for a closer look. They were nearly the same style , color and size, but each was for the right foot. Then I thought of the shoemaker. Though I was sure he wouldn't remember me after such a long time, I called him. "Thank goodness you called me at last!" He said happily. "An angry woman has been troubling me for months!" The shoemaker felt very _ when the woman rang him. <extra_id_0>sad <extra_id_1>angry <extra_id_2>glad <extra_id_3>worried <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Once there was a forest where all the animals lived happily together. One day a family went to spend the day in the forest, and the son left his socks there. After the family left, a bear came by, found the socks, and decided to try them on. They fit so well, and he liked them so much that he wouldn't take them off. All the animals talked about the bear's new look. Soon, in that forest, there began appearing squirrels in shirts, rabbits in shoes, and even rats wearing hats! The forest doctor shook his head, telling animals, "This can't be good. Animals don't need clothes!" But no one listened to him. They said he was just out of fashion. However, _ Several times the squirrel caught his shirt on trees, stopping him in mid-jump and sending him falling to the ground from a tree. The rat couldn't go into his hole without taking off his hat first. Even the bear, because of his socks, slipped from the river rock and almost killed himself. When the animals came to see the doctor, he gave them all the same advice, "Take off those clothes before one day they're going to kill you." Those who listened to the doctor's advice stopped having accidents. And the animals realized that they didn't need clothes at all. Starting to wear them had been very dangerous, and they had only done it to make others admire them, and to get attention. _ found the socks and tried them on. <extra_id_0>The son <extra_id_1>The bear <extra_id_2>The rabbit <extra_id_3>The rat <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A video is very popular on the Internet these days. It's South Korean star PSY's Gangnam style <<style>> video. He stands above Justin Bieber and becomes the most popular singer on YouTube. In fact, the video sets the Guinness World Record in YouTube history. Gangnam Style was put onto the Internet on July 15,2012.What's catching the eyes in Gangnam style is PSY's special dance moves, funny horse riding poses and dancing in a towel. Many people may not understand the Korean language, they are still interested in the video The video also has many different versions now. The song has topped the iTunes charts in 31 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The song tells us the rich people's lifestyle in today's Gangnam Block, South Korea. Psy looks at here as Seoul's Beverly Hills. Justin Biber is a _ . <extra_id_0>a singer <extra_id_1>a teacher <extra_id_2>a doctor <extra_id_3>a swimmer <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Mr. Green is quiet and doesn't like talking with people. He likes reading newspapers and playing computer games. He never exercises. Sometimes he watches soccer or basketball games on TV. He likes milk very much and drinks it three times a day. Mrs. Green is a bank clerk .It's a busy but boring job. She works with people and money every day. So she is always tired after work. She likes to take a good rest and goes to bed early after dinner. Usually she goes to bed at 8:30 in the evening and gets up at 6:30 in the morning. Mr. Green is very happy with that. But Mrs. Green isn't, because Mr. Green always talks in her sleep. One morning, Mr. Green sat at table and had breakfast. Mrs. Green asked him,"Why do you always talk in your sleep?"Mr. Green said,"Because I have few chances to talk in the daytime " The next morning after their children all went to school, Mrs. Green asked Mr. Green angrily,"Why did you scold me in your sleep last night?""Because I'm afraid to do it when I'm awake ." Mrs.Green usually sleeps _ hours every night. <extra_id_0>ten <extra_id_1>nine <extra_id_2>eight <extra_id_3>seven <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>The old man walked slowly into the restaurant. With head tilted, and shoulders bent forward he leaned on his trusty stick with each unhurried step. His torn cloth jacket, patched trousers, worn out shoes, and warm personality made him stand out from the usual Saturday morning breakfast crowd. He stopped, turned with his whole body, and winked at a little girl seated by the door. She flashed a big smile right back at him. A young waitress named Mary watched him walk toward a table by the window. She ran over to him, and said, "Here, Sir. Let me give you a hand with that chair." She pulled the chair away from the table. Steadying him with one arm, she helped him move in front of the chair, and get comfortably seated. Then she moved the table up close to him, and leaned his stick against the table where he could reach it. In a soft, clear voice he said, "Thank you, Miss. And bless you for your kind gestures." "You're welcome, Sir." She replied. "And my name is Mary. I'll be back in a moment, and if you need anything at all in the mean time, just wave at me!" After he had finished a hearty meal, Mary brought him the change from his ticket. He left it on the table. She helped him and walked with him to the front door. Holding the door open for him, she said, "Come back and see us, Sir!" He turned and nodded a thank-you. "You are very kind." he said softly, smiling. When Mary went to clean his table, she almost fainted. Under his plate she found a business card, and a note scribbled on a napkin. Under the napkin was a one-hundred-dollar bill. The note on the napkin read, "Dear Mary, I respect you very much, and you respect yourself too. It shows by the way you treat others. You have found the secret of happiness. Your kind gestures will shine through those who meet you." The man she had waited on was the owner of the restaurant where she worked. This was the first time that she, or any of his employees had ever seen him in person. The best title of the passage would be _ . <extra_id_0>Employer and Employee <extra_id_1>The Secret of Happiness <extra_id_2>A Gift from the Manager <extra_id_3>Good Service in the Restaurant <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Hundreds of years ago, life was much harder than it is today. People didn't have modern machines. There was no modern medicine, either. Life today has brought new problems. One of the biggest is pollution. Water pollution has made our rivers and lakes dirty. It kills our fish and pollutes our drinking water. Noise pollution makes us talk louder and become angry more easily. Air pollution is the most serious kind of pollution. It's bad to all living things in the world. Cars, planes and factories all pollute our air every day. Sometimes the polluted air is so thick that it is like a quilt over a city. This kind of quilt is called smog. Many countries are making rules to flight pollution. Factories must now clean their water before it is thrown away, and they mustn't blow dirty smoke into the air. We need to do many other things. We can put waste things in the dustbin and do not throw them on the ground, there will be less pollution. Rules are not enough. Every person must help to fight pollution. The most serious kind of pollution is _ . <extra_id_0>noise pollution <extra_id_1>air pollution <extra_id_2>water pollution <extra_id_3>A, B and C <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>When Dr Jane Goodall was a kid growing up in England, she dreamed of one day living among wild animals. That opportunity came when Goodall was 26 years old. Goodall moved to the African country and spent 25 years there. What she learned about chimpanzees fascinated people all over the world. After studying animals for the first part of her career, Jane Goodall began working to protect not only chimpanzees, but all creatures. Her new book,"Hope for Animals and their World," is a collection of conservation success stories. Time For Kids talked to Goodall about her new book and her advice for young people. TFK: What inspired you to write a book about conservation success stories? Dr Goodall: Because of all my travels , I meet these extraordinary people and hear about these amazing project, and they really do give hope. They show that we can turn thing around. TFK: Why are these stories important? Goodall:There are a lot of young people who are going out and wanting to save species, and they are so often told,"Give up. It's hopeless." And if we have that attitude, then soon there will be noting left. TFK: How should kids who want to help get started? Goodall: Join Roots and Shoots. It gives them an opportunity to interact with other young people. The website at www.rootsandshoots.org is a way for them to learn more. ,A.B.C.D . (3;1.5,4.5) According to the passage , Jane Goodall _ . <extra_id_0>spent 25 years in Africa studying chimpanzees <extra_id_1>is only interested in chimpanzee research <extra_id_2>wrote a new book about what she learned about chimpanzees <extra_id_3>finds it hopeless to protect wild animals <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>In 1896, the first modern Olympic Games was held in Athens. Since then many countries have successfully held the Olympics, such as England, France, Germany, Canada, the USA, Spain and Australia. After more than a century the Games returns to its hometown. When people hold the Olympic Games, they always make an emblem . The emblem of the Athens Olympic Games this year is a white circle of olive branches in the sky. " Athens is developing a spirit of peace ." An officer said, "While in Athens, the world should be at peace. We hope the peace is not just for a short time. We would like the message from the Athens Games to help countries come together and solve their problems." Four years from then, the Olympic Games will be held in Beijing ,China. And China has already made a seal as the emblem of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The emblem has a single Chinese character on a red seal and means "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing(.)". Below it, there are the words "Beijing 2008". The character in the emblem is "Jing". It means "capital'' of China and it is also like a runner or a dancer. The running figure on the emblem shows the spirit of the Olympics--faster, higher and stronger. What do people always make when they hold the Olympic Games? <extra_id_0>A picture. <extra_id_1>An emblem. <extra_id_2>A flag. <extra_id_3>A map. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Hadrian's Wall Hadrian's Wall was built, beginning in 122 AD, to keep Roman Britain safe from attacks from the Picts. The wall, starting from the North Sea to the Irish Sea (from the Tyne to the Solway), is about 73 miles long, 10 feet wide, and 15 feet high. In addition to the wall, the Romans built a system of small forts housing up to 60 men every Roman mile along its whole length, with e towers very 1/3 Roman mile. 16 larger forts holding from 500 to 1000 soldiers were built into the wall, with large gates on the north face. Israeli West Bank barrier The Israeli West Bank barrier is a barrier under construction by the State of Israel along and within the West Bank. Upon completion, the barrier's total length will be nearly 700 kilometers. The barrier is built mainly in the West Bank. The Berlin Wall The Berlin Wall was the physical boundary between West Germany and East Germany. The Berlin Wall was built in the dead of night in 1961 and for 28 years kept East Germans from escaping to the West. Its destruction (in 1989) was celebrated around the world. Conwy's Town Walls Conwy's Town Walls are an ancient defensive project around the town of Conwy in North Wales. The walls were built between 1283 and 1287. They are 1.3 kilometers long and include 21 towers and three gate houses. The project was completed by large quantities of workers and cost around PS15,000. Today the walls form part of the UNESCO world heritage site . We know from the passage that Hadrian's Wall _ . <extra_id_0>is about 15 feet wide <extra_id_1>has about 60 small forts <extra_id_2>is seen from the Tyne to the North Sea <extra_id_3>has 16 larger forts built into it <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>If you were on the street in Mexico today you might think you were in an operating room, surrounded by doctors. You could see many concerned people with masks trying their best to stop the swine flu . And the masks aren't only being used in Mexico. A friend of mine traveling from New York City to Florida was given a mask and a pair of gloves just after he reached the airport. And another friend went to get a haircut only to be faced with a hairdresser wearing a mask! But do the masks really work? Is covering your nose and mouth the key to stopping the swine flu? To find out the truth, ABC's reporter Sharyn Alfonsi talked with germ expert Dr. Elaine Larsen. It turns out that when you sneeze the air coming out of your mouth at a speed of one hundred miles per hour carries germs which can travel anywhere around you and make people around you infected . However, whether you become infected actually depends on the weather. As Sharyn reported, when you sneeze, the germs leave your body in small drops of water coming out of your mouth. If the weather is wet, the wet air will make the small drops bigger and heavier and they drop down towards our feet. If this happens, we won't become infected. But if the air is dry, those small drops can float higher up, making it possible for them to touch someone else's nose, mouth or their mask. Larsen says the masks can stop the germs well but after a few hours, they start to get wet, holding a lot of germs they come across and causing you to breathe them in. The masks do work, but the key to stopping the germs is changing your masks often. What should we pay attention to when wearing masks? <extra_id_0>Keeping the masks dry. <extra_id_1>Changing the masks often. <extra_id_2>Choosing very thick masks. <extra_id_3>Wearing big masks. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>The vitamins are named by letters of the alphabet . Vitamin A is needed by the eyes. There is Vitamin A in milk, butter, and green vegetables. It can be kept by the body. Vitamin B cannot be kept. It must be supplied all the time by some of the food we eat. Vitamin C is very important to the body. Without it men's teeth become loose and their arms and legs get weak. Lemons , oranges and tomatoes have Vitamin C in them. Vitamin D is the sun vitamin. We get it in milk and eggs and from sunlight on our skin . There are other Vitamins, but these A, B, C and D, are the most important. If somebody is near-eye sighted probably he needs _ . <extra_id_0>Vitamin A <extra_id_1>Vitamins A and C <extra_id_2>Vitamin D <extra_id_3>Vitamin B <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>One day we invited some friends to dinner. When it was about six o'clock, my wife found that we had little bread. So she asked our five-year-old daughter, Kathy, to buy some. 'Here's a dollar,' my wife said, 'get two loaves of bread, if they have it. If they don't have it, get anything. But hurry!' Kathy hurried off, and we waited and waited. By a quarter past six, all the friends had arrived. But Kathy had not returned. Finally we saw her dancing around the corner with a bright new hula hoop whirling round her middle. "Kathy!" her mother cried. "Where did you get that hula hoop, and where is the bread?" "Well, when I got to the shop, they had sold out all their bread," answered Kathy. "And you said 'If they don't have that, get anything!'" What did Kathy buy at last? <extra_id_0>Other food. <extra_id_1>Nothing. <extra_id_2>Hula hoop. <extra_id_3>Two loaves of bread. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A lot of people are afraid of spiders . One would even avoid walking in grass . And if he thought the spider was in the room or house, he would have to leave the house for days. In fact, fear of spiders is a type of disorder called specific phobia , one of the most common anxiety disorders, which annoys about 7% of the population, a study says. Common specific phobias also include fear of blood, needles, snakes, flying and enclosed spaces. The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine tried the "exposure Therapy ", which was small, done on 12 adults, but all of them held or petted the spider afterward. One participant celebrated by getting a spider tattoo after having been unable to even look at photos of spiders. This is the first study to document the immediate and long-term brain changes after treatment and to illustrate how the brain recognizes long-term to reduce fear as a result of the therapy. Every one would come in thinking: I am going to be the one who can't do this . There is no way ,"Haunter ,author of the study ,says "They were impressed by the end." In therapy lasting two or three hours, which is different for each person, the participants were taught that troublesome thoughts about spiders were untrue." "They thought the spiders might be capable of jumping out of the cage and on to them," Hauner says. Exposure therapy gets its name from exposing a patient to what he fears, says Todd, research assistant professor: "A lot of it about dispelling people's beliefs. You can get significant changes in a short period of time". Which of the following is true about the people with "specific phobia?" <extra_id_0>They don't dare to walk in grass <extra_id_1>They are afraid of spiders by nature <extra_id_2>7% of them need medical treatment. <extra_id_3>They have a sense of scare about something. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>China Merchants Bank Co Ltd has teamed up with ride-hailing major Didi Kuaidi to provide automobile financing and expand its reach in China's booming mobile payment industry. The two have inked a comprehensive partnership, which includes a strategic investment by the former in the latter. Under the partnership, CMB will become the first bricks-and-mortar bank that can offer in-app credit card payments to Didi users. At present, users of Didi can only choose third-party payment solutions like WeChat Payment and Alipay to pay cab fares. Zhao Ju, vice-president of CMB, said the cooperation with Didi was an important step in its mobile Internet finance strategy. "CMB's mobile payment is going to enter a new chapter by leveraging Didi Kuaidi's vast user base," he said. According to a report by China Internet Network Information Center earlier this month, Didi holds 87.2 percent of China's private car hailing market. The company said it has received 1.43 billion car-hailing requests on its platforms in 2015, which means 1.43 billion payments were made via smartphones. CMB is expected to use Didi to reach the core users of China's mobile payment market. Jean Liu, president of Didi, said many of the expats prefer payment by credit card rather than Alipay or WeChat. "The new partnership will help improve service quality and customer loyalty," she said. The investment makes CMB part of Didi's existing investors, including Tencent Holdings Ltd, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and China Investment Corporation. Both of the companies declined to reveal the actual amount of the investment. Liu, who showed up on Tuesday for the first time in public after her treatment for breast cancer, said the cooperation with CMB is for the long run and "the capital investment is only part of it". Under the partnership, CMB and Didi will cooperate on a wide range of initiatives on financial services and online-to-offline cooperation. Apart from the in-app credit card payments, the two companies are going to launch joint credit cards in late February and automobile financing services for Didi's car owners. CMB's branches across China are expected to help Didi recruit more drivers. "There is a lot of room for imagination in our partnership," Li said, adding in future people may use their CMB credit card reward points to pay for the ride on Didi. Li Chao, an analyst with iResearch Consulting Group, said the partnership may not significantly boost CMB's mobile payment business. "Didi has educated the market for three years and its customers have formed the habit of paying by WeChat or Alipay. So I think CMB can only turn a very smart proportion of Didi users into its payment customer," he said. "But the move shows that China's traditional banking industry is finally thinking out of the box and looking for outside partners in Internet finance competition," he said. Statistics from Big-Data Research showed that more than 90 percent of China's 9.3 trillion yuan ($1.41 trillion) worth of third party mobile payment market is donated by Alibaba and Tencent. What can be inferred from the passage? <extra_id_0>CMB's mobile payment is going to enter a new chapter. <extra_id_1>China's traditional banking industry is facing fierce Internet finance competition. <extra_id_2>CMB and Didi will have a online-to-offline cooperation. <extra_id_3>Mobile payment market is donated by Alibaba and Tencent. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>If Confucius were still alive today and could celebrate his September 28 birthday with a big cake,there would be a lot of candles.He'd need a fan or a strong wind to help him put them out. While many people in China will remember Confucius on his special day,few people in the United States will give him a passing thought.It's nothing personal.Most Americans don't even remember the birthdays of their own national heroes. But this doesn't mean that Americans don't care about Confucius.In many ways he has become a bridge that foreigners must cross if they want to reach a deeper understanding of China. In the past two decades,the Chinese study programs have gained huge popularity in Western universities.More recently, the Chinese government has set up Confucius Institutes in more than 80 countries.These schools teach both Chinese language and culture.The main courses of Chinese culture usually included Chinese art,history and philosophy.Some social scientists suggest that Westerners should take advantage of the old Chinese wisdom to make up for the drawbacks of Westerners philosophy.Students in the United States,at the same time,are racing to learn Chinese.So they will be ready for life in a world where China is an equal power with the United States.Businessmen who hope to make money in China are reading books about Confucius to understand their Chinese customers. So the old thinker's ideas are still alive and well. Today China attracts the West more than ever, and it will need more teachers to introduce Confucius and Chinese culture to the West. As for the old thinker,he will not soon be forgotten by people in the West,even if his birthday is. The reason why few Americans remember Confucius on his birthday is probably that _ . <extra_id_0>they don't care about Confucius at all. <extra_id_1>they consider their own national heroes more important. <extra_id_2>he has become a bridge between foreigners and China. <extra_id_3>they don't pay much attention to the birthdays of famous people. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Yao Ming, the center of the Chinese National Men's Basketball Team, served the Huston Rockets in NBA.The 2.26 m, 120 kg center becomes the first one to come from a foreign team. Yao Ming was born in Shanghai in September, 1980.His mother was a center and captain of the Chinese National Women's Team.His father played basketball, too. Yao Ming is widely known in China.He came to be a very important basketball player in China Basketball Association .It's short for CBA.During the 2000~2001 season, he did very well.He got 27.1 scores for the Shanghai Oriental Sharks in every match. Yao Ming joined the Houston Rockets in November, 2002.He said this was a new start in his basketball life.He would do his best to learn from the NBA and improve himself. Sport analyst Bill Walton said, "Yao Ming has the potential , the capability of changing the future of basketball." Both Yao Ming's father and mother were _ . <extra_id_0>football players <extra_id_1>basketball players <extra_id_2>the centers of the Chinese National Team <extra_id_3>teachers <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>I decided to go back to school in the fall of 2008 after not being happy with my current job and financial status. I obtained my Associate's Degree in May 2002 in Commercial Arts. After graduation, I had trouble obtaining a job in that field. For years, I was going from one job to another feeling unfilled, and I was not satisfied with the instability. I decided to go back to school for either International Business or Psychology. I weighed the pros and cons of both professions and Psychology won. I like helping my friends and family, when they go through hard situations in their life by giving them sound advice and being honest with them. Also, I was interested in "the mind". I was searching for online schools because my work schedule at my current job would not allow me to attend a regular class. I was nervous about starting online classes because I heard mixed stories from other friends who were taking online classes. I decided to do it anyway to experience something different. I wanted to find an online school that was affordable and reputable. Through my search, I discovered Walden University, which is specially for working adults who want to obtain a bachelor's degree or higher. The process of getting accepted was easy, which included writing an essay on why I wanted to attend their school, transferring my previous credits, etc. I am currently enrolled in the Bachelors program for psychology, and I am paying for college via financial-aid loans and grants. This experience has been interesting yet trying as sometimes it was difficult to balance work, school and home life. I learned a lot about psychology and myself. For example, I like writing about current events, relationships and traveling. I thought my English composition was ordinary, but after taking a few classes at Walden University, I improved my English composition and it made me feel confident enough to start writing professionally so I became a freelance writer. Currently, I am only three classes away from obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology! It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. Which of the following best describes the author's learning experience? <extra_id_0>Dull and challenging. <extra_id_1>Interesting and easy. <extra_id_2>Interesting and challenging. <extra_id_3>Dull and easy <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Center Stage Center Stage is a music and drama group for ages 12--16.Our aim is to build confidence Through movement and music.A11 ages work together to perform at the end of each term for families and friends. Working with our bodies and vices helps develop awareness of ourselves, physical and emotional intelligence and builds confidence in our relationships with others. Having fun, learning new skills,meeting friends--that is Center Stage. For further information please contact 01454851938 or see our website at www.centerstagebristol.co.uk. The Therapy Space "Inattentive.""Poor handwriting.""Lazy.""Can't sit still"."Dull." Some of these terms may be how your parents and teachers or other people view you. You may wonder why you seem slow at schoo1 and have difficulty with organization,handwriting,sitting still and concentrating. The Therapy Space can help you understand yourself from a new angle. We help you understand and deal with the root causes behind your behaviors. At The Therapy Space in South Bristol the specialist will assess and treat you in a fantastic,fun --filled environment. Teens beg to return to schools! Parents have told us it is the best present they have given to their child and themselves. "We have seen such a difference since coming to see you,and school is now being much more understanding after reading your very helpful report. We can't thank yon enough." Call Linda & Annie for friendly advice on telephone:01179079189. The prefix = st1 /ActionCenterski race team is looking for more keen and enthusiastic and experienced skiers to join their team. Having three highly experienced coaches to develop the potential of members of the team, we are currently looking into arranging races against other race teams.Whoever wants to join us must be able to ski to an intermediate level and know how to have fun While skiing.The Center is situated in Churchill A38 south of Bristol Airport.Contact 01934852335 We can draw the conclusions EXCEPT that _ . <extra_id_0>teens can develop confidence and teamwork via music and drama <extra_id_1>kids and school problems won't feel bored when assessed and treated In The Therapy Space <extra_id_2>anyone eager to learn skiing is wanted to The Action Center <extra_id_3>parents are thankful for the help The Therapy Space has given to their child <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Over the past two weeks, public feedback was sought on new safety standards for school buses.In the wake of the accidents coming one after another, experts from MIIT drew up a new safety technique document of school buses in December, based on US and EU standards. School bus makers and industry watchers doubt the possibility of these new standards, saying that hiking costs would make school buses unaffordable in rural China.The US-modeled standards also mean that most smaller bus makers will be kept out from the market. These views, however, have aroused anger among netizens who are questioning "why can't we enjoy US standards when it comes to human lives?" Similar debates keep taking place.China falls behind the US on various standards--air quality measurement, mine safety, milk safety and so on.The idea is highly attractive that China presses on with adapting advanced US standards and improves all unsatisfying aspects of social life.However, this is far more complex than drawing up documents on paper. Some standards today were unimaginable just a few years ago.But public demand for using better standards from developed countries is on the rise.The government has to learn from them and keep pushing for higher standards.Adopting PM 2.5 in air quality monitoring follows _ . On the other hand, it is not always good to copy Western standards.Take the US-style big school buses.Their size makes it tough for them to go on the narrow roads of rural China.Similarly in cities, if school buses carry a "stop" sign like their US counterparts and enjoy right of way, how many would then complain about the disturbing traffic? China should try its best to develop its own standards.It should have its own schedule to steadily reach higher standards.Over the past decades, the nation has developed many a standard We need to have more confidence, rather than simply copying foreign standards. The new document of school buses was drawn up as a result of _ . <extra_id_0>public response on new safety standards <extra_id_1>a string of accidents related to school buses <extra_id_2>the public demand for developing US standards <extra_id_3>rising anger about school buses among netizens <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>John: Here's a good shop. Shall we buy mother's birthday present here? Mary: Yes, that's a good idea. Shall we go inside? Tom: No. Let's look in the window. Shall we buy her a sweater? Anne: Er, no. It'll soon be summer. Let's buy her a blouse to wear. There's a nice one in the window. John: No, she has two blouses. Let's buy a ring. Mary: Oh, no! They're diamond rings. Look at the price. The cheapest is $15. John: A real diamond ring is at least $500.They only look like diamonds. Tom: Shall we buy a table? It's only $15. Anne: It doesn't look good, just like a big box. Mum likes chairs. Tom: But they haven't any here. Mary: What about a pen? So cheap! Only $10. John: She has a lot of pens and pencils. All of them are new. Tom: Oh, look here. These flowers are beautiful. Mary: They aren't real and will never die. John: And they're the cheapest of all these things. Yes, let's buy them. Anne: All right. Why don't they buy the pen? <extra_id_0>Because it looks so bad. <extra_id_1>Because Mother has many pencils. <extra_id_2>Because it's too cheap. <extra_id_3>Because Mother doesn't need pens. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Monday...oh, I don't like Monday because I'll have to go back to school again after the weekend. Tuesday is not so bad. I usually play tennis with my friends after school. On Wednesday evening I don't go out. I stay at home and do my homework. I like Thursday because the next day is Friday. I always go out on Friday--maybe to the cinema. I love the weekend. On Saturdays I get up late, and I sometimes go to the shops in the afternoon. In the evening we go to a club. Then on Sundays I go to my friend's house or she comes to mine. I usually visit my grandmother for an hour in the afternoon. Then the weekend is over and it's Monday...and I feel bad again! I don't like Monday because _ . <extra_id_0>Monday is the first day of a week <extra_id_1>I just spend a happy weekend <extra_id_2>Monday is the first school day of a week <extra_id_3>I will have many lessons on Monday <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Online educational learning games is an effective way with endless option for teaching kids of all age groups, and children are also able to operate it without much assistance. Parents find it easier to teach kids through these programs, who become familiar with operating the computer. Kids have fun learning phonetics, spelling and even a new language. Children are not willing to learn math tables or difficult words at school. They find it fun to sit in front of a computer and learn language and solve mathematical problems. In this age of computers, computers are becoming an important part of the child's daily curriculum with parents opting to teach these children new things each day with the help of online educational games. Computers are also known to improve the motor skills in children. In addition, the level of these games can be adjusted according to the level and learning ability of the kids. The makers of the games keep the kids' interest in mind while designing them so that their interest is maintained. Another advantage of these games is that you can find free online games and do not have to invest in these expensive products. Other activities that are available on the internet include online coloring games. This is also a constructive way that children can use to pass their leisure time. Another advantage is that the children can lay in the comfort of their homes. Kids who are fond of playing on the computer can spend their time learning educational material instead on video games that teach violence. Parents have to keep an eye on their kids and make sure that they do not spend their time on the computer playing games that could be harmful for them. It is essential to direct the kids to educational sites that have beneficial games and are known to help the progress of these children. What should the makers mainly consider while designing the computer games? <extra_id_0>The kid's expense. <extra_id_1>The kid's interest. <extra_id_2>The kid's level. <extra_id_3>The kid's ability. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Food wasting is often seen in China. It's reported that food waste has produced 70% of the country's increasing rubbish. Especially in restaurants, plenty of food is wasted every day. Huge food waste is usually seen in wedding banquets , birthday banquets and business meals. However, when many people waste food, there is still a large number of people who do not have enough food to eat. Luckily, when dining out is part of everyday life, more and more people have realized packing up the leftovers when dinning might be the right thing to do. Now here is some advice about how. When packing leftovers, take staple foods such as steamed bread. However, leftovers of cold dishes should not be packed up, because the cold dishes can not be heated after being brought home and may go bad and cause illness. Also, leftovers should be kept in the right way after being brought home. Food should be kept at temperatures below 10 degC or higher than 70 degC.But if the packed food is put under room temperatures, they should be eaten within four hours. Packing leftovers in the right way is important, but it's more important to know how to order the right number of dishes. Don't be afraid of losing face by ordering less. After all, food doesn't come easily. What's passage mainly about? <extra_id_0>How to save food <extra_id_1>How to pack up leftovers <extra_id_2>Food problems in China <extra_id_3>Food waste and its solution <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>It takes more than just practice to become an Olympian. Gold medal performances require some serious nutrition. Have you ever wondered what these successful athletes eat to stay in peak shape? Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian and founder of Nutritious Life Meals, appeared on "Good Morning America" today to give you a glimpse into the diets of some top athletes. Some of their meals could surprise you. Crazy Calorie Count _ One secret of swimmer Michael Phelps' astonishing performance in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was consuming as many as 12,000 calories in one day. Athletes can eat like this and not gain any weight because their workouts are intense. According to Glassman, Phelps' workouts can burn 4,000 to 6,000 calories in a day, and those calories must be replenished in order to train the following day. Snacking Secrets Some athletes eat wacky (strange, unusual) foods that they swear improve their performance. Yohan Blake, the Jamaica sprinter and 100-meter world champion, has been making waves for stealing champion sprinter Usain Bolt's thunder on the track during the Olympic trials. Asked about how he gets his stamina, Blake answered that he eats 16 bananas per day, Glassman said. Jonathan Horton, the lead gymnast on the US team, has a blood sugar problem. His solution is honey. When he starts to feel shaky at the gym, he takes swigs of honey to boost his energy, Glassman said. Foods for Recovery What are the best foods to help the body recover after rigorous (strict) competition? For Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, the recovery meal is grilled chicken breasts with Alfredo sauce, whole-grain spaghetti and a salad with lemon juice and olive oil. Lochte, who recently cut out junk food, candy and soda, has undertaken a rigorous strength-training regimen that involves flipping tractor tires, dragging shipyard chains and tossing beer kegs, Glassman said. Which of the following is not the best food to help the body recover? <extra_id_0>Soda. <extra_id_1>Olive oil. <extra_id_2>Whole-grain spaghetti. <extra_id_3>A salad with lemon juice. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Willy, a merchant, returned home to his own country from a faraway continent, where he had succeeded making a small fortune by hard work. He found on arriving at the port that all his s were having a large party. He was in such a happy mood and in the joy of the moment, he did not even bother changing his grey flannel suit which had become a little worn during the trip home. When he entered the brilliantly lit room, his s and friends gave him a rather cold welcome because they had noticed his modest suit and immediately imagined that he had come back a poor man. A young man who happened to be accompanying him was quite _ at this and said to Willy, "What a wonderful reception you have received from these people. They have not even the intention of shaking your hand after all these years that you have been away from home." "Just wait and see!" whispered Willy, "They will soon change their looks!" Saying this he slipped a precious ring on his finger. All of a sudden the faces of all those present lit up and immediately Willy was surrounded by so many people that he didn't know what to do. A man shook his hand, a cousin threw his arms around him, and he had so many invitations from the people present that he thought he would be unable to make any other appointments for several years. "Has this beautiful, precious ring of yours the power of magic people?" asked the young man. "Oh, no!" replied Willy, "They see in this glittering diamond ring something that makes them think I am rich, and, unfortunately, they place wealth above everything else." "What blind people!" exclaimed the young man. "It is not the ring that has drawn them to you but their desire for riches. Is it possible to appreciate more a piece of yellow metal surrounded by little stones than the goodness of my Lord? And indeed how foolish are people who place their trust in riches rather than in virtues !" In what way did Willy go to attend the party held by his s and friends? <extra_id_0>In such a modest mood. <extra_id_1>In travel-soiled clothes. <extra_id_2>Wearing a precious jewel. <extra_id_3>Without being accompanied. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>The nine-year-old Marc Yu is called Little Mozart. He is too short to reach the pedals of a piano. Marc, from California, USA, says, "The problem is that my legs aren't straight enough, so I have to get very close to the piano." Marc's 34-year-old mother played Beethoven's CDs to him when she was pregnant . Marc started playing the piano at a birthday party when he was only two. While the other children were singing "twinkle, twinkle, little star ...", he walked over to the piano and started playing the song. It _ his mother, because that was the first time he'd been near a piano. Marc gave his first public performance, playing Beethoven, at six, the same age as Mozart. After that concert, Marc won a PS225,000 university scholarship. At present he practices the piano eight hours a day. He also studies part-time at the famous Colbum Music School in Los Angeles, and flies once a month to China for lessons at Shanghai Music School. Marc says, "I like playing the piano because it makes me have a lot of different feelings --sadness, excitement, happiness and so on. I like playing difficult pieces, especially those that my teacher says I shouldn't." The nine-year-old Marc Yu is from _ . <extra_id_0>China <extra_id_1>France <extra_id_2>Canada <extra_id_3>the United States <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>What a Scientist Is Like If you were asked to imagine a scientist, what image would come to your mind? The common idea that most kids from kindergarten through college have of a scientist is a man wearing a white lab coat with messy hair, big glasses, and several glass cups of mysterious color1ful liquids giving off clouds of smoke. As for adults, the majority view scientists as strange people who spend 100 hours a week slaving away in a lonely laboratory. However, the reality is quite different. Recently I've had a chance to take part in a scientific experience far from my laboratory and into Costa Rica. It supports a huge amount of wildlife due to its geographical placement between North and South America. It is home to more than 500,000 species ,which represents nearly 4% of the total species worldwide! First we worked alongside conservationists to preserve wildlife at a leatherback turtle ( )rescue center. We helped the volunteers preserve turtle populations by removing rubbish from the shoreline to create a safe environment for turtle eggs to come out. After that we stayed at Mount Arenal where we studied seismic activity relating to earthquakes. During our stay at Arenal, we rode over the mountainous areas and took a long walk through the rainforest. After reaching the top, we went down and through waterfalls to the beautiful valley below! On the last day we got a hands-on introduction to rocket science where we learned about new rocket technology that will be used on the international space station. During my Costa Rica experience, I know that being a scientist doesn't mean working in a lab all day and night. A scientist is one who loves learning and getting a better understanding of the world from helping preserve wild-life, learning about earthquakes or inventing rockets. I think that schools should really stress that science is so much more than wearing a lab coat and mixing chemicals. Kids need to be aware of the excitement and adventures science can bring! Why does the author write this passage? <extra_id_0>To encourage kids to study science. <extra_id_1>To tell the story of traveling in Costa Rica. <extra_id_2>To expect more people to travel in Costa Rica. <extra_id_3>To share the secrets behind science phenomena. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>According to a survey,more Europeans go digitalchanging from fixed lines to mobile phones and from narrowband to broadband Internet connections. The survey showed that 22 percent of EU households use only mobile phones, up from I8 percent a year ago,while the percentage of households with at least one fixed line decreased by 5 percent to 72 percent, although the percentage of households with at least one mobile phone remains fairly stable at 8l per cent. Broadband is presenting a rapid upward trend in the EU, showed the survey, which polled(...)27,000 households across the union. 'Itventy-eight percent of households are now connected to the Internet via high-speed "broadband" links, up six percent from last year, while narrowband usage has dipped by three percentage points to 12 percent. More than half of households access the Internet via an ADSL line and 34 percent of broadband connections are wireless. "Europe's digital economy is growing strongly as more and more households love to choose between fixed, mobile and Internet services," said EU Information Society and Media Commissioner wiane Reding. "The challenge of this year's reform of the EU's telecom rules will be to respond to this rapidly changing technological environment while enhancing at the same time effective competition:' Meanwhile, nearly 20 percent of Europeans buy two or more telecom products from a single service provider, the combination of fixed telephony and.Internet access being the most common. The result may strengthen the commission's case for breaking up telecom giants, whose control over the fixed line networks~accused of hindering competition."Today's survey findings will feed into the ongoing public debate on the reform of the EU telecom rules, planned for summer this year," said Reding. What will be covered in this year's reform of the EU's telecom hales? <extra_id_0>The quickly changing technological environment. <extra_id_1>The plan to stop the use of the fixed lines. <extra_id_2>Breaking up telecom giants. <extra_id_3>The ongoing public debate on global economy. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>The greatest recent changes have been in the lives of women. During the twentieth century there was an unusual shortening of the time of a woman's life spent in caring for children. A woman marrying at the end of the 19th century would probably have been in her middle twenties, and would be likely to have seven or eight children, of whom four or five lived till they were five years old. By the time the youngest was fifteen, the mother would have been in her early fifties and would expect to live a further twenty years, during which custom, chance and health made it unusual for her to get paid work. Today women marry younger and have fewer children. Usually a woman's youngest child will be fifteen when she is forty-five and is likely to take paid work until retirement at sixty. Even while she has the care of children ,her work is lightened by household appliances and convenience foods. This important change in women's way of life has only recently begun to have its full effect on women's economic position. Even a few years ago most girls left school at the first opportunity and most of them took a full-time job. However, when they married, they usually left work at once and never returned to it. Today the school-leaving age is sixteen, many girls stay at school after that age , and though women tend to marry younger ,more married women stay at work at least until shortly before their first child is born. Many more after wads, return to full or part-time work. Such changes have led to a new relationship in marriage, with both husband and wife accepting a greater share of the duties and satisfaction of family life, and with both husband and wife sharing more equally in providing the money and running the home, according to the abilities and interest of each of them. According to the passage, it is now quite usual for women to _ . <extra_id_0>stay at home after leaving school <extra_id_1>marry men younger than themselves <extra_id_2>start working again later in life <extra_id_3>marry while still at school. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>More than 20 million kids in the United States live with one parent. Separation and divorce are the most common reasons for this. In other cases, the mom and dad may never have lived together, or one of them may have died. Living with one parent instead of two can bring about a lot of emotions. These feelings can be pretty strong, and they can be confusing, too. You might feel terribly sad and angry because your parents divorced. Single parents are often working parents because someone needs to earn money to buy food, clothing, and a place to live in. Having a job means your mom or dad is able to provide these things and more for you. People work for other reasons, too. A job can let a person use his or her special talents and skills. A job can be important because it helps people in the community. But even though you might understand why your mom or dad has to work, sometimes it can be hard to accept. This can be especially true during the summer or school vacations. _ It can be tough when you don't have enough time with your dad or mom. When you live with one parent, that person really has to do the work of two people. Besides a job, your mom or dad is responsible for caring for the kids, the house, the yard, the car and the pets. So what can you do ? One of the best ways is to hold a family meeting. Talk about everyone's schedule for work, school, and activities. You can also talk about what jobs around the house need to be done every day. You might want to help your parent cook dinner sometimes. That can be both fun and helpful to your parent. Maybe you can also schedule a weekly game or a movie at night. What are the main reasons for kids' living with one parent? <extra_id_0>Separation and divorce. <extra_id_1>A lot of emotions. <extra_id_2>Working and caring for the kids. <extra_id_3>Working parents. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>crops need to be switched on a continual basis why? <extra_id_0>the animal habitats <extra_id_1>for more pests <extra_id_2>bees and birds <extra_id_3>more wanted vitamins <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>"Everything happens for the best," my mother said whenever things weren't going my way. "Don't worry, one day your luck will change." Mother was right, as I discovered after I had finished my college education. I had decided to try for a job in radio. One day, I wanted to host a sports program. I went to Chicago and knocked on the door of every station. But I got turned down every time. In one station, a kind lady said my problem was that I hadn't got enough experience. " Get some work with a small station and work your way up," she said. I went back home. I couldn't get a job there, either. Then my dad told me a businessman had opened a store and needed someone to help him. But again, I didn't get the job. I felt really down. " Your luck will change," Mom said to me. Dad lent me the car to help me to look for my job. I tried another radio station in Iowa. But the owner, a nice man, told me he had already had someone. As I left his office, I asked, "How can someone be a sports announcer if he can't get a job in a radio station?" I was waiting for the lift when I heard the man call. " What did you mean? Do you know anything about football?" He put me in front of a microphone and asked me to try to imagine that I was giving my opinion on a football game, I succeeded. On my way home, Mom's words came back to me, "One day your luck will change, Son. And when it happens, it'll feel doubly good because of all the hard work you've had." At that moment I knew what just what she meant. Which of the following is true according to the article? <extra_id_0>You just need wait for some time, then luck will come. <extra_id_1>Luck will come if you try your best to do everything. <extra_id_2>It's important for you to wait for luck. <extra_id_3>You should trust your mother. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A capsule inn is a kind of cheap and small hotel where people just sleep in rectangular containers . After experiencing popularity in Japan for more than 30 years, capsule inns have now entered the Chinese market. This new style is becoming popular with many visitors, but some are less than what they expected. The capsule inn covers an area of more than 300 square meters, with 68 very small bedrooms for guests to rest. Each room is 2.2 meters long and about 1 meter wide. As small as the capsules are, they provide more than enough daily necessities for visitors. They do have plenty of _ . Each includes independent power sockets, clocks, lights, and flat screen televisions. People can also enjoy wireless Internet service. The basic fee for each capsule is 28 yuan, and guests will be asked to pay an extra 4 yuan every hour. The highest cost could reach 88 yuan per day. Ta Zan, capsule inn Manager, said, "Capsule inns are similar to Internet cafes. When they first appeared more than 10 years ago, people thought they might not succeed. But now it's a common thing in our lives." He believes that more capsule inns will open around the nation very soon. He is sure about the future of his business. How much will you pay if you want to stay in a capsule inn for 12 hours? <extra_id_0>88 yuan <extra_id_1>76 yuan <extra_id_2>28 yuan <extra_id_3>4 yuan. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Australia is the smallest continent in the world. It is a little smaller than China. It is near the south of the equator .So when it is summer in our country, it is winter in Australia. Australia has a small population .The population of Australia is nearly the same as that of Shanghai, a city in China. Australia is famous for its sheep and kangaroos. After driving for a short time from any town, you will find yourself in the middle of white sheep. Sheep are everywhere. Have you seen a kangaroo? It has a "bag" below its breast . The mother kangaroo keeps its baby kangaroo in the "bag". It is very strange, isn't it? Australia is famous for its _ . <extra_id_0>kangaroos <extra_id_1>deer <extra_id_2>elephants <extra_id_3>birds <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Scientists from the United States say they have found fish and other creatures living under key waters in Antarctica. They made the announcement after completing three months of research at the Ross Ice Shelf, the world's largest floating ice sheet. The researchers hoped to find clues to explain the force of the melting ice and its effect on sea level rise. Reed Scherer and Ross Powell are with Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. They just finished up their research on our southernmost continent. Money for the project came from America's National Science Foundation. "We chose a study site where, in the first year ,We went into the subglacial lake and tried to understand the environment in there, both ecologically and in terms of the ice dynamics about how the lake operates ,and how the sediment underneath the ice sheet operates, as well, because it's the water and the sediment underneath the ice that controls how fast the ice is flowing into the ocean" says Ross Powell, who led the investigation. The team included scientists ,engineers, machinery and other supplies across the ice from the main U.S. scientific base at Mc Murdo Station to the researcher's camp .The camp was near a subglacial lake ,where an earlier study took place, Ross Powell says the latest study may provide evidence that can help predict the effect of climate change on rising sea levels. "What we have found is that these are very sensitive areas to the stability of how dynamic the ice is and how fast the ice may react to increases of melting both from the ocean and the atmosphere." Among the new instruments built for the project was a powerful hot water drill. The researchers used the drill to dig down some 740 meters. They collected water ,sediment and other material from the grounding zone. Working around the clock before the deep hole refroze, they sent a video camera down to the 400-square-meter undersea area. Reed Scherer says the video images they saw in the Command Center were a total surprise. "It's a very mobile environment. The bottom is changing constantly. And so the things that we saw were all very mobile organisms, things that swim and some things that crawl. And obviously they are getting enough nutrition that they can thrive, Some of the little crustacean-like creatures called amphipods that we saw swam quite quickly and were quite active." This is the farthest south that fish have ever been seen. How did the creatures get here? What do they feed on? And what effect will the retreating ice have on them? Ross Powell says the ice and sediment cores taken from the grounding zone can offer clues. "We know that the ice is melting there at the moment and so by opening up the cores once they get back, we hope to be able to understand what the ice was doing in the past ,relative to what it is doing now. And because it is melting so fast or seems to be melting fast at the moment, we anticipate that there will he some differences that we'll see in the history of the ice sheet from the sediment cores, once we open them up ."But Ross Powell says the work raises more questions than it answers. Scientists conducted the three-month research at the Ross Ice Shelf with the intention of _ <extra_id_0>predicting how climate change influences rising sea levels. <extra_id_1>finding out whether there are life forms existing deep under Antarctic ice. <extra_id_2>proving the speed of ice flowing into the ocean is controlled by water. <extra_id_3>discovering an explanation of the effect the melting ice has on sea level rise. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>March 5 is "Lei Feng Day". Fifty years ago on this day, Chairman Mao Zedong called on people to "learn from Lei Feng". Now half a century has passed. Is the spirit of Lei Feng outdated? Some people have shown us that it's not. But people have also changed the ways in which they help others. Li Yulin, who works in a hospital in Hang Zhou, Zhejiang, has been a volunteer for 15 years. He still remembers his experience in an old people's home several years ago. An old woman held his hand and said, "You don't need to do anything for us. Seeing young people like you here is all we need." Those words made Li think: in what ways can we help people better? "Every person does what they can, no matter how small it is, to give out positive energy. And before we lend a helping hand, we should find out what they want," Li said to the Qianjiang Evening News. As well as Li, other people have shown their understanding of the spirit of Lei Feng. A "noodle fever" swept Zhengzhou, Henan in January. It started with an online post. Li Gang, a 42-year-old local man, said in the post that he has got cancer. He needed a lot of money for an operation. He was not asking for donations, but hoped people would come to eat at his restaurant. Li's post spread quickly. Soon his restaurant was filled with people every day. Li had an operation on Feb. 2 and now he is getting better. "It is good to help Li and his family like this for it shows them respect and doesn't hurt their pride," Qianjiang Evening News said. Li Yulin learned from his experience that _ . <extra_id_0>the old want people to give them money <extra_id_1>the young should show respect to the old <extra_id_2>old people in the old people's home don't need help <extra_id_3>helping people is giving them what they really need <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>What's Keeping You up at Night? Which film would you like to see on the spookiest day of the year? Well, it's that time of the year again; witches, ghosts, wizards and skeletons are supposed to come out in full force. Yes, Halloween --31st October, the spookiest day of the year is almost here. There are so many things we can do to enjoy this supernatural day--sweets, fancy dress and of course watching scary films. It's the perfect time for family and friends to watch horror films on the TV in the dark and maybe they are so frightened that they may try to find safety behind a sofa! There are thousands of such films to choose from that it's hard for us to make choices. One of the most famous is 1970's release Carrie which may meet your needs perfectly. It's a tale of a girl being bullied at school by young women who live to regret it. If you want to see films showing violence, blood and killing, then The Night of the Ling Dead and Evil Dead will provide more horrorable sights than one person can possibly manage. For Hitchcock fans out there, Halloween is the perfect time to watch two of his best-known movies from the 1960's, Psycho and The Birds. Both have aged unbelievably well and still can keep the viewers on the edge of their seats with their very frightening effects. However, not everyone wants to be frightened on Halloween night. Monsters Inc. is an animation film, set in a land where monsters exist and the strange characters are sure to bring a smile to the kids in the family. Meanwhile, if you want to stay up all night, film series such as The Saw, Nightmare on prefix = st1 /Elm Streetand maybe Harry Potter are sure to keep you seated in the box for hours. So turn off the lights, sit back and enjoy the movies that you have chosen, whether it is unpleasant or spooky. But remember, don't have nightmares! If you want to experience more frightening effect, you will choose _ . <extra_id_0>Carrie <extra_id_1>The Night of the Living Dead <extra_id_2>Harry Potter <extra_id_3>The Saw <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>What's the News ? The NBA playoffs began on April 28, and the next two months will be filled withgames decided in the final minutes . The playoffs are also a way to show off the world's bestbasketball players . There's a saying from Spiderman: "With great power comes great responsibility ." This istrue no matter whether you are a class monitor or a president . A recent survey in the USA askedkids what they would do to make life better for other kids if they were president. "Providingshelter "topped the list . May 19,1613: Xu Xiake, a famous traveler during the Ming Dynasty , started his trip aroundChina, which lasted for more than 30 years . In 2011, China announced its first National TourismDay , held on May 19 every year in memory of this ancient explorer . Do you have female friends that refer to as "guimi"? If you are a girl and the answer is yes,you are a lucky dog . "Guimi"is only used among girls . It refers to your most honest friends. InEnglish , the word to use is "BBF"---which stands for best friend forever. But if you want to say aguy is your close friend or "nanguimi", you should use "bromeo" , which is made up of "bro" and"Romeo" . CHINA is planning to build a national earthquake monitoring and warning system in fiveyears . While the system would never be able to forecast an earthquake , it could detect quakes and notify people within seconds before seismic wave actually hitthem , and a trial program including nearly 100 monitoring stations is currently being carried outin southeast China's Fujian Province and has proven successful . From the passage we know May19 is _ in China . <extra_id_0>the beginning of the NBA playoffs <extra_id_1>in memory of Spiderman <extra_id_2>Earthquake Day <extra_id_3>National Tourism Day <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Superman, Spider-Man, Batman and Iron Man ... .There is no shortage of superheroes. You find them in comic books, on the TV and the big screen. In a survey of fans by the sci-fi and fantasy website, SFX.co.uk, Batman, 70 years old this year, was voted Britain's favorite superhero. Unlike many crime-fighting superheroes Batman has no special powers. He can't fly like Superman or shoot a sticky web like Spider-Man. Bruce Wayne is born to a wealthy Gotham City business family. However, when his parents are murdered his life changes completely. Wayne feels anger at their deaths and guilty that he did not prevent them. He travels around the world learning how to fight. Upon returning to Gotham, he creates a disguise to enable him to fight crime without being recognized. A childhood fear of bats leads him to choose to dress as one. His idea is that through the bat person he can prove to himself that he has overcome his childhood fears. Wayne is the CEO of the company he inherits from his father. He seems to live the lifestyle of a millionaire playboy. But this is a ruse . He works hard at the image to allow himself the freedom he needs to do his work as a crime fighter. "Bruce Wayne, playboy" is the disguise Batman is the real person. "Wayne is not a born superhero. Instead, he is a real, complex person," said Dace Golder, editor of the website. "He is the most realistic of all the superheroes. I am particularly interested in the emotional process by which a boy becomes a hero. His superhero qualities come from within." What is the article mainly about? <extra_id_0>How Bruce Wayne develops into a superhero. <extra_id_1>How to overcome childhood fears. <extra_id_2>What makes a superhero. <extra_id_3>Why superheroes enjoy great popularity in Britain. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>We all need to exercise. Doctors say it is good for us. It makes your heart and body strong. It also gives you more energy. And you will feel better yourself. It's best to exercise twice a week. Twenty minutes each time is enough. There are many ways to exercise. You can walk, run, play sports, or swim. Many people go to special places to exercise. They are called "fitness centers". These places have a lot of equitment. Some people buy equitment for their homes. But it is very expensive. Exercising can be fun. Friends can exercise together at fithess center. Or they can play sports together, how do you exercise? At fitness cemters, _ . <extra_id_0>you can buy expensive equitment <extra_id_1>people can do many kinds of exercise <extra_id_2>it is very expensive <extra_id_3>exercising is not fun <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Tanzania is a country which has a lot of animals, such as gnus , lions, cheetahs(, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles and so on. Every year, many people in the world travel to this African country to watch the animals closely. But do you know how they travel? By bus--This is the most common way. When people get on a bus, they'll find that the bus is a little strange. It is different from the buses we often see. There are no big windows at all, but some small windows. And it looks like a cage. What are they used for? Oh, people can use it to watch animals, especially those dangerous animals, and take photos. We know that people are most interested in the lions. So when two buses meet , the drivers will stop and ask each other whether they have found lions. By boat--We can often see many people are in a boat, enjoying the beautiful scene along a river of a lake, and they can also enjoy hippos and crocodiles from a nearer distance. By hot balloon --In the early morning, when the sun is beginning to rise, a large hot balloon is also starting its journey. Taking a hot balloon makes most of the travelers excited. After some time, the balloon will land in a certain place, and the waiters will serve people a delicious and special breakfast. But the cost of taking a hot balloon is also very high. A person should pay 400 dollars for an hour's trip. If you want to watch hippos carefully, you'd better _ . <extra_id_0>take a bus <extra_id_1>take a hot balloon <extra_id_2>be on a boat <extra_id_3>swim in the river <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Dear Editor: I have been reading your newspaper, the Hometown Gazette, for the past two years, ever since I moved to Smithville because of my work. We moved here from New York City, so I am used to reading excellent newspapers such as the Washington Post and the New York Times. In fact, we still have the Times delivered on Sundays. All the members of my family enjoy reading the recipes in the magazine, as well as the Styles section. My children are crazy about their sports section. The Times is great, but the Gazette is another story. I've never read an article that doesn't contain at least three or four spelling or grammatical errors. For example, in last week's issue, you misspelled the word "secretary", used a singular verb with a plural noun, and used "it's" as a possessive . And that was just in the lead story! In case you never went to elementary school, "it's" means "it is". It's not a possessive pronoun! In another case, the re-port you gave on an event was completely different from other newspapers. I didn't know what the reason was. It's a pity that this city, Smithville, Wisconsin, has only one newspaper, because I'd like to have an alternative to the newspaper you publish. I find it hard to believe your news stories. If you can't spell correctly, how can you get your facts right? I've been meaning to get this off my chest for some time. Please cancel my subscription . And buy your-self a dictionary. Sincerely, Jane Z. Jones What can we learn from the passage? <extra_id_0>The writer looks down upon the small-town newspaper. <extra_id_1>The editors of the Gazette might not treat the work seriously. <extra_id_2>There is neither a sports nor a style section in the Gazette. <extra_id_3>The writer thinks owning a dictionary is important for editors. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A Healthy Habits Survey shows that only about one third of American seniors have correct habits. Here are some findings and expert advice. 1.How many times did you brush your teeth yesterday? *Finding:A full 33% of seniors brush their teeth only once a day. *Step:Remove the 300 types of bacteria in your mouth each morning with a battery-operated toothbrush. Brush gently for 2 minutes, at least twice a day. 2.How many times did you wash your hands or bathe yesterday? *Finding:Seniors, on average, bathe fewer than 3 days a week. And nearly 30%wash their hands only 4 times a day-half of the number doctors recommend. *Step:We touch our faces around 3,000 times a day-often inviting germs to enter our mouth, nose, and eyes.Use toilet paper to avoid touching the door handle. And, most important, wash your hands often with hot running water and soap for 20 seconds. 3. How often do you think about fighting germs? *Finding:Seniors are not fighting germs as well as they should. *Step:Be aware of germs. Do you know it is not your toilet but your kitchen sponge that can carry more germs than anything else? To kill these germs, keep your sponge in the microwave for 10 seconds. What is found out about American seniors? <extra_id_0>Most of then have good habits. <extra_id_1>About one third of them brush their teeth only once a day <extra_id_2>All of then are fighting germs better than expected . <extra_id_3>Nearly 30%of then bathe three days a week . <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>East Bus --- maybe the best choice on your visit to the famous places of interest in Beijing. Sit back, relax and see all there is to see, with no need to worry about driving, finding a parking place or leaving your car with no one to watch it. We have lots of buses taking you to visit Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven Park, the Olympic Center and the Great Wall. The whole tour will take you three days. Chinese & English speaking guides. Booking by phone four days in advance . Tour price: Y=580.00 per person (half price for children under 1.2m tall ), including the ticket price, breakfast and lunch. For more information, please phone Yong'an Tourism Company at 010-23368688/23368689. Add: 356 Chaoyang Road, Beijing. Open 7 days a week. 8:00-16:00. ,. When they visit the places of the interest on an East Bus, the visitors _ . <extra_id_0>need to watch their cars <extra_id_1>have to worry about the driving <extra_id_2>have to find places to park the bus <extra_id_3>can sit back and relax themselves <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Public schools in Washington, D.C. provide students with musical instruments for free. When something goes wrong with an instrument, Charles West and Larry Jernigan do the repairs. Both men approach their work with a passion . For them, it's important that students have a joyful experience with music. The two have worked together for almost 20 years. This year alone, they've fixed about 450 instruments. Both men are musicians and music lovers, so learning to do repairs came naturally. "I have been a musician all my life." says West. "I played in an orchestra here in the city. I majored in music in college. I played in an army band." Jernigan's musical interests are varied. "I was formerly trained in the piano and guitar. The alto sax, and the flute, I picked up while working here." In addition to fixing instruments, the two also go to schools to instruct teachers and students on how to make minor repairs on their own. West believes if children start early and stay concerned with music, it enriches other areas of their lives. "I see that in other kids. I see it in myself. I have seen it hundreds of times and it works," he says. "They learn teamwork. They learn patience and respect." But West has concerns about the future of music in the electronic age. "This instant age has taken away from the sit-down, the patience. And to learn to play an instrument, it takes patience, it takes diligence, it takes time." Being able to enjoy music on the job is one of the benefits of the job. Both men agree their best rewards are the students' performances. What is mainly talked about in the text? <extra_id_0>How to repair musical instruments. <extra_id_1>Learning experiences of two repairmen. <extra_id_2>How to prepare a musical performance. <extra_id_3>The enjoyable job of two music lovers. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>When did you last go outside for sports? Some students might need a while to remember. But for students in Yangzhou University it is easy to remember as they need to run in the morning at least three times a week during their two terms. The university even uses fingerprint punch-in clocks to manage students' records. However, some students still try to skip morning running. To them, sports are just not important enough. Now colleges are seeing a change in the student lifestyle from outdoor enthusiasts to indoor couch potatoes and Internet addicts. The Internet and various on-campus services, from food delivery to laundry, are leading to a student culture of staying in dormitories. A student can have every need met without leaving the dormitory. In the past two years Zhang Yi, 20, a junior majoring in law at Yangzhou University, has never been outside for sports except during physical education class. "I don't think there is anything wrong with sleeping late in the morning and wanting to stay in the dormitory in my spare time. I have more fun doing things on my computer than playing on the sports ground in wet clothes." said Zhang. "With social networking sites, online games and micro-blogging added to already tight schedules, sports are often the last thing to be considered." said Cheng Jie, 21, a senior majoring in civil engineering at the Southeast University in Nanjing. But Jin Yinghua, a professor at Beijing Sports University, said that sports are not only for keeping fit, but also an irreplaceable "education" for students. Sports are not only a way for students to train their body, but also an important way to learn responsibility, teamwork and devotion. The best title of the passage would be _ . <extra_id_0>Morning running at colleges <extra_id_1>A new college life <extra_id_2>Sports losing attraction <extra_id_3>P.E. class at colleges <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Grygori Pilikian spent his 114th birthday the other day and some reporters visited him to find out the secret of a long life. "The secret of a long life is happiness," Grygori said. "If you are happy, you will live a long time." "Are you married?" a reporter asked. "Yes," Grygori answered. "I married my third wife when I was 102. If you are happily married, you will live better. But for my third wife, I would have died years ago." "What about smoking and drinking?" another reporter asked. "Yes, they are important," Grygori said. "Don't smoke at all and you will feel well. Drink two glasses of wine a day and you will be healthy and happy." Some reporters visited Grygori because _ . <extra_id_0>he was a happy man <extra_id_1>he was a friend of them <extra_id_2>he had lived to be much longer than most people <extra_id_3>he had married three times <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A hot stove can burn <extra_id_0>the sun <extra_id_1>a stone monument <extra_id_2>your elbow <extra_id_3>diamonds <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Of these, a wolf will make its home very nearest to <extra_id_0>mink <extra_id_1>humans <extra_id_2>lions <extra_id_3>whales <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>What happens when five Chinese teachers take over a British classroom full of teenagers? The experimental program was designed to test how 50 students ages 13 and 14 at the Bohunt School in Hampshire would deal with a completely Chinese teaching method. With long school days and tough rules, it's considered to be "strict" to Westerners. It took the BBC six months to choose suitable Chinese teachers. They had to be English, math, science or social science teachers with more than five years teaching experience in China. They also had to be able to teach in English. Though language was not a problem for the Chinese teachers, they weren't used to the difference between Chinese and British students. Li Aiyun from the Nanjing Foreign Language School told British media that when she handed out homework sheets, she expected the students to _ on their homework. "But when I walked in the classroom, some students were chatting, some students were eating, somebody was even putting make-up on her face. I had to control myself, or I would be crazy. About half of them tried their best to follow me. And the other half ? Who knows what they were doing?" she said. While Rosie Lunskey, 15, told BBC interviewers that she found it difficult to get used to the Chinese teachers. "Acting like robots was the right way to go. I'm used to speaking my mind in class, giving ideas, often working in groups to develop my skills and improve my knowledge. But a lot of the time in the experiment, the only thing I felt I was learning was how to copy notes really fast and listen to the teacher, "she complained. What's the passage mainly about? <extra_id_0>Art form. <extra_id_1>Culture. <extra_id_2>Education. <extra_id_3>Homework. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Linda was very excited when she woke up this morning. It was finally the last day of school and she was going to get the whole summer off. She was so excited because this summer she and her family would be traveling to France. She had always wanted to visit Europe after her friend Susan visited Spain and Italy the summer before and came back knowing all sorts of funny words. She was going to get to see the Eiffel Tower, try all kinds of new food, and meet a whole bunch of new people. She was a bit worried because she didn't speak any French. She wanted to meet some of the people there and become friends. She didn't know how well that would work if she couldn't talk with them. Overall she was still quite excited. She would miss seeing her friends at home this summer. If she were in France she would miss the happy days of playing baseball with Tommy and Susan or going to movies to hide from the heat with her good friend Lilly, or getting lost wandering in the woods behind her house. Oh well, it was time to get ready for school, she would have to enjoy this last day with them before heading out on her adventure. Where is Linda travelling this summer? <extra_id_0>Spain <extra_id_1>Italy <extra_id_2>England <extra_id_3>France <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>It's easy to be crushed by rocks lounging <extra_id_0>near a sloping mountainside <extra_id_1>on a frozen pond <extra_id_2>on a mall escalator <extra_id_3>in the middle of a peaceful cemetery <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>In the past ten years, many scientists have studied the differences between men and women. And they all got the same answer: The sexes are different, because their brains are different. And this, the scientists say, makes men and women see the world in different ways. Boys, for example, generally are better than girls at mathematical ideas. Boys also generally are better than girls at the kind of hand and eye movements necessary for ball sports. Girls, on the other hand generally start speaking earlier than boys. And they generally see better in the dark than boys and are better at learning foreign languages. What makes men and women better at one thing or another? The answer is the brain. The brain has two sides connected by nerve tracks. The left side generally is used for mathematics, speech and writing. The right side is used for artistic creation and the expression for emotions . In men and women, different areas in each side of the brain develop differently. In boys, for example, it's the area used for mathematics. In girls, it is the area used for language skills. Another interesting difference is that the two sides of a man's brain are connected by a smaller number of nerves than the two sides of a woman's brain are. 60. The number of nerves connecting the two sides of the brain in men _ . <extra_id_0>is the same as women's <extra_id_1>is different from women's <extra_id_2>is larger than women's <extra_id_3>is twice as large as women's <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>"Life is speeding up. Everyone is getting unwell." This may sound like something someone would say today. But in fact, an unknown person who lived in Rome in AD 53 wrote it. We all love new inventions. They are exciting, amazing and can even change our lives. But have all these developments really improved the quality of our lives? Picture this. You're rushing to finish your homework on the computer. Your mobile phone rings, a QQ message from your friend appears on the screen, the noise from the television is getting louder and louder. Suddenly the computer goes blank and you lose all your work. Now you have to stay up all night to get it done. How happy do you feel? Inventions have speeded up our lives so much that they often leave up feeling stressed and tired. Why do you think people who live far away from noisy cities, who have no telephones, no cars, not even any electricity often seem to be happier? Perhaps because they live simpler lives. One family in the UK went "back in time" to see what life was like without all the inventions we have today. The grandparents, with their daughter, and grandsons Benjamin, 10 and Thomas, 7, spent nine weeks in a 1940s house. They had no washing machine, microwave , computer or mobile phones. The grandmother, Lyn, said, "The more things you have, the more difficult life becomes." The boys said they fought less. Probably, they said, because there was less to fight over, such as their computer. Benjamin also noticed that his grandmother had changed from being a "trendy , beer-drinking granny", to one who cooked things. The family chose to spend some time in a 1940s house because _ . <extra_id_0>they loved to live simple lives <extra_id_1>they wanted to know how people lived without modern inventions <extra_id_2>they were troubled by modern inventions <extra_id_3>living in a different time would be a lot of fun for them <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Although Thomas Edison created the technologies behind three major 21st century industries electrical power,recorded music and movies--his greatest invention may have been the modern method of inventing.He basically came up with the modern system of research and development.Edison was not the only scientist doing research in his garage but someone who gathered around him a team of creative scientific minds.Edison's 1aboratories were the forerunners of Apple,Google and Microsoft. Yet for a11 his scientific gifts,he was no Steve Jobs or Bill Gates.He once said,"Anything that won' t sell,I don' t want to invent." But Edison,unlike Jobs or Gates,had no real sense of what the public wanted or how to change his discoveries into products that might sell.It took him years to understand that the phonograph was not a business tool but an entertainment invention.He helped create movies but resisted the idea that people might want to go into a theater to watch one. We chose Edison this year because we need his example now more than ever.Though we live in a time of great reformation,the U.S.is in danger of losing its advantage in science and technology.American investment in research and development has not increased as a percentage of GDP since the mid1980s,while the government' s share has been dropping.And this is at a time when China is rapidly increasing its money on research and development.The U.S.was once among the 1eading nations.Now it ranks near the bottom of the 23 nations that collect such data.We hope that Edison' s story might not only encourage reformation but also inspire more young Americans to study science and engineering. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage? <extra_id_0>A11 the things Edison invented sold well. <extra_id_1>Edison wanted to invent things that sold well. <extra_id_2>Edison' s inventions were not valuable for being unpopular. <extra_id_3>Edison had a gift for changing his discoveries into best sellers. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A scientist cross-pollinates a tomato plant that is resistant to viruses with a tomato plant that produces large tomatoes. This is an example of <extra_id_0>natural selection. <extra_id_1>asexual reproduction. <extra_id_2>selective breeding. <extra_id_3>genetic engineering. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>In 1837, the historian Carlyle made the first recorded use of the word " queue" .He spoke of the French and their "habit of standing in a queue".Forty years later prefix = st1 /Pariswas the best place to wait in line. However, queuing became popular in Britain too.The Second World War was the golden age of queuing, and people joined any line in the hope that it was a queue for something to buy.This was the source of many Second World War jokes: Shopkeeper to customer: Excuse me, miss, are you pregnant ? Customer: Well, I wasn't when I joined the queue. Today, according to research inAmerica, we (inBritain) can spend up to 5 years of our lives queuing - as compared to twelve months looking for things we have lost.But things may be changing. Many people no longer have the patience to stand in a queue.The law of the jungle has begun to operate at bus stops, with people using their arms to push others out of the way. One way to make life easier is to introduce "queue management".Customers at supermarket cheese counters can now take a ticket with a number which appears on a screen when it is their turn.And while they wait for their number, they can do a bit of shopping. In some booking offices there is also a system telling customers how long they may have to wait before they are served. One of the latest technical progress is the use of an electronic scanner which can read all the contents of your shopping basket or trolley in just a few seconds.If these become popular, queuing in supermarkets may become a thing of the past. But some people just like queuing.One man queued all night for Harrods famous January sale, and then returned home for breakfast at nine o' clock the next morning without going into the shop. We can infer from the passage that _ . <extra_id_0>queue management doesn't work well <extra_id_1>there is still queuing in England <extra_id_2>we don't see much queuing in Paris <extra_id_3>the French like queuing more than the British <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Two years ago I fell off the steps of a bus while climbing down and twisted my ankle. What followed was the usual way that is common in the US. A few hours later I was treated and discharged. What was uncommon was that I received extra care while going to ER(emergency room) and while I was in the hospital. People were kind to me, men and women alike. They wheeled me into a private room instead of making me wait in the crowded waiting room. Someone came and asked me if the temperature is OK. When I said I was cold, he brought me a blanket and some magazines, in case I got bored. The nurses stopped by, making pleasant chats with me. People always came to ask me if I was in too much pain and if I needed anything... There were other people who were brought in while I was waiting. Patients groaning in pain were given the care they needed and then ignored. My injury was not the priority, so while I was not pushed to the front of the line, my several hours' stay in the hospital was made as pleasant as possible. Why would people do that? They gave others care, while I got kindness. Like any other good looking, healthy, independent person, man or woman,it looks as if the world isnicer to rich people, and the world is nicer to attractive people. I'm not in the dating world. It's not about free drinks and gifts. It's about people being nice. I'm grateful for any positive behavior because I know this is temporary. Eventually I will join the groups of the elderly, the weak and the seemingly unattractive. One thing I refuse to do is to make excuses for being attractive. I know it's temporary. I know it's the luck of the draw and I know that I'm just one of the many. Does it matter to my husband, my mother and my kids what I look like? No. And I wouldn't have it any other way. What can we know about the author? <extra_id_0>She is an attractive lady. <extra_id_1>She shows great pity to old patients. <extra_id_2>She doesn't like free drinks or gifts. <extra_id_3>She was treated unequally in the hospital. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Which likely is using its circulatory system? <extra_id_0>a tree standing in the woods <extra_id_1>a horse after a race <extra_id_2>a car during an auto meet <extra_id_3>a rock down to the molecular level <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A film was at the Circle Five Ranch to film a Marlboro commercial. This is in 1868, before they prohibited cigarette ads from American television. Darrell Winfield was watching the crew set up the equipment. The scene included an actor crossing a river on horseback, but when the time came to shoot, the man was too drunk to ride. Someone from the crews saw Winfield and asked him if he would ride the horse for 50. "Hell, " said Winfield, "for 50 bucks, I'll jump that damn horse over the moon!" To people in many countries, Winfield is just a familiar but nameless face, a simple cowboy with an advertising message about a connection between the West and a brand of cigarettes. Few people know that he is advertising message about a connection between the West and a brand of cigarettes. Few people know that he is 55, a family man who's been married to the same woman for 37 years and has 5 children and 7 grandchildren. Most surprisingly, he's a real, working cowboy who raises horses in his ranch in Wyoming. One of the most striking things about the Marlboro Man is that success hasn't changed him much. He says that complete strangers sometimes come up to him and say, "I've met you. know you from somewhere. "Whenever it happens, he says that he gets embarrassed. When they filmed the ad, _ . <extra_id_0>Winfield was too drunk. <extra_id_1>The actor in the ad was too drunk. <extra_id_2>Winfield was setting up the equipmet. <extra_id_3>Winfield was riding a horse. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Tony and Anna are brother and sister. They are Americans. Tony likes sports very much. He can play soccer, basketball and volleyball. Anna likes music very much. She can't play ball games. But they both like playing on computers. They like eggs, bread and milk for breakfast. For lunch, Anna likes eating vegetables and fruit, but Tony likes chicken and fish. They both like hamburgers. But they don't like ice cream or dessert. Anna is Tony's _ and they are _ . <extra_id_0>sister; Chinese <extra_id_1>sister; Americans <extra_id_2>friend; Americans <extra_id_3>cousin; Americans <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Poor Sultan,who was lying close by them,heard all that the shepherd and his wife said to one another,and was very much frightened to think tomorrow would be his last day.So in the evening he went to his good friend,the wolf,who lived in the wood,and told him all his sorrows,and how his master meant to kill him in the morning. "Make yourself easy,"said the wolf,"I will give you some good advice.Your master,you know,goes out every morning.very early with his wife into the field,and they take their little child with them,and lay it down in the shade while they are at work.Now you lie down close by the child,and pretend to be watching it,and I will come out of the wood and run away with it.You must run after me as fast as you can, and I will let it drop.Then you may carry it back,and they will think you have saved their child,and will be so thankful to you that they will take care of you as long as you live." The dog liked this plan very well,and accordingly so it was managed.The wolf ran with the child a little way.The shepherd and his wife cried out,but Sultan soon overtook him and carried the poor little thing back to his master and mistress.Then the shepherd patted him on the head and said,"Old Sultan has saved our child from the wolf,and therefore he shall live and be well taken care of,and have plenty to eat.Wife,go home,and give him a good dinner and let him have my old cushion to sleep on as long as he lives."So from this time forward Sultan had all that he could wish for. Sultan was the name of_. <extra_id_0>a child <extra_id_1>a wolf <extra_id_2>a dog <extra_id_3>a servant <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>One of the greatest warriors of history, Genghis Kahn, came from the Mongolian people. He controlled many countries in Asia and Europe because of his bravery and leadership in battle. This time period was known as the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries. Genghis decided to go hunting one day and many of his warriors went with him. Genghis had his favorite hawk on his wrist. The hawk was trained to fly high in the air to look for game like deer, rabbits or wild birds. When his bird flew to the ground, Genghis would follow it and shoot the wild game with his arrows. It was his favorite hobby. This particular day, game was hard to find. Toward evening, Genghis sent all the men home and decided to go another way by himself. He even let his hawk go, thinking it would fly home as well. He became thirsty so he stopped by some rocks where he noticed water was dripping. He took a cup from his pack and filled it slowly. When he put it to his mouth, he was surprised for his hawk came and spilled all the water in his cup. He thought this was very unusual so he filled the cup again. The hawk rushed down and knocked the cup free from his hand. Genghis was now thirsty and angry. As he filled the cup a fourth time, he drew his sword to stop the bird interrupting him. As the bird flew down, Genghis killed it but his cup fell deep into the rocks in the scuffle . He decided to crawl up the rock of the mountain to find the source of the water. He found a pool and noticed a huge poisonous snake was dead in the water. He realized the hawk had saved his life. His anger had caused him to kill his favorite bird. In his despair , he promised to make sure of everything before he would become angry again. What conclusion can we draw from the passage? <extra_id_0>One should never act while thinking. <extra_id_1>One had better not act before thinking. <extra_id_2>One must act when thinking. <extra_id_3>One would act without thinking. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>At my school, we have a lot of interesting activities after class. Among these activities, I like the English Party best. Every September, we have an evening party. It starts at 8:00 pm. The students do different things at the evening party. Some sing English songs with our foreign friends. Some girls dance. Some other people play the piano, the violin and the drums when they are singing or dancing. Also, we play some interesting games together. Everyone is happy and has a good time at the party. Usually, the party lasts three hours, but we feel the time is too short. Happy hours always pass so quickly. : At the party, people feel _ . <extra_id_0>short <extra_id_1>boring <extra_id_2>happy <extra_id_3>sad <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Pan Aiying, a Chinese teacher at Wutou Middle School in Qihe County, in East China's Shandong Province, didn't think her text messages would help to get her belongings back. A young man riding a motorcycle robbed her of her bag, in which there was her mobile phone, bank cards and 4,900 yuan, as she was riding her bicycle home on Saturday evening. Pan said at first she considered calling the police, but then decided to try to persuade the young man to return her bag. Pan called her lost phone with her friend's, but couldn't get through. So she began sending messages. "Hey, I'm Pan Aiying, a teacher from Wutou Middle School. You must be going through a difficult time. If so, I will not blame you. " Wrote Pan in her first text message, which got no answer. "Keep the 4,900 yuan if you really need it, but please return the other things to me. You are still young. To make mistakes is human. Correcting your mistake is more important than anything. " Pan wrote in another message. She gave up hope after sending 21 text messages without any answer and planned to call the police the next morning. However, as she left her home on Sunday morning, Pan found her stolen bag lying in the courtyard. Nothing was lost. "Dear Pan: I am sorry. I made a mistake. Please forgive me. You are so kind even though I stole from you. I'll correct my ways and be an honest person," said a letter left with the bag. From the news we can learn that _ . <extra_id_0>the young man would not steal any more <extra_id_1>Pan Aiying didn't give up hope after sending 21 text messages <extra_id_2>the young man would pay a visit to Pan Aiying personally <extra_id_3>Pan Aiying teaches English in a middle school in Shandong Province <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>If someone asks you, "What colour is the sky?" I think you will answer "blue". I'm afraid that you will be wrong. The sky has no colour. It looks blue because we are looking at the blue sunlight. The sunlight is shining on little bits of dust in the air. Is the sky full of air? I'm sure that you have asked this question, too. We know that there is air all around the world, but we couldn't fly very high because as we go high, the air gets thinner. If we go far enough away from the earth, we find there is no air. Maybe we can answer some questions now. What is the sky? Where is it? It is all round the world. The sky is space . In space there is nothing, but only the sun, the moon, the earth and all the other stars. We can't fly very high because _ . <extra_id_0>there's too much air in the sky <extra_id_1>the high sky is full of dirty air <extra_id_2>there's no air in the high enough sky <extra_id_3>the sun is too hot <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia. It stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the high Arctic to the northern border of the continental U.S.A. Although very much a "northern" country, the geography of Canada is very _ . As well as the popular image of Canada as a country of forests, there are also deserts and badlands , rain forests and long and wide beaches. Canada has huge inland lakes, evergreen forests, woodlands and meadows. Canada's coastlines are thousands of miles long, with long, wild rivers leading to the oceans. In contrast to the expanses of open country, Canada also has its share of urban areas. The majority of the population and heavy industry is in the two provinces of Quebec and Ontario, but large and modern cities are spread across the land from the Atlantic to the Pacific, all within a few hours drive, at most, from the border with the United States. Business is active throughout the country, The Prairie Provinces with their vast fields of grain help to feed the world. The fisheries on both the West and the East Coast are widespread. Oil and natural gas have recently been discovered off the East Coast. The Trans-Canada Highway links the country from coast to coast, there is an extensive network of railways, and a widespread network of airline routes serving both major and remote communities. The rural areas are less populated, with more and more people leaving for the larger towns and cities. The lands to the north are much less developed, but as some of these areas are used for their plenty of natural resources, populations are growing. It can be inferred from the passage that _ . <extra_id_0>the land to the north is good for farming <extra_id_1>people are leaving for the countryside because of the quietness. <extra_id_2>the population in rural areas is growing fast <extra_id_3>there are plenty of natural resources in the north of the country <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Obama has made history by becoming the first African-American in American history. Obama was born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961. His parents didn't live together when he was two years old and later divorced. Obama grew up with his mother in Hawaii, and for a few years in Indonesia. Later, he moved to New York, where he graduated from Columbia University in 1983. Obama met his wife, Robinson, in June, 1989 and married her on October 3rd, 1992. The couple's first daughter was born in 1998, followed by a second daughter in 2001. Obama _ in January 20, 2009. However, just when he became the president, he had to face many serious challenges ---- two foreign wars, the climate change and what he had described as "the worst financial crisis in a century". But Obama said that he himself had been ready to face these challenges. Obama's success is a true milestone. It speaks to the fact that in America you really do get a chance to do anything, if you have the talent and abilities and you work hard enough. According to the passage, Obama had to face the following challenges except for _ . <extra_id_0>the climate change <extra_id_1>the financial crisis <extra_id_2>the population problem <extra_id_3>foreign wars <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Dear Dr. White, Welcome to Philadelphia! Welcome to The City of Brotherly Love! We have some amazing historic sites to see during your stay. Do take advantage of them. You may have seen the filmThePhiladelphiaStory. Actually it is a comedy and still popular among the young though it was shot in the 1940s. "The City of Brotherly Love", the favored nickname for Philadelphia, is more popular. The name, Philadelphia, which means"brotherly love", is an ancient name that can be found in the Bible. Late in the 17th century, Philadelphia's founding father, William Penn, borrowed the name because its meaning represented his own beliefs. Our first stop will be the Franklin Institute which is one of the country's best science museums. The scientist and inventor Benjamin Franklin would take pride in the impressive museum named for him and presenting one of the major focuses of his life work -- spreading knowledge of the universe through science. It's the most visited museum and surely the most fun. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Also Franklin was a leading author, printer, politician, scientist, musician, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He earned the title of"The First American"for his campaigning for colonial unity; as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies, then as the first United States Ambassador to France, he contributed much to the building of the American nation. We won't miss Please Touch Museum too. The straightforward name of this museum is accurate: As the first museum in the nation to target children aged seven and younger, Please Touch Museum encourages children to learn through active touching and doing. It is certainly one of the best places for kids. Philadelphia is also unique in that it has a"State Store"system for non-alcoholic beer sales. Wine and spirits are only sold at stores operated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. For many years, these stores were called"State Store", which were strictly closed on Sundays to prevent those under 21 from drinking wine and harming others. But I will show you around the stores. You can't imagine how impressive the stores are. Do you know Segway? It is a two-wheeled self-balancing battery-powered electric vehicle which is popular among those who prefer personal and green transportation. The Segway tour is a unique and fun experience to travel in Philadelphia. If you have never experienced a Segway tour before, we expect you to join us. Look forward to your coming! Sincerely, Joy What attracts people to the Segway tour? <extra_id_0>It's environmentally friendly and brings more freedom. <extra_id_1>It helps people to save money since it doesn't use oil. <extra_id_2>It helps to develop the balancing ability of the disabled. <extra_id_3>It is fun and special because only foreigners can take it. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Kataria is the founder of the worldwide laughter movement. The celebration of World Laughter Day is a positive activity for world peace and is intended to build up a global sense of brotherhood and friendship through laughter. The first "World Laughter Day" gathering took place in Mumbai, India, on 11th January, 1998. 12,000 members from India and international Laughter Clubs attended it. Now there are over 5,000 Laughter Clubs worldwide on all 5 continents. "HAPPY--DEMIC" was the first World Laughter Day gathering outside India. It took place on 9th January, two years after the Mumbai gathering. In Copenhagen, Denmark, more than 10,000 people gathered at Town Hall Square. The event went into Guinness Book of World Records. "World Laughter Day" is now organized on the first Sunday of May every year. Hundreds of people gather worldwide on that day to laugh together. Today, many people fear widespread international terrorism. The world has never faced so much unrest before. People are at war within themselves. Laughter is a universal language, which has the ability to unite humanity without religion. Laughter can build a common connection between various religions and create a new world order. The idea may sound over -ambitious , and maybe it is. But maybe it is not. It is our deep belief that laughter and only laughter can unite the world, building up a global sense of brotherhood and friendship. Studies also say that laughter helps your body do the following: lower blood pressure; lighten depression; reduce stress; work out the heart, especially for those who are unable to perform physical exercise. So in life, when you can laugh, you should laugh loudly and with your entire body-because it's good for you. The first World Laughter Day gathering outside India took place _ . <extra_id_0>on 11th January, 1998 <extra_id_1>on the first Sunday of May <extra_id_2>on 9th January, 1996 <extra_id_3>on 9th January, 2000 <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Dear Amy, I couldn't read your two e-mails until today because my computer was broken. I'm so sorry to hear about your problem, but I'm glad you're feeling better and are recovering . I'm surprised that in China someone's liver matched yours! This is really a moving story--a stranger donated part of his liver to _ he doesn't even know! You're right. We shouldn't care too much about our weight. I'm happy you stopped taking medicine to lose weight. From your photo I can see you are now looking very well in the hospital. To keep slim is important, especially for an actress, but nothing is more important than health. Your doctor's advice is really very good--exercise for at least half an hour every day and eat lots of fruit and vegetables. It's not only in your country. It's the same here with us Chinese--many people are always taking medicine to lose weight. That is often dangerous. But in fact, some of them are not overweight at all. I hope these people can learn something from your story. Hope you will leave hospital as soon as possible. Love xxx Who does "a girl" in the letter mean? <extra_id_0>The writer of the letter. <extra_id_1>Amy. <extra_id_2>A stranger. <extra_id_3>An unknown person. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>When you finish high school or university, is learning done? The answer is "no". In many countries, people continue learning all their lives. Why is lifelong learning important? How can it help you? Let's look at one example of lifelong learning in Japan. Why is lifelong learning important? You go to school and learn. You take tests. But learning doesn't only happen in school. And learning doesn't stop when you graduate from high school or college. You are learning all the time. For example, learning can happen when you go to a museum. It can also happen when you get a job. You learn when you play a sport or when you take a trip. Learning is life! We never stop learning. Every day, you can improve yourself by learning something new. Lifelong learning in Japan In Japan, life learning is very important. People in Japan like to try new learning activities. Except music calligraphy, flower arranging, and foreign languages are some of their favorite classes. The Japanese take classes to improve their skills and learn new things. Conclusion When we graduate from school, we can continue to learn. Make lifelong learning one of your goals! Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage? <extra_id_0>Learning only happens in school. <extra_id_1>When we graduate from school, learning is done. <extra_id_2>You can't learn anything when you play a sport. <extra_id_3>Music, calligraphy, flower arranging and foreign languages are popular classes in Japan. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Parents purchased a new mobile home from Seller. The mobile home was manufactured by Mobilco and had a ventilating system designed by Mobilco with both a heating unit and an air conditioner. Mobilco installed a furnace manufactured by Heatco and an air conditioning unit manufactured by Coolco. Each was controlled by an independent thermostat installed by Mobilco. Because of the manner in which Mobilco designed the ventilating system, the first time the ventilating system was operated by Parents, cold air was vented into Parents' bedroom to keep the temperature at 68°F (20°C). The cold air then activated the heater thermostat, and hot air was pumped into the bedroom of Child, the six-monthold child of Parents. The temperature in Child's room reached more than 170°F (77°C) before Child's mother became aware of the condition and shut the system off manually. As a result, Child suffered permanent physical injury. Claims have been asserted by Child, through a duly appointed guardian, against Mobilco, Seller, Heatco, and Coolco."If Child's claim against Seller is based on negligence, the minimum proof necessary to establish Seller's liability is that the ventilating system <extra_id_0>was defective. <extra_id_1>was defective and had not been inspected by Seller. <extra_id_2>was defective and had been inspected by Seller, and the defect was not discovered. <extra_id_3>was defective, and the defect would have been discovered if Seller had exercised reasonable care in inspecting the system <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>One day I heard that one of my dear friends had lost his mother. This made me sad, for my friend was very close to his mother. He had been by her side as she traveled through her long and hard journey with cancer. At this time, many memories about my loved ones that had passed away came flooding to me. Finally these memories passed, but it was really sad to think that my friend would have to go through the pain. Three times I tried to write an email to my friend and three times words failed me. I am a person who is not often lost for words and I decided to have a sleep. Upon waking up I could hardly wait for my computer to work, the words I needed were there. I was still left with a heavy heart although I had sent an email. They say that everything in this universe is balanced and indeed it is. Three days later, I received his reply letter. I was happy to hear that he'd been admitted to Cambridge University. It served as a gentle reminder for me that my friend would be okay and that life would go on. Everything in life is balanced; the lowest feelings change places with the highest feelings. Without the lows, we would never appreciate the highs. No matter how dark the clouds seem to be, the sunshine is always there and just waiting for the opportunity to shine through. The author aims to tell us that _ . <extra_id_0>life is not fair to everybody <extra_id_1>time waits for no man <extra_id_2>everyone has good and bad times in life <extra_id_3>where there is a will, there is a way <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>China is a land of bicycles.At least it was back in 1992 when I travelled the country.Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle.Millions of them,all black.Cars were rare.Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year,I've found the opposite is true.There were millions of cars.However,people still use their bicycles to get around.For many,it's the easiest and cheappiest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colours---silver,green,red,blue,yellow,whatever you want. It's fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads,move skillfully through traffic,and ride even on sidewalks . Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can't provide. Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started to ride. My first ride home was orderly .To be safe,I stayed with a "pack"of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn't want to get hit.So I took the ride carefully. Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide,so crossing took time,skill and a little bit of luck. I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my air was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people.Biking made me feel alive. According to the suthour,why are bicycles still popular in China today? <extra_id_0>Because they are traditinal and safe. <extra_id_1>Because they are convienent and inexpensive. <extra_id_2>Because they are colourful and available. <extra_id_3>Because they are fast and environment friendly. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>My house is made of wood, glass and stone. It is also made of software. If you come to visit, you'll probably be surprised when you come in: Someone will give you an electronic PIN to wear. The PIN tells the house who you are and where you are. The house uses this information to give you what you need. When it's dark outside, the PIN turns on the lights near you, and then turns them off as you walk away from them. Music moves with you, too. If the house knows your favorite music, it plays it for you. The music seems to be everywhere, but in fact other people in the house hear different music or no music. If you get a telephone call, only the nearest telephone rings. Of course, you are also able to want something. There is a home control console which is a small machine that turns things on and off around you. The PIN and the console are new ideas, but they are in fact like many things we have today. If you want to go to a movie, you need a ticket. If I give you the key to my car, you can use my car. The car works for you because you have the key. My house works for you because you wear the PIN or hold the console. I believe that in ten years from now, most new houses will have the systems that I've put in my house. The systems will probably be even bigger and better than the ones I've got. I like to try new ideas. I know that some of my ideas will work better than others'. But I hope that one day I will stop thinking of these systems as new, and ask myself instead, "How did I live without them?" What is the writer most likely to be according to the passage? <extra_id_0>An IT expert. <extra_id_1>A famous doctor. <extra_id_2>A sportsman. <extra_id_3>An experienced teacher. <extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Chromosomes contain the genetic information of an organism. Fruit flies reproduce by sexual reproduction. Most of the cells of a fruit fly have 8 chromosomes. Which statement best explains the source of the chromosomes in a normal fertilized fruit fly egg? <extra_id_0>The egg cell contains all 8 chromosomes. <extra_id_1>The sperm cell contains all 8 chromosomes. <extra_id_2>The sperm cell provides 4 chromosomes and the egg cell provides 4 chromosomes. <extra_id_3>The egg cell provides 4 chromosomes and 4 sperm cells each provide 1 chromosome. <extra_id_4>
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